The Pacer - Volume 81, Issue 18

Volume 81, Issue 18 Tuesday February 10

Inside

Pacer the

overtime victory Men’s basketball stole a victory against Austin Peay in overtime last Thursday

Sports, Page 8

I ndependent voice of the U niversity of T ennessee at M artin

SGA: Gatlin, Burke, Grosner appointed as three resign

F ile P hotos /W ill York

SGA accountable, trustworthy?

SGA3 U

T THE

news

MARTIN

Student Government Association

SGA Senators’ absences go unpunished

Regina Emery Assistant News Editor

Comment Policy

viewpoints

2

The Pacer defends its new online comment policy

Graphic Design Exhibit

pace of life

6

UTM graphic design students display their work last week

Hudson off the court

sports

8

A one-on-one with Lester Hudson reveals his personal side

Cloudy Hi 68 ° | Lo 50 °

onlinePOLL Do you think UTM should have a student court?

Yes, I want a fair trial.

No, it’s a waste of time.

I thought we already had a student court.

I don’t care.

go to utmpacer.com to vote

Rakes, Ogg continue college meetings Charlie McIntosh Life Section Editor A hushed Humanities and Fine Arts faculty meeting turned into a debate during its second hour last Thursday evening, with news of the Academic Program Discontinuance Committee putting fear into the arguments of some faculty members.

Both Chancellor Tom Rakes and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Jerald Ogg were in attendance for the HFA meeting last week to discuss potential cuts and future revenue streams for Academic Affairs and the university as a whole. While Rakes had a few remarks regarding potential income from the stimulus package, Ogg did most of the talking in regards to the Academic Program Discontinuance Committee and potential money growth that could get UTM out of the budget crisis.

Rakes started off by talking about ways the stimulus package may affect UTM. “You have to apply and really the state decides who gets what,” Rakes said. “With that said, there is the possibility for a new external lighting project if we receive funds, but absolutely none of that money can be used for salaries or

towards something like the new Fine Arts building.”

Before Rakes passed the podium to Ogg he noted that K-12 education was the priority as far as state money was concerned, and that other UT campuses, such as the medical program in Memphis, are in a far worse situation than UTM. Ogg broke his speech down

“Despite the budget problems, we’ve kept plodding along to make sure faculty get everything they need.”

Dr. Jerald Ogg

Vice Chancellor to the attentive faculty audience with a relatively positive demeanor considering the circumstances.

“Despite the budget problems, we’ve kept plodding along to make sure the faculty get everything they need,” Ogg said. “One of the best bits of news is that the faculty computer rotation is still in tact for now. It’s just a one year fix, but because no one can travel or buy supplies we were able to keep enough money in Academic Affairs.”

For the remainder of the meeting, however, Ogg was quite frank and direct with the anxious faculty. Most of the meeting was spent discussing potential revenue sources and the possibility for cuts.

Most of the concern by faculty members was directed towards the Academic Program Discontinuance Committee.

The threateningly titled panel has many departments concerned that their fields of study may be targeted for cuts based solely on the number of graduates.

“I wanted to sell the product on its own merits,” said Dr. Daniel Nappo, chair of the soon-to-beconsolidated Modern Foreign Languages department. “We’ve got former students teaching and in graduate schools. To try and establish the value of any program by just counting the majors doesn’t really cut it. We have to look at the long-term.”

Ogg also noted that the committee wouldn’t know what changes would be made to the campus infrastructure until legislation is finished, which may not be finished until as late as May or June.

Chair of Theatre and Fine Arts Doug Cook expressed concern

see CHFA page 4

Student court absent for seven years, McGruder says presented to the student court seven years ago, the students gave harsher punMany college campuses ishments than the adminishouse a system called student tration originally would have, court in their SGA organiza- noted McGruder. tion. A student court is comNot only would a student posed of students that handle court provide students with student affairs on campus. the freedom to have their The SGA at UTM does not cases heard by their peers, have a stustudents dent court. would have B r i t t a n y “Re-establishing the judicial the opportuMcGr uder, court would create a greater link nity to serve president on the court of SGA, between SGA and the Student as well. explained in “A stuBody.” an interview dent court is why UTM made up of a Brittany McGruder does not chief justice, SGA President have a stuan attordent court. ney general, “About seven years ago, three associate justices and UTM had a student court”, a student defender: all posisaid McGruder. “The uni- tions which must be filled by versity and administration students,” Mcgruder said. felt as though students didn’t Even though UTM has have the authority to hand gone seven years without it, down punishments to fel- there is still hope in re-establow students. Students aren’t lishing a court in the future. ‘professionals’ in conducting “Eric Lipford and I are a court,” McGruder said. pushing to reform the court “For this reason, the stu- before our terms end. We are dent court at UTM was also hoping to see SGA be removed.” granted the responsibility of Students who found them- handling student traffic tickselves in disciplinary situa- et appeals,” said McGruder. tions at UTM had more than “This could be a first step.” one option in appealing their “SGA serves as the link case when the student court between students and the existed. administration,” McGruder “Students can feel like they said. “Re-establishing the are trapped when it comes judicial court would create a to disciplinary issues. They greater link between the two. only have one option — go It’s our job to better serve the before the administration,” student body. That’s what McGruder said.

SGA strives to accomplish Ironically, in many cases each year.”

Amber Pickett Pacer Writer

Pacer G raphics /J ennifer D eYeso

UTM hosts teach-in on Global Warming Danny Warren Editorial Assistant

A webcast, Teach-In on Global Warming, was shown in Watkins Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 5 concerning the effects of global warming and what young people of this generation could do to possibly turn some heads in America.

The purpose of the video was to show students that there are new, innovative ways to improve the environment and create a more sustainable energy supply.

Drs. Stan Dunagan, Angie Mackewn and Mike McCullough held an open discussion of the topic after showing the video.

“People need to start preparing to make changes in

their own lifestyles,” Dunagan said. “What can you do to help?”

“The UTM campus has already implemented a recycling system on campus, but there are many other changes that can be made that will help our campus become more energy efficient,” MacKewn said.

A community recycle day was held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the recycling barn at the end of Moody Street, sponsored by the UTM Recycles! group.

“This is where our recycle barn is and volunteers come out and sort through recycling that has been dropped off. This saves money for paid workers to do it,” MacKewn said.

UTM is also involved in

recyclemania. Recyclemania is a 10-week competition across college campuses (www.recyclemania.org) in which UTM beat Knoxville last year. This competition is based on recycled pounds per person.

“We would like to get students involved now, and hope for it to take off from there,” MacKewn said.

MacKewn is also concerned about the wastefulness on campus.

“500 pounds of food is put into compost every day from Sodexo. This makes super compost, but it is very costly,” MacKewn said. “There are also eco clamshells available in the cafeteria instead of the Styrofoam ones.” Styrofoam does not break down naturally.

As the second meeting of the spring semester, last Thursday’s SGA Senate meeting was filled with discussion and legislation.

Advisor Steve Vantrease was present, although Vice Chancellor of Students Affairs Dr. Margaret Toston was unable to attend.

After roll call, President Brittany McGruder was quick to get things going, reminding members to bring in nonperishable foods to support the canned food drive if they had not already done so.

“Election packets are due by Monday, Feb. 16,” McGruder said during a news briefing. Previously students had complained that not enough advance was given for preparation, she said. Mcgruder also mentioned that Student Health was no longer providing excuse notes for students who miss class.

McGruder also confirmed that a tuition increase was in the works for next year.

Senators were attentive when McGruder said that she had met with Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Al Hooten and others to discuss last week’s winter weather and the decision not to close the university. McGruder explained that when sidewalks and roads on campus were checked at 5 a.m. — the time a decision about cancellation was due for release to the media — ice had not yet been present and thus Hooten deemed that there was no prevalent danger, she said.

“We did urge for more caution in further decisions regarding campus cancellations,” McGruder said. In response, Hooten asked SGA to help publicize the student text message emergency alert system and help urge students to register to receive them.

In matters of business, SGA listened as two separate letters of resignation were read aloud. Kurt Brown left amicably after new employment left him without the time to fulfill the duties that SGA entails. Timothy Shortess felt SGA was not effective in helping students and thus chose to resign.

Junior vocal music education major Josh Gatlin was sworn in after a unanimous vote made him Executive Assistant to Vice President Eric Lipford. McGruder nominated Brandon Burke to fill an open seat and he was then sworn in. Former member Alan Thurman transferred to UT Chatanooga and Chief Justice Lorie Malari nominated Heather Grosner to fill the vacancy. After the motion was passed unopposed, Grosner was sworn in as the new Student Defender.

Legislation to let SGA implore Tennessee Senators Lemar Alexander and Bob Corker, Representative John Tanner, and Governor Phil Bredesen for support in the fight to secure federal funds for higher education was pro-

see SGA page 4

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Viewpoints

Ashley Totty Viewpoints Editor

E-mail On the Web

pacer_opinions@utm.edu utmpacer.com/lettertotheeditor Page 2

The Pacer • February 10, 2009

Editorial

Last week, The Pacer received many complaints about the comments posted on our Web site. This prompted us to create a comment policy, which can be found at the following url: http://w w w.utmpacer.com/ commentpolicy.

While the policy informs students that vulgar comments may be removed or edited, The Pacer will always defend the right to free speech. Students, faculty and staff must have an anonymous means by which to air their grievances and The Pacer will fight tooth and nail to defend those means.

For as long as we have it, utmpacer.com will have anonymous comments enabled.

The Pacer will remove blatantly vulgar posts, but we cannot catch them all ... nor can it be our top priority to do so. We do not have the staff or time to do anything else right now.

The Pacer will fight tooth and nail to defend your First Amendment rights.

Being anonymous and unverified, such comments should be taken with a grain of salt. Most students realize these comments are no more trustworthy than those posted to sites like the now defunct juicycampus.com: anyone who remains anonymous to deliver a mindless diatribe should not be taken seriously.

Since students clearly seem to understand this, The Pacer will only be removing the comments we catch.

The Pacer would like to recommend to the administration to take the same stance on these comments as students: don’t take them too seriously. As a general rule only bother to read the ones written in complete sentences.

It will save you a great deal of stress. Just don’t stop reading them. The comments are useful for the same reason that anonymous instructor evaluations are: they offer an unfiltered look at student and faculty opinion, free from the fears of reprisal.

Students and faculty, don’t stop posting ... due to the complaints The Pacer received you now know that at the very least your comments are being read.

The Comedy Corner: HOW DATEABLE ARE YOU? Justin Hunt staff columnist

MY STORY Ah yes, Valentine’s Day: the hormone holiday. I don’t know exactly what we are celebrating, but who cares, there is chocolate involved. We typically associate going on a date on Valentine’s Day. The following is a schedule of my last Valentine’s date: 5:00 P.M.-Stood in front of mirror flexing muscles.

5:25 P.M.-Cried over nose zit.

5:30 P.M.-Threw on a nice outfit and doused myself in six bottles of Axe Body Spray.

5:45 P.M.-Stole some flowers from the neighbor’s garden.

5:55 P.M.-Cried over nose zit.

6:00 P.M.-Arrived at date’s house.

6:05 P.M.-Date thought I was joking when I had asked her out and shut the door in my face.

6:30 P.M.-Cried over nose zit.

For those of you that want a date this Saturday, I have designed a simple, self-evaluation quiz that will give you a handle on how dateable you are. Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer.

1. A friendly stranger of the opposite sex on the bus tries to strike up a conversation with you. You… a. Make pleasant conversation. b. Act like you have fallen asleep.

a. Spaghetti, bread, and wine in a soothing, candlelit atmosphere. b. A frozen pizza and flat ginger ale. c. Altoids.

c. You’re supposed to buy a gift?

c. Dueling pistols.

4. On a date where you play a relaxed, meaningless game of pingpong, you play at an intensity level that would be appropriate for: a. A relaxed, meaningless game of ping-pong.

6. Women: When at a restaurant and your date is making eyes at the female waitress, do you: a. Finish the date in an appropriate manner and talk about it later. b. Order everything on the menu and leave.

b. A Wimbledon finals match. c. The Invasion of Normandy.

c. Poison his salad.

How to score: If you are really concerned with how you scored, you are not ready to date.

“Valentine’s day is a strictly commercial holiday. I’ll spend it like any other Saturday.”

The Pacer

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Serving UTM for 81 years Free in Single Copy Editorially Independent

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Editorial Board Matt Cook Jay Baker

Managing Editor

Charlie McIntosh, Life Editor Casey Curlin, News Editor Josh Weiss, Sports Editor Ashley Totty, Viewpoints Editor Jennifer DeYeso, Advertising Manager

Ashley totty Viewpoints editor

“I don’t know yet. Call me.”

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?

Executive Editor

b. A toaster.

Reuben Kendall Editorial Illustrator

The Office

Pacer

a. Jewelry.

b. Arguing.

c. Began crying and look for the first opportunity to get off.

2. If it were up to you to make the dinner for a date, the meal would consist of:

5. Men: What gift would you most likely buy for your Valentine’s Date:

a. Calmly talking things over.

Editorial Cartoon

views from

the

3. If you and your date were to disagree about something, you would try to resolve your conflict via:

Josh Weiss Sports Editor

“I am going to clean and polish my gnome collection.”

Joshua Lemons

Sports Feature Editor

Regina Emery

Asst. News Editor

Danny Warren

Editorial Assistant

Reuben Kendall

Editorial Illustrator

Justin Hunt

Staff columnist

Tomi McCutchen Parrish Faculty Advisor

Editorial Policy

Opinions expressed in personal columns are those of the writers and may not reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole. Editorials are written by members of the Editorial Board, with contributions from other students, campus administrators or community members on an as-issue basis.

Submission Guidelines

Story ideas or news tips may be e-mailed to pacer@utm.edu or presented at our weekly staff meetings, held at 5:15 p.m. every Monday during the semester.

The Pacer welcomes comments, criticisms or ideas that its reader-

ship may have. We encourage you to send a Letter to the Editor through e-mail at pacer@utm.edu or via our Web site at http://www. utmpacer.com/lettertotheeditor/.

Letters to the Editor should be no longer than 250 words. Letters must contain the name, major and hometown of the author, as well as contact information. Submissions may be edited for grammar, spelling and brevity.

Statement of Publication

This newspaper is printed every Tuesday during the semester. Our press run ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 copies depending on the edition. The University

Charlie McIntosh Life Editor of Tennessee at Martin earmarks $3.60 per enrolled student to pay for staff salaries and overhead costs of running our office. The cost of printing the newspaper is covered by advertising revenue.

The Pacer 314 Gooch Hall Martin, TN 38238

Newsroom: 731.881.7780 Fax: 731.881.7791 E-mail: pacer@utm.edu Web site: www.utmpacer.com

Contents may not be reprinted without written consent of the Executive Editor.

Copyright © 2008 The Pacer - UTM’s Student Newspaper

The Pacer

•

News

February 10, 2009

Page 3

Goal setting: How to achieve goals, ensure success in life Shyteria Dunlap Pacer Writer Setting goals and achieving them is a vital part of success. According to Psychology professor Angelina MacKewn there are proper and improper ways, however, to go about setting goals.

“Goal-setters should have a large picture goal, and then create sub goals, or smaller goals, that will help to reach the larger one,” said psychology professor, Dr. Angie MacKewn.

Setting a goal, such as to make an A in a class is the first step to achieving a goal, according to MacKewn. The next step is to generate ideas of ways to achieve the goal, like attending class, forming study groups and talking with the professor.

“Setting goals is a good start, but you have to be persistent in order to get results,” MacKewn said.

MacKewn emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals.

“This can only be achieved through first being honest with yourself. You must also understand balance in your life. What sacrifices will I have to make to achieve this goal and am I willing to make these sacrifices? If quitting something, whether it’s smoking or a relationship, do it in gradual steps,”she said.

According to Mackewn making goals more specific helps to keep them manageable and realistic so individuals are less likely to renege. If the goal is to go on a diet it is better to strive to eat more fruits and vegetables and less sodium enriched foods than

to simply strive to eat less.

“Remember that messing up is not the end of the world. If you mess up, don’t throw it all away. Reevaluate goals all the time. As you grow and change, in some instances so should goals,” MacKewn said.

MacKewn also noted the value of setting goals that are attainable and not allowing others to influence your standards by adopting theirs.

“Write your goals down or share them with someone you trust.

This helps you to remember them and to organize them. Telling someone allows encouragement,” MacKewn said.

For more tips on being a productive goal setter, visit http:// www.topachievement.com/goalsetting.html

SGA senators go unpunished by student court for excessive absences Stimulus package packed with student perks Ryan Williams Pacer Writer

Marquita Douglas Pacer Writer Do you sometimes think your student financial aid just isn’t quite enough to cover the cost of higher education?

According to a recent Suite101.com article, President Barrack Obama’s economic stimulus package attempts to alleviate the financial aid burden by better funding higher education.

Proposed as the American Recovery and Economic Reinvestment Act of 2009, but widely known as the “Stimulus Package,” would grant considerable and substantial amounts of funding for education. It has already passed by the US House of Representatives and is an $827 billion stimulus plan, according to an Associated Press story on Monday before press time.

The Suite101.com article stated that one of Obama’s main goals is to make education more affordable for students. Over the past 20 years, college tuition has skyrocketed 439 percent. The percent is an average of three times the increase in income among middle class families. If this continues, Obama believes that by 2030 more than half of Americans will not be able to afford to send their children to college.

The stimulus plan will aim to increase the maximum amount offered by the Pell Grant, offer more Pell Grants to students along with a tax break of $2,500 for many college students. It will also triple the amount of grant money given to undergraduate and graduate students in science education.

The federally funded Pell Grant is awarded to help low income students finance college tuition. Currently the Pell Grant offers a $4,731 maximum per year to college students. Obama plans to annually increase that amount by $500.

The plan is estimated to make college more affordable for 7 million more students, according The Washington Post.

Suite101 also said the American Opportunity Tax Credit would give students and families the opportunity to be eligible for an increase of $1,650 tax credit to $2,500, qualifying an estimated 20 percent more college students.

Many college students are applauding the thought of Obama’s higher education opportunities and breaks through the Stimulus Package.

“I am very much so encouraged by the relief Obama is proposing to give students through his economic stimulus plan,” said UTM junior, Stephonica Allen. “I think it will provide many students with more much needed financial assistance.”

The Stimulus Package was expected to pass through the Senate on Monday, though details were not available as of press time.

All governments have rules and regulations to abide by. Just like the U.S. government, the elected officials must abide by regulations to assure the student body that those who were placed into power are acting accordingly.

According to the UTM Student Government Association’s constitution all senators with two or more unexcused absences were to be referred to the student court for a trial and possible disciplinary actions. The student court is set up to operate like an authentic United States court system.

Student court consists of a Chief Justice, the attorney general, student defender (who acts as the attorney for the accused) and three other justices. The accused is given the opportunity to stand before the court and present his or her argument as to why they

were absent during those times. If their excuses for not being in attendance are found not to be an adequate reason then that senator will be impeached from their position.

Rebecca Weaver, the Secretary General over S.G.A. explained the reason behind the passing of this regulation.

“The two absences rule is stated in our constitution; it has been in place for many years. I personally feel that it is a good policy to have,” said Weaver. “As an elected body, it is important for us to serve those who elected us. I feel that this policy is working. Senators know from the start what is expected of them in regards to the number of meetings, office hours, etc.

They make it a priority among their other campus activities knowing the importance of this position. They are not only present for themselves but as representatives of other students in their colleges,” Weaver said.

Last semester, Weaver stated that there were only

four senators who were found to have more than two unexcused absences. She said that they all stood before the student court, they were not found impeached on these bases because they were allowed to explain themselves. Instead they were given a warning.

“They were told that SGA is important,” said Weaver. “It was not like they were over the limit by a large margin; they were just right at the limit.”

The names of the senators who were in offense were not released to protect the privacy of those individuals.

“Only the student court members know who they are,” Weaver said. “This is because of extenuating circumstances that you don’t need everyone to know about. In the past we have had people with serious medical issues and we did not feel as though the student body needed to know those issues. “ Since last semester there have been no senators that have gone above the two absences limit.

Workshop shows students the ropes of publishing

The UTM Office of Business Affairs staff wore red on Friday, Feb. 6 to show their support for the campaign to teach women in the community about the risks of heart disease. Pictured kneeling from left to right: Lori Hutcherson, Laura Foltz, Phyllis Keller. Standing, Karen Roberts, Marilyn Essary, Angela Page, Marsha Mitchell, Judy Kerley, Deborah Boyd, and Shelia Williams.

Staff Reports Last Friday, Sigma Tau Delta, an English Honors Society, hosted their annual publication workshop.

Students attended two 30 minute sessions, followed by a keynote address and a book signing.

Students could choose from up to six different sessions: “Writing about music: Personal and critical approaches,” “Selecting a press, selling your idea, online vs. hard publication and structuring your book or paper,” “Copy Editing,” “Poetry: Market research, editing, submission guidelines,” “Writing for Mass Media: Newspapers, Newsletters and Magazines” and “Fiction/non-fiction: Locating a publisher, following submissions guidelines, writing query letters.”

After the first half of the workshop, Alvin Summers offered a discussion where he

reflected on the self-publication process he went through for his book: Why Praise?

Summers then participated in a question and answer session with the audience.

For the conclusion of the workshop Summers and Heidi Huse, assistant professor of English, held a book signing for their books. Huse briefly discussed her chapter in the book Doing Democracy.

“I would call this a success. The students had trouble choosing just one table per session because they wanted to go to them all,” said Sam Covington, manager of the campus bookstore.

To close the workshop Rev. Summers and Dr. Heidi Huse, of the English department, held a book signing.

Dr. Huse briefly discussed her chapter in the book Doing Democracy. Sigma Tau Delta plans to host more events like this one in the future.

Who gets what: billions to colleges and students from stimulus plan DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — The stimulus plan emerging in Washington could offer an unprecedented, multibilliondollar boost in financial help for college students trying to pursue a degree while they ride out the recession.

It could also hand out billions to the states to kick-start idled campus construction projects and help prevent tuition increases at a time when families can least afford them.

But cuts of $40 billion for state and local governments in the Senate version were a big disappointment for college leaders. House-Senate negotiations will determine whether education aid to the states is relatively modest or massive — and how much gets directed to highneed institutions for building projects, versus elite universities that would benefit if the final package spends more of the money on scientific research.

Students are big winners. Both the House and Senate bills call for the largest-ever funding increase for Pell Grants, the government’s chief college aid program for low-income students.

It will take much of the proposed $15.6 billion increase in the House version (slightly less in the Senate) just to erase the existing funding shortfall and meet the surging demand as the economy sours and more students enroll.

But the package would also increase next year’s maximum award by up to $500, to $5,350, starting July 1. That’s the biggest increase in history and would cover three-quarters of the cost

of the average public four-year college. ing projects is an efficient short- and Most Pell recipients come from fami- long-term investment. As they lose lies earning less than $40,000. And revenues from state support, endowsupporters note the new Pell dollars ments and tuition, hundreds of projects would be spent almost immediately — are on hold nationwide, from a library students can’t save them — while also extension at Fresno State to new dorms at Washington University in St. Louis paying off down the road.

“Long-term, if we want a better econ- and a biology lab at Yale.

The California State University sysomy, we need more people going to college,” Education Arne Duncan told The tem alone has halted 130 projects, which it values at $850 million and says Associated Press last week.

College leaders meeting in Washing- account for 13,000 jobs. Meanwhile, ton this week for the American Coun- the system may have to cut 10,000 encil on Education’s annual meeting will rollment slots.

The House bill has $6 billion for be grateful for the student aid boost. such projects, But they’ll the be closely “We’re ready to go, there’s great jobs involved, while Senate has watching how Con- and we’re educating kids who wouldn’t have other none. “ We’re gress bridges opportunities if we weren’t there,” ready to go, the huge there’s great gaps between Chuck Middleton jobs involved, how much President, Roosevelt University and we’re edthe House ucating kids and Senate versions propose spending to bail out who wouldn’t have other opportunities state budgets and prevent drastic edu- if we weren’t there,” Chuck Middleton, president of Roosevelt University cation cuts.

The House bills calls for $79 billion in downtown Chicago, said Sunday. to prevent cuts to local school districts His university has a $135 million new and public higher education. But it’s building with classrooms, labs, dorms not yet clear how the money might be and offices on hold after financing dried divided between K-12 and higher edu- up. Construction could be under way in cation, and a portion could go to things six months, he says, providing 600 jobs besides education. The Senate version for two years while helping Roosevelt’s diverse student body. calls for $39 billion.

Also helping students, the House Meanwhile, colleges are hoping Congress will agree restarting idled build- and Senate both call for expanding the

Hope tuition tax credit from $1,800 to $2,500 and making it partly refundable.

Now, almost half of families with children pay no income tax, so the current tuition tax-credit system doesn’t help them (the full benefit kicks in for families earning at least $43,000).

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the change could help 3.8 million students.

If the infrastructure spending survives, it would likely prioritize colleges with high minority enrollments, schools rebuilding from disasters like Hurricane Katrina, and energy-saving projects. It may also take steps to make sure community colleges get their fair share, and private colleges — such as Roosevelt — are hoping the final version will allocate some to their sector, too.

The money would be for academic facilities, and wouldn’t go — directly at least — to things like gyms, food courts or chapels.

The House version calls for $1.5 billion for biomedical research facilities, while a Senate amendment set aside more than $6 billion in extra research money for the National Institutes of Health, among boosts to other research agencies. Those investments have longterm benefits, but it would take time to distribute them, and research universities would benefit most.

One other benefit notable for families: The Senate bill would also allow families to spend money from 529 college savings plans on computers.

UTM sets record enrollment for the spring 2009 semester, 10th consecutive year Staff Reports UT Martin had its 10th consecutive record spring enrollment, according to a University Relations press release.

A record 7,152 students are enrolled for spring semester at UTM. This year’s numbers top last spring’s record of 6,711.

“Enrollment growth is representative of increases in our undergraduate enrollment, both on campus and off campus, in our dual-enrollment students and in undergraduate and graduate online programs,” said Tom Rakes, UTM Chancellor, in the release.

“A UT Martin education is a true value, and I appreciate the confidence more and more students are demonstrating by choosing UT Martin. This level of excellence is a reflection of the hard work of our faculty and staff as well as the continued support of alumni and donors.”

According to the release, “The 2009 spring enrollment set a spring semester record for undergraduate students, with 6,733, a 6.3 percent increase over spring 2008; undergraduate full time equivalent (FTE), with 5,718, a 3.8 percent increase; and total FTE, with 5,935, a 4.3 percent increase over spring 2008. FTE is the total number of student credit hours divided by 15 for undergraduate students and 12 for graduate students.”

The Pacer

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News

February 10, 2009

International Briefs Iraqi women’s minister resigns in protest BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s state minister for women’s affairs has quit to protest a lack of resources for a daunting task — improving the lives of “a full army of widows” and other women left poor or abandoned by war.

In an interview Sunday with The Associated Press, Nawal alSamarraie described how her office’s budget was so tight that she often found herself dipping into her own pockets for the women who came begging for help.

She said she finally submitted her resignation last week in part because her budget was slashed from $7,500 to $1,500 per month — part of overall government spending cuts forced by plunging oil prices. The figure didn’t include staff salaries.

“I reached to the point that I will never be able to help the women,” said al-Samarraie, whose job lasted just six months.

“The budget is very limited ... so what can I do?”

Former reformist Iranian president will run again TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami declared Sunday he would run again for president, setting the stage for a major political showdown in coming months between the popular reformist leader — who made dialogue with the West a centerpiece of his eight years in office — and the country’s ruling hard-liners.

Khatami’s candidacy poses a serious challenge to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose mixture of anti-Western rhetoric and fiery nationalism sharply contrasts with Khatami’s tempered tones and appeals for global dialogue.

“I seriously announce my candidacy in the next (presidential) election,” Khatami announced Sunday after a meeting with his supporters.

He said he decided to seek the presidency in the June 12 vote because it was impossible for someone like himself who was interested in the fate of Iran to remain silent. The 65-year-old liberal cleric said he is “attached to the country’s greatness and the people’s right to have control over their own fate.”

Israel says Gaza rocket hits south, damages cars JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military says a rocket fired from Gaza in violation of an informal truce has struck an Israeli communal farm.

The military says one car was set ablaze and several others were damaged by shrapnel. No injuries were reported.

Israel unilaterally halted a blistering, three-week Gaza operation on Jan. 18. Hamas announced later that day that it would hold its fire.

But the two sides have not agreed on a formal cease-fire. Egypt is trying to mediate such an agreement.

Militants have sporadically fired rockets into Israel since declaring their cease-fire. They also killed one soldier in a border bombing attack.

Israeli troops have killed three Palestinians in border shootings.

Gaza officials have identified them as farmers.

SGA

Page 4

From Cover -posed. This is not a “bail-out” SGA member Stewart said. Rather, SGA would simply be asking the Tennessee officials for interest in their cause. The motion passed.

“I look forward to working with SGA to fight for the student body and am proud of the legislation that we passed,” said Senator Philip Masengil.

Malari then presented to the group the changes made to the SGA Constitution. Revisions consisted primarily of simple grammatical corrections, eliminating redundancies and adding capitalizations. A few clarifications were also made to the 15page document.

In Section 4, stipulations were made stating that people run-

ning for Executive Council must be full time students and that members appointed by executive order cannot run for SGA President or Executive Council. However, the revision was not at the moment ready to be passed and will be e-mailed to members within the week to look over.

In closing, McGruder made several announcements. SGA will participate in the UTM Recycles! program from 8-12 a.m. on Feb. 21 and the SGA banquet has been set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 although the location has yet to be determined.

March 25 is the day they are looking at to host SGA Relations Day, though it has yet to be set officially.

CHFA

From Cover with this, since the amount of time it could take for word to come from the board on financial status could lead to term professors leaving before they have a chance to get re-hired.

Dr. Ogg was quick to remind concerned faculty members, however, that he and Chancellor Rakes still had their priorities set on protecting the classroom.

“We have our eyes on the prize. Our prize here is the classroom.

Unfortunately, when it comes to numbers we can’t get to where we need to be without hurting real people. The fact is, this particular Board of Trustees is the most business oriented one that I’ve seen. A lot of low-producing majors are going to have to be prepared to defend themselves. It’s really not a matter of if we end up cutting programs but more a matter of when.” Ogg said.

One of the more shocking proposals made by Ogg was when he mentioned Chick-Fil-A’s success as a restaurant on campus could lead to a road being built to that part of the university center for drive-thru customers.

Regarding layoffs, however, Ogg noted that student employees would have to be cut before the administration could even consider cutting faculty members, although, some policy changes may be headed towards term faculty in the near future.

“The Center for Global Studies will be getting its own dean, as will the Bachelor of University Studies degree,” Ogg said. “People haven’t believed historically that the BUS degree had much academic integrity. We feel that if we give it more structure and turn it into an academic college with a degree that we can increase its credibility.”

“We’re also thinking about having term faculty take on fifteen hour loads a semester since they do not have advising responsibilities,” Ogg said.

He referred to the fact that term professors, who do not have advising capabilities, still only have to take on a twelve credit hour workload per semester. The board is considering changing this so that more courses can be taught for less money.

“We’re looking for more ways to raise money, and one idea we’re hoping to present to the Board of Trustees is the concept of the Maymester,” Ogg said. “This gives our faculty a chance to make some money and also the students a chance to knock out some summer courses before they go home to their summer jobs.”

Other potential revenue streams include raised transcript fee and increased prices in parking stickers.

“Increasing the transcript fee could increase income for this university by up to $50,000,” Ogg said. “Parking sticker prices will also go up, but we’re looking into making them replaceable so that students can use one sticker for multiple cars.”

Ogg also noted that the campus has a problem with alcohol abuse and that increasing fines on students could kill two birds with one stone, attacking the alcohol and budget problems simultaneously.

Another major cut looming in the future is that there are to be no invitations to extra students during summer Governor’s School for the Humanities and for the Agricultural Sciences.

WANTED:

a UTM student majoring in electrical engineering that could tutor me.

Please call 731-336-3875 or 731-642-8843

THE STRENGTH TO HEAL

and learn lessons in courage.

The pride you’ll feel in being a doctor increases dramatically when you care for our Soldiers and their Families. Courage is contagious. Our Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) helps you reach your goal by providing full tuition, money towards books and lab fees, a $20,000 sign-on bonus, plus a monthly stipend of more than $1,900.

To learn more about the U.S. Army Health Care Team, call Capt. Vernita Riggs at 877-354-4999, email vernita.riggs@usarec.army.mil, or visit healthcare.goarmy.com/info/mchpsp1. ©2009. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

© 2009 NAS (Media: delete copyright notice)

The Pacer

•

February 10, 2009

Police Report

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2/2/09 at 4:35 a.m.EPS Building-Subject reported someone pushed them against the wall and then ran away.

2/3/09 at 10:05 a.m.Browning Hall-Subject reported someone used their debit card illegally.

Charges were traced.

2/4/09 at NoonMaintenance Center Parking Lot-Traffic accident involving two vehiclesReport on file.

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2/2/09 at 2:29 p.m.Hurt Street-Traffic accident involving two vehicles-Report on file.

2/3/09 at 10:59 a.m.University Center-Medical assist for subject that had fainted. EMS transported the subject to the hospital.

2/4/09 at 2:57 p.m.Lot 4-Traffic Accident involving two vehiclesReport on file.

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2/2/09 at 3:30 p.m. University Court-Subject reported they had lost their cell phone-Report on file.

2/3/09 at 12:45 p.m.Cooper Hall-Room searches were conducted for reported possible contraband. Nothing was located.

2/4/09 at 10:40 p.m.University Courts Apartments-Verbal dispute between two residentsParties separated without incident.

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2/2/09 at 10:13 a.m.Lot 19-Traffic accident involving a vehicle and a fixed object-Report on file.

1/26/09 at 9:59 p.m.University Courts Apartments-Report of verbal dispute between two parties. Subjects separated without incident.

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2/2/09 at 10:31 a.m.Walking Trail-Assisted MPD with the arrest of a subject for public intoxication.

2/4/09 at 11:13 a.m.Lot 4-Vehicle towed due to excessive parking tickets.

The owner had previously been warned.

2/5/09 at 9:45 a.m.Clement Hall-Medical assist for an incoherent subject-Did not require EMS and was released to family member.

CRIME PREVENTION TIP: Mark your textbooks with some type of personal identification symbol (not your Social Security number or birthday), but not on the first page. Place it on a page number you can remember and on the same page for each book. This will make it easier to identify if it goes missing. 

Write for The Pacer Any students interested in writing stories for The Pacer are encouraged to attend Pacer meetings, every Monday at 4:15 p.m. The Pacer welcomes students from all majors and any story ideas or suggestions, including feature stories, letters to the editor and editorials.

Photographers are encouraged to attend as well.

Stories and story ideas can be submitted to pacer@utm.edu.

UTM SAACS Meeting

UTM SAACS will be hosting the Kentucky Lake Section of ACS meeting on February 16th.

There is a GeoClub meeting Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at 5 p.m. on February 17th in followed by a buffet meal and EPS 228. Various topics will be business meeting at 6 in the covered such as the Hot Springs, UC 125. At 7 in UC 206, guest Arkansas trip and possible speaker Dr. Pete Ludovice of the fundraisers. A possible movie Georgia Institute of Technology night is also on the agenda. will present a lecture: Applied Molecular Modeling--Not Just GeoClub Meeting

Video Games Anymore. The lecture is open to the public.

We Care Canned Food Drive Drop-off boxes have been placed in Gooch and the UC to collect non-perishable food items to help the ice storm victims.

The Vegetarian Society, who is organizing the campaign, asks for vegetarian-friendly items.

LIFE the pace of

Literature of Life: Thr3e Casey Curlin News Editor

On occasion when we come across some uniquely satisfying literature, we feel we should share this find with others. In this case the find happens to be the novel, Thr3e, by New York Times best selling author, Ted Dekker.

Packed full with twists and turns the intense action and foreboding mystery grab the reader from the get go. In this book Law and Order meets Untraceable meets Sybil.

In Thr3e, Dekker weaves a well thought out action packed psychological thriller sure to please the casual reader and the philosophical thinker.

The novel begins with the main protagonist, Kevin Parson, a brilliant seminary student, discussing philosophical ideas with his professor, specifically the ability of the human nature to choose between good and evil.

“Thr3e is a heart-pounding, thought-provoking race against time, evil, the past and ourselves.”

Casey Curlin, News Editor Shortly after, Kevin receives a phone call in his car from a stranger who introduces himself as Slater.

Obsessed with Kevin’s demise, Slater gives Kevin a riddle and informs him he has three minutes to publicly confess some secret sin or his car will explode… not a bad hook. From this point a chain of events are set in motion that set the book at a thrilling pace that doesn’t slow down.

It is alluded to very early that Kevin has some dark secrets in his past, which are gradually unveiled and despite the many heart-stopping action scenes, the characters are somehow well developed.

One interesting and occasionally annoying part of the novel however, is that Parson’s character is very innocent and naïve leaving him virtually helpless throughout the entire book and constantly relying on his best friend, Detective Samantha Sheer, and FBI agent investigating Parson’s case, Jennifer Peters, for protection and guidance. Both women have seemingly flawless personalities, which is unimpressive but necessary to Dekker’s premise of good and evil.

Although classified as Christian fiction, the book would have been better categorized as a psychological thriller with simply a philosophical theme, as Christianity is only an allusion in the book and not an evident focus.

A film adaptation, directed by Robby Henson, based on the book was released in theatres in Jan. 2007. Judging from the poor reviews the film did not capture the essence of the novel.

Bottom line, Thr3e is a heart-pounding, thoughtprovoking race against time, evil, the past and ourselves. It excitingly captures the constant struggle in every human to choose between good and evil and will leave readers’ heads spinning.

Page 6

February 10, 2009

Charlie McIntosh Life Editor

E-mail On the Web

pacer_features@utm.edu utmpacer.com/lettertotheeditor

Graphic design showcase brings variety of artists, ideas, ambitions Heather Peterson Pacer Writer The Fine Arts building is hosting a show for graphic design students. The show opened Tuesday and will remain up for the next week.

The works on display show the various forms that graphic design can take. Instead of a traditional form like advertising, the show allowed students to be more creative. There are designs for stamps, creative examples of typography and works interpreting songs and self-portraits.

Nikki Thomason, an artist in the show, admitted to being greatly influenced by other graphic designers, one of whom she honored in a stamp.

“My favorite piece is the David Carson stamp. He is an experimental graphic designer and typographer,” said Thomason. “Carson has truly inspired a lot of my work.”

When asked why she chose graphic design as her medium, Thomason admitted she had other interests first.

“I’ve always been into art. When I was younger, honestly it was more drawing and that sort of thing,” said Thomason. “As I got older, I got more interested in computer graphics and so I dabbled in that. I just like the organization of it all.”

Another featured artist, Marcus Terry, decided on graphic design at a young age thanks to a friend.

“I have a friend in graphic design who is working at Pixar and I got the chance to go there when I was little. Hopefully after graduation I will get a job at Pixar,” said Terry Matt Garrett, a featured artist, explained the importance of the show’s style.

“These types of shows give graphic designers a chance to show their style of work,” said Garrett. “People think graphic designers are more corporate than anything else. This show really gives us a chance to display how artistic we can really be.”

Garrett also talked about why he chose

graphic design and what he hopes to do after graduation I’ve been a fan of manga, Marvel, DC but my dream is to work for Marvel. I would be satisfied completely if I got into any form of comic art,” said Garrett.

“Originally I wanted to do something with sequential art, like in comic books. I’ve been a fan of manga, Marvel and DC comics but my dream is to work for Marvel,” said Garrett. “Graphic design is the closest thing to sequential art and it helps you with laying out a page so you know where to place things.

“I would be satisfied completely if I got into

any form of comic art,” said Garrett. “If my plan doesn’t work with comic art I will go into some graphic art firm or do story boarding for media, like films.

Another artist, Mary Beth French, spoke about the showcase and her own spiritual approach to artwork.

“I was inspired by religion, I am a very religious person and everything I do I try to have inspiration from a bible verse,” said French. “I like how everyone can contribute with a different approach. It is interesting to see the differences in style that artists have.”

History professor writes on SDS, ’60s activism Walter Harris Pacer Writer The UTM bookstore recently welcomed Dr. David Barber, assistant professor of History, for the release of his new book. “A Hard Rain Fell” was discussed and read from this past Wednesday.

The author began with an introductory background into his reason for writing about one of the movements of the 1960s. Barber revealed his affiliation, concern, and explanation of the events that are historically detailed with relation to The New Left and, in particular, Students for a Democratic Society, better known as SDS. This group had ties to the black freedom struggle during that time.

Barber explained his ties to SDS are from a first perspective since he is a veteran of the organization while he attended Columbia University and he explained how and why the organization had formed, along with its motives and objectives in changing society’s ideals.

“SDS was the largest, white, radical, student organization in all U.S. history. It started in 1960 and it proceeded to a height of over 100,000 members at the end of 1968… in 1970 (the) SDS (was) dead. ” Barber inferred that the collapse was almost like what has happened to the economy right now and “Prior to 1967 and 1968, the white new left was swimmingly doing real well.”

“The older hands in new left-hood historiography attribute the failure of the new left to its following in the wake of the black movement which was becoming too militant.” Basically, historians trace the failures of the movement to its aggressive nature and the negative response it received from not only society, but other groups as well, such as the Black Panthers.

The intentions of SDS in the late sixties had albeit good intentions, but they were too militant for the American public. The state of the nation was in turmoil and war with Vietnam set the tone of a very harsh response for those that opposed not only the war, but with inequalities against blacks and women.

Dr. David Barber, assistant professor of history at UTM, signs for his recently published book, A Hard Rain Fell, while discussing it with readers at the UTM bookstore last Wednesday. The booksigning was originally scheduled for last week but was moved ahead due to the inclement weather.

(Pacer photo/Walter Harris)

“The aim was we would all create a world where all human beings could live a decent life.”

The intrinsic, shock value that Barber created from the excerpt vividly describes a snapshot of an event from the Vietnam War. This “R” rated scene conveyed to the audience at the UTM bookstore what SDS and other protesters were against.

When asked of the symbolism of the title, Barber said “A Hard Rain Fell” was his second choice. His first was “The Price of the Liberation,” which is a phrase from James Baldwin. James Baldwin is a big influence for the author while he was writing his book.

Baldwin was a guide for Barber about the 1960s and he wanted to honor him in the title. Barber said, “My publisher said that it would never sell,” so he used an anecdotal re-

ply to veterans of that era and under his own accord, from a Bob Dylan song, “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.”

During Barber’s question and answer session, he was asked of what he hoped to accomplish with the message he is sending out.

He had this to say, “Those people who would like to see change in the United States, (this is the) most important characteristic that we can have. This is something that we all struggle for…we have to be humble, (we have to) be able to see the immensity of society and an effort to make social change is more than one person can grasp, (or even any) group can grasp.”

Toward the end of the event, Barber paused in reflection, saying that, “The aim was we would all create a world where all human beings could live a decent life.”

Fall Out Boy’s bassist Pete Wentz is the mind behind the lyrics and he keeps up the cleverness in Folie a Deux. With lines like “So boycott love, detox just to retox | And I’d promise you anything for another shot at life,” from the album opener ‘Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes’ and “We will never believe again | Preach electric to a microphone stand … ,” from ‘Coffee’s For Closers’, Wentz is just as sharp as ever.

Despite all of this, Folie a Deux still disappoints … it suffers the same fate as Infinity on High: too cheeky, even more full of itself and with even more of that ‘sell out’ caffeine-pop sound.

Recent converts to Fall Out Boy’s sound will be pleased. Folie a Deux is a bit more

mature than Infinity on High and continues the sound with a few bits of newness.

If you’re a fan of their older sound, don’t bother with this one.

To top it off, Fall Out Boy are even more full of themselves. “Fly your cameras in the air | And wave ‘em like you just don’t care,” from ‘Coffee’s For Closers’ really puts their narcissism on display. Though the case could be made that Wentz is making an ironic jab at what is expected of them, the transition from their more authentic roots to TRL fan pleasing pop.

Perhaps this line from Folie a Deux’s single, ‘I Don’t Care’ best sums up Fall Out Boy’s take narcissism: “I don’t care what you think as long as it’s about me.”

Fallout Boy sings of their joyful rock stardom, despite puny talent level Jay Baker Managing Editor

Fall Out Boy’s latest release, Folie a Deux, is yet another pop punk, high-energy foray into clever turns of lyrics as delivered by Patrick Stump’s versatile voice.

Fall Out Boy have risen to become the de facto leader of the emo world, yet they hardly resemble the earlier emo sound of 2004 or even their own earlier sound. Sure, the clever lyrics are still there, but they seem to have become even less sincere with the delivery. As Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone puts it: for Fall Out Boy, “tongue-in-cheek always trumps heart-on-sleeve.”

The Pacer • February 10, 2009 Life

Page 7

Sports

The Pacer • February 10, 2009

Page 8

Josh Weiss Sports Editor

E-mail: On the Web

pacer_sports@utm.edu utmpacer.com

Skyhawks win overtime thriller Thursday, score 100 Saturday Josh Weiss Sports Editor The Skyhawks have now won 14 of their last 15 games, including 8 straight, after defeating both Austin Peay and Tennessee State last week.

Thursday, Feb. 4, UTM squared off against in-state rival, Austin Peay State University at the Dunn Center in Clarksvillle.

The Skyhawks had never defeated the Governors in overtime (0-3 all-time), but the Skyhawks were just too much on this night, much to the dismay of the thousands of Austin Peay fans in attendance for “White Out Night” at the Dunn Center.

Both teams battled the entire game, taking leads, losing them, regaining them and losing them again.

The game came down to the final 8.5 seconds. the Skyhawks called timeout, and everyone in the gym knew where the ball was going, into the hands of Lester Hudson.

Hudson took the in-bound pass and dribbled down the floor, eyes fixed on the basket ahead. However, he was stopped short as Austin Peay point guard Tyrone Caldwell went for the steal and instead grabbed Hudson’s arm, sending him to the free throw line to shoot two free throws to tie the game with 3.3 seconds left.

After the Governors called two timeouts to try to ice him,

effort Thursday, saying, “That’s the sign of a championship team, when you can go into a hostile environment and find a way to win. We have a no-quit attitude.”

Saturday, Feb. 8, UTM faced off against another in-state opponent, Tennessee State University.

The game was a rematch of a Jan. 10 matchup in which the Skyhawks defeated the Tigers handily, 78-65, in the Elam

Hudson lined up and drained both free throws (both of which he swished) to tie the game at 67 and force overtime, where the Skyhawks would dominate.

Hudson finished the game with 30 points and 10 rebounds on 8-25 shooting, keeping his streak of 20-point games alive.

The Skyhawks played overtime with a relatively small lineup as big men Olajide Hay and Djero Riedewald had fouled out, due mainly to the strong play of APSU forward Drake Reed.

Reed led all scorers with 35 points and grabbed 18 boards.

However, his play was not enough to stop the Skyhawks, as the smaller team allowed the team to pressure hard on defense and get steals, one of which led to what most believed to be the play of the game.

Delrico Lane stole a Governors’ pass and kicked it out to Hudson who had teammate Reuben Clayton streaking down the right side. Hudson lofted the ball toward the rim and time stood still as Clayton went up, caught the pass and completed the alley-oop by throwing it down with two hands.

Clayton finshed the night with a new career-high of 18 points, and Lane, as usual, filled up the stat sheet, posting 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 dimes and 5 steals.

Coach Bret Campbell was very pleased with his team’s

riod.

Hudson broke the 30-point mark for the second game in a row and seventh time in the last 12 games with 34 points.

He also managed 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals.

Hudson continues to receive national attention, and his play has caught the eye of many NBA teams. Hudson will have many opportunities to build his case to be an NBA Draft pick in the upcoming weeks with

“People think we’re pretenders, but we showed we’re contenders. We’re for real!”

Coach Bret Campbell

UTM Men’s Basketball Coach

University Relations

Center.

Saturday’s game wasn’t much different for TSU, as after playing UTM close, 39-35, in the first half, the Skyhawks ran away with it.

Hay posted a new career-high in scoring, dropping 21 points on 7-9 shooting, and snagged 9 rebounds, while Clayton, just two nights after setting a new career-high with 18 points at Austin Peay, did it again, lighting it up for 20 points in just 22 minutes of action.

Hay has really catalyzed this Skyhawks team as they are now 14-1 since he returned to the lineup after the fall semster.

The Skyhawks shot a blistering 57.6 percent from the floor in the second half, scoring a ridiculous 61 points in the pe-

the Skyhawks coming together and peaking at the right time.

If the Skyhawks win the Ohio Valley Conference tournament, they will receive an automatic bid into the 65-team NCAA Tournament, where miracles happen and stars shine. Who knows? Maybe the Skyhawks will be this year’s “Cinderella” story.

Come out and support UTM’s continuing quest to win the OVC and make it to the “Big Dance.”

The Skyhawks will be back at home Thursday, Feb. 12 against Jacksonville State and Saturday, Feb. 14 versus Tennessee Tech.

Tip-offs for the games are at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.

Football signs 11 high school players and six midyear transfers Randy Cavin Pacer Writer UTM head football coach Jason Simpson has signed 11 high school players and six midyear transfers to fill the void left by graduating seniors.

Simpson said in a press release on, “Our number one goal was to fill our needs on the defensive line. Once again our goals were high and we were able to be choosey. We were able to investigate each player’s character and his passion for football. I believe there is a lot of carryover from high school to college when it comes to success.”

Of the 11 players signed, six are from Tennessee, two are from Missouri, two are from Kentucky, and one is from Alabama.

During a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 4, Simpson played video clips from all 11 players showcasing their abilities on the football field and what he and the coaching staff hope they can do for the Skyhawks.

At the beginning of the press conference, Simpson said, “I can’t believe this is our fourth signing class and I am really excited about the carry-over that we had from that year one.”

Simpson also said this class is small, but with quality players that will be Skyhawks of the future and names that will be recognized. Simpson went through the process of recruiting, which he said begins in the spring by accumulating names and going to places such as Memphis, Nashville, areas of West Tennessee, and other states in the region.

Those signed from Tennessee are listed below along with their postion, high school and hometown.

Austin Hopper, a 6-4, 270-pound defensive lineman, Obion Central High School, Troy.

Chris Bradley, a 5-11, 190pound linebacker, Brighton High School, Atoka.

Tyler Eady, A 6-2, 275pound center, Smyrna High School, Mount Juliet.

Corey Jordan, a 6-1, 195pound wide receiver, Hillsboro High School, Antioch.

Nathan Rottero, a 5-11, 210-pound linebacker/long snapper, Wilson Central High School, Mount Juliet.

DJ Roberts, a 6-2, 245-pound defensive end, Austin-East High School, Knoxville.

The out-of-state signees are listed below.

Cody Sandlin, a 6-2, 180-pound kicker, Davidson

Academy, Goodlettsville. Ky. Nick Brown, a 6-1, 250pound defensive end, DuPont Manual High School, Louisville, Ky. Jamel Henderson, a 6-2, 215-pound defensive end, Bob Jones High School, Madison, Ala. Maurice Taylor, a 5-8, 165-poind kick returner, Cardinal Ritter High School, St. Louis, Mo. Chris Thompson, a 5-11, 180-pound wide receiver, Riverview Garden High School, St. Louis, Mo. Simpson stressed to these players all that UTM has to offer to them including a great education, a quality degree and the ability to win championships.

Simpson and his staff showed the players what they have accomplished in his three years at the helm of the Skyhawks: an OVC championship in 2006, a playoff berth in 2006, being ranked in the top 25 in 2006 and 2008, defeating six top 25 teams, 17-7 in the OVC with those seven loses by an average 3.2 points.

The six midyear transfer players who also signed on Wednesday are: Tim Cox, a 6-0, 235-pound defensive end from Holmes Community College, Good-

University Relations man, Miss.

Justin Darden, a 6-1, 235-pound defensive end, East Mississippi, Community College, Meridan, Miss.

Eddie Morgan, a 6-0, 185-pound safety from Duke University in North Carolina.

Jake Paylor, a 6-1, 290-pound offensive lineman from Northwest Community College, Senatobia, Miss.

Chase Samples, a 6-1,

245-pound fullback from Northwest Community College, Senatobia, Miss.

Derek Welch, a 5-10, 167-pound, defensive back from Jones County Junior College, Ellisville, Miss.

When asked if any of these new players will be redshirted, Coach Simpson said, “I wish we could redshirt all of them.

We were actually able to redshirt 13 guys last season out

of the 23 freshmen we signed.

We’ll approach the season like they are all going to play, and then about two weeks before the first game we’ll say how much better are you going to be playing the game at 19 than at 22 or 23 when you are a senior, and if you can redshirt them then, that’s the best thing you can do for the program.”

those who may feel that the odds are against them.

Hudson said that he did not graduate from high school, but his high school coach helped him to get back on track.

Shortly afterwards, he enrolled in Southwest Community College in Memphis, Tenn. where he made the basketball team and began both academic and athletic pursuits.

He expressed his desire and purpose for doing well in school and said that his favorite and least favorite subjects were mathematics and English.

When asked what other career he would be interested in if he were not earning a liveing playing basketball. His response was simple and pas-

sionate.

“Because I know I would still be in love with basketball, I would pursue a career that allowed me to coach and help children out,” Hudson said.

He also commented on the many challenges with maintaining good grades, playing basketball, and keeping an active social life, saying “It’s hard staying afloat, but I find balance by making sacrifices.

Sometimes I might give up talking on the phone to practice or study more. Also, Coach James, helps me to keep it together by reminding me of how important it is to always be on time and prepared.”

In reference to balancing school and sports, Lester offers

advice to younger athletes.

“In order to be eligible to play sports, you have to do well in school and with that comes studying and making good grades. Never give up on anything, not school, not basketball—not anything,” he said.

Lester enjoys hanging out with his all-white pit bull, Smirnoff, playing other sports such as Ping Pong and reminiscing about his favorite elementary school snack, cookies.

While many people know Lester Hudson for his performance on the court, the person behind the athlete has proven to be just as interesting.

One-on-one with Lester Hudson Shyteria Dunlap Pacer Writer UTM basketball player, Lester Hudson, has received a plethora of deserved acknowledgements for his superb basketball skills.

However, we wanted to know more about Lester, the student, who, like many students, dreads writing papers and going to morning classes.

His biggest fear, he admitted, is delivering class speeches no matter how big the audience.

“I will know the speech well.

I’m just not comfortable with talking out loud in front of people,” Hudson said.

Starting from humble beginnings, Hudson offers hope to