LRNL
LR’S DRUG TESTING pg
5O
TH L
M N T H LR PROF. JAMS Get M O N T H L Y M O N T H L Y WITH hicko pg 4 f M O N TLRHpResident L Y
Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Comm LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication
LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 111 — ISSUE 7
MARCH 2017
VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2
SEP
Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2
SEPTEMBER 20
fES TO RETIRE pResident PlaymakersLRto stage TO RETIRE LR pResident TO RETIRE Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS
VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2
SEPTEMBER 2015
‘Beekle’ Award-winning children’s book to come alive By Leah Bobbett | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
Every year Lenoir-Rhyne University hosts The Little Read. The Little Read is a partnership between LR and local schools in the Catawba Valley area to host elementary students who come to our campus where they watch the book they’re reading in the classroom come alive before their eyes. LR’s Playmakers will be performing a stage adaptation of the award-winning children’s book “Beekle” this month. “‘Beekle’ is about this little imaginary friend-creature who exists in this world where imaginary friends are thought of and (the imaginary creatures) wait until they are assigned to a kid… when the kid thinks of them,” Lenoir-Rhyne theater major Chase Fowler said. “(The main character’s) name is Beekle and he is in this world but he never gets assigned to anyone, so he does what the others haven’t done and goes out himself to try and find his person.” While “Beekle” is a children’s picture book, it does pack a vital message. “It promotes the message of kind of taking charge and like setting your own destiny in a way for a child to understand,” Fowler said. However, setting your own destiny doesn’t seem to be the only message that people are pulling from the Theater Professor and Artistic Director of LR’s Playmakers Josh Yoder runs a host of hopeful thespians through
SEE ‘beekle’, PAGE 3
auditions for this month’s Little Read production of “Beekle,” the stage adaptation of the Caldecott-winning modern classic of the same title. brian tarpley | LRN Monthly
end OF mediocrity THE
how’s trump doing?
LR students, faculty and staff weigh in on our new president
LR’s very own “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” By Katelyn Mendenhall | LRN Monthly Contributor
The robust aroma of Giorgio Armani’s “Acqua Di Gio” permeated the air around Walker Harrison, who was draped in a two-buttoned, beige wool blazer with suede elbow pads the color of warm caramel drizzled over a candied apple. His blazer, fitted over a royal purple, checkered button-up, was a few shades darker than his sandy khakis. Coordinating
chocolate-brown Sperry loafers and matching belt rounded out the ensemble. To complete the look: an Emporio Armani watch with a black leather band. “I’ve recently made the switch to a leather band – more official,” Harrison, 20, of Troy, a three-stoplight
SEE the u, PAGE 5
LR junior Ryan Henry helps Michelle Franklin, a volunteer at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, stock canned food items that he and Walker Harrison donated. Katelyn Mendenhall | LRN Monthly
CONNECT WITH US
By Leah Bobbett | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
President Donald Trump has now been in office for about three months and he’s already shaking things up. His presidency was greeted by protests and women’s rights marches across the nation – obviously not everyone’s a fan, but some heartily approve of Trump’s actions thus far. “He’s quickly fulfilling a lot of his campaign promises and I feel that, in spite of the popularity of them – whether they are popular among Americans or not, I feel he’s going to do it either way just so that he’ll be able to fulfill his promises and… not go back on his word,” LR student and Republican Club president Danielle Herman said. Some members of the Republican faithful like what they’re seeing. “I have been happy with everything (Trump) has done so far,” LR Republican Club vice-president Samuel Johnson said. “I think he has followed up with his campaign promises – particularly with his Supreme Court nomination.” They’re responding to his pace. “Trump has gotten a lot of things
ONLINE NEWS & ARCHIVES AT ISSUU.COM/ THERHYNEAN
done,” Lenoir-Rhyne student Sarah Dula said. “As a businessman, he wanted to get in and get things done immediately. I feel like we’ve heard a lot more about what he’s gotten done in the past couple of weeks than most presidents when they get inaugurated. A lot of changes have already been made, and I think it’s good that he’s getting on top of it and keeping his promises.” Not everyone here at Lenoir-Rhyne is in such strong favor of Trump though. LR political science professor Dr. David Dreyer dislikes several of Trump’s recent decisions – especially his controversial executive order which imposed a 90-day travel ban against Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen – an order that a federal judge struck down just one week after Trump signed it. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the judge’s decision. (The President has since pledged to revise and reissue the order.) “Trump has implemented several controversial executive orders that I
SEE trump, PAGE 3
FIND US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK FOR LIVE NEWS UPDATES AND POSTS. @LRNONLINE AND FACEBOOK.COM/LRNONLINE
chiVes
chiVes
2
NEWS
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
Be bold for change International Women’s Day raises awareness of gender inequality By Florian Lemmel | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
It’s March – National Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day is upon us. March 8 is known world-wide as a day to consider equality for everyone. And there is still work to be done. The Equal Pay Act, which was created by John F. Kennedy in 1963, stated that companies must pay men and women equally, but more than 50 years later that is still not the case. Women are doing the same work as men, but they earn roughly $0.79 for every $1 men earn. Some estimates put the woman’s earnings closer to $0.92. Intenational Women’s Day has a motto: Be bold for change. It’s a change that women around the world are still fighting for. That’s just one way women
experience inequality in the workplace. Kristi Chandler, an exercise science senior at LR, is interning at the Catawba Valley Medical Center. She’s considering working in cardiac rehab once she graduates in May. “So far, in my experience in my internship, there is only one girl working (in the cardiac rehab) and all the directors are men,” she said. This is a common experience. When entering a company, the number of men and women in the lowest positions is nearly equal. But the higher you climb up the career ladder the fewer women you see. Women represent just about 20 percent of the American workforce among C-suite positions, which includes positions such as chief executive officer and chief operating officer. For women of color this number‘s even lower. Women are less likely to get challenging assignments, have less contact with senior advisors and get fewer promotions than men, according to a study by LeanIn and McKinsey & Co.. On the other hand, women are seven times more likely to do the majority of home duties, and are more likely to stay with their families, which could be one reason for their low representation. The Leanin study is one of the largest studies about women in the workplace. It includes data from 132 companies and 34,000 men and women. The numbers presented by the study are even more surprising when looking at other studies which describe the positive effects women in leading positions have on a company. A better stock growth and a lower risk of insolvency are only two effects linked to female board members. Still, many employers don’t appear to consider inequality an important subject. The US ranks 11th in the world
when it comes to the representation of women on boards, according to the New York Times, which quotes a study by Catalyst from 2015. The top spots in this ranking are owned by European countries, which have boardroom quotas. That means that companies are required to have a fixed percentage of women on their boards. Norway is ranked No. 1 with a boardroom quota of 40 percent, followed by Finland and France where the quota is 30 percent. In the US the idea of a government assigning corporate quotas faces fierce resistance, although 3 percent of the biggest companies in the US have no women in boardroom positions at all. But is a quota the right way to gain more equality? “I think it should be more talentbased,” Chandler said. ”If you take a woman that is far less experienced over a man, then I would say it’s really unfair” Brittany Marinelli, a senior biology major at LR, goes further than that. “I think it would cause animosity between men and women, because if there’s a quota, they don’t know whether they were hired because of their qualification or the quota,” she said We say we believe in equality, but the studies show that we don’t have it. Many consider quotas a non-starter, so what should we do to create a climate that more closely resembles what we say we believe in? Should we try to improve the compatibility of family and work by offering flexible working periods, and a paid family leave with the secure chance of returning to the same position? This could reduce the number of women denied a promotion because of their family, and would also provide a way back into the workforce for women returning from family leave. This kind of policy might work, but it might have unforseen consequences as well. Laws can only solve some problems. How can laws change the attitude of board members who think in old gender
clichés? And what consequences will companies face when they don’t want to pay or are not able to pay for family leave? Should tax money be used to ensure family leave? Considering the big questions, Marinelli sees another problem. “I think politicians should be involved in the process, but when you go to the Senate, most of the people there are men,” she said. “Maybe they should start fighting inequality (in the political institutions).” For Grace Caldwell, a senior elementary education major at LR, the fight against inequality starts close to home. “You must start with education. Getting children interested in STEM, which is science, technology, engineering, and math, and teaching them, so that they are prepared for future jobs is really important,” she said. But she also touched on another form of inequality. “Inequality isn’t something that is considered in elementary teaching,“ said Caldwell, who‘s quite passionate about the topic. “The school I’m working at has no male teachers except the Vice Principle, which is an administrative position.” American society still appears to consider some jobs “woman’s work,” while other jobs are a near universial male domain. “Especially elementary education isn’t valued. Men want to pursue carriers in science to earn more money,” Caldwell said. “Education is a job that is as important as any other job, but it’s not paid as well. People need to know that education is valuable. We’re teaching the future.” No one can deny that gender inequality exists in the American workplace. The question is, what do we do about it? The fight for women’s rights and equality continues. In the month of March, and especially on March 8 we remember how far the women’s rights movement has come ... and we look to the future.
travel abroad without leaving campus Lenoir-Rhyne University to host International Spring Fling By Julia Ponomareva | LRN Monthly Contributor
This month Lenoir-Rhyne’s Office of International Education is throwing a Spring Fling for everyone who is interested in studying abroad or people who just want to know more about other cultures. Not everyone gets to walk the streets of Germany or Spain. But LR’s Office of International Education wants to change that. Their goal is to get people involved in cultural exploration and maybe consider the possibility of going abroad. The Spring Fling is for those who are ready to get out of their comfort zones. On March 30 at 11 a.m. in front of LR’s Cromer Center, students and staff will witness an international medley of all sorts of things. The fiesta will include several tables, where students will tell about different countries and share their experience of traveling. “It’s our second year doing this, and the main purpose of it is to highlight all the international internals on campus,” said LR’s Director of International Education Dr. Laura Dobson. It’s free for everyone and it will take only two hours, but will give you a lot in return. “I remember last year it was so much fun,” said
Lenoir-Rhyne students advertise the Office of International Education in Cromer Center on Feb. 6. julia ponomareva | LRN Monthly
Sara Kalkenova, 20, of Astana, Kazakhstan. “I was surprised by how people were actually interested in my culture. They were asking questions and participated in all the games we offered. It was amazing that some people didn’t even know about my country.” Besides the opportunity to discuss different cultures, guests can also participate in Irish Dancing, a drum circle, international karaoke and
much more. Also, students with international experience will tell everyone about their trips and give useful tips for those who are considering having their own study abroad experiences in the future. LR students who are native citizens of such countries as Russia, Kazakhstan, Argentina and a few others will help people to understand the major aspect of their cultures. “All the events we host serve as an opportunity to be engaged in discussions about global issues and experience pieces of other cultures for those who have never studied abroad,” Dobson said. “It’s amazing how a little conversation can affect your life. It can totally shift your perspectives,” said Zorica Djuric, 26, of Belgrade, Serbia. “Talking to people who have different perspectives gives you a lot to think about.” For more information about studying abroad or the Spring Fling, visit Dr. Laura Dobson, room 202 in Rudisill Library’s Learning Commons or email her at laura.dobson@lr.edu.
NEWS ‘beekle’ from page 1 story. “It’s relatable for some people, you know,” Lenoir-Rhyne theater major Abbey Hayes said. “Some people feel like they don’t fit in and everyone else has… this best friend and then their other half, and then you know, eventually maybe this will show them that other people can come around and you can kind of find your person.” Beekle’s lessons resonate for college and elementary students alike. “It promotes imagination and never giving up and if you feel like you’re not getting something, like you should go out and strive for it, go look for it,” Lenoir-Rhyne theater major and stage manager for the production Tylan James said. Sometimes the simplest lessons are the most important. “It’s a story about friendship,” theater professor and “Beekle” director Josh Yoder said. All of these messages, Yoder believes, are important in children’s theater. But imagination, he feels, is not just a message of the play, but
trump from page 1 don’t approve of,” Dreyer said. “One in particular being the travel ban on seven particular predominately Muslim countries. … I think there’s several problems with it. One being, ultimately it’s counterproductive. I think the biggest fear we face from terrorism is terrorism that’s homegrown. And I think, if anything, (the travel ban) could lead to further radicalization and could lead to terrorist attacks, which is the very thing that Trump is trying to prevent by instituting the ban.” LR’s Provost, Dr. Larry Hall, took a big-picture view of Trump’s massive, though not universal, appeal. “Obviously, the Trump
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
a vital aspect of theater and life in general as well. “‘Beekle’ in particular is going to be very right for putting on stage because of how much it deals with imagination,” Yoder said. “Because I think a lot of kids have an imaginary friend when they’re growing up, or they imagine other worlds and they have all kinds of make believe that they go along with. And what is the theater if not a make believe world?” There will be three daytime performances in late March dedicated to the school children who are coming to see “Beekle” brought to life on stage. Some 800 first grade children will attend each performance. There will also be two public performances for LenoirRhyne students and the Hickory community. The LR community is invited to sit in on the “Beekle” dress rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. on March 29. the Playmakers will perform “Beekle” for audiences of local school children on March 30 at 9:30 a.m. and on the 31st at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The Playmakers’ “Beekle” performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. phenomenon generates some very intense sentiments, particularly in higher education where American Progressivism is so strong,” Hall wrote in an email. “He probably represents one of the purer examples of American Populism (strongest in times of discontent or great change) and perhaps the only example who has ever risen to this level of national authority or influence.” Looking at Trump through the lens of history and the filter of psychology helps clarify the strong reactions we’re seeing to his presidency from both sides of the political spectrum. “Populism tends to manifest itself historically as a form of backlash against change and/or what it deems the current dominant or ruling elite; it relies less on intellectual coherence
3
LR’s Playmakers are staging an adaptation of “Beekle” for this month’s Little Read production. brian tarpley | LRN Monthly
LR Professor Josh Yoder finds himself in the middle of the action during tryouts for “Beekle.” brian tarpley | LRN Monthly
and more on impulse or even specific personality, as with Trump,” Hall continued. “For those looking for the stability of a coherent and informed worldview, this situation can be especially disconcerting. One is not likely to change the views of a Trump supporter by relying on traditional intellectual methods of debate. As a result, the various sides of this political dialogue tend to talk past each other because they are not sharing a common set of guidelines for the conversation.” For those eager for a dramatic shift away from the tone and timbre of an eight-year Obama reign, Trump is a refreshing change. “He definitely has broken the mold of presidents,” Johnson said. “And that should be encouraging to people
Prof. Josh Yoder keeps an eye on the action as he works to cast this month’s Little Read production of the children’s book “Beekle.” brian tarpley | LRN Monthly
to think that you don’t have to be this staunch scripted politician – you can be this dynamically different guy or woman and be president. That should be encouraging.”
Lenoir-Rhyne student and president of the Republican Club Danielle Herman making calls for the Concerned Veterans of America. Leah Bobbett | LRN Monthly
‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Hickory Community Theatre play premiers March 17 By Katelyn Mendenhall | LRN Monthly Contributor
It’s an uncharacteristically toasty Sunday afternoon in the middle of winter—the sun’s golden fingers are curling around every wind-shaken tree and wrought iron railing in sight; it’s the kind of day where one would expect to see children grasping for rainbow-sheened bubbles and owners walking their manicured dogs. But the actors hardly notice the picturesque world outside – they’re working meticulously to prepare for March’s premiere of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Maybe you’ve read the book or seen the movie—how about a trip down nostalgia lane? The play, based on C.S. Lewis’s novel “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” is set during World War II. In it, the four Pevensie children are sent to the peaceful English countryside to escape the turmoil and danger inflicted by German air raids. They discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to a mythical land called Narnia, where they are thrust into another battle – this time, the enemy is a witch with supernatural powers and a strong proclivity to winter. “There’s a redemption story, forgiveness story and good vs. evil,” said the play’s director Leanna Bodnar, 47, of Santa Cruz, Calif. As a child, Bodnar treasured “The Chronicles of Narnia,” so directing the play is bringing back her memories of enveloping herself in a whimsical land filled with dryads, fauns and other mystical creatures.
“I kid you not, even in fourth grade, knowing what was real and what was pretend, there was a part of me that wanted it to be real so bad I would knock on the back of closets for months just thinking ‘maybe, maybe, maybe.’” Bodnar isn’t the only one fascinated by C.S. Lewis’s masterful creation. Angelina Prendergast, 11, read the book and watched the movie when she was in fifth grade. Prendergast is playing Lucy Pevensie, one of the show’s leading roles. “(Lucy’s) always optimistic about everything and always looking for the good in things,” Prendergast
said. “And she’s super brave, and she doesn’t want to quit.” This is Prendergast’s 14th play – even as a veteran, she says it will be a challenge to play the part of someone who is always optimistic in the face of war. “There can be no glitch.” The show has attracted a colorful range of actors: young, middle-aged, male, female, experienced and rookie alike. The rust orange twopocket folder that guards their scripts is a leveler—each of the 23 cast members has been carefully selected from the 70 who auditioned and is just as important to the operation as
Ariel is to “The Little Mermaid.” “This is my very first time doing live theater,” Sheila Platt, 46, said. She plays Mrs. Macready, a permanently disgruntled housekeeper whose ultimate determination seems to be sowing fear and obedience into the four Pevensie children. Assuredly, Platt doesn’t have the same air of exaction in reality, so her months of experience in acting classes will be put to good use as she learns to personify someone very different from herself. Everyone involved is committed to making the production something you will love. “We take six to seven weeks of about 100 to 120 hours of rehearsal with school, with jobs; to see the quality that can come from that is a real testament to people’s talent and commitment,” Bodnar said. Don’t let the magical elements of the play trick you into thinking the show is only for children. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a very real, very adult story of conflict, betrayal and forgiveness. Not to mention, the actors are being trained by a fight choreographer for the battle scenes. “I want the best product at the end of the day,” Bodnar said. “I want people to leave the theater really feeling like they’ve been hit in the heart with a spectacular story and a Angelina Prendergast, Gavin Dagenhardt, Autumn Dagenhardt and Josh Gibson rehearse a sense of magic and wonder.” scene from “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” at the Hickory Community Theatre of For more information call the Pevensie children first finding the magical land of Narnia together. 828-327-3855 or visit hickorytheatre. katelyn mendenhall | LRN Monthly showare.com
4
PROFILES
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
From
zeppelin to scotland to hickory?!?
One professor’s journey from playing with rock legends and folk heroes to finding contentment in his hometown By Kyle Cerrito | LRN Monthly Contributor
“When you’ve been playing for so long, you forget 95 percent of the concerts,” said Lenoir Rhyne Visiting Professor and violinist Luke Benton, 38. “I only remember those where I’m on stage, and it’s one of those golden moments. Right there, playing with Led Zeppelin, was one of those moments.” In the 1970s, when the Los Angeles crowds were steeped in LSD and potsmoke, the Continental “Riot” House stood as a bastion of rock and roll, and reigning over this so-called City of Angels, Led Zeppelin reached the zenith of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll. However, by 1998, those raucous crowds of yesteryear had grown grey, and Led Zeppelin had disbanded. So, when Benton’s music instructor, Jim Dellinger, offered the violinist an Atlanta gig, the “Gods of Rock” weren’t on Benton’s radar. As his taxi drove up to the Georgia dome, Benton wondered what pieces he would have to play. “(Dellinger) was part of the American Federation of Musicians,” Benton said. “Because the gig was union, you don’t know what it is until you get on stage.”
What did he find on stage? Sheet music for three songs: “Friends,” “Kashmir” and “Stairway to Heaven.” Dellinger refuses to comment on whether or not he recommended Benton for the gig as a gift, but according to Benton, it was a pleasant surprise when he saw Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin come out to greet him. Benton was only 18 years old. “Looking back on it then, I think I knew what I wanted to do,” Benton said. “I just didn’t know who or what I wanted to be.” So he left America during college to study abroad in Scotland for an 18-month stint. “In that year and a half, I 100 percent figured out who I was,” Benton said. “That was 17 years ago, and it is just as visceral, and just as profound, now as back then.” When he reached Edenborough,
Scotland, he had no academic plan, no classes scheduled, no house and no bedding. He created his own class schedule, arranging every detail for himself. He moved into a flat with four others guys, two bathrooms and one ill-tempered Englishman; however, he did have a kilt. And soon, a job. “I was eating at a place that sold Spanish tapas, and I found a pub that was far off the beaten path where they played real Scottish folk music, not the fake touristy stuff either,” Benton said. “I decided to stop in and have a pint or eight.” Eventually, the Scots allowed him to play fiddle with the band, and performing three days a week to earn a salary of 15 pounds (about $19) and an unlimited supply of Guinness, he learned the timeless folksongs from the cobblestone streets where they were born. “I think that was really a trip of heritage for him,” said Dean of LR’s College of Arts and Sciences Daniel Kiser. “You can hear that history and heritage in his composition and playing.” Upon returning to the States and graduating from Butler
mama bear
University with a Master’s Degree in Composition, Benton decided to start working on his doctorate at Hartt School in Connecticut, but with the end in sight, he was out of money. “I couldn’t call home for money, but when my dad found out how I was living, he was furious,” Benton said. “When I left for home, I had half a jar of peanut butter, one package of Ramen and a scoop of lemonade mix. That was my food.” At 26 years old, he moved back in with his parents. “If it hadn’t been for all that though, I never would have ended up here (at LR) … or met my wife,” Benton said. “I sincerely believe God led me back here.” Divine intervention? Fate? Either way, he has found a home, and his students are glad to have him. “He is honestly my favorite instructor here,” said LR freshman Eli Duckworth. “He makes you not only look into how music sounds, but what’s behind it and where it’s coming from.” He’s not the only LR student with high regard for Benton. “He is a brilliant educator who is more than qualified,” said LR freshman and vocal performance major Edward Bland. “He is a colorful soul. He fills my soul with euphoria.”
LR Professor Luke Benton plays a somber tune before teaching a violin lesson. kyle cerrito | LRN Monthly
LR student and soon-to-be mommy ponders her future By Bryana Hott | LRN Monthly Contributor
For those who don’t know, Lenoir-Rhyne sophomore and Newton native Ashleigh Humphries is pregnant. In Humphries’ opinion, it should be easy to tell by now because of the huge bottle of water she’s constantly drinking, how often she is getting up to pee during class and the slightest of baby bumps nestled inconspicuously beneath her blouse. Or if you’re friends with her on Facebook you may have seen the baby announcement floating around. The baby is due Aug. 11, which she finds very fitting since the 11th is her mother’s birthday as well. Ashleigh and her younger sister, Lydia, lost their mother Gina Humphries to cancer this October. “When I first found out I was pregnant I was so worried, but when I told Anthony he was so excited.” said Humphries. Her child’s father, Anthony Eadie, who is a former LR student, has made the decision to join the Coast Guard to help with insurance for the baby. He also hopes they will pay for the rest of his schooling so he can finish his degree. Eadie has moved back to his home in Pennsylvania to work and spend time with his family. He is getting prepared to leave for boot camp in New Jersey next month. “I’m excited to leave for Coast Guard boot camp in March and to graduate in May. Without the Coast Guard I couldn’t be the provider that I need to be,” Eadie said. Humphries plans to finish this semester at LR. The baby is due at the beginning of next school year, so she will take online classes through LR for
Lenoir-Rhyne Sophomore and soon to be mommy, Ashleigh Humphries sits outside Grace Chapel studying and drinking her massive 32 ounce jug of water. bryana hott | LRN Monthly
either that semester or the full year– then return to finish her elementary education degree. The hardest thing for Humphries right now is getting enough sleep. “My sleep patterns are really odd,” Humphries said. “And I keep having these weird dreams.” She said most of her dreams are about giving birth. Recently she dreamed she gave birth to a duck. Another dream involved giving birth to a newborn with a baby’s body but her boyfriend Anthony’s full grown head on top. Humphries and Eadie are overjoyed about getting to bring a child into the world– they have already decided on names. If it’s a girl: Gina Luisa, after Humphries’ late mother. If it’s a boy: Anthony Patrick. Ashleigh is hoping for a girl, and Anthony is hoping for a boy– although his gut tells him they’re having a girl. “I’m adopted,” Humphries said. “So I’ve never known anyone who looks like me, so I really hope
the baby looks like me.” Ashleigh and Lydia were adopted by Gina and Pat Humphries. Pat died in 2012. Lydia went to live with a family friend after their mother died in October. Many people would view having a baby in college an ending, but Humphries and Eadie have chosen to view their child as a blessing that just got here a little early. They both look forward to being parents. They have decided that, “a baby doesn’t have to change your plans – it just slows them down a little bit,” Humphries said. Eadie’s older siblings have all had children young and the young parents feel that they have been given great examples on how to be good parents and still live the lives they dreamed of. “Well I think my role is the same as Ashleigh’s– to be a caretaker and a mentor. I want to make a person that I want to hang out with in 18 years. I think my job is to create a well-rounded individual,” Eadie said. However, teen pregnancy does come with its fair share of challenges. When asked about his worries, “I’m mostly worried about Ashleigh. I feel bad that I had to leave school to pursue this goal with the Coast Guard,” Eadie said. “She has to walk around school and carry this child. She gets all the criticism and looks as she walks around LR. I think that people are quick to judge and make assumptions about women who have children at a young age. I just worry that people treat her differently.”
NEWS
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
the u from page 1 town in the heart of the state, said. Though he may have broken a cardinal fashion rule (your shoes must match your belt and your leather watchband must match both), his peers wouldn’t question it. This air of confidence and professionalism was no accident. It’s all part of “The U.” Harrison and seven of his friends on campus have made a pact to dress well and to hold each other accountable for being model students as they prepare for careers in the professional world. And it seems to be working. In a single morning, Harrison was on the phone with three television stations: WHKY Hickory, WXII Winston-Salem and Fox 46 Charlotte – any one of these could be a perfect post-college tee-up to his broadcasting and electronic media major at LenoirRhyne University. “I think it’s a neat idea,” junior Sabrina Powell said. “It kind of reminds me of a scholastic career fraternity.” So what exactly is The U? There isn’t one agreed upon word to describe it; some members think of it as a brotherhood-- others consider it a club or an organization. Though this may not be clear, The U’s mission is: “Become a better you through The
U, but it all starts with you,” Harrison said. “It’s a league of gentlemen dedicated to winning in all aspects of life.” How is this accomplished? The founding members of The U have come up with a set of rules: Members have to wake up before 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and dress in business casual attire every day, except on casual Fridays – the only day of the week you’ll spot a member of The U wearing a sports jersey. Members commit to not sleeping in class, not having phones in class or during meetings and most importantly, to being a positive influence. “It goes back to the old adage of ‘You only have one shot at a first impression,’” Chair of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lisa Harris said. She explains that most of communication is nonverbal, and what you wear is a huge part of that. “(It reflects) how seriously you take your education, about how seriously you take yourself, how credible you are.” Surprisingly enough, all of this started as a joke. Many of the members lived in the Price K Unit on campus, and they started calling it the “Kult House;” they don’t call it that anymore due to the negative connotation of the word cult. The
lr’s new
drug test policy Lay off the drugs, or you might get caught
guys would wake up every morning and say: “Get a job. Wake up; get a job.” The more they said it, the more serious it became. Finally, it stuck. Harrison and his comrades faced their own eureka moment: They were tired of mediocrity. No more letting athletes get a “bad rap” in their academics or post-college lives; no more sleeping through classes, turning work in late or giving halfhearted effort to their studies. “We want to change the perception and culture of the student-athlete here, instead of ‘that athlete-student,’” Harrison said. To do this, The U has set goals: doing community service, having a quarter point improvement in their GPA’s from the previous semester and being a positive influence on campus. They’ve taken the community service part seriously. Sometimes they deliver canned foods to Salvation Army or the Soup Kitchen – they’ve also donated items to local Goodwill stores. The U even hopes to have an athletic equipment drive in the future or to have a basketball tournament to raise funds for programs at the YMCA, and this would be in concert with College Athletes for Equal Opportunity, a non-profit that Harrison founded in September 2016. “I really like the philanthropy side
5
of it,” junior Ryan Henry and member of The U said. “I feel like as an organization we can help people out as well as improve ourselves.” On Feb. 3, Henry and Harrison dashed to the Soup Kitchen between classes to deliver several cans of food that would be gladly welcomed as deposits into a savings account that always needs replenishing. They walked into the stale, fluorescently-lit building with highlighter yellow bags crinkling in their hands. Greeted by a few enthusiastic volunteers clothed in restaurant-style aprons, they exchanged handshakes and animated introductions. Henry and Harrison maneuvered a steel cart with their donations through a labyrinth of shelves stocked with a virtual Grand Canyon of non-perishables. They stacked items as if they were being judged for speed and accuracy then left after receiving a brief and meaningful chain of “thank you’s.” Then it was back to class. You don’t necessarily have to be part of The U to hold these same values. It’s really simple: Dress well, try hard and help others. Don’t worry about the cost of getting a completely new designer wardrobe either. “You can get a sport coat for $4.50 from Goodwill,” Harrison said. “That’s less than a Cookout tray.”
pick your prof LR’s math dept. seeks input on its next hire By Kyle Cerrito | LRN Monthly Contributor
By Ghia Smith | LR Monthly Staff Writer
Drugs, drugs and more drugs. For many, college is all about partying, relationships, drugs, alcohol and bad decisions. But how much is too much? Drugs, for some students, are nothing more than recreation. For others it becomes a lifestyle. LR takes drug use seriously. This concern has sparked a new spin on the university’s drug and alcohol policy. “We review it every single year. We look at the trends on campus. About four years ago the policy was that if you got caught with drugs on campus, it doesn’t matter if it’s the end of a joint, or a whole bag, or a truck load or whatever, you were immediately suspended,” said LR’s Dean of Students Dr. Katie Fisher. “We said, ‘Perhaps we were too harsh.’” After taking into consideration addiction and just unhealthy living in general, a committee consisting of Fisher, Director of Counseling Jenny Smith, Dean of Graduate and Adult Education Amy Wood, Associate Athletic Director of Sport Performance Michael Flicker and Senior Women’s Administrator for Athletics and softball coach Shena Hollar developed a few changes. Many have incorrectly assumed that the rule changes just apply to athletes, but they’re broader than that – the new rules apply to all LR students. “It affects everyone,” said LR’s Athletic Director Kim Pate. “This new policy just better codifies what the
Paula Cortezano demonstrating a drug test procedure. photo illustration by ghia Smith | LRN Monthly
implications of a student athlete are should they violate the university’s policy.” The new policy breaks down how long athletes will be suspended from their sport should they be found in violation of LR’s drug policy. If it’s the first offense, student athletes will be suspended from around 15 percent of their games. The second offense brings a suspension from 50 percent of their games. Percentages are used because certain sports teams have longer seasons than others. And it’s not just athletes who will be excluded from their activities if they get caught – non-athletes will face consequences as well. Dean Fisher will be deciding how much of your activity you will be suspended from based on the level and severity of the offense. Each drug test costs approximately $50. There are two types of drug tests. The first will be triggered by reasonable suspicion, which means someone has reported you, or there is evidence that creates suspicion (i.e. security reports, arrests or citations). The second type of drug testing is the student athlete random drug testing facilitated by the NCAA. Fisher said this is why LR’s new drug testing policy appears to focus on athletes. They are randomly drug tested throughout the year and athletics is where most of the incidents originate. “We don’t go looking for stuff, but it’s like, ‘Okay, well you have a big bag on your counter…’” Fisher said jokingly. There’s a simple rationale behind the concern driving LR’s drug policies. “The goal of any testing or sanctioning program is to help students develop healthy lifestyle habits through a combination of counseling and support and accountability,” Flicker said. “Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege and not a right, and as such the student athlete must follow the alcohol and drug policy guidelines given by the NCAA.”
LR Chair of the School of Mathematics and Computing Sciences Tim Goldberg is on the hunt for computer science professors. kyle cerrito | LRN Monthly
There is an air of urgency in Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Math and Computer Science department. LR’s Chair of the School of Mathematics and Computing Sciences Dr. Timothy Goldberg’s office has never looked so overstuffed. The stacks of papers crying out to be graded are overflowing. His computer monitor is plastered with sticky notes. Goldberg’s ordinarily organized array of Marvel action figures have a distinctly “shoved to the side” look about them. But there is a reason for the disarray: Goldberg is on the hunt. He’s busy looking for two professors with math and computer science acumen. “We want to move soon, not just so it’s settled for us, but also because it is a competition over who can get who,” Goldberg said. “We don’t have perfect knowledge of their preference, but we don’t even have perfect knowledge of our preferences.” Goldberg said that LR students will have a chance to evaluate prospective professors during the first week of this month. He encourages all students to stay alert for emails announcing when students can observe the next candidates’ presentations and maybe even join them for lunch. One prospect visited on Feb. 7 and spoke to a room that, despite the open invitation and the subject of the talk (what makes posts popular on Twitter), was nearly devoid of students. Goldberg hopes for greater student involvement looking ahead. “It’s absolutely true that one of the biggest draws, and the reason that all of us absolutely adore working here, is the students,” Goldberg said. “We extremely value their feedback on the presenter. Presumably, one or more of these will be professors here
next year; especially in computer science, these new people will be teaching the courses and guiding the program.” As LR students, you have a unique opportunity here: our math department wants your feedback as they choose the professors who will be teaching you. Every presenter has already been interviewed at the Joint Mathematics Meeting, and when a prospective professor visits, in true democratic fashion, the people have a vote, which can be necessary, because sometimes interviews don’t go as planned. “Actually, (my interview with LR) was the only interview I was late to,” said LR Assistant Professor of Mathematics Sarah Nelson. Like this year’s candidates, Nelson interviewed at the JMM. She’s thankful that her shaky interview didn’t end her relationship with LR. After her late arrival, she asked if she could change the scrunchies holding her French braided hair off the “awesome shirt” she’d borrowed from her grandmother. According to Nelson, when she put the hair accessories on, she had to explain to LR Professor of Mathematics Doug Burkholder that black and cardinal are, in fact, LR’s school colors. Beyond adding to school spirit, new professors like Nelson, who just recently graduated from the University of Kentucky with her PhD, bring youth to the school. “I just think that the process of getting more information, fresh information would come from younger generations,” LR senior Thinh Troung said. “Typically we are going to a professor who has taught here at LR for a long time. They have this finite set of mind and thought, and we should want to enrich that variety.”
6
PROFILES Bears DB coach makes lifelong connections
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
Preparing players for the gridiron and beyond By Cliff Barrett II | LRN Monthly Contributor
In December 2015, Lenoir-Rhyne University hired a new coaching staff to lead its football team. The decision took some time and thought, because the Bears have spent years building a unit specialized in the triple option offense – a run-heavy scheme that needs just the right players and personnel to make it work. On Dec. 22, 2015, after four successful seasons as the head coach of California, Pa., Mike Keller became the 21st head coach in LR football history. He brought five coaches along with him to round out his staff. One was Ohio native David Cole. Cole is the Special Teams and Defensive Backs Coach and CoRecruiting Coordinator for the Bears. Graduating from California (Pa.) in 2004, Cole earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography and regional planning. In the beginning he had a much different career trajectory mapped out for himself. “At first I didn’t even really want to be a coach; I wanted to be an architect,” Cole said. “I got into coaching and became a graduate assistant because as a student athlete you really don’t have the same normal life as a regular college student and I wasn’t really ready to go into the real world – the 9-5 world. I was like, ‘Shucks I have to do something. I wanted to get my masters,’ so I decided to become a
graduate assistant.” Cole got his chance when his coach at the time, John Luckhardt, brought him on board. Coaching proved a good fit.
“Once I started coaching I really fell in love with it – I fell in love with the relationships. I fell in love with meeting new people each year through recruiting and helping young
Defensive Back Coach David Cole poses with one of his former players, N.Y Jets safety Rontez Miles poster. cliff barrett ii | LRN Monthly
people and helping mentor young black males,” Cole said. Richard Hall, an LR junior who recently became a defensive back playing under Cole, said, “He’s a great guy, pushes you and wants people to excel.” Cole wants to have a positive impact on his players’ lives. He wants them to know they have a coach who truly loves and cares for them. It’s more than just football. Students always have to deal with obstacles and adversity, but Cole wants his players to know that he understands what they might be going through because he was also a college student. “He taught me how to take all types of criticism and use it to better myself. And also how to balance things and prioritize,” said sophomore defensive back LR Kyle Dugger. Six of the players Cole has coached over the years have made it to the professional ranks. He’s still in contact with every last one of them. Their schedules are busy these days, but he still tries to talk to them at least once a month. “It definitely makes me feel good, because you definitely get into the profession not only to help young men achieve success academically, but also to help them achieve their dreams,” Cole said.
Internationals on campus
Laura Dobson as a truly international person helps students to explore new countries By Julia Ponomareva | LRN Monthly Contributor
“I always have this question in mind: ‘What can I do to help the world be united?’,” Dr. Laura Dobson, Director of Lenoir-Rhyne’s Office for International education said. Indeed, what can one person do to help people understand different cultures? Dobson was born in Lincolnton in 1970. Although she’s just 5-feet 4-inches tall she has a lot of energy. She graduated from top ranked and highly regarded Davidson College
with a masters degree in political science. She traveled around the country with her family when she was a young girl and grew fascinated by journeys and discovery. In college, she knew she wanted to connect her life with traveling and exploring other cultures. She took French as her second language and spent a semester abroad in France during her junior year. “After college I needed a break from America and I decided to go to
Dr. Dobson with the map in her office on the second floor in Rudisill Library on Jan. 25. julia ponomareva | LRN Monthly
Africa to teach English,” Dobson said. She went to Nigeria and spent eight years there. First, she was teaching English as a second language, then she wrote her dissertation on Nigerian democracy. After the dissertation was finished, she could’ve left, but decided to stay and work in American University in Nigeria. Finally she and her husband returned to America where she decided to use her experience to help other students to explore other countries. “Dr. Dobson brought me here to LR, and I will be forever grateful,” said Santiago Ambrogio, of Argentina. “I can see how much effort she puts into the development of LR’s Office of International Education and how it pays off.” Dobson believes international education isn’t an isolated field – it touches every aspect of people’s lives. Having experiences outside one’s own culture helps to develop very important skills like flexibility and problem-solving. It also opens one’s eyes to the cultures of the world. “I came here from Spain to play
staff writers:
Leah Bobbett Leah.Bobbett@my.lr.edu Florian Lemmel Florian.Lemmel@my.lr.edu Ghia Smith Ghia.Smith@my.lr.edu
contributors: Clifford Barrett Kyle Cerrito Richard Hall Bryana Hott Katelyn Mendenhall Julia Ponomareva
tennis, so I’ve never actually cared about studying abroad because I’m already abroad, but when I took Dr. Dobson’s class and I met all these guys from all over the world, I thought, ‘I have to take this opportunity and try to go somewhere else even for a semester,’” said Marta Escanero, of Spain. “I ended up spending a semester in Australia and that was an incredible experience. I wish everyone could experience something like this.” Sending students abroad is just one part of Dobson’s job. Another is attracting scientists and other international experts to LR where they can help Americans see other cultures and consider studying abroad. This month, for example, LR will host Spring Fling, which is a festival to celebrate our diversity. All of LR’s students and staff can come and listen to the sound of African drums, eat Spanish and French food and share their ideas about the development of international education on campus.
staff photographer: Brian Tarpley Brian.Tarpley@my.lr.edu
faculty advisors: Dr. Lisa Harris Prof. Richard Gould
OPINION
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
Respect, not riot
7
Absurdity vs. absurdity isn’t the answer
By Leah Bobbett | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
I have seen so much since President Donald Trump got elected into office in terms of marches and fights. It seems like some people are under the illusion that they’re an organized mob who will change the world. But I doubt these people will be able to change the world like they want to. I’m sure abusive and violent protestors consider their actions justifiable, but all I see is a group of people unable to calmly explain why they’re upset over the new President and his choices. I’m
reminded of the scene from the movie “Mean Girls” where Cady sees all the people in her school behaving like the wild animals she knew from Africa. Of course I don’t see people hopping around like monkeys or roaring like lions, but you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, I’ve seen pictures on the news and online of anti-Trump protesters wearing what they call “pussy hats.” The mostly homemade knit hats look like pink beanies with cute little cat ears on them. And they’re a direct jab at Trump’s “grab ‘em by the pussy” quote that he said back in 2005. I’ve also spotted protestors wearing hats that very closely resemble a vagina – an even more direct swipe at Trump’s vulgar comment. Personally, I think the pussy hats can be cute, however the vagina hats are taking the movement too far. I recently saw a post on the social media site Tumblr from a user named spillywolf stating, “If your idea of protesting is wearing a hat shaped like private parts, don’t be surprised if no one can take you seriously and they question your sanity/sense
of good judgment.” With this I agree. I find the vagina hats absurd. People seem to think fighting absurdity with absurdity is an effective way to make one’s point. While this may hold true on the very rare occasion, I do not see this, the election of our new president, to be such an occasion. I find unruly mobs absurd. Adding protest hats to the mix, doubles the absurdity. If you disagree with Trump, don’t give in to mob mentality. Instead, rise above it and show Trump how you want to be led. Or calmly explain in a way that lays out your points so that they make sense. If you truly believe that he will be a terrible and awful president, then let Trump’s actions speak for themselves. Maybe the people who voted for Trump saw something you didn’t. Do not be ruled by your anger and unruliness. If he’s really as bad as some of the masses say, then he will be impeached soon enough. In the meantime, be wise. Show dignity, not trash.
sports, hotdogs and gta things I have discovered in the USA
I’m still from Germany, and I’m still discovering new things that are different in America – even after weeks on your side of the Atlantic. Here goes, get ready for fresh meat – as we say in Germany. Be aware: it might get a little weird. Zapping through your TV programs prompts one to ask whether Americans do something else than watching sports. Donald Trump’s most hated enemy, CNN, seems to be the only station that breaks out of the constant sports news cycle. Whenever you turn on the TV, there are at least three different sports reports. Every day of the week. Baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, football, soccer and God knows what other sports. Even after midnight you can watch some old dudes with weird looking ties sitting behind huge desks talking about the latest games. And the same guys wave out of the TV with coffee mugs in their hands the next morning (seriously, they all look the same). Do they live in the TV studio? I don’t want to say that we Germans don’t have sports on TV. We certainly do, but in Germany, the land of soccer, only two of the Bundesliga’s games are shown on the public TV stations per season – and Bundesliga is the highest German soccer league. All other games are covered by a private channel for which you have to pay extra money. If you don’t have the channel, you have to be satisfied with 10- to 20-minute summaries an hour after the games. Try to imagine you could only watch two games
By Florian Lemmel | LRN Monthly Staff Writer
from the entire NFL season. Also, we don’t have the variety of sports you have on TV. Germany’s big public TV stations only show soccer, Formula 1 racing, and sometimes handball. That’s it. That’s all you’re going to get for free. So don’t expect to see tennis on the screen, although Germany has Angelique Kerber, one of the world’s top-ranked tennis players. And guess what we also don’t have in Germany: Dogs. Dogs? Yes, and I’m still not sure whether I just imagined them, because I don’t know what dogs are doing in Cromer during lunchtime. I just wanted to go to the caf and crossed Cromer, and there they sat. Three women with their hairy four-legged companions. They were sitting in a row as if they were participating in some kind of beauty contest
– the dogs, not the women. When I asked someone about that later, it was explained to me, that the dogs are there as mental health companions to compensate the students’ stress. I remember hearing something about it in Germany but only for kids in elementary school. I don’t want to prevent anyone from going abroad to study in Germany. But don’t expect to find dogs of any kind in any German University. It seems that we don’t care that much about the level of student’s stress. Or maybe German students have less stress than their American counterparts? The last thing I want to talk about is a really small thing. Playing “Grand Theft Auto”. I was always fascinated by the fact that you can personalize the license tag of the car any way you want. I noticed that in North Carolina, you only have license tags on the back of your cars. And a lot of people have some kind of decorative plate on their front bumpers, which seems to be customizable. Such a thing would be unthinkable in Germany. But I do enjoy imagining the expression on the head officer’s face if he were to witness such individualism. Our rigid German regulations dictate a front and back license plate for every vehicle. Period. And now I’m wondering whether it’s true, or just a GTA myth, that you can change the way your horn sounds. Putting a semi-truck horn in my car sounds pretty rad to me. I’m curious.
being wrong (when you’re dead right) And other tales of journalistic woe
By Prof. Richard Gould | LRN Monthly Faculty Advisor
“That story y’all wrote – it’s full of errors and mistakes, and it’s just dead wrong.” Yeah, we hear that a lot here at LRN Monthly – way more often than we’d like anyway. And sometimes it’s true. We do make mistakes. The stories you’re reading in these pages month after month, they’re written by students who are (by definition) still learning. Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we spell a name wrong and it slips through the editing process. Sometimes a misplaced modifier sneaks up and bites us in our
captain’s quarters. Accidents happen. But most of the time what our detractors label “errors” and “mistakes,” most of the time that’s us getting it right. The confusion’s understandable. Let me explain. There are lots of ways to be right when it comes to writing. Sometimes it’s right to write “red, white, and blue.” Sometimes spelling out the word “ten” is the way to go, but not for us. LRN Monthly is an American newspaper, and like virtually every other American newspaper, we must conform to Associated Press Style rules – and the A.P. says no to the “Oxford Comma” and yes to K-9 (when you’re talking about a police dog). Ever wonder why we’ll refer to Dr. Timothy Goldberg as “Goldberg” throughout a story? Because the A.P. says we have to, that’s why. Not everyone knows this stuff. We get it. The fact is our readers have been reading books and magazines their whole lives, which means they’ve spent a lifetime establishing a Chicago Style aesthetic. Most educated people are familiar with the
rigors required by MLA formatting – and you haven’t lived ‘til you’ve mastered the APA’s parenthetical annotations. But A.P. Style – that one’s foreign to just about everyone without a press pass tucked in their hatband. All this means those journalists who write Fla. instead of FL and type 10 instead of ten – they’re right, believe it or not. But mostly we’re ripe fodder for the haters, trolls and self-appointed grammar police who just can’t wait to stick it to us when we’re “wrong.” I don’t mean to spoil your fun; God knows you’ve earned it, but most of the time we’re actually doing a pretty decent job. For a quick primer on the minutia of AP Style, check out Purdue University’s fantastic OWL (Online Writing Lab) website – or drop by my office hours for a chat (P.E. Monroe 212 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on MWF and from 2-3 p.m. on TTH). And if you’d like to learn all there is to know about practically everything, you owe it to yourself to sign up for my journalism classes!
8
SPORTS
LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2017
Transitioning from a player to a coach
Former Lenoir-Rhyne wide-receiver Dahquan Pauling takes his place on the sideline By Cliff Barrett II | LRN Monthly Contributor
Dahquan Pauling earned a reputation as a very hard working physical wide receiver for the Bears. Pauling joined the team in 2013, and players quickly started noticing his passion and how much the game meant to him. Pauling says coaching after playing was not his initial plan, but he is beyond grateful for the opportunity. He says it’s an honor to be coaching and he’s 100-percent up for the task. Pauling says it’s a great joy to contribute to the game he loves from a new perspective. He hopes to carry over the things he learned during his playing days now that he’s coaching his fellow Bears. In 2016 Pauling was suited up in pads playing for the Bears. Now, in 2017, he’s decked out in coaching gear as a student assistant. “In my exit meeting I was told my knowledge of the offense was outstanding and it impressed the coaches enough to give me a chance on the staff,” he said. Pauling knew coaching was going to be a big transition. “The transition was quite difficult because I didn’t know what to expect and I was nervous about it at first; I had to get used to not being a player and actually coaching,” Pauling said.
The fact that he’s a natural leader made what could have been a tough transition a little easier. Richard Hall played wide receiver alongside Pauling. Now Hall’s being coached by his former teammate. “DQ was a coachable player, just the type of guy that never had to be told things twice,” Hall recalled. “He knew what to do. Coaches could always rely on him knowing he knew what to do and where to be. He was the type of guy that you could see transitioning to a coach.” “Now that I’m coaching, I see the game differently,” Pauling said. “I understand more why the coaches do certain things. I understand their reasoning behind things that I didn’t quite understand as a player. I especially see why (Lenoir-Rhyne’s Associate Athletic Director for Sport Performance Michael Flicker) is such an important piece in the decision making of our players’ health. It’s important that he has an understanding of what they are capable of doing.” Paul Sloan, another of Pauling’s former teammates, is now being coached by him as well. Sloan remembers that back when Pauling played he was a workhorse at practice, “Seeing him as a coach is mind blowing, from playing with each other to being coached by him.
I think it’s a big step in his college career and I am happy for him,” Sloan said. “He’s like a little brother to me even though he is now my coach.” These days Pauling’s taking it all in stride and loving every minute of it. “It’s a great joy and honor to do something that I love from a different perspective,” he said.
Dahquan Pauling sizes Dom Britt’s pads before they start spring practice on a Friday morning. cliff barrett ii| LRN Monthly
lr bears get a w at home Lenoir-Rhyne tennis team bests Belmont Abbey By Julia Ponomareva | LRN Monthly Contributor
LR tennis team fights against Belmont Abbey College on Hickory High Courts on Feb. 4. julia ponomareva | LRN Monthly
On Feb. 4 the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears welcomed Belmont Abbey College on LR’s home court (located at Hickory High School). Six hours later, the Bears’ men’s and women’s teams celebrated victory. Spring season isn’t that easy for outdoors sports. The weather in February is quite chilly and the winds are strong. But that didn’t stand in the way of LR’s tennis players and the fans who came out in support. “I had to bring two blankets and a jacket to keep warm, but I didn’t want to miss this first home match, because it just sets the energy for the rest of the season,” Dominique Kirsten-Jay Bruce, 23, of South Africa
said. “I played on the team last year and I was very happy to see my teammates fighting for the victory.” Indeed, the 50-degree weather got everyone jumping foot to foot and pouring more hot chocolate, which the university supplied for those who came to support our tennis team. Belmont Abbey is an energetic team and they fought until the end. The first round of doubles set the score at 3-0 for the Bears as guys and girls won all the matches. After a quick break, players started to play singles. After six hours of fighting on the courts, LR’s girls picked four out of six victories and won overall. LR’s guys won three out of six
singles matches, which secured the Bears’ 6-3 victory. “The energy on the courts was amazing and it helped a lot,” said Sara Kalkenova, 20, of Kazakhstan. “It was very cold outside and many people couldn’t stay until the end, but I was very pleased to see my friends out there.” LR’s coach agreed. “This is definitely an exciting time for LR Tennis,” said LR’s head tennis coach Tom Rees, 26, of England via text message. “We have a young and hungry group of players who are capable of competing with anybody in the Conference. We have placed a big emphasis on the team culture this year and are focused on the process of the developing a top-level program that will produce quality graduates and take the program to new heights on the court.” Tennis fans can come out and support the Bears at their next home game, which is scheduled for March 10 at 2 p.m. on the Hickory High Courts.
final scores: Men’s singles:
1. Hamed Gandouz (LR) def. Juan Baez (BAC), 6-3, 6-2 2. Tomas Hons (LR) def. Grant Goldin (BAC), 6-0, 7-5 3. George Barfoot (BAC) def. Shane O’Dea (LR), 6-0, 6-0 4. Zachary Blythe (BAC) def. Alex Ayguavives (LR), 6-4,6-4 5. Tales Miranda (LR) def. Carlos Nolasco (BAC), 7-6,6-4 6. James Delamey (BAC) def. Paul Lenz (LR), 6-2,6-3
Men’s doubles:
1. Tomas Hons / Shane O’Dea (LR) def. Juan Baez / James Delaney (BAC), 8-3 2. Hamed Gandouz /Paul Lenz (LR) def. Grant Goldin / Carlos Nolasco (BAC), 8-5 3. Alex Crespo Sanchez / Tales Miranda (LR) def. George Barfoot / Jacob Andress (BAC), 8-5
Women’s singles competition:
1. Aisiri Jandyala (BAC) def. Iulia Ponomareva (LR) 6-3, 6-3 2. Sara Kalkenova (LR) def. Teagan McNamara (BAC) 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 3. Emily Murchland (LR) def. Darian DeFrench (BAC) 6-4, 6-4 4. Marta Escanero Funes (LR) def. Rachele Subik (BAC) 6-1, 6-0 5. Alex Weber (BAC) def. Aguilar di Camillo (LR) 6-4, 6-7, 10-5 6.Taylor Fredrickson (LR) def. Morgan Zahnd (BAC) 6-0, 6-4
Women doubles competition:
1. Iulia Ponomareva / Sara Kalkenova (LR) def. Darian DeFrench / Morgan Zahnd (BAC) 8-4 2. Emily Murchland / Taylor Fredrickson (LR) def. Teagan McNamara / Rachele Subik (BAC) 8-5 3. Marta Escanero Funes / Abbi Wood (LR) def. Alex Weber / Aisiri Jandyala (BAC) 8-6
Track’s back home Bears to compete on our turf By Richard Hall | LRN Monthly Contributor
On March 18 Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Track and Field team will be hosting the Southside Power and Fitness Invitational track meet. Formally known as the Powersox Invitational, this will be LR’s ninth year hosting the meet. Multiple college teams will come out and join our track team for a day filled with events. The meet will take place the closing Saturday of Spring Break and it will be the first home track meet for the team this year. The track team will be coming off a successful indoor season that saw a lot of LR records fall. CJ Williams, a sophomore from Oakdale, Tenn., broke the school’s record in the men’s 55 meter dash, men’s 60 meter dash and the men’s 200 meter dash. Many of other guys on this year’s team moved into top five rankings in those same events in LR history. Jacob Black, a redshirt freshman from Manassas, Va., broke the school record in the
men’s 3,000-meter run and men’s 5,000-meter run, while also within three seconds of breaking the men’s mile run. On the women’s side, Paiton Fair, a sophomore from Newton, broke the LR record in the women’s 400-meter dash and 800-meter dash. In the women’s field events, Haylea Salamon owns the school record in Shot Put and Dominque Jones has the LR record in the weight throw. Raven Miller and Sina Livingston are also ranked No.s 1 and 2 in the women’s triple jump. “We’ve had some really good performances this past indoor season and are looking to grow this outdoor season,” Head Coach Jason Stewart said. “This will be our first home meet and it is exciting to actually run at LR,” freshman Annelle Grealis said. The Bears will have traveled to Tennessee, Virginia and various North Carolina locations and they’ll be dying to have a meet in
front of their friends and family. There’s a lot of depth on this year’s team, and a lot of young guys that are already helping out now. Freshman Jaquay Mitchell was a high school state champion in the triple jump and is looking forward to helping the team out this season. “I’m ready for the outdoor meets – I feel like everybody performs better outdoors,” Mitchell said. If that statement holds true, then the Bears will be a very promising team when the outdoor meets start up. The Bears are looking forward to the Southside Power and Fitness Invitational meet to grow and get better before the big conference meet coming up just a few weeks later. Last year, the men finished second in the conference meet by just a few points, and the women finished second.