The Auburn Plainsman 06.18.15 Issue

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

First copy is free. Additional copies 50 cents per issue.

Thursday, June 18, 2015 Vol. 123, Issue 5, 6 Pages

environment

Diving headfirst into state waters approximately 88 crayfish species in Alabama

approximately 300 mussel species in Alabama

Alabama No. 1 in nation for aquatic biodiversity Emily Esleck Editor-in-chief

Alabama is number one in the nation for diversity of freshwater mussels, fish, crayfish, snails and turtles, according to Scot Duncan. To maintain the Dixie State’s diversity lead in these species, Alabamians need to protect bodies of fresh water.

In June 2014, a report was released by the Environment America Research and Policy Center stating Alabama was fourth in the nation in pounds of toxic waste released into waters.

However, according to Eric Reutebuch, director of Alabama Water Watch and employee of the Auburn University Water Resources Center, many efforts have been put in place to ensure the water is clean.

“We work on clean water every day, 365 days a year here at Alabama Water Watch,” Reutebuch said.

Alabama Water Watch trains volunteers from the Tennessee Valley to Mobile and Gulf Shores to monitor the water daily, according to Reute-

Contributed by jim stoeckel

Stoeckel studies mussels and crayfish for the University.

buch.

“We’ve got over 80,000 data records coming in from citizen monitors, who are not only monitoring the water, but also working with their local governments to find problems and solve problems,” Reutebuch said.

There have been many good results from finding problems with water chemistry, bacteria and E. coli in Alabama’s waters and then solving those problems, at least a dozen cases in AuburnOpelika, according to Reutebuch.

Reutebuch said he lives on Lake Martin, the

only Treasured Alabama Lake, and said it is considered one of the nation’s cleanest lakes.

Much of the infrastructure for waste water treatment was put underground for these

» See biodiversity, 2

entertainment

Standup comedy not always a laughing matter Maria McIlwain News editor

Paul Schissler said he always wanted to be a comedian, but was too scared to talk in front of people. That is, until he won a Last Comic Standing contest put on by UPC during his senior year at Auburn.

After graduation, Schlisser moved to New York City to begin his comedy career. In the past three years, he has appeared on numerous shows, hosted the web series “Man on a Boat” and cofounded Comedy Wire, a site where people can write and share jokes about world news. Schlisser said his time in New York so far has been “a lot of blessings,” though there have been many bad moments as well, such as being ignored by the audience.

Schlisser said his favorite performance recently was playing a host on a fake dating show,

News

where people would pretend to be on a first date.

He said he enjoys putting on an act as part of a show, not just performing in a lineup of several other standup comedians.

Tom Brink, another comedian and Schlisser’s roommate, hosts a variety show in Long Island, New York, and sometimes has Schlisser on his show.

“He’s probably one of the funniest people I’ve seen live,” Brink said. “Constantly just killing it.”

Brink said it was funny to see Schlisser trying to hook people up on the fake dating show.

“Even if he is portraying a character that doesn’t align with his beliefs ... it’s fun to watch,” Brink said.

There is plentiful talent and a lot to live up to in New York, according to Brink.

Page 3 Downtown lighting makes navigating around construction easier

» See comedy, 2

sports

Contributed by paul schissler

Schissler sits on set with Steve Harvey.

Page 5 Track and field concludes season with top finishes

intrigue

Page 6 Husband and wife teachers start Decorative Metalworks from home

index News Opinion Sports Intrigue

1 4 5 6

News 2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 18, 2015

campus

DUI reports The following were arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Auburn Police Division on June 9-15:

Former lab tech pleads not guilty Emily Esleck

June 11 - Christina Marie Tucker, 31 East Drake Avenue, 1: 03 a.m.

any, remedial measures, including policy changes should be made to prevent simiStephen Howard, former Auburn Uni- lar situations in the future,” Clardy said in versity laboratory technician, plead not an email.

Howard worked as a guilty at his arraignment chemical lab technician hearing, Tuesday morning, in the department of polyJune 16, at the U.S. District mer and fiber engineering, Court in Montgomery. which the Auburn Board Howard was indicted earof Trustees voted to close lier this month on six chargFriday, June 5, eliminates, including possessing with ing the bachelor’s degree an intent to distribute 1,4-buin that field. tainediol, which converts Howard was arrestto the date rape drug GHB ed May 22 after he sold when ingested. howard 20 ounces of 1,4-buAccording to Mike Clardy, interim assistant vice president for tanediol for $2 per ounce to an undercovthe Office of Communications and Market- er Auburn police officer during two sepaing, Howard resigned from his position at rate occasions, May 7 and May 14, according to detective Chris Carver, who served the University June 2.

“We are currently investigating what, if as a witness in the preliminary and detenEditor-in-chief

- Taylor Cameron Lott, 20 West Glenn Avenue, 2:48 a.m.

June 14 - Kyle Hunter Brown, 21 I-85 northbound, mile marker 56,, 3:59 a.m.

June 15 - Deborah J. Richardson, 61 East University Drive Report provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety is available online at ThePlainsman.com.

–Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety

Comedy

biodiversity

“The most exciting and terrifying thing I’ve ever done,” Brink said.

Recently, Schlisser appeared on “The Steve Harvey Show,” as part of a segment where a group of virgins was sent on a group blind date. Schlisser said he was contacted for the show after writing a magazine article about dating as a Christian virgin in New York City. Schlisser said the experience was “very weird.” He said his virginity is not a big deal to him. “[Waiting for marriage] doesn’t define me,” Schlisser said.

Schlisser said he enjoyed the process, though it did not become romantic.

“The romantic in me said, ‘I’m going to meet my wife,’ but that’s not realistic,” Schlisser said.

Schlisser said it was cool to get to know other men who share his beliefs and faith, but they did not meet the women until right before the show.

He said he was “crazy nervous” for that part.

Schlisser said he enjoyed the star treatment during the show.

“Made everyone feel like a celeb,” Schlisser said.

Schlisser said his biggest inspirations have been Jim Carrey and his mother, who raised him.

“Moms are great,” Schlisser said.

Schlisser said he wants to be honest on stage.

He said his openness about his beliefs makes him more approachable.

He said he wants to make people feel good about choices in their lives.

bodies of water up to 70 years ago and old pipes can cause bacterial contamination and “that is just natural,” according to Reutebuch.

Reutebuch said their citizen monitors have a key role to play in protecting Alabama’s local waters.

In the 60s the Saugahatchee Creek which flows from Opelika and through the north side of Auburn used to be called Stink Creek, because before the Clean Water Act of 1972, cities dumped raw sewage into streams and rivers, according to Reutebuch.

The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law governing water pollution.

“So in the big picture, the water quality, our waters have improved fairly dramatically in the last 30, 40 years,” Reutebuch said.

In June 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency published a report stating Alabama had 283 impaired waters compared to Pennsylvania which has 6,957 impaired waters among other states with high impaired waters from pollution.

“It’s also a big responsibility, you know, to try to take care of it,” Reutebuch said. “We’re seeing a lot of good things happen even in the face of a lot of budget cuts at the federal and state level and a lot of concerned communities and citizens are stepping up to help monitor and protect their local waters.”

Jim Stoeckel, associate professor in the school of fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic sciences, primarily studies mussels and crayfish to determine the cause of specific threats to their extinction.

According to Stoeckel, there are more than 300 freshwater mussels species in the nation, Alabama home to approximately 180 species.

» From 1

tion hearing, Wednesday May 27.

In addition to three counts of possessing 1,4-butanediol with an intent to distribute, Howard was indicted on two counts of firearm possession and one count of methamphetamine possession, according to a report by The Opelika-Auburn News earlier this month.

Federal Public Defender Don Bethel suggested the next date on the Opelika docket would be a reasonable trial date for Howard based on the amount of resources the government has on the case and that the investigation is ongoing.

“I think just to be on the safe side we would need that much time,” Bethel said in court.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Wallace Capel, Jr. denied Howard bail during the hearing on May 27.

A trial date was set for Jan. 4, 2016.

» From 1

Contributed by paul schissler

Schissler performs at a standup comedy event.

Contributed by Jim Stoeckel

In the past mussels have been harvested for their pearls and shells.

Stoeckel said more than 50 percent of these species are threatened.

Stoeckel explained that in the late 1800s mussels were harvested for pearl gathering when less than one in 10,000 mussels actually had a pearl inside.

He then said this depleted many local mussel beds, but since it did not destroy the habitat the mussels were able to repopulate and evolve in that area.

In the early 1900s a similar rush happened with buttons.

Mussel shells were harvested and used to make buttons.

The next threat came with the Great Depression when dam construction heightened splitting up the habitat for the mussels. This had a long-term effect on the mussel population and caused several species to go extinct.

According to Stoeckel Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity is high because of the geologically stable landmasses, no glaciers to wipe out habitats and the vast number of rivers, streams and water basins.

In 2014, Stoeckel and his students conducted an experiment with the herbicide, Round-up, to see if herbicides were threatening the mussel population.

The experiment found good news in that pesticides and herbicides did not contribute to the extinction of mussels.

However, sedimentation has been proven to be a valid cause of extinction, according to Stoeckel.

Mussels are filter feeders and it becomes harder for them to find food when sediment from construction or storms clogs the water.

Stoeckel also said too much algae can cause the same problem of mussels not being able to find food.

Another experiment Stoeckel and his students performed was to find if reproductive failure was contributing to extinction.

Male mussels release their gametes into the water, and females then find them.

Sediment could make finding the gametes harder for the females.

According to Stoeckel it was found that reproduction failed 100 percent when there was more than 20 miligrams of sediment per liter of water.

“So that’s a problem,” Stoeckel said. “It doesn’t have to be clay or non-food particles.

It can also be if you have an algabloom Stoeckel and his students set up a pond with an air blower to create a current. They set male mussels at the start of the manmade stream and dispersed female mussels approximately 25 meters apart.

The study found that reproduction did not fail in those giv-

en increments.

However dam construction does split up the gametes permanently which causes a reserve of mussels to become extinct if they cannot reproduce and evolve, according to Stoeckel.

“So a previous study that came out years ago scared a lot of people because it said that once you got below 10 mussels per meter square they had almost complete reproductive failure,” Stoeckel said. “And I can tell you that around here, it’s hard to find populations that are at 10 per meters square or above.”

Stoeckel has studied mussels quite a bit, however he said crayfish study is approximately 10 years behind mussel research.

Stoeckel said as of 2013 only 12 percent of over 300 crayfish species have been researched to determine the species’ life histories.

The Clean Water Act has helped keep Alabama waters a good habitat for the aquatic biodiversity thriving, according to Stoeckel.

“They’re [the mussel and crayfish populations] probably declining at a slower rate than they would have if that had not been passed,” Stoeckel said. “It’d be a total disaster if we hadn’t had that. It bought us time.”

calendar of events

thursday, june 18 -wednesday, june 24 Thursday June Wine Walk About at Maestro 2300 6-8 p.m.

friday Summer Jr. Tennis Tournament begins at the Yarbrough Tennis Center

saturday

sunday

Smooth ‘N Groove Man-up Tournament at Frank Brown Recreation Center

Bottomless Mimosas at Island Wing Company Noon

monday

tuesday

Drink specials Opelika Main downtown Street until 9 Farmers Market Summer Swing Concert Series

wednesday Burger and Beer Specials at Halftime 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

News 3

The Auburn Plainsman

Let there be light

businesses

Construction

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Lights installed along fences downtown Rachael Taylor news writer

The construction downtown this summer poses complications, such as the closing of the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue.

But since the construction started, the concern of darkness in the area has surfaced.

Melissa Humble, Auburn University Photographic Services employee, recently vocalized her concerns.

Humble sent letters to others around Auburn, and said everyone she has voiced her concerns with has responded.

“Visibility is almost zero because of the construction fence and privacy mesh,” Humble said.

“The dark green/black mesh blocks light, but also absorbs light that might be reflected otherwise, making the walkways even darker. With the loss of visibility, one literally doesn’t know what’s around the corner of those fences when navigating the area.”

Since Humble has a photographic background, she focuses on light.

When she went downtown, she said she could tell the side of College Street with The Bank Vault felt like a tunnel, and the other side of the fence could not be seen.

She said the other side of the street was not as bad, because the fence is not directly by the sidewalk, and the businesses have better light.

The city had heard similar concerns, and began putting a plan in place to make downtown feel safer before Humble sent in a complaint.

Jeff Ramsey, director of public works for the City of Auburn, said the concern of lighting downtown was brought up at the monthly meeting with the downtown merchants.

Ramsey said the lighting had been decreased because the streetlights were removed for con-

adam sparks / photographer

Newk’s is the latest addition to the Heart of Auburn shopping center.

Newk’s comes to Auburn Maria McIlwain news editor

adam sparks / photographer

The new lighting downtown replaces street lamps.

struction.

There are now lights on the top of the fence.

The lights also help people see the sandbags on the ground that are there to hold the fence in place.

According to Ramsey, the lights were added Wednesday, June 10.

“There’s a lot of lights already down there” Ramsey said.

He said they probably will not be adding more lights, but they have extra if needed.

Humble said she is excited the lights have been added.

David Dorton, public affairs director for the City of Auburn, said the downtown lights will hopefully make the area more appealing to nighttime visitors.

“We certainly hope that the lighting makes people comfortable going downtown,” Dorton said.

City Council

Newk’s Eatery is the latest establishment to join the Heart of Auburn shopping center, having opened Monday, June 8.

Ton Cox, director of operations for Newk’s in Auburn and Opelika, said the company was received so well at the Tiger Town location that they wanted an Auburn location.

“It’s a great idea to get into Auburn,” Cox said.

Cox said the location is ideal for them, especially because it fits the Newk’s image and the downtown location.

Cox said they have received a mix of students and Auburn locals.

“I would say 50/50 at this point,” Cox said.

Forest Cotten, planning director for the City of Auburn, said there has been a “pent-up demand” for new restaurants downtown, and a restaurant could be put there according to zoning regulations.

“There are a variety of different uses that are permitted by right, but [the developers] happen to want to establish a restaurant there, which is one of the permitted uses,” Cotten said.

Cotten said there initially was not enough parking in the shopping center, but they dedicated a section, originally meant to be another building, to parking on the Gay Street side.

“I think what happened was simply understanding that the parking demands that were being driven and generated by the building up front ... it became pretty apparent that there was going to need to be more parking,” Cotten said.

Cotten said Newk’s meets the parking requirements set up by the City, and the parking is “self-regulating,” and people will simply go elsewhere if they can’t find parking.

“I think with opening up that southern part of that parcel for exclusively parking, that should immediately erase any issues quite well,” Cotten said.

“

I think with opening up that southern part of the parcel exclusively for parking, that should immediately erase any issues quite well.”

—Forest Cotten planning director

Cotten said he does not think there will be a major impact on traffic in that area, and the cutthrough from Gay to College Street helps circulate traffic.

Cotten said the City does not want to widen the roads in the downtown area because he wants to promote pedestrians in core areas of the city.

“Just like it would be if you were a few blocks downtown, traffic is always going to move slower in core areas of town, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Cotten said.

“There’s going to be some related effect on traffic, that’s just inevitable, regardless of where you are.”

Cotten said the area is designed for traffic to be slower so people can walk around, while cars still pass through.

“We’ve really tried to put an emphasis in our downtown master plan, which is pending approval, on being increasingly pedestrianfriendly,” Cotten said.

Cotten said Newk’s put several elements into making the area attractive to pedestrians, such as plants and awnings. He said the plan is for the downtown area to expand to the Heart of Auburn, and the shopping center represents the southern edge of that development.

Cox said business so far has been successful, and he is excited for events such as game days and recruitment to bring in business.

Greek Life

New kids on the block Contributed by the city of auburn

South College rezoning does not pass initial vote The portion shaded in blue is the planned South College Corridor District.

Maria McIlwain news editor

The City Council did not pass a resolution to rezone parts of South College Street, meaning the vote will be delayed until the next meeting, July 7.

Forest Cotten, planning director for the City of Auburn, said the South College Corridor District was similar to the Renew Opelika Road project.

Cotten said SCCD encompasses a small portion of the intersection of South College Street and South Donahue Drive, where Kinnucans and Blooming Colors is located, but most of the zone is between the East University Drive and Veterans Boulevard.

SCCD would have more permissible uses, meaning different establishments can open there.

However, residential uses would not be permitted in that area.

Cotten said there are only “a couple older homes” in that area.

He said the area is already mostly commerical or has not yet been developed.

“We targeted the South College corridor, specifically, because it’s a strip commercial corridor, much like Opelika Road, it’s just a new generation of it,” Cotten said.

Currently, the area is a Comprehensive Development District, and it is the most permissive district in terms of use, according to Cotten.

However he said it requires conditional use for many uses.

According to Cotten’s presentation, the areas that will be rezoned either have high visibility from South College Street or are right on it.

“What the staff is recommending is that all those properties be rezoned to South College Corridor District, with an emphasis on increasing permitted uses in the commercial entertainment category and also the road service category,” Cotten said.

Cotten said the conditional use process is designed to make sure new establishments are compatible with what is already there.

However, most of the establishments currently on the corridor are already commercial, so Cotten said there aren’t compatibility issues.

“We didn’t see any reason to keep it as a conditional use,” Cotten said. “As a result, we’ve recommended that all those uses be permitted.”

Cotten said the rezoning would not drastically change the way the area looks, but allow for more redevelopment.

Cotten said one property

owner expressed a desire to not be included in the rezoning.

Another property owner said he also does not want to be included in the rezoning during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Bobby Phillips owns 135 acres of land near the interstate and has CDD zoning.

He asked the Council for permission to opt out of the rezoning, so the land could be more marketable to potential buyers.

“We’ve done our best to keep the property natural-looking,” Phillips said.

After discussion, Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. suggested denying unanimous consent to give Phillips and his family time to discuss the best course of action with officials such as Cotten as well as their real estate advisers.

“Maybe we should deny unanimous consent if you’ve got any questions about what we’re trying to do, and maybe sit down and look at it,” Ham said.

In other City Council news: A no parking zone was established at 210 Marion Circle.

Another no parking zone was proposed at 523 Wrights Mill Road.

An agreement with the University for law enforcement at sporting events for 2015-16.

dakota sumpter / photo editor

Sigma Tau Gamma moved into the house on Old Row on June 1.They have not yet installed letters.

Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity moves into the house vacated by Sigma Chi Rachael Taylor news writer

The Sigma Chi house on Magnolia Avenue is no longer sitting vacant, the brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma have recently moved in.

“They moved in on Monday, June 1,” said John Carvalho, faculty adviser for Sigma Tau Gamma.

According to Carvalho, the housing process started in October when a Sigma Chi representative contacted him.

Carvalho said the four top officers, alumni adviser and national officers made the official decision about the house.

There are currently two brothers living in the house and more are scheduled to move in come fall.

“The letters will be going up at some point in the next couple of weeks” Carvalho said.

Sigma Tau Gamma will live in the house for 2-3 years, and they said they knew the housing arrangement would be temporary when they agreed to it.

“Sigma Chi’s housing corporation took care of any renovations that needed to be

File photo

Sigma Chi has been suspended since 2013.

done prior to us moving in on June 1,” said Sigma Tau Gamma president Jonathan Kittle. “The only improvements we will be making are painting various areas of the house as well as installing letters.”

Sigma Tau Gamma’s last house was located on Opelika Road, according to Kittle.

Opinion

4

Thursday, June 18, 2015

ThePlainsman.com

Opinion

our view

Reduce dining options, not hours It only takes a quick glance around campus to see there are far fewer students present than during the fall or spring semesters.

It makes sense that campus dining options are reduced as well. The need isn’t there. The hours of the classes, however, have not changed. This includes the hours after 4 p.m.

But the Lowder Starbucks closes at 2 p.m., and the Student Center location closes one hour later. Au Bon Pain is closed for the summer to make way for the newer Chicken Salad Chick, according to Campus Dining Director Glenn Loughridge.

But Chicken Salad Chick, Olo Sushi and Papa John’s close at 3 p.m.

For those students stuck on campus later, options are severely limited.

Go Greek stays open until 4 p.m. and Outtakes until 5 p.m. After that, campus dining is reduced to one option until 7 p.m.— Chick-fil-A. Only Caribou Coffee in the library stays open long enough to cater to the night owls by not shutting down until 10 p.m.

With the reduced student population, we recognize the need to provide fewer options.

When it comes to hours of operation, however, something needs to be done.

This could be as simple as hiring afterhours staff, or offering limited menus after

Response to “Former Auburn University laboratory technician pleads not guilty to date rape drug distribution” Trey Carpenter “How can this guy still plead not guilty when he sold it directly to a cop???”

Responses to “Sigma Tau Gamma to live in Sigma Chi house” Terry Block “Very sad...”

Francis Hernandez a certain time. It could have been as simple as giving the students a say in their choices.

Tiger Dining is and has always been wonderful in its desire for feedback.

An email survey sent to all students registered for summer classes could have alleviated much of the guesswork for the campus dining staff, and ensured that students required to be on campus for later hours had places to use their TigerCard money, which is often wasted at the end of the semester.

“I can’t believe this!”

question of the week:

Samuel Mueller

Would you have voted on summer dining hours?

“Unbelievable”

Yes, I’d have liked input No, I don’t care I’m not bothered by the hours Vote online at ThePlainsman.com

P Response to “Editorial: Every campus sport is worth it” Silence

Letter to the editor

Downtown darkness still a safety concern Firstly, I’d like to commend the city on a job well done in the planning of and for this summer’s downtown construction.

My concern, however, is the lack of visibility in the area now and the safety concerns that go along with that.

When the construction fence and privacy mesh went up, I had some concerns about the severe drop in visibility.

The physical structure of the fence and mesh severely limits one’s field of view, and the dark material of the mesh absorbs much of the available light.

SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS

This field of view obstacle is a concern during the day, as well, but most of my concerns are about the time after dark.

The privacy mesh, however, could possibly be changed.

If a light color of mesh was used instead of the existing dark color, more light would be reflected off the material.

Auburn does a great job with police and other security presence in the downtown area.

With visibility completely blocked by the construction fence, no security is in sight.

One literally doesn’t know what’s around the corner.

A number of friends have expressed their feelings of being unsafe in the downtown area now.

I understand that there is far less traffic, both motor vehicle and pedestrian, in the summer than other parts of the year, so the need for security may be less too.

But people are still visiting downtown.

People are still spending money and supporting the businesses.

Those businesses desperately need that support since the construction is affecting them for an entire quarter, and sum-

mertime is rough for them anyway.

Downtown visitors should feel safe being there.

I love downtown Auburn.

I typically spend one or two nights there each week.

I’ve lived in Auburn and Opelika for over eight years and never felt unsafe at any point while downtown.

I don’t want to start now.

I want my friends and I to continue supporting the businesses and feel safe doing so.

“‘To neglect these sports at Auburn is to neglect a huge chunk of athletics.”

While this may be a valid point, oftentimes to try and attend all these sporting events in an attempt at not neglecting “a huge chunk of athletics” results in the neglect of the reason why most of us are here--to get an education.

Life, especially college life, is full of choices, and while it may be a shame that thousands of students don’t rush to fill the stands at a gymnastics meet or a track and field event, it is not an overarching neglect or lack of care toward the students who participate in those sports, but rather the simple economics of time usage. War Eagle!”

Response to “Incident reports from June 9-15” Samuel Mueller “So much nonsense”

Melissa Humble is a photographer at Auburn University Photographic Services.

her view

Go global to gain new perspectives on life

Response to “Auburn scores three-star running back Malik Miller”

some research. There are ways to travel on a budget. If you can wait to travel for a while, then a savings plan will help you travel with any luxuries you want to budget for.

Even in this globalized age, we can still be isolated in an American bubble. But you can pop this bubble by seeing your favorite culture firsthand. Most likely, jet lag will be the worst thing to happen.

“two of the sports folks rate him as a 4 star and two of them rate him as a 3 star, can’t Uluruat least call in a 3 1/2 star?”

Maria McIlwain is the news editor for The Plainsman. She can be reached at news@ThePlainsman.com

@golfwizkid

Maria McIlwain News Editor

There was something strange about the spaghetti. It was spicy.

I later found out this was because of the hot sauce and cilantro. But perhaps the strangest thing was the tortillas the spaghetti was served with. That, and the fact it was lunchtime in Honduras.

This globalized world we live in was never so clear to me.

Spaghetti in Central America.

Memes on T-shirts in Italy. Be-

cause of the Internet and social media, we can pick up on many different customs from all over the world, and many American customs seep into other cultures.

However, we often only see a watered-down approximation of that culture’s cuisine and traditions.

Go see other cultures for yourself. Because of this wonderful world we live in, we have access to small tastes of other cultures, but we need to go deeper for a more complete understanding of the world other people live in. For example, running water is a luxury in many parts

of the world. People don’t worry about locally-sourced or organic food, because most of it comes out of their backyard. Every particular group of people has their own individual concerns and methods for addressing those worries.

If you don’t have the financial means to go on an extravagant international tour, don’t worry. Fundraising is a fantastic option, and it is often necessary for mission trips. I didn’t have $2,000 lying around, but some awesome people helped make my trip to Honduras possible.

If fundraising isn’t an option, do

Emily Esleck

Editor-in-Chief

Online

Lauren Christopher Sports

Raye May

Managing Editor

Dakota Sumpter Photo

Kris Sims

news

Ashley Harris design

Submissions

Policy

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students, as well as faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages.

Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Monday for publication.

Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length. Please submit no more than 400 words.

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.

@DCWAU84 “I hope the powers that be have thought this through.”

Response to “VIDEO: Auburn Fans Celebrate Softball’s Return from WCWS” “@jayjacobsauad is the selfie king”

255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111, AU Student Center Auburn, AL 36849

multimedia

Maria McIlwain

Response to “College of Agriculture signs academic exchange pact with Cuba”

The Auburn Plainsman

The Editorial Board Elizabeth Tiller

@alvindonbaker

Newsroom - (334) 844-9108

Editor-in-Chief - Emily Esleck

Advertising - (334) 844-4130

Managing Editor - Raye May

NEWSROOM NEWS

ONLINE

OFFICE MANAGER

Editor - Maria McIlwain Writer - Sommer Henry

Editor - Elizabeth Tiller

Keeley Streetman

SPORTS

DESIGN

NETWORK MANAGER

Editor - Lauren Christopher Reporter - Emily Shoffit Writer - Evan McCullers

Editor - Ashley Harris

Wes Coker

PHOTO

MULTIMEDIA

Editor - Dakota Sumpter Senior - David Topper Photographer - Adam Sparks

Editor - Kris Sims

EDITORIAL ADVISER Austin Phillips (334) 844-9104 adviser@ThePlainsman.com

Sports Thursday, June 18, 2015

5 ThePlainsman.com

Sports

football

opinion

Malik Miller

jamarcus king

woody barrett

stephen davis, jr.

landon rice

eli stove

john broussard

tre threat

Future looks bright for the Tigers Lauren Christopher Sports Editor

Evan McCullers Sports Writer

Thursday afternoon, June 11, proved to be a strong day for the 2016 recruitment class under Gus Malzahn’s Tigers.

After close consideration between Auburn, Alabama and Florida State, three-star running back prospect Malik Miller announced he will join Gus Malzahn’s 2016 roster.

Miller is ranked the No. 1 running back and No. 13 prospect in Alabama by 247Sports.

The Madison native lead Madison Academy to a third consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Assosication state championship in 2014 and finished his high school career with 1,390 rushing yards for 24 touchdowns.

“(Malzahn) said I’ll play early because my versatility and some of the things I do separates me,” Miller said. “I think he sees a lot in me and has a lot of confidence in me.”

Shortly after Miller announced his commitment to the Tigers, junior college prospect Jamarcus King followed suit, making a verbal commitment over Twitter.

King had 27 tackles in 11 game appearances as a freshman at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, although the cornerback is a Prichard native.

With the additions of Miller and King, the Tigers have snagged eight commitments for the 2016 recruiting class.

The other six include quarterback Woddy Barrett, cornerback John Broussard, safety Stephen Davis, Jr., tight end Landon Rice, wide reciever Eli Stove and linebacker Tre Threat.

This class puts Auburn seven and a half-months ahead of the game before National Signing Day. Not only is Auburn set for the next couple of years to come, but the Tigers are projected to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship game according to the Associated Press’ bowl projections for the 2015-16 season.The projections have Auburn playing its semifinal game at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, against Notre Dame.

The Sporting News also has Auburn in the Cotton Bowl, but playing against TCU. ESPN projected Auburn to play Ohio State in the Capital One Orange Bowl, which is the other semifinal game in its predictions in May. The Tigers will begin their season on Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville. The game will be played at the Georgia Dome and will be broadcasted on CBS.

The men’s and women’s track and field team concluded competition in the NCAA Championships with top-eight finishes from sophomore Kahlil Henderson and junior Shawn Johnson on Friday, June 12, as well as a second place finish from Marshay Ryan in the triple jump on Saturday, June 13. Rachel Dincoff additionally made the highlights with her ninth place finish in the shotput Thursday, June 11.

“I am pretty excited because our group came here and competed hard,” coach Ralph Spry said.

“Kahlil Henderson was able to hang in there in one of the fastest 200 meter races in history and finished seventh. Shawn Johnson was able to compete and earn All-America honors in the high jump and triple jump, so I am really proud of him. We are a young team, and these are the type of experiences we need to be able to get back to where we want to be, so I am excited.”

Henderson recorded a 20.38 second finish to take seventh in the 200, earning two points.

He is the first Tiger to earn backto-back All-America honors in the 200 since Coby Miller in 2000.

Johnson, who was the only athlete to qualify in the high jump and triple jump, cleared 7-1/2.16 meters in the high jump to tie for eighth place and earned second team AllAmerica honors in the triple jump with a distance of 52-2.75/15.92.

Senior Ty McCormack, who earned his MBA in May, finished 18th in the 5,000 at 14:26.63.

Ryan recorded a season-best distance of 44-4.75/13.53 on her last attempt to jump from fifth to second. Her finish is the highest by an Auburn female since Shelly-Ann Gallimore won the event in 2001.

“It is an amazing feeling,” Ryan said. “It has been a long journey and a long season. I owe a lot to God. I am still injured right now, after having gallbladder surgery before the indoor season started. I am unbelievably grateful and I give all the glory to God. On my last jump, all I kept thinking about was what I had to go through to get here. I am incredibly blessed.”

Dincoff earned a ninth place finish in the shot put, setting a personal best with a throw of 55-0/16.76 on her third attempt, which ranks as the eighth-best mark in program history.

“We knew coming in that this

was going to be a grind,” Spry said.

“Rachel Dincoff had a great PR and just missed scoring by an inch. She is just a junior, so she will be able to come back stronger next year in the shotput.”

The NCAA Outdoor Championship concluded the Tigers’ 2015 season.

women’s golf

Athletics director Jay Jacobs announced Tuesday, June 16, Melissa Luellen has been named the new women’s golf coach at Auburn.

Luellen has spent the last 13 years in the same position at Arizona State University, where she led the Sun Devils to a national title in 2009 and coached 14 All-Americans.

“I am thrilled to welcome Melissa Luellen to the Auburn Family as our new women’s golf coach,” Jacobs said. “Coach Luellen has consistently produced winners on the course, in the classroom and in the community, and she will be a great fit at Auburn. Coach Luellen has won a national championship and multiple conference titles, so this hiring once again demonstrates my commitment to winning championships in every sport.”

Luellen will replace Kim Evans, who stepped away from coaching to take a different position within the University.

“I am thrilled to begin the next challenge of my coaching career at Auburn,” Luellen said. “I was able to see Auburn from the eyes of a recruit when I was brought in for my official visit during the interview process. Auburn has everything a coach and student-athlete could possibly want to be amazing in their sport and their life. Kim Evans built an incredible program at Auburn. My goal is to build on what she accomplished and continue to win championships.”

The three-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year has also coached golfers who have done as well in the classroom as on the course.

Two golfers under her watch at ASU won the Edith Cummings Munson Award, which is given each year to the All-American with the highest GPA. “Success in the classroom is just as important to me, and I’m pleased we were able to hire a coach with multiple Edith Cummings Munson Award winners,” Jacobs said.“We have an outstanding tradition of

Spring sports lead the way for Auburn Athletics evan mccullers sports writer

Football has long been the primary sport at Auburn and at other schools throughout the Southeast, but occasionally other sports step up and steal the spotlight.

That is exactly what happened at Auburn in the 2014-15 athletic year.

However, football wasn’t the only sport to struggle.

Nearly all fall and winter sports teams were outdone by their spring counterparts, with two exceptions.

Gymnastics, a winter sport, though the postseason stretches into the spring, capped off its season by placing sixth at the NCAA Championships, the secondhighest finish in school history.

The team broke a combined 50 records and recorded six of the eight highest scores in program history.

Meanwhile, the equestrian team had another successful year, as they advanced to the national semifinals before being eliminated by top-ranked Georgia.

Other teams were not as successful.

Football looked to be headed toward a successful season and possibly a berth in the College Football Playoff in Gus Malzahn’s second season, but the defense unraveled down the stretch, prompting the firing of defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson.

After a 7-1 start, Auburn lost four of their last five games to conclude a disappointing season.

Hopes were also high for men’s basketball, with Bruce Pearl taking over as the coach for the Tigers in 2014.

Auburn struggled, winning only four conference games before the SEC Tournament.

After disappointments from two major sports, Tiger fans needed something to cheer about, and spring sports delivered.

Baseball posted a record of 36-26, an eight-game improvement from 2014.

The Tigers won one game at the SEC Tournament and appeared in their first NCAA Regional since 2010.

The biggest surprise, however, was the newfound success and popularity of the Auburn softball team.

Clint Myers, in his second year as coach, led the Tigers to a school-record 56 wins and the Women’s College World Series.

Auburn won two games at the WCWS before being eliminated by top-ranked Florida, which went on to win the national title.

Will the fall and winter sports recontributed by auburn athletics bound and become competitive on a national level once again sooner rather Kahlil Henderson concluded his 2015 season with a top-eight fiinish in the 200 as a part of the NCAA Outdoor Championship. than later?

It’s likely.

With the addition of Will Muschamp winning in women’s golf, and I look ing the first freshman named firstas defensive coordinator to go along forward to Coach Luellen carrying team All-SEC. with Gus Malzahn’s offense, the footit forward for many years to come.”

He was the SEC Freshman of the ball team is expected to once again comYear and member of the Freshman pete for a spot in the CFP. All-SEC team. men’s golf Bruce Pearl has recruited well so far, “I played really solid on front Men’s golfer Ben Schlottman and his team’s three-game win streak in won the Palmetto Amateur by two nine, making a 30-footer for birdthe SEC Tournament shows he is buildshots, firing a final round of 4-under ie on 3 and a 10-footer for birdie on ing a solid foundation for the basketball 66 at the Palmetto Golf Club on Sat- 5,” Schlottman said. “When you get program. through the front nine even par or urday, June 13.

Will spring sports continue to excel as The sophomore from Advance, better, you have a chance to have a they did in 2015?

North Carolina, edged Billy Ken- really good round, and I knew I had They’ve set a high bar for themselves, nerly of Alpharetta, Georgia, with a a chance to do some damage.” and it will be interesting to see if they Schlottman was one of five Tifour round score of 8-under 69-64can maintain this year’s production, or gers to be named NCAA All-South73-66 for a total of 272. possibly take the next step: bringing a “It feels great to win such a pres- east Region as Auburn was one of national championship back to Auburn. tigious event,” Schlottman said. only three teams in the nation along Regardless of what the future holds, “My round today was really solid, with No. 1 Illinois and No. 2 Texas we will remember Auburn’s 2014-15 and I took it hole by hole and man- to have five honorees. athletic year more for the beginning of aged to shoot a good enough num‘15 than the end of ‘14. ber to get the job done.”

Compiled by Lauren Christopher, Schlottman is the first Auburn Evan McCullers is a sports writer for Evan McCullers, golfer to be named All-American as The Plainsman. He can be reached at Emily Shoffit and Staff Reports he was an honorable mention sesports@ThePlainsman.com lection by Golfweek as well as be-

This Week in Auburn Sports track and field

Falling behind

Intrigue Thursday, June 18, 2015

6 ThePlainsman.com

Intrigue

entertainment

Artist turns scraps into sentiments Maria McIlwain News editor

Byron Williams was not always an artist.

However, he now owns a small metalworking business, Decorative Metalworks, with his wife, Pené Williams, a science teacher at Auburn High School.

“I lucked into it, I guess,” Byron said.

Byron learned metalworking skills during his first stint working at Briggs and Stratton.

From there, he built his own machine and “fell in love with the process.”

He is now preparing to take another position at the company after resigning from a teaching post at Auburn High School, effective July 1.

Each design starts out as a drawing, either by hand or on a computer.

From there, Byron programs the machine to produce the piece.

After it comes out, he cleans the edges with a grinder and adds in finishing details.

He then adds plating, typically copper, and finishes it off with a clear automotive paint to slow down rust.

He said it is a long process, even for smaller items.

Byron said his favorite part of the business is to see people’s reactions to his work. “[People] appreciate seeing something that was ugly steel turn into a thing of beauty,” Byron said.

Pené, who manages the business side of Decorative Metalworks, said people’s reactions to her husband’s work when he turns an abstract design into art is her favorite part of the job.

“It’s neat to see him bring joy to other people,” Pené said.

Pené said she did not have a business background before starting the business.

“

[People] appreciate seeing something that was ugly steel turn into a thing of beauty.”

—Byron WIlliams

Artist and ownder of decorative metalworks

She has done a lot of learning on the fly, but her job is mostly about interacting with people, like in a classroom, she said.

She also is the delivery service for the business, handing the finished product off to the customer.

Byron said his art is a way for him to express himself, because he enjoys working with his hands.

He said his favorite piece recently was an oak tree displayed at the Pop-up SummerNight Art Walk on June 12.

He said he was careful not to mimic the Toomer’s Oaks too closely, but said the statue is still a reminder of the importance of tradition to him.

Byron said he works on his projects two days per week, because both he and Pené work full time.

He goes into the shop when it is convenient for his family’s schedule, however, he said the balance is still a struggle.He said he is more busy at certain times of the year.

“At Christmas, it takes over my life,” Byron said.

Pené said balancing raising three kids, the business and her job require a lot of organization, but she “really enjoys” watching people interact with her husband’s creations.

Adam Sparks / photographer

Artist Byron Williams stands with his metal creations at the Downtown Summer Art Walk Friday, June 12.

entertainment

10 things you didn’t know about Lee County 1. Zora Neale Hurston, author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” was born in Notasulga.

2. Loachapoka means “turtle killing place” in the Muskogee language.

3. Waverly was originally named Pea Ridge, but when the Central of Georgia Railway had to waver a railway route one mile south into the town, residents were so happy to have a rail connection, Pea Ridge was renamed Waverly.

English professor Bobby Long.

chian Mountains is in Chewacla State Park in Auburn, before the terrain 5. Daniel Wallace’s novel, “Big Fish,” descends into the coastal plain. Auis partially set in Auburn and at Au- burn also sits at the fall line of the burn University.

Piedmont Plateau.

6. Auburn University is common9. Jimmy Buffett began playing guily known for being Alabama’s first tar during his freshman year of colland-grant college, but it is also a sea- lege, which was spent at Auburn Unigrant and space-grant institution. versity.

7. Auburn University has graduat10. Actress Octavia Spencer, best ed six astronauts and sent five into known for her role in “The Help,” space, including T.K. Mattingly, a graduated from Auburn with a bachmember of the Apollo 13 and 16 mis- elor’s degree in liberal arts.

4. In the 2004 film “A Love Song sions. for Bobby Long,” actor John Travolta plays former Auburn University 8. The last foothill of the AppalaCompiled by Raye May / Managing Editor

the plainsman picks playlist : “MAKE YOU MISS ME” by sam hunt

Emily Esleck, editor-in-chief

“THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY” by the civil wars

Raye May, managing editor

“letting go of someone you care about is hard, and one of the best ways to get over them is to make them feel like they’re missing out.”

“Breaking up is hard to do, whether it’s with a friend or a lover. this song is simultaneously good for brooding and moving on.”

“PROBLEM” by iggy azalea & ariana grande

“This song offers a lot of encouragement and says being on your own will be better.You don’t need him or her in your life!”

“87 SOUTHBOUND”

“it’s about catching your woman with another man, Which makes it a pretty good breakup song.”

Maria McIlwain, news editor

by wayne hancock

Dakota Sumpter, photo editor

the staff at the plainsman chose their favorite songs to listen to

after a breakup. to listen to their picks, follow the auburn plainsman at spotify.com.

swift’s whole genre is “NEVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER” “Taylor breakup songs and this is definitely

by taylor swift

Elizabeth Tiller, online editor

“CUT HER OFF” by k camp

Kris Sims, multimedia editor

“DEATH BY CHOCOLATE” by sia

Ashley Harris, design editor

“DREAMING WITH A BROKEN HEART” by john mayer

Lauren Christopher, Sports Editor

do you want to have your pick featured in next week’s issue?

the best one.”

“This song is vulgar and direct, which is typically how breakups are. it also gives you confidence to get out of a bad relationship.”

“this song is so uplifting in a way that makes you feel like there’s more to life than losing someone in a breakup.”

“A slow, soft jam is what every girl needs to cry to after a breakup. especially if it’s a song by john mayer.”

watch facebook and twitter for the topic and send your pick, name, year and major with a few sentences to managing.editor@theplainsman.com.