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A Student Publication • Volume 88- Issue 03

THE LION’S ROAR Fall 2016 Special Edition

Defending champs begin new season

Seniors, purchase graduating class rings

Roomie shows his moves at Strawberry Jam Southeastern Louisiana University • LIONSROARNEWS.COM

Head Coach Gauff to lead Lady Lion’s Basketball

TABLE OF CONTENTS August 16, 2016

04 06 07 10 12 13 14 16 18 22

Spend a week at Traditions Hammond Poker Run Walk-on tryouts for the team will be held on Aug. 24

‘Palimpsest’ exhibit hosted by CAG Artists continue to follow passion A look at where student musicians are today and where they plan on going

Women’s basketball gets new leader

Assistant coach from men’s basketball becomes new head coach for Lady Lions

Soccer begins first weekend of classes College bucket list A look at what The Lion’s Roar staff thinks all college students should do before graduation

The Traditions Week Calendar Senior class rings to go on sale Learn what each symbol found on the university’s ring represents

Parking rules and regulations

The above pictures represent a portion of what The Lion’s Roar staff does each week to produce a newspaper. A fraction of what each staff member does is copy edit (top left), have a cartoonist create a cartoon for the opinions section (top right), take photos (middle left), build a new layout for each issue (middle right) and interview a variety of people (bottom) for events, programs and concerts to name a few. The Lion’s Roar newspaper can be found in bins across campus and in various locations throughout Hammond. Photos by Ian Fischer and William Schmidt

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EDITORIAL By William Schmidt - Editor in Chief

Another summer has passed and the fall semester is here. I hope everyone had time to relax, enjoy time with friends and go on an adventure. I hope everyone is able to make memories through the university and find ways to enjoy safe adventures while making the best grades possible. For incoming freshmen, this will be a new experience. For returning students, as a graduate student I’ve learned that the

university offers numerous times to make unexpected memories. As the new Editor in Chief for The Lion’s Roar, I will be embarking on an adventure. My goal for this paper is to make it an outlet of information on upcoming events as well as feature concerts, sporting events, art gallery openings, Greek life and plays to name only a few. Each and every staff writer will work to the best of their ability to make this happen. The Lion’s Roar releases a paper every Tuesday and twice during the summer with exceptions to holidays. Our newspaper can be found in bins around campus as well as various spots across Hammond. We hope you pick up a copy to read

STAFF Editor in Chief William Schmidt Campus Life Editor Megan McCormick Coordinator Lorraine Peppo Director Lee E. Lind Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Advertising Assistant Nicholas Walsh

Mailing Address

The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402

Email lionsroar@selu.edu

Before I was the Editor in Chief and Assistant Editor, I was the Opinions Editor. I know how important an issue can be as well as how some people do not always agree with each other. If you disagree with an opinion, have a concern that you wish to address or social issue that you believe the university and community should be aware of, I encourage you to submit “A Letter to the Editor” through our Facebook page or by emailing us. If you prefer to read news online, like The Lion’s Roar, on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @lionsroarnews. I hope all new and returning students, faculty and staff have an amazing fall semester.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

THE LION’S ROAR

General Offices

and share with your family and friends. We aim to inform the readers about the latest news and upcoming events. We strive to be the eyes and ears of the campus. If you would like us to possibly cover an event, feel free to email us at lionsroar@selu.edu. For any concerns about our newspaper, you can send us an email and we will address it as fast as possible. For university organizations that would like to print announcements in the paper, you can submit them through the tab on The Lion’s Roar Facebook page or by emailing us. Remember to submit these announcements by 10 a.m. the Friday before the next issue comes out.

Telephone Numbers

985.549.3527 (newsroom)

985.549.3842 (fax)

985.549.3731 (advertising)

www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar

The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited. Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations in regular issues of The Lion’s Roar. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in Mims Hall 128. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

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TRADITIONS KICKS OFF FIRST WEEK OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES By William Schmidt - Editor in Chief Students are moving back to campus, the university is beginning a new semester and the opportunity for lasting memories are possible with Traditions kicking off the fall semester. Traditions is a week long experience that gives students the chance to meet their fellow students and make Southeastern their home away from home. In the past, Traditions ran from Sunday through Wednesday, but a committee met and wanted to make it a full week to focus on welcoming students. This would allow the students who live on campus, international students or students who do not live in town to have the chance to feel welcome and have something to do over the first weekend following the start of classes. “We really wanted to focus on making it a full week of welcome,” said Campus Activities Board Coordinator/ Advisor Nick Elliott. “When we were coming up with events and what we can add to it to make it a full week, we thought about the entire student population. It is really key because if that student doesn’t get involved in the university that first week, there is a higher chance of them leaving. We tried to give them something every night to be involved in. Some of them don’t require any engagement outside of showing up.” Move In Mania kicks off Traditions. Residents are given an assigned time to move in so they have the chance to meet the residents who will be staying on the same floor as them as well as

their Resident Assistants. “We want to make sure that all the residents have the best experience while moving in,” said history graduate student Aaron Johnson. “The best experience is knowing the residents are coming to their home away from home.” Assistant Director for Residential Life Amanda Robbins believes that Move In Mania gives the chance for the entire campus to show Lion pride. “Move In Mania is one of my favorite parts not only because it is when the students first arrive, but it is also because so many departments participate,” said Robbins. “The campus community comes out together and it is one of those moments where you can really tell there is a lot of pride for our university.” One new event that is being added to Traditions is Lion Craze. This event gives students a chance to learn about university traditions and participate in Playfair. According to Elliott, “it will be a big, high-energy event.” CAB will also be holding the first City Sampler on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Breezeway. Among some of the other events of Traditions Week are CAB Coffee & Live Music, CAB After Dark and Strawberry Jam. Ending Traditions Week will be CAB Presents “Captain America: Civil War” Outdoor Movie. “It is our event that we are not only targeting our students, but our faculty, staff and

Southeastern community to go out and welcome everyone back,” said Elliott. Traditions Week will give some students the chance to form new bonds that will last through their university experience. “This is their first chance to meet someone,” said Johnson. “Beforehand, students just have the idea that they are going to meet someone and that is going to be it. But when they get here, they see it is much more than that. They see students going through the same thing as them. Just at that base level they are able to connect and make

bonds. It is important Traditions has been turned into the entire week.” Traditions offers students the chance to create a home away from home and make lasting memories, friendships and open the doors for a variety of opportunities. “We are hoping by all these events they get a connection or involved somehow with Southeastern,” said Elliott. “If they make that connection, they will have a connection to TRADITIONS continued on pg. 9

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Traditions Week takes place each semester with multiple events including Strawberry Jam (left), Freshman Success Day (bottom middle), Oops, I Forgot Something (bottom right) and Paint Party to name a few. Traditions takes place for a week and has added a few new events this year such as Lion Craze. One goal of Traditions is to give students a chance to connect to their peers and make the university a home away from home. File Photos

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SOFTBALL HOSTS POKER RUN TO RAISE FUNDS

By Jonathan Rhodes - Staff Reporter Lions athletic teams use the off-season in part to generate their own funds for their program. The Lions Softball team is doing just that by hosting their Inaugural Southeastern Softball Poker Run on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tickfaw River in Springfield, La. “Each year, our softball team needs to raise $25,000 towards our program,” said assistant softball coach Meghan Collins. “This fundraiser will go towards facility enhancements, our team retreat and equipment. I believe Coach Fremin came up with the idea. He always is very creative in thinking of new fundraiser ideas that would benefit our program, but also be fun for the community.” This fundraiser is not only a way for the team to earn money, but is also a way for the team to bond with each other and build chemistry leading up to next season. “Being able to spend time together as teammates off the field allows us to learn more about one another, gain trust with each other and create bonds that will transfer over to the field,” said senior pitcher Kasey Nielson. This fundraiser is also an opportunity for the team to connect with the community and to their fan base. “I do feel that getting together as a team and seeing the different groups of people who partake in the event not only allows us to get to know our teammates better, but brings the softball program closer to our surrounding community,” said Nielson. The entry fee for the fundraiser is $60 if players register before Saturday, Aug.

20 and $70 after Aug. 20. To register, visit the Coaches Club page on LionUp.com and go to the Home Run Club section. Participants can pick up their packet with the required wristband, rules sheet and all locations for the Poker Run at Boopalu’s Bar from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26. Players must be 21 years or older to participate. “We are wanting to get anywhere from 20 to 30 participants,” said Collins. Poker run is an event where players travel to a set number of locations using any means of transportation to collect a card at each stop. The player that has the winning hand at the end of the run is the winner. Players must go to five of eight locations by land or sea along the Tickfaw River picking up a card until they pick up the winning poker hand. The locations are Prop Stop, Tin Lizzy’s, Boopalu’s Bar, SunBuns, Daiquiri Shack, Blind River Bar, Warsaw Marina & Bar and Hill Top Inn. The prize money will be 20 percent of all entry fees and will be awarded to first, second and third place winners. The event will end at Boopalu’s Bar where live music will be provided. “I think that with having so many local area girls helps with increasing the chance for success,” said Nielson. “If everyone does their part in getting the word out and if the weather is good, the Poker Run should be very successful.” The softball team will be doing similar fundraising projects in the future to raise funds for the upcoming season. “We are doing a Hit-A-Thon, Brochure/Letter Campaign, Haunted House and Domino’s Pizza card,” said Nielson.

Softball season will begin in the spring. Currently, the team is raising funds through the Poker Run on Aug. 27. Other fundraising opportunities will take place in the future. The funds raised give players the chance to interact with their fan base and bring the community and team closer together. File Photo

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SOFTBALL TEAM TO HOLD WALK-ON TRYOUTS By William Schmidt - Editor in Chief If you played softball in high school, recreateionally or for fun and feel like you have the chance to make the university’s softball team, then mark your calendars for walk-on tryouts. This will be the second year that softball Head softball Coach Rick Fremin will lead the Lady Lions in softball as well as continue walkon tryouts. “We just always provide that any student at Southeastern has the opportunity to try out,” said Fremin. “Every year in August, as long as I am here, we will allow all students the opportunity to walk on and have a chance to be on the team. We will continue as long as I am coaching.” Last year, six students tried out and one made the team. The softball coaches work together when deciding if a walk-on student makes the team. “We are looking for someone that can help our program from the extent of if we are better with them,” said Fremin. “One of the last questions that we ask is, ‘Are we better with them?’ If the answer is yes, then we will bring them on as long as they meet NCAA requirements on the clearing house. All the coaches give a vote and we put our votes together and pretty much go with that.” Softball tryouts may give students a chance to represent the university if they are able to make the team.

“For walk-on opportunities, we are trying to give them an opportunity,” said Fremin. “There are a lot of players in the state of Louisiana that at times, they get overlooked. We want to give them an opportunity, that is the first thing I would want them to know. The next thing is if they want to represent the university and the state of Louisiana, have the opportunity to wear the green and gold and help our program reach regionals and national status, then we want them to be a part of the team.” Tryouts will take place Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. at North Oak Park. Softball tryouts are offered to students currently enrolled full-time. Tryout participants will need to bring their own equipment such as gloves, bat, cleats, et cetera. If interested in tryouts, a walk-on procedure form, further information on requirements to tryout and other information is available at lionsports.net.

ART EXHIBITION TO LEAVE CAMPUS ART GALLERY By Larshell Green - Staff Reporter An artist’s work does not end when the paint dries or when the first piece is hung in a gallery. It ends when the first patron becomes lost in a world of visual inspiration. Senior art major and preparator for the Contemporary Art Gallery Trent Pechon describes the “Palimpsest” exhibition as “easy to take in and enjoy.” Pechon admits that he was inspired by artist Nicole Charbonnet’s work in the exhibition. “What I find unique about Charbonnet’s work is the more time I spend with it, the more it intrigues and entices me,” said Pechon. “Charbonnet’s attention to detail unfolds the pieces’ history before the viewer’s eyes.” As a New Orleans native, Charbonnet described her childhood as great and admitted that she first gained interest in art as a child. PALIMPSEST continued on pg. 8

8 | The Lion’s Roar see PALIMPSEST pg. 7 Charbonnet participated in education endeavors in the United States and France to master techniques. Charbonnet studied at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art in 1985. She studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Lacoste, France in 1986. The following year she studied at the Academie Goetz in Paris, France. In 1988, she received a B.A. from the University of Virginia. Charbonnet later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at Boston University in 1991. According to Charbonnet, the best lessons that she learned from her numerous sources of education were to “be dedicated, tenacious, assiduous and persevering, work hard and keep working.” A combination of collages and paint are used in Charbonnet’s artwork to create an intended pattern of examining “historical and archetypal associations.” “This superimposition of textures, images, words and veils of fabric and paper create a visual threshold which is something to look at as well look through,” said Charbonnet. “I often incorporate stereotypical images of America as a way of exploring our perception of ourselves and identity as members of a society.” Charbonnet admitted that most of her inspiration comes from relationships, nature, literature, music and visual art with a focus on perception, cognition and memory as seen in the “Palimpsest” exhibition. “Memory serves as both source and subject of my work,” said Charbonnet. “We all see through the cloudy lens of our own thoughts,

dreams and desires. Just as our minds retain numerous layers of ideas, feelings and images, however vague or distorted, the resulting surfaces of my paintings retain a palimpsestic memory of preexisting stages. Some gestures and colors are obfuscated while others remain visible even if shaped by previous or subsequent events.” The “Palimpsest” exhibition began on Wednesday, Jun. 1 and will end on Thursday, Aug. 18 with a closing reception at noon. The show is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesdays, the Contemporary Art Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the art gallery at 985-549-5080.

Senior art major Akilah Spears (left) and junior art major Gerard Bell (right) took a break from sculpture class to view the “Palimpsest” exhibit in the Contemporary Art Gallery. Larshell Green

The Lion’s Roar | 9 see TRADITIONS pg. 4 Southeastern and have a connection over the next four, five, six or however long it takes to graduate.” Campus Dining will be open as soon as students move back to the dorms. Visit the Campus Dining portion of the university’s website for more information and Campus Dining hours of operations. Resident Assistants are planning programs for their halls for the first two weeks of classes and throughout the semester. For a full schedule of events planned for Traditions Week, see pages 16 and 17 or visit the Tradition portion of the university website.

Students move into the dorms for Move In Mania the Monday before classes begin. This is the kick off event for Traditions. It gives residents a chance to meet their RAs and fellow dorm mates. File Photo

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW: A LOOK AT FEATURED PAST ARTISTS By Larshell Green - Staff Reporter Over the years, The Lion’s Roar has interviewed several up-andcomers in the world of art, theatre, dance and music. Musicians like “Voice of the Enemy,” “Common Situation” and Jenn Rees are paving the paths of their own musical journeys. Thrash metal band “Voice of the Enemy” started in high school and currently includes lead guitarist and vocalist Hayden Kimball, bass player Luke Peebles, drummer Sebastian Martin and guitarist Chris Rabalais. “We have a Southern metal type of sound with some hard rock aspects in the rhythm,” said Peebles. “I think our variety in style from person to person makes us unique. We all favor different genres of rock in our personal lives, so when we get to the band, it diversifies our writing process.” According to junior psychology major Kimball, since the release of “Gunslinger,” “Voice of the Enemy” has taken a short break from performing to finish recording their debut album “Gunslinger.” However, “Voice of the Enemy” has recently played shows at the Brickhouse in Houma, Lava Cantina in Baton Rouge with CJ Pierce of “Drowning Pool” and members of “The Other LA” at Augustine’s in Hammond. The band was also guests on Lafayette’s Planet Radio Sunday segment “Local Stew” to promote “Gunslinger.” “The venue was great and it was an amazing homecoming back to our home city,” said Kimball. “CJ Pierce was there and he enjoyed our set immensely which humbled us beyond words. Being able to show him what we can do was a great opportunity.” “Voice of the Enemy” is currently trying to modify their songwriting techniques but keeps the routine a unified task for band members. “Everybody contributes to the music giving us a whole new sound altogether with all of our different influences coming together,” said Kimball. “I mainly write the lyrics and contribute guitar riffs, but nothing gets put into a song unless everyone wants it there, so this makes the process more enjoyable and fun.” According to Kimball, “Voice of the Enemy’s” drummer Martin, gave them a “more modern spin” after their previous drummer Brendan Labry left the band to focus on school and other musical endeavors. “We have gotten to more of a strict schedule lately after getting a new drummer,” said Peebles. “It hasn’t really been very much of a break seeing as how all of us work, but we recently made the band more of a priority.” Local band “Common Situation” consisting of singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Persac and percussionist Carmen Vessel reunited at Tacos & Beer in early February of 2016 after a hiatus due to the duo’s busy schedules. Vessel later joined “Common Situation” which originally included Persac, Will Jackson and Zack Garner and has now been a member for about three years. According to Persac, what makes “Common Situation” unique is their “sound and unique friendship through the music.” Amid some changes, “Common Situation” stays true to their same style of music and performances. “We play a variety of music ranging from ‘The Beatles,’ Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, Drake; mainly acoustic, jazzy and indie type material,” said Vessel.

Solo acoustic singer Jenn Rees, formerly known as “Mumble Bee,” recently became known as “OAKES.” Currently an album is set to be released in January of 2017. Several children’s books and a series of paintings are also in the works. File Photo According to Vessel, the duo is not currently arranging and writing music together but still plays original songs and covers together amid taking another hiatus. “We pretty much took a hiatus over the summer mainly because I moved back home,” said Vessel. “Robert has been working a lot so it has been difficult for us to really get together with our busy schedules.” Since “Common Situation’s” reunion performance in early February, they have played at Tacos & Beer a few times and performed at a charity benefit concert called Tabfest in Hammond. “Performing at Tabfest charity event was probably one of our proudest moments by being able to do something great for our community through music,” said Vessel. Vessel remains a music major at the university and admits that balancing her many responsibilities can be difficult at times. “I have lots of classes, studying and rehearsals, both in school and with ensembles,” said Vessel. “Outside of school with ‘Common Situation,’ as well as performances, there would be times where it became a bit hard to balance, but I got through it.” Solo acoustic singer Jenn Rees, formerly known as “Mumble Bee,” is known for performing acoustic sets in venues like Tacos & Beer. Covers from musicians such as Van Morrison, “Kings of Leon,” Drake and 90s pop hits are usually among Rees’ diverse set list. Rees enjoys to play songs that would traditionally not be played in acoustic versions. “I like the fact that I have such a wide spectrum because people always seem surprised,” said Rees. “It’s funny to watch people’s reactions to the music. I like shattering people’s expectations. I don’t like to limit myself in any aspect. It’d be harder to think of what doesn’t make me unique. It’s harder for me to fit in than it is for me to stick out.” According to Rees, she has recently decided to change her stage name to “OAKES” in order to get a more mature sound.

The Lion’s Roar | 11 “I changed it to incorporate other people in the music making process so it can be an umbrella name if I started playing music with other people,” said Rees. However, this is not the only recent change Rees has made to her performance style. She has started performing original songs and hopes to have an album recorded by the end of this year. “My writing style has evolved,” said Rees. “I’m exploring different perspectives and I feel like it allows me to grow and understand more.” Over the course of about a year, Rees has had a slew of performances in various venues which have included Tacos & Beer in New Orleans and Friends Coastal Restaurant in Madisonville. In Hammond, Rees has performed at Brady’s, opened for a band known in Los Angeles as “Well Hung Heart” at Augustine’s Bar and performed for private parties at The SteaKhouse. “It helps pay the bills and it’s fun, so it doesn’t feel like a job, people seem to like it,” said Rees. Rees, who is a graduate student at the university in sociology hoping to earn a master’s degree in December,

Members of local band “Common Situation” often play a variety of covers at local venues such as Tacos & Beer. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Persac (right) is the band’s only founding member. Percussionist Carmen Vessel (left) is currently a music major and later joined the band that has now been around for about three years. compared her current album in the works to a thesis paper. “The EP would be a testament to how I’m growing as a person and a musician,” said Rees. “It will be a reflection of where I’ve

Last December, band members from left to right Luke Peebles, Hayden Kimball, Brendan Labry and Chris Rabalais from “Voice of the Enemy” were interviewed by The Lion’s Roar. The band added Sebastian Martin to take over the role of Brendan Labry on drums. On Friday, Jul. 29 they released their debut album “Gunslinger.” Courtesy of Voice of the Enemy

come from and where I’m going. Completing that would be pretty monumental.” Music remains a constant comfort for Rees through the most difficult moments of her life. “It’s a constant in a world that is always changing, there’s a reason music moves us the way it does,” said Rees. “Life is weird and the things that you think you

can never make it through turns out to be the little rabbit holes into Wonderland. I shattered my metaphorical glass ceiling and music has been my way of channeling that.” With many successful moments under her belt, one of Rees’ greatest accomplishments MUSICIANS continued on pg. 20

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MEET WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH GAUFF and better athletes. CPR (Competitive Positive Rivalry) compete to your fullest at everything. In the classroom, community service and practice, it doesn’t matter, compete. That’s individually and collectively. Have faith. Faith in themselves, faith in the process and faith they can play at a championship level. TLR: Will your coaching philosophy change now that you are coaching women’s basketball? EG: No. I might tweak a few things, but that will be more because of rules and personnel than gender. TLR: When did you decide you wanted to start coaching? EG: Around 1992 and 1993. TLR: How many years have you been coaching and how many years have you been coaching for the university? EG: I’m going into my third year at SLU. I’ve probably been coaching all my life, I just didn’t have a team until 1993. TLR: How did you become head coach of women’s basketball at Southeastern? EG: Faith, timing and prayers, mixed with the good fortune of coaching a lot of great young men who were from awesome families that both allowed and encouraged their sons to make a commitment and dedicate themselves to a process.

New Lady Lions Basketball Head Coach Errol Gauff will be looking to turn the program around after missing the Southland Conference Tournament the past three seasons. Coach Gauff has an impressive résumé with 18 seasons at St. Thomas Aquinas and two years under men’s basketball Head coach Jay Ladner. File Photo Morgan Ledet - Staff Reporter Errol Gauff was named the new Head Coach of Lady Lions Basketball. As a graduate of Alabama, he has a bachelors degree in communication with a concentration in broadcast journalism. He is the sixth head coach for women’s basketball in the university’s history and was an assistant coach to men’s basketball for the past two seasons under Head Coach Jay Ladner. He came to the university after being with St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys basketball for 18 seasons where he led the team to two state championships. He was also the Assistant Athletic Director at STA from 2008 to 2014 and the Director of Advancement from 2012 to 2014. As the new head coach of the women’s basketball team, he will be looking to turn the program around after missing the Southland Conference Tournament for the past three seasons. The Lady Lions have a young roster with some new faces hoping to make immediate change. The Lion’s Roar: This is your first season as head coach for the women’s basketball team. What are your goals heading into the season? Errol Gauff: I want each young lady to give one hundred percent of herself that day, at that moment, no matter what it is they are doing. That’s how we will become better people, better students

TLR: What got you interested in coaching basketball? EG: My love for sports and my infatuation with basketball. TLR: You were an assistant coach for men’s basketball for the past two seasons, have you learned anything from Head Coach Jay Ladner? EG: Definitely. I learned a ton working with Coach Ladner. TLR: What do you think will be your biggest challenges heading into the season? EG: Besides our opponents, patience. TLR: What do you hope to improve from last season? EG: I wasn’t a part of Coach Moore’s staff so I don’t really know. The obvious answer is our record. However, a more truthful and meaningful answer to me is to change the mind-set of everyone affiliated with the women’s program and associated with SLU. TLR: What is your favorite part about basketball? EG: There is no favorite part. What I love is how I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life by using something we both love, basketball as the mechanism. It’s about helping people realize their gifts. How making commitments to something and to others, working hard and being faithful will bring about success in any field or arena. TLR: Did you play basketball when you were younger? For how long? EG: Yes, I still love playing. It just takes me a lot longer to

The Lion’s Roar | 13 get up and down the court and to recover the next day. TLR: What do you like to do on your off time? EG: I’m not home much, but I love spending time with my family. I really wish I spent more time with them. That’s one of the reasons I love working at SLU, it’s a family oriented environment. TLR: How do you balance coaching and your personal life? EG: As I mentioned, I probably don’t do the best job balancing things between work and family. I’m just very thankful my wife and daughter are understanding and they make sacrifices so we can spend time together. TLR: I have read that you and your wife have one child, were you an only child? EG: No. I’m the youngest, but I have a brother who lives in Laplace and my sister lives in Dallas. TLR: How big of an influence is your family?

EG: Not an influence in coaching, but a huge influence in philosophy on faith, helping others better themselves, pride, honesty and hard work. Most of all, they’re my huge and constant support staff. I hope you realize I’m not just talking about my immediate family, I have an enormous family. TLR: Was this always the path you wanted to take? EG: No. But I believe it’s the path God wants me on right now. For that, I’m truly blessed.

Coach Errol Gauff has been a member of the Hammond community for more than twenty years. Gauff graduated from the University of Alabama in 1992 and was an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team last year. He immediately decided to coach basketball for a living. He lives in Hammond with his wife Medria and his daughter Hailey Elizabeth. File Photo

Did You Know?

TLR: Did you expect to be where you are now twenty years ago? EG: No. Twenty years ago I was too immersed into my calling at STA to think about twenty years from now. Heck, I was consumed with trying to make people take STA hoops serious.

•Gauff was a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Executive Council where he served as an executive officer for the Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches Association in 1997 (secretary) and 1998 (vice president).

TLR: While working, what is something that keeps you going throughout the day? EG: The thought of failing or not doing my best. That scares me and motivates me through the day.

•The Lady Lions have made it to four consecutive AIAW tournaments in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979. They also won the NCAA/AIAW Championship in 1977.

•While at St. Thomas Aquinas, Gauff earned the 2014 Neighbors Way Award which honors a teacher or staff member for making a difference and demonstrating a true concern for their community.

• Robin Roberts from “Good Morning America” played for the Lady Lions from 1979 to 1983.

Soccer prepares to defend conference title By Jonathan Rhodes - Staff Reporter The Lady Lions soccer team is preparing for the 2016 season, which starts on Friday, Aug. 19 at Memphis. In 2015, the Lady Lions were able to win their fourth Southland Conference Championship defeating Sam Houston (3-1) and qualified for their third appearance in the NCAA Regionals. Last season ended with a loss to the Auburn Tigers in the first round of Regionals. “Preparation for the upcoming season started last November as soon as the 2015 season concluded,” said Head soccer Coach Blake Hornbuckle. “Our returning student athletes and newcomers have been consistently working to prepare for the fall.” The Lady Lions will be looking to win their sixth regular season championship and attempt to repeat as SLC tournament championships. Hornbuckle will be going into this season with a mostly veteran lineup and a few new faces to the roster. SOCCER continued on pg. 21

The Lady Lions soccer team won the Southland Conference Championship last year and are working towards defending their title. The season officially begins Friday, Aug. 19 at Memphis. File Photo

14 | The Lion’s Roar

CREATING MEMORIES BEFORE GRADUATION Staff Reports The university and the city of Hammond offer a number of opportunities to create new memories. Acquaintances, friends and family may suggest some “must-do’s” that need to be completed while in college. The Lion’s Roar staff worked on creating a small bucket list of some of the activities that the newspaper staff believes that all university students should do before graduation. This list is not extensive and was made by people who work together but have a variety of personalities. The Lion’s Roar staff worked to create some ideas for everybody and hopes that our fellow students make memories that will last for a lifetime.

Attend a festival

Find work in field of study This is not merely a suggestion, this is a must. You need to get a job or internship in your field. Otherwise, why are you going to school? The internship gives you the experience to work in your field of study before beginning your professional career.

Join a student organization Louisiana is the capital of culture. For every food or interest you may have, there is a festival for it. Many nearby cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Ponchatoula and Hammond host a slew of music, food and special interest festivals throughout the year. Festivals like the Renaissance Festival, the Brews Art Festival, the Literary Festival and Strawberry Festival are held locally. File Photo

Go to Red, White & Brew One of the best ways to make friends and to get a better college experience is by joining a student organization. For me, joining a club that was related to my major helped me to grow in my knowledge of my field and put me in a position to help the students that come after me. You can also participate in many events on campus by being in a student organization, but once you join, you have to participate. It is so easy to just stand to the side and let everyone else make the decisions and do the fun stuff. Student organizations are only as fun and successful as you and the members make it to be and that is the best part of being in one. File Photo A must once you are 21. The business owners are some of the nicest people you will meet and they know their wine. If you are looking for a specific taste, they can help you out. If beer is more your flavor, they have that as well. You will have the chance to try an exotic drink that you may not be able to find anywhere else and they have wine tasting. This establishment is located at 109 S Cypress St. Ian Fischer

Visit North Oak Park North Oak Park is surrounded by trees and during the fall can be extremely relaxing. There is a walking track for exercise, softball fields, a playground, water playground for kids and swings for the child in all of us.

The Lion’s Roar | 15

Visit the Farmer’s Market

Attend a sports event

If you like sustainable, organic food and supporting local farmers, then this is the place for you. Hammond’s Farmer’s Market offers a number of vendors who sell fresh vegetables, fruits and other organic products. Also, you never know what artists may show up and you may find the perfect piece of art to put in your apartment, dorm or house. Free up a Saturday morning and find out what the Hammond Farmer’s Market has to offer. The Farmer’s Market is located at 18 West Thomas Street. File Photo

Show your school pride and support your Lions and Lady Lions on the field, the court and in the University Center. Even if you do not like sports and think that they are boring, going to sporting events are exciting for more than just the sports. Athletic promotions and other organizations work hard to get the fans as involved as they can and to enhance the experience with contests, raffles, free T-shirts and more. Go and enjoy the atmosphere of a sporting event with your friends. You can never predict when that walk-off homerun is going to happen or when the game is going to come down to a last second shot. Put on your university colors, go to a sporting event and Lion Up. File Photo

Nap on the fourth floor

Learn to cook A student in college is an adult in training. One of the most adult skills is cooking food from scratch. It teaches time management, attention to detail and patience. Show the non-millennials in your life what you are capable of by whipping up a home cooked dish.

Relax under Friendship Oak Say a student has a full day of classes, but they have that hour and half break in between. Why go all the way home or to an apartment to take a nap? The fourth floor of the library is always quiet and there are plenty of little nooks on the fourth floor to take a nap peacefully. Bring some headphones and set an alarm that will wake you up in plenty of time to get to class. If you are not in the mood for a nap, the library host events such as readings, presentations, a tea party and has shelves of information. Ian Fischer

Friendship Oak has been a part of our campus for years. It is a symbol of friendship, love, memories and growth. Every student should take time to sit under the branches and enjoy the cool shade of the tree. It is a great, quiet spot to study, have a picnic or just chill out with some friends. Recently, the university has worked on finding ways to preserve the life of this iconic campus tree by finding ways to preserve the roots of Friendship Oak. This can also be a perfect place to relax between stressful classes.

For more of The Lion’s Roar Staff bucket list, pick up the Spring 2017 Special Edition of The Lion’s Roar newspaper hitting stands on Jan. 17, 2017.

16 | The Lion’s Roar

TRADITIONS 2016

Sunday, Aug. 14

Lion Craze

Oops, I Forgot

Tuesday, Aug. 16

Move In Mania

Time: 7 p.m. Place: Pennington Center Participate in the high energy, extreme socializing event sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the Office for Student Engagement. Residents can meet with their RA in their dorm’s lobby.

Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Place: Hammond Square Mall No worries about leaving necessities at home. Take a ride on Southeastern’s Lion Traxx Shuttles to the Hammond Square Mall. Sponsored by the Shuttle Services, residential pick up will be at 10 a.m. located at the Housing Office.

Freshman Success Day

#BestDressedDen

Monday, Aug. 15

Paint Party

Time: 5-6 p.m. Place: Dorm Rooms Post a picture of your newly decorated room to the above hashtag for the chance to win a prize. The winner will be picked by the Residence Hall Association.

Taking Care of Business

Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Place: Student Union Ballroom It is time for the students to move into the dorms. The campus community will be there as they meet their Resident Assistants, receive their keys and move into their new home.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Dealing with a difficult person can be the kind of challenge you Aries Lambs love. Or it could be an energy-draining exercise in futility. Be certain your goals are worth your efforts. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Divine Bovine might be seeing red at having your crisis-resolution efforts overlooked. But others know the truth, and they can be expected to step forward when the time comes. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You should be well on your way to finally making that important decision. Having the support of loved ones will help when crunch time comes. Keep a positive attitude. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Feeling uneasy about a move might not mean you’re having a case of Cancerian wavering. It could be your inner sense is warning you to reassess your situation before taking action. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your pride could get in the way of admitting you might have erred. Best to ‘fess up now before a small mistake turns into a big misunderstanding. Make the weekend a special family time. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Trying to please someone with a less-than-glowing opinion of something you value could be a waste of time. If you like it, stay with it. The

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Place: Various University Locations Get textbooks, settle financial business, get your parking pass and Lion Up at the university bookstore. week’s end brings an answer to an old mystery. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) There might be time to make a change. But be honest with yourself: Is it what you really want, or one you feel pressured into making? Your answer should determine your next move. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Change is dominant, but so is caution: Proceed carefully, checking each step along the way to avoid encountering any unwelcome surprises that might be lurking along your path. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) It could be a mistake to rely on someone to keep his or her promise without checking out previous performances. What you learn now could save you from a painful lesson later. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking a strong stand on an issue you feel is too important to ignore could inspire others to follow suit. The weekend is a good time to socialize with old friends and make new ones. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your sensitive nature gives you an insight into the problems of someone close to you. Your offer of support could be just what this person needs to start turning his or her life around. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Financial matters continue to need even more careful analysis than usual. Use caution with investment possibilities. A personal relationship might take an unexpected turn by the week’s end.

Mon and Wed Nights 6pm-Close

COLLEGE NIGHT

$9.00 PITCHERS! $1.50 GAMES! 1612 West Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401

Time: Throughout the Day Place: Various Locations Around Campus Information given from the university regarding this mandatory academic portion of the day will be given to the students.

Strawberry Jam

Time: 6:30 p.m. Place: Lee Field Show your true colors at Southeastern’s Paint Party. Discover your inner art with your RA in the Housing Lobby before the event. Check with Housing or your RA for your scheduled time.

Time: 5 p.m. Place: Strawberry Stadium Student Entrance, Gate 3 The cheerleaders, dance team and band will be leading the first “Storm 30.” Fall athletic teams will be present. Free items such as food and T-shirts will be given. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Pennington Center.