SIDELINES February 17, 2016
Vol. 90 | No. 4
Q&A with
Julien Baker On ‘Sprained Ankle’
playing with The National, touring and MTSU
Julien Baker, an English major at MTSU, has been on the rise in the music world over the past year. Since the release of her album Sprained Ankle, the young singer-songwriter has embarked on two tours across America and amassed tons of recognition for her work. She’s made a music video for the title track of the album, opened for The National, released three videos through an OurVinyl session and signed with 6131 Records (just to name a few of her accomplishments). In addition to this, you still may see her walking around campus on MTSU; her ability to balance getting a degree with a blooming music career is incredible. The 20-year-old’s much buzzed-about album even landed at No. 49 on Paste Magazine’s 50 Best Albums of 2015 list, in addition to reviews from Pitchfork and The New York Times and a write-up in Rolling Stone. The Memphis native has gone from playing local shows with her former band, Forrister, to selling out venues states away in just a matter of months. Sprained Ankle itself is deeply personal; with it, Baker created a unique brand of hauntingly sad rock and roll. With lyrics such as “come visit me in the back of an ambulance; a saline communion that I held like a séance on the blacktop, the devil in my arms says feed me to the wolves tonight,” “make my insides clean with kitchen bleach, I’ve kissed enough bathroom sinks to make up for the lovers that never loved me” and “you’re gonna run when you find out who I am, I know I’m a pile of filthy wreckage you will wish you’d never touch,” her personal narrative comes to life. It centers on rehabilitation from destructiveness -- something deeper than heartbreak, hospital visits and the existential ponderings of a young life. We interviewed Baker about a year ago before her big break, and now we’ve followed up with her fresh off a recent tour to get a better perspective on her experiences:
Photo by Matt Masters
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N L COVER C O SPORTS S NEWS
MTSU poll shows Trump and Clinton Ahead in Tennessee / page 10 MTSU opens largest student veterans facility in the state / page 11
LIFESTYLES
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Dylan Skye Aycock Managing Editor Sarah Grace Taylor Managing Editor John Connor Coulston News Editor Amanda Freuler Assistant News Editor Bennie Hunt Lifestyles Editor Tanner Dedmon Assistant Lifestyles Editor Brinley Hineman Assistant Lifestyles Editor Olivia Ladd Sports Editor Connor Ulrey Assistant Sports Editor Caleb Luketic Design Editor Anna Claire Farmer Design Editor Allison Ciccarelli Faculty Adviser Leon Alligood
The Block offers live music and innovative menu to Murfreesboro / page 5
MTSU sculptor professor Michael Baggerly creates simple but unique pieces / page 11 Dad’s Garage / page 12
Q & A with Julien Baker on “Sprained Ankle,” playing with The National, touring and MTSU / page 4
OPINION
DLC, Microtransactions and what we shouldn’t put up with / page 14
Former MTSU quarterback transitions into professional football / page 6
Sidelines Spotlight: Brea Edwards, Women’s Basketball Powerhouse / page 18
Want to advertise with Sidelines? Email editor@mtsusidelines.com or managingeditor@mtsusidelines.com for more information. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MTSUSidelines
Note from the Editor As the new editor-in-chief of Sidelines, I’d like to eradicate any confusion surrounding how our publication operates. From this past December until I retire my position, I want to be transparent. As a publication and as journalists, we hold ourselves accountable, and we strive everyday to be a credible news source for the student body and Murfreesboro community. As the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics states, journalists from all platforms of media should strive to serve the public with honesty, thoroughness and journalistic integrity. These are the cornerstones of a journalist’s credibility. And, as journalists know, at the end of the day, all that is left is our credibility. Sidelines is editorially independent from the university. To further simplify, the university has no say in what we publish or when we publish a story. The only correspondence between Sidelines and the university is when we seek information or comment regarding an issue. Prior restraint doesn’t exist here. No one is standing over our shoulders telling us what to write or what to erase. If they were, I wouldn’t be writing this right now, and I wouldn’t be editor-in-chief. Sidelines operates with an editorial board of about 13 students and a generally small staff of writers, photographers, videographers and designers. Most students on the editorial board, myself included, are journalism majors. We’ve taken courses such as media writing, reporting, free expression, mass media law and, what I consider to be the most important course in our curriculum, media ethics. In other words, we’re still learning, but we’ve also absorbed enough in the classroom and from experience in the field to know what we’re doing. Like all student organizations on campus, we do have a faculty adviser. But what’s important to know about our faculty adviser, Leon Alligood, is that he worked as a reporter for more than 30 years. He is exceedingly knowledgable of his craft, and, when we need advice, we call Leon to ensure we’re upholding our journalistic standards. So what is our editorial process? How do we choose what to cover? If something is newsworthy, we cover it. Although we have a small staff, we work diligently to provide news that pertains to our readership. We don’t stop to think if an individual or the university will be upset if we do, because, as journalists, we know that we cannot yield vital information to the public. To quote the SPJ Code of Ethics once more, we must “be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.” If someone is upset that we brought an issue to light, it typically means we’re doing something right. This is when things become tricky. When reading an article, whether it be in print or online, examine the facts and try to understand why it’s newsworthy, and don’t just disregard something because you don’t like what we’re saying. Journalists are humans, too, and we’re just doing our jobs. That being said, if we do something wrong, hold us accountable. Like I mentioned before, journalists should always strive to be accountable, transparent and credible, and if we’re not, call us out. As always, please reach out if you’d like to join our staff, share news tips, concerns or inquiries. We’re 24-7.
Dylan Skye Aycock Editor in Chief
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COVER 1. What is the coolest 5. Has anything at MTSU experience you’ve had in been different since Sprained Ankle has the past year? This is a difficult one ... I think one of the coolest memories I have made was playing at Rough Trade in Brooklyn on this received so much national last tour. Not only was it at a venue that is particularly meaningful to me because of its historical significance in the scene, attention over the past but the show was with Eskimeaux, a group of musicians I look up to a lot, and it was sold out. The crowd was so receptive, I got to talk to so many people afterwards. I was overwhelmed year? by how lucky I am to perform these songs and get to interact with people who are strangers but who somehow share a very intimate connection with the songs -- and, by extension, with me. Quite the humbling experience, but very precious (Also, after the show, me and all my buddies went and got midnight vegan pizza at this awesome place called Vinnie’s Pizzaria -needless to say it was a good day).
2. How have the experiences of your first tour with Ryan Azada and your recent tours differed? This is the first tour that has been handled by a booking agent, and so things were a lot more organized and formal -- for instance, Emma, my long-time friend and tour manager who has been out on the road with me and/or Forrister for years actually had to advance with venues and schedule things; it wasn't as lax and casual as the DIY spaces I am used to playing.
Not really. That is, not in any dramatic sense that affects my daily life. My friends from ODP and the RIM program sometimes message me or see me around and will tell me that they are proud of me, and that’s what I cherish and what means the most. Though, the chair of the English department did ask to speak with me, and that was very flattering, though I think that’s just because my advisor, Jimmie Cain, a.k.a. the coolest English professor in the program, mentioned the Nashville Scene article to her.
6. Have the classes you’ve taken and/or organizations you’ve been involved with at MTSU helped you develop as an artist? Oh, absolutely. I have been an audio engineering major and an English major, and both have been very useful to me as an artist.
Obviously, the RIM program helped me so much in a practical way; knowing audio engineering stuff makes it easier to troubleshoot on the road and makes sound-check go a lot smoother because I can help set up or know what needs to be done. And the classes on industry stuff were also incredibly beneficial once I started to encounter those things in real-life situations (I mean, I talked to my Survery of RIM teacher, Stacy Merida, about contracts when I was thinking about what to do signing to 6131). The liberal arts department also helped in a more abstract way, I think it forced me to develop analytical skills and think critically about art in a way that has shaped my songwriting indirectly. It’s definitely informed my lyrical content. Even with the decision to do online courses while I tour full-time, the philosophical questions we were mulling over in my lit. classes helped me when I applied them to the questions I was facing. I still tell people the story of when I was talking to my professor about maybe going on tour but being worried for my studies. He referenced Goethe’s Faust, he used it to make the point that the information we learn shouldn’t be what validates us, it should be how we use the thought we develop. He encouraged me to go out and gather experiences and pursue my passions. I realized because of that that learning is about more than the traditional idea of academia, as valuable and necessary as that is. You need classrooms and you need to go adventure. You have to balance knowledge and experience to be truly educated. For more lifestyles features, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @ MTSUSidelines. To contact Lifestyles Editor Tanner Dedmon, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
3. How was opening for The National? It was mind-blowing. I have listened to them since I was in junior high and they are huge influences, so when I heard we got the show offer I was floored. They are all so kind and personable, too, it was awesome meeting them. I also got to bring my friend Brian, who got me free tickets to see The National back when I couldn’t afford it, and it was a cool full-circle kind of thing. I was happy I got to have that opportunity to share it with the people who had been sharing music and opportunities with me since I was younger.
4. What was making the music video for “Sprained Ankle” like? It was fun! Sabyn Mayfield reached out to me with this incredible offer to do a video, and I liked his work, so I took him up on it on good faith and had no idea what to expect. It was the first time I had ever been to Los Angeles, and I stayed only a day and a half. We drove all the way out to this abandoned ghost-town area in the desert around 2-3 hours outside the city really early in the morning and shot all day. It was a great set up, but we went for very basic and simple ... I remember I did my bruise make-up with oil pastels and kept re-applying in the car because it would melt and rub off in the heat. But it turned out great, I think Sabyn really understood how to toe the line of quirky and serious and had a good vision for executing the video well. I owe him so much for spending his free time doing a video for me. photo by Matt Masters
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LIFESTYLES
The
Block
offers live music and an innovative menu to Murfreesboro By Olivia Ladd | Assistant Lifestyles Editor
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he Block is an innovative restaurant, bar and creative space nestled right in the heart of Murfreesboro. They bring fresh ingredients, faces, ideas, and, most importantly, a focus on community to the table. The Block began in October of 2015. “The restaurant business is something that’s been in my family for generations now ... I grew up in it; it’s basically all I really know,” Manuel (Manny) Santana, the owner, told Sidelines. One glance at the menu and one can tell this is not a runofthemill business. They offer a wide variety of dishes, even vegetarian and vegan entrée options. This makes The Block special because it has a little something for everyone’s taste buds. With just one bite, it becomes obvious that quality comes first. “We use minimally p rocessed foods. We try to make everything that we can inhouse,” Santana commented on the menu, “We try to use all the byproducts; we have minimal food waste. We care about highquality ingredients.” In fact, the cooks over at The Block care so much about their food that they don’t have a single microwave in their kitchen. The menu is mouth watering with lunch items ranging from biscuits and gravy and steak and club sandwiches to avocado and spinach toast and tofu scramble. Additionally, they offer a plethora of appetizers, soups and salads.Santana told us about his favorite dishes: the chicken salad, smoked chicken soup and the “Lady Melanie,” saying, “It’s basically Thanksgiving in one bite.” As if that isn’t enticing enough, the intentions of their practice take things above and beyond. “We really want to be a part of the community as far as food education goes. We’re not concerned
Performers on stage at The Block | Photo by Olivia Ladd
with people eating a salad everyday, we’re more It’s become a hangout spot for people in the muconcerned with [them] knowing where their food sic scene to find new bands and watch their friends comes from, how it’s made ... who had hands on it, play while grabbing a drink. basically,” Santana commented. All kinds of people have performed at The Block In a time where food insecurity in America is from jam bands to indie pop outfits to experimental becoming increasingly rampant groups. and most of the food found in What makes these shows unique In fact, the cooks over at The grocery stores travels miles and is the diversity and the crazy Block care so much about miles from inconspicuous sourcamount of events that are held their food that they don’t es, it’s important that locals have here. a wholesome option for feeding The Block features singer have a single microwave in themselves. songwriter nights, hiphop nights their kitchen. The Block provides that, and complete with rap competitions, it’s been received with open arms. artist showcases, album release Santana expressed his sentiment for the people of shows, organization benefits and open mic nights. Murfreesboro, “The community as a whole has been All types of people from all walks of life come very welcoming to us. We get new smiling faces into The Block to express themselves with no worry everyday that are pretty excited that we’re here, you of judgment. know, with our message for the community.” “We welcome all kinds of people, we want you to What contributes even more to this community come in and try us at least once,” Santana conveyed. oriented space are the shows that take place and the “For us, it’s really about the people of Murfreesvisual art on display. boro.” When walking in, the first Be sure to stop by The Block for lunch or dinner at thing customers see is a beauti123 SE Broad Street (next to where Brew U used to ful mural behind the stage. All be), and check out their events on Facebook to find over the walls are paintings and out when there’s a show. multimedia works submitted by Murfreesboro visual artists. Follow Olivia Ladd on Twitter at @LivSlaton. For These works rotate over time more events and updates, follow us at www. and add an even stronger sense mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines of creativity. and on Twitter/Instagram at @Sidelines_Life. Bands play almost nightly at To contact Lifestyles editor Tanner Dedmon email The Block. There’s always good lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. music to accompany the friendly atmosphere and delicious meals. “I’ve tried to bring the house show philosophy the D.I.Y. community feel ... to a venue,” said Quinten Thornton, who books most of the shows that take place. “We don’t limit the type of music that’s played here. We’re not trying to pigeonhole a certain type of music here.” The Block provides a safe space for bands to play and get exposure around the community without having to worry about noise violations or police shutting shows down.
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SPORTS
Logan Kilgore, #10 Photo by John Sokolowski
Former MTSU Quarterback Trasnsitions into professional football
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By Caleb Luketic | Assistant Sports Editor
ick Stockstill, head football coach of MTSU, has had some incredible success recruiting quarterbacks in recent years. Most recently, he convinced his son Brent Stockstill to come lead the Blue Raiders two seasons ago, and in Stockstill’s first year of eligibility, he led the team to an appearance in the Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl. But before Stockstill was quarterback for the Blue Raiders, Logan Kilgore had the reins. Kilgore, who has since been in the NFL and the Canadian football league, joined MTSU’s football program in 2010, and he was the Blue Raiders’ starting quarterback from 2011-2013. Over his career, Kilgore racked up the secondmost passing yards in school history with 7,849. Kilgore only went 1919 at his time with the Blue Raiders, but he owns the record for most passing touchdowns (53), most career passing yards per game (201.3), most consecutive completions (19 in 2011 against FIU), and he is tied for fourth alltime in wins with 19. Kilgore spoke with Sidelines about his transition from the college to the professional level, and some valuable learning experiences he has had since he left Murfreesboro. “It’s not like I was really caught up in the college scene, but I think it was an easy transition [into the NFL],” Kilgore said. “When it’s your profession, and your family’s livelihood on the line, you’re not going to be skipping workouts, or doing anything silly like that.” After Kilgore’s successful career at MTSU, he decided to declare for the 2014 NFL Draft. Kilgore was not selected in any of the seven rounds, but he was able to sign an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints. Kilgore was excited to learn from one of the game’s best, Drew Brees. “Anytime you’re around a Hall of Famer like Drew [Brees], you try to soak up as much knowledge as you can,” Kilgore said. “That’s what I did. I took advantage of those opportunities to ask questions and try to learn as much as I could, and it’s helped me out in Toronto.” “It was definitely learning experience [learning from Brees]. He’s such a great guy, he’s such a great professional, and such a great teammate. He really helped me along in my development, just seeing how he prepares and how much attention to detail he has. We train together in the offseason out in San Diego, and to be able to pick his brain any time I can... it’s been great to just continue that friendship. He’s kinda like another mentor for me, and I’m thankful for that.” Kilgore was only with the Saints through part of training camp in 2014
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and has since been in the Canadian Football League playing with the Toronto Argonauts. The Canadian Football League is similar to the NFL, but there are some drastic differences to which Kilgore had to adjust. “It’s definitely a different game. It’s a lot faster, as the play clock is a lot quicker. The easy things to see are that we have 12 guys on the field, instead of 11, the field is bigger, we’ve only got three downs, but other than that, it’s really just a game where errors are really hard to come back from,” Kilgore said. “It’s a different type game, there’s a lot pressure on the quarterbacks because you throw the ball so much. I’ve enjoyed it, and it wasn’t a tough transition from the NFL, it just took a little bit of getting used to.” The Toronto Argonauts finished 2015 with a 108 record, and they fell just short of making it to the 103rd Grey Cup (The equivalent to the Super Bowl in the Canadian Football League), losing in the East semifinal game to the Hamilton TigerCats 2522. Kilgore mentioned the team’s emotions after their tough loss, and he said what the team’s mindset will be throughout the offseason and into next season. “We’re transitioning in ownership, we’re getting a new stadium, we’re hosting the Grey Cup in Toronto next year,” Kilgore said. “If you’re not trying to win a Grey Cup, you’re doing yourself a disservice.” Kilgore keeps up with members of the Blue Raiders and was able to come back to Murfreesboro during his bye weeks in 2015 to watch his former teammates play. “I talk to a lot of the guys on the team,” Kilgore said. “I played with a lot of those guys. I got to come out to a couple of games during our bye weeks this year, so I was very involved in what we did. I was excited those guys got a bowl game, considering they probably should have gotten one last year.” For now he’s chasing Grey Cups, but Kilgore has his eyes set on something a little more blue in the long run. “I talk to Brent [Stockstill] all the time, I talk to Coach Stoc,” he said. “We’re very close, and he knows that someday, when I’m done playing, I’d love to work with him and help him coach [the Blue Raiders].” For more sports features, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Sport. To contact Sports Editor Connor Ulrey, email sports@mtsusidelines.com.
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LIFESTYLES
Sidelines Survival Guide 5 offices you need to know on campus
4. Student Success Center
by Sarah Grace Taylor | Managing Editor
MTSU offers free tutoring to students online and on campus. Tutors range in subject from math and science to English and foreign languages. To find a tutor/tutoring center best for you, visit the student success website. Location: Peck Hall 142 Phone: 615-494-8650
MTSU
’s giant campus can be overwhelming to new students and transfer students alike, so we’ve put together a list of offices that you’ll need to know and where you can find them.
1. MTSU Parking services
You’ll go to the parking office to get your resident, commuter or even visitors parking pass. It’ll only take about 5 minutes to get your car registered, but depending on the time of day, you might have a long wait-time. You’ll need your license, license plate number and MTSU ID/M# to register, but the tag is completely free. While you’re there, you can even pick up a color-coded map of the campus parking lots to know where it’s safe to park or get your bike registered. Location: Parking Services Building (PKS on MTSU map), 1403 E Main Street Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Phone: 615-898-2850
2. Post Office
As an on campus student, you will receive your own P.O.box and you will ship/receive packages from the university shipping center. Off campus students can also purchase a P.O. box and use the university post office. Your box number and combination will be located in Pipeline under the student tab. Students will also receive text/email alerts when they receive a package and are required to bring their school ID upon pick up. Location: First floor of the Keathley University Center Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m Phone: (615) 898-2459
3. Health Services
MTSU’s health services is where you’ll go for everything from a flu shot to physical. The office houses standard physicians who can perform strep tests, x-rays, and other functions of your regular doctor as well as women’s health specialists who are available for such things as birth control. Visits can be scheduled online here and are free to students, but fees apply depending on supplies and testing. Health services also includes an on-campus pharmacy located across the hall. Location: Health, Wellness and Recreation Center Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. and Fridays 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m Phone: 615-898-298
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5. MT One Stop
The One Stop is where you’ll go for almost anything related to enrollment. To request transcripts, confirm enrollment, change a major/ minor or get financial aid help, you’ll head to the One Stop. Once at the One Stop, you simply sign in on the computers there and wait a staff member to help you with your administrative needs. One Stop is a relatively new addition to campus that clumped together a lot of the old offices that used to be scattered across campus to be more convenient to students. Location: Student Services and Admission Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone: 615-898-2111
Tips to avoid the flu from a health professional by Bonnie Hunt | Assistant News Editor
Getting sick can happen at any time in any place, even when your schedule is booked with homework, quizzes and tests. Linda Schrader, the director of health promotion at MTSU’s Student Health Services, provided us with some tips on how to stay in class and out of the doctor’s office. Sidelines: What are some ways that students can stay healthy during the flu season? Schrader: Take care of yourself in terms of eating well, being physically active, and getting sufficient rest. The better nourished and conditioned your body is, the more effective your immune system will be at fending off infections. Is there anything that students should avoid to keep from getting sick? As much as possible, avoid being in close contact with sick individuals. Also, limit the number of times you touch your face. Infection can easily be transmitted from your hands through the membranes that line your eyes, nose, and mouth. What kinds of foods/drinks are good for when you’re feeling under the weather? It is important to stay hydrated when you don’t feel well. Drink plenty of water and oth-
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
er non-caffeinated liquids. Listen to your body when it comes to eating solid foods. If you have been queasy, start with clear liquids and broths and work your way up as things sound appealing to you. How would you know whether or not you need to see a doctor when you get sick? Most routine colds do not require a visit to the doctor and can be managed at home. However, if your symptoms do not improve within a week, or if you experience more severe symptoms like vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down, earaches, painful swallowing, or prolonged fever, you may need to visit a doctor. Doctors and nurses at MTSU Health Services will be happy to evaluate your symptoms and determine if additional treatments are needed. If you get sick at night or on the weekends, you can also call Health Services (615-898-2988) and speak with an after-hours nurse for some free advice. What kinds of resources does MTSU offer for its students when they’re sick? Student Health Services, located in the Rec Center, is a full service primary care clinic that can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses, including seasonal flu. Additionally, we offer flu shots each year for students. Students can receive a flu shot any time during business hours, and the cost is $20. There is no cost to see a doctor. Minimal fees are charged for lab tests, and those can be paid with cash, check, credit card, or billed to your student account. We also offer a full service pharmacy that fills prescriptions from providers on or off campus and can process prescription drug insurance claims. The pharmacy also sells over the counter products like cough and cold medicines, pain relievers, and even chicken noodle soup.
Rx
Health Tips for Students The following tips may cause the following side effects: wnating to wash your hands, isolation from society, spring cleaning, buying hand sanitizer, using excess amounts of antibacterial wipes, and in rare cases may cause one to live in a sanitary living enivroment.
LIFESTYLES Parking Guide
by Taylor Warde| Contributing Writer
Finding parking at MTSU can be difficult enough, and then your first parking ticket brings you to a whole new level of headache and confusion. Just about everyone has questions about parking on campus. We did some research and have the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about parking on campus. Q: Where can I park if I have a residential parking tag? A: Aside from reserved spaces, the red, residential parking tags allow currently attending students to park in the red and green parking areas. Students who have red permits are also able to park in the parking garages located on campus. Q: Which parking lots are for commuters? A: Commuter lots are marked with green signs and are spread throughout campus. These lots include: Rose Lot, Middle Tennessee Lot, Fairview Lots, Bell Lot, Ingram Lots, Greenland Lot, Livestock Lot, Greenhouse Lot, Ezell Lot, Parking Services Lots, Main St. Lot, half of the Public Safety Lot, College Heights Lot, Abernathy Lot, Recreation Lot, City View Lot, Softball Lot, MTSU Lot, Rutherford Lot, Highland Lot and Jackson Lot. MTSU’s three parking garages located off of Champion Way, MTSU Boulevard and Bell Street are also open to commuters. Students must swipe their MTSU ID cards in order to enter and exit the garages. Q: After what time is anyone allowed to park on campus without the possibility of being ticketed? A: “In short the answer is never,” Director of Parking and Transportation Services Tracy Read said. “Campus police can ticket 24 hours a day 7 days a week.” However, parking opens up to all permitted vehicles at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on the lot. Q: Where can I pay my parking ticket? A: Students can pay for a parking ticket in person, by mail, or online through their Pipeline account. Checks must be mailed to the MTSU Bursar’s Office, and cash transactions must be completed in person. Students can pay for their ticket via Pipeline by going to the “Raidernet” tab, and then the “Student Account” tab. Q: How do I appeal a parking ticket? A: Students can appeal their parking ticket at the Student Government Association website. Information regarding parking violation appeals is located on the back of each citation issued. Q: What should I do if I lose my parking tag? A: Parking tags that are lost or stolen need to be reported to Parking and Transportation Services and can be replaced for a $25 fee.
Q: How do visitors obtain a temporary parking pass? A: Visitor parking passes can be purchased at the Parking Services Office located on campus, or by printing out a pass online. Special visitors may be able to obtain a visitors pass from the individual department on campus that they are visiting. Q: Where is designated motorcycle parking located on campus? A: Motorcycle parking is available at the Voorhies Engineering Technology building, Peck Hall, Ezell Hall, the Business and Aerospace building and in the Livestock parking lot. Q: Will MTSU be building new parking lots or garages in the near future? A: “Not at this time. Last semester we main-
tained a minimum of 500-750 available spaces at all times,” Read said. Q: Are there currently more parking tags issued than actual parking spaces available? A: Yes. According to Read, this is normal due to the variations in student schedules. “Not everyone is on campus at the same time,” Read said. The Parking Services Offices is located at 1403 Main Street and open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information about parking on campus can be found at www.mtsu.edu/parking. Questions regarding parking on campus can be answered by contacting the office by phone at 615-898-2850 or by email at parking@mtsu.edu.
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NEWS
MTSU Poll Shows Trump and Clinton ahead in tennessee
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by Elisabeth Bradley | Contributing Writer
rump and Clinton have the advantage among Republican and Democratic voters in Tennessee, despite also having the two highest disapproval rates across the state, according to the MTSU Poll conducted from Jan. 15-20. “We asked two types of questions about the presidential race to get a sense of where potential voters stand,” Jason Reineke, associate director of the poll, said in a press release. The poll included 600 registered Tennessee voters and was conducted by phone. Reineke said voters were asked who they would most prefer to win the 2016 presidential election, who they would least like to win and if they were in favor of, or in opposition of, specific candidates. The results were broken down by Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. Donald Trump was chosen by 33 percent of Tennessee’s Republicans as the candidate they preferred to win the 2016 presidential election. Cruz, in second place, was chosen by 17 percent of Republican voters, and 28 percent of Republicans said that they were unsure. While 65 percent of Republican voters said they would favor, or strongly favor, Trump as president, 60 percent said the same for Cruz and 60 percent of Republicans also favored Carson. “If the current favorite, Trump, were to fade, it appears majorities of GOP voters would be willing to back Cruz or Carson, perhaps especially if Clinton turned out to be the Democratic nominee,” Ken Blake, the poll’s director, said. Independent voters also seemed to favor Trump as he was chosen as the top pick for president by 26 percent. Sanders was the next most popular among independents coming in at 10 percent. The number of undecided independents was 30 percent. However, nearly a fourth of all voters polled in Tennessee said that Trump was the candidate they would least like to win the election. Clinton was chosen by 47 percent of Democrats as their preferred presidential candidate, but she was also found to be the leastliked candidate statewide. Out of all of the poll’s respondents, 50 percent chose Clinton as who they’d least like to win the election; which was double the statewide opposition to Trump. Sanders was chosen by 15 percent of Democratic voters as their top pick for the presidency, and 26 percent of Democrats were undecided. Clinton was favored or strongly favored for president by 77 percent of Democratic voters, while Sanders was supported by 42 percent of Democrats. Tennessee voters will vote in the SEC primary on March 1, along with 10 other states. For more news, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_News. To contact News Editor Amanda Freuler, email newseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
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Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Tennessee Republican Ratings
33 percent of Republican voters favor Trump for the 2016 election, followed by Cruz at 17 percent. 28 percent remain unsure.
Tennessee Democratic Ratings
47 percent of Democratic voters favor Clinton, followed by Sanders at 15 percent. 26 percent remain unsure.
Statewide Disapproval Ratings
Hilary Clinton tops out with the highest statewide disapproval rate at 50 percent, followed by Trump at 25 percent.
Graphics by Anna Claire Farmer
LIFESTYLES
MTSU sculpture professor
Michael Baggarly
creates simple but unique pieces by Rhiannon Gilbert | Staff Writer Photo by Rhiannon Gilbert
“Just
head towards the loud music.” made kind of in opposition to that static. I try to repetition and repeating elements.” That’s how associate art profesmake pieces that are quiet and simple, and someAlthough the patterns of his new pieces are sor Michael Baggarly tells people thing you kind of have to sit and become quiet steadily repetitive, the distressed materials that to find him in Todd Hall’s enormous sculpture with.” Baggarly chooses to work with are not seen by all studio. The first piece Baggarly made after moving to viewers as sleek or uniform. The Nashville Scene Alone in the shop lined with large work tables, MTSU was constructed from old wooden student even once described some of his artwork as “post tools, heavy machinery and unfinished pieces of chairs he found in a dumpster. This led to his chair apocolyptic.” art, Baggarly sits at a computer drawing up digital series, which explored relational “I can see where they got that,” patterns that will later be cut out of metal and communications between people Baggarly said thoughtfully, stroking “I always liked working become physical shapes for his newest project. and kind of served as a mark of the his chin. “A lot of my pieces are “We integrate a lot of digital technology into beginning of Baggarly’s teaching with my hands,” Baggarly dark. But I see that as a good thing. sculpture,” he explained. career. Currently, he’s taking a dif(Distress) gives it life.” said. “I always liked However, Baggarly, well known for his obscure ferent direction with his work, and “I grew up around rusty metal all pieces involving wood and metal, had a knack for playing off of one main idea: simple the time,” Baggarly explained, going building things.” creating things long before he was introduced to repetition. back to his childhood influences. the CNC plasma cutter. “I think, in a lot of ways, what I’m “The mines were all around us, and A Kentucky native, Baggarly grew up in a family doing now is a direct link back to my grandfather,” as a kid I would play in their junkyards...and evof coal miners. As a teenager, he was a sign painter Baggarly said. “He was a coal miner — all my erything was rusted and left behind. There’s someand did custom graphics in his free time. After family were coal miners but he was in a cave thing really comforting to me about rusty metal.” high school, he worked in in and it broke his back. Don’t let all the deep metaphors and unforthe oil industry for five years. When I was old enough to giving materials fool you though there’s a fun Art was still a hobby for him know him and remember side to Michael Baggarly that one can’t help but though, and his wife, who him, he could walk, but he notice upon first glance into his office, an abode was taking college art classes walked with a cane, so he that’s gained him quite a reputation among his art at the time, convinced him to really couldn’t do what he students. Lining nearly shelf and surface are toys, pursue an art degree. So at used to do. So a lot of his posters and artifacts from all sorts of genres and about age 26, Baggarly starttime, he would be sitting histories, particularly SciFi. There even stands a ed college as a ceramics major, with his chair out under lifesized model of Darth Vader in the corner, a gift but finished with a degree in a shade tree in his yard from a former student. sculpture. and he would be whittling “I don’t really collect things, I just like things,” “I always liked working with a knife. Never made Baggarly said with a laugh. “When I was a kid with my hands,” Baggarly anything though. He just I took these things apart all the time and rebuilt said. “I always liked building whittled pieces of wood them and made new things out of them, so I think things.” into shavings.” that was kind of like my first connection to being And build things he does. “At the time, I never an artist in a way ... For me it was always about From smooth fiberglass and really understood it, but potential.” stained wood to acid w ashed it was always something metal and treasures found in that really stuck with me The pieces Baggarly is working on now will be shown dumpsters, Baggarly creates as a visual image, and now in his gallery in Korea, April-June of this year. Baggarly Baggerly’s art displayed in the Student Services and Admissions Center pieces that, like many works as I think back about it, he was also featured in both of last year’s Boro Art Crawls, Photo by Rhiannon Gilbert of art, describe and explore was so used to repetition and plans to submit artwork for the next one coming up experiences and chapters in and repeated actions and in February. his life. schedule...that once that was taken away, it kind “Right now my work is about quiet,” Baggarly of manifested itself in a different way, like busy For more lifestyles features, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on said. “Moving, fast images and lots of sound has work,” Baggarly explained. “So I think this search Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @MTSUSidelines. always been a part of my life, but now it’s kind for simplicity is kind of filtering through that To contact Lifestyles Editor Tanner Dedmon, email lifestyles@ of like static in my head...and I think my work is memory of him, because a lot of my work is about mtsusidelines.com.
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
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Dads Garage by Olivia Ladd | Assistant Lifestyles Editor
Pictured are Ben Jarrett, AJ Gruenwald | Photo by Olivia Ladd
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Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Pictured are Zachary Cavaness, Blaire Robinson | Photo by Olivia Ladd
LIFESTYLES
LIFESTYLES
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hen driving down Second Avenue near Murfreesboro’s Main Street on any given night, you may hear the muffled sounds of live music or see crowds of people pouring into one particular front yard. Here sits the newest frontier of the house show scene in town: Dad’s Garage. Dad’s Garage is a living room venue run primarily by MTSU music business major AJ Gruenewald and roommates Ben Jarrett, Matthew Schumacher and Cody Jeffcoat. What began as an affinity for punk rock and the power of live music turned into a booking company and venue that is a D.I.Y. mecca for bands right here in Murfreesboro, Nashville and across the country alike. All shows that take place at the house are scheduled and organized through Gruenewald’s startup, Flamingo Booking. “So originally, I kind of decided to dip into booking a little bit once I started a band in town, and I guess that was almost two years ago at this point,” Gruenewald spoke of the beginnings of his self-taught entrepreneurship. He started out by scheduling shows for his band and others at Autograph Studios and the former TFG, a hole-in-the-wall storefront near Murfreesboro’s square that hosted local punk shows until it was closed in the spring of 2015. “Once I got a house I wanted to start booking more regularly, and to keep it organized, I made a little booking company page called Flamingo Booking.” “I basically did the same thing as AJ. I started a band and started booking our own shows, and then we started living together and decided we wanted to book shows and book them the way we thought they should be booked: with cover charges, not donation-based, to make sure touring bands got the money they need,” Jarrett, a sophomore music business major, added. And thus, Dad’s Garage was born. What makes them a landmark on the D.I.Y. map is not only the fact that they host shows almost every weekend, sometimes multiple within a span of a few days, but that they pay the bands that visit and play. At first doubted by some in the scene, they’ve proved themselves to the community by drawing massive crowds and giving touring bands their fair share of proceeds for over six months now. As other venues in the greater Nashville area have closed and the house show scene seems to be shrinking, bands have flocked to Dad’s. “We would just rather not take the risk of them not having the money because we kinda know how it feels to be on a tour and not know what money you’re gonna get to get to the
next city, and if you’re gonna have to go out of pocket. We let bands that come here stay here, and then just have a good time and get the money they need playing to people that actually care about the music,” Jarrett said. You can guarantee them a certain amount of money if there’s a cover charge, and then it’s up to you to promote the show,” Gruenewald commented. “I think it comes off pretty professionally to be able to set a guarantee and have a charge on the show and it’s been able to secure us some bigger bands at the house.” They charge a $5 per person cover for most shows and are able to pay many bands even more than they promised. “We don’t really make a lot of money off these shows, we don’t really try. We just try to give the bands most of the money,” explained Jarrett. It’s clear their intentions are well-rooted in personal experience, and that their original ideas have manifested into a successful system that gives bands a little more security while on the road. The bands themselves hail from all over. Some Dad’s Garage local regulars are Debris, an MTSU student hardcore four-piece that Jarrett plays drums for, Clay Cages, a post-rock outfit consisting of five MTSU juniors including Dad’s resident Schumacher, and Bogues, Gruenewald’s solo alternative emo project. Additionally, bands from Nashville circulate through pretty regularly. Touring bands have come to Dad’s Garage from Virginia, Ohio, New York and Wisconsin, just to name a few places. People such as pop punk up-and-comers Everyone Leaves have stopped through time and time again. Notably, The Nightmare Police, Human After All, Save Face, Modern Language and Post Modern are a few of the bands that have come to play shows. This makes Dad’s Garage a truly remarkable place. Like anywhere, what makes people want to come back are the people that inhabit the space. There have been shows where over 100 college-aged kids filled up a tiny living room, pouring into the hallway and out the door. Some of the shows played have resulted in mosh pits, crowd surfing and broken windows while others feature the audience sitting on the floor for a quieter, acoustic performance. Every single show has an impressive turnout. Though primarily punk or hardcore bands are booked, there are no limitations to the genres or types of artists that play. Dad’s Garage allows artistic expression for every type of performance and creates an intimacy
between the listeners and musicians. What is most important are the connections. “We were very fortunate to have a house where we can throw shows so that we can make a lot of friends, because those friends are gonna be... a lot of the time, people we can reach out to in the future about putting on a show wherever their hometown is,” Gruenewald said when discussing his recent tour through the Southeast. “On top of that, when we go out on the road, we’re making friends, just meeting people at shows. That’s all it is.” Suffice to say, this is the perfect example of fluid networking in the music industry. The spirit of Dad’s Garage goes beyond the Murfreesboro living room and out into the real world. “The fact that we have bands from all over the country just coming into play at the house kind of makes it a little bit too easy, you know. We just have to talk to them and be nice,” Gruenewald commented. If a northern band can sell a CD to someone in Tennessee, the person that bought it will show it to their friends and spread that band’s message. This makes it easier for touring bands to get exposure and exposes the people who attend these shows to a wider variety of music than would normally be available to them. On a local level, it creates a bigger fan base for bands based in Murfreesboro and Nashville. In the end, Gruenewald, Jarrett and everyone involved do all of this for one reason. “[We’re] doing it because of music,” said Jarrett. Dad’s Garage is quite a gem as far as live music venues go. If you live in the area, be sure to stop by for a show sometime and experience it for yourself. You can check out the events tab on the Flamingo Booking and Dad’s Garage Facebook page to find and RSVP to shows, or just drop by the house when you hear about a show. If you are a local or touring band that is interested in playing a show here, you can message Flamingo Booking with your information.
For more lifestyles features, follow us at www. mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @MTSUSidelines. To contact Lifestyles Editor Rhiannon Gilbert, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
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OPINION
DLC, Microtransactions and what we shouldn’t put up with
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Graphic by Anna Claire Farmer and Allison Ciccarelli
he line between downloadable content and base model of a hit series and allowing players to ingame microtransactions in video games is craft and code their own adventure for free sounds becoming increasingly blurred, much to the like a very consumerconscious decision. frustration of avid gamers — myself included. Not everybody wants to add additional hours To understand what microtransactions and to the storymode — some just want to play games downloadable content (DLC) are — and, more imin a more personalized way by purchasing cosportantly what they aren’t — it’s necessary to first metic changes. League of Legends, the world’s know the difference between the two: mostplayed video game, is all free to play. The DLC is an optional addon that usually comes developer, Riot Games, makes money from aesout a few months after a game’s release, and thetic changes, such as skins, for the 128 playable doesn’t provide an advantage over other playChampions. The skins are purely for fun and indiers. With DLC, players can usually expect to pay vidualization; they provide no advantage during around $1520 for an expansion on the base game the game — unless you want to count the psychoto improve on the story while adding additional logical element of striking fear in your opponents’ features. hearts by letting them know, “Hey, I’m confident Microtransactions, on the other hand, are in enough with this champion that I spent $535 so I game purchases made to either give yourself an can stomp you in style!” (That’s something that edge or change the game’s aesthetics. I’m guilty of as well.) I purchase both, and DLC definitely offers more You want me to pay for ... what? bang for your buck, while microtransactions offer Here’s some news: Not all companies have a fleeting, shortlived satisfaction. Whichever I buy, consumers’ best interests in mind, and the video I try to assess whether the product offered is a fun game industry is no exception. Several infamous and whimsical addition to a game or something microtransactions and socalled DLCs left gamers that probably should’ve been included during the game’s initial release. Not every DLC is a gift from stunned and outraged in the past few years. Mobile games are notorious for coaxing playthe video game gods, and not every microtransacers with cruel ingame purchases, such as Candy tion is implemented by a mustachetwirling villain Crush‘s option to either wait 15 minutes for one ready to take your money and run. But with video more life, or pay the low, low price of 99 cents game companies begging for gamers’ money, it’s for five more lives. Games like these are usually important to know which comfree but still manage to make a panies can be trusted and which killing by preying on consumshould be avoided. Here’s some news: ers whose small purchases add Not all companies have Take my money! up quickly.The business model consumers’ best interests works because the price is low, Over the years, several and mobile games are usually developers have established in mind, and the video game played onthego. When you’re themselves as gamerfriendly industry is no exception. sitting in the DMV playing when it comes to additional games on your phone to pass content. Bethesda Game Studios the time, the chance to pay a stands out to me as being more than willing to dollar to alleviate 15 minutes of boredom is a hard provide gamers with the best possible experience bargain to pass up. by constantly creating new content. Bethesda is And then there’s Electronic Arts. Entire articles known for games such as The Elder Scrolls and the could be, and have been, written about EA turnFallout series. Both series featured several expaning up its nose at gamers. The company tiptoed sion packs that prolonged the life of the games by around ingame purchases in the survival horror providing an additional 3050 hours of gameplay. series Dead Space by including weapons and Fallout 4 is also the first Bethesda game to incorskins in dubious-looking DLCs, but the company porate playermade mods on the console version, a unashamedly included microtransactions in the perk previously reserved for PC users. Selling the
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Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
by Tanner Dedmon | Lifestyles Editor series’ third installment, allowing you to improve your chances of survival by shelling out cash. In a game filled with heartpounding moments and unrelenting tension, there’s nothing more immersion breaking than being told, “Run for your life ... OR, pay $5 to make your problems go away.” EA also landed in hot water after the release of The Sims 4. The company made the questionable decision to remove pools and the toddler portion of a Sim’s life, both elements included in previous installments. It was speculated by outraged players that the two features would later be sold as DLC. EA soon responded by gracing players with a free poolcentered DLC after witnessing backlash from consumers. The toddler remains nowhere to be found; apparently being a toddler isn’t a crucial stage in the healthy development of a Sim. The bottom line Many may gripe that they never had to purchase a larger paddle in Pong or pay for more lives in Space Invaders, but the video game genre has adapted, and doesn’t show signs of changing course any time soon. Both DLC and microtransactions have their place, and both help craft a personalized gaming experience. I’ve paid for the opportunity to build a house and hunt vampires in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and I’ve paid for bright pink guns to fashionably dismember my opponents in Gears of War 3. With the popularity and frequency of these in game opportunities, myself and other gamers are critical of what’s a good deal and what’s a scam. Consumers have power when it comes to the content they receive, and the pressure on companies to deliver quality content makes for a promising future in gaming.
For more gaming news follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Life. To contact Lifestyles Editor Tanner Dedmon, email lifestyles@mtusidelines.com.
We treat the whole person.
Physically: we provide organic meals, daily exercise and yoga. Mentally: our counselors are trained in all forms of addiction as well as neuroscience. We train the brain and nervous system to self regulate. Healing underlying trauma is critical to a vibrant life in recovery. Spiritually: twelve-step programs are the foundation of our program, but we also introduce other avenues to connect spiritually such as dreamwork, mindfulness and meditation, creativity, drumming, nature and equine therapy. What truly sets JourneyPure apart is our small, intimate setting. We work with only 8 residents at once and the program takes place in a beautiful 2-story home with a nature filled courtyard.
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
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NEWS
Campus police add security and educational resources on campus By Amanda Freuler | News Editor
Photo by Cat Murphy / Sidelines archives
MTSU
’s campus “The biggest concerns coming out of 2015 police are from the campus community overall was just working general safety and sexual assault awareness,” toward Stucky said. increasing security and safety education this seThe Sexual Assault Liaison will be responsimester by hiring additional staff members and ble for advocating for sexual assault victims, extending community outreach programs. as well as working within the community to Since the start of the spring semester, campus expand sexual assault awareness. police have been working with security guards “Adding a sexual assault liaison position will from the private security company, Universal add another full time person that will have a Protection, in order to have more people pagood portion of their time devoted to develtrolling campus. oping educational programs both through our Lieutenant Brodey Stucky described the department, and university wide,” Stucky said. four new security guards as an observational In the meantime, the department is also tool meant to only be “extra eyes and ears” on planning on expanding its Rape Aggression campus. The guards are unarmed and on patrol Defense (RAD) course for women in the comduring the morning, afternoon and evening. munity. “They have direct communication with our “That’s a big program for us to push, and it’s dispatch in an event that a popular program,” Stucky they see anything,” Stucky said. “We’ve had a lot more said. “They have direct interest over the past couple “I felt as though we needed communication with certiof years so we’ve extended to address the violent crime fied law enforcement.” it by increasing the number In a case of an emergency, of instructors for it.” issue proactively...” Stucky said that students R.A.D classes are free Police Captain Tom Praskach should still call the campus of charge and open to any police department, unless female 13 years of age or the security guard is a older who want to particiquicker means of getting help. pate. Additionally, MTSU’s Raider Patrol program Campus police teach general safety and alcowill continue to do their own patrols on camhol awareness to MTSU students by speaking pus, along with their safety escort services. in freshmen University 1010 courses. Educational Programs While trying to prevent campus crime with more patrols, MTSU’s police department is also increasing preventative crime education in numerous areas on campus. One of these educational components will be filling a new Sexual Assault Liaison position, which the department is currently interviewing for.
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Community Outreach Police Captain Tom Praskach has developed MTSU’s Conditions Response Team as a means to do preventative police work by directly speaking to, and making contact with the community. “I felt as though we needed to address the violent crime issue proactively, and I also felt that the element of community policing would be
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
effective in helping with that,” Praskach said. Praskach said the main focus of this specialized section of the police force is to make contacts while trying to find patterns in campus crime so that they can act as a proactive resource during peak campus hours. The Conditions Response Team was tried in the past as a pilot program, but was suspended due to reduced staffing. At the moment, the MTSU Police Department is trying to hire officers to fill this section of the force. “It’s coming back, I promise you that,” Praskach said. In addition to having direct contact with the community, Stucky said that the department has been pushing for more informational materials to inform students about safety services on campus, and a survey will be given out from campus police for the community to fill out at some point this semester. Other Upgrades and Additions Campus police also plan on updating their body camera equipment in the near future, as well as looking into the possibility of installing surveillance cameras throughout campus. Stucky said that the department is in the process of researching the costs and an exact timeline for the surveillance cameras. Sidelines attempted to contact Chief Buddy Peaster for further questioning on the matter, but our phone calls were not returned.
For more news, follow us at www.mtsusidelines. com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_News. To contact News Editor Amanda Freuler, email newseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
Congratulations to our #FeatureMeMT Competition Winner Dragon, the cutest pet on campus! For a chance to be in our next print edition, look for our next #FeatureMeMT competition on Facebook at MTSUSidelines and Twitter at @MTSUSidelines.
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
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SPORTS
Photo by Gregory French
Sidelines Spotlight: Brea Edwards, WOmen’s Basketball Powerhouse
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By Connor Ulrey | Sports Editor
he offseason following the 2014-15 campaign was important for Blue Raider guard Brea Edwards. The Rockford, Illinois, native worked day in and day out during the summer to improve her game heading into her senior campaign. Her work has shown this season, with Edwards being an even more productive player offensively and a lock on the offensive and defensive glass. Her rebounding has improved immensely, and through Feb. 3, Edwards averaged 7.1 boards per game and earned her fourth double-double of the season in the most impressive win of the season, at home against Western Kentucky. “I’m glad to see the hard work that I put in during the offseason paying off. I’ve worked hard on my conditioning and getting in better shape in order to play longer and be more productive for my team,” Edwards said in an interview with Sidelines. “ I’ve been a better rebounder, and I have had more stamina.” Edwards sat out a season before playing last year for the Blue Raiders, immediately making an impact on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The year off took a
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toll on Edwards, who really had to take large strides to get back to top playing shape. This season she’s been dominant in all phases, taking over games when she finds her shot. “I’ve always been a scorer, and I’ve always been able to put up numbers. Last season my offense was not what I was accustomed to because I had sat out a year and was not in the shape I needed to be in to be a productive player,” Edwards said about the offseason. “As I got into shape my game improved by the end of the season. I attribute my improved scoring to my offseason work, getting in shape, eating better and putting up thousands of shots during the offseason.” Back in early January preseason conference player of the year selection, Olivia Jones announced she was leaving the program and many thought that might put a strangle on the team moving forward in conference play. After her departure, it seemed like everyone, not just Edwards started to step up, even more, shouldering the load and racking up wins. With teams like Western Kentucky and UTEP playing exceptional basketball, it was on the bigger pieces of the offense to keep the Blue Raiders in the hunt for a strong conference spot in the tournament.
Sidelines | February 17, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com
“I really haven’t scored any more in the last few weeks, but we have other players whose roles have changed,” Edwards said. “Their contributions have increased and that’s a reason we are winning. Everyone is playing their role.” Edwards has been one of the brightest spots for the Blue Raiders this season, but appreciates the roles that her teammates play even more than her individual success. It’s that unselfishness that is shining as we near the conference tournament, and it’s one reason why Middle Tennessee could earn that NCAA tournament bid. Edwards, in her last year as a Blue Raider, appreciates the support she’s received and the accolades she’s received but knows it’s about more than just her. “I think some of it is just realizing I don’t have many games left. I love my teammates, my coaches and Middle Tennessee. I want to leave a mark here, a positive mark. I want to finish on a strong note,” Edwards said. “I want to give my all every practice and every game to be the best I can be. I’ve worked hard to get open and my teammates have done a good job finding me and getting me the ball.”
Edwards was named the Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 5 and was also named to the NCAA Starting Five for the second time this season. Her 19 points per game are impressive, but the sharpshooter has been even more impressive from three-point range. Edwards is shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc this season and has hit 69 three-pointers through Feb. 5. “I’m just overwhelmed by all of the attention. It’s a team sport, and I would not accomplish any of this without my teammates and coaches and support staff,” Edwards said. “There are a lot of great players in this conference and in the nation so to be singled out for national honors and Players of the Week, it’s very humbling. I am so appreciative and never take it for granted.” The Blue Raiders continue to get better as they near the Conference USA tournament. With just a handful of games left on the schedule, the team will focus on securing a top-four spot to earn a first-round bye come March 8. I think our main focus is to continue improving as a team and to be playing our best when we reach the Conference Tournament in March. “I think our main focus is to continue improving as a team and to be playing our best when we reach the Conference Tournament in March. My focus is just on the team and what we need to continue to do to improve our game,” Edwards said. The C-USA Tournament gets underway March 8-12 in Birmingham, Alabama. Look for Middle Tennessee to make their mark come tournament time. With Edwards leading the charge, this team looks stronger than ever. “We need to keep working and believing in one another. We are playing well and improving but there is still areas where we can get better individually and as a team,” Edwards said.
For more sports features, follow us at www.mtsusidelines. com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @ Sidelines_Sport. To contact Sports Editor Connor Ulrey, email sports@ mtsusidelines.com.
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