WEEKEND EDITION | OCTOBER 8, 2015 VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 24
SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
#CWHomecoming
3 Homecoming Take a look through CW archive photos from Homecomings of the past.
7 Moundville Moundville will host its 27th annual Native American Festival and will host a variety of events based in song, dance, art and games in a celebration of Native American heritage.
12 Swimming Junior swimmer Alex Gray takes on his third year with the Crimson Tide and looks to his future as he works toward the U.S. Olympic team.
Dames, see them rollin’ By Sam West | Staff Reporter
Ebola Lola glided around the curve of the skating rink, exhausted. She was attempting a grueling initiation rite to join the Druid City Dames – completing 27 laps on a regulation track in under five minutes. Time was running out, and Lola had only one lap remaining between her and the finish line. The whole room began to cheer and shout encouragement at the athlete. Feeding off the energy of the crowd, Lola pushed herself and finished her final lap just under the buzzer. The room filled with applause. She had surmounted the most difficult part of her training and was well on her way to being able to compete with Tuscaloosa’s only roller derby league.
This team, the Druid City Dames, is just a few months old. They lack a practice space of their own and have yet to be recognized by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, but they have the camaraderie and spirit of a group that’s been around for years. “When they first started here, I went to the first meeting at Druid City [Brewery], and it was like finding 35 friends,” said Heidi Benstead, who goes by “Ebola Lola.” “You’re going to hear a lot of that – ‘Derby saved my life!’ But it’s the most amazing and positive group.” The Dames were started by Megan Gunter, known on the rink as Valhallaback Girl. Before founding Tuscaloosa’s team, she commuted to Birmingham to be a part of their group, the Tragic City
Rollers. She decided to gauge local interest in the sport on Facebook and received a surprising number of responses. Through social media, Gunter met Kelly Wolfe, also known as “Assault E. Senorita” or “Salty” for short, who now acts as the team’s coach. Before the team can even think about taking on opponents, they have to meet a certain number of requirements laid out by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. These tests include the speed challenge Ebola Lola passed earlier in the night. Wolfe thus spends most of a practice drilling players on these skills. “Even in the two months and a week and a half that we’ve been doing this, we can already see skill levels starting to expand from one level
of the spectrum to the other,” she said. As a coach, Wolfe strikes a balance between stern and friendly. She’s more comfortable skating than I am walking, gliding effortlessly between groups of women to correct their mistakes as well as encourage them. An important part of the sport’s culture are players’ roller derby nicknames. In practice and competition, a skater becomes her alter ego and doesn’t go by her street name at all. These handles are usually designed to be tough- or clever-sounding. A few other skaters I met had monikers like Apocalyptic J, Edgy Thrashgood, and Slaughterhouse V. But for all its humor, competition roller derby has a surprisingly complex series of rules. It involves two teams SEE DAMES PAGE 6
INSIDE briefs 2 news 3 opinions 4 culture 6 sports 9
CONTACT email editor@cw.ua.edu website cw.ua.edu twitter @TheCrimsonWhite
2
THURSDAY October 8, 2015 VISIT US ONLINE
cw.ua.edu
facebook The Crimson White
instagram thecrimsonwhite
twitter @TheCrimsonWhite
cw.ua.edu P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Sean Landry editor@cw.ua.edu
print managing editor digital managing editor features editor visuals editor
Peyton Shepard Kelly Ward Alyx Chandler Melanie Viering
opinions editor
Leigh Terry
chief copy editor
Alexis Faire
news editor
Elizabeth Elkin
culture editor
Matthew Wilson
sports editor
Kayla Montgomery
photo editor
Layton Dudley
multimedia editor community manager social media editor lead designer
Patrick Maddox
Colin Burwinkel Kylie Cowden
Emanuel Adelson (205) 223-5578 cwadmanager@gmail.com
territory manager
Dee Griffin (334) 349-2473 territorymanager1@gmail.com
special projects manager
Michael Lollar (205) 317-7992 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
creative services manager
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dominique Taylor
ADVERTISING advertising manager
SCENE ON CAMPUS Jasmine Jones, a freshman majoring in photography from Montgomery sketches on the Quad Wednesday afternoon. CW / Shelby Akin.
Mille Eiborg (205) 614-1457 cwcreativemanager@gmail.com
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 two 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 © 2015 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.
ABOUT THE COVER
Graduation supplies sale WHAT: Graduation Celebration WHEN: Thursday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. WHERE: Ferguson Student Center
Humanities lecture WHAT: Creating Digital Editions of Historical Texts: Professor Jane Calvert WHEN: Thursday, 4-5 p.m. WHERE: Room 109A Gorgas Library
Department of Education presentation WHAT: Race, Poverty and Schooling in Democratic South Africa presented by Dr. Berte Van Wyk WHEN: Thursday, 5-7 p.m. WHERE: 118 Graves Hall
Meditation session WHAT: Sacred Sounds WHEN: Thursday, 7-9 p.m. WHERE: 3300 Ballroom Ferguson Student Center
Heritage concert WHAT: Latino Heritage Month Concert WHEN: Thursday, 7:30-9 p.m. WHERE: 125 Concert Hall Moody Music Building
University Programs game night
The Druid City Dames, a Tuscaloosa-based roller derby team, provides local women with an opportunity to unleash their competitive sides. CW / Shelby Akin
WHAT: Family Feud WHEN: Thursday, 8-10 p.m. WHERE: Theatre Ferguson Student Center
Discussion session WHAT: Becoming a Digital Humanist: Informal Discussion, Professor Jane Calvert WHEN: Friday, 10-11 a.m. WHERE: Room 109A Gorgas Library
Faculty Workshop WHAT: How to Speak with a Program Officer WHEN: Friday, Noon-1 p.m. WHERE: G54 Rose Administration
Honors College interest session WHAT: Nicaragua Clinical Experience WHEN: Friday, Noon-1 p.m. WHERE: 280 Nott Hall
American History workshop WHAT: “Astride the Color Line: Opportunities and Limitations for Free Blacks in an Antebellum Deep South City” by Callie Rhodes WHEN: Friday, 3-4 p.m. WHERE: 251 ten Hoor Hall
Creative Campus event WHAT: Art in the Park WHEN: Sunday, 2-5 p.m. WHERE: Snow Hinton Park
Player autographs WHAT: Homecoming Honorary Game Captains Antoine Caldwell and Roy Upchurch WHEN: Saturday, 2:30-3:30 p.m. WHERE: Paul W. Bryant Museum
OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS “Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.” From statute 36.12.40 of the Code of Alabama
UAPD REQUEST REQUEST: Documents related to an ongoing UAPD internal investigation, first reported to The Crimson White in February 2015 BY: Sean Landry TO: Deborah Lane, associate vice president for the University relations REQUEST DATE: Feb. 19, 2015 STATUS: Ongoing, pending conclusion of investigation
ADMINSTRATION REQUEST REQUEST: Any and all emails, memorandums and internal communications sent to or from UA Administratiors regarding the song “Dixieland Delight” BY: Kayla Montgomery TO: Deborah Lane REQUEST DATE: Aug. 19, 2015 STATUS: “There are no records responsive to your request.”
3
Editor | Elizabeth Elkin newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Thursday, October 8, 2015
A look back at Homecomings past Mortar Board members selling mums to benefit scholarships funds.
1964 Homecoming Queen Rebecca Dyar with a bull dog.
Fireworks behind Denny Chimes during Homecoming festivites.
The Homecoming Committee
1970
1967 Sorority sisters making signs and pomping.
Photos courtesy of the Hoole Special Collections Library.
Get r eady to r
oast
the for H omec oming !
hogs
Located on the strip · 1218 University Blvd. 205-752-2990 · www.locker-room.biz
4
Editor | Leigh Terry opinions@cw.ua.edu Thursday, October 8, 2015
COLUMN | HOMECOMING
Time to consider UA legacy By Samantha Rudelich | Staff Columnist
CW / Marguerite Powers
COLUMN | ENVIRONMENT
Alabama ranked low on environmental spending By Kyle Simpson | Staff Columnist
When people think of hubs of environmental diversity, they likely think of places like the Amazon rainforest, tropical islands or other distant, faraway places. However, many do not realize the state of Alabama is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the United States – it’s perhaps our state’s best-kept secret. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is home to over 300 species of birds and 120 species of freshwater fish. Despite our unique place as one of the most ecologically rich states in the U.S., Alabama falls woefully short in maintaining our resources. Alabamians need to recognize the incredible wealth of plant and animal life we have in our state, and we need to ensure that this diversity is preserved. Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia is an example of what happens when unfettered human development is allowed to destroy ecosystems. Over 15 million people live in the bay’s watershed, and that strain has led to enormous species loss, pollution and overall environmental degradation. Once a rich center of ecological and economic wealth for the region, hypoxic dead zones in the water, caused by pollution, kill millions of fish, plants and other marine life every year. After nearly 80 percent of surrounding forests had been removed or damaged by the late 20th century, the area has scrambled to
reverse the damage done. The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta watershed is home to less than a third of the population of the Chesapeake, but the South has experienced rapid population growth relative to the rest of the country. As Alabama’s population grows, more and more strain will be put on our state’s natural resources, and it’s alarming our state government seems to doing nothing about it. In a Wallethub.com ranking of 2015’s most eco-friendly states, Alabama ranks 46th out of 50. The ranking weighs both pollution rates and eco-friendly policies, and it’s concerning that the state with the most to lose is ranked near the bottom. There’s a strong chance this is the reason we’re ranked so low – the state ranks 49th in environmental spending per capita, and 57% of that spending was cut between 2008 and 2012. Combine this with barebones regulations on many of the state’s manufacturing industries, and you have a recipe for disaster, ecologically speaking. These foreboding statistics have already resulted in real world effects – Alabama is now the home of the most extinction events in the country, with species of rare freshwater fish and crustaceans dying out every single year. It’s believed the last Alabama sturgeon may have died in 2013. Mobile Bay’s famous jubilees are happening with more and more frequency and result in more dead fish than before, indicating a more unhealthy, hypoxic environment in the water, potentially caused by
pollution upstate. By no means is it too late to save the richness of Alabama’s wildlife and natural resources, but it’s time for Alabamians and our state representatives to take this issue more seriously. Chesapeake Bay, among other examples in our country, shows what happens when environmental degradation goes too far. It’s vitally important that we work to keep “Alabama the Beautiful” just that. Kyle Simpson is a junior majoring in biology. His column runs weekly.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly States 1. Vermont 2. Oregon 3. New York 4. Minnesota 5. Massachussets 6. Washington 7. New Hampshire 8. Rhode Island 9. Connecticut 10. Hawaii Bottom 10 Eco-Friendly States 41. Wyoming 42. Oklahoma 43. Delaware 44. Arkansas 45. West Virginia 46. Alabama 47. Indiana 48. Kentucky 49. Texas 50. Louisiana wallethub.com
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Sean Landry editor-in-chief Alyx Chandler features editor Peyton Shepard print managing editor Melanie Viering visuals editor Kelly Ward digital managing editor Alexis Faire chief copy editor Leigh Terry opinions editor
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. The Crimson
White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor. The opinions contained on this page do not represent the editorial position of The Crimson White Media Group.
With homecoming right around the corner, there will be a herd of alumni in Tuscaloosa this week. They come back every year to enjoy tailgating on the Quad and to relive their days as an undergraduate. This year’s homecoming will be one of my last, and soon I will be joining our extensive alumni network. This realization has left me wondering if my time spent at the University will be something I’ll look back on with fondness or frustration. It’s easy to get bogged down with working on school, participating in clubs and preparing for post-grad life, but what happens to this university once we leave? It seems as though the University’s future doesn’t affect us, but our ability to reach postgrad success is directly tied to our university’s reputation. However, we seem unconcerned with how our university as a whole appears to the public. The headlines about us overwhelmingly pertain to our oligarchical politics and racist culture. These articles consistently point out systemic problems on campus we need to start proactively addressing in order for us to truly live up to our creed. We must shift our own singular interests to include benefiting our classmates and the future of our college. Our decisions should take into account ways to make campus a better, more inclusive space than ever before. Homogeneity of thought and action is, at best, dull, and at its worst, positively stifling. We progress, as a whole, by encouraging diverse voices to be heard. Our university’s reputation should not be an obstacle we need to overcome in order to find success. The heartwarming pride for this university need not be consistently tested by the disheartening decisions made by a minority of our students. It’s difficult to face the reality of our current campus mentality as an undergraduate, but our university’s reputation continuing this way is completely unacceptable. It’s unreasonable for us to expect when we come back, students will suddenly start working together in an honest manner unless we start this process today. Samantha Rudelich is a junior majoring in business management. Her column runs biweekly.
Last Week’s Poll: Should Congress pass stricter gun control laws? (Yes: 54%) (No: 46%) This Week’s Poll: Did you vote for Homecoming queen? cw.ua.edu/poll
5 Your resume does not define who you are OPINIONS Thursday, October 8, 2015
By Will Sorrell | Staff Columnist
People often say, “Your life is the sum of all of your experiences.” This is a lie. As the autumnal breeze swept the pillared clouds across the Tuscaloosa sky Thursday afternoon, I found myself hunkered in the corner of the Ferguson Starbucks. I did not enjoy a pumpkin spice latte nor the indiehipster playlist resounding above. My keyboard and my monitor were my companions. In the climate of the day, in the stillness of the moment, I stared at the 8.5” by 11” page I had created, crafted and conquered over the past three autumns: my resume. As I stretched margins, shifted fonts and swapped phrasings, my mind and chest flooded with wisps and whispers. “Have I set myself apart enough from other applicants to jobs and grad schools?” “Have I challenged myself and grown enough to justify my college experience?” “Am I enough?” It’s a slippery slope and a tumultuous tumble: the comparison game. A harmless glance at the accomplishments of others as a way of gauging
your own success can escalate into a fundamental inquisition of your identity faster than a sopping-wet Georgia fan can exit Sanford Stadium. Each of the four years in the culture of higher education seems implicitly poised to channel students in the right direction while incidentally stifling their development. Freshman year: find yourself. Explore, risk, wander, seek, l e ap , dance, crash, sprint. Take it all in. You’ll never get the wonder back. Sophomore year: align yourself. Narrow, deepen, study, contribute, climb, become, walk. Avoid the vanilla. You’ll never get the calmness back. Junior year: refine yourself. Commit, persevere, own, create, overcome, concentrate, stride. Become a leader. You’ll never get the comingof-age back. Senior year: define yourself. Apply, weigh, accept, rest, bask, glory, run at whatever pace the day demands,
but never stop moving. Be who you were born to be. You’ll never get the dominance back. While these ideologies do not come printed in a pamphlet at Bama Bound, they appear to be the rat race made manifest at the University. Co l l e g e provides the breeding ground for the oddest of deceptions. We rush between children and adults, students and masters, creatives and executives, yet we are all and none all at once. This is a time for finding, aligning, refining and defining, but not of ourselves. We should find passion in college, but accept that it’s okay if we don’t find a calling. We should align with ideas and causes in college, but accept that it’s okay if we don’t align with something that recreates us. We should refine our minds, hearts and souls in college, but accept that it’s okay if we don’t finish the process by the time we don a cap and gown. We should define what we stand
We rush between children and adults, students and masters, creatives and executives, yet we are all and none all at once.
upon and stand against in college, but accept that it’s okay if we change our life plan along the way. Amidst the overstimulating, breakneck race to determine and remember what we should be doing at the given moment, we begin to ask who we are at all. And when questions of identity surface, we necessarily ask ourselves in the most hushed of tones, “If I discover who I am, will it be enough?” The 37,000 of us could fill 500 columns of 500 words in answering this question, but let’s settle one thing once and for all. You are not defined by your resume. You are not defined by your accomplishments. You are not defined by your college experience. So every once in a while, sit in the corner of Starbucks. Watch the fountain shimmer in the plaza. Soak in the lyrics of Hozier and the scent of dark roast cold-brew. Crumple the mental to-do list and the resume in your padfolio and rest in the fact that the work you are doing is enough. Your life is not the sum total of anything. Your life is who you are, and who you are is enough. Will Sorrell is a senior majoring in finance. His column runs biweekly.
6 Druid City Dames continue to grow program Editor | Matthew Wilson culture@cw.ua.edu Thursday, October 8, 2015
DAMES FROM PAGE 1
of five: three blockers, one jammer and one pivot. You score points by having your jammer pass members of the opposing team. The blockers play both offense and defense, assisting the jammer and preventing the members of the other team from scoring. Contrary to the popular belief, it’s not permitted to roughhouse or attempt to knock people over. You can bump a player’s side, but using your hands or elbows to hit is a foul. “Everyone thinks of the 1970s movies with violence, or they’ll think everyone wears tutus and fishnets, and that’s really not the case,” said Julianne Davenport, also known as “Dolldemort.” Davenport is a non-skating official who is helping the Dames prepare to compete under regulation. Roller derby is still a contact sport, and tumbling over seems to be common. Every Druid City Dame competes and practices in full protective gear. Players are also taught to jump and land while skating so they can leap over fallen competitors during the heat of a match. Davenport said she thinks roller derby is popular because there are few competitive sports for women. To her, the game strikes the right balance
between rivalry and friendship. “It’s competitive for women, but it’s not tearing-you-apart competitive,” she said. “Really, how many organizations are for women to go out and be tough and still be cool with each other?” However, the future of the Dames seems to be up in the air. They’re currently practicing at the YMCA, but at the end of the month, their space will be given over to local basketball, leaving the team without a home. “We’re looking for a new location, and if we don’t find one, we’re going to have to be playing in parking lots,” said Gunter. “I always said, if we have to play in parking lots, we’ll play in parking lots.” The team has begun the search for a new location but hasn’t yet found the right one. Even in the worst case scenario that they have nowhere to turn, Wolfe still feels they’ve accomplished a lot during their time together. “We have some girls who are stronger than they ever would have been if they had not started roller derbying,” she said. “They know how to be a part of a team, they know fitness, they know endurance … everybody’s much stronger for it.” The group is still hopeful,
In order for the Druid City Dames to take on opponents, they have to meet a certain number of requirements laid out by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. CW / Shelby Akin
however. Wolfe said that her dream scenario would be for the Dames to own their own space and be able to compete on the same level as Birmingham’s team. “I want to be bigger than
OUR FUNDS HAVE A RECORD LIKE A BROKEN RECORD. TIAA-CREF: Lipper’s Best Overall Large Fund Company three years in a row. For the first time ever. How? Our disciplined investment strategy aims to produce competitive risk-adjusted returns that create long-term value for you. Just what you’d expect from a company that’s created to serve and built to perform. 1
Learn more about our unprecedented, award-winning performance at TIAA.org/Perform
Birmingham,” she said. “We’re Tuscaloosa. We’re the Crimson Tide … We’re supposed to have the most awesome roller derby team in the state of Alabama. It’s just supposed to be that way.”
1
The Lipper Awards are based on a review of 36 companies’ 2012 and 48 companies’ 2013 and 2014 risk-adjusted performance.
1
The Lipper Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Return for eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12, 11/30/13, and 11/30/14 respectively. TIAA-CREF was ranked among 36 fund companies in 2012 and 48 fund companies in 2013 and 2014 with at least five equity, five bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For current performance and rankings, please visit the Research and Performance section on tiaa-cref.org. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2015 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America–College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. C24849B
BUILT TO PERFORM. CREATED TO SERVE.
Consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Go to tiaa-cref.org for product and fund prospectuses that contain this and other information. Read carefully before investing. TIAA-CREF funds are subject to market and other risk factors.
7
CULTURE Thursday, October 8, 2015
Moundville
NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL Community celebrates heritage in 27th annual event
The Moundville Native American Festival hosts events ranging from song and dance to art and traditional games. Photo courtesy of University of Alabama Museums- Moundville Archaeological Park By Chandler Padgett | Contributing Writer
The grassy mounds of earth are enigmatic from a distance, towering over the flat Alabama dirt and clay. Approach them in October, and these former Native American villages bustle with activity, ranging from song and dance to art and traditional games, even historical reenactments. Though the mounds date all the way back to 1450 A.D., this year marks the 27th Moundville Native American Festival, and it’s just a short 30-minute drive from Tuscaloosa. These hulking monuments, officially known as the historical Moundville site, set the stage for the annual celebration, which began yesterday and runs through Saturday, Oct. 10. “I knew I was Indian, but I didn’t know what that meant nor at the time did I not know why I had not been instilled with the pride I now have,” floutist Brad Clonch said. “My dad or my grandmother never talked about our “Indian-ness” even though we were noticeably dark and different. Later I would realize that stereotypes, racism and other factors led them to not passing anything down, as it has done to so many through history. Clonch was gifted a flute one day by a Chickasaw woman, and hasn’t been the same since. Despite being a composer and piano player, he believes playing the Southeastern Indian flute is very different. “Traditional Native American music was played from the heart,” he said. “It wasn’t something that was composed, notated and scored out for others to mass produce much like we think of classical music. It was played from the soul. We still do that today… it is drawn from experiences from the homelands, from history, from our perceptions.” “The festival started in 1989 as part of
the 50th anniversary of the park’s opening, with a small circle of people demonstrated aspects of different cultures such as Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw and Muscogee, specifically Creek and Seminole. “When different cultures make contact with one another, ideas, customs, etc. end up being shared. The cultures of the Southeast are no exception. Take for example what we think of as southern food. Greens, black eyed peas, squash,
cornbread - we wouldn’t have any of those things if we’d never made contact with Native Americans,” said Betsy Irwin, interim director of the park. “In that sense, these things are important parts of Alabama’s heritage.” One of the main performers is awardwinning band Injunuity. Their music blends traditional Native American flute
with modern instruments like drums and guitar, thus their slogan “Not Your Grandfather’s Flute Music.” However, the band members were not always in touch with their native ancestry. “I’m sure our flute music will have evolved and changed,” Clonch said. “From first contact in the 1500s with Spanish … our people have learned to adapt, incorporate, and integrate. We stay true by using our music to tell and weave an experience or connection to the past. To me, that’s honoring our past. That is another reason we decided to call ourselves Injunuity … the modern aspect is combining and integrating other cultural instruments such as the piano, strings, percussion, guitar, etc. At one time thousands of years ago, someone introduced the flute, the drum, and it was “new” and not traditional, but modern and edgy.” Many people today have a distinct idea of what constitutes Native American – headdresses, tipis, and a somewhat ascetic, natural lifestyle among other things. When these are not present or when Native Americans have assimilated into American society through clothing and other aspects, native peoples are dismissed as fakes, or worse. Injunuity seeks to dispel these myths and asserts that adaptation does not mean they have lost who they are, but that they are merely adding their own experiences into their music. Another performer is storyteller and dancer Amy Bluemel, member of the Chickasaw tribe. She grew up hearing traditional stories, then eventually started telling them herself. She emphasizes the importance of retaining this tradition. “Oral history is very important to native people because we didn’t have written languages,” Bluemel said. So a lot of the stories were passed down by elders and we’re still trying to do that and preserve the stories that we still have. A lot of times those stories have a moral to them
… and then I also tell stories about the Trail of Tears or why we wear the clothes we wear … so that you get a broad picture and a little taste of all different things in my stories.” She dances with the Chickasha Hithla stomp dancing group as well, which Bluemel says is very important to Chickasaw society and is some of the oldest dancing done in North America. Bluemel loves coming to Moundville and appreciates the importance of educating others in southeastern native culture. “The energy there is fantastic and the knowledge that this is where the people came from definitely … touches a place in you … I’d say it’s one of my favorite places on the planet,” Bluemel said. “Most of the native people were moved so … even though you have a lot of words that were ours like Tuscaloosa and things like that, people don’t know what they are because there isn’t a native presence there all the time. So I think the festival serves a great deal to the community about what was here before.” Lyndon Alec, a member of the AlabamaCoushatta, is another dancer, famous for his hoop dance. He emphasizes above all the education purpose the festival serves and the differences between each tribe, as well as the expression of his tribe’s culture through his dance. “I enjoy the hoop dance to share our culture … the meaning of hoop dancing is the beautiful creation that God has given us in this world, such as the trees, plants and animals for us to survive,” Alec said. “There are many tribes coming to Moundville to share their history and culture … each tribe is different in their history and what [their] ancestors went through … this is where we come in to educate. It’s an honor to finally see that we as Native Americans are finally recognized all over the world ... speaking for myself, I am humbled and honored that I am a part of Moundville.”
8
NEWS
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Crushin’ it CW / Danielle Parker By Heather Buchanan | Contributing Writer
The city of Tuscaloosa’s new glass pulverizer has yet to be installed, but that hasn’t stopped residents from dropping off nearly 30,000 pounds of glass to be recycled between July 1 and Sept. 20. The environmental services department’s new glass pulverizer is not yet fully operational, but the department estimates it’ll have roughly 30 tons, or 60,000 pounds, of glass to pulverize when it’s time. Ashley Chambers, environmental coordinator for the city of Tuscaloosa, said the machine should be installed by the end of the year. “We’d rather have the glass ready to go rather than plugging in the machine and then waiting,” Chambers said. Tuscaloosa is the first city in Alabama to recycle glass using a pulverizer, Chambers said. The ESD currently has 30,000 pounds of glass waiting in one of the bunkers in the Kauloosa Avenue plant. At this time, glass can only be recycled through the drop-off program. Chambers said this practice is to prevent injury to the collection workers and to keep broken glass out of the streets. For some residents, this precaution may be a roadblock to recycling glass. “As far as I know, glass recycling is only drop-off right now, which is kind of inconvenient,” said Eliza Sheffield, a senior majoring in public relations. “Most people probably don’t care enough to do it [drop off glass], honestly. So I’m not sure if the problem is really with services offered because once they didn’t recycle glass and now they do, and that’s exciting progress.” Sheffield said she participates in the city’s drop-off recycling program, a habit learned from her family’s home in North Carolina. “On one hand, recycling doesn’t really seem to make much difference unless we all do it, but on the other hand, change starts with each of us, so I want to do my part,” Sheffield said. The lack of a local buyer prevented the city from collecting glass since it began recycling in 2000, but the department found out about a county in Florida pulverized glass before selling it. Once processed, Chambers said pulverized glass has many options for reusability. “This stuff is beautiful as landscaping mulch, it’s great as aquarium bed liners, that kind of stuff – that’s awesome,” Chambers said. “We wanted to think more industrial and think about who would use this stuff.” Some concrete companies prefer to reuse glass that is pulverized rather than mine from rock quarries, Chambers said. Julia Whitten, a senior majoring in environmental sciences, said she would also rather reuse products like glass. “I recycle glass because it’s such a useful product and it cuts back on demand for new glass products,” Whitten said. “I’ll do whatever else is possible or makes sense before buying new products – reusing materials, repurposing items and recycling what I won’t reuse.” The moneymaking potential in recycling makes it the ESD’s “sexy” division, according to Chambers.
Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival November 5-15, 2015
“What I think a lot of people miss when it comes to recycling is this stuff has value,” Chambers said. “You know, we’ve got to pay to throw this stuff [garbage] away, but we’ll take recyclables from you for free, and then the city makes money when we go to sell it.” The recycling arm of the department makes roughly the same amount as the garbage division spends, making the ESD one of the only city departments to bring in revenue. For example, Chambers said a bale of reclaimed material brings in an average of $350, but aluminum or steel can bales can be sold for up to $700 or $800. “It’s a win-win-win for the city, and that’s what we’re trying to show the consumers,” Chambers said. The department has had fun with the glass drop-off since it started. Chambers said she can hear the glass drop-offs from inside the ESD building. “Just the other day, we had an older couple who had barrels full [of glass], and I ran down there to give them a little prize or something,” Chambers said. “She was like, ‘I used to do crafts with glass, but I’m just tired of looking at it and I’ve been trying to recycle and I was afraid Target was judging me.’ ” Chambers said one of the next items the ESD might address is collecting glass bottles from Tuscaloosa’s growing bar scene. To Whitten, method isn’t the biggest principle for her. “My thought is, no matter where the actual recycling is being done, at least now this type of recycling has exposure in Tuscaloosa and people may think differently about the way they use and dispose of products and materials,” Whitten said.
University Libraries Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering will be open all home SEC Football Saturday’s 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Gorgas, Bruno, and McLure libraries will be closed. Electronic resources are available 24 hours/ 7 days a week, on or off campus. www.lib.ua.edu
More than 200 Grammy Award-winning songwriters and up-and-coming stars perform original songs in multiple locations across the Gulf Coast during this renowned festival. Attendees enjoy an up-close-and-personal concert experience and often learn the stories behind the songs. Most venues are free to attend; a few charge a modest cover at the door.
FrankBrownSongwriters.com
Bruno • Gorgas • Hoole • McLure • Rodgers
www.lib.ua.edu
9
Editor | Kayla Montgomery sports@cw.ua.edu Thursday, October 8, 2015
Lakareber Abe coming into her own
Lakareber Abe and the Alabama team were named Golfweek’s Player and Team of the Week. UA Athletics By Elliott Propes | Staff Reporter
Lakareber Abe walked off hole 18 at Vanderbilt Legends Club with a score of 12-under par. Not only was it her personal best, but for the first time, she had claimed an individual title. “It was definitely really exciting,” Abe said. “It was unexpected, but it
was fun. At the same time, the team won. I think just the whole weekend overall we had a lot of fun.” Abe won the Mason Rudolph Championship by one stroke over Virginia’s Lauren Coughlin, and it was a battle the entire way. Abe pushed through and won the title and also helped capture the team title over Northwestern by just one
stroke as well. “We won by one shot, and after the tournament, we kind of looked at each other and said there were so many shots; they were like, ‘Oh man if I didn’t make that putt...’ ” junior Cammie Gray said. “But that’s how it is. We have to remember practicing that it can come down to one shot. So each shot we hit is really important.” Both Abe and the Alabama team were named Golfweek’s Player and Team of the Week. Coach Mic Potter said he believed Abe could carry the momentum throughout the season. “She has high expectations,” Potter said. “As long as she doesn’t let that get in the way of her execution on the golf course, she will actually have a great three years.” Abe is actually from Angleton, Texas, and was a highly-touted recruit, ranked No. 3 in her class by Golfweek. She grew up watching her sister, Tezira Abe, play at The University of Texas Austin. Potter said he thought it would be way harder to get Abe to commit to Alabama because of the great programs in Texas and her sister playing at one of them. It worked out for her, though.
“I didn’t really want to stay in Texas at all,” Abe said. “I came on my first visit here- I think it was my first college visit- and I just fell in love with the campus and the coaches, and I met the team a couple of months later and knew it was going to be a hard place to beat.” Abe, as a freshman, completed many feats. She was named to the Southeastern Conference’s AllFreshman team and is just the seventh player in program history to be on that list. Abe also finished second on the team last year with a 75.03 scoring average. “You kind of have expectations in one way when freshmen come in, but at the same time, there is no telling how they are going to pan out,” Gray said. “She’s played well and been a great asset to our team since day one. She’s evolved a lot, and I guess in a way she’s been challenged, too, and she has just taken that in stride.” Abe and Alabama will be traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational. The team has a lot of practice there, playing in the same tournament last year and warming up for regionals there in the spring. “It’s a beautiful course, and if you hit the ball well, it’s a very scoreable golf course,” Potter said. “We’ve shot 29 or 28 under there. If you hit the ball well and you putt the ball well, it’s there.” Potter was referring to 2010 when Alabama had a historic Tar Heel Invitational. The team finished with a 28-under 836 and shot 274 for the second round. The 836 is the best 54-hole total in program history, and the 274 is the best round for a team in program history. Abe said she believes the first tournament gave the team a lot of positives to build on. The outlook on the season, she said, is brighter, and the team looks to carry that momentum to Chapel Hill. “It was fun to get a win in our first event, and it showed how good we could be,” she said. “And we are obviously still working very hard, and we all want to get better at different things. I know that for the girls they haven’t won since 2013, so that was a huge positive as well.”
10 Alex Gray aims for ultimate stage By Matthew Speakman | Staff Reporter
Alex Gray is a towering figure. I found the back of my head touching my spine when making eye contact with the 6-foot-5-inch junior swimmer from Birmingham, Alabama. Size can be intimidating, especially with an athlete, but when you begin to converse with Gray, the intimidation goes away. As we sat in the C.M. Newton Room in Coleman Coliseum, Gray answered questions with a soft smile on his face. His coaches and teammates all say that is a standout characteristic of his disposition. He is always introverted, yet ready to compete, laughing and smiling the majority of the time. “My primary goal is the Olympics,” Gray said. “I want to get to the Olympics.” What makes Alex different is, even though he possesses a soft smile and a quiet attitude, his goals are the opposite. This summer, he was able to swim at nationals for the first time with some of the nation’s best. “He’s generally just a really happy guy,” said B.J. Hornikel, a former teammate and one of Gray’s closest friends. “He brings that to practice, and that makes everybody’s attitude better about practice.” Gray’s relationship with Hornikel is one that has been instrumental in his growth as a swimmer for Alabama. They first met in the summer before Gray’s freshman year. They would practice together, competing and racing, while still trying to make the other one better overall. “We started training, and right away he became a really good training partner,” Hornikel said. “And now through these years he keeps getting better and
Alex Gray ranks fifth all-time at Alabama in 50 freestyle. CW / Amellia Armstrong
better. We have really good sets together, and we always rely on each other in practice.” Alex came to Alabama possessing the raw athletic ability needed to succeed, but what everyone harps on now is his development. His physicality is considered ideal for a swimmer, being tall with a big upper body, but he did not have a lot of proper technique under his belt. Technique is something he has stressed when asked about his swimming ability. From the moment Gray stepped on campus, he began to race Hornikel under the supervision of associate head coach Jonty Skinner. Rarely would Gray ever win these training races against Hornikel. As Gray has improved, he has been able to defeat Hornikel almost every time they race. “Step one his freshman year was just to teach him how to swim,” Skinner said. “Give him a foundation that he could take and go forward.” Even with little experience swimming, Gray got off to a good start early in his career at the University. During
his freshman year, he swam a 20.16 in the 50-meter freestyle at SEC championships. Gray’s success carried over into his sophomore year, where he played a strong role in many of the team’s relay efforts. He was a part of the 200-meter relay team that placed fourth at NCAA. He also swam with the 200-meter relay team that captured an SEC title for the Crimson Tide. Gray’s success in his first two years at Alabama has his coaches believing he can achieve higher goals. “It’s an elite club making the Olympic team, and it’s a semi-elite club to make the national team,” Skinner said. “I really don’t think that is beyond him.” Gray leads by example. When I first spoke to him, I could tell he was not the vocal type that is going to rally the troops with a passionate speech or a physical incitement. He is the quiet, introverted leader who remains cool and composed when dealing with the competition. His leadership comes through performance. This kind of demeanor can throw off an opponent. His humble attitude is how he conducts himself on land. Once he dives in, he is there to win and do his best. “He is a quiet warrior, I would say,” head coach Dennis Pursley said. “His commitment to getting better and his openness to expand and step out of his comfort level to help the team is a positive influence on everybody.”
SPORTS
Thursday, October 8, 2015
BY THE NUMBERS 19.69
Career best time in the 50 freestyle at the 2015 SEC Championships
200
Part of the 200 freestyle team that won the SEC Championship in 2015
1:16.13
A school record time posted by the 200 freestyle team he swam with
6
Number of relay victories he contributed to during the regular season of his sophomore year
5
Ranks fifth all-time at Alabama in 50 freestyle
5
Ranks fifth all-time at Alabama in the 100 freestyle rolltide.com
Invest in Your Career with a Brock M.B.A.
Place all waste materials in trash receptacles, to ensure they do not make their way into our local bodies of water.
• Brand new business building • Small class sizes • Flexible scheduling with classes offered both online and on campus • Outstanding teaching faculty • Year round admissions • AACSB International accredited program
samford.edu/business/mba-online
11
THURSDAY October 8, 2015
MARKETPLACE CONDO NORTH OF THE RIVER Riverbend Commons, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.
TODAY’SDIVERSIONS UA Kumdo/Kendo Club “The Way of the Sword”
NULL KUMDO/KENDO Classes now available. Special UA student rates. To enroll now, contact Michael at 205-792-4831.
For rent $800/ mo., or sale $92,000. 205-641-6167.
Adopt Me!
DELIVERY Now Available At
Public Intoxication? Minor in Possession? Driving Under Influence?
Randal S. Ford, Esq. (205) 759-3232 Charlotte,
Exceptional personality, Sweet disposition and intelligent female, spayed w/ all shots approx. 46 lbs. beautiful black with white ticking. Around 1 yr old.
Contact: 205.535.9093
www.tuscaloosacourt.com
“No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (10/08/15). Make big plans this year. Introspection, review and organization pay in spades. Focus on love and beauty. Creative projects triumph through persistence. Career or industry breakthroughs this spring incite personal revelations. Recharge your spirit over late summer, before autumn work surges. It’s all for home and family. 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 -- There’s interesting creative work coming in over the next month, with Venus (and the Moon) entering Virgo. Aim for mastery and artistry. Add a feminine touch. Today and tomorrow get especially busy. Keep your cool for a profitable discovery. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- You’re even luckier in love, with Venus in Virgo for the next month. Artistic efforts work in your favor. Share the beauty you see. Create! Schedule this time for romance, especially today and tomorrow. Go play. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Make home your love nest, especially today and tomorrow. For four weeks, with Venus in Virgo, focus on family. Household beautification and improvement projects provide vital foundational support. Make sure the numbers balance. Strike a good deal. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Your creative expression grows golden over the next month, with Venus in Virgo. Projects that include writing and recording flow with ease and gain lucrative results. Study a subject of your passion, especially today and tomorrow. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Keep your agreements. Share your talents. Gather new income over the next month, with Venus in Virgo. Today and tomorrow get quite profitable. Find your financial comfort zone. Track the numbers, and keep them positive. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- For four weeks, with Venus in your sign, you’re irresistible. Take advantage, and ask for what you want. You’re especially powerful and confident today and tomorrow. Try a new style. Gain options as you gain strength. Prioritize beauty and love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Finish old jobs and rest peacefully over the next four weeks, with Venus in Virgo. Retreat from the world especially today and tomorrow. Allow yourself quiet time for pondering dreams and fantasies. Keep confidences. Plan in detail. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Enjoy the public spotlight and use it for a good cause. Group activities thrive over the next month, with Venus in Virgo. You’re especially popular. Networking benefits your career. Team projects go especially well today and tomorrow. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Watch for career advances, and assume authority. Someone who cares about you can be
RATES: $1.25 for the first 5 words, $0.25 for every additional word, A border around your ad is an additional $0.50 per ad DISCOUNTS: 5% off for 4 issues; 10% off for 8 issues; 15% off for 16 issues DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.
SUDOKU
quite helpful. Take on more responsibility over the next four weeks, with Venus in Virgo. Practice work that you love. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- It’s easier to venture forth for the next month, with Venus in Virgo. Conditions look good for travel and romance, especially today and tomorrow. Chart your itinerary. Studies, research and exploration thrive. Prioritize beauty and passion. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Tend your family finances over the next four weeks, with Venus in Virgo. Opportunities arise to increase assets and savings. Budget for expenditures. Changes necessitate revisions. Plan your strategy, and join forces with another for the funding. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Partnerships flow with greater ease over the next several weeks, with Venus in Virgo. Compromise and support each other. Listen graciously for what another wants. Just show up. Discover romance, especially today and tomorrow.
12
THURSDAY October 8, 2015
FALL 2322 4th Street ( Temers
OPEN FOR LUNCH
on Square )
, DINNER & LATE NIGHT
$2 DOMESTICS $4 CRAFT BREWS ALL DAY ~ ALL N IGHT TRUE NEW ORL EA IN TUSCALOOSANS
Homemade Seafo od Gum AUTHENTIC POBO bo YS Crawfish Tails ~ Soft Shell Crab Southern Catfish ~ Alligator Tails Gulf White Shrim p New Orleans Roast Beef & Gravy Jalapeno Bacon W rapped Sausage GRILLED SEAFOO D !!!! Redfish ~ Group er ~ Red Snappe r
Wednesday Bingo! Win rounds of Prizes and enjoy Free Food! Starts at 9pm.
Thursday
THE LOST KINGS @ 10pm.
2320 University Blvd
Purchase tickets online now!
Friday Doubling Down Band during the day, Casey Derhak downstairs, DJ Blaze on the rooftop, and DJ Spinnzz in the boom boom room!
Over 220 COLD Craft Bottled Beers BUILD your Own 4 or 6-Packs
Saturday Homecoming weekend! Doors open at 9am for the Arkansas game!
Sunday Sunday Funday!
Sign up for our Beer Pong Tournament! Games start at 3pm. CASH PRIZE! $8 beer towers, $5 White Russians, $5 Bloody Marys, $2 mimosas, and more awesome drink specials!
Over 170 Wines, Proseccos & Champagnes NEW PRODUCT WEEKLY
DRINK HERE or BUY 2 GO !!!
NOW OPEN DAILY AT 7 am (Closed Mondays) Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Late Night
7 HDTV’s 60”& 70”
Want to advertise in Liquid Listings? Please contact our Special Projects Manager: Michael Lollar osmspecialproject @gmail.com 205-317-7992
2322 4th Street ( Temerson Square ) OPEN FOR LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT
$2 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $3 & $4 CRAFT BOTTLES $4 CRAFT PINTS $16 CRAFT GROWLERS
BUILD your Own 4 or 6-Packs DRINK HERE or BUY 2 GO !!!
1014 7th Avenue (Just off Paul Bryant )
$2 DOMESTICS $4 CRAFT BREWS ALL DAY ~ ALL NIGHT
TRUE NEW ORLEANS IN TUSCALOOSA
HOUSE OF
PAYNE
OCTOBER 8, 2015 SPECIAL S PECIAL TTEAMS EAMS
GAMEDAY 4 3 BRINGING THE PAYNE
S TA F F EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Sean Landry editor@cw.ua.edu
print managing editor digital managing editor magazine creative director features editor visuals editor
8 MCELWAIN BRINGS FLORIDA BACK TO PROMINENCE
Kelly Ward Joshua Horton Alyx Chandler Melanie Viering
opinions editor
Leigh Terry
chief copy editor
Alexis Faire
news editor
Elizabeth Elkin
culture editor
Matthew Wilson
sports editor
Kayla Montgomery
photo editor
Layton Dudley
multimedia editor lead designer community manager social media editor
10
Peyton Shepard
Patrick Maddox Kylie Cowden Dominique Taylor Collin Burwinkel
ADVERTISING advertising manager
Emanuel Adelson (205) 223-5578 cwadmanager@gmail.com
territory manager
Dee Griffin (334) 349-2473 territorymanager1@gmail.com
TESTING THE WATER
special projects manager
Michael Lollar (205) 317-7992 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
creative services manager
Mille Eiborg (205) 614-1457 cwcreativemanager@gmail.com
12
PAGE 3
By Tyler Waldrep | Assistant Sports Editor
WHO: No. 23 Cal at No. 5 Utah WHEN: 9 p.m. on ESPN No. 23 Cal visits Salt Lake City for a ranked PAC-12 matchup few would’ve predicted in the preseason. Cal quarterback Jared Goff has 1,630 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Some analysts are claiming Goff could be one of the best quarterbacks in the FBS, and with “College Gameday” in town, he will have the chance to prove it. No. 5 Utah had an extra week to prepare for its second consecutive matchup. The last time the Utes took the field they blew out Oregon on the road 62-20.
WHO: No. 13 Northwestern at No. 18 Michigan WHEN: 2:30 p.m. on BTN This one could end up becoming a defensive struggle. Northwestern’s defense has held all five of its opponents under 20 points, and two of those opponents were shut out completely. Not to be outdone, Michigan has shut out its last two opponents including then No. 22 BYU. While both teams have got off to fast starts, neither program can afford a slip-up if they want to contend for their division in November.
WHO: No. 21 Oklahoma State at West Virginia WHEN: 6 p.m. on ESPN 2 Both teams will have to overcome crucial injuries this weekend. Oklahoma State lost linebacker Ryan Simmons and West Virginia lost safety Karl Joseph. Both teams are also coming off of somewhat disappointing outings. Oklahoma State barely beat an unranked Kansas State squad with a last-minute field goal. West Virginia will look to rebound from its first loss of the season, a 44-24 drubbing from Oklahoma.
WHO: No. 11 Florida at Missouri WHEN: 6:30 p.m. on ESPN The SEC East race took an interesting turn last weekend when No. 11 Florida upset then No. 3 Ole Miss 38-10. All of a sudden, the Gators are the front-runners for the division, but if anyone could ruin the Gators’ plans, it might be the Tigers. Missouri has represented the East in Atlanta the previous two years, and both times, the Tigers seemed to come out of nowhere.
WHO: Navy at No. 15 Notre Dame WHEN: 2:30 p.m. on NBC Notre Dame might have lost a chance to get into the playoff with a 22-20 loss to Clemson last weekend, but the Irish don’t have time to dwell on it with a 4-0 Navy squad coming to town. Notre Dame has already faced one option offense this year, so the Irish should be prepared. Navy will need a big night from Keenan Reynolds to pull the upset.
WHO: Wisconsin at Nebraska WHEN: 2:30 p.m. on ABC, ESPN 2 Air Force is coming off a loss to Michigan State in East Lansing 3521. On the other side, the Navy Midshipmen have won seven straight games dating back to last year. Both teams are evenly matched on the stat sheet averaging over 400 yards of offense and 40 points per game. The Falcons have the advantage on the defensive side allowing only 270 yards of offense to the Midshipmen’s 352 yards. Navy looks to avenge their lost from last season.
PAGE 4
Through
Minkah Fitzpatrick blocks a punt against Georgia. CW / Layton Dudley
the uprights: Alabama’s special teams are back on track
That’s your shaker hand.
Our free shipping offer allows you to use it.
*Free UPS Ground Shipping on Ferguson Center Location purchases of $50+. Offer good on Saturday and Sunday of a home game weekend.
PAGE 5
“The block punt was big. He did a really good job. It was a good design, and he finished it very, very well.” - Nick Saban
By Tyler Waldrep | Assistant Sports Editor
S
tudents began to turn around. They couldn’t watch anymore. The tension in the air was palpable. The glances students gave each other resembled the looks you might see exchanged in a horror film, but this wasn’t a scary m ov i e – a t l e a st , i t wa s n ’ t t h e traditional kind. Instead, Adam Griffith was walking out to kick a field goal – from only 20 yards out. That was the kind of year he was having, but he wasn’t the only one on the special teams unit struggling. Ray Guy runner-up JK Scott looked like a shadow of his former self. “When you’re a kicker, you have to have an assassin-type attitude,” coach Nick Saban said. “When you go out there, you got one shot to make it work. If it doesn’t work, you’re going to be in trouble.” Alabama started that game against Ole Miss by fumbling the kick return inside its own 20-yard line. Not to be outdone, running back Kenyan Drake also fumbled a kick return inside of Alabama’s 20-yard line during the second quarter. It was shaping up to be another typical outing from the Alabama special teams, but amidst all the blunders and fumbles, the unit found some consistency. The students could turn around now – Griffith made his first field goal since Nov. 15 of last year. Since the Ole Miss game, he has made three more field goals across the last two games. His current streak of four is Griffith’s longest streak since he started last year making 7-of-7. Later in the game, Griffith executed an onside kick that cornerback Tony Brown was able to recover. Alabama doesn’t often need an onside kick to fight its way back into a game, but that was the Crimson Tide’s first successful attempt since 2007. “Mid-season last year, when my back started to get hurt, my confidence went down because, you know, I couldn’t really kick very good or very much,” Griffith said. Griffith said he felt better at the beginning of the season, but perhaps he still needed to prove to himself that he could put one through the uprights. He also said a lot of things need to go just right before his foot ever connects with the football, but whatever the problem
was, it seems it may be fixed now. For the past two years, the narrative has been how will Alabama’s special teams cost the Crimson Tide, but last Saturday the unit might be more responsible than others for the 38-10 victory over No. 8 Georgia. With Alabama up 10-3 late in the second quarter, the game was shaping up to be a defensive struggle, but then cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. “Momentum is big in a game like this, and we put together a good drive, and then we made a couple of big plays, and that sort of changed the game completely,” Saban said. “The block punt was big. He did a really good job. It was a good design, and he finished it very, very well.” That was the second punt block Alabama has caused this season, but before that, the Crimson Tide hadn’t blocked one since Sept. 21, 2013. That’s also the last time the team scored off of one. In 2014, Scott punted multiple times in 11 games and he always averaged at least 42 yards, and in six games, his average was over 48 yards. His average long traveled 59 yards. He hasn’t gotten close to that this season, but he’s shown some flashes of his old self. In the Georgia game, Scott punted seven times for an average of 41 yards and a season-best long of 54. The unfavorable weather conditions surrounding what is easily one of his best outings this season could mean he is returning to form. Special teams is one of three phases of the game, and Alabama treats it the same way it does offense and defense. Saban said he saw some improvement in punt and kick returns on Saturday, and he also thought the kickoff coverage was good. “It’s something that I really take seriously,” linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton said. “I mean, every play is important, so I take that job really seriously. I try my best. I treat that just like a defensive play.” For all the progress the unit has made, its momentum must be sustained, for the team can’t afford another loss this season – not when it has so much left to play for. “I think our players showed a competitive character today [Saturday] that I hold in really high esteem,” Saban said. “I think it does go a long way to establishing an identity, but that’s something that you develop a reputation ove r t i m e , s o n ow we n e e d t o d o i t w i th c on s i ste n cy.”
CW / Layton Dudley
PAGE 6
BEHIND ENEMY LINES defeating Tennessee, but they still have a long way to go if they want to compete for a bowl game. Alex Collins is someone who tends to be overlooked when top SEC running backs like Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry are mentioned. How does Collins stack up compared to those guys?
Q.
Alex Collins is an extremely underrated running back and should be in discussion for one of the country’s top backs along with Chubb, Fournette and Henry. Collins has ran for 150 yards in his past three games and deserves to be in this discussion.
A.
The Crimson White caught up with the Arkansas Traveler’s sports editor Matt Vigoda. He broke down some key matchups on both sides of the ball ahead of this week’s home game against Arkansas. Last year Arkansas struggled to win games early on, but once the Razorbacks started winning, they played like a completely different team. Do you expect that to happen again this year, and did Arkansas already get itself back on track by beating Tennessee on the road?
Q.
A.
Coach Bret Bielema’s Razorbacks have gotten better and better as the year has progressed. They were most certainly put on the right track after
After Alabama limited Nick Chubb, do you expect the Razorbacks to try to throw the ball a little more than might be expected? How has quarterback Brandon Allen improved since the last time these teams met and can he have success against Alabama’s secondary?
Q.
every game. Allen is a matured quarterback with a limited number of offensive weapons. His top three receivers are injured and probably out for the remainder of the season. It’s up to Allen to find holes in the Alabama defense with the banged-up offense he has.
Q.
How do you expect the Arkansas defense to approach stopping Alabama? Who on that side of the ball could cause problems for Alabama?
A.
Arkansas’ run defense did a fantastic job against Tennessee last week and will need to keep that style of play up to par when they take on one of the nation’s best in Henry. Arkansas has limited four of its five opponents to their lowest scoring outputs of the season, and that could remain the same as Alabama has scored about five touchdowns in heir five games thus far. each of their
It’s tough to say that Arkansas should ever throw more than necessary because of their running back and offensive line’s power. Brandon Allen may be the best quarterback in the SEC, but his fourth-quarter numbers are sliding each and
A.
¼ Zip
110
$
WE EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!
We take care of everything from a common cold to broken bones! A walk-in urgent care clinic for ALL ages, ailments and injuries.
525 Greensboro Ave. e. Downtown 752-6931
STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7-6pm Sat. 9-5pm Sun. 11-3pm
www.TheShirtShop.biz w TheShirtShop
TUSCALOOSA
NORTHPORT
(Next to Hooters) 5005 Oscar Baxter Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 343-2225
(North of Hobby Lobby) 3909 McFarland Boulevard Northport, Alabama 35476 (205) 333-1993
Hours Mon-Sat: 9 am - 10 pm 1 pm - 10 pm Sun:
Mon-Sat: Sun:
Hours 9 am - 7 pm 1 pm - 7 pm
www.medcenterurgentcare.com
PAGE 7
Arkansas at No. 8 Alabama
No. 23 Cal at No. 5 Utah
No. 11 Florida at Missouri
No. 13 Northwestern at No.18 Michigan
Navy at No. 15 Notre Dame
No. 21 Oklahoma State at West Virginia
Wisconsin at Nebraska
Sean Landry editor-in-chief
Kelly Ward digital managing editor
Kayla Montgomery sports editor
Tyler Waldrep assistant sports editor
Elliott Propes staff reporter
Marquis Munson staff reporter
Terrin Waack staff reporter
The Calm After the Stampede shop Sundays ferguson Center location open 10 to 4
PAGE 8
Bringing the By Terrin Waack | Staff Reporter
H
e may not look it, but Daron Payne is indeed a freshman. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches with a 315-pound frame, Payne was called a man-child by teammate Reggie Ragland before Alabama’s season opener against Wisconsin. Ragland wasn’t exactly referring to Payne’s size, however. He was talking about his practice mentality. “Coach Bo [Davis] has been on him, coach [Nick] Saban has been on him, coach [Kirby] Smart has been on him,” Ragland said. “He’s been a man-child and doing what he has to do from day one since he got here.” Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Payne graduated from Shades Valley High School. He committed to The University of Alabama over rival Auburn University —along with other schools–on Jan. 2. As a five-star recruit, Payne was ranked at No. 19 on Rivals.com’s 2015 top 100 football prospects. Even before he played in an actual collegiate game, Saban was confident in Payne’s abilities. He saw opportunities with Payne as an inside defensive player from the beginning. “He’s very explosive, quick, can play with power and we’re very pleased with the progress he’s made,” Saban said before the season opener against Wisconsin. Since then, Payne became a big part– literally and figuratively–of Alabama’s defensive line. “The guys that they keep bringing in are even bigger and better than the year before,” offensive lineman Ryan Kelly said. Despite the defensive lineman’s size, Kelly said Payne is able to move really well and use his strength and hands to his advantage. Five games into the season and Kelly said he’s already seen a lot of growth in Payne. He has a bright future ahead of him. “You add him to all the other guys we
Payne
have on the defensive line, and that’s pretty scary,” Kelly said. Just because he’s a freshman doesn’t mean he’s the baby of the defensive line. Jonathan Allen, who shares the line with Payne, said it’s rare for a freshman to be so strong. “Looking at him, you’d think he was a redshirt junior, an upperclassman,” he said. “You wouldn’t think he was a freshman.” The list goes on and on, Allen said, in regards to all Payne has done to impress him. His strength ceases to amaze him. Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton likes having Payne in front of him at nose guard. “He’s a grown man,” he said. “He makes my job easier. He takes on double teams. That helps me, Reggie [Ragland], and Reuben [Foster] go make plays. He’s definitely a great player.” Ragland was in the same boat as Hamilton, even back at the beginning of the season. He said Payne–along with Darren Lake–is doing a good job at nose guard. He’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing–striking blockers and keeping guys off of Ragland and Hamilton. Although it was surprising for him to see a true freshman step up in such a way, Hamilton said Payne is an extremely hard worker, so he can see how he’s come this far already–freshman or not. Payne has yet to start a game, but he’s played in all five games and totaled three tackles, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry. He may not be at the top of the stat sheets, but he is making his presence known. While he said Payne is improving day in and day out, Saban hopes to see more consistency from him as the season progresses. “You’ve got to keep in mind that young players that have ability have to learn how to play with consistency, make sure that they’re doing their job each and every play, and we were pleased with what Daron [Payne] has done.”
P
ayne isn’t the only freshman who’s catching people’s attention. Along with Payne, Alabama snagged three other recruits who fell within the top 25 of Rivals.com top 100 football prospects: No. 8 Damien Harris, No. 9 Calvin Ridley and No. 24 Minkah Fitzpatrick. In total, it signed 10 players from the list. At running back, Harris follows behind Derrick Henry then Kenyan Drake with 109 yards rushing on 28 carries. Wide receiver Ridley leads Alabama’s corps after he started out with three receptions against Wisconsin, had a high of six against Ole Miss and most recently had five against Georgia. As another freshman on defense with Payne, Fitzpatrick has stood out at cornerback. Although the number of freshmen on the team is about the same, they are making a quicker–and larger– impact this season.
CW / Layton Dudley
PAGE 9
Take a look at the stats freshmen have put up this year:
RUSHING:
INTERCEPTIONS
DEFENSE
Damien Harris Games: 4 Attempts: 28 Yards: 109 Long: 41 Average per game: 27.2
Ronnie Harrison Interceptions: 2 Yards: 41
Minkah Fitzpatrick Games: 5 Solo Tackles: 13 Assists: 8 Total: 21 Tackles for loss/Yards: 3.0-18
RECEIVING
SCORING
Calvin Ridley Games: 5 Receptions: 22 Yards: 245 Touchdowns: 2 Long: 50 Average per game: 49
Calvin Ridley Touchdowns: 2
Marlon Humphrey Interceptions: 1
Minkah Fitzpatrick Touchdowns: 1
Marlon Humphrey Games: 5 Solo Tackle: 13 Total: 19 Tackles for Loss/Yards 2.5-14 Daron Payne Games: 5 Solo Tackles: 2 Assists: 1
CW / Layton Dudley
PAGE 11 REMINDER
Get inthe
Game2015 Ticket Information for Students
Do this
Friday Parking for Home Games 1. Parking and driving will be restricted on Colonial Drive, Wallace Wade and Bryant Drive on the day before and the day of the home football game before and until 3 hours after the end of home games.
•
Access MyTickets from mybama.ua.edu or UA’s mobile app. For more information about UA’s mobile app visit m.ua.edu/app from your mobile device’s browser.
•
Tickets will have either an “upper� or “lower� deck assignment that is designated in MyTickets.
•
Students enter through Gate 30 (upper deck) or Gate 31 (lower deck).
•
Penalty points for non-use is 2 points.
•
The deadline to avoid a late donation penalty is no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday before the game..
•
You may donate your ticket until 1 hour before kickoff.
GAME DAY PARKING ORANGE RESIDENTIAL PERMIT HOLDERS These parking changes are for the day prior to and on game day only. Regular parking restrictions are in effect for other times. See bamaparking.ua.edu for regulations. • As in previous seasons, the lots marked in black in this area are reserved for Athletics and must be cleared of all vehicles at 5 p.m. on the day before home football games.
2. Students with an Orange Residential Parking Permit who normally park in one of the Game Day restricted areas (Colonial, Tutwiler) are asked to either park in an alternate Orange Residential parking area but are advised that the best possible are will be the Magnolia Parking Deck beginning at noon on home football games. As a reminder, other Orange parking areas can be located by using the parking map on the rear of your parking permit.
• Vehicles left in any of these areas after 5 p.m. the day before a home game may be towed at the owner’s expense ($100). • Alternative parking is available as shown in the gray areas on this map.
3. Students who have orange hangtags can drive from Bryant Drive to Magnolia Drive. 4. Students will be able to take Crimson Ride from parking lots to their residence halls during normal operating hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and can call 348-RIDE (7433) after hours. 5. Students with commuter hangtags will park as usual on the day before a home football game. On the day of the home football game, they can park free of charge with their permit in the Upper Rec Center lot off 5th Ave. East and the SW corner of Campus Drive and Bryce Lawn Drive as space allows.
Black: Reserved for Athletics Gray: Reserved for Orange Residential Students Student Gate 30 (upper deck) / Gate 31 (lower deck) Closes at 5 P.M. the day before a home game Closed on home gameday Closed at the discretion of the Athletic Department
• Security barricades will be set up on Colonial 'ULYH DQG :DOODFH :DGH WKDW ZLOO UHVWULFW WUDIÀF à RZ 6RPH DUH VHW XS RQ WKH PRUQLQJ EHIRUH D home game and additional barricades are set up on the morning of the home game. Vehicles parked in this secure area will be able to exit the area but will not be able to return until the area is released by law enforcement post game and the barricades are removed. • The student ticket gates (Gates 30 & 31) are located adjacent to Colonial Drive.
ber:
Remem
Remember: •
78 and 75 for students and their guests
Students who do not move their cars from the designated lots by 5 p.m. on the day before a home football game will be towed at their own expense ($100).
Do this
Saturday Getting into the Stadium on Game Day
PROHIBITED
• A purse bigger than an 8 ½ X 11 shee t of
pape
r (Not responsible for items left at gate)
1. Bring your Action Card!
• Outside food or
2. Follow the signs that lead to Gate 30 (upper deck) and Gate 31 (lower deck). Students will be able to enter through Gate 30 and Gate 31 only.
• Coolers
drink
3. The student section will include seating in the upper and lower bowls. Your ticket bowl assignment will be designated in MyTickets.
in the Stadium • Umbrellas • ArtiďŹ cial noisema
kers
• Flags or banners
on poles • Other prohibited items listed on UA’s Game Da y website
4. Lines will be very long, so expect delays. Give yourself 60 to 90 minutes to get into the stadium, whether or not you participate in student organization seating. Student organization seating is in effect until 45 minutes before kickoff. 5. Bringing prohibited items will increase the amount of time it takes to get into the stadium. (See list above.) UA is not responsible for items left at the entrance to the student gates. Prohibited items that are left at the gates will be discarded by security personnel. 6. If you donate your ticket after 5 p.m. Wednesday, you’ll receive a half-point (.5) penalty. 7. Tickets can be available on game day. Don’t forget to check MyTickets for available tickets. 8. Game Day Route will be the only bus service operation on Game Days. 9. 348-RIDE will not operate once the Game Day road closures go in effect.
Remember: • • • •
The student section will open 2 ½ hours before the game. Lines will be long so give yourself plenty of time to get into the game. Use your ticket! Students who do not use tickets assigned to them will receive 2 penalty points for each game their ticket goes unused. Students who receive 3.5 or more penalty points will not be able to purchase postseason tickets for this year and regular season and postseason tickets for fall 2016. You can take your name off the waiting list by logging into MyTickets and following the instructions to take your name off the waiting list for the ticket bank. You must track your own penalty total. The following penalty points apply: - You don’t attend the game yourself: 2 penalty points Ticket OfďŹ ce - 348-2262 - You don’t transfer your ticket to another UA student or rolltide.com donate it to the ticket bank: 2 penalty points Action Card 348-2288 Game Day Info - 262-2811 - You upgrade your ticket to general admission: 1 penalty point per upgrade actcard.ua.edu uagameday.com - You make a donation after 5 p.m. on Wednesday: .5 penalty point Parking & Transportation If your Action Card is lost on Game Day, replacement Action Cards are available at MyTickets - mybama.ua.edu or Room 170 Campus Parking Deck (bus hub) starting 3 hours prior to kick-off through the bamaparking.ua.edu UA mobile app - m.ua.edu/app beginning of halftime. Replacement cost is $35 and is billed to your student account. Temporary Action Cards are not accepted for Game Day entrance at student gates.
( "
•
PAGE 10
McElwain
brings Florida back to prominence By Elliott Propes | Staff Reporter
J
im McElwain had made a home for himself in the SEC after he completed his first season as offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2008. In his first season, he helped transform a 7-6 team into an undefeated 12-0 team. No. 1 Alabama was invited to the SEC championship to play the No. 2 Florida Gators led by Heisman quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow had his way and Alabama could only score 20 points. Alabama fell 31-20 and then lost in the Sugar Bowl. The next year brought the same matchup. This time McElwain and the Crimson Tide were ready. Alabama stomped the No. 1 Gators 32-13. A small rivalry had surfaced from the two years, but Alabama went on to win it’s first national championship in
17 years. McElwain helped Nick Saban win another national title in 2011 before he left for a head coaching position at Colorado State. Fast-forward to today and McElwain has switched sides. He is now the head coach of the Florida Gators and has the program relevant again. After Urban Meyer left Florida, the Gators were never the same with Will Muschamp as their coach. He had an average record of 28-21 and could never get Florida back to the SEC championship. Then in December 2014, Florida decided to hire Jim McElwain, who had revitalized Colorado State that year with a 10-2 record. McElwain had Colorado State in the national rankings and was named Mountain West coach of the year just a couple of days before he was hired. Most thought it would take McElwain time to get Florida back to the prominence it once was, but he has turned those haters’ heads now. Florida is undefeated at 5-0 and is coming off its
first victory over a top 5 opponent since 2012. Florida surprised everyone when it handed the No. 3 Ole Miss Rebels a 38-10 massacre. Now Florida is ranked No. 11 in the country is in the hunt for the SEC title once again. McElwain could easily bring back the rivalry that once was with Florida. Last year when Muschamp’s team came into Bryant-Denny, most felt it wasn’t the same. Alabama won handily 42-21 in a game that was never really in doubt. This year’s Florida team is different though, and if both teams were to win out, it is very possible the two would meet again in the SEC title. There are still a lot of games left to be played, and Alabama would have to have Ole Miss lose another conference game, but both teams look the best right now on their respective sides of the conference. It wouldn’t be a surprise if, come December, there is a little more kindling thrown into the furnace that once was the Florida-Alabama rivalry.
Photo Courtesy of Tribune News Service
ROLL TIDE!
NOW YOU CAN WATCH THE CRIMSON TIDE ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY! EVERY GAME DAY* FREE ADMISSION WHILE SEATS LAST No Outside Food or Beverages Allowed No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed on Premises
*No pay per view games will be shown.
FOLLOW US Hollywood 16 & IMAX® 4250 Old Greensboro Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.248.8248 | www.cobbtheatres.com
Come get your GAMEDAY on!!! 2223 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-210-4012 - www.pantsstore.com Mon. - Sat. 10am-6pm - Sunday 12pm-4pm Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
PAGE 12
Testing the water
By Kayla Montgomery | Sports Editor
W
Kenyan Drake sprints towards the end zone against Arkansas. CW File
hen Alabama prepared to travel to Athens, Georgia, to take on the University of Georgia, pundits knew a storm was coming; they just slightly missed its course. For the first time in 72 games, Alabama was entering a competition as an underdog, and had lost its first September game since 2007. Across the country, columns were fired off about how the dynasty was over. No one was afraid of Alabama anymore, they said, and perhaps coach Nick Saban was losing his grip in the college football world, one he once ruled with an iron fist. For a program that supposedly tunes out the noise, Saban and the Crimson Tide listened. As the rain drove on in Athens, Alabama drove up and down the field, defeating the Bulldogs 38-10 on their own turf. Georgia never stood a chance against the rising Tide, and as has happened so many times before, the Bulldogs retreated with their tails between their legs while Alabama made a statement. Just as quickly as the dynasty-isover columns were written, the opinions were reversed. Save the story for another week, they wrote, Alabama is back, and as the team sloshed through the mud in Athens, it looked like a true national-title contender, a completely different team than the one that looked inept against Ole Miss in weeks prior. The defense looked unbeatable, save for one blown play, special teams finally looked like something other than a hot mess, and quarterback Jake Coker took control of an offense that had been questionable throughout the early season. Athens was a test for this Alabama team. It was its first chance to respond
to adversity, to make a real statement and to challenge itself to play at Alabama standards. It was a chance to show the nation the Crimson Tide wasn’t washed out to sea just yet, and this team deserved more respect than it was given. It passed with flying colors last weekend, but this weekend presents a different type of test to be taken. Arkansas will come to Tuscaloosa on Saturday with a losing record. Sitting at 2-3, the Razorbacks have been embarrassed by Toledo and Texas Tech, but played a close game against Texas A&M and squeaked out of Neyland Stadium with a victory over Tennessee. This won’t be the most talented or the most challenging opponent Alabama faces this season, but how the Crimson Tide handles the game will be true indication of the identity of this team. The Crimson Tide has been inconsistent at best this season, going from its lowest to highest points in a matter of only two weeks. With its back against a wall, Alabama came out swinging, but this week, that motivation is no longer there. No one doubts Alabama’s authenticity after it’s dismantling of Georgia, and many of the skeptics have been rendered silent by the Crimson Tide’s performance. With the noise softened, Alabama will have to find a new source of motivation. The team will need to focus on the task at hand, leaving last week’s big win behind them. Last year, after a big loss, the team barely squeaked past Arkansas in Fayetteville. This year, the team will again be tested in how well it can check its emotions at the door and focus on the present opponent. Often times, how a team responds to a loss is its biggest test, but for this team, how it responds to a win may be even more important.
PAGE 13
By the numbers: Alabama vs. Arkansas 2014
I
n 2014, Alabama traveled to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas the week after losing to LSU. The Crimson Tide escaped with a 14-13 victory of the Razorbacks.
Take a look at each team’s stats from the game: Alabama stats:
Arkansas stats:
First downs: 10 Third down efficiency: 4-15 Total yards: 227 Passing: 161 Rushing: 66 Turnovers: 2 Time of Possession: 25:47
The Mount. . .
First downs: 18 Third down efficiency: 9-19 Total yards: 335 Passing: 246 Rushing: 89 Turnovers: 3 Time of possession: 34:13
A Game Day Luxury
Located on the corner of Hackberry Lane & Hargrove Road | 2150 3rd Court Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Starting at $279,900
• • • • • • • •
36 Luxury town homes for sale with residential design Granite countertops throughout All homes 3 bedroom 3 bath, master walk-in tile shower Extra large master bedroom with balcony Tiled glass backsplash in kitchen Stainless steal appliances Brick and stone construction with hurricane strapping Luxury brushed nickel or oil rub bronze hardware throughout • Ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living area • Recessed lighting throughout the home • Custom cabinetry in kitchen and all baths
• Hardwood throughout entire home - no carpet. • Smooth ceilings, 9 foot ceiling down, 9 foot ceiling upstairs • Gated residential subdivision • Access to city walk and bike trail leading into forest lake and midtown shopping. • Full brick exterior with architectural shingles and copper roofing • Mahogany wood front doors • Luxurious landscaping in all common areas and featuring native Alabama oak trees
Open House!
Charles Holliman
Gameday: 10am-2pm Sunday: 1-3pm
Associate Broker, REALTOR
Cell: 205-792-0887 charlesholliman@me.com
www.TheMountTuscaloosa.com
PAGE 14
Nick Saban answered questions about the upcoming game against Arkansas during Wednesday’s press conference. CW / Amy Sullivan
Offense getting stronger to prepare for Arkansas By Terrin Waack | Staff Reporter
Alabama’s offensive is slowly but surely finding its identity just before its game against Arkansas. It has found a quarterback in Jake Coker, who played his first entire game against Georgia last weekend, and has running backs and wide receivers it can rely on to get the ball down the field. Its offensive line is growing stronger, and the tight ends, who have some things to work on, are getting there. At right guard, coach Nick Saban said freshman Ross Pierschbacher is a young guy who blocks well and has done a nice job for the Crimson Tide in the short time he’s been here. “He and the center [Ryan Kelly] have probably been the two most consistent guys in terms of doing what they are supposed to do,” he said. He and Kelly aren’t the only players on the offensive line that have been doing a good job this season. Saban said Alphonse “Shank” Taylor continues to get better each and every game.
TRUE GRIT
“I think it starts with his maturity and his approach in how he prepares and how he’s learned to pay attention to detail,” he said. For players like Pierschbacher, Kelly, Taylor and other offensive linemen, all that’s out there is recognition from Saban, or other coaches, saying whether or not they are doing well, and so far, so good. But then there are the tight ends. “We need our tight ends to be able to block,” Saban said. Saban said junior O.J. Howard has improved in that area and has done a good job for Alabama this season. If other tight ends were to follow suit, Saban said it would help make the offense more effective. He’s been trying to shake it up to figure out how to be able to run the ball effectively. Junior Brandon Greene saw time during the Georgia game at tight end. If using him helps the offense, Saban said Greene will continue to be put out on the field. Although the offense is getting more comfortable and finding its identity, Saban doesn’t want them to settle with where it is at. “A standard of excellence and maintaining
$
155
a standard in how you play,” he said. “I think good is the enemy of being great.” Alabama’s offense will try and reach this standard of being great this Saturday against Arkansas in BryantDenny Stadium. It is also The University of Alabama’s homecoming game, and Saban said homecoming is a great tradition that the team has a lot of respect for. “It’s an opportunity for people who have great memories and a lot of pride in their school who want to come back to revisit friends and relationships and memories,” he said. “The football game is a great rallying point for all of that.” This specific game is important to many people, and Saban said the players understand that and want to play well. It’s also homecoming time for some of the players still in high school that Alabama is recruiting. Because of his history with the tradition, Saban said there’s one question he always asks the players: do you have a date? “I didn’t have much luck in high school and ended up picking wrong a few times for homecoming and prom,” he said. “It still haunts me to this day.”
JOIN US LIVE EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 6 PM FOR
EVERY MONDAY AT
2209 4Th Street, Downtown Tuscaloosa Program is available to Stream Every Wednesday on TideSports.com Airs Every Wednesday at 10:30pm and Every Saturday at 9:00 am on WVUA 23
CRIMSON TIDE & SEC FOOTBALL
WE’VE E GOT YOU CO OVERED D! Cecil Hurt Sports Writer, The Tuscaloosa News Jenn Chapman Sports Anchor, WVUA 23 Aaron Suttles Sports Writer, The Tuscaloosa News 525 Greensboro Ave. e. Downtown 752-6931
STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7-6pm Sat. 9-5pm Sun. 11-3pm
www.TheShirtShop.biz w TheShirtSho
teamed together to bring you the best, most complete and up-to-date coverage
PAGE 15
Crimson Tide to face Arkansas Alabama takes on Razorbacks in homecoming game By Terrin Terri Waack | Staff Reporter
CW/ Layton Dudley
Geno G Matias-Smith sai said last week’s game ag against Georgia was gre great. The team had fun. Def Defense executed its calls and in result, it played fast and m made plays. Simply, it all comes d down to execution. Now, with Arkansas on Saturday in i Bryant-Denny, the senior defe defensive back is ready to make his llast homecoming game a good one. Ma Matias-Smith even voted for Homecoming queen on Tuesday. That’s over and done with now. He’s focused on Arkansas’ offense. He said its quarter quarterback, Brandon Allen, has made lots of starts. He’s athletic, smart with the ball and capable of scrambling. “We have to be on top of our man when he’s scram scrambling around,” MatiasSmith said. “We have to stay with our man and play th the ball when he chucks it up.” Allen has ccompleted 93 of 141 passes for 1,3 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns. H He averaged 272 passing yards per g game but has thrown three interceptio interceptions. Alabama total totaled seven interceptions,
one of which was from Matias-Smith. Eddie Jackson and Ronnie Harrison both lead Alabama with two interceptions. Jackson ran for a touchdown against Georgia after one of his. Matias-Smith said he’s feeling more comfortable at safety now – so is Jackson – and when they’re comfortable, they are able to play fast and more confidently. “We aren’t the biggest safeties, so [we] have to have a chip on our shoulders,” he said. Matias-Smith played star before he transitioned to safety, and now he’s watching freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick play in his old position. “He’s doing very well,” he said. “He made a lot of good plays Saturday. Every day he’s getting better.” ’ When out on the field, Alabama’s secondary will be looking out for Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry. Watching him will be key in making sure Henry doesn’t gain any ground. “Eye discipline,” Matias-Smith said. “He’s the best tight end in the country – that’s what the pros say.” Henry follows behind Arkansas’ leading receiving Drew Morgan, who has 23 carries for 413 yards and three touchdowns. While he likes to block, MatiasSmith said, Henry also has 20 carries for 268 yards and one touchdown. An eye will be kept on Henry any
time he is out on the field for Arkansas. The secondary had a good game against Georgia, Matias-Smith said. It hopes to face Arkansas with that same level of energy and aggressiveness. It’ll have to play man-to-man against Arkansas, but the secondary doesn’t see that as a challenge. It’s what is expected. “It’s our job,” Matias-Smith said. “Everyone has a job. Defensive line has a job. Secondary has their jobs. We just execute and do their jobs.” On the opposite side of the ball, the offensive line is working on becoming one large unit. “I think we’ve gotten better each game, and just now it’s more gelling together and being more consistent every play and just everyone doing their jobs and just competing and finishing blocks,” offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said. In an earlier press conference, coach Nick Saban said Pierschbacher and Ryan Kelly have been the two most consistent guys in terms of doing what they are supposed to do. Pierschbacher said he takes the compliment with a grain of salt. He thinks he needs to improve still, along with the rest of the team. “We always need to improve,” Pierschbacher said. “You can never be satisfied.”
Fall 2015 2nd Split (Mini-Term) Classes October 14 - December 16 Registration is open. BUS 242 Principles of Accounting II CIS 146 Microcomputer Applications ENG 101 English Composition I ENG 102 English Composition II HIS 201 United States History I
MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra MTH 112 Precalculus Algebra MUS 101 Music Appreciation PSY 200 General Psychology
Mini-term classes are full-credit, eight-week courses available in face-to-face or online formats.
Enroll Today | sheltonstate.edu | 205.391.2211 It is the official policy of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, including all postsecondary institutions under the control of the Alabama Community College Board of Trustees, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any /ƚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŽĸĐŝĂů ƉŽůŝĐLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĂďĂŵĂ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ WŽƐƚƐĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ Ăůů ƉŽƐƚƐĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ŝŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĂďĂŵĂ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ŽůůĞŐĞ ŽĂƌĚ ŽĨ dƌƵƐƚĞĞƐ͕ ƚŚĂƚ ŶŽ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ƐŚĂůů͕ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽƵŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƌĂĐĞ͕ ĐŽůŽƌ͕ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ͕ ƐĞdž͕ ƌĞůŝŐŝŽŶ͕ ĐƌĞĞĚ͕ ŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƌŝŐŝŶ͕ Žƌ ĂŐĞ͕ ďĞ ĞdžĐůƵĚĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ͕ ďĞ ĚĞŶŝĞĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ŽĨ͕ Žƌ ďĞ ƐƵďũĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐƌŝŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ƵŶĚĞƌ ĂŶLJ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ͕ Žƌ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͘ program, activity, or employment.
PAGE 16
We’ve got something for everyone. Get your official Alabama gear at
supestore.ua.edu