The Oracle- February 6, 2015

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NATIONAL CHAMPION Awesome Eagle secures second consecutive National title Photo: Ben Corda | TTU Photo Services Artwork: Drake Fenlon| The Oracle

KIM BIGGS Asst. Managing Editor For the second consecutive year, Tennessee Tech’s mascot, Awesome Eagle, won the Universal Cheerleaders Association Mascot National Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Competing against four other mascots, including Tech’s secondary character Grandpappy Eagle, Awesome beat out rival mascot YoUDee from the University of Delaware by 0.8 points. YoUDee has won the national title five times in previous appearances at the competition.

Awesome Eagle was confident he would bring the championship title home again.

“I knew that I was going to win again this year. There were only a few hiccups with the props, but none of that matters now. I left all of that in Orlando. This year was a huge accomplishment for me and for the school,” said Awesome. “It is an honor and a privilege to win one championship for TTU, let alone two in a row.”

Even though Awesome Eagle won last year, this was spirit coordinator Andrew Halford’s first experience coaching a college national championship team.

“Coaching (the team) is easy because you can let them do their own thing,” said Halford. “Basically, I wanted to expand on what last year did.”

UCA via Twitter EVERYBODY’S HANDS GO UP- Awesome Eagle falls to his knees and looks to the sky as he is crowned with his second consecutive UCA Mascot National Championship.

Courtesy of TTU Dance Team ALL HE DOES IS WIN- Awesome and Grandpappy Eagle pose for a picture with the TTU Dance Team after Awesome was awarded his National Championship title.

This was the first year Grandpappy Eagle competed in the national championship and the first year in UCA history for a school to have two mascots in the same competition. In the national championship, Grandpappy Eagle placed fifth overall, but the spirit squad hopes to continue to improve Grandpappy Eagle’s title in the years to come, said Halford.

For the Halford championship, Awesome Eagle and Grandpappy Eagle competed in the open mascot division.

According to uca.varsity.com, the open division consisted of five different mascots this year including: Awesome

Robert Reavis felt prepared for the championship, but the drive to Orlando was nerve-wracking.

“On the way down, I definitely was nervous, if anything, just because I was helping drive the props down,” said Reavis. “Every little turn or bump, I was scared it would scratch a prop or bump something. At the end of the day, we were sure we had a good skit. It was rehearsed well and we were ready to go.”

In order to be selected to compete for the national championship, each team submitted a two-minute video to a panel of judges showcasing five different categories: the crowd, game situations, community involvement, campus involve-

Eagle, Grandpappy Eagle, YoUDee from the University of Delaware, Will D Cat from Villanova University and Curtiss the Warhawk from Auburn University at Montgomery.

In addition to the open division competition, 10 mascots from larger sized schools competed in the Division 1A portion of the championship.

Brutus Buckeye from Ohio State University went home with gold in this portion of the championship weekend and competed against other mascots including Aubie from Auburn University, Smokey from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Goldy Gopher from the University of Minnesota, among others.

Spirit squad member

ment and spirit. Videos were submitted from mascots across the country, but only five were selected to compete at the national championship. Because of his submission video, Awesome Eagle started the competition in first place.

Before the championship commenced, the spirit squad was tasked with compiling a skit Awesome Eagle would perform at the competition.

Halford said the entire skit was based off one joke. From there, the routine took form.

Like the submission video, the skit had a grocery store theme using varying puns related to a typical grocery store, said Halford. To abide by competition rules, the team was not allowed to use more than 10 props dur-

ing the championship performance. During the skit, Awesome subtly called out his rival mascots using a larger than life free samples stand and a meat freezer.

Awesome has competed in the UCA Mascot National Championship four times total since his first time competing in 2012 but has only won the title twice.

Spirit squad member Nick Gernt loved the opportunity that being on the team provided.

“I really enjoyed the experience of being around the mascots and coming up with ideas,” said Gernt. “Being there and being around the other competitors is a lot of fun.”

Most students are enthusiastic about Awesome Eagle’s success. Freshman psychology major Callie Lane explained her excitement when she found out Awesome had won.

“Awesome Eagle is a great mascot,” said Lane.

“I’m pretty sure every student on campus has a picture with him and that’s too cool.

I’m proud to be a Golden Eagle.”

Awesome Eagle plans to win the national championship again next year.

“I do feel like I’m turning into Michael Phelps in a way when I wear both of my medals and hold both my trophies. I’m going for a three-peat next year,” said Awesome. “I’ve got this. It’s good to be a Golden Eagle.”

Students organize die-in protest in front of library Newest sorority on campus In reponse to the nationwide action of the All Lives Matter campaign, students hosted a peaceful protest march and demonstration Thursday morning.

By LOGAN SHRUM Beat Reporter & LAUREN HENLEY Beat Reporter

ADAM WEBB Staff Writer

Students from the Black Cultural Center marched from the lobby of the Roaden University Center to the sidewalk in front of the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library where they held a “die-in.”

The “die-in,” as opposed to a sit-in, had the students lay on the ground for almost 11 minutes.

The purpose of the demonstration was to bring awareness of the effects of the recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, two black men who were killed last year by police officers, according to event coordinator Shabir Bhegani.

“To me, silence sometimes can mean allegiance,” Bhegani said. “I wanted to make sure we did something to show that we didn’t agree with it.”

After four minutes of silence, Bhegani stood and delivered a speech. In his speech Bhegani called for justice across the country and quoted Martin Luther King Read More Online

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JUSTICE- Students march through the SOCIAL ACTION- Students lay on the sidewalk ground floor hall of the RUC Thursday. in front of the library Thursday in a die-in protest.

Jr. by saying “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” After his speech Bhegani lay back down with the other participants for another seven minutes.

According to Bhegani, the first four minutes were for the four hours Michael Brown’s body was left in the street after he was fatally shot by a police officer

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in Ferguson, Missouri. The remaining seven minutes, to make the entire protest last 11 minutes, represented the amount of time Eric Garner said he couldn’t breathe to New York City police as he was fatally choked to death.

“I think it at least started to show its purpose well. It was a good starting point,” said Josh Bruce, senior civil

engineering major. “People saw it, I hope they stuck around to catch the point they were trying to make.”

Bhegani said the group’s goal was met and it plans to host an open forum later this month. The demonstration brought 30-40 students’ participation with about 20 onlookers.

For the first time since 2008 Tech will have five sororities on campus.

Delta Phi Epsilon, a PanHellenic sorority founded at The New York School of Law in 1917, is in the process of setting the foundation for a new chapter at Tennessee Tech. This chapter would be the only Tennessee chapter of the sorority as well as being one of only three chapters Malczewski located in the South, the other two located in Georgia.

Amy Malczewski and Fransheska Pacheco, DPhiE affiliated collegiate development consultants, have been actively tabling in support of their new sorority in the Roaden University Center since January.

“This semester is actually really awesome,” said

Malczewski, “As corny as it sounds, the women joining us this semester will be founders. Their names will be on the charter and they will not only be leaving their legacy at TTU but on DPhiE history as well.”

According to their website, DPhiE strives to be “a society for the purpose of promoting Pacheco good fellowship among sorority women…to help…in acquiring knowledge, appreciation, discriminating judgment and a true feeling of sisterly love through the interaction of sympathetic and friendly natures.”

DPhiE supports philanthropies such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Delta Phi Epsilon Education Foundation and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

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“Sorority,” >>Page 2

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NEWS

Friday, February 6, 2015

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>> Campus

After student demand, Volpe library to stay open later events @ tech The Angelo and Jennette Volpe library is extending its hours until 2 a.m. during weekdays. The new change is not set in stone as of now. The longer hours are a test to trial to see if it is successful for students and the employees. Laptop rentals have been extended until midnight on weekdays instead of 11 p.m.

By KARLI THREET Beat Reporter “I didn’t have enough time in the library last night to finish my homework.”

“I didn’t know where there was a color printer on campus.” These excuses can no longer be used at Tennessee Tech. As of Jan. 20, the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library will be open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Charlene McClain works in the circulation department at the library and explained how the change in hours came about.

“The library webpage has a feedback form, and from what I understand, many of the students that are in the library late at night studying thought that two more hours would help them and Library Dean Dr. Doug Bates considered it and said that he would extend the hours for this semester,” said McClain.

McClain said this change was not an indefinite decision but is a trial run to see if the students are going to use it. However, the first night of the extended schedule produced only two late-

Gabriella Farley l The Oracle

HITTIN THE BOOKS- Nursing major Jacqueline Cole Matthews drinks a cup of coffee as she studies in the library. Matthews can use this added energy this semester because the library has extended hours until 2 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday night. night studiers. Since then, the numbers have increased to 25-30 students each night.

According to McClain, students can rent laptops from the media checkout desk until midnight instead of 11 p.m., the previous library schedule. Desktop computers are available until the library closes at 2 a.m.

The library now has

freshmen and sophomore level textbooks available for checkout. McClain said the library’s coordinator of public services, Sharon Holderman, has coordinated with several departments to ensure that all entry-level classes have textbooks available in the library. These books can be checked out for two hours at a time.

“Many of the faculty have donated some, the library has bought some,” said McClain. “We have a list on the front desk of the textbooks we have.”

The Commons tutoring center is also located in the library, a fact some students are unaware of.

“A lot of students don’t know that they’ll help

you with any class,” said McClain. “They think it’s just math and science and something you have to have a formula with. English, writing skills, anything.

Come and they’ll try to help you.”

McClain said students that come to college could get help if they want it.

“There’s no reason to fail out or not do your homework,” said McClain.

“There’s a lot of people on campus that are willing to help you now.”

According to Library Dean Doug Bates, students should keep an eye out for updates to the library, such as new technologies in the Digital Media Creation Lab and a new discovery center located in the B wing on the third floor. The faculty study rooms in the A wing will be removed to provide additional quiet study space on the floor.

Although not new, the library includes the ability to print in color. According to Bates, color copies cost 25 cents each, while black and white copies are 7.5 cents for one side and 10 cents for two.

The SGA failed to pass a bill through the senate during Tuesday’s meeting. The bill, known as “The Relevant Service Requirement Act of 2015,” would have required executive council candidates and cabinet members to serve in the senate, supreme court or executive council in the academic year of elections. The only exception would have been for students serving an internship or a co-op.

However, the bill did not receive the required two-thirds vote to go into effect.

“You already have to be in SGA a

>>

year before the elections, but you can have leadership positions from other organizations,” said Dylan Gardner, a freshman Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. “Leadership is a universal equality; it has nothing to do with this specific organization.”

“I’m not extremely sad about the bill not passing,” said Colin Long, Senator for the College of Business, and author of the bill. “I was just trying to make sure that we had the most experienced people possible in the leadership positions. The Democratic Party doesn’t go and get a political science student straight out of college, when he has never been a Senator, and throws him straight into the White House.”

“Sorority”

Continued from Page 1 “The new members of Delta Phi Epsilon this semester will get the experience that no other current sorority women at TTU will have, they get

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Eight S.O.L.O. applications were also presented to the SGA during the meeting. According to Will Gabelman, SGA Treasurer, this was the largest number of bills SGA ever presented during a meeting.

All eight bills passed, including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who received $650 for a seminar on Feb. 23; Kappa Sigma Fraternity, who received $2,120 for a low country boil that took place Thursday; the Society for Collegiate Journalists, who received $4,991.62 to give away 166 yearbooks; PanHellenic Council, who received $3,500 to give away T-shirts for Delta Phi Epsilon’s bid day on Feb. 14; the Tech Activities Board, who received $3,500 for a vid-

the chance to be founders of a new sorority,” said Kelsey Jozwik, a graduate assistant working in the Student Activities Office. “They will get the opportunity to start new traditions, make their own rules, and mold the chapter into the path they would like to see in the future while making history with DPhiE.” A new PanHellenic chapter has not been added to Tech’s campus since 1980. Last semester, meetings were scheduled among the other PanHellenic chapters — Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta and Phi Mu — to elect a new official chapter to add to Tech.

eo game tournament that will be held Feb. 19 in the Multipurpose Room; the Super Smash Brothers Club, who will host a tournament on Feb. 21 in the Tech Pride Room; the Iranian Student Organization, who received $2,000 to celebrate the Iranian New Year; and the University Christian Student Center, who received $5,000 to put on an a cappella event March 21, to raise awareness for the TTU Food Pantry.

SGA meetings are held every Tuesday night at 9:15 p.m. in the Tech Pride Room. All Tech students are welcome to attend.

Tech will officially welcome DPhiE with a ceremony scheduled for next weekend. The event will be located on the steps of Derryberry Hall, and the first 325 students in attendance will receive a free T-shirt, featuring all five chapters of the revamped PanHellenic community.

“I think they will be a great addition to campus,” said Breanna Smith, a junior at Tech and a member of Delta Gamma. “With 11 IFC fraternities and only for PanHellenic sororities, we needed to start leveling the playing field.”

Tennessee Tech is the first school to be named as a “VETS (Veterans Education Transition Support) campus” by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Tech administers orientation programs for veterans, facilitates support programs, provides potential program credit for skills and provides a campus survey to help identify the needs, issues and suggestions of veteran students.

“It would help to have a greater understanding of military culture and the discipline they go through. I think it’s important that faculty, advisers and staff know

T

what to expect and how the vets sometimes deal with things,” said Kevin Flanary, director of military and veteran affairs. “You have these 18-year-old kids playing on their cellphones and whining during class, and (the vets) just got back from living in a tent for a year. That can be pretty frustrating to them.”

Flanary plans to establish a center for veterans on campus where they can relax, study and receive information about academic benefits.

“We just want the vets to feel like family when they come here and know that they’re taken care of,” said Flanary. “I’ve made that transition, too, from combat

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Nerd Night Southside Church of Christ

07 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

TTU Rugby hosts Sewanee Soaring Park

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Michaela Cundari, Emily Rush, clarinet, student recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Amanda Vendl, horn, senior student recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball hosts Jacksonville State University Hooper Eblen Center

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Men’s Basketball hosts Jacksonville State University Hooper Eblen Center

08 Armin Muhsam Painting Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

8 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Spring DJ Class RUC 369

09

All Day

Armin Muhsam Painting Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

U.S. Marine Corps Information Table Roaden University Center, First Floor

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cumberland Quintet Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

10

All Day

Armin Muhsam Painting Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Tech receives praise for veteran assistance

By KAYLA CLOUSE Beat Reporter

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All Day

SGA grants $22,000 for student events, campaign rules challenged

By MATTHEW PHILLIPS Beat Reporter

February

to classroom. I used my GI Bill. I understand both sides of it and the issues they face.

I think it just helps to build bonds early with the vets in their process of coming to Tech.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Tech is on the 2015 list for the top 10 universities in the south for veterans. Military Advanced Education awarded Tech “Top School” for three consecutive years and Victory Media reported Tech as being a “Military Friendly” school for three consecutive years.

“We are reaching out and really trying to help with their transition,” said Flanary. “I think it’ll really help with recruiting.”

CORRECTION NOV. 21 2014

he story “Crosswalks to be improved” was incorrectly labeled. The story was written by Danielle Davis. The Oracle regrets the error.

Resume Workshop RUC Tech Pride Room

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Free Seminar: Business Planning 101 Johnson Hall 208

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Dr. Jackson Katz presents “Understanding and Preventing Sexual Violence” Derryberry Hall Auditorium

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Brass Arts Quintet Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

11

All Day

Armin Muhsam Painting Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Wei Tsun Chang, violin, faculty recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

www.tntech.edu/calendar

Friday, February 6, 2015

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3

Campus <<

SNEAKER SEEKER

Tech Activities Board to host annual fourth Valentine teddy bear workshop Thursday

By LUCAS MCCOY Beat Reporter The Tech Activities Board is starting the new semester with a Build-aBear event next week, and anyone can donate canned food items to the TTU Food Pantry for a chance to skip the wait in line.

According to TAB’s Facebook page, the Build-aBear event will be in the lobby of the Roaden University Center Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“This will be our fourth year doing a Build-a-Bear event,” said Andrea Brys, the vice president of TAB promotions.

To beat the wait in line, students are encouraged to bring two canned food items. Doing so will put them in the Express Lane, which means they won’t have to wait to build the stuffed animal.

The post said the suggested canned food items

are soup, mixed vegetables, carrots or meats, and that they will be donated to the TTU Food Pantry.

Brys said the Express Lane wasn’t always a part of the Build-a-Bear event but was incorporated last year.

“We consult the Food Pantry about what they’re short on and use the opportunity to help them out,” Brys said.

The food donated to the TTU Food Pantry goes to help fellow Tech students.

The TTU Counseling Center will also provide activities for the event.

“I don’t know what they have planned for this year, but in the past they’ve had candy and information about the counseling center,” Brys said. “They also usually have a station set up where you can make Valentine’s Day cards.”

Brys also said there will be more than just bears to build.

Erin Gilliland l The Oracle

GOLDEN HIPPOGRIFFS- Tennessee Tech’s Snitch Seth Brys evades capture by Tech seeker Michael Ferowich at Saturday’s Quidditch match. The Golden Hippogriffs defeated the Muggle Snugglers, a recreational quidditch team, at the Quidditch match on Sat., January 31.

Students, community face Death at Dawn

By KIMMY WHITTINGTON Opinion Editor As of 6:30 this morning, about 50 Cookeville residents left Tucker Stadium as they completed their two week challenge, “Death at Dawn.”

The event includes, “a lot of running, a lot of cold, a lot of sleep derivation, but it’s worth it for the T-shirt,” senior psychology student Alex Campbell said.

DAD is a biannual boot camp that began in 2004. The conditioning practice was created with the intention of building stamina for the Cookeville High School girl’s soccer team in 2004 but has now evolved into a local event.

Larry Epps, vice mayor of Cookeville, and another father of a girl on the team were the originators of this idea.

“The boy’s soccer team soon joined in as did lacrosse,” said Tracy Epps, wife of Larry. “Parents wanted to exercise too and alumni wanted to come back, so we opened it up to anyone high school age or older. It has always been totally voluntary and free to participants.”

To finish DAD, a participant must attend nine out of the event’s 10 days of workouts, set between the hours of 5:30 and 6:30 a.m.

NEWS

Within the last few years, more college students have joined in on it.

“It shows us that young people enjoy being part of a group and being a bit renegade and doing something a little crazy that they don’t have to do,” Tracy Epps said. “Or else they just want a free T-shirt!”

Senior elementary education major Jessi Persson is doing DAD for the first time and believes “Death at Dawn is an opportunity for me to start my day by pushing my body to the limits.”

Throughout the last two weeks, the weather has remained at or below freezing in Cookeville. Freshman basic business major Christy Le described it as “cold and tough.”

However, “when 6:30 a.m. comes rolling around, the feeling of finishing for the day is incredible,” Le said.

Junior psychology major Morgan Reavis is back for a second time at DAD to say, “Even though it is exhausting, and you want to quit with each step because your lungs are on fire, that in the end you come out much stronger than you could ever imagine.” “…and you’re better for it,” Reavis said.

DAD holds a session every winter and summer and is expected to grow in numbers of voluntary participation.

One Billion Rising event to stand against violence

By ELLEN CONTI Beat Reporter Tennessee Tech will join activists worldwide and take part in its third annual “One Billion Rising for Revolution” event Thursday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tech’s Women’s Center will co-host this gathering on North Patio of Roaden University Center.

One in three women across the world will be beaten or raped during her lifetime.

This movement is a platform that brings together a group of people that are determined to create the idea of violence being an unthinkable action.

Every February the supporting members rise all over the planet to show people what one billion looks like.

“For the third year in a

row, Tech community members will gather to express solidarity and outrage over the continuous assault of women,” said Diana Lalani, administrative associate in the Women’s Center. “We will also celebrate our part in the positive work being done to change this.”

The Rising will include speakers and dancing activities sponsored by the TTU Women’s Center, the Tech Players and “The Vagina Monologues” cast. All of the events will take part either on the patio or the surrounding area.

“Stop by to sign our ‘Rise for Revolution’ banner and record a video of yourself stating why you are rising to end violence against women,” said Sarah Vogel, administrative associate in

the Women’s Center. This video will be posted on the Women’s Center’s Facebook page.

Silent witnesses will stand with posters stating statistics from the “One Billion Rising” team’s website. No one will be speaking, just sharing their information.

Unlike some protests that can be confrontational, this is a silent protest. The goal of this part of the gathering is to spread awareness of the widespread violence. A group of actors will share the “Man Prayer.”

The Backdoor Playhouse will present “The Vagina Monologues.” This benefit performance will take place Feb. 20, 21 and 23 for $15 a ticket. All proceeds will benefit local organizations that work to end violence against

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OPINION

Friday, February 6, 2015

>> Think Free

Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu oracle@tntech.edu.. Include your name, email address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.

Sex, Slavery and the Super Bowl KIMMY WHITTINGTON Opinion Editor People shuffling, drinks spilling, hearts breaking, and you’re there.

You’re a person who enjoys football; you drove all the way to the stadium with tickets you spent months laboring over. You take a breath and enjoy the chaos of the moment. You’re there for a game and simply that.

She doesn’t enjoy the intimidation; she hated the handcuffs as she was forced to the stadium she spent months avoiding. She takes a breath and slowly loses who she is. She’s there as an object and simply that.

Suddenly, two worlds collide, and you’re not just at the Super Bowl anymore.

You’re at a human trafficking mecca where over 10,000 children are forced into prostitution.

I wish that number did not need repeating, yet it is still hard to grasp. That number is near the amount of stu-

dents attending Tennessee Tech. Imagine that our whole University took a trip to the game and left with something stolen from us. This would make the news on CNN, in USA Today and in every Huffington Post article.

That is a lot of people losing something.

Now, imagine that same number attending the Super Bowl, but instead their innocence is forcefully stolen 25-50 times a day. Sure, it makes articles here and there for about a week before and a week after the event, but then it dies out.

Human trafficking is a problem 365 days a year.

“The $32 billion a year illicit industry, second only to drug trafficking, victimizes between 300,000 to 400,000 American children every year in some form of sex-trafficking,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Now that we can compare the numbers of the Super Bowl with the yearround numbers just for our country, it is shocking that we haven’t intervened more.

As we sat on our

couches last week, ate our chips and salsa and became critics of every commercial, we ignored the current reality. However, it didn’t end there. Even now with homework resuming, Netflix returning and job searches beginning, this same problem exists. Whether on the streets of the Super Bowl or the streets of a small town in Kansas, sex trafficking is the same.

In the past year, 37 states have passed new laws to fight human trafficking, according to the Polaris Project, a national human trafficking resource center. However, only four states in America abide by all 10 categories of laws needed to obliterate modern day slavery. This means that 92 percent of America is subject to incomplete freedom, which every human being should be entitled to.

Though this problem is below the surface and behind closed doors, it doesn’t mean it’s unreachable. In respect to those mistreated, ask questions, provide help and vote wisely. We as a country can end this destructive epidemic.

Graphics by Kimmy Whittington | Image by Arizona Cardinals

SEARCH AND RESCUE- The Super Bowl has become America’s biggest event that draws in the most human trafficking. Though this event carries the weight of modern day slavery, it is an epidemic occurring year round.

In any case, don’t store this newsflash away like everyone else. I know it is a week after the game, and this seems like less of an issue, but it’s rampant. We are not done with the war on modern day slavery, and the re-

Hebdo becomes a hero

cent events of the Super Bowl are just a reminder that our world is still broken. We can make a difference by standing up and ending this.

You are here to make a difference and simply that.

Your future or football?

Your choice does matter KIM BIGGS

Asst. Managing Editor

Charlie Hebdo Exhibit | Bill Schorr

SAYING GOODBYE- These are both Charlie Hebdo response cartoons in a museum in St Just le Martel, France.

They were both done by a professional cartoon artist.

ADAM WEBB Staff Writer On Jan. 7 of this year, two Islamic assailants walked into the office of French satire paper “Charlie Hebdo” and killed members of the editorial and cartoonist staff.

The publication was known for its controversial covers featuring images of the Islamic prophet Muhammad among other figures like a Prime Minister candidate for France.

While I think any act of terror or killing of innocents is deplorable and awful, this specific attack hit close to home in a sense. I may not be a full-time journalist or satirist, but I do take pride in the content I turn in week after week. I also like to think there is an unspoken bond between most journalists because of the pride we take in our craft.

THE

Even though The Oracle has never published anything as controversial as Charlie Hebdo that still doesn’t mean I haven’t made a person or two angry by asking one too many questions or by calling and emailing relentlessly trying to get answers.

My writing pales in comparison to Charlie Hebdo, a publication similar to The Onion that merely aims to entertain and be an equalopportunity offender. I don’t think they or any publication should have to go out of its way to make people mad, but at the same time readers and the population in general shouldn’t be so easily offended. But I could have a clouded opinion on this particular subject, however, as I do no identify with the Islamic faith, so seeing a picture of Muhammad has little effect on me.

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This attack made me realize a couple things about myself and the world around me. For starters it seems that almost no matter what you do (in this case writing and drawing) is going to offend someone. That could just be a sign of the times. Perhaps more people are getting easily offended because they’re more passionate about their religion or beliefs. While there’s nothing wrong with being strong in your own convictions, in a world with seven billion people, there’s a good chance you will go against what someone else believes in, even if it’s an accident. While I hope this isn’t the direction the world is heading, it’s hard to ignore the religious attacks or the outcry of people who get offended over something that wouldn’t normally rile them up in such a way.

Another thing the

Charlie Hebdo attacks showed me is that I shouldn’t be afraid to write about anything. Not only as a journalist, but also just as a person in general. This can be extended to everyone. No one should have to write within the boundaries set by other people, especially journalists.

Granted Charlie Hebdo isn’t real news, it still takes skill to write about the news in a satirical light and they, nor anyone else, should not have to censor themselves just because they might make the wrong people angry.

I stick by the late Charlie Hebdo editor, Stephane Charbonnier and his quote, “… I prefer to die standing up than live on my knees.”

Adam Webb is a senior in Communcation with a concentration in News Editorial and Public Relations. He can be reached at adwebb42@students.tntech.edu

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Kimmy Whittington is a senior in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations She can be reached at kemanning42@students.tntech.edu

In the past year, the NFL has made plenty of headlines, but not for positive reasons. Scandal after scandal has made it to the press about domestic violence, abuse, cheating and the list continues with other wrongdoings. It discourages me to think the potential leaders of our country are more concerned with the outcome of a football game.

How will a single football game affect the lives of college students across the United States? In reality, it won’t. How will the President of the United States directly affect the lives of not just college students, but also the entire U.S.? I’ll tell you: directly.

The president should have more influence on the general American public than any rookie or veteran NFL player.

The Super Bowl has had more viewers than the State of the Union Address since 1960.

I truly hope as a nation we will become more informed about the political happenings in this country, as well as internationally. It is important for us to stay informed because without understanding how our country is operating, we can’t make a difference. So the next time an important speech or debate comes on, invite over all your friends, throw a party and watch something that will impact lives instead of helmets.

Super Bowl Sunday.

Seahawks.

Patriots.

Deflate-gate.

These words have dominated the American vernacular for at least the past two weeks. On Sunday, Feb. 1, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks competed against each other in the biggest sporting event of the year.

According to CNN.com, Super Bowl XLIX brought in nearly 114.4 million viewers.

That’s truly astonishing. Over one-third of the American population was glued to a television set watching “incredible” displays of athleticism. Yet, only 20 million people watched the State of the Union Address given on Jan. 20, just 12 days before the Super Bowl.

Why? I can’t give a logical answer for that question. Why is our generation distracted with watching corrupt athletes instead of being concerned with a change in our world? I don’t understand the philosophy behind this concept. Personally, I find it infuriating when I hear 20-year-olds giving their opinion on controversial issues but don’t know the first thing about the workings of our government.

Don’t get me wrong; I support the concept of sports and recreational enjoyment. Kim Biggs is a junior in CommunHowever, when sports take a cation with a concentration in News precedent to education, intel- Editorial and Public Relations. She ligence and political undercan be reached at standing, it bothers me. A lot. kdbiggs42@students.tntech.edu

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Friday, February 6, 2015

Reviews <<

ENTERTAINMENT

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top movies of 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? an adventure

By JAKE THREET Entertainment Edior

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic

It was an excellent year for movies in 2014.

Moviegoers were treated to blockbuster releases along with smaller films that packed a punch.

Some of these films are just now beginning to gain wide release in 2015, but they were technically released in 2014 in select cites to qualify for awards season. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve not seen everything from last year, but from what I did see I have compiled my list of the top films released in 2014. A few glaring omissions from the list include: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Foxcatcher,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inherent Vice,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still Alice,â&#x20AC;? though I hope to see them before the Academy Awards air. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll briefly share my thoughts on my top 15. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boyhoodâ&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to put into words the feeling I had after leaving this movie. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing too exciting about the plot, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a movie that depicts real life. Shot over 12 years, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boyhoodâ&#x20AC;? managed to capture an unmatchable feeling of relatability and realism in film that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been captured in some time. Intended to tell the story of a boy over 12 years, the film not only does it in an exceptional way but also provides indepth looks into his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journeys as well. Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke, in supporting roles, were really spectacular. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Birdmanâ&#x20AC;?

Three words sum up this movie: weird, fast and entertaining. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure any other movie from last year made me love it and yet still be questioning it as much as this one did after it was over.

Michael Keaton captivates in his best role ever and supporting actors Emma Stone and Edward Norton provide astounding performances as well. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why the film managed to be the most nominated filmed at the Academy Awards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Furyâ&#x20AC;?

It surprised me that this film did not make as much noise as it did. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an excellent film and one of favorite war movies ever. With strong performances by all involved, particularly Brad Pitt and Logan Lerman, the film captures the end of World War II and the last remaining battles on the front lines in a powerfully intense way. The last 15 minutes kept me on the edge of my seat more than any other movie last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gone Girlâ&#x20AC;?

I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read the book before going into this one, and, honestly, after watching, I would recommend people taking that route. The level of insanity, intensity and creepiness packed into this film easily makes it worth watching again and again. Ben Affleck is a great leading man in the film, but make no mistakes: Rosamund Pike owns every bit of this movie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wildâ&#x20AC;?

This is easily Reese Witherspoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best role to

As if we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had enough of the found footage thrillers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? reinforces the trend and places #2 for the Box Office sales last weekend. After discovering hidden plans for the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first time machine in his dead scientist fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basement, lead David Raskin (Jonny Weston) puts it together with his friends and adventure ensues. This movie follows high school sci-fi cliches as they use the machine for their personal gain, like winning the lottery, being popular and getting girlfriends.

12 YEARS PAYS OFF- Patricia Arquette (left) is the favorite to win Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Oscars.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selmaâ&#x20AC;?

Ava DuVernay did an excellent job directing this Martin Luther King Jr. biopic. The film portrays the events in Selma with haunting accuracy. The film manages to be emotional and thoughtprovoking 50 years after the events in Selma, Alabama. It is one of the best movies to ever capture the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Theory of Everythingâ&#x20AC;?

Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones shine in this film about the life of Stephen Hawking.

Redmayne, especially, delivers a mesmeric portrayal of the scientist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Skeleton Twinsâ&#x20AC;?

Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader come together for one of the best â&#x20AC;&#x153;under the radarâ&#x20AC;? films of the year. No other two leads provided as much chemistry as these two, who play siblings both struggling with personal problems. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dark but tender film that never lacks heart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whiplashâ&#x20AC;?

J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller star in one of the crazier, intense films Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in awhile. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shocking, riveting and technically astonishing.

Simmons, in particular, gives a stellar performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Imitation Gameâ&#x20AC;?

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in this smart, crafty film.

It provided an interesting story that most may not know about and details the life of a complicated man who was deeply troubled.

Cumberbatch can do no wrong is this film. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Most Violent Yearâ&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a more quiet mob film, but the feel of a classic gangster movie is still there. The cinematography and feel of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s is perfect. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain prove to be a dynamic duo.

The rest of my movies of 2014, in no particular order: â&#x20AC;&#x153;X-Men: Days of Future Pastâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Captain America: The Winter Soldierâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hunger Games: Mockingjayâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Sniperâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Is Where I leave Youâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Fault In Our Starsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;22 Jump Streetâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maleficentâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Grand Budapest Hotelâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paddingtonâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Good Lieâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Hero 6â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unbrokenâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Into the Woodsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hundred-Foot Journeyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Judgeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nightcrawlerâ&#x20AC;?

serve as the typical â&#x20AC;&#x153;loyal girl friendsâ&#x20AC;? but have actual character development. The movie is meticulous in building the group dynamics. When the teens start disappearing, the audience really feels the hurt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? also manages to follow the precedential â&#x20AC;&#x153;time rulesâ&#x20AC;? laid by past time travel movies.

On the flip side, the found footage is choppy and lessens the impact of good characters by confining the story to the shots on the camera. The plot is pretty unoriginal and slow.

Overall, the film is stylish and marketed for the young adult age group. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good balance of funny and serious when things start going downhill for the group, and will entertain the average moviegoer with a good adventure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? is rated PG-13.

Katy Perry slays Superbowl halftime

By PHILIP GANT Guest Critic This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Super Bowl halftime performance was Katy Perry and, though I was skeptical about how well she would live up to past performances, she did extremely well.

Atop a giant tiger, Perry opened up with her hit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roar.â&#x20AC;? She was wearing an outfit that seemed to be a mix between Katniss Everdeenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girl on Fireâ&#x20AC;? suit from â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hunger Gamesâ&#x20AC;? and Will Ferrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skiing outfit from the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blades of Glory.â&#x20AC;?

The stage, an electronic screen of sorts, smoothly transitioned into a chessboard while Perry began her song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dark Horseâ&#x20AC;? and dancers dressed as chess pieces surrounded her.

Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice was soon drowned out by the sound

of an electric guitar. Lenny Kravitz emerged with stunning pyrotechnics yielding a Gibson Les Paul. He played a riff and sang a verse from Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breakout single â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Kissed a Girl.â&#x20AC;? When the chorus came around, Perry joined Kravitz on the vocals and the duo rocked out until the chorus was over.

Lenny Kravitzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spotlight was not long-lived as Perry seamlessly transitioned into a new wardrobe resembling a beach ball and started singing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teenage Dream,â&#x20AC;? while the stage became a beach, equipped with its own backup dancers of singing trees, beach balls and sharks. Though the choice of dancers was a little odd, it was still enjoyable. The song soon became â&#x20AC;&#x153;California Girlsâ&#x20AC;? and more backup dancers, dressed as surfboards and ocean waves, joined the party.

Missy Elliott then joined Perry onstage. Her spotlight lasted a little bit longer than Kravitzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. She and Perry performed Elliottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Ur Freak On,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153; Work It,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lose Control.â&#x20AC;?

The performance was capped off by Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Firework.â&#x20AC;? After her final wardrobe change, Perry sported a shimmery silver dress adorned with stars.

She was lifted up into the air by a big, mechanical shooting star and flown in a circle around the stadium.

Not only was Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show over-the-top fun and exciting, but through all the theatrics, the vocals were still on point.

This halftime show was spectacular and definitely memorable. The show went off without a hitch, and we should be expecting it to land a place among the greats.

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date. I was not expecting to like this film as much as what I did when I left the theater.

Witherspoon carries the film on her shoulders, excuse the pun, and delivers a riveting and inspiring true story of a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey to overcome her demons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;St. Vincentâ&#x20AC;?

I love Bill Murray and I love Melissa McCarthy. So, I imagined I would enjoy this film no matter the story. However, I turned out to love it. Murray turns in a performance that is Oscar worthy and McCarthy is just as good. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get nearly enough praise for her acting versatility. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often get emotional in movies, but this one is an exception. It is beautifully poignant from beginning to end. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guardians of the Galaxyâ&#x20AC;?

Easily my favorite Marvel movie since â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Avengers,â&#x20AC;? this movie was one where, going into it, I was unsure of what to expect. The main thing that lured me in so much was the music in the trailer. Little did I know, music was an integral part of the film. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the blockbuster of the year, filled with excitement, action and a ton of heart throughout. Chris Pratt easily became the next big thing, and, quite honestly, I have faith in any film franchise he decides to takeover next. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chefâ&#x20AC;?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure I could love this movie more. It was easily my feel-good movie of the year.

Jon Favreau created a truly beautiful film that captures a wonderful relationship between a father and son, while also detailing a fun adventure across the United States.

Did I mention that the film is packed with delicious looking food as well? Yeah, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not one to watch on an empty stomach. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun ride that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to get off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cakeâ&#x20AC;?

People like to give Jennifer Aniston a hard time when it comes to her acting abilities and the films sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been in.

People still try poking fun at her after this film for trying too hard to be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;serious actress.â&#x20AC;? Well, I have news for them. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real deal in this movie. Emotionally and physically, Aniston delivers her best acting performance in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cake.â&#x20AC;? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying that, putting all of my biased love for her to the side. Her performance is easily Oscar worthy and hopefully depicts a new path in her acting career.

Easily, this is my most underrated film of the year.

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Obviously, this cliche rips a hole in the space time continuum and really bad things start happening. Once the friends start to disappear one by one, they must go back in time and stop the machine from ever being created. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? has a lot of qualities that typically turn audiences off. Found footage movies are irritating to most people and leaves them questioning, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would a normal person keep filming when something catastrophic like that happens?â&#x20AC;? The plot of the film is also one of the most recycled in sci-fi movie history. Despite these hardships, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Almanacâ&#x20AC;? is interesting to watch. The characters are well rounded and interact with each other like real people. The girls (Sofia Black-Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elia, Virginia Gardner) are not there to

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SPORTS

Friday, February 6, 2015

>> Inside the Game

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Men’s basketball falls victim to Bruins’ shooting spectacle Belmont connected on 62.5 percent of their second half shots and pulled away from the Golden Eagles early in the half.

By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor

The Tennessee Tech men’s basketball team and Belmont clashed for an Ohio Valley Conference East division battle Jan. 31. The most recent version of the Golden Eagles-Bruins rivalry featured teams with different playing styles. While Tech depended on their presence inside the paint, Belmont attacked from the perimeter.

Charles Jackson, a transfer from the College of Southern Idaho, has been dominant in the paint all year for Tech. Jackson has earned 14 double-doubles so far this season, which is fifth in National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I basketball. The Bruins were able to limit Jackson to four points and six rebounds.

The Golden Eagles’ other big man, Dwan Caldwell, also struggled inside the Curb Event Center.

Caldwell ended his night with one rebound and four points.

Early on, the OVC battle did not disappoint.

Belmont was successful from beyond the arc in the first half going 7-of-17 including four threes from sophomore Taylor Barnette. Tech was 3-of-9 in three pointers. While it was not that impressive, it was enough to keep the Bruins on their heels. Torrance Rowe was the Golden Eagles’ main deep threat with two of their first half three pointers. Both

teams were nearly even in the half in field goals, but Belmont had the slight advantage with 12 field goals to Tech’s 11.

The Bruins owned a seven point advantage after a competitive first half that included nine lead changes and the largest Tech lead of the night: four points. The visiting Golden Eagles had weathered the Bruins’ shooting storm at least for one half.

“At halftime, we were in the locker room saying that we thought they was not going to shoot the way that they shot (in the first half) again in the second half,” said senior guard Jordan Johnson.

Tech was in for a surprise in the second half.

The Bruins came out firing, and while their efficiency from three-point land was not as much of a factor in the second half, their field goal percentage was impressive.

Belmont was 62.5 percent in field goals in the final period.

They were able to hit difficult shots and were still successful when the Golden Eagles contested their looks.

“Belmont hit some tough shots,” said Johnson.

“When you are working as hard as you work and you still give up a basket, it drains you a little bit.”

The breaking point for Tech came around the 11-minute mark when Craig Bradshaw’s three pointer gave the Bruins a 12-point lead. The Golden Eagles could not close the gap lead-

ing to an eventual 71-53 Belmont win.

The loss did not come without a few bright spots for Tech. Since the Bruins were successful in defending the paint, Tech’s perimeter players were able to have solid performances.

Senior Javon McKay led the team with 16 points. McKay was 7-of-11 in field goals including one three pointer.

Torrance Rowe was precise, connecting on 4-of-7 threes and finishing with 13 points.

Even though both Rowe and McKay had solid performances, more was needed from the Golden Eagles’ guards.

“Lately, most of the teams that we play pack inside and stop him (Jackson) and Dwan Caldwell,” said Johnson. “On the perimeter, it gave our guards the opportunity to create, but unfortunately Belmont did a good job of closing out on us.”

The Belmont defeat was the eighth conference loss for Tech. The Golden Eagles have seen several of those games slip away late and lie just out of reach. Of their eight losses, six were by 10 points or fewer. The team is confident they are better than their record, and the last month of the regular season is going to be a chance for redemption.

“The only games that I can look back and say that we really just got outplayed were Murray State and Belmont,” said sophomore guard DeOndre Haynes.

“Right now, we

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Golden Eagles unable to complete come back

By JORDAN PACE Asst. Sports Editor The Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team increased its losing streak to six games after a 59-53 decision at Belmont last Saturday in Nashville. Despite overcoming an 18-point deficit and creating a late run in the second half, the Bruins snatched any comeback hopes from the away team as the Golden Eagles couldn’t seem to win the battle in the paint.

“Bottom line is, we didn’t play very well as a team,” said Tech women’s Head Coach Jim Davis. “For us to succeed, everyone has to do their job and accept their responsibility. We only had six assists. That’s an indication that we didn’t play as a team. Passing is a forgotten fundamental, I guess.

Everyone wants to play oneon-one and do their thing.

For us to succeed, we have to pass the basketball.”

If a lack of passing the ball tells the story of Saturday evening’s road loss, the team’s inability to hit baskets and crash boards certainly helps. The Golden Eagles finished the night shooting just 20-of-59 (33.9 percent) from the floor. While the Bruins at 22-of-58 (37.9 percent) didn’t shoot much better, they created extra opportunities for points by dominating the boards. The hosts’ out-rebounded Tech 45-34.

Junior guard Samaria Howard led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 17 points, with senior Candace Parson also in double-digits at 10. Tech freshman Yaktavia Hickson finished with a perfect night from the floor shooting 3-of-3 from the field, including 2-of-2 from threepoint range. The loss was Hickson’s fourth multi-3 performance on the year.

Tony Marable | Guest Contributor NO EASY SHOTS- Senior T’Keyah Williams attempts a jump shot in the face of a Bruin defender.

At 15 points each, Frankie Joubran and Sally McCabe topped the Bruins in scoring. Joubran also led Belmont (8-14, 5-4 OVC) with 11 rebounds.

The close finish was not the first of its kind for the Tech women’s team. In fact, the team has grown accustomed to such narrow defeat.

In their previous six losses, the Golden Eagles have been within six points of either victory or overtime in four of them: A 68-66 overtime defeat at SEMO (Jan. 17), a 67-64 loss at TSU (Jan. 21), a 97-93 double-overtime loss against EKU and by six in its most recent loss at Belmont.

“We’re going to have to stop digging holes for ourselves,” said Davis. “We need to learn how to get ahead and play ahead. We’ve been playing catch-up all year long.

The difference is just one play. In games like that, any one player that steps up in crunch time could mean the difference in winning or losing. I don’t want to say that we haven’t had a player step up and make a play in crunch time, though. I think we have players that are capable, we just haven’t gotten it done.”

At 5-18, 2-8 OVC, the Golden Eagles are now forced to make a strong push in their final six matchups to keep any hope of OVC tournament play alive. While his team has its odds stacked against them, Davis says he doesn’t feel his team’s record reflects its potential.

“I don’t think there’s any question that our team is better than what our record shows,” said Davis. “But if you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig. Our record is what it is. We can’t sugarcoat it.

We’ve had the chances to win them, we just haven’t done it.”

Davis and the Golden Eagles move on as they prepare for the OVC’s No. 1 scoring defense, Jacksonville State (15-7, 6-4 OVC). For Tech to have any shot at snapping its current six-game losing streak, it will need to size up and out-rebound the Gamecocks, who at .724 lead the OVC in defensive rebounding percent.

JSU will travel to Cookeville to take on the Golden Eagles Saturday for a 5:30 p.m. tip at the Hooper Eblen Center.

Tony Marable | Guest Contributor DRIVING THROUGH THE CONTACT- Sophomore guard Shirmane Thomas attacks the rim against a Bruin defender during their OVC clash Saturday. Thomas scored four points and snatched three rebounds in the Golden Eagles thirteenth loss of the season. should definitely be in the top three (in the OVC),” said Johnson. “I think with these last six games that we can win six in a row. No doubt.”

The Golden Eagles will return to the Hooper Eblen Center for their next two games against OVC foes, Jacksonville State and Tennessee State. Tech has been successful inside the friendly confines of The

Hoop, going 8-3 so far this season. That includes the first two months of the season when the Golden Eagles were undefeated at home.

“We have a feel for the rims and balls (at home),” said Johnson. “It makes you feel a lot more confident. We have been working in here for a whole week.”

“It is a good time to turn the season around and

be at home. We have won a lot of games at the crib,” said Johnson.

The home stand will begin for Tech Saturday against Jacksonville State.

The game is the finale of a double header with the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team who will face Jacksonville at 5:30 p.m. The men are projected to start at 7:30 p.m.

2015 Football signees

PLAYER

POSITION

HOMETOWN

Anthony Akers

Defensive Tackle

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

John Bronson

Safety

Inverness, Florida

Colby Brown*

Quaterback

Tampa, Florida

Tim Collins

Defensive End

Fairfield, Alabama

Josh Cunningham

Cornerback

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Caleb Dockery

Tight End

Hendersonville, Tenn.

Myles Douglas

Offensive/Defensive Line

Nashville, Tennessee

Anthony Flemister

Safety

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Joel Forrester

Offensive Line

Oxford, Mississippi

Lowell Furrow

Offensive Line

Plantersville, Alabama

Kenyan Harper

Running Back

Hartsville, Tennessee

Austin Hicks

Wide Receiver

Gardendale, Alabama

Xavier Knight

Athlete

Plantersville, Alabama

Richie Koons

Offensive Line

Maryville, Tennessee

Nick Madonia

Kicker

Franklin, Tennessee

Hunter McDonald

Defensive Tackle

Livingston,Tennessee

Chris Moore

Defensive End

Signal Mountain, Tenn.

Dante Rudolph

Cornerback

Gadsden, Alabama

Darrius Stafford

Wide Receiver

Memphis, Tennessee

Taylor Underwood

Defensive Tackle

Hazel Green, Alabama

Jacke Warwick

Linebacker

Alcoa, Tennessee

Deontay Wilson

Safety

Trussville, Alabama

*already enrolled