Pinethe Log Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The Independent Voice of Stephen F. Austin State University thepinelog.com Lumberjack basketball player nominated for award

Photo courtesy of Hardy Meredith/ SFA Marketing Communications Lumberjack guard Dallas Cameron nominated for 2017 Allstate National Association of Basketball Coaches Good Works Team By Parastoo Nikravesh winners. “I was coached there by a coaching staff that was hard News Editor “Coaches and sports information directors nominate on me, taught me important values, life lessons and how to deserving student-athletes for the Allstate NABC and WBCA be a man,” Cameron said. “They saw the potential in me to The bright lights glare down upon them as their sweat Good Works Teams on behalf of their schools,” according to be able to play on the college level, and together we worked drips onto the coliseum floor. The crowd is a cheering mass the NABC website. “The 10-player Allstate NABC and WBCA tirelessly for years to get me to that level.” of purple and white, screaming for another win, for a second Good Works Teams will each feature five student-athletes Cameron has been on the SFA team since 2013 and has chance at something big. from the NCAA Division I level and five student-athletes found his experiences here to go beyond the athleticism of The pressure is particularly immense on one student. As from NCAA Divisions II, III and the NAIA.” the sport. the only senior on a team of new players, he must take the Furthermore, the winners are asked to attend the “I came to SFA because of the rich tradition of winning, lead, guiding his teammates during the game, and during all NABC Convention and NCAA Men’s Final Four where they the welcoming people of the town and because of Desmond aspects of being a devoted community leader. participate in a community project for the city. Haymon and Trey Pinkney who were my hosts. They made SFA student Dallas Cameron was recently nominated for According to Hurley, this is third year SFA will receive a me feel like I was part of the family,” Cameron said. “It’s truly the 2017 Allstate National Association of Basketball a blessing to be a part of the basketball team here Coaches Good Works Team, which recognizes “It’s truly a blessing to be a part of the basketball team at SFA. Along with the success on the court, we college athletes for hard work on and off the field. really have a brotherhood with one another. I’ve “Many times, a student-athlete may only be here at SFA. Along with the success on the court, we been blessed to build relationships that will last characterized by what they do in the framework really have a brotherhood with one another. ” me a lifetime.” of athletics,” Charlie Hurley, assistant director of -SFA basketball player Dallas Cameron Outside of basketball, Cameron is a senior athletic media relations, said. “By being nominated mass communication major with an emphasis in for an award such as this one, it highlights the many journalism. other areas in which a student-athlete, like Dallas, nomination. Previous nominees were Jacob Parker in 2015 “It’s very hard to juggle basketball and my academic excels. It puts on display the tireless effort they put in to so and Thomas Walkup in 2016. But SFA has not yet had an responsibilities,” Cameron said. “Doing well in both many other activities that positively enhance their profile.” individual named to the Allstate NABC Good Works Team. academics and athletics is very important to me, so I find According to the NABC website, the Allstate Insurance “I’m honored to have been nominated for the good works a way to get it done even if that means making sacrifices to Company established this honor in 2013 to honor male—and team award,” Cameron said. “I have been able to reach out do so.” separately with the WBCA female—student-athletes who and help in the community and other places in the world. I He hopes to one day be a sports writer or analyst, but not stand out for their civic volunteerism and charitable work. don’t do these things for the notoriety but to see that the hard before finishing his time on the court. The Good Works Teams consist of 10 college basketball work hasn’t gone unnoticed is a good feeling.” “I plan to keep playing basketball after my career at SFA student-athletes who have excelled in giving back to their Cameron is from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and attended comes to an end,” Cameron said. “To play professionally in communities. A panel of judges who are former coaches, Blanche Ely High School where he began his basketball student athletes and members of the media decide the career. TEAM, PAGE 4 SFA holds semi-annual Big Dip ceremonies for students By Emily Brown “It was a symbol of our Leonard did not apply “It means that you don’t Staff Writer relationship, and now her personal choice to have to depend on a man that we share a school, every student, however. unless you want to,” Pattillo The 14th semi-annual SFA it’s another symbol,” She supported her friends said. Big Dip was held in the Baker Robinson said. “We’re both who wanted rings for The Big Dip ceremony Pattillo Student Center’s Robinsons for life and now themselves. was a time for participants Grand Ballroom on Friday. Lumberjacks for life.” “I didn’t feel any to truly feel a part of the SFA The Big Dip is hosted by SFA student Sarah regret,” Leonard said. “It student body. the SFA Alumni Association Brown chose to be a part was something I thought “When each Lumberjack and has become a rite of of the Big Dip as a way through before I made gets their ring, we are passage for students. to symbolize her time at my decision, so I felt representing SFA as a body Anyone who has received SFA. Obtaining an SFA ring comfortable and excited to of students,” Brown said. their SFA ring can participate gave Brown a goal to work support my friends who did At the same time, the in the ceremony. Before a toward. get a ring.” ceremony represented what student places the ring on “The ring symbolizes The ceremony is a time was to come for Robinson. their finger, they dip their my personal growth in for students receiving rings “When my row stood up hand into purple-dyed water knowledge,” Brown said. to hear from SFA President to go on stage for the ring from the SFA fountain. “Over the last two and a Photo by Jackie Conde/ The Pine Log Baker Pattillo about dip, my heart started beating Many students take part in half years, I have learned traditions and what the faster,” Robinson said. the tradition each semester. and experienced so much A student dips her hand in a bowl of purple dye during the semi- ring symbolizes. Speaking “It was a proud moment. I SFA student Sarah Robinson at SFA.” annual Big Dip Ceremoney held in the BPSC Friday. specifically to women, was thinking, ‘I made it.’ And wanted to get her ring to Some students students do not feel a ring I wouldn’t wear much after Pattillo said the SFA ring it made me think about how deepen her relationship with felt buying a ring was would benefit them much. I got it,” said SFA student is the most important ring graduation will feel. It made her dad, who also has a ring unnecessary. The ring can “They were too expensive Taylor Leonard, who decided anyone can receive, as it me a little sad to realize my from his time at SFA. be expensive, and some to pay for a ring that I knew not to purchase a ring. symbolizes a future career. time at SFA is ending soon.”

@ThePineLog Pine Log Channel Volume 99 Next Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Look for your The Pine Log Submit story ideas via web: copy every Wednesday morning in a Issue 13 newspaper rack near you. @SFAPineLog ThePineLog.com Publication:

CMYK Page 2 The Pine Log 2016 SFA parents to graduate alongside their daughter News@thepinelog SFA combats extremism Cellphones in hand, a crowd of intrigued engage with millennials, is sponsoring the SFA students sits in the McGee Business competition globally. Building with an open mind ready for the SFA students are competing against next quiz question. With a flash of color, more than 230 schools worldwide to the screen changes and another question create a campaign that counteracts violent about extremism is projected at the front of extremism. the room. “This is a sensitive topic, and I think Recently, SFA students in the Rusche being able to talk to other students about College of Business hosted an on-campus it in a welcoming environment while also event to help educate attendees about educating them is important,” said Miguel violent extremism as part of a worldwide Rodriguez, SFA Allen senior international collegiate competition. business major. SFA students in Marketing 352: The competition’s goals include: Advertising and Promotion have been motivating or empowering students to gathering primary research and building become involved in countering violent a marketing campaign using social media extremism; catalyzing other students to for the Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism create their own initiatives, products or competition since the beginning of the fall tools to counter violent extremism; and semester. building a network or community of interest The recent classroom promotional focused on living shared values that also event served as part of the students’ counter violent extremism, according to the campaign strategy to build awareness competition’s website. and promote their message of, “We are During the competition, students form M.O.R.E - Motivating Others to Recognize a student-led social media agency and Extremism.” The event included a video research a target audience. Dr. Marlene about ancestry, a PowerPoint, an interactive Kahla, professor in SFA’s Department of online quiz, a survey and giveaways. Management, Marketing and International Photo by Jackie Conde/ The Pine Log “The goal of the on-campus event Business, divided her class of 33 students was to demonstrate that people do have into teams to work on the campaign. SFA student Kelly Gomez of Cleburne, Texas, will graduate alongside her parents at the Fall prejudices, and we wanted to break through Students are treating the challenge like 2016 graduation ceremony. She will receive her bachelor’s degree in international business. their prejudices,” said Ida Groth, a senior a mini business with executive, creative, Her parents, Ada and Rafael Gomez, who were high school sweethearts, took online courses international business major from Sweden social media, promotional and financial to earn degrees in EC-6 education and business administration, respectively. “After all the long nights helping each other, the homework, the projects, the frustrations and the victories, we who has been instrumental in building teams. realize that even though we are far from each other, we are not only a family, we are a team,” SFA’s competition campaign. “We wanted Students work with their faculty advisers to counteract ‘Islamophobia’ and spread to review client objectives and program By Taylor Antwine degree in EC-6 education. awareness and hope to discourage young resources. Each team receives funds to Contributing Writer “I chose to study education because I people from wanting to join extreme produce a campaign and Facebook ad love to teach young children,” Ada said. “I organizations.” credits to design, pilot, implement and Finals week is coming, and for many spent six years working with children with EdVenture, an organization connecting measure the success of a social media or SFA students, it is the last round of exams. special needs, and I feel that teaching is clients with educational partners to help digital initiative. On Dec. 17, seniors will walk across my calling.” the stage and officially become college Kelly said her parents are an inspiration graduates. Most of them will be walking to her. “They always support my ideas. with their families proudly watching from They’re always there whenever. If I have SFA student passes away the stands. But the parents of one soon- a hard time on something, I always tell to-be SFA graduate will be walking right them, and they help me out with whatever By Parastoo Nikravesh was in her first year at SFA, she already alongside their daughter in their own caps it is.” News Editor had many friends on campus. To those and gowns. The family reflected on the time they who knew her, we wish Kelly Gomez and her parents, Rafael have spent working toward their degrees. SFA student Taylor our condolences,” Dr. and Ada Gomez, will be graduating as a “A journey it has been, and a very Nichole Luther- Adam Peck, dean of family at the upcoming commencement special one,” Rafael said. “My wife and I Swiney, 18, of Orange, student affairs, said exercises. were high school sweethearts a long time Texas, passed away in an email to the “Kelly was a very persistent child,” ago. The experience of coming back to on Sunday at Christus students and faculty. Rafael said. “At 4, while taking piano school after so long made us grow closer St. Elizabeth Hospital According to lessons, she decided she wanted to play together, and making our daughters part in Beaumont, Texas. Luther-Swiney’s the violin. Her music teacher finally gave of that experience was just unbelievable. Luther-Swiney was obituary, she was in and got a small violin her size. She was “After all the long nights helping each a lifelong resident of an education major the proudest little violinist in group. Last other, the homework, the projects, the Orange. A visitation with a minor in sign year, she wanted to go for an internship to frustrations and the victories, we realize for family and friends language and planned Spain. Though it seemed impossible, she that even though we are far from each will be held from to teach hearing made it possible, and she had the time of other, we are not only a family, we are a 5 until 9 p.m. on impaired students. her life.” team.” Thursday at Dorman In Luther-Swiney’s Kelly is a 21-year-old international Ada said she is hopeful about what lies Funeral Home in honor, the SFA flag business major from Cleburne, Texas. Her in Kelly’s future. Orange. Funeral will be lowered to half- parents have been going to school back “I am proud of everything that Kelly Services will be held staff on Wednesday. home online. Rafael will be obtaining his has achieved and what awaits her in the at 1 p.m. Friday at “Ou r ent i re B.B.A. future,” Ada Gomez said. “Seeing her Dorman Funeral university community “I’ve been in business all my life, [so] it graduate now is the greatest blessing we Home. is diminished by this was only natural,” Rafael said. have received, and I pray that all her Courtesy photo “Though Taylor loss,” Peck said. Kelly’s mother, Ada, will be obtaining a dreams may come true.” Annual Gala to honor two SFA professors for their work By Brielle Thomas research to assess the needs while in learning, whether it’s in Langford has been an SFA the ones we bring in for the camp at Contributing Writer making sure we are listening to the the classroom or field-based faculty member since fall of 2002. no charge to the student or family.” voices of the community for Impact activities,” Avant said. “One of “I originally came to SFA in the Langford has taught a variety of Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant Lufkin, while also staying involved her unique skills is her ability to ‘80s to be a high school biology courses at SFA, including freshman and Dr. Kevin Langford will be in research in South Africa. engage students in a process of teacher and a football coach, but biology for majors and courses for honored at the 28th annual SFA “My main focus is on the integrating knowledge, values and after my student teaching and non-majors, comparative vertebrae Gala Saturday in the BPSC Grand enhancement of people’s lives and skills so they can become better graduation, I went to grad school anatomy and human physiology, Ballroom. helping people in need,” Oliphant social work practitioners.” here [SFA] to get an M.S. in biology,” but his favorite classes are his Oliphant, professor and director said. “I believe that research in Oliphant has written seven Langford said. “It was during that senior pre-med courses: histology of the Master of Social Work social work must be done to make book chapters and 23 articles and time that I decided to pursue a and developmental biology. Program in the School of Social a difference and not only for the has conducted 103 conference Ph.D. and teach at the university “I love learning more and more Work, is the recipient of the 2016 purpose of research.” presentations. level.” about my field of interest, and Faculty Achievement Award for Oliphant has worked with many Langford, associate professor Langford has worked with many being a faculty member affords you Research. organizations, including Special of biology and director of the organizations on and off campus. that opportunity,” Langford said. “It is the biggest honor, and I Health Resources for Texas, T.L.L university’s pre-health professions He has served on the Faculty “However, the vitality, enthusiasm am humbled for being chosen for Temple Foundation, Senate of SFA and was and energy of my students is one the award,” Oliphant said. “I am San Augustine County chair of the senate from of the things I love about my job. very thankful to Dr. Avant, who (specifically County “I am extremely honored and 2009-10. If I had to pick one thing, though, nominated me for the award. I Judge Samye Johnson), He served on the it would be watching my students am very thankful to my parents Houston Regional humbled by the entire process. To get board of the Piney go on to successful careers of their because in everything I do, I stand HIV/AIDS Resource an award for doing what I love to Woods Area Health choosing, such as doctors, dentists, on their shoulders. I am thankful Group, Brown Family Education Center and etc.” to my son, Theunis Oliphant, and Health Center, Inc. do is very special. There are so many is an active member According to student Morgan his wife, Mary, for all their support in Nacogdoches, excellent faculty on the SFA campus. I of the Nacogdoches Shreve, Langford knows the ropes and encouragement.” Nacogdoches Area Rotary Club, a board and treats students like they are Oliphant said she was in the United Way and Grace simply feel like I am representing them member and secretary people, not just students. seventh grade when she knew she Manor Child Placing as a whole at the Gala rather than of the Texas Rural “He provides a multitude of wanted to be a social worker. Agency-Center. Health Association and resources and material for his “I am so thankful for growing up She started teaching in receiving an award for myself.” an emergency volunteer classes that are available online in South Africa,” Oliphant said. “It 1994 at the University of -Dr. Kevin Langford for the American Red at the convenience of the student,” opened my eyes to the world and Johannesburg in South Cross. Shreve said. inspired me to become a social Africa, and moved to “On campus, I served “You can cover the material on program, is the recipient of the worker. While studying, I became Texas in 2006 to teach at SFA. as the faculty adviser for many your own time, at your own pace, 2016 Faculty Achievement Award aware of the need for social “I love working with students,” pre-health related organizations, around your schedule. He’s also for Teaching. workers to advocate for change. Oliphant said. “I really like guiding including the American Medical very flexible about rescheduling “Honestly, when I was first When I saw that many people in students in their research and in Student Association, Alpha Epsilon quizzes/exams when something nominated, I had to go ask and the country lived in poverty and career development in general. I Delta, the Pre-Dental Student big comes up, or if you have make sure someone had not made were unemployed, I was inspired like to inspire students and help Association and the Allied Health something like a professional a mistake,” Langford said. to bring about change through them understand that what we Student Association,” Langford school interview. “Then, when I was among the research and practice.” are doing in social work is part of said. “However, he’s not lenient. He finalists to be interviewed, I was Oliphant has worked on several a much bigger picture to change Langford and others offered holds students accountable, to a stunned. Now that I have been different research projects. She lives.” a camp for high school students high level of responsibility.” selected to receive the award, I am does research on recruiting and According to Dr. Freddie L. in the summer through a grant Langford has written many extremely honored and humbled retaining HIV-positive women of Avant, director/associate dean of from the Joint Admissions Medical articles and books, and has even by the entire process. color into treatment and medical the School of Social Work, Oliphant Program (JAMP) in Austin. presented his research at meetings. “To get an award for doing what care and developing capacity for is a committed and exceptional “We invite students to apply “I have written 14 scientific I love to do is very special. There HIV/AIDS patients, providers, teacher that truly believes for a week-long pre-med camp,” papers/book chapters, three are so many excellent faculty on caregivers and families. collaboration and experimental Langford said. “Since the JAMP books as a sole author and have the SFA campus. I simply feel like She directed a team effort to learning are the best ways to make program is primarily focused presented my research at over I am representing them as a whole assess the needs of San Augustine a difference. on assisting economically 10 state or national meetings,” at the Gala rather than receiving an County. She is leading the “All her students are immersed disadvantaged students, those are Langford said. award for myself.” appreciative inquiry, which is

CMYK Wednesday, december 7, 2016 Page 3

Entertainment@thepinelog Review: The Weeknd has made a stargirl out of me with his charm By Cynthia Cogan The Weeknd has made a 180 with “Starboy,” Contributing Writer going from R&B to Pop/R&B to an up-and-coming genre of Indie/Alternative R&B. This is very R&B is incredibly underrated nowadays. With obvious with “Starboy”; having the electronic a big flop from Frank Ocean’s long-awaited duo Daft Punk accompany him on a couple of sophomore album, “Blonde,” and with Miguel tracks made this album slightly more interesting, releasing the beloved “Wildheart” last year, my especially to electronic/dance/disco listeners. expectations for the R&B genre in 2016 were low. Everyone is familiar with Daft Punk, and just Then The Weeknd released “Starboy.” about anything they do or take part in is great. With the release of “Starboy,” I was Their hits “Around the World,” “Harder, Better, flabbergasted. It is a totally different take from Faster, Stronger,” “One More Time” and “Get “Beauty Behind the Madness,” “Kiss Land” and Lucky” are still circulating on radio stations and “Trilogy.” “Trilogy,” The Weeknd’s first album car ride playlists. Taylor Swift went from country (released in 2012), was dark and really “hit you to pop to gain more listeners, and I believe this in the parts that hurt,” similar to Frank Ocean’s is what The Weeknd did, as well. It is a fantastic most recent release, “Blonde,” and Drake’s newest strategy to advertise to many audiences. The album, “Views.” While The Weeknd is emerging catchier the pop song is, the more popular you will out from the darkness, that seems to be where become, regardless of whether or not you change Drake is headed, with his more emotional take on your sound back to what it once was. lyrics in several songs from his most recent album. However, I am 99 percent sure that “Starboy” is This leaves me asking, could Drake possibly write not intended for those under the age of 16. With an R&B-based album? several drug, sex and alcohol-related ideas, and I truly believe this new sound from The Weeknd with seven of the 18 songs having explicit content, was motivated by his previous tracks “In The I don’t think he cared to be promoted on radio Night,” “Often” and “The Hills” on his last album, stations this time around. In the song “Reminder,” “Beauty Behind the Madness.” While “Trilogy” he even states, “I am not a teen choice,” referring was very slow-paced and mesmerizing, “Beauty to the Teen Choice Awards hosted by Nickelodeon. Behind the Madness” exploded with an upbeat Although the single “Starboy” has given pop-ish feel. listeners very mixed feelings, you should not “He is just the 12th artist in history to score back- skip out listening to this album. I have followed to-back Number Ones, a group that includes Elvis The Weeknd since “Trilogy,” and every album he Presley, the Beatles and Taylor Swift,” according makes is a work of art. If you don’t mind listening to a review by Rolling Stone. “His album, ‘Beauty to the crazy things he sings about, at least listen to Behind the Madness,’ has sold more than half a the beat and his voice. I promise you will not be Courtesy Photo million copies in a couple of months.” wasting your time. Kountry Wayne show finishes CORRECTION: An article that ran on Page 3 of the Nov. 30 issue of The Pine Log contained incorrect information. The correct name of the Orchestra of the Pines director is Gene Moon. strong after disappointing start The Pine Log regrets the error.

By Devin Hogue fee as well as tax. Now, as you all may know were only about 15 people there. My favorite joke was when he compared Staff Writer (and if you don’t know the struggle, you The biggest problem I had that night was the new style of dancing to the old school are blessed), it’s the point of the semester the show did not start until after midnight. dances. I also thought it was funny that he On Friday, internet star Wayne Kolley, where there is no more refund money in The flyer said 10 p.m. We waited for two long could not pronounce Nacogdoches, and he known as “Kountry Wayne,” came to my bank account. I am living the broke- hours before anyone got on stage. The crowd, was laughing at the club we were in. If you Nacogdoches. I heard about the event college-student life. So I was a little upset including myself, was irritated. The only have been at a club in Nacogdoches, you through the radio station 96.3, and I know about that because if I would have known I reason I didn’t leave was because there were know that they are “holes in the wall.” him for his famous videos on Facebook. So was going to be charged extra, I would have no refunds. So I stayed despite my annoyance. At the end of the night, I enjoyed myself. I figured it would be a funny show. There just paid at the door. Once it started, the show was good. I even got to take a picture with Wayne are not a lot of events where very popular The comedy show was held at the ASD His opening acts were entertaining. They after the show. He was really nice to all people come to Nacogdoches, and this was Lounge which is less than 10 minutes from started the show off really well, especially his fans. Despite the time the show ended, something new to do around town. campus (like most places in Nacogdoches). dealing with an irritated crowd. After he was really patient. I think there was Although I enjoyed the comedy show, When my friend and I walked in, there were about 30 minutes, Kountry Wayne came some miscommunication with him and there were some big issues I could not barely any chairs. I was really confused out dancing to Mark Morrison’s “Return the promoter. I suggest that whoever is in ignore. First, the tickets were $25, but on because we arrived about 10 minutes late. of the Mack.” He told jokes that appealed charge needs to get more organized so this the online site it charged you a convenience We had to ask around for seats, and there to both the younger and older crowds. won’t happen again.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo 1988 movie ‘Die Hard’ brings out true meaning of Christmas

By Steven Cerkiewicz building, aiming to steal $640 million from the company with Darth Vader and the Joker as one of my favorite Video Editor vault. While everyone is taken hostage, John escapes before film bad guys. He’s a great antithesis to John McClane. they can find him. It’s up to him to stop the terrorists while While McClane is a gritty, smart-mouthed, blood-soaked I love the holidays! The weather is nice, people put up being assisted by an LAPD officer over a radio. The film cop, Gruber is an always-calm, well-dressed, soft-spoken pretty decorations and you can drink as much hot cocoa stars Bruce Willis, Reginald VelJohnson, Bonnie Bedelia criminal. The way these two characters work off each as you want without being judged. While I do enjoy those and the late, great Alan Rickman as the terrifyingly suave other makes for some tense scenes. I love how they do not aspects of this time of year, my absolute favorite part is Hans Gruber. even meet for most the film. Most of their conversations watching Christmas movies. Nothing puts me in the mood This is my favorite action movie of all time. In terms of are done over radio. When they do meet, oh man, is it for Christmas quite like a good movie. Every year, I have action, it’s extremely intense. Buildings blow up, cars crash awesome! a marathon for the month that usually consists of “It’s a and characters are put in near-death situations. While the The film takes place on Christmas Eve. While people Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” action is one of the biggest parts of the movie, the plot and might say that is not a good justification for Christmas and “A Christmas Story.” After I finish that marathon, I characters give the action meaning and make for one of the classic status, you really have to watch the movie to get just watch the Christmas classic to end all Christmas classics: most enjoyable movie experiences ever. why it is a Christmas classic. McClane’s wisecracks often “Die Hard.” I love just how simple the plot is. Bad guys break in to contain Christmas sayings, the setting is decorated for What can be said about “Die Hard” that hasn’t been said steal stuff, and the good guy must stop them. This allows Christmas and a lot of the music for the film is made up of before? It is fun and witty, the action is fantastic and the the writers to flesh out the personalities of the characters. Christmas songs like “Ode to Joy” and “Let it Snow.” characters are some of the most memorable in film. For John McClane is my favorite action hero. His quick-witted, “Die Hard” always gets me pumped for the holidays. It those of you who have been living under a rock, the film smart-mouthed comments are some of the best parts of might not be a normal holiday classic, but it gives me an follows John McClane, a New York City cop who is visiting this movie. They make him lovable and give the audience excuse to watch the best action movie ever made during Los Angeles for the holidays to reconcile with his wife. some insight on how he’s mentally handling the stressful my favorite time of the year. If you haven’t seen it, watch it He meets up with her at her office during their Christmas situation. McClane is basically a modern-day cowboy, a at least 30 times, and if you have seen it, watch it 30 more party. As John is winding down from his flight in his statement which is made by the film’s antagonist. times. On behalf of myself and everybody here at The Pine wife’s office bathroom, a group of terrorists break into the Speaking of the antagonist, Hans Gruber is up there Log, we hope you have a happy holiday. “Yippie Ki Yay!”

CMYK Page 4 The Pine Log 2016 Agriculture professor passes Team: Cameron nominated to away after teaching 41 years team for service to community By Joanna Armstrong of the Year award in 2012 and Editor-in-chief the SFA Alumni Association’s Distinguished Professor Award Dr. Leon Young, in 2013. professor of agriculture He was involved with at SFA, passed away many projects outside of the Dec. 2 at Nacogdoches classroom, including the East Memorial Hospital. Texas Regional Water Planning Young taught at SFA Group. for 41 years, teaching Young also visited Tanzania more than 2,000 multiple times to partner students who took his with the Citizens Network for classes, according to the Foreign Affairs’ Farmer-to- Arthur Temple College of Farmer program, working with Forestry and Agriculture subsistence farmers, according website. to his obituary. Courtesy Photo Yo u n g w a s A memorial for Young was named a Regents Professor in 2008 and held Tuesday at First Baptist Church in received multiple awards, including the Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches County Agricultural Educator State rep. to speak at commencement State Rep. and SFA state representative in 2011. Fine Arts will participate alumnus Jason Isaac will He represents the Texas in a 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Photo courtesy of Hardy Meredith/ SFA Marketing Communications offer the commencement House of Representatives’ Candidates from the Dallas Cameron is nominated for the 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works Team. Cameron has address during SFA’s fall District 45, which includes Arthur Temple College of worked with the Boys and Girls Club and helped coach basketball camp for children at SFA. graduation ceremonies Blanco and Hays Counties Forestry and Agriculture, Saturday, Dec. 17. near Austin. the Rusche College of From Page 1 savior, Jesus Christ,” Cameron Isaac graduated SFA He is the only SFA Business, the College said. “Helping with the Bible with a Bachelor of Business graduate currently serving of Liberal and Applied the NBA has always been my study here at SFA has been a Administration in 1996 with in the Texas Legislature. Arts, and the College of dream, and I continue to strive new experience, as I have never a major in marketing and a Isaac’s legislative Sciences and Mathematics towards that goal.” started a Bible study before. minor in management. He priorities include reducing will participate in a 2 p.m. We still expect His nomination for the With our athletic schedule, it met his wife, Carrie, in a taxes, preserving a reliable ceremony. Allstate NABC Good Works has been hard but I think it has to have“ a great Team was influenced by his been well worth it.” history class at SFA, and the groundwater supply, An estimated 938 degrees couple married a few years improving the public will be awarded, including time at the local Boys and Girls The members of the NABC after graduation. education system, and 801 bachelor’s degrees, 134 season, to win Club and taking summers off Good Works Team will be During his time at ensuring the oil and gas master’s degrees and three to help coach basketball camp announced in February. SFA, Isaac founded the industry continues to doctoral degrees. More than the conference for children at SFA. “Whether or not Dallas university’s lacrosse team, thrive. 180 students will graduate “It was great to interact with is ultimately selected to which is still active today, Isaac also serves as vice with honors, including 75 and to make the children and to give back represent Stephen F. Austin on and he was president of president of the Texas cum laude, 59 summa cum and have fun with them. When this list, he will remain one the Association of Sports Conservative Coalition and laude and 46 magna cum it back to I was young, I loved playing of the great ambassadors for Clubs. founded the Hill Country laude. with older people, so I wanted Stephen F. Austin,” Hurley After graduation, Caucus, an organization Also, there will be the NCAA the kids to have the same said. “I have been fortunate Isaac worked in the comprising legislators who 30 students graduating experience as I did,” Cameron enough to be employed at this transportation industry are dedicated to promoting with the university said. “I love working the university for a little over a marketing technology to and preserving the unique scholar designation. One tournament. We summer camps and teaching year, and in that time I have help improve the safety features and resources of posthumous degree will be the kids how to play the game come to know Dallas as a fierce and efficiency of trucking the Texas Hill Country. The awarded. look to make it of basketball. I had people that competitor and an honorable companies. Today, he owns TCC has named Isaac its Master’s and doctoral helped me get to where I am man. The amount of time a company that assists Courageous Conservative candidates will graduate a step further in today, and because of that, it is and effort he gives in the small businesses achieve every session. with their respective my duty to help others as well. classroom, on the court and sales and marketing goals. Candidates from SFA’s colleges, and Isaac will the tournament It seems that the kids enjoy in his charitable endeavors A fourth-generation James I. Perkins College of provide the commencement playing with us and learning has always been great, and his Texan, Isaac was elected a Education and College of address at both ceremonies. and to continue from us. It is remarkable to see habits are to be commended that we have that great of an and emulated.” to uphold the impact on their lives.” Cameron has high hopes for Fall 2016 Final Exam Schedule Additionally, Cameron has himself, his team and his final spent time traveling to New year as an SFA Lumberjack. tradition that Zealand with Athletes in “We still expect to have Action and helping with the a great season, to win the has been set SFA chapter of AIA’s men’s conference and to make it back Bible study. to the NCAA tournament,” he by those who “Traveling to New Zealand said. “We look to make it a step and having a chance to see further in the tournament came before us. the world while at the same and to continue to uphold time share my faith was an the tradition that has been SFA basketball amazing experience. It was my set by those that came before first time out of the country, us. We play hard everyday, player Dallas and I was able to connect with and we just look to make one people of another culture and another, our fans and the city Cameron tell them about our Lord and of Nacogdoches proud.”

Good luck on finals from The Pine Log Staff!

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CMYK Wednesday, december 7, 2016 Page 5 Insecurities not worth losing self-esteem over

LUM O N Opinions@thepinelog C

By Brooke MOSLEY

No matter how high our level of self-confidence is “Letting our or how positively we view insecurities take ourselves, we all have been control is basically in situations that make us feel insecure. It’s just a like underestimating normal part of life. However, ourselves and our our insecurities have the potential while ability to cross the line from normal to hazardous. also making our Being insecure can strengths inferior.” be characterized as overthinking, second- good enough,” actually guessing and self-doubting, reflect on your strengths often due to situations we’ve and weaknesses and say, experienced or witnessed in “I’m not good enough yet, the past. but I can work to improve For example, a college myself.” Ignore the thoughts student nervously walks in your head that tell you into a classroom on exam that you’re less than what day and crosses his or her you really are. fingers in hopes that he or Next, talk with people she will pass the test, or at who know you well, Ilustration by Olivia Boan/ The Pine Log least try not to fail it terribly. such as close friends or Our insecurities cross over relatives, about the things into a hazardous zone when you’re insecure about. Ask they try to determine our them to encourage you Discrimination not welcome on SFA campus worth or dictate what we and push you out of your do and don’t deserve. Using comfort zone when your There is a mutual understanding individuals. Many of the words under to demean your neighbor? Whoever the same example: A college insecurities begin to creep among all citizens in this country that this include racial slurs, like the “n” it is who has so ignorantly tossed student is so nervous for an to the surface. In addition we are entitled to our opinions. We word. around these words of hate, just know upcoming exam that he or to this, we all have friends are given the right to speak freely and Some might say, “Oh, it’s no big the effect you have had, know that she doesn’t show up to class who crack jokes about us. express ourselves through written and deal. It’s just a word,” but do those those words could cause a person to out of fear of failing. Secretly, their jokes can spoken word, and we are allowed to people know the deep history that is hate themselves or hurt you, because Letting insecurities take sometimes hurt because the put our faith in whomever we believe associated with it? you have spoken an insult that has control is basically like joke highlights something is the best fit for this country. We are This is not something you say. This is centuries of pain attached to it. underestimating ourselves we’re truly sensitive about. allowed to believe in whatever god not something you allow others to say. Your fighting words have and our potential while Instead of holding this hurt we think fits us best. With this comes When it is spoken it is a remembrance consequences, and just because they also making our strengths in and further feeding into obvious differences, but nowhere in of the centuries of slavery that an might not affect you directly doesn’t inferior. These things your insecurities, tell those our Constitution does it say that an entire race of people were forced into mean you can take another person’s can cause us to ruin any friends how the joke may individual can use hate speech, and because they were seen as worthless. expense lightly. opportunities we may have hurt you. nowhere in our Constitution does it This term is associated with abuse Nobody, not a single person on this encounter, such as jobs or Lastly, the best strategy claim that some races are inferior to and pain, with suffering and loss. This planet, let alone this country, has relationships. It can also for keeping insecurities at others. is not just a word. It is a statement that the right to take away someone’s self cause us to live in fear of bay is simply to live your life So why are you reading yet another reminds African-Americans that they worth. We are supposed to protect what the world may think without fear of judgment. rant on our basic human rights as are still seen as inferior in a country each other and learn from one of us. It’s natural to be anxious American citizens? that is supposed to be equal. It says another, not tear each other down or How can this be about a new experience you It has come to our attention that in that this “land of opportunity” has no make anyone believe that change isn’t prevented? First, start by may encounter in life but the weeks following the presidential opportunity for them. It says that they possible. making yourself aware of unnatural to completely election, certain students on this cannot succeed without great struggle As a very tight-knit community here the negative statements skip out on the best of your campus have used derogatory names, because they are still going to be put at SFA, it is our job to ban together not you gear towards yourself, life because of fear. Like such as the “n” word, toward African- down for the color of their skin. break apart. From the staff here at The whether true or false. they always say, “don’t let American students. It is appalling to think that the land Pine Log, know that if you are one of Instead of immediately insecurity ruin the beauty This is unacceptable. we so greatly claim is free is actually the students who has been insulted saying the phrase, “I’m not you were born with.” Many people believe that because more like a prison for those who are by another with these hateful terms, the Constitution states that we have different, and even more appalling we stand by you. We do not support the right to free speech that this that on this campus that many of us the discrimination of our peers or The Pine Log Opinions Page regularly features includes everything under the sun. see as a diverse and rich community of anyone for that matter. We know that the Axe ’Em Advice Column. The staff answers However, if research is done, there people who have the SFA spirit would our words could never be enough to are certain limitations put on this treat their peers in such a manner. take away the hurt that has presented questions about everything from relationships freedom. Why on earth would you, as a itself, but we are here, and we support to general life issues and everything in between. “Fighting words” are face-to-face young adult knowing the struggles of who you are, what you believe, where To submit your question, email sfasupinelog@ insults used toward a specific person growing up and making it in today’s you come from, what you identify as, that can invoke violence among the economy possibly think that it is okay etc. You are always welcome here. gmail.com.

LUM O N C Paper delivery brings inspiration and reflection I get asked at least once a week to care that the sun isn’t up and still time and hardly ever stop to ask to spend three hours in the quiet why I would subject myself to a 4 makes me sweat profusely as I run ourselves how we are doing. In fact, of the day. I get to see the world a.m. alarm every Wednesday. To up and down stairs with stacks of most of us aren’t comfortable with before it is awake and moving be honest, I ask myself the same newspapers making sure they are being alone because it makes us see around like crazy. I get to spend thing when I’m sitting outside of the delivered to every location on this ourselves for the good, the bad and time with myself and reflect on the Daily Sentinel office waiting for The campus. the ugly. decisions I’ve made or the progress Pine Log to be dropped off, the sky But then the sun begins to rise But I’ve come to find that the I am making in this grand journey still pitch black and the quiet still over the pine trees and buildings more time I spend alone, the more I of life. And I wouldn’t trade that for By Anna hovering over the sleeping town of that make up our campus, and all accept who I am. I begin to feel okay anything. CLARKE Nac. My eyes are always heavy, and of those negative thoughts and with my insecurities and see that I So yes, the job requires early my body is still trying to figure out feelings leave me. am not always going to be okay. alarms and showing up even in “I get to why the heck I’m awake when all it I was taught once that we have I realize more and more that I extreme weather. Yes, it means wants is my bed and cuddles from little time to truly be alone. Moments have issues, but if I work on them being tired for the rest of the day, spend time with my puppy. when we aren’t surrounded by I can become better. There is an and if I’m being completely honest, myself and I continue to ask myself this others or even a pet are rare and few infinite amount of knowledge to irritable moods from lack of sleep. when it’s freezing cold outside, and and far between. I’ve noticed that be gained when I try and learn But it has given me an opportunity reflect on the I have to ride around in a golf cart, people forget how important it is to about whom I am and who I want to learn and grow, to push myself in decisions I’ve my hands so cold they are in pain, spend time alone and be present in to become. a way that you can only find when made or the my body shivering trying to warm their own company. We work, we go So what the heck does that have you are completely by yourself. itself up. to class, we do homework, we hang to do with delivering papers? Four a.m. is early, but time is progress I am And I continue to ask myself this out with friends, we party and we At 4 a.m. every Wednesday irrelevant when I’m learning about making...” when the Texas heat doesn’t seem go to the gym. We go go go all the morning, I have an opportunity who I am. Opinions We’re looking Policy Fall 2016 Editorial Board for your EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Opinions expressed in this section JOANNA ARMSTRONG FEEDBACK of The Pine Log are those of the ✓ Write a letter to Grinding the Ax. individual writer or cartoonist and OPINIONS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Follow the guidelines on the left. do not necessarily reflect those of the ANNA CLARKE JACKIE CONDE university, its administrative officers Sign your name, and your letter will or its Board of Regents. SPORTS EDITOR ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR likely appear on this very page. Letters should be typed and should DEVIN BROOKS NADIA OULAHNA include the student’s hometown, ✓ You can also use our website to classification, campus identification ADVERTISING MANAGER COPY EDITOR submit a letter to Grinding the Ax. number and phone number for MORGAN OLIVER MICHAEL HERRINGTON It’ll save you a trip to the Baker verification purposes. We reserve the VIDEO EDITOR Pattillo Student Center. right to edit letters for space, spelling, WEBMASTER/SOCIAL MEDIA KATHRYN GARDNER STEVEN CERKIEWICZ grammar and potentially libelous ✓ Post feedback to our stories material. Letters should not be longer NEWS EDITOR online. Hit the “Comments” button than 300 words. Any letter that does PARASTOO NIKRAVESH at the end of a story and let us have not follow this criteria will not be published. it. We can take it.

CMYK Page 6 The Pine Log 2016 SFA Scoreboard MEN’S BASKETBALL: Jacks host UAB at 7 p.m. Wednesday at WRJC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Ladyjacks travel to Ruston to play La Tech

BOWLING: Ladyjacks take 2nd at Allstate Sugar Bowl Collegiate Sports Photo by Hannah SFA Athletics | Intramural Sports | Sport Clubs Russell/ The Pine BASEBALL: Nine new signees join the Lumberjacks’ baseball roster Log @TPLSports Bursting through the seams Lumberjack defensive end John Franklin tackles the odds by exceeding expectations on the gridiron and in the classroom

Photos by Jacy Waston/ The Pine Log

Defensive end John Franklin poses at Homer Bryce Stadium. Franklin has been the backbone for the SFA defense this season, racking up a total of 32 tackles and eight sacks for a loss of 59 yards. Franklin led the team in sacks and kept the SFA defense stable all season long. The SFA defense was top five in the conference due to high-level production from players like Franklin.

By Michael Herrington SFA wasn’t just a fresh start; it was almost a complete 180. said. “My freshman year, we were a good team, but it was a Copy Editor “My favorite memory is going the playoffs my freshman year,” bunch of players who played for themselves, played to get all- Franklin said. “I mean, I had never even won a game before I came conference.” For someone who plays defensive end, a football position to SFA… it was a good experience.” It’s this sense of team unity that keeps Franklin going, as he focused on holding back the offense, tackling runners, and Franklin never envisioned himself playing at SFA, but since he doesn’t get much support in the stands. blocking or intercepting passes, it’s ironic that SFA junior John has been here his impact has been felt in a mighty way. “My biggest weakness in life is probably my support system. I Franklin entered football as an escape, a breaking away, like that The Battle of the Piney Woods, SFA’s annual game against Sam don’t really have anybody to push me. My family doesn’t come to of a running back breaking a tackle, from a life that surrounded Houston State University at NRG Stadium (home of the Houston the games. My best friend plays with me, Shaq Anderson. Besides him as a teenager. Texans), has also made for memorable experiences. him, that’s all I got.” “I got three cousins in jail,” Franklin said. “My uncle just got in “Everybody wants to play on an NFL field,” Franklin said. Despite not having much family to lean on, Franklin plays as if jail, so that’s the only way we know where I’m from.” “When you get on there, it almost feels like an NFL game.” he has family everywhere. Franklin’s grandfather was an early inspiration for Franklin to Franklin commends his team for becoming more cohesive in As an individual, Franklin has much to be proud of: he ranks play football. the past few years. third in the Southland Conference in sacks with six, and fifth “I was just trying to make him proud,” Franklin said. “Nobody “We have a lot of injuries, a lot of setbacks, but our team in tackles for loss with 10.5. This season Franklin compiled 32 else in my family was doing anything apart from getting in chemistry really has been the highest it’s ever been,” Franklin tackles and eight sacks for a loss of 59 yards, which is a career trouble, so I was playing to make him happy.” high for him. During his freshman season, Franklin didn’t record Franklin also credits his grandfather with instilling in him a a sack for the Jacks, but since his freshman season he has sacked diligent work ethic. “My favorite memory is going the opposing quarterback 14 times, which is the highest mark on “My grandfather always told me not to fight, not to mess up in the team. But like a true team player, he always keeps the bigger school,” Franklin said. “He’s the reason I’m here. My handwriting to the playoffs my freshman picture in mind. wasn’t good [as a kid]. I was at home two hours every night “I don’t care about none of my stats,” Franklin said. “Winning writing stuff. I’ve got good handwriting now because of him. He year. I mean, I had never is more than half, like 75 percent of the battle… If we were made sure I was a perfectionist.” winning, I’d have 19 sacks.” High school football was a rough experience, to say the least. even won a game before I Despite his exceptional performance on the field and status as Franklin’s Greenville High School team never even won a game a probable NFL prospect, Franklin says his highest achievement during his time there. came to SFA... it was a good is yet to come. In fact, it wasn’t always plain to Franklin that he would even get “When I graduate, that’s going to be my biggest accomplishment,” the chance to come to SFA. experience.” Franklin said. “Going 0-40 [in high school], you don’t have very many -SFA defensive end John And as for Franklin’s preferred team to end up on if he goes scholarship offers,” Franklin said. “I never saw myself coming pro? Well, let’s just say he’s not too picky. here… it was a fresh opportunity, a new start for me.” Franklin “Whichever one pays me,” Franklin said. Football player, black activist, or a joke? Controversial San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick makes the sports world turn again with his comments about former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro

By Juwan Lee actions of protesting and why he was doing it did not understand Staff Writer what it felt like to be discriminated against in America because of C their ethnicity. RTS OL PO U Once again, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick Kaepernick also received heavy words from many sports S M is making headlines for things other than his performance on the analysts for not voting in the Donald Trump-Hilary Clinton N field. Recently, Kaepernick has been on the record acknowledging presidential election. Due to those actions, many people have many of the positives Cuban dictator Fidel Castro did for the dismissed everything that he has tried to support because it seems African American community and the people of Africa. that he isn’t doing this for the right reasons. Castro, who died on Nov. 25, met with many black activists over This was the reality that America faced, but now it is a reality the course of history, such as Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela. I Kaepernick must face. have been supportive of Kaepernick and his protest against the He has first-hand knowledge on what being black in America national anthem, but the issues he touched on during his latest feels like, but he does not know what it feels like to be Cuban and press conference stretch farther than the black community. live under a man like Fidel Castro. It’s absurd for someone who is Kaepernick has been a proponent of change in not only the black an advocate of change for people of color to positively acknowledge community but for many minority groups around America. The someone who caused significant damage to a specific group of Juwan Lee comments Kaepernick made were insensitive toward many Cuban people. Americans. It is not up to me, Kaepernick or anyone non-Cuban to say STAFF WRITER Many analysts and journalists who came out in support of what is and what is not offensive to someone of Cuban descent. If Kaepernick are slowly withdrawing their support for him, and Kaepernick is serious about advocating issues for both the black “He made himself I cannot say that I blame them. He made himself look like a community and people of color, then a public apology to Cuban hypocrite, as he constantly stated that those who were against his citizens in this country is in order. look like a hypocrite.”

CMYK