The Auburn Plainsman 10.31.13 issue

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The Auburn Plainsman Thursday, October 31, 2013

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID ThePlainsman.com

Vol. 120, Issue 22, 14 Pages

From David to Darcy, student embraces new identity

ONLINE

Kyle Nazario CAMPUS WRITER

Football vs. Arkansas Check out ThePlainsman.com for game updates and photos

COMMUNITY A7

Gnu News The Gnu’s Room returns with a gnu space and a gnu look

SPORTS

A9

SARAH MAY / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Darcy Corbitt preparing for her day by putting on makeup.

On May 11, 2013, Darcy Corbitt was born at 21 years of age. With her friends gone for the summer, Corbitt moved a couch, three bookshelves and more than 350 books into an apartment to start her new life. She had $70 in her checking account. It was the day before her birthday. The Auburn University senior no longer wanted to go by her birth name, David Hall. She wanted to start again as Darcy. “When I was really little, 3, 4, I thought I was a girl,” Corbitt said. “I went by a girl’s name in my mind, but I never told anyone because I knew it was socially unacceptable.” Corbitt struggled with such feelings throughout her childhood and said despite being born biologically male, she never felt like a man. “I tried to be that person for 18 years and it didn’t fit me,” Corbitt said. With help from her friends, she began exploring the idea of living as a woman. Bonnie Wilson in the Women’s Initiatives Office said she recalled a poignant conversation about gender identity with Corbitt when she still went by David. “I asked her, ‘if there weren’t any barriers, what would you be?’” Wilson said. “And (Corbitt) said, ‘a woman.’ And I said, ‘then that’s what you are.’” Corbitt said she also credits Spectrum, Auburn’s Gay-Straight Alliance, with helping her come to understand her

Putting parking issues in drive Malzahn, Frazier head home Arkansas natives return to their home state

INTRIGUE

A12

Design students carve into fall Auburn’s 25th annual Pumpkin Carve lit up Dudley Courtyard

READERS RESPOND

Want your opinion heard? To be featured in our issue, chime in on Facebook, Twitter or ThePlainsman.com

INDEX Campus Opinion Community Sports Intrigue

A2 A6 A7 A9 A12

Derek herscovici CAMPUS WRITER

After years of being a traffic jam, Auburn University is green-lighting new transit system policies that may lead to the end of road rage on campus. Transit routes, parking garages and game day parking for both students and visiting tailgaters were points of conversation among students and administrators of the University transit services department at the fourth HeAUrd That! discussion Tuesday, Oct. 29. The scarce amount of parking during home games and exam week was the biggest topic the small gathering discussed in AUSC 2222. “[The RV’s are] totally out of hand,” said Greg Parsons, University Architect said. “The evolution of trying to get those to move out and take the campus back to where it could function as a campus, you had to find some places to move, and unfortunately, some of those ended up in probably not the locations that any of us

would choose.” Parsons said Auburn Athletics and Gameday Committee is in charge of game day parking, but no one can build on Auburn’s campus without obstructing something else. “One of our biggest issues in student government is to get actual feedback from students,” said Rob Garcia, assistant vice president of auxiliary services with the Student Government Association. “Students don’t know how to reach out to SGA or the administration, but there’s a section on our website under HeAUrd That! where they can post comments.” Parsons said solutions to problems facing the 5 p.m. oncampus parking policy include building additional parking complexes around campus, ending faculty workdays before 5 p.m. or pushing evening classes back to 5:30 p.m. to allow students time to park and walk. Parking garages in particular are a popular solution to the hunter-gatherer style

Ben Hohentatt CAMPUS REPORTER

With a layout some students might find confusing and an advancing age, few things are as regularly maligned as the Haley Center. One of those things would probably be asbestos, the building material linked to mesothelioma, which the Haley Center itself contains. “There are protocols in place to make sure there is no hazard,” said Greg Parsons, University architect. Corbin Hamby, supervisor for as-

identity. “If I didn’t have the GSA, I don’t know what I would have done,” Corbitt said. “I’d have probably killed myself.” When she still used the name David, Corbitt said she came within seconds of committing suicide after being outed as someone attracted to men. “The only thing stopping me was I couldn’t break the razor blade out of my razor,” Corbitt said. “I just kind of thought that was funny. I laughed, and I thought, ‘I can’t really kill myself. I’ve got so much I can do in the world.’” Corbitt fully accepted being Darcy last May, on her 21st birthday. The transition hasn’t been easy. Some friends offered minimal support for her new public identity. Corbitt said her best friend from high school, a girl who drove three hours from the University of Montevallo to see her during their freshman year, unfriended her on Facebook last summer. “You post a lot of gay stuff,” Corbitt said the friend told her. Corbitt said she recently ran into her former best friend. When Corbitt tried to start a conversation, the friend showed little pleasure in seeing her. Other groups have reacted differently to the news. Corbitt sent an email to every professor she’s worked with in the past to let them know about the change.

» See IDENTITY A2

Hardcore Parkour

search for space, allowing the school to maintain its unique layout without having costly road expansion. Parsons said a new parking deck, with twice the capacity of the original, will be erected on the site of the former Ralph Brown Draughon Library parking deck, with construction slated for the summer of 2014. A second, 750-car capacity garage is being built adjacent to the South Donahue garage, which administrators anticipate to be ready by the summer of 2014 as well. Garcia said the PC parking system, created in 2011, already implements aspects of that solution, staggering certain parking passes at different times throughout the day, though the good it does to students was poorly communicated by the SGA and the administration. “Transit times on Donahue have decreased, we have less complaints from faculty that

Page A5

» See PARKING A2

bestos control, said asbestos is present in the center, above the ceiling, and in some of the floor tiles. Hamby also said a spray-on form of asbestos was used to help fire proof the building during construction. Parsons said the asbestos in the Haley Center is left from before the health risks associated with the mineral were known. “No new asbestos-containing products have been used in any new projects,” Parsons said. Both Hamby and Parsons were insis-

tent that the presence of asbestos in the center is manageable and not particularly dangerous. “When a problem occurs we take care of it,” Hamby said. Parsons said this is manageability is because of the type of asbestos present in the building and its location. “Asbestos comes in many forms, and some forms are more suspect when it comes to contact with people,” Parsons said Parsons cited piping insulation as one of the more harmful types of as-

bestos, and he said the Haley Center’s pipes are not insulated with materials containing asbestos. Asbestos is harmful to people when it is no longer intact and releases asbestos fibers and dust into the air. Parsons said the asbestos contained above the ceiling and under the floor tiles does not make contact with people and are not disturbed in a way which cause them to release fibers or dust.

» See ASBESTOS A2


Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI ARRESTS FOR THE CITY OF AUBURN OCT. 24–29, 2013 Tonya Bradford, 47 Oct. 24, 10:32 a.m., Alabama Highway 14

Laura Thomas, 22 Oct. 27, 9:53 a.m., South College Street and Devall Drive

Amber Jones, 21 Oct. 25, 2:17 a.m., Highway 280 and Lee Road 72

Daniel West, 18 Oct. 27, 4:04 a.m., West Magnolia Avenue

Nery Gomez, 26 Oct. 26, 11:35 p.m., Airport Road

Bradee Aiyer, 21 Oct. 28, 12:06 a.m., Opelika Road and North Dean Road

Antion Finley, 24 Oct. 26, 11:54 p.m., Hickory Woods Lane and Butternut Drive

Eric Strickland, 36 Oct. 28, 2:59 p.m., South College Street

Daniel Anderson, 22 Oct. 26, 1:53 a.m., North Donahue Drive

— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

Thursday, October 31, 2013

POLICE REPORTS FOR OCT. 24–29, 2013 Oct. 24, 11:59 p.m., Lee Road 137 Oct. 27, 2 a.m., Cedarcrest Circle Auto breaking and entering: theft of range find- Third-degree burglary: three pistols, revolver er, knives, flashlight and camera bag and clips Oct. 24, 5:29 p.m., Lee Road 12 Oct. 27, 4:18 a.m., Old Mill Road Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft Third-degree theft of property: game console of drive set, miscellaneous tools, wrenches and a tool bag Oct. 27, 10:52 a.m., Opelika Road Shoplifting: theft of remote helicopter and four Oct. 24, 6:58 p.m., East University Drive cell phones Second-degree theft of property: theft of glock Oct. 28, 8:42 a.m., South Gay Street Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., West Glenn Avenue Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft Third-degree theft of property: theft of currency of laptop Oct. 26, 10:35 a.m., Wrights Mill Road and Shell Toomer Parkway Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft of two purses, two wallets, digital camera, cell phone, check book, currency and two credit and ID cards

ASBESTOS » From A1

“The ceiling separates people from the asbestos,” Parsons said. “The asbestos under the floor is on the underside of concrete.” There are also low levels of asbestos contained in some of the floor tiles, but both Hamby and Parsons said this is not particularly risky. Parsons said an increased understanding of asbestos’ role in causing health problems has made the presence of asbestos in the floor tiles less worrisome, because the small amounts of asbestos are well contained. “Floor tiles are not particularly problematic,” Parsons said. “It used to be of greater concern than it is now.” In the event that a tile is removed it can be a risk, but, Hamby said asbestos control has plans in place to safely remove and replace tiles. Hamby and Parsons also said there are exact procedures in place for the removal or abatement of asbestos from the center. Both said that caution is exercised when entering an area that may contain asbestos to ensure adequate safety. Parsons said the asbestos abatement process involves creating negative air pressure in a room, the use of HEPA filters, breathing apparatus.

PARKING » From A1

students are late to class and blame parking, and the biggest thing is there have been significantly less parking tickets,” Garcia said. “Now our parking system is much clearer, you know where to go and when.” Trying to perfect an imperfect

• •

• • •

Asbestos comes in many forms, and some forms are more suspect when it comes to contact with people. —Greg Parsons UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT

“There have been a number of asbestos removal projects from Haley,” Parsons said. He said when a project is conducted which requires someone to enter the area above the ceiling caution is exercised and asbestos is removed. This means that the Haley Center has gradually contained less and less asbestos. Parsons, however, said at no point did the levels of asbestos in the Haley Center exceed the allowable limit. Parsons said the asbestos that is still present is not problematic, and it would be hard to imagine how it could come into contact with students. “Short of something like a natural disaster, I could not imagine anything,” Parsons said. He also said there is no reason to worry about the age or stability of the asbestos remaining in the building. “It’s a very long-lived product,” Parsons said. “As far as I know, it doesn’t degrade.” system takes time and an effort from both sides, so anyone with an idea they’d like heard are advised to email, call or pay a personal visit the University Transit Office, which is open 24/7. “I think they understand that no one is really comfortable where it is right now,” said Dave George, director of Transit Services. “I think they’ve heard it and understand it.”

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS FROM OCT. 24 ISSUE

B5: In the article “Paranormal research team resurrects regional history,” Brandon Stoker was incorrectly mentioned as reaching out to the Alabama Paranormal Research Team to investigate the theatre.

SARAH MAY / PHOTOGRAPHER

TOP: Corbitt shows off her prom dress. It had to be her favorite color, purple. BOTTOM LEFT: : Corbitt gets ready for her day by putting on makeup. BOTTOM RIGHT: Corbitt listens to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” when getting ready.

AUBURN AT A GLANCE •

Oct. 29, 11:20 a.m., West Longleaf Drive Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft of backpack, three text books, lab book, clicker and Garmin

Oct. 26, 2:37 p.m., South Gay Steet Oct. 29, 12:05 a.m., South College Street Oct. 29, 4:10 p.m., Lee Road 57 Auto breaking and entering: theft of purse, wal- Third-degree theft of property: theft of peroxide, First-degree theft of property: theft of four let, currency and two debit cards petroleum, lotion, rubbing alcohol, razors, hair wheeler, air compressor and two saws removal kit, air mattress

» From A1

Oct. 29, 2:45 a.m., South College Street Second-degree theft of property– pairs of pants, long-sleeve shorts, T-shirts, underwear and sheets

Oct. 28, 8:39 p.m., North Dean Road Oct. 29, 1:39 p.m., Twin Forks Avenue Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft Theft from residence: theft of currency of laptop Oct. 29, 2:40 p.m., West Longleaf Drive Oct. 28, 4:50 p.m., South Donahue Drive Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft Third-degree theft of property: theft of bicycle of chainsaw and sunglass case

DARCY The faculty responded with overwhelming support. “The University was really classy about it,” Corbitt said. Today, Corbitt said she embraces her identity as a woman. She dresses in a women’s suit with thick-frame glasses, a red-andorange scarf and a purple shirt to match her purple wristwatch. Silver eye shadow and lipstick adorn her face. Her fingernails bear Essie’s pink “Ballet Slippers” nail polish, which she said she picks at when nervous. Her friends admire the change, citing its positive effects. “I saw how it truly made her happy to do that,” said Alyssa Patterson, a junior who shared English classes with Corbitt. “She’s so much more confident in who she is.” In conversation, Corbitt appears confident. She laughs easily and jokes about blasting “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, her favorite song, at annoying neighbors. In her new life, the senior majoring in English and psychology serves as director of social affairs for Spectrum, an advocacy group for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LBGT) students. Corbitt said she hopes to attend graduate school to become a therapist for LBGT teens. Her friends spoke highly of her academic work. “She’s a good G--d--- student,” said Kelly Tsaltas, senior in psychology. Corbitt’s peers said they also admire her intelligence. “She’s really smart and cognizant in how people think and feel and express themselves,” Wilson said. Corbitt said she would prefer to remain at Auburn for graduate school, but thinks she’ll probably attend another institution. Until she leaves, she also wants to stay close to her parents. They declined to comment for this story. Corbitt said she understands her transition has been difficult for her mother and father, but she would have been unhappy any other way. “My whole life, all the decisions I’ve ever made, I’ve made for love,” Corbitt said. “I came out for myself, the second time because I wanted to be happy.”

Oct. 29, 1 a.m., Opelika Road Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle: theft of golf clubs, softball equipment and cell phone charger

Throughout the upcoming basketball, volleyball and gymnastics seasons, the Auburn Arena parking lot will close at 2 p.m. on weekday events while the University is open. Parking will be available in the coliseum lot and the stadium deck lot during these times, depending on your type of parking permit. The Auburn Alumni Association has selected four Auburn University graduates as recipients of its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. They are Tim Cook ’82, CEO of Apple Inc.; Pat Sullivan ’72, 1971 Heisman Trophy winner and current head football coach at Samford University; Larry Benefield ’66, dean emeritus of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering; and John Brown ’57, chair emeritus of Stryker Corp. The Office of Professional and Continuing Education and the Office of Alumni Affairs will host “Become the Real Deal,” part of OPCE’s Leadership Series Nov. 14 from 1–5 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The Design-Build team of Kevin Hill, William Holcomb, Kevin Laferriere and Jared Taylor from the McWhorter School of Building Science and from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture recently won the Design Build Institute of America Southeast Regional Competition and has been chosen as one of three finalists for the 2013 DBIA Student Competition. Auburn University has announced a formal collaborative agreement between the University’s Cyber Initiative and Oak Ridge National Laboratory that will focus resources and expertise on security issues in the cyber domain. The intersection of Biggio and Coliseum drives will be closed Oct. 28-29 and again on the weekend of Nov. 2-3. A traffic detour near the closure will be in place. The winners of the fall Sustain-A-Bowl competition are: first place Dowell Hall; second place Broun Hall; and third place Little Hall.

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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Campus A3

The Auburn Plainsman

Students experiment at chemistry tailgate Kyle Nazario CAMPUS WRITER

Nick went out in flames. Nicholas Klann held the gummy bear, nicknamed after himself, over the tube for a second before dropping “Nick” to his demise inside a solution of potassium perchlorate. A stream of white smoke poured out of the tube, but without the flame Klann anticipated. Burning gummy bears was just one of several demonstrations by the Auburn Chemistry Graduate Student Association at its tailgate outside the chemistry building Saturday, Oct. 26 before the football game. Working with the American Chemical Society and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, several graduate students performed experiments for an enthusiastic group of children. “We have a really strong oxidizing agent inside of a test tube, and we melt it with a bunsen burner flame,” said Phong Ngo, chemistry and bio-chemistry Ph.D student. “Once it’s molten, you drop in any sugar source — in this case, it’ll be gummy bears — and it’ll cause very large flames or an explosion. It’s pretty cool.” The young audience named each gummy bear after a graduate student before it was dropped into the tube. “We just have some simple, fun explosions and color-changing experiments,” said Jessica Brooks, graduate student studying bioanalytical chemistry. When she put Mentos inside a bottle of generic cola and created a spout almost as tall as the nearby pillars, Brooks covered the sidewalk in front of the chemistry building with soda that exploded from the bottle. “It’s just so much fun,” Brooks said. The CGSA kept a table in front of its tent covered in experiments, including a self-stirring solution that changed colors every few seconds and a pumpkin exhaling smoke from dry ice. To the right of the table, Anne Gorden, associate professor of organic chemistry, ladled out chunky vanilla ice cream made from liquid nitrogen. The graduate students also made slimy blue silly putty with glue and borax, an experiment

that drew attention. Klann dipped an apple in liquid nitrogen and hurled the apple onto the sidewalk, causing it to shatter. The kids watching talked among themselves at the sight. In the background, the adults helped themselves to the free food the club gives out every week. “The department always has had a departmental tailgate,” Ngo said. “Having a student organization that was responsible for raising funds and putting on demonstrations like this would help fund it, and we used those funds to help start the tailgate.” The CGSA students arrived at 8 a.m. to set up, even though the Auburn vs. Florida Atlantic game started at 6 p.m. “Hopefully, this will be the first of an annual event,” said John Gorden, assistant professor of chemistry. Gorden said he hopes the event will attract more potential students to learn more about chemistry. “There’s really not a lot of activities for kids to think about science,” Gorden said. The CSGA also wants to bring a larger group of current students. “I know we’ve had a lot of undergrads come by and stop and they’ll talk to us,” Brooks said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, these people are normal, chemistry’s not that bad.’”

KYLE NAZARIO / CAMPUS WRITER

Anne Gorden, chemistry professor, at the Chemistry Graduate Student tailgate, Saturday, Oct. 26.

KYLE NAZARIO / CAMPUS WRITER

ABOVE: A crowd watches Walter Casper IV, graduate student in chemistry, perform an experiment. BELOW: Nicholas Klann, graduate student in chemistry, works on an experiement.

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Campus A4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, October 31, 2013

AubieEDA encourages healthy living on campus Corey Williams CAMPUS WRITER

Every day, many college students struggle silently with eating disorders and body image issues. Auburn Body Image Education Eating Disorder Awareness, AubieEDA, has made it their mission to promote healthy lifestyles on college campuses. According to Samantha Nathan, senior in nutrition dietetics, AubieEDA’s overall goal is attainable. “We’re just trying to encourage people to live healthy and not focus so much on size, but on health,” Nathan said. Nathan, former ballerina, said she has a personal connection to this issue. “When I was a dancer, I saw a lot of my friends going through eating disorders and struggling with loving their bodies and loving themselves,” Nathan said. “That’s actually one of the reasons I became a nutrition dietetics major, so I could help people who are having trouble losing or gaining weight.” Nathan also said AubieEDA is trying to raise awareness and show people their avenues for help. Oct. 21–25, the organization held “Fat Talk Free Week,” five days during which students were encouraged to reduce their discussion about weigh-related topics and to maintain a healthy body image. Brittany Hitson, senior in nutrition dietetics,

CONTRIBUTED BY MEG MCGUFFIN

Sarah Foster, V1 in veterinary medicine, promotes positive body image on the Haley concourse.

said she understands the importance of keeping conversations fat-talk free. “A group feeds off each other when they are talking about bad body image,” Hitson said. “It’s important to say nice things about yourself and others.”

Members of AubieEDA were on the concourse throughout the week, promoting the cause with a different theme every day. Monday, the event started with students signing a pledge to stop “fat talking,” which is language that makes someone feel bad about their

body and self image. Tuesday, was “I love my…” Day. Instead of focusing on the negative, students were asked to write down something they love about themselves on a whiteboard. On Wednesday, members of AubieEDA left uplifting notes all across campus and invited others to leave uplifting notes as well. AubieEDA encouraged students to participate through social media on Thursday, by tweeting #FTFW (Fat Talk Free Week) and posting pictures with a sign AubieEDA members created on the concourse. There were no events planned for Friday, but students were encouraged to continue to reduce their use of fat talk and to continue striving for a positive body image. Meg McGuffin, AubieEDA’s president and junior in radio, television and film, said she was optimistic about the week’s impact. “My hope is girls on Auburn’s campus will realize they are beautiful regardless of what the scale says or what the media tells us is ‘beautiful,’” McGuffin said. “It took me a long time to be comfortable in my own skin, and AubieEDA’s mission is to help girls on Auburn’s campus do the same and learn to love themselves for who they are and not what they see in the mirror.” AubieEDA’s efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle are not limited to just the week of Oct. 21. The organization will hold “Love the Skin You’re In,” in Alpha Gamma Delta’s chapter room, Nov. 11.

Art Department, AVA hold third annual Salon Sale Keely Shearer CAMPUS WRITER

CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN STUBBS

On Friday, Nov. 1, the Art Department and Association of Visual Arts will have a preview and reception to kick off the third annual Salon Sale. The preview and reception begin at 4:30–6 p.m. in Biggin Gallery. The Salon Sale will last from Monday, Nov. 4–Tuesday, Nov. 5. Spectators are welcome to attend the event in Biggin Gallery from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Rachel Little, senior in fine arts and president of AVA, is one of the officers putting on the event.

The Beat Bama Food Drive has currently collected 1,683 pounds of food for Americans in need.

Salon Sale 

Beating Bama and hunger Beat Bama Food Drive has collected more pounds of food than the University of Alabama for 11 years Derek Herscovici CAMPUS WRITER

Before you eat a couple pounds of turkey at Thanksgiving this year, consider 49 million Americans, who will not have an option to eat Thanksgiving dinner. One in six Americans lacks access to an adequate amount of food, but students, faculty and staff can help make a difference through the 2013 Beat Bama Food Drive. “The food drive is a critically important one for us,” said Martha Henk, director of the East Alabama Food Bank. “It’s not an exaggeration to say this food bank really makes a difference in whether people have meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas.” With a goal of reaching 350,000 pounds by Nov. 25, Auburn students are gathering donations from around the community to surpass the University of Alabama’s goal of 275,000 pounds and secure its 12th title since 1994. The goal is the average amount of food the EAFB delivers each month to families suffering from food insecurity, an increase from 2012’s average of 315,000 lbs.

That year, through a combined student and community effort, the food drive was able to collect 276,000 pounds, a record-setting amount that exceeded both Alabama and Auburn’s best since the contest began in 1994. “Last year, a student came up to me on the concourse and she gave me 36 cents,” said Mark Price, 2012 president of the Beat Bama Food Drive. “She put it in my hand and said, ‘I’m giving you this, it’s not much, but I get food from the food bank,’ and that was huge to me,” he said. “As an Auburn local, it’s important for me to be a part of a food drive that affected my entire community.” Price said most people don’t realize the depth of impact a well-stocked food bank can have on a community, or the people who regularly depend on it. In 2012, the food bank generated food for more than 116,000 people in east and central Alabama, including neighbors, friends and former classmates. “You hear the recession is over, but I will say there is part of the population that is real-

ly struggling,” Henk said. “Basically, about one in five people for our seven-county area are considered food insecure. I’ve been here since 1995, and I will honestly say I have not seen a need greater at any time than it is right now.” The national food bank Feeding America was forced to significantly scale back its own donations to smaller banks around the country, leaving many communities to generate their own donated resources. The Food Bank of Alabama continues to supply nearly 400,000 pounds of food every month. The food bank has roughly 200,000 pounds of food left in reserve for people to last through November and December. “We’re currently sitting at 1,683 pounds, so we have a long way to go,” said Leanna Barkley, president of the Beat Bama Food Drive committee. “We make it be about competition and of course we love beating Bama whenever we can, but at the same time, there really aren’t any losers in this, only winners, and the real winners are the people fed.”

Beat Bama Food Drive events Monday, Nov. 4

Gigi’s Cupcakes benefit- all day

Thursday, Nov. 7

Night 5k and Bike Ride at Chewacla State Park- registration begins 4 p.m. and the race starts at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 14

TCBY benefit- all day

Friday, Nov. 15

Silent auction at the Alumni Center- 6–9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Open mic night- So You Think You “Can” Sing on the Auburn Green Space 6:30–8:30 p.m.

“It is an opportunity for students and faculty to make work and sell their work to raise money for the endowment fund, which allows us to bring artists and scholar lectures to campus,” Little said. All artwork showcased is priced at $100 or less. Students can find their advertisements on the Auburn daily email, Auburn website, posters on campus and other social media sites. The event is open to all and is free of charge. “This is my first year being involved and first year being an officer,” Little said. “I have heard very good things about the turn out for the past couple of years.”

Dates & Times

Preview and reception Friday, Nov. 1 4:30–6 p.m. Biggin Gallery

Sale

Monday, Nov. 4–Tuesday, Nov. 5 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Biggin Gallery

Nominees for Rhodes, Marshall and Mitchell Scholarships announced Ben Hohenstatt CAMPUS REPORTER

Auburn University nominated six students for the prestigious Rhodes scholarships. The Rhodes scholarships are awarded to 32 American students and offer the opportunity for the students to continue their studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The Auburn nominees are Patrick Donnan, senior in physics and music; Hunter Hayes, senior in finance, music and accounting; Spencer Kerns, senior in chemistry and Spanish; Ashton Richardson, graduate in animal sciences; Jennifer Waxman, senior in political science; and Alyssa White, senior in Spanish and anthropology. “I’m really humbled to represent Auburn University in this capacity,” Kerns said. Leadership qualities, commitment to others and dedication to the common good, as well as academic achievement, are taken into consideration when awarding the scholarships. The nominees were not only interdisciplinary students, but they were students with variety and success in their non-academic endeavors. Donnan said the full schedule of a Rhodes scholarship nominee can be taxing on his entire life. “A lot of times, it comes down to not sleeping as much,” Donnan said. “There’s a mathmusic brain connection, but there’s no curriculum connection.” Waxman, Hayes and Kerns also excel in athletics, and White is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Waxman is an All-American for the equestrian team and Kerns qualified for the 2012 Olympic swimming trials. Hayes, member of Auburn’s track and field team, said his divergent pursuit of music, accounting, finance and running may not seem as if they would overlap, but are excellent

when combined. “I’ve always had this tandem of running and music,” Hayes said. “They’ve always worked synergistically.” Hayes said the persistence and practice required for running also prepare him for performing music. “The biggest component is mental,” Hayes said. All applicants agreed mental toughness and persistence were needed for the application process, which includes endorsements from faculty, choosing an area of study and interviews. “They ask tough questions,” Hayes said. “It really comes down to who can be the most like themselves.” Kerns said because of the thorough scrutiny each nominee receives, being one of the students nominated to be considered for the scholarship feels like being an ambassador for the University. The nominees said earning a nomination and having the opportunity to go through the application process was an honor. “I really don’t have any expectations,” Waxman said. “Being nominated is an honor.” Kerns said he shared Waxman’s sentiments. “Honestly, at this point, just going through the process is very fulfilling,” Kerns said. Auburn also announced nominees for the Marshall scholarship and Mitchell scholarship. Donnan and White are the Marshall scholarship nominees. Lauren Little, graduate student in business, was nominated for the Mitchell Scholarship. Donnan said he recently found out he was a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship, which allows students to study at any university in the United Kingdom. Donnan said he’s happy to be a nominee. “It’s been an enjoyable process,” Donnan said. “Definitely worth it.”


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Campus A5

The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn Parkour Club trains through pain Becky Hardy CAMPUS EDITOR

Leaping from edge to edge, as if flying was possible, the Auburn Parkour Club turns an afternoon on campus into a practice area for an extreme sport. “Parkour, technically, is the art form of getting from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Dylan Westfall, sophomore in kinesiology and member of the club. “Instead of walking up the stairs and around the wall, you just go up and over the wall. You can always add your own flair and style.” Westfall said Auburn’s campus is a great facility to practice on. “It’s not padded, but we have obstacles that you cant find anywhere else, such as the way they’ve built the wheelchair ramps and walls and just random structures,” Westfall said. The University allows the club to train on campus as long as no property is destroyed and no one goes on rooftops. The Auburn Parkour Club was founded seven years ago by Cory Robinson, a former Auburn Police officer and now full-time stunt double. The club meets new parkour trainers at jams, events where parkour enthusiasts meet others interested in parkour and go through timed obstacle course challenges. “I really like (parkour) for the community,” Jonathan Sligh, sophomore in wireless engineering and member of the club. “I wouldn’t have known these people if I didn’t actually go out and train. You already have that common ground, you just build on it from there.” Ibrahim Hakima, senior in aerospace engineering and member of the club, has even trained with people in China. With leaping across buildings and walls on a daily basis, injuries are a common occurrence. The injuries the members of the club include twisted ankles, dislocated shoulders and concussions. “Some of the injuries can set you back, especially leg injuries,” said Filipe Magalhaes, junior in industrial design and member of the club. “When I would get my ankle injuries, it would be so bad that I would have to stop for two months.” Although Magalhaes has injured himself many times while practicing parkour, he said he will never stop trying to improve.

Top six places to train on campus 1.Library Wall 2.Architecture Building 3.Student Center 4.Daycare Wall 5.Davis Aerospace Building 6.Recreation and Wellness Center

“When I was a freshman in high school, I saw a viral video of these Russian guys that really inspired me,” Magalhaes said. “Every since I saw that video, I’ll go around and see a wall and run on the wall. Eventually, I wanted to take it further, so around my junior year, I started researching and found a gym close to me, and I’ve been going there for the past four years.” Magalhae’s ultimate goal is to audition for “American Ninja Warrior,” a show on the Esquire network where competitors run through a series of obstacle courses in pursuit to win the grand prize of $500,000. Westfall said he also hopes to pursue parkour after graduation. “I want to start my own parkour group to teach kids,” Westfall said. “There are not a lot of safe facilities to train with all the concrete and grass.” Parkour gives members an excuse to work out outside the gym. “I’m pretty athletic, so parkour actually gives me something to do instead of hitting the gym and then going home and watching TV,” said Kevin Doan, undeclared freshman and member of the club. Dimick Beesley, sophomore at Auburn High School and member of the club, started taking interest in parkour after watching “American Ninja Warrior.” “I started to watch them and (began) practicing (the moves) on my trampoline,” Beesley said. Although many know of the Auburn Parkour Club for their “Tosh.0” fame debut, Westfall sets the record straight about the trick mishap. Westfall said the woman on the video clip is a professional parkour athlete who was just visiting from Washington D.C. for a jam at Auburn. “People get injured all the time, that was just a freak accident,” Westfall said. “She broke her jaw and sliced her cheeks. She basically curb stomped her face into the ledge.” Despite injuries, Sligh said parkour has many benefits. “(Parkour) strives to keep you in shape,” Sligh said. “You have to work to keep in shape to do the moves, and parkour helps you get over fears.” To join the club, anyone interested can post on the Auburn Parkour Facebook page.

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Filipe Magalhaes jumps from the ground straight on to the wall by the Auburn Daycare Center.

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

LEFT: Dylan Westfall and Filipe Magalhaes backflip at the same time on the Haley concourse. RIGHT: Kevin Doam “flagpoles” outside of the Student Center over bushes below.

Loose bolts cause shutdown of Recreation and Wellness Center track Ben Ruffin CAMPUS WRITER

The Recreation and Wellness Center was forced to shut down the suspended track above the basketball courts Friday, Oct. 18. After finding issues in the form of a few loose bolts, Gregory Parsons, University architect and director of facility design, said he thought a temporary close would allow the track to be fixed in the correct manner, so students would be able to run on the track again. Although the shutdown has raised questions surrounding the safety of the track, Parsons assured students the issue being solved is not related to the structure of the track. “A few bolts didn’t appear normal,” Parsons said. “We thought it was important

enough to get all of the bolts checked out and verified.” With details released about the loose bolts in the Rec Center, many people were left wondering whether the track they had exercised on for three months is structurally sound or if the building as a whole is correctly constructed last semester. “I think, we the Auburn students, should have been given more information on this,” said Hannah LeCroy, undeclared sophomore. “People run on it every day, so I think we have the right to know what’s wrong with it and if it’s safe enough to exercise on.” Although the Rec Center has yet to disclose the root of the track closure, Parsons assured Auburn students the closure was nothing more than a

precautionary measure. Parsons also said workers have already begun the process of repairing the problems with the track. “It doesn’t have anything to do with the structure or the track collapsing,” Parsons said. “Rather, the loose bolts are responsible for the attachment of the guard rails to the track.” The track, which is comprised of approximately 2,300 individual bolts, was partly reopened Friday, Oct. 25. The partial opening allowed runners to utilize the track in the area above the gymnasium, but excluding the remainder of the track. Parts of the track will remain closed until further notice as crews work off hours, midnight–5 a.m., so the daily operation of the Rec Center is

not disrupted. “They still have about two more nights of checking and verifying bolts around the cardio and rock climbing areas of the track,” Parsons said. “We are trying to get it done as quickly as possible while trying to stay out of the way of daily operation but making sure all bolts are securely fastened.” Parsons said it was important students are aware the closure of the track was due to something minor rather than something major, which might endanger the safety of students. “We never really thought there was anything wrong with the track,” Parsons said. “It was just a precautionary measure with the safety of Auburn’s students as the main focus.”

ANNA GRAFTON / PHOTO EDITOR

The track is roped off because of loose bolts found in the track.


Opinion

A6

Thursday, Ocotber 31, 2013

Social Media on The Plains In response to our post “How will Nick Marshall’s injury affect his performance against Arkansas? Can the Tigers win without him?”

Melanie Farren Dale: I believe we can. The team is a whole, not just one player. Prayers do go out for Nick that his injury is not serious.

In response to our tweet “How will Nick Marshall’s injury affect his performance against Arkansas? Can the Tigers win without him?”

@JerisMcIntyre: Yes we can win without him this week!!!

@Grammy8: if he plays....we win, if Jeremy starts, we win but not as easy. Nick’s running game is a double threat. Jeremy’s not as much

@generallee6311: I just don’t know how worried I would be even if he didn’t play. Johnson seems competent enough and can make all the throws. In response to our tweet “Next Saturday’s Auburn vs. Tennessee game in Knoxville will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.”

@RollieWright: OUCH In response to our article “Stuck in the middle”

@Fishy_Hayes: Thanks to @TheAUPlainsman for addressing that grad students are considered students or faculty when either is most convenient @CampusRecAU

This week’s poll question: How do you celebrate Halloween? •Trick-or-treating •Drinking/partying

ThePlainsman.com Our View

Barbee, this is your last chance It’s great to see the football team getting some wins. It’s even more fulfilling to know those wins are the result of hard-working players, an effective coaching staff and a competent head coach. Unfortunately, we can’t say that about the basketball team. During the last three seasons, they have been little more than a disappointment. Even with head coach Tony Barbee’s much lauded ability to recruit top players, the basketball team has flopped. Of course, the blame lies on Barbee. He is the perfect example of athletic director Jay Jacob’s poor hiring skills. Barbee represents all the misplaced hype and false potential we have seen in Auburn coaches throughout the past nine years. Of the three seasons Barbee has been head coach, the Tigers have not once made it past the first round of the SEC tournament. More importantly, he’s never had a winning season with Auburn. For all his supposed talent in recruiting — which was the talk of the town in 2010 — the turnover rate has been deplorable with 12 players leaving the team, and he is going into this season with six freshmen on the roster. But this doesn’t have to be the end. Basically, this season is Barbee’s last chance to keep his job at Auburn. No amount of Jungle Jams or trips to the Bahamas can change that. When Barbee was head coach at the University of Texas at El Paso, he consistently

Sarah May opinion @theplainsman. com

From screaming “War Eagle” to call outs at Cater Hall, Auburn has numerous of traditions that have been around for approximately one hundred years. The Auburn Tiger Walk began in the 1960s, and is one of the most popular and notable Auburn traditions. But there is one Auburn tradition that is overlooked. After attending a function in the Auburn Athletics complex on a Friday afternoon, I was surprised to discover there was a Tiger Walk. Confused, I questioned why there was another Tiger Walk

11% only if aj mccarron falls off a ladder

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a winner. It’s time for him to be a winner again. It’s time for Barbee to prove his critics wrong. While we are disappointed in Barbee’s time as coach so far, we do want to see him succeed. We’re tired of the long, drawn-out process and all the time it takes to find a new coach — especially one who wins. So yes, Barbee is on notice, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn it around and show us what he’s capable of.

and most importantly, why did I not know about it? I had never heard of a “Reverse Tiger Walk” until the Friday before the Ole Miss game. I have been a proud Auburn fan since I was a child, so I was surprised this was a tradition I was not aware of. The Reverse Tiger Walk, for those who are unaware, is when the football team and coaches walk out of the Auburn Athletic complex at 5 p.m. Friday afternoon to the buses that take the team to a hotel to keep the players focused. A few Auburn fans and family members come to the complex to cheer on the team as they board the buses, but the turnout was not impressive. I believe if more students and fans knew about this Auburn tra-

dition, more people would attend to cheer on their favorite team. It would be a memorable experience for Auburn families that travel into town on Fridays because their children could see the players up close and could even get autographs. While visiting Auburn as a child, I always loved meeting and seeing Auburn players, so I feel like this would be great tradition for passionate Auburn families. I also believe the team would benefit from fans’ presence. When the team is walking through the Reverse Tiger Walk, it is one of the last moments they will experience the love and spirit from the Auburn Family before they play. Brandon Fulse, tight end and a current classmate of mine, agrees the team would benefit greatly by

more students and fans at the Reverse Tiger Walk. I would also love to see Aubie, cheerleaders and dancers get involved with the Reverse Tiger Walk. They could lead the students and fans in some of Auburn’s great cheers and would entertain the crowd with their spirit. By having the entertainment there, it would show the Auburn fans the Reverse Tiger Walk is a great way to support the team. Not only would more involvement motivate the team, it would be a memorable experience for Auburn families and students. Finally, by getting everyone more involved in the Reverse Tiger Walk tradition, it would show we really are “All Auburn All In” for everything Auburn… and we love it!

His View

Keeping abreast of the NFL’s philanthropy

Last week’s poll results:

24% yes, we are unstoppable

took the Miners to the Conference USA tournament. He even managed to take the team to the NCAA tournament before he left for Auburn. Perhaps his time at UTEP is what inspired the hype surrounding his arrival at Auburn. It probably even helped inspire the Auburn Arena. We can’t say what happened between then and now, and it honestly doesn’t matter. What does matter is that at one point, Barbee was

Another chance to support the Tigers

Ben Hohenstatt

65% Maybe, it’s a lot of work

Rachel Suhs / Design editor

Her View

•Satanic Rituals

Does the Tigers win over Texas A&M mean they will be able to beat Bama?

Opinion

opinion @theplainsman. com

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone who has watched the World Series, walked past Samford Hall after sunset or watched a televised game featuring two National Football League teams has most likely noticed all the pink. All types of cancer are obviously bad. This is the problem with a month-long effort to raise awareness about a potentially deadly disease. People understand it’s inherently an awful thing. The average person seems fairly cognizant of the personal devastation cancer can cause. It would most likely take concentrated effort to be unaware of breast cancer. There are plenty of year-round discussions and reminders about breast cancer ranging from mildly crude bracelets to pink yogurt

lids. Years of effort and consistent presence has pushed breast cancer to the front the public conscience. The NFL, in particular, placed a lot of emphasis on breast cancer awareness with pink hats, jerseys and even pink challenge flags. BreastCancer.org claims approximately 39,620 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2013 from breast cancer. Any charitable effort to research and cure a disease with that death toll is a good thing, but the NFL’s insistence on publicity for breast cancer seems disingenuous. According to an Oct. 24 article by Darren Rovell on ESPN.com, The NFL takes a 25 percent royalty from every piece of pink memorabilia sold as part of it’s a Crucial Catch campaign. The NFL donates 90 percent of that money to the American Cancer Society, and it uses the remaining 10 percent to fund the campaign. This means the ACS receives less than a quarter of the money spent on a transaction for pink

gear. On NFLshop.com, breast cancer awareness related jerseys sell for $69.99. The NFL has stated it does not make a net profit on the pink memorabilia, but it still does not seem to be motivated by altruism. By donating to a medical cause, the image-conscious organization looks good in the public eye, targets a segment of the population who otherwise might not be part of the NFL’s main fan-base and gives people a medical malady to discuss that isn’t the longterm effect of concussions. On Oct. 10, Brandon Marshall, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, decided to wear green cleats during a game in recognition of World Mental Health Day. Green is the color associated with mental health awareness. Marshall, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, was fined $10,500 by the NFL for not wearing pink cleats. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates in any given year, more than a quarter of adult Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.

The NFL has a partnership with ACS, but it seems unreasonable someone diagnosed with a disorder cannot advocate awareness for an issue on the disorder’s designated day for national awareness. Given the recent, high-profile suicides of football players Jovan Belcher and Junior Seau, one could see why the NFL may not want people to spend time thinking about mental disorders such as depression. Mental disorders are widereaching, potentially deadly and helping to research them and erase the stigma associated with them would seem to be a worthy cause. However, mental health consciousness does not come packaged with a gender-associated color, and can make a fan question potential ties between playing football and depression. The NFL has a massive venue for whatever message it wants to send, and it could potentially do a lot of good by spreading its charitable focus to other causes instead of beating the same dead horse.

The Editorial Board Kelsey Davis Editor-in-Chief

Elizabeth Wieck Managing Editor

Ben Croomes Opinion

Jordan Dale Copy

Dustin Shrader Online

Becky Hardy

Justin Ferguson

Campus

Special Sections

Will Gaines Sports

Anna Grafton

Daniel Oramas Multimedia

Photo

Rachel Suhs Design

Chandler Jones community

Ashley Selby intrigue

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The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. This editorial is the majority opinion of the 13-member editorial board and are the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

Contact Phone 334–844–4130 Email opinion@theplainsman.com


Community Thursday, October 31, 2013

A7 ThePlainsman.com

Community

Covenant Smiles spreading smiles for miles Nick Hines Community Writer

From a private practice, to Staton Correctional Facility, to Maxwell Airforce Base and then finally, Connect Church in Opelika, Frank Wright has led anything but a normal life. Born in Savannah, Ga., Wright graduated from Savannah State College with a BA in biology in 1994. In 2001, Wright earned his doctorate of dental surgery from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., and completed the schooling necessary for a profession he said he wanted to enter since the third grade. “You have those things where it’s a good career, financial stability for you and your family and you get to help people in the process,” Wright said. “But when I dedicated my life to Christ, April 27, 2003, my plans began to change a little bit.” Wright is currently the dentist at Covenant Smiles Dental Care, a religious organization aimed at providing affordable and comprehensive dental care. The organization began May 2010, when Wright came to Connect Church on Saturdays after working at Maxwell Airforce Base during the week. “Our goal for Covenant Smile is promoting the overall oral health of an individual,” Wright said. “We want to help them maintain not only a healthy smile, but also a healthy personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Scripture booklets intermix with dental handbooks and magazines on the coffee table in the waiting room. A recorded sermon plays on the TV, and Christian music can be heard from the dental rooms. Wright’s wife, Farmika, two community volunteers and Auburn University student volunteers work with patients four days per week, and see seven–10 patients on busier days. Heather Leyva, senior in pre-dentistry, job shadows Wright at Covenant Smiles. She chose to work with Wright because she wanted to shadow where she could actually be helpful and make a difference, Leyva said. Each volunteer works the morning or afternoon shift, two times per week. Covenant Smiles is a nonprofit organization and does not accept any outside funding. Indi-

viduals in the community, members of Connect Church and a few local healthcare providers donated all the equipment and supplies. Mercy Medical Clinic donated the majority of the dental machinery. The revenue used to finance the practice came from the services provided, yet Wright said personal wealth is not the focus of Covenant Smiles. “It’s amazing how just being able to smile when you haven’t been able to before improves your self-esteem, and we’ve witnessed that a number of times here,” Wright said. “They’re crying; we’re crying; it’s just awesome. All the glory goes to God.” Wright works on insured and uninsured patients. Uninsured, low-income patients recieve extra help from the Covenant Care Program, which requires the patient to be employed, seeking employment or a student. Opelika has a large number of low-income individuals, and a shortage of health care professionals, according to Wright. Covenant Smiles provides care to children on Medicaid and in the ALL Kids program. ALL Kids provides financial help to children younger than 19 years old in families that don’t qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private insurance, according to HealthInsurance.Alabama.Gov. Not all dentists in Opelika provide this care, and through these programs Wright can reach out to the parents as well, who can also benefit from the Covenant Care Program. Currently, the only way for people to learn about Covenant Smiles is through word-ofmouth. This makes it hard for students at Auburn University to learn about their services. “We’ve not (had a lot of students) at this moment in time, but it seems like we have seen people going in that direction,” Wright said. Wright said he would eventually like to collaborate with University officials and attend health fairs to promote the Covenant Care program to students. Wright said he aims to grow the Covenant Smiles organization, and their goal of maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy relationship with God beyond Opelika.

Anna Grafton / Photo Editor

Frank Wright inspects his wife, Farmika’s, mouth during a standard dental examination.

Gnu space, Gnu location, same books Annie Faulk Community Reporter

All photos by Emily Enfinger / Photographer

Tina Tatum, director of Gnus Arts and owner of the Gnu’s Room non-profit bookstore, stands behind the counter. The Gnu’s Room bookstore shares a building with Heritage Gifts & Gourmet in Downtown Opelika.

The used-bookstore, the Gnu’s Room, is back in operation at a new space, but you won’t smell any coffee roasting brewing this time. The Gnu’s Room closed its Gay Street location during the summer, but has sinced moved to 108 8th St. in Opelika in the Heritage Gifts & Gourmet storefront. “In Opelika, there are so many things just below the surface that are about to explode in this area in terms of arts and music,” said Tina Tatum, owner of The Gnu’s Room and director of Gnu Arts. “I’m hoping we are in a good place, and in the right place at the right time, for this kind of renaissance of music and film and the arts in general.” The Gnu’s Room is primarily a used-book store operating via book donations for trade credit. Tatum took over the Gnu’s Room operations in 2007. Earlier this year, the bookstore announced it was unable to sell enough books to continue operations. “I really went through some dark days because this is what I love doing, and I wasn’t ready to stop,” Tatum said. “There was just no way we could keep going, so we closed.” Tatum said her friends understood her passion for the Gnu’s Room and helped her find a location for the bookstore. “It was a light at the end of the tunnel,” Tatum said. “We did a lot of hard work to get it in shape. We had to move all of her stuff and organize it, and then we could set up the bookshelves and books.” Tatum said, for right now, they’re focused on trying to get the word out they are back and open. The location may have changed, but Tatum said it is still the Gnu’s Room, but with a new layout better for navigating the sea of titles on the bookshelves. “I thought we had a comfortable, cozy space over there, and I think this place can be the same,” Tatum said. “It’s just going to take a little

time to get some of the personal touches. I want to get some local art in here.” Tatum said she’s worked hard to retains theGun’s Room’s original quality, “It still has that funkiness that the other Gnu’s Room had,” Tatum said. “This one may have even more with the weird pipes coming out of the ceiling and I love the hammered tin ceilings.” Tatum said the Gnu’s Room’s music event schedule will change slightly because other venues in Opelika provide music entertainment. “We are focusing on literary events, like having authors coming in for readings and signings and poetry readings,” Tatum said. “And we are still going to have our monthly open mic night.” Tatum said her favorite part of the Gnu’s Room is the people she has the opportunity to meet. “Book-people are just the coolest people,” Tatum said. “Some people might call them nerds, I don’t. Or maybe I am just a big book nerd. Book people tend to be pretty open-minded and intelligent,” Tatum said. “It’s just fun talking to people about what they like to read and learning about books that you would probably never hear about if it wasn’t for somebody that came in and talked about it.” Tatum said reading has been a part of her life since she was a kid, and she still finds words powerful. “I just love being able to provide a venue for authors to come in. Just being able to share that joy of reading, it’s important to me,” Tatum said. “Over the past six years, with the Gnu’s Room, I’ve come to learn that a large population, even in Lee County, is still unable to read.” Illiteracy is not thought of in Auburn, Tatum explained. The area is home to people, she labeled as functionally illiterate, who are able to function in society without the skills to read or write. “It’s a vicious cycle. Their kids are behind because their parents can’t read to them,” Tatum said. “If there’s even some little impact I can have on making a change in that, that’s what we want to do.”


Community A8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Credit up, if you can Frank Abagnale said using a debit card anywhere can still cost you everything Mark Fierro Writer

When a debit card gets hacked, the cardholder is liable for the spending. Some banks have liability caps if the victim reports it promptly, but the suspect can still spend money from that person’s savings and checking account. Plenty of people also use debit cards for online shopping, and for most of their daily purchases. While convenience makes using a debit card tempting, using it everywhere also increases a person’s likelihood of losing all their money. Many people, especially younger people, frequently make purchases on sites such as Amazon or eBay. Frank Abagnale would know, he was an identity theif and fraud expert. Now he works as founder and controlling head of Abagnale & Associates. His story was inspiration for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the 2002 movie, “Catch Me if You Can.” He stated debit cards are, “one of the worst financial tools ever given to the American public.” Abagnale provided alternatatives such as credit cards. “When you use a debit card you expose your money,” Abagnale said. “With a credit card, you protect it.” According to Abagnale, credit cards are one of the safest methods of payment. When a credit card number is stolen, the credit card company or issuer is liable for the fraudulent spending by the suspect, instead of the cardholder. Even if someone spends $1 million

Annie faulk / Community REporter

APD makes contact with the two suspects at Murphy USA.

Two incidents and a shooting on South College Street Annie Faulk Community reporter

Contributed by Abagnale & ASsociates

on a cardholder’s credit card, by federal law that person has no liability for those fraudulent charges. All the cardholder has to do is report it is not their spending. This protects the person’s assets and account from destitution. Abagnale suggest students seriously consider about credit cards because of all their attached pros and necessity in future financial actions. A credit-card user can build their credit rating by paying the credit card bill on time, something a person does not get with a debit card. Without credit, when a student gets out of college they will not be able to buy the car or the house they want because of the lack of credit to qualify for a loan to get those items. It also makes renting an apartment or getting a job harder.

“One of the best things parents can do is give their kids a supplemental credit card,” Abagnale said. The parents pay the bill and grow the student’s credit, allowing the student to buy a house or get a new car without needing a cosigner because of the prebuilt positive credit. “By the time that person gets out of college their credit score (could) be in the 800s, and they will not have to worry about getting the house or car they want,” Abagnale said. “There are so many scams out there, if they get access to my accounts I’d rather them get access to Visa or Mastercard's money, not my money.” Abagnale said debit cards were invented because bankers wanted to reduce their risks, while still making money through fees on the user and merchant.

Two Opelika juveniles, a 16-year-old and 17-year-old, both of Opelika, were arrested on charges of first-degree robbery, according to a news release from the Auburn Police Division at 10 a.m., Oct. 24. Auburn Police Division received a call at 9:56 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, of a possible shooting at University Village Apartments at 200 Block of W. Longleaf Drive. As officers arrived, two people explained a scenario involving two juveniles, according to the news release. “(They) entered the apartment and demanded property from the complainant,” the release said. The juveniles allegedly threatened the residents with a weapon.

Mark your Calendar

• • • • • •

Oct. 31: Downtown Trick or Treating Nov. 1: Opelika’s First Friday’s Nov. 1: Farm City Holiday Open House Nov. 2: 2013 Run to Read Nov. 6: Wine Down Wednesdays Nov. 8: Secret sisters performance

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“An altercation ensued and shots were exchanged between the complainant and the suspects after which the suspects fled,” the release said. Responding officers canvassed the area and located the suspects at the Murphy USA gas station adjoining the Walmart parking lot. Both suspects were transported to the East Alabama Medical Center Emergency Room for gunshot related injuries before transfer to the Lee County jail. Both bonds are set for $100,000. “Officers responded to the area and got information that a subject had been shot,” said Cpt. Will Mathews. “Contacted two individuals here in the parking lot of Murphy USA.” The APD has made no updates since Oct. 24.

1

Print Deadline Noon three business days prior to publication 10/1/13

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ATTENTION: This puzzle contains some special grid numbering as part of its theme.

RELEASE DATE– Friday, January 11, 2013

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Sudoku

By The Mepham Group

Level:

1 2 3 4

Keep a look out for our next Game Day Issue! Nov. 14!! Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

2/10/13

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

ACROSS 1 “Gnarly!” 3 In a mood 8 Bean variety 11 Sorority character 12 Drug giant behind Valium and Klonopin 13 Posh bathroom fixture 14 Puts out 16 “If on a winter’s night a traveler” writer Calvino 17 Top banana 18 Longtime Rolling Stones bassist Bill 20 Each 21 Sushi options 22 Feature of an old mattress 23 Dollars for quarters 25 Fly out of Africa? 27 Acorns, someday 30 Liqueur made from elderflowers 32 Realm 33 O staff, briefly 35 Cravat holders 37 Las Vegas-toTijuana dir. 38 Distort, as with false data, with “up” 40 Scroll source 42 Like part of a special delivery? 44 “I’m With Stupid” T-shirt markings 47 Linguist Chomsky 48 Headphone wearers, usually 50 Literary honey lover 51 Flock member 52 “You can __ horse ...” 54 Nintendo princess kidnapped by Ganon 55 Alvin, Simon and Theodore 57 Tinseltown 59 The Donald’s first 60 Whacks 61 Concern on the course

62 Canonical hour 63 First stage 64 Pet store reactions

24 Gp. with many hunters 26 Picked up a lap? 28 Alkali neutralizer 29 Two-person plank 31 Keg filler 33 Financial index 34 Late-night adult programming airer, facetiously 36 Sunday msg. 39 Roxy Music alum

41 Adrien of cosmetics 43 Hobbyist’s wood 45 “Yowzah!” 46 Treatment seen in bedrooms 49 Diner cupfuls 51 Oscillating curve 53 Playground reply 54 Twist at a bar 56 Med. specialty 58 Mineral suffix

DOWN 1 Weather forecast data 2 Work casually 3 Pre-calc course 4 Goddess of the morning 5 Unstressed vowel sound ANSWER TO PREVIOUS 6 What the six puzzle answers graphically represented in this puzzle have in common 7 Backwoods agreement 8 Match 9 Aids for a bad 8Down 10 Transporter in a shaft 13 IQ test pioneer 15 Rolls at sea 19 Where Hope may be found 22 Feature of some apses xwordeditor@aol.com

PUZZLE:

01/11/13

By The Mepham Group

By Ian Livengood (c)2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

01/11/13


Sports

A9 ThePlainsman.com

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Sports

Chemistry is the name of the game for men’s basketball Justin Ferguson ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

For the Auburn men’s basketball team, the semester’s first round of tests begins in less than two weeks. According to head coach Tony Barbee, the Tigers have been spending extra time in a specific area — raising their grade in chemistry. “This group has really bought into sacrificing for the whole and giving up that individual glory,” Barbee said after Auburn’s season opener, a 109-67 exhibition win against Victory University. “They know that we have enough pieces in (the locker room) that if we will play for each other, a lot of special things can happen for this team.” With eight newcomers entering a program that only won nine games last season, developing solid team chemistry was a challenge for Barbee and his staff in the offseason. Senior guard Chris Denson said he feels chemistry was an issue during his first three

ANNA GRAFTON / PHOTO EDITOR

Junior point guard Malcolm Canada plays offense for Auburn in the exhibition game against Victory.

seasons on The Plains. “We have had a lot of downs the last three years, and chemistry wasn’t strong like it is this year,” Denson said after his 21-point per-

formance against Victory. “Three years ago, we weren’t hanging out with each other. We really hang out with each other now, and that is a big part of winning.”

Barbee said the focus on togetherness started in the summer, when the Tigers went on a preseason exhibition tour of the Bahamas. “This summer has been really good for us,” said junior KT Harrell at the end of the team’s tour in August. “As a team we have gotten so much closer. This has been the best summer I have been a part of as far as camaraderie and how close we have gotten. This trip has helped us a lot.” Harrell, a Montgomery native, was a part of the Auburn program last season after transferring from the University of Virginia. NCAA rules forced him to sit out from active competition last season, but he is widely expected to be a member of Barbee’s regular starting lineup this season. “It felt good to just go out there and do what I do and be a leader offensively,” Harrell said. “I am an all-around player; it’s not all about

» See BASKETBALL A10

Tigers must be wary of letdown against Arkansas Will Gaines SPORTS@ THEPLAINSMAN. COM

ANNA GRAFTON / PHOTO EDITOR

Gus Malzahn with the players prior to the start of the Ole Miss game.

ZACH BLAND / PHOTOGRAPHER

Kiehl Frazier carrying the football against Florida Atlantic.

Malzahn, Frazier return home to Arkansas with sights set on a win Will Gaines SPORTS EDITOR

Arkansas natives Gus Malzahn and Kiehl Frazier have both played games against their former home state school of Arkansas, but this time will look a little different for them, Malzahn made a name for himself coaching his way through the high school ranks, winning multiple state championships at Shiloh Christian and Springdale High School before leaving to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas. Malzahn left Arkansas after one season with the Razorbacks and became the offensive coordinator at Tulsa before leaving to join Gene Chizik’s staff at Auburn in 2009. Malzahn has only returned to Fayetteville one time since leaving and that was in 2011 while he was still at Auburn as offensive coordinator. Saturday will be the first time he will return as a head coach. “To be honest with you, it’s just another game for us,” Malzahn said. “I’ve been back before and played before. We’re just trying to do everything in our power to play good football, and try to come out with a victory.” While Malzahn tried to downplay going back to Arkansas, fellow Arkansas na-

tive Frazier said it will be exciting for Malzahn to go back home. “I think it will be exciting because it’s a place where he grew up and a place where I grew up, so I think it will be exciting at first, but he’s such a professional guy that whenever the game starts he’ll be ready,” Frazier said. One thing Malzahn has tried to do while he’s been at Auburn is use his Arkansas high school football ties to recruit the state of Arkansas. While Alabama, Georgia and north Florida will always be Auburn’s main recruiting ground, Malzahn has been able to pull some recruits away from the home-state school. Auburn signed three players from Arkansas during Malzahn’s time at Auburn; Michael Dyer, Dakota Mosley and Kiehl Frazier. Both Dyer and Moseley were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, but Frazier is still on the team. Frazier was a highly touted quarterback from Arkansas, being named USA Today Offensive Player of the Year in 2010, and was expected by many to be Cam Newton’s replacement. When Malzahn left to become the head coach at Arkansas State and new offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler was hired to install a pro-style offense, Fra-

zier struggled and was benched halfway through the season. With the return of Malzahn’s offense, Frazier was in line to compete for the starting job he lost in 2012, but halfway through fall camp Frazier decided to move to the defensive side of the ball to help the team. Frazier’s roommate and teammate, tight end CJ Uzomah, said he saw a different Frazier when he made that decision. “He’s grown so much as a player and as a person,” Uzomah said. “He was willing to change positions just to help the team, and I think that says a lot for him, about his character as a person and his determination to help this team any way he can.” Now the former high school quarterback star will return to his home state, not as a quarterback, but as a receiver. “I haven’t really thought about going back (home),” Frazier said. “I don’t think it will be anything like my freshman year, because I’m more of an Auburn guy now than an Arkansas guy.” Uzomah said that Frazier returning home will be a more emotional experience than Frazier has led on. “I think it will be emotional for him, because he loves Arkansas, and going back there will mean the world to him,” Uzomah said.

Who would have thought, at the beginning of the season, heading into the ninth game Auburn would still have a chance to play in the SEC Championship Game. Most would have said they would be fighting for a bowl berth at this point. Well, Malzhan has already got his six wins needed for a bowl game berth in his first season as head coach, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to stop there. At this point, Auburn controls its own destiny. If they win out they will go to the SEC championship in Atlanta and have a shot to play in the national championship, which would be remarkable for Malzahn’s first season. That sounds a little easier than it actually is. Auburn will have an extremely tough final four game stretch against Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The first team up is Arkansas, and you can never overlook the Razorbacks when they play Auburn. Arkansas has been a team that no matter who their coach is or what their record is, they always give Auburn trouble. In 2006, Auburn was ranked No. 2 when they lost to the Hogs 27–17 in Jordan-Hare Stadium, preventing them from playing in the SEC championship. In 2008, Auburn lost to Bobby Petrino in his first season while Arkansas was struggling with Petrino’s new pass-heavy offense. At that point in the season, Auburn still had a chance to salvage its season, but Arkansas won the game 25–22 and Auburn ended with a disappointing 5–7 record. Who could forget last season when Arkansas, led by crazy and talkative head coach John L Smith, came into Jordan-Hare Stadium and embarrassed the Tigers 24–10 and basically sealed Gene Chizik’s

fate. When you come right down to it, Auburn can throw Arkansas’s record out the window because it doesn’t matter. Arkansas has ruined Auburn’s chances at bigger things time and time again, and if they don’t go to Fayetteville prepared to play, then this season’s dreams will be crushed as well. Malzahn also has a lot personally riding on this game. This will be the first time Malzahn returns to his home state as a head coach. Then you take into account the word-swapping battle Malzahn and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema had this summer over whether high tempo offenses are safe in college football. Bielema’s answer was always no, and Malzahn’s answer was Bielema needed to get his players in better shape and condition. Bielema did not like that so much and will probably put some extra effort into this game. Between Malzahn going back home as a head coach for the first time and needing to get his offense to perform well against Bielema, there will be a lot of pressure for Malzahn against Arkansas. Auburn needs a victory if they want to keep their goals alive for this year. Even with all of the possible distractions and the curse of the Hogs, Auburn should be OK in this game. Arkansas is riding a fivegame losing streak including a 52–0 loss in their last game at Alabama. But if Arkansas comes out and plays like it did against Texas A&M, then Auburn needs to watch out because they do have the ability to run the football well. They also have one of the better defensive lines in the conference. Auburn just needs to do what has got them to this point, which is run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. If the Tigers do both of those things, then they’ll be headed to Knoxville with all their dreams still alive.

Baseball swinging for the fences ­— a trip to the College World Series Kyle Van Fechtmann SPORTS WRITER

This year’s baseball team has one ultimate goal that is seen on the back of each player’s practice jersey this fall. Instead of having their last names on the jersey, each player has “OMAHA” on the back. This represents Omaha, Neb., which is the location of the annual College World Series. The top eight teams from the field of 64

advance to Omaha to play for the College World Series title. Auburn has made it to Omaha four times, but has not done so since 1997. This year the team is ready to achieve their goal and focused on following their motto of “Omahauburn.” “That’s the goal. If anything less, it’s a failure,” said senior catcher Blake Austin. “I think it’s possible. I think the young guys are coming along faster than I thought they would. A lot of

young guys and a lot of old guys are mixed so it’s been fun to see us mesh.” The team’s attitude changed once Sunny Golloway was hired as head coach in June. “We were ready to come to work and play, before it’s just been a drag and it’s been fun to come out here and play baseball,” Austin said. Golloway spent the past eight seasons as head coach at the University of Oklahoma, and during his time

there he led the Sooners to seven NCAA Regional berths, four NCAA Super Regionals and the 2010 College World Series. “The team’s been great as far as accepting the new coaching staff and buying into what we’re doing,” Golloway said. Golloway also led the Sooners to a Big 12 Conference tournament title last year, which was only the second in school history, but he said he felt it

was time to make a move to Auburn. “What impressed me most was the people here, there’s a tremendous character of people and it’s a beautiful place,” Golloway said. “We were ready for a move. I told my agent if I’m going to move it’s going to be now, otherwise I’ll sign a lifetime contract at OU. This will be my last move.” Throughout the fall the team has

» See BASEBALL A10


Sports A10

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Injuries, suspensions lead to secondary shake-up Eric Wallace SPORTS WRITER

Auburn’s secondary has seen a number of midseason position changes in response to the injuries of players such as Joshua Holsey and Jonathan Jones. “Out back we’ve had some musical chairs due to injuries and an early suspension,” said defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. “We had to pull back in practice last week we were so beat up.” Holsey’s season-ending ACL injury further thinned the Tigers’ secondary depth and forced senior defensive back Ryan Smith to learn the safety position on short notice. Johnson said the Florida Atlantic game was a vital opportunity for Smith to get extra game experience at his new position. “Hopefully the injury bug has come and gone, but you never know with this game, so it was good that some of those guys got to play,” Johnson said. “Game experience is something you just can’t put a value on.” The recurring injuries have become a topic of discussion among Auburn’s defensive backs, who say they’ve learned each secondary position just in case a position change becomes nec-

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Robenson Therezie and Ryan White making a tackle against Florida Atlantic Saturday, Oct. 26.

essary. “The crazy part is we sit around and talk and say ‘What if I had to move to safety, what if I had to play corner?’” said junior defensive back Jermaine Whitehead. “So when those situations present themselves we find it as an opportunity to showcase another skill level that we have. We lost a couple key players, but guys stepped in

and made some remarkable moves.” Johnson said at the cornerback position, sophomore Jonathan Jones is finally 100 percent physically, but needs a little time to recover his fundamentals. “He hasn’t had enough time back to be polished in his technique,” Johnson said. “He missed so much time I think he’s lost a little of

his fundamentals and technique. We’re getting thin back there, getting him back is important.” Jonathan Ford’s development and the return of Jones have been a welcome relief to the injury riddled cornerback position. “We keep moving guys inside so it’s very important that guys like Rudy (Ford) and Jonathan (Jones) come along and give us some quality depth at corner,” Johnson said. Ford, who had 31 yards rushing in addition to playing defensive back against Florida Atlantic, has been learning the cornerback position after an offseason move from running back. Johnson said the offseason dismissal of safety Demetruce McNeal has negatively affected the secondary’s depth this season. “We lost our leading returning tackler before the season, and he never played a down,” Johnson said. We’re finally starting to get things settled.” Despite their 7–1 record and a No. 11 BCS ranking, some Tigers are not satisfied just yet. “I think we still have some people to prove wrong,” Whitehead said. “I think we still want to prove to ourselves that we can win 10 games, we can win 11 games and be a great football team.”

From California to Alabama, Wroblicky a defensive specialist Eric Wallace SPORTS WRITER

Senior volleyball player Sarah Wroblicky came a long way from her hometown of Irvine, Calif., to play volleyball for Auburn University. Transitioning from the sunny beaches of Orange County, to the small town atmosphere of Auburn wasn’t always easy for Wroblicky. “I definitely had a culture shock,” Wroblicky said. “California and the South are just totally different. The accents, food and definitely the small town feel of Auburn. I’m from the Orange County area so I wasn’t used to any of that.” The 5-foot-6 Wroblicky, known as “Wro” to friends and teammates, has solidified herself as a defensive specialist, manning the libero position in each of her four years with the team. While other players attack the net and go for kills, Wroblicky does the dirty work of digging out spikes and saving points for the Tigers. “I’m not a hitter so I don’t get the glory of getting a kill, because even setters get assists,” Wroblicky said. “There’s no way I can really score unless I’m serving and get an ace. My only victory is to be able to prevent them from scoring.” She may not get the glory of contributing kills and sets, but Wroblicky’s defensive skills have vaulted her into the Auburn record books. Wroblicky recorded her 1,000th career dig against Ole Miss Oct. 13th and her 17 digs in the match lifted her into the top 10 in Auburn volleyball history. “It’s nice to know I reached that level,” Wroblicky said. “I’ve helped make a difference in our wins and prevented the other team from scoring.” According to head coach Rick Nold, Wroblicky’s impact extends beyond her performances on the court. “I think it’s that she sets a great example for what you’re supposed to do in terms of

BASKETBALL » From A9

scoring. I try and do everything I can to help the team win.” Another newcomer poised to crack the starting five is true freshman Tahj ShamsidDeen. The three-time Georgia state champion got the start at point guard in the exhibition against Victory, but he sat out most of the first half because of early foul trouble. Although he said he was disappointed with his playing time in the opening 20 minutes against the Eagles, Shamsid-Deen bounced back with an 11-point second half per-

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Jeremy Johnson scrambling for extra yards against Florida Atlantic Saturday, Oct. 26.

Tigers feel comfortable with both Marshall and Johnson Kyle Van Fechtmann SPORTS WRITER

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Wroblicky during the Texas A&M game Sunday, Oct. 19.

working in the gym and how to get the most out of your time,” Nold said. “She has set a great example for everyone.” Off the court, Wroblicky has used her experience as an education major to help younger volleyball players adjust to the rigors of college courses. “I try to help them out with classes at the beginning of the year,” Wroblicky said. “I like to help out with tests and study strategies. Also, just the college experience in general, because I know I had a lot of questions about how things

work.” Poised to graduate in December, Wroblicky said she is looking forward to hitting the sunny beaches of Southern California when her collegiate career is finished. “I want to stay active and play a lot of beach volleyball,” Wroblicky said. “I’m going back home after I graduate in December so I’ll just need to stay active. I’ll be playing a lot of beach for sure.” Even though her heart is set on a return to Orange County, Wroblicky said her time in Auburn has been an unforgettable experience t­hat will stay with her forever. “I would like to come back for volleyball and football weekends next fall,” Wroblicky said. “It’d be cool if I could come back in the spring too, but I don’t know if that’ll work out. I would love to come back because Auburn is a huge part of my life now.” Wroblicky and the Tigers next game will be when they take on the Tennessee Volunteers Friday, Nov. 1 in Knoxville .

formance. “I came back in the second half and my teammates kept me in it,” Shamsid-Deen said after the win. “They said, ‘don’t worry about (the early fouls).’ My teammates really responded to me, and I depended on them.” Barbee said Shamsid-Deen and Auburn’s other new point guard, junior college transfer Malcolm Canada, exemplified a team-first mentality, Barbee. The two guards combined for 13 assists and only one turnover in the exhibition win. “(Shamsid-Deen and Canada) are both unselfish,” Barbee said. “They can both really pass the ball, and they are both very cerebral players so

they know how to take care of the ball and they know what I want. You look at their assistto-turnover numbers, that’s unbelievable. We’ll take that every night if we can get it.” Barbee said examples of the point guards’ unselfish play is a characteristic of the entire team, a unit focused on moving past the struggles that plagued the head coach’s three-year Auburn tenure. “These guys love each other, they care about each other, and they want to see each man do really well,” Barbee said. “They are worried about (each other) and are not worried about their own. I think that shows in up in how well we share the ball.”

There’s no way I can really score unless I’m serving and get an ace. My only victory is to be able to prevent them from scoring.” —Sarah Wroblicky VOLLEYBALL LIBERO

Although offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said Nick Marshall should be okay after he practiced Sunday, Oct. 27, Lashlee and the rest of the team are confident in both Marshall and true freshman Jeremy Johnson playing starting quarterback for Auburn. Marshall was taken out of the Florida Atlantic game after he was tackled in the second play of the second quarter and went down with an apparent shoulder injury. But Auburn was already leading by four touchdowns at the time so they did not want to take any chances putting Marshall back in. Lashlee said if it was a closer game then Marshall may have gone back into the game but they never got to that point with the doctors since they wanted to play it safe in the game that was already 28–0. “Other than educating (Marshall) a little on times trying to get down a little bit, I think he’ll be alright. He’s sore, but he’s a tough kid,” Lashlee said. With Marshall leaving the game, it was another chance for everyone to see Johnson’s capabilities at quarterback. After Johnson got his chance again to command the Auburn offense, he won the SEC Freshman of the Week award for the second time in three weeks. Johnson completed 10-of-16 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. “When Jeremy was able to step right in, I felt we didn’t miss a beat. The whole team felt like, “hey, it’s business as usual,’” Lashlee said. “The coaches tell me to prepare as a starter and to stay focused like a starter,” Johnson said after the 45–10 win against Florida Atlantic Oct. 26. “That’s all I did throughout this week and throughout the game. I just came

BASEBALL » From A9

had results from these scrimmages. “We started off with a drill that was throw the ball around, as simple as that, and we couldn’t even do that. So it has went from sloppy to winning baseball. It has been fun to see it progress,” Austin said. Austin also said that fans may not necessarily see the progress they have made, but they have made improvements. “It might not show up so much in how we’re playing,” Golloway said. “But our baseball IQ has gotten much better. I think we understand the game, we understand how to win games,” These scrimmages have been low scoring, filled with pitching duels and great defensive play, like the 3-2 scrimmage last Wednesday, Oct. 23. “UCLA won the national championship last

out there and executed.” He executed as soon as he went into the game for Marshall. In his first play of the game, Johnson connected with Sammie Coates for a 36-yard touchdown pass. “I don’t care if you’re a true freshman or a senior, to come in cold off the bench on thirdand-13 and throw a 30-whatever touchdown pass... that was big,” Lashlee said. Both Johnson and Marshall are running quarterbacks, but they have different styles. According to Lashlee, Johnson is more of a downhill runner and Marshall is more of an open out of space runner. These two also have other differences when it comes to their style of play at quarterback. “Jeremy is a pure passer, he’s good on rhythm and timing throws,” Lashlee said. “Nick is really good when things break down. They have their strengths and they have their things they need to work on. They both can run our system without a lot of limitation.” According to Lashlee, Arkansas’ strength is in their defensive line so Auburn’s offensive line will have to be ready to protect Marshall Nov. 2 when Auburn travels to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Johnson may also have to take a lot of snaps at quarterback against Arkansas and the team is ready if that has to happen. “I’m extremely confident in (Johnson). It’s still going to be just the fourth game he will appear in as a college player,” Lashlee said. Even though Johnson is young Lashlee believes Johnson does is mature enough to handle the responsibility. “Jeremy is very confident, he feels good about what we have in the game plan each week,” Lashlee said. “I feel good with Jeremy out there, I really would.” year with a .250 batting average but just like you saw on the scoreboard today, they won games 3-2. And that’s how we’re going to be able to win games 3-2. I think it’s going to be pitching or defense that will be our strength. It has to be if we’re going to be a championship type club.” Moving forward from these fall scrimmages and looking to the regular season the team does have aspects of the game that they must improve on in order to achieve their goal of reaching Omaha. “(The team must) anticipate the game before it happens. Use your head and think about what they’re trying to do and how we’re going to counter it.” The fundamental details of the game are what Golloway said will make the difference for the Tigers. “Don’t throw a ball when there’s not a chance to make an out,” Golloway said. “Just play smart baseball, we’re learning.”


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Sports A11

The Auburn Plainsman

Anna Grafton / photo editor

Courtney McDonald, Stephanie Campbell and Kathia Rud against Mercer Friday Sept. 6.

Anna Grafton / photo editor

Maddie Barnes and Casie Ramsier celebrate the victory against Arkansas Friday, Oct. 25.

This week in Auburn sports Women’s Soccer

Casie Ramsier earned her second individual award in two weeks after being named SEC Freshman of the Week. Ramsier scored her eighth and ninth goals of the season against Arkansas and Vanderbilt to continue to hold the team-lead for goals this season. Her nine goals this year is the most by an Auburn freshman since Katy Frierson (9) in 2009. Ramsier also tallied her fourth assist of the year against Vanderbilt helping teammate Tori Ball score the game-winner against the Commodores.

Volleyball

Auburn got its first sweep in Southeastern Conference volleyball play this season, taking down South Carolina 3–0 (25–22, 25–22, 25–23) Sunday afternoon at the Volleyball Competition Facility. The Tigers (13–8, 4–5 SEC) won at South Carolina for the secondstraight time and fourth time in the last five trips to Columbia. In an extremely tight match, Auburn

was able to fight off late pushes in all three sets by the Gamecocks (11–11, 3–6 SEC) and come away with a weekend split. Katherine Culwell picked up her ninth double-double of the year with a 12-kill, 12-dig performance that also included a pair of service aces. Kathia Rud also had a double-double, her sixth of the season, with 10 kills and 11 digs, and Camila Jersonsky led all hitters with a .389 percentage, putting down 10 kills on the day. Freshman Stephanie Campbell also contributed nine kills in the match. Sarah Wroblicky paced the defensive effort for the Tigers with a 14-dig performance along with a pair of assists. Emily Klitzke was big at the net for Auburn, posting a career-high five blocks along with three kills, and Courtney McDonald contributed four blocks as well. Auburn jumped out to an early lead in set three, pushing ahead by as many as six points at 11–5, but the Gamecocks scrapped their way back and eventually tied the match

at 19–19. However, Carolina would never take the lead as the teams kept trading sideouts until a Rud kill gave Auburn a match point try at 24–22. After the Gamecocks fought off one attempt, a ball-handling error call gave the Tigers the game at 25–23 and a sweep in the match. Auburn will travel to Knoxville, Tenn., to take on the Tennessee Lady Vols Friday, Nov. 1, then on Sunday host Mississippi State at 3 p.m.

Women’s Golf

The The No. 24-ranked Auburn women’s golf team finished 11th at the Stanford Intercollegiate, ending the tournament with rounds of 294–295–295–884 (+32). The Tigers were led by junior Victoria Trapani in the final round after shooting a 1-under-par 71. Trapani’s 1-under 70 propelled her into a tie for the team lead with senior Diana Fernandez. The pair finished the tournament tied for 44th at 9-over 222. Trapani carded three birdies in

PLAINSMAN PICKS Auburn vs. Arkansas

Miami vs. Florida State

Michigan vs. Michigan State

Okla. State vs. Texas Tech

Tennessee vs. Missouri

Georgia vs. Florida

the final round and finished the tournament at 78–74–70–222 (+9). Fernandez totaled rounds of 74– 73–75–222 (+9).

Women’s tennis

The Auburn’s women’s tennis team wrapped up its first tournament of the fall on clay at the USTA Clay Courts at Disney this weekend. Auburn’s Ashley Kitchen picked up two wins on the weekend after dropping her first match at the tournament. The sophomore took the opening set but fell in three, losing 6–4, 5–7, 2–6 to Florida’s Stefani Stojic Thursday morning. Kitchen advanced in the singles consolation draw, defeating Yelena Nemchen (Tulsa) 6–4 in the first set. Kitchen took the win after Menchen retired heading into the second set. On Saturday, Kitchen wrapped up the tournament earning a win in a thrilling three-setter. The Tigers wrap up their fall schedule in Bradenton, Fla., at the Dickie V Classic Nov. 8–10.

Football tryouts to be held in January Staff Report

Do you want a chance to wear the orange and blue inside Jordan Hare Stadium next fall? Well this January students will have the chance when Auburn holds open walk-on tryouts. Registration for anyone interested will begin Monday, Nov. 4. Those interested should pick up an information packet at the front desk of the Auburn Athletics Complex during business hours.

Kyle Van Fechtmann Sports Writer (43–11)

@ScoopPhillips Twitter Picker (42–12)

Taylor Jones Sports Writer (41–13)

Completed packets must be returned to the same location no later than Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. Tryouts will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at a time yet to be determined. For more information, contact Al Pogue at alp0021@ auburn.edu. Pogue is the Director of High School relations for the athletic department. The Athletics Department is located on South Donahue Drive directly across from the new resident hall.

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Intrigue

A12 ThePlainsman.com

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Intrigue

Auburn design students carve their way into fall Ashtyne Cole INTRIGUE WRITER

Walking through the Dudley Hall Courtyard Friday, Oct. 25, students were surrounded by hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins, part of Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction 25th Annual Pumpkin Carve. The courtyard was home to more than 400 pumpkins Friday, ranging from a detailed version of Van Gough’s “Starry Night” to simple phrases such as “War Eagle.” The Pumpkin Carve began 25 years ago as an architecture studio project. The original idea was to invite students to design interesting and beautiful pumpkin carvings. “The Pumpkin Carve soon took on a life of its own as it became bigger each year and as the community began to come out more and more to see the students’ pumpkins,” said Adam Levet, senior in interior architecture. Levet is also the vice president of internal affairs of the Auburn chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students. The AIAS decided to host and organize the event with other student organizations that participate. Other groups set up booths where they sell different items such as T-shirts, hot cider and snacks. Pumpkin Carve is the biggest fundraiser for AIAS and raises thousands of dollars per year to send students to conferences. “I love supporting my school anyway I can, especially for a fundraiser like this,” said Wheat Holt, junior in public relations. “There are so many ways for students to get involved and help the community and this is just a small way of showing my appreciation.” The Pumpkin Carve was not just for Auburn

architecture students. Families brought their children to the event to carve pumpkins or walk around and see what all the event had to offer. “One of our foremost goals in organizing Pumpkin Carve is to bring the community in to both celebrate with them and to show them what we can do as students,” Levet said. The Dudley Courtyard was decorated with lights, fake spiderwebs and chalk drawings to lead the public to the event while fall music played. Pumpkins were sold for $5 and many different T-shirts and raffles were available for visitors to purchase. The Jack-O’-lanterns were displayed throughout the Dudley Hall Courtyard, perched on walls of tires for all to see. A chili cook-off took place at 5 p.m. and the pumpkins were lit and judged at 6 p.m. The carved pumpkins were judged on creativity, appearance and craftmanship. Auburn University President Jay Gogue and two architecture professors, Tarik Orgen and Scott Finn were the judges of the competition. Children attended the event dressed in their best costumes, waiting for the kid’s costume competition at 6:30 p.m. Students from all majors attended the event. “It was a really fun fall activity to do with friends,” Erika Francks, senior in chemistry, said. “Except for the fact it was -5 degrees.”

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Molly Hendry and Nga Bui work together to carve their gourd for the carving contest. .

VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY @ THEPLAINSMAN.COM

Visit our website for more photo coverage from the Pumpkin Carve!

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Architecture students Caitlyn Salters and Heather Crabtree carve pumpkins while the family looks on.

JENNA BURGESS / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Mary Margaret Jenrath, sophomore in architecture, works on her pumpkin.

Alumna kisses Carter, ends 12-year oath Ashley Ahner vowed not to eat a French fry until she met Aaron Carter

PLAINSMAN PICKS PLAYLIST GAMEDAY PLAYLIST “VOX POPULI” BY THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS

Ashtyne Cole

I love the epic stomping at the beginning of this

INTRIGUE WRITER

Ashley Ahner’s 12-year French fry fast was finally broken when former pop star Aaron Carter shared a fry with her “Lady and the Tramp” style. In seventh grade, Ashley Ahner made a oath she wouldn’t touch a French fry until she met teenage obsession, Aaron Carter. Now an Auburn alumna, Ahner kept her oath and remained French fry-free until she personally met Carter at his concert at Bourbon Street Bar, Oct. 19. Ahner said she has attended at least seven concerts with her friends. Ahner said in February 2001, in her mother’s minivan decorated with “Aaron Carter or Bust,” she came up with an idea on their way to a Carter concert in Peoria, Ill. “I told my three friends that I was going to stop eating French fries until I met Aaron Carter,” Ahner said. “At the same time, we were die-hard fans and knew it was a challenge, but that eventually in the near future I would meet my crush.” Twelve years later, she was still fryless. Soon after the oath was made, Carter fizzled out of the music scene, but Ahner was still bent on keeping her oath to the end. “Living French-fry free is mind-blowing in itself, and then once I tell people the reason why, they usually are speechless and confused.” Ahner said. Maggie Bird is a friend of Ahner’s and was with her when she finally met Carter. “I thought she was crazy,” Bird said. “Who would want to give up eating French fries?” In January 2013, Ahner learned Carter was back for his comeback tour and he would be in Decatur, Ga., close to her new home in Atlanta. She said she couldn’t believe he would be so close and hurriedly bought a table

song. The athletic department used this song in a stadium video during the 2011 season and I ASHLEY SELBY

loved it.

Intrigue Editor “ROAR” BY KATY PERRY While this might not have applied to last year’s season, it seems fitting for the Auburn Tigers this KAILEY MILLER

fall.

Intrigue Reporter “SPRINGSTEEN” BY ERIC CHURCH

CONTRIBUTED BY ASHLEY AHNER

It’s just a classic and whenever I hear it at a

Ahner’s sign grabbed Carter’s attention at his concert at Bourbon Street Bar, Oct. 19.

for four at the Eddie’s Attic Venue where Carter would perform March 13, 2013. A few days before the concert, she discovered a VIP ticket option, which included a meet-and-greet with Carter after the show. Unfortunately for Ahner, they were sold out. “I may or may not have driven to work that morning with a few tears in my eyes when I saw my 12-year-old goal become attainable and then quickly get snatched away from my grasp,” Ahner said. “I was deflated but knew there had to be a way.” Ahner said her only hope was the rumor that the best poster at the concert would be brought on stage. She made a simple poster with crossed out French fries advertising her 12-year fry fast. After arriving, a teeny-bopper miracle occurred. She was stopped in line and given the chance to buy VIP wristbands for her and her two friends. When she got to her table, VIP wristbands in tow, she texted her roommates to bring some fries. Her sign did the trick and got her noticed among the crowd of screaming fans. She was brought on stage with another girl and was serenaded by Carter’s song “I’m All About You.” When she met him af-

tailgate, it just puts me in the best mood. ASHTYNE COLE

Intrigue Writer “CAN’T HOLD US” BY RYAN LEWIS AND MACKLEMORE It’s catchy, a great pump-up song and something everyone can sing along to. Sounds like a win-win to me. MADDIE YERANT

Intrigue Writer “WE WILL ROCK YOU” CONTRIBUTED BY ASHLEY AHNER

BY QUEEN

Ahner’s dream to meet Aaron Carter finally came true Oct. 19.

It’s an obvious choice, but it’s reminded me of

ter the concert, she told him all about her story and snapped a few photos. “The story was too crazy not to be shared,” Carter said. After telling the whole room of VIPs about her 12-year journey, she decided it was only right Carter should be the one to feed her the first fry in 12 years. Carter obliged, enjoying the fry and a brief kiss with Ahner. A 12-year oath finally ended, and Ahner is no longer French-fry free.

hard-hitting sports since I saw A Knight’s Tale BECKY SHEEHAN

back when I was in middle school.

Intrigue Writer “TIGER WALK” BY T-WILL FT. KNUCK I don’t remember who got me to listen to this my freshman year, but ever since it’s been my favorite game day song. I mean, come on, it’s in the name! MARY-KATE SHERER

Intrigue Writer TO LISTEN TO OUR PICKS, VISIT SPOTIFY.COM AND FOLLOW “THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN”


Intrigue A13

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, October 31, 2013

No makeup November challenge, an experiment in self-confidence Becky Sheehan INTRIGUE@THEPLAINSMAN. COM

After dressing for class in my disheveled room, guzzling coffee and then brushing my teeth, the pause provided by the care it takes to apply lipstick felt like a sigh. Leaning over my bathroom sink and focusing on my reflection behind small splatters of toothpaste, I saw imperfection — the blemishes I had tried to conceal, the stubborn dry spots and the bite I left on my bottom lip after wrestling for the right words to finish an article overnight. It bothered me. But as my lips rouged to “Rum Raisin” by Maybelline, the anxiety eased. The effect was akin to Clark Kent changing in a phone booth. I squinted my eyes and there she was: this sharp, confident woman who’s able to walk up to anyone and start a conversation, aiming at her goals with sharpshooter precision. I wore lipstick like an emblem of fearlessness and sophistication. Something uneasy brushed me as I gazed at my proud reflection. I realized the lipstick wasn’t magic — the confidence lived inside me all the time, but I could only, for some strange reason, draw it out when I felt I looked attractive. As a Southern woman in my 20s, I have become an expert illusionist. I know which heels I should wear to elongate my 5-foot-1 frame, I know how to cinch my dresses with a belt to create a waistline and I

know how to contour my cheeks with blush to create “instant cheekbones!”— as is written on the back of my CoverGirl blush compact. A deep-red lipstick makes me feel like Wonder Woman, and changes the way I carry myself. Pride sizzles through me with each application of this stuff — this tasteless stick of chemicals. But what is wrong with me if the poise vanishes when the makeup comes off? Do I value other people’s opinions of me so much it dictates how I feel about myself and approach others? And why can’t I feel kick-ass without makeup? The feeling obviously exists somewhere inside me. What I do know is this: Wonder Woman is beautiful. She was painted by a man to be an ideal. She has an ageless face, small shorts and huge breasts. And I can’t relate to her at all. To me, she is not a feminist icon because not a single woman I know looks or acts like her. She is just art. She’s a doodle on a page acting out masculine stories. What I want is more than that. I want to discover who I am without hiding behind a mask our culture has drawn for me. No Makeup November is an experiment in confidence. It is a search for answers. I pledge, here and now, to not apply makeup (or society’s definition of beauty) to my face for the entire month. I predict it won’t be easy, but the goal in this is to learn about myself and ideas of beauty. So, if you are reading this and you want to give it a shot with me — even for a week, or a day — email me sheehrk@Auburn.edu. We can get coffee and talk about our journey together. Solidarity, sister!

Keep your six-pack with Runtastic Kailey Miller INTRIGUE@THEPLAINSMAN. COM

With colder weather approaching, it is easy to slip into the mindset that working out is no longer necessary because with colder weather comes bulky clothing. Without bathing suit weather looming anywhere in the near future, it can be tempting to substitute your daily workout for a slice of pumpkin pie or those delicious cut-out Halloween sugar cookies. Instead of falling into that rut, which will most likely end in regret come spring semester, use Runtastic Six Pack to stay motivated through the winter months. This app is great for the days you don’t feel like venturing out into the cold to go to the gym. The company describes themselves as “a personal six pack trainer in your pocket.” The app gives you a choice between two avatar trainers, Daniel and Angie. It comes with more than 50 workout demonstrations, motivational music, training plans, tips of the day and the option to share your accomplishments on social media. After you pick which trainer you want to use, you can choose what level you want to progress at. Level one is called “commence your journey.” It lasts 10 days and includes 35 exercises. Level two is labeled “kick it up a notch,” and lasts 15 days with 60 exercise options. Level three is “experience incredible results,” and spans over 25 days with 115 exercise options. For each day on whichever plan you choose, there will be a certain amount of exercises for you to do. You can pick the music the app comes with, or pay an additional $0.99 for a different genre of music. The trainer talks and counts you through the exercise, so you get an example of a good workout pace. The avatar trainer will tell you how many sets and repetitions are necessary, and they will give you a 30-second break in-between each set if you need it. After you have finished the sets for the day, the app shows you how many repetitions you completed and how many calories you burned. You can take a picture and add notes to the work out so you can remember if you liked it or not for the future. After a workout, you will receive the tip of the day, for example, “workouts need fixed dates. A little pressure will promote your discipline.” The duration of the exercises increase by level, and by day.

CONTRIBUTED BY BRYAN WILSON

Bryan Wilson and his wife, Sara Farber, moved to New York City to start Galactic Sneeze.

Schmovie, taking a play on words to a whole new level Kailey Miller INTRIGUE REPORTER

Auburn alumnus Bryan Wilson and his wife, Sara Farber, created Schmovie, a board game that can be played at a family function or a college party. In 2010, Wilson and Farber started the company, Galactic Sneeze, on the third anniversary of their first date. “Galactic Sneeze is a Brooklyn-based funstuff think tank,” Wilson said. “We invent toys and games and intellectual properties, then work to partner with other companies to help bring those to life.” Farber said they pitch their ideas to larger companies, or simply make the inventions themselves. Wilson graduated from Auburn in 1998, and Farber graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1996. In February 2011, Wilson and Farber began developing Schmovie. “We ran the Facebook play-along version of the game for about a year and a half before launching the physical game,” Farber said. “It was a great way to build buzz and test out some aspects of the game with a broad audience.” Farber said they received more than 30,000 Schmovie titles from fans. Schmovie is designed for ages 13 and up, and can include three or more players. “Every round, one person is the Schmovie producer and they roll a genre die and figure out what the movie’s going to be about,” Wilson said. The die has six different sides: sci-fi, horror, rom-com, drama, action and producer’s choice. For producer’s choice, the ruling producer at the time gets to pick the genre. The next step is picking two premise cards. One deck of cards will tell the players who the movie is about, and the other deck tells the

players what the movie is about. “Then, all the other players have wipeoff boards and they write down titles for what they would call that Schmovie,” Wilson said. “The Schmovie producer collects all of the cards, all the titles, shuffles them up so it’s anonymous, reads them aloud and hilarity ensues.” The producer picks their favorite Schmovie title and gives that player a Schquid trophy. Wilson said the first person to collect four Schquids wins the game. “In the movie business, you do something good, you get a gold trophy,” Bryan Wilson said. “In the Schmovie business you get a gold trophy with wings and tentacles and maybe a top hat.” “Schmovie is unusual in that it just relies on the creativity of the players,” said Bob, Bryan Wilson’s father. “Every game is a little different.” Schmovie is available on Amazon, and select stores around the country. Bryan said that they are trying to get Schmovie to come to Auburn. Bryan said Schmovie works for different target audiences because it’s great for kids and adults. “If you ask an 8-year-old to give you the name of a movie about a smelly ninja, they’ve got a dozen names for movies.” Bryan said. “If you’re playing it with your college friends and you’ve had a few drinks, it can get as creative and as X-rated as the players want it to be.” Bob Wilson said his favorite part of the game is the ideas that people come up with, especially the kids. Farber and Wilson run Galactic Sneeze out of their home in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they live with their 2-year-old daughter, Sadie. For more information about Galactic Sneeze and Schmovie, go to GalacticSneeze. com.

Users can select their comfortable workout level.

The week in Tweets Auburn-related chatter on Twitter from Oct. 24–Oct. 30 @two_owen: I don’t know what kind of drugs they are passing out on Auburn’s campus but I just saw a girl skipping to class #waytooearlyforthat @Stina_Bianca: This just in: auburn parking is an advocate of the devil and doesn’t believe in world peace. @maui_chowie: Praying I don’t start hyperventilating while registering for classes like I did at camp War eagle @schwynJ: No Friday classes for me next semester! War Eagle to that. @MaggieMae_AU: A group of high school students walk by on a campus tour. Being friendly, I smile & say hi & war eagle. Five of them yell RTR. #getout #now @Chance4ta: Getting a power point and war eagle from @TakeoSpikes51 on campus >>>>> #wareagle @PDeist #Auburn @chuckfinn334: Can’t wait to see auburn stomp the razorbacks this weekend. So glad to be pumped for the games again. #WarEagle #11 Different length workouts are available.

It starts with an 8 minute and 45 second exercise on level 1, day 1, and ends with a 41 minute and 33 second exercise on level 3, day 25. Under the section “all exercise videos,” there are 50 animated videos that show you how to properly execute different exercises, along with their names. You can change the voice coach to speak in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, or Japanese. Under the section titled, “my workouts,” the app gives you options for extra workouts that range from less than 10 minutes to more than 30 minutes. If you’re looking for an extra push of motivation to stay fit this winter, check out Runtastic.

@Kelli_C_Turner: I always say ‘War Eagle’ to folks I see wearing Auburn gear, but I just couldn’t do it today to the guy wearing AU crocs. #justsaynotocrocs @marybethsnow: Best day of the entire semester, war eagle I love life and sunshine and Auburn and babies and everything @bricemesserly: USC was nice, but there is no place like the plains. Looks like I’ll be carrying on the family tradition next fall in Auburn. War Eagle. @Solodeauxleaux: I’m so blessed to be able to attend Auburn and to be in such an amazing program. A “War Eagle” can get you a long way in this industry.

WANT TO SEE YOUR TWEETS IN TWEETS OF THE WEEK? USE #AUBURN OR #WAREAGLE TO SHARE YOUR AUBURN TWEETS WITH US!


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Intrigue A14

The Auburn Plainsman

International students jump into culture at Auburn University Mary-Kate Sherer INTRIGUE WRITER

When international students step foot on Auburn’s campus, they often want a helping hand to help them understand and assimilate into the culture on The Plains. Auburn University’s Intensive English Program (IEP), part of the International Scholars English Center in the English as a Second Language program, and other international student services aim to help non-English speaking students learn the language and adjust to the culture here. Auburn requires a score of 550 on the TOEFL test, an English proficiency test, for international undergraduates to be admitted. According to Mary Dia-

mond, coordinator of ISEC and ESL instructor, the TOEFL is for international students what the ACT and SAT are for domestic students — the standardized test hurdle they must pass to be admitted. Just like domestic students, some international students don’t test well. That’s where the IEP comes in. “A lot of times, students will come here if they don’t meet the requirements,” said Carrie Melius, coordinator for the Global Bridge Program and ESL instructor. “They will join our Intensive English Program to build on their English skills. We also offer TOEFL prep classes.” Though some students may need additional practice to get their TOEFL score up, most

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10/28/13

international students arrive with at least some experience with the language. “It’s rare for us to get a student that has no background (in English) whatsoever,” Melius said. In addition to TOEFL prep, IEP offers classes to help with grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, listening and speaking. For international teaching assistants (ITAs), the ESL program offers a training course focused on classroom language skills, teaching techniques, and cultural issues in the American classroom. According to Melius, once students are here in Auburn, the ESL program’s student services provides assistance with necessary arrangements such as airport shuttle pick-up, housing, medical documentation and University applications and paperwork. While the classroom is a focus for the ESL program and IEP, the coordinators said they realize in order to truly learn the language, it is crucial to understand the underlying culture. English for Everyday Use (EEU) is one of the non-academic features offered by ISEC. “(EEU is) more or less about the informal aspects of English,” said Paul Sims, adjunct instructor for the ESL program and a master’s candidate for adult education. “It’s the things that you and I use every day.” These aspects include phrasal verbs, such as “I put up with,” and idioms, such as “it’s raining cats and dogs,” Americans use without realizing how odd it must sound to foreign students. While the latter phrase is used to describe heavy rain, there is no way for a non3:13 PM American to understand it

SARAH MAY / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Harua Suzuki, Yoshi Valles Higa, Aiko Sato and Tj Jiang enjoy popsicles on Samford lawn during Auburn’s English as a Second Language Program’s Welcome Back social, Oct. 23.

without having it explained. “The idea is when they walk out of the classroom, they hear stuff and understand and that light bulb goes off,” Sims said. EEU is open to the community as well as international students and domestic students. It is meant to be a conversation group for non-English speakers to learn through using the language as well as a way for domestic students to engage with someone from a different culture. “We encourage any fluent speaker, native or non-native, to attend,” Sims said. “It’s a very open, relaxed, free zone where they learn how to speak everyday English.” EEU covers a variety of topics, from football to holidays, in order to familiarize international students and non-fluent community members with the cultural aspect of language. According to Melius and Diamond, the ESL offers periodic events open to all students, including domestics. From a recent popsicle social on Samford Lawn to Halloween par-

ties, there are plenty of opportunities for American and international students to interact and share their cultures. According to Beth Anne Dawson, coordinator of the International Buddies Program, just like American students who go abroad, international students want to learn this new culture and understand American traditions. “At the end of the term we take a survey of all our students in the IEP,” Dawson said. “A lot of students always say ‘I just wish I could have made an American friend.’” Dawson said the International Buddies Program was created to give international students a chance to integrate into the culture. It pairs international and local students for one school year, in which they commit to meeting twice a month and staying in touch via text and email. Chenbin Huang, junior in nutrition and dietetics, participates in the program. He was assigned his American bud-

dy at the buddy reveal party in September. “We hang out and get lunch,” Huang said. “I’m having a birthday party at my place on Friday and I will ask him to come.” According to Dawson, while this casual friendship is a great perk for international students, domestic students benefit too. Just as international students learn the local culture, they share their native culture with their American buddies. As for the coordinators of each program, each described their experiences as rewarding. They are familiar with their students and aim to incorporate them into the Auburn family. “I love our job. I love it,” Diamond said. For more information on events with the ESL program and opportunities to get involved with the International Buddies Program, check out the program’s page at Facebook.com/AuburnESL.


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