The Auburn Plainsman 06.11.15 issue

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid Thursday, June 11, 2015 Vol. 123, Issue 4, 12 Pages

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Entertainment

Lights Camera action ashley harris / graphic designer

Students bring talent from the Plains to the big screen Emily Esleck Editor-in-Chief

For most Auburn students, the closest they’ve come to fame is getting their name on the list at Skybar or jumping on stage to sing karaoke on a Tuesday night.

However, some students have gotten their foot in the door of casting companies, allowing them to appear on the big screen.

Payden Evans, senior in media studies, has been interested in film since seventh grade.

Evans said his film career debuted two years ago through his friend who worked on “The Walking Dead.”

He said he worked with them for a summer until he got a job offer to be cast as a werewolf on “The Originals,” a spin-off of “The Vampire Diaries.”

» See Talent, Page 2 contributed by jennifer mayo

News

Page 4 Former Miss Auburn University becomes Miss Alabama

contributed by payden evans

intrigue

Page 10 Students attend music festivals during the summer

sports

Page 6 KT Harrell makes his way to the NBA draft

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Talent » From Page 1

Evans filmed two episodes as a villainous werewolf and his casting agent with Tammy Smith Casting liked his work and wanted him to film for “The Vampire Diaries,” according to Evans.

He said he filmed for “The Vampire Diaries” for approximately two months as a fraternity guy on season five and six until his character was killed.

Next, Evans started working with “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” where he played a divergent in the candor faction and shot approximately four or five scenes.

“They killed me off of that too, it seems to be a running theme that they like to kill me off on shows,” Evans said.

On set he said he had long filming days of 12-14 hours starting at 5:30 a.m.

Evans said he worked with Auburn graduate Octavia Spencer on the “Insurgent” set.

“She’s great, and you know, she represents the Auburn Family better than anybody,” Evans said.

Evans also said he had a small speaking part in “Insurgent,” but it didn’t make the final cut of the movie.

“Starting off in film is, you know, kind of nerve-racking and hard to get into, but once you do, it’s kind of easier to find work,” Evans said.

From working with “Insurgent” he met up with the second assistant directors and networked to find his way into their inner circle as a production assistant, according to Evans.

This led him to work behind the camera on the set of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2.”

His job consisted of processing 1,900 extras, or background actors, for 21 hours, placing them on set and telling them what movements to make.

“I really liked working behind the camera,” Evans said.

Evans has now been working as a production assistant for ap-

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The Auburn Plainsman proximately four months, and said he alternates between helping with production and filming any type of smaller acting roles.

“I think ‘Insurgent’ was probably the best set I think I’ve ever worked on, all the crew, all the cast, even all the extras, everybody just got along really well, so it just kind of melted into one big family by the end of it,” Evans said.

According to Evans, a production assistant usually has to complete approximately 600 days of work to become a second assistant director, and he said from the work he has already done, he has already worked his way toward that.

I think any Auburn student stands a chance in this industry, ‘cause I mean, if I can make it, just about anybody can,” Evans said.

Other Auburn students have also gotten opportunities to appear in popular films.

Graudate Brady McNeil and Jennifer Mayo, junior in finance applied to play an extra for “Goosebumps,” a new movie coming out October 2015 based on the television show.

McNeil said he saw an online advertisement where a casting company was looking for people to portray high school students.

However, this wasn’t the first time McNeil was on a movie set.

In 2012-13 McNeil started on the set of “CBGB,” an independent film based on the country bluegrass blues club in New York City, considered the creator of rock ‘n’ roll in the 70s.

“Harry Potter” stars Alan Rickman and Rupert Grint, along with Ashley Greene from Twilight were a few of the big-name actors in this film.

According to McNeil, the general rule is not to talk to the main actors, because that could get an extra fired.

“I didn’t really get anything past the ‘Hey,’ from, I ran into to Ashley Greene outside of the actual set, and she was walking from her trailer to the set, and I was walking away from the set, and she was very nice,” McNeil said.

He also said the same situation happened with Rupert Grint.

According to McNeil he was a background actor in “The Vampire Diaries” and the movie, “The Duff, which were all filmed last summer.

While McNeil was filming “The Duff,” Jennifer applied with Caballero Casting to be a member of the audience in “Pitch Perfect 2” with her brother Auburn graduate Jimmy Mayo.

However, Jennifer had an extra experience.

She was asked to be in a feature group, K-Pop, with five other girls.

Jennifer said they got their own trailer and had people doing their hair and make-up.

She was on set for five days from 4 p.m.-4 a.m., according to Jennifer.

She said three of the five days she spent filming approximately four different scenes in the K-Pop group and the other two days were spent filming scenes as members of the audience.

Out of all the hours spent filming, one special scene made it into the movie.

“In the movie, there was a zoom-in on my face while I was brushing my hair,” Jennifer said. “It was just weird. When I went to go watch it with my family, I didn’t want to go watch, because I didn’t think I was in it … and a bunch of people were texting me telling me that they saw me, and so I didn’t know which part I was coming up in, and I was watching it, and I screamed in the movie theater when I saw my face just, like, on the screen.”

Jimmy also made it in the movie, according to Jennifer. She said he was in the first five seconds of the movie.

Jennifer said at one point her group shared the same space as the rival group in the movie, so she got a photo with Birgitte Hjort Sørensen.

“It was crazy, but it was worth it,” Jennifer said. “They paid us, but it’s something that I probably would’ve done for free, ‘cause if you like the movie, it’s like a dream come true.”

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 11, 2015

housing

The ins and outs of Auburn apartment living

Dakota Sumpter Photo editor

As student enrollment continues to climb and housing on campus becomes more limited, many students are opting to live in off-campus apartments. Auburn offers a multitude of apartment complexes; some offering amenities that range from private study rooms to tanning beds.

Priska Yu, junior in marketing, has lived at The Connection since her sophomore year.

When it comes to safety, Yu said she feels safe in the complex, and said there is always someone on call. The Connection also has a gate at the front entrance.

Yu said she doesn’t have any issues with her neighbors.

“I’m friends with all my neighbors,” Yu said. “I like my neighbors.”

Whereas some other places have limited visitor parking, Yu said The Connection provides more.

“We have two or three parking lots just for visitors,” Yu said.

Yu said she wants to keep living there.

“I lived there for sophomore year, and I just signed a lease for junior year,” Yu said.

While some residents may be satisfied with their apartment and the management, others are not. Helen Custodio, junior in industrial engineering, said she feels residents who have lived at Eagles Reserve do not receive the attention newer residents receive.

Custodio, who has lived at Eagles Reserve since 2013, said one of their first issues was with the door lock.

Custodio said there were also leaks and water on the floor.

“We had some leaks, and we would just have water

all over the floor,” Custodio said, “and the ceiling kind of opened up, and there was a big crack, and they would wipe up all the water, but the crack would still be there.”

When her washing machine went out for three weeks, Custodio said she had to improvise.

“I had to bring my laundry to my boyfriend’s,” Custodio said.

Custodio said some of the positives are the location, transportation and size of the unit for the price.

“It’s a nice location, and we have a good Tiger Transit route,” Custodio said.

Teyani Odom, recent graduate of Tuskegee University, lives in the Garden District.

Odom said she has been a resident for 10 months, and she said she feels like she is living in a safe community.

“We have a security guard on the premises, so that helps,” Odom said.

Any issue Odom has had with her unit has been resolved.

“Every problem, maintenance or otherwise, gets taken care of immediately,” Odom said. “Most of the time, same day.”

Odom said what initially attracted her to the Garden District was its aesthetics.

“I first fell in love with the way it looked like the French Quarter,” Odom said. “After that, everything such as price and location fell right into place.”

Her biggest complaint is the long distance to the dumpster.

“The only thing I would change is the distance of the garbage dumpster,” Odom said.

None of the apartment complex management companies could be reached by publication time.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Alumni

contributed by Eve Newell-Gray

LEFT: Meg McGuffin is crowned Miss Alabama 2015 by Miss Alabama 2014 Caitlin Brunell. CENTER: McGuffin dances during the talent portion. RIGHT: McGuffin walks on stage during the formal wear competition.

‘Dream come true,’ Auburn alumna crowned Miss Alabama 2015 Maria McIlwain news editor

Dakota Sumpter / photo editor

Eagles Reserve is currently undergoing renovations.

It has been a whirlwind for Meg McGuffin, after being crowned Miss Alabama on Saturday, June 6. She has packed up and moved to Birmingham, ready to compete in the Miss America pageant and serve as Miss Alabama.

Q: How did you get into pageants?

A: I started when I was 6 years old. I was actually watching the Miss America pageant on TV, and I looked at my mom, and I said, ‘Mom I want to do that!’ So she signed me up for my first pageant, and the rest is history.

Adam sparks / photographer

The Connection is located on East Longleaf Drive.

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The Auburn Plainsman

The Garden District is modeled after the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Q: Why do you compete in pageants?

A: I started just because I thought they were fun, and then when I turned 13, and I was eligible to compete in the Outstanding Teen pro-

gram, I understood that scholarship money was available. And I entered Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen when I was 14, and I actually won.

So, through that, I had a full scholarship to Auburn University.

Q: What’s your favorite part of competing in pageants?

A: I think having the opportunity to share my talent with the audience.

I love to dance, I’ve danced since I was 3 years old, and the older you get, though, the less performance opportunities you have. So competing in pageants has allowed me to continue performing and do what I love.

Q: What was going through your head during the crowning ceremony?

A: I felt like I was in a dream, and then, I felt like I was going to throw up. I was so nervous, but so excited. You just have so much adrenaline running through you, and it’s a

dream come true. And I don’t think it’s really set in yet that I am actually Miss Alabama, and that I will get to compete in Miss America in three months.

Q: What are your responsibilities as Miss Alabama?

A: As Miss Alabama, I am a spokesperson for the state, I am an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network and I have my personal platform, Healthy is the New Skinny, and it’s my responsibility to make that my mission and to tell people that they’re beautiful for their actions, and the way that they serve others, and not for what they see in the mirror.

Q: Can you talk about why you close your platform?

A: I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old, and so having grown up a trained dancer, I spent countless hours in front of a mirror in a leotard

and tights, looking at my body. As a dancer, your body is your tool, it’s your instrument that you use all the time. And I compared my body a lot to my peers. I developed faster, I was much taller than the other girls in my class, I developed curves much more quickly. And I began to develop a hatred for my body. I didn’t understand that my body was unique, and it was special, and it was mine. And so, over the years, I have just truly come to love my body and appreciate it for what it is, and to be comfortable in the skin that I’m in. And I want to share that message with other people, and I want to inspire other girls not to give into the pressures of society and the pressures that the media place on us every day to be the thin ideal.

Q: What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve made?

A: I think that people don’t realize how much hard work goes into

competing in the Miss America organization, and just competing at a local level, you spend so much time working on your talent and your fitness and your platform, really putting a lot of time and a lot of heart and effort into your platform work is probably one of the most important things that you can do to prepare for the state pageant. So I think that just time is what I have sacrificed, but I think that I have only gained so much from making those sacrifices, and I don’t regret that at all.

Q: So what advice would you give to a girl aspiring to do pageants?

A: Stay true to herself. There are a lot of voices that say, ‘You’re not good enough,’ and tell you to be something different, but as long as you stay true to yourself and know who you are and what you represent and what you stand for, you’re a winner in yourself.

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 11, 2015

basketball

Thursday, June 11, 2015

baseball

Harrell destined to prove himself at NBA level

2015 draft prospects

Former shooting guard pushing his way to the pros despite feedback Evan McCullers Sports Writer

KT Harrell is no stranger to the being the underdog.

He played the role in high school and during his time at Auburn and said he relishes the opportunity to play it again in his transition to the NBA. “One of the things I’ve dealt with my entire life is being overlooked,” Harrell said.

“Even this year, not making first team AllSEC, not being invited to the (NBA) Combine, those things don’t bother me, but I don’t forget them. I just use them as motivation. I wasn’t always the most talented, I just stayed in the gym and worked and that’s what I still do.”

One of the first people to notice Harrell’s potential was Chauncey Shines, basketball coach at Brewbaker Tech in Montgomery.

“I met KT when he got to Brewbaker as a seventh grader,” Shines said. “As a seventh grader I knew he was talented enough to play college basketball. I had no idea that he would work as hard as he’s worked. He wasn’t really that big then, but once he grew into the body that he has now, I pretty much knew as a 10th grader that he was going to be something special.”

Harrell, who led the SEC in scoring last season at 18.5 points per game, graduated from Auburn in December 2014 with a degree in psychology.

He said that he grew as a person and as a player because of his great mentors, including his dad, who played professional basketball in Europe, and his coaches at Auburn.

“My dad had a really direct impact on me, especially when I was younger,” Harrell said.

Now that I’m on my own and am trying to find my own way, he still calls to check up on me. We just talk about life. Coach Chuck (Person) and Coach (Bruce) Pearl definitely had a big impact on my life, not only on the court but off the court, as well. The biggest lesson I learned from them was that you have to work for whatever you want in life in order to be successful. Nothing is going to be handed to me.”

The NBA Draft process has proven that

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The Auburn Plainsman

point for Harrell.

He is not expected to be a top pick in the draft, which will be held in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25.

He is not on NBA Draft expert Chad Ford’s Top 100 prospects list, but Harrell said he is determined to prove his worth on the court.

“People are entitled to their own opinion,” Harrell said. “I’m just going to work as hard as I can and let everyone think what they want. It will all pan out because at the end of the day it’s all about who is going to work the hardest and who is going to perform when they get out on the floor.”

Shines said Harrell’s work ethic was evident as soon as the shooting guard transferred to Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School as a junior.

“Some rules in Montgomery and Alabama made it not possible for him to play his junior year,” Shines said. “But during that year he made our team so much better because of the competition that he gave us in practice. He showed up to every practice and worked as hard as everybody there, even though he was not going to play in a game.”

Auburn forward Jordon Granger said a great work ethic is one of many things Harrell will bring to an NBA team.

“His best skill is his work ethic,” Granger said. “He has the greatest work ethic out of any player I’ve seen in a long time. KT [also] brings toughness and a deep shooting threat.”

Granger also noted Harrell’s value off the court.

“KT is a very unselfish person,” Granger said. “He’s always willing and ready to break an arm and a leg to make sure his teammate has a ride somewhere or is doing well in practice. He’s always checking up on everybody.

He’s a good player and a good teammate.”

Despite not receiving much attention from draft analysts, Harrell has drawn plenty of interest from NBA teams themselves.

“My first tryout was for the (Houston) Rockets,” Harrell said. “It went really well. It was a great experience, and I shot the ball really well. I have workouts with the (San Antonio) Spurs and the (Miami) Heat next week, and I’m supposed to work out with the (Utah)

• • •

•

Trey Wingenter

Rocky McCord

Junior – Madison

Senior – Spanish Fort • 6-foot-2 pitcher was 39th round pick by Twins in 2011 and 31st round pick by Royals in 2014 • Strong cutter, improved slider and mid-90s fastball • threw the most innings of his career in 2015 (89.1), and finished season with 3.81 ERA and 67 strikeouts drafted june 10 by the orioles with the 793rd pick

long and lean with a fastball topping mid-90s a mid-80s slider and above average cutter

100 innings pitched in three seasons 36th round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2012 drafted june 10 by the padres with the 507th pick

•

sitting at exactly

was a

Jordan Ebert

Sam Gillikin

Junior – Foley

Junior – Hoover • played 54 games in 2015 for a career high.

• .271 average in 96 at-bats • bat. speed, defense and athleticism have been major factors in the playing time allowed, and plate appearances in 2015

ability to get on base with an impressive bat with constant contact and a consistent swing

•

claims a career stat line of

.303/.376/.378 with seven home 75 RBIs

runs and

showed raw power

Baseball alumnus awaits call up from MLB Emily Shoffit Sports Reporter

file photo

Harrell shoots for a 3-pointer versus Coastal Carolina on Dec. 5, 2014.

Jazz in June.”

Many teams are interested in Harrell because of his shooting ability, as he shot just over 43 percent from behind the 3-point line his senior year at Auburn.

“I can score the ball, I can shoot the ball, and I can spread the floor,” Harrell said. “Being able to shoot the ball is going to help me make a lot of money playing basketball.

There aren’t a lot of people that can shoot at a very high level and I know that’s something I can do.”

Shines said Harrell’s shot is one of the best he’s seen.

“I think he’s probably one of the best shooters in the country now from 3-point range and mid-range,” Shines said.

Shines also said that there is no limit on how good Harrell can be at the NBA level.

“I always thought that (KT) would be a much better college basketball player than a high school basketball player,” Shines said.

“But also, his game is much better suited for the NBA. He will explode in the NBA because he’s built better for the NBA than for college basketball.”

Regardless of what happens on draft night and beyond, Harrell said he plans to remember when he was the underdog.

Harrell said he wants to use his experience to help others with the same situation in their own lives.

“My motivation is a little different,” Harrell said. “The most important thing in my life is my faith in God, and I know God has given me these talents to be able to help other people. I have to maximize my gifts so that I can help others. I want to be able to tell people my story and how I became successful and ultimately, influence other people. I’m not a guy on draft boards, I’m not a big-name guy.

But if I get [to the NBA], God-willing, I’ll have a story to tell and hopefully my story will have a big influence on other people.”

In 2014, three Tigers were called from Plainsman Park to MLB to pursue playing in national pastime parks.

Two of the three signed a contract, chasing the dream just days after the MLB First-Year Player Draft.

The earliest selection from Auburn, and the first to leave, was Tallassee native Trey Cochran-Gill.

The right-hander began his Auburn baseball career in 2012, completing three seasons before the draft. He was a career 6-5, making 57 appearances and nine starts. Today, his professional career consists of 10 wins and two losses, with a 1.55 ERA and 14 saves through 75.1 innings.

“He showed great versatility in making the switch mid-season,” said Section 111 member Daniel Brower. “He seemed solid as a starter and as a reliever. Could be very effective for getting out of jams.”

One of the attributes to Cochran-Gill’s success is credited to the level of competition he faced in the SEC. During his time at Auburn, he battled against first round picks such as LSU’s Aaron Nola and Vanderbilt’s Tyler Beede.

“It really helps you playing against good competition like that in the SEC,” Cochran-Gill said.

“Day in and day out, you’re facing really good hitters and it really prepares you for the next level. Watching good pitchers like Aaron Nola and other guys like that kind of helps you get a good idea of what you need to succeed at the these levels.”

And he has succeeded.

Cochran-Gill has advanced from the 501st overall pick to a top 20 prospect in the Mariners organization. He was a postseason all-star in rookie league, and since then has played with four other teams, slowly making his way to the top.

He even jumped from High A to Triple-A for one game start. It was the first start of his Triple-A career, but it was a bit shaky.

He now is back to his reliever role in the Southern League with the Mariners’ Double-A affiliate, the Jackson Generals.

Mackenzie Helms, former Auburn athletics marketing intern and member of Section 111 said Cochran-Gill’s talents took until the end of the season to show.

“He stepped up big time late in the season.”

Helms said. “Whether he was starting or coming in for a relief appearance you could count on him

for a solid outing.”

Cochran-Gill began his for the Tigers under the guidance of coach John Pawlowski and pitching coach Scott Foxhall. Pawlowski left the Plains in 2013, ushering in the Sunny Golloway era.

“Honestly when I came in there I just worked with a lot of good coaches,” Cochran-Gill said.

“They showed me what I needed to do to get drafted and what I needed to do to play pro ball.

It really helped me out, they showed me different pitches and all kinds of things I needed to get to the next level.”

Cochran-Gill is the first alumni of Tallassee High School to reach the minor leagues in 15 years.

“Coming out of high school, you aren’t really set for guys that are playing at the next level right now,” Cochran-Gill said. “Going to Auburn, playing in the SEC and against guys that will for sure be in the big leagues one day, playing against that competition for three years really helped me out.”

The right-hander has continued to keep the scouts’ attention with his mid-90s, above average fastball.

Former teammate and Tigers’ first baseman Daniel Robert, who played alongside Co-

contributed by 247 sports

Trey Cochran-Gill throws a pitch during his career at Auburn.

chran-Gill in 2014, said his technique is in a league of its own.

“You can’t really replace his stuff, he was just disgusting,” Robert said. “Like [throwing] 9395. It felt like his fastball would move three feet every time he threw it. Everyone was just waiting on the one that clicked and I guess it has now.”

Should he still be with the Generals in August, the team will face the Montgomery Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery on August 23-27.

“He’s on the fast track,” Robert said. “It’s really good for him. He’s always had a really good attitude and is just a really good guy.”

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 11, 2015

soccer

From a small sports town to an international stage

Former Auburn soccer player in 2015 Women’s World Cup for team Mexico

Lauren Christopher sports editor

Auburn athletes have made it far and wide across the country’s professional athletic programs, but not many can say they’ve made it internationally.

Former soccer player Bianca Sierra can, as her success with team Mexico has led her to the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Sierra played defender for Auburn soccer from 2010-13. Her former coach, Karen Hoppa, had nothing but positive traits to attribute to Sierra. “(Sierra) is a super competitive athlete,” Hoppa said. “She is strong, physical and has a never-quit attitude. While she was at Auburn, she was always one of the most competitive players and was a leader for our team.”

Hoppa also said Sierra’s work ethic was one to be proud of.

“She has one of the best work ethics of any player I have ever coached,” Hoppa said. “She is the first one at training and the last one to leave and always gave 100 percent in everything we did.”

Since Auburn is currently hosting a soccer camp under the guidance of Hoppa, she said she plans to watch the World Cup with her participants, but jokingly said this setting isn’t ideal for her.

“We have camp going on right now, so we will be watching with the camp,” Hoppa said.

“I actually like to watch the games by myself with no distractions, so I will probably lock myself in my office.”

As far as providing inspiration, Hoppa said Sierra is a role model for current and future Auburn players.

“Bianca will inspire future Auburn soccer players, because she is paving the way,” Hoppa said. “She will show everyone that Auburn soccer can help players get to the World Cup.” Sierra will join 10 other former SEC soccer players in the World Cup this year, including returning forward Abby Wambach from the University of Florida, who plays for the United States.

This tournament has captured the attention of fans around town, especially since there’s Auburn representation this year.

The bars in downtown Auburn, especially

“

It’s an amazing experience to see people of that nature and that dedication play in front of you and attend the college that you love.”

entertainment

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The Auburn Plainsman

Sounds of summer

Students share their experiences at music festivals

Sommer Henry Writer

-Gary Thorne

Senior in public administration

Halftime, filled with soccer fans starting Monday night, June 8, showing promise of substantial crowd attendance throughout the tournament.

Gary Thorne, senior in public administration, said it’s great to see an Auburn athlete play at a high level.

“It’s huge,” Thorne said. “It’s like swimming and diving. It’s an amazing thing to see Auburn compete on the world stage.”

Thorne also said that it’s not necessarily about Auburn being a part of it, but the extent of how the fans are involved.

“It’s not just about Auburn getting national exposure,” Thorne said. “It’s about people getting to be around and go see players of that caliber compete in your hometown, or your college town. It’s an amazing experience to see people of that nature and that dedication play in front of you and attend the college that you love.”

Thorne said that he’s seen a difference in fandom between the men’s and women’s tournaments this year “Compared to the men’s games, when we played Netherlands a couple days ago, this is about three or four times, easily, probably four times, more [fans] than we had last summer,” Thorne said.

Brandi Decoux, graduate student in kinesiology, said she has played soccer all her life and looks forward to the Women’s World Cup every four years.

“I probably come (to Halftime) at least once or twice a week,” Decoux said. “I like that they made the women’s game a priority here, as opposed to other establishments, they were playing the hockey game or the baseball game. So

Thursday, June 11, 2015

raye may / managing editor

Students and locals hit the bars to watch the Women’s World Cup.

the fact that this place was dedicated to showing the women’s game on the big screen is the main reason we’re here.”

Richard Davis, graduate student in pharmaceutical sciences, said he rallied with a group to bring more fans to the bars for professional soccer.

“We’re part of American Outlaws Auburn Davis said. “Our chapter got started not too long ago. We started mostly kind of during the men’s World Cup time, and we’re just here to support the women’s national team as well.

So American Outlaws is a national organiztion that supports the men’s national team, the women’s national team.”

Although the World Cup is on an international scale, the tournament hits home, since Sierra has the chance to play two fellow SEC graduates and rivals from Alabama, Merel Van Dongen for the Netherlands and Celia Jimenes Delgado for Spain.

Maria McIlwain and Emily Esleck contributed to this article.

Music festivals are a popular activity each summer.

It is only June, and already Auburn students have been busy attending different festivals.

Shaky Boots Country Music Festival, one of the first this summer, took place on the Kennnesaw State University campus May 16-17. Performers such as Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jana Kramer and many more smaller bands and artists were in attendance. Sarah Partain, sophomore in journalism, had VIP tickets to this festival.

“We got to go backstage whenever we wanted and got access to the area with free food and drinks and nice places to sit,” Partain said.

Partain, who said she has been to small festivals before, but never one this big, said her favorite part was dancing to the music.

“The constant live country music, and getting to dance with my friends to Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley as the sun was setting was just the greatest thing,” Partain said.

Partain also said the festival was “super relaxed, low maintenance and so much fun.”

However, the most popular festival to Auburn students so far this summer is Hangout Music Festival. Hangout Fest took place May 15-17 in Orange Beach. This music festival included bands such as Zac Brown Band, Skrillex, My Morning Jacket, Foster the People, Paramore, Misterwives, Foo Fighters, Vance Joy and Dirty Heads.

Tristan Watson, freshman in business, said he got to see some of his favorite musicians.

“Waiting in a big crowd of people, you get very anxious to see some of our favorite artists live for the first time,” Watson said.

However, Watson said his favorite part wasn’t just the excitement of hearing a band for the first time, it was also the food.

“I really enjoyed all of the incredible food,” Watson said. “Calories don’t count at music festivals. So you eat it.”

Maddie McAlister, sophomore in business, is a Hangout Fest veteran.

“I’m from Gulf Shores, so I’ve always gone to the Hangout,” McAlister said. “Every year the Hangout Music Festival is the highlight of my summer. I’ve never heard of anyone going and not having a good time.”

Watson also said he loves Hangout Fest.

“The Hangout Music Festival has one of the best vibes

Maddie McAlister (top left) and her friends Carly Martin (top right), Abby Lovangio (bottom left) and Katie Noel (bottom right) pose for a photo at the Hangout music festival.

“

We got to go backstage whenever we wanted and got access to the area with free food and drinks and nice places to sit.”

Contributed by sarah partain

Sarah Partain (top right) and her friends Kristen Freer (top left), Logan Haner (bottom left) and boyfriend Jake Palomaki (bottom right) enjoy the Shaky Boots festival.

—Sarah Partain

Sophomore in journalism

of all time,” Watson said.

Many music festivals are still on the horizon this summer, such as Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), which takes place June 19-21 in Las Vegas. Nicole Fulkerson, senior in journalism, said EDC is the biggest electronic music festival in all of North America. Big name performers such as Calvin Harris, Avicii, Tiësto and Martin Garrix will perform. However, Fulkerson said she is looking forward to more than just the music.

“The concert is from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. every night, and people dress up in the craziest costumes, me and my friends are actually dressing up like jellyfish,” Fulkerson said. “[Electronic dance music] is about more than music. It is about the way you feel when you are listening to it and the experience of it all.”

Other music festivals this summer include Bonnaroo 2015 in Manchester, Tennessee, and the CMA Music Festival 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. Both festivals are June 11-14.

Contributed by Maddie McAlister

Maddie McAlister and her friends stop in front of the Hangout sign.

10

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, June 11, 2015

campus

Picking the faces of the Auburn Family

Thursday, June 11, 2015

11

The Auburn Plainsman

lifestyle

Selection processes for three prominent campus organizations Maria McIlwain news editor

Orange sport coats on Plainsmen, Student Recruiters walking backward on the concourse, leading a group of teenagers and their families, or Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts (TTH) could be someone’s first interaction with an Auburn student.

Student Recruiters give campus tours and volunteer at recruitment events.

Lisa McManus, Student Recruiters’ president, said everyone who fills out an application is eligible for a first round interview.

The first interview is in groups of three.

The second round is an individual interview.

Prospective members give a five-minute presentation on why they would make a good Student Recruiter. McManus said props are encouraged. She said the most unusual prop she has seen was a door, and it belonged to a returning member who said they are opening the door to Auburn on every tour.

McManus said ideal members are hardworking and flexible, but she said there isn’t a typical Student Recruiter.

During the interviews, she said it is good to answer questions fully.

“We’re looking for personality to shine through,” McManus said.

Contributed by Ashley Hipp

The 2014-15 Student Recruiters pose on the field at a fotball game.

McManus said quick thinking and being able to answer tough questions are good qualities.

“Can we picture them giving a tour,” McManus said.

McManus said approximately 300 people applied for Student Recruiters last year and 60 were chosen.

Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts want a subset of Auburn students — students who love Auburn football and want to help recruit players.

According to Samaria Terry, former Tigerette and recent graduate in journalism, approx-

imately 100 people are chosen per year.

“We’re like the hostesses of the complex,” Terry said. “When the guys come, we’re like the first people they see.”

Terry said TTH provide tours of campus and the athletic facilities, as well as hospitality for recruits who come for football games.

“We’re kind of like walking billboards for Auburn,” Terry said.

TTH also has a two-part interview, according to Terry. The first round is Auburn football knowledge.

“It’s really intense,” Terry said. “Sometimes

they’ll bring players in and ask, ‘Do you know what player he is?’ Or a coach, or they’ll ask how many seats there are in the stadium — 87,451.”

Terry said the second round is personality based, and the process is “not that bad.”

The 24 members of War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen (WEGP) serve as the official hosts and hostesses of the University.

Jon Waggoner, WEGP adviser, said the interview process is two-fold.

He said they ask a variety of questions, including history, how they will handle the workload and situational questions.

Waggoner said an example of a situation would be how to entertain a child at a function.

Waggoner said the best thing to do would be to occupy the child so the parents could enjoy the event without removing the child.

Waggoner said he looks for openness and professionalism in potential members.

The group should represent the entire campus, according to Waggoner.

“We actively try to recruit from a number of societies,” Waggoner said.

Waggoner said a candidate should answer questions completely and concisely with a personal touch.

“Don’t just tell us the year Samford Hall was

entertainment

Where to watch fireworks for the Fourth Auburn: Annual Fourth of July Celebration Saturday, July 4 6 p.m. at Duck Samford Park The event is free to the public.

Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.

Rain date: Sunday, July 5

Waverly:

Phenix City:

2nd Annual Heart of Waverly Bluegrass Festival Saturday, July 4 Noon-8 p.m. at The Standard Deluxe $25 in advance at standarddeluxe.com or at the gate.

Concert & Fireworks Saturday, July 4 7-9:30 p.m. at the Phenix City Ampitheater Admission is free and concessions will be available to purchase.

Keep cool with aquatic activities Maria McIlwain News Editor

Summertime is hot, and cooling off by the pool is one way to relax.

However, there are natural resources in Auburn that combine fitness, fun and water.

Amanda White, park naturalist at Chewacla State Park, said water sports are popular at Chewacla, especially swimming, pedal boats and canoes.

“The swim beach area that we have is normally completely packed during the summer,” White said. “There’s always people jumping off the diving board or floating around.

There’s normally people on the banks fishing. We normally have at least a couple kayakers out there, and we normally, every weekend have someone down there renting boats.”

White said Chewacla rents out pedal boats and canoes for rent for $7 per hour, and people often bring their own kayaks or paddleboards.

White said the Auburn Outdoor Adventure club rents kayaks and paddleboards for people who don’t own them.

The Recreation and Wellness Center is looking into paddleboard group fitness

classes, according to White, but that is “down the road.”

White teaches a class called Fitness on Board, where people exercise with push ups and sit ups on a paddleboard.

“It throws off your center of balance a little bit so you have to use more core muscles to actually get into it,” White said.

Brady Heilig, assistant manager at Mountain High Outfitters, said paddleboarding is popular at the Auburn location.

He said this is partially because they don’t have kayaks at the Auburn location, and Mountain High is one of only a few stores in the area that carry paddleboards.

Heilig said Mountain High puts on free paddleboarding demos once or twice per month at Chewacla.

The only fee is the entrance fee to the park, and people sign a waiver to paddleboard for 30 minutes to one hour, according to Heilig.

“We have a lot of first-timers come out,” Heilig said. “It provides something to do for people who are already out there. They come over, and we end up getting them on a board, whether they’ve done it before or not.”

dakota sumpter / photo editor

The lake at Chewacla State Park is a popular spot for water sports such as canoeing and swimming.

Heilig said Mountain High has a good base of people who have rented more than once.

He said the rental program is rent-to-own, and they will deduct how much a person has paid in rental fees from the cost of a board if they decide to buy one.

White said contacting the Auburn Outdoor club is a good way to become involved.

She said the staffreviews safety procedures

with everyone going out on the water and can answer any questions.

Heilig said people should try sports such as paddleboarding.

“You won’t know that it isn’t as hard as you think it is until you get on one,” Heilig said.

“It’s probably one of the easiest things I’ve done, and I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it actually is.”

12

The Auburn Plainsman: Summer on the Plains

Thursday, June 11, 2015