The Bell Ringer | Monday Oct. 25, 2021 Vol. 66 Issue 2

Domestic violence awareness on display at AU

By Rakiyah Lenon Co-editor in chief

Volunteers from SafeHomes of Augusta, Title IX and AU Police spent the lunch hour on Oct. 12 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center patio informing the campus community of resources available in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Since the start of Oc tober, purple ribbons and signs symbolizing the month have been tied and placed in many areas of the Summerville Campus.

Purple t-shirts have also been worn by many read ing “love shouldn’t hurt,” a phrase corresponding with the theme of domestic violence awareness.

The Crew, which holds events for students on both the Summerville and Health Sciences campus, partnered with the orga nizations and used their Takeover Tuesday event to allow them to promote awareness about domestic violence. Takeover Tues days typically provide time for students to break and socialize between classes.

Chelsea Paulding, Miss Augusta University 2022, is focusing on the issue of domestic violence as part of her campaign this year. She along with others hosted the table for SafeHomes of Augusta, a place where vic tims of domestic violence can seek refuge from abuse.

“It’s actually my social impact initiative so that’s why I’m out here volunteer ing today,” she said.

According to Pauld

ing, SafeHomes provides resources for victims to navigate through the strug gles of domestic violence including counseling and housing.

Julia, Kneuker, director of Title IX for Augusta Uni versity, explained that as required by law, they serve to assist in ensuring that students and faculty are protected from harassment and threatening situations on campus.

Speaking of the Title IX amendment, Kneuker said, “It’s in place to give students and employees… equal access to a school or work environment free from sexual harassment… and domestic violence. We often have to change sched ules, put do not contact orders in place to protect that access,” she said.

Kneuker explained that their department often receives calls about domes

tic violence situations and refers victims to resourc es including SafeHomes, counseling services and AU Police. They also decide whether there are conduct violations.

At the event, AU Police passed out flyers containing information about campus safety, self-defense training for women and a mobile app for students to down load.

Captain Sam Sherrill demonstrated how students can access the RAVE Guardian app on their smartphones by searching ‘RAVE Guard ian’ in the App Store and Google play store and using their ‘augusta.edu’ email address.

“It’s a personal panic button. It alerts dispatch to know exactly where you’re at,” he said.

Sherrill said that stu dents could visit www.augusta.edu/police for more information about offered services.

Focus on domestic violence awareness is expected to continue for the remainder of the month.

Suicide prevention includes attention and a plan

By Janell Williams Staff writer

The American College Health Association reports that the suicide rate among young adults has tripled since the 1950s.

Suicide is currently the second highest cause of death among college students, according to their research.

Between 2015 and 2019 Richmond County had 691 emergency room visits for suicide attempts and 134 suicide deaths, according to an article from the Medical College of Georgia. Many people are not aware of the impact suicidal thoughts or ac

tions can have on both the person experiencing them as well as their loved ones. This affects more people than most may think.

“It’s a scary thought,” said one sophomore at Augusta University.

“Most people, myself included, will not step forward to admit that they have had suicidal thoughts.

Since I started speaking with someone, I have found myself using the steps to cope when I am feeling triggered.”

Many resources are avail able for aiding anyone having suicidal thoughts.

One of the preventative measures used by some

of the counselors at AU include a six-step Student Safety Plan.

1. Have the student list emotions or environments that may trigger warning signs of suicidal episodes.

2. Help the student devlop coping strategies that can be used to counter those thoughts or feelings.

3. Have the student identi fy people and social settings that can provide distrac tion.

4. Have the student come up with personal contacts that can be asked for help.

5. Provide a list of profes sional contacts for anyone in a crisis.

6. Explain ways that the

student can make an envi ronment safe.

This plan is designed for an individual to recognize when they may be on the verge of an epi sode and begin to take the necessary steps to prevent a crisis.

“We saw a spike in the number of students reacing out for services and these techniques really help them cope,” said licensed psychologist and director of SCAPS, Elena Petrova.

Other coping mechanisms to counter suicidal thoughts could include daily affirma tions, mobile applications that promote self-care,

involvement in support groups, self-care books and more.

One of the first steps to overcoming suicid al thoughts is to ask for help.“If you are not sure if counseling is something you’d like to pursue, have the conversation and see how it feels. If you do this and you are still not ready, that is okay. Go at your own pace,” said Petrova. Augusta University has counselors available for virtual and in-person sessions which are free to students and faculty. See Page 6 for other campus resources and assistance.

Signs have been posted throughout Summerville from SafeHomes of Augusta. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

Meet the editors

Editors in Chief

Carlos Rodriguez carrodriguez@augusta.edu

Rakiyah Lenon rlenon@augusta.edu

News Editor

Chris Woods riwoods@augusta.edu

Sports Editor

Chris Rickerson crickerson@augusta.edu

Online Editor Ian Cyr icyr@augusta.edu

Social Media Editor

Codi Kimball ckimball@augusta.edu

Bell Ringer Staff

Preston Hall prhall@augusta.edu

Shelbie Summerlin ssummerlin@augusta.edu

Katron Hugee khugee@augusta.edu

Jack Johnson jacjohnson@augusta.edu

Nicole Page npage@augusta.edu

Kayla Portillo kportillo@augusta.edu

Janell Williams jwilliams30@augusta.edu

Kallista Kalney kkalney@augusta.edu

EDITORIAL POLICY

Advisor

Rachel Balducci rbalducci@augusta.edu

Address all correspondence to:

The Bell Ringer JSAC Building, Room 237 2500 Walton Way Augusta, Ga 30904 Website: www.aubellringer.com

October 25

• 8 a.m. — Spring 2022 Registration begins

• 2 to 3 p.m. — Our Voices Matter on Microsoft Teams

• 7:30 p.m. — Big Band Classics with the AU Jazz Ensemble

October 26

• 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. —GRIT Workshops: Growing GRIT for Traveling Abroad

• 7:30 p.m. — Augusta University Wind Ensemble: Furioso

October 27

• 6 p.m. — Volleyball vs Shorter at Christenberry Fieldhouse

October 28

• 7:30 p.m. — Augusta University Choir and Orchestra

October 30

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Women’s bas ketball open practice at Christenberry Fieldhouse

November 2

• 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. —GRIT Workshops: Growing GRIT for Final Exams

• 6 p.m. — Volleyball vs USC Aiken at Christenberry Fieldhouse

November 6

• 3 p.m. — Volleyball vs Young Harris at Christenberry Fieldhouse

Walk for awareness

Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s name, phone number and email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the Editorial section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum.

Anything submitted to The Bell Ringer is open to be edited or rejected. How ever, The Bell Ringer staff gives all opinions a fair chance to be heard. All letters will be edited for grammar and style. If you would like to contribute a column or a letter to the editor, send an email to: carrodriguez@augusta.edu or rlenon@ augusta.edu.

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NEWSPAPER STAFF:

Carlos Rodriguez, Co-editor in chief

Rakiyah Lenon, Co-editor in chief

Chris Woods, News editor

Chris Rickerson, Sports editor

Ian Cyr, Online editor

Codi Kimball, Social media editor

Summer Barge, right, a student working on her master’s in education, hosted a domestic violence awarness walk at the Municipal Building in North Augusta, S.C., Sunday, Oct. 10. Barge said she organized the event to show survivors and those currently experiencing abuse that the community cares and that there are helpful resources available. (photo by Christian Osborne)

Mental health for a student-athlete Should fear itself be feared?

By Carlos Rodriguez Co-editor in chief

Thank you for picking up the latest print edition of The Bell Ringer. As Augusta Uni versity’s student newspaper, we aim to keep the students, faculty and the community up to date on news within AU and the local area.

For this print edition, The Bell Ringer staff decided to make the theme mental health, which is a very im portant issue that needs to be talked about.

As a student-athlete I want ed to share my perspective on mental health and per sonal experiences.

I’m a cross-country and track runner, and during both semesters I’m very oc cupied which has made my mental health a top priority. There are times where I’ve had so many things to take care of that it would become a lot to handle.

Balancing practice, school, and a part-time job has gotten challenging at times. Time management has been a big key to help make things feel less clustered but even then, there’s times it still gets out of hand.

In situations where I’ve felt overwhelmed, I’ve had to take a step back and put my self first in order to be happy and not stressed. How I did these things was by speaking up to those around me.

Whether it was my teach ers, coaches, teammates, family or friends, I spoke up which made things easier on

myself.

This semester I found myself in a position juggling too many things which led to withdrawing from a class. Things were piling up on me and I knew my performance in the class would be affect ed so I spoke up and made the decision that was best for me.

By bringing this up I want to let everyone know that it’s okay to take a

break, tell someone you can’t or step away from a situation if it’s affecting you physically or mentally.

If you’re dealing with problems the best thing you can do is speak up. This has helped me when I’ve struggled with situa tions.

Mental health can eat you alive so take care of yourself because you deserve it.

By Rakiyah Lenon Co-editor in chief

I have noticed recently how many issues are seem ingly propelled by fear. Upon this realization, it made me reflect on the well known quote by Pres ident Franklin Roosevelt, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Though it was said referring to the issues occurring in the 1930s, in pondering this quote, the more I have found it to be relevantly true, especially in this time.

Fear is defined as the unpleasant sense that some thing is dangerous, like to cause harm or pain — real or imagined.

In watching and reading the news, the more I see fear seeming to appear prevalent in society, regard less of the issue.

Fear can be paralyzing. It is common to hear about the fear of the unknown or of something new. As people, it is normal to experience emotions, but being led by them can cause harm at times.

In states of fear, the body can physically react in fight or flight. What more does this do to the mind? In hindsight, when the emotions have passed, it is easier to see things in a clearer vision. If one were to look deeper, the same applies to fear.

As we might have discovered at some point now in our lives, change is not always easy. I know that we all might have experienced it in some degree recently.

As we work to combat issues within society, I believe it is fair to acknowledge that emotions can cloud a larger picture. Fear is one of them. Seeing an issue through the lens of fear can narrow the view point of what’s important.

I believe that it is crucial to never let fear take control. Of course, a statement like this is easier said than done. However, I think we owe it to ourselves to relax, take a deep breath and take some time to think.

Acknowledging a fear and working to overcome it in whichever way one can is a great step towards progress for everyone.

As we continue to move forward in our lives, the greater we will value being able to handle whatever situations life can give us without letting fear take control.

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Co-editor in chief Carlos Rodriguez is a member of AU’s cross-country and track teams. (photo by David Troyer, special to the Bell Ringer)

Faces of good mental health

By Nicole Page Staff writer

“I enjoy watching my favorite Netflix show or movie and just relaxing.”

“When I’m feeling down, the first thing I like to do is lie down and listen to music.”

“If I’m struggling mentally, I like to talk through it with my friends.”

“Being with my friends and talking through what I’m going through really helps me mentally.”

“Normally, when I’m strug gling mentally, it’s because I am stressed; so, I like to take a nap and talk with my friends.”

“When I want to feel more like myself, I like to do a crossword or word search, play music and go get coffee. That’s what relaxes me most.”

“When I’m not doing well mental ly, the first thing that I like to do is sleep it off and try to organize my room and apartment.”

“To get through mental stuff, I like to go work out to get my mind off things or talk with my family.”

“I just enjoy cooking and eating.”

As part of the Bell Ringer’s focus on mental health for this issue, we asked students and faculty what they do to get into a better headspace when they are mentally struggling.

— Dr. Pamela Hayward

— David Shuler

— Lawrence Johnson

“Talking through what I’m going through with my family or friends really helps me think through everything and get into a better place.”

— Petra Duran

— Bain Proctor

— Xyia Pace

—Ineabelle Morales

“I guess the first thing that I do when I’m mentally struggling is to hang out or talk with friends or family.”

— Patrick Watson

— Natalia Yoko

— Olivia Patrow

“I like to Facetime with my family or boyfriend, take a nap or cook something.”

— Napabhach Boon-In

— Jeremiah Jones

Athletes and mental health: Being proactive with support

By Alexis Diaz-Infante Contributer

Bonnie Messner is an assistant athletic trainer and has spent the last six years at Augusta University. With 21 years of experience under her belt, she is a wit ness to the slow evolution of mental health in sports culture.

“When I came through school, mental health was not as big of a focus as it is now,” said Messner.

According to Messner, although it is spoken of more openly now, the stig mas surrounding mental health are still present.

Some athletes are accus tomed to pushing through the pain when faced with a non-physical injury, and they often think “that something is wrong with them.”

A survey performed by the NCAA of about 37,000 student-athletes revealed that one out of 10 athletes felt extreme levels of de pression and “more than a

quarter reported sadness and a sense of loss.”

Now eyes are turning to the administrations

and staff for how they are handling this large influx of athletes experiencing mental distress.

The Augusta University athletic training staff is be ing proactive. This summer staff and coaches were of fered mental health first aid training in order to better serve AU athletes.

“I felt like it was very worthwhile training to go through,” said Messner. “Having a specific break down of different situations like depression or manic episodes, or whether it be an eating disorder or help ing someone who may be exhibiting bipolar symp toms...and how to handle those conversations was extremely helpful.”

According to Messner, the regular presence of athletic trainers in the sports cul ture provides the trainers with a better understanding of their athletes.

“We are often able to pick up on things in their daily activities that others may not see,” said Messner.

Though the decision to re ceive help is up to the ath letes, the thought of han

dling the situation on its own can be overwhelming.

Augusta University offers a variety of mental health services, from student counseling and psychiatric services to Jags Live Well.

Messner encouraged ath letes who might be strug gling with something to reach out.

“Even if we are not the right person, we will do what we can to help find the right person,” she said.

Messner said whether it is one difficult day or some thing bigger, it is easy to feel alone when an athlete is struggling mentally. The athletics training staff, as well as the administration, wants athletes to know that they have a community standing behind them.

“The first thing I would want them to understand is that they are not alone,” she said. “They are a part of a large community of people who are invested in them and care about them. We are here.”

BOR ignores AU faculty protests on mandates, students speak

By Chris Woods News editor

After a week of protests last month at universities across Georgia, a call for a man datory mask mandate has been left unanswered.

Augusta University asso ciate professor of Sociology Dustin Avent-Holt, who led last month’s protests at AU, said in a follow-up interview that the Board of Regents continues to ignore the calls for a mask mandate despite ongoing pressure and future orga nized protests have not been arranged.

“The BOR is not moving on their failure to imple ment any mandates,” said Avent-Holt. “We continue to urge them to take action, but at this time no addi tional protest actions are planned around this issue.”

Last month, Avent-Holt pointed out universities’ efforts in other states to battle the virus with mask and vaccine mandates. He said that the USG’s current COVID-19 policies, which

do not require mask wear or vaccines, are “failed lead ership” on the part of the BOR. He added that its new chancellor, and their leader ship is driving prospective students and professors away from Georgia univer sities.

Upon a brief survey of Au gusta University students concerning the protests and mask wear, several students were indifferent on the topic while others were re luctant to be interviewed at all. A few students did have some things to say.

A sophomore biology ma jor who wore a mask and wished to remain anony mous said she wears a mask for her personal safety and for others’, saying she thinks “it’s a good idea” to wear a mask, but she would not tell anyone else they had to wear one.

Another masked stu dent, sophomore Tamarah Covington, who labeled herself and her family “very pro-vaccine,” said she lives in a house of seven, in

cluding her elderly grand mother and a mother who works in healthcare, and believes the mandates are important to protect oth ers like children and the elderly.

When asked about the BOR’s continued decision to not require masks and vaccines, she said, “I don’t think it’s very wise. I don’t understand why vaccines and masks shouldn’t be en forced. Wear a mask while

you’re at school, and when you get home, you can take it off.”

Senior Gary Henderson said he does not oppose masks, but he is “a little more laid back,” so he does not regularly wear a mask, although he might wear one in a crowded area, like at the mall or a sports event.

For him, his decision about masks comes from his per sonal experience through out the pandemic.

“I think it hasn’t hit home for me, yet. I have a few friends that have gotten COVID, but I haven’t gotten it. People I’ve talked to in my age bracket, they say it’s just a mild fever that doesn’t last long,” Hender son said. “I guess I’m not afraid of it.”

Last month as protests were wrapping up, attempts were made to contact eight members of the BOR as well as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Commu nications with the BOR Lance Wallace concerning the protest efforts. Only one board member, James Hull, and Lance Wallace responded.

Hull responded with words of concern, encour agement and appreciation, while Wallace offered stats on USG efforts in admin istering the vaccine as well as encouragement for USG staff and students to get vaccinated and wear masks, but neither mentioned the protests or responded to protesters’ concerns.

Associate Professor Dustin Avent-Holt, right, at a protest Friday Sept. 17. which concluded a week’s worth of demonstrations. (photo by Chris Woods)

An NCAA survey of about 37,000 student-athletes showed one out of 10 athletes felt extreme levels of depression. (photo by AU Athletics)

Defining and maintaining healthy relationships

By Morgan Hillman Contributor

Younger generations typically define a roman tic relationship in terms of passionate feeling and shared interest. This creates the notion that a perfect re lationship can be obtained. Some people even create a checklist of every trait that someone must or must not have.

Augusta University lectur er Erin Briggs said this is a misguided focus.

“People need to identify what their core values are,” said Briggs, who teaches psychology and studies personality. “What are their goals? What are their mor als? What are their values?”

Briggs claims that these criteria and checklists are not what a healthy relation ship is comprised of, and actually come from unre alistic goals created by the culture.

“Perfection comes from media,” said Briggs. “[It creates] a false idea that you have to find someone that fits every single box.”

The standard of relation ships today tends to rely on the feel-good highs of puppy love, often substitut ing superficial perceptions of a partner in the place of understanding what a person desires from life and how they communicate those needs.

“One of the most harmful messages I’ve noticed in media is the assumption that when you find the one,

things will fall into place, and there will be no differ ences or arguments…which is not true,” said Briggs. “Couples need to practice communication, and they need to practice giving feedback.”

Even though the media is known for producing chick flicks and romance novels that gloss over the hard work that goes into maintaining a relationship,

Briggs noted that if couples choose awareness of the nature of their romance, a successful relationship will have room to grow.

“We all can start out in different places…but love is a constant working effort,” she said.

Additionally, Briggs said that each relationship goes through phases. Unlike media portrayals, no rela tionship is able to maintain

the momentum of being persistently enamored by one person for the duration of their love.

“We have different types of love. There’s passion, intima cy and companionship that make consummate love,” she said. “We won’t always have consummate love, but that’s not a bad thing.”

Embracing hardship and difficulty is necessary in the success of any relationship,

according to Briggs, and when the going gets tough, couples should know the resources that are at their disposal.

“Couple’s counseling is one option,” said Briggs.

Therapy can be a long and expensive process, but couples can learn how to hear each other and work through hardship as a team. Therapy is also not exclu sive to being a last resort for couples; couples are recommended to go before serious relationship issues such a resentment and bit terness arise.

“It’s also important to realize that not every ther apist is the perfect fit for a couple,” said Briggs.

Counseling may not be on the radar for some indi viduals. So, there are other resources, but they require another level of discernment towards their usefulness.

“I recommend caution with self-help books,” said Briggs, “and couples [should] be critical of web sites and avoid magazine quizzes.”

Resources for mental health support

According to Briggs, audiences should under stand these materials by critically analyzing “what are they asking us to do, and is it working,” and with that, couples that question the legitimacy and results of these tools can assess the genuine health of their overall relationship and better pursue the person they choose to love.

Balancing school and work: tips from AU students

By Kayla Portillio Staff writer

From servers to veteri nary assistants, students at Augusta University shared their secrets on balancing school and work.

A high percentage of Au gusta University students are balancing either a parttime or full-time job.

Senior Morgan Stone, a veterinary assistant, said that it takes a lot of respon sibility and time manage ment to efficiently balance her schoolwork and per sonal job at South Pointe Animal Hospital.

“As a vet assistant, my job is to ensure the well being of all the animals and to assist the vet tech during any procedures,” she said.

“I’ve learned how to manage and use my time wisely because there are times I sacrifice going out with my friends to study or to pick up a shift and see my furry babies.”

Junior Bella Ryan, a student during the day and bartender at Rhinehart’s during the night, said that she loves her job. It keeps her busy and motivated.

“My secret to balancing

school and the restaurant is to make sure I choose a job that I am genuinely happy at,” she said. “Noth ing is more important than your mental health because being a student is already stressful, and it doesn’t help if you don’t like your job.”

According to Ashley Ray, a server at Doc’s Porchside restaurant, the secret to balancing school and work is learning how to say no.

“My friends are constantly asking me if I can go to parties with them, and my response most of the time is ‘no,’”

she said. “It’s either be cause I have to work in the morning or because I have a 10-page essay that none of them are going to help me write. So, just learn how to say no, and you will have fewer struggles of be ing a student and working at the same time.”

Alyssa Tudor, a senior at Augusta University, shared a few tips on how she has successfully balanced her life as a student, mom, bak er and bartender at Vance’s Bakery Bar.

“My tips are to first or ganize your assignments by

due dates, keep an agenda, procrastinate strategically and take breaks,” she said. “Procrastination is bound to happen. Just shift your focus on something else in your agenda, and cross out tasks as you go; it feels amazing!”

Learning how to balance school, work and life seems challenging, yet, according to www.thinkprogress.org, nearly 80 percent of students are working while in school.

Striking a good balance takes perseverance, dedica tion and remembering your goals.

Healthy relationships take work and a dose of reality. (photo by Codi Kimball)

Five ways to stay happy

By Jack Johnson Staff writer

October is a stressful month for many Augusta Universi ty students. The withdrawal period and midterms are inching their way closer, and the days get shorter and the temperatures drop. With each passing day, a lot of stress is put on students.

It is crucial during these times to do anything and everything possible to keep personal stress to a mini mum so that October can pass by without much of a hitch. This will help the remainder of the semester go over smoothly.

Here are five easy ways that AU students said they stay happy during one of the most stressful times of the year.

As the halfway point

passes, many college stu dents may be staying up later than usual to get those extra few hours of studying in. This is not the case for junior computer science major Dylan Kraft who said that frequent naps are what keep him calm and com posed.

“Whenever I get a big break in my day, I’ll just go lay down and sleep,” he said. “The naps help keep me calm and allow me to get through the rest of my day without being tired, and without them, I’d prob ably just be an irritated and grumpy person.”.

Another way to stay happy comes from se nior biology major Haley Lowe who credits frequent phone conversations with her parents for keeping her

hopeful and stress-free.

“I moved about two hours away to come to school here, and I never thought that I would miss my par ents as much as I do,” said Lowe. “I make sure to call them as often as I can and especially when I’m feeling sad or upset because no one supports me and makes me feel loved like my parents do.”

Getting homesick and missing your parents is something that many col lege students go through, and it perhaps may be the most shocking part of being so far from home for school. However, Augusta is home to many local stu dents, such as junior busi ness major Jack West.

“One of the best ways I keep myself happy is going

over to my mom’s house for a hot meal,” said West.

“Ever since I moved out, I’ve found it difficult to keep up with cooking and nothing ever seems to be as good as one of my mom’s home-cooked meals.”

Another great way to deal with stress comes from Sam Talent, a junior education major. Talent claims that

Tips from AU students

• Take a nap

• Call a loved one

• Eat a hot meal

• Go for a jog/run

• Manage your time

running is the perfect way to stay happy and healthy.

“Whenever I get stressed about anything at all, I just take off and run for a little while. It really helps me to calm down and is also a great way to stay active and is probably the reason I am as healthy as I am,” said Talent.

Lastly, and perhaps, the best way to stay happy is having good time management. With proper time management, students can help to ensure that they will have time for the things that make them hap py during the day.

Whether it be taking a nap, calling a loved one, eating a hot meal or go ing on a run, it can all be accomplished if your time is managed properly.

Movie review: ‘Awake’ does not disappoint

By Janell Williams Staff writer

Global hysteria brings out the worst in everyone in Netflix’s new film “Awake.”

Filled with suspense and thrill, this film will defi nitely make you appreciate those mid-afternoon naps even more.

After a mysterious disaster knocks out all the electric ity, it becomes evident that humanity has also lost the ability to fall asleep. After it is revealed that her daugh ter can still sleep, Jill, an ex-soldier recovering from a pill addiction, and her two children, Matilda and Noah, set out to find a mil itary hub where a cure for this calamity may be in the works. In their fight to save mankind, the trio encoun ters thieves, prisoners and paranoid soldiers through out their fight to get to a secret military facility over 100 miles away.

Actress Gina Rodriguez truly brings her character

Jill to life. She leaves you captivated with her display of intuition and survival skills as she must prepare her daughter to survive in case she and her son died from sleep deprivation.

Most of the filming was done in Ontario, Canada, to bring to life the vision of Toronto-born screenwriter Joseph Raso. He wrote the screenplay that inspired “Awake,” and his brother Mark Raso directed the production to bring the creative visions to the big screen. Though special ef fects were minimal, the film still had a fair share of gore and suspense.

The movie in its entirety did a great job at leaving me asking, “What’s next?” It is almost like the writers did not want the main charac ters to have a clear jour ney, but just to encounter whatever was next and fight through it.

I do wish that we, as au dience members, got more

detail and action during the twists and turns of the journey. Each obstacle, while they all had a bit of suspense, focused more on getting to the desired desti nation rather than creating a quality action scene in that moment.

For example, there is a scene where the group encounters some individ uals who have also fallen victim to insomnia. While the main characters drive through them, the crowd attempts to pull them all out of the car. Though there was a slight bit of intensity here, I felt that the scene could have fit more into the suspense category if someone was pulled from the car, and they had to fight to get them back or some other event to make me jump out of my seat and yell, “Run, girl! Run!”

While I feel that some aspects could have had a bit more substance, the film was a thrill to watch overall.

I feel that the ending, while it unearths a possible solu tion to regain the ability to sleep, left me with unan swered questions. Howev er, I suppose a cliffhanger should be expected with

almost any Netflix film. I almost wish that there would be a sequel to this film, but my hopes were dimmed when my research showed that a sequel is highly unlikely.

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PAGE 7THE BELL RINGER From running to taking frequent naps, there are many simple things you can do to –stay centered. (photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash)

SGA works to increase student engagement

By Aenea Clark Contributor

Due to the ongoing pan demic, Augusta University is seeing low student engage ment, forcing the Student Government Association to search for solutions.

After a semester of virtual learning at the initial height of the coronavirus pan demic, AU’s SGA is looking for new, effective ways to welcome students back to campus.

“SGA is having a really hard time getting feedback and word from students about what it really is that they want,” said SGA Sena tor Mallory Dee.

SGA is planning on host ing events where students can voice their opinions about issues SGA should address.

“Last year, we had the SGA Tell Me Anything event where we had food and surveys for students to fill out and answer ques tions,” said Dee. “We got a lot of good data.”

SGA also hosted the

Freshman Forum event, where they invited firstyear students to talk about their experience on campus and how SGA could better serve them. SGA said the students enjoyed the event because their concerns were being heard, and they felt they were getting some where.

SGA plans to host a sim ilar event on a larger scale for more students to voice

their opinions. They plan to host the event at the amphi theater later this semester.

SGA is also working on policy changes to promote more student interaction and engagement.

SGA is pushing for a bas ketball court to be built at University Village residen tial hall.

“Building a basketball court, it would get used by the students much more

than other facilities,” Dee said.

SGA is also working to make parking free for student assistants and employees.

“Our student employees already come here to work; most of them are federal work-study. Why should they have to pay for a park ing pass?” said Dee.

SGA wants to improve transportation for students who use the JagExpress shuttle and make more parking spaces available on campus.

Additionally, SGA is the process of creating a policy that will mandate teach ers to release their class syllabus at least one week before the start of class each semester. Students said that they are confused about class expectations and the class materials they need.

Students want more food choices, and SGA is work ing on getting more input from students about the food choices they want at the Atrium dining hall.

Augusta University has recently changed vendors and has switched to a buf fet-style of dining for more options students can choose from.

“The school is signing contracts with food vendors without seeking the opinion of students, and that’s an is sue because we have to pay to eat there,” said Dee.

Due to COVID-19, SGA members were refraining from meeting in person to conduct meetings. They have started back meeting in person and are looking for more students to join SGA to represent students at Augusta University.

SGA is working to imple ment its plans this semester and says students’ main concerns on campus are dining, parking, transporta tion, and housing.

“Our main goal is to make students feel that they are being heard and that they are important because they are,” said Dee. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

College students’ physical activity drops during pandemic

By Mikaela Graf Contributor

Recent Augusta University graduate Olivia Maldonado started 2020 strong, con tinuing a 6-month streak of nearly daily gym atten dance. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent nation al lockdown interrupted her routine and led her to stop exercising altogether.

“Before, I was going to the gym five days out of the week,” said Maldonado. “As soon as the gym shut down, I stopped going, and I hav en’t been back since.”

Maldonado is not alone in her struggle to maintain physical activity during the coronavirus pandemic.

A recent study conducted by researchers with the Department of Kinesiol ogy at Pennsylvania State University found that among US college students, physical activity levels de creased, while stress levels and symptoms of depres sion increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed that

moderate and vigorous physical activity levels in university males decreased by nearly 38%. To a lesser degree, female students ex perienced a 28.1% decrease in moderate activity and a 13.6% decrease in vigorous activity.

According to the study, “Any decline in [physical activity] or deterioration in mental health concerns among students would be cause for concern as [phys ical activity] is important for both physical and mental health, and mental health concerns (eg, anxi ety, stress, depression) and noncommunicable diseas es, such as hypertension and obesity were prevalent among students prior to the pandemic.”

The study stated that though physical activity was not a strong protector against decline in student mental health that occurred during the pandemic, regu lar exercise is still regarded as a valuable tool in pre venting and treating mental health issues.

Additionally, the research ers said that maintaining sufficient physical activity levels during college is crucial, as the health habits formed during early adult hood can significantly affect a person’s course of health through later life.

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting the world, it is important for schools to encourage and provide re sources for safe exercise for students, said the study.

The researchers urge uni versities to implement new ways to promote physical activity to students who re ceive their education solely online, as this phenomenon will likely become main stream soon.

For Maldonado, lacking the resources and encour agement she needed to continue her routine exer cise has continued to be a problem a year-and-a- half later.

“The consistency and ac countability that I had be fore lockdown is not there anymore,” Maldonado said.

“I fell into my old ways.”

For Augusta Universi ty students, the Campus Recreation Center on the Health Sciences campus is now open again for mem

bers and students seven days a week.

For information on other ways students can get ac tive, even virtual students, visit www.augusta.edu/

Members of AU student organizations gather outside the JSAC as part of efforts to get students involved. (photo by Aenea Clark)

Olivia Maldonado tried goat yoga as an activity before the lockdown last year. (photo by Mikaela Graf)

Dining

Preston Eats: Chicken sandwiches

By Preston Hall Staff writer

Recently, I decided to take on the challenge of finding the best chicken sandwich in Augusta, and I am proud to say that the mission is complete.

Now, this was not a job for the faint of heart or, may I say, the weak of stomach.

I drove around the Au gusta area, up and down Washington Road and even near Daniel Field airport. I wanted to see for myself which restaurant had the best chicken sandwich.

Seven different restaurants were tested in this battle for the best in Augusta.

McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, Zaxby’s, Slim Chickens and Chickfil-A were all on the ballot to be taste-tested.

All the sandwiches were slightly different which made the taste test that much better.

Let’s start with the Mc Donald’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich was good, but you can tell it was made in a hurry and was not put together all that well. I did not let that tank the score, but what did tank it was the fact that the chicken was dry and not

that crispy either. Overall, it would be ranked a 4 out of 10 from me.

The next place I visited was Wendy’s for their take on the Classic Chicken Sandwich. At first glance, they wrap their sandwich es in the aluminum foil wrap rather than a bag like other places. This seems like a mistake because the sandwich came out soggy and greasy; it was not that crispy, which hurts their

score. Overall, it receives a 3 out of 10 from me.

Next was Burger King, and this is where the food started to get better. Their ChKing was crispy and built right, but again, their chick en was dry which made it hard to receive the best score. Scoring gets better here but not by much. I gave the ChKing a 5 out of 10.

Now, the visits get better. The next place I went to was Zaxby’s, and I got the Sig

nature Chicken Sandwich. This place specializes in chicken, and it shows. Their sandwich was crispy, flavor ful and had a nice bun to tie it all together. I was getting used to dry chicken, but they changed that with their juicy fillet. The score for Zaxby’s was an 8 out of 10.

Next was Slim Chickens and their Chicken Sand wich. Here, the scores were still higher as this place, like Zaxby’s, prides itself on chicken and making each meal an enjoyable one. Their sandwich was juicy, crispy, flaky and full of flavor. Good sauce made this sandwich jump to another level. I give them a rating of 7 out of 10, not quite as high as Zaxby’s but still good.

The all-mighty Chick-fil-A was next, and it is hard to beat these sandwiches. The simplicity that comes with the chicken sandwiches is odd when you think of how good they really are. The hot pouch they come in combined with the soft buttery buns and two pick les make the Chick-fil-A sandwich legendary. No sauce or anything else; just the perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken boosts the score to a 9 out of 10.

Last to be tested was that of Popeye’s. On August 12, 2019, Popeye’s set the world on fire with their new Crispy Chicken Sandwich making every restaurant scramble to match the product. For over two years now, the sandwich from Popeye’s has been a musthave and for good reason. The flavorful chicken matched with the juiciness, and the buttered buns is top notch. They, by far, have my favorite sandwich, and even though the scale only goes to 10, they are much better than the competition.

Popeye’s has the best chick en sandwich here in Augus ta, and frankly, it is not even close. Stop on in, and try it for yourself.

So, it’s settled, Popeye’s reigns supreme in this cate gory. Hopefully, the com petition will continue to get better and rise to the chal lenge so we all have better and better experiences.

At the end of the day, each diner could value some traits more than others. So, I would highly encourage everyone to try the chick en sandwich challenge for themselves.

Until next time, stay hun gry, Augusta.

Preston Eats: Boudreaux’s Snowballs

By Preston Hall Staff writer

The gold at the end of the rainbow has been found in Augusta, and it’s in the form of snowballs at Boudreaux’s Snowballs on Lumpkin Road.

With a wide variety of flavors to mix and match, not to mention the spe cialty snowballs already on the menu just waiting to be selected, this place is a destination you don’t want to miss.

I went on Friday and was greeted warmly by a nice man who was happy to help. I asked him for his favorite snowball and something that looked nice. He made me “The Proud Mary.” I was not disappointed.

Inside my snowball was ice cream with cotton candy and a snow cone drizzle. On top was some whipping

cream that tied everything together. I had never had ice cream inside a snow cone, and trust me, this will not be the last time either.

The snowball had a sweet

ness to it that you would expect but at no point was anything too strong and overly sweet.

I must say I also love how long it stayed in solid form and was not quick to melt, but I can’t say it lasted too long anyways because, once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. It is really that good.

Boudreaux’s is a cool place to hang out in, and I do mean that both literally and figuratively. Inside you will find tables and chairs to hang out with family and friends as well as some games to pass the time. Outside there is table tennis and cornhole.

I say this with no doubt in my mind and with no other contenders that “The Proud Mary” was hands down the best snowball I have ever had! I will be back soon

and with the mission to try everything in store.

PAGE 9THE BELL RINGER Augusta. It’s open six days a week and closed on Mon days.

And, go ahead and pack this place out. They are too good to not have a wait!

Boudreaux’s is located at 2111 Lumpkin Road,

Give this place a visit. You will be happy you did. Until next time, stay hungry, Augusta.

Food critic Preston Hall tested chicken sandwiches from a variety of local restaurants and determined a winner. (photo by Preston Hall)

“The Proud Mary” snowcone is one of many different flavor varieties (photo by Preston Hall)

Sweet and savory pies and baked goods. Locally owned and operated. Visit us on IG @thepiehole_eattrue

AU wins four-set non-conference battle

By Chris Rickerson Sports editor

Augusta University’s vol leyball team defeated the University of West Georgia in four sets on Wednesday, Oct. 6, in a non-conference match at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Breast Can cer Awareness Night. This game marked the Jaguars (12-4) first home win of the season after losing to conference rival Flagler in the home opener on Oct. 1.

“We were coming off a tough match against Flagler when we didn’t really show up to compete, but tonight we did,” said AU Coach Sharon Quarles. “Obvi ously, there are moments where we have mental lapses and No. 13 (Tierra White) is a big middle for them, and she skys and hits over the block very well. We needed to collapse on her every time and position our defenders to take away her angle.”

After being down early in the first set 5-1, AU would battle back and win the set 26-24. The Jaguars rattled off a 3-0 run with Senior Alyssa Frazier getting two kills to end the set with a win.

The Jaguars dominated set two going on a 15-6 run and winning the set 25-18.

The Wolves (8-7) became hot in the third set. They started out on a 9-3 run.

AU tried to battle back mid-game, but UWG went on a 7-0 run and won the

set 25-18. The Jaguars struggled with the errors in the third set with 11, com pared to the Wolves’ five. The fourth set was back and forth with the Wolves of the Gulf South Confer ence ahead 25-24 late in the game. AU would go on

Allen eyes fourth-straight Peach Belt championship

By Jack Johnson Sports writer

Chloe Allen has been a crucial part of the Augusta University volleyball team since her arrival as a fresh man in 2017. Since then, the Jaguars have gone on to win three consecutive Peach Belt Conference championships, and Allen has stepped up as one of the team’s best players.

During Allen’s senior season in 2020–21, she was elected to the preseason all-conference team and led the team in blocks with 65 and kills per set at a 2.26 average.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, Allen was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA and

chose to take advantage of it as did many other ath letes across the country.

The Jaguars also returned seniors Holland Martin, Kylie Martin, Kierra Barr and Brooklyn Holthaus un der the NCAA’s grant of an additional year of eligibility.

Allen said she wishes to end her collegiate athletic career on a high note.

“We’ve won it three years in a row, and we’re bring ing back a lot of the same key players from last year’s championship run. I’d really like to go out on a high note by winning the conference again this year,” she said.

The Jaguars have won three consecutive Peach Belt Conference titles and are ranked second in this

year’s preseason poll.

“We were picked second in the preseason poll which puts us behind Flagler just like last year. They came into our gym and ended up beat ing us, so we like to think of this matchup as a revenge game for last season. Flagler will without a doubt be our toughest opponent this year and beating them at home would be a highlight of the season,” Allen said.

The Peach Belt Confer ence tournament will take place Nov. 19–21 this year and will be held at Chris tenberry Fieldhouse in Augusta. This season will also mark the return of the NCAA national volleyball tournament as it has not been held since 2019.

a 3-0 run as senior Kylie Martin finished the match with a kill.

Martin led AU with 16 kills in the match and fin ished with 15 digs. Junior Samantha Zittrauer led the Jaguars with 26 assists.

Senior Holland Martin was

the leader on digs for the Jaguars with 24.

White led the Wolves with 12 kills and 4 blocks.

The AU volleyball team raised $800 for the Georgia Cancer Center and gave the center the check on Wednesday night.

Women’s golf team finishes 2nd at Lady Paladin Invitational

By Kallista Kalney Sports writer

The Augusta University women’s golf team tied for second at the Lady Paladin Invitational in Greenville, S.C., on Sept. 26.

Augusta and North Flori da both shot 873 for second place in the tournament.

Furman University, the host of the tourney, shot 841 to finish first. The Pala dins broke the tournament scoring record by 12 shots.

AU senior Natalia Yoko tied for seventh with Furman’s Kyra Cox and UNCW’s Malu Brinker. All three shot even par 216 on the par-72 Furman Univer sity Golf Course.

Yoko shot 1-under-par 71 on each of the first two

rounds and shot a 74 on the final day of the tournament.

The Jaguars progressive ly got more comfortable playing on the course. The Jaguars shot 295 in the first round, 292 in the second and 286 in the third.

AU’s Napabhach Boon-In finished the tournament tied for 10th after shoot ing a 72 in the final round. Freshman Chloe Holder, who had won the Mer cedes-Benz Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn., the previ ous week, finished tied for 19th, shooting 4 over par. Mary Hunt Murray, the Au gusta Prep alumna, finished tied for 32nd, shooting 9 over par, and freshman Kennedy Carroll ended tied for 37th.

Jaguar senior Chole Allen goes for the kill during Breast Cancer Awareness night at Christenberry Fieldhouse. (photo by Chris Rickerson)

Men’s XC team wins PBC Preview; Taylor finishes fourth

By Chris Rickerson Sports editor

Juniors Kai Brickey and Hans Troyer led the Au gusta University men’s cross-country team to another first place finish on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Alexander Asics Invitation al Peach Belt Preview in Fairburn, Ga.

“Between Hans and I, we thought we executed the race plan we had in store quite well,” said Brickey. “It was a fun race, and as a whole we had a great time competing toward the front.”

Brickey finished in second place in the 8K event with time of 25 minutes and 15.85 seconds, right behind Florida State’s Zachary Cloud, who finished with a time of 25:09.23. Troyer finished a couple of sec onds behind Brickey in third place with a time of 25:27.26.

The Jaguars men’s team beat a couple of NCAA Di vision I schools including Georgia Tech who finished in second.

“We did well and know what we need to work on,” said AU crosscountry coach Adam Ward.

“We have a couple of mistakes that are fixable and if we can iron those things out, we are in good shape. The big thing is we won

and that was our focus going in.”

Senior Chandler Kennedy finished 21st with a time of 26:06:03, followed by his brother, senior Chase Kennedy, who finished in 22nd (26:06.07). Freshman Patrick Motes finished 27th (26:13:23) and sophomore Carlos Rodriguez 31st (26:15.12). Avery Jaynes 43rd (26:22.08), Thomas Rischar 45th (26:27:28) and Andrew Todd 47th (26:29.87). Jaynes, Rischar and Todd are all freshmen.

“We are excited to have the Kennedy twins back, Chase and Chandler,” said Brickey. “We are very hap py to have that senior talent back and can’t wait to see

what they can do fully healthy.”

AU women’s cross coun try finished ninth in their 5K run with junior Mack enzie Taylor leading the pack individually in fourth place. Taylor led all Divi sion II women runners with a time of 18:06.73.

“It was a good and chal lenging course,” said Tay lor. “I am not thrilled with my performance, but I can learn from it and improve for the next race. The wom en’s team did well. We are learning our strengths and weaknesses.”

For the rest of the wom en’s team, graduate trans fer Hannah Beach (20th, 19:00.34), freshman Haley

Gilbert (55th, 19:39.98) and freshman Caroline Pierce (96th, 20:09.86) were the top runners for AU.

Samford won the wom en’s race, with AU confer ence rival Flagler finishing fourth.

“Given everything that happened during the race, I will take the ninth-place finish and run with it,” said Ward. “There were some errors that can be fixed and we can fix those things.”

The Jaguar cross-country teams returned to Fairburn for the Peach Belt Confer ence Championships on Saturday, Oct. 23.

In preparation for the PBC Championship, Ward and

some of the runners spoke about their gameplan for the race.

“The women have to not be so timid in the begin ning,” said Ward. “We need to match the other team’s intensity from the gun and keep our foot on the pedal the rest of the way. If we can do that and not make any excuses, we can pull off something special.”

As for the men, Brickey wanted to make history and dominate the race.

“All of us will have to step up if we want to make history and become the first team in the PBC to perfect score conference,” said Brickey. “We’re not here to win, we’re here to dom inate.”

The pressure was on the men’s team as they looked to win their third straight Peach Belt Conference title.

“I don’t feel too much pressure for conference,” said Rodriguez. “I think we need to work on clos ing gaps in order for us to finish closer together. As long as we execute the plan Coach Ward has for us and perform how we’re capable of, I think we’ll be bringing home another champion ship.”

See www.aubellringer. com for the results of men and women’s PBC Champi onship.

Women’s basketball working on COVID comeback

By Shelbie Summerlin Sports writer

Augusta University wom en’s basketball is gearing up for the upcoming season and has big goals to accom plish.

In the limited games last season due to COVID-19, AU finished fifth in the Peach Belt Conference standings with a 5-5 league record and just missed the post-season tournament.

The Jaguars are hoping to improve on that this com ing season and have begun offical team practice which started Friday, Oct. 15.

“This upcoming year we want to finish in the top three of the conference,” said AU women’s Coach Millette Green.

Green knows the team

faced a lot of adversity last year, but she said the team adjusted well and improved throughout the season.

“I thought we did a good job of improving, de spite everything we went through,” said Green.

Green also said last years struggles taught her how to adapt as a coach.

“I never knew how many kids would be available,” said Green. “We had 25 days to practice and play games. We only practiced maybe three days out of those 25 days. We never had ten players to fully practice.”

After last season’s conflict ed COVID season, Green is ready to get back into the swing of things, but things

aren’t starting off complete ly as planned.

“As a coaching staff, we’re trying to figure out how to continue to build the kids that have been here and then also bring the players who have missed a week or two up to speed and make sure we do everything in the best interest of our play ers,” said Green Green is most looking forward to seeing the expe rience in her 10 returners and hopes they’re more equipped to handle close games.

“We have two all-con ference players returning. Six seniors and one grad student. I feel like we’re a veteran team,” Green said. “We learn from our mis takes. It’s time to take that

next step and compete for the championship.”

According to Coach Green, leadership is huge and she expects big things out of senior guard Kiera Howard and sophomore center Kennedi Manning. Howard led the team in as sists and steals, while Man ning was the leading scorer (12.5 points per game) and rebounder (7.9 boards per game).

“Kiera has developed into the go-to leader for our program,” Green said. “She is our heart and soul and our leader. I think Kennedi Manning can step up in that role as well.”

There are five new play ers—two NCAA Division I transfers and three fresh men to help the returning

squad reach their goals this season. Green is excited about what they can bring to the table.

“I do not look at classifica tion. I look at their ability to get the job done,” said Green.

The team is hosting a live practice open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at Chris tenberry Fieldhouse.

They open up the season with back-to-back home games against Southern Wesleyan on Friday, Nov. 12, at 9 p.m. and Barton College on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m.

After a year without fans, this year spectators will be allowed inside the Field house as long as they wear their masks.

Mackenzie Taylor sprints to the finish line en route to fourth place finish in the women’s race. (photo by David Troyer, special to the Bell Ringer)

“I am not thrilled with my performance, but I can learn from it and improve for the next race”

Mackenzie Taylor, cross-country runner

Cracknell’s unexpected season turned into a new opportunity

By Carlos Rodriguez Co-editor in chief

The 2020-21 campaign was supposed to be a special season for Augusta Univer sity men’s basketball player Troy Cracknell. He had just capped off his junior season, where he put up ca reer-high numbers and was set to play his last season for the Jaguars, only to be derailed by COVID-19.

The pandemic rolled around at the end of Cracknell’s junior season, ending the Jaguars post season run before it even started. Augusta was set to play Peach Belt rival Land er University in the first round of the NCAA DII Men’s Basketball Tourna ment.

“We were on the bus go ing to Tennessee and when we got there, we heard the news that we weren’t going to play,” said Cracknell. “It really sucked because I thought we could’ve gone far in the tournament.”

The Jags returned to cam pus and what seemed to be only a two-week break from school, turned into students being sent home the rest of the semester.

Cracknell returned home to Charlotte, N.C., and like

everywhere else, everything was shut down. No gyms were open until later in the summer, forcing him to adapt to the resources he had available.

“We had a sandpit by where I live at, so I was working out in the sand, running constantly and had a couple of weights at my house,” said Cracknell. “I didn’t have a job over the summer, so it was straight training.”

During the first week returning to campus for the Fall 2020 semester Cracknell encountered another roadblock. While playing pickup basketball he landed awkwardly and broke his foot, sidelining him for multiple weeks and eventually missing the season-opener.

“I was kind of down on myself; I was putting a lot of work in during the summer” said Cracknell. “I had to get surgery the week after. It was a bad start to the year.”

After missing one game, Cracknell was back in the lineup for the first time since pre-COVID. On limited minutes he scored 12 points, helping AU get a 97-83 win over Emmanuel College.

“It was a little awkward; I had to get use to things again. I was just glad to be out there and move around again how I used to,” he said.

Little did he know it would be the last time he suited up for the Jaguars that season.

Augusta received unfor tunate news that numerous players had tested posi tive for COVID-19. What thought to be a normal quarantine period, then back to the court, turned out to be a longer hiatus.

Cracknell along with other players were side lined for the remainder of the season due to their heart condition following testing positive, leaving the Jags with only eight healthy players.

Instead of dwelling on what had happened, Cracknell stayed motivated and played a different role for the team, helping coach the guys from the sideline.

“I was just making sure the rest of the people around me got better. Our plan was to get those new guys better and more com fortable for the next year.”

With a limited bench, AU struggled and failed to

qualify for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament for the first time in school history.

“It was tough; it was something I wasn’t used to in being able to just sit there and watch,” said Cracknell. “It’s pretty frustrating not being able to go out there and make a difference for the team and help us win.”

With getting an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, Cracknell is using it to his advantage, getting a fifth season while also pursuing his master’s degree in business admin istration.

“I couldn’t say no to getting a fifth year to play basketball and pursue my master’s,” he said. “I’m really blessed to be able to come back.”

AU basketball color commentator Chad Cook has watched Cracknell play throughout his career at Augusta and believes adding him back into the lineup will create opportu nities for the Jags.

“The ability to play him alongside Tyshaun Craw ford and three guards will bring an element to the team that we just didn’t

have last season when the squad was so hampered by COVID,” said Cook.

As for goals for the upcoming season, Crack nell is looking to step up as a leader and help the team win the PBC Cham pionship and make a deep postseason run.

“I think we have poten tial to go really far this year, possibly further than we did my sophomore year,” said Cracknell.

An individual goal Cracknell has is to put himself in position to be able to go overseas and play professionally next fall. He’s closely followed two of his former AU teammates Deane Wil liams and Rafael Monteiro who have excelled at the professional level.

“I saw Deane played in Iceland for two years and now he just signed a big deal in France,” said Cracknell. “Deane’s a great player and a great guy. I’ve seen Hafa (Rafael) doing great over in Brazil too.”

The Jaguars just began official practice as they prepare for their first game at Barton College on Fri day, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.

After only playing one game his senior year, Troy Cracknell looks forward to having a big fifth year for the Jaguars. (photo by Carlos Rodriguez)