The Oracle - 041216

Page 1

THE

1000 N. Dixie Ave. | Cookeville, TN | 38505

O

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

> Snapshots

RACLE

from the Chase Rice S.O.L.O. concert.

Volume 100 | Issue 17 | Free in single copy

The primary news source of the Golden Eagles since 1924

PAGE P AGE 2

Serving Tennessee Tech weekly during the fall and spring semesters

Tennessee legislation proposes to allow full-time employees carry handguns on campus By ELISSA LONGFELLOW Beat Reporter Legislation moving through the Tennessee General Assembly would allow employees of universities to carry loaded guns on campus if passed. The bills, SB 2376 and HB 1736, proposes an amendment to the current law to allow “full-time employees of public higher education institutions who have a handgun permit and are to carry a handgun on property owned, operated, or in use by the institution employing the employee.” People across the state are divided about the bills and students and employees at Tech are no exception. Tech’s administration’s safety instructions for the most recent threat on campus were to stay inside and lock all doors. Some students say they would like more protection than a lock and key. “I would like to think that there is more

than just a door keeping me safe from a deadly threat, whether that be a teacher, employee or even a student with a firearm,” said senior business management major Lucas Clements. Senior sociology major Tylor Luellen said he also thinks that this legislation will make Tech’s campus safer. “I believe that if students that have a handgun carry permit aren’t allowed to then it would provide some comfort and further protection to students,” said Luellen. “The campus police are only allowed to do so much and are only able to respond after something happens, which could take a bit of time, and in a crisis time can mean a lot as to saving lives.” University employees would not be required to carry, but would be given the option. They would register with the campus police, though the list would not be public, so as to not make those individuals potential targets. Conversely, some employees are worried about the implications for Tech if this bill

‘‘

I would like to think that there is more than just a door keeping me safe from a deadly threat. — Lucas Clements, Business Management major

passes. According to Tech sociology and political science professor Ada Haynes, college campuses are safe as they are; more weapons would increase on-campus risks. “Research shows that college campuses are some of the safest places in the United States. Many attribute the drastically lower homicide rate on campuses to no guns on campus policies,” said Haynes. In addition to making campuses less safe, Haynes says she fears that this is only the beginning of new legislation. “I do not feel that the NRA (National Rifle Association) would stop with this measure to just allow employees to carry guns,” said Haynes. “The next step would be for students

,,

to also carry guns. High stress, high alcohol, controversial ideas and guns make a volatile combination.” Haynes is not alone in her reservations about these bills. A 2013 study conducted by the University of Toledo found that 94 percent of faculty from 15 colleges opposed concealed weapons on campus. The bills originated from the NRA and the American Executive Legislative Exchange Council. The House Education Administration and Planning Committee passed bill 1736 in April, and the Senate Judiciary Committee passed bill 2376 with a majority 7-2 vote March 29. The Finance, Ways and Means Committee will see the bill next.

Student government association

Executive Office Candidates PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

Alex Martin “Take Back SGA”

Bobby Adams “Just 4 Students”

VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

Miranda Stoltz “Take Back SGA”

Elliot Mitzelfeld “Just 4 Students”

TREASURER CANDIDATES

SECRETARY CANDIDATES

Logan Smith “Take Back SGA”

Rita Ramsey “Take Back SGA”

Elizabeth Webb “Just 4 Students”

La’Ken Brazzle “Just 4 Students”

Student Government Association elections to begin April 19 By LAUREN HENLEY Beat Reporter Voting for the 2016 Student Government Association executive council will take place April 19 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. SGA senator elections are April 21, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Eight students successfully petitioned for their executive office candidacy, and SGA campaigning officially began Thursday, April 7. Unlike 2015, the SGA executive positions each have two possible candidates. In 2015, the vice president and secretary positions had just one candidate; both ran unopposed. For SGA president, the 20152016 SGA president, Bobby Adams, is running, along with an SGA Supreme Court justice Alex Martin.

Read More Online

@

tntechoracle.com

SGA treasurer Miranda Stoltz and secretary of programming Elliot Mitzelfeld are campaigning to become the vice president for the 2016-2017 academic year. La’Ken Brazzle, the secretary of communications, and Rita Ramsey, a freshman senator, are in the running to become the SGA secretary. Two freshmen senators Logan Smith and Elizabeth Webb are running against each other for the 2016-2017 treasurer position. These candidates are allowed 12 days to campaign before the voting begins. Each candidate is limited to spending $750 on his or her campaign according to SGA election rules. Two groups have formed for the candidacy. “Take Back SGA” is a campaign group composed of the candidates Martin, Stoltz, Ramsey

CONTACT:

and Smith. The “Just 4 Students” group includes Adams, Mitzelfeld, Brazzle and Webb. Martin said, “When I decided to run for president, I knew I wanted to serve with people who had the same vision as me.” According to the “Take Back SGA” Facebook page, Martin, Stoltz, Ramsey and Smith will work toward creating an SGA that represents what the current student population wants, especially on the parking initiative. The page encourages students to vote in order to “make your voice heard.” Adams, the current SGA president, said his current team has focused on the “student” side of student government and less on the “government” side. Adams said his motivation for the campaign was the students.

Students may find more information about each group of candidates, along with each individual, on Facebook, Twitter and around campus. All candidates will be very active on campus until the day of voting. Candidates will start explaining their views on different controversial topics on campus, such as gun laws and new construction plans for the university during the campaign process. According to March’s SGA meeting minutes, the executive council has advised every candidate to keep his or her campaign clean and professional. Savannah Savage, the current SGA secretary, wrote in the SGA minutes, “Campaigning can either be good for you or bad for you. Either way it represents SGA as a whole on how you decide to act.

Let’s make it good for everyone. Elections should be a very positive PR event for SGA,” said Savage. The candidates elected will serve in their position for a full year. Emily McDonald, the 2014-2015 SGA president, said, “Although many times students feel bombarded with the campaigning and voting process, I encourage all students to take this process seriously, and please be understanding of the candidates and their supporters.You have the power to elect leaders to represent and hear your ideas and concerns. Do not take this responsibility lightly,” said McDonald. Tech students may vote Tuesday, April 19 from any device by logging in to the SGA vote server with their T-numbers and PIN numbers.

news - 931-372-3285 - oracle@tntech.edu | advertising - 931-372-3031 - ttuoracleads@gmail.com

facebook.com/tntechoracle

@tntechoracle

@tntechoracle

TUESDAY 61/36 °F

WEDNESDAY 65/41 °F

THURSDAY 70/45 °F

Page 2 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

NEWS

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

tntechoracle.com Contact us: oracle@tntech.edu

>> Campus

Rep. Williams leads FOCUS Act forum set for Wednesday April 13 By ANNA MCFARLAND Beat Reporter Currently awaiting Gov. Bill Haslam’s signature, the Focus on College and University Success (FOCUS) Act is the topic of discussion at a public forum Wednesday, April 13, from 1-4 p.m. in Derryberry Hall Auditorium. Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, will moderate the forum, according to Karen Lykins, Tech’s associ-

ate vice president for communications & marketing. Four of the six current Tennessee Board of Regents presidents are attending, including: University of Memphis President David Rudd, East Tennessee State University President Brian Noland, Austin Peay State University President Alisa White and Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. The FOCUS Act will revise the structure and management of higher education institutions in the state of

Tennessee, according to the Tennessee General Assembly website. The changes will include unknown impacts to TBR, including financial changes, such as changes in tuition and fee funding levels, changes in employment levels and reallocation of existing funding. “The change promises to be positive for students because it leads to stronger, more relevant and costeffective institutions,” said Lykins. According to Lykins,

only 20 to 30 percent of the university’s budget comes from the state as opposed to the 70 to 80 percent state funding in 1972. “This means that public universities must now aggressively pursue students by providing the most valuable educational experience for their tuition dollars,” said Lykins. President Oldham addressed university students and faculty in a statement on the FOCUS Act web page at tntech.edu/focus, which an-

swers questions and provides more information about the new bill. “At Tech, we embrace the autonomy this change will bring and also recognize the increased responsibility our university faces,” said Oldham. Thursday, April 14 at 11 p.m., President Oldham will host a second forum open to the campus concerning how the FOCUS Act will affect Tech specifically. The forum is open to faculty, staff and students.

Great Robot Race ROBOTICS WEEK - The team “Three for Down” works on their robot for the Great Robot Race, Thursday, April 7. The team came in second place behind the team “Abraham B’lincoln.” The Great Robot Race is one event featured during the National Robotics Week celebration, April 4-7, which is hosted by the TTU Autonomous Robotics Club. The purpose of National Robotics Week is to celebrate the United States as a leader in robotics technology and to educate the public on how this technology impacts every day society. Waverly Hart | The Oracle

events @ tech April

12

All Day

Craig Dongoski, Primate Prints Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

All Day

Livestock and Diary CDE Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion

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

Career Readiness Career Development Workshop Tech Pride Room

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

TTU Concert Choir Wattenbarger Auditorium

13

All Day

Craig Dongoski, Primate Prints Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

All Day

Co-op Term Reports Due Career Services RUC 328

14

All Day

Craig Dongoski, Primate Prints Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

All Day

TTU BAJA SAE Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion

All Day

TTU BAJA SAE Shipley Farm, 2390 Gainesboro Grade

5:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Additively Innovative Virtual Lecture Series with Wenchao Zhou iMakerSpace, Volpe Library

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

TTU Jazz Ensemble Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium

15

All Day

Craig Dongoski, Primate Prints Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

All Day

TTU BAJA SAE Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion

All Day

TTU BAJA SAE Shipley Farm, 2390 Gainesboro Grade

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

TTU Baseball vs. Jacksonville State Bush Stadium

6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Student Recital: Tyler Ricks, Tom Ryan, Tuba/ Euphonium Wattenbarger Auditorium

THE

ORACLE

Hiring positions for Fall 2016 Asst. Managing Editor Business Manager Asst. Sports Editor

Copy Editor Staff Writer

Circulation Manager Email oracle@tntech.edu with a resume and three references.

7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Student Recital: Justin Gorodetzky, Euphonium Wattenbarger Auditorium

8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Student Recital: Robert Wormley, Euphonium Wattenbarger Auditorium

9 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Student Recital: Adam Mullican, Euphonium Wattenbarger Auditorium

16 All Day

Craig Dongoski, Primate Prints Exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

www.tntech.edu/calendar

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3

S.O.L.O. <<

NEWS

Chase Rice brings ‘College Days and Country Nights’ Tour to Tech By KIM BIGGS Managing Editor Tuesday, April 5, Chase Rice performed at Tennessee Tech University for the 2016 Spring S.O.L.O. concert. Chris Lane and Lacy Cavalier opened for Rice during the concert. Beginning the show, Cavalier entered the stage with an enthusiastic, upbeat vibe. Cavalier’s performance contained music from her upcoming EP album, “Saving Pennies, Paying Dues.” Cavalier’s music incorporates country tones and her Louisiana roots, which suites her voice well. Cavalier performed her song “Put You Down” for Tech’s crowd. “I always sang country, and my voice is redneck,” said

Cavalier. “I love country music, but I always try to incorporate Louisiana in as I can.” After listening to Cavalier’s song “Put You Down,” Rice contacted Cavalier in January of 2016 and asked her to perform as an opener on the tour. “We have mutual friends, and they knew he was going to ask me to go on tour,” said Cavalier. After Cavalier’s performance, Chris Lane took the stage with an energetic tone that involved the crowd from the beginning of his performance. Lane combined his own songs like “Fix” into the show and performed covers of other songs like “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. Once Lane completed his performance, Rice came out onto the stage with energy and a lively band. Throughout the show, Chase Rice maintained an up-

beat tempo for the excited crowd. Rice also performed covers of songs including the song “Cruise” which he helped write. The band Florida Georgia Line originally performed “Cruise.” Later in the performance, Rice changed his wardrobe into a Tennessee Tech football jersey for the crowd. He finished the performance in his Tech outfit. The students who attended the concert enjoyed their experience. “I loved when he sang ‘Cruise’,” said business management major Nikki Allen. “The whole crowd got hype.” President of SGA, Bobby Adams, said about 5,000 tickets were distributed to students for the S.O.L.O. concert. Every semester, SGA chooses a list of bands for the students to vote on as a collective body. Once the vote is complete, the decision will determine the performance. For the Fall of 2016, the genre will be comedy.

Kim Biggs | The Oracle READY SET ROLL (ABOVE) - Country musician Chase Rice performs during his College Days and Country Nights Tour at the Hooper Eblen Center. CHASE RICE (RIGHT) - Rice breaks out his guitar for a few songs during his set at the S.O.L.O. concert.

Ashton Breeden | The Oracle

Cameron Fowler | The Oracle CHASE RICE - Chase Rice and two of his band mates shred on their guitars in front of the crowd at the Hooper Eblen Center Tuesday, April 5.

Kim Biggs | The Oracle S.O.L.O. CONCERT - Chase Rice performs for the Spring 2016 S.O.L.O. concert. Rice’s performance at Tech was the first stop on his new College Days, Country Nights Back to College Tour.

Abby Pierce | The Oracle

Ashton Breeden | The Oracle

CHRIS LANE - Chris Lane pumps up fans during the S.O.L.O. concert in the Hoop. Lane performed some of his original songs along with a few covers like Backstreet Boys “I Want It That Way.”

LACY CAVALIER - Lacy Cavalier opens for Chase Rice during S.O.L.O. concert in the Hooper Eblen Center. She sang the songs from her upcoming EP “Savin’ Pennies, Payin Dues.”

Page 4 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

>> Reviews

Weezer returns to familiar yet unexpected sound on their self-titled “White” album By CAMERON FOWLER Entertainment Editor For a while now, Rivers Cuomo and co. have felt as if they’re playing darts – throwing familiar ideas at the board and just sticking with something that has always worked. Describing Weezer’s output since the critically acclaimed (and rightfully so) Pinkerton has been fairly mixed. Their last album, “Everything Will Be Alright in the End,” was seen by many as a return to form. It was, but there were some ideas on the album that needed to be fleshed out in order to work. Still the album had highlights in tracks like “Back To The Shack.” Weezer haven’t been able to find a sound that works for them for a hot minute, but their latest release, “Weezer,” is the fourth in a series of colorbased albums dating back to their debut, commonly dubbed “The Blue Album.” The latest in the series is considered “The White Album:” the cover is almost blindingly white, save for the band, which is standing amid a sandy beach with a couple other visitors mulling around. Weezer returns to this familiar color-coded theme not just for the fan reaction – this album is supposed to invoke a clean,

Photo Courtesy: ew.com SAY IT IS SO - Weezer and Panic! At The Disco are currently co-headling a tour and are scheduled to play at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 13. fun feeling. Cuomo himself states this is a “beach album,” which is a deceptively acceptable and understandable idea to wrap around the songs. The album is quick, even by Weezer standards. Each song is over fairly quickly but the band has reworked their songwriting to make shorter tunes have more impact. This is a very clean album with very little filler; there is almost no time wasted as each song flows to the next. The

opener, “California Kids,” is both a summer anthem and a reassuring pop song in which Cuomo claims that if one’s drowning, “California kids will throw you a lifeline.” Seeing as the album is partly inspired by Cuomo’s time hanging around California, the song itself kicks off in a very energetic fashion. Almost instantly there are feelings of sun and summer, a no-frills message, which contrasts deeply with Weezer’s

earlier work. There isn’t a lack of darkness on the record, though, with the track “Do You Wanna Get High?” presenting a form of storytelling that has been absent from Weezer’s writing for a long time. It’s quite a sad song backed by the same instrumentation stringing the album together. The song details Cuomo’s experience of being addicted to prescription drugs and relationship problems pres-

ent earlier in life. Perhaps it’s symbolic leaving this song at the middle of the album, as it comes out of nowhere after a string of songs about girls, sun, and hopefulness. In this way the album continues to be a summation of themes from the band’s earlier years, and in this way, it slowly turns into a memorable, impactful Weezer album. “L.A. Girlz” and “Jacked Up” lead the album to its end, and in turn, present some of

the most enjoyable music on the album. “Jacked Up” is ostensibly a tragic love song, complete with aching falsetto from Cuomo backed by a jangly piano. In terms of pure writing, it’s a successful diversion of the other tracks on “The White Album.” However, the same anthemic sensibility stretches to the third song and first single from the album, “Thanks God For Girls.” It becomes clear, much like the album cover and overarching theme that these songs work best as contrasts: Cuomo praises girls on that third track, while lamenting how dreary love can be on “Jacked Up.” The album is about fun, but it’s also not. “The White Album” ends on a folk song that builds to a return to a classic Weezer sound with “Endless Bummer.” The song is a play on words and emotions, subverting what we should naturally want to hear as the album closer. The song starts out sad, but ends feeling sonically cheerful, all while Cuomo sings “I just want the summer to end,” adding to the shift in mood. If one thing is clear by the end of the album, it’s that Weezer has found a new groove and a winning route with “The White Album.” The inversion of sounds and mood signify not only a band that has reclaimed its sound, but also a new mood that only Weezer could have created.

‘I Saw The Light’ pairs great performances with awkward filmmaking By HANNAH BARGER Entertainment Critic There are two things I love in this world above all others: Tom Hiddleston and old school country music. I’m more of a Johnny Cash fan, but when I saw the previews for a Hank Williams biopic starring Tom “ball of sunshine” Hiddleston, I was stoked. I Saw the Light was hugely hyped up around the Nashville area, seeing as some of Williams’ defining career moments took place at the Grand Ole Opry. He’s a legend in the same vein as Elvis Presley, and insulting his memory (especially in our state capital) is comparable to defacing the Mona Lisa. Fortunately, I Saw the Light didn’t do that. Hiddleston’s performance was excellent, even down to the accent (his native British one rarely, if ever, slipped through) and the singing. He even did his own singing and guitar playing, perhaps drawing inspiration from Joaquin Phoenix’s Johnny Cash in Walk the Line. Nothing was sugarcoated, from his troubled marriage to Audrey Williams (played by Elizabeth “Mary Kate and Ashley’s little sister” Olsen) to his struggles with alcoholism and Spina bifida. In all honesty, Hid-

dleston’s performance makes you want to go back in time and punch Hank Williams in the face. Can you hear the lightning coming to strike me down? Throughout the movie, he cheats on his wife too many times to count, drinks enough whiskey to supply an army, and ruins any and all professional relationships he comes across. In short, the man is, as my dad puts it, “a total train wreck.” Aside from his musical talent, Hiddleston’s Williams has one hugely redeeming quality: his love for his son, the nowlegendary Hank Williams, Jr. In the scene the movie draws its title from, Hank and Audrey sing his classic gospel song to their crying baby. It’s a genuinely sweet, moving scene in a movie filled with very uncomfortable moments. Despite everything, it’s impossible to doubt that Williams loved his son. In spite of all my praise for the actors’ performances, there is a reason the movie didn’t perform well with critics. Many sites attribute this fact to the script, but I have to disagree. Although it was a little uninspired, the script was hardly bad. My problem with the movie lies in the editing. I Saw the Light is touted as a dramatic biopic, but at times it feels more like a horror movie, complete with random jump cuts and inexplicably slow sequences. Why exactly is Hank’s first

Bruce Springsteen cancels North Carolina concert after state passes controversial “bathroom” law By CAMERON FOWLER Entertainment Editor The Boss decided last week not to make a stop in the state of North Carolina due to the passing of HB2, also referred to as the “bathroom” law. Bruce Springsteen announced in a statement posted Friday on his Facebook page that he was canceling his April 10 concert in Greensboro, North Carolina in order to “show solidarity” with the LGBT citizens - who he called “freedom fighters” - opposing antidiscrimination law HB2. Springsteen is currently touring behind the reissue of his 1980 album “The River.” “Some things are more important than a rock show,” said Springsteen,

“and this fight against prejudice and bigotry… is one of them.” Springsteen’s statement garnered over 290,000 shares and 400,000 likes on Facebook. Fans on his Facebook page seemed largely supportive of his decision, but altogether frustrated about the short window of time in which the cancellation was announced. Meanwhile, celebrities have shown support of Springsteen’s decision, including Ellen DeGeneres who tweeted out her appreciation of the move Friday. North Carolina lawmakers passed House Bill 2, otherwise known as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, Wednesday. The bill alters North Carolina antidiscrimination laws, including prohibiting

people from using a bathroom labeled by a gender other than the one printed on their birth certificate. Springsteen joins companies such as Fox and A&E who have threatened to stop filming in the state after the bill was passed. PayPal canceled plans to open a global operations center in Charlotte, which was expected to supply 400 jobs. This isn’t the first instance of a major entertainment industry boycott against anti-LGBT legislation. Disney previously threatened to boycott Georgia in response to HB 757, a bill that would make it illegal for “religious officials” to officiate a wedding that violated their religious beliefs. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal subsequently vetoed the bill.

Photo Courtesy: indiewire.com MOVIN’ ON OVER - In order to prepare for the role, Hiddleston practiced guitar and sang with country artist Rodney Crowell while living in Nashville for five weeks. Opry performance in slow motion? Why are Audrey and Hank cheerful one moment and at each other’s throats the next, with little to no foreshadowing? Why are documentarystyle “talking head” interviews used as explanatory devices? I couldn’t tell you, honestly, and I don’t think the filmmakers can, either. The movie can’t seem to decide what

emotion it’s going for, and that’s seldom a good thing. Still, I Saw the Light didn’t quite meet the low expectations I entered the theater with. Instead, it surpassed them. Good acting can carry a weirdly edited, rushed movie, and Hiddleston and Olsen rose to the occasion. Go see it, if only to support those two.

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 5

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 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. Friday. We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.

Think Freely <<

OPINIONS

Campus safety relies on personal security KATE TREBING Opinions Editor What were you doing at 9:30 Sunday night? Were you grabbing a snack out of the nearest vending machine before heading back to your room? Maybe you were with friends, cherishing the last few moments of the weekend before surrendering to sleep and Monday morning. Perhaps you were even studying, acting the part of the good student and getting a head start on the long week ahead. If you were like myself, you would have been leaving the University Center, striding toward your car parked about thirty feet away with your car keys out and positioned like weapons between your fingers. If you were Haruka Weiser, you would have been heading to your dorm room after leaving the Dance and Drama building. You would have no idea that this walk would be your last. University of Texas at Austin freshman Haruka Weiser vanished while walking on campus sometime after 9:30 PM Sunday, April 3, 2016. Her body was discovered by the football stadium the following Tuesday. How many times have I walked to my car in the dark, alone, across campus? Countless times. How often have I ever felt threatened by an actual foe? Astoundingly, never. I am one of the lucky ones. Before last Sunday, the University of Texas at Austin had held no record of homicide on campus since the turn of the century. Now, even as campus police step up their regulations to 12-hour shifts and the addition of 20 state troopers, the damage has already been inflicted. A murder has been committed, and students’ fragile sense of security has been shattered. Our university is small, much smaller in size than UTAustin’s population of 51,000. Yet even a campus of a mere 11,000 students can fall prey to acts of horror. While Tennessee Tech has not received any reports of homicide, records of daily crime report reveal that campus members have filed charges of assault (both simple and sexual), stalking, intimidation and even rape just since August 2015. I cannot deny that our

THE

‘‘

How many times have I walked to my car in the dark, alone, across campus? Countless times. How often have I ever felt threatened by an actual foe? Astoundingly, never. I am one of the lucky ones.

,,

university has experienced bouts of assault after-hours. We have all received the curt, somewhat alarming text messages and emails alerting us of campus offenders and their last known locations. The most recent text was unfortunately sent out March 22, 2016, the same day as the recent Brussels terrorist attacks. Needless to say, many students connected the events of the day and assumed our campus was the next target of a random act of terrorism. Thankfully, the text was far less sinister. A suspect had been cutting a trail straight to our university, and campus officials decided to exercise caution and send an emergency alert. While we may have been tempted to gripe about the lack of explanation in the emergency alert, none of us could complain at having been sent a short text that could possibly mean the difference between avoiding stumbling upon a crazed suspect, or being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most students remember the string of assaults aimed at female students unlucky enough to be walking on campus after dark. We like to reminisce about the odd reports of a suspect armed with a clipboard. When a suspect with a clipboard makes his way into our email alerts, we know that we are facing a slow day in crime. Our campus security is not foolproof. What public institution ever is? Yet, it is events such as those that transpired last week in UTAustin which remind me to be thankful for my small hometown university. In particular, I am reminded to be grateful for the alarming text alerts, the campuscruising police, and those emergency phone booths shining like blue beacons in every commuter parking lot. But as our campus grows, and as Cookeville grows along with it, we need to keep our campus safety in mind. Well-lit commuter lots and police cruisers can do

ORACLE

Est. 1924. Weekly. Student Operated. Award-winning.

Tennessee Tech University TTU Box 5072 Cookeville, TN 38505

Managing Editor - KIM BIGGS Asst. Managing Editor - HAYLEE EATON Business Manager - BRIANA SMITH Copy Editor - SARAH GILLESPIE Opinions Editor - KATE TREBING Sports Editor - SHEA HAILE Asst. Sports Editor - BRANDON BURKE Entertainment Editor - CAMERON FOWLER Entertainment Critic - HANNAH BARGER Circulation Manager - PAIGE STANAGE Faculty Adviser - JON EZELL

wonders to ensure a safer campus, but in the end it is up to the individual to ensure her (or his) own safety. I will take responsibility for my own risks. Walking across campus at night is one of those avoidable scenarios that police and university officials never fail to underscore at press conferences following events such as this murder. But sometimes a day’s schedule swerves out of control, and such scenarios become reality. Weiser did nothing wrong. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she fell prey to the circumstances. Could she have maybe chosen a different route to her dorm? Perhaps she should have asked someone to walk with her, or even called campus police to escort her. If she were anything like myself, she would have disclaimed those options as bothersome to others and herself. Her terrible example reminds me that the risks of independence sometimes far outweigh the consequences of admitting dependence on others. I want to take a moment to express my thankfulness to this university. Even though I realize that no one can entirely eliminate the threat of campus security, I feel that Tech has given me the resources I need to protect myself. I am not disclaiming all of the crimes committed, both reported and unreported. This is coming from someone who could very easily have been in Haruka Weiser's shoes. So thank you, Tech, for the cruisers that pull over cars driving 19 miles per hour. Thank you for the cryptic text messages. Thank you to all of those professors and fellow students who offer to escort us late-night roamers from point A to point B. These are the small things that hold off our paranoia and enable us to earn our education without glancing over our shoulders. Kate Trebing is a junior in communication with a concentration in public relations. She can be reached at kdtrebing42@students.tntech.edu.

Briana Smith | The Oracle WARPED TOUR - Pierce the Veil performed during the 2015 Warped Tour. This music festival is held annually in Nashville.

Music festival season is hallmark of summer BRIANA SMITH Guest Critic It’s almost that time of year again. School is about to let out, students are about to pack up and go home; others are planning the trip of a lifetime. It’s going to be summer soon. It’s the time of year that college students, like myself, relish every moment of. It’s the time to go new places without worrying about having an exam or paper due within the next week. There are so many new things for college students to do over the summer, but the most popular seems to be widely known music festivals. Across Tennessee, and across the nation, there are a plethora of music festivals for you to indulge your ears with. My summer usually kicks off with the Dogwood Festival in my hometown; where many small arts and crafts dealers and small businesses set up tables to sell their trinkets while the music is running rampant through the streets of Winchester, Tennessee. It’s not a very widely known music festival, but it does pack a punch with three days of music and arts.

ISAAC WRIGHT Guest Critic A 9-year-old girl in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, is a reporter who runs her own newspaper called the Orange Street News. Hilde Kate Lysiak received a tip about a murder in her town, confirmed it with police then did some journalism. She interviewed neighbors and gathered other information before publishing a story about the event. However, she has critics who told her to "stick to tea parties and playing with dolls." Some good old twentyfirst century progressiveness I see. Many similar comments

VOICE YOUR OPINION

Advertising (931) 372-3031

Opinion (931) 372-3285

Newsroom (931) 372-3285 oracle@tntech.edu

FIND AN ERROR? Contact the Managing Editor Kim Biggs kdbiggs42@students.tntech.edu

(615)-818-7536 Thanks for reading The Oracle Read more @ tntechoracle.com

Briana Smith is a sophomore in English. She can be reached at bsmith42@students.tntech.edu.

Nine-year-old reporter challenges status quo

CONTACT US

ttuoracleads@gmail.com

For others, their summer starts off with the all-famous Bonnaroo, the three-day music festival in Manchester, Tennessee. This year’s lineup consists of big names like Ellie Goulding, Chvrches, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Pearl Jam, along with my personal favorite, Halsey. Three days of nonstop music and community is always a great way to begin a summer. The CMA Fest is also running in Nashville June 9-12, alongside Bonnaroo, for the country lovers out there. For the alternative musiclovers, Warped Tour is making an appearance in Nashville again with powerhouses like Good Charlotte, Sum 41 and Sleeping With Sirens on the lineup this year. Although Good Charlotte isn’t making their appearance until the latter end of the tour, Warped Tour is always a great experience. These are just a few of the plethora of music festivals happening in Tennessee and across the Nation. Get out there, have fun, and enjoy your summer.

were made on her Facebook page—by adults. Adults 'digitally shaming' another human being on the internet for following her passion. She broke the story first. The 'professionals' are just salty she beat them to the punch. "In fact, some other news sites run by adults were reporting the wrong information or no information at all while the Orange Street News was at the scene doing the hard work to report the facts to the people," Lysiak wrote in an op-ed on The Guardian's website. Shots fired, some might say. Even though she is only

9, she wants to be taken as seriously as anyone else. In the face of such criticism, she has taken it better than most adults would have. Just see how Donald Trump reacts to people making fun of his 'tiny hands' for example. "And for those of you who think I need to mind my place, I’ll make you a deal. You get off your computer and do something to stop all the crime going on in my town and I’ll stop reporting on it. Until then, I’m going to keep doing my job." Isaac Wright is a sophomore in communication. He can be reached at iowright42@students.tntech.edu.

2. Originality is required. 5. The Oracle reserves Plagiarized works will not the right to edit for style, The Oracle encourages be considered. grammar, length and readers to write letters and clarity. commentaries on topics of 3. For verification, letters interest. A few guidelines: and commentaries MUST 6. Submissions must be include your name, e-mail received by 4 p.m. on 1. Letters should not address, home town and Friday. exceed 300 words. classification or title. Commentaries should be 7. Your thoughts are free. around 500 words and 4. Letters may not run Think often, think free. include a picture of the in every edition due to writer. space. kdtrebing42@students.tntech.edu

News content for The Oracle is provided by the Journalism 2220, Journalism 4820 and Journalism 4930 classes. Journalism 3370 provides a majority of the photographs used.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University’s employees or of its administration.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN || PAGE 6

SPORTS

>> Inside the Game

Track and field records continue to fall during outdoor season By BRITTANY MCGEE Beat Reporter Tennessee Tech’s Women’s Track and Field Team has continued its momentum from the indoor season to the outdoor season. With a fresh group of young ladies, the team was able to keep having record-breaking performances. “We have reverted back to fundamentals as far as running technique and understanding what they are doing once their feet hit the ground as opposed to just turning over and going,� said assistant coach Eugene Frazier. The team has a scheduled total of six meets, including the Ohio Valley Conference Championships. Opening up at the Vanderbilt Invitational, the Golden Eagles walked away with four school records in just about every sector of the sport: sprints, middistance, relays, and throws. Freshman D’Airrien Jackson, shattered the women’s 400m dash breaking the previous school record of 58.01 running a time of 52.64. Jackson has a great possibility to qualify for the Olympic trials, which has an entry time of 52.3. “I felt excited when I broke the school record. I didn’t know until my teammates came over and excitedly told me. Before the race my coach texted me and told me not to be nervous and that my plan was to “get out� the first part of the race. I told myself

Jim Dillon | Guest Contributor RECORD BREAKING HABITS- Sarah Brandt competes in the Vanderbilt Indoor Opener Dec. 5. Brandt broke school records for the 800m and 1500m in the Vanderbilt Invitational (outdoor) March 25-26. that I was not tired, to keep pushing, and that helped mentally,� said Jackson. Sarah Brandt, junior, broke the record in the women’s 800m with a posted time of 2:11.96, six seconds faster than the previous record of 2:17.02. Brandt also came

back at the second meet of the season, Florida Relays breaking her own record running a time of 2:10.86. The 4x1 relay consisting of Sharnique Leonce, Na’Asha Robinson, Tiara Hymon, and Jackson also took one of the four records in the books

posting a time of 46.75. To top off the season opener, thrower Antonia Susnjar, coached by Samantha Linck, slightly broke the record that was set in 2002. “We incorporate speed, plyos (plyometrics), and a lot of power based movements

with work in the weight room to get Antonia strong power in her event. I expect her to place at conference,� said Linck. Susnjar threw the javelin a total distance of 124 feet 10 inches on the second day of the meet. “Javelin is a very techni-

cal event, a lot of puzzle pieces need to match up in order to PR (personal record) or have a good meet. The competition at Vanderbilt was just an ‘oil check.’ I was happy and relieved once I broke the school record because one of my assignments that I have was finished. Some other assignments that I have to accomplish are to PR, be a top OVC Championship scorer and hopefully to qualify for regionals,� said Susnjar. A few members of the team traveled to Gainesville, Florida to compete in the second meet of the season, Florida Relays. This time, two more school records fell, the 4x8 and the 4x4. Members of the 4x8 relay consisted of Crystal Liebenberg and experienced runner Madison Stremler. The 4x4 was also loaded starting off with indoor OVC champion, Robinson. “I demand an athlete to actually think about what they are doing instead of just going through the motions. We had a good indoor and hopefully it will carry over to outdoor,� said Frazier. Not even mid way through their outdoor season, the track and field team is set to compete April 15 and 16 at the Austin Peay Invitational in Clarksville, Tennessee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brittany McGee was not affiliated with the accomplishments mentioned.

Football connects old and new with practice event for alumni By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor Several Tennessee Tech alumni were on campus April 2 to get an early look at the 2016 edition of the Golden Eagle football team. Former players had the opportunity to see the team’s intensity and competitive drive up close to observe the high energy of head coach Marcus Satterfield’s staff. “It is fun to see the enthusiasm. That goes a long way,� said former Golden Eagle standout fullback Ottis Phillips. “Coach Satterfield has obviously brought an enthusiastic young group of coaches in here. I think he has everybody fired up. I think he is building some momentum in the community,� said Phillips. Phillips was a member of the 1972 Tennessee Tech team that went 7-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference and won the OVC title. He was a member of the team for four years and was the president of the Tech Letterman’s Club his senior year. He has continued to be an avid supporter of Tennessee Tech football and the university. Phillips received an outstanding alumni award in 2013. The former student athlete commended current athletes for the amount of commitment they put into their sport. “I admire any student athlete today with the commitment that they have to make,� said Phillips. “It is a full-time job. It was tough when I played in the seventies, but today I

think it is even more so. The dedication and the work that these men and women have to invest of their time and effort to come out here and compete at a college level are admirable.� Thomas Lynn was also a member of the 1972 Golden Eagle team and has been a lifelong fan of Tennessee Tech football. Lynn has also been a supporter of the university and competes in the local CrossFit organization. He is president of Cookeville’s First National Bank of Tennessee. “We are really excited,� said Lynn. “I’m from here in Cookeville. I have followed Tech football all my life and known a lot of the coaches that have come through here, but this is the most enthusiastic coach that I have ever seen.� The event gave alumni a chance to meet current players and for the program’s past to meet its future. It is very important. As a player you always look up to the ones who have played before you and talk about the old stories,� said Lynn. “The current players, we can get to meet some of them I think it is good for them and good for us to. Once we kind of know them it’s fun to come to the games and watch them.� Lynn wants to see an atmosphere similar to his playing days at Tech. “The town was really behind it (the team),� said Lynn. “People would come to the games with ties on. It was a dressed up affair. It was not like it is now. It was always full and with a lot of enthusiasm. I do not really want to start wearing ties

" # ! " " #

Christian McCall | The Oracle CREATING COMPETITION - Maleek Hall (left) and Jordan Smith (right) wrestle each other for position during the April 8 practice. Hall and Smith had significant playing time for Tech in 2015. to the ballgames, but I would like to see that enthusiasm that we had back then. It was important, and people wanted to know how Tech was doing and how well they were doing.� The Golden Eagle football team has won 10 OVC championships with nine of them being won in the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Satterfield wants to make it a priority to get the alumni involved in the program. “We have got to get them all back,� said Satterfield. “I think the

more that we get the alumni back and make them feel a part; this is huge because they started it. We talk about it all the time. We have won 10 OVC championships, a lot of them in the fifties, sixties, seventies and then in 2011. It is in our DNA to win championships at Tennessee Tech. The people that have won the championships have got to be part of this program.� Tech has three more practices scheduled for this spring including the spring game April 14. Satterfield said there is still room for improve-

ment before the spring game. “We just have to continue to trend toward the essence of competition and continue to be able to play relentlessly in between the whistles,� said Satterfield. “Thursday (April 14) is going to be a ball. It is probably going to be the most unbelievable night, at least in the spring, that Tennessee Tech has ever seen on the football field, and I hope people do not miss out on coming to see it.� The Golden Eagles’ spring game is scheduled for April 14 at 7 p.m.. The game will be at Tucker Stadium.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.