THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 43 OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894 PRIMARIES 4 CORONA 6-7 GOLF 9 A CW columnist expresses her Students and faculty Early enrollee Canon Claycomb opinion that the current primary are studying stateside in proves that he belongs, after system does not provide a fair the midst of canceled competing for the lead in his shot to all candidates. international trips. fi rst two college tournaments.

Graphic CW / Carly Farmer

Athletics, academics and air travel are all being affected by the deadly virus. Read more about how COVID-19 has shaken the United States and the University inside.

COVID-19 corrupts, cancels spring break plans NEWS | CORONA Concerns over COVID-19 continue to wreak havoc on students’ “Students are encouraged to plan excited to spend a relaxing week ahead if they leave campus for spring basking in the Florida sun on a white- spring break plans, turning exciting vacations or much-needed break, and take what they would need sand beach. Instead, she will be making respites into stressful situations. (e.g., electronics, textbooks, class an impromptu spring break visit back for maintaining normal campus materials and valuables) in the event home to Washington, where she’ll BY BEN STANSELL operations, be advised that it is possible a transition to online learning would bring much-needed, and much cheaper, MANAGING EDITOR UA could move to alternative methods become necessary,” the UA News email supplies to her family. @BEN_STANSELL of delivery, including online-only said. “Students who choose to stay on With Washington reporting 267 campus during spring break will be cases of COVID-19, more than any he University of Alabama classes at some point this semester based on the state of COVID-19 in accommodated.” other state, Moore’s hometown of Tnotifi ed students and faculty on Concerns over COVID-19 have Sammamish (about 30 minutes east of Wednesday evening that they should Alabama,” the UA News email said. The email did not specify if or when already derailed spring break plans for Seattle) has turned into a ghost town, be prepared for disruptions to campus many students. and the price of necessities like hand operations and transitioning to online- this would happen, but did advise students to plan ahead when they leave Rachel Moore, a freshman majoring sanitizer has skyrocketed. only classes. in accounting and marketing, was “Although current plans call for spring break. SEE PAGE 8 , THEY re home-run Hitting Machines. WE SELL SHIRTS. THURSDAY 2 March 12, 2020

Megan Goldware is a junior majoring in international studies CAPTURING and minoring in Spanish from Collins, Colorado. WHY: I chose it for its academic opportunities and the extensive selection of programs. I also enjoyed the camaraderie and school spirit CAMPUS that surrounds not only the school, but the entire city of Tuscaloosa. MEMORY: My favorite To be featured in Capturing memory so far was the Campus, send an email to Ole Miss football game [email protected] last semester. I brought my friend from home and I got to show her around cw.ua.edu Tuscaloosa while cheering P.O. Box 870170 on the Tide! 414 Campus Drive East FUTURE: I’m looking to use Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: (205) 348-6144 my degree internationally Fax: (205) 348-8036 Advertising: (205) 348-7845 and continue learning about other cultures and belief systems, whilst EDITORIAL STAFF editor-in-chief Savannah Bullard making an impact in other [email protected] countries. I hope to pursue managing editor Ben Stansell photojournalism and travel digital editor Ryan Riha visuals editor Carly Farmer as long as I can. chief copy editor David Palmer opinions editor Brett Hodges CW / Kalei Burgess [email protected] news editor Rebecca Griesbach [email protected] assistant news editor Jessa Reid Bolling

culture editor Meghan Mitchell [email protected] assistant culture editor Leah Goggins WHAT’S INSIDE FIND US:

sports editor James Ogletree [email protected] ONLINE assistant sports editor James Benedetto NEWS New Honors College dean Tara Williams photo editor Hannah Saad answers students’ questions at a town hall after cw.ua.edu assistant photo editor Keely Brewer recently arriving on campus. multimedia editor Addison Cossey 3 lead page designer Madison Ely social media editor Gracie Clough FACEBOOK social media editor Anna Desjardin OPINIONS A Crimson White columnist argues The Crimson White that women’s sports are just as exciting as ADVERTISING STAFF Alabama Football. ad representatives Alyssa Sons 5 Lis Enloe TWITTER Bryana Holiday @TheCrimsonWhite creative services Thomas Radke SPORTS Gearing up for the spring game, some of Katy Coe The Crimson White sports staff gives a preview of Bentley Sims 12 Alabama Football at every position. Jayden Messner INSTAGRAM Charvey Rogers @thecrimsonwhite Taylor Eppler EVENTS THIS WEEK

The Crimson Whit is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University March 12 March 12 March 13 March 13 March 15 of Alabama cannot infl uence editorial decisions and 4:30-6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. All day 1-4 p.m. editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the offi cial opinions of the University. Dodgeball Advertising offi ces of The Crimson White are in room Queer UA: Softball game Spring break Men’s tennis 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. Then and Now begins tournament match The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. sign-up

The Crimson White, USPS #138020, Copyright © 2020 deadline by The Crimson White. The Crimson White is published twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays, August through April when classes are in session by The University WHERE Gorgas WHERE Rhoads WHERE UA campus WHERE Student WHERE Alabama of Alabama, Student Media, 414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Business and Editorial Offi ces: Library 205 Stadium Recreation Center Tennis Stadium Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Accounting and Circulation Offi ces: Student Media, Box 870170, DETAILS Participate DETAILS The DETAILS The spring DETAILS Sign DETAILS The Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Call 205-348-7257 to subscribe. in a conversation Alabama softball holiday begins at up to participate Alabama men’s Periodicals postage is paid at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson on historical team will take 5 p.m. on Friday. in a dodgeball tennis team will White, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. perspectives on on BYU. No fans are tournament face off against queer studies at permitted to attend to benefi t the Auburn. No fans are All material contained herein, except advertising or where the University. due to COVID-19. Tuscaloosa Metro permitted to attend indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2020 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and Animal Shelter. due to COVID-19. “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White. EDITOR Rebecca Griesbach [email protected] NEWS March 12, 2020 3

BY KEELY BREWER AND CALEB AGUAYO STAFF REPORTER AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER @KEELYKBREWER @CALEBAGUAYO

or Tara Williams, the new specializing in medieval literature. Fdean of the UA Honors College, Her two published books, hobbies aren’t just pastimes; they’re “Inventing Womanhood: Gender symbols of her leadership style. and Language in Later Middle Williams spoke at the Honors English Writing” and “Middle College Assembly (HCA) Town English Marvels: Magic, Spectacle, Hall Tuesday, March 10, to initiate and Morality in the Fourteenth dialogue with students as she takes Century,” represent her pursuit of on her role as dean of the Honors challenges and unfamiliar ideas. College. After being selected for Williams said she views an honors the position in late November, college, at its foundation level, as a she arrived on campus March 1 to begin work. Tuesday’s event was her first official, public event with Honors students. During the Town Hall, Williams shared five facts about herself We are so excited followed by five plans for the Honors to have Dr. Williams College before opening the floor for questions from an audience of with us because she about 30 students. is bringing in all these One of those facts was that Williams has two main hobbies: changes with her, and running and reading. we’re really excited to “I’m really fast at one of those and really slow at the other,” Williams see what direction the said. “I’m very bad, actually, as a Honors College goes. runner, but it’s been helpful for me to embrace that, to do something that I’m not good at … something that I see other people passing PAIGE LOUX me by.” She said she believes this train of “home base” to bring students from thought applies to undergraduates all disciplines to a single, cohesive as well, who are continually being community. This transdisciplinary Tara Williams spoke to students at the Honors College Assembly Town Hall asked to explore new things. composition led her to leave her Tuesday. CW / Keely Brewer post in the English department at OSU behind for a role in the “It’s a pretty sizable college, so I representative of the entire student Honors College. recognize the challenges of that,” body and not disproportionately Reevaluating the Honors Williams said. “But to the point comprised of specific majors. [One goal would be] curriculum, exploring opportunities that there are students who may The talk left HCA Vice President outside of a classroom setting, and never engage in Honors College, Paige Loux, a junior majoring in fi nding ways to make diversity, equity and inclusion [one goal would be] finding ways biology, hopeful for the future. issues are Williams’ top priorities. to make sure I understand what “We are so excited to have Dr. sure I understand what Before transitioning to the their perspectives and concerns WIlliams with us because she is [students’] perspectives student Q&A portion of the Town are and feeling like if students are bringing in all these changes with Hall, she asked students to answer interested, that there are places for her, and we’re really excited to see and concerns are and some of her questions by raising them.” what direction the Honors College feeling like if students their hands. She gauged the most Another student voiced concerns goes,” Loux said. effective format for delivering about the limited number of seats HCA President Ben Rogers, are interested, that news about the Honors College, available in some Honors courses a senior, viewed the event as a there are places recruiting tactics and the most and asked Williams if she has a success and said it was beneficial for valuable assets of the Honors solution to this challenge. students to learn about Williams’ for them. College before proceeding to Over the course of her role as plans from her directly. answer student questions. the honors college dean at OSU, “She’s coming at this from an The first student to speak asked Williams said she doubled the improvement standpoint,” Rogers TARA WILLIAMS Williams to outline both short-term number of honors courses offered. said. “Our whole purpose of having and long-term goals as dean. After gauging the state of the this event and having her come This desire to explore difficult Williams said it would be difficult current curriculum, she said she was just to tell people ‘Hey, there’s things was similarly the driving to classify her goals as short-term would evaluate whether a change been some change, but it’s all for force behind her career choice. and long-term but hopes to increase like this is necessary. She reminded the better.’” Williams formerly served as diversity, offer opportunities for the audience of the resources HCA will continue to host at least associate dean of the Honors students interested in research or needed for changes like this. one town hall per semester. College at Oregon State University similar deep-learning experiences, Williams said she would “need time For questions that Williams said (OSU) and has lived in New Jersey, and deepen partnerships with other to get a handle on the budget first.” she was unable to answer until Florida and York, England, but departments and organizations Following a student question better acclimating to campus, decided to relocate to the Southeast across campus. Her work at about differences and similarities she encouraged students to to be closer to family. English was OSU, a university with a student she has observed between OSU and schedule times to meet with her at the crossroads of everything population of 30,000, has shown the University, Williams expressed individually or to contact her at she enjoyed, and Williams became her the challenges posed by a large her excitement about the presence [email protected] an English professor at OSU, student body. of an honors college that is OPINIONS 4 March 12, 2020 NEWSROOM VIEWS

How do you feel about the travel guidelines UA has put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus?

“I feel this is the best way for a public institution with a large body of members/ CW / Nicholas Coker students could handle it. COLUMN: POLITICS This isn’t Martial Law but it’s not free falling either.” Primary elections misrepresent America – Alexander Plant, shape who the frontrunners are week. These states have the Copy Editor BY MARIA GRENYO in other states – many of which most important voices because STAFF COLUMNIST might have voted for someone they will decide if a Democrat or else entirely. For example, Republican wins in November. If “I personally think the ince the first caucus in Klobuchar dropped out before these states are given a choice travel restrictions are a SIowa on Feb. 3, the field of Super Tuesday, even though between President Trump and a Democratic candidates has been Minnesota, her home state, would Democrat decided by other states, good idea. I don’t want rapidly shrinking. By the time be voting on that day. Similarly, it is possible Trump will be re- them to cancel classes Washington, D.C., Montana, New the Indiana primary isn’t until elected. These swing states want Jersey, New Mexico and South May 5, which Buttigieg may have a Democratic candidate they love, or transition to all online Dakota get to vote on June 2, the won had he stayed in the race. If and by having other states choose because I want to walk at number of candidates still in the all states voted in primaries on the Democratic nominee, some graduation. My mom will race will have dwindled to just a the same day, it would have been swing voters in these states will couple viable prospects. possible for these candidates swing back to Trump. be really upset if I can’t.” Ever since the New Hampshire to gain a larger percentage Besides these two problems – Kyndall Stoker, primary, candidates have been of the votes and continue to with the primaries, an established suspending their campaigns. compete until the Democratic primary date for all states Copy Editor Andrew Yang and Sen. Michael National Convention. would be easier to remember Bennet dropped out after New for voters. Instead of having to Hampshire. Tom Steyer, Mayor research what the primary date “I think that the loose Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy is, everyone would know. One travel guidelines are fi ne. Klobuchar dropped out after Every state should solution that seems feasible is South Carolina. Mayor Mike making Presidents Day the day I’m planning on going Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth have the primary for primary elections. Since home to Wisconsin over Warren dropped out after Super on the same day to Presidents Day is already a spring break, and I hope Tuesday. This leaves other states federal holiday, it would be with frontrunners Joe Biden and find someone who easy to remember because of to return to campus and Bernie Sanders. truly represents the its connection to the election. continue classes As a resident of Wisconsin, Additionally, everyone’s voices as normal.” I will not vote until April 7, and Democratic party – not would be heard at the same – Garrett Kennedy, many other states also have a small section of it. time. Because some states get primaries close to that date. To more sway in elections due to Designer avoid candidates dropping out too early voting, some Americans soon and not allowing voters to do not get heard. By the time I choose who they really want to be get to vote, many candidates I “Not to sound too cocky, the candidate, every state should Some of the most important would have considered will have but I’m not elderly or have the primary on the same states are not considered in suspended their campaigns. If day to find someone who truly these primaries. In the 2020 all states vote at the same time, a child, so coronavirus represents the Democratic party election, the states predicted to the equality that is guaranteed in probably won’t kill me. – not a small section of it. be the deciding swing states are the Constitution will be properly I’ll take my chances this Because Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania honored, instead of some states South Carolina and the Super and Wisconsin. The Michigan being more powerful than others. spring break.” Tuesday states vote so early, primary was on March 10, but the Maria Grenyo is a freshman – Brett Hodges, they choose who the Democratic rest of these states will not have majoring in news media. Her nominee will be. These states primaries for at least another column runs biweekly. Opinions Editor EDITORIAL BOARD WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Send submissions to [email protected]. Submissions The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all Savannah Bullard editor-in-chief Carly Farmer visuals editor must include the author’s name, year, major and guest columns and letters to the editor. The opinions Ben Stansell managing editor David Palmer chief copy editor OPINIONS daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for contained on this page do not represent the editorial Ryan Riha digital editor Brett Hodges opinions editor verification and will not be published. position of The Crimson White Media Group. OPINIONS March 12, 2020 5 UA WOMEN’S ATHLETICS DESERVE RECOGNITION of fairness, I also included the two championship capability equal quality competition. BY NATHAN POLK programs that have only partial to their male counterparts. The Third, Alabama women’s athletics STAFF COLUMNIST @SNPOLK2 gender representation and are most numbers speak for themselves. represent their community well. successful for both genders: football There’s softball coach Patrick It means something when anyone, and gymnastics. Over the last two Murphy, who has taken his man or woman, puts on a jersey he University of Alabama is decades, I found some fascinating softball teams to 21 straight NCAA whose name encapsulates the Tknown as an athletics school. facts. Men’s sports and women’s regionals, and women’s basketball identity of a community. Collegiate As a result, many of its athletes sports, between the sample that coach Kristy Curry, the most sports are special because of their are given an enormous platform I compared, won 10 conference successful Alabama women’s ability to bring together people since its student body and alumni titles overall. Men won five national basketball coach since Rick Moody from a wide array of backgrounds community idolize sport. championships compared to the and the first to beat top-15 teams to celebrate a singular event Inevitably, male athletes receive four that the women won. The back to back. Also, there is former and support a singular cause. a disproportionate share of the winning percentages overall were gymnastics head coach Sarah Our women’s programs do an spotlight. Because the athletes tend extremely similar. Patterson, who retired in 2014 extraordinary job of representing to jump higher and run faster, male with six national championships. those closest to them with integrity sports receive more attention and They will all affirm that Alabama and respect while driving us support. This column is not about women’s athletics produce winners. toward unity. why women and men have the same Second, Alabama women’s I’m not arguing for a preference athletic ceilings. This column is Because the athletes athletics creates exceptional of one sport over another. I merely not about why both groups should fan experiences. Seeing ask that students consider receive equal sponsorship deals or tend to jump higher a thunderous spike in the benefit of women’s equal television contracts. I simply and run faster, male Foster Auditorium athletics at the university want to write to the spectator and or watching Megan and support them with ask them to reverse the disparity sports receive more Abrams tip in a the same vigor as football of encouragement between the attention and support. wayward shot to or men’s basketball. Our genders and support the women take down a top- women work hard to at the university who work so ranked team is have high championship hard to perfect and showcase their every bit as exciting capability, create exceptional athletic abilities. as a night under the fan experiences and represent I did some research on the Reflecting on the comparability of lights at Bryant-Denny their community well. Their results athletic programs at the university success between male and female Stadium. The experiences demand respect. Their talent that can most easily be compared sports in recent years, I want to may be different, but they deserves recognition. between men and women. Those share three observations about still represent the same Nathan Polk is a junior athletic programs were baseball women’s athletics at the university core elements we crave at a majoring in management. His and softball and men’s and that encourage support from fans. sporting event: gritty effort, column runs biweekly. women’s basketball. For the sake First, UA women’s athletics have nail-biting anticipation and Graphic CW / Madison Ely

SHOP THE SUPE STORE ONLINE, AT THE FERG OR THE CORNER ON BRYANT DRIVE. EDITOR Meghan Mitchell [email protected] 6 March 12, 2020 CULTURE CORONAVIRUS CAUSES STUDENTS, FACULTY TO RETHINK SPRING AND SUMMER PLANS Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the cancellation of affected country after China. great communicators throughout UA-sponsored travel and some affiliate programs has While LaMarca and classmates the situation. were on a trip to Milan, the CDC “Within 30 minutes of the CDC affected UA students and faculty, causing some to cut their placed Italy at an alert level two declaring it a level three, [API] sent out trips short and others to re-evaluate their academic plans. and stopped all trains coming in an email telling students and parents from the University did not order and out of Milan, where there that the program was canceled,” BY CONNOR TODD students home from affiliate were a small number of confirmed LaMarca said. “We needed to be out CONTRIBUTING WRITER programs. Instead, the statement coronavirus cases. by Friday, March 6 – one week.” @CE_TODD “strongly encourages” faculty, staff LaMarca and her class were able and students to take the new policy to catch one of the last trains leaving ince late January, the mysterious under advisement when considering the city. Shortly after, Italian airline Sand rapidly spreading travel plans. However, some affiliate Alitalia announced that it would stop coronavirus has firmly grasped schools hosting UA students all flights in and out of Milan starting Nobody – the natives, the nation’s attention, attracting studying abroad have suspended on March 9, the same day the Italian or the students – had massive amounts of media attention. their programs. government placed the country on The flu-like respiratory virus has lockdown, canceling school, banning a fear of the virus. left thousands dead and hundreds public events and limiting business of thousands infected. As the virus hours for restaurants and bars. GUILIANA spread across continents, academic Meanwhile, LaMarca made it institutions and universities have Within 30 minutes of back to Florence and continued LAMARCA canceled study-abroad programs and her studies. rushed students home. the CDC declaring it a “Another week later, the CDC put With seven days to leave On March 4, the University said in an level three, [API] sent out more warnings, and NYU pulled the country, LaMarca and her official statement that it was canceling their kids out of their campus in classmates enjoyed their remaining all University-sponsored international out an email telling Florence,” LaMarca said. “And that’s days in Florence as much as travel in the month of March and students and parents when we realized that this was they could. suspending all University-sponsored serious, but our program was saying “My friends and I went out to our international trips departing after the that the program was that nothing was canceled and that favorite restaurants and our favorite month of March due to concerns about canceled. We needed everything is fine.” spots, and we got souvenirs,” LaMarca the outbreak. In the statement, the As more cases were discovered in said. “We visited all the locals that University said that the cancellation to be out by Friday, Italy, LaMarca’s program continued we formed relationships with, and for trips occurring after March March 6 – one week. until Feb. 28, when the CDC raised so many people got emotional. They may be lifted depending on how the Italy to an alert level three, at which didn’t think it was necessary for us to situation unfolds. point the CDC recommends that go home, because there weren’t any For some students and faculty GUILIANA individuals cease all non-essential confirmed cases in Florence.” planning to attend the faculty-led LAMARCA travel to the region. LaMarca said that she wasn’t study-abroad trips, this development “That’s when our program sent us nervous about the virus, and she said may mean withdrawing from their Guiliana LaMarca, a UA junior home,” LaMarca said. that Florence was still as busy with program and re-evaluating their majoring in English and history, Although the University itself didn’t tourists as ever. LaMarca said that she academic plans. For other students was studying with UA affiliate order students home, LaMarca said thought that the media were causing currently studying abroad, the program Academic Programs that she did receive an email from the panic, and making the virus seem like cancellation required an immediate International (API) in Florence, University the same night that API a bigger threat than it is. return from their program. Italy. The number of deaths in Italy canceled her program, advising that “Nobody – the natives, or the While faculty-led programs may be from coronavirus has now surpassed students return home. students – had a fear of the virus,” canceled, the March 4 announcement 600, and it is the second-most LaMarca credited API with being LaMarca said.

CORONAVIRUS TIMELINE: MARCH 4 JANUARY 21 FEBRUARY 28 The University cancels Washington reports the fi rst The University all UA-sponsored MARCH 11 case of coronavirus in the suspends UA- international travel WHO declares United States. sponsored travel to departing in the month of coronavirus JANUARY 29 South Korea, Japan, March and suspends all a pandemic, further international travel. The University suspends Iran and Italy. indicating the non-essential travel to virus’s global China. spread.

FEBRUARY 29 JANUARY 27 Someone dies of coronavirus MARCH 9 The University sends for the fi rst time in the United The University advises out its fi rst email to JANUARY 30 States. against non-essential students regarding World Health Organization domestic travel. coronavirus. (WHO) declares coronavirus a public health emergency. CULTURE March 12, 2020 7

Students leaving the affiliate University did,” Griffin said. “I program in Florence were responsible back them. I think that they Spike Glycoprotein (S) for purchasing their own last-minute did a good job at it, as it return tickets, and to LaMarca’s related to my class, surprise, there were no medical but I can’t speak to tests in the international airports the other classes that she traveled through on her way they canceled.” back home. According to “I flew into Newark, New Jersey, Griffin, the small [then] to Cleveland, Ohio, and I wasn’t size of his class, RNA and N protein screened or tested for coronavirus,” and the fact that LaMarca said. “No temperature the students screenings, no tests. No one cared that I hadn’t made was coming from Italy.” serious financial Envelope On Feb. 25, the Alabama Department commitments, of Public Health released a letter helped ease the recommending a 14-day period of cancellation process. Hemagglutinin- isolation when returning from affected However, for his areas. LaMarca and other students students and for him, esterase dimer (HE) returning from affected areas have Griffin said that the trip was been instructed by the University not a missed opportunity. to return to campus for two weeks – the “Last year when we went, Graphic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons quarantine time for COVID-19. it was the trip of a lifetime,” Griffin said. department will probably offer similar While SOPHE is providing all Though some trips are canceled courses in the summer, Griffin said, so registered attendees with tickets for altogether, the future of other faculty- any students not graduating in May the online event, it is not refunding led programs remains uncertain. would have the opportunity to take the fee for the conference, which costs I am fully in support Christopher Hale, assistant professor advantage of a different special topics more than $250. of what the University of political science at the University, course over the break. Typically, SOPHE is a major was to lead a group of students on a trip “There will be other special topic conference where students like did. I back them. I think to Antigua, Guatemala, in July, but the courses this summer, and more than Valenzano can present their research that they did a good trip is currently suspended. likely, I’ll be teaching one,” Griffin said. and connect with professionals in “It’s up in the air,” Hale said. “It hasn’t “I don’t see students as being put out on their field. job at it, as it related been canceled, but we don’t really know their course credits.” “I was presenting my undergraduate to my class, but I can’t what the status of the program is at In addition to the issues that it’s research there,” Valenzano said. “A this point.” causing for students going abroad, the big part of doing research is being able speak to the other Hale currently has ten students coronavirus, now labeled as a pandemic to present it at conferences. Having classes they canceled. committed to the program and said that by the World Health Organization, that kind of national stage would have if the July trip falls through, he plans on is affecting student academics been really good to help me out with offering the six credits in the summer. domestically, too. Nicoletta Valenzano, research ideas and methods.” DARRIN “I think what I will probably do is a senior majoring in public health and For student presenters like GRIFFIN offer these courses in June, in class, psychology, was planning to attend Valenzano, presenting their research assuming the University doesn’t cancel the 2020 conference for the Society of is an opportunity to share their ideas, “I’m from Cleveland, so I’ll be here for classes in the summer,” Hale said. Public Health Education (SOPHE). The connect with professionals and the rest of the semester,” LaMarca said. “The news has changed so rapidly in event, originally planned for Atlanta, receive feedback. “And it’s currently a blizzard outside.” the past few weeks that it’s hard to say was moved online for health and Valenzano’s research, “Family While LaMarca is back home for anything definitively.” safety reasons. Composition in the Conformity to the semester, other members of the Initially, Hale thought the University’s Masculinity Norm,” looks at how UA community were forced to remain decision to suspend faculty-led study- different forms of masculinity influence stateside before they could jet off abroad programs was a harsh measure, men’s health and health disparities to Italy. but “as the news has deteriorated over I got into a lot of Valenzano may be able to upload “My class was probably one of the the last week, it now appears obvious her research poster presentation to first trips to get officially canceled that it was the right decision to make.” diff erent master the virtual conference, but she doesn’t by the University,” Darrin Griffin, Though Griffin doesn’t fault the of public health believe that she will receive the same assistant professor in the Department University for preferring to be safe amount of feedback from public health of Communication Studies, said. rather than sorry, the canceled trip has programs, and every professionals that she would from the Griffin’s class, COM 395, was to be left him with a void in his calendar. single one of them, foot traffic of an in-person conference, a faculty-led special topics course, “I’m upset about it because I was Valenzano said. which would take place over 4 weeks going to be in Italy for a month,” including top ones in For Valenzano, the coronavirus has in Rome and focus on bargaining and Griffin said. “At this point, I have a shaken up more than her attendance at negotiation in communication. month of my life back, which is good the nation, canceled the SOPHE conference. On Feb. 28, the trip, which was and bad, because now I have to find all of their admitted “I got into a lot of different master supposed to depart on May 24, was something to do.” of public health programs, and every canceled due to concerns about the The same is true for the eight student days and all of single one of them, including top spread of coronavirus in Italy. The students who were enrolled in the class. their tours because of ones in the nation, canceled all of writing had been on the wall in Italy for For students like LaMarca, one concern their admitted student days and all of weeks, Griffin said. is being able to finish their classes the outbreak. their tours because of the outbreak,” “One of the reasons that I think it’s and earn their credits after returning Valenzano said. important for the University to take home. Some, like LaMarca, will have NICOLETTA For Valenzano, this means “shooting the steps that it did is because students online options. VALENZANO in the dark” to pick a master’s program. were starting to pay money, buy flights “[API] is taking this time to talk Online virtual campus tours will be and prepare for this trip,” Griffin said. to their professors and set up online available to Valenzano, but she believes “If they had waited longer, it could classes,” LaMarca said. “We haven’t SOPHE is a nonprofit consisting of that it won’t be the same as an in-person have had financial repercussions on heard much about how the online over 4,000 health professionals and campus tour. the students themselves that would be process is going to work because they students from over 25 countries that “Going forward, it’s going to be hard non-recoverable.” are still working on the details, but as raises awareness of the connection to pick a program that I fit with because Griffin said that none of his students long as I’m learning and getting credit, between behavioral sciences, health I can no longer visit them in person,” had yet purchased their flights and that I have no problem with that.” education and health promotion Valenzano said. “The first time I get to their down-payments for the class were Griffin said that there is a possibility and builds knowledge to help see the facilities that I’ll be working in fully refunded. that the class will move online or health educators respond to public for the next two years will probably be “I am fully in support of what the include domestic travel instead. The health emergencies. my first day of class.” NEWS 8 March 12, 2020 UA STUDENTS BY HOME STATE + CORONA VIRUS CASES IN THE UNITED STATES California - 1,241 UA students REPORTED Illinois - 1,707 UA students COVID-19 CASES

NONE

1 to 5

6 to 10

11 to 20

21 to 50

51 to 100

101 to 200

201 to 500

Georgia - 2,566 UA students

Florida - 1,614 UA students Alabama - 15,145 UA students While there are no confi rmed COVID-19 cases from any UA students, the virus is already impacting many of their hometowns. Graphic CW / Carly Farmer traveling to, or through, states someone that is sick. Considering will dissipate, how long it will CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 like California, Illinois and New how easily this is spread, it’s very last or how big the hit will be,” York that have reported numerous likely that anyone that goes to the Steven Polunksy, the director ... That’s why she’ll be bringing cases of COVID-19. By the time University, or even us, could have of the Alabama Transportation a few suitcases filled with the of publication, 38 states and contracted it.” Policy Research Center, said in an coveted substance with her. the District of Columbia have Even though Chotkowski will email. “Fewer people are flying, “Stores are just completely reported cases. most likely spend her off-week and airlines are having to adjust empty,” Moore said. “You can’t get hunkered down in Tuscaloosa, – JetBlue says demand for flights toilet paper, hand sanitizer, water, she’s still worried that the virus has fallen more in response to the necessities up there, so I’ve will work its way to her. For most coronavirus than it did after 9/11. had to buy stuff like hand sanitizer UA students, that wouldn’t be a life- United reduced its international down here and ship it home, You can’t get toilet threatening issue, since COVID-19’s schedule by 20% and its domestic and now I’ll bring some home paper, hand sanitizer, impact on college-aged people schedule by 10%.” with me. I have suitcases full of is similar to that of the common For those who will be flying or hand sanitizer.” water, the necessities cold or flu. But for Chotkowski, riding trains during spring break, Moore is one of many University up there, so I’ve had contracting the disease would be Polunksy has some advice. of Alabama students who have had extremely dangerous. “Students need to check on a their spring break plans disrupted, to buy stuff like hand “Being in a situation in which daily basis for updates, wherever altered or completely canceled by I could get potentially seriously they are and whatever their plans the increasing threat of COVID-19. sanitizer down here ill from this is pretty scary,” are, and have backup plans,” Mackenzi Dugan, a senior and ship it home, and Chotkowski said. “Even now, when Polunsky said. “If traveling, limit majoring in news media, it’s not even here, I’ve been very exposure in highly traveled areas. purchased tickets a month ago now I’ll bring some cautious with people coughing Think about things you touch that to fly to Seattle for spring break. home with me. I have around me and stuff.” lots of other people do and prepare She canceled the trip last week As a precaution, Chotkowski accordingly. Be prepared for things when Washington governor Jay suitcases full of has already obtained a note from to change. In England, baggage Inslee issued a state of emergency. hand sanitizer. her primary care doctor in her handlers at Heathrow Airport have After having difficulty reaching home city of New York that will tested positive for coronavirus. Alaskan Airlines in an attempt to RACHEL excuse her from classes for two How would travel be affected if that get her ticket refunded, Dugan MOORE weeks after the break. But even happens in the U.S.?” was finally able to reschedule her self-isolation won’t guarantee that The UA System updated its flight for later in the year but was The idea that COVID-19 could she’ll be able to avoid COVID-19. interim emergency policy on still out hundreds of dollars due be brought back to Tuscaloosa “I’m also concerned because Wednesday to include information to cancellations. is especially frightening to after break, if they don’t cancel about spring break. The update Concerns over COVID-19 are at Honor Chotkowski. Cotkowski, class, even if I’m self-isolated, I announced that students who the forefront of students’ minds and a junior majoring in English, is still have two roommates who will decide to stay on campus will conversations, and they probably immunocompromised, which be going out and going to class be accomodated, encouraged won’t go away once the break is means that her impaired immune who could bring it back home,” better hygiene practices and over. With thousands of students system has a reduced ability of Chotkowski said. also declared that students who traveling through crowded airports fighting off infection or disease. As Along with canceling all “develop respiratory symptoms” or and cities all over the country next soon as COVID-19 began to spread University-sponsored international “are exposed to an individual with week, the likelihood that COVID-19 into the U.S., Chotkowski and her travel scheduled for the month of or suspected of having COVID-19” will be brought back to campus roommate pulled the plug on their March, the UA System is advising should not return to campus is increasing. Along with the spring break trip to see her aunt against any non-essential domestic after break. For those students, students who will be traveling to and uncle in San Francisco. travel. That won’t stop all students remote arrangements will be vacation destinations like Florida, “The biggest fear was flying from traveling to vacation or made. Students who are staying Texas, the Caribbean and more, there,” Chotkowski said. “We were returning home for the break, but on campus are asked to notify many students will be returning going to fly out of Atlanta, and it’s the anxiety still looms. the University. to their home states. Since 56.5% just the claustrophobia that we’d “COVID-19 is like watching More information on the of the University’s students are feel on the plane and the discomfort a slow-moving hurricane move University’s policies regarding travel from out of state, many will be of being potentially surrounded by toward you, not knowing if it can be found at healthinfo.ua.edu. EDITOREDI James Ogletree spsports@cwo .ua.edu SPORTS MarchMar 12, 2020 9

Team going 2-1. Early enrollee Canon Claycomb Claycomb’s experience with team golf was part of why Seawell felt he was well-equipped to enroll early. off to unprecedented start “He thrives in it. … I knew that would be easy for him,” Seawell said. day and made a quadruple-bogey 8. well or his mechanics are good,” “Team golf can be suffocating in an He still carded a 3-under-par 69 the Seawell said. individual game sometimes. You next day to finish five shots behind When Claycomb arrived in gotta really understand the concept the eventual winner. Tuscaloosa in January, he asked of it, and you gotta embrace it. And I Without the 8 in the second round, assistant coach Jon Howell for help knew he would, and he has.” he would have been one shot back with his putting. Howell helped him The additional depth has made a (assuming he made par). tweak his setup to have his eyes noticeable difference for the Crimson Last week, in Los Cabos, Mexico, directly over the ball, and Claycomb Tide so far this spring. Over its nine he again got to 6-under during his switched to a new putter with a larger rounds in the fall, the team’s average second round and again hit a tee shot head before heading to Puerto Rico. fourth score – that is, the highest out of bounds to halt the momentum. The results showed. individual score that counted toward But he rebounded with two birdies “[I] started getting the strike down, the team score – was 75.3. With in his next four holes to shoot a 66, and then it started rolling better and Claycomb in the lineup, it has dropped tying the team’s lowest individual [I] got a little more confident and to 73.5. The team has risen to No. 34 in round this year. He entered the final started making everything I looked the Golfstat rankings after beginning round one shot behind the leader and at,” Claycomb said. the spring season outside the top 50. BY JAMES OGLETREE finished tied for seventh. He also said he was “terrible” with “[Having Claycomb] has changed SPORTS EDITOR his wedges before coming to college, our program,” Seawell said. “Any time @JAMESLOGLETREE but Seawell and Howell have helped you add a quality player, a quality him learn a wider variety of shots. On score, to a starting lineup, it just aving spent 17 years as the the 12th hole of the second round in changes the dynamic of the team.” Hhead coach of Alabama men’s Team golf can be Puerto Rico, he had about 90 yards to Claycomb joining the team was golf, Jay Seawell has seen a lot – two the hole, which was located near the especially timely since junior Davis national championship wins, two suff ocating in an back of the green, and he was hitting Shore is still working back to 100% national runner-up finishes, four SEC individual game into the wind. health after a setback in his recovery Championship titles, 52 tournament Before college, he would have hit from hip surgery. With Shore back wins and 33 of his players being sometimes. You gotta the ball hard and high with a lot of in the lineup in Cabo and Claycomb named All-Americans. really understand the spin, which would give him less playing like he is, the freshman likes But until this January, there control over the shot and send the where the team is headed. was one thing he had never had at concept of it, and you ball farther from the hole. But on this “It’s been surreal and been a lot of Alabama: an early enrollee who gotta embrace it. And I shot, he used his 50-degree wedge – fun, and I’m enjoying every part of played right away. normally a 120-yard club – and took a it,” Claycomb said. “It’s been kind of Now Canon Claycomb is the first. knew he would, and shorter swing to keep the ball lower a dream come true.” Not only is Claycomb, who was a he has. with less spin. It ended up 2 feet from top-five junior player in the country the hole, and he tapped in for the for the last two years, playing, but second of his five straight birdies. he’s contending. He has finished JAY SEAWELL “Making the most birdies out of the T13 and T7 in his first two collegiate field in Puerto Rico, that was kind of tournaments in Puerto Rico and like an eye-opener,” Claycomb said. Mexico, respectively. “I think I get a little out of my “Like my wedges and my putting are, “It’s definitely not surprising,” routine and make a wild swing every like, good now.” Claycomb said. “I mean, that was a once in a while,” Claycomb said. “I’m Seawell knew about Claycomb’s goal. You want to come in and play encouraged that I’m 6-under through talent ever since he watched him good immediately.” 8, 6-under through 10, that kinda play as a high school freshman, In his college debut in Puerto stuff. I can figure out how to limit but the coach especially liked his Rico in February, Claycomb made 18 damage control, but you can’t really affinity for team golf. The proudest birdies over three rounds, the most in teach making birdies, so I’m excited moment of Claycomb’s career was a 75-player field that included the five about that.” representing the United States in the starters for No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 7 The first thing Seawell said when Junior Ryder Cup in France and the Georgia Tech. asked about the 18-year-old prodigy Junior Presidents Cup in New Jersey He recorded five consecutive was “He’s a scorer.” and Australia, with the U.S. winning Canon Claycomb called his putting game birdies in his second round and was “He can still have good scores no all three times. He also played in the “iff y” coming into college, but it has heated 6-under par through 10 holes, but lost matter how he’s hitting it, instead of Wyndham Cup, a prestigious junior up through his fi rst two college tournaments. two tee shots on his 14th hole of the only playing well when he’s swinging event, three times, with his East Photos courtesy of Canon Claycomb SPORTS 10 March 12, 2020 Crimson Tide’s NCAA hopes on thin ice entering SEC tournament coach Nate Oats said. “Our whole bigger and still get what we want BY ALEXANDER PLANT defensive efficiency and points per offensively. They manhandled us in COPY EDITOR @APLANT63 possession went out the window. the second half after we had our way They went big, [and] we didn’t have with them in the first 17 minutes of labama men’s basketball [junior forward Herb Jones, who that game.” Ais a longshot to make the made the SEC All-Defensive In addition to the Tennessee NCAA Tournament, and that Team] at the time, so we were loss, Alabama also lost after may be an understatement. playing [junior guard John leading by 9 over Penn The Crimson Tide likely Petty Jr.] at the four.” State, by 21 at Florida, by 12 needs to win the SEC During the first game against at home against Arkansas Tournament to earn a the Volunteers, Alabama was and by 9 over Texas A&M. spot in the Big Dance, outrebounded on the offensive “There’s a lot of things but oddsmakers glass, 19-9. Tennessee you can take away from the have given the forward Yves Pons, the games you lost,” freshman team slim +3000 SEC Defensive Player of guard Jaden Shackelford odds of running the Year, grabbed 14 said, who was named to the the table. It rebounds and blocked SEC All-Freshman Team. begins its quest at three shots during “We have a tendency to noon CT on Thursday the game, which [not lock in] at times and against Tennessee. crippled Alabama’s drift off.” In its first second-chance After a home loss to matchup against scoring opportunities Vanderbilt, the 14-seed Tennessee on Feb. and helped secure out of 14 in the SEC 4, Alabama exploded the win for Tournament, and a out to a 15-point lead the Vols. road loss at Missouri, in the first half. But, like “They took the team is putting several games this year, the advantage of [Jones everything on the Crimson Tide slowly lost its being out] with table for its last lead through poor shooting, Pons,” Oats said. chance at a bid to the lack of defense and “Hopefully having NCAA Tournament. sloppy turnovers. Herb back will The Crimson Tide “[Tennessee] killed us on help. We can likely must win the SEC the glass the second half,” play a little title to receive a bid on “Selection Sunday,” which is this Sunday, March 15. Sophomore guard Kira

All photos CW / Hannah Saad

Lewis Jr., who made the All-SEC First Team, believes the team will bounce the tournament. back versus Tennessee in the first “We need [Reese] to start playing round of the SEC Tournament. better on offense,” Oats said. “He’s “[We’ve] just got to make shots looked really good in practice. He’s and be focused on defense,” Lewis been in the gym a lot shooting. I think said. “Guys have been getting in the he’s frustrated with his play as much gym getting shots up, [so] I’m pretty as anyone is.” sure we’re not going to have a bad Nine-seed Alabama (16-15 overall, shooting display like we did last 8-10 SEC) plays 8-seed Tennessee Saturday. We’ve just got to make the (17-14, 9-9) at noon on Thursday in shots down the stretch.” Nashville. The winner will advance As the team has progressed to play 1-seed Kentucky (25-6, 15-3) through the season, the offense on Friday. Kentucky has eliminated seemed to become more centered Alabama from the last four around screens for Lewis. Screens set SEC Tournaments. by junior forwards Alex Reese and Galin Smith have allowed Lewis to get Editor’s Note: The SEC announced into the heart of opposing defenses. on Wednesday night that not only One of the pitfalls of the screen-and- would the remainder of the 2020 pop play, however, is poor shooting. Men’s Basketball Tournament be Reese is the secondary key to the limited to essential staff, limited play. If there is a miscommunication family and credentialed media, but during the pick-and-roll/pop play, it that all regular season contests in often leaves Reese open for a jump all sports on SEC campuses and shot. Over the past four games, Reese SEC Championship events will be has shot a combined 5 of 28 (17%) from conducted with similar attendance the field and averages 4 points in each restrictions from March 12 through at contest. Oats said that hopefully this least March 30. will change come Thursday’s game in THURSDAY March 12, 2020 11

Follow Us for all the news around campus

Majoring in Marketing or Advertising?

Interested in gaining skills in the Advertising & Sales industries?

Join our Team!

2300For McFarland more information Blvd E, emailTuscaloosa, Leah Marshall AL 35404 [email protected] ,QWHUHVWHGLQ advertising? Sales?

2IÀFHRI6WXGHQW0HGLDRIIHUVDQ LQWHUQVKLSLQZKLFK\RXFDQJDLQ REAL WORLDH[SHULHQFHLQWKHVHDUHDV SPORTS 12 March 12, 2020 POSITION-BY-POSITION BREAKDOWN ENTERING SPRING FOOTBALL The treacherously long, two-month off season is over, and Gumps BY JAMES OGLETREE , KATIE WINDHAM AND HUNTER JONES everywhere are rejoicing – Alabama football is scheduled to hold its fi rst SPORTS EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER practice of the spring season on Friday afternoon. Three members of The @JAMESLOGLETREE, @KTWINDHAM5 AND @HUNTER_JONES_10 Crimson White’s sports staff previewed Alabama’s off ense and defense entering spring football:

RB: The running back group OLB: Losing Anfernee got a boost when Jennings and Terrell Lewis announced that he would be hurts, but coach returning for his senior year. has expressed confi dence in With that announcement, redshirt junior Christopher Alabama returns its top Allen, who started in Lewis’ three rushers from 2019, place in the Citrus Bowl to end also including senior Brian last year. The other OLB spot Robinson Jr. and sophomore is up for grabs among redshirt Keilan Robinson. Redshirt senior Ben Davis, sophomore CW / Hannah Saad freshman Trey Sanders, the King Mwikuta and redshirt No. 1 RB in the 2019 recruiting sophomore Jarez Parks. Three QB: Losing one of the most class, will also look to make his CW / Hannah Saad fi ve-star recruits will also decorated quarterbacks in Alabama debut after a season- compete for snaps during the program history would be a ending foot injury last August. DL: The Crimson Tide doesn’t spring: Will Anderson Jr., Chris major problem for most teams. Freshmen Jase McClellan and return much production, but Braswell and Drew Sanders. It will be diffi cult for Alabama Roydell Williams are enrolled the depth up front should give to replace the production from for the spring. it a healthy rotation and make Tua Tagovailoa, but there are the D-line one of the team’s several players ready to step strengths. Redshirt junior up. Redshirt junior LaBryan Ray is in line for plenty started four games last year of snaps at defensive end after and played signifi cant minutes playing in just three games in after the injury to Tagovailoa, 2019 before a season-ending fi nishing with 1,503 yards and TE: The tight end group will foot injury. Sophomores Byron 14 touchdowns. Five-star early be returning redshirt senior Young and Justin Eboigbe and enrollee could Miller Forristall, who led his redshirt sophomore Christian challenge Jones for the starting position in catches, yards and Barmore join Ray in the job. Tua’s younger brother, touchdowns. Also returning defensive end rotation, and sophomore Taulia Tagovailoa, are redshirt junior Major sophomore D.J. Dale started 10 and redshirt freshman Paul Tennison and sophomore games at nose tackle last year. Tyson saw limited playing Jahleel Billingsley. While CW / Joe Will Field time last season and will likely Alabama signed one tight end serve as backups again in 2020. in this past recruiting class, freshman Caden Clark, it also added graduate transfer Carl Tucker from North Carolina. In his fi ve years with the Tar Heels, Tucker totaled 36 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns.

DB: Junior Patrick Surtain II and sophomore CW / Joe Will Field OL: Five returning offensive are safe to pencil in as starters. linemen started at least four CW / Hannah Saad Surtain and junior college WR: Alabama had one of the games last season: left tackle transfer Ronald Williams Jr. most dangerous receiving , left guard are expected to be the team’s corps in the country in 2019. , center Landon ILB: Alabama got some of the No. 1 cornerback and Star Two are headed to the NFL, Dickerson, right guard Deonte best news it could hope for (slot cornerback), respectively. but Alabama returns 1,816 Brown and center Chris Owens. when announced Junior started the yards and 21 touchdowns of All are seniors except Neal, he would be returning for a fi rst and last games of 2019 production from 2019 in senior who’s a sophomore. The hole fourth season. Moses did not and is slated to open the DeVonta Smith and junior at right tackle could be fi lled play one snap last year after spring as the other outside . There’s not by Neal, which could allow tearing his ACL in preseason corner. Williams could also a ton of experience behind Owens, redshirt sophomore camp, but he led the team in play safety next to Battle, but those two; sophomore John Emil Ekiyor Jr. or sophomore total tackles in 2018. Moses if he stays at corner, redshirt Metchie III, redshirt junior Darrian Dalcourt to step in on will lead the returning inside junior Daniel Wright is the Tyrell Shavers and redshirt the interior. Last year, Owens linebackers, including sixth- expected second safety. sophomore Xavier Williams and redshirt junior Kendall year senior Joshua McMillon are the next options. Redshirt Randolph also saw snaps as and sophomores Christian sophomore sixth offensive linemen with Harris and Shane Lee. Harris didn’t have much production different jersey numbers. and Lee started in 2019 as receiving-wise in 2019, but he true freshmen trying to fi ll in was used multiple times in the for Moses and McMillon, who Wildcat, particularly on fourth both sustained season-ending down. Two early enrollees injuries. Harris and McMillon are on campus during the are the two most likely starters spring: Traeshon Holden at Will linebacker, next to and Thaiu Jones-Bell. Moses at Mike.