LRN - March 2021

LRN LR SOUTHERN CLASSIC: BATTER UP! BBQ pg 8

Lenoir-Rhyne University University School Journalism and Mass and Communication Program Lenoir-Rhyne of Journalism Mass Communication

VOL. 115 — ISSUE 5

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M O N T H L Y LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

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Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication

March 2021

LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 2015

fESTIVA LR pResident

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication

CONNECTINGLR LR TO HICKORY TO RETIRE pResident LENOIR-RHYNEAN NEWS

VOL. 110 — ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 2015

TO RETIRE

HICKORY WORKS TO REVITALIZE ITS LOOK Jason Whitehead | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

In 2012 residents of Hickory passed a $50 million bond initiative to fund a city revitalization plan based on interconnected greenways known collectively as the City Walk. The first phases of the project are projected to be complete in early spring of this year. This artist’s depiction highlights the downtown Hickory section of the walk. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HICKORY

They say the best way to save a city that suffered a major economic decline is to figure out what the people want. Hickory’s changes can seem like basic renovations, until you look at the wide scope of the projects underway.

Greenways, bike trails, revitalized commercial zones springing up where factories once crumbled – take a drive around Hickory and you’ll find a city that’s reshaping itself for the modern era.

Hickory was once a thriving town built on the foundations forged by the men and women who earned their living making furniture and textiles. Things changed when the people here no longer lived comfortably as manufacturing moved overseas in search of evercheaper labor.

The mills and factories that were once an orchestra of sounds and movement sat abandoned. Then in 2014 Hickory’s citizens voted to embrace the vision to revitalize their city and make Hickory stand out again. The thread that would tie the town’s past to its future was the Riverwalk.

“The whole concept behind Riverwalk and City Walk was really never about the walk,” Hickory City Mayor Hank Guess said. “It’s all about growing our economy, growing our population and growing our tax base.”

The concept behind the City Walk was the idea that the people of Hickory would have a safe travel option to reach these newly revitalized areas.

“The Hickory Trail system is 10 miles long, starts at Lenoir Rhyne University,” Hickory City Manager Warren Wood said. “Connects a number of neighborhoods to one another and ends at the Riverwalk

near highway US321.”

The Riverwalk is opening a new option for students to have a biking, running or walking trail that leads to an adventure within the city.

“People don’t necessarily need cars all the time,” LR’s special assistant for strategic initiatives Leah Hubbard said. “A lot of people don’t necessarily want to drive everywhere.”

This may seem to suggest that LR is funding some of the project, when in actuality we are not.

“We are an idea generator and collaborative partner,” Hubbard said.

LR isn’t paying for the City Walk, but we are one of the major focal points for the overall decision on the walk.

Although the whole project is often called the City Walk, there are actually several themed portions including the Riverwalk, Book Walk, and Aviation Walk.

The City Walk connects to the Riverwalk, which will jut out over the waters of Lake Hickory. It will create a path from the river directly to LR’s campus.

“The project has taken longer to implement than we originally thought, but this is because we have been awarded over $50 million in grant funding to go along with the $40 million in voter approved bond funds,” Wood said.

“So, the final project will be more than double in size.”

Even with COVID taking its toll on the speed of construction, Hickory plans to have all of it done within the next two years.

The Aviation Walk will branch off of the Riverwalk leading to the Hickory airport. And the Book Walk will begin at the SALT block and stretch to the Ridgeview library in south Hickory.

The pedestrian bridge on Union Square in downtown Hickory is nearing completion on schedule for its projected opening in the spring of this year. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HICKORY

Hickory’s City Walk will extend all the way to Lake Hickory. This artist’s depiction highlights the section of the Riverwalk that will extend across the lake. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HICKORY

The City Walk project’s goal is to enhance Hickory’s walkability in an effort to revitalize the city through pedestrian walkways that will connect Lenoir-Rhyne University to Lake Hickory and beyond. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HICKORY

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LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

FUN TIMES AHEAD

NEWS

COVID19 WON’T STOP LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY’S CAB FROM HOSTING EVENTS Kennedy Conner | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

COVID-19 has made a mess of many things but that doesn’t stop LRU’s Campus Activities Board from bringing the student body together for fun activities. Just this school year they have brought glow in the dark putt-putt, roller skating, laser tag and a rockclimbing wall. They have found a way to bring a winter wonderland to campus for ice skating and snow tubing, all while following the new protocols for COVID. “We plan on keeping this as COVID-friendly as possible by hosting as many outside as we can,” CAB President Mia Griffin said. “Once we are cleared to move stuff off campus there will be possible events at the downtown (Carolina) Theater with

movies and giveaways.”

Bringing back events from the past that had the most attendance and partnering with other clubs keep people coming back and excited for the next event. A carnival event will be hosted with food trucks that will come in with cotton candy, funnel cake and ice cream.

“We look back at our calendars to see how the participation was for events and how we can improve them,” Executive Board Member Devine Drummond said.

“Our biggest thing now is just trying to figure out how to make stuff fun while wearing a mask and social distancing.”

The students' safety is a big deal as faculty and students

want to finish the semester on campus. Extreme sanitizing will be happening at these events.

Whenever students are done using the equipment needed, everything gets whipped down and set aside.

“CAB as a team comes up with ideas of what they want to do then we walk through how we can do that with COVID restrictions,” Director of Student Involvement Cameron Robinson said.

You can find these upcoming events on their Instagram page, lru_cab, or in Cromer. LR CAB and other partnering groups are working hard to find fun and safe ways to have the students out and interacting, six feet apart of course.

LR students made the most of their opportunity to play glowing put-put golf during an event hosted by the Lenoir-Rhyne Unviersity's Campus Activities Board. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Climbing up a rock wall is a test of strength that LR students didn't shy away from. KENNEDY CONNER | LRN MONTHLY

TAKING OFF THROUGH THE COMPETITION LR’S ROCKETRY TEAM ORBITS THE PANDEMIC Jason Whitehead | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

“Mission control, we are go for launch,” is the usual mantra for LR’s Rocketry Team, but due to COVID they’ll have to stay grounded for the time being.

Competition has been put in a questionable stance due to the pandemic.

The Rocketry Team does not plan to slow down. They’re working to make sure every nook and cranny of their rocket is above the possible competition. As of now Rocketry Team competitions are labeled as to be determined, though this has not stopped the members from working harder than ever to achieve their common goal.

The team has to follow strict rules in order to compete. They require the team to examine every possible route to meet the contest’s requirements.

Starting things off: The rocket must fly to 10,000 feet, while carrying a payload that is at least

8.8 pounds. The payload, as a whole, has to be a separate entity in itself and not a part of the rocket’s parts.

The plan (even if competitions are canceled) is to take a page out of Elon Musk’s book and have the rocket re-land in a designated and pre-determined spot rather leaving its descent up to chance.

“We’re going to hopefully be able to steer this thing as it’s falling towards the ground,” Rocketry Team member Spencer Welland said.

The plan is not to have a 100-percent accurate first try, but instead to create a path for future members to be able to follow.

“There’s a ton of work that can be done on it later on to optimize it,” Welland said.

It’s a serious matter – even though it’s fun too.

“We still have some ways to go,” Rocketry Team member Brett Voglesang said. “But it’s exciting.”

Making this rocket has not been easy. The designs, plans and materials are constantly being modified as the members meet each challenge.

“We did some real development work,” the Rocketry Team’s Advisor Dr. Douglas Knight said.

Though COVID has made team meetings a challenge, they have managed to keep the team’s dynamic from collapsing. The team split the workload into separate pieces, though this does create more work for each individual member. This makes each member held accountable for ensuring that the rocket for this semester can perform at peak performance levels.

“We are not limited by what we think we can’t do,” Knight said.

“We are actually limited by the time we put in to do what we can do.”

LR engineering professor Dr.Douglas Knight shows off a prototype rocket. JASON WHITEHEAD | LRN MONTHLY

NEWS

LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

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KEEPING YOURSELF HAPPY AND HEALTHY LR’S CORNERSTONE SERVICES ARE STILL AVAILABLE Sarah C. Johnson | LRN Monthly Editor-in-Chief

Are you struggling to find balance between your mental and physical health during COVID? Routines have been stripped away, social interactions have been limited, and the number of unknowns has caused extra unneeded stress to the world.

Cornerstone Student Support and Wellness Center is still open, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to all LR students in need of counselling, medical attention, food/toiletries and disability services.

“For health services, students can go onto the school website and go to the Cornerstone page.

There's a link on there for the patient portal and students can go in there and schedule an online Telehealth appointment,” Director of Counseling Services Jenny Smith said. “That's pretty easy to navigate, but if you're having problems with it, you can just call (828) 328-7959.”

Students that call the number provided will speak with Monique Peoples, the Cornerstone Office Manager and Care Coordinator. She can help students make an appointment with counselors or the school’s Physician Assistant Mary Frances Sears.

Sears is meeting with students virtually but can meet in person if it’s deemed necessary to do so.

If students need medical testing done, Sears will meet them in a tent located behind the Cornerstone building.

Students are encouraged to reach out to Sears or Peoples immediately if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19.

“We can identify COVID quicker now this semester because we do have rapid testing. Our first result can come back that same day,” Sears said. “If we

need to do other testing we can, so I think part of going ahead and getting seen is ruling out COVID and reassuring the patient if it's something else.”

Students can also set up counseling appointments through the Cornerstone page of the LR website or they can email any of the clinicians: Jenny Smith,

LR's Physician's Assistant Mary Frances Sears got geared up to demonstrate how she administers a COVID nasal swap on LRN Monthly's Sports Editor Savannah Lee. SARAH C. JOHNSON | LRN MONTHLY

Jennifer Drum, Michael Spivey and Kelly Medley.

“We do have a little mailbox out front as well and there's a slip of paper that students can fill out in the little positivity pantry that's outside the front door,” Smith said. “They can put that in the mailbox, and we check that daily as well, so if you're over here and just want to turn that in we can do that too.”

Cornerstone also has a pantry stocked with various food items and toiletries that is always available to students. All students have to do is email Peoples and she will get them whatever they need. Students can also ask for fidget items and coloring books, if they would like some of the anti-stress items that they usually would have picked up in the lobby.

“A lot of people would come in, when they would see the counselor and grab like a drink or a snack.

We do still have those on the table and in the mini fridge,” Peoples’ work study assistant Savannah Lee said. “So, if someone needs a snack or cold drink, if they want to just come by the front, I can bring them out.”

For students that need disability services they can email Sherry Proctor at sherry.proctor@lr.edu.

If students need food or toiletry items from the Cornerstone pantry, they can email Peoples or Smith directly.

Sears and Smith both recommend that students find some way to stay active, practice self-care, eat healthy and get plenty of sleep. Taking the basic step to take care of yourself mentally and physically will help you get through this pandemic, as well as help you to live a long and happy life.

SHOTS ALL AROUND LR’S PLAN TO ADMINISTER THE COVID-19 VACCINE Savannah Lee | LRN Monthly Sports Editor

After you receive your vaccine, you’ll get one of these stickers too. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Lenoir-Rhyne's top priorities this semester is keeping students safe. While social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing are all ways to stay healthy during the current pandemic, there is still more that needs to be done.

Since the COVID-19 vaccine has been released, people have been patiently waiting until they are eligible to receive one. Currently the state of North Carolina is distributing the vaccine to those who are over the age of 55 or who work in healthcare or have been designated essential workers.

While college students may be young and healthy, collegiate campuses are still considered hot spots for the virus.

It has been in question whether or not students at LR will be able to receive the vaccine, and whether or not the school will provide it.

“If they have the means to do it then why not, it would be really beneficial for the school,” LR nursing senior Kylie Hall said. “We would be able to have sporting events again, which is a huge money-making factor for the school, and students wouldn’t have to have compromised classes anymore.”

As of now, few college students are eligible to receive the vaccine, but the COVID task force at LR is doing everything it can to make sure students will be able to receive one as soon as they are available.

“Every year LR offers flu shot clinics several times on campus and that certainly would be the way that I would see the vaccine for COVID rolling out,” Co-chair of LR’s COVID-19 task force Donna

Whitt said. “Just like we made arrangements both in the fall and in the spring to have somebody come to campus on two different occasions to do COVID testing.”

While Lenoir-Rhyne is patiently waiting to get the go ahead from the state to distribute the vaccine, there are still some questions, concerns and speculations when it comes to receiving it.

Specifically: What is the COVID-19 vaccine and why is it needed?

“Vaccines help our body develop this ‘memory’ or immunity to a particular germ without us having to get sick,” Cornerstone’s Nurse Practitioner Mary Frances Sears said. “With the COVID-19 vaccines, our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness; the body is left with a supply of ‘memory/fighter’ cells that will remember how to fight COVID-19 in the future.”

While receiving the vaccine may not be the cure, it is a major step in ending the pandemic.

“I’m in nursing and have seen the direct effects COVID has had in the hospitals and it’s up to us to keep each other safe so we can finally be with each other again,” Hall said. “It’s just something we need to do to get back to normal.”

LR’s COVID task force and University President Dr. Fred Whitt are sending out weekly COVID-19 and vaccine updates via email. Be on the lookout to see when you will be able to get your dose.

If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov or mayoclinic.org.

If you or anyone you know is having symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please make an appointment with Cornerstone Student Health Services to receive your free test. Call Monique Peoples at 828.328.7959 or send an email to monique.peoples@lr.edu to schedule your appointment now.

LR nursing student Mollie Clohesy receives her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

BEARS EMERGE FROM HIBERNATION

PHOTOJOURNALISM

LR ATHLETES ARE DETERMINED TO HAVE THEIR BEST SEASONS Sarah C. Johnson | LRN Monthly Editor-in-Chief

Many of our fellow students have worked toward their dreams of college athletics for most of their lives. And then, at the tail end of 2019 we started hearing about something called COVID-19.

At first it seemed like it was a problem for some far away people in some far off places, but here in the USA things continued as usual.

Athletics continued as usual. And then came the spring of 2020 and everything changed.

COVID had come to America and it was hitting hard. Everyone was freaking out and things started shutting down. Including LR’s sports.

For students and athletes alike it felt like everything had been ripped away in an instant.

Most LR athletes can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing the moment they found out their seasons were cancelled. For many it felt like a crazy fever dream, others said it was like an

emotional freight train – especially seniors.

We’ve come together. We’ve worked hard and even though many LR athletes have had to go almost an entire year without competing, they’re stoked to get back into the game.

The LRN Monthly made the rounds and we caught athletes across our campus gearing up for their triumphant return to competition.

LR freshman Clara Cerfont practices her putting on the cloudy afternoon of Feb. 4, at Rock Barn Country Club, in Conover. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

Miranda Marr clears the bar with ease as she practices her high jump. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

Damian Pierce transfering the ball he just caught into his left hand to throw it back to the pitcher. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

LR senior Lauren Rutherford diving off the starting block during practice on Feb. 3. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

PHOTOJOURNALISM

LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

LR's Spirit Team is preparing to defend their national championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. this spring. Photo

by SAVANNAH LEE

LR Volleyball team practicing in Mortez Gymnasium on February 2. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

The LR Women's Soccer players running drills at practice on Feb. 10. Photo by SARAH C. JOHNSON

Makenna Seghers, LR freshman on the triathlon team, poses with her road bike and gear, by the Charge statue on the Hickory campus. Her bike is currently out of commission until her tires can be fixed. Photo

by SARAH C. JOHNSON

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LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

HIDDEN SPOTS IN HICKORY

OPINION

BETTER BUCKLE UP FOR BARBECUE

Kennedy Conner | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

When you walk into Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, the smell of freshly smoked brisket and pork fills the air.

I had plenty of choices of main dishes and sides that looked way too good to just choose one. It’s located at 1036 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd. SE, about five minutes away from campus. I went around lunch time and there was no wait to order.

“The workers were very nice, and the atmosphere was very homey,” LR freshman Elise Bost said. “I had the barbecue sandwich and waffle fries.”

The meats were filled with so much flavor I didn’t actually need to add sauce, but they did mix well with the flavor palates of the meat. They had a threesauce set up where you could choose from original, sweet and hot. All were very good. The hot wasn’t too spicy and didn’t overpower the meat.

Country music filled the air followed by the distant laughs shared by coworkers.

“I’ve been working here since the end of May,”

Amber Copley said. “Our brisket and pork are the main big sellers.”

The workers were welcoming and helpful when it came to deciding what to order. I brought a freshman from Austria with me who’s never had barbecue before.

“I had no idea what I was ordering, but the baked potato casserole was amazing – I don't even know what a casserole is,” Valentin Voit said. “The employees were very kind and recommended the brisket and gave us a free sandwich for the next time.”

The employees cut the meat right in front of you so you can watch how they make it and bring it to you whenever it is ready. By the time you got your drinks and picked the sauces you wanted it only took about five minutes for them to bring your food out.

We also had a cookie for dessert. The dessert was good, but the big showstopper was the main course.

It was neatly laid out and it came in hot.

The food was great, but the friendly service just put it over the top. I had the chicken and cheese taco and the brisket and cheese taco along with their new brisket chili. I would give this restaurant a five out of five. They were helpful and enjoyed what they were doing. They wanted to help you find what you would like and didn't make you feel rushed to order, eat and get out.

You owe it to yourself to go check this place out ASAP!

I recommend the chicken and cheese taco and the brisket and cheese taco – and while you’re at it try their new brisket chili. KENNEDY CONNER | LRN MONTHLY

ADOPT DON’T SHOP THREE WAYS ADOPTING A PET CAN HELP YOU

Ajah Harold | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

I wonder what the month of March has in store this year. Maybe she’ll bring in furry, doe-eyed animals that roam the streets into a nice home.

I’ve considered adopting a pet during this time of COVID-19.

2021 has already been a rough year across the world, but a four-legged best friend has proven to relieve stress for many. Adopting a sheltered pet from the Humane Society of Catawba County relieves stress, helps the Humane Society and adds value to the furry friend’s life and yours.

Some may ask why we should care. Did you know that more people across the world have reported high levels of stress and anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Because of the increased mortality rate and social distancing guidelines, people find it difficult to maintain a healthy mental state, including myself. But dogs and cats have proven to increase those levels of happiness.

Some of our animal friends pant, wag their tails, and run out in the rain to muddy their paws and furry backs. Some hop on refrigerators and counters and curl up on the couch beside us to show their affection.

After having a long day with masks on and limited interaction, it helps a lot to snuggle with an innocent and adorable friend who does not judge you, even on your bad days.

“I’ve been with HSCC for three and a half years

now,” Director of Marketing at the Humane Society of Catawba County Alicia Blackburn said. “As an animal advocate there is no greater joy than seeing your hard work result in loving homes and new beginnings.”

Not only is adoption beneficial for you, but also for the animals in the shelters that need caring humans to love them.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of hard days and many tears along the journey,” Blackburn said.

“But ultimately it is fulfilling. Truly the definition of a meaningful existence.”

HSCC saw a 75 percent increase in the number of homeless animals adopted into loving homes this year. Imagine how fulfilled you will be by contributing to a higher save rate by adopting today.

I love animals and I’m concerned about their welfare in this county. I know there are plenty who share my passion. Some may not be aware of HSCC and the initiatives that they have taken over the years to help an animal in need.

The ASPCA commercials that you see on TV are real. Animals are abused and neglected every day.

The sadness in their eyes is a reflection of a hard life, but those eyes can gleam when you decide to adopt.

“When the pets arrive at our shelter, so often, they are broken,” Blackburn said. “I feel like I have found my calling.”

Visit the Humane Society of Catawba County at adopt@catawbahumane.org to adopt, donate and contribute to a great cause.

Tater Tot was well loved at the Humane Society of Catawba County and has been adopted into a loving home. SUBMITTED PHOTO

LRN EDITORS:

Sarah C. Johnson | Editor-in-Chief Savannah Lee | Sports Editor

STAFF:

M O N T H L Y

Lenoir-Rhyne University School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Kennedy Conner | Staff Writer Matthew Durham | Staff Writer Ajah Harold | Staff Writer Tate Levin | Staff Writer Jason Whitehead | Staff Writer

CONTRIBUTORS: Blaikley Crooks Jessica Laign Madison Land Trey Shaffer Mckayla Watts

FACULTY ADVISORS: Dr. Lisa Harris Prof. Richard Gould

GO

BEARS

FRESH VOICES

LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

CAMPUS WALKABOUT

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DISCOVERING HIDDEN WONDERS For this installment of our Fresh Voices opinion series, LR’s freshmen have been sent into the “wild unknowns” of our Hickory Campus. They were assigned their destinations randomly, which meant some of them had to leave their personal comfort zones behind. From hidden gems to a multitude of statues, please enjoy these adventures with us.

LR’S VISUAL ARTS CENTER

BRONZE AND STONE

A HIDDEN GEM

STATUES ABOUND ON THIS CAMPUS

Blaikley Crooks | LRN Monthly Contributor

DON’T GET CAUGHT, SAVE YOUR SPOT PARKING AROUND THE HICKORY CAMPUS

Macy Land | LRN Monthly Contributor

I’d heard that this school had a lot of As you approach the LR Visual Arts statues all around – if you know where Center it doesn’t seem like much, but to look – and I had a lot of fun hunting all when you take a step inside your eyes are these statues down. filled with wonder and creativity. On the From what I gathered, there are around outside the building’s shaped like a plain 10 statues on campus at Lenoir-Rhyne. beige metal square, but the inside’s full LR’s campus is only about 100 acres, so of rooms that hold the art of some of the yes, this is a large number of statues for most creative people on this campus. a campus our size. The first and most The Visual Arts Center is right beside obvious statue that I came to is the giant our softball field, behind the maintenance statue of Martin Luther in the center of building. It’s one floor and has 10 doors campus right in front of Grace Chapel. that lead to various rooms, some of which This statue was dedicated to our are connected to each other. These rooms campus on Oct. 9, 2010. It was created by are home to an assortment of art classes. a sculptor named Jon Hair and donated to There’s a ceramics studio, a printmaking Lenoir-Rhyne by Charlotte philanthropist studio, a small computer lab, a darkroom, Irwin Belk. It turns out that this 12-foota drawing studio, two faculty offices and tall seven-ton statue is one of the largest studios for senior art majors. The building statues of Martin Luther in the world. And is also sometimes used by other classes now that we’re dealing with a pandemic, and the softball team student athletes, Mr. Luther’s doing his part by wearing since it’s so close to the field. very large mask to encourage others to do LR’s Art Program Coordinator Prof. Claire the same and also to make sure that he Pope and Prof. Preston Tolbert teach in does not catch COVID-19. the Visual Arts Center on Tuesdays and Belk also donated six bronze statues to Thursdays and Prof. Lauren Schorr on Lenoir-Rhyne in 2009.

Mondays and Fridays. Schorr teaches They’re life-size depictions of sporting photography and she provided me with poses and they’re located throughout most of my information which was campus. I noticed that two of these extremely helpful in my research about bronze statues are right beside the the LR Visual Arts Center.

Shuford Memorial Gym parking lot that When I walked into the LR Visual Arts is next to the football field. The statues Center at the time there was nobody are of two lacrosse players – one male there, so I decided to walk in a few rooms and one female. He’s holding his stick on and observe. Each room had its own his shoulder and she’s lunging to make a unique characteristics and most of them catch. had things you would expect to find in an There are two more statues that are art studio. right in front of the Shuford Memorial There were easels and other art supplies Gym. One’s a basketball player with in the rooms that were open, and I walked Lenoir-Rhyne on his jersey and the other’s in. The rooms were filled with creativity a volleyball player who is diving for the and imagination even though they were ball. empty. You can tell that the students who And then there’s the swimmer right in use this building have some of the best front of the Intercollegiate Swimming sign imaginations and most creative minds. at the McCrorie Center. Over in front of The building’s exterior may not be special, the track there’s a javelin thrower midbut the people who make the most of this throw and a soccer player caught midspace certainly are. bicycle kick.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a And if you prefer busts I’ll direct you tremendous impact on almost every part to the Alex and Lee George Hall building. of normal life and school. So, it is not a There on the first floor is Dr. Wayne B. surprise that it’s also had an impact on Powell – and he’s wearing a mask like his the day-to-day happenings in the LR Visual friend, the Martin Luther statue.

Arts Center. Schorr said the biggest impact Powell came to Lenoir-Rhyne in June of COVID on the LR Visual Arts Center is of 2000 to serve as Vice President and the lack of “hustle and creative activity” Dean of Academic Affairs. He then served that usually fills the building. as President from Dec. 2002 – Jan. 2017.

The pandemic may have limited the During his presidency, the number of amount of creative activity inside the walls students enrolled in the university grew of the LR Visual Arts Center, but it cannot drastically. stop the creativity of the students in the Last but not least, there’s a statue of a courses. giant golden gleaming saxophone in front The LR Visual Arts Center is not one of the Mauney Music Building. This statue of the prettiest or biggest buildings on is known as “Super Sax” and it too was campus, but it makes up for that with the created by Jon D. Hair and dedicated by creativity and special things that happen Carol Grotnes Belk. inside. I’ve always thought about taking Out of all the impressive sculptures on some art courses, because I enjoy painting LR’s campus I have to say that my favorite in my spare time. After learning more is Super Sax. I love the way the music about what happens in the building, I will notes wind and twist around the top in be sure to take some elective art courses their blended mix of vibrant colors. soon!

STUDENT TO PROFESSIONAL

A COURTSIDE VIEW

LR’S SPECIALISTS PREPARE UNDERGRADS FOR LIFE AFTER LR

JOHN LENTZ BASKETBALL COURT

Jessica Laign | LRN Monthly Contributor Trey Shaffer | LRN Monthly Contributor

As an incoming LR student, I wondered how and where I’d need to park on campus. What many students have probably realized is that it’s easier than you might think.

There are roughly 1,070 parking spaces on this campus – trust me I counted all of them! This allows many students to have cars on campus. Many colleges don’t let freshman have cars on campus, but we do. And while coin- or card-operated parking meters might be sprouting up in college towns all over, I haven’t spotted any near this campus.

There are 14 main parking lots. The “B” parking pass is the students’ parking pass.

There are six lots on campus where the “B” parking pass is required.

The “P” parking pass stands for permanent and it’s for faculty and administration. There are four lots on campus just for “P” stickered cars. There are also passes available for seniors and veterans.

One helpful tip for students: You’re not permitted to park in the spots around the Quad – the parking spots around the U-shaped drive-in front of the Rhyne building are off limits for us.

The lots on LR’s campus are safe.

They’re well-lit and they’re equipped with emergency phone boxes. There have been a couple of instances where strangers have harassed students, but HPD officers have responded instantaneously and gotten the situation under control.

“Parking decals go on sale at the beginning of each school year and are valid through August 31, of the following year,” according to the LR Vehicle Registration Page. One can purchase a parking decal on the LR’s Self Service portal or at permitsales.net/LRU. Campus Security can issue tickets to any car parked without the proper decal.

If a student is to receive a ticket, the fine can be paid in the student security building. The fine must be paid for the student to receive final grades. If the fine is not paid, the student will not receive grades. If the fine is not paid within 10 days, it can be paid in the Lineberger building.

“After acquiring a third parking ticket without resolution, the violations will become a judicial matter with the Dean of Students [Dr. Katie Fisher]. After acquiring five or more unresolved tickets, violators may be towed at owners’ expense,” according to the LR Vehicle Registration Page.

The moral of the story is, do research, make sure to check where we can and cannot park. Fines are not worth it. Get the decal and be safe. The security and the police are here to help us. If questions come up, make sure to ask.

As a freshman, I always wonder how it’s going to feel to be working my “big girl job” in a few years. I hope to graduate with honors, but will that be enough to get me the job of a lifetime?

On the campus tour I took before coming to Lenoir-Rhyne, I learned about several buildings that I quickly forgot.

But LR’s Carl A. Rudisill Library definitely made an impact. And for several years that library housed Alex Lee Career & Professional Development Center.

Times change, and LR’s Professional Development Center was relocated to the Mauney-Shaeffer building in January of this year. The stalwart staff is still settling into their new digs and they’re determined to keep on helping as many LR students as possible to find their dream jobs. And their new home is one of LR’s most beautiful buildings complete with red brick and white accents.

The building’s the home of LR’s math and business departments. The halls are typically quiet, but not as quiet as the library. This building makes me feel creative as they offer opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. They have a Shark Tank-like opportunity for students to propose their ideas on a whiteboard wall.

As for the Career Center – even though they’re currently in startup mode the staff is still specializing in helping students prepare for the real world once they graduate.

“The Alex Lee Career and Personal Development Center exists to support our students with their career development and personal development while they are here at Lenoir-Rhyne University,” LR’s Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of Career and Professional Development Katie Wohlman said.

She also explains in a video on LR’s YouTube channel that the Center holds workshops throughout the year. Due to COVID-19, there have not been many in-person workshops lately, but there are several social media platforms for the Professional Development Center.

“The Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center is committed to supporting student and alumni career and professional development while the University operates online and/or in a hybrid fashion. We are able to offer Zoom, Skype or phone appointments to any and all students and alumni,” according to the Center’s website. “We are keeping a ‘running list’ of employers (local and beyond) who are reaching out with parttime, summer and full-time opportunities.

This list is updated frequently and available to students and alumni on the ‘Resources’ section of Handshake.”

Regardless of whether you’re a freshman or a senior at LR, you should be visiting the Alex Lee Career & Professional Development Center. They’re still conducting online appointments, so take advantage of this resource to grow your resume right now.

McKayla Watts | LRN Monthly Contributor

Unless you are a Lenoir-Rhyne basketball super-fan, you may have no clue what or where the John Lentz Court is on this campus – I didn’t. I ran around all over looking for this place that didn’t seem to exist. I started my adventure thinking maybe it’s a courtyard, or a tennis court. Little did I know, it was right under my nose.

I’m a freshman here at LR, living in Morgan. It is located on what I think of as the back side of campus, right behind the football field. I also play softball so you can probably find me in the Shuford most of the time whether it’s because I’m headed to the locker room, going to the weight room, headed to Coach’s office, or just wandering around trying to find something to do.

That being said, I always call the main gym, inside of Shuford, “The Shuford Gym.” Makes sense, right? Well, what if I told you that it actually the John Lentz Court? If you’re confused, I was too. This wasn’t always the name of the court. It was renamed after John Lentz on Feb. 8, 2020. Lentz was a basketball player and coach who did amazing things for LR’s team.

Some of his accomplishments as a player include being a three-time All Conference performer, and he earned the MVP title his sophomore year. To this day, he still holds LR’s all-time assists record with 524 and most assists in a single game with 19 against Barton in 1974. As Lentz continued to show his love for Bears basketball by becoming the coach, he led the team in eight South Atlantic Conference regular season titles, along with four conference tournament championships. He holds a 432-374 career record for a .535 winning percentage.

Shuford is across from the Cromer Center. The fastest route to the gym is through the row of glass doors. You’ll know you’re there when you spot the statues of a volleyball player and a basketball player.

Cross through the lobby and you’ll see glass doors that lead you right into the gym. It has a ton of space and lots of room for fans to sit on two levels of bleachers.

The atmosphere brought back so many memories from the gyms located in my elementary, middle and high school days.

The court is modern and pleasing to the eye. It’s always so satisfying how quiet the empty gym can be.

It’s not like that all the time though.

You’ll most likely find the court filled with people playing basketball or volleyball.

Then all you can hear are the players’ shouts, the squeaks of their shoes and the ball bouncing off the ground.

Stop by for a taste of glory, grace and a Bear-sized dose of competitive fire. And while you’re here make sure to greet some of the athletes who can usually be found relaxing in the lobby.

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LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

CELEBRATING

SPORTS

OUR NEWEST BEGINNING LR COMMUNITY IS EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW BASEBALL FIELD Tate Levin | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

The new LR baseball field awaits the season's upcoming competition. MATTHEW DURHAM | LRN MONTHLY

The word of the day is Baseball. Some say that’s the word of the year here at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

What’s got fans and teammates of the LR baseball team so excited about this season in particular?

The Bears have been blessed to become one of the few universities in the nation to enjoy the privilege of playing on a fresh new field of top-of-the-line industrial turf.

“We wanted to make sure that we invested in a high-quality surface,” Lenoir-Rhyne Athletic Director Kim Pate said. “One that would not only give playability but also would last.”

Pate is looking forward to seeing the team back in action despite the possible lack of spectators allowed to cheer them on. She is especially grateful for the addition of a new turf as a source of encouragement for the players.

“Hopefully, our student athletes can just get back to enjoying and competing,” Pate said. “And the surface is going to certainly be a boost in the midst of these challenging times.”

The field is courtesy of a generous donation made by a proud LR family, the Durhams. They have been interested in finding a way of integrating their family legacy into the school in a beneficial way and this year that dream came to fruition.

“I’m a huge believer in Coach (Chris) Ramirez and what he’s put together there,” LR alumni Rhett Durham said. “So, I saw it as a really great opportunity to jump on and put our name in something that I thought was going to have a lasting very important impression on LR.” Durham has always been a baseball fan, from watching the Atlanta Braves with his grandmother in some of his earliest memories, to seeing his late brother grow up an athlete and baseball fan alike.

“I had a brother who died way back in 1985 who

was a really cool, good athlete and we’ve always looked for an opportunity or place to memorialize him,” Durham said. “This seemed like a good place to do it.”

As recognition for the family’s contribution, LR saw fit to embed “Durham Field” in the turf for players and fans to appreciate.

More than anyone else, it’s the student athletes that are most looking forward to the upcoming season. The privilege of being able to play this year is what drives them to give it their all. They are nothing but ready to show us what they’ve got.

William Stewart is a freshman pitcher on the team excited for the opportunities they’ve been offered. He is especially grateful for the support and encouragement of those around him, including the staff and fans.

“We have a great coach and staff; we wouldn’t be where we are right now without them. They push us and keep us focused and they care about every person on the team,” Stewart said. “We’re out here living our dream and they’re supporting it more than anybody and helping us every step of the way so we’re very thankful for them.”

The season officially began on Feb. 14 with two home games against the Coker Cobras. Although the spectators were limited, the team gave it their all and dominated 14-1 in their first game and 13-3 in the second.

“We’re beyond blessed and thankful for that new field,” Stewart said. “And we’re ready to get out there and show everybody that believes in us that we’re taking what they give us and we’re going to turn it into something.”

View the games via livestream at https://lrbears. com/sports/baseball/schedule to support the Bears this year.

Austin Curry moves in for the catch as a baseball comes flying towards him during practice on Feb. 10.

SARAH C. JOHNSON | LRN MONTHLY

Lenoir-Rhyne baseball's new stadium is a showpiece of beauty and design. TATE LEVIN | LRN MONTHLY

SPORTS

LRN MONTHLY | MARCH 2021

9

SAC CALLS OFF INDOOR TRACK CHAMPS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP CANCELLED LEAVING ATHLETES TO FOCUS ON QUALIFYING FOR NATIONALS Savannah Lee | LRN Monthly Sports Editor

This year LR’s indoor track team is back, but things are looking a little different. So far only three meets are on the schedule – the minimum number required to qualify for any championship.

Recently, two invitational meets hosted at LR have been added to the team’s schedule. However, there are no spectators allowed at the indoor events. The Bears athletic department and the South Atlantic Conference are doing everything they can to keep those involved as safe as possible without having to cancel anyone’s season.

“Although we are disappointed with the news that the South Atlantic Conference indoor track and field championship has been canceled, we are committed to providing our track student-athletes the opportunity to compete in indoor meets with the hopes that we’ll be able to send some who qualify to the NCAA DII Indoor Championship,” LR’s Athletic Director Kim Pate said. “Indoor Track and Field has been challenging to find meets where the testing protocol aligns with our minimum standard as well as venues that can safely support the density of teams and participants. We could not compromise on the health and safety of our studentathletes and are glad we’ve been able to find a few meets that will allow our student-athletes the opportunity to participate safely.”

On Jan. 29 the indoor track team headed up to Salem, Va. to compete in their first meet of the season. Even though the team went home with several first-place titles and personal records, there was something left to be desired.

There were no spectators present due to the pandemic. No parents watching their children run for their first-ever collegiate track meet – no one cheering the Bears to the finish line.

“Our first meet this weekend was

On Jan 29 at the first indoor track meet of the season, Lacey Triplett took home first place in pole vault with a leap of 3.05 m. SUBMITTED PHOTO

strange because the fieldhouse was so empty because of no fans,” LR track team sprinter Lucas Besong said. “You have to find your own energy and crowd inside your head to get motivated.”

Since the SAC conference is cancelled this year, the team really has to focus on qualifying for the NCAA DII national championship. This will be a bigger challenge compared to years past because of the fewer number of qualifying opportunities.

Even in these once in a lifetime circumstances, the Bears are confident in their successes. So far, they have beaten records including the men’s 4x4 relay with a 3:17.01 finish, and five first place finishes.

Besong finished first in the 400m with a time of 49.80. Kylie Dahlberg coming

in first in the 800m run. Caroline Hillard beating everyone else by 26 seconds in the 3,000m run. Lacey Triplett brought home the win in pole vault with a leap of 3.05m, and Kimberley Owens won her first collegiate track meet in the long jump event jumping 5.19m.

“We found out about the cancellation of the SAC championships at the meet and our focus has shifted towards getting our athletes who are capable to the National Championship,” Assistant track coach Seandell Davis said. “Currently our 4x4 is ranked ninth in the country and we hope to have a couple other individuals to compete at the national championships as well.”

Lucas Besong, Chandlor Stamp, Jacob Wadsworth and Marlin Davis shattered the indoor 4x4 relay record with a time of 3:17.01, a time that earned them therank of No.7 in the nation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PRODUCING PERFECT MOVEMENT WITNESS THE STRENUOUS DEDICATION OF TRAVIS MASH’S ATHLETES IN LENOIR-RHYNE’S NEW WEIGHTLIFTING PROGRAM Tate Levin | LRN Monthly Staff Writer

Not all gyms are full of tank top-wearing “bros” doing curls in the mirror with a strict suns-out guns-out mindset. In the gym of the Lenoir-Rhyne weightlifting team, athletes work to produce focused, specific movement increasing weight and improving form with each practice.

At the head of the program is Travis Mash, an experienced and passionate coach with an excitement about the constant progression of his students' strength and dedication to the craft.

Mash played football for Appalachian State University. One day his coach told him he wouldn’t be playing in the NFL, but was strong and should consider looking into weightlifting. His interest was sparked and with only $200 to his name, he headed to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center where he was met with good luck and good people who offered him a job and a living space.

His ultimate goal was to start a weightlifting team of five men and five women offering full scholarship opportunities. He was writing about how the United States needed to take the sport of weightlifting to the next level.

Years later, he’s accomplished his goal, and now has his main intentions set on helping young athletes achieve theirs.

“They come to me and they say, ‘I want to make Team USA or World Championships or the Olympics,’” Mash said. “When you can start to be a part of that and see these dreams coming true,

and the look on people’s faces, that’s the best thing I can even imagine doing.”

His athletes have nothing but respect for their coach. Mallory Garza is a freshman weightlifter who values Mash’s teachings and uses her humility as a way of learning and staying safe in the intensity of the training.

“Get a coach that actually knows what they’re doing,” Garza said. “Trust your coach. Don’t go off and try doing things on your own because it’s such a technique specific sport, so it’s so easy to practice the wrong movements and get injured – if

you don’t do it the right way.”

Garza got her lifting start in CrossFit, where she enjoyed the cardio and conditioning but found her greatest passions in the compound movements that Mash’s program focuses on. She found it easier to set goals that she could grow closer to on a daily basis, goals that would get her a potential spot in an international meet in May, taking place all the way in Saudi Arabia.

Another athlete who got his start in CrossFit is Joseph Neel, a talented lifter who’s learned the importance of patience

LR has a brand-new weightlifting team. Here Joseph Neel cleans his barbell with expert form and challenging weight. TATE LEVIN | LRN MONTHLY

through his training, and has been able to apply that skill to his school and family life. Needless to say, he’s grateful for what the program’s brought him in life and where he hopes it will continue to take him.

“The greatest reward is feeling like I’m doing what I’m supposed to,” Neel said. “I feel like I’m accomplishing what God has set out for me.”

His biggest goals are set towards an upcoming competition in March taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah. He hopes to get a good placement for his team and

believes that the sport should be bigger than it is right now because there are so many athletes that would be great but have yet to realize it. His best advice for anyone just getting started would be to take it slow, don’t rush the movements, and take the time needed to get those fine fundamentals down.

Travis Mash is eager to help those dedicated to reaching their goals, and plans to continue taking Lenoir-Rhyne weightlifting to the next level.

Mallory Garza snatches her barbell with expert form and challenging weight.

TATE LEVIN | LRN MONTHLY