HITTING THE STREETS: A RIDE WITH THE MAYOR
Bristol Cox Staff Writer
On the evening of September 5th, Sumter Cycling hosted its annual “Ride with the Mayor” event, with participants gathering at 5:30 p.m. at the Americus Public Safety Building. The two-mile ride to the Georgia Southwestern State University campus marked the start of Sumter Cycling's 'On the Move Challenge,' which runs from September 5th to 8th. This was the first year the group coordinated the ride with GSW’s ‘Under the Lights’ event, seeing it as an opportunity to bring the community together.
IN THIS ISSUE
UNDER THE LIGHTS 2024
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A series of photos from this year’s Under the Lights game and celebration.
ST. JUDE WALK FOR A CURE
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosts a St. Jude Walk for a Cure Fundraiser to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
2024 PEACH BELT CONFERENCE MASCOT CHALLANGE
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See how our very own Surge did!
ATHELETIC STANDINGS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
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Before the cyclists set off with Mayor Lee Kinnamon, I spoke with Ryan Iafigliola, president of Sumter Cycling, to learn more about the goals of the event. According to Iafigliola, “The main goal is to get people out and riding, relatively short distance with police, so more people can feel safe and comfortable on the roads, and to engage our elected leaders. That is why it is important to have the mayor out here and anyone else from the local government. Having the mayor out here raises the profile of what we are doing, and we hope it also helps him see the potential of cycling in the area.”
As someone who does not cycle often, I asked Iafigliola for advice for beginners like me. He explained, "Most of our events are free, and many even include complimentary food, which is always a bonus. If you are feeling intimidated by the idea of cycling, we offer various distance options, from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging ones, but you do not have to start there." Iafigiola also emphasized that, being a small town with a tight-knit cycling community, they are open to accommodating newcomers and encourage people to reach out if they have a specific route idea in mind.
Shortly after our conversation, Mayor Kinnamon arrived with his bike and offered a few words of encouragement to the cyclists, joking “This isn’t a race” and assuring participants that they would have a police escort if they could keep up with him! As I did not have a bike, I was unable to join the ride, but I learned that GSW offers bicycles to enrolled students daily. Bike and helmets can be checked out with a valid Canes Card at the front desk of the Florrie Chappell Gymnasium.
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A group rides behind Mayor Kinnamon.
Cyclists waiting to begin.
Mayor Kinnamon delivers words of encouragement.
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After the two-mile ride to campus, I caught up with Mayor Kinnamon at the block party during the “Under the Lights” event to learn more about his motivation to participate. Kinnamon said, “This is a long-standing tradition between the mayor’s office for the city of Americus and Sumter Cycling. It is a way to show support for fitness and outdoor activities, along with the good work of Sumter Cycling, which is a fine organization that does great work in the community. In improving our overall health and wellbeing and providing an improvement to our quality of life here in Americus by lobbying for bike lanes.”
I then asked Mayor Kinnamon what specific measures the city has taken to improve cycling infrastructure and safety. He shared, “Funds have been allocated for bike lanes, and additional resources are available to maintain and expand the network. The city has partnered with groups like Sumter Cycling and the transportation coordinator for the River Valley Regional Commission to promote infrastructure development and complete streets, which are designed for pedestrians and cyclists, not just automobiles and promote healthier, more environmentally friendly options.”
Mayor Kinnamon also mentioned that the bike lanes on the GSW campus now connect directly to downtown Americus as part of the city’s improvements. Before concluding our conversation, I asked if he personally enjoys cycling and how often he rides. With a laugh, he responded, “Go easy on me with that one. Mrs. Kinnamon is the more active one and serves on the board of the Sumter Cycling. She’s a dedicated cyclist, and I am admittedly not. I do ride occasionally, though- we did the new river trail in West Virginia about this time last year, and we spent a day cycling. I enjoy it, but I’m not in the same shape she is.”
Many of us can likely relate to Mayor Kinnamon’s experience. After our conversation, I had the chance to enjoy the block party at the “Under the Lights” event, which preceded the first soccer game of the season
UNDER THE LIGHTS 2024
Bristal Cox Staff Writer
GSW kicked off the soccer season with its annual "Under the Lights" event, marking the highly anticipated first game of the season! The festivities included a lively block party featuring a variety of food trucks, a mechanical bull for the daring, with the most fun games. And let’s not forget the grand finale - a fireworks display even despite the overcast skies, students and community members came out in full force to support the men's soccer team. The Canes team dominated their home opener with an epic 6-0 victory!
Nicholas Gettridge, Junior, Defender
Jack Malleret, Senior, Forward
Dante Johnson, Sophomore, Midfielder
Left to right: Nicholas Gettridge, Junior, Defender and Jonathan Bedard, Sophomore, Defender
Left: Students pose with Surge.
Above: Mechanical bull at the festivities.
Members of Sumter Cycling.
ST. JUDE’S WALK FOR A CURE
Tyeshia Walker Staff Writer
To put a close to their annual SGRHO week on September 7th, 2024, the Marvelous Mu Rho Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted a St. Jude Walk for a Cure Fundraiser to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The walk was in support of raising money for St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital to give peace of mind to families who have children that are battling cancer. The fundraising initiative helps raise money to ensure that these families are not sent bills or are in a situation where they cannot afford their child’s life-saving treatment, and to make sure they are getting the best treatment that St. Jude’s Research Institution can offer.
Students, facility, staff, and the Americus community were invited and encouraged to walk as much as they could around Georgia Southwester's Intramural Gymnasium. Greek organizations, student athletes, Georgia Southwestern staff members, and their families all came out to support the cause. Participants were encouraged to track their laps, some even competing against others for the most laps and some even raced for speed. The event was open, and everyone was free to join at any time and walk as much as they saw fit. Every person was also invited to donate directly to the cause or track their laps to reach the set goal of $1,992.
The Mu Rho chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. raised $261 on September 7th, and they are still actively taking donations until their goal is reached. You can donate to the cause by visiting their Instagram (@murho_poodles) and scanning their QR code. St Jude never bills families for treatment, travel, or housing in the effort of finding a cure. St. Jude Children’s Research Institution are constantly taking donations throughout the month of September, do not hesitate to support!
STUDENT ENGA
G E MENT
SURGE SHINES IN PEACH BELT CONFERENCE MASCOT CHALLENGE, REACHES SEMIFINALS
Colby Hernandez Media Editor
From August 30th to September 5th, the Peach Belt Conference hosted its annual “Mascot Challenge” on TikTok and Instagram, where ten university mascots faced off for the coveted title. Our very own Surge proudly represented us, and competed against a lineup of school favorites, including Ace from the University of South Carolina Aiken and Cody the Cougar from Columbus State University.
The challenge invited students, staff, and fans to cast their votes in the comment sections of social media posts. In the first two rounds, Surge triumphed over tough competitors, defeating Ace and then Cody the Cougar. Riding the momentum from these victories, Suge advanced to the semifinals to face on Thunder from Georgia College & State University.
Despite an impressive run, Surge fell short in the semifinals, losing to Thunder, who would later be defeated by Finnegan the Sand Shark from USC Beaufort in the final round. While Surge didn’t take home the championship, the performances from each mascot showcased school spirit and brought our community together in support!
AN NOUNCEMENTS
GSW’s 6th Annual Day of Giving this Thursday, September 19! Our 6th annual event will bring the campus and community together to raise money supporting GSW. This is a great opportunity to support GSW by spreading the word or dining at one of the participating local restaurants! We can’t do this without YOU! Visit gsw.edu/DayOfGiving for details.
GSW’s First Year Experience is hosting a Major and Minors Fair Wednesday September 25th at the Storm Dome.
The “Ceramic Oasis on the Silk Road: The Lanzhou Ceramic Residency” exhibition is now on display at the James Earl Carter Library Gallery until September 27th
GSW’s Writing Center has reopened in Collum Hall Room 102, students can get help and encouragement for any writing assignments
The bridge on Lee Street has been finished. Feel free to take that route again.
The Sou’Wester is looking for contributors Please contact Dr. Shiller for more information
S PORTS
RESULTS FROM 9/2-9/8
Women's Soccer lost 3-0 against Florida Southern on Thursday in Columbus
Men's Soccer WON 6-0 against Middle Georgia State on Thursday, TIED 2-2 at Embry-Riddle on Sunday
Women's Cross Country finished 9th of 10 teams at the Brickyard Invite in Milledgeville hosted by Georgia Military College...Emma Morrow led the Lady Hurricanes with a 36th place finish
Men's Cross Country finished 7th of 7 teams at the Brickyard Invite in Milledgeville hosted by Georgia Military College...Trey Reid led the Hurricanes with a 41st place finish
CURRENT TEAM LEADERS
Women's Soccer sophomore Ellie Carrington (3 shots), sophomore Alana Beddow (6 saves)
Men's Soccer freshman Kynu Samuels (2 goals), sophomore Axel-Ambroise Gravel (1 goal, 2 assists), freshman Noah Kasin (4 saves)
Women's Cross Country freshman Emma Morrow (24:14 5K)
Men's Cross Country sophomore Trey Reid (32:24 8K)
