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Raekwon Davis leads Alabama with 6.5 sacks. CW / Sam MacDonald Raekwon Davis becomes dominant defensive end By Matthew Speakman | Sports Editor job. Just the fact that he’s able to lineman Da’Ron Payne said. “It’s fun get back there to quarterbacks and knowing that someone next to me is Even in a crowd of giants, Alabama help me sometimes out when I’m in trying to compete … For him to move defensive linemanlinem Raekwon Davis coverage is always a great thing for like that and be there is amazing. He would stand out. Sure, Alabama has any linebacker to have.” surprises me every day.” had a lot of physicalphys freaks over the Davis’ size makes him a handful. It’s Davis’ physical abilities are what years, but purely in stature, Davis is hard to find an offensive lineman who get most of the attention, but beyond second to none. Standing at 6-foot-7, can match his physicality. One of the that, he has a drive that is crucial to 306 pounds, he towersto above most of only ones who can happens to share a his development. Ask anyone around his teammates on the sideline. sideline with Davis. Offensive tackle Alabama and they will say that Davis His size makesmake him a nightmare Matt Womack is 6-foot-7, 320 pounds. plays with as much energy as anyone for opposing offeoffensive lineman. He’s else on the team. fast, big and canca shuck off anyone He is relentless in his approach who attempts tot get in his way. and plays with emotion. After almost Just ask center Bradley Bozeman, He’s an every tackle, you can see Davis get who gets to facefac Davis most days up and roar with his arm stretched in practice. animal. He’s up in the air. “He’s an animanimal,” Bozeman said. “We need to have more guys up “He’s a physical beast.b He’s long, he’s a physical front probably play with his kind of strong, he’s reallyrea everything you tenacious sort of tenacious attitude,” don’t wantwan to go against as an beast. head coach Nick Saban said “I think offensiveoffensiv lineman.” that’s what you like to see your whole With the departures of defense play with.” JonathaJonathan Allen and Dalvin - Bradley Bozeman Davis’ development is a little ahead TomlinTomlinson to the NFL, it of schedule. He is only a sophomore. has been Davis who has filled Most lineman at Alabama have to the role as Alabama’sA dominant Even with his size, Womack wait their turn to play for a couple defensive end. This season struggles to block Davis in practice of years. He has made a name for he has 49 tackles from that sometimes. It’s almost like a clash of himself in just his second season spot. That’s not even the most the titans when the two go against at Alabama. impressive stat. He currently each other. Part of this is his willingness to leads the teamt with 6.5 sacks “He’s a tall guy,” Womack said. compete. Each play, Davis wants to on the year. That’sTh 3.5 more than “He might be a little bit taller than I impress those around him. As Davis Tomlinson had in an impressive am. He’s really strong and long, has continues to progress, Alabama will season, and only four shy of Allen’s long arms. It’s always a battle every count on him to be as dominant as he total a year ago. day in practice.” has been this season. Davis has beebeen one of Alabama’s Davis’s size isn’t the only thing that “I think he’s done a good job,” Saban best pass rushersrusher all season. Getting makes him an effective pass rusher. said.” He’s a very conscientious guy. to the quarterbackquarterba is important, but He also has speed and power. He can He wants to do and please the coach his mere presencepresenc also frees up rush run around guys or shove them to in every way that he can. He plays lanes for other pplayers. the ground. He even challenges his hard. He’s very competitive. He gives “Raekwon is a ferocious player, other teammates to play on the same a lot of effort. He’s played with a lot man,” linebackerlinebacke Rashaan Evans level as him. of toughness and I think he’s made said. “Just to havehav him on our team, “Whenever I try to make a tackle, a lot of progress throughout the CW / Sam MacDonald on our defensedefense, man, it helps my he’s right there with me,” defensive course of the year.” Photo Illustration CW / Rebecca Griesbach PAGE 4 GAMEDAY 2017 ROAD TO17

Alabama kicks off its last game at Bryant Denny at 11 a.m. All photos CW / Sam MacDonald Mercer game falls at perfect time for Alabama By Joe Klingbeil | Staff Reporter Injuries have amassed and sent some of Alabama's best players to the sideline WEEK THREE: AUBURN VS. MERCER On paper, looking at the daunting for the season in an unprecedented conference schedule is tough enough fashion. The fate of the SEC West will for SEC teams. The 12-game season may hang in the balance until Nov. 25 when • Auburn beat Mercer 24-10 on Sept. 16 consist of a road game in Death Valley Alabama plays Auburn. Until then, the at night, or a trip to College Station to Crimson Tide is focused on Saturday’s • Quarterback Kaelan Riley threw for 146 hear 100,000 screaming Texas A&M fans game against Mercer, and it could not sing The Aggie War Hymn. have come at a better time. The heart of an SEC schedule “I kind of feel like just in this • yards and one touchdown. could spell triumph or disaster for a situation, everything kind of worked football team depending on the year. out perfectly, the timing was perfect,” As for the Alabama Crimson Tide Rashaan Evans said. “The fact that we defense has allowed at least 150 yards Obviously, injuries are a big part of this season, well, its fate has yet to have a little time to not only get healthy, rushing over the last two games, and that. Being without playmakers like be determined. but [also] go back to the film room and the offense has sputtered. linebackers Shaun Dion Hamilton and The No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide look at all the things that we could've The snake-bit Crimson Tide is Mack Wilson would hurt any football has, so far, again maneuvered its way did better.” presumably glad that it will not line up team in America. However, Alabama through a grueling SEC schedule with Alabama is beating its SEC opponents against a top-25 team Saturday, but as has not made excuses in the past and a zero in the loss column. Now, just by an average of 40 points a game on any Nick Saban-coached team will tell will not start the trend now. It knows because it hasn’t been on the losing end the season, but over its last two games you, no team should be overlooked. that it needs to clean up ahead of the of a game doesn't mean the Crimson against LSU and Mississippi State, it’s Earlier in the year, the No. 6 ranked Iron Bowl. Tide has come out unscathed. won by a total of just 21 points. The Auburn Tigers played Mercer and committed five turnovers in an ugly 24-10 victory. The Crimson Tide are using this week as a chance to fix We have to mistakes but also learn from Mercer’s game against the Tigers. focus on them “I think there's a lot that can be taken from that [Auburn and Mercer game],” while focusing Saban said. “I think any time you play teams, especially at this stage in the on ourselves. season when you've been playing SEC games for how many weeks in a row - Levi Wallace now, it becomes a little more difficult for guys to have the right psychological disposition to not be playing a conference game regardless of who that “We have to go back and look, work might be. But I think it's important for on our fundamentals,” Levi Wallace our guys to focus on what we need to said. “But we also have to work on do as a team to improve and get better.” Mercer. They are a great team. They There is no doubt that the Crimson played Auburn pretty close up until the Tide has looked, at the very least, fourth quarter. So we have to focus on somewhat vulnerable over the last them while focusing on ourselves. Just Students celebrate the beginning of the fourth quarter. CW / Sam MacDonald two weeks. executing like we know how to.” GAMEDAY 2017 PAGE 5 WHAT A DECADE P 205.535.3087 | 1131 Jackson Ave | Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Seniors remember Saban By Matthew Speakman | Sports Editor Cornerback Levi Wallace says Saban and some of the players start trash- Alabama head coach Nick Saban is talking during drills. seen as the most influential figure in “The receivers talk mess with him,” college football. His influence stretches Wallace said. “‘Coach Saban, I’ll run you beyond just Alabama. Many programs over.’ Stuff like that. But Coach Saban in the SEC try, and usually fail, to play is first, though. Like, 'If I was 20 years keep-up with Alabama due to Saban. younger,’ things of that nature. He’s Even though he is seen as an pretty funny like that.” intimidating figure, Saban still builds The trash-talking doesn’t stop there, personal relationships with the players. however. Some of Wallace’s favorite Many players who play under Saban memories of Saban have come in have at least one story they could meetings and film sessions. tell you about the five-time national “He’s real funny, funnier than you championship-winning coach. guys think, especially in meetings Kicker Andy Pappanastos’ moment watching film,” Wallace said. “You know, came at the beginning of this season. he swears he can cover every receiver He had to change his number from 92 we’ve got. When DBs mess up, things to 12 due to a special teams change. of that nature, he makes comments like Saban wore No. 12 in college and let that. Pretty funny.” Pappanastos know what he thought of Still, the balance helps Alabama keep him donning Saban’s number. its dominant presence. These moments are just as important to the players as the preparation and wins. They keep the players on their toes and let them He's real know that they are playing for someone who cares about them. funny, funnier “Of course I like when I see him laugh APPLY TODAY FOR a lot better,” Averett said. “I like how he than you guys balances it. He likes to balance it, and when he's not always serious all the time, it helps me out personally. Like OK, think. he actually is human.” – Levi Wallace

“He came up to me at practice, and he just gave me a hard time,” Pappanastos said. “That was the number he wore in college. And he’s like, ‘I’m a lot better athlete than you.’ That was funny.” Some stories are like this. Saban jokes with his players from time to time. For every laughing moment however, there is an equal one where players get chewed out. Cornerback Anthony Averett’s was not a laughing moment. It showed him just how much Saban strives for perfection and demands it from his players. "I got an interception at practice and, I mean, I thought it was a good play,” Averett said. “I was thinking about the outcome, I got the interception, what can you be mad about? And he's just critiquing me, getting on me about my technique, yelling at me – can't really say what he really said – he's just getting on me. Other than that, I mean, I was like 'OK, I thought I did a good job.'" Averett and the defensive backs get a heavy dose of Saban in their careers. RESIDENT SAND VOLLEYBALL INDIVIDUAL RESORT PARKING Saban played that position and spends COURT LEASES STYLE POOL a lot of practice teaching them. This can sometimes lead to trash talk and competition between players. CW / Sam MacDonald SABAN STATS

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Linebacker Rashaan Evans is a part of a senior class that has only lost four games. CW / Hannah Saad Senior class prepares for its fi nal home game

By Matthew Speakman | Sports Editor on the effect the seniors have had on to be nice to have my familyily here, and Alabama’s program. we’re really going to enjoyoy it. But at Every year, Alabama reloads and “This group has made a tremendous the end of the day, I’m comingoming to do rebuilds. The team is designed to contribution to the success of the my best and hopefully we’lle’ll look ggoodood have no drop-off from year to year. It program, not only in how they’ve and move on.” has maintained a level of dominance played and performed but how This class, like mostst Alabama that has been unparalleled in they’ve represented the University senior classes as of late, is defined by college football. on and off the field,” Saban said. its wins. They process opponentsponents and Lost in all of that is the dedication “They’ve provided a tremendous rarely feel defeat. Still, emotionsmotions will the players put in to make sure the amount of leadership for the young most likely run high for seniorenior day. team stays the course. In some cases, players. We haven’t had a lot of “The only thing that gets me players dedicate four years of their issues and problems with any of is when I go out there to shake lives to Alabama. Some get noticed these guys. They’ve really been great hands and say hi to theirr parents, with awards, but some fly under the ambassadors for the University.” give them a hug and a kiss to radar. Among the seniors is kicker their moms that it justt seems For those players, senior day Andy Pappanastos. Pappanastos like yesterday that we wereere just marks a special time. The players transferred to Alabama after his recruiting them, and it justst goes get recognized on the field with by so fast,” Saban said. “But I their family in front of fans who have think we have a tremendousendous supported them for most of their amount of guys in thiss class careers. This group has that are going to be successfulcessful For defensive back Anthony in life and that’s the goal of our Averett, having his parents with him made a program here.” will be a full-circle moment. Saban said that is one of “My emotions are going to be very tremendous the defining characteristicseristics high,” Averett said. “I’ve been here of senior day. He, and a lot of for a while, my fifth year. I remember contribution to members of Alabama’s coachingaching my first time I came here [to] Bryant- staff, builds relationshipsps with Denny, I think it was recruiting, think the player’s parents. Afterter all, it was in 2012 or 2013 spring game. the success of the a coach has to convince not only That was my first time here and that the player, but his familyy that the was really blessful. Now my family is program. school is right for him. going to be here for this last game, so As another senior day rolls around, it’s going to be fun.” - Nick Saban Saban said that is what makesakes him the This senior class has gone 50-4 most emotional. over its four years so far. The class “We’re kind of in partnership was instrumental in Alabama making with the parents,” Saban said. the College Football Playoff every redshirt sophomore year. In his first “We’re trying to help ourr players be year since its inception in 2014. This year, he sat behind kicker Adam successful. We don’t get too see them a class also had a big hand in Alabama Griffith. In his final year, he has lot, but sometimes you communicateommunicate winning the national championship in provided consistency on special with them and it’s alwayss good to see 2015. teams. them again and see howw proudproud theythey Last season, many players from the He has made 15 of his 19 attempts. are, of not only their son beingeing a player 2017 class, including Averett, had an Five of his field goals have come here, but also we’ve had a really highhigh important role in the team making it beyond 40 yards. success rate of our playerss graduating to the national championship. “Senior day is going to be important and it’s a really good familymily moment Head coach Nick Saban reflected for me,” Pappanastos said. “It’s going for everyone.” CW / Sam MacDonald PAGE 8 GAMEDAY 2017

Keith Holcombe to replace injured linebacker By Cody Estremera | Assistant Sports Editor done and do whatever I have to do to get a win.” After Hamilton fractured his knee against LSU, In Alabama’s opener against Florida State, weakside Holcombe moved back into the starting lineup and has linebacker Rashaan Evans went down with a groin had to find chemistry with Evans. injury. Alabama turned to Keith Holcombe, and "With me and Keith, I feel like we're starting to get he delivered. a chance to just gel now,” Evans said. “I feel like this After Evans’ injury, Holcombe came up with a game [the win over Mississippi State] was probably tackle and a pass breakup, but most importantly, he the most important for us to just play with each other, recovered a fumble late in the third quarter that set up learn [from] each other, the different calls we make, one of Alabama’s two touchdowns on the day. how we fit gaps. Kind of like the chemistry [I] had “I mean we knew we’d be rotating and stuff like that, with Shaun Dion. We kind of knew each other, how we but if he goes down, the next guy’s got to be ready and kind of fed off each other. And with the fact that he's that’s how we have to be for the rest of the season,” gone now, me and Keith can really just focus on me Holcombe said after Evans’ injury. and him." Evans has been a huge player for Alabama in his One of the biggest roles that Hamilton filled was time at Alabama, totaling 108 tackles and 13 sacks. being the defensive signal caller. Holcombe is now Holcombe had to find a way to replace him, and it embracing that role. started with middle linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton. “It's just something that I have to take on myself that “I think it was pretty smooth with me and Shaun,” I have to step up to the plate,” Holcombe said. “Like Holcombe said. “We’ve been playing together for we've always said about the entire season because a while, I mean all the way back to the Alabama- injuries have been happening, it's the next man up. Mississippi All-Star Game. I just thought it was the If that's me or some younger guys or anybody on our coolest thing ever getting out there, actually talking to defense, we just have to step up, get comfortable and him. Like having, like you said, a second language. But do our job."’ we all just kind of gel, pretty much the entire defense, One way that Holcombe plans to fill that role is by to be honest, clicked and gelled once we got into a studying more film. Keith Holcombe replaces Shaun Dion Hamilton as Alabama’s starting linebacker. rhythm, and we need to keep that momentum going.” Holcombe has started three games this year and has CW / Sam MacDonald Since then Holcombe has been a key part of the averaged just over seven tackles a game. He knows he depleted linebacker core. He is ninth on the team He has been a coach’s player of the week seven times can fit into the starting lineup; he’s done it before. with 36 tackles and leads all linebackers with three this season, six on special teams and once on defense. "I've done it before,” Holcombe said. “I do whatever pass breakups. The one time on defense came against Colorado State, the coaches need me to do. And, earlier in the season The Tuscaloosa native’s first career start at where he led the team with nine tackles. with Razor [Rashaan Evans] going down, it prepared linebacker came against Fresno State. There he “It tells me I’m doing my job,” Holcombe said. “That’s me to get ready for this. I know I can play, I'm totaled a career-high 10 total tackles; three on special what they throw me out there to do: make calls, get my comfortable with the defense and I'm looking forward teams and seven on defense. job done and do whatever I need to do to get my job to the opportunity." GAMEDAY 2017 PAGE 9 PLAYERS TO WATCH By James Ogletree and Joe Klingbeil | CW Staff ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE C Bradley Bozeman It’s been nearly fi ve years since Bozeman planted his stakes in Tuscaloosa, and on Saturday it will be his last game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The big guy from Roanoke, Alabama said the game will be emotional, but he is focused on the task at hand: beating Mercer. Bozeman was named by multiple media outlets including ESPN and AP as midseason All-American and has graded out at an 85.6 as a center. He has been the constant on an offensive line that is leading the way for a run game that averages over 270 yards a game. Even though the Crimson Tide will be without guard Ross Pierschbacher for the fi rst time all season, Bozeman exuded confi dence in back up J.C. Hassenauer. The senior has been a staple for this Crimson Tide offense, and also a leader. It will be the last time he lines up between the numbers at Bryant-Denny, so watch out for Bozeman. RB Josh Jacobs JK Scott is Alabama’s all time leading punter with 10,287 yards. CW / Sam MacDonald It may not be his last game in Bryant-Denny, but keep an eye out on the Crimson Tide’s sophomore running back. He, along with the entire Crimson Tide offense, was stymied by the LSU Tigers’ defense two weeks ago and was MERCER BEARS held to just three yards on the ground. Jacobs got back on track last week against Mississippi State, rushing for 36 yards and a touchdown on only six QB Kaelan Riley As a redshirt freshman starting the season opener, Riley became just the second carries. The total may not seem like a whole lot, but it’s just what Nick Saban quarterback to take a snap for Mercer in the last 70 years. You read that right; the is looking for out of Jacobs. Saban raves about Jacobs and his willingness to do Bears’ football program was dissolved in 1941 due to World War II and did not return whatever it takes to benefi t the team. He is a great change-of-pace guy who can until 2013. The same quarterback, John Russ, started all 46 games from 2013 to 2016, but run around you and through you if you take him lightly. He has 214 yards on the graduated last year. So far, Riley has transitioned well to the college game, accumulating ground this season in the seven games he has played in, but also has 114 yards the fourth-most passing yards in the Southern Conference. He boasts a 13:7 touchdown- receiving out the backfi eld. With Mercer coming to town, expect Jacobs to get to-interception ratio and a 61.7% completion percentage. Head coach Nick Saban said a bigger dose of carries and catccatches. es. after the narrow win over MississippiMississipp State that mobile quarterbacks present a problem because the defense has an extra gap to defend. Riley certainly fi ts that description, with LB Rashaan Evans 74 carries for 183 yards and four touchdownstouch in 10 games this season. Evans will be playing hiss fi nal game in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, but itt seems like the linebacker just arrived. Evans has waitededed hhisisis tturnurrn anaandnd “t“trustedruuststede tthehehe WR/KR Chandler Curtis A dynamic playmaker for the Bears, Curtis is one of the team’s top two receivers process” and now stands ass an elite defender for the and its primary punt and kickoffkick returner. His 37 receptions this season ranks Crimson Tide. His ability too play the inside linebacker second on the team, just behind Marquise Irvin’s 39. Of the team’s 24 kickoff returns, and edge position has made Evans a versatile threat that CurtisCuCurtrtisis isis responsiblereesppononsisiblble fofforor 15115,5, gaggainingai an average of 24.3 yards per return. He is even every quarterback is lookingng for on every play. Evans betterbetterer at returning punts, rankranking fourth in the FCS with 16.5 yards per return. He has played in only eight gameses this season and his has tatakenakek n fi ve returns to the house in his four years at Mercer, including four as 9.5 tackles for loss from the linebacker position a frfreshmanese hman in 2014, when hhe became Mercer’s fi rst All-American. He has been is tops on the defense. He ranks fourth on inn or near the SouthernSouther Conference lead in all-purpose yards all season the team in tackles with 45, and second on andanand was the conference’sconferenc special teams player of the week last week, with the team with fi ve sacks. With all of the 174171 4 yardsyards on sevensevenn returns.retetu It remains to be seen, however, if he can bust injuries that have curtailedd the seasons a return loose oror take the top off the defense against the No. 1 team in for some Crimson Tide linebackers,ackers, Evans the country. has provided a much-neededd staple on the defense. Evans said earlier in the week that he and the other linebackersbackers will LBLB LLeeee BBennettennett HavingHaHavivinng mademada e the second-mostseco tackles on the team in each of the last two need to communicate better and fi x some years (67 in 22015010 5 and 63 in 2016), Bennett was certainly no bench-warmer. It things, so look for Evans to make the might look tthathah t way, ththough, compared to his 102 tackles through 10 games necessary adjustments duringng the fi nal this year. TThathhat total leleads the team by a large margin – the next most by home game of his career. a Bears dedefenderfef nder is 880 – and ranks 13th in the FCS… but wait. There’s more. NeNearlyarrly ttwo-thirdswowo-th of that production has come in the last fi ve P JK Scott gagames,mes, in whwwhichicch BeBBennette has exceeded 15 tackles three times and made Out of all the seniors who will play an eye-peye-poppingopppiingn 64 total tackles. For context, that mark of 12.8 tackles their fi nal game in Bryant-Dennynt-Denny pepperer gagamemee would rarank third in both the FCS and the superior FBS. He Stadium Saturday afternoon,n, Scott eaearnedrnedd SSouthernouthern Conference defensive player of the week honors will most likely warrant the loudest last wweekeeek for his performance against Western Carolina: 16 tackles, applause. The senior from DenvDenvererr a fumble rrecoveryececove and his fourth career interception. And before has been a fan favorite everr sinsincecece someone sasaysysy iit was all against inferior opponents, Bennett made his fi rst game four short yearsrs agagogo nine tactacklesklleses aandn a sack against Auburn, which boasts an offensive against West Virginia. Hee hahhass line argarguablyuauablb y on equal footing with Alabama’s. racked up an Alabama careerreer record 10,287 punting yards and has been a model of consistencyncy DL IsaiahIsaiah Buehler Buehler,BuBuehler a redshirt junior defensive end, was named to the at the punter position. It is stilltill All-SouthernAll-Sout Conference Second Team in the preseason. He a wonder how Scott has neverer leads Mercer in sacks (5.5) and total tackles for loss (7.5), won the Ray Guy award foror all ofo which have come in the last eight games. He also the nation’s best punter,r, hashah s a forced fumble, a pass breakup and six additional but he is putting together a quarterbackqu hits this year. The Bears’ defensive senior season that is more thanhan coachingco staff moves him around the defensive line, deserving of the distinct award. bubut he sees his most snaps at right defensive end, Scott is currently second in the mmatched up against left tackles and left guards. That country in number of puntss landed means he’lhe’ll likely see a lot of Alabama senior J.C. Hassenauer, inside the 20-yard line. If youu are going who has played in 222 games in his career but will be making his fi rst to the game, make sure youou take in a start on Saturday. TeammatesTeamma complimented Hassenauer’s performance in Scott punt one last time in Bryant-Denny. relief of Ross Pierschbacher after last week’s win over Mississippi State, saying He has been one of the best to ever punt in a there was “no drop off,” but ththe Alabama offensive line has still been shaky as of crimson jersey. late, giving up nine sacks in itsit last two games. PAGE 10 GAMEDAY 2017

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REBECCAR RAKOWITZRA Guest Picker News Editor ArDarius Stewart has returned. free pictures AND autographs WITH ARDARIUS STEWART at the corner on bryant drive 11.18.17 brought to you by 3 pm-5 pm GAMEDAY 2017 PAGE 11 BEHINDBEHIND ENEMYENEMY LINESLINES The Mercer Cluster’s Hayes Rule talks Alabama

By Matthew Speakman | Sports Editor Legion of Chaos. Isaiah Buehler and Dorian Kithcart have been fantastic Alabama is coming off a dramatic on the defensive line all year, and win against Mississippi State. On the the linebacking trio of Lee Bennett, horizon is a winner-take-all Iron Bowl. LaMarkus Bailey and Will Coneway has Before that happens, Alabama has to been very strong. One thing to watch play Mercer. Earlier in the year, Mercer for is turnovers. The Bears forced five faced off against Auburn in a sluggish turnovers against Auburn, which is 24-10 loss. Still, Mercer was able to force truly the sole reason they were able five turnovers and give the Tigers a to stick around in that contest. Mercer scare. To get more insight on Mercer, does an outstanding job of stripping we talked to Hayes Rule of the Mercer the ball. Cluster, the Bears’ student newspaper. Here is what he had to say: What do you think Mercer Q: has to do to keep this What do you make of Mercer game competitive? Q: scheduling two big-time programs in Alabama and Auburn Offensively, they need to stay this season? A: within the chains and not make any big mistakes. Mercer won It’s bold, but necessary. the turnover battle against Auburn, A: Mercer, in only its fifth season so it will need to do that again, but since re-establishment, is trying to do it also needs to slow this game down its best to get its name out there on a and keep it low-scoring. Mercer is not bigger stage. What better way to do going to score many points against this that than play two of the best teams Alabama defense, so it will look to in the SEC? Mercer usually tries to control the clock if possible. Although schedule only one money game each Hayes Rule is the sports editor for The Cluster, Mercer University’s student newspaper. they should stick to that strategy, season, but when Alabama offered Photo courtesy of Hayes Rule they also cannot be afraid to take a a contract for 2017 and 2021, Mercer couple deep shots throughout the couldn’t turn that down. I think it’s a He has been solid overall, Each one can do a little bit outing. That was something Mercer great thing for the program. It brings A: even for a non-freshman. A: of everything. The offense really didn’t do against Auburn, in $600,000 for the athletics program, Considering he is a freshman, is known for shorter, quick passes, and I think it possibly could have exposes Mercer’s name on a bigger what he has done has been really and Chandler Curtis excels at that. changed the outcome of that game stage and is a great recruiting tool. impressive. Other than one or He’s arguably one of the best punt if they had done so. The defense two games this season, he has returners in the FCS. But he can will battle and be scrappy. Are the players confident been plenty capable of leading the also beat you over the top, so Q: that they can compete with offensive charge. He has taken you can’t sleep on him. Irvin is the Finally, give us a score Alabama considering the way they care of the ball well – seven bigger-bodied receiver of the entire Q: prediction and why you played against Auburn? interceptions – which is a major plus. bunch and will be a key in the redzone. chose that. But Mercer hasn’t exactly kept him He has scored against Georgia Tech I think it’s fair to say on a leash. The Bears have allowed and Auburn. Alabama 45-10. Mercer’s A: everyone knows Alabama him to throw it deep. They weren’t A: defense is good enough to not is the bigger, faster and stronger ultra aggressive against Auburn, Alabama has struggled to pass allow Alabama to run up the score team. But that doesn’t mean though, and I expect – Coach Lamb Q: protect its last two games. Can that badly, although it’s obviously an Mercer is simply going to lie down. I said this in the weekly press a guy like Isaiah Buehler expose that incredibly difficult challenge for the expect them to come out swinging and conference, too – that Mercer and force Jalen Hurts to make plays Bears. Expect Mercer to be scrappy use that Auburn game as a confidence will employ that same strategy with his feet? at the start and hang in for the first booster. The defense is feisty and will against Alabama. quarter, but I think Alabama’s talent try to hang with Alabama’s offense. The calling card of this team and depth will prove to be too much How tough is it to defend the A: is certainly the defense, in the second, third and fourth What have you made of Kaelen Q: receiving duo of Marquise Irvin specifically the front seven. They quarters for it to be competitive Q: Riley’s performance this year? and Chandler Curtis? call themselves the L.O.C., or the near the end.

MERCER STATS + PLAN TO GO

• The last time the two teams met was in WHAT: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Mercer Bears 1940. WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. • The Bears are 5-5 this season. • The Bears rushed for 1,703 yards and 21 WHERE: Bryant-Denny Stadium touchdowns. SENIOR DAY: At this game, the seniors of the • Quarterback Kaelan Riley has thrown for Alabama Crimson Tide football team will be 1,986 yards and 13 touchdowns. recognized. PAGE 12 GAMEDAY 2017 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF VOLUME 124 | ISSUE 21 ALABAMA SINCE 1894 SGA 7 CAMPUS 9 SPORTS 10 The SGA has released elections Students start a petition to keep Three cross country runners results that are inconsistent the Introduction to Southern work together to achieve with the number of voters Studies class for the spring their goals on the course

Margaret Atwood returns to Tuscaloosa to discussdiscuss her work SSEEEE PAPAGEGE 3

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Before her rise to fame, Margaret Atwood served as a professor at The University of Alabama. Working as the visiting Master of Fine Arts chair, she fostered students pursuing a Master of fine arts degree in cre- ative writing, helping them to enhance their craft. During her one year at the University in 1985, Atwood would also finish writing her novel that would still remain powerful in relevance 30 years after its publication, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Now, 32 years after publishing the novel, Atwood returned to Tuscaloosa to talk about her many writing endeavors, and the stories behind her most well known creations. Atwood addressed a crowd in the Bama Theater on Tuesday where she spoke about finishing the novel on campus. She said the first person she showed it to was a professor, but, she was apprehensive about publishing it.

I told her I was afraid I would get in trouble publishing the book. She

told me I would make a lot Earlier in the day, Tuscaloosa residents members interacted with Atwood in Morgan Hall. CW / Anna Rahkonen of money. extremely exciting. the issues she talks about,” Bonitz said. Preluding Atwood’s visit to the University, a stu- After the event ended, Atwood stayed for nearly dent-led reading circle read “The Handmaid’s Tale” two hours to ensure those who wanted a book signed and discussed the novel. They also watched the first got the opportunity. - Margaret Atwood episode of the novel’s Hulu television series, in which Atwood appears. Hulu released the show earlier this year, and Atwood confirmed the second season is The fact that she wrote it so “I told her I was afraid I would get in trouble pub- already in production. lishing the book,” Atwood told the audience. “She told Atwood said the show carries as much weight as long ago and keeps up with me I would make a lot of money.” the novel with its view of a dystopian future. She said Even after Atwood left the University, her work that, with the current political climate, the nervous- its relevance shows how continued to have an impact on campus through the ness remained from when she first decided to publish Blount Undergraduate Initiative. Jennifer Andress, the novel. much she cares about the an Alabama alumna who was also involved in Blount, “After Nov. 8, [2016] the cast and crew said they issues she talks about. said it was well worth it. were now filming a different show,” Atwood said. “As a Blount alumni, she mentioned a lot of things She went on to say that she believes in the resil- that we talked about in the program, and it’s cool how ience of the American people and hopes that people UA keeps us interested,” Andress said. will go out and vote next time. - Faith Bonitz Jessica Lawrence, an Alabama alumna and AP “Nobody can really predict the future, it’s not pos- Literature teacher in Arab, Alabama, said she sible to anticipate what will happen,” Atwood said. drove two and a half hours to hear Atwood speak Faith Bonitz, a junior human development major “We were surprised at how many people came and but said it was worth it. During her time at the who is also in the Blount Undergraduate Initiative, how excited they were,” said John Estes, director of University,University, LLawrenceawrence was iinvolvednvolved iinn tthehe BlBlountount sasaidid sshehe enenjoyedjoyed llearningearning more aaboutbout AtAtwood’swood’s concon-- ththee undergraduateundergraduate creacreativetive wrwritingiting proprogram.gram. Undergraduate Initiative, where she first read nnectionection to hherer work. TheThe organizers of tthehe event saisaidd ttheirheir goagoall was for “The Handmaid’s Tale.” She said getting to see it “The“The fact tthathat sshehe wrote it so llongong ago anandd keeps up ““MargaretMargaret to get to be Margaret,” anandd ttheyhey bebelievedlieved come full circle and getting to hear from her was wwithith its relevancerelevance showsshows hhowow mucmuchh sshehe cares about ththeyey succeesucceeded.ded.

Atwood partook in several speaking engage- ments throughout Tuscaloosa during her recent visit. CW / Anna Rahkonen Editor | Marissa Cornelius [email protected] 4 Thursday, November 16, 2017 OPINIONS

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Do you think Collin Sexton lived up to the hype in his Alabama Basketball debut? Why or why not? Tweet us your opinions!

Uncle Chris @Chipinbama No. He bricked his fi rst Tribune News Service shot and I immediately COLUMN | CAMPUS wished we hadn’t signed Students should rethink support pets him. In recent years, college students with ESA licenses are often afforded Emma Royal | Staff Columnist have been circumventing apartment the same privileges as those with pet policies by obtaining ESA IDs or service dogs. Will Jones The holiday season can be a certificates for their pets. Many of these Untrained ESAs that are brought into challenging time for college students, students do not have legitimate reasons environments with other animals may @WAJ_12 especially those who struggle with their for owning an ESA and simply desire attack or be disruptive to the general mental health. Personally, when the the companionship that comes with pet public, giving a bad name to those Bama basketball calendar turns to November, there is ownership. who genuinely need service animals, nothing I’d like more than to drive three Wanting a pet is fine. Wanting to save including ESAs. Abusing the system for continues to become hours home and cuddle with my dog. an animal from being put down is even your personal gain hurts everyone in Many students miss their furry friends so better. Accomplishing this by keeping the long run. fun to watch again, and much that they consider adopting one of a pet cooped up in a small apartment UA students who want animal their own to relieve homesickness while not designed for containing animals for companionship or to help shelter pets Collin is defi nitely helping they’re away at college. hours on end is not OK. have plenty of options that don’t involve straining their resources for an animal Though it is noble to want to save an However, it is unfair to insinuate with that. He’s explosive, that deserves better. The Tuscaloosa animal from life in a shelter and possible that all college students who have Metro Animal Shelter needs your euthanasia, it is irresponsible for students obtained an illegitimate ESA license exciting, and very donations. Currently, the shelter is to continue to assume that pets are not a are irresponsible pet owners. Some holding a competition with the Lee students have easier schedules and entertaining. full-time job. It is especially irresponsible County Humane Society to raise are not away from home for longer to register an untrained animal as an money alongside Iron Bowl festivities. emotional support animal in order to than a few hours and have the time Volunteers are always needed to clean circumvent apartment pet policies. and resources to make sure that their and play with the animals at the shelter. Emotional Support Animals, or animals are living happy, healthy lives. Monetary donations ensure that the Matthew Knight ESAs, can be wonderful resources for That being said, ESAs that have not been animals there can lead happy and those who are suffering from mental properly trained also pose a threat to healthy lives until they are adopted by @matthewknight14 disorders. Veterans suffering with post- the service animal community. Keeping individuals and families that have the traumatic stress disorder may find ESAs an illegitimate ESA in an apartment is capacity to care for them. His name literally to be particularly comforting companions one thing. Bringing your illegitimate If you believe that you may be during their transitions to civilian life. ESA to places where it does not belong in legitimate need of an ESA, the translates to “order a Petting your dog is even scientifically because you can is quite another. University provides counseling proven to have tangible benefits; a 2001 Dogs that have not been specifically services that can direct you to the bunch of prostitutes.” American Heart Association study found trained as service animals may behave correct resources. Your impact on that pet ownership can both reduce unpredictably. Certified ESAs have people struggling with their mental I have a tough time stress and increase oxytocin levels in the fewer legal privileges than service health and animals in need of stable endorsing that at all, brain. Animal interaction can even help animals and are not technically allowed homes is exactly what you make it. reduce hypertension. Therapy animals to go everywhere with their owners Make sure it is a responsible one. regardless of play. are excellent healing tools, provided you like service dogs are, but they have have the right resources to train and care become more socially acceptable in Emma Royal is a junior majoring in for them. recent years. Because of this, those journalism. Her column runs biweekly.

EDITORIAL BOARD WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Elizabeth Elkin editor-in-chief Nick Privitera production editor Send submissions to [email protected]. published. The Crimson White reserves the right to Sam West managing editor MK Holladay visuals editor Submissions must include the author’s name, edit all guest columns and letters to the editor. The Jake Stevens digital editor Alise Wenner chief copy editor year, major and daytime phone number. Phone opinions contained on this page do not represent the Marissa Cornelius opinions editor numbers are for verification and will not be editorial position of The Crimson White Media Group. OPINIONS Thursday, November 16, 2017 5 Students should all appreciate the little things majors and whether or not they’ll actu- opening the card, a hand-written note Believe in the small things, because Christina Ausley | Staff Columnist ally take us big places one day. We ques- read: one day, all of those small things, all of tion whether our dreams are feasible, “Christina, those little actions, all of the misshaped I can admit without hesitation that whether we’re capable, whether or not Your article in The Crimson White puzzle pieces will slide into place and my world for the past 20 years or so we’re actually making a difference. was everything we could hope for and was relatively small, as was my aware- more. We’ve had new customers in who ness of it. This past weekend, however, mentioned your article. Thank you so I found myself overlooking the city sky- much, you were fun to work with and Believe that the line of New York City. At the end of the talk to. Please come back soon. Suddenly, my all-too-familiar small Thank you, the ladies of The Book amplifi cation of world became much, much larger. day, I force Rack” One thing and one thing only came And with that, the world became won- just one life is to mind: how in the world do my small myself to believe derfully small again. daily actions play any kind of real sig- At the end of the day, I force myself to an act of value in nificance in such a massive world? How people read believe people read magazines. I force is it our actions on a day-by-day basis myself to believe the little articles mat- play into a world full of skyscrapers, ter. I force myself to believe mankind this world. thousands of businessmen and women magazines. cares about culture and travel and bustling to and from work and countries the anthropology of human societies and people we may never touch or inter- beyond our own. act with in our lifetime? No matter the hurt done to me or the Significance. It was a word all too After a weekend full of local restau- hurt done to others, I force myself to the picture will become crystal clear. familiar. A word that suddenly haunted rants, streetside strolls and a hand- believe in the absolute highest potential Do not get swept up in the enormity me, a word that weighed heavily, a word ful of bagels, I made my way back to of every individual I encounter. There’s of our world. It has been made and cre- that followed me. How am I, how is what Tuscaloosa and fumbled into my house nothing better than getting that one ated to go beyond our dreams and capa- I do – how is what we do – significant. somewhere around two in the morning, seed who exceeds your expectations bilities so that our potential remains In New York, a city where I could one bags in hand. I glanced at my mail on and restores your faith in the capabili- limitless. Believe that the amplification day end up following journalism, I sud- the side table, slipped the envelope in ties of mankind despite the letdowns. of just one life is an act of value in this denly found myself questioning all the between my teeth and worked my way One time, that’s all it takes. One per- world, even if that’s your own. little articles and small stories I had up the stairs to my bedroom. I dropped son. One moment. One day, you’ll receive your own written – stories like those of little hid- my bags, crawled into bed and slid open We’ll take part in a lot of small doings corgi card, and everything will be den gems, book shops and coffee nooks. my envelope. throughout our lives, and whether we worth it. Perhaps this is a concern many of us, I was greeted by a corgi on the face realize it or not, these doings lead us especially in our early twenties, seem to of a card. From the corgi’s mouth hung to that one action or moment or person Christina Ausley is junior majoring in face. We question the significance of our a sign with a simple “thank you.” After that changes everything. journalism. Her column runs biweekly.

Stand out in the crowd Shopgameday attire at theTrunk Show boutique atThesupestore NEWS 6 Thursday, November 16, 2017

University student takes on grueling triathalon

By Camille Studebaker | Staff Reporter It was dark when she crossed the age 10 by her year-round swim coach president finished, everyone was cry- finish line. She could not feel any of and did them during summers in ing. This experience led her to sign She began by lining up in the her body because it was numb. up for one for the next year. Pacific Ocean ten seconds before “It was really hard to walk,” she “It’s just so cool to see everyone the start. Packed so tight next to her said. “I almost couldn’t step because finish, so I was just like, I don’t know, competitors, she could hardly move I was so beat up.” So I got on top of this is a bucket list kind of thing to as they treaded water. She saw a video of herself finish- do, so I’m going to do it,” she said. Doubt filled Jessica Lambert’s ing, and she was crying and looked this giant hill, they “So I decided I wanted to finish one, mind as she got ready to participate confused. She forgot to put sun- didn’t have my bag; so I signed up and ended up doing it.” in the 140.6-mile Ironman World screen on parts of her body, so her The training for both Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii. First, forearms and a big portion of her it was just so hard. Florida and Ironman Kona was chal- the professionals went. Then the right thigh got badly sunburned. She lenging. Running 20 miles a day or men’s group went, then finally the went to the massage tent after she I kind of cried at biking 50 miles a day takes up lots women’s group. Once the race start- finished and had a guy massage her of time, and it takes tedious schedul- ed, it was so aggressive that she could for almost an hour, but he could not that point, but you ing. She and her roommate Monica hardly take a stroke. Competitive work on her right thigh because it just got to keep Vermillion, a senior majoring in athletes were on top of each other was too sunburned. Then her boy- chemical engineering, had to plan trying to pull her down. friend took her in a wheelchair back going and just enjoy their class schedule according to Halfway through the 2.4-mile swim, to the car. their training schedule with classes the waves kicked in and made her Her finish time was 13 hours and it for what it is. only on Tuesday and Thursday so nauseous. Next up was the 112-mile 49 minutes. The previous year, at they could have Monday, Wednesday bike ride in 96-degree heat with Ironman Florida, where she quali- and Friday to train. plenty of hills. The biking portion is fied for the world championship, she - Jessica Lambert Vermillion, also a member of the supposed to have a stop where par- finished in 13 hours and 11 minutes. triathlon club, trained and participat- ticipants get a bag of things they will Though it was slower than her quali- ed in Ironman Florida with Lambert. need to keep going, but they some- fying time, she said she was happy “It made us closer because it was how lost her bag. with her end time at Kona, given the something we were both working “So I got on top of this giant hill, conditions. high school. In college, she decided toward,” Vermillion said. “Training they didn’t have my bag; it was just “This was an incredible experi- to focus on triathlons. isn’t this super fun thing always; just so hard,” said Lambert, a senior ence,” Lambert said. “It’s kind of She joined the University’s triath- the amount of discipline it takes is majoring in exercise science. “I kind hard to explain that atmosphere of lon club her freshman year, and the really hard to find on your own.” of cried at that point, but you just got the Ironman.” president of the club ran the Ironman For Lambert, her training and sub- to keep going and just enjoy it for Lambert grew up swimming and that year. They all volunteered, and sequent completion of the Ironman what it is.” running. She did year-round swim- she thought it was the coolest World Championship is not as Last was the 26.2-mile run. Running ming up until high school, and atmosphere. The wind was complicated or intense as some is her strong suit for ironman dis- then participated in cross so bad the swim got can- might think. tance. She said it hurt too badly to country, swimming and celed, and despite it “It’s really just one foot in front of go from walking to running, so she track. She was introduced being miserably cold the other,” Lambert said. “You just only ran. to triathlons around and windy, when the got to keep going.”

Photo Illustration CW / MK Holladay Jessica Lambert competed in the 2017 Ironman World Championship. CW / Emma Junck NEWS Thursday, November 16, 2017 7

College of Education Graduate School Senate Election Senate Election

700 350 600 300 500 250 400 200 300 150 200 100 100 50

534 662 166 219 number of number of number of number of voters votes cast voters votes cast

Information courtesy of SGA Elections Board SGA election results seemingly inconsistent

By CW Staff timelines set by the elections manual. Within the same statement, the SGA reassured The SGA has released seemingly the public the Elections Board “has been inconsistent results from last month’s special and will remain committed to fairness and Senate election. This follows an order from transparency in elections at The University the Student Judiciary on Monday to release of Alabama.” required elections results for the special “We take full responsibility for these Senate election and homecoming election. The mistakes,” their statement read. “This order was given after University student Ryan committee has always and will always work, in Truitt submitted a “Motion to Compel,” urging good faith, for the betterment of the electoral the Judiciary to release such a ruling. system at The University of Alabama.” In both Senate elections – which were held Students concerned about the Board’s to fill seats that were not filled in the spring transparency now have a chance to view fall election – the numbers of votes cast exceeded elections results for both the homecoming the number of voters. In the College of queen and the special Senate election and Education election, 534 people voted and 662 will be given the standard two days to appeal votes were cast – 128 more votes than there the results. were voters. In the Graduate School election, The Board also released financial 166 people voted and 219 votes were cast – 53 disclosure forms for candidates for senate more votes than there were voters. and homecoming queen. Five of the nine Ethan Fialkow, chair of the Elections Board, candidates said they spent no money on their said this discrepancy happened because campaign. The four remaining candidates, students were allowed to vote for more than Mackenzie Brannan, Alex Smith, Shelby one candidate. McPhail and Abigail Greenberg, spent $40, “Each student that voted was able to cast a $95.95, $221.92, and $350 respectively. vote for each available seat,” Fialkow said. Students concerned about the Board’s Allowing students to vote more than once transparency this past spring will, to this point seems to be in violation of the SGA Constitution, in time, not be given more information about Article VIII, Section 2, Subsection B. the election. “Students may cast one vote for the Senate While students such as Truitt seek answers in their primary college of enrollment,” the concerning last semester’s highly contested document reads. SGA presidential election, the Elections Board For the College of Education, the top two and Student Judiciary have said their hands candidates were awarded seats in the Senate. are tied because of changes in office in both The two candidates receiving the most votes positions since last semester. were Shelby McPhail and Madison Soto, Chief Justice Eleanor Bowers cited her receiving 337 and 319 votes respectively. inauguration as a leading reason behind In the special Senate election for the keeping the spring election results concealed Graduate School, the top two candidates from the public. Bowers, a senior majoring receiving votes were Jennifer Baggett and in political science and history, also stated John Ferretti at 114 and 91 votes respectively. that the resignation of the entire Elections In the fall homecoming queen election, Board last semester seriously hindered the homecoming queen Abigail Greenberg Judiciary’s ability to order the release of received 8,227, close to 75 percent of the votes. spring election results. The number was nearly 7,000 more than the “I just felt that I could really only speak to second place candidate Alex Smith, who fall elections because it is under my term as received 1,451 votes. chief justice,” Bowers said. Votes for homecoming queen were also cast Truitt said he understood the Judiciary’s for “Nick Saban,” “Jesus,” “Donald Trump,” reasoning behind not releasing the spring “:),” “WHO CARES,” “The Machine Controls results, but urged the Elections Board to the campus, democracy in the student release spring 2017 results “as an example of government is a facade,” and over 100 other full transparency for the elections process.” write-in candidates. Additionally, the order required the Jackson Fuentes, Will Jones and Rebecca Elections Board to release a statement Rakowitz contributed reporting to regarding their failure to follow the disclosure this story. Editor | Ellen Johnson [email protected] 8 Thursday, November 16, 2017 CULTURE

The Percussion Ensemble rehearses their collection of diverse and unorthodox music. Photo Courtesy of Emory Hensley

Percussion ensemble makes striking impression By Caroline Smith | Staff Reporter said. “I try to get the folks playing in the group to experience things The UA Percussion Ensemble they haven’t seen or heard before. PLAN TO GO will be sharing a little bit of their I think definitely there is a chance culture with audiences this Friday. for folks coming and listening to see The musical group will use over and hear things that they’ve never What: UA Percussion Ensemble concert 30 different instruments to bring seen before.” an unconventional sound to the More commonly recognized When: Friday at 7:30 p.m. Moody Music Concert Hall in their percussion instruments like snare upcoming concert. drums, xylophones, marimbas and Where: Moody Music Concert Hall The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. bells will be featured in the show Friday. Admission is free to all, alongside more unconventional Admission: Free and there is no expected attire. instruments like air raid sirens, a Undergraduate and graduate variation of an amplified tabletop students alike will come together to and a “lion’s roar,” a drum through present musical arrangements of all which a string is pulled to create a different kinds. roaring sound. Tim Feeney, assistant professor Aaron Levy, a third-year musical of percussion and director of the arts doctoral student, emphasized percussion program, hopes the the wide range of instruments and concert will be a memorable and history that will be represented in enlightening experience for all the concert. who attend. “Some of the music we’re playing is extremely new – written in the past few years,” he said. “But, the piece that I’m conducting is the first I try to get the piece that was written for this style of ensemble way back in the 1930s. folks playing in That’s the oldest piece we’re playing. So, you get a little bit of historical the group to context when you see what can be done now versus what was done experience things about 70 years ago.” Students studying percussion at they haven’t seen the University are required to be part of the Percussion Ensemble because of the impact it has on furthering or heard before. their education. Kayla Liptak, a senior majoring in percussion - Tim Feeney performance, feels that being part of the ensemble has benefitted her learning experience. “I think that being a part of the Percussion Ensemble adds “Come here and see a thing that an element of individuality to my you have not before,” Feeney said. education because it is so much more “I’ve always found myself the most intimate,” Liptak said. “My playing interested and alive by things is a lot more exposed in a smaller that surprise me, and that I didn’t setting like this.” expect, and that I have not seen. Liptak encouraged students to Those experiences are broadening attend to experience the environment and valuable.” that such a performance creates. With the idea of creating a “Students should attend the surprising and attention-grabbing concert because live music is such show, Feeney chose the music for the an incredible experience,” she said. show very intentionally. “You get to be part of the atmosphere “In terms of variety, I try to cast and see everything happen in real as wide a net as I can,” Feeney time. Nothing beats that.” CULTURE Thursday, November 16, 2017 9

American Studies 203 is popular among in-state and out-of-state students for breaking down stereotypes and expanding limited views of southern culture. CW / Emma Junck Southern studies course faces uncertain future By Christina Ausley | Staff Reporter “Students come back and take Jon’s other students to the necessary analysis and as it’s going against things they’ve been classes because they know his classroom break down of southern stereotypes.” learning and believing their entire lives. It For the past two and a half years, UA is a space where you can challenge As the University remains rather vague takes like eight or nine weeks, sometimes professor Jonathan Payne has stood in things and you can talk about things in providing reason why the course will longer, to really see the internalization and front of hundreds of students, highlighting others might wrongfully discourage in a not be offered next semester, students processing and connections the students and engaging in the often misunderstood learning atmosphere.” like Milton are experiencing a state start to make in their own lives.” studies and stereotypes of the South. The discussion-based class intensively of confusion and sympathy alongside As students began applying the course This semester, he leads 68 students in examines southern stereotypes, their professor. to their lives outside the classroom, two sections of American Studies 203, introducing sometimes forgotten groups “We as a class all have limited Richardson noticed a shift in the encouraging discussion and instilling a and concepts of the South. Conversations knowledge on the recent decision, and we class dynamic. sense of community among them. Friday, vary in topic from the role and significance don’t understand or know why the course “It shows in their online posts, their Dec. 8, however, could be his last lecture in of black and women in the South, isn’t being taught next semester, so we’re essays – they’re making connections and this course. to Chinese presence in Mississippi really just shocked,” Milton said. “Whether bringing in things we didn’t necessarily For the first time in a long time, the as early as the 1870s, to Cajun or professor Payne expresses it or not, I can talk about in class but things they see University will not offer American Studies LGBTQ+ culture. tell it hurts him because he loves this class, around them and in the news,” Richardson 203, formerly known as Introduction to he loves teaching this class, and he’s good said. “Students start opening up, being Southern Studies, this spring. Taught for at it.” more vulnerable as a collective class, years at the University, many students, Milton grew up in a small town in benefitting from each other’s personal including sophomore theatre major It absolutely Mississippi and believes the course has experiences and southern identities.” Georgia Lee Milton, are upset by the news. expanded many of her preconceived Payne even hosted a crawfish boil this “It absolutely breaks my heart to know breaks my heart to notions of the South. semester for students in the class. this course won’t be offered next spring,” “I was very close-minded when I first “The whole class is so close,” Milton Milton said. “I feel lucky to be in it now, know this course came into college, yet this class has been said. “Everyone comes to his house and he especially when I’m afraid this may not the most culturally and politically eye- pays for this out of pocket, we cook and eat be the only semester they take it away won’t be offered opening course I have ever been in,” Milton and laugh and talk about things together, from students.” said. “I grew up with a family who taught and I think that says enough in itself about Students have begun passing around a next spring. me a lot of good values, but this class has his dedication to UA students and his petition of interest in the course to gain a shown me so much about this world that I dedication to the course.” sense of how many others would like to take thought I knew so much about.” The value in the American studies the course in the coming semesters as well Other than courses like Women’s Studies department, and its courses, is clear as those who recognize the course’s value. and Southern Landscapes, there is no clear for Payne. As of now, they’ve acquired hundreds - Georgia Lee Milton alternative to the Southern Studies course “I love the American studies department of signatures. discussion and structure offered in the and I think it’s one of the most beneficial “Why wouldn’t you offer this class coming spring. yet underrated departments on campus,” when a majority of our students are now “The course influences students to Payne said. “Honestly it benefits everyone, out of state? Why wouldn’t you want “Most students think we’re going to think more critically about the region they because they critically engage and analyze to learn about where you’re living for teach them how to be in a giant lifted are in, regardless of if they identify as the media and think about things around the next four years?” said Paul Mora, an pickup truck, wear camo and give tips on southern or not,” Payne said. “There’s tons them. We function in a way that tries alumnus of the American studies program hunting deer – that is not what we do in this of things around our campus that need to to get everybody to critically engage and former teaching assistant to Payne. course,” Payne said. “Instead, we introduce be analyzed. Just think about the debate even if they don’t completely agree. All going on about monuments right now.” we ask you to do is think about what The course’s unparalleled structure has you think about.” helped students of all backgrounds and The course serves as a venue for majors develop and grow throughout the exploration and expansion. year, said Athena Richardson. “College is a place to challenge what “It’s a very popular course – as the you’ve learned for the past 18 years,” semester starts it’s always at capacity,” said Richardson said. “It’s not always going to Western boots for Richardson, Payne’s teaching assistant and be comfortable, but Southern Studies is a men and women! second year Master’s student in American place where we allow you to explore that studies. “Students expect the course to and become a different person the day you be one way, and you can initially see the graduate than the one you were coming resistance in the theory we begin teaching into college.” Editor | Matthew Speakman [email protected] 10 Thursday, November 16, 2017 SPORTS

Vincent Kiprop, Gilbert Kigen and Alfred Chelanga take Alabama to the NCAA meet for the fi rst time since 2010. Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics A trio of juniors leads Alabama to nationals

By Ben Stansell | Staff Reporter Division II colleges before transferring Once the trio started preparing to Alabama, while Kigen made his for cross country season, however, Vincent Kiprop, Gilbert Kigen mark as one of thee most decorated they realized that they had the and Alfred Chelanga are practically junior college runnerss of all time before ability to resurrect the men’s inseparable. The three junior cross joining Waters’ team in Tuscaloosa. cross country team and turn the country runners live together, eat Since joining forceses for the Crimson team into a national contender. together and most importantly, run Tide, the three Kenyannyan natives have “He [Waters] was really together. Therefore, it came as no been critical parts of each other’s confident and he talked about surprise when the three friends and development as runners.ers. the track team, putting together fellow teammates stood side by side, by “My teammates have trulytruly helped a stronger one compared to side, after sweeping first, second and me a lot,” Kigen said. “Some days cross country,” Kiprop said. third place at the SEC Championships when I’m not good, they try to push “But coming here we had to in late October. me. Sometimes whenn I’m good, I try to give it all every day. He really Connected by a common background push them and that’s’s what has trultrulyy encouragesencourages us. He was optimisticoptimistic and united in pursuit of a mutual goal, improved my runningg career.” about us and trusted in us in what Alabama’s top trio of runners share The trio’s willingnessness to motivate we did every day and that always an inherent bond that has helped lead and help each otherr improve during pushed us to going for this goal.” them farther this season than they’ve training has paid dividends.vidends. All three Even though the trio is ever run before. were First Team All-SECSEC selections this excited about what they year and each have registeredegistered multiplemultiple can accomplishaccomplish once podium finishes. Kipropprop was awarded the calendar flips to Every run they’ve the SEC Cross Countrytry Men’s Runner track season, they of the Year after placingacing first at the are laser-focused SEC Championships,, while KKigenigen and on the possibility of run stride for Chelanga finished secondcond and third. By leaving Louisville sweeping the podium,, the three runners with a few shinyshiny new stride, every set the stage for Alabamabama to finish 2nd medalsmedals toto bolsterbolster theirtheir overall as a team, its highest finish collections, along with a workout step for since 2010. high overall team finish. Following up a historicoric performance at “This weekend I’m step. the SEC Championships,hips, the trio paved looking forward to the way for Alabamama to finish third finishing maybe in the at the South Regionalnal Championship top three,” ChelanChelangagaa hosted in Tuscaloosaa last week, which said. “It would be more helped the team qualifylify for the NCAA exciting if all of us finish - Dan Waters Championships that is being hosted in in the top three, but the Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday. It is goal is just to make sure the first time since 2010 that Alabama that you’re in the top “Every run they’ve run stride for will compete in the event.vent. five and then maybe stride, every workout step for step,” Although Kiprop,op, KKigenigen and make toptop ten as a Alabama head coach Dan Waters said. Chelanga have helpeded lead Alabama’s team.”team.” “They’re together all of the time. I don’t cross country team backack to regional and Regardless see one without the other.” national prominence, the three Kenyan- of where the All three hailing from different parts natives were recruiteded to the Capstone trio finishes of Kenya – Kiprop, Kigen and Chelanga primarily for their undeniablendeniable abilities at the NCAA – each followed separate yet similar on the track, accordingng to Waters. Championships,Championships, paths that eventually led them to The “These guys werere brought here they will almost University of Alabama. None of the because of what theyey can do on the certainly be runners began their collegiate careers track,” Waters said. “They are special matching strides with competing for the Crimson Tide. Both athletes in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters; one another on and off the track Kiprop and Chelanga raced for separate they proved that last year.” long after the season is over. Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics THURSDAY November 16, 2017 11

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Over 2,000 local fi fth grade students will watch Alabama play Jacksonville. CW / Scarlett Van Meter

Women’s basketball holds annual game for fi fth-graders By James Ogletree | Staff Reporter Throughout the school year, teach- teachers to incorporate our team player takes a shot. ers have been incorporating basket- into their curriculum and [it’s] a “You could stay there for 45 min- Over 2,000 local fifth grade stu- ball-related concepts into their les- chance for our players to get out and utes, an hour or longer,” Curry said. dents will get the chance to watch son plans in math, geography and give back,” head coach Kristy Curry “It just takes time, but it also builds the Alabama women’s basketball other subjects. Players on the team said. “I told our team a while ago, confidence in one another and how team up-close on Thursday when it have also visited the schools to meet ‘Those little eyes are going to be on important free throws are.” hosts the Jacksonville Dolphins in its and interact with the students. you tomorrow... It’s important that Alabama ranked 278th out of 345 annual Fifth Grade Fastbreak game. “[There are] a lot of ways for we’re great role models in how we teams in NCAA Division I last year, handle our energy on the floor.’” shooting 65.7 percent from the free throw line, but that has significant- ly improved this season, currently ranking 73rd at 75 percent. I told our team a Senior forward Ashley Williams while ago, ‘Those said climbing the ladder is a grind that teaches players to show men- little eyes are tal toughness when they need it most, such as being tired at the end going to be on of a close game like they were on Monday night. you tomorrow... She added that everyone on the It’s important that team had complete confidence that Cook would come through we’re great role in the clutch, to which Cook responded by saying she relishes models in how we those opportunities. handle our energy “I think you want to be that go-to player,” Cook said. “You want to have on the fl oor.’ that confidence in yourself and you want your teammates to have that confidence in you, to have the ball in crucial moments like that.” - Kristy Curry Curry said the team scheduled tougher opponents like Jacksonville before its SEC schedule in order to The team enters the game with make an impression on the selection a 2-0 record after a comeback win committee as it selects the NCAA over Utah on Monday night. With Tournament’s 64-team field. the Crimson Tide leading 60-58 in She said the Dolphins, who quali- the waning seconds, senior guard fied for the tournament in 2016, will Hannah Cook and senior forward pose a formidable challenge, and her NeNe Bolton combined to make five team must bring its utmost competi- of six free throws to seal the win. tiveness in order to stay in the game. Curry and her staff heavily empha- “Their intensity and their energy sized free throw shooting all offsea- on both sides of the ball is as good as son and continue to do so in-season. we’ll see, so we’ve got to match and Each day of practice ends with a exceed that and have more posses- drill called “climbing the ladder,” in sions where our energy is at a high which each of the team’s 14 players level, or we’ll get embarrassed,” shoots two free throws. If they fail to Curry Said. make at least 21 of the 28, they start Tipoff between Jacksonville over, and each player who missed a (1-1) and Alabama (2-0) will be free throw runs laps until the next at 11:30 a.m. CT on Thursday in