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10-24-2013

UA12/2/1 Bright Lights, Red City

WKU Student Affairs

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Recommended Citation WKU Student Affairs, "UA12/2/1 Bright Lights, Red City" (2013). WKU Archives Records. Paper 6357. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/dlsc_ua_records/6357

This Other is brought to you for free and open access by TopSCHOLAR®. It has been accepted for inclusion in WKU Archives Records by an authorized administrator of TopSCHOLAR®. For more information, please contact [email protected]. October 24, 2013 • WKUHerald.com HOMECOMING 2013 Bright lights, RED CITY

PARADE NPHC STEP SHOW ORGANIZERS HEADLINES RETURNS AFTER EXPECTING BIG HOMECOMING CANCELLATION TURNOUT CONCERT LAST YEAR PAGE 5 PAGE 10 PAGE 19 PAGE 2 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 3

COLUMN The best homecomings are yet to come

BY TESSA DUVALL makes these nights the best nights ever. nights gluing pomps onto cardboard and suspicion that my Homecomings as an [email protected] Until this year, I thought those nights chicken wire. Year after year, I sat on cold alumna will be even better than all those were the best nights I’d have on the Hill. concrete fl oors until my legs went numb things combined. Pomping: a word that strikes fear into For me — a student navigating the road and some time along the way, I shared the I’ll walk around campus and laugh when the hearts of Greeks everywhere. from super senior to alumna — Home- best laughs with my sisters. I hear students call DUC ‘DSU.’ Who knew tiny balls of tissue pa- coming feels a little different this Undoubtedly, representing my soror- I’ll recall that, once upon a time, WKU per could invoke such traumatic go ‘round. ity on Homecoming Court in 2012 will be didn’t have a Starbucks. (How did we sur- memories of hand cramps? Now, Homecoming truly is about one of my most treasured college memo- vive?) For many WKU students, pomp- coming home. ries. It’s not often you get to ride in the I’ll feel a tug at my heartstrings when I ing and partying will defi ne their No, not me. I haven’t left yet. back of a purple Corvette and toss candy drive by the Adams-Whitaker Student Homecoming weeks. My best friend I haven’t seen to cute little kids, friends, family and the Publications Center and remember how From mastering that fi rst toga to since January? She’s coming home. occasional professor. proud I was to see my byline in the Herald perfecting the art of fl oat-build- Herald colleagues from years Only getting four hours of sleep at for the fi rst time. ing, undergraduate homecom- Duvall past? They’re coming home. night those weeks was absolutely worth The memories made at WKU are mine ing means countless memories of Fall 2012 Sorority sisters who have been it, even if it meant I was sicker than a to keep. Just because I’m graduating in nights that are somehow long, wild, editor navigating the real world since May? dog the following week. It was nothing a December doesn’t mean the memories stressful, fun, exhausting, exciting, These women are coming home. little Emergen-C and excessive napping stop. It means I start a new chapter. tedious and ridiculous all at once. But Next year? I’ll be coming home, too. couldn’t fi x. Pomping was just part one. you’re with your closest friends, which You see, I really did love those chilly But I can’t help but have this sneaking The best is yet to come.

TABLE of CONTENTS

4 Theme 5 Parade 10 Homecoming concert 18 Distinguished alumni 20 Homecoming candidates PAGE 4 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM #REDCITY Homecoming theme embraces the Big City

BY TREY CRUMBIE provide a broader view of what students do The remaining themes were then pre- Oct. 24, which will recognize volunteers [email protected] during Homecoming activities. sented to President Gary Ransdell for fi nal throughout the campus, as an example of “We’re on the alumni side, so we’re deal- approval. how the theme will be used. Every year, Homecoming revolves ing with the alumni groups,” Hensley said. Ransdell said he liked the theme for “Everything about that event will be around a specifi c theme, this year's being “We don’t always get to see what the stu- multiple reasons. in the theme,” Hensley said. “They’ll be “Bright Lights, Red City.” dents are doing, so it gives us an oppor- “I just kind of liked the energy of it,” tons of red uplight throughout it — all the What has changed is this year’s incor- tunity to really see what the students do Ransdell said. “It kind of brings out the tablecloths will be red. It’s just going to be poration of using a hashtag built for the throughout Homecoming week.” school spirit with our red and I just full-on this theme.” theme as a means to document Home- Hensley said the theme was chosen by a thought it gave a lot of different options Other festivities that will focus on the coming activities. committee earlier this year. The commit- for people to decorate around.” theme will be the fl oats in the Home- Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Pro- tee took around 30 different themes and Hensley said the theme will be utilized coming parade and banners that will be gramming, said alumni will encourage stu- thought about how students could incor- heavily during Homecoming week. hung inside Downing Student Union. dents to tweet with the hashtag “#redcity” porate the theme into Homecoming week “We use the theme truly throughout all of The fl oats and banners will be judged during events. Hensley said the campaign before narrowing it down to the top two our Homecoming festivities,” Hensley said. based on how they incorporate the will make the event easy to archive and will or three. Hensley cited the Summit Awards on theme. OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 5 Homecoming parade continues to grow in size

BY CAMERON KOCH Ginny Hensley, dir. for Alumni Programming [email protected] Th e last couple years, its The annual homecoming parade is set to be bigger and better than ever before, been full, the whole route according to parade organizers. from campus down to Beginning at 5 p.m. and estimated to last until around 6 p.m., the parade will downtown, there hasn't begin near Parking Structure 1 on Avenue been any dead periods. We of Champions before making it’s way up the Hill and turning onto State Street. The estimate about 5,000 people parade will fi nish in Fountain Square, participate and watch the downtown. The homecoming pep rally, Big Red’s Roar, will follow the conclusion parade.” of the parade. Parade entries will be arriving on Uni- versity Boulevard from Nashville and Rus- sellville Roads between 3:30 p.m. and 5 the car owners are interested in partici- pating, Pride’s offi ce helps match up the p.m. car with a candidate. Ginny Hensley, director for Alumni Convincing car owners to participate Programming, said since the decision isn’t too hard, Hensley said. was made in 2009 for the parade to end in “It’s a lot of people who do great things Fountain Square, the parade has contin- for this campus year round,” Hensley said. ued to grow. “They just happen to have a convertible. “It went from being just a campus pa- Typically, they enjoy it. It’s a fun atmo- rade to more of a community parade,” sphere and fun to drive through the WKU Hensley said. “The last couple years, its parade.” been full, the whole route from campus She said the parade is different from down to downtown, there hasn’t been any the more than 200 events Alumni Pro- dead periods. We estimate about 5,000 gramming puts together every year. people participate and watch the parade.” “The thing about the homecoming pa- Hensley also said the number of pa- rade is that it’s our opportunity to see what rade entries are up slightly from previous students have been working on so much years. The parade will feature 15 fl oats, 22 throughout the week,” Hensley said. “The homecoming candidates and about 30 to hours they spend on these fl oats is re- 40 community and student organization ally pretty unreal when you think about entries. all the things they’ve done to make these Charley Pride, director for Student Ac- fl oats impressive...I think seeing that en- tivities, said the convertibles the home- thusiasm is really what homecoming is all coming candidates ride in are all volun- about. That’s what makes the parade so teered for use in the parade. Many of the fun — it’s hard not to be in a good mood car owners are alumni, or have some kind when you are in the middle of parade of connection to WKU, Pride said. Once madness.” WKUHERALD.com PAGE 6 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM Former bowl team remains close after 61 years

BY SAM OSBORNE an integral part of why they were able to [email protected] win the Refrigerator Bowl. “We’ve always been close, which I think As the WKU football team fi nds itself was very instrumental in our effectiveness in the midst of a hunt for bowl eligibility, playing back then,” he said. members of the 1952 Topper squad will Stevens said the team lacked size, but convene at Homecoming to commemo- made up for it in grit. rate the program's fi rst-ever bowl victory. “We were probably the smallest team in WKU defeated Arkansas State 34-19 on the Ohio Valley Conference,” he said. “We Dec. 8, 1952 in Evansville, Ind. to capture the didn't have any big people. When I watch Refrigerator Bowl, named because refrigera- teams play today, they are huge. Our tor manufacturers in Evansville sponsored bunch was relatively small compared.” the game. The Refrigerator Bowl is now de- Former guard Guy Newcom, an 85-year- funct, lasting only from 1948 to 1956. old from Jeffersonville, Ind., said Home- The Toppers were 9-1 in the 1952 campaign, coming is always an important and nos- The 1952 Refrigerator Bowl football team captured the program's fi rst bowl victory and one of the best finishes in school history. talgic time for members of the team. fi nished the season 9-1. Photo courtesy of WKU Archives. Max Stevens, 83, a senior running back “It’s one of the greatest things ever for on the 1952 team, said members of the me,” he said. “All of the players and their were intertwined during their time on the on the 1952 team, said his teammates team have remained close throughout families are all like family, and Homecom- Hill. haven’t changed much since they took their entire lives. ing is always a special time.” “We lived together in Potter Hall,” he home the program’s fi rst-ever bowl vic- “We’re a close knit bunch,” he said. “It’s Nearly half of the 1952 team has since said. “We played together, ate together tory 61 years ago. a unique thing we had. You don’t see a passed away, but Newcom said he talks to and prayed together. We even double- “After all these years, everyone is just like closeness like that much these days.” one of the teammates almost weekly. dated together.” they were in 1952,” he said. “Everybody Stevens said the team’s chemistry was Newcom said all facets of the team’s lives Robert Simpson, 83, a defensive end still holds everyone up in high regard.” OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 7

Alums set to get married on campus Homecoming weekend BY MACKENZIE MATHEWS Azlisya Ismail, bride [email protected]

WKU’s 2013 Homecoming is going to mean much more than just a football We wouldn't have game to alumni Kyle Norris and Azlisya Ismail. The couple is set to get married at been together if it the Augenstein Alumni Center on Sunday. The date had been set since the initial engagement, it being the day Norris was weren't for WKU.” diagnosed with leukemia in 2000. Now, that date will forever be associated with the happiest occasion of their lives. The arrived,” Ismail said. day falling on Homecoming weekend was They fi nally met at a friend’s birthday a coincidence that makes the event all the party. more special for the soon-to-be newly- “He talked to those he had never met weds. before and made us feel welcome…He The groom, Norris, is a 2009 graduate was a gentleman,” Ismail said. from Glasgow. He received his bachelor The proposal followed that August. Is- of science in elementary education. The mail had to return to Malaysia after her bride, Ismail, is from Kuala Lumpur, Ma- late father was diagnosed with cancer. laysia. She graduated in 2011 with her A day before her departure, Norris took bachelor of science in international busi- her to Covington Park and proposed, but ness. They have taken up residence in without the ring. Asking for her hand in Burlington. marriage did not feel right without her fa- Returning to their alma mater for the ther’s permission. wedding had not come up until Norris’s The formal proposal was put off until af- mother, Lida Jo Norris, offered the possi- ter Norris went to Malaysia and received bility. the father of the bride’s blessing in April of “We never gave it a second thought af- 2012. Over a year later, July 3, 2013, Norris ter we heard it…It meant a lot to us since made dinner and formally proposed, this our friends are from WKU, and we met be- time, with a ring. cause of them," Ismail said. “I was very nervous. It’s a life changing For Ismail, having the wedding on cam- moment, and all I wanted to hear was pus means going back to her home away ‘yes’,” Norris said. from home. She said she had formed a Norris and Ismail have been traveling family in Bowling Green, ever since 2009, between Burlington and Bowling Green, when she came to WKU. She and Norris in order to make the arrangements. met here, because of her friends, whom Several members of Norris’s family she had met on campus as well. are WKU alumni, as well. His grandfa- So it only made sense to bring it all back ther, Eldon Smith, mother, Lida Norris where they began. Norris explained that and brother, Franklin Norris, all call the campus signifi es that important as- WKU their alma mater. Ismail’s brides- pect of their relationship. maids, Sarah Van Alebleek, Neetu Kha- The two became a couple in June 2011, pung and Jasmine Bowie, are alumni, after two years of having mutual friends, as well. but never actually meeting one another. Ismail said it only makes sense for such “Whenever I hung out with them, Kyle a wedding to take place on campus, to was never there. And whenever Kyle hung connect the beginning of a relationship to out with them, I was never there. At one their marriage. time, he helped our friends set up for a “We wouldn’t have been together if it Halloween party, and he left right before I weren’t for WKU,” she said. PAGE 8 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM

Download the new Check out an online video of WKUHERALD the behind-the-scenes making app on of a Homecoming fl oat on iTunes and WKUHERALD.com Google Play aft er the parade on Friday OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 9 PAGE 10 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM GIVE ME MOORE Rising country artist headlines Homecoming concert

BY ARLA O'NEAL Away.” His music style is country rock [email protected] with a hint of southern twang. Some of his other popular songs in- Country musician Justin Moore with special guest Corey Smith and Chris Stapleton WKU Homecoming is a busy week for clude “Smalltown USA,” “Backwoods” students, faculty and club organizations. and “.” • Doors open at 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena. With the stress from banner making to Last year’s concert featured country Show starts at 8 p.m. fl oat designing, students get a chance to star Dierks Bentley, along with Jon Pardi, • Student and staff advance tickets $25, student and staff at the door tickets enjoy themselves at the annual Home- A-Ray and Natalie Stovall. coming concert. In her second semester as concert $35. “The main goal is for everyone to have chair, Fitzpatrick said she is happy with • Non-student advance tickets $35. Non-student tickets at the door $45. fun, enjoy homecoming and to be safe,” the concert selection and the student re- All fl oor tickets are $5 more. Jeffersonville, Ind., junior Jacarri Fitzpat- actions. rick, the homecoming concert chair, said. For the past two years, the homecom- • Moore’s most famous songs include “Til My Last Day,” “,” Fitzpatrick said she has heard nothing ing concert has been held on Thursday, “Small Town USA,” “” and “Backwoods.” but positive things from students around but Fitzpatrick suggested having the con- campus. cert on Friday this year. “We chose Justin Moore because I “Friday is a better suit, and students think he is selling really well, and it’s add- don’t have to worry about going to class fun concert,” Moore said. wrong.” ing something new to Western,” Fitzpat- the next day,” she said. Pigram said he loves the environment The concert will be held in Diddle Are- rick said. Louisville junior Katie Moore is attend- during Homecoming week and how ev- na on Friday. Doors open at 7 p.m. and Justin Moore is signed with Big Ma- ing the concert with her friend, New Cas- eryone is so involved. the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are cur- chine Records out of Nashville. He won tle senior Justin Pigram. They both love “I love supporting my school and rently $25 for students and staff and will Mainstream Inspirational Country Song and said it will be a fun cheering for the football team,” he said. be $35 at the door. They can be purchased and Video in 2011 with his rendition of time to celebrate Homecoming. “People claim Western to be a suitcase through the Diddle Arena box offi ce or Rhett Atkins’ “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far “I like his music, and it’s going to be a campus, but homecoming proves [that] from Ticketmaster. OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 11 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM

Homecoming 2013 Schedule of Events - Sponsored by Campus Evolution Villages • Society of African American Alumni Memorial Service • Department of Agriculture Homecoming Brunch • Augenstein Alumni Center Homecoming Opening Act Greek Organization Homecoming Tents 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 25 Chandler Memorial Chapel L.D. Brown Agriculture Exposition Center 292 Alumni Avenue • Alpha Tau Omega Homecoming Tent • Farmhouse Fraternity Homecoming Tent • Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon • WKU Swim and Dive Alumni Gathering • Alpha Delta Pi Sorority 46th Anniversary • Honors College Tailgate • Kappa Sigma Fraternity Homecoming Tent and Induction Ceremony 9:00 p.m. Alumnae Brunch 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Homecoming Tent 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Augenstein Alumni Center 10:00 a.m. • IMREC Sports Alumni Homecoming Picnic ADII House, 1633 Chestnut Street • Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Homecoming Tent Sloan Convention Center • Society of African American Alumni 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Phi Gamma Delta Homecoming Tent • Jimbo Devries Scholarship Golf Tournament Homecoming Kickoff Party • Chi Omega Annual Homecoming Brunch and Meeting South Lawn, in front of Preston Center • Pi Kappa Alpha Homecoming Tent 1:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. • Ogden College Homecoming Tent • Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Homecoming Tent Chi Omega House, 1580 Normal Drive Crosswinds Golf Course Par Makers Clubhouse, 1080 Brownslock Road 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Homecoming Tent • College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Brunch Tailgating location TBA • School of Journalism and Broadcasting • Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity Social Event Homecoming Football Game Family Tree: An Exhibition 10:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Society of African American Alumni Tailgate Party Lambda Chi Fraternity House Gary A. Ransdell Hall Hilltoppers vs. Troy University 1:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Mass Media and Technology Hall Atrium • Imagewest Open House and Morning Mixer Bates Runner Hall Lawn Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium • School of Nursing Open House and Tea 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • CHHS Homecoming Alumni and Friends Cookout Saturday, October 26 Imagewest, Mass Media and Technology Hall Room 331 Sigma Chi Alumni Event 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. program WKU/CHC Health Sciences Complex • WKU Swim and Dive Alumni Swim Meet • WKU Libraries Open House Academic Complex Front Steps (next to South Lawn) Sigma Chi Fraternity House • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Time TBA 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. • Department of Agriculture Tailgating The Commons at Cravens, Cravens Library fourth floor Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Finale Dinner 45th Anniversary Celebration Bill Powell Natatorium 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Festivities run Friday through Sunday. • Student Publications Homecoming Breakfast • Pi Kappa Alpha Ribbon Cutting WKU Floral Design Training Center, 514 Regents Avenue Holiday Inn University Plaza, 1021 Wilkinson Trace • Homecoming Parade “Bright Lights, Red City!” 8:30 a.m. Meet and Greet 10:00 a.m. • Army ROTC Alumni Homecoming Tent Pi Kappa Alpha House, 1328 Center Street Alpha Omicron Pi Alumnae Night 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. Breakfast and Program 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. WKU Campus to Downtown Bowling Green Knicely Conference Center • Residence Hall Open Houses Tate Page Hall Patio Vino’s, 700 State Street 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Homecoming Concert in the Park • Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Homecoming Brunch • Department of Art Alumni and Friends Tailgate Gathering Phi Delta Theta Homecoming Dinner Party 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Alumni Brunch 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Fountain Square Park in Downtown Bowling Green AOII House, 1556 Normal Drive 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tailgating location TBA Location TBA SAE House, 300 Alumni Avenue • Big Red’s Roar 2013 • Family and Consumer Sciences and Phi Upsilon Omicron Alumni • Gordon Ford College of Business Alumni Tailgating Tent Phi Gamma Delta Alumni Homecoming Reception 6:30 p.m. or immediately following the Parade “Bright Lights, Red City: Light the Way with Family and 12:00 p.m. to beginning of football game 7:00 p.m. Fountain Square Park in Downtown Bowling Green Consumer Sciences” Brunch Tailgating location TBA The Warehouse at Mt. Victor, 2539 Mt. Victor Lane • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity 9:00 a.m. Registration and Social • Housing and Residence Life Homecoming Tent Academic Complex 213 IT’S A 4.0 IN STUDENT LIVING. Pi Kappa Alpha Homecoming Reception Alumni Reception 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. • Kappa Delta Alumnae Event and Tailgating Keown Plaza Pi Kappa Alpha House, 1328 Center Street • AMS MS Engineering Technology Management 9:00 a.m. • BSU/BCM Tailgating and Alumni Reception Kappa Delta House, 1600 Chestnut Street 2013 Homecoming Step Show Student and Alumni Mixer 12:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. • Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Smoker Baptist Student Center, 1574 Normal Drive E.A. Diddle Arena WahBah Steakhouse, 2361 Russellville Road 9:00 a.m. Social, 11:00 a.m. Tailgate I AM IN EVOLUTION • School of Journalism & Broadcasting Alumni Tailgate Tent Sig Ep House, 1415 College Street Homecoming 5th Quarter • WKU Lady Topper Soccer vs. Georgia State 1:00 to 2:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. • Young Alumni Council Meeting Tailgating location TBA Augenstein Alumni Center WKU Soccer Complex, 1793 Creason Street I AM IN EVOLUTION 9:00 a.m. • Spirit Master Homecoming Tent Augenstein Alumni Center, 292 Alumni Avenue Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Alumni Dance • Pi Kappa Alpha Homecoming Reception 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Spirit Master Time 9:00 p.m. to midnight 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. • Alpha Gamma Delta Alumnae/Collegian Brunch McLean Hall Lawn SAE House, 300 Alumni Avenue 440 Main, 440 Main Street 10:00 a.m. • MPA Student Alumni Event Society of African American Alumni Association • 2013 WKU Homecoming Concert Alpha Gamma Delta House 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CAMPUS EVOLUTION VILLAGES Old School/New School Party Featuring Justin Moore • Alumni W-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Lawn in front of Grise Hall 10:00 p.m. With special guest Corey Smith and Chris Stapleton Induction Ceremony and Brunch 1909 Creason Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Knicely Conference Center Showtime is 8:00 p.m., Doors open at 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CEVillages.com E.A. Diddle Arena E.A. Diddle Arena 270.846.1000 CAMPUS EVOLUTION VILLAGES FORMERLY THE POINTE AT GABLES PAGE 14 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM ServiceService OneOne CUCU supportingsupporting WKU...WKU...

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ATMATM -- 800-795-8500 t Downing Student Union (across from The WKU Store) socu.com t Garrett Conference Center Campus Branch Federally Insured by the NCUA. t OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 15 PAGE 16 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 17 PAGE 18 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM

WKU to induct four members New distinguished Alumni ‘come to Athletics Hall of Fame from very diff erent walks of life’

BY HERALD STAFF He was a crucial part of the 1987 team [email protected] that went to the Division I-AA playoffs, the fi rst time the team had been to the postsea- Four new members will be inducted into son since 1975. the WKU Athletics Hall of Fame at Satur- day’s Homecoming Brunch. Brandi Beckwith Carey — Swimming, The 23rd class to be inducted to the hall four letters (1999, 2000, ’01, ’02) includes Romeo Crennel (football), James Brandi Beckwith Carey was one of former Edwards (football), Brandi Beckwith Carey swimming coach Bill Powell’s fi rst recruits (swimming) and Curtiss Long (track and in 1998, and she played an important role cross country). for the team in its fi rst few years. Cherry Minton, Jr. Smith Carey qualifi ed for the NCAA Champion- Romeo Crennel — Football, four letters ship meet in each of her fi nal three seasons (1966, ’67, ’68, ’69) for WKU. She was the fi rst Lady Topper BY JACKSON FRENCH ation from the Vietnam War,” a book Romeo Crennel is one of the biggest swimmer to earn All-America honors and [email protected] about reuniting with a North Viet- names to ever come out of the WKU foot- fi nished No. 10 in the 200 individual medley namese pilot he shot down during the ball program. at the 2002 NCAA National Championships. On Friday, a former Air Force com- Vietnam War. He also served as com- Crennel has spent time as coach of the She was also named the WKU Female mander, the chief justice of the Com- mander of Moody Air Force Base and NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Athlete of the Year in 2002 and won the monwealth of Kentucky and a former was inducted into the Kentucky Avia- Chiefs, as well as serving as a defensive Lady Topper swimming team’s Scholar- NBA player will take their places in tion Hall of Fame in 2000. coaching assistant with several other teams. Athlete Award and Most Valuable Player WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Minton has served on the Kentucky Before he was holding a clipboard on the honors in each of her four seasons. Tracy Morrison, director of Alumni Supreme Court since 2006 and has act- sidelines, though, he was making his name Carey held 10 school records at one point Programming, said new members are ed as the Commonwealth’s fi fth chief as one of WKU’s top defenders in the 1960s. and currently still holds four — the 50 free- inducted into the Hall of Distinguished justice since 2008. A three-year starter for the WKU defen- style, the 100 freestyle, the 200 freestyle and Alumni on the Friday before the Home- Greg Smith was one of the fi rst mi- sive line, Crennel recorded 189 total tackles the 200 individual medley. coming game every year. nority athletes in Topper basketball for the Toppers and was a second-team All- This year’s inductees are Dan Cherry, American in 1969. when he enrolled in 1963, according to Curtiss Long — Track and cross country John D. Minton Jr. and Greg Smith. The WKU News. In a subsequent career in The Toppers went 25-11-3 in his four event will be held in the Sloan Conven- years and fi nished in second place in the coach (1980-2007) the NBA, he played on the Milwaukee Curtiss Long has been an important fi g- tion Center. Bucks team that won the NBA champi- Ohio Valley Conference in 1967 and 1968. “It’s one of the largest events that the ure for the WKU track and fi eld teams since onship in 1971. His NFL career resulted in fi ve Super university does,” Morrison said. “We’ll he was hired more than 30 years ago. After retiring from professional bas- Bowl rings — two with the New York Giants have between 450 and 500 people Long took over as coach of the men’s track ketball in 1975, Smith embarked on a in 1987 and 1991, and three with the New there, and each inductee will be pre- and fi eld and cross country teams in 1980, England Patriots in 2002, 2004 and 2005. sented with an award, and they’ll also career in media sales and has been a and by 1982, he was leading the women’s have time to speak, and there will be a member of the Blazer Alumni Team, a program as well. He was later named the James Edwards — Football, four letters video of each inductee. Sort of like the group of retired Portland Trail Blazers Sun Belt Conference’s All-Time Coach for (1984, ’85, ’86, ’87) ‘This is your life’ type of video.” that played basketball games to raise Jacksonville, Fla., native James Edwards both men’s and women’s cross country in She said this year’s inductees will be money for a variety of organizations. had an All-American career in the Topper 2006. the 22nd class to join the Hall of Distin- “They all come from very different backfi eld. Long’s teams won 33 conference cham- guished Alumni. walks of life,” Dubose said. “One distin- A starter by the end of his freshman year, pionships — 13 in men’s cross country, 13 Rick Dubose, executive director of the guished military career, Judge Minton Edwards picked up 219 tackles, 14 inter- in women’s cross country, two in women’s WKU Alumni Association, said the Hall obviously a distinguished legal career, ceptions and 25 broken-up passes in his indoor track, two in men’s outdoor track of Distinguished Alumni inducts three and then Greg Smith has a great story. four-year career at safety. and two in women’s outdoor track — in new members every year. He’s our only basketball player to ever His senior season was one of the best for a his time at the helm for WKU. His 2006-07 Dan Cherry, grandson of Henry Har- win an NBA championship ring.” player in WKU history. In 1987, Edwards was Lady Topper team was the fi rst in SBC his- din Cherry, is the former commander He said all three of the inductees are a fi rst-team All-American after recording 65 tory to take the Sun Belt title in cross coun- of the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force’s scheduled to attend the event, adding tackles, seven interceptions, nine passes bro- try, indoor track and outdoor track. demonstration air team. that attendance is required for induc- ken up, two forced fumbles and two fumble Long retired in 2007 but still helps the Cherry is also the author of “My En- tion except in the case of deceased recoveries over the course of the year. program as a part-time assistant coach. emy, My Friend: A Story of Reconcili- honorees. OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 19 The NPHC step show returns after last year's absence

BY QUICHE MATCHEN since the summer. [email protected] “I encourage everyone to come out and watch us put in work,” Last year, the National Pan- he said. “It’s going to be an expe- Hellenic Council step show was rience.” canceled due to “logistical is- Mandela said the preparation sues,” but this year they’re bring- for the show has been very hec- ing it back to the basics. tic. The show will be held in the “As the step show gets closer, Downing Student Union Audito- things get a little harder between rium on Saturday, Oct. 26. Doors people’s schedules and trying to will open at 6 p.m. and the show make sure everything is perfect will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the for step show,” she said. step show are available at the Mandela said her role is to WKU Bookstore. oversee the committee and if Louisville senior Kelly Mande- they have any questions or con- la, NPHC vice president, said the cerns, they bring them to her. NPHC step show is a tradition. Dayton, Ohio junior Mari Cole- It’s for that reason the show’s man is a part of the Delta Sigma theme this year is Back to the Ba- Theta incorporated step show sics: Tradition at its Best. committee. She said preparation “We’re trying to get back to our for the show takes a lot of hard original ways,” she said. work and patience. Mandela said the theme was “The committee makes sure chosen at a committee meeting that the steppers don’t have over the summer. They put ideas to worry about anything but together to fi nd something that stepping because they have would “best fi t [the] campus.” a lot going on,” she said. She said so far, the process of “We want everything to run the step show is going well. smoothly.” Nashville senior Courtney Buggs watches while members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority rehearse their “We have some really good per- Coleman said the committee Homecoming step routine for their upcoming step show this Saturday at Diddle Arena. IAN MAULE/ formers that are performing and makes sure that costumes, vid- HERALD everybody has just been work- eos, editing, background and ing really hard on promotion more are up to par for the show. and trying to let the community She said the step show will be didn’t go to the yard show, so Joshua Nelson, Louisville senior know there is a step show,” she better this year. they don’t really know how this said. “They can perfect what they organization is.” I encourage everyone to come out and Louisville senior Joshua Nel- had for step show last year,” Mandela said they’re bringing son is one of the steppers. This Coleman said. something new to step show this watch us put in work. It's going to be an will be his fi rst time stepping at Mandela said seven out of year. The organizations will have experience.” the show and he said he’s a little the nine NPHC organizations tables set up to help promote the nervous. on campus will be represented organizations and philanthro- “I’m just taking it a day at a at the step show, and that will pies they sponsor. time,” he said. bring something new to the Mandela said the best part Nelson said students can ex- step show. about the preparation for step we don’t just think about what’s “I really want them to enjoy pect the step show to be bigger “I know at other step shows, show is the unity. best for our organization, even the show because at the end and better this year. not all organizations were rep- “We’ve all done things together though that’s part of it. We also of the day, it is just a show,” “We expect a big turn out since resented and they thought that and set our letter aside and just think about what’s going to make she said. “And to know that there wasn’t one last year,” he only those organizations were got down to business basically,” this step show different than the even though we’re all separate said. the only organizations on this she said. “We have step show last.” organizations we all come to- Nelson said they have been campus,” she said. “That’s defi - meetings and when everyone Mandela said she hopes every- gether, and that’s to serve the practicing for the step show nitely not true and some people comes to step show meetings, one comes out to the show. community.” PAGE 20 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM Homecoming candidates excited to be part of ‘whirlwind’ experience BY ANNA LAWSON [email protected]

With Homecoming preparation in full swing, the student body fi nds itself in the thick of pre- game festivities. Hilltoppers, how- ever, will have to wait until Satur- day’s halftime program to witness one of the week’s most anticipat- ed events: the coronation of a new Homecoming queen. “The Homecoming candidate experience is a unique and un- forgettable one, and I am al- ready enjoying it immensely,” Glasgow senior Taylor Emberton said. “It’s a busy, whirlwind of an experience, but it is one that I am so humbled and honored to have.” A fi eld of 22 candidates are vy- ing for the crown this year. Each student must attend a roster of activities this week, which range from interviews to volunteer work and banquets, to demon- strate that they can represent WKU with dignity and grace. Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity selected Louisville senior Abby O’Bryan as their Homecoming candidate. She said she is grate- ful for the opportunity to make WKU proud. “Being nominated has been Posters for homecoming candidates cover a bulletin board in Downing Student Union. AUSTIN ANTHONY/HERALD great so far, but it’s really strange for me to see posters of myself hanging up in buildings girl walking onto the fi eld wav- as Homecoming queen would ing on the cake of a perfect four coming queen. However, it is and having people come up to ing a red towel.” be an incredible honor because years at WKU.” also important to them to learn me — even people who I don’t O’Bryan said she doesn’t feel WKU has helped me to form my Gott said that she owes all of things and become better people know very well — congratulat- like it is a competition as much as identity.” her success as a Hilltopper to along the way. ing me on my nomination,” she it is just an opportunity to spend For Bowling Green senior Em- her Honors College peers and “I have already learned that said. time with some wonderful and ily Gott, winning would signify faculty. our campus houses some abso- O’Bryan has tried to keep the inspiring women. the continuation of WKU spirit “These are the people who lutely amazing, unique, driven attention from going to her head. “Being the Homecoming within her family. have shaped my college career women that are perfect repre- “Don’t get me wrong, I’m ex- queen for me would mean that “I was born and bred a WKU into what it has been,” she said. sentations of WKU,” Emberton tremely gracious and humbled anyone has a shot at being some- Hilltopper, as both of my par- “They are my family and they said. “I hope that is exemplifi ed that people are giving me so thing bigger and better than ents attended as well as my older have supported me every step of to the campus and community much support and encour- themselves,” O’Bryan said. “I fell brother,” she said. “I could not the way.” this week. No matter what the agement,” O’Bryan said. “I in love with WKU before I even imagine myself anywhere else. All of the candidates continue outcome of the week is, I can al- just never in a million years got my acceptance letter. Being We were Family of the Year in to make the rounds this week in ready say that I wouldn’t change dreamed that I would be that able to represent this university 2011, and this would just be ic- the hopes of becoming Home- one thing.” OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM PAGE 21 PAGE 22 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM Parade of pups: Big Red Barking band back for third year

BY LAUREN LORANCE Lily, who Hamburger took in four years weather permits. But instead of walking Jackson said. “We enjoy walking, and we [email protected] ago, after his daughter rescued the dog in with the rest of the Barking Band, the shih are big Western fans, so [we] just thought California, is always excited to walk in the tzus will get the star treatment. it would be a good mix and a fun family Lily loves meeting new people. Like any parade. Hamburger said he decided to “They like to be pulled in a cart,” Wilk thing for us to do on a Friday night.” 8-year-old, she enjoys running around help Lily spread the word because of his said. “They like to look down at other little Like Lily, Maggie and Daisy are thrilled outside and playing with her friends. love for the furry four-legged animals. smaller dogs because they’re in the cart to be walking in the parade, Jackson said. That’s why the rescued golden retriever “I love the parade, and Homecoming is and they’re not walking.” “They had a ball,” Jackson said, “and we has organized the Big Red Barking Band, a big event,” Hamburger said. “I love my Fluffy and Muffy already have their out- enjoyed being down on the square with her owner Peter Hamburger, a math profes- dog and every dog. I’m a dog person, so I fi ts lined up. everyone when it was over, and just enjoy- sor at WKU, said. The group of dogs, decked wanted that to be part of the parade.” “They’ve got some WKU red sweatshirts ing each other’s company with their pup- in WKU garb, will march in the Homecom- For the past two years, there have been to wear and I’ve purchased some bows to pies.” ing parade for the third year in a row. between 40 and 50 dogs that walk with put in because they have the shih tzus’ It’s always a good time, Hamburger said, Hamburger said Lily’s defi nitely the their owners, but this year, Hamburger bow on top of their head,” Wilk said. “So brains behind developing the group. wants to exceed that number. they would defi nitely fi t the role.” when spectators hear the pitter-patter of “She’s the smart one in the family,” he “I am hoping that this year, it will be Teresa Jackson, administrative assistant paws as the Big Red Barking Band trots said. “I just do what she says.” more, especially if the TV will announce a in Academic Affairs, is glad her dogs will along the parade route. Hamburger said he hopes to gain more pa- couple of times,” he said. be part of the Barking Band for the second “People on the street, especially babies, rade walkers and support as, for the first time, Any dog who is well-behaved, able to year. Jackson, her husband and their son toddlers, children, love us; run and pet Lily will be joined by a local dog celebrity. walk and not anxious or aggressive is wel- will be escorting their lab mixes, Maggie the dogs, even adults,” Hamburger said. “This year, I will have support from come to participate, Hamburger said. Rose and Daisy Belle. “We had a great time and quite a big suc- NBC-40, because Radar the weather dog, Maureen Wilk, offi ce associate in Jour- “It just was a fun outing to get them cess with the people. People really liked he’s coming,” Hamburger said. “Lily and nalism and Broadcasting, said she will out of the house and around friends that it. The owners and the dogs really, really Radar are good friends.” bring her shih tzus, Fluffy and Muffy, if they could make and have a good time,” have a great time.”

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Toppers look for big crowd at Homecoming football game

BY LUCAS AULBACH and is a pass-fi rst quarterback. He is re- [email protected] sponsible for 1,889 of Troy’s 2,294 total passing yards on the year. The annual Homecoming football Junior Deon Anthony also plays for game is traditionally one of the most inte- signifi cant portions of the game. He is a gral parts of week-long celebrations. This dual threat, having picked up 313 passing year’s game will also play a cru- yards and 357 rushing yards on the cial role for the Toppers’ season. year. WKU (4-3, 1-2 Sun Belt Con- While WKU is looking for a strong ference) has had 11 days since performance on defense to stop its last game, a loss to Louisiana- the two quarterbacks, the Toppers Lafayette, to prepare for the high- seek support from the stands. powered offense of Troy (4-3, 2-1 Last year, the Toppers attracted SBC), their Homecoming oppo- a crowd of 22,323 for their Home- nent. coming game, a 43-42 overtime While the Toppers have had Aulbach loss to Louisiana-Monroe. The time to rest, not all members of Sports editor year before, 15,122 came to watch the team have enjoyed the re- WKU take on ULL in a 42-23 win prieve. where running back Bobby Rainey ran for “I’ve always envied the basketball 206 yards and three touchdowns. coaches and the baseball coaches where Saturday will mark the last Homecom- they lose a hard game and they can go ing game for redshirt senior offensive right back to work the next day and play guard Luis Polanco, who has been with again,” coach Bobby Petrino said at his the WKU football program for fi ve years. weekly press conference on Monday. He said the Toppers are looking to make “When you lose a football game, it’s hard. up for last season’s Homecoming loss to We try to get it over within 24 hours and ULM. put it to bed. It’s still very, very diffi cult.” “It being Homecoming gets everyone If last week wasn’t hard enough for the excited about coming up together to play Toppers — ULL came to Bowling Green the game,” Polanco said. “We should be with the best scoring offense in the Sun ready for it.” Belt and ran up 254 rushing yards on Senior fullback Nick Baisch will partici- WKU — things will hardly get easier this pate in his fi nal Homecoming game on weekend. Troy averages 34.4 points per Saturday. He said the crowd for the game game, good for No. 2 in the conference, is electric every year. and averages almost 50 more passing “Homecoming’s always fun,” Baisch yards per game than any other Sun Belt said. “You get people coming back, you team. get former players coming back that you Touting two quarterbacks, the Trojans haven’t seen in a while that you previ- have thrived through the air this year. Se- ously played with. I’m hoping for a big nior Corey Robinson, a Paducah native, crowd, I hope it’s loud, and I’m excited takes the majority of snaps under center for it.” WKUHERALD.com PAGE 24 OCTOBER 24, 2013 • HOMECOMING SPECIAL SECTION • WKUHERALD.COM