Final paper!!!

THE

SPRINGHILLIAN

Septemebr 18, 2014

Volume 99 Issue 1

Ad Majorem Del Gloriam

YUM!

Maggie VACHE, on left, and Meeri KANGAS, on right, enjoy last weekend’s Watermelon Bash

Students showi off their decorating skills at Watermelon Bash

Erin BRENNAN, on left, Maggie DALESSIO, center, and Abby MASSENGALE, on right, competing in the Watermelon Toss

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

2

WEEKLY FORECAST

THIS WEEK

Thursday - 90/73 - Partly Cloudy

September 18, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Friday - 90/72 - Sunny

Saturday - 88/72 - Partly Cloudy

Sunday - 90/73 - Partly Cloudy

HILLIAN STAFF

Editors: Natalie Welch Alex Sierra

Advisor: Stuart Babington Photo Editor: Ben Fleming

Inside News Page 4 Ever heard of the General Studies major? Check out what Dr. Gilmore has to say about this overlooked major.

Repoters Ryan Flynn Jabulani Thompson Shaunicy Muhammad Sports: Brandon Krus

Advertising/social media Erinn Vogel

HILLIAN CONTACT

Lifestyle Editor:

The Hillian Newswire @HillianNewswire Hillian Newswire hillian _ newswire Letters to the Editors newswire@shc.edu Read the Hillian Newswire online at newswire.shc.edu

Inside Sports Page 10 Check out the Sports section to catch the schedule of upcoming games and see past scores.

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

NEWS

September 18, 2014

3

Opaque and Inconspicuous Veteran SHC Employee Takes the Reigns of CPB

By Erin Vogel Reporter

Closed, inconspicuous, and opaque — three words trending this fall on Spring Hill College’s campus. Residence Life and Public Safety are enforcing a new container policy to encourage students who are of age to drink outside. And there is a new maximum occupancy rule in the apartments — only ten people can be in an apartment at a time. Residence Life spent the summer exploring new ways for students to enjoy college life.

It’s a new campus rule that containers must be closed, inconspicuous, and opaque for students to drink outside. According to Juliann Losey, area coordinator

By Shaunicy Muhammad Reporter

of the Fairway Apartments, the container must be opaque all the way around— it cannot look like there is beer or a mixed drink in the container.

“We are responding to student requests and culture,” says Losey. “We want to keep our students safe, but also make sure they are happy and can engage in the community.”

Over the summer, Residence Life, Admissions, Human Resources, the Wellness Center, Public Safety, and Student Affairs collaborated to consider all sides and effects of the alcohol policies on campus.

Mobile, AL --- The start of a new academic year always brings in new changes. This year is no different. The Campus Programming Board, which hosts events and programs on campus for all students, has acquired a new advisor.

However, Joy Morris is not new to the campus of Spring Hill College. This year will mark her 10th year with the campus and she says she’s excited about this new venture. Morris says personal involvement with the students was one of her main motivations for inquiring about this new position.

“My goal was to get out from behind a desk in the Accounting & Finance office and find a place on campus that would allow me to work with the students. Until that position came along, any opportunity to help out with a student related activity, I was there,” she stated.

During a period of lending a helping hand in campus activities and programs such as the International Service Immersion Program, hosted

by Campus Ministry, Morris says that she realized her passion was to work with the students and to make their experience at Spring Hill College a great one.

new appreciation for the Hill and made me realize that I was a part of something extremely unique and special,” she said. Her hands were clasped as she leaned in over her new desk. It was clear that Morris felt at home.

She continued by saying that she has “the best job on campus.” Returning board executives say they are equally as enthusiastic about Morris’ appointment to the position as Morris herself. Asia Hudson, vice chair of the organization and a junior majoring in psychology, believes the Campus Programming Board has a bright, broadened future ahead, especially with Morris leading the way.

“She is absolutely fabulous. She brings a youthful and invigorating spirit to the board. She is interested in planning more ‘out of the box’ activities and we love that,” she said. Hudson believes that Morris can take the organization in a different direction this year with fresh, innovative ideas and expanded levels of promotion for their events.

“It was during the months of preparation for my first service trip that I realized that the thing I loved most about the campus was our students. The students I traveled with gave me a

“The sunset sail that we had, it was Joy’s idea. She’s just fun to be around and is a ball of energy. She is great in her position because, like me, she is passionate about the students,” she added.

About the Campus Programming Board, Hudson

This diverse researched approximately 70-80 colleges with similar qualities and student life to Spring Hill. Student satisfaction, personal safety, academic success, crisis strategies, and lawfulness were all taken into consideration. The staff wanted to find policies that would allow students to have fun, but not create an environment that might facilitate sexual assaults and binge drinking. “Residence Life is focused on serving the students,” says Losey.

Senior Ryan Sanchez gave his opinion on the policy: “I believe that the revised closed container policy is attempting to address legal issues and keep students safe, yet not punish students who are of drinking age. It gives students the freedom to drink alcohol outside without being targeted – however, we have to hope that it won’t drive underage drinkers to start binge drinking in their dorm rooms before heading out for weekend fun.”

added that this new addition to their team was of great importance because of the role she believes that the organization plays on campus.

“We are a major organization on campus. We have great board members who have taken a pledge to provide great activities for the students. In a way, each Spring Hill student is a part of the board. We would not be here without their support,” she said.

With a positive outlook and undying motivation, Morris hopes to make her first year as the advisor of CPB a memorable one for herself and for the student body. She hinted at upcoming events the board is planning on having this year, saying that students should “keep an eye open for the big fall event taking place on campus in November.”

This is undoubtedly good news for students interested in what is going on in their campus community. Students should look forward to “more music inspired events,” according to Asia Hudson, who also reiterated Morris’ indication of a big, student oriented event coming up in the fall. “It’s going to be huge,” she said.

Although she has big shoes to fill, Joy Morris believes that she can take the Campus Programming Board to new, broader heights and she’s meeting that challenge head on.

According to Losey there are plans to have RA programing, such as grill outs and late night activities, addressing the container policy. She hopes to work with students and set up late night venders.

Students who have questions or concerns should talk to Public Safety, Sudent Affairs and the Office of Residence Life. “I know culture change can be difficult, but students have a chance to create a great experience and legacy,” says Losey.

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THE SPRINGHILLIAN

September 18, 2014

Dr. Gilmore Gives Students a Fresh Take on the General Studies Major

By Natalie Welch Editor-in-Chief

The general studies major needs a bit of a re-vamp, according to its program director, Dr. George Gilmore.

Specifically, he want a more appealing name, such as “creative combinations” or “creative studies,” because, he says, “People hate the label” of general studies. The name often adds to people’s misconceptions about the major, namely, that it is a “bail-out program.” And Dr. Gilmore understands where that attitude about the major comes from; it has been the case that the general studies major was helpful to students in some desperate situations, such as a senior who fails a course in their major, and thus loses the ability to graduate. “They can still walk,” Dr. Gilmore says, “if they sign up for general studies, put together some courses through the summer,

or if really necessary, in the fall.”

But its reputation as a “bail-out program” is hardly the whole story. Instead, the major offers a chance for students to put together their own “imaginative program” that fits their wants and needs. The student who wishes to apply for a general studies degree simply has to fill out a form, which details the upper-division courses they have already taken, or plan to take; they then have to be accepted by a committee in order to be a part of the program. Dr. Gilmore has had many students within the program take a wide range of classes and achieve great success, with one student earning a general studies degree by concentrating on computer information systems,

graphic design and fine art; another student emphasized chemistry and secondary education, and is now a high school teacher. It is this sort of freedom, in choosing the courses that students find most relevant to their plans, which makes Dr. Gilmore term the major “user-friendly,” and which showcases the goal of the general studies program, which, he says, is to “recognize that women and men have some really creative ideas” in terms of crafting a major for themselves. “I think there are dimensions to this program that are just wonderful,” he says.

So, which students should be interested in this program?

Dr. Gilmore thinks that it is especially helpful for students having problems finding their niche at Spring Hill. “[The

general studies major] seems to afford precisely the kind of imaginative alternative to the student who has a major problem ‘fitting in’ or deciding on a major.” And, he adds, “For whom is this a really desirable option? People who change majors junior year.”

Not only that, Dr. Gilmore also believes that the general studies major could help with retention rates at Spring Hill, since other colleges may offer “greater variety than our traditional defined majors with their often heavy requirements and restrictive opportunities for electives.”

Students wishing to major in a very specific program, instead of finding it somewhere else, need only choose a variety of electives at Spring Hill that accomplish a similar end. Dr. Gilmore spoke about

the vast possibilities associated with the general studies program, saying, “Could we do something in nutrition, here? If somebody is doing biology, chemistry and nursing, and doing upper-division courses – you bet!”

In the end, maybe a name change will make the general studies major more attractive to students. And, if that is the case, many students might soon be asking themselves the question that is often posed to Dr. Gilmore, “Why didn’t I ever hear about this program?”

Students interested in learning more should attend an open forum on the general studies program. It will be held on Sept. 24th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Gautrelet room.

There’s a New Sheriff in Town: Spring Hill Adds Police Force

By Ben Fleming Reporter

In the past Spring Hill has had a problem with robberies on campus. Public Safety believes these crimes were being committed by off campus criminals who target Spring Hill students. Todd Warren, head of Public Safety did some research on other colleges and universities and what they were doing to protect their students. “It’s turning into a common trend across the nation, colleges are getting their own police forces,” said Todd.

Spring Hill College student government got the proposal from former Spring Hill College President, Richard Salmi, back in 2012. The Student Government came to the consensus that the sworn officers must be for the students’ protection and to keep peace, they should not be out to get the students. Current student body president Ricardo Pita says, “So far the police have conducted themselves with professionalism and courtesy, however our support is entirely conditional on Public Safety keeping their promises that they made to us.”

The students should be aware the police cannot ignore laws being broken.

Although Todd does not foresee it happening much, the police can pull you over in your car, but all violations will be kept in house, and the punishment would be nothing but a small fine.

In regards to alcohol, Todd explains that the officers cannot just overlook blatant violations of the law. If someone is not 21 years of age and is obviously stumbling around, they may get approached. Again if this happens it will also be handled through Spring Hill not the criminal court system, meaning it will just be like a normal write up, no MIP’s or other criminal punishments. Also, if this happens an officer may ask to see your student ID. The Purpose of this is to assure that, in fact, you are a Spring Hill College student and not someone who just wandered on campus causing trouble.

All Police officers will be wearing video cameras at all times. This keeps everybody honest. The students will think twice about how

they act around an officer and the officer will be held accountable to do their jobs respectfully. Every officer was more than willing to wear the cameras and its actually another up and coming trend amongst all Police forces. If a student wants to look at any of the tapes or feels that they were mistreated they are more than welcome to go into the Public Safety office and look at the tapes. The tapes however will not leave that office and will never be released to the public. In addition the officers will be armed.

The addition of a sworn law enforcement division within Spring Hill College has many advantages according to the Margarita Perez who is the head of Student Affairs. The officers will have more training and can do more than just regular public safety.

“The number one job is to make sure our students are healthy and safe, there is more to protecting students than just Public Safety and Police officers as a community we must look out for each other,” says Perez. Although Spring Hill is a

somewhat gated community, it really is not hard to just walk on to our campus and cause trouble. Perez believes that now that we have sworn officers and real Police cars these unwanted visitors might think twice about targeting Spring Hill students.

Overall Margarita, Todd and Ricardo do not think that the student body will react negatively towards the newly sworn officers. When asked about issues involving Spring Hill students and the Police Todd said, “Anything that can be handled in house, we want to handle it in house.” He believes that Spring Hill students are very well behaved students and don’t need much policing. The main purpose for the officers is to protect students from outside intruders. The head of public safety stated, “I would have never suggested we get a police force if it was about policing the students, we don’t need it. It is about protecting the students and I would be surprised if

there was a lot of change.”

Margarita agrees with Todd that students should not see a significant change Perez says, “We don’t want any harm to us in our community we want to be able to act fast and offer the best services here. I don’t think the students are going to see anything different besides, a much nicer uniform and an awesome looking badge.”

So don’t be alarmed if you see the black and purple police cars patrolling the area. Know that they are here for the students’ protection only, and will do everything in their power to keep us safe.

September 18, 2014

Major Problems have a chance of finding a job, and hopefully

importance majors can have. For one, my sister,

comes to college, or leaves, with the thought,

Jessica, graduated from SHC in 2008, with a de-

“Man, this degree won’t have any impact on

gree in psychology. She was completely prepared

whether I get a job or not.”

to go to professional school and become a psy-

dents choose a major based solely on how much they believe it will help them with their future career. And don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing, in many cases; after all, there are some careers that call for a very specific line of study

By Natalie Welch

Editor-in-Chief I’m going to give you my bottom line up

front; are you ready? Ok, here it is: I’d rather spend four years at Spring Hill College doing something I love, instead of being miserable.

Shocker, I know.

There’s so much pressure on college stu-

dents to choose the “right” major. If your parents are doctors, maybe you choose pre-med; if you want to run a company one day, maybe it’s business. But, really, what it all boils down to is a simple fact: We. Want. Jobs. That’s why most of us are here, right? So that, when we leave, we’ll

Comic by Alex Sierra Assistant Editor

But, the truth is, I’ve seen just how little

that job is one we like. I mean, I doubt anyone

The problem, of course, is that most stu-

5

chologist, until our father suggested she take the Law School Admission Test, just to keep her options open; she’s now a practicing lawyer. Kate, my other sister, has a degree in sport and recreation administration, but works as a paralegal.

So, besides indicating that I come from a

– accountants, doctors, engineers – and there

family of legal-centric freaks – which, I promise,

are students who have already decided that is

isn’t the case; not the legal-centric part, anyway

the career for them. Congratulations to those

– what does all this mean? It means sometimes

students; they are an inspiration to all the other

things change, sometimes you don’t know what

students majoring in I-Have-No-Clue-What-

you want to do, and sometimes you choose a

I-Want-To-Do-With-My-Life, with a minor in

major just because it’ll look good to a future em-

It-Changes-Day-To-Day.

ployer. Sometimes you’re not in love with your

To those students, – the ones who don’t really know what they’ll be doing once school is over, but think majoring in business is a safe bet, even though they might really enjoy another, possibly less practical, major more – I’d like to say this: The major we choose isn’t going to have as big an impact on our careers as we think.

There, I said it.

major, but stick with it for four years because it’ll be worth it, in the long run; or will it? Your major doesn’t have to be the final word on your career. In my opinion, you’re better off picking a major you love, and dealing with all that serious stuff later.

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

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LIFESTYLE

September 18, 2014

SGA Starts their Run for the Hill 5K benefitting American Cancer Society Photo by Shaunicy MUHAMMAD

SGA President Ricardo PITA and Secretary of the Press Diego JUNCADELLA get water poured on them after the Run of the Hill.

Photo by Ben FLEMING

Participant gets purple paint thrown on her during the SGA 5k Photo by Shaunicy MUHAMMAD

Nico Olvera sprints to the finish finishing 1st in the SGA 5k in a time of 19:08 Photo by Ben FLEMING

The brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha enjoy their philanthropy event, Watermelon Bash Photo by Ben FLEMING

Lambda Chi Alpha raised 3,175 pounds of food for the Bay Area Food Bank.

Photo by Ben FLEMING

THE HILL

Victor VILLARREAL poses at Watermelon Bash Photo by Ben FLEMING

Fans tailgate in style for the Spring Hill Rugby game vs Troy University Photo by Ben FLEMING Jack CULOTTA slides down the waterslide at Watermelon Bash Photo by Ben FLEMING

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

8

LIFESTYLE

September 18, 2014

SHC GreenKeepers Fight to Keep the Campus Green

By Shaunicy Muhammad

Reporter

At the center of GreenKeepers, Spring Hill College’s environmental club, is Dr. Leslie Bordas, an inspiring chemistry professor with a fiery personality and a passion for protecting the resources of the earth.

Equally passionate, however, are the student members who Dr. Bordas says are the fuel to her keeping the organization afloat on campus.

This year, she hopes to bring attention to the benefits of being a “greenie,” as she calls the student members of the organization.

However, she says that keeping the organization alive is hard work, citing the fact that the numbers of students who participate varies every year and that.

She also stated that, in her opinion, funding for the group is low because people have other priorities that they find more important than earth conservation.

“I’ve felt like maybe I should give this up, but I can’t. The students deserve it for all of the work they have put into it,” Bordas says. Since its launch in 2009, GreenKeepers members have been actively at work thinking of innovative environmental efforts and “green” initiatives to put into place on campus.

Although the organization is relatively new, there’s no doubting the changes they’ve made in their few years of existence. Bordas says, though, that keeping people interested in saving the environment is not an easy job at all.

As a matter of fact, Bordas believes her dedication to being a representative voice for concerns of students has made some people on campus a little more than annoyed with her. “I’ve made a nuisance of myself with the administration,” she explained. But Bordas

believes that her actions are justified because she cares deeply about the students and their health in particular. “I try to advocate for the student body on environmental issues. It concerns me that some of the students may have health issues because of mold in

dents that are interested, no matter how small a group it is, Bordas wants to expand participation by students on campus. She wants to awaken new greenies to the issues of the environment. “Mother earth is in pain. When we’re young, we don’t see the world and

club has more benefits than what meets the eye. One of the main objectives that she continues to stress is that GreenKeepers is an organization by the students, for the students.

“This is not a place where the only people who are in control are the executive

the bathrooms or because the air purifiers aren’t working,” she said, recalling that the people that she speaks to often groan about her constant reminders to keep up with those efforts.

“I think that those kinds of environmental issues may not be at the forefront of what everybody is thinking about,” she explained.

However, Dr. Bordas says that their ideas and influence create more change than what many on the campus get to see or know about. “GreenKeepers has a lot of effects on campus, even if nobody knows about us. We’re behind the scenes.” Although she is appreciative of having stu-

its resources as limited. But committee. Everybody in the world is running out of the GreenKeepers has a resources. Notoriously in voice. This notion of allowthe south, we haven’t been ing every student to have as good as the north in really promoting “ I want students to know environmen- that this is a place where tal and green they can become a leader” issues,” she says.

-Advisor of GreenKeepers When Dr. Leslie Bordas asked about why she thought participation on full roles and responsibility campus was low, Bordas is evident in the creation laughed at the thought that of pioneering events such maybe GreenKeepers have as Angry Art, a fundraiser the stigma of being “tree started by senior graphic dehuggers” placed on them. sign major, Alex Sierra. “It She reiterated that she was a really great idea. We wanted students to know didn’t know what to do with that being involved with the all these expensive looking

bottles. Alex came up with the idea of filling the bottles with paint and charging anyone who was interested to throw them against a wall covered with paper and make art out of it,” she explained.

“There’s opportunity here to show your leadership skills and your stewardship for the environment and get rewarded for that.

I think too often, people get too busy to participate but I want students to know it’s a place where you can market your abilities. That’s my idea for this club,” she said. Added with that is the possibility of acquiring graduation honor cords as reward for commitment to the cause and for completing a set number of service hours. She’s hopeful that every year, the number of students graduating with Greenkeepers honor cords around their necks grows.

It’s one of the things that she hopes will inspire new involvement from students.

Dr. Bordas says that the organization has a duty to themselves and the student body to promote environmental consciousness, even if it means raising funds for their endeavors themselves.

That fervent drive to keep going evidently will not come to a halt. Reflecting on why she and the GreenKeepers must keep going, Bordas says, “If I don’t show by example, the things that are important to me, then I’m not being a very good teacher.”

September 18, 2014

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

9

‘Madden NFL 15’ Making a Huge Comeback

By Jabulani Thompson Reporter

Photo by Ben FLEMING`

In the past years, the Madden NFL franchise has had its handful of disappointing editions. However, “Madden NFL 15" reached store shelves on August 26, relieving football fans and gamers across the country of their disappointment.

According to several game reviews, it has turned out to be one of the better years of expansion.

One of the most common changes every

year is the graphics. As many of you may know, both PlayStation and Xbox have released new gaming platforms that have showed the gaming world there is no limit to technology. The high definition images are breathtaking and the movements are even better. The photorealistic actions of the wide receiver beating the cornerback and making a one handed catch makes you want to play the game for hours. “As a gamer and fan of football, I can say the gameplay of Madden NFL 15 is by far the best one,” says senior Mac Kitchin.

Another significant change that previous editions lacked was the intelligence and gameplay of

Checking in on Sigma Kappa

By Erinn Vogel Reporter

With one semester under its belt, Sigma Kappa is making strides to adapt to Greek life on Spring Hill’s campus. So what is new with Spring Hill’s newest sorority?

The girls of lavender and maroon recently participated in their first philanthropy event — Watermelon Bash. “It was fun to see everyone come together and it felt good to finally be a part of the Greek community,” says senior and PanHellenic Delegate Jaci Kurbab.

Sigma Kappa held an informal recruitment last week and their chapter gained 11 new girls. “It went well,” says Kurcab, “it was really exciting to sit on the other side of the table. It finally feels real — like we are established now.”

According to Sigma Kappa President Ashlea Wattenbe, one of the main goals is for the chapter to be more involved on campus.

“Last semester we were focused on getting started, but now that we have been on campus for a semester we can more actively participate in campus events,” says Wattenbe

Not only will the Sigma Kappas be participating, but they

will also be hosting events. Their first philanthropic event, a walk to end to end Alzheimer’s, is September 20. The walk is donations only with proceeds going to Alzheimer’s research.

Kurcab, who specifically joined Sigma Kappa because of its philanthropic focus to help others, is excited to see the Greek community come together for the Alzheimer’s Walk.

According to its national website, “In 2000, the Sigma Kappa Foundation entered into an agreement with the national Alzheimer’s Association whereby the Association selects scientific research proposals, ideally submitted by a female researcher working on a campus with an active Sigma Kappa chapter, for sponsorship by the Sigma Kappa Foundation.”

From what we can see the Sigma Kappa girls are clearly making their mark in the Greek community and here to stay.

the defense. Since Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is decorated on the cover, it was only right for the developers at EA to focus on defense for this year’s version. Instead of thinking that playing defense is a chore, it is now just as fun as playing offense. Out of the two key defensive changes, EA refined defense by introducing a new camera angle that faces toward the quarterback.

In addition, if the offense manages to break your defensive line, you actually get to control how your tackle attempt comes out. The boring idea of just running at players and making contact is out the window. You can

make a choice of tackling high or low, and even adjust the strength of your hit.

It’s uplifting to see the franchise make such big improvements. The enhancements of both the innovative graphics and importance of defensive play makes this year’s edition one to remember.

“For me Madden NFL has been more than just a video game, it has been a way of life,” says junior Nick De Felice. It is clear that by listening to the fans the franchise has made a big step forward and reassures us that EA is still capable of producing a football video game that the gamers will enjoy.

SPORTS

10

September 18, 2014

The Big Move: Going From the NAIA to NCAA

By Brandon Krus Reporter

Spring Hill College will be transitioning to the NCAA Division II level of athletics and will be competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Atlantic Conference for the 20142015 athletic season.

The decision on moving into the NCAA dates back to January of 2012. Jim Hall along with school administrators came into agreement and felt the school was ready to begin the process to become a member of the NCAA. Upon this agreement, the school filed an application to be admitted into the NCAA in January of last year.

In order for the NCAA to accept Spring Hill’s bid into Division II, the school had to go through an application process. Athletic director Jim Hall discussed what the process entailed and the detail that came with it. “The application process consisted of completing the application and providing multiple supporting documents demonstrating how athletics was structured within the College and how it operates: operating budgets, scholarship budgets, personnel, policies and procedures, etc.”

The decision to leave the NAIA for the NCAA was not an easy one. Hall explains why school administrators and the athletic department were ready for this big change. “In the long term, NAIA membership is dwindling in the Southeast and scheduling games was

becoming increasingly difficult. Moving to the NCAA provides SHC with a stable national membership that is growing in our region. It also allows us to schedule games against many of our aspirant institutions who are NCAA members.”

Spring Hill College is one of 27 Jesuit institutions that are of NCAA status. So this move allows us to be more in line with the other Jesuit schools around the country.

Spring Hill was formerly competing in the NAIA and was a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference which included schools such as Loyola University of New Orleans, University of Mobile, and Faulkner University, to name a few. Now the badgers will be playing games against teams such as Tuskegee University, Stillman College and Morehouse College, among others.

The shift to the SIAC and the NCAA has brought tremendous change into how the teams and the athletic department have to prepare for the upcoming athletic year. Head baseball coach Frank Sims, who has been coaching at Spring Hill for 30 years, said that the paperwork process and the rule changes are

much different from the NAIA. “The paperwork for the NCAA is much more detailed and time consuming than in previous years in the NAIA. We have to keep track of every practice that takes place and must keep record of who played in all 48 games coming up this season. Also, we have to make sure we adhere to all the new rule changes, otherwise we could face serious violations against our program.” These changes are not bringing Sims’

determination down at all.

He is excited to get all the paperwork done and get his team on the field in the spring.

That is not the only change that the NCAA has brought to Spring Hill. In regards to recruiting, many people, including head volleyball coach Peggy Martin, believe that the new NCAA “brand” will attract more student-athletes. Coach Martin has been at Spring Hill since 2009, and is one of the most successful coaches in all levels of collegiate volleyball. She said, “The move to NCAA is definitely an upgrade and will

Upcoming Games 8/18-8/20 Volleyball @ SIAC Division Corssover 8/20 Women’s Soccer @ University of West Florida @ 5pm 8/20 Men’s Soccer vs. University of Mobile @ 4pm

For more on SHC athletics:

Be sure to follow your team by visiting www.shcbadgers.com

attract quality student-athletes. Our team right now has really good students on path toward graduation, which is what the NCAA really requires, which is a good thing.” Martin also says she is looking forward to the challenges the new conference will bring.

These changes have not just affected the coaches and the athletic front office, has affected the athletes also. For the next two years, Spring Hill will not be allowed to compete in any type of playoff format until the NCAA has fully accepted the school into the Division II class of college athletics. This takes a huge hit on the programs that made it into their respective conference tournaments last year, and also all of the seniors that were wanting to make their last year memorable.

The Spring Hill volleyball team has made the NAIA national tournament the past three years, and not being able to compete for a fourth consecutive year will be tough. Senior Megan Haber, a middle hitter from Lillian, AL, thinks that this is just the stepping stone for Spring Hill volleyball. “Overall it’s a good move for SHC. The move will definitely attract more quality student-athletes and will help with recruiting for

the future.” Sami Maurer, a libero from Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, MO, says, “It is unfortunate that we cannot make the playoffs but we are willing to work and go out there and have fun in our last year on the team.”

Senior Jack Howard, a starting pitcher from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Alpharetta, GA, was looking forward to try and make a push for the conference tournament in his last year of eligibility.

“Not making the playoffs this year will be difficult to deal with, but it is a sacrifice we are willing to make for the future of the program.” Fellow senior pitcher Keller Douglas from St. Paul’s High School in Covington, LA, agrees that not making the playoffs will hurt but understands the move that has been made. “Our school is trying to expand. In order to do that our athletics program must make a move as well and this move is putting us in the right direction.” Both are excited to get out on the field and see what the conference and new schedule has to offer.

Overall, everyone is looking forward to what the NCAA and the SIAC will bring to Spring Hill. Having a new schedule with a whole new set of teams, the 2014-2015 season of badger athletics appears to be an exciting one.

A picture of the new floor in the Arthur R. Outlaw Rec Center Photo by BenFLEMING

Recent Results 8/9 Volleyball @ Loyola New Orleans - W(3-0) 8/12 Volleyball vs. LeMoyne Owen College - W(3-0) 8/12 Volleyball at Kentucky State University - W(3-1) 8/12 Women’s Soccer vs. Beelahven - W(4-0) 8/12 Men’s Soccer vs. Southern Wesleyan - L(0-1) 8/12 Volleyball vs. Lane College - W(3-0) 8/13 Men’s Rugby vs. Troy - W(24-15) 8/13 Men’s Soccer vs. University of North Georgia - W(1-0)

September 18, 2014

THE SPRINGHILLIAN

Professional Athletes Setting A Bad Example

By Ryan Flynn Reporter

Within the last few weeks, the NFL has witnessed some of the worst incidents in sports. A video was released of Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice, brutally hitting his now wife, Janay Palmer.

Shortly after, Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson, was indicted for child abuse. Along with that, multiple players have been suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, such as Denver Bronco’s wide receiver, Wes Welker.

The incidents involving Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson were disturbing and ultimately jaw dropping to fans everywhere.

How could two respected members of the NFL commit such violent crimes?

The two athletes ultimately embarrassed not only themselves and their teams, but the NFL as a whole.

Last February, Rice was arrested for an assault charge in Atlantic City.

Shortly after, a video was released where Rice is seen dragging his then fiancée out of an elevator. The NFL, at first, gave Rice a two game suspension. But that all changed on September 8th when another video was

released of Rice brutally hitting his wife. Rice has since been cut from the Ravens and suspended infinitely from the NFL. On September 12th, Adrian Peterson was indicted by Montgomery County, Texas, on the charge of child abuse. Peterson was accused of hitting his four year old son with a switch as a form of discipline. The report stated that Peterson took his son to the back yard and began hitting him for disciplinary purposes.

Peterson turned himself in the following morning and was later released on bond.

Peterson is still currently on the Vikings.

With all these major incidents going on, in not only the NFL, but in professional sports as a whole, can professional athletes still be looked upon as role models for kids? Throughout history we have seen some of the sporting world’s greatest athletes fall because of their antics off the field.

Remember when everyone thought Tiger Woods was a clean, stand-up, family man but he turned out to be a sex addict? Remember when everyone looked up to Lance Armstrong after he won several Tour De France

tournaments but it turned out he was taking performance enhancing drugs?

Fans everywhere remember.

Even the legends of their sports are setting bad examples for kids. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, had a terrible gambling problem.

According to Business Insider, Jordan was once spotted out gambling the night before a game.

On November 19th , 2004 Indiana Pacer’s guard, Ron Artest, crawled through the stands of The Palace of Auburn Hills and attacked a fan while a bench clearing brawl was taking place on the court. The Palace was in chaos for minutes as authorities attempted to calm the situation down.

Steroids have also been an ongoing problem in Major League Baseball. Mark Mcguire, Alex Rodriguez, and Miguel Tejada all were all-star caliber players and all took steroids during their careers in the MLB. On December 13th, 2007, The Mitchell Report was released. The Mitchell Report was a 21 month long investigation done by Senator George Mitchell that investi-

gated the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs in the MLB. The report accused 89 players of taking performance enhancing drugs.

How can you expect a young kid aspire to be a professional athlete when athletes in every league are taking steroids, committing violent acts, receiving DUI’s, and are acting foolish and unprofessional. Some professional athletes are setting the example that it’s acceptable to disregard authority and play by your own rules. This image and example is unacceptable.

However, there are some professional athletes young kids can still look to as role models. Kyle Long, offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, received a tweet from a father whose son was being bullied in school.

Long quickly responded and went and hung out with the bullied kid for a day.

Drew Brees established a charity called The Brees Dream Foundation. According to The Brees Dream website, the foundation has raised millions for multiple projects and organizations such as The American Cancer Society, “Peek-a-Boo Camera Project,” and GW

rules to indoor volleyball but has a few differences.

In sand volleyball players must hit the ball with a closed fist and a player cannot set the ball on the first contact after a serve.

“The team will play mostly in tournaments along the Gulf Coast,” said Athletic Director Jim Hall. He further explained, “There is not a conference that we could join at this point. Sand is still an emerging sport for women in the NCAA at this time. We will primarily be competing against larger Division I schools at the tournaments.”

The addition of sand volleyball looked very appeal-

ing to freshman A’ndria Dytrych. Dytrych, a Chicago resident, will be a part of the inaugural team. “I used to play sand volleyball in my spare time with my friends and we joined a few tourneys for fun,” said Dytrych. She has high expectations for her first season of competitive sand volleyball.

She said, “My expectations for sand volleyball are very high. I hope this year is successful and leads to more fulfilling years.”

Sophomore Clarke Jamison, current manager for the women’s volleyball team, plans to play sand volleyball in the spring.

Jamison, who was all-

conference sport for volleyyet ball three difyears in a ferent row during high school, said, “I Photo by BenFLEMING think indoor volgames. You leyball is a lot easier but go from playing with five I enjoy outdoor because it other girls to just one. There gives you a lot more freeare going to be new rules dom.” and tricks that we are going Morgan Murphy is curto learn from sand that we rently a varsity volleyball can hopefully bring back to player who plans on comindoor and vise versa.” peting in the spring. She too Spring Hill is very excited will have to make a major what the new team has in transition from indoor to store and cannot wait to outdoor volleyball. She said, watch the team soar to new “It’s going to be a big transiheights in their inaugural tion because it’s the same season.

Athletics To Add Sand Volleyball

By Ryan Flynn Reporter

The Spring Hill Athletic Department will be welcoming sand volleyball for female athletes in the spring of 2015. Sand volleyball will be a NCAA sport and will be coached by indoor volleyball coach Peggy Martin.

The athletic department decided to add sand volleyball to give females more competitive athletic opportunities as a part of their plan to gain entry into the NCAA Division II. This will now give Spring Hill nine women’s varsity sports.

Sand volleyball, an Olympic sport, is played on a sand court with two teams consisting of two players.

Sand volleyball has similar

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Carver Field of Dreams.

In 2006 New York Knicks star, Carmelo Anthony, donated $1.5 million dollars to reopen a youth development center in Baltimore, which he makes trips to every summer. Then, during Hurricane Sandy, Anthony gave gifts to affected families of the hurricane.

Kids can still find positive role models in professional sports. There are numerous athletes that have set up charity organizations and are going out into their local communities and trying to find a way to help.

Along with athletes making a difference, professional leagues are helping out too. The NFL has set up a program called NFL Play 60 which is a program encouraging kids to get up and get active for sixty minutes a day.

There will always be negative role models in sports. It is up to the athletes who can make a positive influence to reach the youth of America and give them a role model to look up to.

Leagues need to toughen up fines and suspension for players who act out off the field, in an effort to help clean up the image of professional sports.

HILL YEA!

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September 18, 2014

ON the SPOT If you had to choose one celebrity to be exiled, who would it be?

AEDAN Stranahan

BRENNAN Gutierrez

KATIE Escousse

ALEJANDRO Portela

“Justin Bieber, because he’s a self-entitled dingle berry.”

“Justin Bieber, for his reckless behavior and subpar music.”

“Taylor Swift, because she is corny and a terrible dancer.”

“Nicki Minaj, because her voice is annoying and she is a disgrace to rap.”

MEET THE STAFF Brandon KRUS

Ryan FLYNN

Natalie WELCH

Alex SIERRA

Shaunicy MUHAMMAD

Jaboo THOMPSON

Erinn VOGEL

Ben FLEMING