’ 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
November 20, 2018
Lions prepare for the 2019 spring season ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor
As fall season sports end, some teams look towards spring competition and a shot at championships. Baseball will begin its season against Louisiana Tech University on Feb. 15-17. The team follows a 37-22 record last season. Men’s and women’s basketball both began competing in November and will continue into the spring. The men’s basketball team’s first game of 2019 will be at Stephen F. Austin State University on Jan. 2. The team follows a 22-12 overall record last year. The women’s basketball team will begin 2019 with a home game against Stephen F. Austin State University. The game is also promoted as the Cane’s Challenge. Women’s basketball
Guzzardo’s primary concern for the season is injuries. “It’s something out of my control, but my heart breaks for the player injured, but as a coach, that’s why we make sure everyone is prepared and ready to go at all times,” said Guzzardo. The Lady Lions follow a 8-21 overall record from last year. Guzzardo looks towards a successful season this year. “So far this year, we have been successful from successful practices to successful team bonding to successful scrimmages,” said Guzzardo. “We just need to carry over to each game and continue throughout the season.” The golf team will start its spring season on Feb. 18-19 in Although the tennis team started their season this September, they will continue competition in 2019. Their first match of the spring semester will be against Thibodeaux with the Atchafalaya Tulane University on Jan. 27. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar Intercollegiate. The Lady Lions softball team Head Coach Ayla Guzzardo season. day as a team, as a coach and as we do that, then we will have a discussed her hopes for the “I want to get better every a program,” said Guzzardo. “If successful year.” see SPRING SPORTS, pg. 7
How to prepare for Miss SLU 2019 JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter
Attendees of this year’s “Starry November Night” could enjoy pictures with Santa, train rides and local vendors in downtown Hammond. Johnathan Zeringue/The Lion’s Roar
A ‘Starry November Night’ downtown JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE Staff Reporter
“Starry November Night” brings the community together to celebrate the season of giving. Each November, Hammond and surrounding areas come together to kick off the magic of the holiday season on one special night. The Hammond Downtown Development District hosted its 14th annual “Starry November Night” on Nov. 16 from 6-10 p.m. The event included numerous festive holiday attractions for families including a “Frozen” reenactment and two motorized trains that toured the local businesses. Jenna Pryor, a senior English education major, participated as an employee of The Big Squeeze. She discussed the meaning behind the event for downtown Hammond. “The main point of ‘Starry November Night’ is just bring everyone in the Hammond area and the surrounding areas together,” said Pryor. “It’s mainly targeted for children, and a lot of small businesses like to come out since it’s a good way to get word out.” There were attractions for children, such as meeting Santa Claus, as well as some for adults, like the “Wine and Cheese Walk.” Summer Krause, a member of the DDD merchant committee, explained how the “Wine and Cheese Walk” is a good way to get to know the downtown businesses. “What we do is we go to all of the merchants downtown, and to participate, we give them wine and cheese,” said Krause. “We sell a cup, and people 21 and older, go to all the different businesses and
walk in to meet the merchants and get to know downtown Hammond.” In addition, local businesses could choose to celebrate the event by hanging up lights and Christmas decorations. Administrative Coordinator of The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Beanie Stansbury expressed how much of an impact the event has on their location. “I’ve been with the Columbia Theatre for 10 years,” said Stansbury. “This year, we host the Hammond Art Guild, and we have music on the other side. It’s always fun just interacting with all the families and people out and about celebrating the holidays.” Manager of Pita Pit Michelle Craig shared her thoughts on her first taste of “Starry November Night.” “I’ve only been here since February, and this is my first starry night event,” said Craig. “I wasn’t quite prepared for how big it would be. It’s been really nice to see how big the community has been backing all the events.” David Vial, a former member of the Hammond City Council from 1989-98 and longtime resident of Hammond, voiced his support of “Starry November Night” and its effect on the city. “‘Starry November Night’ has grown over the past several years,” said Vial. “It just gets better and better as it grows each year. It brings a lot of folks downtown, and everybody you see out here is smiling. It really is a unique event.” For more information about upcoming downtown Hammond events, contact DDD Executive Director Chelsea Tallo at tallo_ ca@hammond.org.
Weather
Tuesday H 62 L 37
As her term concludes, Miss Southeastern 2018 Alyssa Larose, a junior elementary education and special education major, gave advice to the upcoming pageant contestants. There are five categories of competition that contestants prepare for: private interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent, on-stage question and evening gown. Prior to the pageant, contestants will complete the private interview. Larose suggested that contestants practice several mock interviews so that they feel comfortable in front of judges. She further explained that the judges are not there to trick contestants. “They want to hear what your opinions are and kind of figure out your personality,” said Larose. “So, the main thing to do to prepare for an interview and on-stage question is to keep up with current events, form an opinion on things that you may not have formed an opinion on before, and also, look over your resume that the judges will be getting a few weeks prior to the pageant.” According to Larose, contestants working
Alyssa Larose won the Miss Southeastern Pageant last year. With a few weeks left in her term, she gave advice about pageants to the contestants of the Miss Southeastern 2019 Pageant. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar on the lifestyle and fitness category need to remember that the judges are looking for someone who is physically fit as well as confident in their bodies. “You don’t have to be the skinniest person on stage,” explained Larose. “You have to be the happiest person in your own skin. Give
see PAGEANT TIPS, pg. 6
Creation of a weather balloon MAIAH WOODRING Staff Reporter
Professor of Physics Dr. Gerard Blanchard is working with a team of four students to construct and design a fully functional weather balloon due to launch from Palestine, Texas in May of 2019. Project ROOMIE 1, or Remote Observations Of Many Interesting Events, was funded for the first time by the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium this August. Blanchard explained that the purpose of the project is two-pronged. “There’s many different dimensions to purpose,” said Blanchard. “The educational purpose is to give, for the physics majors, what we call a design experience. A lot of physics majors go on to become engineers. And there’s one thing that’s integrated into the engineering curriculum that’s not integrated into the physics curriculum, and that’s a design experience. So, that’s the educational goal, to give them this design experience.” In addition to learning how to construct the balloon, Blanchard also realizes that there is another facet to the education experience. “Part of the educational experience is that there’s a hard deadline to this,” said Blanchard. “You know, when the date for the launch is set, if the team’s not ready, they’re not going to
DITL: President - pg. 2
Damodar Dahal, a senior majoring in mathematics, physics and computer science, and Professor of Physics Dr. Gerard Blanchard work on Project ROOMIE 1. Maiah Woodring/The Lion’s Roar fly. So, there’s no incompletes, no extensions, no partial credit. Either your ready on that day, or you’re not.” Blanchard explained the scientific purpose. “The scientific goal is for them to measure what’s called convectively available potential energy in the atmosphere,” said Blanchard. “So, the bigger that number, the stronger thunderstorms, and things like that you’re going to have. A very low number means you’re going to have a clear, still day, a little bit higher number means you’re going to have fluffy clouds, and even higher numbers means you’re going to have storm clouds and things like that.” Blanchard explained how the students will calculate the connectively available potential energy.
Index
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yourself a goal and work towards it so that when you get up on that stage in your bathing suit, you are excited for everyone to see all of your hard work.” Talent is one of the most heavily weighed
Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....5 Sports.........................................6 News..........................................8
“The National Weather Station in Dallas, they launch these balloons twice a day to make these measurements,” said Blanchard. “So, our students are going to recreate those measurements, and they’re going to compare it to the measurements that the professionals got on that day.” In order for the results to be as similar as possible, Blanchard intends to launch the weather balloon with the students from Palestine, Texas, about 110 miles from Dallas. “As it goes up, it’s going to measure temperature, pressure and humidity,” said Blanchard. “So, the balloon’s going to fly up. It’s going to go up to 100,000 feet, 20 miles high, and then they’re going to cut loose from
Christmas Opinion - pg. 3
Fine and Functional - pg. 4
see WEATHER BALLOON, pg. 7 Graduating Athletes - pg. 6 Stay Connected With Us!
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The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life
Page 2 | November 20, 2018
#DITL
A day in the life of Dr. John L. Crain
A typical day for President of the university Dr. John L. Crain involves supervising various campus activities. He also represents the university and makes appearances at events like Strawberry Jubilee. Prakriti Adhikari/The Lion’s Roar PRAKRITI ADHIKARI Staff Reporter
President of the university Dr. John L. Crain strives to ensure a good experience for students as the university’s ambassador. The responsibilities of the president include overseeing various departments on campus, fundraising, advocating on behalf of the university, bridging the university management board and the University of Louisiana System, and representing the university on all levels. Crain explained that one of the many important parts of his job is to represent the institution to different organizations. Crain said, “I do spend a good bit of my time out in the public in meetings and with different organizations representing the university, and that might be
everything from Chamber of Commerce meetings to a part of some business development organizations like Greater New Orleans Inc. for this region, the Northshore Business Council for this region, and others.” Crain explained that although he makes final decision for the university, he listens to expertise from various professionals. “There is a team of professionals, that you have to rely on their expertise and their knowledge,” said Crain. “So, it’s not just me. I may have the final word, but I rely heavily on the other professionals and their expertise and their knowledge base to make sure that we are doing the right thing.” Crain likes to spend his time outside meetings and work reading fictional books, playing his piano and exercising.
University Health Center The University Health Center will be offering free STD testing throughout the month of November for the exchange of items listed below. These items will go to the SLU Food Pantry located in McGehee Hall. To be tested, you must make an appointment online at the health center website. This is a charitable contribution during the month of Thanksgiving. Items needed: Toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap, granola bars/protein bar, mac-n-cheese, ramen, canned soup, tuna, pasta, peanut butter and jelly and cereal.
“When I have time to read for personal pleasure, I like to read fiction,” said Crain. “I usually don’t read as much as I like to or used to when I had more free time but that, to me, is like an escape and step back from the real world of all the work, into the fictional world.” Crain accumulated a lot of memories throughout his years of working with the university. He remembered the time when he went to a student’s house to present the diploma degree in an unusual circumstance. “His father was very, very ill and couldn’t attend commencement to see him graduate,” said Crain. “So, he called the office and asked if it would be possible if I could come to his home and present him with his diploma so that his father could see that. So, I did. I drove out, presented him with his diploma, met his family, and took some photographs. You could just tell how much it meant to them.” Crain expressed that he chose the professional career because he enjoys “seeing students grow, develop and succeed.” He likes to interact with students whenever he can, especially at commencement. “Everything we do is driven by how it affects our students,” said Crain. “So, no matter what job you have, or how far up you go in the administrative chain, if you lose contact with students, I think that limits your perspective on seeing the university through their eyes and understanding their experience as much as possible.” Crain feels it is rewarding to see students be successful in their lives and to realize that he played a role in that success. “It’s at times a very difficult position, but it’s also a very rewarding position for me because it does let me feel that in some way I am affecting the lives of our students,” said Crain. “I get to see the really positive things that happens in people’s lives because of their education.”
Organizational News is due on the Friday before publication by 10 a.m., with a limit of 150 words.
The Pottle Music Building is named after Ralph R. Pottle Sr. who first developed the university’s music program. The university was then still known as Southeastern Louisiana College. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar
Ralph R. Pottle and his building MAIAH WOODRING Staff Reporter
Seen as a brick structure bordering Friendship Circle, the Ralph R. Pottle Music Building carries the history of the man who developed the university’s music program. Ralph R. Pottle Sr. founded the music department in 1934 when the university was known as Southeastern Louisiana College. After his job as a music educator in Amite, Pottle organized a small dance band. Linus Sims, the first president of the university, went to the Oaks Hotel dining room to hear his son play with the band. He later asked Pottle to form a music department. According to the history page on the music department’s website, Pottle described the music program as, “It was not a music department, necessarily, but just a bunch of kids who wanted to take saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, tuba.” In 1934, Pottle formed the university’s first all-purpose band that played at the school’s
football games. Though the members had no uniforms at first, the 1936 Le Souvenir yearbook described the band as the “second best in the state.” Pottle served as department chair for 30 years. Pottle’s dream to construct a building for the growing music program came to fruition in 1940. The music building was named in his honor after his death in 1989. According to Department Head of Music and Performing Arts Dr. Jeffrey Wright, the building was officially renamed in the early ‘90s. Professor of Music Dr. Glen Hemberger discussed the changes he has seen at the university in his 20 years with the department. “When I first got here, we did not have the marching band because we didn’t have football,” said Hemberger. “And when football came back the marching band came back, and that’s really helped the visibility of our department a great deal.” Hemberger shared how the department has grown from
having around 110 students when he joined in the ‘90s. “It has gone from a relatively small department to over 250 music majors over the course of time, and of course it fluctuates a little bit, but that has been really important to see more music majors come up for it,” said Hemberger. “We’ve been more recognized throughout the region as an important part of the culture.” Hemberger explained the increase in the number of students in the music program. Hemberger said, “I think it has been that we have recruited high quality faculty and that our ensembles have gained notoriety and are recognized as something people want to be a part of, which dates all the way back to the beginning of this department, in 1934, when Pottle founded this department. So, we’re really proud of the fact that we’re recognized throughout a lot of the South as a premier department.”
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Opinions | The Lion’s Roar
November 20, 2018| Page 3
When should Christmas music be played? Turkey day before Christmas music Growing up, my mom always told us, “When you celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving, an elf kills a baby reindeer.” Needless to say, we do not listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. While the argument over when you can listen to holiday music may seem silly and unimportant, dedicating the Annie Goodman appropriate attention to each Editor-In-Chief holiday is important. The end of the year is a whirlwind of preparation and planning for two of the biggest holidays in America. There is understandably a large portion of people who feel you should just combine the two together. While this may be the more efficient approach, it misses the point. You have to give thanks before you can receive your presents. Thanksgiving is a day to take a break from your busy life to spend time with loved ones and be thankful. The origins of the holiday may have been muddied throughout history, but that does not change the core values. How often throughout the year do you stop and count your blessings? How often do you reflect on everything those around you have
done for you? How often do you gather with your loved ones to feast and be in each other’s presence? In today’s fast-paced world, many do not, or feel they do not, have the time for this. Why then would you choose to skip over the one time of year dedicated to just that? Because Christmas is “more fun?” Pausing to express your gratitude can be very therapeutic and is an important factor in keeping your soul light and karma clean. I think that in and of itself is reason enough to respect this wholesome holiday, not to mention it is one of few holidays unique to America. Christmas comes from entirely different origins. While both holidays may be about humbling oneself to reflect on life, Thanksgiving celebrates the survival of a people, and Christmas celebrates the birth of a man. Christmas has its roots in Christianity. Whether or not you celebrate it so, that is its intent. Since I am not a particularly religious person, I appreciate its roots but focus more on the holiday spirit and season of giving aspects. The last couple of months of the year are wonderful and full of holiday events. As easy as it is to get carried away and start decorating or otherwise preparing for Christmas early, it is
Besides Christmas music, people can delve into the holiday spirit by attending parades. This year, Hammond Rotary will have a parade on Dec. 1. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar important to respect each holiday. In my family, we were not allowed to talk about Christmas until after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Then on Black Friday, rather than go shopping, we decorated the house and set up the tree. These two holidays, though close in time, are very different and should be treated as so. As fun
and cheerful as Christmas music may be, it has no place being listened to before Thanksgiving. Of course, listening to a song here and there because it is a good song is perfectly fine. However, we should exercise better self control in not getting carried away with Christmas before Thanksgiving.
The spirit of Christmas music must be celebrated all year long When I worked in retail during November and December of 2016, I dreaded going to work. It was because there was Christmas music on the entire shift. Jacob Summerville Adding to Staff Reporter the fact that I had been misplaced by the flood of 2016, worked about 20 hours per week, and did not have any time to enjoy my senior year of high school, the last thing I needed to face was another annoyance. I could not stand to listen to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” three times in an hour from 96.1 The River. After six weeks of jingly, jolly vibes at a subpar job, I had reached my end. My last day at that job was Christmas Eve. I wondered how the nostalgic tunes of my childhood could turn against me. It took me
about three months to realize why those happy songs made me sick: Christmas music is just like any other type of music. I did not despise Christmas music at all. Just like any other genre of music, I hated to listen to it in excess. Ever since my position at the grocery store and my Mariah Carey rehab, I have intertwined Christmas music with any playlist that I have, and I think that other people should consider doing the same. Christmas music is such as small and open-minded type of music that has the power to resurface larger-than-life memories from childhood. The reason that I listen to it yearlong is because there is this depressing dead period during the spring semester. Leading up to the summer, you are struggling to get into shape, keep some sort of shape within your GPA, and you are sucking the last life
out of your checking account. Whenever you are listening to any background music while studying, working out or driving, I recommend listening to Christmas music. It will remind you of the great memories of the chilly months, and it promises that better times will come to your life later this year. Music itself provides us with an escape from reality or maybe embracing a current situation. Christmas music serves a parallel purpose. Another reason why Christmas music should be appreciated outside of Santa season is because it is almost impossible to tarnish. This type of music is unique since it incorporates aspects of every other genre of music. Christmas music is not its own genre but a subject in music that can be appreciated by every other genre. From trap remixes to classical covers to terrible
an OK purpose, but both topics are celebrated, more deeply I should add, during Christmas. In addition, Christmas also celebrates the act of giving, which means we all get presents. If one remembers the truth behind Thanksgiving’s history, it is OK to celebrate, but the occasion should not, by any means, prevent anyone from listening to Christmas music. Whenever you think about your childhood, think about all the sleepless nights you spent in your Christmas pajamas waiting to see presents fill the living room. Think about when that clock hit 6:00 a.m., and you rushed to wake up your parents so that you all could witness what Santa brought you. Think about the flood of happiness that entered your system as you looked out and saw the presents and candy. Then, think about what music fueled those precious childhood memories.
Should Christmas music be played before Thanksgiving? “No, because Christmas music should always be played after Thanksgiving so we can be prepared for the December holiday.” Parker Allen Freshman, Mathematics Education
“Yes, because it gets people in the spirit of the holiday, and Thanksgiving is not as big as Christmas.” Kayleigh Wheat Freshman, General Studies
“No. For one, Christmas music is genetically made to annoy all retail workers in existence, and two, most of it is bad, save for Tyler, The Creator’s new track for ‘The Grinch.’” Michael Dossett Freshman, English Education
“Christmas music should be played before Thanksgiving. In my opinion, Christmas is the best time of the year. It is all about spending time with and cherishing the ones you love.” Olivia Alexander Sophomore, Middle School Education
“I do not think Christmas music should be played before Thanksgiving. I think Christmas is already a very commercial holiday.” Camille Barlow Junior, Elementary Education
“Yes, because why not? Christmas music puts almost everyone in a good mood, so why not play it before Thanksgiving?” Abigail Robertson Sophomore, Early Childhood Education
“No, I think you should take it one holiday at a time.” Alise Burgess Freshman, Psychology
“I personally think it is up to the individual. I love Christmas music, so I play it before.” Rachael Simpson Sophomore, Elementary Education
people, we can also celebrate their successes and appreciate their legacies. There is no need to hold history’s racism over our shoulders anymore. Most holidays may have a dark past, but that does not mean you have to center it around that past. Simply find your own purpose. Do not lose the true meaning of Thanksgiving to a poor history filled by what were simply bad people. The overall meaning is to appreciate family and be thankful for what you have today, not the historical value of it. So this year, let us all give thanks to the Native Americans who
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these stereotypes, or absence thereof, what is the worst that can come from that image? Is the worst that we are seen as nice people? Is the worst that we are seen as people who want to appreciate time with family and friends during the holidays? Personally, I do not hang up Christmas decorations until the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I am not someone who celebrates the holiday year-round. I simply listen to music that talks about the holiday. This is music, and just like all non-Christmas music, it should be celebrated all the time. You do not have to play dance music only at a party. Besides, what other seasonal music are you going to listen to in November? Thanksgiving music? Thanksgiving has a very morbid past, but we are still trying to cover up the past with shallow excuses. It serves as a time to eat a large meal with family and be thankful. It has
SPEAK OUT
My perception of Thanksgiving When hearing the word “Thanksgiving,” the first thing most people think about is a few days off of school, eating tons of food, and Christmas around the corner. That may sound correct, but originally, Thanksgiving was a small gathering of newlysettled Pilgrims and helpful natives. Unfortunately, in the years to come, the Native Americans were left out of this celebration completely. I celebrate Thanksgiving with the idea in my heart that history is history, and the true Breanna Rexwinkle idea of this celebration still stands even being Staff Reporter identified as a Native American. Although I was not directly impacted by this discrimination, it is still heartbreaking to know that my ancestors were in the past. But personally, I love the true idea behind Thanksgiving: gathering together for a good purpose, teaching generations of its true significance, and reflecting on our own gratitude. My only concern with how it has been celebrated for years is that it is based around the past’s “colonial victory” over Native Americans. This has caused Thanksgiving to be centered all around their past customs rather than all customs unified. This tends to happen with most celebrations that Americans continue to follow, but considering it is not the 1600s anymore, I think most people have the right sentiment behind it. If someone’s ancestor was on the Mayflower, then who am I to tell them how to celebrate their own history? I just think it is extremely important to recognize that Native Americans are a big reason this celebration even exists. Times were very tough back then, and it is almost certain that the Pilgrims would not have survived their first winter without originally consorting with the natives. With that in mind, it is a good idea to recognize the Native American contribution when celebrating Thanksgiving just as you would recognize more than one group of people for any holiday. The past is built upon many different individual cultures. We just do not seem to get the full story in our history books. Since I was not there for the first Thanksgiving, I do not have all the answers to the history of it, but it would do no wrong to research and decide one’s own purpose for celebrating it. We should all find one day of the year to simply give thanks whatever that may mean to you. That is what Thanksgiving is about in a nutshell, right? Today, I think we can finally move past the heartbreak and loss of the past. I think anybody can. This includes almost all the things we as a country celebrate if it is dug into deeper. Some people say that Thanksgiving is only about consumerism, “whitewashing” history, or the traumatic loss of men, women and children of the Pequot Tribal Nation. While we should always respect the innocent lives of those
recorder renditions, Christmas music has been recreated and enjoyed by people of all musical interests. After choosing to listen to a Christmas song in April with one of my friends, I was judged rather rashly by them. They were a naysayer. A naysayer who did not understand the realm of Christmas music. For those who are like me, you may understand that after incorporating Christmas music into your life on occasion, it becomes a staple of your personality. People tend to jump to conclusions about others based off the music they listen to. For people who listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, we are seen as people who only listen to Christmas music. We are seen as people who invest hundreds of dollars into Christmas gifts and talk only about Christmas in the month of December. Regardless of the truth of
All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s 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 Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.
were just as big a part of this celebration as the Pilgrims. Also, reflect on the differences our country has overcome since then. It really is a great thing that today things are more unified, and people are more understanding. In reality, we are each other’s family. I absolutely do not think Thanksgiving should cease to be celebrated. I think it can still have a great unifying force behind it. It is a personal choice as to which way you would prefer to celebrate it as long as the union of different peoples and cultures can bring light to how the holiday is perceived today while also reminding us to appreciate what we have.
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Page 4 | November 20, 2018
The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment
Harold Katz, left, and Kyle Trav, right, check out the artworks on display in the Hammond Regional Arts Center’s “Fine and Functional Show.” The exhibition includes pieces for sale ranging from under $20 to over $300. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar
Find holiday season gifts for every wish list ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor
Shoppers can complete their holiday gift list with functional, creative artworks at the Hammond Regional Arts Center. This year’s “Fine and Functional Show” holds an array of items including ceramics, jewelry, ornaments and 2D art. All pieces on display are available for purchase. Prices vary to accommodate different budgets and range from under $20 to over $300. Shoppers can stop by HRAC Wednesday through Friday each week from 12-6 p.m. until Dec. 21 to check out the artwork. “Art is a timeless gift and enriches the life of your loved one for years to come,” said Media Coordinator for HRAC Tara Bennett. “Not only will art last a lifetime, but it is filled with sentiment that few other gifts have. It also comes with value that grows over time. I find art to be one of the
most original, thoughtful and fulfilling presents one can give.” The displayed artworks come from several local and regional artists including Co-Founder of Wortman Pottery Emily Wortman who has functional stoneware pottery in the show. Many of the pieces have crawfish or handmade oyster shells on them. This is Wortman’s first year participating in HRAC’s “Fine and Functional Show.” “I have very good feelings about it,” said Wortman. “I know a number of other people who are exhibiting at the show and people who have exhibited in the past, and so I think it’s a wonderful opportunity particularly to show our pieces to the local art audience in Hammond and surrounding areas. Since we are located on the other side of Lafayette, I don’t have that many places that I show on the Northshore.” According to a 2006 study from the consulting firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, the pressure of giving or getting gifts was the
fourth most reported cause of holiday stress. For Wortman, art makes a good gift for various situations as “something that’s more personally made rather than saying, ‘Hey, here’s a gift card to Walmart.’” “People buy it year-round because they like the idea that it is made by an individual, not a large company or imported from India or Indonesia or China,” said Wortman. “People see something in a piece of art that they buy whether it’s a painting or picking up a bowl or mug, and it has a human feel to it. People buy it year-round for wedding gifts or anniversary or wedding registries or birthdays or just because they want to treat themselves to a wonderful mug that feels good in their hand, and they enjoy drinking their coffee out of it every day.” Emily and David Wortman founded Wortman Pottery in 1977. Emily Wortman shared her experience of making and selling pottery for over 40 years.
The greatest furrier in the Village of Albright
Emily Wortman said, “The challenges are not necessarily making your artwork but finding venues to sell it, and over the decades, we have used many different venues whether it’s going to art markets, juried art shows, selling wholesale at gallery, consignment to a few gallery, exhibiting in some individual shows like the one you’re writing about now, and online now.” According to Emily Wortman, the point of art selling is “to be flexible and know how to market and try to figure out how to do that because it’s constantly changing.” Emily and David Wortman’s artwork can be found online at Wortman Pottery, their showroom or markets and exhibitions. “They can come on out to our showroom, which is just about eight miles west of Lafayette, and so we have a large array of pottery there,” said Emily Wortman. “They can find us in the New Orleans art market typically, which is the last Saturday of the month normally.”
Playing the Staircase with Robison
MAIAH WOODRING Staff Reporter
Maia Close, a senior history major, portrayed the fictional character Katherine Furrier at the Village of Albright during the “Louisiana Renaissance Festival.” Close discussed how she got the position, which was more for humor than historical accuracy. “In March, we have open cast call, and I was very interested in joining the fair as the member of cast, but I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” said Close. “And we fiddled around with a few ideas, and then we settled on, ‘Well, you know what, we need a furrier. We used to have one, and we don’t have one anymore, but it’s going to be more comic relief than actually being a furrier just so you’re aware.’ And I was like, ‘Not a problem.’” Having acted as comic relief at the “Louisiana Renaissance Festival” for two years now, Close shared some of her tactics upon introducing herself to attendees. Close said, “I pull out one of my lovely furs, and sometimes I’ll just have loose bugs stuck in ‘em, and I’ll be like, ‘See,’ and of course the bug flies up in their face, and everybody’s going ‘Ah. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.’ And I’ll pull a couple more out, and I’ll be like, ‘Oh, goodness, my husband has packed the wrong furs. I must return to the shop and get the proper furs. I beg your apology.’ It’s just silly stuff like that.” Close recalled an incident from last year about learning “to be silly and have fun with what you do.” “Everybody was playing along, and they sent me on a big goose chase all around the festival site until I finally ended up at an intersection in the middle road where I was told there would be a unicorn talking to a beaver,” said Close. “I got there, and nobody was there and just like, you know, I’m supposed to do, I’m screaming, ‘I was taken. I was had. There’s no unicorn here.’” Though the job carries some stress, Close hopes to be cast again next year.
William Robison MADELINE CANCIENNE Staff Reporter
Maia Close, a senior history major, dresses as the fictional character Katherine Furrier for the “Louisiana Renaissance Festival.” Maiah Woodring/The Lion’s Roar “Along with other personal obligations, yeah, I did spread myself a little thin, but it still works, and it’s fun because people who I know here from the university every so often I pass say, ‘Oh, I know you. You’re from this class.’” According to Close, one of the challenges of her work was to walk in circles for about eight hours a day, but the hardest part is returning to normal life after the fair. Close said, “When it’s time to say goodbye to all your castmates, and you try to go back to your just normal, average, boring life as a regular American, instead of being this cool English person in medieval England, it takes getting used to, and you miss everybody in the off months.” Close explained that the festival allowed her to interact with participants instead of being distracted by modern technology. “We don’t have any modern convenience available to us when we’re working,” said Close. “Those are all back in our cars and in our homes, and they’re left behind. So, when we’re walking and we’re interacting, we are really interacting. We’re not being distracted by all these little things that everybody else seems to be distracted by. So that’s something. Everybody should stop, smell the roses, look around, meet somebody, say hi.”
Beyond his university position, Department Head of History and Political Science William Robison fulfilled his childhood aspirations in music. Robison shared that his love for music began at an early age. “I’ve been playing music all of my life,” said Robison. “I started singing as a little kid and started playing the guitar at around 10, and I have been playing ever since. My whole family were musicians. My parents, my brother who plays professionally actually, my cousins, all of my uncles, and now all of our children are musicians. So, it’s a musical family. It’s what we did when we all got together.” Robison’s love for music grew as he got older and played in the band for his school. After graduating from college and starting his family, he stopped playing live music and began teaching at the university. Later, Robison joined the rock band
Impaired Faculties. “I got together with a group of musicians here who were all in the same boat, guys who used to play, all guys that had quit because of family, who were ready to do it again,” said Robison. “So, we started a band that lasted about four years called Impaired Faculties, which was a joke due to the fact that we were all old.” After the band members of Impaired Faculties went their separate ways, Robison joined another band called Snake Hat, which he plays with currently. Since picking up an instrument, Robison accumulated a number of experiences playing from New Orleans to Hammond. “I play every first Thursday at the Neutral Ground in New Orleans, and I’ve done a songwriters sessions at the House of Blues and Buffa’s,” said Robison. Robison’s next local performance will be “Playing the Staircase” held by the Hammond Regional Arts Center. “When I saw the advertisements for ‘Playing the Staircase,’ I reached out and sent in some songs, and I guess they liked them,” said Robison. “So, I was asked to be part of the first round of people to play at this event.” Robison shared his thoughts on the upcoming performance.
see ROBISON, pg. 5
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
November 20, 2018 | Page 5
Drescher’s hopes of influencing musicians
Instructor of Clarinet and Assistant Director of Bands Victor Drescher shows a Phi Mu Alpha student the proper clarinet technique. Drescher has taught at the university since 2013. Johnathan Zeringue/The Lion’s Roar JOHNATHAN ZERINGUE
for the university in 2013. Drescher used his passion for the clarinet and pursued a career in music education with a desire Hoping to make an influence on aspiring music to help his students increase their musical abilities. teachers, Instructor of Clarinet and Assistant “Like many people who become teachers, I Director of Bands Victor Drescher began teaching wanted to impact lives in a positive way,” said Staff Reporter
Drescher. “Many people that were in a music program in high school will tell you how much they learned not just about music but about life from participating in those programs, and I wanted to be able to provide that experience to others.” Drescher earned two bachelor’s degrees in music performance and music education and a master’s degree from Louisiana State University. After serving two years as the graduate teaching assistant, he became the Assistant Director of Bands at East Ascension High School where he worked for five years. Wanting to impact future music instructors more directly, Drescher took the position at the university but noted that the teaching style was a considerable shift from the high school setting. “In the high school group at East Ascension where I directed, we had between 150-175 members in the band and I got to impact those students directly,” said Drescher. “The dynamic is very different between high school and college. You deal with so many extra issues in a high school setting: classroom management, parent meetings, teenager drama, and on and on. It’s nice to not have some of those things to worry about as a college instructor and be able to work with students who are usually more self-motivated because they are looking ahead to their careers with your guidance.” Drescher believes his teaching experience gives him an advantage when it comes to sharing helpful tips with his students. “Many music professors go straight from graduate school into college teaching without having the experience of leading a high school
Networking through imprinting JACOB SUMMERVILLE Staff Reporter
The Palmetto Press student organization uses the form of printmaking to hold a T-shirt drive and attend a convention during the semester. Printmaking is a process where an image is carved into wood, paper is pressed onto the ink-laced surface of the wood, and the image is copied onto the paper like a stamp. Palmetto Press member Belinda Flores-Shinshillas, a junior art major, explained that the organization hosted the T-shirt fundraiser to fund for the symposium. “The T-shirt printing event we had was a way to raise funds for ‘This Print Thing 6,’” said Flores-Shinshillas. “We raised enough money to pay for some expenses associated to our travel and lodging. It was a great experience and a very good way to create friendship while working for a common goal.” Associate Professor of Printmaking Ernest Milsted, the faculty advisor for the organization, talked about the history of “This Print Thing 6,” the symposium that was held at Loyola University New Orleans. “Southeastern, Nicholls State and the University of LouisianaLafayette founded this symposium in 2014,” said Milsted. “It has grown to include Loyola, LSU, Tulane, McNeese, Louisiana Tech and Baton Rouge Community College, and this is our sixth symposium. Students from each university will conduct printmaking demonstrations, and we will also conduct a steamroller printing event.” President of the Palmetto Press Kelly Christensen, a senior art major, explained that participants from the university put on a portfolio exchange
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Keep your feelings to yourself as you work through an awkward circumstance. Complaining is useless, and also unwise since your words could come back to haunt you. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A sudden flash of Bovine practicality shows you how you might be able to turn your artistic pursuits into a profitable venture. A spouse or partner offers some sage advice. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be prepared with several “Plan Bs” that you might have to use as backups just in case you encounter some troublesome complications with your carefully constructed schedule. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might think you’ll never have a free moment again with the demands of the workplace piling on. Cheer up. The pressure eases as holiday time nears. An old friend brings good news. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your Leonine pride might make it difficult to offer an apology to a co-worker you unintentionally offended. But a quick and sincere “I’m sorry” could prevent problems down the line. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a good time to tackle those backed-up chores that have kept you from moving into other and potentially more worthwhile projects. A personal matter needs your attention. LIBRA (September 23 to
October 22) You usually have no problem rushing to the defense of someone you perceive as being treated unjustly. But perceptions could be deceiving this week. Check the facts before you act. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Before you point fingers at who might be to blame for the unexpected change in your plans, take a few moments to reflect on how this turn of events might be a blessing in disguise. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You seek out advice in the first part of the week. But be careful not to let counsel from others overshadow your own sense of perception. Things become clearer by the week’s end. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The trusted colleagues you relied on earlier continue to offer support with your project. But you take more control, and by the week’s end, you should be in full command. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Rely on your practical side while exploring investment possibilities. Caution is still your watchword in these matters. Your social life takes a gratifying turn by the week’s end. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) An already confusing situation appears to grow murkier during the first part of the week. But it all starts to clear by the week’s end. Plan to spend the weekend with someone special. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a passion for life that inspires others to follow your example. You could be a motivational speaker. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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at the symposium. “This was put on by Southeastern where two students from each school were selected to create an edition of prints,” said Christensen. “One print from each person was put together into a portfolio and exchanged among those people. It was a great opportunity to view others’ art and to get your own art out there.” Flores-Shinshillas explained another event that the university hosted at the convention. “We did a demo presentation of how to build an easy, economical and reliable way to expose screens in a home studio without a large exposure unit with a vacuum,” said Flores-Shinshillas. “This is a very good way to continue with your printmaking practice after graduation because you won’t have all the equipment the university has.” According to Flores-Shinshillas, every attendee at “This Print Thing 6” made a large wood cutout to be printed by a steamroller on the last day of the convention. Christensen gave some details about this process. “The steamrolling event is where a large, usually several feet, wood block is carved and then printed via being run over by steamroller,” said Christensen. “It’s the last event held at ‘TPT,’ and it takes a lot of joint effort but is always so much fun. We print the blocks onto giant, damp bed sheets instead of paper, and they’re usually displayed somewhere while drying.” After being in the organization for two semesters, Flores-Shinshillas encouraged art and non-art majors to join. “Palmetto Press is a wonderful organization that promotes sharing experiences and knowledge with regional universities every year,” said Flores-Shinshillas. “We have a good time working in what we love, and that is amazing.” For more information, contact the faculty advisor at ernest.milsted@ selu.edu. ROBISON
continued from pg. 4 “I’m looking forward to play there because I’ve been to most of the shows they’ve had already,” said Robison. “It’s really informal. People come in and sit, bring in
food, drinks if they’re old enough, and you just play and talk about the songs. The acoustics aren’t great for a big band, but are good for a solo artist to perform.” Robison will be the final performer of the series on Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the HRAC.
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band,” said Drescher. “Since I’ve done all of those things, I try to share what I’ve learned from those experiences with future teachers to help them in their own careers.” As an educator, Drescher constantly looks for ways to improve his awareness of music and learning in general. “I think one of my biggest strengths is that I’m aware of how much more there is for me to learn,” said Drescher. “I am constantly talking to experts who know more and who are better than me at various aspects of music. I read as much as time allows about a wide variety of subjects - not just music.” In addition to teaching clarinet, Drescher also performs as a soloist, orchestral musician and chamber musician. According to Drescher, he had the unique opportunities to appear as a guest soloist in Carnegie Hall at Texas A&M Commerce, perform with several different symphony orchestras across the South and play the House of Blues in New Orleans . “I love having the opportunity to take music and make those feelings and emotions come to life for myself and hopefully for the audience,” said Drescher. Drescher shared his proudest part about teaching. “The real successes happen a few times a year when a student who has been working hard and practicing daily for hours has a breakthrough in their playing,” said Drescher. “I get to see the immense feeling of joy and pride on their face knowing that their hard work paid off.”
Coffee roasters come to HRAC Hammond, LA, November 16, 2018 – A special treat is currently brewing at the Hammond Regional Arts Center as it partners with Luma Coffee Roasters for a pop-up coffee shop this holiday season. From November 30th through December 20th Luma Coffee will sell their signature roast coffee selections, giving the Hammond community a different taste in experiencing the Arts Center. “The artistry and handcrafted quality that goes in the personal roasting of Luma Coffee compliments the original, hand-crafted oneof-a-kind that is currently available here at the Hammond Regional Arts Center,” said HRAC Executive Director Maureen Joyce. “Plan your next coffee break with us.” “I think it’s a great dynamic to integrate getting a mid-day pick-me-up while viewing the art on our walls,” said HRAC Media Coordinator Tara Bennett. “It puts the focus on the art and gives a new way to interact with the Arts Center.” The pop-up shop will be open the following dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, and Dec. 20 during regular gallery hours. On Nov. 30, the popup shop hours will expand and be open during the last 2018
session of Playing the Staircase with Bill Robison. Luma Coffee Roasters is Hammond’s first local specialty coffee roaster. Coowners Devin and Catherine Masters and Logan and Shelby Torrance began roasting coffee at home in 2015 with the dream of starting a down coffee shop built on the values of community, excellence, and education. When not brewing up coffee, the Masters work as wedding and portrait photographers. They are also the worship leaders for Mission youth and college/career ministries. Over the last few years, Luma Coffee Roasters has invested in training and education from the Specialty Coffee Association of America to increase the quality of what they can offer their customers. “We take a lot of pride in what we do because we want to make sure that what we offer is the best of the best,” Devin Masters said. “We love our town of Hammond and love serving the amazing people who live here.” For more information, check out the Luma Coffee’s Instagram @lumacoffeeroasters. HRAC hours are Wednesday through Friday noon to 6 p.m. HRAC is located at 217 E. Thomas St.
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The Lion’s Roar | Sports
Page 6 | November 20, 2018
Lion nation stretches around the world
Katya Cornejo, Putri Insani, Ximena Yanez and Bernadette Dornieden are international student-athletes on the tennis team. They enjoy the motivation they receive from their head coach. Diamond Hollins/The Lion’s Roar DIAMOND HOLLINS
from over 70 different countries who contribute to the diversity on campus. The university is home to Of these international over 250 international students students, many play sports Staff Reporter
and represent the university. The nationality of these students range from Mexican to German. The tennis team is a prime example since it
has a comparatively larger percentage of international athletes compared to other sports programs. Ximena Yanez, a sophomore biological sciences major, is from Mexico. She shared that she loves playing tennis for the university because the students create an atmosphere of accommodation. “I chose to play tennis at Southeastern because the people made me feel very welcome,” said Yanez. “They put a lot of importance on the value of my culture and what I believe, which meant a lot to me. I also loved the way the coach treated me on my first visit.” Yanez talked about the responsibility she holds in playing tennis at the university. “It is definitely a big responsibility playing tennis here because there is a pressure to represent your country in the best way possible,” said Yanez. “I just want to do the best that I
can do.” Bernadette Dornieden, a freshman biological sciences major, is from Germany. Dornieden feels it is an opportunity to play for the university. “Southeastern gives you the opportunity to play college sports with a team,” said Dornieden. “In Germany, sports are played as an individual. Here, you get to play with other people who slowly become your family and share the same goal as you. That goal is to win.” Katya Cornejo, a sophomore engineering technology major, is from Mexico. Cornejo described that she and her teammates have bonded and created a family dynamic. “It’s a wonderful experience being on this team because you don’t have your family here but you create a family out of your teammates, and we are always pushing each other to do the best we can,” said Cornejo.
Putri Insani, a freshman accounting major, is from Indonesia. Insani explained the process she underwent before she joined the team. “I didn’t visit the school but I met the coach and talked to him,” said Insani. “He really made me want to come here, and he is a really good coach. He is also very humorous. We have the same sarcastic sense of humor, so we get along pretty well.” According to Yanez, Head Coach Jason Hayes motivates them to be the best they can be. “Coach reminds us every day how blessed we are to be here because not everyone has the opportunity to come from a different country and do what they love,” said Yanez. “Everything he tells us, he tells us for our own good, and it helps us in the long run. He is always pushing us to do our very best on the court and encouraging us to put in all of our strength and effort to achieve success.”
Senior student-athletes gaining and leaving a family ZACHARY ARAKI A&E Editor
Senior student-athletes prepare to leave their Lion family as they enter their last season. According to Kyla Williams, a senior forward on the women’s basketball team, her time as a Lady Lion has helped her grow. “With each year leading up to my senior year, I have learned so much not only about the game as the sport I love but the sport in its entirety as a business and a job,” said Williams. “I’ve learned a lot about myself as well as my teammates, which have taught me to become a better person and leader on and off the court as well as what kind of work ethic and heart it takes to succeed.” Williams plans to receive a doctorate in physical therapy after graduation. She described her last season as bittersweet. “I am very excited to see what my teammates and I are going to accomplish simply because the group we have this year is special,” said Williams. “We all have our own KYLA strengths and WILLIAMS weaknesses, but we also have a group PAGEANT TIPS
continued from pg. 1 competitions. Larose listed criteria of a successful talent showing. “Do something that you’re comfortable with, that’s entertaining, and that can also kind of make the judges see your personality,” said Larose. “I tap dance because it’s something that I’ve done since I was 2 years old, and it’s my favorite genre of dance.” For the on-stage question, the emcee asks the contestant a question pulled from a bowl. Larose shared how contestants can make the most out of the time they are given. “I get more nervous for the on-stage question than I think a lot of people do, but honestly, it’s important to remember that you only have 30 seconds,” said Larose. “So, answer the question, make it sound great.” The last event before the awards and crowning is the evening gown. Like the lifestyle and fitness category, contestant should look proud of their bodies. “It’s important to remember that the judges aren’t looking at your dress but the girl wearing the dress,” said Larose. “Just be confident. Walk with good posture.” At the end of the night, only one woman will be crowned Miss Southeastern. Having
that is willing to pick each other up at any cost as well as hold each other accountable for each wrongdoing.” Rebecca Skains, a senior infielder on the softball team, transferred from Louisiana State University Eunice to finish her last two years at the university. “Entering my last season is very weird,” said Skains. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet that this is my last year to ever play. I have been playing every summer, fall and spring since I was 5 years old, but I am extremely excited for this season and this team. I am ready to go all out with my team and really make a difference for this program.” Since beginning her collegiate softball career, Skains started to see the game as more of a mental than a physical one. “I’ve had to learn as I’ve grown as a player that if you strike out or miss the ball, you have to let it go so it doesn’t effect the rest of your at-bats or defensive plays,” said S k a i n s . “That’s been a huge thing to me is being strong CLARISSA mentally.” SMITH Clarissa S m i t h , a senior
distance runner, on the track and field team plans to take a gap year after graduation before pursuing a doctorate degree in chemistry. Smith described her experience with her team as gaining a family. “It’s been a long journey,” said Smith. “Starting as a freshman and experiencing the huge difference from high school competition to collegiate level was a little terrifying. Overall, I’m happy with my performance at Southeastern, especially outdoor track in scoring at conference every season in the 3K steeplechase.” Smith shared how her perspective changed since her freshman year. “As a freshman, I was looking for blood and wanted to prove myself worthy of being on the team,” said Smith. “Especially coming from being a top competitor in high school, I figured I could do the same in college. Talk about how wrong I was. Now as a senior with a very talented group of girls as my teammates, I just want to compete well and again show that I belong on this collegiate REBECCA team.” SKAINS B r y c e Steckler, a senior
outfielder on the baseball team, discussed his collegiate career with the Lions. “Last year was kind of like my freshman year trying to learn everything our offense does and the style we play not being from around here,” said Steckler. “Definitely different style of baseball, but now and in the fall, where I’m at now, it’s nice to know everything that’s expected and what the goals are for the team, how we play, so I feel way more confident.” Williams cited her teammates as one of the most enjoyable parts of playing with the Lady Lions. “There have been days when I have not wanted to be at practice or be around people in general, but the teammates I have and the personalities we carry make it impossible to be in that sort of mood,” said Williams. “I have also enjoyed being a part of a change happening at Southeastern Louisiana with the women’s basketball team.” S m i t h discussed the challenge of balancing
competed in pageants since she was 4 years old, Larose encouraged participants to enjoy the experience and to try pageants more than once. “Don’t be discouraged, and if you enjoyed your experience, do it again because you shouldn’t stop after your first pageant,” said Larose. “You should
continue doing it, especially because in the Miss America Organization, you can continue getting scholarship money every single time that you compete.” After weeks of preparation, Larose advised contestants to get a lot of sleep the night before the pageant. She also wants contestants to feel confident
in their preparation and to not change any part of their routines last-minute. Larose said, “Get to the theater as early as possible to do some last-minute walks on stage, practice your dance one more time just so that you feel comfortable, and after that, it’s all up to the judges.”
BRYCE STECKLER
responsibilities as a studentathlete. “With going to classes, having practice basically every day, and trying to maintain a job throughout has been tough,” said Smith. “High school was so easy, everyone telling you what to do and when to do it. Being in college, you must have good time management, especially as an athlete.”
Skains plans to attend medical school after graduation. She advised student-athletes “to soak in every moment you get.” “It flies by,” said Skains. “Everyone always told me that, and I never believed it. Now I do. Also, it would be to remember softball is just a game. Don’t let it overwhelm you and stress you out. Just have fun.”
What’s your favorite KSLU program?
Sports | The Lion’s Roar
November 20, 2018 | Page 7
Softball returns to season play in the spring. The team follows a 38-21 overall record from last season. The Lady Lions’ first game of the spring season will be a home game against San Jose State University on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. According to softball Head Coach Rick Fremin, the team will see how younger players fit with the team. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar SPRING SPORTS
continued from pg. 1 will begin its spring season on Feb. 7 with a home game against San Jose State University. The team follows a 3821 overall record from last season. Softball Head Coach Rick Fremin said, “We have a very young team, but they’re extremely talented, and I hope they continue to grow with their knowledge of the game, stay healthy, and play at an extremely high level.” Track and field will begin its spring season on Jan. 5 at the Louisiana State University Purple Tiger Friday. The tennis team closed its fall season
in October but will begin again on Jan. 27 against Tulane University. The Lady Lions follow a 6-14 record from last year. “I like the way the fall ended,” said tennis Head Coach Jason Hayes. “We’ve got five girls who’ve never played college tennis before. When January rolls around, we’ll have 10 girls, six of which have never played college tennis. So, there’s a learning curve for them, but they work hard. They’re positive, and they’re a lot of fun to be around.” According to Hayes, one of the most difficult parts of the spring season will be the schedule. “It will be a tough spring, but it’s a
talented group,” said Hayes. “They’re young. They’re inexperienced, and sometimes their youth shows in how they play, but they’re talented, and they work hard. If we get off to a good start, we can ride it the whole spring.” Hayes shared his thoughts on his team’s dynamic. “They’ve been great,” said Hayes. “College tennis is really the only time you’re part of a team. Everything else, you’re an individual. So, to get them here to try to retrain them as far as team first, individual second, they’ve done a great job, but they’re talented. They have a great sense of humor, and they care for each other. So, it’s a lot of fun.”
The women’s basketball team follows a 8-21 overall record from last season. The Lady Lions started competition on Nov. 7. The Lady Lions will continue competition in the spring starting on Jan. 2 with a home game against Stephen F. Austin State University. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar The full schedule of games for softball, track and field and tennis can baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, be found on lionsports.net.
Multiple teams will enter spring competition including softball, women ’s basketball and tennis. Each team includes new collegiate players who will look to fit the team dynamic. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar WEATHER BALLOON
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continued from pg. 1
the balloon, and everything’s going to fall back down on a parachute and come back to the ground, and then we’ll recover it.” Blanchard mentioned some unfavorable places that the weather balloon could land, such as in a tree or river.
Blanchard said, “We still have to get it, one way or the other, and then we bring it back, and then they’ll analyze their data, and then they’ll make their final presentation to the staff at the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. That is the end goal for the students, to make their final presentation and then they’re done.”
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Damodar Dahal, a senior triple majoring in mathematics, computer science and physics, is one of the students working on Project ROOMIE 1. His task is to program the balloon satellite control board. “The most exciting thing is that it is actually going to fly in a very high altitude,” said Dahal. “That’s almost three times the altitude that the airplanes fly at. I’m really excited.” Blanchard plans to submit a proposal for ROOMIE 2 and is hoping to have a couple more students join him for the next time around. Although Blanchard has not begun advertising for this opportunity yet, Dahal had some words of advice for students who may be interested next year. “Just join,” said Dahal. “Don’t think twice and join.”
Page 8 | November 20, 2018
The Lion’s Roar | News
Frantic search goes on for missing after California wildfire
Williams, in his 90’s, his son Paul Wayne Williams, in his 70’s, and his daughter Gayle Williams in her 60’s,” one woman wrote on Facebook. “Any info would be appreciated.” Hundreds of searchers continued looking for human remains in the ashes in Paradise and outlying areas ravaged by the blaze Nov. 8, with
the body count increasing daily. Rain in Wednesday’s forecast added urgency to the task: While it could help firefighters knock down the flames, it could hinder the search by washing away fragmentary remains and turning ash into a thick paste.
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In this Nov. 15, 2018, photo, Troy Miller wipes his eyes as he walks beside a burned out car on his property in Concow, Calif. Miller said he tried to evacuate when the Camp Fire came roaring through the area, but had to turn back when the roads were blocked with debris and fire. A small group of residents who survived the deadly wildfire are defying evacuation orders and living in the burn zone. John Locher/AP Photo CHICO, Calif. (AP) — Desperate families posted photos and messages on social media and at shelters in hopes of finding missing loved ones, many of them elderly, nearly two weeks after the deadliest, most destructive wildfire in
Around
the
California history. The death toll stood at 77 Monday, with about 1,000 people unaccounted for. “I have an uncle and two cousins that I have not been able to make contact with. Paul
World
Saudi king’s speech makes no mention of slain journalist RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Monday gave his first major speech since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, expressing support for his son, the crown prince, and making no mention of allegations that the young royal ordered the killing. The annual policy speech by the king instead highlighted Saudi Arabia’s priorities for the coming year, focusing on issues such as the war in Yemen, security for Palestinians, stability in the oil market, countering rival Iran and job creation for Saudis. The king voiced support for his favored son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that the 32-year-old heir to the throne is focused on developing the capabilities of Saudi youth. The prince oversees all major levers of power in the kingdom, ranging from security to the
economy. “The country is working tirelessly to create more jobs and training for Saudi youth,” Salman said. “The crown prince, chairman of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, has focused on developing human capabilities and preparing the new generation for future jobs.” Saudi media reported Monday that the crown prince will attend the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month. It would be the first trip abroad for the crown prince after the Oct. 2 slaying of Khashoggi, and would bring him face to face with world leaders from the U.S., Turkey, Canada and European countries that have strongly criticized the kingdom for the brutal killing.