What’s Inside:

Softball starts season with Students read African- new head coach. American literature in Sports, pg. 8 honor of Black History Month.

Troy University’s Official Student Newspaper ROPOLITAN Vol. 88, Issue 19 www.TropNews.com February 5, 2015 WSFA anchor speaks at event Transgender student tells about support and struggles Alyse Nelson Features Editor

For transgender students, every day involves a struggle of some sort. From using a public restroom to outright ridicule, Alex Millard, a senior English major from Enterprise, has endured a lot since his coming out a little over two years ago. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have concepts of gender,” said Millard, “so that at which I started ques- tioning was when I was 12 or 13.” Millard recalls going into an online chatroom around that time, and he realized that it was “cool” when everyone assumed he was a male. “I told them my name was Alexander because I’d always liked that name,” he said. “From there, I kind of developed into learning more and learning that transgender was a thing,” Millard said. “I was relieved that it existed, but at that point I didn’t want to be transgender. I didn’t want to be weird. I was always a weird kid. “So I stayed in the closet for a really long time — through middle and high school.” April Irvin photo Millard said that at the time his only outlet was cosplay, WSFA anchorwoman Tonya Terry is pinned by Quinta Goines, a junior multimedia journalism major in which he would dress up as only male characters. from Needham and president of M.I.S.S. Elite, as an honorary member of the M.I.S.S. Elite Society. “When I was in the costume, it was just awesome — The group, which was created to motivate female students positively, held its pinning ceremony on it was a huge relief,” he said. “In it I would have a big Thursday, Jan. 29. Terry was the speaker for the event. In her speech, she told members of M.I.S.S. ego, but out of costume in my real life I was really shy. I Elite that they should strive to achieve their dreams. didn’t speak to anyone unless I needed to.” During this time, Millard also had a boyfriend. Tonya Terry named honorary member of M.I.S.S. Elite “We dated for four years and he broke up with me when I was 20,” he said. “Before that I had resigned Lilly Casolaro Elite Society, said that she has in the organization and heard from myself to that: that I’d marry him, pop out a few kids Staff Writer benefited from being in the society key speakers such as Tonya Terry of and be miserable for the rest of my life. and that it has afforded her many WSFA News and Chancellor Jack “And then he broke up with me and I was like, ‘this is A group of young women were opportunities. Hawkins Jr. They also received a the best thing ever.’ ” recognized on Thursday for their “This is my first year at Troy and, pin to commemorate the occasion. “For me, at least, and other trans people I’ve known, participation with the M.I.S.S Elite as treasurer for M.I.S.S. Elite, I Terry, a graduate of Troy Univer- it’s not a choice,” Millard said. “It’s a choice to come Society. have benefited from this illustrious sity, spoke to the organization about out, and it’s a choice to go through transition. But it’s The society, whose purpose is to society by learning how to become how she accomplished her dreams. not a cry for attention. It’s something that eats you alive motivate and create sophisticated a better leader from the position that “After taking a look at myself, I every single day and controls every aspect of your life female students, held its pinning I hold,” Simon said. picked myself up, came to Troy and until you do something about it.” ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 29. “My duties include coming up I did what I needed to do,” Terry Millard then came out on Jan. 7, 2013. With that date Family, friends, faculty and with fundraising ideas so that we said. “I wanted to be on television.” close to a friend’s birthday, they have celebrated every staff joined in the Trojan Center can pay for events like the pinning Terry encouraged the women to year with a party since. Ballrooms to support the women of ceremony, and I have enjoyed every believe in themselves. Most of it is not fun, though, he says. this organization. minute of becoming friends with so “I believed that I could do it “They’ve been all over the board,” he said of people’s JoAnna Simon, a sophomore many of our members.” (become a news anchor) and knew reactions to the news. “Some people think it’s weird and athletic training major from Tusca- Members of the society were refuse to refer to me as anything other than my given loosa and treasurer for the M.I.S.S. recognized for their achievements See Elite, page 2 See Transgender, page 2 Fundraising for a cure Josh Richards Donate Blood Nominations for the hair-shaving event are Staff Writer due Monday, Feb. 9. To nominate someone, contact Amber Voss at [email protected]. Troy University’s Relay for Life is gearing This event will be held at the Front Porch, up for this year’s event to raise money for and DJ Goliath will be the night’s entertain- cancer research. ment. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 The nonprofit organization will be hosting a in advance and $10 at the event. To order bar night at the Front Porch on Feb. 17. tickets in advance, contact Cassie Gibbs at “We’re going to try to have door prizes and 334-654-4679. contests,” said Cassie Gibbs, a senior English The bar night is just one way that Relay major from Sweet Water and chair of Relay for for Life is getting ready for its major event Life. “Mostly we want to make sure everyone in March. This year’s theme is “Spotlight on has fun and comes out to support the Relay for Hope.” Participating teams can use favorite Life committee.” movies as themes for their tents at the March The bar night, a Mardi Gras-themed party, event or during any other fundraising events. will include an event called “Save Your Hair! There will be music and games at the March And Fight Cancer.” Campus organizations can event. Teams are invited to sell food or create Caitlin Collins photo nominate a male to represent them and raise games to play the night of the event in an effort Isaac Parks, a freshman undeclared major from Birmingham, money to prevent them from having their heads to raise money for the organization. donates blood at the blood drive hosted by the Omega Psi Phi shaved. Those nominees who raise the least Gibbs said the Relay committee is hoping fraternity on Tuesday. The Charles R. Drew Blood Drive is held in amount of money will have their heads shaved. to have a midnight 5K the night of the relay, honor of Drew, a member of the fraternity, who “perfected the Anyone who raises no money will get a reverse though it has not been officially finalized. use of blood plasma,” according to the group’s website. Mohawk. See Relay, page 2 News Page 2 | [email protected] February 5, 2015 New senators inducted Gay marriage update Cassie Gibbs general’s office said that it website. The group, on its News Editor would attempt to contact website, said that Moore the U.S. Supreme Court “is intoxicated by his own Gay marriage has been a to try to have the ruling sense of self-righteous- major topic in Alabama’s overturned. ness. He doesn’t seem political world. Alabama Chief Justice to understand that we’re On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Roy Moore has made a nation of laws, not of the 11th Circuit Court in statements against the men.” Atlanta denied the state court’s ruling. The group, a civil rights of Alabama a stay on a According to the al.com activist group, has filed a district judge’s ruling, article, Moore said that lawsuit in the past against which allows same-sex only the U.S. Supreme the Marriage Protection marriage in Alabama, Court can “overrule state Act and the Sanctity of according to an al.com law.” Marriage Amendment. article. This ruling makes He said, in a letter According to the al.com Alabama the 37th state to to Alabama’s probate article, the only way that allow gay marriage. judges, that judges are not this ruling can be over- Brenna Patrick photo U.S. District Judge required to give marriage turned now is if the U.S. Jorge Solis, a junior political science major from Pell City and vice Callie V.S. Granade ruled licenses to same-sex Supreme Court follows president of legislative affairs, talks to the newly inducted senators about Jan. 23 that Alabama’s couples, according to a the Sixth Circuit Court of the responsibilites and requirements of being an SGA senator. Other news Marriage Protection Huffington Post article. Appeals in Cincinnati’s discussed during the meeting was a traveling football trophy between Act and the Sanctity of Because of his remarks decision “to reverse lower Troy and University of South Alabama and Hoopcoming. Marriage Amendment about gay marriage in court rulings” regarding were unconstitutional. the state of Alabama, same-sex marriages. Traveling football trophy and Hoopcoming discussed An al.com article the Southern Poverty The U.S. Supreme said that after the Law Center has filed a Court’s ruling is expected Cassie Gibbs competitive rivalry, thus few weeks, it’s going to be Atlanta court’s ruling, complaint against Moore, in June. News Editor making gameday more kind of tight and stressful. the Alabama attorney according to the group’s enjoyable and fun for both But we’re really excited Newly elected senators parties involved. ” about this.” were inducted Tuesday “This year I’m helping with organizing If passed, the traveling A resolution was also Relay teams,” Voss said. “My goal this year is to into the student senate. continued from page 1 The new senators are trophy competition will passed to repaint the get a lot more of the university involved start in the fall semester of Emily Cothran and arrows near the Newman with the event, because it’s a great event. 2015. The trophy will then I’ve had family in my life that have been Kirby Hutchins for the Center in order to prevent Relay for Life sets a monetary goal for be held at the winning affected by cancer, and I just want to help College of Education, each organization, along with an overall school until the next collisions. raise money and support the cause.” Brooke Bishop for the goal, to raise for cancer research. football season. The SGA also placed College of Health and “Our overall goal is to raise $18,000,” Anyone who is unable to participate in Human Services, Allyson SGA announced that the Troy University Japan Relay for Life events is invited to donate work to repave the parking Gibbs said. “As an added bonus, if you Waldrop for Cowart Hall, Club’s constitution on to Troy’s Relay for Life event by going lot on Sorority Hill has become a participant and raise $100, you Hannah Crews for Hamil docket. get a Relay for Life T-shirt.” to relayforlife.org and searching for the Hall, Katrina Bokenfohr begun. Troy University event. for Sorority Hill, Leandro President Matthew The purpose of this club Amber Voss, a senior political science major from Wetumpka and a Relay “This is really important,” Gibbs said. Guimaraes Froes for Pace Thompson, a junior is to “explore, discuss and Hall, and Alyssa Crow financial economics major for Life committee member, wants to “This event raises money to help find experience various aspects encourage everyone to donate to Relay cures for cancer. It’s a really great cause. for the at-large senator from Montgomery, said of Japanese culture,” position. that those who park at for Life. The least we can do is help others.” according to the club’s The Student Govern- Sorority Hill should be constitution. ment Association placed patient the next few weeks to inspire the members to use language a resolution on docket that while the work is being The Freshman Forum Elite continued from page 1 to effectively communicate, exercise en- would create a traveling done. announced that the winner trophy between the Uni- thusiasm and appropriate etiquette, alter “Four years ago, SGA of Hoopcoming, which versity of South Alabama one’s attitude accordingly and direct wrote a resolution to will be held on Feb. 12, exactly what I wanted to do,” Terry said. and Troy University. improve Sorority Hill one’s path with a vision. will also receive a $150 “Don’t give up.” The resolution stated parking,” Thompson said. Barnes and Noble gift She was then initiated as an honorary “The difference in an educated person that the trophy would “Fast forward to now, and member of the M.I.S.S. Elite society. be created to “improve sorority parking is going card and a chance to win and an uneducated person is their ability to be revamped. The next an Apple TV. Hawkins used the acronym L.E.A.D. to communicate,” said Hawkins. Features February 5, 2015 [email protected] | Page 3 Transgender not one big coming out — it’s out. I really enjoy handicapped not hiding under dresses and it still isn’t something that he continued from page 1 every day. I’ve gotten some toilets.” three feet of hair and a pound of would wish upon himself. hateful words and weird looks There are more long-term makeup. I thought if I went as “If a genie popped out and name and pronouns. And and gaggles problems girly as I could it would go away, then others have no trouble of teenagers “I’ve changed as of being but it never did.” gave me the option to never have whatsoever. loudly trying transgender for felt this way and to be ‘normal,’ I to figure out Millard as well. While Millard does not regret “I’m pretty sure my parents a person entirely what gender I From getting the journey he has made so far, would do it.” still think it’s a phase. My am.” his chosen father is more supportive, but since I’ve come Every day name on his my mother doesn’t want to hear Say does involve out — I’m more diploma to job anything about it. She’s more a different discrimination, grieving the loss of things she struggle. comfortable there are things expected to happen, but she has he will face my sisters.” “Bathrooms with myself.” are awful,” as his college When it comes to people WHAT? Millard said. career draws to outside his immediate circle, The Tropolitan asked a random sampling of students “They’re a close that most the following question: the situation can be even more not fun. In one I’m more students are not worried about. What do you think stressful. uncomfortable in general and “I definitely see it affecting “Basically I’m terrified all the in the other, I’m more scared me,” he said. “In a lot of jobs of the new Alabama time,” he said. “When it comes and hoping I don’t get called there are no protections — if gay marriage ruling? to being transgender, there’s someone doesn’t like the fact that I’m trans, they can just fire me or not hire me.” “I know I would love to go to “ I just can’t wait until I can a bigger city like New York,” Millard said of his plans after marry myself.” The Tropolitan Troy. “I think my absolute dream — would be to be a photographer for things like Harper’s Bazaar.” Millard also expressed an “I support gay marriage. I don’t interest in getting his poetry see how anyone could try and stop published. two people who love each other “I’ve tried to think of from spending their lives together.” analogies and metaphors, but — Dan Ensey, a junior social nothing really,” he said of being science major from Troy. trans. “In a poem I described it as being a square peg in a round hole. I thought that was a “I approve of it. I think that if we poignant image, and it made a lot preach equal rights between races of sense.” and genders, we need to include Despite any difficulties, sexuality among that equality. I Millard remains positive about the climate toward the trans think it’s great that Alabama is now population. allowing gay marriage.” Caitlin Beard, a junior “Laverne Cox, she is a — beautiful spokesperson and I anthropology major from love her for what she’s doing,” Hartselle. he said. “People need to change.” Millard also credits the social “As a Christian, I don’t believe I networking and blogging site can support it, but I still love all of Tumblr for educating users and being a “safe place.” my friends who identify as LGBT “I feel so much better,” he said and will continue to be friends with of embracing his identity. “I’ve them.” changed as a person entirely — Amanda Branson, a since I’ve come out — I’m more junior marine biology major comfortable with myself. from Cape Coral, Florida. “I was trapped; now I’m not Taylor Bowser graphic so deep in the closet that I’m Opinion Page 4 | [email protected] February 5, 2015 Beliefs challenged Students find university environment conflicts with personal experience when home-schooled

Sheri Kotzum struggled with group projects. I was used to Contributor doing it all myself, and I didn’t like my grade being reliant on other people.” What do the Duggars, Lindsay Lohan’s No matter how socialized you were while character in “Mean Girls,” Tim Tebow and I you were home-schooled, there’s always some have in common? kind of culture shock with respect to college. No, I’m not some big star and not all of us When you’ve been at home all your life and always wear pink on Wednesdays, but we all your friends are mostly from church, you’re have home schooling in our backgrounds. not used to being challenged on your beliefs. If you are, it’s coming from your pastor or Some who are home-schooled can be more someone who already has the same views as extreme, but the majority of us are pretty you. normal. Of course, normal for us means waking up at 10 a.m. and walking to the couch College changes that completely. to do our schoolwork as fast as possible. I grew up in a very conservative Christian While our friends were stuck in classrooms home. My parents instilled in me strong family from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, we were going values, and we were constantly involved in to the zoo, shopping, going on vacation or church. When I started community college, it was strange that my professors and classmates doing other things that our “normal” friends Hannah Crews photo didn’t have the same views as I. Don’t get me didn’t get to do. Kayla Sprayberry, a junior mathematics and computer sci- wrong; I wasn’t naive, and I knew that people Mom wanted to go shopping? You did your ence double major from Ashland, working as a team leader schoolwork in the car. You wanted a three-day had different beliefs and values, but I never with Sodexo. Students with high-responsibility jobs find them a weekend? You’d finish Friday’s work on realized that some people would challenge and challenging but beneficial experience. Thursday. It was both a blessing and a curse to ridicule me for mine. be able to take school with you wherever you All of a sudden, I was in the minority because wanted. There were no sick days — unless you of my beliefs. Because of this, it forced me to were literally dying — and no holidays except examine what I believe and why I believe it. Demanding jobs for summer and Christmas. It’s made me stronger in my faith and my con- For the most part, the freedom that being victions. I’m better at discussing my beliefs home-schooled provided was awesome and and, at times, defending them. Now I love benefited me greatly. I was able to travel a lot, being challenged because I know it helps me give helpful skills and I graduated when I was 16. grow and learn. But for all the benefits there are, many home- Most of the time, I am challenged about my Tyler Wooley home. religious beliefs and personal convictions. I schooled kids struggle with transitioning into Contributor “My parents understood,” have chosen not to drink until I’m 21, and I am the structured and set schedule of college, and Hollis said. I was no exception. constantly being questioned and tested on that. Besides schoolwork, students My friends are always trying to persuade me to with high-responsibility jobs also I know how these two feel. I Now, I have to be up at a set time each have at least a sip. face unique struggles. work as an assistant manager for morning, and I actually have to get dressed Piggly Wiggly. With jobs such as managers at to go to school. My teacher isn’t my mom I am confronted with types of people establishments, students often I work between 30 and 40 hours or some professor on the television screen. I and circumstances I never thought I would encounter. It is not enough to just say “I’m a have less time for schoolwork. every week, which barely leaves can’t always leave class whenever I am done me enough time to finish my Christian”anymore. I have to be able to explain with my own work, and I have deadlines that “It causes me to be extremely schoolwork. aren’t flexible. And don’t even get me started why and really believe it. tired in class and sometimes miss out on review sessions,” Finding time to do most on group projects. I had to take a biology class my freshman anything requires planning weeks year, and my professor was a strong atheist. said Kayla Sprayberry, a junior “There’s definitely more structure, but mathematics and in advance, requesting a day off There were a few times he and I got into some it’s a good kind of structure,” said Whitney computer science and hoping that heated debates over evolution and the theories Hartselle, a junior broadcast journalism major double major the other two from Montevallo, who was home-schooled he was teaching. from Ashland. “A job with high managers can work for me. until third grade and then again in high school. While some people may see home schooling Sprayberry expectations “I never had group projects when I was home- as a disadvantage, I wouldn’t change anything works 40 to 50 Most days I get schooled, so I struggle with those a lot. about the way I was educated. It taught me the hours every week is time- home late, and “And, when you’re home-schooled, the importance of hard work and to think outside as a team leader consuming ... some days I have quality of your work is held to a higher standard, the box, and it helped me form tight bonds with with Sodexo, to leave home so I often feel like I have a higher standard for my parents. which can affect but the lessons before my wife even thinks about myself than others because of that.” And, seriously, who wouldn’t want to do other things, also. it teaches will waking up. “I was much more comfortable in small schoolwork while on a road trip around New “I have caught There is a classes,” said Beth Burdette, a former home- England? myself doing have a lasting homework in my specific set of schooler from Palm Bay, Florida, who is Sheri Kotzum is a junior broadcast journal- car before class,” impact.” issues for students currently home-schooling her child. “I also ism major from Melbourne, Florida. Sprayberry said. who have these “Making sure I eat jobs, but not all of is also affected because I forget to.” them are bad. “It builds pressure to your “I am blessed to have a catering everyday schedule, but also job that has given me the oppor- teaches time management skills,” tunity to meet so many types of she said. people and have conversations Sprayberry’s situation is not an that have led to internship offers,” unfamiliar one. Destiny Hollis, Sprayberry said. a freshman business major from It is not easy to get and keep Gulf Shores, also has difficulties a job like this, especially while finding time. being enrolled in school. Hollis works 20 to 25 hours The opportunity to have a job a week as shift manager for with high expectations is time- Domino’s Pizza, is a member of consuming and can take a lot Kappa Delta sorority and holds of management skills, but the the position of publicity chair for lessons it teaches will have a Freshman Forum. lasting impact. “I couldn’t go home for “Anyone who has a manag- Christmas break,” Hollis said. “I er-type job, I have to look up to had to stay and work.” them,” Hollis said. Hollis said that she got to spend Tyler Wooley is a junior multi- some time with her family for the media journalism major from Gulf Seth Nicholson holidays, but never actually went Shores.

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As Troy University’s official student newspaper, the Tropolitan. Our opinions are not influenced by campus 500-700 words. Dissenting opinions are welcomed, but vorable to the newspaper. Letters to the editor must be Tropolitan strives to serve student interests. The Opinion organizations or societies, university administration or all expressions are the sole opinion of their author and do signed by the author, and a phone number must be in- page is an outlet for Tropolitan editors to question uni- political parties. The first copy of the Tropolitan is free not reflect the beliefs of the Tropolitan. cluded. versity policies that do not benefit Troy’s students, praise to any student or employee of Troy University. Each ad- All submissions must be word-processed and emailed those that do and call attention to national and state is- ditional copy costs $1. Letters to the Editor to the Tropolitan by 5 p.m. on Monday. All submissions sues that relate to students. The opinions expressed here The Tropolitan welcomes letters from students, faculty, may not be published. are not necessarily those of Troy University or the Hall Guest Columns staff and non-Troy affiliated persons. Dissenting opin- Submissions bashing groups or individuals on the basis School of Journalism and Communication. The Tropolitan encourages students, faculty and staff at ions and corrections are welcomed. of race, gender, age, ethnic group, orientation or religious Editorials stand as the official, corporate opinion of the Troy University to express opinions in a guest column of The Tropolitan does not exclusively print letters fa- belief will not be printed. The Troy University Tropolitan Troy University’s Editor-in-Chief Kianna Collins Copy Editors Walker Chase Robinson Student Newspaper Features Editor Jane Morrell, Nik Knighten, Thomas Gleaton, Graphic Design Editor Business Manager Alyse Nelson Jessica Smith, Beth Hyatt Taylor Bowser 103 Wallace Hall Kira Oliver Variety Editor Staff Writers Tori Roper, Jamie Bennett, Valario Johnson, Ad Sales Troy, Alabama 36082 News Editor Grishma Rimal Cassie Gibbs Lilly Casolaro, Wally Pendergrass, Michael Alex Lewis, Kendall Carbonie Photo Editor Shipma, Destiny Hosmer, Pierce Godwin, Sports Editor April Irvin Hannah Hartline, Mary Ferrell, Ty Ammons, Web Master/Social Media [email protected] Jill Odom Wes Fortson, Lacey Alexander Cartoons Joshua Thurston Opinion Editor Seth Nicholson Photographers TropNews.com Ngoc Vo Chief Copy Editor Jennifer Carlisle, Caitlin Collins, Hannah Adviser A&E Editor Laura Hutto Crews, Caleb Hicks, Brenna Patrick, Trey Steve Stewart Arts & Entertainment February 5, 2015 [email protected] | Page 5 Troy African-American Read-In Josh Richards Staff Writer

The Troy Public Library and the National Council of Teachers of English are sponsoring the 2015 African- American Read-In event, in honor of Black History Month. This will be the event’s 26th year. The Read-In will be held at the public library Monday through Thursday every week in February. The Troy Chapter of the National Council of Teachers of English and Troy University students from select English and English Language Arts courses will read to and with students. The program involves all Pike County students from elementary to high school. Readers of all levels and ages are welcome. Teresa Colvin, the children’s librarian at Troy’s public library, said that the program is an attempt to expose students to more literature. “We want to encourage a lot of students who have not taken the time to get involved in the diversity of literature to just pick up a book and read,” Colvin said. “We have geared the event to making them (students) Caitlin Collins photo feel OK discussing topics in books, which we hope will Ronje McCullough (left), a fifth-grade Troy Elementary student, and Matt Firpo (right), a sophomore make them feel more comfortable.” English education major from Birmingham, read together at the Troy University Read-In, an event The Read-In, endorsed by the International Reading to connect students and literature. This year, it focuses on African-American writers. Association, will promote reading for pleasure, as well as reading comprehension, and will share and celebrate The event, Waters said, will also benefit those people it is important to expose the students to various types works from professional African-American writers, who want to read to the students. of literature. African-American literature and art that celebrates the “What they learn is how important the relationship “I definitely think that it will impact the students,” African-American experience. that reading creates is, and I hope it will also inform McQuitty said. “In many cases, parents don’t have Patricia Waters, an assistant English professor and the them to foster reading in their own family setting.” time to expose their kids to the diversity of literature. faculty sponsor of Troy’s chapter of NCTE, is one of the The Read-In focuses on the diversity of literature and Sometimes it’s easier to put them in a room with a coordinators of the event. shows students that literacy is still important. movie or an Xbox. Exposing them to literature, I think, “The Read-In is a national initiative to support “Academic success is still predicated on literacy,” is the best thing we can do.” literacy and to support the reading of African-American Waters said. “Students need to be literate not only in Carlisia Moore, a senior English education major literature in communities across the United States,” terms of translating letters on the page, but also in their from Tuscaloosa and another student reader, said that Waters said. “Whether it’s information, history, fiction interactions with other people. Engaging in conversa- she is excited to take part in the event. or fantasy books, we are here to support reading.” tion and interaction with literature can foster the devel- “I do think this will be a great event,” Moore said. Waters said that the Read-In will not only increase opment of the child.” “We’re just here to encourage young readers to read and awareness, but will also promote a better relationship Many of the university-student readers believe that bring back the principle that reading is diverse, valuable between students and literature. the African-American Read-In is beneficial for the and important. These students are looking for someone “It opens up a dialogue for students to talk about students of the community. to look up to, so we want to portray a positive image. I reading,” Waters said. “Students want to talk about Susannah McQuitty, a senior English major from look forward to hearing the students say, ‘This is really what they’ve read and what they like to read.” Franklin, North Carolina, and student reader, said that cool,’ or ‘I can relate to that.’ ” Barbara McBride-Smith performs for university

(left) Caleb Hicks and (right) Kianna Collins photos Barbara McBride-Smith, a famous storyteller performed Friday, Jan. 30, at a preview of the Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, to an audience of Troy University and local elementary school students. She told the story of Perseus and Medusa in a child-friendly manner, relating the tale to her audi- ence. She also laced in a few pop culture references in her story, such as calling the shoes Hermes gave to Perseus Nike Air Jordans. “Just do it,” McBride-Smith said. Her story included many different characters, for which she had different voices. And as with any story, she ended it with a moral. She recalled a saying from her grandmother: “Beauty is only skin deep. Ugly goes clean through to the bone.” Variety Page 6 | [email protected] February 5, 2015 Walking with their heads a little higher Students in the military talk about the opportunities and challenges faced Valario Johnson overall quality of education better. which was one of the most exciting experiences of my Staff Writer “With the discipline I have developed from the life. I have also been able to maintain a healthy diet and military, I manage my time as needed, finish work keep in shape.” more efficiently and keep a tight schedule when hitting Chiglo’s reservation about the Army was all the travel While juggling 15 credit hours a semester becomes a deadlines,” she said. that it included and being unable to stay in one location. stretch for many students in college, there are students Chiglo said that the opportunities provided by the “I still worry about it, but I don’t look at it as a disad- on the other end of the spectrum who are managing program, which paid for her college education, encour- vantage, but more of an opportunity to see new places,” their military lives alongside their academics. aged her to join the Army. Growing up in a military she said. Cheria Chiglo, a senior criminal justice major from household was another influencing factor. According to Chiglo, taking night classes and working Mankato, Minnesota, is a part of the Army Reserve Kyle Horne, a sophomore social science education extra hard to finish her work, even when she was tired, Officer Training Corps program at Troy. Chiglo, major from Bainbridge, Georgia, said a childhood was difficult when first starting out. Being a part of the currently on active duty, said that while the early desire to sport the Marine uniform led him to join the Sound of the South, Troy University’s marching band, mornings and late nights may have seemed like a Marine Corps. added to her time commitment. hindrance to her education at times, it has made her “Kind of a lame story, but when I was in the fourth “I have also had a few weekends a semester where grade, I saw a Marine in dress blues walk into my el- I had to miss class in order to attend a training event ementary school,” Horne said. “I said then that I wanted where I was unable to do any kind of work for school,” to be able to wear those one day. she said. “It was difficult at times to keep up, but it made “Marines are known in a number of different ways me stronger as a person and great at multitasking.” to be the ‘best’ or ‘most disciplined’ at a number of Horne said that during initial training, he had to miss different things. For me, there was never any hesitation. an entire semester of school and most of his summer, I wanted to be a part of what I considered to be the which proved to be a definite hindrance. “But, in the best.” grand scheme of things, the pros for that far outweigh Horne said that as a reservist, his obligations are the cons,” he said. “Most of the time, I will have to not “excessive by any means” and rather manageable miss my Friday classes for drill, but they are excused alongside his classes. “One weekend a month, two absences. Not really that bad, but take it for what you weeks in the summer and barring any deployments that will.” may come up isn’t too bad of a gig,” he said. Horne said that although people do not join the Horne said he feels that joining the military — re- military for respect or honor, he feels it allows him to gardless of the branch — is a good thing for anybody. walk around campus with his head a little higher. “Most Even if one thinks that he or she is responsible and dis- people here don’t even know I’m a Marine, but those ciplined, boot camps always teach a person more and that do are always willing to show some love.” can make a person better. He said that at the age of 18 or 19, fresh out of high school, joining the military could help anyone learn to Last week’s Sudoku Solutions be a man or a woman. It teaches invaluable skills that can help an individual personally and professionally down the line. Jake Cook, a recent Troy graduate who was a part of the Army ROTC program during his undergraduate years, said, “I didn’t hesitate because I knew I wanted to be in the military since I was younger.” “Sorry, guys, I gotta go home and sleep ­— I’ve got PT in the morning,” was a common phrase that he had to use. But while he may have had to cut down on the time he spent with his friends, being a part of the ROTC program, he said, helped him open up and improve his communication skills. “Without it, I would be a very timid and shy person,” he said. “It really helped me to open up.” Chiglo said that she is the person she is today due Caleb Hicks photo to her Army training. “The military has shaped me in Michael Pentecost, a junior social science ma- many ways, such as through leadership, discipline and jor from Temple, Texas, is in the ROTC, training increased work ethic,” she said. “Through ROTC, I to be an officer. have had the ability to attend Army Airborne School, Sports February 5, 2015 [email protected] | Page 7 Trojans tame the Mavericks Wally Pendergrass Staff Writer

The women’s basketball team split a pair of games this week, grabbing a convincing victory at home and losing a close match on the road. On Thursday, Jan. 29, Troy pummeled ULM in the Trojan Arena with a final score of 90-51. The Trojans used their ferocious defense to get a school record 23 steals while forcing 39 turnovers overall. The Trojans scored 41 points off turnovers. The Trojans were dominating the game by halftime, leading 47-14 at the break. The second half was far closer with ULM scoring 37 points while Troy shot 43 points, but the Warhawks were unable to overcome their deficit. Senior forward Ronita Garrett got her third straight double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Junior guard Ashley Beverly-Kelley led the Trojans with 23 points, while junior guard Rachel Reid finished the night with 17 points. Troy’s success at the free-throw line also contributed to its lead. The Warhawks gathered only four fast-break points, while the Trojans scored 20. “This was a very good win against a good ULM team Joshua Thurston photo that almost beat us at their place just two weeks ago,” Junior guard Rachel Reid reached double digits in the home game against ULM on Thursday, Jan. said head coach Chanda Rigby. 29. She also made half of her three-point shots during the night, making five out of 10. Kicking off its three-game road trip, Troy traveled to Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 31, to face off with points and 11 rebounds. Beverly-Kelley once again led Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Thursday, the Mavericks. the team in scoring with 22 points. Feb. 5. The Trojans played solid defense again on the road The Trojans struggled to score, shooting only 28 Arkansas State is on a three-game winning streak and against UT Arlington, but a poor shooting effort led to percent on the night. Even Beverly-Kelley shot only 24 recently defeated Troy in Trojan Arena on Jan. 24. a 70-67 loss. percent from the floor. Troy did manage to make 90.5 Troy then travels to Boone, North Carolina, to take on The Trojans forced 31 UT Arlington turnovers, but percent of its free throw shots. Appalachian State on Saturday, Feb. 7. converted those turnovers into only 17 points. However, the Mavericks made 52.1 percent from the “Our biggest problem was scoring with numbers,” floor and 42.9 percent from behind the arc, leaving Troy The Trojans defeated the Mountaineers earlier this Rigby said. “We had 10 chances to score on numbers in scrambling to catch up. season 91-87. the first half that we missed.” Troy is tied for third place in the Sun Belt after On Thursday, Feb. 17, Troy returns home to play Garrett once again claimed a double-double with 20 the week. The Trojans travel to take on second-place South Alabama at 5:15 p.m. Men’s basketball Tennis teams win picks up road win weekend match Ty Ammons and defeated Wijin- won his match against Michael Shipma was called on ULM. However, poor free- Staff Writer gaarde and Cartier 6-2. sophomore Zackery Staff Writer throw shooting down the stretch kept the Ohta and Xue played Kennedy 6-4, 7-5. Junior Trojans out of the game, and they lost The Troy Trojans men’s line two doubles and Giovani Samaha won 6-3, The Troy men’s basketball team split 58-55. and women’s tennis teams won 6-2 against Orlovic 6-2 against junior Joseph its last two games with a loss at home “I didn’t think we could get a tougher each had one match this and Cvijovic, and junior Bishop. Margot De Haan and Al- to ULM in overtime 58-55 and a victory loss than last Saturday, but we trumped past weekend. The men Freshman Andy Lau, buquerque beat Akoachere on the road against UT Arlington 55-54. it tonight,” said head coach Phil Cun- faced off against the sophomore Pablo Moreno and Fairley 6-1. With that win, the Trojans (8-12, 3-8 Sun ningham. “To have that big lead in the Georgia State Panthers and junior Daniel Belt) snapped a four-game losing streak. second half and to let them come back is in Atlanta, and Bustamante had The Trojans’ first game was on just very frustrating. We put ourselves in the women took close matches, but Thursday, Jan. 29, against ULM, which a position to win again, but we just didn’t on the Alabama couldn’t pull it out at the time was third in the Sun Belt finish.” State Hornets in in the end. standings. The Warhawks (13-8, 7-3 Sun The Trojans bounced back from the Montgomery. Belt) jumped out to a quick 6-0 start, and loss, however, and went on the road on The women’s Troy lost its it seemed as if they might run away with Saturday, Jan. 31, to face UT-Arlington team won its match line one doubles, the game early. (12-9, 6-5 Sun Belt), which was fourth in on Friday, Jan. 30, but won lines two Troy battled back, however, and went the conference standings at the time. against Alabama and three. Nday- on a 21-3 run in the first half, as it looked Troy started slow and seemed tired State. The Trojans ishimye and Lau to get out of a three-game slump in con- as it fell behind early to the Mavericks, swept the Hornets, won their match ference play. Senior guard Musa Abdul- who shot 42.9 percent from the floor. The not losing a single against Koeke Aleem led the Trojans with 11 points in Trojans seemed unable to generate much set. and freshman the first half, and they went into halftime offense and were trailing 32-22 going Freshman Sanae Sebastian Acuna with a controlling lead, 31-21. into the locker room. Ohta won her 7-6, and Dias and Troy continued to play well to start The second half was a different story, singles match 6-1, freshman Cyprian the second half, as it expanded its lead however, as Troy bounced back from the 6-1 against junior Owczarz won 7-6 to 37-24 with 16:49 left in the game. It deficit thanks to 10 points from junior Arantxia Wijin- against sophomore would be from that point that the Trojans forward John Walton III. The Trojans gaarde. Junior Valentin Horvat lost control of the game. shot 40 percent from the floor to even out Trang Huynh and freshman The Warhawks went on a 21-7 run in the score, and made 11 out of 12 shots won her match Andrei Andrukhou. the second half to retake the lead. Junior from the free throw line to come back against sophomore Samaha and guard Mack Foster and junior forward and win. Marine Cartier Moreno lost 6-3. Majok Deng both had a total of 15 points With only three seconds left to play, 6-2, 7-5. Junior The men’s and during the game to lead ULM as they and down by one, sophomore guard Anja Cosovic won women’s tennis put the pressure on Troy with their three- Kelton Ford stepped up to the free-throw her match against Caleb Hicks photo teams have two point shooting. The Warhawks made six line and made two key free throws to sophomore Irina Sophomore Hassan Ndayishimye matches each next out of 14 shots from beyond the arc, and secure the win for the Trojans. Cvijovic 6-2, 6-0. won singles and doubles matches. weekend. The they forced the game into overtime with The win snapped a four-game skid for Freshman The men’s team also women will take the score tied at 50. Troy, as it improved to 3-8 in conference Jiayuan Xue won her on UNC Wilmington on match 6-1, 6-0 against won its matchup against Despite falling behind quickly in play. It will look to keep this momentum Saturday, Feb. 7, in Jack- sophomore Brankica Georgia State on Saturday, overtime, the Trojans were able to going as the Trojans go on the road to sonville, Florida. They Orlovic. Freshman Jan. 31, which brings it to bounce back and had an opportunity to face Appalachian State on Thursday, Feb. will take on North Florida Linnea Skymberg won a 4-3 record on the season, tie and take the lead after a flagrant foul 5. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm. on Sunday, Feb. 8, in Jack- her match 6-0, 6-2 against and its second straight Sun sonville, Florida as well. sophomore Matabe Belt Conference win. Akoachere, and freshman Troy won three of its The men’s team will Julia Albuquerque won six singles matches and play against Southern her match against junior two of its three doubles Miss on Saturday, Feb. 7, Brianna Fairley 6-0, 6-1. matches. Junior Gabriel in its first home competi- Troy dominated in Dias won 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 tion, and then the Trojans the doubles matches as against sophomore Jannis will play Ole Miss on well. Cosovic and Huynh Koeke. Sophomore Sunday, Feb. 8, in Oxford, played line one doubles Hassan Ndayishimye Mississippi. Sports Page 8 | [email protected] February 5, 2015 Trojans anew: New coach, new facility Wes Fortson the players have had to faces that were added Staff Writer overcome a few new to the roster in the fall. things themselves, such as Coach Mullins explained Thursday will be head new coaching tactics and that although there may coach Beth Mullins’ first plans from the new head be a lot of talent on the night at the helm of the coach. team, to her, everybody Troy softball team as “This spring we just is basically a freshman it kicks its season off. picked up right where we and everybody will play a Mullins was hired by the left off in the fall, and they role in helping the team be university and the director have been working their successful this season. of athletics, John Hartwell, tails off,” Mullins said. “I on June 17, 2014. have been very impressed. Last year Troy tied “The job opened up, They have transformed Auburn in Troy 5-5, but and you know, I’m a south themselves through the game was called off Alabama girl and it’s strength and conditioning when rain ended it. Later (Troy) a great university and mentally transformed that season, Troy had a and a great opportunity,” themselves through that, second chance to upset Mullins said. “I was very and our jobs as coaches is Auburn on its home turf; fortunate that I got an op- to get their skills to where however, the Trojans fell portunity to work here, they need to be, and I by a score of 13-5 in five and it’s been a great ride think we’ve done a good innings. since.” job of that.” Mullins looks to bring Mullins was recently an Mullins seemed op- home a win to start off her assistant coach at Missis- timistic about her team career here at Troy, and sippi State for three years being prepared for its she seemed confident that and has also had coaching first game on Thursday in her players have bought Auburn. history at Western into the plan she has for “My only expectation is Kentucky, Georgia them this year. Southern and UAB. that they just go out there Another new factor is and play it and everything The Trojan softball the recently completed they’ve worked for will team opens its season on Troy Softball Complex. work out,” Mullins said. the road Thursday, Feb. 5, A $3 million renovation Not only does the against Auburn at 6 p.m. with turf fields and better softball team have a new The Trojans will return player amenities. head coach this year, but home to play Florida Prior to the season, there were also a few new A&M on Friday, Feb. 6.

Joshua Thurston photo New softball coach Beth Mullins prepares her players for Thursday, Feb. 5.