Iron Blade: April 2016 Issue 2

THE

IRON BLADE Vol. 61, No. 2

SINCE 1955

60 Years of Ferrum College News

April , 2016

CommUnity DJ Battle: Mexico v. Japan

by Hunter Ferguson In a world where killing is making the news almost daily, the need for cultural compromise and interaction is becoming increasingly important. CommUnity is Ferrum’s theme this year.

It was selected as the theme to promote people with different cultures, races and backgrounds to come together as a community to inform and help each other. On the night of Sept. 15, a Rec 341 class put on an event that shows that exact theme. The Panther’s Den was live and full of excitement from seven to eight p.m.. Music, food and lemonade are always sure to bring a crowd, and it didn’t fail. However, to emphasize the diversity and educational components, Jose Gutierrez of Mexico and Taiki Sawabe of Japan each selected three songs of their respective countries.

By selecting three songs, all of different genres, it allowed us Americans to dance, have fun and also be informed on the different styles of music that is out there.

“I hope our two DJ’s feel the warmth and spirit of Ferrum.” Dr. Chris Mayer (professor of Rec 341) said “I also hope the students open their minds to different ideas and forms of music and culture. We aren’t just citizens to the United States, we are citizens to the world.” Although the event was successful and everyone had a good time, there is more planning than just picking

what type of tacos and drinks to serve.

Sophomore Tionna McKenney works for facility services and explains the work that goes into setting up for these events that sometimes people take for granted. “Getting all the speakers, laptops and lights together is a lot. We have to get the lighting right, it is different for each event; we have to match the mood.

Also, it is important to know how many people are coming so we can figure photo by Hunter Feguson out the seating and Keith Ricks (junior) and Joey Martin (senior) helped orgazine the DJ Battle to help spread tables.” cultural awareness.

The hour long and split people up. So we want our events to event served its purpose and the two participants be educational, fun and interactive. I thought we had a great time watching everyone enjoy their could raise respect for different cultures through country’s music. Mayer felt like his event was food, music and dancing, and I feel like we aca success. “Diversity can sometimes backfire complished that.”

by Nia Pettiford Ferrum students elected 2016-17 class officers as well as senators on Sept. 14.

Newly-elected Freshman Class President Miranda Basden says she has a lot to offer Ferrum, not only being involved in volleyball, but also other activities.

“I wanted to be president because I feel I’m a good leader,” Basden said. “I was a leader in high school and wanted to continue into college.

I feel like I’m outgoing and I want to make a difference for the freshman class as much as I can.”

Basden is joined in the freshman class office by Vice-President Shelton Chapman Jr., and Secretary Breonna Hall.

Sophomore President Sean Thomas Trollinger is joined by Vice-President Andrew Meadows, and Secretary Alex Dixon.

Trollinger said, “I personally plan to try and get what the students wants. Obviously, we can't get everything we want here at Ferrum, but I just want to help make everyone’s four or more years here at Ferrum a more positive and memorable experience. Ferrum has a real glow about it, and most students are happy with their decision to be here. So my main goal is to have students maintain that positive happy atmosphere here at Ferrum.

“I really just want to be able help in the best way I can and keep our school as positive as possible, and that's why I ran for office.”

Ferrum juniors aren’t new to the school or reaching their last hurrah, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t as involved as the rest. Junior President Connor Rhodes has been busy coming up with ideas.

“I have some great plans and ideas for this coming year. I really want to bring Ferrum together as a huge family and create a sense of unity. It is important that we all come together and support each other. I hope to leave a positive mark on SGA and also my fellow classmates. For every change that I hope to make will be in the best interest of the student body and Ferrum as a whole.” When asked why he ran for office of president, Rhodes said, “I ran for office because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to join something bigger than myself and I also really wanted to stand up and speak for the unspoken. I wanted to develop a sense of community where everyone was heard. I also ran because I wanted to take on a larger leadership role. One of the most important things that I like hold myself accountable for is leading by example.”

Rhodes is joined by Secretary Peyton Chattin, with no junior vice president elected.

After three great years at Ferrum the senior class knows they want to leave a great final impression. Senior Class President Galdina Prado wants to leave Ferrum with a bang.

“With my new position I hope to make this year the best that my class has seen yet. I hope

Students Elect SGA Officers to make the senior class dance one to remember.”

Prado also said, “ I also want to help get our class more involved and excited about the small things that happen around campus. The reason I decided to run for office is Miranda Basden because I wanted to make a change. I thought that if there was a possible way to help better the Ferrum College community then why not take it? So here I am. I also wanted to take on a more responsible role and push myself to the best of my abilities because I am not the type of person to give up and I am dedicated to making the college that I've come to love a better place for future Ferrum students.” Prado is joined in office by Vice-President Haley Miles and Secretary Codie Parker.

Not only are the four classes represented, but so are the residence halls. The residence halls are represented by senators who speak for all of the residents who reside with them. Bassett Hall is represented by Alexis Venable and Dustin Swaine, Chapman Hall is represented by Terik Brown and Moore Hall is represented by Caitlyn Vaught.

Representation isn’t only for resident student, but also for non-resident students. The commuters are represented by Jake Martin.

The SGA meets Tuesdays at 7:15 in Franklin Hall at Student Leadership.

Page 2 - THE IRON BLADE - April, 2016

Field Hockey's First Conference Win up a penalty, allowing midfielder, Sierra Magdaleno to put Ferrum ahead. Magdaleno said, “I felt so much pride for my team and how hard we worked to get that win. It was our first conference game as a field hockey team and in that moment everything seemed worthwhile.

"The long practices and all the losses leading up to this big win were all worth it.

It all counted. I felt honored to score that courtesy of Ferrum Athletics goal to push us right The feild hockey team gathers for a celebration after their win over the over the line to win, but Sewanee Tigers. we played harder in that game than ever before.

by Graceanne Gershner 2014 they lost to the Tigers On Sept. 18, Ferrum’s by 9 goals and in 2015 they It wouldn’t have happened field hockey team won 2-1 lost by 3. Ferrum made their without maximum effort of against the Sewanee Ti- way to the top with this ex- every lady on that field.”

The Panthers suffered gers. This would be the field citing at-home win. hockey team's first win of The first goal of the back to back losses at Tranthe season and its first ever game was scored by forward, sylvania University (2-1 OT) conference win. Midfielder, Alex Madden (senior) in the and Centre College (0-7).

Ferrum hits the road Kiani Mohica (junior) de- first half of the game. The scribes Sewanee as a top Tigers answered back right on Sept. 24 and 25 in Kencompetitor in the SAA con- after the start of the second tucky. will return on Sept. 28 ference. Ferrum has lost to half to tie up the score. To- against Bridgewater College Sewanee during their first wards the closing minutes (4-3 overall, 1-1 conference) two years of the program. In of the game, Sewanee gave at home.

S TAFF Staff Writers, Photographers, and Other Contributors Co-Editors: Kaitlin Roeper & Patrick Duggan Design Team: Kaitlin Roeper, Patrick Duggan & Amani Fuller Sports Editor: Hunter Ferguson Online Editor: Sofia Hernandez

Alumni Spotlight: Chris Rodgers

by Graceanne Gershner Chris Rodgers, a 2015 Ferrum graduate, took the time to share with us what he’s been up to in the past year since he walked across the stage. As a sophomore, Rodgers explained that getting a diploma was almost completely out of reach for him.“I was mainly focused on playing lacrosse and going out to parties all the time,” Rodgers said. He explained that he simply just wouldn’t go to class. Sadly, the partying caught up to him; Rodgers was forced to put down the lacrosse stick and turn in his uniform. At the end of his sophomore year, Rodgers completely failed out of Ferrum.“I worked my tail off that summer to get back into school,” Rogers said “I knew I had to be there and I wanted to finish my academic career at Ferrum. If that meant that I had to quit lacrosse, then that was what I had to do and I did it.”

After a summer full of hard work, Rodgers was reinstated and was able to return the following fall. Once his grades started to pick up and he moved into his senior year, Rodgers explained that he also made a great group of friends that eventually became his family.

“I never really expected to make such good friends with these people considering it was my ‘last year’ at Ferrum,” Rodgers said. “My friends called that year for me ‘senior year part one’ and my fifth year at Ferrum was ‘senior year part two.’ My friends loved to rip on me for that”.

Rodgers explained that despite their constant joking towards him being in school for so long, they were a good influence on him in the long run and always had his back through thick and thin.“They were so proud of me when I finally got my butt across that stage,” Rodgers said.

Now, during his post-grad career, Rodgers lives in Fairfax, right outside of D.C. He has been working at a car dealership since graduation; Rodgers joked that working at the dealership has influenced him to turn in his massive Ford truck for a more gas friendly Hyundai. The business major graduate is now looking to interview at marketing firms in the D.C. and Maryland areas. He also just moved into his first apartment with his dog Axle. Rodgers says that he is in the best shape of his life right now and that he and his canine companion are going to compete in a 5k together next month.

“It was an uphill battle for me, but I’d consider myself a modern day success story,” Roger’s said. “It might have taken me five years to get out of there, but at least I did it.”

Rodgers went on the explain that he wouldn’t have changed anything about his college experience and that he will always have a love for Ferrum and the friends that he made there.

Staff: Nia Pettiford, Graceanne Gershner, CJ Reed, Kayla McMillan, Chris Rogers, AnnGardner Eubank, Aleysia Goodley, TJ Olmo, Bobbi Guire, Joey Pride, Jacob Rich

Letters Policy and Publication Details: Opinions expressed in The Iron Blade do not necessarily reflect those of Ferrum College administration, staff, faculty, or students.

The Iron Blade is published every week during the academic year at Ferrum College, Ferrum, Va. It is designed on Apple computers and printed at JS Printing in Montgomery, Ala. Material may be reprinted with the advisor’s written permission.

To contact The Iron Blade, call 365-4304 or e-mail iblade@ferrum.edu.

The crest on page one was designed by alumna Sandy Southard (’04) in 2005 and updated and colorized in 2009 by Glenn Thompson.

Join the Staff The Iron Blade is always looking for students who are interested in journalism, photography, or design. If you desire to contribute to The Iron Blade by being a writer, photographer, editor, or designer, please contact Tim Thornton at tthornton@ferrum.edu.

Photo by Graceanne Gershner

Chris Rodgers failed out but came back and found new love for Ferrum and a diploma.

Page 3 - THE IRON BLADE - April, 2016

SPORTS

Football Wins Again, Three Honored By Conference

by Chris Rogers Ferrum holds a 2-1 overall record after defeating both ODAC opponents, Emory-Henry and Hampden-Sydney. The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Harvey Taylor, who scored the game winning two point conversion over Emory-Henry in a 39-38 victory. The following week, Ferrum traveled to Shenandoah University where the Panthers suffered a 53-33 defeat.

However, Ferrum was able to bounce back Sept. 17 with a victory over the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney, finishing 42-20. Although the victory was important for the team, there were a few individuals the USA South conference selected to recognize in the victory.

Three Panthers were named with USA South Conference honors; freshman running back Brian Mann named 3-time Rookie of the week, Montel Lee named Defensive player of the week and D3 team of the week. Senior punter Tyler Morgan was also named Special Teams player of the week.

Montel Lee – Junior – Defensive End Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season individually and as a team?

“Our team goals are to take it one day at a time, one practice at a time, and one game at a time. I feel like if we can do this we will be where we want to be in November.

Left to right: Briann Mann (freshman), Montel Lee (junior), Tyler Morgan (senior).

As far as my individual goals, they will come depending on our team success.”

Q: What played a role in your record setting 4 sacks v. HamdenSydney?

“The defense played great in the second half we carried out the game plan that the coaches gave us; we wanted to put them in 3rd and long and that played a role into getting the sack record.”

Q: How does it feel to receive USA South honors and be named to D3 team of the week?

“It feels good to receive those honors but most importantly it feels good to be winning again.”

Brian Mann – Freshman – Running Back Q: What are your expectations

for the rest of the season individually and as a team?

“My expectation for our team is to be the best possible team that we can be. Eleven people working together as one unit on both sides of the ball.”

Q: With three straight 100 yard rushing games, did you expect for your college career to get off to such a hot start, especially as a freshman?

Brian Mann added, “Coming into camp I didn't even think that I would be starting, let alone have three straight 100 yard rushing games. I definitely didn't see myself in this position, especially as a freshman.”

Tyler Morgan – Senior - Punter Q: What was the key in the record 72 yard punt?

photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletics

Tyler Morgan: “I had great blocking from the front line and the shield. I was able to drive up through the ball over the returners head followed by great field coverage by our guys.

Q: What are your expectations individually and as a team moving through the rest of the season into conference play?

“Individually, I want to be the best at my position in the conference, which would give me a chance to be the best punter in D3 football. As for the team, take one game at a time, do our jobs, and at the end of the day we will feel good about our chances every game.”

Ferrum plays at Greensboro College (1-2) on Oct. 1 with a 1 p.m. kick-off.

Fall Sports Under Way, Beginning Conference Play Men's Soccer Has Rough Beginning To Season

by Joey Pride The men’s soccer team have had a rough start this year in comparison to previous years. About halfway through their season, the Panthers currently stand at 3-6 and are 1-1 in the USA South Athletic Conference. Their most recent win was 1-0 against conference rivals William Peace. Their biggest win was a 5-0 routing against Earlham College, while their biggest loss was a 5-2 defeat to Randolph College.

The team has been led by Shamarr Perry with six goals and Kyle Simpkins with four, while Moore Dolue leads the team with six assists. The Panthers will look to achieve a .500 record by the end of this week if they can record three consecutive wins against conference opponents Greensboro College (4-3) on Tuesday Sept. 27, NC Wesleyan College (5-3) on Saturday Oct 1, and Methodist University (4-3-1) on Sunday Oct. 2, with the two weekend games being at home.

photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletics

Cheyenne Strickland (sophomore) and Jessica Turner (senior) named to the Maroon Classic All-Tournament Team.

Despite Rough Start Three Players Recognized

by CJ Reed Ferrum College Volleyball ended the weekend picking up only one win. The Panthers started off the weekend in LaGrange, Georgia where they dropped both matches (17-25), (14-25), and (18-25) to Piedmont and (17-25), (17-25), and (19-25) to LaGrange. Sunday ended their trip south in Montgomery, Ala-

bama as they split a pair of matches defeating Agnes Scott (22-25), (2515), (25-18), (25-18) and losing (2225), (19-25), (17-25) to Huntingdon.

There were three Panthers who received honors the week of Sept. 12.

Senior Jessica Turner and sophomore Cheyenne Strickland received honors for the All-Tournament --Team during the Maroon Classic. During

the tournament, Hendrix ended with 49 digs and Strickland ended with 40 assit. Sarah Hendrix received Defensive Player of the week as well.

Sarah averaged 6.9 digs per set, had 93 digs total, 13 aces, seven assist, and 2 kills.

W h e n asked what that award meant to her she responded “It meant a great deal to me as a person because other Sarah Hendrix people in the conference see the effort and passion I play with in the game to help my team. As a player I couldn’t have gotten this honor without my team. They are the ones who help me get to where I need to be as a defensive player because that’s how our defense and being a team works. I couldn’t have done it without my team, coach, family, and even the conference because these people are the ones who believe I deserved that honor. I’m very grateful that I received that honor.”

Cont on Page 4

Page 4 - THE IRON BLADE - April, 2016

Ferrum Outdoors Hosts Bike Clinic And Demo

Also, I hope that any of the outdoor events that we do are accessible.”

There were dozens of students that showed up, some even brought their own bikes for repairs.

It was a successful event in Aaron and Dan’s eyes, but more importantly, it was a successful event in the participants eyes. `

(left) Zamir Echeagaray (freshman) is taking a bike out for a test drive.

by Hunter Ferguson Wednesday September 14th brought Ferrum perfect weather for a bike clinic in the quad. The head of our outdoor rec program, Aaron Conover, used the afternoon to invite students and faculty to take some time and learn about bike repairs.

Conover also invited Dan Lucas, a professional bike instructor from Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Lucas brought 12 bikes for participants to take a test ride around campus for half an hour or so. “I want to show people a new sports they might not have tried before. I want to get people excited about mountain biking in the area, it’s a very fast growing sport and luckily we have some of the best terrain on the east coast for it.” Lucas said.

This is the first of many events Ferrum Outdoors is planning to put on, but Conover still hopes this particular event will have a lasting effect on the student body. “I would love to see the college build a riding and cycling community.

by Hunter Ferguson The afternoon of Sept. 28 brought Ferrum rain and wind on the outside, but inside of the library’s LEAP room, it brought jokes and interesting messages.

English professor Beth Dantonio took about an hour to inform students and faculty about the importance of body language and other nonverbal communication.

“Don’t Stand So Close” was the theme of this talk. The title can mean different things, but attending this event allowed the crowd to create its own meaning for the phrase. Dantonio started out by telling stories were about her children and how she, as a mother, has this unspoken language with other mothers. She explained how usually this is a really good thing, but sometimes it can be misinterpreted very easily.

“This lady’s son was acting crazy in the grocery store.” Dantonio said. “The child was just being straight up bad, and the mother would just scream and cuss at the child, with me and max (her son) just a few feet away. Knowing Max as a small child, he would pick up this dialogue very quickly.

I didn’t want that.” Dantonio continued. “So I

gave the lady the mom look I was talking about, however she didn’t read from me what I thought I was displaying and she threatened to kick my ass in the parking lot!”

So while Beth Dantonio some non-verbal language has strong importance, it can also lead to misunderstandings very easily based on the two peoples moods or how accurately you display what you’re trying to say with your mind through your eyes.

Dantonio continued on to explain how the same gestures can mean very different things pending on the culture or country you use it in.

To sum this statement up, one gesture that could mean, in America “rock on,” could mean in Europe “your wife is cheating on you!”

During Dantonio’s presentation she needed another person up there with her to reenact a handshake exchange between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump at the recent debate. She chose Dr. Jack Corvin. “It was really interesting to look at things from that perspective. I am used to interpreting things through other people’s minds and what they say, I learned a lot about how we can talk through body language this afternoon, I also thought I did a great job as Hilary Clinton.”

Corvin joked.

Dantonio concluded her talk by giving the audience a few fun facts. There was one in particular I found interesting. “A woman has a higher range of peripheral vision. This allows them to check out men much easier, and less obviously. This is why you will notice men will turn their head up and down, very obviously, to check a woman out. It also might be because men just don’t care as much who sees!” Dantonio explained.

The knowledge, relaxed atmosphere and relatable explanations were all present on this Wednesday afternoon. Dantonio admitted to being nervous, but it never showed.

Sports Round-Up

Cross Country: Teeple Shines

vidual event, but this time in a field of 125 runners.

The women’s team managed a 10th place finish, while the men were 13th overall.

Coach Paul Biggs' teams will be back in action Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Hagan Stone Classic.

photos by Sofia Hernandez

Correction

A cutline in Zorb 360 featured in September's issue of The Iron Blade misattributed a quote. Justin Muse, director of Student Leadership and Engagement said, "I think the Zorb 360 was a great success. It was what we expected and more. Everyone that participated, after some encouragement, had fun and a good workout. It was harder than it looked."

Beth Dantonio Explains Interpreting Body Language

Cont on Page 3

The Panthers will face Emory & Henry College Tuesday Sept. 27, 2016. Ferrum goes into that game with an overall record of 5-12 (1-4) in the conference and Emory & Henry 9-7 overall record and (2-2) in the conference.

Ferrum Golf Impresses With Opening Tournament

by Hunter Ferguson Sept. 12 and 13 marked the tee off of the annual 2016 Tom Kinder Memorial tournament. Ferrum took care of business in their first competition of the year, winning the tournament by 8 strokes with a team score of 576. The next closest teams were Hampden Sydney (584), Virginia Wesleyan College (587), and hosting team Bridgewater College (592).

Individually, Ferrum's Brandon Bailey (senior) and Lance Keiser (freshman) finished first and second in a field of 90 golfers.

Ferrum competes next in Atlanta, at the Royal Lakes Invitational on Oct. 3 and 4.

Cross Country

by Nia Pettiford At the 2016 Maroon Invitational hosted by Roanoke College on September 17th, Ferrum’s Women’s Cross Country Came in 4th after Roanoke, Mary Baldwin, and Hollins. Junior, Melissa Teeple, finished third in a field of 52 women runners in Melissa Teeple the 5-K. Ferrum’s men also came in 4th overall after Roanoke, UVA-Wise, and Averett.

Cross Country will be at it Saturday, Sept.

24, at the Greensboro Invitational.

Ferrum’s Womens Cross Country team finished 4th in the annual Maroon Invitational at Roanoke College on September 17th. Junior Melissa Teeple managed a 3rd place finish in a field of 52 runners in the 5K portion of the event.

The men also finished 4th at the Maroon Invitational.

The Greensboro Invitational was held on September 24th. Teeple finished 4th in her indi-

Women's Soccer: Stuart Earns USA South Athlete Of The Week

by Jacob Rich Ferrum panther’s women’s soccer team has an overall record of (4-4) and a conference record of (2-2).

The panther’s most recent game was on Sunday September 25th against Greensboro Peyton Stuart College which resulted in a 2-1 loss for the panthers. Freshman Payton Stuart was named Athlete of the week for the USA South conference. Stuart racked up her first ever college career hat trick. Which helped the panthers in their big 7-0 win over William Peace University. The Ferrum panthers look to keep building confidence as their conference schedule strengthens.