Welcome Back 2015

FALL 2015 | WE’VE MIS SED YOU, VOLS.

WELCOME BACK FALL 2015 | WE’VE MIS SED YOU, VOLS. AUGU S T 14, 2015

THE DA ILY BE AC ON | WE LC OME BAC K 2015

STUDENT LIFE What would a college campus be without its students? A bit cleaner perhaps, but much less vibrant and fun. The students make the university, and Vols are some of the best students around. In this section, you’ll find updates on construction, some suggestions for a great slice of pizza and a fun fact or two to get you through the day. You’re only a student for so long, might as well take advantage now.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

STUDENTLIFE

STUDENTLIFE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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off the beaten 4 Venture path for a bite to eat ya gonna call?

5 Who Any of these resources

6 The new brew in town you need help after an 9 Ifassault, this chart can help

Construction surrounding Cook Out and other businesses has caused a drop in sales.

more than 10 Intramurals: just a game gives us the 11“Anonymity freedom to be wrong.”

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Your map to the best hotspots in town

their ground 14Standing for Howard House

16 the perfect 17 Finding slice is no easy task

Trail of two cities: Knoxville wins REI grant

knew? Check out 18 Who some fun Knox facts

19 Thedays;UCtakeis inaitslookfinal 23

“Thanks for everything you are doing for us, but we need more.”

• File Photo

Cumberland shutdown causes headaches for merchants Hannah Marley

Production Artist Marked by the intersection of orange construction cones and yellow barriers, the Cumberland Avenue Project is on schedule and in full swing.

With phase one’s utility repairs completed by the June 6 deadline, the confusion on Cumberland can now be attributed to phase one of the street repairs and loading zone construction, as well as phase two of the utility repairs, which involves replacing gas, water and sewer lines at the intersection of Volunteer Boulevard and Cumberland Avenue.

While the six-week construction plan has resulted in intense traffic congestion through University Commons and along Cumberland, Annie Wallace, the Cumberland Avenue Project’s project manager, encourages students and residents to follow a detour outlined on their website, taking Neyland to Joe Johnson, and Joe Johnson to West Volunteer and Cumberland.

Construction will ultimately improve pipelines and add more accessible two-lane streets and loading zones along secondary roads, but for now, traffic congestion has taken its toll on local businesses.

“

It’s tough, but in the long term, it’s for the best.

That’s part of the growing process, I think. For the university and for the town.”

Matt Loverun, Cook Out manager

“That really hurts us,” said Jimmy Webb, the general manager of Cumberland’s Pilot gas station. “That’s really cut our business in half.

We’ve had to cut back expenses since our sales are down.”

Cook Out has experienced similar losses, with construction currently surrounding both entrances to the restaurant.

Manager Matt Loverun added that a lack of

information about the exact opening and closing of side streets surrounding the restaurant has made adapting to the changes difficult.

“We can’t really get any definitive answers about the progress,” Loverun said. “There’s a lot of miscommunication. There’s not a lot of clarity on that.”

Webb added that city representatives have been present at business meetings and held separate meetings with the merchants affected to keep them informed of upcoming changes.

Despite short term inconveniences, Loverun said he thinks that the changes will help Knoxville expand and develop to accommodate both city and university growth.

“It’s tough, but in the long term, it’s for the best,” said Loverun. “That’s part of the growing process, I think. For the university and for the town.”

Despite current construction’s negative impact on business, Wallace said she hopes that the expansion will encourage private expansion after the project has been complete, citing the new apartment’s current construction as an image of the future Cumberland Avenue.

“We’re making an investment in the public aspect,” Wallace said, “and we anticipate that the private aspect will follow behind us.”

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Don’t go far for cultured cuisine No need to travel abroad for delicious food, atmosphere Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor Looking for ethnic food a little more adventurous than Olive Garden or Soccer Taco?

Surprisingly, you don’t need to live in a big city to find authentic foreign cuisine.

A few local hole-in-the-wall joints, like King Tut’s and Holy Land Deli, have already acquired a following, but there are many more that remain obscure.

But one of the newest additions to Knoxville’s international vendors has quickly become well known. Café Du Soleil is a block away from Market Square, and the restaurant stands apart from its competitors in more ways than one.

Cafe Du Soleil is located near Market Square.

Photos by Taylor Gash • The Daily Beacon The café capitalizes on its small location with divan chairs and small tables to create an intimate setting. It feels like a coffee shop turned restaurant, and this casual but classy atmosphere is perfect for the hybrid cuisine served.

French food prepared with a New Orleans twist creates fine dining that even a picky palate will appreciate. Try a classic French dish such as escargot, or opt for the more familiar vegetable pasta with seasonal harvest sautéed in a white wine and butter sauce.

A little further down the road you can find an Ethiopian restaurant tucked in the shadow of a shopping center.

Gosh Ethiopian Restaurant on Sutherland Avenue has an unimpressive exterior and at first glance, the inside doesn’t seem to hold much potential either. However, give the waiter a chance to recommend one of their many combination meals (so that you don’t have to try just one dish) and show you the proper way to eat — using only rolls of unleavened bread and your hands.

After your meal, relax with a pot of spiced tea and soak in the ethnic music while you watch the nature footage constantly rolling on the two TVs in the restaurant.

Moving further into West Knoxville, you will find Sitar indian restaurant on Kingston Pike. The buffet style lunch keeps the restaurant packed, and for a good reason.

The buffet is extensive with many different dishes that all inevitably mix together on your

A Cafe Du Soleil employee pours wine in the cozy French restaurant in downtown Knoxville. plate, but this is one instance in which you really should let the different foods touch.

The sauces all work to compliment each other, and you’ll find yourself soaking up every last drop with the warm pita bread served with the food.

For a buffet style meal, the service is excellent. Waiters pace with water pitchers to keep your glass full, and when you have finished your first plate (you will want more than one), they clear it away to give you room for more.

Finally, if you find yourself in the Cedar Bluff area and want a low-cost meal with both quantity and quality, stop by Koko Japanese Grill.

This restaurant doesn’t boast gourmet cuisine or unique dishes, but it does give a meal equivalent to Wasabi for under $10. One of the hibachi entrees gives you a hefty portion of steamed, fried or brown rice topped with heaps of veggies and your choice of meat, seafood or tofu.

It even includes mushroom soup and salad with ginger dressing to tide you over until your meal arrives. You won’t get an onion ring volcano or a rice ball tossed into your mouth, but you’ll get the same food for a better price.

So next time it’s your turn to pick the restaurant, try something new.

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It’s not easy to be away from home, no matter what age you are, but these resources can make it a little easier.

UTPD (for emergencies): 865-974-3114 UT Medical ER: (865)305-9000 Student Health Center: 865-974-3135 Counseling Center: 865-974-2196 The Sexual Assault Response Team at the Center for Health Education & Wellness: 865-974-HELP (4357) Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee 24-hour hotline: 865-522-7273 Suicide hotline: 1-800-784-2433 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 OUTreach: LGBTA+ and Ally Center: 865-974-7803 Office of Disability Services: 865-974-6087 UT Women’s Health Clinic: (865)974-3648 For a more detailed breakdown of who to call after a sexual assault, see page 9.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

UT alum’s South Knox brewery to open doors

Alliance Brewing Company’s UT alumnus and head brewer, Adam Ingle, stands in the new brewery. Michael Lipps • The Daily Beacon

Michael Lipps

Production Artist “There goes a runner,” observed Adam Ingle, Alliance Brewing Company’s head brewer and UT alumnus, as he sat by the window in the new brewery set to open on Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville.

“Is that Eden? One second,” Ingle said before jumping up and heading to the door.

Once Eden heard Ingle’s shouts over her headphones, she took a quick detour from her run to come inside and check out the progress of her friend’s brewery.

The two know each other from the Bearden Beer Market, where Ingle first entered into the world of craft beer.

“Next thing you know you’re on a run ... ,” Ingle said. “... And then you’re here,” Eden finished his sentence. “That’s a good thing, you should advertise that.”

Alliance Brewing Company uses the taglines “active beer culture” and “earn your beer” in an effort to promote the balance of a healthy lifestyle.

“Craft beer, for the most part, has a few more extra calories than the light stuff, so you need to be able to go out there and take

care of business,” Ingle said. “Then you can have a few beers at the end.”

Ingle entered the world of craft beer after a friend introduced him to Chris Morton, owner of the Bearden Beer Market, and within 20 minutes, the two were at the future site of what would become the beer market.

“We were knocking down walls and talking about what Knoxville needed,” Ingle said. “By the end of that day, I was employee number two.”

Following his time at Bearden Beer Market, Ingle learned how to do things on a commercial scale at Smoky Mountain Brewery.

Now, Ingle and his team are busy preparing to officially open Alliance.

“We have been looking forward to this for a few years now, so I am pumped up and eager to start brewing,” said assistant brewer and artist Ben Seamons. “We feel at home in South Knoxville, and I can say we are excited that it has become our launching point.”

With the South Waterfront development, the Baptist Hospital redevelopment and the close proximity to Ijams Nature Center, the brewery seems poised for success.

See ALLIANCE on Page 7

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The blueprints of Alliance Brewing Company

ALLIANCE continued from Page 6 Ingle explained that helping to get more businesses to locate in a particular area is something breweries are typically able to accomplish.

“It gets people saying, ‘Hey, if they’re doing a good job and making a go of it, then I’m not afraid to put a business in there as well,’” Ingle said.

The three-unit building will soon become home not only to Alliance, but also to a coffee shop and possibly a restaurant.

Though Tennessee has the highest state tax on gallons of beer at $1.29 — compared to Wyoming’s $0.02 — Knoxville’s beer scene continues to grow.

“A rising tide raises all ships, so I can’t wait until there’s plenty of breweries in town and everybody’s making killer beer,” Ingle said.

Ingle went on to explain how the brewing

community is a tight-knit one.

“If I’m running low on hops, or all of a sudden I’m making something and I don’t have it here, I can call Matthew at Pretentious and say, ‘Hey man, do you have some California Ale Yeast?’” Ingle said. “And he’s going to say yes or no, but if he’s got it he’s going to be like, ‘Absolutely, come get it.’ And I expect the same phone call.”

When describing his vision for Alliance and the physical space itself, Ingle said it will have a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere that will be community driven with long tables and plenty of standing room.

“We’re going to start off with 12 taps, and we’ll probably have a guest tap and a gluten free option,” Ingle said.

A couple of mainstays will be Kölsch, Scotch Ale, IPA, Belgo, Saison and Oatmeal Stout. The other taps will most likely be seasonally appropriate ales and lagers.

“Beer is a lot of fun— being able to be part artist, part scientist,” Ingle said. “Hopefully I’ve created something in the end that people enjoy.”

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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S E C R U O S E R T N E STUD Information & Support

Obtain Counseling or Medical Service

Interim Measures

Report to the University

Center for Health Education & Wellness Sexual Assault Response Team Emergency: 865-974-HELP (4357) Office: 865-974-5725

UT Police Department Emergency: 911 Reporting an assault or rape: 865-974-3114

Office of Equity and Diversity Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Richter 865-974-2498

Student Health Center 865-974-3135

Counseling Center 865-974-2196

Dean of Students 865-974-3179

Student Conduct & Community Standards 865-974-3171

Off Campus Resource Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee Crisis Line: 865-522-7273 Office: 865-558-9040

C O N F I D E N T I A L I T Y L E V E L O F C O N V E R SAT I O N S , R E C O R D S = According to state law

= As private as possible, within policy and process

= Strictly confidential with few legal exceptions

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Intramurals offer competition, friendship Jonathan Toye

Sports Editor Scott Tunnell, Austin Fullbright and Kevon Rivers all told different stories, but the theme was the same.

Tunnell, who graduated last May in business analytics, participated in 10 intramural sports at UT. His friend, Fullbright, a senior in electrical engineering, amassed 14 intramural championships. Rivers is a student worker for intramurals, overseeing the scorebook during games and occasionally officiating.

All agreed on the same point: intramurals are essential to the college experience.

Intramurals provide many benefits to students. They help students avoid the dreaded “freshman 15.” They give students the chance to play the sports they love after high school.

They offer students a reprieve from their studies. They occupy students’ free time. And they assist in developing communication skills.

“It kind of establishes a work environment,” Rivers said. “Like what you would do in a workforce: you got to compete and try to cooperate with people you are working with.

Sometimes you may not even know those people at all. In every sport, pretty much all intramurals is a team sport. It builds those cooperation skills and communication skills.”

Perhaps the most important benefit of participating in intramurals: they present the chance to forge friendships.

UT may have over 27,000 students, but it can still be difficult to find friends. Students too immersed in their studies might not find time to discover friends. Others might have trouble finding a niche or a group of people who share their interests.

Intramurals are a solution to both conundrums.

“I interacted or met with people I otherwise wouldn’t have seen,” Rivers said. “(Intramurals) is a leeway to friendships. I have made a lot of close friends here.”

“

Members of Alpha Gamma Rho (green jerseys) and Sigma Phi Epsilon (red jerseys) play a game of intramural football on March 7.

Justin Keyes • The Daily Beacon Fullbright described intramurals as an outlet that relieves stress from his grueling electrical engineering studies — an opportunity to forget about exams and homework and compete with friends who share his love for sports.

“Being an engineer, a lot of times my social network is so different outside of that,” Fullbright said in a phone interview. “There are people that I met in intramurals that I would never have come into contact with otherwise if I hadn’t fostered that relationship through intramural sports.

“When you compete with someone, you get

When you compete with someone, you get all these stories that you can share together. It really helps build that friendship and helps maintain those friendships as well because you can go back and play sports together.”

Austin Fullbright

all these stories that you can share together.

It really helps build that friendship and helps maintain those friendships as well because

you can go back and play sports together.”

The friendships formed in intramurals naturally result in memorable moments, recollections Fullbright claimed friends will discuss 10 years after college.

Fullbright and Tunnell recalled competing in the inner tube water polo championship as one of their favorite memories. Tunnell scored both the game-tying and game-winning goal in the final minute to help his team secure back-to-back championships.

There are also times in intramurals when friends have to console their comrade after a mistake.

Tunnell remembered one basketball game when his friend missed two free throws that would have won the game. He also recalled his companion’s disappointment after the contest.

“He was really disappointed, but he played a really great game,” Tunnell said in a phone interview. “It just gives you an opportunity to be like, ‘Hey it’s alright,’ and support your friend when they are disappointed. Situations like that, you wouldn’t have been in otherwise.”

Tunnell’s memory underscores a cruel lesson learned from intramurals: how to handle failure and disappointment.

“I probably lost more championships than I won,” Fullbright said.

Fullbright admitted that he is competitive.

He scouts future opponents on the intramurals website. He gives his full effort during games. He has won 14 championships, but still reflects on the games he has lost.

“With Austin Fullbright, adjectives do not suffice,” Tunnell said. “He is the ultimate competitor. He plays with a spirit of intensity that is unmatched by any of his peers. He just exudes greatness like Lebron (James).”

But both Fullbright and Tunnell recognize that sportsmanship is more important than the result of a game.

“It’s not worth winning an intramural game to be a total jerk to someone,” Tunnell said.

But defeat is only one of the lessons intramurals teaches. Fullbright, Tunnell and Rivers provided different lessons they encountered during intramurals — how to balance time between homework and sports, how to develop game strategy and how to contribute to a team.

But they all arrived at the same conclusion: their college experience would not be the same without intramurals.

“A big part of my memories in college have been playing intramurals,” Fullbright said. “A lot of the memories I will look back upon from college will be associated with intramural sports. I can’t really imagine what my college experience would be without it.

“Intramurals have touched every part of my college experience.”

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How anonymity behind social media drives student expression

McCord Pagan Columnist

We’ve all had a time when we want to share an article on Facebook or Twitter, yet moments before we hit enter, we stop.

Maybe it’s because you think what you have to say is unpopular, or maybe you don’t want to start an online argument with no end in sight.

Whatever the reason, you may feel safer sharing your opinions on Yik Yak. Yik Yak is an anonymous social media app acting as a message board for those within a 1.5 mile radius. Ideal for college campuses, the app spread like wildfire since its release in 2013. However, the app has also drawn discontent, including from our own school administrators, for some of the messages posted, which occasionally include hate speech and personal insults.

Yet, most posts are rather innocuous. Usually someone is upset over the lack of parking spaces on campus, love sick for an ex-partner or anxious over upcoming homework. And occasionally someone makes a good joke.

Yik Yak is important. It is a more accurate measurement of the pulse of our community than traditional social media, where everyone knows your true identity.

When students are provided a space to express themselves anonymously, the results can be amazing. From people asking for help in the midst of a panic attack, to young lovers seeking advice on how

to ditch a cheating boyfriend, to those who just want to complain about a boring lecture, the ability to share the non-sanitized version is crucial to personal development.

When we are allowed to express ourselves about whatever mundane, silly or even halfway interesting things are going on in our lives, we learn more about what we believe and why we believe it.

If someone was brought up believing marriage should only be between a man and a woman but never vocalized those beliefs, Yik Yak is a place where they can finally discuss those ideas and hopefully have their minds changed without the sting of having their name attached to an idea they may then feel less strongly about.

Anonymity gives us the sweet, beautiful freedom to be wrong — and grow as a result.

Being anonymous on the Internet isn’t about trolling or hiding from the government. It’s about having a space where we can develop our own richer inner selves without judgement or pressures, real or imagined, from other people.

On Yik Yak and similar anonymous social media, you are free to be the person you really are, but for whatever reason can’t yet show the world. When you’re anonymous, it’s okay to be the person crying alone in the restaurant bathroom, overcome by anxiety and scared to come out. It’s okay to be a rape survivor and tell your story to thousands of people

on Reddit without the fear of your coworkers finding out. It’s okay to be gay and find a place where you can feel loved and accepted.

While there will likely always be Internet trolls, the ability of anonymity to provide a safe place for self-expression will always outweigh the negative comments that come with a democratic forum.

Banning or restricting anonymous social media for the hateful speech of a few people won’t change the minds of anyone who is actually bent on being a troll. If anything, they are emboldened because they see their words have an effect.

When anonymous social media is restricted, all we’re really doing is discouraging the development of people’s personal lives.

So today, I challenge you to take a stand for free speech. Download Yik Yak, get on Reddit or whatever forum on which you feel comfortable. Express yourself. Speak up for your peers who get harassed and encourage them to communicate with the world as they truly are.

Because what is freedom but the ability to express ourselves without fear from others? So please, go on Yik Yak and complain about parking, tuition or whatever else is on your mind. I’ll be waiting for you.

McCord Pagan is a senior in journalism and electronic media. He can be reached at mcccpaga@ vols.utk.edu.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

OLD CITY

MARKET SQUARE Earthbound Trading

Scruffy City Hall

Preservation Pub

Rita’s

Bliss

Earth to Old City

Oodles Uncorked

The Tomato Head

Square Room

Remedy Coffee

Cafe 4

Barley’s The Knoxville Pearl Pilot Light

STAGE

FOUNTAIN

Jig and Reel

Southbound

Old City Java Union Place

Da Vinci’s Pizza

Armada Bar

Carleo’s

Olibea Blue Coast Bar & Grill

The Stock & Barrell

Bluetique Cheap Chic

Bliss Home

Cocoa Moon

Trio Cafe

Not Watson’s Local Kitchen + Motors, Soccer Taco Inc. Bar

Tupelo Honey Cafe

Old City Cigar

The Crown & Goose

GAY STREET

Visit Knoxville

Knoxville TVA Employee Credit Union

Mast General Store

Downtown Grill & Brewery

Downtown Wine & Spirits

Knoxville Utilities Board

Nama Sushi

Regal 8

The French Market Creperie

Trio Cafe

Tennessee Theatre

Dazzo’s Pizza

The Bijou Theatre

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WHEN IN KNOXVILLE do as the Knoxvillians do

In downtown Knoxville, there is always something to do, whether it’s a First Friday art gallery, a show at the Bijou or a meal in Market Square. This map will help get you there.

Raven Records - More than just music; check out their vintage clothing store in the back

Y T I C OLD

Remedy - Definitely a trek from campus but the removed location helps limit distractions (Plus the chai latte is the best in town)

Downtown Grill and Brewery Perfect middle ground between classy and casual for date night or a night on the town

Olibea - Best brunch in town

Suttree’s - It’s the “Cheers” of Market Square employees, a bar for the regulars with a patio on Gay street perfect for people watching

Barley’s - A casual bar atmosphere that serves quality food as well

L DR.

GAY STREET W. SUMMIT H IL

WALL AVE.

N AVE.

The French Market - No matter what Ricky Bobby says - it’s not un-American to love crepes, sweet or savory

The Pilot Light - A dive bar that brings in any and every type of performer, as long as they don’t have more than 50 fans

T E E R GAY ST O W. JACKS

Bijou Theater - Doesn’t bring in quite as many big names as the Tennessee Theater but has a cozier atmosphere that brings you closer to the performers

WALNUT ST.

MARKET SQUARE

Coffee and Chocolate - Can’t beat this combination­; it’s a coffee shop with a sweet tooth Tomato Head - Hipster atmosphere with offbeat local pizzas to match Tupelo Honey - the place you choose when your parents are paying Soccer Taco - the place you choose when you are paying Fizz - A boutique with a high price tag but unique finds The Stock & Barrel - Gourmet burgers with beers and bourbon — simply delicious

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Knox Heritage fights to preserve Howard House Samuel Henniger Contributor

At 12:30 p.m. on May 26, the H.C. Christenberry house in West Knoxville was leveled by the E. Luke Green Company, ending the home’s chances for renovation and enraging Knoxvillians when Knox Heritage posted a video online documenting its demolition.

Now the Howard House, another historic home in North Knoxville built in 1910, is in danger of demolition to make room for a supermarket.

With the help of the local community, Knox Heritage members and staff have begun a movement to preserve the structure from a fate similar to the 90-year-old Christenberry house’s destruction.

“It is an important part of North Knoxville history, and it is a place that helped give that area the character that it has today,” Kim Trent, executive director of Knox Heritage, said. “Its age, architecture and the history of the people that lived there are what make it important historically.”

The house stands on 2921 N. Broadway and is one of the remaining historic pieces of architecture on the street. For the last 60 years, former Knoxville city councilman Paul Howard has preserved the house. But when he passed away in March 2014, his estate required the house be sold.

According to Zillow, a popular online real estate database, the price of the property is estimated at more than $380,000. Recently, Polestar Development, a subsidiary of Hutton Company in Chattanooga, offered $1.269 million for the property.

Additionally, Polestar Development offered $2.3 million for the neighboring Centerpointe Church property on the condition the Howards were willing to sell. The owner of the Centerpointe Church agreed, and recently the Howards accepted the development company’s offer.

Prior to the deal’s acceptance, however, the plan initially hinged on raising enough money within the community to purchase it, thus saving the historic home from demolition. Since the house has gone under contract, that strategy has changed. In order for the developer to use the property, it will have to be rezoned from office to commercial use.

“We will oppose that rezoning when and if it is submitted to the (Knoxville-Knox County) Metropolitan Planning Commission,” Trent said.

Due to the cultural significance of the property, Trent suggested it would be eligible for recognition by the National Register of Historic Places, a federal program that coordi-

The Howard House is number one on this year’s Fragile 15 list, released by Knox Heritage annually. The list includes historic locations around Knoxville, and includes houses in the Fort and buildings on UT’s campus.

• Photo courtesy of WBIR nates and supports public and private efforts to protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

For Knox Heritage staff, the completion of a NRHP application would be simple since the foundation regularly fills out the paperwork for similar properties around Knoxville. “(Knox Heritage) would definitely be willing to complete the National Register nomination and submit it for consideration, and (we are) sure that it would be approved,” Trent said.

In addition to the Howard House, numerous historic structures included on Knox Heritage’s “Fragile 15” list are under threat of demolition.

Last year, it was announced that UT became the owner of property surrounding three historic Victorian homes on White Avenue.

These homes were recently put up for bid by the university with plans to construct a new science laboratory complex in their place during the university’s massive reconstruction initiative.

“A bidder has won a bid on two of (the homes) and plans to move them to another site within Fort Sanders,” Kaye Graybeal, the historic preservation planner of the KnoxvilleKnox County Metropolitan Planning Commission, said.

The remaining house on White Avenue has not received a bid yet and will be demolished if no bid comes through.

2015 FRAGILE FIFTEEN 1. The Paul Howard House 2921 N. Broadway 2. Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood 3. The H.C. Christenberry House 4. Knoxville College Historic District 5. Standard Knitting Mill 1400 Washington Avenue 6. The Eugenia Williams House 4848 Lyons View Pike 7. Sanitary Laundry 625 N. Broadway 8. Magnolia Avenue Corridor

9. Historic School Buildings 10. French Broad River Corridor 11. University of Tennessee Knoxville Campus 12. Isaac Anderson Cabin Creekrock LaneShannondale Valley Farms 13. Pryor Brown Garage 314 & 322 W. Church Avenue 14. Tennessee Supreme Court Building 617 Cumberland Avenue 15. Legg-England House 8010 Rutledge Pike

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Grant jumpstarts new public commuter route Kurtis Welch

Contributor

Knoxville is on track to become more cyclist friendly.

Legacy Parks and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club were awarded an REI community grant Thursday, June 25 for their proposal to place a connecting bridge across Redbud Road. The bridge will connect the newly acquired Wood property — 100 acres of land donated in August 2013 by family members of the late Pat Wood — to the Urban Wilderness “South Loop” in South Knoxville.

Nolan Wildfire, REI Knoxville’s outdoor program and outreach market coordinator, said his company looks for partnerships working to increase access to local natural areas.

“There’s no way to cross the road whatsoever currently for either people walking on the trails or hiking on the trails or cycling on the trails,” Wildfire said. “This provides a fantastic connector between two parts of the park, as well as connect-

ing into the local neighborhoods and the middle school.”

The new bridge would connect surrounding neighborhoods to 42 miles of trail in the South Loop portion of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and provide a new commuter route for public use.

Yet, this new trail addition is only one of the projects that AMBC and Legacy Parks have worked on together.

AMBC President Matthew Kellogg said his organization has been working with Legacy Parks on urban wilderness projects for five years, and he considers the bridge as another safety improvement for all individuals.

“We strive to be the trail-keepers for Knoxville. We don’t discriminate based on trail users. We build trails for all users, not just bikes,” Kellogg said.

Since REI Knoxville’s establishment in October 2014, the city’s urban wilderness initiative provides opportunities for Knoxvillians to enjoy the surrounding natural areas a few miles from the downtown district.

Bell Sports, a company that specializes in bike helmets, also awarded AMBC $100,000 after the organization won an online voting competition earlier this month among several cities in the U.S. AMBC members are currently planning to build a downhill mountain bike track on the Wood family property with the grant money, later to be named Gravity Trail.

A study by UT economics professor Charles Sims, published earlier this month by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, outlines the benefits of expanding the urban wilderness initiative locally in venues such as the South Loop and Gravity Trial.

The study also includes data provided by other Urban Wilderness programs across the U.S., claiming “as a national destination, the Urban Wilderness would generate $29 million in total annual expenditures.”

“We as a club have always known that the trails are an economic driver.

Whether it’s been in a study or not, it’s really nice to have something to back it

up with now,” Kellogg said.

Kellogg also commented that amateur studies conducted in areas with urban wilderness programs have recorded millions of dollars in real estate in the last three years.

Legacy Parks reports that Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness already boasts 1,000 forested acres along downtown’s south waterfront, over 40 miles of multi-purpose trails, 10 parks and four Civil War sites.

The inclusion of the Wood property will increase the park’s overall capacity, while Redbud Road bridge is scheduled for completion by late Fall 2015.

“If we are encouraging people to get outside to recreate in our natural spaces, those people will be more inclined to take care of those natural places and spaces,” Wildfire said. “As a result, it would be a cyclical thing where we are encouraging people to get outside and take care of the places that they love.”

For more information about Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness program, visit www. outdoorknoxville.com.

STUDENTLIFE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

The Green Stripe at Blaze Pizza features pesto drizzle, grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, chopped garlic, mozzarella and arugula for less than $10.

Liv McConnell • The Daily Beacon

Venture off the beaten crust for quality pizza Liv McConnell Copy Chief

junkie’s dream. The cozy atmosphere away from Market Square’s madness is a plus, too.

Central Flats and Taps

When it comes to local pizza parlors, everyone knows and loves Tomato Head, and for good reason. The restaurant’s reputation for quality, fresh pizzas (and even better sandwiches) utilizing local and organic ingredients is well deserved. Yet as fantastic as Tomato Head may be, its popularity often casts a shadow over Knoxville’s humbler pizzerias.

Next time you have a hankering for this most essential of food groups, branch out and try one of these joints off the beaten crust. I guarantee Tomato Head will still be around if you regret it.

Hard Knox Pizzeria

Hard Knox is one of the few true woodfired pizzerias in town, and ingredients like fresh mozzarella, caramelized garlic and fresh herbs go a long way toward making it a top contender for Knoxville’s best pizza. Sure, the interior is unassuming and the sizing options are limited (6-inch pizzas at lunch and 12-inch at dinner, period). But one bite of the Great White Hope’s signature pesto cream sauce will remind you why you came.

Dazzo’s

Bistro at the Bijou owner Martha Boggs snapped up Dazzo’s in 2011 and has infused it with the Bistro’s dedication to using the freshest ingredients. The Knox-Patch Pie — featuring garlic sauce, prosciutto, goat cheese, caramelized onions and black olives — is killer, and the bacon and egg pizza is a cholesterol-

These flatbread pizzas are unpretentiously good. Made using Naan bread, they sport ingredients like sriracha barbeque sauce, chorizo and whole milk buffalo mozzarella cheeses. But nothing makes these flatbreads better than how nicely they pair with Central’s craft beer selection. The authentic neighborhood bar-feel and spacious outdoor patio are also selling points.

Gavino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant

A true New York style hole-in-the-wall pizzeria, this Bearden joint is so unassuming it doesn’t even have a website (gasp!). Die-hard Gavino’s fans swear this is the closest thing to authentic New York pizza in the 865. The owner, Gavin, uses many of his mother and grandmother’s recipes, and clearly these ladies knew what they were doing. Don’t skimp on the freshly baked garlic knots.

Blaze

I know, I know. Blaze is no mom and pop operation. With more than 60 locations across the U.S., this franchise is gathering steam.

But the concept is unique, and worth trying.

A Chipotle-esque assembly line of yummy ingredients like pesto, ricotta, chopped garlic and arugula allows for total customization of your pie. It’s quickly assembled, quickly fired and cheap (all pizzas ring in under $10 after tax). It’s a wonder the Knoxville location isn’t near campus — this would be a weeknight hit.

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White Avenue property cleared for new science building Kurtis Welch

Contributor The university can move a home to a new street corner, but transplanting roots in a historic neighborhood is a bit trickier.

The only historical structure that could be fully saved on White Avenue was moved in an effort of preservation on July 24, moving a couple of blocks down from its 1302 White Avenue address to the corner of Clinch Avenue and 12th Street.

Carl Lansden, owner of Landsen Landmarks LLC and Knoxville preservationist, purchased the house in an auction by UT in June for $1,600.

“I just love the history behind this house,” Lansden said. “And I love the architecture. I think this is going to be the premier property on Clinch Avenue.”

Lansden said he plans to keep the house intact and to transform it into a rental property for students in the area.

The house was moved from White Avenue to free the plot to begin construction on the

new science building, named after Ken and Blaire Mossman, that will be constructed to house new facilities for science departments within UT’s academic programs.

David Crigger, project manager with Facilities Services, said the Mossman building will architecturally be a building remembered through the years.

“It’s really just an exceptional piece of architecture, and I think it will be published, I think it will be visited by other colleges and I really think it will help us grow to the Top 25,” Crigger said.

The construction will be managed by Retenbach General Contractors while Lord Aeck Sargent, an Atlanta-based architecture and design firm, and McCarty Holsaple McCarty Inc., an architecture and design firm in Knoxville, will provide a joint effort on designing the Mossman building.

Lansden’s property was the only one of three White Avenue homes that could be fully preserved, while the other two were salvaged to the best of Lansden’s ability, Crigger said.

See WHITE AVENUE on Page 19

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STUDENTLIFE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

DID YOU KNOW? A CRASH COURSE IN WEIRD KNOXVILLE HISTORY Whether you’re new to the city or have grown up here, Knoxville still has some surprises up its sleeves. In both the past and the present, Knoxville has earned an interesting reputation for itself through its residents, venues, and attractions.

Some items have been notorious and some have been noteworthy, but that’s what makes our city so loveably scruffy.

Not only was Knoxville once the capital of Tennessee, but it was also the official capital of the territory south of the Ohio River.

You can start your world travels less than five miles from the university. Knoxville is technically an international port since you can travel to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes from the Tennessee River.

T H E A T R E

Knoxville may not be known as the music city, but it remains home to the official state theater built in 1928 The Tennessee Theatre.

Believe it or not, in-state UT students in 1965 only paid $78 per quarter.

Watch out fishing fanatics, it’s against the law to lasso a fish in Knoxville borders.

You may or may not have noticed the 13-foot statue of Alex Haley in Knoxville’s Morningside Park. This tucked away structure happens to be the largest statue of an African-American in the nation.

Knoxville is known as “Vol Nation”and the “Marble City,” but did you know it was also named “The Streaking Capital of the World” by Walter Cronkite in 1974 after 5,000 nude students ran down the stretch of Cumberland dubbed the “Strip”.

SEE MORE FACTS ON PAGE 22!

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STUDENTLIFE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

We would like the university to stay within the boundaries they agreed to under the Fort Sanders Forum and quit demolishing historic properties within the Fort Sanders National Register distric.”

Kim Trent, Knox Heritage executive director “They were very careful,” Crigger said. “They removed mantles for fireplaces, entire staircases, doors, stained-glass windows, furnishings, window seats — all of these things that craftsmen can’t really afford to build anymore just because it takes so much time and such good quality of material.”

Still, the argument persists in whether value

One block from the house’s new location on the corner of Clinch Avenue and 12th Street, the transport crew waits on electricians to clear the way.

Megan Patterson • The Daily Beacon

WHITE AVENUE continued from Page 17 However, not everyone within Knoxville’s community is satisfied with UT’s efforts to preserve these historic Fort Sanders properties.

Kim Trent, executive director of Knox Heritage, said UT overstepped its boundaries when seeking to obtain these properties in order to begin installation of another building.

“We would like the university to stay within the boundaries they agreed to under the Fort Sanders Forum and quit demolishing historic properties within the Fort Sanders National Register district,” Trent said.

In 2000, UT, currently exempt from local laws governing preservation in historic areas, signed the Fort Sanders Neighborhood Forum

Plan. This strategy, according to Trent, aimed to deter any demolition of historic homes until the university “changed their mind” and decided to explore zoning for upcoming projects.

Trent believes the Fort Sanders area could be an asset used to encourage recruitment and improve the quality of life for its students so long as the area is treated as such by the university. Moreover, she maintains that quality redevelopment of historical buildings like the Lake Avenue homes could be just as enticing and economically sound as the construction of an entirely new complex.

“If they continue with the demolition, it jeopardizes the entire district for all the property, which include the designated houses and all the incentives that come with it,” Trent said.

Conversely, Crigger said he is happy that what could be salvaged of all three homes was done so by Lansden’s crew.

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of homes in historic Fort Sanders or large-scale progression of an institution aiming for Top 25 status is the greater cause.

Knox Heritage continues to track a running list of endangered historic sites, known as the Fragile 15, further solidifying its stance that the university will not likely stop its efforts to expand into such places.

Other sites on the 2015 list include the H.C. Christenberry House, the Pickle Mansion, the Eugenia Williams House, Sanitary Laundry and various buildings in the Knoxville College District.

The Ken and Blaire Mossman building is scheduled for completion by summer 2018.

“There are so many people involved with this — engineers from our side, people from the Office of Planning off Middlebrook, the governor of the state of Tennessee,” Crigger said.

“Everybody has really pulled to get this building put into position.

“This job has just been too much fun, and I’m really excited to get this building built for the students and the faculty as much as anything else.”

See page 14 for full Fragile 15 list

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

STUDENTLIFE

STUDENTLIFE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW STUDENT UNION March 2012

University Center’s “Money Wall” outdoor ATMs close.

Andy Holt Avenue permanently closes between Volunteer Boulevard and Phillip Fulmer Way. University Center parking garage closes and demolition begins.

Two of three pedestrian bridges connecting the University Center Plaza with The Hill and Stokely Management Center close.

April 2012

Approximately fifty parking spaces on the north end of the Staff 9 lot close as part of the construction.

May 2012 The final pedestrian bridge connecting the University Center Plaza with The Hill and Stokely Management Center closes.

October 2012

Construction fencing is installed along a portion of Volunteer Boulevard at Cumberland Avenue to prepare for the demolition of the former Counseling Center, Aconda Court, Temple Court, and 812 Volunteer Boulevard.

December 2012

Demolition begins on the former Counseling Center, Aconda Court, Temple Court, and 812 Volunteer Boulevard.

Phillip Fulmer Way from Cumberland Avenue to Middle Drive closes for construction of a pedestrian bridge that will connect the Hill with the new Student Union.

August 2014

The new pedestrian bridge, which spans Phillip Fulmer Way and restores a key link to the Hill, opens to the public. The bridge connects the Haslam Business Building, Volunteer Boulevard, and the Joe Johnson–John Ward Pedestrian Walkway to the Hill. On the east side of the bridge, the steps and landscape have been redone, and access to the top of the Hill has been improved by a pedestrian path through the nearby Austin Peay building.

Work begins to extend the land-

scaping adjacent to the Claxton Education Building—called Blueberry Falls—to integrate with new outdoor space planned for the Student Union.

Blueberry Falls also will add a new direct pedestrian route from Volunteer Boulevard to Phillip Fulmer Way. The extension will feature a water cascade along the length of the greenway, new seating and designated bike parking.

June 2015

Phase One, including a new bookstore, dining facilities, Career Services office space, and other office space, is completed and opened to the public.

The first phase also includes a new landscaped outdoor plaza that connects the Pedestrian Mall and the Haslam Business Building to The Hill.

July 2015

Phase Two begins. When completed, it will include a large auditorium/performance venue, a large ballroom for events and banquets, additional dining areas, a student recreation area, the Vol Card office, UT Federal Credit Union, lounges, and additional program, conference, and meeting space.

Workers demolish the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center as they move into Phase Two of the Student Union project.

Photos by Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

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STUDENTLIFE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

The Knoxville Zoo is the Red Panda capital of the Western Hemisphere and the first zoo on this side of the globe to have an African elephant, named Little Diamond, born and bred in captivity.

One of Knoxville’s most famous inventions has monuments of it erected all throughout the Fort; the dumpster was invented by Knoxville resident George Dempster in 1935.

Despite being a city currently entrenched in football fandom, in 1859, bowling was the most popular sport in town with a bowling saloon on Market Square.

Serving up childhood diabetes since 1940, Knoxville is the birthplace of the popular soda Mountain Dew. It introduced the world to Cherry Coke 42 years later at the 1982 World’s Fair.

Also at the 1982 World’s Fair, the first ever touchscreen made its public debut.

In 1791, Knoxville brought the first newspaper to the state: The Knoxville Gazette.

STUDENTLIFE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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What is lost in translation As one of thousands of international students arriving every year to study in the United States, I arrived with my family (wife and daughter) seven months ago to complete my PhD degree at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

I was full of expectations, dreams and stereotypes about everything here in America — from what I watched on TV, read in books and newspapers and from the Internet, which made the world feel like a small village. The first days were not as easy and simple as I expected, but they went well anyway.

After a while though, these questions started to come to my mind and to my friends’ minds too: Is this the real America we dreamed about? Is this the place that we are supposed to spend several years in to acquire knowledge and understand science?

Then why are people here so different from what we expected?

We came here full of energy and enthusiasm to know everything about the U.S.A. and to meet as many people as we can, knowing that this is the land of freedom and diversity and believing that textbooks are not enough to teach us about this culture. However, the problem is that we faced several unexpected behaviors by some American classmates, roommates and other people on the campus.

Some roommates preferred not to speak at all

with their international roommates, creating a weird situation for months or even years that made many international students prefer to live with their own citizens to avoid such situations. Other American friends preferred to ignore anything about our culture and differences and started their job to “Americanize” some of us. Others were more determined to focus more on converting international students’ religions and beliefs directly and indirectly.

Nevertheless, the most shocking behavior is what many people (students and others) on campus are practicing by engaging in “over polite” conversations and emotions toward international students to the extent that they make many international students feel like they are being treated like children.

They treat different people as children just because they do not speak English as fluently as native speakers or because they think differently based on cultural differences or even just because they suffered from culture shock or homesickness once they arrive here.

I am sorry to mention this, but I just want to say that being different is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it is a good and healthy thing because different people can learn from each other and can help each other.

So, my dear American friends, we are here to

know as much about you as we can, and you also need to get to know us and understand us better, which will create a cooperative and supportive environment that allows all of us to be our best by collaborating with others to achieve the dreams we are here for. International students need to be treated equally along with their American colleagues by everyone, and yes, they need your help to get better at speaking and using the language, which will allow them to express themselves better. However, they also need to be respected — by respecting their traditions, religions and beliefs, which will allow them to act more openly and exchange their knowledge with others better.

Finally, I would like to apologize to anyone who did the opposite and was helpful, supportive, cooperative and respectful of the international students, and there are many of them. The idea is that we are here, away from our homes, countries and families, and we need more than meeting only friends from the same country or the same culture.

My dear American friends, thanks for everything you are doing for us, but we need more.

Mustafa Sadiq Aljumaily is an international student from Iraq and a PhD student in computer engineering. He can be reached at mlatief@vols. utk.edu.

STUDENTLIFE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

We make the world safer through nuclear materials management.

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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Savannah River Nuclear Solutions manages and operates the Savannah River Site, a 310-square-mile facility owned by the U.S. Department of Energy near Aiken, S.C. We’re also home to the Savannah River National Laboratory.

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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions offers full-time employment positions including disciplines such as engineering, science, business, information technology and other technical fields.

We also offer an extensive internship program in the same disciplines for uniquely skilled students who want to enhance their education with hands-on experience.

www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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THE DA ILY BE AC ON | WE LC OME BAC K 2015

ARTS & CULTURE Knoxville is filled with artists of all kinds.

Whether it’s a microphone, a paintbrush, an oven or a stage, there is no shortage of talent to appreciate in the Scruffy City— and no shortage of places to appreciate it. In this section, we’ll guide you through Knoxville’s bustling art scene, hopping music venues and introduce you to some local favorites. So buy your tickets and get in line for a semester of entertainment.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

ARTS&CULTURE

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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The highs and lows of summer festival season Sterling Martin

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T he specialty shows that get you through the day

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QED Comedy Lab:A place where comedy gets wild

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UT Singers take their talents on the road

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Copy Editor

Concerts, and music festivals especially, have seen a heavy resurgence over the past couple years with the number of events doubling or even tripling from summer to summer. There are those like Bonnaroo, which are world-renowned and have helped create the present festival scene as it stands. There are also the more exclusive festivals like All Good and Wakarusa, which share a long-running history of supplying partygoers with weekends full of great tunes and good times. Then, of course, there are those like the upcoming inaugural Afropunk Fest in October, which boasts an impressive line-up in hopes of becoming a new tradition. While Coachella and others like it make national headlines, there are other festivals out there with just as, if not more, potential for fun surrounded by music of all kinds.

COUNTERPOINT

‘Tis the season to see many movies

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Check out Knoxville’s fall music line-up

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KMA:A diamond in the Scruffy City

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Students by day; princesses by night

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When the music plays, where will you be?

The return of Counterpoint Music Festival to Kingston Downs, Georgia, was much anticipated, although the event was far from selling out. Acts such as Zedd, Umphrey’s McGee, Knife Party and Galactic brought in die-hard crowds of all ages — EDM heads and jam-band enthusiasts alike. This year’s headliner, Widespread Panic, performed just an hour outside of their hometown of Athens, Georgia. Not only did they draw the biggest crowd of the weekend, but they also drove Saturday day pass sales through the roof.

Although slotted at the same time, electro-duo Cherub surprisingly brought out almost just as big of a crowd and seemingly performed their hearts’ out because of it.

WAKARUSA

With Ben Harper, The Roots, Slightly Stoopid, Portugal. The Man, Glass Animals and Moon Taxi —to name a few— Wakarusa had it all this year. The 2015 lineup was not only one of the densest of the year, but it proved that hip-hop, jam-bands, EDM and more can all coincide in one big, kickass weekend. In years past, Wakarusa has had awful luck in regards to weather and cancellations. While some performance slots can be pushed around and somewhat flexible, nonstop rain and a jam-packed lineup ensures that someone will be left in the dust. For the first time since 2012, however, no major cancellations took place, and the weather remained bearable for fans to enjoy what their money was intended for.

BONNAROO

Yet another summer has come and gone, and UTK students are already awaiting next year’s Bonnaroo line-up announcement. This year’s legacy act, Billy Joel, put on an energetic set to close the weekend — just after Robert Plant, G-Eazy and Caribou all closed out other

Festival goers enjoyed the third annual CounterPoint Music Festival during Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Sterling Martin • The Daily Beacon stages throughout the grounds. Kendrick Lamar brought along a live band, which only improved the rapper’s sound. Acts such as The Alabama Shakes, Mac DeMarco and Tycho had notable sets despite some schedule overlaps. The ‘80s Throwback Superjam was one of the most versatile superjams to date, starring Pretty Lights, Run DMC, Cherub, Chance the Rapper, Rob Trujillo (bassist from Metallica) and many, many more, who shared the stage for a once in a lifetime performance.

ELECTRIC FOREST

Taking place in the Sherwood Forest of Rothbury, Michigan, was the return of the Electric Forest. Known primarily for its vast amount of electronic music, the Forest’s lineup boasted some of the top names in the game such as Bassnectar, Skrillex, Flume, Big Gigantic and more. The jam and funk genres also have found a home in the Forest, most notably three shows of The String Cheese Incident for 2015. As far as camping and security went, EF has quite a bit of trouble. Aside from hours of stand-still traffic that can be expected with bigger festivals, crowd members including VIP were made to wait at security lines for upwards of five hours before entering the area with vendors and stages. While some performances were forced to proceed without any crowd, festivalgoers took to Twitter and other places to vent about the entry process. In the end, an over-sale of tickets and lack of space (even in “Overflow”) for campers made the first two days of the festival more of a hassle than a good time for some folks.

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ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

WUTK attributes specialty shows to long-running success Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor Is it possible for a single radio station to play heavy metal, reggae, electronic, hip-hop and jam band music?

Nestled between Circle Park and the Thompson-Boling Arena is a radio tower that covers all that and more, depending on when you tune in to listen.

WUTK radio has been on-air since 1982 and has continued non-funded since the ‘90s. Despite its lack of guaranteed financial backing, the station has won multiple national awards, and station manager Benny Smith credits a lot of the popularity to its specialty shows.

“We compete against other stations that have big staffs and budgets, so our specialty shows have to be special,” Smith said. “They have to remain consistent with the programming because no one wants to pay money to sponsor something for six months and then have it change entirely.”

Although most of the shows are part of a fixed lineup, the shows’ DJs come and go.

Alex Crowley, senior in journalism and current DJ for the reggae and world music show Simmer Down, described the station as a valuable stepping stone.

“When it comes to media, it’s dog eat dog.

If you don’t have the passion and the drive to do this, then bye,” Crowley said. “Without 90.3, I would be nowhere close to where I am today.”

Crowley will be graduating at the end of the summer, and he plans to stay on with WUTK after moving up the ranks in his five years at the station.

“There’s quite a bit of freedom once you get a little bit of seniority and get up in the ranks of the station, when you aren’t just doing DJ shifts or small-time music department stuff,” Crowley said. “You’re given free reign to get out and make your own name in the industry and in the scene.”

Crowley has already formed his own concert series, following in the footsteps of Brian Coakley, current owner of music venue The International and WUTK alumnus.

Smith reminisced on Coakley’s start at the station.

“He started Midnight Voyage years ago here on a Thursday night,” Smith said. “It has turned into arguably one of the most successful EDM concert promotion and production companies in the world, simply because it started as a radio show on this station.”

Joseph McKee, current DJ of the Fire on the Mountain show, just graduated with a degree in business management and mar-

keting. Unlike the journalism majors who joined the station through their introductory journalism class, McKee was drawn in by his own interest in the Knoxville music scene.

He recalled the thrill he had during his first experience on-air.

“The first time talking on-air you don’t know if one person is listening or if 10,000 people are listening because it just depends on the time of day,” McKee said.

Fire on the Mountain features classic jam band music like the Grateful Dead, but McKee also associates the station with improvisational music in general, such as jazz and associated bootlegger recordings.

“When it was new and everything, it would take time in the days leading up to plan an awesome setlist,” McKee said. “Now I just kind of wing it, but it turns out good.

It sounds kind of cheesy, but I just follow the spirit of the music.”

In addition to providing a wide variety of music, the specialty shows also bring another important element to the Knoxville music scene — the radio show.

“Bringing back the idea of the radio show is so important, and I think that’s one reason why we’re so popular,” Crowley said. “Other radio stations, especially commercial stations, they have a Top 40 format for the most part, and even if they don’t, they still don’t really have that just down-to-the-grit genre.”

Their grab-bag mix of shows has earned WUTK best radio station in Knoxville 10 years in a row, beating out commercial competitors.

“We have two hip-hop shows, a y’all-ternative show, which is kind of modern country/ folk kind of show, two electronic shows, an indie show, a local show and more,” Crowley said. “We’ve got anything anyone would ever need.”

Crowley said giving the specialty DJs nearly full independence is part of what has allowed the station to maintain its wide variety of music.

Smith echoed this belief as he discussed the value of student leadership at the station.

“They know that music, they love it, they have a passion for it,” Smith said.

“Most of them know it better than I do.

They’ve worked to that point to where they’ve earned that right and duty of having full autonomy.”

Crowley said this full autonomy is used to its fullest capacity to bring listeners what they want to hear.

“We really try our absolute best every day to bring not just Knoxville, but the world a variety of music and really have a passion for music in general,” Crowley said. “That’s our biggest goal — to make sure people are informed and love the music they are hearing.”

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The Electric Zoo with DJ Iko

M Daydream Nation

T The Funeral Directory

W Fire on the Mountain

R Anarchy in the UTK

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The Midnight Smells Like Voyage 90’s Rock

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REGULAR PROGRAMMING

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Documentary Road Show

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E-Town

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“The Hubert Smith Radio Show”

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The Marble City Radio Company

The Marble City Radio Company

The Marble City Radio Company

The Marble City Radio Company

The Marble City Radio Company

Acoustic Cafe

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REGULAR PROGRAMMING

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Soul Power

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Simmer Down

“The Gold Standard Hip Hop Show”

Rock Solid Sports Dr. John Zazu Show

Rock Solid Sports The Indie Aisle

The Funeral Directory

Locals Only

Fire on the Mountain

Y’ll-ternative

Kill Ugly Radio

The Mothership The Funhouse The Edutainment The Midnight The Eighties Hip Hop Show Rock Off Voyage

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Comedy Lab offers witty respite, local laughs Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor For almost a year now, the Pilot Light has hosted dead president impersonators, TED Talk frauds and personified animals (costumes included) on Monday nights.

These are all the products of the QED Comedy Laboratory, a creative venture formed

by Matthew Chadourne in August 2014. A long time stand-up comedian, Chadourne was tired of the cookie-cutter format of most comedy shows.

“People would come up with themed shows or ideas for crazy shows that didn’t fit in stand-up format, and there was really no place for that,” Chadourne said. “I thought it would be nice to do something that would be something new that would spur writing and spur creativity.”

Sean Simoneau, a UT journalism alumnus, believed in Chadourne’s mission and joined the shows last fall.

“This was originally Matt’s idea, but as it progressed it kind of opened up so we all run shows on different nights,” Simoneau said. “It’s basically somebody has a special connection to a subject or theme, and they make a show on that.”

Due to QED’s founding premise of constant originality, Chadourne tries to never repeat shows. This goal has been successful with the help of the 10-12 core comedians like Simoneau that contribute to the shows.

“I try to solicit ideas from people because I ran out of ideas a long time ago,” Chadourne said.

Simoneau’s favorite shows are ones which involve more preparation and writing the week before. He recalled his TED Talk presentation on the future of biotechnology.

“I made slides of people who had cameras all in their heads, and it just got progressively more ridiculous,” Simoneau said. “Those moments are really great when people have something unexpected.”

QED frequently utilizes multimedia in their shows which Simoneau believes “gives a nice visual element that you wouldn’t normally have at a comedy show.”

Chadourne also described the importance of incorporating multimedia elements in QED’s performances.

“We do one called ‘The Slideshow’ that we’ve done a couple times now,” Chadourne said.

“That’s where people make up a story based off eight random slides we show them on stage.”

Alternately, Shane Rhyne, another regular show contributor, prefers the shows where the comedians are put on the spot.

“I like the shows where we kind of go completely insane,” Rhyne said. “One of my favorite shows was called ‘It’s Debatable,’ which was a Matt creation where basically we just showed

up with no prep and he just handed us an index card.”

The comedians were paired up to debate in true collegiate style: two minutes each to present their case followed by one minute each for rebuttal.

“My favorite was, and I was in this one so I might be biased, I’m winning this debate versus I’m winning this debate,” Chadourne said. “Then my opponent versus my opponent’s opponent was one of the best ones. You had to argue for your opponent in the debate.”

Other debate topics included Tuesday versus Thursday, sitting versus standing, Addams Family versus the Munsters and what’s the best vehicle in Star Wars (excluding the Millennium Falcon, of course).

Costumed impersonations have also been favorites of the comedians. In addition to performing as their dead president of choice, the comedians also performed a show they called “Tiger Style” where they did comedy in character as an animal.

“What was fun about those was you get to see people play in their minds a little bit to create this character and go with it,” Rhyne, who played Chester A. Arthur and an antisocial butterfly, said. “Those were always fun to do and play with.”

An exception to their credo of originality is their storytelling show called “Trust Fall.” The key point of the show is that before a comedian can perform, he or she must do a trust fall into the audience.

“The initial concept with the trust fall was that you would tell stories that you wouldn’t necessarily tell somewhere else,” Chadourne said. “You would trust the audience to be accepting of your story, and the audience would trust you to be open about what you were saying.”

However, this relationship of trust has also been broken, or perhaps only bent, a few times.

The contributors recalled their most infamous stunt, the “Blue Umbrella Tour.”

“We made a fake walking tour, and then we didn’t tell anybody it was fake,” Chadourne said.

“There were five or six of us and 20 people at the start.”

Rhyne said the tourists dropped off as the tour progressed and Chadourne described the Knoxville bowling wars.

“Ah the great bowling battle of 1946,” Chadourne said. “People were killing each other in Market Square with bowling pins. Only one orangutan was killed in that battle though.”

Despite how a show is received by the audience, the comedians value the opportunity to experiment with new sets and hone their skills.

“If this show doesn’t work this week, next week it’s a whole other show and you come back and start all over again,” Chadourne said.

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‘Beloved tuba professor’ remembered Kevin Ridder

Staff Writer UT School of Music’s tuba professor Kelly Thomas passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 7 after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Thomas was 40 years old.

This comes as a devastating blow to the UT music community, of which Thomas was a well-loved and respected member. When spotted in the halls of the music building, Thomas is remembered as always quick to crack a joke and flash an infectious smile. No matter how busy he was, he was glad to lend a helping hand if a student needed assistance.

“It absolutely broke my heart when I heard Dr. Thomas had passed,” Tylar Bullion, senior in jazz performance, said. “Dr. Thomas was a fantastic teacher and just an all-around great guy. He was exactly the kind of person the School of Music needed. He will be sorely missed.”

Prior to his appointment at UT, Thomas was the tuba/euphonium professor at the University of Arizona for 13 years. Over his music career, he performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Association Conferences in Linz, Austria; Las Vegas, Nevada; Conway, Arkansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Tucson, Arizona;

and Regina, Canada. Thomas hosted the International Conference of ITEA with more than 600 participants in 2010.

He has also performed at the United States Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference in Washington, D.C. Thomas was a founding member and tubist for the Original Wildcat Jass Band, a traditional New Orleans and Chicago jazz band that toured throughout the Southwest and Mexico in addition to releasing multiple recordings.

Thomas also helped establish the new chamber ensemble Eufonix, which released their debut recording in 2010 and a second recording, “Brink!” in 2012.

In a message sent out to the UT School of Music’s faculty, students, staff and alumni, director Jeffrey Pappas referred to Thomas as “our beloved tuba professor.”

“Even though Kelly was only with us for a short time, he made a huge impact on our school,” Pappas said.

After his passing, a memorial fund was set up to help alleviate the family’s sudden financial obligations and to prepare for their children’s future. Over $50,000 has been raised in support of Thomas’s family.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jana and their four young children Janelle, Keljan, Joelle and Kenton.

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ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Chamber Singers journey, perform abroad Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor

The UT Chamber Singers rehearse at Farrugut Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 15. Taylor Gash • TheDaily Beacon

On Saturday, July 18, 46 UT students began a 4,133-mile journey across the Atlantic to perform in cathedrals older than their native country.

The UT Chamber Singers and their family and friends number 57 in total. Before the group left for England on Saturday, a few choral members shared their excitement and hope for their overseas tour.

For Roxanne Cabrera, recent graduate in music education, international venues aren’t completely foreign. Cabrera traveled with the Chamber Singers to Ireland in 2012 and has been preparing for this summer’s tour ever since.

“Everything we’ve done has been building up to this,” Cabrera said.

Other performers, such as Marissa Stiles, will be leaving the country for the first time.

Stiles said she appreciates the preparation that brought the ensemble to this moment.

“Since Ireland my freshman year, we started working on songs for this,” Stiles said. “We’ve kind of been performing (the tour program) throughout the years.”

The international performance tour will give ensemble members valuable professional experience as well as a cultural education. Stiles is most excited for “being able to perform in historical cathedrals, because not many people

get a chance to do that.”

The ensemble will be performing an evensong service at famous venues throughout England, including Canterbury Cathedral, Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

Cabrera described the evensong as “an evening prayer … kind of like a church vespers service.”

Additionally, the ensemble will perform two public concerts, with the proceeds from one of these being donated to the restoration of church stained-glass windows damaged in WWII. The group’s previous trip to Ireland gave them some learning experiences that they haven’t forgotten this time around.

“I think we’re all better prepared,” Cabrera said. “Of course, the people who weren’t on the Ireland trip can learn from the stories that happened.”

One story starts with the ensemble traveling from Knoxville in two separate groups and ends with half of the ensemble stuck in Chicago for a 72-hour delay.

“Batey took the process and has put safeguards in place so that doesn’t happen again,” Cabrera said. “All of us know better than to not pack emergency overnight stuff in our carry on and stuff like that.”

However, the greatest learning experience of the Ireland trip remains a newfound awareness of the professional potential of the singers.

“It’s not just for giving a concert at UT; it’s not just doing it for fun,” Cabrera said. “Our art can take us places, and I think that’s really cool.”

Director Angie Batey leads a rehearsal at Farrugut Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 15. Taylor Gash • TheDaily Beacon

10 ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

FALL FLICKS YOU need TO SEE

By Jenna Butz, Editor-in-Chief

Fall: class, football and some of the most anticipated movies of the year. Sure, you may not relate this excitement with fall, but whether you’re aware of it or not, the two go hand-in-hand. Right now, you’re daydreaming about how The Hunger Games trilogy will end and the newest James Bond movie. Want to spice up this lineup? Here are the top 10 films you need to know.

“STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON” The story of the notorious 1980s rap group NWA is showcased in this bio-pic based on the group’s genesis and their cultural critique. Ice Cube and Dr. Dre will be played by their sons O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Corey Hawkins, respectively.

“THE DANISH GIRL” Eddie Redmayne will star as Einar Wegner, the first person to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Even without a trailer to view, this film is already generating more Oscar buzz for Redmayne.

Release Date: Aug. 14

Release Date: Nov. 27

“MACBETH”

“KNIGHT OF CUPS”

William Shakespeare’s tense tragedy takes the silver screen in this historical drama. Elizabethan-era English feels more intense against the stark, harsh Scottish landscape.

Shakespeare would approve.

Christian Bale plays a screenwriter in L.A., pushed and pulled between the facade of Hollywood and authenticity. He is easily bored and needs outside entertainment but is also an artist and romantic who must reconcile the two.

Release Date: Oct. 2

Release Date: Dec. 11.

“STEVE JOBS”

“STAR WARS: EPISODE VII-THE FORCE AWAKENS”

Where Ashton Kutcher’s depiction of Jobs fell short, this next attempt is supposed to paint the genius as human — all his faults, fears and triumphs. Played by Michael Fassbender, this remake is supposed to be the real deal.

Release Date: Oct. 9

“PAN” In this reimagined prequel to Peter Pan, an orphan is stolen from his orphanage and taken to Neverland by two (hook-less) pirates. This film will introduce you to all your favorite Neverland characters before they were your favorite Neverland characters.

Right now, all we know about this much anticipated film is that it takes place 30 years after 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.”

Only time can give us more details.

Release Date: Dec. 18

“SISTERS” Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. It’s like PB&J or mac and cheese. This time, the two play sisters desperate to throw one last party in their childhood home before their parents sell it. Basically, think your typical Tina-Amy comedy but on Christmas.

Release Date: Oct. 9

Release Date: Dec. 25

“CRIMSON PEAK”

“THE REVENANT”

One of the most anticipated horror/fantasy films of this year, Mia Wasikowska plays a girl who marries into a family that owns a house that, as the IMDB page puts it “breathes, bleeds ... and remembers.” The trailer is enough to give you goosebumps ... and we don’t even know all the secrets yet.

Release Date: Oct. 16

This historical drama is rumored to finally get Leonardo DiCaprio the Oscar he deserves. Set in frontier America, DiCaprio plays a man desperate to get revenge after being left for dead.

Release Date: Dec. 25

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ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

MUST-SEE CONCERTS of the fall BLUES TRAVELER at * repeat repeat at GRACE POTTER at THE BIJOU THEATRE PRESERVATION PUB THE TENNESSEE THEATRE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 $27 $30-50 THE MILK CARTON KIDS at

THE BIJOU THEATRE DIARRHEA PLANET at LOS COLOGNES at BARLEY’S TAP ROOM THE BIJOU THEATRE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

$27-37

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

$17

KING GIZZARD AND THE LONE BELLOW at THE LIZARD WIZARD THE BIJOU THEATRE BEN RECTOR at THE TENNESSEE THEATRE at THE PILOT LIGHT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

$10-12

$27-37

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

$23-33

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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Local art museum mixes past with present Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor The Knoxville Museum of Art sits between World’s Fair Park and the Fort in a sort of no man’s land near the Clinch bridge which comes to mind only as a throughway. We see the building often, but one Sunday in July, I decided to take a look inside.

The clear glass doors swung open into an unassuming front entryway. At the front desk, I picked up a map, and the clerk joked that I would have a hard time getting lost.

With a map of the three small floors and one self-degrading comment to kick-start the visit, I was skeptical of what the museum had in store.

The first floor galleries host visiting artists.

Currently, Evan Ford’s exhibit titled “Intellectual Property Donor” spans both galleries and tackles topics involving “technology in popular culture” and “the urban environment.”

After brief deliberation, I went into the room on the left first and immediately concluded this guy was on to something new. A very minimalist display - the stark white walls of the gallery played backdrop to Ford’s urban tributes, almost all of which were in black and white.

The back wall featured a compilation of the different calligraphy, shown through the letter ‘S,’ used in graffiti tags in three cities: New York City, Detroit and Paris.

On the adjacent wall, 3-D prints of graffiti tags, re-imagined in the z-dimension, cast shadows from their solid forms suspended from the ceiling.

The final wall showed the visual process of this z-dimension projection. A computer program draws the graffiti artists’ work while taking account of time, so that each stroke layers on the previous one as if pulling open an accordion.

Intrigued by Ford’s original perspectives, I progressed to the second gallery.

Here, he displayed pieces capturing technology and its direct application in our lives. Most had satirical underlying themes, and one in particular caught my eye.

A piece composed of 1,540 sheets of tracing paper stained with ink documented the effort invested in one game of Angry Birds. Each paper showed a single swipe motion, and the seemingly trivial topic made a striking statement about how much of ourselves we invest into technology.

Progressing through a small opening into the first floor, I was immediately greeted by Richard Jolley’s permanent installation titled “Cycle of Life” suspended from the two story ceiling.

Immense sculptures of blown glass replicate protein strands and other biological components, but Jolley brought us back to a macroscopic level with his bronze human sculptures of a male and female along the wall.

Jolley’s works are a good introduction to the smaller glass sculptures housed in one of the first floor galleries.

While for the most part unremarkable beyond aesthetic appeal, some pieces struck a deeper chord. A structure replicating the seismograph readings of Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake was particularly poignant.

Also on the first floor are “Thorne Miniature Rooms.” These are a small sample from a collection of nearly 100 miniatures designed by Mrs. James Ward Thorne in the early 1900s.

Thorne intended for her miniatures, scaled one inch to one foot, to instruct on how European and American interior design and culture evolved throughout time.

Finally, I walked to the third floor which contains two more traditional galleries housing, respectively, current works from East Tennessee and elsewhere and a historical compilation of East Tennessee art throughout the past 100 years.

The modern art gallery held variety that was a relief to see. Paintings, photography, sculpture and unconventional medium filled the room.

The collection of East Tennessee art history had its fair share of landscape paintings, which I often times hurried past with little more than a glance. However, one in particular made me take a second look.

It was titled “View from Lyon’s Bend” and showed a view from a hillside over the Tennessee River, a view that is now obstructed by multiple neighborhoods and private homes.

This glimpse of the past brings modern viewers a sight they could never see through their own eyes.

Also of note was the mural by Marion Greenwood, previously housed in the former University Center on campus, displayed on the final wall of the collection.

The mural has faced decades of controversy since it was initially covered by paneling in 1972 for protection from vandals, angered by what they deemed racist undertones. Its current display in the museum caught me off guard, but after further thought, I’ve realized it signifies a new ability to look at the past with a critical attitude without hiding from it.

Overall, despite its small size, the Knoxville Museum of Art holds many surprises for students who decide to take advantage of the art collection right outside their neighborhood.

Devorah Sperber’s work hangs in an ongoing exhibit at the Knoxville Museum of Art. • Photo courtesy of the Knoxville Museum of Art

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ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

UT sisters recreate fairy tales through business Megan Patterson

Arts & Culture Editor As they approach the start of their sophomore year at UT, Laura and Rachel Clift have already met hundreds of adoring fans, performed at dozens of venues and led successful double lives as cartoon characters.

The twin sisters started Neverland & Company last October as a way to make money in college without resorting to food service or retail. Instead, the two perform in full costume as different fairy tale characters for birthday parties and other events.

Rachel Clift described how the sisters grew up on fairy tales and how, for these two theatre majors, a job centered around performance seemed an obvious choice.

“We decided to do something where we could be ourselves and be creative and stuff, so I had the idea to start a company,” Rachel Clift said.

“It was October when we started researching it, and it just kind of went from there and we realized, ‘You know, we can actually do this.’”

Although Neverland & Company is the most extensive project undertaken by the twins, entrepreneurial ventures aren’t new to them.

“Rachel is the photographer, and she would do photo shoots like senior pictures and stuff,” Laura Clift said. “She would do that as a job in high school, and I would sell art on Etsy.”

Despite their past experience, the extensive networking behind Neverland & Company took

“

They run up and hug you and they are so sweet. All they want is just to talk to you and it’s just precious.

You can’t beat it.”

Rachel Clift

An alternate look for “Winter Princess” • Photo courtesy of Neverland & Company

Laura and Rachel Croft pose as “The Snow Queen” and “Winter Princess.”

• Photo courtesy of Neverland & Company some getting used to for the Clifts.

“It involves a lot more communication with people,” Rachel Clift said. “With photo shoots, it would be a high schooler, and I would just talk to her. Now, we talk to the parents; we interact with the kids and with other kids at the parties.”

Beyond networking, the twins said organizing an event takes a tremendous amount of planning.

“It’s not just setting up a day and a price,” Rachel Clift explained. “We have to figure out who they want, how many kids are going to be

there, where the party is located, what they want to do for the craft game, if they want us to sing or if they want us to read a book, and then we need to have all that timed.”

But the best laid plans can go awry, and Rachel and Laura Clift have learned to improvise their routine based off of each party atmosphere.

“We have to gauge how the party is going because some kids are, like, super energetic and you cannot get them to sit down for a story,” Rachel Clift said. “Then other kids just stare at you the whole time.”

Most of their performance involves singing, dancing and playing familiar games the twins have adapted to each character. Developing distinct character personas is a crucial part of the job, and Rachel and Laura Clift emphasize this fact to any performers they employ.

“They need to completely study the character from when they were made to their newest movie,” Rachel Clift said. “They have to know the vocabulary and mannerisms and how they would react in a certain situation. You’ve got to know everything from their parent’s names to their birthday because kids ask those random little questions and you can’t just say, ‘Oh, I don’t remember.’”

In addition to the detailed character study, performers must learn how to apply heavy stage makeup and wear antiquated items of clothing for costume.

“The first time we did a party, it took us two or three hours to get ready, and that’s how long our new girls take,” Laura Clift said. “But now we can be ready in 45 minutes.”

“Getting in costume also doesn’t take as long, but with new girls we have to help them,” Rachel Clift said. “They say ‘Hoop skirt? What — how do I do this?’”

Rachel Clift said the sisters plan to add eight new characters this fall and then 15 within the next year.

“We got a lot of requests when we first started about having this or that superhero, and I was like, ‘Uh, we have Cinderella right now, but we’re working on it,’” Laura Clift said. “We have a couple superheroes that should be here by October.”

In spite of the long hours, endless brainstorming and extensive preparation, the sisters wouldn’t change a thing.

“We have probably just as much fun as the kids do,” Laura Clift said. “Overall, it’s worth all the work and money that goes into it.”

Rachel Clift shared her favorite part of ‘Meet and Greet’ events when the kids first spot the twin sisters.

“They run up and hug you and they are so sweet,” Rachel Clift said. “All they want is just to talk to you and it’s just precious. You can’t beat it.”

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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YOUR GUIDE TO KNOXVILLE’S MUSIC VENUES PRESERVATION PUB Owners Scott and Bernadette West book an average of 80 bands per month, so you can be sure that more often than not, something is happening at this iconic pub. Cover can veer toward the pricier end, but the atmosphere compensates (the Moonshine Roof Garden is delightful). However, be warned — regardless of whether you smoke, expect to leave reeking of cigarettes.

Age Restriction: 21+ Location: Market Square

BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA Barley’s main floor is well equipped to accommodate larger crowds, drawn to see primarily Americana acts. The pizza is truly great, not just a subpar bar variation, and there are pool tables upstairs.

Age Restriction: 21+ Location: The Old City

THE BOWERY Named for the seedy red-light district this area was once notorious for, the Bowery attracts mostly rock bands, though occasionally country or metal acts take the stage. The outdoor courtyard, shared with neighboring NV Nightclub, is seriously excellent.

Age Restriction: Dependent on event Location: The Old City

THE SQUARE ROOM This intimate listening venue is especially singer-songwriter and jazz friendly but has played host to full-blown rock bands, as well. Dinner at the conjoining Café 4 followed by a show here makes for a classy night on the town.

Age Restriction: None Location: Market Square

THE INTERNATIONAL This is the latest incarnation of a venue that has seen multiple changes in name and ownership over the years. But, despite these frequent rebirths, its essence and musical offerings (electronic, metal and alt-rock) have remained unchanged. It’s here you’re most likely to see concertgoers dolled up in festive attire.

Age Restriction: Dependent on event Location: Fort Sanders

SCRUFFY CITY HALL The Wests have an unmatchable affinity for ambience, as seen in their newest venue.

Designed to resemble a medieval drinking hall, this otherworldly space is smaller than Preservation Pub and typically less crowded, too.

Age Restriction: 21+ Location: Market Square

THE PILOT LIGHT This gem of a music venue/dive bar brings an incredible array of up-and-coming indie acts to Knoxville, in addition to promoting some of the city’s best homegrown talent. The space is intimate, cover is generally cheap and the crowd can get pretty raucous. Let the mosh pits begin.

Age Restriction: 18+ Location: The Old City

By Liv McConnell, Copy Chief

Knoxville’s most prominent music venues, the historic Bijou and Tennessee theaters, are well-known and respected, and for good reason.Their sumptuous, lovingly restored interiors are sights to behold, and few downtown locales will leave you feeling classier. But if you’re anything like me, being restricted to your seat’s square foot of space is antithetical to the point of live music. Grooves are much more easily got on at one of Knoxville’s many smaller venues.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

ARTS&CULTURE

THE DA ILY BE AC ON | WE LC OME BAC K 2015

CAMPUS NEWS A lot happens here at the University of Tennessee; some good, some bad, some ugly.

When news strikes, the Beacon is always there to inform students and faculty of what’s happening. In this section you’ll find updates on construction around campus, dispatches from while you were away and some information on things to come this semester. If there’s a story, the Beacon will always be there for you.

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CAMPUSNEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Bridge program expands 4 Volunteer raises 5 UTtuition,BoardstaffofTrustees salaries app 6 Student-designed eases transportation starts for A.J.Johnson 7 Trialand Michael Williams every Southern 8 “Not symbol should be trashed.”

C on the rise in East 9 Hepatitis Tennessee 11“It is so ordered.” expands same-sex 13 UTbenefits Student Union:the new 14 kid on the block get lost in the 16 Don’t new Student Union your new SGA 18 Meet representatives federal 21 Ongoing investigation underway of history fall 22 Layers off the Rock a multi-million 24 UTdollargetsfacelift For your first week 27 back on campus from a 28 Dispatches busy summer

Dear readers,

I

have started writing this letter four times.

It’s not like writing an article where I know exactly what the story is and can pump it out in roughly an hour depending on the story length and my tiredness level. No, this letter is completely from scratch, boys and girls. I have debated discussing procrastination, homesickness, mental health, campus food.

Just anything that could help prepare you for this upcoming year.

But, let’s be real. All the advice you’ve received thus far has been cheesy as hell, right? You’re tired of hearing about how these are going to be the “best years of your life” and to call your mom often and to go to the gym and eat right to fight the Freshman (or sophomore or junior) 15.

No one’s telling you that there will be nights when Netflix is definitely more important than homework or that you’ll actually call your parents way more than you ever thought you would or that sometimes going to TRECS will make you feel more self-conscious than not going at all (I swear that everyone that goes to TRECS has been working out since they were like three).

Advice is easy to give and even easier to ignore. Who would I be if I didn’t at least try to give you a tool to making the most of college?

I keep thinking of one of my favorite books, Donald Miller’s “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” It’s about Miller shaping his life into a story worth telling. As a writer, my favorite thing is a good story. And that’s exactly what you have the chance to create.

What will you say about your time at UT when you’re done? That you just spent every weekend studying and never had fun? That you had too much fun and didn’t really accomplish what you wanted to?

Miller writes that we base our story, our lives, on what we believe is important, “so when we live a story, we are telling people around us what we think is important.”

“And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can’t go back to being normal; you can’t go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable

thread of wasted time,” Miller wrote.

I’m not saying every minute of your time at UT is going to be a good story. Some might be sad, others embarrassing. Sometimes it won’t even be a story. But once you know you’ve made a story worth telling, you’ll seek to create more and more, and once you put all those together, that’s your entire college career and later your entire life.

And The Daily Beacon is here to help share those stories.

You know that scene in “13 Going on 30” where Jennifer Garner’s character (appropriately named Jenna *cough, cough*) is pitching her magazine’s redesign and says she wants to see her best friend’s big sister, the girls from the soccer team, her next door neighbor in it? At The Daily Beacon, that’s exactly what you’ll get. You’ll get the stories created by your friends and peers told by your friends and peers.

Sometimes the stories are heartbreaking or frustrating or joyful or funny. We’ll provide stories that you might never see anywhere else or have seen a million times but aimed at you, the college student. They might introduce you to your new favorite brunch spot.

They might show you an issue you’ll become incredibly passionate about. They might rally you to support a Lady Vols volleyball game.

Whatever it is, whatever feeling it invokes, we are here to tell it and to share it.

We at The Daily Beacon invite you to share your stories with us.

Tell us when a student or faculty member is creating a story, when an event is happening, when there’s an issue you just have to talk about (letters to the editor can be sent to letters@utdailybeacon. com .

You create the stories. We’ll tell them.

Jenna Butz is a junior in English and the editor-in-chief of The Daily Beacon. Send your stories, questions, comments and concerns to her at jkw546@vols.utk.edu.

THE DAILY BEACON STAFF EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Jenna Butz Managing Editor: Bradi Musil Chief Copy Editor: Liv McConnell News Editor: Heidi Hill Sports Editor: Jonathan Toye Arts & Culture Editor: Megan Patterson Multimedia Editor: Hayley Brundige Design, Photo Editor: Katrina Roberts Front Folder Illustration: Dillon Canfield Copy Editors: Sterling Martin, Altaf Nanavati

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION

Advertising Manager: Connor Thompson Media Sales Representatives: Carly Kirkpatrick, Taylor Gash Advertising Production: Brandon White 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 To place a classified ad, please e-mail orderad@utdailybeacon.com or call 865-974-4931 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.

CORRECTIONS POLICY: It is the Daily Beacon’s policy to quickly correct any factual errors and clarify any potentially misleading information. Errors brought to our attention by readers or staff members will be corrected and printed on page two of our publication. To report an error please send as much information as possible about where and when the error occurred to Editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com, or call our newsroom at (865) 974-5206.

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.

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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CAMPUSNEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Volunteer Bridge program expands for associates degree seekers Allows reverse transfer option for students Altaf Nanavati Copy Editor

UT and Pellissippi are bridging the gap between community and state colleges.

Students assigned to the Volunteer Bridge Program, a dual enrollment program between Pellissippi State Community College and UT, can now receive associate degrees from Pellissippi while pursuing their studies at UT through a reverse transfer option.

The Volunteer Bridge Program, which celebrated its first 19 graduates this year, is a program tailored to students who applied to UT, but were initially rejected. The applicants are then given the opportunity to attend Pellissippi for one year. If participants earn at least 30 credits and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, they can automatically transfer into UT as sophomores.

Jason Mastrogiovanni, UT’s director of

first year studies, said the program aids students with the transition between the two schools since they are allowed to stay on campus and utilize most of its facilities while studying at Pellissippi State.

“Part of the reason why the program was started was to ease that transition,” Mastrogiovanni said. “We believe that by having them here and having them get acclimated to the university, they do have a much smoother transition.”

On June 2, Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and Pellissippi State President Anthony Wise signed a memorandum that offers Volunteer Bridge students an opportunity to take part in the reverse transfer option.

Students who are enrolled in the program and have already transferred to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree now have a choice to opt-in for an associate’s degree.

As long as students meet the program’s credit requirements, Pellissippi awards the degree free of charge.

This new addition to the program was tested last fall and had its first round of reverse transfer enrollees last spring.

Leigh Anne Touzeau, assistant vice president for enrollment services at Pellissippi State, said the program received positive feedback from the students as the last semester concluded.

“The students really like the program,” Touzeau said. “What we have found is that there are a lot students who will be accepted into the University of Tennessee, but will ask if they could do the Bridge program.”

Shaazan Wirani, a senior in computer science, said the Volunteer Bridge Program provided more than just a transition between two universities.

“The program was beneficial because it helped me understand how to balance school and social life in order to be successful when entering UT,” Wirani said.

Public questions KPD video, record release practices Kurtis Welch

Contributor Recent controversy concerning the Knoxville Police Department’s proposals and policies on public access of dash-cam videos, information and public records have some citizens questioning the authenticity of “protect and serve.”

One proposal in early June addressed the release of dashboard camera videos, with the district attorney and members of KPD expressing concern over the premature release of video that possibly held evidentiary value to ongoing investigations and open cases.

Eric Vreeland, communications manager for the City of Knoxville, said the proposal discussions that occurred between Mayor Madeline Rogero, KPD Police Chief David Rausch and District Attorney Charme P. Allen concluded that no policy change would be enacted to suspend the release of dashboard camera video to the public.

“It was a pretty complicated issue,” Vreeland said. “The decision at that meeting was we would continue releasing videos as had been released in the past.”

KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk told the Daily Beacon that no policy change had occurred as originally thought, despite suspicion raised by the News Sentinel’s reports last week.

Vreeland also said the police patrol car’s dashboard camera video is always reviewed after a particular incident, but after review, the videos can be accessed by the public through formal request.

A second concern emerged about the nature of KPD’s policy on public access to the records office when a citizen submitted a request form for public information and was required to hand over personal information in exchange for records including the individual’s name, date of birth and driver’s license information.

“KPD for a brief period of time ... had started a policy where if you came in, you wanted to look at a document, you gave a copy of your photo ID and then that was recorded,” Vreeland said.

Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, claims the collection of such information by the police department can be seen as an intimidation tactic used to divert citizens from seeking access to public records.

“There are lots of ways to discourage someone from getting, accessing public records,” Fisher said. “The collection of personal data is one of them, (and) they can charge a lot of money. I think that was really the concern or fear here, that it was intimidating and there really did not seem to be a justification for that.”

Vreeland also said that the representatives of

“

I think citizens need to question that and say, ‘Hold on a minute now. Do we really want this?’”

Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government

KPD argued such a collection could have “investigative value” from collecting citizen’s information for public records. Rogero, however, had different ideas.

“The mayor’s position was that it all needed to be publicly debated before there is a policy change, so if there is a justifiable reason for why the justice department wanted to have that record created, they would need to state that and argue for a policy change that would be reviewed by the mayor’s office,” Vreeland said.

Shortly after the controversial policy of collecting information from citizens had been exposed, Rausch dismantled the policy, streamlining the access to public records for all citizens without recording personal information.

Rausch and KPD officials were not available for comment on how long the policy for recorded requests persisted, but Vreeland said the department is not working on any proposals to justify the collection of citizen data when accessing public records.

“There are media folks out there that are pretty good champions of open access and these are the only two things that have been brought to our attention,” he said. “ In both cases they’ve been reverted back to previous policy that were a little bit more open toward giving access to the information.”

For Fisher, the underlying issue with both policies stem from a lack of examples on such requests leading to criminal behavior such as stalking.

“People need to be able to have that tool of public records which are an accountability mechanism for the local law enforcement,” Fisher said. “Any time that access is hindered ... I think citizens need to question that and say, ‘Hold on a minute now. Do we really want this?’”

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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• Courtesy of the Board of Trustees

UT Board of Trustees raises tuition, staff salary campus wide Staff Report UT’s Board of Trustees convened at Hollingsworth Auditorium on June 24 and 25 to discuss the budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year, salary raises for UT faculty, tuition, institutional goals, partnerships and honorary titles.

UT President Joe DiPietro headed the majority of the board’s meeting, which began as a tribute to the late Dr. Ed Boling, UT’s longest serving president.

One of the meeting’s major agenda items proposed a three percent tuition increase for UT campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Martin as part of a $2.13 billion budget for the upcoming year.

DiPietro reports the increase comes as the lowest tuition increase in more than 30 years, allowing the additional funding to increase salary for UT faculty and staff starting July 1.

For in-state students entering UT in the upcoming fall semester, annual tuition will increase a total of $312, from $10,366 to $10,678. Coupled with rates for out-of-state students, an overall 5.7 percent increase in tuition is planned for all undergraduates.

“This tuition increase follows our 3-3-0 model we have been discussing for nearly a year now,” DiPietro said. “We did very well this year in state funding and thank the governor and legislators for their support. We must continue to press for the increased support, but also plan for difficult budget circumstances in the future.”

The following salary increase is attributed to state support from the Tennessee General Assembly after they approved the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s request for an additional $25.7 million for state colleges and universities based on academic performance.

The $8.3 million received from state appropriations will fund the 1.5 percent increase for UT employees as well. Adjustments for salary will be made individually for each campus per the wishes of each institution’s fund allocation choice.

According to the published budget, Knoxville’s campus is scheduled to receive a 1 percent salary increase across the board and a 2 percent increase for market and merit adjustments.

In addition to its decision on increased tuition and salary, UT Board of Trustees unanimously approved to rename the Black Cultural Center after UT alumni Ron and Don Frieson.

The Memphis natives, who attended UT in the late 1970s, donated $1 million in support of the center’s commitment to diversity at UT. Don Frieson, an executive of operations for Sam’s Club, recalled the Black Cultural Center’s personal impact on him during his undergraduate years.

“When you walked into it, it was like walking into a home. There was a porch that kids would hang out on — it was literally a house transformed into a support facility,” Frieson said.

The donation will aid the Office of Multicultural Student Life in funding academic support, leadership initiatives, diversity workshops and peer mentoring programs.

On Thursday’s meeting, Vice Chancellor for Diversity Rickey Hall shared his hope that the soon-to-be Frieson Black Cultural Center will continue to be “a home away from home for many African Americans and students of color.”

The next meeting for the full Board of Trustees is scheduled for October 8 and 9 in Knoxville.

To view the full budget and published plan, visit bot.tennessee.edu

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Student-designed app eases transportation for elderly, disabled Heidi Hill

Sawhney said. “We’re going to come back and figure out what needs to be fixed, what needs to be taken care of, and as a university community-- and a city-- start one thing at a time to make improvements in lives.”

The app also received the 2015 William and Bud Bell Award from the Community Transportation Association of America.

Additionally, the Mayor’s Council on Disability Issues has recently given Sawhney a position on their board to promote future improvements for disabled citizens within Knoxville.

The Council on Disability Issues’ city liaison Stephanie Brewer said Sawhney’s commitment

News Editor

Samuel Henninger Contributor

Although UT student Eric Arendt passed away in March 2014, his mission to improve Knoxville’s public transportation for the disabled and elderly lives on in a state-of-the-art app created by his colleagues.

Alongside principal investigator Rupy Sawhney, a group of UT engineering students are developing and refining an app with the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of seniors and the disabled.

Sawhney, Arendt’s supervisor and professor in industrial engineering, said the issue of communication and adequate transportation was first realized when Arendt came to class exhausted from chemotherapy sessions at UT Medical Center.

“After that, the question became, ‘Can we come up with something that would help these individuals?’” Sawhney said. “We spent about a year collecting the data. We found out that vision, hearing, intellectual abilities and English language would be the four areas where we

• Screenshot of the Project Eric transportation app could kind of categorize it.”

These four categories not only encompass diverse needs but also allow people who rely on the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee for vehicular assistance to relay information to their drivers.

After downloading the app, users will be able to send information about emergencies, safety issues or mobility issues to a driver in a preloaded text format.

“The ultimate goal in the partnership with the university is to make Knoxville the most able, friendly city in the country,” Transportation Director Karen Estes said. “We want everyone, especially in our region, to feel like they are accepted and have the tools that they need to communicate.”

Two years ago, the committee received a grant from the United States Administration for Community Living to discover how citizens can be more engaged in the planning process for public transportation.

For six months, members of the committee participated in over 30 meetings with the Knoxville community to identify barriers in the transportation system and concluded that communication was the most prominent concern.

When Arendt’s city proposal was published, a partnership between Sawhney’s research team and the committee was struck to integrate the app’s technology into Knoxville’s public transportation system.

Though the app is still testing in CAC buses only, Estes said the overall benefit for the community would be invaluable and hopes the technology will be widespread within a year.

“We hope that we will have a product that will make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, giving them an avenue so that their voices can be heard,” Estes said.

For Sawhney, the potential for the app’s integration extends beyond public transportation, including enhanced communication for disabled individuals in restaurants, airports and the CityCouncil Building in downtown.

“We want the whole city to prioritize what the needs of the disabled and elderly are,”

“

The ultimate goal in the partnership with the university is to make Knoxville the most able, friendly city in the country.”

Karen Estes , Transportation Director

to “Project Eric,” as the developing app is fondly called, and experience as an engineer distinguished him as potential council member.

“I think the actual application is phenomenal and will make it easier to ride transit for people who may have difficulty in communicating, particularly those with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” Brewer said. “I just see the (app) is really opening doors and allowing them to do things they haven’t done before.”

For Sawhney, the project yields a sharper understanding on the term “disabled” as embodied by his former student.

“It’s a different definition of normality,” Sawhney said. “Until you live it, you don’t really understand it. But you’re more aware of it and the limitations it causes.”

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Fledging space club to launch first rocket

Heidi Hill

News Editor

Buzz Lightyear isn’t the only one who dreams of infinity and beyond.

Equipped with a $300 budget, Grayson Hawkins, a junior in chemistry, and the four other founding members of the Volunteer Space Program are planning to launch their first rocket as an organizational outlet for students fascinated by one of nature’s final frontiers.

“I think it’s a niche that needs to be filled,” Hawkins said.

HA-BII, the greenhorn club’s first craft, is currently in the works at Estabrook’s machining shop with the help of the club’s “resident expert” Joey Nardeli, a recent UT graduate in mechanical engineering.

The mission goals are simple—to launch a rocket, take a photo and recover the vessel from its undetermined landing point.

“So many things go wrong, and this is a lot of money on the line for us,” Hawkins said. “If we feel like it gets to a point where we won’t be able to recover it, we’ll have to terminate the mission.”

As with any launch, weather and atmospheric conditions will ultimately determine the date for an official run, but members of the Volunteer Space Program planned for the launch to take place in the first week of July.

A special computer, known as a “Raspberry Pi,” will act as a tracking device for the rocket, providing the Volunteer Space Program a way to locate the rocket once it has landed.

Hawkins said a successful guinea pig mission will create a foundation for recruiting new members next fall by offering the first campus venue for students interested in space exploration, engineering and technology.

The goal for the upcoming semester, Hawkins said, is to assemble members, successfully launch a rocket and attract campus attention with success.

Nathan Webb, a junior in psychics and co-founder of the Volunteer Space Program, attributes the club’s genesis to a global call for interplanetary thinking, promoted by figures like the late Carl Sagan, former American astronomer, and Elon Musk, creator of Paypal and owner of SpaceX—a state-of-the-art company that manufactures rockets and spacecraft.

For both students, the appeal of an interdisciplinary field and interplanetary world imagined by figures like Stephen Hawking and Bill Nye fuel their desire to build the Volunteer Space Program for future UT engineers.

“I’ve just been reading a lot about SpaceX and have just been totally thrilled by the idea of privatized space flight,” Webb said. “The idea of not just the government promoting space exploration, but the people, the private companies that are like ‘This is becoming profitable,’ and that’s exciting to me.”

Hawkins cited Purdue University’s collaboration with space pioneer Buzz Aldrin to send a craft to Mars as an example of VSP’s potential, should the club’s fall launch gather adequate momentum.

“

What is bigger and what has more potential than space travel right now?

Grayson Hawkins, junior in chemistry

College-wide research and development competitions also offer prize money for the best and most promising entries, creating professional opportunities for organizations like VSP to chase their galactic dreams beyond campus.

“If it’s well-researched and well-engineered, they’ll even build it,” Webb said. “There are projects where these teams have gotten together and NASA has said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”

Webb said assembling a core group of feepaying members remains the club’s primary goal, noting how such a group could gain support from UT’s engineering faculty as resume builder and hands-on experience.

Though the founders plan to launch a high altitude weather balloon in the fall as their second mission, the ultimate draw for Hawkins is the chance to explore untapped potential offered by space exploration.

“I’m struggling to find something that would actually progress mankind,” Hawkins said. “If I was a chemistry major, I’m sure I could get an awesome job and do fun things at the plant, but to be out at the forefront of field, to be on the cutting edge of science—what is bigger and what has more potential than space travel right now?”

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Knox County judge denies dismissal of rape charges against UT athletes Staff Report

Knox County judge Bob McGee denied a request at a motion hearing on July 30 to dismiss charges brought against former UT linebacker A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams.

The two were accused of raping a then 19 year old Tennessee female athlete at an apartment in the Woodlands last November.

The two men are charged with two counts each of aggravated rape in addition to two counts of aiding and abetting the other when the victim told police she was forced to have sex with Williams and Johnson.

Johnson’s and Williams’ defense attorneys made a motion to dismiss the aiding and abetting charges, but were denied due to the court’s argument that the intent for each count of rape, characterized by different types of penetration, was not separate.

Williams’ attorney David Eldridge also initiated a motion to release the results of the polygraph taken by the former football

• A.J. Johnson

• Michael Williams

player for the grand jury. Eldridge was unavailable for comment.

Defense attorney Stephen Ross Johnson brought another motion before McGee, claiming that Johnson and Williams be allowed to submit a detailed questionnaire to jury members in order to gauge any biases on campus violence, sex, hookups, interracial relationships and other related topics.

Leslie Nassios, Assistant District Attorney General for Knox County, did not object to the motion, and it was approved by McGee. Williams and Johnson will be tried separately, on Aug. 24 and Sept. 29, respectively.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Not every Southern symbol should be trashed

Tanner Hancock

Columnist

To Nashville, he’s the terrifying monument on the side of I-65. To Memphis, he’s a statue in a downtown park.

To almost everywhere else though, Nathan Bedford Forrest is the embodiment of the racist South, or at least that’s what we’ve been told.

In the aftermath of the Charleston church shooting that saw nine African-Americans killed at the hands of a self-proclaimed white supremacist, Tennessee Representative Jim Cooper called for the removal of General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s bust from the state capitol, claiming that “symbols of hate” have no place on government property. Memphis Mayor A. C. Wharton made a similar plea in his attempt to remove a statue of the general from Forrest Park in downtown Memphis, joining millions of Americans seeking to exterminate what they see as symbols of hate contributing to racism in America.

If you didn’t already know, Nathan Bedford Forrest was lieutenant general in the Confederate Army whose military exploits earned him the frightening nickname “Wizard of the Saddle.” A millionaire slave owner before the war, Forrest repeatedly defeated superior enemy forces across the war’s western theater, personally killing 30 enemy soldiers while also having 29 horses shot out from under him.

Despite his wartime exploits, Forrest’s involvement with the Klu Klux Klan in the war’s aftermath marred what reputation he might have had in the public eye, but even this association is largely misattributed.

Several news sources, ranging from The New York Times, falsely attribute Forrest as one of the founders of the Klu Klux Klan. While Forrest was at one time considered the de facto leader of the scattered organization, he was not a founding member and later renounced the group altogether.

What politicians and writers fail to mention of Forrest’s life are the efforts he put into extending civil rights to African-Americans following the Civil War. In

“

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No, Nathan Bedford Forrest was not a saint. He was a slave owner who fought to preserve slavery, and neither of those things is even remotely worthy of praise, but should he be cast into historical hell for being on the wrong side of history? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure, but as issues surrounding race become more and more heated, we owe it to ourselves to explore the grey areas of our past, not just the cookie cutter version that helps us sleep at night.

Take the flag down, but don’t take down everyone who served underneath it.”

an 1875 speech to a group of Black southerners advocating for voting rights, Forrest spoke of the “reconciliation between the white and colored races of the Southern states” and his desire to see blacks of the time employed and exercising their newly achieved right to vote.

Most people don’t know, or fail to learn, Forrest’s full story because it’s inconvenient to the past we want to create. The guys in blue were good, the ones in grey were bad.

That’s the version of the Civil War we’re taught when we’re 7 and can’t use scissors properly, not the version intelligent adults should carry and promote as truth.

History, surprisingly, helps us shed light on the present in ways we’d never expect. In 1875, Forrest spoke on behalf of African-Americans, but in 1962, the Confederate Battle flag was raised in front of the South Carolina State House in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement (coincidence?).

Take the flag down, but don’t take down everyone who served underneath it.

Tanner Hancock is a senior in journalism and electronic media. He can be reached at thancoc7@vols. utk.edu

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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Hepatitis C on the rise among area youth via drug abuse Contributor

For some, the high is worth the risk.

For Dr. Michael Green of Trinity Medical Associates in Farragut, this is the true tragedy when he sees patients who have contracted Hepatitis C, a viral disease commonly associated with drug abuse.

“They can spread it without knowing it, which is certainly terrible,” Green said. “Especially if they are in a relationship, (like if) they’ve contracted it and gotten married and potentially spread it to their spouse.”

This viral disease of the liver is caused by the Hepatitis C virus which can be transferred through contact with infected blood, often after sharing needles and syringes.

John Dreyzehner, health commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health, stated in a recent Tennesseean article that over 100,000 Tennesseans are thought to have contracted the virus, leading medical experts to explore “just the tip of the iceberg” of the chronic disease.

The Tennessee Department of Health has, in turn, released a health advisory this week as official response, citing that the rate of infected individuals has nearly tripled in the past seven years.

Even though treatment exists for patients once the disease is identified, no cure exists.

According to TDH medical staff, over 70 percent of patients still experience long-term effects from harboring the virus in their bodies — sometimes for years.

“Many people have Hepatitis C for years, not realizing it, while the viral infection slowly destroys their livers,” Dreyzehner said in a news release.

Yet, a new study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention may help physician and health professionals uncover more about the connection to drug abuse and frequency of Hepatitis C cases in Tennessee and beyond.

The study reports that between 2006 and 2016, the rate of the viral disease has seen a 364 percent increase in diagnosis in the Appalachian region which encompasses rural Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.

Although there are multiple methods for contraction of the disease, the CDC study acknowledged that the most common method is by sharing needles in connection with opioid abuse, a trend steadily on the rise within the Appalachian region.

As of now, Kentucky is leading the way with the highest number of cases of Hepatitis C, but Tennessee ranks second on that list.

Tennessee State Viral Hepatitis Coordinator Dana Jackson reported that Tennessee has consistently demonstrated one of the highest reported case rates for acute Hepatitis C in the nation.

“In 2013, Tennessee was ranked as the state

Many people have Hepatitis C for years, not realizing it, while the viral infection slowly destroys their livers.”

John Dreyzehner, health commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health

with the sixth highest case rate of acute Hepatitis C in the nation,” Jackson said.

She also noted that two crucial factors are considered responsible for the rise in the number of acute Hepatitis C cases in Tennessee over the past few years: an increased number of individuals participating in high risk behavior and greater public effort to report new cases.

“The primary way for someone to protect himself or herself from getting (the disease) is by avoiding activities that put oneself in contact with blood containing the virus,” Jackson said. “Specifically, sharing equipment to inject drugs, tattoos or piercings from non-licensed establishments, sharing of personal items and unprotected sexual activity.”

Green also attributes the increase of Hepatitis C cases in Knoxville to drug use, stating that out of all the cases he has treated recently, all patients who had contracted the disease admitted to previously abusing injectable drugs.

“Because (Hepatitis C) is a virus, it can travel through bodily fluids and is one of those diseases that comes through, unfortunately, consequences of actions,” Green said.

Green also claimed that young adults and college students are more likely to contract the disease because of tendency to act without considering all health-related consequences.

“When you’re high or strung out, you make bad decisions and so you end up using needles with other people who are Hepatitis C positive,” Green said.

For Jackson, awareness and education from colleges like UT is one of the best ways to stifle the increased case load for Hepatitis C patients and to stop unhealthy drug abuse that contributes to the disease.

“This can be done in many ways, including incorporating messaging as part of their course work, collaborating with key partners both on and off campus to implement awareness campaigns, and by talking to friends and family about the disease,” Jackson said.

Incidence of acute Hepatitis C among persons less than 30 years old, by urbanacity and year -- Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia

4.5

NO. OF CASES PER 100,000 POPULATION

Hannah Babiniski

Nonurban Urban

4.0 3.5

*95% confidence interval

3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5

*

1.0 0.5 0.0

2006

2007

2008

2009

YEAR

2010

2011

2012

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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“ ORDERED.” It is so

5-4 ruling legalizes same-sex marriage across U.S. Hannah Marley

Production Artist On June 26, 2015 at 10 a.m., the Supreme Court of the United States released their opinion on Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states in a 5-4 decision.

The decision, passed to interns who sprinted down the marble steps of the Supreme Court building, sparked celebrations throughout D.C. and the rest of the country as millions of American same-sex couples learned that they, along with their heterosexual peers,

received the right to marry under the United States Constitution.

Thomas Carpenter, senior in classics, witnessed the historic moment on the courthouse steps after briefly leaving his summer internship with Rep. Steven Cohen (D-Tenn.).

“It was about 95 percent LGBTQ+ people, and the other 5 percent were religious,” Carpenter said. “You could feel in the air that something historic was about to happen, and when it did, I had never been in a crowd that was that excited before.

“I felt like I was at a UT football game.”

The same excitement ignited celebrations in Knoxville, where plaintiffs Sophy Jesty and Val Tanco, lawyer Regina Lambert and

Knoxville’s first married same-sex couple congregated to express their elation, pride and gratitude to the highest court in the nation.

“This is a win for so many families in so many states across the country,” Jesty said.

“Thank you SCOTUS for taking away all of that worry and concern and replacing it with legitimization of our love for our families and our children. Thank you.”

The unifying factor connecting the hundreds of diverse people gathered in front of the courthouse and across the country, Carpenter said, was evident in the bond between couples and within a minority freshly validated under federal law.

“There was a lot of love in that crowd,”

Carpenter said. “Love was the defining characteristic of that crowd.”

For Maureen Holland, a member of the Memphis legal team and a civil rights employment lawyer, the scene inside the courtroom itself was equally emotional upon hearing Kennedy’s majority opinion and realizing her own marriage will be recognized in Tennessee and nationwide.

Holland recalled her nerves and uncertainty when Justice Anthony Kennedy, the majority opinion author, opened his announcement acknowledging the historic definition of marriage between a man and a woman.

See EQUALITY on Page 12

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

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Why you can’t combat marriage equality laws with religion

Kevin Ridder

Staff Writer

Last Friday’s landmark Supreme Court decision was a major victory for a civil rights movement decades in the making.

While this is a massive step forward, the journey to equality for same-sex couples is far from over.

Mere hours after the ruling legitimizing samesex marriage was handed down by Justice Anthony Kennedy, religious conservatives began to cry out that their right to object may soon be compromised. As per usual, the wording selected by those who are loudest projected a sense of impending doom.

“Here’s where the next fight’s going: I think the left is now going to go after our First Amendment rights,” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said on NBC’s Meet The Press. “We have to stand up and fight for religious liberty. That’s where this fight is going. The left wants to silence us, Hillary Clinton wants to silence us. We’re not going away.”

This is the very same governor of Louisiana who, after failing to pass a law in May enforcing the religious liberties of business owners to hire, fire and serve people based on their sexual orientation, issued a temporary executive order accomplishing nearly the exact same thing.

Commenting on his executive order in a TimesPicayune article, Jindal is quoted as saying, “This is even bigger than marriage. It’s the right to live your lives 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to your sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Language such as this is extraordinarily selective,

They can say they’re fighting for religious liberties, to uphold tradition, but that’s not the truth.” even hypocritical, stating that the only way people of the Christian faith can live their lives free of persecution is to persecute the freedoms of others. People like Jindal aren’t fighting for religious freedom; they’re fighting to make superior their set of beliefs.

The problem I see with the whole religious liberties argument lies in the name itself: religious liberties.

What these people continuously fail to realize is that freedom of religion does not mean freedom for your religion only; it just as equally means freedom from religion. How is it fair to claim that your religious liberties are being violated while you are actively using your religion as an excuse to take freedoms from others?

And Jindal’s comments are far from the most dramatic language used in the past week. Shortly after the SCOTUS decision was announced, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz preached to an Iowa crowd that “the last 24 hours

at the United States Supreme Court were among the darkest hours of our nation.”

The darkest hours of our nation? Millions killed in war, a centuries-old legacy of slavery and civil rights abuse, women being treated as second-class citizens until barely under a century ago; but no, the darkest hours of our nation are people who love each other finally gaining the right to make that love legitimate in the eyes of the law?

They can say they’re fighting for religious liberties, to uphold tradition, but that’s not the truth. People like Cruz and Jindal are fighting for their legal right to discriminate against a group of people they see as inferior.

Unlike what these and many other religious conservatives are striving toward, the same-sex civil rights movement is not about fighting to suppress the freedoms of others. This is not a “War on Christianity.”

The LGBTQ+ community seeks merely to be recognized as equals in the eyes of their peers and of the United States government. And they should be.

Gay, straight, bisexual, transgender or anywhere in between, we are all American citizens.

This country was founded on the idea that all humankind is created equal. If we really want to uphold tradition, then why not start there?

Kevin Ridder is a senior in environmental studies.

He can be reached at kridder2@vols.utk.edu.

EQUALITY continued from Page 11 “We just were not sure how this was going to go, because this could be a very narrow decision,” Holland said. “He transitioned, there was a deep relief and people began to sob and cry.

Lawyers aren’t known for being emotional, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

What Kennedy described was a fundamental right to marriage inherent in the equal protections clause of the fourteenth amendment, requiring all states to not only recognize, but also perform marriages within their borders.

By clarifying marriage as a fundamental right, the court applied a standard level of strict scrutiny that government must meet to challenge that standard, serving as recognition of an individual’s right to marry and as a safeguard against potential legal disputes.

“It was wonderful, it was a relief, because it clears up a great deal of legal wrangling and uncertainty that Justice Kennedy speaks to in his majority opinion,” Holland said.

“Uncertainty in the law leads to a great deal of litigation, which means that people are being harmed.”

Kennedy’s opinion also commented on such legal uncertainty: “Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to

marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them.”

While the law reflects equal right to fair treatment under the law, Kaedee White, a member of OUTreach at UT, said she wants people to remember that discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is still an ongoing battle.

“This is huge, but this is step one,” White said. “(Marriage) is a big deal in both a physical and emotional sense for many people. But we are not done fighting.”

White also explained that the fight for legal protection must propel beyond the Supreme Court’s decision into equal rights for transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ youth, a group placed at higher risk of suicide and depression.

Results from a 2001-2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance conducted by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention revealed that LGBTQ+ students who did not attend school within the last 30 days due to safety concerns ranged from 11 to 30 percent.

Holland agreed with White’s analysis of LGBTQ+ issues, saying the Supreme Court’s decision must coincide with cultural changes statewide as pushback emerges from the June 26 ruling.

“To this day, I still have cases dealing with race discrimination, with sex discrimination, with AIDS discrimination,” Holland said. “I don’t think our work here is done, but I do think this is a big step in the right direction.”

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

UT expands employee benefits to include same-sex couples Heidi Hill

News Editor

Same-sex couples who say “I do” can now have the insurance policies to prove it.

On July 7, Chancellor Jimmy Cheek announced in a mass email that UT would expand its insurance policy to provide benefits for same-sex married couples employed by the university.

The decision comes in light of the Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states on June 26 and will apply to all same-sex spouses among UT faculty and staff.

Cheek stated in his announcement that the Supreme Court decision “helps the university take a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion on our campus.”

Mary Lucal, UT Human Resources interim assistant vice chancellor, said such inclusion within the university’s expanded insurance policy paves the way for attracting future, highcaliber employees.

“We’re kind of reflective of the community’s excitement,” Lucal said. “I think, from a human resources perspective, our ability to recruit and retain the most talented faculty and staff now knows no bounds because we’re not going to have (same-sex marriage) as a limitation.

“It doesn’t change the day to day — it simply enhances opportunities and things to come.”

Couples married in another state before the ruling are eligible to apply for benefits at the UT Payroll Office through Aug. 25, or 60 days after the court’s ruling.

These 60 days given after the June 26 decision mirror the same time period required of all legally-recognized couples to apply for benefits as stipulated by state law.

Although UT Payroll Office does not keep hard data on the number of same-sex spouses that have applied for benefits, director Rob Chance cited 10 walk-ins who have signed up in person for the newly expanded benefits.

“Every single one of (the policies) that mentions the word ‘spouse’ now, by definition, extends to same-sex married partners,” Chance said.

Aside from the health insurance component, Chance explained the expansion will include other categories of coverage like funeral leave and tuition assistance — all equal to coverage received by their heterosexual colleagues.

While no official statistics document

impacted couples, Lucal said knowing a handful of the walk-ins places a positive visual on the expanded policy.

“It’s only 10 people, but it’s 10 people who feel that they are able to have a place here, and that just makes you feel good,” Lucal said.

Like Lucal, Vice Chancellor for Diversity Rickey Hall also views the benefits expansion as a way to secure professional talent among faculty and emerging scholars that enroll at UT. “I think we are becoming competitive in many ways, but this was one of the things that was holding us back,” Hall said.

By mimicking the policies of Top 500 companies and major private employers, Hall also stated that UT’s decision to expand benefits propels momentum to achieve status as a Top 25 public research university.

Still, Hall emphasized that “individual interaction” will become key in expanding the university-wide acceptance of same-sex couples beyond the fine print of an insurance policy. “(The expansion) doesn’t impact people’s behavior, those (are) the things we have to work on — climate issues, making sure the university is more welcoming in its inclusiveness of all faculty and staff,” Hall said.

For OUTreach Director Donna Braquet, the expansion of marriage benefits that encompass same-sex spouses like her wife, Corinne Branigan, was a policy she thought would never exist in her lifetime.

As a staff member since 2004, Braquet cited stirrings to secure domestic partner benefit for LBGTQ+ faculty that began more than 15 years ago by fellow UT colleagues.

“At that point, we never thought marriage would be a reality, so the best we thought we could do was to get equal benefits through the university — which is kind of marriage-like, kind of separate, but unequal,” Braquet said.

Braquet also waited for the university to announce an extended benefits policy in the following days after the Supreme Court’s “historic ruling,” eventually deciding to apply for benefits in person on July 2.

The next day, she presented a nearly year old marriage license from San Francisco’s city hall, making Braquet and her wife one of the first same-sex couples to receive marriage benefits at UT. “I think that there had been some internal prep because they wanted to be sure that when someone came to them, they were acting in accordance with how they should,” Braquet UT’s Payroll Office will submit applications for insurance coverage to the state on an employee’s behalf.

To read the full text of Chancellor Cheek’s July 7 announcement, visit chancellor.utk.edu.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

First half of new Student Union complete, includes expansion of campus services Altaf Nanavati Copy Editor

Construction on the first phase of UT’s new Student Union, the state-of-the-art successor to the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center, opened its doors to students and the public on June 1.

As a $167 million project that began about three years ago, the building includes new dining concepts with a 789 seating capacity, an entire floor dedicated to Career Services offices and a more spacious Vol Shop and Tech Shop.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Chris Cimino explained the project has not only proven to be important for the university but also benefits many of the students on campus.

“The students of today want to see more modern spaces,” Cimino said. “They really want a Student Union they can feel is an extension of their everyday life.”

In an effort to make the services the university provides to its students available in one location, Career Services has been moved from its Dunford Hall location to the new Student Union.

In the beginning of July, after getting situ-

ated at the Student Union building, Career Services officially changed its name to the Center for Career Development.

Mary Mahoney, assistant director at the Center for Career Development, explained how the name change mirrors the center’s role at the university.

“We just feel that it is a more encompassing name,” Mahoney said. “For students, it really is a process of career development, and so we feel, being more located in the center of the campus, that we are now going to be known, and we are known as the center for career development.”

The new location includes 15 interview rooms for employers looking to hire students and for the students wanting to practice their interviewing skills and 2 classrooms for students wanting to take credit-bearing classes at the center.

Stephanie Kit, interim director of the Center for Career Development, believes that this new environment will be highly beneficial to students seeking employment.

“With the new space we can really host employers in a great place and show off the university,” Kit said. “It can also be a showcase piece for our students who are interviewing for See STUDENT UNION on Page15

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Photos by Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

STUDENT UNION continued from Page14 jobs and internships.”

Additionally, the department has added a peer career advising space for students wanting to help other college students with career development issues.

Kit stressed why students should take advantage of Career Services’ new location and amenities.

“It’s a great way for students to get help from other college students since they have a nice space now,” Kit said. “Everybody is coming to college to prepare for their next step, and we are really the place that can help them do that.”

Students can also start purchasing books, technology and apparel at the Student Union since the Vol Bookstore, the VolShop and the VolTech store have relocated from the UC. The new bookstore occupies a 6,500 sqare

foot space with digital shelf tags that will automatically update as the price of items fluctuate online.

Volshop Assistant Director Drew Sims said he believes the Vol stores are more accessible than ever before.

“The most beneficial feature of the new stores is the ease of access to purchase your items,” Sims said. “It’s all in one place so you don’t have to go all over campus and be worn out when you walk in.”

The process for the demolition of the old University Center is currently underway. Once the old UC site has been cleared, construction for second phase of the Student Union will begin. The second phase will include additional meeting rooms, conference rooms and dining areas.

UT officials hope to have the second half of the Student Union open by 2018.

The university will hold a dedication ceremony for the first phase of the new facility on Sep. 11.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

SGA PRESIDENT

Will Freeman, Madison Kahl and Mariah Beane are representing the UT student body this year.

Q: Now that SGA has had time to collaborate over the summer, what are your plans to improve life for students on campus?

“We plan to follow up on our past promises regarding communication with students including multiple President’s roundtables, constant email updates and continued organization visits. We will make sure to actively advocate for all students while also hitting on some major controversial issues like the alcohol policy here at UT. Most of the ideas that we showcased last semester have already been sent to administrators and discussed. We plan to keep that pace throughout the whole year to accomplish as much as we can during our short time in office.”

Q: What do you predict will be the most difficult issues or challenges for students this year? How do you plan to combat these?

WILL FREEMAN

Senior in Agriculture, Education and Communication

“In my mind, some of the most difficult issues for students this year will be the same issues we’ve seen in the past few years. Inclusiveness, sexual assault, and safety are three issues that need to be addressed and in the front of all students’ minds. To combat these issues, we are bringing students together for conversation, having input on the Student Code of Conduct amendments, and charging a task force for the Fort Sanders area. We know that our plans won’t end the challenges all together, but we believe that it will be a step in the right direction for future students here at UT.”

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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SGA VICE PRESIDENT

Will Freeman, Madison Kahl and Mariah Beane are representing the UT student body this year.

Q: Now that SGA has had time to collaborate over the summer, what are your plans to improve life for students on campus?

“One major project that we’ve been working on that we think can really help out UT’s large population of off-campus students is addressing the communication gap between students, administrators, UTPD, and KPD when it comes to the Fort Sanders neighborhood. We’ve begun to build this Fort Sanders task force including representatives from those constituencies listed above and now that we have the charge for the committee drafted, we think this can really help improve the lives of off-campus students when they’re not in the classroom.”

Q: What do you predict will be the most difficult issues or challenges for students this year? How do you plan to combat these?

MADISON KAHL Senior in biological sciences

“It’s an issue that’s affecting campuses across our nation, and that’s the conversation of whether our campus here at UT is inviting, fair, and respectful to all students, no matter your walk of life. And that’s the key part --- it’s a conversation, and it’s one that needs to be welcomed by more students, not just the faculty or staff. Until we start having those discussions, inclusivity on our campus will remain a pressing issue. SGA has plans to make sure this discourse surrounding diversity is present at UT, from all angles of campus life.”

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

STUDENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

Will Freeman, Madison Kahl and Mariah Beane are representing the UT student body this year.

MARIAH BEANE Senior in economics

Q: Now that SGA has had time to collaborate over the summer, what are your plans to improve life for students on campus?

“In order to effectively improve student life on campus, we have noted that SGA needs to make greater strides towards being wholly representative of the student body. For this reason, we have created one “Interest Form” for membership in which all students can highlight what areas of SGA they would most like to be involved. Through these means, we are sticking to the motto of “Everyone’s a member.” We seek to make this year about improving campus life by following through with initiatives we ran on as well as ensuring that we are constantly striving to be an inclusive outlet for all students to voice concerns.”

Q: What do you predict will be the most difficult issues or challenges for students this year? How do you plan to combat these?

“In light of the federal government investigating UT for its handling of sexual violence, I foresee this issue becoming ever more present and pertinent to the student body. Through the creation of a Health and Wellness committee within SGA, I want to facilitate better communication between SGA and student organizations whose primary mission is to target sexual assault issues on campus.

Ensuring that the narrative to administrators and the student body comes cohesively from all who value the necessity to target this issue is imperative to making progress.”

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Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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UT law professor voices views surrounding upcoming elections Kevin Ridder

Staff Writer

UT law professor Glenn Harlan Reynolds knew from an early age he wanted to study law, an ambition he attributes to growing up in the Watergate era.

“Seeing all of the lawyers surrounding the case as a kid, it seemed like a very interesting profession,” Reynolds said. “I think a lot of people went into law or journalism because of that.”

Forty years after Nixon’s resignation, Reynolds’ resume is more than impressive.

Serving as Executive Chairman of the National Space Society and a member of the White House Advisory Panel on Space Policy, as well as testifying before Congressional committees on space law, international trade and domestic terrorism, are a just a few of his career’s political bookmarks.

In addition to his repute in the legal field, Reynolds has also penned four books and countless op-eds for major publications all across the nation, and was founder of Instapundit, one of the most widely-read political web blogs in the U.S. “He’s a great teacher and one of our top scholars, widely published and respected,” Mary Ann James, UT College of Law human resources and administration manager, said. “Nearly everything he has done has been groundbreaking.

We’re very glad he’s at the UT College of Law.” For Reynolds, technological change is the defining feature of the current age and a topic that encompasses the majority of his research.

get away with, the less you respect the people you’re taking advantage of.

“That dynamic holds just as true for a 50-yearold politician as it does a 12-year-old child.”

Although Reynolds’ Independence Day column in the Tennesseean entertained the idea of a “second American revolution,” the law professor said the right conditions must be in place for a truly impactful revolution to occur.

While the idea of a revolution is much more exciting than going about and engaging in political activities, it should be used as a last resort, according to Reynolds.

“Revolution seems very exciting and romantic when compared to political action. Going door to door, putting up posters and the like aren’t exciting, but it works.”

As the nation prepares to elect a new leader and discuss pressing national issues, Reynolds encourages people to keep a level head when analyzing a candidate or placing a vote at the UT law professor Glenn Reynolds discusses his column in his office on polls.

Monday, July 13. Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon “I think the biggest thing that people in all of our heated national debates ought to take He referenced a series of stories called tion, Reynolds has taken to the press to discuss account of is the fact that they might be wrong,” “Future History,” written by science fiction politics, revolution and class warfare.

Reynolds said. “Nobody wants to admit that, or author Robert Heinlein in the mid-20th century, “If you judge them by their actions, it’s clear even to imagine that they might look back in the to make such a point. that our government does not respect us,” future and think that they were wrong, but most “In that history, there was a period of ‘crazy Reynolds said. “A reason for this is because they people are wrong at least once over the course years’ in which social institutions and beliefs get away with a lot of things, and the more you of a sufficiently long life.” couldn’t withstand the shock of constant technological change,” Reynolds said. “I believe we are experiencing those ‘crazy years’ right now.”

While the effect of technological innovation remains his primary interest, it is by no means the only topic he has explored. In light of a volatile atmosphere in the upcoming 2016 elec-

Government investigates UT’s handling of sexual assault Hayley Brundige

Multimedia Editor

As of June 29, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights began investigating UT’s response to sexual violence. In a July 16 email to UT faculty, staff and students, Chancellor Jimmy Cheek revealed that an individual filed a complaint against the university in regard to the handling of a case of sexual violence.

The complaint alleges that UT “engaged in discrimination on the basis of sex by failing to promptly and adequately respond to (a) report of sexual violence,” according to a June 29 letter from OCR to UT President Joe DiPietro.

Due to privacy laws, the university cannot

reveal details of the case, but Cheek said in his email that UT “will cooperate fully” with the OCR investigation.

According to the OCR, there are 135 sexual violence cases currently under investigation at 121 postsecondary institutions, as of July 15. Other universities on that list include UT Chattanooga — where two investigations are currently open — and Vanderbilt University.

During the past academic year, several reports of sexual violence have surfaced, leading the administration to launch a task force devoted to rewriting the university’s sexual assault and misconduct policies. After months of discussion, the task force has presented the final Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking. In his July 16 email, Cheek announced that the new policy will take effect on August 19.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

CAMPUSNEWS

A CLEAN SLATE On July 22, the heat, humidity and weight of years of paint caused a nearly three-ton slab of paint to slide off the Rock. Since the 1960s, students have painted the Rock for all occasions, but this wedding announcement was the layer that broke the camel’s back.

Photos by Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Streams like this are common sights in the Smoky Mountains.

Hayley Brundige • The Daily Beacon

Smoky Mountains provide “natural laboratory” for UT students, faculty Kevin Ridder

Staff Writer While the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is chock-full of stunning vistas, the untouched land is more than just a pretty-faced UT neighbor.

Faculty, students and alumni have used the neighboring park for recreation, retreat and research.

Supervisory fishery biologist Matt Kulp has worked at the park since 1994. For the past 21 years, he has worked with students and faculty from the UT Civil and Environmental Engineering Department to monitor water quality and fish populations.

“Researching in the Smoky Mountains is an excellent opportunity,” Kulp said. “Relatively unimpacted by people, it’s a natural laboratory unimpaired by roads and sediment runoff. It provides the chance to look at things in a natural environment, which is tough to find these days.”

The Smokies’ monitoring of water quality has turned up valuable results in the last 20 years, yielding long term trends and revealing areas at risk for acidification from acid rain.

Information from this project and others like it not only assist the park in its research but also in similar research projects across the nation.

“One project is helping us to determine critical air pollutant loads, so we can bring the data to legislators and say, ‘Here’s how

much you need to reduce these pollutants so we can protect park resources in the future,” Kulp said. “The foundational work done by university researchers here has provided great data for other people across the country to build off of.”

Kulp’s work with water quality monitoring is only one of hundreds of projects that take place at the national park every year.

Riley Bernard, UT doctoral graduate in ecology and evolutionary biology, has been researching the impact of white-nose syndrome on bat populations in the park for several years now. The fungal disease has killed millions of bats in the northeast over the past few years and has rapidly spread down south.

The Little brown bat and the endangered Indiana bat have been hit the hardest, with some caves reporting mortality rates as high as 90 to 100 percent.

The first bat sighted in Tennessee with white-nose syndrome, responsible for 5.7 million bat deaths in eastern North America, was confirmed in 2010. Since this sighting, Bernard also reported an 80 percent decline in the Indiana bat population in the same area.

“It’s quite sad, really, because bats are such amazing and beneficial little creatures,” Bernard said. “Not only are they the top predator of nighttime pests like the mosquito, bats will also gladly snap up would-be crop pests — saving time, money and preventing the need for dangerous insecticides.”

See SMOKIES on Page 26

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Construction equipment near Torchbearer Plaza has been a staple on UT’s landscape throughout the summer. Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

“

A different kind of orange In-progress construction projects scattered across UT campus Altaf Nanavati Copy Editor

The University of Tennessee is currently undergoing a $1 billion makeover.

Over the next few years, students will witness campus wide renovations in various research and housing facilities in addition to new classrooms and improved academic spaces.

While many projects are still in their beginning stages of development, many of the university’s facilities are fairly close to being done.

Circle Park renovation

Towards the beginning of May, Circle Park, along with the plaza around the Torchbearer, went under an extensive amount of reconstruction. The size of the plaza has been increased in order to improve ADA accessibility and to have better access to the Vol Walk.

New turf has also been added, which is a combination of AstroTurf and natural grass, and was developed in conjunction with UT research.

The $1.2 million project is currently in its design phase and will be completed before fall classes begin.

The space has been viewed as a great improvement for the faculty and staff at the university.”

Jin Dittrich, Student Union director

New residence hall and parking garage

The construction for a new residence hall on campus began back in June 2014 after the demolition of Gibbs Hall and Stokely Athletics Center.

The hall will include 700 beds and a new 40,000 square-foot dining facility.

The 350,000 square-foot housing facility is one of the largest housing projects on UT’s campus. According to Dave Irvin, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Services, the project is ahead of schedule, and the expected completion date is January 2017.

See CONSTRUCTION on Page 25

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Torchbearer Plaza is set to reopen in August 2015.

Photos by Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

CONSTRUCTION continued from Page 24 Along with the residence hall, a new parking garage was started in August 2014.

The 335,000 square-foot garage will have approximately 1,000 parking spaces, which will be available for both housing residents and some faculty and staff.

Construction for the new parking garage is expected to be complete in fall of 2016.

Strong Hall

The Strong Hall project consists of a complete renovation of the facility, which will include a majority of the chemistry and biology classes and the Department of Earth and Planetary Science.

The hall will also house 2 lecture halls and 6 classrooms.

As Irvin pointed out, a majority of the students will have a chance experience to the new classrooms.

“It will be the largest classroom building on campus,” Irvin said. “So it will literally be impossible to graduate from this place without having at least one class in there.”

Construction workers operate a jackhammer at the corner of Melrose Ave. and Andy Holt Ave. See CONSTRUCTION on Page 26

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Workers lay the groundwork for a new building where the former Gibbs Hall stood. Katrina Roberts • The Daily Beacon

CONSTRUCTION continued from Page 25 Keith Downen, the project manager for the renovation of Strong Hall, explained how the project will be split into two components.

The first component is restoration of the eastern portion of the original 1925 Strong Hall dormitory. The second is the adaptive reuse of the 1879 Cowan Cottage on the corner of White and 16th Street.

“Both have been retained to preserve the site’s history in harmony with the university’s need for 21st century classroom and science facilities,” Downen said.

The expected completion is set for spring of 2017.

SMOKIES continued from Page 23 “It’s quite sad, really, because bats are such amazing and beneficial little creatures,” Bernard said. “Not only are they the top predator of nighttime pests like the mosquito, bats will also gladly snap up would-be crop pests — saving time, money and preventing the need for dangerous insecticides.”

Bernard hopes her research will help to alleviate the spread of the disease and educate the public on ways they can help protect our flying friends of the night.

“Bats need all the help they can get,” Bernard said. “They have very low reproductive rates, usually just one per year; and once a cave is infected with the fungus, it stays infected. A big way we can help is to put up bat boxes during the

Student Union

The first phase of the Student Union, the replacement for the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center, is complete and opened its doors to the public in the beginning of June. The second phase is still under construction.

This portion will include additional dining facilities, conference rooms and a 1,000-seat auditorium.

The second phase is expected to open towards the beginning of 2018.

Student Union Director Jim Dittrich said that both students and faculty have responded well to the center.

“I think the overall response has been positive,” Dittrich said. “The space has been viewed as a great improvement for the faculty and staff at the university.”

summer, even in your backyard.

“If you have Christmas lights set up outside, you’ll be able to see them swooping around catching insects.”

Paul Super, the research coordinator for the Smokies and the Appalachian Highland Science Learning Center, helps to facilitate not only Bernard’s research but all of the research that occurs at the national park.

“What I’m most interested in here is not only taking part in and facilitating the research here but also the education side of it all,” Super said.

“I very much enjoy getting the info out to the public in as many different ways as possible, and the national parks offer a great opportunity for that.”

Super claims that one of the biggest benefits offered by university researchers is their ability to relate the information to the public.

“A lot of the researchers, including Riley

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE • Circle Park Renovation (August 2015) • Gibbs Hall (January 2017) • Parking Garage (2016) • Strong Hall (January 2017) • Student Union Phase 2 (Early 2018) • Mossmen Hall (Sitework beginning August 17th) Bernard, are very good at interacting with the general public,” Super said. “They showcase not just the information from their research but also what makes it cool. Mentoring of the public, of interested young people, is something that’s very important here in the Smokies, and our researchers both enjoy and excel in that area.”

Super said the university’s long-standing academic relationship and the research conducted

by Bernard and other UT colleagues remains a huge benefit to the park and for public knowledge.

“There are so many disciplines at UT we seldom (that) have to go further than there to answer our research problems,” Super said.

“We have adjunct faculty and people serving on graduate committees at UT, which has helped foster a great working relationship.

“It’s a luxury for us to have such a large, prestigious university at our doorstep.”

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

WELCOME WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What: Living & Learning Community (LLC) Neighborhood Block Party Where: Fred D. Brown, Jr. Residence Hall Courtyard

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 MOVE-IN DAY! 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

What: One Stop Express Student Services Extended Hours Where: One Stop in Hodges Library (J-5)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 6:00 p.m.

What: Torch Night Where: Thompson-Boling Arena 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight

What: Headphone Disco Where: Presidential Courtyard

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

What: SPEAKologist Certification Class Where: 253 Hodges Library (J-5)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What: UT GeoHunt Where: Pedestrian Walkway

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 First day of classes!

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*

If you pay for food, you aren’t doing it right.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Big Orange Friday

9:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight

What: Vol Night Long Where: HSS Amphitheater

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 8:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

What: Rainbow Rave Where: Panhellenic Building

What: Fun Run Where: Pedestrian Walkway * Abbreviated schedule • For full schedule, see newvols.utk.edu/welcome-tocampus/welcome-week-schedule/

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Being a summer publication has its limits, one of them being that we don’t have the manpower to travel to the news­— but fear not.

These dispatches from the summer will catch you up on big things from the nation, region, state and right here around Rocky Top.

DISPATCHES NATIONAL

U.S. leads historic deal with Iran The Obama administration continues to defend its decision to strike a deal with Iran by blocking its ability to create and implement technology used to create nuclear weapons.

Republicans and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have joined the opposition to the Iran Deal, questioning whether the nation can be trusted not to

build hidden sites based on one act of diplomacy.

President Obama has countered that the agreement has come after years of meetings and foreign allies’ support and has said his administration is prepared to handle opposition from Congress’s 60 day review of the deal.

Nationwide protest on lion killing at dentist’s office Zimbabwe officials have reported that Cecil, the lion allegedly lured and killed by American tourist Walter Palmer, was targeted by his safari group and shot once outside the protected perimeters.

A group of protesters gathered on July 29 outside the Minnesota dentist’s office in Bloomington

with signs accusing him of poaching. Artistic versions of Cecil were also left outside the office as symbols of public scrutiny.

Palmer has said that he was unaware of the lion’s protected status and has not been contacted by Zimbabwe authorities for further charges.

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

DISPATCHES REGIONAL

South Carolina shooting prompts Confederate flag removal Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, 21, has been charged with 33 counts related to the June 17 massacre and nine additional charges of murder in state court.

Roof has plead guilty to hate crimes and, according to authorities, has confessed to his crimes as an act of white supremacy and a desire to start a race

war.

The response to the shooting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal instead sparked national movements to remove Confederate flags from government and public spaces, eventually leading South Carolina governor Nikki Haley to officiate the flag’s removal from state Capitol grounds.

Florida teens missing after boating excursion Perry Cohen and Austin Stephanos, two Florida teenagers who left on a boating excursion on July 27, have been missing since early that afternoon. After two days of searching, U.S. Coast Guard officials spotted the capsized vessels 67 nautical miles from Florida’s Ponce de Leon Inlet.

The National Weather Service issued a weather warning for all boaters to seek

shelter when a slew of storms came through the area on the day the teens went missing.

A $100,000 reward is set for the teens’ return as both families remain optimistic that the boys could survive 4 to 5 days at sea. The search is still being treated as a rescue mission and the Coast Guard has extended their search to 31,000 miles.

Louisiana shooting leaves 2 dead, 9 hurt John Russell Houser, 59, opened fire on a Grand 16 theatre during showing of ‘Trainwreck’ in Lafayette, Louisiana, about 60 miles from Baton Rouge, on July 23 shortly before 7:30 p.m.

After firing 13 rounds, the shooter left two dead and nine others injured

before shooting himself upon police arrival.

Amy Schumer tweeted in response to the incident, expressing her heartbreak over the tragedy and later stated that she thinks about the victims daily.

North Carolina experiences slew of summer shark attacks A 32-year-old Marine was hospitalized after he was bitten by a shark near Surf City, North Carolina, over the weekend of July Fourth.

The victim was admitted to a nearby hospital where he was treated for lacerations on his right hand and forearm. He

was released five hours later.

The attack marked the eighth attack since June across the North Carolina coast. The first attack occurred on June 24 when an 8-year-old boy was bitten by a shark while in knee-deep water.

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DISPATCHES STATE

UTC graduate identified as culprit in Chattanooga shooting Kuwait-born Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez opened fire on a Chattanooga naval base on July 16, killing four Marines, one sailor and himself. The 2012 graduate first committed a driveby shooting at a recruiting center, then continued to a U.S. Navy Reserve Center.

Nationwide, flags flew at half-mast to honor the fallen servicemen. In-depth investigations have revealed that

Abdulazeez struggled with depression and substance abuse.

Authorities later detained Abdualzeez’s contacts in Jordan to determine if his actions may have resulted in his recent visits. An official source reported that there is currently no evidence of interaction with ISIS or other extremist groups.

Manhunt underway for shooting of Memphis cop A manhunt for Tremain Wilbourne, the suspect in the shooting of Memphis police Officer Sean Bolton, is currently underway. The 29-year-old faces charges of first-degree murder for shooting Bolton multiple times after he was stopped for carrying 1.7 grams of marijuana.

After Bolton approached the car,

Wilbourn exited the vehicle and got into a physical struggle in a southeastern Memphis neighborhood late Saturday night.

Police have issued a 10,000 reward for information on Wilbourne who is out on supervised release for a 121 month sentence for robbery.

$400 million potentially set aside for TN roads Speaker of the Tennessee House Beth Harwell reported that tax collections could provide an extra 400 million dollars to fix and update state roads.

Since Governor Haslam’s discussion of a possible increase in gas tax, the onetime surplus of tax money could fund

shelved state projects for transportation and road upkeep.

Haslam has made no official stance on an increased tax, but spokesman David Smith said it is too early to determine if such funds can permit any road-related facelifts.

Decision on removal of I-65 statue still pending Megan Barry, Metro at-large Councilwoman and Nashville mayoral candidate, has called for the blockage of a statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest along a stretch of I-65.

The statue’s presence has been criticized for years, and the shootings Charleston have sparked fresh debate about the statue’s place near the state

capital.

The 3.5 acre property is owned by Nashville businessman, Bill Dorris, who has fervently opposed public push for the statue’s removal.

Though the statue remains on private property, Barry says she is working with Gov. Haslam to restore trees and brush along I-65 as a compromised response.

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

DISPATCHES LOCAL

IJAMS fatality raises questions about rope course safety An 18-year-old Georgia man died at the newly opened Canopy Experience at IJAMS Nature Center after falling from the treetop course on July 21.

An emergency call came around 11:30 am when the victim fell with a cable wrapped around his neck. After EMTs administered CPR, the victim was trans-

ported to the UT Medical Center where he later died. It is unclear whether the accident occurred as a result of failed training or the course itself.

The Nanavit Canopy Course is currently under re-evaluation by an AACTcertified inspector.

Blount County train derailment requires evacuation Early on July 2, a CSX train traveling from Cincinnati to Georgia derailed as a result of a broken axle, causing 24,000 gallons of acrylonitrile to spill into Maryville city limits.

The spill sparked a fire that was not extinguished until 7 p.m. the following evening. City officials evacuated 5,000 people to avoid exposure to toxic fumes

left by the fire’s cyanide byproduct.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes by the following week.

A class action lawsuit was later filed

by Maryville lawyer Kevin Shepard for individuals hospitalized after chemical exposure and who expect “long-range medical monitoring.”

DNA testing required for dogs in West Knox apartments Copper Point Apartments in West Knoxville is now requiring all pet owners to have animals’ DNA tested in an effort to track down unhygienic pet owners.

All residents received an informative letter about the requirement on July 28, according to property manager Cindy Williams.

PooPrints, a company founded by two former UT students, swabs the pet’s mouth for collection and costs thousands of dollars to implement.

Apartment management said it will not charge their residents for its services, but will fine owners $200 if DNA is matched to their pet’s waste.

Old South High School Building to be renovated The City of Knoxville is now planning to renovate the use of the Old South High School building that has been vacant for decades.

City officials are hopeful that a bidder will take on the task of renovating the 42,000 square foot building on 953 E.

Moody Ave., but it is uncertain what will become of the surrounding property.

Over two dozen neighbors and developers arrived at Dogwood Elementary School to hear the city’s plans for the building and offer suggestions in a public forum.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

CAMPUSNEWS

THE DA ILY BE AC ON | WE LC OME BAC K 2015

SPORTS At the University of Tennessee, orange is the color of all seasons— sports seasons that is.

Whether it is football in the fall, basketball in the winter or baseball in spring, there is always a reason to cheer. In this section, you’ll find who to watch for when it’s time to fill Neyland Stadium again, what the future holds for Team 119, what’s been happening over the summer, and where your Vols are going when the clock runs out and the scores are settled.

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Barnes faces misconduct allegations Staff Report

3

Below-the-radar players to keep your eye in

4

Take a look at the new era of Nike at UT

5

Recruting season never ends, and for good reason

6

Butch Jones talks hopes and fears for Team 119

7

Are Vols the dumbest fans? See where we rank

8

Wide recievers are looking to make a comeback

9

The future of the defensive line looks bright

The Chronicle of Higher Education published allegations of academic misconduct on June 10 against new Tennessee head basketball coach Rick Barnes’ former school. The alleged allegations stem from Barnes’ 17 year stint at Texas.

According to the report, former academic advisors at Texas caught former basketball player Martez Walker taking pictures of his math exam and seeking outside help on the test. Walker passed the class before being named to the Big 12 Commissioners Honor Roll.

An academic mentor told the Chronicle he wrote several papers for former basketball player J’Covan Brown during his time at Texas.

A former tutor at Texas also claims that PJ Tucker received impermissible academic assistance from his tutors while preparing for the NBA Draft.

New Tennessee head basketball coach Rick Barnes answers questions at a press conference The article went on to say that Texas in June. • File Photo is investigating the claims made.

The Chronicle states that the NCAA is not yet investigating the allegations at Texas, but Barnes could face NCAA issues if those allegations were conhowever, his third season also yielded the notorious firmed. petition created by Vol fans that urged Tennessee to On March 28, 2005, Tennessee hired former Barnes didn’t seem too worried University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee coach Bruce replace Martin with his predecessor Pearl. about Texas’ investigation into the alleOn April 15, 2014, Martin left Tennessee to accept Pearl to replace Buzz Peterson as the next Tennessee gations when he met with reporters the same position at California. Martin went 63-41 in head basketball coach. Pearl enjoyed unprecedented during the Rocky Top League on June his three seasons at Tennessee. success in his six seasons at Tennessee, as his 29. teams accomplished many program milestones.

“I think the reason I haven’t said On February 23, 2008, Tennessee defeated No.1 anything about it is because, if you read Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart hired Memphis, 66-62, to earn its first No. 1 ranking in the the (Chronicle of Higher Education) Donnie Tyndall as Martin’s replacement, believing AP poll.

In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, the Vols article, from my point of view, there’s clinched their first birth in the tournament’s Elite Tyndall to be a good fit for UT. no legs to it,” Barnes said. “That’s why.

The union, however, was short-lived.

Eight with a 76-73 triumph over No. 2 seed Ohio Again, I think Texas has said everything On November 6, 2014, Southern Mississippi State in a Sweet Sixteen matchup. that’s needed to be said. I’m sure they announced that the NCAA was investigating potenHowever, on Sept.

10, 2010, Pearl confessed he will proceed with whatever they think lied to NCAA investigators in a press conference, tial NCAA violations during Tyndall’s tenure there. they have to do there. It was made leading to a series of events that ultimately culmi- Even before his team played a regular season game, clear I had no involvement in it, which I nated in his firing on March 21, 2011. His last game Tyndall’s coaching tenure at Tennessee was in jeopknew. Like I said, if I thought there was as Tennessee’s coach was a 75-45 loss to Michigan ardy. something, I would address it. The fact Tennessee fired Tyndall after just one season on in the NCAA tournament. Pearl led his team to the it has no legs, I’m not really concerned March 27, believing the NCAA would charge Tyndall NCAA tournament in all six seasons and posted a about it.” with major violations that he committed at his previ145-61 record.

In December, the Chronicle linked ous stop at Southern Miss. two former Texas basketball players to Tyndall went 16-16 in his lone season at Tennessee. hundreds of student-athletes who had On March 27, 2011, Martin was hired as Pearl’s gained NCAA eligibility through fake successor. Tennessee fans never really embraced online classes.

Rick Barnes became the the third Tennessee head Martin in the same way they embraced Pearl, despite Barnes coached at Texas from 1998 coach in three seasons four days after Tennessee Martin always fielding competitive teams in his three until the 2015 season, after which he parted ways with Tyndall. seasons at Tennessee. was fired. He was quickly hired by Barnes previously coached at Texas for 17 seasons Martin’s final season was his most successful Tennessee in March to replace Donnie and led the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournament one, as Tennessee went to the Sweet Sixteen and Tyndall, who was fired after allegations came two points shy of advancing to the Elite Eight; appearances—including three Elite Eights and one of NCAA violations that occurred durFinal Four. ing his time with Southern Miss.

A LOOK AT THE LAST 10 YEARS

Bruce Pearl (2005-11)

Donnie Tyndall (2014-15)

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Vols amp up leadership

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Cornhole tournaments are real, and one happened here

Cuonzo Martin (2011-14)

Rick Barnes (2015-Present)

SPORTS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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Five freshman to watch during the 2015 football season

By Stephen Kasper, Staff Writer

The hype train for the Tennessee Volunteers football team seems to gain more steam with every passing week.

And now that former five-star recruits Drew Richmond and Kahlil McKenzie are officially part of Team 119, the buzz isn’t likely to slow down any time soon.

But there are several other newcomers who, while talented, aren’t exactly expected to immediately perform at the same level as Richmond or McKenzie.

Here are five under-theradar summer enrollees that could make a surprising impact in 2015.

KYLE OLIVER TIGHT END

It’s not uncommon to see head coach Butch Jones use multiple tight ends on offense.

And at 6-foot-4 and nearly 230 pounds, Kyle Oliver is already a physical specimen fit for the tight end position.

With the departure of a promising Daniel Helm, who transferred to Duke in December after just one season with the Vols, Oliver could fill a much needed void in Tennessee’s tight end depth.

If Oliver can add 10-15 pounds during summer workouts, he could see some legitimate playing time this season.

JOHN KELLY

RUNNING BACK It’s safe to say rising sophomores Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara will receive the vast majority of carries for the Vols.

But in the SEC, teams need more than just two running backs.

In an ideal scenario, coach Jones would prefer to redshirt a player like John Kelly. But the truth is, he doesn’t have that luxury.

With depth at running back a serious concern for the Vols, Kelly is all but certain to see the most playing time of any other running back not named Hurd or Kamara.

DARRELL

RALPH

MICAH

DEFENSIVE END

RUNNING BACK

CORNERBACK

TAYLOR Derek Barnett became one of the best defensive linemen in the SEC as a true freshman under defensive line coach Steve Stripling.

And even though competition will be stiff with other incoming freshmen Kyle Phillips and Andrew Butcher, Darrell Taylor has the athleticism to be this year’s Derek Barnett.

With arguably the best recruiting class of defensive linemen in the country added to an already potent group of pass-rushers, Taylor will have his work cut out for him.

But with the help of Stripling, Taylor has the potential to make a very big impact in 2015.

ABERNATHY IV

At 5-foot-7 and only 160 pounds, Ralph Abernathy reminds many fans of former running back Devrin Young.

Like Young, Abernathy isn’t likely to serve as more than the occasional support role at running back; however, as a return specialist, he could give Tennessee the ability to rest star cornerback Cam Sutton on punt returns, as well as stepping in for current kickoff return man Evan Berry if need be.

It may not seem like much, but if he can contribute quality reps in the return game, he could play an important role in the field position battle.

ABERNATHY

Micah Abernathy, the younger brother of the aforementioned Ralph Abernathy, joins a defensive backs group that finally seems to be adding quality depth.

Of the five potential starting defensive back positions, only two are set in stone: Cam Sutton at corner and Brian Randolph at safety.

Assuming he doesn’t make the switch to safety, that leaves room for Abernathy.

At 6-feet, 185-pounds, Abernathy already has the size and speed to play corner.

If he can compete well in fall camp, he could see some solid playing time early in the year.

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Tennessee’s new uniforms were unveiled July 1, featuring the Nike “swoosh,” officially marking the change from Adidas. • Photo courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

Nike officially welcomed to Tennessee Athletics Stephen Kasper Staff Writer

UT student athletes have donned the Adidas logo for nearly 20 years.

But on July 1, the athletic department ushered in a new era as Nike, and its iconic “swoosh” logo became the official athletic apparel for Tennessee Athletics.

The announcement of the switch to Nike was made nearly a year and a half ago and has been one of the most anticipated moves by Tennessee Athletics in recent history.

Perhaps no one was more excited for Tennessee’s switch to Nike than UT’s athletic director Dave Hart, who took the responsibility of finding the right partner for the Vols very seriously.

“We were very thorough and deliberate in

JUST DID IT

assessing and evaluating our options with our apparel partner decision,” Hart said during the initial announcement that the university’s contract with Adidas would not be renewed.

“Nike is the right partner for the University of Tennessee moving forward.”

Along with the switch comes a complete rebranding of Tennessee Athletics.

Aside from women’s basketball, all other sports will bear the same logo and “Tennessee Volunteers” name in an effort to build what the athletic department is calling “One Tennessee.”

Chancellor Jimmy Cheek claimed the “One Tennessee” brand will help both the university’s academic and athletic progress.

“Brand consistency across the university is critical as we strive to become a top 25 public research university,” Cheek said. “It is important that we take advantage of all the successes across this great campus, both in academics and athletics.”

However, not everyone agreed with Cheek’s assertion.

The decision to remove the Lady Vols logo from all women’s sports except basketball has sparked controversy, multiple protests and t-shirts with the phrase “Save the Lady Vols.”

Former Lady Vol volleyball player Leslie Cikra launched a website called “Bring Back the

Lady Vols” that attempts to raise awareness on the athletics department’s decision to drop the Lady Vols logo.

“We are all deeply disappointed and hurt by the university taking away this tradition for all women’s sports with the exception of basketball in an attempt to re-brand athletics,” Cikra said on the website.

The website includes letters from former Lady Vol and Vol athletes lamenting the decision. Former basketball players Cierra Burdick and Glory Johnson and former UT football players Tauren Poole and Chris Walker are just few of the former athletes to submit letters, explaining the significance and importance of the Lady Vols moniker.

But starting July 1, the Lady Vols logo vanished from all women’s sports except basketball, along with the Adidas logo.

The new relationship with Nike isn’t actually that new, however, as Nike has sponsored Tennessee Athletics before.

“Nike is especially proud to resume our association with the University of Tennessee,” Nike Sports Marketing Director Kit Morris said. “We admire their rich tradition and are enthusiastic to begin working once again with the Volunteer student-athletes, coaches and programs.”

While there are several financial benefits the

school will receive, including an initial $2 million signing bonus, having happy coaches and student-athletes might be even more important.

Josh Smith, a sophomore wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, didn’t hold back his excitement when talking about the conversion.

“I’m really excited about it all, really,” Smith said. “It brings a lot of excitement and change to this program. I think the players and fans are really looking forward to this. I’m ready for the Nike cleats and jerseys, that’s for sure.”

Defensive lineman Khalil McKenzie shared in Smith’s excitement when he posted, “We bringing that swag back to the University of Tennessee #SwooshBaby #VolNation” to his Twitter account.

In a video produced by UT, student-athletes from various sports were recorded while being shown their new Nike jersey for the first time.

After their initial excitement wore off, they each gave Nike a heartfelt “Welcome to Tennessee.”

In a more energetic promotion, Nike joined forces with Vols head football coach Butch Jones to create a photo of Jones sitting on a throne of Nike cleats with the caption “Game of Jones.”

Nike officially debuted the new uniforms at noon July 1. The reveal can be watched at utsports.com.

SPORTS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

New recruits join Tennessee football Head Coach Butch Jones already pursuing 2018 class Stephen Kasper Staff Writer

Head Football Coach Butch Jones secured his first commitment in the 2018 class when Cade Mays verbally committed to his father’s alma mater on July 13.

Mays’ father, Kevin, was a standout lineman and captain for the Vols in the early ‘90s and admitted it was a father’s dream to see his son play for his alma mater.

In fact, it didn’t take long for the legacy player from Knoxville Catholic High School to realize he wanted to stay in Knoxville and follow his father’s footsteps for his collegiate career.

He chose Tennessee during his latest campus visit on Monday.

Mays is a three-star rising sophomore and is expected to be one of the top prospects in the state of Tennessee for the 2018 class. He has scholarship offers from over 10 teams, including Alabama and Florida State.

Tennessee Lands Top In-State Prospect Daniel Bituli, a four-star linebacker from Nashville Christian School, verbally committed to the Vols on July 18 after realizing they offered everything he was looking for in a college.

Bituli, who stands a towering six-foot-four and weighs 235 pounds, has reportedly kept Tennessee at the top of his list for some time.

For a while, it seemed Ole Miss might be gaining steam in his recruitment, but the Vols held strong and eventually sold Bituli on being a part of Tennessee’s future.

Although Bituli holds scholarship offers from over 10 schools including Auburn, Ohio State and Florida, he insists he isn’t considering any other options and is 100 percent committed to Tennessee.

QB Commit Shines at Elite 11, Nike Camp Jarrett Guarantano, a New Jersey native who verbally committed to Tennessee over three months ago, participated in Nike’s The Opening Combine as well as the Elite 11

Quarterback Competition earlier this month.

Guarantano posted impressive numbers at The Opening, including a 4.65 40-yard dash and a 37.5-inch vertical.

Of all the quarterbacks to ever participate in The Opening, Guarantano earned the highest Sparq rating ever of 120.06.

Perhaps even more impressive was the fourstar quarterback’s performance at the premier Elite 11 quarterback finals.

Although he struggled slightly during 7-on7 drills, pundits considered him one of the best quarterbacks at the camp and proved he not only has a rocket arm and elusive quickness but is also extremely smart with the football.

Former NFL quarterback and current Elite 11 Head Coach Trent Dilfer said Guarantano is “almost too talented” and that “he’s got everything you could ever want.”

Current Vols quarterback Joshua Dobbs is a former Elite 11 performer and was also at the camp as a guest counselor, where he and Guarantano seemed to create an impressive duo.

Movement on the Front Lines Tennessee is currently in a close recruiting battle with the University of Georgia for fourstar safety Nigel Warrior.

However, the Vols appear to be gaining some headway with the Georgia native, and if the stars align just right, he could give a verbal commitment to Tennessee next season.

BJ Emmons, a four-star running back from Morganton, North Carolina, had decommitted from Georgia in early June and the Volunteers looked like the favorite to land him.

Unfortunately for the recruiting staff at Tennessee, Emmons gave his commitment to Vols rival Alabama on July 21, leaving the running back position a high priority for 2016.

Freddie Swain, a four-star receiver from Citra, Florida, is another recruit Tennessee has been a long-time favorite to land, yet could make a surprise commitment elsewhere.

Swain currently holds offers from at least 25 Division 1 universities across the nation including Michigan, Alabama and Louisiana State University.

However, after visiting Southern California last month and being recruited by former Vols star quarterback Tee Martin, a scholarship offer might be all he needs to take his talents to the west coast.

All recruit ratings are from taken from 247Sports.com unless otherwise noted.

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Jones: “We expect a win” Jonathan Toye

Sports Editor

HOOVER, Alabama—As soon as Tennessee coach Butch Jones entered the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Tuesday, July 14, he was greeted with flashing cameras and Vol fans clamoring for autographs.

But by now, Jones is used to the attention.

The third-year head coach walked a tightrope in his appearance at the 2015 SEC Media Days—embracing the high expectations bestowed upon his team, and at the same time, trying to maintain a sliver of realism.

He praised his team’s academic performance last semester in his opening statement, noting that 52 players earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and mentioned the excitement surrounding the program.

Jones also issued a response to South Carolina’s coach Steve Spurrier, who spoke earlier in the day.

“Contrary to reports, there were no back flips

and there were no somersaults (after winning the TaxSlayer bowl),” said Jones, referring to Spurrier’s quip about Tennessee’s elation after posting a 7-6 record in 2014.

And while that remark reflected the subtle confidence Jones displayed throughout the day, he also expressed his reservations about his team.

“We still have a long ways to go,” Jones told the local media before he addressed national reporters in the ballroom. “We are nowhere where we need to be, and again, we have too many unproven areas on our football team right now.

“I don’t know if you can ever manage (expectations), as we know expectations are always high at Tennessee. But as the caretaker of the football program, I also have to be realistic.”

Youth is one problem.

Jones used a very specific statistic to illustrate the Vols’ youth, citing 64 percent played one year of college football or less.

He will have to depend on inexperienced players, like true freshmen Khalil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, to contribute to the team immedi-

“

We want those expectations to be extremely high, and our players have embraced that, and all you can do is work hard each and every day to give your all for Tennessee.”

Butch Jones, Tennessee head coach

ately on one of most physically demanding spots on the field — the defensive line.

“They are going to have to grow up in a hurry,” Jones said.

And then there are the injuries.

More than a dozen Tennessee players missed at least a portion of spring practice due to an injury. Jones acknowledged the injuries in the spring will still be a concern for fall training camp — even if all the injured players can practice.

“We have to do a great job of monitoring those individuals,” Jones said. “And that we don’t push them along too soon.”

Injuries and youth aren’t the only obstacles facing the Vols. Senior Curt Maggitt thought the outside chatter could be the defense’s biggest challenge.

“Pre-season this, pre-season that, (we) just need to go out and play football like we know we can do,” Maggitt said. “Just focus on one task at a time.”

Jones and the players representing Tennessee didn’t shy away from addressing pre-season expectations. They are just focused on their own goals.

“We always have high standards internally,” Jones said. “Nobody will have as high expectations as we have for ourselves. We have to go out and we have to prove it. We have to continue to get better.”

“Our goal is to work hard everyday,” Junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs added. “To take it one day at a time, to reach our goals that we have set for this season, we have been doing that thus far and we will continue to do that.”

The positives outnumbered the concerns on Tuesday. Jones mentioned Tennessee’s hot finish to 2014. He lauded the progress his players made in the strength and conditioning program in the summer. He fielded questions about Dobbs’ intelligence, quipping that he thought his starting quarterback would try to fly the plane on the way to Hoover.

And most importantly to Vol fans, he believes this 2015 Tennessee football team can win.

“The great thing for us is we expect a win,” Jones said. “We just don’t hope to win.”

And that might be why Tennessee’s head coach isn’t scared of the pre-season expectations.

“That’s why you coach at the University of Tennessee,” Jones said. “That’s why you play at the University of Tennessee. We want those expectations to be extremely high, and our players have embraced that and all you can do is work hard each and every day to give your all for Tennessee.”

Lady Vols to play quarters, not halves Jonathan Toye

Sports Editor The Tennessee women’s basketball team will keep the Lady Vols moniker for the 20152016 season.

But the upcoming season will still have a different feel.

The NCAA playing rules panel changed the women’s basketball game format this week. The Lady Vols and their opponents will now play four 10-minute quarters next season instead of the traditional two 20-min-

ute halves.

The reason for the format change: the NCAA women’s basketball rules committee hopes to improve the flow of the game.

Teams will now reach the bonus and shoot two free throws after the fifth team foul in each quarter. In the previous format, teams reached the bonus on the seventh team foul and reached the double bonus on the 10th foul.

In an email, a Tennessee spokesperson said coach Holly Warlick was unavailable for comment due to other obligations, but added that she will probably offer remarks on the change in the future.

SPORTS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

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Travis’ article evokes range of emotions from Vols fans Hannah Milby Contributor

Excerpt from Clay Travis’ blog

Tennessee Volunteer fans share one common attribute: pride.

So when Clay Travis of Fox Sports’ Outkick The Coverage began this year’s edition of “The 10 Dumbest Fan Bases in America,” emotions were running high for many Vol fans. On June 11, the countdown commenced and the 10th spot was awarded to The University of Tennessee.

A quick scroll through the comments of the article revealed a cavalcade of emotions: many UT fans were ready to burn Travis, who is a Vol fan himself, at the stake, while others appreciated the humor found in the article and voiced their agreement over Travis’ points.

But how do the fans that spend day in and day out on Rocky Top, walking past their beloved Neyland on the way to class, feel about the article?

It is apparent Travis’ words left mixed feelings among UT students. While some found humorous satire within the article, others felt offended and believed it to be too harsh. Those who did find it humorous believed the article truthfully depicted Tennessee’s fan base, or they saw the humor because of Travis’ strong affiliation with Tennessee sports and media. Still for some, the article left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Many students disagree with Travis’ assertion that UT athletics are cursed. They blame the many setbacks on errors made by previous coaches and poor hiring choices.

However, one student believes the curse theory might hold some validity.

“It seems like other teams can make it happen with potential,” sophomore Ty Swenson said.

“It’s weird how much talent UT has with such little to show for it.”

If there is one thing it seems students agree on, it is that Tennessee is soon to make a come back. There is a resounding belief among students that the current coaches in both basketball and football will bring the two teams back to national prominence. So while Travis may mock the optimism of Tennessee fans, no amount of mockery can change the belief that it “Feels like ‘98” to many current UT students. After four straight football seasons with losing records, the recent 7-6 season is a sign to students of the upcoming greatness for which Tennessee is destined.

“I believe, with the hire and success of Butch Jones, that the football program is on the upswing,” said Ryan Sidhu, sophomore in supply chain management. “I am very excited for the upcoming football season.”

A topic students agreed little with was Travis’ portrait of the typical Tennessee Vol fan, who he portrays as an uneducated, impoverished person who vacations in Pigeon Forge.

“Whether it’s running off a national championship winning football coach with a 152-52 career record because he didn’t win enough — only to replace him with Lane Kiffin and then, I’m sorry for having to even write this, Derek Dooley — or pining for the return of Bruce Pearl, the one man whose very name will never cease to get your blood pumping, so much so that you start a petition to rehire him over Cuonzo Martin. Then that petition, signed by tens of thousands of fans and based on that idiot Vol fan Clay Travis’s column, leads to Cuonzo Martin fleeing town. As a result Donnie Tyndall is hired. Tyndall’s then fired for NCAA issues leading to the hiring of Rick Barnes, who is now under fire for his own NCAA issues at Texas. Of course Vol administrators refused to rehire Bruce Pearl because of his NCAA issues.

So they’ve since hired two new coaches who faced immediate NCAA issues upon their hirings.

You can’t even make this story up.”

“

Neyland Stadium seats 102, 455 Vol fans. • File Photo

Every fan base has their bad apples.”

Brendan Mauer, Junior at UT

Some students agree, owing it to Knoxville’s geographical location in Tennessee. Mikey Caldwell, senior in supply chain management, said he believes it is the close proximity of Tennessee’s campus to the more rural areas of East Tennessee that leads to the skewed image of a typical fan.

Some find middle ground, saying it is comprised of generalizations Travis exaggerated for humorous effect.

Still others see no relation between the typical fan and actual fans. They argue they have never witnessed anyone in the stands in hunting gear and that Travis is more accurately describing an Alabama fan. Although many have had the misfortune of witnessing an oversized man in his checkered overalls with no undershirt, he is just one of the 102,455 fans on game day.

“Every fan base has their bad apples,” Brendan Mauer, an undeclared junior, said. “But most UT fans are just normal people who love college sports and want to represent their passion and love for UT athletics.”

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Wide receivers hope to return to former dominance Taylor White

Staff Writer Once the strength of Tennessee’s offense heading into the 2014 football season, the wide receiver position turned into a nightmare for the Vols as the season drew to a close.

Freshman phenom Marquez North ended his slightly disappointing sophomore season early due to a torn labrum that had also limited his reps in spring practice. Rising junior Jason Croom also missed spring practice after injuring his knee in bowl preparations, and Josh Malone’s explosive 2014 Orange and White game turned into a dud once his freshman campaign began in the fall.

However, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

After a forgettable freshman season, Josh Smith was playing arguably as well as any wide out on the team before a high ankle sprain suffered against Oklahoma ultimately ended his season.

Even with the problems this group has been through, the upgrade in talent over the past couple years is obvious to the coaching staff.

“We’re good, we’ll be good,” receivers coach Zach Azzani said during spring practice. “We’re thin, but I’ll tell you what, it’s like night and day from a couple springs ago.”

Through all the struggles, one player stood out, becoming a go-to target for Justin Worley and then for Josh Dobbs in key moments throughout the season. Rising senior Pig Howard led the Vols in catches (54) as well as yards (618), while pulling in one touchdown.

After being suspended indefinitely before the 2014 season, Howard “took care of his business” and was reinstated over the summer, becoming Tennessee’s most consistent option at the receiver position. As one of the few seniors on the team, Howard’s main focus going forward is improvement from a leadership standpoint.

“I wanna make the players around me better,” Howard said. “Be a leader and just when my number is called, go out there and make a play. I just want to continue to get better and to give advice to the new guys coming in.”

The main focus for Azzani and his receivers this spring was getting healthy. Croom was said to be ahead of schedule on his recovery, while North saw more action as the spring progressed. It was a big spring in terms of recovery for Josh Smith.

Smith caught 10 passes for 135 yards and

Alton “Pig” Howard celebrates a touchdown during Tennessee’s game against Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.

• File Photo one touchdown in less than three full games before his injury, but according to Azzani, Smith didn’t pick up where he left off before the injury.

After sitting out for an extended period of time, Smith lacked conditioning while suffering occasional lapses in technique at the beginning of spring practice. As practice progressed, however, Smith showed glimpses of his former self.

“He came out, and he attacked things,” head coach Butch Jones said. “Obviously, he is in better football condition. I think that is a byproduct of overtime, of practice. He played with confidence, caught the football, and he was able to advance the football--just played aggressively.”

North also improved toward the end of spring practice, and his 6-foot-4 frame, combined with his athleticism, make him a prime candidate for a break out season.

After a highly anticipated freshman season that included several dropped passes in critical situations, the coaching staff is looking for a more consistent sophomore season out of Malone. The Gallatin, Tennessee product had an up-and-down spring practice, but the staff saw progress throughout the spring.

“I see him more mature, I see an inner drive,” Jones said. “He is working exceptionally hard. Going to work every day. I see Josh Malone maturing, really trying to pay attention to the fine details of playing winning football.”

One name to keep an eye on this sea-

son is Johnathon Johnson.

Johnson might not get the recognition of the Vols more high-profile wide outs, but his work ethic and consistency is something Azzani wants in all his receivers despite his 5-foot-9 stature.

“He’s a heck of a player. When people come out there, they always go, ‘My gosh who is 81?’ He always gets overlooked,” Azzani said.

“Maybe that’s because he could walk under a table, but he’s been awesome. Being a senior, he knows what to do now.”

While Johnson may not be a big play threat, he’s proven to be sure-handed target in the red-zone or in third down situations.

With all of the injured players expected to be 100 percent by September, the lone question mark for the receiving corps is the status of rising senior Von Pearson. Pearson was named as a suspect in a rape investigation in April and was suspended indefinitely from all team activities.

That investigation is still ongoing, and Pearson has not been charged with anything at this point. If he is not charged in the case, then it seems likely he will rejoin the team this season, but until then, Tennessee will have to prepare to play without the electric junior college transfer.

“The expectations are there,” Azzani said.

“They know what to expect … They’re not trying to figure it out, they know why I’m standing there coaching them and critiquing them.

They know what they did wrong now. The difference is the expectations this season.”

SPORTS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

9

Defensive line poised for breakout year Stephen Kasper Staff Writer

Whether it be through developing the players he inherited or in recruiting dominant high school linemen, football head coach Butch Jones has made it clear that the defensive line position is extremely important to Tennessee’s success.

Since his arrival to Tennessee two and a half years ago, solidifying the defensive line has been a primary focus for Jones.

After a below-average 2013 season, Jones signed his first top-five recruiting class – including future freshman All-American Derek Barnett.

With the help of Barnett and then junior Curtis Maggitt, Tennessee nearly doubled their sack count to 35 and increased their tackles-for-loss from 65 to 91.

In fact, the combination of Barnett and Maggitt’s 23.5 sacks made them one of the best pass rushing duos in the country.

Associate head coach and defensive line coach Steve Stripling said that along with

• Derek Barnett

• Curt Maggitt

• Dylan O’Brian

being a talented football player, Maggitt is one of the team’s most passionate leaders.

“Every day he comes to the meeting rooms excited to play,” Stripling said. “His passion is contagious, and he’s fun to coach.”

Owen Williams, who was just named one of the strongest players in college football by NFL.com, is another reason for the upward trend in defensive line play.

Although he only had 21 tackles last season, Williams often took on multiple double teams which left other players free to rush from the edge.

Also returning for the Vols this season are rising juniors Corey Vereen and Danny O’Brien – both of whom started all 13 games

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last season to assist in the success by the defensive line group.

But their success is only the beginning of what could be a new era of defensive line play at Tennessee.

In February, Jones signed his second topfive recruiting class, which arguably had the best overall group of defensive linemen of any class in the country.

One of those linemen was defensive tackle Kahlil Mckenzie, a former five-star recruit and No. 1 overall player in the country, according to scout.com.

McKenzie’s impact is expected to be felt sooner rather than later, and Jones is looking forward to seeing what the son of a former

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NFL linebacker can do.

“I think with Kahlil McKenzie you have the complete package,” Jones said during a press conference on National Signing Day. “He has great make-up. He’s got great get-off off the football. He uses his hands well. He’s tough.

And he has a passion for the University of Tennessee.”

McKenzie and fellow freshman Shy Tuttle, another former five-star recruit, are expected to strengthen the interior line while former five-star recruit Kyle Phillips adds depth and stability to an already tenacious pass-rushing attack.

With the amount of players needed to constantly substitute during a game, a deep defensive line recruiting class means big things for the future of the Vols defensive front.

Andrew Butcher, a former four-star recruit and early enrollee, showed promise during the spring training and could make a surprise impact by breaking the two-deep rotation.

Throw in Darrell Taylor, another former four-star recruit, and the Vols could have one of the deepest and most talented defensive line groups in the SEC.

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

Vols embody leadership heading into 2015 season

“

Jonathan Toye

Sports Editor Butch Jones struggled selecting players to represent Tennessee at SEC Media Days.

But it’s a problem that Tennessee’s thirdyear head coach wants to have.

“The great thing for me is choosing who would come to Media Days. This year was a challenge in and of itself because we had many worthy players,” Jones said at SEC Media Days. “And I think that shows you the direction of where we’re headed.”

Leadership might be the most important intangible in college football. The great Tennessee football teams in the ‘90s featured leaders like Al Wilson and Peyton Manning, among others. And leadership last season enabled the Vols to overcome a two-touchdown deficit in the final minutes against South Carolina and helped the Vols secure their first bowl victory since 2007.

While there are uncertainties surrounding the Tennessee football team in the upcoming 2015 season, one item is clear: the Vols aren’t lacking in leaders.

“We’re continuing to get more and more leadership, and we spent a lot of time within our football family on leadership development,” Jones said. “And I think you’re starting to see that pay its dividends.”

The three players who represented Tennessee in Hoover, Alabama — Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, Defensive End Curt Maggitt and Cornerback Cam Sutton — are obvious team leaders. But one player barely missed the cut in attending SEC Media Days.

Junior Jalen Reeves-Maybin excelled on special teams in his freshman year, collecting a team-high 11 tackles on special teams and blocking a punt against Georgia that resulted in a game-tying touchdown.

The Clarksville native transferred his athletic skills to the Will linebacker position in his sophomore campaign and thrived on the field,

My goal is to be the best motivator I can be for this team. I know if I do that, I push the players and hold them accountable and hold them to a high standard, then I’ll get the most out of them.”

Josh Dobbs, Tennessee quarterback

Josh Dobbs warms up before Tennessee’s game against Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. •File Photo starting every game and co-leading the team in tackles with 101.

His name was also one of the first to emerge when a reporter asked Jones about Tennessee’s leadership.

“The other individual who’s really stepped up and provided stability at the linebacker position is Jalen Reeves-Maybin,” Jones said.

“He’s done a great job.”

Jones mentioned another defender at SEC Media: Derek Barnett.

Barnett produced a record-shattering fresh-

man season — amassing 20.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks — that captured the attention of several national media outlets, leading to multiple inclusions on freshmen All-American and All-SEC teams.

People outside the program expect Barnett to continue to produce on the defensive line in his sophomore year, as he landed on the preseason second-team All-SEC team.

“By the third or fourth game or fifth game, (Barnett) grew into that (leadership) role,” fifth-year senior Maggitt said.

Senior Brian Randolph and Danny O’Brien also qualify as leaders on defense.

“We are not going to sneak up on anybody, that is for sure,” Maggitt said. “We have a lot of weapons.”

But Sutton and Maggitt are Tennessee’s two biggest leaders on defense.

Jones remarked that Sutton, who was a member of Jones’ first Tennessee recruiting class, walks around campus with his iPad, immersing himself in game film.

Maggitt, who has been on campus since 2011, opted not to enter the NFL draft in the winter so he could play in his final year of eligibility at Tennessee. He has witnessed program lows like the 2011 loss to Kentucky, but he hopes he can see the final stages of the

rebuilding project before he graduates.

“Me leading team 119 is pretty much why I came to Tennessee for,” Maggitt said. “I had an opportunity to change the culture and turn the program back around. I think this season, we’ve got a great opportunity ahead.”

Perhaps the most conspicuous leader, however, is the returning starting quarterback.

There are multiple players who hold leadership titles on offense — namely tailback Jalen Hurd and receiver Pig Howard — but the spotlight shines on Dobbs.

Dobbs claimed the starting quarterback position for the South Carolina game, leading the Vols to a 4-1 record. His performance late in the season helped him earn preseason thirdteam All-SEC honors.

His major (aerospace engineering) and his maturity attracted the attention of reporters at SEC Media, leading to questions about his classes and his career aspirations.

That maturity might also help Dobbs fulfill Jones’ expectations for him this fall.

“We challenged him this spring to be what we call a CEO quarterback,” Jones said. “An individual who owns the team, who owns the offense, that can solve problems on his own, that can provide the leadership and stability that you expect from that position. So we’re excited about him.”

Dobbs seems ready to accept the challenge.

“My goal is to be the best motivator I can be for this team,” Dobbs said. “I know if I do that, I push the players and hold them accountable and hold them to a high standard, then I’ll get the most out of them.”

SPORTS

Friday, August 14, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Cornhole tourney hits Knoxville Stephen Kasper Staff Writer

Before Tennessee fans arrive at Neyland to watch the Vols, they might partake in another beloved Southern sport.

Cornhole, the popular bean-bag tossing game, is more than just a tailgate competition amongst friends.

It’s a sport with its own tournaments across multiple states and regions, including the World Championships of Cornhole X, which was brought to the Knoxville Convention Center by the American Cornhole Organization July 7-11.

And although the game seems simple enough, only the best of the best make it through the tournament to win the grand prize of $10,000.

Nathan Lowe, a competitor from Asheville, North Carolina, said it’s not just about being lucky. It’s about technique and skill.

“If you’re not throwing three out of four in, you’re not scoring,” Lowe, who runs the Blue Ridge Cornhole company, said. “You’ve got to get it spinning. If you throw end over end, you don’t know where it’s going to bounce. If you want to be consistently good and know where it’s going to bounce, you just got to make it spin.”

Although Lowe admitted he was knocked out of the tournament earlier than hoped, he was able to cheer on his friends and teammates as they continued to compete.

Despite his elimination, he was even more excited for the widespread attention being given to the sport, as ESPN broadcasted SportsCenter live from the convention center to cover the event.

“It’s pretty awesome actually. It’s big for the cornhole world, you could say,” Lowe said. “I

mean, more people are going to know about it just from watching SportsCenter.”

The tournament’s competitors included a diverse group of men and women, including the reigning North Carolina doubles champions – two boys aged 11 and 13.

Stacia Pugh, the reigning national female champion from Cleveland, Ohio, was also competing to defend her champion status.

“I started throwing competitively four years ago,” Pugh, dubbed “Queen of Cornhole,” said.

“It’s really fun. It’s very addictive. And it’s really friendly to a wide variety of folks, you know?”

One of the most interesting quirks about the tournament was the permissible consumption of alcohol by both competitors and spectators during matches.

Perhaps more similar to a tailgate, it wasn’t uncommon to see a competitor take a drink of beer before tossing their bean-bag. But that definitely doesn’t mean these players weren’t focused. In nearly every match, at least three of the four bags tossed by each competitor were making the hole.

And although the competitors made it look easy, there is clearly a chess-like strategy to the game.

Even Jabari Greer, a former cornerback for the University of Tennessee and 10-year NFL veteran who was on the scene to help ESPN promote the event, was impressed with the tournament’s talent.

“Being able to see some of these world-class athletes perform their craft is incredible,” said Greer, who lost an exhibition game earlier in the day to a pre-teen boy.

Greer defended his loss, saying his UT pregame experience never allowed him to dabble in cornhole playing.

“I’ve never played before; I was always playing football,” he said. “If I tailgated and played cornhole, that was a bad day for me.”

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame names South Rotunda after Pat Summitt Staff Report Pat Summitt retired from coaching three years ago, but her legacy transcends time.

The women’s basketball Hall of Fame paid tribute to the legendary head coach, naming its South Rotunda after the winningest coach in college basketball.

Knox County mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville mayor Madeline Rogero were in attendance for the ceremony, as both gave speeches commemorating Summitt’s impact on women’s basketball.

Summitt herself was not in attendance

though. Instead, current Tennessee coach and longtime friend Holly Warlick spoke in her place.

“I know she’d be up here saying, ‘Thank you,’ from the bottom of her heart,” Warlick said.

“But she’d say it’s not about her. It’s about God’s faith, it’s about family love, friendships and this great game of basketball.”

Brad Smith, a longtime coach in Oregon City and 2015 Women’s basketball Hall of Fame inductee, attended the ceremony, admitting that joining Summitt in the hall of fame is an indescribable feeling.

“There is not a greater ambassador or selfsacrificing servant to the game of basketball than Pat Summitt,” Smith said.

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The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 14, 2015

SPORTS