THE
SPRINGHILLIAN
November 13, 2014
Volume 99 Issue 8
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
By Ben Fleming Reporter It’s that time of year again: the Spring Hill College theatre department will put on its fall play, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” by Tom Stoppard. The performances will be Nov. 13-16 at 8 p.m. in Spring Hill College’s own Mitchell Theatre. No food or beverages will be allowed. There will be a short ten-minute intermission as well. The tickets will cost $5 for students and $10 for others. Angeline Morris, who plays Rosencrantz in the play, says, “The play is the storyline of Hamlet, but instead of focusing on the doomed prince of Denmark and his tragic backstory, it’s the story of his two college best friends.” In Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are minor characters, but in this play the two take center stage. Marina Brooks, who plays Guildenstern, adds, “It’s interesting to see what the two characters think of everything and it kind of turns into a comedy; it’s a much more fun adaptation of Hamlet.” The two characters Guildenstern and Rosencrantz have the majority of the dialogue in the play. Other characters include Hamlet, Alfred, Claudius, Ophelia, Polonius, Laertes and Horatio. Of course, like most plays, a lighting crew is needed. Matthew Sens and Elizabeth Kirsch will meet this role. Crew members that help out with the sets are See FROM THE COVER pg. 3 Catie Beecher, Lane Brunson, Andrew Christensen, Sean Finn, Matt Holder,
Photos by Ben FLEMING
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
THIS WEEK
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WEEKLY FORECAST Thursday - 57/33 - Early Showers
November 13, 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Friday - 55/34 - Sunny
Saturday -60/49 - Sunny
Sunday - 66/36- Showers Inside News Page 4
HILLIAN STAFF
Editors: Natalie Welch Alex Sierra
Advisor: Stuart Babington Photo Editor: Ben Fleming
Have you heard about the Race Dialogues?
Repoters Ryan Flynn Jabulani Thompson Shaunicy Muhammad
Inside Lifestyle Page 5 Get the 411 on Ms. Leola, the queen of the mailroom.
Sports: Brandon Krus Advertising/social media Erinn Vogel
HILLIAN CONTACT The Hillian Newswire @HillianNewswire
Inside Sports Page 10 Check out the schedule of upcoming games.
Hillian Newswire hillian _ newswire Letters to the Editors newswire@shc.edu Read the Hillian Newswire online at newswire.shc.edu
On Hill Yeah! Page 12 Can you name the cartoon characters on the back?
THE SPRINGHILLIAN November 13, 2014
NEWS
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FROM THE COVER
Devynn Rizo, Justin Rooks, Sydnie Thibodeaux, and Meg Welsh. The play is directed by Fr. Stephen F. Campbell. “People know this play and I chose it because I thought people would like it; college students normally like this play. There are all kinds of life questions involved, so people can relate to it.” Campbell goes on to explain that watching this play is like “watching Hamlet from the backstage” because the characters from Hamlet who aren’t so vital become major characters. The play poses many questions about if Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are already dead before the play or if they are not. “People say that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are really dead already before the play begins remembering the last days of their lives, or others say that they are alive waiting the last moments of their lives,” says Campbell. Students will have to go see the play to come up with their own interpretations.
Poster design by Tyler Hartlage
New Students Roll in to the Admissions Office
By Shaunicy Muhammad Reporter
“Liberal arts colleges have to fight the fear among students and parents that a degree from the schools will lead to big debts and small career prospects,” said an article written by Daytona news staff writer Meagan Pant. The article went on to say that the majority of liberal arts colleges in the country are facing financial challenges, and admissions counselors are finding it difficult to convince parents of prospective students of the value of their college. However, many believe that getting students to not only applying but enrolling in their institution is still a very plausible task. Despite what some would call a grim outlook for liberal arts colleges, Vice President of Enrollment at Spring Hill College, Bob Stewart, still has faith in the value of a Spring Hill College education. He said, “Right now we are up in number of visitors, applications, up in completed applications, up in admits, and up in deposits. Our academic averages look solid and signs are pointing to a good year.” In regards to the problem haunting admissions offices around the nation, he said, “My focus is trying to do what I can to bring in over 400 of the best and brightest to the Hill. I try to ignore the noise about other schools.” In his opinion, the most important things to focus on are those issues he faces working on the SHC campus. He said that working to bring in new students is his priority. Although he acknowledged the present controversy surrounding liberal arts education, Stewart said, “At the end of the day, there is real value in a Spring Hill education. The professors here are truly first class - I don’t think you will get a better education for the net price that students pay. We just need to continue to show students and families that we are a viable option and not worry about the sticker price.” As the numbers come in, things are looking good for freshman enrollment. Stewart said that the number of both freshman and transfer students
made this a good year for admissions. “We had over 400 new students start this fall. It was one of the strongest classes ever academically, and a very diverse class in terms of geography. It was a great cross section of students interested in different academic programs, athletic programs and campus involvement. The whole campus worked countless hours to help recruit this class and I’m thankful for all the help we get - professors, coaches, administrative staff - we are truly lucky in admissions to have a campus that cares about the admissions and recruiting process,” he said. When asked what could be better, he expounded that there’s always room for improvement. He also wanted people to know that statistics and numbers must be compared to the bigger picture to fully understand them. He explained, “The fact is that the average family has not seen a real increase in wages for the past 10 years or so is a challenge nationwide. So while the costs of most goods and services are rising, the average income has stayed flat.” He cited financial instability as being one of the top reasons why students do not enroll or cannot stay at Spring Hill. “I think there are a lot of families that want to send their student to Spring Hill, or keep their child at Spring Hill, but some just truly cannot put the funds together to pay for it. The options that were there previously - people could borrow from a home equity line, or borrow from a 401k, or had a nest egg built up - just aren’t there anymore. So as a college, we need to be cognizant of that,” he said. Going forward, Stewart has his eyes set on Nov. 24, which will be the last Badger Day event for the semester. It is his hope that this trend will continue into the upcoming years. “The goal is to deliver a consistent, yearly class of over 400 to our faculty, and I think we’re on that track. Faculty need stability for planning classes and advising, and I need to give that to them,” he said.
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THE SPRINGHILLIAN
‘Open and Honest’ Dialogues about Race on SHC’s Campus
By Shaunicy Muhammad Reporter
“A new poll on whether American relationships are segregated found 40 percent of whites and 25 percent of non-whites do not have any close friends of other races,” said Tracy Conner in her 2013 NBC News article on race relations in the United States. To eradicate statistics such as these in the area of Mobile, city leaders and institutions of higher learning have joined together to make the conversation on race a little easier to have. On November 11, Spring Hill College hosted the third installment in the four part series of Race Dialogues that have been going on every week since October 28. In partnership with Mobile United, the University of South Alabama and the city of Mobile, SHC has been a part of what Dr. Demetrius Semien calls a way to “see what things need to be addressed to make Mobile a better city.” A first year professor at Spring Hill currently teaching classes on sociology, “Dr. S.,” as his students like to call him, said that so far, attendance for the events
Photo by Ben FLEMING
has been really good. Each night of the series, students, faculty and members of the community are invited to view a selected part of the documentary “Mobile: Black and White,” which delves into the history of race relations in the city and the current state of racial affairs. After an intimate viewing of the film, each person then participates in a round-table style discussion on their own experiences in regards to race. The film was co-produced and directed by professors at the University of South Alabama, Joe’l Lewis and Robert Gray, respectively. Semien said that upon meeting the two, he explained to them that this discussion was something that could be hosted at Spring Hill College. “There was no real choice about it. It was happening soon and we couldn’t wait. Either we were going to do it or not. I got so much positive feedback from people on campus that I thought ‘okay, we can do this. If we can get people together, we can start a conversation’,” he said. Joshua Wimberly, a sociology professor who works as a facilitator alongside Dr. Semien, said that he wants students to “recognize the opportunity that is being offered to build relationships with people who may have different perspectives about race and its impact on individuals, communities, and our society.” He believes that this type of discussion does not only have relevance to the city of Mobile. “Al-
though this event and the film provide a framework for the discussion related to the Mobile community, the implications of the topic extend far beyond the boundaries of Mobile,” he says. Dr. Semien expresses a similar opinion, saying, “Unfortunately, we still live in a very segregated society. When something like Ferguson happens, how do we even deal with something like that? We have to have dialogue.” Many students communicated their relief that the forums have become a welcoming space to talk about the issues of race. Kiva Talty, a sophomore majoring in Hispanic studies, said that after traveling to the south for college opened her eyes to what she calls “the prevalence of racism”. She explained, “I entered a state of culture shock once I realized the prevalence of racism down here; not only is it present and intense at times, it is much more deeply rooted than I could ever have imagined; it is structural.” Dr. Semien stated that opinions like Talty’s reaffirm his belief in the importance of the discussion. He believes these discussions can open the door to changing the way people think. “A lot of times we don’t talk about the things that make us uncomfortable. If we start a conversation, then we can talk about more important things such as poverty, education, and the justice system,” he said. Both professors are excited about the level of student involvement the event has seen so far. They both reiterated that they have seen how willing students are to be leaders of such a polarizing conversation. “Students represent current and future leadership. They are so integral to developing the capacity for change. Without their voices, the picture is not complete and solutions would be insufficient,” said Wimberly. Semien added,
Novemebr 13, 2014
Remembering Jesuit Martyrs
By Erinn Vogel Reporter
On Nov. 16, 1989, the government of El Salvador massacred six Jesuits and two lay companions at the Universidad Centroamericana. In honor of the 25th anniversary of those murders, Spring Hill College is presenting “Remembering the Jesuit Martyrs: A Faith that Does Justice.” Margarita Perez, Dr. Catherine Swender, and Samantha Church planned the event, which will take place on Nov. 17 at 7 pm in LeBlanc. The speaker, for the event, Dr. Tom Kelley, is a professor at Creighton University in the department of theology. He is the author of “When the Gospel Grows Feet: Rutilio Grande, SJ and the Church of El Salvador, as Ecclesiology in Context.” He has administered and participated in study abroad programs in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Nicaragua through Creighton University and the Ignatian Colleagues Program. “I think remembering these martyrs urges us to seek the truth, to remember the words of the past, and to scrutinize our involvement in other nations’ violence and oppression,” says Dr. Catherine Swender, English Department Chair. According to Ignationsolidarity.net, the massacre of the six Jesuits took place during the Salvadorian civil war. The war was between the Salvadorian government and a guerrilla group called Farabundo Marti National Libertarian Front. The FMLN were considered a communist group and because of this the United States government was supporting the Salvadorian government. “It’s very complicated,” says Swender. “However, when you start talking about human rights we have to ask what you are privileging, who you are privileging and who you are oppressing.” The Jesuits, who were priests and scholars, were teaching at the Universidad Centroamericana. They were promoting peace between both the government and FMLN, however their main concern was speaking out against the oppression of the poor. Both of the armies criticized the Jesuits for associating with the poor and working toward peace. The Salvadorian government named the University as guerrilla training camp because of the Jesuit’s association with FMLN. As a result their association with FMLN was used as a justification for massacre. There was no resistance from the Jesuits, who were killed at gunpoint. The massacre by the Salvadorian government is considered a turning point of the war. It caused many of the Salvadorians and other parts of the nation to call for peace. “I think that these martyrs show dangers that can come from standing in solidarity with the poor and oppressed against a larger political, military or ideological force,” says Swender. “The best thing has been working with the students. They are serving the Spring Hill community and emerging as leaders. That’s what’s amazing to me.” The final session of the dialogues will take place on Nov. 18 in the Gautrelet Room. Many people across the board expressed that the significance of these talks is invaluable. Semien added that the process has allowed students to “be informed but also be connected to the city. They’re learning about things outside of the Spring Hill bubble.”
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November 13, 2014
When it Comes to Politics, Age is Just a Number One of the biggest stories that I’ve been hearing lately is in regards to Saira Blair, an 18-year-old college freshman who was just elected to West Virginia’s House of Delegates, and thus became the nation’s youngest lawmaker. First of all, let me offer my congratulations to her; that’s a By Natalie Welch tremendous accomEditor-In-Chief plishment, especially for someone so young. That being said, I do want to talk about this a little more. Am I the only one who looked at this news story, shrugged, and then moved on with my day? Honestly, I felt like I was missing some crucial piece of information that would make me understand all the hype. Yes, she’s a woman; yes, she’s only 18. Alright, great. But, so what? The only thing that really tells me is that she’s inexperienced (in both politics
Comic by Alex Sierra Design Editor
and life, I presume). This isn’t a bad thing, necessarily; people don’t always have to be experienced to do well. But I certainly don’t see it as a point in her favor. But maybe what’s really cool about this whole situation is the fact that she’s 18 AND won an election. Again, like I’ve already said, kudos to her. However, let’s not forget that her father is a state senator and her campaign manager, according to a recent Newsweek article by Stav Ziv. I’m not trying to take anything away from her with that – everyone uses the resources they have available, and she shouldn’t be faulted because her father is in politics too – but it seems pretty obvious that having someone like that in your corner would make the campaign a lot easier than doing it alone. I guess my bigger problem isn’t necessarily with Blair herself, but with the hoopla surrounding her. Sure, this is something that doesn’t happen often, but why does that mean it’s a good thing? Why can’t we treat her like every other politician out there? In Ziv’s article, Blair is quoted as saying, “I don’t want them to treat me like an 18-year-old girl.” Why can’t we all do that? Let’s just treat her as what she is – a person and a politician. So, in that line of thinking, I have this to
say: No matter what you’ve accomplished by being elected, if I don’t agree with your politics, I don’t agree with your politics. If you’re a staunchly conservative politician who cites the Second Amendment in casual conversation or believes that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, then I won’t be your biggest fan. And that’s alright. There are a lot of people out there who believe those things, and I’m probably not a fan of them, either. What’s the bottom line? I don’t care if you’re 55 or 18. I’m not going to like you more – whether our views differ or not – because you’re closer to my demographic and you’ve accomplished something by being the youngest lawmaker in the nation. It has nothing to do with anyone’s age.
EDITORIAL POLICY The SpringHillian is published weekly from September to May, except during examination periods and vocations. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students, but are the views of the individual columnists.
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
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LIFESTYLE
November 13, 2014
#AROUND THE
HILL
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Pretty Affair event. Left to right: Shardena Jones, Amber Bowie, Shontyeria Burks, and Jazzmine Scott. Photo courtesy of Shaunicy MUHAMMAD
Rachel McMullen, Cree Pettaway, Alyssa Fontela and Rachel Younce all pose together on the beach at the Campus Ministry ISIP retreat in Gulf Shores. Photo by Shaunicy MUHAMMAD
These girls show why Spring Hill has one of the best fan bases at the women’s soccer game on Senior Day. Photo courtesy of Erin BRENNAN
Victoria LeBlanc, Hannah Gassie, Katie Setton, and Lauren Rubin were just a few of the large group of Badgers that made their way down to Baton Rouge for the LSU v.s. Alabama game. Photo courtesy of Megan ST. GERMAIN
Bethany Hellmers and Kacie Staples show their support at the women’s final soccer game on Senior Day. Photo courtesy of Erin BRENNAN
The Phi Mu ladies pose after the Mangeant raising money for Children’s Miracle Network. Photo courtesy of Caroline DIENES
Andy Cuff, Ryan Sanchez and Joey Nolan all made the final round in Phi Mu’s Mangeant. Photo courtesy of Caroline DIENES
All of the Mangeant competitors pose in front of the Phi Mu letters in costume before their dance. Photo courtesy of Caroline DIENES Freshman Boris Kresevljak relaxes in his lawn chair on a beautiful weekend on the Hill. Photo courtesy of Mary BOECKMAN
Spring Hill students line up for slack lining in the trees on Spring Hill’s campus. Photo by Jabu THOMPSON
Emma Laurentius, Kacie Staples and Erin Brennan all pose together in Baton Rouge before the LSU v.s. Alabama. Photo courtesy of Emma LAURENTIUS Photos edited by Ben FLEMING
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LIFESTYLE
Q & A with Dr. Kotchimidova Erinn Vogel Reporter
November 13, 2014
Gas Prices Down, But Not Low Enough
By Natalie Welch Editor-in-Chief
She’s taught all around the world so the SpringHillian thought it was time to gather some Recently, students might says, “More so than other insights into Dr. Cristina Kotchimidova’s life. So I sat down with Dr. Kotchimidova to have noticed lowering gasostudents, commuters are hear about her interesting life, love for teaching and life lessons. line prices, whether they be hit hard with gas prices and in Mobile or in their native personally, it ate away at my Why did you leave Bulgaria? cities. According to Paul discretionary money for the Davidson’s article for USA week.” I grew up under an authoritarian political regime in Sofia, Bulgaria. I like to read and Today on Nov. 9, “Average However, it could be write, but in a country with censorship, can you be a journalist? Can you be a writer? It regular unleaded prices have worse; Creighton also rewould make me very happy when I would publish something open minded, but that was plunged to $2.99 a gallon members a time when the rare. So in a way I always wanted to get out. from $3.70 in late June, dipprice of gas reached $4.00 ping below $3 for the first a gallon. “I remember that What did you teach at the University of Sofia? time since 2010.” vividly because I was about One of the reasons for the to graduate and student I taught West European literature. They wouldn’t allow me to teach American literature drop might simply be a matloan debt was staring me in because America was considered enemy number one. I tried to introduce some Ameri- ter of supply and demand. the face,” she says, “and I can authors but my classes were strictly monitored. An article on the American thought how am going to afAutomobile Association’s ford to even drive to work to When I left, I went into translating and writing. I was trying to get fresh ideas published. website, written by Michael pay off my debt.” The regime stayed socialist with the fall of the iron curtain in Bulgaria, but opportunity Green on Nov. 3, stated, Now, as Creighton comopened for journalists. Writers began bringing truths to light. “global oil prices have demutes to and from work, the clined more than anticipated, cost of gas is still something as supply has outpaced dethat affects her. “I am always Why did you move out to New York? mand, contributing to even on the lookout for a lower greater savings at the pump priced pump,” she says. “Plus In 1992 I earned a masters in journalism at NYU, New York University. Then I moved I try to write down all of my back to Bulgaria and taught for a few years. I developed a theoretical interest in commu- for drivers.” Furthermore, Alabama’s chores for the weekend and nication studies so I moved back to New York in 1999 where I earned a PhD. While at map out the shortest route to NYU I was a teaching assistant and instructor. I taught Introduction to Communications, gas prices are among the lowest in the nation. In a cut down on gas costs!” History of Communications, Theory of Communications, and Media Criticism. ranking of the least expenIn the end, the lowered gas sive average gas prices, Alaprices should help students What did you do when you returned to Bulgaria? bama ranks sixth, according and alumni who frequently I taught journalism at the American University of Bulgaria. I was training young people to Green, with average prices visit the pump. But, that’s not statewide at $2.79. Also, in a the whole story. The uncerand when they started publishing it was empowering because I was training 50 people ranking of the largest yearly tainty of the future price is to publish truths, which was much more than what I could publish myself. I love invessavings, Alabama is at one of the biggest concerns tigative reporting, exposing corruption and deprivation of freedom so it made me happy number two, with gas prices for many, including Petwhen young people started doing that. decreasing 38 cents, accordtaway. “There needs to be a ing to Green. way to keep gas prices low, What brought you to Mobile? However, even with these or at least consistent,” she savings, the price of gasoline says, “so that I don’t have to In 2005 I was interviewing for jobs and Spring Hill invited me to interview. I liked is still a major problem for wake up one morning to see Spring Hill College so much that I the students of Spring Hill gas prices have increased dropped another offer everybody College, especially comby 30 cents overnight, and expected me to take. muters. For instance, junior wonder how I’m going to be Cree Pettaway says, “As a able to afford to get to school What do you like most about commuter to Spring Hill, I all week.” can say that gas prices affect Spring Hill? day to day whether or not I make it to school and the Everything. I like how everyone other activities I do outside knows each other. People are warm of school.” in the South—a lot friendlier then in Pettaway adds, “My house New York. I like that it is a liberal is only 15 minutes from arts school. I like the Jesuit values Spring Hill, but 15 minutes to and I was attracted to the program. It and from school, sometimes felt right, this is the place for me. more than twice a day, can really add up in gas.” What is your favorite class to Anxiety over the price of teach? gas appears to be a consistent theme for commuter stuCommunication Theory. It requires dents, both past and present. more thought, deeper thinking and Melissa Creighton, for exexplanation. It brings me greater unample, graduated from SHC derstanding of the world every time in 2008, after four years of I teach it. I hope it does some of that commuting to campus from for my students too. her home in Semmes. She Photo by Natalie WELCH
November 13, 2014
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
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“Th-th-that’s All Folks!” Saturday Mornings Become Less Animated By Jabulani Thompson Reporter
Growing up as children, watching cartoons was one of our favorite things to do. Waking up early on a Saturday morning or staying up on a Saturday night was common. Despite puberty, the satisfaction of watching Sonic the Hedgehog or Dexter’s Laboratory will never change. Regardless of the rituals and memories that were made, rules and economics cause a change in the cartoon industry. The biggest changes in the cartoon industry today are the revamping of the Boomerang channel and the demise of Saturday morning cartoons. When Cartoon Network was screening a show you didn’t like, it was normal to have Boomerang as a great back up. Boomerang was a spin-off of Cartoon Network that was owned by Time Warner. Airing reruns of animated shows from the Time Warner archive is what made Boomerang unique. On the other hand, Vortexx, which was aired by the CW, replaced Toonzai because they went bankrupt. Vortexx picked up the slack and continued to air Saturday morning cartoons. Vortexx sustained the Saturday morning line-up including shows such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Sonic X and Cubix. Brooke Herran says “ It will be a shame to lose Saturday morning cartoons. We already lost original Nickelodean and Disney cartoons by them being replaced with garbage such as Hannah Montanna and iCarly. Turner Broadcasting has announced that Boomerang will re-launch the channel and rebrand it into a global network for the youth. The rebranding will include a new logo and online/ on-air look. The new channel will continue to show the animated programs from the Warner Bros archive but will also include international cartoons as well. Time Warner are making it official by instantly offering Boomerang for advertising
opportunities and sales in the United States. On Saturday morning cartoons. The cherry on top the contrary, Vortexx has changed the whole for the end of Saturday morning cartoons era line-up of the cartoons it airs. was the Federal Communications Commission’s The action of rushing to cook a pop tart to rule demanding broadcast (but not cable) netcatch the 8 a.m. Animaniacs is no more. Vorworks to offer at least three hours of educational texx, which is owned by CW, has made the programming a week. Cartoons became less decision to part ways with the Saturday mornprofitable for networks because the rule limited ing cartoon block. Instead, One Magnificent advertising during the programs. Morning, which is a live-action block filled with Indubitably, both changes in the cartoon educational shows for kids, has found its way on industry are connected and important because the air. it is unfortunate to think that an entire generaThe new Boomerang channel is estimated to tion of kids will be missing out on a relaxing, make its way across the globe in the year 2015 cartoon-filled Saturday. It’s a shame to think while fans have been mourning the death of Sat- that kids will not get to experience the journey urday morning cartoons on Vortexx or a month of Pokémon and comical presence of Johnny or so now. Bravo. Time Warner believes that this revamping of Herren adds “ It is sad to see cartoons bethe new channel will appeal to the global aspect come a thing of the past and it is eve more of the business. The international side of the saddening to know that future genrations will network has become a huge deal for the comnever get to experience the joy that comes with pany in order to polish the household co-viewing waking up early Saturday morning , enjoying a experience. It appears that the overall goal of bowl of cereal while watching cartoons.” Time Warner is to make the new channel as big as Cartoon Network. On the other hand, there were many factors that caused the CW to change its showings. Firstly, cable did not help out the broadcast cartoons because kid-focused cable channels such as Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network became more popular. Being able to watch cartoons all week slowly gave the Saturday morning cartoons less hype. Secondly, individuals don’t watch TV as much as they used to because Arron Shirazi and Pat Sullivan enjoying some cartoons in their apartment. now people can watch through Netflix. Unexpectedly, technology Photo by Alex SIERRA plays a huge role in the death of
Getting to Know Ms. Leola By Ryan Flynn Reporter
Ms. Leola Sanders can be seen every day in the mailroom or down at the rec center with a huge smile on her face, eager to help the people of the Spring Hill College Community. Sanders first wanted to become a police officer and started the process with the sheriff’s department, but when she applied for the job at Spring Hill people doubted her and said she wouldn’t get the job. “I told them I was going to get the job,” said Sanders. People doubted her ability to get the job because Spring Hill used to be a dominantly white community and people didn’t think the college would hire an African American at the time, but they were all proved wrong. Sanders says that Spring Hill serves as her home away from home. She explained, “This is home away from home because at one time we used to work six days a week so I was here more than I was at home. I‘ve seen a lot of changes in the campus and still envision where things used
to be.” She continued by saying how much she enjoys working with the students. “I love working with students, I really love my kids,” said Sanders. Out of all the memories Sanders has at Spring Hill she said her favorite is the tricks the students used to play on her. There was one that stuck out in her head that involves a mail truck. She explained, “We used to have a mail truck and deliver the mail to buildings. One time we were parked over by Saint Paul’s and I went inside a building to deliver the mail and one of the students snuck away and went into the truck. When I came out the truck was parked down the block and I saw the student peeking his head out of the window and all the other students came out from behind the bushes laughing hysterically.” Whether you’re grabbing your mail or down at the rec center working out, be sure to stop by and say hello to Ms. Leola!
SPORTS
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November 13, 2014
College Football Playoff Rankings Through Week 11 As one of the most exciting seasons of college football comes to a close, many schools look to make the push to take part in the first ever college football playoff. In case you didn’t know, the college football world got rid of the Bowl Championship series system – which let computers and By Brandon Krus polls decide the fate of the Sports Reporter top 10 teams in the country to play in five different games – and implemented a new four game college football playoff bracket, which is decided by a committee. Through week 11 of the 2014 college football season, several different teams are making their names heard by the playoff committee and trying to make the final leap into the top four to make it to the postseason. Here are my top four picks through this past week of college football.
1. Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-0): The Bulldogs have gained plenty of attention and have stayed at the top of the college football playoff rankings for the past several weeks. Dan Mullen and his team have played a difficult schedule so far and have beaten teams such as the LSU Tigers, the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers, who were all ranked in the top 10 when Mississippi State beat them. They have their biggest matchup of the year coming up this week as they travel to the University of Alabama and take on the Crimson Tide. Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs offense will give the Alabama defense some trouble, and the Mississippi State defense will look to contain the explosive Blake Sims, who is the best quarterback in the country when it comes to third down conversions. If the Bulldogs win out the rest of the year, including the SEC Championship game, they will secure the number one ranking heading into postseason play. 2. Oregon Ducks (8-1): The Oregon Ducks sit at the number two spot this week after a statement win against the No. 17 Utah Utes 51-27. Their only loss this year took place at home against the Arizona Wildcats. However, they have key wins against the UCLA Bruins, the Michigan
State Spartans and most recently the Utah Utes. Leading the way for the high powered Oregon offense, which averages 46 points a game, is Marcus Mariota, who is one of the leading candidates in this year’s Heisman trophy race. With the remaining part of their schedule being pretty easy, Oregon should find themselves making the playoffs as a number two or three seed if they can beat the Arizona State Sun Devils, who are still in the hunt.
3. Florida State Seminoles (9-0): Florida State lost some strong players to the NFL draft last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from trying to make it back to the National Championship game two years in a row. The Seminoles are undefeated so far this season, and have top notch wins against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the Clemson Tigers, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Louisville Cardinals. Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston has had his off-the-field issues this season but he is still determined to win another national title before he declares for the NFL draft this offseason. Florida State overall is one of the best teams in the country, especially when it comes to special teams. Winning out the rest of the season will result in the Seminoles claiming one of the top two spots in the college football playoff bracket. 4. TCU Horned Frogs (8-1): Most people may think that this is a strange pick for the final spot in the playoff but here is the reasoning. Alabama is a very good team this year but with the Mississippi State game coming up this weekend, I think that they will lose to the Bulldogs in what will be the SEC game of the year to watch. Unfortunately, this would eliminate them from the playoff picture. This is where TCU comes in. The Horned Frogs have had an incredible year so far. Having lost only one game to the Baylor Bears on the road by a field goal in the final seconds. They have beaten some quality teams along the way to getting to this point in the year. So far this season, TCU has taken down four top 25 teams that were ranked when the Frogs faced them. They were the Oklahoma Sooners (No. 4), the Oklahoma State Cowboys (No. 15), the West Virginia Mountaineers (No. 20), and last week they beat the Kansas State Wildcats (No. 7). The Frogs have a talented offense that ranks third in the country with 47.2 points per game, and are
Upcoming Games 11/14 - Women’s Basketball @ Mississippi College 6 p.m. 11/14 - Men’s Basketball @ Shorter University 6 p.m. 11/15 - Men’s Basketball @ UnionUniversity 6 p.m. 11/15-16 - Men’s and Women’s Bowling vs. SHC Tourney 11/17 - Men’s Basketball vs. Carroll College 7 p.m. 11/20 - Men’s Basketball @ Mississippi College 7 p.m.
led by junior quarterback Trevone Boykin, who is the leading candidate for the Heisman race from the Big 12. TCU will close out the rest of its conference schedule on some of the weaker teams in the conference and will most likely win out. If it does that and if Alabama loses this week against Mississippi State, TCU will find itself ahead of conference rival Baylor based on the number of wins against top 25 teams and its non-conference schedule as well. Keep an eye on this up and coming team to make some noise in the playoffs if it gets its shot.
First Two Out:
Baylor Bears (8-1): The Bears and Heisman hopeful Bryce Pretty are one of my first teams out of the playoff picture. Baylor has the best scoring offense in the country, averaging 50.1 points per game. It has had a successful year so far, with two quality top 25 wins against the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners. However, it did take a key conference loss on the road at West Virginia, which is a devastating blow to its season. Even though it did beat TCU, it does not have as good of a resume as TCU does and its non-conference schedule is not as good either. Unless one of the top four loses a game in the next few weeks, I wouldn’t expect to see Baylor making the cut. Arizona State Sun Devils (8-1): The surprising Arizona State Sun Devils are in the hunt for the Pac-12 Championship game and possibly a spot in the college football playoff. ASU has picked up some key wins on the road to this 8-1 start. Some of those wins include defeating the USC Trojans, the Stanford Cardinals and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, all of which were ranked in the top 25 at some point. Head coach Todd Graham has coached his team well this year and has put it in the driver’s seat in the Pac-12 South. Led by a good offense and rising defense, the Pac-12 championship definitely remains in the picture for ASU. Unfortunately, this means that it will play the Oregon Ducks in the championship game, and I don’t think it will be able to keep up with Mariota and the high octane offense of the Ducks. If the Sun Devils win out and claim the title, they will earn a spot in the playoff. If Oregon does the same, the Ducks will remain at No. 3 and the Sun Devils will be out of the hunt.
For scores and more, be sure to visit www.shcbadgers.com
November 13, 2014
Women’s Soccer Senior Day Photos
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
11
Top 5 NHL Power Rankings
5. Chicago Blackhawks The Blackhawks are currently in fourth place in the Central Division but it is still very early in the season and besides the Hawks are known for their come from behind victories, isn’t that right Blues and Bruins fans? The squad ranks first in goals against at only 1.9 and its penalty kill percentage which is 91.1 percent, meaning its defense is playing phenomenally. On the offense side of play, Captain Jonathan Toews leads the team with six goals, with Patrick Kane closely behind with four. The team has the returning players and the potential to compete for another Stanley Cup.
4. Nashville Predators The Predators have won four of their last six games and are in first place in the competitive Central Division. Their latest win was over the top ranked St. Louis Blues. Center Filip Forsberg currently leads the team with five goals and four assists with center Mike Ribeiro right behind him with three goals and eight assists. Defensively, goalie Pekka Rinne boasts a .935 save percentage, which means he is on fire right now.
By Ryan Flynn Sports Reporter
The team huddles up before the game.
3. St. Louis Blues Personally, as a Blackhawks fan, it is really hurting me to write positive things about this organization, but I do it as a service to the people. The Blues are out to make another campaign for the Stanley Cup and the team looks strong in its effort. Earlier in the season, the team went on a seven game win streak but that was brought to a halt by the Nashville Predators this past Saturday. Right Wing Vladimir Tarasenko currently leads the team with an impressive nine goals and eight assists. The Blues should have a deep playoff run.
Seniors gather together after getting a win on Senior Day.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning The Lightning are currently the top of the Atlantic Division and are second in the league for goals per game with 3.8. The team is currently on a six game win streak and shows no signs of slowing down. Center Tyler Johnson currently leads the team with five goals and thirteen assists. Center Steven Stamkos is on fire this season with 10 goals. Lightning goalie Ben Bishop has proved consistent for the team. Throughout 12 games, he has 295 saves and a .910 save percentage. 1. Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins are 10-2 and sit atop of not only the Metropolitan Division but the NHL as a whole. The Penguins are on a seven game win streak and the team ranks first in the NHL in goals per game with 4.2 and power play percentage with 37.5 percent. None other than Sidney Crosby leads this team with an insane seven goals and 17 assists. If the Penguins can be consistent throughout the year, no doubt they will find themselves in the Stanley Cup final.
Senior Erin Brennan looks to make a play.
Seniors Erin Brennan, Theresa Carr and Erin Klaxton get ready to play. Seniors pose with their parents and hold their jerseys before their final game.
Photos courtesy of Erin Brennan
HILL YEAH!
12
November 13, 2014
ON the SPOT What is your favorite childhood cartoon? MATT Russo
JILL Taliancich
GRANT Quinlan
MOLLY Booth
“Sponge Bob Squarepants.”
“Hey Arnold. “
“Scooby Doo.“
“Rocket Power.”
Name that Cartoon! Can you name each of these cartoon characters and what show he or she is from?
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Answers: Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes), Pikachu (Pokémon), Bubbles (Powerpuff Girls), Fred Flinstone (The Flinstones), Yogi Bear (The Yogi Bear Show), Dog (Catdog), Tommy Pickles (The Rugrats), Tom (Tom and Jerry), Rocky (The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show), Brain (Pinky and the Brain), Scooby Doo (Scooby Doo, Where Are You?)