02 13 15

“I am not just one thing, and neither are you.”

-Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox, “Orange is the New Black” star and transgender activist visited Cox Auditorium Wednesday night to discuss her story and how communities can be more welcoming toward transgender people. >>See page 2

Editorial: How can we help our trans friends?

By listening. >>See page 6 Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon

Volume 128 Issue 26

utdailybeacon.com @utkdailybeacon

Former Vol football player indicted in fall sexual assault case Hayley Brundige News Editor

Bradi Musil Assistant News Editor Former UT football defensive back Michael Williams was indicted on a rape charge by a grand jury Thursday following an investigation by the Knox County District Attorney. It has not yet been confirmed whether former UT linebacker A.J. Johnson, also accused in the case, has been indicted on the same charge.

David Eldridge, the attorney representing Williams, told the Daily Beacon that Williams was released from Knox County Jail on a $40,000 bail.

“The presentment was returned charging Williams with a rape charge,” Eldridge said. “He turned himself in and was released on bail.”

From here, the case will be set for an arraignment in Knox County criminal court, Eldridge said, and will ultimately be set for trial.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, Williams and Johnson were accused of an alleged sexual assault and rape of two women at The Woodlands of Knoxville apartment complex. One 19-year-old female UT student reported to the Knoxville Police Department she was raped by Johnson and Williams at 1:45 a.m. in an attack that lasted 45 minutes. Another 19-year-old woman, who was not a UT student, told police that Williams sexually assaulted her, but that she would not pursue charges.

Following the report, the two players were suspended from the football team indefinitely and did not rejoin the team for the remainder of the season.

The Knoxville Police Department’s office completed its investigation of the charges against Williams and Johnson in December. A.J. Johnson has since graduated from the university.

More details to come as they become available here and in Wednesday’s Daily Beacon.

Friday, February 13, 2015

2

CAMPUSNEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

Laverne Cox takes over Cox Auditorium Hayley Brundige

News Editor (@hayleybrundige)

“I am not just one thing,” she said, “And neither are you.”

Laverne Cox, an artist, actress, activist, daughter and proud African-American transgender woman from a working-class background, visited the aptly named Cox Auditorium on Wednesday.

Her lecture, named after Sojourner Truth’s momentous “Ain’t I A Woman” speech, traced her journey from being a gender non-conforming teen in Mobile, Alabama, to an Emmynominated, transgender woman thriving in New York.

Cox, whose powerful oratory resonated with the crowd, bears many similarities to Sojourner Truth. Both faced critics denying their claims to womanhood. Both rejected the narrow confines set upon them by society. Both realized the importance of recognizing the intersection of race and gender.

And, coincidentally, Sojourner Truth delivered her “Ain’t I a Woman” speech on the day

Cox was born. Quite a few years earlier, of course.

“I’m not quite that old,” Cox said, laughing.

“Although that would be a fierce moisturizer, wouldn’t it?”

Assigned male at birth, Cox experienced severe bullying “practically every single day” growing up for appearing “too feminine.” She was called names, taunted and chased home by groups of kids threatening to beat her up.

“They said I acted ‘like a girl,’ whatever that means, because we know girls act all sorts of ways, right?” Cox joked.

Facing oppression at school and at home for being her “authentic self,” Cox said she found solace in her imagination. She learned to dance and rejoiced in the freedom it brought her to express herself fully.

“I think that if we can find something in this world that we are truly passionate about, it can be life-saving,” Cox said.

The judgement and harassment she faced growing up were incredibly damaging, Cox said, and largely due to the “flawed logic” of the gender binary, referring to the system that delineates gender solely by reproductive organs.

Her internal struggle with her identity led her to

a suicide attempt.

“It is my belief that one of the biggest obstacles facing the transgender community are points of view which disavow our identities, points of view that suggest that no matter what we do, we are always and only the gender we were assigned at birth,” Cox said.

“Points of view that suggest that no matter what I do I will never be a woman.”

Cox flipped her long blonde hair, smoothed out her dress and asked, “Yet, ain’t I a woman?”

Cox told the story of a 21-year-old transgender woman named Islan Nettles who was beaten to death on the street in Harlem when a group of men discovered she was transgender. Her killers have not yet been punished for their crime.

Transgender people face incarceration, unemployment and homicide at much higher rates than the general population. Seventy-eight percent of those in grades K-12 who have a transgender or gender non-conforming identity experience harassment or bullying. Forty-one percent of transgender people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“It is a state of emergency for far too many trans people across this nation,” Cox said.

Alexandra Chiasson, Issues Committee member and senior in English, said she knew she wanted to bring Cox to campus after seeing her speak at Vanderbilt University in 2013.

“Her brave message helps those who have struggled with gender identity or sexuality or bullying understand that they are not alone and that it’s not their fault,” said Chiasson, also social media editor for The Daily Beacon. “When it’s unsafe or too difficult to share our own stories, we can find solace in hearing someone else’s.”

Cox admitted she is “lucky” to have had a mother that eventually accepted her identity.

Her advice to those wanting to be supportive of their transgender friends was to listen and sincerely seek to understand their struggle.

“Have those difficult conversations,” Cox said. “Create safe spaces where you can take risks and make mistakes. Have those conversations with a tremendous amount of love and empathy towards getting to a better understanding of who the other person is and ultimately, who you are.”

It was announced Wednesday that the “Orange Is The New Black” actress has been cast in a new CBS drama called “Doubt.”

“I feel like I’m just getting started,” she said.

Sexual assault policy finalized for Cheek Bradi Musil

THE DAILY BEACON STAFF EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Claire Dodson Managing Editor: Hanna Lustig Chief Copy Editor: Emilee Lamb, Cortney Roark News Editor: Hayley Brundige Asst. News Editor: Bradi Musil Special Projects Editor: Liv McConnell Sports Editor: Jonathan Toye Asst. Sports Editor: Taylor White Arts & Culture Editor: Jenna Butz Online Editor: Kevin Ridder Asst. Online Editor: Cara Sanders Photo Editor: Hannah Cather, Esther Choo Design Editor: Katrina Roberts, Lauren Ratliff Social Media Editor: Alexandra Chiasson Copy Editors: Savannah Gilman, Heidi Hill, Tanner Hancock, Alexis Lawrence, Hannah Moulton, Faith Schweikert, Marina Waters Editorial Production: Eric Gibson, Reid Hartsell, Justin Keyes, Teron Nunley, Steven Woods Training Editor: R.J. Vogt

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION

Advertising Manager: Shelby Dildine Media Sales Representatives: Carly Kirkpatrick, Taylor Rife, Connor Thompson Advertising Production: Brandon White, Steven Woods Classified Adviser: Jessica Hingtgen

CONTACTS To report a news item, please e-mail editor.news@utdailybeacon.com or call 865-974-2348 To submit a press release, please e-mail pressreleases@utdailybeacon.com To place an ad, please e-mail beaconads@utk.edu or call 865-974-5206

Assistant News Editor (@bradi4) To place a classified ad, please e-mail orderad@utdailybeacon.com or call 865-974-4931

Emilee Lamb Copy Chief (@emilee_lamb)

Advertising: (865) 974-5206 beaconads@utk.edu Classifieds: (865) 974-4931 orderad@utdailybeacon.com Editor-in-Chief: (865) 974-2348 editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com Main Newsroom: (865) 974-3226 editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com

LETTERS POLICY: The Daily Beacon welcomes all letters to the editor and guest columns from students, faculty and staff. Each submission is considered for publication by the editor on the basis of space, timeliness and clarity. The Beacon reserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliance with available space, editorial policy and style. Contributions must include the author’s name and phone number for verification. Students must include their year in school and major. Letters to the editor and guest columns may be e-mailed to letters@utdailybeacon.com or sent to Editor, 1340 Circle Park Dr., 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314.

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Wednesday during the summer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year, $100/semester or $70/summer only. It is also available online at: www.utdailybeacon.com The Daily Beacon is printed using soy based ink on newsprint containing recycled content, utilizing renewable sources and produced in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.

On Aug. 20, Chancellor Jimmy Cheek announced the adoption of an interim sexual assault policy that would serve as the go-to policy for the fall semester. In the meantime, an appointed Sexual Assault and Misconduct Task Force would spend the semester rewriting a comprehensive and easily-accessible policy.

That task force met Thursday in the Carolyn P. Brown University Center to present its final product to university students and staff, allowing them the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and generally provide feedback before the policy is sent to the Chancellor on Feb. 20 for approval.

Nicky Hackenbrack, Task Force member and senior in biological sciences, said she hopes the implementation of the policy will lead to a change in culture for the university.

“There’s a lot more to do and we still need to implement the policy, but the policy as it stands is a significant step forward for the university,” Hackenbrack said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do to change campus culture and get everyone on campus on the same page when it comes to what this policy means and what consent means.”

Aspects of the policy largely discussed Thursday included sections regarding consent and amnesty.

Associate Director and Task Force Chair Jenny Richter noted that consent in particular was a factor the Task Force “chewed over” for quite awhile, requiring more than one of their meeting sessions.

The revised interim policy states affirmative consent must be obtained for any and all sexual acts. The policy also includes information on how to obtain consent and specifies that consent for one sexual act or encounter does not translate into consent for further acts or future encounters among other components.

Richter said the consent policy is one she is particularly proud of.

“We started at a very difficult place, and now we are requiring that consent be affirmative,” Richter said. “I think that the way we’ve described it in the policy is clear.”

Hackenbrack mirrored this sentiment, expressing her excitement for the comprehensive and clear nature of the policy.

“Obviously, the consent policy is amazing,” Hackenbrack said. “I’m super happy with how it turned out and how it’s laid out now.”

UTDAILYBEACON.COM For the full story, check out utdailybeacon.com.

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, February 13, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

3

Campus reacts to tragedy at Chapel Hill Hannah Marley Staff Writer

Just after 5 o’clock on Tuesday evening in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Deah Barakat, Yusor Mohammad and Razan Mohammad AbuSalha were murdered in their apartment by their neighbor, Craig Hicks.

Although the police reported that Hicks’ motive was his frustration over a parking spot, many have labeled the murder a hate crime, sparking Muslim communities across the United States to hold candlelight vigils in remembrance of the three victims.

The UT Muslim Student Association did the same, organizing a candlelight vigil and prayer in Circle Park on Wednesday night. Students of diverse backgrounds stood with the members of the Muslim Student Association in memory of the three students and as a sign of strength in the Muslim community.

Drost Kokoye, a graduate student in political science and organizer of the event, was quick to voice the suspicions many students shared Drost Kokoye led a candle-light vigil in Circle Park on Wednesday evening for the three Muslim students who were shot and killed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon about the murderer’s motives.

“We’re going to label this a hate crime,” we follow the same laws, we’re all brothers and Kokoye said. “I’m going to label this a hate me for my faith, or for what I wear on my head,” viewing some of us as humans.”

Rafiq Mahdi, an Imam with the Muslim sisters.” crime. And I invite all of you to recognize it Alshibli said.

Abdalla Husain, a member of the association, Community of Knoxville and member of the as such, because if we continue to misconstrue these events, we will continue to lose innocent said he immediately thought of his two sisters, Islamic Community of North America, agreed, who both wear a hijab and are close to the same emphasizing the need for understanding and sollives.” idarity among people of all backgrounds against Several association students said their initial age as the two women who were killed.

“I feel almost paranoid now, because my acts of hatred and violence. reaction to the news was one of shock and dis“Yes, they were Muslim,” Mahdi said. “But belief as well as fear for other members of their sisters are out there wearing scarves,” Husain said. “They’re going to take the brunt of this. they were human beings, and we need to recogcommunity. nize that we share a common goal, a common “I’m at a loss for words, I don’t really know It’s the girls.”

Vinit Babu, the public relations chair of the purpose.” how I should feel,” said Amany Alshibli, a sophoHusain said he thinks greater communicamore in chemical engineering and member of Indian-American Association, added that while the Muslim Student Association. “It hit really the killings were premeditated acts of hatred, it is tion and understanding between Muslims and close to home because it could’ve been anyone, important to recognize that this was more than non-Muslim students about Islam will help to just a crime against Muslims, but a crime against alleviate some of the fear and hatred that lead to and they didn’t do anything.” hate crimes such as the murders at Chapel Hill.

Alshibli said hearing about this violence common humanity.

“I think something we should all do is get to “I don’t care how you want to say it, sugar toward neighbors made her feel saddened and unsettled by how someone could justify murder coat it, put it under the rug, we all know why know our neighbor, Muslim or non-Muslim, we this happened,” Babu said. “It’s because a single should get to know each other,” Husain said. “As based on one’s religious views.

“I don’t understand how someone could hate member of our human community stopped people who live in this society and this culture,

4

ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY “I Love You, Honeybear” An entire album dedicated to your “honeybear?”

Vomit-inducing.

Unless the musician behind that album is Josh Tillman under his alter ego/other band, Father John Misty. Then, it’s perfect and gritty.

No need to throw up from a cuteness overload.

No, instead Father John Misty takes the rough, almost grotesque details of love and mixes them with his clear, honest voice on his sophomore album “I Love You, Honeybear.”

Creating a stark contrast between the album’s sound and its lyrics, a quick listen seems romantic enough. But, taken a little more time, and you’ll hear Tillman croon “the future can’t be real, I barely know how long a moment is/Unless we’re naked, getting high on the mattress/While the global market crashes” on the first and title track.

Sharp and bitter, the romance is hidden but still prevalent in a sound that never strays too far from that of Father John Misty’s first album, “Fear Fun.” Though Tillman has since gotten married, that first record has a sweeter feel. Now, “I Love You, Honeybear” plays on the darker sides of love, delving into his and his wife’s mental states, artificial love and technology’s role in modern love.

Yet, this album has a more authentic, raw feel. It’s almost like Tillman opened his diary to us, not masking life experiences behind fictional characters. Even his voice sounds more open, unifying that honest theme.

Listen to “Strange Encounter,” and you’ll get it. There’s a belt, a depth in there Tillman normally hides behind his folk persona but is now showcasing.

Although similar to his previous album in genre, “I Love You, Honeybear” is a breath of fresh air. The lyrics, while dark, relate to feelings and situations we may never verbalize.

Until now. --Jenna Butz, Arts & Culture Editor

“Let The Good Times Roll” Kicking it old school is what JD McPherson fans look for in his music, and judging from his newly released album, he won’t disappoint.

Keeping alive the legend of old school rock ‘n’ roll, McPherson’s new album “Let The Good Times Roll” released on Tuesday, makes a firm statement that the era of retro will never die.

The American singer/songwriter and guitarist from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is known for his retro-rooted tunes and blues influenced rockabilly style.

McPherson gets inspiration from a diverse range of artists such as Wu Tang Clan, The Pixies and Led Zeppelin, seeking to keep listeners on their toes.

His debut album “Signs and Signifiers” was released in 2010, knocking the ball out of the park, featured at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseakers Albums and No. 47 on Billboards Rock Album charts. The retro rock and roller was later labeled an “Artist to Watch” with a 3.5 out of 5 stars by Rolling Stone magazine.

Like most reviews, this one is filled with nothing but appreciation for McPherson’s talent and sultry yet rough voice howling to the music. Unsurprisingly, some of his fans have called him a soulful man.

McPherson and his band sing and perform in tune with the emotions they feel, never shorting the crowd of a genuine performance. With jamming tracks like “Bossy,” fans are involved in an unexpected and pleasant twist of soul touching blues and tonal indie tunes, while “Let the Good Times Roll” hits with the intention of every one of his songs in the powerful expression of his heart and the classic retro style his band represents.

For those who fancy an originally classic raw blend of jump blues, rockabilly flavor and rock ‘n’ roll, then McPherson’s new album is a home run.

Even if you aren’t interested in that type of music, you can’t help but fall in love with the voice of the man who sings it.

Once again strong and without disappointment, JD McPherson’s new album is indeed a good time and proof that this man is without a doubt on a rockin’ roll.

--Alexis Woodland, Contributor

“Coming Up For Air” Kodaline returns with the intent of redemption, using its melancholy tunes to expertly touch hearts across the emotional spectrum.

With the release of its new album ”Coming Up For Air,” on Monday, the group has succeeded in providing this new age of music with a breath of fresh, alternative rock air.

The indie rock band originated in Dublin, Ireland, starting out by the name 21 Demands and became recognized after participating in the television show “You’re a Star.” The group later introduced itself to the world with a hot single entitled “Give Me a Minute,” which not only topped the charts but was recognized as the first independently released track to achieve such a feat.

The members of the group dubbed themselves Kodaline by the debut of their first EP in 2012 before later releasing a second album “In a Perfect World” in 2013. Although the album wasn’t labeled a failure, some avid Metacritic commenters said the album was “bland” and was not a good example of the potential the group could had.

One can’t help but agree, but Kodaline’s newly released album is proof of growth.

Satisfying tastes for smooth indie melodies and the gritty fever of classic, soft rock, the album begins with the confusion of first love and moves to questioning the purpose of life.

“Coming Up For Air” annihilates the thought of bland and breathes life into a new age of music for Kodaline’s fans and the band itself.

--Alexis Woodland, Contributor

“Tomorrow Is My Turn”

Solo debut albums don’t always live up to the expectations set by the bands they stem from.

This is especially true when the album’s a collection of covers.

However, with “Tomorrow Is My Turn”

by Rhiannon Giddens, singer for Carolina Chocolate Drops, this is certainly not the case.

The album is meant to be a tribute to women who influenced Giddens’ music. In fact, 10 of the 11 songs on the album are covers. With songs from artists like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Nina Simone and a song popularized by Odetta, the album contains a wide variety of music.

Parton’s “Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind” has more of a bluegrass sound, while Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head” is more gospel. There are more upbeat songs like “Black Is the Color” and slower songs like “She’s Got You” and “Angel City.” But, no matter the genre, all fit Giddens.

Giddens transforms her voice for the different styles, sometimes even sounding like a different person altogether. This variety in songs really makes for an interesting listen, always keeping us on our toes.

A couple of the songs are on the repetitive side, but they usually made their way back and managed to be good. One of the softer songs does seem to go on too long, which is a bit of a problem. Yet, if you get too bored, just skip it and move on to the next one. Her strong voice and talent for singing in so many different styles will make you forget about it.

Giddens does all of these songs justice.

If you don’t like bluegrass or gospel, you might not feel the same way. These styles definitely stand out in her music, which obviously won’t please everyone. If you don’t mind this kind of music, or the occasional slow song, definitely give her a listen.

--Mikayla Ragan, Contributor

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, February 13, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

5

Don’t take your Valetine’s date to Cookout Jenna Butz Arts & Culture Editor (@butzjenna)

Sure, you love drunkenly stumbling into the cheap food stop at 3 in the morning. In fact, it has a sentimental value since it’s where you and your beau first giggled after you spilled ketchup in her hair.

But this is Valentine’s Day, friend. It’s the day to pull out all the stops and impress, so take this oportunity to adventure and amaze your date.

The Public House - 212 W. Magnolia Ave. Maybe you want to get drinks and snacks but are looking for somewhere a little more casual. The Public House is laid back but cool enough to impress your date with.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere where I always see people I know,” said Lauren Sanders, a senior in painting.

No date? No problem. Head over here for community.

Naples Italian Restaurant 5500 Kingston Pike Italian food is a romantic dinner staple, and Naples provides the dimly lit, starry-eyed atmosphere you need to whisk her (or him) off their feet. If you want to get cheesy-cute, share a plate of spaghetti and sneak a kiss — Lady and the Tramp style.

Knox Mason - 131 S. Gay St. Fried chicken, grits and catfish may not seem like the most romantic dinner, but mix those comfort foods with the extra flourishes chef Matt Gallaher adds and you have an unexpected twist on the same old classics. Here, presentation is key, creating an upscale feel with a relaxed vibe and cheaper price tag.

Peter Kern Library - 407 Union Ave. There are two routes into this dark, romantic bar: either in the alley beside the Oliver Hotel or through a sliding wall inside. Once you figure your way in, though, you’ve stepped into an alcoholic, literary world.

Drinks are named after famous characters from literature, allowing you two to enjoy new and old favorites based on your favorite books.

Chinese festival rings in new year Hannah Moulton Copy Editor

This Chinese New Year marks the year of the sheep.

On Thursday, Feb. 19 the Chinese New Year will begin, and a celebration will be held on campus to mark the New Year.

The East Tennessee Chinese New Year festival will be set up as a variety show and will welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of spring. There will be fifteen acts, each showcasing Chinese culture.

This year, the festival’s headlining acts will be acrobat Rui Zhang and Peking Opera actor Chunnuan Liu. Both of the acts are coming from New York City, but they received professional training from their home country of China.

Michael Smith, producer of the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, said the two acts should be an interesting, entertaining sight.

“The acrobat will do a contortion act for us where I think she’s going to fold herself in half, put herself through a barrel or something crazy like that,” Smith said.

In addition to the contortionist act, Zhang will perform a plate spinning act with meterlong sticks and ceramic plates.

Liu will perform one act called “face changing.” Liu will switch between masks at a seemingly impossible pace.

“It’s really something to see,” Smith said.

“You can be three or four feet away from him,

and it still is impossible to see how he did it.”

In addition to the two headlining acts, there will also be smaller acts showcasing different types of traditional Chinese entertainment.

Song, dance and martial arts performances will be some of the smaller acts of the variety show.

The Confucius Institute at UT has co-sponsored the festival since its beginning, helping to coordinate activities, recruit volunteers and performers as well as donate door prizes.

“Attending the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival is an opportunity to witness Chinese culture come alive,” said Paige Scrivener, Confucius Institute student ambassador.

“Attending this event is like taking a trip to China without pesky airfare prices.”

Connie Wang, sophomore in human resources and management, celebrates the Chinese New Year every year with her family.

“It kind of feels like Thanksgiving to me in the sense where everyone gets together, and we spend all day cooking,” Wang said.

Smith encourages students to come out to the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, as it will be the only place in Knoxville where people can watch traditional, professional Chinese performances.

“It’s not easy to see award-winning performers like this come to town,” Smith said. “That just doesn’t happen.”

The East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Alumni Memorial Building on Sunday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. All tickets for the festival will be sold online at showclix.com and will start at $5.

6

VIEWPOINTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

How can we help our trans friends? By listening The Daily Beacon Editorial Board

Laverne Cox, a transgender actress known for her role as Sophia Burset in “Orange is the New Black,” visited UT Wednesday night. She discussed everything from her own struggles with identity to the struggles of trans people everywhere.

After her talk, she was asked the question: How can we help our trans friends?

“By listening,” she said simply.

As a campus newspaper, we do more than our fair share of talking. On Wednesday, we listened.

We listened to her tell her story of Alabama roots and being bullied by kids in elementary school. She talked about her time in therapy and how the therapist offered testosterone injections to “fix” her, which was where Cox’s initiallydisapproving mother finally drew the line. We listened to her say again and again, “I knew in my spirit, in my soul, that I was a girl.”

We heard her share statistics, that 41 percent of transgender Americans have attempted suicide.

That five trans women of color have been murdered — this year alone.

How can we help our trans friends?

Cox asked the audience if we at UT had gender neutral bathrooms (some, and in all buildings by 2019). She asked if we had genderneutral dorms (Student Government Association passed a bill in 2013 that was postponed for administrative reasons).

She asked if we had “preferred name policies,” which give students the opportunity to choose which name will be put in the university system. This would allow students to select the name that fits their identity and have that name be given legitimacy on class rosters. To our knowledge UT doesn’t, but other schools that use Banner have made this option available with the registrar.

We encourage SGA to effect change in this area.

Our student government and OUTreach Center are working hard to create a welcoming environment for all people at UT. We frequently do stories on these organizations to highlight the great things they’re doing. But we

don’t always do it correctly.

“Language is the place of struggle,” Cox said Wednesday night. She was referring to the labels we use, whether it’s feminist or womanist or gay or trans. We at The Daily Beacon know language is a struggle. We know this because we’ve made mistakes this year with the words we use to describe gender identity and sexual orientation, and we’ve attempted to correct them to the best of our ability.

We won’t always get it right, but we as a staff want every member of the campus community who struggles with identity and orientation to know we are with you — lesbian, gay, bisexual, straight, trans, questioning, asexual and anything else that is a part of who you are. Because when Cox said that misgendering someone is an “act of violence,” we took that seriously.

Going forward, we’ll encourage our staff to ask productive questions when we interview people and cover events. We’ll ask for preferred pronouns.

We’ll be sensitive to the culture of judgment and ignorance that so many people are hurt by, many times by the media that exists to serve you. And we’ll do our best to fix it when we screw up.

Cox mentioned the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue on campus. The Daily Beacon pledges to be a safe space from here forward: a space where everyone can feel comfortable reaching out to us when we make mistakes so we can learn for next time. A space where people of all races, religions, identities and orientations can submit columns and letters to the editor and even come report or take photos for us.

A space where you can hear and be heard, the way media was intended to be. If we claim to be the voice of students, that voice needs to actually reflect the students.

“Each and every one of us has the capacity to be an oppressor,” Cox said in speech at the GLAAD Awards. “I want to encourage each and every one of us to interrogate how we might be an oppressor, and how we might be able to become liberators for ourselves and each other.”

“The Daily Beacon pledges to be a safe space from here forward: a space where everyone can feel comfortable reaching out to us when we make mistakes so we can learn for next time.”

Laverne Cox drew an enormous crowd to Cox Auditorium Wednesday night.

Attendees took to Twitter to sing her praises.

Andrea Richardson @andreeeyuh just wanna thank god for the grace of allowing me to pronounce actual words about womanism while being acknowledged by @Lavernecox tonight

Thomas Carpenter @tfcarpenter RT if we should rename it Laverne Cox Auditorium.

The Tangerine @UTK_Tangerine JUST IN: Local satire newspaper’s tweet largely ignored as entire student body is attending @ Lavernecox event. #BigOrangeIsTheNewBlack

Patrick Grazanka @dr_grzanka “Have you heard of Judith Butler? Good ol’ Judy B!” -Laverne Cox

EDITORIAL BOARD Claire Dodson Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Lustig Managing Editor

Hayley Brundige News Editor

Jenna Butz Arts & Culture Editor

Jonathan Toye Sports Editor

Kevin Ridder Online Editor

The views expressed in Daily Beacon editorials reflect the majority of opinion of the Beacon’s editorial board and may be supposed to represent the opinion of The Daily Beacon at the time of publication. They are not necessarily representative of any individual member.

Anna Gardner @itsannagardner Loved hearing @Lavernecox speak tonight!

Thank you so much for coming to UT! #BigOrangeIsTheNewBlack

VIEWPOINTS

Friday, February 13, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

7

Don’t blast the mask

Grayson Hawkins Untitled

I had a pretty rough weekend involving Kentucky. There were greyhound buses, apartments full of sick people and way too much wind. Long story short, I came back to Knoxville worn out and sick, and before heading to Hodges (my eternal home) after my return, I donned a surgical-style mask so *I wouldn’t get everyone around me sick as well. * What happened at the library amazed me.

I’m already a pretty tall guy; in public some level of staring is normal. But when I was wearing a mask, I felt like some kind of leper straight out of the Bible. People avoided me like I had the plague even though I wasn’t even coughing/ sneezing/wheezing/wailing. My friends told me things like, “We’re not in China,” and “Oh, I would never wear a mask like that,” which makes it blatantly apparent that our society does not like masks for some reason.

If I contracted something like a cold or especially something worse from someone just because they didn’t wear a mask when they knowingly went to a public place while contagious, I would 100 percent consider that person inconsiderate, to say the least. Being sick is down time, and I hate it. I have seven days’ worth of work per week, and I’m always finishing

projects just before the deadline. There’s no more relaxing at home while mom or dad takes care of everything else, an infection would just make me miserable and slower while I tackle the same workload each week.

I encourage you to look out for people who are coughing/sneezing/wheezing/wailing around campus. There are a damn lot of them right now; Hodges is echoing with the sounds of the sick on most weekdays. Now how many of them are doing anything to prevent the spread of their contagion? Has the majority of western culture just never stopped to ponder the idea of not spreading whatever microscopic bacteria or viruses are multiplying in their lungs and sinuses?

Okay, okay, I’ll give you guys one: Does a mask even help? There would be no real point to sporting one of those off-blue masks (“fashion suicide masks”) if they didn’t actually prevent the spread of sickness.

Let’s think back to elementary school … What were we told to do before coughing and sneezing? Cover our mouths with our arms! Why? Because viruses like the cold and bacteria like Strep are spread through mucus and spit! When you cough or sneeze, you are launching your

snot everywhere.

So what do masks do? They prevent your infectious secretions from leaving the area directly surrounding your mouth and nose.

The International Journal of Infectious Diseases published a study in 2008 that praised masks as highly effective against the spread of contagions. Another study conducted during the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy put masks on nine different people who tested positive for influenza. They were all told to cough into a petri dish to see if the virus made it through their masks.

No flu was found on any of the dishes after the experiment.

Even if you’re not sick, wearing a mask during the peak of flu season can and will stop you from touching your mouth or nose (i.e. how you get sick). Don’t ostracize someone because they’re sick and doing everything they can to stop the spread of their sickness. Considerate people make responsible fashion statements.

Grayson Hawkins is a sophomore in chemistry and English. He can be reached at ghawkin4@vols.utk.edu.

Stay informed with TEDxUTK

Sarah Hagaman Turn of Phrase

To clarify, TED is not a person.

The first time I saw advertisements for TED coming to UT around this time last year, I thought a prolific speaker — who obviously liked to capitalize every letter of his name — would be coming to campus.

Yet the underlying premise of TED talks is refreshingly the opposite; the nonprofit organization presents and records various speakers giving a presentation on his or her specialty, from questioning the universe to the mathematics of love.

The talks aren’t restricted to monotone academics, either — supermodel Cameron Russell presented “Looks Aren’t Everything. Trust Me, I’m A Model” in one of TED’s most-viewed presentations.

The topics are virtually endless and continue to arise each day with new and intriguing data.

The TED talk concept seems deceptively simple; experts in a various fields simply present their findings in a casual, informative, enlightening way.

On Feb. 21, the TED team is coming to UT’s Hodges Library — and if you have the chance to make it, you should be there. A diverse team of Knoxvillians has come together this year to spread ideas and return to the roots of curiosity through the event. In the words of Katie Lou Rogers, a junior and fundamental member of the TEDxUTK connection, the event is a way to remember “how important it is to delve into topics that aren’t my expertise and seeing and

understanding the interconnectivity of disciplines.” At the core, TED talks manage to fulfill the very mission that most universities pursue — to “spread ideas.”

TED doesn’t restrict itself to campus events, however. A website of recorded talks allows viewers around the world to access knowledge at any given time; through 20-minute videos (or shorter), speakers have the ability to give a specialized presentation on a stunning array of topics.

Some of the most popular of TED talks include supermodel Brené Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability” and Ken Robinson’s “How Schools Kill Creativity.” Other top videos include Pranav Mistry’s “The Thrilling Potential of Sixth Sense Technology” and Pamela Meyer’s “How to Spot a Liar.”

Our world runs on ideas, and sharing these thoughts empowers us with increased awareness and understanding.

In “The Danger of a Single Story,” a TED talk

by Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (See Beyonce’s “Flawless” video for her quote on feminism) discusses the disastrous results of understanding only one perception — our own.

Our world brims with unbelievable stories that could shape one’s perception in indescribable ways.

Fifteen minutes roughly equals the amount of time it takes to get a Starbucks latte on a crowded Monday morning or the duration of a

“Our world runs on ideas, and sharing these thoughts empowers us with increased awareness and understanding.” long walk to campus.

But the TED team proves that a short 15 minutes could have the power to change your thoughts in unimaginable ways.

Dare to know the stories. Know the people around you, and engage in the amazing ideas that universities and organizations like TED offer. Go to TEDxUTK next weekend, and invite your friends.

It’s an idea worth spreading.

Sarah Hagaman is a junior in English. She can be reached at shagama1@vols.utk.edu.

8

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

BASEBALL

TRACK & FIELD

Tennessee opens season Track and field team hone against talented FIU squad skills during split weekend Nathanael Rutherford Staff Writer (@Mr_Rutherford)

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team will begin their 2015 season Friday afternoon when they take on the Florida International University Panthers in Miami, Florida. “A lot of people know FIU is in Miami,� head coach Dave Serrano, “but they may not know much more about them. We’re going to see some SEC arms out of the gate in FIU.�

The Panthers finished 2014 with a 36-20 overall record, riding a strong offense and some powerful arms in their pitching staff.

Their batting order will be bolstered by returning junior infielder Edwin Rios, who finished 2014 with a .296 batting average, 38 runs batted in, and led the team with 68 hits.

FIU also returns senior third baseman Josh Anderson, who led the team with 43 RBI. Florida International will feature a strong

young pitching staff headlined by returning sophomore Chris Mourelle, who finished 2014 with a 9-3 record and 1.95 earned run average, and Cody Crouse (4-3, 2.23 ERA).

The Vols will go with senior Bret Marks on the mound to start the season. Marks, a 6-foot-3 pitcher out of Roswell, Georgia, finished 2014 with a 3-1 record, striking out 10 batters in 14 innings pitched.

Outfielder Christian Stewart, who was recently named to the preseason USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award watch list, headlines the returning batters for the Vols.

The junior led the Vols in nearly every single major offensive category last season. “You never know how a team is going to react to start the season,� Serrano said, “but you do evaluate the talent. We’re a year older, a year more experienced, and this team is extremely close. “We’re going to protect one another and play for one another. As long as we can do that, we’re going to be just fine.�

Shane Switzer Contributor

Tennessee’s track and field team will split up this weekend to compete in separate events.

First year director of track and field/cross country Beth Alford-Sullivan will take long distance runners Chelsea Blaase, Austin Whitelaw and Kyle Walter to Seattle, Washington, for the Husky Classic. Meanwhile, 18 other Volunteers will compete at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Husky Classic is a major event for the distance runners and can secure them a place at the Indoor Championships. Blaase, Whitelaw and Walter will be competing against other distance runners from across the county. “The Husky Classic over at Washington is notoriously a great place to run,� Sullivan said. “We are going to take the 3k and 5k kids out there to try and run at a very high level and garner some great SEC and NCAA level marks.�

TUTORING

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

1HHG D WXWRU IRU 0%$ (FRQRP LFV 0XVW EH DEOH WR YHULI\ H[ SHUWLVH &DQ EH FRQWDFWHG DW RU DW GDYLG VP\UH#DWW QHW

2XWERXQG &DOO &WU )7 37 IOH[ VFKHGXOLQJ *UHDW MRE IRU UHWLU HHV VWXGHQWV RU ORRNLQJ IRU VXSSOHPHQWDO LQFRPH KU 1R :HHNHQGV %L OLQJXDO 6SDQ LVK DSSOLFDQWV SOHDVH DSSO\ (PDLO UHVXPH KU#HWVHOOLQF FRP RU FDOO

7KH 7RPDWR +HDG ,QWHUYLHZ ,PPHGLDWHO\ 1RZ KLULQJ ZDLW VWDII FRRNV SUHS FRRNV DQG GLVKZDVKHUV 8VH OLQN WR DSSO\ KWWS WKHWRPDWRKHDG FRP Z RUN LQGH[ KWPO ,QWHUYLHZ LP PHGLDWHO\ HYHU\ :HGQHVGD\ EHWZHHQ S P DW ERWK ORFD WLRQV 0DUNHW 6TXDUH DQG .LQJVWRQ 3LNH *DOOHU\ 6KRSSLQJ &HQWHU

0RQGD\ 3OD]D %5 DQG VWXGLRV DYDLODEOH RQ 7KH 6WULS 6WDUW LQJ DW PR &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ

7(6735(3 (;3(576 *5( *0$7 /6$7 )RU RYHU \HDUV 0LFKDHO .

6PLWK 3K ' DQG KLV WHDFKHUV KDYH KHOSHG 87 VWXGHQWV SUH SDUH IRU WKH *5( *0$7 /6$7 2XU SURJUDPV RIIHU LQGL YLGXDO WXWRULQJ DW D UHDVRQDEOH SULFH &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ ZZZ WHVW SUHSH[SHUWV FRP 78725,1* 7(6735(3 (;3(576 35$;,6 0LFKDHO . 6PLWK DQG KLV WHDFKHUV DQQRXQFH D QHZ SURJUDP WR SUHSDUH IRU 35$; ,6 &RUH $FDGHPLF 6NLOOV IRU (GXFDWRUV 5HDGLQJ :ULWLQJ DQG 0DWK &RPSOHWH SURJUDP ,QGLYLGXDO WXWRULQJ &DOO

IRU LQIRUPDWLRQ ZZZ WHVWSUHSH[SHUWV FRP

6DYYL )RUPDOZHDU 1RZ +LULQJ 37 VDOHV DVVRFLDWHV 6DODU\ SOXV FRPPLVVLRQ )XQ ZRUN HQYLURQ PHQW &DOO

FOR RENT %5 %$ YHU\ QHDU FDPSXV 8WLO LWLHV SDLG &RPSOHWH NLWFKHQ PR 3HWV DOORZHG &DOO

6SULQJ DQG VXPPHU SRVL WLRQV 1HZ H[WHQGHG KRXUV D EUDQG QHZ EDU 6HUYHUV IRRG UXQQHUV EXVVHUV FRRNV GLVKZDVKHUV &RPH E\ EHWZHHQ SP 0RQ )UL DQG DVN IRU D PDQDJHU 6PDUW TXLFN DQG JUHDW DWWL WXGHV UHTXLUHG

%5 KRXVHV LQ )W 6DQGHUV VKRZLQJ QRZ IRU $XJXVW 1HZO\ UHPRGHOHG : ' +9$& ODUJH EHGURRPV ZDON WR FDP SXV )HZ KRXVHV OHIW 9LHZ DW ZZZ YROUHQWDOV FRP (PDLO NQR[YLOOH#YROUHQWDOV FRP IRU VKRZLQJ

6SDFLRXV %5 DSWV 87 DUHD DQG :HVW .QR[YLOOH DUHD &DOO IRU DQ DSSRLQWPHQW

7KH :RRGODQGV $YDLODEOH LQ $XJXVW %5 SULYDWH EDWKV ,1&/8'(6 $// XWLOLWLHV ,QWHUQHW : ' GLVK ZDVKHU PLFURZDYH QHZ UH IULJHUDWRU PR SHU VWXGHQW *RRJOH 7KH :RRG ODQGV RI .QR[YLOOH WR FKHFN RXW DPHQLWLHV DQG FRPSDUH FRVWV 5HSO\ WR FRQGRDWXW#JPDLO FRP RU

&DOO WRGD\ E\ SP WR VWDUW \RXU DG WRPRUURZ

5($' 7+( '$,/< %($&21 &/$66,),('6

At the Tyson Invitational in Arkansas, Tennessee will face all 14 SEC schools. This includes the top-ranked Georgia women along with Florida, Texas A&M and host Arkansas, all of which have top-5 ranked menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to focus on utilizing the last chance in the regular season to sharpen our skills,â&#x20AC;? Sullivan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to utilize the competition, both venues are going to have great competition in our events. We want to rise to the occasion and use the competition, you only get better from competition. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a big believer in that. I want athletes that embrace competition and get excited by competition and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get that this weekend.â&#x20AC;?

Tennessee hopes to capitalize on a strong showing last weekend, which saw the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s track team jump 12 spots in the rankings to No. 13, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest ranking since 2008.

The Husky Classic and the Tyson Invitational will be the final meets for Tennessee before the SEC Indoor Championships.

FOR RENT

:H VWLOO KDYH DQG EHG URRP XQLWV LQ )W 6DQGHUV DYDLODEOH IRU WKH VFKRRO \HDU &DOO

HOUSES FOR RENT :DON WR FODVV %5 %$ FHQWUDO + $ *UHDW SDUW\ GHFN :DVK HU GU\HU RII VWUHHW SDUNLQJ %5 %$ FHQWUDO + $ RII VWUHHW SDUNLQJ %5

5HDG 7+( '$,/< %($&21 &/$66,),('6 WR ILQG WKH SHUIHFW KRPH

CONDOS FOR SALE 5HQDLVVDQFH ,, %5 %$ N 5HQDLVVDQFH ,,, %5 %$ N N /DXUHO 9LOODV %5 %$ &DQG\ )DFWRU\ ORIW N 6HDUFK IRU 87 FRQGRV IRU VDOH E\ YLVLWLQJ ZZZ PDUW\VHOOV EL] DQG FOLFN RQ WKH 87 FRQGR OLQN 0DUW\ +DUWVHOO 5HDOW\ ,Q YHVWRUV &HGDU %OXII .QR[YLOOH FHOO RIILFH PKDUWV #DRO FRP

ANNOUNCEMENTS 87 VWXGHQWV QHHGHG IRU PLQXWH UHVHDUFK GLVFXVVLRQ JURXS :DO0DUW JLIW FDUG IRU SDUWLFLSDWLQJ )HEUXDU\ 25 t SP &RQWDFW $P\ DW RU HPDLO FDUH#VZRUSV WHQQHVVHH HGX

&ODVVLILHG DGV FDQ ZRUN IRU \RX &DOO WR RUGHU \RXU DG WRGD\

PUZZLES&GAMES

Friday, February 13, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

9

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz

Dadoodlydude • Adam Hatch

Cartoons of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

ACROSS 1 Refuse on the surface 8 The Great Pyramid was his tomb 14 Singular find 16 Constrained 17 Amateurish 18 ___ James, the so-called “King of the Slide Guitar” 19 They’re “friendly” in an ad campaign 20 Indy 500 winner Bobby 22 Ginnie ___ (home loan source) 23 Footwear brand since 1916 24 Intimated 25 Auto engine pioneer 26 Mrs., abroad 27 Cause for alarm 28 Immerse oneself 29 Resin-yielding tree whose name comes from the Bible 31 1978 arcade classic from Japan

33 Inaugural addresses?

34 Mutes, with “down” 35 “Inside the Actors Studio” topics 36 Zippo 39 Unimaginative 40 Court no-nos 41 Elvis impersonator’s accessory 42 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge locale, for short 43 Give a damn?

44 Angular acceleration symbol 45 Famous Manhattan deli 47 Driver’s license info 49 Dormant Turkish volcano 50 “Milk” man 51 Haywire 52 Department store window display

M O I R A

R A V E N

E R I T R E C O M A A R C R E GILL GILL I K A R A E X A M S I S H O P A M Y

2

3

4

5

M R T O F I A N N G PINT PINT E E W O K E M O R A B L H A R O T A H I N E R A T E N I T S T S C S E E O H A L F M O Y S T E W R E S T

A D C E R S C V E A N L D I S D L U Y C L E A R S

C A R H O I L C

A D O R E

I L L P D F S I L O P S E V E L S U R E U L E E P E S T

8

9

10

11

12

13

37

38

16 18

19

20

23

21

22

24

26

25

27

28

29 31

30

32

33 34

35

39 42 45

36

40

41

43

44

46

47

49

48

50

51

4 “What we pay for civilized society,” per Oliver Wendell Holmes

CUP CUP E R

7

17

3 Maker of Pixie Crinkles

W O W E D

6

15

2 Not so filled out DOWN 1 Checks for heat, say

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE I S L A S

1 14

52

13 Brought blessings upon oneself?

36 Kingdom of the Two Sicilies capital

15 Law offices?

37 Product introduced with the line “And now, we’re going to bring multi-touch to the market”

21 Made a speedy return?

5 Lunkheads

24 Aspic ___ (savory French dish)

6 Long-ago greeting

25 Rolls in a field

38 Gathers nuggets

7 2012 film adaptation of “Snow White”

27 Diplomatic triumphs

40 Rigidly oldfashioned

28 Waits

41 Bridle path sounds

29 Made fully visible

43 Esophageal pouch

30 Hearts and spades, e.g.

44 Marks of adolescence

31 Thread in a series 32 Emergency exit feature

46 “Blessed ___ …”

(1971 Joan Baez album)

33 They make up poetry

48 Where to find Darwin’s tubercle

8 Deviate from Hoyle 9 Fire place?

10 Slippery ___ (herbal remedy source) 11 What’s manipulated in the crime known as “clocking” 12 Hunting school?

10

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

Members of the basketball team gather in the locker room for a selfie after their victory against Vanderbilt on Wednesday. Taylor Gash • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee hopes to continue to guard perimeter against LSU Troy Provost-Heron Staff Writer, (@Troy_Provost) As he raced towards Kevin Punter in an attempt to receive the inbounds pass on Tennessee’s final possession of regulation against Vanderbilt, Robert Hubbs epitomized the Volunteers’ yearlong theme.

Learning on the fly.

One half prior to the sophomore guard’s game-tying basket at the buzzer, Hubbs found himself in a similar situation.

The result, however, was much different.

With the Volunteers clinging to a 35-32 lead and two seconds remaining in the first half, the Newbern, Tennessee, native made a run towards the inbounder. This time, though, the pass fell through his hands, setting up a missed buzzer-beater for Vanderbilt.

Twenty minutes of play later, Hubbs

proved he was a quick learner.

“The play was set up to just come back to the ball and get open,” said Hubbs following Wednesday’s contest. “Kevin found me, and I ran my hands through the ball. At the end of the (first) half, we ran a play and they actually stole it because I didn’t run my hands through the ball, so I made sure I did that this time.”

The rest is history. Hubbs turned the catch into a drive and a shot, and the Vols ultimately completed their come-frombehind 76-73 victory in overtime, while also snapping a stretch that had seen them drop four of their last five games in the process.

And while Hubbs’ late-game heroics proved to be the memorable example of Tennessee’s learning, it was far from the only instance.

During their two-game losing streak, the Vols watched as Mississippi State and

Georgia shot a combined 15-of-27 from 3-point range.

On Wednesday, UT was seemingly at the mercy of the long ball again, as the Commodores, who ranked fourth in the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage entering the contest, rained down their first five attempts from downtown.

From there, though, the Vols halted the onslaught, forcing Vanderbilt to shoot 1-of12 from beyond the arc after its hot start.

“Last year, my team at Southern Miss was 21-3 and we went Middle Tennessee and they made their first nine threes in the first half,” Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall said. “(Vanderbilt) made their first five, and I was thinking ‘Man, the Nashville and Murfreesboro area is bad to me.’

“But it kind of balanced out over 40 minutes.”

Tyndall hopes the lack of balance from

deep will not resurface against LSU, where he coached from 1997-2001 as an assistant.

Currently, the Tigers rank 10th in the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage, sandwiched between the two teams that gave the Vols trouble from beyond the arc — Mississippi State and Georgia — last week.

Coming off an opposite late-game performance against the No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday, in which they blew a lastminute second half lead, the Tigers will be looking to get back on track when they play the Vols inside Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday.

LSU will also be looking to snap a sixgame losing streak against UT, with its last victory over the Vols coming on Jan. 28, 2009 — a 79-73 win in Knoxville.

Tipoff between the Vols and Tigers is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST and can be seen on the SEC Network.

SPORTS

Friday, February 13, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Daily Beacon

How they match up

11

Who to watch for PPG RPG APG FG%

LSU

Tennessee

74.2 Scoring Offense 64.6 67.8 Scoring Defense 63.2 .456

Field Goal %

.435

.329

3-Point %

.347

+3.5 Rebound Margin +0.8

Jordan Mickey 17.0 10.8 3.7 .527 Jarell Martin

16.2 9.0

2.0

.490

Keith Hornsby 12.7 4.4 2.0 .412

Last Meeting

15.5 Assists Per Game 11.1 6.4 Blocks Per Game 3.8 7.7

Steals Per Game

7.9

-1.1 Turnover Margin +2.5

Jan. 7, 2014, in Baton Rouge, La. Vols 68-50

12

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, February 13, 2015

SOFTBALL

SOFTBALL

Lady Vols ready for weekend in Tampa Lucas Hunter Contributor

Taylor Koenig makes a play at third against South Carolina on March 23, 2014.

Koenig moved to first base for the 2015 season. • File Photo

Koenig excited to play in front of family Trenton Duffer Staff Writer, (@trenton_duffer)

Taylor Koenig is playing in new territory this year, and, so far, it’s working out quite nicely.

Last year, Koenig played third base for the Lady Vols, but she has moved to first base this year. She says the transition is different but exciting.

“Luckily, I played there before when I was younger,” Koenig said. “So, I’ve had some experience, and that really helps.”

Koenig is from Mira Loma — a small town in California that has around 25,000 people. She began playing softball when she was young so she could be like her older brother, James Koenig, who plays baseball.

The two would go to the park to practice, the competition between the two pushing both of them.

“The way the park was set up was that there was a field and then a super-far fence,” Koenig said. “Me and my brother would always say, ‘Who can hit it over the fence farther?’ ... That was always a fun thing with just me and my brother.”

In high school, Koenig played for the Norco softball team, where she was a twoyear captain. As a senior in 2013, she won Cal-Hi Sports All-State third team honors. When it came time to decide where to go to college, Koenig chose Tennessee over Michigan, Washington and SEC rival Missouri.

As a freshman, Koenig’s collegiate career took off. Playing third base, she started 49 of the 54 games she played. She also knocked in 29 runs last year and batted .305. Koenig’s presence was especially felt on defense, where the former Corona Angel

only committed 14 errors on the season.

The Lady Vols relied heavily on Koenig in their first tournament of 2015 last week, as she blasted two home runs to match her total from last year. Koenig also batted in a team-leading 10 RBIs — seven of those coming on the final day against Northern Kentucky.

Her weekend performance caught the eye of co-head coach Karen Weekly.

“Taylor has really bought into redefining her swing and doing the things that the coaches need her to do to be that big power hitter for us in the middle of the lineup,” Weekly said. “We’ve seen a real change in Taylor’s approach to the game and understanding what the team needs from her.”

Koenig credited former-Tennessee player Madison Shipman for helping improve her offensive game.

“She gave me a whole new stance,” Koenig said. “Last year, I got really excited when the ball would come at me … Now, it’s just kinda staying calm and knowing that, if I stick to the process, the outcome is going to be good.”

Her family will have the opportunity to watch Koenig showcase her improved offensive skills. With the Lady Vols going to California to play next weekend, Koenig is excited for her family have the chance to see her play. Her mother comes to games whenever possible and will stay for weeks at a time with her daughter.

After the USF President’s Day Weekend Tournament this weekend and the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic next weekend, Koenig and the Lady Vols will have their home opener against Georgia Tech. No one seems quite as excited as Koenig.

“We have a young team and have to focus on the bigger things,” Koenig said. “It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.”

After a three day, 4-0 sweep of the KSU Classic in Kennesaw, Georgia, the Lady Volunteers softball team is heading to Tampa, Florida, for a five-game tournament at the USF Presidents Day Weekend Tournament.

Last weekend, The Lady Vols rode the hot bats of Taylor Koenig, who had 10 RBI on nine trips to the plate, Annie Aldrete, who went 3-3 and blasted her first home run of the year after hitting a record-setting 19 last season, and Rainey Gaffin, who had seven RBI at the plate and pitched 8.0 innings over the weekend for the Lady Vols.

During the course of the tournament the Lady Vols will face Fordham, Florida Gulf Coast, the host team USF, Detroit and close with a game on Sunday against St. John’s. The five-game stand will be the second of three tournaments for the Lady Vols before hosting the Tennessee Classic at the end of February.

The first match of the weekend will be against Fordham, winner of the past two Atlantic 10 conference titles and the unanimous preseason pick to win another, led by senior and 2014 Atlantic 10 Co-Pitcher of the Year

Michele Daubman.

Following that game, Tennessee faces Florida Gulf Coast University, who has been outscored 29-18 so far this season, including double-digit losses to No. 3 Alabama and the University of Houston.

The Lady Vols face USF on Saturday, who nearly defeated No. 1 Florida on Feb. 8. USF’s pitcher Erica Nunn has already thrown a no-hitter versus Illinois State, replicating her no-hitter against the same opponent from last season.

The Lady Vols have an idea of what to expect against USF, whom they beat 3-2 last season when former Lady Vol Madison Shipman hit a two-run homer. With Nunn likely starting on the mound, head coach Karen Weekly knows how to approach the situation to secure the win this year as well.

“We’ll do our homework, and we played them last year, and we’ll look at our film and whatever we can access on them from their first weekend, and we’ll be as prepared as we can be,” said Weekly. “But I have a lot of confidence in our offense and the versatility in our offense.”

UTDAILYBEACON.COM For the full story, check out utdailybeacon.com.

McCord Pagan Staff Writer

Molly Gladish snags some milk chocolate cheesecake bites for a customer at the Chocolate Factory. Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon