The Mane Issue Volume 7, Issue 2
October 2009
And you thought journalism was dead...
Campus News
Sports News The Creepin’ Jam
Halloween events and ideas Student Opinions
Page 2
Friday, October 23 8:00am - College Volleyball Tournament 9:00am -Wallace State Volleyball at Tampa, Fla. Tournament Saturday, October 24 8:00pm - CollegeVolleyball Tournament 10:00am -Wallace StateVolleyball at Tampa, Fla. Tournament 8:00am -National ACT Test 8:00am -Taste of Home Cooking Show 2:00pm -WSCC Coccer vs. Covenant College Sunday, October 25 All day -60% Withdrawal Day Monday, October 26 12:20pm -BCM Sent Small Group Tuesday, October 27 All day -WSCC Foundation Luncheon 10:30am -BCM Sent Small Group 4:00pm -How to Study the Bible Small Group 6:00pm -Student Ministries Mystery Night 8:00pm -Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, October 28 11:00am -BCM True Life Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time Thursday, October 29 10:00am-BCM Authentic Relationships Small Group
October 2009
Upcoming Events 12:25pm BCM Devotion & Prayer Time 2:15pm -Habitudes Small Group 3:00pm -WSCC Soccer vs. Union Univ. JV 4:00- The Creepin’ Jam Saturday, October 31 8:00am -BEST Robotics Competition Monday, November 2 11:00am -Food for Thought 12:20pm -BCM Sent Small Group Tuesday, November 3 10:30am -BCM Sent Small Group 11:00am -Freshman/Faculty Luncheon 4:00pm -How to Study the Bible Small Group 8:00pm -Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, November 4 11:00am -BCM True Life Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time Thursday, November 5 10:00am -ACCCVolleyball Tournament 7:00pm -Romeo and Juliet - WSCC Theatre 10:00am -Authentic Relationships Small Group 12:25pm BCM Devotion & Prayer Time 2:15pm - Habitudes Small Group Friday, November 6 All day -ACCCVolleyball Tournament 7 p.m. -Romeo and Juliet - WSCC Theatre
A Letter From the Editor As we toil over each month’s publication, staff members of “The Mane Issue” have a goal supreme to all but the quality of our work.This goal is student involvement. We seek to bring you stories of interest, news of upcoming events on campus, interesting opinion and editorial pieces, and original works of fiction and poetry. Our goal is to be the student news publication that everyone wants to take a look at—but we need your help. Recently, we have reworked our fan page for “The Mane Issue” on Facebook. Become a fan—use the power of social networking to offer your feedback on some of the stories that we have run or to give us ideas for the next cover. In order for a publication like “The Mane Issue” to be successful, we must have a very close relationship with the student body. If you don’t have a Facebook account, we gladly accept e-mails at newspaper@wallacestate.edu. Thank you for reading. Sam Rolley
Saturday, November 7 All day -ACCC Volleyball Tournament All day -Romeo and Juliet - WSCC Theatre 9:00am - WSCC Soccer in Southeastern District Semifinals Sunday, November 8 11:00am - ACCC Volleyball Tournament 2:00pm - Romeo and Juliet - WSCC Theatre Monday, November 9 12:20pm -BCM Sent Small Group Tuesday, November 10 10:30am -BCM Sent Small Group 4:00pm -How to Study the Bible Small Group 8:00pm -Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, November 11 All day -Veteran's Day - College Closed 11:00am -True Life Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time Thursday, November 12 10:00am -Authentic Relationships Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time 2:15pm -Habitudes Small Group Monday, November 16 11:00am -Food for Thought 12:20pm -BCM Sent Small Group 2:30pm -Leadership Council Meeting
Tuesday, November 17 8:30am -Lions’ Pride - Spring 2010 10:30am -BCM Sent Small Group 3:00pm -Lions’ Pride - Spring 2010 4:00pm -How to Study the Bible Small Group 8:00pm -Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, November 18 9:00am -Headstart 11:00am -True Life Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time Thursday, November 19 All day -Last day to withdraw (Regular, Mini Term II) 10:00am -Authentic Relationships Small Group 12:25pm BCM- Devotion & Prayer Time 2:15pm -Habitudes Small Group Sunday, November 22 2:00pm -Miss Wallace State Pagaent Monday, November 23 St. Prof. Development Day - No Classes All day -Early Registration Begins 12:20pm -BCM Sent Small Group Tuesday, Nov. 24-Wed., Nov. 25 St. Prof. Development Day - No Classes Thursday, Nov. 26-Fri., Nov. 27 College Closed for Thanksgiving
THE MANE ISSUE NEEDS YOU! WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS For information about “The Mane Issue” or to join the staff please contact us by e-mail newspaper@wallacestate.edu
Editor, “The Mane Issue”
Wallace State Student Newspaper Staff. Sam Rolley, Editor Andrew Hill Andre Caldwell Patrick Camp Tycheria Woods Elisabethe Dorning
Bethany Petty Heather Mortenson Cameron Thomas Ashley Bradford Aldo Amato Juan Pablo Franco
Kelsie Shugart Winston Mathews Tae Stephens Samantha Bishop Kat Johns Kristen Holmes; Sponsor
Sponsored by the Wallace State Communications and Marketing Department, Kristen Holmes. Ph: 256/352-8118, JBC 11 Floor, kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu
Mission It is the mission of the Wallace State Student Newspaper to inform the Wallace State student body of campus news and events.
Participation
On the Cover--The Mane Issue staff members. Pictured L-R: Back row - Andrew Hill, Elisabethe Dorning, Patrick Camp, Tae Stephens, Winston Mathews, Aldo Amato; Middle row - Bethany Petty (as Wally), Ashley Bradford; Front row - Juan Pablo Franco Make-up done by Lyndzee Lemley and Genie Hollis.
The newspaper always welcomes new staff members. If you are interested in participating on the newspaper staff, please contact Kristen Holmes. or a staff member for info.
Submissions and Suggestions If you have a story idea or would like to make a submission to the Wallace State Student Newspaper, please send an email to newspaper@wallacestate.edu. All submissions must include the author’s name and contact information. The WSCC Student Newspaper reserves the right to reject any submissions and to edit all published material. It is the policy of the Alabama State Board of Education and Wallace State Community College, a postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097. Ph: 404-679-4501).
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Campus News
October 2009
MEDICAL ASSISTANTS CELEBRATED DURING RECOGNITION WEEK The Northeast Alabama Society of Medical Assistants and the Wallace State Community College Student Medical Assistants celebrated Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 19-23, 2009, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the
In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, the Northeast Alabama Society of Medical Assistants and the WSCC student medical assistants planned a number of activities. A proclamation proclaiming Medical Assistants Week was signed by Mayor Max Townson of Cullman. A Medical Assistant Social was held on Tuesday, October 20 from 5 to 8
President Dr. Vicki Hawsey - Hannah Easterwood, Holly Pond (Class Treasurer); Kari McMullen, Blountsville (Class President); Blair Coggin, Gardendale (Class Vice President); Sharae Barker, Jasper (Class Speaker of the House); 2nd Row – Instructors Connie Allen and Lori Strane; Tycheria Woods, Athens; Victoria Patterson, Cullman; Ashley Horton, Kimberly; Whitney Hall, Clay; Beth McCurley, Florence; Nikki Phillips, Cullman; Heather Watts, Hartselle; Lauren Smith, Bremen; Tracie Fuqua, Program Director; 3rd Row - Claire Tavel, Corner; Natalie May, Birmingham; Katherine Ross, Huntsville; Margaret Contreras, Cullman; Mallory Presley, Oneonta; Renee Burks, Cullman; Delana Tubbs, Cullman; Back row - Pravinkumar Paradava, Huntsville; Josh Bennefield, Hanceville; Tyson Dill, Florence; Caleb Cummings, Florence; and Trey Helton, Oneonta.
country were recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day.
p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center. All medical assistants were invited.
Testing Lab Added to Agriculture Program
are excited about it because it’s something our students can utilize but we are also excited because people in the community and small businesses can send their employees to us.” Wallace State now offers a variety of Department of Agriculture and Industries exams monitored and set up by the Alabama Metro Institute. The exams include tests for Demonstration and Research, Household Institutional and Industrial Pest Control, Industrial Institutional and Health Related Pest Control, Setting of Landscape Plants, Ornamental and Turf Pest Control (Custodial), and Wood Destroying (Branch Supervisor) among others. “We had employees from Cook’s Pest Control in here just last week to take their exams. We call it our environmental test lab because it offers so many things,” Netherton said. “For instance, the Turf Pest Control test allows you to spray if you’re a turf person doing lawn care or spraying fire ant chemicals for weed control. The Demonstration and Research exam caters to anyone in the landscape industry.” The Department of Agriculture exams cost $75 and can be paid by debit or credit card through the Metro Alabama Institute. Wallace State’s lab conducts exams on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Horticulture building, which is located on County Road 673 in the Southwest corner of Wallace State’s campus, adjacent to the men’s dorms. “One of our biggest challenges is making people aware of where we are on campus. The first greenhouse you see isn’t us,” Netherton said. “We encourage anyone who wants to take the test and feels like they are prepared to come here and take it. It’s a great service for both parties.”
Wallace State has recently added a state testing lab in its Agricultural Production/Horticulture program to aid those looking to obtain their professional services permits. In accordance to guidelines set by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Wallace State has the resources and lab to provide the tests and keep students and professionals in the community from having to drive long distance to acquire their permits. Wallace State students are also reaping the benefits. “All of the state tests which are required for my students are right here. They don’t have to drive to Montgomery or Athens to take them. We have an agreement with Department of Agriculture and Industries,” said Martha Netherton, head of the Wallace State Agricultural Production/Horticulture program. “We have a wide list of tests that we offer. We
Refreshments were served and door prizes given. Also during Medical Assistant Recognition week, the Northeast Alabama Society of Medical Assistants and the Wallace State Community College Student Medical Assistant Group sponsored a LifeSouth blood drive. Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting continues to be projected as one of the fastest growing occupations. The AAMA is the premier organization serving the professional interests and educational needs of medical assistants. It provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there. Wallace State offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in medical assisting. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), based upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (CRBAAMAE). For more information about the medical assisting profession or the medical assistant program at Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu, or contact program director Tracie Fuqua, B.S. CMA, at 256-352-8321 or tracie.fuqua@wallacestate.edu.
Netherton also instructs an accredited class at Wallace State to help those interested in taking the exams. During the spring semester, the class will be scheduled on Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information about the tests or Wallace State’s Agricultural Production/Horticulture program, contact Netherton or Jason Bynum at 352-8035.
INTERESTED IN JOURNALISM? PHOTOGRAPHY? LAYOUT DESIGN? CONTACT THE MANE ISSUE TO JOIN newspaper@wallacestate.edu
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Campus News
Wallace State Theatre Presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Nov. 5-8, 2009
Wallace State Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, November 5-8 in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. Set in a modern day Verona, WSCC’s production of Romeo and Juliet maintains Shakespeare’s classic tale of forbidden love between the children of two rival households. The untimely death of the young lovers, though tragic, reunites their families and brings an end to their long-standing contention. Performances will be held November 5, 6, and 7 at 7 pm, and November 8 at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 for everyone. You may reserve tickets by contacting Lauren Cantrell at 256.352.8422, or e-mail theatre@wallacestate.edu.
Campus Ministries Starts the Year Out Right By: Flo-Jo Jones On August 27, Campus Ministries held the first party of the fall semester. At the “Back to School Nerd Party,” WSCC students made sure to have fun by dressing “Nerdy.” What a C-O-O-L concept! Food, board games, balloons and a live band, added to the “ambiance” of the party. A King and Queen were crowned. Queen Cortney Elkins and King Brandon Harbin brought soccer team members to received the honor of their titles by bringing the “Biggest Nerd Herd” group of friends they could find with them to join in the fun at the Student Center where Campus Ministries is located in room 100. A Belks sponsored charity sale is going on right now to help raise funds that will be applied toward Mission trips. For only $5 per ticket you will able to purchase 15-50 percent off storewide, including special savings on rarely discounted brands! Plus you get your $5 back off your first purchase! This sale is a four hour only sale on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 6 to 10 a.m. You will also be registered to win a $1,000 Belk shopping spree!!! So don’t walk…RUN to purchase your tickets!!! “Food for Thought” is a hot, delicious meal available to students and staff every first and third Mondays in the JBC building, 2nd floor. Local churches provide the meals on a rotating basis for a donation of any amount. All donations go to fund mission efforts. Campus Ministries will be holding a “Mystery Night” of fun with “Clue” (remember the game? Mr. Mustard in the library with the candlestick???) type mysteries to be solved. That will be on Tuesday night, October 27 at 6pm in the Student Center Grill. Check out their weekly/monthly activities right here in “The Mane Issue.” For more information, contact Christy Hicks at 356-8280 or christy.hicks@wallacestate.edu.
October 2009
Wallace State Students Gather at the Pole Wallace State joined schools around the country by participating in the See You at the Pole event. The SYATP at Wallace State was sponsored by Campus Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and held at the flagpole in front of the math building. See You at the Pole is national student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event during which students meet at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. It is held annually on the fourth Wednesday in September. T w o SYATP opportunities were held at Wallace State. One gathering took place at 7:15 a.m. and the other at 12:15 p.m. The morning session Marlow organizes attracted 38 people and the afternoon session had 37 according to Christy Hicks, who is the director of campus ministries at Wallace State. The 2009 theme of the SYATP event was “Engage: Go and pray . . .” (2 Kings 22:13a), which encourages students to engage in a variety of areas including in school, the community, their church, with other Christians and with non-believers. In the afternoon session, Wallace State student Jacob Marlowe read to the assembled crowd about King Josiah in the Old
Testament and how he engaged in pursuing God. Wallace State students also had the opportunity at their SYATP event to offer individual prayers of their own in front of the assembled crowds.
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Student Lifestyle
October 2009
The Origin of the Jack O’ Lantern By Elisbethe Dorning Have you ever wondered where the Jack O’ Lantern came from? The popular Halloween trend’s namesake comes from an Irish myth of a
man nicknamed, “Stingy Jack.” According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink and convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin
that Jack could use to buy their drinks in return for his soul. The Devil turned himself into a sixpence to pay the bartender but Jack immediately snatched the coin and deposited it into his pocket next to a silver cross that he was carrying. Thus, the Devil could not change himself back and Jack refused to allow the Devil to go free until the he promised not to claim Jack's soul for ten years. The Devil agreed, and ten years later Jack again came across the Devil while out walking on a country road. The Devil tried collecting what he was due, but Jack thinking quickly, asked the Devil to pick an apple for him from a nearby apple tree. The Devil, thinking he had nothing to lose, jumped up into the tree to retrieve an apple. As soon as he did, Jack carved a cross in the trunk of the tree, trapping the Devil once again. This time, Jack made the Devil promise that he would not take his soul when he died. Seeing no way around his predicament, the Devil grudgingly agreed. Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the tricks that Jack had played on him, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal straight from the fires of Hell to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O' Lantern." In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the Jack O' Lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect Jack O' Lanterns.
Do you live a “Life Less Ordinary?” Check out the Life Less Ordinary page on Wallace State’s website where you will find videos of students just like you, whose passions today will change the world tomorrow. Submit your own video. Visit www.wallacestate.edu or mylifelessordinary.com.
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October 2009
Student Lifestyle
Dear Mom: A Freshman Perspective By: Kat Johns Dear Mom, Today was one of those days… Today when I woke up and looked at my clock it said 7:45 a.m. in bold, bright numbers, so I jumped out of bed got dressed in the dark, grabbed my books and ran to my car. I got to school and went to park. I couldn’t find a parking place! So I had to park a bit off and walk… it was like 85 degrees and I decided to wear black like the idiot I am. I got to the tower to ride the elevator and it was on the eighth floor and the other two were around in that area, too. So I stood there staring at the elevator numbers muttering, “Hurry up, hurry up” (and other words that one should not say in polite conversation) just hoping that it would send a mental message to the elevators to hurry up. (As we all know this doesn’t really work when you’re in a hurry, they just take twice as long.) I closed my eyes and counted backwards from ten. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”DING!” and the elevator finally came to the first floor. As I mashed my floor’s corresponding number I looked at my cell phone, not only to check the time but to turn it down. The time read 8:01a.m. I was late. I started to get light headed. Great, I was late for class, and I had set four different alarms so I wouldn’t be. I slipped into class and apologized to my teacher for being late, told her my name so she could mark me down on her roll and took my usual seat in the second row. As I sat through my class I felt myself drifting off, so I reached down and grabbed my notebook. Drawing would help me focus. I know this sounds like I really was just goofing off but honestly the doodles really help my focus. I started to sketch a little bit and I listened to my teacher telling us about the character in the passage that we had just read. She mentioned that our job should be something we liked because we’d likely be stuck with it for a good portion of our lives. I raised my hand and I said, “A career is something you want to do and a job is something you have to do.” Mom, I had just spoken the words you have told me most of my life. I smiled at the thought of the many times we had spoken on this subject. I tuned my ears back to my teacher in time to tell us that class was dismissed. I stayed where I was; there was no point in moving, as my next class was in the same room. I closed my notebook and pulled out my laptop and got on the internet to start my homework. Math… Bah, terrible stuff math is. Regardless, we use it every day and most of the time we don’t realize it. So I sat through math class and to my disappointment I had forgotten my headphones, so I had the great pleasure of listening to the friendly banter of my classmates on either side of me. This was distracting. (Then again, something shiny can distract me.) When class was over I packed up and went to Woody’s in the student center. Mr. Woody is a great man with a cheerful disposition who I’ve known for a year or so. I told the lady at the register what I wanted, then took my food and sat down at a table. I looked around for somebody I knew, but alas there was no one. So I ate my lunch in the solitude of the crowded student center. When I finally finished I got up and walked into the foyer and sat down once more on one of the couches. I had opened my laptop and started to send emails and begun to look into things to do when I looked at the time and had to go home. I stuffed everything back into my bag and set off to the parking lot where my car awaited. It was a miserably hot, steamy and humid day. I cursed my luck of dressing in the dark. Black shirts and heat don’t mix. That’s about it Mom. I’ll see you soon.
Thursday, November 29
See flyers around campus for more event details.
Sponsored by The Mane Issue and SGA.
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October 2009
Student Health
H1N1 Still Major Concern for Healthcare Officials By: Cameron Thomas As many know by now, H1N1 is at the top of every health and medical organizations’ watch list this year. Referred to as the ‘Swine Flu’ early on, this exceptionally potent strand of influenza causes many of the same symptoms that the seasonal flu causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue,” also noting, “a significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.” These symptoms correlate with other findings that most deaths caused by both seasonal and H1N1 flu have been the result of dehydration, the development of a more serious illness such as pneumonia, or the worsening of a chronic illness like asthma or congestive heart failure. The threat of a widespread epidemic is a real one, and many businesses and organizations already have procedures and precautions to both help keep the flu from spreading and to help treat those who are infected. Candace Little, General Manager for Jack’s Family Restaurant in Locust Fork Alabama, states, “People are paranoid. More so than usual. And I’m terrified of catching it and passing it to my daughter.” Luckily her store— along with many others in the food business—are keeping a close eye on employees, following strict health
Scaler Energy: Natural Wonder or Wonderful Hoax? By: Andre Caldwell Wouldn’t it be wicked if there were something for college students that made you feel more energetic, more focused, less prone to suffer from headaches, and better able to cope with stress? Plus making any aches and pains gradually disappear. Or even if you’re an athlete and want more ability for your body’s organs to absorb water and to keep your hydration locked within the natural molecular structure so your body’s DNA can absorb oxygen at much higher levels. I’m talking about the latest discovery in quantum science, Scalar Energy! There are many other scientific reports supporting the benefits of scalar energy for our health, The Barron Report describes what scalar energy is and how amazing it is. With all the health benefits from reduced inflammation, unclumping of cells, enhanced circula-
department guidelines, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers to prevent any infections. There are only limited ways to protect yourself, your family, and your loved ones from H1N1 and seasonal flu, but certain measures can somewhat minimize the threat. Air sanitizing sprays like Oust are extremely effective on viruses like the common cold and flu, and also protect against bacteria on hard surfaces by killing Staph and Salmonella. Obviously, an important step in personal health is to wash your hands frequently, but too much hand washing especially with anti-bacterial agents can weaken your immune system by killing off the bacteria that helps protect your body. Those who are more susceptible to infection include seniors, infants and children, those who are chronically ill, and women who are pregnant. A widespread outbreak of the flu could cause a shortage of antibiotics like Tami Flu and Relenza, and are still only effective if started within two days of becoming ill, which may be too late for many people who may put off going to the doctor because of the initial seemingly mild symptoms. In centuries past it was the deadly ‘black plague’, then came small pox, tuberculosis, and polio, and now we face new threats from microscopic enemies. The deadly SARS outbreak that was thought to have originated in the Guangdong Province of China quickly spread to over 37 countries and infected more than 8,000 people in less than eight months. Now, we face H1N1 and its frightening reports of increased infection and deaths into this year’s flu season. Our only options are prevention and quicker, more proactive and aggressive treatments; however, this is going to take some serious effort from American health care providers including more funding for researching newer flu vaccines, manufacturing antibiotics, and providing this kind of care for those who cannot afford it. But that’s another story.
tion, fight cancer cells, increased energy. ScalarPendant came from overseas, made from natural minerals that are fused and structurally bonded together at a molecular level. It produces scalar energy that helps to enhance the body’s biofield. In return it promotes positive flow of energy and helps to maintain energy balance. It helps to restore energy that has become weak in the body by daily exposure to negative energy such as radiation from cell phone, television, computer, x-ray, microwave and electrical appliances. By restoring the energy balance in the body, the pendant helps one to maintain health and well-being. They are available online, in Alabama at Invision in Gardendale, and at other stores nationwide. If you have a belief in a holistic approach to well being, you may be very interested. I encourage everyone to research this pendent.
Flu Season Is in Full Swing By: Bethanny Petty
Tips for Prevention: Prevention Wash hands for 20 seconds to reduce spread and infection Hand sanitizer Don’t place fingers in your mouth after going to the gym, weight room, or computer lab and library Keep all minor cuts, scrapes and wounds clean and properly bandaged Just a Reminder: An illness spreads when respiratory droplets in coughs and sneezes carry viruses and bacteria.
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Opinion/Editorial
October 2009
Small Town Sanctity Versus Economic Benefit: Hanceville’s Alcohol Debate Pro:
By: Patrick Camp In Cullman County there are a few topics that leave us divided and spark many heated discussions: Alabama or Auburn? Baptist or Methodist? And perhaps the most controversial, Wet or Dry? The issue at hand will have friends, brothers, and lovers at each others throats belching opinions until none appear dignified. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with having an opinions of your own, the problem lies in the fact that often those people who are the most passionate about their opinion have the least amount of factual evidence to back them. As the younger population grows and the older becomes less politically involved, the polls are being flooded with more and more young votes-- this is a good thing. Each election seemingly brings us closer to residing in a wet county, as when the issue is presented on ballots only a marginal loss occurs. On the surface it would seem that, with the ever growing younger bracket of voters, it would be only a matter of time before the taboo of alcohol in Cullman would be overturned. It is worth mentioning that there exist an equal amount of young people who cloud descisians of economic gain with arguments of morality. As the popularity of Christian youth organizations such as Outcry are on the rise there will certainly be just as many young people that are against the wet vote as there are in favor. It is my fear however, that these young religious crusaders will be influenced simply by charismatic leaders of these organizations (whose views presumably lie with the old school) and will be doing nothing but spewing out the same old tired rebuttals that they have heard time and time again. The arguments that apparently the day after a town, city, or county goes wet the crime rate spikes, the streets are flooded with prostitutes and junkies, and the roads will be painted red with the blood of once promising senior athletes turned into helpless alcoholics who couldn't resist the urge to drive while under the influence are at their core nothing more than scare tactics. Megan Howard, an assistant to the proctor of Cullman's DUI school, estimated that a vast majority of DUIs that occurred within the County lines were en route back to their homes from some kind of alcohol friendly establishment out of town. This evidence shows that instead of increasing DUIs the number would be decreased by over half. We have witnessed Cullman being nationally ridiculed on public television by news anchor/comedian John Stewart due to our dry Oktoberfest. This fact could serve as an obvious indicator that the same country that these people love and pray for every morning and night is vastly wet—and contains only a handful of dry counties. Also, while America is full of crime it is related more closely to poverty than alcohol. Tony Richards, a concerned citizen who identifies himself as a Christian lay minister, said, "It would be irresponsible to forego the tax benefits on the issue of alcohol." He continued, "People are going to partake regardless, even those that are religious, and when done responsibly is not immoral." Hearing that from a member of the religious community leaves a little room for hope that there does exist a certain population of thinking members within the church, rather than the judgemental fire and brimstone types to which we are so accustomed due to our location in the "Bible-Belt." When done responsibly
drinking is not immoral, that is a very good point. Unfortunately, many members of the church are under the impression that taking one sip of something stronger than sweet tea will eternally damn your soul to hell--it is hard to imagine where they get this impression seeing as how Jesus's first miracle was to turn water into wine, storming onto the scene with a miracle that seems to say, "Okay, I've arrived. Let's get this party started!". I do not want any to confuse my statements as being atheist, or sacrilegious in any way. I would like to make it clear at this time that I happen to be quite the opposite, a believer in many of the things the Bible teaches and a worshipper of Jesus Christ. I am, however, also a firm believer in practical thinking, facts, and common sense, which many of the people who throw their opinions around lack. It also appears to be quite the double standard for many of the conservative voters to believe that alcohol should be kept completely out of Cullman, while ranting to everyone that will listen about gun control. Surely if these people were concerned simply for the safety of others it would be evident that a loaded high power pump action shotgun would be far more detrimental to a human life than a refreshing glass of cold beer. However, this is not how these conservative moral protectorates think-they wish to look good in front of their peers by condemning things that to the vast majority of Americans became not so taboo decades ago. It is also worth stating that many of the same people who are in the front row of church on Sunday morning retreat to the safety of their homes in the afternoon and throw back a few cans of Natural Light while watching the ball game. It would seem that many believe God cannot see into the boundaries of the four walls that enclose their homes. Again quoting Mr. Richards, "It would be irresponsible to forego the tax benefits on an issue that people are going to partake in regardless." Many of the same people taking busloads of elderly members of the community to the polls on election day to keep Cullman dry, have two sixers in their refrigerator at home. This again lays a foundation to the truth that many of these people are simply hypocrites and while I will give it to the opposition that this statement may not have any documented evidence and is grounded on nothing more than common sense, it does seem quite assanine in today's suffering economy that we are giving away tax dollars. Each time a Cullman citizen buys alcohol in another county they help to fund other counties schools, police departments, hospitals, fire departments, and all other city funded operations. Tony Willis, a city official in Arab, has stated that this year alone (which is not a full year as far as being a wet county goes) the city is expected to have a half million dollar revenue increase from alcohol sales, money that the town of Hanceville could very much use as well. As people are already hurting for money, it would more than likely be a much bigger debate to raise citizens taxes to come up with this large amount of money. In 2005, the County of Cullman filed a lawsuit to obtain a portion of Alabama's beverage sales under the premise that the privately owned country club Terri Pines is allowed to sell alcohol. Despite the fact that this is the only establishment in Cullman allowed to do this and they may only do so to members of the club they won the suit. Gary Teichmiller, County
Administrator, reported that the county receives between $112,000 and $120,000 a year from the wet counties in the state, only a fraction of the amount that Arab is anticipating in its first year. This appeal does nothing but belittle our town to the likes of a whiney, spoiled schoolchild crying to the teacher that it is not fair that a classmate has a nicer toy, grovelling until the teacher complies, forcing the classmate to share what is rightfully his, all in an attempt to keep Cullman "special". It has been noted by many that Wayne’s Package Store, located in Warrior, has enjoyed heavy out of town patronage. This is probable cause to suspect rumors that Wayne is one of the largest contributors to the "keep Cullman dry" campaigns. Another complaint made is that bars and strip clubs will begin to outnumber churches. It has been stated by Tanya Wilcocks, City Clerk of Hanceville, that the city of Hanceville has taken the ordinances from Warrior, Arab, and Decatur and compiled their own, which will be very similar to that of the other ordinances. With this statement it is safe to assume that, after reviewing Arab's Alcohol Ordinance that while restaurants will be permitted to serve alcohol and more than likely contain a section for a bar, there will be nothing similar to a strip club. The ordinance clearly states: "The showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, including any 'wet t-shirt' contest or other showing or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the darkened area surrounding the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a lewd or indecent manner by any waiter, waitress, dancer, entertainer, employee, model or customer" is punishable by law. In addition, Kenny Culpepper, Chief of Police, has stated that in anticipation of the county becoming wet he has spoken with various police chiefs in wet counties and they reported that the only time a rise in crime occurred was if the Alcohol Ordinance for that particular area was especially lenient, allowing "honkytonks and strip clubs" and even then the only extra alcohol related incidents were the occasional bar fights. With the security of knowing that Hanceville would adopt a more strict ordinance we can rest assured that crazy-eyed gun carrying drunks will not rule our streets shooting everyone in their path and taking their money just so they can get another bottle of Wild Turkey. It should be said that, while I am aware that many of the views and statements that have been made will certainly do more than upset quite a few people, and for that I am sorry. I firmly stand by my assertations and feel that each point was necessary, for many students lack opinions and viewpoints of their own and if they do posses them they are very lukewarm and lethargic in expressing their views. Therefore, if you disagree with me, disagree full heartedly. Always back your viewpoints with facts and hard evidence, don't take what is taught you at face value, question everything, and think for yourself. Also, please vote on these matters whether you vote wet or dry. It is important that you do so, because your voice is meaningless if you don't use it. Napoleon said "Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent." Take this to heart and use your voice and don't listen to mine, for the only way to bring about change present people with your opinion and tell them to completely disregard it and form their own.
No: By: Kat Johns Why should Hanceville go wet? Because of the taxes we could have for the schools? But do you really want to pay for schools with money from alcohol, the very thing we teach the children to avoid? Slight contradiction don’t you think? You also need to look at the fact that we already have too much drug and alcohol abuse and references around us as it is, do you really want to cause more peer pressure and stress for already stressed out teens? How about we take this from a religious standpoint as well, is told of us not to be drunk or to become drunk. A few examples of this would be:
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Luke 1:15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags” Luke 21:34 " Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap. Romans 13:13 “Let us behave properly as in day not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and
sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 1 Cor. 6:10 “Nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” I don’t know about you but this is good enough for me. If I’m drunk I’m not going to be inheriting the kingdom of God, but for the non-religious of you out there here are a few more reasons. True, we’d have higher profits but the character of the town would change--drowned by liquor. We should enjoy what’s here. The businesses in the old downtown Hanceville are wonderful. When was the last time you were at Hanceville Drug Store for an ice cream float, or did you know continued on next page
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Opinion/Editorial
Continued from previous page. that there is a bakery in Hanceville now? What about the many shops and resturaunts that charm the city? Most of the college students don’t know where these places are let alone that they even exist. Hanceville is a small American hometown, which is great for young families. Do you want to risk the lives of children so you can have a beer? Making liquor legal would only encourage drinking and therefore drunk driving. In 2008, in Alabama alone there were 966 total fatalities, 319 alcohol related fatalities. Do you really want to live in a town like that? Do you want to be the next victim? I don’t want to be. Let’s keep Hanceville, which lies in a dry county, dry. I could continue indefinitely in highlighting the moral problems associated with allowing the city of Hanceville to go wet-- but I will instead highlight some of the safety-related elements. According to information provided from Wallace State’s Heads Up program, which is headed by Greg Mayo, there are a number of negatives associated with taking a once dry college town and allowing it to become wet. Alcohol
Selected Responses From The Smoking Survey Pro Smoke-Free “It is very difficult to breathe, let alone concentrate, when an individual sits behind you during a lecture after they have taken a smoke break. Some individuals have no idea how badly they are polluting the air around them. Getting on an elevator AFTER someone has gotten off can also be stifling. As an asthma sufferer, I believe this impedes upon my health, which should be an ADA matter…” “Both of my parents died with complications from smoking, so naturally I would like to see a smoke-free campus. I think it would make a bold statement about positive living at Wallace State. I would also like to see us offer healthy snacks in the vending machines or some healthy choices for students.” “It is terribly rude to smoke in the entrance of buildings. Move them to a designated area or ban it all together. Also, there is a double standard for workers on campus. If you smoke you are ‘entitled’ to 4 or 5 smoke breaks a day. A non-smoker takes lunch and that’s it. If you are allowing 4 or 5 smoke breaks, please allow all non-smokers this many breaks of 10 to 30 minutes for each to go walk around campus or take a nap. Coming to work at 7:30 a.m. and then taking a smoke break at 8 a.m. or 8:30 is wasteful and ridiculous. Also, would spraying a smoker with Lysol be any ruder than them blowing toxic smoke all over me as I enter the building?”
No Smoke-Free “This is so ridiculous that I have a hard time thinking about it. Don’t we have better things to do? Telling someone they can’t smoke is like telling a fat person they can’t buy candy from a vending machine. Obesity is extremely bad for a person’s health. If Wallace State is going to prevent possible cases of second-hand smoke causing cancer, then Wallace State should really prevent possible diabetics from eating candy!!!...Wallace State students are not in kindergarten. They are adults. This is not an exclusive prep school. It is a COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Nor it is a medical facility. It is a college campus. Most of the people on this campus are COLLEGE STUDENTS.” As long as there are designated smoking areas you should leave smokers alone. Thank you.” “In regards to the main campus, it doesn’t really make too much of a difference to me. But being a smoker and living in the dorms, it seems like it would be a little ridiculous to ask us to leave the campus to smoke a cigarette.”
kills over 100,000 people every year, a large percentage of whom are misguided college students having their first experiences with the drug. Alcohol use is involved in one half of all crimes that are committed on the national level; this includes murders, accidental deaths, and suicides. Drunken driving accidents are one of the most prevalent forms of death associated with alcohol abuse, killing 15,000 and injuring another 300,000 each year. This is a big problem. My opponents in this argument may also cite financial reasons for making ours a wet city, claiming that we are allowing tax dollars to slip away to other areas. This may be true—although, is it worth a few more tax dollars to put yourself in harm’s way? Also, what of the negative economic impact that alcohol has on our economy? It is easy to cite taxes—but we could tax murder as well, that doesn’t mean we will make murder legal in order to make a few extra dollars. According to the information provided by Mayo, the economic cost of alcohol abuse due to injury and rehabilitation tops off at around $150 billion per year, this is money out of your pocket.
Judgmental Much? By: Kelsie Shugart You are at an airport and you come across a group of Middle Eastern men, what do you think? You are walking downtown and see a homeless man, asking strangers for a bit of change, what do you think? You are at a mall and see a group of people all dressed in black with radical appearances, what do you think? Terrorists? Alcoholic? Devil Worshippers? What if the men in the airport were really a group of doctors who spend each day saving lives? The homeless man may well have been a once wealthy entrepenuer--a sign of the times, and maybe our Satanists were, in reality, a Christian Metal band on their way to play a show. Making assumptions doesn’t always produce right answers. Everyone has passed judgment on someone at some point; however this is something that we would all benefit from stopping. My question is simple. Why do we do it? Why must so many people think that if someone is not like them, then that someone must be strange? Why must so many people be so closedminded that they cannot accept another person’s way of life? Outward appearances should be of little value. This has been brought to my attention many times. Most recently, I was at my Grandparent’s house sitting on the front porch. As Grandmother and I sat on the porch, me sipping on sweet tea, and she enjoying a Miller High Life, we saw two men walking down the street. She hid the beer and waved. I asked who the men were and she told me she went to church with them. She hid the beer because she was afraid of what they would think of her. However, if I am correct, if you believe in God, only he can judge you. Another example is a girl I know, back in high school she decided to go vegan. Everybody thought that it was insane. They would always laugh at her and try to make her eat meat. That’s just high school though, right? Wrong. Judgmental people are still around in college. Say, in the student center a girl dressed in yellow tights, a grey dress, a brown vest, and short, brown high heel boots walks past a group of girls all dressed in jeans and t-shirts. After the girl in the yellow tights walks by, the group of girls will probably laugh at her or maybe talk about how she must be strange to wear that outfit. Sometimes those judgmental ways can stick with you throughout life. As musician Ben Harper sings so eloquently, “My choice is what I choose to do and if I’m causing no harm it shouldn’t bother you. Your choice is who you choose to be and if you’re causing no harm, then you’re alright with me.” So ask yourself, “Where does being judgmental get me?” Everyone is different, so try to open up your mind just a little.
October 2009
Hanceville truly is a special place, in part because it remains dry. Wallace State is one of the premier community colleges in the country, offering wonderful health, technical, and academic programs of study which constantly produce outstanding students. I would like to think that this is not by coincidence alone; perhaps the lack of availability of alcohol removes a bit of distraction from the life of a young college student. Alcoholism is a large problem on campuses throughout the country and has probably found ways to manifest its ugly self even here at Wallace—but it would be ignorant to assume that the lack of availability has no bearing on the number of cases to be found. If students take a short drive, about an hour and a half north to Tennessee they can acquire 40 ounce beer containers, but that doesn’t often happen. The extra ounces aren’t worth the travel time, so by the same logic maybe the 45 minute drive to a wet county has seemed like a daunting task to more than a few Hanceville residents late on a Friday night. Perhaps a life or two has been spared by the inconvenience. Think it over for yourselves and, most importantly, register to vote if you live within the city limits.
A Rewiew – Driving Courtesies By: Flo-Jo Jones I’m perplexed at how many people don’t know how to go through intersections with stop signs…it’s NOT rocket science!!! At all intersections, it’s the one who actually reaches the stopping point first who has the right of way. When you’re approaching an intersection, LOOK to see who stopped there before you. When those cars are gone, then it’s your turn! If two cars meet at the same time, it’s the car to your RIGHT that has the right of way to go first. It also helps when you use turn signals. Please try to remember to use them. And PLEASE PEOPLE…don’t wave anybody on…it only confuses the ones who don’t know what they’re doing in the first place!!! According to Security Guard Ron Stallings, what seems to be the No. 1 cause of fender benders is students not knowing proper procedure when approaching intersections. The problem is escalated in the fall when some of the newer students tend to “slide” on through without respect to others. Mr. Stallings said that refraining from using cell phones while going through would help the situation to improve. Mr. Stallings also said how much he has enjoyed his job here at WSCC for the last five years. “I feel like I’m the students’ outside instructor. This is a very rewarding job for me. WSCC has such a nice family atmosphere. As a matter of fact, I still have students that come back and visit with me.” So stick by the simple rules of the road that you learned when you took your driving test. Although for some of us, it’s been quite a few years since then! Just use common sense and courtesy. Use the rules to decide when it’s the right time to make your move. I would also like to mention here that the handicapped parking is for those with physical disabilities! One very rainy Monday morning, two cars were parked by the library in those spaces. Because it was raining, I guess the owners of the cars thought it was okay for the people who needed those spaces to traverse a greater distances than unusual. Mr. Stallings said that he will not hesitate to issue tickets for illegal parking in handicapped spaces. “They will be checked on a regular basis. It’s a federal law that I’m obligated to abide by,” he said. Please be considerate of the people needing to use those spaces more than you do, especially when it’s raining.
“The Mane Issue” Wants to Hear From You: Send submissions to newspaper@wallacestate.edu
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Student Lifestyle
“Tuesdays With Morrie” Skit Performed for Wallace State’s Common Read Program Wallace State had a special reading recently of Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays with Morrie” in the lobby of the school’s Student Center. Albom’s criticallyacclaimed book was selected in April as the feature of Wallace State’s Common Read program, which joins students, faculty and staff around the reading of a single work for the fall semester. The book chronicles Albom’s relationship with his college professor Morrie Schwartz. After graduating college, Albom loses touch with Schwartz but their relationship rekindles 16 years later after Albom sees a profile of Schwartz battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease on an episode of “Nightline.” Albom makes contact with Schwartz on a Tuesday and continues to meet with his beloved professor every Tuesday until his death. Along the way, Albom learns about life, love and the value of relationships during his Tuesday visits.
Dr. Fred Halstead, chair of Wallace State’s biology department, portrayed Schwartz in the skit and sophomore Lee
October 2009
Wallace State’s Green Team By: Sam Rolley
Murphey and Halsted Murphy played the role of Albom. There were approximately 75 people in attendance for the skit, which was organized by the Common Read committee and the Wallace State Theatre Department. The skit coincided with the monthly freshman-faculty luncheon at Wallace State.
Don’t Forget These COMMON READ DATES! Freshman/Faculty Luncheons Nov. 3 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Woody’s Grill – “Tuesdays with Morrie” the movie will be shown to students. Dec. 2 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Discuss the book with students and faculty at Woody’s Grill
On the second Thursday of each month a gathering of minds takes place at Wallace State. This gathering of some of the colleges most eco-friendly staff, faculty and students is dedicated to making the college greener in as many aspects as possible. These individuals, affectionately named Wallace State’s Green Team, are dedicated to the cause and work diligently in the time between each meeting to reach goals set in discussion. The projects that our campus’s Green Team has undertaken include recycling initiatives, the Smoke-Free Campus campaign, car-pooling programs, and informing students about the benefits of eco-consciousness. As the 2009-2010 school year progresses, students of Wallace State can expect to see these and many other programs take root on campus in the interest of the environment. Tammi Gattis, a founding member of the Green Team, said, “The mission of the Green Team is to help make Wallace a Green Campus. We would like to encourage all students and staff who share in this mission to join our efforts.” The team has looked to the best practices of a number of other community colleges and universities across the state and nation for ideas. The college’s new Burrow Center has incorporated many new state-of-the-art green building concepts. Look for a new section in future publications of “The Mane Issue” highlighting the efforts of our Green Team and other green initiatives on campus. If you are interested in working with Wallace State’s Green Team, you are welcome to attend— meetings are held at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month on the 8th floor of JBC.
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October 2009
Sports
Lions’ Basketball News By: Bethany Petty
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
It is basketball season once again for the WSCC Lions basketball teams. Our WSCC Lions hit the court with seven new sophomore recruits, three freshmen, and four athletes who are returning as sophomores from the 2008-2009 season. Of this year’s Lions, Head Coach Alan Sharpe said, “The best thing we’ve got going for us is experience, age, and guys that have previously played together.” The four returning sophomores from the Lions 2008-2009 basketball season are Sergio Crowe, Mitchell Anderson, Darrick Thomas and Ricardo Hall. Although they were a big asset to the team last year, Sharpe said, “We need them (Crowe, Anderson, Hall, and Thomas) to do a little more to bring leadership and to help the new guys with what is to be expected.” This year the team is stepping up their goals and, although they were ranked No.1 in the country, they have big ambitions to take to state. Head Coach Sharpe said, “We’ve done all we can do and won a bunch of games.” Continuing enthusiastically, he said, “We have been ranked No. 1 in the country, but we still haven’t gone to the BIG DANCE -that’s the goal.”
Our WSCC Lady Lions will be starting their season with three returning sophomore athletes--Kristian Moody, Julia Tupper and Jamie Lack. Upon inquiry about their experience as second year Lady Lions, Moody and Lack both noted an increase in responsibility to the team. Tupper added, “I have more confidence in myself and am less stressed this season.” Interestingly, these three athletes will be leading a team mostly consisting of freshmen— which leaves a great deal of room for speculation about how the team will perform together. Moody assessed the situation in saying, “It’s a good and bad thing because we’re starting from scratch-- but we all have individual talents that no one knows about.” The Lady Lions have a number of personal goals this year in addition to their ambitions to win big at the state tournament. The freshmen and the three veteran athletes seek to give their all each time they hit the court. It is also very important to the team’s growth that they become comfortable and get to know one another— a task to which each team member is dedicated. Although Head Coach Larry Slater of the WSCC Lady Lions was not interviewed, he has instilled in his three returning sophomores—Moody, Lack and Tupper— a spirit of leadership. It is evident they share common goals and intentions for the season.
Thomas, Crowe, Hall, and Anderson
Moody, Lack, and Tupper
Wake Up, Wallace Fans By: Aldo Amato Hello, is there anyone out there? Students of Wallace State Community College, do you realize that you have an athletics program? This might blow your mind but they are actually excellent-from Basketball to Volleyball, they do it all. Wallace State is spitting out NCAA Division I, II, and III, and NAIA athletes like Twista spits out rhymes, fast. Did you know that the Volleyball team is undefeated in the ACCC? They are cruising along to add another ACCC title to the Wallace State trophy case. Did you know that two years ago the Wallace State softball team won the NJCAA Championship and came close last year to repeating? Did you also know that Wallace State baseball players are making a statement in the MLB? Wallace’s young basketball teams look to be good this year as well. The men’s team has been ranked prominently in pre-season polls. It is not as if nobody has attended athletic events on campus but attendance per capita is quite pitiful. These athletes sweat their hearts out for scholarships, love of the game, and for the school--and it looks as if they are receiving a lack of support from the student body. It is understandable that many of you live outside the Cullman/Hanceville area and are commuters but would it hurt to at least come once or at least stay on campus until the game is over with? If you are worried about homework and such, Wallace does have a nice quiet Library for you to get your work done so you can focus on cheering for the athletes. There are many of you that do live in the Cullman/Hanceville area and still do not go to the games! Probably the same people that complain that they are bored constantly. You could be at the games having fun and enjoying cheap refreshments. The Bookstore does not only sell books but also merchandise that you could be wearing to the games to represent your school. Another thing, did you know that the athletic events are FREE?! Wallace State students get into the games free of charge. Is there any downside to this? I would not imagine so. Wallace State students, it is up to you to attend these events, in the name of having fun and supporting your friends and fellow students! Go Lions!
Fitness and Wellness Center ENROLL TODAY! Discounts for Wallace State students.
•Treadmills •Elliptical Trainers •Stairmasters •Bicycles •Rowing Machines •Pilates •Spin •Aerobics •Tanning •Free Weights •Circuit Training Equipment •Certified Personal Trainers •Basketball Courts •Surround Sound and Audio-Video Fitness Areas
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Thurs 5a-9p • Fri 5a-8p Sat 8a-6p • Sun 1p-6p
Phone: 734-3300 1656 Town Square SW Cullman
Located in the Town Square Shopping Center next to Hobby Lobby
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WSCC Volleyball Report By: Aldo Amato The Wallace State Volleyball team traveled to Boaz September 9 to take on the Snead State Parsons in a Wednesday night duel. Among those in the crowd were members of the Wallace State soccer team showing up and putting on for their school. The first match started off on a competitive back-and-forth, but Snead could not handle the sophomore tandem of Wallace State. The standout player of the night was returning sophomore Krystal Robinson. Robinson had five blocks and 10 kills including one ace. Cassie Daniels also finished strong with 11 digs and three kills. The Lady Lions took care of business and won the first set but struggled on the second set leading to a 23-25 result in favor of Snead. And then there was halftime….. I don’t know if Snead State was trying to get some
October 2009
Sports laughs or get attention but they put on possibly one of the corniest versions of “Deal or No Deal” I’ve ever seen. I understand they are trying to get the student body active but, yeah, it was a total waste of time and the crowd was not really feeling it. I think it after seeing what a waste of time had been spent on a lame halftime, the Lady Lions pulled thru to dominate the Lady Parsons in the next two sets to win the match and remain undefeated. Then the Lady Lions would report back to campus for a Monday night showdown with the Gadsden State Cardinals. Bye, Bye Birdie! It was dark and rainy day outside but that didn’t keep the Wallace State Lady Lions from coming back to the Tom Drake Coliseum to dominate their competition. The first match was dominated by Wallace State defense blocking shots left and right, with an ace here and there by Casey Daniels. Krystal Robinson again dominated the floor with eight kills, and led in blocks. Daniels lead in assists and digs. Is there anything these sophomores can’t do? The play of the night had to have been when Huntsville’s Haley Findley dove out of bounds to save a play and hit it over the net and turned it into a point. The Lady Lions dominated the night, routing the Cardinals 25-19, 25-11, and 25-13 to send the Lady Cardinals home with an “L” while the Lady Lions remained undefeated. But the night wasn’t over there; the Lady Lions went on to defeat the Faulkner State-JV team. Casey Daniels had a whopping six aces, 18 assists, and two kills. Sophomore Kaytln Fleming also contributed to the night by recording three kills and the freshmen Rachel Mitchell and Raegen Key
both had four kills, but the game really belonged to Cerra Little who recorded nine kills and four digs. The Lady Lions dominated the night shutting out Faulkner State 25-8, 25-9, and 25-12. Coming into the season, the Lady Lions were ranked No. 25 in the NJCAA preseason poll. It won’t be long till they earn a top spot in the national ranking as they’ve already cruised their way to an undefeated start. I don’t think the ACCC and the rest of the NJCAA want to face these Lady Lions at the moment because they are scorching and are bound to take down any competition that faces them. Other Notes: The Lady Lions remained undefeated until falling to FCCJ and Mineral Area, leaving them with only two losses so far, yet still leaving them undefeated in the ACCC. The Lady Lions were still unbeaten when they returned to Tom Drake Coliseum on October 21 to take on Snead State for some ACCC action. The WSCC volleyball team captured their second straight ACCC regular-season championship. The Lady Lions are 29-2 overall and 13-0 in the ACCC and haven't lost a conference game during the last two seasons. Team Leaders: Sophomore Casey Daniel leads the team in aces with a total of 55 for the season. Daniels also leads in total assists with 848 for the season. Libero Haley Findley leads the team in digs with a total of 280 so far. A couple of newcomers are getting in on the mix as well. Jessica Wilburn is killing the competition with a total of 222 and Skylar Key is blocking everyone racking up 131 for the season so far.
Bama Football: Alabama’s Crown Jewel? By: Aldo Amato Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, BYE! After setting off to a sloppy and mediocre first half, the Crimson Tide of Alabama surged into a wild and entertaining fourth quarter to “paint” Atlanta crimson once again. The distractions for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide could not have been greater leading up to the season opener against Virginia Tech. Sophomores Mark Ingram and Julio Jones were tangled up in a mess with the NCAA pending an investigation on whether or not they violated rules on a boat trip. They were cleared just days before the game, promising to pay back the expenses to the owner of the boat. Then just four days before the game, senior Brandon Deaderick was shot in a robbery attempt in Tuscaloosa and was hit with a bullet in the arm, thankful to be alive. Unbelievably this young man recovered in record time and had such guts to be medically cleared by doctors and Coach Saban to play a few snaps. I don’t think many people have that courage to go out after being shot and play smash mouth defense. But perhaps the biggest question that kept coming up all week was the question on how the new quarterback, junior Greg McElroy, would hold up against a pretty good Virginia Tech defense. So kickoff finally came and the offense looked well, okay. The big surprise of the night was the use of the “Wildcat” formation where running back Mark Ingram was lined up as the quarterback in the shotgun formation while either Julio Jones or Terry Grant would come on the sweep and would fake a hand off and Ingram or in some cases Roy Upchurch would take the direct snap and run it up the middle. This formation had not been seen at Alabama and was a new formation to everyone’s surprise. It was not really that effective and at one point Ingram fumbled the snap, but with some work it could be dangerous. Another formation not seen in years was the “Pistol” formation which is sort of a half shotgun set and in this case, it was effective on the play action and run. However the Tide had to settle for two straight Leigh Tiffin field goals. That is where it became sloppy for the Tide. After kicking the second field goal the Alabama team lined up for a long kickoff and everything looked good until every player left their lanes. Dyrell Roberts took it to the house 98 yards off of blown special teams’ coverage to give the Hokies a one point lead. But then Alabama put a drive together to only put up a measly field goal to end the first quarter. About four minutes into the second quarter, Virginia Tech got back on the board with a field goal but Alabama soon responded with “G-Mac” putting together an alright drive to then hand it off to Roy Upchurch to take it in for the 19 yard touchdown. However the Hokies quickly responded with a drive to hand it off on the goal line to Ryan Williams for the go-ahead touchdown. Alabama did however make it down the field to get in kicker Leigh Tiffin’s range but Tiffin missed from 36 yards to end the quarter with the Tide trailing by one point. The third quarter of the game was a defensive struggle and nothing and I repeat nothing happened on offense on both sides of the ball leading to an exciting finish. Just three minutes in, Greg McElroy passed a 48 yard beauty to sophomore Marquis Maze to put Alabama in position to take back the lead. Sure enough, on time next play Ingram took it in from six yards for the TD. If that wasn’t good enough, Bama
converted the two point conversion and recovered a fumble on the ensuing Virginia Tech drive settling for three points. However, special teams were a problem once again and set up a 32 yard Virginia Tech touchdown rush. But the next drive, Alabama sealed the deal with an 18 yard pass to Mark Ingram close out a wild and crazy finish, improving the Tide to 1-0, leaving Atlanta crimson once again. For his first game, Greg McElroy looked pretty good. His
arm is massive and has great arm strength but the obvious player of the game was Mark Ingram. He finished with 150 yards, a rushing touchdown and a reception for one. There is no doubt that the Crimson Tide will rely on their running game. The depth at running back is amazing and McElroy looks to improve. If Bama can fix some kinks in the coverage and Special Teams, they should be on their way to a 12-0 season. The best sign of the night could not have read truer: “See you in December Tebow!” And From There They Went On To Dominate: Alabama 40, FIU 14 Florida International was supposed to be a cakewalk and it was, after the first half. Here are a few key points of the game. • Greg McElroy was on fire breaking the consecutive pass completions record by hitting receivers 14 straight times without missing. He went on to go 18-24 with a touchdown. • The real story of the night was freshman tailback Trent Richardson who lived up to all the hype getting 15 carries for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. • Despite the big win, Alabama gave up a 96 yard touchdown return by T.Y. Hilton showing that the Tide have to work on their special teams coverage. Alabama 53, UNT 7 Greg McElroy got a chance to show his former high school and current North Texas coach Todd Dodge what he learned back at Southlake High School in Texas. The result was a blowout win against the Mean Green. • “G-Mac” had another spectacular game tossing 2 touchdowns and going 13-15 and even ran one in. He even got to sit out the second half and watch Star Jackson take over from there. • Three Alabama backs had touchdowns. Mark Ingram led the pack with 96 yds and a score. Trent Richardson had 87 and a score while Terry Grant had 79 yards and two scores. • It was the highest scoring game since Alabama beat
another Texas team (UTEP) in 2001. Alabama 35, Arkansas 7 The real test for the Tide began in Tuscaloosa when the giant Ryan Mallet rolled into town to take on an Alabama secondary that had been struggling. Could the Alabama front disrupt the high-powered spread offense? • Trent Richardson’s 52-yard touchdown was the highlight of the game considering he broke five tackles on the way to the end zone putting the Tide up 7-0. • Greg McElroy caught a toss off the Wildcat Reverse Pass trick play to bomb it down to Julio Jones for his first touchdown reception of the season. McElroy also hit Marquis Maze for an 80-yard bomb and Mark Ingram on a screen finishing up 17-24 with three touchdowns. • Dont’a Hightower was lost for the year with a knee injury leaving Courtney Upshaw to take his place for the remainder of the season. Alabama 38, Kentucky 20 After a blowout win in Tuscaloosa, the Tide had another test facing Rich Brooks in Lexington for an SEC showdown. Sloppily but the Tide got it done. • After giving up a pair of field goals and not getting in an offensive rhythm, Greg McElroy found the Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek in the end zone for 6. • Just seconds after Alabama’s first touchdown, Linebacker Courtney Upshaw took a Rolando McClain stripped ball to the house to give Alabama the edge of momentum. • Mark Ingram finished the game with 140 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Alabama 22, Ole Miss 3 What was supposed to be the SEC West game of the year and was supposed to be the hardest game for Alabama all year turned out to be a dud. In the preseason, everybody was drooling over Ole Miss and the Rebel offense. Jevan Snead was a front runner for the Heisman trophy and Ole Miss was the handpicked favorite to win the West. One thing though, they forgot about the Alabama defense. • On the first possession of the Ole Miss offense, Snead threw a pick to Justin Woodall and it went down from there. • Although the Alabama offense forced Snead to throw four picks, the offense could not get it clicking. Alabama had only one touchdown, a season low, at the end of the second quarter on a Mark Ingram rush to claim the Tide’s momentum for the remainder of the game. • Despite the lack of offense, the Tide showed up on defense and just pounded at the Ole Miss line until the Rebels were just too physically worn out to take any more of a beating. Leigh Tiffin was the top performer of the day hitting a perfect 5-5 field goals as the Tide cruised to an easy win in Oxford. Alabama 26, South Carolina 13 Alabama (7-0)
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