Feb. 7, 2020

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VOLUME 114 ISSUE 56

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Gainesville faces high winds, bad weather

IN MEMORIAM

Winds were predicted to be 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph

By Stephany Matat Alligator Staff Writer

Lily Strickland // Alligator Staff

A picture of Denise Griffiths surrounded by a stuffed monkey, candle and rose as people come by to write meaningful words about her on two posters Monday in the UF Institute of Black Culture. See the gallery and read about Griffiths’ memorial on pg. 3.

Gainesville residents were blown away by the intense weather Thursday.

Winds were expected to go through Gainesville at 25 mph with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph until 3 a.m., said Andrew Kennedy, a meteorologist at the Jacksonville Weather Service office. Alachua County was under a tornado watch until midnight, said Kirsten Chaney, a meteorologist at the weather office.

Kennedy said the weather service expected a squall line, a strong line of thunderstorms, to move through the Gainesville area Thursday after 7 p.m. with gusts of 50 to 70 mph, which caused property damage and power outages.

Chaney said the storms were caused by a cold front,

which followed the storm after midnight and brought temperatures to as low as 53 degrees.

UF spokesperson Steve Orlando said UF campus’ power was unaffected and that he would not know how much cleanup costs would be until the weather passed Thursday night.

“No power outages on campus so far that we’re aware of,” he wrote in an email.

“Much of our electrical infrastructure is underground, so that helps.”

Wind gusts went up to 50 mph on campus and got stronger, said UF student forecaster Nicolette Zangara, 21. She said winds could’ve gone up to 70 mph Thursday night when the squall winds hit.

“I’m mainly concerned just about those straight-line

SEE WINDS, PAGE 7

UF retention among highest in country Commission talks immigration The retention rates remain consistent GPD DISCUSSED CHANGES TO ITS IMMIGRATION POLICY

By Elisabell Velazquez Alligator Contributing Writer

Across the country, about one in three students won’t return to college for their sophomore year. But at UF, the retention rate is much higher.

UF currently sits at a 97 percent retention rate, making it one of the universities with the highest retention rates in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The university’s retention rate has remained consistent — from 2013 until 2017, with the exception of 2016, UF had a retention rate of 96 percent, the Gainesville Sun reported.

Charles Murphy, director

of freshmen and international admissions, said UF’s Office of Admissions has a comprehensive recruitment and review process to ensure students admitted to the college will succeed.

“We are fortunate to have a lot of interest in UF, which means we receive many more applications than there are spaces in the freshmen class,” Murphy said. “Because of the strengths of our applicants, we are confident that every admitted student is capable of success at UF.” Among the reasons for withdrawing from the university are academic performance, family emergencies,

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT Nembhard shines in comeback win

Guarddescription Story Andrew Nembhard finish with comma, scored pg# 19 of his 25 points in the second half of UF’s 22-point comeback win against UGA on Wednesday, pg. 11

financial need, homesickness and medical circumstances, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Analiese DeRoberts withdrew from UF after her first semester due to homesickness.

The 19-year-old from Syracuse, New York, struggled in adapting to Gainesville so she decided to transfer colleges.

“I was unsure if I was making the right decision in dropping out,” DeRoberts said. “I was nervous I would regret it. I think some of my reasons were that UF was far from home and I’m a big family person, so the school was too

SEE DROPOUT, PAGE 4

By Grethel Aguila Alligator Staff Writer

Eighteen years ago, a 35-year-old Alachua County resident moved to Gainesville from Honduras hoping to secure a better future for herself and her family.

She stayed in an abusive relationship with her partner of 10 years out of fear that if she reported the abuse, her undocumented status would be shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

She said today she still lives in that fear.

“Right now, I’m scared of my son being alone,” she said at Thursday’s Gainesville City Commission meeting.

“It breaks my heart that my only kid can be sent to an orphanage.”

The woman, whom The Alligator granted anonymity to because of her immigration status, was one of several

Blown away

High winds hit Gainesville on Thursday, pg. 7

concerned Gainesville residents who spoke about changes to the Gainesville Police’s immigration policy Thursday.

New changes to the GPD general order, a measure that outlines law enforcement procedures, were carefully discussed in Thursday’s meeting. The most significant change involved the department’s cooperation with ICE, said Terry Pierce, the assistant chief of GPD. One of several changes to the order states that GPD should only assist ICE when there is a task force or joint criminal investigation involved. Previously, the order allowed exceptions for cooperation with ICE on a case-tocase basis.

The revised order also states that officers “should refrain” from asking victims and witnesses about their nationality and provide services regardless of citizenship.

However, in March 2019, a domestic dispute sparked controversy after GPD shared details about an individu-

SEE ICE, PAGE 4

FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR UPDATES

What is a winner?

A UF student competed in college Jeaopardy!, pg. 6

@FloridaAlligator @TheAlligator_ @TheAlligator @alligator_newspaper

2 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Today’s Weather

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 56

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Not officially associated with the University of Florida Published by Campus Communications Inc., of Gainesville, Florida

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Local Events / News in Brief

Have an event planned?

Add it to the alligator’s online calendar:

alligator.org/calendar February Flora and Fauna Fest Where: Steinmetz Hall, located at 1881 Natural Area Drive When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: The Flora and Fauna fest will feature insect-related crafts and an entry into gardening with flower selections from local Gainesville vendors. The event will also feature workshops for all ages on plants and insects as well as a raffle for eventgoers.

FRIDAY Destination Okeechobee Where: Signal, located at 7 SW First St. When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

What: This festival features finalists playing for a chance to perform at Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival in March. Local Gainesville bands such as Arrows in Action, Driveway, Driptones, The Forum and Tamayo will perform at the event presented by Lucid Nightlife.

Ladies Night Wine Mixer hosted

by Shift Where: Wilhelmina Johnson Resource Center, located at 321 NW 10th St. When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

What: The Ladies Night Wine Mixer is an opportunity to try multiple varieties of wine and food and to win prizes and mingle with eventgoers. Tickets are $25 and payments must be made through EventBrite or CashApp: $Shift2019.

SATURDAY Florida Rights of Nature Conference (RONCon) Where: Levin College of Law, located at 309 Village Drive When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What: Civic leaders, activists and lawyers from around the state of Florida will get together for RONCon, a convention focusing on a growing national movement to recognize the rights of ecosystems and nature and how to legally enforce those rights. The event will include a yoga session at 7:30 a.m. and a coffee and pastries gathering at 8:30 a.m. before the convention begins. Tickets are $10 to attend.

The Chocolate Experience Where: Earth Origins Market, located at 1237 NW 76th Blvd.

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

What: The Earth Origins Market hosts a chocolate tasting event with a variety of options. The tasting includes vegan, no-sugaradded, dark and milk chocolate among other kinds.

SUNDAY UF Honors Tour Where: Graham Residence Hall, located at 716 Gale Lemerand Drive When: 1-3 p.m.

What: The UF Honors tour offers a way for participants to learn more about the UF Honors program. The tour will feature an info session with UF Honors faculty along with a tour of the Honors Residential College at Hume Hall. Cookies and drinks will be provided. The tour costs $5 to attend. Each individual must purchase a ticket.

Mardi Gras Dance Party Where: Thelma Boltin Center, located at 516 NE Second Ave. When: 3:30-6 p.m.

What: A Mardi Gras dance lesson will be offered at 3:30 p.m. The Gumbo Limbo Band will perform at 4 p.m. and will play everything from Zydeco, Cajun, Swamp Pop, Waltz and more. A green, purple or gold costume/mask is encouraged for the event. Tickets are $5 for anyone 25 and under and $10 for anyone 26 and up.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 ALLIGATOR 3

Denise Griffiths remembered

More than 150 people attended her memorial

By Chasity Maynard and Hannah Phillips Alligator Staff Writers

Nushrat Nur // Alligator Staff

Kamula McKnight-Butler and Phillip Griffiths, Denise Griffiths’ mother and father, speak fondly of their late daughter and urge her loved ones to celebrate her life during her memorial service in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom on Wednesday evening. “Dezus has dropped the mic, but will always be in the building,” Griffiths said.

Tears fell before a memorial service even began.

A mother stood outside of the Rion Ballroom with shaking shoulders. At last, Kamula McKnight-Butler straightened and entered the room to celebrate the life of her daughter.

More than 150 people gathered in the Reitz Union Wednesday to honor Denise Griffiths, a 21-year-old UF senior who died from brain and spinal injuries on Jan. 29, almost two days after she was struck by a vehicle. Friends and family reflected on Griffiths’ life, and she was awarded a posthumous bachelor’s degree in English.

McKnight-Butler said she was glad the university commemorated her daughter and said she’s received love from faculty and organizations.

“We are encased in love,” she said.

Phillip Griffiths, Griffiths’ father, was among those who spoke at the memorial.

He evoked the image of a girl whose nose was always in a book. Her fondest souvenir was a library card from Europe, he said. Griffiths was a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, cousin and a grand wizard of the Gryffindor house.

Behind him, a slideshow was shone, and with each rotation, a new photo of Griffiths grinning and posing with friends. His speech was punctuated with the sounds of sniffles and occasional laughter from the crowd.

“Her life itself was the mixtape she promised us. Denise, it was lit ... Dezus has dropped the mic, but she will always be in the building,” her father said.

After the service, he said in an interview that eight of his daughter’s organs were donated.

“Even though she’s not here physically, she’ll continue to bless someone else,” he said. “And the families will continue to enjoy their loved ones for longer than we did.”

Gloria McGonigle, Griffiths’ grandmother, watched her four children serve more than 100

years collectively in the military, Griffiths’ aunt Theresa Abraham said. The family never expected her granddaughter to be the one who didn’t come home.

“She’s the first person in our family we lost,” said A.J. Aiyetoro, Griffiths’ uncle.

Abraham said her niece was carrying on the family’s legacy.

“She was a soldier, a leader and a servant to many, and she will definitely be missed,” she said.

Griffiths’ best friend Jasmine Rivera, a 21-yearold UF political science and women’s studies senior, also spoke. The heartbreak she feels is intense, but so is the love that Griffiths left her, she said.

Most people think soul mates are romantic, she said, but they’re not. The bond she said she shared with Griffiths proved that.

Members of SISTUHS Inc., Gatorship, the Jamaican American Student Association and the Black Student Union — all groups that Griffiths belonged to — also spoke. Their tributes made clear that Griffiths’ impact was far-reaching and permanent.

As the service drew to an end, the slideshow remained on the same image that adorned many attendees’ shirts. In it, a winged Griffiths is glowing. The words “Rest in Power” surround her.

Aliyah Walters, a 23-year-old UF alumna, was Griffiths’ mentor. Griffiths was more than just a mentee, she said. She was like a younger sister.

“It was nice having someone else to love on,” Walters said.

She said she was grateful for all the people who showed up to Griffiths’ memorial service.

“She had a family in all of us,” Walters said.

“I wasn’t the only one who got to experience her good in this world.” @chasitymaynard0 cmaynard@alligator.org @haphillips96 hphillips@alligator.org

Nushrat Nur // Alligator Staff

Nushrat Nur // Alligator Staff

Jasmine Rivera, a 21-year-old political science and women’s studies senior, spoke ardently about her best friend during Denise Griffiths’ memorial service.

Students listen to speakers such as Griffiths’ parents, Rivera and leaders from the various groups Griffiths was involved with, including SISTUHS Inc., JAMSA and Gatorship.

4 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Protesters came dressed in white ICE, from pg. 1 als’ immigration status with ICE. The agenda item at Thursday’s meeting was set to inform the commission about the changes, Mayor Lauren Poe said. Commissioners have no authority over GPD’s order, but the city manager does, he said.

After consulting with the city attorney, City Manager Lee Feldman said because of current federal statutes, it would be unlawful for GPD to include a statement in the order about limiting information to ICE. Feldman said that while he’s sympathetic toward the plight of undocumented immigrants, Gainesville is limited by federal laws.

Gainesville was a sanctuary city until Florida banned its sanctuary cities in October 2019. But now, local governments and police departments are required by law to cooperate with ICE. The majority of GPD union members aren’t opposed to any changes to the immigration policy, said Sheldon McKinzie, president of GPD’s union, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 67.

“These changes are really kind of nonconsequential — not really a big deal,” McKinzie said.

In McKinzie’s view, it doesn’t matter who is an undocumented immigrant and who is a natural-born citizen when breaking the law.

Liz Ibarrola, the director of immigration concerns at the Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County, wants GPD to proactively withhold the names of victims and witnesses from ICE when reporting on crimes.

Under Florida law, local police departments are required to hold undocumented immigrants who have been detained for an additional 48 hours until ICE sends them to a detention center. Those imprisoned are also detained after serving their sentence or posting bond.

Victims and witnesses in Gainesville should feel safe reporting crimes, and GPD should carefully cooperate during operations with ICE to minimize the risk of out-

ing their immigration status, Ibarrola said.

The Human Rights Coalition and its supporters wore white, a color commonly worn for immigration protests, to the meeting. They made public comments and encouraged city commissioners to consider their suggestions.

“Gainesville has a title of being a welcoming city, but we want to make sure the policy in our city supports that,” Ibarrola said. @GrethelAguila gaguila@alligator.org

What to do if ICE knocks on your door: Que hacer si ICE toca tu puerta • Do not open the door No abras la puerta

• Ask the officer to identify themselves and whom they work for Pregúntele al oficial que se identifique y que te dice para quién trabaja

• Ask if they have a warrant, then ask them to slip it under the door Pídale al oficial que muestre la orden y que lo pase por debajo de la puerta

• On the warrant, look for your name, address and a signature En la orden, busca dirección, y una firma

su

nombre,

• If you talk to the officer (outside), do not answer any question or sign any papers. Tell them you want a lawyer.

Si hablas con el oficial, no coneste preguntas o firma papeles. Dígale al oficial que quieres un abogado. *From the National Immigration Law Center

UF has 97 percent retention rate DROPOUT, from pg. 1 large in comparison to what I was used to.”

Kelviyana Walker, a 19-year-old UF biology sophomore, said her first semester was difficult as she had to adapt to a new environment.

“I had to adjust to the hardships of independence, and the dorms were not helping with that,” Walker said. “I was not prepared for the coursework of general chemistry, and I had not even known about this course load until after the class started, so that didn’t help with my adjustment. Overall, the first year was a lesson.”

Joseph Spillane, associate dean for UF Student Affairs and director of the academic advising center at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said advisers help direct students to appropriate offices depending on their issues.

“Advisers work to promote retention of new undergraduates by ensuring that students understand that seeking help when they encounter challenges and difficulties is a good thing to do, and know what resources are available to them for support,” Spillane said.

UF students said that academic advisers are helpful in guiding them through the undergraduate journey.

“At first, I decided to come here because I wanted to become a dentist and one of the three dental schools in Florida was here,” Walker said. “Eventually, I realized I did not want to be a dentist, yet I still stayed at UF because of the prestigious reputation it holds and many opportunities it has to venture out into your chosen field.”

Brinsley Hess, an 18-year-old UF chemical engineering freshman, said her academic adviser made her transition into college a more pleasant one.

“My academic adviser helped me in choosing my classes for my first semester and the current semester, and he also helped me in deciding whether my major is right for me,” Hess said.

Murphy said the university strives for a retention rate that reflects the experience of the students.

“The retention rate is certainly a testament to the students themselves, and they are also assisted by various faculty and staff across campus during their time at UF,” Murphy said.

U.S. News & World Report identifies family problems, lack of money, loneliness, homesickness and academic performance as reasons to potentially withdraw from school. If you are struggling with any of these issues, below are resources to consider:

U Matter, We Care:

U Matter, We Care assists students with care related resources and programs focused on health, safety and holistic well-being.

Counseling & Wellness Center:

Services include: short-term counseling, group and couples’ therapy, consultation, crisis services, outreach, referrals, selfcare and more.

Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry:

The pantry is intended to help students and faculty who are experiencing food insecurity.

Wor ship Guide Jewish

Quaker

Gainesville Quaker Meeting Are you searching for a spiritual community?

We are a community dedicated to peace, integrity, equality, social justice, and care of the earth. Join with friends in the mystic tradition of waiting upon the Divine.

11:00 am Sundays Followed by food and fellowship 702 NW 38th St. Gainesville, FL www.gainesvillequakers.org

UF Hillel All are welcome!

Reform & Conservative Friday Evening Services: 6pm Free Shabbat Dinner: 7 pm Join us for services, dinner, or both 2020 W. University Ave. ufhillel.org @UFHillel

Jewish

Episcopal Chapel of the incarnation

The EpiscoGators Welcome You! Sunday Worship: 5:30 pm followed by a free home cooked meal for students.

1522 W. University Ave. Across from Library West

Presbyterian

Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Student Center Your home away from home Friday Night Live!

Services & Shabbat Dinner: 7:30 pm (Spring/Fall) 8:30 pm (Summer)

First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville

College Fellowship: Wednesday 7:30 pm

352-336-5877 2021 NW 5th Ave (5 blocks north of the stadium) www.JewishGator.com

Contact Scott Stuart at college@1stpc.org

Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:55 am Join us for lunch after Sunday worship Fellowship, worship, Bible study and recreation.

Contact Alligator Advertising: 352-376-4482

Catholic

St. Augustine Church & Catholic Student Center Mass: Sat. 5:30 pm Sun. 9:00 am, 11:30 am 1:30 pm (español) 5:30, 7:30 M-F: 12:00 pm & 5:30 pm GET INVOLVED! www.catholicgators.org

Methodist

Trinity United Methodist Church Modern: Sunday @9:30a Contemporary: Wednesday @6:35p Traditional: Sunday @8:15 & 11a

376.6615 | TrinityGNV.org

Non-Denominational University City Church of Christ

Gators for Christ campus ministry college group meets at University City Church on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Practical application from God’s word, plus service projects, large group events, free meals and much more... (directions and events calendar at www.gatorsforchrist.org) For rides, please call: 352-514-8261

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 ALLIGATOR 5

Lucky’s Market in Gainesville being sold to Southeastern Grocers THE STORE IS OFFICIALLY CLOSING FEB. 12

By Stephany Matat Alligator Staff Writer

Lucky’s Market is officially being sold to Southeastern Grocers, according to a press release from Lucky’s Market.

Southeastern Grocers will also be taking over the Naples, Fort Myers, Lake Mary and Melbourne stores, while other locations in Florida are going to Seabra Foods and Hitchcock’s Markets.

WCJB reported that “court records seemed to indicate Aldi was interested in the Gainesville location,” but the store is officially confirmed to be sold to Southeastern Grocers under an asset purchase agreement.

The agreements previously signed five leased store properties and another owned property to Aldi. The agreements also signed five leased store properties to Publix Super Markets,

Inc. Now, it includes the Melbourne location, which has now been signed into the Southeastern Grocers agreement, according to the press release.

Lucky’s will be officially closed on Feb. 12. Bill Muccio, the store director for Lucky’s Market in Gainesville, said he was unsure of what was really going on because he had heard multiple rumors without any word from the company itself.

The Alligator reached out to Southeastern Grocers twice via phone but didn’t receive a response by publication Thursday evening. The Alligator also emailed Lucky’s Market to confirm the information and received no response.

When current Lucky’s employees were called to comment, The Alligator was told that Lucky’s will not pay severance to the employees who speak to the media and that they are legally not allowed to give more information.

The Fair Labor Standards Act does

Inspire:

• Centralize sexual assault and mental health resources on Canvas and make them available in several languages • Amend Student Government finance codes to ensure a fair process for funding student organization events • Extend Uber Safe Rides and SNAP to include morning hours on weekends so that students have reliable transportation home when they need it most • Support an LGBTQ+ Living Learning Community within UF Housing and improve roommate matching for LGBTQ+ individuals • Implement online voting to make it easier to participate in Student Government elections and to end the ‘I Voted’ sticker collection system that enables corruption in Student Government

Gator:

• Partner with the Dean of Students Office to launch the “kNOw MORE” initiative to create a proactive sexual prevention culture • Create an annual Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day • Navigate ways to improve textbook affordability for all Gators • Create a Transition Cabinet Division for transfer, PACE, IA and first-year students • Ensure SG’s minority outreach program (Bridges) is properly funded and supported

not require employers to pay severance, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Employee Benefits Security Administration may help an employee who did not get severance benefits under their employee-sponsored plan.

One of the store’s former employees, Hayden Page, 19, said the company is helping employees find new jobs by calling recruiters from places like Sam’s Club.

About 80 employees will lose their jobs at Lucky’s Market, and they will gradually be released as the official close date approaches, said Eric Cheek, the store’s front-end supervisor.

Anna Wilder contributed to this report.

Lia Dagostino // Courtesy to The Alligator

@StephanyMatat smatat@alligator.org

A Lucky’s Market customer shops as the store’s closing approaches. The store is officially closing on Feb. 12.

Inspire, Gator release platform points BOTH PARTIES FOCUS ON STUDENT SAFETY

By Chasity Maynard Alligator Staff Writer

In the wake of an increase in sexual assaults on campus, both UF Student Government parties prioritized student safety this election season.

Inspire Party announced its party platform Wednesday, or its goals if elected this semester. Gator Party planned to announce its platform in three parts. It posted the first part Thursday and the second part today.

Both parties shared their platforms on social media.

Inspire’s goals consist of four main categories: keeping students safe and healthy, helping them reach their potential, making sure they are all valued and using SG to make a difference.

Some key points include creating a Living Learning Community for LGBTQ+ individuals, amending Student Government finance codes “to ensure a fair process” for event funding and increasing accessibility to mental health and sexual assault resources.

Inspire President Kristen Jackson said the party plans to consolidate mental health and

sexual assault resources and then make them available in multiple languages.

“The goal is to have them available on Canvas, a place that all students already have to go,” she said. “So if something does happen to you, you know where they are.”

Inspire Student Body presidential candidate Matthew Diaz said solving the funding crisis for student organizations is a campaign point he cares about personally.

As the president of the IndigeneousAmerican Student Association and vice president of Volunteers for International Student Affairs, two organizations that he said have lost funding, Diaz said he wants to make sure institutions aren’t being undervalued.

He said he cares about their long-term stability.

“I think that one of the big ways that we need to focus that, is by having an administration that values that [long-term stability],” he said. “An administration that didn’t originally cause the issue to begin with, and one that has been sufficiently connected to these orgs to know what they want, and how to execute it in a way that would actually benefit them in the long run.”

Gator’s first announcement focused on shaping the student experience. Today’s is about building for success.

Gator Student Body presidential candi-

date Trevor Pope said he is excited about the kNOw MORE campaign point, which provides support to sexual assault survivors, discreet reporting services and prevention training.

“We’re not only providing platforms for people who have the courage to come out and report sexual assault,” he said. “But also, we’re like preventing it in the first place.”

Katie Hernandez, Gator campaign manager, said in addition to bringing kNOw MORE to UF, she thinks that platform points like adding nap pods and an annual Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day will improve students’ lives.

“When we were doing platform generation, a lot of students came with things that affect their everyday lives or things that they think will end up making their college memories better, that weren’t necessarily academic in nature,” she said. “And so today’s [Thursday’s] platform release is really focused about honing in ‘What is the daily life of a Gator?’”

She said building for success will improve accessibility, affordability and help prepare students for the professional world. @chasitymaynard0 cmaynard@alligator.org

UF student data among information sold by anti-virus software AVAST SOLD USERS’ BROWSING HISTORY AND GEO-LOCATIONS

By Hannah Phillips Alligator Staff Writer

Avast, the anti-virus software recommended by UF since 2013, sold the browsing data of millions of its users to thirdparty companies like Microsoft and Amazon.

The data of students who did not opt out of the collection upon downloading Avast may have been included in the information that was sold, said Matt Pendleton, UF Information Technology senior director.

Avast’s consent policy outlines what data is sold: IP addresses, geo-locations and search histories, for starters.

This is not a data breach, Pendleton added — Avast is only one of many software companies that sells user data.

Sensitive information like users’ search terms and viewing history on porn websites were also among the data collected, according to a Vice News investigation that broke

the story.

Third-party advertisers like Google and Amazon use the data to create personalized advertisements by targeting user demographics and browsing habits, according to the policy.

Avast Director of Communications Whitney Glockner Black wrote in an email that the data is stripped of identifiers so that no personal information is shared. For this reason, there’s no way to know which UF students were among those whose data was sold, she wrote.

Following the Vice News investigation, Avast discontinued the practice of using any data collected for any other purpose than the core security engine, Black wrote.

Avast CEO Ondrej Vlcek published a letter apologizing for the data collection and breach of trust that many of its customers felt.

UF initially recommended Avast because it was free and used by millions of people, Pendleton said. According to the apology letter, Avast data collection began in 2015.

An archived snapshot of the UF Information Technology website from Dec. 22 shows step-by-step instructions

on how to download Avast. As of Thursday, the page no longer exists.

It was replaced with a message that reads: “We can help you install any software that you want to have on your computer.”

“We are moving away from recommending specific products to students,” Pendleton said.

Now, UF encourages students to check the settings on all software and applications and determine if they can opt out of sharing their web browsing data, he said.

Evan Cowie, a 20-year-old UF classical studies junior and tech consultant for the UF Computing Help Desk, said he was unaware that Avast sold users’ data.

For now, he said he will reconsider recommending the application to students.

“It’s slightly concerning,” he said. “I can imagine feeling a bit sketched out.” @haphillips96 hphillips@alligator.org

6 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Former Santa Fe President Jackson Sasser retires

By Sarah Mandile Alligator Staff Writer

Santa Fe College’s new president, Paul Broadie II, delivered his inaugural address Tuesday afternoon. As he steps into his new role, Santa Fe students and faculty reflect on former President Jackson Sasser’s legacy at the college.

After 18 years of serving as Santa Fe’s president, Sasser said he decided to step down so he could spend more time with his wife and five grandchildren.

Sasser considers his time at Santa Fe to be the “zenith” of his career.

“I can’t think of any way it could’ve been any better,” Sasser said.

Sasser made an undeniable impact on Santa Fe during his time as president, said Bea Awoniyi, the vice president of student affairs at Santa Fe. She said Sasser implemented numerous programs to increase connectivity and inclusion on campus.

“He has a great respect for students and creates programs to get them involved and support student engagement,” Awoniyi said.

During his time as president, Sasser spearheaded several programs at Santa Fe to create an environment where every student has an opportunity to succeed, such as My Brother’s Keeper, The Spectrum of Success Program and Take Stock in Children, Awoniyi said.

Awoniyi said Sasser started My Broth-

er’s Keeper, a program designed to increase the success of black males through mentorship, scholarships and leadership opportunities,before the national program even began.

“He did not start it be- Sasser cause it was ‘in,’” Awoniyi said. “He started it because he realized the need for that program.”

The Spectrum of Success Program, which aims to provide students on the autism spectrum with employment and life skills, was founded by Sasser, Awoniyi said. Sasser would implement programs such as these to “fix holes when he saw them.”

When Sasser noticed that students who participated in Take Stock in Children during high school were struggling without the support of mentors in college, he asked Awoniyi to coordinate a similar program to support students, she said.

Take Stock in Children provides students from low-income families with scholarship opportunities and mentorship. Through Santa Fe’s program, Awoniyi checks in with students struggling academically and connects them with resources on campus.

Awoniyi said Santa Fe was the first institution to provide this program at a college level.

“He looks at how the college can actually

fill those gaps so that no one is left behind,” Awoniyi said.

Overall, Sasser credits the progress Santa Fe achieved during his time there to the culture of openness and respect the administration encourages between students and faculty.

He said this respect is reflected in the college’s commitment to serving all students equally regardless of age, income level, academic preparation or grades.

Alejandro Puga, who served as Santa Fe’s student body president from 2018 to 2019, said Sasser impacted the college in three distinct ways: by internationalizing the school, having a vision for the future and always caring for students.

Puga, 21, is now a senior studying political science online at Liberty University in Virginia. He said that Sasser’s efforts as president allowed Santa Fe to be one of the few state colleges in the U.S. to receive a grant to meet with college presidents from other countries.

During his time as student body president, Puga had the opportunity to meet visitors from Ukraine, Pakistan and Egypt.

“We learned what was going on in their country, and they were learning how the college process works in our country,” Puga said.

Puga looks forward to seeing President Broadie continue in Sasser’s footsteps.

“I want him to have the opportunity to

give his own vision to the college, and to make sure that he continues the traditions that Dr. Sasser started,” Puga said. @sarahmandile smandile@alligator.org

During Sasser’s time as president, he…

• Began first Take Stock in Children program at a college level • Started My Brother’s Keeper • Started Spectrum of Success Program • Led Santa Fe to be the No. 1 Community College in the nation from 2015 to 2016 • Added a Fine Arts Hall to the Northwest Campus • Added three new college locations • Led Santa Fe to begin offering bachelor’s degrees • Allowed student government members to sit in on official college meetings, Board of Trustees meetings and cabinet meetings • Attended classes disguised as a student in order to improve student life • Attended student government events

UF sophomore competes in Jeopardy! College Championship HER FIRST EPISODE AIRS APRIL 7

By Valentina Botero Alligator Staff Writer

Who is Kayla Kalhor?

With her trivia competition experience in high school and work as a science bowl coordinator at UF, Kalhor, a 19-year-old UF chemistry sophomore, packed her bags to California to show off her trivia skills in the Jeopardy! College Championship.

Kalhor will be the second student after Brian Johnson, who competed back in 1994, to represent UF in the competition, said Alison Cooke, Jeopardy! Director of Communications. Her first episode airs April 7 on CBS, but the show will start on April 6.

Kalhor competed against students from different colleges, including Princeton University, Yale University, Northwestern University and Florida State University. She said she is not allowed to release informa-

Other schools competing against UF: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Florida State University Hendrix College Indiana University University of Texas Carnegie Mellon University University of California, San Diego Princeton University Liberty University Northwestern University University of Mississippi Yale University University of Minnesota Penn State University of Southern California

tion about the results to the public.

Thousands of students from all across the U.S. apply to be a part of the competition, but only 15 are chosen, Cooke said. Kalhor said she took an online quiz in March 2019 for the application. Then, she was sent to St. Louis, Missouri, in November for an in-person audition, which included another test, buzzer practice and a mock interview.

Kalhor said she applied for the show because she is a long-time fan. She previously applied to Jeopardy! in late 2018 and got called back to an audition in June that she couldn’t attend, she said.

Kalhor promised herself she would give it another shot — so she did. She said she was excited to experience the difference between watching it at home and actually being at the studio under the blinding lights.

“I’m really happy I did it,” Kalhor said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Kalhor said she found out she was accepted into the competition in January while she was at Marston Science Library.

Cooke declined to comment when asked about the decision process for Jeopardy! and said nobody in the show could provide that information.

“I had to leave the library and go sit down somewhere because I was so shocked,” she said.

After receiving the call, Kalhor told her friends and family of the big surprise. Her mother, Mary Kalhor, said she was very proud of her daughter.

“My hope for her was that she just made herself proud and her school proud and that it went smoothly for her,” her mother said. “It was quite an accomplishment for her.”

The competition provided each contestant with free flights and hotel stays at the

Culver Hotel for the four nights they were in California, Cooke said. The hotel was a mile away from Sony Pictures Studios, where the contest was filmed on its own set.

Kalhor would get to the set around 7 a.m. and finish at about 5:30 p.m. Although she missed two days of class, her professors were all excited for her, she said.

The competition’s winner will receive the grand prize of $100,000, while second place will win $50,000 and third place will win $35,000. Those who make it onto the semifinals will receive $10,000 each, and those who do not make it past quarterfinals get $5,000 each, Cooke said.

“There’s definitely a little more weight to it when you’re actually out there playing for real money,” Kalhor said. “So maybe

you’re a little more wary about your answer.”

Kalhor said she believes she was chosen out of luck, but she also said her personality in the interview could have played a role in the decision process.

She said that meeting Alex Trebek, the show’s host, was one of the highlights of the experience. Trebek announced last March through a YouTube video that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“He’s just an icon for fighting through this diagnosis and continuing to host the show with the same grace that he’s always had,” Kalhor said. @lvbotero_ vbotero@alligator.org

Courtesy to The Alligator

Kayla Kalhor is on the bottom right with the rest of the contestants for Jeopardy!

College Championship.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 ALLIGATOR 7

UF campus’ power was unafected WINDS, from pg. 1

Lily Strickland // Alligator Staff

Santa Fe students Myreen Roxas, 19, and Bellaliz Perez, 20, experience intense winds at Paynes Praire during the initial gusts Thursday.

winds, although isolated tornadoes are possible,” Zangara said. “These winds can do just as much damage as a tornado, coming in that fast.”

She said the UF weather service was notified on Monday about these winds, which usually warrant a warning.

An Alligator reporter saw that traffic lights were out on West University Avenue and 13th Street. Another saw students cover their eyes as they walked through dust blowing from the new engineering building by the Reitz Union.

Some damages to power lines and tree limbs were reported in Alachua County, said Art Forgey, a spokesperson for the Alachua County Sher-

iff’s office. Most power outages were in eastern Gainesville, particularly the downtown area, said Mark Sexton, the county’s spokesperson.

CBS4 News reported that two flights at Gainesville Regional Airport were canceled along with Buchholz High School’s band concert and Clay County’s after school activities.

@StephanyMatat smatat@alligator.org

Florida bill could make college, university president searches private SOME FLORIDIANS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

By Samantha Chery Alligator Staff Writer

Florida’s public college and university students won’t know their school’s candidates for president until later in the selection process if a proposed bill passes.

In January, the Florida Senate education committee approved State Bill 774 in a 6-1 vote.

The bill explains that state colleges and universities would keep personal information of the presidential applicants and discussion involving the selection of applicants secret. Only the information of the finalists for the position would be released to the public, according to the bill.

It still must go through two com-

mittees and receive support from Florida’s chambers and Gov. Ron DeSantis before it can become law.

Some Floridians are concerned that a lack of transparency could negatively affect how future college and university presidents are chosen.

“When things are done in backroom deals, it leads to cronyism,” said Florida State Senator Lori Berman, who was the sole nay vote for the measure.

Berman believes that if passed, the bill would increase the possibility of employees selecting their friends for the final pool of presidential applicants. Because of this, she said there’s really no compelling reason to change the application.

Berman cited Florida’s No. 1 ranking in higher education in 2019 by the U.S. News & World Report as evidence that the state’s public institutions were led by quality presidents.

If the schools have been successful, there shouldn’t be any issues with their current president hiring process, she reasoned.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Karen Morian, president of the United Faculty of Florida, an organization part of the Florida Education Association.

Morian said she finds it “really disturbing” that a presidential search wouldn’t be completely within public view and scrutiny.

She fears that if the bill becomes law, employers will choose weak candidates as finalists to ensure their preferred nominees get the position.

“Historically, we tried to move a lot of the backdoor shenanigans into the sunshine back in the ‘70s,” she said, referring to Florida’s sunshine laws.

Florida’s sunshine laws are regulations that are meant to increase the transparency of government

practices, such as the emails of public officials.

“It feels like they’ve slowly been chipping away at those sunshine laws for a couple decades now,” Morian said. “And it feels like this is one more piece of that.”

Stephon Adams, a 21-year-old UF political science junior, said that while the average college student won’t care about potential future university presidents, he believes the proposal will hurt students in the long run.

Without the oversight of university students and families, he thinks there’s a possibility that future presidents may not be compatible with their respective communities.

He said it’s important to be familiar with the person who’s “most important at the university.”

Wallace Mazon, 25, a recent UF alumnus in African American studies, said he was already critical of the lack of diversity in top adminis-

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Mazon said college presidents should be allies for the needs of students of color and that UF President Kent Fuchs has consistently failed in doing that, between allowing white supremacist Richard Spencer on campus and the use of prison labor on UF/IFAS farms.

He believes that if the bill becomes a law, more presidents who don’t listen to underrepresented students will be hired by the university.

“Whoever introduced this bill should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “They don’t know what it’s like to beg administrators to listen to them and actively fight for positive change on campus.”

@SammyChery4276 schery@alligator.org

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By E-mail: classified@alligator.org Call 352-373-FIND for information.

By Fax: (352) 376-4556 Sorry, no cash by mail.

By Mail: P.O. Box 14257 G-ville 32604 Credit cards or checks only.

BUY IT. SELL IT. FIND IT. 373-FIND FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Corrections and Cancellations: Cancellations: Call 373-FIND M-F, 8am - 4pm. No refunds or credits can be given. Alligator errors: Check your ad the FIRST day it runs. Call 373-FIND with any corrections before noon. THE ALLIGATOR IS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRST DAY THE AD RUNS INCORRECTLY. Corrected ads will be extended one day. No refunds or credits can be given after placing the ad. Corrections called in after the first day will not be further compensated.

Customer error or changes: Changes must be made BEFORE NOON for the next day’s paper. There will be a $2.00 charge for minor changes.

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Don’t get stuck with an extra rent payment.

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I’VE HAD IT WITH YOUR LOUD MUSIC! Is your roommate driving you crazy? Find a replacement in the Alligator Classifieds!

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Selling computers, parts, or repair services or just looking for that new rig? Look in the Alligator Classifieds. Call 373-FIND for more information.

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Place an ad to sell your old stereo, cell phone, and more in the Electronics Section of the Alligator Classifieds. 373-FIND

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4-22-43-6 “A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.”

– Albert Camus

Wanted

This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through advertising. We suggest that any reader who responds to advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information or arranging meetings or investing money. ● ● ● ● NEED CASH? ● ● ● ● Buying ★ Gold ★Jewelry ★ Coins, ★ Exchangable Currency.★ Call 352-554-4654. Coin Kingdom 3446 W. University Ave. 4-22-43-13 Freon Wanted: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

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Alligator Classifieds is the way to get your 2 wheels on the road. Show off your bikes, scooters, and repair services. Call 373-FIND to get your classified in.

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St. Francis House is a homeless shelter located in downtown Gainesville.

Our mission is to empower families with children to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing, food, training and educational resources in a secure environment.

If interested in volunteering please contact the volunteer coordinator at 352-378- 9079 ext 317 or sfhcoor@stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com St Francis House depends on monetary support from individual donors and community businesses in order to provide meals to the homeless and the hungry.

To make a donation by mail, please send checks payable to St. Francis House P.O. Box 12491 Gainesville Fl 32604 or our website at

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Help Wanted

This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through advertising. We suggest that any reader who responds to advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information or arranging meetings or investing money.

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answers on page 9 Release Date: Thursday, Friday, February February 7, 2020 6, 2020

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

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13

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20 Soiree for 23 Beantown woodchip NHL nickname manufacturers?

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23 “__ Energized 25 Quarterback’s Inspection 26 Soiree for certain nonchalant divers? move?

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38 __ Ren, “Star 41 Solo number Wars” villain 42 Gear for Lindsey 39 Trig.

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By Robert AndrewWemischner Linzer ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

02/05/20 02/06/20 02/07/20

02/06/20 02/07/20

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 ALLIGATOR 9

January 27, 2020

King Features Weekly Service

1. Which group began as Fat City and The Who guitarist who then 1.

BillName & Taffy?

(Hint: They eventuknown for smashing guitars ally ishad a short-lived T V his show.) during performances. How did that 2. Who wrote and released " Knock get started? on Wood"?

2. Why did Bob Dylan stop touring betweenone-hit 1966 andwonder 1973? released "It 3. Which Never3.Rains in Southern California"?

What was Wicked Lester?

4. Thethe Polka Tulk Blues endedas a 4. Name singer whoBand started as what Lakers band? cheerleader.

Los up Angeles 5. Name the television show that 5. Name the lyrics 1972insong that song: contains used these the theme this “Just lyric:sit"Please swallow yourhear pride right back and you’ll a if I have need to borrow, For tale,things A tale ofyou a fateful trip.” no one can fill those of your needs that Answers you won't let show."

1. Peter Townsend. He accidentally broke the head off a below guitar during a answers show and afterward continued breaking guitars (albeit cheaper ones).

2. He was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, crashing his Triumph Tiger 100SS. Later, however, he was quoted as saying he’d wanted to get out of the rat race.

3. The original name of Kiss, with a short period (1970-1971) being called Rainbow. Look for a 1972 bootleg album called “The Original Wicked Lester Sessions.”

4. Black Sabbath.

5. “Gilligan’s Island,” which aired for three seasons from 1964-67, a total of 98 episodes. The first season was in black and white. The storyline tells of castaways who ran aground on an island during a storm while on the charter boat SS Minnow.

Help Wanted

14

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Interview process begins February 8th.

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Housekeepers & Front Desk

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solution below

7

15

ACROSS CLUE 1. Black eye 5. Protective covering 6. Mythical being 7. Cheat, swindle DOWN CLUE

ANSWER RNEHSI CMULH ENEGI LECFEE ANSWER

PSIELM 1. Easy AGLILEL 2. Forbidden 3. Improve AENECHN HEECOR 4. Stick CLUE: This actor turned down the lead role in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

BONUS How to play

Complete the crossword puzzle by looking at the clues and unscrambling the answers. When the puzzle is complete, unscramble the circled letters to solve the BONUS.

Alachua County Health Dept. Call 334-7960 for app’t (optional $20 fee)

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5. "Lean on Me," by Bill Withers. Withers wrote the song after moving to California and finding that he missed being in his hometown. Club Nouveau released a reggae dance version in 1987.

4. Paula Abdul.

3. U.K.-born Albert Hammond. He did, however, produce excellent songs for others, including "One Moment in Time" and "To All the Girls I've Loved Before."

2. Eddie Floyd, in 1966. Co-writer Steve Cropper says the song was written on a stormy night, hence the "It's like thunder, lightning" lyrics.

1. Starland Vocal Band. Their "Afternoon Delight" won Best Arrangement for Voices and Best New Artist Grammy awards in 1977.

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FOOTBALL

Gators ink three signees, adding to their top-10 class

By Brendan Farrell Sports Writer

Samantha Harrison // Alligator Staff

On coach Dan Mullen's third National Signing Day, the Gators have the No. 8 class, per 247Sports.

Florida bolstered its 2020 signing class on Wednesday with three signings, finishing the day eighth in the country.

The Gators signed a pair of four-star recruits in wide receiver Xzavier Henderson and defensive end Princely Umanmielen.

Henderson, brother of former cornerback C.J. Henderson, picked Florida over Clemson, Alabama and Georgia, among other schools. The 6-foot-3 receiver was the 66th-overall prospect and the 11thranked wide-receiver recruit in the country. Coach Dan Mullen gave him a favorable comparison to his brother.

“His brother’s got a little bit more technique on him right now, but I think it would be interesting,” Mullen said. “He’s bigger than (C.J.), and he’s still in high school… so I think he’s got the potential, once we coach him up a little, I don’t know, I might have to go with Xzavier.”

The surprise of the day for Florida came in the afternoon when Umanmielen elected to sign with the Gators.

He didn’t visit UF until Jan. 24 but still picked the Gators over Baylor, Auburn and Texas. Umanmielen was the 241stoverall recruit in the country and ninthranked strong-side defensive end.

Florida also made former Penn State wide receiver Justin Shorter’s transfer official. The incoming redshirt sophomore

and former five-star recruit caught 12 passes for 137 yards last season for the Nittany Lions.

By the end of the day, the Gators’ class was eighth in the country but sixth in the SEC. That, however, also includes the commitments of four-star athlete Marc Britt and three-star wide receiver Leonard Manuel. Britt will sign on Feb. 20, while Manuel will be signing on April 1.

As it stands, Florida’s 2020 class is deep, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Fourteen of the Gators’ 23 signings were on defense, including fivestar defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. The Lake Wales High star is UF’s first fivestar signing since 2015 (CeCe Jefferson and Martez Ivey).

Florida went from zero five-star recruits on its roster last season to four with Dexter and transfers Shorter, running back Lorenzo Lingard and linebacker Brenton Cox (pending waivers for Shorter and Lingard.)

UF stockpiled defensive backs in this class as well, signing seven of them, including five four-stars.

Additionally, Florida fixed their depth problems at wide receiver after the departures of Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Josh Hammond and Tyrie Cleveland by bringing in Shorter, Henderson, four-star Jaquavion Fraziars and Texas graduate transfer Jordan Pouncey.

The Gators also put an emphasis on

locking down the recruiting hotbed that is the state of Florida. UF has 16 players who are either committed or signed that are from Florida. Of the top 10 players in the Gators’ class, eight of them are from the Sunshine State.

“This is the flagship school of the state, and this is where kids in the state want to play,” Mullen said. “You go back and you look at the 2006 and 2008 national championship teams, there are a lot of guys from the state of Florida on that roster.”

However, Florida’s class isn’t without its drawbacks. For one, the team completely whiffed at the running-back position, failing to sign a single high-school prospect at the position.

The biggest problem, however, is that the Gators still find themselves at a disadvantage compared to its SEC rivals.

Georgia signed the top class in the country and matched Florida’s four five-stars with its 2020 class alone. LSU also signed the fourth-ranked class in the country, meaning the Gators were outgunned on the recruiting trail by two teams they play every season.

Florida’s 2020 class is a step in the right direction, but it will still need better recruiting efforts in the future to compete for both the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. @Bfarrell727 bfarrell@alligator.org

Marsh Madness

You don’t know your own fans, Shad Khan

That’s insane.

Khan also went on to say that this move for two games will “bridge the gap between now and when we expect the Lot J development to open.” And this is supposed to be why he feels the reaction from fans “should be very he promises are empty, but the stadium is emptier. positive.”

It was announced Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars would play If you aren’t familiar with Lot J, it is essentially Khan and Jaguars president two “home” games in London in the 2020 season. This decision, in Mark Lamping’s newest project to improve the game day experience in the contract’s final year, is a one-game increase from Jacksonville’s Jacksonville. Currently, Lot J is just a section of the parking lot at TIAA Bank deal with the NFL to play one home game across the Atlantic Ocean Field. It is a prime tailgating spot for college fraternities on Florida-Georgia per season. Jaguars owner Shad Khan has proven through this choice, and weekend. through his words, that he doesn’t know anything about his fan base.

The franchise plans to develop that into places for fans to enjoy (bars, Graham Marsh “First, I want to make it clear that our first priority is winning,” Khan said restaurants, a hotel, etc). But the agreement to develop Lot J between the in an interview with Jaguars reporter Ashlyn Sullivan. “And anything we do Twitter: @GrahamMarshUF gmarsh@alligator.org Jaguars and the city was reached in July of 2019. or say away from that will never be more important than giving Jacksonville To this day, not a single shovel has touched the area to begin development. a team that wins and the community can be proud to call its own.”

How can you expect fans to take you for your word when it has been six Not a single word of this quote lines up with a single thing that has actually happened. months and there’s been no results? It is a slap in the face to Jacksonville and Jags fans The first priority is winning? who support this team wholeheartedly when it shows any signs of on-field success. Look Since Khan bought the Jaguars, their record is 38-90. They have had one winning at the 2017 season. season in that span. General manager Dave Caldwell, who Khan has for some reason When the Jaguars made their magical AFC Championship run, the Seahawks and allowed to stick around for eight seasons, is 36-76 in his time in Jacksonville. Coach Doug Bills games were standing-room only. Carrying over into the next year, the early-season Marrone, who Khan also decided to retain this offseason following a 6-10 year, is 21-28 revenge game against the Patriots in 2018 was sold out as well. since being promoted to head man from offensive line coach.

And as far as the reaction being positive, whose reaction could Khan possibly think Which of those records indicate Khan’s first priority is winning? NFL GMs and coaches that is? simply do not lose that much and last that long if the most important thing is actually You don’t have to do much more than go on Twitter and type in “Jags London” to see coming out on top on Sundays. that fans of the teal and black are less than enthused, to put it nicely.

And what about his desire to give Jacksonville a team that makes the community Khan claims the two-game trip across the pond helps NFL football stay viable in “proud to call its own?”

Jacksonville long term, but they are in danger of losing the community’s faith in them How can the city be proud to call the team its own when he makes it share the team to put the city first anyway. You know what makes the Jaguars viable in Jacksonville? with somewhere else twice a year? Do you feel like your significant other is really yours Football games in Jacksonville. if they’re with you only most of the time?

T

Gators sophomore outfielder Jud Fabian was named to the Preseason All-SEC Second Team on Thursday. He hit .232 with seven home runs in 2019.

UNC's Tim Brewster to join Florida coaching staff Just days after the departure of tight end coach Larry Scott for the top job at Howard, the Gators add Brewster from UNC, according to 247Sports.

Brewster coached tight ends for the Tar Heels and is noted as a strong recruiter.

Follow us for updates

For updates on UF athletics, follow us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at www.alligator.org/sports

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 ALLIGATOR 11

MEN’S BASKETBALL

From boys to men

By Joseph Salvador Sports Writer

Samantha Harrison // Alligator Staff

Freshman Scottie Lewis and sophomore Andrew Nembhard celebrate together during Florida’s 22-point comeback win against Georgia.

LACROSSE

The crowd in Gainesville exploded as bucket after bucket sank.

Shooters couldn’t miss, and fans sporting orange and blue were in awe of the offensive showing.

The upside was on full display as no one on this young squad was taller than five feet, and on a school night no less.

That was the scene at halftime on Wednesday as a group of elementary school kids played a pickup game on the O’Connell Center hardwood on superhero night while Florida was down 41-26 against Georgia.

An anxious crowd that only saw UF make 11 field goals in the first half was finally privy to some exciting back and forth action on Wednesday when Georgia was in the midst of embarrassing UF on its home floor.

Future NBA Lottery pick and UGA guard Anthony Edwards might as well have been guarded by one of those children up until that point. Edwards had 18 points and was 4 for 5 from three-point range when he went to the visitor’s locker room at halftime.

A man among boys.

Not known to Edwards or any of the disgusted fans in attendance, but coach Mike White challenged his team to show some toughness in the second half and even called them soft.

“I called them that a bunch through this year,” White said.

“We’re not the toughest team, of course.”

A team of boys went into the locker room at halftime, and a group of men emerged.

Down by as many as 22, the Gators exploded in the second half, with their comeback tying a school record in the 81-75 win.

Guard Tre Mann lived up to his name as the freshman seemingly grew up right in front of the Gainesville crowd. He had 11 points, all in the second half, and drew two huge charges down the stretch.

Forward Keyontae Johnson finished with 15 points (13 in the second half), and no one shined brighter than guard Andrew Nembhard.

The sophomore scored 19 of his 25 points in an 11-minute shooting clinic in the second half and had 11 of UF’s last 12 points. The crowd erupted each time the point guard made one of his seven second-half

field goals.

This was especially the case when Nembhard sealed the game on a steal and dunk (the first dunk of his college career) with 19 seconds to go in the game to put UF up 79-73.

Much has been expected of Nembhard this season, but White has stated previously that there is never a situation where he goes to Nembhard and says, “Hey, you need to get us 25.”

An argument could be made that White should, however. The Gators are 3-0 when Nembhard scores more than 20 this season, and his aggression may be the key to future success.

Nemhard said that he didn’t go out and try to score 25, but the 20-year-old from Aurora, Ontario, Canada, did bashfully put an end to any rumors around his team’s psyche.

“I think we’re a confident team, I don’t think that narrative of us not being (or) not having confidence is real…anymore.”

It remains to be seen if this team will revert to its immature tendencies in the future, but on Wednesday, Florida was devoid of any boys. Only men played on that court on superhero night. @JSalvadorSports jsalvador@alligator.org

Chomp vs. Stomp: Gators open season against Buffaloes

By Christian Ortega Sports Writer

Amanda O’Leary opened the first media availability of the season, exuding nothing but confidence.

Though she lost 10 seniors — eight of which were starters — that led the team to an undefeated conference record last season, this decade ushers in a new era for the team.

Ranked No. 14 in the IWLCA Preseason Poll, the Gators will have an opportunity to test their young roster against No. 18 Colorado on Feb. 8 at noon.

“We are going to see a lot of new faces coming into this season,” O’Leary said. “That’s really exciting for us, we have had a great preseason. Our seniors and our upperclassman have done a great job taking the underclassmen under their wing and making sure they understand the culture and the work ethic of this team.”

But they will face some challenges.

The team lost attacker Lindsey Ronbeck, who led the team in goals (89) and points (107) last year, as well as three-time conference goalie of the year and all-time saves leader, Halie Hicklen, to graduation.

Offensively, junior midfielder Shannon Kavanagh who totaled 95 points last season, will command the bulk of Ron-

beck’s production. Defensively, senior defender Cara Trombetta is expected to have a dominant year. She averaged 1.7 caused turnovers per game last season.

Both are preseason All-Americans.

“Shannon is a very unique player in the fact that she is a middie (midfielder) and plays both ends of the field,” O’Leary said. “She is super athletic and has a really high lacrosse IQ, but more importantly, she is a really good kid — fun to be around and fun to coach. She was named a captain, and that was for a reason.”

In the goal, redshirt freshman Sarah Reznick will start over senior Kenzii Kittell. Reznick was the No. 1-rated goalie in the 2017 recruiting class after compiling 681 saves during her high school career.

Against the Buffaloes, Florida will have to maximize its depth if it’s to overcome a talented Buffs team that was second in the Pac-12 preseason coaches poll.

If the game goes Colorado’s way, goal-scoring will come tough for the Gators. They’ll face senior goalie Julia Lisella, who averaged 10.2 goals-against in 2019 (19th nationally).

Yet, O’Leary remains optimistic about their chances.

“Your first game is always a big gauge in determining where you are,” she said. “It will be exciting for us to get out there and execute on the things we’ve been working on day in and day out. For the first game, we are trying to execute the basics. If

we can do that, we will be successful.”

Part of her confidence stems from the promising group of freshmen. Of the 14 newcomers, midfielders Emily Heller and Shelton Sawers are poised to provide an immediate impact.

Another freshman who will be relied on heavily is attacker Kaala Puglisi. An expected starter, she will try to help fill the void left by Ronbeck, who accounted for 22.5 percent of all points and 27.5 percent of all goals scored for the Gators last season.

“We lost a lot of seniors last year that had a huge impression on our program, but we have 14 freshmen that came in, so they are filling the spots well,” Kavanagh said. “We are excited that we have a lot of players that didn’t get a chance to show off last year that are filling those positions.”

Having coached the team since its inception, O’Leary is no stranger to developing a young, inexperienced team, and it’s a feeling that has become contagious within the team. If managed properly, this season can continue Florida’s streak of sixstraight conference championships.

“The mood going into the game on Saturday is excitement,” Trombetta said. “It’ll be good to see where we are and see what we can build on for the rest of the season.” @unofficialchris cortega@alligator.org

SOFTBALL

Previewing Florida’s 2020 season, which begins tonight

By Payton Titus Sports Writer

What were once commanding voices of leadership in the locker room, bullpen and dugout have now vacated Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The echoes of all-time athletes like Kelly Barnhill, Amanda Lorenz and Alex Voss interfere with loud whispers of doubt from the rest of college softball, generating feedback in Gainesville.

But, 10-year-old Hartley Georges — Florida softball’s adopted teammate — muffles the white noise. Last season was Hartley’s first with the Gators. She and Lorenz formed a special bond, never too far apart in the dugout,

both sporting No. 18.

This season, just as they did before, the Gators will look to her for strength. She motivates Florida’s squad and reminds them that there’s more to life than wins and losses. Senior catcher Jordan Roberts said that she is “literally sunshine” in the dugout. At the preseason banquet, the Georges surprised the Gators, announcing that Hartley’s most recent MRI came back clear — no evidence of disease.

“Chills amongst our whole team, I’m sure,” senior Jade Caraway said about the Georges’ news. “Us seniors, I know for a fact, were looking at each other trying to hold it together...Our eyes were filled with tears.”

More than any title, more than any acco-

lade, more than dispelling any preseason hesitations, that is what they’re playing for. She is what they’re playing for.

Florida’s 2020 campaign begins tonight in Tampa, where the No. 7-ranked Gators will face the Illinois State Redbirds in their seventhconsecutive USF-Rawlings Invitational.

The weekend will kick off the 56-game regular season with five games, including Florida’s first matchup with a ranked opponent in No. 17 Michigan. While the Gators have won the last five meetings versus the Wolverines, coach Tim Walton acknowledges the breadth of talent in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“It’s called fast pitch for a reason, and if you pitch really, really well, you’re going to win a

lot of games,” Walton said. “I think Michigan really has a very good pitching staff. They returned a couple of really good pitchers.”

Independent of the turnover the Gators have seen from last season, they are slated for a tough non-conference schedule. Florida will travel to Palm Springs, California, for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at the end of the month to battle No. 5 Arizona, No. 14 Northwestern, No. 22 Arizona State and No. 4 UCLA all in one weekend.

Read the rest online at alligator.org/sports @petitus25 ptitus@alligator.org

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