Multimedia: This Week in Sports talks about the United States’ chances in the World Cup Online
Student named in the top 10 contestants in the Miss Alabama Pageant Page 3
Men’s tennis lands at No.13 in the continuing State of the Program power ranking series Page 6
The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • Vol. 121, Issue 4, 8 Pages
campus
Toomer’s Corner turns high tech
Food
Silva Cells structural system installed at construction site Nicole Fulkerson News Writer
Construction crews have finished installing the high-tech foundation of the soon-to-be renovated Samford Park to ensure the longest possible life for the new Toomer’s Oaks. Silva Cells, an underground structural system, have been placed below where the future trees will be transplanted to reduce soil compaction for optimal root growth. “Anytime you are putting in roads or sidewalks, you always have to compact, and using the Silva Cells is like a replacement for compaction,” said Brenda Guglielmina, southern regional manager at DeepRoot. Beneath the bricks of the plaza and the pavement of the sidewalks, several layers, including sand and bedding material, are placed on top of the Silva Cells plastic frame. The crate-like cells are filled with soil and allow water to reach the roots. Some of the cells are used as a bridging technique to connect the sidewalks
to more open soil, but most of the cells will be used to benefit the trees. “Soil volume is directly connected to how large and how vibrant the trees will be,” Guglielmina said. “It allows the soil within the Silva Cells to do what you would want soil to do in a prairie or forest – let water infiltrate through it freely and let roots grow freely.” Silva Cells have been used in urban construction projects in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. Samford Park is the first location in Alabama to use this technology. “It allows the roots to grow up under the sidewalk to the other side,” said Jeffery Dumars, assistant director of campus planning and space management. “We cannot build a better urban growing condition for trees,” Dumars said. Construction crews were able to dig up nearly all of the contaminated soil, but could not reach under the gates or
sidewalks. An impervious tarp-like lining will be installed around these areas to ensure no poison will reach the new trees. The goal of this summer’s construction is the removal of all contaminated soil and the preparing for the new trees to be transplanted in early 2015. All aspects of the project will benefit the life of the future trees, even the planting date. “It’s best to transplant trees in the winter when they are dormant,” said project manager Ben Burmester. “Anything we can control, we want to control.” The new plaza will include a circular seating area and the total size will remain approximately the same size as it was before. The transplation of trees of the project is planned to be completed by August, and be functional for football season. Project managers are still working with the city to decide on a course of action for the rolling wires.
Luke PopwelL/ photographer
community
twitter.com / @Blake_au4ever
The billboard reads:“He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future”-Adolf Hitler.“Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”- Proverbs 22:6.
raye may / photo and design editor
The billboard was covered with a black sheet the day after it was put up.
Hitler billboard hits nerves on the highway Ben Ruffin
News Reporter
An Opelika youth ministry has been under fierce scrutiny the past week after a billboard featuring an Adolf Hitler quote was erected. The billboard was put up in the Village Mall in Auburn, then covered with a black sheet a few days later. The billboard fea-
tured five children, a quote from Adolf Hitler and a Bible verse. The Hitler quote read: “He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” The quote was taken from a 1935 speech in which Hitler tried to raise interest in Nazi movement. Below the Hitler quote was a Bible verse from Proverbs 22:6 which read:
“Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” According to Lamar Advertising Company’s Montgomery office, the billboard was rented out by Life Savers Ministries based in Opelika.
» See Billboard, 2
charlotte kelly
Eating like a caveman Students and alumni share opinions of the Paleo Diet
Rachel Davis Intrigue Writer
The premise behind the Paleo Diet: If a caveman didn’t eat it, neither should you. The Paleo Diet is named after the Paleolithic era. The foods allowed on the diet are intended to mimic what cavemen ate during this period. The foods allowed on the diet are grass-fed and pastureraised meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Excluded foods include anything thought to be an agricultural product: grains, legumes, dairy, potatoes, refined sugar, salt and processed oil. The diet was first popularized in the 1970s, but has lost much of its acclaim. Recently, the diet has gained the attention of alternative health professionals and dieters alike, and has even found its way to the Plains. “I did the Paleo Diet for about a month,” said Darby Stanton, recent Auburn graduate. “Alcohol was my one exception.” Kelly Tsaltas, Auburn alumna, and Matt Villarrubia, senior in software engineering, are both abiding by the diet for 30 days. “(Matt and I) needed the structure and rigidity of a strict healthy diet to get ourselves started [on the diet],” Tsaltas said. The diet is restrictive, as Stanton and Tsaltas have attested, but for Villarrubia, this aspect was appealing. “The diet made me focus and deal with less food,” Villarrubia said. However, when asked about the most difficult part of the diet, Villarrubia listed the lack of dairy, beans, rice and bread as a major issue. Stanton said she finds the lack of Paleo choices at restaurants difficult to find. “I found Paleo to be extremely limiting in today’s society,” Stanton said. “If you go
out to eat, what are you going to order? Spinach leaves in olive oil?” Stanton also points out being on the Paleo diet can be expensive when someone is on a college budget. Although there are people who praise the benefits of Paleo dieting, some do not find the diet logical. “The underlying premise behind the Paleo diet is that the ills of modern human health can be traced back to the Agriculture Revolution,” said Alexander Roberson, Auburn agriculture alumnus. “But man existed for millennia after the Agriculture Revolution with grains and dairy in their diet just fine.” Roberson said the real problem with modern society’s health is the increased consumption of sugar and the decrease in physical activity. “It’s a health-food fad that is quick to demonize,” Roberson said. “While it is tempting to trace back our eating habits to a time before obesity, it is important to remember we left the Paleolithic age for a reason.” Despite the drawbacks, Villarrubia said there were definite advantages to the Paleo Diet. “I lost about 15 pounds and was more energetic for sure,” Villarrubia said. Tsaltas said she is going to continue to carry on some of her lessons from the experience. “I added in [to my Paleo Diet] dairy, bread, that doesn’t have preservatives that I get from the farmers market, and macaroni and cheese,” Tsaltas said. “That’s it.” Stanton does not agree with this sentiment. “I just really love eating and some of the things I couldn’t eat were pretty outrageous,” Stanton said. “I stick to about an 80 percent Paleo diet now, so I don’t absolutely loathe myself if I eat the mac and cheese at The Hound.”
News 2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, June 12, 2014
community
DUI reports June 6 - James Degruiter, 27 West Glenn Avenue at Wright Street - Ashley Duval, 34 East Glenn Avenue at North Ross Street - Harold Brooks, Jr., 58 Moores Mill Drive June 7 - Jennifer Lee, 25 South College Street - Amy McCall, 20 West Glenn Avenue June 8 - Ashley Duval, 34 East Glenn Avenue
all photos contributed by Meg Rainey
Local businesses set up tents during community events to sell their merchandise.
crime reports June 5 -An arrest was made on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping, second-degree domestic violence and altering firearm identification. - An arrest was made on charges of two counts of thirddegree criminal mischief. June 6 - First-degree theft of property with an amount greater than $2,500 at 200 block of West Longleaf Drive - First-degree criminal trespass and third-degree theft of property at the 800 block of Cheyenne Avenue - Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle at the 700 block of Aspen Heights Lane June 7 - An arrest was made on charges of giving false identification to a law enforcement officer. June 8 - Second-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property at the 700 block of Aspen Heights Lane –Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety
Parks and Recreation creates community
Community events held in downtown Auburn throughout the summer Taylor Ennis News Reporter
Every year, Auburn Parks and Recreation hosts action-packed summer events to allow residents of all ages to enjoy Auburn with unique outdoor events and activities. Parks and Recreation has filled their schedule with a variety of events, both wet and dry, to keep residents entertained until Friday, Aug. 22. Event fees are cheap and an adult must accompany children at events. “Most of Parks and Recreation events are extremely family friendly, but there are a lot of great events for students to enjoy as well,” said Meg Rainey, public relations specialist for Parks and Recreation. “One of the favorite parts of what we get to do is putting on community events and coming up with a variety of events that appeal to all interests and ages.” The Auburn City Pools opened for the summer Monday, May 26; this includes the Samford Pool and the Drake Pool, which have an admission fee of $2. Duck Samford Park will sponsor a free Summer Outdoor Movie Series. Guests are invited to watch an outdoor movie on select Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m., including an exclusive “Frozen” sing-along Friday, July 11, and “Rudy” Saturday, Aug. 8. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk, located in Downtown Auburn on Sunday, June 13, from 6-9:30 p.m., will include a free block party with an artistic flair. Guests can enjoy music, art, late night shopping, dining and children’s activities. The Art Walk has been popular and could be the start of a new Auburn tradition, according to Rainey. “SummerNight strives to bring the community together and take advantage of the arts in a creative downtown atmosphere,” said Sara Custer, SummerNight co-coordinator. “We create an environment where the arts are accessible to everyone. If you are an artist, baker or would like to volunteer, applications can be found at auburnarts.org and auburnalabama.org/arts.” The fifth annual Day in the Clay, held Monday, June 28, will give Auburn residents the chance to get their hands dirty at the Dean Road Ceramics Studio inside the Dean Road Recreation Center from 1-4 p.m. Day in the Clay is a free open house event including tours of the studio, demonstrations and the opportunity to participate in hands-on clay creation for $10. “I think it’s a great advantage to live in Auburn [and] to have all of these opportunities,” said Art and Education Specialist Cari Cleckler. “It’s important for me to let not only kids have an outlet, but recent implants. We have a couple of people in our
studio that have moved across the country who have been able to join our studio as a way of not only socialization, but also a creative outlet. Things like Day in the Clay where fathers and sons, moms and children, grandparents and children come to do something for a couple of hours that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.” The annual Fourth of July celebration is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corp. which spends $10,000 every year for the display. Gates will open at 6 p.m. behind the home-side of Duck Samford Stadium followed by live music at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. The Farewell Summer Block Party and Outdoor Summer Movie, sponsored by Chick-fil-A on Magnolia Avenue, will take place at Town Creek Park on Friday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. There will be a free concert and the movie “The Blind Side” will be featured. The event is held in conjunction with the sales tax holiday weekend, so there will be several giveaways and coupons, according to Rainey. “Auburn recently released the results of its annual citizen’s survey and 92 percent of residents surveyed said they are satisfied with the quality of life in the city,” Rainey said. “We certainly hope that the events help add to that.”
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LEFT: Aubie takes pictures with local children at a Parks and Recreation event it holds for the community. RIGHT: Parks and Recreation events are hosted in downtown Auburn throughout the entire summer.
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The billboard, seen by thousands via Internet alone, has caused people in the Auburn community to wonder why an organization, such as Life Savers Ministry would put up the billboard. “I just don’t see why in the world someone would put a Hitler quote next to a Bible verse, much less next to kids,” said Jamie Shepherd, sophomore in communication. “I don’t see how that billboard could help the ministry in any way possible, but maybe that’s just me.” The billboard went up Friday and was taken down shortly after, following a request from LSM. LSM, founded in 1996, now has a number of school buses
and a facility of its own “where hundreds of boys and girls are brought from around 20 different rough and tough locations throughout Opelika and Auburn,” according to the ministriesabout page on its website. Founder James Anderegg told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer it was not the group’s intention to confuse the public and said that other quotes could have been used. “We are pulling the billboard and certainly never intended to cause confusion,” Anderegg told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Anderegg went on to say President Herbert Hoover would have been a better person to quote, also said children were the heart of their ministry. “Children are our most valuable resource,” Anderegg said. “We are a children’s organiza-
tion and had honorable intentions and nothing less.” Although it was LSM’s decision to put up the billboard and then remove it, Lamar ultimately has the final decision regarding what content reaches their billboards. Deemed the “Outdoor Advertising Company,” Lamar works the same way as a television station or newspaper and is therefore not required to put up any ad from anyone who pays them. According to their about us page on their website, Lamar gives their customers a blank page in which they will help create the ad in order to deliver the message with a strong impact. The Plainsman was unable to reach anyone at the Lamar firm in Montgomery for comment.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
News 3
The Auburn Plainsman
Campus
Parkerson Mill Creek: from ditch to destination Marlee Moore News Writer
Parkerson Mill Creek is undergoing restoration that will transform the formerly unappealing and eroding creek into a part of campus that will encourage passersby to enjoy being near the water. The section of creek being restored is the farthest northeastern branch of exposed creek on campus, according to Ben Burmester, campus planner with facilities management. This branch runs by the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum and the new Wellness Kitchen; its restoration is scheduled to finish in time for the fall semester. The current restoration is the only definite plan that Facilities Management has for Parkerson Mill Creek, but the campus master plan designates the creek as a natural resource management area and has a long-term goal of improving the creek throughout University property. Eve Brantley, extension agent and associate professor in the Department of Crop, Soils and Environmental Sciences, has led the restoration efforts. Brantley, Burmester and Charlene LeBleu, associate professor of the School of Landscape Architecture, agree this restoration is a collaborative effort that will provide campus-wide benefits. The Office of Sustainability, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Facilities Management, Landscape Architecture, Biosystems Engineering, School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and the School of Forestry are some of the groups that have contributed to the restoration. Funding for the project has come from the Department of Environmental Management grants and equal funding from Facilities Management. Brantley says the plans for the creek include
Raye May / Photo and design editor
Parkerson Mill Creek during the construction.
improving floodplain protection and improving the habitat by adding natural, deep-rooted vegetation to slow down the erosion that storm water causes as it hits the creek bank. The new vegetation will shade and cool the water and provide better living conditions for aquatic life, as well as keep the soil in place, which will prevent erosion. Structures have been built close to the stream on campus. Infrastructure nearby is threatened when storm water from the nearby buildings builds up energy that then flows into and erode the creek. Brantley said groups are partnering to look at managing storm water more effciently so it is not sent into the creek. It would instead be contained and able to sink into the ground.
LeBleu said Parkerson Mill Creek is a private and public stream because the creek runs through the University and the city of Auburn. LeBleu calls Parkerson Mill Creek a watershed and compares it to a bathtub because it drains to a single point. Parkerson Mill Creek drains into Chewacla Creek and the Tallapoosa River. Brantley, who came to Auburn in 2002, said she remembers coming to campus for the first time and thinking “this could be a fantastic outdoor classroom” and hopes the restoration will encourage the creek’s use. As a land-grant university, Auburn’s mission has three points: research, instruction and extension. “Our mission is to help people learn more about how to be good stewards of our natural re-
sources and use them wisely so future generations have access to them,” Brantley said. Brantley said she believes the University has a chance to implement its mission at Parkerson Mill Creek as the stream evolves. “I think it might be corny, but there’s probably something for every department and college on campus because we’re all tied to water,” Brantley said. Several science classes have helped with the upkeep of the stream and the College of Liberal Arts community engagement practicum allows students to put plants along the stream as part of their training in improving water quality. LeBleu, who has also worked on watershed restoration efforts at Town Creek and Saugahatchee Creek, said this restoration will provide an “awe-inspiring demonstration for the possibilities of the whole creek.” According to LeBleu, there were talks of putting the creek in a pipe and forgeting about it several years ago. “In the past, people have thought of the creek as a ditch,” LeBleu said. “This new design reclaims the creek’s name and reclaims it as a living and functional stream.” LeBleu’s said her goal for the restoration is to transform the creek from a ditch to a destination. She wants people to meet at Parkerson Mill Creek, relax and enjoy the scenery. Brantley said she wants to build a greenway path that would follow the stream through campus and showcase the stream as an integral part of campus. Brantley said she is optimistic for the creek’s future. “Nature can be resilient if we push it in the right direction,” Brantley said.
Campus
Student places in top 10 in Miss Alabama Pageant Marlee Moore News Writer
Contributed By AL.com
Mi’a Callens was the only Auburn student to make the top 10.
Campus
Professor creates attendance app Ben Ruffin
News Reporter
An Auburn professor designed a new mobile application that makes class attendance easy to check. Wei Wang, alumni professor of graphic design in the School of Industrial and Graphic Design, created the app “Class Roll,” which is designed for taking class attendance on an iPad or iPhone. Both a teacher and designer, Wang said he knew what was needed to make the app useful and easy for students and professors to use. During the past spring semester, Wang took on the project while teaching his graphic design students how to create mobile applications. Wang worked on the project at night to stay a step ahead of his students, which allowed him to create “Class Roll” as a model for the class. The app allows students to log into class using their iPhone or iPad. A few key features of the app include: editing attendance records, customizing class schedules, viewing indi-
vidual student attendance records and sharing class attendance reports. A full list of features can be found at ClassRoll/App.com and on Apple’s App Store. “Class Roll” could replace the iClickers niche of large class attendance taking at the University. This can save students money that currently goes to purchasing an iClicker. “I would much rather download ‘Class Roll’ than buy an iClicker,” said Hunter Graham, sophomore in aviation management.“People will most likely always have their phone on them whereas I see people leave their iClickers at home or in their car quite a few times a week. I think it would make the teacher and students’ lives easier.” Wang graduated with a Bachelors in Industrial Design from Shenzhen University in China in 1993, followed by a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Utah State University in 1997 and a Masters in Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University in 1999.
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Caitlin Brunell, Miss Leeds Area, won the 2014 Miss Alabama Pageant Saturday night at Samford University’s Wright Center. Brunell, graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in dance, was one of 47 women who vyed for the crown, eight of whom attend Auburn University. First runner-up was Katie Malone, Miss Point Mallard; second runner-up was Briana Kinsey, Miss Marble Valley; third runner-up was Elisabeth Chramer, Miss Tennessee Valley; and fourth runner-up was KeLeigh Edwards, Miss Smiths Station. As Miss Alabama, Brunell will receive a $10,000 scholarship, in addition to any inkind scholarships for which she qualifys. According to Frank Kanelos, historian and public relations manager for the pageant, in-kind scholarship are those that individual colleges in the state make available to the contestants, and are totaled at more than $4.9 million this year. The main benefit to Miss Alabama participants is the scholarship money available. Each contestant is awarded scholarship money, even if they do not win or place in the competition. Cash scholarships, raised through Miss Alabama Golf Classic, Miss Alabama’s
Wang has been teaching graphic design in the School of Industrial & Graphic Design, College of Architecture, Design and Construction at the University, since he graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Founder and creative director of Oneway Studio and the associate art director of DesignAlabama, Wang’s main areas of research are brand strategy, user-experience design and web and interactive design. Wang has also designed corporate logos, websites and advertising campaigns for many clients in the United States, such as NASA, Coca Cola and Volkswagon. Wang’s work has been featured in the book “Global Corporate Identity 2” and he has been the recipient of numerous of awards including an Auburn University Alumni Professorship from 2009-14, numerous American Advertising Federation ADDY awards, Horizontal International Interactive Design awards and an Interactive Media Award. “Class Roll” is available for $2.99 on the Apple App Store.
I see pageants as a positive mainly because they are a positive influence on the participants’ lives.” —Katie Willoughby
Miss Auburn university scholarship program director
Outstanding Teen program, Rising Star Program and Miss Alabama fashion show, totaled $95,000 for 2014. The pageant is comprised of five parts: interview, swimsuit, talent, evening gown and on-stage question. Contestants competed in those events during preliminaries earlier in the week. Mi’a Callens, junior in radio, television and film, was the only Auburn student to make the top 10. The remaining top 10 finalists were Megan Smith, Miss Center Point; Hayley Barber, Miss Phenix City; Alyssa Boyd, Miss Lake City; and Cassidy Jacks, Miss Tuscaloosa. Callens, Miss Jefferson County, will receive a $1,000 scholarship as a semi-finalist. According to Miss Auburn University scholarship program director Katie Wil-
loughby, sophomore in communication disorders, this program gives girls once-in-alifetime experiences. “I would say, as a whole, the Miss America program develops incredibly wellrounded, driven women,” Willoughby said. “Regardless of their scholarship winnings, being a participant is a credential or benefit of itself.” Contestants learn public speaking skills, show work ethic toward health and their bodies and learn appreciation of the arts. “I see pageants as a positive mainly because they are a positive influence on the participants’ lives,” Willoughby said. Each contestant has a platform, as well as the national platform of Miss America – Children’s Miracle Network. Brunell’s platform was Caitlin’s Closet, an organization that provides homecoming and prom dresses for girls that can not afford to attend those events. Leading up to the pageant, Kanelos said the ladies not only rehearsed, but had press events at Colonial Brookwood Mall. Ann-Marie Riley, who attended the pageant’s final night, “had a wonderful time watching so many talented young women and hearing about each of their platforms and all of their accomplishments.” Brunell will compete in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 9-14.
Photo of the Week
Raye may / photo and design editor
Panama City Beach before a storm in May.
News 4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Community
Raye may / photo and design editor
City plans to renovate historic train depot The train depot has been vacant for 30 years, but the city plans to renovate the building.
Ashtyne Cole News Editor
Beginning in 1847, the city of Auburn had a steady heartbeat. Each beat sounded of railcars barreling down tracks and the faint whistle of trains howling through the middle of town. This central hub, and heart, of Auburn was the train depot, a historic location now crumbling into ruin. The peeling, pale-pink brick building is the third depot Auburn has seen since 1847. The depot was built in 1904 by Auburn architecture student, Ralph Dudley. The aging, victorian style train depot sits alone on Mitcham Avenue. Vacant since 2003, the depot has continued to deteriorate into obscurity. As a result, the Auburn Heritage Association and the Alabama Historical Commission jointly placed the depot on the 2010 list of Places in Peril. Mary Norman has been the president of the Auburn Heritage Association since 2004, and she has helped in aiding the preservation of the depot. “The train depot was the center-point of Auburn,” Norman said. “People think Toomer’s was, but if you look at history, it is how everyone came into Auburn. Some [came] in horses and buggies, but the majority of people and students traveled on the trains.” According to Norman, the Alabama Historic Commission saw the depot was deterorating and suffering from neglect and knew something had to be done. The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation’s
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It’s changed and been remodeled so much it’s hard to recognize what it use to look like. I just hope it can be saved.”
2010 Places in Peril list described the state of the depot as “suffering from deferred maintenance, a leaking roof and possible environmental problems from an adjacent gas station.” The East Alabama Male College, Auburn University’s former name, was incorporated in 1839. A few years later in 1847, the first depot was built on the same site it rests on today. The original building fell during a Union raid by General Rousseau during the Civil War. The track, running from Atlanta to Selma, was seized and destroyed to hinder supplies and communication to the two vital cities. The second depot burned to the ground after it was struck by lightning in 1904. The Montgomery and West Point Railroad served as transportation for people, mail and supplies to Auburn. Across from the present depot is a historic marker bearing the details of Jefferson Davis’ stop on the way to his inauguration in Montgomery. The president of the Confederacy stopped at the depot on Feb. 16, 1861, for his first inspection of the Auburn Guard cadets at the college.
—Ralph Draughon Jr.
Member of the Alabama Historical Commission
Ann Pearson, resident and Auburn historian, grew up riding the train. “I went to the old train depot many times when I was much younger and would get a ticket to ride the train to Atlanta,” Pearson said. “It had separate waiting rooms for blacks and whites and was heated with a potbelly stove.” Ralph Draughon Jr., son of former Univeristy president, Ralph Draughon, elaborated on the prank Auburn students played when the Georgia Tech football players came into town traveling by train. “There was a big crowd waiting at the depot,” Draughon Jr. said. “When the Georgia Tech train came by it just kept on going right past the depot. Auburn students had greased the track and the train just kept on gliding past the depot for miles.” The boarded-up depot sold its last ticket and boarded its final passenger in 1970, after losing money because of the growing popularity of cars and public transportation. “It’s changed and been remodeled so much it’s hard to recognize what it used to look like,” Draughon Jr. said. “I just hope it can be saved.”
1888 OgletreeRd. Auburn 826-1207
The depot has been vacant since 2003, before that it was a real estate office for 20 years. The building is listed as being owned by MRT LLC, owned by attorney Ronald Russell in Montgomery. The city of Auburn voiced wishes to buy the depot. The asking price was $1.2 million. “They’re either going to keep the gas station next door and sell it to the city, or keep both and rehab the train depot,” Norman said. “I’m just happy something is going to be done.” Draughon Jr., serves on the Alabama Historical Commission and on the Alabama Trust Historic Preservation and has been involved with the preservation attempts by the associations. “I’m very concerned about the depot,” Draughon Jr. said. “It was the center of town and a place where people came and went for years and now it’s deteriorating. I’m holding my breath it gets saved.” City Manager Charles Duggan described City Council plans at a meeting held in November 2013. “On the Tuesday night council agenda, the initial development board was looking for a resolution from the city council to buy the depot and preserve it,” Duggan said. The city tentatively plans to turn the depot into a gateway building for traffic coming from the north. They are also planning a proposal to see if a private business would like to do something with the depot and have it in the private sector. “There is no definitive plan except to get a hold of it and preserve it,” Duggan said.
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1599 S. College Street Auburn 887-7460
334 W. Magnolia Avenue Auburn 826-2476
Opinion
5
Thursday, June 12, 2014
his view
ThePlainsman.com
Opinion
our view
question of the week:
Brian Stultz sports reporter bjs0038@auburn.edu
What is your favorite place to eat on campus during the summer?
This World Cup could unite America Last World Cup, I was in Frankfurt, Germany, looking for a place to watch the all-important United States-England group stage match. We found the one American sports bar in town. With more than 200 other Americans, I cheered my heart out as our team drew with the almighty England. Afterward, my German friends told me I was the loudest of all Americans there. What? How was that possible? Being called the loudest American in a bar is the equivalent of being labeled “the crazy one” on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” There are many things I dislike about our nation, but there is national pride that comes out when the U.S. is competing with anyone else in anything. A badminton match against Greece? I am yelling at the guy named Koitsopolis playing our beloved Americans. Our nation has never been more divided than now. We, as Americans, like to point out everything wrong with our government. We argue endlessly, and pointlessly, about how our country went down the tube and who is to blame. The only issue we all agree on may be deporting Justin Bieber. All of the political, social and religious division will disappear when our boys take the stage during the upcoming days at the World Cup in Brazil. Suddenly, who you voted for doesn’t matter as much as whether Michael Bradley will be the key player we need him to be to somehow make it out of the “Group of Death.” Germany, Ghana and Portugal, not some bill being fought over by Congress, are our enemies now. (If you have no hate for Ghana yet, just know they have knocked us out of the last two World Cups.) You voted for Obama? Who cares! Tim Howard just made a huge save! Disagree with the war in Iraq? Oh! Well, Clint Dempsey just scored a wonder goal! In the next few weeks, bars will fill up all across the nation and the biggest argument will be whether or not Landon Donovan deserved to be included on the team. Don’t know much about soccer? That’s OK. All you need to know is this: ball in our net? Bad. Ball in their net? Awesome! You don’t need to know why Jürgen Klinsmann (yes, our coach is German) is playing a 4-3-3 formation to cheer for the good ole USA over those floppers of Portugal. Soccer is famously known as the “global game” and the World Cup captures the attention of the world every four years. National pride is at stake and countries are trying to prove they are better than us. So, join me and the rest of America as we wave our flags, cheer on our boys and hope to prove we are not to be taken lightly. Just know this: you won’t be able to cheer as loud as me.
Au Bon Pain Go Greek Chick-fil-A Papa John’s Olo Sushi
Charlotte Kelly / graphics editor
hEr view
Identity formation for a culture of dummies Caitlin Shostak assistant copy cfs0008@auburn.edu
Nothing says “Help, I’ve been possessed by an evil wax statue” like a selfie. It’s hard to ignore the lifeless onslaught of puckered lips, expressionless gazes and submissively tilted heads that stare from the profiles of many women’s social media accounts. Even more frightening than the creepy selfie pose is a prevailing attitude that seems to affect many of my female acquaintances and even, at times, myself. Many young women seem to struggle to develop original and autonomous identities. Instead, they form identities that echo their boyfriends’, friends’ or sororities’ identities. Although intellectual autono-
my is difficult to attain, narcissism is easily achieved and demonstrated through the sharing of constant streams of personal updates and photographs. However, the culprit of this phenomenon doesn’t seem to be some fugitive spirit from Madame Tussauds’s wax museum attempting to clone lifeless imitations of individuals. Instead, I think many of us Auburn women have inadvertently absorbed American culture’s lack of appreciation to originality. Many of today’s best-selling movies are remakes or part of franchises, while television show spinoffs and book series flood the market. Many of the storylines feature mashes of old storylines (vampires, anyone?) instead of innovative and original concepts. And, of course, many of our female pop culture icons aren’t necessarily originality role models either. It’s all too common for a
LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS
In response to our cover story “National title claim debate reaches tipping point” from the June 5 issue:
In response to our cover story “National title claim debate reaches tipping point” from the June 5 issue:
Trey Palmedo “I’m glad the era of confusion is over and the new style is coming in, but I’d rather take two that I know are real any day than throwing up some arbitrary number in which only my fan base agrees on and I’m stuck defending to everyone not in that fan base.”
@matthewdharrell “Simple truth about NCs is that they are awards, and if someone awards you one then....”
Charles Henagan “If it’s good enough for Bama?”
@ericcamp “2004 should definitely be a recognized NC”
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sential component of de-clonifying yourself and forming an independent identity. Learning, when paired with deep, analytical thinking is likewise helpful in the de-cloneification process. Although it’s fun to read an informative book, it’s also important to spend time reflecting on what you think about the given topic and why you think it. Although our culture may not encourage self-discovery, creativity or intellectual independence for women, that doesn’t mean we should allow ourselves to stagnate. If each Plainswoman worked to think deeply and creatively in order to understand herself, we could use our rich senses of self to change our entertainment industry’s vapid, mindless pop products and create a better, smarter, more innovative culture. Until then, it would be nice to see women possessed only by their sense of self.
woman to receive fame and attention for her good looks and sexuality instead of her talent, artistry or wit. Surrounded by our culture’s creative and intellectual stagnation and its idolization of over-sexualized women, it’s understandable that many women struggle to form their own identities. Luckily, the solution doesn’t require an exorcism. Although easy to consume the vapid products of our pop culture in our free time, such behavior is counterproductive when forming an independent identity. Producing something, rather than consuming, forces you to think. You must consider what you’re going to do, determine how you are going to do it and then critique yourself after you’ve finished. It’s a process that allows for selfexploration, understanding and acceptance. This type of thinking is an es-
SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS
This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.
How many national football championships (1913, 1983, 1993 and 2004) should Auburn retroactively claim? Column1
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4
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@MSkotnicki “The issue is larger than just the 4 discussed (and 2 they deemed worthy).”
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Thursday, June 12, 2014
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State of the program No. 13 Men's Tennis Our third week of the State of the Program rankings takes us to the hard courts of the Auburn men's tennis program. The Tigers lost nine consecutive matches to finish the season at an even .500 overall record. The men's team has struggled since 2012, when the Tigers' 18-12 record was their best finish since 2002.
season review: Auburn's nine-match losing streak overshadowed several improvements through the early stages of the season. A 7-1 start to the season saw the Tigers move into the Top 25 in the nation halfway through February. However, their season unraveled quickly after a 4-0 sweep against Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
2013-2014 Record: 14-14 (4-8 SEC)
season low: There were many low points during the Tigers' nine-game losing streak to end the season. Another road sweep at Texas A&M and a home sweep at the hands of Georgia solidified the skid. A sweep against Vanderbilt in the opening match of the SEC Tournament may have been the lowest of lows for head coach Eric Shore and company.
2012-2013 Record: 13-11 (5-7 SEC) five-year record: 73-59 (.553) previous rankings: No. 15: Baseball No. 14: Men's basketball
Plainsman Picks
2014 FIFA World Cup World Cup Winner
Golden Boot Winner
Round of USA exit
Key departures: Daniel Cochrane (24-9 singles; All-SEC Second Team), Dennis Lengsfeld (1511 singles) Key returnees: Junior Lukas Ollert (21-12 singles), freshman Dante Saleh (19-12), sophomore Joseph Van Dooren. the future: If there's one thing the Tennis Tigers have going for them, it's youth. Auburn's roster features six freshmen, with three (Saleh, Peter Tomic and Oliver Plaskett) receiving substantial court time during the fall and spring seasons. Ollert and Van Dooren will provide a veteran presence at the top of the lineup.
Opinion
United States Leading Scorer
Group Stage exit: Eric Wallace Sports Editor
Argentina
Luis Suarez
1-1-1
Jozy Altidore
Group Stage exit: Brian Stultz Sports Reporter
Germany
Lukas Podolski
1-2
Raye May / photo and design editor
Head coaches Gus Malzahn and Bruce Pearl finalized contracts that keep them in Auburn through 2019 and 2020.
Jozy Altidore
Round of 16 exit: Taylor Jones Sports Writer
Germany
Neymar
2-2
Eric Wallace Jozy Altidore
Group Stage exit: Derek Thompson Sports Writer
Brazil
Neymar
0-1-2
Clint Dempsey
Group Stage exit: Andrew Monson Sports Writer
Brazil
Neymar
1-2
Jozy Altidore
12 weeks until GAMEDAY!
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Jacobs shows confidence, lays out expectations with new coach deals
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While it’s difficult to say how much Auburn’s run to the 2013 BCS National Championship helped the city and the University financially, it’s not hard to tell how much it helped Gus Malzahn’s wallet. Malzahn’s newest contract extension, which raises his salary to $3.85 million per year with an increase of $250,000 annually through 2019, makes the 49-year-old coach the third highest paid coach in the SEC behind Nick Saban and Les
Miles. The lucrative deals found their way to the hardwood as well, with new men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl finalizing a six-year, $2.2 million dollar contract through the 2020 season. As usual, these contracts are loaded with incentives that make one thing clear: Jay Jacobs wants these men to put people in the seats and bring home championships. While both contracts would reward coaches for postseason success and championships, Pearl’s contract carries a number of incentives that would reward the coach for selling out the Auburn Arena for half of the season.
Attendance was a serious issue at the end of the Tony Barbee era, with a record-low attendance of 4,434 for a game against South Carolina being rock bottom. The rise of high-definition television has made attendance a difficult issue in many sports. A winning product can fix many of the problems, but the potential for championships is a greater long-term solution. With Malzahn and Pearl’s championship history, it only made sense for Jacobs to lock down the pair for as long as possible. Now it’s up to Malzahn and Pearl to prove they are worth their lofty paystubs.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
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Third baseman Damek Tomscha (left) and pitcher Trey Cochran-Gill (right) were selected in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by Philadelphia and Seattle.
This Week in Auburn Sports Baseball
Three members of the 2014 Auburn baseball team were selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, which concluded Saturday, June 7. Junior right-handed pitcher Trey Cochran-Gill and senior third baseman Damek Tomscha were taken with back-to-back picks in the 17th round. Cochran-Gill went to the Seattle Mariners with the 501st overall pick in the draft, and Tomscha was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies one pick later. In the 31st round, junior right-handed pitcher Rocky McCord was picked by the Kansas City Royals with the 933rd overall selection. In his three-year Auburn career, Cochran-Gill is 6-5 with three saves in 57 appearances – striking out 65 and walking 31 in 110.1 innings pitched. Tomscha led Auburn in several offensive categories, including home runs, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
Playing in 54 of 56 games, the Sioux City, Iowa native was second on the team with a .313 batting average and drove in 29 runs while scoring 37 times. Tomscha finished his twoyear Auburn career with a .293 average, 12 home runs and 55 RBIs. Auburn has had at least one player selected in the MLB draft for 40 consecutive seasons, which ties for the second-longest active streak in the SEC.
Women’s basketball
Auburn women’s basketball assistant Caroline McCombs has been named the head coach at Stony Brook University, the school announced Thursday, June 5. McCombs recently completed her second season at Auburn where she served as the team’s recruiting coordinator and coached Auburn’s perimeter players. During her two seasons on the bench, she helped guide the Tigers to 38 wins and back-toback berths in the WNIT.
Last season, the Tigers led the SEC with 354 steals, averaging 10.4 per game as Auburn advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals. Auburn set a school record with 402 steals during the 2012-13 season and also forced 701 turnovers, which ranks second all-time in program history.
Men’s basketball
Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has added Chad Prewett and Jordan VerHulst to his staff, he announced on Wednesday, June 4. Prewett comes from LeeScott Academy in Auburn and takes on the role of special assistant to the head coach while VerHulst joins the program from Memphis as the video coordinator. Prewett joined the staff at Lee-Scott Academy in 2007 as both the boys and girls basketball and track coach. He led the varsity boys basketball team to the 2012 AISA State Championship, a runnerup finish in 2011 and the Final Four in 2009 and 2010. Over
the years the Lee-Scott boys team’s went 139-31. On the girls side Prewett led the program to four AISA State Championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013), a runner-up finish in 2014 and the Final Four in 2008 and 2010. Prior to his stay at LeeScott, Prewett was the varsity boys basketball and track coach at Faith Academy in Mobile from 2004-07. Prewett led the boys basketball team to the 2006 AISA State Championship, the 2005 Final Four and was the 2006 AISA All-Star game coach and Coach of the Year. Prewett led Faith Academy to a 63-21 record. VerHulst was the video coordinator at Memphis from 2009-14. There VerHulst broke down upcoming opponents and presented coaches and players scouting reports. VerHulst also developed software to create plus-minus reports, shot chart data and record offensive efficiency statistics.
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Intrigue Thursday, June 12, 2014
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Intrigue
music
There is more than one way to create an album
Local musician Jackson Gafford utilizes inexpensive options to record music at home Reese Counts Intrigue Writer
With ever-expanding means of digital distribution, tools to create and release a record are more accessible than ever. Jackson Gafford, Opelika musician under the moniker Captain Kudzu, is putting together his first album. Gafford’s entire recording process is based in his bedroom using a laptop and a single microphone. Gafford records various instruments and sounds onto his laptop, often one at a time, and uses editing software to move all the pieces into place. “I have this little audio box,” Gafford said. “It just came with the software. I have, literally, a $2 keyboard that I use. I have just one mic.” Gafford’s bedroom contains a drum set, an array of guitars and effects pedals he feeds sounds through. Using a sample board, he then loops the audio to create a beat. “I hit the record button, put it on a continuous loop, and put whatever I want on top of that,” Gafford said. When Gafford has a sound or melody he has not found a purpose for, he said he uses the sample board to create the basic outline of a song or record. “I have an idea, I don’t know what to do with it, but I want to catalog it, so I’ll put it on there,” Gafford said. Gafford said he believes he has enough ideas for two albums at this point. “I have so much material,” Gafford said. “I counted the other day how many loops I have and I have about 40 different songs. I want to be able to surprise people every time I put something out.” One of Gafford’s finished songs contains 28 different instrument tracks, all performed by a handful of his friends. Most of his work has been done with one or two other musicians he knows he can rely on. “People have their set way of doing things and
they think that’s how it should be done across the board,” Gafford said. “It’s a compromise. Some people are good at that, and some people are terrible.” Gafford also believes too many egos in a room can lead to creative stagnation, so he started working alone because he said he was frustrated with all the conflicting mindsets. “I had a really specific idea for how it sounds and other people would have ideas for how it should sound,” Gafford said. Although he’s been playing live music for several years now, mostly at bars and open-mic nights, Gafford started recording in the past several months when he decided he was wasting his time not recording. Tom O’Shea, owner of The Auburn Guitar Shoppe, said using a professional studio is an option for musicians trying to polish their sound. Converted from a doctor’s office, The Guitar Shoppe’s studio opened approximately one year ago. O’ Shea rents this studio out to various artists, from bluegrass to hip-hop. Experienced studio professional Wade Allen oversees the studio and works directly with artists. “It’s $35 an hour for all the kinds of work we do,” O’Shea said. “We don’t do the mastering here. The philosophy in the industry generally is you don’t have the same person doing the mastering as you do the mixing.” But for the artist on a budget, recording from home may still be the best option. Seth Brown, friend of Gafford, fills in on recordings when an extra hand is needed. “I started playing music with Jackson in about the 10th grade,” Brown said. Gafford said one of the first albums he wants to put together will feature himself and Brown. Gafford plans to release his music digitally to keep costs down, though he does plan to have his work mastered before release. “It’s going to be on Sound Cloud, Reverb Nation and Grooveshark,” Gafford said. “I’m going to just upload it everywhere I can.”
sarah may / Assistant photo editor
ABOVE: Jackson Gafford is in the beginning stages of putting his songs together. BELOW: Gafford sold various instruments and equipment to be able to afford his Fender Jazzmaster.
sports
Auburn football camp teaches and inspires women Anna Claire Conrad Writer
When my fiancé suggested that I attend the inaugural Auburn Women’s Football camp, I wasn’t exactly on board from the get-go. I couldn’t think of anything more intimidating than surrounding myself with diehard Auburn football fans for a whole day while trying to learn the technicalities of football, a subject that has never been my strong suit. I’ve lived in Alabama my entire life, but football was never a part of my upbringing. I understood the game at its most basic level. I knew the positions and the faces
of the big-name player for each team. I knew what a fumble was. I knew what calls the refs were making at least half of the time. But as far as Auburn-specific football, I was a rookie. But then, I took a deep breath and decided to attend the camp with my future mother-in-law, Martha. I was expecting to enjoy a fun day with Martha, while Nate spent the day hanging around Auburn with his dad. I thought, at the most, I’d get a few autographs. However, what I got out of this experience was much more. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I graduated from Auburn in May and have since moved to Birmingham. Throughout my four years on the Plains, I never went on the field or in the locker room.
I had never seen the new athletic facilities, including the new indoor football field. I didn’t understand the key components to our Hurry-Up, No-Huddle offense or our defense. And I never knew how much creativity, patience and skill it took to be the Tiger’s equipment manager. However, after eight hours of intense lectures, tours, meet-and-greets and videos, I feel like I’m up to speed. I even got to meet Gus Malzahn, spend time with his coaching staff and eat lunch with Travis Williams, current defensive analyst, former Auburn linebacker and rapper who created the “Tiger Walk” song. Even though I enjoyed everything offered to us at this day camp, my favorite segment, by far, was the presentation by Dana Marquez, the equipment manager of the only certi-
fied equipment staff in the SEC. Marquez patented a shoulder pad, both the soft and hard shells, that only weighs 3.8 pounds when dry or wet. Most shoulder pads weigh between 15 and 20 pounds by the end of a game. Not only that, he also put himself through culinary school while working for several teams in various sports across the country before his arrival at Auburn. Marquez was funny, well spoken and charming, so much so that one of the attendees asked if he was interested in “older women.” Needless to say, the entire room erupted in laughter. I couldn’t have asked for a more immersive way to wrap my head around something that for so long was completely foreign to me, and for this being the first year the University has
hosted a football camp exclusively for women, I applaud it for an invaluable experience that I’ll always cherish, along with all of the other memories I made at Auburn. I am excited to see how next year’s camp unfolds. I’m sure it will be an even greater success than this year’s. I also couldn’t have asked to spend the day with more inspirational women. These women are at the heart of the Auburn family. They’re the great-grandmothers, grandmothers and mothers of current students. They’re the alumnae who helped make the University and the football program what it is today. I can only hope to be as dedicated, loud and loyal as these women are by the time I’m their age.
raye may / photo and design editor
LEFT: Participants practice passing footballs and drills with Auburn football coaches. RIGHT: After practice, participants were given a tour of the football locker rooms and were able to try on some of the football players’ jerseys.