Campus dyed orange, green at Color War
Warhawks’ baseball shut out 5-0 by LSU
P5
P 8
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
VOLUME 99 ISSUE 12
www.ulmhawkeyeonline.com
Should COVID-19 vaccines be required?
April 26, 2021
P 3
Annual Spring Fever concert spotlights local artists P5 Jois awarded $1.65 million grant for research P 7
Saulsberry named ‘Social Worker of the Year’ P 6
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April 26, 2021
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
BRIEFS CALENDAR Monday, April
26
NAACP's college survival guide, 6:30 p.m., online via Zoom
27
Tuesday, April Burgers on the Bayou, 6 p.m., Bayou Park
Wednesday, April
28
AWS volunteering, 11 a.m., Grace Place Soup Kitchen
29
Thursday, April Zumbathon, 6 p.m., online via Zoom
30
Friday, April Vision board party, 6:22 p.m., online via Zoom
1
Saturday, May No event planned
2
Sunday, May No event planned
QUOTE
United States
Louisiana
Louisiana
Arkansas
State ranks 2nd for U.S. gun violence
Bill will start grading Mom claims to be water systems fired over vaccine
Seacor Power sued for $25 million
KNOE- In an average year in Louisiana, more than 500 people are killed with firearms, which is the second highest rate of gun deaths in the country, according to everytown. org. Louisiana also has the highest rate of gun injuries from assaults and police shootings of any state in the U.S. That information comes from the CDC. From 2016 to 2020, Louisiana averaged 19 mass shootings per year, says gunviolencearchive.org. In 2021, Louisiana has experienced 11 mass shootings; Shreveport has more than any other city in the state. Baton Rouge and New Orleans each have two so far. Shreveport has seen three mass shootings.
KNOE- Louisiana would set up a statewide accountability system to grade the condition of its community water systems if lawmakers pass a bill that has started advancing in the state Senate. The proposal is sponsored by Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills. It would task the Louisiana Department of Health with developing the grading system, which would include grades of A through F. Any community water system that receives a D or F grade could be subject to corrective measures such as takeover and would have to submit improvement plans to the health department. Mills said the grading system would let people know if their local water systems have problems.
KNOE- The spouse of a crewmember who was aboard a commercial lift boat when it capsized in the Gulf of Mexico April 13 has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the owners of the ship. According to NBC News, Hannah Daspit, the surviving spouse of Dylan Daspit, who is presumed dead after the Seacor Power lifeboat capsized near Port Fourchon, alleges that the ship owners are responsible for gross negligence and violations of federal maritime law. Daspit filed the Suit on Wednesday. The suit alleges that when the vessel sailed on April 13, the National Weather Service “was already warning of tropical storm-force winds accompanied by suddenly higher waves in the Gulf.”
KNOE- A mother of five claims she was fired from her job for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Samantha Wise told our content partner KARK-TV that Harvest Cannabis Dispensary terminated her employment on March 3 after she refused to get the shot. Wise said she had concerns about the vaccine. When she told her bosses she would not get the vaccine, they told her to turn in her badge and key card. Robbin Rahman, the dispensary’s executive director, told KARK that a “number of factors played a role” in Wise’s termination. He also stated that all workers are aware that the vaccine is a condition of employment.
TODAY IN HISTORY
SPLASH OF COLOR
“To be a revolutionary you have to be a human being. You have to care about people who have no power.”
April 26 1835: Frederic Chopin's "Grand Polonaise Brillante" premieres in Paris. 1933: Jewish students are barred from school in Germany.
Jane Fonda, activist
1954: Mass trials of Jonas Salk's anti-polio vaccine begin. 1978: NASA launches space vehicle S-201.
1984:
Front page credits: Main photo: Calli Sinclair
2005: Syria ends 29-year military domination of Lebanon.
Top sidebar photo: ULM photo services Bottom sidebar photo:
2018: Comedian Bill Cosby is found guilty of sexual assault in Pennsylvania.
Hawkeye archives Top left photo: Carley Nail Top right photo: LSU athletic services
President Reagan visits
China.
photo by Carley Nail
Splashes of green and orange flew across campus as ULM students had a color war. It was hosted by CAB and North Monroe College Ministry as part of Spring Fever Week.
April 26, 2021
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
PAGE 3
OPINION
HAWKEYE P.O.V.
COVID-19
Peer pressuring people to get Derek Chauvin found guilty, COVID-19 vaccine is wrong there's more to be done Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd on Tuesday. This was a big step toward the end of police brutality. However, there’s more to be done. First, we have to hold police officers accountable for their actions. If police officers do something wrong, they should be punished just like everyone else. Police officers are normal people like the rest of us. They shouldn’t be exempt from the law. Second, police officers need to be trained to deal with problems like mental health, sexual assault and domestic abuse. In these situations, police have very little knowledege as to how to de-escalate the situation. More training will allow police officers to turn to de-escalation techniques instead of violence. Lastly, we need more specific laws that says exactly what means of force police officers are allowed to use in specific situations. In Derek Chauvin’s trial, there was a lot of debate surrounding whether or not the amount of force he used on George Floyd’s neck was restricted. If there were specific laws, this debate would’ve never happened. Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict is a turning point for police brutality cases. But, we can’t stop now. There’s still a lot more work to do.
Stubbs 131 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 Editor-in-Chief - Kaitlin Maness Co-managing Editor Design - Sunil Bishwokarma Co-managing Editor News - Loryn Kykendall Opinion Editor - Chloe Chapel Freestyle Editor - Uchechi Owunna Sports Editor - Cameron Jett Copy Editor - Carley Nail Multimedia Editor - Saugat Shrestha Photo Editor - Calli Sinclair 318-342-5453 ulmhawkeyead@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in personal columns are the opinions of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the editors, staff, adviser or the university. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Hawkeye’s editorial board, but not necessarily the opinions of the adviser or the university. The Hawkeye (USPS #440-700) is published weekly except vacation, exam & holiday periods by The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209. Annual subscription price is $15.00. Periodicals Postage Paid at Monroe, LA 71203. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hawkeye, 700 University Ave., Stubbs 131, Monroe, LA 71209-8832.
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Don’t agree? Let us know! Contact the writers or the editor at chapelcb@warhawks.ulm.edu
Erin Copeland Peer pressure is something we learn about from a young age. We are told not to be peer pressured into cheating in elementary school. Not to be peer pressured into bullying in middle school. Not to be peer pressured into drinking in high school. But where is the line drawn in adulthood? We’re all being peer pressured into getting the COVID-19 vaccine by news stations, political leaders and the CDC because it’s “the right thing to do.” What if it’s not what I want to do? I shouldn’t be pressured into getting a vaccine because I am told it’s the right thing to do. The first problem with the vaccine is it hasn't been approved by the FDA. According to WOTL 11 News, a vaccine is approved by the FDA once it has been researched for years and 100% of evidence has been gathered. For the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA allows it to be administered under an emergency use authorization. This means they looked at the current research and
evidence and used that to determine if it was safe. While it may be authorized, it is not approved. So, if I don’t want to get it yet or at all, I shouldn’t feel like I have to. But everywhere you turn, it is shoved in your face. Every day on the news, you see something about why you must get the vaccine. One example is an article posted by Ryan Prior on CNN. The article was titled “How to speak to someone who’s hesitant to get vaccinated.” But what it should’ve said was “How to persuade someone who is hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine to get it anyway.” In the article, Prior suggests that readers stress “social norms” to persuade hesitant coworkers, friends and family to get the shot. By this he means you should coerce them into getting it because you have. That’s the definition of peer pressure. My mom was persauded in this same way. Many of her coworkers got the vaccine, so they pressured her into getting it too even though she didn’t really want to. If something ends up happening to her down the line because she got the vaccine, who will have to deal with the consequences? It certainly won’t be her coworkers. We advise people to not be peer pressured into drinking or smoking, so why is it okay to peer pressure someone into getting a vaccine? If someone doesn’t want to get the vaccine, they shouldn’t feel like they have to. contact Erin Copeland at lawrents@warhawks.ulm.edu
Environmental Issues
Protect the planet after Earth Day
Trevor Lawrence Throughout my entire childhood, I was upset to see that once a year, my favorite cartoons wouldn’t air for an entire day. The Earth Day challenge ruined my cartoon time. As I got older, I began understand the weight this slight delay held. It encouraged kids to go outside and play and educate them about how to save the planet in celebration of Earth Day. According to Time Magazine, Earth Day started in 1970 by former senator Gaylord Nelson. In the same year, President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency to federally regulate water and air pollution, according to Business Insider. Before the EPA was created, big companies could
release smog and toxins into the environment. In New York, the smog was so thick you could not see buildings and bridges in front of you, according to Popular Science. When former President Trump was in office, there was of talk about cutting the EPA’s budget. This is very harmful to the environment because it could erase the work that has been done. However, there are actions you take to help. Some things include unplugging electronics you aren’t using, like your toaster or coffee maker and biking or walking to school or work. As a university, ULM needs to educate people more about being environmentally conscience by harping on the importance of recycling and not littering on campus. As a community, we volunteer at Earth Day events that can be found on earthday.org. According to the University of Arizona, one third of all plant and animal species could go extinct by 2070 if we don’t take action. The smallest bit can make a big difference along the way, and if we all work together, we can help save the planet. I plan to bike and walk to class and work whenever I can. What will you change? contact Trevor Lawrence at lawrents@warhawks.ulm.edu
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THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
April 26, 2021
FREESTYLE
Warhawks groove 'silently' during Spring Fever dance by Adrena Williams
Imagine walking into a room of over 150 students singing off-key with absolutely no music on. Some singing the same song; a few singing a different one. Some dancing to the Bunny Hop; some doing the Cupid Shuffle. How confused do you think you would be? This is what happened at Silent Disco last Tuesday night. It was hosted by 31 Ambassadors and Campus Activities Board, making it John McKeel’s final event to host. McKeel, CAB’s president, said, "I was sad to see my time as CAB president winding down but proud that my last event had such a great turnout for the students.” Walking into the event, you received a pair of fluorescent headphones that turned red, green or blue. Each color stood for a different music channel. This way, you never had a song you didn’t like playing through the headphones. The music varied from throwbacks to line dancing all the way to gospel. There were upbeat songs then a switch up to slower feel-good music. Students tapped each other every time a good song came on their channel so their friend would change their's to see what the other was talking about. Morgan Andrews, senior toxicology major, said, "I enjoyed the variety of music that the DJs played in the headphones. It was my first time going since I’ve been here, and I loved it.” The crowd and dance floor was packed. If you turned off your headphones for just a split second, you could hear the hundreds of students singing off-key yet still enjoying themselves. Just in case you got hungry, 31 Ambassadors and CAB did not skip out on food. They had free wings and drinks provided on the side of the room for anyone who wanted it. As you left the event, students handed over their headphones to be cleaned and stored away. Silent Disco was introduced last year for the first time. Many students hope to see it become an annual event. Kyra Robinson, a junior psychology major, said she wants to come back next year. "It’s fun to see everyone listening to their style of music while still interacting with others around them," Robinson said. "It’s different from just a normal style party.”
contact Adrena Willams at williaaj@warhawks.ulm.edu
Mud, sports bring Warhawks, Monroe community together by Braylon Beinvenue
As Grace Ebang walked toward University Park to watch Oozeball, a longtime ULM tradition, she was surprised to see so many people at the event. Ebang, a P1 pharmacy major, attended Oozeball with some friends. Ebang transferred to ULM in 2019, but because of Ebang COVID-19, she attended her first Oozeball tournament this year. She was not disappointed. "I had about three friends that competed in the tournament. I saw it as an opportunity to support my friends while also watching other teams compete," Ebang said. Students got really muddy and sweaty on Friday for the annual Oozeball competition, hosted by 31 Ambassadors and the Alumni Association.
The event took place right outside University Park with 25 teams of six competing tournament style. Embracing the messiness of the mud, many Warhawks and members of the Monroe community showed up in good spirits and cheered for their favorite teams. With a gloomy sky and a few raindrops here and there, the audience came prepared for unpredictable weather. The venue was filled with a lot of raincoat clad people and others with umbrellas. The competitors brought their best efforts and left it all in the playing pits. Chris Williams, Greek Life coordinator, hosted this year's event for the first time. He was prepared to deliver an Oozeball tournament worth getting muddy for. "Just like anything that I host, I will keep it fun and entertaining,” Williams said. “This weather is not going to stop anything–especially not for the participants. This is Oozeball, a little more water won’t
hurt.” Antasia Rhodes, senior kinesiology major, said the event was right up her alley. "I love attending Williams sporting events," Rhodes said. "Especially ones like this where you can witness friendly competition and competition that involves mud.” The Radio People provided sweet tunes for the spectators to groove to. They parked their mobile trailer, which looked like a jukebox, near University Park and pumped music from their trailer. The music kept the competitors bringing their A-game throughout
the tournament. "Even though I do not think I will be competing next year," Ebang said. "I will attend the event again and support my friends and other students that decide to compete." The hosts also kept the participants nourished with pizza, soda and water. At the beginning of the event, Williams said, “Rain or shine, the fun must go on.” The fun did go on. All competitors left coated in mud from head to toe. The crowd were not left out, as they made new friends, memories and walked away with a lot of laughter. contact Braylon Beinvenue at beinvenuebr@warhawks.ulm.edu
photo courtesy ULM photo services
photo by Adrena Williams
LET'S GET MUDDY: Contestants compete in Oozeball with friendly spirits. The Monroe community cheer and unite over the tournament.
April 26, 2021
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
PAGE 5 FREESTYLE
Spring Fever celebrates music by showcasing local musicians at Bayou Park by Calli Sinclair
The sound of a finely tuned guitar and a smooth southern voice began to ring through the air, drawing in crowds of eager listeners. Students sat around Bayou Park clutching chip bags, snow cones and coke cans as the music echoed throughout the park. Three sets of unique and musically diverse acts were performed during the outdoor concert, offering the crowd a different taste from the last performance. From mellow country to psychedelic rock to rap, these artists all gave students something to dance, relax or sing along to.
Stephen Paul, country star and ULM alumnus, gave our campus a grand taste of southern finery with his Gibson Les Paul and soothing, southern drawl. Paul strummed the strings of his instrument and clouds parted above, allowing the many rays of sunlight to irradiate the brown-hued body of the guitar as he played. Ever since his father put him on a set of drums when he was two, he has been a lover of and devotee to music, especially southern sounds. Paul has an extensive background in music. He was in several cover bands when he was a student. Today, Paul creates a mix between the traditional and modern pop-country. Paul has felt the effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic that has rocked the music industry and world. “It’s been difficult for artists to record because it’s expensive, and many artists struggle,” Paul said. “Anytime you support a local artist, it’s a big deal. Share their music, buy merch.” After Paul's performance, local band Six O’clock Traffic, an eightpiece psychedelic rock band with math-rock elements, took the stage, emitting bass guitar tunes paired with groovy guitar chords and a powerful female voice. The band’s talent is evident through the sounds of a rich synthesizer, guitar, bass, drums, berry saxophone, trombone and strong vocals. With a melodious combination of talents, Six O’clock Traffic brings a charismatic and spunky presence to the stage. Tyler Schweinefus, Six O’clock Traffic bassist and songwriter, said he believes supporting local music will always be important, but bands need support now more than ever before.
“It’s extremely important to support other bands," Schweinefus said. "One of the best ways to support a band is to not stream their music, but actually buy it.” Rap artist MainMain grabbed the crowd’s attention with his upbeat, humorous verses and fiery beats. MainMain is a dedicated solo artist who consistently wows listeners with his unique verses and confident stage presence. Kaylee Sadler, a junior english major, enjoyed MainMain’s performance. “His energy was great and a strong crowd interaction,” Sadler said. All artists who performed at the event have music available on different platforms such as YouTube, Sadler Spotify and Apple Music. contact Calli Sinclair at sinclac@warhawks.ulm.edu
photo by Carley Nail
MAY THE BEST COLOR WIN: Students fight it out in a colorful battle of orange and green.
photo by Calli Sinclair
Students compete in heated battle of colors by Carley Nail
Holding cups filled with color, muscles coiled and ready to attack, Warhawks awaited the final countdown. “One, two, three–Color War!” Two teams full of energy and excitement dipped their cups into the bucket of their designated color. After Warhawks had loaded their cups, they proceeded to slaughter their opponents in a battle of powdered colors. Spring Fever plans for Tuesday afternoon started with North Monroe College handing out free white t-shirts and masks. The day ended around 4 p.m. with everyone at Bayou Park, along with the grasses, covered in a whirlwind of orange and green. Reagan Driskoll, freshman prenursing major, said the most memorable part of the event was “everyone coming together and just throwing color at each other.” Driskoll said the color war was fun, and she would attend again. North Monroe College, a church ministry for college students, hosted the Color War with Campus Activities Board. North Monroe College partnered with CAB in previous events, such as the Freshman Color War, that occurred in the fall semester during Welcome Week. Abbigail Spikes, sophomore communication major and CAB member, said that CAB is open to planning more events with North Monroe. These kinds of events serve as an opportunity for diverse groups of students to get together. “I thought it was pretty awesome,” Spikes said. “A lot of people got to meet new people and throwing colors at each other was a cool icebreaker.” As the vicious battle of colors raged, the ferocious green team reigned victoriously. The orange team hung their heads low as they walked away defeated. Although the Color War sounds like an event where people may feel divided, it was used to unite students. Kendal Clayton, North Monroe’s college pastor, said they hosted this event for ULM students to come and get to know others while eating snacks or participating in the war. “We do events like this on campus to meet new students, connect with them and hopefully let them know that they have a place to belong,” Clayton said. While the Color War left the teams with the attitude of “May the best color win,” it led to new friendships and gave students a small relaxing break from the end of semester blues. contact Carley Nail at nailcn@warhawks.ulm.edu
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THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
April 26, 2021
NEWS
Feature
Saulsberry named ‘Social Worker of the Year’ Director of diversity and equity wins national social work award
She is living proof that effort, decency and pursuit of what is right will pay off.”
by Kaitlin Maness
For Pamela Saulsberry, social work is more than a job—it’s a calling. And she has answered the phone. Saulsberry, ULM’s executive director of diversity and equity, was named ‘Social Worker of the Year’ by the National Association of Social Workers earlier this month. Evelyn Jenkins, the chairperson of NASW-LA’s Monroe chapter, nominated her for the title. “Dr. Saulsberry set the standard for social workers in Northeast Louisiana and has been a positive role model for many of us during her career,” Jenkins said. When choosing her college major many years ago, the string of fate tugged Saulsberry in the direction of social work. She was drawn to the profession’s core values before even truly knowing what they were. “I knew I liked to help people help themselves and I never liked people to be treated unfairly or disrespected,” Saulsberry said. “That was reflected and inherit in the social work profession.” Over the years, Saulsberry has held numerous titles, worked on several boards and tackled a plethora of issues. Her first job as a professional social worker was being a community aide. Community aides help their clients gain access to social benefits and services. Saulsberry said earning this title affirmed her status as a social worker. “I know the competition for this award, the types of contributions those in this category have made,” Saulsberry said. “Therefore, to become the one recipient of this award will perhaps be one of the greatest affirmations I will experience.” Others believe Saulsberry’s status was affirmed long ago. William McCown, the director of the College of Business and Social Sciences, has known Saulsberry since the early 2000s. He said he learns something new from her almost every day. From Saulsberry’s clinical skills to her compassionate heart, McCown follows her “strong and continuous example.”
William McCown, psychology professor
photos courtesy ULM photo services
THE PURSUIT OF WHAT IS RIGHT: Pamela Saulsberry won the title of ‘Social Worker of the Year,’ a highly competitive national award.
So, it came to no surprise to him when she was awarded the title of Social Worker of the Year. “Even in a profession known for its caring and intense sacrifice, [Saulsberry] simply McCown stands out as exceptional,” McCown said. “She is living proof that effort, decency and pursuit of what is right will pay off.” At the end of every email, Saulsberry includes two quotes: “The greatest mistake we often make is living in constant fear that we will make one” and “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Interim Dean Peggy Lane of
ULM’s College of Business and Social Sciences said she believes this is a testament to Saulsberry’s “unwavering enthusiasm.” Saulsberry has impacted several people’s lives as a social worker and professor. Many of those people have Lane been children or students. And to her, that’s the best part of the job. “I call that the ‘paycheck’ one can never spend,” Saulsberry said. “That feeling stays with me.” contact Kaitlin Maness at manessk@warhawks.ulm.edu
UNWAVERING DEVOTION: Saulsberry has always been involved in social work. She started as a community aide, helping people access social benefits.
April 26, 2021
PAGE 7
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
NEWS
Faculty Achievement
Professor receives $1.65 million grant for lung cancer research
by Loryn Kykendall
For people who have non-small cell lung cancer, the odds of survival are bleak. The survival rate is only about 20%. And while radiation and chemotherapy—the most common treatments for cancer—do kill cancer cells, they also kill a person’s healthy cells. Or they develop a resistance to treatments. That’s why Seetharama Jois, a Ph.D. and College of Pharmacy professor, decided to find a better way to treat non-small lung cancer. And he was awarded a $1.65 million grant to do it. Jois first applied for the National Institutes of Health grant in February 2020. Researchers from all over the country apply for this type of funding each year. Jois himself had applied twice before his successful third try. According to LaWanna Gilbert-Bell, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research, this grant is the highest award possible from the NIH. “It reiterates and highlights the profound research being conducted by our distinguished faculty,” Gilbert-Bell said. The grant will last for five years. In that time, Jois will be working to develop a drug that can be taken orally and will stop the growth of lung cancer cells.
The reason a drug like this has never been developed is because the type of proteins that can stop cancer cell growth, called peptides, break up and digest in a person’s system before they’re able to attack the bad cells. That’s where the sunflower seed proteins come in. Sunflower seed proteins are stable. So Jois will use a process called grafting to replace some of the peptide chemicals with the stable peptide proteins. This will let the peptides enter a person’s body without being broken down and digested. And they’ll be able to stop the cancer cells from Liu multiplying. Jois will be collaborating on this research with Yong-Yu Liu, a cancer pharmacologist at the College of Pharmacy and lung cancer researcher from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Liu has known of Jois and his cancer research for almost 15 years. He said the work Jois is doing right now is “amazing and attractive.” Jois said the thing that attracts him to lung cancer research is the sheer amount of people it affects. According to the American Cancer Society,
photo courtesy ULM photo services
THIRD TIME’S A CHARM: Seetharama Jois, a professor at the College of Pharmacy, has received a grant to research a possible lung cancer treatment involving sunflower seed proteins.
about 132,000 people have died of lung and bronchus cancer so far this year. “Ultimately, it can help a lot of people,” Jois said. He said while it won’t be a complete cure, at
least it will improve the lives of those suffering from lung cancer. contact Loryn Kykendall at kykendalllk@warhawks.ulm.edu
Health Sciences
Physical therapy movement center, neuromuscular lab unveiled
by Loryn Kykendall
Some people’s legacies are too powerful to disappear once they’ve died. Lucy Shackelford and Kitty DeGree are two of those people. At ULM, Shackelford and DeGree are held in high esteem, especially in the eyes of health sciences students and faculty. Last week, the new Lucy Shackelford Human Movement Center and Kitty DeGree Neuromuscular Lab were unveiled. VanHoose Lisa VanHoose, director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, said the legacies of Shackelford and DeGree are “crucial in the development” of the DPT program. “We are excited to offer an innovative curriculum, learning spaces and equipment for our future doctors of physical therapy who will start in August 2022,” VanHoose said. photo courtesy Bertec Before her death in 2000, Shackelford was LEGACY OF GIVING: The Lucy Shackelford Human Movement Center and Kitty DeGree a kinesiology professor at ULM. Her family created an endowment named after her in Neuromuscular Lab were unveiled last week, including a Bertec station available to the public.
2003. The endowment donated more than $200,000 to the DPT program this year, which allowed for the human movement center to be built. The department was able to buy new tables and exercise equipment for the center. The Kitty DeGree Foundation donated $50,000 to the DPT program in 2019. This was used to build the Rogers neuromuscular lab. The foundation donated another $160,000 last year, which was used to purchase a new Bertec Station for the lab. A Bertec Station assesses a person’s neuromuscular balance and mobility issues. It’s available for members of the community to use with their physical therapists. Cindy Rogers, president of the Kitty DeGree Foundation, said DeGree would have loved the neuromuscular lab, because it’s good for the university while also helping the community.
contact Loryn Kykendall at kykendalllk@warhawks.ulm.edu
PAGE 8
THE STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
April 26, 2021
SPORTS
Football
Youth, experience collide in new staff by Cameron Jett & Jonah Bostick
A team is only as good as the sum of its parts. While ULM had a monumental signing in head coach Terry Bowden, he knew he would only be as good as the team around him. With this in mind, his search started for his coordinators. For offense, he sought out Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez brings with him over 160 wins and 21 years of experience as a Division I head coach. On defense, Bowden used his Clemson connections to hire Zac Alley. Alley most recently served as the linebackers coach at Boise State after attending Clemson as a graduate assistant. Now, at 26, he is the youngest coordinator in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. “I’m going to surround myself with people who know how to win and understand what it takes to win: the amount of commitment and the amount of effort,” Bowden said. “I’m assembling the right staff to coach championship football here at ULM.” The two coordinators have already shown glimpses of their potential with a tightly-contested spring game. Both the offense and defense found success and made big plays. With summer training
photo courtesy ULM athletics
A NEW WAVE: With a revamped coaching staff, Warhawks football is looking to write off the mistakes of last season. Zac Alley (right) is tasked with revamping the defense. Rich Rodriguez (left) will make the play calls for the offense.
ahead, the team will improve from there. “Zac is a rising star in the business,” Rodriguez said. “He has the right mindset to be flexible enough to fit what our guys can do.” Alley, while he lacks experience, makes up for it with his potential. He
brings energy to every practice that players say is contagious. His work with the defensive unit at Boise State helped them finish in the top-25 in two seasons. During his time as a graduate assistant at Clemson, the Tigers won two national titles. “We both have the same men-
tality” Alley said. “We both coach aggressive with an attacking mindset.” Rodriguez, at 57, has the experience needed to take on the challenge of a rebuild. He has been the head coach for multiple big-name programs, including Michigan, Arizona
and West Virginia. In seven years with the Mountaineers, he won four Big East titles. He was also named Big East Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2005 while with West Virginia, and was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2014 while with Arizona. Rodriguez is no stranger to the Bowden family. He worked at football camps with Terry’s legendary father Bobby Bowden. He was the offensive coordiator for Terry’s brother Tommy Bowden at Tulane and Clemson. The hires come at a pivotal time for the Warhawks, as the program is currently going through a massive rebuild following an 0-10 season. Alley has a plethora of defensive players to work with, both veteran and rookies. Rodriguez has to adjust to two stars entering the draft and finding a starting quarterback. His son Rhett Rodriguez is a potential stater at QB. With the spring game now behind them, the coaches still have work to do. Summer workouts will help the coaches continue to shape the team’s identity moving forward to a new era of football at ULM. contact Cameron Jett at jettcm@warhawks.ulm.edu contact Jonah Bostick at bostickjm@warhawks.ulm.edu
Baseball
Warhawks shut out 5-0 by SEC’s LSU by Jonah Bostick
ULM baseball (13-19) put 11 runners on the base against the SEC’s LSU (22-14). This forced the Tigers to use eight different pitchers. However, the Warhawks failed to score any of these runners and were shut out 5-0. This was their final matchup against an SEC team, finishing with two wins and three losses. After being shut out, the ULM has lost five of their last seven games. They hosted Southern University for a three-game series later in the week. The Warhawks had runners in the first two innings, but were unable to score. The Tigers took advantage and struck in the third inning with a single from Cade Doughty, scor-
ing Tre’ Morgan. This started a allowing four hits and one run. four inning stretch of scoring for Out of the eight pitchers LSU the Tigers. used during the game, the win In the bottom of the fourth, Alex was granted to Will Hellmers. He Milazzo singled to the left side, tossed three innings and recordwhich scored Giovanni DiGia- ed one strikeout with three hits como. allowed and no runs. In the bottom of the fifth, Gavin The Warhawks have one series Dugas produced a single down against a Power Five school left the right side and scored Dylan on their schedule. They travel to Crews. face the BIG-12’s TCU on May 14. In the sixth inning, after a Although the Warhawks are throwing error, baserunners Di- currently in last place in the West Giacomo and Jordan Thompson Division in the Sun Belt, their scored the final points of the chances for the NCAA tournagame at 5-0. ment are still alive. Despite the Warhawks producThey can earn an automatic bid ing seven hits and having six to the NCAA tournament with a leadoff baserunners, the War- Sun Belt Conference Championhawks remained scoreless. ship title. Tyler Len was given the loss, photo courtesy LSU atheletics which makes his season record 3-2. He threw for three innings, contact Jonah Bostick at MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: Despite seven hits, the Warhawks couldn’t capitalize and recording three strikeouts while bostickjm@warhawks.ulm.edu were shut out by LSU 5-0.