UNG Vanguard

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VOL. 3, NO. 4

We’re a newspaper, not a snoozepaper.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

inside Yonah Mountain

UNG yoga class

Nighthawk baseball

NEWS | Page 4

A&E | Page 6

SPORTS| Page 11

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Staff List Gainesville:

Breanna Langston, editor in chief Ariana Cervantes, assistant editor in chief Hailey Van Parys, managing editor Alex Popp, video editor Daniela Scioscia, layout editor Jordan Murdock, life coach Colin Hubbard, sports editor Sydney Motes, editor Maggie Dukes, editor Lauren Eckert, editor MacKenzie Hamilton, editor Dan Gordon, editor Hunter Leger, mascot Video: Cooper Ambrose, Jansen Castleberry, Seth Chapman, Ryan Jones, Cody Delvin Staff Writers: Hudabia Ali, Cooper Ambrose Brooke Boswell, Jonathan Burroughs, Jennifer Conley, Marcus Etienne, Justin Henry, Gibram Herrera, Hunter Konuszewksi, Liz Logan, Tanya Lyn, Michelle McAdams, Celia Penado, Emily Pope, Cody Rogers, Elizabeth Stinespring, Truett Walden, Kasey Wheeler, Ethan Austin-Keating, Briana Mink, Hunter Payne, Jess Simons, Kale Smith Brianna Triplett

Dahlonega:

Molly Morelock, managing editor Haley Potter, managing editor Dalton Deavers, sports editor Erin Higdon, assistant editor Rachel Ayers, assistant editor Kellan Monroe, assitant editor Sarah Commins, photo editor Staff Writers: Brooke Wertz, Jan Willing, Garett Hasty, Skylar Cleland, Kathryn Patterson, Lea Herring, Audra Hall, Hannah Greco

Oconee:

Natalie Gardener, managing editor Braxton Barden, social media editor Makayla Richards, copy editor Graham Cain, copy editor Jordan Tullis, photographer Nate Clement, photographer

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University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

Let us hear from you!

Dear Readers, We hope that you have enjoyed the beginning of the Spring 2016 semester and that you are getting along well in all of your classes.

Here on the newspaper staff, we are working hard to bring you not only the most current coverage of things that are going on around campus but also to keep you entertained in your everday lives.

Got something funny to tell us? Think you have a wonderful idea that we could write about?

Or maybe, just maybe, you think that you could be the the writer of our next big story! No matter what the issue is, we want to hear from you!

If you have comments, questions, or ideas for the paper, please email us at VanguardUNG@ gmail.com.

Breanna Langston, Editor in Chief

All UNG news.

All the time.

ungvanguard.org

February 26, 2016

News

Hurt.

Hazed.

Humiliated.

UNG fraternity suspended because of hazing allegations Lea Herring Staff Writer The Sigma Nu Fraternity Kappa Chapter at the University of North Georgia was suspended recently for misuse of alcohol and hazing-related incidents, according to UNG officials and the fraternity’s national office.

The fraternity has had to cease all operations, and neither the university nor the national office gave a time frame for the suspension.

Despite the suspension, Kappa Chapter alumni leaders and university officials are engaged in discussions regarding the re-establishment of the chapter in the future, Brad Beacham, executive director of Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc., said in the official press release.

“Sigma Nu regrets the necessity of the suspension of the charter of the Kappa Chapter,” Beacham said.

“However, in keeping with our mission to develop

ethical leaders, the fraternity will not tolerate such violations of its laws, policies and principles.”

Neither the university nor the national office would confirm details of the incident, but an investigation of the hazing allegations is ongoing, Dean of Students Alyson Paul confirmed.

Caitlin Roberts, director of fraternity and sorority life and engagement at UNG, also confirmed that the national office suspended the chapter for hazing allegations.

“I hope our Greek community sees this as an opportunity to grow even stronger and re-evaluate how we align with the values of our organizations,” Roberts said.

The Kappa Chapter declined to comment on this story, but members of other fraternities said they sympathize with the chapter.

“It’s upsetting to see them go because I’m an advocate of competition, and they were a competitive fraternity,” said Jake Elhabbassi, current vice president

of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Delta Beta Chapter.

He also said fraternity members need to stand up against inappropriate traditions that may have been acceptable in the past so that they can still exist in future.

“Best of luck to the brothers still representing the name of Sigma Nu,” said Cory Jenkins, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Delta Chapter.

Six other Sigma Nu chapters around the country have been suspended for hazing, alcohol violations, drug use and more at schools such as University of Miami, Middle Tennessee University and Purdue University, according to various media reports.

Kappa Chapter is currently made up of 28 active members, and for over 130 years, the fraternity has become recognized as a fraternity of honor, according to the official Kappa Chapter website.

It is the one of the oldest organizations on the Dahlonega campus, having been granted approval by the university on March 11, 1881.

April Fools comes early at UNG

Mistaken acceptance letters sent to prospective UNG students Hunter Payne Staff Writer Emails were mistakenly sent out Feb. 4 to 338 prospective students telling them of their acceptance to the University of North Georgia. After further review of the 338 students, 245 received apology emails, while the other 93 students were given admission to the university because they had met the requirements to be accepted.

desire to reply or call to inquire.” the wrong, she said.

The university is taking these calls very seri“Unfortunately, one of their staff members deously, Marling said, because they understand that signed a code and made it appear these students acceptance letters are an exciting time in the life had been accepted, when in reality no decision of a high school student. had been made as of yet,” Marling said.

Despite the fact that this is a major issue that Most of the applications were for the Dahlonehad serious ramifications for a lot of students, the ga campus, but the other campuses were also university has had surprisingly low feedback. affected, according to Marling.

“The few phone calls that we have had have The students and their parents have been really ranged from clarification,” trying to get informaMarling said, “and maybe how to tion from the school ask for advice to become more to further understand “One of their staff competitive with the admissions the problem and how members ... made it process and then, of course, we the university can help appear these students have those students that have them. had been accepted, been frustrated and we can cerAssistant Director of when in reality no decision tainly understand that.”

Admissions Melinda The relationship between the had been made as of yet.”

Maxwell has been takuniversity and Demand Engine ing a lot of the phone has been somewhat splintered calls from students after this incident, and time will and parents as they tell if the university continues to use them in the deal with the mixup. future, she said.

“I was involved in identifying the students “We have been able to advise and encourage that received the acceptance email in error and students and their families regarding the fall drafting a follow up email to explain the error,” competitive admissions process for our bachMaxwell said. “The follow-up correspondence has my name and contact information, and is also elor’s seeking students, including the potential outcomes for admissions decisions when we do set to reply automatically to me, allowing me the reach the March first decision release date,” Maxopportunity to personally advise any families afwell said. fected by this and to address their questions that

This all began when a family member of a student alerted the university of the email and the investigation began afterward.

The error was made by an employee with Demand Engine, a third party contractor that serves as a communication link to prospective students.

Vice President of Student Affairs Janet Marling has been working on this issue and has been supporting both the school and those affected by the incident.

“We respect our relationship with our vendors, we select them very cautiously but certainly this is one of those situations where we must now go back and evaluate that relationship because we have, in essence, disappointed quite a few of our students and that isn’t acceptable, but what that means for our future with them is undetermined,” Marling said.

Even though the university itself is not technically at fault due to the error by the vendor, the university is doing everything they can to right University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

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News

Students for Environmental Awareness enjoy a weekend hiking Yonah Mountain Ariana Cervantes Assistant Editor What better way to start the day than at the top of a mountain?

Students for Environmental Awareness, a club from the Gainesville campus of the University of North Georgia, started off their Saturday morning trekking along a steep incline trail up to the 3,166 foot summit of Yonah Mountain near Helen.

“We wanted people to get out and about and get back to nature, especially people who have never been to these local hiking spots that are really close to the school,” SEA President Rebecca Benfield said. “This spot is probably one that you wouldn’t go to by yourself because of the difficulty, but when you get to the top and see the view it’s totally worth it. So, this hike is great for groups.”

As president, Benfield likes to create events like this to get students with similar interests together for quality time outdoors.

All UNG students were invited to participate, as the event was posted on OrgSync, but only 13 students braved the brisk morning air. While some members were more experienced than others, everyone encouraged each other during the 2.2 miles of unrelenting uphill trail and the 2.2 miles back down.

“I’m really encouraged to share the environment with others and my peers who feel the same way,” Ashley Rose Dodd, Gainesville campus student, said.

“It’s incredibly invigorating being able to reach the top of the mountain. I felt encourage that I could do other things after reaching the top.”

Dodd, who is studying environmental spacial analysis, enjoys the club’s events because it got her inspired to do more outdoors. It’s also a plus that she gets to do

The view from the halfway point of Yonah Mountain. the activities she loves with those who share the same interests like fellow club member Alejandro Uscanga and Dawson Rogers.

Once the group reached the top of the mountain, they pulled out the packed lunches they brought along with them and munched on them while enjoying a beautiful view from above. While most sat on top of the granite rocks, some pulled out their hammocks and lazily relaxed before having to head back down the mountain.

SEA members congratulated each other at the bottom of the mountain and reflected on the next adventure they would have before heading back home.

“We all have to just take care of where we live

Photo by Ariana Cervantes

because we all have just one Earth,” Uscanga said.

“Overall, being agile and safe going up and down the mountain made me feel like a ninja, and the view was well worth it at the top.”

It’s now the second month into the spring semester and SEA members have already had two events, trash pick up around campus and hiking Yonah Mountain, with more to come in the near future.

“This semester, we’re going to have some camping trips and even some off-campus road trips,” Benfield said. “We’re also looking at having a hike up Blood Mountain, and maybe even a hike up Sweet Water Creek near Atlanta.”

Downtown construction in Dahlonega to block entrance to UNG parking deck through March Erin Higdon Staff writer Construction for a sewer line relocation has extended over West Main Street in Dahlonega from Price Memorial Hall to the intersection in front of the Dahlonega Gold Museum, blocking an entrance to one of the University of North Georgia’s main parking decks.

The construction was initiated to move a sewer line from around The Corkscrew Cafe and into a more accessible location. The construction for the relocation began in January and is expected to end at the beginning of April. The construction will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m, according to the office city of Dahlonega website.

“The construction is really inconvenient because it’s right by my apartment and I have to walk all the way around it to get to class,” junior history major Hope Heist said.

Tourism in Dahlonega generally slows during the winter months. However, traffic has been diverted due

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to detours made necessary by the construction. and also posted a notice on their website.

“The city couldn’t have picked a better time because “This was probably the best time that information right now business is slow and if people do come in has been sent out to people affected by a city project,” they often just park elsewhere and walk,” said Tim Cordle said.

Sullivan, Corkscrew Cafe genThe building connected to eral manager. “I do wish they the old sewer line is one of the would get it over with soon oldest and most significant though.”

“The construction is really buildings in Dahlonega.

The old sewer line went “The Corkscrew Cafe was inconvenient because it’s underneath Corkscrew Cafe formerly the Dahlonega City right by my apartment and where there is also a natural Hall,” Cordle said. “The buildspring. The relocation is an I have to walk all the way ing sits on top of what used to effort to move the sewer line around it to get to class.” be an old jail. The jail cells are away from the cafe and to— Junior history major still there in the basement of wards a place more accessible the building and the basement for maintenance.

Hope Heist restroom for the Corkscrew “The construction crew hit Cafe is actually conjoining some bedrock during digging. with one of them.”

That slowed things down for a The building was convertcouple of days,” said Joel Corded from the City Hall into retail space in the 1980s le, the downtown development authority director. when the new City Hall was built on Riley Road in The Dahlonega government notified property and Dahlonega, Cordle said. business owners of the construction before it began

University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Started from the bottom, now he’s at the top: Connor Pledger and his route to success

Michelle Correll Vanguard Contributor

scenic diversity of California, he recognizes having difficulty creating community in the expansive city.

“In Los Angeles, you’re lucky to see the same person twice that you’ve already met,” said Pledger. “I miss having that strong, tight community that I had there.

Athens is small, but because it’s small it’s easy to dive into the culture there.”

For Pledger, family is another close tie to Georgia.

In spite of his childhood tendency to steal his father’s guitar and attempt an open-tuning version of “Stairway to Heaven,” Pledger’s family has always been sup-

taken on a major role in his life.

Though many things have changed since childhood, Pledger continues to cite Robert Plant as a major musical influence. He also credits Chris Cornell In 2013, when Athens-based musician Connor and The Milk Carton Kids alongside Led Zeppelin as Pledger was recording a cover of a Ryan Adams song inspirations for a distinctive sound. for YouTube, he had no idea that it would lead to a Pledger’s personal sound is soulful, warm and new life in Los Angeles. thrives on audience interaction. “‘Take Me Back’ has The invitation to Los Angeles came through an been my favorite song to perform for a long time,” he email on YouTube. Pledger’s initial response to his big said. “I really like connecting with the audience and break was skepticism. “I was kind of like, ‘this sounds that song really allows that, because I can have them really sketchy,’” said Pledger. It was only after come in and sing on parts. It really creates receiving a formal email and researching the a moment.” company that Pledger accepted the flight.

Creating music makes living in the A week after receiving the email, Pledger moment possible for Pledger. “The goal is was recording at Capitol Records. The break to be happy in life and to enjoy life, to be offered Pledger’s music exposure to some major able to stay in the moment and live,” said industry names. Though the initial deal fell Pledger. “I think with certain jobs you’re through, the connections he forged offered a not allowed that. Music, for me, it really new chance, and he signed with Warner/Chapdoes allow it.” pell Music as a songwriter.

Pledger also believes that music goes “I moved out to L.A. in January,” said beyond creating a moment into both comPledger. “I’ve been writing since I’ve got there munication and identity. “For me, the most and in-between writing, playing shows and rewarding part [of music] is being able to touring.” Pledger is currently on tour with Paul feel whole, to feel human and to feel the Pfau. connection that music gives everybody,” Pledger acknowledges the impact touring said Pledger. “Music is a language, you has on his songwriting. “There are a few tracks know? And if you can speak it, you can that I have that are titled after states,” said speak music to anybody and they underPledger. “One of the songs that I have is called ‘California.’ And I wrote it a few years ago Photo courtesy Connor Pledger Music stand.”

As to whether or not everyone underabout the idea of hitchhiking to California one YouTube helped Athens musician Connor Pledger gain stands his music, Pledger has a healthy outday. When I lived in Georgia, I always wanted recognition and fans. look. “At the end of the day, you’re really just to go back west at some point in my life. I had portive.

Many other musical memories color Pledger’s putting yourself out there on a 10-song piece of plastic no clue it would happen so soon.” Now that he calls childhood.

From a cool, older cousin in a band to an and hoping someone enjoys it,” said Pledger. Pledger’s Los Angeles home, the song “California” has added elementary school music teacher who allowed him to 10 song pieces of plastic are available on connorpledgresonance for Pledger. play the instruments after school, music has always er.com.

While Pledger finds inspiration in exploring the

‘Athleisure’ trend causes noticeable drop in denim Kirsten Smith Vanguard Contributor Jeans are an important fashion staple in everyone’s wardrobe. However, a new fashion trend is threatening to take denim’s place.

Athleisure, a combination of the terms athletic and leisure, is a new trend that describes people who wear their athletic apparel while running errands, shopping, meeting up with friends for lunch, going to class, or for various other leisure activities.

2014 marked a pivotal moment for jean sales. In Sabrina Korber and Courtney Reagan’s CNBC article, “Athleisure trend spells death of denim,” the NPD Group reported that jean sales were down 6 percent in the United States. “A 6 percent drop may not seem like much, but it’s rare for denim to take such a dramatic drop,” Marshal Cohen, the chief industry analyst of the NPD Group, was quoted as saying.

Korber and Reagan’s article credits athleisure wear sales for denim’s decrease in sales. People who embrace athleisure culture have found a niche in clothes that look good and feel even better. Athletic pants,

such as leggings and yoga pants are quickly becoming a new replacement for blue jeans. Today it’s more commonplace for you to see people wear athletic apparel outside of the gym, than in the gym.

Many question whether this trend is inappropriate in certain settings or elicits a negative perception. It’s a common assumption that those who participate in the athleisure culture are lazy. However, Thomas Preston, communications professor of UNG’s Gainesville campus, believes that a person’s choice to wear athleisure-styled clothing should have no bearing on how someone perceives his or her character and ethics.

“I don’t feel that there is anything negative about this trend. They are just clothes,” Preston said. “I do feel that there is a time and place for wearing athleisure apparel. I wouldn’t judge my lawyer any differently if he met me at his office with athleisurestyled clothing on. As long as he is professional and is knowledgeable, however, I would rather my lawyer come to court dressed in a suit.”

Gordon Woodall, a junior at UNG, shared these sentiments.

“I think it’s OK to wear at your leisure,” he said. “It’s OK for students to wear to class and it depends on

University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

what type of class for faculty. I don’t think it’s appropriate for a work environment.”

American culture has accepted and defined the business casual style, according to Deirdre Clemente, a historian of 20th Century American culture at the University of Nevada. She expanded on this subject in an interview with Roberto A. Ferdman for his Washington post article, ‘Why Americans dress so casually?’

“Americans have come to dress casually in a way that is very interesting as a historian. When you look back at old pictures of students, it’s jarring. We used to dress so formally, just to go to class. I think that American culture is now associated with casual dress on a global scale.”

Athleisure has had a major influence on the fashion industry and the way our culture defines casual dressing, she noted. Clemente describes casual dress as “the sweet spot between looking like every middle class American and being an individual in the massive wash of options.” Dressing in more casual apparel has allowed us to find a common ground in the workplace and in the classroom, while still maintaining our individuality, Clemente said.

February 26, 2016

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Align your mind at UNG yoga Several UNG Gainesville students assembled in the Student Center’s Robinson Ballroom Thursday, Feb. 4, to nourish their bodies and minds.

A cart loaded with blankets and foam blocks rested in the room’s corner. As the students entered, they took one of each and claimed a space on the floor, rolling out the thin mats they’d brought with them.

As they waited for class to begin, the students made quiet conversation. A few minutes past 3:30 p.m., Jackie Schuon took her place at the head of the room, and the chatter quieted.

Schuon welcomed everyone and set a gentle flute melody playing on the stereo. Barefoot, the students seated themselves on their mats and the practice began.

Schuon, a psychologist and registered yoga instructor who works at UNG Gainesville’s counseling center, has been teaching Yoga for Well-being for two semesters. This is her third.

“I’m glad to be able to offer it for free because it can be pricey,” she said.

The class meets every Thursday in Robinson Ballroom from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It welcomes students from all levels of experience.

Freshman communication major Lauren Hunter, has attended every class since the semester began.

The class provides variety in Hunter's fitness routine. After several days of running for exercise, she enjoys coming to yoga class for a different experience.

“I just always feel really relaxed after I do it, and I feel really stretched out,” Hunter said.

According to Schuon, yoga benefits its practitioners in many ways, physical, mental and emotional. It can be especially beneficial for students, whose hectic lifestyles make it hard to live mindfully in the moment.

“They’re just going, going, going all the time from one thing to another,” Schuon said. “They’re kind of moving mindlessly through their lives. And so it helps give them a chance to just calm down, be still and get to pay attention to themselves a bit more. I think through that attention, through that awareness, all these other great things come out of it.”

Yoga for Well-Being Thursdays 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

GVL Student Center Robinson Ballroom BCDE

According to Schuon, yoga can be defined as “the settling of the mind into stillness.” That stillness of mind can help students find peace and calm in the midst of life’s stressors.

Sophomore education major Maggie Smith, has enjoyed the benefits these exercises reap.

“I think it’s a great way to end your school week, and I wish there were more yoga classes offered,” she said. “I’d come more often.”

Schuon intends to keep teaching the weekly class as long as there’s interest. Interested students can try a class with no obligation to come again. There’s not even a registration requirement. Students can drop in, sign a waiver, and take class whenever they have a free Thursday afternoon.

Junior Elaine Hobbs, who has attended all three classes this semester, encouraged fellow students to give the class a try.

“I hope more people take this opportunity,” Hobbs said.

Story and Photos

by Lauren Eckert

Open to all skill levels 6

University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

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University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

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Opinions & Features What the feminist movement means to me The feminist movement is a complicated topic nowadays. With so many different groups and waves it’s hard to know exactly what you mean when you identify yourself as a feminist. The generic definition for feminism is that men and women are equal in all aspects of life. People seem to distort that definition into rather extreme ideas that feminism is women wanting to take over the world.

The history of the feminist movement started with the suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Beginning at the Seneca Falls convention in 1848, 300 men and women protested for the cause of equality for women.

The second wave, beginning in the 1960s and continuing into the ’90s, focused on passing the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, which would guarantee social equality regardless of sex. Beginning in the mid-90s, the third wave was more of a social issues revolution because it focused on women being objectified and fought against it.

Now, the fight for feminists is the pay wage gap, rape culture, the objectification of women, and many

other social issues that women face. One of the main “distract anyone.”

Lastly, I am tired of women being problems that feminists face is the sexually objectified by the media, by assumption that the movement is to school dress codes, and by society. This bring down the Patriarchy. is not a call to action saying all women I am a feminist. I shave my legs, wear makeup and dresses, and I don’t need to revolt against dress codes, burn down fashion billboards, and punch think that makes me any less of a femtheir creepy neighbors for looking at inist. I don’t get offended by women their chests. I am merely stating why I showing too much or too little skin. I have become a feminist. am not the stereotypical feminist that believes all men are ignorant beasts or I am a feminist so my sisters don’t have to be. I want my sisters to have sex crazed dictators. I am the type of equal pay, to be viewed and portrayed feminist that strives for equality among as a person and not an object, and to genders in all areas of life: socially, and Natalie economically. not have to live in constant fear of their Gardner creepy neighbor and others like him.

I am offended that girls are told they Managing Editor, A change will be slow, but it will were “asking for it” after they are raped Oconee come if everyone, not just women, because of what they were wearing.

I am offended that I am destined to decides that they are done with this make $.78 to every dollar my male misrepresentation and injustice that is coworkers will make solely because of my gender. I am being done to women. Be a feminist for your sisters, mothers, daughters, and significant others. offended that I have to monitor what I wear so I don’t

Campus Cursive spreads encouragement ters in 2016. They are also planning on Campus cursive is a part of an organization called “The World Needs More starting a project called “More Than Love Letters” that was started in New Just a Number.” The goal York City by Hannah of the project is to make Brencher. This club students feel like they are meets every Wednesmore than just a number day on the Dahlonega on a registration list and campus at 7 p.m. in the that every student makes Hoag post office. a difference on the UNG The club’s goal is campus. to spread words of encouragement around “We have to be really campus anonymously. specific and careful about The Dahlonega branch what we write in our of Campus Cursive was letters because we aren’t started by Elizabeth JaSkylar Cleland just writing to one specific gus and Kaleigh Gross, Staff Writer person or group. Anyone a biology major. could pick up our letters Campus Cursive so we want to make sure was responsible for the that no one would be uncomfortable “Giving Tree” that was located outside of Hoag during finals week last semester while reading them,” Jagus said.

Jagus said.

The members of Campus Cursive “My favorite part of being in Campus hide the letters all over campus. They Cursive is when people know that I’m hope to give someone who may not be a part of Campus Cursive and they tag having the best day or week some enme when people post that they found couragement to keep going and let them a letter. Just seeing the kind words and know they are not alone. seeing that we helped make someone’s “You never know what someone is day better,” Gross said. going through, so just giving someone The club is currently working on the encouragement they need to get applying for a mini grant in order to Photo by Kaleigh Gross purchase more stationery so that they through a test or their week is really Students hold handwritten letters of encouragement can meet their goal of writing 2,016 letrewarding,” Jagus said.

Have an opinion? We want to hear it! VanguardUNG@gmail.com 8

University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

Opinions & Features

Thoughts you have during the parking hunt Briana Mink Staff Writer We’ve all been there. We pull into the school, praying to the parking gods that there will be an open spot.

We drive around for a few minutes, scoping out the parking lot to find ... no open spots. Okay, no big deal.

We’ll make a few rounds and hope someone is leaving.

Or sometimes we’re on the other side of the struggle.

We go out to our car to chill out for a few, and turn around to see three cars stalking us, hoping for our spot. Then our social anxiety comes out and we have to tell them all that we’re actually not leaving, as their betrayed faces drive away.

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I’m about to roll my window down to ask this random stranger if they are leaving.

NO SHAME.

5 7

1 3

I want to go to my car to eat lunch, but I don’t want anyone to think I’m leaving.

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WAIT! THAT PERSON IS BACKING OUT OF THE SPOT!

Maybe, if I come back to this row in two minutes, there will magically be an open spot.

Well, there’s an open spot…but the person next to it is over the line. How hard is it to park straight??

Why are there so many faculty spots and not enough student spots?

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That car doesn’t even have a UNG sticker on it. Where are parking services when you need them?

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Forget it. I’m parking in the grass.

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I give up.

Cartoon by Gibram Herrera Three things guaranteed in life — death, taxes, and spending 10 minutes looking for a parking spot.

University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

February 26, 2016

9

Sports Two UNG students referee in illustrious national flag football tournament Colin Hubbard Sports Editor, Gainesville The University of North Georgia Intramural Sports Department was fortunate enough to have two officials selected to referee a national flag football tournament, which only a select few got to participate in.

Approximately 50 officials were selected throughout the United States. UNG students Wilson Pierce and Alyssa Esco were two of them.

These officials are recognized through outstanding officiating on the state and regional level at various tournaments in order earn a bid to the national tournament.

Matthew Williams, UNG’s graduate assistant for intramural sports and sport clubs, called this an incredible and significant accomplishment for these student officials.

“Both Wilson and Alyssa demonstrated profound skills in many different areas to accomplish the task of being selected to the national tournament,” Williams said. “Alyssa and Wilson took advantage of this op-

portunity, and officiated every sport that was offered as first year officials. Their passion and dedication quickly moved them through the ranks on the UNG campus.”

Pierce has been refereeing for quite some time now and had a very high goal set at the national championship.

“It was a great honor to be selected and one of my goals when I started officiating here was to make it to nationals and become an all American top 10 referee,” Pierce said. “I’ve now been officiating flag football for 3 years and I’ve also attended the state tournament twice and a tournament at MTSU twice.”

With his good showing at the tournament, Pierce has been the All-Tournament Official three times and looks forward to going back next year and performing even better.

“We made school history by sending one person to the tournament and we were able to send two,” Esco said. “I was one of eight females at the tournament so that was an awesome experience to have that many females officiating.”

In order to be able to officiate the national tournament, you have to receive a bid. Esco received an at-large bid after placing second behind Wilson at MTSU’s regional tournament as well as placing in the top ten at Georgia Southern’s state tournament.

“I enjoyed my time there and learned a lot that actually carries over into real life situations, not just football,” Esco said. “Overall it was a really cool experience and I was able to meet and officiate with the best officials in the nation.”

Anyone interested in becoming an official at UNG is welcome to sign up.

“The Intramural Sports department welcomes any and all students to ‘officials training’ and provides an opportunity for any level of official,” Williams said.

“Some specific traits that separate a good official from a great official includes crisp mechanics, film review, game management, and rule knowledge. Alyssa and Wilson have both exemplified proficient skills in each of these areas, and it is evident that the countless hours of film review and rules breakdown have paid off.”

Wrestlers receive grant money from Student Government Association despite objections Kellan Monroe Staff Writer

that there had been “transitional issues” between the former president of the wrestling club and himself, which was why he missed the application deadline.

Beasley said he did not receive any information The University of North Georgia wrestling team about deadlines. He was not told to submit a budget has received a $500 emergency mini grant from the request form until the day it was due. But he needed Dahlonega Student Government Association, to pay the money to pay the club’s National Collegiate Wresfor team dues, despite missing the deadline to apply tling Association dues, he said. for a mini grant.

Since the situation was an emergency and he had When the SGA voted to allot the grant money to not received a budget, he applied recreational sports at the for the SGA grant. However, sports Jan. 25 meeting, some are usually last of SGA’s priormembers objected to the “We do not want sport clubs ities because of the money the clubs wrestling team’s request club leadership to ignore receive from the sport club budget, for a mini grant. They the deadlines from Rec Beasley said. objected because the SGA gave the club a portion team did not meet the Sports under the assumpof the money they had requested application deadline, tion that they will still get because of the extenuating circumSGA president Michaela funding from SGA out of stances, but the SGA was clear that Climer said. the situation should not be repeated Other clubs also need the mini grant budget.” in the future, Climer said. funding, and the SGA “If an organization just misses does not want clubs to the deadline, they should not exkeep missing deadlines, pect to receive a full budget from a mini grant request Climer said.

“We do not want sport club leadership to ignore the because it takes away funding from the other 150-plus student organizations,” Climer said. deadlines from Rec Sports under the assumption that Beasley said he used the mini grant money to pay they will still get funding from SGA out of the mini NCWA dues so that the team could compete in nagrant budget,” Climer said. tional matches.

John Beasley, president of the wrestling club, said

10 University of North Georgia Student Newspaper

“We have never received grants before and this is a one time emergency need situation,” Beasley said.

The recreational sports department receives a certain amount of money annually and divides it among the different clubs according to a tier system, Climer said.

Sports clubs have a very strict deadline to submit budget proposals, said Matt Williams, graduate assistant for intramural sports and sport clubs. Because 18 clubs are active at UNG, they need to be taken into account while budgeting and late submissions are not considered, Williams said.

SGA funding for sports comes from student activity fees, Climer said. The SGA allocates the money from the student activity fees based on certain criteria, she said.

According to SGA guidelines provided by Climer, the SGA has certain specific criteria for allocating student activity fees. Officially recognized student organizations may apply for mini-grants and then present their request at an SGA meeting, according to the guidelines.

The discussion and voting process then takes place over two SGA meetings, and then if the request is approved, it is sent to the Student Life office. The Student Life office and the organization must deal with the request from there. The organization returns to SGA two weeks after the event to present the outcome of the event, according to the SGA guidelines.

February 26, 2016

Sports

Nighthawks win three-game weekend series vs. Kentucky Wesleyan College Garett Hasty Staff Writer The University of North Georgia baseball team improved to 6-2 on the season with a weekend series win over Kentucky Wesleyan College Feb. 12-14. The Nighthawks emerged victorious in the first two games of the series, winning by scores of 5-4 and 14-3 before losing the final game 11-8.

In game one, Kentucky Wesleyan struck first. The Panthers scored two runs in the first inning off of a home run by the Panther’s Troy Paris and added two more runs in the third inning. This would lead to senior Brandon Agar being pulled off the mound in favor of redshirt junior Blake Gaubert.

Gaubert dominated the Kentucky Wesleyan hitters for the rest of the game, earning 12 strikeouts in 5.2 innings of relief.

The Nighthawk bats finally came to life in the home half of the fourth inning. Junior Trevor Sams doubled to center field, and senior Sam Tidaback was able to score after the ball was misplayed by the center fielder.

Sams would come through again in the fifth inning by hitting a two-run double into right that scored Tidaback and sophomore Connor Hoover.

The Nighthawks tied the game in the seventh inning when sophomore Steven Tomlinson scored on a fielder’s choice, making the score 4-4. Senior Ryan Tomita doubled in the eighth for an RBI that would prove to be the game-winner .

The Nighthawk pitching staff combined for 16 strikeouts, with sophomore Avery Geer picking up his second save of the season.

Game two would prove to be much easier for the Nighthawks, as they pounded the Panthers 14-3.

Freshman Steven Bower started the game for the

Nighthawks and threw six scoreless innings en route to his second win of the young season.

The Nighthawks scored once in the third, once in the fifth and then scored four in each of the next three innings.

Sophomore Steven Tomlinson started off the scoring in the third inning with a double that scored freshman Joshua Profit. Tomlinson then did the same thing in the fifth inning, bringing home Profit once more to make the Daniel McCrary throws score 2-0.

In the sixth, junior Devin Gearheart doubled to bring in two runs, and Tomlinson followed him up by hitting a single that would score two runs and give him four RBIs. In the seventh, Sams scored Gearhart on a sacrifice fly, but Tomlinson was not to be outdone. He added more RBIs to his total with a double to right field.

The Nighthawks pushed across four more runs in the eighth. The Panthers would score three unearned runs in the ninth inning.

Sophomore Daniel McCrary started game three for the Nighthawks but received a no decision after five innings of work. Josh Bryan was credited with the loss after entering the game in relief.

Photo courtesy UNG Athletics a pitch during a recent baseball game.

A five-run third inning capped off by a Trevor Sams home run gave the Nighthawks an early lead in the contest. Freshman Joshua Profit then hit a two-run homer to make the game 7-1 in the fourth. It was the first of Profit’s career.

The Panthers scored two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh before putting up seven in the eighth to earn the lead. The Nighthawks committed two fielding errors in the inning which aided the Panthers in their scoring outburst. North Georgia was unable to recover from the tumultuous inning, and ultimately fell to Kentucky Wesleyan by a score of 11-8.

The 6-2 Nighthawks travel to Americus, Georgia to play Georgia Southwestern in a three-game conference series this weekend.

UNG softball back on track after slow start to season Dalton Deavers Sports Editor, Dahlonega Following a successful 2014-15 campaign, the University of North Georgia tennis teams have their sights set high for the spring of 2016.

Despite the departure of several senior players, head coach Kent Norsworthy is positive that the men and women can replicate the success from last year, a season which saw both Nighthawk teams post winning records in addition to an NCAA tournament berth for the men.

“On the men’s side, we lost two four-year starters, so the leadership has kind of shifted a little bit, so that’s going to be the difference there from last year,” Norsworthy said. “On the women’s side we also lost two four-year starters, but the leadership there is good with a couple of junior transfers who have stepped up.”

Additionally, Norsworthy acknowledged that the inexperience on both sides could possibly be a limiting factor this season.

“For both sides, we’re just so young as far as experience goes,” Norsworthy said. “We have 11 out of 20 players who are new. It took a little while for everybody to get used to each other, but now I think we’re starting to mesh before the season starts.”

With high expectations heading into the season, Norsworthy touched on the keys to replicating the success that both teams enjoyed from last season.

“We definitely need to be steady every match,” Norsworthy said. “You can’t take it easy on one opponent and not on another. Our conference is so tough from top to bottom now. There are probably five middle-range teams who can all beat each other, so staying steady and tough in those matches is going to be important.

In keeping consistent with the themes of addition and subtraction, Norsworthy stated that the youth of this year’s team is certainly something that makes these Nighthawks special and unique when compared to those of past seasons.

“It all goes back to just how new we are,” Norsworthy said. “We had such a core group of guys for almost

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six years, and now it’s just been turned upside down.”

The uniqueness of this year’s team also stems from the fact that players with different play styles have made their way to Dahlonega and on to the rosters as a result of the program’s recruiting process, Norsworthy said.

“The recruiting has changed just a little bit because we’ve had a lot of South American players come in who play from the baseline a lot more,” Norsworthy said. “We also have a few more Europeans on the team this year and they’re a little bit more aggressive. It’s actually a better matchup for college tennis.”

Lastly, Norsworthy named several players he believes will impact the success of the Nighthawks this season.

“On the doubles side for the men we have Phillip Mueller and Niklas Zielen, and they’ve actually played together back home at a club in Germany,” Norsworthy said.

“On the women’s side, our seniors including Mathilde Baartvedt and Simone Krog are going to be really integral and will probably be in positions to clinch matches for us.”

February 26, 2016 11

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February 26, 2016