The Beacon 11/16/2015 by The Beacon Today

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4

WWW.READMYBEACON.COM

Subculture expansion Meet Dr. Poe Sunshine State Conference

Monday, November 16, 2015

News

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Cover photo: Subculture Coffee Shop is anticipating expansion for Jan. 2016. See story page 5. Photo by Kayla Harris.

CWE to offer more help during end of semester Writing boot camps offered to the campus By Tracy Peyton Staff Writer

Fall 2015 DUANE MEEKS Dean of School of Communication and Media MICHAEL RAY SMITH Adviser SIERRA DARVILLE Executive Editor CELESTE BROWN News Editor SANDRA RODRIGUEZ Art Director DAVID WILLIAMS Features Editor JOY MOORE Web Editor JEREMIAH SATER Senior Web Editor/Sports Editor SELBY STEBBINS Photo Editor KATIE FORSYTHE Broadcast Content Editor AMANDA HIGGINS Advertising Director Staff: Peter Amirata Taylor Branham Aaron Broghamer April Evans Jordan Flug Kayla Harris Nicole Jimenez Curtis McParland Danielle Mendocha Amber Miller Benjarong Murray Avery Korn Keisha Oakley Tracy Peyton Jackie Streng

READMYBEACON.COM Mission Statement The Beacon is an award-winning student publication of Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Fla. Its mission is to highlight the campus while providing coverage of the community. The students participate in a journalism laboratory and write articles for class. While news of PBA remains a staple of the publication, coverage includes of the surrounding community, with attention to issues such as politics and law enforcement, business, arts and entertainment, religion and more. To supplement the monthly publication, the staff edits an online site called Readmybeacon.com and includes content not found in the print edition. In 2015 Evangelical Press Association awarded Readmybeacon.com a secondplace award in national competition.

Monday, November 16, 2015

alm Beach Atlantic’s Center for Writing Excellence, led by director of writing programs Lisa Marzano, introduced writing boot camps for the first time this semester. “Writing boot camps are common at many universities,” Marzano said. The purpose of the boot camps is to offer students and faculty a quiet place to write and receive help on written works. A goal sheet is completed upon arrival at the boot camp, which helps writers stay on track and focused. The boot camps run from 4-7 p.m. in the Hanley Classroom on the first floor of the Warren Library twice per month. Although the boot camp lasts for three hours, according to Marzano, it is a “drop in and drop out” event. Attendees can come and go as they please. The remaining writing boot camps will be held on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. “Appointments for the [CWE] are usually full, so these boot camps offer another way to get help,” Marzano said. Of the 24 coaches who work in the CWE, one or two will be

present at the boot camps to offer help. According to Marzano, only a few people show up for each boot camp. She associates the lack of attendance with people not knowing about the boot camps. “I would be thrilled to get five to ten people to show up next semester,” Marzano said. “I am not disappointed with the turnout so far because people are still figuring out what the boot camps are.” Senior marine biology major and CWE coach Molly Thistle expects the turnout of the boot camps to increase as finals week approaches. “Finals week is usually when people need the most help,” she said. “It is do or die at that point.” Thistle is scheduled to help during upcoming writing boot camps and is excited to help attendees with their work. “I would probably go to a writing boot camp because I need a quiet atmosphere to work in to be able to focus on my writing,” she said. Freshman exercise science major Breanna Arner has visited the CWE three times. She feels as though the writing boot camps are a great alternative to going to the CWE, which can sometimes be quite busy.

“I would consider going to a boot camp because the environment would be ideal for doing work,” she said. The CWE also hosts an English Language Learners class on Monday nights to help nonnative speakers understand English. The class focuses on writing and speaking. The hours of the CWE are Monday through Thursday from

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marzano encourages anyone in need of an answer to quick questions to call the CWE’s hotline at (561)-309-1855. The hotline is available Monday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. and calls will be answered by a CWE coach.

Students and faculty can take their writing to CWE’s bootcamps to receive help from writing coaches. Photo courtesy of Nic McPhee, Flickr.

Student workship leader creates opportunity to connect with children

PBA Workship to visit Quantum House at St. Mary’s Medical Center By Taylor Branham Staff Writer

hen attending Palm Beach Atlantic, one thing requires a servant’s heart, a passion for community and motivation for accomplishment: Workship. On Nov. 21, an opportunity to serve the community and connect with families will take place at the Quantum House. Located on the same campus as St. Mary’s Medical Center, Quantum House is a home where families can find comfort, while their children undergo treatment for serious medical conditions, according to Quantum House’s website. With the slogan “Where Hope has a Home,” the Quantum House has hosted around 500 families annually since its establishment in May 2001. Sophomore business management major Emily Freeman, student leader of this Workship opportunity, has always loved children. She sought out the Quantum House as a way to positively

The Quantum House is undergoing renovations, but is still home to the families of sick children. Photo by Taylor Branham.

connect with children. According to Freeman, volunteers use Workship’s three goals, which are to show service through Christ’s love, to form habits that will last a lifetime in service and for vocational discernment, to be a form of joy in these children’s lives. “Hospitals have always made me anxious and nervous, so just thinking that if I had a relative in the hospital, and then I had to stay in this unfamiliar house. I can’t imagine that,” said Freeman. She discovered Quantum

House at a Workship expo in 2014 and has since strived to organize an event to serve there. “I really love working with kids, so I figured going in and doing something fun would be a great experience for everyone,” Freeman said. With hopes to manage her own nonprofit organization in the future dedicated to children, Freeman emphasized her love for them. Outreach coordinator of Quantum House, Megan Lewis, said PBA has been generously

involved over the years in service to the house and its household members. She said that student volunteers have helped make meals, in addition to helping with special events, fundraising, supply drives, crafts, gifts and working with the children. “The volunteers are always a huge help and are what make our families smile,” Lewis said. Lewis said that with the help of volunteers, Quantum House has become the comfortable place that it is today. “The families really depend on them,” Lewis said. “They make it feel more like home.” PBA students can meet at the Workship office on Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. to depart for Quantum House. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive at Quantum House at 2 p.m. and remain until 4 p.m. when they will return to campus. To properly represent PBA, volunteers must wear a 20152016 Workship t-shirt and can pick one up at the Workship office if needed.

News

Monday, November 16, 2015

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2016 Presidential Race Heats Up

Ticket names still unknown as party leaders remain unclear By Peter Amirata Staff Writer

ith roughly one year until the next presidential election on Nov. 8, 2016, both major parties are still unsure of who their nominee will be. According to Realclearpolitics. com, a major outlet for candidates to express their views to voters is through the primary debates. So far, only two Democratic and four Republican debates have aired. The most recent

Republican debate was held on Nov. 10 and the Democratic debate on Nov. 14. The rippling effects of the presidential race can be felt here on campus, says Chairman Emeritus of College Republicans Cade Marsh. He stresses the importance of involvement with the presidential race. “Anytime you can get younger voters like college students involved, it leads to a more balanced election,” Marsh said. “Voting is one of our most fundamental rights, and that’s why I’m personally always trying to get people to vote.”

College Republicans has hosted two debate-watching parties this semester in the Lassiter student center. According to sophomore College Republicans Chair Cassie Stanton, their watch-parties have been a success. They gained the attention of local news coverage at their first debate party this semester and had fifty people attend the second one. “These debate parties are a great way for students to get motivated about their candidates and to promote a vibrant political atmosphere on campus,” Stanton said.

College Republicans representatives help students register to vote in front of the Fraiser Dining Hall. Photo courtesy of PBA College Republicans.

Excitement for the upcoming election is not only being created on campus but also in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County Young Republican Club President MaryAnna Mancuso is also encouraging people to vote. She has come to campus four times to speak about the upcoming election in hopes of encouraging voter turnout. Along with people from outside organizations, several professors are also enthusiastic about getting students to vote. “Voting is like brushing your teeth,” political science professor Dr. Roger Chapman said. “When people make it a habit, then they can say that they had a voice in whatever the outcome may be.” According to his fellow political science professor, Dr. Linda Raeder, every student should vote because this election is extremely unique. “This is an election where the Republican Party has three major front runners, with hardly any political experience: Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina,” she said. Some students are extremely passionate about who they will vote for in the primaries. “Donald Trump is the greatest presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan,” junior marketing major John Maenner said. “I

love his strong stance on illegal immigration and his strong presidential demeanor. He gives voters a unique option because he is the candidate with the least amount of party ties, and he is self-funding his own campaign.” Although no existing clubs have ties to the Democratic Party on campus, some students favor Democratic candidates, like junior accounting major Kat Wise. “Right now, Hillary Clinton is by far my favorite candidate,” Wise said. “I really like her record as Secretary of State. She is a proven leader that did a good job with her positions in foreign diplomacy.” Even with the efforts of both major parties in the early stages of this election, some students like senior political science major Jay Varano feel like confusion is still an issue for both parties. “Essentially, Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton will get the nomination for the Democrats, and it’s good that they have it down to two candidates,” Varano said. He said the Republican Party is rapidly changing and so far they don’t have a true leader. “Carson, Rubio and Trump seem to be the early front runners, but there are so many unknowns right now, which put them at a disadvantage,” Varano said.

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Features

Monday, November 16, 2015

History professor committed to service By Celeste Brown News Editor

r. Gary Poe has served as a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University for 21 years, saying that the university chose him. When Poe first started in 1995, he taught evening classes in the MacArthur School of Leadership. He then helped structure the School of Ministry and taught on various subjects such as Spiritual Formations and Christian History, in addition to periodically teaching Humanities classes. In 2004, Poe transferred to the School of Arts and Sciences to continue teaching Humanities. The study of history has been a longtime interest to Poe. Before the beginning of his tenure at PBA, he taught at Southern Seminary for two years as an adjunct in Christian History and Missions. Poe also earned a Ph. D in Christian History and Women in the Early Church from Southern Seminary. In conjunction with his history interest, Poe greatly enjoys travelling the world. He has led international trips with PBA students to Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey and has spent a semester teaching abroad

in London. “I’m a wandering soul,” Poe says. He spent his childhood thriving in nature on his family’s cattle ranch in Colorado. At the age of 12, Poe says he came to faith and was baptized at the church his family regularly attended. “I grew up in church mostly. My mom was always teaching children at church. [We were] there quite a bit,” Poe says. He says his faith gave him a sense of purpose and something to strive for in service and commitment to others. This commitment took root when he attended Colorado State University, where he served in campus ministries during his undergraduate years. After earning his Bachelor’s in Science, Poe attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California, where he earned his Master’s of Divinity and served as campus minister for two years. “Life is about relationships. Faith is about relationships. That’s the crux for everything,” Poe says. His office displays his love of history, achievements and interests. One can learn much about him by visiting his office with walls covered in photos, maps, flags, awards and bookcases overflowing with reads covering topics from Christianity to medieval history, One trinket found on the

Poe is in his 21 year at Palm Beach Atlantic. He considers it a blessing to teach the students of this university. Photo by Celeste Brown.

bookshelf is an Edgar Allen Poe action figure. According to Poe, the poet is a distant relative. In his office is a family tree created by David

Rinker, who Poe calls a genealogy buff. Nevertheless, his distinguished ancestry isn’t the reason behind his bowties.

Poe says he started wearing bowties when a school at which he taught required collared shirts and ties for all male faculty pictures in the school directory. In protest to this administration, Poe joined other professors and sported bowties instead of the requested accessory. He attributes models and mentors to his sporting of the bowtie and decided to stick with the look. “It’s going to be all bowties all the time,” he recalls. Since then, he has turned some of his favorite ties into bowties, including a striped Broncos football tie. He boasts a collection of close to 80 bowties, some of which he reserves for the classroom. Poe particularly highlights the Dead Sea Scroll bowtie and medieval shields pattern bowtie. This semester, Poe has begun to wear colored and patterned socks in addition to sporting bowties. He says that he doesn’t match them, though, partially because he is color blind, and partly because it would take too long in the morning to color-coordinate his outfits. He has made an impact on PBA’s campus, but he insists that his students and colleagues have positively impacted his life. “We can all learn from each other,” Poe says. “Life of a professor is a great lifestyle. I’m grateful to pursue that calling here.”

Music for the Mind

Area schools take the opportunity to perform and raise money By Benjarong Murray Staff Writer

ive musical entertainment is only a few blocks away from the Palm Beach Atlantic University campus. On the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., the Harriet Himmel Theater in CityPlace hosts Music for the Mind, presented by the Kretzer Piano Company. “We feature music departments from local schools including The King’s Academy, UB Kinsey/ Palmview Elementary School of the Arts, Jupiter Academy of Music and Stuart School of Music,” says founder of Music for the Mind and owner of the Kretzer Piano Company, Kathi Kretzer. Cindy Kessler, PBA alumna class of 1980, graduated with a B.A. in piano performance before becoming the owner and director of the Stuart School of Music. “We were the very first organization to perform in the Music for the Mind series when it originated in June 2002,” Kessler says. “We have raised $48,500 for music scholarships

and music education programs for students at the Stuart School of Music.” At $10 per ticket for adults and $5 for students, the series has managed to raise a large sum of money for several programs throughout the years. “The series has featured 10,392 young musicians, while raising $552,000,” Kretzer says. “One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the performing group with the exception of our special artists, which donate it all to local children’s charities.” Local charities that benefit from the series include Lighthouse for the Blind, Faith’s Place Center for Education, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Grace Notes Music Foundation and the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation. The Music for the Mind series has not solely prospered without the help of outside contributors. “Yamaha Corporation of America donated the use of a Yamaha concert grand piano, and CityPlace donated the use

Students from the Jupiter Academy of Music perform at the Harriet Himmel Theater, supported by the Kertzer Piano Music Foundation. Photo courtesy of Cindy Kertzer.

of the Harriet Theater,” Kretzer says. These donations have given Music for the Mind the proper equipment and staging for their performances. “I believe that the children benefit the most,” Kretzer says. “They get the experience of performing for the public to an audience they wouldn’t usually get at school.” Kessler agrees that the series provides a beneficial opportunity for students. “The Music for the Mind series is a wonderful opportunity for the students

to perform in the beautiful Harriet Himmel Theater, and they look forward to it,” Kessler says. As founder of the series, Kretzer remains steadfast on the purpose of the program. “I wanted a way that we could showcase young talent, while raising money to help keep music in our schools and for children’s charities,” she says. Lloyd Mims, Dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts at PBA, can testify to Kretzer’s passion for youth music education. “I do know Kathi Kretzer

well, but what I do know is that she is an incredible advocate for young people in the arts,” Mims says. Only two concerts are left in the series for the 2015 calendar. UB Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts on Tuesday, Nov. 17, featuring orchestra, band, chorus and piano will give the first performance. The final show of the year will be produced by The King’s Academy Fine Arts Department on Dec. 8, featuring their students in an annual Christmas performance.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Features

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Subculture to expand Clematis storefront New features to arrive at the popular coffee shop By Kayla Harris Staff Writer

opular Clematis Street coffee shop Subculture is set to expand into the vacant property next door to its current storefront. According to co-owner Sean Scott, they plan to remove the wall between the two spaces and connect them by installing sliding or French doors. “We want to freshen up the vibe a little bit,” Scott says, adding that he and co-owner Rodney Mayo are developing design plans that will modify the look of the new space, while keeping it cohesive with the café’s current appearance. Applications for renovation were submitted Nov. 3 and are underway. Subculture’s acquisition of the property was resolved after an eight-month long process that involved the West Palm Beach city government. Scott describes the acquisition as a bumpy road, saying that the city originally offered the property to Subculture, but the process became complicated when another business started competing for the space. According to Scott, Christopher’s Kitchen, an organic restaurant from Palm Beach Gardens, sought to expand into the property, but

the city government ultimately decided to lease the space to Subculture because of the coffee shop’s proximal location. “It was too bad that it turned into such a public issue, but we worked through it,” Scott says. He says that the issue worked out well, adding that Christopher’s Kitchen is considering another property in the downtown area. Scott says that the expansion will double Subculture’s space, with several new features coming to the business. Among these additions, will be a juice and smoothie bar. The juice bar will allow Alchemy Juice, which Subculture carries, to have its own space in the store. As for smoothies, Scott hopes to capitalize on a market that is yet to be introduced to downtown West Palm Beach. “There’s not really anyone downtown that’s offering fresh, whole food ingredient smoothies,” he says. “I think that’s something that we can fill well.” Subculture also plans to utilize the space for coffee education classes, on topics such as coffee cupping, espresso instruction and home brewing, Scott says. “A lot of other big coffee cities

Subcullture renovation is scheduled for completion by Jan. 1. Photo by Kayla Harris.

[offer such classes], and they’re wildly popular,” Scott says. “It helps the customers learn about the origins and the variety and how to really break down the flavor profiles of coffees.” In addition, the increased space allows Subculture to close off space for private events, such as PBA class events. Scott explains that the increase in space enables Mayo and himself to realize their complete vision for their business, which has always been limited because of Subculture’s original size.

Regulars are also excited about the prospect of a bigger venue. Freshman communication major Bailey Eldridge says that the expansion will allow her the room to be able to study at the often-crowded coffee shop. Freshman psychology major Christine Gulan agrees, adding that the enlarged space will likely increase patronage to Subculture over its competitors. “I know a lot of people prefer Subculture over most,” Gulan says. “I feel like this expansion will help improve business.”

Eldrige also says that Subculture’s coffee is some of the best, noting that the only downside to the café is its lack of space. “If Subculture can build up the space,” she says. “That means that you’re going to one of those independent coffee places. It’s not a franchise like Starbucks, and you are finally able to enjoy their coffee fully.” Scott hopes that renovations will be completed within the next few weeks. Subculture’s goal is to open its additional space for business by Jan. 1.

Live from Palm Beach Atlantic, it’s Monday Night! The comedic series makes a comeback

By Aaron Broghamer Staff Writer

alm Beach Atlantic University’s live comedy show returns to the stage in its first episode in three years. Comedy is a thread that continues to weave its way into the lives of PBA students. The comedic trend began this year with A.L.I.C.E. – A Live Improv Comedy Experience – along with PBA Tonight, a late night talk show filmed in the Pembroke TV studio and to top off the lineup of live comedy, Monday Night Live, a show based off NBC’s Saturday Night Live. After ending a three-year hiatus, students wondered if the once popular campus hit would ever return. With much of the cast of MNL graduated, the show was unable to gain the same traction and eventually ceased production. Sophomore Cody Cox, head producer of MNL, has pioneered the shows resurrection along

with a team of PBA students, who had the same passion to see the production restored. Assisting Cox are seniors Stephen Hedger and Valentina Ferriera, who held an interest meeting for students who wanted to join the MNL cast and crew. MNL has announced that founding member and graduate Taylor Smythe will host their first show entitled, “Revival.” Smythe is now the Residence Director of Rinker Hall. “The desire was there, it just took someone to step in and get things rolling,” Cox says. “It started with a small group, and people just started to jump in as we kept going.” Cox says the show is going to incorporate a collection of comedic ideas. From original live sketches and pre-recorded videos, everything is going to have a PBA twist on it. “We are made up of a diverse

Taylor Smythe will host the first production of Monday Night Live Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. Photo courtesy of PBA Students.

mix of students and staff united together to put this unique show on,” Cox says. In addition to their own spin of comedic content, the MNL crew is planning to feature musical guests in each show. The upcoming show features PBA rap artist Cody Young, who has made a name for himself by performing at several events on campus. Young says he’s a unique type of Christian rapper, and the student

body knows him for his exciting flavor on stage. “I’m just excited to see how people react to the show,” he says. “There’s been so much planning put in to this night that it should be one of the best [MNL] shows to date. There’s an amazing cast of people working on it. It should be a night to remember.” Cox also expressed that MNL is distinct and unique from A.L.I.C.E. and PBA Tonight but hopes that the shows can work

together to create campus wide comedy that all students can enjoy. “We all want one another to flourish and are hoping to do whatever is needed to help the other succeed,” Cox says. The first MNL performance will be held on Monday, Nov. 16 at 9 p.m., with a second show at 10:30 p.m. in the Vera Lee Rinker Recital Hall. All students are encouraged to come. Admission will be free.

Sports

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Monday, November 16, 2015

Palm Beach Atlantic remains provisional member of Sunshine State Conference

2017 target year for full membership

By Danielle Mendocha Staff Writer

alm Beach Atlantic Athletics is progressing as it enters the second year of its provisional status with the Sunshine State Conference. In the fall of 2014, PBA began the first of three years as a provisional member of the SSC. During this time, PBA must meet specific requirements set forth by the conference. Within the first year, many of these needs were met. “We had to submit a blueprint for compliance as well as an ISSG, which is an institutional self study that answers questions about policies and procedures,” athletic director Carolyn Stone said. “The main project was our Rinker Athletic Campus, which we opened in September of 2014.” With the outdoor fields open, PBA must meet a few more requirements regarding the facilities at the RAC. “We have to build six tennis courts as well as the Rinker Sports Center, which will include permanent locker rooms, a weight room and offices,” said Michael Brown, senior associate athletic director for external operations. The athletic department has already accomplished some of these tasks. Stone said she is confident that PBA will be ready for full membership in the fall of 2017. “We are in the design process

As a part of the requirements for Sunshine State Conference membership, the Rinker Athletic Campus was opened, where a variety of sports are held. Pictured: senior men’s soccer player Eddy Milian (22). Photo courtesy of PBA Athletics.

of the new Rinker facilities right now and hope to start building in late spring or early summer of 2016,” she said. “We are confident that they will be completed in time.” Lastly, PBA must promote their men and women’s lacrosse teams from club sports to Division II and add a men and women’s distance track team. Stone said the teams will be added for the 2017/2018 season. As PBA enters its second provisional year, its athletic teams are reaping the benefits of this new partnership. “It’s been such a blessing,” Stone said. “The competition in the [SSC] is so strong. There is no off week, no off game. It pushes every one of our teams to play at

a higher level.” Theresa Butler, a senior on the PBA women’s softball team, said that the teams have greatly benefited from the SSC. “We have definitely stepped up our game and are focused on earning the respect of our competitors,” she said. “We are motivated to work harder and become better athletes.” Not only does the partnership help athletics, it also amplifies the institution’s reputation for excellence. “It allows PBA to align itself with similar institutions academically and athletically,” Brown said. “It’s a group fighting for the same things. They’re all in state of Florida and all are private institutions.”

The current SSC includes schools like Rollins College, Florida Southern College and the University of Tampa. The increased competition has been beneficial for all PBA teams. “Volleyball has been excelling, as have all of the other athletic teams,” head volleyball coach Bob White said. “Talent breeds talent, and playing at a higher level encourages our players to up their level.” As a provisional member of the SSC, PBA is given a conference schedule but is not eligible to play in postseason conference tournaments or receive conference awards until full membership in the fall of 2017. Despite these temporary restrictions, the teams have

already seen major differences in scheduling. “Before, as an independent, we had to make our own schedules with whatever was left over from the conference,” White said. “It took us three months to design a schedule. This year, as provisional SSC members, we had a conference matrix already laid out for us, and our schedule was complete in under 24 hours. We get to play schools like the University of Tampa here on our home court.” Because of the new schedule, the volleyball team hosted the Tampa Spartans for the first time in the Rubin Arena. Seventeen hundred fans attended, which was nearly double the total attendance through the first nine home games. “The future is extremely bright, and the commitment the university has made will bring benefits in the future,” Brown said. “This partnership will help our teams to grow and get the name of PBA and Jesus Christ out in the region. Hopefully, we’ll be a light to other conference members.” Joining the SSC has been a longtime dream for PBA Athletics, one that has been in the works since 2006. “President [Bill] Fleming and Carolyn Stone have taken the program to another level,” White said. “They see the value of the SSC conference and are devoted to worthiness of the cause. They are working hard to make sure the funds are raised and the RAC is completed. What was a dream in 2006 is really close to a reality. This is the last piece of that big puzzle.”

Men’s basketball team starts season with new additions Eight new players spotlight team By Jeremiah Sater, contribution by Jordan Flug Staff Writer

he Palm Beach Atlantic University men’s basketball team looks to improve from a 10-16 record last season, with the addition of eight new players. The first recruiting class under head coach David Balza has either graduated or exhausted their eligibility. The team has seven returners along with eight new players including freshmen and transfers. “Our main goal for the year is to improve as a team every day,” senior Michael Simpson said. After finishing last season with a losing record, the result has not deterred the team. “The ultimate goal is to [reach] the NCAA tournament at the end of the year,” he said. PBA fans had a chance to watch the Sailfish play against the University of Florida Gators on the SEC network Nov. 5. They traveled to Gainesville, Fla. for an exhibition matchup.

Despite losing 42-89, the team had a few standout players. Freshman Bakari Warthen scored the first five points for the Sailfish and totaled 12 points for the game against the Gators. According to assistant head men’s basketball coach Allen Corbin, the freshman’s ability to learn quickly has impressed the coaching staff. Corbin is one of three new assistant coaches, including Tony Watson and former player Garet Tucker. “I feel my presence has been helpful to the team this year, especially when it comes to the new players,” Tucker said. “I have been able to focus a lot of time in practice showing them where to be or what to do within our system, and hopefully, that has helped smooth their respective transitions.” The former player spent the previous two seasons with the team after transferring from Bethany Lutheran College with

Top, from left: Giles Chapman (0), Shavanno Cooper (24), Milos Kostic (10) and Osandai Vaughn (23). Bottom, from left: Chase Picerne (3), Melak Barber (21), Bakari Warthen (12) and Casey Carpinello (5). Photo courtesy of PBA Athletics.

Balza, who was the basketball team’s head coach for one season. With the addition of Corbin, new strategies are being implemented. “Strategy wise we are just trying to play faster but at the same time play the right way,” he said.

The team turned the ball over 30 times against the Gators, but they did manage to force 23 turnovers in their exhibition matchup. They scored 16 points off the turnovers compared to 30 points scored by Florida. “We are always striving for dai-

ly improvement,” Warthen said. “In the end, it’s all about coming together as one on the team.” PBA’s bench scored 21 points against the Gators. “We want our guys to care for each other and hold each other accountable,” Corbin said.

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