’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
Hammond, LA
September 26, 2017
Losing streak over Homecoming Week
Awareness of hazing heightens
traditions arrive soon
NIKISUN SHRESTHA
RIANA BRASELMAN
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
In the wake of the demise of Maxwell Gruver, a freshman at Louisiana State University, due to potential fraternity hazing, Greek life around the nation has been shaken. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has reached out to educate fellow members on this issue in a program at the Pennington Student Activity Center. With a slogan “These Pearls Don’t Haze,” the sorority, led by President Jessica Lewis and alumni members of the chapter Kristin Robair and LaRobyn Houston, started an open discussion on hazing during the event. The event was attended by students in Greek organizations and was overseen by grad advisor Phyllis McCraney. “Our national office sent out a request that all of our sorority members participate and encourage the public to participate in National Hazing Prevention Week, which was this week,” said Houston. “That’s when we set out to plan a program that would draw attention to the dangers of hazing.” The event had a presentation among the attendees regarding some of the myths, examples and prevention of hazing. “I believe that me being in the sorority, it should have a zero tolerance policy on hazing,” said Robair. “It should not be tolerated in any shape, form or fashion.” Houston described the policies her sorority has against hazing. “Absolutely, 100 percent safe,” said Houston. “As we mentioned in the presentation, our sorority has a zero tolerance standpoint on hazing.” She also suggested some tips for prevention against hazing. “Some of the prevention on hazing is to always do your research,” said Houston. “Look up the Louisiana law statutes on it, look up the organization’s anti-hazing policy and also the institutional policy on hazing. Basically in Louisiana, hazing is a misdemeanor and it can escalate to felony.” The aftermath of the tragic death of Gruver has led to officials reviewing their policies. Governor John Bel Edwards released a letter to the state’s higher education system presidents Thursday urging the institutions to review their hazing, drug and alcohol abuse policies.
Starting with “Downtown Decorating” and ending with the Lions facing off against the University of the Incarnate Word’s Cardinals, the week of Homecoming 2017 will be packed with many events for students to get involved in. Campus decorating will begin at 1 p.m. After “Downtown Decorating” ends at 3 p.m. A kickball tournament will begin at North Oak Park at 4 p.m. on Oct. 1. “Homecoming Kickoff” will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m. Starting on Monday will be a new addition to the Homecoming Week festivities called “Landmark Hunt,” and this event will continue throughout the week. President of Student Affairs Jim McHodgkins explained how the Student Government Association will conduct the event. “SGA will tweet out or put on their social pages something on campus, and the students then have to go find it, take a picture of it, take a selfie of themselves, find the thing, and the team will get points for that,” said McHodgkins. That same day of Oct. 2, “Black Family Reunion” will be hosted by the university’s National PanHellenic Council. According to the university’s NPHC President Timothy Davis, “Black Family Reunion” was started in 2006. “It’s an event that allows the black organizations on campus to come together and have a great time with food, music, games, Greek role reversal and above all camaraderie,” said Davis. “It also allows us to connect with the alumni that we’ve connected with at some point on our college journey. Even though it is called ‘Black Family Reunion,’ it is surely open to students and alumni from all ethnicities to come enjoy this wonderful event and see how we like to have a good time.” “LION UP Tuesday!” on Oct. 3 is scheduled with many opportunities for students to get involved in the homecoming festivities. It will feature older events alongside some newer ones. Some reoccurring events will be “Give Back Night” at La Carreta, “Phi Kappa Phi Homecoming Quiz Bowl,” and a blood drive in the War Memorial Student Union roundabout from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of the newer additions to Homecoming Week will be
Redshirt junior running back Darren Johnson,top, ran the majority of rushing yards for the Lions in their 49-21 victory against Lamar university. The defense also remained solid in restricting Lamar to 119 rushing yards. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar NIKISUN SHRESTHA
past weekend to set up a 49-21 rushing yards out of the team victory. This was the first win of total of 366 yards, gave his the season for the team. thoughts on the victory. The Lions football team ran Redshirt junior running “It feels good,” said Johnson. all over Lamar University during back Darren Johnson, who led see FOOTBALL, pg. 6 the Hall of Fame game in the the team with career-high 176 Staff Reporter
“Can You Build It” where student organizations will create sculptures out of canned goods that will later be donated. Following that on Oct. 4, Campus Activities Board will be hosting the annual “Gumbo Ya Ya” at the Student Union Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CAB President McKenzie Tolson explained how “Gumbo Ya Ya” will experience some changes from previous years. “We’re kind of tweaking it a little bit,” said Tolson. “In the past, it’s been more of a thing where students kind of come and go. They eat the gumbo. They leave. They take the stuff that we have. They leave. But this year, we wanted to make it more about school spirit. We’re going to try and make it more of a spirited tradition. So, we want to have a little pep rally and things like that to make it the same every year and not to start a new tradition, but just tweak it a little bit.” Tolson expressed that CAB is looking to keep the focus on announcing Homecoming Queen. “It kind of just became over the years where students get free gumbo and that’s it,” said Tolson. “So, we really want to give it a purpose, make it something important. The fact that we do announce Homecoming Queen there is important.” Wednesday evening will end with “Minute to Win It” at 7:30 p.m. at Strawberry Stadium. McHodgkins explained how the “Minute to Win It” games got started as a homecoming tradition. “It’s just been kind of added over the years,” said McHodgkins. “‘Minute to Win It’ was a game that they wanted to play for years. For a while, they did ‘Fear Factor,’ but that got to be pretty bad, so we said things are just trying to get grosser and grosser. So, ‘Minute to Win It’ seemed like a better competition.” The “Roar Rally” will take place on Thursday, Oct. 5 starting at 6:45 p.m. This will include a spirit competition, bonfire and pep rally at Cook Field. “The bonfire has always been a big event,” said McHodgkins. “It’s been hosted by numerous groups, and it’s basically like a pep rally type of thing, so that’s been around for a long time.” During the day of Friday, Oct. 6, Alpha Phi Alpha will host its “Annual Step Show” at the University Center starting at 7 p.m. Before the homecoming game on
see HOMECOMING, pg. 5
Alumni to be honored at annual ceremony JENNIFER DETTWILLER Staff Reporter
The Alumni Awards Evening will be honoring the Alumnus of the Year and the Young Alumnus of the Year. The event itself will be undergoing some changes compared to past Alumni Awards Evenings. The recipients of the alumnus and young alumnus awards are Dr. William Cefalu and Charles “Chuck” Toney Jr. “They both have outstanding credentials,” said Executive Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Biggs. Biggs explained why she believes these two men were right for this award and why they are the epitome of what the university is all about. “We’re very proud of all our graduates, but when they go on to receive such distinction as these two gentlemen have is something we all need to be proud of, and we need to share that with the world, that Southeastern produces incredible talent,” said Biggs. “We want to be able to recognize our alumni who not only have gone on to succeed and have very successful careers, but also continuously give back to the university whether that’s through volunteering or speaking to the classes, getting involved with their colleges or donating money, however it is.”
Cefalu was chosen for his accomplishments since graduating from the university. “Our Alumnus of the Year is nationally acclaimed,” said Biggs. “He is the chief scientific, medical and mission officer at the American Diabetes Association. He is well known to be an advocate for diabetes research and has written several articles and books on the disease of diabetes. The fact that he is a graduate of Southeastern is something we should all be proud of.” Biggs explained why Taylor was chosen for the Young Alumnus of the Year. “He is an attorney based out of New Orleans,” said Biggs. “He has an interesting story because he was very involved while he was a student here. He was a component of bringing back football and was instrumental in the reestablishment of homecoming. Also, he worked to facilitate the building of the new Student Union and the Katrina Rita Memorial Fountain.” Taylor was surprised when he found out he would be receiving this award. “I’ve been involved with the Alumni Association for some time and honestly didn’t think I would be named Young Alumnus of the Year,” said Taylor Taylor maintains his connection to
Weather
Tuesday H 89 L 70
Southeastern in several ways. He is an active member of the Alumni Association and the New Orleans Chapter of the Alumni Association. He is also a board member of the Foundation board, and visits the university every year for homecoming. The Alumni Awards Evening changes follow suit with the event not only honoring the Alumnus of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year but recognizing lifetime members as well. According to Biggs, lifetime members are going to be recognized during a champagne reception before the actual event, which is by invitation only. She said that the main event in the Student Union Ballroom on Oct.6 has an expected estimate of 400 attendees. Biggs explained how the evening is getting an upgrade. “We are taking it to the next level,” said Biggs. “We will have a string quartet playing. We are moving from a buffet styled dinner to a plated dinner for a more formal and little more elegant feel. Also, there will be a dessert display in the back of the room.” Biggs went on to say the Alumni Awards Evening is sort of their premiere event with a cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m., and at 7p.m. is Dr. William Cefalu, top, is the 2017 Alumnus of the Year. Charles “Chuck” Toney, when the program and dinner portion of the below, is the 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year recipient. Courtesy of Michelle Biggs and Rene evening will begin. Abadie Index
Wednesday H 92 L 69
Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....5 Sports.........................................6 News..........................................8
Stay Connected With Us!
Volume 89, Issue 7
Like and follow @lionsroarnews.
A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu
Page 2 | September 26, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life
Career Fair allows for networking with employers JESSICA ANNY Staff Reporter
“Career Fair” is an event that students can attend and find job opportunities. Students can create connections with employers. Delecia Cann who works in human resources at the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge government was at the “Career Fair.” Cann says her favorite part of the event is seeing the students dress professionally. “I hope students learn that there is a wealth of opportunity out there for them, that there is a lot for them to do with their majors, a lot of occupational transitions they can make,” said Cann. “Try not to be complacent and find yourself in this one hole. There is a whole world out there to take advantage of.” Mary Kay Inc. was also at the “Career Fair.” Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant Stephanie Dawsey talks about why she enjoys the potential the students bring to a company and getting to connect with them. “We look for women who are excited to try something new,” said Dawsey. “If they are interested in marketing and business then they would be more interested in this. We love people who are positive, friendly and have a great attitude. I love that when we come to ‘Career Fair’ we get to meet people from all different backgrounds and different majors. I love networking with people because you never know, they may need a job or William Craddock, far left, speaks with an employer of Hancock & Whitney Bank at Career Fair. David Kives, right, speaks with products. I want students to know that there are campus recruiter Carlos Bello, far right. Both attendees who are alumni of the university were optimistic about leaving the fair a lot of opportunities other than just working in with a job. Jessica Anny/The Lion’s Roar an office.”
Senior D’Anna Williams went to the “Career Fair” in hopes of finding a job. “My favorite part about the ‘Career Fair’ is they bring all these businesses directly to us,” said Williams. “It kinda helps with the search, so you don’t have to go and look at all these different websites. It’s all right here for us. I hope to build connections and possibly get a job or an internship. I cleaned up my very poor resume, and I made sure I looked professional and was ready to talk.” Senior Samuel Tomaszewski was at the fair in hopes of expanding his network. “Having the chance to meet local businesses, to see what they’re offering and what they’re looking for as well in us, Southeastern students,” said Tomaszewski. “I came to expand my horizon. I graduate this semester, so I’m looking to network to see what kind of options are out there for me. I hope to find jobs in the local area from today and see what they’re looking for in my major.” According to Tomaszewski, one way he prepared for this event was updating his professional wardrobe. “I told myself at the beginning of this, I have to put myself out there, it’s my time to shine, and make yourself marketable,” said Tomaszewski. Cann shares her hopes for the students who attended “Career Fair.” “We look for energetic students who are eager to learn and to start their future,” said Cann. “We look for students who are willing to bite the bullet, you know, just interested in moving forward with their future.”
Leto describes his journey to the SGA Members of the SGA’s Executive Board share their experiences
LARSHELL GREEN Editor-in-Chief
Since last spring, senior political science major Seth Leto has led the student body as president of the Student Government Association. Leto was elected as SGA President on Apr. 5, 2017 and was officially sworn in at the Division for Student Affairs Convocation on Apr. 25, 2017. He describes his first impression of SGA and the expectations he had as he began to see a possible future as a leader. “I could see the benefit that it has for the student body and the real impact that it can really have on students and their experience,” said Leto. “We get to bring student issues to the administration. I think it’s a lot greater than people realize.” Prior to becoming SGA President, Leto served as a senator for five semesters. In Fall 2016, Leto served as appropriations chairman. During the following semester, he served as internal affairs chairman. “I’ve worked in different facets of the senate,” said Leto. “I really understood how those committees work, how we vote on bills, view government documents and make sure that everyone is following the rules and doing their jobs properly.” According to Leto, before he was sworn in, he began to make plans with his administration that consists of SGA Vice President Richard Davis Jr. and SGA Chief Justice Ali LeBlanc. Leto quickly realized that his dedication to planning ahead would have to extend to his studies and prior obligations to organizations. Leto said, “I’m in different directions, I’m on the executive
branch of Delta Tau Delta, the fraternity that I’m in, so I have meetings with that. I’m also a part of the Interfraternity Council. It’s a lot of behind the scenes planning and working on getting things accomplished with the people on the executive branches and with the other heads of the branches, Richard and Ali. We also work a lot with our advisors, have meetings with Dr. Crain in order to look at the scale to see what SGA can do for the campus and going up to those tiers to get things accomplished.” Through daily meetings and other timely obligations to SGA, Leto explains some of the sacrifices that he had to make as president. “It’s sometimes hard to keep everything under control,” said Leto. “You lose free time and personal time with your family and friends, but at the end of the day, this term in a year is so worth it. To even now look back and what we accomplished so far, I see how it was worth it.” One of Leto’s most recent challenges as president of SGA has involved the parking changes due to construction. He shares the common misconceptions he discovered about his presidency from communicating with his fellow students. Leto explained, “Some students think we have more power than we do, and some students don’t really think we have any say. Between those two extremes, there’s a middle ground between where I fit and what my role is. Some students tell me, we need parking fixed. As much as I can advocate for the students on that issue, that’s not something that I can fix with my signature. That is one thing that has been an interesting challenge to see if I can really fix that, but
I can talk to the people who have a say so.” SGA Vice President Richard Davis Jr. was elected alongside Leto. As Vice President, two of Davis’ responsibilities are meeting the needs and coordinating the establishment of SGA’s three standing committees: Appropriations, Internal Affairs and Student Life. Following the election, Davis explains what goals the executive board members were focused on. “One of the biggest things that the three of us tackled as soon as we got elected and sworn in was working to update our constitution and bylaws to reflect the changes that have been made over time,” said Davis. Davis admits that the biggest lessons that he has learned thus far in his position has centered around responsibility and accountability. He has gotten into the habit of planning ahead for SGA while also serving on the executive board of his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. “In the fall, things are picking up a lot more,” said Davis. “There are meetings almost every day and trying to balance meetings, school and personal time is really a challenge that I face. One of the things that I have found is scheduling things in advance. I never was one to own a planner in high school, but when I got to college, I made sure to start using Google Calendar. As I got more involved, I really understood the purpose and usefulness of setting a schedule.” Leto’s interest in politics began in junior high and expanded in high school when he became a member of SGA. “I had a really good civics teacher in high school, and so I really got to delve into different elements of politics and
government, being civic minded and engaged in our community,” said Leto. “That really showed me that it pays off personally to be involved, and I really feel that sense of achievement when I can give back, not just to myself, but to the community. That’s why I have an interest in government and having a career in public service work. There is a real achievement you feel from helping others.” Leto encourages those interested in SGA to get involved by visiting their page on the university’s website in order to retrieve and fill out interest forms and observe openings for branches. “We have three different branches, there’s three different types of jobs,” said Leto. “There’s the senate, which represent the colleges, there’s freshman senators that represent the freshman student body as a whole. The justice branch doesn’t have any openings right now, but that branch deals with parking appeals, and they deal with different kinds of hearing boards, university bylaws and our governing documents.” Leto further explains what changes are going in the Executive Branch and in the Office of Student Outreach. “The executive branch is full right now, but we do have a branch under that that is called Leadership Council,” said Leto. “The Office for Student Outreach under my branch will be doing different initiatives to get students involved and to get SGA involved by doing tabling events.” The first day of the fall semester proved to be an exciting test of balance and endurance for Leto. Leto said, “It was my birthday,
Student Government Association President Seth Leto, right, engages in a Homecoming Week preparation meeting alongside a member of SGA’s Traditions Committee Hannah Fork. This is one of Leto’s responsibilities as SGA president. Larshell Green/The Lion’s Roar so the last thing I wanted to be doing was working all day, which is what I ended up doing. I was happy to do it because it needed to get done. I went in for an early morning meeting, stayed until about 7 p.m., went to a birthday dinner and then did more work on my computer. That day was just so much going on with school starting, homecoming planning time and initial meetings. A lot of new things were happening on that one day. I think if I can get through that day, I can get through the rest of this year, because that day was pretty tough.” SGA Chief Justice Ali LeBlanc explains why she values being a member of the organization. LeBlanc became involved in SGA as a first semester freshman when she was elected as a freshman senator. During her sophomore year, she became the associate chief justice.
Incident Reports Aug. 16 reported at the scene at the 7:39 p.m. Theft: A student Aug. 15 10:49 Auto Crash: No injuries University Center. reported a theft of a wallet 11:39 a.m. Hit and Run: A student in the Pennington Student reported damage to their vehicle Activity Center. from a hit and run accident in Greek Village.
Aug. 13
Aug. 14
Aug. 14
Aug. 14
5:50 p.m. Medical Emergency: A non-student was transported to North Oaks Hospital by a family member for treatment. 2:52 p.m. Medical Emergency: A student refused medical transport in the Pennington Student Activity Center. Aug. 14
3:41 p.m. Protective Order: An employee reported an ex dating partner violated a protective order by contacting them at work in Campbell Hall. A warrant has been issued for the subject’s arrest.
8:44 p.m. Lost/Stolen Property: A student reported losing an envelope with money inside in Washington Hall. Aug. 15
Aug. 15
4:57 p.m. Medical Emergency: An employee was transported to North Oaks Hospital by Acadian Ambulance at the Physical Plant.
7:09 a.m. Medical Emergency: Aug. 15 A student refused medical 6:00 p.m. Stalking: A student transport at Southeastern Oaks. reported being stalked by another student at Pride Hall. Aug. 15 The incident was referred to the 11:26 a.m. Auto Crash: No Office of Student Advocacy and injuries reported at the scene at Accountability. University Center section 5.
“I want to give back to Southeastern in any way I can,” said LeBlanc. “I feel like I owe so much to this university for giving me the opportunity to grow as a person and to accomplish things I never would have imagined doing.” Although his term as SGA president will not end until Spring 2018, Leto has reflected on his best moments in office so far. “The excitement the day of being sworn in was great, but it’s nothing compared to whenever we can achieve getting something done for the students,” said Leto, when asked what his best day as president has been. “There have been many great days during the semesters of making strides in the right direction like having really productive meetings and getting things accomplished. It really is a lifestyle for the year of the term that you have to live.”
Pay off your student loan, secure your future and achieve real independence with a proven company. Amazing income potential. Signup is free. To learn more, call or text Grady: 225-978-7466
OPINIONS | The Lion’s Roar
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 | PAGE 3
Hazing is dangerous, and there are other means to initiate group members Movies and television shows depict a stereotypical hazing to include dim, candlelit chanting ceremonies, boys or girls being hooded and taken to a mysterious destination, Jennifer Dettwiller massive STAFF REPORTER amounts of alcohol consumption or all three. The thing is these may be exaggerations but hazing is still dangerous and widely practiced throughout colleges even though it may be banned. Hazing can be a scary and terrible thing because it can escalate quickly when things like alcohol are involved. However, there are other options like practical jokes that can be used to “initiate” someone. Hazing is an initiation process involving harassment. Hazing, in my opinion, is the premise in which large amounts of alcohol are consumed, physical abuse is done and/ or peer pressure is involved, and it can become extremely dangerous faster than a blink of an eye. Hazing can happen in both sororities and fraternities.
In 2016, 19-year-old pledge of Towson University’s Tau Kappa Epsilon in Maryland was hospitalized because of severe burns along his digestive tract due to having been made to drink a “red, oily substance” from a spray bottle. However, this is not at all how debilitating and scary hazing can become. Recently, a pledge from Louisiana State University’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity was pronounced dead after a possible hazing on Thursday, Sept. 14. Louisiana State University police are trying to determine whether a fraternity hazing an incoming freshman led to the death of the student. With this in the process of being investigated, it is the utmost responsibility to all who perform these initiations that they understand the damage they can inflict to the pledges. From what I see in movies, television and actual news, hazing is still something that happens but often is kept hidden from the public eye so well, it is hard to know who to punish. Only 40 percent of college students will admit to hazing incidents, according to an article from the Health Research Funding website. I feel students might not
complain about this process because they may fear it will make them look weak in front of their leaders, showing how much peer pressure is present without being verbally attributed. There is the stigma of the unwritten hush-hush rule people feel is correlated with hazing. I think if someone wanted to be accepted so much into a certain society they
would change their morals. The popularity of a university may also lead to hazing being swept under the rug because colleges do not want hazing to give the entire school a bad name. The problem may have only came to light in LSU’s case because of the death that occurred. According to LSU President F. King Alexander in a news conference, when incidents
SPEAK OUT What is your favorite show on Netflix right now, and what
like a death happen during what seems like hazing at a university, drastic measures have to be made. In LSU’s recent circumstance, their entire Greek life activities have been suspended indefinitely as policies are being reviewed. Hazing has such a negative connotation, even though there can be mild cases of it, but young adults tend to take it too far by becoming impaired from alcohol abuse and playing what they think are jokes on their fraternity brothers or sorority sisters. Honestly in my opinion, most would agree hazing is completely uncalled for and irresponsible. If you want to bring new members into a society, do nice things. In a sorority or fraternity outlook, you can be that sister or brother-figure for them if they are not from around that area and can’t go home. I mean, you call each other sisters and brothers of your chapter for a reason. Additionally, practical jokes can be harmless and an alternate route for initiation purposes; just don’t let them get out of hand. In this, I mean everyone enjoys a laugh about Saran wrap on the toilet, or putting whipped cream in
someone’s hand then tickling his or her nose with a feather while asleep. Those things can still be entertaining and good video-worthy stuff. The key to it though is that these things won’t cause bodily harm or bad, severe trauma to the extent of needing counseling. There are some sororities and fraternities that have taken preventative measures against hazing rituals in the United States. In 2015, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority from Marshall University “participated in National Hazing Prevention Week by trying to educating students on hazing prevention” according to the Parthenon, Marshall University’s school paper. The paper continued to say, “Tri-Sigma was the first sorority in the nation to sign an anti-hazing contract and since then, the sorority has set out to educate people on the dangers of hazing.” I think this should be enforced by all universities for Greek life participants. Hazing deaths are deaths that are highly, if not completely, preventable. Students should not die nor be hospitalized for joining a specific group on a campus that is supposed to be their home away from home.
do you like about it?
Stranger Things (above left), Orange is the New Black and other television shows and movies have become popular while being available exclusively on the media streaming service Netflix . COURTESY OF NETFLIXX “My favorite Netflix show is ‘The Flash’ because I’m really all into all the superheroes right now.” SARAH WATSON SENIOR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
“My favorite Netflix show is ‘Riverdale’ because I like the suspense.” BRENT SIEBERT SOPHOMORE, MANAGEMENT
My favorite Netflix show is ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ because the characters interact with each other and joke around.” KINSEY MORAN FRESHMAN, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
My favorite Netflix series is ‘Shameless.’ The reason why is it’s funny and very relatable.” GARRIN PELLEGRIN SOPHOMORE, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Dear College- Riana Braselman
“My favorite show on Netflix is ‘That ’70s Show.’ I like it because it’s funny and it never gets old.” JAILEN HANDY FRESHMAN, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
college also means moving away from home. Depending on your financial situation, you might have “My favorite Netflix show is ‘The Office’ to live with because I feel I can relate to Dwight Schrute.” a roommate. OLIVIA KING As bad as FRESHMAN, ATHLETIC TRAINING you might think that sounds, it can be a great Jonathan Rhodes experience “Favorite show on Netflix is ‘Orange is the STAFF REPORTER for you. New Black’ because it was funny, and it related I to me because I know a lot of people in jail, understand that there are bad and they make it comparable with ‘Crazy roommates who don’t pull Eyes”’and everything.” their weight. In September of RWANDA BREAUX 1776, Benjamin Franklin and FRESHMAN, NURSING future president John Adams were sent to Staten Island to “My favorite Netflix show is ‘The Unbreakable negotiate on possibly ending Kimmy Schmidt.’ I like it because it fits my the American Revolutionary dumb version of comedy.” War. On their way, they had DENNIS BENNETT to stop to sleep and share the FRESHMAN, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION, GRADES K-12 same bed. Both men argued since Franklin preferred to sleep with the window open based on his theory of colds, while Adams wanted to sleep with the window closed to not get a cold, so, even our founding fathers were bad roommates, which is why the best roommate to have is a likeminded roommate. Someone who has the same values and is just as responsible as you are. The best thing that happened for me was when I decided to live on campus by myself in Zachary Taylor. My experience there was not the best, but I learned a lot about myself, like how I handle being alone and the way I want my dorm room
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the authorʼs 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. 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.
What makes a good roommate? For some students, starting
All views expressed in The Lionʼs Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lionʼs Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital versions, are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lionʼs 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 Lionʼs 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.
to look. Also, I learned about my sleeping habits. Living by myself taught me about the roommate that I needed and what type of roommate I would be to someone else. When I finally did move to a different dorm with a roommate, he was the best one I could have had because he and I were a lot alike. There were some differences, but we both compromised to make it work out. We respected each other’s privacy and didn’t touch each other’s things without permission. Taking care of the room was both of our responsibility, and we understood that. Compromising is something that you are going to have to do with your roommate at some point, especially if you both have two different personalities, but it’s honestly what a good roommate does. I’m not talking about allowing your roommate to dirty up the room or forcing your roommate to become germaphobic, but, something as simple as getting your homework finished earlier so that you and your roommate can get some sleep or not constantly bringing people to the room. Enjoy your time getting to know a person who is different than you or like you. Because in a way they are helping to shape you into the person that you will be when you leave college. Hopefully, you make the best of your experience and take anything and everything that you can learn from it.
THE LION’S ROAR STAFF Editor- in -Chief - Larshell Green Distribution - Jesse Salminen II and Glenn Duhy Office Assistant - Alyssa Larose Coordinator - Lorraine Peppo Director - Dr. Lee E. Lind
GENERAL OFFICES Student Union 1303 MAILING ADDRESS The Lionʼs Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402
TELEPHONE NUMBERS 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications)
Like and follow @lionsroarnews.
www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar lionsroar@southeastern.edu
PAGE 4 | SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Campus play comes to empower women of color
The cast, above, of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf” posed with the director, Sarah Balli. Taylor Bennett, left, and Ariana Robinson, right, warmed up with vocal exercises. ZACHARY ARAKI/THE LION’S ROAR ZACHARY ARAKI
empower and tell the stories of women of color. The play will show at the Vonnie Borden Theatre from Oct. 3-6. The playwright Ntozake Shange coined Sarah Balli directs “For Colored Girls Who Have the term “choreopoem” to describe her work. The Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf” to story is told as a series of poetic monologues with STAFF REPORTER
Student-run gaming channel focuses on skill and comedy RIANA BRASELMAN STAFF REPORTER
One general studies major has started up his own YouTube channel dedicated to gaming. Live streaming “League of Legends,” senior Joseph Matherne started making content during the previous spring semester on his channel BowS1R. “I took a semester off when I started touring with Light Wire Theater,” said Matherne. “That’s when I kind of wanted to start becoming a content creator. I’ve had to put it on the back burner because of school recently. The best stuff that’s on there currently is from last year.” “League of Legends” is a multiplayer online PC game. Developed by Riot Games, it is an online battle arena style game where players control a single character in a team setting. Matherne tries to create content that is comedic as well as based on his skills in game. ‘“League of Legends’ is one of the most popular online games right now,” said Matherne. “There are so many people who are trying to be content creators on YouTube right now as far as video games go, so I try to direct my content towards comedy but also skill. I like people to be impressed by the content they see or just make them laugh, just to make them enjoy something.” Matherne started playing video games in the beginning of his childhood. “Video games have always been a part of my life since I was three years old,” said Matherne. “By the time people could read, I was picking up a controller and playing Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo. I remember one of the first games I played was ‘Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.’” According to Matherne, YouTube and Twitch, a live streaming video platform, has become one possible avenue for those looking to pursue video games professionally. “Since I’ve been involved in video games and now there are so many different professions to be a video gamer, you can play video games on Twitch or on YouTube,” said Matherne. “A lot of gamers are
going into the facet of streaming and becoming content creators and also doing the YouTube thing in order to make their investments and make their money.” Matherne feels that focusing on skill is what can separate a League of Legends content creator from other live streamers on Youtube. Skill is an important component of the content on Matherne’s channel. “If you’re just starting to stream, no one is going to know who you are,” said Matherne. “Nobody’s going to understand what your channel’s about. No one’s going to go to your YouTube channel because they don’t know who you are. You’re not a big name. In ‘League of Legends,’ that’s what matters is your rank. If you’re good at the game, then it’ll show. You can get 10 of your buddies to go online and watch your stream, but you’re trying to attract other people. You want the people that are going to be like, ‘Oh my God, this is really funny,’ or ‘Oh my God, this person is really, really good.’” By focusing on skill, Matherne believes he can inspire other gamers. “I’m a competitive person, so
when I can sit down at a computer or on a console and have nine other people randomly chosen for me to compete with that’s what it’s about to me,” said Matherne. “It’s about competing. It is about being the best. As far as the YouTube channel goes, I don’t want my YouTube channel to be about me being the best. The YouTube channel is for people to be inspired. If you ever go to someone’s YouTube channel, and it’s a good channel, you’ll always want to play the game they’re playing. You’ll want to invest time in that game.” Matherne believes video games are a common outlet for those looking to take a break from their daily stressors and relax. “I’m going to want to have fun,” said Matherne. “Test new ideas that probably won’t work but will end up having a very funny outcome. Just because people like to laugh, and a lot of people choose video games because they want to laugh. They want to breach the reality of aggravation, of dayto-day crap basically. I know a lot of people play video games due to the fact that it is a gateway. It’s a way out from all the stuff they’re doing.”
song and dance. Balli, a senior art major discussed the play’s expected audience. “Ntozake Shange herself said that ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf’ was and is for colored girls so the intended audience is for black women,” said Balli. “But as the director, it’s my goal to empower women of color and to enlighten everyone else. It’s for everyone, but specifically the message and the themes it explores really hits home with black women.” Balli shared her vision for the production. “It was kind of my goal to create an abstract world for these characters to live in,” said Balli. “I wanted to create a world that was abstract but had been built by a 1960s hand, so it’s kind of a mixture in between 1960s and an abstract environment, so think modern day game show meets Frank Stella.” “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow Is Enuf” is the first main stage play Balli has directed. She is directing and designing the production as her senior project. “I didn’t get involved in theater actually until my sophomore year here at Southeastern, and then I took a directing class as an elective a few semesters ago and just fell in love with it,” said Balli. “It was one of those things that clicked instantly for me, and I’ve enjoyed every little part of it. I enjoy the researching. I enjoy the analyzing. I enjoy the casting, and I just love it.” Diversity initially drew Balli to choose to direct the production and present the audience with everyday themes. “I hope that they aren’t scared of the challenges in these poems and the audience take into consideration because it’s not about them, but it’s shining a light on what women of color go through every day,” said Balli. “It’s a type of play that’s talking about things that we as a society don’t want to talk about, so I’m really hoping that they’re challenged by it in a good way.” Ashley Barbarin, a sophomore general studies major with a concentration in dance is the choreographer and assistant director. She explained why people who are not women of color should attend the play. “It’s really easy to identify with people of your own culture, but it’s not so easy to identify with someone else’s culture if you haven’t been exposed to it,” said Barbarin. “I think it’s about exposure, and if you see what people of a different culture go through, maybe you’ll learn to be more empathetic towards them. You
might want to not only look out for yourself but you’re more willing to look out for people of other cultures as well.” According to Barbarin, attendees should keep in mind that each of the poetic monologues tells of an experience that Shange experienced or witnessed. “I think that should also make a difference how people respond to it because it’s not just make believe,” said Barbarin. “It’s not just realistic fiction. It’s real. That definitely plays a role in how we should respond because a lot of people go through this and a lot of people will go through the things she’s gone through also.” Taylor Bennett, a junior English major plays the Lady in Yellow. She shared why she decided to audition for the play. “I felt that culturally it was important as a black woman in theater to try to portray something that the world would otherwise not hear about and definitely not watch,” said Bennett. “It’s almost like getting a message across, getting them to see our side.” Ariana Robinson, a freshman art major plays the Lady in Blue. She discussed the poem “Sorry.” “It’s basically saying that you don’t want to deal with the nonsense anymore,” said Robinson. “You’re tired of all the sorry’s. They keep hurting you and breaking your heart, but now you’re just done with it. You’re ready to move on. That’s one of my favorites.” Robinson shared why she decided to audition for the play. “I’ve always liked doing theater,” said Robinson. “I did it in high school, and I saw that they were having auditions so I was like, ‘Why not give it a shot?’” Shelly Sneed, a senior general studies major plays the Lady in Purple and appreciates the message in the play. “I think it’s something that everybody needs to hear right now,” said Sneed. “With everything that’s going on, this message is perfect. It opens people’s ears and minds to what is going on out there. Bennett discussed what she saw as the message for women of color and other attendees. “The message for black women is that you are stronger than you think you are,” said Bennett. “Perhaps the message for everyone else would just be not only do you not know what happens on the other side of the tracks but that we can all help each other. We’re not so different.”
Eighth annual Brews Arts Festival returns to feature artwork, students, live music and craft beer ZACHARY ARAKI STAFF REPORTER
The eighth annual Brews Arts Festival will bring together art and craft beer for an upcoming fundraiser. The Hammond Regional Arts Center will hold the festival on Friday, Sept. 29 from 5-9 p.m. in the Morrison Alley Parking Lot. Attendees can buy advance tickets at a discount or $30 at the door. “Brews Arts Festival is a special event fundraiser benefiting the Hammond Regional Arts Center and its mission to support, promote and coordinate visual, performing and literary arts in Tangipahoa Parish and the surrounding parishes,” said HRAC Executive Director Katherine Marquette. “It is one of our most important fundraising events of the year. The proceeds, which are raised as a result, allow the Hammond Regional Arts Center to be open to the public, free of charge, and provide the community with highquality arts experiences throughout the year.” Live music, live art demonstrations, food and varieties of beer will offer attendees entertainment Friday afternoon.
Attendees can find art and craft beer at the eighth annual Brew Arts Festival on Sept. 29 FILE PHOTO/THE LION’S ROAR “Gnarly Barley is returning this year,” said Marquette. “New this year is Low Road, both awesome craft breweries. We’ll also have four major distributors ensuring a great variety. Bruce Hume and Marion Ochs will be on site doing live painting demonstrations throughout the evening. Also on the scene will be the SLU Ceramics Club who will be on site selling pottery and doing live throwing
demonstrations on the potter’s wheel.” According to Marquette, the event will uphold the traditions of past Brew Arts Festivals and continue for years to come. “Brews Arts Festival has been an overwhelming success, such a success that I cannot imagine it ever going away,” said
see BREW ARTS, pg. 5
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
September 26 2017 | Page 5
Homecoming halftime features works by Sinatra
ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter
The “Spirit of the Southland” Marching Band, Color Guard and the Lionettes will bring the memory of Frank Sinatra to the homecoming halftime show. The homecoming game will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. The joint efforts of Interim Director of Band and Director of Athletic Bands Derek Stoughton and Spirit Coordinator Paige Lapeyrouse Hall will prepare the halftime show. “Frank Sinatra is a legendary performer,” said Stoughton. “What I believe would have been his 100th birthday was a couple years ago, so we wanted to honor that tradition by performing a couple of his great hits, ‘My Way’ and ‘New York, New York.’ It’s also gonna feature our Lionettes dance team, and they do a tremendous job every single week. We’re thrilled and honored to get to work with them each week, so ‘New York, New York’ is gonna feature them.” Preparation for the show began Monday. Part-time Band Director at Covington High School and Jazz Band Director B.J. Perez III helped with writing the music arrangement for the marching band. “This happens all the time in marching band where we take a couple of tunes and arrange them, write them out for the marching band,” said Stoughton. “B.J. has done that for us.
Sinatra translates very well, especially ‘New York, New York’ because in the original chart the background has got trumpets and trombones going. It translates very well, that style of music to the marching band.” Stoughton explained how scheduling and other factors influenced the decision to perform the music of Sinatra for homecoming. “We had our ‘Band Day’ to start off the season,” said Stoughton. “We thought it would be fun to do Disney for the students with them. This week is our Hall of Fame game, so our show has to be a little bit shorter, which is why we’re doing the Shark Week stuff. This has been a favorite show of the Lionettes for a couple years, and homecoming is always a big audience, so we wanted to really feature them in front of as many people as possible. We thought the Sinatra show would be a great way to do that.” The homecoming show will be Stoughton’s second homecoming show at the university. “This year, we wanted to feature our Lionettes in front of a large audience because they do such a great job for us,” said Stoughton. “We always try to do something that will either inspire a homecoming crowd or something that is rooted very deeply at Southeastern whether it’s something related to our state, whether it’s something related to some part of our school, something that makes us truly unique and special. These past years, it has been state of
The homecoming halftime show will feature the “Spirit of the Southland” Marching Band, Color Guard and the Lionettes performing the music of Frank Sinatra. This will be Stoughton’s second homecoming halftime show at the university. Last year’s show featured the music of Louisiana. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar Louisiana music along with our Lionettes.” Stoughton shared his thoughts on homecoming. “We’re just really excited to welcome all the alumni back to the place where they matriculated,” said Stoughton. “We’re always excited to hear the great and wonderful things that our graduates have done and are doing in
the real world. We’re excited to have just been a small part of inspiring them to go out and conquer the world. For them, that all starts here at Southeastern, so we just want to do something to welcome our graduates back, allow them to have a great time this weekend and just continue to be excited and inspired by all the wonderful things going on at our school.”
‘Seldom Seen’ artwork centers on private art collections ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter
Artwork from the private collections of contributors in the Florida Parishes will be on exhibit at the Hammond Regional Arts Center to promote art collecting. The opening reception for “Seldom Seen” will be held on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m., and the exhibition will be open until Oct. 27. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The exhibition is curated by HRAC Board Members Pat Macaluso and Denise Tullier-Holly. “We have collected art from members of the community who have taken two or three pieces from their personal art collection to put together to instruct the public on how and why to collect art to show that it doesn’t have to be a van Gogh to be a valued piece of an art collection,” said Macaluso. “Besides just labelling each art piece with the title and the artist, we are trying to get some background on the artist and some insight into why these people chose this particular piece to collect regarding circumstances when they purchased the work, collected the work and what moved them to purchase the work.” Macaluso discussed what can be found at “Seldom Seen.” “It’s an excellent example of various art from different mediums, different genres, different levels of taste,” said Macaluso. “It includes everything from highly collectible like Ida Kohlmeyer to just somebody who found a postcard in an antique shop, just thought it
was pretty and framed it. It’s an attempt to kind of take the stigma out of being called an art collector because you don’t have to really know anything about art to collect. All you have to know is what you like and want to surround yourself with things that give you joy.” “Seldom Seen” is the fifth in a series. Though not reoccurring every year, the exhibit is held periodically. “So often, people think that collecting art is only something the super rich can do,” said HRAC Executive Director Katherine Marquette. “I really admire this exhibition because it demonstrates that everyone can collect art. Whether you are rich or poor, whether it’s a print from an artist that costs $50 or a painting that costs $500, everyone can and should be supporting living artists when and wherever possible. I myself am a collector and believe deeply in the power and richness art brings to the lives of those that live with and immerse themselves in it.” Marquette explained the exhibition title “Seldom Seen.” “The show’s title makes reference to the fact that the works of art included in this exhibition are in private collections, thus they are ‘seldom seen’ by the public at large,” said Marquette. “Unlike works of art which are owned by public institutions, such as museums, once a painting or a work of art is purchased by a private collector, it rarely is seen by anyone other than the purchaser and his or her family and friends.” Macaluso and Tullier-Holly visited the contributing collectors to
Festival, I usually tell them to get Marquette shared the initial out their calendars and to mark continued from pg. 4 inspiration for the event. themselves busy on the last Friday “The initial Brew Arts Festival Marquette. “In fact, when in September for the next 10 was held at the suggestion of speaking about Brews Arts years.” HRAC Board Member Pat Macaluso,” said Marquette. “Back October 22) You might surprise then, Pat’s daughter worked at the everyone by being unusually Acadiana Arts Center in Lafayette, impulsive this week. But even LA, which held a similar style level-headed Libras need to do event. The event was a success the unexpected now and then. there, so HRAC decided to give it ARIES (March 21 to April SCORPIO (October 23 a shot here in Hammond.” 19) Although you love being the to November 21) A period of Marquette discussed the focus of attention, it’s a good idea turmoil gives way to a calmer, preparation devoted to the Brew to take a few steps back right more settled environment. Arts Festival. now to just watch the action. Use this quieter time to patch “BrewsArts Festival is a massive What you see can help with an up neglected personal and/or undertaking, which requires upcoming decision. professional relationships. TAURUS (April 20 to May SAGITTARIUS (November 20) “Caution” continues to be 22 to December 21) A new your watchword this week, relationship could create as a former colleague tries to resentment among family and reconnect old links. There are friends who feel left out of your still some dark places that need life. Show them you care by to be illuminated. making more time for them. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) CAPRICORN (December 22 Making a good first impression to January 19) Concentrate on is important. Revealing your completing all your unfinished often hidden sense of humor can tasks before deadline. You’ll help you get through some of the then be able to use this freedmore awkward situations. up time to research new career CANCER (June 21 to July opportunities. 22) Taking that Cancer Crab AQUARIUS (January 20 image too seriously? Lighten up. to February 18) You’re right to Instead of complaining about try to help colleagues resolve your problems, start resolving their heated differences. But them. A friend would be happy keep your objectivity and avoid to help. showing any favoritism ‘twixt LEO (July 23 to August 22) A the two sides. widening distance between you PISCES (February 19 to and that special person needs March 20) Your personal life to be handled with honesty and continues to show positive sensitivity. Don’t let jealousy changes. Enjoy this happy turn create an even greater gap of events, by all means. But between you two. be careful not to neglect your VIRGO (August 23 to workplace obligations. September 22) Congratulations. BORN THIS WEEK: People Your handling of a delicate of all ages look to you for advice family matter rates kudos. But and encouragement. You would no resting on your laurels just make an excellent counselor. yet. You still have to resolve that (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc. on-the-job problem. LIBRA (September 23 to BREW ARTS
Sponsored By
much in the way of planning and preparation,” said Marquette. “There have been many in the past who have worked diligently to shape it into the smoothly running success that it is, people like former Operations Manager Daphne Hebert and former Board President Phillip Colwart. This year, HRAC is honored to have the one and only Lacy Landrum leading the charge as Brews Arts Festival Chairperson. Lacy Landrum is the most amazing, capable leader I have ever met. With her at the helm, this year is sure to be the very best yet.”
Artworks from private collections will be exhibited at “Seldom Seen” to promote and educate attendees about art collecting. Courtesy of Tara Bennett decide on which artworks to exhibit. “We tried to pick pieces out of each collection that were the favorites of the collectors themselves as well as trying to put together a cohesive exhibit so the pieces would relate to one another,” said Macaluso. HOMECOMING
continued from pg. 1 Saturday, Oct. 7, the Homecoming Parade will start in Friendship Circle at noon. “The parade has gone on for years,” said McHodgkins. “It’s usually the day of the game, so you’ll travel around campus. The map of where they’ve gone has changed a lot. Right now, we basically go around campus, and it comes out of Friendship Circle.” According to McHodgkins, some past homecoming traditions have “fallen away.”
“At one point, they did a tug of war,” said McHodgkins. “At one point, there was a bloomer bowl that was played where the girls dressed up like football players and the guys dressed up like cheerleaders. That hasn’t happened probably in a long time. There used to be an event where students would play with faculty and staff in flag football.” During the homecoming game, the Homecoming Court will be presented during halftime, and the Homecoming Week winners will be announced during the 3rd quarter.
SPONSORING
The Lion’s Roar | Sports
Page 6 | September 26, 2017
First football season win at home Senior
players strive for improved season
Senior guard Taylin Underwood became the 20th player in the Lady Lions basketball program history to reach 1,000 career points. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter
Sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Nunez completed eight passes and threw a touchdown in his second start of the season. The fans cheered on the Lions at Strawberry Stadium as they registered their first victory of the season. The marching band started prematch practice ahead of the game. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar FOOTBALL
continued from pg. 1 “We definitely needed it. Coming off three losses, we definitely needed something to get us back going and get us back on the right track, and I think that we did that tonight. We came out here and played with max effort, and our team is ready to get it rolling.” After coming out on the losing end of some close games, Head Coach Ron Roberts thought the victory was important for the team. “The players were frustrated,” said Roberts. “So, I’m really happy for them more than anything. They need to get some type of payback for all the work they put in. Come up short in two close ones, so right now, it’s just good to get this one behind us.” The game saw sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Nunez make his second start under center in the season. He described the key element that led to the victory. “It feels good,” said Nunez. “Should have been second or third. We worked pretty hard on the practice for the team, and we accomplished what we practiced. We did our goal. Really just did what the coaches
told us to do. We executed the game plan that we did on practice, and everybody in the team did a really good job of doing that.” With the Lions having their difficulty on offense in the previous games, a difference in intensity led them to record their highest score of the season. “I think we responded well,” said Johnson. “We definitely didn’t let any of their touchdowns take part in the effort we gave in offense. We definitely wanted to get the ball into the end zone every time we got it. I say we played like that and did the best we could.” Roberts commended the effort put in by his team and gave his thoughts on having multiple quality running backs. “Yeah, that’s a nice luxury,” said Roberts. “We know we’ve got multiple guys that are really good players, and one guy is sitting there too. I feel more comfortable with stable running backs, and we’ve got enough depth to overcome any situation.” Nunez also complimented the effort put in by the running backs in the game. “It takes a lot of pressure off of me, which means I don’t have to run the ball and the defense,” said Nunez. “They have
to actually guard me and the running back, which is pretty hard.” During the half time, former university athletes were inducted into the 2017 Athletics Hall of Fame class, women’s soccer member Kari Yost, football member Tommy Connors and baseball player Cass Hargis. The game also marked the Military Appreciation Day. Nunez believes the victory sent out a message for the rest of the season. “I think that we showed the teams that we are better than the last three weeks that we’ve been playing,” said Nunez. “It shows them that we can score and we can drop the ball down the field. We are a team to reckon with.” Johnson said the team just needs to continue to work hard for rest of the season. “Just continue to practice hard on practice,” said Johnson. “We had a great week of practice this week. That’s what is important for us: to come in and play hard on Saturdays. Just practice, great preparation and come out for game day.” The Lions play Northwestern State University next on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Natchitoches, LA.
Struggles continue for Lady Lions volleyball JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter
The Lady Lions volleyball dropped their second home conference game in a row in their loss to Incarnate Word three sets to one. The Lady Lions are now 0-2 in the conference and 2-13 overall. Head Coach Jim Smoot does not believe that his team lacks the ability to pick up momentum and win games but simply believes that the team needs to change its behavior. “Our main problem is not our skill or abilities but our problem to process the information the coaches are giving out,” said Smoot. “That’s the reason we are not successful. We have all of the skill.” Smoot was hoping to see the team build some chemistry in this game. The Lady Lions won the third set 25-20. However, in the fourth set, the Lady Lions had seven attack errors leading to a 25-18 loss. “We were hoping to pick some momentum with a win here today,” said Smoot. “Right now, I’m not really thinking in terms of tournament. I’m trying to get this group to realize what it takes to be successful ‘cause right now if we can’t realize that we can’t win. As they say, the cart before the horse in that situation.” The Lady Lions had a .145 attack percentage, which is their fourth highest of the season. Sophomore middle blocker Jodi Edo had a career high 10 kills. Edo understands why the team was not able to pull out a victory. “Our main problems had to be serve receive,” said Edo. “We broke down a lot from it in the second set and third set. One of our other main problems was serving. Our serving was very awful. There were a lot of balls that soared out of bounds and a lot of balls that went straight into the net. I think we overthought our serves a lot, so we have to key in and get to know our zones and serve the right way on the court.” Edo believes that doing it in practice has been a lot easier so
Freshman middle blocker Sam Gomez positions herself to spike the ball. The volleyball team is still winless in the conference. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion’s Roar on the team,” said Edo. “A lot of far than doing it in a game. “We are working on our times, we are trying to get it done serving in practice, we are in practice, but it’s a lot harder in working on staying in our zones see VOLLEYBALL, pg. 8 and not serving to their best passer
After finishing last season with an overall record of 5-24 and a conference record of 3-15, the Lady Lions basketball team look for an improved 2017-18 season with the help of their senior players. “We’ve got some good kids coming in, but they’re going to be looking up to Tytiana, Taylin and Bre,” said Head Coach Ayla Guzzardo. “They are our seniors. So, they will be in a leadership role. Each one of them will be requested and we’ll ask them to do specific things, and I think they’ve all been taking that and running with it.” Senior guard Taylin Underwood was one of the outstanding performers for the Lady Lions. She was named in the 2016-17 All-Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Team and the 2016-17 Louisiana Sports Writers Association AllLouisiana Women’s Basketball Team, and she led the team in scoring at 18.6 points per game, which is the highest by a Lady Lion since 1999-00 season. Underwood was pleased by the accolades but stresses the game is a team effort. “I think it’s awesome,” said Underwood. “Obviously, I
work hard to be able to do what I can, but I can’t do anything without my teammates. We’re working hard again this year. So hopefully, we can do the same if not more this coming up season.” Guzzardo described how the role for Underwood has changed for the upcoming season. “Right now, one thing Taylin’s been very good at, everyone knows she’s a great player, she’s a great scorer, she’s a great competitor, but she’s been more vocal this year,” said Guzzardo. “That’s something that we need her to do and we’ve asked her to do, and she’s accepted it. She’s embraced it, and she’s been very very good at it.” Underwood expressed her thoughts on her journey at the university. “I love it,” said Underwood. “I love being so close to home. From my freshman year to now, I can tell that I’ve grown so much not just as far as basketball but as being a leader and being more vocal and helping other people out. It’s basically like a big family out here.” The responsibility of taking the team forward also lies on the shoulders of senior forward Tytiana Hall. She explained how she plans to help the team.
see UNDERWOOD, pg. 7
SPORTS | The Lion’s Roar
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 | PAGE 7
Three former players inducted into university Hall of Fame and football player Tommy Connors were inducted into the 2017 Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame. For the first time ever, three former Lion athletes that played in the 2000s were inducted into the Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame at the same time. The inductees were happy to return to the university to receive the honor and to see some old friends. “It’s certainly just good to be back,” said Hargis. “It’s good seeing old teammates, old people who worked here and getting back with everybody.” Hargis was an outfielder and played for the university from 2008 to 2011. At the time that he left the team, he was under then head coach Jay Artigues. He was the all-time leader in hits, runs, triples and games played. Hargis keeps up with the Athletic Director Jay Artigues presents Tommy Connors, Cass Hargis and Kari Yost current baseball team and the with awards as part of Hall of Fame induction. JONATHAN RHODES/THE LION’S ROAR progress of the program. “It’s awesome,” said Hargis. JONATHAN RHODES Former soccer player Kari “I’m not just speaking for STAFF REPORTER Yost, baseball player Cass Hargis myself but for everyone that
I played with. We are really proud of them. We follow them everywhere that they go. We got a text message group going every time they play. It’s been fun.” Hargis is glad that the baseball program has elevated from when he played and has gained national exposure. “Just seeing it go from when we first got here to where it’s at now is what I enjoy the most about coming back,” said Hargis. “When we first got here, the culture was different and the expectations were different. By the time we left, the expectation was to win conference and play in the regionals. To see it come to fruition now being on the outside of it is really fun.” Hargis is the head coach of the Holy Cross School baseball team and mentioned in his induction speech how he learned how to be a coach from his former baseball coaches, Artigues and Matt Riser. “I am fortunate enough to be running my own baseball program now,” said Hargis. “Basically, I got my own
personality to it, but everything that I do, I got from coach Riser and coach Artigues. The stuff that coach Artigues would yell at me for during practice, I would roll my eyes at. Now, I get on my guys during practice and stop and think, ‘I sound just like coach Artigues.’ That is what I’m most thankful for because it’s something that didn’t just help me as a baseball player, it helped in my career. I talk to coach Riser all the time. As a friend, I ask him about what to do baseballwise.” Yost was a defender for the Lady Lions from 2003 to 2006 and was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year and Southland Conference StudentAthlete of the Year as a senior. Under coach Blake Hornbuckle, Yost helped the team to win two Southland Conference regular season championships and was selected to All-Southland Conference three times. Yost enjoyed her time at the university and the experiences that she will always remember. “Being a part of the athletic
department and all of the athletes and the friends that you’ve made is just something that you will never forget,” said Yost. “Winning conference as a senior was huge. It was such a fun game and such a great season. It made the four years worthwhile.” Yost thanked her teammates in her induction speech for their support on the field and off it and for being there at her induction into the hall of fame. “I am fortunate to see some of you girls today,” said Yost. “We have all put in three-a-day’s in the middle of August, we all had to be awake at 6 a.m. These are just a few sacrifices that everyone made to ensure the team’s success. The hard work demonstrated by all of you is the reason I am standing here today. Thank you. You girls are unbelievably talented soccer players and lifelong friends.” Connors played for the Lions football team as a defensive back from 2006 to 2010 and ranks
see HALL OF FAME, pg. 8
Soccer’s first conference win Cross country reflects on their season RACHEL TAYLOR STAFF REPORTER
The Lady Lions faced Abilene Christian University in a 1-0 loss, which was followed by a 2-0 win against Incarnate Word this past weekend. These were the Lady Lions first home games against the Southland Conference. Freshman goalkeeper Michaela Hawthorn blocked six shots. However, the Lady Lions struggled to gain momentum offensively in their first home game. “We knew they were a good team, and we knew they were going to press us,” said freshman defender Matilda Hallas-Potts. “We all had individual goals, which I think we did well, and we did good at defending. We just need to be more creative in the final third, and the chances will come.” The Lady Lions failed to recover after conceding a goal in the first half to Abilene Christian freshman forward Christina Arteaga. “The goal they scored was from distance,” said Head Coach Christopher McBride. “I think we didn’t create many chances, and we didn’t take our chances. We’ve got to capitalize on the opportunities we’re making.” The loss marks the first time the Lady Lions soccer team has lost a conference home opener since 2011. “We really needed to transfer the ball well, and we needed to play through the midfield,” said freshman defender Abby Johnson. “It’s something that we’re working on as a team and need to keep developing on.” Friday’s game was also Greek Night, and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity presented McBride with a check for $2,200 as part of their Lion Up for Milk Campaign. The fraternity raised money to provide the Lady Lions with post-workout milk drinks. “Earlier this year, coach McBride spoke to us and our alumni and shared with us that over 20 studies show the benefit of recovering with the high-quality protein and nutrients in lowfat chocolate milk,” said Phi Chapter President Cameron Jenkins. “Subjects who work out strenuously and drank milk after a workout experienced less exercise induced muscle damage than those who drank typical sports drinks.” Following Friday’s loss to Abilene Christian, the Lady Lions prepared to face Incarnate Word. “We’re not going to dwell on the games that we lose,” said Johnson. “We are going to learn
from them, keep pushing forward, and keep moving. We are going to win. We are ready to win. More than ever, I think we are tired of losing.” Sunday’s game was delayed for two hours after a short start due to lightning. After restarting play, the team went on to score a goal in the 26th minute mark. Sophomore forward Amber Marinero made the goal with an assist from freshman midfielder Gabrielle Anderson. The Lady Lions made a second goal at the 67th minute mark by junior midfielder Vanessa Arzaluz with an assist from senior midfielder Maddie Kresevic. Hawthorn made seven saves, which cinched the Lady Lions 2-0 win against Incarnate Word. Their next match is an away game on Sept. Freshman Tara Stuntz (above) finished in ninth place at the LSU Invitational 29 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. with a time of 19 minutes, 20 seconds. She entered the team with a new wave of freshman. COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION. RIANA BRASELMAN STAFF REPORTER
Cross country is considered a sport that mixes in elements of team effort as well as individual performance. Assistant track and field coach Rocky Capello and four runners with the university cross country team took time to reflect over the season so far, what they hope to accomplish, and what the sport means to them. Dutchtown native and freshman Tara Stuntz enjoys the team aspect of the sport. “I like being in the nature part and enjoy running,” said Stuntz. “I really like being with the team and family that I can rely on, having that sportsmanship to where when I’m doing something, I’m being supported by others.” Freshman Texas native Adam Cortez placed 2nd at the last two invitationals. Cortez stated that he enjoys the personal challenge that cross country presents to Sophomore forward Amber Marinero, top, scored her him. second goal of the season in the win against Univeristy of “I think it’s really cool that Incarnate Word. Sigma Tau Gamma presented $2,200 check even though you’re competing as part of Lion Up for Milk Campaign. RACHEL TAYLOR/THE LION’S ROAR with other people, you’re really competing against yourself,” said Cortez. “Most of the time, you’re UNDERWOOD
continued from pg. 6 “Just by staying true to myself and knowing what I’m capable of,” said Hall. “My biggest thing this year is to be positive. We need a lot of positivity this year in the team.
trying to figure out how tough you are and if you can handle running that fast for that long, so it’s a really good personal challenge.” Originating from Georgia, sophomore Grant O’Callaghan has been running with the university since last year and compares his experiences from the high school version of the sport to the college level. “College is very humbling compared to high school in a lot of ways because in high school you can be the best at your school real easily,” said O’Callaghan. “You think you’re at a really high level. Then once you get to college, there is so many guys who are better than you. You have to work that much harder to try and get up there with them, and also your teammates are a lot better than they were in high school and can push you more.” Goal setting for each runner varies according to the individual’s approach to the season. Stuntz decided that she would not set an explicit goal but would rather see how far her potential could take her. “I don’t set a certain time,” said Stuntz. “I just keep going up each time, so just depends on So, just playing my game, staying positive and letting them know that even if it is hard, we can do this.” Hall also talked about the difference in team chemistry between last season and this season and about how the offseason has gone so far.
This Week’s Puzzle AnsWers
what time I hit, and I learn from that race what I can do better for the next race.” Capello believes this season’s team is performing well because of the team members’ efforts. “I couldn’t be prouder of the way that they’ve performed in practice,” said Capello. “Not only that, we’ve got quality kids, really smart kids, so they’re great inside of practice and outside of practice. And they’re excited, so the vibe on the team is better than I’ve ever seen it. So, everybody’s excited. Everybody’s happy. Everybody’s healthy. Everybody’s training hard. The race performances are showing it so I couldn’t be happier.” Capello explained the way he approaches practices for the team. “My system’s a little unusual, I guess,” said Capello. “It’s not a typical cross country regiment. I do some things that they’ve never seen before, so I didn’t know how long it would take them to catch on. They’ve caught on amazingly.” Cortez described how the team seems to be performing exceptionally during practice and is optimistic that this will translate over into their performance throughout the season. “From a practice perspective, I would say it’s gone about close to perfect as you can get in the real world because every day at practice we seem to be having our best practice ever and everybody’s getting faster,” said Cortez. “We’re all at practice, so from a practice perspective, we’ve been doing amazing. So hopefully, we can translate that into the meets in the next coming weeks.” O’Callaghan agreed with Cortez, praising both the performances of the new runners as well as the veteran ones.
see CROSS COUNTRY, pg. 8 “We have way better chemistry this year,” said Hall. “We knew that was a problem last year. Honestly, we didn’t play together as much as we should have. We’re working on that. We’re trying to fix it. We’ve had a great offseason. Everybody’s been committed to what we’re trying to do. Everybody’s been coming to practice with the right mindset.” Guzzardo explained what changes she’s been trying to make in the team from the past season. “It’s basically more of a culture,” said Guzzardo. “You have to change their mental aspect. We have to be positive about things. We have to work hard and know that we’re working hard every day, and you’ll see results when you’re working hard every day.”
Page 8 | September 26, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | News
Panamanians strive to make their home country bilingual ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter
Every semester, Panamanians studying to be teachers participate in the Panamá Bilingüe Program come to the university. The 28 students participating in the program this semester arrived Aug. 29. Orientation was held Aug. 30 and 31. Classes began Sept. 5. “I love it,” said Rogers. “I feel ecstatic every day I get to work with them. I’m a Southeastern alumna. When I was in school, I went to Panama for study abroad, so having the opportunity to work with these professors and work at the school is really great. And then, interacting with the students, they’re all so positive. They’re all so excited to be here. I know not only is it a fun, enriching program, but we’re helping them. It’s gonna really benefit them to be able to speak two languages with their future.” The goal of the program is to help the Republic of Panama become a bilingual country. “The president of Panama, one of his major platforms was that he wanted to become a bilingual country,” said Rogers. “These are actually students who are gonna become teachers. The plan is for them to come here, learn English and then teach their students English as well.” The program started in Jan. 2015 and has undergone modifications since that time. “It’s definitely an everchanging program because not only do we just have the students in class, we take care of them outside of class,” said Rogers. “We do field trips. We take care of their apartments, their living situation, so it’s always constantly something
that we forgot to give them or to provide for them. It’s every little detail of their everyday life. We’re constantly trying to come up with new ideas or partner with different departments in school so they’re able to meet more people.” William Ontenegro decided to participate in the program to prepare him to be a teacher. “First, it is because of my family,” said Ontenegro. “My mother is a professor at the University of Panama, so I want to follow the same way. I love teaching because I have had many experiences at university. The beginning of this year, I was teaching grammar to some of my students from first level in the English school at my university, so I saw that I want to be a good teacher.” From tuition and fees to books and living situation, the program is funded by the Panamanian government. Finances influenced Ontenegro’s decision to participate in the program. “I was asking to participate in another country in Europe, but I had to pay,” said Ontenegro. “Then, suddenly, someone told me, ‘Do you want to participate in the Panama Bilingue Program?’ I immediately said, ‘Yes, of course.’ It’s free.” Preparation for the program extends beyond pure academics. “We want them to be comfortable and have a nice time while they’re here,” said Rogers. “It’s a constant preparation of not only the financial aspect of it but of just getting them situated. Of course, we always want to do better and try new things that we know they’ll enjoy. Just from planning a field trip, it goes from okay, what day do we do it, where do we go, how
do we fund it, how do we get there, will they enjoy it, what can they take out of it, what educational purpose does it have.” Anna Arceneaux, a senior English major started working with the Panama Bilingüe Program last year. She described how the job differed from other student worker positions. “I tutor the students, and I do a lot of things with them,” said Arceneaux. “It’s just a very unique job. It’s not like I’m just sitting and waiting for someone to come in. I’m constantly involved with them, helping them with something, or helping a teacher in the classroom. I’m always doing something.” Participants in the program take classes in several aspects of English from grammar to vocabulary to reading and speaking. “We have cultural enrichment seminars with Dr. Bria every Friday, and that’s kind of like a cultural immersion because there’s so many differences between country to country,” said Rogers. “We help them understand and kind of not go into that cultural shock that a lot of people go into. They just learn how to get by speaking English and how to live in Louisiana.” Ontenegro discussed his experience with the professors. “The methodology they are using is really amazing because it’s not just reading, reading, reading and reading,” said Ontenegro. “They use a conversational method, and their advice is really good. They enjoy teaching English to us. That’s the way we can improve our knowledge.” Arceneaux feels that the program achieves more than bilingualism.
Every semester since 2015, to-be teachers from Panama come to the university to learn how to teach bilingualism. Students attended orientation at the Sims Memorial Library on Aug. 30-31. The Panamá Bilingüe Program is an effort on the part of the Republic of Panama to become a bilingual country. Coutesy of Rose Rogers “It’s just a great way for people in their country to learn English and then also for people in America to learn that Hispanics have a great work ethic, that they aren’t lazy, and that they generally want to learn,” said Arceneaux. “It’s just kind of breaking down stereotypes, and that’s really what I like about it.” Rogers discussed the impact of the program since its outset. “I’ve had the opportunity to go to Panama last month actually to meet this group, and I mean just in Panama alone, we have so many students that sign up that want to be part of this program because they hear from past students what a great time they had and also how much they learned,” said Rogers. “It’s like an exchange program for them.” The program also affects the university. “I’ll walk around with the students, and I hear other students or faculty members go ‘Oh, it’s the new group of Panamanians,’” said Rogers. “Just yesterday, we went to the cafeteria, and the woman was like, ‘Oh, finally, I knew it was time you guys are finally back. I was wondering when I might see you.’ Like I said, they’re so great. The students are, and they interact as much as they can, so
Phi Kappa Phi brings academic fun to homecoming
Phi Kappa Phi’s advisor Assistant Professor of English Dr. Joan Faust tests buzzers for the upcoming “Homecoming Intramural Quiz Bowl Tournament.” Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar SARAH HESS Staff Reporter
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will be hosting their 16th annual “Homecoming Intramural Quiz Bowl Tournament” where students and faculty compete in a tournament of knowledge. Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society on campus that selects those with exceptional
academic achievements to join their organization. Phi Kappa Phi facilitates the quiz bowl every homecoming. At this event, students compete against faculty in a test of knowledge. Facility advisor for Phi Kappa Phi Dr. Joan Faust explains how the quiz bowl will run. “The quiz bowl is a fast-paced, questionand-answer competition covering all subjects literature, mythology, science, technology,
math, history, music, art and popular culture,” said Faust. “We pit two teams together of three to four people each. The tournament is a double-elimination contest divided into student, then faculty teams who compete against each other to determine the top student and top faculty team, then the championship match is between those two teams for overall quiz bowl champions. Top teams win a monetary award.” “The quiz bowl began as another form of competition for students during Homecoming Week,” said Faust. “The Phi Kappa Phi “Homecoming Intramural Quiz Bowl” originated in 2001 from a grant we received from the National PKP office for the project. It was the first year of the return of football to campus, and we offer it as ‘another kind of competition’ during Homecoming Week.” The quiz bowl was also used as a way for the organization to promote their goals of striving for academic excellence. “The purpose of Phi Kappa Phi is to encourage and celebrate academic excellence in all fields of higher education, so this event helps us to fulfill that role,” said Faust. “The events have always been deemed exciting and fun.” This year’s tournament will take place Tuesday, Oct. 3 in the Student Union Theater. The deadline to sign up to participate in the tournament is Sept. 26. The student competition beginning at 2 p.m. will start off the quiz bowl.
the games when it comes to the our best to play like nothing happened,” said Alcazar. “I think pressure that’s put on you, and we swung at the ball a lot more than we did in the previous game that’s what causes us to lose our against Corpus Christi. So I think we were really aggressive, and serves.” we just need to stay back on defense and get more balls out.” Sophomore middle blocker Savannah Alcazar also had a The Lady Lions will be on the road for the next three games career best performance with 14 kills. This was the second against Abilene Christian University on Thursday and Sam straight game that she has bested her previous career best. Houston State University on Saturday. Edo believes the team Alcazar and her teammates do not focus too much on one loss will turn the season around in the right direction. and instead take their time making their adjustments for each “We can turn it around,” said Edo. “We just have to key in and game. get involved more on the court and then we will win the games.” “Our coaches tell us, ‘Just forget it and move on,’ so we try
VOLLEYBALL
continued from pg. 6
HALL OF FAME
continued from pg. 7 unbelievably talented soccer players and lifelong friends.” Connors played for the Lions football team as a defensive back from 2006 to 2010 and ranks third all-time in tackles with 355. Connors earned Southland Conference AllAcademic honors for three straight seasons and was a two-time first team All-Louisiana selection. Former teammate Brian Babin did the
induction speech for Connors while he was coaching a football game for the Archbishop Shaw High School football team, which he is the head coach of. “I did not excel at self-motivation,” said Babin on behalf of Connors. “My motivation has always come from my teammates, the personal relationships we developed and the accountability that I felt to never let down my team. Thank you to my coaches, especially coach Mike Lucas. I only had three scholarship offers coming out of high school because I wasn’t fast enough. Coach Lucas
and the Southeastern staff were by far the most loyal through the recruiting process.” Connors will never forget his teammates and the influence they had on his Lion career and experience as a student-athlete. “My teammates had become my life just because we did everything together,” said Connors. “You form some bonds, and they drive you to your goals, and you use them as a positive influence in your life. I was thankful to have a bunch of guys that were good for that. The memories that I have here will last forever.”
I think with Southeastern, it’s helped just integrate them into the student life. They’ll learn about our culture, but also a lot of the students are interested in learning about their way of life back in Panama.” Ontenegro shared his experience arriving to Louisiana. “Since the first day I arrived, I started to go to different places, even though I don’t know the names of those streets something like that, but I like the attitude of the people,” said Ontenegro. “They are really polite even though some of them see me in a different way. The part of the university that I like is their Mane Dish. Not because of their food. Their food is delicious, but it’s the attitude of the black people. They are really polite. They make me feel at home.” In her past two semesters working with the program, Arceneaux has witnessed Panamanian students come and leave. “They end up really loving all the teachers and the tutors, and they end up getting really connected with everyone here,” said Arceneaux. “They feel really at home in Louisiana, and they don’t want to leave, which is really odd to me because Louisiana is such a bizarre
place for them to come. They always cry, and they don’t want to go home. I always end up making really good friends with a few of them, and it’s hard to watch them go because I know I probably won’t see them again, but it’s very rewarding because I know I’m helping them create opportunities for their future.” The program brings together students from across Panama. “It’s nice too for the students because they meet other Panamanians from parts of Panama they’ve never been to,” said Rogers. “We’re spread out. We’re open to anyone. Anyone who wants to come study here in Panama can. There’s no regions that we don’t try to accommodate.” Rogers explained why being bilingual is important. “Panama is a hub for business,” said Rogers. “You have the Panama Canal. You have plenty of centers of business there. Just for them not even to be teachers but to grow in any of their fields, to be bilingual is phenomenal. I’m not bilingual. I’m working on learning my Spanish, but it’s really difficult. These students work very hard, but it is so beneficial to their future and for them to teach their students and help the new generation coming up to learn.”
CROSS COUNTRY
Southland conference is sixth, so it looks like this may be the best team we’ve had at least in the last 20 or 30 years. And it’s a really young team. So if you look at our squad, it’s mostly freshmen and sophomores. The next few years ought to be exciting.” Capello believes cross country is different from any other sport. “Each individual athlete on the team is an individual team, and they have to want to perform their best,” said Capello. “Whether they feel good or not, they have to want to do their best as an individual. And then their individual accomplishment will determine how well the team does. So, we preach to them how important the team is, but the team is important based upon how they do as that individual with nothing else really involved so they’re not really relying on the other person so much in the race to determine how well they do as an individual. It’s all on them.”
continued from pg. 7
“Everyone’s been on fire at practice,” said O’Callaghan. “Every workout, people are just doing crazy stuff. The freshmen are just killing it, and the returners are also doing a really good job building off of what they did last year. The first meet, we still had a pretty good showing, better than we’ve ever had before, so it’s looking really good right now.” Capello estimated that the team will be able to successfully win the conference title. “Southeastern’s never been ranked before,” said Capello. “We’re the third ranked team in the conference. Right now, it looks like we have a pretty good shot to meet our goals. Not impossible for us to win a conference championship. That’s never been done before. From what I’ve been told, the highest we’ve ever finished in the