The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Vol. 117, Issue 31, 8 Pages
Whoot let the owls out? Auburn center prepares to release recovered owlets Brandon Miller Writer
The Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Auburn is most well known for being home to Auburn’s eagles that fly before each home football game. However, the center also takes in hundreds of orphaned and injured birds each year. Recent storms have resulted in numerous orphaned owls being sent to the center, and these owls are being prepared to be released shortly. “Some of these (birds) came in from the storm that we had a couple of weeks ago that was really bad,” said Eva Matthews, veterinary technician for the Raptor Center. “Other ones were just orphan owls that were found
Nicole Singleton / SPORTS EDITOR
Liz Crandall, rehabilitation specialist with the Raptor Center, said the center will set a release date when the owls are ready to be released in August. in the area, and people brought them into us.” According to Matthews, some of the birds brought in because of the storm were screech, great horned
and barred owlets, as well as red shoulder hawks. “The nests were knocked down, and the parents were not seen,” Matthews said. “So, people brought them
into us.” These young raptors came from cities including Wetumpka and Pine Mountain, Ga. Raptors at the center
normally come from a 100mile radius of Auburn, unless another center cannot take care of an injured bird and send it to Auburn. “Each year in the spring season, we take on a lot of fledglings and nestlings,” said Liz Crandall, rehabilitation specialist. “Most of the time, they were not orphaned or abandoned, they were perfectly healthy birds that were being raised by their parents.” Often, people will see birds on the ground and assume they are orphans. They take them to the Raptor Center, which receives about 200 raptors each year, Crandall said. “We try to discourage that,” Crandall said. “Songbirds, hawks and owls are on the ground for a month or more—trying to learn how to hunt, how to fly and things like that—before they become completely independent of their parents.” When fledglings are received, the employees and volunteers at the Raptor Center place the new bird with a foster parent. “A foster parent is basically a bird that for some reason is not able to be released,” Matthews said. “When we put them with the fosters, they teach them to hate people. That’s the way we get them ( fledglings) to make sure they
aren’t imprinted toward people, so we can release them back into the wild safely.” Before the fledglings can be released, they must learn all the skills needed to survive on their own. The foster parent helps the fledgling more than humans could with this act. If the bird is fully healthy from arrival, the process takes three months on average, Crandall said. “I can’t teach an owl how to hunt a live mouse,” Crandall said. “We just hope for the best.” Rehabilitating raptors can become an emotional job, which is one reason Matthews said the orphans are not named, but rather given numbers. “One of my favorite birds is going to be released this summer, and I know I’m going to cry,” Matthews said. “He had two broken arms and was shot. To know I helped him back to full health means a lot to me.” With such a small number of staff members, volunteers are important to the Raptor Center. Anyone interested can apply. After a short orientation, volunteers can choose ways to assist the staff with work around the center. “The volunteers run this place,” Matthews said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
Farming, farmers’ markets a family tradition for some Natalie Yarid News Editor
During the summer months, warm weather and a common interest bring people together. Family and friends alike have gathered in downtown Opelika for their common interest, local farming. Harrison and Peggy Bryce are witnesses and participants of this gathering. The Bryces have been farming together for 50 years. Harrison initially had the idea, and Peggy encouraged expansion and increasing the variety of foods on the farm. Harrison worked with the horticulture department at Auburn University for more than 20 years, and Peggy worked for the AU Bookstore for 15 years. After the couple retired from the University, they began solely focusing on the Bryce Farm. The Bryce farm is located in Salem, approximately 10 miles from Opelika. The Bryces look forward to
Natalie Yarid / News Editor
Harrison and Peggy Bryce sell produce to customers at the Opelika farmers’ market. selling their fruits and vegetables at the Opelika farmers’ market each summer. They said the people are friendly and they love the environment. The Opelika farmers’ mar-
ket has been around for many years, but this year it has a new location. The market will now be located at the Opelika Courthouse square. Pam Powers-Smith, director of Opelika Main Street, said the change of location, from South Railroad Avenue to the Courthouse square, will offer a more relaxed environment. “There are no lines and the parking is really easy,” PowersSmith said. Powers-Smith said she hopes the market will bring more shopping to downtown Opelika. The market is held every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and usually lasts through the beginning of August. It is a cash-only market. The proceeds go directly to each farmer, and a small percentage goes toward advertisement for the market. Each week different farmers » See Markets, A2
Blakely Sisk / Photo Staff
The Auburn Tigers national championship team met with President Barack Obama at the White House June 8.
Obama welcomes Tigers to White House Tuesday Crystal Cole Managing Editor
The Auburn family invaded the White House Wednesday, many hoisting the signature orange and blue shakers. President Barack Obama invited the 2010 Auburn Tigers football team to the White House for a ceremony honoring the team’s national championship season. The ceremony was a light-heart-
ed event, with Obama even receiving a chest bump from wide-receivers coach Trooper Taylor. The president congratulated the team on its first championship since before he was born. “And I’m getting quite a bit of gray hair,” Obama said. “So that was a long wait for Tiger fans.” » Read the rest online at
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City of Auburn debates 1 percent sales tax increase at Tuesday’s meeting Natalie Yarid News Editor
The Auburn City Council is two weeks away from voting on a sales-tax ordinance. The council will vote on a 1 percent sales tax increase at the June 21 meeting. Sheila Eckman, City Council Ward #2, said the eight council members and mayor will each vote in the process. She said it has been four or five years since a tax increase has occurred in Auburn, and the council
will do all within its power to reassure the process is done correctly. There are many reasons the council is considering the ordinance, but it all boils down to one thing. “We need more money,” Eckman said. Bill Ham, mayor of Auburn, said there are three main areas in Auburn where the money is needed. These departments are economic development, the public school system and infrastructure.
The combined total of funds needed to complete these projects is about $45 million. Ham said the economic developments Auburn needs will cost approximately $17 million. Some of the money generated by the 1 percent tax increase would be used to complete construction of West Tech Park, off exit 51 of I-85. Ham said some companies are waiting for the park to be finished before they move business to Auburn.
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The second area in need of money is the public school system. There has been a continued increase in enrollment at Auburn schools, which has pressed the city to build a new elementary school. This project will cost between $19 and $20 million. The last of the three major departments in need of financial help is infrastructure. The enlargement of the I-85 bridge on Moores Mill Road, an
$8 million project, would be funded by the 1 percent tax increase. “Everyone wants the city to be as lean as possible,” said Lolly Steiner, president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Steiner said during these weeks, the council has been meeting with the Chamber of Commerce to ensure it is doing what is best for Auburn’s citizens by keeping costs low. At the City Council meeting on June 7, no one from the commu» See Increase, A2 Recycled paper
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June 3 — East Longleaf Drive Theft of property reported. One Macbook, one Lorcin handgun and one Glock handgun. June 3 — Mitcham Avenue Burglary reported. One glass door. June 4 — Lee Road Theft of property reported. Rheem central air conditioning unit. June 4 — East Samford Avenue Auto breaking and entering reported. One purse, three Visa cards, $50, one Compass Bank checkbook,
Alabama drivers license and one military ID.
Shoplifting reported. Panel pair and curtains.
June 5 — Lee Road Burglary reported. One 37” Toshiba flatscreen television, $200.
June 6 — Bedell Avenue Criminal mischief reported. Porch light globe, front door/frame damaged.
June 5 — East Samford Avenue Burglary reported. One damaged wall clock, $15 in various coins and bills. June 5 — South College Street Theft of property reported. $200 worth of herbal incense. June 6 — Harmon Drive Auto breaking and entering reported. One handgun from a Taurus.
June 6 — South College Street Third degree property theft reported. One pair work boots, Herman, Survivors, tan. June 8 — Opelika Road Theft of property from a public building. One pure gold bracelet valued at $6,700.
June 6 — South College Street
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June 2 — Mill Creek Road Theft of property reported. One motorcycle – Yamaha YZ250.
— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
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DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn ■ Terry Brown, 48 Lee Road 10 June 2, 10:46 p.m. ■ Andrew Tyler Walker, 21 Tichenor Avenue at South College Street June 3, 1:17 a.m. ■ Eric Allen Keenum, 22 North College Street June 4, 3:52 a.m. ■ Erwin Agnew Hall, 33 South College Street June 4, 7:57 a.m. ■ Patrick McKee Shawnee Street June 7, 3:23 a.m. ■ Rolando Cojal Diaz, 27 South College Street at I-85 June 7, 3:41 a.m.
Markets
the annual regulars, but, as more foods are ready to be picked and sold, a more diverse group of farmers will provide a larger variety of produce. Like most of the farmers, Bryce picked his produce Tuesday morning before arrival, in order to pro-
» From A1
show up to sell their locally-grown items. There are farmers from Montgomery, Georgia, Auburn and many other areas. In the last two weeks, the market has brought in
Increase » From A1
nity spoke during the designated time in regards to the upcoming vote. Steiner said she believes this is because no one is really aware of the possible increase of taxes. “People will only realize once they go to get their everyday meal at Chickfil-a and realize their meal wasn’t the same amount it has always been,” Steiner said. Each citizen is given the chance to speak before the council concerning the sales-tax ordinance. This is not a new vide the customers with the freshest food possible. The intentions of the market are to help local farmers, but the community benefits from it as well. “It is a very cyclical process,” Powers-Smith said. “We help one another. We support local farmers, and
policy. Each meeting includes a citizen’s communication portion, during which citizens can address any concerns over city policy or ordinances. Also at the June 7 meeting, the council passed an ordinance that will increase citizens’ monthly sewage and solid-waste fees by about $5. The ordinance will take effect Oct. 1. Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers on 141 North Ross St. Citizens may find contact information for council members online at www. auburnalabama.org/cc. they help the customers in return.” Local farming produces more fresh items and produce without chemicals. “While students are out in Tiger Town, we are hopeful they will drop by and enjoy the market,” PowersSmith said.
Business Magazine ranks Lee County on Top Jake Winfrey
es that the city and county has,” Ham said. “Our school of engineering and other parts of the University attract so many technology-based companies to the area, which provide good jobs to our residents. “But in terms of affordability, Auburn University is a key element in that,” Ham said. According to Businessweek Magazine, Lee County’s population is 139,607 people. The median family income is $57,656, and the unemployment rate is at 8.3 percent. Health and education are big factors in this rating as Auburn University is the county’s biggest employer, followed by East Alabama Medical Center. One of the other reasons that Lee County received this title is the various affordable housing available in Auburn for low- and moderate-income families. “Federal funds have been
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Lee County was recently named the most affordable place to live in Alabama, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, the publisher of Businessweek Magazine. The magazine takes such factors as income, unemployment rates and education in deciding which county in each state is most affordable. “Auburn maintains a high quality of life, and we have a diverse local economy,” said Auburn Mayor Bill Ham. “We’re proud of the contribution Auburn makes to the success of the area, and we’re proud to be a part of the best affordable area in Alabama.” Ham said jobs created by Auburn University and technology-based companies are a big reason for some of the success. “Auburn University is the anchor and driving force behind the success-
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used to create affordable subdivisions,” said Sharon Tolbert, director of community development for the city of Auburn. “The funds also allow for community and infrastructure improvements, but anything we do must benefit the lowto moderate-income residents.” North Auburn Housing Development Corporation, one of Auburn’s many partnerships providing housing, strives to create neighborhood stability and increase home-ownership opportunities. This partnership allowed for the creation of the Northwest Village Subdivision. The Northwest Village Subdivision is an affordable housing project by a Community Block Grant Program which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to Auburn’s Community Development Division.
This is not only recognition that the Auburn and Lee County area has received in the past few years. According to Public Affairs Director David Dorton, there have been plenty to go around recently. “In 2010, Auburn was named the sixth-best small place for business and careers by Forbes,” Dorton said. “Also, in 2009, Forbes rated us number one in projected job growth out of 179 small metro areas. As you can see, this recent recognition sort of follows a trend over the past couple years.” Perhaps the most notable recognition was U.S. News named Auburn as one of the top-10 best places to live nationally in 2009. “The city of Auburn has really worked on creating a diverse local economy,” Dorton said. “At the same time, we have to provide good services that citizens expect, but do so in a fiscally efficient way.”
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Auburn vets collect toys for children in war zones Hayley Blair Associate Intrigue Editor
Maria Iampietro / Copy editor
Gloria Holmes, 68, purchases tomatoes from Drake Reeder of Aplin Farms at The Market.
The Market opens for business Kristen Ferrell Campus Editor
The smell of strawberries and peaches is in the air as customers walk around with buckets of corn and squash in their arms. If you are driving down Donahue to class at the right time, it is hard to miss The Market at Ag Heritage Park back in full swing for the summer season. On May 26 the farmer’s market, sponsored by the college of agriculture, got back to business. The Market will be open every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. this summer and will feature farmers from the local area selling fruits, vegetables, shrimp, flour and other baking materials, soaps, flowers and ice cream. Located on the corner of Lem Morrison Drive and Donahue Drive, The Market gives vendors the opportunity to sell their products in rain or shine. The season will end Aug. 25 unless vendors have enough produce to keep selling. “It’s up to the vendors to decide whether the season will be extended,” said Katie Jackson, marketing director for the col-
lege of agriculture. Jackson said as long as vendors have something to sell, The Market will stay open. Free to the public, The Market gives locals a chance to see, taste and learn from vendors about where the produce they eat comes from. “It’s not grown in the stores,” said Wesley Hale of Burnette Farms, junior in agriculture education. “People get to see where it comes from.” As part of the Burnette family who has been selling their Chilton County peaches along with other produce at The Market for years now, Hale said he wants students to come and see what fresh produce is all about. Hale said it is a great learning opportunity for everyone to talk to the people who grow or make what they sell. Not only does The Market give customers a chance to buy locally-grown food, but there are many vendors set up to educate and inform people about the importance of agriculture. The University’s Horticulture Forum will have a tent set up all
season to inform people about its purpose. The Forum also sells blueberry lemonade and different flavors of ice cream each week. “We grow what we sell to raise money for volunteer work,” said Judson LeCompte, graduate student in horticulture. The Forum works to help the city with planting gardens around town. LeCompte said the Forum has recently volunteered for the college of agriculture’s Field Day and also planted vegetable gardens at the Auburn Diabetes Center. There are also many vendors selling goods that are not edible. Soaps and jewelry are a few of the artisan crafts that can be browsed and purchased. Jackson said Market officials oversee the screening process for what is allowed to be sold. “We want to make sure everything is handcrafted,” Jackson said. “A committee of artists helps make the selections.” All vendors must pay a license fee which goes back into grounds and maintenance of the park, but Jackson said it is not a money-
Maria Iampietro / copy editor
Rowan, 6, holds purchased sunflowers at The Market. making venture for the college. Jackson said vendor spots usually fill up at the height of the season. She also said the managers try to make sure there is not too much of one product being sold at the same time to reduce competition among vendors. For anyone who is interested in buying products grown close to home, The Market offers a wide array of goods just waiting for the picking.
Animal clinic gives Ellie Mae a second chance Trent Erwin Associate Campus Editor
Ellie Mae, a basset hound found in the tornado wreckage of Collinsville is in need of knee surgery, a costly procedure. Auburn University’s college of veterinary medicine has necessary emergency funds available and will be able to cover the cost of the operation. Renee Weidler, founder of Help For Our Furry Friends, rescued Ellie Mae and more than 50 other dogs shortly after the April tornado devastation occurred. “No one really knows where she came from,” Weidler said. “She’s a doll though.” Weidler noticed that Ellie Mae was limping after she was rescued, and it was becoming progressively worse. The original prognosis by veterinarians was a broken hip. “She had been up there for two weeks, but no one claimed her,” Weidler said. The shelter could not afford to pay for the operation or medical care for many other rescued animals. “There are disaster funds for us twoleggeds. That’s what we call ourselves,” said Kristie Ness, a volunteer for the foundation. “There has to be funds for four-leggeds. They are injured. Why can’t we get disaster funds for them?” Ness began the search for funds and contacted the Small Animal Clinic at Auburn University. She was referred to Vic Walker, manager of client services, who then determined if funds were available. “The college of veterinary medicine has a good samaritan fund that can contribute to these dogs that don’t have owners and have terrible injuries,” said Jamie Bellah, professor and head of clinical sciences. “That is the
Alex Sager / Photo Editor
Ellie Mae makes her way to Auburn University’s Animal Clinic to prepare for surgery. fund we will use for her (Ellie Mae’s) care.” Ness received a phone call from Walker confirming that funds were available and surgery would take place. Walker then set up a time for Ellie Mae to travel from Birmingham to Auburn June 6 to be diagnosed. “I communicated to Walker that we should take a look at the dog and see if we can help it,” Bellah said. “We’re certainly a hospital capable of helping animals with medical or surgical problems, so we certainly like to help when we can.” Bellah said it is a teaching hospital and
they do sometimes have the means to help out dogs like this that are not in a normal circumstance, but they can’t help every dog in this situation. Dr. R.D. Montgomery, professor of orthopedic surgery, took Ellie Mae in for examination and was able to identify the medical issue. “It is not a broken hip, but rather a torn ACL,” Montgomery said. Montgomery will be conducting surgery on Ellie Mae June 7 to correct the knee. After the surgery, Ness said Ellie Mae has plans to be adopted in Tallassee.
The active military’s role is to secure areas and enforce law, but once they return home, some veterans are more concerned with humanitarian efforts. The Auburn Student Veteran Association (ASVA) is beginning to take advantage of this humanitarian idea as it gathers toys to send children in Afghanistan. Adam Fountain, former president of the ASVA, said the idea came from something similar that he did while stationed in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005. The troops would go out to give medicine to the townspeople while they were on patrol and give out toys to students at the schools they helped build. “Of course as soon as you start handing out toys, it’s absolute pandemonium,” Fountain said. “The teachers have no control over the kids. They’re running around screaming and playing. It’s great to see.” Soon, the inhabitants of Fallujah were becoming used to the soldiers’ presence, and they even began helping the troops find locals involved with terrorist groups. “The population started really helping us out,” Fountain said. “They saw that we weren’t these big demonic figures that they’d been told we were. We proved to them that we’re not there to take advantage of them. We’re here to help them.” Eventually the military presence in Fallujah began to see a change in the makeup of the terrorists they were fighting. Because local terrorists were being turned in by the people of Fallujah, terrorist groups were forced to recruit foreign fighters. Because of this success, the ASVA has organized a toy drive that will enable another battalion in Afghanistan to pursue the same strategy. “We’ll use Barbie instead of bullets,” said Dan McClain, the website manager for the organization. The ASVA was not originally set up for big charity events like this, and its ability to sponsor such a large endeavor shows how much it has grown. “It started with just four veterans,” said Phillip Williams, current ASVA president. “It was really just to get more of an awareness for veterans.” Yet the ASVA was aware that the events in Fallujah were an anomaly, and they would need to get involved if the military was going to be able to obtain the resources it would need to do something similar. “The Marine Choir is teaching hearts and minds,” Fountain said. “But it’s hard to justify buying toys on a battalion’s budget when you need gear and stuff like that to go to the Marines.” The charity has been wildly successful, bringing in about 500 pounds of toys. The Naval ROTC was also involved, and, before the organization had collected such a large amount of donations, the collection was held in its supply room. Because of safety and cultural differences, about 100 pounds of the toys were sent to the Lee County Youth Development Center instead. Luckily the services coordinator for the Veterans and Transfer Student Center, Johnny Greene, was able to arrange space for the toys in the attic of the Student Center. The ASVA has already begun packing the toys for shipment, and the members involved said they are very excited about the contribution they making. “I feel like God’s looking down on me, like this is a blessed thing to do,” Fountain said.
Opinions
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Thursday, June 9, 2011
Campus
Our View
Championships are for fans, not money The BCS announced Monday it would be revoking the 2004 national championship title from the University of Southern California because of improper benefits received by running back Reggie Bush. While this decision is far from unexpected, it is still upsetting to see such an accomplishment taken from students and fans. Their once-treasured championship memorabilia now holds little value thanks to the actions of the department. While nothing can change the memories these fans have, and the ruling doesn’t make their season any less impressive, they’re now tainted. This decision also raises the question: who was the national champion in 2004? Most people can barely remember the victors past, and by making such a decision amid all the media attention, unless a new champion is declared, it will still remain USC’s title in people’s eyes. While we don’t necessarily believe the title should be ours since we were not a part of the
championship game, leaving the title vacant doesn’t serve anyone but USC. The Football Writers Association of America is considering stripping the Grantland Rice Trophy from the Trojans and putting to a vote giving the trophy to Auburn. We wouldn’t mind some recognition for the 2004 season, but we don’t feel we deserve the BCS title. Being given a trophy retroactively doesn’t make up for not being given the chance to play in the final game. At the end of the day, there really is no solution to please everyone. The BCS, being a fairly new system, has no precedent to look to for something like this. In a perfect world, we could just rewind and play the national championship game with Oklahoma and the undefeated Tigers. Unfortunately, we will never see what could have come from such a match-up, and dwelling on what could have been gets us nowhere. Surely this is something that
“
Why in the world would you not give it to somebody? Oklahoma, us, Utah? It doesn’t make any sense” —Tommy Tuberville former auburn head coach
will be disputed at family gatherings and tailgates for years to come. While we commend the BCS for not awarding a champion without merit, there is a clear lack of closure for the 2004 season now. This may never be resolved entirely and these decisions are for BCS officials to make. The worst part about all of this is that it is not an isolated incident. Bush was not the first player to receive benefits against NCAA regulations, and he will most likely not be the last. Auburn’s own Cam Newton came under attack this season
for an alleged pay-for-play plan during his recruitment. Although his father took most of the heat from that controversy, the investigation was never formally closed. What’s to say more information won’t come to light in the future condemning Newton or Gene Chizik? Auburn could face the same consequences. We all trust in Chizik and the Auburn family, but USC fans and students trusted in their system as well. We won our championship on the field and, for the time being, are free and clear of any blemishes this season. Nobody knows what went on behind closed doors during Cam’s, or any player’s, recruitment, and there is no guarantee this won’t come back on us. All that matters now is what was decided on the field. That’s how it should be for the 2004 season and there is no way to undo what was done by the USC athletic department. We will never know how things could have been. That’s the legacy that remains for 2004.
Quote of the Week
“
That was an unbelievable game. I watched that game. I’m busy, but I watched that game.” —President Barack Obama On auburn’s victory over Alabama
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Your View
Players don’t deserve salary, Girls pressured earlier good experience is enough to look thin with many Natalie Yarid news@theplainsman.com
I love college football, as do many of my peers at Auburn University, but the idea of paying our players to play makes me sick. Steve Spurrier, head coach at University of South Carolina, suggested earlier this month that 70 football players from each university in the nation be paid $300 per game, out of the coach’s pocket. That would be $21,000 per game. In a normal 14-game season, it would cost the coaches almost $300,000. While Spurrier was the one initiating the idea, 5 other SEC coaches signed the proposal, including Alabama’s Nick Saban, Florida’s Will Muschamp, LSU’s Les Miles, Mississippi’s Houston Nutt, Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen and Tennessee’s Derek Dooley. Growing up a Clemson University fan, I have never been a fan of Spurrier, but now I disagree with him more than ever. I believe that $21,000 could be used in many other ways to benefit community, education or even athletic complexes for athletes. The money could be given back to the university to lower tuition costs, in turn helping to save the players and other students money. What about the women’s volleyball team? Are they going to be paid to play? We can’t choose to pay some college athletes and not others; it is unethical. Not all college coaches make enough money to pay their players out of their pocket every week. What about smaller universities, where some coaches have two jobs to make ends meet. I am not so sure they would love the idea of losing almost $300,000 per year, and I am sure their families wouldn’t either. Poor baseball coaches, with at least 3 games a week, their pockets would be empty by the end of the season. If players are going to be paid to play, one must pay each and every athlete, not just 70 on one type of sports team. Each sport must be included and every division of every sport must be included.
While this isn’t always true anymore, athletes are primarily at universities to get an education; playing sports comes second. They are students first and athletes second. I believe coaches should encourage athletes to do whatever it takes to succeed in school as well as on the field. Paying players would cause athletes to focus even more on the sport and less on academics; this is not what our education systems want to be known for. Without education at universities, there would be no sports teams or players to possibly pay. Students could start being paid to go to class, and then players could also be paid to play. While I would be rich, universities would be in debt. These things are unrealistic. Individuals go to college to get a degree and play professional football to get paid. Let’s keep it that way. Many people think this would solve the problem of players being paid under the table, but that is not the case. Right now no college players legally get paid to play, and we all know that players are given cars, money, housing and more. If players were paid $300 per game, it would increase the money given to players under the table. Board members or coaches may still feel that some players deserve more and would most likely be given extra money or incentives. While I have no evidence to back this up, I believe that most college-level athletes love and want to be involved in a sport no matter the pay. Players are willing to go without, and would continue doing what they do best without pay. If this proposal is passed, a decade from now a high school football coach would suggest the idea to pay high school football players. I hope we are all in agreement of how outlandish that would be. Passing this proposal would begin a path down a dangerous road for the NCAA. I agree that college athletes do a great job on the field and courts. They deserve praise for what they do, but lets give them that by applause, appearance at games and support.
examples in the media Raye Hendrix news@theplainsman.com
We grow up hearing the phrase “It’s what’s inside that counts.” But how many of us actually believe it? It’s common knowledge that women have body issues. In fact, a survey done by the University of Colorado found that a select group of women overestimated the size of their hips by sixteen percent and their waists by 25 percent, though the same women were able to correctly estimate the width of a box. The same survey revealed other disturbing statistics, such as dieting ages and depression levels. In 1970, the average age a girl would start dieting was fourteen. In 1990, it was eight. It’s frightening to me to think of what that age might be today, twenty-one years later. According to the University’s studies, the “ideal” womanly size portrayed by fashion models, actresses, Barbie dolls, and Miss America is 5’5,” wears a size five and weighs 100 pounds. The average American model is 5’11” and weighs 117 pounds. By contrast, the average American woman is 5’4” and weighs around 140 pounds. On top of that, despite being tall and thin already, the women we compare ourselves to in magazines are photoshopped to look even smaller than they are, according to a YouTube video called The Photoshop Effect, which interviews a photographer who actually does the editing. It was funny, waiting for the video to load, because the advertisement I had to watch was about dieting too. “Eat this, it’s only 100 calories and you can still get your sugar fix! You’re on the way to a healthier, thinner you!” The women in those commercials are never even fat.
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It’s all subconscious, in my opinion. We see someone thin and pretty eating something low in fat and calories, and we think if we eat it, we’ll look thin and pretty, too. I say it’s funny, because the reality is that in the University of Colorado study, when presented with pictures of women, thirty percent of those surveyed chose a body shape that was twenty percent underweight. I blame the media. I blame photo editing and capitalism and businessmen who feed off the low self-esteems of women who look like women and not emaciated stick figures. I remember watching an episode of America’s Next Top Model one summer and being disgusted because they told the “plus size” model, who actually falls into the “average” category, that she needed to lose weight. I was even more disgusted when I realized that I was shorter and weighed more than the model did. The worst part, though, is that it’s not good enough for diet companies who rake in $40 billion every year to stick to a young adult audience. They’re going for kids as young as two and three now. The television show Toddlers and Tiaras is one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen in my life. I expected to see little girls running around having a blast playing dress up with their mothers. Instead, I saw young children being spray tanned, slathered in makeup and stuffed into glittering tutus and leotards. They were being trained to adhere to strict diets and criticisms, learning that looks are the most important thing. When they didn’t win, many of the little girls would even burst into hysterics, wailing that they weren’t pretty enough. It’s sick and I think it’s only aiding in the growing depression and suicide rate of the overweight population of our country. I tend to believe that it really is what’s inside that counts, especially when the outside is edited and fake.
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Female players take on video-game scene As more women get in on the action, gaming isn’t just for the guys anymore Hayley Blair Associate Intrigue Editor
Better stories, stronger characters and more involved game play have assured that 21st century gaming will become known for its innovation and style. In this era of improvement, more women have become involved in gaming as well, causing game companies to target this new and lucrative market. According to Entertainment Software Association, 40 percent of gamers today are women, causing many people to wonder why so many women are becoming interested in video games. The infamously unrealistic women like Ivy from Soul Caliber and the insufficiently clothed girls from the Dead or Alive series are slowly being phased out of many games, which may be a factor. Critically acclaimed female characters like Alyx Vance from Halflife and Elena Fisher from the Uncharted series are slowly beginning to take over the industry. Even everyone’s favorite tomb raider, Lara Croft, is undergoing a major redesign in favor of a more realistic look.
ALEX SAGER / PHOTO EDITOR
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of women gamers. “We don’t want to play sexuality up for sexuality’s sake,” said brand manager Karl Stewart, according to the GamesRadar website. The same site also has test information provided by Stewart about the general reaction to the new design, which reveals that, while the old design drew attention to the characters’ breasts and hips, in the new design ‘people spent most of the time pierc-
ing her eyes.’ Justin Patterson, GameStop employee, said he feels that women may be getting involved because it is such a cheap, easy source of entertainment. “I pay the price for the system one time, and I’ve got daily entertainment for a few hours that I don’t have to spend gas to go out and do,” Patterson said. “I don’t have to spend $9 at the movies. In
the long run, I think it’s cheaper.” Whatever the reason, it is becoming more accepted for women to play video games. Games like Demon Souls, an RPG that won several awards in 2009, are beginning to add findable items that only female characters can use. Even more games, like Mass Effect, are adding game content, including the ability to explore relationships with certain charac-
ters, which is a feature only available to female characters. Many are wondering about the game companies’ new attention to their female audiences. “It’s probably because the world’s changing,” said GameStop employee Phoenicia Jackson. “It’s OK for us to do a lot of things compared to 10 or 20 years ago.” Jackson also said games targeted specifically toward women don’t particularly sell well, and targeting women in the advertisements for other, more mainstream games may be a more effective strategy. The most hostile place for female gamers in the market seems to be in the multi-player arena. Ashley White, a GameStop employee who has participated in several competitive gaming tournaments, said the welcome she received from the male players was lukewarm at best. “With me being right in there with them, most of them weren’t very happy about it,” White said. “Some of them thought that it was cool, but some of the were just like, ‘What are you doing here?’’’ Jackson, who plays multi-player in World of Warcraft, said although some guys are not entirely accepting of her presence, she is glad to prove she can match their skill in the games she plays. “It’s encouraging to be female and playing games like that,” Jackson said.
Study smarter not harder Andrew McCaslin Writer
Alex Sager / Photo Editor
Moviegoers wait in line to purchase tickets at Carmike Cinemas.
3-D movies offer extra dimension, added fees Laura Hobbs Writer
Popcorn: $5.75. Drink: $6.25. Movie: $15. Wearing one-size-fitsall glasses for 2 hours: Priceless? There is no doubt, with every passing year costs to go to the movies get a little more expensive. But throw in a 3-D movie, and audiences may begin asking themselves a techno-aged question: to 3-D or not to 3-D. “I don’t think 3-D movies are worth the experience now, but in the near future, I think they will be,” said Blake Digiacomo, senior in accounting. This past month alone, Hollywood has released two made-for3-D movies, “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” both of which are also available in 2-D. With two options available, moviegoers have been purchasing tickets to 2-D screenings at a ratio of 55/45 with 3-D screening sales making up just 45 percent of the total box office, according to the Huffington Post. “It’s expensive, and the goggles can get annoying,” said Sarah Keel, junior in rehab services. While some 3-D movies have under-whelming box-office results, the animated genre continues to dominate the box office. “Avatar,” “Shrek Forever After,” “Up,” “Monsters vs. Aliens,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and “Chicken Little” make up seven of the top-10 highest-grossing 3-D movies of all time, according to the “Entertainment Beacon.” What seems to be worth the increase in ticket price is movies that are generally made for
kids. With the addition of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over,” nine of the top 10 highest-grossing 3-D movies have a parental rating of PG. If audiences don’t like paying the extra costs that come with driving to the local movie theater to watch a 3-D movie and eat overpriced popcorn, modern technology has given an alternative, but at a steep price. Now moviegoers can have that immersing experience in their living room with the 3-D television and possibly enjoy it more. “You gain depth perception and a different perspective with 3-D movies and televisions instead of on a flat screen,” said Carl Jernigan, home theater specialist from Best Buy. Jernigan said he believes 3-D movies shown in theaters are not worth the money. “In the theater, they use passive 3-D that can make you get sick and dizzy, but (when you’re watching a movie) they use an active shutter, a technology that redirects your eyes.” Watching 3-D movies at home sounds like an appealing alternative for people who believe it enhances their movie experience, but the price can be unappealing. “The televisions actually came down in price,” Jernigan said. “They’re at a (more) affordable price right now.” The advances in technology have been instrumental in the way some people enjoy their favorite movies. “I really like the graphics and the special effects,” Keel said. “It’s so much more exciting than seeing a regular movie.”
Although Auburn University ranks high in the U.S. News and World Report, a reported 85th in national universities and 38th in public universities, many freshmen lack the writing skills needed to survive in college and in the professional world. According to the 2008 edition of the AU Report, the CLA revealed that a large number of new students did not display the writing skills their ACT scores suggested. The same report said seniors showed better results than freshmen, indicating that those seniors developed writing skills during their years at Auburn. “I’d rather write a paper any day,” said Morgan Millener, senior in nursing. “In my major, we have to read a lot, and writing major points is just something we have to do.” Jessica Sims, third-year Ph.D. student and English composition GTA, recommends reading as a pathway to improved writing literacy among new Auburn students. “One thing I preach a lot is how important it is to be good readers before you can become
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“The most important thing to remember (in regards to study skills) is to read the readings when they are assigned instead of waiting a few nights until the exam. —David Luckso Assistant history professor
good writers,” Sims said. “The hope is that being able to understand how people write will translate into their writing.” Sims also recommended that students stay on top of their revisions. “Normally, I have two or three students who struggle a semester,” Sims said. “The main reason they struggle is because they don’t stay on track and on top of writing assignments.” Her students have only one deadline, which is on the last day of class. Sims said she believes one deadline is more beneficial than
several spread out through the semester. “This gives them all semester to revise,” Sims said. “If they don’t stay on top of revisions, that’s when they get into trouble.” Outside of composition classes, several professors offer similar advice. “The most important thing to remember (in regards to study skills) is to read the readings when they are assigned instead of waiting a few nights until the exam,” said David Lucsko, assistant professor in history. “Students try to cram all the reading in one night, but that’s bad practice.” To be truly successful, Lucsko suggested students, especially freshmen, be prepared and not procrastinate. “College is more strenuous than high school, or it’s supposed to be,” Lucsko said. “Some people don’t have to study through middle and high school; they don’t have to put in as much work for an A.” Lucsko said similar patterns of ease are harder at Auburn than at other high schools. “Students need to have the » See STUDY, B2
Organic foods present healthy alternatives KELLEY ROUSE WRITER
When it comes to eating healthy, the decision facing many is whether to stick with traditionally-produced foods or to go au natural by switching over to organic. Organic food is believed by many to benefit our bodies and environment by the way it is farmed. In order for food to be deemed certified organic, farmers must meet the requirements of the Organic Foods Production Act. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, an organic agricultural product is one that was produced and handled without the use of pesticides. To be considered organic, it cannot be grown in soil enriched by synthetic chemicals within three years prior to harvest. “There’s no chemicals, no pesticides, no herbicides,” said
Leonard Jones, general manager of Earth Fare. “In our meat there’s no growth hormones. They’re not fed any antibiotics or steroids.” Many people swear by eating organically. “I’ve been doing this the last seven years,” Jones said. “I feel great. I mean I look great. I feel good, and I don’t get sick.” Jones, while at work, met a man who also fully believes in eating organically. “He said ever since we’ve been open—and we’ve been open less than a year—he’s lost 100 pounds,” Jones explained. “It’s changed his lifestyle, eating organic and all-natural foods.” Kate Peek, employee at Dayspring Nature Shoppe, is also an advocate for organic foods. She is currently working to eat more organically. “I definitely think it’s more beneficial to go organic just to eliminate some of those pesti-
cides and chemicals,” Peek said. “We get enough of those in our bath and beauty products and just walking around everyday. So I’m trying to cut out toxins where I can.” Although many believe that there are major health and environmental benefits to organic food, there are also some who question the legitimacy of organic farming, not to mention organic foods are more expensive than non-organic foods. The question then is whether the health benefits outweigh the high prices of organicallyfarmed food. “It really depends upon which viewpoint you want to take to look at,” said Robin Fellers, associate professor and director of the dietetic program at Auburn. “In our society and our economy, it depends on what your preference is and what you can afford to pay.” » See Organic, B2
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expectation that they will have to ratchet up the amount of time spent studying,” Lucsko said. Lucsko advised struggling students to seek additional resources, including the Miller Writing Center and visiting a professor’s office. “I couldn’t think of any colleagues who wouldn’t be happier to help students catch up or do better on their next exam,” Lucsko said. Aimee Callender, assistant professor of psychology, recommends students focus on retaining text as they read, as opposed to just trying to get the required reading finished. “A lot of students tend
Organic » From B1
According to Fellers, from an environmental viewpoint, organic farming is very beneficial. Organic farming does not reduce the amount of topsoil as quickly as conventional farming, and there is less run off. Topsoil, like its name implies, is the uppermost layer of soil that is used to grow crops. Underneath the topsoil is clay, and it is not possible to grow good vegetation in clay. “There are people who are very much into organic farming and they absolutely believe that it’s the best thing,” Fellers said. “They’ll say it preserves the soil, and it does. And they’ll say its
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It seems counter intuitive but students tend to skip over that, with things that are easier to process.” —Aimee Callender assistant professor of psychology
to skip over the more difficult things,” Callendar said. “It seems counter intuitive, but students tend to skip over that, with things that are easier to process.” Callender said that the most effective study methods are those that involve self testing, which is one of the reasons she likes to use the clicker system in her
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It’s not to say that the rest of the food supply is a bunch of garbage.” —Robin Fellers director of Auburn dietetic program
more nutritious, and there’s some evidence of that.” Organic foods retain more antioxidants than c onv ention al ly-g row n foods. However, organic foods have lower levels of protein than regularlygrown assisted crops, Fellers said. “It’s not to say that the rest of the food supply is a bunch of garbage,” Fellers said. For all non-organic
class. “For classes with reading of a lot of expository text, like history and political science, outlining is really useful,” Callendar said. “Writing summaries is really useful because as you’re reading or writing the summary, you realize what you don’t understand.” Auburn offers preparatory courses, including the electives Success Strategies and the Auburn Experience, that help guide freshmen through the rigors of college. “They’re helpful,” Lucsko said. “I had a similar course as an undergraduate at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. It’s nice to have the realities of college life hammered into your head.” foods, the FDA established specific, safe levels of pesticides. As long as the farmer applies the pesticides at the right points during the crops’ growth cycle, as required by the FDA, then by the vegetable’s maturity, the pesticide will no longer be in its system, Fellers said, “There’s nothing cut and dried,” Fellers said. “You can’t say yes it’s better for you across the board, because it may not be. ” The best thing to do, Fellers said, is to grow your own, but it requires a lot of work, and it is expensive. “It’s probably cheaper to buy it at the grocery store,” Fellers said. It is up to the consumer to decide whether the higher prices are worth it.
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In the 2009 Auburn vs. Florida game Whitney Boddie recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 assists. The Tigers took down the Gators 81–65.
Boddie bids for basketball berth Crystal Cole Managing Editor
After her second season of playing overseas, former Tiger Whitney Boddie is coming back to the WNBA. Boddie finished her Auburn career in 2009 as the all-time assist leader and was drafted to the Sacramento Monarchs. Boddie was cut from the team during training, but signed a contract during the season and played in four games for the Monarchs. Boddie is currently in New York City going through a training camp with the New York Liberty. This is the first time Boddie has been to the Big Apple, a new experience for the woman from
Florence. “Cappie Pondexter took us out to dinner one night, and the experience of riding on the train and the subway was cool,” Boddie said. “We were seeing the sites and trying not to look like tourists while looking up at all the buildings.” “You don’t get it until you are actually here. Finally being in this area has been a lot of fun.” John Wisenant, head coach for the Liberty, is the same man who coached Boddie in Sacramento. “The good thing with me is that I am familiar with the system,” Boddie said. “Coach Wisenant teaches his white-line defense and I do my best to get after it on the defensive end.
“I feel like I have more experience, everything is still a learning experience because I have not played in the league.” Boddie played in Poland during the 2009-2010 season and moved to play in Turkey last season. Boddie said even though she was benched twice during her time there because of an ankle injury, she feels playing overseas helped her grow. She averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds a game. “I studied a lot of film during that time and sat and watched a lot of practice, which is difficult for me,” Boddie said. “It was more or less becoming a student of the game - watching other players in situations, adjusting to new plays.
I became more of an observer, and I hope that will help me down the road.” In high school, Boddie was named the 2005 Miss Basketball while playing for Florence High School. She was also honored as the Alabama Sports Writers Association 6A Player of the Year in 2004. At Auburn, Boddie assisted on at least one play in 69 of 70 career games and assisted on five or more plays in 35 career games. As a sophomore, Boddie averaged 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in post-season play. As a junior, Boddie was named MVP of the Buckeye Classic after averaging 16.5 points, 9.5 re-
bounds and 4.5 assists. The week after the tournament, she also earned SEC Player of the Week honors . Basketball runs in Boddie’s family as her father, Otis Boddie, played at the University of North Alabama. Boddie scored two points with an assist and brought down a pair of rebounds in New York’s loss to Washington in its first preseason game. One more preseason game remains for the Liberty before opening the regular season June 5 in Atlanta. Training for the Liberty is coming to a close and Boddie will face cuts and major decisions about her future in the coming weeks.
The future is looking bright for AU men’s tennis player Michael Wardell Ariana Diaz Writer
Todd Van Emst / Media Relations
Wardell ended this year with a 10-6 singles record.
The day after an Auburn campus visit, Mark Wardell looked at his son Michael and asked, “What do you think?” Micheal responded, “I want to be here.” Ever since Michael Wardell could lift a racket, he’s been playing tennis, and when deciding which college to attend, he knew he wanted a school with good academics and, of course, tennis. “I think Auburn has an unbelievable program and, to be honest, one that I never imagined I would be able to play for,” said Michael Wardell, junior in biomedical sciences. He has been on the men’s tennis team for two years. His freshman year record in singles competition was 5—11 and 4—5 in doubles, 3—4 with partner Nick Maurillo, 1—0 with Davis Taylor, and 0—1 with Michael Monterio. This season he finished 10–6 in singles and 2–4 in doubles, 2–2 with partner Monterio and 0–1 with Taylor
and Alex Stamchev. “This season he was in a tough position,” said Gabor Pelva, men’s tennis assistant head coach. “He was our number seven guy. He played in the NCAA tournament. He lost both of the matches, but he performed well. He was very competitive in those two matches. He definitely improved from last year.” Wardell said he has no regrets about this season at all. He said there were some weaknesses in his performance this year, such as his serve and his lack of physical readiness, but he said he worked hard and it is still a work in progress. “It’s really tough to play in the SEC, and I wasn’t ready when I got here my freshman year, but I think we’re making good steps towards that,” Wardell said. “I need to keep getting stronger, getting faster, developing my serve and maybe some other weapon via the forehand or just being aggressive in getting to the net.” He said he loves tennis, being
on the court and being part of the team. “It’s pretty cool to see a bunch of guys from different parts of the globe come together and be so close,” Wardell said. Pelva and Tim Puetz agree Wardell is also an important asset to the team. “He’s an extremely hard worker to begin with,” said team captain Tim Puetz. “I admire that of him. He’s probably the nicest guy we have on the team. He’s incredible. He never gets mad at anyone. He always accepts everything. He’s just a super nice kid overall, and I think we all appreciate it.” For next season, Wardell said he will continue working in hopes of playing on a consistent basis. Within the next two years, he wants to be on the starting line up. “It’s been an unbelievable experience,” Wardell said. “I think we had a great year. We worked really hard and we came up a little short, and it wasn’t because of things we did. It was just we got beat and that happens.”
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Thursday, June 9, 2011
From the beaches to the plains Alex Harper Writer
Things seem to be rolling right along for Auburn’s own Caribbean track and field treasure. Assistant women’s track and field coach Henry Rolle was born in the town of Freeport on Grand Bahama, where track is the most popular sport. It was here he ran the 100-meter dash and hurdles while attending a private Catholic high school of about 400 students. Rolle said life was fun growing up in the Bahamas, and he was quite the typical island boy. “I ran the sprints and hurdles in high school,” Rolle said. “And while I was being recruited, I looked at schools like Texas A&M, which has a larger population than my home island with a population of about 26,000.” Because it was smaller than the other schools, Rolle decided to attend Arkansas State, and he said it felt more comfortable for him there. Multiple injuries threatened his athletic career, but after a broken ankle during a game of basketball his senior year, Rolle decided it was time to call it quits. Despite his career ending prematurely, Rolle said he doesn’t regret becoming a coach. “Track and field always have a lesson to teach, and I am very competitive, but
rolle
I never feel satisfied. That’s just my nature,” Rolle said. Rolle said he tells his track and field runners, day in and day out, there has to be something that will benefit them later on in their lives. “I start with each individual and work on their strengths, but even moreso, their weaknesses, to better build and develop them,” Rolle said. “If you develop one individual at a time in the same ways that we build communities, then that makes for an even better society, which is how I see our team.” As a coach, Rolle said he views his impact and legacy as being far more meaningful and lasting than personal accomplishments of an individual athlete. He said he just wants individual athletes to become better people compared to who they were when they began participating, regardless of the sport. Kerron Stewart, former Auburn track and field athlete, ran the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash for Rolle in the 2006 Track and Field National Champi-
onships, and Rolle is a great person as well as a great coach. Stewart also said Rolle is very passionate about what he does, and anyone who comes in contact with him can sense this. “He’s been there for me when it was bad, and he’s been there for me when it was good, but overall, I am honored to be under his supervision,” Stewart said. For the last fourteen years, Ralph Spry has been the head coach for Auburn’s Men and Women’s Track and Field team. Spry offered Rolle a job and told him if he could prove he had the right tools for the SEC level, there might be some opportunities for him. “He came in that first year and really worked hard, and really, you know, showed me that he could do the things I asked of him,” Spry said. So the very next year, Spry hired Rolle as a fulltime staff member. “Ever sine then, it’s been a fun ride. He’s a great coach and a great recruiter. He’s like my right-hand man,” Spry said. Spry said Rolle has been offered other jobs multiple times in his 13 years at Auburn, but he’s always wanted to stay a Tiger. “Coach Rolle is a part of our national track and field title in 2006, and I am very fond of Coach Rolle. He’s like my own son,” Spry said.
Getting to know Rolle
Baseball players make it big in draft Crystal Cole Managing Editor
Six former Tigers were picked up in the second day of the MLB draft Tuesday. Dan Gamache was picked up in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Casey McElroy went to the San Diego Padres in the 11th round. Derek Varnadore and Tony Caldwell went to the
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Florida Marlins in the 17th and 24th rounds, respectively. Bradley Hendrix was picked by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 22nd round, and Kevin Patterson rounded out Auburn’s showing in the draft, going to the Toronto Blue Jays in round 30. This marks Patterson’s third time to get drafted, being picked up by the Chi-
cago White Sox in 2007, and he returned for his senior season after being drafted by Tampa Bay last season. Auburn is currently tied with Arkansas for the second-longest SEC draft streak behind Georgia. Georgia has seen a player go to the pro’s every year for 39 years, while Auburn and Arkansas both have 37 consecutive drafts with a pick.