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WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
WWW.THENEWSARGUS.COM
WEDNESDAY Wednesday
OCT 9 Sep 25
2013 2013 Vol. 52, issue 3 Vol.52, Issue 2
Photo By Alexis Hall
Annual Lighting of the Sign homecoming event in front of the Donald Julian Reaves Student Center Oct. 6. The event was hosted by the Campus Life Marketing Committee. This year’s theme is the “Year of the Ram.”
Students, locals compete for homecoming opening act
Drug-sniffing K-9 has nose for narcotics
Da’yona Mclean Copy Desk Chief @dmclean_109
Staff Reporter
The final round of the third annual homecoming Battleground auditions took place 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The purpose of the auditions was to find an opening act for this year’s homecoming artists:
Ace Hood, Dom Kennedy and August Alsina. The auditions were open to Winston-Salem State students and the Winston-Salem community. In order to have advanced to the final round participants had to submit their audition tapes via email or perform live at the first auditions, which
were Sept. 10 & 12. Adreanna Williams, vice president of Campus Life Marketing Committee and Battleground coordinator said about 50 people came out to audition.
BATTLEGROUND continued on Page 3
WHERE OUR MONEY GOES: North Carolina HBCU Homecoming package costs Institution
Students
Students - at door
General Admission
Winston-Salem State University
$45
$165
$257
A & T University
$155**
$162.50
$231
North Carolina Central University
$25
$62
$87
Elizabeth City State University
$135**
$160
$185
Fayetteville State University
$168**
$178
$211
Johnson C C. Smith University
$35
$132.95
$152.95
Shaw University
$85**
$95
$95
*At door costs and general admission costs were calculated based on attending all events in the Homecoming week. Packages varied by institution and may or may not include all activities i.e. Alumni events
**Institution did not provide student package rate. Cost was calculated based on individual event advance price. Some events accepted food/clothing donations. In these instances, the price of the event was calculated instead of the cost of the donation.
Jennifer Bruinton jennb109@rams.wssu.edu
Meet Hank, the first K-9 dog to ever step paws on campus. Campus police purchased a K-9 drug dog July 18, 2012 to aid them with finding narcotics on campus. Patricia Norris, chief of campus police, said that the department was using the Winston-Salem Police Department’s dogs to search the residence halls for drugs. Norris said that Chancellor Donald J. Reaves recommended that they should purchase their own K-9s. “I discussed it over with him, and based on that we acquired our own,” she said. Hank is a 5-year-old Fox Red Labrador Retriever that was purchased in Greensboro. Campus Police Officer Ulrick McDougald is in charge of Hank. Hank also lives with
McDougald. “Chief always says that he’s not a pet, but he’s pretty cool. It’s really hard not to like him; he’s my partner,” McDougald said. “[Hank is] Certified in sniffing for cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, heroin and meth. He walks through the buildings and dorms. “I’ll walk him through Foundation [Heights] two floors at a time, and then let him get a breather. I’m very sporadic when I deploy him though, because I don’t want him to get burned out,” he said. Hank also is responsible for sniffing vehicles. Hank has performed in 10-12 raids inside of residence halls.
K-9
continued on Page 2
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The News Argus
News & Features
K-9
continued from Page 1
According to Campus Police Officer, Henry Gray, Hank is the first certified dog campus police has ever worked with. Gray said that he’s a good dog but young.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
“He’s very friendly, not the aggressor dog that will chase you like some of those vicious barking attack dogs. Normally when he alerts, trust it, because he recognizes
the odor instantly due to his proper certification.” Capt. Amir Henry said that Chief Norris wanted to find a dog, not to intimidate any students or faculty, but to stop the trafficking of narcotics on campus. “If there is nowhere to sell the drugs, then that will cut down the crime factor,” Henry said. Devin Bradford, senior sports management major from Chicago said that he heard about the dog last year. “He’s ineffective, because he doesn’t protect us,” he said. Norris said, “I think in looking at all the possibilities we have the perfect combination because the dog emulates the trainer. If the officer is lazy, the dog will be lazy. Officer Mac is a great officer, and he really knows how to handle his dog.”
Thursday, Sept. 12 Phone Harassment At 8:13 p.m., a female student filed a report for harassing text messages. She said she started getting messages from a chat group on a text message application, called KIK Messenger, by three individuals who made false accusations about her online. The student said she took screenshots of all the messages. The case is still open. Sunday, Sept. 15 Public Intoxication At 1:22 a.m., campus police received a report of someone suffering from alcohol poisoning at Brown Hall. Upon arrival campus police spoke with a security officer who said an intoxicated individual was sitting on the floor, non-responsive and shaking. The male student was conscious and appeared to be coherent when campus police arrived on scene. The student appeared to be intoxicated by his slurred speech, trouble keeping his balance and red eyes. The student was referred to student affairs. The case is closed. Vandalism At 10:10 p.m., campus police responded to the Thompson Center concerning the back door which had been pulled from its hinges. Video footage revealed a possible suspect, a student, who was seen pulling the door off of the hinges and allowing a group of other students to pass through. The door was estimated at $500 dollars. The case is still open.
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HOMECOMING A R T I S T S
Photo courtesy of thisisrnb.com
WSSU’s Homecoming artist August Alsina
Photo courtesy of eurweb.com
Hank, the drug-sniffing K-9, off duty.
The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Incidents may lead to News Argus articles.
A&T’s comedy show artist, Mike Epps.
Saturday, Sept. 21 Larceny At 5:23 p.m., a female student reported that four of her credit cards and one debit card were stolen from the Donald J. Reaves Student Center on Sept. 20 while she was in the first floor fitness room. She said she put her backpack into one of the cubbyholes, and afterwards she noticed her cards were missing. The student said she would contact her mother to cancel all the cards. The case is closed. Wednesday, Sept. 25 Disorderly Conduct At 4:59 p.m., campus police received a report of a male student running out of the Registrar’s Office with a transcript he was not authorized to take without proper identification. Campus police advised the student they would revisit the incident. Campus police then transported the student back to the Registrar’s Office and the matter was discussed with a faculty member, who said he made the student aware of the need to provide picture identification to obtain the transcript. The student was referred to Judicial Affairs for his conduct. The case is closed.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Da’yona Mclean
Photo courtesy of fandango.com
NCCU’s comedy show artist, Michael Colyar.
Photo courtesy of iLiketoVote.
ECSU’s comedy show artist, Carlos “Spanky” Hayes.
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Page 3
The News Argus
News & Features
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Gopalan steps in as interim dean for School of Business
Chelsea Burwell
Editor-in-Chief @TheChelseaBwell
Following the recent resignation of Jessica Bailey, associate professor Suresh Gopalan has stepped in as interim dean for the School of Business and Economics. Gopalan agreed to serve as interim dean, after Bailey’s resignation was announced via email Sept. 11. According to the letter sent by Chancellor Donald J. Reaves, Bailey’s resignation was due to her decision to pursue “long-standing professional interests.” Bailey served as dean for the SBE since 2006 and will continue to work as a faculty member in the department of management and marketing, according to the letter. Gopalan has been a faculty member at Winston-Salem State since 2004. Prior to joining the Ram family as an associate professor of management, Gopalan served as the director of the Master of Business Administration program at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. and department chair of man-
agement and marketing at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. Gopalan is no stranger to administrative roles at WSSU. In 2010, he became associate dean of the SBE. He was also the director of the MBA program, department chair of management and marketing and assistant dean for graduate programs. He has 23 years of teaching experience. “I think every place you learn a lot, but Winston has been very memorable, not just professionally but personally for my family as well,” he said. During his tenure as interim dean, Gopalan said he wants to maintain the strength of the SBE. “No matter how long I’m in this position, I would like to leave the school in a good, strong position for whoever is coming after me, which means that our students are doing well, the organizations are doing well and we have a good relationship with our students,” he said. The new interim dean also said that reaffirming
the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation is a primary goal over the next two years. When asked about what he anticipates graduates of the SBE to walk away with, Gopalan said he hopes for students to change the face of the economy. “I want our students to have the skills to work in a global economy and be confident,” he said. Gopalan’s teaching area is international business and cross-cultural management. He said that students departing to serve after leaving the SBE at WSSU should be “globally knowledgable and flexible.” Regarding North Carolina’s economy, he said, “North Carolina is transitioning and we need to be on top of what’s happening. ‘Are we preparing our students for this new future?’ I think this is the question that everyone should be asking.” Gopalan said, “It’s an exciting time to be a Ram,” and he looks forward to fulfilling his new position.
Williams is a junior mass communications major from Durham. Chelli Broussard, Marketing and Promotions coordinator, said CLMC was strict on this year’s Battleground auditions which made the participants more serious. The host for the event was comedian, Tyler Does, from Los Angeles, Calif. Round one consisted of eight acts which included: Edward Gerald, senior English education major from Tabor City; former WSSU student and local rapper, Keheeez (Raheem Gray), and 2 Cool Tiff (Tiffany Davis), sophomore music business major from Charlotte. Some of the talent performed remixed versions of popular songs while others sang self-written music. Five of the eight acts made it to round two which included: 2 Cool Tiff; Taylor Hope, sophomore music education major from Durham; Edward Gerald; Kheeez and Shareef (Rayshon Green), sophomore music business major from Boston. Edward Gerald was the winner of the competition with his slow ballad in round two called “Pink Matter” by musician Frank Ocean.
The “Breaking Bad” era came to an end, raking in 10.3 million viewers for the series finale Sept. 29. Creator Vince Gilligan, the cast and crew have even more to celebrate after finally winning the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series this year. The final season kept fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if their favorite characters would make it to the end, or be killed off. “Breaking Bad” had its rise to popularity after the first episode aired in 2008. The plot was intriguing. Walter White (Bryan Cranston- Saving Private Ryan) is a chemistry teacher struggling to make ends meet when he is diagnosed with inoperable, advanced lung cancer. With a baby on the way and a disabled teenage son (RJ Mitte), he teams up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul- “Big Love”), to produce methamphetamine. Their product becomes the best in Albuquerque, causing lots of drama with local drug dealers and kingpins. The series focuses on Walter as he transforms from a humble high school
Photo by Alexis Hall
Winner,Edward Gerald, performing at Battleground auditions.
Gerald won free studio time on campus, an opening slot for homecoming and free tickets to all events. The judges for the event were handpicked by Williams: DJ Trell (Montrell Davis), a junior marketing major from Winsett, N.C.; Burke singer, Brandy Woods, a senior health management major from Shelby, N.C. and DJ Diesel (DeShawn Turner), a former WSSU student. Broussard said this year’s event was approximately $3,000.
EARN MONEY FOR COLLEGE
Breaking Bad
teacher into the dangerous drug lord, Heisenberg. Each character has developed immensely. Jesse, who began as a small-time drug dealer, battles with depression and anxiety as he struggles to handle the things that come along with making it big time. Skylar (Anna Gunn- “Deadwood”), Walter’s wife, was once happy and supportive but ends up abandoning Walter in crucial times. Hank (Dean Norris- “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”), Walter’s DEA brother-in-law, loses his fight when he is paralyzed, but regains his strength as the series comes to a close. During its 5-year run, “Breaking Bad” has won 10 Emmy’s and received widespread critical acclaim. Bryan Cranston, who many recognize as the quirky dad from “Malcolm in the Middle”, has won three Emmy’s for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White and Forbes Magazine ranked the series as the “best show ever,” above iconic dramas like “The Wire” and “The Sopranos.” The final episode tied up loose ends and left fans with the message that being bad always has consequences, but doing good will end in reward.
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BATTLEGROUND continued from Page 1
entertaining criticism Breaking Bad Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Diversions Editor @MaurikaxS
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The News Argus
Opinion
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
www.thenewsargus.com
This is our year It’s that time of year, SU! No, not midterm exams; those can wait a while. I’m talking about the highlight of fall semester – homecoming! Before Chelsea Burwell attending EDITOR -IN- CHIEF WinstonSalem State, I was not familiar with many HBCUs, nor was I prepared for the experiences I would encounter. As a Virginia native, I heard stories from people who attended HBCUs around the state and they always rambled about going back to their alma mater for homecoming. I always wondered what was so great about homecoming – until now. WSSU’s homecoming is probably what I look forward to the most every year. It’s a time when not only students, but also faculty, staff and alumni can unite at events to pay homage to Ol’ State U. From vendor fairs and pep rallies to poetry slams and fashion shows, there’s a little bit of everything for everybody. Over the past four years, our University has rolled out the red carpet for some topnotch celebrities. I’ve seen actor Lance Gross, rappers J. Cole and Wale, lyricists MC Lyte and Rev Run, old school hip-hop duo Kid N’ Play and more. After flipping through
the Argus archives, I noticed that homecomings during the ’80s and ‘90s featured names such as Silk, Case, Phyllis Hyman, DJ Kool and other artists. Homecoming was and still is the event to attend, to say the least. However, every year, conversations swirl around campus about who will be at N.C. A&T’s homecoming. The “Greatest Homecoming On Earth,” typically has a roundup with hip-hop and rhythm and blues’ top artists. Even I have griped about who the Rams have had for homecoming compared to the Aggies, but I also realize there are some differences between A&T and SU. First, as of this academic year, A&T has more than 10,000 students; WSSU has about 6,150. Next, the alumni relations between both schools are drastically different, which all falls back on how many are enrolled and wind up graduating. Finally, what many WSSU students do not know is that A&T has an agreement with the Greensboro Coliseum. The talent that comes in for their homecoming typically schedule stops in their tours to perform in Greensboro, especially during GHOE. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t go to A&T’s homecoming. I’m all about HBCUs supporting one another. But, I know one thing for sure: the Rams who always show up to GHOE should be at WSSU’s homecoming. After all, this is the year of the Ram. Let’s turn up SU! Happy homecoming!
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at
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The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Chelsea Burwell and Jennifer Bruinton
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To listen to the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus.com.
DERRICK HARGROVE SENIOR TECH. SUPPORT ANALYST, CLASS OF 2001 Something that will cater more to the younger alumni and encourage them to join the National Alumni Association.
WSSU homecoming is full of activites to encourage Ram Pride. Events include a lecture series, comedy show and a concert.
While most events are geared toward students, only a handful (such as a service day and scholarship gala) are dedicated to the Ram alumni.
This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
Alumni: What events would you like to see during homecoming?
DARIUS CURETON ASST. DIRECTOR, QEP CLASS OF 2000
More opportunites for alumni to come back and participate in weekly events.
KATRINA MYERS ADMIN. ASST., HOUSING, CLASS OF 2013
More events for the nontraditional students, particularly events in the evening or on the weekend.
TERRY PHILLIPS ASST. DIRECTOR, FRESHMEN, CLASS OF 1992
Events that will foster greater participation with organized alumni groups. Maybe an alumni cookout on the Yard.
LAMONICA SLOAN DIRECTOR, CAREER SERVICES, CLASS OF 1994
More programs and services that allow our alums to have fromal and informal conversations with our students about their experiences here.
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The News Argus
Page 5
Stop trying to make ‘twerk’ happen
Who is really responsible for the U.S. government shutdown? Democrats
6%
Thanks to Miley Cyrus, twerking has become a national epidemic. The term “twerk,” which was added to the Oxford Dictionary Aug. 28, is a verb that means dancing to popular music in a sexually provocative Maurika Smutherman manner involvEntertaining ing thrusting Diversions Editor hip movements and a low, squatting stance. Before Miley’s terrible MTV Video Music Award’s performance Aug. 25, twerking was merely a trend in Black culture, propelled by underground YouTube Sensation, The Twerk Team. Twerking wasn’t a big deal because honestly, it’s been around for more than 20 years. According to the Oxford Dictionary Blog, “The 1993 song Jubilee All by D.J. Jubilee is often cited as the first known usage [of the term].” Jubilee’s New
Orleans roots may have had everything to do with his use of the word. According to XOjane.com, twerking is commonly associated with the New Orleans bounce music scene, and most likely derived from a centuries-old West African dance called the Mapouka dance. Needless to say, twerking isn’t new, which begs the question: Why is twerking so popular now? The answer is simple – twerking, which has been a staple of
Fly
She has described the album, which released Oct. 4, as “dirty south hip-hop.” With features from southern rappers Future, Ludacris and Nelly, her description seems to be accurate. But is Miley using elements of Black culture (ie. twerking, rapping and wearing Jordans) as a means to revamp her image, or is she genuinely embracing it with open arms? For those who think Cyrus is appropriating Black culture, check out what she said in the Oct. 8 issue of Rolling Stone, “I don’t keep my producers or dancers around ‘cause it makes me look cool. Those aren’t my ‘accessories.’ They’re my homies.” That’s right, those Black girls twerking in the We Can’t Stop video, and her new producer, Mike Will are her “homies.” Hey, she said it, not me. Nonetheless, don’t expect to see Miley twerking on stage any time soon. “People expect me to come out and twerk with my tongue out all the time. I’ll probably never do that s--t again,” she said. I agree Miley; never twerk again.
n the wall
Black culture for years, is just now gaining popularity because Miley Cyrus did it. We should have expected this when the former Hannah Montana star released a video twerking in pajamas to a song called Wop then attempted to start her own Twerk Team. It was obvious that she was trying to shed her teenage image, so it came as no surprise when Cyrus later revealed that she wanted to achieve a “Black” sound on her new album, Bangerz.
Republicans
64%
WE WANT YOUR
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Y E A R
2%
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28%
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Contributors Angelik Edmonds Chasmon Gatewood Brandi Smith *Dr. Lona D. Cobb Faculty Adviser
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The News Argus, the official student newspaper of Winston-Salem State University, is produced in conjunction with two classes in the Mass Communications Department. Any full-time WSSU student is eligible to join the staff or become a contributor. The Argus is published and circulated twice monthly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The Argus is not published during holidays or University breaks. The News Argus online (www.thenewsargus.com) is updated regularly throughout the fall and spring semester. The newspaper is not published during the summer sessions. The News Argus affiliations include: Black College Wire, College Publisher, College Media Advisors, Society of News Design, North Carolina College Media Association, Southern University Newspapers, Associated Collegiate Press
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The News Argus
Sports
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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Sports
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Ram Sports Preview
Oct. 10 Volleyball WSSU at Livingstone 6 p.m. Salisbury, N.C. Oct. 12 Football Homecoming Johnson C. Smith vs. WSSU 1:30 p.m. Bowman Gray Stadium Oct. 12 Volleyball Barton vs. WSSU 2 p.m. C.E. Gaines Center Oct. 12 Volleyball WSSU at North Greenville 4 p.m. Greenville, N.C. Oct. 14 Volleyball WSSU at Fayetteville St. 6 p.m. Fayetteville, N.C. Oct. 17 Cross Country CIAA Cross Country Championships 9 a.m. Cary, N.C. Oct. 18 Volleyball WSSU at Pfeiffer 7 p.m. Misenheimer, N.C. Oct. 19 Football WSSU at St. Augustine’s 1:30 p.m. Raleigh, N.C.
Contributor bingram113
Heading into homecoming week there will be a lot of built up emotion from students and alumni when the Rams take on Johnson C. Smith University. The Rams are riding high on a four-game winning streak after losing their season opener to UNC Pembroke. I don’t see why the Rams they won’t make it five in a row after homecoming. WSSU has a lot of playmakers on the roster that I don’t think JCSU can handle. The Golden Bulls will also have a hard time finding the end zone against WSSU’s stifling defense, which hasn’t given up more than 20 points since week one. With players like senior defensive lineman Donnie Owens and senior linebacker Carlos Fields Jr. I hope the coaching staff for JCSU comes with a creative offensive game plan. However, JCSU is not a bad team. The Golden Bulls
Page 7
COACH’S
GAME BALL By Matt Parmesano Sports Editor
Olivia Owens Winston-Salem State Head Volleyball Coach Andi Henderson chose outside hitter Olivia Owens as the recipient of this issue’s Game Ball. Owens, a 6-foot-3-inch sophomore elementary education major from Abbeville, S.C., is the tallest player on the team, which helps her with hitting and blocking. She leads the team with 49 blocks and ranks second with 79 kills and a 25.1 hitting percentage. Coach Henderson said that Owens is quiet but that she still has a strong leadership presence on the court. “She leads by example; just doing it. She’s not really outspoken, so she’s easily overlooked until you see her play.” Owens has been reliable all season long, and Coach Henderson appreciates that about her. “She has one of the highest hitting percentages among our outside hitters right now,” she said. “That show’s that she’s been consistent since we started. I expect her to keep raising her level of play and to continue being productive for us.” Q: When did you start playing volleyball and who got you started? A: I started playing in the seventh grade. My gym coach encouraged me to play because I was tall and she liked my attitude in gym class. I was shy at first, but I decided to give it a try. I didn’t start off the best, but I grew into it. Q: Has the game gotten any easier for you? A: The game has gotten very easy. Now that I’m a sophomore, I’m a lot more knowledgeable about the game than I was when I first came in; especially now that I’m comfortable with
Rams will defeat Golden Bulls Brandon Ingram
The News Argus
defeated Division-I Davidson 35-22 on Sept. 21, so they might give the Rams some competition. A few JCSU players to look out for are senior wide receiver Chris Patterson, who set a single-season record with his 203 receiving yards against Davidson, and junior quarterback Keahn Wallace. The JCSU defense is pretty formidable as well. The defense set a new singlegame school record against Davidson with 13 sacks. Entering the game already having lost in the CIAA, I think JCSU will be motivated to come into Winston-Salem and knock off the reigning CIAA champs. At the end of the day, WSSU just has a better overall team than JCSU, and this is why I believe the Rams will win. The Golden Bulls will come out fighting and will give the Rams a fight in the first quarter, but after that WSSU will start to pull it together and make it look easy. I predict the final score will be Rams 42, Golden Bulls 20.
Photo by Garrett Garms
Sophomore Olivia Owens (No.1, third from left) joins her team in a pregame huddle. the transition from high school to college. I’ve also learned a lot from Coach Henderson since she’s been here. Q: What’s your favorite part about playing volleyball? A: I like blocking. I like defense and slamming the ball in the other team’s face whenever they think they’re about to get a good kill. Q: Do you or your team have any pregame rituals? A: Before every game, we pray and just kind of talk to each other. We meditate, just kind of relax and concentrate on the game. Q: What are your plans after WSSU? A: I plan on starting out teaching kindergarten children and one day opening my own learning center for kids.
Rams look to continue winning ways Matt Parmesano sports editor
@mattparmesano
The Winston-Salem State football team has had a strong season and looks poised for more success. The Rams (4-1) have won four straight after losing their opener at UNC Pembroke. Their average margin of victory is 36 points. Head Coach Connell Maynor said that the key to the team’s turnaround after the loss to UNCP has been game experience. “We said all along that some of these guys who hadn’t played in a while needed to get back to playing football again, and we’ve got some young guys that we depend on, and those guys now have five games under their belt. We still have room for some improvement, but we’re starting to play a lot better in all three phases.” Another key to the Rams improvement has the been the play of junior quarterback Rudy Johnson in his
first three starts. Johnson, a transfer from Texas Southern, replaced redshirt junior and captain Anthony Carrothers as starter in the second week of the season and has held the job ever since. Johnson has completed 65 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Despite Johnson being the starter, he has split time with Carrothers, who has also played pretty well. Coach Maynor said that he likes having options at quarterback. “Both quarterbacks, [Rudy] Johnson and [Anthony] Carrothers, are playing well,” he said. “Rudy is the starter, of course, but it’s good to have two guys you can depend on to make plays at the quarterback position.” The defense has also been key. The Rams are only allowing 18.4 points per game and have surrendered just 10 touchdowns in five games. Two leaders on the defense are senior defensive back Everett Proctor and junior linebacker Terry Ross. “We started off rocky, losing
to [UNC] Pembroke,” Procter said. “We have a lot of new guys that transferred in from different places, but we’ve really come together and we’re starting to get this thing to work.” Ross said that the team as a whole is starting to click. “The rhythm has picked up so much because we have been able to play so many more guys on both sides of the ball,” he said. “Every day in practice, we’re getting better as a team, and it’s helping us on game days. The chemistry has really picked up since the first game.” The players and coaches have CIAA and national championship aspirations and are convinced they can reach their goals despite the opening loss. “The loss actually helped us in certain ways,” Ross said. “It was a reality check. At the beginning of the season, we were somewhat overconfident, but after the loss, we became more hungry for the rest of the season.”
Photos by Alexis Hall