The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid
Thursday, April 9, 2015 Vol. 121, Issue 35, 12 Pages
First copy is free. Additional copies 50 cents per issue.
Spinning into action safety
Online
ThePlainsman.com GALLERY: Indian Student Association flash mob
University prepares for tornado season Kris Martins
inside
Campus Reporter
campus
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Auburn ranked top8 hipster town community
Page A6
Survey reveals high city satisfaction
Transitioning into the springtime, pollen isn’t the only thing expected in Alabama. As tornado season approaches, Auburn University Emergency Management lays out its severe weather procedures. Chance Corbett, associate director of Emergency Management, said every campus building has a designated indoor shelter area marked with a green “Severe Weather Shelter” sign. These are typically hallways or open-access rooms in lower-level floors, according to Corbett. Corbett said Green Hall and Ralph Brown Draughon Library are open 24 hours, seven days per week, 365 days per year for an accessible shelter area. “There’s a requirement in Alabama now that when you build new residential facilities or classroom facilities that you install shelter space for the daily population,” Corbett said. “That falls under FEMA 361, which is the requirements for a shelter, a safe room basically. What that is, is typically round areas that are dedicated — and they have to be dedicated — you can’t put cubicles in there and things like that to reuse the space. It
has to be where that certain number of people can get in there and take shelter from severe weather.” Corbett said Emergency Management has installed in-ground tornado shelters that hold up to 10 people for outlying buildings, research facilities around the state and some peripheral buildings on campus that were just metal buildings lacking suitable shelter areas. Rural Studios in Newbern received a FEMA grant to build an aboveground community shelter on University property that holds up to 96 people. Corbett said this option isn’t feasible for campus because of finances, the large campus population and the issues of equally distributing the shelters across campus. In past years, the University has upgraded its siren system on campus, according to Corbett. “We took down five and installed back eight of them,” Corbett said. “The sirens we have actually talk to you ... They’ll make the noise to get your attention, then it actually comes followed up with the message telling you what the emergency is.” Corbett said there is not an outdoor location on campus that is out of hear-
gymnastics
kelsey gainer / graphic designer
Emergency Management has a list of tornado warning safety tips.
ing range of a siren. Indoors, there are all-hazard weather and manually-activated radios. Corbett said they’ve also integrated the fire alarm system in all capable new buildings. All future buildings will be able to use the fire alarm system to make announcements inside, and new
classrooms will have dedicated FEMA 361-approved shelters. “In my opinion, everything we’ve done our studies on, our No. 1 vulnerability on campus is severe weather because of the portion of the country that
» See tornado a2
academics
Horsing around
sports
Equine training class offered Andria Moore Intrigue writer
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Open competition on football offense intrigue
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Survivors walk to raise money for Relay for Life index Campus Opinion Community Sports Intrigue
A1 A5 A6 A8 A11
Gymnastics record performance / A8 Kenny moss / assistant photo editor
Kait Kluz (above) celebrates after completeing a vault routine. The gymnastics team will advance to the NCAA National Championships.
Are you moving to Birmingham?
Of the wide variety of elective courses offered at Auburn, there is one in the College of Animal Sciences that is almost too popular. Horse training and management gives students a chance to work one-on-one for a semester with their own adopted foal. “It’s my favorite class I’ve taken at (Auburn),” said Emily Halaszynski, senior in animal sciences. “I’ve been around horses my whole life, and even I learned a lot.” For the upcoming fall semester, the class will be taught by Courtney McNamee, extension equine specialist who has been the GTA for the course the past two years. “The class is open to anyone, but many of the students taking this class want to be vets,” McNamee said. “It gives them experience and makes them comfortable around a larger animal.” Horse training and management requires a prerequisite of
Crowne at Grandview
“
It’s my favorite class I’ve taken at (Auburn). I’ve been around horses my whole life and even I learned a lot.”
introduction to animal sciences, and the class itself consists of lecture once per week and lab twice per week where pairs of students are each given a 4- to 6-month-old foal. It didn’t take long for Halaszynski to bond with her foal, Sampson, and she said she enjoyed lab the most because she was able to see his progression. “Basically, the first day, all the students walk out to the corrals where they have all the foals and everyone points and says, ‘I want that one,’” Halaszynski said. Throughout the course, students learn training and grooming methods, first aid, how to desensitize a horse and to lunge on a lunge line.
Crowne on 10th
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Crowne at Overton Village
Crowne at Cahaba River
—Emily Halaszynski
senior in animal sciences
“Sometimes we got to play games with our foals like redlight, green-light,” Halaszynski said. “Not to brag, but Sampson and I pretty much won all of them.” At the end of the semester, the foals bred in the vet school are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Jessica Geddes Wortman, previous member of the horse training and management class who graduated in 2014, ended up buying one of the foals from her class. “His name is Konnor,” Wortman said. “I knew he was a great horse, attributed to the fact that he had a great upbringing. Luckily, my dad helped me pay for him, and
» See horse a2
Campus A2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, April 9, 2015
student spotlight
DUI reports The following were arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Auburn Police Division from April 2-5:
Senior wins Daniel J. Edelman PRSSA Award
Ameera Steward Campus Writer
April 2: - Brittany Jane Bonnett, 23 S. College Street, 10:40 p.m. April 3: - David Roy Hebert, 53 S. Gay Street at E. Magnolia Avenue, 1:01 a.m. - Matthew Clark Tidwell, 19 W. Glenn Avenue 2:07 p.m. - William Eugene Rutledge III, 21 W. Glenn Avenue at Cox Street, 4:40 a.m. April 4: - Selwyn Tremain Torbert, 41 Bedell Avenue at Foster Street, 6:26 p.m. - Travareis Raheem Bryant, 30 Bedell Avenue at N. Donahue Drive, 10:35 p.m. April 5: - Robert Philip Braddock Gillette, 22 N. Gay Street, 1:37 a.m. A full crime report provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety is available online at ThePlainsman.com. –Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety
Rachel Pipan, senior in public relations, recently won the Daniel J. Edelman PRSSA Award, an award the Edelman PR firm awards to outstanding juniors and seniors involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America. The award comes with a three-month paid internship with one of their offices. According to Pipan, she has been working toward this since her freshman year of college and was excited when she got the call about the award. “I had a phone interview earlier that week with the head of recruitment and then I was told I would be getting a call from John Edelman, the son of Daniel Edelman, and the director of the global citizenship department, and I thought he was going to tell me I didn’t get it,” Pipan said. “He told me I won, and I wish I could have recorded that conversation because he was really nice and spent maybe 10 minutes with me talking about my portfolio. It really meant a lot, and, when we got off the phone, I thought, ‘Is this real? Am I awake?’” Not only did Pipan say she was she excited, but her best friend was as well. Katie Goebel, senior in microbial bi-
“
He told me I won, and I wish I could have recorded that conversation because he was really nice and spent maybe 10 minutes with me talking about my portfolio. It really meant a lot and when we got off the phone I thought, ‘Is this real? Am I awake?’” —Rachel Pipan
won Daniel J. Edelman PRSSA Award
ology, said she was excited for Pipan and proud of her. “I didn’t know she applied, but, when I found out she won an award, I wasn’t surprised because she is smart and driven,” Goebel said. Another friend of Pipan’s said she was excited, but not surprised. “I was very excited for her,” said Victoria Webb, senior in public relations. “I can’t think of anyone else who better deserves it than Rachel.” Webb also said she and Pipan will be living in Washington, D.C. together, so she is more excited than anyone and glad Pipan applied because she has been working hard from the beginning.
Pipan said she has decided to work for the Edelman office in Washington, D.C. this summer in their public policy public relations division. She will also be getting her Master’s Degree in strategic communications from America University in Washington, D.C. Pipan said the internship will give her a chance to get to Washington D.C. early and feel out the city. She said it also gives her a chance to make connections. Pipan said she wants to continue interning for Edelman and then get a job with them after she graduates. She said, even if she doesn’t get a job with Edelman, she knows it will place her really well for her future.
music
AU Singers to perform at Kreher’s Music in the Forest Kendyl Hollingsworth Community Writer
clarifications The article, “Invisible Hands: day in the life of a custodian,” incorrectly stated Darren Chamlee, facilities operations manager, attended a custodial staff meeting and said the staff needs to do more work. Chamlee did not attend said meeting.
The AU Singers will entertain the public with song and dance as part of a concert series hosted by the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on Saturday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m. The Music in the Forest series is a collaboration between the preserve and the department of music to provide the community with musical entertainment while benefitting KPNC’s children’s educational programs and AUMD’s student scholarship fund. “I’ve always enjoyed the energetic AU Singers and know
firsthand how much time and effort is put into their performances,” said Sarah Collins, administrative assistant for the department of music. Sara Lynn Baird, professor and chair of the department of music, said the concert is a unique opportunity to put on a performance in a natural setting. “We are always striving to serve new audiences and hope the music series will inspire people to discover the preserve and the opportunities found there to enjoy and learn about nature,” said Jamie Anderson, coordinator for KPNC.
contributed by Jessie Harrison
FRONT TO BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT: Olivia Kolar, Kyler Hancock, Jessie Harrison, Earvin comer, Ruthie jarger, Brice Ott, Alexa Combs, Katie Weaver, Casey Bailey, Amanda Anderson, Benjamin Dow, Sarah Shearer, Laura McDaniel, Griffin Holmes, Joy Funderburk, Jack Hudon, Anna Claire Loftis, Jackson Keidel, Emily Moore, Jake Singleton, Sydney Hall, Andrew Swindle, Katy O’Neill, Taylor Holt, Mckenzie Cranston and Zach Blomley sing “Ease on Down the Road,” at a Singers show.
tornado
horse
we’re in,” Corbett said. “We have the legal obligation, but we have the moral obligation to take care of these students. We want them to have a place to go to feel safe and be safe.” Susan McCallister, associate director of information and education with Auburn University Public Safety & Security, said an emergency management technician and emergency planner frequently check building signage, equipment and the status of shelter areas. “In Alabama, there is a peak in spring — March through May — and then there’s another peak in November,” McCallister said. “We can have tornadoes any time of the year. We don’t necessarily do anything special in the spring because we need to be prepared all year round.” McCallister said, unlike National Weather Service alerts, AU Alerts are not automated and are only sent out if weather affects campus, although both alerts should be taken seriously. The University collaborates with the county emergency management office and Auburn Public Safety during severe weather, according to Corbett. Kathrine Carson, director of the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, said the Lee County EMA stays in direct contact with University officials, the National Weather Service office in Birmingham and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “If there is something that is going to directly impact the University, of course we’re in immediate contact with them just confirming and backing each other up,” Carson said. “That’s the relationship we have. We’re keeping an eye on things so that we are ready if we have to send out that message — with the messaging ability that we have and the sirens and everything — so that people have time to take shelter in the best possible place.” Carson said a challenge a university poses is the number of students who come into the county when there’s a big event, such as game day. “You have a lot more people to deal with in case something should occur,” Carson said. “Everybody should think about what their actions would be if they got that notice. When it happens, it’s very difficult to figure it out because you’re stressed, so go ahead and think about what you would do. What’s the best place for you to seek shelter? Have that in your head and know what you’re going to do if you’re told to take shelter.” Auburn Police Chief Paul Register said
I’ve had him for three years now.” Wortman is the barn manager of Red Horse Ridge, a dressage barn in Huntsville where she is able to keep Konnor. “I just started riding him at the beginning of this year,” Wortman said. “He’s 16.3 hands and still has lots of growing to do.” Halaszynski said unless a student is lucky enough to purchase one of the foals they work with, the last day of class is often filled with a lot of heartbreak. “I was definitely disappointed to see it end because it was a really good experience, and I had bonded with
» From A1
» From A1
photos contributed by chance corbett
LEFT TO RIGHT: Jim Stefkovich, meteorologist in charge, Birmingham National Weather Service; Melvin Owens, Public Safety and Security executive director; Susan McCallister, Public Safety and Security associate director; Jay Gogue, University president; Chance Corbett, Public Safety and Security associate director; John DeBlock, Birmingham National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist; and Katherine Russell, Lee County Emergency Management Agency director at the presentation of the StormReady designation.
Sampson,” Halaszynski said. “But another thing that was cool about the class was that you get to see beginner horse people and experienced horse people either struggling together or succeeding together.” McNamee said it is most rewarding as an instructor of the course to see a student’s “eyes light up” when they begin to see progress in their foal. “Usually, the ones that don’t have any experience come out on top because it’s hard for someone with experience to relearn new ways to teach horses,” McNamee said. “We had a student one semester that had never been around horses and he ended up being one of the best in the class.”
contributed by emily halaszynski
Emily Halaszynski (above) helps train her foal, Sampson.
Tornado shelters are built in Newbern to protect people from tornadoes at the Rural Studios.
the Auburn Police Division communicates with University Public Safety to issue timely warnings in emergencies on and off campus. “The thing you have to make sure the most is communicating any threat to the student population,” Register said. “Advanced warnings save lives, and so that’s the most important part of the process: the communication between the different entities involved and notifications.” Register said one difficulty is relaying the serious threat of some of these torna-
do conditions. “Obviously, we all learn from the things that happened – for example, in Tuscaloosa and the northern part of the state a few years ago – that these things are very serious,” Register said. “We’ve been very fortunate in our community recently. We don’t want anybody to ever underestimate the ability and the potential of a storm, a tornado, those sorts of things. As soon as they hear a warning like that, they need to assess their situation and determine if they need to be somewhere else.”
contributed by Courtney mcnamee
Students learn how to train horses in the class, which is offered by College of Animal Sciences.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Campus A3
The Auburn Plainsman
The ins and outs of scholarships money
Tracy Awino
Campus Reporter
Each spring, the Auburn University Office of University Scholarships awards scholarships to incoming freshmen for the next school year and general scholarships for current enrolled students. Velda Rooker, director of University scholarships, said there are three levels of Spirit of Auburn Scholarships awarded to incoming freshmen. The first is the SOA Presidential Scholarship, which covers tuition for four years and gives a $1,000 technology stipend for the fall, requires a minimum 32 ACT and 3.5 GPA. The second is the Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship requires a minimum 30 ACT and 3.5 GPA and covers tuition for four years. The third is Spirit of Auburn Scholarship requires a minimum 28 ACT, 3.5 GPA and provides $3,000 for four years, according to Rooker. Rooker said academic scholarships are also offered for non-Alabama residents. Rooker said there are certain requirements that should be met for renewal purposes once the scholarships have been awarded or else the student loses the scholarship. “If they are going to lose them, they will lose them after the fall semester, and students lose them as late as fall of their junior year,” Rooker said. Rooker said the percentage of students who lose their scholarships typically decreases after freshman year. The adjustments the students are making while trying to adapt to a new environment may be one of the key reasons students lose the scholarships during their freshman year, according to Rooker. “I think it’s just mainly normal first year adjustment,” Rooker said. “Some students are studying much differently than they studied before. It is completely different material. They are learning a lot about themselves and how to live on their own.” Rooker said many things can come into play that have nothing to do with academics. “There a lot of students who did well in high school, and (college is) hard and they find the academic rigor much more challenging than they anticipated,” Rooker said. “They don’t really know how to handle that, and that’s really
overwhelming.” However, once a student loses a scholarship, he or she still has hope, Rooker said. “We have an appeals process,” Rooker said. “And we notify students who have not met the requirements for renewal at the end of each year. We send the student an email and let them know they have not met the requirements for renewal,” Rooker said. “We outline the appeals process. They are allowed to submit a letter of appeal and any supporting documentation that they would like to, and that appeal is reviewed by the University scholarships committee, which is appointed by the president.” Rooker said the committee is comprised of faculty, administrators, graduate and undergraduate students. Rooker said the appeals considered are mostly ones that have extenuating circumstances. Students send appeals from students admitting they haven’t studied enough, to those who had deaths in the family. Appeals are then reviewed and voted on for further action, according to Rooker. “We really try to be proactive,” Rooker said. “We do not want to cancel anyone’s scholarship if we do not have to, so we used to send only one reminder in the spring many years ago, and we would only send it to students who were below 3.0 after fall.” Rooker said now three reminders are sent within the fall and spring for a total of six reminders throughout the year. “The first email is a reminder you have to be enrolled for x amount of hours as of the 15th class day in order for your scholarship to disperse, the mid-semester email is about campus resources if a students is struggling and the last one is a reminder that as they go for finals these are the requirements for renewal,” Rooker said. Rooker said there are donor-funded scholarships based on giving and a stewardship that is not driven by major but departmental scholarships. Will Register, senior in accounting, was awarded the Presidential Scholarship. “College is definitely a lot harder than high school,” Will said. “It’s somewhat stressful to keep my grades up trying to keep the scholarship.” Will said he would have enjoyed ceremonies or functions that enabled him to meet with oth-
KELSEY GAINER / GRAPHICS EDITOR
Freshman scholarships dropped in 2012, but have steadily increased since.
er people who were also awarded the scholarship. Dustin Register, junior in supply chain management, said he was also awarded the Presidential Scholarship. “You have to maintain a 3.0 [GPA,] and
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that’s an extra motivator to stay above that and do my courses,” Dustin said. Dustin said the scholarship helped him have security in knowing he could attend Auburn University for four years with his tuition covered.
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Thursday, April 9, 2015
rankings
Auburn is ‘not’ hipster
Auburn named a top city for hipsters in the US Haley Lanigan Campus Writer
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The City of Auburn was declared one of the top United States cities for hipsters by a survey taken by FindTheHome.com and shared on CBSNews.com. The survey is based off of the number of residents from age 20-34, the percent who have bachelor degrees and the number of cafés and yoga studios. Auburn placed eighth in the ranking, passing Seattle, San Francisco and Santa Monica, California. Many were surprised to see Auburn make the list at all. Brandon Gilbert, junior in professional and public writing, said people have to spend some time in the town to figure out what it’s really like. “When I first took my visit here, I thought it was a pretty hipster place,” Gilbert said. “I saw trees and a bunch of little coffee shops and little quaint stores, so I was like, ‘This is a pretty quiet, little place.’ But, now that I’ve been a student here for a couple of years, I’ve realized it’s not as hipster as I thought.” Kristen Janikowsky, freshman in civil engineering, said there is a hipster culture in Auburn, but it is not the largest category of people. “I’m actually surprised to hear we’re in the top 20,” Janikowsky said. Janikowsky also said hipsters can be found at coffee shops and cafés as the article suggests, and said this culture is expanding. “There’s definitely a culture,” Janikowsky said. “I think you see it more a Wake Up and Mama Mocha’s and stuff, and it’s getting bigger and bigger.” Sociology professor Allen Furr defined what a hipster is from a sociological standpoint. “Hipster is a contemporary form of disenchantment with mainstream cul-
Kenny Moss / photographer
FindTheHome.com based the survey partially on how many cafés, such as Coffee Cat (above), existed in the cities.
ture,” Furr said. “It’s a counterculture, but not as strong as hippies or bohemians. They don’t fully reject society, they reject what’s popular in society.” Furr also commented on why hipsters will never refer to themselves as hipsters. “It’s because they don’t want to be conformists,” Furr said. “So, if you call them a hipster, that’s saying that they have conformed to this other image. To call them a hipster is really just to say that they’re conforming to a different package.” Abigail Maddox, senior in human development and family studies, said she agreed with Furr. “I would think it’s because hipsters are kind of against mainstream, and so to call
themselves hipsters would go with the mainstream, so they don’t really want to be called hipsters because it’s what the norm is,” Maddox said. According to Furr, people are surprised to hear about the number of hipsters in Auburn because it is not the primary group residents of Auburn focus on. “I think we have more than we think we have,” Furr said. “I think there is a lot of people here who do lean towards the hipster lifestyle. I think we probably do have more because we have all these yoga studios and coffee shops. We have a large non-hipster population, but if you look past them, you will see who everybody else is, and a lot of them are hipsters. I think it’s a quiet thing.”
To GAP or not to GAP ACADEMICS
Advisers weigh in on the Grade Adjustment Policy Rebecca O liver Campus Writer
It’s that time in the semester when the drop period has ended, and students who may be doing poorly in their classes are faced with an ultimatum: Should I GAP or take the F? Lori McLean, communications and journalism adviser, said the Grade Adjust Policy (GAP) has proven itself to provide life support to GPAs. Removing an F from the GPA of a student on academic warning can keep the student’s GPA above the 2.0 mark required to avoid academic probation, according to Pamela Hennessey, nursing adviser. Hennessey said the GAP option exists to give students a second chance at success. However, GAPing will not clean up the student’s GPA if the student is looking to advance to graduate school. “Graduate schools look at the student’s cumulative GPA, which shows the grades students have GAPed,” Hen-
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nessey said. According to Hennessey, many students believe the misconception that GAPing erases a poor grade from their transcript. “The first grade for the GAPed course is left on the transcript, but there is an asterisk placed beside it indicating the class was GAPed,” Hennessey said. “The grade earned retaking the course is also listed. The asterisk might draw more attention to the grade than if it had not been GAPed, depending on who is looking at it.” McLean also said GAPing can be harmful in some scenarios. “In some situations, students want to gap a D, and then they retake the class and do even worse the second time and exhaust two of the three allowed GAPs,” McLean said. McLean said the alternative option to failing or GAPing leaves students with the decision of whether or not to withdraw from a class. Withdrawing from classes can be-
come a habit, according to McLean. Mid-term grade postings are mandatory for all core classes at Auburn, according to McLean. “Students should have a pretty good idea of where they stand so they can make a decision during the drop period with grades posted at mid-term,” McLean said. “When at a student’s record is being evaluated and W after W is listed, it could be viewed as negative. If we see where a student has GAPed a class multiple times or withdrawn from a number of classes, we then start to look at whether or not they are in the right major.” Katie Lackey, human sciences adviser, said another approach to improving a student’s academic standing is utilizing campus resources. “I make sure they know how to get access to supplemental instruction sessions and Academic Support Services,” Lackey said. “Having good study habits and understanding the syllabus can greatly help.”
Opinion
a5
Thursday, April 9, 2015
ThePlainsman.com
Opinion
our view
Please, Alabama, we want more Topic:
SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS
Alabama has
Responses to “LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Response to April 2 issue”
consistently cut funding toward higher education
Adam Hauser “The plainsman should not have to censor and water down its material simply because overly sensitive people happen to tour the campus from time to time.”
Viewpoint:
state needs more funding for
Gray Lane “Whoever wrote this: Thank You.”
education; students can’t
John Preston Houston “I would hope that we would want to attract the type of students who are mature enough to handle something as tame as a Plainsman headline and an article about STDs. Carry on, Plainsman writers.”
afford tuition Alabama University students will visit the Statehouse in Montgomery on Thursday, April 9, to lobby lawmakers for more higher-education funding and fewer cutbacks. Students from nearly every public university in Alabama will attend, including Auburn students. Auburn needs to pay attention to these Higher Education Days, because the decisions made will affect their pockets. Alabama has consistently cut funding towards higher education, causing Auburn to hike tuition rates to counteract the difference in budget. For a public four-year school, in the 2012-13 year, the average tuition rates went up 51.5 percent from the 2007-08 school year, according to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges. Students cannot continue to pay these ever-increasing tuition rates. According to the Project on Student Debt, 54 percent of college students in Alabama now graduate with debt. Overall, the nation’s student loan debt is rapidly approaching $1 trillion. Alabama’s state government is forcing students to go into debt while pursuing higher education goals. Currently, according to a report published by the Grapevine at Illinois State University, Alabama ranks fourth in the nation for budget cuts to higher education at 28 percent cut between 2008-13. With less government funding leading to higher tuition rates, some students may turn away
Drake Pooley “The problem here is the headline. Nothing in the headline about STDCheck alluded to the fact that the ranking was satire. Very poor editorial oversight. The entire front page of yesterday’s edition looked more like a tabloid than a highly decorated news organization.”
kelsey gainer / graphic designer
from higher education, finding the cost to be too high to pursue. The state will miss out on these students who turn away from higher education or the students who cannot finish because costs have become too high. According to the College Board, statistics, federal, state and local governments receive increased tax revenues from college graduates and the government ends up spending less on income support for college graduates. Adults with higher levels of education are also more active citizens than those with lower levels of education. Naturally, in order for Alabama to give more funding for higher education, taxes would have to be raised. Students pay sales tax. Through our rent checks, we pay housing taxes. Students who have part-time or full-time jobs during the year pay income tax. Students have every right to ask the government to raise taxes to help pay for higher education. Many Auburn students remain in the state after graduation and continue to contribute to tax revenue. Auburn students must continue to draw
Liz Ballin “‘I think the newspaper should only publish facts that make auburn look good’ ‘I think the way communists censored communication was a good idea.’”
question of the week:
Jean Fuller Davis “The Plainsman is a school newspaper. They are not the New York Times. They are here to just write articles to inform students of campus activities. They take themselves way too seriously.”
Do you think Alabama should budget more toward higher education funding?
Kathy McWilliams “Many are likely journalism students and they should take themselves seriously.”
Yes, students can’t afford tuition rates
Zach Thompson “Seriously? What a wuss”
No, Alabama citizen’s can’t afford the tax increase
Responses to “LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Response to student media restructuring”
I don’t care
Trey Kelly “#FreeThePlainsman2015”
Vote online at ThePlainsman.com
Suzanne E. Chapman “As an AU grad and the daughter of a writer features in print at AU, I’m deeply upset that you’ve taken away staff for these young men and women with a future in journalism. Gifted staff is what draws students in, and this decision should have been discussed with your students.”
the government’s attention to increased funding for higher education. The continued pursuit of higher education cannot be dismissed or deterred, and the ultimate benefits from those who pursue higher education far outweigh the minor tax increasing it would cause.
her view
Response to “War Eagle Supper Club to close after 78 years.” Claudia Elizabeth Williamson “Don’t disturb me, I’m in mourning.”
Response to student media restructuring VP of Student Affairs’ response to restructuring his view
On Thursday, April 2, The Plainsman announced the new plan to transfer Student Media from the Office of Student Affairs to the Office of Communication and Marketing within student affairs. Despite the glaring red flag of categorizing journalistic organizations in the “marketing” department, this seemed like a fairly innocuous move. However, the deception and disrespect that occurred in this process will mar this change, and rightly so. Students and staff alike were kept in the dark about decisions that concerned their work, their passions and, ultimately, their futures. “We believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which we cannot win the respect and confidence of our fellow men.” I call bull****. Some of the employees who have now lost their jobs so unceremoniously have served this student body and University for years. I would not be where I am today without their guidance, their insight, their expertise and their patience in training up the next generation of journalists, writers, photographers, editors, anchors, camera people
and artists. I understand change is inevitable, no matter the amount of sentiment or emotion. However, these people were shut out of decisions that deeply affected their lives and careers. Is this how Auburn men and women treat their coworkers? If so, I want no affiliation. Additionally, a cursory “review” five years ago, as well as a couple office visits are nowhere near enough to understand the scale of work that goes into The Plainsman, “The Glomerata,” Eagle Eye, WEGL and “The Circle.” As an employee of both The Plainsman and “The Circle” during my time at Auburn, I was constantly amazed at how much work it takes to maintain and produce the content of student media. The arrogance of the administration to assume they know what is best for these organizations without including all stakeholders in decisions regarding space, staffing, location and organization is insulting. Adding salt to the wound were the comical reasons for the abrupt upheaval. Please don’t patronize the students,
staff and alumni. We’re not buying the reason for lack of cohesiveness is the furniture or the space. We’re smarter than that. Please treat us like the adults we are. Also, letting most of your beloved staff go is not going to accomplish the “cohesiveness” you claim student media lacks. Quite the opposite. The way upper administration treated the students and staff who have served student affairs for so many years (for many, while they paid money TO the University) is abhorrent. I’m ashamed at the way this movement went, and I strongly urge the Office of Student Affairs to reassess and consider the people they work for. If this is indicative of the way Auburn University makes its decisions regarding staff and student welfare, I do not believe in Auburn nor do I love it. #FreeThePlainsman #AndAllofStudentMedia Ashley Miller is a 2014 Auburn graduate.
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to support the evolving needs of our student media. These positions will have no control over editorial content and will be protectors of our students’ First Amendment rights. Each will report to the manager of communications and marketing for the Division of Student Affairs, and our students will be instrumental in choosing the right candidates to fill these positions. While some positions have changed, what has not changed is student media editorial independence and the value we place on the important work they do to create first-class media products for the Auburn community. We are looking forward to working with our students in this endeavor and further showcasing their outstanding work.
The Auburn Plainsman
The Editorial Board Becky Hardy
Within Student Affairs, students are our first and only priority. As a result of a four-year independent study, Auburn student media is being reorganized to place them on sound financial footing, adapt to today’s digital media landscape and help provide the best experience for students. Your recent coverage, however, mischaracterized both the reason and impact behind these changes. Certain non-student administrative and advising positions are changing for The Auburn Plainsman, “The Glomerata,” “The Auburn Circle,” WEGL and Eagle Eye TV. No other reorganizing is occurring. This new staff structure, creating convergence across student media, is better positioned to support each of these platforms as they work for the benefit of Auburn students. The new organizational structure will create five full-time positions
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Community Thursday, April 9, 2015
A6 ThePlainsman.com
Community
city
Annual Citizen Survey reveals high satisfaction Jim Little
Community Editor
City leaders were able to find out how the citizens of Auburn feel about the way the city is run after getting the results of the Annual Citizen Survey. Chris Tatham, Vice President with the ETC Institute, a market research firm for local governments, presented the survey results at the Auburn City Council meeting on April 7. Auburn ranks among the highest in citizen satisfaction from the more than 800 cities where ETC conducts surveys, according to Tatham. “The nice thing when I get to come present here is Auburn is one of the standard setters for community performance,” Tatham said. Ninety-two percent of survey respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of life in Auburn. The survey was sent to 1,500 households with a 46 percent response rate and a margin of error of 3.5 percent, according to City Manager Charles Duggan. The survey revealed a 43 to 1 ratio of positive to negative opinions of city services, with 87 percent of Auburn residents having a positive view of the quality of city services. Seventy-six percent of citizens had a positive view of their value received for tax dollars paid. “[These] are the two questions I consider the most important on the entire survey,” Tatham said. “In other words, if you don’t ask anything else, this is usually where I can take away is this city doing well or not so well.”
Auburn’s worst area was traffic flow, with 19 percent of citizens dissatisfied with the way the city handled traffic and 57 percent satisfied. Twenty-five percent were neutral. The survey was conducted in February and March when several railroad crossings were closed because of construction. “Traffic congestion is a problem in every city, but we’re not satisfied until we’re above every city,” Duggan said. Duggan said he hopes city projects, including the Toomers Corner renovation, will improve traffic flow. “We had a 44 percent decline in accidents on the South College-Shug Jordan-East University intersection after we redid that,” Duggan said. Duggan said he’s willing to take a hit on the perception of traffic flow for a few years during projects, which will eventually improve traffic. Mayor Bill Ham said he was happy Auburn continues to have some of the highest citizen satisfaction rates in the nation. “We may be very good, but we can always do better,” Ham said. “There’s always room for improvement. As my dad used to say, ‘We’re human, so we’re not going to be perfect, but we can always strive to do better.’” Councilwoman Lynda Tremaine said she was also pleased with the survey results. “My feeling is, keep it quiet because it shows what a wonderful community (Auburn) is,” Tremaine said. “I think, when you talk to anybody, they love living in Auburn, and that’s what that survey shows.”
contributed by the city of auburn
This map shows the results of the overall satisfaction with city services across the city limits of Auburn.
Vote set for new high school Jim Little
Community Editor
Contributed by auburn city schools
A layout of what the new $78.39 million high school will look if voters approve the bond issue April 28.
A municipal election that will decide if bonds will be issued to build a new high school will take place on April 28. If the voters approve the $78.39 million bond issue, the debt will be repaid using Auburn’s 5-mill fund, which has existed since the 1940’s, according to a city press release. The new high school will be built on a site in between East University Drive, Glenn and Samford Avenues. A mill is the equvalient of one-tenth of one cent. City Manager Charles Duggan said the 5-mill fund was designed to fund city projects. “This is a fund that builds up year after year, waiting for the voters to approve an issue of bonds,” Duggan said. “(The city) is allowed to use this source of funds to pay back those bonds, so it’s not a new tax.” Auburn voters previously rejected a 9-mill property tax increase for city schools Sept. 24, 2013, 54 percent to 46 percent. “I think as long our citizens understand it’s not
a new tax,” said Mayor Bill Ham. “That we’re taking a tax that has been collected for 50 years, and asking (the voters) to vote on its use.” Ham said there has been extraordinary growth in the city schools over the years, and everyone who opposed the 2013 property tax he has spoken to is supportive of the new measure. Duggan said he hopes citizens who value the school system will come out to vote. “If people come out to vote, it’s going to overwhelming pass, but if they don’t come out to vote, you never know why someone has a reason to vote against it.” Duggan said. “They may not care about the school system, they may be in the minority of the folks who don’t believe that (Auburn) spends their tax dollars wisely.” Duggan said he believes the new high school is a good project and one the city needs. “I think that once people learn about the issue, it will be very easy for them vote for it.” The deadline to register to vote is April 13. “(The high school) needs more room because Auburn continues to grow,” said Councilwoman Lynda Tremaine.
parks
Chewacla raises entrance rates Pierce Ostwalt Community Writer
Several changes will be coming to Chewacla State Park, and some have already been put in place. The first change that is already in place is an increase of the entrance fee by one dollar, now making the fee $4 per patron. This was done this past March and is part of a routine adjustment, according to Greg Lein, Alabama state parks director. The reason for the increased entry fee is to cover the parks utilities, insurance and other administrative expenses, Lein said. Chewacla is also increasing its other fees for camping and cabin usage, according to O’Dell Banks, park manager of Chewacla. The campgrounds of Chewacla are having the next change by implementing an online reservation system for patrons to use. “We hope that, in the late part of May or early June, we will be implementing a change in our reservation system,” Lein said. “It will allow our guests to make site-specific reservations through our website.” Those interested in using the campground
can access the site-specific reservation system through Chewacla’s website. This new process also helps to ensure groups are able to plan their campsites accordingly. This online process of campsite reservations is already in place at other parks, according to Banks, and allows for patrons to easily plan their visit before their arrival. “If you were going to go out to Chewacla and you and your friend wanted to camp there and wanted to camp side-by-side, you would be able to look at the available campsites and make a selection through that as to what site the two of you wanted to be at,” Lein said. The park is also known for its geocaching program and mountain biking trails, which is under ongoing work to for improvement. Chewacla was the recent host of a mountain biking summit. Geocaching uses an app or a handheld GPS to guide visitors to the large number of caches Chewacla has to offer. “It’s free to join and called Geocaching.com,” Banks said. “It will allow you to download the coordinates to all the different caches all over the world, and we have about 70 here inside the
Emily Enfinger / photo editor
Chewacla State Park (above) is raising rates to $4. Renovations have been put on hold because of a lack of funding.
park.” More changes have been discussed, which includes adding a new entrance building, renovating an old Civilian Conservation Corps building, expanding the campgrounds and adding more cabins to the campsites; but none of these projects have begun because of an absence of any firm sources of funding, according to Lein.
“We operate on a user-pay system,” Lein said. “We can’t talk about that too much, and I often tell people if they ask me or if they say, ‘Well, what can I do to help the state parks system?’ My response to that is go out and use it, and bring 10 of your friends. When you’re using your park system and you’re paying those [entrance] fees, you are truly helping the system.”
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
Community A7
Singing in hope for a miracle
music
Local teen chases her dream, releases first album titled ‘Colorful’ Kendyl Hollingsworth Community Writer
One Opelika teen has recently taken her dream of becoming a professional musician to the next level with the release of her first original album, “Colorful.” Abby Miracle, 16, plays ukulele and guitar and has been singing and writing her own songs since she was in elementary school. Abby said she plans to release an EP record this fall and “write songs until I run out of ideas, then write about other people’s stories.” “She did her very first solo in church, and when she was in the kindergarten choir, she was hand-selected by the minister of music to sing with the adult choir at Christmas time,” said Carol Ann Miracle, Abby’s mother. Abby was 6 years old when she first sang at First Baptist Church. “I sang ‘Happy Birthday, Jesus’ in front of, like, a thousand people,” Abby said. Carol Ann said she has noticed a richer tone in her daughter’s voice every year, as well as more security in her performances. “She’s just grown to the point where she knows this is what she’s meant to do forever in some capacity,” Carol Ann said. “It’s just waiting to see exactly how it’s all going to unfold.” Abby began writing music when she was 7 or 8 years old, and has kept her notes and journals over the years. Working with a songwriting instructor has also helped Abby to harness and fine-tune her songwriting abilities. Although ukulele is Abby’s instrument of choice, she picked up guitar in September of 2014 at the prompting of one of her music teachers at Spicer’s Music. When it comes to creating and producing her first album, Abby described the process as “stressful and amazing.” Abby said she also enjoyed the ins and outs of physically printing CDs, and having to translate her ideas into songs. “There are a lot of stories in my head, whether they’re mine or things that I’ve come up with or things that my friends have shared with me
“
I think she’s a great performer. She’s a great songwriter. I was overall really impressed with her maturity about her music and everything. —Allie Fox Owner of Musictown records
that they want to get out there, but they have no way how,” Abby said. “Then you have to record it, and you have to make sure it sounds good, then you have to get CDs printed. It’s just a lot of stuff.” Abby said one of her favorite songs she has written is the unreleased track, “Same Heart as You,” which is based on an imagined scenario in which a girl with several negative relationships befriends someone who shows her compassion through small acts of kindness. Abby cites Matthew West, Jeff Slaughter and Drake Bell as some of her biggest musical influences. “(Drake Bell) is the reason I decided I wanted to play guitar,” Abby said. Meeting West this March was also an influential moment for Abby. “I brought him a CD [of mine], and he made me sign it for him,” Abby said. Abby has been performing at several local venues, including Spicer’s Music and MusicTown Records. Abby is schedule to play at The Railyard in Opelika Saturday, May 30. Allie Fox, owner of MusicTown Records, said she met Abby in December 2014. “She was a babysitter for a friend of mine’s kids, and I drove her home one night,” Fox said. “I met her that way, and she started coming in the record store as soon as we opened. She was here almost every day.” Abby said her favorite thing about performing
photos by David Topper / photographer
Abby Miracle performs at MusicTown Recornds in Opelika. Her next show is Saturday, May 30 at The Railyard.
is seeing the reactions on people’s faces when she plays a song they know. Abby said she also engjoys when an audience listens to one of her original songs and trying to grasp the message and story behind it. “I think she’s a great performer, she’s a great songwriter,” Fox said. “I was overall really impressed with her maturity about her music and everything.” According to Abby, her friends and family have been supportive of her dream. Although she began homeschooling this year, her friends from Opelika High School still keep in touch and like to stay updated on her accomplishments. Her parents have also shown their support and pushed her to pursue her dream. Carol Ann said she and her husband are excited about their daughter’s gift, and feel strongly about supporting and nurturing a child’s talents. “We’re very delighted that she’s been gifted like this, so we just want to do whatever we can to support (her dream),” Carol Ann said.
Court-Approved Supplemental Information About The Deepwater Horizon Economic Settlement Claim Deadline
June 8, 2015 – Deadline to File
Claim(s) with the Deepwater Horizon (BP) Economic Settlement Program The Class Settlement and its objective, financial data based causation tests have been approved by final judgment.
The June 8, 2015 Deadline will NOT be extended
If you reside or have a business in the map above, you have the right to file a claim.
www.deepwaterhorizoneconomicsettlement.com
If you submit a claim form and all required information and meet the formulas as approved by the Courts, you qualify for an award. Not every claim filed will be eligible, but you have the right to file and find out.
To file your claim go to: Or Call (866) 992-6174
Sports
A8
Thursday, April 9, 2015
scoreboard
ThePlainsman.com
Sports
Gymnastics
Return to Nationals
Baseball (19-13, 4-8)
12-year drought ends Andrew Monson Sports Writer
When Jeff Graba took the Auburn head coaching job in 2010, he knew the process of building an elite program would be daunting, but he also knew it was possible. “I remember talking to them early on about, ‘Hey, if you guys buy into the program and help us lead, we’ll get somewhere really special,’” Graba said. “It’s just nice to see that they all did buy in and that they all did push really hard and fought through all the tough times.” Now in his fifth season at the helm, he has led the Tigers to their first NCAA Gymnastics Championship berth since 2003 and the fourth berth in program history. On Saturday, April 4, Auburn posted a 196.900 team total, the highest regional score in program history. The score was good for second behind Alabama and good for an invitation to Fort Worth, Texas, for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships. Senior Caitlin Atkinson and the rest of the team are just glad their work is translating to success. “The past three years we’ve worked so hard,” Atkinson said. “We’ve been fighting this whole season. To see our hard work pay off is super exciting.” The Tigers will compete in the NCAA Gymnastics Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, from April 17-19.
RECENT April 8 vs. Georgia State Loss vs. Arkansas, 3-2 Win vs. Arkansas, 3-2 Loss vs. Arkansas, 10-7 UPCOMING April 10-12 at No. 3 LSU
No. 7 softball (37-5, 10-2)
RECENT April 8 vs. UAB Win vs. No. 11 Tennessee, 12-9 Loss vs. No. 11 Tennessee, 8-6 Win vs. No. 11 Tennessee, 6-2 UPCOMING April 10-12 at No. 23 Texas A&M
no. 8 Gymnastics (6-5)
RIGHT: Megan Walker competes on balance beam during the NCAA Auburn Regional. BACKGROUND: Stars fill the Auburn Arena during the national anthem prior to the NCAA Auburn Regional.
Top 10 Program Scores 1. 197.750 - 2/27/15 vs. Georgia 7. 197.025 - 3/8/15 vs. Alabama 8. 197.000 - 3/7/14 vs. Missouri 2. 197.300 - 2/13/15 vs. LSU 197.000 - 2/13/04 vs. Florida 3. 197.175 - 2/22/13 vs. LSU 10. 196.925 - 3/21/15 4. 197.100 - 3/13/15 vs. UNC SEC Championships 197.100 - 2/14/14 vs. Alabama 6. 197.075 - 1/23/15 vs. Arkansas
Eric Wallace / Sports Editor
Opinion RECENT NCAA Auburn Regional 2nd - 196.900 UPCOMING April 17-19 NCAA Gymnastics Champs.
equestrian (7-7, 2-6)
I know the feeling
Championship losses land most painful blows for diehard fans David McKinney sports@ theplainsman.com
LAST WEEK Win vs. No. 1 S. Carolina, 13-6 UPCOMING April 16 NCEA Championships Tennessee-Martin
Men’s Tennis (14-10, 2-8)
LAST WEEK Loss vs. LSU, 4-3 Loss at Texas A&M, 4-0 UPCOMING April 10 at Tennessee April 12 at Kentucky
“Elation” is a word often used surrounding championships. The “elation a team feels.” “The elation a championship brings to the town of the team.” Thesaurus.com gives four words as antonyms for elation: depression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness. The image of Wisconsin fans on State street Monday night following the Badgers’ 68-63 defeat at the hands of Duke in the final of the 2015 NCAA men’s basketball tournament showed these. The Badgers doled out those same feelings the previous Saturday, April 4, handing Kentucky their first, and fatal, loss of the season in the final four. 40-0, a perfect season, what seemed to be an unattainable dream, right at their fingertips, crushed by a band of sharpshooters, who had their own championship aspirations put to rest not three days later by Mike Krzyzewski, one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. Following losses like these, fans get emotional, sometimes downright irrational, and things can get out of hand. Riots break out, people are injured, couches, especially those that sit in Lexington, are set ablaze as some sort of furniture sacrifice to the basketball gods who have wronged the Wildcat faithful in hopes of more merciful
blessings the following year. Sports fans are one of, if not the, most delusional groups on Earth. I — and I assure you that nobody who is familiar with me would argue with this — am in upper echelon of the delusional. I invested in sports far too early. School was certainly not my forte, so around the time algebra and chemistry books made their way into my backpack, I set them aside to watch the same SportsCenter four times in a row. On Monday, April 7, another major championship came and went. Coach Krzyzewski and Duke walked away victorious, while Wisconsin, who days before avenged a terribly painful loss after waiting an entire year, trudged off the court with the same amount of championships they left last year’s tournament with. I know the feeling. Granted, I’m not a division-one athlete who’s just lost a championship, but here’s who I can relate to; the people on State street. The couch burners in Lexington, and the “Run the ball,” Seahawks tangent. Here’s my message to those groups: It doesn’t get better. Auburn vs. Florida State in the BCS national championship. We all know how it went. Walking back to the car, parked about a half mile from the stadium on a golf course, I encountered no less than 100 Florida State fans, popping champagne, dancing, hugging each other. As if the game weren’t enough. That night, I lay awake on a UCLA couch, watching Kelvin Benjamin catch that game-winning touchdown over and over again. I must have
file photo
An Auburn fan sits in the bleachers of the Rose Bowl after Auburn’s 34-31 loss to Florida State in 2014.
watched it 100 times that night. I haven’t the slightest idea why I inflicted such torture on myself. I haven’t watched it, or any other second of that game, since. Go back 14 years. Super Bowl XXXIV. Titans vs. Rams. Just weeks before in the Wild Card game, the Titans pulled off arguably the greatest play in the history of sports that would come to be known as the Music City Miracle. (I said arguably; I haven’t forgotten the Kick Six.) At that point in my young life, Steve McNair was the closest thing I’d ever seen to a real-life super hero. He, along with Eddie George, Jevon Kearse and the rest of the Titans, were underdogs to the 13-3 Rams, but the game was a nail biter, all the way down to the last drive — and the last yard. Down 23-16, McNair and the offense took over, and put together a drive that was nothing short of amazing, including McNair pulling off one of the greatest sack escapes of all time. With six seconds to go, McNair had the Titans at the 10-yard line. Tight end Frank Wycheck took a free release route, attempting to lure linebacker Mike Jones away from Kevin
Dyson’s slant route. At the goal line, at the last millisecond possible, Jones turned his head and noticed Kevin Dyson with the ball about two yards out from the end zone. Jones wrapped his arms around Dyson’s legs and took him to the ground, while Dyson tried with all his might to extend the ball over the plane. The ball was spotted at the half-yard line as time ran out. The Titans came half a yard short from a Lombardi Trophy. After all those losses, people around me, mostly my mother, tried to convince me that I would forget about it eventually, and I did. But with each passing championship, I remember how it feels to be a fan of a team that comes up short of a championship. It’s not life or death, and it in no way compares to the pain I assume the actual players feel, but it hurts nonetheless. Some people say, “it’s just sports.” But when you’ve been invested as long as I have, I assure you, it’s much, much more than that. David McKinney is the assistant sports editor for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at sports@ThePlainsman.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Sports A9
The Auburn Plainsman
Football
Balance contributed by auburn athletics
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee tosses the football to Jeremy Johnson during a practice in 2013. Lashlee said all offensive positions, even quarterback, are open for competition.
$100 $200 $300
$15 $30 $45
$115 $230 $345
Lashlee: all positions open David McKinney
Assistant Sports EDitor
Nobody on Auburn’s offense has been named a starter yet, at least according to offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. The most high-profile position race is undoubtedly at quarterback, where Jeremy Johnson is expected to take the reins by most on the outside, but Lashlee said the coaching staff still isn’t ready to name the official starter. “Jeremy and Sean (White)
have been solid,” Lashlee said. “They haven’t made a lot of mistakes, they know the offense and they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. I just want, in the last six practices, those guys to both take the next step and go from just being steady to being to being great.” Keeping it in the backfield, Lashlee said the three-horse race between Roc Thomas, Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber is still going strong. “You can’t base it all off one
scrimmage, but you start to see more separation,” Lashlee said. “I think all three of them did some things well, and did some things not so well.” Lashlee added there are multiple players vying for a spot throughout the offense. “No one has earned a spot yet,” Lashlee said. “We compete. It doesn’t matter if it’s leaning one way or the other. You keep competing. You want to know, as a coach, how a guy’s responding.”
file photo
Former quarterback Jonathan Wallace runs the ball during his freshman season.Wallace and Jason Smith will look to boost the wide receivers after converting from quarterback.
Ex-QBs Wallace, Smith look to boost wide receiver corps David McKinney
Assistant Sports EDitor
Quarterback-turned-receiver Jason Smith is the type of football player a coach wants on the field. He’s a versatile speedster who can play multiple positions and can be a great asset to a quick-running offense, according to Gus Malzahn. Smith said, since he’s moved to wide out, he’s looking to make an impact on the field in any way he can.
Smith said at some point in the fall, he expects to be used in a wildcat-type package at quarterback, where he says he can swing the momentum toward the Tigers. “Every time I touch the ball, I think about breaking it,” Smith said. “Even if it’s blocking, any way I can help, that’s what I’m going to do.” Smith isn’t the only QBturned-WR on the team, either. Ricardo Louis, Stanton Truitt and Jonathan Wallace,
among others, have experience under center, which Wallace said he sees as an added plus to the wide receiving corps. “We’ve got a room full of quarterbacks playing wide receiver which is a good thing as well, because in that room, those guys are very intelligent, they understand the game,” Wallace said. “I give coach Malzahn a lot of credit for that. He knows what he’s doing with his receivers, having smart guys in there.”
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Sports A10
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
kenny moss / assistant photo editor & adam sparks / photographer
LEFT: Kyler Deese attempts to make a throw to first during the Tigers’ final game against Arkansas on April 5. RIGHT: Samantha Scarlett clears a hurdle during the Tiger Track Classic on April 4.
This Week in Auburn Sports Baseball
After evening up the series Saturday night, April 4, the Auburn Tigers felt Sunday’s game, April 5, and by extension the series, was a mustwin. On Easter, Auburn let two leads squander away — one late in the game — and fell to the Arkansas Razorbacks 6-4, dropping the series in the process. Up 3-2 after six strong innings from Rocky McCord, the Tigers looked to be in good position to win. Dalton Rentz came in and pitched a scoreless seventh, but allowed two runs in the eighth before being lifted for Izaac Yarbrough. Justin Camp pitched the ninth, but the normally stout closer let two more runs slip by. The Auburn offense collected 11 hits on the day, but they were unable to capitalize on a majority of them, stranding runners on second base with one out in six of nine innings. “We didn’t have clutch hitting today,” said coach Sunny Golloway. “We’re going to have to have more of a ‘drive-the-ball’ mentality with men in scoring position.” Auburn (19-13, 4-8) was able to load the bases in the ninth and even scored a run, but Melvin Gray struck out looking to end the game. “Our guys are clearly down about (losing the
series),” Golloway said. “They knew this is a series that we had to win. Our back was clearly against the wall.” The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead on RBIs from Anfernee Grier — who went 3-for-5 on the day — and Blake Logan, but Arkansas knotted the score at two in the fifth, when Andrew Benintendi snuck a two-run homer around the right field foul pole. Auburn had the bases loaded with one out in the sixth, but was only able to manage a single run: a sac fly from Cody Nulph. The Razorbacks opened the eighth with a single from Rick Nomura, who was driven in on a double from Carson Shaddy two batters later, ending Rentz’s day. Golloway called to the bullpen for Izaac Yarbrough, who got one out before being lifted for Justin Camp. Camp’s first batter, Joe Serrano, gave Arkansas the lead for good on a two-out, two-strike single through the right side. Auburn managed to load the bases once again in the bottom of the eighth, but JJ Shaffer completed a hitless day with a pop out to the first baseman. Camp allowed two more in the ninth on a bases-loaded single to Tucker Pennell into right field, extending the lead to 6-3.
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Track and Field
Auburn track and field impressed Saturday, April 4, at Hutsell-Rosen Track, tallying 10 wins as the Tiger Track Classic came to a close. Senior Samantha Scarlett finished first among collegiate competitors in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.35. Sophomore Ebony Morrison finished second in the event with a time of 13.58. Junior Rachel Dincoff won the shot put with a throw of 52-2/15.90m, and set a personal best in the discus event with a throw of 172-2/52.47m. Junior Jessie Johnson tied for first in the pole vault with a height of 13-1.5/4.00m. Sophomore Emily Stevens won the 1500m title with a time of 4:31.68. Freshman Dominique Bullock won the long jump with a personal-best leap of 20-8.00/6.30m. Senior Kane Grimster won the men’s 1500m at 3:48.44. The men’s 4x100 relay team of Torrey Campbell, Kahlil Henderson, Joe Fisher and Teray
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“We have no option but to regroup, and get our head up, and go back to work,” Golloway said. “We’re clearly going to have to surprise some people and steal some, and it’ll be duplicating what we’ve already done before. I still like these guys. They’re a tough bunch. They fight. We just didn’t get clutch hitting today.”
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Smith won first place in the event with a time of 40.37. Henderson, Smith, Tyler Ross and Adam Civitano won the men’s 4x400 title at 3:13.95. Senior Ty McCormack won the 3000m with a time of 8:08.80. The Tigers will prepare to head to Starkville, Mississippi, on April 10 for the second annual Border Clash.
Softball
With her home run against No. 11 Tennessee on April 6 to clinch the win for the Tigers, senior Branndi Melero claims the co-player of the week title alongside Bailey Landry of LSU. Melero is known for her strength in the batter’s box and her efficiency on defense as right fielder. Melero falls into the five-hits-or-more club in this weekend’s series next to Kasey Cooper and Morgan Estell, and is credited for seven homeruns this season alone. Melero stands with 39 RBIs for a .348 average, making her No. 11 in the SEC. This award marks Melero’s first time being recognized by the SEC, after junior Emily Carosone won the award in March. Compiled by Eric Wallace, Andrew Monson, C.J. Holmes and Lauren Christopher
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Intrigue Thursday, April 9, 2015
A11 ThePlainsman.com
Intrigue
student spotlight
Music festivals as seen from a production point of view Andria Moore Intrigue writer
When watching a live musical performance, it can be easy to be captivated by the artist or performer. It can be also just as easy to take for granted the labor-intensive hours the production crew puts into making that performance what it is. “Growing up in church, my brother, Nathan and I watched my dad do sound production and I used to play guitar,” said Robert Baugh, junior in business administration. “Then Nathan moved to Nashville and eventually started working as Alan Jackson’s tour manager.” After a few years, Nathan started his own production company, and Robert said they decided to name it 46 Entertainment after the number on their father’s high school football jersey. “In 2009, my brother let me come with him to the CMA’s and just sit and watch him do everything,” Robert Baugh said. “During that time, I became enamored with the production lifestyle.” In 2013, Nathan produced a show in Cullman called “Rock the South” that gave Robert his first
opportunity to help produce music. “As a 21-year-old guy growing up in the South, I love country music,” Robert Baugh said. “I learned how to find the satisfaction in producing a good show.” For a single show, Robert Baugh and the production crew worked 18-20 hours per day usually for the seven days leading up to a show. “The guys you work with and travel with become family,” said Steven Methvin, part-time employee of 46 Entertainment. Methvin has been working in the music production industry for a couple years and worked for 46 Entertainment for the past year. “My favorite show we’ve done was this Christian show called ‘Passion,’” Methvin said. “I like to let my life resemble Christ, and so I love seeing about 20,000-25,000, 18-25-year-olds coming together for Jesus and walking away changed.” Methvin said he has been intrigued by music production since he was a child. It wasn’t until he was older and started working in the industry that Methvin said he realized how much work is actually required.
“
What many people don’t realize is that if there’s no one there to do a job, then you better pick up a broom and make sure it gets done.” —Steven Methvin part-time employee of 46 entertainment
“What many people don’t realize is that if there’s no one there to do a job, then you better pick up a broom and make sure it gets done,” Methvin said. Tyler Porter has been the production manager for 46 Entertainment for the past two years. Like Methvin, Porter also started out in the industry by enjoying music, but quickly decided there was more to be experienced on the production side. “I first started in a band called, ‘Everlife’ that used to open for Miley Cyrus’ ‘Best of Both Worlds’ tour,” Porter said. “But I realized while I was at shows that I was most interested in how
everything worked.” Porter said producing a show requires intensive planning and hard work. “First we figure out the fire codes and fire lanes,” Porter said. “Then we determine where we should hang the video screens and where to put the speakers based upon how many seats were sold.” Although Porter loved the performance side, he said he is extremely happy where he is and enjoys different types of rewards with producing. “For me now, I find gratification in making sure the overall experience for the patron is 100 percent,” Porter said.
contributed by robert baugh
Robert Baugh produced shows, such as “Rock the South” in Cullman (bottom right), and shows in Flora-Bama (top right and left).
campus
Auburn gives new meaning to Wanderlust with night of fashion Ameera Steward Campus Writer
The Apparel Merchandising and Design Association is having its fifth annual fashion show Thursday, April 16, at the Auburn Arena. There are three tiers of tickets: $15 for general admission; $50 for premiere seating, which is the front row; and $70 for VIP seating. VIP seats are mainly for sponsors, but are still available for everyone to purchase. Anyone who purchases VIP seats will sit closest to the runway, and go to a reception after the show and participate in a separate silent auction. All of the money goes back to AMDA, and they give scholarships to two students for approximately $500 each. The gallery portion will begin at 6:45 p.m., which consists of several merchandising and design students presenting their fashion work that could not be featured in the fashion show. Then the runway show begins at 8 p.m. with DJ Coco for musical entertainment. AMDA is an association that consists of production, merchandising and design students, and it gives them the opportunity to get a feel of the fashion industry before actually. AMDA Chairperson and Co-Coordinator Kayla Sherman, senior in apparel merchandising, design and production management, said she joined to get more involved with her major and to gain experience in the fashion world. Sherman also wanted to make industry connections that could help after she graduates. According to Chance Nowell, president and co-coordinator and senior
in apparel merchandising, design and production management, the fashion shows started small in a backyard and has steadily grown each year. According to Nowell, here were approximately 20 garments at the first show and no production or planning. The show wasn’t publicized, and it was mainly for students who made the garments to show friends and family. Last year, it grew to 450 guests, with 40-50 student garments. Two Korean universities also sent more than 25 garments, and Southern Fashion House sent approximately 25 garments over. This year, AMDA is expecting up to 600 guests and more garments. Usually it takes approximately a year to plan a fashion show in the industry, according to Nowell, but the AMDA did it in three months last year and in two semesters this year. AMDA decided to make the planning of a fashion show a class this year. Last semester was about gathering the ideas and committees together to help plan the show, and this semester consisted more of the hands-on work toward the actual show. According to Nowell, the process is very detailed and causes them hours of late-night work. In a nutshell, the students pick a theme, pick models, obtain garments, pick out shoes and accessories, have fittings and start setting up the show. As the biggest sponser of the fashion show, Dillard’s allows AMDA to choose shoes and accessories from their merchandise to use in the fashion show. To pick their models AMDA has casting calls and their garments come mainly from students majoring in de-
sign or merchandising. Students learn many aspects of the industry while going through the fashion show process. Students learn how to make contracts for the models and photographers, make casting calls and do fittings. They also learn how to keep the merchandise safe and how to develop brand cohesion. “It’s a beast of its own compa-
ny and fashion world where it’s very similar to how it is in the industry, where we’re protective over our brand,” Nowell said. According to Sherman and Nowell, they worked hard on the fashion show and since people don’t know much about being in their major, they want to show people what they do and how much effort they put into presenting a fashion show. “The show is very meaningful to
us because we work all year long and work for long hours,” said Lindsey Smith, modeling coordinator for the show. “I can go a week or two without seeing my roommates because sometimes we spend nights working. Finals week doesn’t really exist to us; it’s like an all-semester-long thing. It means a lot for people to come support us and see all of our hard work and our efforts and how much we know about the industry.”
contributed by chance nowell
The runway show begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16. Tickets went on sale March 16.
Intrigue A12
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
campus
Students use different tools to choose future professors
Anne Dawson Intrigue writer
It is time for students to register for classes, and each student goes about choosing their professors differently. Lauren Hurney, freshman in psychology, said she has used a few different methods in choosing her teachers. Hurney said she went into her first semester blind, choosing her teachers strictly on the classes with convenient times. However, her second semester, she used Rate My Professor, a website where students can see other student’s reviews of instructors. According to Hurney, her first semester went better for her because she went into her classes without any opinion of her teachers and was able to form her own. “Rate My Professor can help you know what the teachers are like once you are already in the class, but, when I used it, some people said the teacher was easy and some said the teacher was hard,” Hurney said. Hurney also said Rate My Professor was not a necessity for her because she has an older sister in the same major. She opted to let her sister help fill her in about certain teachers before she chose which classes to enroll in.
On the other hand, Caitlin Macrina, sophomore in human resource management, and Antoinette Russell, freshman in molecular biology, strongly recommend all students use Rate My Professor. “Rate My Professor can make a difference in your success in the class,” Macrina said. According to Macrina, she and a friend decided to take the same course, but chose different professors. Macrina used Rate My Professor, and her friend did not. Macrina said she believes the website lead her to choose the better teacher and has a higher grade than her friend in the same course as a result. However, Macrina said Rate My Professor could be biased. “There are students who will give the professor a bad rating just because they fail the class on their own,” Macrina said. Overall, Macrina said Rate My Professor can have a positive impact on student’s grades. Russell agreed and said she picks her professors primarily on what ratings they have on Rate My Professor. Russell, said this works best for her because students opinions give her an overview of the professor’s teaching style, and allows her to
Kelsey Gainer / graphics designer
Some students opt to use websites or other student’s recommendations when determining their professors.
choose the professor with the best style for her. “Not using Rate My Professor my first semester caused me to get one of the lowest ranked professors at the University and left me with a lower grade in the class,” Russell said.
Russell also said she used Rate My Professor the next semester and was pleased with all of her teachers. Choosing professors can be a crucial decision no matter which way you go about it, Macrina said.
philanthropy
Relay for Life event works to raise money in Auburn community Anne Dawson Intrigue writer
contributed by Courtney cooke
Courtney Cooke was diagnosed with leukemia days before she moved to Auburn to start her freshman year.
A few days before she moved to Auburn from Atlanta, Courtney Cooke, junior in human development and family studies, noticed some unusual bruising on her legs. “My pediatrician told me, since I had just gotten back from the beach, there was nothing to worry about, but, if bruises came up on my stomach or ribcage, to call her,” Cooke said. Three days after moving into her dorm, Cooke woke up with a dark bruise on her stomach. She went to the East Alabama Medical Center and had blood work and tests done that day. On Aug. 10, 2011, Cooke’s pediatrician called her mom and told her they believed she had leukemia, but wanted to have more tests done before they told Cooke. Cooke said she and her mom then went to Atlanta and, within two hours, was told she had leukemia. During her illness, she heard about Relay for Life. Relay For Life is an event on campuses and in communities across the nation. “Relay For Life is (an event) where you go and participate in events all day, and there are activities that help benefit those affected by cancer,” said Cooke. “It’s an amazing thing to be apart of.” After taking a year off from school, Cooke returned to Auburn the following August and has continued to pursue her college degree. She said nothing will stand in her way. “Courtney is the strongest person I’ve ever met and really knows how to put things in per-
“
I used to worry about how much money I’m going to make when i get older, but now I wake up and it’s a sunny day, and I just thank the Lord.” —Courtney Cook
junior in human development and family studies
spective,” said Cooke’s friend Mary Anna Reece, sophomore in public relations. Because of her situation, Cooke said she has learned to appreciate the little things in life. “I used to worry about how much money I’m going to make when I get older, but now I wake up and it’s a sunny day, and I just thank the Lord,” Cooke said. Relay for Life raises money to help people who have been in similar situations as Cooke. According to Alexandra McGauley, one of two co-chairs who oversee Relay For Life and junior in supply chain management, all of the money raised by Relay For Life goes to the American Cancer Society to fund research of new medicines and treatments for cancer patients. “You can’t do research without funding,” Cooke said. The event itself attracts all kinds of people from different walks of life. The best part of the event, Cooke said, is seeing all of the participants. “It’s inspiring to see how many college students get involved,” Cooke said. McGauley said she agreed the best part of Relay For Life was the variety of people who
come together to participate and raise money for the cause. “It’s touching to see the Auburn Family fighting for cancer,” McGauley said. Cooke said students, parents and residents come to participate in three sections: A survivor section to celebrate those who have survived cancer, a memory section to remember those who lost their lives from cancer and a fight section to recognize those still fighting cancer. “I’ve learned that relay is not just about my fight, but everyone’s fight,” Cooke said. Cooke said many do Relay For Life because they have been affected by cancer, but it is always inspiring to her to see those who are involved just to meet people. Because she has been heavily involved in Relay For Life, Cooke said she has learned about responsibility. “One person can have the smallest responsibility, but it can go the farthest way, and it can domino effect,” Cooke said. According to Cooke, this is what Relay For Life is all about — a chain reaction of people making a difference. “It’s really cool to be involved in something that’s bigger than yourself,” Cooke said.