February 15, 2019

INSIDE

Leftwich, Mace, Butler and McMullen saw significant playing time as freshmen. A year later, they are leading Florida’s pitching staff.

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The Core of Four

Sophomore-studded pitching rotation returns for 2019 season

FIRST PITCH

Editor: Jake Dreilinger Photo for Cover Illustration: Jordan Bourne Alligator, Friday, February 15, 2019

Florida’s four sophomores anchor the pitching staff

By Kyle Wood Sports Writer

The future of Florida’s pitching staff is here.

One year ago, throughout opening weekend, the Gators baseball program saw a glimpse of its next generation when four members of the class of 2017 appeared on the bump.

Coach Kevin O’Sullivan called on his freshmen out of the bullpen four times. And four times they trotted out to the mound and executed.

The focus that weekend was naturally on the MLB prospects that would lead UF to its fourth-straight College World Series appearance. Juniors Jackson Kowar, Brady Singer and Michael Byrne were stellar on the mound that weekend, and throughout their careers as Gators.

But in their stead came four freshmen: first Jordan Butler, the next

day Jack Leftwich and then, lastly, Tommy Mace and Hunter McMullen.

Those four freshmen pitchers threw a total of five innings in relief, struck out nine batters and allowed just three hits and zero runs when the opening weekend series against Siena came to a close.

A promising start, to say the least. But could O’Sullivan lean on them once SEC play began? Or in Omaha?

The answer was an overwhelming yes.

Butler, Leftwich, Mace and McMullen saw the third-most time on the mound for any of O’Sullivan’s 11 freshman classes as Florida’s head coach. They were the smallest group of the top three.

They amassed more strikeouts than any other freshman class of pitchers during that time. All with 24 starts and three saves between them.

Now sophomores, Mace and Leftwich move into the coveted role of weekend starters, replacing the now departed Kowar and Singer, while Butler and McMullen attempt to fill the void left by Byrne as the de facto closer.

• • • Butler knew Mace from their hometown. He knew Hunter from travel baseball. And he has roomed with Leftwich for two years now.

He’s the odd man out as a lefty and two-way player, but he’s what brings players from four different high schools across the state together.

Jordan Butler

Alligator File Photo

Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan smiles while talking to Siena coach Tony Rossi before Florida’s game against the Saints.

Butler and Mace are both from Tampa, and McMullen and Leftwich weren’t far away in Ocala and Orlando, respectively.

Their play on the diamond grabbed the attention of Florida’s head coach.

O’Sullivan said he knew he was signing a strong class back in 2017, and the numbers support that sentiment.

In Leftwich, Mace and McMullen, the Gators signed the No. 1, No. 5 and No. 18-ranked right-handed pitchers in Florida, per Perfect Game, whereas Butler was the No. 15 left-handed pitcher. They all had decorated careers at their respective high schools, but this talented crop of UF pitchers almost never came to be.

Three of the four were drafted in the 2017 MLB Draft, yet they all opted to honor their commitments to Florida.

“We didn’t really know each other too much but we started to learn that ‘Hey, this is our class, this is who we’re gonna be,’” Mace said. “And we need to be close and work with each other to go to Omaha and hopefully win a national championship.”

In their freshman campaigns, they fell just short, losing in the College World Series.

The goal is to ultimately return to Omaha and win a national championship as the 2017 team did before them.

Much of that responsibility will fall on

Projected FLORIDA lineup Hometowns

CF Jud Fabian

LF Hunter McMullen Ocala Forest High School

Tommy Mace Tampa Sunlake High School

RF

Austin Langworthy

Jack Leftwich Orlando TNXL Academy

Jordan Butler Tampa Alonso High

3B Cory Acton

Wil Dalton

SS

2B

Brady McConnell

Blake Reese

P Tyler Dyson

C Brady Smith

1B Kendrick Calilao

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VOLUME 113 ISSUE 59

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

TO: Parkland FROM: Gainesville

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Alyson Moriarty, a 20-year-old UF neuroscience sophomore, lights 17 candles Thursday to memorialize the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Moriarty attended Monarch High School, which is about 10 minutes away from Stoneman Douglas, and she had friends who were impacted by last year’s shooting.

NEARLY 1,200 CHILDREN HAVE DIED FROM GUN VIOLENCE SINCE THE SHOOTING

By Josephine Fuller, Kelly Hayes Alligator Staff Writers

Anisha Saripalli said she didn’t give herself enough time to grieve. She’s been numb for most of the last year.

The anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman

Douglas High School shooting on Thursday caused her to mourn her friend all over again.

Months before the shooting, Saripalli and Carmen Schentrup nervously completed their college applications together and planned to be roommates in Hume Hall if they were both accepted to the honors college.

Plans changed after a former student shot and killed 17 people and injured 17 more at their school on Valentine’s Day. Carmen was among the dead.

Saripalli, a now-17-year-old UF biomedi-

cal engineering freshman, realized she would never be able to move in with her best friend.

She and 47 other Douglas students would be starting school at UF without some friends.

“Part of me still thinks that ‘Oh, she’s enjoying life at University of Washington’ because that was her other choice,” she said. “A part of me still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that she isn’t with us.”

The shooting motivated the Douglas high schoolers to start a movement, which began at 3 p.m. the day after the shooting with the

hashtag #NeverAgain on Twitter, to increase school safety and create stricter gun laws to prevent future mass shootings. Young people throughout the country followed their lead.

Despite the movement, new gun control legislation and vigils, nearly 1,200 American children have died from gun violence since Parkland. So, some still ask, “How much has really changed?”

Teachers could be armed The protests and fast reaction of students

SEE MSD, PAGE 8

Homophobic posts surface from Student Body executive candidates CANDIDATES ACKNOWLEDGED, APOLOGIZED FOR THEM

By Dana Cassidy Alligator Staff Writer

Impact Party’s Student Body presidential candidate has issued

an apology after racially insensitive and homophobic posts he and others made on his personal Facebook page surfaced.

At least 20 posts on Impact’s Michael Murphy’s personal Facebook timeline from 2011 to 2016 include vulgar content, including a stereotypical picture of an Asian student

Gators bench stepped up against Vandy

Jalen Hudson was one of the UF men’s basketball’s biggest contributors Wednesday, pg. 14

in a math class. Murphy also commented on a post saying, “C thats y hes a f-- he breaks into there housr R U SAYING ALL GAYS BREAK INTO HOUSE.” Murphy also commented on a post saying he looked different with, “o ya i forgot to tell you… i changed my gender the other day… the surgery was a success.”

First plastic bags, now straws

Murphy’s running mates Sarah Abraham, Impact’s Student Body vice presidential candidate, and Santiago Gutierrez, Impact’s Student Body treasurer nominee, also had negative posts regarding the LGBTQ+ community on their personal accounts, The Alligator found.

The UF Pride Student Union does

The Gainesville City Commission has started conversations about eliminating plastic straws, pg. 4

UF researcher dives deep

A 69-year-old professor dives around the world, pg. 4

not condone this behavior and will release a statement Friday, said Alex Rong, the student organization’s internal vice president.

Murphy, 21, wrote in a text message he is “deeply sorry for [his] conduct back then” and hopes to convey his “regret to anyone hurt by [his]

SEE SCREENSHOTS, PAGE 3

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2 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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Local Events / News in Brief WHAT'S HAPPENING SATURDAY

Community Forum: “Working Food Southern Style” When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Working Food, at 219 NW 10th Ave. What: The NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice committee and Working Food, a nonprofit that works to sustain a local food community, will host an interactive afternoon of food education. Speakers include Evelyn Foxx, the president of the local NAACP branch, City Commissioner Gigi Simmons and Karen Washington from Rise & Root Farm. Admission is free, and lunch will be provided.

Mandala rock painting class When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Alachua County Library District, at 401 E. University Ave. What: Attendees can learn about how cultures value the mandala’s meaning. Mandalas are used as a therapeutic tool and a source of inner reflection. All ages are welcomed, but children need to be accompanied by an adult. Art supplies and rocks will be provided. The event is free, and no registration is necessary. Seating is limited.

MONDAY

Student Government elections When: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday Where: Beaty Commons TVRecreation Room, Broward Hall Recreation Room, Health Science Center BITS C1-121, Heavener Hall Room 202, Levin College of Law BGH Student Commons, Marston Computer Lab Second Floor, Murphree Hall Conference Room, Norman Hall Education Library, Reitz Union Lower Level SG Printing Lab, Southwest Recreation Center Social Lounge, Springs Area Office Room C202 What: UF students can vote in the SG election. Candidates for the Student Body president, vice president and treasurer are on the ballot as well as 50 senators by college and grade level.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Alachua County Library District African American Read-In When: 2-3:15 p.m. Saturday Where: Hawthorne Branch, located at 6640 SE 221 St. What: Attendees can discover

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books and stories by African Americans. Refreshments will be provided.

Black History through the Arts When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday Where: Archer Branch, located at 13266 SW State Road 45 What: Attendees can celebrate black history with music, dance performances, poetry readings and lectures. The keynote speaker will be John Gay, the past president of the Orlando chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Tasty History When: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday Where: Cone Park Branch, located at 2801 E. University Ave. What: Children ages 5-11 can celebrate Black History Month and the invention of the potato chip.

African American Read-In When: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 24 Where: Alachua Branch, located at 14913 NW 140th St. What: Attendees, including community leaders, will read passages, poems and stories by black authors.

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Santa Fe adjunct professors will speak about their union campaign When: 6 p.m. Feb. 26 Where: Emmanuel Mennonite Church, located at 1236 NW 18th Ave. What: Santa Fe College adjunct professors will speak about their unionization campaign at Santa Fe at the Alachua County Labor Coalition monthly general meeting. Professors will talk about their almost two-year push for living wages, better working conditions and a union. Refreshments will be provided.

Theater trivia fundraiser When: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 23 Where: The Hippodrome State Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place in downtown Gainesville What: A theater-themed trivia night for Y-Not Theatre’s annual fundraiser aims to raise money for the local nonprofit that supports playwrights and actors across north-central Florida. Tickets are $25 before Friday; after that, tickets will be $35. Sababa, a Mediterranean restaurant, will provide a buffet. Cake will be provided by D’Lites Emporium.

The Gainesville Improv Guild will

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Stories from the Rabbit Hole When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday Where: Eastside Recreation Center, at 2841 E. University Ave. What: Baba Turbado, a folklorist, visual artist and storyteller, will use storytelling to spin tales that encourage good character and bring people together in the spirit of family. This immersive experience will include African drumming, dance, culture and interactive mural making with Baba Turbado and the FentaGo Drum and Dance Troupe of Caring and Sharing Learning School.

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Life and Legacy of A. Quinn Jones When: From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 Where: Cone Park Library, at 2801 E. University Ave. What: A touring exhibit featuring artifacts and panels from the original exhibit on display at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center.

“Marshall” film screening: When: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 10 Where: Thomas Center, at 302 NE Sixth Ave. What: A screening of the movie “Marshall," a movie about Thurgood Marshall, followed by a discussion about Marshall with Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, a UF assistant professor in the department of religion.

Paige Fry, editor@alligator.org Christina Morales, engagement@alligator.org Amanda Rosa, digital@alligator.org Michaela Mulligan, opinions@alligator.org Devoun Cetoute, dcetoute@alligator.org Dana Cassidy, dcassidy@alligator.org Angela DiMichele, adimichele@alligator.org Jake Dreilinger, jdreilinger@alligator.org Mark Stine, mstine@alligator.org Alanis Thames, athames@alligator.org Paige Fry, Christina Morales, Amanda Rosa, Michaela Mulligan Aaron Ritter, aritter@alligator.org Lindsey Breneman, avenue@alligator.org Madison Forbis, April Rubin, Marlowe Starling Ellen Bausback, Marianna Colon, Sabrina Conza, Sarah DeVoe, Lily Griton, Hope Hathcock, Ashlyn Jones, Shelby Smith,

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Former Sen. Bill Nelson archives astronomical amount of papers at UF

By Mikayla Carroll Alligator Staff Writer

scribe his training and flight on the Space Shuttle Columbia through photographs and other reports, he said.

Nelson and library staff are reviewing the documents to determine which will be made public, Orlando said. The reviews could take several months, as some documents cannot be released until cleared by Nelson and other librarians and archivists.

Once they are, they will be released a little at a time.

Orlando said students can use the documents for research in academic papers or for looking to uncover information. The process will take a few months and will be done in segments with files being both digital and physical.

R. Matthew Barocas, the UF College Democrats treasurer, said he is interested in learning about Nelson’s political dealings with College Democrats of America chapters across the country. He also wants to use the documents to understand the role of students in his past campaigns.

“Any resources on politics and history in the state of Florida are good for student review, especially because his tenure in office was so recent,” said Barocas, a 19-year-old political science sophomore. “There’ll be a lot of illuminating documents on the current workings of the Senate.” @mikaylacarro11 mcarroll@alligator.org

An Army veteran, lawyer, astronaut and politician.

They’re not four different people. It’s just former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

After an extensive political career, Nelson deposited his collection of papers from his public life in a UF library.

About 800 boxes and 260,000 electronic files were delivered to UF’s Smathers Library in early January, said UF spokesperson Steve Orlando.

“This is a research resource for historians Nelson when they go and put together different pieces of history and what was important,” Nelson said. “In my case, my work is shown not only in Florida, but on the national level as well.”

Nelson’s roots in Florida stem from as early as 1829, when his family settled shortly after Florida was acquired from Spain as a territory, he said.

Nelson was once a Gator himself in the early 1960s before transferring and graduating from Yale University with a degree in political science.

“I’ve been a lifelong Gator, so this was a natural place to deposit these documents,” Nelson said.

The documents inDocuments Deposited clude speeches, press • The flight suit Nelson wore while aboard Space Shuttle Columbia releases, letters, photo• Legislation, case work, letters, speeches, press releases and photographs and correspongraphs from Nelson’s 18 years in the Senate dence with constitu• Reports detailing Nelson’s training for space travel ents during his term in • Documents from Nelson’s youth spent in Florida, as well as his time Congress, he said. spent at UF A space collection will also be among the • Records dating from Nelson’s early political career documents, which de-

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 3

The posts have since been deleted SCREENSHOTS, from pg. 1 immature actions,” as he’s learned a great deal since the posts.

He asks for the university community to judge him by his time and record at UF, instead of his social media from middle school.

“I am heartbroken to think that my actions caused any student at UF pain, and I will work every day for the remainder of my time on campus to make up for it,” Murphy said.

Murphy did not respond to follow-up questions. The posts have been deleted since The Alligator contacted Murphy about them.

The posts came to The Alligator’s attention when an anonymous email was sent to the editor. The posts were then independently verified by reporters.

One of the photos sent in the anonymous email shows the profile picture of Zachariah Chou, the Inspire Party Student Body presidential nominee, and another shows his name logged into the account.

Chou, 21, said he did not send the photos to The Alligator but confirmed he took two of the photos the paper received, including one someone shared on Murphy’s profile of a black woman with the caption “Happy birfday I got you a stripper,” in November 2016. Murphy liked the post.

Chou said he sent the pictures to friends via Snapchat in November, and one of the recipients most likely took a screenshot and sent the images.

Although Chou said Murphy’s posts were immature, he believes his opponent’s values have changed.

“People grow up in these enclaves where they don’t have access to different sorts of diversity,” Chou said. “If you don’t have access to people of different backgrounds, that’s going to temper the way they post online.”

The Alligator also searched through the social media of Chou; 20-year-old Gouthami Gadamsetty, Inspire party’s Student Body vice presidential nominee; and 19-year-old Mackintosh Joachim, Inspire party’s Student Body treasurer nominee but did not find posts with crude terms or discriminatory meanings upon multiple searches.

Murphy said the posts in question were cre-

ated because he was assigned to a shared middle school computer for class and would often inadvertently leave his account logged in, which is when he said other middle school students would post the vulgar comments.

“I never should have allowed them to remain on my page, and for that, I am again truly sorry,” Murphy said.

In February 2014, Impact’s current Student Body treasurer candidate Santiago Gutierrez, 20, had a Facebook post that said, “I’m coming out!!

I want the world to know! Got to let it show!” on his page. There were 10 comments below, including Gutierrez claiming his brother “hacked” him and that he is “not gay.”

Gutierrez replied to a comment saying “si tio yo no soy marica,” which translates roughly to “no uncle I am not gay.” “Marica” is a negative term to describe gay people, however, the use and severity of the phrase varies depending on dialect and region.

Gutierrez said he was 14 when he left his Facebook page open and his then-20-year-old brother made the post.

“I have nothing against the gay community. I am an ally of them,” Gutierrez said. “I have a lot of friends that are part of the community as well.”

The post is not accurate regarding Gutierrez’s thoughts on the LGBTQ+ community, he said.

He doesn’t believe it will affect his campaign, as it was taken care of between him and his brother, although he says the post never should have been on Facebook.

In October 2012, Sarah Abraham, 20, the Impact Student Body vice presidential candidate, had a picture posted on her timeline reading, “Roses are gay. Violets are gay. You’re gay.”

Abraham wasn’t aware the post was still on her Facebook and thought it was deleted. Abraham said she does not condone what was posted on her page or using the word “gay” in a derogatory manner.

“We fail to remember that these things did happen so long ago,” she said, “and people were so young that they didn’t realize the effect that their words would have on the population.” @danacassidy_ dcassidy@alligator.org

4 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

City discusses banning plastic straws PLASTIC BAGS, STYROFOAM CONTAINERS WERE PREVIOUSLY BANNED

By Karina Elwood Alligator Staff Writer

Plastic straws may be the next thing banned in Gainesville.

The Gainesville City Commission discussed creating an ordinance that would make plastic straws available by request only before banning the product completely at a general policy committee meeting Thursday.

Commissioners Helen Warren, Gail Johnson, Adrian HayesSantos and Mayor Lauren Poe were present for the discussion, and all agreed a straw ordinance would be the next step in the right direction.

“More and more people expect [a straw ban],” Poe said.

“They see that as a logical step for communities to take.”

The commission passed an ordinance last month banning single-use plastic bags and foam containers.

The new ordinance, which will go into effect Aug. 1, is a part of the city’s initiative to be waste-free by 2040. Banning plastic straws is one of the next steps in that process, Hayes-Santos said.

Hayes-Santos suggested modeling the straw ordinance after a similar one in St. Petersburg, which passed in December.

The St. Petersburg ordinance will first make straws available by request only, which means customers will have to ask for straws before restaurants give them out, Hayes-Santos said.

After this period, straws will be banned completely, excluding drive-thrus.

Warren and Poe both said they would like to see drivethru restaurants included in the Gainesville ordinance.

“If you are doing drive-thru,

you can also say ‘hold the straw’ along with the onions,” Warren said.

This isn’t the first time the commission has talked about banning straws. It was discussed in a commission meeting in August, but the focus was shifted to banning bags and foam first.

Loosey’s, a local bar and restaurant at 120 SW First Ave., began completely phasing out plastic products in fall 2017.

Owner Joy Hughes said Loosey’s began the process with an offer-first system, similar to the one Hayes-Santos suggested at the meeting.

“If you ask first, generally people will be like ‘Oh yeah, I don’t need one,’” Hughes said.

“The offer-first policy helped us mitigate the cost.”

The commission will discuss the ordinance again in March. @karina_elwood kelwood@alligator.org

Deep dive: Meet UF’s ‘aquanaut’ His deepest exploration yet was 11,000 feet

By Jordyn Kalman Alligator Contributing Writer

Michael Perfit’s journey to the bottom of the ocean started with a dream of flying to outer space.

Perfit, a 69-year-old UF geology professor, said he wanted to be an astronaut when he was younger but became too tall once he reached high school.

Instead of launching into the stars, Perfit has been exploring the unknown depths of the seven seas. Most recently, he dove 8,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean in December to further understand the ocean floor, the composition of Earth’s interior and Earth’s evolution.

“It’s amazing to realize you are the only person who’s been in some of these places and to discover some of this stuff,” Perfit said. “It’s exploring; it’s how I keep going.”

Perfit and his team set out to explore volcanoes on mid-ocean ridges in a six-foot-wide submarine called Alvin, which is the world’s first deep-diving submarine and is named after the engineer, physicist and oceanographer Allyn Vine.

Alvin is built to go 14,764 feet below the surface, Perfit said.

The deepest Perfit has ever gone was 11,000 feet back in 1991.

The cost of a dive trip is about $45,000 per day, not including the cost of supplies, equipment and staff salaries, Perfit said.

Funding comes from govern-

Samuel Thomas / Alligator Staff

LOVE TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

“They all say he is so pasment grants and contracts, as Alexandra Thomas, a 20-year-old UF business management well as foundation and private sionate about what he teaches,” sophomore, holds a Valentine’s Day-themed cutout of President Daniel said. “You can tell he donations.

Donald Trump Thursday on Turlington Plaza. Thomas, a member of Perfit said he has done about loves what he does and has so UF College Republicans, handed out cookies and Trump valentines 40 dives in Alvin, each one last- much experience which makes with expressions such as “I want you on my side of the wall.” ing about six hours, which totals his classes so interesting.”

10 days spent at the bottom of the ocean as an “aquanaut,” or someone who spends an extended period of time underwater.

His most recent dive was significant because it was the first dive into a chain of submarine volcanoes called the 8°20’N Seamounts, where divers found the chemical composition of the volcanoes to be more diverse than usual, Perfit said.

Up until the 1970s, when Alvin started operating, scientists knew almost nothing about the seafloor, Perfit said.

“You can’t just have oceanographers or marine biologists do this,” Perfit said. “You need somebody who understands what a volcano is like on land to figure out what they’re like on the bottom of the ocean.”

Carly Daniel, a 20-yearold UF geology junior, said she wants to specialize in volcanology once she graduates. Daniel is looking forward to having Perfit as a teacher next Spring because she has heard he is a great professor from her friends, Courtesy to The Alligator she said.

Michael Perfit, a 69-year-old UF geology professor, inside a submarine on his most recent dive, which was 8,000 feet deep.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 5 ,

· CRIME ROUNDUP · Stories by Katherine Wallace-Fernandez | Alligator Staff Writer kwallace-fernandez@alligator.org | Twitter: @katwf98

GPD: Two accused of robbing Bojangles with assault rifle NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE

Two people wanted more than fried chicken and biscuits when they broke into a Bojangles with an AK-47 assault rifle Wednesday.

At about 11 p.m., Gainesville Police were sent to Bojangles, at 3120 SW Archer Road, to investigate a report of an armed robbery,

according to GPD. While employees were closing the store, two people wearing masks and gloves forced their way in, the release said. One of them had an assault-style rifle and went up to the employees demanding money.

They took cash and left the restaurant, the release said. Police did not find them during a search.

At about 11:20 p.m., University Police sent out a series of tweets about the armed robbery at Bojangles.

One of the robbers was wearing a red mask, green shirt and blue jeans, and the other was wearing an orange mask, olive sweater and blue jeans, UPD said.

One was armed with the rifle, and the two were last seen on the 3100 block of Ar-

cher Road, UPD said.

The restaurant declined to comment.

The previous UF alert issued was sent Monday when a woman was sexually battered on campus Saturday night in an alleyway north of the Florida Gym and south of the Student Recreation & Fitness Center.

No arrests have been made in either case.

Man stole master key to break into hotel rooms, police say POLICE SAY HE PAWNED A LAPTOP

Marcus Alexander Cromartie wasn’t a normal hotel guest. He was accused of stealing a master key and robbing a hotel room Wednesday.

The owners of the Wyndham Hotel, at 2900 SW 13th St., re-

ported to police that Cromartie, 35, of Gainesville, had stolen from several rooms at the hotel, according to a Gainesville Police arrest report.

Cromartie had been in the hotel Monday and obtained the master key for almost every room, the report said.

Cromartie used the key to enter a hotel room he and Teresa

Nicole Tugerson, 32, were staying in, the report said. Management told police the room was supposed to be empty.

Cromartie was caught on surveillance footage trying to enter multiple rooms, the report said.

At about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, he went into the general manager’s room and took a laptop that cost about $899, the re-

port said.

About three hours later, he pawned the laptop at Oaks Pawn, at 2530 SW 34th St., for $150, the report said. Later that day, Cromartie and Tugerson were detained at the hotel.

He admitted to stealing and pawning the laptop because he was “hard-up for money,” the report said.

Tugerson was not charged.

Cromartie was charged with burglary of a dwelling, grand theft from $300 to $4,999, dealing in stolen property and giving false information during a pawn transaction, the report said.

He remains in the Alachua County Jail in lieu of a $45,000 bond.

Man accused of crashing into police car, chased by aircraft HIS BOND IS $73,000 After a man was accused of driving into a patrol car, police chased him by car and an aircraft.

At about 2 p.m., an officer pulled over Alunzo Devon Peoples, of Gainesville, near 1500 SE Fourth Ave., for having an expired registration, according to a

Gainesville Police arrest report.

Peoples, 20, then reversed into the officer’s patrol car and drove north on Southeast 15th Street, the report said. The officer was still in the car.

He ran a red light and a stop sign, the report said. Police were also following Peoples’ car with an aircraft.

During the chase, Peoples let a man out of the car and drove behind a house at

1039 SE 11th Ave., the report said. He then ran until police caught him.

While police were trying to put Peoples in handcuffs, they saw him toss three pill bags of powdered cocaine and a cannabis “blunt” from a bag, the report said.

Peoples admitted to driving the car, owning the “blunt” and fleeing because he was on probation and did not have a license, the report said.

He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, aggravated battery on an officer, possessing less than 20 grams of cannabis, possessing drug paraphernalia, having no valid driver’s license and fleeing from an officer, the report said.

Peoples remains in the Alachua County Jail in lieu of a $73,000 bond.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 www.alligator.org/opinions

Editorial

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day, which means the day of love has come and gone just as quickly as that box of chocolates sitting on your dining room table. But today is even better because all things love-related are half off at Target. Were you eyeing that giant Reese’s heart-shaped candy but couldn’t possibly find a reason to buy it? Well, guess what? Today, it’s only $5 — an instant cop. This week was about showing everyone you love how much you care about them, with Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day and of course Valentine’s Day. But today, it’s all about you. Yeah, that’s right, it’s a selflove kind of day. So you get on with your routine and all of the responsibilities that go along with it like class and studying. Once you’re done for the day, you make your way back home, where you know a bowl of popcorn and Netflix await you. You plop down on the couch and start to scroll through all the new shows. You know exactly what you’re looking for.

You’ve been waiting all week to be able to sit back and relax, and no, it’s not to watch Marie Kondo. You finally find it, truly the most bingeable show; it’s...

L

Darts & Laurels

ike we said it’s the week of love, so we’ll start out by handing out a laurel. First, we have to hand out a laurel to the Opportunity rover, Oppy, for 14 long years of service on the surface of Mars, sending us back information. NASA made an announcement Wednesday that the robot would no longer be able to continue its job on Mars.

NASA lost contact with Opportunity about eight months ago after the solar-powered rover got stuck in a major dust storm that blocked out the sun. It was decided Wednesday that any efforts to contact the rover would cease. We offer our thanks to Oppy for the wealth of knowledge it offered us over the past 14 years.

“Love is blind” isn’t just a saying. At least that’s the case for Americans who lost a total of $143 million to love scams, scams in which people often use stolen identities to attract victims and gain their trust, only to abuse it. According to the Federal Trade Commission, most of the scams involved gaining a person’s trust then asking for money, usually for a ‘medical emergency.’ These scams accounted for only about 1.5 percent of reported frauds tracked by the FTC, but they cost people more money than any other scam in the past year.

A dart goes out to all those catfishers out there taking advantage of people just looking for love. So, be careful the next time you swipe right.

Another laurel goes out to UF’s newly revamped rehabilitation center, which will open on Tuesday. The center was renovated to accommodate for a growing number of patients recovering from spinal injuries, strokes and neurological conditions. The center is important in allowing patients to adjust to doing daily tasks like setting the table, opening a car door or washing clothes again. The facility is expected to start housing about 30 patients on its opening day.

Finally, we’d like to offer a laurel to The Trace, a nonprofit news organization that reports on gun violence. The organization created a project called “Since Parkland” that reported on the lives of the nearly 1,200 children who died by gun violence in the past year since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting.

The project strives to turn statistics into real-life stories. It was completed by 200 teenagers, the people who would relate to the victims the most, to tell the stories of the 1,200 children.

These young journalists are continuing to raise awareness of gun violence in our country, so take the time and read the stories of these children who lost their lives too soon.

Paige Fry EDITOR

Christina Morales MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda Rosa MANAGING EDITOR

Michaela Mulligan OPINIONS EDITOR

Column

Stop putting celebrities on pedestals, they shouldn’t influence government policy

I

n the age of social media, we’re pretty planet, detracts from our individual responsiaccustomed to celebrities chiming in bility to help solve these issues. It might not with their opinions on a range of topics. seem like it, but in order for problems like Recently, rapper Cardi B posted a series climate change and immigration to be solved, of videos condemning President Donald every single person needs to be engaged in Trump for the government shutdown. She making change. Your vote, your voice and shamed him for leaving thousands of govyour opinion matter. Just as much as Cardi ernment employees without pay for over a B’s. Just as much as Oprah’s.

Katherine month and defended previous administraWe’ve become the type of society that is Campione tions’ government shutdowns as being over okay with sitting back and letting others take opinions@alligator.org more worthy causes than a border wall. The the reins. That’s not to say we’re lazy, or we videos went viral, and people on both sides don’t care about progressing as a society. of the political spectrum commented on them. Not ev- We’ve just come to accept the notion that those who eryone loved it but, of course, her fans praised her for have more of a platform can make change if we just using her social platform to push an agenda. lift them up and encourage them to keep going. And It’s almost inevitable at this point that if a celeb- yes, we should definitely continue to do that. However, rity can articulate their thoughts on a complex topic, we shouldn’t expect their advocacy to solve everything, political or otherwise, they’re touted as the voice that and we certainly shouldn’t substitute their advocacy for will save us all. In some cases, they’re even urged to our own. run for political office, like when people rallied around By getting our hopes up each time a celebrity is canthe idea of Oprah Winfrey running for president in the did with their thoughts on any controversial subject, wake of the Obama administration. We view celebrities we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. They’re as saviors of sorts because we think their follower count still just normal people, who are allowed to have an makes them more powerful than we are. It’s true they opinion and voice it, just like the rest of us. Cardi B have the opportunity to influence millions of people. might have a handle on politics, but regardless, she’s They have the ability to encourage the uninformed to only one vote. Each person, no matter their level of become informed and the unenthusiastic to become en- fame, can only do so much. We live in a democratic thusiastic about an issue. country, and even politicians can only do as much as But how productive is it to give celebrities this much we the people are willing to let them. It’s when we credit, especially in situations concerning the goverm- come together for causes that we start to see change. net? It’s not at all. While it’s great celebrities use their voices for what they believe in, pressuring celebrities to Katherine Campione is a UF journalism senior. Her save us from all the issues plaguing the country, and the column normally appears on Wednesday.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator.

The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 150 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.

Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 7

Column

Love at first sight isn't just a myth - studies suggest it could be true

I

cry every single time I watch “Up.” Carl and Ellie’s heartwarming love at first sight story just gets me, and their tragic end really opens the floodgates. This idea of love is cheesy and a little overused. I don’t even care that Hallmark movies use the same love at first sight storyline, though, because it never gets old. I love watching those corny films because I just want an instant, all-encompassing love to exist. I want it so bad that I have genuine faith in love at first sight. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think it’s the only way to find love. Quite the contrary, I think it’s rarely the way people meet their spouses. I do believe, however, that this kind of love is out there, and some lucky people find their partners that way.

I know my fellow romantics don’t even need to read why I believe in it. But for the skeptics and pessimists still reading, I’ll try to tug at your heartstrings and help you understand love at first sight does exist.

I want this kind of love to be real. Some

people might deem it an idea that grandparents were married for almost 50 years before my grandbelongs in movies or fairy tales, but I refuse to confine myself to a mother died. There’s definitely a spot in my heart that hopes some world without at least a little magcouples today experience love at ic. Just the idea of it encourages me to notice and appreciate the first sight like my grandparents. I can’t accept the extinction of that people around me. I’m not afraid to admit that believing in that kind Chasity Maynard romance.

Beyond my emotional longing of love comforts me and helps me opinions@alligator.org for love at first sight, though, I cope with our harsh, no-nonsense world. think its existence is logical. Urban My grandfather, who I call my papa, lights legends, ghost stories and tall tales almost alup when he tells us about meeting my grand- ways stem from some scrap of truth. The same ma. He smugly sets up the scene: He was a rule applies here. Something inspired the creyoung and handsome Marine. He was at ation of this idea. Someone must have fallen in a party with a blonde girl, but when he laid love immediately and shared their experience. eyes on my grandmother, everyone else in the Over time, it morphed and shaped itself into room vanished. My grandma was Italian. She our present concept of this kind of love.

Scientists believe primal attraction instincts had long, dark hair with bright, playful eyes.

My papa pretended he didn’t know how to play a role in love at first sight, too. According dance and asked my grandmother to teach to an article from The Washington Post, some him. Really, he just wanted to talk to her. My scientists believe there may be a “biological ba-

sis” to the phenomenon. The article explains that romantic attraction may have evolved to assist in the human process of seeking out genetically compatible mates, according to animal studies. It also notes that studies indicate it takes only a few minutes to determine if someone’s partner material. I know this research doesn’t fully prove love at first sight exists, but the only way to prove its existence is to experience it yourself. According to The Washington Post, young people have been shown to be more likely to experience love at first sight. I hope you’ll able to show the skeptics the truth.

I know Valentine’s Day just passed, so a lot of people reading this might be sporting a slightly bitter #foreveralone attitude and scoffing at the idea of love at first sight. If love is what you’re after, don’t give up hope. Your love life could change in the blink of an eye.

Chasity Maynard is a UF journalism freshman. Her column appears on Fridays.

Column

I wasn't attracted to my partner anymore, and this is how I dealt with it

A

few years ago, I found myself in a messy situation.

I had been dating a guy for two months, and he clearly wanted to take the relationship to the next level. Although our personalities meshed well and I enjoyed being around him, something wasn’t right. I didn’t know what it was until one day he leaned in to kiss me, and I leaned away. At that point I realized I was attracted to his personality, not him. I broke up with him and like any person with a conscience, I felt horrible.

The sad truth is this is something that happens too many. Oftentimes, people find themselves in full-blown relationships and even marriages where they’re not attracted to their partner, and sometimes people lose the attraction they once held for their partner. It’s important to under-

stand you can love someone but not be attracted to them. If that’s the case, clearly there’s no great way to tell your partner. However, here’s some advice on how to deal with this type of situation.

First and foremost, chances are your partner already knows something is up. You’ve stopped going on dates, stopped being intimate and stopped communicating effectively. If you haven’t flat out told them through your words, then you’ve certainly done it through your actions. Therefore, one thing you can do is sit your partner down and talk to them.

You can start off by saying something like this: “I need to talk about something that’s been weighing on me.” During this talk it’s vital you use the appropriate tone. Your tone shouldn’t be angry or resentful. It might be helpful to write what you want to

Anede Siffort opinions@alligator.org

say, then read it out loud. Practice your tone and delivery before the talk. By doing so, you’ll feel somewhat prepared for the conversation. While you’re talking to your partner, be open-minded and prepare to hear things you may not want to hear. This conversation is emotional. Your partner might get upset, shut down or even start to cry. They are allowed to feel and express their emotions, but they also deserve the truth. At any point, if the conversation seems

to be escalating into an argument, it’s perfectly okay to end it, take a breather and continue the conversation at another time.

Let’s say you’re not ready for a conversation. It could be because you still don’t understand why you feel the way you do. It’s important to take time and sort through your feelings. Try to answer the question of why you’re feeling this way. Why aren’t you attracted to your partner? It could be because their physical appearance changed, or they’ve changed in general. And maybe it’s not them. Maybe it’s you. However, before you talk to your partner, make sure you have all of this sorted out. Otherwise this conversation won’t be effective.

Sometimes you don’t need to have a conversation. Actions speak louder than words. Before jumping straight into a serious dis-

cussion, try to rectify the situation through your actions. Don’t forget about the little things you loved about your partner when you first met them. Becoming complacent in your relationship is never a good thing, and it is probably what landed you in this situation.

Nurturing your love through your daily actions is a great first step in reviving your attraction.

A few years ago, when I realized I was no longer attracted to the person I was dating, I made a conscious decision to never be in that same position again. By understanding my true feelings, working through them and communicating effectively, I was able to fix an ugly situation, and I hope you can, too.

Anede Siffort is a UF journalism senior. Her column appears on Fridays.

Column

The mid-semester crisis is difficult, but there are ways to get back on track

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e all know about midlife crises.

For those of you who understand the struggle people face when confronting the issue of time constantly moving, the idea of the midlife crisis may haunt you. You ask questions of yourself: Am I doing enough? What have I done with the time I’ve used? How much time did I waste?

The mid-semester crisis is similar. The first exams are usually the cue for realizing just how much time has passed and what we’ve been doing. I myself have just been cycling between eating, classes, work and sleep. Not always in that order. We think we can put off planning for the future because we’re dealing with so much right now. The “Oh, I can deal with that later,” or “It’s not due tomorrow, it can wait,” sayings all encapsulate the same emotion: anxiety.

In the past 80 years, Americans’ anxiety has only worsened, according to an article by The

Cut. In the article, Jean Twenge, minds keeping everything together a social psychologist at San Diego just from the classes we’re taking.

State University, says there are Then add on any extracurriculars many known and unknown factors and now we reach a crossroads: Do for this phenomenon. However, we do things outside of class for the she believes people aren’t able to love of doing so, or are we doing it spend time to connect with others so we’ll feel accomplished? like previous generations before us The key to anything is balance.

Daniel Gamboa It’s a cliche, but honestly, it’s the could. opinions@alligator.org Personally, I know there are so truth. And that goes for what we do many things to be stressed about, in our spare time. Our hobbies can especially as a college student. There’s the become some of the greatest sources of joy in common anxiety over finding a job or even our life. I love playing card games and watchthe simple task of asking questions in class. I ing movies, but I rarely have time for either. sometimes get anxious I’m losing my motiva- I try to be involved with campus groups and tion with a class because it feels like it’s drag- organizations, but if they have any relation to ging. The stress of upcoming exams is already a profession, it almost feels like signing up for overwhelming and that stress won’t end until another class. We deserve to treat our free time after each semester. with the respect and joy we deserve, not fill it When our anxieties worsen, there is gener- with secondary objectives that only add more ally an increase in the level of our exhaustion stressors. and erratic behavior. We can end up losing our But maybe your magazine group is the

source of your favorite pastime in designing covers. I won’t take that away from you. However, we should take a constructive look at how we spend our time and make sure it feels like we are using it with purpose. I can’t say for certain what that purpose is. We’re lucky to be able to decide that for ourselves. We cannot wander without a goal, because the journey is more important than the destination, you still have to have a destination.

Take a day off, and spend it how you want.

Try to slowly strip away the everyday thoughts and feelings, and get to the bottom of how your time is spent. Maybe you’re living your best life, or maybe you could change a lot. Either way, you’ll thank yourself for at least taking the time out of your day to check in and see how everything is coming along.

Daniel Gamboa is a UF journalism sophomore. His column appears on Fridays.

8 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

’It never gets easier’: A year after Parkland

Chris Day / Alligator Staff

More than 200 people listen to six speakers Thursday on Plaza of the Americas during the vigil for the one-year anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, shooting.

200 attended UF’s vigil MSD, from pg. 1

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Sean Heera, a 20-year-old UF economics sophomore, listens to speakers Thursday on Plaza of the Americas during the vigil for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Attending the vigil ensures people will remember the impact of the tragedy, Heera said. “It doesn’t let the memories of the kids go to waste,” he said.

and families to start the #NeverAgain movement caused legislatures to act quickly in making new laws to strengthen school security and reform gun laws.

Less than a month after the shooting, the Florida Senate passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act on March 5.

As part of the safety act, the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program — named after the football coach who died in the shooting — allows non-teacher staff at schools to be armed with the district’s approval, said Tina Certain, an Alachua County School Board representative.

The program requires 132 hours of comprehensive firearm safety and security training as well as a psychological evaluation and drug test.

Certain said the Alachua County School Board voted 5-0 against the Guardian Program last March, but more than 20 counties approved the program.

For now, Florida teachers can’t be armed, but a key state Senate committee passed an expansion to Senate Bill 7030 that would arm teachers. The bill will be considered by the Senate when it starts session in March.

Not all teachers are on board, though. F.W. Buchholz High School art teacher Kristy Foster said having a gun wouldn’t make her feel safe. When she became an educator 29 years ago, it wasn’t to become a militant.

“I can’t imagine bringing a gun to school. I’m not prepared for the ramifications of that in my classroom,” Foster said.

Foster prefers learning statemandated safety drills such as Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate, or the ALICE protocol.

“It wouldn’t make me feel safer,” Foster said. “The things that we’re doing now, with ALICE, those things make me feel safe.”

New safety requirements, not enough money Alachua County Public Schools had already been training faculty and staff for active shooter drills. After Parkland, it became legally required to also train students.

While parents were concerned about their child’s safety, some didn’t agree with the fact that students would have to go through the training.

Several Alachua County parents called the district asking if their children could be excused

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 9 from the ALICE active shooter training, said Jackie Johnson, a spokesperson for Alachua County Public Schools.

School faculty and staff began practicing active shooter drills in summer 2016, Johnson said, but the Parkland shooting made it clear that students should be trained too.

The county started training students with this program last Fall, which is now required by the safety act, Johnson said. Originally, it was planned once per semester, but the county has been notified by the state since January to implement it monthly.

The state gave Alachua County $1.6 million to put at least one resource officer in every school, but the district still paid another $600,000 to cover the costs of all the officers, she said. The Gainesville Police Department also helped with the expenses.

After the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission found that Douglas had unsecured points of entry at the time of the shooting, school boards and law enforcement reviewed school safety in all 67 counties.

They examined the placement of cameras, fencing and single-point entries as well as campus visitors and procedures on when to lock gates and doors daily, Johnson said.

The district will receive a state grant for more than $1 million to further strengthen security on campuses where lapses were found.

But Johnson said that will not be nearly enough to cover it.

“A lot of the things that the state required cost a lot of money,” Johnson said, “and they didn’t provide anywhere near enough money to cover all of the things that they were requiring us to do.”

A Valentine’s Day spent alone Sarah Lerner’s morning on Feb. 14, 2018, started like any other.

She had probably slept through her alarm, hurried to get ready for work and shuffled herself and her son into the car for their fiveminute commute to school.

She dropped her son off at his middle

In Remembrance Alyssa Alhadeff, 14 Martin Duque Anguiano, 14 Nicholas Dworet, 17 Jaime Guttenberg, 14 Luke Hoyer, 15 Cara Loughran, 14 Gina Montalto, 14 Joaquin Oliver, 17 Alaina Petty, 14 Meadow Pollack, 18 Helena Ramsay, 17 Alex Schachter, 14 Carmen Schentrup, 16 Peter Wang, 15 Chris Hixon, 49 Aaron Feis, 37 Scott Beigel, 35

Chris Day / Alligator Staff

Lily Alperstein, an 18-year-old UF chemistry freshman, pays tribute Thursday on Plaza of the Americas to the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting at a vigil honoring the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. She wanted to honor those who lost their lives and to provide solace for the survivors, Alperstein said.

UF remembers the 17 school, right next door to where she worked Saripalli credits her smooth transition to as an English teacher at Douglas.

She brought Hershey’s Kisses to cheer up college to the love and support she’s received her students and celebrate the holiday while from people at UF. She quickly became friends with her Hume she quizzed them on “1984.” Their quiz was interrupted by a fire drill, and then rounds of Hall floormates. She said they’re a little family.

At UF, she joined the March for Our Lives gunshots.

“In my head, I’m screaming. But I can’t Gainesville chapter and became the communimake a sound,” she said. “So you just have to ty outreach chair. She helped plan Thursday’s sit there quietly and have all of these reactions vigil on Plaza of the Americas.

More than 200 people sat on the middle of internally.”

Lerner did not go to school on Thursday. the plaza. Burgundy and silver, the Douglas Or the day after. She planned to get a massage school colors were mixed among the crowd.

Some wore shirts that read “MSD Strong.” or a manicure instead.

“I need to take care of myself and not be Others wore #NeverAgain across their chests.

One by one, each of in an environment that the six speakers who may trigger and bring “They’re not a number. They’re graduated from Dougup feelings,” she said. las gave speeches to “I’m planning to take it real people who had hopes, dreams, commemorate those easy and just do stuff ambitions, families, friends.” who died and asked that makes me feel Anisha Saripalli that this be a night to good.”

MSD class of 2018 alumna celebrate their lives.

Several students White tealight of Lerner’s led the #NeverAgain movement. She’s proud of her candles laid out in a row on a table were lit students for organizing marches, registering for each victim. The sound of soft cries and young voters and speaking across the country, sniffles pierced the silence.

Seventeen white paper bags with the she said.

“I had Emma Gonzalez,” Lerner said. “The names of each victim written on them in black Emma everybody sees is the Emma I know. Sharpie sat on the ground lining the edges of She’s a badass, she’s opinionated, she’s strong the plaza. A lit candle flickered in each.

Groups of students hugged each other and and now everyone gets to see that.”

Thursday was a regular school day for ev- shared their favorite memories of high school. ery Broward County school except Marjory They talked about first day of high school Stoneman Douglas, where attendance was nerves and friends who stole their phones during lunch to take silly pictures. optional.

When it was Saripalli’s time to speak, she Alachua County middle and high schools conducted a moment of silence Thursday, spoke about Carmen.

She talked about how Carmen was always per a statewide request from Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, able to open her snack container at lunch even Johnson said. At 10:17 a.m., classrooms re- when their strongest friends couldn’t. She said membered the 17 killed and 17 injured during she has had several breakdowns this week and was dreading the anniversary. the silence.

A year ago, Saripalli was thinking about All of Florida’s 67 county school districts her plans to room with Carmen in college. participated.

Thursday, she instead reflected on healing Gainesville partnered with Students Demand Action to plant a tree at City Hall Thurs- and coming to terms with her best friend’s death, she said. day as a memorial for the 17 victims.

Robert Schentrup, Carmen’s brother, found

out about the shooting when a friend sent him a text letting him know there was a gunman in their high school. They spent the rest of the day huddled in front of a TV at the University of Central Florida, watching the news and sending updates to each other and family.

His family knew Carmen had been shot when they couldn’t contact her. They had already come to the conclusion she died before they were told at 2 a.m. by a Broward sheriff deputy, he said. The day after the shooting, he and a friend drove more than two hours to Parkland to see their families.

“I didn’t sleep the night before. It all felt like I was in a video game,” he said. “It was like I was observing reality instead of participating in it.”

On March 16, he will visit his family, who moved to Bellevue, Washington, to spend Spring Break with them. He has worried about his younger sister, Evelyn, who survived the shooting and decided to be homeschooled after having panic attacks at her new school.

He and his parents are activists now, and they will use Spring Break as a time to enjoy each other’s company and remember Carmen, he said.

“We’re still a long way away, but we’re taking important baby steps,” he said. “This is better than nothing.”

While Robert spent Thursday in Orlando working on getting gun reform legislation passed, Saripalli spent it at school and at the vigil. She said she wishes she had taken more pictures with Carmen and told her more often how much she loves her. Carmen should be at UF, and it’s not OK that she’s not, she said.

“The 17 aren’t a statistic,” she said.

“They’re not a number. They’re real people who had hopes, dreams, ambitions, families, friends. And these people cry every day because they’re not with them anymore.”

Jfuller@alligator.org khayes@alligator.org

Timeline Feb. 14, 2018 — Gunman walks into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen are killed; 17 are injured.

Feb. 15, 2018 at 3 p.m. — MSD students tweet #NeverAgain; a movement is born.

Feb. 21, 2018 — Town hall hosted by CNN in Tallahassee. Students, teachers and parents confront Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Ted Deutch as well as NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch on gun control.

March 5, 2018 — Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Act is passed in Florida Senate.

March 24, 2018 — March For Our Lives, a gun-control demonstration organized by MSD students, takes place in Washington D.C. and across America.

Fall 2018 — Alachua County Schools start holding active shooter training once a semester for students.

January 2019 — Alachua County Schools changes semesterly active shooter drills to monthly.

Feb. 12, 2019 — Bill that would allow teachers to have firearms passes through first committee in Florida Senate.

Feb. 14, 2019 — A year has passed, and 1,200 American children have been killed from firearms.

10 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Alachua Conservation Trust to buy third property in March The Orange Lake Overlook will cost about $1.35 million

By Tien Le

Alligator Staff Writer

A conservation trust has five months to pay $1.35 million for new land, or it could lose the land.

The Alachua Conservation Trust wants to raise $1.7 million to purchase Orange Lake Overlook, a 71acre patch of land off U.S. 441 near McIntosh, Florida, said Tom Kay, the executive director of the trust.

The trust protects land through purchases, donations and conservation.

The land will be protected and new developments won’t be built on it, Kay said.

The $1.7 million budget is needed to buy the land and will include funding for surveys and environmental site assessments, he said.

The contract for the overlook was signed Feb. 5 for $1.35 million, Kay said. The land used to be a citrus grove and shop.

The trust has until July 5 to pay for the land, he said. If it can’t raise the funds, then short term loans will be used.

The trust has raised about $2,000 through its website and mail donations, he said. It has also raised $2,125 on its Facebook donation

page as of Thursday evening. Kay said the trust plans on sending out emails, hosting fundraising events and using direct-mail methods to raise money.

Over the last 30 years, it has purchased more than 19,700 acres of land for conservation, including Serenola Forest and part of Lochloosa Forest this year, he said.

Kay said the Orange Creek Basin, which Orange Lake is a major part of, has been one of the trust’s most wanted areas. Its concern is the basin, which will have an excess of nutrients in it if developments are built.

“We will make it happen one way or the other,” he said. “It’s one of the most iconic properties, most iconic views in this whole region.”

To artist Stacey Breheny, a 60-year-old High Springs resident, donating $25 was more than saving a piece of land, it was saving something dear to her. She has been using the outlook as inspiration in her paintings for the past 10 years.

“I’d be phony if I didn’t step up,” Breheny said. “If that were to turn into a subdivision, I would be heartbroken.” @tientle11 tle@alligator.org

Courtesy to The Alligator

The Alachua Conservation Trust signed a contract to buy Orange Lake Overlook, a 71-acre patch of land off U.S. 441 near McIntosh, Florida, for $1.35 million. The trust has until July 5 to raise the funds.

BUY IT. SELL IT. FIND IT. 373-FIND

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 www.alligator.org/classifieds

For Rent

1

furnished

SS & VA ARE WELCOME!

$460/BedRoom ● No Deposit! ● Furnished Cable ● Internet ● Utilities www.campuswalk.co 352-337-9098 4-24-43-1

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2

For Rent

unfurnished

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1BR APT $445/mo

Small pet ok. 352-372-1201 or 352-213-3901 4-24-19-43-2

★★ ELLIE’S HOUSES ★★

Quality single family homes. Walk or bike to UF. www.ellieshouses.com 352-215-4991 or 352-215-4990 12-5-19-109-2 House for Rent - 2392 SW 2nd Ave Directly across from Law School 4BR/2BA DW, W/D hookups, cent A/C heat Only $1.695/month No application fee, most pets ok 352-371-3636 or rentals@efnproperties.com 2-27-19-75-2

One Bedroom spacious apartment with Balcony- 2nd Floor.

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Now you can easily submit your classified ad

3

Subleases

Don’t get stuck with an extra rent payment.

Advertise your subleases in the Alligator Classifieds and save yourself some cash.

Call 373-FIND.

4

Roommates

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

5

Real Estate

Sell your house, condo, acreage, mobile home and much more in the ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIEDS! Reach thousands of possible buyers! Mastercard and Visa accepted over the phone, by fax, email or CHECK OUT PLACING YOUR AD THRU OUR ONLINE AT www.alligator.org. or please call 373Find (373-3463)

NEW CONDOS-WALK TO UF For Info on ALL Condos for Sale, Visit www.UFCONDOS.COM or Matt Price, University Realty, 352-281-3551 4-24-19-43-5

6

Furnishings

Got a new couch?. Sell your old one in the Alligator Classifieds. Call 373-FIND (3463) to place your ad today.

BEDS - Brand Name, Brand NEW Pillowtop Mattress & Box Set: Twins $89, Fulls $100, Queens $120, Kings $200. Can Deliver 352377-9846. Gainesville Discount Furniture.

12-6-109-6

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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.

8

Electronics

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

9

Bicycles

In the market for a new set of wheels or just looking to add a second to that collection?

Want personalized handlebars or a fitted seat? Check in the Alligator Classifieds

10

For Sale

●UF Surplus On-Line Auctions●

are underway…bikes, computers, furniture, vehicles & more. All individuals interested in bidding go to: SURPLUS.UFL.EDU 392-0370 4-24-18-42-10

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Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

By E-mail: classified@alligator.org

By Fax: (352) 376-4556

By Mail: P.O. Box 14257 G-ville 32604 Call 352-373-FIND for information.

Sorry, no cash by mail.

Credit cards or checks only.

6 Furnishings 7 Computers 8 Electronics 9 Bicycles 10 For Sale

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www.alligator.org/classifieds

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Autos

Unload your lot. Sell your cars through Alligator Advertising for cheap. 373-FIND or place your ad online at www.alligator.org/ classifieds

11

Motorcycles/ Mopeds

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.

By Phone: (352) 373-FIND Payment by major credit card ONLY. M-F, 8am - 4pm When Will Your Ad Run? Ads placed by 4 pm will appear two publication days later. Ads may run for any length of time and be cancelled at any time. Sorry, but there can be no refunds or credits for cancelled ads.

11 12 13 14 15

Motorcycles, Mopeds Autos Wanted Help Wanted Services

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.

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Volunteers Needed!

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED to transport cancer patients to treatment.

Flexible schedule.

Training and liability insurance provided.

Please call 352-240-5062 if interested.

● We Buy Junk & Used Cars ● ●Trucks, Vans - Titled only ● KT 352-281-9980 sunnyman352@gmail.com 4-24-43-12

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SUN CITY AUTO SALES $0 DOWN! NO CREDIT CHECKS! IN HOUSE FINANCING! 352-338-1999 4-24-43-12

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS Running or Not ★ Any Condition

4-24-43-10

Wanted

13

Visa and Mastercard accepted.

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.

NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N 2-15-1-10

Charlie - 352-278-1925

Online: w/ major creditcard at www.alligator.org/classifieds

1 For Rent: Furnished 2 For Rent: Unfurnished 3 Sublease 4 Roommates 5 Real Estate

Motorcycles/ Mopeds

SUNRISE AUTO SALES & RENTALS NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED! MUST BE 21 CARS STARTING AT $39 DAILY! 352-375-9090 4-24-43-12

How to Place a Classified Ad: In Person: Cash, Check, MC, Discover, AMEX or Visa The Alligator Office 2700 SW 13th St. M-F, 8am - 4pm

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Goats for Sale & Lease Horse Boarding - 7 miles to UF

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Computers

right thru our website!

for print and/or web editions

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7

352-259-2020

3-1-19-11-12

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

Stfrancishousegnv.org

PUT IT IN THE ALLIGATOR! ● LOCAL ● TARGETED ● EFFECTIVE ● ECONOMICAL Reach over 50,000 readers each publication day.

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS Running or Not ★ Any Condition 352-259-2020

3-1-19-11-13

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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.

16 17 18 19 20

Health Services Typing Services Personals Connections Event Notices

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Entertainment Tickets Rides Pets Lost & Found

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise ‘’any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make limitation, or discrimination.’’ We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. • All employment opportunities advertised herein are subject to the laws which prohibit discrimination in employment (barring legal exceptions) because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, familial status, age, or any other covered status. • This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through the type of advertising that is know as “personal” or “connections” whether or not they actually appear under those classifications. We suggest that any reader who responds to that type of advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information. • Although this newspaper uses great care in accepting or rejecting advertising according to its suitability, we cannot verify that all advertising claims or offers are completely valid in every case and, therefore, cannot assume any responsibility for any injury or loss arising from offers and acceptance of offers of goods and/or services through any advertising contained herein.

12 ALLIGATOR  FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Help Wanted

14

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.

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

for print and/or web editions

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Just go to

www.alligator.org/classifieds Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Daytime Production Staff Wanted Designers and advertising students:

The Alligator needs part time day shift members for the print production department. Must have experience with Adobe Creative Suite for consideration.

Duties include the design and layout of print and online ads in collaboration with student sales staff and by the direction of Alligator Administrative staff.

Must be willing to start now and continue work through the summer semester.

This is a paid position.

Send resume, vitae and/or portfolio to ccozart@alligator.org to schedule an interview.

Designated drivers are the greatest

14

Help Wanted

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Help Wanted

Students in Accounting, Aviation, Business/ Sales and computer science needed for various positions. Flexible schedules and competitive pay. Join our team! Learn more at www.gleim.com/employment 4-24-19-42-14

Busy professional looking for assistant to help with errands, managing household, etc. 3 hours/week guaranteed, $15.00/hour.

Contact me at kathyob1961@gmail.com 2-20-19-3-14

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HIRING home/office/apartment cleaners(mf and every other sat). Day and night shifts available. Must own a car. weekly pay $10.00/hr. if interested please call 352-2140868 3-15-19-10-14

"I found it in The Alligator!"

Copytalk Business Services GET PAID TO TYPE ($8.50-$13+/hr) Financial transcription positions available.

We'll train you!

Apply at ctscribes.com 4-12-19-31-14

Oak Hall School is seeking energetic, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with a love for children to staff its summer camp program. For a complete listing of positions visit www.oakhall.org/about-ohs/employmentopportunities Interview process begins February 23rd.

2-22-19-12-14

Wanted Dog and house sitter needed May 27-June 14 Must be able to spend nites at the house Pay $1,000 McIntosh Fl 16miles from G'ville 352-207-2717 for interview 3-25-19-21-14

Learn today,

how to make an extra $400 per week completing surveys as a student!

Go to www.collegeopportunity.cc 3-14

2-18-19-

ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIED ADS

GET THE JOB DONE! REACH MORE THAN 50,000 READERS EACH PUBLICATION DAY

Do you WordPress? If so, we have a job for you. You must have strong WP knowledge, be familiar with theme development and basic coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript & PHP). www.dmcreativestudios.com/careers 2-22-19-4-14

Hogan's Great Sandwiches now hiring deli help. Fast paced friendly environment.

No experience needed. Reliable transportation a must. Applications available on site at 2327 N W 13th Street. 2-25-5-14

15

Services

Do you have a business that provides a service? Place your ad in the Services Section of the Alligator Classifieds for as little as $3.00 per day. Call us at 373-FIND. Want to be a CNA? Don’t want to wait?

Express Training Services now offers a CNA class which can be completed in one weekend. Perfect for busy college students. www.expresstrainingservices.com/ww 4-2419-43-15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 13

16 Health Services

16 Health Services

AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, United, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call AIM 888-242-2649.

2-151-15

HIV ANTIBODY TESTING

Need CPR Training?

MATH TUTOR

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

Services

More thank 20 years of exp. UF engineer graduate. Please call Hermon 352-225-8980 3-1-19-7-15

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

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis 61 3 Laryngitis Pay dirt symptom 4 Holding-on 62 Spied period?

63 __ 5 Fire 49-Down remnant 6 Expos, now DOWN 7 material 1 Rough Wi-Fi conduit 8 morethree 2 Taking Raise from time, to fourprobably, stars, as as a test a hotel 9 3 Vegan Classicregimen cameras for a willowy 4 So look? Carly __ 5 Singer 10 Ford Field team Jepsen 11 6 Nitwit Gets thinner on 12 Trapper’s top collection 7 “So THAT’s 14 Athletic org. on what’s going founded here!” by Billie Jean King 8 Hoops goofs 17 9 Ends BFFs prematurely 10 __ Jima 22 Space Trystingcadet’s place?

11 23 Pro world 25 Erik MikeofTrout’s 12 “CHiPs” team, (out) on with 16 Work scoreboards effort, as an 26 Swedish auto agreement 27 Latin I verbgiant 18 Cosmetics 28 caveat 22 Craigslist What’s up?

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31 35 Trivial Rhythmic 33 PC storage cadence optionsMarrow’s 36 Tracy 34 “Hands of stage name Stone”offering boxer 37 Salon Roberto 40 Outcome 35 500 IT 43 Fortune Trifling amount 45 Old PC monitor company 47 Frisky Marsh plants 36 49 Eventual whiskered5-Down 50 “Atlantic critters City” director Louis 37 Polo need 51 Excited Stand 38

41 52 Tap Moreoutflow than a little 43 Tiki silly bar cocktail 44 56 Small Angelsbattery Landing’s 45 Swindle national park 47 theborders? first four 57 Win Nation World Series 58 Soothing games application 59 “Whammo!”

Notions case 48 60 Flaky Acid __ 52 mineral 63 Contender Half of D 53 64 Acidity Hudsonnos.

Riv. 55 engineering 57 German school conjunction

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

AUTISM. We are planning to enroll children with autism in a learning program designed by MD Call 352 275 8171 2-18-15-16

Personals

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

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Place your ad here to look for someone to share a common interest with or for your true love

20 Events/Notices

WE CAN HELP! 24 HOURS 7 DAYS

CALL NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Connections

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DRUG PROBLEM?

Just go to

Release Date: Thursday, February 2019 Friday, February 15, 14, 2019

ACROSS 1 Queen, Dip withe.g. a kick 6 Fell for the joke Highest 9 Put away for Video segment future reference 13 “A Lesson 13 ArkivMusic.com From __”: purchase Fugard play 14 Sch. with amusic Electronic Tempe effect campus 15 Flooded Helper 17 16 “Little SocialBook mediaof Mind-Power” buzz about Alfred author E. Neuman?

19 18 Battery Labor inventor Alessandro 19 Montgomery-to20 Stand Maconfood dir.

21 city 20 Danish Founded named for a 21 Tie feature Norse exec god 22 Fiscal 23 for afrom shot 24 Place Removes 24 Gate info the exchange 25 26 Conversation It’s not an equine stumbles 31 Directed 26 Gives the nod 32 Forceful 27 escape 34 Hasty “There’s many 28 Superman __ ’twixt the cup specialty and the lip”: old 30 Wrigley proverb Field featureone-third of 38 About 31 Like beds in area Earth’s land cleaned hotel 39 Slyly disparaging rooms 41 Monopoly pieces 32 42 Peter Tops of “9-1-1” 34 Tunisian 44 Like somecurrency posters 35 a casual 46 Takes Windows drive ... and a competitor literal description 48 Big name in auto of 10 puzzle racing answers mayor 49 Chicago 37 Bearings since 2011 39 53 Casual Addamseatery cousin 40 54 Ending Actress to avoid?

41 Interject Helgenberger 42 55 Touchdown Case, often site 46 58 “Well, Hanoi __-di-dah!” holiday 47 initials 61 Shooting Radar readout 48 “Jeopardy!” feature record-setter 62 Jalopy that still Jennings works?

49 emanation 65 Spa “Frozen” princess 50 of some 66 Source Grandson of ’60s trips exiles 33-Down 51 home 67 1840s-’50s Grade describing to theLiszt four longest 53 End of an old puzzle answers? boast plant 68 Marsh 54 camp 69 Military Case, for 56 Luxury example: Abbr. accommodations 70 Permissible for bigwigs 58 Church offering DOWN 59 with warrior 1 Prefix Matching 60 Wimbledon 2 1960 Jackson of champ countryFraser

(352) 727-4733 www.GatorCPR.com CNA Prep Classes from GatorCNA.com 7-5-18-111-16

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IS YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR ORGANIZATION HAVING AN EVENT? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT? PLACE YOUR AD HERE AND GET IT NOTICED!

New side-hustle alert!

Join www.Brands.Buzz and start earning with your social network…consistently, every day! Free to register. Join today!

2-2019-5-20 "The Spiritual Power of Gratitude" An ECK Light and Sound Service Explore your own direct connection with the Divine!

Sun., Feb. 15 at 1:00 PM Courtyard By Marriott 3700 SW 42nd Street 352-378-3504 www.eck-florida.org Everyone welcome!

2-15-1-20

21

"I found it in The Alligator!"

Designated drivers are the greatest

by David L. Hoyt 1

2

Entertainment

TM

R

WALDO FARMERS & FLEA MARKET Vintage & Unique - Like EBay in 3D

Sat & Sun 12-5-109-21

22

Visit: alligator.org/classifieds

23

4

Trying to get to and from somewhere? Want to cut back on that gas bill? Place an ad in the classifieds to find trip arrangements or show off your bus and shuttle service. 373FIND

REACH MORE THAN 50,000 READERS EACH PUBLICATION DAY

24

Pets

Furry, feathery, scaly...no, not your roommate...pets. Find or advertise your pets or pet products here in the Pets section of the Alligator.

SERVICE DOG - PTSD, AUTISM CERTIFIED 3 months old, AKC yellow lab, male.

Comes with training. $1800. 352-472-6099.

Volunteers needed.

2-18-19-5-24

Because Cats Don't Understand Abstinence

OPERATION CATNIP

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Spaying/Neutering Free-Roaming Cats Borrow a Trap / Make a Clinic Reservation Make a Donation / Volunteer New Expanded Hours

Lots of NEW info at http://ocgainesville.org/

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ACROSS CLUE 1. Overseas 5. Tasteless 6. Polynesian kingdom 7. Circular decoration DOWN CLUE

AOBADR NBALD OTGAN AHRTWE

1.

2.

3.

4.

LNOABI S R R O AT E DNDAAED LASPHS

____ rhino Type of oven Riders, e.g.

Hanks film

ANSWER

ANSWER

CLUE: There are more than 1,000 types of ____.

BONUS How to play

Rides

2-15-19

3

02/14/19 02/15/19

02/14/19 02/15/19

Tickets

BUYING OR SELLING TICKETS? Place your ad here and get results!

5

By Bruce Haight Winston Emmons ©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

www.WaldoFlea.com

GET THE JOB DONE!

Get the party started! Place your Entertainment classified today to get people up and about. Call 373-FIND.

J UMB L E

Entertainment

ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIED ADS

Don't forget to tell them:

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.

ANSWERS: 1A-Abroad 5A-Bland 6A-Tonga 7A-Wreath 1D-Albino 2D-Roaster 3D-Addenda 4D-Splash B-Bananas

15

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& Hoyt Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Send comments to TCA - 160 N. Stetson, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or DLHoyt@HoytInteractiveMedia.com

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Lost & Found

Finders Keepers? If you find something, you can place a FREE FOUND AD in our lost & found section. Be kind to someone who’s lost what you’ve found. Call 373-FIND.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 www.alligator.org/sports

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida’s bench steps up amid off night from Allen, Locke Senior Guard Jalen Hudson

By Alanis Thames Sports Writer

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Vanderbilt forward Matthew Moyer did everything he could to stop Deaundrae Ballard.

The Florida guard held the ball with Moyer’s hand right in his face before he swiftly leaned to his right. The move threw the Vanderbilt defender off balance just long enough for Ballard to load up behind the three-point line. He drilled the three with two seconds left on the shot clock with 11:50 remaining in the first half.

Those kinds of plays from Florida’s bench helped the Gators to a 66-57 win over Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t easy.

Florida’s best shooters, Noah Locke and KeVaughn Allen, combined for just nine points. And Kevarrius Hayes, the Gators’ best defender, spent 27 minutes on the bench.

“Odd that you win a game with your two leading scorers, who have really carried you in league play offensively, going 2 for 19,” coach Mike White said of Locke and Allen.

But this game wasn’t about the top scorers.

It was about the role players on a UF bench that has been outscored by its opponents in four of the last six games.

Here’s a look at how the Gators’ reserves performed against the Commodores:

Jalen Hudson seems to have found a little bit of his game as of late.

He scored 15 against Tennessee, 11 against Kentucky on Feb. 2, and his 10 points against the Commodores led a Florida bench that scored 29 points to Vanderbilt’s seven.

Most of the senior guard’s points came either in the paint or at the free-throw line. He made six of eight from the charity stripe.

Only one other UF player (freshman Keyontae Johnson) scored in double figures (15).

Redshirt freshman forward Isaiah Stokes

Isaiah Stokes saw a bigger role as Hayes was limited by four personal fouls.

Stokes couldn’t completely make up for the energy Hayes usually brings on defense, but the Gators led by as many as 11 in the first half aided by his eight points and two offensive rebounds.

He helped UF hold the advantage in total rebounds (39) and points off turnovers (26), and he was one point away from matching his career high in just nine minutes of playing time.

“It felt good,” Stokes said of his performance. “I just seized my opportunity that I had… I just played. Just play as hard as you can.”

UF guard Jalen Hudson scored 10 points against Vanderbilt on Wednesday.

SEE BASKETBALL, PAGE 16

Mark My Words / Opinion

GYMNASTICS

Gators travel to Tuscaloosa The NFL’s charitable contributions have sinister truths behind them to face top-10 Alabama

By River Wells Sports Writer

Many gymnastics teams would consider a top-10 matchup a highlight of its competitive schedule. For the Florida Gators, it’s just another Friday.

UF is set to embark on its third top-10 matchup in six meets when it heads to Tuscaloosa to take on the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Coleman Coliseum on Friday. The Gators will don their pink leotards for the second-straight meet as Alabama hosts its “Power of Pink” event.

The home team has taken the victory in every Florida and Alabama clash since 2003, and here’s what the Gators have been looking out for and working on in hopes to break that streak.

Turning the Tide

21 Arkansas Razorbacks, and that meet’s star gymnasts hope to make an impact when they host the Gators.

The standout was Lexi Graber, the team’s all-arounder. She won the allaround with a 39.375, which included a 9.950 on the vault and a 9.900 on the balance beam. Graber got an SEC AllFreshman nod last year, and she’ll look to continue the momentum of her high scores on the vault and beam come Friday. Another gymnast to watch is freshman Emily Gaskins, who netted a 9.925 on the uneven bars.

Despite the Crimson Tide’s record and No. 9 status, it may quickly find themselves in trouble against the No. 2 Gators.

Alabama has yet to break past 197 in any of its meets so far, a feat that UF has accomplished in all of its own. On top of that, the Crimson Tide or more renowned

Alabama (8-2, 3-1 SEC) is coming off a 196.700-195.800 victory over the No. Pitcher Kelly Barnhill and the Gators softball team will compete in the Littlewood Classic this weekend in Tempe, Arizona. UF takes on Illinois State and Arizona State on Friday.

SEE GYMNASTICS, PAGE 16

In a piece by Bernard Goldberg Even when it tries to be good, about this participation trend on the National Football League is HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant still bad.

The NFL donates millions of Gumbel,” the state of Illinois was dollars each year to youth football used as sample to show the participation levels across the country. programs, like Pop Warner footThe total participation in football here in Gainesville, especially ball among boys in Illinois steadily in low-income communities. It Mark Stine pays for equipment, uniforms, decreased in the upper-class and Twitter: @mstinejr new fields, etc. middle-class communities from 2012 to 2017. But the state had a Yet fewer and fewer parents allow their children to play the full-contact sport 25-percent participation increase among boys for an obvious reason: concussions and other from low-income communities in that fiveinjuries. And the NFL, with its significant sup- year span. port of youth football, is contributing heavily After requesting information from youth football leagues from across the country, “Real to kids sustaining brain injuries.

The amount of boys from upper-middle Sports” found that participation is decreasing class families playing football in full pads is overall, but rising in households receiving govdecreasing. Studies are showing that CTE ernment assistance.

So what does this mean for the NFL? The (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) can develop in teenage brains, and parents are taking league is just giving back to underserved comnotice. However, kids from low-income house- munities, right?

The NFL contributing essentials so children holds are more than replacing those from the upper-middle class.

Florida falls to Maryland at home The No. 4 Gators lacrosse team lost to the No. 2 Terrapins on Thursday night 17-12 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. UF attacker Lindsey Ronbeck scored eight goals, while attacker Grace Haus notched three and midfielder Sydney Pirreca netted one.

SEE COLUMN, PAGE 16

Follow us for updates

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR 15

BY THE NUMBERS

How does Mullen’s latest recruiting class stack up since Meyer’s first year?

By Jake Dreilinger

to is that under McElwain, the number of three-stars in the class increased to new highs. In his first two classes, McElwain brought on 16 each.

Since Mullen took over, that number has gone down. He hasn’t even recruited 16 total in his two seasons so far.

Stars don’t mean much sometimes. Defensive lineman Jachai Polite and offensive lineman Jaawan Taylor were three-stars when they were recruited, and now they are projected first-rounders in the 2019 NFL Draft.

But getting more five-stars can only help. Just ask Alabama, Clemson or Georgia.

Sports Writer

Florida football coach Dan Mullen captured the hearts of Gators fans everywhere with his latest recruiting class.

He was winning battles on the recruitment trail. He reestablished a relationship with Lakeland High School, where UF legends like Ahmad Black, the Pouncey twins and Chris Rainey came from.

He even flipped cornerback Kaiir Elam from Georgia, cornerback Chris Steele from USC and weakside defensive end Khris Bogle from Alabama.

It was a satisfying recruiting class for the Gators. But where does it stack up against other recruiting classes since Urban Meyer’s first year as head coach in 2005?

In our second edition of alligatorSports’ “By The Numbers,” we look into just how well Florida did in the 2019 class, and how that compares to its last three coaches.

Check the @alligatorSports Twitter page and vote for the next “By The Numbers” story you would like to see. @DreilingerJake jdreilinger@alligator.org

Comparing Classes

Question: How does Mullen’s latest recruiting class stack up since Meyer’s first year?

Chris King / Alligator Staff

It seems like it did well on paper. The Gators signed 17 fourstars, the most since 2010, Meyer’s last season at UF. They won some key battles as well. Mullen landed the Lakeland trio of outside linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, tight end Keon Zipperer and weak-side defensive end Lloyd Summerall. He flipped receiver Arjei Henderson from Florida State. He even took some offensive linemen from Miami in Michael Tarquin and Kingsley Eguakun.

He reloaded on positions — like offensive linemen, linebacker and defensive end — that are depleted due to graduation or declaring for the NFL Draft.

It was a good enough class to place UF at No. 9 in the nation and No. 5 in the SEC. Mullen seems pleased, and the fans do as well.

Florida coach Dan Mullen signed 17 four-star recruits in his 2019 recruiting class. It was the Gators’ best class since 2013.

Answer: It was the best class Florida has seen since 2013. But it’s still not where it needs to be.

The Gators tend to follow a similar pattern most schools go through: recruiting classes are not as good in years where there is a coaching change.

Meyer’s first class in 2005 had no five-stars and seven four-stars. It was the No. 12 class in the NCAA. Muschamp’s was No. 11 in 2011 and featured one five-star and 10 four-stars. McElwain’s was ranked No. 21 in 2015, a class that featured two five stars and two four stars.

Mullen fell victim to this trap.

He pieced together a class on short notice, and signed 13 four-stars, the

most since 2013.

We’ll exclude McElwain from the rest of this section. His classes got better every season after his first but not by much. The only big difference was he added more fourstar talent while keeping the number of three-stars consistent.

Meyer and Muschamp responded to average first years with topthree recruiting classes the next.

Meyer had the No. 2 class in 2006, then the No. 1 class in 2007.

This was during the height of Florida’s national championship reign.

He brought in nine five-star recruits during that span.

Muschamp was almost the same. His second and third seasons saw UF with back-to-back No. 3 classes, but with only five five-star

talents.

Mullen’s 2019 class was good.

One of the best in a long time for Florida. But it still isn’t near the level of Meyer and Muschamp’s classes.

Conclusion: Florida’s recruiting classes won’t be up-to-par until it starts getting some fivestars.

The Gators haven’t had a fivestar talent in one of its recruiting classes since 2015. They were former offensive lineman Martez Ivey and former defensive end CeCe Jefferson, and that was under McElwain in his first season as coach.

Another trend to pay attention

2019 Recruiting Class Coach: Dan Mullen NCAA Ranking: 9 SEC Ranking: 5 No five-stars 17 four-stars 8 three-stars 2007 Recruiting Class Coach: Urban Meyer NCAA Ranking: 1 SEC Ranking: 1 6 five-stars 12 four-stars 6 three-stars 2012 Recruiting Class Coach: Will Muschamp NCAA Ranking: 3 SEC Ranking: 2 3 five-stars 12 four-stars 7 three-stars

BASEBALL

UF welcomes Long Beach State in season-opening series

By Evan Lepak Sports Writer

Baseball is officially back.

The 2019 campaign for Florida’s baseball team gets underway tonight, as UF matches up with Long Beach State to begin a three-game weekend series at McKethan Stadium at 6:30.

The Gators are 6-3 all-time against the selfproclaimed Dirtbags of the Big West Conference, having last faced off in 1993. LBSU had a rough season a year ago, finishing an injuryplagued spring/summer under .500 for the first time since 2010.

Despite the struggle, the program has a rich postseason history and returns a lot of experience from last season’s squad, highlighted by junior pitcher/center fielder Clayton Andrews.

Andrews led the team in ERA (1.99), innings pitched (99.2) and strikeouts (118), earning the 2018 Big West Pitcher of the Year award.

Injection of youth meshes with Florida’s veterans

If you compare this season’s roster to last season’s for Florida, you’ll notice a number of its best players are no longer listed.

Shortstop Deacon Liput, first baseman/ catcher JJ Schwarz and third baseman Jonathan India — players who helped anchor 2018’s College World Series-appearing team — now have their eyes centered towards the MLB. Not every contributor is gone, however, as UF returns a quartet of players who were mainstays in last season’s lineup. That group (junior left fielder Austin Langworthy, senior second baseman Blake Reese, senior designated hitter Nelson Maldonado and junior right fielder Wil Dalton) will be surrounded by fresh faces with as many as three freshmen (third baseman Cory Acton, center fielder Jud Fabian

and first baseman Kendrick Calilao) potentially being listed on the lineup card this evening.

Sophomore standout Brady McConnell is expected to get the job at shortstop after minimal playing time last season, and Brady Smith — another sophomore — looks to have won the job behind the plate at catcher.

Dyson gets opening-night nod for Gators on the mound

O’Sullivan elected to give Tyler Dyson, his most-experienced pitcher, the opportunity to start Friday night against Long Beach State.

Dyson, a junior righty, started 11 games last year, primarily on Sundays. He compiled a 5-3 record in his sophomore season and struck out 51 batters in 50.1 innings.

Sophomore RHP Tommy Mace will take the mound to start Saturday night. Mace went 5-0 last season, starting six times and throwing 62.2 innings, the fourth-most on the team.

Jack Leftwich will close out the weekend on Sunday. Leftwich, a sophomore RHP, threw 81.1 innings, the most of any of the returning pitchers. He put together a 5-5 record in 12 starts.

The first pitcher out of the bullpen on Friday, according to O’Sullivan, will be sophomore southpaw Jordan Butler. Because the team lacks lefties – only three listed on the entire pitching staff – Butler will be getting a lot of work in relief once again.

One of the other lefties is Devin Hemenway, a sophomore transfer from Santa Fe College.

Sophomore RHP Hunter McMullen is another arm to watch in the bullpen. O’Sullivan lauded McMullen’s offseason improvement.

Alligator Sports writer Kyle Wood contributed to the story.

Evan Lepak is a sports writer. Follow him on Twitter @evanmplepak and contact him at elepak@alligator.org

16 ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Schoenherr scored a 9.850 on her floor routine against Auburn GYMNASTICS, from pg 14 as road warriors this year, as it's undefeated on the road but have lost in two of its three home meets so far.

If Alabama hopes to beat Florida, it’ll need to find a way to transcend the 196 threshold it’s been stuck in, and fast.

Riding the wave

The Gators (4-1, 4-0 SEC) have bested every SEC team they’ve faced so far, and they aren’t keen on ending that streak any time soon.

While Alabama’s lower scores put them at a disadvantage against the Gators, UF is still holding stock in the history between the two squads.

“The tradition and the history of excellence at Alabama is second to none,” coach Jenny Rowland said. “We gotta go in with our A-game if we want to be competitive.”

The meet will also mark the second week in a row that freshman Savannah Schoenherr will be on the floor unit. Schoenherr’s 9.850 on her floor

routine last week contributed to the team’s highest floor score this year, and she’ll look to keep up the success in Tuscaloosa.

“Floor is special, I guess, because you kinda get to show your personality throughout your routine,” she said. “Looking up and dancing to the crowd and seeing everyone dance along with you and do the Gator chomp with you is a really cool experience.”

While the Gators are used to large crowds at the O’Connell Center, Alabama’s home-meet advantage is notorious among SEC teams. The Crimson Tide drew an impressive 13,823 people at its last meet against LSU, which is a better showing than any home meet at UF this year.

The Gators, however, aren’t fazed. In fact, they plan to use it to their advantage.

“I think we actually do better when we’re in front of a big crowd like that,” sophomore Alyssa Baumann said. “We just use the energy whether it’s for us or not and just roll with it.” @riverhwells rwells@alligator.org

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Florida gymnast Alyssa Baumann had two 9.9's against Auburn, including a 9.925 on her floor routine.

White: Okauru, Ballard best they've been in the past month BASKETBALL, from pg 14 Sophomore forward Dontay Bassett

Dontay Bassett matched the third-most minutes he’s played this season with 18. He didn’t contribute much with his scoring — his only field goal was a mid-range jumper in the first half — but the 6-foot-9 forward gave Florida some size and much-needed physicality on defense with Hayes barely on the court and Stokes the only other player over 6-foot-7.

Bassett helped the Gators hold Vanderbilt to 35.5 percent shooting and 21 percent from three.

Sophomore guards Deaundrae Ballard and Mike Okauru

White said Mike Okauru and Ballard were the best they’ve been in about a month at Monday’s practice.

That showed against the Commodores.

Okauru finished with a season-high five points after being held scoreless in his previous six games.

He collected two rebounds, an assist and a steal in 13 minutes.

Ballard’s only field goal was the three pointer over Moyer early in the first half, and it was the first time in four games he didn’t record multiple turnovers.

Against an SEC team that hadn’t lost its previous 10 conference matchups, Florida’s overall performance might not have been enough to get a win.

It shot just 33.3 percent from the field, and only one of its starters finished in double figures.

But White may find solace in the fact that his bench, which hasn’t been great all year, helped UF scrape by.

“They’ve been challenged daily,” White said of his bench.

“And they were very good, got contributions from a lot of guys in a game when we probably needed it the most. So hats off to those guys.” @alanisthames athames@alligator.org

COLUMN, from pg 14 can play organized sports seems like the right thing for a moneymaking powerhouse to do. That is, until you look at the motivation behind it.

The league’s tactic is to get these kids hooked on football and turn them into fans early. Spending money on them now means making more money in the future.

Kids as young as 5 can start playing in full pads in NFL-spon-

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

UF guard Deaundrae Ballard made a three pointer against Vanderbilt on Wednesday, his only basket of the night. It was also the first time in four games he didn't turn over the ball multiple times.

sored leagues. That should make your stomach hurt. Children who hardly possess the skills to read are being put in danger of incurring brain injuries.

Sure, you can blame the parents of these kids for letting them play at such an early age. Some even thrust their child into the sport whether they like it or not. But a surprising amount of low-income families aren’t educated on the topic, and you can’t blame them for that.

Youth from high annual income

families (between $75,000 and $124,999) are about twice as likely to know what to do if they have a suspected concussion compared to youth from lower annual income families (below $35,000) according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. If these kids don’t know, it’s likely their parents are unable to teach them.

We do know the NFL is welleducated on concussions... kind of.

The league and USA Football, youth football’s governing body,

sponsor the Heads Up Football program. In 2016, the organizations said that an independent study from 2015 showed that the program reduced injuries by 76 percent and concussions by 30 percent, but the study actually said Heads Up Football had no noticeable effect, as was revealed in an article by the New York Times.

Executive director of USA Football Scott Hallenbeck said,”We regret the error,” to the Times in an email.

So, if the NFL is going to donate

millions of dollars to youth football, it should spend more money on educating all communities about the dangers associated with the sport. It should recommend young children don’t play full contact. And it could at least be honest with America when analyzing independent studies about its education programs.

Mark Stine is assistant sports editor at the Alligator. Follow him on Twitter @mstinejr or contact him at mstine@alligator.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 ALLIGATOR the shoulders of the pitching staff. Although the Gators are ranked in the top 10 in every major preseason poll, one of the main knocks on the team is youth and, therefore, inexperience.

Youth is a valid criticism as it applies to the sophomore pitchers, but inexperience is not.

• • • It’s not often a freshman has pitched in every major postseason situation. That’s exactly what Leftwich did.

“I’ve pitched in Omaha, pitched in Regionals and Super Regionals,” Leftwich said.

“That just makes the game easier, and now I know what I need to do to be successful this year early on and just help the team win.”

Leftwich started 12 games, had a total of 24 appearances and posted a 5-5 record last season. Despite starting in half of his appearances, he was second on the team in saves.

Pitching in relief helped him with his starts.

“Whenever you get called from the bullpen, you just got to get ready and get going, and you can’t think,” Leftwich said. “It used to take me a few innings to warm up and get ready, but now if I’m going into a game, since I was relieving, I can just throw strikes right away.”

His days of coming out of the bullpen are likely over, as he moves into the Sunday starter role. He’s most excited about figuring out his weekly exercise routine.

Between his affinity for working out and doing yoga, Leftwich said it was sometimes difficult not knowing when he would pitch.

Now, his role will allow him to prepare for his starts and find time to hit the weights and the yoga mat.

He keeps up with this habit, which began his senior year, by using an app on his phone.

“I also think it’s good for your mental health too, like the focus, because sometimes yoga’s a little hard,” Leftwich said.

“So you have to be locked in, and that’s how you have to be when you pitch.”

He’s not only prepared to start, but he expected the promotion.

“Last year I wanted to be in the starting rotation right away, and I ended up being at the end a little bit,” Leftwich said. “I expected that, that’s what I worked for.”

He attended TNXL Baseball Academy for his final two years of high school, taking online classes and preparing for the demanding regimen of a collegiate – and potentially professional – baseball player.

“I would train everyday, so that’s what I was working for,” Leftwich said. “I just felt that that prepared me more than any other pitcher ‘cause I had done all the workouts

and basically had a college schedule.”

• • • Breathe in. Breathe out.

When Tommy is on the bump, that’s the tactic he employs to calm his nerves.

Mace emerged from the bullpen in some big spots in the 2018 postseason. Now, he’ll be doing most of his work as the Saturday

that consistency is the most important part of the game for a starting pitcher. And he said that’s what he has to focus on if the Gators are to return to Omaha. Other than his heart rate, of course.

• • •

The odd man out could be the go-to guy out of the bullpen and even at the plate.

Butler plays some infield and occasion-

Tommy Mace

starter.

Cracking the starting rotation has always been his goal.

“It still hasn’t really set in, it won’t set in until I throw a couple games in the SEC in the weekend rotation, but right now it’s still up for grabs,” Mace said. “I mean, a freshman could take it.”

To avoid that happening and to put the ball where he wants to every pitch, Mace focuses on one thing above all else: his heart rate.

“In a game your heart rate starts to elevate and that’s where you can lose track of where you’re throwing the ball,” Mace said.

“So if I slow my breathing, slow my heart rate and just relax and focus on what pitch I need to throw, I know I can compete against any hitter in the SEC.” Last season it appeared that Mace was able to control his heart rate relatively well, posting a perfect 5-0 record and the thirdbest strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.75) on the team behind only Singer.

Mace learned from Kowar and Singer

Jack Leftwich

ally hits. But Mace expects him to be the heir to Byrne as closer.

“I think he has the attitude that he’s not scared of anything, and I think he’s gonna do really good in the bullpen. I think he’ll kinda take place of being our closer this year,” Mace said of Butler.

Leftwich compared Butler to Byrne saying that the former closer was “just a different animal, and I think Jordan’s a little bit like that.”

O’Sullivan didn’t go as far as saying Butler was the designated closer, mentioning that it’s “certainly by committee.”

But he did say that Butler would be the first out of the bullpen on Friday nights.

“Even though he’s only a sophomore, he’s got more experience than anyone in the bullpen right now,” O’Sullivan said.

Of the four sophomore pitchers, Butler allowed the lowest ERA (4.10) and the lowest batting average (.203), and his 31 appearances were the third-most in the SEC and the most by a freshman. His six wins are the most by a Florida freshman since 2015.

As one of just three left-handed pitchers on the roster – there are 16 right-handed pitchers – Butler’s presence on the mound is worth more than just a fresh arm out of the pen.

When asked about his expected role, Butler didn’t let on that he would be the goto guy late in games. Rather, he’s comfortable continuing to be a Swiss Army knife of sorts.

“Whatever they need me to do, start midweeks, close it out, come in mid-game, I mean I don’t know, it doesn’t matter to me, just that we win the game,” Butler said.

And not just on the mound.

At the plate, Butler hit .308, albeit in just 13 at bats, with two RBI and five walks. His

contributions there and on the mound led to him being named to the 2018 Freshmen AllAmerican team by Collegiate Baseball.

“Wherever they need me I’m gonna be,” Butler said. “If they need me at first base I’ll go to first base, if they need me to pinch hit, I’ll pinch hit.”

• • •

Despite McMullen’s lack of experience last season, his former roommate on the road and fellow reliever thinks he can perform whenever called upon.

“Hunter throws really hard, he throws like 98 with incredible sink,” Butler said.

“So I think he’s gonna be really good this year either out of the bullpen, midweek, whatever they need him to do.”

McMullen had the least experience of any of the four pitchers last year, primarily out of the bullpen. He expects to remain in his reliever role and occasionally start midweek games. McMullen started twice last season and had 17 total appearances.

With experience in both roles, McMullen recognizes the importance of starters being able to rely on the relievers to finish the job late in games.

“Just helping our starters out however we can, allowing them to not have to go super deep in the ball games and having a reliable bullpen that we can sit on so that our starters can be a little bit less fatigued,” McMullen said of the bullpen’s role this season.

No one did that better than Florida’s alltime saves leader (35), and McMullen recognizes the gaping hole that Byrne’s departure for professional baseball left in the bullpen.

But McMullen believes he and the other relievers will be able to step up this season.

“Anyone in our bullpen is capable of doing the same stuff that Byrne did,” McMullen said “Maybe not as many saves as that, but I think we can definitely lock it down run-wise and definitely help the team get the win.”

• • •

At an MLB pipeline like Florida, the next crop of talent is never far behind.

Two years ago, the freshman class included Singer, Kowar and Byrne. Those three eventual MLB draft picks threw less than 100 innings and had less than 100 strikeouts between them.

The 2014 class, which included five future draft picks and was headlined by Logan Shore, A.J. Puk and Dane Dunning, was one of two in the past 11 years to surpass the 2018 freshmen’s inning total with 247.2. They had 194 strikeouts and a 16-11 record.

Leftwich, Mace, Butler and McMullen combined for 219.1 innings, 206 strikeouts and a 16-7 record in 2018.

“Those guys are mature beyond their years, given the opportunities that they were given last year,” O’Sullivan said.

Their coach will give them even more opportunities this year. It’s up to them to deliver.

“What they’ve done their first year and what they’ve been able to do now is not surprising at all,” O’Sullivan said. “If they were not pitching like they are, or were capable of doing, I’d be more surprised that they were not performing up to their abilities.” @Kkylewood kwood@alligator.org

ALLIGATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

SOFTBALL

What to know about UF heading into weekend out west

By Brendan Farrell

Early offensive struggles

Sports Writer

The Gators softball team (6-0) heads out to Tempe, Arizona, to partake in five games at the Littlewood Classic following two midweek games against Team Japan and North Florida. Here are three things to know about Florida’s start to the season:

Pitching depth shines

The Gators knew going into the season that they had one of the nation’s best pitchers in the country: Kelly Barnhill. The senior from Henrietta, Georgia, has performed as advertised, allowing only two runs across 20 innings of regular-season play and is tied for the ninth-most strikeouts in the country with 26. She is 4-0 on the season along with saves against Arizona and North Florida.

Sophomore Natalie Lugo, however, hasn’t been very far behind.

Lugo started against North Florida Wednesday night after a rough relief outing against Team Japan. She went six innings and allowed only two hits and one earned run while dishing out one walk in the Gators’ 3-1 win.

It’s performances like that, along with solid games against Arizona and South Florida, that give Gators coach Tim Walton confidence whenever Barnhill isn’t in the circle and the ability to limit Barnhill’s innings and keep her fresh for later in the season.

And that’s not mentioning the team’s two freshman pitchers, Danni Farley and Elizabeth Hightower, both of whom Walton wants to use more in the future.

It’s a good thing that the Gators have options in the circle, because their offense is off to a slow start.

Aside from its season-opening 15-0 win over Illinois State, Florida has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position.

After hitting 7 for 14 against the Redbirds, the Gators have gone 8 for 43 (.178) at the plate with runners in scoring position in the regular season. Their best game in regards to hitting with runners in scoring position in that stretch was a 3-for-14 (.214) performance against then-No.19 Michigan.

The good news is that the Gators haven’t struggled to put runners in scoring position in the first place.

Florida has batted .325 as a team, which is 50th in the country, while also playing against two ranked teams already.

There’s simply too much power and skill between outfielders Amanda Lorenz and Jaimie Hoover, catcher Kendyl Lindaman and designated player Danielle Romanello for the Gators’ offensive slump to continue, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on in Tempe.

UF third baseman Jaime Hoover leads the Gators with a .400 batting average this season.

Florida’s biggest challenge at the Littlewood Classic is going to be against No. 14 Arizona State (51). The Sun Devils’ high-octane offense will pose an interesting challenge for Florida’s pitching staff.

They were shut out by Missouri but have scored 60 runs in their other five games. Arizona State has three batters hitting over .400 and no one is below .300.

Junior catcher Maddi Hackbarth leads the team with three home runs, and her 10 RBIs are tied for first on the team with senior outfielder Morgan Howe. Comparatively, Jaimie Hoover is the only Gator batting above .400, Danielle Romanello leads the team in home runs with two and Hannah Adams is the only player with more than five RBI’s.

Dancing with the (Sun) Devils

Aaron Ritter / Alligator File Photo

Florida’s advantage, however, is in the circle with its 10th-best team ERA and depth. Arizona State has gotten a few decent starts from junior Samantha Mejia (40, 2.14 ERA) but has struggled to find quality pitching performances from redshirt junior Cielo Meza (11, 8.81 ERA). Playing Illinois State first on Friday and then Arizona State’s pitching staff later in the

night presents a great opportunity for Florida to get out of its offensive funk.

The Gators round out the weekend by playing a doubleheader against San Diego and Utah State on Saturday and Central Michigan Sunday morning. @Bfarrell727 bfarrell@alligator.org

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