UNA DEFENSIVE ASPECT- As the undefeated 3-0 Lions prepare for their second away game of the season, they prepare themselves not only for their next opponent, but also with the challenge of maintaining a solid defense.
The No. 3 ranked Lion’s prepare for toughest challenge thus far this season in the Lambuth Eagles
By Alexander N. Brown-Clay
456 Words
FLORENCE- As accustomed, the University of North Alabama Lions have had another strong week of practice. Now, as this week draws to an end, anticipation mounts as fans and onlookers of the sort watch to see if the Lions can keep up their strong defensive play.
So far this season, the Lion’s intimidating defense has made their presence known. Offenses have been hitting a wall in their offensive rushing attack as no team this season has managed to exceed 100 rushing yards in a game against the Lion’s. In that same respect, no team has managed more than 300 total yards in offense against them either. Statistics also reveal that this defense has not allowed any opponent this season to score a touchdown in the second half of play. More specifically, the defense hasn’t allowed more than one touchdown per game and has averaged two interceptions per game.
Terell Bailey, defensive back for the UNA Lions, gave this accomplishment of defensive success to the coaches and fellow teammates as a whole. In an interview with Bailey, he mentioned that the intensity on the field of both players and coaches alike is in part, reason for their success.
“…the coaches come out for practice intense and we do a lot of repetition. Everybody is paying attention, doing their part, and yeah, we do a lot of repetition and make sure we get everything right,” said Bailey.
Bailey also mentioned that the defensive game plan hasn’t changed much from the previous year, just that the coaching staff does well at mixing up the defensive packages, keeping their opponent’s offense on their toes. When asked if anybody on the defense has stepped up as a leader, Bailey gave homage to defensive end Courtney Harris and defensive back C.J. Foster. He said that their leadership on the field makes the other teammates want to perform better and get things right the first time around.
The Lambuth Eagles are averaging 18.7 points a game so far this season and have already upset No. 8 ranked West Alabama on the road in a 14-13 victory last Saturday. Whether or not the Lion’s defense can maintain their strong defensive play and shut down the Eagles in their first home game of the season will be decided this weekend in Jackson at Trinity Christian Academy.
Alexander N. Brown-Clay is an undergraduate of UNA double majoring in Entertainment Publicity Promotions and Public Relations
Source: www.roarlions.com/Lion_Sports/Football
Friday, September 24, 2010
Division I Switch
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA FOOTBALL―UNA is undergoing a possible Division switch from Division II to possibly Division I.
Should We Stay, or Should We Go?
By Will Riley
443 Words
FLORENCE ― The center of Florence, The University of North Alabama, is filled with rumors of a new Division for the upcoming football season.
UNA is currently a member of the Gulf South Conference, and is experiencing difficulties with teams leaving the conference. Currently, there are 6 GSC universities in Ark. that are forming a new conference, leaving UNA in the same conference with fewer teams; thus, leaving UNA with fewer home games. If UNA remains in the GSC, then she will not generate as much money at games due to the lack of home games. Also, during the regular season, it leaves the team to play the same teams on numerous occasions.
There was a crucial question brought up at the Sept 10th BOT meeting: ‘Can we stay any longer and still satisfy the community?’
With the loss of the teams, and the fact that UNA’s enrollment is at an all time high for the 3rd year in a row, the possibility of switching Divisions is becoming feasible in the eyes of UNA administration.
“Change is inevitable. What determines success or failure is determined by how we respond to the change,” claims Josh Woods, Direction of University Communications.
Woods believes that “our cheese has been moved.” He quotes from the 23 million copied bestselling book, “Who Moved My Cheese,” by Spencer Johnson. The book tells of when certain organizational changes arise, we should go along with a change because change is usually for the better.
Woods is in support of switching to Division I only if it is best for not only the university, but the entire community. There are different peaks and valleys in switching to a larger division, but “we will not switch if it in anyway harms another organization on campus,” states Woods.
Woods may be in favor of the switch, but the question remains, “are we ready to switch?” Woods does not know the answers. Even the coaches are still pondering because Woods proclaimed that we would not switch until 2011 . . . at the earliest.
Even though the switch would not go into effect until the next football season, we should prepare for the changes within switching to a different division: tuition increase, additional/removal of intramurals, different football teams, renovations to campus, and even modifications to city of Florence.
This is a serious matter that students should not take lightly because UNA will be switching divisions in the next few years, so students should be seeing a new UNA in the next few months. There will be a science building and student commons building to compensate for enrollment.
Will Riley is an undergraduate student of UNA majoring in Entertainment Management.
Should We Stay, or Should We Go?
By Will Riley
443 Words
FLORENCE ― The center of Florence, The University of North Alabama, is filled with rumors of a new Division for the upcoming football season.
UNA is currently a member of the Gulf South Conference, and is experiencing difficulties with teams leaving the conference. Currently, there are 6 GSC universities in Ark. that are forming a new conference, leaving UNA in the same conference with fewer teams; thus, leaving UNA with fewer home games. If UNA remains in the GSC, then she will not generate as much money at games due to the lack of home games. Also, during the regular season, it leaves the team to play the same teams on numerous occasions.
There was a crucial question brought up at the Sept 10th BOT meeting: ‘Can we stay any longer and still satisfy the community?’
With the loss of the teams, and the fact that UNA’s enrollment is at an all time high for the 3rd year in a row, the possibility of switching Divisions is becoming feasible in the eyes of UNA administration.
“Change is inevitable. What determines success or failure is determined by how we respond to the change,” claims Josh Woods, Direction of University Communications.
Woods believes that “our cheese has been moved.” He quotes from the 23 million copied bestselling book, “Who Moved My Cheese,” by Spencer Johnson. The book tells of when certain organizational changes arise, we should go along with a change because change is usually for the better.
Woods is in support of switching to Division I only if it is best for not only the university, but the entire community. There are different peaks and valleys in switching to a larger division, but “we will not switch if it in anyway harms another organization on campus,” states Woods.
Woods may be in favor of the switch, but the question remains, “are we ready to switch?” Woods does not know the answers. Even the coaches are still pondering because Woods proclaimed that we would not switch until 2011 . . . at the earliest.
Even though the switch would not go into effect until the next football season, we should prepare for the changes within switching to a different division: tuition increase, additional/removal of intramurals, different football teams, renovations to campus, and even modifications to city of Florence.
This is a serious matter that students should not take lightly because UNA will be switching divisions in the next few years, so students should be seeing a new UNA in the next few months. There will be a science building and student commons building to compensate for enrollment.
Will Riley is an undergraduate student of UNA majoring in Entertainment Management.
Kalon Borden Beat Story 1- REALTORS SEE DECLINE IN BUSINESS
REALTORS SEE DECLINE IN BUSINESS— Local realtor, Janet Griffin, discussed how she and other local realtors at Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty have seen a decline in business due to the current recession.Borden/real estate
Local realtor, Janet Griffin, talked about how she first started out with a lot of business and would walk into a real estate office filled with noise due to phones ringing off the hook for business, but now she comes to work, and the office is a quiet deserted office filled with realtors longing for new customers. By Kalon Borden
569 Words
MUSCLE SHOALS — Local realtor, Janet Griffin, threw her hands up in frustration as she discussed how the recession has contributed to the lack of business she has been getting.
A silent Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty real estate office with no customers and no phones ringing was the first thing that Griffin pointed out when first asked about the decline in business.
Griffin, who has been a realtor for six years, was in shock by how just a couple of years earlier, she could not stop her cell phone from ringing due to customers looking for houses. “The lack of business came out of nowhere,” said Griffin.
Griffin described how when she first started working for Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty (which used to just be called Coldwell Banker) there were customers left and right. Even though not every customer bought a house or a piece of land, Griffin enjoyed talking to the customers and getting to know them. “Now I hardly get any phone calls, and when I do get one, I get my hopes up thinking it might be a customer, but it turns out to be something else,” said Griffin.
When asked why Griffin thought there has been a decline in business, Griffin without hesitation, blamed the recession. “When I do get calls from potential customers, and they back out of buying a house, they mostly say the reason for this is because either they cannot afford a new home, or they are afraid that the banks will take advantage of them,” said Griffin.
Griffin has taken extra measures to try and get more business. “I have done everything from baking cookies and providing drinks at open houses, to going door to door introducing myself as a realtor and that I would really appreciate their business,” said Griffin.
When asked whether or not anything can be done to fix this problem with the economy, Griffin replied: “Honestly, I don’t think anything can be done; I mean, if customers are scared of the banks taking advantage of them when applying for a loan, there is only so much us realtors can do except to try and explain to them tools to keep them from being taken advantage of, but they do not find that as encouraging as us (realtors) do.”
Griffin went on to explain that Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty is not the only real estate company that is experiencing problems. “I have many close friends at other real estate companies that are experiencing the same problems that Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty and I are experiencing. Some of my friends have worked in the real estate business way longer than I have, and it is truly heart breaking to see my friends struggling due to the recession,” said Griffin.
When asked if there have been any signs that things will get better, Griffin just shrugged and said: “All I can hope for is the best. I have a good family and husband that can provide for our family while business is down, but for my friends’ and business’s sake, I sure hope this recession ends soon.”
Kalon Borden is a secondary education/English major at UNA.
Local realtor, Janet Griffin, talked about how she first started out with a lot of business and would walk into a real estate office filled with noise due to phones ringing off the hook for business, but now she comes to work, and the office is a quiet deserted office filled with realtors longing for new customers. By Kalon Borden
569 Words
MUSCLE SHOALS — Local realtor, Janet Griffin, threw her hands up in frustration as she discussed how the recession has contributed to the lack of business she has been getting.
A silent Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty real estate office with no customers and no phones ringing was the first thing that Griffin pointed out when first asked about the decline in business.
Griffin, who has been a realtor for six years, was in shock by how just a couple of years earlier, she could not stop her cell phone from ringing due to customers looking for houses. “The lack of business came out of nowhere,” said Griffin.
Griffin described how when she first started working for Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty (which used to just be called Coldwell Banker) there were customers left and right. Even though not every customer bought a house or a piece of land, Griffin enjoyed talking to the customers and getting to know them. “Now I hardly get any phone calls, and when I do get one, I get my hopes up thinking it might be a customer, but it turns out to be something else,” said Griffin.
When asked why Griffin thought there has been a decline in business, Griffin without hesitation, blamed the recession. “When I do get calls from potential customers, and they back out of buying a house, they mostly say the reason for this is because either they cannot afford a new home, or they are afraid that the banks will take advantage of them,” said Griffin.
Griffin has taken extra measures to try and get more business. “I have done everything from baking cookies and providing drinks at open houses, to going door to door introducing myself as a realtor and that I would really appreciate their business,” said Griffin.
When asked whether or not anything can be done to fix this problem with the economy, Griffin replied: “Honestly, I don’t think anything can be done; I mean, if customers are scared of the banks taking advantage of them when applying for a loan, there is only so much us realtors can do except to try and explain to them tools to keep them from being taken advantage of, but they do not find that as encouraging as us (realtors) do.”
Griffin went on to explain that Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty is not the only real estate company that is experiencing problems. “I have many close friends at other real estate companies that are experiencing the same problems that Coldwell Banker Tennessee Valley Realty and I are experiencing. Some of my friends have worked in the real estate business way longer than I have, and it is truly heart breaking to see my friends struggling due to the recession,” said Griffin.
When asked if there have been any signs that things will get better, Griffin just shrugged and said: “All I can hope for is the best. I have a good family and husband that can provide for our family while business is down, but for my friends’ and business’s sake, I sure hope this recession ends soon.”
Kalon Borden is a secondary education/English major at UNA.
Calendar of Upcoming Local Music Events
THE SHOALS COMES ALIVE
By Kyle McKinney
Word Count: 507
THE SHOALS COMES ALIVE
Local music brings life to the Shoals this fall
The Muscle Shoals area contains a rich musical history that lives on every year in its musical culture. This fall season holds much potential for this to live on. Local musicians will play in their own area for their friends and neighbors.
Among the larger scale events occurring, the Muscle Shoals Music CityFest will be held on October 2-3 at the
On November 16, the W. C. Handy Birthday Celebration will take place at the
In contrast to the large open events, other acts play around the Shoals in various locations such as the Smokehouse Bar & Grill, the Trojan House, the Black Owl Trading Company, Pegasus Records and the First Friday events in downtown
Local rock band
Pruitt also plays in an acoustic duo with
One of the more rare acts from the Shoals and
On a sad note, however, the closing of the Old Town Tavern in
Even without the Old Town Tavern, this season promises great music for anyone in the area that wants to hear it. Kyle McKinney is a student at UNA majoring in English.
What is Art? Entertainment That is the Question by DeForrest Brown
Art is an interesting thing. The kind of thing that fuels the soul. The kind of thing that every person wants to be apart of and wants to make. Art in its purist form brings out emotion, it forces one to come to a realization. Art is the sort of thing that entire lives and personalities are formed from. With that said, it would appear to be fairly obvious that there should be some degree of respect for it and its place in society. That both art and the artist should be hailed on the same plane as kings and celebrities. But there appears to be a block. A dilemma of sorts. Art, with all of its emotionality and intrinsic beauty has been put secondary. For example: one reads a book. The book is filled with the sort of beauty and ethereal qualities that could force a grown man into tears, but the ending doesn't give the reader a clear resolution. The reader is left to decide on their own what the ending means, both for themselves and in relation to the story itself. Now, that in general would upset audiences. The book doesn't sale. Most wouldn't be pleased with such a situation. The idea of there not being a concrete ending is rather disturbing. Its quite understandable that such open, ambiguous things frustrates the mind, but isn't something lost in that book if we choose to complain about the ending rather than discuss and dissect its position? If art is something that can force and evoke emotion doesn't it at least deserve a thorough examination. Doesn't it deserve to be pondered and dissected? This article really is about finding out the differences in the thoughts on art. Critics wants something emotional and “feel good”, audiences wants to be entertained, and artists just want to create an escape. So with those three perspectives in mind what is art? Is it merely entertainment or is it more?
A college professor was asked a few questions on the subject to more or less gauge a starting point. The professor was in a position to encompass all three perspectives:
What is art?
Truth, but truth is subjective; thus there is a dilemma. No?
What is taste?
Having a preference based on insight not influence.
Is an artist's job to entertain or to create?
There is a difference; to create and communicate is their main purpose, so entertainment is a bonus.
One of the main issues with trying to decide art's placement in society is that taste is such a big yet unreliable factor. Taste is really the singular reason why there is a dilemma. Taste confuses the mind and intake of information that a book, film, etc. gives out; thus truth can and almost always will be eclipsed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Athletes are Students Too
NCAA Student- Athletes - The term student- athlete is a very familiar term to the sports fans. The word that usually gets overlooked though is student. While being an athlete is great, succeeding in the classroom can be even more important in the long run.
Athletes, are Students, too
By Daven Henderson
658 Words
FLORENCE — There are over 380,000. 49,000 more actually compete during the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons. Most are described as big, strong, fast, agile, and powerful. There are those that can pass, dribble, shoot, and dunk. There are those that cheer. Some are flexible, can do back flips, cartwheels, and the splits. They start getting looked at by college coaches in high school(some even make verbal commitments in middle school). They start getting recruited by college coaches by the time they’re high school sophomores. When they get to college, some are instant college ‘’celebrities’‘ before they even take the field or the court. Some are looked at as the ones to ‘’save’‘ their program. Who are they? They are college athletes.
Being a college athlete can be a very good thing. Traveling to different arenas and stadiums. Forming a special bond with teammates and coaches. A lot of athletes even sign autographs. Athletes make families proud. Athletes win trophies, and they make fans cheer. The life of athletes seem very stress-free and easy going.
What was just described was only half of what athletes are. The term student- athlete is a term used to describe a college athlete. When athletes enroll in colleges and universities, they are given the label of student- athlete. So when talking about student- athletes, why is the latter part of that term usually the main focus? Athletes are students too, right? It is understandable how one can forget the student part of the term student- athlete, that is if that person isn’t the athlete. Just focusing on the athlete part of student - athlete, is the same as only looking at the cover of a book. Never opening it, and seeing what it’s really like on the inside. Athletes are students too. Their parents know it, their coaches know it, and more importantly, they know it. Athletes know that while it’s great to be a very successful athlete, it is more important to be even more successful in the classroom. One thing that happens a lot more today, is that professional athletes that left college early often go back to school to get their degree. A phrase often heard among athletes is, ‘’I want to be the first one in my family to graduate from college. ‘’
Athletes, and former athletes at The University of North Alabama feel that academics comes first always. ‘’ For me, being a student comes first, ‘’ said former UNA football player Jess Knight. Knight continued, ‘’I love football, but it won’t get me a degree.’‘ ’‘I can see how athletics could be favored though because if I didn’t know what I wanted to do after college, I’d want to play as long a possible. ‘’
Not only do athletes feel that being a student comes first, coaches also feel that academics are and should be a high priority on a student- athlete’s list. Terry Fowler, the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of North Alabama said, ‘’The best feeling is knowing that athletes succeed in the classroom. ‘’ Fowler has been at UNA for three and a half years, and has coached 42 players. ‘’Out of the 42 I’ve coached, 39 have graduated.’‘(it will be 40 in December). Fowler went on to say that there are academic goals that they have. ‘’Always be in the top 3rd, have a 3.0 GPA, no absence policy among the athletes, and graduate 100 percent of athletes. ‘’
Not all athletes continue playing after college, that is why there needs to be a plan. Fowler also said, ‘’The first thing we ask the athlete is, are you interested in a college degree?’‘ Fowler doesn’t say much when trying to encourage his players, ‘’ I try to set more of an example.’‘(he graduated from Lane College, and has a masters degree from the United States Sports Academy).
Athletes are students too. Most people only see what goes when they are on the field or the court. Student - athlete. Athletes are students too.
Daven Henderson is a student at UNA majoring in English.
Athletes, are Students, too
By Daven Henderson
658 Words
FLORENCE — There are over 380,000. 49,000 more actually compete during the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons. Most are described as big, strong, fast, agile, and powerful. There are those that can pass, dribble, shoot, and dunk. There are those that cheer. Some are flexible, can do back flips, cartwheels, and the splits. They start getting looked at by college coaches in high school(some even make verbal commitments in middle school). They start getting recruited by college coaches by the time they’re high school sophomores. When they get to college, some are instant college ‘’celebrities’‘ before they even take the field or the court. Some are looked at as the ones to ‘’save’‘ their program. Who are they? They are college athletes.
Being a college athlete can be a very good thing. Traveling to different arenas and stadiums. Forming a special bond with teammates and coaches. A lot of athletes even sign autographs. Athletes make families proud. Athletes win trophies, and they make fans cheer. The life of athletes seem very stress-free and easy going.
What was just described was only half of what athletes are. The term student- athlete is a term used to describe a college athlete. When athletes enroll in colleges and universities, they are given the label of student- athlete. So when talking about student- athletes, why is the latter part of that term usually the main focus? Athletes are students too, right? It is understandable how one can forget the student part of the term student- athlete, that is if that person isn’t the athlete. Just focusing on the athlete part of student - athlete, is the same as only looking at the cover of a book. Never opening it, and seeing what it’s really like on the inside. Athletes are students too. Their parents know it, their coaches know it, and more importantly, they know it. Athletes know that while it’s great to be a very successful athlete, it is more important to be even more successful in the classroom. One thing that happens a lot more today, is that professional athletes that left college early often go back to school to get their degree. A phrase often heard among athletes is, ‘’I want to be the first one in my family to graduate from college. ‘’
Athletes, and former athletes at The University of North Alabama feel that academics comes first always. ‘’ For me, being a student comes first, ‘’ said former UNA football player Jess Knight. Knight continued, ‘’I love football, but it won’t get me a degree.’‘ ’‘I can see how athletics could be favored though because if I didn’t know what I wanted to do after college, I’d want to play as long a possible. ‘’
Not only do athletes feel that being a student comes first, coaches also feel that academics are and should be a high priority on a student- athlete’s list. Terry Fowler, the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of North Alabama said, ‘’The best feeling is knowing that athletes succeed in the classroom. ‘’ Fowler has been at UNA for three and a half years, and has coached 42 players. ‘’Out of the 42 I’ve coached, 39 have graduated.’‘(it will be 40 in December). Fowler went on to say that there are academic goals that they have. ‘’Always be in the top 3rd, have a 3.0 GPA, no absence policy among the athletes, and graduate 100 percent of athletes. ‘’
Not all athletes continue playing after college, that is why there needs to be a plan. Fowler also said, ‘’The first thing we ask the athlete is, are you interested in a college degree?’‘ Fowler doesn’t say much when trying to encourage his players, ‘’ I try to set more of an example.’‘(he graduated from Lane College, and has a masters degree from the United States Sports Academy).
Athletes are students too. Most people only see what goes when they are on the field or the court. Student - athlete. Athletes are students too.
Daven Henderson is a student at UNA majoring in English.
Fall Dresses
FALL DRESSES – This article will not only highlight trends for Fall, but also give ways to transform summer sundresses and skirts to items that work for Fall as well. I will interview employees of department stores to see what trends are hot for fall, and I will interview students about their favorite brands and styles for fall. I will also discuss ways to make summer dresses work for fall.
Fall Dresses: What's new, what's in, how to make what's old fresh for this season
By Sydney Threet
436 Words
Warm oranges, yellows, reds and greens have always been the go-to fall colors, but these colors have generally been seen in sweaters, corduroy trousers and knee-length skirts. This autumn, however, is presenting the traditional colors as well as bright, unexpected colors, in dresses that have, until the past few years, been reserved for warmer months.
“Fall dresses have always been a popular item, but this year, we are seeing so many colors in dresses that we have never seen before” said Ali Dubach, a junior fashion merchandising student at UNA. Dubach also went on to say that the colors that are huge for fall dresses are purples, greens, reds and blues.
David Thornton, a sales associate at Belk and a self-proclaimed fashion guru, has also noticed the booming dress trends for Fall. “ We have so many new dresses for this season. There is lots of plaid and houndstooth, and sweater dresses in new colors and patterns are a high trending item right now” said Thornton.
Bell-shaped sleeves, above-the-knee hemlines and figure hugging fabrics seem to also be en vogue this Autumn. Many dresses from hot designers like Calvin Klein and Jessica Simpson feature empire waits, belts and floral detail. “Military detailing on everything is also very in this season” said Dubach.
“These trends for Fall can be incorporated into any wardrobe with one dress that really captures an individual's personality and the trends of the season” said Thornton when asked how to best incorporate the latest trends into a woman's wardrobe. He also said that any summer sundress can be made for Autumn by pairing it with a denim jacket or cardigan and a pair of boots.
Thornton also suggested making summer colors like turquoise and orange work for fall by pairing them with browns to make them appear more in line with the season. “If you can only buy a few things to transition your wardrobe from summer to Fall, make it a pair of brown casual boots, a nice denim jacket, and a dress that you can throw on for any occasion and wear with confidence” said Thornton.
Many UNA students have already gotten a head start on their Fall wardrobes. Sophomore Chelsea Keenum said that she is “dying for a pair of brown cowboy boots to wear with everything from jeans to dresses.” UNA freshman Alex Hollis said that she “can't wait to wear sweater dresses with patterned tights and cute flats.”
Fall trends can sometimes seem overwhelming, but this year when you're shopping, remember that a few key, trendy pieces can go a long way.
Sydney Threet is a student at the University of North Alabama studying Journalism
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