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New track field University votes new officers, hosts its first senators meet P 16 P 10

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

VOLUME 95 ISSUE 24

Nepali Night: Culture, cuisine celebration

P 8

www.ulmhawkeyeonline.com

April 16, 2018

Federal minimum wage needs to be raised

P 5

Walk a Mile in

Her Shoes

UL System schools rally for higher education

P 7

Community marches to raise sexual assault awareness P 9

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

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April 16, 2018

BRIEFS d

CALENDAR Monday, April

16

Final date for making application for August degree

Tuesday, April

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Phi Epsilon Kappa Physical Therapy Panel from 6:30-7:30 p.m.in Walker 1-102 Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in ULM Quad Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Planting from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Bayou Park

Wednesday, April

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Up 'til Dawn T-shirt Sale for St. Jude from 11 a.m.- p.m. under SUB Overhang

Thursday, April

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Up 'til Dawn T-shirt Sale for St. Jude from 11 a.m.-1p.m. under SUB Overhang

Friday, April

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21 Savage Spring Concert at 8 p.m. in Fant-Ewing Coliseum

Saturday, April Autism Center Zumbathon Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Sunday, April 22 Earth Day

Ouachita Parish

Baton Rouge

Washington D.C.

Syria

Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes hit the Northeast Louisiana area Friday evening and caused major damage to some areas.

Near Calhoun, a tornado was spotted and reportedly caused damage to several homes and trees.

According to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff 's Office, residents reported trees down in that area and shingles blown off homes, but the National Weather Service had not confirmed a tornado in the area.

In Sterlington, a possible tornado blew right over the town.

But, the severe thunderstorm that did hit caused damage in local stores and businesses.

In Monroe, there was heavy rain and minor flooding in some areas.

On Tuesday, four students from ULM’s School of Humanities presented oral projects at the 5th annual LSU Discover Day, an undergraduate research and creativity symposium.

There were over 200 undergraduate presenters. Students attend LSU Discover Day to compete in the poster, oral presentation, or juried art show competition, all of which are judged

by LSU faculty, staff and doctoral students.

English majors Alison Brabham and Mary Hillman, psychology major Sachin Shrestha and history major Kaitlin Simpson were mentored by various ULM professors including Dr. Will Rogers, Dr. Ralph Brown, and Dr. Jana Giles.

After all the presentations, a keynote speech was given by Dr. Jesse Allison, an LSU assistant professor of Experiment Music & Digital Media.

There was also a reception.

President Donald Trump and his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, asked a judge to delay the civil lawsuit filed against Trump by adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This request comes after FBI agents raided Cohen’s home, office and hotel room for a criminal investigation Monday.

Trump and Cohen say the criminal case would implicate Cohen’s Fifth Amendment privilege against selfincrimination, if he were questioned in the Daniels case.

Daniels sued to undo a nondisclosure agreement she signed in 2016 to silence her about a sexual encounter she had with Trump 10 years earlier. Daniels also claims she was defamed by a statement Cohen issued in February that made her sound like a liar.

The judge agreed that Trump and Cohen had to have made their formal request by Friday, April 12.

The United States led airstrikes in a coordinated attack with United Kingdom and French allies against the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad early Saturday morning.

Late Friday evening, President Trump announced that he ordered the missile strikes which occurred at 4 a.m.

Saturday morning, precision missile strikes targeted three Syrian chemical weapons facilities: a scientific research center near Damascus, a chemical weapons storage facility west of Homs and a storage facility and command post near Homs. The three nations released a total of 105 missiles on the country.

Trump said the strikes were intended to deter the use of chemical weapons like the attack on civilians in the Syrian town of Douma last week.

Spring storms wreak havoc

4 students attend Trump, lawyer ask US, UK, France LSU Discovery Day for case delay launch attack

d

QUOTE

THE RESULTS ARE IN

“Everyone must correct his own self; this is something more difficult to cope with, but it is not impossible."

April 16 1956: 1st solar powered radios go on sale.

Bhumibol Adulyadej, former King Front page credits: Main photo by: Prajal Prasai Top sidebar courtesy: Prajal Prasai Bottom sidebar photo: Siddharth Gaulee Top left courtesy: Prajal Prasai Top right photo: ULM SGA Corrections: 1) Dr. Christopher Mapp is an associate communications professor. 2) "On campus work benefits many college students" was written by Biebek Chamlagain.

TODAY IN HISTORY

photo by Prajal Prasai Prospective Student Government Association representatives check the election results Thursday evening.

1959: NY Yankees unveil their 1st message scoreboard.

1982: Queen Elizabeth proclaims Canada's new constitution, thus ending British parliament's involvement in Canadian legislature.

1987: Michael Jordan becomes the second NBA player in history to score 3,000 points in a season.

1990: Supreme Court rejects appeal from mentally handicapped man Dalton Prejean and condemns him to death for murdering a Louisiana state trooper.

2003: Treaty of Accession is signed in Athens admitting 10 new member states to the European Union.

2007: Seung-Hui Cho kills 32 people and injures 23 others, before committing suicide at the Virginia Tech massacre.

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 3

State

Missing Claiborne Parish toddler unites community

Over a hundred community members gathered in prayer for missing 4-year-old Rondreiz "Junior" Phillips of Claiborne Parish.

The toddler has been missing since last Thursday.

Shiela Phillips, the mother of the missing boy, reported her son missing Thursday morning, April 5.

Phillips said the child was last seen playing in the yard near their home on Howard Road in Lisbon. Local, state and federal authorities have been searching for him for a week in the woods and surrounding waters.

The toddler was last seen wearing black and photo courtesy Louisiana State Police Facebook yellow rubber boots, a white t-shirt and blue

jeans.

The prayer vigil was organized in support of Phillips by a group of mothers who have experienced loss.

Savannah Dwair, one of the organizers of the event, said she organized the vigil to bring comfort to Shiela Phillips and to let her family know they have support.

In addition to law enforcement looking for the child, hundreds of community members have been searching the woods near the family's home, but Phillips said she does not believe her son is out there.

She believes her child was taken.

The Louisiana State Police issued a Level II

Student Life

Repertory Ensemble presents water dance

Fourteen members of ULM’s Dance Repertory Ensemble performed Saturday afternoon in National Water Dance 2018 around the ULM fountain. This was their second time in a row performing as the only Louisiana participants. Their first time being the only Louisiana participant was for National Water Dance 2016, which brought together 26 states and over one hundred institutions from professionals to preschoolers.

Their first time performing for the event was when it started in 2014.

The National Water Dance project was founded by Director Dale Andree. The event started as the Florida Waterways Dance Project in 2011.

This project united some of Florida's art institutions in simultaneous, site-specific performances, inspired by Flor-

BRIEFS

ida's unique waterways.

Andree wanted to deepen her commitment to the arts and the environment. She created National Water Dance, a biennial event that organizes dance artists and educators across America to inspire environmental awareness and action.

National Water Dance 2014 had over 1200 dancers, 80 institutions and 26 states participate including elementary school, middle school, high school, college and university dancers.

Even students from private studios and professional dancers participated.

Saturday’s performance was choreographed by the dancers and arranged by associate dance professor Tina Mullone.

It lasted approximately thirty minutes and drew a small photo courtesy ULM Photo Services crowd of Warhawk onlookers.

TECHNOLOGY: Chenoweth shows infrared screen to class.

Endangered/Missing Child Media Advisory on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for the missing child.

Since Wednesday, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's office has called off the public search but are continuing to privately search the area.

The FBI is offering $5,000 to anyone with information that will lead them to Rondreiz Phillips.

Rondreiz Phillips is described as a black male child with black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 3’ tall and weighs about 45 pounds.

Tips can be called into the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office at 318-927-2011 or 1-800-8102011.

Technology

Professors propel drone farming future

Drones aren’t only used for gaming and photography. At ULM, two professors have taken drone technology and turned it into a successful agriculture tool.

Dr. Paul Karlowitz, associate professor of aviation, and Dr. Sean Chenoweth, assistant professor of geosciences, are producing data that could potentially help farmers practice more accurate agriculture. This would help them save them time and money.

The size of the average farm has grown over the years. According to Dr. Chenoweth, it is difficult for farmers to know exactly what’s happening on all of the acreage at any one time. Farmers tend to choose the easiest route and treat all of their land with fertilizer and chemicals. Drones can make this process a lot easier.

Chenoweth uses an assortment of cameras attached to the drones to determine the health of the crop. One of the cameras

The Hawkeye Wants You!

reads infrared reflection.

When data from the camera is downloaded onto a computer, darker areas of the field indicate healthier plants. Another camera, which measures heat, can help a farmer determine the wetness of the soil across his fields, allowing he or she to make exact decisions on questions of irrigation.

Although this technology has proven time and time again that it can benefit farmers greatly, the technology just hasn’t taken off in Northeast Louisiana.

The biggest problem is a lack of money. And, the problem right after that is most farmers don’t have the time to study and take the Federal Aviation Administration test.

In time, this technology could become the next big thing in agriculture. But until then, ULM will continue to incorporate their drone research into the university’s agribusiness studies.

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 4

OPINION

HAWKEYE P.O.V. Louisiana education woes If a person works hard in school, they should be rewarded.

State funding for education has faced many setbacks here in Louisiana.

Higher education made cuts to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), a program of state scholarships for Louisiana residents. Recently, there has been talk of defunding TOPS altogether.

This would be a mistake.

Louisiana students deserve better. The state doesn’t value education the way it should. Louisiana has one of the lowest rankings in education, and it shows. Education has shown to promote state growth, a better economy and awareness of issues.

Some of us at The Hawkeye would not be able to afford college without the help received from TOPS scholarships and other financial aid. And, several other students are in the same boat.

We were told that if we made good grades and stayed in school, our opportunities afterward would be endless. What changed?

Bad economic decisions are what happened, and now students are left to suffer. When the state looks to cut programs, the first chosen are always education and health. And, we question why Louisiana isn’t successful compared to the other 49 states. Here’s the answer.

Instead of relying on standardized test scores to determine where the money goes, the state should actually invest in its schools. That means providing enough funding for teachers to buy adequate supplies for the classroom. Because more often than not, those supplies are coming out of the teacher’s wallet. How is that fair?

Teachers shouldn’t have to choose between getting a deserved pay raise or being able to provide the best education for their students.

Louisiana is a failing state because it does not value education enough.

Stubbs 131 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 Editor in chief - Ethan Dennis Co-managing editor design - Siddharth Gaulee Co-managing editor news - Alfonzo Galvan Co-managing editor news - KeEmma Everett Opinion editor - Raven Adcox Freestyle editor - Sisam Shrestha Photo editor - Prajal Prasai Sports editor - Jerimee Washington Writing coach - Kandace Moss Advertising director - CJ Nash 318-342-5453 ulmhawkeyead@gmail.com

The opinions expressed in personal columns are the opinions of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the editors, staff, adviser or the university.

Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Hawkeye’s editorial board, but not necessarily the opinions of the adviser or the university.

The Hawkeye (USPS #440-700) is published weekly except vacation, exam & holiday periods by The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209.

Annual subscription price is $15.00. Periodicals Postage Paid at Monroe, LA 71203.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hawkeye, 700 University Ave., Stubbs 131, Monroe, LA 71209-8832.

April 16, 2018

Emotional support animals benefit college students

How great would it be to bring your pet to stay with you on campus?

For many students, it is hard leaving a pet behind when going to college because of the emotional comfort pets bring us. At most universities, pets are not allowed to stay with their owners, but there are exceptions.

Emotional support animals are pets that can stay on college campuses and be brought into stores with their owners, because they provide a calming service that helps their owners in times of need.

Students who require emotional support often go through low mental stages such as anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Emotional support animals are also beneficial for people with more serious illnesses like seizures or chronic pain. It is one thing to talk to a therapist or counselor about your mental health challenges, but it is another to have your pet physically there with you, providing serenity and comfort.

Since pets can’t speak, they can’t judge like a neighbor would. Writer James Harriot says, “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” I agree with him.

I believe that animals understand the pain their owners go through. Pets can help restore a person’s

mood with unconditional love and care. I never thought about pets being necessary until I came to college.

College is filled with things that cause stress.

Multiple classes, endless homework, trying to maintain a social life and staying healthy are all things that make it harder for students to stay mentally stable. I’ve learned that some people do need pets in order to live normal, productive lives. We all go through hard times in life, but peace and happiness is the most important goal.

I agree with the students who need their support animals on campus with them. Students who don’t need that emotional support should not be allowed to bring their pets on campus, because it takes away the privilege for students who desperately need their emotional support animal.

I’ve seen “Snakes on the Plane” and because of this, I am horribly afraid of snakes. I believe the appropriate kinds of pets to bring on campus would be dogs, cats, birds and hamsters. My resident assistant (RA) has a cute little puppy assistant of his own who lives with him in the dorms. I appreciate animals more because of how happy he is when bonding with his pet. His dog helps to decrease his anxiety and any depressive thoughts he may go through.

I thought pets weren’t allowed on campus, that is, until I met my RA and his beautiful, black puppy.

Because I am aware of the conditions he is under, so the rare barking down the hall doesn’t bother me.

Sometimes I wish I could join in the fun with them.

Although it is a privilege to bring a pet on campus, it should not be abused by those who don’t need the emotional support. Remember, it is important to treat your pets as if they were human. They need love, affection and care just as much as we do. contact Kerrion Henry at henrykd@warhawks.ulm.edu

Faculty adviser Dr. Christopher Mapp 318 342 5454 mapp@ulm.edu Assistant director Kristin Nieman 318 342 5450 nieman@ulm.edu Feedback 318 342 5453 newsroom 318 342 5452 fax ulmhawkeye@gmail.com

Don’t agree?

Let us know!

Contact the writers or the editor at adcoxrv@warhawks.ulm.edu courtesy MCT Campus

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 5

OPINION

LOUISIANA MINIMUM WAGE TIMELINE

Raise the minimum wage already The first federal minimum wage of 25 cents an hour was introduced in 1938 during the Great Depression by former president Franklin Roosevelt.

Since then, it has changed a total of 22 times. In 2008, we saw the last raise of $6.55 to $7.25.

29 states, plus the District of Columbia, have raised the minimum wage higher than the suggested federal wage, which hasn’t gone up from $7.25 in almost ten years. For instance, California pays $13.50 per hour for minimum wage jobs.

Most states decide what the minimum wage should be based off of the consumer price index that is influenced by inflation.

In other words, states with better economies are more likely to raise the minimum wage.

And, unless we have a change nationwide, it is very unlikely that we will see a raise in the minimum wage for Louisiana.

Personally, I have never been able to work

graphics by Siddharth

and keep a minimum wage job.

After my first paycheck as a host, I looked into waiting tables, where I would receive tips, and other commission based jobs.

Because minimum wage is only $7.25, I have actually turned down several jobs offers.

Even in high school, the $200 checks I received bi-weekly was never enough for everything I needed.

Minimum wage jobs require minimum skills. The average full-time worker at a minimum wage paying job makes $15,080 yearly.

These jobs, like a cashier or fast food chains, are seen as occupations for teenagers and students. They may need money for gas, movie tickets or just extra cash.

These jobs aren’t meant to support your entire family and pay all of your bills. They are just jobs to help a kid get by.

Yet, we have people who choose to settle with these jobs instead of pursuing a real career or a trade.

Every day, we have people going the extra mile to go to universities and technical college with promises of degrees to ensure a good job that can support them.

The cost of living has increased a lot since way back when.

Now, your dollar doesn’t stretch like it used to, because things you need are more expensive.

If we raised the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 it wouldn’t be a drastic change in the budget. By raising the wage just a little it can help your dollar last a little longer.

A dollar raise may not seem like a lot, but it could give motivation to the unemployed citizen.

This would help increase economic activity, stimulate job growth and reduce the government welfare spending.

By increasing the minimum wage the percentage would roll over to those who already make above minimum wage.

From a small survey done in 2014, 53 percent of small business owners believe that with increased wages business would have an employment turnover.

Increased productivity and motivation from workers could also lead to higher customer satisfaction.

The current minimum wage is barely enough to afford everyday essentials and prevents many from having independent housing.

By raising this wage it could help decrease crime and school dropouts while furthering education. More money being made could be one less stress factor.

Increasing the wage can reduce poverty and create pay equality between genders in the work force. The economy does better when people are working. This is common sense.

The decline in the value of wage is one of the many reasons wage inequality exists.

A majority of Americans believe that increasing the minimum wage could eliminate these factors. contact Hope Stapleton at staplehr@warhawks.ulm.edu

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

NEWS

Starbucks receives facelift

by Raven Adcox

Jodie Faulk, a junior art major walked into Starbucks one day when she saw the construction. Faulk realized that ULM maybe replacing the awning in front of the University Suites dorm, which she thought was a great idea.

“I think it’s definitely not a bad idea to fix the awnings; they were pretty short and couldn’t protect many people from weather,” Faulk said.

“Hopefully, they will make the one in front of Starbucks extralong to have the tables in the shade.”

And, Faulk was right. Renovations are under way on the ULM campus.

Talk filled the air concerning obvious renovations near the University Suites dorm. Students were understandably curious and surprised by the construction, fearing Starbucks was getting replaced.

However, students can rest easy because that is not the case. The area surrounding the dorm is simply getting a “face-lift.”

“We are replacing the wooden canopy with a metal one, which will blend in with the roof of the library and University Suites-that maroon metal look,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Enterprises, Tommy Walpole.

The new awning will begin at the double door entrance to University Suites, next to La Capitol Federal Credit Union, and end after Starbucks. This will give students more cover from the everchanging weather. Louisiana is known for its fluctuating weather.

Just this semester, the ULM campus has seen snow storms, floodphoto by Prajal Prasai ing and tornadoes.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Starbucks awaits new store front.

The new awning will be made out of sturdier material and will

by KeEmma Everett

Data breaches affect billions

April 16, 2018

Facebook has recently been under fire after revealing around 87 million of its users’ privacy has been breached.

“Facebook as a company really should be more careful about who they let access the data in their system,” senior computer science major Steven Burrell said.

Facebook launched in 2004 and took the social media world by storm.

According to statista.com, Facebook is one of the top social networks and is home to over 2 billion monthly active users as of December 2017.

“I only use Facebook for class. It’s a necessity for my group projects,” Burrell said.

Facebook began notifying users when they realized the data analysis firm, Cambridge Analytica, used data collected by millions of Facebook users without their consent.

This has caused great concern because Cambridge Analytica was hired by President Trump during his 2016 election campaign.

The collected data tracked users’ personality traits, so that advertisers could create digital ads targeting users specifically.

be wider than the old one to help with the weather issue.

“Once the new canopy reaches Starbucks, it will widen out another four feet to provide a covered seating area with fans,” said Walpole.

Tyler Gerfers, the director for Chi Alpha Campus Ministry is excited about all of the changes coming to ULM. “I’m on campus every day, and Starbucks is definitely one of my go-to places,” he said.

Gerfers said that the renovations on campus have been “great improvements” and definitely help “meet the needs of students” looking to relax or take a break from studying.

The previous wooden awning was removed over spring break, “so as to not interfere with the students who live there and those who utilize the businesses on the first floor,” Walpole said. `The new and improved awning is being manufactured at this very moment. Installation will begin the Monday after graduation and should be completed just before the first PREP session this summer.

University Suites isn’t the only building getting an upgrade.

Renovations are taking place all over campus.

The Bayou Pointe Event Center, another one of ULM’s newest projects, recently opened for use. Brown stadium is in its final stages of renovation and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new Groseclose track Friday.

The ULM Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) began construction on its new building at the end of the Spring 2017 semester and looks forward to having more space for students to congregate. contact Raven Adcox at adcoxrv@warhawks.ulm.edu

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress and revealed that Facebook had been in communication with special counsel Robert Mueller’s office pertaining to the Russian meddling in the US election.

Republican senator, Ted Cruz questioned Zuckerberg about Facebook’s political bias.

Zuckerberg told Sen. Cruz that the company doesn’t regulate content and ads based on political bias.

Last September, Facebook turned over ads to the Senate and House intelligence committees that they sold to Russia.

The company was accused of sharing and promoting Russian propaganda through political advertising. Zuckerberg said one of his greatest regrets in running Facebook is that they were slow in identifying Russian interference in the 2016 election.

“It’s a little creepy knowing that we’re being fed specific information. Unfortunately, we believe what we read and it feels like we’re being controlled in a weird way. I try to be a stickler in fact checking things, but sometimes I don’t,” senior kinesiology major Eryn Robertson said.

One of the biggest data breaches included Yahoo in 2013. It was originally estimated that 500 million

users were affected. In 2017, Yahoo revealed that all three billion users had been compromised by hackers.

“I can understand people feeling violated, but if you have nothing to hide it shouldn’t matter,” sophomore business management major Denisha Peterson said.

Among the recent data breaches, Under Armour revealed their food and nutrition logging app, MyFitnessPal, suffered a data breach affecting 150 million accounts.

They became aware that during February an “unauthorized party acquired data associated with MyFitnessPal user accounts.”

The data breach included usernames, email addresses and passwords.

Payment methods weren’t affected because the information is collected and processed separately.

Since the data breach, Zuckerberg has issued an apology to users for not protecting their privacy and is willing to work with Congress to determine how to strengthen privacy standards.

contact KeEmma Everett at everetkn@warhawks.ulm.edu

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS: State Representative Kenny Cox swoons the crowd with a passionate speech.

PAGE 7

NEWS

photos by Siddharth Gaulee

Students rally in Baton Rouge UL system schools storm the lawn of the capitol building

by Alfonzo Galvan Students traveled to Baton Rouge in support of saving TOPS for higher education. As state representatives and senators hurried into the capitol building, students waited for their state leaders to address them at the University of Louisiana Systems’ “Day at the Capitol” rally.

The UL system is the governing body of nine public universities in the state of Louisiana.

According to their website, their institutions serve more that 90,000 students and award over 15,000 degrees annually. ULM is just one of many schools in the system.

“If we aren’t showing our support for the students and their future then who will,” said Emily Essex, director of Student Life and Leadership.

She stressed the importance of not just students but faculty, staff and alumni attending events like the one on Wednesday.

ULM arranged for busses to be ready to transport any willing students to the capitol and counted their school absences as excused.

Early Wednesday morning, a bus full of Warhawks departed from campus. Ace, the school mascot, was joined by members of the Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, cheerleaders, athletes and many other Warhawks.

“It was good to see so many students from all the universities in one place for a common goal,” said Madelynn Skipper, a freshmen communications major and cheerleader.

Skipper and the rest of the ULM bus arrived last to the event thanks to the long commute from Monroe to Baton Skipper Rouge.

A sea of various colors had taken over the state capitol’s lawn.

Over a thousand student were gathered at the Capitol and making their voices heard.

Students were fed jambalaya by the Nicholls State John Folse culinary institute and the University of New Orleans school of hotel, restaurant and tourism.

Entertainment came from various spirit groups from different universities.

While all this happened, the state’s leaders came and went throughout the day to speak to their constituents.

Louisiana resident students weren’t the only ones in attendance Wednesday. Sarthak Neupane, a junior math major and SGA senator from Nepal made the trip with his fellow Warhawks.

“It was very important for me to go down to Baton Rouge and support higher education. Even though I’m an international student and whether TOPS gets funded does not directly affect me, it affects the student body that I am supposed to represent as a Student Government Association member,” Neupane said.

Neupane has been elected CAB President for the upcoming school year and sees it as his duty to repre- Neupane sent the students who’ve made him feel at home ever since his first day on campus.

ULM President Dr. Bruno also made the trip down and mingled with other University presidents and statesmen.

A little past 1 p.m. the Louisiana State Governor, John Bel Edwards walked up to the podium. The crowd erupted in cheers, photographers took their positions and the governor addressed the crowd before him.

“We’re gonna give them a third chance,” said Edwards, referring to two prior unsuccessful attempts by the house and senate to pass a bill to fix the state budget problems.

The day ended with a collective group shot of all the students in attendance before everybody made the trip home. contact Alfonzo Galvan at galvana@warhawks.ulm.edu

FOCUSED HAWK: Among a sea of purple, Ace the Warhawk, stands out.

PAGE 8

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

April 16, 2018

FREESTYLE FREESTYLE

photos by Prajal Prasai

Nepali Night : A flight to Nepal

by Alfonzo Galvan

CULTURAL MIX: (TOP) Albina Gautam performs as Kumari, a Hindu living goddess at Nepali Night. (MIDDLE) Elizabeth Stephens (left) with her friend.

(BOTTOM) Attendees enjoy typical Nepali food.

Rule one of the unwritten rules of Nepali Night: You have to have a Nepalese present at your table. Rule two: Food first, questions later.

This past Saturday, the Nepalese Student Association (NSA) hosted their annual night of food, culture and performances. Nepali Night, as it’s called, is open to more than just the Nepalese students.

A wide range of students and members of the ULM community were present for a flight, as the host of the night referred to it as, to Nepal.

The flight to Nepal was a long one.

Luckily, entertainment was aplenty.

Among the many attendees were President Dr. Nick Bruno and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo.

“We believe in hospitality. We treat guest as best as possible. We see it as a blessing for guests to come. We like to share our happiness and joy.

It also happens to be our New Year today,” said Rex Acharya, a freshmen computer science major.

Acharya and other Nepalese students welcomed guests with a typi-

cal Nepalese greeting, “Namaste”.

The Sanskrit word translates to “salutations to you.”

The night began with the American National Anthem followed by the national anthem of Nepal.

Throughout the night various students, including non-Nepalese, put on different performances. There were at last five different music performances. Some students sang Nepali songs while others sang covers for English songs. In between the singing, the alternating roster of the night’s host talked and entertained the crowd.

Dancing is as big a part of Nepali Night as the singing. Attendees at the event were treated to four different dances throughout the night.

Some dances were solo, others were in groups. Food was a big part of Nepali Night as well. A variety of curries among other traditional Nepali food were offered at the buffet, however, the crowd favorites were the goat curry and the custard dessert.

Senior modern languages major Elizabeth Stephens has been regu-

larly attending the annual celebration for the past few years. Before bringing some of her American friends to the event this year, she made sure they knew the rules of Nepali Night. According to Stephens, the most important has always been “to have an open mind to any and everything you are about to experience.”

“I enjoy Nepali Night every year. I personally come to support my Nepali friends that I have made over the years,” Stephens said.

“I think it is special that they are able to share their culture with us through dances, songs, fashion, food and everything else.”

Nepali Night is the biggest event of the year hosted by the NSA. It is also one of the highest attended events at ULM, thanks to the ever-growing interest in the Nepalese culture. Having the biggest international student body on campus, the event has become a staple among international students on campus. contact Alfonzo Galvan at galvana@warhawks.ulm.edu

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 9

FREESTYLE

photos by Prajal Prasai

Annual march speaks for victims

TEAL WITH HEEL: Participants line up on the bayou bridge to begin “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”

Men swap sneakers for heels to fight sexual violence

by Kandace Moss

Timothy Perkins slipped on black heels, two sizes too small, and walked across the bayou bridge last Thursday. Senior kinesiology major, Perkins was among many men who walked at the third annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an international men’s march designed to advocate against sexual violence. In

recent years, men and women began to walk together in an effort to show support and solidarity for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

The ULM Femhawks and the Wellspring began the tradition three years ago.

Participants put on their favorite pair of heels, a teal boa and strutted, or struggled, down the bayou bridge and back to Bayou Park to honor victims of sexual related violence.

Perkins first participated in the walk last year after a friend asked him to do it. But, after listening to the vic-

32,000 Average number of rape and sexual assault victims annually in the US* tims’ stories, Perkins perspective on the event changed.

“I couldn’t wait for next year to do it again and maybe listen to more stories and see how they are living their lives with this struggle," Perkins said.

He specifically borrowed the heels

ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE: Participants share testimonies of sexual assault at the candlelight vigil after the march. *Statistics from Department of Justice

just to be able to join the march.

The motto for this year’s march was “embracing one’s voice.” Rafael De Castro, the director of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault strongly encouraged community members at the event to speak up for others whose voice is not always heard; especially in sexual assault cases. He stated that marginalized groups are the most common victims in sexual assaults.

Embracing one’s voice is hard, so sometimes other people have to step up to do it, people like Allison Comeaux.

The sophomore pre-nursing major has a few friends who were assaulted, and she thought it was important to support them during their healing process.

“I think it’s unfortunate that a lot of people aren’t able to or don’t feel comfortable talking about it,” Comeaux said.

De Castro’s speech was followed by testimonies from community members, FBI specialists in sexual assault and students. contact Kandace Moss at mosskv@warhawks.ulm.edu

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

April 16, 2018

NEWS Pharmacy School

Student Government

photo by Siddharth Gaulee

ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC: Governor John Bel Edwards promises students there will be no more budget cuts.

Money issues not only at ULM Governor says funding problem not specific to pharmacy graphic by Siddharth Gaulee

Ballot, votes are in for SGA

by Alfonzo Galvan Voting is a constitutional right, regardless of the election and regardless of the governing body.

That very right was recently given to the ULM student body.

ULM students voted on who they felt would best lead their campus in the next school year.

A total of 29 students were elected from their various colleges to lead their fellow Warhawks.

The fate of four other students remains in question as there will be a runoff election for secretary and one for treasurer.

Joey Walker, a junior risk management and insurance major has been voted Student Government Association president. contact Alfonzo Galvan at galvana@warhawks.ulm.edu

Alongside Walker, Cindy Ho, a junior biology major, will be the vice president of SGA. SGA is the governing body of students on campus.

They, together with faculty, help make major decisions regarding student life.

This semester, SGA unveiled a new dock on the bayou to accomodate more students.

Once a semester, they have a lunch with the president of the university.

At this meeting, they discuss some of the students concerns or requests from the school.

Recently, they spoke to President Bruno regarding the new Bayou Pointe Event Center and its fees on students.

by Alfonzo Galvan The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Doctor of Pharmacy program in the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School maintains its status of accreditation with probation.

It has been on probation since July 11, 2017.

The probation stems from four different standards; the program is either partial or noncompliant with these four.

One of the biggest problems stem from Standard 23, Financial Resources.

According to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education website, Standard 23 is defined as follows: The college or school has current and anticipated financial resources to support the stability of the educational program and accomplish its mission, goals, and strategic plan.

One of the programs biggest supporters recently came from Wednesday’s Universit of Louisiana System Day at the Capitol Event.

The Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards spoke to The Hawkeye, regarding the probation status of the school and the issues with financial resources and staff retention.

“Can you imagine that we’d lose the only public

pharmacy school in the state of Louisiana, because we aren’t paying our faculty enough so they can stay,” Edwards said.

According to the governor, these issues aren’t specific to just the pharmacy school or ULM. They are “across the board” meaning the problem is being faced by many other schools in the state.

“The turnover is much higher than we want it to be. We’re losing sometimes not just our best and brightest students, but many times, our best and brightest faculty members who are going to states where they are more committed to higher education than we have been here in Louisiana and that’s what we got to stop,” Edwards said.

Edwards also said there are two steps needed to avoid problems like the ones faced by the pharmacy school and in other schools across the state.

He blames almost a decade of “chronic underfunding and cuts” from the state to higher education as the cause of issues like the one faced by the pharmacy school.

“First, we stabilize higher education, which means we fund with no reduction built up from the previous year. Secondly, we gotta identify ways we can reinvest as we go forward,” Edwards said.

The accreditation of the pharmacy school lasts until June 30, 2022. The school has taken steps prior to their notification of probation to fix their issues at hand.

The governor recently announced there will be no budget cuts to higher education but the TOPS program many undergraduates use will not be fully funded.

contact Alfonzo Galvan at galvana@warhawks.ulm.edu

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 11

photo by Siddharth Gaulee

NEWS

photo courtesy ULM photo services

SAY CHEESE: Siddharth Gaulee and Prajal Prasai are all smiles as they review their hard work.

Photographers capture awards

by Alfonzo Galvan

It has been an award season to remember this year at The Hawkeye.

A total of 11 awards have been racked up by the paper’s staff.

Nearly half of the awards were won by The Hawkeye’s two main photographers.

Junior Siddharth Gaulee and sophomore Prajal Prasai are two communication majors who, between them, have split five awards this award season for their photography.

Gaulee is the current Art Director and former Photo Editor, Prasai moved up from a freelance photographer for The Hawkeye after working under Gaulee and is the current Photo Editor “Sid and Prajal are both so talented. It’s no wonder to me that they keep placing so high at these competitions. I’m really proud of each of them and excited about the work they do,” said

Kristin Nieman, assistant director of student publications.

Nieman like others around them haven’t been surprised by the success shared by both Gaulee and Prasai lately.

Most recently the duo won three awards in the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press and Media Editors award ceremony.

Prasai and Gaulee took the whole “Spot News Photos” category. Prasai also won first place in the “Sports Photo” category.

Before this most recent award, Gaulee won first place in an on-site photography competition in New York City’s College Media Association conference.

“It’s just extra motivation to work harder. It’s good to know we can go out and compete with anybody,” Gaulee said.

Prasai appreciates the opportunity to let his creativity flow and sees it as motivation to continue working hard.

“The joy of making your imagination and

idea come to life has been the greatest motivator for me. Also, getting the opportunities to meet new people and getting a chance to take a peek into their life always keeps me interested in photography,” Prasai added.

Although both photographers have a passion for their craft, none of them have actually taken a photography class.

Gaulee and Prasai rely on their mentors fto sharpen their skills.

“Since I have never taken a photography class, mentorship has been a huge part of my success. ULM creative art director for Srdjan Marjanovic and Digital Media Editor Emi McIntyre have played a crucial role in my growth,” Gaulee said.

Prasai mentions the same mentors as Gaulee but added his fellow photographer to his list of mentors.

“They have helped by giving the most productive and helpful critiques, and by providing materials and guidance whenever needed,”

Prasai said.

Other than their senior photographers both agree on one more person as a great supporter.

The two friends from Nepal don’t plan on stopping with their photography anytime soon.

Both plan on going to graduate school after completing their undergrad studies but they differ on career choices.

Prasai plans to continue photography in any way possible.

Gaulee says he will continue taking pictures but plans to become a professor like his father one day, except he wants to teach in the digital media field.

Gaulee and Prasai credit their success to the people around them.

They both agree the best advice they can give to aspiring photographers is to just get out there and keep shooting. contact Alfonzo Galvan at galvana@warhawks.ulm.edu

PAGE 12

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

April 16, 2018

FREESTYLE

Local events this week

Sip n Spin- Vinyl night at photos by Siddharth Gaulee

A BIT OF CHARITY, A BIT OF COMPETITION: (LEFT) Attendee bids on a gift basket at Up ‘til Dawn’s ‘Silent Auction.’ (RIGHT) Luke Prejean shows off the ULM football hat that he bid on.

‘Silent Auction’ raises funds for research hospital

Flying Tiger Flying Tiger is bringing out the vinyl and draft beers this Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Josh Madden will be playing all time favorite vinyl records to keep you entertained throughout the evening.

by Sisam Shrestha Competitiveness was at its peak as bidders gathered for the annual ‘Silent Auction’ last Friday. The auction was hosted by ULM Up ‘til Dawn to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Attendees frequently went around the room, checking to see if they had been outbid by anyone.

The auction featured a signed football from Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach and ULM alum, Doug Pederson. Bid for the football started at $75 and was sold for $315 to Trey Bearb, a history senior.

“I only bid on it twice, but I kept walking back and forth all night to see if anyone else outbid me. When they called last call for bidding, I didn’t move away from the football,” Bearb said.

Some people attended the event to win the bids while others, like Sarah Cheathem, came because of the bond they shared with the research hospital.

Cheathem’s friend was treated at St. Jude when they were little. Although not in the executive board, she frequently helps the organization raise funds for the hospital. She started her bids on one of the game sets.

“I probably will bid more because I get very competitive,” said Cheathem, a biology junior.

Star- Gazing party at Black Bayou Ouachita Valley Astronomy League will be bringing out their telescopes this Friday to celebrate International Dark Sky Week. The event starts at 8 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. and is free to everyone.

CHAMPION APPROVED: A Doug Pederson- signed football at the Up ‘til Dawn ‘Silent Auction.’

Most of the items at the auction were donated by surrounding businesses. According to Luke Prejean, the executive director for Up ‘til Dawn, the auction allowed the organization to reach out to the community and interact with donors.

“We had a lot of outside donors this year. But we also had a bunch of really great contacts through the school connecting us to outside sources. We had very good base, both on community and on campus,” said Perjean, a business administration junior.

Although the attendance was affected by degrading weather, bids were in no way short. Attendees were constantly bidding for their friends, who couldn’t attend, through the phone.

Some of the most sought-after items were the ULM football hat and signed softball merchandises. The football hat was auctioned for $300 whereas Emily Essex, the director of Student Life and Leadership, won the bid for a Jennie Finch- signed poster and softball glove.

“I bid on all the Jennie Finch softball stuff. I love softball and she’s one of my favorite players,” Essex said.

According to Essex, the items at the auction clearly showed the passion and effort put in by the members of Up ‘til Dawn.

Among the other items for bid were handmade cigar box guitars, fishing rod, ULM athletic gears and gift coupons. contact Sisam Shrestha at shrests8@warhawks.ulm.edu

‘Ritas on the River The much awaited ‘Ritas on the River is happening this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Braiz’n, Copelands of New Orleans, Warehouse No.1 and many others will be competing for the ultimate “Best Margarita” title. Entrance is $25 and is for 21 and above only.

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

Crossword

You need to spice things up. If you and your honey have a boring bedroom routine, inject some new elements into the equation. Uranus says it’s time to explore your playful and inventive side. Creativity is the key to make things fun again.

7 Ciao relatives 8 Certain brogue 9 Court groups 10 19-Down, e.g.: Abbr.

11 Inebriate 12 Between, to Berlioz 13 Extremely shocked?

19 World Cup chant 24 Key of Pachelbel’s Canon: Abbr.

25 River through northern France 26 Ones who are retiring 29 Like-minded 30 Cherishes 31 Vital components 32 Conditional word 33 Turns red, perhaps 37 Used to buy 38 Pungent, for example 40 Request for more 41 Pittances 42 Jazz singer O’Day

43 “Cold Mountain” hero 44 Lofty 45 Coin first minted under Louis IX 49 Against 50 Court event 59 Org. in Tom Clancy novels

Libra Don’t worry so much about what other people think about you. The sun opposite your sign could mess with your sense of identity, causing you to question your self-worth. You’re a fabulous being, and don’t let family, co-workers or lovers convince you otherwise.

Scorpio

You and your honey are experiencing a good flow these days. Venus is generating feelings of compatibility and trust. If you’re single, you’re enjoying spending time with a variety of friends and celebrating a time in your life when you can simply be you.

You’re in a cozy, domestic mood, thanks to Jupiter. You’ll want to play house with someone. Even if you can’t cook, try making a simple, tasty meal for your sweetheart at home. Pretty up your home in simple and inexpensive ways.

Mercury, your planetary ruler, has finally gone direct. Things should start to flow better for you.

If you’ve been playing phone tag with somebody important, you’ll finally reach that person. If you’ve been trying to schedule a hot date, there will be room on the calendar.

39 Undeveloped areas 41 Title bout, say 46 Reminder of an old flame?

47 Purity 48 First name in rap 51 “Sleepy Hollow” director 52 One of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” 53 Abbr. for the nameless?

54 Rocky heights 55 Small change 56 Judicious 57 Weapon of yore 58 “Grumpy Old Men” actor Davis Down 1 King’s Cross and others: Abbr.

2 Mozart title starter 3 Obliquely 4 Gun site 5 Easy-to-miss miss 6 Last of an annual trio

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Taurus

Gemini

Across 1 It’s a bluff 6 Let it all out, perhaps 10 “Yeah, what-evs” 14 Kit and kaboodle 15 She plays Jackie on “Nurse Jackie” 16 “99 Luftballons” band 17 Taqueria adjective 18 Tongue specialists?

20 Six-Day War setting 21 Target, say 22 Prince Valiant’s heir apparent 23 Beat on “Survivor” 24 Superstitious admonition 27 Laborer on the move 28 Crushed, as a spice 34 Obliquely 35 Without serious consideration 36 “Yikes!”

38 Considerable

FREESTYLE

Horoscope Aries

PAGE 13

Cancer You could find yourself dealing with people who are more aggressive and bossy than you are. Instead of withdrawing, Mars is inspiring you to stand up for yourself. If your partner is acting out of line, clearly state your needs and desires in the situation.

Sagittarius Sometimes you like to procrastinate too much, but the sun is reminding you to take care of certain important things now. Maybe you really need to talk with your honey about something. Find a loving way to open up and clear the air.

Capricorn You could feel a clash between your personal and professional life. You’ve been spread pretty thin lately, working hard but also trying to be there for all the people you care about. The moon is encouraging you to reconsider how you are spending your time and energy.

Leo

Aquarius

You’re bursting to tell somebody something this week as communicator Mercury floods you with energy. Maybe you’ll talk in a creative setting, like at amateur night at a comedy club. Or perhaps you’ll invite friends out for drinks and share your latest adventures.

Tempers are likely to flare around you this week, thanks to Mercury. People around you could lose their cool. Try not to get swept up in those feelings of negativity. Avoid taking on other people’s toxicity and maintain a positive attitude.

Virgo As an Earth sign, you’re very goal-oriented. You like to check things off of your to-do list and keep everything organized. But relationships are messy, untidy things. And right now, you and your partner are headed into uncharted waters. Venus says hold on.

Pisces You’re growing fonder of someone as a tender moon puts you in a romantic mood. If you’re single, you might focus on dating somebody new. If you’re in a relationship, you and your honey could experience a pleasant second honeymoon type of feeling.

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

PAGE 14

April 16, 2018

SPORTS

Softball looks for a strong finish to end of their season

Tristan McGowen

LET’S TALK: Head coach Keith Richard talks to his players about how to run the next play.

photo courtesy ULM athlertics

New recruits should help the program Kris Albert I had an earlier article highlighting the excellent senior class that ULM basketball had this year. Lance Richard, Jordan Harris, Marvin Jean-Pierre and Sam McDaniel helped lay an amazing foundation that can be built upon.

Of course, returning stars Michael Ertel and Travis Munnings (who will be a senior next season) look to provide the same if not more next season. However, ULM has made some solid additions to the lineup as well.

Jontray Harris, a graduate transfer from Oral Roberts, averaged a solid 5.9 points and 4.2 rebounds. Harris is a guard and will look to complement Ertel.

Over his last 12 games, he scored nine points per game along with six rebounds, improving his numbers down the stretch.

ULM added another guard Jalen Hodge, who attended O’Fallon High School in Illinois. Hodge was named fourth-team all-state as a senior by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA).

Jalen was also first-team All-Southwestern Conference.

Averaging 20.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists a game, Hodge is a threat on the court. He posted four 30-point games in

his senior year as well.

Andre Washington is a forward who last played for Hill College in Texas. He was able to average a double-double last season (12 points and 10 rebounds) and helped the junior college to a 21-9 record.

Washington was able to score double figures in 23 of 30 games.

Washington has the scoring and rebounding ability of Jean-Pierre.

Hopefully, Washington can fill the void left behind by the former Warhawk star.

Tyree and Youry White also look to help fill the empty space at the forward spot. Tyree White last played at Moberly Area Community College (Missouri) and helped the team lose only ten games the last two seasons. He averaged seven points and five rebounds after recovering from an injury.

Youry White earned All-Region XXIII and All-MJCAC honors after putting together a solid season at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Mississippi).

White averaged 13 points and nine rebounds as a sophomore, scoring double figures 22 out of 24 games. Helping win the MJCAC South title, White shot a solid 51 percent from the floor. Tyree and Youry look to add to ULM’s wing depth.

Last but not least is Javien “JD” Williams, who signed in November. Attending Tallahassee Community College (Alabama), Williams earned first-team All-Panhandle Conference honors as a sophomore.

He leads the team in scoring (16.8 points per) and was able to increase his scoring in the Panhandle Conference games (20.8 points).

The new additions look to help and fill holes left by the seniors.

These players all bring versatility and scoring ability.

Adding them to an already talented roster only strengthens the hope that ULM can once again experience March Madness. contact Kris Albert at albertkx@warhawks.ulm.edu

Dominating the Sunbelt leaderboards, the Warhawks softball team has been on fire lately. Winning seven of their last 10 games, ULM has pushed their record to 22-16 on the season after their 13-1 victory against the South Alabama Jaguars.

ULM now sits in fifth place in the SunBelt standings, only one game behind UTA and five behind ULL. Conference play has hindered the Warhawks though. With a 9-8 conference play record, they will have to perform in their three remaining conference series to make a push for the top spot. But this year’s team is a scoring machine and equipped with all the tools to pull out a big year for this program.

The Warhawks currently hold four of the top five spots on the Sun Belt runs scored leaders list and can be found all over the leaderboards for batting average, hits and even stolen bases. Junior outfielder, Sydney McKay, seems to be everywhere you look on these leaderboards.

She leads the Sunbelt in hits with 57 as well as having the best batting average in the conference at .407. McKay also ranks among the top five in stolen bases, runs scored and total plate appearances. Her big bat has been essential for the team as she has contributed for 28 of the Warhawks total runs batted in this season.

The Warhawks have been so hot lately that the fans and students alike have taken notice. Game attendance has been up this season as compared to last season and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon.

The high energy from the team is intoxicating as they seem to never lose hope, even in the deepest of situations. McKay isn’t the only one the fans come out to support though.

Freshman infielder Jayden Mount has also made a massive impact on this year’s squad. Mount ranks among the top five in five categories this season, including on-base percentage, batting average and most doubles in the Sun Belt conference with nine.

The ULM Warhawks softball team has 16 more games before the SunBelt Conference Championship kicks off in early May. With the Texas State Bobcats currently boasting a 30-8 record, including staying undefeated in conference play at 11-0, they lead the Sun Belt in regular season play by a long shot.

With first place looking out of reach for ULM, the Warhawks will have to fight for a second or third place spot to finish the regular season in. They will need to perform well in their three remaining series with conference rivals to boost their fifth place rank.

The Warhawks won’t face an easy task though as they kick off the first of the final three conference series with the number one ranked Texas State Bobcats. The first game of the series will get stated on Saturday April 21 at 1 p.m. in the contact Tristan McGowen at mcgowetk@warhawks.ulm.edu

April 16, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

SWING IT IN : Freshman Max Catherine sends the ball down the fairway.

PAGE 15

SPORTS

photo courtesy ULM athlertics

Men’s golf on the right track

by Kris Albert

ULM will play in the Old Waverly Intercollegiate Championship (OWIC) in the final regular season tournament of the season.

After finishing seventh in the Gary Koch Invitational, ULM looks to improve. Steven Fisk led the way at the last tournament finishing a solid three-under 69 on the final day.

The men’s team has been on a steady incline throughout the season. With multiple top ten finishes the team looks to continue climbing uphill. Hogan Arey, Brady Price and Jao Girao have arguably been the leaders of the team.

They have the best finishes on the team and pretty good averages as well.

Although ULM has multiple top ten finishes, they have not been able to win too many tournaments this season.

They look to not only finish top 10 once again, but take home the championship.

Being the last tournament of the regular season gives the OWIC more importance for ULM. The Warhawks last won at the Mystic Creek Match Play Championship back in March. Ending the season on a high note is the focus of the team.

Winning this championship may give them momentum go-

ing into the playoffs.

Mississippi State University will be hosting the OWIC, to be held in West Point, Mississippi. The tournament tees of Monday and will last through Tuesday.

The Warhawks are one of 15 teams aiming for a tournament win.

Thirty-six holes will be played Monday followed by the final 18 Tuesday.

Six teams are ranked among the top 100 ranked in light the tournament. LSU at and number 20 South Florida lead the pack.

contact Kris Albert albertkx@warhawks.ulm.edu

photo by Prajal Prasai

NEW BEGINNINGS: ULM President, faculty and alum cut the ribbon for the new stadium.

ULM’s new facility excites community Groseclose Track and field unveiled to the public

by Jerimee Washignton

President Nick Bruno and other campus administration held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new Groseclose track and field complex, but Brown Stadium is not limited to the track team.

The soccer team will also host games there at night instead of in the blistering heat of the day.

Other amenities include a kitchen where players can make snacks and meals. This will be a full experience for the soccer team.

Also, there will be a film room that fits 33 players.

The team will host TCU in their first game of the 2019 season. Having a new video room and a new locker room will be a huge recruiting booster.

Playing night games and training under lights will benefit our players and their families said soccer head coach Keyton Wheelock “That really helps our recruiting

process and we’re excited about it,” Wheelock said.

Among the people at the ceremony was Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. This will be a huge impact on the university and in addition to that, the entire parish and northeast Louisiana region.

“We will have an opportunity to have more track events, soccer events and an enhanced facility that will be the best in the state,” Mayor Jamie Mayo said.

“I commend Dr. Bruno and A.D. Nick Floyd and everyone associated with this project,” Mayo said.

He was a former basketball player at ULM from 1975-79. During the 1978-79 season he helped ULM to its first-ever postseason appearance.

That was after winning the Atlantic Sun and making it the NIT. Mayo played point guard and led the team in assist for three consecutive season.

He ranks second all-time in assist with 370; he is 28 shy of Larry Saulters.

Track and field head coach J.D. Malone was thrilled about the new facility for the athletic program. The team is very excited.

This will have an impact on training to have a nice facility to accommodate or players and make sure they get the best experience here at ULM,” Malone said.

The final phase is expected to be completed by the end of July 2018.

contact Jerimee Washington at washinjd@warhawks.ulm.edu

PAGE 16

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

April 16 2018

SPORTS

photos by Prajal Prasai

RUN AND GLIDE:Freshman Jacelyn Garrett-Martinez in mid-season form while hurdling.

Groseclosebackinaction ULM hosts first track and field event at new stadium

by Jimmon Felton

This weekend history was made as ULM hosted its first track meet since 2013 with the Warhawk Classic.

The Warhawk Classic included Grambling, Southern Miss, Southern Arkansas, La Tech, Alcorn, Northwestern St. and McNeese St. The meet kicked off with the honoring of the team’s nine seniors who were Alton Clay, Brice Chaney, Dominique Allen, Bailie Cunningham, LaPorcha Griggs, Devyn Hosby, Jemal Parharm, Kyle Weiss, and Josie Wood.

It was a big deal for the seniors, who has a couple of years ago, did not have expectations of ever running at a home meet.

The day was not one for hosting a track meet it was windy and rainy.

The sun peaked out but only for a minute

to give false hope to those who were in attendance.

The times of the running were not what you would have expected. Not all of the runners were affected by the weather with Eric Hawkins winning the 400 (49.41).

LeVaugh Battick in the 110 hurdles (14.45) in a race where his heat had to run again because the hurdles were not set up properly and Elias Keter in the 1500 (4:07.08).

The field showed that the weather was not a problem. In the javelin, ULM had three top five finishes with Cole McKnight taking first overall with a throw of 195 feet 11 inches, Mason Nichols and Austin Walker finished fourth and fifth respectfully.

Jemal Parharm kept his jumping dominance at hand winning the long jump with a jump of 24 feet and seven inches.

In the shot put Kyle Weiss , Micah Dye and Alton Clay all finished top 5.

In the discus toss ULM almost won the event with Alton Clay finishing second and Kyle Weiss finishing fourth.

Alton Clay won big in the Men’s Hammer Throw with a toss of 207 feet seven inches, Micah Dye and Christopher Brinkley finished in the top 10 of the event.

Freshman Hayden Holloway took third in the women’s hammer throw with a PR toss of

153 feet, two inches.

“Well, I am disappointed in my performance not with the placing, but the numbers.

I’m definitely building as the season progresses. The big one is coming,” Clay said.

“The meet was a good experience. Our stadium is a work in progress but we made the absolute best of it, said sprinter Jacelyn Jaden Garrett-Martinez.

The team as a whole competed well despite the conditions, and it was the most fun I have had with my teammates,” said Garrett-Martinez The next track meet will be on April 21at LSU for the Alumni Gold meet. The meet is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

After the Alumni Gold meet, the Warhawks will head to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to compete at the Southern Miss open.

The meet is scheduled for Saturday April 28.

Next, the Warhawks willl get to showcase their talents at the Sun Belt championship that will be held in San Marcos , Texas.

It will be a three day event last from Friday May 11 through Sunday May13.

The NCAA tournamentt is schedueled for Wednesday June 6 through Saturday June9. contact Jimmon Felton at feltonjj@warhawks.ulm.edu