THE
Volume 104 | Issue 8
O
Feb. 23, 2021
RACLE
Tech’s primary news source since 1924
Free in single copy
CODE seeks unity through diversity this Black History Month
The Center of Diversity Education, CODE, is made up of student-athletes from across all campus sports and promotes unity through diversity on campus and in the community. Photo provided by Jamaal Thompson
JONAH STOUT
Reporter The Center of Diversity Education, or CODE, is an organization at Tech that was founded by student athletes in the fall of 2020. The prime goal of the
organization is to promote unity through diversity and to bring student athletes from different backgrounds together. Jamaal Thompson, junior football and basketball player and member of CODE, joined
the organization because it gives student athletes a voice and an opportunity to fellowship with other student athletes at Tech. “CODE is a family. Prior to it, student athletes did not really get to be around one
another very often because of busy schedules… however, with CODE, it has allowed more unity amongst athletes,” Thompson said. Thompson also said that the organization is very important to him because of the influence they are having on the university and the community. This organization means eve rything to me. To see the change that we have prompted in such a short amount of time, as well as the personal individual growth within my CODE family, means the world to me,” Thompson said. Chanel Bishop, a sophomore on the track team, said establishing CODE at Tech was important because of recent social events and the university’s lack of talking about issues related to social and racial injustice. “With all of the social injustices that have taken place over the years, I feel like it was very necessary to establish CODE here at Tech because the school is predominately white and a lot of these issues weren’t being talked about,” Bishop said. Bishop also said that Black History Month is important to see CODE pg. 4
Students Outraged Over Possible Campus Opening MORGAN LEE
Managing Editor
Student outrage over President Oldham’s decision to have students come back to campus on Friday Feb. 19 after a week of snow days changes administration’s mind. Cookeville and surrounding areas were put under a winter storm watch Monday, Feb. 15. Cookeville received several inches of ice and snow over the course of the week. The ice and falling limbs caused power out-
ages to occur across the state. Around 4,000 outages were reported in Cookeville alone. Many students were left with no electricity and internet for days, making it nearly impossible for them to attend even virtual classes. President Oldham and the rest of Tech’s administration closed campus because of “hazardous weather conditions and potential power outages,” on Feb. 15 through Feb. 18.
The first place campus cancellations are announced is through President Oldham’s twitter, @TTUPrezPhil. Despite the snow and ice continuing to cover Cookeville and surrounding areas, Oldham tweeted that classes would resume on Friday, Feb. 19. “Thanks to the best facilities and grounds staff in TN, @tennesseetech will be back on regular class schedule tomorrow, Fri., Feb. 19. All offices open. #WingsUp,” Oldham tweeted on Thursday afternoon. The decision to resume classes sparked outrage in the student body on Twitter. His tweet received 76 comments and 26 quote tweets. Students made memes and fake accounts posing as Oldham to express see Students pg. 3
What’s Inside Snow and ice covered Tech’s campus from Feb. 15 to Feb.20. Photo by Sam Vesely
Nursing program remains steady amid COVID-19 IRENE W. SULLIVAN
Copy Editor
There is a national shortage of nurses that has been amplified by the effects of COVID-19. Nursing programs were failing to enroll enough students to meet this need, even before COVID-19, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing is trying to alleviate some of that shortage. “Total enrollment in the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing is essentially flat from Fall 2019 (775 students) to Fall 2020 (774 students), with a slight decrease in undergraduate students matched by an increase in graduate students,” Dewayne Wright, executive director of Strategic Planning, Office of Communications & Marketing, said. Fall 2019 saw 631 undergraduate students and 144 graduate students while Fall 2020 saw 611 undergraduate students and 163 graduate students, according to Tech’s Office Institutional Assessment, Research and Effectiveness.
Grace Durham, a sophomore from Lebanon, is one of the students at Tech who wants to pursue a Nursing career. “I chose nursing for many reasons, but mainly because I strongly feel led to help others through their trials and their triumphs,” Durham said. Nursing schools in the United States turned away 80,407 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2019. They listed insufficient numbers of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, and clinical preceptors, as well as budget constraints as the reasons why, according to AACN’s report on 2019-2020 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing. The number of inquiries and applications from prospective students has increased significantly at some nursing schools across the country since the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a recent article in US News. However, if there is not enough faculty, clinical sites or classroom space to fulfill that need, the see Nursing pg. 4
Tech student weighs in on Gamestops stock market rise
Tech defeats Austin Peay in first game of the season
Whitson-Hester School of Nursing trying to meet the demand for nurses
News
Page 2
Feb. 23, 2021
EagleFit Fights for Healthier Campus BROOKLYN DRIVER
Online Editor
Living a healthy lifestyle is often quoted as the key to a happy and successful life. For college students, the notion of a completely healthy lifestyle can often feel unattainable. Throughout the stress of a pandemic and a semester ahead, students do not have to trail blaze the journey of healthy changes in their life alone. Tech Office of Sustainability has launched a program known as EagleFit. This program partners with the more well known HealthierTN Movement. The EagleFit program has a goal of promoting a healthier lifestyle for each individual. Mental health, diet, exercise and social well-being are a few aspects listed on the Tech website. One of the points in the program is that ending the use of tobacco products is a main priority and will make the health goals of each student more attainable. Everyone can agree that to begin your
journey to a better lifestyle, the gym is the place to start. One of the newest additions to campus is the Marc L. Burnett Student Recreation and Fitness Center, which is better known as “The Burn.” The campus gym allows for half capacity during coronavirus restrictions and even offers a live look via the website at how many people are in the gym before you visit. The Burn offers a weight area, pool, cardiovascular floor, track and fitness floor. Basketball, volleyball, racquetball and the rock climbing wall are a great way to get yourself in the habit of staying active. Kara Bowman is a third year student at Tech. She has recently taken steps to incorporate time for the gym into her daily routine. “ I like the new set up of the fitness center. I feel like I have more privacy which motivates me to go more often.” Bowman said. If you prefer to spend your active time outdoors, The Burn offers outdoor rentals to all students. Equipment used for camping,
Student on the street LAURA NAVARRO MORENO
Photo Editor
“Do you dedicate more time to your subjects now with online classes or before when we had in person classes?”
The Burn is open to all Tech students seven days a week.
kayaking, climbing, backpacking and paddleboarding can be rented easily through the Tech website.
February Upcoming Events Feb. 24
Feb. 25
SOLO Event
Movie Night:
8-9 p.m.
Oakley hall room 119 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23
Feb. 25-27
TAB: free money game show
Baseball vs Kent State
a Cat in Paris
Melissa Villasenor
Jovany Santiago-Carbonell MET Major Senior “I prefer in-person classes, especially being an engineering major. A lot of our classes have labs that are best learned in-person, being hands-on with equipment from the work field. Although I prefer in-person, the switch to online classes has shown me a great aspect for future jobs. The switch has shown me the ability to adapt to new requirements, and keeping the same dedication in your work from the beginning in a short period of time.”
Feb. 26, 3 p.m.
Women’s Basketball vs APSU
tntech.edu/studentactivites
7:00 p.m.
Feb. 25, 5 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs Murray State Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
COVID-19 by the numbers If the United States’ total COVID-19 cases were converted into miles, it would be enough miles to take you to the moon
Jennifer Iyase Pre-med, Biology Major Senior “ With online classes going on, it is a little bit harder to understand the course material easily because sometimes some professors just post the lecture slides online, and tell us to go through them. As a result of this I tend to actually teach myself most of the course material which takes me more time to comprehend.”
113 1/2 times.
If the United States’ total COVID-19 deaths were hours,
people born in
2010 would be 65
when it reached the end of the last hour.
Joshua Mays MET Major Junior
If the United States’ Daily Covid-19 cases were months
“I dedicated more time to my studies when we were in-person. I feel like I was more focused in class because I had a face-to-face experience with my professor and classmates. In-person classes are more dynamic and engaging. I liked being able to interact and ask questions right then and there. For me, sometimes it is harder to focus during online sessions because of a tendency to be distracted by things around me in the area I am taking class in.”
w
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8,109 years
If Tennessee’s total COVID-19 cases were miles you could
walk around the equator 30
The Oracle
times.
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Morgan Lee mglee44@tntech.edu
Spring Publication Dates Feb. 2 March 9 Feb. 23 March 30 March 2 April 13 April 27
Oracle Staff
Managing Editor ................................. Morgan Lee Social Media Editor ............................. Sam Vesely Online Editor ................................ Brooklyn Driver Copy Editor....................................... Irene Sullivan Assistant Copy Editor....................... Lauren Finley Sports Editor.......................................... Seth Jones Photography Editor ........................ Laura Navarro Reporter............................................... Jonah Stout Reporter......................................Malayasia Talbert Reporter .................................... Ana Pena-Velasco Faculty Adviser .................................. Teddy Burch
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The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University.
News
Page 3
Feb. 23, 2021
Business major weighs in on Gamestop stockmarket rise and fall
Dalton Pharris, Business Management major, thinks the Robinhood CEO should be jailed. Photo by Laura Navarro.
MALAYSIA CARRICK-TALBERT
Reporter
Robinhood CEO, Vlad Tenev, raised questions when he decided to stop trading on multiple popular stocks. Many stocks were frozen - among them were GameStop and AMC Entertainment. Dalton Pharris, a Business Management major voiced his opinion as to whether or not the Robinhood CEO should face consequences. “Absolutely, and they are going to win over 30 class action lawsuits. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole thing just shuts down. The irony in the name Robinhood is they were literally ‘robbin’ the hood.’ I fully believe the CEO should be jailed for taking money away from millions of people,” Pharris said.
After Tenev faced criticism, Robinhood boosted its trading limit on GameStop to 20 shares Monday, up from one share, according to a CNBC report. Tenev will testify in front of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee on Feb. 18, 2021. This is due to Tenev’s effort to prevent average investors from buying shares of GME stock. Reddit users sent certain stocks higher by buying up shares on GameStop, which is referred to as undermining. r/WallStreetBets is the group that pressured stocks to soar. Wall Street and Internet Traders conflicted by pushing up shares when those betting against GameStop were aggressive with their bets against the company. The group members of r/WallStreetBets have the ability to use their own money to push stock prices higher. This left those who bet against GameStop to lose money. The r/WallStreetBets group has nearly nine million members involved in the thread. As the number of followers increases, the amount of shares in stocks bought will rise. This will be a challenge for Wall Street since they will be outnumbered. People are calling for free stock trading so that every individual has the power to be a part of the stock market. Recently, the price of GameStop stocks went from around $15 dollars to $483 dollars per share. Due to this uncommon jump, Netflix is planning a series over the battle of hedge funds and typical traders, the traders that boosted sales. “My advice would be to talk with someone who has experience in investing. That could
Students continued from pg. 1
their anger towards the decision. “I think the decisions they made are very insensitive and inconsiderate to so many of their students that live in more rural areas and are having to worry about so many other things right now,” Veronica White, senior nursing major, said. White was in Lebanon and unable to travel back to Cookeville because the roads were covered in snow and ice when she received the news about campus opening. White had an in person exam scheduled for Friday Feb. 19 that was moved online by the professor. White expressed concern for her classmates without power or internet and wondered if they would be able to take the exam. “I live barely out of city limits so the main roads are fine. The backroads are horrible and my apartment is impossible to get out of right now because I live on a hill. I am literally stuck in my apartment,” Madison Gibbs, family and consumer science education senior, said. Accounting senior, Kassaundra Copas was stuck in her apartment due to her road and parking lot being covered in snow and ice. Copas was not far from a clear, main road, but due to the conditions of the side roads needed to get there posed the risk of sliding into oncoming traffic. “Currently, I have power and WiFi, but it’s been on and off all week, with my internet being off for over 48 hours at one point… it’s been a very stressful situation and has brought on unneeded stress and anxiety. It’s really taking a toll on these students from everything I’ve heard. I think until power is back up across the county, even online classes should have been canceled,” Copas said. Students on Twitter were not the only ones fighting for clarification on the call. Student Government Association President Aaron Lay was in contact with administration throughout the entire week advocating for student safety and well-being. Lay made multiple requests and recommendations to administration over the course of the week. The first request being to move to virtual deliveries only on Thursday Feb. 18 and Friday Feb. 19 to allow students to travel home without worry of having to travel back to Cookeville in the snow. “On Tuesday night I forwarded a letter, it was just from me as SGA president, to upper administration asking them to consider the move to all online classes for Thursday and Friday, and then canceling if [power could not be restored], but going ahead and letting students know, Tuesday night or Wednesday morning that classes were at least not going to be in person. That way if students wanted to travel home in that window of time on Wednesday when there wasn’t any winter weather and the roads were pretty clear, that’s what I did myself, I went ahead and came back to East Tennessee during that quick window of time when it was safe to travel,” Lay said. Lay remained in contact with members of administration on Thursday both before and after the announcement that classes would be in person was made. “After they announced that we were going to be in person and everything was open, I then reached out back again to upper administration and requested some clarification and justification as to why they decided to go the route that they did, and also just reiterated that if they weren’t aware students were very upset that [opening campus] was the decision they had made,” Lay said. About four and a half hours after the original tweet was sent, Oldham tweeted, “Ok. I give. Mother Nature wins. The winter weather warning was lifted, but the heavy snow started falling again. Due to additional snow and safety issues, classes are canceled and offices will be closed on Friday. Be safe. #WingsUp” “The President got together at least twice a day last week with a
be a friend, relative or a financial adviser. Also, start small and don’t be afraid!” Larry Taylor, Tech alumnus and financial adviser, said when asked for guidance that might help someone who is interested in learning more about investments. The stock market may not be predictable, but one can learn how to invest in stocks by starting with a small amount of money. In time, those profits can turn into a significant gain allowing more opportunities for future investments. Researching various stocks as far as each company’s financial data, competitive edge compared to others, and potential risks are all important aspects to consider when investing in stocks. Dogecoin is an easy cryptocurrency investment to make. Following Elon Musk tweeting about this particular stock, it surged over 600% in a short amount of time. “I heard about Dogecoin on Twitter a few months back. I saw it and put money in praying it was just enough of a joke to work. I personally would love to see Dogecoin hit $1, and that seems to be the common goal. Of course, it’s currently at $0.08, so that will be a while,” Pharris said. With all the publicity surrounding the stock market over the past couple of months, interest in investing has been on the rise. Risks are high, but they can also gain significant rewards if done correctly. Gaining knowledge from educated, reliable sources is an essential part of the process that one must follow in order to be successful.
group of campus leaders and got the latest information gathered from facilities, police, college deans, local officials and others. He discussed campus conditions, local road conditions, forecasts and our campus’s ability to provide support services to students… As snow began and continued to fall during the afternoon, the group got together again and got updates on conditions. The decision was changed based on those updates,” Karen Lykins, Chief Communications Officer for Tech, said in a statement on behalf of Tech. Students quickly showed their support for the decision in the comments of the tweet. Despite Oldham listing heavy snowfall as the reason for the change, students still claimed the announcement as a victory and celebrated it as such. “I think that they just took a second glance at it, and saw that the decision was maybe a little inconsiderate, and had some unintended consequences of their decision that they hadn’t necessarily considered, and maybe the students voicing their opinion really got upper administration more in touch with what students were feeling right now,” Lay said. To ensure that Lay and the rest of SGA are working as a channel to express your thoughts and feelings regarding the university, Lay lists the best ways to get your voice heard in student government and in administration. “Students should look and see what kind of issue they have. If it is just something that is just college specific, the way that SGA is set up is that we have representation of our student government from each of our colleges. So if there is something that is happening in your college that you would like to voice your opinion about you can reach out to the senators that represent you in the student government that you elect from your college,” Lay said, “Also, if it is more of a university wide thing you can reach out to me… We also have a contact us form and all of the responses in that form come directly back to me.” Every SGA member and their emails, including Lay and the college senators, are listed on the SGA website, tntech.edu/sga. Lay also encourages students to reach out on SGA’s Instagram (@ tntech_sga) and Twitter (@tntech_sga). “We thank SGA president Aaron Lay for staying in touch and sharing ideas, and student comments are always read and appreciated. We also are grateful for the hundreds of people worked throughout the week on campus to provide safe housing, food and activities for students,” Lykins said.
Aaron Lay currently serves as SGA president.
News
Page 4
Feb. 23, 2021
Comedian Ron Funches Entertains Students Across the South JAMES HAMMONS
Reporter
Comedian Ron Funches delivered a virtual show to multiple colleges around the South on Wednesday Jan. 10, 2021. One of the colleges participating in this comedy show was Tech. The show was livestreamed over the platform Looped. The virtual show started at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and lasted about 25 minutes. After this, Funches did a live question and answer segment. All questions were sourced from students at many different colleges. Some other colleges featured in the questions were East Tennessee State University and Union University. Much of Funches’s set was motivated by what is going on in the world today. He spoke and made jokes about current politics, racial groups, and how he views the world. “Nothing I prepared, I find myself having fun when I say truths that I didn’t expect to say, … I get a kick out of that,” Funches said, when asked about some of his favorite jokes from the show. “One of the main things that this pandemic has taught me is take a step back and really focus on what is important to you,” Funches said, speaking on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some students watching the show re-
Ron Funches is an actor and comedian most known for his roles in Trolls and Black-ish. Funches spoke with students on
sponded with many gracious comments such as, “This is so good!” and, “This is amazing!” It is safe to say that Funches thoroughly entertained many students here at Tech. Ron Funches is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He has had many roles in the past few years such as voice acting for Trolls and Trolls World Tour and acting in the ABC TV show Black-ish. Aside from being an actor and comedian, Funches also runs his own YouTube channel and podcast.
The SOLO event series is hosted by Tech’s Student Government Association, who presents multiple shows over the Spring semester, free to all students. The SOLO event series has recently gone almost completely virtual aside from two concerts to be held on the quad later in the semester.
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry Welcomes Students AVERY NETTLES
Reporter
Tech has over 400 different clubs and student organizations, and it can be overwhelming to try and figure out which clubs and or organizations you want to join. Deciding which group to join, or which is the right fit, takes time and research. An easy way is to find something that interests you, and then find clubs or organizations that revolve around those interests. One of the more popular student-led organizations is the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. BCM is a campus ministry that can be found on many college campuses. “It is a place for college students to find a Biblical community, grow in their faith in Jesus Christ, and serve the college campus,” Brooke Powers, BCM member, said. “Involvement is easily accessible at the BCM. You can get involved by attending our weekly worship on Tuesday nights at 8 pm, our $1 lunch on Thursdays during dead hour, or just by dropping by the building to connect with staff and students. I’d say the best way to get involved is by joining a guy or girls’ small group where we discuss biblical principles and live life to-
gether,” Powers said. “I decided to join the BCM because I wanted to make new friends and be a part of an organization. I’ve been involved in the ministry all four years of college and it’s been such a blessing in my life. I actually came to faith as a freshman and my involvement at the BCM allowed for discipleship to occur in my life and help in getting involved in a local church,” Powers said. “I chose to join because I was interested in seeing other denominations besides the one, I grew up in, and I grew up Catholic. I also knew a lot of people who were in BCM,” Kaley Scott, BCM member, said. Scott joined in the fall of 2019 and described her favorite activity that the BCM has done since she joined. “I went to Gatlinburg with them for a retreat and it was an amazing trip that made me truly feel more connected with my faith and with one of my friends! It is crazy to think I almost didn’t go, but I am so beyond glad I went,” Scott said. The BCM has many different activities such as trivia night, worship night, or intramurals that one can participate in to get involved with the BCM. Scott explained why she joined and why the BCM means
CODE continued from pg. 1 the CODE organization, but that it is not just important in this month. “Yes, Black history month is important to our organization but… Black history and culture is not just important for this month. What we do and what we stand for is important year round,” Bishop said. Black History Month is important for Thompson as well. He said that it is crucial for minority student-athletes to know their history and to respect it, and that the key to the future is knowing the past. “As mostly minority student-athletes, it is imperative to not only know our history but also respect it. We have no chance at seeking and pursuing our future if we don’t, first, acknowledge our past...our past is one of beauty... it is unique and rich in culture,” Thompson said. Though CODE primarily caters to student-athletes, all Tech students are welcome. To learn more or to become involved in the organization visit their Twitter (@CODETNTech) or Instagram (c.o.d.e.tntech).
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry frequently hands out coffee to students on centennial Plaza.
so much to her. “I got a lot of new friendships and everyone is like a family to me. I grew a lot closer to Christ and saw how important it is not only to build myself up in my faith but the others around me as well! Everyone was like my mentor,” Scott said. The BCM is a student organization located on college
campuses across the country and helps connect college students. It is a home away from home away from home for its members. It provides a place to connect with other students in a safe and fun environment. The BCM is located at 106 W 7th St, Cookeville and the phone number is (931) 526-4282.
Nursing continued from pg. 1
Grace Durham still wants to become a nurse despite the pandemic, she says helping people is what she is led to do. Photo provided by Grace Durham
shortage will continue and get worse. “Since the pandemic started, my respect for any and all medical personnel has increased to the max,” Durham said. “I can’t say that I have had a second thought about my chosen profession. If anything, the pandemic makes me want to be a nurse more.” When Durham does begin her nursing career, she hopes to work on a pediatric oncology unit. The pediatric oncology nurse is a highly specialized and sensitive person who delivers care to those pediatric patients who are receiving cancer treatment. “I want to work in pediatric oncology because it’s not necessarily an easy job considering how emotionally draining it can be so lots of hospitals need nurses to specialize in that area,” Durham said. “I also have experience being around children who are very ill and if I could just put a smile on their face for one minute of their time, it would be so worth it!”
Page 5
Sports
Feb. 23, 2021
Tech opens with victory over Austin Peay SETH JONES
Sports Editor Tech defeated Austin Peay 27-21 on Sunday to begin the 2021 Spring football season in the Ohio Valley Conference after a rocky start and end. Bailey Fisher passed for 106 yards and one touchdown. Fisher finished 11 of 18 with 0 interceptions and carried it 13 times for the Golden Eagles (1-0, 1-0 Ohio Valley Conference). Metrius Fleming led the team in receiving yards with 52 yards and one touchdown. Justin Oden catches for 27 yards with 0 touchdowns. David Gist rushed 56 yards and scored two touchdowns. Seth Carlisle led his team in tackles with 11 tackles with eight on his own. Marcus McMeans had six total tackles with four on his own. Draylen Ellis passed for 165 yards and one touchdown. He had the longest pass for 49 yards to DeAngelo Wilson. Ellis finished 11 of 23 with two interceptions and carried it nine times for Austin Peay (0-4, 0-1 Ohio Valley Conference). Bryce Robinson passed 55 yards and 0 touchdowns. He was 5-8 on passing. Austin Peay rushed for more yards than Tech 153-50 and gained more yards 373-156. Austin Peay threw the most interceptions with 2-0. Austin Peay had the most sacks 7-4. Tech was able to recover more fumbles with 2-1. Tech (1-0, 1-0) missed their first field goal to begin their first drive. They were able to secure a field goal in the second attempt after capturing an interception by Jack Warwick. Tech began the game by scoring a field goal giving them a 3-0 lead. Austin Peay fired back by scoring a 22-yard touchdown from Baniko Harley making it 7-3. Austin Peay went from the opposing one-yard line driving up the field to a touchdown with a run by Ellis for 16 yards in their first drive for a 14-3 lead.
Tech’s hard work and practice paid off with their win over Austin Peay. Photo provided by Thomas Corhern, Tech’s Sports Information Coordinator.
Fisher passed a 41-yard pass that allowed them to get back into the game. Tech scored on their drive from Fisher to Fleming for 13 yards which made the game 14-10. Gist ran for a two-yard touchdown with 11:51 left in the fourth quarter that made the score 17-14. Austin Peay fumbled the kickoff recovered by Carlisle which allowed Tech to get the ball back and score a three-yard touchdown by Gist making the game 24-14 in favor of Tech. Tech secured a field goal making the score 27-14 with 3:40 left in the fourth quarter. Austin Peay got the football back and scored a touchdown from Robinson to Wilson making the game 27-21 with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Kordell Jackson recovered an onside kick for Austin Peay giving them a chance to comeback. The last throw was incomplete, making the Golden Eagles the leaders in the OVC at 1-0 with a score of 27-21.
Native Tennessean becomes NFL head coach
David Culley, a native of Sparta, Tennessee, was signed to the Houston Texans as head coach. He a long-time NFL assistant coach and is highly regarded in coaching circles. Photo credit to pixy.org.
SETH JONES
Sports Editor
A native Tennessean, David Culley, has been selected to be the next Houston Texans head coach in the NFL. Culley, born in Sparta, Tennessee, has been in the NFL since 1993, but he came from familiar grounds in Tennessee. He
led his high school team, the Sparta Warriors, to a 10-1 record earning himself The Tennessean’s Midstate player of the year in 1972. He passed for 1,055 yards and gained eight touchdowns while rushing for 192 yards and gaining seven touchdowns. Culley graduated from Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN, and was one of the first Black quarterbacks to sign with Vanderbilt. In addition, he became the first to remain in a quarterback position throughout his career. He has coached colleges throughout Tennessee. He was a coach at Austin Peay, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, and Chattanooga. Additional colleges he coached at were Southwestern La, Texas El-Paso, and Texas A&M. He has completed 27 seasons as an NFL coach. He spent his past two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens as the passing game coordinator and wide receiver’s coach. The Ravens have decided to trade Culley to the Houston Texans. The rest of his time in the NFL has been spent on multiple different teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and
Seth Speaks Volumes
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to ESPN, The Ravens will receive two third-round compensatory picks in 2021 and in 2022 for getting Culley hired on their staff. Coaches such as Andy Reid of the Chiefs have spoken about Culley as a “great person” and “very loyal”. “David is a genuine guy,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said to ESPN, ending with “He will be who he is every day. Has been that guy every day of his career. I’m thrilled for him. Great person. Genuine. Full of energy.” The Texans fired their previous coach, Bill O’ Brien, before week 5 of the last season after going 0-4 to begin the season back in October. This set the search for a new head coach. Culley was the guy they finally chose. The Houston Texans are coming off a 4-12 season. They were not able to make the playoffs this year despite having their star QB, Deshaun Watson, having career highs in touchdowns, passing yards, and completion percentages. They are hoping to bounce back from this record with a new head coach.
OPINION
Why do college sports succeed? SETH JONES
Sports Editor
Sports have been a major factor in college for years. Beginning in the 1920s, many years of wholesome fun and teamwork have come a long way. But why does it work so well? Not only does teamwork bring a positive environmental impact, but the internal benefits are superb. “Studies have shown that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more connections between nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity and more developed problem-solving skills,” according to Rochester.edu. Sports can also give an advantage in the workforce. Many people recognize the ability to work as a team. Individuals in sports tend to work as a team which can translate into the workforce later on. Sports also often present stressful situations, so these athletes can be prepared to work in high-pressure situations to use it later down the line. Most people think of sports when they
think of college, but do not forget the other forms of physical activity people work with daily such as band, choir, cheerleading, e-sports, intramural sports and many others. All these mentioned help bring together a group of people to accomplish a specific or broad goal. This can begin a domino effect of people working their hardest to accomplish said goal. Some people may fall down a few times, but that does not mean they cannot get back up and try again. That is why sports and other physical activities help bring so many people together. Human nature comes into play when it comes to events like these. A person can become the best version of themselves when it comes to sports or other physical activities. Being under pressure can make people into a new form of their best selves. Many events present some form of challenge, whether it be a super-hot day for the band, or a technical difficulty during a football game. The most amazing thing to watch is when they remove themselves from adversity and keep moving. It is also a fantastic time to watch people win together.
Seth Jones gives his opinion on all things sports in every issue of The Oracle.
It is one of the best feelings of being with everyone celebrating. Most people tend to find their lifelong friends with these activities. Sports can lead to connections a person will never forget. Without sports and other physical activities in school, it may have never felt like a connection within the student body.