MTSU
SIDELINES
CUSTOMS Edition Welcome to MTSU
SUMMER 2014 E D I T O R I A L LY INDEPENDENT
S T N E T N CO
3 NEWS 6 A&E 10 OPINIONS 12 Features 14 SPORTS S T A F F
Emily West >> Editor-in-chief John Coulston >> Assistant A&E Editor
Amanda Gambill >> Managing editor Sam Brown >> Sports Editor
Quint Qualls >> News Editor Connor Grott >> Assistant Sports Editor
Daniel Jansouzian >> Assistant News Editor Robert Allen >> Opinions Editor Taylor Davis >> Assistant News Editor Laurel O’Neill >> Designer
Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor Cat Murphy >> Photo Editor
Claire Osburn >> A&E Editor
Noel Heath >> Assistant A&E and Features Editor
Maranda Faris >> Copy Editor Leon Alligood >> Adviser
ts ues tin esiden n o c r r on cti ges fo fall u r n r st Con ng cha ers fo i t k Par ing al nt Pri
ks nac ent s for tainm e r c nte llows pla e t o o Bes bor ter f t t s wi be t t s e b
OUR
YOU
TO VCE
ADI
’t
won s t den Stu
e giv
2nd or f s hup atc -USA m t Bes s in C on sea
Cover designed by Emily West. Photos by Matt Masters, Brett Turner, Gregory French, Daniel Jansouzian, Cat Murphy and Emily West. John Bragg Mass Communication Building Center for Innovation in Media 1301 East Main Street P.O. Box 8, Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37132 Editorial: 615-904-7648 mtsusidelines.com Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines. Tune in Friday to Sidelines FM on 88.3 from 6-8 p.m.
2 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
up
NEWS Construction work continues to overhaul campus into next fall By Daniel Jansouzian // Assistant News Editor With the completion of the new Science Building slated for January 2015, other ventures such as departmental moves, campus renovations and transportation projects have spread across the university over the past few months. The $147 million science building project began in May 2012. When completed, MTSU will boast a 257,000-square-foot building that will house 37 biology and chemistry class labs, two open labs, 13 research labs, six classrooms, faculty offices and numerous spaces for informal student learning and presentation areas. The new classrooms and labs will provide approximately 1,500 new student stations, according to a report by Jimmy Hart, the university’s director of news and media relations. Move-in and set-up for labs will happen in July and August for the university to meet its January deadline. While classes will be held in the building during the fall semester, some preparation will continue. “For a building of that size and magnitude, it’s a complex process, so we’ve included preparation time for equipment move-in,” said Patti Miller, assistant vice president for campus planning, in the report.
Davis Science and Wiser-Patten Science buildings Renovations are slated to begin on the older science buildings in January, and upon completion of the restoration project, the physics and geosciences departments will move into them, according to Watson Harris, director of academic planning and projects.
“We’re happy to have funds to redesign Davis-Wiser,” Watson Harris said. “We have had a space need for a while. We’re finally going to get a little bit of release.” The building is due to have a design ready in the spring. When the design is finished, the forensics department will move into the basement.
The business office will occupy both sides of the first floor following the renovations, which includes the restrooms, hallways, lighting and signage. The Information Technology Division will move out of the basement and occupy the old financial aid office, Cothern said.
ThePhotographyandMcFarland According to Hart, the project is buildings set to be finished within the year. The current location of the Photography Building is in front of the new Science Building where a “quad area” will eventually be placed, according to John Cothern, senior vice president. As a result, the building is slated for demolition during the spring 2015. The McFarland Building is empty now because all previous office holders occupy the new Student Services and Admissions Center. A $2 million renovation project will be completed on the building to prepare it for the move in during winter break, and photography classes will begin in the new building in the spring, according to Hart’s report. Cope Administration Building The SSAC also left some space in the Cope Administration Building for new offices to expand and move in. As a result, a $3 million renovation project began inside Cope after fall break. One of the changes is the relocation of the president’s office from the first floor to the second floor on the northeast side. The provost’s office will be taking the president’s old office, giving the members of that office much needed space, according to Cothern.
Murphy Center
The Murphy Center is currently undergoing a $12.64 million renovation project expected to be completed this September. The project includes renovations to its restrooms, lighting and acoustics. The center will also receive a new roof and HVAC equipment. According to Hart, although the university’s spring and summer commencement ceremonies will not be affected by the renovations, Rutherford County high schools were previously notified to seek alternative locations for their ceremonies. Other campus activities and outside group and organizations will also be asked to find other locations for their events.
Road and parking projects Although inclement weather affected the $8.36 million street improvement project which began in spring 2013, completion is expected for this fall, according to Hart. The project will include the new roundabout at the intersection of Lightning and Champion Ways, and the widening of both roads, the new turning lane at Greenland Drive and improved pedestrian
walkways, crosswalks and lighting. The roundabout is already open as construction continues. Campus planning hopes that the projects will improve shuttle bus efficiency and traffic flow, as well as provide new bike lanes on campus. Included in the project is the construction of a new parking lot east of the new garage and SSAC. The lot is expected to add a total of 679 parking spaces including 16 ADA spaces.
Other miscellaneous campus projects Last spring the university purchased the Bell Street Building, previously owned by Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Since then, a $6 million construction project has been approved for renovations to offices to be completed by next summer. The building will hold graduate business studies, the University College, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research, the Tennessee STEM Education Center, the Aquatic Therapy Center, the Center for Counseling and Psychology Services and general classroom and training space. A design was recently approved to install a $700,000 flight simulator building at the Murfreesboro Airport at a tentative date. Earlier this semester construction began in Learning Resource Center 101 to complete a new Professional Development Center for the College of Education. This center is designed to train up to 150 K-12 student and professional teachers from the community in various workshops and seminars.
SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 3
NEWS
Parkingchangesforon-campusresidents Changes in parking arrangements on campus will create more spaces and improve convenience for students living on campus, according to Ron Malone, assistant vice president of events and transportation. Beginning fall 2014, students living off campus will no longer be allowed to park their vehicles in dormitory parking lots, allowing more spaces for on-campus residents.
By Mychal Wilson // Staff Writer “[The bus system] is effective, and I am happy that they do it,” said Steven Saksa, a freshman basic and applied sciences major. “But at night, especially from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., the red bus takes a very long time to get where I am and a very long time to get me where I need to be. I wish they would do a few more buses at night, because I’ve waited 15 to 20 minutes out in the cold in December and January for the bus.”
Several dorm adjacent lots will become red parking zones restricted to dorm residents, including the lots along Alma Mater Drive, the Judd Sims lot and the lot directly across Alumni Drive, Malone said.
To access the bus tracking app, students must select “MapIt” in their MT Mobile Apps and then touch the pin icon at the top of the screen to access the colored bus routes, which show the location of buses in real time on all four routes.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Ryan Montgomery, a red parking registered senior living on campus. “I kind of think they should have done it a long time ago.”
“If it is raining or if it is cold outside, students don’t have to wait at the bus stops,” Malone said. “They can wait inside of the buildings out of the cold and watch exactly when the bus is coming.”
Many commuter students will likely have to park in perimeter lots as a result of the changes. Malone encourages students without red parking passes to use the campus buses.
In addition to the implementation of resident-only parking occurring next fall, the small lot outside of the Student Union Building has already been transformed to a white zone, but the larger adjoining lot will remain green.
“The [bus] system is designed so that it will take no more than eight minutes to from the bus stop to their destination,” Malone said. The eight-minute trip is calculated from a very low attendance day, according to Malone. More buses run when more students are on campus, which may reduce the time it takes a student to reach his or her destination to as low as four minutes, Malone said. The university currently owns 15 buses. Commuter students can also take advantage of the new MTSU bus tracking app on their mobile devices to better coordinate their trips to campus, according to Malone.
4 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
President Sidney McPhee explained in a Town Hall meeting April 16 that the creation of the new SUB white lot will improve and streamline the admissions and registration processes for students. Another parking garage located at the corner of Greenland Boulevard and North Highland Avenue is in the works, according to Malone; although the garage will remain vacant until damage done by vandals over the past few years is repaired. “We are very excited about implementing this plan,” Malone said.
Policychangelimitsfreecampusprinting
NEWS
By Mychal Wilson // Staff Writer The ‘free printing services’ students receive will be cut starting the fall semester, according to the information techology divison. Each student will now be allocated 320 blackand-white prints. After surpassing this limit, students will have to refill their cards. The balance of unspent prints will roll over to the next semester for each student. “We’re trying to move payment for the service to the time of the service,” said Bruce Petryshak, ITD vice president. “We believe this is a better approach.” Policymakers intend to reduce the university’s ink, toner and paper expenses. This allocation will also help prevent students from printing unneeded documents. Too often the printers available to students are left with unclaimed prints, and this accumulates to a lot of waste by the end of a semester,
according to Petryshak. The policy will make things fairer for the student because the cost of wasted ink and paper will no longer be shared evenly across the board, Petryshak said. With the current policy, if one student printed 1,000 copies, the cost is passed on to all students. Students will now only need to pay for the printing services they use and not the services used by others. Petryshak did not have the exact numbers of current costs per student because the university does not keep track of how much each student uses. The new policy will also allow students to make copies at Blue Print Solutions by using their allotment to print photos, posters or other special prints, Petryshak said. Binding and other services offered at Blue Print will be available through this system as well. “Blue Print has their own fees, so what is de-
ducted for using their services will depend on their prices,” Petryshak said. The allocations will be controlled using student IDs and Pipeline credentials. When a student logs on to a computer on campus to print, the allotment will be deducted after a final confirmation. Printing will not begin immediately after a student sends a document to the printer. Instead, it will remain in queue until the student swipes his or her student ID. This prevents students from wasting their allotment by accidentally printing documents or changing their mind, according to Petryshak. The queue will be dumped approximately every 24 hours. Students can add additional funds to their Raider Funds, which will then allow them to go beyond the 320-page limit. “It’s meant to help manage the process and to be fair to the students,” Petryshak said.
SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 5
A&E So, you’re awake at two in the morning, and that Panda Express lunch is no longer holding back your hunger. To satisfy a post-midnight hunger binge, check out these overlooked or unknown places in town. Stick to these, and you may just survive the late-night study sessions and post-cheap-beer extravaganzas. Donut Country Like every late night food spot, there’s a trick to ordering at Donut Country — it all comes down to the timing. Though located on both Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard, I recommend making the extra five-minute trek to Memorial Boulevard for the freshest bites. If you time your trip between 1:45 a.m. and 2:15 a.m., you’re bound to get freshly cooked donuts that will make the last of your studying a little easier. Hours: Monday-Friday: 12 a.m.–12 p.m. Saturday: 12 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday: 12 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jimmy John’s Chances are, if you’re awake in the middle of the night, you don’t want to leave your couch. With delivery as the only option, always choose Jimmy John’s. The sandwiches are worth the $7 price tag, and the “Freaky Fast” slogan is actually accurate. Hours: Middle Tennessee Boulevard Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday -Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Hours: North Thompson Lane Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Hours: Memorial Boulevard Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Kroger No matter where you live in Murfreesboro, you’ll always be no more than ten minutes from a Kroger. This grocery food chain has choices to fit every craving and lifestyle and is open 24/7. If you do opt to go this route, go around two or three in the morning. The store is nearly empty, and all your grocery shopping can be done at the same time you feed your midnight munchies.
Cookout Even though Cookout opened in December, the fast-food restaurant has already made its combination trays and milkshakes a late-night staple for most students. The endless options the combo trays have to offer, ranging from burgers and chicken nuggets to quesadillas and hushpuppies, are the late-night spot’s biggest draw; that, and the $5 price tag for any combo plus two sides and a drink. For an extra buck, you can switch your soda for one of Cookout’s signature shakes that come in flavors like chocolate chip cheesecake, peanut butter fudge and orange push-up. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday-Saturday: 4 a.m.-5 a.m.; 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. 6 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Midnight munchies menu
Best places to hear live music in the Boro
A&E
By Claire Osburn // A&E Editor
Between the university’s renowned recording industry program and its proximity to Music City, Murfreesboro boasts countless opportunities to see up-and-coming bands play at a variety of venues all over town. Here are some of our favorites worth checking out when you’re left with free time and a hunger for music.
Wall Street
This bar/venue is nestled in the square and features a separate upstairs floor exclusively for live music. As an added bonus, it’s walking or biking distance for students who live close to campus. Wall Street is open until 3 a.m. so music lovers and night owls can enjoy tunes into the wee hours of the morning. WS has weekly shows and happy hour from 5-10 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
3 Brothers
Also conveniently located on the square is this bar/venue, which includes an outdoor bar and plenty of dancing room inside. Hosting an eclectic range of artists every week, 3 Brothers feature 28 different craft brews to satisfy every beer lovers’ tastes. 3 Brothers is open until midnight Sunday-Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Little Shop of Records
This lovely little record shop not only offers an array of records, CDs, posters and knick-knacks worthy of your rock-and-roll needs, but it also serves as a part-time concert venue. The back room of the shop is transformed into a stage for local acts to show attendees what they’ve got. Be sure to stop by Little Shop regularly to see when their next show is. Did I mention they’re free? BYOB. The shop is open until 7 p.m. MondaySaturday and until 5 p.m. on Sundays regularly, but concert times vary.
Mayday Brewery
This local brewery, known for their tasty, original brews, now moonlights as an outdoor live concert venue. The 6 p.m. show times are perfect for early birds or for pre-partying, and while you’re watching you can sip on beers with names like “Boro Blonde” and “Evil Octopus.” Food trucks are also a frequent occurrence at Mayday for those post-drinking munchies. The brewery is open Thursday-Saturday until 8 p.m., with tours and tastings offered on Saturdays from 2-5 p.m. SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 7
A&E
By John Connor Coulston // Assistant A&E Editor
MT Twitter accounts follow and favorite
Aside from the countless organizational and departmental accounts you can find by searching “MTSU” on Twitter, plenty of useful and entertaining student-made accounts will provide you with a laugh or two throughout your college tenure.
MTSU Confessions @MTSUConfess
Linked with a Facebook page that has more than 2,600 likes, MTSU Confessions is the go-to spot for campus gossip, advice and entertaining, and sometimes bizarre, stories. All posts are anonymous and posters take advantage of that, posting their most embarrassing and possibly made-up stories and questions.
MTSU Parking Guy @MtsuParkingGuy
Even though his posts are few and far between, MTSU Parking Guy takes to Twitter to address/ridicule the barrage of parking complaints throughout the year. Is he an actual parking services employee or just a bored student? Who knows, but it’s always amusing when Parking Guy decides to make fun of someone’s parking problem.
MTSU Admirer @MTSUAdmirer
Similar to MTSU Confessions, MTSU Admirer is a page for anonymous posts, except with an emphasis on students confessing their romantic feelings about other students. Posts range from commendable flattery to rather inappropriate divulgences, but, hey, that’s the beauty of the Internet, right?
MTSU Problems @MTSUProbz
Made by MTSU student William Greer (@MTSUYALL2123), MTSU Problems is an account that allows students to share their humorous thoughts and grievances about the university. As a student, viewing the account’s timeline gives you the feeling that you’re in on a campus-wide inside joke. Tag @MTSUProbz in your tweet, and, if it’s entertaining enough, you might get a retweet.
TheBlueZoo @_BlueZoo
Are you full of school spirit? Are you an avid sports fan? Are you — dare I say it — TRUE Blue? If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all of those questions, then you should check out the Blue Zoo. MTSU’s student section is the place where Blue Raider fans can come together to support MT Athletics. Find them on any social network as well as at any MT Athletics event.
MTSU Sidelines @mtsusidelines, @sidelines_ae, @sidelines_news, @sidelines_sport
We would be remiss not to include ourselves on this list of accounts to follow. The student newspaper has four accounts, one which acts as the main and one for most popular sections in the newspapers. Follow all four to stay up-to-date on campus news, entertainment and sports. 8 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | mtsusidelines.com
Advice from the staff
OPINIONS Emily West
Editor-in-chief
You have college at your fingertips. You can major and do anything. Never take 18 hours, ever; take a class just for fun; cherish the time with your friends; make older friends. Never let your age stop you from getting involved. Don’t take yourself too seriously, but find that balance of caring for you. Be confident. Learn how to pull an all-nighter, but never do them often. Take personal time and take naps. Have a sleep schedule; don’t eat out every day. Learn to cook; learn to clean. Recognize you are about to experience one of the best times in your and sometimes the worst. Get ready; embrace these years. It will go faster than you can imagine.
Amanda Gambill Managing editor
Some days, you’re going to hate this place. You’re going to wonder if it was all worth it, or feel like you’re standing still, frozen, in the wrong place as the world crashes around you. Some days, you’re going to be so happy you can hardly contain it. You’ll sit in the Quad and close your eyes against the sun and feel like you could live there, right there, in your perfect spot. All of this is normal. Most of it is powered by coffee or black tea. Please, understand that all of this matters and at the same time, matters not at all. Find your balance; find your happiness. No one else’s. Throughout college, I’ve been a leader in two organizations, landed three internships and maintained my 4.0 GPA, and I couldn’t have done it without feeling those ways and every other way in between.
Quint Qualls News editor
If there’s one guarantee at this institution, it’s that you won’t leave here as the same person that entered. The key thing to remaining successful and happy here is to get involved on campus. That was the mistake I made in my first year. Find an organization that interests you, and you won’t regret it. You’ll end up with new friends, interesting experiences and a better idea of what you will do with your future. Most importantly though, be the kind of person that makes people say, “There’s a frood who knows where his towel is.”
Daniel Jansouzian Assistant news editor
College is where you make life-long friends, take amazing courses, meet some of the most influential teachers and mentors of your life and simply have fun. At the same time, everything you believe will be questioned, lines will be blurred, and you will have to decide who you are. But don’t be afraid to confront these issues and discover yourself. You will be amazed by what you uncover and what is waiting for you at the end. Good luck on your journey.
Taylor Davis
Assistant news editor
In my years at MTSU, I learned that in order to truly live, I must do what makes me most afraid. We often spend our lives afraid to take chances, but my time here has showed me that you can’t get anywhere without facing your fears, and ignoring the people who think you aren’t good enough. Be bold.
SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9
OPINIONS
Bailey Robbins Features editor
The two best decisions I’ve made throughout college is taking a position as features editor for Sidelines and traveling abroad. I’m a senior, and a year ago I couldn’t say I had done either of those things. If I could reverse time, I would have started writing for the paper a lot sooner than I did, and I would have left the country for school credit at least twice. There are a lot of opportunities for college students, and the closer I get to graduating, the more I wish I had taken larger risks from day one. Either way, college experience outside the classroom has been the most memorable for me.
Noel Heath
Assistant A&E editor & assistant features editor
I leave MTSU with knowledge, friendships and life lessons that will affect and stay with me for a lifetime. These years of my life saw many changes and growth, and while a part of me is sad to go, I know that the best is only yet to come. My college experience here has been invaluable and has served as the perfect platform to enter “the real world” and build a life that I’m proud of. I’ll never forget these times, but I can’t wait to move forward and show the world what I can do.
Claire Osburn A&E editor
What I’ve learned in college: 1.Get Netflix 2. Learn to love coffee 3. Skipping an assignment to do something fun is okay sometimes 4. Nacho’s has the best $3 margaritas in town 5. Most places give student discounts 6. Spend less time on social media 7. Don’t let stress get you down 8. Subscribe to a magazine, stay smart 9. Buy things on sale so you can eat 10. Go to local shows often
John Connor Coulston
Assistant A&E editor
After my first year here, I have to say, I’m glad I chose to attend MTSU. All the opportunities presented to me helped me find my passion, my career aspirations and great friends along the way. My advice to any incoming freshman is to not be afraid to jump right in and get involved on campus. It’s college; enjoy yourself while you can.
Sam Brown Sports editor
If my time at MTSU taught me anything, it’s to do your own thing. Don’t let anyone make your decisions for you. Pursue what makes you happy, and above all else, always believe in yourself and your abilities. If all else fails, fake it till you make it and have fun while you’re at it. #yolo
Connor Grott
Assistant sports editor
MTSU has so much to offer you as an incoming freshman, and it is vitally important to get involved early. Middle Tennessee taught me how to become an active student and to not be the individual who waits for things to be handed to them. For every incoming freshman, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Be an active, engaging student on campus and strive to meet your dreams and goals, but enjoy the college experience at the same time. 10 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
OPINIONS Robert Allen Opinions editor
If I wrote this like most advice, you’d read it, smile, fill with glittery thoughts and then forget it forever. Instead, I wanted to be real with you, so here it goes. In college, people are going to say, “Find your passion,” and “Do what you love,” and you’ll feel lost because, in reality, that’s a bunch of B.S. Don’t wait for that mythical day where you find your ever-elusive passions. Go out and take action. Your past doesn’t matter anymore; your future is all that does. Realize that you’re in complete control. Life is yours for the taking. Go get it. Seriously, stop reading this. Go do what you’ve been putting off.
Cat Murphy Photo Editor
Study abroad. Study Abroad. Study Abroad. Cross-cultural exchanges cause you to grow and learn. They are challenging and enlightening and worth it. I spent a month in volunteering in Haiti and a week mapping ethnic neighborhoods in Toronto, and every minute of it taught me. Become a part of something beautiful. Junior year, I volunteered with Nashville International Center for Empowerment for a photography project. NICE resettles refugees, so I had the high honor and privilege of shooting first arrivals, ESL classes and a graduation. I have learned to chase stories and dreams here; to live, learn and grow here. Now it’s your turn
Laurel O’Neill Designer
College is probably less fun and more work than you thought it would be, so make time for you. Protect your mental health at all costs. Sleep like someone’s paying you to do it. Learn how to be alone with yourself. Stock your Netflix queue. Do not be afraid to end toxic relationships. Learn the value of reliable WiFi and allowing people to see you in sweatpants. Listen to Nicki Minaj. Survive.
Maranda Faris Copy Editor
Of all the things I learned at MTSU, one of the most important is that you have to make time to do something other than work. Even though I have dedicated the majority of a year to Sidelines, everyone on staff has become like family. To those who are graduating, I’ve loved working with you, and good luck in wherever you go next. To those who are staying, here’s to making next year one of the best.
SIDELINES | Summer 2014| www.mtsusidelines.com 11
FEATURES
Students won’t let go Friends of injured senior rally for help By Bailey Robbins // Features Editor It was no different than any camping trip of the past. All the sights, sounds and smells were the same. Birds sang from tree branches as the smoke from a campfire wove into the fresh, spring air. The world was oblivious to what would happen next; when the life of business major Andrew Wilcox would change dramatically in a matter of seconds. He and a few friends were climbing trees when Andrew decided to come down. As he descended, he stepped on a dead branch. Before he knew it, he was falling about 25 feet to the ground. Andrew’s mother, Christina Wilcox, got the startling phone call from her other son on March 10 around 8 p.m. She was having dinner at a friend’s when she learned Andrew had been taken to Vanderbilt Hospital. Immediately, Christina rushed to see him. “It didn’t dawn on us until the next day,” she started. “[The doctors] told us they had to put him on the ventilator, and he had broken three bones in his neck. Then, they said he probably wouldn’t walk again. That’s when it sunk in.” Growing up, Andrew had always been very involved academically and athletically. In high school, he was a member of the swim team for four years. Today, Andrew is an honor student at the university and the social chair at MTSU’s Catholic Group. “Andrew is a great young man with a great personality, strong work ethic, smart, funny and energetic,” said Jennifer Perry, a family friend. “I cannot think of a negative quality for the guy.” When Perry heard about the accident, she helped create a GoFundMe page for Andrew to raise money for medical bills and new equipment. The fundraising gathered speed quickly.
12 SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
FEATURES “Andrew fell on a Monday and by that Friday night a group of Christina’s friends had formed to brainstorm ideas of how we can help,” Perry said. “It seems that everyone in the group had their own areas of expertise – mine is accounting. We have medical professionals that researched the best rehab center for Andrew and talked to the families about their options. We have singers/ songwriters that are planning a benefit concert for the fall. We have a graphic designer that designed the logo for our shirts and signs. And luckily, we had a friend in the group that knew a little about the GoFundMe website, so I researched it and we had a site for Andrew by Monday, one week after the accident.” Jennifer has been a friend of Christina’s for about six years. Throughout that time, she has become very acquainted with Andrew and his brother, Kevin. She’s seen them go to prom, graduate high school and start college, so hearing the news about Andrew’s accident moved her just as much as any family member. “I knew that there was nothing I could do to help him walk again or regain full motion of his arms,” she said. “I knew there was nothing I could do to take the heartbreak away from my dear friend. But, I could do my best to make sure that they would not be in need of medical treatment or the latest technology that they cannot afford. I know that medical expenses are insanely high and even with insurance paying a majority, the bills can still mount quickly. And then of course, there are the little things that needed to be factored in as well like gas money to drive back and forth to Nashville – and now Atlanta – every day.” Andrew’s injuries are improving with each day, according to his mother. He’s been at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for about four weeks, with another four weeks to go. So far, doctors have taken the I.V.’s out, neck brace and full cast on his right hand off. The next big thing is taking him home at a house that is going to be appropriately accessible. “The main goal is going to be adaptive equipment,” Andrew’s mother said about her ultimate objective for fundraising. “Just getting him around in the car with his wheelchair. We’ll need to get a car that’s adaptable to him. Most of it will go toward home remodeling so he can get around on his own, widening doorways. It’s just a huge amount of stuff to make it more wheelchair accessible.” Aside from the website, Andrew’s friends and family are doing their part to raise money. On May 10, a yard sale will take place at the Episcopal Church on Cason Lane. Then, on May 17, the local girl scouts are selling hot dogs, sodas and chips at the Tractor Supply Company near the Sam’s Club. Meanwhile, T-shirts and arm bracelets that say “Angels for Andrew” are also available for purchase. Support and fundraising for Andrew has taken off. Donations for the website have reached about $7,300 since it started in mid-March. Now, it’s just a matter of spreading the word. “He truly is as the bio on the GoFundMe site states, ‘The guy you want your son to be and your daughter to marry,’” Perry said.
You can donate to show your support for Andrew’s recovery at:
gofundme.com/angelsforandrew SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
SPORTS
C-USAMatchups to watch for in Fall 2014
By Connor Grott // Assistant Sports Editor
MT athletes showed up and showed out for some spectacular games last fall, which they should only do the same their second year in Conference USA. With last season’s finishes and the fall sports season looming in the distance, here is a rundown of last season and a lineup for some of the Blue Raider contests that have already been announced for the 2014-15 season.
Blue Raider Football The Blue Raider football team will face their first major test of the 2014-15 season on September 6 when they travel to Minneapolis to take on Minnesota. The Blue Raiders last took on Minnesota on September 2, 2010, when MT hosted the Golden Gophers in a 24-17 loss. Other key games will include rival Western Kentucky traveling to Floyd Stadium to take part in MT’s annual Blackout game. MT will also host BYU this season on November 1 in a rematch of last year’s contest. The Blue Raiders traveled to LaVell Edwards Stadium in a 37-10 loss to the Cougars in their last matchup on Sept. 27, 2013. Last year’s most exciting game happened when head coach Rick Stockstill and the team won in the closing seconds against Marshall last season.
Blue Raider Men’s Hoops Kermit Davis’ men’s basketball team defeated Donnie Tyndall’s Southern Miss squad and the UAB Blazers in two thrillers, while posting a 24-9 record and reaching the semifinals of the C-USA Championship last season. This year, MT men’s basketball team was announced as a member of the inaugural 2014 Emerald Coast Classic. With MT being announced as a member of the eightteam field, the Blue Raiders could have a potential matchup with powerhouse teams Cincinnati, Creighton or Ole Miss.
14 SIDELINES | Summer 2014| www.mtsusidelines.com
Lady Raider Hoops The women’s basketball team posted an astounding 29-5 overall record with huge wins over Miami, Clemson and Southern Mississippi to win the C-USA Championship. The Blue Raiders also reached the NCAA tournament as the No. 8 seed, but were eliminated by the No. 9-seeded Oregon State Beavers in the first round.
Lady Raider Soccer The MT women’s soccer team finished with a 6-8-4 record, but posted an upset performance in a 1-0 victory over Tennessee on Sept. 13, 2013.
Women’s Volleyball MT’s volleyball team posted a 17-13 overall record with a key win over Notre Dame and a first-round appearance in the C-USA Championship. The 2014-15 The MT women’s basketball team, women’s soccer team and MT volleyball team have yet to release their schedule or possible regular-season tournaments for the upcoming season. Photos by Gregory French, Brett Turner and courtesy of MT Athletic Communications. SIDELINES | Summer 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15