Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by UT Office of Student Media

DANCING INTO DECEMBER

As the Lady Vols go dancing in the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row, they are set to host for the first time since 2011.

The Daily Beacon

Volume 144, Issue 13

| Wednesday, November 29, 2023 |

@utkdailybeacon

NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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returns the ball during a match against Mississippi State University at Food City Center. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

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Citizen Solutions seeking feedback on gun rights SHELBY WRIGHT Staff Writer

Starts With Us is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has launched the Citizen Solutions campaign, which convenes ideologically diverse people to co-create solutions to tough, politically polarized challenges. It curated eight consensus proposals on gun rights and safety and opened a public feedback platform that is open until Dec. 1. More than 10,000 Tennesseans have already participated, and they are encouraging UT students to give feedback on the proposals as well. Starts With Us launched in December 2021 with a mission to overcome political polarization in America. It was founded by Daniel Lubetzky, creator of the Kind Bar. In October, Tennessee became the first state to host a Citizen Solutions session, which brought 11 people — known as the TN11 — from all over the state of Tennessee together to talk for three days about their opinions and perspectives on gun rights. “Essentially what we’re doing is convening ideologically diverse citizens in different states on different issues to co-create solutions and, in the process, humanize the quote unquote, ‘other side,’ and really come to understand why people believe what they believe … The goal of the program is to help more Americans understand that solutions are possible,” Ashley Phillips, the head of programs for the Citizen Solutions campaign, said. Starts With Us argues that most Americans, no matter their political beliefs, have more in common than the modern media and our elected officials allow us to believe. One of the TN11 was Jaila Hampton from Memphis, Tennessee. When Hampton was 16, one of her best friends was killed due to inner-city gun violence. “It was really life changing … My life hasn’t been the same from that moment … It was something that I, sadly, I kind of knew was gonna happen, in a way,” Hampton said. “Not that I knew it was gonna be him, but I knew that my life was gonna be impacted by gun violence some way, somehow because in my city, that’s the norm. I felt like I’m not so special that I get to escape this.” On Oct. 10, 2021, Hampton started her own nonprofit organization, Operation R.A.E., to help fight inner-city gun violence and seek justice for the victims and families affected by it. Her organization advocates for the expansion of resources, advocacy/access and education concerning firearms. Another TN11 member was Tim Carroll, a firearms instructor and owner of LFX Firearms Training from Harriman, Tennessee. “I think the most important thing about firearms rights is it’s a fundamental right to be able to defend oneself from death or bodily harm —

A participant in Starts With Us adds to wall of words describing gun safety and terms. Courtesy of Starts With Us we have the right to life,” Carroll said. Hampton and Carroll have vastly differing viewpoints and perspectives on guns, but through the Citizen Solutions session, they were able to hear one another and advocate for their beliefs, as well as find common ground and compromise. “There were a few folks that were from the Memphis area, and the way they talked about gun violence on a daily or even hourly basis was really eye-opening to me because I live in rural East Tennessee,” Carroll said. “If I hear a gunshot, it’s either someone hunting or doing recreational shooting. For them, if they hear gunshots, there’s another shooting going on.” Both Hampton and Carroll described how the solutions session opened their eyes to things concerning guns that they weren’t previously aware of. “I have a completely different view on guns than … Tim,” Hampton said. “Because in my life, guns have been a weapon used for destruction and ending people’s lives … but to (Tim), it’s been a tool ... and now that I’ve sat through the Citizen Solutions session, I 100% believe they should have that right. I just think that it needs to be regulated because while gun crime may not be such a big thing where they live, where I live, it is a huge thing.” From the three-day session, the TN11 created proposals for public policy including broadening the role of school resource officers and human services, requiring a handgun carry permit, reducing the trauma that contributes to gun violence by investing in communities, developing gun issue literacy resources and others. All of the proposals are open to public feedback before any proposal is finalized and presented to the state. “We want every voice to be heard, so we encourage college students across campus and across the state to come to the platform, to weigh in on the eight consensus proposals that fellow Tennesseans generated together and to leave comments, to leave written feedback so we understand where those proposals might be strengthened,” Phillips said.

Citizen Solutions is working with the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution to implement these proposals, and it takes no stance on the issue. Citizen Solutions aims not to prescribe outcomes but to provide people across the United States the environment to have respectful discourse on major issues so they can problem solve. Through this session, Citizen Solutions not only managed to bridge the gap between political division on gun policy but also to bridge the gap between many different people from many different walks of life. “Because I had a seat at that table, I now can go back home and say, ‘Guys, this is what is really happening. This is what wanting Second Amendment rights looks like. This is why they want it, and this is how we could possibly compromise,’” Hampton said. Carroll’s biggest message to everyone is to “educate yourself” on firearms. He claims that whether you’re pro-gun or anti-gun, firearms are an important aspect of American culture, and we all need to be properly educated on them — this can make opening minds and creating solutions to gun violence issues easier. In December, Citizen Solutions is holding its second session in Wisconsin. This time, they have gathered a group of ideologically diverse people to cordially discuss the issue of abortion. “I want other cities, other states to be inspired by our session and know that they can do this too,” Hampton said. “This group of 11 people from Tennessee is not where this ends — it may be where this begins, but this is not where this ends.” Hampton and Phillips argue that the art of conversation has died out, but Citizen Solutions has brought it back. Citizen Solutions allows respectful real-life, in-person conversations to take place. “If something like Citizen Solutions and these conversations that we had were to take place across the country, then we could see these issues … start to fade out. We could get to the root of stereotypes and misunderstandings,” Hampton said.

ARTS & CULTURE

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

Global Gallery Exhibition showcases ‘Volunteer experience’ around the world ANDI JONES Contributor

The University of Tennessee’s Center for Global Engagement is currently hosting the Global Gallery Exhibition in the Student Union Galleria to highlight student, faculty and staff photography and global experiences. The Center for Global Engagement, also known as CGE, is a hub for all things involving international involvement. In addition to study abroad programs, CGE helps connect researchers at UT with faculty at international universities with similar research interests. The overall goal of CGE is to share the volunteer experience beyond Knoxville. But what is the “volunteer experience”? Christina Gerdes, special projects coordinator at CGE, believes the volunteer experience is the sharing of knowledge, perspective and research with those on campus and around the world. The Global Gallery supports this mission by sharing the photographs and international experiences of UT students and faculty. The Global Gallery Exhibition began in 2022 and has been brought back this year at the Student Union Galleria. CGE, along with Vice Provost for International Affairs Gretchen Neisler, hope to see the gallery become an annual event. “I want to work with the faculty and students to increase the global presence of the institution, both here on campus and our presence elsewhere in the world,” Neisler said in a “Meet the Vice Provost” interview. Gerdes believes the exhibit can help students, faculty and Knoxville residents to experience global citizenship. The photos and stories highlight the experiences of fellow students and professors so that even those who have not been able to travel internationally can understand what it is like. “It is more than just a photograph …” Gerdes said. “There are stories attached to each of them.” One of these stories goes along with the photo “Finding Peace in Feeling Small” by former UT student Georgia Morris. The photo was taken in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, and features mountains, a river and small boats from a wide perspective. Along with the photo, Morris shared the story behind the photo and her beliefs on the importance of perspective. “Standing at the mouth of the fjord, halfway up the mountain road I had been driving on for the last three days, I just felt so small, and my problems, so insignificant,” Morris said. “It was discomforting.” Although Morris felt uncomfortable with feeling small, she also felt pride in making it so far. “As a small-town girl from Tennessee,

somehow I made my way to the northern side of Scandinavia, crossing paths with numerous people living completely different walks of life,” Morris said. “This was a first-time experience for me, and seeking that type of discomfort has helped me grow as a person.” The gallery also features photos from Brazil, Palestine, London, Costa Rica, Jerusalem and more. From tropical rainforests to camels in deserts, the exhibit captures the diversity of the world from the lens of UT students and faculty. Harper Pertchik, a senior majoring in natural resources and energy, was another student whose photographs and experiences were shared in the gallery. One of Pertchik’s photographs features elephants from Aquila Game Reserve located near Cape Town, South Africa. This was just one of the excursions Pertchik went on during a five-month study abroad program with the Council on International Educational Exchange. Pertchik hopes her photograph will help promote awareness about the poaching of elephants and its environmental impacts on animals. Poaching, as Pertchik explained, is common and unfortunately leads to the death of the elephants when their ivory tusks are removed. “The night before we went on the safari they actually had a breach in the reserve caused by poachers,” Pertchik said. Pertchik believes CGE and the Global Gallery are helping to raise awareness about various issues around the globe. “I think Tennessee does a really good job of promoting and sharing cultures which I think is really important,” Pertchik said. “The CGE gallery is raising awareness on a bunch of different topics.” Pertchik believes global citizenship is important, especially in a primarily homogeneous environment. Sharing experiences, cultures and challenges can help others to think beyond life on UT’s campus. “It’s so much more exciting when there’s diversity,” Pertchik said. Gerdes sees the importance of the exhibit to help expand our perspective outside of the Knoxville bubble. “Personally, I have this idea that sometimes we get trapped in our little bubble, and we forget how connected we really are,” said Gerdes. Gerdes also emphasized the diversity of the gallery. Every viewer can find a different photo to relate to or reflect upon. For her, she really liked the photo of elephants in Africa as they reminded her of her experience seeing elephants in India. “I could tell you something from each photograph that I love,” Gerdes. The Global Gallery Exhibit will be available until Dec. 8. Afterwards, it will be moved to Hodges Library where it will continue to be enjoyed.

Senior Harper Pertchik has a photograph featuring elephants from Aquila Game Reserve located near Cape Town, South Africa, in CGE’s Global Gallery. Andi Jones / Contributor

ARTS & CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Will Wilson-inspired project sees collaboration among UT students, senior center CATIE COX Contributor

Last week, the students of ARTC 236: Introduction to Cinema and Video Art and seniors from the West Knoxville Senior Center gathered at the McClung Museum to celebrate their finished video art projects, which will be on display through Dec. 2. Their one-to-two-minute videos were inspired by Will Wilson and will run alongside his work in the McClung Museum. Will Wilson’s photography exhibit “In Conversation” has been in the McClung exhibition room since Aug. 18. The collaboration workshop is based on the groundbreaking work he has done. Assistant professor of time-based art and cinema studies Heather Coker Hawkins introduced Wilson’s work to her ARTC 236 students. The general guidelines were to create a video portrait or work of art with the senior collaborator inspired by Will Wilson’s ideas of agency, representation and identity. “Will Wilson is a Diné photographer and is known for bringing awareness to the sitter of the portrait,” Coker Hawkins said. “He brings awareness to their life and their identity by giving them a voice placing them and their narrative at the center and letting them speak and have agency. This is one of the ways that this is very different from historical photography like that of Edward Curtis, who created these stereotypical representations of indigenous peoples. The exhibit places the work of Curtis next to contemporary, but historical, tint type, and it is having a conversation on the wall in a way that provokes questions about representation and historical accuracy and promotes additional conversation about further ways to collaborate.” Students were able to build on the knowledge they had while also facing a challenge. This was the first time this type of collaboration has happened with UT art students, which created a new opportunity for students and collaborators to break down generational barriers. One of the student collaborators was Kaylee Hale, a junior studying studio art with a concentration in 4D art. She was able to experience this workshop through her class with Coker Hawkins. “I really enjoyed the project,” Hale said. “I think that it was good for students to get the experience of working with people other than other students who know the process a little bit more. For me, having someone add something else to the table rather than what I’m

A student in ARTC 236: Introduction to Cinema and Video Art collaborates with a senior from the West Knoxville Senior Center on a Will Wilsoninspired video art project. Catie Cox / Contributor

used to filming was interesting, and I feel like it built on a lot of the skills that I need to learn as far as filmmaking.” The senior collaborators had different varieties of comfort levels and background knowledge when coming into this project. However, the main goal was to include them in the art-making process. Very few restrictions were given as an outline, which made each project unique to that collaboration. Katy Malone, manager of education and curator of academic programs with the McClung Museum, served as the primary facilitator for the workshop. “The project was to bring older adults and young adults together through this UT course, so 10 participants from West Knox Senior Center were embedded into the college class and set up with collaborators, and together the collaborators and the participants created self-portraits of the older adults,” Malone said. “Each video was about one to two min-

utes long, and it took about a month of collaboration to create the projects.” The senior collaborators had different varieties of comfort levels and background knowledge when coming into this project. However, the main goal was to include them in the art-making process. Very few restrictions were given as an outline, which made each project unique to that collaboration. One of the collaborators coming from the West Knoxville Senior Center was Carol Knight. She worked with student collaborator Inara Vos, a senior majoring in studio art. “It just kind of snowballed,” Knight said. “I don’t know how we decided it would be a funny film, but we were both, ‘let’s do this,’ and we just had the same ideas, and I didn’t want to just talk about my life … I just wanted to try to illustrate it. I have kind of always been a little bit of a class clown, and I think she’s got the same sense of humor, so that’s how we

kind of thought about it. I thought she captured what I wanted done because my video was unlike any of the other ones.” Like the students, the project was a great opportunity for senior collaborators as well. They were challenged to learn new things, make their voices heard and communicate their life with an almost complete stranger. One of Malone’s driving purposes for this project was to bring people of different ages together and allow them to learn from each other. “I read a lot of research and literature about how important it is to get older and younger adults into collaborative learning experiences,” Malone said. “It benefits both parties by helping to build empathy and compassion across generations. It allows people to get to know each other outside of stereotypes that they might have about each other and so putting them into a space where they can meet and make art together.”

ARTS & CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Historic Knoxville billiard hall celebrates 100th anniversary LOGAN KORN Contributor

Today, walking into McDonald’s Billiard Supply is like stepping into a time machine. Chalk dispensers, century-old photos and high-topped hardwood chairs line the walls, surrounding tables that are closer to works of art than something to play billiards on. A rack containing a variety of high-quality cues is mounted at the far end of the room, a steel cash register with type writer keys sitting beside it. It’s a place where billiards is the star of the show. McDonald’s Billiard Supply Co., as it is known today, was founded by Joe McDonald, a career wrestling promoter and manager at McDonald’s billiard room. McDonald struck out on his own in 1923, nestling McDonald’s Recreation at the 400 block of Gay Sreet among 19 other Knoxville pool halls operating at the time. McDonald passed away in 1941, leaving his wife, Elizabeth McDonald, to run the business for several years while her son, J.D. McDonald fought in World War II. McDonald served eight years in the Air Force, flying a B-17 bomber, known as a “Flying Fortress,” over Germany, Italy and Africa. When McDonald returned home from the war, he quickly began working at the family business. But trouble began brewing when West Town Mall opened in 1972. Billiard halls depend on foot traffic for success, and the new mall drew many customers away from downtown. “When I was growing up, everyone would come to town, you had your banking and theaters and shopping. Everyone would come downtown,” said Pat McDonald, J.D. McDonald’s son and current owner of the business. “When they opened up West Town Mall, everybody went west.” With foot traffic at an all-time low in downtown Knoxville, McDonald’s Recreation needed a new strategy. Taking the reins in 1973, J.D. McDonald had an idea on how to keep the family business afloat. The pool hall moved locations to 6011D Chapman Highway and changed its name to McDonald’s Billiard Supply Company. J.D. McDonald believed he could change the 50-year-old billiard room into a business that exclusively maintained and supplied billiard tables and equipment. However, the new owner soon found that customers were still just as eager to play on the pool tables as they were to buy them. In fact, many pool players from downtown Knoxville followed J.D. McDonald to his new location on Chapman Highway to play, sometimes arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. to spend all day at the

Pat McDonald is the owner of McDonald’s Billiard Supply Co., a destination for pool players that has lived through the closure of 19 other original Knoxville pool halls. Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

tables. “There would be 10 of them out here waiting to play snooker,” Pat McDonald said. “So we would just give them a key and say they could give it back when they get done.” Since then, many of those loyal customers have passed away or retired from playing pool, including J.D. McDonald, who died in 2007, leaving the business to his son, Pat McDonald. Despite this, a few long-time customers still show up every Wednesday night, the only night McDonald’s Billiard Supply stays open late, to play pool.

“You can’t beat the pool tables and the environment,” said Spider, a long-time customer who was given the nickname by J.D. McDonald in 1993. “I used to come down here twice a week and play for seven hours a day for years. That’s the truth.” Since 1923, all 19 of the original pool halls in Knoxville have gone out of business, partially because of the repeal of a city ordinance that banned 9-foot pool tables in bars and prohibited alcohol in billiard rooms. “We’re lucky to be doing what we’re doing. We try to do the right thing for our customers. We always try to make them

feel comfortable. All you have to do is talk to people nice. That’s it,” Pat McDonald said. In this day and age, billiards is a social game found in sports bars and family fun centers. It’s a game that’s played on coin-operated tables where missing is half the fun. It’s a game that takes a back seat to the bar, the bowling and the arcade machines with their flashing lights. But there’s one place in Knoxville where billiards still runs the show. This article was produced in conjunction with Professor Melanie Faizer’s Journalism and Electronic Media 200 class.

OPINIONS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

On the Brain: Embracing body positivity, celebrating yourself ALAYNA HEIFNER Columnist The body positivity movement has been a part of headlines and has created a storm on many social media sites. It has held a prominent place in recent media and has been prone to praise and criticism. So, what is body positivity? Despite what critics may say, it is a misconception that body positivity means praising unhealthy eating or discriminating against those of a smaller size. Body positivity is a social movement focused on the acceptance of all bodies. No matter your features, flaws, race, sexuality, gender or size, the movement aims to emphasize acceptance and beauty. We have all heard the phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” but the statement really is true. You do not have to conform to what society deems as beautiful to be beautiful. Ditch the idea that you need to have a six-pack, small waist, big butt or any other feature society deems as an indicator of beauty. Beauty is about who you are and is not dependent on any particular external feature. Mainstream media has run with alarming headlines falsely claiming that the body positivity movement is contributing to obesity or that the inclusion of plus-size people will make people think it is okay to be fat. However, fat people have always existed, regardless of the body positivity movement. The only thing different at the emergence of the body positivity movement is people with different body shapes and features now feel more seen in society. I know how it feels to not fit into typical beauty standards. As a plus-size woman, I know how difficult it is to move through society not looking like other girls who are considered beautiful. It is hard to find cute clothes that properly fit my body. It is hard to exist with the worry that I may be harshly judged just because of the way I look. The body positivity movement has helped me relinquish some of this fear, replacing it with newfound confidence. Negative body image can create a myriad of problems, such as low selfesteem, unhealthy thought cycles and even eating disorders. Sometimes, you truly have to fake it until you make it. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful. Choose one

Columnist Alayna Heifner says that the body positivity movement has helped her “relinquish some of (her) fear, replacing it with newfound confidence.” Courtesy of Vecteezy.com

thing you like about yourself every day, and eventually, you might find that your body is beautiful and does some pretty amazing things for you. Gratitude has been an immense part of my progression in my self-love journey. Instead of being negative when I looked in the mirror and picked out flaws, I began to pick out things I did like with intention. I reframed my mindset to realize the inherent value of my body. My body is not who I am but a vessel to carry my soul through this life. It helps me do all of the amazing things I accomplish every day. How could I ever have hated something that allowed me to wake up every morning and pursue my dreams? The cycles of self hatred I experienced were really detrimental to my mental health and wellness. By learning to love myself for who I am despite my perceived flaws, I am able to do more things I love. For example, I used to avoid the beach and swimming due to fear of being judged for wearing a bathing suit. Now, I can enjoy life more because I allow myself to do things I would have been too embarrassed to do before.

Ultimately, life is too short to be obsessed with beauty ideals and the impossible attainment of perfection. Enjoy life and be grateful for what you have. Body positivity is important because going to the gym and eating healthy is not taking care of your body. Although those things can be important, you can take care of your body and mind by feeling good about yourself through doing things that are good for you physically and mentally. I feel good about myself when I go on hikes and spend time in nature. It helps me to improve my health and helps me to appreciate that my body can allow me to do this. Real body positivity lies not in comparing yourself to others but in appreciating differences in others while loving your unique features. If you are having trouble with body image issues and positivity, sometimes it can be helpful to unplug from social media for a while. Unplugging from social media and focusing on gratitude and positivity was crucial to my own journey. It allowed me a space to appreciate myself and separate from the thousands of people I was comparing myself to online.

A woman’s beauty and body ideals are simply unrealistic and not ideals you should strive for. Spend less time focusing on your looks, and spend more time focusing on important things like your mental health and being a good person. We are all insecure about something at the end of the day. Someone you wish you looked like could be simultaneously hoping they looked like you. Instead of wasting our very short time here on earth obsessing over looks, spend your time soaking in life and enjoying yourself. We are all beautiful, and I would even say that our looks are the least interesting thing about us. We are so much more than our appearance.

Alayna Heifner is a freshman at UT this year studying philosophy. She can be reached at aheifne1@vols.utk.edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

OPINIONS

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

Inoculating Success: The crucial role of a healthy gut microbiome during final exams

TYLER MYERS Guest Columnist

As students on Rocky Top prepare for an intense week of final exams, the focus often shifts to late night study sessions and copious amounts of caffeine. While these strategies may yield short-term solutions, the utility of maintaining prolonged healthy habits that support academic performance tends to be overlooked. One such habit, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, has garnered rising curiosity in clinical research. Emerging research suggests that the trillions of microbes inhabiting our gut play pivotal roles in physical well-being and cognitive function. Connecting gut-brain health and academic success is a fascinating area that deserves attention. This column seeks to illuminate how protecting one’s gut microbiome could play a major role in performing optimally during finals. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional network between the gut and brain, mediates the relationship between gut health and cognitive function. The gut houses a complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi that send chemical messages to the brain along nerves, modulate circulating hormones and influence immune system activity. These pathways impact neurotransmitter release in the brain which, in turn, alters mood, attention and cognition. Particularly relevant neurotransmitters affected by gut-brain communication include dopamine, which orchestrates motivation and reward. Additionally, serotonin influences emotional processing, and gastrointestinal motility and glutamate mediates learning and memory. Research suggests that diverse and thriving microbiota contribute to stress resilience and emotional well-being, which are factors crucial for handling the pressures of finals. Conversely, an imbalanced gut microbiome may perpetuate symptoms of anxiety and depression, hindering the ability to think critically and focus. The adage “you are what you eat” gains nuance when considering this gut-brain connection. The food we eat directly influences gut microbiome composition and activity, which, in turn, affects cognitive function. A diverse, fiberfilled diet provides essential nutrients for both the body and microbiome, which contribute to a resilient immune system, reduced inflammation and improved energy levels — factors that augment the ability to manage stress and excel academically. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, sugars and certain artificial sweeteners generates imbalance in the gut, negatively impacting mental well-being and performance.

The advantages of maintaining a diet that supports healthy gut microbes transcend physical health. Studies propose that diets enriched with fruits, vegetables and whole grains positively influence mood, memory and overall cognitive function. For students facing the rigors of finals, adopting a nutrient-dense diet incurs a strategic benefit, nourishing the brain with the fuel necessary to operate proficiently. By recognizing the value of a healthy gut microbiome during finals, students can take practical steps to support their digestive allies. Incorporating a variety of fiber-rich foods can provide the nutrients necessary for a flourishing microbiome. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented products also contribute to a diverse gut microecosystem. Besides dietary considerations, stress management can further support gut health. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise and adequate sleep actuate the gut-brain axis, promoting synergy between the two. In conclusion, students should not underestimate the importance of maintaining a healthy gut while navigating finals. The pros of adopting a gut-friendly lifestyle, from supporting cognitive function to promoting emotional wellbeing, are instrumental in achieving academic success. By recognizing the interplay between diet, the gut-brain connection and academic performance, students can empower themselves to make choices that will set both their minds and their gut on a path to success.

Guest columnist Tyler Myers explains that diets “enriched with fruits, vegetables and whole grains positively influence mood, memory and overall cognitive function.” Emma Fingeret / The Daily Beacon

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Tyler Myers is a junior at UT this year studying microbiology and neuroscience. He can be reached at tmyers14@vols. utk.edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

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OPINIONS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Between Bookends: Revisiting middle grade novels for the soul SADIE SELF Columnist

I have a confession: I’m a sucker for middle-grade novels, and I’m tired of calling it a guilty pleasure. As someone who likes variety in my reading, I’m aware of many genres that are often looked down on for not being “real” books. Middle grade isn’t exactly a genre, but it refers to a category of novels written for a younger age group. For readers over the age of 12, middle-grade books certainly fall under that umbrella of disrespect since they’re often seen as childish and silly. Those of us readers lucky enough to discover a passion for reading as children know how formative and comforting the world of middle-grade books can be, so why do we stop reading them? Once you hit a certain age, it seems as if everyone is reading these fancy, philosophical books. When I hit this age, I felt like I had to put J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series away and start on that long list of more “respectable” books. Classics, nonfiction and other more mature genres are great, but sometimes it’s nice to revisit your roots. Even romance, a genre to which I am partial, can call for a break sometimes. No matter your normal reading preferences, middle-grade books are like a nostalgic breath and require nothing except a want to read. Also, “middle grade” is very broad. You don’t have to pick up E. B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” or Roald Dahl’s “Matilda.” There is so much more to middle grade than you might think. That actually might be my favorite thing about this particular category of books since it’s not really “particular” at all. I get to try out new genres without putting too much effort in. For example, I had never been a fan of the science fiction genre until “Cinder,” a middle-grade novel by Marissa Meyer and a sci-fi adaptation of “Cinderella.” Reading “Cinder” allowed me to branch out without all of the pressure that comes with more mature books. The complexity that comes with Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and the approximate 896 pages that come with Frank Herbert’s “Dune” push me away, but the ease of “Cinder” welcomed me

Once columnist Sadie Self hit a certain age, she felt like she had to “put J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series away and start on that long list of more ‘respectable’ books.” Calie Wrona / The Daily Beacon

to science fiction. As adamant as I am now about the importance of middle-grade books for all ages, I was once totally convinced that they were beneath me. During my high school years, I wanted my reading to reflect what I thought was maturity, so I often flaunted the covers of many respected novels like “11/22/63” by Stephen King, “The Rose and the Yew Tree” by Agatha Christie and “The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells. I enjoyed reading each of these, but sometimes my heart longed for a good, simple middle-grade novel. At this time of my literary snob facade, I felt like I had to create a solution for this lust for what I called “kids’ books.” When you turn 16, you’re way too old for that kind of stuff, right? Wrong. However, I had not yet come to this epiphany, so I resorted to secrecy. I got out my best paper, scissors and markers and made a fake book cover to put

over whatever middle-grade novel I was reading at the time. If you’re thinking that this sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is. No one should have to feel the need to hide whatever book they’re reading, especially one that brings nothing but joy and relief. Now that I’m in college, I think that picking up something light like this is even more important, and luckily, I’ve realized that real maturity is not being ashamed of what I enjoy reading. I haven’t thought to whip out one of my old homemade book covers in a long time. Not only does this simple thing free my inner child, but it is also a coping mechanism. Middle grade is the perfect solution to anxiety-induced reading blocks. Sandwiching books like “Percy Jackson and the Chalice of the Gods” by Rick Riordan between my assigned readings is sometimes all that keeps me turning

the pages during a busy semester. So, I recommend treating your next bout of stressful weeks — or just plain lack of intent reading time — with a good ol’ middle-grade book. I’m all for reading for philosophical and knowledge-based purposes, but returning to the fictional worlds of my childhood is something nothing else compares to. Their inner healing properties are worth a try!

Sadie Self is a freshman at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at sself7@vols.utk. edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee volleyball to host NCAA Tournament for first time since 2011 TANNER JOHNSON Staff Writer

For the third straight year, Tennessee is going dancing in the NCAA Tournament. For the first time since 2011, the Lady Vols will play the first round in Knoxville. It’s a result that was easy to see coming as far back as the Lady Vols’ early season trip to Madison where they played the now No. 1 seed Wisconsin Badgers to a near draw. The Lady Vols (24-4, 15-3 SEC) earned the No. 3 seed in the Stanford quarter of the bracket and will host High Point (23-7, 14-0 Big South) on Friday night in Food City Center. The NCAA Tournament represents an opportunity for this team to continue to break new ground under the leadership of Co-SEC Coach of the Year Eve Rackham Watt. During her tenure, Tennessee has not made it past the second round of the tournament in three previous trips to the dance. “For us it is about staying focused on the first match we have to play, and that is the only match that matters,” Rackham Watt said. “We have to remember why we have been great this year. It’s because we have been resilient, worked hard and been consistent. We have a mental toughness that has shown up a lot this year in tough moments, and we will need that in the tournament.” But this is Rackham Watt’s best team by far. It has been a season where Tennessee has accomplished feats that had not been done in a long time in Knoxville. They swept eventual conference champion Kentucky for the first time since 2016 and did so in Lexington. It was the Wildcats’ only SEC loss on their way to a seventh consecutive SEC title. “We did not play perfect, but we were close,” Rackham Watt said after that game. That is what will be needed for Tennessee to accomplish what they want to in this tournament. The Lady Vols are tested and prepared for the highest level of competition. They finished second in a league that sent eight teams to the tournament. Losses for Tennessee have been few and far between. It had the best overall

Keondrena Granberry (77) returns the ball during a match against Mississippi State University at Food City Center. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

record in the SEC and the best home record (12-2). Tennessee did not lose a set at home this year until its 17th game of the season against Auburn. Led by repeat Co-SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Morgahn Fingall and All-SEC setter Caroline Kerr, the Lady Vols are trying to avenge their recent tournament struggles. Tournament success would mean everything to a player like Fingall who has gone through so much in her time at Tennessee. She has gone from a player who doubted her own future to a star on one of the best teams in the country. “In her sophomore year, Morgahn

came into my office in tears because she was not sure if she would ever be good enough to play college volleyball and that she would never be able to reach her potential,” Rackham Watt said. “People look at who she is and assume it was a natural progression, but she has had to work really hard and endure a lot of lonely hours in the gym.” Those lonely hours have turned into publicity and recognition for Fingall as she has racked up countless SEC honors during her career and this season particularly. She and her teammates are looking to avenge what happened last year in the tournament.

A year ago, Tennessee fell in the first round of the tournament in five sets to Purdue. Several players from this team were a part of that game and will be looking to get a lot further this time around. Tennessee’s players have done a great job all season of focusing on the challenge in front of them and not getting carried away with looking ahead to the postseason. Now the challenge ahead of them is the postseason, and the Lady Vols will rely on each other to play like the SEC juggernaut that has been born from the fire of their previous clashes with other great teams.

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee basketball come out of Maui Invitational tested ERIC WOODS Assistant Sports Editor

It’s not often that a top 10 team — any team — has to face the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the country just six games into the season. The beginning of the season is generally meant for the team to gel and to get young guys experience. Tennessee basketball didn’t get much time to settle in. It faced then-ranked No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Purdue in backto-back games in the Maui Invitational, losing to both. The Vols’ leading scorer, Dalton Knecht, had faced ranked opponents just three times in his four years prior to joining the program. “We played really good teams,” Knecht said. “We’ve got a lot of learning to do, played one and two back-to-back games. There’s some good film for us to learn on what we need to do to get better.” Knecht averaged 16.5 points on a combined 6-of-9 from three against Syracuse and Purdue but shot 4-of-17 in the final game against Kansas. He dealt with late-game cramps against Purdue, playing a factor in his lapse in effectiveness. However, the biggest factor is the fact that teams are beginning to key in on him as he continues to separate himself as the team’s go-to scorer. “I think they’re just starting to take notice, but I just gotta learn from my mistakes in the Maui,” Knecht said. “My turnovers and stuff. So that’s just listening to the coaching staff and watching the film and working on the court.” As Knecht began to slump against Kansas, so did the offense as a whole despite 21 points out of Santiago Vescovi. Tennessee had just 60 points in the loss. Head coach Rick Barnes believes that balance will be the key for the offense to take the next step. “We’ve gotta get our post guys involved a little bit more than they have been,” Barnes said. “And that works both ways. They’ve gotta do their part. Our perimeter guys have to do their part. And still there’s not one area that we can say we’re there yet.” The Vols have had their most success when they haven’t relied completely on the 3-ball. Last year, Tennessee averaged 22.4% 3-point attempts in wins and 25.5% in losses. This year, the Vols have averaged 22% in wins and 31.5% in losses. Barnes said that he has his fair share of

Santiago Vescovi (25) and Dalton Knecht (3) during a game against Tennessee Tech University at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

“green light shooters,” but it was hurting the team when the shots weren’t falling because of a lack of “thrust” inside and on the glass. It should be noted that the Vols are much thinner in the frontcourt than in recent years, but an inside presence can open up a lot for Knecht and the other shooters. Freshmen Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella are still learning the game at the college level, while Tobe Awaka and Jonas Aidoo are settling into new roles. Fortunately, Tennessee has a long season ahead to fine-tune things, and

it already got a sneak peek of who it could be facing come March Madness time. The Vols will be tested again with matchups against No. 17 North Carolina and Illinois before the schedule calms down heading into SEC play. “Overall, it’s just a matter of everybody understanding that we’ve gotta get better,” Barnes said. “We might’ve gotten the wrong message if we’d have won the last game by not putting the kind of effort that I think it’s gonna take to win a championship. So we gotta make sure that we never take that for granted.”

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

11 11

How her father’s lessons laid the foundation for Jewel Spear’s success CALEB JARREAU Sports Editor

Jewel Spear let her phone ring. There were so many calls and texts that she couldn’t begin to respond. The Wake Forest junior had just entered the transfer portal, and coaches from around the country began expressing interest. One name popped up on her phone and caught the guard’s attention. Kellie Harper. Why would Harper, the Lady Vols head coach, call her? Spear wondered the answer for herself. Then she called someone who always had the answers — her dad. LeRonne Spear knew exactly why Harper was calling. He knew that Jordan Horston was gone to the WNBA, and Tennessee needed a guard who could score. He knew that Jordan Walker was graduating as well, leaving a void to fill at point guard. He knew why Tennessee could become, and did become, the new home for his daughter. “I enjoy watching the women play,” LeRonne Spear said. “I probably watched the women play more so than the men. So I was familiar with them from an outside perspective of the Tennessee program, legendary coach Pat Summitt. I was familiar with where Tennessee was in respect to being near the top of the SEC.” LeRonne Spear having the answers was nothing new, though. He knew that Jewel Spear was special from the time she picked up a basketball. Her older brother Kahliel Spear began playing basketball at a young age, and Jewel Spear was there every step of the way. She began dribbling with one hand by 4 years old, even making shots by that age. Her brother also played baseball, which sparked her interest in softball. Just like on the court, she picked up many of the skills naturally. “I just think it was because she had an older brother,” LeRonne Spear said. “So with her going to practices and things and things of that nature, just being around it, she just naturally picked up on it.” That bond as the two grew up became more competitive and more supportive. Now with a younger sibling, DaKari Spear, in the mix, the trio has their own group chat. Kahliel Spear plays professionally overseas after a career at Robert Morris. DaKari Spear is still at The Colony High School in Texas, the same one his siblings attended. And now Jewel Spear is in Knoxville. That bond formed in Texas remains strong even though they are spread all over the country and the world. “We always wanted to see each other be successful,” Jewel Spear said. “So I know like before games and after games, we always text each other — whether it’s my game or my brother’s game. Just to wish each other luck and then how

we can improve on things and stuff like that.” Talking about how they can improve is a lesson from their father. LeRonne Spear had the same routine following games. Everyone wants to talk about what they did well during the game. LeRonne Spear wanted to dive into what his kids could do better. It was a method of self-evaluation he helped instill in Jewel Spear. Knowing what you can improve on is a large part of the battle, he told a young Spear. “She’s always been a student of the game,” LeRonne Spear said. “She watches other college teams. She watches WNBA games. She watches the NBA games. She has a very high basketball IQ. And I think that those are things that have attributed to her success in college because she is a smart basketball player, so when you’re able to mix in ability with a high-level basketball IQ, then I think you can really be successful.” The lessons from watching her older brother play and listening to her father’s coaching, helped lead Jewel Spear to become rated the No. 82 overall player in the espnW 100 for the 2022 class. The lessons of self-evaluation helped Spear decide it was time for a change. Fast forward to 2023, and the mentality LeRonne Spear began instilling in 2007 became even more useful. Jewel Spear sat down and weighed the options of the transfer portal. She loved Wake Forest, and it provided her with a lot. She was a two-time All-ACC Team and started all but one game for the Demon Deacon. However, Spear’s goals went beyond Winston-Salem. After making the FIBA U19 World Cup roster, she realized that professional basketball was something she could achieve. Pursuing professional basketball meant raising her profile. “She wanted to play on a bigger stage,” LeRonne Spear said. “She wanted to have a chance to compete for a national championship. She wanted to raise her profile. Like I said before, she has aspirations to play in the WNBA. She mentioned that to us as some of the reasons why she was considering entering in the portal. And we talked about those things, and when she decided to enter the portal, we supported her.” Once she entered the portal, her phone rang nonstop. With that, the whirlwind began. It wasn’t like Jewel Spear’s high school recruitment. There was not much time. Spear had just flown home from Wake Forest when she decided to visit Tennessee. Her visit was squeezed before a non-contact period and her older brother’s graduation. Assistant coach Joy McCorvey sent Spear an itinerary, and the family flew to Knoxville. There were other schools and Zoom calls, but Tennessee was the one that Spear decided on. She donned the game jersey and committed to the Lady Vols during her visit. “I felt like it was time to go to a bigger program, bigger stage and to see where I fit,” Jewel

Jewel Spear (0) during a game against the University of Memphis at Food City Center. Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon Spear said. “The SEC, which is another top conference if not the best conference in the country. And then off the court, academically I want to go into sports broadcasting, and I know they have put successful players through this program like Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker and Andraya Carter into that.” It was the legend of Summitt, the eight national titles and the Lady Vol brand that originally sparked LeRonne Spear’s interest in Tennessee. Those are the reasons he knew why Harper was calling his daughter. Seeing Jewel Spear in that Tennessee jersey was a “surreal moment” for the father. “I was definitely excited for her, happy for her,” LeRonne Spear said. “Again, just the history of the Lady Vols basketball program, going into the arena and seeing the eight national championships, seeing all of the women that had had their numbers retired, seeing the number of players that they’ve had play pro in the WNBA — it was a somewhat surreal moment.” That commitment was on May 4. As of Nov. 29, Jewel Spear has started all six games for the Lady Vols and is third in scoring with 13.5 points per game. She’s shooting 41% from the field. Her numbers on paper are good, and the minutes she provides Harper’s team are valuable. She texts her dad after every game and receives the same response, “How do you think you played?” “As I get older, just knowing that I have to reflect on my game myself and not depend on

others to do that but also knowing that my mom and my dad support me,” Jewel Spear said. “I text both of them after the games and get their perspective, which can be different at times, which is really valuable because they’re both watching the game together. So seeing what they see and then going back and watching the film with my coaches or by myself and seeing how I can do better.” Tennessee has taught Spear that she needs to be more than just a scorer. If she wants to succeed professionally, she has to pass, rebound and defend. Being a good teammate is at the base of that as well. Just in her first few months with Tennessee, Spear has gelled with the locker room. Jasmine Powell called Spear the funniest player on the team, despite her quiet demeanor. She has formed a relationship with the coaching staff, who her family can tell truly supports its players. All of those factors have helped Spear find immediate success with Tennessee. The beginning of her journey and the foundation for her success can go back to the lessons LeRonne Spear taught her at a young age. “I think that she’s a genuinely a good person,” LeRonne Spear said. “She’s a great teammate. She wants others to, others to succeed. I think that people will see not only is she a highcaliber basketball player, but she’s, a she’s a very good student, a very good person. (She) will leave her mark at the University of Tennessee.”

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

2023

Football

PICK ‘EM

Joe Milton III carries the ball against Vanderbilt in Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Parker Phegley / The Daily Beacon

Joe Milton III goes ‘out with a bang’ ERIC WOODS Assistant Sports Editor

Joe Milton III walked through his throwing session on Friday in preparation for his final game for Tennessee football inside Neyland Stadium. Emotions began to flow out as a result. Friday was time to reminisce, but Saturday was all business. Milton went “out with a bang” in a 48-24 win over Vanderbilt. The sixth-year quarterback went for a career highs of 383 yards and six total touchdowns, which was the most by a Tennessee player since Jonathan Crompton in 2009. “Every game, you try to do that,” Milton said. “But the most important one is the last one inside of the stadium. You show a team that is how we play when we get inside of this stadium. That is the legacy that I am going to hold on to.” Milton’s journey to being the Vols’ starting quarterback has been anything but easy. It has been one of waiting along with a hint of disappointment. He began his collegiate career at Michigan sitting as a backup for his first two years, completing just 11 passes for 117 yards in that period. Milton took over as the starter in year three, but his stint as a starter was shortlived due to injury, COVID-19 and underperforming. Milton won the starting job after transferring to Tennessee in 2021 only to have it taken away by an injury against Pittsburgh. Hendon Hooker ran away with the job, but Milton stayed in Knoxville as he continued to compete. Hooker suffered an ACL tear late in 2022, and Milton led the Vols to a 2-0 record with an Orange Bowl victory in his place. With

Hooker departing for the NFL, 2023 was officially Milton’s year. It was a roller coaster of success for his first and last full year as a starter, leading Tennessee to an 8-4 record with 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns. Milton described his journey as “shaky.” “You just look back at those things, and I just never gave myself the fruits of the labor,” Milton said. “This is the longest season I have ever been in. Making it through, being able to go game from game and flushing the last one. That is pretty much all you ask for.” After his career day, he made sure to give a nod to the guys next to him. Those two were McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren, who he connected with for a touchdown each. Milton credited the rest of the offense, saying, “Joe isn’t Joe without the other 10.” The 10 Milton was referring to were represented by a lot of different bodies throughout the season as injuries piled up, but each of them helped him along the way. “I didn’t do it alone,” Milton said. “I had a whole bunch of guys behind me, and they were telling me all the right things. They kept me up. They made sure that I was smiling because everybody knew if I wasn’t smiling, nobody else was smiling.” Milton’s legacy may not be as concrete as Hooker’s, but his final performance happened to be his best in any uniform. At the end of the day, what Milton hopes will never be in question was his commitment to Tennessee football. “Playing inside this stadium one last time was amazing,” Milton said. “I wish the guys that come up after us take it as seriously as us. We left a legacy here that there is only one way we play when we get inside that stadium and that’s hard. There’s only two things you can control, and that’s your effort and your attitude.”

FINAL STANDINGS

Eric Woods AssT. Sports Editor (59-18)

1. Tanner Johnson Staff Writer (57-20)

2. Caleb Jarreau Sports Editor (54-23)

3. Madeline McNeely STAFF WRITER (52-25)

4. Bella Hughes Managing Editor (48-29)

5. Jack Church Staff Writer (45-25)