Table of Contents ...... 7 ...... 2 Keeping it Personal: Freshman trades in label deal alk turns storefronts into galleries...... 7 Freshmen feel the pinch of growing enrollment ...... 2 Hillsboro Art W Upperclassmen ask for more on-campus housing For your reading pleasure...... 8 ...... 3 ...... 8 Music majors need practice rooms Songwriters share room, sometimes stage ...... 3 ...... 9 Nursing major preps for national pageant ...... 4 Beat ‘n’ Track: Tristen Smith Wit and Wal-Mart: Sophomore songwriter’s video goes viral ...... 10 ...... 4 Baseball ready to repeat New site brings out ‘inner bulletin board’ ...... 10 ...... 5 Diamond Girls starts inaugural season ...... 12 Brian Wilson: Is The Pill the next culture war? ...... 5 Sharp shot: Ernst shows potential on, off court ... 12 Autumn Allison: My day at Occupy Nashville ...... 6 Katie Greene: Being a Braves fan, through rain and long lines ‘De-Occupy’ A bill that could bring down a movement Page 2 The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Freshmen Upperclassmen feel the ask for more pinch of growing on-campus enrollment housing By Brian Wilson By Brian Wilson Editor Editor Something is off about Bear With larger year-to-year classes, on-campus housing for sopho- House 436. mores and upperclassmen are becoming a greater issue than ever. The room still has the feel of Not only are more upperclassmen choosing to stay at Belmont, a freshman dorm room, complete but more also want to stay on campus. This need for rooms, up to with Audrey Hepburn posters and 40 percent from 35 percent in previous years, stretched the office of Christmas lights that stay on the Residence Life to an unexpected point last year, director of residence wall throughout the year. life Anthony Donovan said. But the 16-by-16 space is much “It was overwhelming, quite frankly,” he said. more cramped than a double room Donavan thought the existing dorms and apartments for upper- should be. classmen were going as to be as full as they ever had been. But a Looking up can begin to portion of Bruin Hills was demolished last spring to make way for explain the lack of space. new residences and another parking garage. That left fewer beds for Two beds are bunked, while upperclassmen than in 2010-11. another is lofted with a desk under Despite the rising demand for upperclassman on-campus housing, it. Two desks are strutted out in the priority of residence life is to house the freshmen and sophomores the middle of the room, necessary they have guaranteed a spot for on-campus. for just two of the residents of the photo by autumn allison “Where we are, that is very close to where we need to be. We try to room. The number of tripled-up double rooms have increased steadily year-to- house all the people we’re required to house,” Donovan said. Any extra room would be a year, even with a dramatic increase in freshman residence halls. The office While no plans are now officially set, he has some ideas about luxury here; any space for your- of Residence Life prepared for around 200 of these triples last fall. what could help alleviate the growing need for housing for upper- self is nearly impossible. classmen. That’s the way it is in Bear At the very least, these addi- concerns dealt with space issues, “We have a number of things,” he said. “You could find incen- House 436, otherwise known tional but necessary triples change personal issues still arise, and tives to encourage upperclassmen to move off campus. The university as a tripled-up double room and the dynamic of a dorm room and sometimes in different ways. could be a little more lenient on their exemption policy.” home for first-year students Carrie the experiences of many first year Tripling up, Donovan said, In an attempt to more efficiently handle upperclassmen housing, Chalker, Jennifer Shearon and students. brings an emotional experience this year’s housing draw will take place the week of April 16, which Stephanie Pitts. While Bear House 436 was that can still be similar to living in Donovan hopes will allow students to have a more definite sense of With rising enrollment, these initially meant to be a double, the a typical double room. their living situation for the fall. tripled-up doubles have become room has been reconfigured to fit “It’s not bad, but it’s different,” These steps, however, will not be the last steps to fix housing for an even larger element of Belmont three girls, their belongings, and he said. “The same issues are upperclassmen. freshman life despite the fast pace their personalities. there. They just tend to manifest Despite the “pretty much unheard of” boom in residence hall of new dorm construction, said “Originally, I don’t think we themselves more quickly and more construction – seven residence halls will have been built since 2003 Anthony Donovan, director of knew what to do with each other,” intensely.” after the two phases of Bruin Hills construction – the university will residence life. Chalker said. “Yet the three of us Emma Reeves, a second-year still have to compensate for further growth. Residence life initially together balance each other out. residence assistant at Patton and “We build just enough to get us to the next phase sometimes. prepared for 200 triples to be used former triple resident, agreed, When you have that, you are never ahead very long,” Donovan said. in fall 2011. Around 180 of them saying most of these issues are The new Bruin Hills residence hall will house 298 students in four- were eventually used, and only “We’ve had to be resolved early in the semester. or five-bedroom apartments this fall. An adjacent building with 195 around 125 are in use now, but For her, the additional dozen or beds will also be built after the new residence hall is completed. Donovan said he expects an even creative. And as so residents she has because of The two Bruin Hills phases are all that the university has higher number of triples will be each freshman the extra triples this year have announced for new upperclassman housing, but Donovan said there necessary to accommodate next changed her responsibilities as an will be greater housing need in the future. year’s freshman class. class grows, our RA. “We’ll probably build at a higher density than we have before,” he “That’s been our biggest chal- sophomore class is “It takes a lot of time,” she said. lenge,” he said. “We’ve had to be said. “Part of being an RA is creative. And as each freshman the biggest ever.” having a personal relationship class grows, our sophomore class Anthony Donovan with all of your girls. It’s a lot is among the biggest ever.” Director of residence life harder to build 50 personal rela- The actual number of incoming tionships in a month.” resident students is hard to predict The influx of students also since the total number of students We all have our moments.” makes it more challenging just to isn’t confirmed until well into the Even with those moments, the keep up with her residents. summer. three have been able to bond and “Some residents might get lost Donovan compared the enroll- cooperate with each other to make in the shuffle. It’s hard to notice ment situation to Belmont to a their living situation work. when one of them is not leaving closing faucet. “We’re all mature enough not their room in two days or needs “The problem is when to turn to get petty over stupid things,” help,” she said. the faucet off. You can still over- Pitts said. Each of the three roommates flow the bucket below it,” he said. For many, living in a tripled-up acknowledged how often triples Even when the bucket over- double also changes the physical don’t work and considered them- flows, residence life is still dynamic of the room, especially selves lucky to have ended up required to provide housing for when it comes to personal space. with each other in the triple. freshmen and sophomores who “Don’t expect to have a lot of While they don’t regret living don’t commute. With this in mind, people over to chill,” Pitts said. in a triple together, if they had to more rooms will be available for “There’s literally no place for do it again, all three would rather freshmen next year when Wright them.” be in a double. and Maddox halls will become all- With three people in the room, At least a double room that freshman dorms for the first time studying can also be a challenge. only houses two people. since spring 2010. “I learned I can’t concentrate “It would be nice to have “Our goal is to have housing here,” Chalker said. “I have to go the extra space,” Chalker said. not be an imperative to enroll- to the lobby or the library.” “[Tripling] wouldn’t be our first ment,” Donovan said. While many of the roommates’ choice, but we’d be OK with it.” The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Page 3 Music majors need practice rooms By Kristin Hinkley to achieve this, practice rooms would have to either open at instruments such as marimbas will have to be dismantled Staff Writer 3 a.m. or close at 4 a.m. and taken up in the passenger eleavator. Practice makes perfect. But what if there’s nowhere to Practice rooms are in exceptionally high demand Students knowing what practice options they have can practice? between noon and 2 p.m., since most students have semi- also be an issue, said Dr. Jeffery Kirk, associate dean of While Belmont University is known for its musicians nars at 2 that require warming up beforehand. performance studies. A building monitor in Wilson, MPAC and prestigious music departments, it lacks a vital resource “It’s kind of an unspoken rule that you can practice and Belmont Heights open some classrooms afer hours. for perfecting music: practice rooms. wherever you can find room, said Erin McLendon, a senior Currently, students can practice in the practice rooms in With more than 600 music majors, 24 instrumental music major. “If it annoys us that’s fine, but accept it and Wilson, Massey Performing Arts Center, dressing rooms ensembles, 13 vocal ensembles and numerous non-music move on because we are all on the same boat.” and Belmont Heights. Belmont also recently opened the majors also striving for the personal best musically, it’s Upperclassmen have learned to cope with the limited Guitar House on Compton Street as practice space for no wonder Belmont has problems providing the necessary space, but freshman music Mackenzie Green still struggles. guitarists and bass players. practice rooms for student musicians. “For my voice lessons, seminars, and choir and piano “We’re trying to use every bit of space that we have to “You have to practice wherever you can find a space,” lessons, my homework is practicing,” Green said, and the make sure that at least everything is maximized out, that said Shauna Goldbach, a transfer junior music major. “I’ve ongoing search for practice space cuts into the time she can there’s nothing just sitting there,” Kirk said. had to warm up in the bathroom and an elevator.” study for other classes. While all available space is being used for practice In fact, a recent sign on a door in Belmont Heights Many students have been clinging to the hope that the rooms, Belmont faculty recognizes the need for growth, and Baptist Church read, “Please don’t use this as a practice new concert hall, expected to be complete in May 2012, Kirk has ideas for the future. room unless you’re practicing going to the bathroom.” could house new practice rooms. However, Belmont faculty “I know the library has now gone 24 hours, and there’s While dorm rooms are a popular second choice to have confirmed that won’t happen. been discussion on whether or not that’s possible [for prac- practice in, students also have to get creative with space “The new concert hall is going to be purely a concert tice rooms],” Kirk said. “Right now that’s not something if it means taking a trumpet into a stairwell to practice as hall,” said Dr. Jane Warren, who conducts both Women’s we’ve been able to accomplish, but certainly something to students go up and down the stairs between classes. Choir and the vocal ensemble, Session. “I don’t even know think about.” Approximate numbers make the problem clearer: if we are going to have a backstage space at this point,” While Belmont has yet to make any concrete plans for • About 40 practice rooms on campus are available for Warren is realistic about the concert hall but, like the new practice rooms, they are brainstorming solutions for the more about 270 music students with an instrumental focus. students, she sees a need for additional and updated space future as Belmont continues to expand. • On average, these students are required to practice at for classes, rehearsals and practice. Kirk said he and other music faculty know there is a least two hours a day. Her hope is that the section between Troutt Theater and problem. “I really want to do everything I can in my posi- • More than 50 additional students, with a vocal the concert hall will be renovated for that at some point in tion as associate dean to work with this. If students can’t get emphasis, have to practice 30 minutes a day. the future to add classroom and practice room space. into rooms to practice, they can’t do well in their lessons, Using these estimated numbers, practice rooms would But that won’t alleviate one other anticipated problem. improve and go out and do great things.” have to be open at least four more hours every day. In order There is no freight elevator in the new concert hall, so large Melanie Rankin also provided reporting for this story. Nursing major preps for national pageant By Jessica Adkins Staff Writer

Natalie Newbill builds her beauty from the inside out. Relaxed, but not sloppy. Poised, but never pretentious. She’s calm and collected, and there’s a controlled spirit about her that most college students couldn’t maintain with such a packed schedule. After all, Newbill balances her course load as a nursing major with various duties as a resident assistant in Patton Hall, secretary of the Black Student Association and second vice president of Delta Sigma Theta. Of course, she fits that in between tutoring kindergarteners for up to three hours every weekday afternoon and speaking for her nonprofit of choice, Be at RISK. But she’s a pageant girl. And they’re used to dealing with chaos. In December 2011, Natalie Newbill earned the title of Miss Black Tennessee USA, a title she will carry to the Miss Black USA competition in August. A native of Milan, Tenn., Newbill has walked the runway in pageants since before she could walk on her own. “I don’t remember not doing pageants,” she said. She she began when she was “a little baby in frilly dresses and frou frou socks.” Toward the end of high school she moved into the “Miss” category of pageantry and earned the title of Miss Belmont USA 2010, allowing her to compete for Miss Tennessee USA 2010. She didn’t secure the state title, but she gained experience she’ll use at Miss Black USA 2012. Photo by jessica adkins Newbill, now a junior, had never competed in an exclu- Junior Natalie Newbill will compete for the title of Miss Black USA 2012 and $20,000 in scholarships and prizes in August. sively black pageant before. While there wasn’t a state pageant this year, Newbill’s phone interview with the recruitment chair was apparently ligence, self-worth and knowledge in adolescents. So far, she’s speaking to middle and high more than enough to secure the title. schools in Nashville and across Tennessee. “I guess she liked what she heard,” Newbill said, “because I’m Miss Black Tennessee “I specifically chose Be at RISK,” she said, “because everyone says we should help USA 2012.” the ‘at risk population,’ but really I think it’s really important for black, white, Mexican, The Miss Black USA organization is a nonprofit “to provide educational opportunities Chinese, for everyone to know how to love themselves.” to outstanding young women of color, and to develop the whole woman: mind, body, and In the coming months, Newbill will be rehearsing and shopping with her lifelong support spirit.” system: her mom and her sister. She’ll be singing Beyoncé songs to practice for the talent Right now, Newbill only works on pageant prep on weekends, but in the coming months, portion. She’ll be on the elliptical to stay in shape. she’ll pick up the pace until it’s an everyday process. At the same time, she will also look at grad schools to get a masters in nursing and a “Eat, breathe, sleep pageant life,” she said. “I wake up and fall asleep thinking of inter- midwifery degree. She’ll be hitting the books hard to hold onto her spot on the Dean’s List, view questions. I walk in heels all week long just to make sure that my feet get used to it. and she’ll be as available as much as possible to her floor residents in Patton Hall, no matter A lot goes into pageant life, like eating well and exercising, but it comes together to really how crazy things get. She’ll keep serving others through tutoring, through Be at RISK, and, make you healthy.” of course, in her position as Miss Black Tennessee USA. Even with all of her commitments, To Newbill, though, health is physical as well as it is emotional. “If we don’t respect and it’s her service that she gets the most out of. value ourselves,” she said, “we’re all at risk for basically self-destruction.” “When you realize that your title and your reign is not about you, it’s about the lives that So, as the spokesperson for the movement Be at RISK, she strives to foster respect, intel- you touch, I think you can reach a whole other destination,” said Newbill. Page 4 The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Wit and Wal-Mart Sophomore songwriter’s video goes viral By Amanda Ellis STAFF WRITER body’s inbox,” especially Plenty of songs are about love, breakups, and maybe with the avalanche of photos getting “low” at a club – perhaps while wearing boots from the peopleofwalmart. with the fur. But songs about everything from the fasci- com site that began in 2009. nating array of Wal-Mart shoppers to the perils of airport The idea of “people of security have helped to launch a career for one Belmont Wal-Mart” has drawn some sophomore. criticism for an overall lack “My stuff is very quirky,” songwriting major Jessica of cultural awareness. But Frech said of her unusual song topics. for thousands of viewers Showcasing her non-traditional songwriting through throughout the Internet social media, particularly YouTube, has brought Frech topics like “people of Wal- national attention and notoriety. Mart” are humerous and But before fi nding her musical niche, Frech started out worth watching, turning PHOTOPROVIDED JESSICA BY FRECH like many performers. videos, like Frech’s, into A Nashville native, she began playing guitar in middle viral sensations. Her quirky song topics have landed Jessica Frech more than just page views. Frech’s latest school and she performed many covers, often in coffee In Frech’s case, however, works include commercials for Hyundai and Pepto Bismol. shop shows. an audience beyond the Internet came quickly. These song challenges have resulted in songs about Although Frech was tentative about songwriting at Soon after the “People of Wal-Mart” video was posted, such topics as the woes of airport security, elevator fi rst, she wanted to break away from the more traditional she received an email from car manufacturer Hyundai’s awkwardness, and Facebook creeping. path she seemed to be taking and to continue to grow as marketing company. They liked the various characters In addition, Frech will soon release a full-length album a music artist. With support from her dad, she agreed to Frech played in her video as well as her quirky song- in March. give songwriting a try. Together, they eventually decided writing and offered her an opportunity to be featured in Utilizing Kickstarter, a fundraising website, Frech to use social media, primarily YouTube, to promote some of their upcoming TV commercials. was able to completely fund the album. Her fi rst single, Frech’s songwriting. Frech agreed. She said she enjoyed the creative “Reality,” is available on iTunes. One of these early YouTube efforts, “People of Wal- freedom she was given for the commercials – she wrote She expects to graduate on time in 2014, despite Mart,” features pictures of Wal-Mart shoppers as Frech the song and script, came up with the characters, and was commitments for her emerging career. sings a quirky song that accompanies the photos. Frech soon fi lming in Nashville. “Everything’s happened so fast … my career’s come also created numerous characters that she plays in the Along with two commercials for Hyundai and a about in the last six months. It’s scary to think about what video. commercial for a recent online Pepto Bismol campaign, could happen in the next year working as hard as I am Frech originally hoped the video would get half a Frech has also been featured on Fox News, ABC News, now.” million hit and she was shocked when the numbers Billboard and other media outlets. Her goals have also shifted in the past few months. kept climbing, up now to almost 12 million total views Soon after the success surrounding “People of Wal- “I defi nitely came to school wanting a publishing YouTube and Break.com, which rated “People of Wal- Mart,” Frech came up with the idea of weekly song chal- deal… and a lot of that’s changed since these opportuni- Mart” the top viral video of 2011. lenges — once a week she would post a video of a song ties came about.” Frech said. “I like doing the commercial Frech said it had crossed her mind that the “People of she had written based on an idea chosen from comments work. I like being independent. I like controlling what I do Wal-Mart” video would “somehow end up in … some- on her YouTube channel. and what choices I make or who uses my songs.” New site brings out ‘inner bulletin board’ By Heather Thompson concept. button and then selecting the picture that he and avid pinner, estimated the amount of STAFF WRITER The process is simple. Pictures are or she wants to pin. Pick a board for the pin time she spends on the site, “An hour a day,” Tweeting, re-blogging and even stum- pinned to different boards of various catego- to go on, add a description, and it’s there for she said. “Defi nitely every day.” bling have dominated the procrastination ries for different reasons. Some may create future reference. Amanda Cutrona, a sophomore, “prob- fi eld for students. Now those same students a “Fashion Wish List” board to aid on future New pinners continue to fl ock to the site. ably spends about three hours a day on it.” have turned to a new forum: pinning. shopping trips. Others may create a recipe “I just saw it a lot through Facebook and On Pinterest, users can follow their Pinterest, an invitation-only website board, especially those in a dorm, as a heard it was better than StumbleUpon,” said Facebook friends that have boards, or they and the latest social media platform, is dream of foods to make when a full kitchen sophomore Kramer Deans, a rather new can follow random boards that post things home to virtual boards that allow users becomes available. member to Pinterest. they fi nd interesting, which Wells-English to post pictures of things they see around Away from the site? No problem. The addiction kicks in quickly for most said is her favorite aspect of the website. the Internet and organize them for those Pinterest has a toolbar button to aid in members. From these other users, members can re-pin who are just OCD enough to revel in this easy pinning. It’s as easy as clicking on the Diana Wells-English, a nursing major images from others’ boards to their own. Pinterest builds its whole identity on the sharing of likes and ideas. On the “about’ page, the site claims to help create A Celebration of links between people from this very practice. Junior art history and Spanish major Pilar Ferrar’s Life favorite aspect is “the camara- A benefit concert for suicide prevention & awareness.! derie of it.” “There are people out there Former NFL quarter back Eric Hipple &! who like the same thing. They LA hip-hop artist People Under the Stairs! have the same sense of humor,” tickets available at Ticketmaster & she said. Vanderbilt’s Sarrat Cinema Box Office Pinterest is not only a site for organization and lists, but it easily becomes a fi rst resort for procrastination. Pinners fi nd themselves distracted for hours by the visually enticing site before they realize what has occurred. “I feel like Pinterest is good for everyone really,” Cutrona April 4 . 4-7pm said. “It’s really helpful to help plan your life.” Vanderbilt Alumni Lawn

Let us know what you think. Send a signed letter, 400 words max, with your phone number. You have three options: go to belmontvision.com, click on staff/ contact, then “write us a letter” or submit it via email to [email protected] or mail it to Editor, Bel- mont Vision, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212. ideaThe Belmont Vision, Februarys 23, 2012 Is The Pill newest culture war? I never thought it would come to this. to be somewhere in the middle. underemployed, and with tax, budget and I’ve spent a year writing columns for this college media Religious groups must fall under Brian Wilson entitlement systems that quickly need major organization, and I never thought I would cross this line. some level of First Amendment overhauls, shouldn’t American politicians But when the federal government, both major political protection, but individuals who focus more on issues that will affect Ameri- parties and Fox News won’t stop making a fuss over it, I work for these organizations cans day to day now and in the future? have to chime in with my two cents. but do not practice the same Wouldn’t it benefit Americans if their The issue? Contraceptives. faith should not be deprived of government worked to put itself on stable The discussion started when the Obama administra- coverage for their health care economic ground and not squabble so furi- tion announced it would require employers like Catholic needs. ously over a health care policy that already charities and hospitals to cover& contraception in their health Unfortunately, the culture war exists in 20 states? care plans, even if the religion opposed its use. A quick and mentality that continues in this The American people deserve more of forceful objectiona from some Catholics eas well as evan- country has kept—and will likely their government, whether in the execu- gelical Protestants rapidly amplified the conversation to a continue to keep—any reasonable tive, legislative, or even judicial branches. political brawl between conservatives and liberals of all compromise from happening. Maybe if elected officials actually got their religious stripes. Whether debating abortion, act together, the federal government could After about a week of back-and-forth bickering, the gay marriage, gun control or accomplish what it actually needs to do to administration put forth a compromise plan that allows contraception policies, portions of make this country better tomorrow than what employees access to contraceptives though the insurance the American people never seem it is today. companies, but it would have them work directly with the to stop raising these longtime Maybe to do that, the American people insurers that would foot the bill. At this point, the Catholic hot-button issues. and those who represent them can find more pressing issues archdioceses – as well as the remaining GOP candidates – These so-called debates, which come and go, still plant to address than contraception. will not accept any compromise until they have full leeway seeds of polarization and absolute, all-or-nothing politics so to keep religiously affiliated organizations from being present in American rhetoric today. associated with birth control. People are going to disagree on these issues–that’s Vision editor Brian Wilson is a junior journalism major. The answer, one I surely don’t know specifically, has a given. But with so many Americans unemployed or On Legislative Plaza: my day at Occupy Nashville

Mic Check. Occupiers refer to him. share his story of “why Occupy.” Shouts ring out across the plaza in Autumn Allison At 53 years old, he is “no longer a spring His outlook on politics and business in sporresponse. ts chicken,” but that factor hasn’t stopped him. general is much more developed than the Heads poke out of tents scattered across Every day you can find him on the plaza Occupy outliers I had talked to previously. Legislative Plaza as the shouts get louder. slowly making the rounds with his cane, We talked for hours about his thoughts The group meanders toward the steps, until the state “kicks him out,” that is. on corruption in education and the state of more interested in the “grub” than what the He begins telling me about his three college sports. The conversation centers General Assembly has to say. strokes, the miracle recovery, and living in around big issues and things beyond Signs line the wall, left behind from a Montana. He even sings me a tune before Henry’s immediate control. time when momentum and an idea was all turning to a more serious topic. Then the shift happened. it took to make a change. “I’m doing this for you. You guys are Henry got a sort of dreamy look in his Numbers have been dwindling at the our future,” he tells me. In that moment, I eyes as he started to share his hopes for the camp. Some claim it’s the cold, but others believed his intent. future. Travelling abroad and competing for believe it’s something deeper. As the meeting continues, the crowd a second title in jui jitsu top his list, but all To a casual observer, the gathering is shrinks from 15 to seven. Hashing out of that must wait until his time at Occupy a typical meeting. But in reality, it’s the another meeting time to plan ahead for the Nashville wraps up. death of a movement. camp upheaval seems too much. Tempers Night settled on the camp while we It’s a death that’s been a long time run high. chatted. Temperatures dropped even lower. coming. Tennessee’s state legislature is just Just when the thought crossed my mind If a penguin had waddled across the plaza, speeding up the process with the inevitable that no resolution would be reached, democ- I wouldn’t have been surprised. It was that fitnespassage of House Bill 2836 and Senate Bill s racy prevails. cold. 2508. It’s strange watching the Occupiers “Cold enough for you, brace-face?” Assembly is now in session. piers ignore. I’m merely a passer-by in their decide their fate. They know that the move- Henry smirked at me. “Democracy in its purest” is being prac- minds, an outsider who has yet to see the ment is on its last leg but no one is willing Too cold to be exact. Eight and a half ticed before my eyes. The verdict from both light. to admit defeat, at least not yet. hours was my limit. myself and Ben, the facilitator? “Messy as Most folks who see this meeting stare After nearly four hours exposed to the I returned to my cozy dorm, curled up hell.” for just a moment before returning to cold, I lost all feeling in my hands and the under the blankets with the heat cranked No calls to order are made; simple hand their hustle and bustle. A select few feel it shivers made walking difficult. A younger up and thought about the day, the day I saw movements dominate the conversation until necessary to honk and yell profanities at Occupier named Andrew Henry takes pity Occupy die. a really heated subject comes up. the group, reminding them their days are and invites me in his tent in an attempt to I spend my time carefully taking notes numbered. prevent hypothermia. Autumn Allison, Vision managing editor, and capturing photos, a fact most Occu- Enter Tom Sweet, or “Cowboy” as the Once inside Henry’s tent, he begins to is a sophomore journalism major.

Editor: Brian Wilson Managing Editor: Autumn Allison The Student Newspaper of Belmont University Multimedia Editor: Annalise Kraus Sports Editor: Katie Greene 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville TN 37212 Faculty Adviser: Linda Quigley Phone: 615.460.6433 E-mail: [email protected] Online/Graphics Adviser: Angela Smith The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Page 6 ‘De-Occupy’ A bill that could bring down a movement By Autumn Allison Managing Editor

Tents in varying shades of green and blue line the walls of War Memorial Plaza. Each tent has been strategically tied, zip-tied and bungee corded to withstand even the roughest winds. Duct-taped peace symbols and spray-paint decals give a little bit of personality to the normally bleak abode. For nearly four months, those tents have been home to the Occupy Nashville movement, but following the passage of House Bill 2638 and the likely passage of Senate Bill 2508, the tents are coming down, and along with them, possibly the entire movement. The Nashville group, which proclaims on its website that it has been “occupying Legislative Plaza since Oct. 7, 2011,” Tom Sweet looks on as General is one of more than 100 citizen-led movements in the U.S. Assembly discusses possible that were formed in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street. The relocation plans for the Occupy movement began in New York last September to protest “an camp if the State Legislature unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future.” passes a bill banning them from For roughly 30 people in the encampment in Nashville, camping on Legislative Plaza. the death of the movement signals more than just the end of Sweet is part of a small sub-group Occupy. It means a separation from a dream and from the within Occupy Nashville that plan group they call family. to challenge the bill by defying it Tom Sweet once it becomes law. If he carries Wood strikes the marble steps at the plaza with every through with his plan, Sweet could step Tom Sweet takes. His cane keeps him steady during face up to a year in jail along with the rounds through the tents. Everything about Tom Sweet a maximum fine of $2,500. is methodical, timely and even-keeled. Until he speaks Possibilities for the movement with passion, that is. His whole demeanor changes, and his involve a move to the locally- normally soft-spoken voice booms across the plaza. owned Metro Square, but nothing At 53 years old, Sweet’s 6-foot-2-inch frame is bent and definite has been decided. withered, a side effect from the three strokes he suffered in Montana. Photos by Autumn Allison “The doctors say I’m a miracle, and, well, I already knew that cause I’m walking,” Sweet said. Crippled, he calls himself. A social defect in normal society. But at Occupy, he’s a respected individual. protect the proper use of govern- It’s Sweet’s turn on the soapbox during General ment property. If passed, it Assembly, the group’s daily meeting. will have a direct effect on the “Our rights are being violated,” he said. “We need a Occupy Nashville movement. government for the people by the people. … We must be in State Representative Eric unity, but we’ll take this one day at a time.” Watson and Senator Dolores He’s a late joiner to the movement, but so are most of the Gresham, the sponsors of the group on the plaza. Sweet is willing to risk jail time for the bills, have both told several publi- cause. cations, including The Tennes- “Come back out on Thursday to see the show,” he said. sean and Nashville Public Radio, “I’ll be in my tent just waiting for those troopers to take me that freedom of speech is not an away, to take the cripple away.” issue here and are quick to reas- Sweet sings a gospel tune he wrote himself as he limps sure their bill is not an attempt off to the safety of his tent and home for the final days of the to stop this right to freedom of movement. assembly. Andrew Henry As soon as the ink dries on Andrew Henry proudly strolls into the public library, the bill, Tennessee Highway pointing out inspirational photos and quotes as he goes. Patrol can descend on the camp, “I draw inspiration from this room,” Henry said as he breaking up one of the last walks into the Civil Rights Room. remaining Occupy camps in the A college degree, a championship fighting title and a country. well-off family are in a past that Henry doesn’t talk about During an emergency crisis much. meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, the Conversations with him center around big topics. majority of Occupiers decided to Corruption in government, education and sports are just a move the encampment to Metro few of his favorites. For Henry, the world is his soapbox. Square, shifting the control from Occupy Nashville provided the chance for him to take a the state to local government. A stand and fight inequalities. small group, including Sweet, “This movement really comes down to inequalities,” he want to hold off the move and said. “Being black, this is a prominent issue for me. This wait for police action. has always been a passion of mine.” Both bills were scheduled With the passage of the De-Occupy Bill in the House to be presented on Thursday, and the almost certain passage of its sister bill in the Seante, Feb. 16. The State House passed Henry is not only losing his platform, but his new family. HB 2638 70-26, but the Senate “You really get to know people out here. You become pushed off voting on the bill. The family,” he said. debate will be picked up on the Dubbed the “big bad bill” by Occupiers, HB 2638, along next scheduled floor meeting on with its sister bill SB 2508, were created with the intent to Thursday, Feb. 23. LGHDV

Top 5 Albums on iTunes 1. 21 – ADELE 2. Whitney – The Greatest Hits – Whitney Houston 3. Barton Hollow – The Civil Wars 4. 19 – ADELE 5. The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack Album) – Whitney Houston DThe Belmont Vision, FebruaryH 23, 2012 Keeping it personal Freshman trades in label deal By Dustin Stout said. “If you don’t do well, your manager, Staff Writer your label, your booking agency—they’ll A black Sharpie marks a mail-order CD with his just drop you and move on to the next name—a name originally known just on his MySpace page. thing. No one’s as invested in your success That’s where Belmont freshman Chase Coy’s story as you are.” begins. Most of the album was finished when As mellow as his self-described “deeply personal music,” Coy signed his contract, but “Picturesque” Coy, 21, slouched in a wooden chair and began to describe wasn’t quite so picturesque without one how his unique path started with those mail-order CDs and final addition: a duet with fellow Universal ended with a major label record deal. Republic artist and Grammy-nominated Burned onto the CD was the Greenwood, Ind., native’s powerhouse Colbie Caillat. first offering to the fans he’d garnered on MySpace. That “She was one of the very first MySpace 2008 release, “The Dear Juliet EP,” met so much success stars. ‘Bubbly’ became very popular on that Coy released a second, “The Goodbyes and Autumn MySpace,” Coy said. “It was pretty seren- Skies EP,” later that year. dipitous that I ended up on the same label “Within the first year or so, trying to mail out those EPs as her. All the pieces fell into place, so it to fans got really out of hand,” Coy said. “I started looking was really great.” VSRUfor an alternative, and that’s when we put my music on WVCaillat joined Coy on “If The Moon iTunes.” Fell Down,” a song originally included on In just one week, iTunes featured the EPs on its folk Coy’s first full-length independent album, music homepage “with one of those big banners and every- “Look How Far We’ve Come.” thing,” he said. “Working with her was amazing. She The attention didn’t stop there. Big-time label Universal made me feel really comfortable producing in the studio,” probably would have ended up going to college someplace Republic Records started taking notice of the big banners— he said. “Here I am—I’m 19 years old, I’m in a studio and else instead of pursuing my music.” and the big numbers—Coy’s music was attracting. I’m producing Colbie Caillat … like, I’m giving vocal Three years later, plan B was enacted after “If The Moon “More than anything, they were impressed with the sales direction to Colbie Caillat. It’s kind of just crazy that even Fell Down” failed to make progress in radio. Coy asked to numbers,” he said. “That’s how those major labels work. happened.” leave his contract at Universal Republic. They flew me out to see them, and we started talking. After For Coy, it was just as crazy that he got a major record “Everything was in a state of flux, and I said, ‘In a that, it kind of died down.” deal in the first place, especially being so close to attending perfect world, I would just rather go back to doing this But not for long. college. independently.’ And they let me out of my contract early—a Coy took matters into his own hands and spent the “My family is very conservative and places a lot of year early actually,” he said. summer of 2009 recording “Picturesque,” the album he value on education,” Coy said. “For my parents, college has That’s when Coy turned back to Belmont to start would eventually release as a Universal Republic recording always been the logical step after high school. There was studying audio engineering technology; he kept in mind artist. never a question of whether I am going to go to college or some important lessons he learned while on Universal “I finished up the album, brought it back to the label in not—it was where am I going to college and what do I want Republic’s roster. November and said, ‘Here’s my album. Do you still want to to study.” “Working with people at major labels and different sign me?’ They said, ‘Yeah, we do.’ That was it,” he said. “I But an unexpected place eventually convinced Coy’s companies,” he said, “I’ve found most of them—lots of signed my record deal in November of 2009.” parents to take the leap of faith and allow their son to pursue them—started in a completely different area of the music ILWQHVThe initiative he showed early in his relationship with his musicV career after high school and keep college as a plan industry. I am more open to options now, and I see how the label taught him a valuable lesson he still applies to his B. many options are available. I’m just trying to be flexible and career. “They spoke to some of the faculty at Belmont who take opportunities that come my way.” “I worked with a lot of different people in a lot of encouraged them music careers can be pretty time-sensi- But for now, a black Sharpie will inscribe his audio engi- different capacities, and the bottom line is no one’s going tive,” Coy said. “If I hadn’t ever considered Belmont, if my neering class projects with his name—a name now known to work as hard for you as you will work for yourself,” Coy parents didn’t come here, if they didn’t talk to the faculty, I to fans beyond any campus. Hillsboro art walk turns storefronts into galleries By Jessica Adkins especially those with criminal records, to out of it,” she said. “This is still the best Staff Writer channel their energy and creativity into art. area of town to get your art in because the Getting there Floral paintings hang in A Village of PASTL is one of several nonprofits that use shops are looking for artists specifically for The Hillsboro Village Art Walk Flowers. Little girls are crafting in Sweet the Hillsboro Art Walk to get the word out these events.” welcomes many talents, from CeCe’s. “DJ Just Greg” is mixing elec- about what they’re offering. Duncan Ragsdale, the event’s director, bands to singer-songwriters to tronica tracks in front of Fire Finch, along- “The kids’ art is really trendy, and I agreed. visual artists to authors. Prospec- side a cakestress giving away cake pops. know there’s a lot of trendy people through “And some store owners don’t even take It’s a scene that returns, always with here, so it’s a good opportunity,” Kava- commission,” Ragsdale said. “Some will tive participants should contact creative differences, on the first Thursday naugh said. coordinator Duncan Ragsdale of every month in Hillsboro Village. The Craftville, another of the art-based through her website, duncanrags- monthly art walk is vibrant with art and nonprofits, is a group of craft enthusiasts dale.com. If you want to go and culture for children and adults alike as the who provide quick, easy and creative activi- immerse yourself in the atmo- small businesses near the intersection of ties to involve children at the walk. Calling all artists! sphere, the next art walk is March Wedgewood and 21st avenues double as art These events benefit nearly everyone in Any artist who wants to display 1. There’s another on April 5, and galleries, stages, or whatever the commu- the community. The public gets entertain- it will have an Earth Day theme, nity needs them to be. ment and the shops get business, while their work at the monthly Hills- featuring eco-friendly, recycled “This makes the street a gallery,” artist charities and artists get venues, audiences boro Village Art Walk can contact art. The April event will also mark Michael Kavanaugh said. “Sometimes the and buyers. the walk’s second anniversary. It people don’t come to the art, so you’ve got Painter Lydia Hejny, whose work was Ragsdale at takes place in a couple of blocks in to bring art to the people.” on display recently at A Village of Flowers, [email protected] Kavanaugh is the founder of PASTL- said she doesn’t sell a lot of work during the Hillsboro Village on 21st Avenue Promoting Artists Strengths through Logic-, art walk, but it’s still worthwhile. or (615) 294-5441. South between Wedgewood and an organization that encourages adolescents, “Last year I got a lot of commission work Acklen avenues. Page 8 The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012

the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.” Through her engrossing stories, readers discover why Angelou is such a renowned and inspiring individual.

By Glennese Patterson Staff Writer Native Son With all assignments given to college students every semester, it’s hard to find time to Richard Wright read books just for the sake of enjoyment. But if you find yourself with some down time Don Cusic, Music Business during your busy college life, here are some noteworthy books to check out suggested by Belmont faculty and staff — no research paper is In this classic novel published in 1940, Richard necessary. Wright tells a poignant tale of Bigger Thomas, a young African-American man who murders a white woman during the 1930s in Chicago, and his Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China forthcoming trial. Considered to be one of the most Jung Chang profound novels of its time, “Native Son” changed the Ernest Heard, Director of Library Services face of American literature. In this heart-wrenching memoir, Chang chronicles her life as well as her mother and Cancer Ward grandmother’s experiences within China during Alexander Solzhenitsyn the 20th century. “Wild Swans” has been Vance Wilson, Lila D. Bunch Circulation Manager translated in more than 30 languages, giving its “Cancer Ward,” set in post-Stalin Russia, follows readers an accurate historical look inside the protagonist Kostoglotov on his journey through a Chinese communist movement. Soviet cancer ward where he falls in love with one of the doctors. But, upon closer examination, it becomes Dubliners clear that “Cancer Ward” is a metaphor for Soviet James Joyce government, which led to the book’s ban by the country’s government for many years. Michael Davis, Lila D. Bunch Tech Support “It’s not a ‘nice’ title, but it has a good, movie-like ending,” Wilson said. Specialist The dreary Russian backdrop may not make this the best beach read, but it’s a great James Joyce, known mostly for his works like story and novel, he said. “Ulysses” and “Finnegan’s Wake,” wrote this collection of 15 short stories, published in 1914, Scout, Atticus and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of To Kill A Mockingbird about his native Dublin. Mary McDonagh Murphy “It’s worth reading for the final story alone, ‘The Dead’,” Davis said. “The mixed and Sally Holt, School of Religion conflicted emotions conveyed in that story are truly memorable. Most every American student has either read through or knows of “To Kill A Mock- If you ever tried to read Joyce and failed to get ingbird.” In “Scout, Atticus and Boo,” Murphy offers insight into this quintessential past the first page, Davis insists that “Dubliners” is coming-of-age story and interviews people like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Brokaw about an easier read. how this powerful novel has influenced them. “I have reread this little book many times over the years, and always find something new,” Davis said. Moby Dick Herman Melville I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Peter Kuryla, Department of History Maya Angelou Truly an iconic piece of literary history, “Moby Dick” follows a crazed sea captain, Jenny Mills, Lila D. Bunch Reference Services Ahab, on his quest for the elusive white whale. As a defining novel of the 19th century, “Moby Dick” has been the basis for many works of modern literature. After hearing Maya Angelou’s insightful If you have already set sail with Ishmael in a high school English class, Kuryla also lecture at the 2011 Humanities Symposium, it’s suggests “The Magic Mountain” by Thomas Mann. no surprise one of the books on this list would be “The Magic Mountain” takes place in pre-World War I Europe, specifically in a the first of what became a three-volume autobiog- tuberculosis hospital in the Swiss Alps. When the protagonist, Hans, visits an ailing raphy, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” In cousin at the facility, he contracts the disease and begins his journey of learning and self- the New York Times bestseller, Angelou recalls discovery. her childhood and early adulthood growing up Although the two books differ in subject and plot, Kuryla says that a common theme in the South: “If growing up is painful for the holds them together. Southern Black girl, being aware of her displace- “Both of these books are novels of ideas that depict fragile worlds in the process of ment is the rust on the razor that threatens passing into oblivion,” he said. “What can be better than that?” Songwriters share room, sometimes a stage

By Ali Williams Scott, originally from Macon, Ga., months. sounding like other people.” Staff Writer discovered a passion for songwriting when “I love her lyrics. Sometimes they’re just Since their musical styles complement Musicians. Songwriting majors. Belmont she picked up the guitar in high school. plain haunting,” he said. “Also, her use of each other well, some have wondered why juniors. “[Belmont’s songwriting program] has harmonies in live performances just makes these friends haven’t committed to a music These roommates have a lot in common, gotten me familiar with the process of how your jaw drop.” duo. but don’t let their similarities fool you. it works, especially in the major industry While Scott developed her passion for “I think it would be interesting,” Scott Although each has a style of music that scene like Music Row,” said Scott.“It’s defi- songwriting during the past few years, said. “ I think we could do it well, but we’ve falls under the folk-alternative genre, both nitely made me hone my own craft and has Royal discovered her love for music at an never attempted it.” Mackenzie Scott and Natalie Royal have directed my path as far as where I do want early age. Royal agreed. their own individual styles. to go and where I don’t want to go.” “I feel like I was singing before I could “I could see us collaborating at some Scott and Royal met in their first year Scott’s biggest influences as an artist are talk,” she said. point coming from a fresh standpoint like writing class and became roommates as Ryan Adams and Brandi Carlile. She also Royal has come a long way since she ‘We both are completely out of ideas. Let’s juniors. Although they don’t write songs admires the showmanship and stage pres- started singing karaoke tracks and talent write a song together,’” she said. together, they often play the same shows ence of Johnny Cash and Joan Jett. shows. She is now working on her first full- In addition to sharing a love for music and personally support and motivate each In March 2011, Scott released her first length album, which will feature 13 songs and songwriting, Royal and Scott also share other. EP, “Hit and Run,” on iTunes. She expects she has written during the past five years. their band members Bobby Chase, Melodie Before they were good friends, Royal to finish a full-length album by next year. The album should be out in late March. Morris and Jordan Williams. remembers Scott singing in the Thrailkill In March, Scott is going on tour through Royal’s biggest influences are Laura Royal and Scott agree that Belmont has stairwell. She loved the sound of Scott’s Texas with Seth Reeves and Belmont Marling and Mindy Smith, but having her fostered their growth as artists by giving voice and asked her to sing harmonies for students Cale Tyson and Jordan Hull. own style is important to her. them access to resources and connections. her. Now, they sing backup for each other Although they all have different music, “I try not to pull my inspiration directly “None of this would have happened whenever they need harmonies onstage. Scott said, “We all write for ourselves. from other people,” she said. “I love it without Belmont,” Royal said. “I wouldn’t “Natalie is really good at pinpointing I think that’s the one thing we have in when, after a show, I get people telling me I have met Mackenzie or any of the people exactly what needs to go where in a song,” common.” sounded like 20 different people… because I play with. Without Belmont, it wouldn’t Scott said. “In that sense, I would consider it Tyson, a junior who thinks highly of it lets you know you’re doing something have happened, but you have to take every a collaboration of music.” Scott, said the tour has been in the works for right—sounding like yourself rather than possible opportunity.” The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Page 9

Tristen Smith

The Beat ‘N’ Track plays on this month with sopho- red Telecaster that we somehow ended up with. I also have a message relatable to not only my generation but more music business major Tristen Smith. He hails from wanted to play guitar because of Ace Frehley from KISS. also everyone who listens. St. Clairsville, Ohio, just east of the Ohio River, where his His character was the coolest thing in the world—and kind of guitar slinging, rock inspired country music is alive out of the world—to me and I loved the way he played Do you play around town? How does playing gigs help you and well. With inspirations like country guitar gurus Brad the guitar. When I fi rst started playing, I didn’t love the to become a better musician? Paisley and Keith Urban, Smith is fi nding his own way in guitar. It wasn’t until I met my second guitar teacher, I do get to play around town. I’ve played places country music at Belmont. And with his recent win at the Chris Chaplin, that I fi nally started to fall in love with the like The Rutledge, 12th & Porter and Center Stage. 2012 Country Showcase, his path hasn’t led him astray instrument. I don’t know where I’d be without him. I play I’ve mainly been backing other artists. Performing live yet. Vision senior A&E writer Dustin Stout talked with the guitar—and music really—because I love to play, and I defi nitely allows me to grow and improve as a musician sophomore to fi nd out how the iconic KISS played a part in believe God blessed me with the gift of music. I believe and performer. I gain more experience and gain making him the “barbed wire country” singer he is today. I’m meant to share it with the world and praise him all infl uences from the other musicians around me. the way. How would you describe your style of country? You just won the recent Country Showcase at Belmont. My style of country is very edgy. I jokingly call it Do you have any idols as far as guitar gurus go? What Talk about that experience. How did if feel to win as a “barbed wire country” because although it is country makes them your idol? sophomore? music, it is edgy and has a classic rock element mixed I love a lot of guitar players, but I’d say my true guitar Winning was truly incredible. I feel really blessed in. heroes are Ace Frehley of KISS, Neal Schon of Journey, to have just been given the opportunity to perform, let my friends—Kelly Jones, Roger Hoard, Jim Miller—and alone win. There was a lot of talent in the show this I hear your nickname is “T-Bone.” Is there a story behind superstar country slingers like Brad Paisley and Keith year, and I am just glad that I was a part of it. I think that? Urban. I love the way they all play the guitar. I wanted to everyone put on a great show, and I hope the audience Well, “T-Bone” has been a nickname I’ve had for play like them and discover myself along the way. enjoyed it. years. My uncles call me that and other names that are too brutal to mention in print. … Okay, maybe I lied You could probably sing any genre you wanted. Why Besides singing and playing guitar, you also write. What about the brutal part. Back home in the Ohio Valley, it country? inspires you to write? was my stage name. Since I’ve moved down here, I have I just love country music. It is by far my favorite Well, I just started writing. In my entire life, I think I dropped “T-Bone.” Now, I just go by the name Tristen genre. The music speaks to me because it’s real. have written maybe 10 songs. When I write, it’s usually Smith. about what I’m feeling and what I know. Writing can What acts are you digging right now in country music? help me work through problems, and it can allow me to How did you get started singing country music? Why? project positive emotions onto others as well. I’ve been singing my entire life in many genres of I really am digging Brad Paisley right now. His guitar music, but country music has always held a special playing is truly incredible and his songwriting is great as Songwriting is almost like a therapy session. It’s an place in my heart. It’s the music of America. I have well. I also love the new Eric Church album. opportunity to express your feelings, right? been surrounded by musicians since the day I was born. Writing can totally be a therapy session! Not only for I guess I got my love of country music from my father, What was the last song you listened to? What do you like myself but also for anyone who listens to the song. Music who is a drummer and talented singer as well. about it? is called the best medicine for a reason. Whether it’s to I’m such a KISS nerd. The last song I listened to is turn a mood around or enhance one, music has a healing You have some pretty impressive skills on electric guitar. “Watchin’ You” off their “Hotter than Hell” album. I love power. Would you say your guitar stylings help you to stand out in the guitar riff and the attitude of the song. And plus, it’s country music? Why? KISS! What’s your favorite song that you’ve written? Why is it Well, thanks. I do think my guitar stylings help me your favorite? stick out in country music. The songs I wrote for the What direction is country music headed style-wise? What Like I said, I haven’t written too many songs. One showcase were very guitar-driven and riff-based. No makes you different than all the rest? of my favorites so far is “Redline,” which I performed one really does that right now. There are also only a few Country is very eclectic right now—lots of pop at the showcase. It has attitude, yet when you listen to artists out there who play lead guitar. It seems that there infl uence, some rock infl uence and even some rap. I feel the words, it’s a song about needing to slow down in our is only Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Vince Gill. country needs to go edgier yet become more traditional world of instant gratifi cation. to stay true to its roots. I’m still in my development as an So how did you get started playing the guitar? Why do you artist trying to fi nd my identity. Right now, what makes Do you have any music available for fans? If not, do you play? me different is my guitar slinging country music with the have plans to release music? I actually started on the drums. That was, of course, classic rock attitude. I’m also writing my own songs that Right now I do not have music available to the public. supported by my father who also played drums. Out of I’m in the process of writing new material and, in the the blue, I decided that I wanted to play guitar. I was near future, recording. I will keep everyone posted on my inspired to do that by my friend Mike who had this old Facebook page and my Twitter account @_tristensmith_. LGHDV D H

The men’s tennis team is is 1-3 on an 11-game road trip that will end when they play Tennessee Tech at Centennial Sportsplex March 14. Senior Rodrigo Amaral said the players are getting their fitness and focus together with a goal with a goal of winnig the conference and advancing to the national tournament. “ETSU has won conference the last five years. They are the team to beat,” Amaral said. -Audrey Schaulat, Staff Writer VSRUWVThe Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Baseball ready to repeat By Courtney Martinez Staff Writer Belmont uniforms. It’s a senior class that has contrib- uted much to the program’s history. After winning their first Atlantic Sun conference “Every one of those guys as juniors last year was championship and earning their first NCAA tourna- such a big part of our success,” Jarvis said. “We have ment bid, the Belmont Bruins are ready to return to the good leadership in that class. … It’s a good group of diamond in 2012 to try to do it again. leaders and people. I’m very thrilled to have them The team hopes to have a more consistent season back.” than last year’s 38-26, which was historic but required a Included in this senior class is outfielder Dylan late season six-game winning streak to the A-Sun title Craig, who has set nine offensive records during his and then wins over Oklahoma State and Troy in the Belmont career. “I want to take this team back to the A-Sun and win ILWQHVVit my last year here,” Craig said. “It’s my goal to always Getting There get better … [to] stay unselfish and help the team in any way that I can.” The Bruins will be at E.S. Rose Park for 10 Another key player for the Bruins will be junior straight home games starting Feb. 23 in a pitcher Chase Brookshire, who was part of an NCAA contest with the Oregon Ducks. The stretch all-region team last spring. includes also Vanderbilt on March 6 and “There’s always things to improve on,” Brookshire Murray State on March 7 before the Bruins said. “We got a whole new team, got tons of new faces. head to Auburn. It’s a new culture, and our goal this year is to win.” The rousing finish to 2011 is in the past, and Brook- shire isn’t looking back. NCAA Regional before losing to Vanderbilt. “We are coming off of that high,” Brookshire said. “That success, that season, that team is actually “But I wouldn’t say we really feel any pressure. … behind us now,” longtime baseball head coach Dave Expectations are high, but I think the guys are excited, Jarvis said. ready to get back out, and ready to be playing again.” The 2011 season has provided a goal and a focus for The team lost several key players from last season, this season: to be the first Belmont baseball team to earn including Nate Woods and Derek Hamblen. However, two straight NCAA tournament bids. Jarvis believes this incoming freshman class is capable Belmont has received votes in numerous 2012 of stepping up. preseason polls, including the USA Today/ESPN “They definitely will, over the coaches’ poll, that have generated hype for the season course of their careers here, be able that started with 2-1 run in the Music City Classic on to step in and fill those roles for us,” Feb. 17-19. Jarvis said. “It’s a tribute to last year’s team in many ways, I think, and it feels good for our university and program Belmont’s ace pitcher, Junior Chase to get that type of recognition,” Jarvis said. “That’s Brookshire racked up a number of awards last season, including being named to an always a positive and has a carryover effect … [with] NCAA regional all-tournament team. The team recognition and program recognition with lefty’s presence on the mound was a key recruits.” element in the Bruins’ 2011 postseason This will be the final season for the Bruins in the run. Brookshire finished last season with Atlantic Sun. The conference coaches predicted the 72 strikeouts and 15 starts, tying the Bruins would finish fourth in the A-Sun this year. team record for starts. Although this will be a season of transition for the Senior Dylon Craig’s consistent bat Bruins, Jarvis said it should be like any other. “This is provided Belmont with 45 runs, six another one of those situations where our goal, effort, doubles, a home run and 35 RBI’s last and every thought is about making sure we play our way season. His experience at bat has already through this conference season.” proven useful during the Bruins’ opening Winning the conference tournament is always the tournament, the Music City Classic, at goal, Jarvis said. Rose Park. For seven seniors, this season will be their final in File photos by Autumn Allison Diamond Girls start inaugural season By Katie Greene Sport s Editor The idea came from head baseball coach similar organizations, the Belmont group’s As the first on-campus organization of its While many girls consider a glitzy ring Dave Jarvis, and now athletics graduate target is to help make the baseball team kind, Diamond Girls want to help start off a in a Tiffany-blue box their best friend, assistant Mallory McGough is managing the and Belmont athletics more recognizable in baseball tradition at Belmont, Marshall said. members of a new Belmont athletic group fledgling organization with student captain Nashville and in the NCAA. At this point, however, transition is now are instead spending their time with another Elizabeth Halvorson. Sophomore music business major Brit- priority over that potential tradition. diamond – one with red dirt and turf. “I feel that the Diamond Girls are an tany Marshall said working for the Diamond “It’s really hard for the guys because After the Belmont Bruins baseball team important organization that the baseball Girls was an opportunity to balance out her they’re not used to us yet,” Marshall said. earned a bid and won two games in the team was really in need of, not only for studies while being involved with Belmont So, [we’re] telling them ‘leave the bat, let NCAA tournament last year, the newly in-game assistance and support, but also to athletics. them get it’ and just focusing on those kinds formed Diamond Girls are looking to continue to spread the word in the commu- “I grew up in a very athletic family—my of things. build support for the team and to keep fans nity about the success of Belmont baseball,” brother played baseball, my sister played “I’m excited and I think that it’s a great involved at Rose Park. These 14 women will McGough said. softball, and I played softball, so the base- thing that will hopefully continue through be responsible for various in-game duties The concept behind the Diamond Girls is ball environment here brings back a great the years. And if this goes well, I’d like to like collecting home and visitor bats and not unique to Belmont. While many college childhood memory and is really fun to be keep going until I graduate through the next assisting the promotions staff during games. and minor league baseball teams have around,” she said. three seasons.” The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Page 11

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www.BELMONT.edu SUBMIT YOUR STORY @ beBELMONT.com, and receive a free T-shirt and the chance to be in upcoming TV, print or billboard ads! Page 12 The Belmont Vision, February 23, 2012 Sharp shot Ernst shows potential on, off court By Katie Greene Sports Editor Molly Ernst may be just a sophomore for the Belmont women’s basketball team, but there’s no doubt she already plays a relevant role for the Bruins. Vocal and athletic, the 6-foot guard has started nearly every game this season for the Bruins, earning respect from her teammates since she came to the team as a quiet recruit from Louisville, Ky. “In my defense … obviously when you come in as a high-schooler hanging out with college players, you’re not going to say a lot. After spending so much time together they realized I was pretty goofy,” she said. “I’m pretty unpredictable I think.” When Ernst isn’t averaging nearly eight points a game for the Bruins or chasing cats with teammate freshman Katie Carroll, she is preparing for a career beyond college basketball. An exercise science major, Ernst eventually wants to be a physical therapist that works with geriatric patients. Ernst’s combined enthusiasm for sports and the elderly inspired her to go into physical therapy. Through her reha- photo by autumn allison bilitation for a bone spur in her knee during high school, she “My grandma is one of my best friends,” she said. Sophomore Molly Ernst, discovered a whole new environment that eventually made “She’s my role model. She’s 91-years-old. She’s blind. the second-highest her want to help others rehab their own injuries. She suffers from macular degeneration—she’s been scorer on the women’s “The physical therapist I went to was just crazy. We just blind now for about fifteen years. But, while she’s basketball team, is blind, she still lives alone, and she still gets around excelling on and off the fine. She’s the most independent person I’ve met in my court. While averaging life.” around eight points “I try never to have a Ernst’s respect for older generations reaches past and two 3-pointers per game, the academic all- her grandmother towards all elderly people that she conference guard ma- bad day,” she said. “If I’m meets. jors in exercise science “From my relationship with her, I just love old and plans to become a making people smile, then people. I really respect them. I think they are precious. physical therapist that I love it whenever I see an old couple out having dinner works with that’s something that at 3 p.m. in the afternoon holding hands,” she said. geriatric patients. While the challenge of balancing basketball and school duties haven’t gotten easier, Ernst’s family has Photo by Alice Curtis makes me feel good inside.” supported her all the way. members. Molly Ernst “I grew up with two older brothers who played basket- “Even when we’re not playing basketball, we love being ball, my parents played basketball, so I grew up a basketball around each other. We go out to eat all the time, we’ll go to child,” she said. “I played all the sports growing up – they the movies, we’ll go dancing,” she said. had such a good time, and they’re working with athletes, let me do whatever I wanted, I was in a play, ‘The Wizard At the end of the day, Ernst’s optimism is her driving people of all ages, all backgrounds, so I knew I wanted to do of Oz’ – I was the tin man! Every opportunity I had, they let force. something fun like that,” she said. me go free reign on it.” “I try never to have a bad day,” she said. “If I’m making As close-knit with her family as she is, Ernst didn’t look The women’s basketball team has also turned itself into a people smile, then that’s something that makes me feel good far to find inspiration to work with the elderly. family away from home, providing support for fellow team inside.” Being a Braves fan, through rain and long lines

Being the impatient person that I am, Such loyalty. Such excitement for an the infield, and hopes his bat will help get standing in line on a rainy Saturday in otherwise gloomy day in winter. Katie Greene him there. Father and son have been waiting Franklin waiting for an autograph of a semi- Every player was analyzed that after- for this event for weeks, and it’s all Chipper famous Atlanta Braves pitcher was not my noon: Jr. can talk about. definition of fun. • Chipper, the team’s aging star, is That conversation took me back at least But when you promise your little brother good, but kind of old. It might be time for a decade. When I wasn’t at dance, I was you’re going to get him a signed baseball, by him to retire. playing catch with my little brother in the golly, you better get him a signed baseball. • Hanson, the explosive pitcher, is going yard. Some days we’d work on grounders. In my grouchy desperation, some eaves- to be a beast if he stays healthy. Others, we’d work on pop-ups by trying to dropping mixed with some reminiscing • JJ probably should have been traded throw the ball as high as our pine trees and turned my attitude around completely. but nobody was going to help enough to be not let it hit either one of us on the head. You see, the Braves are the unrivaled worth losing the effective ace. There was no greater thrill than being able baseball team of the South, and their fans • Uggla, a slugger in every right, can’t to run in for dinner and tell Mom we hit are as devoted to the success of the team slump. Offense is going to be a struggle if Dad’s knuckleball after he got home from as they are to going to church on Sunday, he and Heyward can’t pick it up. work. drinking sweet tea and saying “please” and • Venters, somehow effective, never Turns out those timeless traditions that “thank you”. knows where his sinker goes. But at the brought my family together are the type to How do I know? I was raised as one of end of the day, it doesn’t matter because bring the Braves nation together, too. All of those fans. the batter will swing at it 90 percent of the a sudden, standing in line wasn’t so bad. In Back in Franklin, 5- and 80-year-olds time. fact, it was kind of fun. alike were dressed to the nines in their Standing next to me in line was a finest jerseys, caps and T-shirts, tomahawk Chipper Jr., no more than 8 years old in his me he really wants to play second base or Sports editor Katie Greene is a sopho- chomping at the bit for a chance to get the No. 10 jersey. He said he plays all the posi- shortstop. more mass communications major. autograph of an Atlanta Braves hopeful. tions in the outfield and is a catcher. He told His dad said he really wants to play in