MTSU
SIDELINES
4//23// 2014 E D I T O R I A L LY INDEPENDENT
University will not receive recommended funding Pg. 4 Local musicians you need to listen to Pgs. 8-9 Colbert will do fine on late night Pg. 14
Finding the fallen: back to the trenches in Vietnam Pgs. 11-13
Defense dominates the Blue/White game Pg. 15
S T N E T N CO
3 NEWS 6 A&E 11 COVER 14 OPINIONS 15 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
2 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Maranda Faris >> Copy Editor Leon Alligood >> Adviser
ng opi c r t ste eme n’t ge s f o o w g End rsity fundin ve Uni mended om rec
un e f ix m i m t mer es to hion m u s tun fas New ival t fes a e m: her tna w e i d V n i o o f k t Bac ney t r ell jou y f e h t
vs. t r be Col
man
er ett
L
e gam te i h e/W wn Blu do ak bre
Cover designed by Bailey Robbins. 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.
NEWS How to cope with end-of-the-semester stress By Dylan Aycock // Staff Writer With the end of the spring semester in sight, anxiety increases stress levels as the weight of final exams and projects bear down.
ety,” Firebaugh said. “Other than that, I use breathing exercises.”
Healthy alternatives
The end of the semester means 10-page research papers, final reports and late-night study sessions at the library. During this time, students are left to develop their own coping mechanisms for overcoming end-of-thesemester stress.
Lisa Schrader, director of health promotion, said she observes students using exercise as a positive way to relieve stress. The university’s rec center offers classes such as yoga and Tai Chi, both aimed at decreasing mental, physical and emotional tension.
Catherine Crooks, professor of psychology, explained that while stress is a natural state the body experiences, it is crucial for students to find a healthy balance between school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students should not be too stressed to function but should have enough pressure to stay motivated, she said.
Meditation and deep breathing are also effective strategies, particularly when test anxiety sets in, to center thoughts and calm the nervous system to manage short-term stress, Schrader said.
“It’s not about getting rid of the stress,” Crooks said. “It’s all about finding the proper coping mechanisms that work for you.” An easy way to de-stress can be as simple as practicing breathing exercises or attending a class at the Campus Recreation Center, according to Crooks. “It doesn’t have to be a major life change,” she said, “just something to get the adrenaline out.” Other than deep breathing, Crooks suggested methods such as meditation and guided imagery as a coping mechanism to calm nerves while writing a paper or before taking a major test. Chris Firebaugh, a freshman music industry major, said he often experiences a lack of creativity when stressed and uses a simple strategy to move past it. “When things become stressful, I think about a time when things were less stressful and go through the senses to release some of the anxi-
each day one day at a time and to set shortterm goals in an effort to achieve long-term goals,” Jackson said. “Students seem to underestimate the importance of a good sleep schedule and healthy eating habits during the last few weeks of the semester.” To contact the news editor, email news@mtusidelines.com. Like us Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sidelines_news and @mtsusidelines.
Although it’s vital to avoid procrastination, Schrader mentioned it’s important to take study breaks by engaging in hobbies, relaxing outdoors and by talking with friends in a way that is both social and healthy. “I’ll see students out relaxing in hammocks or reading while outside enjoying nature and taking in the positive vibes from the sunshine and fresh air,” she said. “It’s also helpful for students to be around friends to vent about the stress we are all experiencing.” Patrick Wesley, a sophomore criminal justice major, always sets aside time to socialize with friends after a stressful week of school. “I go to a coffee shop with my friends every Friday, so that relieves some of the worries,” Wesley said.
Make A Plan Carolyn Jackson, a counselor at the university, claims one of the best ways to reduce stress is to make a schedule by organizing due dates and setting aside time for both studying and recreation. “I think it’s important for students to take
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 3
NEWS MTSU will not receive millions in recommended funding By E.R. West, Erin Barnes, Emily Austin and Quint Qualls // Sidelines Staff Even though MTSU managed to improve its retention and graduation benchmarks for receiving more funding, the university will only receive a third of the projected new dollars. According to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s recommendation, MTSU should have received $4.2 million in funding. However, due to the shortage in funding, the school will only gain $1.25 million. When revenues sink “[the formula] is not sustainable,” said John Morgan, Chancellor of the Board of Regents. Tennessee did not make the dollars in sales tax revenue that it was projected to this fiscal year, and Gov. Bill Haslam did not allot as much of the state budget for higher education. Instead, he rolled out a new free community college plan called Tennessee Promise, which will complement his Drive to 55 initiative and reconfigure how future freshman students will receive their Hope Lottery Scholarships in 2015.
Southwest Tennessee Community College is not alone in funding it expected to see but won’t. It was recommended that Memphis receive $2.8 million in new dollars but now will only get $343,500. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville expected to receive $6.3 million and will now only receive $3.7 million. Tennessee State University also took a hit, dropping from $1.1 million to $741,400. Including all of the universities, the THEC recommended $29 million new dollars in higher education.
Will less money affect tuition or cuts? Because the TBR will not meet until June 20, the university will not know how much tuition will go up, nor do they know official enrollment numbers for the fall.
“The primary purpose is student success,” Morgan said.
Tuition has increased about 50 percent since 2007. Increases have been anywhere between four to 10 percent each year. However, if tuition were to go up another six to eight percent, some students wonder how they would pay for school or if they would return.
Currently about 37 percent of the adult population in Tennessee has post-secondary credentials, Morgan said. He agrees that Haslam is moving higher education in the right direction with his desire to raise the percentage of adults with post-secondary credentials to 55 percent or higher by 2025.
“I would still be able to come back to school,” said Laura Cantrell, junior basic and applied science major. “However, it would be a struggle. I also have two younger brothers that still need to go through college, and this would really be a strain on my family if we all had to pay more.”
“The governor originally had the [additional funding] in his proposed budget,” said John Cothern, university senior vice president. “But when revenue results weren’t as good as they thought they were going to be, he took all that new money out of appropriations bill.” However, Tennessee is going to face obstacles in funding its higher education system. As Morgan explained, Tennessee’s funding is no longer based on enrollment. Instead, it is based on the college meeting benchmarks. Funding is also based on an outcomes formula. “[The outcomes-based formula] won’t work very well if the zero-sum game becomes the pattern, because then one school’s success comes at the expense of another school,” Morgan said. His best example was Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis. Because of performance declines attributed to significant enrollment declines, SWTCC should have only lost $296,700 in funding. Instead, they will lose $1.2 million, according to the THEC recommendation.
4 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Cantrell pays for part of her tuition with the lottery scholarship, and she has also had a fund saved up for her since she was younger. However, junior business student Corey Franklin attends the university using his Pell grants and student loans. “I believe the rise in the cost of college tuition will discourage plenty of high schoolers from pursuing higher education degrees,� Franklin said. “If I am forced to pull out another student loan and still work my way through college, I probably won’t come back here.� For Franklin not to attend, he would have to pay another $700 to $1,000. State officials say the tuition increase isn’t out of the norm. “Every year tuition increases,� said Laura Herzog, deputy director of communications in Gov. Haslam’s office. “What we are seeing happen this past year and next year is normal and average for tuition. We understand that tuition increases is happening every single year.� As for how it correlates with cuts at the university, Cothern is not sure at this stage in the year. “Cuts, that’s [something] we won’t get into,� Cothern said. “Right now we don’t for any departments to lose money, but that could change based upon what the board does at its June meeting and what enrollment does.�
NEWS
need to be made. The university will submit a revised budget in October for approval. Regardless, the university is choosing to look on the bright side, even though tuition will increase and revenue will be down. “This year, two Tennessee Board of Regents universities are gaining money on the adjustment,� Cothern said. “Other institutions are losing money based upon the adjustments, and MTSU is one of the two Tennessee Board of Regents institutions that’s gaining money.� Cothren sees the formula for higher education as sustainable, but it’s uncertain in the years when state revenue is down. “That’s why we did not get new money,� Cothern said. “If you don’t get new money, and you have fixed costs and other required costs you have to increase like us opening the new science building, you have to adjust your budget and allocate internally. You learn how to live with less and be more economical.�
How does the outcomes-based formula work? For many years funding for higher education in Tennessee was distributed based on enrollment of an institution. In an effort to increase graduation, the state legislature adopted the Complete College Tennes-
On July 1, the university has to submit a fiscal budget to the board, which will mirror the final budget for the year, is and dependent upon new fees and actual appropriations, enrollment and any changes that Show your parents how smart you’ve become. Get a great deal on an innovative new Nissan. Hassle-free. Haggle-free. Stop by our website. Print a certificate. Bring it in to your Nissan store, and collect your reward.1
Your ride is here: NissanCollegeGrad.com
2014 Nissan Altima
• Pre-Negotiated Pricing Plus Incentives 71
• No Credit History or Co-signer Required • 90-Day Deferred Payment Option2 • Pre-Grads & Grad Students Also Eligible • Available on Over 10 Models3
1. The Nissan College Grad Program is available on select Nissan models at this time. Incentives vary by Region. See your local Nissan Dealer for incentives specific to your geographic area on College Grad Program eligible models. Financing through NMAC, subject to credit approval. 2. Tax, title and license extra. Deferred interest added to contract balance and payable over remaining contract term. New purchases only. Subject to NMAC credit approval. Limited up to 60 month contracts. See dealer for details. 3. Excludes Nissan Versa Sedan S Trim, Maxima, Murano, Murano Cross Cabriolet, 370Z, Quest, Pathfinder, Armada, Titan, GT-R and NV. Prices DO NOT include Destination and Handling charges, ICAP/RMP assessments, Dealer Documentation Fees, sales taxes, etc. Always wear your seat belt and please don’t drink and drive. Nissan, the Nissan Brand Symbol, Innovation That Excites, and Nissan model names are Nissan trademarks. Ž2013 Nissan North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit www.ChooseNissan.com.
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 5
NEWS
see Act (CCTA) of 2010. This initiative created a funding formula for institutions which meet certain state goals for higher education. The main focus now is an institution’s efficiency in and the production of degrees instead of enrollment. More important now is an institution’s graduation and job placement rates, student satisfaction levels plus other variables. If an institution achieves goals or surpasses others, that school is supposed to earn more state funding for their outstanding performance. Schools of higher learning are measured based on student progress, degrees granted, efficiency and other factors. In each institution’s formula, these metrics now play a larger role in future funding. So instead of including student enrollment data, two sets of outcomes are identified (for four-year universities and two-year community colleges) that seem to best reflect the purpose of the institution.
Will Tennessee Promise have any effect on four-year university funding? Tennessee Promise is the governor’s new plan to allow community college to be free. According to the governor’s press staff, he does not foresee allowing free community college tuition to negatively affect four-year institutions. “The governor is grateful for the General Assembly’s overwhelming support of the Tennessee Promise,” Herzog said. “This makes a clear statement to Tennessee families that education beyond high school is a priority in our state. It is a bold promise that will make college a reality for more high school graduates. It speaks volumes to current and prospective employers, and it will make a difference for generations of Tennesseans.” According to the governor’s office, the money used to fund Tennessee Promise is separate from the money placed into the funding formula. Twoyear and four-year schools are funded based on outcomes, and Tennessee Promise will not change that model. If the four-year institutions continue to graduate students at higher rates than two-year institutions, as they do now, they should see that affect their funding. Moreover, Tennessee Promise was never designed with intention of taking the role of a four-year university, such as MTSU, nor hindering its progress. Instead, it is supposed to help the demographic of students who not go on to pursue anything other than a high school education. “We do not think the Tennessee Promise will have a negative impact on enrollment at four-year institutions, as we are trying to bring more students into the fold—not redirect students who are already choosing four-year institutions,” the governor’s office said. “In fact, enrollment at our four-years might increase as Tennessee Promise students transfer from two-year to four-year institutions upon earning an associates degree.” As for the Hope Lottery Scholarship, students will see more on the back end of their scholarship rather than in the beginning. This is to encourage students to finish their degrees. Students will still receive all $16,000, but it won’t be $4,000 each year. Instead, beginning in Fall 2015, freshman and sophomores at four-year state universities will receive $3,500 per year, a reduction of $500 from what current students receive. Juniors and seniors will receive $4,500 per year. “When we cash flowed, it wouldn’t cash-flow with $4,000 each year, and it was a negative. The average student will get $16,000 over a four year,” the governor’s office said. “This will incentivize completion and will complement the funding based formula based on tuition.” Elisabeth Kennedy and Darrell Martin contributed to the report. To contact the news editor, email Quint Qualls at news@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @news_ sidelines and @mtsusidelines.
6 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014| www.mtsusidelines.com
A&E Because summertime sadness shouldn’t be a thing By Meagan White // Staff Writer The semester is coming to a close and the weather is heating up, but do you know how you’ll be spending your newfound free time? Your friends here at Sidelines know you’ve got a lot to get done, so we put together a list of warm-weather worthy events so you don’t have to.
Free Concerts at Centennial Park and Live on the Green So it’s Saturday night, and you’ve got a full tank of gas but you’re a little short on cash. What are you going to do? Have no fear, free concerts are here. On Saturday nights, starting in May, Lightning 100 hosts free concerts at Centennial Park that usually feature an ensemble of local artists and musicians. You can check out the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage for performances and keep an eye out for pre-show festivities (they usually involve food and beer). Lightning 100’s Live on the Green typically starts up in August and runs through September, and offers different free shows every Thursday night. You can subscribe to their mailing list to be alerted when they post their events calendar or follow them on Instagram.
Arrington Vineyards Do you like a good wine? How about jazz? What about a stellar view of the setting Tennessee sun? You can get it all at Arrington Vineyards. They’re back this summer with Music in the Vines, free live music events that provide attendees with the opportunity to taste some fabulous wine while they enjoy the music. Feel free to pack a meal and spread out at one of the picnic tables on the lawn.
Dancing at Riverfront Park Starting June 12, the eight-week stint features talented artists that set the tone for the night and expose those in attendance to a diverse and authentic range of music. Locals and visitors can get a true taste of Nashville. Wanderland Urban Food Park presents Food Truck Row, which showcases all of the best food trucks in Nashville. You can get anything from a pickme-up snack and to a full-blown meal, and the line-up changes each week. Thanks to sponsorship from local groups, there is no admission fee. Eat, drink and be merry friends.
Nashville’s Shakespeare in the Park The Nashville Shakespeare Festival has entertained and educated for 23 years now. During the summer months free performances are offered in Centennial Park Thursdays through Sunday, and food vendors and preshow entertainment are offered as well. Better get there early, all the good seats fill up fast.
 �������
Nashville Flea Market Did you know the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market is considered one of the top ten flea markets in the country? The fourth weekend of every month you’ll find vendors from over 30 different states offering their wares to potential buyers. A wide array of antiques, jewelry, clothing, tools and more can be found, so you probably won’t leave empty-handed.
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 7
A&E Local releases to
soundtrack
your
spring
By John Connor Coulston // Assistant A&E Editor With this year’s worthwhile mainstream releases being few and far between, now’s the time to add some local, independent flair to your music library. Here are some of the latest releases from local artists:
Daniel Young—“Unexpected” Daniel Young’s debut release came about after the producer wanted to try his hand at electronic dance music. “Unexpected” is a brief, but solid first step into the realm of EDM for Young. The Kickstarter-funded release features enjoyable atmospheric sound pieces, such as “Coeval” and dubstep-influenced cuts like the Skrillex-esque “Where We Could Be.” Best tracks: “Where We Could Be” and “Coeval” Available on: Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Spotify
Harper—“Get Home” Post-hardcore group Harper’s debut EP delivers on the genre’s mission — heavy music with emotion-filled lyrics. “Get Home” features a solid blend of skilled instrumentation and interesting structural moments, such as the spoken word interlude on “What Happened to Mitty Smith?” While the genre’s staples, such as screaming vocals, are instant turn offs for some listeners, those looking for a heavy dose of post-hardcore are in for a treat. Best Tracks: “What Happened to Mitty Smith?” and “Look at These Cuties” Available on: Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify
8 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | mtsusidelines.com
A&E
Jeremy Robertson and the Class Action—“Wait and See” “Wait and See” is the debut EP from local singer-songwriter Jeremy Robertson and his backing band The Class Action. This Kickstarter-funded EP features seven tracks filled with tight instrumentation and ear-catching melodies, such as the blues-influenced “Settle Down” and the danceable “Get Into the Groove.” Even though Robertson’s vocals are lacking at spots, it’s more than forgiven on tracks like “Danger” thanks to memorable backing from The Class Action and Robertson’s strong melodies. Best tracks: “Danger” and “Settle Down” Available on: iTunes, Spotify
Michael McQuaid—“Heart&Soul” Michael McQuaid’s debut EP is a pop/rock record for fans of artists such as One Republic. It’s an enjoyable listen filled with songs with memorable choruses, such as “Tender Soul” and “Say.” While “Heart&Soul” feels like it plays it safe when it comes to production and song style, McQuaid’s voice and lyrics make the EP worth a listen. Best tracks: “Tender Soul” and “Say” Available on: iHeartRadio, iTunes, Spotify
Zach Russell—“Muses” Singer/songwriter Zach Russell has pop/R&B tracks in his repertoire ranging from upbeat electronic cuts to stripped-down ballads. “Muses” gathers five of his best acoustic tracks, including the upbeat opener “It’ll Be Alright” and the bittersweet “Treason.” Russell’s soulful and powerful voice is prevalent during the duration of the EP and is what makes the tracks memorable. Best tracks: “It’ll Be Alright” and “Trippin’” Available on: Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Spotify To contact the A&E editor, email Claire Osburn at ae@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sidelines_ae and @mtsusidelines.
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9
A&E
Festival to do list: 1. Get ticket 2. Gather friends 3. Figure out what to wear With festival season upon us, it’s inevitable for us fashion loving ladies to be on the hunt for the perfect outfits to wear while rocking out to our favorite bands. Here are some tips to ease your mind for stylish, comfortable and practical festivalworthy looks.
Festival Fashion By Claire Osburn // A&E Editor
Go Big or Go Home You’ve been dreaming about your summer festival trek all year. Why not go all out in a place where anything goes? That sassy crop it’s been too cold to wear? That elaborate headdress you made? That funky skirt you haven’t gotten the chance to wear yet? Pile it all on for a unique look for an unforgettable night.
Hot-Cold During the day, a bikini or crop top and shorts are ideal for staying cool in 80-degree weather. But after a day of sun, fun and beer, a jacket is a must for continuing the party into the wee hours of the morning. Stash it in your backpack or use it as something to sit on during the day for the more mellow shows.
More Accessories Not into all the outfit fuss? Accessories are your answer. Bright nail polish, hair chalk-colored tresses, stacked bracelets and rings or a kimono can take your basics to the next level for this special occasion. This way you can still participate in the fun without forfeiting all your cash for the cause.
Easy Peasy If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the prospects, go for effortless with your fashion in a breezy mini-dress or romper. Perfect for day to night transition when going home or back to your campsite is out of the question. Only one piece is required, leaving you to use all that extra energy for dancing.
You can rock your style at any festival. Just don’t leave home without the essentials. Photo by Cat Murphy.
No matter what your signature style is, just don’t leave home without packing the clothing essentials: - comfortable shoes for tired feet - sunglasses for staying cool
10 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
- jacket for sun withdrawal
- swimsuit for water play - small backpack for contraband smuggling
- shorts for grass sitting - hat for sun overdose
COVER
Studying abroad to revisit the past By Jonathon Austin // Staff Writer
Jim Farrell, a field medic during the Vietnam War, held the head of Lt. John Fuqua, an MTSU alum as Fuqua drew his final breath on Jan. 31, 1966. Farrell was the last person to see the young officer alive, and though it was 48 years ago, he can still remember the pain of that day. “It was pitch dark, he started. “The only thing I could see was helicopter lights, fire from the enemy and flares ‌ He got hit right in the back of his neck. He was still alive when I crawled up to him, and I said, ‘Sir you’re going to be OK.’ He couldn’t say any words, he just kind of mumbled. He tried to say something, but he couldn’t. I put my right arm under his head to try to plug the wound, and he just died.â€? That night, both Fuqua and Farrell were positioned just outside the small village of Bong Son in South Vietnam, which was surrounded by huge rice fields littered with craters due to numerous North Vietnamese Army (NVA) mortar attacks.
 � � � �  �
Today, the village is quite peaceful and mending itself after years of war.
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 11
COVER In March Derek Frisby a professor in the Global Studies department led a group of six students to Vietnam to locate the positions where Fuqua and other MTSU students had fallen. In addition the students studied the affect the war continues to have on modern Vietnamese society. Ed “Tex” Stiteler, founder of Vietnam Battlefield Tours, guided the tours. He served in the Marines during the war, and today, he leads tours across the country for veterans to revisit Vietnam. There were three veterans who went with the group of students. “The war seemed so much closer than ever before,” David Collyer, a student master’s liberal arts student and member of Frisby’s class said. “People we were interacting with likely had parents or family members who suffered first hand during the Vietnam War. The experience really brought forth the human element on both sides of
the conflict.” When the group stepped off the bus in the village of Bong Son, they lingered in the shadow of an old tree that stood in front of a monument dedicated to the communist victory in the area. The irony of the moment wasn’t lost on the students. They were staring at a tall statue dedicated to North Vietnamese soldiers who, in battle, had taken thousands of American lives, including Fuqua. Fuqua grew up in in Nashville and attended MTSU. He became brigade commander for the MTSU ROTC where he earned a Bronze Star. Ron Green, a Vietnam Veteran, attended MTSU with Fuqua. “I remember him presenting me with an accommodation medal at an awards ceremony and actually pinning it on me,” Green said. “He was a good soldier and a great man.” After college, Fuqua went to Vietnam where he became an officer in the 17th Cavalry. The Army’s After Action Reports states, “Lt. John Fuqua was leading his squad forward, and he was
12 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
COVER hit in the neck by enemy fire as they made contact.� It was then that Farrell received the call for a medic on the night in late January in 1966. The call turned out to be for a wounded Fuqua. Farrell explained that the morning before he witnessed Fuqua’s death he answered a different call for a medic. When he reached the calling, there was a young Vietnamese girl in a hole, in labor. Farrell delivered the baby. “I cut the cord and slapped the baby on the rear-end, and it was a little girl,� Farrell said joyfully in a telephone conversation from his home. According to the former medic, the place where he delivered the baby was less than two miles from the location where Fuqua died. “When I delivered the baby, she was in my arms, and then eight hours later John was in my arms too,� Farrell said. The little girl that Farrell birthed that day is now 48 years old, and Lt. Fuqua has been gone for 48 years, but his memory still lives on in the spirit of MTSU and the ones who loved him. Though Farrell has no idea as to who or what the girl is today, he said that she frequently crosses his mind. Fuqua is one of nine MTSU alumni to have given their lives in the Vietnam War. The objective of visiting the sites of the fallen soldiers was to commemorate the alumni. Fuqua was the first soldier to locate in Frisby’s journey. “These MTSU alumni were soldiers, but also students,�, Collyer said. “They walked the same hallways and sat in the same classrooms that we occupy today. It is a sad event to visit the locations they fell, but it is also rewarding knowing that their lives will not be forgotten.� To contact the features editor, email Bailey Robbins at features@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @mtsusidelines.
SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
OPINIONS Colbert will do fine on “The Late Show” By John Connor Coulston // Assistant A&E Editor Fresh off the heels of Jimmy Fallon’s ascension to “The Tonight Show” throne, “The Late Show” host David Letterman announced that he would be leaving the late night talk show in 2015 after 22 years as host. As soon as Letterman announced his retirement, speculation ran wild as to who would take the comedy legend’s spot. With names like Ellen DeGeneres, Conan O’Brien and Jon Stewart being thrown around as possible replacements, it seemed like we were in for a long waiting period before we’d find out who would take “The Late Show’s” reigns. However, within a week of Letterman’s announcement, CBS revealed that Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert would be filling Letterman’s shoes. If you aren’t familiar with Colbert’s “The Colbert Report,” it’s a politically focused parody news broadcast where Colbert portrays an exaggerated uber-Republican form of himself analyzing the day’s news and interviewing guests at the political right’s expense. It’s a sister-show to Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” except the emphasis is on Colbert’s cartoon-like character. However, Colbert will be abandoning his persona and instead just be himself. This has caused fans and critics to bring up two questions: “Can Colbert be funny out of character?” and “How much of his political commentary will carry over to ‘The Late Show’?” My answer to the first of those questions is a resounding, “Yes.” Even though the focal point of Colbert’s career has been “The Colbert Report,” he’s still a comedian at the end of the day. Look no further than his early career in comedy troupes and even his short-lived stint as a “Good Morning America” correspondent. When it comes down to it, he’s just a funny guy, regardless of what character he’s portraying. In addition to his own comedic abilities, he’ll surely be bringing his crew of writers with him to CBS. While this may be a red flag for those questioning the show’s potential political content, I say don’t worry. If you’re an avid watcher of “The Colbert Report,” you’ll know that he doesn’t just discuss political issues. He also takes on social and pop-culture issues, as well as interview movie stars, musicians, and the like. Just because the show favors political commentary doesn’t mean the writers don’t have the ability to write about the varying issues of the day. While Colbert might not be traditional entertainer or comedian in the vein of competitors Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, his time on “The Colbert Report” will be his biggest asset. His “Late Show” gig won’t be that far of a cry from what he’s been doing for the last nine years on Comedy Central. No matter your feeling on Colbert replacing Letterman, come 2015, late night TV is about to get a lot more interesting. Want to write an opinion? Email opinion’s editor Robert Allen at opinions@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines.
14 SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
SPORTS
White (defense) dominated the game, and they beat the offense. The question of quarterback is still an issue. Photo by Gregory French.
White bests Blue in Middle Tennessee’s Annual Blue/White game Defense forces four turnovers in stellar outing; QB situation remains unclear By Connor Grott // Assistant Sports Editor
Middle Tennessee hosted its annual Blue and White spring scrimmage at Dean A. Hayes Stadium on Saturday afternoon, showcasing the Blue Raiders’ upcoming team for the fast-approaching 2014-15 football season. Although the outcome means little in a game such as this, the White team (defense) defeated the Blue Team (offense) by a final score of 44-27 in front of 2,300 Blue Raider fans. With the victory, the white team is now 7-2 all-time in the Blue and White spring game under MT head coach Rick Stockstill. The White team, which was composed of the defensive members of the Blue Raiders, forced four turnovers in the contest. Shon Akins proved to have a decent outing in the scrimmage, posting five tackles and two interceptions. Sharpe added three tackles and an interception. Anfornee Stewart, Cavellis Luckett and Chris Sharpe each forced a fumble, with Alex Dale making the lone recovery for the White squad. For the Blue team, the offense proved inefficient at times by stalling in the red zone and turning the ball over, and provided no clearer Continued on the back page. SIDELINES | April 23, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15
picture on the ongoing quarterback battle to fill the void left by the graduation of Logan Kilgore. Austin Grammer led the first-team offense, finishing 8-of-11 with 125 yards and one touchdown, coming off a 49-yard touchdown to wide out Terry Pettis. Pettis finished the day with two grabs for a team-high 74 yards. Brent Stockstill came out with the second offensive unit, completing 8-of-16 passes for 54 yards and two interceptions. A.J. Erdely went 8-of-16 for 85 yards in the contest, and Nolan Genovese finished 8-of-15 with 88 yards and one interception. “I was really pleased with all three of them,” Stockstill said in a statement to the MT Athletic Communications Department. “I think we can win with all three of them. They all got better throughout the spring. We’ll just go through the summer and then in August, I’ll make a decision before the Savannah State game.” In the running game, Tony Rowland led the way with 114 yards on 23 carries. Jordan Willis added nine carries for 50 yards and one touchdown, and Chukwadi Echetebu finished with nine carries for 30 yards and a touchdown. The status of the Middle Tennessee backfield remains one of the biggest question marks after the conclusion of spring practices, given the injuries suffered towards the end of last season. The main options in last season’s rushing attack did not take the field throughout spring practices. Jordan Parker and Reggie Whatley are still recovering from torn hip labrums suffered last season. Jeremiah Bryson and Shane Tucker remain on the sidelines as well, recuperating from torn shoulder labrums. With the conclusion of the Blue and White spring game, the Blue Raiders have reached the end of the 2014 spring season. Middle Tennessee will resume activities on August 3, the first day of summer camp, in preparation for their season opener against Savannah State on August 30.
2014 SPRING PRACTICE AWARDS Terry Whiteside Award (Excellence in academics, football, strength training, community service, and campus activities): Reggie Whatley Dr. Sidney A. McPhee Senior Academic Award: Leighton Gasque Dr. James E. Walker Junior Academic Award: Jordan FrostDixon Dr. Don Craig Sophomore Academic Award: Josh Chester Jeanne Massaquoi Freshman Academic Award: Lucas Hamilton Most Improved Quarterback: Nolan Genovese Most Improved Running Back: Kamani Thomas Most Improved Wide Receiver: Demetrius Frazier Most Improved Offensive Line: Adam Stickel Most Improved Defensive Line: Shaquille Huff Most Improved Linebacker: Anfornee Stewart Most Improved Safety: Chris Brown Most Improved Corner: Mike Minter Most Improved Strength Training Quarterback: A.J. Erdely Most Improved Strength Training Running Back: Kamani Thomas Most Improved Strength Training Wide Receiver: Shannon Smith Most Improved Strength Training Offensive Line: Josh Chester Most Improved Strength Training Defensive Line: Jimal McBride Most Improved Strength Training Linebacker: James Roberson Most Improved Strength Training Safety: Xavier Walker Most Improved Strength Training Corner: Jared Singletary Most Improved Strength Training Specialist: Canon Rooker