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Volume 105 | Issue 1
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Sept. 8, 2020
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Free in single copy
Tech’s primary news source since 1924
A Presidents Welcome for all Students PHIL OLDHAM
Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham on the campus. President Oldham wishes all students a happy and safe return to TTU campus. Photo provided by TTU Communications and Marketing.
Dear Students, It is so good to see you. When I see you walking across Centennial Plaza or down the Main Quad, I remember what I enjoy most about being a college president: Students. You motivate me and everyone who works at Tech to do our best to put you first in our plans and actions. If you are a returning student, your spirit and resiliency set great examples for our campus community last spring. We have anticipated your return since March, and I’m excited that whether you are in a physical classroom or online, you got back to the work of shaping your future. I met a lot of freshmen during SOAR and saw the same optimism and practicality that I see in other students on campus. We will See Pres. pg 3
Craving human contact, a COVID survivor story EMMA KENNER
Co-Managing Editor
Human touch can be taken for granted. A handshake when greeting a friend, the accidental brush of two hands together, a gentle kiss on the lips. For some, COVID-19 has prevented even the slightest of touches. For others, through cleanliness practices, touch has been lessened but not eradicated. Eva Dingwall has always been aware of how much contact means to her. For her, hugging her daughter, shaking hands with her pastor, and kissing her husband is as natural as breathing. In June, as she sat with her feet in a rushing stream as the sun baked over her, Eva had never considered what it would be like to live without human contact. In July, she was wondering if she would ever experience it again. In March 2020, COVID-19 arrived in the United States and it seemed the world came to a halt. Jobs, friends and family members were lost. For Eva, she was one of the lucky few to remain relatively untouched. Eva is an Administrative Associate at Tech and Greg Dingwall, Eva’s husband, is a band director in Livingston. The couple quietly finished the school year online and spent their summer together. Through the summer, Eva and her family enjoyed church youth groups and summer
band camps. During one of the camps, Eva’s daughter Sarah encountered a student who wasn’t feeling well but quickly explained away all the symptoms. On July 31st, Eva’s husband Greg made the decision to test for COVID-19. That same day, Eva went to work and then to a prayer meeting. “During this season of life, it’s been very important to us to be at prayer and to fight the good fight of faith,” she said. At the church, everyone wore masks, social-distanced, and avoided contact. Everyone but Eva’s grandson who managed to sneak in a hug for his grandmother. On August 1steverything changed. While running errands, her body started shaking, racking her with stomach cramps. As her body was pouring sweat, she urgently called her daughter and asked for help. Eva quickly made it her daughter’s house. When her body finally relented its attack, she felt relief until she looked down. The smell of iron hit her nose instantly and all she could see was blood. In the moment, it was easy to assume something she ate. Making her way home, she insisted everyone keep their distance. Exhausted, she knew she needed rest. As her conditions worsened, a trip to a local urgent care was in order, and on Sunday Aug. 2nd, Eva and her husband entered quarantine. She won-
Photo by Laura Navarro Eva Dingwall has worked for Tech since November 1999. She recently spend time in the hospital with the coronavirsus.
dered how this would impact her day to day. She asked herself, “This thing is basically just the flu, right?” The next day the results of COVID-19 test
See Eva. pg 3
SGA president welcomes students back to campus AARON LAY
SGA President
While our lives have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, one thing remains constant: you have a voice on campus, and it is more important now than ever before. The Student Government Association at
SGA President Aaron Lay
Tennessee Tech is committed to listening to
students and advocating on their behalf. My executive council and I are excited to serve you all throughout the 2020-2021 school year. If any needs or concerns arise during your time as a student, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of the members of SGA. We also welcome your concerns via the
contact tab on our website. It is evident throughout campus that Tennessee Tech has worked extremely hard to ensure we are receiving a quality education, even in the midst of great challenges like this one. I have already seen our campus community be bold, fearless, confident, and kind.
What’s Inside Think you have COVID? Know the symptoms and here’s how to proceed. Page 4
Black Lives Matter at Tech. Dr. Robert Owens encourages TTU solidarity Page 5
I could not be more proud to be your Student Body President. Our willingness to continue to work together with kindness, patience, and accountability will ultimately determine the outcome of this semester. Golden Eagles, I urge you to do your part. Stay safe, stay healthy and keep your Wings Up!
Question and Answer with Jyron Gilmore and Isaac Cross over Football and COVID Page 6
News
Page 2
September 8, 2020
Welcome back, golden eagles KITTY PORTERFIELD EMMA KENNER
Co-Managing Editors The fall semester of 2020 has officially begun, but we cannot pretend it’s anything like what we’re used to. From the devastating tornado that tore apart our community in March to the pandemic following immediately afterward, Cookeville has experienced its fair share of struggles and loss this year, allowing us little to no time inbetween to rebuild and heal. Whether you have become unemployed, faced the virus yourself, or witnessed a loved one
lose their battle with it, much of Tech’s community has been impacted by COVID-19 in one
KENNER
way or another. Transitioning to a life with less physical contact with others and more rules has not been easy for anyone. We aren’t able to travel, work, gather or learn like we want and used to. Mandates and laws seem to be changing every day and differences in
opinion regarding the legitimacy and politicization of the virus have led to rifts between loved ones. This degree of isolation and change in such a short amount of time can bring feelings of loneliness, panic, anxiety and depression along with it. It’s easy to lose hope and motivation in times of uncertainty such as this, but we encourage anyone who may be experiencing these or any other negative thoughts and feelings to reach out to someone who can help. Tech’s Counseling Center is still open and available to students via Zoom
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 931-372-3331. Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially now. We are all going through this together and just because we are social distancing does not mean we have to deal with everything alone. Though 2020 has brought more than its fair share of hardships, it’s helpful to highlight the silver lining. The uncertainty of this year has undoubtedly cultivated a deeper sense of unity, strengthened our appreciation
for the things and people we love and reminded usnever to take our health and
Delta Gamma Food Drive
Purple Career Readiness
Careers and Coffee
PORTERFIELD
wellbeing for granted. Stay-at-home orders have allowed people to develop new passions, begin and finish projects, work on themselves, and spend more time with family and other loved ones. Learning and working from home allows us to save
money on gas and reduce pollution, as well as limit our time spent in the car, in a plane and on the bus. These little things may seem insignificant and trivial in comparison, but sometimes the little things can make the biggest difference. We encourage you to be kind and considerate while we learn to navigate our new lifestyle. Do your best to protect yourself and others, while still working to make this year a great one. The world looks different now, but the Golden Eagles will continue to teach, learn, and grow together in it.
Student on Upcoming events at Tech the street
“How do you feel about the mask mandate on campus?” Andrea Law Nursing Major Sophomore
“ I think it is a good thing because I don’t want to risk getting sick and I don’t want anyone else to get sick.”
Thursday Sept. 10 On the Plaza 10a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 MPR 11a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 14 Swoops 11a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tuesday Sept. 15 TBD
Live on the Plaza
Last day to drop with a “W”
Purple Career Readiness
Tech Preview Day
Thursday Sept. 17th TBD
Faculty Adviser
“I’m not thrilled about it, but I understand why they did it and I do understand that for the general public health it is necessary.”
Lauren Toledo Communication Studies Major “I think it’s pretty good that the masks are being mandated because if we are going to try and stop the spread and stay on campus then how else are we going to get that done?”
Derick Yates Sociology Major Freshman “ I feel the mask mandate is not pointless but it is a little bit painful sometimes. I do feel it is required to keep everyone safe in today’s society”
w
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A humble hello from a new adviser TEDDY BURCH
Jacob Young Zoology Major Freshman
Chat with the President
If you are spending a few moments reading this, let me humbly say thank you. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to be a part of so many wonderful students on campus and in The Oracle newsroom. While my family and myself are new to the university, I am not new to advising student journalists. There is a very simple set of standards that we’ll follow going forward within the newsroom. They are ethics, integrity, and accuracy. We fully understand that in certain
areas, we the media, are considered the enemy of the people and authors of fake news. Unfortunately, too many of our counterparts across our profession have given countless examples of these labels being accurate. My request to you, the reader, is to give us the opportunity to show we will be led by the objective of providing you accurate, fair, and the best obtainable version of the truth in every story we do. We’ll adhere to the standards of the Society of Professional Journalists - seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be
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Burch
accountable - and protect the importance and freedoms given to us by the First Amendment. I also ask that you please remember these are student journalists and this is a place of learning and growing within their chosen profession. It takes great courage to put your work out into the masses for critique and criticism, and I have great respect
and support for our student journalists who do this daily. We hope to find your support as well. It is not my practice to fill up the column inches of the students newspaper. Fortunately I know when to get out of the way. This first issue as an adviser I thought, with the editors permission, would be a great time to reach out to each of you. We fully understand that they may be our words, but it’s your voice, and we’ll cherish the honor and the opportunity to serve our community, Tennessee Tech University.
Voice Your Opinion
Find an error? Contact the managing editors:
The Oracle encourages readers to write letters and commentaries on topics of interest. A few guidelines: Letters should not exceed 300 words. Commentaries should not exceed 500 words and include a picture of the writer. Originality is required, no plagiarism. For verification, letters and commentaries must include your name, email, hometown and classification or title. Letters may not run every edition due to space. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity. Submissions must be sent to oracle@tntech.edu and received by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before publication.
Emma Kenner eckenner42@tntech.edu
Fall Publication Dates September 15 September 29 October 17
November 1 November 12 December 3
Kitty Porterfield keporterfi42@tntech.edu Oracle Staff Co-Managing Editor........................ Emma Kenner Co-Managing Editor......................Kitty Porterfield Social Media Editor ............................ Morgan Lee Assitant Social Media Editor ........... Lane Mochow Online Editor ................................ Brooklyn Driver Copy Editor....................................... Irene Sullivan Assistant Copy Editor....................... Lauren Finley Sports Editor.......................................... Seth Jones Photographer.................................... Emily Hidgon Photography Editor ........................ Laura Navarro Faculty Adviser .................................. Teddy Burch News content and photographs for The Oracle are provided by the JOUR 2220, JOUR 3370, JOUR 4820 and JOUR 4930 classes.
The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University
News
September 8, 2020
Page 3
Dancin on Dixie becomes Mask & Mingle KAYLEE SELBY
Reporter
The Student Organization Showcase was August 31 through September 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.on Centennial Plaza. Student Organizations were able to set up and show students what their organization is about. Each booth was to be 6 feet apart for social distancing. Traditionally, for at least the past 10 years, this takes place at Dancing on Dixie. At this block party, Dixie Avenue shuts down for the afternoon, and there are student organizations set up,music and entertainment all along the road. It usually takes place the Friday before classes start. Jerry Keeton, Coordinator of Student Activities and Campus Life, said there were two reasons for the name change this year. “One, we actually had to move off Dixie Avenue. We have to do road closures with the City of Cookeville, and the City of Cookeville is actually not doing road closures, at this time, so we took the decision to move to Centennial Plaza and the main quad,” said Keeton. “And to
encourage students to wear mask we decided to call it the Mask Up Mix and Mingle.” The move also helped with social distancing requirements and the mask requirement for large events. The move helped with the protocols put in place to keep students safe at events. As is tradition, Mask Up Mix and Mingle was scheduled for Friday August 21 before classes started, however, it cancelled due to rain. The event was rescheduled for the Friday after classes started, but it was also obvious it would get rained out too. The cancellation led to the change to the Student Organization Showcase. The showcase was on Centennial Plaza and they allowed eight organizations a day, to meet social distancing guidelines. Organizations are not limited to just that week though. They are allowed to reserve space at any time. Kester Nucum, sophomore at Tech, is involved in at least four organizations. Nucum says this is a great compromise for Dancing on Dixie and Mask Up and Mingle. He said it is important
During the Student Organization Showcase on Monday, the TTU Miracle Club, from left to right psychology major Sidney Werth, Lizzy Orceut, Microbiology, and Racheal Kurtsinger, Communications, showed support to the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt by creating awareness among our faculty and students
for freshmen to be involved and Dancing on Dixie is the best way to get involved and see the offered organizations. “I personally love the student organizations part of Dancing on Dixie more than the dancing, for me,” said Nucum. “So, student organizations having the opportunity to be able to gather together in a social distance
Eva continued from page 1
Flowers were left in Eva Dingwall’s hospital room. Dingwall spend time in the ICU suffering from symptoms related to being positive with the coronavirus.
test came back positive, and on the following day her taste was fading and her fever dreams began. This is when the struggle for breath began. Knowing this was more than just the flu, Greg quickly packed a bag, helped Eva into his big blue Ford truck and rushed her to the ER. Patiently waiting in line, she couldn’t avoid worrying for those around her. “I would say to the people around me, please I have COVID do not come near me,” she said. After hours of cold needles, X-rays, and
temperature checks, she was finally taken to the COVID ward. “I was miserable but they did everything they could to try to make me comfortable.” she said. As the night wore on, nurses passed by in a blur. Eventually one nurse asked another if Eva even needed a monitor, doubting that she was truly as sick as she claimed. This question was standard practice but it still caught her off guard. The shock washed over Eva has she heard the speculation in the nurse’s voice. She couldn’t help but wonder, how sick was she really? Toward the end of another day, it hit her how lonely she was. Since she entered the hospital, she hadn’t seen anyone’s entire face or even had skin to skin contact. In those dark hours, her only comfort was the cold, latex hand of a nurse. A sign that someone else was there, she was not alone. “That touch was critical for me. God built us to need one another’s touch. Not just the heat, but contact with one another.” she said. Those signs of comfort were what she held onto. During the day she had two nurses. The nights were much harder. As she laid on her scratchy sheets, she slowly waited for the night to pass. She stared at the clock that wasn’t moving as her body attacked her with cramps, sweating, and rising temperatures. As the days passed, her symptoms worsened. Her lungs filled with blood. Sitting up in bed brought waves of dizziness, and visions of stars and black rings. Drinking Ensure helped with the nourishment and IV’s battled dehydration, however by the next day Eva was slipping even further into the clutches of the coronavirus. As she laid in her cold, white room she was struggling to do any of the breathing exercises. The doctors were encouraging her to use a breathing apparatus machine and to get her number on the machine up to 2,500.
setting to show, especially the incoming freshman, what they have to offer…is a great way to give them the opportunity to connect with students.” Student organizations are welcome to set up any time on Centennial Plaza and can sign up through the management system with Student Activities and Campus Life.
Eva could barely hit 250. The doctors tried everything they could to help her realize the reality of her situation. In that moment, Eva broke. With tears streaming down her face, struggling to breath, she looked at the doctor and uttered words she never wanted to say out loud, “I’m scared.” Suddenly she felt the comforting touch of a cold latex hand on her shoulder. She turned and asked the doctor, “Am I dying?” One week into her time in the hospital, Eva was taken into the ICU as her lungs filled slowly with fluid. Her memory of the ICU is cloudy and in snippets. The hospital staff did everything in their power to keep her off of a ventilator. To keep her temperature down, she was constantly covered in wet cloths. At some point, her family was finally able to Facetime her. The calls, texts, and photos Eva received helped to keep her going. After hearing from the doctors how serious Eva’s condition was, Greg sent out an all call to everyone they knew, begging for prayers. Her husband was terrified. Their church family, who lovingly call her “Momma Eva,” were terrified. Texts, calls and prayers started pouring in almost instantly. Every night, lying in her bed, Eva would fiercely quote scripture. In those dark, lonely moments, everything felt surreal and disconnected and yet she felt fully surrounded in a blanket of love, scripture, and prayer. After many days of trials and tribulations, her healing began. Little by little her conditions improved. She regained her sense of taste. The dizziness had begun to clear, and on Saturday Aug. 16th, Eva left the ICU. Now, in September, she is still not fully recovered. There are still days she wakes up breathless and fatigued. On her best days, she describes feeling “95% herself.” Despite still fighting a battle to a complete recovery, she is just happy to enjoy something as common as human touch.
Pres. continuted from page 1 always put all of you first, and we intend to end the semester as we started — on campus with the safest, healthiest environment possible. I encourage you to pursue your goals and tackle your classes as always. But this semester, I ask more of you. Protect each other. Encourage each other. Be gracious. And do all this even if you don’t agree with everyone about everything. Pay attention to your own
health and the health of your family. Do what it takes. Wear your face covering when it’s required. Make good choices when you are off campus. Find ways to safely get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors all around us. In other words, Live Wings Up! Welcome back. Welcome Home. -Phil
Students walk on campus in between classes. President Phil Oldham welcomed students back to campus for a safe fall semester.
News
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September 8, 2020
COVID-19 info for Tech students Congestion or runny nose Fatigue
KITTY PORTERFIELD co-managing editor If you’re showing signs of COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has, do not go to class and do your best to stay isolated. Call Health Services (931-372-3320) and pack a go-bag out of caution. What symptoms should I look out for? Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Head or body aches Loss of smell or taste Nausea or vomiting Sore throat
Devices and chargers I tested positive. Now what?
What constitutes being in contact with someone? Being within six feet of them for 15 minutes or longer, with or without a mask.
Return home and isolate yourself. If possible. If you cannot return home, Tech has quarantine housing available. Health Services will maintain contact with What should I include in my go-bag? you. Toiletries and hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, Meals: etc.) Dining services will deliver meals and Glasses/contacts snacks as needed and either leave them Towel outside your room or designate a pick-up Reusable water bottle location. Bedding If you have a meal plan, the meal will be Prescription medications charged to your plan. School supplies Tech’s Food Pantry will supply as much Several days worth of clothing as possible.
International students Starting the semester and coronavirus online and in isolation “How is COVID-19 controlled in your counrty?” Flavia Gjishti Junior Design Albania “In Albania our rules for masks aren’t as strict, they aren’t required in stores but are in banks.” Elias Grubert Junior Finance Argentina “In zones with a lot of cases, only one person in the family is allowed to get groceries and if you are not wearing a mask you will get a ticket.”
photo by Laura Navarro While Kaylee Shelby had to start her school year online, other students were able to start on campus while attending events such as the Student Showcase.
MORGAN LEE
Fanis Kontopoulos Junior Sports Administration Greece
Reporter
“Most rules are pretty similar to the US but restaurants don’t have limitations on how many people are in one table.” Jun Sasagawa Sophmore Sports Administration Australia “In Australia while Public transportation is limited, in some cities there is no limit on how many people can visit your home.” Andre Rodeia Business Freshman Portugal “Back home tourists need to provide a negative covid test of at least two days prior from traveling.”
Students that have contracted COVID-19 or been in contact with someone that tested positive will have to isolate anywhere from 10 to 14 days under Tech’s return to campus plan. Some students that were affected by the COVID-19 virus right before the semester began had to start classes virtually. Kaylee Selby, a senior public relations major, spent her first week online. “I like in-person classes most of the time, but right now online is what is working best for the situations,” she said. Technology proved to be the biggest struggle for Selby and her professors starting out. “When I started last week, since it was the first week in class, there were lots of flaws with it. Whether it be it not being in the classroom or the professor not
understanding it,” she said. “I think the university was pretty prepared, like 90%, just had a few kinks to get out which was to be expected,” Selby said. Selby was able to return to campus Aug. 31, but like many students, the majority of her classes are hybrid courses or completely online because of the social distancing precautions professors and the university are taking. Tech’s return to campus policy states that anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least 10 days and be without fever for 24 hours. Students that have come in close contact with someone that tested positive must self-isolate for 10-14 days, depending on their own test results. To find out more about when to self-isolate and the university’s return to campus policies go to tntech.edu/return.
Cookeville mask requirements Coffee Shops Starbucks SoulCraft
Broast Tennessee Coffee Roasters Poet’s Coffee and Poet’s South Dunkin Donuts Cream City Ice Cream and Coffee House Grocery Stores Kroger Walmart Food Lion ALDI Publix Save A Lot Sam’s Club
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News
September 8, 2020
Page 5
Black Lives Matter at Tennessee Tech ANA PENA-VELASCO Reporter
Say their name: Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor. Countless victims have lost their life due to racial discrimination. Dr. Robert Owens, assistant vice president for student affairs, encourages all Tech students to live by the ancient proverb that says, “a soft answer turns away rift, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Charria Campbell, multicultural affairs director, encourages Tech students to take a stand. “People in college, this is y’alls time to step up to the plate . . . you all can be the change that you want to see as long as you’re willing to stay the course, stay the race, and be able to speak out, speak up, become advocates for each other, for this campus, and this community,” said Campbell. The Black Lives Matter organization was created on July 13, 2013 in protest of incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against black people. “I think it’s an organization that is trying to do some great things, and bring awareness to a lot of this racism and injustices
OWENS
that are happening in our country,” Campbell said. Recent incidents that have occurred in this country involving black lives like George Floyd, a 46-year-old man, who was aggressively pinned to the ground while being arrested on May 25, 2020 after allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Also, with the most recent event involving Jacob Blake, a 29-year- old father, now paralized after being fired at seven times by Wisconsin police during an arrest. Dr. Owens expressed concerns he has heard from fellow black students. “I think one of the things that I’ve noticed is, not necessarily a lot of negative responses from the white student population,
but more of a response of concern from the black student population,” he said. “I’ve seen some fear, I’ve seen some frustration, I’ve seen some fatigue from black students where they have said, ‘you know I’m just tired of seeing these things happen.’ So that’s where a lot of my focus has been, making sure that black students are comfortable at Tech, and that they’re growing and thriving here,” said Owens. With each protest, violence rises, according to BBC News, a man was shot dead in Oregon as a large procession of supporters of President Trump clashed with BLM protesters in Portland on Aug. 30, 2020. According to the Statesmen News Network, 1,000 police officers were injured, 36 people were killed and about 8 billion in damage happened during the BLM protests. Both Campbell and Owens voiced an opinion about violence being used as a solution by some individuals. “I think what happened with George Floyd was different from other situations is that we watched this man pretty much go through what he went through with the police force, and kinda suffer at the hands of
another human being live on tv,” said Campbell. “So, I get where that came from, but do I say violence is the solution, no. But I think it created a wakeup call that this nation has to have, and that the world ended up seeing. And, now we have true support behind us to try and change how it is we treat people.” Dr. Owens did not agree with violence being used as a method of protest. “I think protesting peacefully can get attention, boycotting businesses, where business owners are on a large-scale boycott. Those things get the attention of those who have money and make decisions,” said Owens. Campbell expalined it is vital for all of us to get to know one another, to have deep and meaningful conversations, and work together to elimnate racial discrimination. “We got to stand on the shoulders of Martin Luther King, John Lewis, and leaders who made a mark, and gave their life for the movement. Know who you are, accept who you are, embrace it, so that you can learn how to embrace everybody else, and be able to have those great conversations,” Campbell said.
The show must go on Tech pantry feeding those in need MICHAELA CRAWFORD
Reporter
COVID-19 is limiting but not stopping Tennessee Tech’s theatre department with classes and performances. “It’s going to be a very challenging year,” said Mark Creter, theatre department director. “No doubt about that. We can only safely seat 32 people in the playhouse, so we actually are having classes, more classes than usual.” Creter and Jeff Kean are actually sharing Intro to Theatre classes and Prudence Van Aalten is teaching Monday and Wednesday classes in the playhouse to keep the limit of 32 people in the area at one time. Creter says that they are having the fall production, “Gross Indecency”, which was supposed to be performed in the spring. “For the most part I’ve been able to maintain the cast, so our plan is to start rehearsal in two weeks, and run the show early November,” says Creter. “Even though we can only perform for 32 people a night, I want us to do the show.” On the teaching side of the theatre department, Eleni Fragopoulos is still adjusting to COVID-19 life. “The main thing we all discussed as a group is we felt that it was important to see you
guys in person,” Fragopoulos said, “because obviously theatre, there’s a connection to the audience so we still want to to keep that also in a classroom situation.” “The theatre teachers tried to find classrooms large enough or use the Backdoor Playhouse to fulfill what they wanted to do for their classes,” said Fragopoulos. The teachers all have to share the space and have a meeting one day, then a Zoom meeting the other day. “Unfortunately, what’s happening with some of the projects is we are having to adjust them and do new projects and change it up a little bit because of the restrictions of having groups of people doing things,” said Fragopoulos. “We decided that this will be a whole other aspect that the students will be able to incorporate into their everyday life, and hopefully help them in the future, and still learn a little bit about theatre,” she said. TTU Tech Players is having a “meet & greet” for newcomers who want to join on Sept. 17th at 4 p.m. in front of the Backdoor Playhouse. All are welcome. For more information about TTU Tech Players, visit their page on Facebook or their Twitter @TechPlayers_TTU.
photo by Michaela Crawford Pictured is Tech’s Backdoor Playhouse with COVID-19 guidelines in place.
photo by Richard McMeans Michelle Huddleston helps team up groups of students with Second Harvest.
RICHARD MCMEANS
Reporter
Tech Food Pantry in the works of joining forces with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN. Tech’s campus food pantry is constantly trying to find ways to improve their assistance to those struggling to feed themselves or their families. They have had continued success since their establishment in 2012, but shy away from being content with their success up to date. They recently made connections with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, another great source of assistance for those who fight to solve hunger issues. They look to provide one central distribution center for groups that share the same common goal. The reason Tech’s campus food pantry is seeking partnership with the organization is that Tech’s mission statement correlates alongside theirs. Tech’s campus food pantry is looking to raise awareness of hidden hunger on all college campuses, establish and sustain a network of food acquisition, storage, and distribution at Tech to alleviate hunger among our campus community. Second Harvest would be a great new source of food acquisition for the pantry as they already serve 46 counties currently in TN including Putnam county to two other food banks locally. According to secondharvest-
midtn.org, through 87, 199 volunteer hours they have managed to supply 670,000 pounds of food per week which has amounted to 31 million meals being provided to neighboring counties, and 96 cents of every dollar earned goes straight to feeding programs. The decision is currently sitting at the desk of the Business Offices Vice President of Finance, Dr. Stinson, and upon her approval, the operation can commence between the two pantries. “They have not received word from administration as to whether the application from this program has been approved and have no knowledge of its likelihood of it being accepted.” Catherine Wallace, assistant to the Vice President said. In the meantime, Mrs. Michelle Huddleston, Tech Food pantry coordinator, has begun putting together teams of students to help with the process. The students will work pickups on Friday mornings, meeting the Second Harvest team in the designated drop zone to gather all the fresh and nutritious foods for the students. Foods such as milk, cheese, bread, meats, yogurt, canned goods are distributed as well as produce, one of their highest quantities of goods distribution, with 10 million pounds of fresh produce, is provided to those in need according to secondharvestmidtn.org. This will add a surplus amount of goods for the Tech food pantry.
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Sept. 8, 2020
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Sports Q & A With Football Freshmen
Freshman CB Jyron Gilmore from Citra, FL shown above at football camp. KAILEE MEANS
Reporter
For a few weeks now we have been wondering what the decision on letting college football play was going to be. Some conferences have agreed to play football and others have cancelled their 2020 fall season. All of these decisions to play or not have been caused due to COVID-19. The Ohio Valley Conference has decided to postpone the 2020 football season. Here at Tennessee Technological University we are a part of the OVC. Imagine all the players bummed out or even mad about not being able to play. The publication sat down and talked to two freshman football players here at the university and got their insight on some
Q: A:
What are some of your thoughts coming to Tennessee Tech as an athlete?
“You know generally freshmen have a hard work load. I’d say generally probably just because they are not used to the flow of things. So I was kind of expecting that, and with COVID it’s just been a little different than I expected. Overall it’s been pretty good, nothing too unbearable.” - Isaac Cross “It felt pretty good because it was something that I always dreamed of, always wanting to go to college and play football. When I found that opportunity it was kind of surreal to be honest” - Jyron Gilmore
Q: A:
Freshman OL Isaac Cross from Smithville, TN shown above at football camp.
What were some of your first thoughts when you heard the OVC postponed the season?
“At the beginning some of the bigger conferences were cancelling like the BIG 10 and we knew since they were cancelling we would probably either postpone, cancel, or do something. We were just waiting, and we were the last conference to make a decision. They ended up postponing and honestly I would [have] loved to play this fall, but I’m just trying to take it as a positive thing and use this time as a freshman to learn the playbook and the pace of college athletics.” - Isaac Cross “It was kind of a bummer but I felt like our team needed it honestly. I feel like it will give us more time to bond together, get to know each other, build team chemistry, and also give us a longer time period to get better physically also.” - Jyron Gilmore
Q: A:
What are some of the CDC guidelines that y’all are using concerning practices?
“There are limitations to the number of hours and the types of practices that we are allowed to have, but we are working out and lifting throughout the week and we have some positional meetings and a little bit of work on the field.” - Isaac Cross
“In the weight room we can barely be next to each other, we have one workout partner. When we change our weights we have to pull our masks up. When we condition it’s kind of normal, but when coach talks to us and we’re in a huddle we have to pull our masks up. On the weekends and stuff we can’t party or nothing, we are not supposed to go to other people’s rooms and be in a room with a lot of people, because if one person gets COVID and everyone will get sent home.”- Jyron Gilmore
Q:
As a freshman do you think that you will see the turf at all within your freshman year?
A:
“That is the goal. I will definitely do my best to make sure that the guys that are starting right now get the best scout team. I want to work my hardest and just try to learn the play book like the back of my hand to where if Coach Johnson sees that I should be in there playing then that’s what I’ll do” - Isaac Cross “I believe in the springtime the OVC will make a schedule for us to be able to play, but if not I think we will definitely play next fall for sure. I think that I have a high chance of playing as a freshman personally.” - Jyron Gilmore
Seth Speaks Volumes
Stop 2020 Sports Before It’s Too Late 2020 Football should be canceled during a global pandemic. The cost of working hard for a sport does not outweigh the cost of getting a virus like COVID-19. COVID-19, according to tn.gov, began in Tennessee when the State Health Operations were activated. This was a big influence on healthcare, jobs and sports alike. Unknowing of what this virus could accomplish at the time, it was best for everything to close for quarantine. The media and general public have begun to become more comfortable with the idea of the virus now as businesses and sports begin to open back up. However, there are still people who continue to be affected by this virus such as DeWayne “The Rock” Johnson, according to The New York Times. Not every organization will be enforcing the rule of testing for coronavirus each week. The New York Times expressed their concern by saying that, “While some campuses are testing athletes for the coronavirus multiple times per week, others are
testing only players who exhibit symptoms.” Without the correct ways to test and make sure everyone would be safe during this pandemic, there is no way that everyone would be. It would be difficult to make sure everyone followed the correct procedures at every time of the day. Testing is not always correct either. ESPN stated how there were “77 false-positive results from 11 teams” which leads to confusion, frustration and fear. If someone were positive, it will be hard to know if these fake tests are showing true results. ESPN shared their fear of “had that happened during the regular season, none of the players involved would have had enough time to clear isolation before a typical Sun day afternoon kickoff.” The same would apply to college football. If people tested positive for the virus, everyone in the locker room would have been exposed. The SEC suggested to “limit competition to conference-only” which would allow less exposure and more flexibility. This, in
Seth Jones gives his opinion in every issue of The Oracle
theory, would help limit the traffic of people coming in; however, it does not remove the fact of how easily spread the virus is. Furthermore, this still allows the exposure of the virus if they choose to not follow the correct guidelines. At the end of the day, this virus is not a joke. Businesses and sports need to take it seriously by allowing everyone to quarantine and stay indoors until things start to become safe again.