Auburn’s homefield advantage in Atlanta
Sports 8
The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID Thursday, September 3, 2015 Vol. 123, Issue 3, 12 Pages
First copy is free. Additional copies 50 cents per issue.
ATHLETICS
CAMPUS
No signs of history at Auburn
Heritage Association works to place historic markers on campus FILE PHOTO
University responds to accusations In the fall semester of 2013, 51 percent of students pursuing a public administration degree were athletes, according to WSJ.
School officials deny The Wall Street Journal’s report of the athletics department influencing academic decisions Corey Williams CAMPUS EDITOR
Auburn University denies The Wall Street Journal’s report that its athletic department pressured school officials to keep the public administration major. An academic program review committee voted 13-0 to remove the major in 2013, according to Ben Cohen’s article, “At Auburn, Athletics and Academics Collide.” The WSJ reported emails show athletics officials offered to fund the major and have made similar investments in other academic programs that have not been publicized. “Auburn’s academic community makes
all academic program and curriculum decisions,” an Auburn representative told WSJ. “Auburn is fully committed to the integrity of its academic programs.” According to WSJ, 26 players, or 32 percent of the 2014 football team, were majoring in public administration. Timothy Boosinger, provost and vice president for academic affairs, sent an email to faculty Sept. 1. A program review team recommended the undergraduate major be converted into a minor, according to Boosinger’s email. He said he identified resources that made it unnecessary to close a “viable and long-established undergraduate program.” “That is a boring story, I fear, but it is
the truth,” Boosinger said in the email. Kathleen Hale, public administration program director and associate professor in the department of political science, said any insinuation that the public administration major is low-quality is inaccurate and unfair to students and alumni. “It is important to note that the issue about discontinuing the public administration major was never about quality, but was about resources and the lack of enough faculty to support a major,” Hale said. People with degrees in public administration are public servants, according to
» See WSJ 2
FOOTBALL
Auburn Tigers ready to do battle against Louisville Sam Butler SPORTS EDITOR
A year ago, coach Gus Malzahn and his Auburn Tigers were preparing for Arkansas, gearing up to repeat the astounding success they had in 2013 that ended in an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game. But for the latter half of 2014, Auburn couldn’t get out of its own way. Losses to Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama and Wisconsin put a damper on what was once a promising season. This year, however, brings a handful of fresh faces and a renewed sense of urgency. At the forefront of that change is new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who returned to the Plains in December 2014 after coaching at Florida. Muschamp, who was Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2006-07, was asked what is different about his time in Auburn this time around. “We’re scoring more points on offense,” Muschamp said.
FILE PHOTO
The last time Auburn played the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game was against Clemson in 2012.
Months of learning and installing Muschamp’s defensive scheme along with perfecting Malzahn’s have led the Tigers to this weekend, where
they’ll play in Atlanta in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Bobby Petrino and the Louisville Cardinals. Auburn returns to Atlan-
ta for the first time since December 2013, when the Tigers captured their 12th conference
» See FOOTBALL 2
ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER
Andria Moore CAMPUS REPORTER
Established in 1872, Auburn University resides as a historical part of Alabama’s history. Buildings such as Samford Hall are integral to Auburn’s campus and hold a special place in many students’ hearts. These buildings are so special that some feel the history must be displayed and observed. Mary Norman, president of the Auburn Heritage Association and Auburn University alumna, has been working for the past four years to have historical markers placed outside each of the Samford Park buildings, including Biggin and Langdon Halls. “Getting permission from the University and university architect has been a long process for the past four years,” Norman said. The Auburn Heritage Association (AHA) has garnered permission in the past to place historical markers outside of Chapel Hill, Pebble Hill, the Collars Rotation, Cary Hall and the Max Morris Drill Field. Before a marker can be placed, the area or building must first be considered part of the National Register. The AHA had all of the buildings in the Samford Park area placed on the National Register in 1978, as well as listed in the Auburn University Historic District. “We were moving right along … and then we hit a brick wall with the University when they decided they wanted to make a whole policy,” Norman
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We were moving right along ... and then we hit a brick wall with the University when they decided they wanted to make a whole policy.” —Mary Norman
AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
said. Norman said the delay has been frustrating for the AHA because the group had originally been given permission before being told to wait. Auburn University architect Jim Carroll said the delay is the result of careful planning and consideration. “It’s a challenge sometimes to provide recognition for all things on Auburn’s campus,” Carroll said. “There’s a lot of recognition, and we are just trying to be consistent and the most aesthetically pleasing that we can be.” Professor of veterinary medicine and chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee Charles Hendrix is also a member of the AHA, and he said he doesn’t understand the lack of markers at Auburn while the University of Alabama has so many. “Alabama beats the stew out
» See HISTORY 2
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The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Campus
DUI reports The following were arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Auburn Police Division from Aug. 25-31: Aug. 28 - Derek Wayne Ridley, 34 Lem Morrison Drive and South Donahue Drive, 9:30 a.m. - Clayton Phillip Driver, 19 Shug Jordan Parkway, 12:38 a.m. - Crystal Michelle Hamby, 27 East University Drive, 1:58 a.m. - Laura C. Hagen, 49 North Dean Road, 8:21 p.m. - Clayton Lane Hooper, 19 Wire Road, 10:13 p.m. Aug. 29 - Moises Jonathan Garcia, 22 Dale Avenue, 11:32 p.m. A full crime report provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety is available online at ThePlainsman.com. –Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety
» From 1 the University’s website. They can work in local, state and national government. Graduates have supervised city parks and recreation programs, served as political analysts and administered private, non-profit organizations. Mike Clardy, director of University communications, sent The Auburn Plainsman a statement on behalf of Auburn University President Jay Gogue. Gogue denied being involved in the decision making process and emphasized the athletics department’s commitment to academics. “It’s important to note that Auburn Athletics has and continues to serve as a partner to the University’s academic mission,” the statement said. “Among other things, Auburn Athletics has endowed professorships, contributed to the marching band’s capital campaign and financially supports the veterans Yellow Ribbon program.” Joseph Aistrup, the dean of the College of Liberal Arts who made the decision to keep public administration, gave a statement to The Plainsman regarding his ruling. “The academic program review report indicated that political science wanted to eliminate this degree because the department did not have the faculty resources to continue to support the major,” Aistrup said in an email. “As the new dean, I was willing to provide the necessary resources
“
Claire Tully Campus Writer
Returning from the SGA retreat over the weekend, SGA members were still getting into the swing of things during their second meeting Aug. 31. Justin Mathews, SGA vice president, assured the senate and attendees that they will be organized and ready to work following the Labor Day weekend. “I guarantee we will be back to our normal selves in two weeks,” Mathews said. India Way, SGA budget and finance committee chair, said the budget was submitted and the hearing will take place Sept. 16. “On Friday we put our budget request in, so that was really exciting,” Way said. Drake Pooley, SGA diversity and multicultural affairs committee chair, made sure to remind the senate of the importance of continuing dialogue among SGA members, following their retreat, so that communication continues to go over smoothly. Prior to the senate, Olivia Tofani, SGA
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chief of staff, spoke about some of her goals for this coming year in the student government. “My major priority this year is to ensure that SGA is approachable and accessible to Auburn students,” Tofani said. “I want to make sure that our efforts in SGA also go to unify Auburn and build community among students.” Tofani also said executives are working to make a new addition to SGA this year a reality. “We are currently working on beginning a Presidents’ Cabinet which will be comprised of the presidents from each of our Student Activity Portfolios in order to see how we can promote a collaborative environment among student leaders and provide an open forum to talk collectively about campus issues and student engagement at Auburn,” Tofani said. This cabinet will be used as an avenue to help campus leaders communicate. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this collaboration will benefit students across
My major priority this year is to ensure that SGA is approachable and accessible to Auburn Students.” —Oliva Tofani
SGA chief of staff
campus,” Tofani said. In other SGA news: • Senator Brock Hendon informed the senate that the new Schmidt Elementary School accepted its invitation to the first home football game, following a personal invite from Bo Jackson and Aubie. • Brandon Honeywell, SGA executive committee chair, called for Senate Student Affairs Committee chair appointment and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Senate appointment.
Call outs
The academic program review report indicated that political science wanted to eliminate this degree because the department did not have the faculty resources to continue to support the major. As the new dean, I was willing to provide the necessary resources to continue this major.” —Joseph Aistrup
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
to continue this major. “Shortly after I arrived on campus, I had a meeting with the new chair of political science and the program director of public administration. At that meeting, I asked if hiring a lecturer in political science would help to alleviate the burden. They indicated it would, and thus supported continuing the program.” Aistrup, who earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Fort Hays State in 1982, said saving the public administration program was the first recommendation he made to the provost in 2013 when he was made dean of liberal arts. “I have a public administration background and believe strongly in the academic viability of this undergraduate major,” Aistrup said in an email. Aistrup said he attended his first Auburn football game shortly after arriving on campus. He
said he noticed a number of football players were enrolled in the public administration major. “This is not a violation of any rule or a sign of academic fraud,” Aistrup said. “Simply put, there are no NCAA rules limiting the number of players that can share a major. “Later in September, I had a meeting with the new chair of political science and the program director of public administration. At that meeting, I asked if hiring a lecturer in political science would provide them with the necessary resources to continue to support public administration. They indicated it would, and thus they supported continuing the public administration program too.” Gus Malzahn, football coach, said athletes have complete control over what they major in. “Each individual player, they pick their major,” Malzahn said. “They pick what they want to graduate [in] and what they want to do in life.”
EMILY ENFINGER / PHOTO EDITOR
Alana Broe, nutrition science senior, celebrates after being called-out for the Top 20 Miss Homecoming.
See who made the final five for Miss Homecoming online @TheAUPlainsman
FAB FINDS at
ANGEL’S
Metal Signs! File photo
Auburn hopes to improve on its 8-5 record from 2014.
football » From 1
title. This time, a new face will be in the backfield taking snaps. Junior Jeremy Johnson will be under center after backing up Nick Marshall, who is now in the NFL as a cornerback with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson, who was named the starter in the spring, has all the support in the world from his coach. “We feel like he’s prepared,” Malzahn said. “I know he’s to the point where he’s tired of everybody talking about him, predicting this. He just wants to get out there and play. He wants to prove himself. I think he’s in a very good spot mentally right now
history » From 1
of us relative to historic markers,” Hendrix said. “Their whole campus is covered in them.” The historic markers the AHA and HPC are working to obtain will consist of two sides: one telling the history of the person the building is named for, and the other for telling the history of the building itself. “Take Mary Martin Hall,” Hendrix said. “It is a real honor to have that building because it
going into his first game.” Johnson’s first start won’t be easy. Louisville’s defense ranked sixth in the nation in total defense, allowing only 293 yards per game in the ACC. Sheldon Rankins, the Cardinals’ best defensive lineman, anchors a line that is one of the more potent in the country. Rankins, who was named to the preseason All-ACC team, racked up 53 tackles and eight sacks last year. “He looks really similar, to me, on tape as some of those d-tackles from Florida State that we went up against in [the BCS National Championship Game],” Kozan said. “We’re definitely going to have to bring it against him every play. He’s got a nonstop motor, and he’s a good player.”
is one of only 14 Carnegie libraries in Alabama, and it used to be the library for Auburn.” Norman said she believes the historic markers are necessary for telling an integral part of Auburn’s history. “Those buildings that were important architecturally and the people for whom those buildings are named, those are the people who have shaped Auburn for what it is today,” Norman said. Norman said she would like to garner more support from students for this project, because she feels many are
With Malzahn’s track record, however, it’s a safe bet that the Tigers will have a few tricks up their sleeve to combat the Cardinals. On defense, Muschamp will have to prepare his team to face one of three quarterbacks, as Louisville coach Bobby Petrino is yet to name a starter. Petrino has a knack for developing phenomenal gameplans with an extended time to prepare, and he has been able to prepare for Auburn since December. Auburn remains a 10.5-point favorite heading into Saturday, but with these two offensive minds going at it, it’s more likely that this will be a hotly contested game, one where Johnson might have to prove himself on day one.
unaware of the rich history surrounding them. “We would like more students to voice their opinions in this matter,” Norman said. “A lot of the history of Auburn is being told through the football team, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but there are other parts of our history that should be told as well.” Norman said the AHA has even said it will pay for the historic markers and do fundraisers, such as the Halloween “Lantern Tour,” so that it has money for such projects. Carroll said he has no prob-
lem with the markers and thinks they’re beautiful. The problem lies in knowing how many to place and where. “I like the idea of having historical markers on campus,” Carroll said. “What we are trying to evaluate is whether we should place markers at each individual building or celebrate the whole area.” Norman and Hendrix said they will continue to push for the markers to be placed outside each building. “Auburn has got a beautiful, rich history that needs to be shared,” Hendrix said.
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Thursday, September 3, 2015
STUDENT LEADER SPOTLIGHT
ThePlainsman.com
Campus
CONSTRUCTION
dakota sumpter / senior photographer
The 2-acre pond was built in 1937 by Homer Swingle, Auburn University fishery scientist.
“I am a senior in marketing.”
Historic pond to undergo renovations Claire Tully Campus Writer
“I have been a lifelong Auburn fan and am so honored to attend a university that values students, involvement, athletics and academics.”
“Having the unique opportunity to serve our campus by bringing students together at events to better their Auburn experience and spread happiness.”
“Waffles on a stick. It is a fried waffle on a stick that can be coated in powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, peanut butter, assorted candies, syrups, and so much more!”
Following an agreement between the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Auburn University, a historic 2-acre pond built on campus in 1937 will undergo construction this fall. The pond is located behind the new VCOM campus, off South Donahue Drive. This is the second of two ponds built by Auburn University fishery scientist Homer Swingle. According to Auburn University’s biography of Swingle, he is the “father of modern aquaculture.” Swingle was an important figure in Auburn history according to the Wildlife Bulletin. “Dr. Homer Scott Swingle was one of the greatest fisheries scientists who ever lived,” the bulletin said. “Dr. Swingle’s research has led to the creation of millions of acres of productive waters.” Having set this precedent, the pond has been used in the past by Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences students for research and labs.
Jamie Anderson, communications & marketing for the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, said the school will put those activities on hold during renovations. “After polling our faculty and adjunct professors, it appears that the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences does not presently have any active research projects or teaching plans that involve the pond at this time,” Anderson said. The project, approved by the Board of Trustees in April, includes an agreement between VCOM and Auburn to allow VCOM students and faculty, Auburn students and the Auburn community to enjoy the newly constructed site upon its completion. Bill Price, VCOM vice president of operations, said this project is a way of giving back to the community. “It will provide a relaxing, natural environment near the VCOM campus for our students to enjoy between classes,” Price said. The pond will be drained so the structure and dam can be repaired before work-
ers add a path and two boardwalks. These repairs will be paid for by VCOM, as well as the path and any future maintenance required. According to Ben Burmester, campus planner, these renovations are much needed. “The outlet structure is undersized and cannot handle excess water flow causing the pond to overtop the spillway and dam after heavy rains,” Burmester said. “The dam is showing signs of deterioration and water seepage.” The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences is doing its best to remove as much wildlife from the pond as possible before the construction begins, according to the Auburn newsroom. Once the initial repairs and construction are complete, not only can the pond continue to be used for research, but its new features will allow for it to be used for campus beautification and enjoyment, according to Anderson. “We look forward to learning more as the site plan evolves,” Anderson said.
Campus 4
Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
construction
Samford Hall close to completion Andria Moore Campus Reporter
Dakota Sumpter / senior photographer
Construction on Samford Hall is set to be completed the fall.
The construction around Samford Hall that began earlier this summer is expected to be completed this fall, according to Martha Koontz, communications and marketing specialist for facilities management. “We are still on target for a fall completion date,” Koontz said. “As of today, the project is 55 percent complete.” According to Koontz, construction on the building began after Facilities Management detected leaks in the roof. From there, the project expanded to make repairs on other areas of the historic structure as well. “Right now we are completing shingles and sheet metal work for the rear of the building that’s facing Ross Square,” Koontz said. “We will soon be moving scaffolding from the rear of the building to the front of the building.” The “re-roof and repair project” is also working to replace cornices, caulk windows and add new gutters and downspouts. Koontz said it has been almost 20 years since a repair project of this type was initiated at Samford Hall. Koontz said the construction around Toomer’s Corner this summer did not interfere with the Samford Hall project. “We always work well with the city in coordinating our projects,” Koontz said. “We were able to complete the walkway quickly.” Ben Burmester, campus planner, said he thinks the construction around Samford Hall will attract visitors from all over the Auburn
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We are still on target for a fall completion date. As of today, the project is 55 percent complete. -Martha Koontz
communication and marketing specialist for facilities management
community. “We think the project is going to create a more open park that’s better, has better usage for all the Auburn community,” Burmester told The Plainsman in June. Auburn University is facing upcoming building projects that include more than just repairs. Construction of the new Mell Classroom Building is expected to begin next semester, according to Koontz. Construction on the new nursing and pharmacy buildings will also begin in the spring semester. The two new buildings will be located at the corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue drives. “The new Mell classroom building will be located adjacent to the library and expected to be completed in 2017,” Koontz said. “At that time, we’ll also begin work to extend utility infrastructure to the University’s Health Science Sector in preparation for future construction of a Harrison School of Pharmacy research building and a new School of Nursing building.”
SGA members make plans for the year student government
Claire Tully Campus Writer
With every new school year, comes changes from SGA. This year SGA has placed importance on student affairs and campus life such as class registration, facility updates, campus safety, game day experience and real world preparation. Walker Byrd, SGA president, said he is focusing on Auburn students’ success in and out of the classroom, as well as in the future. “The biggest thing is I want to challenge students,” Byrd said. “I want to challenge students to push their bubble a little bit and to put themselves into situations where they may not feel comfortable- not at all from a safety standpoint, but I want you to branch out and try something different,” Byrd said. Byrd said students’ experiences at Auburn help prepare them for life after college. “Interact with somebody who doesn’t think, believe or talk like you, because it’s experiences like those that you have in college that prepare you to lead Auburn and to be an effective, efficient member of society later on,” Byrd said. This preparation for the future comes from a call to help increase the number of students who graduate in four years. SGA wants to raise awareness on the financial factors that affect college students in the hope that it will educate students on tuition fees and extraneous expenses. This will hopefully motivate students to graduate in four years and prepare them for fi-
“
The times when you feel uncomfortable and stretched, that’s when you grow. That’s when you grow as a person, a leader and a team member. So we’re pushing our team that way and I want to challenge the student body to do the same thing. -Walker Byrd
SGA PRESIDENT
nancial issues they will face after college, according to Byrd. Another way SGA would like to help students’ academics is through the initiation of Tiger Scheduler, a class registration tool. It is Now available on Tiger i, Tiger Scheduler is designed to make registering for classes less hectic and provide a black and white view of when students can take the classes they want. SGA would also like to enhance students’ overall game day experience this year, according to Michael Waldrum, SGA executive vice president of programs. Waldrum said he wants to make seating arrangements more efficient in the student section so that seats are available for every student with a ticket. “The problem with that is that is fills the stadium unnaturally, and it messes up traffic flow,” Waldrum said. Waldrum said he wants any blocked-off seating to be moved to sections 17 and 18 in the student section by the new jumbotron. “What that does for you as someone who
calendar
may not be a fraternity member or, who knows, with a block is that it frees up a lot of areas…and gives you an opportunity to sit in those seats,” Waldrum said. “We’re not trying to change the whole system,” Byrd said. “The system’s great, but anything that we can do to make some minor changes to improve it is a good thing.” SGA is taking other campus safety initiatives aside from game day. While Byrd does not want to “duplicate resources,” he said he would like to pay attention to the less-lit areas on the perimeters of campus and make sure cross walks are more noticeable, as well as possibly making an app that will ensure students’ safety. Another stance SGA would like to take on safety is to continue to spread the “It’s On Us” campaign to help raise awareness on interpersonal violence and sexual assault, according to Byrd. SGA will try to gain students’ support by having them take the pledge and spread the word. Bird said Auburn Answers is also an important tool for SGA. He said he wants students
to recognize this as an easy avenue for them to be heard. Byrd said he would also like an increase in voting. A typical voting turnout is between 39 and 40 percent of the student body. Byrd said he is also focusing on campuswide camaraderie. He said he wants to challenge students to befriend people different from them and to broaden their horizons. One way is by reaching out to the ever-growing Auburn Global community. “Their main goal is to get the students plugged into campus, so anything we can do to build a relationship, be seen, talk about campus and just talk about Auburn is a good thing, because they already have avenues in place to welcome them and to give them a chance to have the Auburn experience just like every other student,” Byrd said. Campus development is also on the horizon for SGA as it takes on projects such as the Auburn Memorial and utilizing the Student Activities Center. The memorial has two of the three necessary approvals from the Board of Trustees and will seek its final approval for schematic design and budgeting in November. With students being its main priority this year, SGA is making efforts to shine a light on academic issues and campus life. “The times when you feel uncomfortable and stretched, that’s when you grow,” Byrd said. “That’s when you grow as a person, a leader and a team member. So we’re pushing our team that way, and I want to challenge the student body to do the same thing.”
greek life: photo of the week
Dates to Remember Thursday, Sept. 3 • Fall Presidents Meeting from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom • Miss Auburn University information meeting session No. 2 at 7 p.m. in Student Center, Room 2225 Monday, Sept. 7 • Labor Day- No class Tuesday, Sept. 8 • Networking: Person-to-Person from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. in Student Center, Room 2222 • Global Food Security Seminar from 11:45 a.m.12:45 p.m. in Comer Hall, Room 109 Christy Stipe / photographer
Members of Alpha Xi Delta’s 2015 pledge class pose before their America-themed swap.
Opinion
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Thursday, September 3, 2015
ThePlainsman.com
Opinion
our view SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS
Responses to “University stands behind gun policy” Brian Marshall
Setting a professional example Gurden Smith / illustrator
Last Wednesday, Aug. 26, The Wall Street Journal published an article about Auburn University’s athletic department. Specifically, the article said there were documents showing that the athletics department had persuaded school officials to keep public administration as a major at Auburn after it had been voted 13-0 by faculty to be eliminated. The article also states the athletics department offered to fund the major if necessary. Public administration has been a popular major among student athletes, football players in particular. According to the article by The Wall Street Journal, “In the fall semester of 2013, more than half of the roughly 100 students majoring in public administration were athletes, records show, including nearly all of the top stars on the Auburn football team.” Timothy Boosinger, provost and vice
president for academic affairs, said in an email to faculty the major was kept because resources were found to keep it going. “That is a boring story, I fear, but it is the truth,” Boosinger said in the email. Even with this in mind, it is important not to jump to conclusions without further evidence. However, if the athletics department did influence school officials and violate the faculty’s right to make curriculum decisions, it should not be swept under the rug. Not only do we understand, we respect and appreciate how much money and publicity the athletics department brings Auburn each year. But as Auburn men and women, who “believe in honesty and truthfulness … and in clean sports that develop these qualities,” as our Auburn Creed explains, we cannot bring ourselves to accept such behavior for the sake of money. In addition, we do not believe Auburn is the
only university where the athletics department has such influence, but that doesn’t make it right. While we are definitely not excusing such behavior, we think the way in which the NFL eligibility requirements are set up opens the door for this type of conduct to take place. According to the NFL’s website, players have to be out of highschool for at least three years and use up their college eligibility before the next college football seasons starts. Taking the above information into account, most NFL players play football at the college level beforehand. Because of this, there are athletes playing football here at Auburn only because they feel like they have to if they want to be considered for the draft. Auburn should consider using this as an opportunity to advocate for change of the college football system used as a layover to the pros.
Letter to the editor
‘My time is up, and I thank you for yours’ Austin Phillips
The report of print’s death was greatly exaggerated. Anyone saying print is dead is a fool. Print isn’t dying; it’s evolving. For nearly eight years, I lived the newspaper business. But three years ago, I made the transition from the newsroom to the classroom, and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. In 2012, the Auburn journalism faculty voted to place me as the permanent editorial adviser for The Auburn Plainsman. Since that time, we’ve won two Pacemaker Awards (college equivalent of the Pulitzer), a Best in Show for the University Heights shooting edition, multiple Society of Professional Journalists awards, shifted our news focus to a daily website accompanied by a print product with a week-long shelf life, increased visits, unique visitors and page views to our website by 1.5 million each, increased our Twitter follow-
ing from less than 500 to more than 20,000, increased our Facebook following from less than 200 to more than 6,300, launched an Instagram account with a rapidly growing following, launched a YouTube account with a rapidly growing following, launched a Snapchat account, increased multimedia content on the website to include weekly shows “This Week on the Plains” and “This Week in Sports” and produced one of the most epic and iconic issues ever following the 2013 Iron Bowl that people even gave as Christmas gifts. And that’s not even mentioning that our students have also landed jobs and internships at organizations such as the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Al.com, ESPN, Texas Monthly, the Montgomery Advertiser, the OpelikaAuburn News, Southern Living, Nylon, the Sporting News, the Houston Astros, the North Carolina governor’s office, NPR, WHNT, WSFA and many more. The Plainsman’s content has also been featured on national
outlets such as ESPN, CNN, NBC, FOX, ABC, NFL, E! and many more. While change is always inevitable on a college newspaper staff, it is disappointing that the Auburn University Division of Student Affairs chose to disrupt the enormous progress that has been made to go into a different direction. But what’s done is done. I appreciate the words of support from The Plainsman staff more than they’ll ever know. I care about these students and their future more than they’ll ever know. The uncertainty of The Plainsman’s future is concerning. For more than a century, The Plainsman has presented unbiased coverage of the University, many times in the face of administrative or SGA pressure. It would be a crying shame to see this pillar of the university crumble at the hands of bad decisions. Let’s hope that under this new student media umbrella, The Plainsman can continue to operate as “A Spirit That is Not Afraid.”
I’ve seen this unwavering spirit day in and day out in the newsroom, and I would like to thank all the staffs during the past three years, as a Plainsman alumnus and former adviser, for your service. I would especially like to thank and acknowledge editors Robert Lee, Kelsey Davis, Becky Hardy, Emily Esleck and Jim Little for stepping up to the plate when no one else would. You all amaze and inspire me, and I will forever be a better person having gotten to know you and work with you. I could thank almost every reporter that’s worked for The Plainsman these past three years, but I’m already over my word count and space is money. So I’ll end this journey the best way I know how, through the words of one of the greatest Auburn men to ever live. “My time is up, and I thank you for yours.” — Jim Fyffe
Jordan Hays Managing Editor Caitlyn Miller Copy Elizabeth Tiller Online
Corey Williams campus Maria McIlwain community Sam Butler Sports
“Auburn policy I can get behind.”
Response to “Historic train depot to become seafood restaurant”
Theresa Bender Manry “Thrilled that something will finally be done with this building!”
Responses to “Athletics department pressured school officials to keep public administration major alive”
David Dettmering “Pressured? Or just said “hey, that huge amount of money we give a state funded university in a state which is on the verge of bankruptcy....maybe keep that”?”
Sean Ford “Yeah they were pressured so that the athletes could pass while screwing us in Poli. Sci with a sub-par curriculum.”
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Response to “Come by our O-days table on the concourse today and tomorrow to get involved with The Plainsman”. clairemarie918 “I have that paper she’s holding framed in my house!! #wardamneagle”
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The Editorial Board Jim Little Editor-in-Chief
“It’s all good until it isn’t. That policy won’t stop someone from bringing a weapon to any of their buildings if they want to hurt someone and their safety protocols won’t save you if you’re the first few targets. It will help minimize casualties, but to the people that lose their lives it will have done nothing.
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Community Thursday, September 3, 2015
6 ThePlainsman.com
Community
Meeting held to discuss apartment construction construction
Anne Dawson
community reporter
Members of the Auburn City Council, Planning Commission and residents gathered to discuss the impact of new construction in the city for a special meeting Monday, Aug. 31. The conference room in the Harris Senior Center was packed, forcing people to stand outside the room and in the lobby. According to Mayor Bill Ham, the main issues citizens have includes building height and the possible infiltration of urban student housing in the downtown area. The City Council decided there will be a second meeting in September to advertise a plan for the council’s consideration addressing building height downtown. Both the City Council and the Planning Commission had a chance to speak their minds on the issues in an attempt to start working a conclusion regarding building height and the Downtown Master Plan. Ward 5 councilwoman Lynda Tremaine said Auburn portrays a certain character that deserves to be preserved. Tremaine said she believes by replacing the quaint buildings that stand downtown with more urban ones, Auburn loses its close-knit feel.
Councilwoman Beth Witten said many former students return to Auburn to visit places such as Samford Hall and Toomer’s Corner to relive their favorite memories. “We need to protect the areas the people are reminiscent about,” Witten said. Ward 2 councilman Ron Anders had a different opinion. Anders said because the downtown area is so close to campus, a more urban feel would be increasingly attractive to students. Anders said a 45-foot limit on building height would be too restrictive, and a 75-foot limit would be too disruptive. Anders said the council and commission need to find a happy medium between the two. Charles Pick, Planning Commission member, said citizen’s input has been and will continue to be crucial. Each day, 30,000 people pass through the downtown area. Whatever decision is made will have an impact on many people, according to Planning Commission member Warren McCord. Forrest Cotton, planning director for the City of Auburn, said the Downtown Master Plan was just a plan, and could be revised. Anna Solomon, facilitator in Harrison School of Pharmacy and member of Keep Auburn Lovely, a group promoting its idea of responsible
Fundraisers
Auburn Public Library to host used book sale
contributed by the city of auburn
The Parker is proposed to be 75 feet high. and will have apartments on top and retail on the bottom.
growth, spoke for the group. Solomon said decisions should be made to keep Auburn’s identity protected, not for financial gain. According to Solomon, more student housing downtown would promote a growing student population. Solomon said giving students a quality education is more important than increasing the student population. Solomon said any buildings over 60 feet downtown would overpower the family-friendly buildings. Ray Huff, owner of Auburn Realty, spoke fol-
lowing Solomon and said deciding not to expand student housing will not turn developers away. “If there is money to be made, developers will come,” Huff said. On the opposing side, Howard Porter, resident and owner of Porter Properties, said just because a building is old does not mean it is historic. “A land’s value comes from utility,” Porter said. Porter said by reducing the height limit from 75 feet to 45 feet, the amount of housing would be cut in half, causing a reduction in value.
local events
Rachael Taylor community writer
The Auburn Public Library will host a used book sale at the Dean Road Recreation Center on Sept. 19. According to Chris Warren, library director, all kinds of gently used books have been donated for the sale. Hardbacks from the sale will be $1 and paperbacks will be 50 cents. Proceeds from the event will go toward library programs and events. The doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. The sale is open to the public, so membership is not required to shop the sale. The sale takes place once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring sale raised $5,000. Warren said the library hopes to do as wellwith the fall sale. “We had our most successful sale ever back in the spring,” said Libby Anderson, president of the Friends of the Auburn Public Library. “We do have a very generous community that helps make the sale possible,” Warren said. The Friends of the Auburn Public Library helped put the spring sale together. While the library plans events and programs, the Friends of the Auburn Public Library focus on volunteering and fundraising for the library. The Friends of the Auburn Public Library sets up the sale and sorts the books by genre. The group also works the sale and packs the books up when the sale is over. “It’s almost like a pop up yard sale twice a year,” Anderson said. Anderson has been the President of The Friends of the Auburn Public Library since January 2015. She first got involved with the organization after a used book sale in 2012. Donated books have been stored in a warehouse owned by First Team Construction, and the books are transported by Two Men and a Truck moving company. “Weekly we have someone that takes donations to a warehouse,” Anderson said. Anyone interested in being a part of the Friends of the Auburn Public Library can email libraryfriendsapl@gmail.com. Those wishing to donate books for future sales can drop off the books at the Auburn Public Library during normal hours.
liz maddux / community writer
The League of Women Voters of East Alabama celebrated the 95th anniversary of women’s sufferage.
League of Women Voters celebrates voting equality Liz Maddux
community writer
David topper / photographer
The sale will benefit the public library.
emily enfinger / photo editor
Used books of all genres will be for sale.
The League of Women Voters of East Alabama hosted a sold-out event Wednesday night, Aug. 26, at Amsterdam Café honoring the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. which granted the women the right to vote. Auburn University’s Women’s Leadership Institute also co-sponsored the event. The event’s guest speaker was Lilly Ledbetter, who was successful in suing Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after working for them for years for less pay than men holding the same job. Her success led to the development of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was the first bill President Obama signed after his election in 2009. “After listening to Lilly Ledbetter speak, I felt really hopeful for our future as women and inspired to go out and do something to make a change,” said Ashley Bradley, senior in social work. The event reflected the mission of the League of Women Voters of East Alabama to “make a democracy strong and reflective of Auburn, Opelika and the rest of Lee County.” “It felt fantastic to reach out to so many women,” said local league president Kristen
De La Fuente. “We could not have asked for a better event, a better turnout, a better co-sponsor, better members, or a better speaker. It all came together to nicely.” Women and men of all ages were in attendance and everyone wore yellow roses, the symbol of the womens’ suffrage movement. “I want Auburn women to learn that they need to not only talk the talk but walk the walk,” said Barbara Baker, executive director of Auburn University’s Women’s Leadership Institute. “We all need to get a little bit more courage together to speak up for ourselves and to make sure that we have the equality we deserve.” The first step to voting is to register to vote. The League of Women Voters makes it a priority to host multiple voter registration events all over east Alabama with numerous events around National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 22. This year, the League of Women Voters’ goal is to register over 1,000 voters. They have already registered nearly 150 voters in the past few months. The League of Women Voters is always looking for new volunteers and members. Visit www.lwv-eastalabama.org, Facebook or Twitter to learn more about upcoming events and membership information.
local government
Residents discuss building height at City Council meeting Anne Dawson
community reporter
Citizens on both sides of the apartment construction debate spoke their minds at the City Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1. Linda Dean, Auburn resident, is in favor of lower building height and said because of recent studies which have discovered Auburn is overbuilt, a moratorium should be added back to the agenda in the Ur-
ban Core area. Dana Camp, Auburn resident, said the main issue right now is how downtown will look to students. Camp said many people are students, and many of them come back after they have graduated. Camp said residents love the small town feel of the community “A 75-foot building just doesn’t look good,” Camp said. “It doesn’t belong in the
neighborhood, period.” Camp said she drives down College Street every day, and fears eventually the first thing she will see when she crosses the train tracks is the potential 75-foot retail and student housing building, not the quaint little village she said she enjoys seeing each day. Chris Kearns, Auburn resident and owner of Badger Properties, said the potential housing is not only for
students, but professors and graduates as well. Kearns said these people are also in need of housing. Kearns said just because a building is tall does not mean it is ugly. He said some of the shorter buildings downtown could be considered just as ugly as the bigger ones. “Our downtown is actually not Disney World,” Kearns said. “It’s not a tourist town either … it’s an active, thriving
business community.” Stone Ray, freshman in architecture who lives at 160 Ross, said the idea of “new urbanism” does in fact care about the character of the town. “New urbanism is not about malls or suburban looking things, it ‘s a city for humans,” Ray said. Ray said he knows 160 Ross is frowned upon, but that the building and location has
improved his quality of life. According to Ray, housing closer to campus and downtown would allow for less traffic because more people would be walking to class, shops and restaurants. In other City Council news: • The council invoked the entertainment district, which will allow for live music and later store hours in the downtown area on the Friday nights before football games.
Thursday, September, 3, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
Community 7
outreach
Our House opens its doors to Auburn children Liz Maddux
community writer
On the corner of Bedell Avenue and North Donahue Drive sits a seemingly quiet gray house. At 2:30 p.m., however, the house awakens as numerous children from the Ridgecrest community arrive after school with looks of excitement on their faces. Our House is a Christian-based ministry whose mission is to “strive to show the love of Jesus to children and their families in the community, and to provide a Christ-centered, home environment in which they can grow spiritually, academically, and socially,” according to its website. It is a place for children in the Ridgecrest community to come and enjoy a healthy snack while they read, play and work on their homework after school. Our House includes a study room complete with computers and Internet access and a wellstocked library with books ranging from “Horton Hears a Who!” by Dr. Seuss to the “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth. The idea came when Our House director and Rene Waldrop heard about a similar ministry located in Tuscaloosa. Waldrop said she would visit the kids in the Ridgecrest community often, but she wanted to have a place where she could see them on a regular basis. In April 2014, Waldrop and her husband, Mike Waldrop, bought what would soon become the Our House location. “We named it Our House because we wanted the kids to feel ownership of it and for it to seem like their home,” Waldrop said. Waldrop opened Our House for two days a week during summer 2014, but officially opened the doors for the school year in August 2014. The 2015 school year will be Our House’s second year helping the children in the Ridgecrest community. Waldrop said the ministry has a great relationship with the surrounding schools and is notified of the upcoming tests and projects the kids need to prepare for.
This summer, Our House added summer camps to its program. The ministry had cheer, art, backyard Bible, science and nutrition and fitness camps that included Zumba classes. “I really enjoyed seeing the kids grow in each of the camps we put on this summer, specifically Camp I-care and the science camps,” said summer intern Emily Wilhite, senior in human development and family studies. “The kids were stretched and engaged in ways that never would have been a possibility without Our House and all the donors and volunteers that participated to help make it happen. Our House is the most special place slash home for these kids. I was just so incredibly blessed to be a part of it.” Volunteers from campus ministries and Auburn University come each week to play and help the kids do their homework. “I like coming and being able to see progress, not only academically, but also in the relationships with different volunteers and kids,” said volunteer Mary Beth McHugh, junior in rehabilitation sciences. “By the end of the semester, not only have they increased academically, but also in their relationships with each other and with us.” Waldrop said she wishes there could be an Our House in every community, and the amount of people who have donated gifts and kindness to Our House has “truly been a great and wonderful blessing.” “I don’t have my own children, and I honestly feel like these are my kids,” Waldrop said. “There really is so much joy in pouring into them and seeing the difference in their attitude when they know someone loves and cares about them. Just to know that the kids are going to school with confidence is great. It is just a different environment, just that positive Christian environment that makes such a difference.” Our House is open Monday-Thursday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. For more information on Our House, visit www.john1335.org or email OurHouseAuburn@gmail.com.
david topper / photographer
Our House is located at the intersection of Bedell Avenue and North Donahue Drive.
Sports
8
Thursday, September 3, 2015
SCOREBOARD Soccer (4-0)
ThePlainsman.com
Sports
FOOTBALL
Home away from home in the Dome Evan McCullers Sports Reporter
File Photo
Last Week vs. UAB (W, 4-0) vs. Furman (W, 2-0) THIS WEEK Sept. 4 vs. Samford (7 p.m.) Sept. 6 vs. Old Dominion (2 p.m.) UPCOMING Sept. 11 vs. Missouri (6:30 p.m.)
Volleyball (3-0)
File Photo
LAST WEEK War Eagle Invitational vs. Stephen F. Austin (W) vs. Jacksonville (W) vs. Samford (W) NEXT WEEK Sept. 1 - vs. Florida A&M (6 p.m.) Sept. 4 - vs. Syracuse (7 p.m.)
Auburn football has had a strong connection to the Atlanta area for a long time, and the Tigers are returning to Atlanta to play Louisville in the Georgia Dome in their opening game of the 2015 season. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson was a member of the team when Auburn played in the 2013 SEC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome, but he said he is looking forward to playing there for the first time as a starter. “I’m going to love it,” Johnson said. “I know the majority is going to be our fans so I feel really comfortable. We’re just ready to play.” Saturday’s game against Louisville will mark the fifth time in six years Auburn has played in the Dome, the most of any venue except Jordan-Hare Stadium in that time frame. Coach Gus Malzahn said the fan support in the Georgia Dome makes it a popular place to play for everyone in the program. “[We’re] excited to be playing in Atlanta, in the (Georgia) Dome,” Malzahn said. “Our players, our coaches and I know our fans enjoy playing there.” A staggering 32 players, or 28 percent, of Auburn’s current roster hail from the Atlanta metropolitan area, including 14 players on the two-deep depth chart. Some of those players played in the Georgia Dome for various events in high school, while others have played there already during their time at Auburn. Sophomore defensive end Carl Lawson, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, remembers playing in the Georgia Dome in the SEC title game, which Auburn won 59-42 over Missouri. Lawson, who missed the 2014 season with a torn ACL, is eager to get back on the field near his hometown. “The Georgia Dome is really nice, and the turf is really, really fast,” Lawson said. “I remember play-
Julie Bennett / AL.com
Carl Lawson is one of several Auburn players to have grown up near the Georgia Dome.
ing the SEC Championship there, and I felt real light on my feet. I like it there.” Lawson also recalls Auburn’s game versus Clemson in the Georgia Dome in 2012 and said the contest helped solidify his decision to come to the Plains to play college football. “That was one of the best [games] I’ve been to,” Lawson said. “It was really fun.” Senior defensive end DaVonte Lambert has played in the Georgia Dome, as he led Burke County to the 3-A state title in 2011. Lambert said there is only one thing on his mind in his second trip to the stadium. “I’m looking forward to winning, because last time I played there, we won,” Lambert said. “I was
in high school championship game and we won, so I’m looking forward to winning.” Justin Garrett, a starting linebacker for the Tigers, has also played in the Georgia Dome. The senior helped lead Tucker High School to the Georgia High School Association 4-A state title in 2008. Garrett, who is from Stone Mountain, Georgia, said it playing in front of a sold-out crowd in the Georgia Dome will be a dream come true. “I try to take every game the same, come with the same mentality, no matter if it’s a big game or a small game,” Garrett said. “It’s just going to mean a lot to go back home … It’s going to be a great feeling to play in the Georgia Dome. Growing up as a kid, the dream was to play in the Georgia Dome.”
SOCCER
Dribbling in from across the pond
Cross-Country
auburn athletics
Upcoming Auburn Invitational vs. Samford/Alabama Sept. 1 (Time TBA) Meet in Birmingham File PHoto
EQUESTRIAN
Ellie Leek (13) is finding her footing 4,189 miles from her hometown in Wales.
Welsh midfielder is adjusting to a new style of play—and a new life—in Auburn Lauren Christopher Assistant Sports Editor
File photo
UpCOMING Sept. 11 - Orange and Blue Scrimmage (3 p.m.) Event at Auburn University Horse Center
Men’s golf
File photo
UpCOMING Sept. 11-12 - Carpet Capital Collegiate (All day) Event at The Farm in Dalton, Georgia
It’s not uncommon to find athletes at Auburn who come from different backgrounds. Different hometowns, cultures and even countries help to broaden the international scope athletics prides itself on, bringing in the best from all around the world. One of these numerous athletes plays midfielder for the women’s soccer team, and her haul was not just from out of state. Coming all the way from Torfaen, Wales, Ellie Leek spotted Auburn soccer on her radar and took the leap. Now heading into her second year on the Plains, Leek said the uneasiness has started to fade. “I don’t get homesick anymore,” Leek said. “It’s nice now, because I feel like I have my own life here away from my family, as much as I love my family. When I went home this summer, I missed being at Auburn.” When considering attending Auburn, Leek said that the biggest reason she made her decision was how comfortable she felt around the staff. “The coaches were really nice,” Leek said. “They were comforting just speaking to them, and my parents liked them a lot. They felt good about me coming over here with how nice the coaches were.” Although Leek doesn’t see her family much, her mother is making the overseas trip to watch her play in Auburn’s series against LSU and Florida in September.
“It’s going to be exciting because over here we have the big pregame and music blaring and the fans,” Leek said. “You don’t get that back home.” According to Leek, there is a different style of play in the U.S. than in the U.K., especially being an athlete in the SEC. “There’s no team atmosphere like [being at Auburn],” Leek said. One of the largest adjustments for Leek when it comes to the game is the difference in the level of aggression during play. “Over here, as soon as you touch the ball, you’re going to get smashed,” Leek said. “You have to know where to pass it next, whereas at home, I have more time on the ball. I can take a couple of touches, relax, pick out a pass. Over here, as soon as I get on the ball, I’d freak out because I’d be waiting for someone to smash me, but now, I’ve learned how to protect the ball a bit more, and I’m more confident this season. Now I can relax and know where to pass it before and not panic.” Leek said that making this transition to a tougher style of play wasn’t easy. “It was really hard, because the girls are obviously a lot bigger over here,” Leek said. “When you get hit, you don’t get a little nudge, you get hit real hard, so it was getting a bit tougher as well.” Although she’s been hit plenty of times, the midfielder has yet to suffer a serious injury. Fellow midfielder Brooke Ramsier said she has seen a huge difference
in Leek’s transition from her first year away from home to where she is now. “She’s definitely grown so much,” Ramsier said. “Freshman year, she was a little shy and was kind of getting used to everything, but now she’s meshed so well with the team and understood how things flow, and even as a player, I’ve seen her develop. She’s a great player and she’s somebody that you want on the field at all times. She’s definitely standing out more as a leader.” As far as helping her feel like family, Ramsier said the team takes her under its wing on multiple occasions. “Last year, one of our teammates who graduated took her home for some holidays, and some girls in her class will take her home if she’s not going homehome,” Ramsier said. “They’ll take her for spring break and just a long weekend, so we try and make sure that she has a second home when she’s away from her family.” Coach Karen Hoppa said Leek has made improvements across the board since her first year as a player, but mostly as a student away from home. “I think the number one way she’s improved is her comfort level of being here, being in this country, being in college soccer,” Hoppa said. “All of the American kids will come in having a decent idea [of college soccer] … When you take someone from a foreign country, they don’t really know, so I think just the comfort level of everything … I think that’s been the biggest improvement and it’s carrying over into
her play.” Having Leek on the team has added a positive international view on soccer according to Hoppa. “Where she comes from, soccer is in their DNA, it’s a part of their culture,” Hoppa said. “Her tactical level and the way she sees the game is a little bit advanced compared to a lot of American players, because they just don’t see the game the same way. I think tactically, she’s able to see different plays develop before they do, and that really helps raise the team’s tactical ability.” Hoppa said through Leek’s perspective, soccer is a lot more professional in the U.S. “She loves the game and she wants to play at the highest level,” Hoppa said. “Coming here, one of the things she’s talked about is how much more professional everything is because we have the facilities and the strength and conditioning coaches and a nutritionist. She has all these tools to help her be successful and help her advance her career. In addition, playing in front of big crowds … playing in those environments only helps you develop as a player.” As far as her expectations for Leek go for this season, Hoppa said she wants her, and every other player, to be better than they each were last year. “As coaches, that’s what were trying to do is get them individually and as a team to be better than they were last year, so hopefully, she can build on that and she’s a better player this year,” Hoppa said.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Sports 9
The Auburn Plainsman
Dakota sumpter / senior photographer
Setter Alexa Filley (21) instructs her teammates during Auburn’s win against Samford.
Forward Logan Beal dribbles the ball during Auburn’s win against Furman.
This Week in Auburn Sports Soccer Aug. 28
Auburn soccer returned to the Plains for its home opener after a successful trip to California, where the team won its first two matches of the season. The 16th-ranked Tigers faced the UAB Blazers and took the win 4-0 in shutout fashion. Within the first five minutes there was a delay in the game after a UAB foul brought senior Haley Gerken to the ground. She was aided off the field by trainers, but made a postgame appearance on crutches with her left leg wrapped. “We are optimistic with her,” said coach Karen Hoppa. “Obviously she’s going to get scanned, and the medical staff will evaluate her, but I’m happy with optimism right now.” Auburn was able to strike first in the 28th minute after an offside call on UAB allowed junior Brooke Ramsier to send a penalty kick straight into the net. In the 38th minute, her sister Casie Ramsier sent another goal soaring into the net, giving Auburn a 2-0 lead. Auburn finished the half with a total of 12 shots, limiting UAB to two, with a successful save by redshirt freshman Sarah Le Beau in the
40th minute. Le Beau earned her first SEC Defensive Player of the Week award last week after two shutout performances on the West Coast. She was replaced late in the second half by Alyse Scott, who recorded a save. “Sarah is great, and to be fair Alyse Scott is great too,” Hoppa said. “I’ve got two SEC-level starting goalkeepers. We’re blessed in that way at Auburn and we’ve got loads of confidence in both. I was happy to play them both tonight.” Casie came in hot in the 68th minute, slipping a shot in past UAB goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty, giving Auburn the 3-0 lead. Auburn scored again in the final minute after a called handball, and senior Kala Faulkner capitalized on a penalty kick. Aug. 30 Auburn soccer improved its record to 4-0-0 on Sunday, Aug. 30, as the team defeated Furman University 2-0 with goals from Hannah Alspach and Casie Ramsier. Only 8 minutes and 52 seconds into the game, the Tigers got on the board when Alspach shot the first goal from 20 yards out. Although there were 32 shots made by Auburn, the second
Auburn University Chapter American Fisheries Society
Volleyball
goal came with 22 minutes left in the game by Ramsier, who was subbed out after being hit. “I knew I had the chance in front of goal, and coach is always wanting us to shoot in front of net,” Ramsier said. “I wanted to go for it and was happy it went in.” Ellie Leek assisted both shots, but she got help from Alspach on the Ramsier goal. The defense anchored the game, allowing only four shot attempts by Furman, with one save by keeper Sarah Le Beau. “Four games in, we haven’t given up a goal, it’s credit to our defense,” said coach Karen Hoppa. “They’re really playing great, and Kala is the leader back there and keeping them organized. The best thing they’re doing is keeping the ball in front of them, not giving up breakaways and keeping [opponents] outside of our box.” Furman received 12 fouls, two of which resulted in injuries to Auburn’s Samantha Solaru and Abby Meadows. Both are day-to-day. Auburn soccer is back in action this weekend as the team faces in-state rival Samford at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and Old Dominion at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Aug. 28-29
Auburn defeated Samford 3-1 on Saturday, Aug. 29, to win the War Eagle Invitational. The first three sets were back and forth, but Auburn took control in the fourth set, closing on a 14-4 run. “Obviously, we’re a young team in terms of trying to figure out some things we’re doing,” said coach Rick Nold. “Every match I thought we pulled together at the right time, and today was our best overall match.” Junior Breanna Barksdale led Auburn with 14 kills, while Alexa Filley added 41 assists and 11 digs. Barksdale and junior Emily Klitzke were selected to the All-Tournament team. “(Breanna)’s got a lively arm, and she’s come out and really played aggressively in all phases of the game,” Nold said. “She’s definitely deserving of being named MVP.” Freshman Brenna McIlroy recorded 10 kills in Saturday night’s game and was named tournament MVP. Compiled by Emily Shoffit, Tiffany Seal and Evan McCullers
presented by:
HALF HALF Shrimp a a Sale LIFE LIFE ANNUAL
BY DARIN STRAUSS
Fresh Auburn University Farm Raised
25 to 30-count Pacific White shrimp Heads on, Not frozen
$6.00/lb
Available only in 5-lb lots
OR at $5.50/lb for orders of 100 lbs or more Pre-Order/Pre-Pay Only • Cash or Check Only
Pick up
Sept. 15th & 16th From 3-7pm
At the Market Bldg adjacent E.W. Shell Fisheries Research Center (2101 N College) *Harvest and Pick up dates subject to change due to weather
To place an order, email kleinvw@auburn.edu or call 844-4667 Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Orders not accepted after 3:30PM on Sept. 11th
AUTHOR KEYNOTE : DARIN STRAUSS
September 17th | 7 pm FOY HALL AUDITORIUM
AUTHOR COMMUNITY PRESENTATION & BOOK SIGNING
September 16th | 7 pm
AUBURN HIGH AUDITORIUM Books will be available for purchase and signing each event. @AUCOMMONBOOK @AUCOMMONBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/AUBURNCONNECTS PLEASE NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOGRAPHY AT ANY EVENT
STRAUSS PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROBERT BIRNBAUM
Sports 10
Louisville vs. Auburn
Sam Butler Sports Editor
Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
Wisconsin vs. Alabama
PLAINSMAN PICKS Arizona State vs. Texas A&M
Ohio State vs. Virginia Tech
Tweet your picks @TheAUPlainsman #PlainsmanPicks
Louisville vs. Auburn
Wisconsin vs. Alabama
Arizona State vs. Texas A&M
Ohio State vs. Virginia Tech
Auburn
Alabama
Texas A&M
Ohio State
Louisville
Alabama
Texas A&M
Virginia Tech
Auburn
Alabama
Arizona State
Ohio State
Jim Little Auburn
Alabama
Arizona State
Ohio State
Editor-in-Chief
Evan McCullers
Jordan Hays
Sports Reporter
Managing Editor (Picks via coin flip)
Wisconsin
Auburn
Texas A&M
Ohio State
Emily Shoffit Sports Reporter
Alabama
Auburn
Texas A&M
Ohio State
Maria McIlwain Community Editor
No more excuses, Auburn’s time to win is now
OPINION
Evan McCullers sports@theplainsman. com
File Photo
Gus Malzahn’s best chance to win might be now.
The time to win is upon the Auburn Tigers. Expectations were high a year ago, and rightfully so. The 2014 team returned several contributors on both sides of the ball that helped the Tigers make a run to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. However, preseason injuries to starters on the offensive (Alex Kozan) and defensive (Carl Lawson) lines combined with poor defensive play down the stretch left Auburn picking up the pieces after an 8-5 season. While the record was disappointing to those, the Tigers’ window to win a championship is far from closed. In fact, Auburn may be in an even better position to win in 2015, despite losses at several key skill positions. There is no such thing as an easy schedule in the SEC West, but Auburn’s schedule this year appears to be more manageable than last year’s.
The Tigers will play four SEC games on the road, but those games are unlikely to compare to last season’s SEC road schedule, which included three teams ranked in the top five at the time of the game. Also, Auburn opens the season with unranked Louisville at a neutral site, while it had to play a top-20 Kansas State team on the road as its out-of-conference test in 2014. Not many teams can afford to lose their starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver and not expect to see a drop in production, but that is exactly the scenario for Auburn this season. Junior quarterback Jeremy Johnson will be counted on to replace two-year starter Nick Marshall and lead an offense known to rack up yards and points under coach Gus Malzahn, who is entering his third season at Auburn. One of Marshall’s favorite targets, D’haquille “Duke” Williams, will lead a crop of receivers who will provide Johnson with plenty of options in the passing game. Cameron Artis-Payne was the SEC’s leading rusher last season, and Auburn will fill his role with either Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber or Jovon Robinson.
Offense has been a constant under Malzahn, but defense is an area where Auburn has struggled for the past several years. Malzahn hopes new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the former head coach at Florida who was hired in December to replace Ellis Johnson, will fix the defense’s problems. Muschamp has a track record of staunch defenses, including his previous stint as Auburn’s defensive coordinator in 2006-07. Depth could become an issue, but there is no shortage of talent for Muschamp to work with in his first year back on the Plains. In addition to Malzahn’s potent offense and Muschamp’s revamped defense, the completion of college football’s largest scoreboard in JordanHare Stadium has the fan base buzzing. Considering the large senior class of contributors departing after this season and the tougher schedule on deck in 2016, this may be the best opportunity for Malzahn’s squad to earn a berth in the College Football Playoff. Auburn needs to win, and it needs to do it now. Evan is a Sports Reporter at The Plainsman. He can be reached at sports@theplainsman.com
Intrigue
11
Thursday, September 3, 2015
ThePlainsman.com
Intrigue
student spotlight
Contributed by ethan gulley
A view of the Canyonlands National Park in Utah can be seen from the Mesa Arch.
Industrial design major finds passion in photography Hannah Fuqua intrigue writer
Behind the lens of 21-year-old Ethan Gulley’s camera is an individual with a passion for displaying people in their raw element. Gulley, senior in industrial design started taking pictures when he was 12 years old by capturing moments on family vacations. He said his mother gave him his first camera, a fully manual Pentax K1000, which he said he still uses today. Gulley said he is influenced by many things including travel, movies and people. “I love traveling with a film camera and not having to overthink everything,” Gulley said. “When I travel and take pictures, it goes back to the basics of photography.” People such as Butch Anthony and Bill and Jackie Strong, owners of barbecue restaurant Turn Baby Turn in Notasulga are also a large part of Gulley’s work. Gulley said he values “any genuine person with a story to tell.” He draws inspiration from other photographers, including his current favorite, Jason Lee Parry, as well as Annie Lebowitz, Chuck Close and Ryan Murihead. Gulley has met fellow photographers by connecting on social media. “There’s a lot of negative things about the internet, but it’s cool; you can connect with someone, go meet them and they turn out to be normal people,” Gulley said. He said he met one of his favorite models to shoot with, Emma Maris, this way. Maris introduced Gulley to Willow Shields, the actress who plays Primrose Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” series. The two were able to shoot together at the botanical gardens in Atlanta.
Gulley said Shields was “totally normal and really mature for her age.” “I’m sure if it was the right person I would be a fanboy, but I’m not really someone who acts different or weird around a famous person,” Gulley said. Maris’ and Shields’ fathers went to college together. Maris, an Atlanta native, said she enjoys shooting with Gulley more than any other photographer. She describes shooting with other photographers as work, but is very comfortable with Gulley, because he said he values her input. “He has such an innocent, fresh way of looking at photography as an art,” Maris said. “You look at his work and can feel the honesty in it.” Shea Tillman, associate professor in industrial design, who taught Gulley’s basic photography for industrial design class, agreed with Maris. Tillman said Gulley is “a soft-spoken fellow.” “Ethan doesn’t have to shout about his work, the work shouts for itself,” Tillman said. Gulley said his passion for photography is similar to industrial design. However, he said industrial design is his backup plan if he doesn’t obtain a career in photography. Tillman said the photographs students produce during projects play an important role in finding a job. Gulley said he plans to pursue a career in industrial design, while still working with photography. His future projects include working on a lookbook for U&I Boutique in Auburn. Gulley’s work can be viewed on social media and his website, ethangulley.com.
“
He has such an innocent, fresh way of looking at photography as an art. You look at his work and you can feel the honesty in it.” -Emma Maris
photography model
Left: Ethan Gulley shoots actress Willow Shields behind the scenes of “The Hunger Games.” Right: Ethan Gulley holds his cat, Flynn.
campus
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Intrigue 12
Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Auburn Plainsman
‘New meets the old’
art
Digital art combines with printmaking in faculty, student show Emily Esleck Intrigue Editor
“Verbatium,” a traditional, printmaking show with a twist, will debut Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Fieldwork Projects. Cassidy Kulhanek, senior in studio art with printmaking concentration, said she is the second student to have a show at Fieldwork Projects. Kulhanek said it was “special” and a compliment she could show her art, since every student doesn’t have the same opportunity. Tina Tatum, gallery coordinator, said the gallery is more convenient for customers than Biggin Hall, where other exhibitions are displayed. Tatum also said other universities are using similar off campus galleries to tie the art department to the community. “The gallery gives students a chance to bolster their skills on how to work with customers, how to help hang work and install exhibitions,” Tatum said. “They get some experience in promotion and marketing ... it’s kind of a win-win situation.” Kulhanek talked with Paul McCormick, instructional technician for the art department, and both realized they liked each other’s work. Kulhanek said they decided to create a show together, since she hadn’t worked with a faculty member before. McCormick creates new media art, or digital art, according to Kulhanek. She said they both will have standalone pieces, but the centerpiece for the show will be a combination of both styles. Kulhanek’s centerpiece will have her prints with McCormick’s video projected on them, like a “new meets the old type of show.” Kulhanek said the show’s theme translates verbal, nonspoken words, into handwritten text. “It’s kind of looking at the way that people speak when they’re writing
things down even if it’s just speaking to themselves, writing to-do lists and things like that,” Kulhanek said. “So you’ll see a lot of handwriting in the shows, even if it’s illegible.” Kulhanek said the show acts as a conversation between Kulhanek and McCormick. She also said they started planning the show in February 2014 and have been working on it extensively this summer. When discussing how communication acts when written, McCormick and Kulhanek thought in two separate directions. “I started thinking about it in a more personal sense,” Kulhanek said. “I’m the kind of person that journals a lot and writes stream-of-consciousness type of writing a lot, so I’ll just write down the way that I’m thinking, the way that I’m feeling about things.” Kulhanek said McCormick thought about other people writing things down instead of himself. She said he was imagining grocery lists or class notes and how he could piece together a narrative about a person from characteristics found in their writing. “I think that a really important part of the way that we’re thinking about handwriting and nonverbal, written communication is how that is representative of the person who made it,” Kulhanek said. “Even when you don’t see the person who’s doing the writing, you can usually tell a lot about somebody by the things that they write and how they write them.” Kulhanek said there will be three different pieces in the show — the combination piece consisting of 40 prints, an accordion book named “I Said So,” and a wall installation with 200 different pieces. She also said she used to be interested in photography which led her to printmaking since screenprinting and photography are similar processes.
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“I was able to put more of myself into it than I could with photography,” Kulhanek said. Allyson Comstock, department chair and professor in the department of art, said since the gallery was opened, it has fulfilled its goals of pre-
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senting and selling quality work. She said students, faculty and alumni can sell their work at Fieldwork Projects. She also said students who intern at the gallery learn skills needed for later careers.
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“I Said So,” an accordion book created by Cassidy Kulhanek will be displayed at the show.
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Fieldwork Projects is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. “Verbatium,” will end Thursday, Oct. 8 with a closing reception. To see more of Kulhanek’s work, visit cassidyk.com
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