The Auburn Plainsman 01.16.2020

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CAMPUS

TRICE BROWN / CAMPUS EDITOR

Beta Theta Pi was suspeneded from the University for violating its anti-hazing policy. All of the members were forced to vacate the house located on Lem Morrison Drive by the end of last year.

Fraternity members reflect on suspension

By TRICE BROWN Campus Editor campus@theplainsman.com

When the University ruled that Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity on campus, violated its anti-hazing policy and would be suspended from campus, Beta fraternity brothers were shocked.

For those living in the house on Lem Morrison Drive, they had less than two months to find new housing.

“When it started happening, people were kind of getting their things out,” said Trae An-

derson, senior in nursing. “The vibe in the house started to change. It’s a little bit more gloomy.”

The house’s bedrooms were slowly stripped bare of personal belongings. For some residents, this had been their home for over half of their college career.

The ruling erased formal University recognition of their brotherhood. Though they believe that the bonds they’ve made with each other are eternal, some aspects of their community began to dissolve.

Anderson had been living in the Beta house

COMMUNITY

since his sophomore year.

“It was a great opportunity to get to know a lot of the guys in my pledge class better or some of the other guys who went and graduated on,” Anderson said.

Anderson served as one of Beta’s rush chairs.

He said he found out that Beta was being kicked off campus when the fraternity president called a meeting to let them know. He suspected this would happen when the University’s investigation started.

“It was rough,” he said. “I was at the nursing building when I found out, which is right down

the street from the fraternity house, so when I found out, I went back down to the house and there were some guys there.”

Together, they talked about it and vented their frustration.

“It was hard,” he said. “Because I know a lot of the guys who weren’t involved with the things that were going on, they felt kind of blindsided by it and kind of frustrated by it, especially the younger ones who hadn’t had the opportunity to go through, really have the experience the » See FRATERNITY, 2

CAMPUS

AU, Lyft partner to bring discounts

By COLLINS KEITH and EDUARDO MEDINA Campus Writer and Editor-in-chief campus@theplainsman.com

TRICE BROWN / CAMPUS EDITOR

Sessions speaks at Saugahatchee Country Club in Opelika, Ala.

Jeff Sessions makes stop in Opelika

By NATALIE BECKERINK Lifestyle Editor lifestyle@theplainsman.com

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke to members of the Opelika Rotary Club as they gathered for their weekly meeting on Tuesday and welcomed the Selma na-

tive to east Alabama.

The Rotary Club invited Sessions, who is traveling the state as he seeks to win his old U.S. Senate seat in Alabama.

“There’s going to be a lot of Republican votes cast in this area,” Sessions said. “It’s doing so well economically, Auburn » See SESSIONS, 2

A year’s worth of work for SGA and Auburn University’s Transportation Services will culminate with a new ride-sharing program.

Auburn’s new partnership with Lyft, a popular ride-sharing company, that will provide late-night, reduced-cost rides to University students within a 4-mile radius.

In order to receive the reduction in price, students must get rides within the two University-designated areas and be dropped off within a 4-mile radius at their home.

If those conditions are met, students will receive up to a $10 reduction in price that will be covered by the University.

For example, if a ride costs

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$8, then the ride will be free to the student. However, if the ride is over $10, the student will receive a $10 reduction in price and pay the remainder, with the University covering the difference.

The first pick-up location is at the Tiger Transit hub located on Heisman Circle. That location will operate Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 p.m.

The second pick-up location is between South Gay Street and Wilmore Drive near Toomer’s Corner and will be in use Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The idea for the program was first introduced by Dane Block, who served as SGA president last year.

The program has since been spearheaded by SGA President Mary Margaret Turton and Julianne Lyn, executive vice president of ini-

tiatives, both of whom have continued the efforts to finalize the project.

Turton and Lyn said they have been working on solidifying this program for almost an entire calendar year.

While excited about this partnership, Turton urges safety and caution to students using the new ride-share program with Lyft.

“The whole point of this is getting students home safely, and with services such as Lyft, we just want to make sure everyone is doing everything they can to protect themselves and also their fellow students,” Turton said.

Turton also advises students to verify the name of the driver before getting inside the Lyft to ensure their safety, especially late at night.

Don Andrae, director of Auburn University’s Transportation Services, told The Plainsman that the Universi-

ty was considering partnering with other ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and another company based out of Memphis, Tennessee, but Lyft was considered the best option since it agreed to allow Transportation Services access to its analytics and data.

“At the end of the day, we want this program to be … what is best for students,” Andrae said.

It also helped that Lyft reportedly brought six workers to partnership meetings, while Uber only brought two, Andrae said.

This program will be, in essence, replacing the Tiger Ten late-night bus service, which gave students rides from Magnolia Avenue to other transit stops around Auburn on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“Tiger Ten would only take » See LYFT, 2

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FRATERNITY » From 1

way that some of us older guys have.”

Beta Theta Pi was suspended for violations involving “physical abuse,” servitude and alcohol, according to letters obtained by The Plainsman that were addressed to past and present Beta Theta Pi members.

The incidents involving alcohol and physical abuse spanned several years, according to the letters, and “defied multiple interventions from the university, alumni and General Fraternity.”

Before he spoke to The Plainsman, Anderson had gone to the Beta house for the final time to get the last bit of belongings out of his room on the top floor. The University told them they had until Dec. 31, 2019, to move out.

He said it felt like a ghost town.

“Just seeing the rooms being totally empty, the house still, quiet,” he said before pausing. “It was weird. To think about the memories I had walking up those steps, coming into my room early from parties … it hit a little different. It tapped into something, and again, those memories are still there and they will always be fun, but it was pretty sad.”

Before moving out, Anderson had to figure out what to do next and where he was going to live, so he talked with his pledge brothers, who were all trying to find new housing together.

Initially, he planned to go into a house with three brothers, but it was more than he was willing to pay, so he had to back out. He decided he would search for a new place to live with another pledge brother.

“I had the foresight to say, ‘Well, the longer I wait, probably the more difficult it was going to be, so even if it’s just kind of barely looking, we should get started,’” he said.

Together, they drove around Auburn, looking for places with “For Rent” signs in the front lawn and calling realty companies, just trying to find a place that was cheap, nice and would take both of them.

“We stumbled across one and it worked out,” he said.

Sporting Greek letters no longer recognized by the University, Anderson thinks the bonds he has formed with his fraternity brothers

SESSIONS » From 1

University is just this engine of strength financially, but there are a lot of other things out there. A lot of businesses attracting real growth … Auburn and Opelika have become a key part of Alabama.”

Born, raised and educated in Alabama, Sessions said he has developed a passion for helping his state.

Even though he served as a senator for 20 years, he decided to step into the 2020 Alabama race in an attempt to earn the seat again after a lot of thought and prayer, he said.

“I wanted to get my head right and my heart right,” he said. “This is a service job. It’s not about ego, and it’s not about vindication or some personal agenda. It has to be that you really want to serve, and I believe I can really make a difference.”

Though there are several other Republican candidates who joined the race earlier than Sessions, he said he believed that his knowledge of Washington will help him go far.

“I’ve developed an insight in the last several years of my time there that Washington is not listening to the average American sufficiently, they’re just not,” Session said. “We need to make sure our government is utilizing its capabilities to benefit all Americans, not just those who have been blessed.”

Before Sessions began his speech, whispers of Rotary Club having one of its largest turnouts were heard.

The meeting started business as usual with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements, but after about 15 minutes, Sessions walked from his spot at the head table to the podium.

Sessions mentioned that he would try to keep the partisanship of his speech to a minimum, focusing more on his interest in protecting the interests of Alabamians.

“Taking care of your state is important,” he said. “I believe the people in Alabama want their senators to reflect their values, to defend their views of this country and what we want to see. I’ve said it for years, I’ll do my best to represent the highest

THEPLAINSMAN.COM won’t face the same fate that Beta did.

“Having the foundation of the relationship [he’s] built ... has helped a lot with the way that we’re able to interact with each other — now that it’s been disbanded,” Anderson said.

They’ll still spend time with each other, he said; just the same as they did before.

“The camaraderie of the brotherhood is still definitely there because that was one of my beliefs going into the fraternity,” he said. “It’s bigger than just paying the money. You actually do build those bonds. Now that the letters are being kind of stripped and taken away, those friendships and those relationships are still there, and they are lasting. I don’t think the camaraderie has really taken a hit, at least not from what I can tell.”

They’ll still compete in fantasy football, he said, still catch up with careers and futures and “be there for one another” after they graduate.

He said he is content with the situation now, as there is nothing that can be done.

“It was an unfortunate way for us to end our Greek careers,” he said.

However, he thinks the younger guys don’t feel the same way. Now that Beta has been suspended, sophomores who have been initiated into Beta don’t have any way out. Their Greek careers are over.

Once someone is a brother in a fraternity, they cannot rush again for another fraternity, according to Anderson.

“I was just fortunate enough to be able to have a really good experience in the time that I had,” he said.

Will Fabrizio is a sophomore in communication and lived in the Beta house in the fall 2019 semester after being initiated.

As a freshman, he spent his first semester in the Hill. The next semester, he went back home to work and to take classes.

He had pledged with Beta during his first semester and kept in contact with his pledge brothers when he went back home. He decided to come back, choosing this time to live in the fraternity house.

“It was my first time actually living with people I knew, so I was pretty excited for it,” Fabrizio said.

He said even though it wasn’t the nicest or cleanest place to live, he enjoyed being able to

and best views of Alabama.”

Sessions grew up around many prominent political figures, including Governor Kay Ivey, who was a few years ahead of him in high school. Growing up in Alabama is something he regards highly, Sessions said.

“I won’t apologize for growing up in the country. I don’t think it hurt me one bit,” he said.

“I think I understand the life of average Americans better.”

During his time as attorney general, Sessions and President Donald Trump disagreed at times, which inevitably ended in Sessions stepping down from his position, but this never dissuaded him from supporting the president, he said.

“I want to help the president.

I want him to be successful,” Sessions said. “Some of you were probably worried when I endorsed him, but it was my best judgment that he could win, and I thought if he got elected, he would understand what was going on and do a good job.”

Sessions also discussed his interactions with Senator Bernie Sanders and how they interacted as some of the most senior members of their respective parties and opposing political beliefs.

“We would debate in the budget committees,” he said.

“He would make his speech, and I would rebut him, but I respected him. He knew where he came from and didn’t hide it, and I didn’t hide where I came from either.”

After finishing up his speech, Sessions opened the floor for a few questions.

One audience member asked Sessions if Alabama would become a state that recognizes the national right to carry, which would allow anyone with a gun permit in their state to be able to carry in any state. Sessions said that while he has not completely made up his mind on the issue, he was “open to the idea.”

At the conclusion of the event, Sessions glanced around the room as he expressed how thankful he was to meet with the people of Opelika and that he appreciated the opportunity to serve his country.

“It was a great honor to serve as your senator and was a great honor to serve as your attorney general,” he said.

NEWS

go right next door into someone else’s room and hang out.

He said he likes living with a lot of people.

“Through my first semester at Auburn, my group of guys was my pledge class,” Fabrizio said. “I became best friends with them. When I went home, I kept in contact with them and everything. That’s when I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go back.’”

He moved into the Beta house a week and a half before classes began. With the help of his dad, he perfected his new room.

A wobbly, unstable ladder meant a trip to Home Depot for wood and tools to make a new one — this time wall-mounted. They bought a new carpet and cut it to slip under his bed.

“We made the room nice just so it was a nice place to live for me in the semester,” he said.

Now, he lives alone in a single bedroom apartment.

“It hasn’t been bad. It’s just — living alone is all right,” he said. “Sometimes there are definitely benefits to living alone.”

Fabrizio had to sign a lease alone because most of the people living in the house — who were seniors — had already made plans on where they were going to go.

“Luckily, one of my other fraternity brothers, he has a single bedroom apartment and he’s like, ‘I think they are renting,’ and so luckily we were able to get in there on a midway lease,” Fabrizio said. “Somehow, someway, it worked out.”

He said it feels strange to think back on how quickly the investigation ended.

“It’s so funny because during the moment we were like, ‘Ugh it’s taking forever’ … and now looking back on it, it was just like … it was just like that,” he said, snapping his fingers.

Fabrizio said he heard the verdict around mid-November.

He soon discovered that he had to be out of the house by the end of the year. Over Thanksgiving break, he told his parents and they signed a semester lease after the holiday. They helped him move into his new apartment over Iron Bowl weekend.

He said it was weird leaving his room in the Beta house.

All of the work he put into his room stays with it.

He said he’s put about the same amount of work into his new apartment, which is close to campus. But there’s a cost to that — he pays the same amount per month on his new apartment that he did during an entire semester in the Beta house.

But he said there are good things about living alone.

“The perks are you get to keep your own place clean,” Fabrizio said. “I don’t have to worry about people dirtying up the house.”

But it can be lonely sometimes, he said.

When he’s done with his homework at night, all he really has to do is play video games or watch a movie.

He remembers being able to be with his friends more often, watching sports late at night and catching up.

“It kind of sucks,” he said. “Not being able to do that anymore.”

Among those living in the Beta house, Fabrizio said the environment shifted following the University’s verdict. They didn’t want to lose the house.

“I would say that everyone definitely got a lot more sad,” he said.

He doesn’t think the dynamic between brothers has changed at all since Beta was suspended.

“I’m not worried about that part of it, because I’ve already found my close group of friends,” he said.

According to Fabrizio, his fraternity brothers have mostly been keeping to their own pledge classes since Beta suspended. The dynamic between the pledge classes has changed.

“I don’t even know why that works out, but I guess it does,” he said. “Maybe it’s just because we are all the same age and all the same grades so we kind of just relate together more.”

Next year, Fabrizio is going to be living with three of his pledge brothers in a house. They’ve already signed the lease.

“I’ve been so screwed on housing that I made sure that I got the people I wanted to live with, and we all signed the lease so we could secure it for next year,” he said.

In some way, he gets to go back.

“It’s only like four of us,” he said. “But it’s nice to be able to just live with people, have people around.”

SPORTS

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Auburn basketball is up to No. 4 in the AP poll, but Bruce Pearl believes his Tigers could benefit from a loss: “Our character will get more and more revealed once we lose.”

LYFT » From 1

you to a Tiger Transit stop,” Andrae said. “[The Lyft program] is going to take you straight home.”

It’s the University’s hope that this partnership with Lyft will get students to their homes quicker and safer, Andrae said.

To make sure that’s executed, Transportation Services has tweaked the way Tiger Transit will run so that students can utilize the Lyft program and the Tiger Transit system as efficiently as possible.

That tweak affects service times on weekdays. Last year, Tiger Transit buses ran continuously from the early morning until 6 p.m and then did a more periodic run until 10 p.m.

Now, Tiger Transit buses will run continuously until 8 p.m., allowing students to use the Lyft program on weekdays from 8 to 10 p.m. when the buses are no longer running.

And the Tiger Ten service that ran on weekends — which was initiated in 2017 and had a declin-

ing amount of ridership, according to Andrae — was ended at the end of the fall 2019 semester.

“It’s our hope that this Lyft program will be a better service than Tiger Ten and be used more by students,” Andrae said.

In addition to hoping it’s safer and more convenient, the University is also betting on the Lyft program being a cheaper option than Tiger Ten, even while keeping in mind that the $10 discount will be covered by Auburn University’s Transportation Services.

“Our initial analysis is that the cost will be much lower than us running the Tiger Ten transit on Saturday night,” Andrae said.

According to Transportation Services, the Tiger Ten service was costing Auburn around $240,000 a year.

Students would have to ride 24,000 rides in the same time frame to match that cost — a number Andrae said they don’t expect to hit in one year.

There are also monthly limits to using the Auburn discount on Lyft. A student can get a $10 discount for a

ride home on weekdays up to 25 times a month. The monthly limit for weekend discounts is 10.

The discount will only apply for students who are using the app to get home, according to Kelsey Prather, a communications and marketing specialist for Auburn University. For example, if a student is at a bar downtown and uses the app to ride back home, then the discount applies. But if a student is at a bar and uses Lyft to go to another bar, then the discount will not apply.

The University will be able to detect this by using the analytics that Lyft will provide to Transportation Services, Andrae said.

“We’ll have like a heat map and see where everyone is going, and I’ll be able to tell, ‘Well, that’s not a residence,’” Andrae said.

The $10 discount will not cover tips or incidental charges related to vehicle damage, according to Transportation Services.

As for the environmental impact of this new program, Andrae said it’s certainly more sustainable than the Tiger Ten service. He

based this on the fact that few students actually used Tiger Ten, meaning there would be times when “four students would be the only ones on a bus” and the bus would be “sitting in place with the engine on and just idling,” Andrae said.

Andrae said that he doesn’t anticipate this program to impact traffic since ride-sharing services are already being used by many people in Auburn.

He expects the Lyft discount to be especially useful for international students who don’t have vehicles themselves.

The Lyft program is technically a one-year trial program, but Andrae said he expects to only build on top of what’s already set in place once they reevaluate at the end of fall 2020.

“We’ll definitely keep what we currently have,” he said. “It’s just a question of what we add to it.”

He emphasized why they started planning this last year.

“We want to make sure students get a safe ride home,” he said. “And that students downtown can get back safely.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

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OPINION

EDITORIAL

It’s MLK Day, not Robert E. Lee Day

By EDITORIAL BOARD Spring 2020

All across the country, the first threeday weekend of the new year is thanks to the celebration of perhaps the most famous civil rights leader of all time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the South, it isn’t that simple. On the same day as MLK Day, Alabama and Mississippi honor Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, who at a glance represents the antithesis of what King fought for.

In a way, these overlapping holidays are a summation of the South’s deep-rooted ties to both a history of racism and the forefront of the civil rights movement.

MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983 after President Reagan, who’d opposed the bill for years, signed it into law.

For six Southern states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia — this infringed upon the observance of Robert E. Lee Day. Alabama, in particular, had celebrated the general’s birthday since the 1890s. So, instead of losing more revenue on two separate holidays, the two historical figures with birthdays four days apart got lumped together.

Times change, and eventually, it becomes less of a good idea to celebrate the legacy of a proponent of the deadliest opposition America has ever faced and a symbol of oppression for a large portion of the population. Florida realized this. While you can still find Robert E. Lee Day on their official list of holidays, they no longer recognize it. The same for North Carolina and Lee’s home state of Virginia.

In 2017, Arkansas decided to remove the holiday and instead turned it into a memorial day in October, away from King’s celebration.

Alabama and Mississippi didn’t take the hint.

Now, there’s a section of the state that argues for keeping Lee’s birthday as a holiday. It’s impossible to tell the history of both Alabama and the South without bringing up the Civil War in some context.

People feel threatened that by removing this holiday, there will be a continued movement to erase other relics of the Confederacy. Rebel flags are baked into Southern identity.

However, removing this holiday

LOUIS MARTIN \ CARTOONIST

wouldn’t diminish the past. Using a day to celebrate the legacy of a man who isn’t from this state and advocated against black people’s voting rights for years after the Civil War ended, a core principle that opposes what King dreamed of.

To honor Lee on the same day as King is a slap in the face. It belittles what he meant to the country. Lee fundamentally contributed to the basis of oppression that King fought hard against. This is part of the reason why last year, an online petition in Alabama gained 20,000 signatures to end this congruent practice.

King is not only an American icon

but an Alabama one. This is a man who preached in Montgomery churches and brought national attention to the racial injustices going on in the state. Some of his most significant moments happened here with “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” and the Montgomery bus boycotts. Although he was born in Georgia, King was, in many aspects, an Alabama man.

So rather than disrespecting a true hero to this state, we should stop honoring a person that caused pain that many citizens still feel remnants of today. And besides, this is America. When have we ever celebrated losers?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Please, no homophobes at my birthday party

By TYLER SIMS Staff Writer

So, imagine this. You find out that someone you know, Sally Mae, is having a birthday party and everyone is invited. You don’t really like Sally Mae or agree with some of her actions. What do you do?

Do you consistently make posts or comment under the birthday flyer about how much you hate Sally and cannot wait to miss her birthday party? Or do you let Sally enjoy something special to her, regardless of how it makes you feel?

This is a perfect metaphor for members of Spectrum and other organizations starting a project, Rolling Rainbows. Spectrum looks to roll trees in rainbow, black and brown toilet paper as a sign of solidarity with LGBTQ students and students of color.

After the Plainsman article was released, many in opposition of the event were outspoken in posts and

comments.

Comments like “do some of the students plan to roll Toomer’s with toilet paper to promote inclusivity of straight students?”

Or “can’t say that I’ve ever thought about someone being a racist or homophobic for their use of toilet paper. If your feelings are hurt because of my toilet paper, it really isn’t my problem.”

Or, one of my favorites, “okay.

I’m gonna throw some Hillary Clinton TP too.”

So, here’s the thing. If you are not willing to attend, support or take part in this protest, then just don’t show up.

Surprisingly, it’s just that simple.

Regardless of how you feel about Sally Mae, she is allowed to celebrate something important to her.

Though you may not like her, she has the right to spend time and rejoice with the people who do.

If you don’t like Sally Mae and skip the party, no one would care

or even notice. It you are commenting hurtful things under Sally’s birthday invitation or try to persuade others not to attend, it says nothing about Sally and plenty about you.

It is not wrong of you to skip Sally’s party. It’s wrong of you to attempt to taint Sally’s party or take away her right to have one.

Homophobia is not a difference of belief. Homophobia is being opposed to someone’s freedom, simply because it does not align with yours.

Sally is not forcing anyone to come to her party. It’s open to everyone. Just because Sally wants to celebrate something important to her doesn’t mean that she is begging for your approval. It simply means she wants people who do support and love her to attend something meant to serve as a celebration of her life and all she has accomplished.

LGBTQ people are not forcing

things down your throat. They are not begging for you to love and accept them. They are not pleading for you to attend Pride parades or subscribe to the same belief that they have.

They are simply throwing an event for those that support them.

There is one difference between this event and Sally’s birthday party. If you are upset that Sally is having a birthday party and you aren’t, then you can have a party of your own when your birthday comes around.

The difference is that all people experience a birthday, but not all people experience homophobia or transphobia.

The difference is that all people experience a birthday, but not all people are kicked out of their home or abused within it because of their sexuality.

The difference is that the average life expectancy of an American is 78, but the life expectancy of a

trans woman of color is 35.

The difference is that according to the U.S. Department of Health and Services, LGBTq youth contemplate suicide at three times the rate of heterosexual teenagers.

The difference is that all people experience a birthday, but because of their sexuality, some experience fewer birthdays than their cisgender, straight counterparts.

The reason these differences (higher suicide rate and lower life expectancy) exist are because of the vicious rhetoric that people receive when they extend an invitation.

Don’t try to put an end to the event. Simply decline the invitation.

So, you want to join me in celebrating this community, and an Auburn win, then I cannot wait! If you would rather not, then that’s okay too.

Also, do me a favor. Please make sure that there are no homophobes at my birthday party.

CONTRIBUTED

Auburn students and residents decorated a sidewalk in front of Samford Hall with messages supporting the LGBTQ community.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

OPINION PAGE POLICIES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COLUMNS & EDITORIALS

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students, as well as faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages.

Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification.

Submission may be edited for grammar, style and length. Please submit no more than 600 words.

This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.

LOREN KIMMEL

Managing Editor, Operations

Managing Editor, Standards

ELIZABETH HURLEY

TRICE BROWN

Community Editor

BRYCE JOHNSON

Campus Editor

Opinion Editor

Assistant Community

TIM NAIL

MARIE LIPSKI

Assistant Campus

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LOUIS MARTIN Cartoonist

The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors.

These opinions do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

JACK WEST

Editor-in-chief

EVAN MEALINS

CONTACT

Letters must be submitted to editor@theplainsman.com before 4:30 p.m. on Friday for publication.

EDUARDO MEDINA

SUMNER MARTIN

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CAMPUS

PHILANTHROPY

2020 SGA candidates launch their campaigns President: 1. Jordan Bailey 2. James Sadie 3. Ada Ruth Huntley 4. Jack O’Keefe CONTRIBUTED BY KAITLYN CONNER

When AUDM members reach their fundraising goal, they pop their balloons in celebration.

AUDM raises money ‘For the Kids’

By JORDAN WINDHAM Campus Writer

Auburn University Dance Marathon can be boogying into the new year toward a new goal with the same battle cry: “For the kids!”

AUDM is a student organization committed to raising money and awareness year-round for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, specifically Piedmont Regional of Columbus, Georgia.

On January 23 and 24, AUDM staff and participants will “Fundraise the Roof,” pushing for donations to meet their goal of $90,000 on just Thursday and Friday.

Morale, a part of AUDM’s recruitment branch responsible for hype during the main event, is attempting to raise $22,517 over Fundraise the Roof.

“We chose this number because every day, CMN hospitals treat 16,200 kids for trauma injuries, 935 cases of childhood diabetes, 2,128 children with cancer, 2,329 pediatric surgery patients and 925 babies in our NICUs,” said Kaitlyn Conner, AUDM Morale Captain. “All of those numbers add up to our goal — 22,517.”

According to Conner, AUDM participants find creative ways to raise money, including wearing balloons with their personal fundraising goals printed on them. When a member reaches their goal, they triumphantly pop their balloon in celebration.

“Many people stand up in classes, send out GroupMe messages, collect donations downtown, wear silly costumes and even complete crazy fundraising challenges as incentives for their friends, family and classmates to donate,” Conner said.

Conner said she has been working toward her personal goal for months. She is attempting to raise $5,000 by the Main Event. The proceeds from fundraisers like Conner have been used to build a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Piedmont Regional.

“This facility treats hundreds of premature infants each year who would never be able to survive without the dedicated care of the amazing NICU nurses and doctors,” Conner said. “We, as Auburn students, want to be sure the newly named ‘Miracle NICU’ can keep doing what it does best — working tiny miracles. But to do this, we need help and lots of it.”

Conner said fundraising may be almost over, but it is not too late to join in. Registration for the Main Event is open, and everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

“Part of what’s so amazing about Main Event is that we will have participants show up Saturday morning with no idea what AUDM is or why they’re there,” said Conner. “They were dragged by a friend or roommate, and they’ve never raised so much as a cent, but when they go home at midnight, they can have raised $1,000 and found a new passion for making a difference.”

To join the 2020 AUDM Main Event, students can find AUDM members on the concourse or learn more on their website during registration week. For a registration fee of $25, Conner said participants will get free food all day, a free T-shirt and 14 hours of fun, including a hypnotist, an obstacle course and a silent disco.

On January 15 and 16, Conner said

participants can use the promo code “MADE4THIS” for $5 off of the registration fee.

“The code ‘MADE4THIS’ will be listed on the fliers we pass out this week because we believe everyone on Auburn’s campus was made to be FTK, or ‘For The Kids,’ which is our motto,” Conner said.

“Because that’s why we do what we do. At the end of the day, it’s all for the kids.”

According to Conner, the final number for funds raised in 2019 was $502,195.08.

By the end of the Main Event on February 15, AUDM hopes to raise even more as part of their pledge to raise $2 million in 5 years to renovate and expand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Piedmont Regional. At the end of the night, the donation numbers will be revealed onstage.

“Our theme this year is centered around the Auburn Creed and its ‘I believe’ statements,” Conner said. “We fight because we believe. We believe in the future of these kids. We believe in their potential. We believe in giving them a chance to reach their dreams. We believe that we can make a difference.”

During the Main Event, AUDM participants will not sit down for the entire event to show that they “stand” with the kids. Miracle Kids and their families will interact with participants during the event.

“For us, it is a life-changing opportunity to hear firsthand how grateful these families are for our efforts and to see exactly where our money goes,” Conner said. “But for the kids, it’s a fun day to celebrate their triumphs, their journeys and everything that makes them special.”

Vice President: 1. Hays Kassen 2. Xavier Kimbrell 3. Annie Ozment

Treasurer: 1. Caroline Willoughby 2. Michael Thomas

Miss Auburn: 1. Sasha Cohen 2. Katie Phelan 3. Maggie Ricks 4. Cat Bryant 5. Megan Ondrizek

ENVIRONMENT

Study shows contribution of streams, rivers to climate change

By PLAINSMAN STAFF A research study focused on rivers and streams worldwide has revealed their serious impact on continued climate change. Findings proved that nitrous oxide, a major contributing greenhouse gas, is being output by these water bodies four times greater in the past century than at any other point in time.

Six researchers in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences conducted the study, published on Dec. 23 as “Increased global nitrous oxide emissions from streams and rivers in the Anthropocene.” They were assisted by other scientists from the International Center for Climate and Global Change Research and the Global Carbon Project.

“One of the most compelling new findings is the importance of surface and subsurface processes in nitrous oxide emissions from the world’s river networks,” said Shufen Pan, the director of the University’s GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory and one of the study’s co-authors. “Previous estimates ignored or underestimated large nitrous oxide emissions from headwater or small rivers.”

The study brought forward several new factors, which demonstrated how changes in nitrogen inputs have affected nitrous oxide emissions from rivers and streams since the start of the 1900s.

These include deposition and manure, fertilizer and carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.

“We now have a more precise quantification of [nitrous oxide’s] impacts to help us target mitigation strategies which, in most cases, also makes farming more sustainable and increases farm-level economic gains,” said Josep Canadell, executive director of the Global Carbon Project.

One of the biggest effects of the study will be on management strategies to increase nitrogen efficiency for crops.

Canadell considers nitrous oxide to be the “unspoken greenhouse gas” because of its use in food production, which nobody wants to disrupt, but results of the study should reduce nitrogen losses associated with crops.

“All greenhouse gas emission pathways consistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement require large and sustained reductions on nitrous oxide emissions,” said Hanqin Tian, di-

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

The School of Forestry and Wildlife researchers co-authored a study on nitrous oxide from rivers and its relation to climate change.

rector of the International Center for Climate and Global Change within the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. “[These] in turn require improved quantification, process attribution and methodological transparency.”

Among the study’s most significant findings was that small rivers in headwater zones contributed up to 85 percent of nitrous oxide emissions from all the world’s rivers, said Yuanzhi Yao,

a co-author of the study and a recent doctorate recipient of the University.

As such, the researchers believe their work will highlight an urgent need to reduce nitrogen loads into these headwater streams since they are located close to human settlements.

Other contributors to the study were Hao Shi and Rongting Xu, postdoctoral fellows, and Naiqing Pan, a doctoral student.

The study has already been well received by outsiders, such as Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

“This study, which focuses on the way nitrous oxide in global streams and rivers contributes to climate change, could have a resounding impact on the study of climate change and ways it is approached by scientists worldwide,” Alavalapati said.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

The Auburn Plainsman

PAGE 5

RECREATION

Class lets students split their spare time earning strikes

By TIM NAIL Assistant Campus Editor

For those looking to take up a hobby in the new year, bowling is one activity that some feel is making a comeback in the new decade, and it’s both sporty and social.

“I think bowling was kind of on the decline all across the country, and I don’t know why,” said Mary Ann Holasek, a shift leader at AMF Auburn Lanes. “I came from Milwaukee, [Wisconsin], which was like the ‘bowling capital of the world,’ and it was falling down there for a while, too.”

Holasek has taught physical education classes focused on bowling for the past nine years while contracted by the School of Kinesiology. She said it’s been a fulfilling position seeing those with no experience in the sport develop a lifelong passion for it after taking the course.

“Year after year, they come in with their kids and say, ‘I took your bowling class,’ and that’s great because that’s what I want,” Holasek said. “I want people to be able to enjoy the sport.”

For this reason, Holasek says her classes don’t stress getting higher scores for better grades, but instead teach beginning concepts and strategies for those wanting to get more invested in bowling than just casual play. She also hopes students who enroll find themselves less intimidated by the inability at first to earn as many strikes and spares as they’d like.

“A lot of people shy away from bowling because they don’t think they can do it,” she said. “My goal is to get them comfortable so that they learn the basics and enjoy it in the future without being afraid.”

The course scoring system is structured not by the final total of a game, but by taking the average of a student’s accuracy, which Holasek says is the number of pins knocked down divided by the number of games bowled throughout the semester.

The first few weeks see students play to learn rather than score, but as scores begin being added in the gradebook, Holasek says they notice their improvement over many weeks.

“It shows their average from the very beginning to the very end, and that’s how I grade, [by asking], ‘How much did you improve?’ ‘Did you really try?’” she said. “I’ve gotten to some people who tried so hard, and they start out with a 50 average and

IRELAND DODD / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students attend bowling class at AMF Auburn Lanes on Jan. 14, 2020, in Auburn, Ala.

end with an 80, which is phenomenal to me.

That’s a 30-pin increase, and you’ve never bowled before in your life.”

Seeing that growth is something that motivates Holasek each semester.

She began bowling at 12 years old as a child in a bowling family with her mom, who was a coach.

“I’ve been at the alley all my life with my mom, who was a real avid bowler,” Holasek said. “I’d go to the playroom when I was little, and my kids would go to the playroom when they were little. Then my daughters really took up bowling in Birmingham.”

Later in life, she suffered a knee injury

that kept her from playing. As she was already an assistant to the University class, when the main instructor left between two semesters, she jumped on the opportunity to take the position.

“Teaching the class is my way of still being involved in the sport without actually doing it,” Holasek said. “That’s kind of my passion.”

The bowling class fulfills two credit hours and is located off campus at AMF Auburn Lanes. Students pay a $125 fee, which covers their bowling shoes and reserved time at the alley for the duration of the semester.

Classes are offered over the fall and spring semesters, and students can either sched-

ule them for Tuesday and Thursday, where they bowl four games per week, or Monday, Wednesday and Friday, where they bowl five to six.

Along with building their skills at bowling, Holasek says she’s also seen people build lasting friendships through the course via organized teams.

“We pick teams at the beginning of the year and those are the people that you bowl with the whole semester, and then you bowl against different teams,” Holasek said. “I’ve got people that didn’t know each other who are still friends today because of bowling class.”

community

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

THEPLAINSMAN.COM

COMMUNITY

DOWNTOWN

Fame, immortality and a paw: The Tiger Trail Downtown Auburn sidewalks are lined with diamonds bearing the names of Auburn greats, but how did they get there?

By EVAN MEALINS Assistant Community Editor

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hands of a small group of people — the Tiger Trail selection committee.

The group is made up of fewer than 10 individuals from both the private and public sector who serve for a term.

Exactly who is on the selection committee, however, is kept secret. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce doesn’t give out the names of the committee members, said Auburn Chamber of Commerce Vice PresiH ET AB IZ

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The Tiger Trail of Auburn is Auburn’s “walk of fame,” a stretch of sidewalk that owes its existence to the walk of fame 40 years older in Hollywood, California. The names on plaques along the Tiger Trail are both familiar and lesser known, and refer to men and women from close and far. Like Hollywood has their superstars on the silver screen, Auburn has their own on the field, court, pitch, pool and gym.

The Tiger Trail began over two decades ago as a joint venture between the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn University Athletics and the City of Auburn. The project was started in 1995 as a way to honor Auburn athletes.

“It was primarily made up of a group of men who were retired at the time,” said Mayor Ron Anders, who has been involved with the program for several years in different capacities.

“The primary person was Ken Brown.”

Brown was, at that time, retired after a career with Alabama Power and serving on the Auburn City Council, Anders said.

“It was really his brainchild to create a kind of ’Hollywood Walk of Fame’ in downtown Auburn,” Anders said.

Brown’s brainchild soon became reality as the first granite plaques were placed in the concrete in 1995. The inaugural class was large compared to a typical induction class now; 13 former athletes, coaches and administrators were honored, among them football coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, football and baseball star Bo Jackson and football star Pat Sullivan.

Typically, induction classes consist of roughly five to six members, Anders said, depending

on the Chamber of Commerce’s budget for the project for that year — costs of the plaque as well as the induction ceremony must be taken into consideration for each inductee.

So keeping in mind the number of inductees that the budget allows for each year, a process of deciding who will be one of the distinguished few for that year’s induction class begins.

That responsibility is left in the

dent of Communications and Marketing Jennifer Fincher.

The group’s privacy is protected to prevent people from lobbying members of the selection committee to induct a certain member of Auburn athletics, Anders said.

“We’ve never wanted the Tiger Trail to be a political process,” Anders said. “We wanted it to be everything

but a political process.”

In the past, Anders has served as a member of the selection committee, but is not sure what his level of involvement will be in the future. However, the mayor of Auburn is always involved in the installation ceremony at the least, Anders said.

Bill Ham, who served as mayor until Anders was elected in 2018, helped with the ceremony, as did Mayor Jan Dempsey, Ham’s predecessor.

The committee typically only has two or three meetings per year, at which committee members go through a process of nominating who they feel is representative of Auburn’s history. Committee members then debate and vote according to “their own research, due diligence and experiences,” Anders said.

The candidates who receive the most are then honored in that year’s induction class. A ceremony is held and the selected candidate’s name and accomplishments are immortalized in the sidewalks along College Street and Magnolia Avenue.

While the trail was intended to serve as a unique way to honor Auburn athletes, coaches and administrators, it has also benefited the community in other ways.

“This trail is another reason for people to come to downtown Auburn to shop and be a part of our community either as a visitor, alumni or resident,” Anders said. “It was certainly an economic development, community development mindset behind doing this.”

Over the years, it’s become clear that maintenance is required to keep the plaques in good shape.

“We have not had a Tiger Trail since I’ve become the mayor,” Anders said. “What we’ve done is we’ve had a number of broken stars downtown because of all the construction, and we’ve got some of that construction behind us, so what we’ve tried to do is get some of those plaques replaced, so we’ve been focused on doing that. It’s easier if we don’t add six more to the list.”

However, the tradition is expected to continue in the future.

“We’re certainly planning to continue on with the Tiger Trail here in 2020,” Anders said.

ENTERTAINMENT

Lee County drag community grows in performers and popularity

By ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor

With glittered and rhinestone costumes, drag kings and queens dance down the stage at the Corner Bar at the Irish Bred Pub every Saturday evening.

But it has not always been that way.

Drag shows in the Auburn-Opelika area only began about a decade ago at the Balcony Bar in Auburn on Sunday evenings after performing for several years in Columbus.

That’s when the show’s manager, Chad Peacock, stepped in and formed the name of the group, ROYGBIV. The group started to focus on bringing more audience members to the show and was able to switch to Friday nights at another Auburn bar. There, the ROYGBIV cast grew even more and gained a reputation in the area and beyond, Chad Peacock said.

“We were just tired of having to go everywhere else just to be ourselves,” Chad Peacock said.

The show has shifted location from time to time as bars go in and out of business. It is currently held on Saturday nights at The Corner Bar in Opelika.

The purpose of the show has also fluctuated as the show has grown.

“It’s become less novelty and more of a home,” Chad Peacock said.

“More of a safe place for our community — just a place to go and be

yourself because we just don’t have that here.”

Their first big expansion several years ago was to invite weekly guests to participate in the shows.

As the popularity of the show grew, so did the esteem of the guests. In the last few years, ROYGBIV has been able to host multiple contestants from the drag show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

This brought even more attention to the show and brought in more audience members each week.

Each special guest loved their experience, which helped to bring in other guests, Chad Peacock said.

“It really just builds the brand and builds attention toward the show,” Chad Peacock said. “Really, it just builds attention toward them [the ROYGBIV performers] and gets their name out there even better.”

When a local pride organization, Pride on The Plains, was formed in 2017, ROYGBIV began working closely with Pride to fundraise and raise awareness surrounding the LGBTQ community in Auburn and Opelika.

To do this, ROYGBIV hosted yearly pageants for both drag kings and queens, Chad Peacock said.

Less than a year ago, ROYGBIV expanded once again to include a separate drag kings show, where show patrons see something different from ROYGBIV’s typical queens show, said Do’Nyal Webb, whose performer name is Tucker Wright and prefers the pronouns they and

FILE PHOTO

ROYGBIV member Imberli Vontrell performs in her tiger outfit.

them.

“It’s just me in a hot dog costume dancing to songs about hot dogs,” Wright said. “It’s just a humorous take on life as a hot dog.”

A hot dog costume is not commonplace at a drag show, but it is what Wright’s fans have come to expect from them: a fun-loving performer looking to give the audience a good time.

“To be queer in Auburn, that’s just a whole different sentiment,” Wright said. “That’s just a whole different sentiment than to be in drag. I think drag is a whole different story.

Here, at least, there is such a family.”

In 2014, Wright came to Auburn for college. They started going to drag queen shows with friends. For several years Wright was a regular at the shows, often attending with friends and making new ones at the shows. That is how they learned about Pride on The Plains.

From there, friends encouraged them to sign up for one of the first drag king pageants in the area.

Drag was fun, Wright thought, so they continued to seek opportunities to perform as Wright. Wright currently holds several titles including Mr. ROYGBIV, Mr. Pride on The Plains, Mr. Birmingham Rising Star and Mr. Caritas, both of the later which hail from Birmingham.

They continued to perform at venues throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida, though sometimes it was easier than others.

“Being a drag king is a lot harder,” Wright said. “You have to build a name for yourself. Sometimes it is who you know, but sometimes it’s the presence you have.”

Through their performing, they learned more about gender identity and gender fluidity. That is how they discovered they are gender fluid.

Webb felt like they finally had a good understanding of who they were. The information just did not sit as well with others as they would have hoped.

“For them [Webb’s parents] to hear that their child was queer was, I guess, life-altering in some senses,” Webb said. “It hasn’t been the most pleasant experience.”

Being queer in the Deep South made Webb feel isolated, like they were on the outside of the rest of the community.

That is what brought Webb to the drag community as Wright, to find a place where they did not feel so much like they were on the outside.

FILE PHOTO

The purpose of drag shows have changed over time, and their popularity is on the rise.

And that is exactly what the drag and LGBTQ community did.

“They treat me like one of their own and it’s a beautiful experience,” Wright said. “I have moments I’ve had with Imberlli, Colanna or Chad even where they’re like, ‘No, you’re doing amazing.’”

They continue to echo those same complements to Wright months after their first performance.

Chad Peacock said he has confidence in Wright. That’s why he asked Wright to join the early show and create the drag king’s show.

The show is not just about the community it creates among the performers. It is about the community it creates for everyone. From people that identify as LGBTQ to LGBTQ supporters, ROYGBIV wants to provide a show for everyone.

ROYGBIV has always been inclusive to drag kings, but the inclusion of a drag kings show over the last year has furthered their mission of inclusivity for everyone, said Tim Peacock, also known as drag queen Imberlli Vontrell.

“We also use it more of as a way that kings can get that exposure and a way for new up and coming queens that aren’t getting that much stage time to also use the king’s show to get practice and experience that they need,” Tim said.

The drag king shows typically start at about 9 p.m. each Saturday at the Corner Bar in downtown Opelika. A few drag kings will perform and drag queens take turns hosting the show.

Since the drag queen show does not typically start until 11 p.m. or later, the drag king show is seen as an earlier show that is used as a stepping stone for guests that may not want to stay out late for the queen’s

show.

But that does not mean the show is any less exciting, Tim Peacock said.

“It’s been a great success,” Tim Peacock said. “We have a lot of people that do come earlier to watch the king’s show and we encourage everyone to come check that out.”

As ROYGBIV aims to include everyone in their shows, their fight for equality continues every day, especially since Auburn is not known for its activism of LGBTQ rights, though it is improving.

Recently, the Human Right’s Campaign’s 2019 Municipal Equality Index scores were released.

These scores rate large communities throughout the U.S. on how well they support the LGBTQ community.

In 2019, Auburn scored a 23 out of 100, which is up from Auburn’s score of four in 2018. Opelika is not scored.

“I’m glad that it’s not as low as it was,” Tim Peacock said. “It shows that we are growing and that we are being more inclusive and progressive, which is something I definitely think we need.”

The only way to bring those scores up is to continue pushing for equality and bringing more people into the LGBTQ community, both as supporters and those that currently feel too afraid to express their true selves, Webb said.

After all, that’s what they would have loved to have when they were a child.

“I always think about when I was a little kid what I would have wanted someone to do for me,” Webb said.

“I got bullied a lot, so getting to college was a chance to be a self. I just wish that I had me now for the little kid I was.”

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

PAGE 7

HOUSING

EDUCATION

Rentals vote pending

By ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS

Tiger Mochas serves coffee and other drinks on Fridays at Auburn High School.

AHS students serve up coffee

By JACOB WALKER Community Writer

Tiger Mochas, a student-run coffee shop at Auburn High School, gives students with special needs the chance to learn and develop life skills.

Auburn High School Resource Educators Lauren Ozmet and Betty Shifer began the program in 2016 to help a student manage an anger problem by making coffee.

Since then it has grown into a fullscale coffee shop, which the special-education students at Auburn High run almost independently, Ozmet said.

Tiger Mochas serves students and faculty every Friday morning, where patrons can get a coffee for just a dollar.

The students also sell coffee at community events such as business grand openings and Bark in the Park. They also provide coffee to other parts of the school district such as at elementary schools and central office meetings, Ozmet said.

Each student in the program can work a variety of jobs, includ-

ing holding signs for advertising, working the cash register and making beverages, Ozmet said.

The students have “really taken ownership of it” and take pride in their work, Ozmet said.

Tiger Mochas is operated and run like a business, Ozmet said.

Students begin restocking supplies on Wednesday, set up and prepare on Thursday and serve and clean up on Friday, Ozmet said.

In addition to regular coffee, Tiger Mochas often sells hot chocolate and iced coffee, said Daniel Chesser, public relations specialist for Auburn City Schools.

“It really is like going to a coffee shop and having a variety of things to pick from,” Chesser said.

Every dollar earned goes back into the Tiger Mochas program, which students then use to buy supplies and acquire transportation to events. Tiger Mochas workers also receive tips at events which they split. Ozmet said these business aspects have taught each student about financial responsibility.

Tiger Mochas often serves over

200 cups of coffee on a Friday and lines often stretch down the hall.

Customers are often “visibly upset” if Tiger Mochas runs out of coffee, Ozmet said.

Ozmet noted that the interactions between the customers and workers have had a positive impact on the student baristas. “[Tiger Mochas workers] are put in natural settings where they use good social skills and practice communicating with their peers,” Ozmet said. “[The program] taught them skills beyond anything we could do in the classroom.”

Tiger Mochas workers have also benefited through their partnership with the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club at Auburn High School. About 10 members of the club volunteer at Tiger Mochas each Friday to work with their classmates and serve as peer mentors, Chesser said.

“I think it warms people’s hearts to see kids, who a lot of time would be considered disadvantaged, get out there and do what they’re doing,” Chesser said.

After a year in the making, City leaders are ready to bring an ordinance regulating short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo, to a vote. This was the second workshop session with the Planning Commission on this ordinance after a year of work from the mayor’s appointed Short-Term Rentals Task Force.

During a Planning Commission workshop session Tuesday afternoon, Commission members discussed the short-term rentals draft ordinance.

They decided they liked most of it but made a few adjustments.

“My recollection was ... that we pretty much went the distance on it [the ordinance],” said Planning Director Forrest Cotten. “I reviewed the recording.

I had to review it several times, just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. What I did decide was that no firm decisions were made.”

The Planning Commission picked up right where they left off, further discussing the ordinance from the previous work session with a few minor adjustments for clarity.

The ordinance defines three types of rentals. First, a permanent residence is defined as a dwelling unit occupied by the same individuals for more than 180 consecutive days and is the usual place of return for housing. It is also the individual’s documented housing address as noted in things like vehicle and voting registration.

Second, the definition of a homestay, where short-term rentals come into play, was changed at this meeting from previous meetings.

A homestay is still defined as a type of home occupation where the individual who uses it as their permanent residence can hire out all or part of that residence for lodging.

The key change is that now a resident looking to participate in a homestay does not have to own the residence. This means that someone renting a property and using it as their permanent residence could call it their homestay.

“It’s just like any other type of [home occupation] application,” Cotten said.

“The property owner has to authorize the renter for the renter to get the home occupation permit for whatever type of home occupation it will establish.”

In the proposed ordinance, homestays are only allowed in 15 zones including neighborhood conservation, urban core, all urban neighborhoods and all of the corridor redevelopment districts.

The length of time the owner is not in residence while a homestay is in effect is limited based on whether the zone uses the family definition, which is now changing.

At a previous Planning Commission workshop on short-term rentals, several Commission members expressed concerns over the inclusion of zones that use the family definition such as neighborhood conservation and neighborhood redevelopment district.

The family definition is what determines if two or five unrelated occupants are permitted to live in a particular zone. Zones that use the family definition only allow for two unrelated occupants, while zones that do not use the definition allow for up to five unrelated occupants.

Commission members decided to not include zones that are predominantly single-family homes. City staff is working to rewrite the ordinance so as to not include those zones at all in the ordinance.

Commission members discussed rewriting the ordinance to not include zones with single-family homes to be in effect for a one-year trial run and revisited in the future.

Commission members could see this ordinance in front of them as early as their February meeting or as late as their April meeting. It will take City staff some time to rework the ordinance to not include zones with single-family homes.

“There was no general consensus from the [short-term rentals] task force on anything,” said Assistant City Manager Megan Crouch. “There were some minor things [they agreed on], but the reason it’s also before you is to move this issue forward. So decisions need to be made with the information you have.”

Tim Nail contributed to this report.

TECHNOLOGY

Recycling app helps residents cut down on contamination

By FIELDER HAGAN Community Writer

The City of Auburn recently updated their website to include a new application to help residents distinguish which materials are recyclable, which materials are compostable and which materials belong in the trash bin.

The application has a search bar where users type in the item they are looking to discard and the engine will explain how to properly discard it.

The application also has a sorting game where players are given a specific item and tasked with dragging the item to the

proper location, whether it be garbage, recycling, yard trash, compost, a hazardous waste facility or a recycling drop-off center.

Catrina Cook, Auburn’s director of environmental services, said the City has a responsibility to inform the public on how to properly recycle.

“We want to make sure we can help people in the process and also change the environment,” Cook said.

Cook said she felt that the public had some questions the City needed to answer in order to increase efficiency in the City’s recycling process.

“How can we grow our pro-

gram to address the needs of the City, the citizens and the environment at the same time?” Cook said.

City employees discovered that technology would be an effective way of solving this problem.

“When we discovered the ReCollect App of ‘What Goes Where?’ we were just like, ‘This will help with some of the questions that people have,’” Cook said. “This is something that is quick, it’s easy, it’s accessible and it helps eliminate the possibility of contamination in our single-stream recycling process.”

Single-stream recycling al-

lows residents to combine all their recyclable materials in one container, but problems quickly arise when residents do not follow the specific guidelines. These may seem like minor requirements, but if they are not followed, they can have major effects on the efficiency of single-stream recycling systems.

One of the main issues pushing the need for this application is contamination when recycling. Contamination happens when non-recyclable items are mixed in with recyclables items or when recyclable items are placed in the wrong recycling bins.

“We have about 76% of our population recycling, but one of the issues that we’re having a problem with is contamination,” Cook said. “We’ve been concentrating on our education efforts with communities so we can reduce contamination of what we’re taking.”

In the 30 days that followed the release of the application, the use of the City’s recycling program spiked, with a significant decrease in contamination.

Mary Crapet, a senior in graphic design, had never used the application before and gave her first impression of what she thought. A question she

had was why certain things like plastic bags or soiled paper were not accepted, even though they were made of a recyclable material.

“There were things where I was like, ‘Well, why can’t this be recycled?’” Crapet said.

Logan French, a sophomore in industrial design, felt that the app was helpful, but that it could still be improved in some ways.

“The sorting game is a good way to remember what to recycle and what not to recycle,” French said. “Something the application could do better is explaining how and why certain items can’t be taken.”

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SPORTS

FOOTBALL

OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Jack Bicknell Jr. at Ole Miss football practice during the 2019 season.

Malzahn goes with experience for O-line hire

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Sports Writer

A week after J.B. Grimes stepped away from the program, Auburn has named Jack Bicknell Jr. as the new offensive line coach.

Bicknell spent the previous three seasons working as the Ole Miss offensive line coach, boasting 33 years of experience, including 25 years in college and seven in the National Football League.

In the NFL, Bicknell spent one year as the offensive line coach in Kansas City, one in

Pittsburgh, three with the Giants and two years with the Dolphins.

His NFL career started in 2009 when he joined the Giants and, in 2012, he helped lead the Giants to their fourth Super Bowl when they defeated the Patriots 27-17.

“Jack has a wealth of coaching experience and success in all levels of football, including the last three years in the SEC,” Malzahn said.

“He has been a part of a Super Bowl championship team and been a head coach collegiately. Jack’s diverse and extensive resume will be valuable in developing our offensive

BASEBALL

AU in preseason top 10

By HARRISON TARR Sports Writer

As first pitch for the Auburn baseball team draws closer, preseason hype surrounding the program continues to build.

Butch Thompson’s team is coming off a 2019 campaign in which his squad finished their season 38-28 overall and – despite having only gone 14-16 in the SEC – found themselves playing in Omaha for the College World Series.

Whenever a team concludes its season in Omaha, it is hard to expect for the year to follow to not pale in comparison; however, experts seem to believe that the Tigers will not suffer from a drastic amount of drop off from their No. 9 ranking at the conclusion of 2019.

D1 Baseball and Baseball-

News.com both have Auburn ranked No. 8 in their preseason polls, and Perfect Game placed the Tigers as high as No. 6.

Auburn graduated only two seniors following the 2019 season, will be returning a slew of talented players and has a freshman class of 13.

Auburn’s returning talent will be headlined by junior starting pitcher Tanner Burns. After turning in a season in which the sophomore recorded an ERA of 2.82 and sat 101 batters down on strikes, Burns earned the honor of being named a preseason All-American by Collegiate Basebal.

Thompson and company will open up the 2020 season against the Illinois-Chicago on Friday, Feb. 14 at Plainsman Park.

line unit. We’re very excited to have Jack join our staff here at Auburn.”

Bicknell will inherit just one returning linemen in center Nick Brahms, but Auburn has already added five linemen during the early signing period. It remains in the mix for current Georgia commit and 5-star offensive tackle prospect Broderick Jones.

“I’m fired up to be joining a tradition-rich program like Auburn,” Bicknell Jr. said. “Auburn has always been known as a blue-collar, hardworking team that has achieved a tremendous amount of success. I am very ap-

BASEBALL

AUBURN ATHLETICS

Tim Hudson is recognized in front of the crowd during Auburn vs. Georgia on Nov. 11, 2017, in Auburn, Ala.

Tigers great Tim Hudson named new pitching coach

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Sports Writer

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Tanner Burns (32) winds up to throw the ball towards home plate during Auburn baseball vs. UTSA on March 8, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

preciative of Coach Malzahn for this opportunity. He and Coach Morris are very well respected offensive minds in the game of football, and I can’t wait to work with them and the rest of the Auburn staff.”

During the 2019 season, Ole Miss was second in the SEC and ninth nationally in rushing, averaging 251.2 yards per game.

Bicknell is the second addition to Malzahn’s staff in recent months after Chad Morris was hired to replace Kenny Dillingham, who left for the same position at Florida State as offensive coordinator.

Following the departure of Steve Smith, who left in December to become the head coach at Tennessee Tech, Auburn has named Tim Hudson as his replacement at pitching coach.

Hudson is no stranger to Auburn fans, playing in the outfield and pitching for the Tigers during the 1997 season. In that season Hudson hit .396 with 18 home runs and 95 RBI. Hudson was named first team AllSEC in the outfield and earned even more accolades as a pitcher, going 15-2 with a 2.97 ERA. This earned him SEC Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors.

Head coach Butch Thompson announced the news Tuesday.

“Tim has already impacted Auburn baseball, Auburn University and our community enough to last a lifetime,” Thompson said. “But amazing people always seem to have more to give, and that couldn’t be more true for Tim and

Kim Hudson.”

“I’ve never been more excited for our current pitchers and future recruits to be able to learn from one of the best competitors of all time,” Thompson added. “I believe Tim’s experience makes Auburn the premier pitching development experience in amateur baseball. Adding Tim to the mix with Chris Joyner, Anthony Sandersen and Blake Logan will form an elite group of teachers.”

Following that season, the right-handed ace entered the MLB draft and was selected in the sixth round by the Oakland Athletics. Hudson spent five seasons as an Athletic before being traded to the Atlanta Braves. Hudson finished his career with the San Francisco Giants where he won a World Series in 2014.

Along with his World Series ring, Hudson was a four-time all-star and won 15 games five different seasons.

Auburn is coming off its first trip to the College World Series since Hudson’s Tigers made it there in 1997.

Hudson will inherit one of the top

pitchers in the country in Tanner Burns.

Burns was named a second team, preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and named a first team All-American by Perfect Game. Pitcher Jack Owen was also drafted but opted to return to Auburn.

Not only will Auburn return Burns, but the Tigers bring back all but two position players. The NCAA preseason rankings have Auburn at No. 8 just behind fellow SEC school Arkansas.

The Tigers will start their season in a month, hosting Illinois-Chicago kicking on Feb. 14.

Hudson will become a volunteer assistant, since the NCAA only allows two full-time assistants.

“There’s no doubt that we have a great pitching staff, and I’ll do my best to get to know each of those pitchers to help them be as successful as they can be, both on and off the field,” Hudson added. “I’m excited about getting started, and I’m grateful for this chance to rejoin the Auburn baseball family. I can’t wait to put that Auburn uniform on again.”

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

The Auburn Plainsman

PAGE 9

FOOTBALL

Top 10 plays of Auburn’s 2019 season

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Sports Writer

No. 10 Seth Williams TD vs.

Miss State

Against Mississippi State, Seth Williams was able to haul in 161 yards on eight catches along with two touchdowns.

His second touchdown, from 32 yards out, was the better of the two. Releasing from his defender just in time to get the catch, Williams turned out and caught it, then got both feet down to secure the touchdown.

The play is lower down the list because of importance, as it put Auburn up 49-9 early in the third quarter. Nonetheless, it was impressive and deserved a spot on the list.

KATHERINE MILLER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 9 Bo Nix circus throw vs.

LSU

Just when it looked like Auburn might be out of it, Nix launched the ball down the field while falling out of bounds. Nix’s favorite target of the season, Williams, was able to come down with it, putting Auburn in enemy.

A couple plays later, and Williams found the end zone to bring the Tigers within three with 2:32 remaining.

This play could have been one for the books if Auburn had recovered the ensuing onside kick and go on to win in Baton Rouge.

MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTO EDITOR

No. 8 Big Kat Bryant fumble recovery vs. Oregon

This was an important swing of events for Auburn as Oregon was knocking on the goal-line with the opportunity to go up 21-3.

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert opted to try and keep the ball himself but lost control of it. Bryant jumped on the opportunity, returning the ball all the way to the 3-yard line.

Even with optimal field position the Tigers were forced to settle for a field goal, but it still marked an important swing in the game, keeping Auburn in it and keeping Oregon from putting the game out of reach.

LAUREN TALKINGTON / THE GLOMERATA

No. 7 Smoke Monday pick-six vs. Alabama

The first of two pick-sixes came from safety Smoke Monday halfway through the second quarter.

With the game tied at 10, Mac Jones overthrew his receiver, right into the hands of Monday.

After a couple moves, Monday found himself in the end zone and Auburn led 17-10 before a wild second quarter resulted in five lead changes before halftime.

The Monday pick-six gets overshadowed by Zakoby McClain’s pick-six, but it was just as important to Auburn’s Iron Bowl victory.

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 6 Anthony Schwartz TD vs. Texas A&M

In Auburn’s first true road game of the season, it was important to get off to a hot start and not fall behind early to a tough Texas A&M team.

The Tigers did just that as Anthony Schwartz was able to score on a 57-yard end-around on the first drive of the game. One of the most important parts of the play came when Nix turned around and set up a huge block to allow Schwartz to run more freely.

The play set the tone for the Tigers as the game seemingly never felt close until a late surge from the Aggies.

LAUREN TALKINGTON / THE GLOMERATA

No. 5 Derrick Brown fumble recovery vs. Florida

Just as the first quarter came to a close, Florida looked to get in one last play as it was driving up the field.

It was actually Marlon Davidson who came off the edge to force the fumble, allowing Brown to pick it up and run the other way. Brown eventually tripped, falling down at the Florida 35yard line.

The fumble ended up not playing much of an impact on the game as Nix was intercepted on the next play and Florida scored after the interception, but it was still worthy of a top play.

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 4 Sal Cannella TD vs.

Alabama

After being held scoreless for 13 straight games, Sal Cannella found the end zone in one of the biggest moments of the whole season.

Nix pump-faked, then threw it in a spot where only the 6-foot-5 Cannella could get it. Cannella reached out and grabbed it before barely getting his feet down for a touchdown that would’ve counted on Sunday.

The play tied the game up at 24 and would’ve been the most memorable had it not been overshadowed by three plays yet to come.

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 3 Shaun Shivers TD vs.

Alabama

In a game full of memorable moments, none will likely be remembered more than the Shaun Shivers touchdown to put the Tigers up 48-45.

It was a direct snap to running back Boobee Whitlow, who pitched it to Shivers. After Shivers slipped a little and regained his footing, he barreled full steam ahead into All-American safety Xavier McKinney. McKinney had his helmet knocked off, and Shivers scored.

What ended up being the game-winning touchdown and 2-point conversion was one of the biggest plays of the game.

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 2 Zakoby McClain picksix vs. Alabama

After Alabama had been bailed out by a roughing the passer and pass interference, Alabama’s sixth goal-line play ended up going Auburn’s way.

In a designed quick pass to Najee Harris who rolled out of the backfield, Harris never turned around, and the ball bounced directly off his back. Linebacker Zakoby McClain was trailing Harris and the ball landed directly in his hands.

It was a pick-six that likely won’t happen again anytime soon and a huge play to help Auburn win the Iron Bowl.

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

No. 1 Seth Williams TD vs.

Oregon

Sometimes it is hard to fathom how much a single play can impact an entire season. The 25yard Seth Williams touchdown against Oregon is one of those plays.

Just as Auburn had gotten a first down and could play conservatively before kicking a game-winning field goal, they chose to pass.

In his first collegiate game, Nix threw it just short of Williams to avoid an interception.

Working through contact Williams was able to catch it, lose possession for a second and regain it before falling backwards into the end zone.

It was a moment that quickly led people to believe in Nix and further proved how valuable Williams was.

Had Auburn not gotten a touchdown there, it’s hard to tell what could have happened this season. Maybe the team would have responded early, or, it’s possible they could have struggled to rebound from the loss, potentially losing more than four games.

In the end, it was clearly the biggest play of the season for Auburn and was a catalyst moment for the Tigers’ wins to come.

For next season, Auburn returns all the aforementioned playmakers except Brown and Cannella. The Tigers finished No. 14 in the final AP poll, released after the College Football Playoff title game between LSU and Clemson.

TODD VAN EMST / AUBURN ATHLETICS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

The Auburn Plainsman

PAGE 10

VOLLEYBALL

Auburn hires away USC’s Brent Crouch

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Sports Writer

After a 1-17 SEC season saw Rick Nold gone, Auburn has hired Brent Crouch as the new head coach of volleyball.

Athletic director Allen Greene made the announcement Tuesday.

“We are excited to welcome Brent, his wife Marcy and sons Jonathan and William into the Auburn family,” Greene said. “Brent is a well-respected teacher, motivator and tactician which have guided him throughout his accomplished coaching career. Most importantly, we feel that Brent’s leadership will further enhance the Auburn experience for our student athletes. We look forward to the development and growth of the Auburn volleyball program under Brent in the years to come.”

Crouch spent the past two seasons at University of Southern California, leading it to two straight NCAA second-round appearances. The Trojans also finished the season No. 21 in 2018 after a 22-11 season that included playing 18 ranked opponents.

In 2019, USC went 18-14 behind an impressive performance from outside hitter, Khalia Lanier.

While at USC, Crouch had outside hit-

ter Emilia Weske named to the Pac 12’s All-Freshman Team and blocker Jasmine Gross also collected All-Pac-12 honors.

Crouch now takes over for an Auburn team that struggled mightily in 2019, only getting one SEC win against Alabama.

“The first words Allen Greene spoke when I asked him what makes Auburn special were, with no hesitation, ‘The Auburn Family. It’s a real thing here,’” Crouch said. “Over the past several weeks of getting to know Auburn and the athletic department, I came to learn some of what he meant. This is an elite athletic program, and yet it is as warm, hospitable and passionate as any place I have been. From the beginning, Brant Ust and his wife Jessica, Joy Vrbka, and Allen and Christy Greene made my wife Marcy and I feel right at home. A heartfelt thanks to each of them. I can’t wait to experience the full force of the Auburn Family at the next competition on campus.”

Before his time at USC, he took over at the University of Portland for a team that had just gone 0-27. In Crouch’s first season the team went 7-23; it went 1615 the following season and then 17-13 in 2016. His 2017 team dealt with injuries but was still able to put together a 15-15 season. Crouch’s 2016 season was

the winningest season in 25 years for the University of Portland.

Along with his collegiate experience Crouch has spent time working with the USA volleyball teams. Crouch was an assistant to the 2016 women’s team that took home a gold medal at the 2016 U22 Global Challenge.

Crouch will take over a team losing only two seniors but a lot of improvement to work on after the 2019 season.

“Volleyball in the SEC is on the rise, and it is only a matter of time before it leads the country,” Crouch said. “I want to be at the forefront of that growth.

Auburn volleyball is ready to take off, and I’m excited to partner with the department to ensure this happens. Once I knew I was aligned with the core values, mission and the specific vision of volleyball at Auburn outlined by Allen Greene, it was a simple decision to come on board.

“The Auburn family is going to see a volleyball program playing a fast, aggressive style of volleyball and to continue to develop young student athletes at the highest level on and off the court. I expect us to be earning a bid to the NCAA tournament very soon, and I know our athletes are up for that challenge. It’s a great time to be an Auburn Tiger.”

USC ATHLETICS

Under Coach Crouch, USC experienced consistent success in a talent-rich Pac-12.

SOFTBALL

FILE PHOTO

Tannon Snow (9) walks to the dugout during Auburn softball vs. Arkansas on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Coaches poll picks Tigers 11th in SEC

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Sports Writer

While the season doesn’t start until Feb. 7, the Auburn softball team will look to improve after being picked to finish 11th in the SEC softball preseason coaches poll. Alabama, the 2019 regular-season winner, was picked to finish first.

After going 39-21 (1014 SEC) in 2019, the Tigers saw Taylon Snow, Camryn Greenwood, Tate Moseley and Chardonnay Harris all transfer after last season. Snow was third on the team batting .324 on the season while Harris pitched 106 innings while going 11-7 with a 2.91 ERA. Along with transfers, Auburn had Casey McCrackin, Bree Fornis, Morgan Podany, Kendall Veach and Makayla Martin all graduate. Mc-

Crackin led the team batting .342 with 65 hits and seven home runs. Veach batted .289 but led the team with 20 home runs.

Auburn returns Alyssa Rivera, who finished second on the team, batting .333 last season.

With all of the losses, Auburn comes into the year with nine freshmen on the roster and four sophomores. Among those freshman is the former Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, KK Dismukes.

Auburn will have just six seniors on the roster and will look for them to play a big role this season.

The Tigers will start their season in Clearwater, Florida, playing in the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

They’ll play Baylor, Notre Dame, Liberty, Texas State and Illinois. Their first home game comes on Feb. 13 against Kennesaw State.

lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

11 THEPLAINSMAN.COM

LIFESTYLE

ART SCENE

CONTRIBUTED BY RC HAGANS

RC Hagan’s mural is located on 123 N. Donahue Drive in Auburn, Ala.

Local artist designs murals using Auburn spirit

By EMERY LAY Lifestyle Writer

If you happen to take a stroll through downtown Auburn, you might come across a mural displaying an image of two tigers and two eagles together. This mural, alongside many others, was created by R.C. Hagan, a street artist who has completed many pieces outside of his work in Auburn.

Born in Tyler, Texas, but raised around the city of Auburn, Hagan said he always felt drawn to the Auburn/Opelika area.

“I moved away a handful of times but it seems like the universe wanted me in Opelika, Alabama, so here I am,” he said.

Now, at 33 years of age, he has adapted to a more relaxed, independent lifestyle, Hagan said.

“Just trying to make it one day at a time and not have a boss or an alarm clock,” he said. “It’s going alright so far.”

Hagan recounts that he grew up wrestling and training in mixed martial arts. This carries over into his artwork as he says that one of the mottos of wrestlers is to “embrace the grind.”

The projects have been stressful, but Ha-

gan said he enjoys the challenge.

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew but that’s part of what I like about it,” he said. “I like large tasks.”

In fact, he had quite a large task to accomplish in 2016 when he was contacted about working at Bonnaroo, he said.

“I actually remember where I was when I got the call for Bonnaroo,” Hagan said. “I was walking into an art shop up in Atlanta with a friend of mine when my friend Danny Clinch proposed doing a collaboration at Bonnaroo.”

Church and Hagan had met a few years prior at a Billy Reid Shindig and currently have known each other for seven years.

The collaboration featured walls with prints of Clinch’s photography work, enhanced by Hagan’s art.

“That’s one of the coolest calls I’ve gotten in my entire life,” Hagan said. “I got to do a collaboration with one of my heroes. He’s just a legend, and I’m so lucky to have been able to meet him and work with him. That’s one of my favorite projects to date.”

One of Hagan’s most recent projects has been a mural on North Donahue Drive in downtown Auburn.

“The Orr family who commissioned the think the best collaborations are friendships. mural were really amazing to work with,” he That’s where it really happens”. said. “They gave me kind of complete freeTo see Hagan’s mural, you can find it on dom and just wanted me to kind of illustrate the side of a building located directly behind Auburn.They really respected me and told the original Mama Goldberg’s. me to do it how I wanted to”.

This experience influenced Hagan to have a new outlook on his work. He said he realized he should be able to stand up for his work, represent himself however he wished and create art he was passionate about, which is the spirit of Auburn.

“All the little symbols from the mural are taken from Auburn history, or the Auburn creed, or Auburn iconography,” he said.

As to the process of creating such an intricate masterpiece, Hagan said he starts by trying to put himself in a state where he is open to ideas and can build on each little thing.

For younger artists, Hagan emphasized the importance of creating meaningful relationships with other artists.

“The trick is to make yourself useful and make yourself available and be friendly to CONTRIBUTED BY RC HAGANS people who inspire you, and you might get to collaborate with someone,” he said. “I Mural created by RC Hagans.

FASHION

Auburn High School junior creates online clothing business

By EMERY LAY Lifestyle Writer

Most people aspire to achieve their goal of owning their own business by the middle of their lives, if ever.

They first focus on education, then connections and eventually work their way into a job where they can hopefully achieve a higher position by the later years of their career. However, Abby Caine has already managed to start her own, thriving business at the young age of 17.

Currently a junior in high school at Auburn High School, Caine started her

business, an online boutique by the name of “Status,” over a year ago, she said.

“Everything kind of launched in July when I was sixteen, but it took a year to get everything started,” Caine said. “I did my research. I didn’t want to just jump into everything.”

Two years prior, Caine went with a family friend to Atlanta Market, which is a gathering of fashion boutiques in Atlanta that happens every quarter. Though she loved the event, and it made her begin to think about opening a business of her own, she original-

CONTRIBUTED BY ABBY CAINE

Abby Caine, junior at Auburn High School, models her clothes.

ly planned on waiting until after she graduated high school. However, Caine changed her mind about waiting, she said.

“You know, it’s kind of like something that if I’m really interested in doing, I don’t really have to wait,” she said.

This kickstarted a conversation Abby had with her parents, who were supportive of her vision and encouraged her to go further.

“I always knew I wanted to do something with fashion, but I didn’t know what,” Caine said.

For Caine, the Atlanta Market seemed to be just the place to begin making her dreams come true. The first time at Atlanta Market, she only took pictures and gathered contact information, but Caine said the trip inspired her to begin building up a collection of clothes and create a stock room in her house.

“I started slow,” she said. “I didn’t just jump into everything because I didn’t want to invest a ton of money that I didn’t have.”

In an effort to keep her shop as affordable and accessible as possible, Caine keeps everything under a price point. This ensures that while her clothes are quality material, they never exceed a

certain price range, she said.

Caine also commented on the quality of some of the clothes on her trips to Atlanta Market, “I looked at some of the clothes and their quality…

Some of the clothes there, the quality is definitely not stuff I would stand for,” Interestingly enough, the entrepreneur says, “A lot of the clothes that I’ve probably sold the most of are some of my really good brands.”

Brands that Abby recounts as popular are ones she recognized from clothes already in her own closet.

Caine said she came up with “Status” because she wanted something, really catchy, trendy, young and something people could memorize. She also said that she wanted the name to be a tagline with ‘shop,’ and that when she tried the two out together, it just sounded perfect .

“The whole concept behind it is that through fashion you can create you own status and you don’t have to spend a ton of money,” Caine said.

Starting a business while still in high school has given her the opportunity to really cultivate the business and build it up, she said.

“Eventually, I would love

CONTRIBUTED BY ABBY CAINE

Abby Caine is the owner of Status, an online clothing boutique.

to have my own fashion line, but this is kind of a way for me to get more into the industry,” Caine said.

Currently, Caine said she plans to travel to California where she will be working with a public relations agency and helping conduct in-

terviews. In addition, Abby hopes to connect with sororities and other organizations in Auburn to host popup shops.

“That’s definitely one of the things that I am doing right now to build the business,” Caine said.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

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