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The Voyager
VOLUME 42 ISSUE 3
The voice of UWF students since 1968
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2012
Friday classes will return fall semester W. Paul Smith Staff Writer The University announced plans to move back to having classes on Fridays starting next fall semester, according to an email sent to the student body by Interim Provost David Marker on Jan. 23. Marker said, “We are committed to providing small class sizes, personalized attention and
more convenience in our course scheduling.” Classes will move to a Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday schedule, with weekday classes beginning at 8 a.m. and running for 50 minutes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and for 75 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, evening classes will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the fall,
❱❱ Rundown Friday classes will be returning to the University of West Florida starting fall semester. Morning classes will be starting at 8 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m., while night classes will start at 6 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. rather than 5:30 p.m. Marker said the change will provide commuter students more time to transition from their workday to the classroom, while
also alleviating parking congestion somewhat. Faculty Senate President Chris Pomory said in an email, “The faculty has a mixed reaction to
Campus expansion continues
See Classes, page 2
VOYAGER IN BRIEF Sports Spring seasons start this week
TOWN HOUSES COMMUNITY CENTER
the plan. Some think it is a good idea. Some have concerns about commuter students who have to drive long distances to get here and students who have gotten use to work schedules that include Fridays.” Pomory said the Faculty Senate’s input was not sought before the plan was put forward.
The UWF baseball team will look to defend its national title while heading into its 2012 season. The softball team and the men's and women's tennis teams will look for a national title of their own. The seasons will kick off this weekend.
COMMUNITY CENTER
COMMUNITY CENTER
GREEK VILLAGE
DETACHED HOUSING
HOTEL/ CONFERENCE CENTER
See full stories on page 7
Opinion SOPA controversy; Huntsman departs COMMERCIAL RESTAURANTS
Graphic special to The Voyager
The site plan for northeast campus includes a hotel and conference center at the Hwy. 90 entrance of campus, shown in red above. Further construction plans for the buildings are still in the development stage.
n Northeast campus expansion will include a conference center, commercial restaurants, hotel Will Isern Contributing Writer In December the newly formed University of West Florida Business Enterprises Inc. sent out a proposal for bids to develop a hotel and conference center on campus. The addition would add to the already expansive plans put forth in the Campus Master Plan that, among other things, calls for the construction of a football stadium, multiple parking garages, and a road that would encircle campus. The proposal calls for a 125- to 150-room hotel and up to a 10,000-square-foot convention center to be developed on 16 acres at the northwest corner of Campus Drive and U.S. 90 that the University will lease to the winning developer for 99 years. Just how much the project will cost is uncertain at this point since it will be the developer who fronts the bill, but the figure has been estimated at multi-million. The proposal calls for a 125- to 150-room hotel and up to a 10,000-square-foot convention center to be developed on 16 acres at the northwest corner of Campus Drive and U.S. 90 that the University will lease to the winning developer for 99 years. The hotel project and wider campus development are being headed by Matt Altier, who the University hired last July as vice president of administration. Altier, chief executive officer of UWF Business Enterprises, comes to UWF from The Richard Stockton College of New
Jersey, where he served as vice president for administration and finance and was responsible for campus development and forging public-private partnerships like the one proposed for the hotel. Altier held the same position at California State University, Sacramento where he developed a non-profit organization, University Business Enterprises, similar to the one he recently formed here. In Sacramento, he negotiated the purchase of a four-star hotel and implemented a residency internship program with Sacramento State’s hospitality management program. Altier said the UWF hotel would partner with the University’s hospitality management program to give students real-world experience as undergraduates. “We envision the hotel/conference center to be a busy, university-centered business, attracting visiting families, alumni, associations, faculty and staff groups, the community and even tourists to our area,” Altier said. “The stronger and more successful the hotel becomes, the better the potential for high quality, real-world learning and training for our students, additional resources Altier and additional revenue for UWF.” Revenue, Altier said, because the development contract would entail a negotiated form of profit sharing. Altier said he couldn’t say exactly how big of a slice the University will get of the hotel’s earnings because that figure will have to be negotiated once a developer is selected. Bids for the development are due March 21.
Read the full story at www.thevoyager.net
Board of Trustees appoints Pam Dana John Stevenson Staff Writer The State University System Board of Governors recently appointed a new member, Pam Dana, to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. According to its website, UWF’s Board of Trustees consists of the six members on the Board of Governors, each appointed by the governor of the state of Florida as well as, five additional members appointed by the Board of Governors and approved by the Senate. The president of the Student Government Association, currently Josh Finley, and the president of the Faculty Senate, currently Chris Pomory, are also members of the Board of Trustees. The new chancellor of the Florida College System, Randy Hanna, previously held the
❱❱ Rundown Pam Dana has recently been named the newest member of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. Dana replaced Randy Hanna who left the position in order to become the new chancellor of the Florida College System. trustee position that Dana has been appointed to fill. “His experience will be missed,” Finley said. “But we welcome our new trustee with opens arms and wish Randy the best of luck.” When a member of the Board of Trustees resigns there are two ways for that trustee to be replaced. Dana “The appointments to our Board of Trustees are made by the Governor or Board
of Governors," Chief of Staff Kim Brown said. "This appointment was made by the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors advertises the vacancy on their website. Interested parties apply. Then board members interview candidates and make a recommendation to the full Board of Governors.” According to the UWF Newsroom website, Dana, a California native, has more than
30 years of experience in senior economic, business and university leadership. She earned a doctorate in international development and economics from the University of Southern California, a master’s degree in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social work from California State University, Chico. She also served under former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as director of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development from 1999 to 2007. Currently, Dana is currently senior adviser of strategic initiatives for the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition and owner and managing member of SURE LURE Charter Company. For more information www. uwf.edu/trustees/.
Opinions Editor W. Paul Smith discusses the recent controversial legislation known as the National Defense Authorization Act, which some critics think may allow for the indefinite detention of American citizens. Contributing writer Haley Chouinard discusses Jon Huntsman’s departure from the Republican presidential primary race. See full stories on page 3
L&E Cajun flavor comes to campus Bistro Blue is a new food truck coming to campus in March. The menu will offer traditional New Orleansstyle meals, as well as traditional breakfast and lunch items. The truck will be located in the grassy area between Building 12 and Building 18 and will be open weekdays. See full stories on page 4
If every household in the U.S installed one energy saving lightbulb, the energy saved could power a city of 1.5 million people.
Index News . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..2 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Arts &Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
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Members of history department create app Christie McClung Contributing Writer Professor John Clune of the University of West Florida history department and his colleague, Professor Patrick Moore, drove down a bleak Florida interstate heading west towards Tallahassee. Moore pulled out his new GPS system, and as Clune drove, he began looking up nearby gas stations and restaurants. “There is a gas station in one mile,” Moore said. His fellow colleague gave him a smile. “I know,” Clune said. “I just read the interstate sign.” As the trip continued, Clune began teasing Moore about the delay in his GPS. “You know,” Moore said, “with the advent of the Interstate System and the opening of big theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, small towns that are just five minutes from the interstate off ramps are being forgotten.” The two began discussing the disgrace of all the people on family vacations that were missing out on tons of history and information. Thus, the idea for NextExitHistory was born. NextExitHistory is a smartphone application that allows a person to retrieve information about different history sites around the world. The application uses GPS technology to pinpoint a person’s location and the historical sites around them. The person can then read information about the site, look at pictures or videos and even hear audio clips. We said “wouldn’t it be great if we could deliver something people are actu-
So they created a system where other historians around the world could upload information about historical sites. “We wanted to make sure that all the information that people received was embedded by historians or people who work in museums, but we also realized we were not going to be able to monitor the content because it was just too much information,” Roberts said. “We are not experts in every field of history and culture. So we developed a system where we could vet the people. If another historian wants to become a content provider, they can approach us, and we give them access to become a Photo by John Blackie content provider. They are then responThe creators of the NextExitHistory smartphone application: John Clune, Dave sible for their own information. We vet Dawson, Timothy Roberts and (not pictured) Dr. Patrick Moore. the people, not the content.” As of right now, the application has ally interested in,” Clune said, “and not “We actually developed the first two dozen contributors, and more than just gas stations and restaurants but edition of NextExitHistory for a windows 48,000 historical sites in the database. historical sites and museums.” mobile phone,” Roberts said, “and at Pensacola is a host to more than a But when the project was first born, that point we started generating momen100 of the historical locations, including smartphones were in the distant future. tum and we got some more funding, so several buildings along Palafox and the “When we first started working on the we took it to the next level and started African American Heritage trail. project, we were looking at other modes developing the iPhone application and Students can even use the app around of mediums like stand-alone GPS units the Android application.” campus to read about the history of the The application is currently available in cars,” Timothy Roberts, co-creator of buildings that they have class in every the application and member of UWF’s for free in any application market. “You can pull up the app based on day. history department, said, “but Professor Students who are interested in Dawson recognized that there would where you are, what you like, or categoNextExitHistory can download the applieventually be the technology we needed. ries,” Roberts said. “It will show you cation for free on their smartphones, or what historic sites are around you. It’s At the time, we did do about 45 podcasts on historic towns in Florida, and that very simple to use. That’s what people visit the website at www.nextexithistory. com. get to see when they use it.” became the base of the program.” Timothy Roberts also has a Twitter But when the application began to The technology did eventually come feed for the site that is updated daily grow, the founders quickly realized that about, but it was not originally in the form of a smartphone, as they are there is no way they alone could upload with information about different sites all the information that is necessary. available on the application. known now.
Classes: Changes bring controversy
SGA addresses class changes
From Page 1
Student Government Association President Josh Finley, at the Jan. 27 meeting of the Senate, encouraged University of West Florida students to attend a Feb. 8 town hall meeting to give their views on the plan to bring back Friday classes at the beginning of the 2012 fall semester. “I have been flooded with concerns about bringing back a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule,” Finley said. He said he wants to give students a chance to voice their concerns so the SGA can address them to the administration, he said. Finley said that introducing Friday classes into student schedules could result in less parking congestion which is caused by the increase in enrollment over the past year, by spreading out the class schedule. SGA members also voted on changes to the Election Code, Title V of the Constitution. The minor change involved updating references to “Argus” to “MyUWF.”
Student Government Association President Josh Finley said in an email that SGA also was not consulted for input and was not officially informed of the plan until two weeks ago. Finley said, “This change would provide a wider variety of schedules and less congestion for parking. This would also improve our classroom utilization, creating a more efficient use of classroom space.” Kim Brown, chief of staff for President Judy Bense, pointed to enrollment growth as one of the reasons for the change. “We only have 65 classrooms on our campus, and so we must use our classrooms on Friday in order to meet student demand,” Brown said. Brown said that while state funding was not one
of the immediate reasons for this change, “the state conducts a study annually of our classroom utilization. UWF has some of the lowest utilization rates in the state. If we are to secure state funding for building new classrooms, then we must effectively use our current classrooms.” When asked why input was not sought from SGA and the Faculty Senate while this plan was being discussed, Marker said in an email to The Voyager, “I only arrived on campus to begin working on Jan. 3. Virtually all of the work on the revised class schedule was done by the time I arrived. I am attempting to pull together the principal architects of the plan and will put you in touch with them.” The Voyager will follow up on this story as more details become available.
Jon Short Web Editor
Linzy Browne, student relations chair, proposed providing more menu options for students following vegetarian and vegan-based diets. Finley and Browne said there are still many SGA positions open. They said they hope to see more students apply. Cora Merritt, student body vice president, said there was great SGA representation during Rally in Tally on Jan. 26 at the state capitol. Merritt also reported the results of last week’s constitutional referendum; 15 percent of the 226 voters opposed the changes, and 84 percent approved them. Finley said that the results mean that SGA members can now commence reforming the structure of the organization. At the meeting, Chloe Diel was sworn in as academic chair, and Erika Cruz was sworn in as election commissioner. Cruz served on the finance committee previously. The next SGA meeting will be held on Feb. 3. For more information, visit uwf.edu/sga.
Opinions Editor, W. Paul Smith
opinions@thevoyager.net
Opinions &
Editorials
3
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
Questions surround Friday class changes Interim Provost David Marker’s recent announcement concerning new class schedules has generated buzz at the University of West Florida from students and faculty alike. While the announcement and our Page 1 story explain the changes that will affect students and the faculty, the administration hasn’t released the details about how the decision was made. We at The Voyager feel that this is an important part of the story that needs to be addressed, and we will continue our coverage until it is explained. Faculty Senate President Chris Pomory and Student Body President Josh Finley said that the administration did not seek input from their organizations before the decision was made. The Voyager was waiting on further clarification from Interim Provost
David Marker at press time. Some of the reasons behind the change have been explained, such as classroom utilization, alleviating parking congestion and state funding, but there are still questions that have been left unanswered. We at The Voyager have already heard from students and faculty who were either in favor of or against the change, and we encourage further input as we continue our coverage. Even if the decision is final, the voices of those impacted by it should still be heard. We encourage students and faculty to attend the upcoming town hall meeting on Feb. 8 to let the administration know their thoughts on the changes to the schedule and write letters to the editor explaining their opinions.
— The Voyager Courtesy of Andy Marlette/amarlette@pnj.com
New bill may allow indefinite detention of citizens W. Paul Smith Opinions Editor On December 31, President Obama signed into law the controversial National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, and critics have pounced on the bill claiming that it potentially allows for the indefinite detainment of American citizens among other things. Let me go ahead and warn everyone that this is a very complicated subject, but I’m going to do my best to try and make it intelligible and weed through the main criticisms. On its surface, the NDAA is an 1844-page spending bill that authorizes $662 billion for the defense budget. But contained within the legislation are provisions that deal with the detention of terrorism suspects, specifically the portion of the bill entitled, “Subtitle D – Counterterrorism.” These provisions of the bill do not so much expand presidential authority for detaining suspects as it does reaffirm an authority both former President Bush and Obama claim already existed as granted by the Authorization for Use of Military Force. The AUMF was a one-page joint resolution passed by Congress immediately after 9/11 authorizing the use of military force against those responsible for the terrorist attack and granted the President the authority “to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided” in 9/11. Section 1021 of the NDAA codifies this authority of the AUMF and defines a “covered person” subject to this authority as the following:
“A person who planned, authorized, foreign entity. But the most terrifying option is committed, or aided the terrorist attacks “detention under the law of war without that occurred on September 11, 2001, trial until the end of the hostilities authoor harbored those responsible for those rized by the Authorization for Use of attacks” or “A person who was a part of Military Force.” or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Considering the War on Terror could Taliban, or associated forces that are potentially last forever, a person could engaged in hostilities against the United reasonably be held indefinitely without States or its coalition partners, including trial under this provision. any person who has committed a belligHowever, contained is this provision erent act or has directly supported such is also language that says, “Nothing in hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.” this section shall So, in effect, be construed to this section puts affect existing a Congressional law or authori“While the NDAA might stamp of approval ties relating to on the adminisnot exactly be the end the detention of tration’s interUnited States citiof the Bill of Rights pretation of the zens, lawful resiAUMF, even as we know it, it is a dent aliens of the though the AUMF United States, or does not explicitly potentially dangerous any other persons state anything who are captured piece of legislation that about powers of or arrested in the detention. should have never been United States.” The new While it seems passed or signed into law language that to exempt U.S. is added to the with such shameful and citizens, it still NDAA that was allows the potentroubling ambiguities.” not in the origitial for the detainnal AUMF is the ment of U.S. citiphrase “substanzens if captured tially supported.” outside of the United States. This phrase is dangerously broad and But the next section does seem to allow could, perhaps, be used to detain someone for the potential for American citizens to only tangentially involved in organizations be detained. hostile to the United States. Section 1022 of the bill refers to a Furthermore, when someone is subset of “covered persons” defined as detained that is deemed a “covered “a member of, or part of, al-Qaeda or person,” the NDAA allows for four options an associated force” and someone who for disposition, including trial by a mili“participated in the course of planning or tary commission, trial by an alternate carrying out an attack or attempted attack court or tribunal, or transfer of custody against the United States or its coalition partners.” to the person’s country of origin or any
If a person is detained that falls under this subset, the bill says the requirement for military custody “does not extend to citizens to the United States.” The key word here is “requirement,” which does seem to suggest that the option for indefinite military detainment is still available but is simply not mandatory. When Obama signed the NDAA into law, he also offered a signing statement that said, “I want to clarify that my administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. “Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a nation. My administration will interpret Section 1021 in a manner that ensures that any detention it authorizes complies with the Constitution, the laws of war and all other applicable law.” While that might be true (it’s too early to tell), it really suggests only that the Obama administration will not interpret the NDAA to include American citizens but completely leaves open the possibility that subsequent administrations will have a different interpretation. Ultimately whether or not these provisions of the NDAA will be used in the worst-case scenario manner that critics fear is yet to be determined. But there is no question that the bill absolutely could be interpreted to be used in such a manner, even if such a worstcase scenario is perhaps unlikely. The very fact that this legal ambiguity exists in a bill such as this is utterly unforgivable. While the NDAA might not exactly be the end of the Bill of Rights as we know it, it is a potentially dangerous piece of legislation that should have never been passed or signed into law with such shameful and troubling ambiguities.
We should applaud Huntsman’s call for unity Haley Chouinard Contributing Writer I would like to express my gratitude to Jon Huntsman. Former Gov. Huntsman recently dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential candidacy. This is not why I am thanking him. I am thanking him because of the way that he dropped out and the reasons behind his decision. Mr. Huntsman’s speech that announced the end of his campaign was the first time that I paid any attention to him. The race for the 2012 Republican nomination has been just short of a three ring circus. I tend to lean pretty far to the left, but I do like to be educated on what is happening on the right as well. That being said, the majority of the candidates have seemed so completely out of touch with the average American that I had largely stopped reading or watching anything to do with the race. This group of politicians has acted
like caricatures of themselves. You’ve got Huntsman stood up and acknowledged Newt Gingrich saying that poor children how absurdly his party is behaving. should work as janitors. Huntsman said: “This race has degenThere was Michele Bachmann who erated into an onslaught of negative doesn’t seem to know that Libya is in and personal attacks not worthy of the Africa (“Now with the president, he put American people and not worthy of this critical time in our us in Libya. He is nation’s history.” now putting us in Huntsman Africa. We already “As sad as it is that went on to say: were stretched too “At its core, the thin, and he put our he had to ask for Republican Party is special operations the unification of a party of ideas, but forces in Africa”). the current toxic his party, I applaud And who could form of our political forget Herman Cain Huntsman for asking.” discourse does not and “Uzbecki-beckihelp our cause. stan-stan”? “I call on each Who are these campaign to cease people? Who do they think their voters attacking each other and instead talk are? They get up at debates, and they directly to the American people about make ridiculous claims about what they’ll how our conservative ideas will create do for this country. jobs, reduce our nation’s debt, stabilize They come off like soulless automaenergy prices and provide a brighter tons half the time. future for our children and our grandchilSo, imagine my surprise when Jon dren”.
Thank you, Jon Huntsman. Thank you for admitting that these campaigns have been stupid and unworthy of our great country. Thank you for understanding that Americans want to be talked to and not talked at. We want to be heard by our leaders. We don’t want to listen to a bunch of former governors and senators arguing about who would make a better president. We want you to tell us why you would be good for this country, not why the other guy would be bad. Huntsman ended his speech with a plea for party unity and an endorsement of Mitt Romney. As sad as it is that he had to ask for the unification of his party, I applaud Mr. Huntsman for asking. It’s not easy to point out the flaws in your own system. Now we just have to hope that the Republicans heed Huntsman’s words and turn this circus into an election race worthy of the American people.
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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
Life &
Entertainment
L&E Editor, Rebecca Barnhart
entertainment@ thevoyager.net
Mother and son make artistic team Hayley Benton Staff Writer Shimmering green glasswork and centuries-old African trade beads of brass are carefully strung by jewelry artist Kathi Gordon to form a series of work that Gordon calls “Blue Water Arts.” Her son, Joe Waitsman, carves intricate designs into bone and antlers, and the two have recently begun to collaborate on Gordon’s jewelry pieces. The mother-son duo’s artwork is currently featured in the University of West Florida’s WUWF Building 88 Gallery — in a showcase appropriately titled “Like Mother, Like Son.” “The beads are my inspiration,” Gordon said. “I use a lot of old, collectable beads, such as African trade beads and Tibetan beads. My signature look is mixing those with new, artist-made beads like lamp work glass and contemporary silver.” Gordon’s bead work is nothing short of true artwork, but the inspiration for such artwork was the result of a long period of collecting. “I had always done creative things, but I never had any artistic training,” Gordon said. “I felt like somewhere deep down inside of me, I was creative enough to do something good. But it took me years,
and I wasn’t searching for it that much. It took me years to find my niche. “I found it by accident really. I went out for a long trip to the Southwest and ran into bead shops everywhere I went. I was drawn to the beads and was just kind of eyeing them. I loved them and had a spiritual sense about them.” When Gordon returned home, she began to experiment with the different beads she purchased out West. At first, she struggled with the work. She made a lot of self-described disasters. But as time went by, her work began to grow in quality, and people began offering her money for the jewelry she designed. “They were a hobby in the beginning,” she said. “But I became pretty successful with people wanting my things. Eventually, I got to the point where I was running both of my businesses almost full time at the same time. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I loved the beads but made money at the other one. But in the end, I chose the beads.” Many of Gordon’s pieces feature intricately carved bone beads detailed with fine craftsmanship, featuring scenes of birds, whales, fish, and tikis. All of the scenes are designed by her son, who, around Pensacola Beach, is known as “Smokey.”
Photos special to The Voyager
Kathi Gordon creates jewelry using a combination of old beads and contemporary beads. Her son, Joe Waitsman, carves sculptures out of bone. Several of Gordon’s jewelry pieces features bone beads by Waitsman. Their art is on display at Building 88 until Feb. 24. “He was really artistic from the time he was born,” Gordon said. “As soon as he could hold a crayon, he was drawing and he drew very well.” Waitsman lived on Pensacola Beach for quite some time, carving small surf sculptures for his friends and tourists. He started off creating pieces with antlers but soon moved into pieces carved out of mostly cow bone, which local restaurants were all willing to give him for his artwork. “He has truly been a starving artist trying to make his way,” Gordon said about her son. “He’s finally getting to the
point where he’s not rich, but he’s not starving anymore.” Art may not always come in the form that people expect. A bead is just a bead, or a bone is just a piece of trash but not to those with an eye for creative endeavors — not to Gordon and Smokey. The artwork will be displayed in Building 88 until Feb. 24, and a reception will be held on Feb. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. To view more about Gordon and Waitsman and their artwork, visit WUWF.org under the Special Events, Gallery 88 tab.
❱❱ Rundown n “Like Mother, Like Son” is an art exhibit on displayed in Building 88. n Kathi Gordon and Joe Waitsman create jewelry and items out of carved bone. n The opening reception is on Feb. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. n The exhibit is free.
Local paranormal group ghost hunts at lighthouse Katherine Cordero Contributing Writer
Graphic courtesy of UWF
This new food truck coming to campus in March will offer an extensive menu, including traditional New Orleans dishes. The food truck is a team effort between Chartwells and UWF Dining Services.
Truckload of Cajun flavor Katherine Cordero Contributing Writer The flavors of New Orleans are coming to the University of West Florida campus in the beginning of March in the form of a food truck. Chartwells has again teamed up with UWF Dining Services to bring the taste of the bayou to students and UWF employees with the opening of Bistro Blue. “The University’s dining partner, Chartwells, has extensive experience in university dining operations and keeps its finger on the pulse of new options that are appealing to students,” said Ellen Till, director of Business and Auxiliary Services. “This will provide students and employees with new options in an outdoor setting.” Till explained that the name originated from the menu items (bistro) and the significance of the color blue, to tie in with one of UWF’s school colors and Pensacola landmarks like the Blue Angels and the Gulf of Mexico. Items that can be expected on the menu include breakfast bagels and pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads and, of course, traditional New Orleans style food like muffaletas and jambalaya.
“I think it’s going to be good for people who like Southern-style food,” said Nick Sager, 19, a sophomore exercise science major. “Personally, I don’t see myself eating there much, but I would definitely try it because it’s something new on campus.” Students who are living in the UWF Residence Halls and have a Meal Plan that includes Argo Bucks will be able to purchase food and other items from Bistro Blue using their Argo Bucks. Last semester, UWF President Judy Bense said, “Chartwells is capable of doing much better, and we are going to get it better. No food service is perfect, but I think we can get a better service out of Chartwells.” There is still no set date that Bistro Blue will open because the truck is being custom-built, Till said. Malerie Shelton, the
marketing manager for UWF Dining Services, said that although hours of operation are still being set, students and employees could expect Bistro Blue to run Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the very least. “When it’s not on campus, it will be doing local events,” Shelton said. “For example, we are hoping to drive it downtown for the seafood festival to represent UWF.” Malerie Shelton, the marketing manager for UWF Dining Services, said that Students could follow the Bistro Blue food truck for menus, daily specials,and its location via Twitter and Facebook through the UWF Dining homepage. Bistro Blue will be located in the grassy area between Building 18, Hopkins Hall and Building 12.
❱❱ Rundown n Bistro Blue is a new food truck that is coming to campus in March, offering New Orleans-style dishes like jambalaya and muffaletas as well as other traditional items. n It will be located between Building 18 and Building 12. n The truck will tentatively be open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pensacola is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and the Blue Angels. However, what some people do not realize is that Pensacola is known to have the most haunted lighthouse in Florida, and the Pensacola Paranormal Research Group has investigated this location, and other haunted places in hopes of collecting evidence of the paranormal. The Pensacola Paranormal Research group, a local group attempting to prove the existence of ghosts and spirits, currently consists of five members: Jason Balbuena, Tina Balbuena, Courtney Colvin, Ashleigh Cooper, and Katie Cooper. The members all fill various positions from audio technician to medium. Photo special to The Voyager Jason Balbuena’s The Pensacola Lighthouse is one of the Paranormal interest in the supernatural came from his Research group’s favorite places to ghost hunt. childhood. The group was started seeing a “headless soldier “Back when I was 11 in early 2011 and was walking the grounds here or 12, I was staying at my formed from another one night,” Tina said. grandparent’s house after group they had been a The evidence that the he had passed,” Jason part of at that time, Jason Pensacola Paranormal said. “I was sitting in the said. Once this group was Research group has living room and out of the corner of my eye, I saw formed, it was decided collected has been so him standing in the hall- that they would try to find extensive that they are way. I had to take another evidence of the paranor- now members of the Ghost Adventures Crew look because I knew he mal full time. The team’s favorite of the History Channel’s had passed away. I knew he was gone, but I knew places to visit for paranor- show “Ghost Adventures.” Katie Cooper and I saw him standing there. mal activity include the I looked back and he was Pensacola Lighthouse and Courtney Colvin have both gone. So that’s when I the Daffodale Estates in had to deal with skeptics. “You constantly run knew that something is Monticello, Fla. By far, the most evidence they have into people that don’t out there.” Jason’s wife, Tina collected has been from believe you, but if they’re Balbuena, also had her the Pensacola Lighthouse open to things, they will interest triggered by a — evidence which includes find something,” Katie pictures, videos, and said. personal experience. “We have people come “I had my first experi- hours of Electronic Voice ence when I was 23 at a Phenomenon, or EVPs. on the ghost tours that friend’s house,” she said. But the most disturbing don’t believe but come “I was taking a shower yet fascinating experi- to see if something will when I saw a shadow pass ence the group has had happen to them, and it outside the shower, yet I while investigating the normally does,” Courtney Pensacola Lighthouse was added. was the only one there.”
6
Community &
Classifieds
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
The Voyager Editor-in-Chief Brittany Carr editor@thevoyager.net
L&E/Managing Editor Rebecca Barnhart entertainment@ thevoyager.net
News Editor Valerie Thornewell news@thevoyager.net
Sports Editor Chris Elkins sports@thevoyager.net
Opinions Editor W. Paul Smith opinions@thevoyager.net
Feb. 1 The Music Department will present its monthly Chamber Music Concert at Old Christ Church in downtown Pensacola at 405 South Adams St. from 12 to 2 p.m. For more location information, contact 850595-5985. Contact UWF Box Office at 850-857-6285 for more information on the concert.
Web Editor
Feb. 1
Jon Short webeditor@ thevoyager.net
Are you interested in discovering more about a particular career? Would you like to connect to a mentor in the field to learn more about it? Would you like to shadow someone in a particular career? We can help!
Copy Editors Friedrich Langerfeld Kathryn Middleton Michelle Fells
Graphics Editor Jarrett Moore
Distribution Manager John Strickland The Voyager is produced weekly by students of the University of West Florida and is partially funded by Student Activities and Services fees with assistance from the Office of Student Affairs. This public document was promulgated by the president of the University at an annual cost of $.275 per copy. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of UWF, The Voyager or its staff. Advertiser and advertising agency will indemnify and hold harmless The Voyager and its staff for all contents supplied to publisher, including text, representation and illustrations of advertisements printed and for any claims arising contents including, but not limited to defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, plagiarism, and in the case of a pre-printed insert, deficient postage. The Voyager is printed by Freedom Florida Commercial Printing, in accordance with Florida Law. The above information is presented in compliance Section 283.27 of Florida Statutes.
Letters to the Editor E-mail letters to opinions@thevoyager. net with “letter to the editor” in the subject line, or stop by Bldg. 36 Room 120 to hand-deliver your letter.
Corrections The UFF-UWF story on Page 1 in the Jan. 25 issue incorrectly attributed to Anita Schonberger, UWF deputy general counsel, quotations regarding faculty salary compression and inversion. The quotes should have been attributed to Katherine Romack, an associate professor of English. In the Hopjacks story on page 5 in the Jan. 18 issue, Joe Abston was incorrectly titled as the manager of Hopjacks on Nine Mile. His correct title is owner. Danny Dawson was incorrectly titled as chief technologist of the College of Professional Studies in the National Flight Academy Story on page 2 in the Jan. 18 issue. His correct title is faculty and project team member of the College of Professional Studies. The quote in the fifth paragraph of the same story should be “Our ACE classroom is going to be part of a system of ACE super hubs.”
PERSONALS
JOBS
ANNOUNCING
attendees the past, present and future vision of UWF. Two or more UWF Foundation Board Members may be present at this meeting.
The Voyager is now accepting personal ads of 20 words or fewer to voyager@uwf. edu with a subject line of “classified.”
College students who have an avid interest in career ideas related to the field of writing and freelancing gigs can visit http://writershubforcollegestudents.weebly.com for helpful tips.
The Voyager is now accepting classifieds from faculty, students and staff at no cost.
Contact Meredith Wolf at 850-474-2447 for more information.
HOUSING
MOBILE
CALENDAR
Attend a Backpacks 2 Briefcases orientation session from 1 to 2 p.m. to learn more about how to find a UWF mentor and start a job shadowing experience! RSVP on JasonQuest or call Career Services at 850-474-2254 for more information. Feb. 2 The “Like Mother, Like Son” exhibit reception is being held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2. We invite you to enjoy the juxtaposition of the exceptional design and craftsmanship of mother and son. For more information, contact Lynne Marshall at 850-474-2787. Feb. 2 Co-Ops are always paid and always for credit, and the work experience compliments your academics! Attending a Co-Op Info Session is the first step towards becoming a Co-Op participant! RSVP on JasonQuest or call Career Services at 850-474-2254 for more information. Feb. 3 The UWF Office of the President will hold a Breakfast with the President for community members Friday, Feb. 3 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the UWF Main Campus, School of Science and Engineering, Building 4, Room 406. Bense will share with
Feb. 4 UWF will host the Northwest Florida Regional Science Olympiad for the first time on Saturday, Feb. 4. from 8 a.m. to noon followed by lunch and the Awards Ceremony in the Conference Center from noon to 2 p.m. The winners will go on to compete in the Florida Science Olympiad.
We at The Voyager are here to help if you are having trouble finding that last roommate. Give us the details of the residence and whom you might be looking for at voyager@uwf.edu with “classifieds” in the subject line.
CLUBS Get involved on campus. If your organization putting together an event and would like to get the word out to people, feel free to send us a description of what’s happening at voyager@ uwf.edu with “classifieds” in the subject line.
PILED HIGHER DEEPER
If you would like to place a classified with more than 20 words, or you are not affiliated with UWF, please contact our Business Manager, Jeff Hagedorn. The deadline for your classified ad is the Thursday before the week you want it to be printed. Please e-mail your classifieds to voyager@ uwf.edu with “classified” in the subject line. A comic by Jorge Cham
Science Olympiad began in 1984 as away to attract students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and promote higher education. Today, more than 200,000 students nationwide participate in Science Olympiad. Contact Eman El-Sheikh at eelsheikh@ uwf.edu for more information. Feb. 6 Web Applications Development I is the first course of a series of Internet Programming training opportunities for community members to learn practical skills. This is an introductory course that will teach students web technologies from the ground up. This course is mainly focused on HTML 5, the newest version of HTML that everyone is talking about and is expected to change the web. Students will also learn fundamental aspects of JavaScript, the most popular scripting language for dynamic web programming.
g n i ? n k o o i t Lor atten fo
I
The class with start on Feb. 6 and continue every Monday night until Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Building 78, room 136. The cost of the class will be $109.00. For more information, contact Sarah Banner at sbanner@uwf.edu.
TheVoy
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Sports
Sports Editor, Chris Elkins
Fitness &
sports@thevoyager.net
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
New fitness class brings excitement, interest Emily Hales Staff Writer A new group fitness activity added last year to the University of West Florida group fitness activities has bumped up the attendance of people to the gym. That new class is called Zumba. A cardio-aerobic exercise class that entails Latin dancing instead of a typical workout, Zumba was designed to make working out more enjoyable by focusing on dancing to upbeat music. “I really liked the Zumba class because it kept my attention,” freshman business major Ariam Rios said.
Freshman film major Cydney Bergdorf said, “I really enjoyed it because the instructor was very personable, and she gets us involved. She kept us moving the whole time too.” The instructor for the Zumba classes is sophomore business major Carolina Zuniga. In order to become an instructor, Zuniga had to take a G-fit course for a semester, pay a student fee, and become certified in Zumba. Certifications last one year. “I am from Colombia, South America, and this is the way we party in my country,” Zuniga said. “It’s fun, and it brings me
Photo by Jennifer Cantor
Students dance to Latin music in the Zumba class on January 25. Zumba has been the most popular fitness class at UWF since it began last semester. home.” Since Zumba is currently the most popular class, it can only take a maximum
of 40 students per class. The Zumba class reaches its maximum every class. It is recommended to
show up 15 to 20 minutes before each class in order to reserve a spot. If people want to attend the class, they have to pick up a Zumba card from the front desk at the gym. The cards are given out to the first 40 people. There are levels 1, 2, and 3 classes for Zumba. Level 1 does not require any dance experience, and the other levels require very minimal experience. The instructor stays in the front and guides the class through all of the dance moves that correspond to each song. Zumba class is located in the blue studio of the gym. It is free for anybody already admitted to the UWF gym.
For the spring, Zumba classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Mostly women attend these Zumba classes, however, men are welcome. Zumba classes play 70 percent Latin music and 30 percent pop music. It is a rule that all Zumba classes must be at least 70 percent Latin music. “I attend Zumba class twice a week,” junior international student Christina Templeton said. “It’s an easy workout, but you sweat a lot, and you know you are working out.”
Men move to 4th in GSC From staff reports Despite off the field distractions, the University of West Florida men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to three games and moved its conference record one game above .500. The Argonauts (14-7, 4-3 GSC) are now fourth in the conference and behind only ranked opponents. Jamar Moore and Marquis Mathis continue to lead the team in scoring. Moore has 365 points for the season and averages 17.4 per game. Mathis has 350 and averages 16.7.
New Orleans
The Argos dominated the University of New Orleans on Jan. 24. The team shot 66 percent from the field in its first win over UNO in team history. The Argos trailed the Privateers 19-14 early in the first half but came back to lead 38-28 at halftime. UWF never lost the lead in the second half en route to an 80-65 win at the UWF Field House. Moore went 13-of-14 from the field and recorded a team-high 8 rebounds and assists. The three-time GSC Player of the Week scored a game-high 27 points. Mathis added 24 points and seven rebounds.
Valdosta State
It was the same story, different day in Valdosta on Jan. 28. The Argos shot a ridiculous 75 percent from the
Photo special to The Voyager
Leading scorer Jamar Moore goes for a jump shot over a player in a game played last season. The three-time Gulf South Conference Player of the Week led the Argonauts in scoring in both of the team’s wins last week. field en route to a 73-63 victory. Moore recorded a double-double, leading the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Martell Buie added
13 points and seven assists as one of four Argos to score in double digits. Mathis and Anthony Sims scored 14 points each. VSU started the game
UWF athlete arrested Chris Elkins Sports Editor A blemish was added to what seemed like a picture-perfect comeback season for the men’s basketball team. University of West Florida men’s basketball player Peter Connole was arrested on Jan. 26. The junior athletic training major was charged with three misdemeanors: battery, damage of property-criminal mischief and larceny, according to a police report by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “He is suspended from the team pending review of a student conduct issue,” said Sports Information Director Matt Rowley. “He will go through the University’s process.” Rowley said he could not comment further than that. According to the police report, Connole was driving his girlfriend home from Live Nightclub on Jan. 25 and began punching and threatening her. When they arrived at his girlfriend’s home, he allegedly caused damage to a piece of sheet rock and stole stuffed animals from her bedroom, according to the report. When police arrived, Connole had already left, according to the report. Police arrested him the next day, and he was released on $200 bond on Jan. 27. This is not the first time Connole has been arrested since enrolling at UWF. Connole was arrested on July 30, 2010 by the Sheriff’s Office in Orange County and charged with fighting in public, also a misdemeanor. Connole played in all 20 games for the Argonauts before the arrest. He averaged 5.9 points per game.
with a five point lead, but that was as much as the home team would lead all night. UWF slowly worked away at the lead for the first ten minutes of the game but
Photo special to The Voyager
❱❱ Rundown
University procedures from the Student Code of Conduct n The student will receive a notification of charges. n The student will have an educational conference. n The student will have a hearing forum before the Student Conduct Committee or before a Hearing Officer. n Sanctions may be imposed if the students is found in violation of the code of conduct.
action on Feb. 2 against Christian Brothers in Memphis at 7 p.m. CBU defeated UWF 81-77 in the first meeting of the two teams on Jan. 5.
UWF alumni pledge $200K gift commitment to athletics From staff reports
UWF basketball player Peter Connole was arrested for three misdemeanors last week. He has been suspended from the team pending a review.
then broke away and led by as much as 12 with 2:24 left in the first half. The Argos held on in the second half. UWF will be back in
University of West Florida alumni Terry Berling and Sandy Sansing announced that each made a commitment to donate $100,000 to support athletics at UWF on Jan. 25. “This is a momentous day for UWF and our athletic program,” said President Judy Bense in a press release. “To have two of our alumni give back to their university and show support for our athletic vision is very excit-
ing. We truly thank them for their significant contribution to help our studentathletes.” The commitments match the largest donation ever given to the university. Joe Ambersley donated $100,000 in endowed scholarships to the men’s basketball program at the beginning of the 2011 school year. Berling served on the UWF Advisory Board in the 1980’s, and Sansing is a member of the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame. Sansing played golf
for the Argonauts in the 1960’s. Both gifts are toward student-athlete scholarships. “Support from our alumni and our community is critical to grow our athletic program,” said Athletic Director Dave Scott in a press release. “Booster support allows us to compete on a national level and gives our studentathletes the resources to strive to national championships.”
Women’s basketball team falls to Valdosta St. after early lead From staff reports When a team starts as hot as the University of West Florida women did on Jan. 28, finishing cold can be hard to handle. The Argonauts led Valdosta State 16-4 ten minutes into the game and led by seven at the half but were unable to hang on. VSU slowly worked away at the lead and then
back-to-back jumpers from VSU gave the home team its first and final lead of the night. VSU went on a 10-0 run to lead 45-35 and held on for a 57-53 win. Hanna Vette scored a game-high 21 points and Erica Wright added 16. Octavia Bearden recorded nine rebounds but the team was out rebounded 36-19.
UWF will play Christian Brothers on Feb. 2 in Memphis. UWF won the first meeting of the two teams 47-38 at home on Jan. 5. Six conference games remain on the schedule before the GSC Tournament on March 1. The women will play Valdosta State again in the final regular season game on Feb. 25.
8/S&F
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
www.thevoyager.net
The Voyager
University of West Florida Spring Sport Season Previews
Softball team hopes to get back on track in 2012 Chris Elkins Sports Editor Pitching depth, or a lack thereof, led to a disappointing and uncharacteristic season for the University of West Florida softball team. The Argonauts went 22-23 (11-16 Gulf South Conference) in 2011 and finished fourth in the GSC East Division. In 2010, the team was 40-16 (16-11 GSC) and advanced to the South Regional for the third consecutive season. That will be the expectation once again this season. “We had two pitchers that did not make it academically,” said Head Coach Tami Cyr about last season at the 2012 Spring Sports Media Day. “We were two pitchers behind before we even got started.” This season, the Argonauts will attempt to add to their depth with transfers Jordan Ratliff and Sarah Scott. Ratliff was the South Division
Photo special to The Voyager
Ashliegh McLean pitches in a game last season. McLean returns as the Argonauts’ pitching staff after going 14-10 last season. Pitcher of the Year for Lake Forest College last season and pitched a perfect game. Scott posted a 23-16
record for Tallahassee Community College and hit .312 with 54 RBIs. The Argos return starting
pitcher Ashliegh McLean, who “pretty much carried the brunt of the pitching last year,” Cyr said. McLean, a team captain, finished 14-10 with a 4.19 ERA and played in 41 games, 22 of them as a pitcher. She hit .244 with four doubles and 12 RBIs. The Argos also return 2010 All-American Amber Ingram at third base. Ingram started every game for the Argos in the past three seasons and was named to the First Team All-GSC and Second Team All-South Region. Ingram, also a captain, hit .384 with seven doubles, two triples and 33 RBIs in 2011. Other additions to the Argo squad include Kasie Buckley and Emma Johnson. Buckley led East Central Community College to its first ever NJCAA Region Championship. “She led her team to a fourth place finish in the national tournament,” Cyr said. “She hit .469, with 12 home runs and 47
doubles.” Johnson will come to UWF from Gulf Coast State College where she played 60 games in the past two seasons. Cyr said Johnson will hit lead off because she is a “lefty slapper, fast as lightning, and just a very intense lady. She hit .356 last year.” The Argos were selected to finish fourth in the GSC by the GSC Preseason Coach’s Poll. Two-time defending GSC champion Alabama-Huntsville was ranked first, Valdosta State was second and West Alabama was third. “Watching baseball last year definitely lit a fire for me,” Cyr said. “Just being here for regionals and watching those guys made me sob when it was over. Just the intensity and the elation of winning is something that you just can’t describe. “We feel like this year’s team has the depth and the balance to make that run.”
New players, same expectation for championship baseball team Chris Elkins Sports Editor The reigning Division II National Coach of the Year wanted to make one thing very clear at the 2012 Spring Sports Media Day. “This is a new team and a new challenge, and we’re looking forward to that new challenge,” said University of West Florida Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat. “I told the players we’re all 0-0 together. We have to start trying to make some new dreams a reality.” President Judy Bense said she understood that it was a new team, but she felt the expectations were just as high for the team that went 52-9 (17-3 Gulf South Conference) last season. “We’ve got totally outof-sight hopes and expectations for this year,” Bense said. The 2011 Division II National Champions will return five starters from last year’s squad that set a school record 22-game win streak. They will lose nine players, eight of whom played for professional minor league teams over the summer. The biggest loss will be felt on the team’s pitching
Photo special to The Voyager
Division II National Coach of the Year Mike Jeffcoat holds the championship trophy after winning the D-II college world series in June 2011. staff. The three primary starters for the Argonauts had ERAs under 3.00 and a combined 39-5 record with 300 strikeouts in 312.2 innings pitched. “We try to develop our program around pitching and defense,” Jeffcoat said. “We really lost the anchor
of our team in our starting three and our closer Shane Waller.” Waller had a 0.59 ERA with 13 saves and 54 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched. The Argos return sophomore Kevin Peters as the only starter from last season. Peters went 5-1 with a
2.23 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 60.2 innings pitched his freshman year. Third baseman Josh Huggins returns after hitting .313 in 2011. The All-GSC Second Team and NCAA Championships All-Tournament selection hit six home runs and had 40 RBIs in 2011.
Huggins was also the lone selection to the GSC Preseason Team for UWF. Left fielder Taye Larry returns as the teams leadoff hitter. The NCAA Championships All-Tournament team selection hit .303, scored 58 runs and had 26 stolen bases last season. The Argos also return second baseman Leo Lamarche and first baseman Korey Domenick. Lamarche hit .280 with 37 RBIs and Domenick hit .274 with 17 RBIs. Despite the losses, UWF is ranked No. 1 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Division II Preseason Poll. The Argos also tied the University of North Alabama in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. To make up for all of the losses, UWF is going to need transfer players to step up. “We’ve gone Junior College heavy to try to plug a lot of holes that we need immediate help in,” Jeffcoat said. “Those junior college guys normally have the experience and things that we need to compete at this level.” Those transfers include
outfielders Max St. Hilaire and Andrew Rodriguez and pitcher Jake Stephen. St. Hilaire batted .315 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs at St. John’s River State College. Stephens led Northwest Florida State College to a conference championship and a state runner up finish. The Argos also return backup infielder Justin Bennett who played in 31 games and Ryan Day who primarily pinch ran and played as a defensive replacement. Bennett hit .311 in 45 at bats with 13 RBIs. Jordan Rasinski also returns to the Argos pitching staff. Rasinski worked out of the bullpen last year and had 3.43 ERA in 16 appearances. The team will look to find a new identity while playing with the pressure that last year’s success put on them. “Last year’s team has obviously cemented their season and their accomplishments in the record books,” Jeffcoat said. “It was a wonderful ride last year but its time to close that box up and start anew.”
Tennis team adds key players to 2012 roster Chris Elkins Sports Editor Two additions to last year’s men’s tennis team will make a huge impact on the 2011 Gulf South Conference runners up. Former star player Kevin Ducros returns after redshirting in 2011 and NAIA standout Bruno Savi will play for the Argonauts after transferring from Auburn-Montgomrey. Ducros, a two-time ITA All-American will return to the team after sitting out 2011 with a knee injury. The 2009 GSC East Freshman of the Year will play doubles with Savi. “We got Kevin Ducros back,” Head Coach Derrick
Racine said at the 2012 spring sports Media Day. “He was out all of last year with his ACL and MCL and everything else on his knee. But he’s back in very good form.” Racine said Ducros is probably a month or two away from being in top form. Savi will rival Ducros as the team’s biggest addition. “We’re lucky to have him,” Racine said. “He transferred from AuburnMontgomery and lost one match last year at No. 1 for AUM. He’ll be a top five player in Division II definitely and will really strengthen up our team singles and doubles.”
Savi is ranked No. 4 in the region and No. 10 in the nation in singles. The highly touted duo will be challenged with a tough schedule while leading the team against nationally ranked competition. Last season, the Argos were ranked No. 8 in the nation before they were knocked by out by GSC Champion and then No. 1 ranked Valdosta State in the South Regional. This season, the University of West Florida is ranked No. 7 in the preseason ITA rankings. Leandro Ferreira and Andrey Pozhidaev will both return for the 2012 season. The pair played in the No. 1
and No. 2 spots for the Argos last season, but will bump down three and four with the additions of Savi and Ducros. Ferreira went 14-14 in singles last season and was an ITA All-American. The 2010 ITA National Rookie of the Year is also a twotime ITA All-American in doubles. He and Savi are ranked No. 4 in the region and No. 10 in the nation in doubles in the preseason ITA doubles rankings, although Savi will most likely be playing with Ducros. Pozhidaev went 24-13 in singles in 2011 and 25-11 in doubles. He was an ITA All-American in doubles
Women must overcome tough region Chris Elkins Sports Editor For the women’s tennis team to have a shot at a national championship, first it must win the Gulf South Conference and survive the region of death. “We’re hoping to repeat as conference champions,” Head Coach Derrick Racine said at the 2012 spring sports Media Day. “You set your goal to win the conference championship, because if you can win that then you’ve got a good
chance to go the rest of the way.” The women’s team went 21-11 last year and won its 11th GSC championship in school history, the most of any team at UWF and the most of any women’s tennis team in the GSC. But, winning the GSC doesn’t guarantee them a spot at the national tournament. The team must survive a region that traditionally contains the top teams in the nation. “Our region is very
tough especially in women’s tennis,” Racine said. “There’s five of the six teams in the country are right in our region. We’ve got to get through those to go to the national.” Last season, the then ranked No. 7 UWF team was eliminated by then No. 4 Barry in the South Regional. Twin sisters Luiza and Marianna Sonnervig return after successful sophomore campaigns. Luiza was 28-10 in singles, 22-11 in doubles
and made the All-GSC First Team. She is ranked No. 3 in the region and No. 11 in the nation in the preseason ITA singles rankings. However, a recent surgery to remove a bone chip from her shoulder will sideline her for the start of the season. “Luiza just had surgery on Jan. 24,” Racine said. “She should be back in hopefully 4-5 weeks.”
Read the full story at thevoyager.net
Photo special to The Voyager
Kevin Ducros gets ready to serve in 2010. Ducros was sidelined in 2011 with a knee injury. and is a three-time All-GSC First Team honoree. Sean Gunnels, Domenico Sano and Mike Lue will
rotate for the five and six spots. “We’ve got our sights set high,” Racine said.