THE
SPRINGHILLIAN
February 13, 2014
Volume 98 Issue 2
Ad Majorem Del Gloriam
CAPTURE the HILL
Students participated in Spring Hill’s first ever “Capture the Hill” event on Sunday to benefit the International Service Immersion Program. Recap and Story by Matt LaBorde
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT’S UP WITH THE POOLETERIA? PG. 3
SOCHI | PG 4
SOFTBALL | PG 10
Last Sunday, Feb. 9, students in teams of up to ten people frantically ran around Spring Hill College’s campus playing the classic game, “capture the flag.” The event, dubbed “Capture the Hill,” invited Spring Hill students to participate in order to raise money for the International Service Immersion Program (ISIP). ISIP sends students abroad to four different countries every year to serve and live among the poor and marginalized. In the game, teams were assigned with the tasks of retrieving the opposite team’s flag by strategically using runners and defenders to attack and defend different positions on large playing fields. If you are tagged, you are escorted to a “jail” where you can be rescued by a teammate. “It was something new and different, it was an outdoor, adventurous type of game, and it was a competitive team event,” said senior Molly Cowley, one of the organizers of the event, “I definitely think the
SEE ISIP TRIPS ON PAGE 6
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
THIS WEEK
2
WEEKLY FORECAST Thursday - 57/34 - Sunny
Friday -64/38 - Mostly Sunny
Saturday - 63/44 - Partly Cloudy
Sunday - 54/31 - Partly Cloudy
HILLIAN STAFF Editors: Matthew LaBorde Chelsea Wallace Advisor: Stuart Babington Photo Editor: Kiva Talty
Design Editor: Bre Vaughn Reporters: Jacquelyn Sauneé Gaillard Teague Abby Massengale Sports: MJ Connell Eric Thomas
HILLIAN CONTACT
EVENTS OF THE WEEK Mardi Gras Ball & Ticket Sales Mardi Gras Ball tickets can be purchased in the Student Center during lunch (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 - 7 p.m.) beginning Feb. 17. The ball will be on Feb. 21. Tickets will be $5 per guest. Contact cpb@shc.edu for more information.
Badgers on the Town: Mardi Gras Museum & Parades Join us for Badgers on the Town: Mardi Gras Museum & Parades on Feb. 23 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Food and stand viewing for the parades (Neptune's Daughter's and Order of Isis) will be provided. Space is limited. Sign up in the Center for Student Involvement. Contact csi@shc.edu for more information.
SHC English Professor’s Book Signing Dr. Michael Piafsky, Director of Creative Writing, will be signing copies of his new novel, All The Happiness You Deserve, in the SHC Bookstore in the Student Center. Feel free to come by and purchase a copy of the novel on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Contact mpiafsky@shc.edu for more information.
Black History Month: Celebration of the ARTs
The Hillian Newswire @HillianNewswire Hillian Newswire
MSU and AKA are celebrating the Arts of African American history during the month of February. Influential speakers, dance performers, singers, and Greek organizations are all encouraged to contribute to the program. This event is open to the public. The program will take place on Feb. 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Byrne Hall. Contact dknguyen@email.shc.edu for information.
hillian _ newswire
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR (WE MESSED UP):
Letters to the Editors newswire@shc.edu
Kappa, was the “fourth sorority on campus.”
Read the Hillian Newswire online at newswire.shc.edu
February 13, 2014
Last week, reporter Abby Massengale wrote in her story about that the new sorority, Sigma
CORRECTION:
Sigma Kappa is actually the sixth sorority on campus, behind Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Phi Mu, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Delta Sigma Theta. We are sorry for this mistake.
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
3 NEWS Pooleteria Reconstruction Awaits Donor February 13, 2014
By AbbyMASSENGALE Reporter Has the thought of eating lunch in an empty pool ever crossed your mind? Well, if you were a student at Spring Hill a few of years ago, this was a reality. What used to be the indoor pool area a few years ago was refurbished into a temporary cafeteria while the current Student Center was being built. Known to students as the “Pooleteria,” this unique dining hall is a place that the alumni reminisce about on as part of their Badger experience. Alumnae Regina Morris said, “It was just funny to watch people walk with food from the lines to their tables because every now and then you could lose your balance walking on a bouncy area. I think everyone had nightmares about being the person to fall through, but luckily that never happened.” Once the pool was retired as the temporary cafeteria, there were rumors as to what this space would be transformed
into next. An expansion to the weight room? A massive trampoline? An obstacle course? The possibilities for this new space are endless. The administration even did a campus-wide survey asking students what they wanted to see done with this space. Over half of those surveyed said they wanted to see the pool come back. However, it was finally decided that the pool would be filled and an auxiliary gym would be built. This gym would serve as a basketball court and be used for various other athletic purposes. One great pro for this auxiliary gym would be that while one team is playing or practicing on the large court in the Rec center, another team will be able to be in the auxiliary gym at the same time. Although the idea of an additional gym sounds good in theory, there are still those students who wish to see the space utilized for another purpose. For instance, since there are only two treadmills in the current weight room, some students feel that the space
could be used to serve more of the student body. Sophomore Ginny Hicks said, “A new gym sounds like a good idea, but I would like to see the space be turned into an additional weight room so that more people are able to utilize the space.” Since Spring Hill is about to move into Division II, Jim Hall gave some insight to see if the plans to renovate the space before entering the NCAA were still on
schedule. Hall said that the plans to have an auxiliary gym in place of the pool area are still a go. “We just need to secure a donor,” Hall said. “Until a donor is secured, this space will remain untouched.” So, unless there is a donor committed to the project of the new auxiliary gym, the Pooleteria will remain as it is today, holding the memories of those who swam... and ate within its walls.
The “Pooleteria” sits empty and desolate as the Spring Hill administration tries to secure a donor to provide funds for a new auxiliary gym. Photo by KivaTALTY
Grab Your Masks and Beads: CPB’s Mardi Gras Ball is Here By ChelseaWALLACE Assistant Editor Dig out your colored beads and whip on your decorated masks: The Spring Hill College Campus Programming Board’s annual Mardi Gras Ball is almost here. Registration for the ball opens on Monday, Feb. 17 and will continue through Thursday, Feb. 20. Students can pay $5 to register for the event that will take place on Feb. 21. Senior Katelynn Jones, CPB Chair, says that the annual student Mardi Gras Ball is a great way for the student body to celebrate the city’s culture. “Mardi Gras Ball is definitely a great way to get students in the spirit of the community tradition,” she says. “What Badger doesn’t want to enjoy a Friday night out with great food and even better friends?” The destination of the event is unknown to students until arrival by busses, and taking these busses is required both to and from the event, according to Jones.
With bussing hundreds of students to and from campus, there have been some problems in the past. Jones said up to 600 students are eligible to attend the Ball, which causes logistical transportation issues. So many students trying to sign in and load busses cause problems for the CPB staff. “Students should be aware of the stresses that are placed on staff when students show up to bus loading obviously intoxicated or are unwilling to bus immediately,” Jones says. “We ask that guests show up prepared to board because…we would like to get everyone there on time.” The bus service can also add problems, causing the Board to change services. Jones says, “This year we have switched companies, electing to use Gulf Coast Tours. They are always prompt and have proven to be safe and friendly.” Despite these hiccups in the initial stages of the Ball, Jones anticipates a fun and
SEE MARDI GRAS BALL ON PG. 4
4
THE SPRINGHILLIAN By JacquelynSAUNEE Reporter
For the span of two weeks, we can all agree to unite for the simple purpose of competition. However, this year, we all seem to agree on something else: why Sochi? From the deplorable conditions to the threat of terrorism to the obvious anti-gay sentiment, Sochi seems to be a less-than-perfect choice to host this year’s Olympics. During the opening ceremony, a fantastic light show began: beautiful snowflakes slowly expanded to create the Olympic rings. One, two, three, four majestic rings… and a snowflake. As the world watched this not-sosmall technical glitch unfold, Sochi’s unpreparedness became even more apparent. Shortly after the missing ring spectacle, rumors began to fly regarding the person responsible for transforming the dainty snowflake into the towering ring. Several sources claimed that the man was found dead with multiple stab wounds. Even though the death turned out to be a hoax, it seemed to jolt us enough and make us wonder: exactly where in the world did we send our athletes and delegates? Journalists and athletes alike have been shocked by the conditions that greeted them in Sochi. From turning on a sink that delivers lovely brown water to reading this sign in a restroom: “please do not flush toilet paper down the toilet,” people who traveled all the way to Sochi for the Winter Games are less than thrilled with their accommodations. Chicago Tribune journalist Stacy St. Clair tweeted, “My hotel has no water. If restored, the front desk says, ‘do not use on your face be-
February 13, 2014
WHY Sochi?
cause it contains something very dangerous.’” Even more alarming is the “Sochi shower scandal.” Paul Sonne of the Wall Street Journal reported that Dmitry Kozak, the deputy prime minister responsible for the Olympic preparations, admitted, “We have surveillance video from the hotels that shows people turn on the shower, direct the nozzle at the wall and then leave the room for the whole day.” They put cameras in the showers, but the hotel guests are at fault for allegedly leaving the water on. Americans greatly value the right to privacy, so being filmed in an area where one expects total privacy is a complete affront to our lifestyle and expectations. This incident is just one example of how drastically different our culture is from Russian culture. Not only are the hotels unprepared and even unsuitable, but the facilities hosting the Olympics are, too. According to ABCNews.
you can’t feel totally safe? Well, what exactly can Sochi do? They can certainly make any gay athlete feel unwelcome, to say the least. Russia’s anti-gay legislation makes it illegal to promote or recognize homosexuality in any way. However, the anti-gay culture of Russia has not gone without protest, some subtle and some not-so-subtle. Germany arrived to the opening ceremony decked out in rainbow-colored snow suits. Greece also made a statement at the opening ceremony with rainbow-tipped gloves. On Thursday Feb. 6, Google’s “doodle” on the search engine’s home page was donned in a rainbow of colors. The rainbow-clad page seemed to point directly at Sochi’s intolerance for homosexuality. com, “Olympic officials are also A quote from the Olympic Charscrambling to make last-minute ter just beneath the search bar changes to a slopestyle course after made it obvious that the correlasome athletes are calling the course tion was not merely coincidental: too dangerous.” Among the athletes “The practice of sport is a human who criticized the slopes was Shaun right. Every individual must have White, who injured his wrist along the possibility of practicing sport, the course. Come on, even Shaun without discrimination of any kind White thinks it’s dangerous. Get it and in the Olympic spirit, which together, Sochi. requires mutual understanding The bio of the twitter account, Sochi with a spirit of friendship, solidarProblems, sums it up quite nicely: ity and fair play.” “I’m a mess and not prepared for So, there you have it. Sochi: suryou…” veillance cameras in the showers, As if these conditions weren’t a threat of terrorist attacks, and enough, an even bigger issue has strong disdain for many athletes. everyone on edge: the threat of terror- Sounds like the perfect place to ism. CNN.com reports, “Simmering hold the one event in the world tensions in the nearby North Cauthat brings us all together. casus region of the country – where Islamic separatists have conducted a string of deadly attacks – have IN THE PHOTO meant that the threat of terrorism has Students in Mobile Hall hang loomed large over Sochi.” American Flags outside of their But don’t worry: Putin assured the windows to show pride for their world that Sochi is protected by “a country’s Olympic teams. ring of steel.” Photo by Kiva Talty. So, you can’t drink the water? And
Mardi Gras Ball (continued from pg. 3) By ChelseaWALLACE Assistant Editor smooth event for the students. Entertainment for the night includes performances by the Tip Tops, a “wonderful 10-piece jazz/ cover band” that has performed for previous SHC Mardi Grass balls, according to Jones. In addition to a fun night out, this year the Mardi Gras Ball will have its own king and queen. Jones says, “The week of ticket sales, students will be able to vote
for their favorite male and female seniors to be elected King and Queen.” The event will also have two cash bars for students aged 21 or older, said Jones. The Board members are not the only ones excited about the ball. Senior Chris Montgomery attended last year’s Mardi Gras Ball and is excited to be back this year. “Mardi Gras Ball is one of those unique experiences in the South that, as a northerner, you have a special ap-
preciation for,” Montgomery said. “This year I’m really excited to go as a senior and to enjoy the last big moments on the Hill with my fellow seniors.” For Jones and the rest of the Board, such positive feedback makes the event a true success. “The excitement of students for this time of the year is always encouraging,” Jones explained. “The energy that the Board gets and to see it build throughout the upcoming weeks is something
to look forward to. I am always proud of the Board for all of their hard work and creativity.” For students attending the event, getting a chance to get dressed up and off campus with friends makes the Ball a special event. “It’s a fun time that the whole school gets to come together and get all fancy and have a great night,” Montgomery states. As for prepping for the event, the Board has some
suggestions. Jones says, “It’s going to be an amazing time….Guests are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing Mardi Gras masks and eating at least one Moon Pie the week of to prepare (however, not required).” Be sure to stop by the caf at lunch and dinner from Feb. 17 through Feb. 20 to buy your tickets and vote for Mardi Gras King and Queen.
5
February 13, 2014
Some Advice for Single Men, From a Non-Expert
Look: I know it’s the collective opinion of all single men that Hallmark created Valentine’s Day in order to sell cards. And I know that we try to walk around during the “Day of Love” with our bearded chins held high, acting like we’re not totally frustrated about being single. But listen here: this Valentine’s Day will be different. We single men will be
genuinely happy about our availability. We will not be depressed. If I told you that men spend an average of $130 on their significant others for Valentine’s Day, would that make you angry? It should. For just $8 more, you can buy a wearable sleeping bag; and for $107, you can buy a bean bag that looks like a huge piece of pizza. I’m just saying, there are way better things to spend your money on. You might be wondering, “But Matt, I am scared that I will still be sad on Valentine’s Day. I have nobody to hold me while I watch The Walking Dead until I fall asleep.” To that, I would suggest that you suck it up and take the advice I’m about to give you. Here are some things you can do to still have an awesome day when all the odds are against you:
1. Write a love letter to Juanita, or any cafeteria worker. Heck, write a love letter to ANY employee on our campus. Lord knows they don’t get enough praise to begin with.
4. Tell your close friends and family that you love them. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be the excessively marketed Russell Stover Chocolate and Jewelry Fest that it has turned into - it should be about telling the people you care about that you truly appreciate them. No cheesy romance needed.
2. Go to the new Rouses grocery store right across the street. Buy seven pounds of chocolate. Eat all of it by yourself while watching re-runs of The Walking Dead. Forget love, Netflix should do the trick.
5. Go to Applebee’s. Order the “Two for Twenty” deal, but tell the server to hold off on the second entree. Eat all of the first entree, and then take the second one to go (desert optional). Come back to school, repeat last step in #2.
3. Ask the person you have been crushing on (or Facebook stalking for the last seven months) out on a nice date. However, beware: the stakes are a bit higher on Valentine’s Day. Don’t take a shot in the dark: rejection on Valentine’s Day is like finding out the Taylor Swift doesn’t write her own music (she does, but seriously how disappointing would that be?).
All right, men, I’m telling you: this is proven advice (although, I can’t honestly say that I’ve tried all of this; I do, however, know of people who have, and they say it works. Trust me). Don’t make Valentine’s Day a day where you mope around. Make it a day where you eat a lot of food. Completely by yourself. If you do any of these things, feel free to come thank me, or give me a hug, or bring me a super-size box of Russell Stover Chocolates. This year, Valentine’s Day will be fun.
Contraceptives and Health Care: Faith Matters
As if the Affordable Care Act weren’t controversial enough, Hobby Lobby’s suit concerning the employee coverage required by the ACA is certainly raising the stakes. So, what’s the deal? Why are the Hobby Lobby owners seeking judgement from a federal appeals court? The Christianfounded company is fighting against the mandate that they provide contraceptive benefits to employees as part of their health coverage; particularly, access to the morning after pill has the Oklahoma-based owners fighting The Man for exemption. Their reasoning behind the
request to deviate from the normally required contraceptive providence is that as a Christian-based, private corporation, they should not be required to provide these benefits as they go directly against the religious beliefs upon which their company is founded. This case has so many different facets that it’s difficult to “pick a side,” so to speak. I, for one, believe in the necessity of contraceptives in preventing unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, certain birth control methods are often used for purposes other than preventing pregnancy, like hormone regulation, a duality that really blurs the lines between religious prohibition and medical need. However, I don’t think that companies based upon religious values should be forced to conform to laws that force them to essentially go against their faith, regardless of anyone else’s personal convictions, mine included. Hobby Lobby is a privately-owned corporation, meaning that they do not run their business through shareholders and do not exchange stocks. The owners, essentially, have the largest hand in the finances of the company. They are, in other words, largely and personally invested as
opposed to a public company that is owned by shareholders and therefore must abide their wishes. Also, while the fact that the company is run by a Christian family may not be common knowledge, it is certainly accessible knowledge. Their company description on their official website states that “Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles” is a tenant of the company’s mission. The site also says that they wish to serve employees by “establishing a work environment and company policies that build character, strengthen individuals and nurture families.” The main argument against their exemption stems from the whole “forcing your beliefs on others” line. In essence, by refusing coverage of contraception, emergency or otherwise, the owners of Hobby Lobby thereby force employees to abide by the owners’ beliefs and not their own. Others have argued that the owners are asserting their “ownership” of the employees’ bodies - a little extreme to me, but certainly an offshoot argument from the original. Choice also factors largely into the picture. Benefits negotiations are a part of most job offers. If a woman
feels that she needs contraception for any reason, that should be a topic of conversation when discussing benefits. If a company will not provide it, therefore, she has the freedom to move on to a business that will. While I understand that many do not have the luxury of picking and choosing jobs, it is certainly a possibility for many because there are other companies with no qualms about providing contraceptive benefits with healthcare, companies that feel this would be against their ethical code should not be forced to provide them. While I am pro-contraceptives and while I understand that many women need birth control pills for a variety of reasons and may need the morning after pill in an emergency, a company that is largely run by a Christian family should not be forced to go against their faith. Particularly this should be the case when the family actively incorporates their faith tenants into the values of their corporation. Their religious freedom is no less worthy than anyone else’s and should be treated as such.
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
6
LIFESTYLE
February 13, 2014
ISIP Trips and Capture the Hill, continued from cover By MattLABORDE Editor-in-Chief event will be recurring. I received a great deal of positive feedback, as well as constructive criticism.” Cowley will be leading a group of students to Belize City, Belize, this March where she will help build a home for a family in need. Theology professor Stephen Wilson also helped plan the event. The team of Cowley and Wilson originally wanted to host a paintball fundraiser, but when that was denied due to logistical issues, the pair immediately thought that Spring Hill’s campus would be ideal for a game of capture the flag. “I thought it was incredibly successful, especially for it being a first time event,” said Wilson, who is a faculty advisor on the Belize City trip. “Things went about as smoothly
as they could have. And everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.” These types of fundraisers significantly help provide funding for ISIP participants, who could be found serving as referees for the different CTH matches on Sunday. Capture the Hill raised over $500 and will help offset the expensive cost of sending students abroad. “Our program relies 100 percent on donations from fund-raising,” says Maureen Bergan, the Director of Campus Ministry at SHC. “We are grateful to the Spring Hill community for their continued support of our fund-raisers year after year.” The ISIP program will be hosting two more fundraisers: Run of the Hill 5k on April 5, and a jambalaya lunch combined with a craft fair on March 26.
The Hill
Capture
TOP: Students from one of Phi Mu’s teams poses for a victory photo. FAR LEFT: Dylan Gardner directs teammates TJ Chatham and John Zazulak around Phi Mu’s flag defenders Emery Finnegan and Megan Haber. LEFT: Bobby Brown challenges a teacher’s son to a duel before the event. ABOVE: A Delta Gamma team member chases down a faculty member after he attempts to free a teammate. Photos by KivaTALTY
Want to take your own selfie game to the next level? Well, now’s your chance! The Springhillian is hosting our very own “Selfie Olympics.” Send in your “best” selfie to hillian@shc.edu to enter the competition. So, go ahead... start snapping those selfies, we know you want to! The top entries will be displayed on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where you can vote for your favorite selfie. The winner will be on the cover of an upcoming issue.
Photo by KivaTALTY
#AROUND THE
HILL
Photo by EmilyHILL
Photo by KivaTALTY
Photo by KivaTALTY
TOP LEFT: Last Thursday Patrick Jordan, a Commonweal Speaker, gave a speech titled “Dorothy Day: A Radical Who Sought Concordances,” as part of the Christus lecture series. Dorothy Day founded The Catholic Worker paper in 1933 and Jordan is a former managing editor of the publication. TOP RIGHT: Spring Hill’s dance team performs during Badger Brawl’s halftime show. ABOVE: Students compete in intramural basketball while Jesse Augustine Jr. referees their game. ABOVE RIGHT: Cheerleaders Jordan Truxillo and Rebeca Marroquin ruffle their pom-poms as they pep up the crowd during a basketball game. RIGHT: Caroline Sagrera winds up during Spring Hill’s game against Huntingdon College. Photo by MjCONNELL
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
FEATURE
8
February 13, 2014
Player Sees the Game from a Different Perspective By ShaunicyMUHAMMAD Contributor
I
t was a routine play. Frederick Gaston, a 6-foot-6-inch senior from Riverdale, GA was jumping into the air near the basket on a defensive play. “I remember that play vividly. I was jumping up and one of the players from the other team jumped up too and came down on my back. I had my hands up in the air and couldn’t break my fall. I basically fell on my face,” he recalled. That night Gaston, most commonly referred to on campus by his middle name “Najgee,” scored 20 points and 12 rebounds in a win against Truett-McConnell, a college out of Georgia. Before the game was over, he fell head first to the court, got up and revealed to the stunned crowd his chipped front teeth. It would surprise most to find out that the psychology major actually had no offers to play basketball anywhere as a high school student at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. “It wasn’t until after my senior season that I started getting offers. I got offers from a couple of colleges. One was Huntingdon in Montgomery.” Gaston told of the other colleges that proposed offers to him and why he turned them down. “I don’t want to sound boastful,” he said with a sly smile, “but I felt like I was better than going to a Division II college.” His confidence is apparent. He outlines other reasons such as not getting enough scholarship money and not having a guaranteed spot on the court as for why he didn’t attend other schools. However, choosing Spring Hill College was more than a choice based on money, he explains. “I fell in love with the campus here. It’s beautiful, obviously. I saw myself having a good overall career. If I wasn’t playing I still would have come to Spring Hill.” Looking back on his start in basketball, Gaston gave credit to two people who were major influences and mentored him on the game. He referred specifically to Reggie Cofield who came to watch him play as a Junior Varsity player and runs an organization for kids. The other was his high school varsity coach who he says helped him get to SHC. Although he started playing the game in the seventh grade, Gaston said that his freshman year of high school was when he came to the realization that playing basketball was not something he saw himself doing after college.
“I knew that I wanted to coach since I was a freshman in high school. But it wasn’t until last year that I really felt like I was ready.” It was then that the pieces started to come together about this varsity forward. He isn’t the typical athlete. It was clear that he has a passion for his sport, judging it from a perspective different than how fellow players may look at the game. He leaned in closer and rubbed his hands as he began a retrospective talk about gaining some coaching experience over the summer of 2013. “I worked at Timberlake Camp in upstate New York. I was the assistant basketball director and worked with the main director setting up everything for the kids and I was head coach for ninth and tenth graders.” Timberlake, a camp for girls and boys ages 7 through 16, allows kids to stay overnight for up to eight weeks experiencing various programs and activities. As friends and a couple of teammates passing through tried to engage conversation, it was clear that Gaston had no problem opening up about the experience, as he made the encounters with those passing by short and sweet, telling how he had led the camp team to championship games in two tournaments. When asked if he looked at the game differently or from two different perspectives, Gaston replied, “When you’re a coach, you have to realize that you can’t play. But you have more control over the game too. The coach can decide who to put in or who to take out and a player can’t do that if they’re not happy with how the game is going or how someone is playing.” As the few people who braved the cold to make a stop at the student center began to disperse, Gaston, who is co-captain of the varsity team with senior Alex Looney, began to talk more candidly about leadership and coaching. “Lots of teammates value my opinion and coach sees that. He gives me a lot of responsibility to make decisions. Earlier in the season, I wasn’t being positive because I had high hopes for us this year. But I had to get over that. We’re getting better.” As he sat back in his chair, Gaston gave a little insight into what type of coaching he wanted to do specifically, cutting out girls’ basketball right away. “Not to be sexist or anything but I couldn’t coach girls’ basketball. It’s too much emotion.” He wanted to make it clear not to offend but make his point apparent and spoke from his
experience. “It’s different coaching girls rather than boys. There’s very few top tier WNBA players.” Instead, he said that he dreams of coaching Division I men’s college basketball. Although he says that wanting to become a coach did not play a major part in his choosing to major in psychology, Gaston says that it does make sense. “It would be better to be able to understand a person if I’m going to be a coach and the first psychology class that I took was pretty interesting. But I originally wanted to major in sports medicine. Spring Hill doesn’t offer that major.” Making glances at the big screen TV set to the Heat vs. Thunder game on ESPN, Gaston spoke fondly of mutual respect from his teammates, making it even more apparent that he wasn’t just the run-of-the-mill athlete. In a demeanor reminiscent of a high school coach, he told of what he saw in the near future for the team. “They view me as a leader. We’re trying to make it to conference now and we still have a chance. Everyone thinks that we’re doing badly but we still have a chance. I have my own philosophy. I have a real good IQ of the game. I see things differently,” he stated.
“I knew that I wanted to coach since I was a freshman in high school. But it wasn’t until last year that I really felt like I was ready.”
February 13, 2014
THE SPRINGHILLIAN
9
Feb. 14: The Only Date for Dates? By GaillardTEAGUE Reporter It is the week of love, folks. For many, Valentine’s Day is the one day a year where people (girls) unashamedly expect to be appreciated and pampered without appearing egotistic (or so they think). They count down the days to that “special” night while anxiously planning the most flattering outfit days (weeks? months?) in advance. Why is it that people, particularly young adults, get so worked up about a date on a calendar? And what even gives Valentine’s Day the right to go parading around grocery stores and commercials convincing people THIS is the day to tell the ones you care about how much you care about them? Bottom line, Valentine’s Day is misused, abused and occasionally nauseating. Here in the fourteenth year of the second millennium, it is rare that college students hear the words, “I am going on a date.” The concept of going on a date is almost a lost entity to the traditional steps of starting a relationship and has been replaced by the oh-so-romantic methods of text messaging and hookups - two really super techniques utilized to get to know the character of an individual. A study conducted at James Madison University found that college students hook up twice the amount of times that they go on dates. That is twice the amount of people who freely choose swapping thousands of bacterium over sober conversation and free food. Hmm. However, despite popular belief, more people share in this confusion than would appear, as the study at JMU also found that most college students, male and female, would
If dates are undeniably the better method in pursuit of a crush, why are we not going on them? If dates had the upper hand on hookups, would Valentine’s Day be so obsessed over? To promote the art of dating, the SpringHillian is playing Cupid and setting up two lucky individuals on a blind date. Want to be bold and test the waters for yourself? Email us at hillian@ email.shc.edu with your name, number and favorite restaurant. Disclaimer: your date could be featured in next week’s issue.
Graphic by BreVAUGHN
actually prefer to go on traditional dates than just hook up. Today, it is the social norm to hook up and expect nothing to come from it. It makes sense, no strings attached, no money spent, no problem. But what about the people (majority of students) who desire something a little less superficial? Wellness Center’s Dodie Ward states, “Dating was such a great way to learn what you really wanted in a partner. Gave you the chance to get to know more types of individuals and find what really suited you.” Sure it requires a bit more effort than some are willing to contribute, but going on dates does have benefits.
That’s right - you heard us. We want volunteers to be set up on a blind date on campus. We will record your conversation and observe the date from a nearby location. Your date will then be written about in one of our next issues. Are you brave enough? Is dating truly dead? Email hillian@email.shc.edu or tweet at us if you want to be the brave blind dater!
SPORTS
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February 13, 2014
Softball Team Starts Season Strong By Mj CONNELL Reporter
T
he number two team in the nation, Spring Hill Badgers, began their season hot with a sweep in a doubleheader against non-conference opponents Huntingdon College. In the first game of the afternoon, ace pitcher sophomore Caroline Sagrera did what she does best and shut down Huntingdon in a 2-1 victory. The game was scoreless until the top of the eighth inning when Huntingdon took a 1-0 lead off a bad throw from shortstop, junior Shea Blachard to third base, which allowed their runner to score. Then, Blanchard came back from her error in the bottom half of the inning when she smacked a sacrifice fly out to center field to advance junior Lena Land home from third base. Finally, in the ninth inning, with one out and a runner in scoring position, catcher, sophomore Sam Leach, hit a walk-off infield single to score junior Lea Kittrell and win the
first game of the season for Spring Hill. Sagrera finished another day at the office with 16 strikeouts while allowing only four hits and one walk. Later on in the second game, the Badgers received another stellar pitching performance when sophomore Sarah Bolotte threw one of the most coveted pitching prizes in softball: a no-hitter. Bolotte finished her amazing feat with two strikeouts, two walks and two hit batters in just 70 pitches. The Badger’s offense was provided by another clutch performance from Leach who had two runs batted in, while Kittreal and Sydney Finch knocked in the other two runs. The Spring Hill Badgers walked away with a 4-0 victory and 2-0 record to start the season. The next time the Badgers will play will be another non-conference doubleheader at the University of West Florida (1-4). The games will be played in Pensacola, Fla. at the UWF Softball Complex on Thursday, February 20, at 4 p.m.
SHC
Sports Schedule Visit SHCbadgers.com for more scheduling info.
Coach Cook talks base-running strategies with one of her players.
Photo courtesy of Jim Stennett
men’s BASEBALL Feb. 14 -- 4:00PM 15 -- 1:00PM 18 -- 2:00PM
@ William Carey @ William Carey SHC vs Thomas University (Ga.) HOME
men’s BASKETBALL Feb. 15 -- 4:00PM
men’s TENNIS Feb. 15 -- 9:00AM
SHC vs
Bethel University (Tenn.) HOME
SHC vs
Loyola University HOME
women’s BASKETBALL Feb. 15 -- 2:00PM
SHC vs
women’s TENNIS Feb. 18 -- 6:00PM
@
Bethel University (Tenn.) HOME
University of Mobile
February 13, 2014
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THE SPRINGHILLIAN
On Your Mark, Get Set, Serve By EricTHOMAS Reporter The Spring Hill College tennis team is striving to make its mark this year. With the Winter Olympics upon us, sports are a very popular topic in the world and on Spring Hill’s campus right now. College sports are always a great gathering point for a community, especially for a campus as small as Spring Hill’s, and almost everyone can find something they can enjoy. Tennis offers both men’s and women’s teams, one of the many sports at SHC to do so. Both NAIA teams were met with good amounts of success last year, with the men’s
team collecting four postseason awards from the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) as chosen by the head coaches of the nine member institutions, according to SHC News. Jacob Neu, who was a member of the team at the time, was named to the second team of the 2013 SSAC All-Conference Team, as well as the All-Academic Team along with senior Jake Lyons, showing the commitment that goes into being a student athlete for the tennis team. Freshman Sanders Edmonson talked about the importance of staying committed to both sport and school. Edmonson says, “In high school being on the tennis team taught me that when you make a
commitment to somebody, whether it be a friend or your teammates, you must follow through with it.” Edmonson also spoke about the commitment that he has made to SHC. He says, “This has also helped me realize that I have made a commitment here also as a student and a friend to others. I now understand that Spring Hill is where I am meant to be and this decision will help me grow mentally and spiritually.” Likewise, the women’s tennis team had a good season last year. The women compiled a 12-8 record on their way to a semi-final birth and collecting six SSAC awards, which were voted on by the head coaches of the 10 member institu-
tions, according to SHC News. Freshman Kate Sotolongo discussed how being on the team has helped her adjust to life on the Hill. Sotolongo states, “It’s very challenging and tough, but it’s worth it. It’s a great way to stay fit and I have made some really good friends because of it.” This year looks quite promising for both the men’s and women’s teams, which are looking to improve even more from last year. The season opens on Saturday, Feb. 15 for both the men and women, with both teams facing off against Loyola University.
Rugby Recall
The Spring Hill College men’s rugby team defeated the South Alabama men’s team 29-13 on Saturday, Feb. 8. Photos by KivaTALTY
HILL YEAH! ON the SPOT
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If you were to go on a Valentine’s date with anyone from Spring Hill, who would it be?
February 13, 2014
ASHLEYinzinna
CAROLINEdienes
CHRISmontgomery
“GABRIEL SABORIO.”
“SALVA SANCHIS.”
“RYAN FLYNN... OR MS. JUANITA.”
HARRISONmcnabb “MASON STANLEY.”
Badger Puzzle
Search the stories and search campus for the answers to these clues! Across: 1) Pitcher Perfect 6) Posted up on the Grotto 8) Queen of the Caf 9) Silence is Golden! 10) Circle, Square, Triangle Retreat 12) The Black and Blue 13) OK! 14) Capture the 16) Newest Sorority on the Hill 18) There’s No Place Like 19) Business is Business, It’s Strictly Financial Down: 2) Run, Forrest, Run! 3) Hop, Jump, _ _ _ _ _ Place 4) Saturday’s a _ _ _ _ _ Day 5) Administration Building 7) RIP Bruno’s 10) Four Rings and a 11) Ad majorem dei 15) No ID Needed 17) Taco Tuesdays With Answers Across: 1) Sagrera 2) Mary 8) Juanita 9) Barter Room 10) SHAPe 12) O’Dalys 13) Bicycle Shop 13) Bicycle Shop 14) Flag 16) Sigma Kappa 18) Gnome 19) Yenni Down: 2) Avenue of the Oaks 3) Skips 4) Rugby 5) Lucey 7) Rouses 10) Snowflake 11) Gloriam 15) Mark 17) Tony