LRN LR JUSTICE FOR THE FANS
APPRECIATION FOR SENIOR CREATIONS M O N T H L Y
Lenoir-Rhyne University University School Journalism and Mass and Communication Program Lenoir-Rhyne of Journalism Mass Communication
LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 115 — ISSUE 6
April 2021
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Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2
SEPTEMBER 2015
fESTIVA LR pResident
Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication
ARE NEWSPAPERS TO DYING? RETIRE LR pResident LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2
SEPTEMBER 2015
TO RETIRE
A LOOK INTO THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD OF JOURNALISM Sarah C. Johnson | LRN Monthly Editor-in-Chief
Most of you think newspapers are dying and irrelevant, because you think that newspapers are just some thick stacks of folded grey pages. You are sorely mistaken. According to letter.ly, there are 1,260 daily newspapers in the United States as of 2020. According to www.uky.edu, there are more than 7,000 non-daily newspapers in the U.S. with 150 million readers. Eric Millsaps is the Editor of the Hickory Daily Record and has provided his expert opinion and experience on the topic. While talking about a recent trip with old friends, Millsaps said they assumed he no longer had a job since “newspapers are irrelevant now.” They said they get all of their news from online sources like Yahoo and Huffington Post. When Lenoir-Rhyne Journalism Professor Richard Gould was a reporter for HDR, he had one of his stories stolen by a reporter at the Huffington Post. This reporter simply added a sentence at the beginning and one at the end before putting her name on it and calling it her own. There was no reporting done on her end. “It wasn’t a groundbreaking story, but it was important to the people involved in it,” Gould said. “I mean, you look at it and you see the actual words she wrote – 32 – Out of a 411-word story, her actual personal contribution was 32 words.” These companies outsource their information. They are known in the industry as aggregators. Most of their articles come from newspapers or companies like the Associated Press, which employ journalists from around the world. “We are not aggregators. We do our own reporting,” Millsaps said in an email. “We take our own photos. We shoot our own video.” The newspaper industry isn’t just the printed paper. It is really all about the journalism. Journalists are constantly tracking down the next story, so the community can stay updated. “If we think of newspapers as print-only operations, we are missing out on what we really do,” Millsaps said. “We gather news, photos and videos and we share them via a number of channels to reach readers where they are and through their medium of choice.” Newspapers have been continually adapting to digital formats to provide new and interesting ways for their readers to receive and enjoy their content. “Last quarter, digital subscriptions to the paper were up 138 percent. We are striving to meet our readers where they are and recognize that the growth is in digital,” Millsaps said. “We had more than 33 million page views in 2020. That number is difficult to comprehend for most folks.” One way that newspapers have been expanding in the digital front is by providing original videos, along with digitally published articles. “We are seeing explosive growth in video views. In the past 30 days, videos at hickoryrecord.com have been viewed more than 26,000 times,” Millsaps said. “For a local newspaper, these are strong numbers.” Even with the steady growth of digital newspapers, printed newspapers are still being sold in massive quantities. “Hickory Daily Record sold more than 2 million copies of the paper in 2020. If we started a business and sold 2 million items, we would be considered a great success,” Millsaps said. “But because we have been around 105 years and print is not as dominant as it once was, we are discounted.” So, the next time you click on that article shared through Facebook or Yahoo, remember where your information’s actually coming from.
LRN Sports Editor Savannah Lee dresses up in her favorite newsies outfit to celebrate her love for the newspaper. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION SARAH C. JOHNSON | LRN MONTHLY
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LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
TAKING FLIGHT
NEWS
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AUTHENTIC SKATER GEAR AND APPAREL, SKULLY CROW RUNS THE SHOW IN DOWNTOWN HICKORY Tate Levin | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
For years, skateboarding has been written off as a sport for hooligans and troublemakers. Many areas have gone as far as to ban skateboarders from practicing their craft on certain grounds, but won’t blink an eye at a bicycle or even a hoverboard. This has made it a constant struggle for lots of owners to keep their skate shops alive. First in Flight Skate Shop is a store in downtown Hickory, located in the same strip as Hatch and the Carolina Theater. Skully Crow is the owner, shelf stocker and cashier of the joint and he’s been a one man band keeping it alive for over a year now. Growing up in Conover, Crow discovered his instant love for skateboarding through a close friend that got him rolling. The challenges excited him and he was hooked from the start. “It was just all around a good workout,” Crow said. “It was creating discipline for myself.” Crow would soon find himself applying this discipline after his mother passed away, and he was forced to make a decision to either fall victim to the dark side or use his skills to his advantage. He will forever be grateful for choosing the latter. As he went from job to job, he found the most fulfillment in skating. He decided to take his mom’s advice to follow his passion and began his journey of opening a store. It took him years to find the right spot and complete all the necessary paperwork, but he knew that everything happened for a reason and avoided discouragement. In early 2020, the hard work paid off in the form of a skate-centric, local store with a love for its town.
The skateboarding community is here for it as well, finally getting something in the heart of Hickory where they can skip the mall and gear up. “He’s doing it more for the skaters than for the actual business,” Says Patrick Lail, a local 18-year-old skater who frequents First in Flight. “He’s also pretty interactive with the community.” Lail’s been skating for six years now and loves the escape and freedom that the sport offers. Even through blood and brutal wipeouts resulting from rocks and risk taking, he gets back on the board every day, chasing vibes and euphoric feelings of accomplishment. A daily frustration for skaters is acceptance from the outside community, getting yelled at for practicing on public property, seeing gold in a stair rail or a sidewalk. “They don’t understand that we’re not really doing damage to their property,” Lail said. “We're just doing damage to ourselves.” Nikki Reynolds is another Hickory Skater that has had similar problems. She found her love for skating during quarantine, picking up a hobby that has served as a therapeutic outlet for her, especially on night rides. Doing harm to no one, she still doesn’t understand the hate some have for partakers of her pastime. “People should stop caring as much,” Reynolds said. “If someone drives a car no one cares but if someone rides a skateboard they get offended for no reason.” She hopes more people try skating as she never expected to have so much love for it prior to hopping on a board.
If you’d like to take her advice and find some freedom in a ride, visit First in Flight at 254 1st Ave NW, or contact them at (828) 569-2030 or info@firstinflightskateboards.com. Skully Crow will be happy to provide the necessary equipment to get started in a potentially life-changing experience.
Patrick Lail, 18, uses his surroundings as his playground to skate his way to a feeling of freedom. TATE LEVIN| LRN MONTHLY
SANTA, SOUP & MICK JAGGER WARHOL AT THE HICKORY MUSEUM OF ART Jason Whitehead | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
This past year has been a dark time, so who’s better to bring a splash of color than America’s best-loved Pop artist, Andy Warhol. The Hickory Museum of Art has opened its “Works by Warhol” exhibit this March. Warhol is probably best known for his portrayal of a Campbell’s tomato soup can, which may seem like an odd item to make into art, but that’s the point – Warhol was the kind of artist who could spot art where others saw only junk. With the use of Pop art, disposable goods could be displayed at museums. Pop art seeks to reinterpret familiar designs and goods in new, colorful and bold ways. With COVID restrictions in play, museums may not be on the top of the community’s list for entertainment. The HMA have taken this into consideration, by creating a more open environment. “It’s perfect timing with the name recognition (of Andy Warhol), helping to get people in, showing we have a safe space, and then bringing a positive energy,” the HMA’s Exhibitions Manager Kristina Anthony said. Her colleagues agree. “We believe that we have an opportunity to change the way people experience museums,” the HMA’s Executive Director Jon Carfagno said. The HMA’s working to reignite the spark of wonder and imagination within the hearts and minds of a community that has suffered the dark wasteland that is quarantine. “The engagement for this show is apparent, people taking their time and reading (the backstory of the piece), this could be due to that hunger on how people have gone so long without visiting,” Anthony said. Walk through the doors and up the steps and then you’ll reach the wonderful world of Warhol. For now Hickory is the home of 37 pieces of one of the most iconic American artists of the 20th Century. Each piece conveys a different figure in American history. They range from the cowboys and Indians collection all the way to American Myths. Some of the pieces included have what is known as diamond dust, which is crushed glass that is placed on the prints in the printing process creating texture and light on the art. Each section of the exhibit contains information on who Warhol was, not only as an artist but also as a person. With having a room dedicated to collections from different attendees, to give the feel of Warhol’s obsession with collecting, all the way to a room entirely decked out in aluminum foil, as a reference to “The Factory,” which was what Warhol called his studio after fully covering the inside with aluminum foil. LR students are loving the exhibit. “We’re very excited about it – Andy Warhol is a very pivotal figure in the art society,” LR studio art major Sarah Johnson said.
HMA's installation inspired by Warhol's tin foil wall in his studio "The Factor." SARAH C. JOHNSON | LRN MONTHLY
"Scotch Broth" is a screenprint produced, in 1969, from Warhol's "Campbell's Soup II" portfolio, which is arguably Warhol's most reknowned series. ARTWORK BY ANDY WARHOL
if you go »
WHAT: “World of Warhol” Pop art exhibit WHERE: Hickory Museum of Art, located at Hickory’s SALT block at 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601 WHEN: Feb. 6-June 6 from 10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Wed. –Sat. COST: Free For more info go to the Hickory Museum of Art website at hickoryart.org.
"Love" from Warhol's "Love" series. Screenprint on Rives BFK paper, produced in 1983. ARTWORK BY ANDY WARHOL Elevated view of Warhol's "Myths" portfolio featuring portraits of famous pop culture characters. SARAH C. JOHNSON | LRN MONTHLY
NEWS
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
BETTER CONVERSATIONS BETTER THE WORLD
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LR’S SMALL GROUP IS HELPING BRING STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES TOGETHER Ajah Harold | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Dr. Laura Dobson and Mita Sudhakar chat outside of the Mauney building. MIKEALA SKELTON | LRN MONTHLY
The key ingredient to healthier conversations is diversity and Lenoir-Rhyne’s Better Conversations small group aims to achieve this with diverse students every Friday morning. This small group discusses sensitive political topics that affect people from different cultures in many ways. The group is headed by Dr. Laura Dobson, the Director of International Education at LR. Dobson is passionate about intercultural communication and believes that this group will help bridge people together. Students such as Mita Sudhakar, Chase Griffin, Kimberly Ware and Fatima Ghaleb are currently a part of the small group. On April 9 the group will discuss a podcast featuring Devendra Banhart discussing “When Things Fall Apart.” Each conversation in the small group is connected to culture. Every culture has its own unique values and each student’s opinion brings in a colorful and
new perspective. “Culture to me is an all-encompassing term that refers to the social, intellectual and religious behaviors that are passed down and nurtured by society,” Mita Sudhakar, a sophomore, psychology and religious studies double major, said. “It connects each individual to a larger whole, which makes us a part of something bigger than just ourselves.” Dobson lived in France for two years and Nigeria for seven. She has a lot of knowledge on different cultures and wanted to start this group on campus for two main reasons. “I’m interested in civil discourse, bringing intercultural intelligence and applying that to how we relate to one another,” Dobson said. Dobson also explained that she took pride in her southern heritage at one point. “I had to address my own deficits,” Dobson said.
“You should be the person that you want to see in the world, where people engage about loving one another and address the challenges of how we have different cultures.” The group will stay small and intimate, but selective students of different cultural backgrounds are welcome to observe. At the end of the semester, students who participated in the group will receive a certificate. Laney Fox, a sophomore and politics and international affairs major, had some input about the group. “I am passionate about educating our student body,” Fox said. “These conversations have to start somewhere and this is a good place to start having those conversations. We have a lot to learn. These begin as conversations and hopefully lead into institutional changes.”
Sudhakar believes that this group is indeed a safe place for students to discuss issues and encourages them to do so. “Better conversations are so important to me because they provide students with a safe place to have hard discussions,” Sudhakar said. “Many times, we are quick to run away from those tough conversations about race, politics, or any other conflict we face rather than embracing the discomfort.” Save the dates for April 9, 16 and 23 because the small group will meet from 9:30-10:30 a.m. to discuss some juicy and interesting topics that help LR students to have a better understanding of the world. For more information, contact Dr. Laura Dobson at Laura.Dobson@lr.edu.
EDITORS:
CONTRIBUTORS:
LRN Sarah C. Johnson | Editor-in-Chief Savannah Lee | Sports Editor
STAFF:
M O N T H L Y
Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Kennedy Connor | Staff Writer Ajah Harold | Staff Writer Tate Levin | Staff Writer Jason Whitehead | Staff Writer
Josie Hise Chris Jackson Maty Mbye Makenna Seghers Sean Incardona
FACULTY ADVISORS: Dr. Lisa Harris Prof. Richard Gould
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LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
SENIOR ART SHOW
ART SHOWCASE LR’S SENIOR ART MAJORS PRESENT BEST PIECES Staff Reports
Artists spend years, even a lifetime, mastering their techniques to create pieces that are uniquely theirs. It’s no different for the students that dedicate the majority of their time cooped up in the white warehouse on the edge of campus known as LR’s Visual Arts Center. Every semester our graduating studio arts and graphic design majors showcase their creations here on LR’s campus, but COVID put a
damper on those plans. This semester the showcase will be held in Belk Centrum. The Visual Arts Department is working on ways to host a virtual gallery, as well as a physical show. LR’s artists spent most of their time this semester preparing for this exhibition, so the LRN Monthly has brought our readers the very best from this semester’s graduating artists.
Enjoy various paintings, illustrations, photographs and mixed-media creations by LR artists including: Mason Strother, Dominic Taylor, Madison Prkna, Hannah Wright, Jacob Severens, Amarrian Brown, Toriana Smith and the LRN’s very own Sarah C. Johnson.
"The Hand That Feeds" is a mixed-media tritych. "This piece attempts to encourage people to ask what nature does for them and what do they do to give back to nature," artist Hannah Wright said. Artwork by: HANNAH WRIGHT
"Water" is a close-up of water flowing out of the fountain at McComb Park/Beaver Memorial Garden. Photo by: DOMINIC TAYLOR
"Punch-Sietz House" is a 12"x18" acrylic painting created in 2018. Painting by: MASON STROTHER
"Pain" is a painting about the inevitable pain of life. ' I made some of the bees blue to symbolize racism, even if people look different we are all really the same," artist Jacob Severens said. "If you invert the colors of the piece the bees that are blue look like all the other bees." Painting by: JACOB SEVERENS
"In Due Time" is a photo illustration respresenting the movement Black Lives Matter "and always will matter because without them the world wouldn't run the way it has been for so long," artist Amarrian Brown said. Photo illustration by: AMARRIAN BROWN
SENIOR ART SHOW
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
"Pink" is a woman made of jelly that conforms to society's beauty standards. Painting by: TORIANA SMITH
"The People's Pain" is a mixed media collage representing the fight that African Americans have had to battle for equality starting with images from the 1960's Civil Rights Movement to the current Black Lives Matter Movement. Collage by: SARAH C. JOHNSON
"Mk Ultra" is a ditych series -- two pieces that go together.-- They are a science-fiction abstract digital collage. Illustraion by: MADISON PRKNA
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LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
OUR STORIES
OPINION
WE ARE THE LRN STAFF
With heavy hearts, we tell our stories of how the LRN Monthly changed us. We learned that after this semester, chances are that the LRN Monthly will cease to exist. This paper has meant something different to each of us, but it has molded us all into better students and adults. We want our peers and this school to know that for us, this is more than just a class or a paper, it is a way of life. This paper has been the start of something bigger for each of us, whether we plan to pursue journalism as a career or not. We have all learned vital “real life” skills through our work here.
NEWS GAVE ME PURPOSE WHY I CHOSE TO BECOME A JOURNALIST
WHAT DOES WRITING THE LRN EXACTLY WHAT MONTHLY I MEAN MEAN TO ME? HOW STORYTELLING HAS BECOME MY PASSION
HOW THIS PAPER HAS HELPED ME BECOME WHO I AM TODAY
Sarah C. Johnson | LRN Monthly Editor-in-Chief
Before I started working for this newspaper, I was just sliding through life with no rhyme or reason. I have always been someone who finds interest in everyday stories, which is often reflected in my artwork. Though, as much as I love making visual art, I knew I needed to do something more. I found that something after I met Prof. Richard Gould, the newspaper advisor and communications instructor at LR. I had taken his HUM188 class called “Hunting the StepMONSTER.” This class was about his true crime novel about the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker, which happened here in Hickory. The class taught students the process of writing their own true crime novel. At the end of that class, he told us about three other COM classes he would be teaching in the upcoming semester: Photojournalism, Newspaper Production and Media Writing. I decided to sign up for the LRN Monthly for the fall semester of 2019. At first, I felt very challenged. I’m quite introverted, so hunting down sources and interviewing them in person was a bit frightening, but Gould was always very encouraging and helpful. Eventually, it started feeling like second nature. I was no longer scared of anything. After that semester, I loved reporting so much that I actually decided to change my minor to Multimedia Communications. I took all of the classes Gould had promoted that Spring, as well as staying on the newspaper staff. I have been a newspaper staffer for two years now. I’ve worked my way up to the Editor-in-Chief, which was something I never would have been confident enough to have done two years ago. Before joining the LRN, I didn’t feel like I had leadership potential, I was always comfortable being the follower. If it hadn’t been for Gould’s constant encouragement, pushing and constructive criticism, I don’t think I would feel ready for the “real world” after college. Gould has become like a sort of father figure over the last two years. I was devastated when I found out the school would not have him back next year. For as long as I have known him, he has always seen my potential, even when I didn’t. He has pushed me to always strive to do my best and look for ways to continue improving myself and my skills. It is because of professors like him that I am even graduating. I am not ashamed to admit that by my second year of college I was making straight F’s, but through the support of professors like Gould I turned my life around. I went from straight F’s to straight A’s. I stopped partying and I started caring about myself. I started understanding that I am worth so much more than I give myself credit for. If it wasn’t for professors like Gould, I don’t know where I would be, but I do know that if it wasn’t for their help, I definitely wouldn’t be getting ready to graduate in May. For all of those that have let me cry in their offices, have told me not to give up and helped me see the light, I am so grateful. There are too many to name, but you all know who you are. I will truly miss you all.
Ajah Harold | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Savannah Lee | LRN Monthly Sports Editor
Throughout my childhood I was always the shy, quiet kid who never asked questions or doubted anyone around me. I kept to myself and was always taught to hide my emotions. I always thought that sharing feelings and opinions was for the weak minded because it drew unnecessary and unneeded attention. As I grew older I found it difficult to develop into my personality while keeping my feelings to myself. Because of that, I’ve always stumbled over my words, causing me to get frustrated, leaving every argument I found myself in at an embarrassing loss. It was also upsetting for me that when I would try to share my emotions, having little experience, I was often not taken seriously because I was good at hiding how I really felt. It wasn’t until I began college and took Media Writing that I felt like I finally found my voice and an outlet. Writing taught me how to share my stories and express my feelings. I now knew how I was able to get my point across without getting flustered over my words because I had so many things running through my mind. Media writing was able to open so many doors for me. It led to bigger paths such as joining the staff of LR’s magazine – LRUnplugged and the LRN monthly newspaper, where I’m now the Sports Editor. Because of writing and the newspaper I’m able to craft stories that I’m passionate about and share my interest with my readers. I’m able to transform something from just information into pictures painted in your head that make you feel something when you read it. I’ve even made my Nana cry. The newspaper is not just pieces of paper folded together with photos and words scattered across its pages; it is both art and documentation. Anyone can tell you what happened yesterday, but only a journalist can transform data into a story. Today's technology has caused many people to constantly be in a world of distractions. Newspapers are often forgotten about and put on the backburner. I suggest next time you get the chance, read a newspaper. Feel the paper between your fingers and smell the freshly printed ink. Give the writer a few minutes of your time, because at the end of the day that’s all we want. Having your name printed with the words you wrote, seeing your story on paper and having people tell you they loved what you had to say is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. Knowing someone took time out of their day to dedicate it to you is something everyone should experience in their life. If it wasn’t for the newspaper, I would still be that quiet, shy little girl struggling to know what to say. I would still be searching for a way to express myself and my voice. Without the newspaper, you may be keeping the next little girl from finding her meaning.
Imagine going through elementary, middle and high school dreading your writing assignments and then you end up in college expressing yourself mainly through writing. Newspapers were boring to read. Writing was difficult and never gave me a sense of purpose. I wanted to speak in front of crowds, recite monologues and become a TV star. Writing was just a bunch of bland, mundane, confusing words. But that bunch of words turned into my driving purpose and my own chosen art. This is how I tell my story. Self-expression is so important for me. It’s a voice draped in kimonos or in a black leather jacket with spikes. Some days it’s blue. Other days it’s yellow. Most days it’s clothed in fiery red – like my personality: Unafraid, bold and feisty. Writing short stories and working on a novel has helped me tell my story. It’s a story that started at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The story began with Prof. Hamilton. I started writing my own speeches for performances and it was like storytelling. That storytelling spilled over into Prof. Richard Gould’s Media Writing class. I had to write stories every week for a grade. It dawned on me after writing my second story: This is more than a bunch of meaningless words. This is art. I can incite change in my community through my writings and express my inner voice. This was my gift and I wanted the world to see this. Paper after paper, I learned how to be vulnerable in my writing. This helped me to become more expressive. After all, my voice was just as important as another person’s voice. I ran so far away from my gift that I tripped. I stumbled and started over again. I had to revisit the place that I started and hone my craft before I could move to the next level. When I ran, I realized that I was running away from my purpose and what made me whole. I stopped running. I picked up a pen and I wrote. I wrote my concerns and what needed to be said. I wrote my story for the LRN monthly. My inner voice is red and it is expressed through my articles, poetry and short stories. I tell these stories to help others tell their stories. Before, I was a young girl that never understood the art of writing. Being a senior at LR has shown me my purpose. One day, pick up a notebook and grab a pencil or a pen. Understand your voice and use it. Share your story with the world. LR helped my red voice shine – a voice that would have been suppressed otherwise.
Lenior-Rhyne University
OPINION
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
JUSTICE IS SERVED
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“ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE” PULLS NO PUNCHES IN CRAMMING EVERYTHING IT CAN INTO A ONCE MEDIOCRE SUPERHERO FILM
Tate Levin | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
In a world where everyone drives a Mercedes, and discrete product placement has ceased to exist, five heroes will rise up against CGI monsters and offensively obvious green screens in order to take down a growly-voiced CGI bad guy who will stop at nothing to harness the power of three magical objects, which happen to be awkwardly similar to the Infinity Stones. Avengers assemble! Wait… wrong cinematic universe. Justice League … Convene! Not quite as catchy. “Justice League” was a 2017 DC superhero film that included lame, underdeveloped characters and a rushed, cheesy storyline. It was difficult to become invested, as it did nothing to make you care about its characters and the realism was nil. It’s drenched in computer generated backgrounds and characters that don’t feel the least bit threatening. “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is the redemption of its predecessor. Following an ensemble of heroes including Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg and Superman, we get expanded backstories, violence, and reason to care. Director Zack Snyder had a clear vision of the movie he wanted to make, but due to his daughter’s tragic suicide, he made the decision to step away and leave the finishing touches up to Joss Whedon, resulting
in endless rewrites and reshoots that became the biggest superhero disappointment since 2004’s “Catwoman.” DC’s passionate fan base demanded that Zack Snyder’s original film be released, with #releasethesnydercut becoming a cultural phenomenon in the form of a trending tweet. The Snyder Cut was mostly a myth until “Justice League” actors Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot advocated the release of it via Twitter. Even Snyder himself hinted at its existence and created an even greater uproar. Now, almost four years after the original release, the updated version, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is real and available to stream on HBOMax. Snyder chose to release the film in IMAX ratio, which leaves
large black bars on the side of your television screen that if found distracting, should only last for about 5 minutes max (get it? MAX?). Lucky for you, five minutes is only 2 percent of this movie, as the runtime stretches a whopping four hours, split into six mini-series styled parts, which serves the length well, but doesn’t mean it isn’t too long. There were multiple scenes in which I thought the movie had ended, but it just kept going, and while each served a purpose, they were all pretty much there to hint toward more sequels. The question on every fan's mind is “is it better?” My answer is a resounding YES. In fact, after watching three hours, I found myself looking forward to another hour of material, and not because it was the
Six heroes return to retell their failed story, only this time it's longer. IMAGE COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT
final hour, but because I was legitimately invested in the characters and story this time and was excited to find out how it would wrap up. In a somewhat tedious last twenty minutes I will admit to feeling exhausted by the closing credits, but it’s a superhero epic that serves its characters well with rich and detailed backstories that make you care. One of the biggest complaints of the original cut was the villain, Steppenwolf. In this version, his motives are clear, his design and voice are far more menacing and convincing, and his attacks are more brutal, making us want to see him defeated a great deal more. One of my favorite improvements in this film are the action sequences. They are exhilarating and much bloodier than any other PG-13 superhero film I’ve seen. The splatters and hits become more real and believable than before, making it easier to become invested in the risk at hand. This is a gripe that I’ve always had with superhero flicks. People are being stabbed, shot, and smashed against rocks but no blood or visible injuries are present. This is not a problem in the Snyder Cut. My greatest criticism and disappointment in this version was a tease present in the trailer. It made it look as if Jared Leto’s Joker would be a prevalent character in this film, and if you were excited for an impactful attendance, forget about it. There is only one scene involving Joker and, spoiler alert, it’s a dream sequence for which you have to wait almost four hours. (Screw you, expectations!) If anyone’s a fan of the DC universe and found themselves disappointed in Joss Whedon’s “Justice League,” this one’s worthy of your time. This is the Justice League film fans deserved, in all its over the top glory, and (aside from the obnoxious tribal music that plays every time Wonder Woman enters the screen) it’s quite the epic ride.
HIDDEN SPOTS IN HICKORY LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING WHEN IT COMES TO TAQUERIA LAS ISABELAS
Kennedy Conner LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Authentic Mexican food can be hard to find but there happens to be a secret spot at 305 1st Ave. SW. Las Isabelas is a small Mexican restaurant in the back of a Mexican store. It’s a spot that can be easily overlooked, but the food will have an everlasting impact on your taste buds. Hickory’s best kept secret isn’t the new kid on the block – Las Isabelas has been serving food for almost
30 years, according to Ivana Isabela Vazques Millan – the owner’s daughter. “This place has been open 28 years, but it has been here as Las Isabelas for 10 years,” Millan said. “It was La Fortuna before.” Smiling faces are everywhere as you walk in. Instantly the smell of fresh food wafts out of the kitchen. You choose your own cold drink from the refrigerators as you make your way to the deck out back. Full disclosure: If there’s a downside to Las Isabelas, it’s that the chips and salsa cost you extra, but it is so worth it since they’re homemade and aren't like any other chip you've had. They also have vegetarian options now for your main meal. “It feels really homey almost, like you're always welcomed when you walk in,” Brett Vogelsang, of Beaumont, Calif., said. “I feel like they know who I am, so that just makes me feel good when I go in there. They appreciate their customers a lot.”
No matter what menu items you choose, the food is great quality and great quantity and they have a full bar. It only took about 10 minutes for my food to come. The tacos are stuffed with whatever choice of meat you want with onions and cilantro, and you can add extras if you want to. The quesadillas are huge and you will definitely be stuffed when you leave. “You wouldn't really expect the restaurant to be in the building it’s in but walking through the little shop to get to the eating area is a cool experience,” Rebecca Fox said. “I also love the outdoor seating – it's warm even during the winter.” COVID hit them like it hit every other restaurant, but they made it through by taking lots of take-out orders and offering special meal deals. The food isn’t expensive; you get a full stomach and can still keep a fat wallet. A small place but the food has a flavorful punch, Las Isabelas is six minutes away from campus located at 305 1st ave SW – and there’s plenty of parking.
Authentic Mexican-style tacos are Las Isabellas’ specialty. KENNEDY CONNER | LRN MONTHLY
I AM A REVOLUTIONARY!
“JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH” HIT HBO MAX ON FEB. 12 AND IT’S NOT ONE WORTH MISSING
Tate Levin | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Viewers across the country entered theaters and streaming services expecting to see a biopic about Fred Hampton, the iconic leader of the Black Panther Party who was shot and killed by law enforcement in the 1960s, but “Judas and the Black Messiah” is not that. This movie is much deeper and far more powerful. Giving us mesmerizing performances across the board, “Judas and the Black Messiah” tackles themes of guilt and fear that come with betrayal and lies through its main character, William O’Neal, a black FBI informant who infiltrated the Panthers,
and became close with Hampton in order to give information to the Bureau, which would eventually lead to the leader’s assassination. O’Neal is portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield, who sells the wide array of thoughts and emotions that would be going through the head of an informant caught in the middle of a conflicting and dangerous situation. His anxiety is tangible, and the complicated thought process of a mole caught in a dangerous moral dilemma bleeds through the screen. This is especially evident in a scene in which O'Neal is told by the Panthers about another mole that was caught, tortured, and eventually killed. We see him play it off as if he would have done the same thing, but his fear of the same thing happening to him is undeniable. Perhaps the performance that will cause the most noise, however, is Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton. He embodies the principles and skills upheld by Hampton, from his voice to his posture. We forget that we are watching an actor and are sucked into the hypnotic speeches and leadership that were demonstrated by Hampton decades ago. Even though it’s obvious that award shows are meaningless and unimportant, Kaluuya’s Golden
Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield star in Shakka King's "Judas and the Black Messiah," one of this years most powerful and essential films. IMAGE COURTESY OF HBO MAX
Globe for Best Supporting Actor is a well-earned one, and if there’s a performance this year that’s “Oscar Worthy,” his should not be ignored. Martin Sheen portrays FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and the film gives attention to Hoover’s racist leadership and involvement in the assassination of Hampton. This piece of history was new to me and it’s one of the most important aspects of the story,
shedding light on the corrupt cover ups that have taken place over the decades and teaching us to pick our leaders wisely. Once again, this is not a film about the life story of Fred Hampton, but is more an exploration of the human psyche revolving around William O'Neal's actions involving the Black Panther Party. It is also a film about the oppression of African Americans throughout American history. It explores questions dealing with what happens when you become an ally to who you're assigned to take down. What does it do to a person when it feels like there’s no way out? Overall, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is one of the year’s essential films, and one of the all-time greatest dealing with racism in America. It’s no “feel good” film, but it’s a thought provoking story that brings to life an incredible historical figure and story that everyone needs to be familiar with. It’s filled with masterful performances, beautiful cinematography and excellent directing and editing. Learn the history as soon as possible. Learn what it means to be a revolutionary.
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FRESH VOICES
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
FAVORITE CLASS? BIOLOGY! FAVORITE PROF.? STIFF!
Maty Mbye | LRN Monthly Contributor
OUT OF THIS WORLD HOW I’D DESCRIBE LR TO A MARTIAN
FAVORITE CLASS/ PROFESSOR SPORTS MANAGEMENT TEACHES LIFE LESSONS
Trey Shaffer | LRN Monthly Contributor
FYE WAS A BLAST
RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES
PROF. GOULD HELPED MAKE COLLEGE ENJOYABLE
ATTENDING A LUTHERAN SCHOOL AS A MUSLIM
Christopher Jackson | LRN Monthly Contributor
Maty Mbye | LRN Monthly Contributor
Josie Hise | LRN Monthly Contributor
During my first semester as a freshman, my advisor chose my classes for me. As a result, some of the courses/professors I was ended up getting were a little hit or miss. I’m going to tell you about the big hit. As registration for the upcoming fall semester approaches I wanted to share my No. 1 suggestion: Principles of Biology with Dr. Michael Stiff. Before this year, I never knew how important it was to have the right professor. Choosing the wrong professor can easily result in a much lower grade. As a biology major, it’s especially important for me and other science majors to have the right science courses with the right professors. Success requires passion and devotion from both student and professor. In my Principles of Biology course with Stiff, he reignited my passion and tested my devotion for biology – and I could very clearly see his passion for biology as well. I think what I liked the most about this course was his teaching style. Although his teaching style may not be for everyone, I found it comprehensible and engaging. One thing I particularly liked was how during our in-person class he’d go over the material or PowerPoints that had been posted and make sure everyone understood every bit. His workload was far from easy: every week a 20-30 minute lecture video would be posted and your job as a student was to watch it at least twice. On the first time you copy the notes, then you go back to understand the material. Every week, a topic summary would be assigned requiring you to use the textbook to find the answers. During our in-person class, you were expected to have reviewed the material, taken notes and come up with questions to ask. A tricky test was also given about once a month to test our understanding of a topic. I watched a lot of my classmates drop out of the class or the major, due to the high workload and difficulty of this course. However, a few other students and I rather enjoyed it and used this course to test ourselves and our devotion to science. As a result this course helped a lot of students examine their true passions. Although the workload was heavy, Stiff was pretty understanding and offered numerous opportunities for students to redeem themselves. His office hours were also great. He offered one-on-one sessions to help students further understand a topic and to help the student monitor their progress in the course. I’ve enjoyed my learning experience here at LR so far. I’ve had the pleasure of being taught by some great and passionate professors.
Now, some aliens probably don’t know where North Carolina is, but if any ever do arrive here at Lenoir-Rhyne I’d be happy to take the time to explain how things work around here. Maybe they haven’t heard of college. Aliens, allow me to explain: On Earth we humans have this learning system, and the peak of this system is University. Now, Lenoir-Rhyne is a University, which means we’re at the highest level of basic education on our planet. Here we’re taught many things like math, science, reading, writing, language, etc. Maybe someday in the distant future, we’ll be learning an extraterrestrial language. Hmmmm, we shall see…. At universities in the United States we have activities that we call “sports.” Sports involve skill, physical ability and strategy. We have fields and courts and stadiums where teams play their “sport” as a source of entertainment to the people of the community. What would sports be without the marching band? The marching band is kind of like a sport. It takes skill and physical ability, but it’s another separate source of entertainment. The marching band plays little machines called instruments. The band members blow into or push or pull the instrument so that it vibrates and makes beautiful noise (music). As a student at Lenoir-Rhyne University, one can stay in dorms. Dorms house the students who live too far away from their home or if they simply don’t want to live at home. This is unique to universities in the United States and a couple of other places in the world. And why do we do all these things I mentioned? Well, our common goal is to get a special piece of paper that proves that one is now worthy of having a job. But I’d want my alien friend to have some fun on his visit, so I’d explain about things like hanging out with friends, having some beverages, parties, etc. – the college experience. If an alien were to land at LenoirRhyne, tomorrow I’d make sure to take them around our beautiful campus, take them to visit a class, and then to Moretz Stadium to watch the Bears play a football game. Once they’d experienced the crowd and the band, I’d take them to a party – but of course I’d have to ask them their age because: Newsflash aliens, the legal drinking age is 21. After all that is said and done, I’d hope the alien would realize how great of a school we have here, tucked into the armpit of one of the greatest states in the union. How could it get any better than this?
My favorite class so far while I have been at LR is HES 205 “Introducing to Sports Management.” Prof. Joe Smith teaches the class. The reason I recommend this class is because you learn a lot about sports, management, business and working with others. If you love sports and are interested in working with teams, coaches and players, this is perfect for you. The class is very direct and hands-on. We do activities that put you in a position to use your own opinion about certain situations. For example, dealing with financials and cutting players, hiring coaches, making hard and difficult decisions. The skills that you learn in this class will not only help you in this major but in life, too. Smith is a great guy and a great teacher. He’s very easy to talk to and he’s willing to help you in any way he can. His teaching style is very modern and simple enough that everyone can understand. He does PowerPoints with notes that you can study and look back at throughout the class. Every activity that we do in class he discusses as a whole with the class and we talk through it to make sure we understand and have correct answers. He lets everyone speak their opinion and encourages everyone to participate and do their best. He does not think there is a wrong answer – it’s just whatever you think is the best decision. He does lectures, class discussions, handouts and uses Canvas. He expects you to come to class every time and be on time. He is married and has kids and talks about them a lot in class, which makes him relatable to us. He knows a lot about sports, managing people and making hard decisions that he didn’t want to have to make because he has had a lot of different jobs. He knows what he’s talking about and enjoys what he teaches. There’s no required textbook for this class. Smith provides all the materials you will need. The course objective is to introduce students to the field of sport management, the basic process of thinking and decision making and provide opportunities for students to begin practicing these skills in these areas. Assessments in this class include writing exercises, small group work and critical thinking scenarios. I really enjoyed this course and I’m looking forward to taking more of Smith’s classes. I learned a lot that will help me towards my future career and throughout life. I also met a lot of other studentathletes that play different sports. It is a fun and respectful environment where everyone can get along and discuss their opinions.
I am only a freshman here at LenoirRhyne, so I have only had a few classes. But out of those classes I would definitely have to say Prof. Richard Gould, my FYE professor, would have to be the best teacher. He makes every class fun and worth going to. He always has this kind of joy and enthusiasm that he brings to class every day. He likes to joke around with his students and make them feel comfortable while we’re in class. Gould’s class is called the Carolina Adventures Club, which is where we learn about the history and pop culture of North Carolina. Gould knows what he’s talking about when it comes to N.C. Normally we would be taking class field trips, which goes to show you that he cares for his students and wants them to go explore North Carolina and have an adventure as a class. But since COVID is around we can’t do any of that. Out of all my years of school, from elementary to now, Gould has been the best teacher I have ever had. Most of the time teachers are strict on some things and never like to have a good time while they are in class. Gould isn’t like that; he loves to have fun while we are in class, which makes it a whole lot better. There were a couple of weeks where we learned about Pepsi, pickles and pirates. On the first day we learned about Pepsi he brought all of us a Pepsi to have during class. For Pickle Week we got little packs of Mt. Olive pickles. And on the first day we talked about Pirates (mostly Blackbeard), he gave us eyepatches. Him doing this is just so much different than what I was used to. Most of the time it’s go to class, have a boring day and then go home and do your homework. However, that is not the case for FYE. I am always looking forward to going to that class because it’s so much different than every other class. And homeworkwise his assignments are never really that hard nor do they take that long, which is a big plus. I really just think he is the best teacher because he makes Lenoir-Rhyne feel like home, which is what I signed up for when I chose to attend this university. I wanted a college that would feel like home and Gould has given me that. So, add all of the stuff I said up and there you go, this is the reason I believe that Gould is the best teacher I have had at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Upon arriving at Lenoir-Rhyne University I noticed a grand structure in the center of campus. Spotting arches that soar more than 53 feet above a tiled floor, I’d discovered Grace Chapel. It’s a distinctive building, which represents LR’s Lutheran affiliation. Here’s my experience of attending a Lutheran school as a Muslim student: The Lutheran religion or Lutheranism is defined as, “the branch of Christianity that traces its interpretation of the Christian religion to the teachings of Martin Luther and the 16th-century movements that issued from his reforms,” according to Britannica. Lutherans believe humans are saved from their sins by God's grace alone (Sola Gratia), through faith alone (Sola Fide) and on the basis of Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura). It was interesting to read that some of the values and beliefs of the Lutheran church are similar to those of Islam such as the belief both religions possess that humans do not require the intervention of priests to seek God’s grace or forgiveness. A Lutheran-affiliated school, LenoirRhyne is expected to uphold the values of the Lutheran Church, which include fellowship, worship, compassion, unity, acceptance, excellence, integrity, discipleship and empowerment. As a student representing the school, we are also expected to uphold similar values. Even as a Muslim, I agree with these values and find no problem respecting and upholding them. I do not feel uncomfortable or pressured by the school to go to mass or any similar events. This is a common misconception: that students attending a religiously affiliated college have to identify with the school’s religion and must be involved in the religion. When in fact, the student experience is largely unaffected. While applying to LenoirRhyne, I had no worries about this. As a matter of fact, I recognized that certain benefits arise from going to a religiously affiliated school which includes the benefits of attending a college that’s not known as a party school (good reputation), smaller class sizes, a familiar social environment, and so on. Although attending a religiously affiliated school like Lenoir-Rhyne has its benefits, I had hoped for more religious diversity. So far, I’ve only met three other Muslims here – two of which are nonpracticing. It was also disappointing to find out that the school does not support facilities or resources for other religions besides the Lutheran church. The Lutheran faith resonates in the goals and missions of the university, and worship plays an important role in campus life. As a Muslim I do not feel uncomfortable or pressured by the school, but while I had hoped for more Muslim community, I’ve also recognized and appreciated the benefits of attending a Christian-affiliated school.
BEARS! BEARS! BEARS! BEARS!
SPORTS
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
THE FANS ARE BACK
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NEW RULES ALLOW ATHLETES’ PARENTS BACK IN THE STANDS Kennedy Conner | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
For more than a year the stands have been empty at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Last month athletes’ family and friends were finally allowed back – but with limited numbers. Indoor sports are a little different because only two family members are allowed for each athlete while outdoor sports also allow two family members, but a limited number of LR students are allowed to come out and support the Bears as well. “Our first focus was, let's get everybody back and looking around to see what other schools in our conference were doing – we felt like we needed to explore incorporating fans,” LR’s Vice President for Athletics Kim Pate said. “We felt like we could open that opportunity up, especially with our student athletes who are seniors. It was going to be the last time that their family members were going to be able to support them.” Having more fans at the games supporting the Bears has brought a new energy to LR’s athletes. “It makes it feel almost back to normal knowing my parents can come, they very rarely miss a game,” LR quarterback Trevor Shue, of Harrisburg, said. “Games when they’re not there are the weirdest ones because there’s no one to check for in the stands or after the game.” With fans being allowed to watch there are still guidelines they have to follow. Temperature checks are performed at the gate, face masks must be worn at all times, there’s a checklist for parents to sign and students must show their IDs. No concessions will be served and no food is allowed but you can bring drinks in. “It’s great that we don’t have to stay in a secluded bubble with only our team. The parents are a huge part of the post-
LR vs Barton during first home game of the season on March 20, enjoyed by LR fans that wwere eager to finally watch the Bears in action again. SUBMITTED PHOTO
game tailgate, giving us food after the game is creating a family atmosphere,” senior lacrosse player Patrick Sullivan, of Pittsford, NY, said. “Having students back at the games is also great since we truly have the home field advantage. Our student section is great about distracting the other team and getting in their heads.” Limited seats doesn’t mean limited support. Athletes are ready and eager to hear the stand roaring again.
HOW MANY FANS IN THE
VOLLEYBALL • Max Capacity: 75 • Student seating will be the upper bleachers furthest from Shuford Lobby
STANDS?
SOFTBALL • Max Capacity: 75 • Students sit in bleachers down left field line, past third base dugout
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LACROSSE • Max Capacity: 250 • Student seating will be in Sections 1-3 closest to the video board BASEBALL • Max Capacity: 100 • Students sit in bleachers along the right field line, past first base dugout
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER & TRACK & FIELD • Max Capacity: 100 • Students sit in first section of bleachers, closest to the main, corner gate
DESTROYING THE EXPECTATIONS AN INSIDE LOOK AT LR’S FIRST EVER TRIATHLON COMPETITION Makenna Seghers | LRN Monthly Contributor
Lenoir-Rhyne’s very first season having a triathalon team. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The waves crashed against the shore. My feet dug into the sand for traction, elbows pushed out just a smidge more than the girls to my sides. The gun goes off; a pack of girls crashes into the waves. The race is on and it's only the first of the three disciplines that I am about to endure. Swim. Bike. Run. It had taken a lot to get to our first race, but the end result was pure and rich. Coach Bryant Howard has worked diligently to find hard workers both academically and athletically. The team is currently home to 10 Bears and plans to
grow in the next few years. “To consistently perform at a high level in the classroom a student-athlete must master time management and self-discipline.” Howard said in an email. “These qualities relate well to triathlon training and the type of qualities required to be successful.” The team might be new but we already have our goals set high and we’re deeply engaged to succeed. “Coach wants us to be well rounded, sure we want to beat Queens, but we also have to perform in the classroom too,” LR Triathlete Nanette Nikolajsen, of Esbjerg,
Denmark, said. The team was awarded the Team Scholar All-American award. To achieve this, the team GPA average had to be above a 3.2. “When we earned the All-American Team award, I was very pleased,” Howard said. “It's an award that reflects contributions from the entire team” The team might be small but has a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. The triathletes come from all over the world representing three different continents: North America, Europe and Africa. “I have enjoyed the multicultural
experiences and getting to know such a diverse group of people.” One of the team's captains, Andie Kuipers, said. “I feel like it has made my move from Zimbabwe to Lenoir-Rhyne easier.” All of the girls on the team come from a variety of racing backgrounds but were finally able to come together and experience racing as a team for the first time in Clermont, Fla. in March. The race took place over two days. The first day, seven athletes represented Lenoir-Rhyne in the NCAA race and we took home a team third place DII overall finish.
“It was nice being able to get out and see our hard work finally paying off,” LR Triathlete Erica Schulz said. “Now we know what we need to do to get to the next level.” We missed second place by only one point and now we have even more fire in our fight as we enter our training block before our next race where redemption can be earned in April. The team is coming along strongly and is anticipating more fast races in the future.
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SPORTS
LRN MONTHLY | APRIL 2021
BEARS RUN OUT OF HIBERNATION LR REACHES OUTDOOR TRACK FULL SWING Jason Whitehead | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Due to COVID the LR track team’s last competitive season took place about two years ago. This could have led to a dark future for the Bears, if not for the hiring of the new head coach Kevin Paterson. Paterson came to LR from Indiana where he coached at Benedictine University. While there he not only coached championship teams but also ran track himself. Paterson had a multitude of achievements under his belt before coming to LR. Since then Paterson’s brought two top-three finishes to both the girls’ cross country and indoor seasons along with the boys’ indoor track team in conference meets. Paterson came into LR at the beginning of a nationwide pandemic, but his tireless effort has brought the best out of every athlete he coaches. Having the right mindset is crucial for success on the track. “With over a year of COVID, the toughest part is just trying to maintain the right mentality for the team,” outdoor track runner Sean Incardona, of Salisbury, said. COVID tested the team’s overall mentality and there’s been a few positive results in the eyes of
some athletes. “I feel like we have a lot of talent especially with having that extra year of eligibility leading to us getting some of our seniors back, pushing us to the head of the game,” pole vaulter Daniel Nicholson, of Statesville, said. Even with these positive outlooks, some of the regulations are seen as less than favorable. “It’s not like years before where you are with everyone pushing each other. Instead we’ve been separated into groups,” Nicholson said. His runners know that Paterson is aware of the minor frustrations and they understand that he’s committed to keeping the Bears focused on the team’s goals. “I know his intention is to get us where we need to be, and that’s more than enough,” Incardona said. Paterson has worked relentlessly to make sure that the team standards are maintained. “We crossed a lot of finish lines to get here,” Paterson said. “I’m excited, but there have been a lot of challenges. Athletes are running good times and being bummed about it, so when we hit April and May we’ll be ahead of the curve.”
Jason Whitehead on an early grind. SEAN INCARDONA | LRN MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR
THE BEARS ARE BACK IN TOWN LOTS OF SUCCESS ALL AROUND – INCLUDING A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Savannah Lee | LRN Monthly Sports Editor
This past year has been different for LR sports, fall sports playing in the spring and allowing limited numbers of fans to attend the games. But that hasn’t stopped LR’s athletes from working hard to have the best season possible. Here’s how your Bears are doing so far: » FOOTBALL: The Bears begin their season winning their first game against Newberry, 27-20. March 20 and April 10 will be the only home games for the team being two out of four games in total. Although the season is short, LR goes to the SAC playoffs April 17 as the highest seed. They will be defending their conference title for the second year in a row. After their first game of the season, Chase Allbaugh became the all-time leader in points scored by a kicker in Bears Football history.
Amarrian Brown, senior linebacker, and Lenoir-Rhyne football prepare to begin their 20-21 season this spring. SUBMITTED PHOTO
» WEIGHTLIFTING: This year LR added a brand new team to their sports lineup, men’s and women’s weightlifting. Coached by Travis Mash, the team has already made their mark in the athletic department. In the first season of the team, LR men’s weightlifting was able to bring home the 2021 USA Weightlifting University National Championship. The team finished with 89 total points out scoring East Tennessee State, the University of Texas and Northern Michigan University in addition to 30 other schools. Rhyan
Grimsald led the Bears to victory individually scoring 28 points. He won Gold across the board in the snatch, clean and jerk. The women’s team was able to bring home one Gold by Hannah Dunn in the Snatch, she was also able to win silver in both the Clean & Jerk and total. Grimsland, Dunn and Mallory Garza made the USA team and will be joining them this summer. They will be traveling to the Junior World Championships in Saudi Arabia representing the Bears.
Ryan Grimsland starts his firts season on the Lenoir-Rhyne weight lifting team as part of Team USA. SUBMITTED PHOTO
» TRIATHLON: This is the first season of the LR women’s triathlon team. Their debut season began at the LR IceBreaker in Hickory. They competed against Queens University. On March 17 the team traveled to Clearmont, Fla where they came in 3rd. On April 27, the Bears will travel to Roxboro, NC where they will compete in the Hyco Lake triathlon festival for their final competition of the season. » TRACK & FIELD: The Lenoir-Rhyne track team makes history. On March 11, the LR men's 4x400 relay team headed their way to Birmingham Ala to compete in the NCAA Division II Indoor track championship. This was the first time a 4x400 relay has qualified for the Championship where they finished 10th. Jacob Wadsworth was named an All-American. He scored a total of 5,227 points and ended in fourth overall becoming the highest points scored by an athlete in LR’s
history. Both men’s and women’s track and field will continue into their outdoor season. On April 24 and 25, the SAC Championships will be held in Moretz sports complex. If qualified, the team will travel to Allendale, MI to compete in the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships. » MEN’S LACROSSE: It’s the beginning of their season and the men’s lacrosse team has already dominated the field. For the second time in the program's history, they have a 9-0 start. The Bears beat Limestone, previously ranked number one, at home for the first time in the team's history. The Bears have officially moved up in rank and are now fourth in the Nation. With their win on March 30, Coach Greg Paradine and the Bears celebrate their 100th win. On April 29 they will begin the SAC Men’s Lacrosse Tournament. » WOMEN’S LACROSSE: The women's lacrosse team started off their season with a home win against Montevllo scoring 12-10. The Bears also took home the win from their SAC opener against Coker dominating 18-10. On April 20, the team will begin the SAC Women’s Lacrosse Tournament.
Liz Black, carries the ball accross the field durring their game against Belmont Abbey. SUBMITTED PHOTO
» MEN’S SOCCER: Currently undefeated with one tie, March 4, the Bears went up against the Wingate Bulldogs ending in a draw after a double overtime. The team is officially ranked 10th in the Nation moving
up 14 spots and pulling ahead of Wingate. The Bears are set to travel to Mathews, NC to compete in the SAC Men’s Soccer semifinals. » WOMEN’S SOCCER: The LR women’s soccer team is also currently undefeated with one tie. In their SAC opener against the Wingate Bulldogs, both teams battled it out into a double overtime ending in a draw. The teams are scheduled to play once again on April 1 in Hickory. The women’s soccer team has moved up in the ranks and is officially 15th in the Nation. They will be traveling to Mathews, NC on April 9 to compete in the SAC Women’s Soccer semifinals. » BASEBALL: The Bears baseball team began their season off with two wins against Coker at home. They currently hold a 16-10 record overall with their highest scoring game ending with 23 runs by the Bears. On April 22, the team will travel to Kodak, Tenn to compete in the SAC Baseball tournament. » SOFTBALL: Bears softball begins their season with an at home win against Pfeiffer and win their SAC opener against Coker. They currently hold an overall winning record, 16-10. The team is scheduled to travel to Greenville, Tenn for the SAC Softball tournament.
compete in the SAC Conference Tournament.
Gemma Southwick is ranked LenoirRhynes number 1 womens tennis player and is yet to be defeated this season. SUBMITTED PHOTO
» MEN’S GOLF: The men’s golf team started out this season on March 8 at the Lander Bearcat Classic. LR’s Mallory Garza tied for 13 out of 120. On March 15 the team traveled to Wingate’s home turf where they both tied for second. Liam Waldorn wins the crown shooting -1 for the tournament. On April 19 the team will be traveling to Tazewell, Tenn to compete in the SAC championships. » WOMEN’S GOLF: The women’s golf team began on Feb 22 at Battle of Hilton Head. They finished second overall out of fourteen with a total team score of +54, just one point away from first place, Carson Newman. They will be traveling to Tazewell, Tenn on April 11 to compete in the SAC Championships.
» MEN’S TENNIS: LR men’s tennis team begins their season with a sweep winning their first match 7-0. With a five game winning streak and a winning record overall, on April 15, the team will begin the SAC Conference Tournament.
» VOLLEYBALL: Before their season even started, LR volleyball was predicted to finish 7th in the South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Bears lead at home 4-1, and are scheduled to begin the SAC Tournament on April 6.
» WOMEN’S TENNIS: The women’s tennis team begins their season off with a winning record of 8-3 and are set to travel to Sumter, SC on April 15 to
» SPIRIT TEAM: April 7-9, the LR spirit team is traveling to Daytona Beach to compete in their annual National Cheer Association (NCA) College
National Championships. The team are currently the reigning National Champions in the 2019 Game Day DII division. Due to COVID-19, the competition was canceled in 2020. They have been hard at work since in hopes to defend their title in 2021. » MEN’S BASKETBALL: On Feb 28, the basketball program celebrated 100 years. Although this year the celebration was online, they are planning to host an in person event next year. The Bears ended with a winning season with a 8-6 conference record and made it to the SAC semifinals. R.J. Gunn was named First Team All-Conference, Darius Simmons earned a spot on the Second Team and Davion Bradford was awarded the league's Defensive Player of the Year. » WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The team ends the season with an at home winning record of 5-4 and makes it to the first round of the SAC tournament. Emily Harman was voted the SAC 2020-2021 Women's Basketball Freshman of the Year. » SWIMMING: The LR men's and women’s swim team finished their season coming in 4th place in the Blue Mountain Conference Championships. On March 17, Micha McRea and Lisa Boernigen competed in the NCAA Championships located in Birmingham, Ala. McRea with a qualifying time of 3.53.54 in the 400 individual medley and Boernigen with a qualifying time of 2:03.75 in the 200 individual medley. McRea ends the season with three All-American honors and Boernigen also ended her season with an All-American honors in the 200 IM. This year was the first time in Bears history two swimmers qualified for the NCAAChampionship back to back years.