The Auburn Plainsman 9.15.16

Auburn vs. Texas A&M game day section inside

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID

Thursday, September 15, 2016 Vol. 124, Issue 5, 12 Pages

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

SPORTS

COMMUNITY

Lovvorn wins Fire batallion chief takes House Republican primary

Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY EDITOR

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

CONTRIBUTED BY CHASE RITTER

Chase Ritter (50) warms up before Auburn Football vs. Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Ritter had no experience in cheerleading before he applied for the Auburn cheerleading team.

Supporters of Auburn Fire Division Battalion Chief Joe Lovvorn gathered at the bases of the iconic Toomer's Oaks Tuesday night to celebrate his win as he clinched the House District 79 Republican Primary race.

Joe, his two children and his wife Jennifer Lovvorn, along with more than twenty other supporters, rolled the young oaks because "something good happened in Auburn tonight," he said.

After nearly three months of a hard-fought campaign — one powered by nearly $100,000 in donations — Joe took 51.29 percent of the vote as returns came in Tuesday in downtown Opelika.

"Thank you for showing up today," he said after the results were announced.

"Thank you to my opponents and their families for getting into this race. Auburn is a great place. ... But Auburn is not a place, it's a people. Today, the Auburn people showed up, and I appreciate them. I'm proud to be a part of The Auburn Family."

Joe said he was proud of the respectful campaign they ran — a campaign he said was based on policy issues.

"We've run on commonsense leadership," he said. "I think we're going to continue to apply common sense to our everyday lives and problems. There are some great people in Montgomery who are trying to make a difference."

Donning a white #GoForJoe t-shirt, Jennifer said she was proud of her husband and his victory.

"I'm very proud of my husband," she said. "I'm very proud of this campaign. It has been our desire to run this campaign with the utmost respect for the other candidates, with consideration of their families. It's very hard on us spouses."

The other three candidates took the remaining 49 percent with Sandy Toomer at

From toe touches to touchdowns

Student trades Auburn cheerleading for football Lily Jackson INTRIGUE EDITOR

Chase Ritter went from holding cheerleaders to holding the line for Auburn Football in 2015.

Ritter, junior in biosystems engineering, cheered with Auburn University from 2014-2015 after trying out for the position on a whim.

Ritter wrestled and played football and baseball in high school, but cheer never came to mind when considering new sports.

Ritter had no prior experience in cheer when he began school at Auburn, but was quickly talked into turning in an application after assisting his friends while they practiced for cheer tryouts.

"I had friends that needed help stunting while they were practicing for tryouts and they said, 'Chase, you can at least throw me up in the air,' so I started with that," Ritter said.

"Eventually they just asked me to do it with them."

Ritter didn't turn in his cheerleading application until the last minute and hadn't told a single person outside of others who were trying out that he was going for a position on the team.

"My parents didn't find out that I had made the team until it got posted on Facebook," Ritter said.

Ritter said his dad was surprised, but supportive.

Ritter said cheering was very worthwhile due to the

amount of services they were able to perform. Ritter said the cheer team is very involved on campus and they were welcomed into schools around the community.

"I really got to see all the aspects of the 'Auburn Family,'" Ritter said.

Ritter's favorite memories from cheering were the road trips with the team.

"We got to hang out all the time, go different places, see all the stadiums and travel around," Ritter said.

For most of the games, each cheerleader has a partner and typically those partners stay the same throughout the year.

Ritter's cheer partner was Carrie Ann Cochran.

"I had a great partner, really," Ritter said. "She was a lot of fun."

Ritter said he loves playing football, but there were good times and great experiences with the cheerleaders that he doesn't forget.

"Whenever we go through Tiger Walk, I would get mauled at the end, because that's where they all stood," Ritter said.

"They were all so excited and it was really good to see them all out there again."

Ritter said he didn't consider any other schools and has wanted to play for Auburn from the beginning of his college search.

» See RITTER, 2

LOVVORN

25.9 percent, Brett Smith at 12.25 percent and Jay Conner in last with 10.54 percent of the vote.

Toomer said he respects the will of the majority, but he's not necessarily content or comfortable with Joe as Auburn's representative in Montgomery.

"He was the choice of the majority, and so I hope everybody is happy in two years from now because this seat will come back up," Toomer said. "This is a two-year try it before you buy it."

Toomer said he will closely watch Joe's activities in office over the next two years.

"If he does anything out of the best interest of Auburn, we're going to let people know," Toomer said. "Not because I'm planning on taking revenge and running against him. I want people to know because I'm a Robin Hoodtype person. I just didn't get the bag of money this time."

Voter participation in the primary totaled in at nearly 12 percent, as 33,800 people were registered to vote in the district, and 4,008 people turned out to vote on Tuesday.

Smith, who came in third, said he was surprised at the results, but the results don't diminish his hope for the district or for its future. He said he plans to support Joe as the party nominee.

"He seemed very happy, very nice, very humble," Smith said. "He said he really enjoyed running against me in the race. I think we re-

» See LOVVORN, 2

SENATE

SGA addresses game-day issues, chief diversity officer search Claire Tully CAMPUS EDITOR

During their weekly senate meeting on Sept. 12, SGA senators discussed issues surrounding student experience and behavior on football game days.

Brad Smith, SGA adviser, said a large portion of the student body was noticeably intoxicated as they entered Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 10

Page 4

for the Auburn vs. Arkansas State game.

“I’ve worked with the student gates for about four or five years now at football games and this is probably the worst week I’ve seen when it comes to the student body being intoxicated,” Smith said.

“Help us be leaders in that, whether that’s your own personal decisions or the decisions that you’re watching

your friends and peers make on Saturdays sitting at the games — and any day for that matter.”

Sarah Grace Mitchell, SGA student affairs committee chair, spoke on another game day complaint centered on bookstore buttons.

“We got a lot of feedback about the change in the game day buttons policy, so we are in talks with the book-

Page 6

store right now to figure out why they made the changes,” Mitchell said. “I know SGA exec is looking into that too, but I just want to let you all know we’re looking out for you in all those areas.”

SGA President Jesse Westerhouse said the search for a new chief officer of diversity has gone public.

“They started the public process for the chief officer of

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diversity interview,” Westerhouse said. “We’ve got three candidates and they’ll be given public interviews on campus.”

The first round of interviews will be help publicly on Wednesday, Westerhouse said.

“Go down to Student Affairs to give feedback on those candidates,” Westerhouse said.

In wake of the upcoming

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budget and finance hearings the SGA Budget and Finance Committee Chair Chris Smillie encouraged senators to educate themselves on where student funding is going.

“It’s a big week for budgeting and financing as we have our hearings tomorrow and Wednesday from 6 p.m. until we get done,” Smillie said.

“Feel free to come to those, I encourage you all to do that.”

INDEX Campus

3

Opinion

5

Community 6

Political organizations weigh in on presidential candidates

Lee County Sherrif to use drones

Teray Smith begins Olympic career

A day in the life of an Aubie director

Sports

8

Intrigue

11

News 2

RITTER » From 1

“Football has always been something I’ve loved and wanted to do to begin with,” Ritter said.

“I didn’t know you could try out for football. But, I had a buddy who was trying to walkon as well and he talked me into

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Auburn Plainsman helping him out with tryouts and it just worked out.”

Ritter thoroughly enjoyed ADay and finds the general camaraderie of the team welcoming.

Ritter said the difference between early-age ball and college ball is not the size, but the speed.

“Everyone is big here, but everyone is also fast,” Ritter said.

“In every way you can think of.”

Ritter said there were correlations between the two sports, despite their polar-opposite appearances.

“Sports cross over into any other sport,” Ritter said. “There are some similarities and some serious differences. There is a cross-over in how you shoot your hips through to get power, skills like that.”

Results: Joe Lovvorn: 2,097 votes at 51.29 percent Sandy Toomer: 1,059 votes at 25.9 percent Brett Smith: 501 votes at 12.25 percent Jay Conner: 431 votes at 10.54 percent

CHIP BROWNLEE / COMMUNITY EDITOR

Joe Lovvorn, his two children and his wife Jennifer, along with more than twenty other supporters rolled the young oaks because “something good happened in Auburn tonight,” he said.

LOVVORN » From 1

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Chase Ritter (50) warms up before Auburn Football vs.Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn,Ala.

ally built a friendship.”

Joe said he felt honored after Tuesday’s victory because he didn’t think a win was “mathematically possible” without a run-off. But he said he was excited to move forward, and looks forward to the general election set for November.

Just as results in the Republican primary were final-

ized Tuesday, 21-year-old Auburn junior and Libertarian Party candidate Gage Fenwick announced he reached the 300-signature filing limit to appear on the Nov. 29 general election ballot.

Fenwick said he filed more than 300 signatures Tuesday with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office after collecting the signatures on petitions for the past two months. When Fenwick appears on the ballot in No-

vember, he will be Joe’s only opponent.

No Democratic candidates met the filing deadline to run.

“The people of Auburn and Lee County deserve to have a choice on Election Day,” Fenwick said. “A vote on a ballot with one choice is no vote at all.”

Kris Martins, community reporter, and Lily Jackson, intrigue editor, contributed to this report.

CAMPUS

Artists discuss their diversity through Biggin gallery

Caroline Stone INTRIGUE WRITER

This month’s Biggin Gallery installation addresses both the Black Lives Matter movement and the lives of refugees in a mixture of modern art.

Artists Hong-An Truong and Jina Valentine discussed their works at a lecture hosted by the College of Liberal Arts. Both women are professors of art at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and were approached by Jessye McDowell, an alumna of the MFA program at UNC that is now a professor at Auburn, to display their work.

Jina Valentine discussed how she received her BFA from Carnegie Mellon, then she went on to receive her MFA from Stanford University. In 2005, between these degrees, Valentine went to Skowhegan School, a residency in Maine. This is where the Black Lunch Table began.

The Black Lunch Table, or BLT, is an ongoing project that Valentine leads with fellow artist Heather Hart. It began with African-American artists present at the Skowhegan School gathering around a lunch table and discussing the community of artists of color.

According to Valentine, it has since grown into a large collaboration of artists who meet in a roundtable discussion to critically discuss the topics directly affecting the colored community.

Recently, these conversations have been about the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We talk about how the media focuses in on police brutality,” Valentine said. “Do you think

DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR

Artwork from Hong-An Truong and Jina Valentine is on display at Biggin Gallery until Wednesday, Sept. 28.

this is as effective as discussing…institutional racism or issues that are more systemic than specific cases?”

Valentine drew from these thoughts and discussions for her pieces displayed in the Big-

SPORTS

Four women’s tennis players in preseason Oracle/ITA rankings

gin Gallery. One piece shows weather reports alongside death reports in a newspaper. Valentine said this connects a daily occurrence such as the weather to the seemingly daily report of police brutality.

Truong said discrimination and a need for community also shows throughout the gallery.

Truong was raised by two Vietnamese refugees in the United States. Truong and her parents constantly moved around, relocating for different jobs and never settling down in one city or state.

“I never grew up in a community with Vietnamese people,” Truong said. “It was always me … in some ways searching for stories and searching for ways to see my own experience reflected back.”

Truong mainly expresses her art in media form. This past summer in July, Truong was able to have an exhibition displayed in Vietnam at the Nhà Sàn Collective in Hà Nội, Vietnam.

“It was really great,” Truong said. “I’ve been going back to Vietnam pretty much every or every other year for the last 15-16 years now. I have a lot of artists friends there and I’ve given a talk on my work there, but this is actually the first exhibition that I’ve had there.”

In Auburn, her pieces are about her mother.

The art integrates her country history with her family history in both physical and media forms.

“It’s a story about telling a story,” Truong said. “The Vietnam War really interests me in general. I ask myself, whose stories get told by whom and how?”

Both Valentine and Truong tell the stories of their communities through their art, drawing from their history and their experiences. The Biggin Gallery is open to the public on weekdays until Sept. 28.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Emily Shoffit SPORTS EDITOR

The Auburn women’s tennis team had four players represented in the preseason Oracle/ITA rankings, released by the International Tennis Association on Tuesday.

Junior Andie Dikosavljevic will begin the fall season ranked No. 13 in singles, while Allie Michaud is listed at No. 24. In doubles, Michaud and freshman Taylor Russo are ranked No. 27 while Dikosavljevic and Alannah Griffin are ranked No. 58.

In addition, the ITA also unveiled official selections for the 2016 Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Championships, which will be hosted by the Riviera Tennis Club in Pacific Palisades, California, for the 33rd straight year.

Dikosavljevic will compete in the main draw singles bracket, while Michaud will start in

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS

Andie Dikosavljevic pumps her fist at the USTA/ITA Regional Championships.

the qualifying singles bracket.

Michaud and Russo will begin in the qualifying doubles bracket.

The 2016 Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Champion-

ships will begin with pre-qualifying matches beginning on Oct. 1. The main draw will run Oct. 6-9. Auburn opens its fall season at the Rice Invitational in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 24.

DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR

Workers continue to remove toilet paper manually on Monday, Sept. 12 at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn, Ala. The newly established trees require caution when removing the toilet paper.

Campus

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

ThePlainsman.com

Campus

ORGANIZATIONS

CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA BETH TOWERY

LEFT: The Mortar Board Sphinx Chapter stands on the steps of Lowder Hall.

RIGHT: The Sphinx Chapter executive officers.

Mortar Board presented with the Gold Torch award Claire Tully CAMPUS EDITOR

The Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society presented the Gold Torch award, a national distinction given out annually to the most outstanding Mortar Board chapters in the country, to Auburn’s Sphinx Chapter.

Laura Beth Towery, Mortar Board president, said the Mortar Board was recognized for its efforts this past year.

“Mortar Board’s Sphinx Chapter [Auburn University] received the Gold Torch award at National Conference this summer in Indianapolis, Indiana in recognition of being one of the highest achieving chapters in the country,” Towery said. “This award was given in recognition of our chapter’s success for the 2015-2016 year.”

The Sphinx Chapter is a national honor society comprised of a group of Auburn seniors who have accomplishments in scholarship, leadership and service, Towery said.

The Mortar Board was established nationally in 1918 and the Gold Torch is the highest honor

“

I believe the Sphinx Chapter was selected for this award as a result of our members’ genuine desire to give back to our community and our alma mater.”

—Laura Beth Towery Mortar Board Sphinx Chapter President

they award to collegiate chapters across the nation.

The current Sphinx Chapter intends to achieve the same high level of success as last year’s Mortar Board members, Towery said.

“Last year’s members set the goal to be selected for this award last August, and we have set the same goal for this year,” Towery said. “As current members, we plan to follow in the footsteps of the members before us and use this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Auburn’s campus and community.”

TECHNOLOGY

CLAIRE TULLY / CAMPUS EDITOR

The University has teamed up with Guidebook to create an upgrade to the “Auburn Guides” app.

University releases new ‘Auburn Guides’ app

Romy Iannuzzi CAMPUS WRITER

The University has teamed up with mobile app developer Guidebook to create an upgrade to the “Auburn Guides” app.

The project was spearheaded

by John-Michael Roehm, director of the previous Auburn Guides projects.

“The updated version of Auburn Guides provides users with a much more streamlined and user friendly approach to using Auburn Guides,” Roehm said. “From the stylistic design to the functionality, the updated app functions similarly to many other popular applications, making it much more intuitive.”

The Auburn Guides app boasts the same features as the old app, but with a “slicker” interface and functionality, Roehm said.

“The most popular use of Auburn Guides is the scheduling feature,” Roehm said. “Departments and organizations post most schedules of events, meeting times or other informa-

tion for students to browse.”

Roehm said the app’s scheduling feature reminds students of events.

“When you find an event you like, you may add it to your schedule and set for a reminder to go off on your phone at the time you desire,” Roehm said. “Many of these events are seamlessly being inputted into the app from AUinvolve so the information you are getting is consistent.”

The popular “Handbooks” feature will be returning from the previous Auburn Guides app, Roehm said.

“Auburn Guides has also seen great use of the app to be used as a student handbook with pertinent information,” Roehm said. “Student Conduct recently listed the entire Code of Student Conduct in an easy to read format for students to understand.”

The process was a collaboration between university staff and mobile app developers, Guidebook, who handled the technical aspects of the project,

Roehm said.

“We are fortunate to partner with Guidebook to actually do all of the technical building of the app,” Roehm said. “Their team has been great to work with to make sure the Auburn Guides app ‘looks and feels’ like something Auburn students are used to seeing.”

Roehm said the Guidebook team has been helpful in keeping the app up to date.

“The Guidebook team handles all technical issues allowing for non-tech users like myself to easily maintain accurate information in the app,” Roehm said.

Roehm said he encourages students and other app users to look forward to the future of Auburn Guides, as well as all of the potential upgrades.

“We are continually meeting with new campus departments and organizations to add to Auburn Guides,” Roehm said.

“We hope the future shows that Auburn Guides will be a onestop mobile shop for information about Auburn University.”

Towery said the chapter has plans to host various events reflecting the organization’s values across Auburn’s campus and community this year.

“Since our members are selected on the basis of exemplary scholarship, leadership and service, our goal for the year is to host an event in each of these three areas,” Towery said.

The University’s Mortar Board will be hosting events previously held as well as new events, Towery said.

“We will continue this year with our annu-

al ‘Park Like a Dean’ event, in which students enter to win a dean’s parking space during finals week,” Towery said. “We will also host an event to recognize outstanding faculty, and we are creating a video of advice for incoming freshmen in hopes of inspiring them to be leaders.”

Towery said she believes leadership and dedication to service have contributed to the chapter’s success.

“I believe the Sphinx Chapter was selected for this award as a result of our members’ genuine desire to give back to our community and our alma mater,” Towery said. “Our members are truly leaders among leaders, and we are grateful to have an opportunity to serve this campus.”

Norman Godwin, Mortar Board adviser, said he chose to interfere as little as possible because the Mortar Board members are successful leaders on their own.

“I am very proud of the chapter,” Godwin said.

“I have always said that Auburn is full of great students, and as an advisor, I just try to stay out of their way.”

Campus 4

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Auburn Plainsman

SECURITY

Athletics seeks ‘gameday safety’ with clear bag policy Emmy Leberte CAMPUS REPORTER

Auburn’s Athletic Department implemented a clear bag policy in March for football games to improve safety and accelerate gate access.

Cassie Arner, associate athletics director for strategic communications, said that large venues hosting college football have taken the recommendation from Homeland Security and safety specialists.

“This year eight SEC schools are implementing it [the policy] and then it will be a leaguewide implantation for 2017,” Arner said. “The NFL has been doing it for a few years and most of your major bowl games have started doing it a few years ago, because they are operating under those same recommendations and usually are hosting concerts and other big events.”

The initiative was launched in March and the six months following are dedicated to getting the word out using traditional social media methods,

briefings before press conferences and flyers being sent out with every ticket.

“We also sent every season-ticket holder a clear bag and all of our donors were also given a clear bag,” Arner said. “We did a lot of education with our vendors around town.”

Arner said the Athletic Department made sure the policy will allow fans to bring their purchased items into the stadium.

“On a game day a lot of our fans will go buy t-shirts and things from the bookstores and we wanted to make sure those bookstores were providing them a bag when they purchased their items that would also be permissible inside the stadium,” Arner said.

The event security staff is trained by security forces in Auburn, such as the Police and Fire Departments, annually to practice scanning and checking bags diligently.

Everyone who enters the stadium planning on carrying a bag must follow the 12-by-12-by-6

RISK MANAGEMENT

clear bag rule, except individuals with medical needs.

“There are some people who have medical needs, so we have set aside two specific gates where those who may have a special medical device or a bag that they need to carry more things then what would fit in the size of the clear bags,” Arner said.

People who carry things needed for infants and small children are placed in the exception category, but at those gates there are more stringent security, Arner said.

“Everything in the bag should be loose so there shouldn’t be the need, as we have had in the past, to go through and put hands inside bags and move things around,” Arner said. “With it being clear you should be able to see everything and the largest piece you should have in there should be a wallet. At that point we feel pretty comfortable that we are able to quickly glance and realize that you have a safe bag to bring in.”

Arner said the athletic department is placing skilled security at the gates, where the people with exceptions go through, to take the extra time to thoroughly search the bags to ensure safety.

There are four check-bag areas manned with security at all times.

They’re located at the shuttle drop-off on War Eagle Way, the Auburn Arena, Plainsman Park and a semi parked outside gate one for those who have impermissible bags, Arner said.

“The most popular one was we had a huge semi set up outside Gate 1 and as people would come in they would put all their belongings in a Tupperware tub that would get wrapped up in cellophane tape in front of them and they would sign off on it and it would get put in the semi [truck] bed for safe keeping,” Arner said.

Arner said another precaution to ensure people were bringing permissible bags in is to place security at shuttle services to look at the bags and give fans the option to run them back to their cars.

ELECTION

University welcomes speakers for Campus Fire Safety Month Emmy Leberte CAMPUS REPORTER

The University is participating in Campus Fire Safety Month this September to raise awareness and teach fire prevention methods in hopes of bringing fire safety to the forefront of college campuses.

Jon Haney, University safety and health specialist, said most students haven’t had such education before college.

“It is important that they realize the importance of fire safety, that there are dangers from fire and that they should do everything they can to educate themselves and protect themselves, regardless if they live on or off campus,” Haney said.

Every Tuesday of the month the Risk Management and Safety department will host an event to promote fire safety, Haney said.

“It helps students realize they’re not invincible and they should educate themselves and take all the necessary steps to learn what to do if they were ever in a fire event and also help prevent fires,” Haney said. “The best way to survive a fire is to prevent one from happening and prevention always starts with education.”

There will be a training event on Sept. 20 to teach students how to safely use a fire extinguisher.

There will be two guest speakers, Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos, showing their documentary, “After The Fire: A true story of heroes and cowards.”

“We have invited two gentlemen, who at one time were

students at Seton Hall University, and in their freshmen year they were involved in a dorm fire,” Haney said. “They survived this fire but they had three classmates who perished in the fire and 56 others who were injured.”

Simons and Llanos travel the country to tell their story.

“I have personally witnessed the presentation and it is very powerful,” Haney said. “It could be one of those things that could be life changing for someone because it doesn’t just cover fire safety.

It is one of those inspiring stories that talks about overcoming adversity and those different things life throws in your way.”

Haney said the event will have free food and tickets drawings to win door prizes, such as autographed pictures from coaches and a $100 gift card to Kinnucan’s.

The Department of Risk Management and Safety won’t be doing any presentations pertaining to the recent Lowder or bike fires.

“It is one of those things that if someone would like to talk about them at the events we’d be glad to talk to them about it, but we don’t have a specific program for presentation where we are talking about these specific fires,” Haney said. “Hopefully with the recent things that have happened then they will be more receptive to the events we are offering.

Haney said the Risk Management and Safety department is available for fire safety education to the campus community.

College Democrats and Republicans weigh-in on presidential candidates

STERLING WAITS / GRAPHICS DESIGNER

Emmy Leberte CAMPUS REPORTER

The College Democrats and College Republicans are on a mission this semester to educate the University’s student body on the presidential candidates running in the upcoming election:Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Although both political organizations are supporting their own respective candidates, they have a shared goal.

They’re hoping to persuade students to get out on election day and vote.

Calvin Wilborn, Alabama College Democrats president, Auburn University College Democrats president emeritus and junior in political science, said he believes Hillary Clinton, the democratic presidential candidate, is one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for president.

Wilborn said he believes Clinton’s service as the First Lady, Secretary of State and Senator in New York during the 9/11 attacks serve as proof of her capabilities.

“Our goal is to make sure we have students here who are educated on the issues,” Wilborn said. “Hopefully, by looking and evaluating the issues they will want to vote for Secretary Clinton.”

The College Democrats are working to urge students to examine political issues further, Wilborn said.

Wilborn said Clinton is pushing to make college affordable, which is a prominent issue on college campuses.

Cole Davis, College Republicans president and junior in political science, said Donald Trump, the republican candidate,

has proven himself to be formidable candidate for this day-in-age throughout his campaign.

“His support for American sovereignty, in trade deals and in border security and dedication to the ‘common good’ of the American citizen makes him a practical candidate for the times in which we are living,” Davis said. “He has promised to rescind many of the reprehensible executive orders given by President Obama.”

Davis said he believes Trump will be able to affect change Americans have yet to see in Washington D.C. politics.

“He [Trump] has also expressed intention to return certain powers back to the states,” Davis said.

Davis said Trump may provide “a breath of fresh air” as a candidate showing true constitutionality as it relates to federalism.

Campus is home to three political organizations, the College Democrats, College Republicans and the Young Libertarians, which provide students the opporunity to discuss and learn more about politics, particularly during this presidential election year.

Auburn for Hillary meetings are Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., where students have the opportunity to make phone calls vouching for Clinton, have group discussions about canvassing and organize events urging others to vote for Clinton, Wilborn said.

“With College Democrats, we meet every other Wednesday and that’s an opportunity to be in a room full of College Democrats to talk about social issues, justice re-

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form and things that really impact college students,” Wilborn said.

The organization has partnered with the Lee County Republican Club campaign headquarters to help students get involved in campaigning for Trump as election day approaches, Davis said.

“This semester, we plan on having various speakers come to our organization as well as one major speaker,” Davis said.

“On Thursday, Sept. 15, the Leadership Institute will be visiting us to host a workshop about political involvement.”

Davis said in addition to having guest speakers and hosting a workshop, the College Republicans will be holding Organization Days to promote their club and upcoming voter registration drives.

The College Republicans anticipate having a public screening of the first presidential debate, Davis said.

Wilborn and Davis both said they not only strongly advise students to vote, but also urge them to be well informed in the desicion they make on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

“Research the candidates, research the parties, research the topics and chose those topics that are valuable,” Wilborn said. “I think you should really do your research and pick a candidate that really supports your ideas and values.”

Davis said he believes this generation is living in a time where “pseudo-intellectual talking heads seem to speak and think for us”.

“Be informed, be a patriot and get out and vote,” Davis said.

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Opinion

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OUR VIEW

Ladies of the SEC: if you like it, wear it Fall Editorial Board 2016

The Huffington Post recently published, and then deleted, a column by University of Alabama graduate Rebecca Walden titled “Women of the SEC: Cover it up!”

In the column, Walden wrote of her shock and outrage at some of the outfits worn by female students at the Alabama vs. USC game in Arlington, Texas.

“That lucky shaker tucked into the back of your on trend boot? The team logo you’re sporting on your cheek? The Greek letters sticker on your shirt declaring the sorority to which you belong and your loyalty to your team? All rendered classless by those ill-covered curves you’ve made sure are on full display,” Walden wrote.

It would be nice to think Walden is alone in this mindset — that there aren’t really other people whose lives have been negatively affected by “ill-covered curves.”

It would be nice, but not realistic. It might

seem silly to get so worked up about a rant centered around visible bra straps and stilettos, but Walden’s column is indicative of a larger problem.

We live in a world where women are blamed for their own rapes because of what they were or were not wearing and where the legality of the burkini, a full-body swimsuit, is an actual debate.

Her argument not only assumes women dress to please men — “I wanted to tell you that if you’re doing this for a boy, he’s not the one for you. I wished you understood that a trend can be interpreted as fun and flirty without being tasteless” — but that they dress to please anybody but themselves.

Women should be able to wear what they want without fear of disrupting someone’s game day experience.

So, if you ever find yourself at a football game worried about an 18-year-old’s hemline, “do us all a solid” and watch the next game on TV.

Opinion

EDITORIAL CARTOON

STERLING WAITS / GRAPHICS EDITOR

COLUMN

My first experience with the Leftist Illuminati Alex Wilkerson OPINIONS COLUMNIST

Recently The Plainsman released an opinions piece discussing a political movement known as the alt-right.

After the publication of this article there were some allegations made about the paper that I thought needed addressing.

Most notably, one reader referred to us as members of a group called the “Leftist Illuminati.”

The argument being we somehow use the news to further a leftist agenda with which we have been secretly controlling the city of Auburn and the world.

I wrote this article to simply ask, how the hell did you figure it out?

We’ve spent years releasing articles about puppies and campus style to favor the will of our liberal overlords.

With every report on local business openings, we were sure that we were pleasing the lizard people that secretly run the planet without giving anything away.

So my question is, how did you see the subtext so easily?

Here at The Plainsman we understand the jig is up, so I’ve decided to write about my first experiences with the Leftist Illuminati, so you, the pawns in our game, can really get a good idea about the kind of people who are running your planet. So I wrote a piece about my first budget meeting.

I hope that you enjoy, rest assured if you don’t we are already aware.

Journalists like to say you never forget your first budget meeting.

I sure will never forget mine.

Though I had been to the Student Media Suite before, I knew almost immediately there was

something strange going on the night of my first budget.

The lights in the Student Center were completely cut off, as if someone had cut all power to the building.

The only light I saw emitted from a line of wine-red candles, aligned so as to lead straight to The Plainsman Office.

As I entered The Plainsman Suite, my muscles clenched in fear, I became aware of the feeling that I was being watched.

I knew immediately that something was off.

The Obama portrait, usually hung above the

The Editorial Board Corey Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Claire Tully CAMPUS

Madison Ogletree PHOTO

Dakota Sumpter MANAGING EDITOR

Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY

Anne Dawson SOCIAL MEDIA

Shannon Powell COPY

Emily Shoffit

Parker Aultman MULTIMEDIA

Weston Sims OPINION

Emily Esleck

SPORTS DESIGN

Lily Jackson INTRIGUE

Submissions

Policy

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

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

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

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

This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.

The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors.

These opinions do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

A single person approached me and removed his hood. It was the head editor.

“You have expressed interest in the Brotherhood of The Plainsman and as such have come under the scrutiny of the Leftist Illuminati, and Obama’s All Seeing Eye.” I sat speechless, restrained at the wrists of a swivel chair.

“As a prospective member of the Brotherhood, we ask you one simple question, what is the goal of all journalists?”

I was stunned, this is what happens when you express interest on the concourse?

I replied, trembling with fear, “To report the news fairly and without bias?”

The editor shook his head.

“He is not ready.”

My friend who had been on the concourse that day, removed her hood.

“Give him a break, he’s from Alabama, can you really blame him for not understanding the Journalist code?”

“Listen to his answer, he is clearly not fit for Journalism,” replied the Head Editor.

“The Journalist code?” What have I gotten myself into? I wondered.

After some discussion between the group, the Head Editor once again turned to me.

“Listen my son, would you like to be a writer of The Plainsman and therefore part of STERLING WAITS / GRAPHICS EDITOR the Leftist Illuminati?

“We are the most powerful group in the editor’s desk, was now replaced by The Eye of world. If you would join us and repent, then use Providence. your biases to your advantage, there is no limit to Candles illuminated the altar below. The door the power you can have with us!” slammed behind me.

Wary of joining a cult but nonetheless Before I could react, a bag was put over my interested in the proposition of limitless power, head.

I responded the only way I knew how: “Sure.”

I awoke to the sound of typing. I began to “Good my son, welcome to the paper.” scream. The bag was removed from my head and After the ceremony we all went to Little Italy, I saw what must have been 30 people in orange and the rest as they say, is history. and blue robes.

Or should I say, our history?

One person, whom I could only assume was the scribe, continued to type. “Alexander Foster Alex Wilkerson is an Opinions columnist. He Wilkerson,” spoke a figure within the crowd. can be reached at opinions@ThePlainsman.com.

Community Thursday, September 15, 2016

6 ThePlainsman.com

Community

Lee County sheriffs to use drones LAW ENFORCEMENT

Kris Martins

COMMUNITY REPORTER

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will soon be taking its next steps toward adopting Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, into its force in efforts to improve efficiency and safety.

Implementation of the drone technology, which has been on the department’s radar for years, doesn’t have a set timeline yet, though it would be in the “coming months rather than years,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

“We like to keep abreast of current technologies,” Jones said. “We certainly try to take advantage of anything and everything…that’ll aid us in … completing our bottom-line mission and accomplishing our goal of providing for the public’s safety.

That’s our No.1 objective.”

The sheriff’s office had been interested in the technology for about three years, but was waiting for the equipment to become more advanced, efficient and available in different options that would work well with the department’s goals.

The department also adjusted its budget over the years to set aside funds to add the upcoming systems, Jones said.

Using the technology would be ideal for at least three different scenarios, Jones added.

“For search and rescue operations,”

Jones said. “When we have, say, someone in a rural area, a child or perhaps a person with a mental disorder — dementia, Alzheimer’s — for individuals who are unable to communicate effectively.”

The technology could help find someone who is lost or disoriented, as long as authorities know the area where the person was last seen, he said.

“It would allow us to have another option as far as eyes to hopefully conduct a more efficient search,” Jones said.

The drones would also help with situational awareness in scenarios that threaten safety, such as a hostage or barricaded suspect situations, Jones said.

“To give us a way out of the particular location that would help us to formulate the most efficient and safest response for all concerned to hopefully mitigate the situation,” he said.

The UAS, Jones said, would also give authorities a different perspective of a crime scene.

“We have in our jurisdiction a lot of rural areas, and a lot of times our crime scenes are in open areas,” he said. “And this would give us an additional way of viewing that scene that would perhaps allow us to pick up some items or elements that are not visible from a two-dimensional view — to give us that third-dimensional view.”

The department plans to complete UAS training through Auburn University’s Aviation Center, though the number of personnel set to complete the training isn’t determined yet, Jones said.

Law enforcement officers usually go through a four-day course at the Aviation Center, which costs about $2,500 per person, said Earle Thompson, UAS program manager with the Aviation Center. Most law enforcement agencies use the Inspire drone, Thompson added, which, with a camera included, could cost nearly $7,000 each.

The course includes flight and safety training, academic instruction, scenario-based training and specifications on how law enforcement in particular can use the drones.

“It’s not a cart block kind of thing,” Thompson added.

“There’s actually a Department of Justice Memorandum of Understanding … that allows them to do things that other people can’t do at certain times, such as fly at night or they’re directly involved in some first responder type of activity.”

But any other kind of investigation or evidence gathering using the devices still requires a warrant, Thompson said.

After the training, personnel can take a Federal Aviation Administration exam in order to be certified to operate the drones, Thompson said.

CATHERINE WOFFORD / PHOTOGRAPHER

Earle Thompson, with the Auburn Aviation Center, holds the Inspire drone.

BUSINESS

POLICE

Police captain reflects on 30 years in the force Kris Martins

COMMUNITY REPORTER

ELLEN JACKSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hastings will close in October.

Saying goodbye to Hastings Ariel Cochran

COMMUNITY WRITER

For those who enjoy comic books, movies, music, novels and everything in between, get ready to look elsewhere for one-stop shopping.

Hastings of Auburn is approaching its final days.

As a place that sold items ranging from books, video games, CDs and vinyl, apparel, collectibles, comics and electronics, customers had the ability to shop for many of their wants and needs under one roof.

Now with the end of new merchandise and promotions to sell remaining inventory, loyal Hastings customers must consider other options.

David Railey, junior in media studies, said he is frustrated with Hastings’ closing.

“It deeply saddens me,” Railey said. “I’m a comic book connoisseur, and I got my subscriptions exclusively from there. So I built up a [relationship] with the people working there. ... It created this feeling of community that you can’t really get anywhere else. And there is nowhere else to get this kind of stuff in Auburn ... so it saddens me.”

Railey also said without Hastings, he cannot support certain companies he is personally tied to. Railey said he has tried venturing out to similar businesses including Auburn’s local comic book stores but said he didn’t feel “the community vibe” Hastings had.

“I’m sad,” said Jonathan McGuckin, senior in software engineering. “I discovered it a few years ago. ... I’d go in there to see if they had anything neat and played a few magic tournaments when they started up there, and it’s really sad that it’s going. It was a nice meeting place for a bunch of a cool nerdy stuff for my friends here. Hopefully some other store will come up.”

For McGuckin, he will make future purchases online.

Around the corner from Hastings, Collector’s Corner owner John Mullyns said he welcomes the resurgence of business as the en-

tertainment superstore finalizes its remaining sales.

“I have been here a lot longer than (Hastings) has,” Mullyns said. “Things were fine for a while [at Hastings], they were doing great business. ... They were serving declining markets. Books don’t sell anymore … and music sales are down too.”

Mullyns said he believes Hastings’ mistake was to expand their comic book selection and to reduce the sales of other items in what he defines as the “declining market.”

Mullyns said Hastings also had an edge because people could explore multiple genres and forms of entertainment.

With Hastings, customers said they did not have to search through other stores to find their needs.

With no incoming inventory, some Hastings customers have already migrated to Collector’s Corner.

“Shelf sales have picked up,” Mullyns said.

“I have picked up new customers from [Hastings]. If you like comic books, I am the place to go.”

Hastings currently will not disclose information about individual stores, so it is unknown what will replace the entertainment superstore.

In the meantime, other former Hastings customers said they’re trying stores such as BooksA-Million, Best Buy and Target.

Back in June, a press release announced Hastings, along with its sister companies SPImages and Moviestop, voluntarily filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy allowed the stores to reorganize funding and pay back debtors. In Hastings’ case, the company was bought out by Hilco Merchant Resources LLC and Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC, which for the past several months have overseen the liquidation sales across the country.

Nationwide, Hastings will close by the end of October and all merchandise will be discontinued in stores and online on their e-commerce website.

Three decades in law enforcement wasn’t what Auburn Police Division’s Capt. Lorenza Dorsey envisioned when he went to college with his mind set on becoming a coach. But the heart of coaching can still be found in the reasons he stayed in the field for so long.

“I kind of thought I made a difference,” Dorsey said. “In this position, it’s kind of like coaching: You meet people, sometimes you have the occasion to mentor people and down the road, you get to see those people go on and be successful.”

Dorsey, an Opelika native, has served in the City of Auburn’s law enforcement for 30 years, witnessing changes in the police division and the community and shifts in what it means to be part of the force today.

He first joined the division as a correctional officer at the city’s jail in 1986 then climbed up the ranks, working in narcotics, patrol and the detectives section. He’s been involved in investigations since 1991 and has served as a captain for nearly four years now.

“I actually remember it like it was yesterday,” Dorsey said. “I’ve gone through every position basically within the police department, of course, up until assistant chief and chief. [Those are] probably the only positions I haven’t held in the police department.”

Before coming to the police division, he graduated from Opelika High School in 1980 and attended Jacksonville State University before taking a permanent position as the youngest shift supervisor in the finishing department of Diversified Products, an Opelika fitness manufacturing company.

It was after he became a correctional officer and

moved to Auburn in the mid-1980s that he married his wife of 20 years, who he met in high school and reconnected with while she worked in the records department.

It was her support and the examples of several others in the police division that have inspired him over the years.

Two in particular, Capt. John Lockhart and the late Lt. John Dunn, set an example as minorities who achieved leadership positions in the division, Dorsey said.

“In the time that they came through, you didn’t have a lot of minorities in high-ranking positions in any police department,” he said.

When he joined the police division, he was one of five minorities, he said, though the force was smaller.

“Even now, when you consider Auburn and our command staff, you have myself and Assistant Chief [Cedric] Anderson, we’re almost 50 percent minority in the command staff,” he said.

“And that’s something I’ve always been proud of.”

Dorsey said he related to the similar backgrounds APD Chief Paul Register and former Chief Tommy Dawson had and was encouraged by how they worked their way to police chief.

“You have those that sometimes have the benefit of having everything fall into place — you have the finances, you have the accessibility, the resources. ... Whereas people like Chief Register and Chief Dawson, those guys are like me. ...

The background they come from is sort of that blue collar type background like I’m familiar with, where you work for everything,” Dorsey said.

“And if you work hard, you are rewarded for your hard work.”

» See POLICE CAPTAIN, 7

CRIME

AUM shooting injures one Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY EDITOR

A shooting on the campus of Auburn University at Montgomery on Friday, Sept.

9, left one injured, according to the AUM Police Department.

The shooting happened in a parking lot of the North Commons residence hall on the northern end of the University campus, police said.

Police said an altercation occurred in the lot shortly after noon between two people who were not AUM students.

Police responded to a call about a fight. During the fight, one person who was involved pulled a gun and fired

one shot at the other person involved. The shot resulted in a non-life-threatening injury.

The suspect, who police said fired the shot, is currently in custody, and one victim was transported off campus to a hospital.

Police said the incident was under control within minutes with the help of Montgomery Police. The suspect is currently being interviewed.

“I would like to commend our AUM Police for their poise and composure in handling an unfortunate shooting on campus today,” said AUM SGA President Ethan Gregory in a Facebook post.

“Thanks to our campus police, everyone is alive, the suspect is in custody and the sense of safety has returned to campus.”

AUM Police and the Montgomery Police Department are investigating the shooting.

“I am proud of AUM’s commitment to keeping everyone on campus safe,” said AUM Police Operations Chief Brenda Mitchell.

“Not only did our police respond swiftly and effectively, but a member of our campus health services team volunteered to be on hand to render medical aid if necessary, as well.”

Thursday, September 15, 2016

POLICE CAPTAIN » From 6

Register, who worked with Dorsey in the patrol division in 1988, said Dorsey has always been organized and efficient from the time he first knew him.

“He has always been a guy who wants to get it right,” Register said. “A lot of times early on he would get a lot of the most difficult cases because he’s just very thorough, and he would always be very thorough with his cases.”

But if he could pick one word to describe the captain, it would be dependable. Sometimes he would be the last person to leave the office — weekend or weekday — just to be sure everything was in order, Register said.

“There’s nothing he can ask (the people he manages) to do that he hasn’t already done himself and done it well,” he added.

The day to day As a captain, Dorsey is in charge of the Investigations Section — which handles felony investigations and reports — records requests and filings and public information.

Though working in a college town creates an inviting and engaging community atmosphere, Dorsey said it presents its own set of challenges.

“The downside is the fact that sometimes you have the students who will tend to overindulge, and you have the kids who don’t understand there is a line,” he said.

Sometimes students fail to focus on their safety and well-being, Dorsey said, at times neglecting to protect their property and belongings, which presents opportunities for people to victimize students — something common in college towns.

Community 7

The Auburn Plainsman But part of his job in public information is to send out information about the division’s arrests, which, in part, serve as a deterrent for people who victimize college-town residents and visitors.

Changes in the law enforcement Dorsey has worked under five different police chiefs in the past 30 years, he said, but that isn’t the only change he’s seen in that time span.

People have also changed their perceptions of officers.

“I understand some of the issues that are brought up concerning law enforcement, but I guess my biggest issue I have with some of that is that I think law enforcement is the only position that you can look at … that you have a small percentage of officers that make a mistake and do something they shouldn’t do, that’s wrong to do,” Dorsey said.

“And as a result, that small percentage, you tend to label or generalize all police.”

Dorsey called the generalization unfortunate, adding that most police do work to serve and protect their communities. But “staying positive” on the job has become more of a challenge with the social climate and “stigma” arising around officers, Dorsey said.

“This is not a job that you’re going to get rich at,” Dorsey said. “It’s not a job where you’re going to get a lot of support sometimes. You’re not going to get a lot of pats on the back. But it’s a job that is absolutely necessary.”

Technology advancement has also altered the officer job description, demanding that new recruits be tech savvy.

“Back in the day, we didn’t have cybercrime,” Dorsey said. “We didn’t have a lot of the stuff that goes on now with identity theft.”

Dash and body cameras have also appeared on

the scene, something Dorsey said is important in providing the truth and accuracy of a situation.

“You need those things, not just for the citizens’ point of view but for the police point of view,” he said.

But his mantra on the job all these years, he said, has been to “treat people like you want to be treated,” no matter the mistake or situation.

Outside the office Though Dorsey entered law enforcement rather than majoring in physical education as he had planned, he didn’t entirely give up on becoming a coach.

He coaches youth basketball, football and baseball in Parks and Recreation as well as some of the police department teams whenever they play sports against the fire division or other departments.

Outside of the office, Dorsey said his world revolves around his three children and grandchildren, though their faces stay printed next to him even in the office on a bulletin board above his computers.

Across the room on a bookshelf sit four baseball caps — Auburn High School, Auburn University, University of Georgia and Tuskegee University — a collection of where his children attended. He said he’ll add to the collection when his grandchildren graduate as well.

Still, even when he isn’t in uniform, he considers himself an ambassador for the division, speaking at churches and civic groups occasionally.

Over the years, serving the community and seeing justice prevail have been some of the most rewarding parts of being in the police division. And seeing people support him despite some opposition around the nation helps make the job worthwhile.

“If I had to go back and change anything,” he said of his career path, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Capt. Lorenza Dorsey, public information officer for the Auburn Police Division, was recently recognized for serving 30 years in the city’s police force.

PARKS

City prepares parks and recreation master plan

Ariel Cochran

COMMUNITY WRITER

Auburn residents will be able to find out and discuss what additions and changes will be made to Auburn parks during a parks, recreation and culture master plan at a meeting set for Thursday, Sept. 15.

The meeting is open to the general public and includes opportunities for expressing comments and concerns to Parks and Recreation Department officials and consultants from over 60 stakeholders interested in investing in the Auburn area.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Harris Center off of Opelika Road, directly across the street from the post office.

The purpose of the meeting is to start the planning process between Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Public Library for newer amenities, programs and services for the Auburn area.

“The consultants that we are working with have been here acquiring information and have interviewed approximately 60 stakeholder groups of varying interest ranging from sports, the arts and special needs groups ... all interests in parks and recreation and culture,” said Becky Richardson, director of Parks and Recreation.

Stakeholders include the local master gardeners’ group, the Auburn Humane Society, members of a local Hispanic soccer group and representatives of senior programs.

At the meeting the consultants will review their findings from the interviews with stakeholders. After the review, there will be an open floor for public comments and question.

This meeting is the first of several to take place throughout the year.

Another public meeting will be scheduled in October.

Parks and Recreation will also send out a culture and library needs assessment survey in October to a selected number of households within Auburn, similar to the needs assessment for Parks and Recreation sent last year.

This survey will be used for the first of the year preliminary master plan and presentation of findings, followed by scheduling another public meeting and presentation of the final plan.

There are three other meetings in the Harris Center Activity Room specific to the Auburn Public library scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

EDUCATION

Art program takes 5th-grade elementary students to the ‘land down under’ Tiara Bond

COMMUNITY WRITER

Every year the art center hosts an Adventures in Art program that invites Auburn elementary school fifth-grade students to an art exhibit that focuses on the specific theme for that year.

This year’s Adventures in Art focused on the Aboriginal Australian culture. Four elementary schools over the course of four days, from

Aug. 29–Sept. 1, were given a free field trip to the event.

Past themes have been the Renaissance, the Autobahn and nature sustainability.

Next year’s theme will center on Native Americans in Alabama, said Adventures in Art coordinator Cari Cleckler. Cleckler is an art education specialist with the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department. And on top of arranging Adven-

tures in Art for the past seven years, Cleckler also teaches a ceramics class in the art center.

The students were told Aboriginal creation stories and got to dance, drum or act out stories from Aboriginal culture. They also participated in an initial performance, group activities and a walkthrough to view the artwork of local artists who were asked to create pieces pertaining to the

theme.

The students then got to meet the artist of each piece and ask them questions about their art.

“It’s important that kids meet and experience working artists,” Cleckler said. “When it comes to engaging and educating kids in art, you have to catch them early and get them interested.”

Cleckler said she intentionally tried to make every ac-

tivity the students did handson, from playing Aboriginal games to making their own art work.

When asked why exposure to the arts is important for young people, Clacker said it’s important for them to find out if they are truly interested in it, before the cynicism sometimes held toward art can be introduced.

“You have to decide what you’re willing to do until you

retire,” she said. “Do what you love. You might as well, since you’ll be doing it awhile.”

The Jan Dempsey Community Art Center has been hosting the Adventures in Art program for the past 16 years and also hosts a wide range of community events. Swing dancing, dances, theatre expositions and plays are also constant staples on the art center’s event calendar.

Sports

8

Thursday, September 15, 2016

ThePlainsman.com

Sports

TRACK AND FIELD

Teray Smith: Tiger and Olympian

Will S ahlie SPORTS WRITER

For some athletes, just making it to the Olympics is good enough. For Auburn senior Teray Smith, it is only the beginning.

“I expect to make it to the Olympics because that is what I work hard for,” Smith said.

Smith competed in the Rio Olympics this summer for his home country, the Bahamas. Smith qualified for the 2016 Olympics at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships by posting a 20.34 time in the 200 meter race. That personal best beat the 20.50 qualifying cutoff time, and gave Smith a ticket to Rio. Smith had a long journey to Brazil, one that most teenagers would never have to endure. He was born in Miami in September 1994.

His family would return to the Bahamas just a few days following the birth of Teray. He grew up on the Islands, running for fun with his friends.

“You know how football is here? That is how track is in the Islands. It is big, that is what everyone does,” Smith said.

One day in middle school, Smith’s P.E. coach noticed Teray. His coach went to his mother and told her that her son could have a very bright future in track and field. At 16, Smith moved to Plantation, Florida to attend American Heritage High School to play football and run track. Smith’s mother stayed behind in the Islands, working multiple jobs to support her son’s dream.

“She was always making sure I was living well,” the Auburn senior said. “She had a lot of trust and faith in me.”

Smith adjusted to life in the United States by himself. He admitted the first year was difficult and strug-

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS

Teray Smith during the NCAA Track and Field East Preliminaries in Jacksonville, Florida.

gled on the track.

“I wasn’t the best, but no one ever outworked me,” Smith said.

The Bahamas native’s dedication was rewarded as he finished his junior season ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 4 in the country. Several schools offered Smith scholarships, but ultimately, Auburn was home.

“I didn’t really know much about Auburn, but when I took my visit I really liked it, it felt like home,” said Smith. “I know a lot of Bahamians that went here, and it just felt right.”

Smith began his Auburn career in 2014 and made his

presence known right away.

In his first collegiate meet, Smith won the 200 meter at the Auburn Indoor Invitational. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team as well as the 200 meter Second Team All-American following his freshman season.

In the outdoor season of his sophomore year, Smith posted his 20.34 time at the NCAA Championships to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.

Smith battled injuries throughout his junior season, however that made his Olympic experience that much more rewarding. “I got injured last year

and could not compete for a while, so I am very blessed to have had the opportunity,” said Smith. “I’m thankful and grateful.”

Most athletes traveled to Rio alone, having to learn on the fly about the total Olympic experience. However, Smith had a familiar face accompanying him to Brazil. Auburn assistant head coach Henry Rolle was also an assistant coach for the Bahamas track team, which made the experience for Smith that much better.

“It was great to have (Coach Rolle) there,” a smiling Smith said. “I look at him like a father figure, so he

was showing me the ropes because he has been there so many times. Coming back from my injury, he believed in me and never gave up on me, so I was very happy to have him there.”

Smith posted a time of 20.66 seconds in his heat of the 200 meter, which failed to qualify for the next round.

However, the Olympic experience was still fulfilling for Smith. “It was a great feeling to represent the Auburn family and the Bahamas in the Olympics,” the Auburn sprinter said. “It’s a great milestone that I achieved.”

One of the thrills of competing in these Olympics for Smith was competing against and watching Usain Bolt. However, this was not the first time Smith had raced against Bolt. “I raced him last year at the world championship and it was a great experience,” Smith said. “I didn’t want anyone to know but I was so shocked that I was racing the greatest in the world.

I didn’t do my best in that race but I was still proud of myself to say I competed against Usain Bolt.”

As for his favorite memory from Rio, Smith described the Olympic village cafeteria as one of the highlights. “I walked in the cafeteria and saw people like Manu Ginobili, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, and Carmelo Anthony,” Smith said. “I was like wow, I must be great because I’m sitting among the greats.”

Smith has turned the page from Rio and is focusing on his senior season on The Plains. His final season in an Auburn uniform will begin Jan. 13, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Commodore Invitational. The Tigers will host their indoor track home meet the following week.

“This is my senior year, so – got to eat.”

SCOREBOARD SOCCER (5-3-0)

FILE PHOTO

LAST WEEK vs Vanderbilt (W, 2-1) vs Baylor (W, 1-0) UPCOMING Sept. 18 vs South Carolina Auburn Soccer Complex 6 p.m. CST

VOLLEYBALL (5-5-0)

FILE PHOTO

LAST WEEK vs Memphis (W, 3-0) vs Miami (Oh) (L, 3-2) vs Jacksonville (W, 3-0) THIS WEEK Sept. 16 at Michigan Sept. 17 at Colgate Sept. 17 at Eastern Michigan

FOOTBALL (1-1-0)

FILE PHOTO

BASKETBALL

2016 Cancun challenge tip times announced Matt Barrentine SPORTS WRITER

ADAM SPARKS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Head basketball coach Bruce Pearl claps after a play in the second half. Auburn vs Oklahoma State in Auburn.

One of the toughest schedules in the nation will lead the 20162017 Auburn basketball team to Cancun, Mexico, to compete against a variety of power five opponents in the 9th Cancun Challenge.

“I’ve always believed that you schedule where you want your program to be regardless of whether it is ready or not,” Pearl said. “This is one of the toughest non-conference schedules in college basketball and our program will be challenged.”

The Tigers will play their first game of the challenge against Big 12 opponent Texas Tech on Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. CST at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Cancun.

Auburn will then either play Utah State or a nationally ranked Purdue team in the championship or third-place game on Nov. 23. The game will take place at 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. depending on how the Tigers fare.

Before the trip to Cancun the Tigers will host Georgia State, a team that has won at least 25 games in two of the last three seasons, on Nov. 14.

Bruce Pearl and the Tigers will also play host to Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 17, a squad that has had three 21 win seasons in the last four years. Both of these games are a part of the Cancun Challenge but will be

played in Auburn Arena.

Purdue finished last season ranked 12th nationally after winning 26 games and reaching the NCAA Tournament. Since 2000, Utah State has won seven regular season conference titles and six tournament championships.

The Cancun Challenge is one of the most unique basketball events held each year. Teams stay and play at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya; the resort’s convention center ballroom is converted into a basketball arena, providing fans a special close-up view of the games.

Previous champions of the Cancun Challenge include Vanderbilt (2008), Kentucky (2009), Missouri (2010), Illinois (2011), Wichita State (2012), Wisconsin (2013), Northern Iowa (2014) and Maryland (2015).

Two of the previous winners of the tournament — Wisconsin in 2014 and Wichita State in 2012 — advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

“If we can manage to win a couple of games that we are not supposed to and grind out a few others, we could put our program in position to go some place we haven’t gone in a long time, and that is postseason,” Pearl said.

All four games games in the Riviera Division will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.

LAST WEEK vs Arkansas State (W, 51-14) THIS WEEK Sept 17 vs Texas A&M Jordan-Hare Stadium 6 p.m. CST

MEN’S GOLF

FILE PHOTO

LAST WEEK Carpet Capital Collegiate, 2nd THIS WEEK Sept 19-20 Inverness Intercollegiate Toledo, Ohio

CROSS COUNTRY

FILE PHOTO

LAST WEEK Furman Classic, M–3rd, W–2nd

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Sports 9

The Auburn Plainsman

This Week in Auburn Sports

Volleyball Sept. 9

Auburn swept Memphis in their first match of two on Friday in the Auburn Arena.

The Tigers entered the match looking to follow up the success they achieved last week in Kentucky which included a win over the 21st ranked Louisville Cardinals.

“I think last weekend against Louisville we really came out in that game,” said senior Emily Klitzke. “ We showed who we are and who we wanted to be. That was our main focus coming into this weekend at home was to carry that energy through and be relentless.”

Despite back to back wins, head coach Rick Nold is emphasizing their need to stay focused and continue working.

“We’ve got to get a lot better,” said Nold. “[Miami University] is a very good team. They should win their conference and they have already beaten Missouri in our conference, who I had picked to finish second, so they are a solid team.”

A few players made themselves known on offense today for Auburn including senior Breanna Barksdale, Klitzke, and outside hitter Brenna McIlroy. Barksdale led the team in kills on the day tallying 4 in the first set and 10 in total. McIlroy contributed 8 kills along with Klitzke’s 7.

Defensively, reigning SEC Player of the Week Jesse Earl continued to show why she is so valuable as she racked up 16 digs on the way to the sweep.

The Tigers dropped their second match of the day against the Miami University Redhawks by a score of 3-2.

Auburn came out strong in the first set winning 25-17 but seemed to let up and lose energy en route to losing three of the next four sets.

“I thought we came out and had really good energy,” said head coach Rick Nold. “I liked the mentality we played with. In games 2 and 4 we had big leads in both and took our foot off the gas a little bit and they were a good

team and they stuck in there and made some plays to get back in the match. In the end we backed off on a few things and didn’t stay aggressive.”

There were some positives from this match as four Tigers recorded double digit kills lead by Brenna McIlroy with 17. Behind McIlroy, freshman standout Gwyn Jones and senior Emily Klitzke each had 14 kills and Breanna Barksdale contributed another 11.

“We came out with an aggressive mentality,” McIlroy said. “We were making sure that we play our game which is bring the hammer, swing hard, be aggressive.”

Sept. 10 Auburn walked out of the Auburn Arena with another win on Saturday afternoon following a sweep of the Jacksonville University Dolphins.

The Tigers dominated the whole way through winning set one 25-27, set two 25-19, and set three 25-14 never giving the Dolphins a chance to catch their breathe. The Dolphins leave the tournament having not won a set all weekend.

Breanna Barksdale continued her dominance offensively tallying 11 kills and hitting .350. On the defensive side Alexa Filley and Jesse Earl each recorded 17 digs with the next highest coming from Kelley Stewart with 7.

“We got to keep getting better,” said headcoach Rick Nold, “I saw some really good things today but also saw some things we have to work at. Every game you want to take away the good and work on the bad so that is what we have to do to move forward and get ready for Michigan.”

The Tigers exit the weekend with a 2-1 record but feel like they had an opportunity to do better.

“We wanted more,” Nold said.

“And that is a fair expectation. We got two wins out of it which is good for us but that match last night (Miami) is one that I felt like we could’ve won.”

Moving forward the Tigers have a tough trip to Ann Arbor next weekend but they are nothing short of confident.

“This win gave us confidence as a team,” Filley said. “We lost a tough game last night so I think coming back out and showing who we really are really helps us.”

The Tigers will travel to Ann Arbor next weekend to take part in the Michigan Invitational and will start their weekend taking on the Wolverines.

Sept. 9

a shot on frame and moved up the charts on the program’s all-time shots list, surpassing Katy Frierson. The senior now has 231 on her career.

Dodson then scored the match winner in the 74th minute, when a Commodore defender’s clearance found the feet of the junior, who netted her third goal of 2016.

“Any time in this conference is good to get a win,” stated Dodson.

“We’re heading in the right direction.”

Kristen Dodson and Brooke Ramsier lead Auburn to a 2-1 victory over Vanderbilt on Friday night. It was the first conference match of the season for both squads, with the Tigers prevailing at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

“Obviously, we’re happy with the result,” said head coach Karen Hoppa.

“Any win in this conference is a great win. I thought Vanderbilt did a tremendous job of responding to our second goal and making it a tight game.

We were able to grind it out at the end, but we have got to do a better job finishing.”

Auburn got on the board first in the 15th minute when Casie Ramsier was brought down in the box, forcing a penalty. Brooke Ramsier then stepped up and notched her first goal of the season into the back of the net, giving Auburn an early 1-0 lead.

“I just knew I had the confidence of my teammates and they believed in me,” Brooke Ramsier said. “I had confidence from past success in taking penalties, so with my team’s support and belief in my own head, I knew if I smashed it into the back of the net, it would go in.”

The Tigers nearly doubled their lead when Bri Folds laced a shot from long range that reflected off the goalkeeper’s hands and rattled the crossbar in the 25th minute of play.

“We had so many opportunities out of halftime and we’ve got to take care of business,” said Hoppa. “That was the whole goal, to start out that first 15 minutes on the front foot to really get after [Vanderbilt].”

In the opening five minutes of the second half, Casie Ramsier registered

Taylor Troutman scored in the 70th minute to guide Auburn to a 1-0 victory against Baylor on Sunday at the Auburn Soccer Complex. The Tigers endured 147 minutes of delays due to lightning in the surrounding area and a quality opposing side before emerging victorious.

“It was a day with a lot of adversity with the lightning delay twice, and the really long [stoppage] the second time,” said head coach Karen Hoppa.

“We played a great Baylor team. They play a different style and they’re tough to play against. I’m really proud of our team to come out with a result.”

Six different players recorded shots in the match, including two by Casie Ramsier and Troutman, to total eight.

Goalkeeper Sarah Le Beau went the distance between the posts and tallied seven saves en route to her third shutout of the season.

Defensively, the trio of Kiana Clark, Karli Gutsche and Haley Gerken rotated in the center of the back line and were key components to not allowing a single one of 13 shots

by Baylor cross the line.

“It was definitely a team effort,” stated Gutsche. “We had a lot of people coming in and out of the back and everyone was able to ma’am up and do what they had to do to get the shutout.”

Lightning pushed the start time back by 24 minutes and then stopped by just five minutes in. Delays then totaled up to 123 additional minutes before play was resumed.

“Kristen had a similar run two minutes before [the goal] and I just told

Soccer

Sept. 11

her the left side was open,” said Troutman. “The next play, she passed me a perfect ball right in behind the back line and I finished it one time. It was great getting my momentum back and be able to help the team win.”

Troutman then did her part on defense with 16 minutes remaining as she saved a shot off the line to keep the Tigers ahead 1-0.

“What a game [Troutman] had,” said Hoppa. “It was a fantastic game by her. She scored a great goal and saved one off the line. I’m really proud of her.”

The defense held strong in the final 15 minutes and sent Auburn to its fourth non-conference win of the season. The Tigers have now held a winning record against non-league opponents during the regular season in 16 of Hoppa’s 18 seasons at the helm.

Auburn jumps back into SEC play with a match versus South Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Cross Country The Auburn women’s cross country team finished second, while the men finished third at the Furman Classic on Saturday at the Furman Gold Club in Greenville, South Carolina.

“We are very happy with how we finished,” Auburn head coach Mark Carroll said. “This is a very tough meet that we come to every year to try a gauge where we stand. We didn’t slow down training for this meet, so to come away with two solid finishes, is good.”

Senior Veronica Eder again led the way for the women’s squad with a second place finish and a career high in the women’s 6k, running a 20:39.05.

Junior Anna Nelson finished seventh for the Tigers with a 21:57.42.

Nelson was followed by Emily Stevens (22:04.49) and Kenzley Defler (22:06.80), who finished ninth and tenth respectively. Rachel Givens rounded out the scoring for Auburn, finishing 20th with a 22:46.98.

Bailey Rogers and Emily Shoffit contributed to this article.

Sports 10

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Auburn Plainsman

FOOTBALL

KENNY MOSS / PHOTOGRAPHER

Spirit flies over the stadium before theTexas A&M vs Auburn game at Auburn on Nov 8, 2014.

Football in the face of tragedy Former athletics director recalls first game following 9/11 terrorist attacks

Jack Winchester SPORTS REPORTER

Smoke billowed out from the base of the once mighty twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. The eyes of the world locked on to New York City in disbelief of the horrors that rolled through their televisions. Life had paused.

“I really can’t put it into words,” said former Athletics Director David Housel. “It was something more than fear. You can keep your head about you and be afraid.”

It was a day that shook the nation to the core, but left a profound feeling of deep sorrow and patriotism. Most of the physical damage remained in New York and Washington D.C., but the emotional damage would reach people across the nation, including those on The Plains of Auburn.

Housel, a true “lover of New York,” told The Plainsman when he “saw that second plane coming in there and hitting the World Trade Center, it still gives me chills. I’m riding down the road and still think about it sometimes.”

Housel was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for an NCAA cabinet meeting the morning of the attacks, and had just started the meeting when the group of various schools’ athletic administrators received the news.

“The big thing was what was going to happen that day, and how we were going to get home,” Housel said. “We were just a few blocks from Independence Hall, so we were especially edgy.”

The meetings in Philadelphia would eventually be canceled and Housel knew he needed to return to Auburn. Housel explained he was fortunate enough to get the last rental car from his hotel, and he headed south with former Mississippi State Athletic Director Larry Templeton.

Housel recalled the drive back to the airport in Atlanta.

“It was quite inspirational to drive down the interstate and see those school children holding American flags over the overpass, but it was sobering to ride through Washington on the outskirts, and realize that it was a war alert,” Housel said. “You pull into Atlanta airport to get your car, and they have armed troops there to take you to your car.”

Everything had been put on hold, including college football.

Nothing could somber the wake of an American tragedy – not even one of its favorite sports.

Former Auburn All-American defensive back, Junior Rosegreen, told The Plainsman the Tiger football team could not have played at LSU that weekend following the attacks.

When asked about what the atmosphere was like on campus that day, Rosegreen explained that it was “pure sadness” all across Auburn. For Rosegreen, he could not begin to think about participating in a game at LSU that weekend, and could only think about his family.

“How could you play a game like that, when something like

that happens? You have to think about the families,” Rosegreen said. “What if that was your family?”

“The big thing was whether or not we ought to play that weekend,” Housel said. “There was some sentiment that Auburn ought to play LSU, because we would have an advantage, but it really wasn’t our call. It was the SEC’s call, and LSU’s call.”

Former rover Roshard Walker told The Plainsman in 2001 that “it was both ways” in whether the team wanted games to be continued as scheduled or canceled. “We were eager to play, but there are certain aspects you have to consider. It’s a terrible tragedy. You can’t just look at it from a football point of view.”

The nation began to mend and routines were revived as normalcy was restored in households around the country. Sports, at all levels, would prove to be a pivotal part of the healing of a hurting nation.

The SEC’s games were cancelled the weekend following the attacks, but play would continue the following weekend on Sept. 22. Auburn’s first game after the attacks would take place in Syracuse, New York, just hours from Ground Zero against The Syracuse Orange.

It was a rematch of the 1988 Sugar Bowl, where the teams played to a 16-16 tie and ended bitterly for the Orange, as Auburn head coach Pat Dye instructed Win Lyle to kick a 30-yard field goal in the final seconds to end Syracuse’s run at a perfect season.

But at this meeting, revenge would not factor in.

The Auburn football team traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, on Sept. 21 to board a plane for Syracuse. For most of the Tigers, it would be the first time setting foot on a plane since the attacks.

“We went to Montgomery and drove around, and there you saw that airplane. You thought ‘that’s just like the one that hit.’ I can’t speak for the players… but for everybody on that plane, it was a very sobering time.”

“We left Montgomery and we were flying up, and it was dark by the time we got to Syracuse, and we crossed over into New York, way over in the distance you could see the lights of Manhatten, or the lights of New York… and it was so sad. It is difficult to put into words. You were sad and you were also proud the way they had responded. They showed some spunk ­– American spunk.”

Auburn would ultimately lose to Syracuse in the Carrier Dome the next night, 31-14, suffering their second loss of the season. But the outcome was just a side note.

“Coming back after we lost the game, didn’t play real well, but I saw those New York lights on the way back, and it put losing into perspective” Housel said.

“I have never said I wanted Auburn to lose, but with the people of New York … those people were so relieved to be playing and so happy to win. I can’t begrudge of that.”

LOOKING AHEAD

FILE PHOTO

Former Athletics Director David Housel was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for an NCAA cabinet meeting the morning of the attacks, and had just started the meeting when the group of various schools’ athletic administrators received the news.

Rosegreen explained that the 2001 Syracuse team would not be stopped that Saturday, they seemed “almost possessed” in the manner in which they played.

“Syracuse, that game, they could have beaten anybody that game. They were playing with so much excitement and emotion.”

An event that disrupted the country was set-aside for a few fleeting moments so that mourners could recollect themselves and move on. Americans wept together, moved together and rebuilt together in the following weeks. It was only 15 years ago.

Most students now can’t recall the events that unfolded before their child like, innocent eyes. But for Housel, a hush that captured a nation comes alive every year, like it was yesterday.

“That night when they played the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ in New York, it was moving,” Housel said. “I could say how quiet it was and ‘you could hear a pin drop’ and tears and all like that – but none of that captures it.”

SEC announces 2017 schedule

Jack Winchester SPORTS REPORTER

GRAPHIC BY EMILY SHOFFIT

For the first time in school history, the Auburn football team will make a trip to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the Missouri Tigers, the SEC announced on Tuesday night.

Head coach Gus Malzahn and the Tiger football team will play five road games in 2017, including a visit to Missouri and a week two showdown at Clemson. Auburn will then make the four longest trips possible in the SEC, with visits to Missouri, Texas A&M, Arkansas and LSU. The Tigers will play at LSU and Arkansas in backto-back weeks in October, then will take a bye week before traveling to College Station, Texas to

take on the Aggies.

Auburn will host three non conference opponents in Georgia Southern, Mercer and Louisiana Monroe.

The Tigers will also host both Mississippi State and Ole Miss, and welcome Georgia and Alabama to The Plains in November.

The Southeastern Conference also announced the football schedules for all 14 SEC schools for the 2017 season.

With 13 playing weekends, 2017 includes one open date for each team and conference contests are scheduled each week beginning the second weekend of September.

Each SEC team will play eight conference football games to in-

clude six games against division opponents and two games against non-division opponents. One of the non-division opponents will be a permanent annual opponent and the other non-division opponent will rotate each year.

The season begins the weekend of Sept. 2 with 14 games, including five neutral site games on opening weekend. The schedule includes two games on non-traditional days, with Tennessee playing Georgia Tech on Monday, Sept. 4, and Ole Miss visiting Mississippi State on Thursday, Nov. 23.

The 2017 season will culminate with the first SEC Championship Game to be played in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Intrigue Thursday, September 15, 2016

11 ThePlainsman.com

Intrigue

FACULTY

Auburn jazz professor shares high-profile track record Brandon Miller INTRIGUE WRITER

It’s common to wonder how professors spend their free-time and Michael Pendowski, assistant music professor, jazz ensemble director and saxophone instructor, has much more going on than the occasional jazz combo or late night rehearsal.

Pendowski may not be a professor you ever see, but odds are you have heard his music.

If you’ve ever played NCAA football games or Madden football games from the early 2000, you’ve heard Pendowski. If you’ve sat down with popcorn to watch “Groundhog Day” with friends, you’ve heard Pendowski. If you’ve gotten your hands on the “Walking Dead” video game from 2012, you’ve heard Pendowski.

That is a brief list of places where his musical footprints can be found.

Pendowski’s musical journey began at the age of six when his parents decided he should take piano, to help his “hands and coordination.”

However, learning saxophone, Pendowski’s primary instrument of trade, was not a self-chosen path at first.

“My father was a big-band freak and he said, ‘Alright, you’re going to play the saxophone’,” Pendowski said.

Pendowski took it to heart. Throughout Pendowski’s high school years he began experimenting with composing and arranging jazz tunes.

Pendowski slowly developed a reputation within the genre, and while in college he began to immerse himself in jazz even further. This led him to begin ghost writing around 14-15 marching band shows a year.

He took a job as a band director for a year after he graduated and began to rethink his decision to enter the realm of music education.

“About the second day, I realized this is not something I should be involved with...

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Michael Pendowski plays the saxophone in Goodwin Hall.

I didn’t like it,” Pendowski said. “I liked the students, but I didn’t like all the other things that come along with being a teacher.”

Pendowski found himself writing for a big-band in Chicago when he received

an invitation to arrange professionally. He quit his teaching job, and became more involved in performance and composition.

“My career as a writer got bigger,” Pendowski said. “By the time I was four

or five years out of college, I was working for studios a lot.”

Pendowski became a very busy man, between writing and performing. He said his name was spreading like wildfire.

The time Pendowski spent composing

in high school payed off, because his pieces have become internationally known.

Pendowski said he did not simply stay within the walls of a recording studio.

He has performed in venues all around the world, performing with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole and many more.

One might wonder why a man of such reputation backed with the many international connections he has, chooses to stay at Auburn University.

Pendowski said there was an opportunity to teach and he took it.

As the jingle business subsided, Pendowski found himself looking elsewhere to continue his career.

“The business just wasn’t as good,” Pendowski said. “You always have to keep your options open ... so I went back into teaching.”

After taking the teaching position at Auburn, he found that Auburn was similar to his home. Pendowski stressed that success comes with remaining flexible.

“Be open,” Pendowski said.

Pendowski and those that listen to his compositions find a variety that isn’t easily overlooked.

While some are jazz, others include genres such as tribal, cabaret, western or even electronic.

This is a direct result of Pendowski’s philosophy that you have to “be open,” not just to new opportunities, but also to trying new things.

Pendowski has a devoted group of students and he reminds them to continue to surprise those around them. “[Be] a fanatic, passionate, crazy person about what you’re thinking about,” Pendowski said.

Pendowski loves interacting with the students during lessons and the student’s respect for him spreads thick. Pendowski said he genuinely cares about his students, values the art of education, sees the world as full of opportunity and hopes his students will see it the same way.

Intrigue 12

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Auburn Plainsman

A DAY IN THE LIFE

PLAINSMAN PICKS PLAYLIST:

this week, the plainsman editors chose teen angst anthems. listen to their picks and follow the auburn plainsman at spotify.com/the_auburnplainsman.

“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne Claire Tully, campus editor “Nobody quite understood my teenage frustations like Avril.”

“The Reason” by Hoobastank Sam Butler, assitant sports editor “The reason is you.”

ELLEN JACKSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Aubie entertains fans during the Beat Clemson Pep Rally outside Auburn Arena on Sept. 1.

Aubie Directors tame the tiger Sarah Partain INTRIGUE WRITER

Aubie the Tiger is a nationally recognized school mascot. He has won Capital One Mascot of the Year 2014, UCA Mascot National Champion nine times, and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006.

Few people know about the behind-the-scenes efforts that take place to make sure Aubie is the best of the best.

Two Aubie advisors and three Aubie directors make up the team that works directly with Aubie.

Aubie does over 1,200 appearances in a year. The directors serve for no longer than two years and drive Aubie to his events.

“Every time I’m at an appearance people are looking at me like ‘Do you want me to take a picture?’” said Rosemary Shelton, sophomore in marketing and management and the director of publicity for Aubie. “I literally just follow him around, it probably looks weird sometimes.”

The directors said they spend a large amount of their time sorting through thousands of requests for Aubie’s attendance. He is at every athletic event and visits locations around campus, as well as local elementary schools and any large events around Auburn.

Shelton’s favorite part of working with Aubie is watching the re-

actions of students, alumni and children when they see Aubie.

“It doesn’t matter if he’s walking into a room full of children, a college event in the student center or an Auburn event at a nursing home; he is always greeted with so much pure happiness,” said Kate Whindham, junior in health administration and director of fundraising for Aubie. “He can make someone’s day just by walking into a room or pulling up beside them at a red light.”

Some of the busiest times for the directors are home football games. The directors get to the game four hours before kickoff to start the rotation of pre-game events, which include tailgating, visiting the Alumni tent and going to the president’s suite before Tiger Walk, Spirit March and the game. The directors said Aubie has about six props that he uses for his typical sideline shenanigans.

“Gameday is nerve-wracking sometimes because everyone wants to stop and talk to Aubie,” Shelton said. “We want him to be as accessible to fans as possible, but sometimes we have to step in and make sure he gets where he needs to be. We can’t call the people at Tiger Walk and say ‘Hold the players, we’re stuck on the concourse.’”

The directors also make sure the opposing mascots and cheer-

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leaders feel at home. For the Clemson game, Shelton escorted the spirit program around the field. The directors invited the other team to The Aubie House for goody-bags.

The Aubie House is a specifically designed residence for the tiger located at the football stadium, complete with a porch and furniture.

“One of my favorite experiences working with Aubie was when I got to take him to the VIP party in the Letterman’s Lounge for the Kenny Chesney concert,” Shelton said. “Gus Malzahn spoke, Kenny sang and Miranda Lambert was there. I almost forgot what I was supposed to be doing; opportunities like these only come through programs such as being an Aubie director.”

Any student on campus can be a part of the Aubie committee, which meets every Tuesday before home football games at 8 p.m. in the loading dock of the student center.

“Who Aubie is, his character, embodies everything that an Auburn student and someone in the Auburn family wants to be,” Shelton said. “He’s always full of joy and just unconditional love for Auburn. He’s always there to give you a huge hug and make you feel special, even if you aren’t an Auburn fan.”

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RELEASE DATE– Saturday, August 20, 2016

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

ACROSS 1 “The Winds of War” actress 11 Bon __ 14 “Love in the First Degree” allfemale group 15 Emotion betrayer 16 Knocked out 17 Emergency op 18 Emblem 19 New Mexican?

20 Ho Chi __ City 21 Busts, e.g.

23 “The Legend of Zelda” currency 25 Sidecar ingredient 31 Jump __ 32 Happy __: old snack brand mascot 33 Pulls some strings?

35 Slovenia neighbor, to the IOC 36 Singer Lambert with the album “Trespassing” 37 Angiography concern 38 Crisply and detached, to an orch.

39 Talks acronym 40 Tops 41 Driver’s protest 42 Mine finder 44 Dairy Queen offerings 46 Publisher Ochs 48 “__ won’t!”

49 Quo warranto, e.g.

50 Short-lived ’80s sports org.

53 Whimpers 58 Lift 59 Grammy-winning Santana song 61 Maintain 62 Regardless 63 Podded plant 64 Restraining order, say DOWN 1 Help with a job 2 “Mission: Impossible” theme composer Schifrin

3 Still vying 4 Jerry Herman musical 5 Kind of magnetism 6 Preserve, in a way 7 Where Ulysses rests 8 Word after going or before hike 9 Hymn ender 10 Bit of fishing attire 11 Penn, for one 12 At the store, perhaps 13 AAPL and GOOG 15 Entice 22 Came together again 24 Letters before some state names 25 Shout after the last shot 26 Part of Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle 27 “Honestly?!”

28 Popular toy, for short

29 Documentarian Morris 30 Emulates a bad waiter?

34 __ ball 38 Oldies syllable 40 “Leaves and Navels” artist 43 Modify 45 “The Lion King” composer Hans 47 Sticky

51 Sound 52 “Animal House” group 54 Gable neighbor 55 Singer of complex songs 56 Michael’s brother in “Prison Break” 57 Make full 60 City on the Firth of Clyde

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

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By Julian Lim ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

08/20/16

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