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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF VOLUME 124 | ISSUE 33 ALABAMA SINCE 1894 CAMPUS 3 RACE 5 FITNESS 7 After low voter turnout in special A CW columnist calls for white The beginning of the semester elections, the SGA struggles to members of the community to marks an increase in student generate student involvement be better allies for minorities fi tness interests

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cw.ua.edu WHAT’S INSIDE P.O. Box 870170 414 Campus Drive East Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: (205) 348-6144 NEWS: The Alabama Department of Revenue Fax: (205) 348-8036 Advertising: (205) 348-7845 has released a new app to prevent tax refund theft using electronic ID software. 6 Photo courtesy of Trish McCall EDITORIAL STAFF editor-in-chief Elizabeth Elkin [email protected] managing editor Sam West CULTURE: American folk duo Shovels & digital editor Jake Stevens production editor Nick Privitera Rope comes to Iron City Birmingham for visuals editor Shana Oshinskie a show on Friday, Feb. 9. chief copy editor Alise Wenner 8 Photo courtesy of Curtis Wayne MIllard opinions editor Marissa Cornelius [email protected] news editor Arielle Lipan [email protected] SPORTS: For the fi rst time since 2010, the culture editor Ellen Johnson [email protected] Crimson Tide fi nds itself without the top-rated sports editor Matthew Speakman [email protected] recruiting class, fi nishing at number seven. 10 CW / Hannah Saad photo editor Caroline Japal multimedia editor David Jones lead page designer Rebecca Griesbach social media editor Michaela Hancock EVENTS THIS WEEK ADVERTISING STAFF ad representatives Trent Wilson Lauren McDowell Lizzie Mizenko Jack Amthor creative services Alexis Craft Grace Bryant

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The Crimson White, USPS #138020, Copyright WHEN: 6 p.m. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHEN: 11:30 a.m. WHEN: 6 p.m. WHEN: 5 p.m. © 2017 by the Crimson White is published twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays, August through WHERE: Coleman WHERE: Second Floor, WHERE: 121 B.B. Comer WHERE: Ferguson WHERE: Coleman April when classes are in session by The University Coliseum Ferguson Student Center Hall Student Center Theater Coliseum of Alabama, Student Media, 414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Business and Editorial Offi ces: Support the University Celebrate Mardi Gras Every Friday afternoon, Enjoy a night out as Cheer on The University Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Accounting and Circulation Offi ces: Student Media, Box 870170, Tus- of Alabama women’s with other students by the Capstone University Programs of Alabama men’s caloosa, AL 35487, Call 205-348-7257 to subscribe. basketball team as they listening to a live jazz International Services shows the movie “Whose basketball team while Periodicals postage is paid at Tuscaloosa, Al 35401. take on the University band and DJ while and Capstone Streets?” for students they play the University POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crim- of South Carolina International Center host at the Ferguson Center of Tennessee Saturday son White, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. enjoying Cajun food. Thursday night. this event for students to Friday. evening. All material contained herein, except advertising or interact while enjoying where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2017 by coffee, tea and snacks. The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of FEB 8 FEB 8 FEB 9 FEB 9 FEB 10 The Crimson White. Editor | Arielle Lipan [email protected] NEWS Thursday, February 8, 2018 3 SGA struggles to inspire student involvement By David Williams III | Staff Reporter

After a 7 percent voter turnout from the College of Arts and Sciences in the recent Senate special elections, SGA is hoping to combat voter apathy and encourage engagement during elections in March. But despite their best efforts, many students don’t think involvement in elections is worth the time. Jacob Walker, a junior majoring in operations management, said there are other things to care about besides SGA, like classes and career opportunities. For him, participating in elections doesn’t result in any major changes that he knows of, so it seems like a waste of time. If they want to create change they should get

involved. Director of Media Relations for the SGA Sierra Stockley encourages students across campus to affect change through the SGA. CW / Hannah Saad

She often misses elections because of a lot of work to aid students. he understands why the Greek system how busy she is during the semester. SGA Speaker of the Senate Matthew has such a significant impact on Sierra Stockley, director of media Childress said in an email that the elections. However, he doesn’t view – Rob Harrington relations for SGA and a junior majoring SGA has passed at least 13 pieces of it as an excuse to stop people from in political science, said her goal is to legislation this year, each making making change they want to see. create conversations and meet with some sort of an impact. “It is important to have a student Senator Rob Harrington, a junior students who want to express their Childress said at the beginning of the government. I think in a student studying finance and economics, said ideas. These conversations helped fall semester, the block seating process government, you can tell people while SGA can’t force the University to lead to the creation of things like the was removed from the constitution and there is a voice for students as do anything, they do the best they can R.E.S.P.E.C.T. fund for student mental put into the Code of Laws under Bill long as students want that voice,” with the best intentions and resources health counseling. B-01. Act A-13, the SAFE Act, helped Harrington said. they have available. Gillian Dente, a junior majoring in donate thousands of dollars to help Harrington ran a successful Emily Triolet, a sophomore event planning, said while she thinks obtain proper sexual assault resources campaign without the support of any majoring in public relations, said it SGA is helpful to the campus and for West Alabama. With Act A-06, Vice organization. He said he focused on is great that SGA is able to provide student body no matter who is in office, President of Financial Affairs Charlie turning non-voters into voters, and resources for students and advocate it won’t ever impact her daily life. She Steinmetz and Senator Mary Elizabeth that his win proves it is possible. for various issues. She thinks SGA thinks the SGA does have some impact Clements improved structuring of “That perception leads to is a great support system for campus on campus, but it is hard to quantify scholarship funds. independents not wanting to get organizations and helps represent what that is. Richard Terry, a senior majoring in involved, but if they want to create students, but she also said elections Harrington also said while some political science, said in his eyes, SGA change they should get involved,” aren’t particularly important to her. students may not see impact, they do has turned into a clash between Greek Harrington said. “It shouldn’t stop life and iindependentnd students. He them from trying at least; if you put thinks that ththis clash takes precedence effort in as an independent, you can Senator Rob Harrington successfully ran for Senate without the support over enactenactingin change on campus, do it.” of a Greek organization and encourages all interested students to do which makes the SGA ineffective. Stockley said any concerned students the same. CW / Hannah Saad “Dependent“Dependen on the group, yes, the are welcome to get involved and bring SGA has an impact on campus, but light to issues SGA did not previously the actual eelectionle seemingly always know about so they can create change. puts the GreekGre population at odds “Every year, SGA has numerous with the regregularu independent student positions that students can apply for population,” Terry said. “Greeks, I or even run for, such as Senate or the feel, benefit mmore from their candidate Executive Council,” Stockley said. winning ththanan independent students.” “Becoming involved is the perfect HarringtonHarrington said because of low opportunity to be the change one freshman aandn senior voter turnout, wants to see, which is what I did.”

SGASGA VVOTINGO SGASG voting for offi cers and representatives will be on MarchMa 6 from 7 a.m - 7 p.m.

CurrentlyCu enrolled graduate and undergraduate students areare eligible to vote for the SGA President, Vice Presidents, SGASG Executive Secretary and Senate elections, according to tthe Fall 2017 SGA Elections Manual. Editor | Marissa Cornelius [email protected] 4 Thursday, February 8, 2018 OPINIONS

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What steps do you think should be taken to help heal the divisions in America? Tweet us your thoughts!

Mary Buzbee @Mary_Buzbee bring back Ruby Tuesday’s Tribune News Service garlic biscuits COLUMN | POLITICS

America needs to heal our divisions DJ Nanna

presidential election. Rather than agreement on how to move the @TMarr2525 Emily Barron | Staff Columnist trying to move forward with public United States forward as a collective policy reform, the people of the whole rather than continue to Chronological order on It is not a secret that America United States are more concerned be two divided parties stuck in a Instagram is the melting pot of the world. about trying to prove their fellow gridlock. This title holds a lot of weight and citizen wrong. The United States Nonetheless, Americans continue speaks to the nature of who we are to argue, unwilling to listen to one and what we stand for. The United another. We as a nation have turned States is a country that is uniquely into selfish individuals whose Teryn Danae diverse with multiple ethnic, However, the primary concern is ourselves rather racial and linguistic diversities; than looking out for the good of @IToldYaSo_ it is a nation of many different people of this the congregation of citizens in this nationalities. country. Reinventing / demolishing However, as anyone can clearly country also When did America deviate from see, our unique and sought-after the plurality and focus on the policies that cause more diversity also brings about clear need to learn singularity? and present tension. That tension The U.S. Constitution states “We harm than help esp to seems to be dissipating our the people,” but America has lost minorities American morale. how to work the meaning of this statement. I Although America is a country know that America is so diverse with differing opinions and ideas, together to come in its population that we will the one thing we can all agree on is never fully agree on everything, that we cannot seem to come to a to an agreement. but never agreeing on anything Lesley Shelton consensus about anything. is a major hindrance to our One of the privileges of living political system. @yomommasaywhat in a democratic society is that Unless there is a major shift in everyone is entitled to the First attitude and the way we look at Close Auburn University Amendment, or the right to free has entered a new era of hate, politics, the citizens of the United speech. As a result, numerous which can be seen through multiple States will continue to argue individuals voice their opinions outlets like social media and the and disagree, rather than listen to our government in hopes of national news. to one another and try to reach achieving policy reform. However, There needs to be a change a consensus. This will leave the Chandler Gory since the United States is such a in our system. Rather than American government with no melting pot, Americans cannot continuously dividing our political choice but to create public policy @chandlergory come to an agreement on anything, system through extremist values, which will lead us down the path aligning totally with their political government officials need to listen to nowhere. literally anything other than party, thus leading to a gridlock in to the needs of everyday people. what we’re doing right now the system. However, the people of this Emily Barron is a senior majoring Our country is at a critical country also need to learn how in anthropology. Her column runs moment in its life with the recent to work together to come to an biweekly.

EDITORIAL BOARD WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Elizabeth Elkin editor-in-chief Nick Privitera production editor Send submissions to [email protected]. published. The Crimson White reserves the right to Sam West managing editor Shana Oshinskie visuals editor Submissions must include the author’s name, edit all guest columns and letters to the editor. The Jake Stevens digital editor Alise Wenner chief copy editor year, major and daytime phone number. Phone opinions contained on this page do not represent the Marissa Cornelius opinions editor numbers are for verification and will not be editorial position of The Crimson White Media Group. OPINIONS Thusday, February 8, 2018 5 White people must be better allies against racism are losing their rights. Allowing Support these initiatives as they come It is also important to call out your Ruben Tarajano | Staff Columnist for people to gain equal footing is to fruition and create change within friends. When an action or a statement not an attack on white people. In all your own spaces, whether that is a UA gives you discomfort, there is a reason. White people, do better. aspects of the nation, white people department, on-campus organization or Unpack that and ask yourself, “Why In light of the current administration are given the upper hand – so cut this fraternity/sorority. did that make me uncomfortable?” An and recent events on campus, it’s victimization nonsense. The next is to contribute to black and awkward laugh doesn’t do anything. time for white students, faculty, staff Being asked to “check your privilege” PoC-owned businesses. The U.S. exists Call out your friends. For instance: and administration to take a serious is also not meant to be a personal in a system of capitalism forcibly built “No, Chad, it doesn’t matter if it’s a part look into their positions and behavior attack. It is meant to wake you up and on black bodies. Simply asking the of the song, you can’t say the n-word. on campus. This applies to all white make you realize that in life you have descendants of these people to “pick It’s hurtful. Period.” people, regardless of where you lie on been given an advantage solely based themselves up by the bootstraps” in a Lastly, and most importantly, educate the political spectrum, because racism on race. Privilege can be used to help system that continues to oppress them yourself. No, this does not mean asking exists on both ends of the aisle. those who are disadvantaged, which is is immensely problematic. your one black friend or sorority sister Oftentimes white people claim what the following steps keep in mind. or fraternity brother to explain and “guilt” when matters of racial injustice Another is to stop expecting black break down systemic racism and how come up because they didn’t “ask to be people to rally up and be the leaders Guilt in stagnation it has affected them. Google is a white white.” Guilt in stagnation does nothing against oppressive causes. The person’s best friend. When and if a to dismantle white supremacy. Calling burden should not be placed on an does nothing student of color chooses to disclose out systemic oppression is not meant oppressed group to dismantle and and share their experiences, treat this to make you feel guilty; it is meant to defy a system built by the oppressor. to dismantle as a gift, because it is. make you feel uncomfortable and, Oftentimes, people of color are too This is not a finite list. You will consequently, take action. focused on surviving as a member of a not end systemic racism once you In honor of Black History Month, it’s marginalized group to be able to fight white supremacy. implement these five changes into important for white people to remember systemic issues, whether they be on your life. These are only five of the ways to be better allies that can be put campus or nationwide. many ways white people can do what into place immediately. In a similar vein, it is a shame that Racism and anti-blackness is present needs to be done using the opportunities The first is to realize that whiteness major on-campus initiatives that have in our institutions. As such, success and privileges given to you specifically is not under attack. Whiteness has been created or led by people of color is a much further finish line for to create change. and always will be (for the foreseeable (especially black persons), such as people of color. Always remember: If you are future) regarded as superior. Promoting “We Are Done” or #BamaSits, receive Spending the money that you do on comfortable, you are part of the problem. concepts such as “white genocide” minimal support from white allies. normal expenses (such as clothing and If you are uncomfortable, good. Now is intrinsically racist and anti-black. When people of color (PoC) pour groceries) and putting it in the hands of use that discomfort to create action. Someone being pro-black isn’t being their energy into a cause which fights those who often struggle in this system anti-white. for the defense of our existence, it is a way for you to stop contributing to Ruben Tarajano is a sophomore In response to equality and equity, is an outpouring of emotional energy massive corporations that largely offer majoring in public health. His column many have claimed that white people from the core. opportunity to white people. runs biweekly. NEWS 6 Thursday, February 8, 2018 Alabama uses facial recognition to stop tax fraud By Shahriyar Emami | Staff Reporter The eID app acts as an online credential, DiFraia said. A few steps In an age when everyone’s identity is must be taken to set up a person’s collected onto their phones and mobile eID. This process involves scanning devices, the Alabama Department a driver’s license, taking a selfie and of Revenue and IDEMIA, a security matching it with the Alabama Law company, have partnered together to Enforcement Agency (ALEA). release an app to protect residents “After that, it gets used time and against tax refund theft. time again to log in to websites or to “We’re just at the tip of the iceberg,” authorize transactions which can said Mark DiFraia, vice president of be done by using things like your IDEMIA’s Digital Identity. “We see biometrics as a trigger to approve or eID (electronic ID) playing a big role deny a transaction,” DiFraia. “It allows in electronic government and digital you to navigate a website said and transformation at the state level across allows you to authorize things.” the nation.” The Alabama Department of DiFraia said Alabama is the first state Revenue’s website is the first in the country to offer this technology. website available to use eID. A selfie “We partnered based on the feature is supposed to be used to The fi rst app of its kind in the U.S., Alabama eID allows residents to confi rm Department reaching out to us,” approve transactions. their identity using a selfi e and a state ID.Photo courtesy of Trish McCall DiFraia said. “They were very, very “The federal government and the proactive back when this was all state have been fighting tax fraud for from an employer the person never For those who think the app is coming together.” years, especially with identity theft worked for. unnecessary, eID is an optional service. The Georgia Department of Revenue … [eID] is just something that the Abrams said in many cases, a “[The] public are gonna find that they was participating in a similar project, taxpayer can actively do to help us taxpayer doesn’t know their identity are gonna be presented with options but the project was put on hold, DiFraia ensure that the return is filed by the has been stolen to file a return until and tools that will do a much better job said. Once the commissioners of both real taxpayer,” said Kathleen Abrams, they go to file one and get rejected of protecting their identities,” DiFraia states spoke to one another, Alabama director of individual and corporate tax since somebody has already filed one said. “There will be some homework to became interested in taking up the at the Alabama Department of Revenue. under their name. That’s what the app do to figure which ones are gonna work project and offering it to Alabama According to the Alabama is supposed to help with. best for them and which ones they trust residents. A limited release was first Department of Revenue’s website, “It’s just extra protection,” Abrams and which ones they don’t.” made available in spring 2017. someone may be the victim of identity said. “It can also speed up the issuance Aside from the optional tax refund A press release went out announcing theft if someone else filed a tax report of your refund if you are getting a protection app, IDEMIA is in the the deployment of the Alabama eID in their name; if there’s an outstanding refund because we don’t have to stop process of issuing driver’s licenses app on Jan. 29. The press release balance on a previous year that the and look at things behind the scenes to mobile devices starting this year. describes how the app works to person didn’t file a return or if there to figure out if you’re a real taxpayer DiFraia said it’s the next generation of identify applicants. are confirmed IRS records of wages trying to file your returns.” the driver’s license.

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1131 Jackson Ave. / Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Editor | Ellen Johnson [email protected] CULTURE Thursday, February 8, 2018 7 Recreation trends shift with students’ interests By Elizabeth Thiel | Assistant Culture Editor “We sell guest passes, so every night we’re selling guest passes who may not go Students worried about “New Year’s to school here anymore or are potentially resolution” crowds flooding gyms in looking at purchasing a membership and the early months of the year may stray just want to try it out,” Sanders said. away from the on-campus facilities that The basketball courts are the area of they know, but the University offers more choice for T. J. Campbell, a sophomore resources than students may realize. majoring in communications. Between classes and equipment at the “I play basketball here two to three Student Recreation Center, the Aquatic times a week, probably,” Campbell said. Center and the Robert E. Witt Student For him, playing basketball with his Activity Center, students have a vari- friends is more about having fun. Though ety of options to customize their fitness it’s still beneficial exercise, his physical routines. fitness isn’t the main focus of his routine. Numbers of visitors to on-campus “It’s not the last thing I think about, if that fitness facilities have increased in the makes sense.” beginning of the year, but the difference Students like Campbell don’t mind the isn’t as dramatic as one might assume. typical crowds. Significantly increased The Witt Center, now in its fourth year on campus, is home to cardio “Traditionally, our numbers do spike in numbers, though, can detract from the equipment, classes, studios and more. CW / Scarlet VanMeter the beginning of the semester, but that’s experience. for every semester,” said Ashley Sanders, “I enjoy it if there’s people here… but a weight room over there because in there is during a personal training ses- coordinator of facility operations for sometimes it’s too crowded,” Cambell they associate it only with water,” sion. Well, during this class time, it’s open University Recreations. “For the spring said. “So there’s gotta be a nice balance.” Sanders said. to general members,” Sanders said. semester, our numbers will be pretty high Between the Aquatic Center, the Witt Lesser-known resources exist even in Each facility sees slight decline in use until the week before spring break.” Center and the Rec, students can often the Rec and the Witt Center. The Witt after Spring Break, as students’ focus avoid the worst of the crowding if they center offers personal training options as shifts to exams and nicer weather coaxes choose to. Sanders said the Aquatic cen- well as a Pilates Reformer class with spe- runners and hikers outdoors again. While I would say it’s ter is a particularly popular choice due to cialized equipment in addition to body- some may find it tempting to wait until its size. weight exercises. The class does require the crowds wane to establish a routine pretty routine “The students enjoy that area because payment, but the first 30-minute session at on-campus facilities, it isn’t neces- it is a little bit smaller,” Sanders said. is free of charge. sary. The University’s centers are ready because we still “Like [at the Witt Center], they say that, Another choice rising in popularity is to accommodate all types of exercise and ‘If the Rec is too busy or too crowded, I a new class called Power Trip, a Group recreation every day. keep a steady can pick another facility to go to.’ They Ex class led by a personal trainer in the Stevenson advises other students seek- like having options.” Witt Center’s personal training studio. ing a healthier lifestyle to not be intimi- Alex Stevenson, a junior majoring in “So, normally the only time you can go dated by new goals. population. exercise science, frequents the Rec as part of her fitness routine. She prefers the use of cardio equipment four to five times per week to help maintain her health and – Ashley Sanders achieve specific goals. Even with her deligent use of the facility, there are features Stevenson hasn’t ENJOY THE TIDE’S 2017 The Student Recreation Center alone yet explored. hosts up to 1,000 guests per hour on an “I’ve always wanted to try the spin NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP average day. Much like the trends in the class,” Stevenson said. with these collectible 18” X 24” color posters semester, the Rec sees more visitors in Stevenson isn’t alone in her curiosity. the early days of the week. The classes are extremely popular, with pulled from the pages of . An increased number of guests doesn’t every pass being given out daily. intimidate the staff. Sanders said the “At [the Rec], I would say Cycle and facilities tend to run smoothly even at the DAZE are our really big classes,” Sanders height of their popularity. The staff are said. “If we could offer more cycle classes, used to accomodating large crowds on a people would be extremely happy, but regular basis. unfortunately we only have the one room “I would say it’s pretty routine because [at the Rec].” we still keep a steady population. While Yoga is also a popular choice, though our numbers go up slightly at the begin- classes are lower in attendance than ning of the semester, and we will say, ‘Oh many of the others. This is partially my goodness, yeah, we’re super busy,’ no due to the structure of the class and the matter what, between 3 o’clock to about requirement of equipment. 10 o’clock at night, we’re going to be The Aquatic Center also offers Group slammed no matter what,” Sanders said. Ex classes, both in the water and out of it. Many members of the Tuscaloosa com- The center also features a weight room, munity also utilize on-campus fitness and unknown to many students. recreation facilities, particularly the Rec. “I don’t think people realize there’s MOST POPULAR HOURS

• Student Recreation Center: 5:30-7 a.m., Noon, 3 p.m.- Closing

• Aquatic Center: Noon, 3 p.m.- Closing

• Robert E. Witt Student Activity Center: Noon, 3 p.m. - Closing

• Group class schedules for each facility can be found online at Order all five of the commemorative posters online at: urec.sa.edu.edu/fi tness/group-exercise/ store.osm.ua.edu CULTURE 8 Thursday, February 8, 2018

Married follk duo Shovels & Rope balance home life and music in their collaborative career. Photo courtesy of Curtis Wayne MIllard

Duo Shovels & Rope fi nd harmony in music, family By Christina Ausley | Staff Reporter When the two aren’t dedicating their time to music, they’re enjoying This Friday, Feb. 9, American time with their daughter, in the folk duo Shovels & Rope will return garden or the wood shop. to Alabama to play at Iron City “We really relish home time and Birmingham. home life,” Trent said. “It’s great The band is on tour playing cozier being on the road, but it’s also venues like Iron City, as well as great being able to step off for a concert halls in New Orleans, Dallas, bit every now and then.” California and Jackson, Mississippi A big moment for the band was this month. their performance a few years ago on “The main reason I think that we “Late Show with David Letterman.” are doing these shows that have a “That was definitely a turning little bit smaller venues is because point in our career, and we never it’s easier to connect with the really expected what happened,” audience and tell some stories and Trent said. “It was something that break out some new material,” said showed that we were doing alright, Michael Trent, a Denver native. and our families didn’t have to Married duo Cary Ann Hearst and worry as much about us getting a Trent met while touring separately so-called ‘real job,’ so it was a nice on the road now they perform side by moment for them to see and relax side as Shovels & Rope. and understand that we’re really “Both of our separate bands were doing something cool here.” opening for another band,” Trent One student, Sam Wiley, saw said. “So we really just met on the the band last year and is excited road, and got married in 2009.” to see them return to Alabama In 2010, the two each developed with new material. a solo record and initially planned “I got to see them last year on continuing with their individual and it’s just incredible to see projects. Quality time with one how much they’ve developed another trumped the opportunity and how far they’ve come,” said for independent success, however, Wiley, a sophomore majoring and they decided to try something in communicative disorders. “I together. have no doubt this show will be “It boiled down to the fact that the just as incredible as the last.” more success that we would have For more information and tickets, individually, the less that we would visit www.ironcitybham.com or see each other,” Trent said. “So we www.vividseats.com. just decided to throw all of our eggs in one basket and see if it worked for fun, and it ended up being the thing people were most PLAN TO GO interested in.” Now, they’re touring their WHAT: Shovels & Rope concert newest record “Busted Jukebox Volume 2.” They’re also making a WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. return to Alabama, as they played Tuscaloosa’s Druid City Music WHERE: Iron City Birmingham Hall just last year. “Even when we’re not on the TICKETS: Tickets are $35 road, we’re doing a lot of work with music,” Trent said. “We’re writing and can be purchased at songs and recording, and we make www.vividseats.com all of our own records in our house.” Editor | Matthew Speakman [email protected] SPORTS Thursday, February 8. 2018 9 Peyton Grantham begins fi fth and fi nal season By Ehsan Kassim | Staff Reporter in conflict negotiation. had, which she believes will helpp the Peyton Gratham overcame an ACL Murphy believes Grantham has team this season. injury that sidelined her during Peyton Grantham will get a second served as a bridge from the coaching “Our class, which is not my class her sophomore season. chance she thought she had lost when staff to the players. anymore, would have been the first CW / Sam MacDonald she tore her ACL and missed her entire “She’s been a good sounding board to do all four years [reaching the sophomore season. for us,” he said. “She’s experienced a lot. Softball World Series]” she said. “To Grantham, who is from Daphne, She adds a lot of good insight, especially still have the opportunity to go four Alabama, will get an opportunity to when we get on people. She’ll come back years is still pretty cool. I just thinkhink open her final season at Alabama around and say, ‘This is why he said that humbled us a lot. We’ve beenn in at home. that. Be worried if he doesn’t talk to you. all the super regionals, so it kindd of The Alabama Crimson Tide softball Because if he says something to you, he gets like, ‘OK, what’s next?’ But nowow team opens its season in Mobile on must like you. If he doesn’t say anything it’s like, ‘regionals isn’t enough.’” Thursday and Gulf Shores on Friday, to you, he’s given up on you.’ I know she’s Grantham may have lost playingng Saturday and Sunday. said that to a couple of kids.” time her sophomore year dueue “Daphne is literally almost right Grantham is one of six seniors on the to injury, but she learned thingsngs in the middle of south Alabama and team this season, something Murphy sitting on the bench she wouldn’t have Gulf Shores,” Grantham said. “My dad points out has been an advantage for otherwise. lives in Orange Beach, so it kind of works the program historically. “I helped Steph [Prothro] call out.” “The best teams we’ve had have had pitches,” she said. “Obviously she She is excited for the chance to play in six seniors,” Murphy said. “I don’t know called them, but I was the one that front of her family, and when head coach why, but it has been historically. It’s been would relay them to the catcher. I got Patrick Murphy made the schedule, he a good number for us.” to see and learn how to set up a batteratter made sure to keep Grantham in mind. While Grantham is penciled in as and what a pitching coach thinks from “It was great to see everyone then, the starting third baseman, Murphy that standpoint. I feel like that has but not being on the field was a hard points out that not all the seniors helped me in my knowledge of how thing,” Grantham said. “Getting to will be starting. someone will try to set me up.” go down there again is special and “They have been really good kids I am just grateful Murph’s allowing in terms of role players, putting the me a second trip.” team first. I think that rubs off on PLAN TO GO Grantham redshirted her sophomore everyone,” he said. season, making her a fifth-year Knowing it is her final hoorah in an WHAT: Sand Dollar Classicassic senior. She graduated last year with Alabama uniform, Grantham plans a degree in criminal justice and to leave it all on the field this season. WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. will graduate in the summer She also realizes that losing to Florida WHERE: Gulf Shores, Alabama with her master’s in human last season in the super regionals environmental science and a certificate foiled a chance at history her class TICKETS: Visit www.rolltide.comolltide.com SPORTS 10 Thursday, February 8, 2018 No. 1 recruiting class streak ends for Alabama

By Matthew Speakman | Sports Editor Clemson, in the Sugar Bowl, and then turn around and play Georgia in the For the first time since 2010, a team national championship. besides Alabama found itself at the top While all of that was going on, of the recruiting rankings. Georgia broke Alabama dealt with an overwhelming Alabama’s record for five-star recruits in amount of staff turnover. Both of its main a year and finished with the nation’s best coordinators, Jeremy Pruitt and Brian recruiting class. Alabama finished just Daboll, took jobs elsewhere. inside the top 10 at No. 7, according to Alabama filled those positions from the 247Sports composite team rankings. within by reportedly promoting outside By Alabama’s standards, finishing linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi to defen- with the No. 7 class in the country is sive coordinator and wide receiver coach viewed as a disappointment. It is the Mike Locksley to offensive coordinator. team’s lowest finish since 2010 when the Alabama also brought in Josh Gattis, team finished No. 4. It’s also the first time Jeff Banks, Pete Golding and Karl Scott since coach Nick Saban’s first year in to join the coaching staff. 2007 that Alabama has a recruiting class Assistant coaches are instrumental in outside of the top five. recruiting and developing relationships While it’s not the result Alabama is early-on with players. The staff turnover used to having, Saban, like he does every had an impact as players had to commit year, reiterated that the most impor- to new position coaches. tant thing is how the player develops. "Well, I don't think there's any ques- Rankings do not matter if a player does tion that there may be some prospects Alabama fi nsished outside of the top fi ve in recruiting for the fi rst time since 2007. CW / Hannah Saad not improve to the level that is expected of him. No. 4 player in this year’s class, accord- were committed up until Wednesday. “As I say every year, you can't look at a Overall, I think ing to the 247Sports composite rank- Defensive tackle Bobby Brown chose puppy dog and look at his feet and know ings. He was the highest rated player in Texas A&M over Alabama after being how big he's going to get someday,” we solved a lot Alabama’s 2018 class. committed to the Crimson Tide since Saban said. “The real evaluation of any “It’s the Saban era,” Anoma said on Dec. 21. Linebacker Quay Walker, anoth- recruiting class – and I said this when ESPN during the early signing period. er Alabama commit, ultimately chose we had No. 1 recruiting classes and I'm of needs in this “Time in and time out, he just produces Georgia. saying it now – is really down the road top-notch players that compete at a high “I think that we've all kind of grown in two or three years, how many of these class. I think we level. I want to go there and compete at to understand that commitments don't guys turn out to be really, really good a high level.” really mean a whole bunch in a lot of players.” had to recruit a lot During the second signing period cases,” Saban said. “I don't think you This year, different circumstances on Wednesday, Alabama’s biggest win can judge much based on that because changed the way Alabama and most by needs. came when five-star cornerback Patrick guys just continue to visit — so they're other teams approached recruiting. The Surtain Jr. picked the Crimson Tide over really not committed — and if they find institution of an early signing period LSU. Surtain Jr. had LSU as his leader something else that they like better, then on Dec. 21 meant many coaches had to – Nick Saban for most of his recruitment. He played at they're not committed.” go to work earlier in the year to lock Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, A year after signing six five-star in players. Florida. His teammate and fellow corner- recruits, Alabama’s 2018 class did not The new rule came with an adjustment. back, five-star Tyson Campbell, chose boast the same type of overwhelming With some players remaining open after Georgia over Alabama. talent, but it definitely served a purpose. the early signing period on Dec. 21, coach- out there who were being recruited by Surtain Jr. explained his decision on The class addressed Alabama’s needs. es only had a little under two months to someone who left and maybe that was ESPN. He has family in Louisiana, so the Alabama lost its entire starting sec- convince them to pick Alabama over a little bit of an issue with them,” Saban choice came as a surprise and was the ondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie other schools. said. “But I do think that the coaches highlight of Alabama’s day. Harrison, Levi Wallace, Tony Brown and “I do think that it does accelerate that we hired certainly did a great job “They win championships,” Surtain Anthony Averrett are all preparing for the recruiting calendar,” Saban said. “I of going out there and trying to develop Jr. said. “And over [at Heritage] we're the NFL Draft. To address those depar- think you have to have more guys visit relationships with the players that we used to winning. I want to be a part of tures, the Crimson Tide signed three early, you have to get on top of people were recruiting. that winning culture.” other defensive backs outside of Surtain early. If they're going to early sign, Still, Alabama was able to lock down Along with Surtain Jr., four-star wide Jr., including four-star junior college you have to identify that and recruit to some of the nation’s top recruits. receiver Jaylen Waddle chose Alabama recruit Saivion Smith. that timetable.” Five-star defensive lineman Eyabi over Texas A&M. He was the second- Ultimately, Saban believes the class During that time, Alabama had to pre- Anoma signed with Alabama during the highest recruit Alabama obtained dur- did what it was supposed to. It added pare to play the No. 1 team in the nation, early signing period. He ranked as the ing the second signing period. He is the depth in positions where Alabama des- No. 39 overall player and the No. 5 wide perately needed it to. receiver. “We were pleased with the guys we His commitment came as a sigh of were able to attract,” Saban said. “I Alabama Lecture on Life’s Evolution relief after Alabama missed out on wide think in every recruiting class, there's at the University of Alabama presents: receiver Justyn Ross, who was the No. 1 always a guy that you get that you player in Alabama, and Jacob Copeland, thought you might not get, and there's a four-star wide receiver who had also a guy that you thought you might “Where Darwin Meets Alabama in his final top three. get that you didn't get. But overall, Waddle and Surtain Jr. were big wins I think we solved a lot of needs in this Freud: The Evolutionary and for Alabama, but the Crimson Tide class. I think we had to recruit a lot Psychological Genetics of missed out on multiple players that by needs.” Human Cognitive Architecture” Thursday, February 8th, 2018 1011 North Lawn Hall 7:30-9:30PM http://evolution.ua.edu/

https://twitter.com/UA_ALLELE Bernard Crespi Simon Fraser University https://www.facebook.com/ALLELEseries THURSDAY February 8, 2018 11

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TODAY’S DIVERSIONS

COMICS SPORTS 12 Thursday, February 8, 2018 CW / Sam MacDonald

Lexi Graber makes the most of her opportunity

By Ben Stansell | Staff Reporter Especially senior Nickie Guerrero, who, like Graber, is well-known for her spirited Nicknames are ingrained in sports disposition and the vivacity she exudes. culture. Some are earned by athletes Their similar demeanor is one reason through their legendary play, such Guerrero feels a special kinship with as Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky; Graber, even though Graber has yet to others allude to an athlete’s trademark trademark a celebration quite as bold as appearance, like Shaquille “Diesel” O’Neal. Guerrero’s first pump. It did not take long for freshman Lexi “She reminds me of me a little bit,” Graber to become known by her coaches Guerrero said. “But she’s so mature for and teammates as the “firecracker.” her age, which is something that I was not, After watching one of her energetic which is really cool to see as a freshman, performances, it takes even less time to doing so well so young ... I feel like a proud figure out why. mom whenever she competes.” While warming up for a home meet Graber has made her transition to against Missouri on Jan. 26, sophomore college gymnastics appear seamless, but it Shea Mahoney rolled her ankle. has not been without obstacles. The first of Suddenly, Alabama was without a those was arriving at Alabama and seeing gymnast who was scheduled to compete in three different events that night. One of those events was uneven bars. Originally slotted to perform an I feel like a proud exhibition routine on uneven bars, Lexi Graber was thrust into the competitive mom whenever she lineup in Mahoney’s place. She had never before performed a bars routine in live competition. Determined not to competes. let that dull her flame, Graber delivered a dazzling, passionate performance that earned her a 9.9. “I mean, for her to have been ready - Nickie Guerrero mentally to do an exhibition routine and I come to her and be like, ‘hey, I need you to go on bars,’ and for her to step in and do 9.9 her first bar routine says a ton,” Alabama coach Dana Duckworth said. firsthand how talented her new teammates With that superb uneven bars are. Rather than let it dishearten her, performance under her belt, Alabama’s Graber used it as fuel to improve her craft. “firecracker” had competed at least once in “I mean, you know, it’s really hard coming three events within her first three career in as a freshman and, you know, just seeing meets. Graber has also notched a 9.8 on how great everybody is and, you know, it’s a vault and a 9.9 on balance beam, both of little intimidating when you’re first coming which are events she competes in regularly. in,” Graber said. “But it just pushes you to “She’s a gamer,” Duckworth said. “She do better.” loves to compete.” A more serious roadblock that Graber Although being able to compete in faced was a pre-season surgery to remove three events as a freshman is a profound a bone spur in her foot. The procedure did accomplishment, Graber is not done set Graber back, but she recovered in time adding to her bag of tricks quite yet – a to prepare for this season. floor exercise routine is currently in the “I did have my surgery, which set me works, according to Duckworth. The back for a couple months,” Graber said. addition of a floor routine would give “But yeah, I mean, they put you in such Graber the potential to be an all-around a good position and they prepare you so gymnast for Alabama. well for season.” “I have high expectations for her to be an Having had a blazing start to her young all-arounder,” Duckworth said. “And you career, Graber will have m any eyes on her know, we’re very proud of where she’s at as her role expands. She will probably be right now.” too focused on what she can do to help her Duckworth is not sure exactly when team succeed to notice them. Graber’s floor routine will be polished “I just want to contribute what I can to and ready for live competition, but she this team, towards SECs and Nationals and plans on having Graber warm up on floor just whatever I can do to help us, you know, against Florida on Friday if everything be the best team we can,” Graber said. goes smoothly in practice this week. No. 9 Alabama (3-2, 3-1 SEC) travels Graber’s teammates are also impressed to Gainesville on Friday to take on No. 5. with the quick impact she has made. Florida (4-1, 2-1 SEC) at 6 p.m.