The Crimson White

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Serving the University of Alabama since 1894

Vol. 115, Issue 73

The Associated Press

President Obama takes the stage Students, professors react to inauguration

By Danielle Drago Senior Staff Reporter Time stood still in the Ferguson Center and the ground floor of Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library as students and professors witnessed Barack Obama taking his oath of office as the 44th president of the United States Tuesday.

Despite work to be done and classes to attend, hushed crowds started gathering an hour before Obama was to take his oath.

“I came to [the bottom floor of Gorgas] around 9 a.m. and slowly people began to trickle in. We turned the TV up as loud as it could go and everyone remained really silent,” said Molly MacPherson, a junior majoring in public relations.

The crowd gathered around Java City’s television,

Steele done at Bama

By Greg Ostendorf Sports Editor Ronald Steele’s basketball career at Alabama has finally come to an end.

Steele showed signs of brilliance early on, but injuries plagued him throughout his career and ultimately led to the end.

Head coach Mark Gottfried announced Tuesday night that Steele has elected to forego his senior season.

Steele, who missed all of last season recovering from surgeries in both knees, came back and averaged 12.9 points and 3.7 assists this season. The senior point guard missed the last two games due to plantar fasciitis, an injury to the foot.

See STEELE, page 3

UA weather

TODAY

preventing the sale of coffee.

“We’re really sorry that we can’t serve coffee with this many people, but this is important,” said one Java City employee.

The significance of the event was not lost on students.

“It was such a majestic inauguration. I was so excited to see all of the crowds and cross sections of society coming together to support [Obama],” MacPherson said.

“I think it was a great testament to democracy and to the tradition of policy,” said B.J. Hollars, president of UA Students for Obama.

The inauguration was subject to a lot of anticipation and hype, which some thought was unfeasible to match.

“I suppose it was probably

Thursday

59º/41º

Friday

65º/43º

Clear

Chance of rain

WASHINGTON D.C. | They watched him rise from the Illinois State Senate to the Presidency, helping him along the way with their time and votes, and on Tuesday, nearly two million Americans stood in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Among the millions who converged on the grassy two-mile stretch between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial were large numbers of young people, including thousands of students, most of whom had voted in their first election a mere two months ago.

Obama, who achieved incredible popularity during his

Sig Ep sanctions undisclosable University: Federal law prohibits release of details

CW | Marion R Walding Cars drive by the former Sigma Phi Epsilon house on Monday afternoon.

By Brett Bralley News Editor

investigation, including individual sanctions of those involved.

UA spokeswoman Deborah After the hazing incident Lane said federal laws limit with the Sigma Phi Epsilon the information the University fraternity that resulted in its can provide about any sturemoval from campus, UA offi- dent or incident. Lane said cials said the investigation was individual members of the closed and would not release chapter who were involved in information regarding the the incident were referred to

INSIDE Opinions: Obamaʼs speech powerful ......4 Inauguration photos ...5 Lifestyles: ʻMy Bloody Valentine 3-Dʼ review.6 Sports: Emery vital to Tide tennis ...............7 Softball spring practice.8

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-4116 | Advertising: 348-7845 | Classifieds: 348-7355 Letters, op-eds: letters@cw.ua.edu Press releases, announcements: news@cw.ua.edu

Judicial Affairs.

“Students who are found to be in a violation of the student code of conduct are subject to sanctions up to and including probation and expulsion,” Lane said.

Tim Hebson, dean of students, said even the release of a list of individual sanctions with all personally identifiable information removed would not be permitted. He said other students on campus who know those involved would be able to identify them through the released information.

“The people involved that were the victims obviously are here in school, and they know the ones who did it to them,” Hebson said. “There’s just no way we can do that.”

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA, protects the privacy of student education records, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site. Because Judicial Affairs

See SANCTIONS, page 2

nearly two-year campaign, owes a great deal of his success to young voters. According to exit polls, Obama won among 66 percent of the voters between the ages of 18 and 29.

There has been speculation that his popularity and nearrock star status could be a detriment to the president’s effectiveness. Many have opined since the election that the large popular drive to get Obama in office had led to higher hopes than could possibly be achieved.

John Miller, a senior at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., disagrees.

“I think that’s going to work in his favor. It worked for Kennedy, and this is even

See OBAMA, page 2

UA grading notation changed Additions to comply with financial aid requirements

By Karissa Bursch Staff Reporter New grading notations have been implemented at the University to be within federal compliance with financial aid, according to a memo from the University.

The grading notations include DO for dropped out and NA for never attended, according to the memo.

Michael George, the university registrar, said DO denotes the student attended

at least one or more of the meeting times but attendance eventually stopped.

Along with DO the faculty member will indicate the last recorded date of attendance or, if that information is unavailable, the approximate date when attendance stopped.

NA denotes that the student never attended any meeting times for the course, George said.

See NOTATION, page 2

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS | PART FOUR OF FOUR

Finding the right fit

Today’s paper

Moundville accepting new volunteers..........3

49º/25º

By Martha Gravlee Contributing Writer

See REACTION, page 2

Keim to speak tonight..3

Clear

Inauguration draws younger crowd, students have high hopes for Obama

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth of a four-part series examining several common new year’s resolutions and tips on keeping them.

By Dave Folk News Editor Some students resolve to cut out the trans-fats for the new year, others resolve to slim down and even more try to cut out that bad habit.

For those of you who don’t seek a change of lifestyle with the new year, you may be looking to break out of your proverbial shell, a change that can benefit multiple facets of one’s life.

Dwight Lewis, an instructor of the University’s Academic Potential courses, thinks getting involved on campus and making yourself more socially available can actually help with

your grades, as well as fitting in.

“I personally support the claim that campus involvement increases the student likelihood of performing better in school. I support this claim through the reading of research and direct and vicarious experiences,” Lewis said. “The social bonds (advice about courses, teachers, notes, study groups, etc.), and sense of ownership (of the university and its tradition) that one gains from campus involvement generally motivates an individual to perform their best in all facets of a student while enrolled in college.”

SGA president Cason Kirby, who has been involved through the SGA all of his college career, said he thinks that getting involved can lend students a sense of attachment to their respective college.

“I think it is incredibly important for students to take ownership of our University,” Kirby said. “Getting involved in student government is a great way to make a difference, but it is also an opportunity to meet new people, work on diverse projects and truly expand your horizons.”

Not only can joining a new group enhance your life, looking back some campus leaders say it drastically changed it. “[Without the Crimson White] I suspect I’d be sitting in a dark corner somewhere playing some video game, weeping tears of loneliness into my Frosted Flakes,” said Crimson White Editor-in-Chief Corey Craft. “In all seriousness, it makes you feel that you’re a part of something that an average student, who goes to and fro their classes, might not be privy to.”

Kirby said he thinks that not

only are organizations looking for students to get involved, but the more students that do improve the organization itself.

“We in student government are continually needing new ideas, new energy and new people to keep our administration effective and fighting for our student body. We welcome any student, regardless of age or interest, to take an active role and join us in making our campus better for all,” he said.

By joining that group you may have “not found the time for” before, students can set themselves up not only for a new group of friends, but also for a potential career as increased involvement tends to better a student’s resume.

“While you might not think it’s important, it does reflect well upon you later, or so I am told,” Craft said.

2

PAGE

TODAY • UP presents Wacky Wednesday — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., CP Lounge

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

• UP presents Arthouse Kickoff with “Run Fatboy Run” — 7:30 p.m., CP Lounge

• CONCERT: Alabama Wind Ensemble — 7:30 p.m., Moody Music Building Concert Hall

• FILM SCREENING: “The Counterfeiters,” as part of the Jewish Film/Cultural Festival presented by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa County and Temple Emanu-El — 7:30 p.m., Bama Theatre

•SPEAKER: Will Keim, author and founder of the Character Institute — 7 p.m., Morgan Auditorium

Wednesday January 21, 2009

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send announcements and campus news to cwnews@sa.ua.edu

UA organizations sponsor ʻCrimson is Integrityʼ week The Student Leaders Council, UA Academic Honor Councils and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are sponsoring the Capstone Hero Award that is awarded during Crimson is Integrity week. Crimson is Integrity week will be Feb. 4-11, and will involve many events promoting the Capstone Creed and Integrity among students. Capstone Heroes are individuals or groups that represent the Capstone Creed. Those nominated can be students, staff and faculty members, alumni or community members that have embodied the attributes found within the Capstone Creed. Recipients of the award will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Nominations can be made via e-mail to Corrie Harris, Director of Student Involvement, at charris@sa.ua.edu or turned in to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, 355 Ferguson Center by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23. Those interested in nominating someone can acquire a copy of the form at leadership.ua.edu.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “It was a very good speech. It combined Lincoln’s call for national unity, with FDR’s promise of economic recovery, with John F. Kennedy’s call to national service.

Perhaps the only thing it lacked was a ‘punch line,’ such as ‘Ask not what your country can do for you,’ but it was well written, well delivered and quite effective.”

— David Lanoue, chair of the political science department on President Obama’s inauguration

THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY 1977: U.S. President Jimmy Carter grants an unconditional pardon to hundreds of thousands of men who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War. In total, some 100,000 young Americans went abroad in the late 1960s and early ’70s to avoid serving in the war. Ninety percent went to Canada, where after some initial controversy they were eventually welcomed as immigrants.

Source: www.history.com

THE CRIMSON WHITE EDITORIAL • Corey Craft, editor-in-chief, craft@cw.ua.edu, 348-8049 • Phil Owen, managing editor, owen@cw.ua.edu, 348-6146 • James Jaillet, production editor • Breckan Duckworth, design editor • Robert Bozeman, assistant design editor • Marion Walding, photo editor • RF Rains, assistant photo editor • Kelli Abernathy, chief copy editor • Paul Thompson, opinions editor • Dave Folk, news editor • Brett Bralley, news editor • Ryan Mazer, lifestyles editor • CJ McCormick, assistant lifestyles editor • Greg Ostendorf, sports editor • Ryan Wright, assistant sports editor • Eric McHargue, graphics editor • Andrew Richardson, Web editor

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• Dana Andrzejewski, zone 44 (downtown and downtown Northport), 348-6153, zone44@sa.ua.edu • Jarrett Cocharo, zone 55 (campus), 348-2670 • Torri Blunt, nontraditional advertising, 348-4381, smterritorymanager1@sa.ua.edu • Emily Frost, classifieds coordinator, 348-7355, smcwclassmgr@sa.ua.edu • Ashley Brand, creative services manager, 348-8042, cwadv@sa.ua.edu

• Jake Knott, zone 7 (Skyland • Carly Jayne Rullman, zone boulevard), 348-8742, 8 (the Strip and downtown), jknott23@gmail.com 348-6875, zone8@sa.ua. edu The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama.

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NOTATION Continued from page 1

“It is imperative that the University of Alabama have in place a process for determining students who have properly registered for a class but then never attended or dropped out without officially withdrawing,” George said.

George said the University needs record of this so students who do not attend class or rarely attended class repay the financial aid they received for the class.

“This process is a legal requirement in order to be in compliance with federal regulations related to financial aid awards,” George said. “Students who receive federal financial aid awards and never attend class must repay the financial aid. Students who drop out are subject to repayment. The date that the student dropped out determines the amount of the repayment.”

The change does not apply to students who officially drop a course or withdraw from the University, George said.

George said Student Receivables will make adjustments to the financial aid of any student who has a DO, NA or a

REACTION Continued from page 1

impossible for the inauguration to live up to the hype, but it was a very successful, moving event,” said David Lanoue, chair of the political science department.

However, some said they think that the inauguration was exactly what it was supposed to be.

“The inauguration lived up to its billing,” said Patrick Cotter, political science professor.

“The inauguration always has hype, but I think there’s a lot more hype for what will happen tomorrow, and for the next four years, so hopefully we’re not too concerned with the hype, but also with the hard work that is getting done,” Hollars said.

The only mistake, he said, was when Chief Justice John Roberts garbled the oath of office.

“Everything else went extremely well,” Lanoue said.

The words of Obama’s speech were inspiring, MacPherson said.

SANCTIONS Continued from page 1

handled the incident, the sanctions are now part of their education record. Without the student’s consent, the University cannot release information about the student’s education record.

On Dec. 9, the U.S. Department of Education released amended FERPA regulations, which modified the definition of what constitutes “personally identifiable information.”

According to FERPA rules and regulations, “previously released information, including local publicity and even

W for registered courses for the semester.

“These additional grade notations give the faculty a more descriptive choice that represents reality rather than a grade of an I, F or no grade at all,” George said. “In addition, it provides the University an early alert that students are having problems and some intervention may be appropriate by the University.”

Ryan Spain, a senior majoring in English, said he feels students will not be affected by the addition to the grading notations.

“I don’t think it will affect attendance any more than letter grades affect attendance,” Spain said. “If someone is willing to sacrifice their grade by not going to class then they won’t care if they get an NA, either.”

Jason Harris, a sophomore majoring in finance, said he never pays much attention to the grading notations anyway.

“In my opinion, we are paying to go here so if we don’t or do go to class it shouldn’t matter,” Harris said. “Notations, I feel, are unnecessary. No matter what notations are applied to attendance, it all comes down to the fact that if you want a better grade you will go to class.”

OBAMA Continued from page 1

bigger,” he said, gesturing to the crowds on the Mall. “He is going to be a role model for so many people.”

Since his Nov. 4 victory, Obama has been careful to keep an air of sobriety around him, reminding Americans that the world is facing economic and diplomatic crises that cannot be solved easily.

His inauguration address was not a departure from that attitude. As he spoke to the multitude in Washington and millions more watching or listening from far away, Obama stated “the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short period of time.”

The crowd smiled and nodded as Obama spoke about the American spirit and called for citizens of all ages, nationalities and creeds to “brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.”

Kevin Liberty, a senior at the University of Maryland, campaigned for Obama

during the election season.

“It’s a big piece of history,” he said of the inauguration. “I wanted to be a part of it. I was kind of hesitant about going, but it really was worth it. His speech was really good.”

Liberty sees Obama’s ability to mobilize young people such as himself as a tremendous strength.

“It’s what won him the election,” he said. “Bringing our age group together was really important.”

Being a part of history was a common theme for the youth who gathered on the Mall.

Earnetriss Moffett, a junior at Eleanor McMain Secondary School in New Orleans, came as part of a 42-student group to sit without tickets and watch the inauguration from a jumbotron on the Mall.

“I came to be an eyewitness to history,” she said. “I think he’s a good person, and everybody loves him.”

Miller said he had a slightly shorter trip to the Mall.

“We live three blocks away, so if we sit in our rooms and watch it on TV, it’s really a tragedy,” he said. “Why not come? It’s a historic time.”

“It was a very good speech,” Lanoue said. “It combined Lincoln’s call for national unity, with FDR’s promise of economic recovery, with John F. Kennedy’s call to national service. Perhaps the only thing it lacked was a ‘punch line,’ such as ‘Ask not what your country can do for you,’ but it was well written, well delivered and quite effective.”

Greg Vonnahme, assistant political science professor, said he thinks Obama’s speech was the best inauguration address he’s seen.

“It reflected the challenges of the time and yet offered direction for the future,” he said.

“Having said that, I don’t think that there was one really fresh, really distinctive line that will be remembered from years now.”

The speech also called for change from the past eight years, and for hope.

Vonnahme said this part of the speech is what struck him the most.

“First, there was a repudiation of existing policies and a clear signal that he was ready to move

in a different direction,” he said.

“Second, there was an emphasis on making government work and a larger role for science and technology.”

“It was, in many ways, an unmistakable rebuke of the previous administration,” Lanoue said.

“He used the message of hope that seems to get people stirred up and ready to do what’s best for their country,” Hollars said.

His inauguration speech called for a change from domestic issues to more international ones.

“Certainly, it signals a significant change in path. It is clear that President Obama will reach out to the international community more than former President Bush did,” Lanoue said “The inauguration made America accessible to the rest of the world,” MacPherson said.

Some felt that the inauguration made an inclusive environment.

“The speech signaled changes in the direction of government policies, but did it by linking

the shifts to some very traditional values such as responsibility, hard-work, freedom and liberty. Similarly, the inauguration, by actions such as including both Rick Warren and Rev. Lowery in the ceremony, signaled that inclusive approach to decision making will characterize, at least initially, the Obama adminitration. While not everyone will always approve of the decisions made, all groups are likely to have a chance to have their voices heard,” Cotter said.

The challenge ahead of Obama is great, but some are unsure about what circumstances he will face.

“I think the next few months will bring a significant economic recovery package that will include massive new government spending, some tax cuts, and other initiatives to create jobs and turn the recession around. But we have no idea what circumstances and crises will face President Obama as the months pass, so I wouldn’t dare guess what the next four years will bring,” Lanoue said.

information that has been deidentified, is sometimes linked or linkable to an otherwise deidentified record or data set and renders the information personally identifiable.”

Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center, said if an institution releases information, even if it is just numbers or a statistic, other students may be able to identify an individual involved in an incident, and therefore the student’s privacy is in jeopardy, according to FERPA. Goldstein, however, said in the case of Sig Ep, he doubts the students’ right to privacy trumps the right of the public to know about the incident.

Goldstein said there is a sliver of an exemption, which is found in section 99.39 of FERPA, that could require the University to release the information about the investigation.

“If the institution through a proceeding reaches a final decision that someone is guilty of a violation of school rules that will also be a crime of violence as assigned by the FBI, [FERPA] doesn’t prohibit them from releasing [the education record],” he said.

Goldstein said the Sig Ep incident could be considered a crime of violence. According to the FBI’s Web site, a violent crime is composed of four types of offenses: “murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.”

Goldstein said this could be a case of aggravated assault.

The Crimson White confirmed with a member of the fraternity who requested to remain anonymous, that the incident, which occurred in November, involved the heating of a metal chair by blowtorch or iron. The student said pledges were asked to sit on the heated chair, though no one was forced to do so, the student said.

The incident was revealed, the student said, when one of the pledges went to DCH Regional Medical Center for burn treatment several days

after the incident occurred. The wounds were discovered in an advanced stage of infection, and the pledge suffered a collapsed lung as a result of the infection.

If the hazing violations are determined to be a crime of violence as assigned by the FBI, the University might be required to release the information, he said.

Goldstein also said the Clery Act is a mandate that he thinks often competes with FERPA. The Clery Act requires institutions that receive federal funding to keep and disclose information about crime on and near campus. It also requires that the institution provide “timely warnings” if it perceives a threat to the community.

“I don’t understand how you can reconcile the requirement of timely warning [in the Clery Act],” Goldstein said. “FERPA says I can’t even tell you in the past tense how many students have brought guns to school, for example, or whatever it may be.”

Goldstein said he thinks it is better to err on the side of protecting the safety of students before protecting the privacy of students.

“If there’s anything that could help [a] student on campus to avoid being a victim, I can’t fathom the rights of the accused are greater than the rights of [the student],” he said.

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The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

3

Keim to talk UA finds carbon footprint tonight at Morgan

By Lindsey Holland Contributing Writer

By Patty Vaughan Contributing Writer

Will Keim, a nationally-recognized speaker and author, will talk to students tonight about developing character and becoming an effective leader, according to an e-mail sent out by Housing and Residential Communities.

The talk will be held at Morgan Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Keim has authored and coauthored books such as “Keys to Success in College and Life,” “Mission Possible,” “Pillars of Success,” “Spirit Journey,” “The Tao of Christ,” and he is also a contributing author of “Chicken Soup for the College Soul,” according to his Web site.

Keim also has more than 30 years of experience in student affairs and high education, according to an announcement sent out by the University. He is also an ordained minister and holds a PhD in College Student Development from Oregon State, the announcement said.

Keim has spoken at hundreds of universities to more than two million college students all over the United States and Canada including Notre Dame, UCLA

and the University of Oregon, the announcement said.

Keim is also the founder of The Character Institute, which was established in 2003.

His visit to the campus is being sponsored through a partnership of Housing and Residential Communities, Greek Affairs and University Programs.

The University encourages all students to attend the speech and encourage their friends to attend as well, according to the announcement To learn more information about Keim or the speeches that he has given to college students, visit willkeim.com.

If you go

The Energy Management Department is conducting an online survey through Jan. 23 for all UA students, staff and faculty members. The purpose of the survey is to find out UA’s greenhouse gas emissions or “carbon footprint.”

Greenhouse gases are necessary in sustaining the temperatures of the Earth.

Current concerns with greenhouse gases involve global warming.

“Since this is the first time our carbon footprint is calculated, it will give us a baseline to move forward,” said Robert Martin, energy manager for the University.

“The consultant calculating our carbon footprint does this nationwide, and will be able to compare our results with

Who/What: Will Keim

Moundville Archaeological Park is offering a volunteer tour guide training course Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

The class is designed to teach volunteers the basics of archaeology and the prehistory of Native Americans in Alabama, said William Wente, who is involved with volunteer recruitment at the park.

Volunteers will also learn the correct ways to present information to visitors, Wente said.

The class, which is available to anyone at least 16 years old, is expected to last until around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Wente said. Breakfast and lunch will be served, but there is no fee for the course, Wente said.

Those interested should call Wente or Claudia Cummings, who assists with the park’s educational out-

Where: Morgan Auditorium More info: www.willkeim.com

According to the Energy Management department’s Web site, the goal of energy management is to efficiently manage and reduce the consumption of energy.

Performance goals drive energy management activities and promote continuous improvement. One basic goal is to reduce energy consumption per square foot by two percent per year to 2010.

“Energy management is involved in all aspects of energy use on campus, including electricity, natural gas and water,” Martin said.

“Examples of energy savings actions include verifying air conditioning systems are operating properly, monitoring energy use and corrective measures, establishing temperature guidelines, monitoring building systems to ensure efficient operation,

lighting controls, reviewing occupancy patterns to develop building schedules, energy efficient equipment purchases, curtailment plans and providing required ventilation.”

When compared to other colleges and universities, the University’s energy consumption places us in the 73rd percentile, which, according to Martin, is outstanding for the age of our campus.

Martin said for the future, annual evaluation of UA’s carbon footprint will show areas where the University is excelling and where the University needs to improve. The results of the survey will be available in February. To obtain the results, please contact University Relations through the Office of Media Relations.

The survey can be found at questionpro.com/akira/ TakeSurvey?id=1111558.

Moundville looking for volunteers

By Hannah Mask Contributing Writer

When: Tonight at 7p.m.

similar institutions.”

An estimated 27,000 students attend the University with 3,600 being on staff and 1,400 faculty members. A main ingredient for the University’s carbon footprint is transportation of daily commuting by the students, staff and faculty members. According to auxiliary services, there are significant greenhouse gas savings by using CrimsonRide instead of driving on campus.

“The Energy Management Department continuously works to conserve our natural resources by reducing energy use and water consumption,” Martin said. “Our department works to minimize energy use, which minimizes utility costs and carbon production.

With reductions in funding, saving energy [and] money becomes even more important.”

reach program, at 371-2234 to register by noon on Thursday.

However, prior registration isn’t necessary to attend the class, Wente said. “[People] can show up Saturday, we won’t turn anyone anyway,” Wente said. “But we would like to know by as soon as possible or by noon on Thursday since we’ll be serving breakfast and lunch, and that way we’ll have a heads up about how many people will be attending.”

Wente said prior experience isn’t necessary “but if a prospective volunteer has particular interests, talents or experience, they should let us know.”

For example, those who have an interest in art may prefer volunteer work involving crafts, while someone with an interest in biology may prefer to work outside and focus more on nature, Wente said.

Wente said volunteers will not have set work hours

except during the Native American Festival, which is scheduled to take place Oct. 7 to 10. “[Volunteers] are going to work as needed,” Wente said.

“During the winter, there is much less need than during the spring and fall.”

“We’ll take anyone as a volunteer, but we’ll need volunteers the most during the week,” Wente said. “There are opportunities to work on the weekends and over holidays, though.”

With the re-opening of the renovated Jones Archaeological Museum in the fall, Wente said there will be plenty of opportunities for volunteers to work.

“We’ve always had volunteers, but the newly renovated museum will be opening in late fall, so we’re going to need a higher volume of volunteers for that,” Wente said.

Wente said training course participants should check in

at the park administration building Saturday morning and the class will take place in the Jones Conference Center.

Participants should dress comfortably and warmly in preparation of a walking tour of the grounds, Wente said.

If you go Who/What: Volunteer tour guide training course

When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Moundville Archaelogical Park More info: Call Wente or Claudia Cummings at 3712234

Economic outlook conference on Friday

By Karissa Bursch Staff Reporter

CW | Norman Huynh Dr. Clayborne Carson, Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, speaks at the “Realizing the Dream” event Saturday night at the Moody Music Building Concert Hall.

STEELE

Continued from page 1 “This is a very difficult time for Ron as his injuries have been very unfortunate and difficult for him,” Gottfried said.

“I’ll always be indebted to his contributions to our program

and the University of Alabama and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Steele leaves Alabama as one of only two players in school history to record 1,000 points and 400 assists in a career. He received his degree in financial planning from the University in December 2007.

Every year the University’s Center of Business and Economic Research hosts the Economic Outlook Conference in Montgomery.

This year, Jorge Sicilia, chief economist of BBVA Bancomer, will be speaking on the economic importance of Latin America, said Deborah Hamilton, associate director of CBER. Nathaniel Karp, the chief economist for BBVA Compass, was originally scheduled to speak, Hamilton said.

Sicilia is the BBVA chief economist for North America and conducts economic analysis on the United States and Mexico, according to the CBER Web site.

Sicilia was also the principal economist in the Monetary Policy Stance Division at the European Central Bank and

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has given many lectures on macroeconomics, financial markets and financial systems at universities in Spain, other institutions, banks and academic conferences, according to the CBER Web site.

Samuel Addy, the director of the CBER and who will also speak on state-level economics at the conference, said that all different types of people attend.

“It has a wide audience, not just students,” Addy said. “It’s more practitioners and professionals. Students can benefit but the conference looks at the economy and what policies could help it.”

Addy said the conference focuses on being all encompassing and not just concentrating on Alabama economics, which is one of the reasons why Sicilia is coming to speak on Latin American economics.

“The economy touches on so

many different things about us and our behavior,” Addy said.

The Economic Outlook Conference is held every year in Montgomery in January, Addy said. There are usually about 150 attendees but for the past few years those numbers have been up to about 175.

The conference is sponsored by 11 different businesses and government agencies, but the Center of Business and Economic Research hosts it. It is really for the state of Alabama’s benefit as it is held in the capitol, Addy said.

“We talk about the economic forecast of the state,” Addy said.

Addy said the conference could be especially useful for seniors and graduate students to attend.

“Students can see applied things outside of an academic classroom,” Addy said. “They can see experts on different subjects that show more

applied materials than classrooms.”

If students are unable to attend they can also get information from the report, which is issued by CBER and given out at the conference, Addy said.

The conference will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in Montgomery.

If you go Who/What:The Economic Outlook Conference When: Friday at 9 a.m.

Where: The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in Montgomery

OPINIONS

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Paul Thompson • Editor

4

paul.thompson@cw.ua.edu

Obama’s speech blends past, present When now-President Barack Obama stepped out into the below-freezing air to walk alongside his presidential limousine, I fell to my knees and wept at his beauteous form.

Okay, so I’m not really that guy — you know, the one who has spent every waking moment of the past year talking about how Barack Obama is the best thing since sliced bread, the wheel, etc. I am, however, very excited that the man for whom I cast my vote (which, as avid readers of my columns will recall, was discarded thanks to that blasted winner-takes-all rule) is now taking the reigns of my country. Though walking with the motorcade is not exactly an earth-shatteringly unorthodox move, it does seem to further cement his position as the leader next door. Whereas many figures of authority seem distant and even genuinely disinterested in the speeches and parades they endure, Obama delivers speeches as if viewers are his dear old friends and walks the parade route as if out for a Sunday stroll just to visit the neighbors — all 1.8 million of them packing D.C. However, the inaugural address was something of a departure from Obama’s usual image, in that it focused more on America’s past than on the future he has planned for it.

But in doing this, Obama delivered an undeniably powerful reminder of the things that have made this country powerful and peaceful through the ages. He conjured images of selfless sacrifices by soldiers in the defense of our freedoms, of back-breaking labor in the fields and factories of early America and of struggles by the oppressed to gain the freedoms we all deserve. He reminded us not only of our military power, but of our diplomatic prowess and dedication to peace worldwide.

At this point, I actually began considering falling to my knees and weeping.

When it came to our nation’s current affairs, Obama pulled no punches in his speech. He condemned the “greed and irresponsibility” of the companies who contributed to the housing crisis, but reminded us that, as a nation, we had been willing to

Matt Ferguson turn a blind eye to these problems until they directly affected us. He gave a jarring reminder that the rebuilding process falls to all of us, but there is no room for those who “prefer leisure over work.” This is, in no uncertain terms, a call to Americans of all tax brackets to stop assuming someone else can fix the problem and to do what is within our power to help.

In keeping with his global views, he urged us to “no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders,” and to start considering what effects our actions at home are having abroad. In an American society that is largely unaware (or simply uninterested) in the workings of the rest of the world, Obama reminded us that we cannot participate in a global market without considering who is on the other end of the exchange. His call for a larger focus on helping impoverished and starving regions of the world is a far cry from the doctrine of the past four years, which called for either ignoring poorer countries or declaring war on them.

So Democrat, Republican, man, woman, black or white, let this man’s speech and actions on Tuesday be a wake-up call to drag you out of your comfort zones and into the fray. All the best plans and legislation do nothing if We the People aren’t willing to work toward fixing the problems we helped create. Remember, “… greatness is never a given. It must be earned.”

Matt Ferguson is a senior majoring in chemical engineering and is the former chief copy editor of The Crimson White.

MCT Campus

An expected inauguration column Yeah, yeah, I know you’re all rolling your eyes because you’re expecting this to be some typical, liberal “I love Barack Obama” column.

And yeah, this is going to be extremely pro-Obama, but I really hope that you people take a little more out of this.

The media has smothered this election and this presidency beyond belief. Yes, little Miss Liberal and journalism student believes that the media has gone Obamacrazy and has blown things a bit out of proportion. I know that many people are upset about how extravagant Obama’s inauguration festivities are and honestly, I think it’s a little silly that Justin Timberlake claims that the United States is “cool” now that Obama is president.

With that being said, yesterday was an incredible turning point in our nation’s history. As cliché as that is, it’s so true and you all know it.

Those of you who are shaking your head and saying, “He’s only half-black” are absolutely ridiculous. Whether or

How Kurt Warner and Barack Obama are similar

By Trey Irby

America is fast becoming the country of achieved impossibilities. What I mean by this statement is that nowadays, the purely impossible seems to actually happen. We have an African-American President taking the Oath of Office during the week, which you obviously already knew. And then we had the Arizona Cardinals punching a trip to Tampa to fight it out for Vince Lombardi’s legendary trophy in Super Bowl XLIII. Now why does sports play into this? Because President Obama and the Arizona Cardinals are more similar than most would think, and as is often the case, sports is a worthy parallel to current events.

Both the president and the Cardinals ran on the idea of squelching impossibility. Obama had to try to achieve something that had never been achieved before in becoming the first African-American president, and in the Cardinals’ long team history, they never made it to a Super

Bowl. While Barack was hardly an underdog during the election season, he still was doubted and even after some mistakes, he managed to persevere. The Arizona Cardinals only won nine games during their regular season and yet bafflingly beat three teams that should have easily destroyed them.

Of course, there has to be the one man on the team who extols the young president’s virtues, and that man is Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is young, not really brash in any sort of way, but talented. And while everyone estimates that someone or something will stop him — such as Brian Dawkins for Fitzgerald or Jeremiah Wright for Obama — nothing ever seems to derail either of them. Instead, they thrive under pressure situations a lot better than say Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who, despite his ethnicity, might as well represent John McCain because he consistently manages to find ways to fail.

Going into Super Bowl XLIII

also brings the following parallel: the stage is on for Obama and the Cardinals to shine. Obama has to make people believe in change and that his First Hundred Days plan is for real, as the Cardinals have to avoid choking on the biggest stage of them all. They both have to show that they aren’t merely feel-good stories that fail on a national level. Only one is trying to bail us out from a poor economy, and the other is trying to avoid getting sacked by a savage Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

And both of them need our help and support.

So now I lobby for the nation, nay the world, to cheer for the Arizona Cardinals on Super Bowl Sunday for this simple reason. They are our leader and our leader is a football team. Our leader is going to be doubted by proxy of being in the big dance for the first time. So newfound Arizona fans (and Presidential supporters), say it with me, “Yes, we can.”

Trey Irby is a freshman majoring in journalism.

Jessie Landon not you agree with Obama, or like him for that matter, you have to admit to yourself that this is an incredible step for our country.

I felt obligated to write about his inauguration because it’s so monumental, but now that I’ve begun researching and writing, I’ve become really inspired and, well, motivated. Obama has said many times that we cannot depend solely on the government to make the change he is promising.

Here is his call to action: “And if you do stand up, I

promise you that your life will be richer, and our country will be stronger. We need your service, right now, in this moment — our moment — in history. I’m not going to tell you what your role should be; that’s for you to discover.

But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history. I am asking you to change history’s course.”

I don’t doubt that a lot of you think Obama is just leaving all the change on our shoulders so that way he doesn’t have to live up to his promises. I’m going to disagree with you — big surprise right? I think Obama has challenged us to help unite us. If we all work together to make change in this country, then we will be the most united nation in the world, and isn’t that what the United States should be about? At least Obama isn’t pretending he can produce all his promised change alone. I appreciate that he is including us in, quite honestly, this time of need.

So people, I’ve said it before,

and I’m going to say it again.

We are the ones who can make a change in our world.

This can be a new beginning for everyone and we are the ones who can ignite change for everyone.

I really wish that everyone would join together with this change. It is inevitable now.

It doesn’t matter if you didn’t vote for Obama; he’s the president now. Get used to it. Instead of bashing Obama and finding every negative thing about him, try to find something positive to look forward to. I think all of you can find something, yes something, you like about him.

We can come together guys. Let’s work together and make these changes that are necessary. I know, I know, cut the hippie dippie crap, but I mean it. Change is coming whether you like it or not, so you should embrace it and grow with it, just like the rest of the country.

Jessie Landon is a junior majoring in journalism. Her column runs on Wednesdays.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Israeli policy critics not anti-Semite

Israel treats Palestinian civilians and Arab citizens of Israel, it is simply a rational reaction to what some view to

By Christopher Scott be an abuse of human rights.

Making sense of the ethiI was somewhat alarmed cal issues raised in the by a cartoon that ran in one Palestinian-Israeli conflict of last week’s editions of The is difficult enough as it is.

Crimson White which depict- Blanket statements accused Israelis being targeted by ing those who raise concerns two waves of missiles, one about Israeli policies of being bearing the name Hamas anti-Semites will only hinder and the other Global Anti- any progress towards peace.

Semitism.

The latest episode in Christopher Scott is a sophothe recently concluded more majoring in religious Palestinian-Israeli conflict studies and philosophy. has shown us that antiSemitism is still a problem.

However, an all too common to respond attitude that equates any How accusation of wrongdoing on to a letter in The the Israeli government’s part CW: Now with less with an attack on the ethnic effort! or religious Jewish identity is absurd.

By Darwin Witt Is the criticism of the Patriot Act that is so prevaDear [Robin Rains], I lent in the media evidence of prejudice against Caucasians, wasn’t sure if my response as the policy was enacted to your [opinion] of [letters] under a white president? Of in the [Jan. 15] edition of The course not. Like much of the Crimson White should be criticism of the way in which [funny] or [offensive] at your

lack of [correspondence] knowledge. Laugh at me if you will for calling it that; [your opinion] proves how little you know and is a perfect example of what you call “[narcissism].”

My first problem is you spouting off on a subject you know nothing about.

Instead of researching [correspondence], you decided your ideas held water. The [correspondence] is [communication]. Just ask [literate people] who have read [Dave Folk’s columns]. [Structured argument] is [her] fantasy.

You disagreeing or thinking the [correspondence] is dumb is one thing, but completely debasing it because you did absolutely no research is ridiculous. People who read the column understood [structured discussion] for what it was: [wishful thinking].

So please, next time you want to grace us with your knowledge, don’t.

Darwin Witt is a freshman majoring in computer science.

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Editorial Board

Corey Craft Editor Phil Owen Managing Editor Kelli Abernathy Chief Copy Editor

James Jaillet Production Editor Breckan Duckworth Design Editor Paul Thompson Opinions Editor

Letters to the editor must be less than 200 words and guest columns less than 500. Send submissions to cwopinions@gmail.com. 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. For more information, call 348-6144. The CW reserves the right to edit all submissions.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

5

Inauguration Day

CW | Martha Gravlee

AP | Mark Wilson

AP | Alex Brandon Above Left: Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States Tuesday, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Top Right: A sign is held up by a member of the crowd that gathered in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Above Right: President Barack Obama waves as he walks down Pennsylvania Avenue on his way to the White House in Washington Tuesday.

Left: People cheer in front of the Washington Monument Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony.

Right: The inauguration ceremony played all day in the Ferguson Center Tuesday.

CW | Martha Gravlee

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LIFESTYLES

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Ryan Mazer • Editor

6

ryan.mazer@cw.ua.edu

MOVIE REVIEW | MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D

3-D thriller a blood-soaked gimmick

By Peterson Hill Contributing Writer “My Bloody Valentine 3D” is a gimmick, but as far as gimmicks go, it’s a pretty good one, playing with the third dimension of film with leaping graces of comedy and horror in equal measure.

Granted, not everyone likes horror or 3-D, so Patrick Lussier’s visually flourished film that harkens back to the ’80s is likely to develop a type of cult following.

This remake of the 1981 film begins with clips of a coal mine that collapsed and the one survivor of the event, who goes on a gruesome killing spree before being shot and killed in the mines. From there, the movie leaps forward to the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.

Tom Hanniger (Jensen Ackles) comes back to town to sell the mine after his father has died. He was also one of the only people who survived the gruesome attack all those years ago. Once Tom gets back into town, the murders start again.

The sheriff of the town, Axel Palmer (Kerr Smith), is an old friend of Tom’s who is convinced he’s the killer. But does he only think that because his wife, Sarah (Jamie King), used to be in love with Tom? The investigation begins while the grisly murders continue and the list of suspects

gets wider for the cops and very narrow for the audience.

Is it the miner who everyone thought was dead? Is it Tom, or is it Sheriff Palmer?

Of course the movie is ripe with clichés, yet it sees the clichés as a way to have fun with the camera. Take the scene where an eyeball lodges onto the miner’s pike ax. Yes, this has been seen before, but never in 3-D, which sends the eyeball flying at the audience. Or take the sexpot who is doomed to be slain in the nude. There is only one place that would be appropriate for her to die and she most assuredly meets that grim fate.

The screenplay by Todd Farmer and Zane Smith effectively does the job it sets out to do. Nothing more, nothing less.

Patrick Lussier is probably having more fun behind the camera than any director working today. He capitalizes on every opportunity to make blood pop out at the audience or a pick ax to fly towards your eyes. This isn’t a Scorsese or Spielberg film, but it isn’t trying to be. This is pop entertainment to the utmost degree.

Of course the actors can have some fun with their work here. They don’t have to control emotions or be constrained by a need to turn this into high drama. Because this isn’t trying to do anything but gross you out and make you

Jensen Ackles, on the trail of a killer, finds evidence in a valentine in “My Bloody Valentine 3-D,” playing now at the Cobb Hollywood 16.

laugh.

It looks like 3-D is making a comeback. After being wildly popular in the ’80s, it seems to have found a resurgence of popularity. I have never been a huge fan of 3-D as a mass market, but it is fun to experience every once in a while.

Do I want to see every horror in 3-D? God no. That would be brutal and almost agonizing. But every once in a while, it’s fun to just sit back and shut your brain off.

rottentomatoes.com

‘My Bloody Valentine 3-D’ Director: Patrick Lussier Starring: Kerr Smith, Jamie King, Jensen Ackles

Run time: 101 minutes MPAA rating: R CW critic’s rating:

Bottom line: Although filled with horror movie clichés, the 3-D gimmick of “My Bloody Valentine 3-D” offers a fun, thrilling ride.

ALBUM REVIEW | ‘MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION’

Animal Collective’s latest is great

By Trey Irby Contributing Writer If there’s one problem with the Internet and the blogosphere being used as hype tools for music, it’s that they almost always build something up to a standard it could never reach.

Last year, Vampire Weekend was built as the best new group of 2008, only for listeners to not care when they released a new

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song for an okay indie romantic comedy (October 2008’s, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”).

But there’s no feeling quite like the one when the hype is met, as is the case from Animal Collective’s latest studio release, “Merriweather Post Pavilion.”

Well, technically, not all of the hype was met on this record, as it’s kind of hard to call it one of the best records of all time when it’s likely to not be the best record of 2009. However, it is extremely likely to be the best record of winter 2009 by a wide margin.

Animal Collective is a group of guys who met in random locations (Maryland, New York and Portugal), each with pretty interesting stories that probably have nothing to do with the making of this record other than showing that the group’s members are probably nicely eccentric individuals.

It is centered around two vocalists, one named Avery Tare and another named Panda Bear, but it’s the latter of the who’s the most fascinating element of the band. He brings a 1960s Beach Boys style to a group committed to arty experimentation. His

guardian.co.uk Animal Collective released their new album, titles ʻMerriweather Post Pavilion,ʼ on Jan. 20. voice simply adds a pop sound that makes what could be completely indecipherable songs into ones that are varied and enjoyable.

And on “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” his voice drives the experimentation to make sense.

He doesn’t make or break the fine music on the album, but he makes it mean something.

“Merriweather Post Pavilion” opens with a track called, “In the Flowers,” and from the onset, this album is contradictory. There’s clear experimentation with sound, but it feels incredibly controlled. The band enjoys quirky sound, but also the pop hook.

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And in its weird sort of way, it’s almost arena rock-esque. This is Animal Collective’s version of Bon Jovi, although unalike in sound and much more creative.

However, both are bands whose material is made better by the live experience. As great as “Merriweather Post Pavilion” is to listen to in a recorded format, it probably gets all the better at the actual Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The album’s only weakness comes in maybe a couple of songs. “Daily Routine” isn’t the best and neither is “Guys Eyes.”

But there isn’t much weakness here. Animal Collective has made an album that’s oddly accessible — in comparison to their other records, of course.

However, unlike many “accessible” records, “Post Pavilion” doesn’t lose what brought Animal Collective to the dance, so to speak. They just add a hook. Nothing else about their experimentation really changes, except that it’s more refined and tuned.

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CW critic’s rating:

Bottom line: Simply put, “Merriweather Post Pavilion” is a great record, and at this early point, anything resembling greatness is a wonderful sign for the year to come.

The Crimson White

SPORTS

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

7

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Emery key to Tide’s success

By Cyrus Ntakirutinka Sports Reporter The Alabama women’s tennis team is off to a good start in their spring season with the success in large part due to the play of sophomore Meritt Emery.

Emery has worked hard to improve her game since the fall season started, and her play in the past months has caught the coaching staff ’s attention.

“Since school started in August I have seen great improvement in her game,” assistant coach Rahim Esmail said. “I have seen Meritt play for the last couple years, so I had a pretty good idea of the level of where she was at and

what needed to work on. She has made great improvements in the last couple months.”

Emery has made her presence felt on the team by showing strong dedication to her performance on the court.

Senior Shelly Godwin, Emery’s doubles’ partner, said she has seen the impact of Emery’s mind-set.

“She came in the fall with an attitude that she was going to get better and was going to do whatever it took,” Godwin said. “Her attitude affected and spread through the whole team. Everybody got on board with the way she was thinking. She is leading even as a sophomore. She has come a long way, not just on the tennis court but in the weight

room, running and even in the classroom, she has really stepped it up.”

Emery feels her drive and competitive spirit dates back to the end of last spring season.

“After last season we all wanted to work our butts off and do the very best that we could,” Emery said. “As a team, our main goal is to go into the NCAA tournament and win a couple rounds. Over Christmas we set goals for us to achieve during the week.

You could tell the first day we came back that we all lived up to those goals and we all got better over Christmas.”

The Tide’s success has been a group effort, which has given the coaches a reason to raise

expectations for all players.

“It’s pretty high for all of them,” Esmail said. “Definitely high expectations for [Meritt].

We have quite a young team and she is only a sophomore but that’s middle of the pack on our team. A lot of the players on the team, especially Meritt, hold a certain type of leadership that this team needs.”

Emery faced strong competition in the fall campaign with five wins in singles’ matches.

The spring season will bring more obstacles for Emery, obstacles Esmail feels she can get through.

“I think she is going to have a really good season,” Esmail UA | Courtney Davies said. “I also think she is she can definitely be a key component Sophomore Meritt Emery prepares to hit the ball at the Roberta Alison Fall Classic. Emery has become one of the leaders for to our success.” the Crimson Tide in only her second season.

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SPORTS

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

TODAY • Men’s Basketball vs Ole Miss, 7 p.m.

Greg Ostendorf • Editor

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

• Women’s

Basketball at Auburn, 8 p.m.

• Gymnastics

at Georgia, 7:30 p.m.

8

crimsonwhitesports@gmail.com

MEN’S BASKETBALL

SOFTBALL

Steele out, Transition the point

Tide begins spring practice

By Greg Ostendorf Sports Editor

leader Ronald Steele is done for the year, and the team looks to be headed toward It’s the same old story for another mediocre season head coach Mark Gottfried without any aspirations of and the Alabama men’s bas- making the Big Dance.

Steele, who missed all of ketball team.

For the second straight sea- last season while recovering son, senior point guard and from surgeries in both knees,

his last two games was not the career-high in points he put up, but instead was the six turnovers he had in the Auburn game.

At 6 foot 5 inches, he may not seem like a true point guard, but he’s learning on the fly what it takes to run the team. His 20-point performances last week made many believe he has a score-first mentality, but he’s just taking what the defense gives him.

“I don’t really look to score, to be honest, but the defense didn’t really give me a choice because they don’t really help off [Gee and Hillman] since they’re both having a great season,” Torrance said.

“Usually when they do help I’ll kick it out to them because I know they can make that shot.”

“For me, I just need to continue to try and get open shots for them and get them going.”

Gottfried said he knows it is a process that takes time, and that it is not easy to find that balance when you have somebody new running the point.

“When your personnel changes, the way you play changes,” he said. “It would be like if you have a great throwing quarterback, and you switch quarterbacks, you may not throw as much, it just depends on your personnel.”

Alabama will look to bounce back at home tonight when the Tide takes on Ole Miss in a key SEC West match up.

Both teams are dealing with injuries to star players, and both desperately need a conference win.

By Will Barry Senior Sports Reporter The Alabama softball team hit the field for their first official spring practice of 2009 last Monday.

All 18 players reported for spring practice including the 11 returning letter winners and 2008 All-Americans Brittany Rogers, Charlotte Morgan, Kelley Montalvo and Kelsi Dunne.

The Crimson Tide is coming off of their deepest run into the Women’s College World Series in program history and while no goals have been set yet for the 2009 season, the standard for performance has been, and the team has been ranked third in the nation in the USA Today/ NFCA poll.

“I think we’re just trying to play at the highest level possible and play at our potential every time we go out no matter who we’re playing,” head coach Patrick Murphy said. “No matter the name on the other jersey, we want to play to our potential. No extreme roller coaster rides. No ups, no downs. Just play at a steady level all the way through.”

The Tide did that last fall in their Fall Brawl I and II tournaments held in Tuscaloosa where they went 6-0 while beating a South Alabama team that they will play in their first tournament of the spring.

The tournaments were also an opportunity for the team to take a look at what the future will look like and what they can improve on when spring practice hits.

“I think base running has been one of our big keys so far,”

Murphy said. “We just want to be [a] more aggressive base running team and get as many bases out of every opportunity that we can and not just settle for the obvious one in front of us, but try to get an advantage and go for two bases every time we get an opportunity.”

The Tide returns five seniors to this year’s team who have all been on multiple trips to the Women’s College World Series and have had an impact during spring practice.

“All five bring something different to the table,” Murphy said.

“We have vocal leaders. We have leaders by example. All of them did a great job in the classroom again. They’re just great representatives of Alabama and the softball program.”

As the Tide prepares to open their season, the seniors will see significant playing time and have opportunities to lead.

“It’s very rare for a team to have five seniors who also play a lot,” Murphy said. “So I think it’s going to be a fun year in terms of their contributions and their leadership. They’ve all really come a long, long way since they’ve been here too.”

The Tide will have six true freshmen on their roster this season as they begin making names for themselves.

“I think the freshmen are going to do a great job,” Murphy said. “Most of them came back in pretty good shape again. They’re just really good kids too on top of being good softball players.”

Alabama starts their season on Saturday, Feb. 7 as they take on Northwestern State in the South Alabama Kickoff Classic in Mobile, Ala.

0802638

CW | Drew Hoover Sophomore Mikhail Torrance has already helped share the duties of point guard since Ronald Steeleʼs injury. Now with Steele leaving the team, even more will be asked of Torrance.

will forgo his senior season according to Gottfried, who announced Steele’s decision Tuesday night. The point guard has been suffering from a foot injury and missed the Tide’s last two games.

In those two games, Alabama lost on the road to rivals Mississippi State and Auburn. While the team as a whole struggled, Steele’s replacement at point guard, sophomore Mikhail Torrance, shined.

Torrance scored a careerhigh 20 points in just 22 minutes against the Bulldogs and bested that with a 24-point performance in the loss to Auburn.

“We really like Mikhail at the point guard,” sophomore Senario Hillman said. “He’s done a really good job. We’ve just got to play with him. He really isn’t much different from Ron. He just plays hard, and I like that about him.”

Even with the two breakout games from Torrance, it hasn’t produced wins for the Tide. The team has looked out of sync on both ends of the floor, and the two guys who carried them to this point, Hillman and Alonzo Gee, have both struggled.

“The team has to get in a rhythm,” Gottfried said. “I think what we have to do is try to use Mikhail Torrance’s strength, which is penetrating and driving. But you don’t want to do that so much at the expense that now you’re really not running some of things you used to run that was helping Alonzo and Senario so much.”

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