Industrial design students build unique charging stations at the Hangout Music Festival Page 3
Multimedia: New dining changes coming to campus this summer semester Online
Recordbreaking season not unexpected for softball freshman Cooper Page 6
The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID
Thursday, June 5, 2014 • Vol. 121, Issue 3, 8 Pages
SPORTS
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RAYE MAY / PHOTO AND DESIGN EDITOR
National title claim debate reaches tipping point The University and fans of Auburn Football discuss retroactively claiming national championship titles for the years 1913, 1983, 1993 and 2004.
Athletic director Jay Jacobs said committee’s decision needs to be made before football season Eric Wallace SPORTS EDITOR
Debates over whether to retroactively claim national championships are not a new topic in college football. Nor are they confined to the Auburn football program. The debate has reached a tipping point in recent months on the Plains as fans, alumni and media members take to social media to voice their opinion as to whether Auburn should claim NCAA recognized national championships in 1913, 1983, 1993 and 2004. “I think the important thing is that we’re dis-
cussing this now,” said former Auburn kicker Al Del Greco, a member of the controversial 1983 team. “If the powers that be at Auburn decide it best to leave it as is, and not claim, I’m fine with that then. But if they want to go ahead and claim them, I understand why they would do that.” Michael Skotnicki, Birmingham-based lawyer and author of the book “Auburn’s Unclaimed National Championships,” said the issue often comes down to semantics and the standard to which Auburn wants to hold itself. “People, when they address this issue, tend to get into this idea that they need to find who is ‘the’
CRIME
national champion,” Skotnicki said. “They don’t think a national championship can be claimed unless they were ‘the national champion.’” The NCAA as an organization has never selected an annual national champion in football. Instead, it recognizes “National Champion Major Selectors” based on poll results and computer rankings. While two polls generally receive the most widespread acceptance, the Associated Press poll of sportswriters and the United Press International’s poll of coaches, the NCAA Record Book recognizes a total of 35 polls as “National Champi-
on Major Selectors.” The methods used in these polls varied from the mathematical formulas of the Litkenhous poll to the Williamson power ratings system created by New Orleans geologist and former Sugar Bowl committee member Paul Williamson. “People today recognize national championships based on those,” Skotnicki said. “They may have some historical value, but they’re terrible. They were terrible ways of choosing a national champion.”
» See TITLES, A2
NATIONAL
Maya Angelou leaves legacy Ben Ruffin
NEWS REPORTER
RAYE MAY / PHOTO AND DESIGN EDITOR
The shooting occured Sunday, June 1, at Stone Crest Apartments on Opelika Road.
Man in ‘unsatisfactory condition’ after shooting at Stone Crest Apartments
Taylor Ennis NEWS REPORTER
The Auburn Police Division arrested Turquorius Lacharles Vines, 25, of Auburn in obedience to a felony warrant for attempted murder Tuesday, June 3. Vines’ arrest was subsequent to an investigation of a shots fired call that was received on Sunday, June 1. An Auburn Police officer heard several gunshots while patrolling the area of Glenn Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located Kendarious Moss, 21, of Auburn, on the second floor balcony in front of Stone Crest
VINES Apartments. Moss suffered from an apparent gunshot wound to his torso. A resident of Stone Crest told The Plainsman the shooting happened quickly. Moss was airlifted to Columbus Regional Hospital in
Georgia. Moss was received under unsatisfactory condition, according to Public Relations Coordinator for Columbus Regional Hospital Jessica Word. During a subsequent investigation, Vines was developed as a suspect and taken in to custody, initially for the charge possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. A warrant for attempted murder was issued on June 3 on Vines at the Lee County Detention Facility. Vines’ bond is set for $75,000.
In the fall of 2012, the College of Liberal Arts hosted civil rights activist Maya Angelou as part of an event called “Angelou and the Arts.” Following the event, Angelou gave a speech that sold out in the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center as part of the Women’s Leadership Institute Extraordinary Women Lecture Series. Angelou died May 28.
ANGELOU Longtime friend and assistant vice president of Access and Community Affairs, Paula Dilworth, recalled the speech
as an ordinary Maya Angelou speech, which were never truly ordinary. “It was pretty typical of Maya,” Dilworth said. “I would say it was the little nuggets of wisdom that she always shared with people about life and living and always looking for ways to be hopeful.” Angelou’s legacy is ingrained in her artistic works that have influenced many gen-
» See ANGELOU, A2
SPORTS
Auburn alumnus set to build Braves’ stadium Marlee Moore NEWS WRITER
Jim Gorrie has been a fan of the Atlanta Braves his entire life, but his involvement with the Major League Baseball team just got bigger. Gorrie, 1984 building science alumnus of Auburn University, is president and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie, one of four construction companies jointly named American Builders 2017, recently award-
ed the contract to build the new Braves stadium. Barton Malow Company, New South Construction and Mortenson Construction are the other companies that make up American Builders 2017. This group was formed to highlight each of the four companies’ strengths. Brasfield & Gorrie took the lead position because of their large presence in Atlanta and Cobb County. Gorrie graduated with New
South Construction CEO Doug Davidson in spring 1984 and has always had “a tremendous amount of respect for [Davidson’s] firm.” Gorrie, whose parents are Auburn alumni, grew up attending football games and said football Saturdays with his friends and family are one of his favorite memories of the Plains.
» See BRAVES, A2
News 2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, June 5, 2014
DUI REPORTS June 2 - Luis Lopez-Florez, 27 North Dean Road - Anthony Winslett, 39 1700 Block of Easton Court
CRIME REPORTS May 28 - Keith Andrew Lowe, 40, of Columbus, Georgia was arrested and charged with second-degree theft of property. Lowe had an outstanding warrant since July 9, 2013 after shoplifiting from a business located at the 1700 Block of South College Street. The amount stolen was over $1,500 in property. - Paul Earnest Harris, 65, of Lagrange, Georgia was arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property. Over $2,700 in property was stolen from the 1600 Block of East University Drive. May 29 -Third-degree theft of property and unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle at the 800 Block of Cotswold Way May 30 - Diane Priester was arrested and charged with third-degree theft of property at the 770 Block of East Glenn Avenue. - Indecent exposure at 400 Block of West Longleaf Drive June 2 - Alan Lee Vines was arrested and charged with public Intoxication and third-degree criminal trespass at the 100 Block of West Glenn Avenue. - Third-degree burglary and theft from residence at the 600 Block of Scottwoods Drive - Third-degree theft of property at the1700 Block of South College Street - Criminal mischief and the destruction of private property on the 1200 Block of Martin Luther King Drive –Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety
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BRAVES.COM
The new Atlanta Braves stadium, located in the Cumberland/Galleria area of Cobb County, is set to open in 2017.
BRAVES » From 1
“Meeting my wife, Alison, our senior year was a highlight for sure,” Gorrie said of his time in Auburn. Gorrie and Alison met through mutual friends, after which Alison asked him to go to the Kappa Delta formal her senior year. The couple has been married for 29 years and resides in Mountain Brook. They have two children: Mills, who attends Samford University, and Alie B., who attends Belmont University. Gorrie was in Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he served as president and rush chairman. He was also an SGA senator and parliamentarian, member of the Builders Science Builder’s Guild, member of Sigma Lambda Chi, Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa. Spending time at the KA house was one of Gorrie’s favorite activities to do during his years in Auburn. He also frequented the Barbecue House, Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Guthrie’s and Taco Casa; each meal followed by a trip to the Santa Freeze. Although no matter the fun he had outside of class, Gorrie said he always focused on his schoolwork. When Gorrie came to Auburn, he knew that building science was the degree for him.
ANGELOU » From 1
erations by taking a stance for justice, education and equality. Dilworth remembered her friendship with Angelou started at Emory University, where Dilworth heard Angelou spoke for the first time. “She came to Emory a couple of times while I was there, but the one time that stuck out to me was the first time I actually met her,” Dilworth said. “I actually had a chance to sit with her and talk to her and she was just very authentic, nothing fake, nothing phony.” Dilworth said she was always impressed with Angelou for trying to better people’s lives in any way she could. “I think for me what was always impressive wherever she talked, or whatever talk she gave, it was looking for ways to honor the humanity in people like this whole idea of diversity was important to her or people learning how to live better lives with each other,” Dilworth said.
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“I enjoyed my senior thesis because it brought all of the pieces of my building science education together,” Gorrie said. “I liked all my building science classes and teachers. We had great teachers. In fact, I talked Mark Taylor into becoming house dad for the KAs in 1983, and I’m not sure he has forgiven me for that.” M. Miller Gorrie and Gorrie’s father 1957 Auburn alumnus, bought out the assets of the Thomas C. Brasfield Company in 1964 and subsequently renamed the company Brasfield & Gorrie. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “It is all I have ever done or known,” Gorrie said. “I never really considered anything else and have enjoyed working with my father and learning from some pretty special people.” Gorrie believes every job the company takes is special, but counts the Georgia Dome, the Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham and the M. Miller Gorrie Center in Auburn as a few of his favorites. The M. Miller Gorrie Center was made possible through donations from Brasfield & Gorrie employees and was a named in honor of the Gorrie’s father. “We surprised my father,” Gorrie said. “Auburn officials were present one night at the Birmingham Country Club to spring the news on him.” Brasfield & Gorrie also completed the last renovation to Jordan-Hare Stadium in
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I want to write so well that a person is 30 or 40 pages in a book of mine before she relizes she’s reading.” —Maya Angelou
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
Angelou was known for having immeasurable wisdom and Dilworth said she seemed to care about each person she encountered. “She pretty much had what I would characterize as a lot of wisdom to share all the time,” Dilworth said. “She was always interested too, in knowing a little bit more about you as an individual and what was on your mind.” Angelou had a difficult childhood, which she portrayed in her first of three autobiographies, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which debuted in 1969 and vividly portrayed racism in the South.
TITLES » From 1
Auburn currently claims two national championships: 1957 and 2010, though former coach Tommy Tubervile has stated that Auburn should claim the 2004 vacated BCS National Championship. Although the University only claims two, the Tigers are listed in the NCAA Record Book as national champions in 1913, 1983 and 1993 as well. While most schools only claim AP and UPI national championships from the preBCS era, a number of schools, such as Ohio State (’61, ’70), Tennessee (’40, ’50, ’67) and Ole Miss (’59, ’60, ’62), claim national championships that were awarded by other selectors. According to Skotnicki, this portion of the discussion often
the mid-’80s. Even though Brasfield & Gorrie recruits employees from all over the country, Gorrie remembers his Auburn roots. “We have a pretty strong Auburn presence in our company for sure,” Gorrie said. Matthew Nesbitt, junior in media studies, said Brasfield and Gorrie’s opportunity to build the new stadium is a chance to show the world what Auburn graduates can do. “That’s a lot of credit for the Auburn Family,” Nesbitt said. Beau Badger, sophomore in anthropology, said he believes this project is showing the “splash Auburn can make in a community.” “It makes me proud to go to Auburn,” Badger said. Gorrie considers landing the Braves contract a “great win” and is excited about working with the team. “It would not have been possible without the strong leadershipof Rob Taylor who runs our Atlanta office,” Gorrie said.” Gorrie grew up listening to the Braves play on the radio with his grandfather. A lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, Gorrie frequently watches the team on television, even though he rarely makes it to games at Turner Field. “I did take my son the day before [to Braves game] we were selected for the Braves stadium,” Gorrie said. “We had a great time, even though the Braves lost. In an interview with KHOU.com, Angelou said she wanted her readers to feel as if they were experiencing what they were reading instead of thinking that they were reading. “I want to write so well that a person is 30 or 40 pages in a book of mine before she realizes she’s reading,” Angelou said. Dilworth was quick to say that she thought Angelou reached that goal of getting the readers into the story. “She absolutely did that,” Dilworth said. “I read ‘I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings’ in one night and then was upset with myself because I read it so fast. Then I had to go get the next one. I mean, that’s just how she wrote.” While Dilworth does not believe it was Angelou’s intention to set the precedent for female writers, she said she believes Angelou did so. “I think what she showed us was that it is possible to carve out a place for you to tell your story and tell your story the way you want to tell it if you are a woman and you are a writer, ” Dilworth said.
comes down to whether the University should hold itself to a higher standard than “our peer football programs.” “If it’s good enough for the NCAA, then why shouldn’t Auburn recognize that?” Skotnicki said. “Should we be stricter than the NCAA and does it benefit Auburn to do so?” Multiple interview requests made to Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs, who was a member of the 1983 team, were not returned. Jacobs, however, has made his feelings clear on the issue, telling al.com in January 2014 that Auburn should “count our national championships just as our peers do.” Jacobs has also stated that a committee plans to meet this month to discuss retroactively claiming championships. “I think we’ve got to get to
some place before we start the fall or let’s quit talking about it for a while,” Jacobs told Brandon Marcello of al.com. While Del Greco said he understands the historical precedent Auburn set by not claiming other championships, he said the issue should be up for discussion with the changing times. “Up until this point it has been the way that Auburn has always looked at it,” Del Greco said. Del Greco hesitated to take a firm stance and said he already considered the 1983 team national champions. “If they wanted to claim it, I wouldn’t have a problem with it,” Del Greco said. “The times are changing and others have done it. If we choose to leave it as is, well that’s kind of always been the Auburn way so I’d be fine with it too.”
Thursday, June 5, 2014
News 3
The Auburn Plainsman
CAMPUS
Industrial design students charge Hangout festival Nicole Fulkerson NEWS WRITER
Industrial design students were chosen to intern at the recent Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They were able to build and design cell phone charging stations. Last fall, Hangout representatives visited an industrial design class, taught by industrial design professor Randy Bartlett, and requested that the Univeristy sponsor the studio. The students worked with Hangout on a recycling project that would be used in the 2014 festival. Hangout was impressed by the students’ work at the end of the semester and asked them to intern. Two weeks before the festival, eight Auburn students moved into a housing area near the festival grounds and began to prepare for the event. The interns were asked to design and build 26 cell phone charging stations for the general admission area, VIP areas and the artists’ trailers. For two weeks, seniors in industrial design Colin Hennessey, Caroline Anderson, Lindsay Weeks, James Darden, Trevor Johnson, Matthew Cooper, Charles Watkins, Blaine McHale and Will King, worked hard designing and building the stations. These students designed charging bars with chairs for the VIP areas and charging cubes placed in the general admission area. “Our design process was quick since it was just a seven-day project,” Weeks said. “All of us worked to keep the design simple while staying
true to the vision and work going on around us before the festival.” The students operated as a team, maintained a budget and worked around the clock to meet their deadline. “We built trust in the owners by being able to work fast and efficient within our team while also creating good design,” Watkins said. Hennessey designed the cell phone charging stations for the artists. “We had vintage radios that we placed in all of the artists’ trailers that were turned into charging stations just for them,” Hennessey said. “It was a lot of work and a lot of long nights, but it’s worth it when you see someone like Wiz Khalifa using your product.” According to the students, they gained valuable design experience that will be beneficial when searching for a job after graduation. “You need experience to go into the job world through internships, and this opportunity offered me a great thing to put on my resume, along with design experience in the real world,” Hennessey said. Hennessey spoke to Hangout officials about a paid position next year. The festival was not all work, however. When it was time for the festival, the interns had the option to work the festival or attend and enjoy the music. Weeks chose to attend. “My favorite part of the festival was seeing The Avett Brothers play their song ‘At the Beach’ at the beach,” said Weeks. “They are my all time favorite band so it was awesome.”
CONTRIBUTED BY LINDSAY WEEKS
Students turned vintage radios into charging stations and placed them in all of the artists’ trailers.
Watkins and Hennessey took the opportunity to work the festival. They worked under Fresh and Clean Media, who was in charge of all media during the festival. Their job was to escort photographers to and from the photo pit. Working the festival came with perks including an all-access backstage
pass. Hennessey even told reporter for MTV news, Sway, to yell War Eagle on stage. “I explained to him the whole War Eagle/ Roll Tide thing,” Hennessey said. “At the beginning of the set he said, ‘Some boy from Alabama back there told me to say ‘War Eagle,’ and everyone went nuts.”
COMMUNITY
Downtown businesses offer Camp War Eagle visitors hot summer deals Marlee Moore NEWS WRITER
With the bright sun and muggy air of summer comes another guest to the Loveliest Village on the Plains – the Camp War Eagle student. With the arrival of those students comes the beautiful sight of specials and deals in stores around town. Everyone can benefit from the incoming potential freshmen and their parents. The employees at The Pink Room in downtown Auburn are excited about the arrival of campers and have several specials to show it. “During Camp War Eagle, we’re going to have ‘Daily Deals,’ so we’ll have a full outfit put to-
gether each day that is a large percentage off,” said Haley Guntharp, owner of The Pink Room. If customers buy an outfit instead of individual pieces, an additional 20 percent is taken off the price. Sometimes buying a complete outfit can pay off, especially when customers are able to get two pieces for a fraction more than what one regular priced item. In addition to having “Daily Deals” during Camp War Eagle, The Pink Room will have specials the day before and after camp. An additional 20 percent will be taken off all sale merchandise during Camp War Eagle. Every Wednesday before camp, everything
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pink in the shop will be 20 percent off, in reference to the movie “Mean Girls.” Everything in the store that has navy on it will be 20 percent off the first day of camp. Anything with orange will also have 20 percent off on the following day. Ellie Boutique and its sister store Ellie Shoe Boutique are also getting in the spirit of Camp War Eagle with extended store hours. The store, which normally closes at 6 p.m., will stay open until 7 p.m. the night before each camp session, according to Quinley Etheredge, store manager. Coupons for Ellie Boutique can be found in the students’ camp books.
Recognition of city employees and addressing budget changes Taylor Ennis NEWS REPORTER
The Auburn City Council recognized several dedicated city employees, as well as recent budget changes at the Tuesday night meeting. Mayor Bill Ham awarded Employee of the month, Ryan Molt of Auburn Parks and Recreation, as well as service pins and plaques. Molt has been employed with Auburn Parks and Recreation since 2004 and served as a recreation leader and supervisor. Today,
We will continue to work together to take this to council-this community has expressed that funding for city schools is the number one priority.” —Bill Ham MAYOR
he is the leading sports soccer coordinator, participating heavily with the Thunder soccer teams, according to Ham. Ham also discussed matters involving budget cuts
during the citizen’s communication portion of the meeting. “In February of this year, the Board of Education approved a budget amendment of $1.2 million worth of cuts
in our budget, and we made a commitment to sustain an annual cut of $750,000 over some period of time,” Auburn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen DeLano said. “These efforts and the
re-allocation of city funding discussed by the council have allowed us to move forward to phase one in this plan.” The re-allocation of city funds means a delay in city projects and services based on the funding cut, according to DeLano. “We will continue to work together to take this to council,” Ham said. “This community has expressed that funding for the city schools is the number one priority of the council.”
“They can come in, you know, while they’re here,” Etheredge said, “but it expires sometime in the fall, so they can use it when they come back.” Tiger Rags is having a buy one, get one free T-shirt deal, according to employee Katelyn Walden. The store is also handing out a 20 percent off coupon at the business fair held the second day of every camp session. Trips to Toomer’s Drugs at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, a large part of the Auburn culture, are built into the Camp War Eagle schedule. The first night of every camp, Toomer’s Drugs will open from 10–11:30 p.m. to allow campers to purchase Blue Bell ice cream and their famous fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The Council approved the establishment of two stop signs and one 25 mph sign at The Dakota subdivision, as well as the Wire Road Commercial Park, according to City Manager Charles Duggan. The Council approved one stop sign at the Tivoli subdivision.
Auburn Activities
Thursday Friday
Saturday
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The Market at AG Heritage Park 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Corner of Donahue Drive and Lem Morrison Drive
Summer Outdoor Movie Series 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. at Duck Samford Park
East Alabama Women’s Council of Realtors Tour of Homes 2014
Sunday
8 Black Belt Legacy Camp at Auburn Unviersity. For more information, contact the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at 334.844.5700
Monday Tuesday
9 Praise Camp and Rock Camp at Spicer’s Music for ages 8-18
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Healthy Tigers Screening at 2155 Walker Building at Auburn University from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Department of Psychology’s Find Your Place Camp at Auburn University Begins at 8:00 a.m. Contact Daydrie Hague at 334.844.6613 for more information
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The Market at Ag Heritage Park 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Summernight Art Walk 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Hand Quilting and Summer Crops at Second Saturday Begins at 9 a.m. at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka.
Auburn University’s Summer Marching Band Camps-Leadership 2014
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Raptor Education at the YMCA Summer Camp Time TBA
Auburn Softball Summer Camp at the Jane B. Moore Softball Field at Auburn Univeristy. Begins at 12 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Farmer’s Market Dinner at Arricia 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Wednesday
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Safe in the City: Talent Expo and Silent Auction Fountainview Mansion beginning at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
News 4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, June 5, 2014
CAMPUS
CAITLIN SHOSTAK / ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
LEFT: Equipment used by the forestry school to test conifer seeds. RIGHT: Scott Enebak works in his lab over the new polymerase chain reaction testing.
University forestry school awarded grant to fund fungus research Lindsey Raygan NEWS WRITER
Auburn University continues to make a difference across the globe. The Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative and Forest Health Cooperative are two research cooperatives in the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences that have received a $218,000 grant from the United States Forest Service. The grant will be used to fund supplies for a three-year project to improve screening methods, rapidly detect and successfully prevent the spread of a fungus called Fusarium circinatum that causes Pitch Canker disease. This disease kills fully grown conifer trees and seedlings, around the world.
According to Scott Enebak, professor and director of the Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, the fungus is currently present in the southern United States and California. Enebak also serves as the co-principal investigator over the new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing method funded by the grant. The fungus has not reached the northern states, but research shows that trees in the North are susceptible to the fungus. “We are trying to prevent the movement of the pathogen to other places,” Enebak said. According to Enebak, the fungus is physically unrecognizable and is easily spread internationally. The new testing method will use plant DNA, to
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The quicker to identify, the quicker to prevent the entry [of the fungus] into a country.” —Dr. Ryan Nadel
PRODOCTORAL FELLOW
detect the fungus quickly and easily. The current testing method takes three or more weeks and is unreliable, but with the PCR testing method, the fungus will be detected after half a day, according to Lori Eckhardt, assistant professor in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Eckhardt serves alongside Enebak as the director of the Forest Health
Cooperative. Scientists at the University of Florida sequenced the genome of the fungus that causes Pitch Canker and are working with the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn to develop the new screening method. “They did phase one of developing the screening method, and now we are doing phase two,” Eckhardt said. The grant is also funding the studies of Ryan Nadel, a postdoctoral fellow, who is working to develop the new testing method. Nadel is from South Africa and has lived in the United States for three months while he works with the cooperatives. Enebak and Nadel both agree the increased speed of the new testing method is a necessity. “The quicker to identify, the quick-
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er to prevent the entry [of the fungus] into a country,” Nadel said. According to Enebak and Eckhardt, the goals of the new testing protocol are to make Auburn a central testing location where samples of pine are sent in to be tested for the fungus and for clean seed certification. “We want a more rapid test and a more accurate test,” Enebak said. To ensure the tests are more accurate the International Seed Testing Association must approve the new method. According to Enebak, although the improved method of testing will be unable to treat the infected plant life, the early detection of the fungus will be able to prevent the spread of Pitch Canker and allow for recommendations to treat the infected conifers.
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Opinion
5
Thursday, June 5, 2014
ThePlainsman.com
Opinion
OUR VIEW
Got four? No, but Auburn should TOPIC: Claiming past VIEWPOINT: Auburn should officially claim the 1913 and 1983 national championships Claiming national football championships has recently been a hot topic for many Auburn students, alumni and fans. Because the NCAA does not officially award a national title in major college football, polls and organizations unofficially picked title-winners until the start of the Bowl Championship Series in 1998. In the days before national title games, several schools could claim the national title for a given season because there wasn’t a winner-take-all matchup like we saw in the BCS system or will see in the new playoff system. While some Auburn fans like to poke fun at Alabama’s retroactive claims to several national championships, our rivals are not alone. Before their inaugural season in the SEC two years ago, Texas A&M officially added two national titles to its record book. Ole Miss and Georgia Tech have done the same in recent years. While Auburn and Alabama fans can argue over the merits of the rival school’s title claims, they should agree on one thing: claiming national titles is all about boosting a program’s reputation. Even in today’s world of modern college football recruiting, with the new lure of state-of-theart facilities and quick routes to NFL careers, a program’s history and tradition still mean a lot to its future. That is why athletic director Jay Jacobs and other Auburn alumni are debating official claims to the 1913, 1983, 1993 and 2004 national titles. We think Auburn should make their rightful claim to some of these disputed championships, but not all of them. In 1993, Auburn had a magical, perfect season but was ignored by the pollsters and coaches. There was a good reason for that: the Tigers were on probation, keeping them from any postseason action, SEC title considerations or televised games. And while the unbeaten 2004 Auburn Tigers had a significant claim to be involved in the national title picture, there was a national title game that season. Though USC later had to hand back the consensus 2004 title for recruiting violations, we don’t think No. 3 Auburn can definitively say it has a better claim than Oklaho-
CHARLOTTE KELLY / ASSISTANT GRAPHICS EDITOR
ma, who would be “punished” for a game that shouldn’t have happened. (Our apologies to former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville.) But two of these seasons, 1913 and 1983, should be recognized as national title seasons on the Plains. “Iron” Mike Donahue’s 1913 Tigers went 8-0 and did not give up a single point until the second-to-last game of their season. The NCAA also recognizes the University of Chicago, who does not even play major college football anymore, and Harvard as champions in its record book. But Auburn had the strongest résumé of anyone that season — more than enough to officially claim a title. Pat Dye’s 1983 team, which featured eventual Heisman winner Bo Jackson, went 11-1 in what is statistically the fourth-toughest schedule in college football history. The Tigers bounced back from a second-week loss to No. 3 Texas and knocked off four top-10 opponents in their final five games of the season. After a close Sugar Bowl win against Michigan, then-No. 3 Auburn watched No. 1 Nebraska and No. 2 Texas lose their respective bowl games. Conventional poll logic would have made Auburn the No. 1 team at season’s end, but the team that beat Nebraska, No. 5 Miami, jumped the Tigers in the AP and Coaches’ polls. Auburn and Miami finished with the same record, but Auburn had a much tougher schedule. Tigers beat Florida, the only team that beat Miami, and the Hurricanes’ only top-10 win was against Nebraska. As a member of that 1983 team, Jacobs knows how much Auburn deserved to be crowned the national champion that year. Anyone who looks at a record book can see
how the dominant 1913 team should be officially recognized as champions by Jacobs and the athletic department. We know adding only two national titles will not immediately make us as historically prestigious as our bitter rivals in Tuscaloosa. But when you look at the state of Gus Malzahn’s current Auburn program, there is a great chance the Tigers will have more opportunities in the near future to close that championship gap.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How many national football championships (1913, 1983, 1993 and 2004) should Auburn retroactively claim? Zero One Two Three Four Vote online at ThePlainsman.com
SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS
Levent Isbilir “It’s sad but occurring frequently in Auburn. I have been living here for almost 2 years, and I still do not quite understand why most people own a gun.” Chris Johnston “Just wait until you need a gun for protection from an immediate threat, then you might understand. The gun is not the problem.”
Derek Thompson SPORTS WRITER
Sportsmanship has its lessons on and off the field
football national championships
In response to our online article from June 1, “Auburn man shot at Stone Crest apartments Sunday night”:
HIS VIEW
In response to our editorial cartoon from the May 25 issue:
Which of these Auburn sports teams had the more disappointing 2013-14 season?
@GwenllainRose “LOL at my four year degree” @CLeeTgr76 “Sad, but true!” @Burt_Carter “Could it mean that only college grads can afford fast food, it the minimum wage goes to $15” @dadamsAU “bc only serve that on campus?”
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For most siblings, after they grow into mature adults, their petty childhood rivalries stay in the past. On the other hand, the competition will always be there for me with my younger sister Hope. One of our favorite games to compete against each other in is H.O.R.S.E. For those who have not played the game, it is a basketball variation that requires more shooting skills than anything. I cannot recall ever losing a game to her until she came to visit me in Auburn last week and beat me. I didn’t take it well. If you’re like me, you probably take sports too seriously at times, especially when it involves your siblings. Everyone has a different ego when competing. I can’t stand to lose at anything. A few hours after the tough loss, I eventually accepted that my little sister has grown into quite the athlete and started to act my age instead of my shoe size. It’s easy to get frustrated when you are losing, but there is more a person can gain from competing than winning or losing. Learning sportsmanship teaches people how to deal with moments of truth in your daily life, and it should be carried beyond the field or court. Sportsmanship, whether you like it or not, is a connection to your character off the field. The outcome of sports is often uncertain, like life can be. Sports teach us how to react to things that are out of our control. Being a “good sport” is holding yourself to a higher standard and enjoying the sport for the sake of playing the game and friendly competition. Some things we can do to have better sportsmanship are treat others with respect, encourage and congratulate your opponent when they do something good, not gloat when you win, not pout when you lose, avoid making up with excuses, and be able to take criticism without taking it personally. Your attitude is a big part of what makes you a good or bad sport and shows how mature you are as a person. Your competitive spirit is going to get the best of you sometimes, but how your emotional reaction is what defines you. If you’re a bad sport you could end up giving others a bad reputation. Aaron Hernandez’s immaturity left a mark on the New England Patriots franchise even after the former tight end’s involvement with the team was over when he was arrested on a charge of double murder in 2013. Hernandez got the lowest score possible for “social maturity” during a pre-draft assessment in 2010, and there were members of the franchise that knew about his immaturity beforehand. I’m not saying that anyone could have kept Hernandez out of prison, but who knows what might have happened if his behavior was taken more seriously by the Patriots organization or teammates in the locker room. Monitor yourself, on and off the field, with these things and they can be life lessons as well as good sportsmanship and will make you a better person in the end.
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Sports Thursday, June 5, 2014
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Sports
STATE OF THE PROGRAM NO. 14 MEN'S BASKETBALL In the second week of our State of the Program series, we move from diamond disappointment to hardwood mediocrity. Tony Barbee's firing in March opened the door for the landmark hiring of Bruce Pearl. The former Tennessee head coach is now tasked with rebuilding a program that hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2003. 2013 - 2014 RECORD: 14-16 (6-12 SEC) 2012 - 2013 RECORD: 9-23 (3-15 SEC) 5-YEAR RECORD: 64-92 (.410) PREVIOUS RANKINGS: No. 15: Baseball
SEASON REVIEW: Despite the high-scoring duo Chris Denson and K.T. Harrell, Auburn struggled to another sub-.500 season. Four years of mediocrity finally caught up to Barbee, as he was fired a few hours after an 18-point loss in the first round of the SEC Tournament.
KEY DEPARTURES: Guard and leading scorer Chris Denson, forward Allen Payne, center Asauhn Dixon-Tatum, head coach Tony Barbee
SEASON LOW: There were moments during the opening six games of the SEC schedule that the Tigers showed flashes of progress. However, Auburn continually failed to execute in late game situations, a shortcoming that was highlighted in a five point loss at No. 2 Florida. The six-game losing streak to open SEC play sealed Barbee's eventual firing.
THE FUTURE: It's difficult for a program to carry much energy and excitement after having a decade as irrelevant as Auburn basketball had, but the hiring of Bruce Pearl infused more than a little hype about Auburn's future. Pearl carries baggage, but the hiring has created more attention around the program than it has experienced in over a decade.
KEY RETURNEES: Point guard Tahj Shamsid-Deen, shooting guard K.T. Harrell, center Matthew Atewe, guard Dion Wade
COACH BRUCE PEARL PHOTO BY: RAYE MAY / PHOTO AND DESIGN EDITOR
FORMER HEAD COACH TONY BARBEE FILE
SOFTBALL
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS
LEFT: Cooper makes a throw from third base in a game against Alabama State on Wednesday,April 23. RIGHT: Cooper batted .418 with 18 home runs and 77 RBIs in her first season of collegiate softball.
‘Long hours’ produce record season for freshman Cooper Taylor Jones SPORTS WRITER
When Kasey Cooper came to Auburn last year after a dominant high school career at Dothan High School, she probably didn’t realize the impact she would have on the team in the upcoming season. Cooper was named the 2013 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year along with being named to Alabama Super All-State Team and the MaxPreps All-American Team. Her high school stats were a batting average of .569 and 22 home runs in her senior high school season. In her first year on the Plains, Cooper broke
Auburn’s single-season home run record, blasting 18 homers. Dothan High School head coach Patricia Bell expected big performances from her former star player. “(Kasey’s) mindset was always to put in the hours to play at the top of her game,” Bell said. “Whatever it took to make the team better was her approach to the game.” Cooper finished her freshman season with a .418 batting average with 77 RBIs and 70 runs scored. Cooper’s record-breaking year didn’t go unnoticed, as she was awarded the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Freshman of the Year
Award. Auburn head coach Clint Myers said he believes the award was given to the right player. “I’m extremely proud of a deserving young lady,” Myers said. “We’re excited that she is able to represent Auburn in such a great way and she had such a wonderful season that we’re happy to see her hard work pay off.” While breaking records and garnering national attention can inflate egos, Cooper remains humble about her success. “It’s a humbling experience knowing people think I am a pretty good ball player,” Cooper said. “Just seeing the girls that I’m up against who dominated and were in the Top-25 and Top-
10 makes it a great experience.” The power-hitting Cooper firmly believes the batter shouldn’t focus on hitting home runs. “We don’t focus on home runs,” Cooper said. “That was one of the focuses, was having quality at-bat because quality at-bat leads to a good swing, then a good swing leads to line drives and then home runs.” Cooper expects big things from Auburn next season. Until then, she’ll be preparing herself for another title run. “We had a great run and we’re going to use everything we did this year for next year,” Cooper said. “We’re going to push to be that much better next year because we know what it takes.”
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Auburn Plainsman
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS
Jenna Abbott (44) celebrates with her teammates after hitting a walk-off home run against Minnesota in the NCAA Minnesota Regional.
This Week in Auburn Sports Softball
Junior Branndi Melero, sophomore Emily Carosone and freshman Kasey Cooper were all named to their respective National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American teams on Wednesday, May 28. Melero became Auburn’s first All-American first teamer in school history. Cooper was named to the second-team as an at-large selection. Carosone followed up her great season by becoming a third-team All- American at second base. The All-American announcements mark the first such honors under first-year head coach Clint Myers and are Auburn’s first All-American selections since the 2005 season. This year’s selections join Holly Currie (2005), Paige Jones (2005), Sara Dean (2004), Kristen Keyes (2004) and Ashley Moore (2001) as the only All-Americans named at Auburn. With its three selections, Auburn tied Washington, Oregon and Notre Dame with the most total All-Americans.
Track and field
Nine out of Auburn’s 25 entries in the NCAA East Preliminaries at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida advanced to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 31. Auburn senior Stephen Saenz and freshman Justin Carter advanced to NCAA Championships on Thursday. Saenz placed eighth in the shotput with a throw of 638.75/19.42m. Carter finished 10th in the javelin with a mark of 2226/67.82m. Senior DJ Smith qualified for his second NCAA Championship with a clearance of 7-1.5/2.17m in the high jump Saturday, May 31. In the women’s 100m hurdles on the final day of preliminaries, Samantha Scarlett finished second in heat one with a personal best time of 13.01 seconds to advance to the National Championships. In the second heat Saturday, May 31, Ebony Morrison recorded a new personal best time of 13.06 seconds for third
place. Freshmen Khalil Henderson and Teray Smith advanced to the NCAA Championships in the 200m as Henderson set two personal bests at the meet and finished second in heat two with a personal record time of 20.63 seconds on the final day. Sophomore Rachel Dincoff finished eighth in the shotput Saturday, May 30, to advance to her first NCAA Championships with a distance of 541.75/16.50m. Junior Valentina Muzaric qualified with the 10th longest throw at 54.05/16.47m. Auburn’s nine qualifying athletes will compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on June 11-14. “Our goal is to represent Auburn in the upmost fashion,” Spry said. “In the sports world, you’re only as good as your last race.”
Football
The SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida concluded Friday, May 30, where several controversial issues were ad-
dressed. Perhaps the most newsworthy discussion was centered on autonomy of the “Big Five” conferences (SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-12) and Notre Dame. Autonomy would essentially separate the Big Five and Notre Dame from the rest of the nation’s teams, allowing them to make rule changes without smaller teams’ approval. According to SEC commissioner Mike Slive, the SEC will push for the change. Slive is even willing to create a new division for the biggest programs if the NCAA does not agree with the proposed ideas. Another debated topic was the possibility of an early signing period for recruits. After years of opposition, SEC coaches proposed an early signing period on the Monday following Thanksgiving, but moving forward with the process will take time. Compiled by Eric Wallace, Andrew Monson and Derek Thompson
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Intrigue Thursday, June 5, 2014
8 ThePlainsman.com
Intrigue
DATING
Swipe right, swipe left
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Students talk about online dating sites Rachel Davis INTRIGUE WRITER
Tinder, along with applications, such as OkCupid are becoming more popular as college students begin online dating. Online dating at Auburn seems to be a quiet affair, however. “I haven’t heard about a lot of online dating in Auburn,” said Sarah Hooper, senior in biomedical sciences. “Mostly I’ve heard about Tinder.” Tinder is an application available for most smartphones where you are given a few pictures, a 500-character “about” section, mutual friends you have through Facebook and shared interests between users. Users swipe right if they are interested in a profile, or left if they are not. “Tinder can be used as a dating app, although a lot just want to use it for hookups,” said Cassie Tuggle, senior in anthropology. Other students said they do not find Tinder or other dating apps to be a viable option to look for lasting relationships. “Apps, in my opinion, are too casual and less personal than other methods of meeting people,” said Shuji Miller, senior in secondary education mathematics. “I feel like many people use apps out of boredom or for hookups.” Although Miller said he thinks apps are too casual to start a lasting relationship, he has had
It’s assumed that ‘normal’ people can just meet in person. I don’t think that’s the case.” —Sarah Hooper SENIOR IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
success with them. “I had my first significant relationship through it,” Miller said. “It was not only my first real relationship, it was my first online dating relationship, [and] my first long distance relationship. We were together for nearly two years. Websites allow you to develop more of your character, goals, personality and ideals in your profile that really allows you to have the initial connection with someone.” Some students said the amount of personal information requested on websites can be daunting. “I guess I’m the type of person to keep my personal life private, and for OkCupid, you’re forced to be public and straightforward,” Tuggle said. “That can be kind of scary.” Others are skeptical of online dating. “I guess I have a negative opinion of it be-
MUSIC
CHARLOTTE KELLY / GRAPHICS EDITOR
According to Pew Research Internet Project, one in 10 Americans uses an online or mobile dating app.
cause I’m skeptical that it will really help you form a relationship beyond just looking at pictures of people,” said Zoe Tucker, sophomore in mechanical engineering. There are a lot of differing opinions about online dating, but no one can deny its presence. There are profiles that say, “We can lie about where we met” on Tinder and there are people who hide their online dating profiles from their “real life” friends. “I think a lot of people see online dating as something only the socially awkward need,” Hooper said. “It’s assumed that ‘normal’ people can just meet someone in person. I don’t think that’s the case.” Another stigma attached to online dating is the possible danger that can ensue. “I never really had guys make blatantly sex-
ual statements to my face before,” said Kristen Keeter, Auburn alumna. “But for some reason they do it over the Internet.” Miller said there are also some interesting things that can occur from meeting in person with someone you’ve met online. “One time, I met someone through online dating that didn’t have a picture up,” Miller said. “We decided to meet each other for lunch one day on campus, and when I walked into where we were supposed to meet, it was actually one of my good friends that was too afraid to ask me out in person.” Miller gives advice to those wanting to try online dating. “Be completely honest on your profile,” Miller said. “Always meet someone in public. Put yourself out there to grab people’s attention.”
FOOD
Food to feel good about
BurgerFi and Uncle Maddio’s offer locals healthy food options in new shopping center Nicole Fulkerson NEWS WRITER
REESE COUNTS / INTRIGUE WRITER
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ryan Vanderberry, on guitar; Geoffrey Stockinger, on mandolin; Adam Powell, lead vocals; Drew Martin, on guitar; and Britt Powell, drummer, played a set at a park.
Auburn band brings Irish music and tradition to the Deep South Reese Counts INTRIGUE WRITER
Traditional Irish folk songs are rarely heard in bars or restaurants in Alabama. Distant Kin is a self-described Celtic folk-punk band based out of Montgomery. The band consists of members Adam Powell, Britt Powell, Drew Martin, Geoffrey Stockinger and Ryan Vanderberry. The Powells and Martin are also members of reggae band BPM. “In the beginning Britt wasn’t even in the group,” Adam said. “Me and Drew thought we’d start a little folk group.” Martin and Vanderberry both play guitar, Stockinger plays mandolin, Britt plays drums and Adam plays: banjo, tin whistle and the electric bagpipe. Adam performs lead vocals; the rest of the group shares in harmonies. “In the beginning days I was playing a kick drum with a tambourine taped to the front of it and playing washboard,” Adam said. Distant Kin formed when Powell and Martin decided to try a different music style in 2010 when Britt’s daughter was born. “We thought Britt’s going to be busy with the baby, so we’ll
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Nothing makes you want to drink like some good ole Irish music.” —Britt Powell DISTANT KIN DRUMMER
start another band,” Adam said. “Then Britt ends up joining the band and then has another kid. The first song we learned was ‘Polly Wolly Doodle.’ We were just trying to figure out what we were doing.” The band performs at various venues in the area, mostly around Montgomery. “It’s drinking music,” Martin said. “Pub tunes.” The band said they draw from a variety of influences, namely The Pogues and The Beatles. “There’s always the everpresent Beatles influence over everything,” Martin said. “I’ve never written anything that sounds like ‘Strawberry Fields,’ but every song I’ve written is influenced by The Beatles.” The band has recorded one album, “The Recession Waltz.” Though Britt said there are songs written for a follow-up album. Britt Powell isn’t the only father in the group.
By August 2014, everyone but Stockinger will have a child. “We haven’t played as much in the last year or so as we did in the first couple of years,” Stockinger said. All of the men have additional jobs outside of Distant Kin. Britt works at Railyard Brewing Company. Adam is a reporter for The Tallassee Tribune and The Eclectic Observer. Adam also taught classical guitar in Montgomery and had one of his students teach him banjo. “I would have to make a deal with the devil to play the banjo well enough to play in a bluegrass band,” Adam said. Stockinger repairs bikes. Vanderberry is a registered nurse. Martin described his job as “running conferences calls in a big building full of computers all day.” Though they’ve kept their days jobs, their true passion still lies with performing music. “We just wanted a profession where we could drink all day and write,” Martin said. The group said they enjoy playing together and exciting crowds. “Nothing makes you want to drink like some good ole Irish music,” Britt said.
Eating healthy in college can be difficult, but with some new restaurants, people can eat well and still feel good about it. BurgerFi, an all-natural burger restaurant, plans to open July 15 across from CVS in the Heart of Auburn shopping center. The name BurgerFi refers to “Burgerfication of the Nation.” “The burgerfication has to do with bringing a higher quality to the fast casual burger industry,” said Robert Hines, kitchen manager of BurgerFi. The Florida-based restaurant chain intends to provide high-quality burgers in a sustainable environment. The restaurant strives to be as sustainable as possible by using chairs made of recycled wood and installing large fans that use 66 percent less electricity. “We are going to use a paper-free accelerator for hand drying [in the bathrooms],” Hines said. “Everything that we are trying to do has an environment-friendly philosophy behind it.” The fast, casual restaurant strives to provide a “better burger,” by using all-natural Angus beef free of chemicals, antibiotics and hormones. According to Christy Bratcher, associate professor of meat sciences, meat is all-natural when “there are no hormones added, meaning no synthetic hormones are given to the animal throughout its life time.” Auburn’s newest burger restaurant will offer several burgers, including classic hamburgers, veggie quinoa burgers and breakfast burgers. “If you put a fried egg on a great grass-fed beef patty with onions and hash browns, it’s going to be good,” Hines said.
The hand-cut french fries come in three sizes with five different seasoning options. The menu also offers custards, called concretes, which are made with all-natural ingredients in the restaurant. BurgerFi will offer craft beers and a wine selection. Hines said he is excited to offer wine specials. “We’re not going to unveil them yet, but we have a couple that are going to be phenomenal,” Hines said. The grand opening will feature a friends and family night including professional basketball player Mike Miller and coach Bruce Pearl. Located in the same shopping center, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint opened in March, offering pizzas, panini sandwiches and salads. The make-your-own style restaurant offers a variety of toppings including hormone-free chicken, Angus steak and fresh vegetables from Birmingham ordered biweekly. Almost all the food is made from scratch and is as minimally processed as possible. “We hand cut all of our vegetables, salads, and meats, and we make all of our salad dressings, pizza sauce, and dough fresh each morning,” said owner Michael DiChiara. Uncle Maddio’s offers gluten-free options. “We have gluten free pizza crust, sauce, meats, and many other toppings that people can mix and match to keep it new each time they come in,” DiChiara said. “We have several people around town that have severe Celiac diseases and they rave about the gluten free options.” Being able to build your own meal allows for a wider range of options, making eating healthy easier. “It cost more in food price and labor, but we feel the freshness of our ingredients is worth it and makes all the difference,” DiChiara said.
RAYE MAY / PHOTO AND DESIGN EDITOR
BurgerFi is located in the Heart of Auburn shopping center next to Uncle Maddio’s.