LRN Dec. 2015-Jan. 2016

LRN SORORITIES GET INTO

CHRISTMAS pg 2 SPIRIT

pROF turns CLASS INTO

M O N T H L Y

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 5

DEC/JAN 2015-2016

going on a bear hunt

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They’re everywhere, they’re everywhere From Staff Reports

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e weren’t always the Bears. It wasn’t until 1924 (33 years after LR’s founding) that a reporter from Raleigh covering a baseball game wrote that our players “came charging out of the dugout like mountain bears.”

The nickname stuck and three years later Joe Bear came to LR. He was a real live black bear who lived on campus and represented the school until 1931 when he died of a broken neck. The story is that his collar was put on improperly.

Then there was Joe Bear II (1932) who died an early death following

his escape from LR. He was shot in Statesville. Joe Bear III (1935) had his career cut short after he chomped a Hickory Police Chief during a downtown parade. Joe Bear IV (1961) met his end after being kidnapped by rival school Western Carolina University. He died en route to Cullowhee.

The following year LR’s student government decreed that a person in a bear suit should play the part of Joe Bear.

LR’s live bears may be gone, but this campus is still packed with plenty of big bad Bears – if you know where to look.

This guy watches you go in hungry and come out full while he stands solitary sentry in the heart of LR’s campus. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

Look up and you’ll see this Bear hovering above one of the most frequently opened doors on LR’s campus.

Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

A dead tree, a few chainsaws and a mountain of skill was all it took to craft the newest member of LR’s ursidae menagerie. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

Arguably the most imposing of LR’s Bears, and great to climb on for photo fun, “The Charge” was installed 10 years ago. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

This blonde beauty is just one of the taxidermy specimens lurking in the buildings on this campus. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

Not all our Bears are imposing and they’re not all regal. Some are little, cute and privately owned. Find this guy – if you can. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

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One by one they pat this bronze totem for luck as they take the field. One look at LR’s football record over the past five years will make you a believer in the power of the pat. Sara Jones | LRN Monthly

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NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

LR’S IT DEPARTMENT What students don’t know

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By Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly Editor

id you know you can use your Lenoir-Rhyne student email address to get Microsoft Windows 365 for free? Or that you can print in color in the Rhyne building’s Mac lab?

There are several things that LR’s IT Department has to offer to make your academic life easier. The problem is, many students are unaware of these helpful tips.

That is what Casey Marlin’s job has been to do this semester – promote LR’s IT department on campus.

Marlin is a senior public relations major, with a minor in business and Spanish. One of her graduation requirements is to complete an on-campus internship with a total of 50 hours. She has chosen to work with LR’s IT department.

“What I mainly do for the department is help them with their social media accounts,” said Marlin.

This semester she has created the Facebook and Twitter accounts, and the department’s logo. Once the accounts were up and running, Marlin invested time into getting students to follow the accounts and inform her readers and members of the community about what the department is doing.

One of her biggest projects, which took her several days, was to design the new logo, which has allowed her to use the InDesign skills she has learned through her major.

“Using InDesign to make the logo has been really fun,” Marlin said. “It’s different from class because you have a little more freedom to do what you want with the design.”

Working with the IT department, in a real business setting has helped Marlin prepare herself for the real world

by operating social media accounts, designing logos and being able to manage her time in a professional manner.

She is also a member of the women’s soccer team at LR, and has had to work on assignments in between classes, practices and games.

“One of the good things about my major is that not everything has to be done on location, so it has been nice to be able to a lot of the work on my own time,” Marlin said. “With school and soccer, my schedule can get hectic at times.”

Most of her encounters this semester have been positive, but Marlin has faced challenges too.

“It has been difficult to get students to follow the social media accounts,” Marlin said. “It’s very frustrating because they’re missing out on valuable resources that the university provides.”

Her time with the IT Department has made Marlin realize how much she enjoys working the Facebook and Twitter accounts and this would be a job she would consider pursing in her future.

Marlin has devoted countless hours to better the university and her career, but one thing she couldn’t be taught, was her personality.

“Casey is hilarious. She creates a warm fun environment that most are drawn to. I think this will make her successful, especially in her field,” said teammate, Emily Atkinson.

Follow the IT Department to get useful tips at: Twitter- Lenoir-Rhyne IT Facebook- Lenoir-Rhyne IT Department

Casey Marlin, an Lenoir-Rhyne senior, is spreading the word about the services LR’s IT department provides. Photo by Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly

lessons to last a lifetime LR’s Engaged Scholars Program aims to change lives

By Zoë Watkins | LRN Monthly Contributor

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he Engaged Scholars Program seeks to promote students who are not only engaged in the classroom but engaged outside of the classroom as well.

The program promotes involvement in various activities such as independent research with presentation or publication, off-campus community learning and career preparation.

Engaged Scholars must choose six activities and complete them over the course of eight semesters with reflective essays. The scholars will create and build a portfolio based on their activities and essays. The program offers $2,000 every year to each Engaged Scholar who completes the program. The Director of the program is Dr. Janet Painter and the program assistant is Mrs. Carla Fowler.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Provost Dr. Larry Hall created the program.

“It is to promote LR’s interest to a special type of high school student – one that wants to be extremely engaged in her or his learning and one who appreciates that learning opportunities are available both in and beyond the traditional classroom,” Hall said. “These students bring a level of energy and connection to campus that

santa sisters Delta Zeta gearing up for Christmas donation event

By Greg Baker | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

serves as a role model for all of us.”

The Engaged Scholars Program limited its first group of scholars to 25 persons. These current scholars include: Austin Abernathy, Aerial Brockman, Dakota Duncan, Breyana Eans, Jennifer Fisher, Anthony Grady, Tiffany Harris, Virginia Hinzman, Ashleigh Humphries, Bailey Jenkins, Hallie McCarn, Hannah Miller, Abigail Mladin, Sarah Morton, Paige Park, Jorge Queriapa, Kennedy Straitiff, Brian Vargas, Zoë Watkins, Roy Williams, Brett Wilson and Ashlee Winthrow.

“We want to make sure that we work out any issues with the curriculum or other parts of the program before growing too large,” Hall said. “Going forward, the program will remain a competitive one regarding admission, as students have to meet the necessary requirements for entry and sustain program expectations to remain an Engaged Scholar.

However, we do imagine that the size of each entering cohort may grow as we attract more qualified students.”

Hall believes that being an Engaged Scholar is an advantage and will create a huge impact on LR.

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“The main advantage is through the many ways students may engage experiential learning opportunities, followed by opportunities for intentional reflection on each of the activities, and then, finally, the chance to ‘bring all of these experiences together’ during their senior year,” he said. “Additionally, we plan to recognize students who complete the full program during their final semester and at their commencement ceremonies. It cultivates students’ involvement in a whole series of experiential learning opportunities like study abroad, undergraduate research, peer tutoring, service learning, leadership development, and internships. Very often, it is through these sorts of endeavors that truly transformative learning occurs, activities that shape student interests and pathways for years to come.”

At the end of the Scholars’ senior year, they will submit a longer essay, sharing their experiences and lessons learned from the activities they were involved in. The scholars will present their portfolios before the Engaged Scholars Committee in their last semester at LR. In order to remain in the program, the Scholars must maintain a 2.90 GPA.

he sorority Delta Zeta is well known around the Lenoir-Rhyne campus for their creativity and their high-spirited personalities. They’re also known for their community involvement. For years the ladies have hosted events for the less fortunate in the Hickory area.

This year they’re joining forces with fellow LR sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, for a donation event called Operation Christmas Child, to be held on the night of Dec. 2. The two chapters will be buying and donating items to ship to children who may not otherwise be receiving any gifts this Christmas.

The donated gifts may not be a high-dollar product, but that is not the main concern in this operation. The true meaning of Christmas is expressed during this event. The focus is on providing for others and bringing joy to Christmas.

Delta Zeta member Becca Moxley is looking forward to the event.

“It’s special to me knowing that we are able to

give back and provide somewhat of a Christmas experience for little kids who aren’t fortunate to have one,” she said.

The chapters are very excited and hope for many donations to top last year’s record of filling 112 boxes of gifts. Any Delta Zeta or Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority members are accepting donations. Every donation helps.

“Some of the toys are toys that they will be able to hang on to forever and remember that someone cared for them enough to provide a Christmas present,” Moxley said.

Vice President of Programs Payton Moore agrees.

“Being able to provide or offer gifts to children who may not be in the best position is a wonderful thing I enjoy,” she said.

This event can be a difference maker for children and have a huge positive impact on the community.

For information about how you can donate to Operation Christmas Child any Delta Zeta or Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority members.

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

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attention! new parking One lot gets demolished, another gets built

By Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly Editor

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t the beginning of the Fall 2015 semester, the university announced that the construction of the new science building would officially begin this year. This new addition will take approximately 18 months to complete.

On November 12, the start of this project began with tearing down the parking lot located behind Minges, which will be turned into a courtyard.

Faculty members and commuters currently use this 66-space parking lot daily. Its demolition would create at least 66 headaches daily – therefore a brand-new parking lot is under construction.

The new parking area will be located on the Fritz end of the Fritz-Conrad building, also referred to as old Highland Hall. The entry to Fritz-Conrad will remain the same and will also be the entrance for the new parking lot.

“The construction shouldn’t cause any closures or traffic,” said Head of Security, Norris Yoder. “If it does, it wont be long term.”

Even though this project will cause some inconveniences, it will be beneficial to the students and faculty once it is completed.

There will be a loss of five handicapped spots from the old parking lot, but they will be added back near the entrance of Belk. LR’s newest parking lots will have an additional nine spaces.

During this time of construction students can find parking in the stadium lot and the 7th Avenue lot, located across from Schaeffer hall.

“This late in the semester I think this is going to cause some issues for students trying to find parking just because everyone is already in a routine of where they park each day,” said three-year commuter, Marcus Kincaid.

“I know that I park closest to my classes that I have for that day, and I always use that parking lot when I go to the library.”

However, for the time being students are going to have to make new routines and find new parking spots until this new addition is completed, which will be at the beginning of the spring semester.

training is key LR’s trainers make all the difference for athletes recovering from injury

By Hunter Haire | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Gordy Goins, of Terra Designs, uses a Bobcat skidsteer with an auger to bore a hole in preparation for the lights to be installed in LR’s newest parking lot. LRN Staff photo

Steward Bowman, of Bowman Trucking & Landscaping begins leveling the lawn north of Fitz-Conrad in preparation for Lenoir-Rhyne University’s newest parking lot.

Elijah Moon Blackwell | LRN Monthly

Without his dedicated and hard working staff, LR’s Head Athletic Trainer Michael “Flick” Flicker would never be able to keep LR’s athletes healthy. Hunter Haire | LRN Monthly

Right hander Brett Fulk gets his shoulder into shape in preparat; Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly

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f an injury ails you and requires medical attention, whether you’re a student or athlete, It’s a good idea to put yourself in Michael Flicker’s hands. The training room, found in the bottom floor of the McCrorie building, hosts an average of 200-250 patients per day— athletes getting the treatments they need.

That’s about 10 percent of our entire student body. With this tremendous strain, “Flick” as he’s known, has several key individuals that help him achieve this amazing feat on a day-today basis.

“It’s no simple task, but with the staff that I am provided, I believe that we can accommodate just about any problem that may come our way,” Flicker said.

There are seven trainers that aid with just about any injury: • Michael Flicker: Head Athletic Trainer • Luis Velez: Assistant Athletic Trainer • Margaret Shreitah: Assistant Athletic Trainer • Sarah Cody: Assistant Athletic Trainer • Stephanie Stadden, PhD.: Assiociate Professor • Chelsea Pasukinis: Assistant Athletic Trainer • Cooper Padgett: Assistant Athletic Trainer With the large number of athletes who seek the advice of the famous Flick, one might notice a large need for medical supplies. The training room

purchases 250 cases of tape to get them through the needed seasons with each costing around $60.

That’s more than 62 miles of tape.

Lay it out end-to-end and it would reach South Carolina.

LR’s student athletes guzzle about $3,000 worth of Gatorade per year.

That might seem like a lot of money, but preventing dehydration is well worth the tradeoff. The training room not only offers aid to students and athletes, but it also gives aid to alumni, faculty and other Lenoir-Rhyne individuals who seek medical attention.

A trainer is present at every LR sports practice, game and match, home and away, with the exception of swimming, Track, Golf and Tennis.

Flick works form 10 a.m.-6 p.m. just about every day of the week – even more for weekend games.

“Most people don’t realize how much time behind the scenes is put into the health and well-being of our athletes, at least two trainers are present at any of the schools’ sporting events,” said Assistant Trainer Sarah Cody.

Sometimes an injury requires a more in-depth look. That’s when Flicker and his staff refer their patients to OrthoCarolina.

“The training room is an irreplaceable asset to our team, with tape and other necessities being taken care of everyday and with precision,” said Lenoir-Rhyne Wide Receiver Greyson Wells. “I cannot say that any other aspect of the sport benefits us as much as Flick and the training room staff.”

Fine desserts proudly served at restaurants and coffee bars throughout North Carolina.

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OPINION

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

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FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CAROLINA

top 10 games to ask Santa for

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he big guy up north in the red suit owes me big time this year. I followed the rules, mostly. I got good grades, for me anyway. So it’s about time Santa gave me what I asked for. If you are a copycat, here is the list of games I asked the jolly old elf for when I sat on his lap at the Valley Hills Mall.

Side always wins as long as I am in control.)

2. Fallout 4 – $59.99

Are you cold this holiday season?

There is no better way to warm up than wandering a Nuclear Wasteland. Build your character to be charismatic, like me of course, or a big beefy powerhouse to deal with those who oppose you. One of the best RPG games is back and believe me, you don’t want to miss it.

There is enough content here to keep you indoors for the whole Winter Break.

THE BIG ONES: 5. Dying Light – $59.99

BEFORE

SPRING SEMESTER MIDTERMS

Just because college took my brain, doesn’t mean a zombie can. A game that is far from generic, “Dying Light” makes you master parkour skills to avoid the mass horde of the undead hunting for your brain. If running isn’t in your nature, then stay and fight for the survival. Story is a bit dry but you will be too busy turning snow red to even care. You’ll also be left breathless by the beautiful scenery just waiting to be slathered with the gnarly gore flying by with each swing.

1. Metal Gear Solid V: the Phantom Pain – $59.99

4. The Witcher 3 – $59.99

By Hunter Haire LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Attend a Carolina Panthers game The Panthers have dominated this season. Bank of America Stadium offers some of the most spectacular sights that one could witness as thousands of people come together and cheer for their hometown team. When you become part of “The Towel Wave” you will find the sense of identity and pride you’ve searched for your whole life.

Visit the Outer Banks The Outer Banks is a 200-mile long strip of narrow islands that are a popular tourist destination.

The Wright brothers conducted the first flight in aviation history in Kitty Hawk. Dive in “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” where pirates and shipwrecks were common.

Hit the slopes Test your skills by embarking on a journey you’ll never forget. Beach Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain boast some of the best slopes on the east coast.

Hike the Appalachian Trail This trail is the largest in the world stretching 2,190 miles, And reaching from Maine to Georgia.

It crosses 14 states and has the elevation shift of 3 million feet. It truly puts one back into ancient America and gives one a better understanding of the United States as a whole. Go for an afternoon or go for a weekend. Just go.

If you never played the previous titles, the story will be confusing. Who is this girl I’m chasing after? Doesn’t matter, you’ll be chasing her with fire and steel as your companion. The gameplay is near perfect to the point that plot details will be tossed aside. Slash your way through creature and human alike to uplifting classical music. You will save the day, the night and the girl too in this fantasy thriller.

3. Star Wars Battlefront – $59.99

Electronic Arts strikes back with the best shooter in years. This is a must for Star Wars fans. No need to play good kid anymore, join the Empire to crush the Rebel scum in multiplayer combat in a galaxy far, far away. For you goodie two-shoes out there, you can control the Rebellion, but (Just know that the Dark

You’ll see them when they’re sleeping, you’ll be the reason they never wake.

Explosions, assassinations and stealth make this game the most action packed of the list. Kill everyone or kill no one, there is more than one way to carry out your objective. The main character is called Big Boss for a reason – there is no one more awesome than this guy.

Single handedly solve a conspiracy and keep the world from extinction. Build your base, research what you want, go where you want, with this game the possibilities are endless. See what perfected stealth looks like.

INDIE GAMES ON PC Santa bail on you this year?

Time to provide yourself with some entertainment. Here’s some low-budget pieces of art to replace the happiness you could have had if you would just played it cool and been good this year.

5. Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide – $29.99

Kill, kill and kill. That’s all you need to know. Picked from 5 FIVE unique heroes and destroy countless number of enemies in the Warhammer universe.

New to the series? No better time to join than now.

By Elijah Blackwell LRN Monthly Staff Writer

4. Prison Architect – $29.99

The power lies with you in this management game. Be a capitalist to earn money from your inmates’ labor or be a reformer so your inmates can and help them re-enter society. Build your prison how you see fit, just don’t make your inmates angry or you’ll suffer the consequences. Riots will break out leaving you begging for mercy.

3. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes – $14.99

Warning: requires at least two players.

As the title suggests, you’d better have a good friend partner you trust or else you two are you’re both toast.

One person has the manual while the other has the bomb. A good way to test friendship, wouldn’t but don’t dare play this with your significant other, because the difficulty will result in someone blaming the other. A fantastically unique experience that has never been done before.

2. Sunless Sea – $18.99

With inspiration from the legendary H.P Lovecraft, this narrative explores dark themes. Running low on food? Just eat one of your shipmates. What was that in the water? Just keep moving.

This experience does not forgive, so be ready to die a thousand times. Try not to break your keyboard in rage, as I have.

1. SOMA – $29.99

Soil those new pair of pants your parents got you by playing this psychological horror. Grip your teddy bear as you slowly inch forward dark corridors with the sounds of Godknows-what being your only company.

The story is an absolute mind blower.

You’ll be screaming in fear while asking yourself what makes you human.

A fantastic mix of deep story and horrifying gameplay.

my trek to trump Packed with ideas, light on detailed plans

By Dylan Rogers | LRN Monthly Contributor

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n Nov. 20 I drove to Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. to see Donald Trump speak.

Before seeing him speak in person, I could not decide whether he would have my vote or not. Knowing who to vote for is a big deal to me, so I took the opportunity to hear him make his case for my vote.

Secret Service agents were guarding the entrance to the gym making sure that no crazies would enter. After getting searched I was admitted. The atmosphere was like a pep rally where all genres of music were playing to get the crowd pumped up to see Trump. A few minutes passed before Twisted Sister’s rebel anthem, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” exploded from the speakers.

Everyone was on their feet and screaming when Donald Trump emerged from the tunnel.

After the crowd grew silent the real show began. As I listened carefully I was realizing that, like always, he was saying the things I wanted to hear.

We will have a stronger military, ISIS will be dealt with, illegal immigrants will no longer come into this country they way they do now, veterans are the ones we should be focused on not refugees.

Those are messages the average person can fall in love with. As for me, what I really need to hear is HOW. I want to like Donald Trump, I really do. The main problem I have with him is how he answers some questions.

When asked about immigration Trump basically said he will build a wall and Mexico will pay for it. I need to know how he plans on building this wall and how he plans to get the

country of Mexico to pay for it. I need details on his plans, which I still feel I did not get.

Maybe he doesn’t want to give anything away. Maybe that’s smart.

But the fact I cannot get any idea on how he plans on executing these actions scares me.

All that being said, Trump put on a great show. It was a fantastic event to be a part of and one I will remember forever. The idea of someone like Trump being in office makes me happy, but scared at the same time.

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

5

gaming with Paula your way Cortezano to a grade

Lacrosse Q&A

By Julia Ponomareva | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Online courses being presented in a new way

By Elijah Blackwell | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Paula Cortezano is a gritty goalkeeper whose No. 1 task is denying every opposing scorers who comes her way. Submitted Photo

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his month LRN Monthly caught up with LR women’s lacrosse player No. 15 Paula Cortezano.

Cortezano, a sophomore from Rhode Island, N.Y., is majoring in biology with a minor in exercise science.

Q: New York has so many opportunities, but you decided to move to Hickory. Can you say why?

A: I wanted to move from New York to live in a different environment and surroundings. I wanted to see new places and to get more experience.

Plus, this university offered a good lacrosse program, so my choice was made and I have never regretted it.

Q: It seems that you like changes, have you tried to play something else besides lacrosse?

A: I have. My first sport was Taekwondo. Then, when I was in middle school I played soccer, and during my high school days I played tennis, basketball and lacrosse, which is my true passion. I feel the most confidence playing it; it’s definitely my sport.

A: Sure. Now, we have three practices a week. In one day we have a morning run, conditioning and two hours on the field. In the spring, we will have five practices a week and we’ll have 14 home games and five away games.

Q: Sounds like a tough schedule.

What about the results?

A: I believe we are currently ranked in the twenties nationally so that is definitely a big accomplishment and I am more excited this year because I know that we are just going to give it our all and we definitely want to be ranked higher and we definitely want to win our conference and possibly be No. 1 in it.

Q: Let’s talk about some abstract things. If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?

A: I would run more when I was in high school. Now, I feel like this aspect needs to be improved. Also, I would probably like to study history but, unfortunately, I don’t see as many opportunities in it as I do in medicine.

Q: It’s great to find something that you truly belong to, what else do you enjoy?

A: I’ll see where lacrosse leads me.

However, as my major is biology, I’m thinking about being a doctor. I would also like to be in the military.

Majoring in exercise science, I could be a coach.

Q: What was the hardest moment on your road to the university?

A: I guess it was my freshman year when I was injured and all the coaches were new, so I couldn’t prove that I deserved to be on the team. It’s hard to just sit on the bench and see other girls running on the field and improving their skills and you stay on the same level.

Q: So probably, you will be a doctor, right? Do you think sports are helpful in this field?

A: I’m absolutely sure. Probably, in medicine, you don’t need to be fast or be able to lift 100 pounds, but the mental aspect is really important and that’s what athletics does. It improves your muscles, but your character, self-control and ability to manage difficult situations.

Q: What was your motivation in these moments?

A: I guess my parents, who have given a lot in order for me to studying at the university. That’s why I always push myself to be better, to have the possibility to support my parents and my future family. Also, I have a quote, kind of my slogan: “Write your own book before someone else has written it for you.”

Q: How is the mental aspect important for you as a lacrosse player and as a goalkeeper?

A: Oh, this is a huge part. Every athlete should be strong mentally, be able to concentrate at the right time, never give up and cheer up him- or herself and the whole team.

Moreover, as a goalkeeper, I need to improve it even more than just a field player. I don’t run as much as they do, but I spend more time keeping the team together, making them move forward.

Q: You mention “your own book,” do you have a book you think everyone should read?

A: I have two favorite books: one of them is “Pride and Prejudice,”

by Jane Austin, and the other is “The Cellist of Sarajevo,” by Steven Galloway. I believe everyone knows, what Pride and Prejudice is about; “The Cellist of Sarajevo” tells a story of a man and of how war and music can change our perception of life.

Q: Can you tell us about your schedule now and during your season in the spring?

Thank you so much Paula! Good luck in you practices and in your classes!

Remember your first online course?

“It wasn’t great,” said Lenoir-Rhyne freshman Hannah Higdon.

That first foray into online learning might have been lackluster for many, but these days online classes are being reimagined to be more interactive.

Attempting to change the method of teaching online, some educators are using 3D Game Labs.

3D Game Labs is a program that allows educators to customize their course to their liking.

Assignments are planned out allowing the student to do as much work as quickly as possible or just do enough to pass the course.

“In my 3D Game Labs class, doing the primary assignments will get you at least a grade C,” said Lenoir-Rhyne Asheville Professor Dr. Molly Duggan. “If students want an A they have to do some of the side assignments.”

Allowing students freedom to decide when to do assignments is not the only unique part of 3D Game Labs. Students can customize their learning experience by choosing what side assignments to take.

“I have several paths students can take,” Duggan said. “It all depends on what the student wants to learn.” Different paths refer to the ability to learn specific parts of the course that others may not want to know.

For example, if a film class was given online some students may want to know more about directing while others would want to know more about camera operation. It is possible in 3D Game Labs to give those students what they seek.

Each assignment earns the students experience points allowing them to compete with their classmates.

Unlike the traditional classroom, students do not have to wait for others to advance.

“The way my course is set up, students can potentially finish two weeks early,” Duggan said.

Depending on the educator, you will be given a set of assignments to participate in. Before deciding to start one you will see the estimated time to complete as well as details on what you will be tasked with.

Doing specific assignments unlocks new quests (assignments) to complete.

Each chain of tasks is designed solely by the educator. The customizability makes no two courses the same.

In recent memory online learning was considered cutting edge, but these days it’s becoming the norm.

“In 2020, North Carolina high schoolers will be required to take at least one online course before graduation,” said LenoirRhyne Professor Dr. Jayme Linton. “I hope to see it taught in the way teachers are teaching through 3D Game Labs.”

For some, online education is dull.

“Study Island was a program we had in High School,” Higdon said. “It wasn’t effective and it was boring.”

While some online courses consist or reading then responding, programs such as 3D Game Labs present instructors with the ability to create a more interactive course.

“I hope this will make students think more about taking online courses,” Linton said. “It isn’t the same dull online classes it used to be.”

Linton is teaching an online course through 3D Game Labs to teach upcoming educators as well as established classroom professionals how to make online education more effective and interactive. The undergraduate version is Technology in the Classroom (EDU 451), and the graduate version is Methods for Integrating Technology (EDU 617).

3D Game Labs was originally created to adopt the aspect of adventure, choice, competition and achievements behind video games. Attempting to turn the classroom into something more fun and hands-on, 3D Game Labs aims to change how students see online education.

This is not intended to replace the teacher student environment but instead to give students another option in schooling. 3D Game Labs is not for those who prefer student-teacher interaction in every class period.

“I meet with my students over web cam in meetings,” Duggan said.

Some educators try to be flexible so they can communicate with students if requested. With others it’s possible to take a course without ever communicating with your teacher.

A new era of online education is emerging, for some it’s the right step.

bear nation Calling all Students

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By Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly Editor

enoir-Rhyne University is always striving to improve all areas of the campus, from getting started on a new science building to installing artificial turf on the stadium field.

Now the university has begun another new project – building the student section at sporting events.

In early September, Director of CoCircular Programs, Hallie Crawford and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, Bryce Crawford, started talking about the student section at LR and how they could encourage more student attendance at games.

After the newlyweds put their minds together, they decided they needed a student-run organization in order to make this idea reality.

The first step was to have an official name. After students had a chance to vote, Bear Nation was the winner.

The members of the organization meet every week to discuss upcoming sporting events and spread the word to get people to come out and cheer on their fellow Bears.

“I feel like it just gives us another advantage having more support and fans cheering at games, I know I get more excited when I have a crowd,” said senior women’s basketball player and president of Bear Nation, Jordan Hiatt.

Most football games and men’s basketball games have a good crowd, but those are only two out of the 22 sports team at LR. Bear Nation’s goal is to pump up attendance at the other 90 percent of LR’s sports.

Now when anyone goes to a sporting event, they can sign in and earn points for every game they attend. But certain sporting events are worth more points than others.

“I think the point system is a really good idea because it will spark interest in other sports that a lot of people typically do not think to come too,” said sophomore lacrosse player, Christine Faircloth.

Throughout the year students can cash in their points for various prizes, or continue to save up and at the end of the year and possibly win a $500 prize.

SEE bear nation, PAGE 6

6

SPORTS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

captain

bear nation from page 5

looks to lead her team to

big season

Jordan Hiatt

Lenoir-Rhyne senior point guard Jordan Hiatt prepares for upcoming season

By Jordan Forney | LRN Monthly Sports Writer

Basketball season is here, and Jordan Hiatt couldn’t be more excited.

Hiatt is a senior point guard for the LenoirRhyne women’s basketball team and though she’s been a part of the team for three years prior, this season feels like it’s going to be a special one.

“I’ve been on some good teams with some good teammates, but I have never been a part of a group like this one,” Hiatt said. “I just have a great feeling about the personnel, talent, and chemistry of this team.”

LR’s underclassmen have impressed Hiatt.

“The freshmen on our team just really seem to be buying into the idea of being something special,” Hiatt said. “They will take it upon themselves to do things like come over and watch film.”

It’s always a good sign for a team when the young players are looking for ways to get involved and help the team early on – just ask Hiatt. As a freshman, she saw a hefty amount of playing time, even starting some games, which is big for an underclassman in college.

Playing as a freshman was very helpful in maturing Hiatt into the player she is today, especially from a pressure standpoint.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure,” Hiatt said. “Teams always looked to take advantage of me because they knew I was young.”

Hiatt says that former Lenoir-Rhyne standout, Danielle Bongiorno helped her with transition to college and playing on the big stage as a freshman. Bongiorno was somebody that Hiatt looked up to. Bongiorno was named the 2012-13 SAC Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, so she was definitely a good person to follow on the team. Hiatt was actually behind Bongiorno as a sophomore.

“The way she led was amazing. Her work ethic could inspire anybody,” Hiatt said.

The basketball team did lose Jazmine Charles who played a huge big part on the team for the past couple of years. At the conclusion of last season Charles (an

All American) was named the 2015 South Atlantic Conference’s Co-Woman of the Year.

Charles graduated last year, and following her departure it was important that some players step up and play a bigger role on the team this year. Hiatt was a co-captain with Charles during her junior season and has earned that role again for this year.

The team is behind this year’s senior captain as well.

Junior guard Farrah Young had nothing but good things to say about Hiatt.

“Jordan’s energy and her leadership separate her from not just being an average player but a great one,” Young said of her roommate. “She (Hiatt) is an amazing friend and advice giver. I couldn’t thank her enough for all that she has done for me.”

Hiatt mentioned that some of the other players on the team have also stepped up since last year as well. One player in particular that has showed a tremendous amount of progress in Hiatt’s eyes is junior forward Morgan Cooper who was named to the 2015-16 “Preseason All SAC Team” for this upcoming season.

“She has just exploded into an unreal player. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us this year,” Hiatt said.

This team has all the pieces to be successful this season.

Hiatt’s Top four goals for the team include: 1. Winning conference 2. Hosting the regional playoffs 3. Making the elite eight, and of course 4. Winning an NCAA national championship None of these will come easy, but this team seems more than ready to put in the work to make them happen.

Hiatt is scheduled to graduate at the end of this year. Afterwards, she hopes to earn her master’s degree in sports administration while also being a graduate assistant of a basketball program. Hiatt would love to someday have a permanent position coaching basketball.

back in the

carolinas

Former Bear coaching in the SAC

M

By Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly Editor

ay 2015 Lenoir-Rhyne graduate, Brittany Christian, packed up all over her belongings and headed to West Virginia at the beginning of August to begin her first job coaching as the assistant women’s basketball coach at Davis & Elkins College—but she would be back in the Carolinas sooner than she planned.

Christian’s LR basketball career began when she realized that her first choice of where to play basketball, Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C., was not the best fit for her. She made a few phone calls, visited LR and made her decision to transfer here.

“At Francis Marion I didn’t feel at home, and knew that I would be able to seek other opportunities to reach my full potential on and off the court. When I went on my visit to LR it was pretty clear how they truly embodied the definition of family,” Christian said. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

When she arrived at LR in 2012, Christian’s role on the court changed because Jazmine

Charles (who ‘s currently playing basketball while attending graduate school in England) was already LR’s go-to guard. But Christian found her place on her new team.

“It’s not often that you come across someone who has such a work ethic,” said former assistant coach and current head coach, Katie Pate. “Brittany’s role changed when she came to LR, she was the leading scorer at her old school, here we needed her to be our best defender.”

Her coaches noticed the heart she had for the game. Her teammates noticed it too.

“Brittany’s best quality was definitely her competitiveness. She always pushed me and everyone in practice to get better every single day,” said former basketball teammate, Jordan Hiatt. “She never took a play off and she let you know if you were ever slacking.

She definitely always had a championship mentality.”

And that’s exactly what Christian did— helped her team to become conference champions her senior year.

Once basketball ended and the idea of getting a job settled in she began to build a

SEE back in the carolinas, PAGE 7

This year’s “Late Night at the Shu” event marked the beginning of LR’s new student section: Bear Nation. Photo by Bailey Leonard | LRN Monthly

The first event the organization hosted was “Late Night at the Shu.” This event was to kick off the start of basketball season and to announce the name of the student section.

“We were aiming for 300 people to be there and we ordered 500 shirts, we ran out of shirts so we definitely exceeded our attendance goal,” Hallie said.

Since the organization is still very new, they do not have any more events planned for this year but want to host an event to kick off orientation and get incoming freshman involved next fall.

“We are still trying to figure out the structure, but right now we just want to get a group of students from each class to get involved and help get students in their class to come out to games,” Hallie said.

Any students are welcome to join, and leadership roles still need to be filled. If interested email: hallie.crawford@lr.edu or follow Bear Nations Twitter and Instagram’s accounts at: LRUbearnatin and Facebook account: Lenoir-Rhyne Bear Nation.

How much is each sport worth?

1 point

-Football -Men’s Basketball

2 points

-Women’s Basketball -Men’s Soccer -Women’s Soccer -Volleyball -Baseball -Men’s Lacrosse

3 points

-Women’s Lacrosse -Men’s Tennis -Women’s Tennis -Softball -Men’s Swimming -Women’s Swimming -Men’s Golf -Women’s Golf -Men’s Track & Field -Women’s Track & Field -Men’s Cross Country -Women’s Cross Country

The Panthers take the field on Oct. 25 prior to punishing the Eagles by a score of 27-16.

Photo by Hunter Haire

panthers

tearing up the

competition

I

By Hunter Haire | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

t’s hard to turn on the TV today and not see the Carolina Panthers’ “Super Cam” or hear about the sheer domination that they have created on the football field this year.

Panthers’ recent success originated on Oct. 26, 1993, when the Carolina Panthers became the 29th team to join the NFL. “This is a dream come true for me and my partners and for the 10 million people in the Carolinas,” said Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson.

Being a young franchise, the Panthers haven’t seen as much success as some of the NFL’s more storied teams. Thus far the Panthers have reached the playoffs in just six of their 22seasons in the NFL. They did manage to find their way to the Super Bowl in 2003 where they lost to the to the New England Patriots 29 to 32.

This year things of changed.

The phrase “Super Cam” and dreams of an undefeated season fill the air.

Cam Newton IS the leading impact player of the highpowered offense. He is known for celebrations that electrify the crowd.

The list of impact players go on as one of the most popular being tight end, Greg Olsen. Olsen is a dominating Panther on and off the field as he does several community service events for the less fortunate.

Luke Kuechly is the heart of the defense and has earned a reputation as a lights-out linebacker. He has 35 solo tackles making him a main point of pressure for any offense that comes Carolina’s way.

People can expect great things from the Carolina Panthers and the 2015 playoffs as they are proving to be one of the most dominating teams in NFL this football season. If “Super Cam” and the rest of the impact players can stay healthy then the Carolina Panthers’ fans should keep a Super Bowl appearance as a definite possibility come Christmas.

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

new years is coming

what are your resolutions “To be a better cameraman.”

-Walter Hernandez, freshman

“Say ‘no’ more often and do more of what I want to do.”

-Dakota Duncan, freshman

“Every year my resolution is to read a book a week. This year I’m adding: Raise my GPA.” -William Shook, junior

“I want to have a healthier diet.

I want to start by cutting out soda.”

“Watch the ball drop.”

-Denise McCoy, senior

-Brandi Miller, sophomore

lr prof pens programming textbook Teaching, writing and conferences keep Dr. Alex Mezei moving

By DeChane Grinton | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Professor Alex Mezei

D

oing a job without the tools you need is tough.

When Lenoir-Rhyne University computer science and mathematics Professor Alex Mezei found himself teaching a programming class, but unable to find a suitable textbook for it he transformed the obstacle into an opportunity by writing his own textbook.

“An Introduction to SAGE Programming: With Applications to SAGE Interacts for Numerical Analysis,” is scheduled for a January release.

“A few years ago, I got the course and there was no book on it,” he said. “And that’s what made me want to write the book, like here is my chance.”

According to the preface posted on Amazon.com, the book is intended to “help students learn how to use Sage Math to program some numerical methods, and create neat interactive representations of some mathematical concepts.”

Dean of Mathematical Studies Marry Lesser said Mezei has had a big impact on LR since first arriving at the University in the fall of 2013. ”Right from the beginning he was very involved and engaged, and you can see that he loves working with students,” Lesser said. “He covers everything that we covet in a professor which is excellent teaching, and being an active scholar.”

Although being a professor and

writer keeps his schedule busy, Mezei finds time to give his students valuable experiences outside the classroom. In early November he took a group of students to a Conference and Programming Competition at Roanoke College in Salem, Va.

“The purpose of the conference is to promote exchange of information among small college personnel concerned with computer use in the academic environment,” according to the CCSC website.

The following week he took four female students to attend the Southeast Women in Computing Conference in Atlanta.

“The purpose of the conference is to bring together women at different levels in academia, industry, research and government

to promote the recruitment, retention and progression of women in computing and technology related fields that lack diversity in the national work force,” according to the Southeast Women in Computing Conference website.

Mezei said his new text will benefit a variety of majors.

“The book is an introduction to computer programming using SageMath, and will be especially useful to Math, Science, IT, CS majors, but other students may find it useful as well,” he said. “What makes my book unique is that it focuses a lot on the interactive programming in Sage, the part that uses Sage Interacts.”

Lesser describes how Dr. Mezei’s book will bring notoriety to the department.

“When someone publishes a book or an article, it also shows their affiliation,” Lesser said. “So everyone that buys the book or hears about it, it puts us on their map.”

Lesser continues to explain how a book for the department can have the same impact as athletic success.

“In some ways it’s the academic equivalent to having a championship football team,” she said. “The way that gets us attention and publicity, this book does too in the more academic realm.”

The book will be available for purchase on Amazon.com, beginning Jan 26, 2016.

7

back in the carolinas from page 6

closer relationship with Pate off the court.

NCAA rules states that athletes can compete a maximum of four competitive seasons, per sport, within 10 full time semesters, which meant Christian still had one more year to compete.

With her love for sports and athletic abilities, Christian decided to pick up the game of lacrosse during her fifth year of college, which also gave her another year to network.

“The relationship we had with basketball intrigued me to want to play a bigger role in her personal development,” Pate said. “She took advantage of that and kept in close contact with me during her fifth year.”

The summer after Christian graduated, after months of applications and interviews, she was offered the women’s assistant basketball position at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, W.VA. Her start date was August 10 of this year.

This was not Christian’s ideal job. She was far away from her family who lived in Raleigh and in the middle of nowhere, but she knew she had to start her career somewhere.

“Because of Brittany’s age (23), Davis & Elkin’s was a sure thing, so she swallowed her pride and took the job,” Pate said.

After taking a few weeks to get settled in, she began to like the school and was growing a close bond with her players, when she got some bad news.

Budget cuts – she was told she had five days to move out of her on-campus apartment.

“I got an email from my athletic director saying that I had a meeting with him and human resources the next day,” Christian said. “Myself and all the other assistant coaches were let go due to school budget cuts.

It was so bad because I was blindsided by the whole thing.

The fall sport assistants were allowed to stay until the end of the semester, everyone else was cut immediately.”

What Christian did next turned the entire situation around.

“I knew I had two options. I could either sit there and cry like I wanted to do, or I could get on the phone with Coach Pate and see what jobs were still looking for someone,” Christian said.

Christian went with her second option and got on the phone with Pate. After talking with her, Christian started calling more people in her network and looking for openings.

Coker College, located in South Carolina, was still looking for an assistant women’s basketball coach. Lucky for Christian, Pate not only played there in college, but served as the head coach there as well.

“I immediately called them and said they had to take a look at Brittany Christian,” Pate said.

Two days later Coker offered Christian the job.

“If Brittany did not react to the situation like she did and had the networking already established, this would not have been possible,” Pate said.

Christian took a situation that was out of her control and ended up putting herself in an even better one. She is now much closer to her family in Raleigh and will be competing in a bigger conference – coaching against her former teammates.

“It’s definitely going to be weird when we play Coker and I see Brittany coaching not playing,” Hiatt said. “I couldn’t be happier for her though and I know she will do great things in her career.”

8

SPORTS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

lr bear

takes basketball

overseas

Jazmine Charles’ road to glory

By Greg Baker | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

W

hen it comes to Lenoir-Rhyne basketball, the womens basketball team is one of the most respected teams around.

The team is known for having standout players who are superb athletes.

In Jazmine Charles’ four years at LR, she has earned a name for herself as one of the best athletes to come through this university, which is how she was able to take her skills to England.

Originally from Winston-Salem, but raised in Lexington, Charles grew into one outstanding basketball player. Jazmine’s father introduced her to basketball and she says he’s a huge reason why she ever picked up a basketball. He was her first coach and continues to give her advice, even from afar.

“He played growing up and played in a lot of adult leagues in the community,” Charles said. “He used to take me along to his tournaments when I was two years old, and gradually from that point I wanted to play.”

Basketball was not Charles’s only sport. She played soccer and softball as well, but basketball remained her number one.

Choosing where to play college basketball was a big challenge. Eventually Charles narrowed her choices down to Lenoir-Rhyne and High Point.

“When I took my official visit I knew LR was where I

needed to be,” Charles said.

Selecting Lenoir-Rhyne worked out for her pretty well.

She earned many awards along the way to becoming one of the best women’s basketball players in LR history.

Charles won a host of awards during her time at LR. She ranks first in three-pointers made (183) and fifth in total point scored (1,605). In addition to Charles’ accolades, she was a three-time First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference honoree and was named SAC and Southeast Player of the Year for her 2013-14 season. And she was named an All-American in her senior year.

Now she’s playing basketball for the University of Essex where she’s studying to earn her master’s degree in marketing, advising and media.

For Charles, basketball is still basketball.

“The UK is not known for basketball so the talent level is not the same as playing in the NCAA, however the girls there still know the game and the competition is still there,” Charles said.

Charles’ former coach at LR, Katie Pate said what separated Jazmine on and off the court was her attitude.

“Jazmine is extremely competitive, she excels in just about everything she puts her mind to,” Pate said. “In

Former standout LR basketball player Jazmine Charles is attending grad school at The University of Essex where she’s studying in marketing, advising and media.

Submitted Photo

the classroom or in her other professional pursuits she is very driven and focused on achieving her personal goals.”

Pate said Charles was a standout player here and that she was absolutely not surprised that Charles has continued to excel over seas.

“Jazmine did the thing that required her to be great, a little more than her teammates and most of her competition,” Pate said.

Charles says this moment in her life is her “inbetween stages” right now. Trying to adapt to a British style of basketball has been a bit challenging for her but it’s still extremely fun.

standout captain fall sports finishes career Wrap up at lr Senior fullback Michael Patrick moves on from Lenoir-Rhyne football

By Jordan Forney | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Football

By Jordan Forney | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

2014 Record: 11-1 Overall, (7-0 SAC) 2015 Record: 6-5 Overall, (3-4 SAC) Senior fullback Michael Patrick leaves defenders in the dust during LR’s 27-0 romp over the Brevard College Tornadoes on Nov. 7. Photo courtesy of Linda Koth Botts.

T

he 2015 football season has come to an end for the Bears, and unfortunately that means that the team will have to say goodbye to the seniors. One of the dozen seniors that will be moving on is fullback, Michael Patrick.

Patrick has been playing the game of football since the age of five, and says he is just as passionate about the game as he was as a child. Now, at the age of 24, he has been playing a total of 19 years, which is older than a good chunk of the players on the Lenoir-Rhyne football team now.

The standout fullback has been a part of the Bear tradition for four years now but this is not where he started his collegiate football career.

After graduating from Frederick Douglas High School in Atlanta, Patrick went on to play for Navy’s prep school for a year.

Following that he played two years of football for the Naval Academy, and then transferred to Lenoir-Rhyne where he found a better fit and finished his college career.

“The Naval Academy wasn’t too bad, it was just different,” Patrick said.

Patrick says that the connection to LenoirRhyne came with his position coach at Navy, Mike Judge. Judge went to Springfield College with Lou Conte, who at the time was the running back coach at Lenoir-Rhyne.

The move worked out well for Patrick and Lenoir-Rhyne.

“I enjoyed my time in Hickory. The fans here were great and I got the chance to meet some really good people,” Patrick said.

Patrick had a good relationship with all of his teammates, but had built a little

stronger bond with some of the players that were in the program with him. This includes players such as Miles Freeman, Christopher Robinson, Greg Baker and even Kristaan Ivory, who was a newcomer on the team this year.

“Those were my boys out there and having a bond like that with your teammates makes you want to play harder for them. You don’t want to let them down,” Patrick said.

In his four years as a Bear, Patrick racked up a total of 2,028 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns along with 114 receiving yards with one touchdown. The Bears also achieved three conference championships and played in the national championship game in the 2013-2014 season.

Even with all of the touchdowns and accolades, Patrick says that his most memorable moment as a Bear was being named team captain by the players and coaches.

“It was a big moment for me. I knew then that there would be pressure on me to set a good example for the team and I was ready for that responsibility,” Patrick said.

It will be hard to replace a leader like Patrick.

“It’s easy following a guy like Mike because of the passion he plays with. He leads by example and always puts the team before himself,” said sophomore full back, Marcus Davis.

Patrick is scheduled to graduate in May of 2016 with a degree in math. He says he wants to move on to the next level and continue to play football. Afterwards he would like to coach his own team one day.

Coach Ian Shields began his second season as the Bears’ head coach with a hot 5-1 start but the team lost four of their last six games to end the year with a disappointing record. 10 points or fewer determined two of the losses. The Bears offense averaged 387.6 rushing yards per game, which led all other Division 2 teams in the nation.

Although the team didn’t add to their total number of conference championships this year, the Bears did finish with a winning record. Senior RB Kristaan Ivory led the team in rushing stacking up 1,033 yards this season.

W. Soccer 2014 Record: 16-4-3 Overall, (10-1 SAC) 2015 Record: 12-4-2 Overall, (8-2-1 SAC) The Bears soccer team finished the regular season winning six of their last seven before heading into the SAC Conference Championship quarterfinal where they fell just short to Anderson in penalty kicks. Five players were named to the All Conference team, more than all other teams in the SAC. Senior Brianna Belsky was named to the 2015 Academic All District team as well. The team says farewell to 13 seniors as they start to prepare for next season.

M. Soccer 2014 Record: 6-8-5 Overall, (6-4-1 SAC) 2015 Record: 8-8-2 Overall, (5-5-1 SAC) Men’s soccer had a good start to the 2015 campaign with a 4-1-1 start. Sophomore Ismael

Noumansana led the team in goals with eight and shots with 50, while sophomore Leon Mueller-Wiesen led the team with six assists. Noumansana and Mueller-Wiesen were chosen to the 2015 SAC All Conference team as well. Juniors, Tom Seery and DeJean Charlton were honorable mentions. The team looks to build on this season with their young talent going into the offseason.

Volleyball 2014 Record: 22-10 Overall, (15-7 SAC) 2015 Record: 20-7 Overall, (18-4 SAC) The Bears had a slow to start the season with a 1-4 record, but since then have been as hot as anybody in the country racking up eight straight wins after that slow start and finishing the season on an eight-game winning streak.

The team swept Queens to finish the regular season and are now preparing for the 2015 SAC tournament, which will be held in Anderson, S.C. Brooke Redmond leads the team in kills with 315 while Jillian Born leads the team in digs with 239.

Cross Country The women won the 2015 Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Cross Country Invitational this year, while the men finished in third place.

Both teams also competed in the SAC conference championship where the men and women each finished in ninth place. The two teams ran their last race at the NCAA Division 2 Southeast Region Championship where the men finished 19th and the women finished 25th overall. Zack Gross had the fastest time for the men running the 10k course in 36 minutes and 30 seconds. Paige Smith led the women with a time of 26 minutes and 28 seconds.

OPINION

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

bringing

not

the

sexy,

to

physical

obvious light

but

Why LR runs the triple option offense

A call for Diversity

By Gio Revera LRN Monthly Online Editor

H

9

ave you ever gone to the Lenoir-Rhyne website and looked at the pictures of our security officers? Is it just me, or do they all look the same?

As uncomfortable as it makes some people to admit it, take one look and you will see that LR’s security are all over the age of 40- 50 years of age, all white and male. Supposedly the woman that you may seem roaming around campus, is also part of the security staff but the description under her photo lists her title as Coordinator of the Welcome Center —so it is safe to say that she isn’t doing any patrolling.

Why am I bringing this to your attention? Simple, this is something that doesn’t get as much attention as it needs to get from our university.

Diversity is an important subject and important part of a liberal arts school. We are looked upon as “well-rounded” by employers mostly due to our core curriculum, so shouldn’t our security staff represent the ideals of the university?

Broad mindedness is a crucial goal for any university, especially to a liberal arts university. We came to LR to learn and broaden our minds; but here, it seems as though the university isn’t promoting this concept. Taking into consideration the homogeneity of the security staff, the school itself hasn’t expanded its own mind.

But besides the whole hypocritical aspect of this, do you think that even for a moment every single one of the students on campus feels safe with an all-male all-white security staff? No, obviously not. Not everyone will identify with all-white all-male security.

Not everyone will feel as though they can approach all-white allmale security. Not everyone will think that if they do approach this all-white all-male security that something will get done in their favor for the simple reason that not everyone is white or male.

For example, how comfortable would a female feel to report her rape to a male? How comfortable would

a Hispanic female or male feel? What about an African American male or female?

Presumably a Caucasian male would feel the most comfortable approaching LR security.

Students feel most comfortable engaging with someone who they feel like would best identify with them.

Check the demographics of our campus out, or better yet just look around and observe those of your classmates and peers. We as a student body are composed of a wide mix of ethnicities, sexual orientations and backgrounds, therefore our security staff shouldn’t be all male, or all white – especially because these people are the ones who are in direct contact with the student body.

LR’s faculty and staff should mirror the diversity of its student body —in order to make all the students feel safe.

Don’t get me wrong – I am not talking down about our security, I am simply recognizing the lack of diversity that the security has.

Our officers may have earned their share of accolades and high credentials, but students looking at the web page aren’t going to know any of that.

They’re just going to run into a sea of white male faces. That’s the first impression student’s get. Most students never learn more about the officers than what they look like. Students and security officers typically interact with each other for just a few seconds at a time.

My goal is for 100 percent of LR’s student population to feel comfortable and safe with our campus security officers.

It just proves that we, as a university, have areas that need work on.

However, there is a simple fix: as security officers retire or leave for better opportunities elsewhere it would behoove LR to make a priority of hiring diverse yet qualified personnel who can mirror the mix of our blended student body.

Hopefully we start seeing an effort towards diversifying our security, our faculty and our staff for our students.

By Greg Baker LRN Monthly Staff Writer

T

he triple option is the key to the Lenoir-Rhyne Football offense. No – we can’t give away all our tricks, but the triple option is one we’ve mastered.

The triple option is an offensive scheme designed to run the ball in different styles. It’s called The triple option because it gives the offense three different options for running the ball.

The first option is to have the quarterback simply hand the ball directly to one of the running backs.

The second option is for the QB to fake the handoff and run the ball himself.

The third option is for the QB to fake the handoff again, sprint out like he’s going to take it himself, then pitch it to one of the running backs.

The triple option lets us be flexible on the field for each play.

It lets us control the ball and wear out opposing defenses.

The triple is not a common offense to run these days, which means that it’s not a walk in the park for our opponents to prepare to face us. And that works to our advantage.

Today most teams around the country run the spread option, which allows a diverse offense rather than mastering one mode.

Lots of passing. Teams will go to the triple if they want a physical offense that will win – even if it’s not as sexy as some high-flying offenses. LR’s style of play can be called “smash mouth football” because its’ intensely physical

and we will wear you down.

Lenoir-Rhyne has been running the triple since 2008.

Offensive lineman coach Tom Simi, has been working with triple option teams since 1997.

Simi feels like it’s the best fit for LR football because of the long line of familiarity between the entire coaching staff.

“Even though we have may not learned the triple the exact way, we still share the same concept for the overall purpose,” he said.

“We run the triple because we believe in it.”

Senior fullback Michael Patrick agrees.

“The triple option is one of the best, if not the best, scheme in football due to the control on the game,” he said. “If you can get everyone on the same page, the triple option is unstoppable.”

It takes a special kind of player to run the triple. When Simi goes on the recruiting hunt he’s looking for guys who are tough, unselfish, and teamoriented. Also athletes who have backgrounds in sports such as track and field or wrestling catch his attention too, because of the explosiveness those sports demand.

The Bears have been very successful these past seasons, being named the SAC champions four years in a row with an appearance to the Division 2 championship game in 2013. This season didn’t end like we wanted it to, but we’ll be back next year and we’re determined to make it back to the top tier.

Serving all levels of property management throughout the U.S.

For more information

Call 407-712-0791

10

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

LR security

vs. the hpd

Why are Hickory officers being seen around campus more often?

By Gio Revera | LRN Monthly Online Editor

S

tudents have noticed an increasingly visible Hickory Police presence on Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus this year.

LR’s Director of Security Norris Yoder said it’s true – HPD has been patrolling more frequently. “We (LR Security) work with them, and they are trying to be seen more in the area.”

HPD’s Patrol Captain Thurman Whisnant is pleased that his officers are getting the student’s attention. “I’m glad we are being seen a lot,” Whisnant said.

LR Security and the Hickory Police Department have a partnership and work together closely—most of the security are actually retired Hickory Police Department officers..

Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus is one that is very important to the HPD according to Captain Thurman. His officers patrol day and night and work sporting events. LR is in its own reporting

zone, meaning that all incidents on this campus requiring a Hickory police response are tracked separately from the surrounding community.

This allows for greater ease of crime statistic tracking. In addition, it helps HPD officers to keep a very close eye on criminal activity in the area. There are several other special reporting zones in the city such as the business corridor on U.S. 70 southeast.

In an effort to connect with LR students the HPD has initiated service projects such as helping students move their belongings into their dorm rooms at the beginning of the fall semester. The officers’ goal is to get to know the students a bit better as well as helping officers and students get more comfortable with one another. Plus, the officers have given LR’s head coaches their personal phone numbers, letting the coaches know that the officers are willing to assist in any way whenever needed.

Typically the criminal activities that occur around campus are what Whisnant called “crimes of opportunity,” which include car break-ins and property crimes such as theft.

Additional crimes reported at Lenoir-Rhyne include drug violations, accidents, larceny of tags, stolen vehicles and indecent exposures.

Are there more police around this year? Yes. Does that mean more bad things are happening at LR this year? No— not necessarily.

But it is a heads up that us as students need to be more wary about locking our car doors and not leaving anything valuable in our cars.

Basically, we should avoid making ourselves easy targets for opportunistic criminals.

And having more visible law enforcement on campus also indicates that we have a Police Department and LR Security officers who hold us in high priority.

bloom

new businesses on campus LR student entrepreneurs make their mark

By Sara Jones | LRN Monthly Designer

L

R’s Center for Commercial and Social Entrepreneurship has been running for one year now. There have been a lot of new businesses developed throughout the Fall 2015 semester.

“We have some really cool things happening in the center,” said Director of LR’s Center for Commercial and Social Entrepreneurship Dr. Ralph Griffith.

Several businesses are in the works and a few are being tested right now.

Will Bass’ brainchild is Catcher’s Heal. Bass, an exercise science major, came up with a device designed to save baseball catchers’ knees from harsh wear endured over a long season. LR’s baseball team is field-testing the product prototype.

Some of these businesses start in Griffith’s introduction to entrepreneurship course. Where students start by coming up with ideas and creating a business plan for them. One in the works is the Massage Caddy; a product for golf caddies to wear as they are carrying golf clubs. This product massages the neck and back relieving stress from those areas.

“At first when I proposed the idea of a ‘golf bag that massages you’ it was

just something that was thought of randomly,” said LR sophomore Tessa Young. “I did not think this idea would have any legs but then professor Griffith told me it was a brilliant idea.”

Young’s Massage Caddy won’t replace golf carts, but it offers what she calls a “luxury massage” for big load-bearing caddies at a fraction of the price of a cart – while still allowing them to get a healthy amount of exercise. Her goal is to market them to amateur, college and pro golfers alike. At the moment she’s working to get her product approved by the United States Golf Association.

Graduate student Alex Freeman is honing his fresh take of the booming market of subscription services.

“I now will be providing a backpack subscription service for grades K-12,” he said. “We will talk with teachers to figure out what students need.

Then parents go online and order a backpack with supplies for their sons or daughters.”

These are just some of the many new products, ideas and business that have come from LR’s center for commercial and social entrepreneurship. “ I am very proud of my students,” Griffith said.

SPORTS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

Life

after lax

A lifelong athlete looks back on leaving her sport

By Bailey Leonard LRN Monthly Editor

I

f you went back in time to ask 18-year-old high school me if I was going to be playing lacrosse for Lenoir-Rhyne during my senior year, that me would have said yes with no hesitation. She loved her team, she loved competing and getting better everyday—and she could not wait for her senior year.

But that’s not what happened. It is now my senior year of college and I am no longer a part of the women’s lacrosse team at LR. Over the summer I made one of my first adult decisions and decided to not continue my lacrosse career. In the end it came down to two factors:

1. I realized that my academics were more important than my athletics.

2. The dynamic of the team changed.

The coaches and many of the players I’d grown close to left the team. I was unhappy and my passion for the game was fading fast.

My old teammates, professors, athletic trainers and friends all have asked me if I am happy with my decision, and yes, I couldn’t be happier.

You know why? Because I left the game when I still loved it and I knew if I continued to play my last year, I would of ended up hating it.

I am not going to pretend I don’t miss it though. Seeing my old teammates walk out to practice still stings a little, or walking past my old locker room and knowing I don’t have a locker with my name on it anymore is hard at times. But, hearing about all the running my old team has to do while I’m still sleeping in my warm bed, makes me feel a little better.

Being a student athlete for three years has helped mold me into the person I am and still becoming. Being part of a team really does teach you how to work with others, especially people that you may not particularly like, and it also

taught me that when I really commit to something, I could be successful.

It also forced me to manage my time, because the majority of my day I was either at practice, getting treatment for injuries, or putting in extra work on my own time to get better.

Now that I don’t play, I can for the most part make my own schedule and I do have more time to do things that I want to do. I can finally work out or go on a long run and not feel the pressure of making a specific time. I can take a spontaneous trip and not have to worry about being back for practice, and I can devote more time to things that will help me get a job when I graduate come May. I work for the school newspaper, I intern with a company to help better my Public Relations skills, and I have started to network with people to help set up interviews in my near future.

However, being a lacrosse player has been my identity since my freshman year of high school. Once my career ended, I had to rebuild myself and find my new identity.

I still have days where I feel lost, when I think everything would be okay if I was still playing, but then I remember why I made the decision to retire a year early. That’s when I remember that this is the happiest I have been in a long time.

I wouldn’t trade signing a contract to play lacrosse here for anything. The good and the bad experiences I’ve had since my freshman year have played a major role in where I am today. I am glad that I was able to be a student-athlete in college and also have my last year to experience being a N.A.R.P. (Non-athletic regular person).

I won’t get my Senior Day that I have been waiting for since my freshman year, and I will never get to play on the new artificial turf, but I’ve finally found my happiness again and still love the game of lacrosse, and that’s what is most important.

11

LR’s new

advantage:

Field turf Major upgrade brings LR’s field to elite level

By Jordan Forney LRN Monthly Sports Writer

I

n the past couple of years Lenoir-Rhyne has constantly added improvements to the Hickory campus. Two years ago the school installed a Subway in the Bear’s Lair, last year we built Grace Chapel and this summer we installed FieldTurf in Moretz Stadium.

After nearly a season of having a turf field at home, I can say that the turf has made things easier for the football team. Throughout the year, we have opponents with turf in their stadiums and opponents that have grass. Installing the turf in Moretz stadium now gives our coaches and players the opportunity to prepare for both. For instance, the first football game of this season was against the West Chester Rams. We practiced all week on turf to get ready to play. But the week that we took on the Limestone Saints, a team with a grass football field, we spent the week preparing on our own grass practice field, which gave us a chance to get ready for a wet and muddy natural surface.

In my experience playing linebacker here at LenoirRhyne, the turf installation was a necessary addition. I played on the grass in Moretz stadium for three years before getting turf, and every year the field was in rough shape by the end of the season. Practicing in August was a lot more productive than practicing in November with a grass field.

The practice field used to get to the point where it was so bad the team would be left the options of either scuffing up

the grass in Moretz stadium or practicing in Shuford gym because the coaches didn’t want to risk injuries.

The main problem with the grass in the colder months was the footing. There was a practice in the spring of my redshirt sophomore season in which there were spots on the field that had turned into ice.

Multiple players fell throughout the practice and a couple actually injured themselves.

Then there was the playoff game against West Chester during my redshirt freshman year. The field was brown, muddy, and full of patches.

There was no traction, but there were puddles throughout the field. It was so bad that we weren’t even sure if we’d be able to play in Moretz stadium.

There was even talk of moving the West Chester game to their home field in Pennsylvania.

With the turf however, we’ve already had two games, against Carson Newman and University of Faith, in bad weather. I honestly can’t tell the difference in my traction on the field when it’s raining and when it’s dry. In previous seasons, playing in the rain has always been a challenge for me because the slightest slip up in footing could result in a big play for the other team.

After playing on turf I don’t know why any team wouldn’t invest in installing it in their stadium. I’m thrilled that LenoirRhyne thought of our athletes enough to make this move, and at a school with as many athletes as LR has, of athletes I’m sure that I’m not alone.

12

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | DEC/JAN 2015-2016

poolside Q&A with Abigail

mcrea

By Julia Ponomareva | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

This month LRN Monthly sat down with the co-captain of LR’s Swim Team Abigail McRae. Q: Hello, Abigail – it’s really nice to meet you! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: I’m 21 years old, Hickory is my hometown and I’m majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Chemistry.

Q: Chemistry – that’s impressive. It’s common for athletes to major in Exercise Science, but not many minor in chemistry. Why did you choose this?

A: Yes, it’s true. Many athletes choose Exercise science as a major and there is a reason for it: People, who compete in sports treat their body more carefully, especially if there’s pain somewhere or if the muscles are tired.

I want to work with kids and as a Pediatrician. Due to this, I needed many prerequisites for medical school, which is why I decided to pursue a minor in chemistry.

Q: Are you ready for the years of study it’s going to take to become a practicing doctor?

A: I am. I know that I will have many challenges, but I have passion and I’m ready to sacrifice for it. Also, I enjoy learning new things so I’m 100 percent ready.

Q: What about swimming? Are you going to keep that in your life?

A: Sure, but not as much as I swim now. It’s great exercise to keep yourself in shape and have good health.

Q: I agree with you. Do you remember the first time you swam?

Abigail McRea swam the backstroke at the All Invitational 2015 held in Greensboro. Submitted Photo

A: Oh, I’m not sure than I remember my first day, but I was about five years old. So, I’ve been doing it for my whole life. My mom was a swimmer and my younger brother is also swimming for LR. I guess it seems like a logical thing for us to do.

Q: How did your swimming career progress?

A: - When I was a child, I was very competitive, and it has helped me a lot in college sports, but my actual swimming career started when I was in the middle school. By the time I was in high school, I was a part of the school’s swim team and we competed in the State Championship. Also, during my high-school years, I started to think about college and how I could have an opportunity to swim. Now I’m in my fourth year at LR. Q: Why did you choose LR? A: There were two main reasons: First were academics. And since it’s a small school, you have the opportunity to know everyone, which means you have a huge number of friends. Your professors know you, know your good and bad sides and are always ready to help you.

The second reason is, of course, our team. Here, I have a chance to be an athlete and part of a great family of swimmers and our coaches. I know that I’m not the first person who says that my team is my family, but it’s true. Combine these two things and you will get a great mix.

Q: I know that you won an academic award. Can you explain how important it is?

A: Sure. We won a team award because our men’s team had the highest GPA of any of LR’s sports teams.

I also won an individual award for having the highest

GPA of any of LR’s female athletes. (McRea has won this award twice in back-to-back years.) It is neat to see that the campus now knows more about my team and how we have had academic success.

Q: What does it mean to be your team’s co-captain?

A: Basically it means that I have to put our team above myself. There’s a great difference between professional and college swimming. Here it’s not about yourself; it’s about the team. You swim fast and you get points, which go to the team. As a captain I’m trying to be a role model, always doing my best and always being available for my team. If someone is in a bad mood, I do my best to cheer him or her up. I care about their feelings or how they feel physically too. Also, I do my best to communicate with everyone, including the coaches. I also have to love my tea, but that’s not a hard thing to do.

Q: What helps you stay motivated? Do you have any favorite slogans or quotes?

A: “You don’t have to be perfect.”

“You don’t have to do everything right all the time.”

“It’s OK if you mess up sometimes, but you have to keep faith in yourself and never stop dreaming.”

Q: Last question: If you could go back in time to when you were five years old, what would you say to yourself?

A: Well, I’d say, “You can’t give up, even if sometimes it feels like you can’t do it anymore.” I’d say, “Your dream will lead you. You just have to be strong enough to follow it. Don’t wish your life away.”

I’d say this not only to me, but also to all boys and girls, who are just getting started in their sport.

Answers to Novermber’s crossword Editorial Staff: Editor: Bailey Leonard

Online Editor: Gio Rivera

Designer: Sara Jones Ad Sales: Hunter Haire

Staff Writers: Greg Baker

Elijah Blackwell

Jordan Forney

Kelsey Harris

DeChane Grinton

Julia Ponomareva

Contributors: Zoë Watkins

Dylan Rogers

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Richard Gould

Dr. Lisa Harris