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WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020
The Student Voice of Florida Southern College
VOL. 136, NO. 2
FSC Theatre performances will be streamed live to be more intentional with our actions.” Stage manager and senior, Briana Refino, has a different perspective on the challenges that have been presented, due to her backstage role.
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“We have to make sure the blocking will look good for the camera, resolve sound issues that may arise, make sure the lighting will have the same effect on camera as it does in person, etc.”
- Briana Refino
Photos courtesy of Anna Weaver/Department of Theatre and Dance
Laura McKenna (left) and Madalyn Macko (right) during rehearsal for “As You Like It” in Buckner Theatre. Sarah Dube and Grace Newton Staff Writers The FSC Department of Theatre and Dance will open its fall season next week with the Shakespearian comedy “As You Like It.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the theatre department cannot have a live audience, and with specific streaming rules in place, the shows of this season had to be altered in order to be usable. This production has been adapted by director Paul Bawek, and includes such changes as genderbent roles. The department is
working with broadcast professors from the communication department to livestream the show, which will be available on the FSC Festival of Fine Arts YouTube page. Sophomore musical theatre major Amanda Townes plays Sylvia, previously Sylvius. This is Townes’ first mainstage production at FSC. “It’s been a blast,” Townes said. “I love working with Paul and the cast. Also, just being back to doing shows after so long is amazing. It’s been amazing to be able to use the space we have, and I’ve loved every second of it.”
Townes acknowledged that this show has been challenging, seeing as all of the cast and crew are required to wear their masks and social distance throughout the entirety of the show, including during the performances. Townes said, “It’s [the guidelines] something extra that you wouldn’t normally have to keep in mind. Especially when it comes to characters where you’d normally need to hold their hand or give them a hug, because we can’t have physical interactions with each other. We also have to be more mindful of facial expressions because they’re harder to read, so we have
It takes a total of two days to finish the roundup.The first part of the roundup involves taking boats out onto Lake Morton and corralling the swans with nets. On the second day, a veterinarian is brought to perform a medical checkup on the swans. After the medical checkups, they will sort the swans to be sold away from the
ones that will remain at Lake Morton. The city states that they have a long list of buyers for the swans. This is not the first time they have sold Lake Morton’s swans. In 2011 the city had sold Lake Morton’s swans for the same reason. No information has yet been given on a date for the sale of the birds.
Lakeland to sell some swans after annual roundup Jameson Champion Staff Writer
Each year since 1980, the City of Lakeland has held a ‘Swan Roundup’ at Lake Morton. Next week on Oct.6 and 7 at 8 a.m., the city will be holding its 40th Annual Swan Roundup, where they corral the swans on Lake Morton in order to perform medical checkups on the animals. This year is different, however, as the event is also being used to prepare for the sale of some of the swans. “It is very important that our Lakeland flock is doing well so we schedule the Swan Roundup each year with the primary purpose to check on the health of our birds,” Bob Donahay said in a City of Lakeland news posting about the event. According to an article by the Lakeland Ledger, the sale is due to overpopulation of Lake Morton. Lake Morton can only support up to 50 Swans, whereas the current amount of swans numbers around 90 according to the City of Lakeland.
SOCIAL MEDIA
“I have to think about little things like how I am going to communicate with my Assistant Stage Manager during a rehearsal if we’re sitting six feet apart and there’s a scene going on that we don’t want to interrupt,” Refino said. “Production meetings are also over Zoom right now, so I have to send out links to everyone for that each week and try to work through any technical difficulties we may encounter.” Live-streaming the production has also presented unique challenges. As the first show of the season, “As You Like It” will be setting the precedent for the remainder of the school year.
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What’s inside: WHAT’S INSIDE
2
Voting Information
5
Favorite Pandemic Trends
7
Chris Evans scandal sparks discussion
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Esports returns to campus
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Swans swimming in Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida.
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The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
NEWS
BRIEFS Voter Information Event On Oct. 16, College Democrats and College Republicans will bring in local candidates to speak about their campaigns. This event is meant to educate students about local elections. They will also provide sample ballots in this event.
Queer Art History Allies and the Art appreciation Club are hosting a night dedicated to learning about queer art history on Oct. 14. Art History and Museum studies professors will be at the event. Students will be able to join on Zoom. Zoom link is provided on Engage.
Breast Cancer Foundation: Power in Pink Throughout the month of October the Breast Cancer Foundation in Central Florida is is hosting the virtual marathon challenge presented by the Watson Clinic Foundation. Participants will recieve a Power in Pink T-shirt and coupons redeemable at any FITniche.
Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Inner Act. Alliance, Publix and Title Sponsor are partnering up to present Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge where participants comeplete healthinspired challenges throughout the month of October. Red Ribbon is a drug, alcohol and tobacco violence prevention campaign.
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Tips for making sure your 2020 vote counts Sophia Gonzalez News Editor
As COVID-19 alters how we interact with each other, having a voting plan for the Nov. 3 election will ensure public safety. There are three ways to vote: absentee voting, early voting and election day voting. Information on the different ways to vote can be found below.
Absentee Voting Absentee voting - also known as voting by mail - allows voters to vote by mail. Absentee ballots were used to describe mailed-in ballots from people who are outside of their polling place, but due to COVID-19 concerns, a lot of states have made it easier for voters to cast an absentee ballot. In order to absentee vote, potential voters must be registered to vote then request an absentee ballot. Voters can request their mail ballots by contacting their county’s Supervisor of Elections in person, online or by telephone. Once the absentee ballot has been requested, the Supervisor of Elections has two days to mail out the ballot. Voters can also opt to pick up their ballot at the Supervisor of Elections office. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot in Florida is at 5 p.m. 10 days before Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends that ballots be sent out at least one week before the election in order to avoid any potential delays. Completed ballots in Florida must be received no later than Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. When requesting an absentee ballot, voters must be prepared to provide name, address, date of birth and signature. Voters can find their state’s individual deadlines to request an absentee ballot and when a voted absentee ballot is due at vote. org. For more information about Florida’s deadlines, rules and guidelines about vote by mail or to request an absentee ballot visit
Florida’s Division of Elections website. In order to find out individual state’s deadlines, rules and guidelines about mailin voting and absentee voting, voters can visit usa.gov and select their respective state they’re voting in.
Mistakes that can disqualify absentee ballots There are a handful of mistakes that can prevent a voter’s ballot from being disqualified. In order to avoid these mistakes, voters should make sure to read their ballot’s instructions. Filling out ballots: If voters use colored ink or markers instead of blue or black ink as stated in the instructions, their vote could be disqualified. Any stray marks or markings can also disqualify one’s vote. Signatures: Failure to sign one’s ballot or using a different signature than the one that appears on personal state files - usually signatures should match one’s driver’s license signature - will lead to a ballot’s rejection. Additional documentation: Some states require additional documentation to be sent in when turning in a mail-in ballot. Rules vary between states, but some states require voters to send a copy of a photo ID when they mail in their ballots, or they may ask for a witness’ signature in order to validate the ballot. Voters can track their ballots online at their respective state’s Division of Elections Voter Information Lookup or at their county’s Supervisor of Elections website.
Early Voting Early voting allows voters to vote prior to Election Day on select polling locations. The overall process and equipment used is the same as on election day voting. Unlike Election Day voting, voters may vote at any of the available polling locations in
their district. Since in the past, the majority of voters come out on election day, early voting is a good option since there are usually less people in a room. Below are the addresses of polling sites in Lakeland. Voters registered to vote in Polk County can vote in any of these locations. Early in-person-voting in Polk County will be available from Oct. 19 to Nov 1. Dates may vary in other states and counties. Lakeland: Polk County Government Center, 930 E Parker St. Lakeland: Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L King Jr Ave. For more information about early voting locations in Polk County, visit the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website. Information about early voting is available at voter’s respective counties Supervisor of Elections website. Voters can find their state at usa.gov.
Election Day Voting Election Day is on Nov. 3. Polls in Florida open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any person waiting in line by 7 p.m. will be able to vote. Information about where to vote as a Polk County resident can be found on the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website. Information about voting is available at your respective counties Supervisor of Elections website. The most common use of identification requested for voting is a state-issued photo ID, but more information about what form of identification to bring can be found at the National Conference of State Legislation website. Information about the voter’s polling location can be found in their voter identification card. Last day to register to vote in Florida was Oct. 5.
New recreation center opens at Lake Crago
Salvatore Ambrosino Staff Writer
The Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex opened on Sept. 28, housing classrooms, rental venues, an educational amphitheater and Lakeland’s first public kayaking and canoeing facilities. The facility sits on Lake Crago next to the old dog park and connects to Lake Parker by a thin canal headed south, traversable by kayak. The $7 million recreational project has been in the works since April 2018.
The Lake Crago building has its parts up for rent: reservations can be made for its banquet venue, classrooms, activity room, amphitheater and covered patio. “You can also rent the whole facility if you want, for a decent price,” Recreation Supervisor Jared Freeman said. ‘There’s a bunch of different options.” The facility is currently open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.They still haven’t determined when they’ll have a kayak and canoe vendor. “I’d hate to be on the record saying two
Drive-in Movies Lakeland’s Silver Moon drive-in theater is still open to the public. Due to an increase in interest, they recommend showing up to an hour early on Fridays and Saturdays and 30 minutes early during the week to secure a spot. Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino
The Lake Crago rec center is open to the public Monday through Friday.
or three weeks, but he should be here then,” Freeman said. Liberty Kayaks looks to install its boat vendor into the facility at some point in the near future. Then people will be able to rent kayaks at an hourly rate, or to use for an entire day. “We are going to be having yoga, Zumba, senior fitness and even hosting corporate events,” Freeman said. Taking up .6 acres, consisting of a low dock and boat ramp, as well as a patio area and a small amphitheater, the rec center will be following Lakeland’s previously established COVID-19 guidelines, despite Desantis’ move to Phase 3. All people in the building will be required to wear a mask, unless seated, stationary and able to socially distance 6 feet or greater from fellow patrons. To ensure social distancing, maximum occupancy has been reduced to 50 percent until further notice. A wellness check will be done on people entering the facility, a body temperature measurement of 100.4 degrees or above will prevent people from entering. Bathrooms will close several times a day for deep cleaning. Classes will be limited to nine people, and any equipment used will be thoroughly disinfected after use.
3 The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
NEWS
Theme parks implement safety precautions during pandemic Deanna Wright Staff Writer With students having precautions set by the school to keep everyone on campus safe, many students have been cautious as to whether or not to go back to Florida’s theme parks. SeaWorld and Universal Studios reopened all of their parks and waterparks back in the beginning of June, and Walt Disney World reopened their four parks in July after the closing of all Florida theme parks back in May. “At first I was very hesitant,” junior Elisa White said. “I waited a month to go back because I didn’t want to be in the first wave of guests. With wearing masks and the strict enforcement of the rules, I do feel like you can go and keep your exposure to a minimum now.” Before reopening, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World all announced their final proposal plans for reopening with precautions due to COVID-19 in May. These proposals had to be approved by the counties and Governor Ron DeSantis. These proposal plans stated that all staff and guests will have to wear masks the whole time, go through temperature checks before entering the parks and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the parks. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F or higher will not be allowed entry into the parks, as stated on All Ears website. The parks also implemented ground
Photo courtesy of Elisa White
Elisa White wears a mask at Disney as dictated by their safety guidelines markers to make sure parties stay six feet apart from each other while in lines. Signage was added throughout the parks with the CDC guidelines and added rest areas for guests were added so that they could have a break from wearing their masks. Guests wanting to return to any of the Florida theme parks would have to make reservations in advance to make sure they could go when they want, the parks would have limited amounts of reservations each day to make sure the parks could still have guests socially distant.
Recruitment transitions to online format for fall Salvatore Ambrosino Staff Writer Greek life holds virtual events under tight COVID-19 restrictions to adhere to FSCares guidelines. Many aspects of life on campus have been minimized to fit inside of COVID-19 guidelines. These guidelines are in an effort to mitigate concerns over spiking coronavirus cases as college campuses reopen and classes resume nationwide. In-person events are a key part of Greek membership. In order to keep members in the loop and feeling like they are still a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood, Greek Life organizations have begun to reinvent themselves virtually. “With COVID, recruitment has changed entirely, so as an organization, we’ve had to adjust to focusing more on a virtual approach,” member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Cameron Simpson said. “We are hoping to do more virtual events as the year goes on.” Despite virtual restrictions, Simpson’s outlook is confident. “I think that one of the key characteristics of the men involved is their ability to adjust and adapt to any situation in unity,” Simpson said. Virtual adaptations of traditional Greek life events will stand in place of potential in-person events. Philanthropic efforts by these campus communities now face unforeseen changes.
“Panhellenic is encouraging all chapters to host virtual events to promote their philanthropies,” Panhellenic Council philanthropy chair Sophie Talbert said. Changes in recruitment methods come with navigating the new red tape limiting larger groups in indoor spaces. “One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is in the types of events that are allowed to happen,” President of Zeta Tau Alpha Emily Rozen said. “Greek organizations have had to figure out how to create virtual versions of these events.” Greek Life also strives to gain accessibility to remote students. “Luckily, this generation is already fairly dependent on technology, so we just had to shift our focus online,” Rozen said. “Many people are paying close attention to social media for information, so we are able to reach a large audience.” Concerns over remote students making connections with campus life persist and challenge campus leaders to be more inclusive, aiding the passage of virtual events and guidelines formulated by campus organizations. “Since all of our recruitment events are online, it is easy to reach virtual students,” Rozen said. “Everyone has the same opportunities to attend events and meet our sisters.” As students try to rediscover their college experience in a mostly virtual setting, online appeal and accessibility has become imperative in attracting student participation in clubs and organizations.
To keep their team members safe, the parks made an executive decision to modify character meet and greets. Universal is spacing tables at restaurants on the City Walk and had team members out entertaining and telling guest instructions for the parks before they entered. They did place mask rest stations throughout the two parks. “Universal was very strict on their mask order and team members were around reminding individuals to put their mask back on. Guests followed team members’ requests with no issues,” junior Helen Stedt said. The efforts the parks are taking with all the precautions made Stedt feel safer than going to the grocery store. SeaWorld modified their characters meet and greets. Instead of guests being able to
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“Universal was very strict on their mask order and team members were around reminding individuals to put their mask back on.”
- Junior Helen Stedt take pictures with their favorite characters, there are parades throughout the day with some characters so guests still get a chance to see them. These parades are not at specific times during the day to make sure there is still
social distancing. “Most guests were wearing masks at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, but some guests wore their mask under their noses even when told to put them back on,” senior Noah Valletutti said. “I was really glad that they reduced their capacities and required reservations to visit though.” SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have improved their safety precautions since their reopenings in June. The two parks have more ground markers for social distancing, less tables in restaurants and more people are following the rules and wearing a mask correctly. The Walt Disney Company made the executive decision to space out their full reopening to make sure the parks were socially distant for guests even with modifying the amount of guests they allow in with reservations each day. Disney, just like SeaWorld, uses pop up parades (character cavalcades) for guests to see their favorite characters. They don’t post the times of these cavalcades on the park app or throughout the park to make sure guests don’t crowd areas. “It’s nice that they’re finding a way to keep their entertainment cast members employed and huge crowds don’t gather for them either,” White said. “If I was a little kid I probably would have loved it.” All of the health and safety precautions for the theme parks in Florida are posted on their respective websites and they all make the statement about how visiting the parks still can put guests at risk of exposure to COVID-19.
SOUTHERN The Student Voice of Florida Southern College
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The Southern is published as an E-Edition biweekly during fall and spring semesters of the academic year at Florida Southern College by students through the Communication Department. The Southern is unable to print a physical paper due to COVID-19, but is still available on fscsouthern.com. Opinions expressed on the opinions pages are not necessarily those of the department, the administration, the Board of Trustees or The Southern editorial board. Written and signed responses to views expressed on these pages, or relevant to other Florida Southern College issues, are encouraged and will be considered for publication. All members of the Florida Southern community — students, staff, faculty, administrators, trustees, alumni and other friends of the college — are invited to voice their opinion in and about The Southern. All material submitted is subject to editing for length, style and taste. All material must be submitted to fscsouthern@gmail.com to be considered. The Southern office is in the Chatlos Building on Johnson Ave.
The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
FEATURES
4
CSI events available to everyone Prof perspective on online class
Faith Miller Staff Writer The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) at Florida Southern College has come up with multiple ways for students to get involved on campus and created new ways to keep students safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. This semester, CSI continues to manage its goal of creating an engaging environment that all students can participate in, whether commuting, remote or on campus. Jacqueline Inskeep, Director of Student Involvement at CSI, says the office has been working closely with a number of campus organizations to modify events and make them safe and accessible for everyone. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Association of Campus Entertainment, the Student Government Association, Greek Life and Studio Box. One personal goal it has this semester is making sure all FSC students are able to engage regardless of where they are located. “If we are able to provide even just an hour where students are able to join us in person or virtually, have some fun, and relax - then we are happy,” Inskeep said. Due to COVID-19, events have needed modifications to help them better fit the FSCares plan and follow the guidelines it presents. Smaller scale events, such as Novelty Nights, have made subtle adjustments to make them safer for students. An example of this has been switching these events to grab-and-go, where students can come and receive supplies and then make the craft back in their dorm or somewhere else on campus. Freshman Rachel Horne attended several Novelty Nights and explained that one of her favorite crafts she participated in was the grab-and-go dream catchers. “I felt very safe going, they had it set up where you grab the items you want and make them in your room,” Horne said. Larger scale traditional events, such as
the “Fairwell Festival,” the “Block Party” and “Southern Takeover” have been put on hold as the office explores options that will allow students to participate. One method the organization uses to include students is holding events either virtually through Zoom or as a hybrid. Inskeep says she is personally excited for the virtual celebrity question and answer series that they are holding this semester while partnering with ACE. “We kicked off the semester with a live Q&A with Max Greenfield (Schmidt from New Girl),” Inskeep said. “The next celebrity question and answer event will take place on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.” For students looking for more information on events and details on what’s coming up on campus, make sure to check Engage and the Center for Student Involvement’s social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter @FSCCSI.
Photo courtesy of Center of Student Involvement
Students (front to back) Rowan Marshall, Natalie McGinniss, Kiana McCalmon, Jonathan Sellas submit a selfie as part of a virtual “Mocs Mask Up” social media campaign.
Cooper Widick Staff Writer
Photo by kaboompics
An example of what it looks like to work or go to classes from home (taken in a photoshoot depicting home offices). Online learning has impacted both teachers and students in different ways. With many students stranded from campus or kept away by strict social distancing guidelines, Mocs have had to adapt to how things are now. Adjunct Professor Heather Rimes of the criminology department and Associate Professor of Political Science Kelly McHugh gave their opinions on the new format of the virtual lecturing. “Online is a great option for students who are worried about the virus and allows students to maintain control over their course work,” Rimes said. McHugh has had a harder time adjusting to remote learning than Rimes. ”It’s been difficult to have the hybrid model, to have both virtual and in person groups engaged,” McHugh said. They were then asked whether or not students were reciprocating the effort the teachers were putting in or if it was a more apathetic response. “What I’ve seen so far, from my remote learners, is that a couple of students are very gung-ho about class and [there are] others I haven’t even heard their voices,” Rimes said. Technology is both a great boon for
society and a tedious thing to get right. For example, McHugh said that having to learn all the new tools and mannerisms of the virtual space in a short amount of time was the greatest hardship, especially since she had never taught online before and it was a quick turnaround. “The school has the policy that you have to have a camera on so students are forced to engage almost. I thought engagement would be awkward but students have shown a true want to be engaged,” McHugh said. The new learning environment has proven to be a great hurdle for professors and students alike but they are not alone. Florida Southern College administration has always shown an aptitude for helping their own and this is no different. The professors have both received tons of support from the school. “We Zoom with all the teachers and I saw some teachers that I had never seen before, and it promoted a sense of camaraderie, a sense that we all had each other’s backs,” Rimes said. McHugh mentioned more ways that all of the faculty stay in touch. “We have a teacher Facebook page that we share tips and tricks about online learning in,” McHugh said.
Healthy food alternatives available to students at FSC Claudia Kahl Staff Writer
Almost every college student can testify to hearing of something called the “freshman 15.” It’s a saying that is used to reference the 15 pounds that incoming freshmen tend to gain during their first year away from home. Moving away from home comes with many challenges. In many cases, the first year of college is the first time that students are forced to be on their own. Along with tasks like doing laundry and setting their own alarms to wake up in the morning, freshmen are also faced with the challenge of balancing a healthy lifestyle and school work. Some students believe that the food provided on campus is not the most nutritious. While there is the wellness center, living a healthy lifestyle also includes eating healthy, not just exercise. “I feel like every meal on campus includes tons of carbs, and not everyone wants to eat a salad every day,” freshman Emily Starling said. “It would be so nice if we had some sort of food truck on campus or just a restaurant specifically made to promote a healthier lifestyle.” Fueling your body properly is one of
the best ways to have a productive day. When you take care of your health and body, your mind will follow too; eating right is one way to do just that. “When I lived on campus, I had a few healthy go-to’s for the in between class and work intervals that I made myself with ingredients from the grocery store,” senior Regina Sandberg said. “These snack are tasty, quick, affordable and convenient.” A few of Sandberg’s favorites included avocado toast. sliced apples and peanut butter, rice cakes and a steamed broccoli. One of the easiest options for a proteinpacked breakfast is overnight oats. Overnight oats have become a favorite on social media. They’re so versatile and customizable that you can add whatever you want into them and make each batch your own. Not to mention that the addition of chia seeds can add protein, bumping the overall number up to about 14.8 grams. To make these chia overnight oats you need: a container of your choice, oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, milk, yogurt, berries and a sweetener of your choice. Simply mix a ½ cup of oats, ¼ cup of chia seeds, 1 cup of milk and cinnamon if you choose. Refrigerate overnight, and in the morning, top the mixture off with yogurt, berries and sweetener. After these few easy steps
you have a tasty, protein-filled breakfast to help keep you focused throughout the day. Another quick and easy breakfast or snack is an açaí bowl. Açaí alone contains many health benefits, mainly support for the brain and mental health. The antioxidants in acai are known to protect and cleanse the body from the inside out. They neutralize free radicals, which are cell damaging molecules linked to cancer and various diseases. Açaí is not high in protein levels, but it does have a high level of antioxidants. Instead of breaking the bank and buying premade acai bowls, homemade bowls can be just as simple. Açaí bowls can be made using a few ingredients, and the addition of protein powder can add a little boost. To make an açaí bowl, you need a blender, two frozen açaí packets, one frozen banana, water or juice, granola, honey and fresh fruit toppings of your choice. Simply blend the açaí packets, banana, and 1/3 cup of liquid. The base of the açaí bowl should be thick. Then, top with a sprinkle of granola, fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. “Things like wraps, açaí bowls, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, or even fresh produce being sold in the Moc Mart would make a huge difference,”
Photo by Claudia Kahl
Overnight chia oats topped with yogurt and strawberries. Starling said. Until these healthier options are implemented throughout campus, students can opt to make their own protein-packed breakfasts or açaí bowls for lunch.
5 The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
Students weigh in on favorite pandemic trends TikTok, DIY crafts and home fitness are quarantine hits Sarah Dube Staff Writer When the ball dropped on New Year’s Day, no one expected the coronavirus pandemic to sweep the world only a few months later. With everyone advised to self-quarantine, there were limited sources of entertainment. People began searching for positivity in difficult times and many turned to social media. College students everywhere were flooded with all kinds of new internet trends. A group of 20 Florida Southern students were surveyed to see which trends they thought stood out the most. A favorite among FSC students was the resurgence of DIY projects. Embroidery projects, tie dyed clothing and at-home hair cuts were just the beginning. During the pandemic, the CDC released a statement regarding masks. The guidelines say, “[The] CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” Students have taken what could be seen as a negative and turned it into a positive. FSC students around campus can be seen sporting cute and fashionable masks and have even begun making and selling their own masks as a creative and fun way to cope with the sudden changes. Several students also reported baking to be one
of their favorite quarantine hobbies, specifically banana bread and the TikTok whipped coffee. TikTok itself is a large topic of discussion throughout the pandemic. Not only did students identify it as one of their favorite apps, but also as the one they’ve seen and spoken about the most. “TikTok was a source of entertainment
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“TikTok was a source of entertainment during quarantine that wasn’t a streaming service.”
- FSC senior Jessi Forman
during quarantine that wasn’t a streaming service,”Jessi Forman said, “It allowed me to laugh and escape the reality that we’ve been living in.” TikTok took the internet by storm during the summer of 2019, and its popularity has only increased. With over 800 million users worldwide, the potential for content is overwhelming. The app has had a large number of trends among its users, but there are a few that made their way into the center of media attention. FSC students identified TikTok dances as one of the trends they’ve seen the most outside of the app itself.
Teens like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae saw their views and followers skyrocket overnight, and now they’re getting friendly with big celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and James Charles. Other TikTok trends that students highlighted were the memes that have circulated on the app and even beyond. One meme that gained traction is the Zoom University meme. It gained so much popularity that you can now purchase Zoom University merchandise. TikTok also repopularized the importance of self-care. People across the country are sharing their fitness tips, skin care routines, and self-love journeys. Mattie Lindley, a sophomore, spoke about her TikTok inspired fitness journey. “I started biking over quarantine and eating healthier,” Lindley said. “It’s really been helping my mental health. I feel super refreshed after working out, as if I’ve had a productive day,” Many students, like Lindley, saw the quarantine as a way to take time to better themselves, rather than succumbing to the difficulty of this atmosphere. Whether it was a DIY project, a TikTok trend, or a self-care routine, students at FSC found ways to keep themselves busy and entertained throughout quarantine. There was one other trend that almost every student took part in: finding a way to make a difficult time more positive. As we move forward, we can look back and remember the trends that kept us going.
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FEATURES STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Emily Wills Grace Newton Entertainment Editor With so many students not able to return to campus this semester, many are living off-campus with commuter status, rather than living at home. One FSC student, however, is doing both. Senior philosophy major Emily Wills is adjusting to her first semester as a commuter. Wills has lived in Lakeland her entire life, and she is the 32nd person in her family to attend Florida Southern College. While she has a lot of family in the area, she has always resided on campus, and this is the longest she has been at home since high school. However, she still remains very involved on campus, holding many club positions, including president of the Women’s Advocacy Club. “My schedule itself isn’t very different,” Wills said. “The only difference is some things don’t involve a commute now.” Because she does not have to function as a fully remote student, Wills is still on campus some days of the week to go to class or meet up with friends for food. However, being a commuter has its disadvantages, such as no longer having a meal plan. “The weirdest part is trying to figure out the food spots,” Wills said. “We don’t go to all the same places anymore.” With new changes come new essential must-have items. For Wills, that item is a little notebook, which she keeps on her at all times to jot down notes, thoughts and ideas. She has started doing things in her daily routine that she didn’t do before, such as writing. “Journaling has become a good way to deal with the stress of online learning,” Wills said. Living at home does present new challenges. With the varying schedules of different members of her family and new distractions, Wills admitted to difficulties in keeping her work on track. This is partly due to the fact that the people she is constantly around are not always dealing with the same things as her. “The hardest part is time management and staying on top of things,” Wills said. Wills has also found that there are both pros and cons when it comes to contacting professors virtually. “I’m definitely an in-person kind of student, so it’s been a little difficult forcing myself to schedule Zoom meetings when I’d usually just pop by the office,” Wills said. “But since I’m working mostly from home, it’s been easier to work meetings into my schedule!”
The Southern OCTOBER 7 , 2020
OPINIONS
The divisive nature of America’s political climate Lawton Bauer Staff Writer
According to Aristotle, man is a “political animal” with social needs that are just as important to them as the need for food, water and shelter. Politics to Aristotle meant society, and the functions that society undertakes to provide for its people. Aristotle explains that the primary way to satisfy this political need is to form political associations with other humans, whether it be familial households, small communal groups or national political entities. These political associations often form collective groups with their members that support one another and fulfill this need. In the United States, we have taken that need for association with others to another level. Political parties, mainly the Republican and Democratic parties, are vehicles for the American people to express themselves on
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Wellness Center implements COVID dress code Vanessa Alvarez Staff Writer The Wellness Center staff says the new rules target both men and women as their marketing appears to use images with different genders to illustrate the new “do’s and don’ts.” “These pictures include gender neutral options, feminine options and masculine options that will no longer be accepted when exercising in the wellness center,” Director of Wellness Alicia Rossow said. “The professional staff understand the inconvenience of this ‘new normal’ but we do hope that our marketing and communication tactics have been well received by all genders, races and religions.”
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“COVID has sort of taken away the more traditional forms of campaigning that political campaigns are used to, the doorto-door canvassing, the handing out of fliers, that sort of thing.”
- Political Science chair Dr. Kelly McHugh their views and find common community with other, like-minded individuals. Using these parties as a tool, the American people select leaders to shape the world around them through their vote. But now, with COVID-19 threatening people’s health at the polls, many are seeking new ways of voting. Dr. Kelly McHugh, chair of the Political Science department at Florida Southern, says that many practices that we normally see in a common election year just aren’t being practiced. “COVID has sort of taken away the more traditional forms of campaigning that political campaigns are used to, the door-to-door canvassing, the handing out of fliers, that sort of thing,” McHugh said. “Instead, campaigns are having to move online and find new ways of reaching the American people.” Her colleague, Dr. Bruce Anderson, agrees with her, though he pointed to a different change in the voting process that has rocked the political conversation. “The biggest change is the result of the mail-in ballot, and currently you have voters that have already voted,” Anderson said. “I think that mail-in voting, certainly in Polk County, is entirely secure, and they will do their very best to make sure that those ballots are where they need to be when they need to be there. There are gonna be some glitches, there are gonna be some dropped balls along the way, but they shouldn’t have that much of an effect in terms of the final outcome.”
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Graphic courtesy of Wellness Center
Graphic depicting new Wellness Center dress code apparel policy.
The decision to implement this dress code was done at the discretion of the professional staff at the Wellness Center. Amongst the many changes on campus leading up the Fall semester, FSC’s Wellness Center added a new dress code to the long list of rules students must adapt to. The list of rules appears to primarily target women by prohibiting open back tops, crop tops, cut offs and stringers and partial tank tops. Full coverage tops and t-shirts, standard tank tops and approved cut offs are on the list of approved attire for individuals at the Wellness Center. According to a graphic provided to athletic teams, “all policies are enforced for our patrons and staff’s safety.” “The Fitness Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Wellness-Fitness can make educated suggestions but the Director of Wellness and the Athletic Director have the final say-so,” Rossow said. The graphic provided by the Wellness Center also states the new HWC Apparel Policy is “due to COVID-19” which I find to be rather perplexing. “In order to minimize the transition of different germs, our dress code needed to be amplified. The equipment gets cleaned often; however it’s always good to take other precautions,” Rossow said. “In this case, minimizing skin-to-equipment contact can minimize individuals leaving behind unwanted germs on different pieces of equipment that might be missed when cleaning.” According to the Center of Disease Control, COVID-19 is spread through contact with an already infected person which has no correlation with an individual’s attire. So, what made the Wellness Center really take these actions, and are they appropriate? Last I checked, there was no link between COVID and shoulder, torso or
back exposure. Clothing was made to cover our bodies, not our faces which is the main location where COVID is contracted See, these new restrictions remind me of a common theme within private schools where administrations take the liberty to restrict what women can wear. Similar to most situations, one rule is thrown in against men to make it “fair,” however, once again, this dress code goes to prove the undying patriarchal mentality ruling the private school system. The Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg has an article featured on their website detailing the so-called “benefits” of uniforms. Much of the rules surround equality amongst students and unity within the school including “less peer pressure on how to look” and “always modest and appropriate for the school environment.” It is no lie that private schools do quite a “good” job at keeping women covered with rules forbidding any exposure, especially the classic “no-shoulder” rules. I attended private schools for nearly sixteen years and have the rules memorized like the back of my hand: three-finger length sleeves, the iconic finger-tip length rule, no crop tops and so on. The Wellness Center has a list featured on FSC’s official website detailing the dress code policies currently enforced. The code is not as detailed as the marketing graphics provided to athletes as the only “clothing related rule” is “Patrons must minimally wear a shirt that does not have an arm hole that is larger than one fist below the armpit and covers the midriff. Shorts and pants must be worn at the waist.”
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Young voters potentially sway pivotal election Grace Newton Entertainment Editor
As college students in the United States, most of us are getting our first real taste of freedom, and as technical “adults,” we are starting to make our own decisions, including where we stand politically. But being an adult comes with new responsibilities and rights, and one of the most important is voting. American citizens are granted the right and responsibility to vote in the United States Constitution, and this is fundamental to our democratic society. Any citizen, once they reach the age of 18, is granted this privilege. However, according to Forbes, in the last presidential election, only 50% of college students voted. Younger voters account for half the voting population, but older voters are more likely to go to the polls. “It’s so important for college students to vote,” president of College Democrats Julia Simpson said. “A lot of people in politics, particularly older people, are quick to disregard issues facing younger generations because we vote a smaller rate than older generations. On campaigns, in College Democrats, and even from professors, I’ve heard the same sentiment that ‘young people don’t vote’.” According to Census Bureau data, up to 15% of registered voters did not vote because they did not believe their votes mattered. However, that is not necessarily true. With such a large percentage not voting, a
larger turnout could turn the tide. According to a study by Tufts University, “Students constitute a large enough voting block to shape election outcomes and shape the future and health of a participatory, equitable, and informed democracy.” Whether liberal or conservative, citizens cannot complain about political issues of today if they do not at least attempt to change them. Voting is one of the easiest methods to try and affect policy. “For me, I’ve always been very vocal and expressive when it comes to my beliefs and values,” Simpson said. “So…it’s easy to just see voting as a responsibility rather than a right.” Even those who do not know their own political beliefs should go out to vote. In this day and age, it is easier than ever to be an informed voter. With the Internet, voters can quickly research candidate’s platforms to find those who match their beliefs. Political science major Rachel Hagan emphasized the importance of voting, even under strange circumstances. „If you don’t identify with a political party, research the candidates’ beliefs on issues that you think are most important, and research their personal character and integrity,” Hagan said. “Sometimes you have to pick the one who most aligns with you, even if you don’t have great options.” While many students may not care about politics now, it will matter later. The winners in elections determine the country’s future, and it affects all of us. By doing our part and casting votes, we can help decide what our country and our
Photo courtesy of Lester Public Library
Sign saying “vote here” at the Lester Public Library. futures will become. “If you want your voice to be heard, you have to vote,” Hagan said. “As college students, we care about a lot of issues, and voting is a chance to ensure those issues are taken care of.” While voting will always be an important issue, the gravity of the situation is larger than ever. This election determines more than a president; it determines our country’s long-term future, not just the next four years.
7 The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
OPINIONS
Chris Evans scandal sparks discussion on female sexuality Sarah Dube Staff Writer Earlier this month, what was supposed to be an innocent showcase of a family game of “Heads Up” turned into a social media nightmare for actor, Chris Evans, as he accidentally leaked a nude photo of himself during a screen recording he posted to his Instagram story. Even though he had removed the video almost immediately, the close up photo was quickly circulating the internet. “Captain America” fans on Twitter were bombarding the hashtag that displayed the leaked nude with photos of Evans’ rescue dog and other, more appropriate, photos of the actor. Users across the app were calling for kindness for the actor, naming his anxiety as the main reason not to target him for his mistake. On Sept. 12, one user said, “I think @ChrisEvans deserves respect and privacy, he made a mistake, report the leaked photos and don’t share them,” Cassandra McCarthy said. “Keep it wholesome.” This response is incredibly telling of the double standard regarding gender in the media. In 2014, over 100 celebrities had their nudes leaked by hackers. The event, referred to in the media as “Celebgate,” targeted actresses like Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande and Kate Upton, among others. The overwhelming response to the breach of privacy was a criticism of the women who were targeted. Columnist
from the Los Angeles Times, Robin Abcarian, wrote an article about how the outrage about the event was unnecessary. “If you are a celebrity, and you pose nude for digital photos, you should not expect them to stay private,” Abcarian said. The clear inequities in these situations are overwhelming and it is not going unnoticed by public figures. Actress and former co-star to Evans, Kat Dannings, tweeted in response to the leak. “The public respect for Chris Evans’ privacy/feelings is wonderful,” Dennings said Sept. 13 in a tweet. “Wouldn’t it be nice if it extended to women when this kind of thing happens?” Journalist Ashlee Marie Preston, also publicly questioned the web’s response. “While everyone is talking about the Chris Evans pic, this would be a great time to discuss the slut-shaming of women whose photos are leaked (usually revenge porn) and how they’re shamed into oblivion,” Preston said “Let’s keep this same loving, protective, supportive energy for them too.” FSC students, such as Caia Eackles, are also commenting on the contradicting responses. “There’s a gross double standard that when a woman has her privacy violated by someone on the internet, she’s to blame,” said. “It perpetuates the standard that women’s bodies are for men’s consumption and that women aren’t allowed to appreciate their own bodies.” This unfortunate accident on behalf
of Evans has opened a larger discussion across social media about the double standards placed on women. The media expects women to look and act a certain way, enforcing an unhealthy mindset for young girls. Women who are sex postive or who use their sexuality to empower themselves come under fire, creating the stigma that embracing that part of yourself is wrong. These stigmas have become especially apparent in the music industry with the release of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP.” The song has been heavily criticized for its sexually explicit lyrics and the provocative TikTok dance trend that followed its release. Comedian Russell Brand commented on the song, calling it a “sort of capitalist objectification and commodification of, in this case, the female.” Twitter immediately criticized his 17 minute long analysis of the song. “Russell Brand is saying that WAP isn’t feminist because men rapped about sex first and Cardi & Meg are just ‘emulating’ previously established male ideals,” Caitie Delaney said on Aug. 15 in a tweet. It’s glaringly obvious that there’s work to be done to resolve the inequalities around sexuality in the media and while there is no cure-all for this issue, there are small steps we, as a society, can take in order to make some change. There is an overwhelming lack of sex education in middle and high schools across the country, a completely underutilized platform for change. We could
be using that platform to drive home the concept of consent, promtion of safe sex rather than abstinance, and the overall presentation of sex as something normal and not taboo. The National Association of School Nurses has been advocating for better sexual education. They said, “Evidence-based sexual health education can improve academic success; prevent dating violence, and bullying; help youth develop healthier relationships; delay sexual initiation; reduce unplanned pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs; and reduce sexual health disparities among LGBTQ youth.” That’s not to imply that action isn’t being taken. The perpetrators in the “Celebgate” trial have received jail time for their actions, the #MeToo movement has given assault survivors a voice and we are actively opening up a discussion about these inequities. Change is difficult, but conversations like this open the door for that change to happen.
Amy Coney Barrett, came Sept. 26. “Is there hypocrisy? Totally. I mean, I don’t think there’s a question,” Florida Southern’s JD accredited professor Dr. Louis Di Leo said, “but on some level you have to give [Senate] Republicans creditnot in a moral way, but for seeing the game and playing it well.” Justice Ginsburg’s death will prove to be insidiously in favor of the GOP struggling to back their man, although doubling down on his candidacy. The reality of their presidential claim is hellish: the electoral college and popular vote are bound to be contested over accuracy concerns. The obscure nature of the 2020 election and record-breaking accounts of mail-in-ballots has inspired conspiracy and criticism from even the President. Disguising a teammate as a justice on the SCOTUS before Nov. may arm Trump’s minority with the firepower needed to stand in an uphill Court battle for presidency. Back in the election of 2000, the Supreme Court put an end to Bush v. Gore, awarding Florida’s votes to Bush and, in turn, the presidency. The Highest Court may be in session through the last two months of 2020, as the counting is expected to take longer than ever. It comes down to how close it is: come a Biden blowout, for good or worse, a presidential dispute is unlikely. Come the doomsday of an indecipherable election, there will unquestionably be a decided president, although the dispute may well extend into an extracurricular contest to decide official presidency. This would be a slow, intimidating commitment by the Court justices and a geriatriatric slugfest by politicians bordering civil war. As the President continually defers committing his administration to a peaceful transition of power come his election night
ousting, Court supremacy fits right into his power agenda. Trump’s second term, even if facing certain death, may resurrect itself through trial and retrial again- even if his votes are truly representative of the national minority. The Supreme Court minority, despite an honest commitment, by itself, would offer little resistance to a disputed reelection. Although it depends on the unknown circumstances in which the election lends itself to sudden death, we could see an ideological shift on the Court come from a presidential decision. “The question comes down on Chief Justice John Roberts, and Neil Gorsuch,” Di Leo said. “I know they’re conservative, but like Ginsburg herself, they are deeply concerned about the integrity of the Court. Once the Court becomes a political operation, who’s going to respect it?” Trump’s Court is nearly unblockable. But if Chief Justice John Roberts and others on the Court want to preserve the validity of
their office, a stand needs to be taken at the heart of American opinion and precedent. With Ruth Bader Ginsburg lying in repose, the vacancy she left on the Court has been filled by an overreaching partisanship which may cripple the Court’s credibility for the next generation. The dubious circumstances of a presidential election; the GOP minority cabal clinging to its powerhouse incumbent in Donald Trump; the deligitamizing of Our Nation’s democracy by its own President; it is all part of an unfamiliar time in American history. “I don’t think so, no,” President Donald Trump said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” March 16, 2016, in reference to Obama’s imminent Merrick Garland nomination. “I think they should do what they’re doing. I think the Republicans should do exactly what they’re doing. I think they should wait until the next president and let the next president pick. I would do that.”
Graphic by Christina DiGregory
RBG leaves void, Court likely to decide nation’s president
Salvatore Ambrosino Staff Writer
President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett could cement minority rule within the next generation of congressional drama. On Sept. 18, 2020, came the passing of legendary Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Not even 24 hours following, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell suggests levying a vote for her immediate replacement. In light of all infamy conjured by the political elite this election season, leveling a Senate vote in the face of national mourning should be debilitatingly unsurprising and all too American of modern congressional procedure. The vote, above all things objective, was cold and unpopular hanging above an America grieving the death of a stellar American. There’s something so normal about national injury that when we hear and feel the echo of more than 200,000 coronavirus deaths; the gassing of our own people; Trump’s decade of total tax avoidance; it gets pretty quiet directly South of Lafayette Square-except for when moments of silence may actually be appropriate. McConnell’s call to vote gave rise to many claims of conservative hypocrisy calling back to President Obama’s 2016 nominee Merrick Garland. Senate Republicans shot down the nomination for the reason of it being an election year- although 200 days removed from the election. Tearing a rift in the congressional arena, McConnell’s scheme cements minority rule and campus drama for the next generation just 46 days from the 2020 presidential election. Although the average nomination-toinauguration timeline spans over three months, Trump’s Supreme Court nominee,
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lying in repose at the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. on Sept. 23.
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ENTERTAINMENT WHAT’S NEW Enola Holmes “Enola Holmes” (2020) is a mystery film starring Millie Bobbie Brown, of “Stranger Things” fame. Based on a book by Nancy Springer, the movie tells the story of detective Sherlock Holmes’ (Henry Cavill) younger sister, Enola. The film began streaming on Netflix on Sept. 23 and is rated PG-13.
Emily in Paris Creator of “Sex and the City” David Star released his newest project, “Emily in Paris,” on Oct. 2. Starring Lily Collins as the title character, the show follows a Midwestern girl who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing firm. The entire first season is streaming on Netflix. The show has not yet been renewed.
Ashton Irwin’s new album: ‘Superbloom’ Ashton Irwin’s first solo album, “Superbloom,” will be released on Oct. 23. The drummer from “5 Seconds of Summer” announced his debut LP with the release of the first single, “Skinny Skinny.” Irwin wrote the album with guitarist Matthew Pauling, who he previously worked with on the 5SOS albums, “Sounds Good Feels Good” (2015) and “CALM” (2020).
The Neighbourhood’s new album: ‘Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones’ The Neighbourhood’s newest album, “Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones” was released on Sept. 25. This is their first album since 2018, and it was inspired by David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust.”
Nicholas Sparks’ new book: ‘The Return’ Nicholas Sparks’ newest novel, “The Return,” marks his first book in two years. In his usual romantic tradition, the book tells the story of an injured Navy doctor who moves back to North Carolina, and two women with secrets: the woman he falls in love with and the teenager down the road. The novel was released on Sept. 29.
Continued from Page 1 - ‘As You Like It’ Sarah Dube and Grace Newton Staff Writers We have to tailor everything to the camera,” Refino said, “We have to make sure the blocking will look good for the camera, resolve sound issues that may arise, make sure the lighting will have the same effect on camera as it does in person, etc. There is just a lot we have to keep in mind that we never had to worry about before.” Townes has a positive perspective of the new live-stream theater experience. “It’s really exciting that our audience can view this production from wherever they are,” Townes said. “You don’t have to worry about being at Buckner and you can just sit back with your popcorn in bed. It’s a unique and different viewing experience that I think will be a lot of fun.” Challenges aside, both Townes and Refino are optimistic about the show’s rehearsal process, each commenting on the resilience and mindfulness of the cast and crew. The “As You Like It” live streams will be available on the FSC Festival of Fine Arts YouTube page Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Photos courtesy of Anna Weaver/Department of Theatre and Dance
The cast of “As You Like It” wearing masks and socially distancing in rehearsals in Buckner Theatre.
Lakeland documentary to be released in theaters, on demand worldwide Kenzie Carlson Staff Writer
Despite COVID-19 halting the production of some films, the documentary “Fly Like A Girl” was still able to be released in Lakeland, and will make its nationwide debut in theaters on Oct. 9. The documentary is produced by Indie Atlantic Films in Lakeland. The film tells the stories of several women in aviation and interviews women such as NASA astronaut Nicole Scott and United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In a press release about the film, Gravitas Ventures, the film’s distribution company, states, “FLY LIKE A GIRL is more than just a film. It’s a movement of young girls and women relentlessly pursuing their passion for aviation, a field currently dominated by men.” Getting the documentary to a point where it could be released nationwide was no easy process. It included screenings at film festivals and finding a company to take on the project of turning “Fly Like A Girl” into something viewable worldwide. “Throughout 2019 we screened at
festivals across the country,” Matt Wiatt, senior producer, said. “Film festivals are a very important part of independent filmmaking. They allow indie films to be seen by a larger audience.” After the festivals, the production team needed to find a company to distribute the film worldwide. After searching, Gravitas Ventures became the top choice. “This past year we talked to a lot of different people and companies about
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“Film festivals are a very important part of independent filmmaking. They allow indie films to be seen by a larger audience.”
- Matt Wiatt distribution but Gravitas Ventures felt like the perfect fit for ‘Fly Like a Girl,’” Wiatt said. “They believed in the film and understood the importance of the
stories. Gravitas has acquired the film for worldwide rights so we are excited to see the film available across the globe not just nationwide.” “Fly Like A Girl” was screened at many film festivals before it was decided that it would be released nationwide. Wiatt said the film screened at 12 film festivals across the country, including SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival and two festivals where the documentary received awards. The documentary was featured at Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival, where it won Best Feature Documentary. It was also shown at Fort Myers Film Festival, where it received the Edison Innovation Award. After its successes at film festivals, COVID-19 hit, halting production on most movies and TV shows not only in the nation, but around the world. “COVID-19 fortunately didn’t affect the distribution process for our film. Since the film was already completed we have been able to work on distribution throughout the pandemic,” Wiatt said.
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9 The Southern OCTOBER 7, 2020
SPORTS
FSC Athletics on hold during fall season Remote athlete
Nathalie Moreno Features Editor
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) announced its decision to postpone all scheduled sports competitions in the fall 2020 season on July 18. Florida Southern College sports are all part of the SSC, which means there will be no sports competitions this fall semester. Fall sports include men’s and women’s soccer, cross country and women’s volleyball. Competitions scheduled in the fall for spring sports have also been postponed. These sports include baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, tennis and golf. It was decided on Sept. 17 to postpone winter sports as well. The SSC Athletic Directors and Presidents Council have unanimously agreed to postpone all competition in the sports of basketball and swimming through Dec. 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic ,” accordig to the official SSC website.. “[R]eally the biggest affect this is going to have is we don’t have a fall championship for our fall student athletes to play for,” FSC Athletic Director Drew Howard said. Although there will not be any fall championships, the athletes are still trying to get better for the spring. Most of the club sports hope to still be able to compete on their own schedules, such as esports, ice hockey, equestrian club, and waterski. The athletes and coaches hope to take
care of themselves mentally just as much as physically, as well as take part in the outside community and do their part regarding everything else that is currently happening in the world. “We’re going to try and find ways to take care of [the athletes’] mental health to allow them to engage [in] the community in some different ways,” Howard said. “We’re taking Election Day off so that everyone can exercise their rights to vote.” Howard wants to focus time and energy into making FSC’s student athletes better people as well as better athletes. This includes local and international athletes who are not allowed back on campus this
fall. While they won’t be joining their teammates in person, coaches and athletes will be sending them workouts and offering weekend amenities on campus to encourage them to stay active, in shape and engaged with the rest of the team in some way. Coaches, athletes and the
athletic administration have prioritized making sure that none of the athletes at home feel excluded or disconnected from their teammates and the FSC community in general. The pandemic has continued to force athletes and coaches to reevaluate their plans for this year. Though they will not be prevented from continuing to improve their skills off the field, new developments including student athletes testing positive for coronavirus has affected FSC’s sports teams ability to practice. “Due to the potential exposure of several student-athletes from different athletic teams to COVID-19, Florida Southern College athletics will pause all team activities, effective immediately,” Howard said in a statement made on Instagram on Sept. 17. “The goal is to potentially stem any possible exposure and limit any illness.” As for what this extended break from competing will do to student athletes’ careers professionally, the NCAA has been understanding of the circumstances surrounding this season and will not hold any of the athletes accountable for not being able to compete. “We won’t have student athletes that are losing eligibility by either taking a semester off or not coming back to campus. [The NCAA is] putting out waivers for the compliance and eligibility rules that will allow them to continue to compete,” Howard said.
are putting in effort every day to grow as individuals and as a team,” McKeel said. The coach of the League of Legends team is the program’s head, esports director, and alumni Nate Carson, who has been with the program since 2017. This year, the Overwatch team has gained a new coach who hopes to take them to the next level. “Rek” is the newest addition to FSC’s esports team, and an experienced coach and player in the gaming scene. With over 10 years of coaching experience for both League of Legends and Overwatch, he’s ready to help the school bring home some wins for the teams this year. Rek is very passionate about growing interest in the sport and helping to mentor the next generation of professional players. “Being able to shape the future on a bigger scale for esports growth has always been a hope and dream. Fostering growth is essential for the industry and having a large, competitive talent pool available only improves the chances of those wanting
to break into the esports scene,” Rek said. To kick off the new season, the program recently hosted tryouts for Rocket League and Overwatch, with some still ongoing. With esports rising in popularity, FSC is eager to improve its program and welcome new students looking for an opportunity to play on a varsity team. The team and clubs are always looking for new members, and even support from fellow students that aren’t players is always appreciated. “It means the world to us when people watch our games on Twitch,” McKeel said. “Following our social media accounts can help the student body have a greater understanding of what esports on our campus is and the sort of programs we offer for anyone, casual or competitive.” Tournaments for all teams are available to watch at twitch.tv/floridasoutherncollege, and to keep up with the latest news and events, follow the team at @MocsEsports on Twitter and Instagram.
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“We won’t have student athletes that are losing eligibility by either taking a semester off or not coming back to campus.”
- Athletic Director Drew Howard
Esports returns amidst coronavirus pandemic Lee Patterson Staff Writer
Florida Southern esports is making its return this year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As all other on campus activities on campus have been modified, gaming at FSC is taking off running for its third year. The esports program was founded in 2017 and has four varsity teams: Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League and Hearthstone. FSC became the first college in Florida to have an official varsity esports team. All teams this year are composed of both remote and on-campus learners. Due to the sport’s presence in the online world, they are able to operate under mostly normal circumstances. The program was set to have a record season last semester, with both the Rocket League and League of Legends teams having successful runs in their respective tournaments. The League of Legends and Overwatch spring 2020 seasons were cut short due to the pandemic. Typically, all esports endeavors are conducted in the arena on campus. This year, the Snake Pit has become the new and improved esports arena. The arena will be the home of all future esports related events once campus activity returns to normal. For now, only a limited number of students are allowed entry at a time and only set materials are provided. This year the teams are optimistic they’ll have an amazing season despite the challenges facing them. Caelus McKeel, a senior at FSC and varsity player on the Overwatch team, is confident that they’ve got a strong group for this season. “We have an amazing coach backing us as we enter this season’s tournaments and
Photo by Lee Patterson
The esports team practices in the Snake Pit.
challenged by training alone Grayson Skweres Staff Writer
On March 12, I was on a bus to Alabama. Everyone knew COVID was a thing. The NBA famously postponed their season the night before, but the NBA plays in packed arenas while we played in mostly empty baseball stadiums. Over 40 members of the Florida Southern baseball team, including myself, boarded that bus to Montevallo expecting to play baseball. On March 14, I pulled into my driveway in Houston, Texas hoping I’d be back in Lakeland in a month. I’d take my finals in person, clean out my baseball locker, and then head back home for the summer. We’ve made it to October, and I still haven’t been back to Lakeland. Zoom classes have become the new norm. I face the same challenges academically that every other remote learner faces at Florida Southern. However, I have a different challenge that some people don’t face. I have to handle training for a season with no teammates to train with. In a normal fall semester, our baseball team would practice five days a week and lift weights four days a week. The fall season is the time where position battles are settled, players get in tip-top shape, and teammates get to know each other. It’s a period of growth, where players and coaches work closely on technique. Now, remote learners are faced with the task of doing all of these things on their own, or face the risk of falling behind. It’s been really tough. I’d obviously prefer being in Florida with my teammates, but I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m ready to go for the spring and I’m just hoping we have a season and play,” said Mike DeSanti, a pitcher on the FSC baseball team. DeSanti is from Long Island, NY one of the areas hit hardest by COVID-19 in the early stages. The local governments were strict in New York, so just finding a place to work out wasn’t so easy. “It was extremely tough at first, but luckily places have started to reopen and I’m getting my throwing in and doing what I need to do,” DeSanti said. My experience was similar to DeSanti’s. While Houston’s COVID-19 protocols were certainly less strict than Long Island’s, I didn’t have a place to go for two months. The local gym was shut down for the entirety of March and April, I wasn’t allowed into my high school to hit and most cages were also closed. Things began to change in May: everywhere I was used to going for my training started to slowly reopen, albeit with strict protocols. I now lift four days a week and get baseball activity in four to five days a week. I genuinely feel like I have a normal student athlete workload with limited free time. The Florida Southern trainers have been replaced with a physical therapist, the strength coaches with a personal trainer, and my teammates with a litany of other collegiate athletes in the same boat I am from schools across the country. This year has been unique for everyone, but there may not be anything more unique in the athletic spectrum than remote learning athletes. Every athlete is 100 responsible for themselves. This time, there might actually be an ‘I’ in ‘team.’