5.31.12 edition of the Auburn Plainsman by The Auburn Plainsman

JASON DUFNER TRAINS MEN’S GOLF FOR NATIONALS PAGE 7

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Vol. 119, Issue 3, 8 Pages

Pell limited to two semesters

Scholarships mend money matters, focus on academics

Rebecca Moseley CAMPUS BEAT REPORTER

The average scholarship amount awarded at Auburn University is $1,500 per year. “My Spirit of Auburn scholarship was automatically awarded, but I had to apply for my Leadership scholarship by writing an essay and providing a recommendation from my high school counselor,” said Alex Alston, senior in exercise science. “Not just anyone could apply for it, you actually had to be recommended.” “It was really intimidating because you know a lot of other people are applying, and they keep raising the bar every year. You could meet the requirements for last year, but they could be different this year.” Deadlines range from Dec. 1 to Feb. 11 with the exception of the departmental scholarships of building science on March 1 and the school of nursing on June 30. On the university level, there are renewable 4-year freshman scholarships—including resident and non-resident—and general scholarships that are awarded annually to new and current students. All freshmen scholarships have a Dec. 1 priority deadline. These include the residential Spirit of Auburn category—Presidential, Founders and University scholarships—which are automatically awarded to outstanding Alabama residents based on academic achievement with a GPA minimum requirement of 3.5 and ACT scores ranging from 28-36. For non-residential applicants, academic scholarships are awarded in lieu of those deserving students from out-of-state, including the Presidential, Heritage and Charter scholarships. The invitation-only elite scholarships, involving the top six scholarships at Auburn as well as Auburn Spirit Foundation scholarships and several Auburn sponsored scholarships, are available to both resident and non-resident freshmen. “I applied to Auburn too late to get a freshman scholarship,” said George Nunnely, junior in journalism, “so I basically sought out whatever scholarship I could get through the Auburn departmental scholarship webpage online for a general Liberal Arts scholarship.” Not only do scholarships allow students to focus on schoolwork rather than their financial burdens, scholarships have potential to open other doors. “(Earning my scholarship) could honestly help me out down the road because when I received the scholarship (the University) gave me the name of the alumni that recommended me and encouraged me to write a thank you notes to each of them which could potentially benefit me in the future,” Nunnely said.

COURTESY OF ALESSIO SUMMERFIELD

Matthew Barnes films a scene in the Telfair Peet Theatre computer lab on May 17.

Lights, camera, Auburn Theatre professor Christopher Qualls directs “The Ugliest Dog In The World” with a majority of the scenes filmed on Auburn’s campus Nathan Simone ONLINE EDITOR

Watch your step next time you’re strolling through campus because you might walk onto a movie set. Christopher Qualls, associate professor of theatre, is directing a family film with the majority of the scenes being shot on Auburn University’s campus and the surrounding community. The working title of the film is “The Ugliest Dog in the World.” Starring as the ugliest dog in the world is Little Bo Peep or “Peeps,” as the cast and crew call her, a rescued Chinese crested dog owned by Linda Bell, marketing director for the AU Department of Theatre. The main cast includes newcomers to film Matthew Barnes, sophomore in pre-broadcast journalism, and Lawrence Nourzad, sophomore in pre-business. The film follows two brothers, Albuquerque (Barnes) and Steve (Nourzad), who live in the backyard of their disgruntled rich uncle’s mansion in a tent where they rarely speak to him besides brief interactions when he throws them money and food. When their uncle suddenly dies it becomes known that in order to inherit his vast fortune they must care for and win a dog contest with his beloved Chinese crested dog, slowly learning that it is probably the ugliest dog in the world. Most of the cast and crew met through the theatre classes that Qualls teaches, such as Acting I. Barnes seems to have been particularly hit

by the acting “bug” during the making of the film. “Everyone on set has gotten really close, and there’s a really good exchange of ideas flowing from day to day,” Barnes said. “I’d like to get more acting experience and do more projects.” Nourzad hopes to make a career out of acting and considers himself lucky for being given the opportunity to star in this film. Felipe Talhari, senior in engineering, also has a starring role as a Portuguese dog trainer who is comically unsuccessful in preparing Peeps to compete in a dog show. Talhari previously acted in the film, “A River Between Us,” that was shown at the Amazonas Film Festivals in Manaus, Brazil in 2009. “After this film, I’m definitely taking another acting class and hope to continue acting in the future, maybe making a career out of it,” Talhari said. “Right now I’m majoring in engineering, but we’ll see what happens.” Assisting as second-unit director and cinematographer is veteran Auburn filmmaker Alessio Summerfield. Summerfield said that he was excited to finally have the chance to work on a feature film, and that this is his first project that requires more than a week of consistent filming and production. With experience of working on independent films that reach local audiences and film festivals under his belt, Summerfield likes the unique working environment affiliated with the production of this film.

» See MOVIE, 2

There are two major contributing factors as to why enrollment is on the decline this summer—the lack of Pell Grants and the lack of federally subsidized loans. For those who qualify, the Federal Pell Grant Program issues grants depending on one’s financial situation or need, enrollment costs, enrollment status and plans of completion for undergraduate studies for postsecondary educational opportunity with a maximum amount of $5,550 for the 2011-2012 school year. Upon receiving the grant and choosing one of 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions, students are awarded their scholarship once each term by check or through a student account. For the 2012-2013 school year, the amount will not change, but it is no longer available year-round due to the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution. “Pell Grant differs from student loans in that it is prorated based on hours,” said Mike Reynolds, director of financial aid. With the passing of this legislation, Congress has made the largest non-defense spending cut in history. This is also the largest overall reduction since World War II. This reduction has affected federal appropriation to the Pell Grant Program and federal student loans. It affects all Pell Grant participatory institutions by limiting student qualification to those who were not full-time students in the fall or spring for the remainder of the 2011-2012 academic year. Starting with the 2012-2013, instead of full-year grants, students can only be awarded grants for two full-time semesters. “Generally, the only time a student is eligible to use the Pell grant for summer hours are if hours were saved from the fall and spring semesters,” Reynolds said. “However, students need to realize that if their enrollment status changes in the spring semester, they are eligible for a $1,000 increase before the summer.” When attending Camp War Eagle, students are encouraged to purchase their books at the Auburn University Bookstore. “Textbooks are ordered based on enrollment, said Matt Caudle, University Bookstore’s technology specialist. “The bookstore ordered less books this summer due to decreased enrollment.” Reynolds said the reductions are unfortunate. “Typically, there are so many students on aid, which makes any time that the federal government reduces students’ ability to receive financial aid a detriment,” Reynolds said. RETRACTION In the May 24 editorial, we reported the incorrect WEGL budget. The correct budget is $72,468 and the expenditures to date is $10,612.96.

Mail kiosks now available on campus TJ Harlin CAMPUS EDITOR

The mile and a half trip from Auburn’s campus to the U.S. Postal Service office on Opelika Road is now a thing of the past. Campus Mail Services installed touch screen mail kiosks at three different locations around campus. Located at Foy Hall, the Student Center and the Overtun Rudd Center, the kiosks perform almost anything that can be done at the post office, including sending letters and most packages. The only mail it cannot accommodate are international packages weighing more than two pounds, packages over 10 pounds and insured packages. “(Before the kiosks were installed) I had a lot of students come to the main mail room asking if we sold stamps or if we could mail a package, and I’d always have to direct them to the

post office,” said Whit Allen, manager of Campus Mail Services. “It became an every other day thing.” Allen heard of mail kiosks being used at a conference at Lipscomb University in San Diego and decided to look into this concept. “I went to Lipscomb last year, and everyone there seemed to love it from faculty and staff to students,” Allen said. “They sold me.” Allen said that everyone from small children to the elderly will have no trouble using the machine. “I haven’t received any calls from anyone asking how to do ‘this’ or ‘that,’” Allen said. The kiosks are touch screen and can be viewed in both English and Spanish. Mail services picks up the mail from each kiosk every day at 4 p.m. and takes the mail to the Auburn City Post Office. Additional pick-up times will be added in the future if it is deemed necessary.

“The post office is glad we’re doing what we’re doing,” Allen said. “They’re excited we have machines here on campus for the students to use.” As excited as the post office is for these kiosks, Auburn students may be the most excited. “I’ve had to mail a few items since I’ve been at Auburn, and it can be difficult if you live on campus,” said Megan Barbar, junior in pre-veterinary medicine. “Mailing letters on campus will be much more convenient.” “I talked to a few students and they have enjoyed (the kiosks) tremendously,” Allen said. “I’m glad I brought something on that’s beneficial to the University as a whole.” Auburn faculty have also found the new kiosks useful. Brian Connelly, professor of management,

» See MAIL, 2

TJ HARLIN / CAMPUS EDITOR

The mail kiosk in the second floor of the Student Center provides the same services as the Auburn Post Office.

Campus 2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, May 31, 2012

MOVIE » From 1

COURTESY OF ALESSIO SUMMERFIELD

A late night shoot in the Telfair Peet Theatre with volunteer extras on May 19.

“I like that at its heart the movie feels like an independent film, but with an aura of professionalism surrounding it,” Summerfield said. “Everyone’s at their best, trying to make this a great experience and a great film.” One of the aspects that makes the film increasingly professional is Qualls’ utilization of the Canon 5D Mark II, a digital camera that can create images almost identical to that of a 35mm film camera at a fraction of the cost. The type of camera has been used to film sequences in big-budget movies such “Captain America,” “Iron Man 2” and “The Avengers.” “With this camera, I feel like we’re able to create an extraordinary movie and still keep it within our reasonable budget,” Qualls said. Keeping things within budget is a major concern for the cast and crew because the movie is being financed by the College of Liberal Arts and by a grant from the Daniel F. Breeden Endowed Grant Program as a teaching and learning project. Qualls co-wrote the script with his wife, Anna Weinstein, a screenwriter. Qualls and Weinstein have previously collaborated on scripts, but usually dramas. Qualls was inspired to not only create a

movie that he could enjoy with his own family, but one he would proudly show to others because its hopeful message. “The film is not only a family comedy about coming to terms with outward appearances vs. the inner beauty of things, but it also raises awareness about adopting rescue dogs and the unsettling presence of the puppy mills that some of these dogs come from,” Qualls said. Motivated by films such as “Dumb and Dumber” and “Stepbrothers,” Qualls also sought to preserve the element of slapstick comedy while avoiding crude humor and striving to maintain a PG rating. Qualls said it would be ideal for the film to be picked up by a distributor and have a full theatrical release, but currently he is concentrating his efforts on making the movie available via digital distribution such as Netflix, iTunes and Amazon.com. For now, the only theatrical release planned is at the local movie theater, Carmike Wynnsong 16 Cinemas in Opelika. The dates of the theatrical and digital releases have yet to be confirmed. Shooting began on May 5 and is expected to end on June 8, with the exception of some scenes being shot later at the actual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, Calif. during June 21-23.

MAIL

» From 1

COURTESY OF AUBURN AUDIOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM

Second year doctoral student Robin Thaxton and Alumni Bess Skipper Weeks (right), test a Guatemalan student’s hearing in a municipality school in Los Patitos, Guatemala.

has used the service several times and has found it to be extremely useful. “This kiosk has been fabulous,” Connelly said. “I used to have to go to the post office, and this saves a lot of gas and more importantly, my time. The funding for the kiosks came from the mail services budget at no additional cost to students or faculty. “There is no cost for using these services,” Allen said. “The machine is there for the Auburn University family. There are no extra fees or hidden costs.” Allen also said certain schools in the area do not have mail kiosks, but are beginning to look into them after seeing the success the kiosks have had. “Our competition in (Tuscaloosa) doesn’t have one yet,” Allen said, “(Alabama) is looking into purchasing a machine.” Additional kiosks may be built in the future. “(Building) more kiosks is definitely an option,” Allen said. “We may put another one sometime down the road in either Shelby or Lowder. We want to make it as convenient as we possibly can for the students.”

Audiology program travels to Guatemala, promotes treatment Summer Austin WRITER

A Guatemalan mother cries as her 3-year-old daughter says “Mama!” for the first time. The child has not been able to speak because she is hearing impaired. Her brother was fitted for his first hearing aid in 2009 by the Auburn University Outreach Audiology Program. His mother was concerned that his sister was also hearing impaired. “It’s so striking to me because hearing the first word of a 3-year-old is not something we experience here in the United States,” said Dr. Kelli Watt, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders. The program traveled to Guatemala for the fourth year in a row to continue helping Guatemalans develop their own hearing, screening and treatment program. From April 30 to May 5, professors and students worked toward their overall goals of sustainability and transfer of expertise. Through the audiology program, impoverished and inner-city children who would have otherwise never had their hearing screened can

be fitted for hearing aids. During the first year of the program, participants trained the Guatemalans to be able to do their own screenings. The program was made possible by a grant from the University Outreach Program, a donation from the hearing aid company, GN ReSound and an endowment from The Holy Trinity Church for the necessary audiometer. The project has also expanded to allow remote testing at Auburn University that can be performed throughout the year. Guatemala City provides safe transportation for the students to and from the elementary schools. Police were stationed outside the city’s 17thcentury buildings with barred windows. “The area is not particularly safe, as Guatemala is situated in the middle of the drug trail. The United States is a consumer so we have a real responsibility for the danger in that country,” said Dr. Sandra Clark-Lewis, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Communication Disorders. “People in this country are buying the drugs that are traveling through that

“

It’s so striking to me because hearing the first word of a 3-year-old is not something we experience here in the United States.” —Dr. Kelli Watt CLINICAL PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

country, so in that way it’s not just like all of the countries in Central America are pretty dangerous.” Language is not a barrier, as the Foreign Language Department provides a translator, and Guatemala provides additional translators. Caroline Eady, first year audiology doctoral

The Auburn Plainsman

Events in the Auburn-Opelika Area June 1–6

World’s Widest Yard Sale

May 31–June 2 at Alabam’s Black Belt Region, U.S. Highway 80

Storyhill in concert

Opelika Unplugged

First Fridays “Shop Late, Eat Local” Hunter/Jumper Horse Show

June 1, 7:30 PM at 450 Thach Avenue, Auburn June 1, 7:00 PM at Event Center Downtown Opelika

Shops will stay open until 8:00 pm on June 1 at Downtown Opelika June 2–3 at H&G Horse Quarters, 943 Lee Road 57

Opelika Farmer’s Market

June 5 2:00–5:00 PM at The Courthouse Square

Summer Swing

June 5, 7:00 PM at Municipal Park

Tour d’Italia

June 6, 6:30 PM at Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar For more information, visit aotourism.com/calendar.

student, has taken Spanish at Auburn. She said the trip made her want to learn more about the language, however Watts said sometimes language isn’t always an issue with children, and that simple gestures work just as well as speech. Clark-Lewis said the biggest challenge to the program is sustainability. “The most exciting part for me was seeing the personnel in the schools who had really done a good job in their screening the kids that they needed to screen,” Clark-Lewis said, “…they were really motivated to get those kids in for follow up. That thrills me in terms of really wanting the people that work in those schools to take this on as their own.” Eady said one of her favorite memories was at the school in Los Patitos, Guatemala, where the mother of a third-grade-student reported that her son was excelling in school after being fitted with his hearing aids in 2009. Eady said the boy was in a special classroom for hearing impaired before he received his hearing aids, but is now in a normal classroom making all As. “He has just grown and flourished,” Eady said.

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID EDITORIAL Robert E. Lee Editor-in-chief Managing editor Melody Kitchens Copy editor Anna Claire Conrad Photo editor Danielle Lowe Campus editor TJ Harlin Rebecca Moseley Campus reporter Community editor Andrew Yawn Zeke Turrentine Community reporter Sports editor John Holtrop Design editor rachel suhs Online Editor Nathan Simone Benjamin Croomes

Opinions editor

ADS Lorenzo Lane, Stacey McMahan, Payton Haisten and Ami

Butterworth

Account Executives Tiffany Middleton, Whitney Potts and Allison Braund Advertising design PAYTON HAISTEN AND KATIE WITTNEBEL

Distribution

Student Union Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849 Editor: 334.844.9021 News: 334.844.9109 General Manager: 334.844.9101 Advertising: 334.844.4130 ROBERT E. LEE Editor-in-chief editor@theplainsman.com AUSTIN PHILLIPS Editorial Adviser adviser@theplainsman.com JUDY RIEDL General Manager gm@theplainsman.com KIM RAPE Office Manager MAILING ADDRESS 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849

Thursday, May 31, 2012

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Opelika deserves credit, more than meets the eye Ben Croomes OPINION@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM

When I first moved to the city of Auburn, I had no plans to go to college. I’m 25 years old, which is ancient when compared to most college students, and already have one degree. I don’t fit in with the bar crowd, expecially the desperately uncool patrons of Skybar. Moving here was a job choice that had nothing to do with higher education. I never set foot on campus

unless it was game day, and I had to deliver catered meals to belligerent tailgaters. My free time was spent exploring this town and its neighbor, Opelika. After about a year of driving aimlessly from restaurant to thrift store, thrift store to book store, I accrued a nice collection of local businesses that make these sister cities some of the most interesting in the state. Opelika doesn’t get much credit. A lot of my younger student friends think it is run down factory town where you will get shot as soon as you cross the border. This misconception disap-

points me. The city of Opelika is simply charming. Yes, there are some places that are not so nice after the sun goes down, but unless you are buying crack, you probably won’t be there anyway. The main attraction is downtown. Downtown Opelika is a growing district of amazing restaurants, shops and local flare that only a small Alabama town can capture. I’m not going into great detail because you should go there and experience finding these places like I did to truly appreciate their charm. However, I will say that Roland’s Thrift Store and the Irish

Bred Pub will have you making weekly trips for outstanding food and unique junk store fare. Opelika is littered with closed down factories that are ripe for exploring. Not everyone enjoys discovering the wonders of industrial decay, of course, but if you are a fan of finding interesting local spots that are off the beaten path, Opelika is a great place to start. The Opelika Sportsplex, which puts our current exercise facility to shame, has anything the workout enthusiast needs. It even has a pool where you can swim like a normal person, not an Olympic hope-

ful. My favorite thing about Opelika is that it is the perfect place to get away from the Greek monotony of downtown Auburn on the weekend. If you are tired of watching the same frat guys getting drunk and hitting on the same sorority girls every week, Opelika is your place. Auburn definitely has more than its share of upstanding local businesses. Gnu’s Room, Bloodhound and Shenanigans Tattoos are all fantastic places I’m proud to support. However, whenever I feel the need to get out of the house and find something new, Opelika is the best place to go, especially for

CHICKEN PARMESAN

someone who likes food as much as I do. Don’t let the city’s small size and bad reputation fool you. All it takes is a little boredom mixed with some curiosity to find all the places that make Auburn’s twin city just as fun. Don’t listen to all the people that say it is boring and lifeless; they aren’t really looking. The simple truth is many Auburn students, especially the ones who aren’t from this area, don’t leave the town of Auburn that much during their collegiate careers. Opelika has so much more to offer than Tiger Town, and its downtown area is only one aspect of a great city.

ITALIAN B.M.T.®

MEATBALL steak with aCHICKEN kick.

PIZZIOLA MELT MELT ToppedPEPPERONI with bacon, cheese and a new horseradish mayo.

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

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Our View

Smoking ban turns personal freedom to ashes

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“

You’ve got farmers that grow their products and they can educate you about what you’re eating and ways to cook it.” —Laura Herring AUBURN MARKET MANAGER

THE PLAINSMAN POLL Vote at theplainsman.com

Whenever the issue of a smoking ban comes up, whether it be for a college campus or an entire city, both sides get loud and angry. Auburn's new smoking ban, which doesn’t take affect until the 2012 fall semester, is source of contention for us. We actually agree with both sides of the argument on most of their talking points. The scientific fact is that smoking is bad for your health, obviously, and secondhand smoke can, in large quantities, cause serious health issues. Most smokers are willing to admit that their habit is potentially dangerous to themselves and others. However, smoking is not an illegal activity and its detrimental consequences are typically not immediate. It’s also a personal choice. If alcohol and the health hazards that can result from drinking it were highlighted and campaigned against in the same fashion as anti-tobacco crusaders

ous sense of campus justice tooling around on their ridiculous Segways. We sincerely hope they wouldn't spend valuable tuition dollars on such a ludicrous plan. Most colleges that have smoking bans, such as Faulkner University in Montgomery, hand out tickets to wrongdoers. Penalties for noncompliance can go upwards of $100 for repeat offenders. We are all for a compromise for this situation. We don't see a need to deprive smokers of something that makes them happy as long they do it away from certain areas on campus. The smoking ban is another item in a list of activities that the University is saying we can't do. We can't park cheaply; we can't drop our classes without a heavy penalty; we can't eat on campus for under $10. Now, we can't smoke. Hopefully they will satisfy their apparent need to make college more difficult and expensive be-

bash smoking, people would be fighting for a second prohibition. Just because you don't like the smell of smoke doesn't mean you should ban it outright. For people with health problems, like asthma, having a smoke-free environment is necessary, and that is completely understandable. That's why we suggest designated smoking areas. These smoker-friendly havens can be away from doors and areas of high foot traffic. We favor this simple solution instead of forcing hundreds of student and faculty smokers to quit. Spending money on cessation programs and increasing security presence to enforce this unfair ban is not a practical solution. In fact, how does the University plan to enforce the ban? Right now, it's not clear how smoking on campus will be dealt with. Certainly they won't have any more security guards with an over-zeal-

fore we end up more like a high school rather than a university. Banning smoking is not an issue of public health. It is an issue of the majority overstepping the needs and concerns of the minority. Everyone knows smoking is bad, but it is our right to do what makes us happy, even it hurts us in the long run. Eric Smith, committee member and director of health promotion and wellness, said that students who smoke cigarettes would be treated as having conduct issues and employees would be treated as having supervisory issues. Again, this is not a solution. Smokers, whether employees or students, shouldn't be treated like social pariahs. Unfair treatment will only breed contempt, especially from smokers who are model employees or students. Our campus has many brilliant minds, hopefully we can use them to create a practical compromise.

WEGL DJ needs your help Best friend vs. roommate In response to the article “Advice for WEGL, tune in or turn off,” I have to say that I overwhelmingly agree. I have been a DJ on WEGL for two years now, and I have never had to attend a meeting or training session. My only real training came from another DJ. There is a handbook that must be reviewed, but many DJs remain unaware of important rules or procedures. As far as the marketing goes, while a lot could be left up to the DJs, it is the management that ultimately has to make the plan and inform the DJs. Every DJ could hang up fliers, try to recruit friends, or pitch in to find artists to play in studio. As for the stream constantly being down, it is disheartening when friends and family try to tune in and cannot.

is something that I am considering a career in, and the lack of professionalism of the other DJs is, frankly, annoying. There are plenty of great DJs right now, but there are many others who have no idea what they’re doing. WEGL needs to get it together. The management and the DJs need to put in the time and effort to put on quality shows that can be heard, both on broadcast and on streaming. Marketing efforts need to be stepped up. Live shows should be broadcast. Artists should be interviewed. However, the handful of qualified DJs cannot handle it all on their own. It has to be a team effort. Who is with me?

Props go out to Will, one of the station engineers, who worked tirelessly around my show to get the stream up and running again. I don’t know if it is the fault of the software or hardware, but it is irritating. There definitely needs to be a higher level of professionalism in the studio. Walking in the studio is usually heartbreaking. People have torn up the chairs, the headphones, and trash is left all around the desk. If you’re going to break stuff that isn’t yours, you shouldn’t get the chance to use it. WEGL has been a constant struggle for me. I love picking out new music and finding topics to discuss on air every week, but with the inconsistent state of streaming and now the problems with broadcast, it makes it seem not even worth it. This

Rebecca moseley CAMPUS@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM

College life is stressful, but choosing to live with your friend and watching your relationship change can add even more stress. Sometimes best friends turn into strangers and lives are changed. Disagreements and mishaps obviously occur among individuals that live together and cross paths during every day activities. Therefore, it seems to be less of a risky venture to live with a simple acquaintance rather than with a friend that might be closer to you. However, living in close quarters with people is a critical life experience to have be-

Katherine Harding graduate student communication

fore entering the college and, eventually, the real world. Moving in with a best friend—let alone an acquaintance—can teach you a lot about that person that you never knew. You may even learn something about yourself. Besides the greater chance of avoiding turmoil with a close friend, there are many advantages that come from living with people you don’t know very well. Expanding your network in order to gain knowledge and experience that you might not otherwise get is a great example. Individuals usually gravitate towards those who make them feel positive about themselves and know a great deal about one another, and I feel that living with best friends can reverse that. Even though you risk find-

ing odd, annoying ticks within acquaintances by living with them, it is even riskier to chance the bond between best friends by combining personalities that are too similar. It is important to remember that people change. Best friends might be able to finish each other’s sentences, but most are unable to predict when the other will change—for better or worse. Some distance can aide in avoiding the clash of changing personalities or lifestyles, which seems to be best for most individuals that are closer to each other. If a set of roommates were to get in an argument, it would be easier to remain civilly distant for those who were not so close to begin with. Whether you live with your parents, your best friend, acquaintances, or strangers, be true to yourself.

The American road trip in danger, we can help pave a new way nathan simone ONLINE@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM

I love traveling more than a tipsy college kid loves Waffle House at 2 a.m., but I rarely have time to travel as much as I want to. So, I’m always looking forward to the summer. Summer is the time for fun, friends and road trips. There’s nothing more exciting than going somewhere new, meeting fresh faces and learning how that particular area of the world conducts itself from day to day.

There’s just something about it that makes it uniquely American. But with rising gas prices, lowering morale due to the economy and the advent of the fail-safe GPS and cell phone as ever-present travel accessories, will road trips ever be the same? Will it remain out of reach for those who may so desperately seek it, even while the purity of true travel disrupted by always knowing where we can find the nearest Target or gas station? I wholeheartedly understand the services that modern technology provide, as tools that make life easier for

The Editorial Board

the masses, but sometimes you just need to let it go. Auburn, it’s time to take a study break. Specifically take a look at my favorite book, Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. Published in 1957, it documents Kerouac’s frenzied trips across the U.S. during the 1940s, searching for meaning in life through the romanticism of the road and jazz music while talking to everyone and seeing everything under the sun. His journey is an exotic cross section of the America dream . The book was more than an inspiration to me, and got me started on exploring my world

around me in a deeper and more constructive manner. Little did I know that so much was still out there, waiting to be discovered. I’m asking you, Auburn, what happened to the passion of traveling on a whim? There still has to be a certain appeal of rolling along rural roads, passing through sleepy towns and happening upon some place that has the best clam chowder in Oregon (true story). Does anyone even have the will to search the world anymore, or does everything have to be planned out and purchased according to the rules of safe living?

I’ve learned a lot when I’ve gotten lost in strange locales, and I don’t know if I’d like to see it any other way. The future for those looking to travel extensively by car certainly does look bleak, but fear not. I’d like to hope that some creative minds are focusing on renewable energy resources to get the road trip up and running again for everyone even better than before. Smart cars have been available for a while, but affording one of these fuel-efficient beauties may be out of the financial reach of college students, not to mention that you can barely fit a suitcase in the

back. Why aren’t there widely available solar powered cars yet? Whatever happened to the Chevy Volt being a part of the “eco revolution”? This summer, I encourage everyone to travel somewhere that they’ve never been before, whether it’s near or far. Take a walking tour of someplace. Further explore the area that you’ve lived in for awhile. Even within Auburn, nooks and crannies exist that you’ll never notice from a car. If you’ve got the will, why not find some place out of the way?

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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.

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.

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Community

COURTESY OF REBECCA CROOMES

Eric Harshbarger’s talents in Lego building helped him recreate some of the most iconic landmarks such as R2-D2 and Samford Hall (pictured above).

One block at a time

Auburn resident uses Legos to build a career out of a hobby and lay a foundation for success Ben Croomes OPINIONS EDITOR

Eric Harshbarger spent the last 12 years constructing scale models, sculptures and mosaics with Lego blocks garnering a great deal of attention from businesses and collectors alike. Harshbarger, 41, a longtime Auburn resident, is currently working on a model of Samford Hall, a commission piece for a customer in Birmingham. His fascination with Legos began at a young age but subsided during his teen and college years. After a few years of working for Sun Microsystems in California, he returned to Auburn with a renewed interest in his childhood hobby. He grinned as he talked about his first large-scale project. “For some reason, I got it in my head to make a full-scale R2D2 robot from Star Wars out of Lego bricks,” Harshbarger said. “Of course, I had this memory in my head of how many pieces I had as a kid and thought ‘Oh, I’ll just get all the pieces that my parents still have.’” Those pieces, stored in his parents’ attic since middle school, weren’t even close to the amount he needed. “I started to build, you know, and it was nothing,” Harshbarger said. “I couldn’t build anything close to the full size (version), so I started buying pieces and by the end of that summer had finally gotten enough pieces to build a full size R2-D2 robot, which I still have.” After posting a web page detailing his R2-D2 project, Harshbarger began to gain attention as one of the first people outside of the Lego company to build large scale models.

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Within a few years, it became an income, and within three or four years, it became my full-time income.” —Eric Harshbarger LEGO ARTIST

“Within a few years, it became an income, and within three or four years, it became my full-time income,” Harshbarger said. Although his primary building material is Lego blocks, Harshbarger has never worked for the Lego corporation. He said it was difficult at the beginning of his career as an independent builder. Purchasing blocks from toy stores was tedious and time consuming, however the problem was remedied when the Lego corporation started sell bulk quantities. The Samford Hall model he is working on now is his third small-scale model of the Auburn landmark. The first one he built is now part of his personal collection and was once displayed in the window of J & M Bookstore. Each model requires over 5,000 bricks and is 19 inches tall and sits on two 48-stud baseplates. For the past six years, Harshbarger hasn’t produced near as many models and sculptures as he did during the first half of

his career. He has been focusing on puzzle and game design. “I’ve always enjoyed puzzles and games of all sorts, and I’ve started focusing my attention on those,” Harshbarger said. “About four or five years ago now, I actually sold all of my loose Lego pieces.” Since selling his large collection, he has been working on a customer-to-customer basis, ordering the parts he needs from the Netherlands and various other suppliers. No matter what Harshbarger is doing, he said he knows he has support from his family. Linda Hashbarger, Harshbarger’s mother, said that she is proud of her son and his ability to make a career doing what he loves. “We’re tickled that he’s doing what he loves to do,” Linda said. “He never really wanted to have a structured nine to five job. He’s following his passion. He loves to make puzzles and build things, and we’re just happy as a clam.” Linda first took notice of her son’s talent with Legos after he completed his R2-D2 model. She says he’s been unstoppable ever since. “He was able to do this and make good money.” Linda said. The Samford Hall model should be completed in about two weeks, according to Harshbarger. It will sell for around $1,000. Harshbarger doesn’t know what his next project will be. It might be a puzzle or game; it might be a Lego model or mosaic. Whatever he does, he said he will be satisfied knowing that he is one of the fortunate who has made a living doing what makes him happy.

Local farmers markets spring open for the summer Zeke Turrentine COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER

Produce lovers and local business supporters will now have their Tuesday and Thursday afternoons filled for the rest of the summer: it’s farmers market season. Every Tuesday from June 5 through September 30 the Opelika Main Street Market will be open at 2 p.m. until closing at 5 p.m. The University’s Ag Heritage Park will be hosting The Market on Thursdays until August 23, with an option to run longer if produce is available and will be open between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Market at Ag Heritage Park was started in 2005 by the College of Agriculture and is located near the intersection of Lem Morrison Drive and Donahue Drive. It sees around 30 vendors on any given day that bring in all kinds of goods, not just food. Staples include many types of fruits and vegetables, honey, ornamental plants and cut flowers, stone-ground grains, eggs, jams, jellies, preserves, pecans, oats, baked and canned goods, cheese, milk, soaps, and coffee, according to Auburn Market Manager Laura Herring. To Herring, the farmers markets offer customers more services than what would be found at a grocery store. “It’s a community experience it’s a very social experience,” Herring said. “You’ve got farmers that grew their products and they can educate you about what you’re eating and ways to cook it.” Opelika Main Street Board of Directors President Stacie Money agreed and said attending the markets is also a great summertime hobby. “Farmers markets are just the thing to do in the summer, and you get fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers, things you’re not going to get at a grocery store,” Money said.

Ariccia, located inside the Hotel at Auburn University will also have stands where there will be food demonstrations and meals. The market is open rain or shine, with plans to move stands under a pavilion in case of inclement weather. The Opelika Main Street Farmers Market site will be along South Railroad Avenue between 8th and 9th Street in downtown Opelika. They expect a product list similar to the Auburn market, though it varies with the growers and weeks. For those interested in being vendors, a grower’s permit must be attained before setting up and selling at the markets. Permits are available at no charge from the Lee County Extension Office. This certificate is to ensure that the products sold originate with the producer, his or her family, employees or partners. This allows the producer to be exempt from collecting and submitting state and local taxes for produce sold and exempts the producer or farmer from having to purchase a local business license. However, if you are selling products that do not allow you to be classified as a grower, like baked goods, you may be required to purchase a business license from the city of Auburn or Opelika. You are then responsible for collecting and paying certain related sales taxes. On-site proof of liability coverage also is required at both markets. Tents will not be provided by The Market management but vendors are welcome to bring their own tents. Producers and food vendors may license a space for the entire season by paying a license fee of $200; weekly vendors pay a license fee of $20.

Ripe for the pickin’ These fruits and vegetables are now in season • • • • •

Tomatoes Peaches Blueberries Blackberries Corn

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY STACIE MONEY

Checks should be made payable to Auburn University College of Agriculture. The Opelika market provides tents on a first-come, first-serve basis. Growers pay $15 per week. Checks can be made payable to Opelika Main Street. Opelika vendors are asked to reserve a space one week in advance of each market day. To reserve a space, contact Velinda Wheeles at 334-745-0466.

Community 6

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, May 31, 2012

New barbecue restaurant adds ‘seoul’ to local cuisine John Burns WRITER

Everyone has his or her favorite barbecue recipes, but sometimes it might be nice to mix it up and try something new. Seoul BBQ is a Korean style restaurant that will open in mid to late June to offer a refreshing twist on a Southern tradition. Seoul BBQ is located at the old Quiznos location on South College Street next to Tutti Frutti. Seoul BBQ has been long awaited in Auburn, but fans of the interesting cultural blend of food will have to wait a short while longer. Will Deisley, former Auburn student said Korean barbecue is “kind of a mixture of Chinese food and American barbecue.” “I’ve been to a Korean barbecue place in Atlanta…and the real difference is how they marinate the meats,” Deisley said. “It’s delicious.” Kook Jae Kim, owner of Seoul BBQ, said she hopes that a taste of Korea will add to the already vibrant restaurant scene in Auburn. “We hope this restaurant will provide (a) variety of cultural features, as well as true Korean traditional taste to the local community,” Kim said. Indeed, the look of Seoul BBQ is not that of a traditional Southern barbecue restaurant. The inside of the restaurant is flavored toward traditional Korean styles.

Seoul BBQ is family owned and operated, according to Dong Won Kim, son of the owner. “My mother is a main chef for the restaurant, (and) is an official certificate holder of Korean and Western food licenses from South Korea,” Dong Won said. “She has more than 20 years of school cafeteria and haute restaurant (work) as background experience.” Though the Kim family has not completed their menu and prices yet, they shared five choice menu items that are coming soon. Dolsot-Bibimbap is a dish with vegetables, beef and egg, served over rice in a hot stone bowl with spicy mixing sauce. Bulgogi is sliced, marinated beef stir-fried with onions. Dduk Galbi Jeongsik will be a combination of grilled beef and pork with marinated house sauce. More menu items include Bossam, which is steamed pork sered with assorted vegetable wraps and side dishes, and L.A. Gal-Bi, Los Angeles-style barbecued beef short ribs served with side dishes. There are many more menu items to come from Seoul BBQ, but those are five of their most confident choices. Seoul BBQ has had a long-anticipated opening, which was delayed due to unnamed issues with previous building contractors. When it does open, the owners expect to serve Auburn well, due to its proximity to campus and focus on customer satisfac-

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We hope this restaurant will provide (a) variety of cultural features, as well as true Korean traditional taste to the local community.” —Kook Jae Kim OWNER OF SEOUL BBQ

tion. “We will serve our dishes with sincere dedication, honesty, and courtesy,” Dong Won said. “(And the) customer experience full satisfaction that will make them (want) to re-visit and (enjoy) the true Korean taste.” Seoul BBQ will be open 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. on weekdays, and weekends from noon – 9 p.m.

To Place an Ad, Call - 334-844-7928 or Email classifieds@theplainsman.com 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.

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Sports

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Sports

Dufner putts his way to the top

COURTESY OF TODD VAN EMST

Jason Dufner (right) takes time away from the PGA Tour to help the Auburn men’s golf team prepare for the national tournament on Tuesday.

PGA golfer and former Tiger Jason Dufner wins his first two tournaments on tour in three weeks John Holtrop SPORTS EDITOR

COURTESY OF TODD VAN EMST

Jason Dufner gives junior Domenic Bozzelli tips in a practice round on Monday, May 28, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif.

Auburn graduate and current PGA Tour leader, Jason Dufner, has exceeded all expectations on the 2012 tour winning by the first and second tournaments of his career.

The 35-year-old golfer won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on April 29, 2012, in a sudden death playoff against Ernie Els. Three weeks later, he recorded his second victory at the HP Byron Nelson Championship on a 25-foot birdie putt on the last hole of the tournament. Dufner’s road to the top started when he was 15 years old. Three years later, he took a shot at Division I competition as an uninvited walk-on to the Auburn golf team. “I always allowed one walk-on qualifier each year,” said former Auburn men’s golf coach Mike Griffin. “I never wanted to al-

low a talented youngster slip through the cracks. Jason was one of the 15-18 guys to show up. As luck would have it, he came in and kicked the door down.” After a successful career at the collegiate ranks, Dufner turned pro in 2000 as he joined the Nationwide Tour. He spent the next six years on the Nationwide Tours only winning twice, once at the BUY.com Wichita Open and once at the LaSalle Bank Open. “It’s a progression,” Dufner said. “The PGA does a good job establishing the Nationwide Tour to help a lot of players get

» See DUFNER, 8

Time running out for Tigers baseball coach John Holtrop SPORTS@THEPLAINSMAN.COM

Another year comes to a disappointing end as the Auburn baseball team failed to reach postseason play with a dismal 13-17 record in the SEC and 31-28 overall record. Though their record qualified them for a regional, their RPI was simply not enough. The blame game can be played and fingers can be pointed in every which way, but in Division I athletics the responsibility to perform comes from the top. Looking at the numbers, the Tiger’s record doesn’t add up. The Tigers boasted the highest batting average (.304) as well as the highest on base percentage (.386) in the SEC. Runners were getting on. The problem does not come from moving them around the base paths either. The Tigers racked up a whopping 113 stolen bases and led the SEC in sac bunts and flies. Runners were getting over. The offense capitalized on this production by bringing in 351 runs, ranked third in the SEC. Runners were getting in. The defense’s numbers were the polar opposite. A SEC third-worst era of 3.92 was put up from the pitching staff. Accompanied with the SEC’s worst field percentage, Auburn struggled to hold opponents from crossing the plate. Put that group of stats together, the Tigers only had a win percentage more than .500 when they scored seven runs or more, and allowed four runs or less. Those who attended practice every day are the only ones who know the truth, but it seems as if fundamentals were not a priority for this baseball team. What happened to the team that took two out of three against Ole Miss, Mississippi State and LSU at the beginning of SEC play? A couple of injuries and three sweeps later the Tigers found themselves with the No. 10 seed in the SEC tournament facing the Florida Gators who just embarrassed them at home. Throughout the latter half of the season some questionable decisions were made that led to key loses that should have been wins. Losses against teams like Jacksonville State, Samford and most notably South Carolina in the final matchup of the season. No. 7 South Carolina defeated the Tigers in a game that was full of question marks. Cory Luckie, who had started only two games up to that point, took the bump for the Tigers. After allowing two runs in two innings, Pawlows-

» See

HOLTROP, 8

DANIELLE LOWE / PHOTO EDITOR

Phillip Cala, recent Auburn graduate in nutrition sciences, perfroms a hang clean during a workout at CrossFit on the Plains on Tuesday, May 29.

Building muscle and popularity Anna Claire Conrad COPY EDITOR

The recent fitness sensation CrossFit isn’t just a popular sport frequently featured on ESPN. It has quickly made its way to our rural college town. Dalton Ard, owner and operator of CrossFit on the Plains, said CrossFit is a combination functional movements used in a variety of different ways at levels of high intensity while incorporating exercises such as weightlifting, power lifting, sprinting, gymnastics, medicine ball training and kettle bell training. “A lot of the magic of CrossFit is in the compound movements we use,” Ard said. “We don’t train body parts. We train movements that carry over into daily activities, whether that be lifting a large bag of dog food, moving heavy boxes or getting up from a chair.” Ard said a key factor to this exercise regiment is its intensity. “By intensity, I mean how much work you do and how fast you do it,” Ard said. “This intensity factor is at the core of what makes CrossFit successful.” Recent Auburn graduate in nutrition sci-

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We don’t train body parts. We train movements that carry over into daily activities.” —Dalton ard OWNER OF CROSSFIT ON THE PLAINS

ence and trainer at CrossFit on the Plains Phillip Cala said each workout lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. “Since the workouts are shorter than what most people are used to, our clients are able to come in and complete a CrossFit regiment several times throughout the week,” Cala said. “So you’re getting a whole lot of work in a short amount of time rather than spending a couple hours doing the same exercise, like walking on a treadmill or lifting weights, at a recreational gym. It’s a lifestyle that’s easy and enjoyable to keep up.”

Ard said CrossFit is a way for those out of shape to get in shape and attain the optimal fitness level necessary to achieve and maintain their desired results. “I think it’s a great way to mix up your workout routine,” said Anna Bryars, junior in prenursing. “Everyday is a different workout, and it consists of a wide variety of cardio and strength training.” Ard said most people are intimidated by CrossFit’s extreme reptutation. “People get intimidated when they hear ‘CrossFit’ because of what they see on television or YouTube, but what they don’t understand is that’s not the reality of what we do here,” Ard said. “We operate as a community, and people use the competitiveness in the group workouts to motivate them to do their best. Our goal is to take people from where they’re at and make their quality of life better through fitness while having fun and seeing results.” The sense of community at CrossFit on the Plains is critical to its success.

» See MUSCLE, 8

Sports 8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Leeco brings men’s club rugby to Lee County TJ Harlin CAMPUS EDITOR

DANIELLE LOWE / PHOTO EDITOR

David Bess and Adam Nemeroff play touch rugby at a practice Tuesday, May 29, at the old track and field

MUSCLE » From 7

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“The average person comes in between four and six times per week,” Ard said, “Our members become friends and genuinely care about each other, which is hard to come by at a bigger franchise. They help each other out and encourage new members to see the program through, despite how difficult it is in the beginning.” Cala said anyone who is curious about CrossFit should give it a chance. “We scale our workouts to satisfy everyone’s ability,” Cala said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or someone that’s never worked out before in your life. CrossFit is something everyone can do no matter how old they are or how much they weigh. We’ll help you do it to the best of your ability.” Auburn offers CrossFit training classes to its students that are taught at Ard’s facility. “I am the trainer for the University classes,” Ard said. “They’re offered each semester and usually fill up pretty quick.” Bryars said she would love to take CrossFit for class credit. “I’m definitely planning to do that before I graduate,” Bryars said. “My family and I started doing CrossFit together last summer while I was home. I’d love to keep it up while I’m in school.” Ard opened CrossFit on the Plains as a licensed CrossFit affiliate in August 2010 after working as a personal trainer at Fitness Together in Vestavia Hills just outside of Birmingham. “My boss at Fitness Together got involved with CrossFit on his own, and then passed it down to my co-workers and myself because he thought it was something we’d really enjoy,” Ard said. “After watching him do it for about a week, and after seeing the results, I was definitely interested because of its competitive nature and intense workout regiment.” Ard said after trying it out for himself he knew he wanted to open his own gym and decided Auburn was the ideal location. “I’ve always been a Auburn fan, and I’ve always felt drawn to this town,” Ard said. “With my wife’s support, deciding to open my business here wasn’t a tough decision.” For more information about CrossFit on the Plains, visit crossfitontheplains.com or contact Ard at 334-821-8100.

It’s a club most people in the area have never heard of, and a sport most sports fans have not witnessed. But on Tuesdays and Thursdays, men from across the Auburn area practice the game they love. Meet the Leeco Lions, a group of Lee County residents bringing rugby to the Plains. “We are not a legitimate club through USA rugby yet,” said David Bess, captain of the Lions. “We are having practices wherever we can, mainly in city parks.” The team’s roots lie in the Auburn University club rugby team and the Montgomery Yellowhamers. Bess played rugby through the University club team for five years before graduating in 2009. He then joined the Yellowhammers and talked some of his former teammates into joining him. “I played at Auburn for four years until my eligibility ran out,” said Jim Smith, a member of the Lions. “So I hopped on in Montgomery where David had been playing for awhile.” Bess and Smith were soon joined by Michael Pair, a former player for the Auburn club team. They enjoyed playing for Montgomery, but it was a burden to make the drive from Auburn twice a week. “We were feeling the financial pressure of driving (to Montgomery) and started naming off guys in Auburn that could play but weren’t,” Pair said. “We felt like we could start something off and gave it a try.” They chose the name Leeco, which stands for Lee County, to show that they were not just an Auburn club and would take players from across the area. The name Lions was an easy decision after that.

DUFNER » From 7

their feet wet and that was the truth for me. I played, practiced and learned from my experiences and without those years of inconstancy I would not be here today.” Dufner earned his PGA Tour card in 2007, but failed to hold onto it. He returned to the PGA Tour in 2009, and in 2011 made his presence known by finishing second in the PGA Championship and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Riding on his recent success, Dufner came in to 2012 determined to pick up where he finished off. Two wins and a second place finish at the Crowne Plaza Invitational has him at the top spot in the FedEx Cup rankings and No. 8 in the world. “Coming off last year I took a lot of the things that I was doing right and came into this year with some unfinished business to take care of,” Dufner said. “It is a unique experience to sit back and see yourself at the No. 1 spot in points and earnings for the year.” Giving back to the University that gave him his start, Dufner spent the week out in Los Angeles with the Auburn men’s golf team to help the team prepare for nationals. Play started Tuesday and will continue through Sunday. “I have some experience at the Riviera Resort, so I have hope that these guys can take some of my notes and tips as they try to bring home the championship,” Dufner said. “I like to stay fairly involved with the team. I remember back in my days playing for Auburn there was a guy that was on tour that came around and helped us out when he could.” Dufner’s caddie, Kevin Baile, said Jason is the kind of guy that loves to give back, especially to his university, Dufner said he gives credit to the Auburn golf team for giving him a chance to be successful, credit that his former coach Griffin gives right back to him. “I am so proud of him,” Griffin said. “He gives back to his team and most don’t realize how much he gives back to the University. “Jason chose Auburn; Auburn didn’t choose him. For him to move his house and family here in Auburn means so much.” Dufner will return to competition June 14-17 for the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

“Lions had a nice sound to it,” Bess said. Through word of mouth, their idea has grown. The Lions now practice twice a week and have averaged about 10 players per practice. “We have guys ranging from 18-40 years old, from current students to recent graduates and military personnel,” Bess said. However, their numbers are not yet where they want them to be. “We would love to have more people,” Smith said. “The more people there to scrimmage, the better the practice is for game-like situations.” Because of their low numbers, the group plays a style of rugby known as rugby sevens where each team has seven players on the field. Typical rugby involves 15 players on the field. “It’s like what arena football is to regular football,” Bess said. This summer, the Lions will compete in tournaments in cities such as Birmingham and Columbus, Ga. Some of the tournaments will have as many as 80 teams compete. These tournaments require entry fees, which can be tough on a team like the Lions who have no sponsors. Everything they pay for is out of pocket. “We have to pay $25-30 a person to pay for the entry fee,” Smith said. This rugby team is open to anyone that has an interest in playing and the will power to tough it out. “I don’t care if you haven’t touched a rugby football in your life,” Bess said. “We’d love to have you.” For more information about joining the Lions, contact David Bess at 334-233-7355 or bessdav@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events Men’s Golf

Track & Field

NCAA Championship

NCAA Outdoor Championships

Thursday, May 31 Sunday, June 3

Thursday, June 6 Saturday, June 9

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COURTESY OF TODD VAN EMST

Coach John Pawlowski looks on in Auburn’s final game.

HOLTROP » From 7

ki brought in Slade Smith who had also had a shaky year, and let up three more. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that the SEC proven Derek Varnadore came in, followed by Justin Bryant who both held the Gamecocks scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Tigers made their best attempt at a comeback in the seventh. They strung a couple of hits together and moved runners into scoring positions with a Dan Glevenyak sacrifice fly and one out. Pawlowski’s next move was to bring in Cullen Wacker to pinch hit. Wacker struck out and Caleb Bowen followed with a ground out, inning over. Wacker was a proven hitter with a .350 batting average on the season with a big asterisk; he had missed most of the previous month because of a knee injury. That is only one game,

but these are the type of things that had been happening for the past couple of seasons. There has not been a solid rotation in two seasons which may be because of a talent issue, but how can pitchers attempt to find a rhythm when they may pitch every seven days for three weeks, and every 12 days for the next five. This is not a demand for Pawlowski’s head, but his chances for success are running out. It is understood that a team with 22 freshmen is going to have some growing pains. Injuries to starter Will Kendall, left fielder Cullen Wacker and first baseman Garret Cooper also make things difficult. It should be no surprise to anyone that the Tigers must finish better that No. 10 in the SEC to have a shot at the postseason next year. If this is not the case, come May 2013, Pawlowski should pack his bags, regardless of what happened in 2010.