‘Tis the season
Supernatural solace
» PAGE B1
SEC showdown
» PAGE D1
» PAGE C1
Samford lawn gets illuminated with holiday cheer
The Tigers prepare to face the Gamecocks in the Dome.
Sister Lee practices in Auburn-Opelika.
The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Vol. 117, Issue 14, 24 Pages
Auburn cans Bama in food drive Eric Austin
Smith said the East Alabama Food Bank was able to feed 30,000 families on Thanksgiving because of the donations. “While we’re truly happy to have beat Bama by collecting the most food in the competition, we know the real winners are the people in Alabama who need help with providing food for themselves and their families,” said Karla Debrunner, office manager at the food bank. Smith said she and her team of assistants focused this year on finding the best way to donate to the drive for students. For the first time, students were able to text “Beat Bama” from their cell phones and make a $10 donation that was added to their phone bill. She also said they saw a spike in online donations. “I felt like those really catered to the student body who is walking around on our phones texting,” Smith said. “It was a generation gap we really needed to cater to by texting.” In addition to the technological revolution the food drive underwent, Smith said publicity was also a major push for her and her team. They put together an advertisement on the Jumbotron in Jordan-Hare Stadium. “We may not have gotten the results we wanted from that,” Smith said. “But the more people that hear Beat Bama food drive and get that stuck in their head, the more they’re
Campus Editor
While the revelry of the dismantling comeback against the University of Alabama in the Iron Bowl last week is still soaking in, the University has another reason to showcase its supremacy over its rival. For the first time in three years, Auburn has won the Beat Bama food drive. “The food bank called me and told me we had won,” said Melanie Smith, sophomore in human development and family studies and the SGA director of the Beat Bama food drive. “I was just jumping up and down excited. I started crying because there’s been a lot of hard work and effort put in since April, and to find out we had won was just amazing.” Smith said Auburn raised about 250,000 pounds of food this year for the East Alabama Food Bank, easily surpassing its previous record of 212,000. Alabama football team’s shortcoming in the competition was more than the one point that decided the Iron Bowl. The “Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger” drive in Tuscaloosa managed 218,510 pounds for the West Alabama Food Bank. Despite the loss, Charlotte Brown, co-director of the Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Food Drive and junior in marketing, was pleased with the overall results. “Both schools were able to significantly increase numbers from last year,” Brown said.
» Turn to BEAT BAMA, A2
Newton deemed eligible Crystal Cole
Auburn University and NCAA enforcement staff, Cecil Newton, Cam’s father, Sports Editor worked with a scouting service during his Alabama fans who purchased “SCAM son’s recruitment by the Bulldogs. Cecil, along with the scout service, acNewton” T-shirts should start looking for tively sought payment for his son’s comtheir receipts. In a release made Wednesday, the mitment to attend college and play football. NCAA ruled junior quarterAuburn has since limited back Cam Newton immedithe access Newton’s father ately eligible to play for Auhas to the athletic departburn. ment. Newton remains eligible Mississippi State has cut for the SEC Championship ties with the individual ingame Saturday and has been volved, former quarterback cleared without any condiKenny Rogers. tions. “We are pleased that the The NCAA concluded Monday that a violation against NCAA has agreed with our NEWTON Newton’s amateur status ocposition that Cam Newton curred during his recruitment by Missis- has been and continues to be eligible to play football at Auburn University,” Ausippi State. Auburn declared Newton ineligible burn University Director of Athletics Jay Tuesday and then requested his eligibil- Jacobs said. “We appreciate the diligence ity be reinstated. » Turn to NEWTON, A2 According to facts agreed upon by both
Professor to receive presidential award Eric Austin Campus Editor
Virginia Davis, professor in the department of chemical engineering, will head to Washington Dec. 13 to be recognized by President Barack Obama for her work in her early academic career. Davis has been chosen by the National Science Fund to receive the Presidential Faculty Early Development CAREER award. “I was stunned,” Davis said, “really, really stunned. It’s very humbling because the letter that came from the Office of Science and Technology in the White
INDEX
House put all these great accolades and hopes into it, and it’s a lot to live up to.” If her work thus far is any indication, she will have no trouble fulfilling those expectations. University Provost Mary Ellen Mazey had nothing but high praise for Davis. “We are very proud of Dr. Davis and know she will continue to bring recognition to Auburn University for her groundbreaking research and discoveries,” Mazey said. Davis’ work focuses on the science of “nanomaterials,” tiny particles that are
News » A3
» Turn to CAREER, A2
|
Commentary » A5
| Campus » B1
Emily Adams / PHOTO EDITOR
A flying pig and a snowman adorn the brightly-lit apartment 26 at University Corner.
Apartment complex raises Christmas cheer standard Emily Adams Photo Editor
‘Tis the season for decorations, and one apartment complex is serious about lighting up. University Corner, near West Glenn Avenue, is shining bright, with Christmas lights on nearly every apartment. Alix Whitaker, senior in early childhood education, said the decorations are about sharing the spirit. “We just love Christmas,” Whitaker said. “People add on more and more lights every day. We want to keep making it brighter.” Whitaker, whose decorations include a flying pig, Snoopy Christmas countdown, two light-up snowmen and 13 light strands, said she and her roommates put lights up last year and were surprised to see others followed suit. “We like to think we started it,” Whitaker said. “This year, it’s been fun seeing who can put up the most lights, |
Intrigue » C1
|
but we’re not really competing. We just like to encourage others and spread the cheer.” First Realty, which owns University Corner, does not encourage or discourage the decorations, according to Abbey Reeves, leasing agent. “We haven’t been by to see them at night,” Reeves said, “but we don’t have a problem with it.” Nike Vita, senior in international business, said he is taking his decorations to another level. “We just went all out this year,” Vita said. “We have over 2,000 lights, and we’re not done yet. It’s turned into more of a competition this year, but really, we’re just all about Christmas here.” Vita said he and his roommates looked for the cheapest, tackiest decorations. “I think it’s cool that our apartment does this,” Vita said. “I wouldn’t mind if
Wasting Time » C5
» Turn to CHRISTMAS, A2
|
Sports » D1
News A2
The Auburn Plainsman
DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Nov. 19– Dec. 2, 2010 Cynthia L. Heidepriem, 27, of Opelika South College Street Nov. 20, 12:33 a.m. Brian W. Moyer, 21, of Pensacola, Fla. Armstrong Street Nov. 20, 2:30 a.m. Royce D. Carver, 22, of Huntsville South College Street Nov. 21, 1:50 a.m. Melissa R. Lemaitre, 28, of Mobile South College Street Nov. 24, 1:11 a.m. Jeffrey L. Scroggins, 37 Pepperell Parkway Nov. 21, 9:38 p.m. Horye G. Flowers, 52, of Tuskegee East University Drive Nov. 27, 12:42 a.m. Joseph R. Olko, 25, of Valley I-85 North, Exit 51 Nov. 27, 3:03 a.m.
beat bama » From A1
going to remember it and get sick of it and want to donate.” A silent auction was also incorporated into their efforts, and Smith said the event raised $7,000. While Smith does not consider herself prone to
superstition, she does see some correlation in Auburn’s victory in the food drive and the Iron Bowl. “I said, ‘mom and dad, it’s all going to be my fault if we lose this food drive and we lose the football game,’” Smith said. “And then when we won the game, I said, ‘see, I told you.’”
UPC & sga proudly sponsor the annual
Holiday Celebration Tonight Dec. 2nd 6:30 pm on Samford Lawn
Crime Reports for Nov. 19 – Dec. 2, 2010 Nov. 19 — South Gay Street Burglary of residence and theft of property reported. One E-Machines desktop computer, one Xbox, one Phillips 19-inch LCD TV, one Ibanez electric guitar.
Nov. 20 — Jack Hampton Drive Breaking and entering a vehicle and theft reported. One Auburn vs. Alabama ticket.
Nov. 19 — West Magnolia Avenue Theft of property reported. One Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity crest.
Nov. 20 — Shug Jordan Parkway Burglary and theft reported. One Dale Earnhardt racing jacket, one Lowe’s racing jacket, one suede Dickie racing jacket.
Nov. 19 — East University Drive Theft of property reported. Four pairs of Joe Boxer socks, one Conair headband, one bottle of Zantac, one bottle of Bayer back and body.
Nov. 20 — Village Drive Breaking and entering of a vehicle and theft reported. One Remington model 1100 20-gauge shotgun, one .22-caliber long barrel rifle bolt action.
Nov. 19 — Interstate 85 North Auto theft reported. One silver Cadillac DTS.
Nov. 21 — Dean Road Breaking and entering of a vehicle and theft reported. One
Christmas » From A1
you could see Auburn from space.” Others are not interested in competing, but want to be part of the fun. “We don’t compete, but some people get serious about it,” said Justin Luttrell, sophomore in aerospace engineering. “We just felt the need to be festive.” Mark Norton,
CAREER » From A1
used as building blocks to construct more complex pieces of technology. She will receive a $400,000 grant, along with the award, to continue her research. “We didn’t know about nanomaterials until fairly recently because we didn’t have the tools to see them and control them,” Davis said. While the research component of her work is being honored, the award also recognizes her work outside the lab. Davis works with local middle school children to spur interest in science and math.
Newton n: tio C a orm UP Inf edu/ t 8 . ven rn 78 r E aubu 44-4 o F w. 8 ww or
Thursday, December 2, 2010
» From A1
and professionalism of the NCAA and its handling of this matter. “ ESPN.com reported Nov. 4, Rogers called former Mississippi State teammate John Bond and said he represented the Newtons. Bond said Rogers requested a six-figure payment to secure the quarterback’s signature on a national letter of intent.
Tom-Tom GPS, one T-Mobile cell phone charger, one Fox 40 whistle, one stopwatch. Nov. 22 — Oak Meadow Lane Theft of a firearm reported. One Smith and Wesson 9 mm semiautomatic pistol. Nov. 23 — Darden Avenue Burglary and theft reported. One pair of Air Jordan Retro 8 shoes. Nov. 28 — Drew Lane Burglary and theft reported. One Vizio 42-inch LCD TV, one Apple laptop computer. — Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
sophomore in mechanical engineering, said he planned to decorate before he realized the rest of the complex would too. “We already wanted to, and when we came back from Thanksgiving and saw other people with lights up, we knew we had to,” Norton said. “It’s nice to live in a place that’s in the Christmas spirit.” Luttrell said he has gotten questions about the complex’s light show.
“We’ve actually had friends drive by and ask us what kind of competition we have going on,” Luttrell said. “They ask if we get some kind of reward, but we don’t. We just wanted to be cheerful. We’re just being kids.” Decorating also serves as a stress reliever before finals, according to Carolin Cordle, senior in special education. “It’s fun to drive around and look at people’s
decorations,” Cordle said, “and what makes this special is that it’s a college apartment complex, where you wouldn’t expect to see many decorations.” Cordle said complex residents would love other apartments to join in. “We love seeing the decorations,” Cordle said. “You can’t help but smile looking at it, and we want to spread that around Auburn.”
She has also started a chapter of the Society of Hispanic Engineers at Auburn to help the University’s small, but growing Hispanic population network and search for professional and graduate opportunities. “The Society of Hispanic Engineers is an amazing organization for professional development,” Davis said. “It’s not just for engineers, it’s for anyone who is majoring in science, technology, engineering, math.” While the organization carries “Hispanic” in the name, Davis stresses it is not a restrictive organization. “There are a lot of nonHispanic students who go
into it because it’s one of the best career development organizations out there,” Davis said. “We’ve never had a chapter at Auburn for some reason. I decided it was one of the things I wanted to do.” Davis’ passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups stems from her background. Because she is of Cuban and Irish descent, Davis said she hopes she can be an example of what is possible to young Hispanics interested in science and math. “I think that it’s re-motivating, re-energizing,” Davis said. “Sometimes you wonder if you’re really doing something good.
“And I feel kind of arrogant saying I see myself as a role model, but I guess that’s what it’s about.” Mazey said she points to Davis’ award as just another example of recognition for what she called the “innovative research” Auburn continues to carry out. Davis said she hopes the award will help her continue her work to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and mathematicians. “It’s nice for someone to notice,” she said. “Especially the White House, that you’re doing these things, saying ‘hey, this is a good thing to teach eighth graders about nanotechnology.’”
“The conduct of Cam Newton’s father and the involved individual is unacceptable and has no place in the SEC or in intercollegiate athletics,” said Mike Slive, the SEC commissioner Wednesday. “The actions taken by Auburn University and Mississippi State University make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated in the SEC.” Rogers is set to meet with representatives from the Mississippi Secretary
of State’s office Dec. 9 to discuss Newton’s collegiate recruitment. NCAA staff review each reinstatement case based on the specific facts on its own merits. Decisions are made based on a number of factors, including any circumstances presented by the university and guidelines established by Division I NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. These decisions are
separate from NCAA enforcement and are usually made once facts about a student-athlete’s actions are determined. An attorney representing the Newton family, George Lawson, told WSBTV of Atlanta Nov. 18 he was “one million percent” sure Cam Newton took no money. “No money has been offered to Cam Newton,” Lawson told WSB-TV. “Cam Newton [hasn’t] asked for any money.
The Auburn Plainsman Staff
The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID Physical address Student Union Suite 1111 Auburn, AL 36849 Mailing Address 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, Ala. 36849–5343 Phone
Editor �������������������������������� 334–844–9021 Managing �������������������������� 334–844–9108 News ���������������������������������� 334–844–9109 General Manager ���������� 334–844–9101 Office Manager �������������� 334–844–0112 Advertising ���������������������� 334–844–4130 Classifieds ������������������������ 334–844–7928
Editor ���������������������������������editor@theplainsman.com Rod Guajardo Managing ���� managing.editor@theplainsman.com Laura Maxwell Copy ������������������������������������� copy@theplainsman.com Emily Clever editor Brian Woodham associate editor Liz Conn assistant editor Design ������������������������������design@theplainsman.com Adam Bulgatz Graphics ����������������������graphics@theplainsman.com Helen Northcutt Photo ��������������������������������� photo@theplainsman.com Emily Adams editor Maria Iampietro associate editor Elaine Busby assistant editor Christen Harned assistant editor Charlie Timberlake assistant editor Online ������������������������������ online@theplainsman.com Samuel Solomon
News �����������������������news@theplainsman.com Daniel Chesser editor Jillian Clair associate editor Campus �����������campus@theplainsman.com Eric Austin editor Derek Lacey associate editor Brent Godwin assistant editor Intrigue �����������intrigue@theplainsman.com Brian Desarro editor Miranda Dollarhide associate editor Chelsea Pound assistant editor Sports ���������������� sports@theplainsman.com Crystal Cole editor Blake Hamilton associate editor Nick Van Der Linden assistant editor Opinions ������� opinion@theplainsman.com Ben Bartley Staff writer �� reporter@theplainsman.com Chelsea Harvey Alison McFerrin
Business Manager ��������business@theplainsman.com Tom Hopf Creative Director Kate Davis Distribution David Knott Matt Tucker Production Artist Katie Flemmings Zoya Zinger Account Executive �advertising@theplainsman.com Diana Hall Jenny Rikelman Casey Lucas Caroline Wheeler General Manager �������������������� gm@theplainsman.com Judy Riedl Office Manager Kim Rape Classified Ad Manager Kyle DuBose
ADVERTISING POLICIES Campus Calendar is provided by The Auburn Plainsman to all University-chartered organizations to announce activities. Announcements must be submitted on forms available in the office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. no later than Monday prior to publication. Submissions must be no more than 30 words and are edited to retain only pertinent information. Classified ads cost $6 for the first 15 words, and 40 cents for each additional word. Forms are available in the office during business hours. Deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. Local advertising rate is $9/ column inch. National advertising rate is $16/ column inch. Deadline for all advertising space reservation is Friday at 3 p.m. The Auburn Plainsman (USPS 434740) is published by Auburn University, Ala. 36849 weekly during the school year. We do not publish during class breaks. Subscriptions are $40 a year, $20 a semester. Periodicals [postage [paid at Auburn, Ala. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Auburn Plainsman, Student Union Suite 1111, Auburn University, Ala. 36849.
News
Christmas railroad
Mr. Penny
A
» PAGE A6
» PAGE A4
www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Page A3
Auburn researches new method of oyster farming Katie Brown Writer
Auburn and LSU have put their athletic rivalry aside to team up on the coasts of Alabama and Louisiana to create a new technique in oyster farming. With the new technique, oysters are grown off the bottom of the ocean while suspended in water columns. Previously, they have been harvested in reefs at the bottom of the water. “The current methods of producing oysters are too unpredictable and unreliable,” said John Supan, Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU AgCenter oyster specialist. “The oyster fishery is very cyclical—some years boom, some years bust. Intensive oyster culture, or off-bottom, of hatchery-produced oyster seed can provide a more consistent livelihood.” Bill Walton, aquaculture and fisheries specialist at Auburn, has been working on the project at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory on Dauphin Island in hopes of using
this technique to better the financial situation for the people who live on Alabama’s coast and in other coastal communities. “When I look at coastal fishing communities throughout the U.S., I see communities that are very challenged,” Walton said. “They are communities that are often economically depressed. Anything we can do to keep that traditional fishing community there and thriving is something that we should be exploring.” While this task may seem easy to achieve with the new research being conducted, there are still obstacles. “One of the main challenges for oyster farms in our area is how to do it profitably,” Walton said. “You want to reduce the labor, but the other end is getting as much revenue as possible for what you produce.” While finding the most profitable way to produce oysters is an issue, the research also considers how it will affect the economy and surrounding culture.
“I think we still have more economic work to do to make sure this technique is possible,” said LaDon Swann, director at the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. While the outcome of this new research can be beneficial to those living on the coast, without proper funding and the collaboration between Auburn and LSU, this may not be possible. “When Dr. Bill Walton came to Auburn two years ago, he received Sea Grant funding to evaluate different floating off-bottom culture systems for use in Alabama,” Supan said. “Since our off-bottom culture evaluations were focused on longline culture, it was a logical choice to approach our research/extension efforts regionally, to be more efficient in the use of our research funding and to continue our close-working relationships.” Because the Deep Water Horizon oil spill affected so much of the gulf coast seafood industry, new technology is highly anticipated and recognized. However, the oil spill didn’t affect
the oyster industry as much as other disasters such as hurricanes and droughts normally do, Walton said. “We were very fortunate in coast waters in Alabama,” Walton said. “We didn’t see any oil in there. The site was not impacted, and the oysters were safe to eat.” While it may have caused worry among oyster farmers, Walton insists that Alabama oyster cultures were left unharmed for the most part. “The oil spill has definitely made farming less sustainable,” Swann said. The biggest obstacle after the oil spill was marketing because of the fear associated with eating seafood that could have been contaminated with oil. While strides have been made in the research, there is still more to come. “Whenever one starts something new, there is always learning,” Supan said. “We are now moving towards demonstration and commercialization, which is more difficult than research, especially evaluation. It is an ongoing process.”
SEC Championship causes delay of parade Mary Gillman Writer
Photo Illustration by Jillian Clair / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
Burglaries increase when students leave for long breaks. Trailer parks, apartment complexes and other areas where large groups of students live are often targeted.
Police strive to prevent thefts during winter break Jillian Clair Associate News Editor
It’s that time of year again—time for cold weather, Christmas trees, shopping and, of course, break-ins while students are away. Preventing burglaries is a joint effort between citizens and the Auburn Police Department, said Capt. Tom Stofer of the Auburn Police Department. Students leaving town for the holidays can prepare their homes by performing several tasks. “Make sure that you lock and secure all windows and doors,” Stofer said. “A lot of times breakins—it’s kind of a crime of opportunity. “The burglar will take the path of least resistance, so if they can find a window or a door unlocked or open, that’s the way they’ll enter the residence.” Stofer said it is also important to make a residence look lived-in during an absence. “My suggestion to do is to put a small radio and some lights on timers that come on periodically throughout the day and the night that would give the appearance of
Ways to protect your home ■ Lock doors and windows. ■ Put lights and a radio on a
schedule to turn on and off during the evening.
■ Take commonly stolen items with you.
■ Ask a neighbor monitor the residence.
■ Ask the Auburn Police Department to monitor the residence.
■ Close blinds.
someone being home,” Stofer said. Leaving a car parked in front of the residence and having mail forwarded are other ways people can protect their homes. Those staying in town can help prevent burglaries as well. “For those people that are going to stay here and aren’t gonna travel during the holidays, it’s especially important that those people report any suspicious activity to us,” Stofer said. “So if you’re a neighbor keeping an eye on your neighbor’s apartment unit and you see
something at that apartment unit that looks suspicious, please give us a call. It’s not an inconvenience—that’s our job.” The patrol division increases its presence in vacated residential areas. Students can call the APD at 334-844-3150 during business hours and 334-844-3100 after business hours to ask an officer to check their home several times during their absence. It is also important for people to remove valuables from their homes. » Turn to THEFT, A4
Over the river and through the woods, through downtown Auburn we go. The annual Auburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade has been moved to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 to allow the focus to be on the Auburn Tigers Dec. 4 in the SEC Championship game. “It’s open to the public, so anybody who wants to participate in our parade is welcome to,” said Lolly Steiner, president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Steiner said the amount of participants has to be cut off at a certain number because the parade can only last so long. “We have probably about 75 to 80 floats each year, and it starts right there at the gates of Samford Hall, right there on Thach,” Steiner said. The only thing different about the parade this year is that it is in the morning and on the weekend. “It goes down College, downtown, down the hill through Toomer’s, takes a right on Glenn and then takes the next right on Gay and then comes back and takes a right back onto Thach and comes back in the gates on the same route,” Steiner said. Steiner said people looking for the best spot to experience the parade should stand on Toomer’s Corner or anywhere on College Street because those areas are well-lit. Local high school marching bands will be belting out Christmas tunes, and there will also be appearances from beauty queens and Aubie. “We’ll have lots of nonprofit organizations put floats together and come out and lots of dance studios bring their children out, which they love,” Steiner said. Santa Claus will be riding at the end of the line in a fire truck, while throwing out candy to everyone watching the parade. Steiner said the parade should only last an hour, but if drivers need a detour, they should use Mell Street off of College Street. She does not believe the parade will cause much inconvenience at its scheduled time. “That’s when merchants have lots of sales and activities going on post-parade,” Steiner said. “Like they’ll have Santa Claus down there for photo op, and they’ll have lots of sales and promotions. We
want to encourage people to stay in downtown Auburn and finish up their Christmas shopping or begin their Christmas shopping.” Peggy Ann Hall, manager of Wrapsody, said this will be the first year the stores downtown will have somewhat of an open house. Many of the stores will have specials for customers after the parade has ended. “Our store in particular, we’re going to have elves here so the kids can have their pictures made with the elves, and I think the photo is free, but you have to come back into the store later and pick up your photo,” Hall said. Santa Claus will also be around for pictures, and merchants may have craft tables for kids outside their stores, Hall said. “So we’re really hoping for kind of like a longer event than just the Christmas Parade,” Hall said. Hall said for people concerned about parking, the streets will be open as soon as the parade is over, and most people park outside of the square track in which the parade follows. For more information on the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, visit auburnchamber.com.
News A4
THEFT » From A3
“They’re after jewelry, guns, any type of electronic equipment—a popular thing right now is flatscreen televisions—anything that they can sell on the street somewhere to make a dollar,” Stofer said. Management staff of residential properties often take extra precautions to protect students while they are gone. “We provide security each time students are away, and then we have gates and cameras,” said Tanya Grooms, office manager at Ridgewood Village, a mobile home community on Webster Road.
The Auburn Plainsman Grooms said Ridgewood had no break-ins during Thanksgiving break. “(The security guard) sits at the front entrance, and he checks to make sure everyone that comes in is a resident, and if they’re not, then he finds out who they’re here to see,” Grooms said. Prestige sends out notices to its renters reminding them about holiday precautions that are often overlooked, said Mark Jones, owner/broker of Prestige Properties. Jones said many people forget to lock their dead bolts before they leave, making their homes easy targets for break-ins. “ Traditionally,
everybody just goes in and reimburses a resident afout and locks their door- ter a burglary and can be k n o b ,” obtained Jones said. indepen“I would dently or I would say a high through say a high m a j o r i ty an extenof people majority of people sion of a forget p a r e n t ’s to lock forget to lock their h o m their dead dead bolts.” eowner’s bolts.” insurMark Jones, ance. An othOwner/broker of Prestige er overStofer Properties said that sight of although many resibreakdents is renter’s insurance, he said. ins are more common “It is so cheap—$15, $20 in student housing dura month or whatever—but ing school breaks, people it’s just so valuable in a should take precautions situation like that,” Jones year-round—burglaries can happen anywhere, said. Renter’s insurance anytime.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
“
Photo Illustration by Jillian Clair / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
One of the most important preparations to take when leaving town is locking dead bolts and windows.
Christmas spirit rolls into the railroad town of Opelika Darcie Dyer Writer
Christmas tradition in Opelika is going strong as the town prepares to celebrate its 16th annual Christmas in a Railroad Town. The event will transform the streets of downtown Opelika into a Christmas wonderland Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. From live music to arts and crafts, Friday evening’s events promise to have something for people of all ages. Valinda Wheeles, director of Opelika Main Street, said a large crowd is expected. “It’s hard to gauge the crowd size, but we’ll have at least a couple thousand, maybe more,” Wheeles said. “This is our 16th year, so we’re pretty big. “We’ve got a lot of people that come in from out of town, so it’s not just local
people. For a lot of people, it’s a family tradition.” Auburn native Drew Young said he remembers going to the event as a child. “I definitely think it’s grown, though,” Young said. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance for photographs on the corner of 8th and Railroad avenues. In addition to visiting with the Clauses, children can prepare for Christmas’ arrival by making reindeer food and writing letters to Santa. Rockytop Railroad rides, as well as pony rides, will be offered to children throughout the night. Other entertainment for children will include an inflatable playground and a Christmas village. “This year’s event is very similar to what we’ve done in the past,” Wheeles said. “We try to add something
new each year, too.” Wheeles said they are currently scheduling the local entertainment for the night. “We’ll have different school choirs and choral groups,” Wheeles said. “I’m trying to confirm the rest of the entertainment, but scheduling will be posted.” Christmas in a Railroad Town also benefits local commerce. “Restaurants will be open, and there will be late-night shopping,” Wheeles said. “The stores are open until 9 o’clock.” The Historic Downtown District is hosting this event in conjunction with the town’s four-day Victorian Front Porch Tour, which will host lighted driving tours Dec. 8-12 from 5 to 10 p.m. Families can complete the evening with a wagon or trolley ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour.
Despite efforts, pedestrian, traffic safety still a concern Daniel Chesser News Editor
With the recent death of Dean Marie Wooten, pedestrian safety remains a concern. Since several pedestrians have been struck on campus in the past year, the need for awareness has gone up despite measures taken by the city and University to improve safety. Temporary lighting and stop signs in the crosswalks on West Magnolia Avenue were some of the first steps taken toward making campus safer for pedestrians. “(Permanent lights) were installed this summer,” said Charles Duggan, city manager. “Since the signs were put up, the number of accidents has decreased, and I believe the lighting has improved the area.” The lights were installed on the south side of the road, which is on campus. “The University stepped up and took the lead on that project even though Magnolia is a city street,” said Cathy Love, the University’s master plan implementation engineer. “We did that with stimulus money.” The project cost $300,000, and the University has since turned the ownership and maintenance of the lights over to
the city of Auburn, Love reflective, Ezelle said. said. “Those reflective materiThe change in season als are visible at 500 feet, and time means Alabama which gives a vehicle the experiences more dark opportunity to stop even at hours than light. 45 or 50 mph,” Ezelle said. “One of the things I A city ordinance rethink that is important to quires reflective material note this time of year is for cyclists, walkers and the need to wear reflective drivers. clothing “Everyand lights body that at night, is either Everybody especially driving, that is either w a l k if you’re a cyclist or driving, walking, ing, runa walker,” ning or said Bran- running or bicycling bicycling dy Ezelle, needs to be aware needs to t r a f f i c of each other on be aware engineer of each and co- the road and move other on c o o r d i - defensively.” the road nator of and move Bill James, defensiveTravel Public Safety Director ly,” with Care. said T h e Bill James, Travel public with Care campaign pro- safety director. motes unplugging iPods Raised crosswalks on and not talking or texting Samford Avenue and signs while driving to increase on the 100 block of South driver awareness. College Street are other ar“A vehicle’s headlights il- eas where measures were luminate someone in the taken to decrease inciroad only a certain dis- dents, James said. tance away,” Ezelle said. “It is something we re“That distance (155 feet) is view at least quarterly with about equal to the distance the University,” James said. it takes a person to stop at “You have to be extremely the speed of 25 mph.” careful regardless of your A vehicle traveling faster mode of transportation. than that is unlikely to see “If you are a driver, be an obstruction in the road- aware of the crosswalks way with sufficient time and be aware of the pedesto stop if the pedestrian trians entering the crossis not wearing anything walks.”
“
Commentary
A5
www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
News
Our View
Sixty minutes to glory Has it all been a dream? Could all this really be happening? For an entire half last Friday, it all seemed to be crashing down. It seemed we were about to be awakened from the euphoria we’ve been sharing since early September. Our small orange-and-blue section seemed to be drowning in a crimson tidal wave. Just when it seemed we could hold our breath no longer, we broke the surface. Cam hit Emory for six, and the comeback was on. When the clock hit zero, we were still dreaming. Still believing. We were still, unequivocally, All In. It would be impossible for anyone to deny that something special has happened in Auburn this year. Few at the beginning of the season said we would be sitting in this position. And yet, here we are—60
minutes away from the most glorious stage in the game of college football. We have climbed every hurdle, defied every odd and silenced every speculation with an on-field performance even Thayer Evans cannot deny. We have been great. While the country may believe we only have a one man team, we know that this is simply not so. Controversy or not, Cam is the best player in college football. There is no denying it. Without him, a convincing argument could be made that a few tallies would have been added to the loss column. But for the naysayers who shout this argument, the counterargument is simple. Even if he is the entire team, he is on our team. We have him, you wish you had him, and now we’re going to beat you for offending our sensibilities. Of course, for those of us who have watched this team
week after week, we know that Cam is only one piece of this larger puzzle of greatness. Without an outstanding front five, he would not have the holes to explode through. Without Dyer, Onterio and Mario, crucial plays would never have come to be. Without a receiving core who could snatch a shooting star out of the air, he would have no one to throw to. And for all of their faults, coach Roof ’s defense has come up with every stop it’s needed when the game was on the line. The 11 men on either side of the ball are not the only ones who play the game of football. The game is played every day, every hour, every second, in the hearts and minds of this campus, this family. While the team has played great, the community has upheld its highest standards as well. We’ve showed up
earlier, screamed louder, and celebrated longer and harder than we ever have before. Through it all, this is what we have become now more than ever—a family. We’ve leaned on each other when we were not strong. We’ve slapped high fives when we were the strongest. Saturday, we will undoubtedly do both. If the past 12 games have been any indication, there will be perilous moments. It is in these moments, however, when we will lean. We will lean on one another and see it through. And when the clock strikes zero, we will once again emerge victorious and prepare for a journey west to show the country exactly how high a War Eagle can fly, how loud a Tiger can roar. Saturday we will once again show we are here to conquer. Yielding never crossed our minds.
“That diploma is a $40,000 piece of paper. I’m going to charge an admission fee just for people to come and look at it.” Taylor LeGette,
senior, psychology “First class to graduate in arena,” B1
Last week’s question:
Should the student section keep ‘throwing it out’? Yes
61%
No Totally classless
14% 25%
This week’s question:
Should students get several reading days for finals? ❍ Yes ❍ No
Vote at www.theplainsman.com
Let my diploma serve as my sail in the wind
Daniel Chesser news@theplainsman. com
“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some
poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” – Gilda Radner. I am graduating Dec. 13 and saying farewell to the collegiate lifestyle I have grown accustomed to over
the past few years. It has not all been rays of sunshine on my journey to this point, but I like to think I have benefited from each experience, as I grow older and wiser in the ways of the world. Some things are still a mystery to me, but I know I will always cherish my tenure at The Auburn Plainsman. No matter how my day was going I could rely on a
co-worker to lift my spirits with a joke or a word of encouragement and support. The sense of community in the office is great, even with all the stress of deadlines and schoolwork. It is a group of people in the same position working toward the same goal, and on Thursdays we all get to see our hard work pay off in print. I would like to thank some previous Plainsman
folk, including Lindsey Davidson for pushing me to participate more, especially in New York and New Orleans. I want to thank Ellison Langford for guiding me on my journey to becoming the news editor. Cliff McCollum gains my praise for continuing to be a friend to turn to when I am in a funk. I thank Rod Guajardo for being such a great lead-
er and letting me be myself in my work. Jillian Clair will soon take over my position, and trust me when I say her hard work and positive attitude will make The Plainsman an even better publication than I could have imagined. She is awesome. I wish all current and future staffers the best as I depart. War Eagle.
You don’t even know, man
Ben Bartley opinion@theplainsman. com
I don’t think anyone outside those being addressed enjoy reading farewell columns. So if you glance over the last half of this page, I totally understand. This most likely isn’t for you. Here goes: Goodbye The Auburn Plainsman. You’ve been a good friend, a constant in a period of extreme but exciting change. You gave as much as you took. And you taught me more than I realize, I’m sure. You’ve introduced me to lifelong friends and assorted interesting people. These friends and acquaintances, more than I can or will list (taking the easy way out), helped me
establish my place at Auburn. I always felt I was part of two unique groups—Auburn student and Plainsman staff member. Being a part of The Plainsman is impossible to describe or understand until you’ve actually been a Plainsman staff member. It’s a strange world unlike anything else I’ve experienced on campus. And I’m glad I got to inhabit that world for a period of time, even if I can’t really remember how long for various reasons. (I do, however, remember certain trips to certain places involving setting fire to certain sensitive areas of certain members of a certain disreputable profession. That was interesting and made for a good story, one which I probably told too many times.) Any of you still reading not a part of The Plainsman staff interested in journalistic or nonfiction writing should join as soon as possible. I learned more about
writing and journalism working at The Plainsman than I did in all my classes I took during my four-anda-half years at Auburn combined. Classes are all about earning arbitrary grades— grades which mean nothing in postgraduation to the nongrad school applicant—and less about hands-on (or actual, for that matter) learning. Sure, The Plainsman looks good on a résumé, but it’s really about being passionate and taking pride in your work. I will miss it. But it won’t miss me, not for long anyway. A new group will heed the call, as always. Legacies don’t last long here. Nor should they. The Plainsman is about perpetual renewal. A piece of advice that you should at least consider even if I am only 22: Don’t take college or yourself too seriously. And practice selective hearing in, and out, of class.
Feline fancier’s farewell Farewell to four and a half years of school, farewell to all the trailer park rules. I won’t miss sitting through that stupid class, but maybe just a little of that Plainsman sass. I said my few words and I made some friends.
The Auburn Plainsman Editorial Board
Ben Bartley
Opinions Editor
Rod Guajardo Editor
Laura Maxwell Managing Editor
Brian Desarro intrigue@theplainsman. com
Now, you could say, I see the world through a new lens. Time went by slow, then time went by fast. I went with the flow and I’m at the end at last. I don’t have a job, I still have to pack, but at least I know I will always have my kitties, Tucker and Max.
OUR POLICY 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. HOW TO CONTACT US
Daniel Chesser
Crystal Cole
Emily Clever
News Editor
Sports Editor
Copy Editor
Eric Austin
Adam Bulgatz
Brian Desarro
Campus Editor
Design Editor
Intrigue Editor
Mailing Address Auburn Student Center Suite 1111H Auburn, AL 36849 Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334–844–4130 Email: . . . editor@theplainsman.com
The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University. Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.
News A6
The Auburn Plainsman
Mr. Penny shares love, push-ups, inspiration with Auburn Emily Adams Photo Editor
He may be known as Mr. Penny, but Johnny Richmond’s value to the Auburn community is priceless. Richmond, a lifelong Auburn resident, can be found many Saturdays doing push-ups behind the goal line in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Richmond said he supports Auburn in every way. “Everything I do is to support Auburn,” Richmond said. “If you go to my house, everything is
painted orange and blue —my truck, my yard, my weight room, everything.” Richmond said he got his famous nickname at a picnic before he was born. “My mother said I was pinching her,” Richmond said, “but everyone thought she said I was ‘penny,’ and that’s what I’ve been called ever since.” Richmond, who works out five times a week, said he does 25 push-ups after every Auburn score, an idea that resulted from a vision he had approximately eight years ago. “It was around four in the morning, and I heard this noise say ‘push-up,’” Richmond said. “I looked around, and I thought I was dreaming. About the time I closed my eyes, I heard it again. “I realized then that push-ups would be great motivation for Auburn.” Richmond said he attends as many football games as possible. He always arrives an hour late. “If the game starts at
Thursday, December 2, 2010
down by 24 points in the first half. When he’s not watching football, Richmond works as a custodian at Dean Road Middle School and as a crossing guard for Auburn City Schools. Richmond said working with children changed his life. “When I first came here, I was young and hostile,” Richmond said, “but when you look down and see their smiling faces, it’s impossible to be angry, and I realized they need to see somebody doing something positive.” Richmond said he tries to inspire college students as well. “These kids come here from near and far, and they’re away from their parents,” Richmond said. “So I try to be a role model and a positive example on campus.” Richmond said his love for people has made him successful. “I’m just a people person,” Richmond said. “That’s what happens
2:30, I get there at 3:30, so when I get there the fans are all excited for me to walk in,” Richmond said. “When we were behind at Clemson, I got there and everybody said, ‘We need you, where have you been?’ So I did my pushups, and the players saw me on the screen, and it motivated them. It’s not a show—it’s motivation.” Richmond said he never expected to become such a recognizable figure. “I didn’t think about any of that,” Richmond said. “The only thing I was thinking of was supporting Auburn and motivating the players.” Richmond said he is excited about Auburn’s 12-0 season, especially the Iron Bowl win. “Everybody was saying Alabama was going to beat us,” Richmond said. “But I knew we were going to go there and shut down 101,000 fans. That was our game.” He said he never doubted Auburn would win, even when they were
Contributed
Lifelong Auburn resident Johnny Richmond, also known as Mr. Penny, does 25 push-ups every time Auburn scores.
when you put God first. You can’t go wrong.” The main message of his Mr. Penny persona is to love everyone, he said. “Have a positive
attitude,” Richmond said. “Remember that life is a fun thing. I don’t have hate in my heart for no one. It’s all about love and caring and sharing.”
Auburn Weekly Gas Monitor
CALENDAR: THURSDAY, DEC. 2 – SATURDAY, DEC. 11
Week of Dec. 2
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Holiday Tree Lighting @ Samford Lawn, 6:30 p.m.
“No Child Left Behind and Student Performance in Alabama County Schools” @ Comer Hall Room 207, 2 p.m.
5
6
WISE and Shine Coffee Break @ Women’s Resource Center, Room 311 Mary Martin Hall, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
7
High Tea at Fountainview Mansion, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8
FRIDAY 2
9
Joy of the Season Luncheon @ Fountainview Mansion, 11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SATURDAY 3
Last day of classes
10
Christmas in a Railroad Town @ Downtown Opelika, 6 p.m.
SEC Championship vs. South Carolina, 3 p.m.
4
11
Opelika Victorian Front Porch Christmas Walking Tour @ Downtown Opelika, 5 p.m.
Location
Reg
Mid
Prem
Shell — Glenn and Gay
$2.729
$2.849
$2.969
Circle K — Glenn and Gay
$2.739
$2.879
$3.019
Shell — Wire
$2.759
$2.899
$3.039
Walmart — South College
$2.759
$2.879
$2.999
Chevron — South College
$2.799
$2.999
$3.019
Exxon — Wire
$2.899
$2.999
$3.149
Chevron — Wire
$2.899
$3.049
$3.199
Chevron — University
$2.899
$2.999
$3.099
BP — Samford and Gay
$2.899
$2.999
$3.279
Chevron — Glenn
$2.899
$3.059
$3.199
hrift Super Cente Harvest Thrift ft Super Center st Thrift Super Average
$2.828
$2.961
$3.097
$3.20 $3.00 $2.80 $2.60
$2.40 Nov. 4, 2010
Harvest Thrift Super Center
Nov. 11, 2010
Regular
Nov. 18, 2010
Mid
2510 Pepperell Pkwy - Opelika AL
MOVING?
WE WANT YOUR GENTLY USED COUCHES, TABLES, SHOES, CLOTHES, AND ANY OTHER ITEMS.
WE WILL COME TO YOU FOR PICKUP. Call 334•705•8858
Travelers’ Clas War Eagle sic E urop ean
What: Informational Session Who: Seniors and recent grads
r Tou
Join your Auburn Alumni Association staff and travel operators for a brief presentation (with free pizza!) about our annual 17day War Eagle Travelers’ Classic European Graduation Tour designed just for our newest alumni. From the pomp and pageantry of London to the glamour of Paris, from ancient Roman ruins to the majesty of the Greek isles, Europe’s most famous cities and fabulous beaches provide the setting for a journey that celebrates and educates.
ua
n tio
interested in traveling abroad. Parents welcome too! When: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 Where: Auburn Alumni Center
Gra d
The Plainsman Now on Twitter and Facebook. Stay up to date.
Let this be your year for adventure Pizza provided by AESU Inc.
Dec. 2, 2010
Premium
Campus Thursday, December 2, 2010
Beverage appreciation
Study spots
B
» PAGE B4
» PAGE B3
www.theplainsman.com
Page B1
‘TIS THE SEASON Samford Lawn will once again be illuminated with holiday cheer Derek Lacey Associate Campus Editor
This year, the Auburn family rings in the most wonderful time of the year with the annual Holiday Celebration Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and University Program Council, the Holiday Celebration takes place on Samford Lawn following the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade and features carols, the lighting of the tree and a speech by Shakeer Abdullah, director of the AU Multicultural Center. The celebration also includes a presentation by Toys for Tots, which will be collecting toys at the event; the lighting of unity candles, led by SGA president Kurt Sasser and UPC president Victoria Dominic; and finally, the lighting of the tree by mayor Bill Ham. And nothing says it is that time of year like hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and a visit from Aubie. Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn University will lead a children’s moment at the event, and music will be supplied by the AU Dean’s Brass Quintet and the Auburn University Chamber Choir. Rebecca Hart, junior in communication disorders and director of the Holiday Celebration, first participated in the event through Tiger Tuesdays and was assistant director for last year’s celebration. “I enjoy Holiday Celebration because it brings Auburn University and the Auburn community together to celebrate
the holiday season, as well as give back to the community,” Hart said. Planning for this year’s celebration was no easy task, taking months of cooperation and management. “We started off with brainstorming our goals for Holiday Celebration and then how we would accomplish those goals,” said Julianne Willis, senior in biomedical sciences and UPC vice president. “One thing we wanted to do this year is unify the spirit of the holiday season.” Planners are responsible for securing all speakers and groups that participate in the celebration, including Ainsley Carry, vice president of student affairs, who will give the welcoming address. “From the catering, to choosing and contacting speakers, to ensuring that the invitations are sent out on time, to planning out all of the logistics and the agenda, a lot of people are involved in this process,” said Olivia Hutchinson, undeclared sophomore in liberal arts and assistant director for the Holiday Celebration. The planning committee began thinking of ideas and making time lines as far back as April, but actual planning did not begin until mid-September, according to Hutchinson. The Holiday Celebration does not focus on one particular religion’s tradition, but is intended to celebrate all holidays occurring this time of year. “The celebration is truly about uniting the Auburn family in the spirit of such a wonderful season,” Hutchinson said.
AU Holiday Celebration When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Where: Samford Lawn What: SGA and UPC will host an evening of yuletide cheer as the Auburn family celebrates the lighting of the University Christmas tree Who: Special guests will include the AU Dean’s Brass Quintet, AU Chamber Choir and Aubie *The Auburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade has been moved to Dec. 11th at 10 a.m. PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES
Charlie Timberlake / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
First class set to graduate in new arena Rachel Shirey Writer
As graduation approaches, students are scrambling to tie loose ends and prepare
Helen Northcutt / GRAPHICS EDITOR
themselves for the real world. “The graduation ceremony is a long-lived and important Auburn tradition for students and their families,” according to the graduation website (www.auburn.edu/graduation). “We hear from them that it is a meaningful event.”
The graduation ceremony will be taking place in the Auburn Arena Dec. 13. “I think it’s a pretty good idea to do it in December because I feel that the graduating class would be smaller, so they can get a handle on it,” said Amy Bohan, graduating senior in animal science and pre-vet. “So starting it for the smaller graduating class allows them to maybe prepare and fix things for the bigger graduating class in the spring.” Students are not limited to the number of guests they can invite. Taylor LeGette, graduating senior in psychology, said she plans to invite 12 family members to the ceremony because she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.
Bohan, on the other hand, invited close family and her boyfriend. Students are expected to arrive at the arena 45 minutes before their ceremony and sit with their college. This system allows for more organization and gives every student their earned recognition. Auburn will host two graduation ceremonies for select colleges. The first is at 10 a.m., and the second is at 2 p.m. The website says the ceremony won’t be longer than two hours. “The end of the ceremony is when new bachelor degree recipients switch their tassels, sing the alma mater and, after the stage guests and faculty recess, celebrate in unison,” said the
gradation committee. The University wants to promote an atmosphere of pride, dignity and safety. “I’m pretty excited about it,” LeGette said. “Auburn is a pretty awesome school, and we are ranked pretty high. Not just in football, but for academics as well, so I think graduating in something that’s new, modern and nice would be rather appropriate for a graduation class of Auburn University.” However, LeGette said preparing for graduation on top of finals and the Graduate Record Examination is stressful, but worth it. The graduation website » Turn to GRAD, B2
Campus B2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Break turns campus into ghost town
Elaine Busby / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Christen Harned / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Unable to return to their home of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Marina Iwashita, a veterinary graduate student, and Ivan Nakandakave, graduate student in animal science, will celebrate Christmas in the United States. The couple plans to take a trip to Disney World for the holiday.
Student workers like Levi Westbrook, junior in wireless software, see a break in their usual paychecks. Student workers do not work or receive pay for the winter holiday.
As most students head home for the holidays, international students find alternatives Abby Townson Writer
With the holidays beginning, most students are packing their bags and preparing to head home. For international students, however, going home for the break is not always an option. Vaishali Sharda, graduate student in biochemical engineering and president of the International Student Organization, said a large percentage of the international students do not have anywhere to go for the holidays. Sharda said about 900 international students attend Auburn. “Most of them stay in town, if not visiting their home countries or taking a vacation, and celebrate with local churches/families,” Sharda said. Originally from India, Sharda came to Auburn in January 2007. Sharda last visited India in the summer of 2008 and is going again in December. She normally visits friends during the holidays. For international
GRAD » From B1
explained students started preparing for the commencement months ago. Students ordered caps and gowns in October. “It’s an honorable recognition and a little celebration for our hard work and dedication, not only to the University, but to what we are going to be able to contribute to the world and to society afterwards,” LeGette said. LeGette will be graduating earlier than planned with the
students unable to leave school for the break, Sharda said there are events hosted by the University. “There is a Thanksgiving dinner every year that the Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts and many internationals attend it,” Sharda said. “As far as ISO is concerned, we meet every Friday, and whenever there is a holiday, we try to go with the theme.” Yebeen Lee, freshman in architecture, came to Auburn in the summer of 2009 from South Korea. “I don’t live by myself here,” Lee said. “I live with my family. My father is working for Mando, which is one of the Korean companies at Opelika, so all my family is here, and my home is here.” Lee said her situation as an international student is special, though not uncommon in Auburn. “Many international students in Auburn have a family in Auburn,” Lee said. “It’s different with other international students of out of this state or other countries’ students.” Though her family lives in Auburn, Lee said she
has many friends back home whom she misses. Unable to go back to South Korea for the holidays until next year, Lee often travels during school breaks. She went to North Carolina in the summer of 2009 and New York in the summer of 2010. “If we are not going, we are usually going to other states, like New York, California, Washington, D.C., or other famous places,” Lee said. Lee said she planned to study and hang out with friends for Thanksgiving break. Suresh Sharma, Ph.D. student in civil engineering with water resources and water quality, came to the United States from Nepal in fall 2008. He has not returned home since. “I do not have (that) problem that much,” Sharma said of homesickness. “I communicate through phone.” He said being away from home did not deter him from coming to Auburn. “I thought, ‘This is the good place to live and good place to study,’” Sharma said.
Campus workers adjust to a student environment without students Chelsea Harvey Staff Writer
Although most University services shut down during Thanksgiving break and winter break, some departments such as the bookstore and library remain open for at least some of the break, but often with new hours. The bookstore, for instance, is generally open several days after classes end. According to Candace Saunders, senior in early childhood education and bookstore employee, the store did not close for Thanksgiving break until last Wednesday. She said the bookstore will probably be closed for about two weeks over winter break. Dorms, dining services and most offices on campus close during University breaks. According to Jayson Hill, director of communications and marketing for the library, the library shortens its hours, but all regular services are still available. “Everything will be
operating as normal,” Hill said. “You can pretty much take advantage of anything you want to during that time period.” However, some of the library’s partners, such as the Miller Writing Center and the Study Partners program, will not be open. According to Trey Lightner of human resources, other services that function over breaks include Auburn University facilities and the small animal veterinary clinic. Both operate on a limited basis. “The facilities division—part of them will be working. They keep things working on campus,” Lightner said. “It’ll be a very small amount of people working.” He added that the vet clinic would probably be open on an emergency basis only. Although many employees do not work over breaks, they do not go without compensation. According to Lightner, all regular employees of the University continue to receive normal pay
over breaks, even if they are not working. “For not working, it’s just considered regular time,” Lightner said. This means if an employee usually works eight hours a day, he or she will receive pay for eight hours every day he or she is not permitted to work over break. The same rule applies to both full-time and part-time regular employees. Lightner said the amount of paid leave granted to University employees is determined by the president. All employees are given a schedule detailing their time off. Saunders said the benefit of paid breaks does not apply to student employees. During winter break, Saunders will not be working, but she will also not be getting paid. “The money part does kind of cut in,” she said, “but I’m happy about the break. “It’s about the only break I get during the school year.”
academic distinction of magna cum laude. She said she “kicked butt” to be where she is now. Bohan said the ceremony will be memorable. “It’s just the ending of one chapter and the beginning of something else,” Bohan said. After the ceremony, students will pick up diplomas at the Student Activities Center. “That diploma is a $40,000 piece of paper,” LeGette said. “I’m going to charge an admission fee just for people to come and look at it.” Maria Iampietro / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Kannika Hanel, head of the food line at Chef’s Table, has become a friendly addition to the popular Student Center restaurant.
Serving food with smiles on the side Anna Claire Conrad Writer
Kannika Hanel’s journey around the world has landed her behind the counter of the on-campus dining hot spot, Chef ’s Table. Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Hanel moved to Montgomery with her first husband. In 2009, a friend informed Hanel about a job opening at the restaurant. Hanel said cooking has always been her passion, so she quickly acted on the tip and was fortunate to receive the position. “Kannika is amazing,”
said Robert Pocase, freshman in computer science. “She’s really nice…She even gave me a free bowl of pasta once. They were just closing down on a free refills day, so she said it was ‘on the house.’” Pocase’s praise comes from the interaction he has had with Hanel each time he chooses to eat at Chef ’s Table. Hanel works as the front serving supervisor at Chef ’s Table. It is her responsibility to keep the line flowing, the platters stocked with the day’s menu items and the other employees working in an orderly fashion. “A lot of my friends were talking about how nice
a woman who works at Chef ’s Table is. I figured, why not check it out?” said Amy Gomez, freshman in biomedical science. “To my surprise, the food and the service were superb. Kannika was extremely friendly. I’ve been going back ever since.” Hanel’s personality is immediately apparent through her excellent service and friendly demeanor. However, a trip through the line is also characterized by what Hanel said she prides herself most on: her work ethic. “I come to the restaurant and work hard every day,” Hanel said. “I do my best.” Chef ’s Table opens each
morning at 7, and barring unforeseen circumstances, Hanel is there for every one of them. Regardless of the early hour, Hanel does not let the moods of her morning customers affect her day. “Sometimes people just get up on the wrong side of the bed,” Hanel said. “I just smile at them and tell them to have a good day.” Hanel said she sees her positive attitude through until the restaurant closes at 3 p.m. As Hanel continues to impress the patrons of Chef ’s Table, her friendly presence in the line is becoming as much a part of the restaurant as the dishes she serves.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Campus B3
The Auburn Plainsman
Respect the sauce: class of the week Jeremy Gerrard
pretty good deal.” effort on tests, interviews Townsend also said and papers, which are while there is course required to make a good structure, he often plays grade in the course. around with the schedule “It’s a little different to accommodate the vari- than just a couple of us ous vendors coming in to kicking back and having a present beverages. glass of whiskey,” said Jack “It’s interesting to hear Pilkington, second-degree about the student in variety of hotel and jobs in the restaubeverage rant manIt’s a little industr y agement. different and to get “ Y o u firsthand than a couple of us learn to accounts kicking back and really apabout the having a glass of preciate practical the proa p p l i c a - whiskey.” cess and tions of underJack Pilkington, stand the what we second-degree student learn in flavors in in hotel and restaurant l e c t u r e ,” management the beversaid Andy age, like R a m s e y, being able senior in hotel and restau- to pick out an old leather rant management. taste on the barrel from This semester, students which it was stored.” heard from vendors at Students are challenged Sam Adams and Hennessy, to taste all the different among other presenters beverages made available, who came in to discuss even if they don’t think topics like brewing beer at they will enjoy them, since home and food pairing. it is a valuable exercise in The class is not all fun the tasting experience. and games. Students learn how to It requires consistent identify quality indicators
Writer
While some students may unofficially major in beverage appreciation while at college, Auburn offers an actual class in the subject. The class meets on Fridays at the Auburn Hotel and Conference Center, where about 30 students learn the ins and outs of tasting fine wines, beers, spirits and other nonalcoholic beverages, like coffee. The class currently has only one section, but professor Kyle Townsend said they are looking to expand to up to four sections if they can get the word out around campus. While it should come as no surprise, the class is closed to anyone under 21 and requires a $75 course fee to pay for all the beverages served during the course. “There is a small fee,” Townsend said. “But with that you get to taste over 50 wines, a dozen beers, all types of liquor and even Cristal, so I think it’s a
“
in a beverage and what food to serve with the drink. According to Townsend, this is often difficult for students, but the presenters make it simple by bringing in items like Skittles to pair with the beverages. One of the most exciting challenges for students is the blind taste test at the end of the semester. Townsend will put out four different wines and three different beers for the students to identify using the tasting method learned in class. Students are not required to know the actual brands of beverages, but they will have to make accurate assessments on the drink’s aroma, color and taste using the various buzz words associated with tasting. Some buzz words include woodsy, fruity, peppery, oaky and roasted. “It takes a while to learn what you’re dealing with,” Townsend said. “Nobody knows what they are looking for the first few times they taste.”
Charlie Timberlake / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Whiskeys and rums will be tasted by the class at the AU Hotel and Conference Center.
Charlie Timberlake / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Students in the beverage appreciation class must learn to identify different styles of beverages in a blind taste test.
Charlie Timberlake / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
An array of fine vodkas awaits the class, with tasting glasses ready and laid out for the class.
Classifieds
INDEX Employment For Rent
For Sale
Real Estate Mobile Homes Miscellaneous
Services
Homes Mobile Homes Apartments
Real Estate
Wanted Roommates Item
Lost & Found Items Pets
RATES Line Ads First 15 words $6 $0.40 per word
Border Classifieds
Local Rate: $11.00 per column inch National Rate: $16.00 per column inch Min Bordered Ad Size: 1 column x 4 inches Max Bordered Ad Size: 1 column x 8 inches
The deadline to place a classified ad is 3:00 pm the Friday preceding the Thursday of publication. TheAuburn Plainsman reserves the right to refuse any ad it considers misleading or in poor taste. No work at home ads will be accepted. Other than logos, no artwork will be accepted. For more information Call 334-844-4130 or email at classad@auburn.edu 255 Heisman Dr. Suite 1111 Auburn, AL 36830
Employment STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed in Auburn. 100% FREE To Join! Click on Surveys. Light housework. Professor residence. Call 821-1311 anytime. Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our cars with ads. (www.AdCarDriver.com)
EARN AS MUCH AS $100/DAY while enjoying the outdoors and taking part in a Southern tradition. Find and gather pecans to satisfy demand during the holiday season. Willing to pay $0.90-$1.25/ pound for harvested nuts. Contact Pecan Shak in Opelika @ 334787-3345.
12-0
All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Homes Lake Martin is on sale. new 3/2 waterfront. # 227K Call me for the best short sales, and foreclosures. Randall Rogers 334-332-3770 ERA Lake Martin Realty. #1 oLake Martin. ROOM FOR RENT: Bedroom in faculty home near campus, twelve minutes from library. Kitchen and laundry privileges. Internet and basic cable provided. Female international graduate student preferred. Contact <emilyatmelvin@gmail.com>
Mobile Homes 3br 2ba 1996 Southern Mobile Home All appliances included, new heat pump in 2009 (still under warranty). Updated throughout. Covered porch with fenced- in dog area. Partially furnished. Available Jan 1, 2011. $15,500. Contact Brian Desarro at 205-3293417. 500 Webster Road, Ridgewood Village, Lot 285
For Rent Apartments Completely updated 1 br apartments. Walk to the campus. All utilities, hardwood floors, tile baths completely furnished, cable, internet, sleeper sofa. Flat screen tvs in living room and bedroom. Just bring your clothes. Weekly rentals, no long-term lease required. Parking and on Tiger Transit. Opening November 1st. New appliances. 706-987-2149 Ron or 706-580-4883 Joel. 3 BR or 2 BR and den, WD & DW, +$25 w/pet 205-337-6979
Cute condo for sublease. Available now. Will split December rent. Block from downtown. 315 E. Magnolia. 2 BR/2BA. Granite counters, stainless appliances, stack washer/ dryer. Newly renovated. MUST SEE! $800 +utilities. 334-703-2250 anytime.
2 BR Furnished Apt. with W/D. On Transit. Pet Friendly. $530/mo. 524-7656.
Read
Games
We buy broken laptops/phones/ ipods/etc.
Read the Plainsman for full sports coverage!
Campus B4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Undefeated season cures economic woes
Maria Iampetro / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Eager students pack the Auburn University Bookstore Tuesday night for a special shopping event. The store has reported higher sales presumably because of the football team’s success.
Brent Godwin Assistant Campus Editor
Local stores have found a cure for poor sales in a weak economy—an undefeated season. “We’ve seen a lot of people buying despite the bad economic times,” said Trey Johnston of J&M bookstore. Johnston said the store has seen an increase in jersey sales, specifically the No. 2 jersey worn by Cam Newton. “Anything we have that has the number 2 on it sells extremely well,” said Katie Lee, director at Auburn University Bookstore. Lee said in addition to jerseys, children’s clothing and jewelry have also sold better.
“The thing we haven’t sold many of is the Auburn Snuggie,” Lee said. Johnston said that in more than 30 years in business, the store has hardly seen anything quite like this season. Most of the sales are driven by Heisman hopeful Cam Newton and Auburn’s spotless record. Johnston said he expects the store will get more business if the Tigers win against South Carolina Saturday. “People want those Tshirts or other items that say ‘SEC champions’ on it,” Johnston said. Johnston said J&M has sold about 1,000 Cam Newton jerseys this season. “It has been a fantastic
season,” Johnston said. “Buying Auburn gear is a way that fans can show support for Auburn and for Cam.” Big Blue Bookstore saw a jump in sales after the controversy surrounding Cam Newton emerged, according to John Harrell, 1977 graduate and owner of Big Blue Bookstore. Harrell said the negative stories about Newton caused Auburn fans to buy even more No. 2-related merchandise. “One thing is for sure: It’s definitely about family,” Harrell said. “If someone attacks your family members, you’re going to form ranks and stand up for them. That’s just what the Auburn family has done.” Showing support for the
quarterback also means helping the economy. “Everybody wants to support,” Johnston said. “It feels like us against the world.” A few weeks ago, J&M put a poster in the front window of its store on College Street that reads, “We stand with Cam.” “We’re Auburn football fans, too,” Johnston said. “We root for our Tigers and hope to see them do well just as much as everyone else.” Lee said the AU bookstore has seen an increase in sales of Auburn merchandise over the last few years, even before the 2010 season. The AU bookstore’s sales are largely affected by the kickoff time of the game.
“We have less traffic coming through the store when there is an early kickoff,” Lee said. “But we have seen fans come in even after losses in previous seasons to buy Auburn merchandise.” Lee said in her 13 years at the bookstore she has learned that Auburn fans support the team no matter what. “There’s no question that Auburn fans are some of the most loyal,” said Harrell. Harrell also serves as the president of the Chamber of Commerce this year, so he said he has a bigger perspective on the economic impact of a successful football season. “This season sure has a special feel to it,” Harrell
said. “I think the enthusiasm and level of energy of the team from the very first weeks of the season was contagious.” Harrell said he has been going to Auburn football games since the 1960s, but he has never seen support from fans at such a high level as in 2010. “People just can’t get enough,” Harrell said. Harrell said he thinks people’s attitudes about the economy have also changed this year. A more positive attitude in addition to the successful football season has produced a large jump in the sales of merchandise. “People need their orange and blue gear,” Lee said. “And we are here to give it to them.”
Venue makes all the difference: study spots With exams less than a week away, make sure you are conquering your ADD by choosing the right location to hit the books. Photos by Elaine Busby
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Campus B5
The Auburn Plainsman
E M G S M o t ” Text “AUVIP n this deal and get in o
EASY IN, EASY OUT extended hours to fit your schedule.
212 WEST MAGNOLIA AVE ANDERS-BOOKSTORE.COM
Campus B6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
On the Concourse
Besides being undefeated, what was your favorite part of football season? “Constantly proving everyone wrong when they doubted us.”
“Watching Cam Newton do work.”
“The spirit of the fans and how much support there was.”
–Stephanie Williams, junior, elementary education
–Robert Hoffman, freshman, electrical engineering
–Kristen Gue, sophomore, premed
“Watching Fairley destroy people. And beating Bama.” –Jared Elliot, sophomore, building science
“This has been the best senior football season ever.” –Nicole Gue, senior, accounting
“Singing ‘Rammer Jammer’ as the Alabama fans filed out of Bryant-Denny stadium.” –Zachary Zito, sophomore, hotel and restaurant management
Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories www.ShopPrivateGallery.com
Downtown Auburn 140 N. College St. 334.501.0932
SARAH MURIS, 22 From Cuernavaca, Mexico, this week’s Loveliest is putting a little spice in our lives despite the wet weather. As a senior residence assistant, she says she’s really enjoyed bringing community involvement opportunities to her residents. Spreading knowledge is her passion, and this Spanish major hopes to one day be a professor. “I don’t want to lose my native tongue,” she says. We’re sure you won’t Sarah, but you can speak to us in whatever language you like. Lovely is universal. 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
Intrigue
Inside the Auburn Christmas parade
Athletic counselor Troy Smith
» PAGE C4
» PAGE C6
www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
C Page C1
Seeking solace in the supernatural Sister Lee, a third-generation psychic reader, has served the Auburn-Opelika area for more than 18 years, reading palms, tarot cards and crystals to see the future and reveal auras
Saturn Finger of the Sun
Finger of Mercury
Re
rs
general—more like getting your daily horoscope, Lee said. On average, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for someone to have a psychic reading done. “We feel it’s like therapy,” Lee said. “Everyone gets to a point in their life where they’re confused and they wonder where their path is going, or what’s their purpose or what is the meaning of what they’re going through in life.” Not everyone comes to ask about the future. “Sometimes it’s just a need to know what’s going on now and just to have an outsider’s perspective on how they see it,” Lee said. Lee offers a special for college students, who constitute a substantial portion of her clientele. “A lot of their questions are if they’re in the right path in what they’re going to school in,” Lee said. “So many people are learning and majoring and taking classes in things they’re not passionate about.” Lee said palms and tarot cards can give insight on what types of things connect to each person’s spirit. She does some psychic readings over the phone, but she said the majority of her sessions are in person. Sister Lee’s is located at 1704 Columbus Parkway and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Ma
ip sh es n io in lat L
t
Sun/Apollo Fate
ad
He
Healt
Lif
h
e
The future is shrouded in mystery and uncertainty for most people, but for Sister Lee, a psychic reader in Opelika, it is open and revealed, waiting to be read. “I don’t play the act of God,” Lee said. “It’s not like I have all the answers to all life’s questions, but I do have a lot of them, and I can help.” Lee said she comes from a family of psychics—her mother, grandmother and great-aunt all have psychic abilities. But out of five children, Lee was the only one among her siblings to exhibit psychic Finger of tendencies. “I didn’t want to Jupiter be a psychic because I kind of grew up watching my mother do it, and it was not what I wanted to do,” Lee said. Lee said Will as she got older, her visions and feelings became stronLogic ger. “Then someLove thing happened where I sensed something for one of my friends at school when I was like 13 or 14, and I was quiet about it,” Lee said. “I didn’t say what I’d felt and what I’d seen, and it was like a tragedy. Ever since then, I made
most types of psychic readings. She offers aura readings using crystals, palms and tarot cards, each of which reveal different things about a person. “I could tell you everything about your life,” Lee said. “I could tell you things that you already know about your character, about your spouse, about your past, things that you feel a stranger would have never have known. Then I begin to tell you things about what I foresee for you in your future, and it’s always very accurate.” Lee said her preference is tarot card readings because they are more precise. Palm readings, in comparison, are usually more
ar
Staff Writer
a promise to always be and say what I feel, whatever visions come to me, because it’s a gift, and it’s not something that I should ignore.” Lee has been in business in Opelika for nearly 18 years, and she says people come to her with all sorts of questions. “Some people are more troubled about certain things that are going on in their lives, such as family or health problems, or certain job options or questions that they can’t or don’t want to decide on their own,” Lee said. “Love and relationships and work and business are definitely the top two things of people’s concerns.” Lee is active in Finger of
He
Alison McFerrin
Intuition
Palm Reading 101 according to pksarna.com Fingers
Thumb - The thumb must be read first, before any of the other fingers. It consists of two phalanges and a base, representing the will power of a person, the logic of a person and the love of a person. Finger of Mercury - This finger determines the communication skills and the business acumen of an individual. Finger of the Sun - This finger determines the desire for fame and fortune and can decide whether a person is a leader or follower.
Hand lines
Heart line - One of the most important lines on your hand, this one manages emotions and matters of the heart. The deeper the line, the deeper your emotions run. Head line - This line is central to managing your beliefs, mentality, and intelligence. Fate line - While not everyone has one of these, the amount of changes in the line indicates the amount of changes in your life. Other aspects of the line correlate to your ambitions and aspirations.
Finger of Saturn - This finger determines the sense of responsibility and discipline. The shape and size of it denote each quality in relation to the other.
Life line - Commonly thought to indicate the length of your life, this line actually indicates the quality of your life. A strong and solid life line is ideal for balancing your energies and passions.
Finger of Jupiter - This finger determines the need for recognition and ego of a person. It can be correlated to the amount of fortune one will amass and their career.
Health line - This line indicates the material well being as much as the physical and the period in your life major health problems will occur.
Atlanta guide to the SEC Championship Darcie Dyer Writer
Atlanta’s world-class sports arena, the Georgia Dome, has hosted some of sports’ most electrifying events, from NFL football games to the 1996 Olympic Games. The Dome will open its gates Dec. 4 to a flood of orange and blue and garnet and black for one of the premier events in college football, the 2010 SEC Championship game. For lucky ticket holders and tailgaters, parking near the Dome is vital. “All the pregame action is going to be by the stadium, even for people who aren’t planning on going in to the game,” said Jamison Codner, Atlanta native and senior in business administration.
Georgia World Congress Center Authority parking lots are available to the public during non-Falcons games. These include the conveniently located and color-coded lots nearby: Green ($8), Blue ($8), Brown ($10), Orange ($10) and Yellow ($8). All lots open 4 hours prior to the event. The Georgia Dome’s tailgating policy will have Auburn fans tailgating in a different fashion from campus game days. In order to keep lanes open, tailgaters are permitted only in the grassy areas behind parking spaces, and no single tailgate can exceed a 9-by-12 foot space.
“I’ve tailgated for Falcons games, but I can’t even imagine how out of control it’s going to be for this game,” Codner said. For food and beverage or just a spot to watch the game, there are plenty of restaurants or sports bars in Atlanta. The Bucket Shop Café in the heart of Buckhead, approximately 9 miles from the stadium, prides itself
on being the viewing home of the Auburn family and the Atlanta-Auburn Club. With eight big-screen televisions and a full menu, the Bucket Shop will definitely be one of the hottest spots for Auburn fans Saturday. Another game-day spot is the Diesel Filling Station, also sponsored by Atlanta-Auburn Club as a home for Auburn spirit.
Located approximately 4 miles from the stadium, the Filling Station has a full menu, drinks and a great atmosphere for watching the game. “I know a lot of students didn’t get tickets, so it works out well that there are so many restaurants and bars in walking distance,” Codner said. No Mas! Hacienda and Cantina, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and Jamal’s Buffalo Wings are among some of the highly-rated restaurants near the stadium. Tyler Pearson, an Atlanta public relations specialist, said several city attractions are having special discounts. Fans who want to do some sight seeing on their trip can purchase an
Atlanta CityPASS that will allow discounted price and no-line access to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio tour and Zoo Atlanta. For fans who want to stick around the Georgia Dome area, Pearson said they are in luck too. “There are several restaurant deals going on too. One big thing for fans is the proximity of the Georgia dome to downtown. A lot is just in walking distance,” Pearson said. Either way, Auburn fans will find they have plenty to do on game day. “It’s almost like Auburn has the home-field advantage in this game,” said Mary Baker Maund, senior in marketing. “I feel like Atlanta is very much an Auburn hub.”
Intrigue C2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Essential holiday survival guide: 2010 edition From movies to music, here are the latest and greatest releases of the 2010 holiday season to keep you from sitting on your couch all break wondering what to do with yourself
Movies
Books
Music
DVDs
Video Games
“Black Swan” Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel Opens Dec. 3, 2010
“Decision Points” George W. Bush Released Nov. 9, 2010
“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” Kanye West Released Nov. 22, 2010
“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner To be released Dec. 4, 2010
“Tron Evolution” PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PSP To be released Dec. 7, 2010
“Tron: Legacy” Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde Opens Dec. 17, 2010 “The Tourist” Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie Opens Dec. 10, 2010 “Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley Opens Dec. 10, 2010
“Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” Laura Hillenbrand Released Nov. 16, 2010
“No Mercy” T.I. To be released Dec. 7, 2010
“Life” Keith Richards Released Oct. 26, 2010
“Merry Christmas II You” Mariah Carey Released Nov. 2, 2010
“Decoded” Jay-Z Released Nov. 16, 2010
“Number One Hits” Tim McGraw Released Nov. 30, 2010
“Cleopatra: A Life” Stacy Schiff Released Nov. 1, 2010
“Wonders of the Younger” Plain White T’s To be released Dec. 7, 2010
LeMans Square Chateau Apartments
Split Pea Soup
Now Leasing
“Eat Pray Love” Julia Roberts Released Nov. 23, 2010 “Inception” Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt To be released Dec. 7, 2010 “The Town” Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall To be released Dec. 17, 2010
560 N. Perry St. Auburn AL-www.lemanssquare.com-334.821.9192
“Assasin’s Creed: Brotherhood” Xbox 360, PS3, PC Released Nov. 16, 2010 “Call of Duty: Black Ops” Xbox 360, PC, DS, PS3, Wii Released Nov. 9, 2010 “Gran Turismo 5” PS3 Released Nov. 24, 2010
Kerry’s recipe of the week Ingredients: 1 (16 oz.) package of dried green split peas 1 tablespoon canola oil 3 ribs of celery, sliced 3 carrots, sliced 1 large onion, chopped 2 dried bay leaves salt and pepper, to taste 1 lb. Virginia ham, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 (32 oz.) container chicken stock 2 cups water
Call about our Christmas Special
“World of Warcraft: Cataclysm” Mac, PC To be released Dec. 7, 2010
Directions: Thoroughly rinse the dried green peas in a strainer and set aside. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the canola oil, celery, carrots, onion, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-10 minutes. Add the green peas, ham, chicken stock and water. Bring soup to a boil and then reduce to medium-low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Peas will split, and soup will thicken. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot. Tip: Purchase the Virginia ham from the deli counter and ask for it as one large piece, rather than thinly sliced. Serves: 8
Contributed by Kerry Fannon
Random Question & Answer What tip would you give to people studying for exams? Unplug the computer, and don’t get on Facebook. 1/8/2011
!
300 North Dean Road (Kroger Center) Copy • Fax • Custom Packing • Shipping
Philip Panzer
sophomore, economics
Age: 18 Hometown: Poolsville, Md. Greatest fear: Cam Newton playing for any other team than Auburn Hobbies: video games and watching sports Random fact: I have two cats. One weighs about 26 pounds, and the other one is diabetic. Availability: Single
What are you looking forward to about the SEC Championship? Beating South Carolina again and going to the national championship. What do you want for Christmas? Tickets to the national championship and a car would be pretty good. What is your dream job? I think I’d like to work on Wall Street. If you could go anywhere for New Year’s Eve, where would you go? New York to see the ball drop. I always watch it on TV, but it would be cool to see in person. Are you looking forward to seeing any new movies over the break? “Tron”
What is your favorite holiday treat? Pumpkin pie Which football game was your favorite this season? Probably the Georgia game because it was the last home game of the season. And that moment with Mike Dyer and Bo Jackson was great. Were you able to register for all the classes you need next semester? Yeah, I did all right. Where is your favorite place to eat in the Student Center? Chick-fil-A because it’s open latest. Favorite place in Auburn? Cheeburger Cheeburger is pretty good. I love those giant burgers. Who is your favorite Harry Potter character? Professor Lupin What is the best parade you’ve ever been to? None really stand out.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue C3
Intrigue C4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The Auburn Plainsman
Limit distractions. Choosing a quiet place to study, free from time-consuming distractions like televisions and the Internet, can make or break your study session. Avoid the obligatory hour on Facebook by eliminating it from the start. If music helps you focus, try putting on your headphones. Study with buddies. For most topics, studying in groups is always easier. Try to set up a prearranged meeting time to collaborate and answer any questions you or your classmates may have. Plus, it gives you a chance to bounce new ideas off your group. You aren’t the only one feeling completely lost! Rewrite lecture notes. While it may not seem like the best use of your study time, rewriting lecture notes from class will help pound the material into your head. While rewriting, try highlighting the really important stuff that you didn’t think to highlight the first time around. Get supplemental notes. Missed a day here or there? Supplemental notes, like UNotes, can help reinforce your lecture notes, filling in holes on days you may have not felt like getting out of bed. If you don’t find UNotes helpful, ask a classmate if you can borrow his or her notes. Control your stress. When facing a seemingly insurmountable quantity of studying, don’t go into panic mode. The obvious way to lessen stress is to avoid procrastinating, but since it is already too late for that, get a good night’s sleep, try some physical activity and eat healthy. Try to avoid all-night cram sessions and loading up on caffeine.
1
6.
tips for successfully studying for finals Preparing for finals can be a trying time, especially with rowdy library goers and the allure of Facebook. Ward off these devious distractions by following these 10 tips to successfully studying for finals. You may even ace all your exams and have extra time for needed rest and relaxation before the holiday season starts.
7. 8. 9.
Thursday, December 2, 2010 Use mnemonics—a device meant to help your memory. An example is ROY G. BIV (red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo, violet). Mnemonics can utilize everything from music and rhymes to drawings and spellings to help stick those tricky formulas or phrases in your head. Make flashcards. These may take a long time to make, but can be vital to any last-minute memorization. Besides having to rewrite notes in the process of creating them, they are easily studied on the go and can fit in your back pocket. If you don’t have premade flashcards, cut them from computer paper. Set time goals. Create a block schedule for studying, and stick with it. Schedule specific times to study for each class. Try using intervals of two hours for studying and 30 minutes for a break. This will help ensure that you get to everything and have all your bases covered. Create study breaks. Studying is hard work, so take short breaks periodically to allow your brain time to absorb the information. Grab a cup of coffee or allow yourself 10 minutes to surf the Internet. Once break time is over, do a quick review of what you already studied, and then start on new material.
10.
Go to review sessions. Utilize any and all extra help or office-hour review sessions. Most professors or teaching assistants will offer some type of review session. Sometimes this includes working through difficult problems or going over specific topics for the final. It is up to you to attend, though. Brian Desarro / INTRIGUE EDITOR
NEW ONLINE A peek into parade magic ORDERING! Chelsea Harvey Staff Writer
Just go to www.niffersplace.com, Place your order securely online... Come in and pick your order up... It’s simple!
• 821-3118 www.niffersplace.com
1151 Opelika Road
Open 7 Days A Week: Sun. 11am-9pm / Mon.-Wed. 11am-9:30pm / Thurs.-Sat. 11am-10pm © 2010 MC&Co. NIF-0574
‑DUI ‑Public Intoxication ‑Minor In Possession ‑Drug Offenses ‑Auto/Truck Accidents ‑Personal Injury ‑Defective Products ‑Wrongful Death
Experienced in representing college students facing DUI, drug, and other criminal charges in the Auburn Municipal Court and the Circuit and District Courts of Lee County Free Consultation 457 S. 10th Street, Opelika Website: www.deanandbarrett.com E‑mail: dblaw1@bellsouth.net No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of services performed by other lawyers.
There is more to the annual Auburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade than throwing candy and smiling at those passing by. Lolly Steiner, president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, said the parade is a cooperative effort between several groups of people. Organization is accomplished largely by volunteers. “There are some members of our chamber who serve the chamber only during the Christmas parade,” Steiner said. “They’ve always been a part of that committee, and they enjoy it very much.” The City of Auburn is another integral part of the process. “We partner with the City of Auburn, of course,” Steiner said. “We could not close the streets and protect the viewers and so forth on the sidewalk without the Public Safety’s assistance.” Capt. Tom Stofer of the Auburn Police Department said the parade does not usually present a problem for the Department of Public Safety. “Normally, we don’t have any problems during the Christmas parade,” Stofer said. “Everybody’s in the Christmas spirit and just come out to have a good time.” However, according to Stofer, the DPS does take certain precautions just in case. Officers lead the parade on motorcycles while others are stationed at intersections to direct traffic. According to Steiner, the organization process begins once a date is set for the parade. In the past, the parade has been held on a weeknight. This year, the date was moved to Saturday, Dec. 11, at the request of some merchants in downtown Auburn. “The downtown merchants came to us and
PLAINSMAN ARCHIVE
Many area organizations participate in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade. In last year’s parade, Opelika High School cheerleaders showed Christmas spirit atop a fire engine.
said, ‘We’d like to move The parade is limited to it to a Saturday. We feel 100 participants; however, that it would be more ben- Steiner said the limit does eficial to us as merchants. not usually present a probSince the parade takes lem. place right here in our “Really, there’s been very front door, we’d like to try few years in my 15 or so it on a Saturday.’ So we met years with the Chamber and agreed that we would that we have had to turn try,” Steiner said. anybody away,” Steiner Once the said. “So date is set, we’ve any orgaEverybody’s b e e n nization or very forin the individual tunate.” wishing to Christmas spirit and Steinparticipate just come to have a er said in the pathere rade can fill good time.” are two out an apm a i n Capt. Tom Stofer rules for plication. Auburn Police T h e particiDepartment Chamber pants in has a list of the papast participants to which rade. it sends applications, al“The only float or perthough anyone else is wel- son that can throw candy come to apply. is Santa Claus,” she said. There is no charge to “That’s to keep the chilparticipate. dren safe and so forth. Steiner said regular “And then the second participants include local rule is that we don’t alchurches, dance studios, low horses. We have some Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, wagons being pulled by cheerleaders and often horses, and we will allow Aubie. those occasionally, but just
“
horses and riders is a little too dangerous.” Steiner said the parade lasts about an hour, and the route generally stays the same from year to year. Steiner said her advice to anyone wishing to organize a parade would be to start by organizing a group of volunteers to help with the event. Next, she advised checking the city ordinances to determine if a permit is necessary and how one can be obtained. “The City of Auburn has an ordinance,” Steiner said, “that when you want to have a parade, you have to have a permit. “So that’s another part of the behind the scenes that people don’t think about— you know, that we have to do all the legalities that are involved with that.” Finally, Steiner suggested taking as many safety precautions as necessary for the area. “It’s paramount of any parade like that, with that many people gathered in one place,” she said.
Wasting Time
C5
www.theplainsman.com
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Intrigue
Fold here
Thursday, December 2, 2010
HOROSCOPES
Written by Ben Bartley / OPINIONS EDITOR
Leo: Today is the day. Proudly walk into your job and tell your boss you’re not going to lick mayonnaise off the floor anymore.
Pisces: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing half-assed.
Scorpio: Dr. Pepper is the nectar of the gods. Remember that.
Taurus: Take the weekend off. Drive to Reno. Do something crazy.
Aquarius: BLOOD ON THE GROUND IS BETTER THAN BLOOD ON THE HAND.
Cancer: The tallest blade of grass is the surest to be cut.
Libra: Our greatest fears lie in anticipation. – A Dead Frenchman
Capricorn: Ugly people have great sex, too.
Fold here
DOWN 1. Baja Ms. 2. Warty critter 3. GI supply 4. Beak of a bird 5. Baubles 6. Blender button 7. Diva’s solo 8. Grant a mortgage 9. Iris locale 10. Ripe, as a pear 11. Ad 12. Gobbled up 13. Mirror material 18. Press 22. Sighs of relief 23. Media star 24. 66 or I-80 25. Gross! 26. Bean for sprouting 27. Earnest request 28. California winery 29. Tex. neighbor 31. Casual wear 32. Connection (hyph.) 33. Give off light 34. Zilch 36. Forsake a lover 38. Noon, to Caesar 40. Gridiron shouts 41. Cafeteria wear (2 wds.) 43. Health 44. Blurts out 45. Unconventional 46. “Das Boot” craft (hyph.) 47. Well-bred ones 48. Unambiguous 50. No longer in force 51. Lhasa __ 52. Read a bar code 53. Prunes back 54. Uh-huh (2 wds.) 56. Navy noncom 57. Dot in the Seine
Aries: Living well is living slow.
Sagittarius: Being alive is by far your greatest achievement.
Gemini: Control is an illusion.
Virgo: These horoscopes brought to you in large part by “The Underachiever’s Manifesto.”
CHRISTMAS SCRAMBLER Clue 1: T R A W H E
Clue 4: G O C S O E R
Clue 2: S N E E T R P
Clue 5: B O N R B I
Clue 3: N E I T L S
Bonus: Use circles to solve
Fold here
ACROSS 1. Hunter’s post 6. Turn white 10. PC photo format 14. “Balcony scene” swain 15. Heavy hydrogen discoverer 16. Eurasian range 17. Dancer’s rattler 19. Minute amount 20. Commotion 21. Feel anxiety 22. Pinnacles 23. Bird enclosure 24. Synthetic fabrics 25. Obstruct 28. Roman foe 30. Sifts through 31. Relaxes (2 wds.) 35. Cypress feature 36. Hardens 37. Giant-screen technology 39. Sabatini of the courts 41. Alpine moppet 42. In addition 43. Rum drink (2 wds.) 44. Purchased 48. Fountain toss-in 49. Oil jobs 50. Bravery 52. Chem. or bio. 55. Like __ __ of bricks 56. Early astronomer 58. Unruly kid 59. Leaning tower site 60. Please greatly 61. Perm follow-ups 62. Skunk’s defense 63. Rigid
OCTO Instructions 1.
Place the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the octagons such that the numbers are not repeated in any row, column or diagonal.
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.
3.
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.
Number of numbers provided in this Octo = 55
Sudoku
Sudoku Check www.theplainsman.com for the answers For more OCTOs, go to octo_puzzle.com © 2009, Doug Gardner — Patent Pending
Intrigue C6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
JCSM receives gift from Auburn alumna Sarah Hansen
educational resource for Laufer said. All three works are the University and comlandscape oil paintings munity.” Laufer said the pieces on canvas. “ The acquired Jule Colfrom the l i n s Smith “JCSM is a Smith f a m world-class Museum ily are a part of museum, and mom’s of Art has received the JCSM a generP e r m a - wishes are to assist ous gift,” nent Col- in helping share said John lection. Alabama’s talented Wagnon, “ W e c l o s e carefully cultural heritage.” friend of consider Will Smith, each gift Wa l k e r . son of Patricia Smith offer, “ T h e making paintsure it is a quality work ings by Clark Walker and representative of the art- by Anne Goldthwaite ist and appropriate to the represent links in an unmission of this museum,” broken chain of teachers
Writer
After careful consideration, Patricia Smith donated three pieces of artwork to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in memory of her daughter, Kathryn Patterson Smith Bracken, 1982 Auburn graduate. Smith gave the JCSM two pieces by Clark Walker and one piece by Anne Goldthwaite. “We are grateful to Mrs. Smith and her family for these gifts,” said Marilyn Laufer, JCSM director. “She is only one of many who keep alive the legacy of building the museum collection as an
“
and friends that stretches back to Paris in the 1920s.” Once the Admission Board approved the artworks, the deed of gift was signed December 2009. The works were then sent to Marietta, Ga., for restorative work and cleaning. “JCSM is a world-class museum, and mom’s wishes are to assist in helping share Alabama’s talented cultural heritage,” said Will Smith, son of JCSM donator Patricia Smith. Goldthwaite’s paintings are displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Smithsonian American Art Museum, among other museums.
smArTPHOnEs TAlK FrEE.
Add any smartphone to a nationwide Family sharePlan® and share minutes for free. First 2 lines for $69.99 mo. access (plus other charges).* Additional smartphones require $29.99 data pak.
Now smartphones are more affordable. • sAVE $999/month when you add a line • GET unlimiTED mobile to mobile Calling with any other Verizon Wireless customer
• GET unlimiTED night & Weekend minutes • Plus, get America’s largest and most reliable network Limited-time offer; valid for first-time smartphone purchases with 2-yr. agreement. $9.99/mo./line credit expires after 24 months.
NEW! Samsung Fascinate™ a Galaxy S™ phone Android™ with a super A AmOlED display
19999
$ NEW! LG Vortex™ Access to thousands of free apps
$299.99 2-yr. price – $100 mail-in rebate debit card.
buY OnE GET AnY
PHONE FREE
7999
$
$179.99 2-yr. price – $100 mail-in rebate debit card. Free phone: equal or lesser value after up to $100 mail-in rebate debit card.
All phones require new 2-yr. activation & data pak. While supplies last. 1.800.256.4646
•
VEriZOnWirElEss.COm/TAlKFrEE • VZW.COm/sTOrElOCATOr
* Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. of 12.9% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 13¢ Regulatory & 83¢ Administrative/line/mo. & others by area) are not taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 5% – 39% to your bill. Activation fee/line: $35 IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Cust. Agmt, Calling Plan, rebate form & credit approval. Up to $350 early termination fee/line & add’l charges for extra minutes, data sent/received & device capabilities. Offers & coverage, varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. Restocking fee may apply. Rebate debit card takes up to 6 wks & expires in 12 months. © 2010 Verizon Wireless. SHOH
D0327-Auburn PlAinsmAn-6.5x15-4C-12.2
Elaine Busby / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Troy Smith advises Antonio Goodwin, undeclared freshman and wide receiver for the football team.
Athletes inspired by mentor Troy Smith Brent Godwin
Auburn’s football team includes 12 players who Assistant Campus Editor have already earned their Troy Smith uses his ex- degrees, and four more perience as a former col- will graduate in December. lege and pro football play“Any time you see a sucer to inspire the student cessful student athlete, the athletes he works with guys playing that already every day. have their diplomas— “Our job is to provide that’s a winner,” Smith academic support for all said. the student athletes at Smith, a south Florida Auburn University,” Smith native, played college footsaid. “We monitor and ball at Jacksonville State track with them all the way University and was drafted through to graduation.” by the Buffalo Bills in 1988. Smith explained freshAfter a year in the pros, man student athletes are Smith turned to his selfassigned a mentor to help proclaimed “zeal for workthem stay on track with ing with young people,” to their plan of study. earn a living. “Being a student athlete He began working at Auis a lot like a full-time job,” burn 16 years ago, under Smith said. “We want to coach Terry Bowden. see these individuals excel “The phrase that comes in every part of their life— to mind for Troy is ‘leadpersonally, academically, er,’” said Courtney Brendas well as athletically.” kus, academic counselor. Smith and the other “He is an inspiration to counselors work with the our student athletes. They athletes can really and their relate to coaches, him beHis primary c a u s e as well as mission is profeshe’s been sors, to to help these players t h e r e ensure and done that they become the best that, and meet the people they can be.” he went standards to the Jim Rost, next levset by the associate athletic director el.” N C A A and the Smith SEC. said ev“Troy is the epitome of erything at the athletic acthe phrase ‘putting others ademic office is done with ahead of yourself,’” said integrity. Jim Rost, associate athThe stereotype of college letic director. “His primary players earning degrees mission is to help these just by being athletes does players become the best not hold true at Auburn. people they can be. He’s a “A lot of players receive great, positive presence in the opportunity to go to the office.” college based on footIndividual tutoring and ball, not their academgroup study sessions are ics,” Smith said. “We work provided for athletes to closely with those at-risk help them keep up with individuals to make sure their schoolwork. they can do more than “The academic require- play football when they ments are consistent with leave this place.” every athlete in every Smith said he doesn’t sport,” Smith said. care if the player is Cam Auburn was ranked Newton or a walk-on— in the 83rd percentile in they will be treated the athlete graduation rates same way, and the acain 2009 and consistent- demic success of every ly stays among the top player is the most imporschools in the SEC and the tant goal. NCAA Bowl Subdivision. “This is what I enjoy do“We take a proactive ap- ing: watching young peoproach,” Smith said. “We ple become educated and have certain objectives for getting to empower them,” the players to meet, and Smith said. “It’s gotten to we act as their coaches in where I almost look forhelping them along the ward to coming into work way and ensuring that every day. It’s a rewarding they improve.” job in every aspect.”
“
Sports
Ultimate frisbee » PAGE D6
Voice of Auburn » PAGE D5
www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
D Page D1
SEC Championship 2010
Auburn and South Carolina head to Atlanta for the 19th annual SEC Championship game. Auburn looks to remain undefeated and keep national championship hopes alive, while South Carolina makes its first championship appearance Crystal Cole Sports Editor
With East and West division winners decided weeks ago, tension has been building on the road to Atlanta and the SEC Championship. Auburn will make its fourth appearance in the Championship since it began in 1992, while South Carolina will make its first appearance. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier coached at Florida in 1992 and went to the first SEC Championship game. Spurrier said although several coaches didn’t support a conference championship, he thinks it helps more teams than it hurts.
“If we had one loss during the regular season and then you’re able to win the SEC Championship game, that will certainly put you in the national championship game as long as there’s not a bunch of undefeated teams out,” Spurrier said. “But to me, this is a playoff system here.” Saturday’s game will be a rematch of the Sept. 25 game played in Auburn. The Tigers won the game 35-27. In five previous SEC Championship games where the game was a rematch, the winner of the previous game won again four times. Coach Gene Chizik said even though his team has defeated the Gamecocks
this season, he isn’t taking amazed at his team’s resiliency. the game lightly. “We don’t think about “I think they’ve steadily improved, week by week, how long this can go on, since we played last,” we just think about how blessed Chizik we are to said. “We have our We’re going be in the position work cut to face a out for us. we’re in,” Ziemba We’re go- much improved s a i d . ing to face team, there’s no “ We’re a muchjust goimproved question.” ing to imt e a m , Gene Chizik, prove this there’s no football coach week and question.” try to get Auburn has had several close calls better and see if we can’t this season, coming from win it.” Offensively, both teams behind in eight of its 12 wins, four of those being have break-out players this season. double-digit deficits. The Gamecocks’ freshSenior offensive lineman Lee Ziemba said he is man tailback Marcus
“
Lattimore has scored 19 touchdowns this season, just one shy from the SEC freshman scoring record. Senior safety Zac Etheridge said it is tough to defend Lattimore. “I think with our defense on the line and our front seven, stopping the run is our main focus on defense,” Etheridge said. “If he gets it started, then they have a balanced attack at running and throwing the ball, so we’ve got to find a way to make the team onedimensional.” Leading the offense for Auburn is junior quarterback Cam Newton. Newton has accumulated 43 touchdowns this season, which is more than 69 FBS schools have scored
this season. Newton also leads the SEC in rushing and is the only player in the country with five 170-yard rushing games this season. South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson said having played against Newton before will be an advantage as long as the Gamecock defense doesn’t make too many mistakes. “We see him, and we have film, and we’ve seen him play,” Robertson said. “We just have to take care of our part as far as stopping him and doing the best we can to get him down every chance we can, and just making up the mistakes we had the first game.”
AU’S SEC CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES 1997
2000
2004
30 29
28 6
38 28 Todd Van Emst / AUBURN MEDIA RELATIONS
Auburn players celebrate with fans after winning the school’s first conference championship game in 2004.
Sports D2
The Auburn Plainsman
Staff “Pick Tree” Winner–2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Athletes try to force lady luck Many Auburn athletes have pregame routines and good luck rituals they believe bring them success Abby Townson Writer
Helen Northcutt – Graphics Editor
Auburn athletes have different ways of getting their minds in the game. Some gain focus by listening to music, some with rest and some through practice. Other athletes do it with luck. Superstition, ritual, routine—no matter what it is called—for some athletes, it is the best way to prepare for a game. Lewis Barker, psychology professor who teaches a sports psychology class, said there are positive and negative superstitions, and both have the ability to affect athletic performance. “There’s a whole literature on how these positive attitudes lead to better performance,” Barker said. Barker said one reason he thinks most superstitions appear to be random or unfounded is because they have nothing to do with the physical performance of an athlete, except to make them feel more positive about their performance. Barker said superstitions seem eccentric because they reflect the unique experience of the individual. “Whatever you do that makes you feel better about yourself and increases your self-efficacy/ self-confidence,” Barker said. “Whatever it is, that’s going to have you perform better.” Auburn soccer player Julie King has multiple pregame superstitions. “Pretty much throughout my life of playing sports, I’ve always had little quirks that I would do, especially before a big game,” King said. Every year since she was a freshman, King gets a new good-luck charm for some pregame luck. “At the beginning of
each season, I’ve changed it,” King said, “basically because we haven’t completely met the goal that we wanted to reach in the season. “I guess if we won a national championship, then I’d probably keep the same charm.” This year’s model is a Gumby figurine adorned with an eagle charm necklace that King’s sister gave her. “I can’t forget to kiss h i m , ” King said, describing her routine. “Right b e f o r e the game, at some point I have to touch its feet.” Gumby is only the beginning of King’s gameday ritual. “During our warm-up, with three other girls, Monica Afanador, Lydia Townsend and Sammy Towne, we have to line up in a certain order during our warm-up,” King said. King said right before the game she does a handshake with one of her coaches, Amy Berbary. Another routine developed after King scored a goal against Alabama at the end of the year, pushing the game into overtime in the last 17 seconds. “Right before that happened,” King said, “I guess it was maybe at halftime, Chris Cahill, one of our coaches, gave me a piece of gum, and I kind of made a joke, like ‘This is the game changer’ or something like that, and I ended up scoring. “So then from then on I had to get a piece of gum from him.” Despite participation from other teammates, King said her rituals do not go unmentioned.
“People make fun of me a little bit,” King said. King said she is not reliant on her superstitions, but they help keep her focused. “I think, overall, it’s just a matter of getting myself concentrated for the game,” King said. “If I don’t touch the figurine, I’m not like, ‘Oh, we’re going to lose the game,’ but I do think that it helps me get my mind in the right place for the game.” Senior Mike Berry, offensive lineman for the football team, not only said he does not have any sports superstitions, but that he thinks they can interfere with an athlete’s focus. “In sports, especially, people get superstitions, especially when you’re winning and stuff like that,” Berry said. “If one thing’s been working for them, they don’t want to get away from it. “I learned early that it really doesn’t matter to me. It’s just one of those things that if you practice hard and you prepare for life, you’ll be fine.” Berry said the effect superstitions have on athletes is mental. “Going into games, you’ve got to have your right mind-set,” Berry said. “By having a superstition, you’re not able to do that or do the same thing you’ve been doing. It kind of hurts you mentally, and then it hurts you in the game.” Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes’ pregame rituals range from listening to his iPod to eating sunflower seeds. Though other players on the football team like to sleep before a game, Bynes said he never lets himself sleep. Bynes said every player follows his own routine to keep focused. “Whatever we’re used to before a game, we like to stick to it,” Bynes said.
FREE WIFI
available in eight different flavors, served with fries, celery, dressing, & toast
FULL BAR•FLAT SCREEN TVs•OUTSIDE PATIO•TAKE OUT www.buffcon.net
Mondays & Thursdays 6PM - 8PM All You Can Eat Wings!!
Tuesdays 5PM - 9PM $0.49 Wings (Dine-In Only)
Wednesdays 5PM - 9PM $5 Hamburgers
Friday 14” Pizza-$6.00
Hours: Mon–Thurs: 11:00am-9:30pm Fri–Sat: 11:00am–10:30pm
Saturday 8” Pizza & Drink-$4.59
334-821-2700 • 610 Shug Jordan Pkwy • Auburn 36830
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sports D3
The Auburn Plainsman
Clayton leads with precision Blake Hamilton Associate Sports Editor
If there’s one thing Jerry Clayton knows, it’s collegiate athletics. As the assistant track coach prepares to enter his 28th year of training field-event athletes, Auburn throwers say his expertise in the subject is immediately evident. “(Clayton is) very meticulous with technique,” said Stephen Saenz, redshirt freshman in throws. “In our event, there’s a lot of technical things in terms of what positions your body has to be in, in the circle. I think he has mastered those things, so for every throw we take, there’s always very specific feedback.” Clayton began his athletic career at Northern Illinois University, where he competed as a thrower. He then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he was a multiple NCAA Championship qualifier. “I graduated from the University of Illinois and became an assistant at the
University of Illinois for I enjoy the journey of denine years,” Clayton said. veloping them and getting “From there, I was head them to that level and getcoach at Southwest Texas ting them to be able to perState University. After that form at the highest level I was an assistant at the meets.” University of Florida, and For Clayton, athletics then I came to Auburn. runs in the family. I came here in 1998 and His wife, Becky, was a have been here ever since.” three-time All-American As head in college as a coach at sprinter and Southwest long jumper. Texas State, His oldest Clayton led son is Zach his team to Clayton, sefour Southland nior defensive Conference lineman for Championthe football ships. team, while At Florida, his youngest CLAYTON he produced son is in his 13 NCAA qualifiers and second year at the United eight All-Americans. States Air Force Academy. Since arriving at AuClayton said his famburn, Clayton led the ily is now firmly rooted in women’s team to a nation- Auburn, and he doesn’t anal championship in 2006 ticipate another coaching and has coached 10 indi- move. vidual NCAA champions. “We’ve been here going Despite his coaching on 13 years,” Clayton said. success, Clayton said his “Both of my sons have been favorite part of the job is through the high schools working with athletes on here. With the success and an individual basis. facilities, I’m comfortable “It’s nice when they win right here. the championships and “It’s a really good adminthings,” Clayton said. “But istration to work for here,
a good academic university, and we really like living in this part of the country.” Senior thrower Eric Werskey said Clayton pushes his athletes to succeed in all aspects of college life. “He wants us to succeed at a high level, so what we do isn’t easy,” Werskey said. “He always backs you up, whether it’s training, schooling or throwing. He’s very knowledgeable about the collegiate system, and he’s a great guy to learn from. A lot of people have come back through the system to work with him trying to accomplish Olympic-type dreams.” Clayton said he’s optimistic about the upcoming season, with athletes like Saenz and Werskey anchoring a solid field corps. “We’ve had pretty good throwers in the years since I’ve been here,” Clayton said. “We try to get where we can score in two or three events at the conference level and then hopefully perform and score at the national level. Hopefully we’ll have another top-10 finish.”
Alverson shines in class and on court Sara Weeks Writer
Scoring points on the basketball court is one of Blanche Alverson’s most recognizable talents, but according to her coaches and teammates, it is not the only thing she is good at doing. “She has everything going for her, and she balances it all so well,” said Kerry Cremeans, associate women’s basketball coach. “When I think of Blanche, I think of her bubbly, enthusiastic personality. “She is full of life and is just a pleasure to be around every day.” The 6-foot-3 sophomore, originally from Andalusia, is the starting forward for the team. She was ranked the No. 45 prospect in the country when she was recruited to play at Auburn her senior year at Buford High School in Buford, Ga. “I’ve always been an Auburn fan, and the coaching staff was awesome during the recruiting process,” Alverson said. “I knew I wanted to come here when I was getting recruited, and I compared
everything back to Au- current roommate, Morburn.” gan Toles, also said AlverAlverson is a fourth- son’s rebounding has imgeneration Auburn stu- proved while at Auburn. dent, and although she Since being at Auburn, looked at other schools Alverson has taken every during her college hunt, opportunity to get the she said she knew Auburn most out of her college is where she wanted to be. experience. Although bas“She grew ketball takes up coming up a lot of her to baskettime, she has ball camps gotten involved at Auburn, in a number of so we spent organizations a long time on campus, ingetting cluding honor to know societies and a Blanche and social sorority. her family,” “I’m involved ALVERSON Cremeans in a lot of difsaid. “We’re so thankful ferent things,” Alverson she chose Auburn to fur- said, “so it’s been good just ther her academic and to see the different things athletic career.” Auburn has and to get to Alverson and her coach- know different people on es both agree that her con- campus. fidence has increased as a Alverson and Toles both player. said Alverson studies a lot, “She has expanded her but finds times for study game to being an aggres- breaks to enjoy her favorsive, hungry player,” Cre- ite study snack—popcorn means said. “You have to and organic chocolate play with physicality when milk. you play in the SEC, and Alverson, sophomore in she has done so to help biomedical sciences, said us be a better basketball she plans to attend mediteam.” cal school after graduatAlverson’s childhood ing. friend, teammate and “I use to want to be an
orthopedic surgeon, but now I want to go into pediatrics,” she said. With the season underway, the Tigers still find time to have fun as a team. After practices they have been “jamming out to old-school Britney Spears,” Toles said. Although they have had a few losses this season, Alverson and the team are excited for the season, especially playing in the Auburn Arena. “I think we’ve grown a lot as a team these past few weeks,” Alverson said. “We have realized that if we come out and play hard, we can compete with anyone in the country.” Although Alverson is not as widely known as Cam Newton, she has been compared to him. “Someone made the comment that Blanche Alverson ranks right up there with Cam Newton in popularity on campus,” Cremeans said. “She is well-known in the athletic side, social and academic realms, and if you add that to her bubbly, fun personality, that is what makes her so special.”
Quizzing Clayton ■ What’s your favorite movie?
“Gladiator”
■ Who’s your favorite musical artist?
Probably now it’d be Kenny G, but if I went back to when I was in college, I’d have to go with Jimi Hendrix.
■ What’s your favorite sport besides track?
Probably football
■ What’s your favorite food? Since we lived in Texas I love Tex-mex. I can cook it, too.
■ What’s your favorite
restaurant in Auburn?
Laredo’s. Without question.
■ Do you have any personal heroes?
I guess it’d be the thrower Al Feuerbach. He was a former world-record holder.
■ Do you have any pets?
We have two dogs, a pit bull and a weimaraner. We also have a macaw that talks. He’s got “War Eagle” down.
Youthfuloffender.com Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you have to carry a record with you for the rest of your life. Don Eddins, Attorney. *Auburn * (334)821-9981 No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other attorneys.
SEC ATLANTA’S #1 College Bar welcomes the Auburn Tigers to the SEC Championship No Cover * Best Prices in Town* Pitcher Deals “Home of the Bigger, Better Drink!!” Beer Pong Tables, Pool Tables, Darts Boards Sports Bar , Dance Floor & Lounge
Check us out @ TheMoondogsAtlanta@Facebook.com Located at 3179 Peachtree Road In the North End of Buckhead
Sports D4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Nick Van Der Linden sports@theplainsman.com
Let’s do it again This Saturday, the Auburn Tigers will make its fourth appearance in the Southeastern Conference Championship game, facing Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The game will be a rematch of the Sept. 25 game that Auburn won 35-27 with the help of four fourth quarter turnovers. Auburn and South Carolina have played just nine times during their histories, including only five meetings since South Carolina joined the SEC before the 1992 season. Auburn leads the series 7-1-1 and has won all five SEC games between the schools. Since the teams played each other during the regular season, this championship game will mark the sixth time since the inception of the SEC title game in 1992 that there is a rematch. The team that won the first game also won the title game in four of the five previous rematches. The Gamecocks have won three straight games with help from talented players, such as Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery, to finish the regular season 9-3. Running back Marcus Lattimore has proven why he was one of the nation’s top recruits. Lattimore ranks second nationally among freshmen in rushing, averaging 101.3 yards per game and is tied with Cameron Newton for 19 touchdowns scored. South Carolina is making its first ever appearance in the SEC championship game, so Tigers’ defensive coordinator Ted Roof needs to be ready for some trick plays. Spurrier hasn’t had to dig deep into the playbook over the last several games, and the Gamecocks have nothing to lose. Also expect South Carolina to throw the ball. Although South Carolina’s primary strength lies with the run, no team has been successful running the ball against Auburn’s defensive line. Because of this, look
for Gamecock receiver Alshon Jeffery to have another big game against the Tigers. Jeffery, a Biletnikoff finalist, had eight catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns in the first game against the Tigers. Jeffery ranks fifth nationally, averaging 112.6 yards receiving per game. Make sure Jeffery is covered at all times, bring pressure from the front four, and Auburn is looking at its first conference championship since 2004 and its first ever trip to the BCS national championship game. Although scenarios have presented themselves in the past, the chances of Auburn making it to the national championship scene with a loss this Saturday are slim to none. Going back to 2007, LSU and Ohio State competed in a championship matchup with three losses between the two teams. With losses to Kentucky and archrival Arkansas, the LSU Tigers were still able to win the West, securing a spot in the SEC championship game. The Tigers beat Tennessee to set up a game with Ohio State, which had one regular season loss. The Buckeyes were stunned at home by an unranked Illinois team, but were able to climb back in the rankings, benefiting from late losses of other teams. The chance that Auburn will receive the same love from voters is doubtful, especially with an undefeated TCU team waiting to get a shot. Because of this, Saturday is a must win if the Tigers want a shot at its first national title since 1957. According to ESPN.com, there is a good chance we will see Cameron Newton in interviews following Saturday’s game since the Southeastern Conference could fine Auburn for not making Newton available for postgame interviews following the conference title game. Conference Commissioner Mike Slive could fine a school for violating this rule, but has never had to do so. Even if the Tigers lose the championship game and earn a bid to a BCS bowl game, Auburn should consider this year a great success. The Tigers have accomplished a feat by going undefeated in regular season play and have proven themselves to be one of the best in the nation’s best conference. This Saturday we’ll see if the Tigers can go out there and do it again for the first time since 2004.
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports D5
Getting to know the voice of Auburn Nick Van Der Linden Assistant Sports Editor
Every university has its voice, and Auburn found its own in Rod Bramblett. Bramblett is now entering his seventh season as the voice for Tiger football and basketball. Bramblett, who grew up 30 minutes from Auburn in a small town called Valley, knew at an early age sports broadcasting was the field for him. “I was never really that good at sports, but enjoyed sports and enjoyed listening to the radio,” Bramblett said. Since a lot of his family members were Georgia Bulldogs fans, Bramblett said all the way through high school, the University of Georgia was his first choice, but tuition costs made him look elsewhere. “I started Auburn and told myself I was going to stay a Georgia fan, but it took all of one football game to get me to come to
the good side,” Bramblett chance to do play-by-play said. “I’ve been an Auburn for Auburn University fan ever since.” baseball in 1993 and getBramblett spent four ting hired full time by the years working in radio Auburn Sports Network in before getting a job at 1996. WAUD and doing his first Bramblett said it is a play-by-play tremendous at Lee Scott honor to have Academy in graduated 1990. from Auburn “All the and announce broadcasts for Auburn were tapeathletics, delayed back calling it his then,” Bramdream job. blett said. “People “I had to sit have asked Bramblett there with a what my next tape recordstep is going er, and I’ll never forget to be, and I say I’ve got it what happened. made,” Bramblett said. “I “The first game was don’t know if there is anagainst Chambers Acad- other step. As long as they emy, and they just put me want me to keep doing it, on top of the press box, this is a dream job.” stacked a bunch of Coke The breathtaking plays crates on top of one an- have piled up over the other and said, ‘Here’s years, giving Bramblett your table. It’s the only plenty of memorable mospace we have for you.’ ments. That’s the first play-by“It’s impossible to narplay I had.” row it down to one moBramblett briefly an- ment or game,” Bramblett nounced for Auburn High said. “It really is.” School before getting the Although Bramblett
believes this year cannot yet be thrown in the mix until everything is said and done, the moment that stands out most is the Georgia game. “The game was over, Auburn won and the people from AU HD put together a composite of this entire season all the way through the Georgia game with our radio calls over the video,” Bramblett said. Bramblett said the reaction from the student section after his comments is something he would never forget. “That right there is a great example of what we do here really matters to the people that listen,” Bramblett said. Bramblett lives in Auburn with his wife Paula and two children. “They’re the best because they are the ones who allow me to do what I do,” Bramblett said. “They are basically my free time, and whenever they let me, I’ll get out and play a little bit of golf.”
Concussions causing concerns Patrick Dever Writer
Concussions in the sporting world are not a new occurrence. Athletes in contact sports have always suffered from concussions, but since it’s happening to NFL players more often this season, discussions on how to prevent them have become commonplace on TV shows like “Sportscenter.” “Concussions are a big deal around here,” said Peter Lennarson, assistant professor in the department of surgery/neurological surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “I think you’re starting to see it a lot more in the regular press.” But it is not just during football that athletes must be wary of concussions. “There was some controversy over heading being allowed in soccer,” Lennarson said. “Studies showed that heading the ball wasn’t really a big deal, but two players hitting heads could be a problem.” While the nation is hearing about NFL concussions, this is not the first time football has drawn attention for being a violent sport. According to Steve Wulf, ESPN The Magazine
writer, in 1905 there were “but also having trouble 19 fatalities due to violent with concentration and hits in football. trouble with simple calcu“Teddy Roosevelt invit- lations in your head with ed coaches and sports ad- memory and all sorts of ministrators to the White things.” House for a summit,” Wulf Lennarson also said said. that a lot of neurological A concussion is defined testing and screening goes as a complex pathophysi- on during preseason and ological throughprocess out the a f fe c t season. Let’s say ing the T h e brain, biggest you’ve i n issue now decided someone duced facing by trau- has had a athletic m a t i c concussion. When trainers biomeand docc h a n i - can they go back to tors is not c a l playing?” the diagforces, nosing of accordPeter Lennarson, a concusing to assistant professor, sion. departmnet of surgery/ the 3rd “ L e t ’s neurological surgery say you’ve C o n s e n su s decided Statesomeone ment on Concussion in has had a concussion,” Sport. Lennarson said. “When “There are many residu- can they go back to playal effects associated with ing?” concussions,” Lennarson When dealing with an said. “We know very well athlete who has sustained at this point what prob- a concussion, there is a lot lems they can cause.” of screening that goes on, He said a student ath- whether it be on the sidelete may be affected by a line or at the hospital. concussion in the class“They have these comroom and while doing puter-based tests now other off-the-field activi- that they have to score a ties. certain score on for it to “ P o s t - c o n c u s s i o n be over,” Lennarson said. symptoms can involve not Doctors recommend an only somatic complaints athlete be over all symplike headache and things toms before returning to like that,” Lennarson said, play.
“
“It gets a little fuzzy, when talking about the NFL, when you’re talking about a person’s livelihood,” Lennarson said. “Certainly at the college level, there’s really a recommendation for a stepwise return to play.” The stepwise return means the athletes would wait at least a week after the symptoms have resolved before going back to play. The approach to dealing with concussions on the sideline has changed drastically. “It used to be that someone came off the field for a few minutes because they got their bell rung,” Lennarson said. Athletes would come off the field feeling dizzy or uncoordinated, gather themselves for a few minutes and return to the game after a coach asked if they were OK. “It’s been shown to be quite detrimental to people, especially long-term,” Lennarson said. “So a second concussion before you’ve fully recovered from the initial one seems to be much more detrimental than two spaced out in time.” In the long run, if the brain does not fully recover from a concussion, there is an increased risk for developing a traumatic encephalopathy, or brain disease.
Sports D6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wrestling Tigers pin to win Chelsea Harvey
CONTRIBUTED
Last year’s captain Gamble Ruff makes a play against the opposing team, William and Mary.
Frisbee prepares for spring Courtney Smith Writer
Frisbee just got a lot more competitive at Auburn. Brad Smith, president and captain of the men’s Ultimate Frisbee team, said he wants to clear up the misconception that Ultimate Frisbee is a “hippie sport.” “I’ve seen countless athletes make jaw-dropping layouts and D’s right in front of my eyes,” Smith said. “If you think Ultimate is for hippies, think again.” Smith, senior in computer science and software engineering, has played for Auburn for three years. Smith said he started playing pickup games of Ultimate his senior year in high school and continued playing his freshman year. “I’ve always been very competitive,” Smith said. “After seeing what competitive Ultimate was like, I was hooked.” Mary DeCastra, president of the women’s team and senior in nutrition and food sciences, said she also got involved with
the club through a pickup game one day after her freshman year. “I came out to practice that August, and I’ve loved it since day one,” DeCastra said. James McCracken, graduate student in computer science and software engineering, said he has played pickup games for about seven years, but was introduced to the competitive side of the sport a few years ago by his roommate. “Ultimate is a very unique sport,” McCracken said. “Everyone is a receiver, thrower and defender all at the same time.” The teams practice throughout the fall and may participate in a few tournaments. The season doesn’t usually begin until the spring semester, DeCastra said. Starting in January, the teams will compete against other universities’ teams all across the Southeast. “Ultimate is a pretty awesome sport, and everyone should come check it out,” DeCastra said. “We
are a very laid-back crowd, but love to have fun.” The best part about playing on the team, McCracken said, is the opportunity to compete at tournaments against other universities across the nation. “Besides playing the actual game itself, the friends and relationships you develop playing with the team are irreplaceable,” McCracken said. Both teams practice from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Intramural Fields on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The club mainly recruits people through word of mouth and through local pickup games on campus, Smith said. They also set up tables on O-Days to help raise awareness for the sport. Ninety percent of the team every year has not played Ultimate before college, Smith said. “No experience is necessary to play,” Smith said. “As long as you can run and you want to get better, we can teach you everything else.”
“Really, we pull from mostly prior-experience Staff Writer kids,” he said. “But there The Auburn Wrestling have been a few that have Club is a small, but tightly been interested in just knit community. coming and trying out. According to Will Grif“In the past we’ve had fin, president of the club, two or three people that the group is so close that had never even done it even former members before that just picked it who have graduated con- up.” tinue to come to pracGriffin said experience tices. is not a requirement to “They can’t compete, join the club. but we get a lot of support, “We’re open to all skill especially from wrestlers levels, so even if you that graduated in the past have no prior experience, couple of years,” he said. you’re more than wel“They’re all still really come to come,” he said. g o o d A s friends, a club s o sport, We’re open they ’ ll wresto all skill come to tling at levels, so even Auburn tournaments, d o e s if you have no prior a n d n o t experience, you’re they ’ ll h a v e more than welcome m a n come to practicd ator y to come.” es if they prach a v e Will Griffin, tices. t i m e Howclub president a n d ever, t h e y ’r e t h e still around. A few of club does hold optionthem have been gracious al practices Monday enough to pledge dona- through Thursday from tions, so it’s all very good.” 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Griffin said the club has Student Activities Center a core group of about 10 for anyone interested in participants who come to attending. practices and compete in “We’re far more relaxed tournaments on a regular about training,” Griffin basis, but 20 to 30 guys said. “If you want to come come out maybe every in and work real hard and other week. work a lot, then we can Clay Wester, vice presi- accommodate you. If you dent, said most partici- want to just come in and pants have had prior ex- roll around on the mats, perience in wrestling. there are guys there who However, this is not al- are more than happy to ways the case. just wrestle guys for 35
“
minutes or an hour and then call it,” Griffin said. The club participates in several tournaments throughout the year. According to Kimmy Broome, co-vice president of the Mat Cats, most of the larger tournaments, such as Nationals and the SEC, are held in the spring. Smaller tournaments are held during the fall. “We typically have good results,” Broome said. “This year we have a lot of new talent. There’s a lot of promising guys—couple freshmen came out that did surprisingly well.” The Mat Cats accompany the wrestlers when they attend tournaments. “They help us out when we go to tournaments,” Wester said, “and they’re actually very active at the various competitions we attend, with time scores and helping out the refs and officials at the different competitions we attend. “They help keep track of our equipment and pretty much just help us out wherever we need it.” The last tournament in which the club participated was held at Mercer University Oct. 30. “We took 11 guys that wrestled, and we had several second place—we had two second-place finishes, three third-place finishes, and four fourthplace finishes,” Griffin said. The club will go to the SEC Tournament in February.