The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Vol. 117, Issue 18, 24 Pages
TURNAGE WINS
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
Kirby Turnage reacts after hearing the results of the SGA presidential election Tuesday night on Cater Lawn. Turnage won the election with 2,837 votes, 42 percent of the vote.
Kirby Turnage won the SGA presidential election with 42 percent of the vote Derek Lacey
A CAMPUS EDITOR
t 9 p.m. Tuesday night, voting for SGA elections closed. By 9:45, the members of the elections board had finished hearing a campaign violation and were signing the results, somewhat shocked that this year there would be no run-off. Inside Cater Hall, 15 minutes later, assistant vice president for political affairs Scott Seitz read the results of the elections to the small group of SGA members and advisers before walking out on the porch. The insiders reflected on the hectic campaign season and lined up to walk out and face the waiting crowd. After reading the results of other elections, Scott Seitz, from the railing of Cater porch said, “with 42 percent of the vote, the next SGA president is Kirby Turnage.” A roar of applause and screams erupted from the Turnage camp that had gathered on the left side of the lawn. Meanwhile, supporters of the losing candidates held faces ranging from total dejection to solemn acceptance. “It feels amazing,” Turnage said, after hearing his name called. “My top five, my campaign manager, my friends, my fraternity, you know what, Auburn University students helped me get here.” Months of hard work paid off for Turnage’s team, and another year of hard work is about to begin. “It’s exciting to see four and a half, five months of work come to an end,” Turnage said. “It’s all about to start tomorrow.”
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My top five, my campaign manager, my friends, my fraternity, you know what, Auburn University students helped me get here.” —Kirby Turnage SGA PRESIDENT-ELECT
Outgoing SGA president Kurt Sasser watched from the sidelines as his successor celebrated just as he had done one year before. “It’s a little bittersweet, but I’m proud of him, and he’s going to do a great job for Auburn University,” Sasser said. “I’m truly proud of not only Kirby, but Kel and Trevor—each one of the candidates held their heads high, they ran a very clean election.” Runner-up Kel Jackson fell short of Turnage’s numbers with 32 percent of the vote, a total of 2,184 votes. “Obviously I’m disappointed,” Jackson said. “I’m extremely proud of my team. I figure we ran a fantastic race.” Trevor Ramsey came in third with 1,733 votes, tallying 26 percent of the vote. “This has been an absolute honor,” Ramsey said. “There is nothing to describe how strongly I still feel about Auburn University.” The voter turnout was slightly less than » See SGA, A2
BY THE NUMBERS SGA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION INSIDE
Community » A3
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Commentary » A5
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
Turnage celebrates with members of his group and vice president Vanessa Tarpos.
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
Turnage shakes hands with runner up Kel Jackson. Jackson received 2,184 votes, 32 percent.
KIRBY TURNAGE KEL JACKSON TREVOR RAMSEY | Campus » B1
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Intrigue » C1
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Food » C4
2,837 votes 2,184 votes 1,733 votes |
Wasting Time » C5
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Sports » D1
42 percent 32 percent 26 percent Recycled paper
News A2
The Auburn Plainsman
DUI ARRESTS IN THE CITY OF AUBURN FEB. 4 – FEB. 6, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CRIME REPORTS FOR FEB. 4 – FEB. 6, 2011
■ Marvin C. Lopez, 28, of Tuxha Guittierez, Mexico Picket Court at Gentry Drive Feb. 4, 6:26 p.m.
■ Richard G. Burdette, 19, of Birmingham East Glenn Avenue Feb. 6, 3:30 a.m.
■ Christopher A. Cantrell, 50, of Alexander City Mill Creek Road Feb. 6, 8:56 p.m.
■ Steven L. Moseley, 53, of Montgomery
Feb. 4 — East University Drive Burglary of residence reported. Semi-automatic handgun and $250.
Feb. 4 — Wright Street Theft of property reported. One wallet with health insurance card, social security card and money.
Feb. 4 — Wright Street Theft of property reported. One wallet with debit card, military ID, student ID and driver’s license.
Feb. 6 — West Longleaf Drive Burglary of residence reported. One Xbox 360, Xbox 360 games and one DVD.
Feb. 4 — Wright Street Theft of property reported. One wallet with debit card, credit card, student ID, driver’s license and money.
Feb. 6 —Heisman Drive Theft of property reported. One National Championship banner.
Grove Hill Road at Moore’s Mill Road Feb. 6, 9:32 p.m.
— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
Reaccreditation survey approaches Liz Conn ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR
Administrators have begun to prepare for evaluation in 2013 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. SACS will consider reaffirming Auburn’s accreditation, following a new set of standards for reaccreditation. “Accreditation means that there is a public statement by objective peers of Auburn that we are and continue to be capable of providing effective programs and services that meet agreed-upon requirements,” said Drew Clark, chair of the reaffirmation process and director of institutional research and assessment. “It’s a complete review of the institution.” Accreditation is mandatory for any institution receiving federal funding, including student loans. “An institution has to provide evidence that it continues to be in compliance with all the standards that this region has developed for what makes
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
Turnage celebrates after hearing the results Tuesday.
SGA
» From A1 last year, with 30 percent of the student body participating in the elections. Thirty percent is relatively high among public universities in the United States. “We changed up the election week, we went over the weekend and voted on Tuesday,” Turnage said. “All in all, 30 percent is still very high when you rank it against other institutions.” Kurt Sasser will keep the position until March 6, when Turnage will officially be able to print his business cards with the title SGA president beside his name.
“I just wanted to bring and present to Auburn University students how I can make this University better for next year,” Turnage said. “I’m excited to get started tomorrow.” Turnage’s platform included positions to increase the availability of dining on campus, implement a system for student feedback to SGA, create an online student ticket exchange, as well as developing an Auburn University app for smart phones. “When I sat down to write my platform, I targeted it toward students,” Turnage said. “Things that I’ve seen in the past three years that are OK and that need to be better and that don’t yet exist for students.”
Jillian Clair NEWS EDITOR
At an Opelika bar Jan. 29, fists and accusations flew, raising questions about whether a bar fight was actually a hate crime. Laura Gilbert, a 25-yearold gay woman, claims she was attacked at the Villa bar on Highway 169 because of her sexual orientation. According to the police report filed the next day, Gilbert and her friend Sheila Siddall were at the bar when they were involved in a fight. Police were called to the scene, and Gilbert was eventually arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Both Gilbert and Siddall sustained injuries, but declined treatment the night of the incident. Sheriff Jay Jones said they sought treatment the next day at East Alabama Medical Center. Although Gilbert and Siddall refused to comment, they told WRBL News 3 Feb. 3 that they were assaulted because of Gilbert’s sexual orientation. Gilbert told News 3 that
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she and Siddall were involved in a fight with about a dozen people. Siddall called 911, but by the time the police arrived, the fight was over. “They didn’t take our side of the story,” Gilbert told News 3. “They took their side of the story, and then all of a sudden, they come up behind me and tell me to put my hands behind my back, that I’m going to jail.” According to Jones, Gilbert and Siddall were too intoxicated to complete the police report that night, and Gilbert became upset and was arrested. “During that exchange, Ms. Gilbert acted in a disorderly manner,” Jones said. “It led finally to the point where the deputy was put in a position that he felt it appropriate to make an arrest.” Jones emphasized that Gilbert’s arrest had nothing to do with her claim of being assaulted, but instead was a result of her behavior after the police arrived. The sheriff ’s department took the assault of Gilbert
NEWS 334–844–9109 news@theplainsman.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Eric Austin
action plan for a project you are about to launch.” Students, faculty, alumni and employees were able to submit QEP proposals online through Feb. 9. “We can’t just say it is better for the students,” said Sushil Bhavnani, professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the QEP Exploratory Committee. “We have to actually document how it improves student learning at Auburn.” The committee, made up of faculty, administrators and students, will call for more detailed versions of select proposals in April. “In about May, we’ll have the list of the three or four best projects to submit to the provost for the administration to then decide which one to pursue,” Bhavnani said. Final documentation of the QEP is due to SACS in January 2013. If SACS approves the QEP, it will evaluate a progress report of the project in 2018, Clark said. “I think it’s an excellent addition to the
requirements for accreditation,” said Mary Ellen Mazey, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It’s a way to bring the campus together to determine how we can improve the learning environment here at Auburn University.” Clark said SACS also offers “recommendations,” or suggestions of ways an institution can improve. “In accreditation speak, a recommendation is a requirement,” Clark said. “In other words, if they say, ‘We recommend that you do the following,’ that means, ‘You have to do the following.’” Mazey said she hopes Auburn receives no recommendations. “I think that should be our goal—that we have the perfect reaccreditation process,” Mazey said. Universities are considered for accreditation renewal every 10 years. “In accreditation terms, 2013 really is the day after tomorrow,” Clark said, “so we’re working hard to be ready for it.”
Bar fight leads to hate crime accusations
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a higher-education institution able to fulfill its mission,” Clark said. SACS will evaluate the academic aspects of the University—the faculty, library and goals for learning advancement, Clark said. “It also goes to areas that are remote from most students’ day-to-day experiences,” Clark said. “They look at our financial statement and our physical facilities. They check to see whether or not the president receives an annual review of his performance from the governing board.” A new requirement for accreditation is the Quality Enhancement Plan. The QEP includes proposing a project intended to enhance student learning in some capacity, as well as showing evidence that the University is capable of carrying out that project. “Unlike everything else in the accreditation review, it’s not a review of something you’ve already accomplished,” Clark said, “but rather a fully developed
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mean-mugging her and everything,” Hollinger said. “And I told her, I said, ‘Ladies, there’s not gonna be no shit. If that’s what you’re here for or that’s what you’re planning on doing, you need to go ahead and leave.” The two women told Hollinger they were not trying to start any trouble. “No sooner than I come through the door back behind the bar, the girl in the cap was jumping another girl that was coming toward the bathroom, and she swung at her, and it was just a bunch of women there in a free-for-all,” Hollinger said. “She made the first maneuver—and I know this to be fact because I witnessed it with my own two eyes—at another woman. She had gotten very belligerent.” Hollinger said she did not witness anything that happened in the parking lot, but the woman with longer hair came back into the bar, threatened her and said she was calling the police. » Read the rest online at
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Derek Lacey Liz Conn Chelsea Harvey
and Siddall seriously, Jones said. “She’s still a victim, regardless,” Jones said. “That arrest was not associated with the other offense that the deputies were originally called there for.” The identities of the individuals involved in the assault are being sought, and if they are identified, the sheriff ’s department will assist Gilbert and Siddall in pressing charges, Jones said. As for Gilbert’s accusations that she was assaulted because of her sexual orientation, Cindy Hollinger, the bartender working the night of the incident, said she does not believe the women were attacked for any reason other than their own belligerence. Hollinger said although she didn’t know the women’s names, she could confirm that Gilbert and Siddall seemed to be the instigators of the fight. “The girl with the longer hair was telling the girl with the cap on that she didn’t like the way the other girl was looking at her and
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Page A3
Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor
Noah and Matthew watch a roping demonstration Feb. 5 at Storybook Farm’s “Cowboy Roundup” event. There will be another roundup Feb. 11 and 12.
Cowboy Roundup
At Storybook Farm, kids are able to interact with horses and enjoy Western crafts Kate Jones Writer
The cowboys and cowgirls were out in full force Saturday night as Storybook Farm held its second annual Cowboy Roundup to benefit its ministry of providing equine therapy to disabled and terminally ill children, as well as children who have suffered a tragedy. The roundup was open to the public. The farm has 15 horses, a miniature horse and other animals, and the children had the opportunity to walk around the barn and visit with the animals. Dinner was provided by Longhorn Steakhouse and was included in the entry fee. In addition to the animals, a puppet show, roping demonstration and a bonfire with s’mores attracted the children. Photographs were taken in a photo booth. Coordinated around the father-daughter dances in the area, Lucy Little, development director of Storybook Farm, said the roundup is directed at boys and gives them something to do with their moms while the girls and dads are at the dance. “The boys love it because it is like being outside on the ranch at night,” Little said. The roundup benefits Storybook’s ministry, which is of no cost to riders.
Riding the horses provides psychical therapy by stretching the child’s muscles across the horse. It also helps improve posture, balance and self-confidence. “Children can be very cruel, and if someone looks different or acts differently, they can sometimes be the center of attention, unfortunately,” Little said. “So they can come out here, and there is a saying that everyone is equal on the back of a horse, and it’s kind of that way.” For children that cannot get on a horse because of physical limitations, Storybook has a miniature horse, Tinkerbell, for them to bond with. “It’s nice to have an animal where they can look directly in their eye, and that’s what Tinkerbell is for,” Little said. Storybook Farm uses approximately 1,000 volunteers through IMPACT, and students can also earn class credit by volunteering at the farm. Brian Lazzari, junior in math education, volunteered last semester for his foundations of education class and now works with the children and horses. Lazzari said the most rewarding part of his experience at Storybook has been talking to the parents. “I love the kids,” Lazzari said, “(but)
Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor
Cowboy Tyler Burt holds his horse-shaped balloon at Storybook Farm’s “Cowboy Roundup” Feb. 5. The event benefits Storybook’s ministry to children with special needs. knowing that the parents are getting a break from a stressful life with a kid that has special needs, and they are just telling you that they appreciate all that you do and knowing that you are helping the family out even more so than just the kid—that’s the best thing. It’s awesome.” Founded in 2002 by Dena Little, the director of Storybook Farm, the ministry began
in Auburn when she thought there may be two or three children in the area who have a need for horse therapy. Almost 10 years later, the farm has serves 600 children. Cowboy Roundup will continue Feb. 11 and 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. More information can be found at www. story-book-farm.org.
Survivor in Wooten accident files lawsuit After being hit by a car Nov. 5, 2010, Frankie Bell is suing for damages Jillian Clair News Editor
Frankie Bell, 39, of Opelika, has filed a civil suit against the driver of the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier that injured her and killed COSAM Dean Marie
Wooten Nov. 5, 2010. Mark David Sawyer, 58, is the defendant named in the lawsuit filed by law firms McCollum, Crutchfield and Wilson, P.C. and Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis and Miles, P.C. “He was the gentleman driving the car that hit Mrs. Bell,” said attorney Wes McCollum. Bell and Wooten were jogging across South College Street at Donahue Drive and were struck at approximately 5:45 a.m. “The defendant was
headed south on College Street—headed out towards the interstate—and that’s when the two of them were hit right there in that intersection,” McCollum said. McCollum said Bell is suing for damages inflicted from the accident. The civil suit filed against Sawyer includes a negligence charge and a wantonness charge. “Until we have done some discovery and have determined if there are any other additional charges that are
warranted, that’s all that there is at this point,” McCollum said. Julia Beasley, partner and attorney at Beasley Allen, said Bell is still unable to walk and has not been back to work as a math teacher at Loachapoka High School. “She is still in a wheelchair,” Beasley said. “She is one tough cookie. They wanted to amputate her legs, and she said, ‘No.’” Bell is undergoing weekly physical therapy and will need more surgery on her right leg and shoulder,
“
She is one tough cookie. They wanted to amputate her legs, and she said, ‘No.’” —Julia Beasley Bell’s attorney
Beasley said. The lawsuit was filed Dec. 30, 2010, and a scheduling
conference has been set for March 1. Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker III will preside. The case will also be presented to the grand jury, McCollum said. A grand jury is a panel of people who determine whether there is enough evidence to begin a criminal trial. “Normally when there’s a death like that, the cases will be presented to a grand jury just for the grand jury » See Bell, A6
Community A4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Civil rights and equality still issues for Dowdell Jeremy Gerrard ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
For almost 30 years, Auburn Councilman Arthur L. Dowdell has tried to make a difference in the community as a civil rights leader. As he sits down at the Ralph B. Draughon Library, Bishop Dowdell (as he is known to his friends), simply smiles. “I love everybody,” Dowdell said as his hands adjust the cross worn around his neck and glide across the pinstripes in his suit, coming to rest gently folded in his lap. “But when you see my fight it will seem that Bishop fought and will look like he’s racist,” Dowdell said. “I don’t have a racist bone in me, but when I see wrong I have to challenge it.” Recently, Dowdell set out to challenge the city again as he brought a list of 10 points to the attention of the City Council, including the need for more racially diverse representation on the Council. While the issues Dowdell discussed ranged from better housing to equal pay for University employees, each point acknowledges a degree of racial imbalance and to change what Dowdell refers to as the “good ol’ boy” system the city employs. One problem Dowdell said he sees is a need for more minorities to be employed by the city. Dowdell discussed the problem of proposing legislation that he is unable to get through the Council because of the racial difference. On issues from the appointment of judges to the employment and promotion of police, firefighters and teachers, Dowdell said the city needs to be balanced, and the Council needs to have
DOWDELL
the opportunity to look over the city’s decisions. He said the city should be required to present the Council with a full report cataloguing a candidate’s education, background check and full list of experience before they can be considered. Dowdell added there needs to be better records to show that nationwide searches were done. “We can come together and challenge them in brotherhood, or we can challenge them in court,” Dowdell said. City manager Charles Duggan said the city has nothing to hide. “I think that we have a good relationship with the city in that we treat everyone equally and fairly,” Duggan said. “Race does not come into play regarding jobs, and we feel good about the city’s non-discrimination policy.” John Andrew Harris, member of the Lee County Commission and Dowdell’s friend, said these are concerns for the city, but the goal should be to progress by reducing crime, increasing education and working together. “I believe in diversity—it’s good for the whole community and breeds a better community,” Harris said. “We need to come together. If not, you have a community that doesn’t understand what they are lacking.”
On the topic of firefighters, Duggan said it is hard to find more qualified candidates within the city other than the students who have been through the city’s training program, which offers assistance with living and tuition expenses in exchange for being volunteer firefighters. Duggan said that the program has attracted many people over the years, but not many have been minorities. However, through promotion of the program at local high schools, Duggan said they are seeing more interest from minorities. As for the University, one of Dowdell’s greatest concerns is the difference in pay between the city and the University. Dowdell said he sees a problem with University employees who have worked for years and are unable to obtain wages that fit their experience and dedication. Specifically, Dowdell mentioned his son, who has worked at the University for 10 years and currently makes $10 an hour. Dowdell said this has been a problem for many years and is cause for concern when people cannot live and retire comfortably. Auburn University director of employee relations Linda Maxwell-Evans and Duggan said they have not heard any complaints of this nature, but it does not mean they do not exist. “To my knowledge there are no outstanding complaints that have not been addressed,” said Lynne Hammond, assistant vice president for human resources at Auburn University. “If anyone comes forward, we want to take care of them.” » Read the rest online at www.theplainsman.com
CONTRIBUTED
Bill Felkey, Kirk Iversen and Emily Graff rode in the Crank Your Heart Ride in 2009.
Special needs organization to benefit from run, ride Destiny Brown WRITER
Five hundred to 600 bikers and runners will not only work to improve their health, but will also benefit a nonprofit organization when they participate in the 22nd annual Love Your Heart Run and 4th annual Crank Your Heart Ride at Chewacla State Park Feb. 19. Runners and bikers can chose distance variations that extend from a 1- to 6.2-mile run or a 3.5- to 22mile bike ride. Along with providing healthy exercise, the event gives participants a chance to help the Exceptional Outreach Organization, a nonprofit organization that benefits children and adults with special needs in the greater Lee County area. “Running is very therapeutic for me, and I think Chewacla will have a very relaxing environment,” said Brittany Matson, junior in secondary education. Matson has attended
other running events around Auburn, but this is her first year participating in the Love Your Heart Run. EOO’s support primarily goes to the Therapeutic Summer Camp, a joint project with the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department. The camp runs for seven weeks, five days a week, from the first week of June through the end of July. Participants take part in recreational activities, life skill instruction, field trips, gardening and drama. EOO also contributes funds to Best Buddies of Auburn University and Special Olympics of Lee County. “A great aspect of our event is that 100 percent of the entry fees for the Love Your Heart Run/Crank Your Heart Ride go directly to funding the programs we support,” said Bridget Wingo, president of EOO. The event will also feature a local radio announcer, vendors by local sponsors and Aubie.
“Our goal this year is $12,000,” said Jessie King, public relations specialist for the run. Over the years, the run has given more than $70,000 back to the community, a statistic of which those associated with the Love Your Heart Run are proud, King said. There are many options for registration for the run and bike ride. Participants can register the day of the event between 6:15 and 9:45 a.m. Participants can also choose to register online or pre-register from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Golden Bikes on College Street. A new addition to the 2011 run is a donation from Golden Bikes of Auburn, the Crank Your Heart Ride title sponsor. There will be a drawing for a chance to win a Trek Allant commuter bicycle, valued at about $1,000. Raffle tickets for the bike are $1. For more information, visit loveyourheartrun. com.
Women helping women So far, drought will not EGG DONORS NEEDED cause water restrictions The Reproductive Biology Egg Bank is seeking women between the ages of 21 and 30 who would like to donate their eggs to infertile couples who otherwise could not conceive. Your donation is completely anonymous and compensation of $6000 – $8000 will be paid for your valuable time. The advantages of donating to the RBA Egg Bank include: • Quicker compensation, as no matching is needed • Donation done at your convenience; no recipient coordination required • Increased compensation with additional donations • Decrease in cost for recipients, allowing more women to utilize this technology who otherwise could not For more information about our EGG DONATION PROGRAM call 404-843-0579 or visit our website at www.rba-online.com.
New hope. New life. 1150 Lake Hearn Drive, Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30342 404.257.1900 / 888.722.4483 www.rba-online.com
Jenna Moran ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR
Despite the excessive rainfall Auburn has experienced the past two weeks, it is still one of the only cities in Alabama to be in an extreme drought condition. Western Lee County, as well as Chambers and Tallapoosa counties, has been experiencing “extreme” drought conditions since September 2010, according to Auburn Water Works Board. The rainfall in 2010 was approximately 38 inches, which is 18.5 inches below normal. Charlie Duggan, Auburn city manager, stressed the importance of receiving sufficient rainfall during the winter months. “A drought in the summertime here isn’t so much of a problem if we’ve had the usual rainy season, which is January through April,” Duggan said. “If Lake Ogletree is filled by January, then usually the water supply is sufficient enough to carry us through a dry summer.” Lake Ogletree is Auburn’s main water supply and is about 10 feet below its usual water level. “Typically this time of year we aren’t that far down,” said Eric Carson, assistant director of Auburn water resource management. “So these rains we’re getting right now are crucial for us to get full.” Auburn has already received more than two inches of rainfall during February, which Carson said is a step in the right direction toward returning the
water supply to where it should be. “Through January, we’ve gone eight months in a row below normal rainfall, so hopefully we can buck that trend in February,” Carson said. “If we weren’t to get full by, let’s say, May, then we might have to purchase some more water from a neighboring utility like Opelika or possibly put on some types of restrictions. But we’re hoping not to have to do that.” Carson said Auburn is still a few months away from having to make any type of decision regarding water conservation. A similar incident occurred in 2008, when Auburn last experienced an extreme drought. The Auburn Water Works Board increased water purchases from Opelika and highly encouraged people to save water any way they could. The board discovered that the more water the city generally uses, the more expensive it becomes to encourage people to cut back and conserve water when necessary. “We tell people to conserve as much as they can,” Duggan said. “In a normal year, we have plenty of
water. It’s just when you have a severe drought like this that it gets really expensive.” During this time of year, there are limited ways for people to conserve water, Carson said. “In the wintertime, you’re not really doing a whole lot of car washing and irrigating,” Carson said. “But in the springtime, make sure you check irrigation systems— to make sure there are no leaks—and even take showers instead of baths.” Duggan advised people not to water lawns as frequently once the weather warms up and to plant crops that don’t need a large amount of water to grow. “If you are planning on planting a garden, maybe make a smaller garden until we can see how high the water levels are (in the spring),” he said. Until the spring months bring clearer answers concerning the drought, Auburn citizens should keep practicing water conservation however possible because during the summer, water demand nearly doubles. “That tells you how much water is being used on nonessential items,” Carson said. “Just be smart with it, and try not to waste it.”
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Chubb’s actions let team, school down Last week, one of Auburn’s best basketball players was arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, attempting to elude a police officer and resisting arrest. In our society, athletes, celebrities and public figures are held to a higher standard. Perversely, in the culture of tabloid news, many live vicariously through the lives of their favorite stars, watching and waiting for them to slip up so a barrage of finger-pointing and mud-dragging can begin. Others hold their public figures to a higher standard, not to have the TMZ “holier than thou” moment, but because they recognize that those who are in the public eye are not just entertainers, they are role models. They represent teams, institutions and schools that are bigger than they are. This is why the actions of Rob Chubb are so disappointing. Every student makes mistakes. Some fail classes. Some break dorm rules. A few have run-ins with the law. Every one of these students
faces disappointment from friends and family. It is not a double standard to say the Auburn community is disappointed in Chubb. As a leading scorer on the men’s basketball team, all students and alumni of this University is part of his family. He has let that family down. It is one thing to become inebriated on a weekend, particularly after a big win. But to run from the police and to injure an officer in the process is totally unacceptable. It is not the way an Auburn man, or any upstanding citizen, behaves. Get in the car and go quietly. Cowards run. Of course, some of the blame must rest with those who surrounded him. Student-athletes are often propped up by their peers as larger-than-life figures. They must constantly be reminded by their friends and family that with their position comes great responsibility. Actions have consequences. For a team that has been struggling all year, the actions of Chubb following their first real
success of the season are all the more devastating. He gave his teammates less than 24 hours to celebrate their first conference win before they were given the news that one of their most valuable players had been arrested. With the performance of this year’s basketball team, a second conference win was certainly not a given, but Chubb’s actions will make that next victory even harder to come by. For a team that has been the bottom feeder of the conference standings for weeks, Chubb’s actions have brought national attention to the basketball team for t h e
worst possible reason. Perhaps the loss of Chubb earlier than expected made an inevitable personnel change for coach Tony Barbee a little bit easier. Chubb and the other players certainly had to be on notice of being cut for the sake of the program, and the unlawful actions committed last week have more than likely guaranteed Chubb will never wear an Auburn uniform again.
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You can see her handwriting, smell her perfume and stuff like that, that you don’t get with e-mails.” —DeWayne Sorrells “A SALUTE TO LOVE” C1
Last week’s question:
Did you find Kelly Tsaltas’ column offensive? Yes 34% No 48% Couldn’t care less 18%
This week’s question:
How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? ❍ With my significant other ❍ With strangers at the bar ❍ With a pint of ice cream
Vote at www.theplainsman.com HELEN NORTHCUTT / GRAPHICS EDITOR
Staff Columns
Valentine’s Day
Two perspectives on love and relationships Insights from the single life Holiday should symbolize love Liz Conn CAMPUS@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM
I live in the Friend Zone. Dreaded by some, the Friend Zone is actually a beautiful place. It has given me the chance to go behind enemy lines. I have studied the male species in its natural habitat. I listened to my guy friends complain about their girlfriends. I learned the most important lesson of dating—what not to do. Through platonic relationships with the men in my life, I gained insider information about dating and insight into the male psyche. And that psyche does not think fondly of Valentine’s Day. First of all, guys don’t like to spend money. While you may be fun to be around, your presence does not cancel out the charges on his credit card from that night out at Amsterdam’s. Chivalry is dead. Valentine’s Day isn’t even a real holiday. Valentine’s Day is the holiday that got
made fun of on the playground because it wasn’t cool enough to hang out with Christmas. If you’re going to buy gifts for Valentine’s Day, you might as well exchange gifts on Flag Day, Passover and Columbus Day. Pick either Christmas or your birthday. One gift a year meets an acceptable quota. Second, guys don’t like commitment. No matter how many hints you drop about that David Yurman bracelet, buying that for you for Valentine’s would signify an exclusive relationship. Exclusivity equals misery. Valentine’s Day is a trap. How is he supposed to take three girls out to a romantic dinner in the same night? He can’t. One of the three will find out that he has a couple girls on the side. She will then tell the other two. He’ll be left with zero. Life just isn’t fair sometimes. Most importantly, guys don’t think it’s cool when you’re needy. Don’t ask him why he hasn’t texted you yet today. Don’t ask him why he hasn’t changed his relationship status on Facebook. Don’t expect him to buy you a dozen roses and chocolate
for an arbitrary date in February. Although guys don’t like these things, they will put up with them (to an extent) if there are perks involved. Men are like dogs. Women are Pavlov. Men know that putting up with the bad stuff will sometimes lead to—ahem—the good stuff. It’s classical conditioning. No action on a guy’s part comes from a place of selflessness. He is almost always considering the potential rewards. I’m certainly not advocating loose morals to keep your guy happy. Option A: Make him respect your boundaries, but don’t expect him to celebrate a ridiculous holiday with you. Option B: Don’t have boundaries, and demand celebrations of Valentine’s Day, Flag Day, Passover and Columbus Day. The choice is yours. Of course, there are always exceptions. Maybe 5 percent of the male population legitimately enjoys dropping $75 on dinner and a gift for Valentine’s Day out of the goodness of his heart. I applaud these guys for trying to keep chivalry alive.
Miranda dollarhide INTRIGUE@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM
I love greeting card shopping. It takes forever just to pick one card. Glitters, ribbons and doilies, I’ll take them all. There is something so invigorating about opening up a crisp, clean piece of card stock with a mushy sentiment inside. I like greeting cards so much that I’ve worked at a Hallmark card shop for the past four years. Needless to say, any time I hear the word Hallmark, my head pops up. Two weeks ago, I was watching my usual morning talk shows, and a Hallmark commercial flashed across the screen. It was a Valentine’s Day ad with the tag line, “Valentine’s Day isn’t for saying ‘I love you,’ it’s for saying ‘I love us.’” I couldn’t get that phrase, “I love us,” out of my head. It got me thinking about something I love almost as much as greeting card shopping—Valentine’s Day.
I love Valentine’s Day because it’s a special day set aside to celebrate the people in our lives we love the most. We spend too much time running around caring only about ourselves, and we forget to take the time to appreciate the special people in our lives. That phrase “I love us” is a perfect theme for how Valentine’s Day should be spent. I don’t need a big box of chocolates, a dozen roses or even a diamond-studded bracelet. Granted, I’ll take those things if they’re offered, but by no means do I need them. I prefer to spend Valentine’s Day doing the two things my boyfriend and I really like to do—eating and watching TV. For Valentine’s Day last year, we didn’t exchange gifts, but instead we spent a nice evening together, chowing down on Olive Garden and watching a redbox movie. We didn’t want the hype of the day to consume of us. That’s just not us. Valentine’s Day isn’t supposed to be about showing how much you can spend
or how long you can take getting ready. It’s about remembering what makes a relationship special; relationships shared not only as a couple, but also with others in our lives. It’s for friends, long lost relatives and anyone to whom we don’t tell “I love you” enough. Calling your mom on the phone to remind her you’re thinking about her can be just as special as sending a cheap plush bear and a box of Russell Stover’s chocolates. There is a misconception that Valentine’s Day has to be a materialistic holiday. It, like Christmas, is just as materialistic as you want it to be. If it makes you happy to spend money on dinner and diamond earrings, by all means, do it. We all like to receive gifts from time to time, but don’t get so wrapped up in buying that you forget what the day is really about—love. Just remember, if you choose to make it about buying and receiving, at least take a little extra time to say “I love us” while you do it.
Your View
Editorial and condescending tone were off the mark To the Editor: It is undoubtedly true that, “The rights of free speech and free press are two of the most sacred rights Americans possess.” It is entirely wrong to believe that this “sacred” right is limited to the people
The Plainsman has pre-determined are intellectual enough to exercise it. Since when has a characteristic of freedom of speech and press been that the freedoms are limited to what The Plainsman believes is “careless and disgusting?”
Although the comments may have been unacceptable to The Plainsman, they were the thoughts and ideas of someone, and they had a right to be published. Because that’s the beauty of freedom of speech, there are no, or should I say, at least
very few exceptions. Apparently The Plainsman believes those commenting on their publication do not possess the same rights as their staff. Maybe the people leaving the comments were embarrassing their respective
camps, but the author of the article did a pretty fabulous job of embarrassing The Plainsman’s credibility when it comes to handing out opinion columns. Second, the “Editorial Board” needs to reconsider the condescending stance
it took when producing this response. It is completely unnecessary to undermine the intelligence of the Auburn student body by suggesting that they don’t understand journalism. -Dominique Boley junior, political science
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The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. These unsigned editorials are the majority opinion of the 9-member editorial board and are the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.
Community A6
The Auburn Plainsman service to the city began when he was promoted to a full-time position in Auburn’s parks and recreation department in 1991. After his work with youth sports, he transferred to the city’s information technology department. “There, I was able to work with all the other departments in the city and get a better idea of what they did, and city management seemed like it would be a good way to go,” Duggan said. Duggan served as assistant city manager before becoming the city manager in 2006. Some of Duggan’s responsibilities include overseeing the presentation of the city budget, hiring and firing employees and ensuring that the goals of all city departments are aligned with the expectations of the City Council. “If you think of it as the CEO of a corporation, that’s
City Manager Charlie Duggan has been serving Auburn for 20 years Ellen Weathers WRITER
City Manager Charlie Duggan said there’s no place like Auburn. Duggan first worked as a part-time employee for Auburn’s parks and recreation department in 1989. Now, more than 20 years later, Duggan holds his 13th job title with the city. Duggan’s 20 years of
held Jan. 29 in honor of Bell at the True Deliverance Holiness Church on Donahue Drive in Auburn. “(The empowerment program was) designed to invite anybody who’s been through a tragedy like this to come out and just show community support and also to help bring out more driver awareness in the community to protect pedestrians,” Beasley said. The AU Gospel choir performed, and money was raised to help pay for Bell’s medical expenses. Mayor Bill Ham, superintendent Stephen Nowlin and Bell’s bishop, Nolan Torbert, spoke at the event. Bell was recognized for her perseverance. Beasley said Bell is a strong-willed, determined person who is giving her all to getting back on her feet and back to work.
BELL
» From A3 to look at them and determine if there was any criminal activity,” McCollum said. “So even though you have kind of an accident situation, they will get presented because there was a death.” The civil suit process usually takes 15 to 24 months in a Lee County court, McCollum said. “Our jurisdiction works pretty quickly compared to some others around the state. “Our judges do a good job of keeping our dockets moving and getting the cases heard fairly quickly.“ McCollum said he has no knowledge of a suit filed by Wooten’s family. An event called an empowerment program was
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what my role is,” Duggan said. “The board of directors is the City Council, and I’m the guy they hire to manage all the day to day operations.” Duggan answers a lot of questions from citizens and said he hears a lot of comments about Auburn’s strength during the country’s economic uncertainties. “I think the truth is that we’re all focused on trying to efficiently run the government so we don’t face all those problems that other cities face,” Duggan said. Duggan said while other cities have faced overwhelming layoffs, he’s proud to have been a part of Auburn’s economic development projects. Auburn industrial parks are full of international and American companies like GE, which recently announced it will build a plant in Auburn. Duggan also said he’s
Thursday, February 10, 2011
proud to have been involved with the various road projects completed in the last few years. “Samford Avenue extension is one that I think people really appreciate,” Duggan said. “And as we add more traffic in town, that road is going to be vitally important to the city.” Duggan has two young teenagers and said Auburn public schools and the high quality of life are what keep his family here. “I don’t know how much people really understand how special Auburn is,” Duggan said. “Those of us that live here and have lived here for a long time have a great appreciation for it.” Duggan said working with the public is challenging, but that it’s the people who make Auburn great. “I think Auburn is a special place,” Duggan said. “The spirit of cooperation is really there, and I really enjoy being a part of that.”
MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Charlie Duggan, city manager, helped bring The Viper Motorcycle Company to Auburn. A motorcycle sits in City Hall to commemorate the partnership.
Commission drafts legislation for amendments to local laws Stolen guns, the office of constable, coroner’s expenses, sales tax to be affected Jade Currid WRITER
The Lee County Commission took a step toward changing local legislation at its regular meeting Jan. 31. Wendy Swann, Lee County’s governmental relations coordinator, asked the Lee County Commission to consider drafting legislation that resulted from a work session on local legislation Jan. 24. Commissioners considered a request by Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones to amend the current local law to allow for the sale of abandoned, stolen or unclaimed firearms to dealers both within and outside the state of Alabama. The sheriff has the ability to sell abandoned, stolen or unclaimed property after a certain period of time, but the law currently limits the selling of unclaimed firearms to within Lee County. Under the current law, the sheriff can sell the firearms to a licensed dealer and receive credit for equipment that his deputies need.
Jones said having the ability to sell unclaimed items will help reduce costs for their everyday equipment. County administrator Roger Rendleman said being allowed to sell unclaimed firearms outside Lee County would result in more bidders and better prices. Jones said the law requires diligence from the sheriff ’s office in locating the owner of stolen property. He said unclaimed property is held for a six month period, and during that time the sheriff ’s department is required to notify the public of the stolen property, advertise the property in circulating publications and send out alerts. “We go through several steps before disposing of property, especially firearms,” Jones said. The Lee County Commission also considered a proposal to abolish the elected office of constable in Lee County at the end of the current term of office. Jones said constables do not have any official duties, a standard for salary or any requirements for any type of specialized training. He said they were just offices on the ballot. Kenneth Belcher of Smiths Station was elected as one of the few constables in Lee County in 2008, and recently resigned from the office. Belcher said the office of constable is symbolic and
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does not serve a real function anymore. He said constables are only necessary in poor counties to serve summons for divorces and for small claims cases. “We are very fortunate to have a large, efficient sheriff ’s department,” Belcher said. Belcher said constables have created havoc in other counties. He said in all of his 25 years of living in Lee County, constables have not been a problem here. Constables in the county have run for the office with the platform of abolishing it. Other business the Lee County Commission considered was an amendment to abolish Lee County Coroner Bill Harris’ current expense allowance and provide a vehicle allowance in an amount determined by the commission. The bill would ensure expenses in the coroner’s office are handled in the same manner as in other county departments. Expenses would be authorized to cover the coroner’s personal vehicle in carrying out duties. Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence said the existing manner in which the coroner receives his allowance would have to be changed in order to keep expenses in line with expectations of state auditors. Another proposal that Commissioners considered was from Lee County
We go through several steps before disposing of property, especially firearms.” —Jay Jones LEE COUNTY SHERIFF
Revenue Commissioner Oline Price for an amendment to make current law match the state sales and use tax outside the corporate limits of Opelika, yet still within the confines of its police jurisdiction. If passed, the bill would equalize the tax rate and bring Opelika to the same standard as Auburn. The housekeeping measure would increase the current rate of 2 percent to 3 percent. Opelika pulled its police jurisdiction back to city limits in 2001. Services were still provided and the sales tax was dropped in an area. At the meeting, commissioners decided they will propose these locals bills to the region’s nine-member state legislative delegation at a later date. Commissioners will ask lawmakers to consider introducing the county’s local legislation during this year’s regular session of the state legislature, which will begin on March 1.
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Dancing the night away for a charitable cause Rachel Hampton Writer
Last Friday at midnight, hundreds of people were dancing under flashing lights, jumping around with glow sticks and sweating through their shirts—and no, they weren’t at SkyBar Cafè. The third annual Dance Marathon, held at the Student Center, raised almost $7,600 for Habitat for Humanity of Lee County. “Sara Beth Brown, a former Miss Auburn who started the event, wanted the money to go back into the Auburn family, and we’ve never strayed from that,” said Christen Holmes, Dance Marathon director. The families who benefit from the money raised come in at the beginning of the night to give testimonies and at the end of the marathon for the awards ceremony. “I want the dancers to
kind of realize why they’re doing it and so that’s been kind of our main focus this entire year,” Holmes said. “Its not just for a Student Government Association event; it’s not just to look good on a resume. It’s for families who need places to live, you know, to put roofs over people’s heads.” Julie DiCarlo, three-time participant, said she knows the gratification that comes with 12 hours of nonstop dancing. “I think the best part especially is in the morning when the family comes back, and you see how much you’ve raised and to see that you’re truly making a difference just from dancing for 12 hours,” DiCarlo said. The marathon includes pizza, Lady Gaga hour, a “Thriller” dance off, performances by AU Rhythm, the step team, Aubie and Miss Auburn candidates » See DANCE, B2
Maria Iampietro / assistant photo editor
Students compete for a good cause in the Dance Marathon Saturday night through Sunday morning in the Student Center.
The reigning coffee king
Emily Adams / photo editor
Students at last year’s RBDpalooza enjoy a game of Apples to Apples in the library.
RBDpalooza: part deux
Maria Iampietro / Assistant photo editor
Will Acrond, manager of the Student Center Starbucks, is a favorite among patrons.
Starbucks’ Will Acrond treats customers with more than just a hot cup of coffee Colton Campbell Writer
Will Acrond, 27, has worked at the Student Center for a year and a half and is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Cara Tupps, sophomore in microbiology, said Acrond’s customer service mentality is hilarious. “He’s always doing something while he was working besides making the drinks,” Tupps said. “Always talking to the customers, always moving things down the line. It’s just fun to watch.” Acrond said his job is perfect for him because it
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It showed me he might actually care about me beyond my drink order.” —Cara Tupps sophomore in microbiology
is all about doing what he loves—talking to people. “I love any opportunity I get to work and interact with people,” Acrond said. Before becoming
manager of the Student Center Starbucks, Acrond graduated from Tuskegee University with degrees in finance and marketing. He played football at Tuskegee all four years of college . “I try to inspire moments in people’s lives,” Acrond said. Tupps experienced one of these moments last semester. “It was before 8 a.m., and I had just rolled out of bed,” Tupps said. “I was staring off into space while I was waiting for my coffee, and Will leaned into my line of » See Will, B2
The second annual RBDpalooza brings fun and games to the library Annie Faulk Staff Writer
Get ready to put away the books and party at the library. Spend Friday night discovering the hidden treasures of the library at the the second annual RBDpalooza: Auburn Student Game Night. The palooza is a free event scheduled for Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Learning Commons area on the second floor of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library. The library is synonymous with studying all night with little sleep and no fun or games. However, the library is opening after hours for a special night of games, competitions, catwalks,
hunts and much more Friday night. The library will provide snacks and drinks for attendees. Aubie will even make an appearance from 7 to 7:45 p.m. to play games with students. “Some of the activities we have planned are video games, a variety of board games, a dry erase board art competition, a photo scavenger hunt, a football toss, a trivia contest, even a Project Runway fashion contest and much more” said Leigh Younce, librarian and coordinator for RBDpalooza. The event is designed to encourage students to explore the library and see the opportunities the library can offer in a relaxed atmosphere. The fliers remind attendees to “put your game face on!” “It’s a night of games for students to get comfortable with the library for a mid-semester break,” said Jayson Hill, library communication specialist. “There will even be a scavenger hunt and even prizes.” Tables usually meant for
studying will be littered with board games, food and drinks instead of laptops and books. “The basic idea behind the event is to have a night where students can come to the library and enjoy a night of fun and games,” Younce said. The RBDpalooza is an effort to get students acquainted with the library in a less stressful setting. “The library has a wealth of information that can really be useful when it comes to that 20-page research paper,” said Jacob Guerin, freshman in education. “If people feel comfortable with it, they won’t be afraid to use the library’s resources.” After RBDpalooza, the library will be back to business as usual. “The RBDpalooza is a good way for students to get acquainted with the library,” said Micah O’Dell, freshman in psychology. “If I go, I think I will be more comfortable stepping foot in the daunting library and if I am comfortable, then I can focus more on my studying—that’s a good thing.”
Police substation to replace proposed University bike shop Alison McFerrin Associate News Editor
Campus security will reach new heights this semester with the addition of a police substation. “Last semester we were approached by the Auburn city police department with a request for a greater presence of campus,” said Ainsley Carry, vice president of Student Affairs. The substation will be in the Student Center beside the Tiger Transit booth and will fill the space set aside
for the proposed on-campus bike shop. “After further discussion and discussions with those who were advocating the bike shop operation, we decided to relocate the bike shop operation and create in the Student Center a location for a police substation,” Carry said. Lindy Biggs, director of the Office of Sustainability and a moving force behind the bike shop, said she agrees the police substation takes priority.
“I’m disappointed, but it’s pretty important to have the police presence on campus with so many things that have happened in the last couple of years,” Biggs said. “I certainly can’t say that a bike shop is more important than a police station.” However, all is not lost for the campus bike shop. “We do have a commitment to the bike shop happening,” Carry said. The Auburn Bicycle Committee, members of the SGA, Carry and others are
in discussion about where the bike shop should be located. Biggs said she is hoping to keep it near central campus to ensure the most convenience for students. “It needs to be easily accessible by people who are on bikes—we don’t want it way out on Wire Road or something because if somebody has a flat tire they have to be able to walk their bike to the bike shop,” Biggs said. In the meantime, the police substation will probably
be open by mid-March, Carry said. Tommy Dawson, Auburn police chief, said the substation is going to provide multiple benefits. “Our goal is eventually have it 24 hours a day… but definitely during class hours,” Dawson said. “So if a student has a question or needs to file a report, there’s no need to come down here any longer, no need to do anything but simply stop in.” Dawson also said they want to encourage students
to stop by and chat, offer input or ideas and just get to know the Auburn police force. This greater level of safety on campus may offer another benefit for students— extended Student Center hours. “If we have a police presence in the building, it gives us the opportunity to keep it open later because we have security personnel nearby,” Carry said. The new substation hours » See Police, B2
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aren’t set, but Carry said he anticipates someone being around to respond to on-campus calls for a good portion of the day and evening. As for the bike shop, students are going to have to wait a little longer for the repair and maintenance
Thursday, February 10, 2011
shop that has been so long in the works. “This semester we’re going to identify the location, go back to student government with the two or three location opportunities, let them decide which one they like and then begin renovation on that,” Carry said. Biggs said they expect to have it open by fall 2011 at the latest.
Correction: The article “Kappa Delta fights child abuse with Shamrock Run” in the February 3 issue of The Auburn Plainsman listed Haley Bagwell as the president of Kappa Delta. Bagwell is not the president of KD.
MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Will Acrond, manager of the Student Center Starbucks, serves a customer. Acrond is known for his friendliness at work,
WILL
» From B1 vision and asked me if I was OK.” Tupps said this simple courtesy changed her entire mentality for the day. “The fact that he actually made eye contact with me and asked me how I was doing was really cool,” Tupps said. “It showed me he
might actually care about me beyond just my drink order.” Kim Lackey, Starbucks assistant manager, said there’s never a dull moment when Acrond is working. “Sometimes he likes to change his voice up and talk in a Jamaican voice,” Lackey said. “He says he does it when he’s aggravated, but I think it’s just to add some fun to the mix.”
Lackey said Acrond’s style of customer service is sometimes “over-the-top.” “He is very, very, very friendly,” Lackey said. Acrond said he strives to treat people like he would like to be treated. “I am the sole creator of my destiny,” Acrond said. “I know that today will be a good day if I want it to be a good day.” Acrond, originally from
Houston, said he knows how to change his attitude if he isn’t feeling his best. “The key to life is being able to adapt to challenges,” Acrond said. “Like today, I had a few staffing problems. Nothing was going to improve if I complained and made a big deal about it. I just had to get myself in there and work things out without feeling sorry for myself.”
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Volunteers at the AU Dance Marathon perform a choreographed dance to a set mix Saturday night in the Student Center.
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teaching part of a line dance. Dancers could also request songs, which were played via YouTube and shown on the two projection screens in the Student Center. “I really like either the Zumba or the AU Rhythm dancers,” said Mary Claire Estess, undeclared sophomore in science and math and first-time participant. “I think it’ll get harder as the
night goes on into the early hours. I know they have energy drinks so hopefully that’ll help.” Chris Kennedy, a 22-yearold student in the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, raised more than $1,000 for the marathon. Kennedy used connections from the fraternity to call organizations and ask for donations. “The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no,” Kennedy said. Sponsorship has become increasingly hard to come by because of the current state of the economy.
“The economy has really hurt our corporate sponsorship because they aren’t able to give as much, but we’ve had a lot more participation as far as dancers go,” Holmes said. “So where we’ve lost support, we’ve gained support.” The support from the participants is what keeps the dance marathon moving all night long. “Every year I have so much fun doing it, and it’s really one of the things I look forward to every year,” DiCarlo said. “I love to dance, and every year they
get better so I keep coming back. The cool thing is every time I come back I see familiar faces from the year before.” However, it is a marathon, and preparation should not be taken lightly. “It’s a very long time to stay, and we just encourage healthy, healthy, healthy eating habits the night before,” Holmes said. “Rest, drink water, eat well and get pumped. I just want everyone to know why they’re there, and it’s not about them. It’s about families that need their help.”
‑Public Intoxication CALENDAR: THURSDAY, FEB. 10 – SATURDAY, FEB. 19
‑Minor In Possession ‑Drug Offenses
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Career Expo: business and nontechnical majors
‑Personal Injury
■ AU Hotel
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and Dixon Conference Center ■ 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
‑Wrongful Death
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THURSDAY
13
CADC opening reception for faculty and alumni exhibit
■ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art ■ 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
14
15
Forum on recent revolutions in the Middle East, hosted by AU College Democrats
■ 2225 Stu-
dent Center
■ 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
16
SATURDAY 11
12
RBDpalooza: Auburn student game night
Men’s basketball vs. Miss. State
■Auburn ■ RBD Library Arena ■6 p.m. to ■ 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
17
18
19
Majors fair: just your cup of tea
Executive Softball Tiger chef’s kitchen Invitational workshop ■ Jane B.
Men’s basketball vs. Vanderbilt
Center Ballroom ■10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ing Hall ■ 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
■ 3 p.m.
■ Student
■ Terrell Din-
Moore Softball Complex ■ 12:30 p.m.
■ Auburn Arena
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Campus B3
The Auburn Plainsman
‘The Light in the Piazza’ brings love to campus Colton Campbell WRITER
Love is in the air in the Auburn Theatre Department with the spring musical “The Light in the Piazza,” opening Feb. 17. Set in 1950s Florence, Italy, the play tells the story about a girl, Clara, falling in love with an Italian man while on a trip with her mother. “If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fall in love, you can see yourself onstage as one of these characters,” said John Tourtellotte, senior in theatre. “This is a play about human beings, with all the beauty and struggle we face every day in the matters of the heart.” Tourtellotte plays the father of the musical’s leading man, Fabrizio, who encounters obstacles while
trying to win the affections of Clara. “It’s full of beauty, art, music and sound, and it will take you right out of the theatre,” said Jordyn Culbreth, junior in theatre. This “old style of musical” is what drew the department to the play in the first place, said Chase Bringardner, department dramaturg. Director Joey Bates has had “The Light in the Piazza” on his “bucket list” of plays he has wanted to direct for many years, Bringardner said. “The music was written by Richard Rodgers’ grandson, so it’s very classic,” Bringardner said. “It’s all about the lengths we need to go to for love.” The actors received help with the Italian language and dialect from outside the
department, Culbreth said. “Judy Blazer, a famous voice coach, came and worked with us,” Culbreth said. “There are a few Italian phrases in the play we wanted to get just right, so we also got someone from the Italian department here at Auburn to help us. We wanted to sound as credible as possible.” As a member of the ensemble, Culbreth does not have a major role in the play, but she said this is one of the best aspects of the play. “The ensemble members bring Italy alive in the play,” Culbreth said. “All of us singing and talking together whisk you away to Florence. The music is amazing, and since it has such an Italian feel, it’s also almost operatic.”
A motif in the play is the different seasons of love— you see relationships in all sorts of stages between the couples, Tourtellotte said. “The primary romance between Fabrizio and Clara can certainly be viewed as the spring season of romance,” Tourtellotte said. “They have all sorts of obstacles to overcome over the course of the play, but they’re so in love with one another they refuse to be stopped.” The play, written by Adam Guettel and Craig Lewis, first produced in 2003, was originally based on a novella written in 1960 by Elizabeth Spencer. The musical runs from Feb. 17–26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for students and can be picked up at the box office of Telfair Peet Theatre.
CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
John Tourtellotte, senior in theatre; Ben Young, junior in musical theatre; and Bridget Knapik, senior in musical theatre, practice a song for “The Light in the Piazza.”
Search underway for campus representatives Blakeley Sisk WRITER
CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Miss Auburn signs decorate campus during campaign week. The Division of Student Affairs now expects each candidate, not just the winner, to fulfill her platform.
Miss Auburn candidates fulfill platform promises Annie Faulk STAFF WRITER
The Miss Auburn title is getting a face-lift. The Division of Student Affairs is working with Miss Auburn candidates to work on their platforms, whether they win or lose. “There were a lot of questions of what Miss Auburn gets and what happens to the girls who do not win,” said Amy Hecht, assistant vice president of Student Affairs. Miss Auburn is the female representative voice of Auburn students. “We want Miss Auburn to be more prominent and not having people asking, ‘What is Miss Auburn’s role?’” said Tiffany Rozier, campaign manager for last year’s Miss Auburn, Kristi MeGahee. This year, each woman, even if she is not crowned Miss Auburn, is expected to carry out her platform. “The campaigning for
Miss Auburn soon became a ‘battle of the platforms’ to see who could outshine the previous Miss Auburn,” Rozier said. “It’s great that the girls have a platform, but in the end it is not solely all about the platform.” The women are now held accountable for their promises instead of the being allowed to abandon their platforms after the election. “Student Affairs is playing an advisory role for the Miss Auburn candidates,” Hecht said. “These are extraordinary women with extraordinary ideas. We want to support all the top five.” Student Affairs is working with the Miss Auburn candidates to accomplish their goals. “Regardless of the election, we will give back to the Auburn community,” Hecht said. The partnership between Miss Auburn and Student Affairs benefits not only the
girls, but the community as well. This year, the Miss Auburn program is implementing a women’s leadership component to the platforms. “We wanted to create a program to kick off a role of Miss Auburn for women’s leadership,” Rozier said. “Miss Auburn is the hostess of women’s leadership— that’s one of her duties for the year, and Miss Auburn brings it all together.” One initiative of Miss Auburn is defining women’s leadership through programs which mentor younger women. The program is designed for freshmen women interested in understanding how the leadership of Auburn works. The “big sister, little sister” mentorship helps to define women’s leadership. “When we branch out of our Auburn bubble, these are the things that matter,” Rozier said.
War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen applications are now available. Danny Feltham, senior in finance and president of WEGP, encourages everyone who has an interest in being a War Eagle Girl or Plainsman to apply. WEGP is a group of 12 men and 13 women, with the 13th woman being Miss Auburn. They are the official hosts and hostesses of Auburn University. The selection process includes an application and two rounds of interviews. “The first round is definitely more personality,” Feltham said. “The second round has more situational things that might come up in the job and is more Auburn-based.” A building fact sheet is available to every candidate, and it is guaranteed a question will be asked from it, Feltham said. “The interview process is nothing to be afraid of,” said Shelli Brown, senior in psychology. “Lots of rumors go around about the questions being impossible, but I would say just be ready to think on your toes, and just be yourself.” WEGP is a diverse group and is expected to represent the student body. “There is no cookie cutter,” Feltham said. “We love personality, and we want
OFFICIAL
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It’s not something you just put on your resume. WEGP is not an organization you can be in without giving it your all.” —Shelli Brown SENIOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
to see what best characterizes you.” WEGP is unique because selection is not based on what an applicant has done previously at Auburn. “The biggest thing to remember is that there is no certain kind of person that can become a War Eagle Girl or a Plainsman,” Brown said. “We want people from any major, any state or people who have never been in any other student organization before.” As a War Eagle Girl or Plainsman, candidates should be willing to serve the University. “It’s not something you just put on your resume,” Brown said. “WEGP is not an organization you can be in without giving it your all; we expect every member to be eager to give their time.” Other than the
interview, candidates must have the minimum GPA requirement and have attended Auburn for at least two full years. Feltham said they are expecting between 250 and 350 students to submit applications. The number of applicants is expected to grow from last year for many reasons, including football. “You do see a correlation between football and pretty much everything,” Feltham said. “Enrollment goes up, and so do applications for WEGP.” Football season is a major part of being a War Eagle Girl or Plainsman because it is a great time to be a host for the University. “We always love to go see Auburn play, and it’s even better that you get to go and serve the University,” Feltham said. Both Brown and Feltham encourage anyone who wants to apply and interview to give it a shot. “My experience in WEGP has been nothing short of amazing,” Brown said. “It has been so fun to serve the University and get to see a side of Auburn that every student doesn’t get to see with 24 people that have become my best friends.” An information session will be held Feb. 15, and interviews begin Feb. 21.
CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR
Campus B4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Learn to walk backward, share Auburn knowledge Student recruiters looking for new applicants Kelly Nicastro WRITER
Student recruiters have two things on their minds: avoiding all curbs and stairs as they walk backward and, more importantly, telling future students about the Auburn family. Student recruiter applications are available, along with the opportunity to become an Auburn ambassador and spread knowledge about Auburn’s traditions. Applications are due Feb. 25 at noon in the Quad Center. Students turning in applications will also sign up for a first-round interview.
“It’s a great experience for someone who loves Auburn,” said Taylor Brown, sophomore in biomedical sciences and current student recruiter. “It helps you learn all of the facts and interesting stories about the University.” The organization is made up of 60 volunteer students who are selected through a competitive interviewing process. “Of course we hope that every student we come in contact with will want to apply to become an Auburn student,” said Jordan Holladay, junior in public relations and vice president of outreach for student recruiters. “But if we can help make their college decision more clear for them, then we have done our job and shared our love of Auburn along the way.” Holladay said one of his favorite aspects of being a
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It’s amazing how many people come for tours who have never heard of ‘War Eagle.’” —Taylor Brown STUDENT RECRUITER, SOPHOMORE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
student recruiter is helping students make such an important decision in their lives. “Deciding where you will attend college is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make,” Holladay said. “Student recruiters have the wonderful opportunity to help prospective students and their families decide if Auburn
University is that perfect fit.” Student recruiter Gabrielle Hoyt, junior in public relations, said her tour of Auburn as an incoming freshman solely made her decision to come to Auburn. “The thing I enjoy most about being a student recruiter is when I hear from someone that they weren’t really considering Auburn before my tour and how much I changed their perspective,” Hoyt said. “It’s so great to know I have positively impacted Auburn’s future.” Student recruiters not only cater to prospective students at Auburn, but also assist admissions advisers at college fairs throughout the Southeast. Being personable, dedicated and comfortable speaking in front of a crowd are qualities needed in a student recruiter, and
potential student recruiters must be devoted and passionate about Auburn University. “Through our tours and conversations we are able to share our personal experiences at Auburn as well as information about what services Auburn University offers,” Holladay said. Holladay said he and other student recruiters find great pride in making a difference to the families that come visit and the students who decide to attend Auburn after their tour. “Most of all, I have enjoyed meeting all the families who come to Auburn to visit,” Brown said. “It’s amazing how many people come for tours who have never even heard of ‘War Eagle.’” Holladay saw a family on campus to whom he had given a tour the past summer. Not only did they
recognize him and remember his stories, but the student chose to attend Auburn. “I was ecstatic to find out that the student had chosen to attend Auburn in the fall,” Holladay said. “Knowing that my tour played a part in their college decision and compelled them to visit the campus once again helped me remember how lucky I am to be in the position to represent the University that I love.” Holladay said being a student recruiter is a lifestyle. “I even find myself walking backward on accident when I’m talking with my friends,” Holladay said. “I guess once you become a student recruiter, the experience never leaves you.” Informational meetings will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 in Room 2107 of the Student Center and at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Room 2222.
Atheists and Agnostics club celebrates Darwin Day Jordan Dale WRITER
Atheists and agnostics are coming together to celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday. Feb. 12 marks the 202nd birthday of the renowned naturalist. The Auburn Atheist and Agnostics are hosting “Darwin Day” Feb. 10. “It’s a celebration of his life to some degree, but also his work as a naturalist and his contribution to evolutionary theory,” said Rebecca Godwin, AAA president. Jon Armbruster, associate professor and curator of fishes at Auburn, will be speaking at Darwin Day.
Armbruster teaches evolution and systematics, comparative biology, morphology and systematic ichthyology. Each class is dedicated in some way to evolutionary research. His talk is titled “The Life and Natural History Collections of Charles Darwin.” “I will discuss some of the interesting places he went, what he found, the specimens he collected, and how they led him to some of his ideas,” Armbruster said. “As someone that actively scours the world for biological samples, his life has been an inspiration to me.” Armbruster received funding for one of the
largest taxonomic projects ever: describing all catfish species in five years. “Although a student in an evolution class will come out knowing more than Darwin ever did,” Armbruster said. “He was instrumental in changing the way that we think about the natural world.” The AAA had more than 100 people in attendance last meeting. “The purpose is to allow members of the Auburn family to come and learn what we’re all about as a group,” Stroder said, “and for the most part, interactions are both productive and cordial.”
Many of the club’s meetings are standing room only. “Never during any of our events or meetings have we encountered anyone who was outright malicious,” said Richard Stroder, AAA communications director. Outside their meeting rooms, however, the AAA encounters backlash for maintaining their beliefs in the Bible Belt. “When we host the ‘Ask an Atheist/Agnostic’ table on the concourse, it is regular practice to be flipped off, given dirty looks, yelled or cursed at,” Stroder said. The celebration will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Student Center.
CONTRIBUTED
The Auburn Atheists and Agnostics will celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Student Center.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Campus B5
The Auburn Plainsman
International students show off their talent Elizabeth Fite STAFF WRITER
America’s got talent—but so does the rest of the world. The International Student Organization (ISO) talent show will take place Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom. “Most of the contests that go on on-campus are mostly for undergrads, and most of the internationals are graduate students, so ISO thought of doing the show just to give them a break and a chance to come up with their hidden talents,” said ISO president Vaishali Sharda. The talent show went on hold for a period of time before it restarted four years
ago. The event is free and anyone can attend, As of Friday afternoon, 14 participants were signed up for the show, with registration remaining open until midnight, Sharda said. However, anyone—not just international students—can participate in the talent show. Talents for the show range from playing instruments to singing and dancing. One person is signed up to play two instruments, piano and harmonica. Rachel Jernigan, junior in communication disorders, signed up for her first talent show since middle school and is singing “Broken” by Lindsey Haun.
“Part of my New Year’s plan was to become more involved and get out there and not keep my talents as much to myself as I have in the p a s t ,” Jernigan said. Although she sings in public regularly, Jernigan said she is slightly nervous to perform because so m a n y of her
friends are attending the show. “I created a whole Facebook event called ‘Come Support Rachel in the ISO Talent Show,’ and I’ve had like 50 people respond,” Jernigan said. Jernigan said she heard about the talent show through her friend Tsega Lemma, the vice president of ISO, and he encouraged her to sign up. Ting Wang, doctoral student in education, is another
participant in the show. Wang has been an active participant in ISO activities since arriving at Auburn in 2009 from her hometown in northwest China. For her act in the show, Wang is performing a famous Chinese song traditionally used to celebrate spring festival. Wang said she is both nervous and excited to perform in her first talent show. Her friends, including the person who received the prize in last year’s show, encouraged her to participate. “I’m doing it for the prize and to make friends,” Wang said. First place in the show receives $250, second, $150,
and third, $100. Last year AU Rhythm performed at the talent show not as participants, but to add another dynamic to the show. Sharda said the organizers are trying to find another group to play for this year’s show. ISO regularly sponsors events like the talent show, including free dinner Fridays at 4 p.m. on the third floor lobby of the student center. These events are designed to be fun and to give international students a chance to meet and mingle, Sharda said. Every international student automatically becomes a member of ISO.
Class of the week illuminates ‘dark side’ of sociopaths Jordan Dale WRITER
If you have wondered what makes a sociopath tick, “The Dark Side: Negative Behaviors in Humans,” may be the class for you. The psychology class, taught by Dr. Daniel J. Svyantek, explores why humans act negatively toward one another. With a list of topics ranging from bullying on the playground to war and genocide, Dark Side explores the consequences of these behaviors. The class is designed as a lecture; however, Svyantek fosters discussion and encourages students to express beliefs using theory and research. For Svyantek, it is important these ideas be grounded in copious evidence instead of merely observation or personal opinion. “(Svyantek) is really easy going; he feels like just part of the class,” said Chris Tarnowski, senior in psychology. The class is not without its share of challenges. Rudy Namikis, senior in chemical engineering, said he thinks the tests are going to be “pretty rough,” as they are comprised of not only an in-class short answer section, but a take-home test with an essay. The syllabus boasts an impressive array of high standards, including an unforgiving attendance and tardiness policy, high academic standards and a large work load. “You want to come,” said Ashley Hollon, senior in psychology. “You want to learn.” While the course content is one reason students stay interested, Svyantek makes the course relatable and digestible. “He takes factual information and really dumbs it down,” Tarnowski said. With sociopaths the current topic of the class, students look to their own experiences to see if they have interacted with a group that reportedly makes up 4 percent of the population. “I kind of impose stuff from the book onto myself,” Tarnowski said. “I realize now I’ve interacted with sociopaths.” Sociopaths are described as people who do not have the “affective” component of conscience, meaning they do not feel what is right and wrong.
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I don’t know many teachers willing to be that brutally honest.” —Ashley Hollon SENIOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
Svyantek often reinforces his points with anecdotes about World War II, movies, popular culture or his own experiences. “He told us about how he purposefully hit an opponent in a football game and said he didn’t feel bad about it at the time and still doesn’t to this day,” Hollon said, “I don’t know many teachers willing to be that brutally honest.” The syllabus warns students that some topics may be uncomfortable to discuss and controversial in nature. Students learned about the Milgram experiment, which revealed that most people are willing to act against their conscience, specifically by inflicting pain on others, if they feel like the orders come from a legitimate source. Svyantek described how in World War II, German and Japanese soldiers were labeled “it” or “them” because it creates moral exclusion and a sense of dehumanization. “It allows almost any action to be done with a clear conscience,” Svyantek said. Namikis said the most interesting moments in Dark Side were how to protect yourself from a sociopath. In addition to learning the darker sides of human behavior, students discover a bit about themselves through a personality test given at the beginning of the semester. “It gives you a number for the Big 5 personality elements: extroversion, agreeableness, contentiousness, neuroticism and intellect or imagination,” Hollon said. “That was really interesting.” With the course texts including “Evil,” “The Sociopath Next Door,” “The Psychology of Genocide” and “The Lucifer Effect,” Dark Side promises intense discussion for students willing to see the bleaker aspects of human nature.
CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Dr. Daniel J. Svyantek instructs his students on the psychology of negative human behavior.
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The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, February 10, 2011
LYNDSEY YIM, 22 This week’s Loveliest brings a sense of international professionalism to The Plains. A senior in political science, our gal will be headed to her home country of South Korea this summer, working for the U.S. State Department. From there, it’s on to Washington D.C. Don’t think she’s all work and no play though. “I like golfing,” she says. We’d tee off with you any time, Lyndsey. Think you know an Auburn woman who has what it takes to be the Loveliest Lady on the Plains? Send submissions, with names and contact information, to campus@theplainsman.com
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On the Concourse Question: Would you rather have a police substation or a bike shop installed in the Student Center? Why?
“I would like a bike shop because my chain’s actually broken right now, and I would need somebody to fix it.” —Josh Laxson, freshman, marketing
“I’d rather have a bike shop. I’m a guy—I feel kind of safe anyway, but I have a bike, and that’d be more convenient than having to take it off-campus or something.” —David Woodard, freshman, engineering
“I guess a bike shop because I have a bike.” —Zach Litlefield, freshman, engineering
Intrigue Thursday, February 10, 2011
Blue Shoe boutique
TCBY’s birthday
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Things we do for love
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I flew 3,000 miles to see my girlfriend. I was in California and she was here.” —Chris Williams Sophomore, Industrial Design
“ Photo illustration by Emily Adams / Photo Editor
A salute to love
—Beth Danner Junior, Secondary Education
Couple in the military keeps love strong despite traveling far distances Miranda Dollarhide
D
Intrigue Editor
eWayne and Laurie Sorrells are just your average high school sweethearts, with a not-so-average love story. The Sorrells, both Auburn alumni and U.S. Marines, met at church in Newborn, Ga., where DeWayne’s father is the preacher. “I was 13. He was 15,” Laurie said. “He was picking on me, you know, as boys do. He kept pulling my hair from the seat behind me.” DeWayne said they started to like each other, so he invited her to play paintball. “I just thought it was a date, and 18 other guys show up,” Laurie said. “I was like OK, sure.” DeWayne was already a paintball enthusiast, so Laurie started playing to get closer to him. “We are both very competitive, so we would fight to the death, just me and him,” Laurie said. “We would duel it out.” When DeWayne joined the Marines in 2004, everything changed for the couple. DeWayne said he knew he would be traveling to different bases and didn’t want to be without Laurie. While in boot camp, DeWayne said he started planning how he would ask Laurie to marry him. The day of the proposal, he bought her a dress and told her to be ready at a certain time. “He picked me up, and I thought, ‘Oh mama, I think this is the night,’” Laurie said. They were supposed to have dinner at an Atlanta restaurant called The Sun Dial, which spins to give a 360-degree view of the city, and then DeWayne was going to propose by a fountain in Centennial Park. “His plan of proposal and what happened are totally different,” Laurie said. “He was going to
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It’s really lonely. You see the same stuff over and over again, all day, every day, that you used to experience together.” —Laurie Sorrells Auburn Alumna
propose in this really romantic way and that would have been really neat, but there was this concert there that night in the park.“ DeWayne was forced to change his plans. “As he’s realizing Centennial Park is full, and I’m still oblivious, or whatever, he’s thinking in his head we are going to go downstairs,” Laurie said. “I guess he just wanted to walk, and then we see this carriage ride like freakin’ Cinderella.” Laurie said they get on the first one they could find and rode through the park. “As we’re riding down the street—I don’t know what street we were at because I was lost in his eyes—he proposed,” Laurie said. “Then someone yelled out in the back, ‘Get a room.’ It kind of ruined the moment, but that’s OK. So goes life.” DeWayne said he was sure she would say yes, but he was still nervous. “You don’t want to mess it up,” DeWayne said. “It’s your one time to get it right.” After DeWayne proposed, he was deployed to the Middle East. This marked the journey they would spend together and apart. When he returned, the two got married on
I wrote love letters while in a long-distance relationship instead of texting all freshman year.”
July 2, 2005. Shortly after, they moved to Hawaii where DeWayne was based. Then he was deployed again. “It’s really lonely,” Laurie said. “You see the same stuff over and over again, all day, every day, that you used to experience together. It’s like you get constant reminders that he is gone.” Laurie said it is really hard being the one left behind, but she found ways to cope. “The military provides a great support system to all of us girls that have military husbands,” Laurie said. “I basically lived with my girls. I had the sorority experience because all the wives on base chilled together.” She said they would swap-off living with each other every week. DeWayne said one thing that worked for him was countdowns. “We usually try to come up with some big trip to do as soon as we come back together so we have that to look forward to,” DeWayne said. When they weren’t able to talk on the phone or e-mail, they enjoyed sending letters to each other. “Letters are better than e-mails because they have more meaning, because it’s something that she actually wrote,” DeWayne said. “You can see her handwriting, smell her perfume and stuff like that, that you don’t get with e-mails.” They would send gifts back and forth as well. Laurie said they have missed most of their anniversaries between deployments and both of their boot camps. DeWayne said the best gift he received was an iPod. “This was back in 2005 when the 30-gig video had just come out,” DeWayne said. “This is before the iPod touch or anything like » See Salute , C2
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I made 1,000 paper cranes, and it took three weeks. It was a surprise.” —Jairo Rosa Junior, Aviation Management
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I drove five hours from Birmingham to visit a boyfriend for less than 24 hours.” —Alyssa Lasserer
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Freshman, Business
I drove through five states to get to Texas once or twice a month. I also stayed on the phone all night long.” —Wood Keyton Sophomore, Music Performance
Taylor’s Bakery cooks up a cupcake explosion Crystal Cole Sports Editor
Taylor’s Bakery on College Street is preparing for a Valentine’s Day explosion— specifically, one of its popular cupcake explosions. Held about six times a year, the event gives customers the opportunity to try 33 different varieties of cupcakes. Eade Vincent, current owner of the bakery, said the event regularly brings in new customers who have never tried the baked goods before. “It’s good exposure, and cupcakes are really popular,” Vincent said. “We only charge a dollar, and it’s more of a traditional cupcake that you can just peel the wrapper off and eat without needing a fork or a place to sit down.” The last cupcake explosion was held just a few weeks ago, and Vincent
said he sold out of cupcakes within eight hours. “It’s pretty exciting,” Vincent said. “We get a lot of interest and have a decent following from people who come in and support a local business.” With so many varieties, Southern Union student Jacob Kelley finds it hard to choose just one cupcake to buy. “When I came in last time, there were so many cupcakes out, and it was like a crazy dream,” Kelley said. “I went home with like six or seven different ones.” Some of the specialty cupcakes include a peanut butter and jelly cupcake, a margarita cupcake, tiramisu and a peanut butter and banana variety called “The Elvis.” Vincent said his cupcakes rival those of the popular Gigi’s Cupcakes because his are cheaper and smaller
than gourmet cupcakes. “I think it’s easier to eat,” Vincent said. “It’s more of a traditional cupcake with icing in every bite, but it’s not over the top. I think what separates us is 2,000 cupcakes in 30-plus flavors—all for a dollar.” Brian Rhett, graduate student in engineering, said having a cupcake explosion on Valentine’s Day will help guys around town win over their dates. “It’s so cheap, you could just take a girl in and tell her to choose whatever she wants,” Rhett said. “They are delicious, and you can’t go wrong playing to a girl’s sweet tooth.” On the day of the event, Vincent said the bakery is swamped with customers, and the energy inside is chaotic. “We open at 7 a.m., and we’ll get people who stop by on their way to work to pick
up a few treats for the day,” Vincent said. “It stays pretty busy all day, and it generally comes in spurts. I think we sold all of them by 3 o’clock last time, so we’re looking to increase our numbers a bit for this one.” In addition to cupcakes, the Valentine’s Day explosion will offer other treats. Couples bit by the love bug can purchase special long-stem chocolate-covered strawberries to share. Kelley said he didn’t know much about the event the last time around, but hopes to stock up next week. “I think I might get a couple dozen on Monday,” Kelley said. “They’re good to have around as a quick snack, and it’s really hard to turn down a cupcake. My friends will probably eat a bunch of them, but it’ll just be nice to have something so good to give them for once.”
Maria Iampietro / Associate Photo Editor
Taylor’s Bakery sells a variety of cupcakes, including those with buttercream icing and a coffee bean on the top.
Intrigue C2
The Auburn Plainsman
The Auburn Plainsman www.theplainsman.com
YOUR SOURCE FOR CAMPUS NEWS
SALUTE » From C1
that. That was really neat because it had my favorite songs on it.” While he was deployed, DeWayne would order gifts for Laurie on the Internet. She remembers one gift in particular. “It was this poem he wrote in this really pretty frame,” Laurie said. Unfortunately, even the best gifts can’t keep a soldier’s mind from wondering. “(Being apart) is definitely difficult,” DeWayne said. “It messes with your mind no matter how faithful you think your spouse would be to you. “There are always the stories.” DeWayne said there was a wall of shame in the
Thursday, February 10, 2011
barracks, decorated with pictures of cheating girlfriends. “It is something you have to deal with, especially when you have a beautiful wife in Hawaii on a base full of nothing but 18–24 year old guys, all in good shape making money.” DeWayne said. Laurie would sometimes receive angry phone calls from DeWayne after another soldier’s wife cheated. “It’s so frustrating being the one back home who is being super loyal,” Laurie said, “not looking, not thinking, not doing nothing.” DeWayne said she would reassure him that she would never do anything like that. Even though neither one of them looks forward to deployment, the time apart keeps their relationship fresh.
“It is like your honeymoon every time he comes back,” Laurie said. “It’s like you’re having to learn each other again each time. That in itself was fun.” DeWayne said a military relationship with one person constantly traveling keeps a relationship more interesting than a regular relationship. “You get set in your ways, and you lose focus on how important they are to you,” DeWayne said. “But when you know that you are only here for seven months, and then you go away for seven months—well, that seven months that you are here, you’re like newlyweds.” In the future, the two plan to have children. “We’re looking three or four years down the road,” DeWayne said. “I’ve always wanted kids, but it’s something we
decided to put off at least until she gets through the end of her career in the Marines.” DeWayne said he would rather raise young children while he is in the military, and hopefully he will retire before they start middle school. “What we are hoping is our oldest kid won’t be older than 10 years old when I decide to retire,” DeWayne said. “Then, we can move back to Georgia and then can settle in. “ For Valentine’s Day, the Sorrells plan to do something they love to do together—travel. Laurie said they plan to go to Jamaica thanks to a little extra money they had after graduation. “I also demanded that I get some chocolate, and I think he ordered some,” Laurie said.
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
To honor TCBY’s opening in 1981, customers can enter to win a contest offering free yogurt for an entire year.
TCBY celebrates 30th birthday Mackenzie Cogle WRITER
149 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 887-0206
Valentine’s Menu Entrees
Filet Mignon with White Truffle Butter New York Strip With Onion Straws and Bleu Cheese Butter Roasted Chicken with Crimini Mushroom Beure Blanc Coq Au Vin Cedar Planked Salmon Ahi Tuna with a Thai Chile Vinaigrette Mahi Mahi with Tomato Balsamic Relish Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks With a Mushroom Demi Glace
Soup
Lobster & Shrimp Bisque
Desserts
Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries Bread Pudding with Maker’s Mark Anglaise S’mores Waffle
Drinks
Fire & Ice Martini Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Our nightly Specials Mon-Live Trivia with Shea and Justin Tues-$2 Pints Wed-Wine Wednesday 1/2 off bottles Thurs-$5 Martinis
Daily Specials Thursday $5 Martini
Tuesday $2 Pints
Wednesday 1/2 Wine
Thirty years ago, Frank and Georgia Hickingbotham found frozen yogurt to be a healthier alternative to ice cream. The couple wanted to share their discovery with the world, and in 1981 in Little Rock, Ark., the first national frozen yogurt chain was born. This year TCBY celebrates its 30th birthday. Until Feb. 28, the company is taking YouTube video submissions to celebrate 30 years of serving up “The Country’s Best Yogurt.” The grand prize winner will receive free frozen yogurt for an entire year. The company wants to know “why you love TCBY.” In a 30-second YouTube video, contestants can be as creative as possible to answer the question. TCBY fans are encouraged to be creative with submissions through singing, dancing or poetry. After creating a video, contestants must fill out an entry form and upload their
video. The entry forms can be found on TCBY’s website along with a list of rules and regulations for the contest. “Contestants can be as creative or simple as they would like to be,” said Kelly Wallace of Trevelino Keller Communications, a company that represents TCBY. Videos will be judged on creativity, presentation and the ability to tell the world how one feels about TCBY. Judging begins March 1 and ends March 5. The winner will be notified March 15 and will receive free TCBY for a year, equal to $30 at TCBY each month for 12 months. College students are asked to submit entries because TCBY is looking to see which university has the most videos for the contest. Katie Sutter, junior in pre-nursing, said winning free frozen yogurt for a year would be a dream come true. “I love TCBY; it’s so addicting,” Sutter said. “It’s a good thing it’s not bad for you in moderation.”
Andrew Tisdale, manager of the TCBY in Auburn, said the company even brought out a new flavor of soft-serve frozen yogurt for its birthday. Red velvet cake flavored soft-serve frozen yogurt, described as “cake you eat with a spoon,” is now available at TCBY stores across America for a limited time. The new flavor falls into the category of “Super FroYo” with less than 120 calories per serving. Red velvet cake frozen yogurt also has the same seven probiotics found in other soft-serve flavors and is 98 percent fatfree. TCBY of Auburn also offers a red velvet shiver, a frozen yogurt treat blended with brownie bites and red velvet flavored soft-serve. “To me, TCBY means healthier living and a healthier lifestyle as far as desserts,” Tisdale said. He said he enjoys seeing families come in the store and enjoy a healthy treat. “It makes me feel better to know that generations
“
To me, TCBY means healthier living and a healthier lifestyle as far as desserts.” —Andrew Tisdale TCBY MANAGER
after me are making better decisions to live healthier lives,” Tisdale said. Tisdale added TCBY is working to come up with new flavors. He said white chocolate mint truffle softserve will be available in March. The variety of flavors offered at TCBY may contribute to customers’ love of it, which can be seen in video entries. Videos from contestants who have already submitted to the contest can be viewed on TCBY’s YouTube channel.
Jane Random Amber Hubbard freshman, chemical engineering ──
Where are you from? Mobile Favorite food? Mexican, hands down Relationship status? Single Any plans for Valentine’s Day? I have a social the day before. Where was the last place you ate? Acapulco’s
What’s your shortest relationship? Three and a half weeks Last thing you bought with your Tiger Card? A bagel from Einstein’s A random fact about yourself? I was homecoming queen. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love? Drove three hours to see a guy for one day
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Auburn Plainsman
Circus-like hobby prevents slacking off Alexandria Smith WRITER
What may look like a tightrope circus act staged on Auburn’s campus is actually a growing sport used to train participants in balance. Slacklining was created in the 1970s and is a popular activity for climbers trying to refine balancing skills. A nylon rope is tied between two stationary objects. Participants begin by trying to balance on the rope, walking across, and then progressing to other tricks. Although rock climbers trying to improve balance invented the sport, it has grown into something the outdoor community has embraced. From the Upper Quad to Samford Lawn, slacklines can be seen tied to various trees on campus. “Slacklining is freeing in a way,” said Angus MacLellan, sophomore in engineering. “You are so focused on slacklining and just keeping your balance that everything else just disappears.” MacLellan said slacklining is like tightrope walking except bouncier like a trampoline. His favorite place to slackline is Samford Lawn, and he introduced the sport to his younger brother Tavis MacLellan. Tavis, freshman in software engineering, said he also enjoys slacklining on Samford Lawn, where the trees are big and the ground is flat. Although most of what can be seen on campus is people walking across the slackline, tricks are possible. “You can learn to do jumps, flips or spins, or try and get more than one person on the slackline,” Tavis said.
MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Alex Manning, sophomore in biochemistry, balances on a slackline in front of Tichenor Hall. Another thing you can do with the slackline is have a competition, timing friends to see who is able to stay on the longest, Tavis said. Walking across a thin rope suspended a few feet in the air might look dangerous, but a coordinated person will most likely not suffer any serious injuries, Angus said. “The fun part is that it looks and seems like you are calculating every little movement while you’re on the line,” said Hudson Cheshire, sophomore in English, “but you are not; it just happens.” Cheshire mostly practices slacklining in his backyard, but claims Samford Lawn as his favorite spot as well. Gibbon is a company that makes slacklines. The lines
are sold on the Internet, and can be found locally at Kinnucan’s and Southern Trails in Auburn. Slacklines usually cost around $100, but there is no other gear needed to participate in the sport. Slacklining is great because it is a good learning experience. You can gauge your progress and actually see how you are getting better, Tavis said. Although slacklines are a common sight in Auburn, there is not a club on campus. Still, Tavis and Angus enjoy slacklining in their free time. “It’s pretty cool how I slackline for fun, and people will see it and become interested in what I am doing,” Angus said.
Nutritionist reveals truth about eating disorders Five myths you probably believed Lindsay Rife ASSOCIATE INTRIGUE EDITOR
Aubie-EDA, a student group focusing on body image education and eating disorder awareness on campus, will be sponsoring “Love your Body Week” the last week of February. Group members will give out healthy recipes, stickers and calendars on the Haley Center concourse every weekday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except Wednesday, when there will be a women’s leadership conference in the student center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The kickoff for the women’s leadership conference will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 22. There will also be an interactive art display all week, group fitness classes, and a cooking class Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. Campus dietician JessicaLauren Roberts reveals the five most common misconceptions about eating disorders and then the truth: 1. Myth: Eating disorders only occur in women. Fact: Women aren’t the only ones who deal with these; men encounter them as well. Roberts said she has seen them in mostly 15- to 20-year-old male clients. 2. Myth: Having an eating disorder means you’re skinny. Fact: Eating disorders don’t necessarily make you skinny. Aside from anorexia
and bulimia, there are what Roberts refers to as “eating disorders not otherwise specified.” She said this is probably the biggest category. “Sometimes these are the most dangerous because they fall off the radar,” Roberts said. “Those are the people that don’t necessarily look really skinny, and so we think, ‘Oh they’re fine; they don’t have an eating disorder,’ when actually they very well may, and theirs might be far worse than the really skinny girl who’s actually eating what she should.” 3. Myth: A healthy appearance equals good health inside. Fact: Looking healthy on the outside does not mean one is healthy on the inside. “Added to that,” Roberts said, “thin is not necessarily healthy. Appearance is not necessarily the marker for our health.” 4. Myth: Eating disorders can be attributed to one cause, such as one’s upbringing. Fact: Eating disorders are multifaceted. “The myth here could be that it’s all about the media, all about the parents or all about bullying in school. But it’s not. It could be a combination of any of those things,” Roberts said. “Added to that, peer pressure, the kind of friends that we choose, you know, the people we’re in school with can definitely be an influence, but we also have a choice in that.” 5. Myth: Only people with certain personalities are
“
(An eating disorder is) any kind of preoccupation with food … you don’t have to have anorexia nervosa to have a problem.” —Jessica-Lauren Roberts DIETICIAN
vulnerable to obtaining eating disorders. Fact: Anyone is susceptible. “Anyone can (develop an eating disorder) from any feeling of insecurity or a desire to control something when there’s no other sense of control in life,” Roberts said. “And it doesn’t have to be a full-blown eating disorder; it can be a disorder of eating. Any kind of preoccupation with food, anxiety and obsessing over it—you don’t have to have anorexia nervosa to have a problem.” Roberts identified many different types: nocturnal eaters, binge eaters, over-exercisers, bingers or purgers through laxatives, diuretics and anorexia-restrictive, which limits calories to the point of starvation and includes over-exercise. For more information and a complete list of events, visit Aubie-EDA on the Haley Center Concourse Feb. 21.
Intrigue C3
5 Unconventional Date Ideas
1 2 3 4 5
Kelly Tsaltas ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR
Climb the waterfall at Chewacla park. Don’t be afraid of the great outdoors and enjoying the adventure together.
Whatever happened to board games? Break out the oldies—like Life, Monopoly or Candyland—or try a newer one—like Apples to Apples or Quelf.
Make a three-course foreign dinner. Try something outlandish, like Ethiopian or Thai.
Have a picnic on Samford Lawn under the stars. Sure, it’s cold out. What a great excuse to snuggle under a warm blanket!
Go see a movie and buy a large popcorn. Sit behind a group of people and make it your goal to have five pieces of popcorn stuck in each person’s hair by the end of the movie—without them noticing!
Food
Thursday, February 10, 2011
C4 www.theplainsman.com
Food affects mood Food has been found to have both a chemical and psychological effect on a person’s mood Elizabeth Fite STAFF WRITER
Variety, taking care of yourself and finding out what works best for you are all factors of food and your mood. Overall diet contributes to mood, said Jessica-Lauren Roberts, dietician and nutrition adviser for the lifetime wellness and fitness program. “It’s not about one specific food, one specific nutrient, vitamin or mineral,” Roberts said. “It’s a combination of many things.” Also, there are instances where the chemistry in a particular food does not agree with a person’s body. “Say you really like ice cream, but all the sudden you’re lactose intolerant, then actually eating that food is going to give you a stomach ache, which is not going to be a pleasant experience, and that might affect your mood,” Roberts said. Iron and B vitamins also play an important role in energy, but there are multiple other factors. “There’s a lot that goes into how food affects us,” Roberts said. “There’s several nutrients, vitamins
and minerals that we know play a role in hormones and things like serotonin, but it’s not just one specific nutrient.” A lack of variety in food is one of the most common causes of nutrition-related fatigue. “Vitamins and minerals are the co-factors for energy production, so when we miss (them) our body can’t use the food we’ve consumed to make energy,” Roberts said. Also, according to Roberts, proper hydration is one of the most important aspects of feeling well and energized. People used to think tryptophan, an ingredient found in turkey, would make a person tired, but Roberts said that the tired feeling comes from eating a large, high-fat meal. Fatigue has a huge impact on mood because it alters emotions and motivation, Roberts said. Aside from the chemical affects, food has an impact on the psychological aspect of a person’s mood. Roberts used the example of comfort food to illustrate the emotional impact food has on a person’s mood. “It’s not just about the food that you’re consuming and the chemistry behind that, but also how you perceive that food and what it means to you,” she said. Mike Judge, senior in hotel and restaurant management, said he understands the psychological impact of food on a person’s mood. Certain foods release endorphins which directly
affect a person’s mood. Food is also cultural with social implications, Judge said. Also, Judge said if a person believes in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, then food is grouped with the first and most fundamental necessities of life. Taste buds are directly related to sense of smell, which is the closest linked sense toward memory, therefore positive memories will associate with food, he said. “A well balanced diet receiving all essential nutrients keeps your body functioning like a machine; not meeting that demand will cause an imbalance in mood,” Judge said. In addition, Judge said, because alcohol is a depressant, it inhibits brain function and weakens the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illness. Roberts said the biggest problem with college students’ diets is simply not thinking about what they are eating. “You would be surprised at the number of students that sit in my office for consultations that consume no fruits and vegetables throughout the day, and that will happen for three or four days at a time,” Roberts said. “Fruits and vegetables are a really great way for us to get in certain vitamins and minerals.” Planning and educating is the best way to eat healthy. If you have to resort to fast food, pick a meal that is well rounded with carbs, protein and a little bit of fat.
Intrigue
Campus coffee compared With five different locations to purchase coffee on campus, the choice can be difficult. To make it easier, compare the most popular drinks and the prices on each location’s menu.
Au Bon Pain
Best sellers: Hazelnut and Morning Blend Price: $1.83 (small), $2.04 (medium), $2.15 (large) Special: Buy a mug for $2.99 and get refills for $1.29 each All hot drinks are the same price.
Caribou
Best seller: Vanilla White Chocolate Mocha Price: $4.09 (small), $4.29 (medium), $4.59 (large) Most expensive item on the menu: Any large Wild or Cold drink ($4.59) Cheapest: Small iced traditional tea ($1.79)
Einstein Brothers Bagels
Best seller: Vanilla Hazelnut coffee Price: $1.89 (medium), $1.99 (large) Most expensive item on the menu: Large Chai Tea Latte ($3.79) Cheapest: Medium coffee/tea ($1.81)
Starbucks
Best seller: Caramel Macchiato Price: $3.45 (tall), $4.25 (grande), $4.55 (venti) Most expensive item on the menu: Venti Extra Coffee Caramel ($5.25) Cheapest: Tall brewed coffee ($1.50)
Seattle’s Best
Best sellers: White Chocolate Mocha and Caramel Macchiato Prices: $3.75 for Caramel Macchiato, or $3.90 for White Chocolate Mocha (regular), $4.45 (medium), $4.75 (large) Special: “Livin’ Large Mondays”—get large cup of brewed coffee for $1.50 Most expensive item on the menu: Large White Chocolate Mocha and Caramel Macchiato ($4.75) Cheapest: Solo espresso or brewed coffee ($1.75)
Freshman goes organic Lindsay Rife ASSOCIATE INTRIGUE EDITOR
College presents many new realities, one being the lack of mom and dad’s fridge within raiding range. The hustle-and-bustle life of the average college student makes portable, nutritious food a necessity. Since most on-campus dining facilities close by 8 p.m. and have odd hours on the weekends, students must find other nutrition options. For some, this includes a room stocked with Easy Mac and Ramen noodles. However, others find their energy source in healthy snack food and meals. Freshman Olivia Glasscock is an
environmentally-conscious healthy eater. She cooked an organic meal once a week while living on campus last semester. “(My friend) and I both accidentally signed up for the food and sustainability writing class last semester,” Glasscock said. “So we started talking about sustainability and needed focus for our weekly blogs. We had talked about how we both loved cooking and decided we would cook an organic meal every week and write about it.” The two made dishes such as chicken noodle soup, Asian stir fry, enchiladas and pita pizzas, which are a great dorm food option since they are easy,
customizable and cheap. She said she buys organic foods from Earthfare so she doesn’t worry about leaving as big of a footprint on the Earth. “It’s not just about my personal health,” Glasscock said, “It’s about the health of the environment. (Earthfare’s) big thing is sustainability, so all the food is local. You know what you’re eating is fresh and that the farmers who made it are treating their animals well.” She added she currently foresees healthy eating as a beneficial part of her future. “I feel like eating organically is healthy for me in the long run because I’m not building up all these things in my body,” Glasscock said.
Wasting Time
C5
www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Intrigue
HOROSCOPES
Written by Brian Woodham / Assistant Sports Editor
Leo: Pluto told me to tell you, “Another Caucasian, Gary.” If you’re not Gary, the message was “ruff, ruff.” If none of that makes sense, screenings of “The Big Lebowski” and Disney cartoons are in your future. Pisces: Keep in mind that your symbol is the fish, not the sloth. Adjust accordingly. Scorpio: Emerson said, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” If that seems lame, run around like a contestant on “The Price is Right.” Taurus: You iron out all of your problems from last week. Shame about this week’s red sock, though. Aquarius: Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow at Gobbler’s Knob, but it’s still cold. On the menu: groundhog. Cancer: Just because you wear Under Armour clothing doesn’t mean you’re an Auburn athlete. Stop doing the Heisman. Libra: The scales are tipped in your favor: you don’t weigh the same as a duck, though you are made of wood.
ACROSS 1. 5. 10. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 24. 27. 28. 32. 36. 37. 39. 40. 42. 44. 45. 47. 49. 50. 51. 53. 56. 57. 61. 65. 66. 69. 70. 71. 72.
73. Shred 74. Doze off 75. Leopard feature
Skywalker, finally B-vitamin source Pedro’s mouth Settled Cliffside refuge Declare solemnly Enemy of the Buddha Carpentry tool Wizened Wrist opposite Improved Cartridge fillers Pow! Having a yen for Empowers Potato st. Sampan owner Slug cousin Omani title Was a scout Ballet attire Some bills Farm enclosures Marino or Rowan Ladder rungs At an angle Scholarly notation (2 wds) Gradual Like abbots “Beauty and the __“ Fix typos Theater awards Late tennis great Finish a jacket Brainy club “Get Smart” villains
29. 30. 31. 33. 34. 35. 38. 41. 43. 46. 48. 52. 54. 55. 57. 58. 59. 60. 62. 63. 64. 67. 68.
DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21. 23. 25. 26. 28.
“She’s a bad Mama __” High spirits __ Bogarde of film Type style Woof Slippery fish Burnoose wearer Tendon Incisors Cellar Above Geologic sample Overwhelmed “Paint the Sky with Stars” singer Hebrew letters Sealed with a __ Fabric samples Medieval holdings
Capricorn: Don’t worry about a thing this week. No one’s watching and…
Usher in Gullible Trot and gallop Riyadh resident Magnate Hurled Simon and Diamond Certain rifle Pass the cards out Former JFK arrivals Type of appeal Fine-tunes They can be split Lawsuit cause Dissolve Fat cat’s victim Ricci or Foch Motion picture Cousin of PDQ Frighten a fly Course finale WNW opposite Exhaust
Aries: Your adventurous spirit leads you to a great breakthrough, which your roommate subsequently steals while you’re blacked out. Sagittarius: You should have taken the blue pill. Gemini: It’s your month, just not your year. Develop a quick case of mono. Virgo: The stars just aren’t aligned. Sure, you connect the dots, but Justin Bieber’s the image.
COFFEE SCRAMBLER
Answers to last issue’s crossword
Clue 1:
ENAB
Clue 4:
ASORT
Clue 2:
ENLBD
Clue 5:
AITSRBA
Clue 3:
NIGRD
Bonus: Use circles to solve
SUDOKU
OCTO Instructions
3
6
1.
8
9
Place the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the octagons such that the numbers are not repeated in any row, column or diagonal.
5
7
6 1
2.
The numbers along the edges, top and bottom are the sums for the numbers in the diagonal that begins or ends at that number.
5
3 4
3
6
3.
7
1 4
53 numbers are provided in this Octo
Answers to last issue’s puzzle
© 2009, Doug Gardner Patent Pending
4
8
2
4
6
7
8
The number in each diamond is the sum of the numbers of each of the four faces that border that diamond. The numbers that border the diamonds do not have to be unique.
4.
9
Check www.theplainsman.com for the answers. For more OCTOs, go to home.comcast.net~douglasdgardner/site
3
6
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9
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1
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CRYPTO A
B
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5
E
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H
I
16
J
K
L
M
N
O
17
P
Q
R
S
T
U
9
V
W
X
Y
Z
14
At the top there is a KEY that lists all the letters from A thru Z with a box below. Each of the letters has a corresponding number. The bottom part contains a secret phrase. Each of the blanks has a number underneath it. Fill in the letters that correspond to the numbers below the blanks to solve the phrase.
, 6
9
12
16
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, 12
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... 17
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12
—Corinthians
Intrigue C6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, February 10, 2011
REBEKAH WEAVER / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Mollie Lewis, Taylor Genau, Emily Philpot and Emily Peterman have fun watching funny YouTube videos about cats in their dorm in The Village.
College living situations differ with roommates Victoria Rodgers WRITER
Some like it; others hate it. Some have to deal with it; others avoid it. It’s the roommate. For most, college has presented some of the greatest challenges. One of the biggest includes living away from home. College students finally gain the freedom to make their own rules and live whatever lifestyle they want, but then comes the roommate. For Adam Snider, freshman in pre-aerospace engineering, coming to Auburn from Dallas made it hard to know many people in the area when he first got here. Snider, an oncampus resident, made a radical decision—he decided to go with random roommate selection. “I room with random people basically,” Snider said. “Two of my roommates are gone all of the time, and the other is cool, but we don’t hang out much.” The Village dorms provide icebreaker activities at the beginning of the year
to make students in each residence hall more comfortable. “On the first day, we just tried to get to know each other,” Snider said. “I helped them move in.” Snider said he believes rooming with random roommates worked out well for his freshman experience because of the stories he has heard from his friends at other schools. “I’ve heard of people at other schools who will room with their best friend, but it didn’t work out,” he said. Although these stories are common, not all of them have a bad ending. Emily Philpot, sophomore in international business, lives on a sorority hall in the Village. Philpot has lived with one of her roommates for a year, and the other two are her sorority sisters. “We try to plan roommate stuff together,” Philpot said. “We’re all going to see ‘The Roommate’ tomorrow.” In spite of their close friendship, Philpot said
She Would Love...
she still experiences some roommate problems. “Cleaning is always an issue, but I think that’s an issue with anybody,” Philpot said. “We have a schedule. We try to stick to it and give everybody a job.” Some people don’t get along with a roommate because they enjoy independence. Monique Carlone, sophomore in agricultural economics and animal science–equine, said she thinks life is less complicated without a roommate. “I’m a very independent person,” Carlone said. “Living with another person is just not my thing.” Carlone, an off-campus resident, said she has never wanted a roommate. “I just did not want a roommate because I’m very particular about the way things are,” she said. For Carlone, living alone allows her to have more freedom. “It’s like, ‘Where am I stepping on their toes?’” Carlone said. “But when you live by yourself you don’t have to worry about that.”
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Several pairs of bright dangle earrings patterned with colorful flowers, leaves and ladybugs are on display at The Blue Shoe boutique for sale.
Local boutique ties together art and fashion Liz Conn ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR
If the shoe fits, buy some artwork along with it. The Blue Shoe boutique sells shoes, jewelry, accessories and artwork from local and regional artists. The art includes paintings, pottery and handblown glass. “The cool thing is I feel like we’re bridging two different worlds,” said owner Beth Witten, “because fashion is art, and art can be fashionable.” The Blue Shoe is located on East University Drive across from the movie theater. The boutique opened in October, said employee Jennifer Bartley. Bartley said the shoes are her favorite products in the store. “A lot of people have a problem with spending a lot of money on shoes,” Bartley said, “but if you think about it, you’re on your feet all the time. It’s an investment to invest in your shoes.” The Blue Shoe also has bags, wallets and shoes for men, although Bartley said male customers usually come in with their girlfriends or wives. The store’s jewelry has the widest price range, Witten said. “Especially on the jewelry side, we have price points for all budgets,” Witten said. “It goes from $15 up to $500.” Auburn resident Wilma Armenakis said she has shopped at the boutique many times. “I think it’s great,” Armenakis said. “I think it’s wonderful to have this kind of quality here in Auburn.” Witten said her mother owned a custom frames and art business, which was her inspiration for selling art in the boutique.
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I feel like we’re bridging two different worlds because fashion is art, and art can be fashionable.” —Beth Witten OWNER OF BLUE SHOE BOUTIQUE
“That’s why I wanted to incorporate local art,” Witten said, “because I believe you need to support your community, and our local artists are kind of a foundation of that.” Witten said she loved selling shoes in high school and college and has wanted to open a shoe store for about 10 years. “There’s a shoe boutique in Macon called Karla’s Shoe Boutique, and she’s the daughter of Otis Redding and a good family friend,” Witten said. “She was kind of my muse for wanting to open a shoe store.” When choosing the name of the boutique, Witten said she wanted something short and easy to remember. “The blue comes in because of the color for art,”
Witten said. “It’s blue because it lends itself to Auburn without being offensive to anybody else. It’s at the top of the alphabet. ‘Shoes’ obviously incorporates the shoe aspect. It’s also my husband and I’s initials—Beth and Steve.” For spring, Bartley said the store will have flats to give women arch support. “A lot of cork is going to be big,” Bartley said. “The spring colors—the taupe, the beiges, the neutrals— all that is still going to be in again.” Witten said this spring will be all about color, citing poppy, coral and carnelian yellow as examples. “They’re taking spring back to that vintage, feminine look, as opposed to that hard, chunky look that we’ve seen for so long,” Witten said. “They’re making it more flirty—a lot more feminine.” The Blue Shoe has held private shoe parties and will have a poetry night Feb. 18. “I just love good things,” Witten said. “Not a lot of people take the time to enjoy really nice things anymore. We get so busy and ahead of ourselves, and I wanted to slow it down and have an inviting place for people to come and not be rushed.”
CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
An intricate necklace made with white beads sits at The Blue Shoe boutique on East University Drive.
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
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Chubb suspended indefinitely Suspension follows Jan. 30 arrest and four charges Crystal Cole Sports Editor
In the early morning hours of Jan. 30, Auburn fans celebrated the men’s basketball team’s first SEC win of the season. One player celebrated a bit too hard, and the consequences are affecting the whole team. Sophomore center Rob
Chubb was arrested in downtown Auburn on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, eluding a police officer and resisting arrest. According to police reports, both Chubb and the arresting officer sustained injuries during the incident. The evening prior to his arrest, Chubb scored a careerbest 18 points and came down with six rebounds in the 79–64 victory against South Carolina. Thursday, Feb. 3, head coach Tony Barbee announced Chubb was suspended from all team activities for a violation of team rules.
Chubb was noticeably absent from the team’s bench during the Tennessee game. Barbee discussed Chubb’s absence following the 69–56 loss to Tennessee four days after the incident. Barbee said he was disappointed in his player, and he felt Chubb was starting to get into a rhythm before the arrest. “He was starting to become an offensive threat,” Barbee said. “Not having that tonight was a big hole. I’m disappointed in him, but whoever plays in his place needs to step up to the opportunity.” » See Chubb, D2
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“He was starting to become an offensive threat… I’m disappointed in him, but whoever plays in his place needs to step up to the opportunity.” —Tony Barbee basketball head coach
Rob Chubb
Rolling the Tide
Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor
Sophomore Petrina Yokay mounts onto the vault. She received a score of 9.675 for the event.
Emily Adams / Photo Editor
Todd Van Emst, photographer for the athletic department, stands with his trusty camera outside the athletic complex.
Sharp Shooter A look at the life and daily duties of Todd Van Emst, Auburn athletics’ photographer
Brian Woodham Assistant Sports Editor
His photographs have captured some of the most iconic moments in Auburn sports. Some are etched in the minds of Auburn fans or made into posters— Cam Newton posing with the Heisman trophy—while others are printed almost daily in newspapers. As the official photographer of Auburn University Athletics, Todd Van Emst has documented every sports team, from football to women’s soccer to swimming and diving, since 2003. “I kind of consider my job just kind of recording history,” Emst said. “And man, I love it. It’s a good time.” Emst said his interest in photography was sparked by a friend around his junior year in high school. He borrowed his friend’s camera for a couple weeks and enjoyed it so much that for Christmas, his parents got him his first camera, an Olympus. “Friends of his parents gave us a bunch of dark room equipment,” Emst said. “So we set up shop in his grandmother’s basement, and it kind of took off from there.” Emst cultivated his passion for photography as a student at Vestavia Hills High School, where he took photos for the yearbook, covering school
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I just think Auburn’s very fortunate to have him because he probably does the work of three people. I think he takes as good a sports photo as anybody I’ve ever seen.” —Mark Murphy editor, “inside the Auburn Tigers”
events, pep rallies and the daily life around school. After graduation, Emst moved to Auburn, where he said he didn’t do anything with photography for about a year. He got a camera back in his hand by taking photos, here and there, for David Housel, Auburn’s sports information director at the time, and by working with Village Photographers and Camera Graphics. “He was always a hard worker and a go-getter, and he did a lot of photography for us,” said John Oliver, owner of Camera Graphics. “We’d go shoot some of the games on the sidelines together and stuff like that back then.”
Emst also took photos for “Inside the Auburn Tigers,” a magazine that covers Auburn sports. “Todd is definitely a high-energy, high-achiever type of guy,” said Mark Murphy, editor of ITAT magazine and autigers.com. “Everybody seems to like him. “If you don’t like Todd, you’ve got problems—there’s something wrong with you, not Todd. That’s just the kind of guy he is.” Emst’s work as a photographer on the sidelines in 1992 foreshadowed his current position. “I was standing on the sidelines one Saturday afternoon,” Emst said. “I look up in the stands, and I said, ‘Wow, there’s no way in hell I could go a whole season with sitting in the stands, so this is what I’m going to do.’” Emst also worked as a photographer in 1993 and 1994 for The Auburn Plainsman, where he was photo editor during the Tigers’ undefeated 1993 season. Emst said the photo he took of Toomer’s Corner after Auburn’s 22– 14 Iron Bowl victory, which graced the cover of a special edition of The Plainsman, remains one of his favorites. “I loved the Plainsman,” Emst said. » See Van Emst, D2
Gymnastics hopes to keep its win streak alive in Tuscaloosa Annie Faulk Staff Writer
Fresh off their victory over Kentucky, the Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa Friday night to take on the Crimson Tide. The Tide is rolling out of Gainesville with a loss, and the Tigers are prowling for another victory. The Tigers are 2–3 for the season and 2–2 in the Southeastern Conference, while Alabama is 6–1 for the season and 1–1 in the SEC. The Tigers are determined to put the past 99 total losses to the Tide behind them and face them with full force. “We are doing a lot of team pressure sets to see if the girls can handle being put in different situations,” said head coach Jeff Graba. During their two days of practice, the women will test their individual strengths while being put in different meet situations. Senior Rachel Inniss earned first place for the individual floor exercise with sophomore Toi Garcia placing second against Kentucky last Friday. For the uneven parallel bars event, junior Kylie Shields earned second place. Sophomore Petrina Yokay earned all-around third place.
“We only have two real days of practice—we travel on Thursday, and Wednesday we will work on some light individual stuff,” Graba said. Shields received second with her performance on the balance beam with her teammate Inniss right behind her with the third place spot. At the end of the 2010 season, Shields ended with season-best scores in vault, bars and tied for a seasonhigh on beam. She scored a career best on floor exercise against Kentucky. During the 2010 Kentucky meet, she received her first all-around title. Although the team won the Kentucky meet, the women did not perform to their expectations. The team had a seasonlow of 48.100 on the uneven bars which almost cost the Tigers the meet. “As a group, we did not do a very good job tonight,” Graba said. “This was our best week of practice; we keep getting better in the gym and then we just didn’t bring our A-game tonight, and that is the frustrating part.” After the minor letdowns of the Kentucky meet, the Tigers are ready to face the next opponent and earn the victory. The team understands its mistakes and is determined to win against Alabama. “We need to make the W something we are proud of,” Inniss said. “It’s my last year. I want to work hard.” “We need to start settling down and figuring » See Gymnastics, D2
Sports D2
The Auburn Plainsman
VAN EMST » From D1
“You know, we had a real good time. “It was good experience—kinda getting your feet wet and sort of figuring out how things worked.” Emst said he originally pursued a degree in the Aviation Management program, but costs left him looking at other options. Emst said he bounced around the business school for a while before deciding to major in geography, earning a degree in the summer of 1994. Emst stayed in Auburn that fall to shoot the football season before starting a job with the Selma TimesJournal that December.
Selma didn’t offer much socially for Emst, but professionally, he said, it was fantastic. “I got to be good friends with the mayor,” Emst said. “He gave me flashing lights for my car. They’d call and I’d shoot crime scenes for them. “I saw my first person die there—get shot and die. Saw some bodies from fires. You know, and that’s a kind of a whole new experience. I realize we are desensitized a little bit by watching TV because it looks just like that except you’re there in person. “That was kind of a transition into seeing that stuff that you don’t normally see every day, especially being right out of college.” Emst left Selma in 1997
for a job as chief photographer of the Opelika-Auburn News, which he left in 1999 to become the assistant photo editor at the Montgomery Advertiser. In 2003, Emst was hired as the official photographer of Auburn University athletics, a job he doesn’t see himself leaving any time soon. “I just think Auburn’s very fortunate to have him because he probably does the work of three people,” Murphy said. “That’s what he is. “Not only is he prolific, he’s just really talented. He’s got a very good eye for what he’s doing. He’s really an artist at it. I think he takes as good a sports photo as anybody I’ve ever seen.” Oliver also said Emst was the right man for the job. “He’s always been an
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Auburn guy; he’s been here,” Oliver said. “They picked the perfect person to do what they picked him for.” Emst captured this season’s championship run and said that after the South Carolina game he felt the team had the opportunity to be special, noting how similar it was to the 2004 team in terms of closeness and team unity. On game days, Emst said he comes in early, photographing tailgaters, setting up in the stadium and making sure everything is ready for photographers. After events, Emst sends photos to newspapers across Alabama, a practice, he said, that he took from his background in newspapers. Emst said one memorable
and eye-opening experience he has had as Auburn’s photographer was when he accompanied former head coach Tommy Tuberville on a trip to visit troops stationed in Iraq as part of Armed Forces Entertainment’s first Coaches Tour in 2008. “Just seeing those soldiers and sailors,” Emst said, “they’re 18- and 19-year-old kids, very much like our student-athletes, and the maturity level between them and between what is here on campus is night and day. “You know, you’re talking about people who could be shot at anytime. So they’re just a step above what the normal college student is by far. That’s the thing I think we all took away from it the most—just the maturity
Sophomore all-around Ashley Sledge is also performing well, earning a 9.925 on uneven bars at the
Metroplex Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 29. Alabama also posted a season-high team score of
196.825 at the challenge, recording over 49 points in each event. The Tide is ranked
seventh nationally this week, falling one spot after taking its first loss of the season from top-ranked Florida. In events, Alabama is ranked second on the vault and third on the floor exercises as well as eighth on the balance beam and 22nd on the uneven bars. Graba said even though his team won its last meet, he understands the improvements which still need to be made. “We do bring a lot of positives out of some of these meets,” Graba said. “I think that this was a hiccup more than it was actually our team. It’s good to go out and get a win, but it doesn’t feel good when you don’t go out and do your best job.” The Tigers will travel to Tuscaloosa Friday to take on the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl of gymnastics. The game will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum and will be televised by Fox Sports Network.
CHUBB
was released later that day on $1,800 bond: $500 for disorderly conduct, attempting to elude an officer and resisting arrest and $300 for the public intoxication charge. Chubb faces four misdemeanor charges and a faces an April 7 court date in Auburn Municipal Court. The 6-foot-11 Peachtree
City, Ga., averaged 8.1 points per game and rebounds per game in the Tigers’ first 21 games. Since his suspension, Auburn has struggled to replace his presence at the low end of the court. Junior forward Adrian Forbes and sophomore forward Ty Armstrong have both been playing more in
Chubb’s absence. However, Armstrong is returning from a summer ACL surgery and plays sparingly. At the SEC coaches teleconference Monday, Barbee reinforced Chubb’s suspension, saying the player broke a team rule and would not be involved in any team activities until further notice.
GYMNASTICS » From D1
out people’s roles,” Graba said. “A lot of the other girls stepped up when they had a chance.” Graba wants the girls who have been out of the lineup back in against Alabama for more scoring potential. “That’s been our goal, to slowly get some of these people who have been out of the lineup back in,” Graba said. “It’s been good to see Kylie step in on vault. That is the good thing—we are getting more scoring potential.” Alabama’s Megan Mashburn and Rachel Terry compete in vault, beam, floor and bars. Last season Mashburn scored a season high vault score during the Arkansas meet. This season, several Alabama gymnasts are contributing to the team’s success.
REBEKAH WEAVER / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Junior Justine Foster soars through her floor routine against Kentucky last Friday night as her teammates cheer her on. She received a score of 9.300 for the routine. The Tigers won the meet with a score of 194.625–194.450. Senior all-around gymnast Kayla Hoffman has individual highs more than 9.9 points for every event.
level of the service men and women versus a college student.” Emst said while every sport poses its own challenges, baseball is the most difficult to photograph. “Game’s two, three, four hours long,” Emst said, “and maybe you can get two or three pictures out of it that are really good—maybe.” Emst said he typically works 10 to 12 hours a day, covering events seven days a week, although he tries to take Sundays off. “It’s a blast,” Emst said. “I don’t feel like I’m coming to work every day. I get up and look forward to going and seeing what’s going to go on that day. “I’m just very happy and very lucky to be able to do it.”
» From D1
Chubb was arrested at 1:47 a.m. at the intersection of Genelda Avenue and Thomas Street according to a police report. According to the OpeilkaAuburn News, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said Chubb
McAlary’s continued success
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Junior hunt seat rider Maggie McAlary has been chosen for the second consecutive year to compete Friday in the 2011 Winter Equestrian Festival Equitation Challenge in Wellington, Fla. Last year, McAlary came away with a victory in the inaugural event and will defend her title with eight wins already under her belt this season.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sports D3
The Auburn Plainsman
Recruits bring new energy to women’s soccer team Elizabeth Fite Writer
The women’s soccer team signed five new recruits Feb. 2, marking the culmination of recruiting season. “It was exciting to have them finally sign their national letter of intent,” said Amy Berbary, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. “It’s been a long time coming because we recruit these kids very early.” The new recruits—Jessica Clanton from Mililani, Hawaii; Tatiana Coleman from Boca Raton, Fla.; Chelsea Gandy-Cromer from Norcross, Ga.; Tess Patton from Gainesville, Ga.; Morgan Samples from Avondale, Pa.—represent the team’s
efforts to recruit a wide variety of players from across the country. However, finding players in the Southeast is always a top priority because players often want to remain close to home, Berbary said. Auburn competes against schools like Georgia and Alabama for the top recruits, Berbary said. Auburn can’t pay for an official visit until a player’s high school senior year, so players who want to tour the school at an earlier age often come from the Southeast. “Women’s soccer has really become a long process—we start looking at these kids when they’re
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Women’s soccer has really become a long process— we start looking at these kids when they’re sophomores.” —Karen hoppa head coach
sophomores,” said head coach Karen Hoppa. “Unfortunately, it’s kind of the nature of our sport right now, but the prospective studentathletes are committing
earlier and earlier.” Hoppa said the good thing about soccer is once athletes commit to a school, they usually remain committed. Hoppa said soccer’s recruiting class size varies, but averages between six and eight players. “I equate our recruiting to men’s basketball,” Hoppa said. “It is very competitive. “There are over 320 division one women’s soccer programs and there are so many good programs out there.” Another key element of the recruiting process is where coaches find the players they recruit. “All of the higher level
soccer players play on a club team in addition to their high school team, and that’s where the majority of our recruiting is done,” Hoppa said. Much of the time spent recruiting involves traveling around the country to major club-level tournaments. The team also recruits out of the Olympic development program, which forms a youth national team. Nearly every player on the team is recruited, but the amount of athletic scholarship or aid an individual player receives varies. “Volleyball and women’s basketball—all of those kids are on full scholarship, whereas soccer is broken
up because we only have 14 full scholarships to divide among however many people we have on our team, which I think in the fall we’ll have 27 members,” Berbary said. She said one of the biggest challenges is convincing players to come on less than a full scholarship. Katy Goodman, junior in English, said she is excited to see the new soccer recruits in action. “It definitely has a different energy to it,” Goodman said, “and oddly enough, sometimes I think girls’ soccer can be a bit more competitive, which is what makes soccer, in general, so great.”
Women’s soccer club team will hold spring season tryouts Elizabeth Fite Writer
The women’s soccer club officially kicks off its season Feb. 25 at the FSU Tournament in Tallahasse, Fla. Tryouts for the spring team are Feb. 10 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Auburn Soccer Complex on Wire Road. Tryouts will also be held next Tuesday and Thursday at the same time and location. Tryouts take place every semester, and the number of members selected is primarily based on the amount of players the team lost from the previous season, said Katherine Fingerman, club president and senior in mechanical engineering. Head coach Cihan Uzunpinar, graduate student in polymer engineering, said half of the team usually consists of new freshman. Previous team members don’t get a pass and must
Brian Woodham / Assistant Sports Editor
Students try out Wednesday for the women’s club soccer team at the Auburn Soccer Complex. also try out. “Just because someone played before does not mean they will play again,” Uzunpinar said. Practice is held weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Wire Road
soccer complex. Uzunpinar said finding team members during spring semester can be more difficult because people get more involved with academics. However, Uzunpinar is
optimistic about the team’s potential this season. “Every semester we have a really good team because most of the girls were playing in high school, and they are coming here, and they really want to play,”
Uzunpinar said. The length of the team’s season is primarily based on what games they can get scheduled, but this semester there are four weekends of games during a sevenweek period.
The team’s most anticipated game is in the Clemson tournament April 1–3, Fingerman said. “We usually do really well in the tournament,” Fingerman said. “So we usually walk away disappointed if we don’t win it since we’ve come so close the past four or five semesters.” Uzunpinar said the Clemson tournament hosts several quality teams from Florida, the Carolinas and Virginia. The club has both a fall and spring season, and the team competes within a national association of club teams and mainly competes against teams from across the Southeast. Typically the number of team members ranges from 16 to 24, with some years having more than 24 members, according to Lawrence Molt, faculty adviser for the team.
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Sports D4
The Auburn Plainsman
Coach’s drive gets most out of team Liz Conn ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR
Lindsay Neubarth, associate head coach for the equestrian team, started working at age 11. She didn’t work for money, but instead for the chance to ride horses. “I would exchange working for the opportunity to compete and to be trained by certain trainers,” Neubarth said. “That’s just how I grew up and how it all developed.” Neubarth rode on the equestrian team at Auburn from 1999 to 2003. “It was never really something I intended to do,” Neubarth said, “but I love Auburn, and I couldn’t pass it up. So now I’m going to stick to coaching.” Senior hunt seat rider Anna Schierholz said Neubarth’s coaching style is tough, yet encouraging. “She’s really personable, really funny,” Schierholz said, “but she still has a constant drive to get the absolute most out of her athletes, which I think is really impressive for a coach, especially a young coach. “To be able to relate to her athletes so well and yet get so much out of us—it’s something for all coaches to strive for.” Neubarth said she grew up playing basketball and volleyball, but always wanted to ride. She grew up in Cincinnati and moved near Chicago when she was 14, and she said Auburn’s warm climate appealed to her when choosing a college. “I went to a small, private
NEUBARTH
school, and I knew I wanted a big-school atmosphere that was warm,” Neubarth said. “When I came down to visit, Auburn was drastically different than the lifestyle up North, but it was definitely a family that I wanted to be a part of.” She majored in psychology and criminology with a minor in Spanish. Neubarth began coaching at Auburn in 2004. “She’s very tough,” said coach Greg Williams, “but they (the players) certainly understand her. They really like her attitude.” Neubarth said one of her favorite aspects of coaching is sharing her love for the University with the women on the team. “I love getting to teach kids about the team aspect,” Neubarth said. “You’re no longer competing for yourself like you do when you’re growing up. At Auburn, you’re competing for your team. It’s about the AU, not about the name that’s on your jersey.” Schierholz said Neubarth is a mentor for riders both in and out of the arena. “We all have very close bonds with her as our coach,” Schierholz said. “It’s very professional, but we know that we can talk to her
Thursday, February 10, 2011
GETTING TO KNOW NEUBARTH
about anything, and she will help us through any situation. Whether it be athletic or academic, she’ll really work with us.” Although she has ridden most of her life, Neubarth said she has never owned her own horse. “I’ve always just ridden for other people,” Neubarth said. “People would just bring me their horses to ride and try to sell for them. “A lot of the time, I rode tail horses or nice horses or bad horses or horses that people needed to get rid of.” Neubarth attended the National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., in January. “For equestrian, we’ve won two national championships now,” she said. “Understanding all the emotion I’m feeling behind that and seeing that on such a big level, I can only imagine what it was like to be the players and the coaches.” When she isn’t coaching, Neubarth plays in a local dodgeball league with trainers and coaches from the athletic department. She also competes in triathlons and is training for an April marathon in Nashville. “I have a lot of friends that are going to do the half,” Neubarth said. “I can’t get anyone to commit to the full.” Neubarth said she loves to travel and plans on going to Greece this summer. “She loves to crack jokes with us, make fun of us, tease us,” Schierholz said. “She’s just a fascinatingly cool coach to have.”
Brown makes big splash in the pool Kala Bolton WRITER
Swimmer Adam Brown has represented England in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2009 World Championships and the 2008 Olympics, but his latest challenge will be competing for Southeastern Conference supremacy. The men’s swimming team travels to Gainesville, Fla., for the SEC Championship Feb. 16. This competition is nothing new to the three-time SEC champion and threetime All-American. Brown, a native of Cambridge, England, has been swimming in competitions since he was a boy. “I started swimming competitively around 10 for local clubs back in England,” Brown said, “and I just kept progressing. “Now I am in America, in Auburn, one of the best programs in the world.” Though far from his home, Auburn’s past success in swimming attracted Brown to the school, and he said he is proud to call himself a Tiger. “Auburn has a great tradition in sprint freestyle swimming and sprint swimming in general,” Brown said. “Training under coach Hawke here is a big honor for me. “I love training here, I love everything he has done for me and everything that he is going to continue to do.” Brown said having the opportunity to represent his home country in a number of international competitions was an honor.
BROWN
“It’s amazing,” Brown said. “It’s hard to describe being there. “The atmosphere is so good—and to wear your country’s colors—it’s just unbelievable.” Brown said his time competing in higher-level competitions has helped him improve immensely. “On the international level, I’m not the best,” Brown said. “So I’m always trying to get better and be faster and catch the people who are faster than me.” According to his teammates, this experience and calm nature have helped him emerge as a leader on the team. “He leads by example with swimming,” said Robert Looney, senior swimmer. “It’s like there is no pressure to him. “He might feed off of it, he might like the pressure, but he’s really relaxed and focused.” With the SEC Championship quickly approaching, Brown, who competes in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle, said he is prepared for the competition. “I’m ready,” Brown said. “I’m not as ready as I will be for the NCAAs, but I will be going down there, swimming as fast as I can, and
hopefully we’ll bring back an SEC Championship for the men.” Brown’s teammates’ confidence in him is obvious. “He goes into every meet and does what he needs to do,” said Kohlton Norys, senior swimmer. “Basically, everyone looks up to him to winning two events at every meet so far, and it’s not a problem.” While he is all business in the water, those closest to him see a different side of the swimmer when he’s on dry land. “He’s a jokester,” Looney said. “He’s just really relaxed. “When it comes down to the swimming part, he gets real serious, but outside of the pool he is the most relaxed person.” But this jokester has some big plans for the future. A senior in psychology, Brown plans to pursue a career in swimming. “I want to be a professional swimmer for a while,” Brown said, “and hopefully make the London Olympics and maybe train for the next Olympics in Brazil. “Then, after that, maybe become a swim coach. I’d love to stay in America, around Auburn.” Aside from all the recognition and fame that comes with competing at such high levels, Brown said he’s just a regular guy, one who enjoys walking his dog, sleeping in and playing PlayStation in his free time. It is, however, his love of the sport that keeps him motivated. “I just love swimming,” Brown said. “I always have.”
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sports D5
The Auburn Plainsman
Tigers look to snap losing streak against Mississippi State Nick Van Der Linden ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
It has been just over a week since Auburn earned its first conference win, but two conference losses and one suspension later, questions continue to bind head coach Tony Barbee and the men’s basketball team (8–15). It will be the 135th meeting between Mississippi State and Auburn with the Tigers holding a 70–64 series advantage. Key players for the Bulldogs include junior guard Dee Bost, who scored nine and recorded one block in their win against Louisiana State University, and sophomore forward Renardo Sidney. “Mississippi State is a very dangerous team, and they beat us pretty good in Starkville in January,” Barbee said. “They have some very talented players in Ravren Johnson, Dee Bost, Renardo Sidney and Kodi Augustus. We are going to have our hands full. It will be another challenge, and we look forward to that challenge.” Bost is averaging 17.1 points per game, shooting .322 from 3-point range while Sidney averages 13.6 points per game, comes down with 6.5 rebounds per game and is shooting more than .500 from the field. Bost is second on the
EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR
Sophomore guard Earnest Ross looks to shoot past Tennessee guard Josh Bone during Auburn’s 69-56 loss Feb. 3
team with 46 assists despite playing in just eight games and is also sixth in the assist/turnover ratio department. The 6-foot-2 Concord, N.C., native is also just three points shy of becoming the 33rd player in school history to score 1,000 career points while his 390 assists are sixth
most in Bulldog history. Bost’s best performances have come against Arkansas and Auburn, the Bulldogs’ next two opponents, averaging 18.2 points against the Tigers and 17.5 against the Razorbacks. Even going into the Jan. 16 Mississippi State game, Barbee praised Bost’s
performance and acknowledged his contributions. “Bost is a leader and has been through the wars with them all last year,” Barbee said. “Getting him back at the point guard kind of settled their team in. He runs the team well for them, and he can also score the ball and get Sidney the ball in the post
where he loves to operate.” Auburn returns to the Arena after dropping a 81–72 overtime decision in Athens against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday. “It was a good college game,” Barbee said after the game. “It was a great effort. I am proud of the way they fought. I didn’t think we fought as a collective
group in the last game, but I thought we did today. Give Georgia credit. They made the plays down the stretch when they needed to be made, and we didn’t.” Auburn shot 42 percent from the field and scored a season-high nine 3-pointers. Sophomore guard Earnest Ross paced the Tigers with 30 points against Georgia, including the final 12, and will need to continue this performance against Mississippi State, especially now that sophomore center Rob Chubb is suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. “I thought we played hard and tough,” Ross said following the game. “We battled and competed to the buzzer. We just couldn’t pull it out. A lot of people made big shots in the game today, but it is the last piece that you need to put it together for the puzzle. That’s what we didn’t have.” Ross also recorded seven rebounds and had three steals in the loss while junior forward Kenny Gabriel scored 11 points and freshman guard Chris Denson scored 10. Auburn is 1–8 in conference play and will have to win the rest of its conference games to finish with a .500 record. Tip-off for the Mississippi State game is 6 p.m.
Ice hockey prepares for its first SEC tournament appearance Molly Montgomery WRITER
After a period of being off the ice, the Auburn Ice Hockey Club is back in action. With 18 players on the roster and 14 administrative officers, the club is off to an ambitious start. The team is currently near the end of its first season and is preparing for its first SEC tournament appearance. “Our season usually starts around the first weekend in October,” said Elliott Chenger, president, founder and assistant coach of the Ice Hockey Club. “The regular season ends mid-February.” Chenger, junior in software engineering, said Auburn was the last SEC team to form a hockey club. Interest in the club has been growing and team members are excited about the future. With the SEC tournament just around the corner, the Auburn players are making the most of their practices. “We practice and play in the Columbus Civic Center,” Chenger said. “Right now because of funding, we do one on-ice practice a week,” Chenger said. “We also have two off-ice practices a week.” Despite the drive to their practice rink, players are thrilled to be skating for Auburn, and everyone on the team has prior hockey experience.
“
It’s fun because it’s a professional rink. We are able to get large crowds to our games playing in that rink.” —Alex Farrell SENIOR RIGHT WING
“It’s fun because it’s a professional rink,” said Alex Farrell, senior in aerospace engineering who plays right wing for the team. “We are able to get large crowds to our games playing in that rink.” Andie Woods, junior in aerospace engineering who serves as the scheduling and travel coordinator for the team, said she wanted to help get the team going in their first year. “My dad started taking me and my brother and sister to NHL games and watching it on TV,” Woods said. “It’s just something I’ve liked since I was young.” Woods schedules all of the team’s games and practices as well as books their buses and hotels. “A lot of people have waited a long time for an Auburn hockey team,” Woods said. “Knowing that I’m a part of helping get that started and that they have games, it’s just
nice that people are enjoying it.” Scheduled matches against the College of Charleston were canceled and the team will conclude its 3–11 inaugural season with two matches against Mississippi State University at home Feb. 18 and 19. “Our door fees are $5 for regular admission and $4 for students,” Chenger said. Following the last home game, the team will travel to the SEC tournament which will be held Feb. 25. This is the third annual SEC tournament, and it will host eight teams from the SEC (including Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas) according to the South Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference website. Florida has secured the No. 1 spot in the East, while Arkansas will be defending its No. 1 spot in the West. Auburn is ranked No. 4 and will open against Arkansas Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. “The West teams will be playing in Pelham on Friday and the East teams will be playing in Atlanta,” Woods said. Chenger said the remaining rounds of the tournament will be played at the Columbus Civic Center in Georgia. The championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb 27.
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CONTRIBUTED
Junior right wing Pete Leone carries the puck down the ice while Jeremy Spafard pursues.
CONTRIBUTED
Justin Nabor, David Baskin and Frank Elsbree are seen in action during a match this season.
Sports D6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Track ‘em Tigers Auburn track and field teams shine at Ohio tourney Crystal Cole SPORTS EDITOR
CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Sophomore guard Morgan Toles keeps the ball away from a Mississippi State player during Sunday’s game.
Auburn faces LSU in battle of the Tigers Erik Yabor WRITER
Auburn’s women’s basketball team will be traveling to Baton Rouge, La., for an interdivisional game against the LSU Lady Tigers. The Auburn women have dropped three of their past four games in blowout losses to the Tennessee Lady Vols and Kentucky Wildcats, as well as a loss to the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs in what head coach Nell Fortner described as “one of the most disappointing losses I’ve had here at Auburn.” The Lady Bulldogs have the second worst record in the SEC. They had yet to win a conference matchup and were on a 10 game losing skid when they defeated the Tigers in Auburn. “It hurt our confidence a little bit,” said sophomore
guard/forward Blanche Alverson. Alverson leads the team in scoring with 272 points. The next game is vital to the both conference records. Auburn (13–10, 6–4 SEC) is in fifth place in the SEC while LSU (16–9, 6–5 SEC) is in sixth place. Both teams still have a chance at catching up in conference play. Auburn sits three and a half games behind the conferenceleading Lady Vols while LSU is four games behind. Both teams are evenly matched. LSU averages 63.8 points per game and Auburn averages 62.9. Both teams average exactly .645 on free throws. Auburn is .392 on field goals to LSU’s .403. When the two teams met in January, Auburn defeated LSU 65–53. That was the last time Auburn’s women scored more than
60 points. “Our offense is not good right now,” Fortner said. LSU, has improved since that game, going 4–2 and scoring more than 70 points three times. Two of those wins came against the Florida Gators and No. 24 Georgia Bulldogs, who are second in the conference. The Tigers have an upcoming four-game stretch against conference teams, starting with LSU, then Arkansas, South Carolina and Alabama. The final two games of the season will be at Georgia and versus Kentucky, two of the top teams in the conference. Against LSU, Auburn may have to work around the absence of Alli Smalley. Smalley, who is second on the team in scoring with 256 points, did not start against Mississippi
State. Fortner said Smalley was suffering strep throat and did not participate in the final practices of the week. Smalley leads the team in steals and 3-point shot percentage. “She’s our senior leader,” Alverson said. Smalley scored 10 points in the most recent game against LSU. Morgan Toles and Jordan Greenleaf lead the team with 11 and 12 points, respectively. Auburn led by as many as 22 points, and the team didn’t lose the lead after a jumper by Smalley put them up with 11:19 remaining in the first half. Chantel Hilliard said the Tigers’ lack of success since the LSU win was because of their lack of effort and motivation. “We have got to go in there with the will to win,” Hilliard said.
The track and field teams broke a 20-year school record and won seven events this weekend at the GaREAT Collegiate Invitational in Geneva, Ohio. The women’s sprinters accounted for four of Auburn’s victories, including a pair of 1–2 finishes and a victory in the 4x400-meter relay. “We’re pretty much where we need to be as a team,” said head coach Ralph Spry. “We’ve gotten better each weekend.” Senior Eric Werskey earned a spot at the NCAA Indoor Championships with his 19.41-meter shot put throw on his sixth and final attempt. Werskey eclipsed the 19.40-meter mark set by redshirt freshman Stephen Saenz last weekend, which earned Saenz an automatic bid to NCAAs. Werskey and Saenz now rank fourth and fifth respectively in the NCAA this year. Junior Holly Knight didn’t win her event, but her second-place time of 9:20:56 in the women’s 3000-meter broke a 20-year-old school record. The old record of 9:27:51 was set by Kelly McDonnell in 1991. “I’m pleased overall with our performance,” Spry said. “It was a great opportunity to run at a fast facility against good competition.”
Sophomore Harry Adams won the 60-meter for the men with a personalbest time of 6.64 seconds that ranks fourth in school history and tied for seventh in the NCAA this year. Senior Sheniqua Ferguson and junior Nivea Smith were both part of 1–2 Auburn finishes in the two shortest women’s sprints, with Ferguson winning the 60-meter and Smith the 200-meter. In the 200, Smith’s time of 23.30 ranks eighth in the NCAA this year, while Ferguson’s runner-up time of 23.40 ranks 11th. Spry said he was glad to see so many individuals perform at their best at the meet. “The shot put was a big event for us, and our women’s sprinters ran very well, as did Holly Knight,” Spry said. “Our key people mostly performed at the level we need them to this time of year.” Senior Joanna Atkins won her first 400-meter race of the season with a time of 53.06 seconds which ranks fourth nationally this season. Senior Michael DeHaven was second in the men’s 200-meter with a time of 21.20 seconds, while freshman DJ Smith placed third in the high jump with a mark of 2.08 meters. Auburn’s other champion on the women’s side was sophomore Maya Pressley, who won her second straight high jump title by clearing 1.79 meters. Auburn, ranked 12th in both the men’s and women’s national rankings, will return to action Friday and Saturday, splitting its squads between the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., and the Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa.