The Auburn Plainsman online at THEPLAINSMAN.COM
A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID • NEWS SINCE 1893
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
VOL. 127 • ISSUE 2 • FIRST COPY FREE THEN 50¢
FOOTBALL
Round 2
By WILLIAM FINNEY Sports Writer sports@theplainsman.com
As the week rolls on and the clocks tick down to Saturday night, every college football fan in the country holds his or her breath to see their teams compete in prime-time. The students at Auburn University are no different. All week long, campus has been abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the No. 16 Tigers’ battle against No. 11 Oregon inside AT&T Stadium in
Tigers vs. Ducks
Arlington, Texas. “We’re playing one of the top teams in the country, probably one of the most experienced teams in the country,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. According to Malzahn, the Tigers’ game plan starts with winning at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Auburn boasts one of the top defensive lines in the nation — what with firstround talents in Derrick Brown, Nick Coe and Marlon Davidson — while Oregon trots out 157 » See FOOTBALL, 2
MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTO EDITOR
CAMPUS
Travel warnings affect students By NATALIE BECKERINK Lifestyle Editor lifestyle@theplainsman.com
On Aug. 5, 2019, Venezuela and Uruguay both issued warnings to their citizens about traveling to the United States in regards to recent mass shootings. Two days later, another travel advisory was issued by Amnesty International, a global organization proclaiming to fight for human rights. These warnings came out after two back-to-back mass shootings. One occurred on Aug. 3, in El Paso, Texas. The other came one day later in Dayton, Ohio. Combined, 32 people were killed and 51 were injured. With these shootings adding to the list of more than 255 that have occurred this year, people from all over the world have started talking about gun-related issues this country is facing. Rafael Rikardo Santos Marin is a student in marketing at Auburn. He’s originally from Caracas, Venezuela, one of the countries that issued a warning, and has been in the United States since the spring
of 2018. “I really like it here,” Santos said. “It’s really different from where I come from, but in a good way.” The Washington Post reported that the Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told his citizens to take caution when traveling to the United States. CNN said that Uruguay’s Office of Foreign Ministry advised citizens to “take precaution amid the growing indiscriminatory violence, specifically hate crimes including racism and discrimination.” While living in Auburn, Santos said he has enjoyed his time here, and has felt more safe here than in Venezuela. “The truth is that I feel safer in America than I do at home,” Santos said. “Here I can just go outside and be with my phone in my hand. It sounds crazy, but in my country I can’t do that.” Amnesty International’s travel advisory was similar to the ones from Venezuela and Uruguay. Their website states that travelers to the U.S. need to “exercise extreme caution” when traveling, while also condemning the U.S. govern-
A water pipeline will be running under Chewacla, and some community members are dismaid. Page 6
Last call: the final party at Quixotes
ment for failing to regulate and legislative gun laws. “Travelers to the United States should remain cautious that the country does not adequately protect people’s right to be safe, regardless of who they might be. People in the United States cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm — a guarantee of not being shot is impossible,” said Ernest Coverson, a campaign manager for Amnesty International USA, in a report. The Executive Director of Auburn Campus Safety and Security Kelvin King was aware of these advisories when they were placed, but sees no danger for Auburn locally. “Auburn, we believe, is safe,” King said. “Auburn places a lot of emphasis on training and preparation for any casualties, emergencies or natural disasters that may occur.” The emergency management coordinator for the University is in charge of putting together the specific plans for
There’s usually a buzz in the air Saturday nights in downtown Auburn. Music from each of Auburn’s downtown bars spills into the street from their propped open doors. On this particular Saturday evening, the music thumped louder than usual, and hundreds of conversations filled the air at Quixotes’ last night of operation. The bar has been a staple of college bar life, game day and many other Auburn traditions for over a decade. It’s full of memories for many current and former bar regulars and has been a place the staff has called home. “A lot of good memories and a lot of good people that have been on this journey with us,” said Chris Godbold, co-owner and co-founder of Quixotes, commonly known to students as Qs. Bar patrons lined North College Street that fateful night as the queue to enter the bar stretched to Toomer’s Corner. As the line crept toward the door, lights grew brighter for bar staff to check IDs and control the
» See TRAVEL, 2
» See QUIXOTES, 2
COMMUNITY Pipes to run through Chewacla State Park
COMMUNITY
www.theplainsman.com
go online
By ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor community@theplainsman.com
News 24/7 on our website Go online to theplainsman.com SCAN ME!
@TheAUPlainsman
@TheAuburnPlainsman
@TheAuburnPlainsman
news
2
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
THEPLAINSMAN.COM
NEWS
APD discusses safety, shootings in community event By SAM LANKFORD Community Writer
After experiencing two officer-involved shootings in the spring — one in February that injured an officer; the other in May which resulted in the death of officer William Buechner — the Auburn Police Division held a community dinner last week to discuss safety. Organized by the Association of Counseling Psychology Students, the program, “Together We Can,” provided a platform for the Auburn community to engage with its police force in conversation over dinner. In the Student Center ballroom, there were eight round tables, each with an officer attending. Police Capt. Scott Mingus, an officer for 30 years, sat at the middle table and talked about his duties during football season. Mingus accompanies the team to away games and escorts Kristi Malzahn, who he calls “the real boss,” to and fro. He’s not a fan of Waffle House, but after big wins, he escorts the Malzahns to the local eatery. “I hope we take them there a lot,” Mingus said. At the event, police officers introduced themselves, passing around a microphone that eventually found its way to Chief of Police Paul Register. Register explained some common student misconceptions about the police, including that officers aren’t just patrolling the streets, handcuffing anyone who stumbles out of a bar. He said he admired people who were walking and not driving.
“We’re tolerant because people are here to learn about life,” Register said. After a brief talk on the history of the city and precinct departments, Register opened the event to questions. One question concerned the misuse of force on “young, unarmed black men,” she asked. “When there’s a problem, it’s about training, or lack thereof,” Register said. Relationships were also to blame for these incidents, he said. The more officers are acquainted with the community, reasoned Register, the lesser likelihood of “negative contact.” Register also talked about the officer-involved shooting in May and the recovery process for Auburn as a whole. “It’s not going to be easy,” Register said. “One of the first things we have to do is worry about helping the families of the officers that were injured.” In the wake of the recent tragedies, Register broached the subjects of grief, post-traumatic stress and the emotional lives of officers, and how these were being destigmatized. “Thirty years ago, the mentality was to toughen up,” Register said. Register also said the department was looking at the shooting incidents to see if anything could have been done differently. But not all chaos is controllable, he said. “At the end of the day, there are some situations where officers are just running into someone who is intent on hurting themselves or others,” Register said. “We could’ve had the SWAT team there, and in that situation, some-
body would’ve probably gotten hurt.” Register said the tragedy emphasized the bravery of the Auburn police force. “That was an Auburn student that that of-
CORY BLACKMON / COMMUNITY REPORTER
Police investigate the shooting of an officer at a Dollar General on Opelika Road in Auburn on Feb. 15, 2019.
QUIXOTES » From 1
FILE PHOTO
Harold Joiner (22) runs the ball during an open football practice..
FOOTBALL » From 1
combined starts on its offensive line, good for the most in college football since 2011 (SMU). True freshman quarterback Bo Nix will be making his debut on one of football’s biggest stages, but he has the support of his entire team behind him. Malzahn has put his faith in the freshman and stated that Auburn won’t pull any punches with the newbie. “I don’t think that against one of the top teams in the country we can be conservative,” Malzahn said. “We’re just trying to put him in situations that make him comfortable.” A key question that remains is how Auburn’s hard-hitting secondary lines up against Oregon’s lengthy receivers. Oregon got backed up in its receiving corps in fall camp, but it’s still a talented group. “We’ve just got to come out and play,” said Auburn senior safety Jeremiah Dinson. “It’s not about Oregon, a lot of people are going to make it about them, but its not. At the end of the day it’s about Auburn and how we go out there and execute.” Saturday night will be the first time these two teams have faced off with each oth-
er since the 2010 BCS National Championship game, in which the Tigers defeated the Ducks 22-19. That was the first-ever meeting between the programs. “That was a while ago,” Malzahn said. “Those are great memories and it was a great game, but they’re a different team now and we’re a little bit different too.” Back then, Malzahn was the offensive coordinator for the Tigers. Now as the head coach and play-caller, he returns to his birth state of Texas for the rematch. “It’ll be a really good test,” Malzahn said. “We’re going to find out where we stand in our very first game and I think that’s a great thing.” This game will also mark Malzahn’s first time coaching in the Cowboys Stadium. The Irving, Texas, native will be at the helm of his team and just 20 minutes away from his home town at the same time. The Ducks’ veteran offensive line may pose a problem to the Auburn defense, but it’s their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, whom the Tigers will be keeping close tabs on all night. Herbert enters his third season as an early Heisman Trophy candidate after he elected to return for his senior season. The Eugene, Oregon, native was projected as a top-5 quarterback in last year’s draft. Auburn’s history with Or-
TRAVEL » From 1
each situation that may occur. “It’s kind of boiled down to emergency plans for individual buildings on campus as well,” King said. “We do that through engaging the faculty and staff through training for emergencies that may occur with the police division, fire division and other emergency management professionals in the area.” The thought of these advisories being based on political bias is something that wouldn’t surprise him, Santos said. “America has a very good bias in some
egon is a victorious one, but their history with the Pac12 as a conference paints a broader picture. In the last decade, the Tigers have the most wins of any SEC team against Pac-12 opponents with three. The Tigers also have the third-highest win percentage in the SEC all-time against Pac-12 teams, at 6-2. Malzahn has been a part of three of these wins — against Oregon in the national title as a coordinator, and against Washington State in 2013 and Washington in 2017 as head coach. The SEC as a whole is 7342-5 all time against Pac12 teams. With this statistic and Auburn’s performances against Pac-12 teams in the past, Saturday could shape up to be an exciting night for the Tigers. “We just try to stay in our own box,” Malzahn said. “It’s an important game for Auburn playing against a top team and it’s real similar to last year.” The game will be broadcast on ABC at 6:30 p.m. CST. Despite the big stage and the bright lights, Malzahn wanted his team to remember what they’re playing for. “We want to make our fans proud, our former players proud with the way we play: that hard-nosed, physical, disciplined, good Auburn football,” he said.
things and a bad one in others,” he said. “With the thing of safety, compared to most of the countries in Latin America and Africa, it’s a pretty good bias. People want to come here because they feel safe.” Most of Santos’ family is still in Venezuela. He said he is glad that he was able to come here. But, Santos said, he can’t speak for every international student. “Some international students may be scared of the notice that came out. It depends on where you come from. In my case, I’m very glad because I just know it’s way worse there, like you cannot compare,” Santos said.
ficer gave his life for,” Register said, referring to the May incident. “So I think that should tell everybody what these guys, these men and I, are willing to do to keep everybody safe.”
crowd inside. Entering the bar for the last time, the smell of beer and liquor fill the air. The surfaces of the bar’s few tables are covered in empty beer bottles and cups. Shoes stick ever so slightly to the floor where many drinks were once spilt as patrons became just a little too rowdy. The crowd is spilling out the doors onto the bar’s patios as people weave their way to a small, open space at the bar to order a drink; bar tenders frantically turn, moving in sync to prepare drink after drink. The actual light from the DJ’s setup barely peaks through the crowded bar. The lights create a silhouette of the DJ, and he is outlined with strobe and neon lights atop a small stage in the bar’s far back corner. A few girls join the DJ on stage, dancing along to his music, while other dancers fill the small dance floor. It took 14 years to get Qs to its final night. The bar opened spring break of 2005, about two years after Godbold and his friend turned business partner, John Hyink, decided to take a leap and open the bar. They both agreed the experience is more than they ever imagined. “I don’t think it was part of my college plan,” Godbold said. “[But] I’m definitely glad that I did it.” They got the idea to open the bar after working in the hospitality field. They always thought it would be fun to run their own business, but never thought it would happen so soon after college. When the opportunity presented itself, they knew they couldn’t turn it down, Godbold said. Both men have remained co-founders and co-owners since Q’s first night. Throughout their tenure they have learned a number of lessons. “We’ve learned a lot of ways not to do it,” Godbold said. “That’s one of the things small business teaches you, everyday is a new challenge. You just have to wake up and rise to the challenge. But it’s always fun to do when it’s in a fun business.” It wasn’t all books and business for Godbold and Hyink. They have their fair share of fun memories at the bar. Last week, Qs was about more than saying goodbye to a bar; it was about remembering the experiences everyone had there. Throughout the week, Qs asked current and former customers to share their favorite memories from their time at the bar. Though business is often about customers and their experiences, Godbold and Hyink focused a lot of their time on turning their staff into a family. “My favorite part of the business is just the people, our employees that work with us and just make every day so much fun,” Godbold said. “But also, the customers that come in the doors.” Employees and customers alike shared their stories and said their final goodbyes to their beloved bar. Many agreed with Godbold — it’s not the place, but the people inside it. Andrew Massaro, a former staff member, joined Qs for its last night. He worked a number of jobs at the bar over a two-year period before settling in as a bartender. He said his favorite memories aren’t going away after the final last call. “The people is what makes the place,” Massaro said. “The building is old and its time for an upgrade, so I’m excited for them. I’m excit-
ed for their success.” He spent many hours with his co-workers, especially on game-day weekends. Massaro was a frequent flyer of the two-a-day shifts, working upwards of 14 hours a day with the same people. After work, it was their time to hang out. They would find one of the few places in town still open after the bar closed to grab a bite to eat and swap stories from the crazy night. “Sometimes I would spend 24 hours in a row with these people,” Massaro said. “I miss that.” Some employees, like general manager Dade Nunnally, have spent much more time with people they met at the bar. “I met my wife right in there by the small bar,” Nunnally said as he gestured to a bar tucked in the corner of the building. “My brother met his wife right in here, at this bar. His wife introduced me to mine. I know probably another 15 or 20 people that have met here over the years.” It’s sad to see the building where he has met some lifelong friends and spent so many hours go, but the memories won’t fade like the painting of the Qs logo on the front patio or the smell of spilled beer. Those memories come from the experiences he had and the people he was with, not the building they were in. “To be here in the middle of the day and have people in here and like into it, all cheering for one thing whether it’s the U.S., Auburn or whatever it is, that’s really cool to see,” Nunnally said. For Nunnally, it’s about the staff and the people he’s met because of the bar, people like Catherine Cirigliano, a bartender at Qs who said working at the bar has introduced her to many different people. “There’s very few bars in Auburn, so it led me to interact with a bunch of different people,” Cirigliano said. “The staff is incredible.” That staff Cirigliano is so fond of isn’t going away as the two friends and co-owners of Qs aren’t done with bar life yet. For the last three to four years, Godbold and Hyink have workshopped and designed a new bar that will soon open just down the street from Qs. Part of the reason they decided Qs had reached its final days was the space. “Quixotes was such a fun spot, but I think we just got to the point where we need a little bit more room if we want to be able to show everybody everything we can,” Hyink said. The new bar, called The Southeastern, will feature two stories. The bottom floor will be similar to Qs, including pool tables and the typical college bar atmosphere. The upper mezzanine level will feature large booths and a separate bar serving wine by the glass and a full cocktail menu. The upper level will also feature a larger food menu. Godbold and Hyink said they are even thinking about opening the upper level, which has a separate entrance from the lower level, for lunch. Many of the staff members at Qs will join Godbold and Hyink in their move to The Southeastern. The owners hope to bring the same experiences patrons and employees enjoyed at Qs to the new bar. “We’re just extremely thankful for everybody that has supported us throughout the years,” Godbold said. “Just proud to be a part of downtown Auburn and the downtown Auburn experience.”
opinion
3
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
THEPLAINSMAN.COM
OPINION
Auburn goes from play calls to curtain calls By EDITORIAL BOARD Fall 2019
Last week, the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center officially opened its doors. With a construction timeline lasting more than two years and a budget of over $70 million, this performing arts center is one of the most expensive building projects that Auburn University has ever completed. For a school in Alabama that has often been labeled as a cow college or a sports school, this is a large step in a different direction for Auburn. Jordan-Hare Stadium, arguably Auburn’s most iconic and recognizable building, was built in the 1930s and cost $1.5 million which roughly equates to $28 million today. Over time, additions and renovations have been made to the stadium, but no single renovation has been more expensive than the Gogue Center’s budget. Only a few of the large, contemporary construction projects undertaken by the University have surpassed that $70 million mark. The Auburn Arena cost $86 million dollars in 2010, and there are two projects currently underway which will be more expensive than the Gogue Center. The Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex, which will eventually replace Parker Hall, will cost $83 million, and the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will cost $95 million. Nevertheless, the University is putting a lot of money into widening its appeal and defying stereotypes which have been leveled against it. As the thousands of agricultural and athletic students will tell you, there is nothing wrong with cows and pigskins, but this new arts center is a much needed expansion of Auburn’s appeal. That is because Auburn, as a town and university, is growing. The City of Auburn’s population has been growing steadily since 2010, and the University has had an increased enrollment every year since 2005. Growth, especially at the pace and duration that Auburn has experienced in the last decade, can be a massive challenge to a community. Insufficient infrastructure, tensions between locals and newcomers, parking deficiencies and rising housing prices can divide and weaken a town.
LOUIS MARTIN / CARTOONIST
Of course, Auburn is not immune to these challenges.There are seemingly constant debates in City Council meetings about zoning regulations and building heights, and it feels like traffic cones around a construction zone have become a permanent design choice. But the end result of that construction, at least in the instance of the Gogue Performing Arts Center, can be a really good thing for a growing community. Last week, the center’s inaugural event featured COIN and LANY, two indie pop bands. Next month, the center will host Renée Fleming, a Grammy Award-winning singer who has performed at a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee concert in Buckingham Palace. An acrobatics team is performing in October, and a musical comedy about Jimmy Buffett will be there in December. The center’s line-up for the rest of this year alone is a diverse group of performers intended to cater to a wide variety of audiences.
Similarly, the funding for this project came from a wide variety of sources. $25 million, over one-third of the center’s construction budget, came from John and Rosemary Brown’s $57 million donation to Auburn. The City of Auburn has already donated $1.5 million and has promised another $50,000 every year for the next three years. Smaller donors had incentives like signing the custom-made Steinway piano which will be used for some performances. In all, a community has gotten behind this effort. Going forward, as the Auburn community continues to grapple with the challenges brought with an expanding population, it is important to point out the areas where the city and University are working to broaden their appeal and invest in improvements. Growth can be good — especially when it means more people get to enjoy the things they love.
AL Dems’ shake up is overdue
Students say goodbye to Qs
By CARSTEN GROVE Contributing Columnist
By JACK WEST Opinion Editor Over the weekend, Quixote’s, a popular bar in downtown Auburn, closed its doors for the final time. For many Auburn students, Qs — as it was lovingly called — was a place where memories were made. Of course, given the nature of Qs business, some of those memories were also quickly forgotten. Some students had their first drink at Qs; some may have had their first kiss. For some it was a place to meet friends, for others, a place to
meet family. For nearly a year, rumors had been circulating about the bar’s impending final hour, but it finally came. Last Friday and Saturday night, the line to get into the 14-year-old bar stretched down the sidewalk of College Street. Many took this last opportunity to say goodbye to a part of Auburn’s history. But plenty didn’t get that chance. In the hopes of helping more students find closure, here are some people’s best, worst, favorite and final memories of Quixotes.
“Over the summer, I was hanging out with a bunch of my sister’s friends, and they took me to Qs. We went and hung out there for a few hours. We just listened to music, and afterwards we went to Little Italy. Qs is going to be missed.” -Jacob Raider, freshman
“My favorite time was probably ladies’ night because there’s discounts on drinks. I went with my roommate, and we went every Tuesday. Qs will always be in my heart.” -Grace Davis, sophomore
“My sister came to visit me once. She’s a year younger than me, she goes to a school in South Carolina and we went to Qs. I went for the last pitchers on Wednesday, and I was texting her and said, ‘I’m here, and it’s gone. It’s leaving, and you’re never going to come again.’ I’m going to miss the memories with my sister and my friends.” -Kayla Shelley, junior
Having been the Huntsville Area Field Director for the Amy Wasyluka for State Senate campaign and the President of the Auburn University College Democrats, I’ve become very familiar with how the Democratic Party in Alabama has been run. So, when I learned that the chair and vice-chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, Nancy Worley and Randy Kelley, were going to have their credentials revoked by the Democratic National Committee, I was ecstatic that something was finally happening — even coming as late as it is. While working for the Wasyluka campaign, I became acutely aware of just how poorly the ADP is run. We waited for ages to get a response from their headquarters for anything that we had to ask them for. They were underfunded, their employees were overworked and Worley seemed to care very little about what was going on. While I can’t know for sure what was going on inside her head, it certainly seemed that supporting Democratic campaigns in the state was not the first thing on her mind. I was also frequently in contact with Mallory Hagan, who was running for Alabama’s Third US Congressional District. I heard from people within her campaign that even they, a campaign seeking a position in U.S. Congress, were getting al-
most no support from the ADP. This all came to a very dramatic head in August 2018, when there was a massive pushback against Worley’s leadership. Doug Jones even came down to announce his support for removing Worley. However, this effort failed and Worley remained in power. Her re-election did not stop the constant calls for new elections to be held though, with even the DNC getting involved in our proceedings to review our state party’s bylaws and ensure that the ADP holds itself together. I know that the difficulties that liberals and Democrats face in Alabama are not purely homegrown quarrels. However, attempting to remedy this problem is nearly impossible when the state party is seemingly unwilling to offer any meaningful support to campaigns and incapable of building a grassroots support base. In all of the campaigns I have been a part of, all of the successes in Alabama have been despite the ADP — not in tandem with them. If Alabama Democrats want to have any chance of seeing the kind of change we want, then we need to start by overhauling the network that’s supposed to be supporting us — not suffocating us. Carsten Grove is a junior in industrial and systems engineering at Auburn. He is the president of The College Democrats at Auburn University.
Correction: In the previous issue, a version of the City Council story concerning the Cullars home relocation contained several grammatical errors. The Plainsman sincerely regrets the mistakes.
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
OPINION PAGE POLICIES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
COLUMNS & EDITORIALS
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 include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. Submission may be edited for grammar, style and length. Please submit no more than 600 words.
LOREN KIMMEL
Managing Editor, Operations
Managing Editor, Standards
ELIZABETH HURLEY
STEPHEN LANZI
JACK WEST
EVAN MEALINS Assistant Community
This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.
NATALIE BECKERINK Lifestyle Editor
Campus Editor
TRICE BROWN Assistant Campus
NATHAN KING Sports Editor
SUMNER MARTIN
Opinion Editor
MARIE LIPSKI Photo Editor
CAMERON BRASHER Video Editor
Assistant Sport
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.
MIKAYLA BURNS
Editor-in-Chief Community Editor
CONTACT
Letters must be submitted to editor@theplainsman.com before 4:30 p.m. on Friday for publication.
EDUARDO MEDINA
Newsroom: news@theplainsman.com Sports: sports@theplainsman.com Opinion: opinion@theplainsman.com Editor: editor@theplainsman.com Advertising: admanager@theplainsman.com
334-844-9108
344-844-9101
campus
4
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
THEPLAINSMAN.COM
CAMPUS
SENATE
SGA votes to fund Glomerata new computers By TIM NAIL Campus Reporter
The Student Government Association voted Monday to grant a reserve-fund request for five new iMac computers for the Glomerata, Auburn’s yearbook. The $8,145 request for the new computers was made because the Office of Information Technology is not leasing computers any longer. Instead, as current leases end, groups must buy computers not lease them, if they go through OIT. Five of the Glomerata’s computer leases were set to end in September. “[I’m] definitely very happy with it, everything worked out in such a timely manner,” said Jacob Sparks, editor-in-chief of the Glomerata. “The [Budget and Finance Committee] really took control of this and brought it to the floor as fast as they could. I am very appreciative of that considering our intense deadline schedule we have.” The publication requested a total of $8,145 in funding for the
purchase of five new iMac computers with Magic Trackpads and updated RAM, as to accommodate current software programs. During discussion of the bill, some senators raised concern over the requested amount for only five devices. However, several senators pointed out the use of iMac computers in major design firms, as well as the possibility of delays in the yearbook’s design process if the organization had to switch to other options. “The Glomerata moves very quickly,” Sparks said. “We publish the entire book by mid-February, which sounds like a long time, but when you’re publishing 404 pages and working with a staff of about 40 people, it is a lot to get those 8,500 books delivered to the student body in the second week of April.” A considered alternative to the request was a program-expansion fund, which would have also seen an increase in Glomerata funding. However, by using a reserve-fund request, the group will only have to make a one-time purchase for computers that will last them several more years. “I’ve been emailing with James [Sadie, Budget and Finance
chair] over the summer just to try to get a better picture, because I have never done a reserve-fund request,” Sparks said. “I’ve never seen one, so making sure that we went through all those steps because it was such high stakes. Basically, if this didn’t go through, I don’t know what would happen.” The devices will be specially ordered through the University bookstore due to Apple’s contract with Auburn and should be ready for incoming staff by the first meeting after the bill is signed. As other leases expire in 2020 and 2021, student organizations and staff who leased their computers will need to determine if and how they’ll purchase new computers. For the Glomerata, the reserve-fund request worked for them. “This definitely worked out,” Sparks said. “It was a big, big surprise when I found out we were not going to lose computers, because $8,145 is not something I take lightly, nor should anyone, and the senators certainly didn’t tonight, which I greatly respect and appreciate all their questions.”
ORGANIZATIONS
IMPACT preps for new year
ENTERTAINMENT
By STEPHEN LANZI Campus Editor
LOGAN ELLISON / PHOTOGRAPHER
The bands LANY and COIN took the stage at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center in Auburn, Ala.
Gogue Center rocks opening UPC hosts first concert in the newly built Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center By TIM NAIL Campus Reporter
Skylights, singers and a swarm of students signaled the grand opening of Auburn’s new Gogue Performing Arts Center on last Thursday night. Headlined by pop music group LANY, after a special appearance by indie artist COIN, an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 people filled the venue’s outdoor stage. In a year expected to be full of performances and events, the $70 million center is a historic one for the University, with the opening offering a glimmer of what’s to come. The double-feature concert event was a long-developed endeavor by the University Program Council to bring students, others in the Auburn community and even outsiders who caught wind of the night’s acts to show the potential of the GPAC. “We had people travel from all over the states to come,” said Alison Moore, administrator for major entertainment for UPC. “I had a group of girls here that were from Minnesota that drove here, some big LANY fans.” The event brought forth some new means of planning and organization to the UPC, which has always worked strongly with the University in preparing larger-scale activities throughout its history. The Grand Opening Festival saw it instead partnering with GPAC to bring the bands to the facility, which is more loosely connected to the main campus. Moore noted that despite this, agents of GPAC cooperated with the council to set the plan in motion around a year ago in
anticipation of the center’s unveiling, taking up the task of outreach to groups UPC was interested in hosting. “Through all of us we worked as a team to get them here,” she said. “We started meeting with [GPAC] in the fall but most of our heavy planning and booking has been over the spring and the summer.” Beginning the process was no small feat, with the council looking at an extensive number of possible artists for the event before reducing the candidates to its two final choices. “We start extremely broad. We’ll just sit out and throw out names, and from there maybe narrow it down to a top ten list,” said Caroline Scott, who serves as UPC’s vice president of entertainment. “That’s when we’ll contact agents when we get to ten that we think can pack out a venue, that students will be excited for, that can market itself.” Several beverage stations and a taco truck were scattered about the area to accommodate the thousands of guests in attendance, with the UPC offering catered Chick-fil-A to VIP pass-holders who were also granted stage-side access. UPC’s next high-profile event is in October and will see comedians Cody Ko and Noelle Miller perform in the Student Center, though Scott hinted at more highlights at GPAC later on. The council intends to feature smaller concerts that would occur more routinely rather than major performances in its developing lineup for forthcoming semesters. “We’re working with contracting, so stay tuned,” Scott said. “A lot of big things will be going on here. It’ll be a hot spot for years to come for sure.”
IMPACT, Auburn’s largest volunteer organization, will be back in full effect on Tuesday. Peyton Parra, president of IMPACT, said there won’t be any changes to the sites this semester, but there was a lot of work she and the rest of the executive team put in to making adjustments over the summer. “Most of these project sites we’ve been with for many years, and it’s kind of neat to meet up with them and get to know those individuals, because a lot of them have given their life to whatever cause it may be,” Parra said. “It’s cool to see their passion, especially over the summer when things have kind of died down. It’s nice to get that passion back up, and it reminds you why we do this anyway.” This year, the same 16 sites will be available for students to volunteer at. With a wide variety of volunteer sites and 55 different times throughout the week, IMPACT tries to make the schedule flexible enough for any student to be able to volunteer. IMPACT will have 66 project coordinators this semester. Unlike some student organizations that have a tremendous amount of turnover from year to year, Parra said IMPACT has a healthy balance of returning leaders and new leaders as project coordinators. Once a month, all of the project coordinators come together to bond and do a different project as a group. The first will be at the Jason Dufner Foundation, and in October they will hold a fall festival at Joyland Child Development Center. Ahead of each volunteering time, project coordinators and volunteers meet at the intramural fields to head to the sites together. For Parra, IMPACT has always been an opportunity to have a perspective check. Now a senior, she has volunteered since the first semester of her freshmen year. “I love to take a step back,” Parra said. “It’s a great two hours where you’re not worried about classes or your tests or anything. You’re focused on service in whatever capacity that may be.” Parra said IMPACT also provides students real, tangible experience with fields that they may want to go into after school. “I love how it’s super convenient,” Parra said. “I think it’s hard when you have your course load, and you don’t know what you’re going to be able to commit to in the semester. So what’s nice with IMPACT is you can show up when you’re free, but you’re not committing to showing up every week as a volunteer. It’s whatever works for you.”
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
5
HOMECOMING
Callouts name Top 5 candidates
TOP
By DREW DAWS Campus Writer
MISS HOMECOMING BEVE N R O
LY
ALL IS
PAGE 5
On the back steps of Cater Hall, the traditional callouts sparked roars of cheers and screams as the 2019 Miss Homecoming Top 5 were announced on Wednesday. The five women, reveling in the announcement with friends, are eager to be one step closer to being crowned the next Miss Homecoming. “Honestly, this is so surprising, and I am so excited,” said Matthews, a senior in English literature. “It’s going to be a wild time.” The nominees also commented on how humbled they are to represent the student body. “I am completely speechless and honored to be listed among these women to represent our university,” said Brint, a senior and double major in nursing and Spanish. “I consider this a blessing that God has chosen to provide.” Stewart, a senior in communication, echoed Brint’s sentiment. “I’m at a loss for words because it doesn’t seem real
yet,” Stewart said. “I’m still shocked. I’m unsure how I got here, but I’m really honored to have gotten this position.” In the coming weeks, the five women will begin a week-long campaign raising awareness for their specific platforms. “My platform is really important to me, and it’s able to give back directly to Auburn, and that’s something that’s been important to me since I got here,” Stewart said. Brint underscored the importance of campaigning — a time in which the nominees will work to give back to the community. “I hope that people see my heart for these people and this campus because this is a place that has invested so much into me, and I hope to give back a small portion of what I’ll be taking from Auburn when I graduate next year,” she said. Formal campaigning will begin on Sept. 9 at 3 p.m., and there will be a joint kickoff on the Green Space. Auburn’s next Miss Homecoming will be announced during the halftime performance at the Sept. 14 matchup against Kent State, along with the winner of the Homecoming parade.
STUDENT LIFE
E MATT N I L
Y STEWA R A
RT
M
WS HE
CAR O
HIE BR P I O
NT
S
Freshmen share views on first week By SARAH GIBSON Campus Writer
The beginning of the school year brings about change for all students. Different classes, professors and living arrangements can cause unwarranted stress, especially for freshmen. While adapting to their new reality, many freshmen experience problems and have at least one instance that would be considered a failure. Caroline Boyd, freshman in pre-business, messaged a woman on Facebook who was selling a desk organizer. However, she didn’t realize that desk sizes were different depending on which dorm you were living in. “So, when we got it, we noticed it seemed a little big, but didn’t think too much about it.” Boyd said. “When we actually put it on the desk, it was way too big. That day, I had to go back on Facebook and try to re-sell
ER OW
MA G
getting louder and louder,” said Logan Heydon, freshman in mathematics. “I looked up to see two skateboarders coming down the street. I tried to stop so I wouldn’t be run over, but both of my feet rolled off the curb.” Heydon fell flat on her face and scraped her knees. She thought she had broken both her ankles. “The girl that was walking nearby, who saw the whole thing unfold, just stared at me and kept walking,” Heydon said. “I could tell she was suffering from second-hand embarrassment, but did not have the desire to help me. I got up and pulled myself together, like the big girl that I am, and kept walking, wanting to cry but not.” Heydon could’ve had a lot of conclusions about what happened, but she took away one thing in particular. “That’s why skateboards should not be allowed on campus,” Heydon said.
MUSIC
Student DJ shares her passion for music By JORDAN WINDHAM Community Writer
HIGH T GIE
it.” Boyd said she considered this her freshman fail. For other students, their instances of failure looked little like Boyd’s. “When I applied for housing here at Auburn, I did not know I had to place a pre-payment on my dorm,” said Riley Champion, freshman in chemical engineering. She said she wasn’t checking her email, so she didn’t know her housing application had been cancelled. “I didn’t find out it had been cancelled until the night before my move-in date,” Champion said. “Thankfully, the next morning Auburn Housing fixed the issue, and I have a dorm to stay in.” But the long list of fails and awkward transitions don’t end there. Many other students have more embarrassing stories to tell. “I was walking on the sidewalk when I heard a loud humming sound
With the music of an entire world available to anyone with Wi-Fi, something as simple as making a playlist for the walk to class can appear intimidating. Katy Grace Liscomb, Auburn DJ and senior in communication, is more than up to the challenge. “I started DJing because music is one of my biggest passions,” Liscomb said. “One of my favorite things is seeing people’s faces get excited when they realize what song I am playing.” Liscomb got her start sophomore year at a bar in downtown Auburn. After meeting with the owner and telling him the first three songs she would play, he hired her. From playing at Rue Bourbon to campus events, Liscomb has perfected her
balance between the newest hits and old favorites. “Normally I am just listening to my music on shuffle, and when I hear two songs that merge together well, I take those two and go from there,” Liscomb said. “It is always key to mix up the throwbacks and the popular songs at the time so you don’t run out of the ones everyone is requesting.” Liscomb said she uses Spotify and Soundcloud to create the perfect mix that keeps everyone dancing, adding that mixing music genres and eras helps everyone stay interested. “The best way to know if songs are still popular is to play it and see if any of the girls come straight to the dance floor strictly because of the song,” Liscomb said. “Once the girls start dancing, the boys will slowly start to join.” Liscomb is not, however, a
500+ WAYS TO DISCOVER YOUR PATH
WE ARE STUDENT INVOLVEMENT. WE ARE AUBURN STUDENT AFFAIRS.
one-woman band. She has an entourage that keeps her playing through any situation. When going to DJ an event on Lake Martin, she arrived to find a venue without any speakers or sound system. The event organizers had expected her to bring them, a situation she was unaware of. “That was one of those cases I was thankful for food — they ate right when they got there so the event was fine without music for the beginning — and for amazing friends that drove 45 minutes to bring me equipment,” Liscomb said. Of all of the events she’s played, Liscomb said her favorite was the Auburn University Dance Marathon Color Run. “I am crazy passionate about music and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” Liscomb said. “So to celebrate both those passions in one event was unforgettable.”
community THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
6 THEPLAINSMAN.COM
COMMUNITY
Pipes through Chewacla ENVIRONMENT
There will soon be a water pipeline running under Chewacla State Park, much to the dismay of some community members By EVAN MEALINS Assistant Community Editor
An online petition has continued to gain signatures requesting Auburn city officials reroute a proposed Auburn Water Works Board pipeline, which is set to to run through Chewacla State Park. Over 3,000 people have signed the petition as of publication. The pipeline is designed to run through 3,900 feet of Chewacla State Park, crossing trails in approximately nine locations, according to the Water Works Board. The pipeline will deliver water from a new well near Sandhill Road near the state park and is set to run underneath the state park to the James Estes Water Treatment Plant for distribution to Auburn customers. The well will supply the city with an additional four million gallons of water per day, according to an Auburn Water Works Board statement. Schmidt Environmental Construction was awarded the construction contract for the well in June and began work at the well site in July. The well project is expected to continue into early 2020, according to the Auburn Water Works Board. The pipeline, called the Water Supply Well #4 Transmission Main, is a separate project that connects to the well that is already under construction. As of Aug. 19, no holes have been dug for the pipeline, but the project and the pipeline’s route have already been approved by relevant boards and commissions. Construction of the pipeline is scheduled to begin in January 2020 and the Water Works Board expects the project to extend into late summer 2020. The city was not required to release a public notice about the path of the pipeline once it was decided because the Water Works Board is a separate, independent entity from the city, said City Manager Jim Buston. The Water Works Board contracted
with private landowners for the majority of the pipeline’s path. The board needed permission from the Alabama State Parks Division to go through the park, which Alabama State Parks Director Gregory Lein granted. Explicit permission from Chewacla State Park was not necessary. The petition targets the State Parks Division’s decision to allow the pipeline in the park. “According to the Alabama State Parks Website, (www.alapark.org) the Mission Statement of the Alabama State Parks is to ‘To acquire and preserve natural areas; to develop, furnish, operate and maintain recreational facilities, and to extend the public’s knowledge of the state’s natural environment.’ This project does not further that mission,” the petition reads. The petition also mentions fears of disrupting biking and running trails, which are home to the Central Alabama Mountain Bike Pedalers and local middle and high school teams. The petition also includes examples of the different ways Chewacla adds to the Auburn community. The park hosts many different events for the community and is a frequented location for the mountain biking community. Each year, the Crank Down in Tiger Town event brings cyclists from across Alabama and neighboring states to the park and community to participate in the bike race. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including multiple protected animals, according to a protected species evaluation the city conducted in July 2019. The protected species evalutation found that Chewacla Creek, which runs along the project site for 22 feet, is designated as a critical habitat for the ovate clubshell, southern clubshell and fine-lined pocketbook mussels. The city also conducted a wetland and stream evaluation, as well as a cultural and historical survey of project site. A permit is required to construct through Chewacla
Creek. A permit application has been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Eric Carson, Auburn Water Resource Management director, expects approval to be received soon. As the petition was gaining traction on social media, the Auburn Water Works Board released a statement. The statement rebukes a notion in the petition that 11 miles of trails will be disrupted by construction, which states that only 180 feet of trails will be impacted. “The board will ensure that any impact to the trails at these intersection points are repaired in accordance with standards established by the Alabama State Parks Division and the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP) mountain biking group. Construction is being coordinated around any major races at the park.” The board also said that 1,400 feet of the pipeline will run alongside existing roadways in the park, where digging an easement for the pipeline would not require the clearing of trees. The remaining 2,500 feet would require a 20-foot-wide clearing for the pipeline to go through. Ultimately, the petition calls for the rerouting of the pipeline around the park, which would require more resources. The cost of doing so has been estimated to be around $1 million, according to Buston. “It is extremely short sighted of the Water Works board, and by association the city of Auburn, and the Alabama State Parks to even consider this sort of damaging project through this unique and ‘protected’ piece of land in the name of saving money on a pipeline project,” the petition reads. The author of the petition, Tim Carlton, met with two Council members, Eric Carson and a member of the firm designing the pipeline project. Carlton posted an update to the petition after the meeting, proposing that even if the pipeline does go through Chewacla, citizens should be involved in making sure steps are being taken to minimize impact to the park. Ultimately, the pipeline is still set to be constructed soon, partially running through Chewacla State Park. It is up to the Alabama State Parks Division to deny permission for the pipeline or the Auburn Water Works Board — not city government — to reroute.
RECREATION
GOVERNMENT
Diversity festival postponed 1 year By TARAH YEAGER Community Writer
VIA AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
City opening new park in fall 2021 By MY LY Community Writer
As talks of more buildings going up around Auburn increase, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is bringing more green to the Plains. Construction of a 13-acre plot of land is set to begin in April 2020 to bring another park to the city’s repertoire of green spaces. It is planned to be finished the following October. Just over $800,000 has been budgeted for the park’s construction for the next two fiscal years, according to the city budget. The park, to be named Dinius Park, will be located on East Glenn Avenue and
will be within walking distance of several neighborhoods. The developing park will include two dog parks, one for smaller breeds and another for larger. It will also include trails and natural playgrounds that will have minimal impacts on the environment, said Parks and Recreation PR Specialist Ann Bergman. “We are keeping as many trees as possible,” Bergman said. “As well as many plants that are beneficial for the park.” This park will be void of any type of sports field or extra, man-made fields in order to maintain the natural state of the land. “This is going to be the first park in
Ward 4,” said Ward 4 Council member Brett Smith. During the cooler seasons, the park will be an active, lively space for families and children to play with all of its benefits and resources, Smith said. “The park makes you feel like you are a part of nature,” Smith said. “It is an escape.” The land for this park was left to the city by its namesake, the Dinius family. Their wish for the land was for it to be transformed into a passive park for the community to enjoy, Bergman said. “[It provides] an opportunity for families to go out and spend time with each other as opposed to watching TV,” Smith said.
Mayor Ron Anders established the City of Auburn Diversity and Inclusion Task Force shortly after he was elected in October 2018. The task force quickly got to work planing a diversity and inclusion festival for 2019. Originally planned to take place Oct. 26 at Felton Little Park, the festival has been delayed until next fall. “We just determined that we needed more time to execute our plan,” Anders said. “We are still working on it.” Because the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is an entirely new program for Auburn, the festival is the first of its kind. The goal of the festival is to celebrate all people regardless of religion and identification. It is designed to be as inclusive as possible, said Brittany Branyon, the festival’s coordinator. “My vision of the festival is that we see people meet one another, have a good time with one another, share food with one another, that through normal life habits they would not intersect with,” Anders said. “My ultimate hope would be new relationships are forged and new respects are founded.” Felton Little Park is still expected to be the location for the festival next fall. Anders hopes as many people as possible will attend. In the meantime, another community event is in the works for the spring, and event organizers expect it to be a breakfast with a relevant speaker. It will be designed to bring together leaders within the Auburn community. The goal of the event is to increase funding for the task force’s programs like the fall festival, Branyon said. More information about the spring breakfast event and fall festival will become available as the events draw near.
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
PAGE 7
DEVELOPMENT
Historic Cullars house up for public sale By CORY BLACKMON Community Reporter
Auburn citizens and members of the City Council met in the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night to discuss the historic Cullars house. They were looking for ways to save the building. Council member Steven Dixon hosted the meeting as a way to inform citizens about the situation surrounding the home and to give them a forum to express their opinions or ideas for how the city should handle it. “One person wrote me an email suggesting having litigation documentation,” Dixon said. “This would include a historical narrative and photographs and adding that to the Alabama Historical Commission.” Linda Dean, an Auburn resident who lived in the Cullars house for a time, explained the history of the house during the meeting to inform other Auburn residents who were unfamiliar with the home. “The Cullars family came into this area in the 1880s to begin constructing many of the campus buildings and many of the town buildings,” Dean said. “The family itself is of great significance to the town, and the building serves as a graceful entry to the town and the campus.”
Dean went on to say that the house was built approximately in 1893, making it over 125 years old. “It is a significant architectural structure to both the University and the town,” Dean said. Because of its importance to the history of the University, many citizens asked if turning to the College of Agriculture or the College of Architecture, Design and Construction was an option, suggesting the University turn the building into a museum for the schools. Council member Brett Smith was able to share that the University counted the cost of maintenance and updating the house, and determined it was too high and not in the planned budget for the future. “We got a resounding no from the University,” Smith said. “I’m sure there could be some push on that if someone could talk to the Board of Trustees or something.” Smith, whose law office currently resides in the home, went on to say that it does have a significant tie to the University. He said he believes there is a chance the University will step in and help, but there will be a cost to it. “I mean, utility-wise, there is only one bathroom, which isn’t up to code; it’s not legal,” Smith said. “You’re going to need at least two bathrooms. And if you are having events, you’d need to put in a kitchen.”
IRELAND DODD / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The City of Auburn is looking to preserve Auburn’s Historic Cullars Home on Aug. 21, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.
Smith also revealed that about 12 different private individuals had looked at purchasing the home for private use and moving it. “There is one gentleman who looked at it Sunday, and that is not out of the picture,” Smith said. “Now that would be a private transaction, but it is not out of the question.” With little more than a month to make a decision, Auburn residents seem to agree that the Council needs to make a decision fast.
AGRICULTURE
Crops struggling in summer’s high temperatures By FIELDER HAGAN Community Writer
Sweat dripping down faces as shoppers make the short walk from their cars to the store where the wind from the cool air conditioning hits them, almost pushing them back was a common sight this summer. Alabama averaged low to mid-90-degree weather, sometimes venturing into triple digits, throughout the summer. The state ranked fourth in Thrillest’s ranking of the most miserable summers because of high temperatures. For some, the summer heat brings the opportunity to go outside and enjoy the weather. For agriculturalists, the intense heat paired with spotty rain patterns has caused significant problems with certain crops, which have been harmful to Alabama’s agronomy. Charlie Adams is the leading farmer and face for My Secret Garden, a fruit and vegetable store in Notasulga, Alabama. Adams and others have grown produce for the better part of a de-
cade. His produce is sold and used in many popular restaurants in Auburn. “Peppers love the heat because they hate wet feet,” Adams said. “Root crops are mainly unaffected as long as the water is constantly being fed. Tomatoes will boil inside their skin. Some even go to mush in your hand.” In fact, the heat has been so intense that many of his pecan trees have begun to drop their fruit. The normal time of harvest for pecan trees is October and November. Although he experienced losses to his tomatoes and pecans, Adams found his okra and filet beans handled the heat well. He said he had minimal problems with them this season. Another local farm, Hornsby Farms, had to implement creative thinking to ensure the best outcome for their crops. The farm produces a treasure trove of Southern delicacies that have been grown in the Auburn area for generations. Josh Hornsby, owner of Hornsby Farms, said the quality in his crops stems from the appreciation that comes from his family farm.
Hornsby Farms boasts a well-established plasticulture and drip tape irrigation system. Growing with systems like these allow Hornsby’s best-seller, okra, to flourish. Okra also tends to flourish in hotter seasons, Hornsby said. He did face some challenges this summer. A large part of his crop dried out, with many crops being damaged beyond repair becasue of the irregular rain schedule. Many of his peas and cucurbits, such as squash and cucumber, struggled significantly throughout the scorching summer months. Restaurants like Acre, a farm-to-table restaurant, rely on crops from their on-site gardens and orchards and local farmers like Adams and Hornsby to produce meals everyday. Brett Sakaguchi, the executive sous chef and garden keeper at Acre, grows various fruits and vegetables that complement the season. Proper water use was a major concern to Sakaguchi this summer. Water, or lack thereof, is one of the main factors that determines whether a plant grows or not. Since Acre lacks any form of irrigation, ex-
cess watering can drive up monthly water payments and destroy crops. Temperatures this summer can easily cause heat-related illnesses and even heat stroke. Both plants and animals can suffer from these, and both require proper hydration and nourishment, which factor into the survival of both the plants and their growers. There are many solutions that can cut down on the negative effects the heat can have. Adams advises using shade cloths along herb beds and tunnels. “The topsoil forms a sandy crust when baked in the sun which would need breaking up before any planting could be done,” Adams said. “Cutting low-lying branches also improves air circulation under the plant.” Soaring temperatures also bring along or exacerbate a number of problems, such as insect and fungus development. Hornsby said he experienced more insect activity this summer than he ever has before. The main culprit of his crop damage was a severe epidemic of squash bug.
sports
8
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
THEPLAINSMAN.COM
FOOTBALL
SPORTS
Auburn DBs vs. the Ducks By BRYCE JOHNSON Sports Writer
Auburn’s secondary starts its season on Saturday with arguably its biggest challenge of the year: trying to stop Oregon’s quarterback, Justin Herbert. “I think he is well-deserved as of one of the top quarterbacks in the country,” said head coach Gus Malzahn. “He can make all the throws, he can keep plays alive.” Herbert is projected as a first-round pick in next year’s NFL draft, and over the last three years of his college career, he’s continually proven to be one of the best QBs in the nation. For the Tigers, there are no questions about the defensive line. Everyone knows what the likes of Derick Brown and Marlon Davidson can do. Where the question lies is whether the defensive backs can stand up to the test. “The sky’s the limit for this secondary,” said safety Daniel Thomas. “I know a lot of times people question our secondary, but this is going to be a good secondary this year.” Last year, the Tigers allowed 219 passing yards a game which was middle of the pack in the SEC. That was with cornerback Jamel Dean who was selected in the third round of last
FILE PHOTO
FOOTBALL
year’s draft. Now, Noah Igbinoghene, the former wide receiver, is looking to fill those shoes. Auburn returns seniors Javaris Davis, Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas who will each provide a steady veteran presence. Also, this year Kevin Steele is moving to the sideline during games which will help streamline the adjustments made in-game. “He’s a smart defensive coordinator,” said safety Jeremiah Dinson. “He’ll probably be calling plays out before it even happens. We probably won’t hear him, but it’s good to have him down there just for the adjustments.” Dinson and Thomas both understand the challenges that come with facing Herbert. Pro Football Focus has him as the 12th-best player in the country going into the season. He can torch any defense that isn’t ready. This isn’t lost on Dinson. “Being a senior, you want these types of matchups,” Dinson said. “He’s an NFL-caliber quarterback. I’ve been studying since this summer and this past week.” As the game gets closer, more and more people will talk about Herbert’s prowess, but that’s not concerning the secondary. “It’s not about Oregon,” said Dinson. “... At the end of the day, it’s about Auburn.”
DUEL OF THE FATES Both seemingly destined to quarterback their teams, Nix and Herbert vie for supremacy in Dallas By JAKE WEESE Sports Reporter
OREGON ATHLETICS
AUBURN ATHLETICS
As the adage goes, everything’s bigger in Texas. The hair, the clothes — even the personalities shine bright. And when Auburn and Oregon face off Saturday, the quarterbacks taking the field will be looking to live up to that with their play. On one side, there’s Bo Nix, the son of former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix and the first true freshman to start a season opener for Auburn in 73 years. On the other end you have Justin Herbert, a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Like Nix, destiny seemed to carefully select Herbert to quarterback his respective school. He grew up in Eugene, Oregon, close enough to Autzen Stadium to hear the team practicing while tossing the football around in the backyard as a kid.
Some see Herbert as one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football, along with SEC quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Tua Tagovailoa. Auburn offensive tackle Jack Driscoll thinks that Nix is ready to rise to the occasion and put himself in that same category. “I think he’s definitely in that caliber of player. I think you guys will see on Saturday night that he’s in that group of players,” Driscoll told reporters Tuesday. “Obviously, we don’t 100 percent know going into the game, but some of the plays he makes and the throws he makes are spectacular.” Driscoll isn’t worried about the fact that Nix is just the second true freshman quarterback to start a season opener since 1946. “I think he’s mature enough where he’s not going to let going against Justin Herbert or Jake Fromm bother him — that he’s ready for the challenge and
he’s ready to step up for the challenge,” Driscoll said. While the Auburn offense feels that Nix can hold his own against some of the best quarterbacks in the country, Auburn’s defense knows that they must be prepared to go up against one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Senior safety Jeremiah Dinson said he’s ready for the challenge of going up against Herbert and the Ducks offense. “You know, being at Auburn, you want these types of matchups,” Dinson said. “We know what we’re going to face. He’s an NFL-caliber quarterback. He’s a good quarterback. I’ve been studying since this summer and this past week. He can throw the ball so it’s going to be a good challenge for us.” No. 16 Auburn and No. 11 Oregon will kick off in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 6:30 p.m. CST Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
FOOTBALL
Behind Enemy Bylines: Previewing Oregon with the Daily Emerald By GABRIEL ORNELAS Daily Emerald
Ahead of Auburn’s season opener against Oregon, The Plainsman posed questions for Gabriel Ornelas, sports editor for the Daily Emerald, Oregon’s student newspaper. Here’s how Gabriel sees the action shaking out in Cowboys Stadium on Saturday evening. 1. What’s your take on Justin Herbert heading into this season? Safe to say the offense underachieved with a first-round talent under center?
Coming into this season, I think Justin Herbert still has a lot to prove. We know he has all the physical tools to be a No. 1 draft pick, but I still don’t think he has the resume that reflects it. Last season, Herbert and the Ducks went 9-4 in 2018. Oregon went 6-1 during the first half of the season, notching the biggest win of Herbert’s career against No. 7 Washington. Then it all came crashing down. Oregon tallied three losses in its next four games and finished the second half of the season 4-3, with a win in the RedBox bowl against Michigan State to finish the season. For Herbert to live up to the hype, he needs to take over games this year. I think that is his next step after a lackluster 2018. He needs to prove he can win big games and become consistent if he wants to solidify his spot as the No. 1 draft pick. 2. Who is set to emerge as the No. 1 and 2 options for Herbert with Dillon Mitchell gone and the heap of injuries?
OREGON ATHLETICS
For those who don’t know Dillon Mitchell and what his impact meant for this Oregon team last season, let me give you some stats. Mitchell had 75 receptions for 1,184 yards, an Oregon single season record, and 10 touchdowns. The next closest to Mitchell was Jaylon Redd, who had 38 receptions for 433 yards and five touchdowns. I think you get the point. With the loss of Mitchell the receivers have become a huge point of fall camp. No. 1 and No. 2, in my opinion, were going to be Juwan Johnson and Mycah Pittman. But then the injuries began to rack up. Pittman is out 6 to 8 weeks following a shoulder injury he suffered in a scrimmage. Along with Pittman, Brenden Schooler and JR Waters are both out at least 4 weeks due to foot injuries. Now it’s next man up mentality for Or-
egon. Expect Johnny Johnson III to step up and make plays for Oregon; many players have complimented him about his growth at receiver during fall camp. Also, Jaylon Redd needs to be somebody who steps up for Oregon as it goes against the challenge that is Auburn’s speedy cornerbacks. 3. We know about Troy Dye and Kavon Thibodeaux. Who are some other playmakers on defense that could give Bo Nix some trouble? With the addition of Andy Avalos, Oregon’s third defense coordinator in four years, some new faces may appear that we haven’t seen much of in the past. Bryson Young is one of the names that sticks out to me. Young, before 2019, had only tallied 17 tackles in his entire career. Now, he will start at the Stud position, which is a hybrid of an outside linebacker and defensive end. The 6-foot-5, 248-pound senior will get his chance on a national stage in his first start as a Duck. The depth and talent of the front seven will need to step up as a unit, if they want to give the freshman some trouble in his first college game. On Thursday, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir told the media he wanted to give Nix a “welcome to college football moment.” I think that will be a fun matchup to keep your eyes on. 4. Biggest keys to an Oregon victory? I have three keys. The first key has to be Justin Herbert. He really needs to step up on this prime time stage. His receivers let him down at times last season with numerous drops. I think he needs to take over this game to help solidify his case as a potential Heisman candidate.
The second key is the battle in the trenches. We will see a veteran Oregon offensive line go up against, arguably, the best defensive lineup. Auburn’s defensive line is unlike Oregon has seen in the Pac-12 over the past five seasons. They will need to win the war to establish a running game and to become unpredictable, along with protecting Herbert. We have yet to see Bo Nix on a college stage. We all know the talent he brings, but what will he be like in the game on Saturday? I guess we can’t answer this now, but if Oregon is successful in making him play like a freshman, which is a big if, this will help the Ducks tremendously. 5. Your score prediction, and why. Predictions are, to me, the worst part of my job. I think Oregon loses this one 28-21. The addition of Avalos and a new defensive scheme can be troublesome as far as players going live with it in a national spotlight. Oregon hasn’t played a defense like Auburn’s in quite some time. They bring depth, physicality and consistency to an Oregon offense that can be unpredictable and unreliable at times. Using 2018 as a reference, the wide receivers and their drops worry me. This could hinder Herbert’s ability to compete at an elite level against a stout secondary. The Pac-12 has historically not been good against SEC schools. Washington, the 2018 Pac-12 champs, took its crack at Auburn last year and came up short. The Tigers also play the constant high level of talent in the SEC compared to what Oregon plays in the Pac-12. Oregon carries the weight of the Pac-12 on its back as it heads into Saturday, and I think it will be too much for them to shoulder.
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019 FOOTBALL
PAGE 9
FOOTBALL
Auburn has highest ‘19 payouts By STEPHEN LANZI Campus Editor
Before Auburn’s season has kicked off, it has already beaten its biggest rivals — in paying to play other schools. Auburn is doling out the two largest individual payouts for out-of-conference games in the entire country, according to a report from USA Today. In the home opener Sept. 7, Auburn will pay Tulane $1.937 million. Auburn and Tulane played for the first time in 1902, and Tulane leads the series 17-14-6. The last time the two played was in a 38-13 Auburn victory on Oct. 21, 2006. Auburn will also pay $1.9 million for the game the following week against Kent State. The matchup on Sept. 14 will be the first time the two will have played. This week, Kent State will also receive $1.5 million to travel to Arizona State. Although Auburn edged out other national powers in out-of-conference pay-
outs, high payouts for early non-conference games are not abnormal. Georgia will pay $1.8 million to welcome Arkansas State into Athens, and Alabama will pay New Mexico State $1.7 million in its home opener. Auburn will also pay Samford $450,000 for the game sandwiched in between Georgia and Alabama. Last year, Auburn paid Liberty $1.9 million for the pre-Iron Bowl matchup. The largest non-conference payout came when Nebraska paid $2.1 million to Southern Miss in 2013. However, Auburn will rake in $3.5 million from television revenue for its season opener this weekend in a neutral-site trip to Dallas against Oregon. These costs come off the University paying former President Steven Leath $4.5 million when he abruptly submitted his resignation in June. With one payment already made, the University will pay Leath three one-time payments of $1.5 million over the course of three years, per to a report over the summer from the Opelika-Auburn News.
• AU to Tulane: $1.937 mil • AU to Kent St.: $1.9 mil • AU to Samford: $450K
FILE PHOTO
HS state championships returning to Jordan-Hare By NATHAN KING Sports Editor
The Alabama High School Athletics Assocation’s Super 7 series will return to Jordan-Hare Stadium in December for the second consecutive year, Auburn mayor Ron Anders announced last week. The Super 7 is the hosting organization for the AHSAA’s seven Alabama state championship games. Jordan-Hare and Bryant-Denny Stadium are currently signed with AHSAA to trade off from year to year, but the University of Alabama’s stadium will undergo heavy reno-
FOOTBALL
vations in the immediate offseason, making it unfit to host a set of football games. Tuscaloosa will host again in 2020 — the final year of the AHSAA’s agreement with the universities. The seven state title games are played from Wednesday through Friday during the first week of December. Auburn University’s 2019 home football schedule concludes Nov. 30 with the Iron Bowl against Alabama. Last year’s Class 7A championship between Central-Phenix City and Thompson drew the highest attendance of all the matchups.
FOOTBALL
Mostly AU crowd expected in Texas By NATHAN KING Sports Editor
The orange and blue is expected to outweigh the yellow and green Saturday inside Cowboys Stadium. According to Vivid Seats’s fan forecast — which is based primarily on research of location of ticket buyers — Auburn is projected to hold a 62:38 advantage in terms of crowd representation. Kickoff between the Tigers and Ducks is set for 6:30 p.m. CST in the Advocare Classic in Arlington, Texas.
Auburn’s ticket allotment for the contest officially sold out Aug. 21. Nearly 400 of the Auburn section will be comprised of the Auburn University Marching Band, while Oregon isn’t expected to bring a contingent of its band, as classes start in Eugene on Oct. 1. Last season Auburn sold out of its allotment for its matchup with Washington in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Auburn is currently on 3.5-point favorite over the Ducks in their second-ever meeting, after the teams met in the 2010 BCS National Championship.
FOOTBALL
Malzahn has 6-man RB rotation on depth chart By OLIVIA HUSKEY Sports Writer
JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER
Anthony Schwartz (5) makes a cut during Auburn vs. Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Oxford, Miss.
Malzahn updates Schwartz’s status
On Tuesday, Auburn revealed the depth chart for its season opener against Oregon on Saturday. Some things came as no surprise, such as true freshman Bo Nix starting at quarterback or future firstround pick Derrick Brown as the starting defensive tackle. A new revelation was, however, that the Tigers listed six starters at running back. JaTarvious “Boobee” Whitlow, Kam Martin, Malik Miller, Shaun Shivers, D.J. Williams and Harold Joiner were the six backs named, with an “OR” after each name indicating that any option could be considered a starter. While all of them could see playing time against the Ducks, Whitlow will be the first one to take the field for the Tigers. “Here is the positive in that: We have got a lot of confidence in all of them,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “They could all possibly play. Boobee Whitlow will be the first guy that goes out, but we could possibly play them all. We are impressed with all of them.” Whitlow, a redshirt sophomore, was Auburn’s top rusher last season with 787 yards and 150 carries with six touchdowns.
Martin, a 5-foot-10, 189-pound senior, was second with 458 rushing yards and 103 carries. He recorded one touchdown. Shivers was third with 371 rushing yards and 70 carries while running for three touchdowns. Miller, a junior, rushed for 68 yards with three touchdowns in 2018. Joiner is a redshirt freshman who carried the ball just nine times last year with a touchdown against Alabama State. Malzahn said in the offseason that the offense will work Joiner in multiple packages. The new guy at the position is D.J. Williams. The freshman from Lake Placid, Florida, impressed coaches throughout spring. “First of all, D.J. had an excellent spring, and then he had a shoulder surgery and he’s slowly getting back,” Malzahn said. “But he is a natural runner. He’s got great balance and can break tackles, and he is a tough guy too, so he really caught Coach Williams’ eye.” Starting left guard Marquel Harrell is excited about the potential of this list of running backs and what they can bring to the Tigers’ offense this season. “All those guys are talented, so I’m excited.” Harrell said. “What we have in the backfield, I’m excited to watch them play, excited to watch them run.”
By OLIVIA HUSKEY Sports Writer
Anthony Schwartz is going to be a game-time decision for Auburn’s opening game against Oregon. “We don’t know the answer to that,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn of Schwartz’s status. “It could be a game-time situation. We’re hopeful, but we don’t know the answer yet.” With the 6-foot, 179-pound sophomore’s health in question, that could leave Auburn down a starter against Oregon, a team Malzahn describes as one of the best in the country. The wide receiver injured his hand during fall practice Aug. 5. He underwent a successful procedure to repair the injury, and his status for the season opener had been uncertain since. During the 2018 season, Schwartz had 27 carries for 211 yards and five touchdowns. He also finished the season with 357 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 22 catches. Schwartz did not participate in spring workouts as he was competing for the Auburn track and field team during that time. Schwartz came onto the scene as a freshman in 2018 filling in for an injured Eli Stove, who sat out all but three games while recovering from a torn ACL. Stove and fellow receiver Will Hastings are both back and healthy for the 2019 season after Hastings also missed the majority of the 2018 season while recovering from a torn ACL. Auburn will take on Oregon at AT&T Stadium on Aug. 31 to kick off the 2019 season. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. CST.
MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTO EDITOR
JaTarvious Whitlow (28) runs the ball during the Auburn vs. Southern Miss game Saturday Sept. 29, 2018 in Auburn, Ala.
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
PAGE 10
WEEK 1 PLAINSMAN PICK ‘EM Oregon-Auburn
Boise St-FSU
NWU-Stanford
Ole Miss-Memphis
Utah-BYU
Fresno-USC
Nathan King Sports editor
Sumner Martin Asst. sports editor
Jake Weese Sports reporter
Olivia Huskey Sports writer
Henry Zimmer Sports writer
Ian Bivona Sports writer
Carl No. 1 Oregon fan
FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL
Gatewood’s role stil vague By HARRISON TARR Sports Writer
During his pre-Oregon press conference this week, Gus Malzahn was questioned regarding the current dynamic between the Tigers’ two freshman quarterbacks. Since publicly naming true freshman Bo Nix the team’s starting quarterback last Tuesday, the head coach has been asked, repeatedly, how much playing time redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood will receive. When questions regarding Gatewood again, Malzahn said stayed firm in his stance that the former 4-star prospect could be crucial piece for the offense as soon as this Saturday. “You know, there could be,” Malzahn said of there being a role for Gatewood against Oregon. “Each game will probably be different. Of course, Joey is our backup quarterback, too;
one play away from playing. But he’s an electric-type player, there’s no doubt. Each game, we’ll have different plans.” What’s clear after Tuesday is that Nix has earned the respect of both his coaches and his teammates. According to offensive guard Marquel Harrel, the true freshman turned heads and gained the attention of his teammates in fall camp. “(Nix) has that leader mindset that we need,” Harrell said. From the coaching perspective, it appears as though the focus for Nix in Week 1 will be to both give him the opportunity to gain experience, and to refrain from giving him an overwhelming workload. “Just asking him to play and be himself,” Malzahn said of Nix, “and we (the coaching staff) are going to try to do some things that he feels comfortable with.”
FILE PHOTO
Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele during pregame warm-ups. Auburn vs Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 25 in Auburn, Ala.
Steele moving to sidelines By SUMNER MARTIN Assistant Sports Editor
If Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was to be known for one characteristic, it would be his intensity. This year Steele will be bring that fire to the Tigers’ defense face-to-face, on the sidelines after spending his first three seasons as defensive coordinator in the sky box, Gus Malzahn said Tuesday. Malzahn and Steele settled on the decision during the summer and also will place defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson up in the box to fill the void. “I think it’s really, really good in both ways,” Malzahn said. “I like him down there, and he likes being down there. You know, in practice, that’s where every-
body’s at. So I think that will be a really good move moving forward.” This isn’t the first time Steele is climbing down to field level either, which Malzahn noted as one of the other contributing factors to switch things up. Steele was on the field for Auburn’s matchup against Clemson years back, going up against the Malzahn-coordinated offenses. Malzahn noted that what makes Steele so effective, apart from his intensity, is the manner in which he communicates and checks schemes at the field level. Since Steele accepted his position at Auburn, the Tigers’ defense, whether their leader is on the field or in the box, is yet to finish a season outside the top-15 in total defense. Along with a bona fide fourth-
year defensive coordinator within earshot, Malzahn returns one of the most experienced defensive units that he has ever had in his arsenal as head coach. Steele can now relay play calls and audibles at field level, and with speed, to his veteran safeties, Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas. “It’s a positive,” Dinson said. “We don’t have to wait to go in to halftime and him drawing up these different adjustments. He can just do it on the sideline. He’s a smart, smart defensive coordinator, so he’ll probably be calling plays out before it even happens. We probably won’t hear him, but it’s good to have him down there just for the adjustments.” Steele’s defense will face its first test Saturday night in Cowboys Stadium when they face Justin Herbert and No. 11 Oregon.
FILE PHOTO
Joey Gatewood (1) glances up at the Jordan-Hare jumbotron during Auburn’s A-Day spring game April 13, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.
lifestyle
11
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019
THEPLAINSMAN.COM
LIFESTYLE
POLITICS
FILE PHOTO
Members of the Auburn/Opelika community march during The Charge of the Polite Brigade in front of G.W. Andrews Federal Building in Opelika, Ala.
Organization fights for progressive rights By NATALIE BECKERINK Lifestyle Editor
Taped to streetlights throughout Downtown Auburn are posters reading “Our Revolution: Organize today, create a better tomorrow,” advertising a new political movement in the area. Our Revolution is a national organization with smaller, local groups around the world. Auburn’s chapter works closely with the Auburn chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, DSA, but it still maintains its own autonomy. “DSA is an organization that is a specifically socialist organization, so there is an entire ideological subsection of beliefs in the DSA,” said Brandon Sinniger, a member of Auburn DSA. “While they may not be incompatible with Our Revolution, there is certainly plenty of overlap.” After Bernie Sanders ran for president in 2016, the Our Revolution movement officially took off. The goal was to involve voters who couldn’t find a political identity in the Democratic party who still wanted to be involved in politics, Sinniger said. “Our Revolution is kind of an outlet for people who may not necessarily consider themselves socialist or far left, but still want to get involved in progressive politics,” he said. Whether it’s with campaign work, canvasing for Bernie Sanders or another progressive politician, or just hanging out at debate watch parties,” he said. Currently, Our Revolution has approximately 18 to 20 members. Gaining official members isn’t necessarily the goal of the organization, said Chair of Our Revolution Auburn Taylor Chavers. “Our Revolution doesn’t really have a membership list. It’s
more of a constant outlet for any type of event,” Chavers said. “Like recently, we had a kick-off and had close to 30 people show up to that.” In the 2018 election, out of 1.7 million ballots cast, over 660,000 people voted a straight Republican ticket. Though known for more right-leaning policies, Sinniger said that the DSA and Our Revolution don’t receive many negative comments.
I don’t really get dissuaded that we live in Alabama. If anything, it’s just understanding that there’s people there that just haven’t been heard. — Brandon Sinniger “As members of the DSA we don’t see ourselves aligning in theory with Democrats, because there’s a lot of things we disagree with Democrats on,” he said. “Especially when it comes to economic policy, so sometimes we don’t really feel overwhelmed with operating in the South. Our socialist policies and our socialist platform are specifically focused on working people more so than regular Democrats in the South, so that’s why we don’t
really see ourselves at odds with others.” Chavers mentioned that a lot of confusion with the Democratic Socialist platform comes from skewed stories in the media. “A lot of left-wing policies get filtered through Fox News and MSNBC kind of bias, and they kind of misrepresent these policies in a way to make them sound worse than they actually are,” Chavers said. “We kind of want to do away with that — erase this mysticism around these policies and show that they’re actually helpful. They will help the majority of people’s lives.” The most important thing is not focusing on partisan arguments, but making sure people’s voices are heard, Sinniger said. “At the end of the day a lot of these people are just like us, and it’s just a matter of getting the word out about these specific ideas,” Sinniger said. Now as the 2020 presidential election season is ramping up, the Auburn chapters of Our Revolution and DSA will start to work with the Bernie campaign with each organization having different goals. “The real message of the Bernie Sanders campaign is that you don’t enact political change by posting ads or getting people to check a box. It comes from a nation-wide system of bottom-up organizing,” Sinniger said. Chavers emphasized that Our Revolution was more of an electoral organization than a specific party group. “Our goal is getting the Bernie-crat wing of the Democratic Party into office, into power,” Chavers said. “It takes more than just the president, it takes state legislators, senators and house representatives and stuff like that. It’s all about interacting at all levels.”
HEALTH
VIA TIM GOUW ON UPSPLASH
Experts give resources to help reduce test anxiety By ABIGAIL MURPHY Lifestyle Writer
It’s common at the beginning of the year to feel nervous about the first few tests, however, there are ways to cope with test anxiety. Jordan Burko Macatee, a licensed psychologist at Auburn’s Student Counseling Services, said test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety and a moderate level of it is not necessarily bad. “Anxiety is a natural reaction,” she said. “When it is heightened or interferes with other activities and things we need to do, that’s when we consider it problematic.”
People can be more likely to experience test anxiety if they have anxiety in other areas. Negative past experiences — being unprepared, cramming or not feeling confident with the material or one’s ability — can all be reasonings for why someone may be having test anxiety, she said. “The good thing about anxiety and test anxiety, is they are things we can treat, and that people can recover from,” Burko Macatee said. She said one of the best things a person can do to help with anxiety is focus on general health by sleeping well, eating well and doing some kind of physical activity.
Burko Macatee said practicing relaxation techniques before or during a test can also help. This includes deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, practicing mindfulness through meditation and visualization. Before a test, students are welcome to book 30-60 minute sessions in the Zen Den at the Student Counseling Services’ Haley Center office. The Zen Den is a relaxation zone that includes a massage chair, yoga mats and light therapy. Burko Macatee said another option is Mindful Mondays, a mindful and meditation-based class held at Auburn University Campus Recre-
ation and Wellness Center at 4 p.m. She said some of the skills taught in the class can be used as relaxation techniques. Also, on Mondays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m., Moose and Nessie, the Student Counseling Services’ therapy dogs, meet outside the Student Center Starbucks for people to join in a three-mile walk around campus. Other tools to cope with test anxiety are shifting one’s focus away from the test to give the mind a break, developing a routine before a test to feel more centered and assessing how negative thoughts might be contributing to anxiety,
she said. After a test, it’s good to reward yourself with something small as a way to cap it off and celebrate getting over a challenging situation, Burko Macatee said. If test anxiety is something that continues, she said Student Counseling Services offers individual therapy and a workshop series called The Anxiety Toolbox, which teaches strategies to manage anxiety. Other resources on campus include Academic Support Services and, depending on the severity, the Office of Accessibility may be able to help provide accommodations.