2018 Parent Survival Guide by Niner Times

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5 - Welcome to UNC Charlotte 6 - Living Healthy at UNC Charlotte 7 - 71 YEARs in the making 10 - staying safe on campus 12 - move-in mayhem 13 - Queen City cuisine 14 - The new belk plaza 16 - care packages 101 17 - letting go and moving forward 18 - put your mind at ease at the counseling center 19 - a 49er fall 20 - Charlotte athletics shake up

Produced by Student Niner Media

MARKETING DIRECTOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fred Brown

Jeffrey Kopp

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS:

Julie Brown, Megan Bird, Sam Palian, Kathleen Cook, Alexandria Sands, Mia Shelton, Hailey Turpin, Chris Crews, Leysha Caraballo

Ryan Scott

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MARKETING STAFF: Teely Yang, Kayla Christian, Eddy Falls

NINER MEDIA Staff Wayne Maikranz, Director Kelly Merges, Marketing Adviser Joshua Wood, Graphics and Production Kelly Dudden, Office Manager Laurie Cuddy, Business Manager

Welcome to unc charlotte use this guide to ease your transition to niner nation by Jeffrey Kopp, Editor-in-Chief Congratulations, you are officially the parent of a college student! Everything has been building up to this moment as your child prepares to spread their winds and enter the wonderful world of adulthood. It is a nerve-wracking time for you and your child, but rest assured, they are at home here at UNC Charlotte...and you are too! Like your student, you are officially part of Niner Nation! Use this Survival Guide as an aide for this adventure you’re about to embark on.

Give Your Child Space

It goes without saying that your child is always going to need you. That being said, college is the time for them to grow, make mistakes and figure out who they are as a person. It is important that you give them the space to do just that. This is likely the first time that your child is going to be away from you for a long period of time, so it will obviously be a learning curve as you are no longer able to keep tabs on them 24/7. At this point, you have been a parent to your child for quite some time. For the sake of yourself and your child, it is crucial that you trust the foundation you have laid. There are going to be bumpy patches in the life of your child, but they will get through them, thanks to what you taught them.

the necessary skills for their career. Sure, this may sound intimidating...and it definitely is at times, but this is also exciting due to the fact that there are so many opportunities for your child. The possibilities of what they can achieve are endless! College is a time of new experiences and friendships. Your child will be starting off with a blank slate that they will fill in during their time here at UNC Charlotte. The friendships they make will stay with them for life, as will all of the memories they make with those friends. It’s im-

Be Excited

This is an exhilirating time in the life of your child. During their time at UNC Charlotte, your student is going to learn so much. They have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips and a ton of resources all around them. These next few years will be where your child figures out what they want to do while gaining

portant to encourage your child to step outside of their comfort zone and explore the world; joining a student organization, playing a sport and forming a study group are just a few of the ways that your undergrad will form those important bonds that will stick with them forever.

Come Visit

UNC Charlotte wouldn’t be what it is today without the amazing and supportive parents that represent Niner Nation. You may not be a student here yourself, but you are absolutely a member of the community. Stop by the Student Union bookstore to pick up some merch and let everyone know that you are the proud parent of a 49er! As mentioned previously, it is important that you give your child the space they need to grow and explore. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stop by occassionally to check in. While your student will certainly be enjoying their independence, a visit from mom and dad will absolutely be a welcome treat. Just be sure to check to make sure they aren’t in the middle of a killer study session! Take a trip to a local restuarant for a family meal or attend a 49er football game at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Just because they are an independent adult now, doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate some family time! The next few years are sure to be adventurous, thrilling and a little bit frightening. You aren’t the first parent to go through this process and you won’t be the last. Use the tips and tricks laid out in this Survival Guide to help with this new era of your life! Welcome to the UNC Charlotte family! Go Niners! Photo by Chris Crews

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living healthy at unc charlotte the ins and outs of the student health center by Julie Brown, Community Editor One of the most important elements in remaining successful throughout college is building and maintaining personal health. For UNC Charlotte students, the Student Health Center is the on-campus resource for healthcare. Located on the corner of Mary Alexander Road and Cameron Boulevard. on the north end of campus, the Student Health Center offers a variety of medical services and a network of healthcare professionals to provide support to UNC Charlotte’s diverse student population. •

Services Oﬀered

Diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses • Annual exams and pap smears for women • Nurse clinic with wound care • Pregnancy testing • Immunizations • Sports medicine • Physical therapy • Pyschiatric evalutions and treatment (depression, anxiety, etc.), referrals from the Counseling Center • Dietary guidance and assistance with eating disorders and weight loss • travel medicine • HIV testing *The following services are covered by the health fee included in tuition. The Student Health Center offers additional services such as allergy injections, radiology and laboratory testing for added fees, as well as a full service pharmacy able to fill prescriptions given by the Student Health Center and outside healthcare providers. The pharmacy within the Student Health Center also offers many over-the-counter medications that do not require a prescription. It accepts many outside insurance plans.

For all non-urgent medical conditions, an appointment is required. Students can make an appointment in person, through the Student Health center website (https:// uncc.medicatconnect.com), or by telephone at 704-687-7400. UNCC students are required to have health insurance, and for those not covered by their parents or an outside plan, the Student Health Center offers the Student Blue plan which is the University health insurance plan underwritten by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Student Blue insurance plan can be used to cover medical services in the Student Health Center as well as through in-network outside providers. Students who have health insurance coverage through their parents or outside plans are required to waive the University health insur-

ance. To waive the student insurance, students must provide proof of coverage on the Student Blue website ((http://studentbluenc.com), and complete the online waiver form. The deadline to enroll or waive the Student Blue insurance is September 10, 2018. You can go online to complete verification starting on June 1, 2018. For more information on the Student Blue insurance plan, or questions about how to enroll or waive the University insurance, visit the Student Health Center website at studenthealth.uncc.edu With so many resources available and such a strong network of support within the Student Health Center, students should make their health a top priority. Stop by the Student Health Center to learn more about what services may be available for your student.

Student Health Center. Photo by Leysha Caraballo

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71 years in the making examining how UNC CHarlotte came to be by Megan Bird, News Editor The beginning of your journey at UNC Charlotte will no doubt be marked by ceaseless information sessions, marathon tours through the relentless heat and a whole lot of UNC Charlotte pride. You might be asked to join in on a couple of rallying songs or throw up the famous (infamous?) pickaxe. One thing is for sure: you will hear the phrases “49ers,” “Bonnie Cone” and “Norm” and you will definitely have no idea what any of them mean. Here is a quick guide to the history of UNC Charlotte to meet all of your confused newcomer needs:

OUR FOUNDING UNC Charlotte was founded as the Charlotte Center on September 23, 1946. It served as one of 14 North Carolina institutions that met the surge of educational demands after World War II. The Charlotte Center offered evening classes to 278 freshmen and sophomore men and women -- many of them veterans -- in Charlotte’s Central High School. In 1949, the state moved to close the center, arguing that other North Carolina campus facilities were sufficient. Leaders like Bonnie Cone recognized how important the Charlotte

Center was to local higher education and fought to save the institution. Their campaign was successful and the center was taken over by the city school district to become Charlotte College. In 1962, the North Carolina legislature made Charlotte a four-year, state-supported college after the school moved to its current campus 10 miles from downtown Charlotte. The next year, Charlotte College took the name we all know today as it became the fourth campus to join the UNC system. UNC Charlotte was preceded by UNC Chapel Hill, NC State and UNC Greensboro. UNC Charlotte was established as a commuter school (and you will probably still hear people refer to it this way), but its first residence halls opened in 1968. The school began offering masters degrees in 1969 and doctoral degrees in 1993. In August 2000, the Board of Governors designated UNC Charlotte as a doctoral/research university, and it continues to live up to this title.

OUR FOUNDER

Bonnie Cone in the mid-1960s. NT File Photo

Bonnie Cone is certainly a founder to be proud of. Miss Bonnie, as she was commonly known, not only saved UNC Charlotte from closing, but also encouraged thousands of students to stay in school and never give up on their dreams. Even in retirement, Cone continued to work for UNC Charlotte and lived only a few blocks from campus until age 94. Now Cone rests close to her heart in the Botanical Gardens. Education was always at the forefront of Bonnie Cone’s life. In 1907, she was born into a family of teachers in Lodge, South Carolina. Cone developed a talent for mathematics and attended Coker, a women’s college in Harts Continued on Pg. 8

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From Pg. 7 ville. She graduated magna cum laude in 1928 and immediately began teaching high school math, science and French. Cone attended Duke University during the summer and earned her masters in mathematics in 1941. In 1943, she began teaching in the Navy V-12 program at Duke as the only woman employed on the all-male campus. Cone’s next step, thankfully for us, was working at the Charlotte Center that would eventually become Charlotte College. In 1954, when the school seemed out of hope, she led a campaign for a two-cent property tax to support the school, and four years later that tax was expanded to include property in all of Mecklenburg County. Cone recruited faculty, inspired students and worked tirelessly for the betterment of our institution.

OUR NAME So, why the 49ers? Is it something to do with the Gold Rush or maybe even because of nearby North Carolina Highway 49? None of the above, but these are common guesses. 1949 was the year that Bonnie Cone and her students saved the Charlotte Center to create Charlotte College. But… what about Norm? Who is this random white guy appearing on all of your T-shirts, cups and who knows what else? Our mascot is a miner to acknowledge the first documented gold that was found in 1799 at Reed Gold Mine in Concord. The name Norm arose from a student vote. As you and your student go through orientation, you may scoff at some of the cheers or traditions that you learn, but try to put them into the context of our history and the hard work of Bonnie Cone, and consider all of the people who worked so diligently for you to be able to awkwardly throw up that pickaxe.

Prior to itʼs demolition in 2016, the 142-foot Belk Tower stood as a symbol of UNC Charlotte. Construction is currently underway on a revitalization of Belk Plaza. Photo by Chris Crews

Norm the Niner statue. Photo by Chris Crews

Moore Hall. Set to be demolished following the fall 2018 semester. Neighboring Sanford Hall will be demolished at the end of the 20182019 school year. Both highrises were integral in the establishment of South Village. Photo by Katelynn Pennington

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staying safe on campus Between apps, transportation, blue lights and campus police, there are an abundance of ways for your student to stay safe by Sam Palian, Sports Editor There are plenty of safety resources for students on campus, but it is important to keep in mind what they can do to keep themselves safe as well.

Geese

Though it may seem unnecessary to say, UNC Charlotte’s geese are not to be taken for granted. People tend to either be wary of the geese and avoid them altogether or to run after them. Do not be one of those people, Charlotte’s geese are known for not being afraid to attack, so it is best to just leave them be.

Stairs

Another obvious yet important thing to pay attention to would be that Charlotte’s campus has a lot of stairs, so to avoid tripping and falling down them be sure to watch where you are going and maybe put your phone away to ensure you see what is up ahead.

Surroundings

On a more serious note, students should make a point to notice who and what is around them. Students are encouraged to try to walk on well-lit paths or with friends in groups too. Also, keep in mind that the SafeRide shuttles will be available from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for students to get rides around campus from the bus stops.

Bikes & Skateboards

People on bikes or skateboards often are unable to slow down or stop in time, so be aware that they may come zipping by, you will want to see or hear them coming before they end up possibly running into you. Those using wheels to get around campus should also be cautious when going through crosswalks as drivers are looking for pedestrians and not necessarily someone coming by on a skateboard.

UNC Charlotte campus police cruiser. Photo by Chris Crews

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Personal Belongings

Students are also strongly encouraged not to leave their things unattended as most crimes on campus tend to be theft. Students should always remember to keep track of their things especially items such as a phone, laptop, tablet, purse or wallet.

Blue Lights

Charlotte has over 300 blue light locations on campus that are monitored 24/7/365. They are located around campus in various, fairly accessible spots. Most of them have a large red button to press in order to report a crime or get ahold of a SafeRide. Two very useful apps for UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff are the LiveSafe and Next Ride app. Many students think that they will never need such apps, they will always have a ride home or they will always be fine walking across campus late at night, but it is important to always put safety first and be prepared. The LiveSafe app helps to do this.

Apps

One of many blue-lights located on campus. Photo by Chris Crews

The UNC Charlotte Police are available 24/7 and the app provides ways to contact them easily for both emergency and non-emergency. There are lists of emergency procedures, an emergency manual and campus evacuation plans. Through the app, there is also the ability to report non-emergency tips anonymously through pictures, videos or audio files. There is the ability to request evening safety or daytime disability rides and track campus buses and shuttles, which can also be done through the Next Ride app. Another very important feature is the sexual assault assistance which provides information on support and options for such

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situations. Everyone should also encourage their friends to download the app so that if you do decide to walk across campus in the evening you have the option to invite friends to watch you walk to your destination through the app on their phone with the SafeWalk feature. There is a chat feature as well an alarm button to press should it be necessary to call 911 or campus police.

Maps

Especially when new to campus, something else that can be useful is the list of campus buildings and a campus map to help locate and get to certain spots on campus. Faculty, staff, students and parents as well are all encourage to download the LiveSafe app and the Next Ride app to help increase the safety of everyone on Charlotte’s campus. It can never hurt to be prepared, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re free!

Police

Campus police are not to be forgotten either as they are in fact state-certified police just like any other Charlotte-Mecklenburg officer and are on duty at any time and always an option for a ride home if necessary. Safety is very important on UNC Charlotte’s campus, but students are strongly encouraged to take the steps necessary to consider one’s own safety as well.

Move-in mayhem The Ins and outs of the craziest day on campus by Kathleen Cook, Video Producer Move-in day marks the first day of your student’s college life and can seem like a stressful task, but with a few tips and tricks, they’ll be moved in and ready to take on anything college throws at them. The process of moving in everyone on campus takes place over three days. Be sure to check for your move in time as students are broken up and assigned times to move in their belongings to minimize the traffic both in the residence halls and on the roads. There are signs in place to direct you to unloading docks and a team of volunteers waiting to help carry belongings from the curb to the new crib. While moving in to a new home can seem like a daunting task, there are a few steps that, if taken, can help ease the process. Roommates are assigned well in advance of fall semester starting. Encourage your student to take the time and get to know the person or people they’ll be living with for the next year. Even knowing a few basic facts about these people will help alleviate the awkwardness come August. One topic that they need to talk to their roommates about is what they’re bringing. Move-in day isn’t the time to realize you both brought a rug and a fridge for your new room. After you check in on your assigned day, take a minute and go check out the space. The best time to rearrange any furniture is before you bring anything up – this is the only time the room will be free from all clutter. Also take this time to do a quick wipe down of the surfaces. While there is a cleaning staff that gets the rooms ready for new residents, dust can collect and spots can be missed. A quick cleaning when there’s nothing on the desktop or in the drawers can be a wise move. When packing and unloading your car, place similar items together. For example load

the laundry basket with the laundry detergent and dryer sheets or place sheets inside a pillow case. This will create less clutter in the room and help you be able to piece it together quicker. With clothing, plan for your breaks. Don’t bring summer, fall, winter and spring wardrobes with you when your student can just swap out clothes during breaks. Fall break is in October, so bringing whatever clothes they’ll need until that time will save space and stress when moving in. Stairs might be the best option on movein day. The line for the elevator can back up quickly while the stairs are always wide open. Depending on the weight of your load or what floor the new room is on, stairs could save you a lot of frustration on the big day. While you’re putting everything away in the new room, turn on some jams and have some fun. Setting up this space is something that doesn’t happen every day. Take some time and enjoy that with the family or friends that tagged along to help you. After you unpack everything, put up at least one decoration before everyone leaves. This helps create a more welcoming atmosphere and makes the new dorm feel a little more like home – even if it’s just one picture. There is an option for early move-in provided by certain organizations on campus; be sure to check with the organization that your student is interested in to see if they offer early move-in. This allows students to completely by-pass the move-in mayhem by getting in to the new dorm a week before everyone else does. While it seems like a scary task, moving in marks the beginning of your student’s collegiate career and is something that should be a fun, stress-free process.

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Photo by Chris Crews

queen city cuisine what and where to eat when you're in town

by AlexandriaSands Alexandria Sands, Managing Editor

by Jeffrey Kopp, Editor-in-chief Editor-in-Chief On Campus

Oﬀ Campus Monterrey Mexican Restaurant- Mexican food

Crown Commons- Dining Hall in the Student Union Sovi- Dining Hall in South Village, buffet-style

Macado’s- Wings, sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, etc. Boardwalk Billy’s- Burgers, sandwiches, wings, etc.

Orbis Grille- Casual lunch fare in PORTAL Building

Cabo Fish Taco- Wide variety of fish tacos Price’s Chicken Coop- Fried chicken, coleslaw, fries, etc. Midwood Smokehouse- Southern barbecue

Bistro 49- Table service dining in the Student Union

Main Street Market- Panda Express & Subway, in Cone Center Union Square- Bojangles, Wendy’s and more in Student Union

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the new belk plaza The question of the green fences AlexandriaSands by Alexandria Sands, Managing Editor UNC Charlotte is often referred to as the University of Constantly under Construction due to the abundance of construction projects happening at once. There’s one project you won’t have to worry about for long, however. The green fences at the center of Winningham, Kennedy, Colvard and Atkins Library will be removed to unveil a new hangout spot prior to the start of fall semester. A little history: The Belk Tower, a university icon, stood in this spot for 45 years. It marked a place for free speech, flash mobs and other events. In 2015, the tower’s legacy came to an end

when structural damage and safety concerns called for its dismantling. A team of consultants is hoping to recreate the engagement that has been missing from the campus’ core since the removal of the tower two years ago. The university broke ground on this project in February. By the fall, the first phase of the revitalization plans will be complete. The new space will feature a large oval lawn with a slight elevation that leads up to a performance stage. At the opposite end of the lawn, there will be a double-sided, natural stone fountain. On the side of the fountain

facing the lawn, there will be a flat sheet of water flowing down a wall into the ground. On the other side, facing away from the lawn, there will be two tiers of cascading water. Half of the lawn will be surrounded by seat walls with plants behind them. Adjacent to the fountain, there will be an event plaza with a gray paving. Those working on the project at facilities management are hoping the natural stone and gray colors will make the space stand out amongst the primarily brick campus. They are also making improvements to the area, such as replacing bricks and flattening the

Once construction is complete, Belk Plaza will feature an elevated lawn, performance stage, fountain and event plaza. Illustration by McAdams. Courtesy of Elizabeth Frere

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entrance of Winningham. There are also plans for a phase two, which would include a study area in front of Kennedy and a swing courtyard, with either hammocks or swinging chairs, between Colvard and Rowe. The designers also envision some type of dining, such as a food truck or a restaurant, at one of the plaza’s corners. These plans have not been funded yet, however. Elizabeth Frere, project manager, hopes the anticipated success of phase one will speed up the process of receiving funding for phase two. “I think people are going to be so excited once this gets installed that it’s going to be obvious that we want to go ahead and upgrade the rest of it,” Frere told the Niner Times in February. The Belk Plaza Planning Committee hosted three community forums during the 2016-17 academic year. LandDesign pitched conceptual plans and accepted suggestions from attendees. At the final forum, designer Adam Martin said [LandDesign] had concluded the renovations to Belk Plaza should attract people and emphasize the plaza as the core of campus, based on the responses they received during the previous forums. Another goal LandDesign had during the forums was to create a design that would have people avoid the “straight-shot” walk and encourage them to walk in a curve.

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care packages 101 a helpful list of what your student might want or need by Jeffrey Kopp, Editor-in-Chief Food • Ramen noodles • Granola bars • Coffee • Tea • Microwave popcorn • Potato chips • Instant mac and cheese • Cereal • Candy • Cookies

Toiletries • Toothpaste • Toothbrush • Mouthwash • Floss • Deodorant • Razors • Shampoo & conditioner • Hair products • Makeup • Hand soap

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Miscellaneous • • • •

Ear plugs Earphones New towels New sheets • Pencils • Pens • Sticky notes • Air freshener • Laundry detergent • Family pictures

Letting go and moving forward

tackling the most difficult part of being a parent by Mia Shelton, Staff Writer Letting go can be difficult, whether it’s friends, significant others or just that old pair of jeans that doesn’t fit well anymore. However, the hardest thing to let go of is your child. You have been through so much with them and have watched them grow up before your very eyes. You stayed up with them when they were sick with a fever, punished them for missed curfews or bad grades, coached them through the first time they fell in love and nurtured them through the heartbreak when that love didn’t work out. You were there, crying tears of joy as they graduated high school, and now you’re here to help them transition into college. At this time, you may remember what it was like when you were ready to spread your wings, to fly to higher heights and experience something new. This is what your child wants to do; it’s bittersweet. You have to adjust to a new normal; there is no more knowing where they are and what they are doing at all times. When asked how she handled letting go of my older sister when she moved away to school, my mother said, “Because I was used to having her at home, [having] her going away to college and not being at home every day was difficult. When she was home, she was able to do things for you and help me. Once she went to school, she couldn’t help anymore...I wanted her to experience college life without me hanging on and I wanted to allow her to be independent. I had to resolve myself that she had to grow up.” Here is the good part, you can take pride in them and yourself for not only helping them get here, but for giving them the tools they need to make it through. You instilled in them the courage to try new things, gave them motivation to work hard and never give up and let

them know that they can do anything they set their minds to and that even if they fail, you will be there to pick them up again. Now you have time for yourself. Think about it, before today, your whole life revolved around tending to your child’s every want and need. You sacrificed a lot to give them a good life. You always put yourself last, spent every dime you had and worked non-stop, all so they would never go without. Now, it’s time to focus on you. After all the work you have done, you deserve it. Take a vacation; go to a spa; travel the world; do whatever you want do do, because your child has made it to college and now it’s time

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for them to stand on their own. And now they can use the knowledge you gave them to make a way for themselves. During this experience, your child will grow to appreciate you more than ever. They will finally begin to understand why you got mad at them when they wasted food or spent money on things they didn’t need, why you forced them to do their homework and lectured them about procrastination. They will realize that you care so much, and will love you more because of it. Letting go is never easy, but with time, you will discover it was the right decision.

put your mind at ease at the counseling center a look inside one of the most crucial resources available to students by Hailey Turpin, Lifestyle Editor Ever wonder what would happen if your student needed some advice on some big issues? Will they need support away from home and not know how to get it? Or are they dealing with a mental disorder or physical transition that needs help being processed? College is a challenging time and can be mentally hard for students, and here at UNC Charlotte, The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the place to help them with specific needs and services. CAPS offers services in many different areas, including personal issues (stress, anger, anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-esteem, guilt), relationship issues (romantic relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, roommate

problems, family issues), developmental issues (identity development, adjustment to college) and other issues (sexual assault, effects of trauma, food preoccupation, abuse, concerns about childhood). Students can first create a initial appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss overall concerns. CAPS will then assess the student’s need and suggest individual or group counseling, or refer the student to professionals in the community who are more accessible for the student’s needs. There is no charge for any service at CAPS. Each individual session typically lasts 45-50 minutes, and is solution-focused, meaning that sessions are limited only to what the student needs. The center offers many programs including

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Suicide Prevention, Resilience, Anxiety/Stress Management, Mood Management, support groups for LGBTQ+ students, students of color, international students, students with disabilities and many more. CAPS also offers online mental health resources for students dealing with mental illness. Along with the services that they offer, the center gives insight and feedback to many communities that have been affected in politically-charged issues, such as mass shootings, ongoing violence against the black community and anti-religious acts on campus. On their website, the Center states that, “Amid these turbulent political times, UNC Charlotte Counseling & Psychological Services affirms its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Center, through its work with individual students and in its outreach to the University community, aspires to create an affirming, accessible, and safe environment that celebrates human diversity. We understand diversity to include but not be limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identify and expression, sexual identity, sex, age, socio-economic status, religion, ability, nationality, and language. We are dedicated to social justice through increased awareness of the effects of oppression, prejudice, and discrimination.” The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services is open to all enrolled students, and available in the summer to students who were enrolled in the spring semester before and registered for the fall semester after. The center is located next to the Student Health Center and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on the center, programs or to make an appointment, visit caps.uncc.edu or call 704-687-0311.

a 49er fall looking ahead at charlotte athletics for the coming semester by Kathleen Cook, Video Producer A great way to pass time on campus is to attend sporting events. Fall sports include football, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. Football is entering its sixth season after being established in 2013. The new program had a dismal 1-11 season last year, but head coach Brad Lambert has a new staff on board and is looking to use the 2018 season as a turn around. In addition to the new coaching staff, new leaders have emerged on the team. This season, for the first time ever the 49ers named season captains at the Spring Game. Benny LeMay, Cameron Clark, Jeff Gemmel and Tyriq Harris will serve as the leadership core for the 49ers next season. This is a change for the team, who in the past elected captains for each game. There might also be a new face at the quarterback position. Redshirt freshman Chris Reynolds who earned the start for the green team during the Spring Game over veteran QB Hasaan Klugh. Calvin Camp, another redshirt freshman, had a strong turn out during the spring and tallied 131 yards during the Spring Game. The team kicks off their season at home Sept. 1 taking on Fordham University. They remain at home for the next two weeks, hosting Appalachian State and conference opponent Old Dominion University. The last two weekends of September, the team will be on the road at University of Mass achusetts and University of Alabama at Birmingham respectively. The men’s and women’s soccer programs at Charlotte are both storied programs. The women’s team ended their last season with a loss in the Conference USA Championship game in penalty kicks to North Texas. The

women’s team has yet to defeat North Texas. C-USA Offensive Player of the Year Martha Thomas graduated in the spring leading a large void for the 49ers to fill. For this the Niners can turn to Emily Truelove, Megan Greene and Riley Orr. Goalkeeper Abby Stapleton allowed 22 goals and 95 saves during the 20 games during the season. The men’s team also lost in the conference championship game, 1-0 to Old Dominion. The team is returning the core of their team, including Daniel Bruce, Tommy Madden, Marco Sunol-Rojas and Elliot Pannico. Bruce has 12 career goals and seven assists but his leadership presence on the field is his main contribution to the team. Sunol-Rojas has seven goals over his two seasons with the

49ers and four assists. The Charlotte 49ers turned around a 7-23 record from 2016 in the 2017 season and ended with a 19-12 record. The team made it to the C-USA Championship game for the first time since 2014. A key player on the team is Yumi Garcia. The 2017 seasonwas her first one as a 49er and she made an impact, breaking the single-season dig record. Tickets for the football games are free for students and can be reserved online at ticketreturn.com/49ers. Students get in free for men’s and women’s soccer as well as volleyball by presenting your Student ID at the gate. For all 49ers sports coverage, be sure to check out the Niner Times Sports section for features, recaps and more.

Menʼs soccer. Photo by Chris Crews

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charlotte athletics

shake up

Examining the recent changes made in administration and coaching by Sam Palian, Sports Editor There were many changes in Charlotte Athletics in the past year, including a new athletic director, and a new coaching staff for both football and men’s basketball. Niner Nation has welcomed many of the changes with open arms. When Athletic Director Judy Rose announced her retirement, the hunt was on for a new face to fill her position. Mike Hill, a UNC Chapel Hill graduate, would take her place. He is coming to Charlotte having spent the past six years as the Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at the University of Florida. Hill searched for, hired, or managed several important Florida coaches such as Billy Donovan and Mike White for men’s basketball, Urban Meyer and Dan Mullen for football and Amanda Butler for women’s basketball. Hill was also heavily involved in marketing and promotions campaigns for 21 sports and managed corporate partner relationships with Nike, Pepsi and Gatorade. Prior to his time at Florida, he was at Ball State as an Assistant to the Athletics Director and served as Assistant Executive Director of the Blockbuster Bowl from 1990-1992.

Athletic Director Mike Hill, MBB Head Coach Ron Sanchez, Chancellor Phil Dubois. Photo by Chris Crews

Basketball

Hill has already taken some huge steps for Charlotte athletics such as his hiring of Ron Sanchez as the new head men’s basketball coach. Sanchez was most recently an associate head coach for nationally-ranked University of Virginia as part of two-time National Coach of the Year Tony Bennett’s staff, for nine years.

He has also spent time coaching at Washington State, a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Indiana and graduated from State University of New York College at Oneonta where he earned several conference honors, in 1996. Sanchez has even coached for the Dominican Republic National Team in the summer of 2013 and

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helped them to finish fourth at the FIBA Americas Championship which meant they qualified for the 2014 FIBA World Championships for the first time since 1978. Also added to the coaching staff were Vic Sfera and Kotie Kimbell as assistant coaches and Byron Dinkins as the new Director of Player Development. Sfera spent the last two years

Coach Ron Sanchez. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Athletics

assistant coaching at Liberty University and defensive coordinator duties while West will spent time prior to that on the coaching staff at also serve as the linebackers coach. West has Virginia as technology assistant and then later previously coached at Virginia, Old Dominion and James Madison and spent this past season as the director of scouting/recruiting. at Howard University. Spencer has 25 years of Kimbell spent the past seven years as an assistant coach at William & Mary and has also collegiate coaching experience including the past assistant coached at UNC Asheville after gradu- 10 years at Oklahoma State University. James Adams was previously the secondary ating from UNC Asheville in 2007. coach and will now oversee the safeties and has Dinkins has had an incredibly successful also been promoted to assistant head coach. coaching career in Charlotte schools such as Brad Queen had been the defensive line James Martin Middle School in Charlotte and was an assistant coach at Wesleyan Christian assistant and is going to coach the defensive Academy, but has spent the past eight seasons tackles. Charlie Skalaski will continue as the special at Northside Christian Academy and Carmel Christian School. But, Dinkins is no stranger to teams coordinator and will also coach the receivCharlotte’s campus as he is one of eight Forty ers. Skalaski has coached receiver at Liberty, Niners in school history to have their jersey spent time as associate head coach at Eastern retired and one of two players in school history Kentucky and Assistant to the Head Coach with to have earned league player of the year and the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. conference tournament MVP honors within the Chris Scelfo was brought on as the new offensame season. sive line coach. Scelfo was most previously with the University of Houston and spent seven years Football Head coach Brad Lambert has been retained before that as the tight ends coach with the Atfor another year, while there were plenty of oth- lanta Falcons in the National Football League. And finally, not a coaching change, but an er changes to the staff. interesting note is that women’s basketball Shane Montgomery was announced as the assistant coach Tanisha Wright is momentarily new Offensive coordinator, having over 20 years trading in her whistle for a uniform. Wright is of coaching experience including time at Miami spending the summer with one of the WNBA’s (Ohio) where he coached future Super Bowl most successful teams, the Minnesota Lynx. Cham pion Ben Roethlisberger. Glenn Spencer and Chip West will split

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