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January 22, 2014
www.pacertimesonline.com
University of South Carolina Aiken
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Vol. 50 | No. 16
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NEWS
2 | January 22, 2014
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions funds USC Aiken Scholars Editor-in-Chief T.J. Wright Sports Editor Nick Terry News Editor Lacie Rhoden Copy Editor Colleen Welch Art Editor Eleanor Prater Webmaster Joey Gill Staff Writers Orlando Moldovan Brent Blackmon Angela Murphy Chelsea Bridges Business and Advertising Manager Judith Templeton Social Media Manager Joey Gill Photographers Jacob Ellis Ryan Mathis Cartoonist Robert Washington Events Coordinator Kaleigh Collins Ad Staff Kimberlee Howard Sheneika Lofton
USC Aiken Marketing Department Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has given a $50,000 gift to USC Aiken in support of the SRNS Scholars program. The SRNS Scholars program was established in 2009 and provides scholarships for academically talented students. The students and their parents were honored at a recent reception at USCA with SRNS senior management. The first year scholarship recipients are as follows: Derald Adams of Aiken; Heather Bartlett of Elgin, S.C.; Brandee Desmarais of Aiken; Lianna Epstein of Grovetown, Ga.; Meredith Hawcroft Aiken; Sarah Henagan of Aiken; Jesse Hooker of Pelion, S.C.; Erin Mclaughlin of Aiken; Katelyn Oliver of Aiken; Pearsall Jordan of Gaffney, S.C.; Taylor Shelley of Aiken; and Brianna Snelling of Windsor, S.C. The second year scholarship recipients are as follows: Chivtravati Choony of Aiken; Carson Connor of Aiken; Bethany Sizemore of Beech Island, S.C.; Kayce Van Pelt of Aiken; Madelyn Wasden of North Augusta; Linda Zheng of Aiken; Melissa Lane of Summerville, S.C.; Anna Holt of Aiken; Samantha Lisek of Zebulon, N.C.; and Shelby
USCA Marketing Department
USCA scholars Lianna Epstein, Samantha Lisek, Chivtravati Choony, Kayce Van Pelt, Erin Mclaughlin, Derald Adams, Melissa Lane, Sarah Henagan and Linda Zheng. Simmons of North Augusta. “SRNS continues to be a generous supporter of USCA by helping students
“... wonderful community partners like SRNS ...” Dr. Sandra Jordan receive competitive financial awards,” states Dr. Sandra
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are proud to contribute to the education of these USC Aiken through this $50,000 donation.”
S C HOL A RS
Blood Drive competition to come on campus
Pacer Times is a weekly publication of the University of South Carolina Aiken. The opinions stated in this paper are those of Pacer Times and in no way reflect those of USCA. The student newspaper is distributed free on campus, one copy per student. To purchase an advertisement, parties must contact the advertising manager at (803) 641-3517 or by email to pacertimes@usca.edu. Advertisements are subject to rejection by the staff. © 2013 Pacer Times University of South Carolina Aiken 471 University Parkway Aiken, SC 29801 (w) 641-3517 Fax: (803) 641-3728 email: pacertimes@usca.edu www.pacertimesonline.com
Jordan. “We are very fortunate the University has such a wonderful community partners like SRNS who believe in the quality education USC Aiken provides our students.” “Savannah River Nuclear Solutions recognizes the fundamental importance that a quality education plays in the life of every student,” said Dwayne Wilson, SRNS president & CEO. “We
Angela Murphy Staff Writer
Welcome USCA Students Have it your way with our menu classics or our new summer specials 3580 Richland Ave W. Aiken, SC 29801 Ph 803-649-7826
Hoops for Heroes is being held on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Student Activity Center. Hoops for Heroes is a crossstate blood drive in which USC Aiken and Georgia Regents University compete to see which school can donate the most blood. The winner will be announced at halftime of the men’s basketball game against GRU on Feb. 1. The home game will start at 7:30. From saving lives by donating blood to those who are in need, to the winning university earning a title and
a trophy, this event benefits everyone. A free cookout for those who participate is being held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the blood drive inside of the SAC. Those who cannot attend the drive that day can still donate from Monday, Jan. 27 to Friday, Jan. 31 at any Shepeard Blood Center. Shepeard Blood will still contribute toward the challenge by using the group code 1370 at registration.
U
A C S
NEWS
January 22, 2014
|3
Aiken to have first MBA program in history Orlando Moldovan Staff Writer USC Aiken is in the final stages of bringing a Master of Business Administration program to its campus. With the final approvals set to be secured around Feb. 6, faculty and students will be able to partake in the newest, as well as most original, Business Master’s program. While the approval may seem like a close final step, the actual commencement of the program might not be until 2015. This is due to the thorough and inquisitive nature of the SACS board, which has the ultimate say in the approval of the program.
The new program is aimed at bringing more options for USCA students. However, the program will only be open to students majoring in fields other than business. The program is intended for STEM and liberal arts majors who have previously never thought of studying something outside of their field. This maneuver comes as a response to the current University statistic showing that four-fifths of all graduates are leaving the University with majors in business. In a recent survey that asked whether students would be interested in pursuing a major in business, 50 percent of them across the board responded with yes. This survey, coupled with unreflective graduation
Designed by Eleanor Prater
statistics, galvanizes the University to pursue even harder this original path for the MBA program. With a new logo, designed by the cream of the crop in
the marketing department, the program will be enjoying a warm welcome on the campus without a doubt. With an accreditation bestowed by the same board accrediting
the programs at our Columbia campus, Aikenites will now be able to enjoy the fruits reaped from higher learning without having to relocate or drive long hours.
Pacesetter Applications Available in the Student Life Office!
New fountain to bring attention to USCA Chelsea Bridges Staff Writer Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan accepted her position as chancellor with a mission in mind: to help USC Aiken reach its highest potential as a university. One of the many projects that fit into Jordan’s vision is the construction of something no one has ever seen before in the area in front of the Penland Administration building. In order beautify campus, it was decided that a fountain will be constructed that will include a lighted brick walkway to the entrance of the Penland building. The project began in October and the construction of the fountain itself is scheduled to be completed by the end of January. The second phase of construction that includes lighting and building changes will begin soon, but at a later date. Many people – including students, faculty, staff and the commission of higher education – have been asked about their input for this project and they are all on board. There are a lot of upcoming projects to beautify the campus. “This is a scenic landscape
A final sketch of the entrance to USCA including the bronze horse fountian and improvements to Penland. improvement in front of Penland,” said Senior University Facilities Executive Brian Enter. “The chancellor had a lot of input in this project because she knows what she wants the school to look like in her vision.” The plans for the fountain were drawn up with a centerpiece of a bronze horse statue
appearing like it is running through the water. This statue was donated by Patty and John “Coach” Abshire. “We wanted to do something
“... we are so proud of the university ... ” -John Abshire
because we are so proud of the university,” said the couple. “We are so pleased that our statue is the centerpiece for the project because this is now going to be a beautiful gateway to the campus and we are looking forward to seeing the attention it will bring.” Vice Chancellor of University Involvement Diedre Martin
says that there will be an official unveiling ceremony when the construction is completed. There will be more details to follow closer to the completion of the fountain.
SPORTS
4| January 22, 2014
2014 Baseball Preview
Quest for a championship Nick Terry Sports Editor 2013 Recap
Sports Information
Ty Barkell awaits the pitch. Last season, Barkell hit .361 with 10 home runs and 56 RBI while playing first base for USCA.
2014 Baseball Roster 1 – Sean Miller – IF – So. – Crofton, Md. 2 – Dylan Durham – OF – Sr. – Trenton, S.C. 4 – Corey Bryant – IF – Fr. – Aiken, S.C. 5 – Ryan Metzler – IF – Jr. – Glen Burnie, Md. 6 – Max Schoen – C – Jr. – Loveland, Colo. 7 – TJ Costen – IF – Jr. – Virginia Beach, Va. 8 – Kody Belcher – OF – Jr. – Martinez, Ga. 9 – Brady Schmitt – IF – Jr. – Fairfax, Va. 10 – Clayton Coatney – RHP – Fr. – Jesup, Ga. 11 – Tyler Moore – OF – So. – Evans, Ga. 12 – Grayson Smith – OF – R-So. – Aiken, S.C. 13 – Jake Padgett – RHP – Sr. – Gilbert, S.C. 14 – Kevin Gifford – IF – Sr. – Warner Robbins, Ga. 15 – Matt Hissong – LHP – Fr. – Nashville, Tenn. 16 – Charles Padilla – C – R-Fr. – Lawrenceville, Ga. 17 – Robby Assemany – IF – Sr. – Chapin, S.C. 18 – Caleb Smith – LHP – R-So. – Aiken, S.C. 20 – Ben Black – RHP – Jr. – Augusta, Ga. 22 – Cole Lee – RHP – R-So. – Chapin, S.C. 23 – Adrian Rivero – RHP – Sr. – Alpharetta, Ga. 24 – Ben Donath – IF – Sr. – Aiken, S.C. 25 – Derek Beasley – LHP – Sr. – Harlem, Ga. 26 – Randy Luckett – OF – Jr. – Bennettsville, S.C. 27 – Nick Yobbi – RHP – Fr. – South Park, Penn. 28 – Jo Jo Higgenbottom – C/1B – Fr. – North Augusta, S.C. 29 – Jordan Brown – RHP – Fr. – Suwanee, Ga. 30 – Sam Daniel – RHP – Jr. – Evans, Ga. 31 – Taylor Peed – RHP – Sr. – St. Leonard, Md. 32 – Ty Barkell – IF – Jr. – Denver, Colo. 33 – Matt Bosse – OF – Jr. – Baltimore, Md. 34 – Nile Goings – OF – Fr. – Marietta, Ga. 35 – Roberto Hernandez, Jr. – RHP – R-Fr. – St. Petersburg, Fla. 36 – Danny Wissmann – LHP – Jr. – Arbutus, Md. 37 – Ryan Kaplan – IF – Fr. – Fishkill, N.Y. 38 – James Lynch – IF/RHP – So. – St. Petersburg, Fla. 39 – Connor Oliveri – C – Jr. – Palm Harbor, Fla. 40 – Brandon Sharpe – LHP – Fr. – Waynesboro, Ga. 41 – Randy Sipp – RHP – Sr. – Orlando, Fla. 43 – Hunter Hubbard – RHP – Fr. – Augusta, Ga. 46 – Graham Hatfield – C – Fr. – Johnston, S.C
Last season, the USC Aiken baseball team compiled a record of 42-13, including a mark of 24-6 in the alwaystough Peach Belt Conference. The Pacers’ stellar play in the PBC was good enough to earn them the regular season title. Despite its outstanding regular season, USCA did not reach its ultimate goal of the Division II College World Series and ended last season with a bit of a sour taste in its mouth. “It was a good year; it was disappointing at the end that we didn’t finish it out and win the conference tournament or win the regional and go to the World Series like our goal was, but it was a great year,” said head coach Kenny Thomas. The Pacers ended last season by losing in the NCAA regionals, 9-2 to Georgia College.
Returning Players The Pacers’ roster this year features a nice mixture of returners and newcomers, which Thomas feels makes for a unique team. “This team has got a very unique set up,” Thomas said. “We’ve got several returning guys, its almost like 60 percent returning and 40 percent new guys.” One player Thomas is excited about having return to the Pacers is junior first baseman Ty Barkell. Last season, Barkell started all 55 games for USCA and ended the season with a .361 batting average, 10 home runs and 56 RBI. Another player returning to the USCA squad expected to make an impact is left-handed pitcher Derek Beasley. Beasley led the Pacer rotation last season with a record of 9-2 and an ERA of 3.48. “It’s a very good team, we’ve got some great guys coming back,” said Thomas.
Fresh Faces USCA’s roster will feature several new players that could play huge roles on this year’s team. One player Thomas feels could make a big impact is University of South Carolina transfer TJ Costen. “TJ Costen could be a big-time player for us,” said Thomas. Thomas is also excited about a trio of incoming pitchers. Hunter Hubbard, Nick Yobbi and Matt Hissong will all join the Pacer pitching staff as freshmen. “We have a lot of confidence in them and expect a lot of things out of them,” Thomas said of the three freshmen pitchers. “They need to grow up quick though, that’s for sure.” These newcomers could have an opportunity to make an early impact on the diamond for the Pacers.
Circle Your Calendar Every series the USCA baseball team plays this year will be important, but there is one weekend series that stands out above all the other weekends. On Feb. 7-9, homecoming weekend, the Pacers will host the Prestige Appliance Classic. This tournament will feature three quality opponents in national No. 1 Tampa, No. 5 Mount Olive and Shepherd, who received votes in the preseason poll. “That’s going to be very unique and very different; that’s a big weekend,” said Thomas on the tournament he feels the entire country will be watching. However, Thomas doesn’t want to place too much importance on that one weekend as he feels that every series and every game are just as important. “They’re all big and it’s by far the toughest schedule we’ve ever had,” Thomas said.
2014 Outlook
Entering the 2014 season, the main goal for the No. 14 Pacers is to win the PBC and make it to the Division II College World Series. “My goal is to always win the Peach Belt Conference and make it to the World Series,” said Thomas, who added, “We want to make it to Cary, N.C.; we’ve knocked on that door so many times and it’s just time for us to kick the son of a gun in and go on through.” The Pacers will begin their season Saturday, Feb. 1, with a weekend series against Lincoln Memorial. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Roberto Hernandez Stadium.
2014 Schedule (PBC games in bold) Feb. 1-3 vs. Lincoln Memorial Feb. 7 vs. Shepherd Prestige Appliance Classic Feb. 8 vs. Tampa Prestige Appliance Classic Feb. 9 vs. Mount Olive Prestige Appliance Classic Feb. 14-15 vs. Belmont Abbey Feb. 16 @ Belmont Abbey Feb. 21-22 @ Francis Marion March 1-2 @ Flagler March 5 vs. Paine March 7-8 vs. Armstrong March 11-12 vs. Chowan March 15-16 @ Young Harris March 19 vs. Paine March 22-23 vs. North Georgia March 26 vs. Anderson (S.C.) March 29-30 vs. Montevallo April 2 @ Newberry April 4-6 vs. Lander April 9 @ Catawba April 11-13 @ GRU Augusta April 16 vs. Newberry April 18-19 @ Columbus St. April 23 vs. GRU Augustus April 26-27 vs. Ga. Southwestern May 2-3 vs. Catawba
SPORTS
January 22, 2014| 5
Men’s basketball set to hit the road for two PBC games Nick Terry Sports Editor
Ryan Mathis
DeVontae Wright looks to drive against the Young Harris defense in Saturday’s game. Wright had 21 points in the win.
The national No. 13 USC Aiken men’s basketball team enters this week on a 10-game winning steak after a win over Young Harris. This week the Pacers (15-2, 7-0 Peach Belt Conference) will hit the road for two important conference games against Georgia College and Francis Marion. The first game will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, against Georgia College. The Bobcats (7-8, 3-5 PBC) come into the game on a different path than the Pacers, having lost four of their six previous contests. Georgia College’s biggest win over that stretch came at home against Georgia Regents University on a buzzer beater, 56-55. One area of the game where the Pacers could see a huge advantage is in their leadership. USCA has 10 seniors on its roster, who have all been through many big games, compared to only two from Georgia College. “I think simply we’re blessed to have great leadership,” said
head coach Vince Alexander. “We have 10 seniors and we have tremendous leadership.” In the two teams only matchup last season, the Pacers came away with an 87-70 victory at the Convocation Center. On Saturday, Jan. 25, USCA will the hit the road again for a contest with Francis Marion. The Patriots (7-8, 4-5 PBC) enter the week having lost two of their last three games. USCA won the first matchup between the two teams this season at the Convocation Center, 85-67. In that contest, the senior trio of DeVontae Wright, Ron Zimmerman and Paul Larsen led the Pacers offensively, scoring 22, 22 and 13 points respectively. USCA will look to have another balanced attack against Francis Marion in the teams second meeting.
Jan. 18 - @USCA 86, Young Harris 78 This past Saturday, the Pacers won a tough home contest against the Young Harris Mountain Lions. The
two squads battled back-andforth for most of the first half until Young Harris began to pull away, leading to a 48-37 halftime deficit for the Pacers. After the break, the Pacers came out on fire led by the play of senior forward Rick Alderman, who scored all 10 of his points in the second half. “He was the maddest player in the locker room at halftime; he was the most upset,” said Alexander on Alderman, who added, “Our leadership just came together and said ‘Hey we’re not going to lose this game.’” Wright led the Pacers with 21 points, followed by Zimmerman with 16 of his own.
Jan. 20 - @USCA 98, North Georgia 79 Two nights ago, the Pacers defeated the North Georgia Nighthawks to remain undefeated in PBC play and notch their tenth straight win overall. Wright led the Pacers with 23 points and five assists.
Women’s basketball ready to face pair of conference foes Angela Murphy Sports Writer
The USC Aiken women’s basketball team enters the week facing a pair of conference road games against Georgia College and Francis Marion. The first game will take place Wednesday, Jan. 22, against Georgia College. The Pacers (4-12, 2-5 Peach Belt Conference) come into the week after a successful weekend at home where they defeated the Young Harris Mountain Lions, 56-50. This was the Pacers’ first win since defeating Columbus State and a sign that the team may be beginning to turn their season around. “We obviously have been struggling but have also been improving throughout the
season,” said head coach Mike Brandt. “Our mindset is much better now.” The Bobcats (12-3, 5-3 PBC) enter the game reeling after losing three of their last five games. This recent bad stretch is the opposite of how Georgia College began its season, when it won 10 straight games. In the teams’ lone meeting last season at Georgia College, the Pacers came away victorious, 59-39. On Saturday, Jan. 25, USCA will play its second road game of the week when it visits Francis Marion. The Patriots (10-5, 5-4 PBC) enter the week having won six of their past nine games dating back to their Dec. 16 win at USCA. In that contest the Pacers
narrowly missed a win, losing 71-69. A big part of the loss was the Pacers shooting a poor 3-19 from beyond the arc, a critical area of the Pacer attack. This time around the Pacers will look to make a higher percentage of their 3-pointers, which could go a long way to securing a victory.
Jan. 20 - North Georgia 92, @USCA 84 (OT) This past Monday, the Pacers lost a hard-fought contest to the North Georgia Nighthawks. Mariah Durian led the Pacers in the loss with a career-high 25 points. She was followed by Porsha Martin who added 21 points of her own to go along with nine rebounds.
Ryan Mathis
Mackenzie Reese looks to start a fast break for the Pacers. Reese is second on the team averaging 12.4 points per game.
Arts & entertainment
6 |January 22, 2014
Guitar quartet to play in Aiken Aiken Performing Arts Group The Vida Guitar Quartet, a group of internationally renowned guitarists, will perform at the URS Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 6 at 7 and 7:30 p.m. Since their debut at the World Youth Guitar Festival in 2007, the quartet has rapidly gained a reputation as the most dynamic guitar ensemble in the United Kingdom. Vida GQ made their U.S. debut in 2011 at the
International Guitar Festival in Los Angeles, and more recently were artists-in-residence for California State University’s “Summer Arts” program in Monterey in July 2012. The members of Vida conjure up an orchestral palette of color and effects from four regular classical models. Sticking to tried-and-tested guitar transcription material, they play with technical brilliance and precise ensemble. They clearly demonstrate their musical maturity and mastery of the medium.
They sparkle with vitality and spontaneity, weaving a rich tapestry of color and breathtaking range of dynamics and percussive effects that will hold you spellbound. Do not miss this magical evening of music and mirth sponsored by Bridgestone Tire. Tickets are $40 and are available online at www. apagonline.org, or by calling the box office at 803-6481438. Student tickets at $20 are available through the box office only with valid student ID.
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Arts & entertainment
January 22, 2014| 7
USCA’s Brandy Horne to speak at TEDx conference USCA Marketing Department Brandy Horne, Assistant Professor of Library Science Instruction and Reference Librarian at USC Aiken has been chosen to speak at the TEDx event Friday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Augusta-Richmond County Main Library in Augusta, Ga. This will be the first TEDx event to be held in the CSRA. TED is a non-profit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It began
26 years ago and has grown to support world-changing ideas with many initiatives. At a TED conference the world’s leading thinkers and doers are asked to give a talk for 18 minutes or less. TED speakers have included speakers like Roger Ebert, Bill Gates and the former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The “x” in TEDx represents and independently organized event. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share ideas
that are worth sharing. Brandy Horne’s presentation is titled “Separated by a Common Language: Why the Words We Use Matter.” Her speech will weave together bits of fact, observation and narrative. It will explore the role of language when seeking information in an online environment – specifically how our personal vocabularies can limit the variety of information we access. Ultimately it impacts our ability to communicate with and understand each other.
Marketing Department
For more information on the Augusta conference visit the website below www.tedxtelfairstreet.com
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Are you interested in joining Pacer Times? Come to one of our meetings scheduled every Tuesday @ 6. Breakfast and Regular menu items available starting at MIDNIGHT. The following McDonald’s locations are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Both Drive-Thru and Lobby. McDonald’s of Whiskey Road McDonald’s of Richland Avenue
If you have any questions feel free to email us at pacertimes@usca.edu
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