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VOLUME 90 • ISSUE 20
SGA hosts Big Event REBEKAH BARNES Staff Reporter | reb033@latech.edu
More than 1,400 Louisiana Tech students gathered in the Joe Aillet Stadium on a Saturday morning, but not for a football game. They were preparing to go out into Ruston and work. The Big Event is the Student Government Association’s project, connecting 55 student organizations with Ruston homeowners who need help with yardwork. “We in SGA believe our motto is ‘students serving students,’ and in the Big Event we are students serving the community,” said Maggie Brakeville, SGA president. “We’re able to reach out past what we know and do all that we can for these homeowners.” Brakeville, an SGA member of five years and MBA student, said they spend six months planning for the Big Event, advertising, organizing students and contacting the homeowners. “Tech is Ruston, and Ruston is Tech, and without each other we won’t work,” she said. “Louisiana Tech and Ruston are so united in everything we do that it’s important to remind the homeowners that students care.” She said this year they have involved Grambling State University’s SGA and student organizations in the Big Event to further unite Lincoln Parish.
Photo by Brian Blakely
Volunteer Kaylin Hermes ties a bag of debris so it can be ready for pick up. “We hope to continue to grow and include Grambling every year,” she said. Victoria Barber, a junior psychology major, said this is her first year participating in the Big Event. The Psychology Society teamed with a group from KLPI to do yardwork for a woman who was
unable to do it herself. “She was beyond grateful,” Barber said. “She was incredibly sweet and even had cookies and drinks for us after we finished. Her reaction made it all the more worthwhile.” Barber said Ruston has become a second home to
her, and giving back to the community makes her feel a greater connection to it. “I’ll definitely do it again next year,” she said. “I’ve never heard of anything like it at other schools, so I think it’s a unique way to bring us all together.” Vido Turnquest, president of Alpha Kappa Psi, said he and his group of 12 fraternity brothers were unable to help their assigned residents because there are rules against students doing work inside homes. “We only spent a few minutes with them, but they were very lovely people from the time we did spend,” Turnquest said. “They seemed to appreciate the gesture of us coming to help them out.” The group instead reported back to Wyly Tower to pick up trash. “Our group dynamic was positive, and we enjoyed each other’s company and bonded a bit while helping to keep our university clean,” he said. He said the Big Event is a way to say “thank you” to Ruston and is a positive gesture to people who have lived here for a long time. “I feel like in a college town, they have to deal with thousands of young adults creating a lot of excitement,” he said. “I think this helps to alleviate the concern they may have for our character as a student body.”
SGA members attend ULS Day STARLA GATSON Staff Reporter | sjg021@latech.edu Members of Louisiana Tech’s Student Government Association were given the opportunity to be the voice of the Tech community to Louisiana’s other elected and state officials. On April 11,faculty, staff and student representatives from each of the nine University of Louisiana System schools gathered in Baton Rouge to discuss their respective achievements of the school year with state and ULS leaders
at the annual ULS Day at the Capitol. Maggie Brakeville, SGA president, said the purpose of the event was to allow representatives from each university to speak with state leaders and ULS representatives about issues that are important to each school. “Our goal was to get our messages across to legislators,” Brakeville said. “We attended a luncheon that allowed us to have one-onone conversations about the issues that are important to us.”
Dave Guerin, tions they may executive director have,” Guerin of university comsaid. “It’s really munications, said about showcasduring the event ing what the difre presentatives ferent schools from each school in the system discussed their contribute to the strengths and advancement of contributions to the state.” the ULS with state Leaders and legislators. representatives GUERIN “The event is also discussed held in the rotunthe future of da of the Capitol building higher education, includso that as legislators go to ing the TOPS program. their chambers, we get the chance to network with > see ULS DAY page 6 them and answer any ques-
Photo by Brian Blakely
Payton Mangham poses with Rachel Vizza after being crowned as Mr. Tech 2016 by Andrew Lewis.
Mr. Tech crowned AMBER HARRINGTON Staff Reporter | anh038@latech.edu It is not every day Louisiana Tech students can “strut their stuff ” in front of their friends, family and classmates while also competing for the title of Mr. Tech, but, thanks to a fundraiser event on campus, nine male students were given the opportunity to do just that. Last Friday, sophomore biology major and Delta Chi President Payton Mangham won the title of Mr. Tech 2016 in the Fifth Annual Mr. Tech Pageant. The pageant, held in Howard Auditorium, was hosted by Miss Louisiana Tech 2016 Rachel Vizza to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization which raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals. The pageant brought in over $1,000, all of which went to the network. “The event was about bringing people to Children’s Miracle, to raise not only funds, but awareness for such a great cause,” Vizza said. Likewise, Mangham said the cause was too great to not compete. “Anytime I can help out, I will,” he said. “Especially when it comes to causes like little kids.” The contestants competed through a series of categories including swimwear, talent, Tech pride and formal wear. The only rule: no Speedos. They were assessed by a panel of five judges, two of whom were Lauren Vizza, Miss Louisiana 2012, and Children’s Miracle Network Program Director Bobby Cox, on qualities such as confidence and suavity. “I decided to compete in the pageant because I want to do anything I can for this wonderful school and cause,” said contestant Daniel Welborn. “Plus, if I think I can make someone laugh by doing stuff like this, I’m going to try.” Welborn said above all, the most memorable aspect of the pageant was being able to meet and connect with the other participants. “I met a lot of cool guys here, and though the whole thing was an awesome experience, meeting them was definitely the best part,” he said. The contestants were not the only entertainment, however. The show also featured performances by Mr. Tech 2015 Andrew Lewis and Miss Dixie Gem Peach Anna Blake, and appearances by the Fleur De Lis Princesses and Corbin Colvin, the Louisiana CMN Champion. Mangham said now that he’s Mr. Tech 2016, he has some advice for Tech students. “Put yourself out there and keep working hard to be the best you can be,” he said. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
NEWS
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April 21, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 2
Grammy winners For King & Country bring talents to Tech AMBER HARRINGTON Staff Reporter | anh038@ latech.edu Ruston, Louisiana: Population around 19,500, home to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and for just one night, home of a Grammy winning band. On the evening of April 14, the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Louisiana and Louisiana Tech University’s Union Board hosted the globally recognized band For King & Country at the Thomas Assembly Center with guest stars such as rappers Big Al and KB. The performance was the sixth stop on For King & Country’s “Priceless The Tour -” which features songs from of all three of their albums. Their latest album, “Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong” was released in 2014. “What’s great about the concert is that students are not the only people benefitting from the event,” said
Colby Ashley, vice president of the Union Board. “People of all ages are welcomed, so the community benefits as well.” Ashley said though the Union Board was responsible for production and sponsoring aspect, the event was ultimately the work of the Boys and Girls Club. “The Boys and Girls Club came to us to sponsor,” he said. “The opportunity presented itself and it was in our budget, so we went for it. We’re glad we did.” For King & Country, which classifies itself as Christian rock/pop, is comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, but there are Ruston roots tied to the group’s success. Ben Backus, a Tech business graduate, plays bass for the the Grammy winning duo. Steven Lynch, the group’s stage manager/percussionist, is also a Tech business graduate. For King and Country has
won two Grammy’s, a Dove Award and Artist of the Year. Billboard also named them as one of the New Artists to Watch for 2012 and American Songwriter called them “Australia’s answer to Coldplay.” They said the band’s name, For King & Country, is a reflection of standing and fighting for something greater than yourself. Rebecca Fletcher, a freshman fashion merchandising student at Tech, said though the band’s music is great, their message is even more important. “We definitely need more Christian events like this on campus,” said Fletcher, a Union Board member. “I think the Christian community in Ruston really appreciates them too.” During the concert, the brothers said the philosophies of hope and love were instilled by their parents who raised their seven children in Sydney, Australia, before re-
Avery Bryan
Luke Smallbone (left) and Joel Smallbone (right) perform a song with KB (middle) at the Thomas Assembly Center last Thursday. locating to Nashville in 1991 for their father’s job. Gabrielle May, a senior animal science major, said she felt the band brought
more to Ruston than just hope and love - it brought a sense of community. “At first I just came out to hear the band,” said May.
“Now, I see that the band brought students and the community together while also bringing recognition to Tech.”
Students turn out for Spring Release DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@ latech.edu
COES need a special event. “This curriculum is so tough, even for the most focused people, and it puts a huge On Thursday, April 14 the College of strain on your overall mental state,” Bailey Engineering and Sciences held its seventh said. “I think ‘release’ is a good name for annual Spring Release last Thursday at the it because it’s a time where we can get together, no books or notes, just Pavilion. This was a part of the hanging out and listening to a annual celebration week, and little good music.” more than 500 students, along Students of all classificawith their families and friends, tions received honors throughwere in attendance. out the evening. First, second “Even though we’re differand third place cash prizes ent majors and disciplines, we’re were awarded to organizations united by this sort of recognition within the college for the year that we’re still in the same collong, point-based College of lege,” said Caroline Fontenot, Engineering and Sciences Cup. member of the ESA freshman The National Society of Black council co-op. Engineers won the first place Fontenot said the whole idea prize of $1,000. of this event is to bring the two Aziz Avery, a senior medisciplines together by reminding “It really chanical engineering major and the different majors of their comended up president of the Louisiana Tech mon cause. chapter of NSBE, said he was “We definitely share the same being a not surprised that his organizagoals of improving the world, tion won the top prize. making life easier and technolo- great, fun “We’ve been working hard gy better for everyone,“ Fontenot all year. ESA made us work said. “It’s very cool to see all of competition harder and excel by fine tuning these brilliant people who are go- that joined their points system this year,” ing to change the world joined everyone Avery said. “We were always together.” checking for points and watchStudents ate crawfish and ing for opportunities to do what jambalaya while local musician together beJarrett Bailey sang and played cause they are we could do on campus.” Avery said the COES Cup guitar. Bailey said it feels only natural he should lend his talents all here now.” stirred up extra activity among the organizations this year. He to the college when he can. said the Spring Release was a “This event in particular has a good conclusion to the compelot of meaning to me, so it’s just AZIZ AVERY tition. fun to be here with everybody NSBE president “I think a result of the first and be a part of it,” said Bailey. Bailey is an alumnus from Louisiana COES cup was just a lot of us organizations Tech who graduated in 2004 with a degree getting more active,” Avery said. “It really in marketing. He returned nine years later ended up being a great, fun competition to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. that joined everyone together because they He said he understands why students in the are all here now.”
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
• 2016 TOP DAWG New Venture Championship 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Baseball: LA Tech vs. Old Dominion 6 p.m. • Free Arts Festival 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Louisiana Day of Percussion 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Baseball: LA Tech vs. Old Dominion 3 p.m. • Suicide Prevention Walk 9 a.m.
• Baseball: LA Tech vs. Old
• Loyal Blue Nation meeting (Davison Athletic Complex) 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• “Love’s Labour’s Lost” Opening Night (Stone Theater) 7:30 p.m. • Baseball: LA Tech vs. McNeese St. 6 p.m.
• “Love’s Labour’s Lost” 7:30 p.m. • Softball: LA Tech vs. Grambling 6 p.m.
• “Love’s Labour’s Lost” 7:30 p.m.
Dominion 11 a.m.
NEWS
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April 21, 2014 • The Tech Talk • 3
Ruston residents ‘Dine in the Pines’ ISABELA PALMIERI Staff Reporter | ipa001@latech.edu
even though none of us had ever worked together on an event before,” Carson said. “It was just Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy phenomenal how we worked toCenter held a community dinner gether.” Dine in the Pines received 60 on the evening of April 16 called sponsorships and 367 “Dine in the Pines” in attendees, a number downtown Ruston to “Any place which was well above raise money for vicher expectations. The tims of child abuse. in the world event offered an outThe organization sold you go to, an door dinner with live meal tickets for $25, music by Greg’s Lion which included a broc- abused child Band. coli salad, an entree, would be a Mollie Robbins, a and dessert. great cause volunteer, said that Carol Carson, the when she was asked to director of Pine Hills to help” help with the fundraisChildren’s Advocacy er she could not say Center, said the non- BODIE WOODS no to the great cause. profit organization had Dine in the Pine “I know children been searching for a attendee who have been sexusignature fundraiser ally abused and what for a long time. “I had been looking for about it can do to children and to their two years for something we could families,” she said. “Carol asked claim as our own,” she said. me if I would help her fundraise “I saw this on Facebook eight and it was something I couldn’t weeks ago, and we started pass- turn down.” Carson said the organization ing the idea around and I claimed it, so that’s how we came up with serves five parishes: Lincoln, Union, Bienville, Claiborne and Dine in the Pines.” Carson, who has worked with Jackson. It is the only center the organization for over three available in the five parishes that years, said Dine in the Pine’s aid victims of child abuse. They groundbreaking year was a suc- do medical advocacy, educate the community and offer councess due to their committee. “I had a wonderful committee, seling for victims. “We have a curriculum where very diverse, that came together
we will go into the schools and churches and teach them about abuse,” Carson said. “It builds character. It gives them the strength to be able to say no and the strength to stand up to a bully.” Patsy Bullock, a Ruston Resident, said she was surprised with the event’s turnout since it is the first time something has been done like it in Ruston. “I think it is just absolutely phenomenal that Carol came up with this,” she said. “This has been over and beyond what my expectations were for it. I think everybody is always open for something that’s unique and calls attention to a group such as the Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center.” Bodie Woods who sat next to Bullock at the event, said the fundraiser was great and there were more people in attendance than he expected. “There has been a nice and friendly atmosphere the whole night,” he said. “I think it’s wonderful and it’s been a great success. It couldn’t be a better cause. Any place in the world you go to, an abused child would be a great cause to help. Nobody would object Attendees were served a dinner while provided entertainment. to that.”
Students discuss Obama’s doctrine ISABELA PALMIERI Staff Reporter| ipa001@latech.edu Louisiana Tech presented students with the opportunity to openly discuss the ideals of foreign policy with four different history and political science professors. Tech opened the floor to four panelists along with students to discuss the article “The Obama Doctrine” by Jeffrey Goldberg on the afternoon of April 13 at Wyly Auditorium. The four panelist were Nazir Atassi, Andrew McKevitt, Jeremy Mhire and Amanda Sanford. “Because it is such a rare occasion for a president to offer such tour of his philosophies, I thought that we all as academics as well as students have this historic opportunity that we must seize,” said Atassi, a history professor.. McKevitt, assistant professor in the history department, sees similarities between Obama’s philosophies of today and philosophies of past presidents. “Obama’s administration in terms of his approach to foreign policy has rhymed with the American past in a number of ways,” McKevitt said. McKevitt, who specializes in US foreign relations, said Barack Obama has been one of the most conservative foreign policy presidents in the past 60 years. “It’s a remarkable notion that the United States has the power to shape its international environment,” McKevitt said. “And that different doctrines we’ve had across time shaped the environment in different ways. You don’t hear about oth-
Photo by Ashley Kober
Pi Kappa Phi fraternity hosts week of philanthropy events STARLA GATSON Staff Reporter | sjg021@latech.edu
Photo by Jonathan Shaul
Jeremy Mhire, Amanda Sanford and Andrew McKevitt answer questions surrounding “The Obama Doctrine.”
er countries having doctrines. We have doctrines because we have a fundamental belief that what we do in the world affects the international environment.” Sanford, assistant professor of political science, says the reason the United States gets to write its own doctrines is because it is the most powerful of 204 sovereign states. She also said Jeffrey Goldberg fails to classify President Obama into one of the big foreign policy “isms”, such as internationalism or idealism. “I think the biggest failure of this article is the inability to articulate which foreign policy school Obama is most like,” Sanford said. Sanford, who specializes in international relations, said she anticipates through the discussion,
“It’s a remarkable notion that the United States has the power to shape its international envionement, and that different doctrines we’ve had across time shaped the environment in different ways.” DREW MCKEVITT assistant professor
students could further comprehend foreign policy and how complex it is. “I hope that students who came to this panel gained a greater understanding of a. the way foreign policy works, b. the
nature of foreign policy, particularly in the world we live in, and c. that there is a whole lot more to it than the rhetoric and the hype they hear on the news, especially the inflammatory rhetoric that often gets thrown at presidents,” Sanford said. “It’s a very complicated endeavor to manage world relations.” Jonathan Roberts, a mechanical engineering and political science double major, enjoyed hearing four different professionals’ point of view on foreign policy. “I thought it was very illuminating to see essentially four different perspectives on Obama’s doctrine,” Roberts said. “People don’t realize foreign policy affects us a lot and it’s interesting to see the different perspectives on how that affects us.”
Pi Kappa Phi spent the week biking for charity during the fraternity’s 2016 Philanthropy Week. From April 11-15, the fraternity hosted several events and fundraisers including a dunk tank and a profit sharing dinner to raise money and support for an organization called the Ability Experience. The week also included the fraternity’s pledge to continuously ride stationary bicycles from noon Monday to 9 p.m. Friday. “The Ability Experience is unique because we actually own it,” said Avery Neal, the fraternity’s philanthropy chair. “It supports people with disabilities, ranging all the way from autism to physical handicaps.” Neal said Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization is the only fraternity to own its own philanthropy, and Ability Experience events are held nationwide to raise money and awareness for the cause. “Some of the service that is done through the Ability Experience includes summer or weekend camps for kids to come to and participate in activities that they wouldn’t normally be able to do because of their disability,” he said. Finn Langley, a freshman biology major, said all funds from the week would provide people with disabilities an opportunity to live more comfortably. “All the money goes toward buying supplies to help fix and renovate camps and houses for them,” Langley said. The week also included a petition CAMBRE called “Spread the Word to End the Word” as well as an empathy dinner where students are assigned a disability and must portray it throughout the meal. “The purpose of ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ is to get people to stop using the ‘r’ word because it can be really hurtful to people,” said Jacob Cambre, a biology major. “And during the empathy dinner, you really put yourself in someone else’s shoes.” Christian Brown, a business management major, said this is the first time Pi Kappa Phi has devoted an entire week to philanthropy events and said they are pleased to see students responding to the cause positively. “We’ve gotten a really good response this week,” he said. “And we’ve had a lot of people sign the petition.” Brown said students have even come to give donations to the cyclists at one and two in the morning. Neal said students have seemed to enjoy all of the week’s activities and have been very involved in each event. “There have been lots of donations and some students just stop by the tent and talk about our philanthropy with us,” he said. “It’s great. We had no idea this week would be as big of a success as it has been.”
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4 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2016
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FROM THE EDITOR
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Thank you, debate
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rachel Maxwell
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Brian Blakely
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RACHEL MAXWELL Editor-In-Chief | ram049@latech.edu
S
ince beginning my college career last fall, I have had the privilege to be involved in some truly great organizations here at Tech. From my membership in Sigma Kappa to my involvement with the school’s publications, the lessons I have learned from my extracurricular activities have been just as important as those I’ve learned in my classes. A large part of college is personal growth, and nothing has pushed me further outside my comfort zone than joining Tech’s debate team. In high school I would have never envisioned myself being a part of something like debate, and I am so glad that my college self took the chance and went to that first practice. Even though I am just beginning my involvement with the team, and am by no stretch of the imagination “good” at debating, I have already seen how much debate can do for a student. I know the more time I put
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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publi cation. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is com mitted to the principle of provid ing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http://www.latech. edu/administration/policiesand procedures/1445.shtml.
Rachel Maxwell is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk.
A guilty society
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try and internationally. You meet people from different backgrounds and regions, and get to experience a variety of different perspectives, something that doesn’t always happen living in a place like Ruston. I also have debate to thank for my friendships within the Tech team. Riding in a van for 20 plus hours to get to a tournament makes for a close-knit group of people, and getting to know my fellow debaters has been one of the best parts of my experience so far. One of the biggest lessons I have learned from debate is that when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, it is that much more rewarding. Nothing I have done in college has made me more uncomfortable than competing in a debate round. I have made a fool of myself during more speeches than I can count, but the pressure of debating is worth it when you see yourself improve.
NOT THAT POTTER
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. The Tech Talk (USPS 535540) is published Thursdays of the regu lar school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Journalism Department of Loui siana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138.
into it, the more I will get out of it. Since I started competing this fall, I have traveled to Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City for tournaments. Before debate, I had not been out of the South, and had only visited a few cities within the region. I have been able to see more of the country in the last six months with debate than I was the first 19 years of my life. Beyond travel, debate helps you hone skills that you will use throughout your life, whether it be during your education, career or in everyday life. Having to analyze a resolution and identify the arguments on both sides of an issue sharpens critical thinking skills, not to mention the public speaking skills and general knowledge of world issues that debate gives students. Debate has also given me access to some of the best and most interesting people I have ever met. When debating on a collegiate level, you share ideas and opinions with your peers across the coun-
PAYTON POTTER
Social Media Editor | jpp017@latech.edu
H
ave you ever spent an afternoon watching TV, then immediately felt guilty? Maybe you have had a beer or four on a Tuesday and wanted to repent. I have too, but I’m here to tell you these things are not inherent transgressions. In America, we are conditioned to succeed. From birth, our parents tell us things like “you could be president” or “you could be an astronaut,” but nobody ever tells us things like “it’s okay for you to live a life you enjoy.” Since elementary school, homework has been a part of most of our daily lives. If we did not do that homework, we received a zero. We expect that sentiment to resound through each thing we do, and it becomes overwhelming. When we reach a point of burnout or exhaustion, it is im-
portant that we take the time to recover, but we feel guilty when we do. Finland has the number one education system in the world. They have longer recesses, longer lunches and less homework than the American system, and 66 percent of students go on to study at the college level. This is because European nations understand the value of a life outside of constant deadlines. In America, we fall victim to the false idea that time spent enjoying ourselves is time wasted. This is because we buy the into the mantra that tells us we have to go to school to get a good job, and we have to get a good job so we can make a lot of money, and we have to make a lot of money so we can buy a nice boat, and we have to buy a nice boat so we can have something to do when we retire, and we have to retire so we can enjoy the few years left before we die. But there is nothing wrong with enjoying ourselves.
There is no reason we should not spend a Saturday relaxing. There is no reason we should not have a drink on a Tuesday. There is no reason we should not claim our lives as our own and live them as we see fit. Chasing the American Dream is not our destiny. Chasing happiness, chasing joy and chasing our personal fulfillment is our true human destiny. Perhaps your dream is to be a mechanic. Perhaps it is to drop out of school and become a tattoo artist. Perhaps it is to simply become a person who enjoys his life. That is okay. Live your life – you only have one. Be happy, be grateful, and take time to rest. The American Dream might not be your calling, and that is okay. YOLO. Payton Potter is a senior journalism major from Farmsville, Texas who serves as social media editor for The Tech Talk.
READING BETWEEN THE SIDELINES
The safe hire was the right hire MATT VALCHO Sports Editor | mvv002@latech.edu
W
ith the hiring of Brooke Stoehr as the head coach of the women’s basketball program, Tech has begun rebuilding a once proud program after a whirlwind few weeks. Stoehr seems to be the perfect fit for the Lady Techsters. The previous coach, Tyler Summitt, brought quite a bit of media attention when he was hired and when he left the program. Summitt is the son of a women’s basketball coaching legend. Not to mention that he was extremely young, only 23 years old, and had very little coaching experience when he was presented. He left the program in shambles after an inappropriate relationship with a former player. It was juicy stuff. Hollywood
would be hard pressed to write a more dramatic script. Like I said in my column last week, the headlines wrote themselves. Following that insanity, Stoehr is exactly what Tech needs: a safe hire. The school needs a coach who’s well qualified and who will allow the school to rebuild under the radar without being put under the microscope that the last name Summitt brought with it. Stoehr is just that. She has the previous coaching experience Summitt lacked, but she doesn’t have the name recognition Summit had, and that’s not a bad thing. Also, she is a she. A woman taking over at the helm is probably a good idea considering recent events. Stoehr is a total turnaround from the previously appointed
coach. That makes me think that Tech has learned their lesson from hiring Summitt. As a former player who is returning home to coach at her alma mater, Stoehr is already a part of the Tech family that many of the Bulldog faithful know so well. Her connection with the school will be good for recruiting and the overall image of the program. It’ll be a long road back to normalcy. It’ll take a lot to return this program back to former glory, but with the hiring of Stoehr, the school has taken a good step in the right direction. Only time will tell if she’s successful in Ruston or not, but following the last few weeks, almost anything can be considered an improvement. Matt Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk.
Is Obama’s immigration plan practical? A
s the next presidential election nears, the issues our country has been seeking to solve and reform are heavily debated topics and immigration is a big one. As President Barack Obama prepares to finish out his term, his immigration policy proposal is one he has been trying hard to have Congress approve. As of this week though, the House is still split, along with many American voters. Immigration is a tough and often can be a touchy subject, but it is something that ultimately must be addressed in one way or another. With an increasing number of immigrants, both illegal and legal entering the United States, a course of action must be taken whether it is to deny them the access or to figure out a way to allow them to become citizens. Obama proposed this immigration plan back in 2014, without it passing through Congress and the House. The plan would give temporary protection from deportation to more than 4 million immigrants who are undocumented immigrants. It ran into opposition last year, but recently went to the House only to leave with a split opinion again. Obama’s plan would offer immigrants protection for five years before either deporting them or beginning the citizenship process. While Obama’s intentions with this plan were not bad, it is hard to see how the plan would work as perfectly as he would envision. As Congress is torn, many American citizens are also torn. America is ultimately a country where most citizens originated from immigrant families, so it is not wrong to try to continue to allow immigrants to come into the country, but it is by far not an easy process. What Obama is trying to do with this plan is good for both the immigrants and American society, but its legality is the issue now. On the other hand, there are also many concerns when it comes to this policy because it is allowing illegal immigrants to live in the United States without commitment to citizenship and could result in relaying a message to future immigrants. This message may seem like it is okay to enter a country without taking a legal route to become a citizen. Even with the best intentions, we have to analyze how the plan seems like an executive order because it was not first approved by the House. And now that the House is split, it does not seem like much will actually come from the plan because of the limited amount of time Obama has left in office. This being said, it is an issue the 2016 presidential candidates will have to address whether or not anymore happens with Obama’s plan. Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders lean more toward Obama’s intentions for immigrants, wanting to help them get established whereas Ted Cruz and Donald Trump want to deport them. Immigration will always be an issue our country will continue to deal with, but as of now we must assess what is right for the country, the immigrants who desire to make this country their permanent home and the current citizens this will affect. As of now we can only wait to see what immigration will mean in the U.S.
April 21, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 5
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ON OUR
COMMUNITY
No place like home at Grandma’s House JENNA PRICE Staff Reporter| jmp073@ latech.edu David Love transformed his home to suit a house concert. Band merchant tables were set up in the dining room. All the furniture was cleared from the living room. Drums, guitars and microphones were assembled in the kitchen. Love’s home turned into “Grandma’s House” on April 15 to host artist Alex Spiers and bands Alive by Sunrise and Modern Language. This was the third house concert Love has held in his grandparents’ former home where he now lives. Love said Modern Language renamed his house the first time they played in Ruston. “They nicknamed my house because of all the knick-knacks that were leftover when my grandparents lived there,” said Love, a junior business management major. Spiers, a Louisiana Tech music graduate, opened for Modern Language. He said the show was eclectic and fitting for an intimate house concert. “The venue is oddly perfect for a house show,”Spiers said. “Being that close to everyone and being able to see your friends while you play is an awesome experience as a listener and a performer.” Lana Larmeu has opened twice for Grandma’s House with
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Alex Spiers, a Louisiana Tech alumnus, plays for a crowd at the house show at “Grandma’s House.” Love and helped with the shows. She said they continued to do house concerts because of the lack of opportunities in Ruston for college students. “It could be a safe but fun environment outside of the movies and Whataburger,” said Larmeu, a sophomore engineering major. “It’s a chance to tap into the creative music side and do something different.” Spiers played mostly original songs and said he encouraged the conversation to overlap his music while he performed.
“My music is really chill,” Spiers said. “So feel free to talk.” Shreveport-based Alive by Sunrise contrasted Spiers with five members playing two electric guitars, an acoustic guitar, a bass and drums. Alive by Sunrise played a mixture of originals and covers by The Fray and Chris Stapleton. “We want it to be a launching pad for smaller bands,” said Larmeu. Indie-rock band Modern Language, based out of Hammond, headlined the show. Love said the first show at Grandma’s
House hosted Modern Language because they knew Love’s roommate. “It was a chance thing,” said Love. “Modern Language was supposed to have a show in Little Rock, but it fell through at the last minute. So, they texted Mac Blades if they could have a show in Ruston a week or two before the actual show.” Love said Grandma’s House shows are evolving to include shuttles to his house and shows. “I’m just learning as I go,” Love said.
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GIRLS SEASON FIVE
STURGILL SIMPSON “A SAILOR’S GUIDE TO EARTH”
JOHN SADLER Features Editor| jts040@ latech.edu Country music is in an odd state of lack of flux. Its high-grossing artists like Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean continue to make bro-country ballads designed solely to make dogs howl in pain while artists like Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton skirt the boundaries of what country is now considered, billed alternately as “alt-country” or “Americana.” Enter Sturgill Simpson, the DMT-addled country troubadour with sad eyes and sadder lyrical content. Simpson’s 2014 release, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” was the most inspired outlaw country release in recent history, blending Waylon-style crooning with psychedelic lyrics. He rapidly became known as the country artist loved by people who don’t like country artists. Simpson has not stagnated in his acclaim, though. His new album, “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” is less concerned with psychedelic metaphysicality and more concerned with his newfound fatherhood. Simpson’s son is the genesis and focal point of the album. Filtered through a funky
horn section, the album exists as a instruction manual to guide his son through life’s trials. The album seems to pick up with his birth, with Simpson crooning “Hello my son, welcome to Earth,” in the album’s introductory line. The track list shifts in between direct addresses to his son like “Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)” and “Keep it Between the Lines” and advisory tales like “Call to Arms” and “Breakers Roar.” Simpson’s past in the Navy comes through on the album in spades. Nautical themes draw the album together. Simpson considers touring his sea, fighting with both the allure of the sailor’s/musician’s life and the call of home. On “Sea Stories,” and to a more extreme extent, “Call to Arms,” Simpson bemoans the destruction of self he sees as inherent to a military career. He tells his son on “Call to Arms,” “Well son I hope you don’t grow up / believing you’ve got to be a puppet to be a man.” It’s a “Born in the U.S.A” for the 2010s, minus any capacity for misunderstanding. Simpson is pissed here, and it shows. Before the announcement
DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter| djn002@ latech.edu
Atlantic Records
of the album, Simpson told “GQ” he had been sitting on new material in order to avoid touring for it. “Quite honestly, I need about six months at home with my family,” he said. His love/hate relationship with touring is all over the album. On “Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)” and “Oh Sarah” he tells his wife and son respectively his wandering from home does not mean he is abandoning them. He tells his wife (on “Oh Sarah”) “Out on the road is where I’m going to find my way.” The album’s most interesting experiment is his cover of Nirvana’s “In Bloom.” Simpson said he added the song because it was what he was listening to at age 13, stating, “For me, that song has always summed up what it means to be a teenager, and I think it tells a young boy that he can be sensitive and compassionate — he doesn’t have to be tough or cold to be a man.” There’s nobody in country music who is doing it quite like Simpson. Missing out on an album like this is a tragedy.
“Girls” continually missteps storylines and characters and intentionally crosses the line of good taste that it sometimes seems to be posing a dare to the viewer to stop watching. However, the two-part finale of the fifth season strikes a pleasant, likeable blend of comedy and drama which deserves your renewed viewership just in time for the sixth and final season next year. One of the main reasons many have quit “Girls” is the main character Hannah Horvath, played by Lena Dunham, whose narcissistic ways have been strongly resistant to change. What the finale does well is re-assert our protagonist as someone worth rooting for after several moments of characteristic selfdestruction throughout the season. After season-long talk about starting anew, Hannah definitively ends her placeholder relationship with teacher Fran, played by Jake Lacy, and quits her teaching job (with a surprisingly touching send-off to her ridiculously patient boss). This all seems like her way of jumpstarting a new path for herself, which is a good idea. However, her hangout time with successful rival Tally, played by guest star Jenna Slate, is crucial in how it teaches Hannah that success might not make you feel like an adult or lead to feelings of worth at all times, but it’s natural to feel a lack of control or identity every once in awhile. This prompts Hannah to finally getting back into writing after some time off from it. I believe that Hannah mak-
HBO
ing this decision is a good direction for the character and a perfect way to carry Hannah into the sixth season. The rest of the girls also seem to be on the right path, and each one’s arc is satisfyingly resolved for the most part. Marnie, played by Allison Williams, makes the decision to finally acknowledge her love of Ray after a season’s worth of paying lip-service to moving on after her divorce with bandmate Desi. The decision to take him on their tour both gives Ray, one of the show’s best characters, a closer tie to the story and provides Marnie with some further maturation after the previous showcase episode, “Panic in Central Park,” began this process. “Love Stories” and “I Love You Baby” contained everything a “Girls” loyalist could hope for. Each character is given an ending which does not feel forced and, most importantly, is not totally annoying and off-putting. “Girls” may not be considered prestige television by many anymore, but this finale gives ample evidence that the show is quietly making a comeback in overall quality and deserves a second look.
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6 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2016
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 – April 19 Staying in touch with a love partner could be difficult today, Aries, almost to the point of causing a minor panic. Don’t jump to any unwarranted conclusions about possible problems in the relationship. What’s causing the silence is probably beyond your friend’s control, and could well be related to sudden and unexpected crises, or possibly something as mundane as a computer breakdown. Be patient and hang in there. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Are you having problems with the lighting or heating in your home, Taurus? If so, you might not be able to get a professional out today. There could be problems in the entire neighborhood. You might have to get out the candles and flashlights to get you through the evening. Don’t let this throw you. It’s a minor inconvenience that will be fixed soon. Think of it as an adventure! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 A friend or neighbor you need to contact could be in and out all day, Gemini, and so you could have trouble reaching him or her. Phone or email probably won’t work, since your friend could be too busy to check messages. The best way to make contact might be to hop in the car and drive to wherever they might be. Take the side streets, however. The main roads are probably clogged with traffic! Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 This probably isn’t a good day to do work that concerns money, Cancer. Your mind may not be in the right space. You could make errors that cause problems. If possible, also avoid working on any kind of creative project, since your mind might not be very clear and you probably won’t be happy with the results. However, this is a great day for routine work that doesn’t require much concentration. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 A lost object could have all the members of your household going through every room trying to find it, Leo - probably without success. Visitors could pitch in as well and help with the search. The item is probably in a fairly large room that everybody uses, probably among other objects. If no one locates it, however, let it go for now. It could reappear later as if by magic. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 This could be a very busy day in your community, Virgo. Some kind of rally, protest, or other public gathering might take place. If you attend, you may not hear much because of all the noise, and the event could seem disorganized at best. It could also render traffic impossible! If you can, stay home today. Going out could be
more trouble than it’s worth. Protest with your vote or your wallet instead. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 A future course of action that you may or may not take could depend on information you might receive today, Libra. However, don’t be surprised if the information is vague and needs to be clarified. On top of it all, you might not be able to reach the person who can clear it up for you! Hang in there. You’ll want to make up your mind as soon as possible. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Are you unhappy or uncertain about your current profession, Scorpio? Are you thinking of making a change? News could reach you today of possible avenues to explore, but you shouldn’t make any decision today. Your mind isn’t as objective as it should be to think through everything. Think about it, by all means, but wait a day or two before giving serious consideration to anything vital. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your natural psychic or intuitive abilities could be short-circuited today, Sagittarius. Interference from the minds of other people could cloud issues, and this won’t do you any good. Your imaginative faculties could be rather garbled as well. The best possible advice would be to take the day for your own needs. You can go back to your usual routine tomorrow. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 The atmosphere around you could seem somewhat unreal today. If you get a weird vibe from someone, Capricorn, take everything this person says with a grain of salt. He or she has an agenda and isn’t above distorting the truth to achieve it. If what they say doesn’t affect you, don’t worry about it. If it does, take pains to learn the facts before acting on it. You’ll be glad you did. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Communication could take some extra effort today, Aquarius. A business or romantic partner could seem like they’re keeping things from you. You might get some uneasy vibes and wonder if there’s trouble with your partnership. Don’t be afraid to ask. Your friend probably won’t tell you what the problem is, but will reassure you that it has nothing to do with you. If so, it isn’t your business. Let it go.
CROSSWORDPUZZLE
www.bestcrosswords.com 66. Prepares for publication
Across 1. Daisy variety 6. Grain stores 11. Stockholm flier 14. Longed 15. Become less intense, die off 16. European name for a moose 17. City in Tuscany 18. Attack 19. Mr. Rogers 20. Prehistoric sepulchral tomb 22. Potpourris 24. Enlarge 28. Import or export duty 30. Trattoria treats 31. Fuji rival 32. Poverty-stricken 33. Candor 37. That, in Tijuana 38. It’s a trap 39. Always, poetically 40. Alluring 43. Practice 45. Hotel offering 46. Early computer 47. Small rocky island 49. Plain 50. Taco topper 51. Fiddlesticks! 52. URL ending 53. Aquarium fish 56. Part of ICBM 61. Dorothy Parker, for one 62. Green-lights 63. Poem 64. Pince-___ 65. Put back into service
Down 1. Photo-___ 2. Sundial number 3. Compass dir. 4. Hankering 5. Appetite 6. Impertinent 7. Yeah, sure! 8. Back muscle, for short 9. Ear opening? 10. Ladies of Spain 11. Letter cross-line 12. Reserved 13. The ___ the limit! 21. ___ were you... 23. Similar 24. Choreographer de Mille 25. 1980s attorney general 26. Beg 27. Young man 28. Yankee manager Joe 29. “Song of the South” song syllables 31. Jack 33. Oneness 34. Rob, old-style 35. Dairy eschewer 36. Build 38. Arouse 41. Puts into service 42. Superintendent 43. Joint 44. Caesar of comedy 46. Charlottesville sch. 47. Hawkins of Dogpatch 48. Awkward person 49. Backspace over 50. Darned
DAILY U
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Messages from a distant state or foreign country, possibly through fax, email, or website, might not be totally accurate, Pisces. If any information presented in this fashion sets off an alarm bell in your head, be sure to do some research on your own and check out the facts. Don’t accept any news at face value today. The lines of human and technical communication are definitely out of whack today.
WEEKLYWEATHER
www.accuweather.com
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 77 LOW 57
HIGH 81 LOW 54
HIGH 82 LOW 55
HIGH 82 LOW 61
HIGH 82 LOW 66
HIGH 88 LOW 64
HIGH 83 LOW 65
>
51. Prohibitionists 54. Barely make, with “out” 55. Sigma follower 57. Homer’s TV neighbor 58. TNT part 59. Superlative ending 60. Legal matter
SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty EASY Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
ULS DAY from pg. 1
“There are always discussions going on about TOPS,” Guerin said. “They’re currently facing the battle of figuring out how to continue to fund it and ensure that the students who worked hard to become TOPS eligible have the resources available to pursue a college education. But what’s very important to remember is that our legislators of this region are absolutely in support of our students and doing whatever it takes to fund scholarships for them.” Guerin said student participation plays a crucial role in the success of the event and the system. “Over the last few years, students have become more
involved in ULS Day,” he said. “We want those state leaders to see firsthand how schools within the system have provided them opportunities to be contributing professionals in the state of Louisiana.” Mackenzie Potts, SGA president-elect, said she was most impressed by state leaders’ readiness to address concerns as well as their appreciation for Tech. “Their willingness to have conversations and answer any question or concern we had truly made the experience,” she said. “And it was rewarding to hear how outstanding they think we are as a university and how we continue to grow through these uncertain times.”
WE ARE
www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
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April 21, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 7
More Talk
FIGHTING FIRE WITH
FIRE Photos submitted by Matthew Page
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs serve their community as volunteer firefighters PAYTON POTTER • Staff Reporter • jpp017@latech.edu
M Top: Eric Cortese and Cameron Caldwell fight a landfill fire. Middle: Firefighters unload gasoline from an overturned truck before rolling it upright. Right: Firefighters fight a trailer fire.
any students across campus are involved in philanthropic programs and clubs. However, for a small number of students, serving those around them means putting their lives on the line. They are volunteer firefighters, and they help area departments with crises ranging from structure fires to natural disasters to car accidents to medical emergencies. For Paul Philip Puneky, being a volunteer firefighter means more than simply putting out blazes. “I have been a volunteer now for 10 years and have seen a good bit of difficult things, but volunteering as a firefighter has always been very rewarding,” said Puneky, a junior industrial engineering student. “You learn discipline, how to function as a team, trust in the equipment you have and how to solve problems rapidly.” Puneky said his passion for volunteering began after he and four friends helped with the cleanup effort following Hurricane Katrina. “I think what also pushed us to volunteer at the time was hurricane Katrina had hit just before the fall quarter of 2005 and all five of us were from the New Orleans area,” he said. “We had seen the destruction and helped with cleaning up after. That really impacted us and we really wanted to continue doing volunteer work.” Matt Page, a senior professional aviation major, said he began volunteering after he helped put out a fire in the woods across from his home in high school. “You could see a glow coming through the trees,” he said. “I went to investigate and, upon not finding anyone, I simply started to stomp the fire out. I had about a third of it put out before the first truck got there. One of the guys told me about the fire department, so I filled out an application and went with it.” Thus he began volunteering at Alpine Volunteer Fire Department in Tioga. He still felt driven to volunteer when he
moved to Ruston for school. “After about three weeks of sitting in the dorm watching Ruston Fire Department drive by, I followed them to a fire not far from Tech just to watch,” he said. “A sheriff ’s deputy asked if I was with the parish and then explained that they have volunteers. That is when I started with the parish.” Page said he has learned valuable lessons from his time as a volunteer. “You see and do things that you would never get to do in any other profession,” he said. “I’ve learned not only things like how to put out a fire, but also how to remove and help trapped people who have been in a car crash and even how to deal with a wide variety of natural disasters. When you become a firefighter, you learn how to adapt to any given situation.” Page said even the volunteers’ smallest tasks help lessen the impact of tragedies people face. “When people don’t know what to do, they call the fire department,” he said. “Sometimes the smallest things like helping someone who fell or retrieving someone’s photo album after they have lost everything else can make you a hero. I am very happy I did this and wish everyone could experience the things I have.” Kyle Anderson, a senior history major and volunteer firefighter, said anyone interested in volunteering can get involved by visiting the station in Vienna and speaking with the fire chief. “If anyone would like to join something noble that’s goal is to save lives and protect property, then they should try volunteer firefighting,” he said. Anderson said volunteering changed his life. “Being a firefighter has affected me by giving me a new passion and drive for life,” he said. “I also have become closer with my faith again since I started working as a volunteer firefighter. However, I’ve had to deal with death and loss on the job which was hard to deal with, but that’s where my faith comes in.”
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8 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2016
Lady Techsters name Stoehr head coach MATTHEW VALCHO Sports Editor | mvv002@latech.edu The process of rebuilding a program rocked by scandal has officially started with the appointment of former Lady Techster assistant and player Brooke Stoehr as head coach of the women’s basketball program. Tech athletic director Tommy McClelland announced the move at a press conference in the Waggonner Room of the Thomas Assembly Center on Tuesday. “This hire provides Louisiana Tech with the best of both basketball worlds as Brooke Stoehr returns to the Lady Techster sideline,” McClelland said. “She has a proven track record of molding her players into winners on and off the court.” Stoehr, a former Lady Techster point guard, spoke about how excited she is to be back in a place she considers home. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity Tech President Les Guice and Tommy McClelland have given me to lead the Lady Techster program,” Stoehr said. “I have a deep passion for this program and have a personal investment in it from my time here as a student athlete.” Stoehr is the seventh head coach in the program’s history. Former coach Tyler Summitt resigned from the program two weeks ago after an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship. McClelland and Stoehr made it clear that recent events were behind the program. “Our goals are still the same,” McClelland said. “The standards of the Lady Techsters have not been reduced in light of anything.” “This is a special place to me, with a rich tradition and history,” Stoehr said. “We are not broken. I want everyone to understand that. We are moving forward and we are going in the right direction.” Four years ago, Stoehr took over an underperforming program at Northwestern State before leading the team to a 71-58 record during her tenure including two back-to-back Southland Conference tournament titles. “After inheriting a program that won
Photo by T. Scott Boatright
Former Lady Techster point guard and assistant coach Brooke Stoehr returns to Tech following a four-year stint at Northwestern State in Natchitoches where the compilled a 71-58 record. six games the year before she took over, Brooke coached Northwestern State to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and three postseason appearances in four years in Natchitoches,” McClelland said. “That’s impressive.” While at Tech, Stoehr played for Hall of Fame coach Leon Barmore on the final team Barmore coached before retiring. “Brooke was the last point guard I ever
coached at Louisiana Tech,” Barmore said. “When things were tough and the game was on the line, I wanted Brooke to have the ball. To be honest with you, I’m glad she has the ball now. I love her, and I’m glad she is in charge of this program.” Stoehr will be joined on the staff by her husband Scott, who will become co-head coach upon employment due to the state ethics laws that prevent family members
and spouses from hiring each other. Prior to her time at NSU, Stoehr was an assistant at Little Rock, Louisiana Tech, Southern Mississippi and Texas Tech. “I am ready to go to work. I think it will be a great experience. I love Louisiana Tech. I love this program.,” Stoehr said. “We are excited to move forward with this great group of young women and I cannot wait to get it started.”
Bulldogs finish practice with annual spring game KERRY WAGUESPACK Staff Reporter | kfw005@latech.edu
Photo courtesy of Tom Morris/LATechSportsPix.com
Alfred Smith caught four passes for 120 yards during the spring game. Smith, a redshirt freshman, had a breakout spring according to head coach Skip Holtz.
The first chance to get a look at Tech football for the 2016 season took place at Joe Aillet Stadium last Saturday as the offense took on the defense. It is hard to get a good reading on a team just by the spring game, but the annual game helps coaches tell if players have the fundamentals needed to play each position. “There were good and bad plays made on both sides of the ball,” head coach Skip Holtz said. “I thought some guys stepped up and did some pretty good things today.” One of the players who the coaches wanted to see perform well was senior quarterback Ryan Higgins. Higgins statistically played well in the game, but seemed to struggle some on letting the ball hang too much on passes down the field. “The game has really slowed down for Ryan and he is doing a great job, he is making some really good decisions out there with the ball,” Holtz said. The quarterbacks as a whole played well in the game throwing for six total touchdowns and piled up close to 700 yards through the air. This year’s spring game was a star-studded affair, with Tech and Pro Football Hall of Famers Terry Bradshaw and Fred Dean, Cleveland Browns cornerback Tramon Williams and recent graduate running back Kenneth Dixon all in attendance. Dean and Williams were guest head coaches for the event. Redshirt junior Boston Scott and junior Jarred Craft are both looking to replace Dixon, the second all-time leading touchdown scorer in NCAA history, in the back-
field of the Tech offense. “I think both Boston and Jarred are doing some really good things; they broke tackles, they ran north and south, and they ran hard,” Holtz said. He said they are catching the ball well out of the backfield and becoming check down options for the quarterback which helps to cut down on sacks. Another position looking for players to step up and play a bigger role in the offense is wide receiver. “I was not trying to feature Trent Taylor; I have 99 catches a year ago on film doing what he does,” Holtz said. He said Alfred Smith and Kam McKnight are both doing some really good things in the spring which opens up the offense, also Carlos Henderson returns to add a deep threat to the offense. “We are having too many busts at the wide receiver position, I think some guys are really starting to separate themselves and identify that two-deep and seeing what the depth chart looks like,” Holtz said. The defense had some shining spots as well, Jaylon Ferguson showed that he has the talent to anchor the defense in the fall. Ferguson, redshirt freshman defensive end, made his mark on the game by registering three sacks which scored nine points for the defense. The defense as a whole recorded nine sacks and forced five turnovers including a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown. “It is a great growing part of our program because he is going to make Shane Carpenter a better player, and as Shane gets better Jaylon will have to improve his game,” Holtz said. Tech kicks off their season Sept. 3 against the Arkansas Razorbacks.