Game of the week p. 11 Student death p. 2 Florence fashion show p. 7 Quaterback injury p. 10 September 21, 2017 Vol. 86, Issue 3
2 NEWS
Courtesy of Molly Newton’s Facebook
Junior Jackson Newton died from injuries sustained in an ATV wreck early Sept. 16. Newton grew up in the Lexington area and graduated from Lexington High School in 2015.
Campus mourns loss of student CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net
Junior Jackson Newton died from injuries sustained in an ATV wreck early Sept. 16. Lauderdale County Deputy Coroner Mike Bishop pronounced Newton dead on the scene. Lieutenant Brad Potts said the cause of the accident is still under investigation through the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s office. “The case is still being openly investigated,” Potts said. “The case will be presented to a grand jury to determine if any charges will be made against the driver of the ATV.” The accident occurred in a field near Lauderdale County Road 86 and Lauderdale County Road 97 in Rogersville. Newton grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 2015. He was 20 years old. He umpired for local Dixie Youth baseball games. Junior Jacob Cole said he grew up with Newton for 20 years. “I don’t know what I’m going to do next,” Cole said.
Junior Danna Brewer said she is grieving, but her faith reminds her she will see her friend again. “It really makes you think and put your own life into perspective when you see people who are just as young and full of life as you lose theirs too quickly,” Brewer said in a Facebook post. “We are never promised tomorrow, and that is something that is so hard to realize at 20.” Lexington High School students wore purple Sept. 18 to symbolize community strength and show support for Newton’s family during this time. Junior Abbi Brown said he was one of her first friends when she moved to Lexington High School. “I feel like my world is crumbling without you here,” Brown said. His Facebook page is now memorialized through Facebook Legacy so his friends and family can share their memories of him. For information on the funeral, contact Loretto Memorial Chapel. Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on the investigation.
Editor’s Note: Jacob Cole is the Sports Editor for The Flor-Ala.
Courtsey of Lori Newton’s Facebook
Junior Jackson Newton (far right) celebrates time with his family. Newton’s friends mourn his death, but they said they know they will see him again.
NEWS 3
First generation college student finds success JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu
ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer
Students take a moment to recycle before going to class. The Student Government Association placed 22 pairs of recycling bins in academic buildings around campus.
SGA hears student concerns JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu Student Government Association Student Welfare focuses on issues students say are important, such as recycling and disability accessibility. The main goal is to stay in direct communication with the students, said SGA chairman of student welfare, Blake Humphries. “We are striving to keep visibility, diversity and connection with the students this year in SGA,” Humphries said. Graduate Assistant and Residence Hall Council Adviser Katie Kelsoe partnered with Supervisor of Grounds Paul Graham to put 22 pairs of recycling bins in the academic buildings around campus. “Each number presents a pair (one for paper and one for bottles/cans that are placed together),” Kelsoe said in an email. Stevens Hall has seven pairs of recycling bins. The Math building, Wesleyan Hall, Wesleyan Annex, the Communications building and the Art/ Music building all have two pairs of bins. Bibb Graves has five pairs of bins. Keller and Rayburn have four pairs of bins. The science building has six pairs of bins. Senate Student Welfare Committee and University Program Council Culture and Education Committee are working together to place posters over the recycling bins with information on what can and cannot go in the bins. Sophomore Nicholas Sullivan said he has not noticed any recycling bins yet. “I think students would love to recycle their waste if given the option,” Sullivan said. Senator junior Annie Park is working with University Grounds to inspect each academic building for braille and disability accessibility. Sophomore Claire Hampton is working on a way to correct the congested sidewalk from the Commons building to the fountain. Junior Huyen Pham said this should be of concern to all because of how frequently used the area is. “I take the sidewalk from the Commons to the fountain quite frequently
because it connects to all of the academic buildings I have classes in,” Pham said. Some committees, such as the Food Committee, will always have ongoing projects, Humphries said. “Our senators are always working toward more meal deals for the students or any type of discounts they can offer us,” Humphries said. Vice President of Senate Jason Sparks is working on adding a free student survival guide. Educator at Muscle Shoals City Schools and graduate student Skyler Kirchner said anything free for the students is a good idea. “In my knowledge of the student survival guide, I am convinced this is a benefit each college student would buy into,” Kirchner said, “I understand how expensive classes can be. Costs can range from book fees, class fees, dining dollars and more.” The student survival guide will include student financial tips and ways to make it through the college experience. The student survival guide is a work in progress, Humphries said.
Despite common difficulties associated with being a first generation college student, junior Jason Sparks found success in his endeavor for higher education. Students elected Spark the vice president of Student Government Association Senate under the slogan “to the students, for the students.” Sparks said he holds himself to high expectations. He said he was extremely excited to receive the VP of Senate position from Tyler Delano back in April. “My sister and I are first generation college students,” Sparks said. “She is working on her doctorate now. She is really smart, and graduated from high school at sixteen, so I am following powerful footsteps.” Sparks is from Muscle Shoals and graduated from Muscle Shoals High School in 2015. Sparks’ colleagues said he works hard to keep his grades up, stay present in the SGA and stay financially stable. Senior Hayden Sutton, Sparks’ roommate, said Sparks is an outstanding person. “He is honest and trustworthy, always there for you when you need him and always willing to help,” Sutton said. “I always know that I can count on him, and I have the utmost respect for him.” Sparks is in the College of Republicans, Catholic Campus Ministries and Alpha Tau Omega. One of Sparks’ fraternity brothers, junior Will Lindsey, said he has known Sparks for a long time. “He’s everything you could ask for as a friend, Senate VP and fraternity brother,” Sparks said, “He sets his mind
on things and works hard to get things done.” Tyler Thompson, director of student engagement, said Sparks is a good listener, which Thompson said is extremely important for his role. Sophomore Grace Binkowski said Sparks is a driven leader. “His heart is for the students and desires for SGA to be a positive organization on campus,” Binkowski said. Sparks said he, along with all of the executive branch, is working to push senators to capacity so every student can have representation. Sparks said Senate has a maximum capacity of 31 senators right now. This allows each senator to represent 240 students. “We are striving to get more student input this year more than ever before,” Sparks said. Junior Sam Mashburn said Sparks was an asset to the Rules and Regulations committee last year. Mashburn said Sparks, alongside senior Andrew Barton, created and altered the Code of Laws concerning the Judicial Branch of SGA. “One thing I really appreciate about Sparks’ leadership style is that he allows people to be creative in the way they accomplish goals,” Mashburn said, “Sparks is always willing to help enable people to be better leaders themselves.” Sparks said he looks forward to the rest of his time in office. “My time as VP has already been more than I could have imagined,” Sparks said. “Being able to come to UNA everyday and be able to see the changes we’ve made , knowing the things we are working on, and knowing we have a bright future ahead gets me so excited and ready for things to get done for the welfare of the student body.”
Behind the scenes of SGA MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
Vice President of Senate Jason Sparks works with Student Government Association members to bring SGA “to the students for the students.” This was Sparks campaign in the 2017 SGA Officer elections.
4 NEWS
New program promotes healthy lifestyle on campus CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net A new program on campus aims to promote a healthy lifestyle in the UNA community. Worksite Wellness is a program Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Lee Renfroe and her graduate student Jackie Allen developed. The program is a partnership with HPER and Human Resources. Academic Affairs funds the program. Allen said living a healthy life will increase campus productivity. “It just really pays off to be as healthy as you can be,” Allen said. Allen said she aimed the program mostly to at faculty and staff, but some of their work applies to students too, such as the no smoking policy. She said her job in spring 2017 was to work on developing campus smoking cessation programs. Allen said she is working to finalize programs and information brochures on the policy and benefits of quitting smoking. Allen said there are groups already in place to promote a healthy lifestyle. She said she hopes the program will serve as an organized effort to promote resources and address additional topics on campus.
Allen said she hopes to partner with existing groups on campus, such as the Student Recreation Center, University Health Services and Faculty Health Services. “There is always going to be that partnership,” Allen said. “We certainly can’t do it alone.” Allen said the department is working on developing a website with information on university resources regarding a healthy lifestyle. It will also include information on nutrition, stress, exercise and information on campus programs. She said the program partnered with the Department of Communication. She hopes the website will be live in spring ‘18. Allen said initial feedback on the program seems positive. Sophomore Emily Asherbranner said the program would help educate others on health topics. “I think it could be a very useful tool for students who are really trying to improve their lifestyle,” Asherbranner said. “There is so much information about healthy living out there, but it can be very hard to know where to start.” Worksite Wellness is partnering with YMCA of the Shoals for a Walk for Wellness event Nov. 9. Anyone is able to attend this event. Its purpose is to promote physical
HILLARY TAYLOR | Videographer
Students practice yoga in the Student Recreation Center. This is considered a form of stress relief and exercise to increase a healthy lifestyle. activities and identify problem walking areas on campus. Allen said she is willing to hear
feedback or ideas the UNA community would like to see the program do. For feedback, email wellness@una.edu.
Construction limits game day parking TREVOR SHERRILL Student Writer tsherrill1@una.edu
As students prepare to attend the first traditional home game of the season Sept. 23, the UNA Athletic Department works to ensure the construction of Florence
Middle School does not affect fans during game day at Braly Stadium Matthew Daniels, manager of athletics operations and facilities, said officials over traffic and police will adjust traffic to compensate for the construction. “Traffic will be affected from the standpoint that there are certain roads near the stadium that will be closed or one way only,” Daniels said. “That is to streamline the traffic working in conjunction with UNA Police and Florence Police.” Overall, students should not have a problem with parking or transportation. “They have got their space in the Spirit Quad, there is a good bit of parking, (and) we are running shuttle buses from campus,” Daniels said. Freshman Christina Hoffmann said she works the ticket booth on game days. “I had to park a quarter mile away and walk to the top of the hill for my job.” Hoffmann said. “There is very limited parking even hours before the game.” If students do not want to worry about parking, they can find shuttle buses at the UNA parking deck, the fountain and Appleby dorms. They can shuttle, and it will bring them straight to the stadium. It will take students back to the same spots after the game. One of the main spaces officials provide for students is the baseball field on the South side of the stadium. This area is
where the university will house the Spirit Quad and where the bulk of tailgating will be. The Spirit Quad moved to the former Florence High School baseball field during fall 2015. It was originally at the top of the hill in front of Coffee Gymnasium. This is where the construction is taking place. Pride of Dixie Marching Band Freshman Mary Derrough said construction is a hassle on game day. “It makes parking so difficult for practice, games and getting to the field,” she said. Daniels said the athletic department is doing all it can to make game day as easy as possible. “It is what it is, and our students did a great job last year,” Daniels said. “They come out to our games, they are loud and proud, and that’s what we need to get again this year.” Daniels said there was not a big change in attendance during the fall 2016 season because of construction. The attendance fluctuated from game to game. He said he is thankful for student support for game day attendance. “Our student athletes love to look up in the stands and see their fellow students.” Daniels said. “It means the world to our student athletes, and we just need their support to go on and win a fifth conference championship in a row.”
NEWS 5
VP reviews smoking policy CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net It has been one month since students returned to campus, and Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields said the student response to the new smoking policy impresses him. The new policy to turn UNA into a smoke-free campus took effect Aug. 1. Shields said he has not received any complaints of violations so far. Shields said he thinks the transition year helped people adjust to the policy. When school started back, Shields placed “no smoking signs” at previous designated smoking spots to ensure there was no confusion over the policy. Shields said he carries pocket-size pamphlets with information on the new policy in case he notices a policy violation. “Where we’ve seen the possibility of problems, we’ve addressed those beforehand,” Shields said. “The intent is to be educational and not to be punitive.” Senior Quintus Rowlett said he is surprised at the response to the new no smoking policy. “People have been respecting the rules,” Rowlett said. “I have not seen people smoking around campus.” Shields said he has noticed a small problem with people smoking at areas they may not realize the university owns, such as the off-campus bookstore, or students or faculty going to private or city property to smoke. The campus is working to address this. Another problem arose because of the demolition of Floyd Hall. Shields said if a faculty member contracts someone for a job on campus, it is his or her responsibility to inform the company about the policy. Shields said it was difficult with the contractors working at the Floyd Hall site because the policy changed during the time they were on campus. This problem is currently under
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control. Shields said he also expects a problem with upcoming games. The university is working to add additional signs informing visitors of the policy. University officials will monitor the tailgating area at game day. Shields said the inside of Braly Stadium has always been smoke free, but now the no smoking policy will apply to the entire property since UNA runs the facility on game day. Freshman Ben Bullion said the policy is not fair to students used to using nicotine as a form of coping with stress. “It’s ridiculous that they expect us to up and quit smoking like that,” Bullion said. “I have to vape in order to quit smoking.” Shields said because of people trying to stop smoking, the university added smoking cessation programs. This includes programs through Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Lunch and Learn events on campus. He said he does not know how many students participate in these programs because of privacy. “That’s a personal thing for folks,” Shields said. “I encourage them if they want to do that, to utilize those services.” Shields said the new policy makes UNA “part of the norm” now among Alabama universities. The no smoking policy took effect Aug. 1. The policy outlaws smoking on all UNA owned property, including Braly Stadium on game day, the UNA East Campus and the Mane Room. This includes traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Shields said the original policy outlawed tobacco, but the university decided not to implement this at the same time as the no smoking policy because he knew some would have a tough time adjusting. He said the university will look at adding a policy forbidding tobacco once the campus adjusts to the smokefree policy. There are currently no official plans to implement this policy.
Where we’ve seen the possibility of problems, we’ve addressed those beforehand. The intent is to be educational and not punitive. David Shields | Vice President of Student Affairs
ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer
UNA’s new no smoking policy took effect Aug. 1. The university is working to add additional no smoking signs.
ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer
Administrative Assistant Mathew Pereda (left) and Associate Director of Digital Communications Mitchel Moon (right) smoke at the designated smoking zones in spring 2017. This policy called for a “transition year” during the 2016-2017 school year.
LIFE 7 Student-led fashion show premiering in Florence TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net
intermissions between segments of the show, during which UNA culinary students will serve hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a When picturing a fashion silent auction before show, one might imagine a the show consisting of big, bright runway in Paris donated items. or New York. However, fashion Merchandising is everywhere and will soon be students from the hitting the stage in Florence. Connie D. McKinney The Shoals Designer Showcase Department of will take place at Singin’ River to create a Human Sciences, Live Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. Hospitality and Tickets are $30 for general Design will lead admission and $15 for the event. All students, but they must show proceeds from their Mane Card. we could let the show will The show will feature know go toward the the works of both UNA merchandising students a little bit about our department. “We really and local designers Billy wanted to Reid, Alabama Chanin department, create a and the late Marigail community Mathis. e v e n t Merchandising Instructor Laura immersed in the w h e r e we could McKee said let the there will be three
We really w ante d
community
event
where
community
community know a little bit about our department, but also to create a fun event for locals to be immersed in the Shoals industry,” McKee said. Junior Jarrod Kennemore said despite Florence being well-known for its musical history, it is possible for the city to honor both. “Fashion and music somehow tie together,” he said. “When you see different celebrities that do music and wear fashion, they make other people want to dress like them.” McKee said she created an elective class, Fashion Show Production,
where merchandising students worked to help put the show together. The students who are submitting their work have previously taken her Advanced Clothing class and almost all of them are submitting designs they made for the class. Junior Whitney Parker said she supports the show being student-led and believes the chance for students to present their work to a large crowd does not happen to everyone. To read more about the Shoals Designer Showcase, visit florala.net.
the
but also to create a fun event for locals to be Shoals fashion industry.”
-Laura McKee
Merchandising Instructor DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer
Local shop makes room for coffee and studying TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net While places like Rivertown Coffee Co. and Turbo Coffee can sometimes get noisy and crowded, there is one place that offers plenty of room for quiet studying for upcoming exams. Located in Court Street Market, Lyons Coffee Roastery provides a larger environment for study groups by taking up the entire first floor of the building. Owner and manager Scarlett Lyons said the large space is great for students who need a place to study. “It’s a big, open area (with) tables spread out, perfect for small or big study groups,” she said. Freshman Abbie Hargett said it is good to have a place to study away from campus. “(Lyons is) definitely not as loud, and you’re not going to have as many distractions from students,” Hargett said. The shop is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lyons said the shop is busiest around lunchtime. Besides hot coffee, the menu includes cold brew lattes, nitro cold brew and their signature “coffee floats” made with
warm coffee and vanilla ice cream. Lyons said the shop does not usually have food, but students are welcome to bring their own. Student discounts are also available. The shop holds the honor of being the only place in the entire Shoals area that roasts coffee onsite to sell. Because of this, it sells roasted coffee to several nearby establishments, such as Bookmarks Coffee Shop, Blank Coffee, Comics and Records, and others located in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Tennessee. Lyons said her roastery stands out from other coffee shops because of its quieter atmosphere. “It is a quieter work vibe, since we are focused on roasting,” she said. “We always have music going and the coffee roasting in the background. Some students really like to study in that kind of environment.” Lyons said she and her family moved to Florence around five years ago from California and found that, unlike Los Angeles, the city had no local roaster. “While in L.A., we were spoiled with fresh roasted coffee and missed it after we moved back,” she said. “So, we got a small home roaster and started roasting for ourselves.” Her family began selling the coffee at
the local farmers market soon afterward, only to receive with high demand. This led to them deciding to open their own roastery. “I think that them not being a franchise kind of gives them a different name,” said junior Ben August. “Originality is always something that some people look for.”
Lyons said the decision to name the establishment “Lyons” was not because of UNA’s lions, but from her family drawing inspiration from the industrial era of Florence, where owners would usually name their businesses after their names. To read more about Lyons Coffee Roasters, visit florala.net.
MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
Employee Ben Schoenbachler makes coffee at Lyons Coffee Roasters. The roastery is located in Court Street Market.
8 LIFE Students become first interns through Yellowstone program TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net While many UNA students tend to intern in Alabama, senior Cody Ringelstein and graduate student Sara Bayles decided to go to the worlds’s first national park, Yellowstone. As part of the Yellowstone Forever program, the two students were able to spend their past summer interning at Lamar Buffalo Ranch, which counted as credit toward their required internships. Bayles said they agreed to work for 400 hours but reached this goal within six weeks, ending with at least 2,000 hours over the course of four months. The two students joined four other volunteers at the ranch. However, they are the first college interns to work through the program. Bayles said she and Ringelstein desired to intern in Yellowstone after going in 2015 as part of the UNA West program, which allows students to visit different national parks. Ringelstein said Yellowstone stood out from the other national parks because of its wild and wide-open environment. “(There are) not many other places you can go where you can see bears, wolves and all these apex predators in one area in the wild,” he said. Bayles said she enjoys the history behind the creation of the park. “People came together and made this place, preserved it and made it a national park before there was even a park service,” she said.
Courtesy of Sara Bayles
Graduate student Sara Bayles (far right) accompanies the High Country Wildflowers program on a hike to see wildflowers growing at high elevations. This was a four-day program, with all participants hiking six to eight miles each day. Thomas Coates, former chair of the department of health, physical education and recreation, was involved in setting up the internship to connect UNA with Yellowstone. Coates, who previously led UNA West, said he knew Ringelstein and Bayles would be the right students to participate in the internship. “I got to observe Cody and Sara in the field (during UNA West), working in a group setting (and) accepting responsibility as part of the team,” he said. “Both had some of the qualities that I was looking for.”
Yellowstone Forever utilizes both employed staff members and volunteers from across the U.S. Bayles and Ringelstein’s served as campus and program volunteers at the ranch, which consisted of switching shifts between program supervisors and camp duties. Different groups would come to the ranch for educational programs, which Bayles and Ringelstein had to supervise on trips through the valley. “We were pretty much like lifeguards on land,” he said. “Some classes are going to hike one mile,
some are going to hike 12 to 15 miles. (With) some classes, you’re going to go through water (and) some you’re not even going to leave the bus.” Camp duty consisted of staying behind on the ranch to clean the cabins and bunkhouse. After this, they would wait for the groups to return. Ringelstein said they could see two miles straight across the ranch. “We would have bison come through the ranch all the time,” he said. To read more about Ringelstein and Bayles’ experience, visit florala.net.
Courtesy of Cody Ringelstein
Senior Cody Ringelstein (left) joins the Spring Babies class to learn about Yellowstone’s mammals and their offspring. Mike Rosekrans, the instructor of the three-day class, is shown accompanying him.
LIFE 9
Whitewashing film trend brings mixed campus response Whitewashing in film refers to the casting of white actors in the roles of traditionally non-white characters, according to The Sociological Cinema. This also has an effect on the representation of nominees in award shows such as the Oscars and Emmy’s. While this is not an everyday occurrence, recent films including “The Lone Ranger,” “Pan” and “Ghost in the Shell” have sparked controversy.
Information compiled by TYLER HARGETT | Life Editor
Ghost in the Shell
Death Note In the “Ghost in the Shell” manga and anime, Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cybernetic Japanese field commander in law enforcement. However, in the 2017 American live-action film, Kusanagi, besides being portrayed by Caucasian actor Scarlett Johansson, is changed to ‘Mira Killian.’ No spoilers for those who have not seen the film, but even though it tries to tie the two versions of the character together, this did not amuse some fans.
In the “Death Note” anime, manga and live-action Japanese films, Light Yagami is a Japanese high school student who obtains the power to kill people just by writing their names on a notebook page. Despite this, the 2017 American adaptation (released on Netflix), Light is now ‘Light Turner,’ and portrayed by Caucasian actor Nat Wolff. While director Adam Wingard said the film is a different version of the story, this has not ceased all of the controversy.
Motoko Kusanagi / Scarlett Johansson
Nat Wolff / Light Yagami
What are your thoughts on whitewashing in film?
JAMAL CHAMBELISS - FRESHMAN
AUDREY BURTON - SENIOR
SHANNON OʼNEILL - FRESHMAN
“I feel (like) they need to do a better job of trying to find actors that fit the role for the movie.”
“I know (Disney has) films like the live action “Mulan” and “Lion King” where they are actually giving the roles to people who fit the correct ethnicity, but I think it’s still a problem.”
“If (the actors) are genuinely better than anyone else that had auditioned, then I think it’s OK.”
GRAYSON MCGUIRE - FRESHMAN
RAINIE ZHENG - GRADUATE STUDENT
BIRKRAM GILL - GRADUATE STUDENT
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a male or female (role) or whatever race or gender they are. It’s just about how the person plays the role.”
“If you don’t have prerequisites (actors of other races that speak English well and are hired out of respect for the films), choosing white actors for the role I think is okay. However, not everyone thinks so.” (Translated)
“This is really, really unfair for (minorities). I think (whitewashing) must be cut out and (sorted out). If (the film industry) keeps doing this, it will put a bad impression for the new generation which is to come.”
CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer
Information compiled by SARA HAYLEY | Student Writer
10 SPORTS
Scoreboard Safety proves to be asset to team
Sept. 8 - Sept. 30 Football Sept. 16 at Valdosta St. Win, 30-24 Sept. 23 vs. West Ala.
Volleyball Sept. 12 vs. Alcorn St. Win, 3-0 Sept. 15 vs. Auburn-Mont. Win, 3-0 Sept. 16 vs. Tuskegee Win, 3-0 Sept. 16 vs. West Ala. Win, 3-1 Sept. 22 vs. West Fla. Sept. 23 vs. Valdosta St.
Soccer Sept. 8 vs. Christian Bros. Win, 2-1 Sept. 10 vs. Union Win 4-1 Sept. 15 at Auburn-Mont. Win 4-2 Sept. 17 at Montevallo Win 1-0 Sept. 22 Alabama-Hunts.
CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer
Junior safety Chris Johnson (13) wraps up a tackle with teammate Nick Nichols (29) at the Texas A&M-Commerce game Sept. 1. Johnson became player of the game after performing well in the season opener. MACIE PIGG Student Writer mpigg@una.edu After his first game at UNA, junior Chris Johnson became player of the game for his performance against Texas A&M-Commerce. In the first football game of the season, Johnson had two interceptions. Originally from Birmingham, Johnson graduated from Oak Mountain High School. The junior transferred to UNA from the University of Albany in New York. “He’s a guy we weren’t sure we were going to take or not,” said head football coach Chris Willis. “We didn’t know a lot about him. But we did, and he’s been great. I think his best football is still ahead of him.” Johnson started playing football at six years old. Like many others, it was
a sport he never wanted to let go of. “Honestly, I love everything about it,” Johnson said. “There’s not one thing I can say I don’t like.” The path to being a college athlete so far has been obstacle free for Johnson. The only setback is he does not get to live like a normal student, but he said he does not mind. Although he has been at UNA for a short amount of time, Johnson has already made an impact. Willis said Johnson has improved on his catching. “He’s always had good hands, but he did struggle when he first started camp with just the way we do things,” Willis said. “Now, he’s gotten comfortable. I can tell.” It is not only his performance on the field making a difference. His character seems to stand out the most, Willis said. “Everyone seems to take a liking
Quarterback sustains concussion HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net
Cross-country Sept. 30 at Greater Louisville Classic Games continued at roarlions.com
to him,” he said. “I know he’s a locker room guy, he has comradery and he doesn’t seem to have any enemies.” Willis said Johnson leads by example. He is not an outspoken leader, but he is always there on time, where he is supposed to be and acts like he is supposed to out in public. “I don’t have many major accolades on the field,” Johnson said. “I like to just let my game speak for itself.” Off the field, Johnson said he likes to relax and play video games with friends. After college, Johnson plans to pursue professional football, but if that does not work, he plans to be a physical therapist. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity to play here at a great place with great people,” Johnson said. “I look forward to a great season and hopefully we’ll make another run at the championship.”
CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer
Sophomore Blake Hawkins runs the ball in the Texas A&MCommerce game Sept. 1. He was injured in the Sept. 16 game.
North Alabama’s victory over Valdosta State was not the only close call the Lions faced at the football game Sept. 16. Sophomore quarterback Blake Hawkins succumbed to injury during the game. He was knocked unconscious during the second quarter when several players dove for a loose football, and Hawkins had to go to the hospital, said Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Communications Jeff Hodges Athletic Trainer Joshua Penny said Hawkins sustained a concussion.
“(Hawkins) was taken to the hospital as a precaution,” Penny said. “He has entered concussion protocol.” Hawkins is a redshirt sophomore from Florence. He is an asset to the team as he was the fourth best rusher in 2016. The quarterback cannot play again until doctors release him. “(He will) return once he has been cleared by physicians,” Penny said. Penny said he was thankful for all the concern about Hawkins. Even though they had a man down, the Lions won the game 3024. This was the first victory for new coach, Christopher Willis. Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on the quarterback.
SPORTS 11
DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer
MACIE PIGG Student Writer mpigg@una.edu
MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
A North Alabama rugby player rushes toward the opponent in the Lions’ season-opening victory against Vanderbilt at Veterans Park Sept. 3, 2016. The Lions will play against Vanderbilt again in the upcoming weeks.
Rugby club wins against Ole Miss JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net The North Alabama Rugby Club team took down Ole Miss last week, and they are looking for more success in the future. The Lions beat the Rebels 50-34 to start the season at 1-0. Head coach Eddie Roberts said he hopes the win boosts his team’s play, and also helps bring more people to play on the campus at UNA. “It’s a big win for the program, beating an SEC opponent,” Roberts said. “It gets our season off to a
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great start and, hopefully, will help us with recruiting on campus.” The Lions Rugby team plays all Division I teams during its nonconference schedule, including the University of Memphis and Vanderbilt University in the next two weeks. After UNA’s 50-34 win over Ole Miss, outside center Darnell Dothard said the win shows how good the team can be. “It was a great win because it tested our ability, and it showed us the things we did well and aspects we need to improve on,” Dothard said. “It demonstrates we can compete with Division I schools.”
Everyone played well. With our senior leadership on this team it is hard to pick just one person as a standout. It was truly a team win. Eddie Roberts | Head rugby coach
Roberts said the seniors did an excellent job in game one, with the newcomers making an impact. “Everyone played well, Roberts said. “With our senior leadership on this team it is hard to pick just one person as a standout. It was truly a team win. We were also able to get a lot of new players on the field.” Roberts said many of the new players played well and should be able to help down the road for the UNA Rugby Club. The club relies on people on campus signing up to play at anytime during the semester. Dothard said he hopes more people come play for the team because rugby is unique. “It is the definition of a team sport because it is hard for one player to completely dominate a game like in other sports,” Dothard said. “To be successful as a team, you have to collaborate and work together.” Roberts said he is ready to see how the season progresses. “We are very optimistic about the new season,” Roberts said. Anyone interested in joining the UNA Rugby Club can contact head coach Eddie Roberts by email at eddier@alafarm.com or by cell phone at 256-309-8707.
The North Alabama Lions volleyball team went 3-0 against Alcorn State Tuesday night, scoring 26-6, 25-8 and 25-9. Senior Jessica Austin was a standout for UNA with 15 kills out of the 16 she attempted. Austin finished this game with .938 percent hitting score. She was close to beating the school record for hitting percentage with a minimum of 15 attempts. The record is .941 percent. Austin said it was hard for her to pick a favorite of all her kills because many are similar, but she decided her favorite was the one she tipped over. “I can never do that,” she said. “That has to be my favorite.” With senior Lexie Bradley sitting this game out due to sickness, Austin said she felt she needed to step up. “You always feel like you need to step up when you have one of your other best players out,” Austin said. Freshman Christina Ellwanger finished with 10 kills. Junior Jayden Davila-McClary added 30 assists, while junior Ava Carnley finished with 14 digs. Head coach Stephani Radecki said she appreciated the way the team performed. She said she saw some improvement. “So far this season, when we’ve come out and won the first two sets, we’ve lost a little focus,” Radecki said. “Tonight, I think they did a really good job at staying focused.” Volleyball began the UNA Volleyball Classic Tournament Sept. 15. The Lions are currently 3-0 this season. Editor’s Note: This issues cover photo comes from sports Game of the Week.
OPINION 13 Schools need more scholarships for transfer students
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY SANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID SAN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE VIDEOGRAPHER H ILLARY TAYLOR ADVISER S COTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY CALEB COLE
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TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net Transfer students need more scholarships. I realize it is impossible to completely pay for everyone’s college, but why is there not a larger variety of scholarships for students? The Alabama Legislature recently decided not to increase funding for UNA, resulting in a higher tuition increase. This resulted in the 586 transfer students, in fall 2016, wondering if they would be able to afford coming to UNA. My college experience began like many others, not at a university like UNA, but at a community college. While there is nothing wrong with just earning an associate’s degree, I wanted to
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Christopher Burns cburns@una.edu The Flor-Ala published a piece by Ciera Golliver denouncing the use of racial slurs Sept. 11, 2017. Before I get into why I think your article is harmful to African-Americans and should have never been published, I would like to know how much thought went into your writing and did you ever consider it to be insensitive? How many of your African-American coworkers or friends did you consult or think about before writing this piece? It goes without saying that your aim of attack is toward the African-
take the next step and earn my bachelor’s. However, with changing colleges, the issue of doing another scholarship hunt always arises. It would be nice if there were an “apply for all” button one could press. Since I planned to transfer to UNA, I checked their website for transfer scholarships. However, at the time, I found that the only transfer-exclusive scholarship offered was for members of Phi Theta Kappa. This scholarship amounts to $1800 a semester. To get it, one must be in “good standing” with Phi Theta Kappa and have a minimum 3.25 GPA and 48 transferable credit hours. Since I was a member of Northwest Shoals Community College’s chapter who kept up my grades and took enough classes, I received the scholarship on awards night. However, I know there are other students who share my situation but are not members of Phi Theta Kappa. What are they going to do? In my search, I found additional money for transfer students offered at UNA, but they do not apply to everyone. Since my transfer to UNA, the university added another transferexclusive scholarship for students coming from community college. However, it only amounts to $1,000 a semester, which if one is lucky, could pay for one class and a book. There are some special recognition scholarships offered for members of
Gorgas Scholars, the All Alabama Team and other academic/leadership organizations. However, not every student is a part of these organizations. Transfer students also qualify for some honors scholarships but must compete with non-transfer students to get them. Because of my parent’s income, I did not qualify to receive a large amount of money from the Pell Grant. I was also not going to apply for a loan. The only other options left are getting money from parents or getting a job, which, depending on the amount of work hours, can conflict with time spent going to college. I believe students coming to UNA or any other four-year college need a variety of transfer scholarships. Not only does it allow those who cannot afford or seem unsure of going straight to a university to start with a community college, but also rewards them for their hard work at their previous school. One must also think about out-ofstate transfer students, who pay double the amount of tuition that in-state students do. Petitioning the state Legislature to increase funding will help UNA not only lower the tuition, but also create new opportunities for transfer students to pay for college. Both current and future transfer students should join together because we all decided to take it one step at a time after high school.
American and hip-hop community for the usage of the N-word. I am still a bit befuddled on the naivety of the article as it is obvious what word you are hinting toward, because only one group of people in the United States have slavery and the Civil Rights Movement in common. Allow me to cut to the chase now. It is not your duty to tell a group of people who have been oppressed for the majority of their time in the United States on what word they can use, let alone that word. When it was given to us, it was to humiliate and cause discomfort. Now we have claimed it thanks to artistry. I understand hip-hop can be bit a raw and being a hip-hop connoisseur, I question the art myself, but artists like J.Cole,
2pac, Sir BackHand Jonez, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe, Talib, Chuck D and last but not least Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) have added refuge to that word. It belongs to us, and we will make the best of it like we have everything else. And as Mos Def would say, “contrary to popular, the coloreds is awoke.” While reading your article, I was a bit disturbed with how you tried to use black oppression as a ploy to make a point. What happened to my ancestors was an immoral crime and a burden all African-Americans have to carry forever, it is not to be pawned. I hope we all can bridge the gap together through education and understanding. All of us are made grow.
CONGRATULATIONS WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK! JESSICA LIVINGSTON
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14 PHOTOS
Living the night life
Work hard, nap hard Pulling an all-nighter is hard work. Junior Kayde Scott had to get some rest somewhere, even if it was just a little power nap. ANDREA BELK Staff Photographer abelk@una.edu Everyone that all-nighter story. It starts with a project or exam. This schoolwork is so extraneous it takes until the last minute to complete, but if we are honest, these stories are usually the result of procrastination. But this is a judgment-free zone. With school taking up most of the morning and a job taking up most of the day, the best time (or only time) to work on projects can be late at night. The music department is a great example of this. Nine times out of 10, one can find at least two or three dedicated musicians rehearsing late at night in the rehearsal rooms, sometimes into the next morning. Being an art student, I am no stranger to pulling long hours to finish a schoolwork. Just last week, my classmates and I spent the entire
night finishing our projects that were due the next morning. Luckily, I was able to leave around 4 a.m. while others left later. Then, we all know the stress of having to study for an exam. Yes, the exam that requires studying all night in order to pass the class. These study sessions usually end with a coffeefueled, sleep-deprived night where hard work that requires studying until 5 a.m. with an 8 a.m. class looming around the corner. Then that student is faced with the decision of trying to catch some sleep, or gritting their teeth and trying to stay awake long enough to take the test and get out of there. Listen, I know it is important to get projects finished on time and study for that exam, but remember we need to take care of ourselves when it comes to all-nighters. Remember to take breaks, drink plenty of water and after you are finished, sleep hard my friends.
Move those mallets Freshman Hunter Lee and senior Holly Carr practice on the marimba. Practice makes perfect, even if that means practicing in pajamas.
Late-night jam sessions Lee mastered his craft in the late hours of the night. With busy college schedules, practice often extend after midnight.
Caffeine overdose Studying can last for hours on end. When there are still tests to cram for after 2 a.m., espresso keeps students awake.
CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Sept. 21 What:Bearing Exhibition Reception & Gallery Talk When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Art Gallery What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: SGA Chambers
Fri., Sept. 22 What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 3 p.m. Where: Student Publication building What: Volleyball vs. West Florida When: 5 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall
Sat., Sept. 23 What: UNA Bands: Marching Band Extravaganza When: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Braly Stadium
What: Volleyball vs. Valdosta State When: 1 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall
MELANIE HODGES| Chief Photographer
The UNA Pride of Dixie Marching Band performs during 2016’s homecoming football game. They will perform in the Marching Band Extragavanza Sept. 23. What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs. Christian Brothers When: 7 p.m. Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex What: Marcie Bowling, Senior Recital When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Music Building
Wed., Sept. 27 What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 29 What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 3 p.m. Where: Student Publication building What: Anderson College of Nursing 2017 White Coat Ceremony When: 5 p.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: SGA Chambers What: Shoals Symphony When: 7:30 - 10 p.m. Where: Music Building
Tues., Oct 3 What: UNA Volleyball vs. Shorter When: 5 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall
Where: SGA Chambers What: Football vs. West Alabama When: 6 p.m. Where: Braly Stadium
Sun., Sept. 24 What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs. Union University (Tennessee) When: 1 p.m. Where: Turf Field What: Phi Beta Sigma Information Meeting When: 7:15 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall 307
Mon., Sept. 25 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: SGA Chambers
Tues., Sept. 26 What: Flu Clinic When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Where: GUC What: Culture Fest When: 6 - 8 p.m. Where: Memorial Ampitheater
What: Opiod & Addiction Awarness Town Hall Meeting When: 4 p.m. Where: Norton Auditorium What: Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant When: 6 p.m. Where: GUC Performane Center What: UNA Chorus: Quientessentially Baroque When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Florence
Thurs., Sept. 28 What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: SGA Chambers What: ACON Awards When: 6 p.m. Where: GUC What: UPC Movie Night When: 8 p.m. Where: GUC
What: UNA Volleyball vs. UAH When: 7 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall What: Women’s Soccer vs. Shorter When: 7 p.m. Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex
Sat., Sept. 30 What: Shoals Dragonboat Festival When: 9 a.m. Where: McFarland Park
Sun., Oct. 1 What: Women’s Soccer vs. Lee University (Tenn.) When: 1 p.m. Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex
Mon., Oct. 2 What: Purple Ribbon Day When: 10 a.m Where: GUC What: Communications Study Abroad Interest Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: Wesleyan Hall
What: Black Student Alliance 90’s Party When: 7 - 9 p.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
Wed., Oct 4 What: Department Recital When: Noon Where: Norton Auditorium
What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: SGA Chambers
Check una.edu for more events and activities.
16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK
We have created a series of collaborative playlists called the “ Flor-Ala Mixtape” for students to listen and add songs to the playlists. This will introduce everyone to each others favorite songs. Take advantage of Spotify’s Student Discount $4.99 a month Here are the ways to submit or add songs: 1. Add to the playlist once you are following 2. Send Spotify QR Codes to online@florala.net
coming soon