WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 26 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894
National Merit Scholars
{47 }
Freshmen
250
National Merit Scholar
200
enrollment dropped
%
150 100 50 0
20 12
incoming freshman class from 2012-13
20 13
2013-14
OUT-OF-STATE
IN-STATE
MEAL PLAN
$3,050
BOOKS
$1,100 $399
HOUSING
OUT-OF-STATE
Freshman Geographics
IN-STATE
60% out-of-state students 40% in-state students
$22,950 $9,200 $23,950 $9,450
iPAD
TUITION
2012-13
$35,200
$3,156
ACT
Score
$1,200
>
$399
25.8
{highest ever}
High school GPA 4.0 and higher
$8,800 for 1 year
for 4 years
Information obtained from ua.edu.
Average Freshman
2012 2013 0
500
1000
1500
2000
CW | Belle Newby
NEWS | ENROLLMENT
TODAYON CAMPUS UA march WHAT: Stand in the Schoolhouse Door 2013 WHEN: 7:15 a.m. WHERE: Starts at Jasons’ Mound
UA releases fall enrollment data Enrollment drops 47% for freshman National Merits By Jordan Cissell | Contributing Writer
Health and wellness WHAT: Free Flu Shots WHEN: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Southeast corner of the Quad
Digital art WHAT: Workshop: Adobe Photoshop WHEN: Noon - 1 p.m. WHERE: 109a Gorgas Library
Speak up WHAT: Developing Positive Assertiveness WHEN: 1 - 3 p.m. WHERE: Rose Administration
The University of Alabama’s fall 2013 entering freshman class of 6,478 students includes 126 National Merit Scholars, according to a University press release. According to the University’s annual Factbook, the fall 2012 entering freshman class included 239 National Merit Scholars, marking a 47 percent decline in freshman National Merit enrollment from 201213. These scholars comprise 2 percent of 2013 incoming freshman enrollment. They accounted for 4 percent of similar enrollment in 2012. Mary Spiegel, associate provost and executive director of Undergraduate Admissions, did not offer an explanation for the decrease in incoming National Merit Scholars. “UA reviews and adjusts scholarship
NEWS | FACULTY SENATE
WHAT: Rose Gladney Lecture for Justice and Social Change WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: 205 Gorgas Library
Sports Puzzles Classifieds
8 7 7
today
tomorrow
Wednesday
e
Thursday Chance of T-storms 86º/68º
Clear 88º/66º
ycle thi s rec • Ple per as pa
today’s paper
SEE SENATE PAGE 5
CONTACT
Through the Doors
sorority recruitment, which included allegations implicating UA employees. While some senators expressed a wish to discuss and address the two issues separately, others said the issues were undeniably connected. Jennifer Shoaff, an arts and sciences senator and a professor of gender and race studies, said the two issues were part of a larger issue concerning the culture of the greek community’s control over the campus. “What I’d like to focus on is that these are not single-issue events,” Shoaff said. “While the voter election fraud allegations are the most egregious recent events – then of course
• Ple per as pa
WHAT: Studying for Multiple Choice Tests WHEN: 4 - 5 p.m. WHERE: 230 Osband Hall
The Faculty Senate met to discuss and vote on an official statement regarding controversy surrounding the municipal elections and the continued segregation of The University of Alabama’s greek system Tuesday afternoon. More than 200 people attended the meeting that had to be moved from the normal meeting room in the AIME building to a larger lecture auditorium in Farrah Hall. After opening the meeting and addressing the formalities of the senate meeting, President of the Faculty Senate Steve Miller
WEATHER
Academic workshop
recognized that several of the school’s departments have approved and adopted resolutions calling for the University to investigate student involvement in the municipal elections as well as address the segregation of the greek system. Miller then suggested the meeting progress in three parts, the first being an opportunity for senators to vocally express their grievances and concerns over events of the past couple weeks, which he dubbed the “I’m mad as hell, and I won’t take it anymore” section. All the senators who stood to speak expressed frustration primarily with the University’s administration over its response to the allegations of voting fraud by students in addition to recent allegations of racial discrimination in
ycle th is rec
Voter fraud, segregation top concerns among UA faculty By Mark Hammontree | Assistant News Editor
INSIDE
SEE ENROLLMENT PAGE 5
e
WHAT: Airforce ROTC Birthday Celebration WHEN: 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Flagpole outside Bureau of Mines
2 4 6
Jason Britchkow, a freshman National Merit Finalist majoring in computer science, said the scholarship package proved influential in his decision to attend school. “I actually only applied to UA because I loved the school, and it was hard to turn down the full scholarship. The money was probably the most influential factor in my decision, but obviously, I wouldn’t come here all the way from Pennsylvania if I didn’t love the school itself,” he said. “I didn’t mind the change in housing since I planned on living off campus eventually anyway.” UA President Judy Bonner said the incoming group has distinguished itself in aspects outside of National Merit Scholarship results. “The University of Alabama is attracting students who are successful both inside and outside the classroom,” she said in the press release. “Our incoming students are very well-qualified. Many first-year
Faculty Senate calls for University action
Professional prep
Briefs Opinions Culture
offers in an effort to determine competitive scholarships to be offered to prospective students while achieving the most significant recruitment impact,” Spiegel said in an emailed statement. “National Merit and National Achievement Finalists/Scholars continue to be an important population of scholars to recruit for UA. Along with their scholarship package, these students have the opportunity to receive and achieve a world class education based on the Honors College’s four pillars: innovative scholarship, advanced research, cultural interaction and civic engagement.” This year the University offered incoming National Merit Finalists a scholarship package including the value of tuition for up to 10 semesters of degree-seeking studies, one year of on-campus housing, a $3,500 per year stipend dependent on the amount of outside corporate sponsorship, a one-time $2,000 research allowance and an Apple iPad. In previous years, the University has offered finalists four years of on-campus housing.
editor@cw.ua.edu
website cw.ua.edu
CAMPUSBRIEFS
Wednesday September 18, 2013
p.2
Historian to speak at Gorgas Richard Chambers, a University of Alabama alumnus and historian of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey, plans to visit the University Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. in Room 205 of Gorgas Library. Chambers will discuss the development of Middle Eastern studies and what it takes to become a specialist in his field. Chambers has previously served in history departments at American University in Cairo, Egypt, and St. Lawrence University in New York. He then joined the faculty of University of Chicago in the department of near Eastern languages and civilizations. The University’s College of Arts and Sciences and the departments of history, religious studies, and modern languages and classics will sponsor his lecture. The event is free and open to the public.
SCENEON CAMPUS
Initiative discusses consumer tips In an effort to offer practical information to those on campus, UA Matters, an initiative that launched this week, hopes to connect UA subject matter experts with other community members asking questions. A team of various faculty and staff members at The University of Alabama will address topics such as, “How to improve your personal credit scores?” or “How to shop for healthy food on a budget?” UA Matters will have a weekly posting that will provide information and tips on consumer issues facing those in our community. A new post will be released every Monday morning at uanews.ua.edu/category/ua-matters. Students interested in having a particular topic or question answered are encouraged to email Kim Eaton at kkeaton@ ur.ua.edu.
CW | Austin Bigoney Student Josh White enjoys late summer shade on the Quad by reading a good book Tuesday afternoon.
Sorority seeks new members The Sigma Lambda Gamma national sorority, which was founded on campus in 2007, welcomes women from all cultures to declare interest this semester. The sorority has held a strong presence on campus with commitment to philanthropy and sisterhood events. Nationally, Sigma Lambda Gamma represents more than 110 nationalities, and the local chapter has recruited more than 13 different cultures. Students interested in learning more about the membership process should contact the local chapter through UA Greek Affairs at greekaffairs@ua.edu or visit the national website at sigmalambdagamma.com.
P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Lauren Ferguson
production editor
Katherine Owen
online editor assistant news editors
WHAT: Building Awareness: Sensitivity and Human Relationships WHEN: 10-11:30 a.m. WHERE: G-54 Classroom Rose Administration
WHAT: Technical & Engineering Career Fair WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. WHERE: Bryant Conference Center
TODAY WHAT: Free Flu Shots WHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. WHERE: Southeast Corner of the Quad WHAT: Airforce ROTC’s Airforce Birthday Celebration WHEN: 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Bureau of Mines’ flag pole
WHAT: 3rd Annual Chocolate Festival WHEN: 3-5 p.m. WHERE: 205 Gorgas
WHAT: Resume Review WHEN: 1:15-2:30 p.m. WHERE: 259 Nott Hall
WHAT: Beach Bash WHEN: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. WHERE: Student Recreation Center Outdoor Pool Complex
WHAT: Dank Sinatra WHEN: 9 p.m. WHERE: Jupiter Bar
WHAT: Rose Gladney Lecture for Justice and Social Change WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: 205 Gorgas Library
WHAT: Glen Templeton WHEN: 10 p.m. WHERE: Rhythm & Brews
WHAT: John & Jacob, One Hand Dan WHEN: 10 p.m. WHERE: Green Bar
Mackenzie Brown Mark Hammontree Sarah Elizabeth Tooker newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Abbey Crain
sports editor
Marc Torrence John Brinkerhoff
chief copy editor
Larsen Lien
video editor
Daniel Roth
photo editor
Austin Bigoney
lead designer
Sloane Arogeti
community managers
WHAT: Free Flu Shots WHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. WHERE: Northeast corner of the Quad
Anna Waters
culture editor
opinion editor
FRIDAY
Mazie Bryant editor@cw.ua.edu
managing editor
visuals editor
THURSDAY
Brielle Appelbaum Lauren Robertson
BURKE LUNCH
Salisbury Steak Steamed Sliced Carrots Steamed Peas Mashed Potatoes Garden Burger (Vegetarian)
FRESH FOOD
LAKESIDE DINNER
LUNCH
Roasted Herb Turkey Breast Cornbread Dressing Yellow Squash Scalloped Potatoes Broccoli Salad (Vegetarian)
Steak Baked Potato Bar Steamed Green Beans Sautéed Mushrooms Fresh Garden Bar (Vegetarian)
DINNER
Beef Pot Roast Beef Gravy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Steamed Broccoli Roasted Squash (Vegetarian)
LUNCH
Grilled Chicken Breast Coleslaw Seasoned White Rice Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Black Bean Sliders (Vegetarian)
ADVERTISING advertising manager
territory manager
projects manager
creative services manager
account executives
Tori Hall 251.751.1781 cwadmanager@gmail.com
INTHE NEWS
Chloe Ledet 205.886.3512 territorymanager1@gmail.com
U.S. household income, poverty hold steady; uninsured Americans decline
Sam Silverman 520.820.3084 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
From MCT Campus
Hillary McDaniel 334.315.6068 Ali Lemmond William Whitlock Kathryn Tanner Camille Dishongh Kennan 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 © 2013 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 nation’s elevated poverty rate and stagnating median household income showed no meaningful changes in 2012, according to a new government report released Tuesday, while the number and percentage of people without health insurance declined slightly from 2011, due mainly to increased enrollment in the Medicare program. The annual U.S. Census Bureau report shows the economic and social well-being of U.S. residents continued to stabilize in 2012 after several years of tumultuous decline following the Great Recession, which began at the end of 2007 and lasted until midway through 2009. But U.S. families still have a ways to go to recapture even the faltering economic strength of the weakened pre-recession labor market. Median household income – the amount at which half the country earns less and the other half earns more – was $51,017 in 2012. That’s not statistically different from the 2011 median of $51,100, but it does halt two consecutive annual declines. For working-age households headed by a person younger than 65, the median income increased by 1 percent, from $56,802 in 2011 to $57,353 last year. But that slight
2012 was the second year in a row that the number of people in poverty and the poverty rate showed no meaningful change. — U.S. Census Bureau increase hardly makes up for the 9.3 percent decline – a loss of $5,815 – among working-age households between 2007 and 2011. From 2000 to 2012, median income for these non-elderly households had fallen by $7,490 or 11.6 percent, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal economic think tank. The national poverty rate remained at 15 percent in 2012, according to the census report, with 46.5 million people earning at or below the federal poverty line of $11,170 for an individual and $23,050 for a family of four. 2012 was the second year in a row that the number of people in poverty and the poverty rate showed no meaningful change. The 2012 poverty rate was 12.5 percent in 2007, the year before the economy tanked.
The number and percent of Americans without health insurance fell from 48.6 million, or 15.7 percent in 2011 to 48 million, or 15.4 percent in 2012, the census report found. The decline was driven mainly by an increase of nearly 2 million people with Medicare coverage, as the first wave of aging baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 become eligible for the program. Overall Medicare enrollment jumped from 46.9 million in 2011 to nearly 48.9 million in 2012. The report comes at a time that each of the three measurements – poverty, health insurance coverage and income – is a hot-button issue across the country. States are debating whether to cover more uninsured people through Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act. At least 10 states and several cities are considering raising their minimum wage rates as research from the University of Chicago shows that a record 8.4 percent of Americans now consider themselves “lower class.” Meanwhile, House Republicans want to cut food stamp funding by $40 billion, even though a government report earlier this month showed that 17.6 million households had trouble putting enough food on the table last year.
p.3 Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Mark Hammontree and Sarah Elizabeth Tooker | Assistant Editors newsdesk@cw.ua.edu
NEWSIN BRIEF Whiskey-based Airstream to visit on gameday By Brooke Garner | Contributing Writer The Chicken Cock Whiskey Tour will be in Tuscaloosa this weekend during the first home football game of the season. Sponsored by Chicken Cock Whiskey, the tour will stop at multiple liquor stores and bars throughout Tuscaloosa and will tailgate for the game Saturday. Chicken Cock Whiskey was founded in 1856 in Kentucky but relocated to Canada during Prohibition. Its popularity thrived during that
time, when it was smuggled into speakeasies in the states. The company has begun travelling the country in a vintage, customized Airstream trailer, designed to look like the whiskey’s “quick chill� aluminum bottle, said Nicole Day, a spokesperson for Chicken Cock Whiskey. During their stop in Tuscaloosa, brand ambassadors will interact with students personally with whiskey tastings, Airstream tours and giveaways. Day said Chicken Cock
Whiskey’s goal for the tour is to ultimately expand its brand into more liquor stores and bars and to see an increase of sales in the stores in which it is already located. Unlike most brands, Day said, Chicken Cock Whiskey is trying to reach its buyers on a personal level. “We are hoping to build a positive connection with our consumers that is fun and exciting and that they will share with their friends. Hopefully that will lead to growth and sales for Chicken Cock Whiskey,“ Day said.
NUTRITION FOR WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN
Submitted Barksdale’s version of chess involves hidden movements and a judge to create new strategies.
Students develop enhanced game of chess, ‘Fog-of-War’ By Jason Frost | Contributing Writer
WIC CAN OFFER YOU & YOUR FAMILY: s (EALTHY FOODS s .UTRITION INFORMATION s (EALTH CARE REFERRALS s "REASTFEEDING SUPPORT
Call your local health department or 1.888.942.4673 NUTRITION 4HIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER
!LABAMA $EPARTMENT OF 0UBLIC (EALTH
From listening to audiobooks in the car to attending a European history workshop with graduates, Freshman William Barksdale’s love of history consumes his life. More recently, his hobby of chess has reaffirmed that love. What began as a discussion with a classmate on the realities of war quickly became the basis for what he now calls “Fog-of-War Chess.� “All pieces move the same way, but now they have a line of sight, so they can’t see the other set right away,� Barksdale said. “If you accidentally land on a piece or are blocked, you lose that piece, but get to see all pieces nearby. A huge part of the design is strategic sacrifice. It’s very much a cloak-and-dagger game.� The most salient feature of the game is that it requires a third player to act as a judge,
A huge part of the design is strategic sacrifice. — William Barksdale
plus two boards divided by a screen. As players move around the board, the “fog of war� lifts when an opponent’s piece enters one of the player’s piece’s line of sight, with established radii that vary from piece to piece, with the knight having the highest. “It is interesting to see two opponents figure out each others’ layout. They’ll think they’ve found everything when they really just made a full circle,� Jonas Salna, a UA junior, said. Barksdale, who has previously called his game
“Battleship Chess� and “Blind Man’s Chess,� has only played 11 full games and has seen seven more. Barksdale has altered the rules slightly since the game’s inception, mostly just by asking people what makes it more fun. Salna, who came up with the name, has played five or six games, serving as both the judge and a player. “Unless it has a special setup, it would be great as an electronic version, where there would still only be two people, but the computer could act as judge,� Salna said. Though still primarily playing for fun, Barksdale has been investigating provisional patent law in case the market takes off for his game, which has so far tested eight players. “It’s a bit optimistic, but I’ve taken steps. If all goes well, I’m excited. If not, it’s been a pleasant experience and a nice new way of thinking,� Barksdale said.
p.4 John Brinkerhoff | Editor letters@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
COLUMN | GREEK SEGREGATION
This isn’t simply a letter, it is a much needed movement By Maxton Thoman | Staff Columnist
young black women who braved a cruel rush system. It is the faculty whose jobs are on the line. It is the alumni who traveled to speak out. It is the spirit of Alabama. Today, the University stands at a crossroads. One way leads down the path of allowing the legacy of Jim Crow to continue and the other toward realizing the dream of Blackburn and so many other civil rights leaders who fought for equality. Refusing to let the sins of their grandfathers be their own, this group has elected the latter path. If the administration would join them in honoring Blackburn’s legacy of facilitating change, then it should match the courage shown by these protesters and commit, not to “removing barriers” or “doing the right thing,” but to implementing tangible reforms to the recruitment process so this never happens again, removing the faculty found responsible for coercing impressionable students into racism and, most importantly, actually integrating the sororities. While this ugly problem has existed for decades, none of these commitments has been made. We have the opportunity to change this campus, this state. And not simply for us, but for future generations who may enter the Capstone and witness a more unified campus. Robert Witt, Paul Bryant Jr., Judy Bonner, it is high time to change the damn state.
This isn’t a letter, it’s a movement. Her eyes remained fixed on me, speaking volumes. Coals of passion burned in each iris. She sat there, perched on the end of my bed, and rambled. She rambled about the 50th anniversary, the Maxton Thoman ignorance, the pain, the cover-ups, the culture, the separation, the perspectives, about everything, without even a breath, until she stopped on a dime – or, more accurately, a word. Racism. It is racism. She uttered the word with a spit of pure heat, mirroring the hatred that has long been standing here at The University of Alabama. The pain of the past – not exclusively her own – welled inside her until she took another moment to pause and collect herself. She said it one more time, “It’s a movement.” Sunday night, my friend delivered a copy of “An Open Letter to our Administration” to me from a group respectfully signed as “Concerned Students and Faculty.” As I read the letter, I understood the severity in her eyes. It was written like a war ultimatum, with demands and conditions, casualties in the form of Emily Jamison, and even identifiable diplomatic threats of protests. The battle lines had been drawn. I was asked to step to either side of the line. But then, something unprecedented happened. The greek system was flipped on its head. In rapid succession, reports of impending protests, President Bonner’s commendable action to reopen the recruitment process to make room for students of diverse backgrounds and apparent reports of forthcoming bids came rolling in. So much good in such a short period. Now, I’m not here to say that all these items were as a result of their efforts, but one thing is for certain, when ABC and Time come a’ knocking the day that a letter was published to interview their members, something is going right. And yet, admirably, the Concerned Students and Faculty remain concerned. After all, their demands have not yet been met. If Reconstruction and Jim Crow taught us anything, it is that there is no quick fix to racism, no superficial bandage for organizational discrimination. Twenty years ago, the “greek accreditation” program attempted a superficial fix. Today, that has all but been forgotten. In the next 20 years, I don’t want to look back and wonder what might have been, and I certainly don’t want to reflect on this day and have to explain to my grandchildren where we failed, how we could have been so – quite frankly – evil, and how we let them down. I guess that’s why I support the Concerned Students and Faculty’s demands. They are not that outlandish - at least, no more so than having blatant discrimination run rampant at our school for 50 years. These students are just asking for what the national chapters already say. On their website, Chi Omega posted the following in response to last week’s media attention: “Chi Omega embraces Sisters from different ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds who live to reflect our values and purposes.” I’m willing to bet other national greek organizations see it in much the same way. In the end, this isn’t a war of attrition, but there should be no appeasement either. It’s all or nothing; it’s time for a change. This is a “Where were you when…” kind of moment for this university, so tell me, on what side of the line do you stand ? I am a concerned student, and I truly hope that “An Open Letter to our Administration” wasn’t just a letter, but the start of a movement.
John Brinkerhoff is the Opinion Editor of The Crimson White.
Maxton Thoman is a sophomore majoring in biology. His column runs on Wednesdays.
CW | Talia Scarpelli
COLUMN | GREEK SEGREGATION
It is time to change the damn state By John Brinkerhoff | Opinion Editor Perhaps one of the most courageous men in the history of this university is John L. Blackburn, the former dean of students for whom The University of Alabama’s Blackburn Institute is named. Firmly believing in the power of students to enact change, he was fond of commanding his students to “change the damn state.” During Gov. George Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, it was Blackburn who organized students to ensure a peaceful integration. A few years before his death in 2009, he was asked by a Blackburn Institute fellow what students should do about segregation in the greek system. He told her that change would only occur when students demanded it. Although it has taken several years, his charge is finally being fulfilled today. This morning, a coalition of students, from the most hardcore independent in the Mallet Assembly to the biggest fraternity man on old row, faculty from all levels of prestige on the campus to alumni representing every walk of life are all united in front of Rose Administration around one idea: demanding change. They have the courage to risk backlash from their organizations, the administration and their friends. And they most certainly do not have a grounds permit. It is truly a beautiful demonstration of what unity in the UA community means. However, there is one critical component missing: the UA administration. While it has finally acknowledged that discrimination on the basis of race actu-
John Brinkerhoff ally occurred, it still seems to be unable to sacrifice its sacred cow of avoiding committing itself to change. Justice cannot be produced when those with influence are unable look beyond their own potential liability. The diverse array of protesters outside Rose Administration is not asking for another statement. They are not asking for the creation of a task force that will enable students to air their problems without effect until they matriculate. They are not asking for a short-term fix that mitigates a single symptom of the problem without addressing its core issues. They are asking for a strong commitment to which the administration can be held accountable in the future. The past has shown, whether through greek accreditation in the early 1990s or the recruitment scandals of the early 2000s, that without this commitment, no change will occur. This protest is the embodiment of what John L. Blackburn would have wanted. It is students empowered to lead this movement and fight for the betterment of Alabama. It is the great women who challenged racism and the two or more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Abandoning the Wallace stereotype “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” Fifty years ago, before the shooting and death of Medgar Evers outside of his home in front of his family, months before Dr. King would expound on his social and moral dream of racial equality, and months before a bomb ripped through the basement of a Birmingham church claiming the lives of four innocent girls, Alabama’s governor stood under the portico of the state capitol and gave his inaugural speech with these infamous words: “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” The governor drew a metaphorical line in the dust and “tossed the gauntlet before the
feet of tyranny.” This tyrant he spoke of was the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and the federal government’s attempt to integrate The University of Alabama. Later that year when the governor attempted to make good on his promise by blocking the admission of two well-qualified black students, the University was silent. Fifty years later, despite the University’s reticence, the racial make up of the University is as diverse as any university in the South. Minorities are scholars, athletes, coaches, professors and deans. Although diversity is embraced, and is often peddled on signage and websites, ethnic enclaves continue
to exist that resist integration and reflect a microcosm of Gov. George Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door. Again, two well-qualified students seek admission, this time to fraternal sisterhood and social prestige, only to be blocked by power, position and authority. Much like 50 years ago, other students are eager to accept them and anxious to open wide the doors of amalgamation, but Wallace’s attitude of exclusion and prejudice exists within the levels of power and influence – and again, the University is silent. Instead of the secret behind-the-scenes meetings and the empty rhetoric about
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Mazie Bryant editor-in-chief
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.
Lauren Ferguson managing editor Katherine Owen production editor Anna Waters visuals editor
Mackenzie Brown online editor Larsen Lien chief copy editor John Brinkerhoff opinion editor
barriers, real or perceived, the president and board of trustees should draw a metaphorical line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of bigotry. When will this institution, with all of its storied racial history, take a firm definitive stance against deeply divisive and racist incidents such as these? When will the president or the board of trustees issue a strong statement condemning attitudes of prejudice of any kind? When will Alabama rid itself of the “Wallace” archetype? The Rev. Samuel Lee White is a 2011 graduate of The University of Alabama.
Last Week’s Poll: Do you think UA President Judy Bonner’s response to student voter fraud allegations was appropriate? (No: 66%) (Yes: 34%) This Week’s Poll: Do you think the University should take an active role in making the greek system more inclusive? cw.ua.edu/poll
NEWS
p.5
IN THE
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Faculty senate members weigh in on campus issues SENATE FROM PAGE 1
course the segregation – it is my memory that in this particular body, we have attempted to discuss, not very successfully, the ways in which the greek system, specifically, has actively – not solely through their institutions – but actively created an environment that is discriminatory, exclusionary through use of racial epithets, use of campus property to obstruct the safety and security of students of color, as well as LGBTQ students.” Meredith Bagley, a senator and professor from the College of Communication and Information Sciences, spoke of her own disappointment in the failure of the administration to act to prevent these issues from occurring. “What makes me mad is the administration and the lack of proactive, moral and ethical leadership,” Bagley said. “It’s not enough to make statements after the fact, no matter how well-worded or intended.” Sierra Turner, a senator and professor of modern languages and classics, said the decision by the president to have the sororities continue to issue bids this week was not a satisfactory response as a long-term solution to this problem. “While the policies that have come out this morning are a great step that take us toward the right direction, in many cases they might be considered to be rather token gestures, and they don’t even speak to the injustices in the infrastructure of this university,” Turner said. After the senators had spoken, Miller allowed for non-senate faculty members to speak. Jason DeCaro, a professor of anthropology, said the faculty body
University enrollment up 3.7 percent from fall 2012 ENROLLMENT FROM PAGE 1
students have already completed [Advanced Placement], International Baccalaureate or dual-enrollment college courses, and we are pleased that they are choosing UA to pursue their goals.” According to the press release, the class’s average ACT score is 25.8, the highest average in UA history, and 1,768 freshmen measured a high school GPA of 4.0 or above, up from 1,725 in 2012. The University’s current total enrollment of 34,852 – up 3.7 percent from 33,603 in fall 2012 – also breaks the record set by
should take the lead in the movement to change the culture of the University rather than solely relying on students. “The students are going to be here in most cases, maybe four years; they’re not long-termers,” DeCaro said to the senate. “Only the faculty have the ability to carry reforms through over years, and it is going to take years to address some of these problems. So the leadership has to start here.” After Miller ended the first section of discussion, he asked senators to give their suggestions for what actions the faculty senate could take as a body to address the issues of discrimination as well as the corruption in campus politics. Many senators called for the faculty to organize and sustain a public dialogue of the issues through forums and other methods, and others called for greater pressure to be put on the administration to exercise greater control over the greek system. The senate agreed unanimously to table a proposed statement that would call for the administration to publicly issue a “call to action” to address the issues as well as revise and strengthen the Code of Student Conduct and investigate and respond to any rule violations. The statement also called for the administration to make changes in SGA election policies as well as form a task force to address “systemic” issues in the greek system and other student organizations. Many of the senators felt the language should be revised to be more firm in the expectations of the senate. Miller said the senate steering committee would revise the statement this week to “beef it up and give it more teeth.” Some senators expressed concern about delaying the adoption of the statement, but Miller agreed to call another meeting of the senate next week.
last year’s number. Mike Clardy, Auburn University’s director of university communications, said Auburn’s 2013 freshman class of 3,726 completes a total fall 2013 enrollment of 24,864. Auburn’s freshman and overall enrollment was 3,852 and 25,134, respectively, in fall 2012. Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, said 60 percent of freshmen are out-of-state, military overseas and international students, and 40 percent are from Alabama. Total enrollment includes 53 percent in-state students and 47 percent out-of-state. Spiegel said the recruitment and operations budget for fiscal year 2013 was $1,471,343, an average of approximately $227 per incoming freshman.
Professor promotes critical thinking, diversity graduate.ua.edu Landry is researching ways to improve diversity in schools.
By Alex Swatson | Contributing Writer Paul Landry, a McNair fellow in the College of Education’s Instructional Leadership, Social and Cultural Foundations Ph.D. program, has spent a great deal of time researching and finding ways to fix the issue of diversity in school systems domestically and abroad. Landry, who completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College, attended the Boston University School of Law before transferring and finishing up at the Georgetown University Law Center, is currently seeking his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from The University of Alabama. Before becoming a prominent voice among socioeconomic and intercultural education, Landry spent 30 years practicing law. As a lawyer, he was the first black partner in a major corporate law firm in the state of Minnesota, was designated as a “Super Lawyer” by his peers and fellow associates and was the founding member of the minority partners conference for the American Bar Association. He also helped organize and conduct the first national conference on diversity for the American Bar Association. When asked why he decided to pursue a career in education after practicing law for three decades, Landry said that he decided to step back from practicing and wanted to put more emphasis on education, and a substantial part of practicing law involves education. Landry said he’s always had an itch for educational issues, as he spent time as an elected school board official for 12 years in a suburb outside of Minneapolis, Minn. While an elected official, he served as a chair of the school board as well as advising and supervising school districts. Landry wants to impact his students by teaching them to think differently.
“I want them to be able to think critically about what they are doing, rather than thinking mechanically about what to do, what material to teach and what texts to use. Think about what you are trying to achieve, why are you doing it and what are the policies and agendas behind why you are doing it,” he said. Landry said he believes that once a person learns to think critically, is put into school systems with increasing diversity and is paying attention to whom they are teaching, how they are teaching and why they are teaching, then they would have the guidance and ability to more effectively serve the needs of those students. “Education definitely needs improvements in many areas of the world,” Savannah Bernal, a senior majoring in education, said. “More resources and attention should be dedicated to educating poor individuals. Education is one step in breaking the cycle of poverty that tends to perpetuate itself.” Landry has been able to share his research with other education officials around the world. He has presented papers in Athens, Greece, Mexico and has worked in Ecuador, where he said he enjoyed the country, culture and diversity. He has also done research in comparative education, which is seeing how other countries and their school systems deal with socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic diversity. He has researched what kind of job the United States is doing in accommodating, embracing and promoting the academic success of children with diverse backgrounds. Landry has received many honors for his work as a lawyer and in education. He received an RIAA platinum certification for working with Janet Jackson and other entertainment artists, is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and was named an outstanding graduate student at the University.
p.6 Abbey Crain | Editor culture@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
COLUMN | FASHION
Don’t be afraid to carry summer trends into fall
“
By Bianca Martin
Why pack up all of the tank tops, dresses and shorts you have collected over the past few months when they can still be used?
“
Submitted, Photo Illustration by Austin Bigoney
We all kn know Alabama is famous for o only having two seasons: sum summer and winter. We are eith either melting from the heat or trying to keep the frostbite from breaking our noses of off. But we are still lucky to ha have a few weeks of good fa fall weather coming up ssoon. If you are like me me, one of the best parts a about the seasons chan changing is switchin ing out tanks for ssweaters and sand dals for boots. But b before you go out an and buy an entirely new wardrobe, consider whic which pieces of your summer cloth clothes you can bring into fall with you. Something that has always frustrated m me is buying so many clothes just to have to put them awa away after a couple of months. Why W pack up all of the tank tops, t dresses and shorts you have ha collected over the past few months when
they can still be used? There are many items in your closet that can be used from season to season. For me, the most seasonally versatile items are shorts, sundresses and lightweight tank tops. There are endless possibilities with these items, no matter the weather. Shorts come in all shapes, fabrics and patterns. Even
though many of us turn to leggings and jeans when the leaves change colors, we don’t have to. From regular denim to high-waisted to trouser, shorts are a staple that should not be packed away in the “summer clothes” box. Since it does not get too cold down here in the South, they can be worn well into the fall semester. Shorts look great with a lightweight chambray shirt and flats or with a tank top and over-sized cardigan. Even when the weather gets really chilly, shorts can still work. Tweed and black dress shorts are two types that are great for cooler weather. Add a pair of neutral color tights, an infinity scarf and a sweater for a perfectly comfy fall look. Another summer staple that can be brought into the fall is the sundress. Although many sundresses are bright and do not have the deep rich colors that are always trending in the fall, they can still be worn and look stylish. Adding a cropped denim jacket or a blazer and
switching out sandals for oxfords or short booties can make the sundress perfect for chilly days. It may not seem like it, but tank tops and crop tops are two other versatile items that work well in the fall. They are the perfect tops for layering. Being in Alabama, there are bound to be days when it will be freezing in the morning and hot in the afternoon, so these shirts are perfect. Tank tops or camis are thin and can easily be thrown on under a light jacket or thin sweater. Crop tops go great with highwaisted dark jeans and boots or with a cardigan. Reusing so many clothes from the summer is sure to give you more possibilities for your fall wardrobe. You will really be getting your money’s worth in the clothes, and it will let you wear something a little more creative than leggings and a sweater. Besides, think of all the boots you can buy with the extra money. Isn’t that what really matters?
Alpha Omicron Pi to hold backyard charity auction for arthritis Fundraiser to be held Saturday before kickoff By Annslee Wilson | Contributing Writer In preparation for the first home game weekend, The University of Alabama’s Alpha Omicron Pi sorority has been working to organize its annual Backyard Bash event, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. Backyard Bash is scheduled for Saturday before kickoff at 3-5 p.m. The event will take place at the AOPi house and will include a barbecue lunch, a silent auction and live music by Doctors and Lawyers. The silent auction will include an autographed football by Nick Saban, jerseys signed by AJ McCarron and T.J. Yeldon, an autographed guitar by Miranda Lambert, Guy Harvey products and Alabama golf clubs, as well as paintings and jewelry made by members of AOPi and gifts donated by local businesses. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Arthritis Foundation. “Arthritis affects 1 in 5 people in America, so we are happy to contribute to a cause that affects so many people,” Sammy Eastburn, a sophomore majoring in public relations and a member of AOPi, said. Backyard Bash is one of several events AOPi hosts during the year to support its philanthropy. In past years, ticket and T-shirt sales have brought in the most money from the event. The silent auction is expected to bring in even more this year because of the items involved. “Backyard Bash is our biggest philanthropy event of the year,” Maegan Gundy,
PLAN TO GO WHAT: AOPi Backyard Bash Fundraiser WHEN: AOPi house WHERE: Saturday, 3-5 p.m.
a senior majoring in elementary education and the philanthropy chair for AOPi, said. “Last year we successfully sold 750 tickets, and we hope to sell 1,000 this year.” The sorority was able to get items from the football team and Lambert because a member of AOPi works in Saban’s office, and Gundy’s father used to work on Lambert’s label, Gundy said. Gundy said she is hoping these items will help draw people in to support the Arthritis Foundation. “This event hits close to home because we have several members that have suffered with arthritis,” Gundy said. This summer AOPi won the Excellence in Fundraising Award and the Excellence in Philanthropy Award at its national convention in Chicago, Ill., beating out all AOPi chapters nationally. During the 2012-13 school year, the Alpha Delta chapter of AOPi raised a total of $30,000 for philanthropy, $10,000 of which came from Backyard Bash alone. Members of AOPi are encouraging all students to come by the event before the game.All greek members who attend will be rewarded with a Panhellenic point.
CW | Austin Bigoney Backyard Bash, benefitting the Arthritis Foundation, will include a silent auction, barbecue lunch and live music.
Open Mic Night September 19 October 17 November 21
At 7 PM, join Marr’s Field Journal at the Open Mic Night Experience every third Thursday at Starbucks in the Ferg
Marr’s Field Journal Marr’s Field Journal @MFJ_of_UA
p.7
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Local band to perform at Egan’s By Hannah Widener | Contributing Writer
an old BMW that had been rented out. It was kind of like an ‘anyone can come’ party, with Local favorite Looksy will perform back home a mix of young kids getting drunk and old in Tuscaloosa for the first time since July on people already drunk. It was chaos, but it was Friday, Sept. 20, at Egan’s. The band has recent- interesting.” ly released its EP, “Deeper Into the Woods.” Looksy has come a long way since the days “First of all, we did all of it ourselves,” Daniel of chaotic birthday parties, playing at Iron City Ingram, a junior majoring in journalism and and the Bottletree Café in Birmingham, but lead singer, said. “We didn’t go to a studio, or Egan’s Bar will always hold a special place in we didn’t have an engineer working behind the the band members’ hearts. scenes. It was a lot more control and a lot more “Egan’s is really cool, because it’s a really rewarding to have done it ourselves. I think it small room where the band plays on the floor, turned out way better doing it ourselves.” and if people want to go to the bathroom, they Both bassist Kyle Posten have to walk right through the and guitarist Rob Keating band,” Posten said. “You get met in the first grade and really close to people when are alumni of the University. you are playing. We have a ton Later they met drummer John of friends who come out, so Laing and Ingram at Walker it’s always just a really ‘home’ County High School and disfeeling kind of show.” covered their love for music Years of playing in bands and playing together. Moving prepared Looksy for the anxito Tuscaloosa was the easy ety that comes with perform— Kyle Posten part, Looksy members said, ing, but it doesn’t mean some but then came trying to find a members don’t occasionally space for the band to rehearse. get pre-show jitters. “When we first started play“I typically get more nering as a band, we played in a storage unit,” vous when a family member comes to see me Posten said. “You know the kind you get to that has never seen it before because I’m not throw all your junk in when you’re moving? really like most of my family,” Ingram said. We would practice in there because none of “They’re really country, so it’s strange.” us had anywhere where we could set up our Once they hit the stage, the sense of urgency equipment. It was weird being out there in the kicks in, and Keating knows what he has to do. elements.” “If it’s a big important show, it’s an anxious, Before the band was taken under the guid- excited feeling that makes you step up your ing wing of Callooh! Callay!, Looksy played gigs game and play a little better,” Keating said. that weren’t always quite what the band was Looksy is hoping to put out a full-length expecting. album by the end of the year. Looksy’s music “We got suckered into a birthday party is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and at back in our hometown,” Ingram said. “It was looksy.bandcamp.com.
When we first started playing as a band, we played in a storage unit
Submitted Local band Looksy travels home for a special peformance at Egan’s Sept. 20th.
MARKETPLACE IN THE
RATES
$1.25 for the first 5 words, $0.25 for every additional word A border around your ad is an additional $0.50 per ad
How to place a classified: For classified line ads visit www.cw.ua.edu and click on the classifieds tab. For classified display ads
call (205) 348-7355 or email cwclassmgr@gmail.com for a free consultation. The Crimson White is published four days a week (M, T, W, TH). Each classified line ad must run for a minimum of four days and include no less than 16 words.
HOUSING Efficiency Unit On-Campus Cobblestone Court Apartments beside Publix. Water and garbage included. No Pets. Call 205-752-1277. Email crissy@tiderentals.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS Pregnant Looking for Help? Loving family seeks to grow through
Sudoku
adoption. See our profile, Mike & Connie, at www.parentprofiles.com/ profiles/db29290.html or call Beacon House Adoption at 888-987-6300. Attorney bar # LA 16976. GET PAID To Play The Lottery. No State Lottery. No Problem. Free Online Video Shows You How. Lottopooler.com
HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (09/18/13). Your next solar year begins auspiciously; discipline and authority amplify power and regeneration. Perseverance can lead to a revolutionary shift. Group efforts bear greatest fruit this year, so increase community participation and leadership. Careful financial management allows growth. Love blooms. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Infuse love into your efforts and activities today. Put more into the household account. No need to rush. Build your partner’s self-esteem. Compassion and passion go together. Apply creativity at home for impressive results. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Use what you’ve learned for success. A discovery supports what you know by experience. Plan your verbal campaign. Foreign contacts love your ideas. The money looks better. Add to your hidden treasures. Beautify your surroundings.
“When other jewelers say no, Tom says yes”
Tom’s Jewelry Repair
2300 McFarland Blvd East (205) 758-2213
DISCOUNTS:
5% off for 4 issues - 10% off for 8 issues - 15% off for 16 issues
DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Make a positive commitment. Use what you’ve been saving. Working at home increases your benefits. Abundance can be yours. Lose yourself in an art project. You don’t need to reveal your agenda, yet. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Take care of family. Take a phone call in private. You hear from a distant relative. Decide what to learn next. Consider comfort and profit. Okay, you can go now. Never give up. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Fix up your place. Find the perfect solution. You have what you need. It’s also a good time to travel. Enlist support. Associates nail down practicalities. You’re making a good impression. All ends well. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Work faster and earn more. You gain career stature with a lucky break. Don’t try a new idea just yet. Take a moment. Dig in your claws and maintain decorum. Prepare to venture farther out.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Be frugal with a windfall profit. A surprising development allows for a shrewd new plan. Get more for less. You’re testing the limits. Make a beneficial addition at home. Enjoy it with good company.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Collect a debt. It’s all for the family. Be loose with your imagination. Help arrives. Shop carefully, and store away extra provisions. There’s another profitable development. Roast a feast and toast your client.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You have what you need. Back up your ideas with practical data. Allow your decision to carry you forward. Good news comes from far away. Get something you’ve been saving appraised. Make plans. Include your love.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Streamline your work routine and make more. Monitor results. Friends help you make an important connection. Share information. Get your message out. Friends act as mediators. Party big or party small, but celebrate.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Balance all the factors. An older individual offers an interesting opinion. Advance to a whole new level. Let friends advise you. Make a tantalizing promise. Don’t insist on making your own mistakes. Learn from others.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Finishing old tasks satisfies. Provide excellent service. Collect a nice paycheck. Invest in your business. Keep practicing. Strengthen your infrastructure. Allow for household improvements. Go for romance and other personal aims.
Try Our Breakfast! Carry Outs Welcome
5% Student 35 Years of Discount Great Food with ACT card
Buddy’s Rib & Steak (205) 339-4885 2701 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd. Northport, AL 35476
p.8 Marc Torrence | Editor sports@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
TENNIS
Tennis team travels to Nashville By Andrew Clare | Contributing Writer
Alabama made it the NC NCAA tournament last year. The Alabama men’s tennis team contin“There were a lot of positiv positives from last year,” ues its fall season this weekend as it travels Husack said. “We didn’t rea really focus on the to Nashville, Tenn., to compete in the fall wins and loses – more of emp emphasizing working SEC championships. hard – and at the end of the ye year we had a lot of The fall season acts as more of a preseason great accomplishments.” to help teams prepare for the spring In his first year at Alabam Alabama, Husack’s plan regular season. Fall season also allows was to change the culture of the program teams to build and improve on the to be more successful. Sop Sophomore Becker results from last year. O’Shaughnessey said Husack made the team Under the direction very competitive and hungry to win. of new head coach “Coaches ca came in with a new George Husack, mindset of making this program a lot better,” O’Shau O’Shaughnessey said. “We g got a lot better as a team throughout the seaso season, and we started to get better wins.” Aft After last season’s breakthrough performa performance, the Crimson Tide is ge gearing up to take the next step iin the right direction. Alabama will be returning two of its top three players from last season but will be without las last season’s senior UA Athletics Junior Stuart Kenyon comes off of a win last week in his Division 2 singles draw.
captain Jarryd Botha. Husack said he expects several guys to step up and take on the leadership role Botha displayed last year. “I think Daniil Proskura will be able to step up and fill those shoes,” Husack said. “I can’t wait to see what he does this year. We have a good group of guys who are going to learn a lot from him, and he also works extremely hard.” There are many things the Crimson Tide needs to work on this fall, but O’Shaughnessey said the biggest thing it needs to do is be a tough and competitive team. “We are definitely putting in a lot of hard work, so we need to have a tough mentality this fall,” O’Shaughnessey said. “We need to have a lot of confidence knowing that we can compete and beat these good teams we face off against.” Husack said the fall season is a good way to see where the team is and what it has to do to get ready for the spring season. “We have a good number of tournaments this fall, which basically your dress rehearsal for the main event that happens in the spring,” Husack said. “With every fall tournament, it allows us to make adjustments with our game in order to prepare for the spring dual match season.”
SPORTSIN BRIEF
Alabama to host NIT Tip-Off The Alabama men’s basketball team will host the south region of the NIT Tip-Off in November. Joining Alabama will be Georgia State, McNeese State and Stillman College. Alabama will open the tournament against Stillman at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 on ESPN3. Arizona, Duke and Rutgers will host the other regions. The semifinals and championship rounds will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tournament will be carried by the ESPN family of networks.
Compiled by Elliott Propes
SWIMMING & DIVING
Swimming and diving team ready for season opener in Mississippi By Jake Woodham | Contributing Writer Expectations of Alabama’s ability to excel in SEC swimming and diving competitions are reaching new heights. Alabama head coach Dennis Pursley’s first recruiting class is considered the team’s best in decades, both in numbers and quality. With a freshman class of 27, including a cast of swimmers and divers from Cyprus, Iceland, Switzerland, Russia, Canada, Australia and Poland, Pursley is confident his team will continue to progress from last season. “We want to see a significant step towards a national championship,” Pursley said. “These freshmen are expected to make immediate impacts. Many returning swimmers and incoming freshmen have represented their countries in the Olympics.” Optimism for the season is also due to a highly intensive training schedule, including a combination of rigorous core work, weight lifting and cardio that is done year-round in addition to actual
PLAN TO GO WHAT: Swimming and diving vs. Delta State WHEN: Friday at 1 p.m. WHERE: Cleveland, Miss swimming and diving. Most coaches in the sport feel their players need recovery days but not Pursley. “We don’t buy into that,” Pursley said. “We tell the swimmers that there are 24 hours in a day, and you’re working four hours per day, so you have 20 hours to recover.” Junior Phil Deaton is well indoctrinated into the regular swimming schedule of two hours in the morning, two hours at night and weight lifting three days a week. He balances this physical exhaustion, which lasts year-round, on top of his academic workload in chemical engineering.
Deaton has a list of accolades that include serving as team captain at his high school alma mater Bob Jones, being a member of six Alabama High School State Championship teams and becoming a U.S. Open qualifier, all on top of making the National Honor Society. Despite all this, Deaton humbly reinforces Pursley’s emphasis on the team over the individual and his battle cry of attitude, character and commitment. This mantra is painted around the pool in the aquatic center. Deaton applies the slogan when leading by example. “I try to improve my times as much as I can,” he said. “If you’re not leading by example, then you can’t be a vocal leader.” But, when asked about his proudest i ndividual accomplishment, Deaton brought everything back to the team. “My proudest moment was during last year’s SEC Championship,” Deaton said. “It really brought the team and staff together.”
UA Athletics Freshmen are expected to make a big impact in the season opener Friday in Cleveland, Mississippi. The SEC is regularly at the top of NCAA swimming and diving. A team from the league has taken home the championship since 1999. The Crimson Tide doesn’t open SEC play until Nov. 7 against Florida in Gainesville, but its season opener is Friday in Cleveland, Miss., against Delta State. Its first home meet is Oct. 12 against Florida State at 11 a.m.
September 19th & 20th 10AM- 4PM SUPe Store Ferguson Center Lobby Merchandise from Bama’s 12th, 13th, and 14th National Championships will be reduced to $1.00 and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.