Spring Hill College student newspaper by The SpringHillian

The

Springhillian Volume 97 Issue 10

Nov. 21, 2013

Volleyball vies for a national title

See Spring Hill College to host first round national tournament see page 12

the

springhillian

Issue 10

Nov. 21, 2013

In this issue...

On the cover: Senior Taryn Nash and junior Sami Hantak celebrate during a game. Photo courtesy of Lauren Gavin

Inside News Apartment status update see page 4

Springhillian Staff Editors

Aislinn Shevlin Natalie Finnorn

Advisor Reporters

Stuart Babington Megan St. Germain Demi Jordan Tiffany Thomas Caroline Rodrigue Daniel Ochoa Lauren Rubin Germain McCarthy Anna DeWine

Inside Lifestyle Christmas in Mobile see page 8

Inside Sports Women’s basketball preview see page 11

Upcoming Events 11/21 Christus Lecture “Pope Francis: the Man, the Priest, the Jesuit”

Come listen as Reverend Mark Lewis, S.J. speaks about Pope Francis. Where: Byrne Memorial Hall When: 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

The Blackout

Spring Hill College’s Multicultural Student Union is having a campus party for all students. Admission is $2 per person. Come enjoy food and drinks with your fellow classmates! Where: LeBlanc When: 8 p.m.- 11 p.m.

11/23 NAIA Volleyball National Championship Tournament Women’s Volleyball vs. Xavier University

The Spring Hill volleyball team is hosting Xavier in the opening round match. Come cheer on the Badgers as they take on the Nuggets! Where: Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center When: 1 p.m.

12/2 Sounds of Christmas from the Hill: A Musical Nativity

Get into the Christmas spirit by listening to the Spring Hill College Chorale, the Greater Mobile Bay Area Choral Society, and the Boys & Girls Honors Chorus of Lower Alabama as they perform Christmas carols. The concert is free and open to the public. Where: St. Joseph Chapel When: 7:30 p.m.- 8:45 p.m.

the

news

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

Spring Hill enrollment gains national attention By AislinnSHEVLIN

On Nov. 11, “The Wall Street Journal” published an article featuring Spring Hill College titled, “U.S. Private Colleges Face Enrollment Decline: Schools Respond with Cutbacks, Mergers and New Recruitment Strategies.” The article focuses on small, private schools like Spring Hill who have had to come up with creative ways to entice students to visit and potentially enroll at their institutions in the face of economic decline and rising tuition. Bob Stewart, Spring Hill’s Vice President of Admissions was contacted by journalist Douglas Belkin who had noticed Spring Hill’s declining enrollment in 2012, based on data provided by the Education Department. Belkin’s article draws attention to schools in stress and how they have responded to setbacks. Some private institutions have had to close or are at least facing the possibility of closure, while other schools like Spring Hill have made recruitment a priority.

Stewart said, “I think Since Spring Hill is known I read that. I wish that had what’s important is that we for its scenic campus, it is been around when I was a are trending in the right no wonder that 315 students freshman.” direction, and that we have received the tour scholarships Stewart doesn’t think the a college that is committed after enrolling in the fall. article will have any effect to recruiting the best and the Senior Claire Sheils, who on next year’s enrollment. brightest students.” comes from Tampa, Fla. was He said, “While it’s easy to In 2012, point out an the incoming ever-growing class was price tag, it’s comprised of also important 295 stuto point out dents, but in that the college 2013 Spring also has quite Hill brought an impressive in the largest commitment incoming to scholarclass in ships. Over 99 school hispercent of stutory, made dents received up of 434 financial aid new stulast year, and dents. That the college substantial handed out increase is over $21 milno small feat lion in scholarPhoto by AislinnSHEVLIN and one of ships.” “The Wall Street Journal” mentions Spring Hill College in an the possible Belkin’s article about declining enrollment at private colleges. factors is article doesn’t that Spring mention the Hill introduced a scholarship unaware of the $1000 tour recent leadership changes that offers $1000 to incomscholarship before reading at Spring Hill. Though the ing students if they go on a “The Wall Street Journal” timing of the article and the campus tour. article. “I was shocked when new leadership announcement

were coincidental, Spring Hill’s decision to appoint John Barter as the college’s Chief Operating Officer, due to his extensive experience in leading corporations financially and executively, demonstrates the school’s focus on sustainability. George Simms, provost of Spring Hill, acknowledged Fr. Salmi’s efforts in leading the college and helping the school recover from enrollment decline. Simms said, “With the assistance of VP for Business and Finance Rhonda Shirazi, Fr. Salmi put us on the path toward sustainable success as an institution.” He went on to say, “Fr. Salmi took office at a time when the college was confronting very substantial challenges. The “Wall Street Journal” article offers a description of how difficult it is to lead a college these days. What it cannot describe is how much more difficult it might have been without the kind of leadership that Fr. Salmi provided.”

Meet the student government president Ricardo Pita Photo and story by GermainMCCARTHY

Q: How did you get into student government? A: Student government just seemed like a perfect way to embrace Spring Hill, and I don’t regret it one bit. Q: What are some of the major roles student government plays in getting students what they want and in giving student input to the administration? A: In general, we dedicate ourselves to gathering a lot of information from the students. We gather a lot of data and quantify it to policy. We make informed proposals to get the students what they want and need. Q: This has been a pretty big year for SGA. What do you think has led to such a successful year? A: The people in the organization have been working hard day in and day out. I must start out by saying how much of a success The Color Run turned

out to be. It was simply one fantastic step to getting SGA back on their feet. The student government has been off its game for too long, and it’s about time for them to get back on their game. We want students to trust us once more. There has been such a lack of confidence, but we are working very hard to earn it again. I actually met with the provost today, and we are in the process of getting a syllabus bank put together to allow students to be able to get a better idea of exactly what a class will be about and entail before signing up to take it. Q: What have been some of the most influential changes you have seen over

the past three years? A: As an organization in general, we have become one big family and work together tirelessly to get the students what they want. Serving on SGA has been one of the biggest honors I have had. I love being able to know and see all the people I serve on a daily basis. It’s such an incredible feeling to be able to see all your efforts implemented. Q: SGA has a lot of influence, but does the organization ever run into any conflicts or issues when trying to pass policy? A: We inevitably run into conflicts with the administration, because at the end of the day we are advocating for the students. They are, too, for

the most part, but we have different interests in mind. For example, we are in the process of drafting policy in order to allow students to bring beer kegs back on campus. We understand that it’s not very popular among the administration, and we understand there is a debate to be had, but we are prepared for it. Q: How does the SGA gather information from the students? A: It really all starts with the senate. They do a fantastic job at that. This year we have really emphasized getting out there and coming to talk to us with feedback. We are in the process of getting a Twitter account to be able to receive feedback faster and start acting on it. Q: What is your goal for SGA? A: My goal for SGA is to be able to work hard enough with my staff to where we can reestablish SGA as the powerhouse it used to be.

the

news

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

Langan Hall update: Q&A with Director of Residence Life Dan Roberts By AislinnSHEVLIN

1. What progress has been made with the renovation of Langan Hall? At this point budgetary pricing for renovations has been received. We are currently in the process of having an engineering firm create drawings for the renovations so the job can then be sent out for bids. Once bids are received they will be reviewed and we’ll decide which one(s) to go with.

2. Is there a timeline for when renovations will be complete? Photo courtesy of ChrisHUGHES

mySHC mobile site will be launched in January By NatalieFINNORN

Ever wish you could quickly check your grades or find a building on campus without having to sit down at a computer? Well, soon you will be able to access all the academic information you need with the touch of a button. Spring Hill College is excited to announce the launch of a new mobile site coming this January. The mySHC site is designed for multiple devices with web browsers and is optimized on touch screen devices. It was built specifically for Spring Hill students to have easy access to academic and financial information. Brian Fisackerly, member of the site’s development team, said mySHC will allow students to check their grades and other academic and financial records from anywhere. He said it was designed to be easily navigated. The Spring Hill mobile site pulls content from BadgerWeb and features a campus map, a calendar, campus announcements, a faculty and staff directory, emergency information, help desk contacts, access to grades and financial aid information. Ten students are currently testing the site to make sure it is error free and ready to be released. Chief Information Officer, Margaret Massey, said this is just the first phase of the mySHC site. The development team will continue to add more mobile capabilities for the mySHC site after its launch. Look for the site in January so you can get your academic information conveniently from your phone, iPad, or other mobile device.

It wouldn’t be prudent to discuss a timeline before the drawings are completed and bids are received. Different companies will have different timelines for the projected work to be completed. This step of the process is generally the most time consuming. Once a contract is awarded to a company the work should be completed in a timely manner.

3. What can underclassmen expect for their senior year housing? That’s hard for me to predict. I’d like to say things will be back to “normal,” and I’m hopeful they will be, but just as I couldn’t predict the issues with Langan Hall last summer, I cannot tell you what I do not know with absolute certainty. I’m going to do all that I can to ensure that students know what housing options will be available for the fall during the housing selection process this upcoming spring. In my opinion, relocating students from their selected housing options mid-summer is not a hassle I want to see any student endure.

4. Is there any cause for concern in the other two buildings? There is currently no cause for concern according to the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management. We would, however, like to renovate Rubin and Andrews in the years to come to bring them up to date just as we will be doing with Langan.

5. Is it possible that current juniors will not be able to reside in the Fairway Apartments at all or will Langan Hall be ready for them? As I said before, I can’t predict everything so it’s impossible for me to say things with absolute certainty. However, I would be surprised if there was an issue we did not know about at this point that would prevent Rubin and Andrews from being online for the upcoming year. I’m also hopeful Langan will be online for the fall and will be a highly coveted housing option because of the extensive renovations.

Are you interested in becoming the next Editor or Assistant Editor of the Springhillian and Hillian Newswire? • • • •

Fun work environment Interesting group work Learn media skills Have a voice on campus

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter stating your reason for wanting to be considered. Submit your application to the Department of Communication Arts, attention: StuartBabington. The application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by AislinnSHEVLIN

Langan Hall remains closed as engineers create drawings for the renovations so bids can be made for the job.

the

opinion

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

Top majors change with the times

By AislinnSHEVLIN Student Editor

Well guys, we’ve made it to the end of the semester, which signifies the start of the abhorrent injunction known as finals. Enjoy the ride to your Thanksgiving dinners next week because on the ride back, you’ll be taking a highway to hell. Or maybe that’s just me. Stay positive! At some point during finals week, you’ll be confronted with important questions like, do you even like what you’re studying, is this subject matter going to be applicable in a job, and what are you going to do when you graduate? Sweat is permeating through the layers of my clothes as I type. Sometimes, thanks to core

as possible. Humanities have accused of taking a vow of requirements, we have to never incurred a set plan postpoverty. study subjects we don’t want graduation, which has made It’s like diet plans. Every to, but, at a certain point, we parents and students wary. year, there’s a new fad diet have to pick a field of study As an English major, I’m like, eating garbanzo beans, that will inform our college wary too. I’ve had a motley and it’s supported by doctors careers and probably our who proclaim garbanzo beans of internships, but no clear lives. Ideally it’s something path to a job or career. Propoas the most clean, healthy we enjoy. In this uncertain nents are quick to defend the food, and then the next year, economic climate though, English major and humanievery news site is like “Garstudents are encouraged to ties, because choose practical majors that “Sometimes as students paying a lot of after all, we’re human, and yield them jobs. As such, previ- money for an education, we need to feel those subjects ously popular validation for what we’re spending our tend to teach students how to majors in the money on and doing with our lives.” think and write humanities have and communibeen declining cate, but I think that argument banzo beans cause cancer, rapidly in recent years. sends a message that humaneverybody put down the garI’m always intrigued by banzo beans.” It’s exhausting. ity classes make inherently articles that pop up daily on better people, which they These days, most of the “MSN” and “Yahoo” with don’t. titles like “Top ten most jobs and majors that are I read a “Wall Street Jourlucrative majors” or “Top five encouraged most fervently nal” article last week, which worst majors to study.” These are in the fields of science proclaimed that Fine Arts maand technology, not in the lists are so silly because they jors tend to be happier and not always have counter-lists too, humanities or the arts. According to “New York Times” as poor and starving as some like “Worst quality of life writer Verlyn Klinkenborga, studies suggest. I think these majors” and “Actually, we sorts of articles encourage humanities have been pushed were wrong about Zoology, a competitiveness that isn’t aside by students who are its great.” One week you’re eager to make their education necessary or productive. I’ve encouraged to be a psycholinvestment pay off as quickly heard students in the sciences ogy major, the next you’re

sigh and tell me that they wish they could read novels all day, as if that were the only component to my major, and I’ve sighed and said, I wish I could take tests instead of write papers all day, as if tests are easier than papers. Sometimes as students paying a lot of money for an education, we need to feel validation for what we’re spending our money on and doing with our lives. I need validation when I spend my money on a new dress so I get it. But I don’t think there’s ever a clear path to individual happiness or fulfillment no matter what the next headline reads. I hope that you study something you find equally enjoyable and challenging, something that won’t make finals insufferable. As “New Yorker” writer Adam Gopnik remarked, “You choose a major, or a life, not because you see its purpose, which tends to shimmer out of sight like an oasis, but because you like its objects.”

Stick with the caffeine during finals

not the way to achieve your is meant to treat those who derall to pull all night study academic goals. are actually diagnosed with sessions. This has become a Attention Deficit HyperactivYou can take some simple huge problem across the nation. According to “The New ity Disorder. Taking it without steps to avoid being tempted this diagnosis could be a huge to take drugs to help you York Times,” studies show study. My advice to those that around 35 percent of col- risk to your health. An article in “Yale Daily stressing about school is to lege students take stimulants illegally. News” called Adderall an aca- get as much done as you can in advance. Students need to be According to “The New York Times,” Over Thanksgiving aware of studies show that around 35 percent of break the negative and the effects of takcollege students take stimulants illegally. week ing unprescribed before drugs. First of all, demic steroid. Just as athletes exams, start making study possessing the pills without a guides and getting organized. prescription is a federal crime, abuse steroids to enhance You will feel more prepared their performance levels, stuand, if caught, you could find yourself behind bars. dents do the equivalent to earn and will not feel the pressure of waiting until the last higher grades. If you think Second of all, you could minute. about it, taking unprescribed experience side effects drugs is a form of cheatGet enough sleep. Those such as anxiety, depression, extra zzz’s will help you increased blood pressure, psy- ing because you are doing stay focused and calm. Take chosis, cardiovascular palpita- something illegal to achieve breaks. Don’t just sit in the tions and even death. Adderall a desired result. Adderall is

“

By NatalieFINNORN Design Editor

The end of the semester is fast approaching. That means stress levels are heightened as we all struggle to cram for finals and wrap up projects and papers. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done. Unfortunately, many students resort to taking unprescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Ad-

”

same spot studying for several hours at a time. Take ten minute breaks every thirty minutes to an hour to ensure maximum retention. And if you must stay up extra late to study, down some coffee not some pills. EDITORIAL POLICY

The SpringHillian is published weekly from September to May, except during examination periods and vacations. 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.

SUBMISSIONS

The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the student-editor. To submit a guest submission contact hillian@email.shc.edu.

the

LIFE ON THE HILL

lifestyle

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

SGA senators Dylan Gardner, Conner Bueche, and Patrick Lameka attend SGA’s Red, White, and Black event. Photo by DemiJORDAN

Freshman Miranda Singer rolls the ball at the bowling team’s first home tournament at Skyline Lanes.

Photo by AnnaDEWINE

The women’s volleyball team throws their badger claws up after their big win. Photo by LaurenGAVIN

lifestyle

the

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

“SWING” jazz band plays at the Red, White, and Black SGA Wine Event on Thursday at Stewartfield. Photo by DemiJORDAN

TKE president Patrick Green and Tri Delta president Leslie Simoneaux support their first joint philanthrophy event, Singin’ and Wingin’ for St. Jude. Photo by EllieHEFFERNAN

Freshmen John Michael Rogers, Michael Bregenzer, and TJ Chatham enjoy a night on the porch at SGA’s Red, White, and Black event. Photo by DemiJORDAN

Springhillian staff members Anna DeWine, Caroline Rodrigue, Danny Ochoa, Lauren Rubin, Aislinn Shevlin, Natalie Finnorn, Megan St. Germain, Germain McCarthy, Tiffany Thomas, and Demi Jordan gather together to celebrate the tenth and final issue of the semester. Photo by MarciWHITE

the

lifestyle

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

On the spot Christmas in Mobile What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? “My mom’s sweet potatoes with pecans and marshmallows”

ElisabethDAIGLE Freshman

by DemiJORDAN

It’s that time of year again. The weather is starting to get cooler, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For those of us in Mobile, Ala., winter festivities are well under way. Here are few things to do around Mobile this Christmas season.

Nov. ng is on ti h ig L e ick y will k hope Tre The Fair e where the cit g up the lightin airhop at 21 in F ason by e s y l begin a il d w li o t h n e e . off th This ev und 8 p.m n area. o r w a to d n n e w l do . and wil 5:30 p.m

“The classic Turkey”

Candle L Compl ight Christma ex is D s at the ec O hospita lity at t . 5. Come exp akleigh Histo his hist erience ric holiday ori tr finery. Hot-sp c home decor ue southern all the ice pr ated in its of the c oceeds will b d tea will be enefit f served omplex urther a . Admi nd located resto ssi ju Garden st off Govern on is $15. Th ration e ment S Distric treet in home is t. the Oa kleigh

LeeLEAVITT Sophomore

“The first scoop of my g r a n d m o t h e r ’s freshly baked mac-n-cheese”

North in Mobile, The Another event al Street rs Dec. 6. Roy cu oc l, ol tr S l ol snow, P filled with fake be l il w n ow nt r. dow warm apple cide d an , ic us m , activities at 5:30 p.m. The event starts

Christ 8. Sto mas on the ck H ping e up on holi ill will be h da ve e of Spr nt. It will b y gifts at th ld on Dec. ing H i e s l shop ocat il and S anta w l. There wil ed in the Vi l l ill be presen be carriage lage t for th ri e youn des, gsters .

RachelFAILLA Junior

“Cornbread dressing with gravy”

RyanSANCHEZ Junior

29s Nov. n n u r s n Garde millio ingrath gh over three roughl l e B t as a hrou ays th Christm Come stroll t 0 displ home will 0 0 , 1 r . e Dec. 31 lights and ov e Bellingrath l. Tickets g n i . l e t Th s wel spark cre esta liday finery a available a 5 6 e ts are its ho out th ated in istmas in ligh ns. r o c e d be rde Chr rath ga Magic for the at the Belling or online

lifestyle

the

springhillian

Mobile runs on Dunkin’ by LaurenRUBIN

Exciting news for our Chipotle and Dunkin’ Donuts loving Badgers! Both Chipotle and Dunkin’ Donuts have started building and should be open at the beginning of 2014. The two establishments will be located at 3819 Airport Boulevard. Chipotle, which is a popular Mexican chain restaurant focuses on using organic ingredients and does not use meat from animals treated with antibiotics or hormones. Chipotle, which has restaurants all over, but this will mark its first in Mobile. Sophomore Patrick Lameka said, “As a Chicagoan, I enjoy my Chipotle, so it was shocking not to have any Chipotle here in Mobile!” Lameka also commented, “I am really stoked, I cannot wait to get a Chipotle burritoChipotle’s closest locations reside in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Auburn. Sophomore and Mobile native, Courtney Nall admits, “I am really excited, I always tell my friends at Auburn I am coming to visit, but really I’m just going for some Chipotle!” .” As you can tell the addition of Chipotle to the

Mobile area is something to really look forward to. Dunkin’ Donuts, a coffee and donut shop, is another exciting addition to the Mobile community. America runs on Dunkin’ and now so does Mobile! Dunkin’ Donuts will have to compete with Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, which are both just down the road. Junior Jaci Kurcab says, “I am really excited for Dunkin’ Donuts happy hour when any size iced coffee is only $1!” Dunkin’ Donuts will have to compete with Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, which are both just down the road. Dunkin’ Donuts closest locations are in Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi. Senior Claire Sheils says, “My bank account and I are more than excited for Dunkin’ Donuts to come to Mobile, it makes my heart happy!” So, Badgers start saving up your Christmas money because these new additions to Mobile will be waiting for your business when they open in early 2014.

Nov. 21, 2013

Badgers break down bullying

The Peer One Project Action Team and Psychology Club met with students last Wednesday to raise awareness about bullying. According to Chasity Douyon, president of by TiffanyTHOMAS the Peer One Project, “Turnout for the event was great. There were a lot of students and about 10 professors came to help facilitate the discussions.” One of the issues discussed at the event was the harassment of Miami Dolphins football player Jonathan Martin. Martin made headlines earlier this month when he unexpectedly left his position as offensive lineman with the Dolphins. The “Baltimore Sun” reports that Martin underwent physical attacks, racial slurs, and threats of sexual assault towards his sister from fellow lineman Richie Incognito. Transcripts of a voicemail from Incognito to Martin, which begins with a racial slur, have recently been made public. Locker room hazing was one of many topics brought up at the Peer One Project event. Verbal abuse, physical assault, and cyberbullying were also discussed. Cyberbullying especially has made the news with the recent suicide of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick. According to “the New York Times,” Sedwick was bullied by a group of fifteen middle school students over social media and text messaging. Although Sedwick’s mother deleted her daughter’s Facebook, the bullying was continued through the website ask.fm, and the phone applications Kik Messenger, and Voxer. The Polk County sheriff’s office has released some of the hate-filled messages Sedwick received, such as “Can u die, please?” and “Why are you still alive?” Two of Sedwick’s tormentors have been arrested and face felony charges for instigating her suicide. As for the solutions discussed by the bullying awareness event attendees, “Many students talked about bullying being traced back to upbringing and how parents need to be more mindful of how their children behave,” said Douyon.

Social Media on the Syllabus #ProfessorProblems by TiffanyTHOMAS

According to a study by Pearson Learning Solutions, 55% of college faculty use social media to support their professional careers. With the increasing popularity of professional networking sites like LinkedIn, this statistic is unsurprising. But more surprising and more important for students, 41% of faculty use social media in the classes they teach. Spring Hill professors are no exception. “Mostly, I use Facebook and Twitter to engage people, including students, outside the context of class,” said Dr. Stephen Wilson of the Theology Department. Wilson currently uses Facebook messaging as a surrogate for e-mail. Social media is an inherently more casual form of communication, putting students and faculty on equal footing, so Wilson does not limit what he shares to only class related content. “I'll make comments and observations just like anyone else, though many of them are pertinent to what I do as a theologian,” he said. The most common way that Spring Hill professors are using media is through Facebook pages. Dr. Tom Ward of the History Department has created Facebook pages for numerous classes, including his Oral History, American Environmental History, and Globalizing the Oil Spill courses. The Oil Spill course was particularly well suited to social media due to its nature as a team taught class. Dr. Jaime Franco-Zamudio, a member of the teaching team for the course, said, “We use the page to share media stories and to continue the dialogue about these issues outside of the classroom.” Of course these pages are not restricted to specific classes or faculty members. Ward also runs the SHC History Department page and Professor Janden Richards runs a Facebook page for Spring Hill’s Graphic

Design majors, past and present. “It’s a way for us to stay connected and have graduates help the current students,” said Richards. Current and former students are able to share their work and receive feedback instantaneously through the page while retaining some privacy as membership into the Group is moderated. Social media has also offered professors a new and improved way to issue assignments outside of class. “I recently assigned my General Psychology students homework, instructing them to search for examples of self-presentational strategies on social media sites,” said Franco-Zamudio. While Franco-Zamudio’s students are browsing Twitter and Facebook, Ward’s students are brushing up on their weblog skills. “Currently, all students in my Historical Methods class are writing weekly blogs,” said Ward. While Facebook and Twitter are becoming more and more popular with professors, it is unlikely these sites will be replacing Engrade or eCompanion any time soon. Stephen B Wilson --@sbradleywilson “There are few things as frustrating as there being surf in the Gulf and being stuck in the office. #ProfessorProblems”

the

lifestyle

springhillian

Top 5 Apps

The Thanksgiving Myths

by LaurenRUBIN

Candy Crush Saga This highly addictive puzzle adventure game has most iPhone users staring at their phone for hours. The game consists of crushing different candies and it goes on for over 400 levels. Snapchat In Snapchat, you can take a picture or a video and send it to any of your Snapchat friends for anywhere between 1-10 seconds. A new and very popular aspect of the application is “My Story”, which is where you can share your Snapchats with all of your friends, and they can view it for 24 hours. Pandora Radio With Pandora, you can find different stations that pertain to a certain artists or just a genre. With Wi-Fi access you can enjoy free and unlimited music access to all your favorite stations. Viber Viber is a very important app if you have friends about to go study abroad. Viber offers free text messaging and phone calls with anyone around the country who is connected to Wi-Fi. Quora Quora was developed by two former Facebook employees. It is the number one question and answer app. Quora allows you to create a profile, add friends and then ask or answer questions that you are interested in.

Nov. 21, 2013

by CarolineRODRIGUE

With Christmas looming around the corner and the onset of holiday tunes already upon us, many Americans forget about a certain turkey-themed holiday. While Thanksgiving is often depicted through images of Pilgrim hats, Indian feathers, hand print turkeys, and football, many view Thanksgiving as an opportunity to gather with distant relatives for a nice meal and some quality family time. Junior Alyssa Fontela said, “I don’t know if I actually buy the story of the Pilgrims and Indians’ Thanksgiving Feast, but I really like the idea of unity and tradition that it stands for, reminding everyone what gratitude and family are all about.” Despite a questionable national history, which includes the slaughter of millions of Native Americans, the story of a peaceful Thanksgiving still leaves a set of traditional morals and lessons to abide by and cherish. Dr. David Head, resident History professor at Spring Hill College, commented on what may have inspired the Thanksgiving story, “The Puritans believed they had a covenant with God, and they would have placed particular importance on a ritual like Thanksgiving as they believed it would directly influence how God treated them.” However the true story of the first Thanksgiving might not be as ludicrous as we think. Despite the absence of Pilgrims, Dr. Head noted that the first

Thanksgiving actually did take place, though not at Plymouth Rock as tradition dictates. “The first Thanksgiving was actually held in St. Augustine, Fla. where the Spaniards celebrated Mass and had a feast after with the local Indians,” said Head. According to an article by Virginia Lynn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, this Thanksgiving Feast took place on September 8, 1565, more than fifty years before the Pilgrims’ feast with the Indians at Plymouth Rock in 1621. St. Augustine, the first European establishment in the New World, was where Spanish Adm. Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along with a sizeable assortment of Spanish soldiers, sailors, and civilians, gathered with the Timucuan Indians, who occupied the village of Seloy. At a makeshift altar, the group said the first Christian Mass followed by the first Thanksgiving feast. Location is not the only plot point that differs, however. According to Linn, “The Timucuans brought oysters and giant clams. The Spaniards carried from their ships garbanzo beans, olive oil, bread, pork and wine.” Not the typical Thanksgiving Feast, and yet it informs the same ideals as the Thanksgiving story we all know and love, the importance of spending time with friends and family and the gratitude we have for one another.

Class Battles 1) What’s your favorite movie? Hannah: “Practical Magic” Jaci: “Saving Private Ryan” 2) Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Hannah: “I’m an early bird” Jaci: “Early bird for sure” HannahMCINTYRE Sophomore

3)Who’s your favorite sports team?

Hannah: “New Orleans Saints” Jaci: “Chicago Blackhawks”

JaciKURCAB Junior

sports

the

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

Women’s basketball team has high hopes for the season By GermainMCCARTHY

Photo by DemiJORDAN

Student-athletes are named to the SSAC All-Academic teams

By AnnaDEWINE

As fall sports teams finish their seasons, some athletes are being recognized for their commitment not just to their teams on the court, the field, and the course, but also to their academic studies. The Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) announced on Nov. 14 that twentynine Spring Hill student-athletes from all five fall semester sports teams earned selection to the 2013 SSAC All-Academic teams. Jim Hall, Director of Athletics, witnesses his athletes hard at work every day. He said, “I am very proud of our student athletes and their ability to excel both academically and athletically. These athletes have demonstrated outstanding discipline and work ethic in achieving this tremendous accomplishment. It is my hope that everyone in the SHC family will join me in congratulating them.” While Spring Hill students are busy juggling classes, studying, volunteering, and contributing to on-campus organizations, some students add practicing, traveling, and competing to that list. Theresa Carr, a junior soccer player, said, “It’s all about time management and planning ahead. If I know a particularly hard week is approaching, then I will prioritize my time to meet all of my goals.” The women’s soccer team earned eleven spots on the All-Academic team, with the men adding five. Senior Molly Cowley agreed with Carr, stat-

ing that balancing soccer and school is often challenging, both mentally and physically. “Sometimes after practice, all you want to do is go to bed, but you still have to do your schoolwork.” Volleyball team members prioritize academics by having designated study hours during the week and on trips, even if that means doing homework on the bus. “We really support each other both on the court and in the classroom, pushing each other to be our best in both. The support system is key to being a student-athlete, and we work really hard to be successful,” senior Taryn Nash said. The volleyball team contributed six players to the All-Academic list. Nash said, “Anyone who thinks being a student-athlete is easy should try it for a week! It’s really a great accomplishment, and it’s important for people to remember that we are students first.” Cross country wrapped up the additions to the list, with four from the men’s side and three from the women’s. Junior John Russell said, “With three labs a week this semester, I’ve had to find time between classes to practice. Time management is challenging, but if the effort’s there things fall into place.” Despite the challenges, student-athletes claim that it’s worth it. “At the end of the day, all of the hard work is worth it because I’m playing the sport I love and learning about a subject I have passion for, and that’s what being a college athlete is all about,” Carr said.

Spring Hill’s women’s athletic teams have all had successful seasons, and now the women’s basketball team is ready for their turn to triumph. The Lady Badgers are coming off a losing 12-17 record last year but are looking to change things around this season. Senior Sha Sha Buchanan said, “Last year’s season went okay. We were the team that had so much potential to be great, but we never were able to quite reach that ultimate potential as a team.” While they had a losing record overall, they did go 10-6 at home. Badger fans can expect some roster changes, including several new faces. Head coach Karen C. McConico has added nine new freshmen to play under the leadership of her nine returning veterans. McConico told “shcbadgers.com,” “While I can’t say it has been a seamless transition, I can say that we definitely have added more talent, and the new players are starting to buy into our process. Some of them probably thought they had joined a boot camp when they first got here, but freshmen always have to adjust to the speed of the college game. They have to learn to work hard every day.” Last season, the ladies won five conference honors. Sophomores Natalie Harper and Leah Washington earned spots on the 2012-2013 All-Freshmen roster, and Chyna Terrell was chosen as the Badger representative to the Musco Lighting Champions of Character Team. In addition to award winners, the team will have both new and returning talent to improve their record this season. Buchanan said, “I’m excited to see what this season has to offer because I have high hopes and expectations for this team. I know that we can be a better team than what our season shows right now, but I’m still excited to get back and help the team as much as I can.” Although they have a 0-4 start to their season, the Lady Badgers are looking to turn things around at home this Friday and Saturday against Brenau University and College of Coastal Georgia. There is still plenty of time for the team to improve and have a big season before their NCAA debut. Buchanan said, “The team is off to a rough start to their season. However, I think we will get a lot better as the season goes on once we find a groove and figure out what works best for us. Although I’m playing volleyball at the moment, I am hopeful for my basketball team and am excited to contribute to what will hopefully be a successful season.” Come out to the Arthur R. Outlaw Center on Friday at 5:30 p.m. to support the women’s team as they face Brenau University and Saturday at 3:00 p.m. as they take on College of Coastal Georgia.

the

sports

springhillian

Nov. 21, 2013

Spring Hill College to host first round of national tournament By DanielOCHOA

The Spring Hill College volleyball team will host the first round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Lady Badgers will play against the Xavier University Nuggets who have been a rival throughout the season. This will be the third time Spring Hill will be facing Xavier this season with the Lady Badgers winning the two previous meetings. Both teams had undefeated records in conference play during the season. Xavier won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and Spring Hill won the Southern States Athletic Conference. There will be intense pressure on the team to perform well and win, and part of their rigorous practice schedule has included preparation for the national stage. Senior Sha Sha Buchanan said, “Practice has been tough this week so far but it’s only making us better and preparing us for the first round of Nationals. In order to win the first round, we need to focus on us and play our game. We know we are a good team, and we know we can do great things with the team we have, but it all starts with us coming together and playing our game.” Spring Hill also is twenty-third in the 2013 NAIA National Rankings for the first time this season in the final regular season poll. Make sure to come out and support the Lady Badgers on Saturday at 1.p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Center. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee will be selling “get purple” badger claw t-shirts for $5 starting this weekend at the volleyball and basketball games. Show you Badger spirit by coming to the games wearing one!

Photo courtesy of Lauren Gavin

The Spring Hill College volleyball team will host Xavier University in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

Bowling teams compete at Spring Hill Badger Classic Photos and story by AnnaDEWINE

The men’s and women’s bowling teams hosted their first home tournament, the Spring Hill College Badger Classic, on Saturday and Sunday at Mobile’s Skyline Lanes. The men finished in third place, and the women came in at fourth. Five schools attended the tournament. Florida State University was victorious for the men and Emmanuel College for the women. SHC men rolled a combined score of 7,980 over 16 games. They ended 766 pins behind tournament champion Florida State. Brian Bodenheimer led the Badgers with a 201 average per game, while Charles R. Noble, Jr. finished the tournament with a 177 average. It was a successful tournament according to Coach Ben Hoefs. “My boys had a 33 pin lead going into the last game, but did not finish the job this time. We have a good understanding of what to do to fix the problem,” he said. Hoefs hopes the next couple of weeks of practice will help tighten their performance before the University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Classic in Southaven, Miss. on Dec. 7 and 8. The women’s team rolled a combined score of 6,518 pins over 16 games. They finished 793 pins behind first-place Emmanuel College. “The SHC girls struggled, finishing fourth. It was possibly hometown nerves, but I do know that a couple of my girls are going through some mechanical changes in their game that takes time to fix,” Hoefs said. Freshman Rebekah Cowan averaged 178 pins per game, with Miranda Singer close behind her at 162. “On the good side, the girls had the highest game of the tournament at 290,” Hoefs said.