GAMEDAY: Cheerleaders, band “all Tide into” the game, Section B ENTERTAINMENT: ‘Ladder 49’ a total burnout, Page 10A

Friday, October 15, 2004 Serving the University of Alabama since 1894 Volume 111, Issue 29 Big names and the Capstone, why not?

said UP President Kevin Locke, much of those student fees UP is in Huntsville. act and we are very excited to have UP: Entertainers prefer whose student-run organization is using to pay the Wayne Mills Band The Roots play at colleges and uni- them coming to campus.” indoor, lucrative responsible for choosing the and The Roots to play. versities like Emory University, the When actually deciding who UP Homecoming concert acts as well as “We don’t release that informa- University of Connecticut and Ithaca will try to book for the University, concerts elsewhere other acts that come to campus tion,” Locke said. College in New York often, as well as Locke said the 10 UP directors, eight throughout the year. He was unable to give a solid rea- other venues in cities across the undergraduate students and two “It’s not that UP is not looking at son on why the amount could not be nation, according to tour dates on its graduate students, are given a list of By MEGAN NICHOLS big acts,” Locke said. “They don’t released. Web site. all available acts touring who are will- Student Life Editor want to come here because we don’t “I honestly don’t know why,” he Though Locke said UP is looking at ing to come to campus. have the facilities where they can said. “That’s just what I was just told. big-name acts and the only problem The directors then decide who For its Homecoming concert this have a large enough show and make I think it’s a matter of private record.” is coaxing them to come, he said The they want to ask and vote on it. UP year, University Programs is sponsor- a lot of money off of it. Locke was also unable to give a Roots was actually UP’s first choice adviser Steven McCullar does not ing a concert featuring The Roots and “Many entertainers would rather ballpark amount that UP generally this year. vote in this process, Locke said. the Wayne Mills Band. go to Birmingham and play at the spends each year. “We decide who we want and put “He just advises us on what would Though both of these bands pro- Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center “I can’t say because we spend dif- an offer in based on the amount they be best for the campus,” Locke said. vide quality entertainment, some [now the Birmingham Jefferson ferent amounts each year, and it just say they will be willing to come to McCullar could not be reached for question why a large university like Convention Complex] where they depends on who’s touring,” he said. campus for,” Locke said. “Then, some comment this week. the Capstone has not been able to get can sell tickets and play at an indoor According to its Web site, the will not come for that amount, so we Locke said he could not remember big-name headliners in the past cou- venue and get more money.” Wayne Mills Band regularly plays at have to go to our second or third any of the other acts that were ple years. Acts booked by UP are funded by venues like the Jupiter Bar and Grill, choice. But this year we were lucky options for UP this year. The reason larger acts do not come student fees and are free to students. the War Eagle Supper Club in Auburn enough to get our first choice. to the UA campus is quite simple, Even so, Locke refused to say how and Sammy T’s Music Hall “We feel The Roots is a big-name See UP, Page 3A More UA Homecoming construction enthusiasm tentatively planned runs the Future plans might include more dorms, destruction of others on North end of cam- gamut pus

By MARLIN CADDELL Administrative Affairs Editor

In fall 2007, the University may look at saying Fervor for the yearly goodbye to Paty Hall and other residence halls festivities ebbs and flows on the northern end of campus. UA officials are in the early stages of develop- among University students ment for a plan to look at the destruction or ren- ovation of several older residence halls on the By KATHRYN TUGGLE northern end of campus including, Paty, Senior Staff Reporter Palmer, Somerville, Byrd and McCorvey halls. UA President Robert Witt said this new plan It is once again time to welcome back thou- could first involve the construction of three or CW Graphic/ Joey Dodson sands of alumni, fans and die-hard Capston four new dorms on campus. Phase I involves supporters to campus. That’s right, folks, it’s the construction of three new residence halls by Homecoming weekend, and the Capstone Rose Towers that are scheduled to open in fall faithful from all over the world are asking the 2005. Phase II is the construction of three more same question: Does anyone really care? dorms on the northern end of campus that are Sure, everyone wants to see the team kick scheduled to open in the fall of 2006. butt at the game, but there are so many other Witt said the University was going to wait activities associated with Homecoming that until the enrollment numbers for fall 2005 are some people say Homecoming hype goes a lit- confirmed, and he said if those numbers are on tle too far. track with his growth projections, then he is Daniel Hall, an independent senior advertis- going to approach the UA Board of Trustees in the fall of 2005 to get permission to start Phase ing major, is less than enthused with the CW/Elliot Knight prospect of another Homecoming. TOP: "Unified,” the Alpha Chi Omega dance team, receives a standing ovation from the crowd when they finished their routine. The choreog- III. “I could give two s--- less,” Hall said. raphy competition, which was held at the Coleman Coliseum Thursday night, brought a huge crowd. BOTTOM: "Hammertime,” the Kappa Delta Phase III would consist of three to four addi- dance team, finished with smiles on their faces Thursday night. In the competition Alpha Delta Pi came in first, with Phi Mu and Kappa Alpha tional buildings to possibly open in the fall of Theta coming in second and third, respectively. 2007. These dorms will be constructed on the See HOMECOMING, Page 3A Blount Hall side of Lake Palmer. See CONSTRUCTION, Page 9A Witt talks tuition, future of UA Witt: Enrollment Wednesday. The follow- ing includes excerpts from CW: What exactly does the growth could equal that conversation. University do to recruit stu- dents in the state of Alabama? lower in-state tuition CW: In November, when you go to the Board [of Trustees], will Witt: An extensive program of By MARLIN CADDELL [tuition increases] be asked for our recruiters being in Administrative Affairs Editor at that meeting? Alabama high schools, [University Registrar] Roger This is part two of a two-part Witt: It will occur in the spring Thompson has put together series of an interview with UA when we’re starting to take a an advisory board of high President Robert Witt. look at our budget for the school counselors. That board coming year. meets regularly and provides UA President Robert Witt is We want to wait as long as us with advice and council on not only working to increase possible, so that we’ll have a how to be more effective student enrollment at the better grasp of where we’re recruiting Alabama students. University but to change the likely to be both on total We are heavily involved in physical and academic struc- enrollment and out-of-state college nights. We have ture of the University over the enrollment. The more positive increased the number of tele- next decade. total enrollment and out-of- vision commercials and See Page 7 for a story Witt discussed these and state enrollment look, the advertising that we do, print other topics in an interview lower the tuition increase we with The Crimson White on will ask for. See WITT, Page 9A on SGA Senate winners.

The Crimson White | Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 | Newsroom — 348-6144 Fax — 348-4116 Advertising — 348-7845 Classifieds — 348-7355 | Editorial content — [email protected] | News content — [email protected] Page 2A • The Crimson White NEWS Friday, October 15, 2004

the DuPont unsure of political future By SAMANTHA HALL is about what I can offer to World Staff Reporter move this city forward.” Maddox said he plans to run Twenty-five years is often a a clean and fair campaign for milestone in many things, mayor because he respects the especially political service. work DuPont has done over Tuscaloosa Mayor Al the last quarter of a century. Brief “We all value Mayor DuPont is just one year shy of IN that landmark but said he isn’t DuPont’s service to the com- sure he’s ready to pass on his munity and respect him for it,” CAMPUS job to someone else just yet. Maddox said. “I’m still enthusiastic about Maddox said he thinks he CW, SGA to hold political cartoon contest it with all the changes that can bring something new to The Crimson White and the SGA will sponsor a political have happened to our city the position. cartoon contest this election year. The winning cartoon will over the past few years,” Both men have back- be featured in the Nov. 1 edition of The CW. DuPont, 79, said. grounds they believe prepare Lauren Davidson, editor of The CW, Will Nevin, DuPont’s 24 years of service them to lead a city with a large opinions editor of The CW, and Hal Mooty, gave him many angles from student population. DuPont president of the SGA, will judge all submissions, which will which to see the political said talking with students be selected on creativity, message and artistic value. process, all very different every day helped him learn Cartoons must contain both the Democratic and from his around-the-corner what they believed was impor- CW/ Elliot Knight Republican presidential candidates and must be view of politics as a child in tant for city growth. Bunkie, La. “A lot of people have the Tuscaloosa Mayor Al DuPont discusses his political future and the state of Tuscaloosa in his office in in good taste. Submitted cartoons must be black City Hall this week. DuPont’s term expires Oct. 5 of next year. and white drawings, no bigger than 5 inches vertically. “It’s exciting to be mayor but perception that students are Cartoons should be submitted to the SGA office different from what I learned bad,” DuPont said. “But 99 on the third floor of the Ferguson Center by 4:45 p.m. about politics growing up,” percent of the time, if you on Oct. 29. DuPont said. “It was always a understand them, they will big celebration that I had to work with you.” watch from behind the barn.” Maddox, 31, believes he, Avanti Team interest sessions to be held Tuesday DuPont said those images too, can appeal to the student The Avanti Team will hold interest sessions on Tuesday at stuck with him even as he was population and its needs. He noon and 6 p.m. in Room 203 of the Student Services going through the armed serv- said while he knows students Center. At the sessions, interested students can learn more ices and working as a city engi- may not always see eye to eye about the Avanti application process, and applications will neer. DuPont went to school with him, he is eager to work be distributed. for three years at Louisiana with them on issues where All applications and references are due by Nov. 1. State University and then they disagree. For more information, call 348-4999 or e-mail transferred to the Capstone, “My heart is with students [email protected]. where he completed a bache- because the opportunities I lor’s degree in civil engineer- have are directly related to my UA resident assistant receives regional award ing and land surveying. college experiences,” Maddox He used that experience as a said. “I also realize what a Resident Assistant Shayne McGuffie was selected by the city engineer after spending huge contribution they make National Association of College and University Residence three years in the military to our city.” Halls as the August 2004 Resident Assistant of the Month for and being wounded twice in Students are not the only its South Atlantic Region. World War II. community members these This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an DuPont said he thinks he men win over. RA in the region, which is made up of over 50 colleges and has been productive. Bringing DuPont has been a public universities in 10 states. in industry and improving servant of Tuscaloosa for McGuffie was recognized as Resident Assistant of the schools are some of his proud- more than 50 years, holding Month for his work in coordinating three community serv- est accomplishments, he said. jobs such as assistant ice projects. At the beginning of the semester, McGuffie “My ambition was to do city engineer, public works helped international students settle in by asking for dona- anything I could do to help the director, director of plan- tions of extra sheets, towels and toiletries. When the mem- city or its employees,” DuPont ning and development and bers of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in Oxford, Miss., lost said. “These are the things that director of grants. He said their house because of a fire, McGuffie collected donations bring a city together – being this varied experience to assist those students at the University of Mississippi. willing to do whatever it takes has helped him throughout McGuffie has since gathered a team of 50 students from to get the job done.” his career by showing him how across the campus to assist on a Habitat for Humanity DuPont said that was one his employees needed to do house in the Tuscaloosa area. of the hardest things about their jobs. For more information about McGuffie’s community his job. “I have 17 department service efforts, he can be contacted at 347-4877. “It’s very confining and heads working under me, so stressful,” DuPont said. “There knowing exactly what some of are no days off and you them should be doing helps,” NATION have to have someone who DuPont said. supports you.” “I can say I’ve been there Cheneys lash out over Kerry remarks about gay daughter DuPont and his wife and done that and that I may Margaret have been married even be able to help solve any WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney and his wife say they are for 58 years, and while he said problems they run into angry at John Kerry for invoking their lesbian daughter dur- he would love to have more because I’ve already been ing the final presidential debate. Kerry says he was just try- time to spend with her, he is through it.” ing to say something nice about how the Cheneys have dealt keeping his options open DuPont said sometimes city with the issue and meant no offense. because there are still things officials don’t have enough of Temperatures have risen sharply since the vice presiden- he wants to accomplish as that basic experience to prop- tial debate, just last week, when Democrat Sen. John mayor. erly run a city. Edwards mentioned Mary Cheney and the Republican vice “I want to continue to make Maddox has worked in a president thanked him for his "kind words." sure our city has that some- role he thinks provides him This time, a back-and-forth ensued that had the vice pres- thing that causes people to with that type of experience. ident's wife, Lynne Cheney, accusing Sen. Kerry of a "cheap like Tuscaloosa,” DuPont said. He is personnel director of the and tawdry political trick" and Elizabeth Edwards, wife of “I want us to be big enough to Tuscaloosa City School Kerry's running mate, suggesting Mrs. Cheney was ashamed attract interests but still have System, experience he hopes of her daughter. that hometown atmosphere.” would help him work well with Debating President Bush Wednesday night, Kerry referred to DuPont can expect some all city employees. Mary Cheney when asked whether homosexuality is a choice. competition if he decides to He said he hopes his efforts "We're all God's children," he said. "And I think if you pursue the position he has with revising city pay plans were to talk to Dick Cheney's daughter, who is a lesbian, she held for so long once more. and other recent council would tell you that she's being who she was. She's being City Councilman Walter endeavors will also show his who she was born as. I think if you talk to anybody, it's not a Maddox has filed intentions commitment to the city. choice." with local election officials so Maddox will get his chance that he might raise money to to see how much of an impact run for mayor in next year’s those decisions have made CORRECTION municipal election. He said next year when he runs for A review of “Friday Night Lights” in Thursday’s edition of he is humbled to be in a the coveted city position. The Crimson White should have contained the following situation that will allow him DuPont’s term expires Oct. 5 rating for the film: to run for the city’s top of next year. administrative job. Municipal elections will be “This is honestly not about held Aug. 16, 2005. Candidates Mayor DuPont or the job he will officially become eligible QUOTE OF THE DAY has done,” Maddox said. “This for the election next July. “It’s not that UP is not looking at big acts. They don’t want to come here because we don’t have the facilities where they can have a large enough show and make a lot of money off of it.” -UP President Kevin Locke See: “Big names and the Capstone, why not?,” Page 1

The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions, and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published weekly June, July and August, and is published four times a week September through April except for spring break, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the months of May and December. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2004 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White. Friday, October 15, 2004 NEWS The Crimson White • Page 3A

homecoming act this year UP until administrators pulled the Continued from Page 1A plug, citing the rapper’s vul- garity as the impetus for the Safety a key issue for HC “I’ve destroyed the list by now, and I don’t want to say action, according to the LSU student newspaper, The BY ANEESA MCMILLAN along the parade route to watch your surroundings and assisting UAPD’s patrolling of someone was on the list when ensure safety. But, he cross only in designated the Strip. They will also help Reveille. Staff Reporter they weren’t,” he said. “I just explained that it is not much crosswalks on campus. Also the UAPD other safety areas In the paper’s latest story on can’t remember now.” As the University gears up different from any other you should never leave your as well. However, he pointed This list is compiled by the issue, a replacement had for this weekend’s home game. “It’s a normal car unlocked or leave person- out that this is done for all Tennessee-based Beaver not yet been scheduled. Homecoming game and weekend,” he said. “If people al belongings visible to poten- football games. “We hope that Productions, Locke said. The University of Georgia events, safety is a primary just follow general safety tips, tial thieves. everyone will enjoy their visit UP has worked with that had Busta Rhymes headlining concern. they should be fine.” Also remember to travel in to the All-American city,” company for at least four its homecoming last year. With all of the events These general safety tips groups when walking at night. Kosloff said. years, he said. The university’s student planned and out-of-town include driving slower. If these and other “common According to both Koslooff Beaver Productions has no newspaper, The Red and guests arriving this week, the Because there will be an sense” safety tips are fol- and Harris, the University has ties to either the University or Black, had no information on University Police Department increase of pedestrians this lowed, things should be fine been able to avoid any pat- any of the entertainers found this year’s act. and the Tuscaloosa Police week, it is recommended that Harris said. terns or out-of-the-ordinary on the list of available acts, Vanderbilt University Department have partnered, drivers keep an eye out for “We just want everybody to acts of violence or distur- Locke said. sponsored country singer as always, to keep citizens them, especially families and slow down, take it easy, and bance during Homecoming. Other universities across Brad Paisley as its homecom- safe. children. have a good time,” he said. However, the UAPD has taken the SEC have had relatively ing act this year, according to According UAPD Capt. Lee Harris added that pedestri- TPD Lt. Greg Kosloff agrees the initiative to have extra big-name acts come to their The Vanderbilt Hustler. Harris, officers of the depart- ans should also take some that this weekend will be like campuses recently. In November, Switchfoot ment will be staffing many of precautions. When trying to any otherweekend. According Louisiana State University will play a concert at Samford the events. Also, Harris said cross the street in such hectic to Kosloff, extra officers from had Chingy scheduled to be its University. many of the officers will be traffic, always remember to the Tuscaloosa Police will be

HOMECOMING Find out Continued from Page 1A what’s Although uninterested, Hall happening does admit that if a few things in sports were different, he might today,, become more involved. “I don’t know any of the can- Section B didates,” Hall said. “I might get into it more if I knew them, but the whole ‘Homecoming Queen’ thing seems kind of pointless anyway. I mean, are you going to put on a job application, ‘I was Homecoming Queen at the University of Alabama’?” Hall said. “It all just seems a little high-school and immature for college.” Even though some aspects of Homecoming aren’t adored by all, the band chosen to liven Friday night’s crowd usually gets a good review from some. Even if the music isn’t the greatest, free concerts are always appreciated. Natalie Elliott, a junior inde- pendent English major is not into football, but loves the music. “I am excited to see The Roots play. I wouldn’t care if it weren’t for the concert,” Elliott said. “I have accepted CW/ Kelly Lambert Homecoming as an inevitable Seniors Amy Pierce, Laura Segers and Kate Farmer hang out on the Quad, oblivious to the bonfire construction behind them. "Homecoming doesn't fall festivity, and I look at it as a really have a lot of opportunities for participation for individuals outside of large organizations," Segers, center, says. Though none of them have good excuse to see a good major Homecoming involvements, all three plan to check out the bonfire and concert tonight. band.” spirit in the air.” came here my senior year of Chris Moller, a 1999 gradu- It seems as if the majority of Josh Earnest, a senior high school to see the ate of the University thinks students are fairly apathetic accounting major and mem- Homecoming game,” Williams that Homecoming is a great about Homecoming. Kipp ber of the greek system, also said. time to reunite with history as Cain, a senior English major is finds Homecoming to be a “I decided to come here well as friends. one of those. great time to reflect on the because of the spirit and the “Homecoming gives you a “I don’t really care that University. wonderful environment I have chance to see friends you have much about Homecoming,” “I think Homecoming is a experienced. I think not seen in years,” Moller said. Cain said. “I think it’s one big good thing for the University,” Homecoming is something “Homecoming is simply a excuse to throw a bunch of Earnest said. that’s important for the whole major part of the pageantry crap together. It’s not that I “It invokes a sense of nostal- family.” that is associated with college don’t like the University, it’s gia and allows alums to see Although every student has football, and it’s really a fun just that Homecoming itself what has changed since they his or her own take on what atmosphere to take part in.” doesn’t get me that excited.” were here.” Homecoming means, the vari- Is Homecoming a wash for Laura Williams, a greek jun- ous forms of Homecoming independents alone? It’s true ior biology major agreed that apathy on behalf of the stu- that most of Homecoming’s Homecoming is a great way to dent body could lead one to loyal student supporters are promote the Capstone. ask if the event is actually bet- members of the greek system. “I was undecided as to ter for alumni and families Natalie Jackson, a sopho- where to attend college until I than it is for current students. more is a sorority member, and says that she loves the energy of the Homecoming game. “Team spirit and University pride is felt at every game,” Jackson said. “But there is just something special about Homecoming that makes everything more alive and intense. People come back to campus because they love Alabama, and you can feel the CW newsroom contacts October Lauren Davidson Chris Otts Alex Merritt Jessica Maxwell Editor News Director Sports Editor Photo Director 348-8049 348-6146 348-8057 348-9240

Heather Henderson Tiffany Schwarz Will Nevin Lindsey Mann Managing Editor Art Director Opinions Editor Entertainment Editor Opinions 348-6146 348-9240 348-6146 348-6146 152004 Page 4A Our View I just wanted to make a good pomp

Now let me try to explain Pacific Ocean from tossed in, just when they wouldn’t let me Homecoming this again because I’m telling the works of H.R. because. And listen, I construct that 10-foot tall Phil you this is the only way you’re Lovecraft? like Shula, but his Fulmer effigy in front of my going to win, ladies. Let’s be What do you head is not going to dorm last year. patient and try to rationalize; mean, it doesn’t fit show school spirit The flames weren’t even consultancy never means this year’s theme? Big and intimidate going to be that high. thoughts expediency. Al, school spirit, soul- Southern Miss. You know, like I said, I’m OK, now close your eyes eating — it’s “All Tide Shula’s head isn’t putting my all into this. That’s If sorority row is abuzz with activity, if the and imagine, if you will, Together,” isn’t it? going to eat the only way this is going to be student body is trying to decipher which the perfect Homecoming J-just whatever. I anyone’s soul. a meaningful accomplish- beautiful lady to elect (and, for the first time, Saturday. mean, this is it for DAMAGE CONTROL And if they don’t use ment in your lives and mine. an accompanying man) and if the Crimson Your house is ahead in the me, ladies. Listen, Nick Beadle that idea, they’ll I mean, why would people Homecoming points race, the I’ve put my heart, my probably make some- make such a big deal out of Tide is gearing up to take the field against football team won without soul and my love of horror fic- thing showing how The Bear these little Homecoming what we hope will be an easily vanquished completing a forward pass tion into this and I’m not feel- and Gene Stallings and Shula events if that weren’t non-conference foe, then it must be Homecoming and, best of all, the beautiful ing like I’m being treated with and how they’re “All Tide what they’re trying to do? at the Capstone. Homecoming pomp on your any respect here. Together” because they’re all There’s got to be some greater, Homecoming, which sends the greek populous sorority’s lawn illustrating And let me tell you, no great coaches or something. important purpose to all this. into a frenzy that most independents could Cthulhu devouring the soul of other pomp will do something What? You like that idea? I mean it can’t be just care less about, is generally a fun time. We have Southern Miss’ beloved golden as creative as involving a Well, call that school spirit all wasteful devotion to pomp — eagle, what’s-his-name, at Big nightmare creature from the you want, but I call it no pun intended — and tradi- all the pomp and circumstance associated Al’s behest just won first place. twisted mind of Lovecraft eat- hackneyed. tion, can it? with the event along with a free concert, What? I can’t work if I keep ing the other mascot’s soul. I mean, what’s the point in Oh, really? That really is followed by a football game and chased by a getting that look from you And you know, I don’t under- doing that? If you’re not bring- what this is all about? weekend of much, much drinking. ladies every time I open my stand your problems with the ing something new, if you’re OK. Well, then, let’s just do a However, this year, the concert leaves something mouth. soul-eating either. doing something sororities big houndstooth hat. to be desired. Our main attractions tonight Wait, you don’t even All the other sororities are have done for years, then why I really like the hat. will be The Roots and the Wayne Mills Band. know what Cthulhu is? You going to have is a big Mike should I even look at it no don’t even know the night- Shula head, labeled “Coach matter how much labor Nick Beadle is metro/state edi- The Roots are great; we’ve got nothing mare god who lies dead, but Shula,” and probably “All Tide you’ve put in? tor of The Crimson White. His against them. The Wayne Mills Band might dreaming, underneath the Together” or “Roll Tide” Sigh. This is about as bad as column runs on Fridays. not even be bad, but the problem is that we’ve never really heard of them. We’re not the biggest university in the Letter to the Editor country, but we’re certainly not an insignificant speck on the map. As a major university, CW presidential coverage unfair we should be able to get better acts than this. Last year, we had Vanilla Ice at our Welcome I am upset at the unequal coverage Back Concert. The Gin Blossoms, a band that of the presidential race. The Crimson perhaps the Class of 1993 would have been White is written by many liberals who into, played Homecoming. We should be able won’t give us conservatives equal to get decent bands here gosh darn it, not coverage on the presidential race. Over the past few weeks, there has 1990s retreads. been nothing positive to say about We’ll agree that after the destruction of the George W. Bush but many positive amphitheater and because we tend not to have big things written about Kerry. You won’t concerts in Coleman Coliseum or Bryant-Denny publish anything that Bush supporters Stadium, we’re not the best concert venue, but we write in but sure publish what Kerry can do better. University Programs would do well supporters have to say about Bush. to follow the example of City Stages and their Let’s be fair, CW; I know that most of the staff probably hates Bush and con- surge of big-name acts after several down years. servatives, but the least you could do is If we’re willing to put in the time and effort, cover the race evenly. In case you did- there’s no reason we can’t get the big-name acts. n’t know, you write for a very conserva- The Homecoming Queen and the Capstone tive university and student body, and Gentleman will also be announced tonight. most of us are sick of hearing about We didn’t know who we were voting for, or how great John Kerry is. even what the qualifications for office were, I think he is an idiot who only says what he thinks the country wants to but we voted anyway — or at least, some of us hear. He is a flip-flopper. How many did. Maybe next year we can all put a little times has he changed his views on the more thought into the process. war in Iraq? It is almost a joke. As far as the game goes, the Tide tangles Bush, on the other hand, stands up with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles for what he believes in (no homosexu- on Saturday. Not only will it be Homecoming, ality shall be tolerated, abortion is but if this game is lost, our Shreveport wrong, no fetus stem cell research, etc.). He is a man of character and dreams are dead in the water. Coach Shula Christian values, and that is what we should know by now that one of the biggest ways need in office. Those characteristics to irk the fan base is to lose the Homecoming are so hard to find in a leader today. game, and he’ll do everything in his power to Bush is a leader and did the right avoid it. thing about going into Iraq. Our coun- In conclusion, congratulations to the try is safer because of it. Bottom line: Homecoming Queen and her court (whoever Bush is a strong leader in every aspect. Can you really see a guy who gets man- they are), thank you Wayne Mills and The Roots icures, pedicures and Botox treatments (even though you should be opening for and uses fake tanner leading our mili- someone much bigger) and Roll Tide (no tary and our country? I sure can’t, and qualification needed). most everybody else can’t, either.

CW/ Anna Crabtree CW/ Alan Shaw Our View is the consensus of The CW editorial board. Junior, C& BA Rotary group unites after decade of separation By MO QAMARUDEEN associated with the Rotary understanding, goodwill and and being spread out over 20 Oklahoma to attend the get- Ananth Krishna, who now International Student Center, peace. countries. together, “We still have differ- lives in Seattle, said, “It’s so First, the setting: First week- or “Rotary House” as it is Now that you know why we For this first reunion, some ent opinions on how to fix the hard to find such a diverse set end in September 2004. It’s the called at the University. came together as a group of us flew in to Tuscaloosa — world, but that’s what makes it of people and engage in such tail end of the summer in You may ask, why would while in college, here’s how we from different parts of the interesting.” deep dialogue on democracy, Tuscaloosa and the weekend former UA students who lived got together so many years nation to overseas; from During our reunion, we all dictatorships, terrorism, obe- of the first Alabama home in a dorm on campus at the after graduating. It was my Washington state to New agreed the best thing we sity, nutrition, social work, football game (this one against University want to have a idea after I graduated from the Hampshire; from the received from the Rotary Germany, elections, politics Utah State), and customary reunion? Well, the answer is University and moved way up Netherlands to a 1,500 mile House was the opportunity to and memories of Tuscaloosa.” signs are everywhere: the par- actually very simple. The north to New England that our round-trip drive from meet people from all over the By the way, half of the group ties, the barbeques, the con- Rotary House was not just a old group of Rotary House Oklahoma; from across the globe and a share a common actually did make it to the versations, the dinners, music, dorm to many of us who lived alumni continue to stay in Southeast to across the state of bond even years after leaving Utah State game. Because the beer … wait, wait, I was there. Every semester for the touch, no matter where in the Alabama; and, not to mention, college. after all is said and done, there — this time, though, as a past 31 years, it was home to world they lived. Thanks to local alumni who drove or This common bond was the Rotary House or not, this UA alumnus, for the first time 12 international and U.S. stu- modern technology and walked from across town to be spirit of friendship that would group is composed of alumni returning to my former dents who were ambassadors Yahoo.com, that became a together in the Rotary House never have become a reality if from the football-crazy stomping grounds, to the of 12 different nations. The reality in July 2001 when I spirit. not for the red brick “house” University of Alabama. home of my alma mater. Rotary International Student established the ROTARY- For most of us who attend- on campus at 322 University Nothing lost in translation Everyone else in the whole Center is located at the HOUSE Yahoo! group at ed the reunion, it had been Blvd. The Rotary House wel- here. of T-town was here for the University and is mainly spon- Yahoo.com. As a result of this over 10 years since we last saw comed everyone and those of game. Our group was in T- sored by the Rotary Club of group, 56 former Rotary each other, but that spirit of us who were savvy to what the Mo Qamarudeen is a Class of town for one thing and one Tuscaloosa. It was established House residents and associate friendship was alive and well. Rotary stood for and joined in 1995 graduate of the thing alone — a reunion. We on Sept. 9, 1973, to fulfill one residents have stayed in touch According to associate resi- that spirit were able enjoy very Culverhouse College of are a group composed of for- of the Rotary Club’s goals of with one another — even dent alumna Monica Alzate, memorable times there. Commerce and Business mer residents and friends fostering cross-cultural many years after graduation who drove all the way from One of the former residents, Administration.

The Crimson White welcomes your view on issues you see on this page, the rest of the paper and in the community. The CW reserves the right to edit editorial submissions for punctuation, style and length. Libelous and inappropriate mate- Lauren Davidson Editor Chris Otts News Director rial may be edited for content. Each submission, including e-mail, must include the author’s name, address and phone Heather Henderson Managing Editor Will Nevin Opinions Editor number. Students should include classification and college of enrollment. Hand-delivered letters must be accompanied Editorial Board by a photo ID. The word limit for letters is 300 words, 700 for columns. For more information, call (205) 348-6144. Friday, October 15, 2004 NEWS The Crimson White • Page 5A Kerry’s years in Senate SGA allots funds for make campaign difficult publicity T-shirts bill did not include that provi- By MEGAN NICHOLS with no abstentions. not met to discuss the resolu- sion, Kerry voted against it, Student Life Editor The bill asks for funds for tion. she said. 100 shirts at $6 to $6.50 each. The resolution condemns Kerry also voted with 86 The SGA Senate passed College of Arts and Sciences acts of vandalism that dam- other senators to approve one bill and one resolution at Sen. Virginia Thomas said the age vehicles on campus Bush’s sweeping education Thursday night’s informal shirts would be ready the bearing political stickers. changes, the No Child Left meeting. night before the town hall The rules were again sus- Behind Act, but in the debates SGA Bill 10-04, authored by meeting. Senators, she said, pended at Thursday night’s he criticized the president for College of Human should come pick them up meeting so the resolution not “fully funding” the initia- Environmental Sciences Sen. and wear them the day of the could be discussed and voted tive by $28 billion. Jordan Davis, calls for appro- meeting to help with adver- on since it deals with the Nov. Kerry also voted for the priations for publicity T-shirts tising. 2 election. It passed with Patriot Act, which gave law for the SGA’s upcoming town SGA Executive Vice minor changes. enforcement more tools to hall meeting. During “The President Laura Beth Mitchell fight terrorism. Battle of the Booze,” students noted that the total cost for It flew through Congress can talk about issues sur- the shirts would be around with bipartisan support in the rounding alcohol-related $650 and would be taken Check out The wake of the 9/11 terrorist arrests with Tuscaloosa area from the Senate’s appropria- attacks. law enforcement officers. tion budget, which is $10,000 Crimson White In the Oct. 8 debate, Kerry The meeting will be held this year. on the Web criticized Attorney General Wednesday at 8 p.m. in 30 SGA Resolution 09-04, John Ashcroft’s application of Mary Hewell Alston Hall. The authored by A&S Sen. William at the law, saying ordinary citi- rules were suspended so that Stokes, was tabled at last zens’ rights have been abused. the bill could be voted on week’s formal Senate meeting www.cw.ua.edu. He said he believes in the before the meeting takes because the student affairs Patriot Act but wants to place. It passed unanimously committee apparently had “change a few things.” AP Photo/ Gerald Herbert In the second debate, Kerry Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., delivers a speech at the AARP con- and Bush sparred over the vention in Las Vegas, Thursday. Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. The exchange showed the pit- fall Kerry faces in justifying By CHRIS OTTS dents Richard Nixon and Bill “yea” or “nay” votes, Hess said. Scripps Howard Foundation Wire Clinton. Bush said the procedure is a “If you want to get elected “brutal practice” and criticized WASHINGTON – President Bush president, become vice presi- Kerry for voting against the introduced a new catch- dent or the governor of a bill. phrase directed at Sen. John state,” Lichtman said. Those Kerry had just given a Kerry in the second presiden- positions don’t produce nearly lengthy explanation of how he tial debate last week: “You can as much of a voting record, he reconciles his Catholic faith run, but you can’t hide.” said. with his support for abortion Though he didn’t repeat the Before becoming president, rights. phrase in Wednesday’s final Bush served as governor of He said he would have sup- debate, Bush continued to Texas and Clinton as governor ported the ban if it had an hammer at Kerry’s voting of Arkansas. George H.W. Bush exception for the life or the record, painting him as an “out was Ronald Reagan’s vice pres- health of the mother. Despite of the mainstream” liberal ident before winning the 1988 what Bush says, he is not cate- who can’t be trusted to cut the election. gorically against a ban, Kerry deficit. Kerry has been in the Senate said. Though he’s one of the 12 years longer than Kennedy “It’s never quite as simple as country’s senior lawmakers, was when he was elected. the president wants you to having spent 20 years on Since Kerry was nominated in believe,” Kerry said. Capitol Hill, Kerry’s experience July, Bush-Cheney supporters Bush responded: “Well, it’s makes his White House bid have used his record to cast pretty simple when they say: more difficult. From Kerry’s him as inconsistent, making Are you for a ban on partial- long voting record, Bush aides “flip-flopping” a campaign birth abortion? Yes or no?” glean data to use as ammuni- buzzword. Bush added, “You can run, tion. Kerry has voted for several but you can’t hide the reality.” Bush said repeatedly that of Bush’s major initiatives, all Kerry voted 98 times to of which drew large majority Chris Otts is news director of increase taxes. Kerry also votes in the Senate. Since he The Crimson White. He is par- voted 277 times to “bust the has campaigned head-to-head ticipating in the Scripps budget,” Bush said with Bush, Kerry has criticized Howard Foundation’s Semester Wednesday. how the administration has in Washington program. Kerry would be the first applied the initiatives, mean- president in 44 years to come while striving to stand by his directly from the Senate. His votes. political idol, John F. Kennedy, Like almost four-fifths of the also a Massachusetts senator, Senate, Kerry voted to author- was the most recent, in 1960. ize the war in Iraq, but has crit- “It is very difficult to get icized Bush for not building a elected president from the larger coalition of nations for Senate because you compile the invasion, saying Bush an up or down voting record “rushed to war without a plan on almost every imaginable to win the peace.” issue,” said Stephen Hess, a On the campaign trail, Kerry political scientist at the said he actually voted for the Brookings Institution, a $87 billion increase in military Washington think tank. and construction operations Hess said issues and Senate in Iraq and Afghanistan before politics are complicated, but he voted against it. Bush has ultimately a senator has to referred to the comment sev- vote for or against a bill. eral times in the debates, and It’s even hard for senators to the Kerry sound bite has get nominated for president, shown up in Bush campaign said Allan Lichtman, a politi- spots. cal historian at American Kerry later admitted his University in Washington. explanation was confusing. Lichtman pointed out that Debra DeShong, a Kerry only two senators since 1960 spokeswoman, said the sena- — South Dakota Democrat tor meant he supported a ver- George McGovern and Kansas sion of the bill that would have Republican Bob Dole — have rolled back Bush’s tax cut for been nominated. They were the richest 2 percent of crushed by incumbent presi- Americans. Because the final Page 6A • The Crimson White NEWS Friday, October 15, 2004

attempt to get herself more politically involved. Robbins said she switched parties this year after having consistently voted on one side for many years. Nader on ballot gives Student “I wanted to learn more and be better informed instead of just vote one way all the time,” she said. Robbins said she hopes students will become students more choices passionate about this year’s election since it influences everyone’s lives. By MERRICK WIEDRICH to vote. When the people “There are a lot of voters She has also learned common mistakes stu- Senior Staff Reporter vote, Greenlee said he hopes dents make when filling out registration forms. they make the right deci- undecided voters. There are trained personnel available at Gorgas Over the course of 35 days, sions. We don’t pressure to help students fill out voter registration forms 40 patriots in 20 vans will visit “There are a lot of undecid- correctly, she said. 800 cities to hand out buttons ed voters,” Greenlee said. “We them with political “Just because you register to vote doesn’t and bumper stickers and don’t pressure them with speak with different people political tactics.” tactics.” register mean you will get to vote,” she said. “You have — Paul Meyer to fill out the form properly.” about independent presiden- Greenlee said “voter self- junior in public relations Robbins said a common mistake among stu- tial candidate Ralph Nader. help guides” are a good way By CAITLIN TUDZIN dents is putting a residence hall name or post The Corporate Crime to convince people that Senior Staff Reporter office box in the address category instead of a Busters Tour assigns each van Nader is the best choice for political views but is skeptical physical address. The Board of Registrars has to to travel to different states, president. about voting for him. With the presidential election only a few have this information to assign students to the with Van 12 responsible for The purpose of the self- “I think Nader would make weeks away, more and more students are regis- closest polling site available. Students can find Alabama and Mississippi. help guides is to show people a great president,” Meyer tering to vote with the help of Gorgas Library, Recently, Van 12 has visited that the candidate they sup- said. “But why vote for SGA and other organizations on campus. such events and places as the port might not have the same him? This is a two-party sys- SGA Vice President of External Affairs Alabama National Fair, views as them. tem, and he’ll never win. I Brinkley Serkedakis said so far the SGA has reg- Election Talladega, protests, debate “Personal touch” is another might as well vote for some- istered 1,630 voters and expects even more by forums and universities to way the vans try to show that one else in hope that my vote the Oct. 22 registration deadline. spread the news. Nader is the best choice, will help them become presi- “Our most aggressive efforts have yet to Van 12 traveled to the Greenlee said. dent.” come,” she said. “Voter registration education 2004 Capstone on Oct. 5 to inform This involves Greenlee ask- week is next week and we’ll have someone at students about the third can- ing people which issues are Check out every academic building registering students.” didate. important to them. Greenlee what’s In addition, Serkedakis said members of the The van’s passengers unit- said he then explains how happening Nader approaches that issue. SGA have been going out with clipboards on ed with local volunteers, and on the campus to register voters. There are also tables they worked together to Greenlee said the United become a support unit for States has always had a two- entertainment “Voter registration education Nader. party system. However, he scene today, week is next week and we’ll their residence halls’ actual addresses at the Because of what campaign said he is trying to change Page 10A Board of Registrars or at Gorgas library. officials said was great this. have someone at every aca- Robbins said more than 100 students had reg- response for Van 12 while in “The candidates want to demic building registering.” istered at Gorgas. The forms are hand-delivered Tuscaloosa, the group will keep it a two-party system so — Brinkley Serkedakis to the Board of Registrars for a responsibly per- return Tuesday. it is easy for them,” Greenlee Vice President of External Affairs formed voter drive, she said. Van 12 was at Auburn said. Additionally, students can find information at University this week and will Greenlee said a third party set up at the Ferguson Center for registration Gorgas on the two main candidates’ platforms, be traveling to Montgomery, splits the vote for the two and forms are available in the SGA office, she absentee balloting and more common mistakes Mobile and Birmingham in candidates, making them said. and things to be aware of on Election Day. the next few days. have to earn their votes. Serkedakis said the SGA is pushing for more Natalie Elliott, a junior majoring in English, Most of the people who There is no gray area or students 18-24 years old to become participa- said she registered to vote without the assistance travel in the vans are volun- compromise in a two-party tory in elections. of the SGA or any other group on campus but teers whose “road trip” is system, Greenlee said. “The “We want students to get involved and be a would have accepted the help if she hadn’t sponsored by the Nader cam- issues are either ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” part of it through us,” she said. already taken care of it herself. paign, said Kendle Greenlee, For example, Greenlee Gorgas Library’s Government Document “Registering through campus organizations, one of the crewmembers for said, in the two-party system, Unit has set up a station to offer students the especially if you’re preoccupied with school, Van 12. one candidate is for abortion opportunity to register to vote. gives you an easier opportunity,” Elliott said. “We don’t do it for the and the other is against it. Library assistant senior Mary Ann Robbins She said students are often non-participatory money,” he laughed. Greenlee said he believes said she started the drive at Gorgas in an Greenlee said people think this is how most of the issues See REGISTERING, Page 9 they are only given two are handled. choices for president. He said he believes a third His job is to tell them oth- party could allow for more erwise, he said. compromises and would Americans need “more help the people have more voices and more choices,” choices than only “yes” or Greenlee said, which is what “no.” To vote local or not? he is trying to offer. Paul Meyer, a junior major- Greenlee said the vans ing in public relations, said he By KRISTIE BUSAM Spencer Rohan, a sopho- those votes would add up encourage people to register agrees with a lot of Nader’s Staff Reporter more majoring in business, sooner or later,” said Karmin said absentee voting is an easy Bryant, a senior majoring in With the presidential elec- way to cast votes on issues and chemical engineering. tion two weeks away, many races back home. The “one vote doesn’t students on campus not origi- “Absentee voting is impor- count” philosophy is one that nally from Tuscaloosa have tant for me because it is not may have discouraged the had to make a choice: vote in worth the trip of 300 miles just younger generation to vote in town or vote absentee. to vote in my hometown, past elections, but now voter For some, absentee voting is when they can just send me a participation among students a better alternative to re-regis- ballot through the mail,” is up, Behel said. tering because they want to Rohan said. “Living in the United States, vote at home. Other students have opted we have a chance to make a Will Joyner, a freshman who to go physically to the polls difference, and if we have to is pre-med, is one such stu- and vote. abide by the rules then I want dent. For some, this is because of to have a say,” Behel said. “My home is in Huntsville, distrust in the system. and I would feel more “In past elections, it isn’t comfortable voting at home always certain that absentee rather than voting here,” ballots get counted, like in the Joyner said. “If I didn’t vote it last election,” said Tyler Behel, would make a mockery of the a freshman majoring in politi- system.” cal science and German. “I re- Students who live in swing registered because I did not states may also be more likely want my vote to not count.” to vote at home where their Popular belief is that one vote might have more of an vote does not count, and in impact. Alabama many people find “A vote in Alabama is a vote this true because it is a very for Bush,” said Jamie Coston, a Republican state, said Kate junior majoring in political Spina, a freshman majoring in science and dance. “I think political science. that if you know the issues in “I get mad when people say your hometown you should that one vote does not count, vote absentee.” because if everyone said that one vote didn’t count, all of Friday, October 15, 2004 NEWS The Crimson White • Page 7A 2004 fall election results released BY MEGAN NICHOLS Capstone Gentleman and SGA There were no runoffs this Mike Kuffner. G. Puente is the new senator Student Life Editor Senate seat races. year. The winner of the Capstone for the College of Engineering, Last year, 3,393 students The 2004 Homecoming Gentleman and Homecoming and Lynsey Anne Bullard won voted in the election. Court is as follows: Queen will be announced Around 100 more people for the Capstone College of 2004 voted in this year’s Voting was held on two days For Homecoming Queen: tonight at the bonfire and pep 3,494 Nursing. Homecoming elections than last year, but Medlin said that Bess Copeland, Katie McCrory, rally, Medlin said. The four Graduate School last year, officials said. was only because there was a Chequetta Moore, Maridi Grayson Menard won the VOTER NUMBERS Senate seats were Shilpa Melissa Medlin, SGA elec- last-minute change due to Thompson and Lacey Valeska. Senate seat for the College of tions board chairwoman, said server problems, lead to vot- For Capstone Gentleman: Arts and Sciences, and Crystal Dubey, Elizabeth Hendrix, 3,494 people voted Tuesday in ing at the Ferguson Center Matt Bees, Aaron Paul Brown, Mahan won the seat for the Marion McIntosh and Prince

Justin Carroll, Lucas Elgie and 2003 the Homecoming Queen, instead of online. College of Education. Cleveland. 3,393 Geological Survey sign stolen By MALCOLM IFEKAUCHE 450 watt amplifier, an Orion Ferguson Center between 1 Staff Reporter HCCA 225 amplifier and two p.m. and 6 p.m. 12-inch JL Audio subwoofers An AmSouth credit/debit The Alabama Geological inside of a Q-logic box were card was reported stolen from Survey is missing a $1,100 sign reported stolen. the Sheraton Hotel. that was taken from its loca- The missing electronics and tion at W.B. Jones Hall on damage to the car was estimat- Thursday Tuesday, according to a ed to be worth more than $2,000. University Police department An Old Navy backpack was Two bike pedals, a 26-inch report. taken from Tutwiler Hall. It front tire, and a brake caliber The sign is made from cast contained nearly 400 pills of were taken from a Palmer Hall iron and is gray and blue. Adderall in two different bot- bike rack. UAPD also reported this tles and two different dosages, At Bryce Lawn Apartments, week: a $100 calculator, a $190 math a $400 Alpine CD player was textbook and a $99 Motorola taken from a 1995 GMC truck cell phone. Friday between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. A Louis Vuitton purse valued A Toyota 4Runner was bro- at $80 was also taken from A license plate valued at $5 ken into roughly an hour later Tutwiler Hall. was taken from a vehicle at Bryce Lawn. Two 12-inch The purse was said to con- parked in the Julia Tutwiler Orion subwoofers, a sub- tain a bottle of an unknown Hall parking lot between 9:15 woofer box and a Rockford- prescription drug worth $60 a.m. and 11 a.m. Fosgate 250-300 Watt amp and a pair of prescription eye- A purse at the Commons were stolen. Dining Hall in Mary Burke Hall glasses worth $80. was reported stolen. It con- tained a checkbook, debit Monday card, an ACTion Card and an Alabama driver’s license. The passenger-side window of a Toyota Tundra was broken at Bryant-Denny Stadium. No Saturday items were reported missing. An Xbox, two games, an ATM card and $16 were report- ed stolen from Rose Towers Tuesday between 11 p.m. and 5:45 a.m. Two hours later, another A $6,000 Sharp XG3500 pro- Rose Towers resident reported jector was reported stolen a $2,000 computer, an adapter, from H.M. Comer Hall. a $300 Fujifilm digital camera, A 1999 Chevrolet Blazer was a Visa card and $75 cash miss- vandalized in the Ferguson ing. Center parking deck. Bama Dining reported three A Mountain Fury bike and five-dollar bills missing from a lock worth $60 were reported register. stolen from the Ferguson Center bike racks. Sunday In the Alabama Softball Complex parking lot, a win- A resident at 145 Hackberry dow was broken and a CD Lane reported a PlayStation 2 player was taken from a GMC controller, a game and a mem- Yukon. ory card stolen Sunday morn- ing. A 1998 black Ford Mustang Wednesday was broken into at the Aquatic Center parking lot. Two ACTion Cards were An Eclipse stereo, an Eclipse reported missing from the Miscellaneous Homecoming Activities Courtesy of ua.edu • MTV will be on the Quad looking for an MTV VJ on Friday October 15 from 10 a.m. — 3p.m. There will be activities to test students’ “VJ abilities.” Applicants are advised to bring completed applications for the job and to show up early. To download the application and/or for more information visit www.mtv.com.

• Student Alumni Association will be at Kickoff On the Quad applying temporary tatoos, selling game day shirts and manning blow-up games.

• Join the Million Dollar Band for the “elephant stomp” to the stadium at 1:30 p.m. Page 8A • The Crimson White NEWS Friday, October 15, 2004 Homecoming All 2004: TIDE ABOVE: Pi Beta Phi sorority had a supportive crowd cheering at the conclusion of its performance Thursday night. Alpha Delta Pi came in first, with Phi Mu and Kappa Alpha Theta coming in second and third respectively. The women participating in the University’s together annual Homecoming choreography competition. LEFT: The Million Dollar Band performs their halftime show during a home game at Bryant Denny Stadium.

CW/ Elliot Knight and Jessica Maxwell

Check out The Crimson White on the Web at www.cw.ua.edu. Friday, October 15, 2004 NEWS The Crimson White • Page 9A

est students in the country. center concept, so that in first issue we need to address is WITT What does that mean? It effect we have a large number [would] a campus transit sys- Continued from Page 1A means that really good stu- of relatively small living-and- tem be feasible? If the answer advertisements that are heavi- dents in literally every state in learning communities scat- is yes, what form or shape ly weighted towards Alabama. the country, when they are sit- tered throughout our resi- would that transit system take? We have increased scholar- ting down and saying ‘Here’s dence halls around campus. Given the answer to that ques- ship support, and while out- the set of schools I am going to tion, what does that imply in of-state as well as in-state stu- apply to,’ Alabama would be CW: What is the progress on the terms of parking lots or park- dents are eligible for that, one of those schools. idea of a transit system on cam- ing decks on the perimeter on some of the new scholarship Do I think that every stu- pus and specifically what is the campus? Those questions have support just by virtue of how dent in the country that quali- benefit of having a transit sys- to be answered sequentially. the scholarships are struc- fies as one of the best and tem on campus? tured are more likely to benefit brightest will have Alabama CW: What was the reasoning Alabama residents than non- on the list? Probably not. But if Witt: The issue of a transit sys- behind instituting mandatory we don’t have that for a goal, residents …. tem on campus is still a work housing for freshmen? we’re never going to come We have enlisted the aid of in progress, and we are con- close to it. Some people say it our alumni association in ducting a review right now. We Witt: Students who live on is too aggressive a goal, but my don’t have a final answer yet campus get off to a better aca- helping us to identify young response is that aggressive …. One of the biggest benefits demic start than students who people who we should be goals move universities for- recruiting. That’s been a of having a transit system is live off campus. ward. I would hope that when It is not merely a question of tremendous advantage that point and time is reached, cutting down the amount of retention, although freshmen because now instead of wait- that within the state of car traffic on campus, easing ing for people to contact us, Alabama we would be the parking problems, making it who live on campus have bet- we have alumni contacting us University of choice for the easier for students to get ter retention than freshmen saying, ‘I know John or Jane best and brightest. That every around on campus and to get who live off. It is equally Smith, and they’re going to be bright student in Alabama from where they live off cam- important to look at the aca- graduating next May, and they would have the University at pus to campus. demic performance of stu- are really good students. You the top of their list. When we CW/ Graham Flanagan dents who live on campus as ought to recruit them.’ We buy, reach that point, we should UA President Robert Witt explains his plans for expanded enrollment in the future during an CW: What is the progress of opposed to off. and we do this in a very broad dominate the state in terms of exclusive Crimson White interview. finding property off of campus Also, students who live on basis, ACT test scores above recruiting the best and the or off the center of campus to campus their freshman year certain cutoffs, … and then we brightest. number and quality of stu- Witt: I would hope by that build this parking lot? are more likely to become reach out through the mail A decade from now when dents, and you’ll see progress point in time that our student involved in student organiza- and contact students that we they reach that point, we will in terms of a stronger research resident facilities had totally Witt: We haven’t started the tions and participate more would like to apply to the be a much stronger University university, and you’ll see adopted the living-learning search process yet. I think the fully in the education process. University. in terms of research with dra- progress in terms of the physi- We also, primarily within matic increases in external cal infrastructure of the the state … hold recruiting research support, particularly University, and you’ll see sessions within the home of federal support. progress in terms of the alumni where we invite high A decade from now when national stature of the school students and their par- you come back from alumni University. ents to come. I speak at those receptions or football week- receptions. We have admis- ends and you walk around CW: When you talk about the sions staff at those receptions. campus, if we’ve done what I rankings … do you have a goal We have Capstone Men and think we can and should do, for what ranking you would Women at those receptions … you’ll find some parts of the like to see the University campus hard to recognize achieve within the next CW: We talk about recruitment because of new residence decade? and smaller issues, but when halls, new teaching facilities, you look at the University as a those older buildings that you Witt: I would like to see the whole, what do you want the remember from your days University of Alabama in the University to be and where do here will no longer be here. you want us to be? A decade from now aca- top tier of public universities, demic programs in the and that normally means in Witt: About 2012, 2013 when University as a whole in the the top 25. we are at 28,000, it is my hope various national rankings will and goal that the University be more highly ranked than CW: What do you see residen- would be a university of we were before. In effect, we tial life looking like in 2012 choice for the best and bright- will see progress in terms of and 2013?

CW photo illustration/ Jessica Maxwell Many students at UA have decided to vote by way of absentee ballots from their home counties. Others have registered in Alabama and have done so on campus.

Jessie Bailey, a freshman in pre-law studies, REGISTERING said she has been registered to vote since she Continued from Page 6A turned 18. She said it’s important for students in elections, but this election is particularly to vote because being heard is what living in a important because of issues like the war in Iraq. democracy is all about. “I have had some friends who up until now “I just don’t see how anyone could not care have been apathetic about voting,” she said. “I about it,” Bailey said. “That’s their future, that’s think it’s disgusting, counterproductive.” their kid’s future — that’s everything.”

CONSTRUCTION “At this point, my personal not just a residence hall Continued from Page 1A opinion is that type of conver- because of the computer lab sion would not be cost effec- facility within the building. He said when the last of the tive, and the most likely course “One of the resources that is new residence halls open, UA of action would be to begin the most strained on this campus officials will look at the exist- process of taking those build- is access to computer labs for ing residence halls to decide if ings down,” he said. instructional purposes,” he they should be taken down. He Margaret King, vice presi- said. “We cannot afford to said one possibility might be dent for student affairs, said close the computer lab in Paty to go into the smallest of the her office is concerned right without opening an equal residence halls that are con- now with the planning process facility someplace else prior to structed in such a way that the for Phase II, and she said closing Paty.” structure could be modified Phase III is just a projection King said people have been and converted into class- plan for the future. talking about the destruction rooms. However, he said he For years, some students of Paty Hall for years, but she doesn’t see that possibility have speculated about the fate said there is no recommenda- coming to fruition. of Paty Hall. Witt said Paty is tion for action at this point. Entertainment Friday, October 15, 2004 Page 10A ‘Ladder 49’ goes down in flames By LINDSEY MANN gives their relationship an ances were in keeping with drifts in and out of conscious- three different visions age it wrought. Obnoxious, Entertainment Editor everyday credibility instead that of Hernandez and not ness and begins to recall the for how the film should twanging acoustic guitar is of the manufactured, over- really worth mentioning. events that led him to this. In look. Visual variety is usually played in the beginning as Jack Everyone I talked to told me the-top passion Hollywood The fatal flaw in “Ladder theory, the juxtaposition ropes good, but in “Ladder 49” it succeeds in battling his first the same thing: “It’s the best usually injects into romance. 49” was its script. What the viewers in: By learning their becomes obtuse. fire. “As I’m Leaving” by David movie I’ve watched all year; Phoenix is good — not film was trying to accomplish histories, the audience falls Artistic shots, like when Gray plays when Linda has her you’ll bawl your eyes out just “Inventing the Abbots” good, is painfully transparent and deeper in love with the charac- droplets from the memory of first child. None of the music like I did!” but he still earns major kudos results in calling attention ters while developing a his son’s baptism splatter on seems to go together, and it The only tears I cried were for being able to look at him- to its flaws rather than passion for the present event Jack’s forehead in the present, proves to be more distracting the tears of joy I shed when the self in the mirror after reciting generating interest. that will affect them all. clash sharply with the reality- than complimentary. final credits began to roll. his Hallmark-card lines with- It begins with Jack, impris- Unfortunately, the arrow TV shakiness of bar scenes The bottom line: Let it After seeing it with my own out a hint of cliché. Jack is oned and unconscious, misses its mark. Flashbacks and the large-scale shots of burn. eyes, I can honestly say affable but not endearing, sprawled on the floor of a merely show time passing; the fires. “Ladder 49” is one of the and though Phoenix tries, burning building as Mike and nothing is captivating or The film’s music, which Rating: worst movies I have ever seen. Jack never fully develops into others battle the blaze to res- heart-felt. could have been used to Ever. (And I’ve seen a lot of a character audiences can cue him. Badly injured and It also seemed like there smooth out its choppiness, bad movies.) There is so much connect with. lungs filling with smoke, Jack were three directors with rivaled the script in the dam- wrong with the film, in fact, John Travolta squeaks by it’s mind numbing to imagine with an unexceptional yet how it managed to make its inoffensive performance as way to the big screen without firehouse Capt. Mike being scrapped in its entirety. Kennedy. With fewer lines, The fires in the Travolta has less film — opportunity to supposedly pow- The only tears I mess up, yet he erful enough to cried were the is paltry in his gut entire build- attempts to por- ings and reduce tears of joy I tray Kennedy as them to a pile of a leader among cinders — could shed when the his men, the tie easily be repro- binding the duced in my back final credits house together. yard with a Zippo began to roll. Mike and lighter and a can Jack are also of Aqua Net. scripted as hav- Granted, one or two pivotal ing a closer-than-brothers scenes featured all-encom- bond, but the relationship passing flames that appeared doesn’t translate from the to devour the floors and walls, page to the screen. but as a whole, the pyrotech- “Ladder 49” yielded one nics were lacking. fully developed, likeable char- The acting, however, wasn’t acter — Dennis Gauquin, that bad. Newcomer Jacinda played by Billy Burke — who Barrett was excellent as Linda, was promptly killed in the first the wife of Joaquin Phoenix’s 30 minutes of the film. My last character, Jack. Barrett makes hopes of redemption for it look like she’s not acting. She “Ladder 49” hinged on Jay is Linda; she comes across so Hernandez, the actor who convincingly it becomes diffi- blew me away with his vulner- cult to imagine her as a real ability in “Crazy/Beautiful.” person outside the film. Sadly, his talents were wasted Through Linda, Barrett on a handful of bland, need- shines and completely less lines, like “I bet we get six upstages the more established fires tonight.” actors in the film save There was no point to his Phoenix. There is an intriguing presence in the movie; he had chemistry between the two; no interaction with central there’s sweetness and an air of characters and did nothing for comfort in their scenes plot advancement. As for the Courtesy of Disney together that rest of the cast, their perform- “Ladder 49’s” diirection and special effects, failed to stir emotion and keep attention. The movie’s only bright spots came from actors Jacinda Barrett and Jaquin Phoenix. Chris Rock to host Funny man James Gregory Academy Awards to perform at UA tonight By ANTHONY BREZNICAN something interesting to say. Chris By LINDSAY MANN and WHITNEY NOLAND tion of videos featuring some of his mum for the show at the Bama so it’s The Associated Press represents the best of the new The Crimson White best material. safe to take the whole family. generation of comics. Having him Gregory has performed stand-up Students will enjoy Gregory’s humor LOS ANGELES — The Oscars have a host the Oscars is terrific.” Comedian James Gregory will per- comedy for 20 years, and has been as much as their parents will piece of the Rock. The Academy of The one-time “Saturday Night form at the Bama Theatre tonight at seen on shows such as “The Ralph because of his likable, casual atti- Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Live” regular has won three Emmys 7:30. For those who want to save Emery Show,” “Music City Tonight,” tude and high energy. Many fans on Thursday announced Chris for his TV programs and two their barbecue eating and Roll Tide- “The Dolly Parton Show” and agree his humor and comfortable Rock will host the next Academy Grammys for his comedy albums. yelling for Saturday, Gregory’s show “Comedy Club Network,” among style makes him seem like a funny Awards telecast. Rock currently is shooting a remake is perfect Friday night fun. others. He has also appeared in uncle or cousin you cannot help but Rock, who’s been in films like of “The Longest Yard” with Adam The silver-haired Gregory, often “Double Take,” a Disney/Touchstone love. “Head of State” and “Dogma,” is Sandler and recently provided the described as a Southern comedian, film, and has made over 200 appear- If you are looking for something best known for his standup come- voice of the zebra in the animated includes in his acts jabs at the ances on various radio shows like out of the ordinary to do the night dy specials “Bigger & Blacker,” feature “Madagascar,” both to be assortment of fried foods that con- “Jon Boy and Billy,” “Steve and D.C.” before the Homecoming game, “Bring the Pain” and “Never released in May 2005. His other film stitute a Southern meal. And he and “Rick and Bubba.” The country Gregory’s performance is sure to be a Scared.” credits include “Pootie Tang,” “Bad should know — he’s from Georgia. comedian has also made his pres- hilarious, good time anyone will “I am a huge fan of Chris Rock,” Company,” “Down to Earth” and Always animated and often risqué, ence known alongside famous enjoy. Tickets are $25 for the main said Gil Cates, the producer of the “Nurse Betty.” the seasoned comic almost always singers like Reba McEntire, George floor and $20 for balcony seating. For Oscars telecast. “He always makes The 77th Academy Awards plays sold-out shows. He is so popu- Jones and Ricky Scaggs. more information, contact the Bama me laugh, and he always has telecast is set for Feb. 27. lar with his fans he also has a collec- Profanity will be kept to a mini- Theatre ticket office at 758-5195. Friday, October 15, 2004 ENTERTAINMENT The Crimson White • Page 11 Page 12 • The Crimson White ENTERTAINMENT Friday, October 15, 2004 Inside GAMEDAY: Television: • An early look at Southern Miss, Page 2B • Pay Per View • Alabama kicking game improved, Page 3B • Prothro leads young receivers, Page 4B Radio: • Gameday rosters and CW picks, Page 6B GAMEDAY • WZBQ-FM 94.1 • WRTR-FM 105.5 ALABAMA (4-2, 2-2 SEC) vs. Southern Miss (4-0, 3-0 C-USA) • WACT-AM 1420

Gameday weather: Sunny, high of 73 Friday, October 15, 2004 THE MAIN EVENT Alabama needs six wins to get a bowl bid — yes, the Western Carolina game counts. The Crimson Tide has two games remaining on its schedule in which it will be favored (Southern Miss and Mississippi St.). As of now, Alabama would be about a double-digit underdog in its other three games (@ UT, @ LSU, vs. Auburn). Wouldn’t an Alabama- Texas A&M bowl game be an interesting matchup? Stat Weekof the 175-29 Alabama’s composite score against Southern Miss in Homecoming games. The Crimson Tide is 6-0 against Southern Miss in Homecoming games and 26-6-2 against the Golden Eagles in all other games. IN THE SPOTLIGHT KEN DARBY 34 • Tailback 79 rushes 437 yds. 5 TDs 6 receptions 32 yds. Ray Hudson, Alabama’s leading rusher, is out for the year with a knee injury. Ken Darby, a sophomore, has put up good numbers despite being the No. 2 tailback and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. But he has yet to have the pressure of carrying the offense on his shoulders. With Darby moving up to the No. 1 position, also look for sophomore Tim Castille and freshman Aaron Johns to get more carries. DAMION CARTER 2 • Quarterback 2-of-3 8 yds. 1 TD

Last year, Southern Miss quarterback Dustin Almond played well against Alabama, completing 16-of-28 passes for 196 yards. But Almond strained a hamstring against Houston last week, leaving relatively inexperienced sophomore Damion Carter to take the snaps. Carter has also lined up at wide receiver for the Golden Eagles this year, so don’t be surprised if he tries using his legs to get a few first downs. THE MATCHUP QUARTERBACKS Alabama is down to its third-string quarterback. CW/ Dennis Pillion Southern Miss is using its back-up quarterback. In addition to the Million Dollar Band, Alabama fans are entertained on gamedays by the cheerleaders (Left), Both teams will try to establish the run. four Big Als (Above), the Crimsonettes and the Colorguard. Each Big Al must be able to withstand tempera- RUNNING BACKS tures that can get to be 30 to 60 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. On a hot day, a Big Al can Alabama’s leading rusher is out for the year. But lose about 10 pounds in water weight from sweating. The four Big Als rotate on game days, taking turns Alabama’s No. 2 is still better than the Golden entertaining the fans and drinking plenty of fluids during breaks. Eagles’ No. 1. WIDE RECEIVERS It’s not good when two running backs lead the faithful up and out of their seats tics competition. team in receptions. Southern Miss has three solid Million Dollar band clapping, singing and dancing Strenuous workout Their contribution is not wideouts. before and during the game with simply one of morale, either. lives up to its name regimen keeps a mix of tunes that are both OFFENSIVE LINE The cheerleading summer Alabama’s offensive line continues to be its cheers and entertainment. cheerleaders in camps bring approximately By BUDDY HUGHES strongest asset on offense. Wesley Britt will be Much like their counterparts 5,000 junior high and high Assistant Sports Editor doing his thing on Sundays soon enough. on the field, the band spends gameday condition school cheerleaders to the countless hours practicing its for- DEFENSIVE LINE Capstone every summer, mak- It’s Saturday. Gameday. Your Southern Miss allowed 274 yards rushing against mations and music — so much By DENNIS PILLION ing cheerleading consistently time to shine. Months of hard a struggling Nebraska team. The Cornhuskers time that senior trombone player Senior Sports Reporter competitive with men’s basket- work and preparation have led to gave up that game through the air. Kevin Harris could not put a ball for the second-highest rev- this one moment. You know the number to all the hours. LINEBACKERS They practice six days a week enue producer of the athletics playbook cold. You have Demarcus Waldrop has filled in valiantly for “It’s the hour and a half every for three hours a day, attend department, trailing only foot- rehearsed your role in your head injured Juwan Garth. Cornelius Wortham controls day, and then who knows how mandatory weightlifting and ball. a million times. Now is your time. the middle of the field. long on the weekends, because it aerobic sessions two days a “They [men’s basketball] So polish up that trumpet and starts in the morning, 8 o’clock, SECONDARY week and have to be ready to probably beat us this year after play your heart out. Leave it all on Both secondaries are solid. Southern Miss has and, depending on when the perform on gamedays. making the final eight,” cheer- the field. But save a little bit for nine interceptions on the year. Alabama might not game ends, it goes all day,” Harris One could make the argu- leading coach Debbie “Basket Case” at the end of the pass the ball nine times on Saturday. said. “It’s a good number of ment that UA cheerleaders Greenwell said. “Unless they get third quarter. hours.” SPECIAL TEAMS Alabama had a field goal blocked and a punt work as hard as the teams they Every game, the Million Dollar almost blocked against Kentucky last week. root for at every football, bas- Band helps set the tone for the Southern Miss’ kicker: 7-of-7 field goals. ketball, volleyball and gymnas- See CHEERLEADERS, Page 5B day. They get the Crimson Tide See BAND, Page 4B Page 2B • The Crimson White GAMEDAY Friday, October 15, 2004 Undefeated Southern Miss confident By JASON BEHEL Cougars. Alabama (4-2, 2-2 SEC), regular season loss (Southern Miss Sports Reporter meanwhile, comes into the game lost to Utah 17-0 in the Liberty Bowl). “They’re tough every year. This is probably the with a bit of confidence after a much- For the second week in a row, the best Southern Miss team Alabama’s faced in a Southern Miss (4-0, 3-0 C-USA) needed pummeling of the Kentucky Tide will not face a particularly fright- will be the first Top 25 team Alabama Wildcats, 45-17, on Saturday. ening offensive attack. while. It’s a better team than last year.” has faced this year in a season that is At Tuesday’s press conference, Southern Miss is ranked seventh in — MIKE SHULA heading into its seventh week, with Alabama head coach Mike Shula Conference USA in total offense and Alabama head football coach the Golden Eagles barely squeaking gave due props to the Golden Eagles comes into the game without its field best offensive line we’ve played as a “Boley is one of the better line- in at No. 25 in this week’s polls. for their accomplishments so far this general, quarterback Dustin Almond, group; as good an offensive line as backers we’ll see all year and is very This will mark the first time in the season. who strained his hamstring in last you’ll see week in and week out in physical and athletic,” Shula said. two teams’ 41-game history that “We realize that we have a tough week’s victory over Houston. any conference.” “[He] gets to the football and makes a Southern Miss has been ranked com- Southern Miss team coming in here,” Almond’s back-up, run-first quar- As usual, Southern Miss brings a lot of plays.” ing into the match-up. Shula said. terback Damion Carter, will make his tough defense into the contest, Southern Miss head coach Jeff It is also the first time Southern “They’re tough every year. This is second consecutive start against the which ranks fourth in yards allowed Bower is in his 14th season at the Miss has been ranked since 2000, the probably the best Southern Miss Tide. in Conference USA and is spear- program, a rarity for a coach at a same year the team last defeated the team Alabama’s faced in a while. Defensive coordinator Joe Kines headed by multi-talented linebacker major college program. Crimson Tide, winning 21-0 in front “It’s a better team than last had some nice things to say about Michael Boley. Alabama holds a 33-6-2 overall of a stunned crowd at Legion Field in year. They’re undefeated, ranked Carter and the rest of Southern Miss’ Boley headed into the season on record in the series and a 17-2-1 mark Birmingham. 25th, play solid defense and give you offensive personnel. several defensive award watch lists in games played at Bryant-Denny Southern Miss comes into a lot of looks, offensively.” “He [Carter] fits the same mold as and hasn’t let down any of the prog- Stadium. Tuscaloosa undefeated after a Shula also pointed out that the the athletic quarterbacks we’ve seen nosticators. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. The thrilling 35-29 overtime victory Golden Eagles’ 17-3 loss in the last two or three weeks,” Kines Shula kept the accolades rolling for game will only be available on Pay Thursday against the Houston Tuscaloosa last season was their last said. “[Southern Miss] may have the the dominant defensive stud. Per View.

“It would be very to business and do what we BAND have to do.” Continued from Page 1B fair to call us Glover described the role of the Colorguard as being the Harris has been a member student-athletes. visual appeal to the perform- of the Band for three years and ance. has seen many highs and lows. We work very hard “We’re supposed to be the Harris said the highest of highs to produce a picture of the show,” Glover came in 2002 when a certain said. “The Band plays the eight-year losing streak came product for the music, and we’re supposed to to an end in Knoxville, Tenn. be the visual for the audience “Winning in Tennessee a public and on to see. We’re painting a picture couple of years ago was proba- for them.” bly one of the greatest experi- games on saturday.” One of the Band’s most pop- ences that I’ve had as part of — GRIFFIN GUNTER Freshman trumpet player ular activities in recent years is this organization,” Harris said. the Elephant Stomp. Playing “Yea Alabama” over “It would be very fair to call About an hour and a half and over while standing in a us student-athletes,” Gunter before the game starts on sea of orange-clad Volunteer said. “We work very hard to Saturdays, the Band gathers at fans was quite a feeling for produce a product for the the steps of Gorgas Library Harris, but he said it is all in a public and on games on and play renditions of Tide day’s work for a college band. Saturday.” cheers for the gathered mass- “You have to do it to support Harris was not willing to go es. the team,” Harris said. “It’s just that far. Band director Kenneth a part of the effort. Other “I don’t know if you would Ozzello said one of the best teams may not like it and call us student-athletes,” things about the Elephant other fans may not like it, but Harris said. “There’s a lot of Stomp is its location. we’re not there for the other work involved, but the kind of “It’s a great atmosphere,” fans. We’re there for the team. work people in the athletic Ozzello said. “One of the “That’s what it’s all about. department do is of a different things that makes it so cool is It’s something that we have to nature. the library kind of creates an do, and I take pride in doing “This is an art and it’s a amphitheater because you that whenever we’re called to physical activity, but theirs is have all of that behind you. do that.” purely physical and strategic. “Then all the people are Freshman football players I’m not so sure if I’d go so far to [stretched] the whole length of CW/ Jessica Maxwell are not the only students step- say that this is a physical activ- the Quad. It’s kind of a natural Several band members said their most memorable moments in the Million Dollar Band came when they first stepped onto the field at Bryant-Denny ping onto the grass at Bryant- ity on the level [the athletic amphitheater.” Stadium. Some band members believe they should be treated by the University as student-athletes. Denny Stadium for the first department’s physical activity] This week, the Band will be time. is.” especially busy, not only with Freshman trumpet player The Band’s auxiliary groups the game Saturday, but also Griffin Gunter said he got an also know about putting in the with the Homecoming pep adrenaline rush the first time physical effort. Both the rally Friday night, the he stepped under the lights at Colorguard and the Homecoming parade Saturday Bryant-Denny. Crimsonettes spend a lot of morning and an exhibition at Gunter also said he has time outside during the one- Hoover on Saturday night. been helped by the older and-a-half hour daily “It’s an opportunity for us to members. He described the rehearsals. show them the kinds of things elder band statesmen as “great “We have to put a lot of out- we do down here,” Harris said. teachers.” side practice into it to get “We want to show them that With as much time and these routines because we we do things a special way energy as Band members have to learn three different down here. We’ve got our own spend practicing and per- shows,” said Michael Glover, a style of performance that’s not forming, one could surmise freshman in the Colorguard. like any other band in the that band members should be “We have to put a lot of per- country. considered student-athletes. sonal effort into making the “We get a chance to show At least that is what Gunter shows work so when we come them this is what makes UA’s thinks. [to rehearsal] we can get down band the Million Dollar Band.” Sports Editor’s Predictions Alex Merritt Buddy Hughes Sports Editor Assistant Sports Editor

The tough part about pick- Crimson Tide fans have ing a score in this game isn’t circled this week’s game analyzing Alabama — it’s against Southern Miss as the figuring out Southern Miss. crucial game to getting to As I wrote in this space last that coveted six-win plateau week, the Crimson Tide has that would make Alabama proven to be a mediocre bowl-eligible. team and has beaten Alex Merritt Buddy Hughes While I don’t think a loss mediocre competition at best. would be the end of the season, it would make Southern Miss, although ranked in the top Alabama’s already uphill climb a little steeper. 25, is another mediocre team that has benefited The Golden Eagles come in without their from an easy early schedule (that’s right, starting quarterback, who was injured during Nebraska, you suck). If the Golden Eagles’ start- USM’s win last week against Houston. ing quarterback weren’t injured, I would be very His replacement, Damion Carter, will make tempted to pick against Alabama this week Alabama’s defense stay on its toes once again to simply because the offense can’t seem to score. contain another good running quarterback. Most of Alabama’s 45 points against If Alabama could beat USM last year with Kentucky were a credit to the defense and spe- Brandon Avalos at the helm, I see no reason cial teams. Southern Miss will be much better why it can’t win with Spencer Pennington call- prepared than the hapless Wildcats were. ing the shots — as long as he keeps the ball on Expect three yards and a cloud of dust from our the ground. offense and some trickery from Jeff Bowers and the Southern Miss offense.

Final score: UA 20 USM 13 Final score: UA 24 USM 14 Alex is 5-1 picking Alabama games this year. Buddy is 4-2 picking Alabama games this year. Check out The Crimson White on the Web at www.cw.ua.edu. Friday, October 15, 2004 GAMEDAY The Crimson White • Page 3B

CW/ Jessica Maxwell Place kicker Brian Bostick (No. 15) has connected on six-of-eight field goal attempts and is 24-of-24 on extra point attempts this season. Punter Bo Freelend is averaging 41.1 yards per punt and has punted six of his 30 attempts inside the 20-yard line. Just for kicks By RICHARD D. LEE 41.1 yards per punt, was a Senior Sports Reporter “I made some slight third-team preseason All-SEC selection and is currently sec- Year in and year out, one of adjustments ond in the league in net punt- the most overlooked aspects technique-wise, ing yards, trailing only of college football is the kick- Tennessee’s Dustin Colquitt. ing game. and it has “It’s an honor to be men- Oftentimes, this is the part tioned in the same breath as of the game that decides the certainly helped.” him [Colquitt],” Freelend said. outcome. “He’s a great punter for those So why is it that most people — BRIAN BOSTICK guys up there. Anything I can would rather attend a lecture Alabama place kicker do to help my team and help on the fine art of underwater us keep winning is what I’m basket weaving than discuss is injured and out for the here for.” the subtle intricacies that remainder of the year. Place-kicker Jamie Chris- make up the kicking game? “Every time I go on the field, tensen has also improved the Place-kicker Brian Bostick, it’s a pressure situation — and Tide’s special teams. punter Bo Freelend and place- I’m expected to score,” he said. The Norcross, Ga., native kicker Jamie Christensen have “You just have to clear your has taken over as Alabama’s not only met expectations this head, do what comes naturally kickoff specialist, booming year, they have exceeded and let your body take over.” kick after kick out of Bryant- them. With Hudson out for the Denny Stadium’s end zones. At this point last year, year, the Crimson Tide is going “I think I’ve done an all- Bostick, currently a senior, had to have to count on someone right job,” he said. “I can do already missed four field goals else to get a chunk of the rush- better — there’s still a lot of and three extra points. This ing yards against Southern room for improvement.” year, however, he is perfect on Miss. This fall, as a redshirt fresh- extra points, while having In that case, who better than man, he quickly claimed the missed only two field goals. Freelend? kickoff job as his own in pre- What has he done to Freelend avoided sure dis- season camp. His first kickoff improve? aster against Kentucky and of the season only reinforced “I did a lot of work during may have saved the Tide’s sea- his hold. the summer,” Bostick said. “I son last week when he turned Against Utah State, on the went through the video and what was almost a blocked opening kick of the game, tried to assess different kicks, punt for Kentucky into a 24- Christensen booted the ball all what was good and what was yard gain. the way through the end zone, bad. I made some slight “The snap was perfect and I bouncing it past the white adjustments technique-wise, went to kick it but he [the stripe and against the stadi- and it has certainly helped.” Kentucky player] just came um’s retaining wall. Bostick, who will soon be out of nowhere, so I pulled the “I was shocked, actually,” finishing up a master’s degree ball down and took off run- Christensen said. “It was a in electrical engineering, ning,” he said. “After that, I huge shock for me. That’s a could be a major player in don’t remember anything; it kicker’s dream, just like kick- Saturday’s game since just happened.” ing a game-winning field Alabama tailback Ray Hudson Freelend, who is averaging goal.” Page 4B • The Crimson White GAMEDAY Friday, October 15, 2004 Youthful receiving corps led by do-it-all sophomore By RICHARD D. LEE help the team the best way I “Whatever helps the team win, be it at Senior Sports Reporter can.” Prothro, who caught 16 wide receiver or special teams, that’s what Coming into this season, passes for 191 yards and a many critics thought the wide score in 2003, has played I’m here for. I just help the team the best receiver position would be a valiantly so far this season for problem area for the Alabama the Tide. way I can.” — TYRONE PROTHRO football team, but as the late, In only six games, he leads Alabama wide receiver great Notorious B.I.G. once all Alabama wide receivers said, “things done changed.” with nine catches for 85 yards Caddell and true freshmen D.J. That being said, Prothro is After losing five of its top six and a score, as well as being Hall and Keith Brown. still a main part within the wide receivers to either the the only player with at least “Basically, I just try to lead framework of the offense as NFL or graduation, the one reception in every game by example,” Prothro said. well as the game as a whole. Crimson Tide’s receivers this season — 12 consecutive “But if they [the freshmen “We’re just going to have to looked about as promising as games dating back to last sea- receivers] have any questions, come out, start fast and play a frat party with no girls and son. Prothro leads the SEC and I just answer the best I can.” aggressive,” Prothro said. “If no alcohol. ranks second nationally with a Even with Prothro’s stellar we do that, everything should Plus, just to make things 35.4 kickoff return average. play, the Tide ranks last in the work out fine for us. We’ve had worse, top recruit Nikita He also tied a school record SEC in total passing, and 112th a good week of practice and all Stover was deemed academi- against Kentucky, returning a in the nation out of 117 teams we need to do now is execute cally ineligible to play this kickoff 100 yards for a touch- going into this weekend’s on the plays.” year. down last weekend. game against No. 24 Southern If the Tide can heed After getting his feet wet last The play garnered him the Mississippi. Prothro’s words it would seem year as a true freshman, honor of SEC Special Teams Part of the blame for the as though Southern Miss Tyrone Prothro has stepped Player of the Week. poor passing attack can be could have a few problems on up to become the leader of this On top of making plays attributed to the inconsistency their hands in Saturday’s year’s receiving corps. when it counts, Prothro has of the quarterbacks in the past game. “Whatever helps the team also become a leader on and few games, as well as the In fact, it’s reminiscent of CW/ T.G. Paschal win, be it at wide receiver or off the field for a team that reliance on the running game, something another great MC Alabama receiver Tyrone Prothro leads Crimson Tide receivers with nine receptions for 86 special teams, that’s what I’m features three freshman now the dominant feature in once said: “I got 99 problems yards. The offense, however, has been hampered by injuries to key players. here for,” Prothro said. “I just receivers — redshirt Matt the Tide’s offensive scheme. but ...” well, you know the rest. Cards take 2-0 lead in NLCS Wallace shines in Bobcats debut CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — while rookie Emeka Okafor The fans were quiet at the temperatures falling into the Astros close, then 20-game ST. LOUIS (AP) — Rain or shine, Antwan Jamison hit a floater — the No. 2 pick in this year’s beginning, likely trying to mid-40s, no one in the sellout winner Roy Oswalt will have a the St. Louis Cardinals’ big in the lane with 6.8 seconds draft — had 18 points. figure out who’s who for the crowd at Busch Stadium was chance to even it in Game 4. bats always seem to come left in the second overtime to Jason Hart, who had 19 orange-and-white-clad complaining. Still, the Cardinals hold a through in the end. lift the Washington Wizards points, hit a 3-pointer at the Bobcats, a team loaded with Pujols and Rolen connect- commanding edge. Albert Pujols led off the past the Charlotte Bobcats buzzer for Charlotte to send young and obscure players ed for the first consecutive Of 61 clubs that have fallen eighth inning with a tiebreak- 126-125, spoiling Charlotte’s the game into a second over- picked up in the expansion home runs in the Cardinals’ behind 0-2 in a best-of-seven ing home run, Scott Rolen fol- return to the NBA. time. draft. long, proud postseason histo- postseason baseball series, lowed with his second homer Jarvis Hayes scored 31 Hart missed a potential The crowd soon warmed ry. only 12 have come back to of the game and the Cardinals points and Jamison had 20 game-winning jumper after to Wallace, who played in 138 Larry Walker also homered, win. stormed back to beat for the Wizards, who had Jamison’s go-ahead basket. games in three seasons in enough to offset yet another Julian Tavarez got the victo- Houston 6-4 on a miserable dropped their first two pre- The game was played less Sacramento, and the 7-foot- shot by Carlos Beltran and a ry in relief. Thursday night for a 2-0 lead season games. Anthony than two years after the 1 Brezec, who played in just homer by Morgan Ensberg for Jason Isringhausen worked in the NL Championship Peeler scored 19. Hornets left for New Orleans, 62 games in three seasons the Astros. around two walks in the Series. Gerald Wallace had 26 ending a 14-year run in with Indiana. Now the series shifts to ninth, getting Ensberg on a The weather was awful all points and 12 rebounds to Charlotte. Okafor, who led Minute Maid Park for Game 3 long fly out to finish for his evening, with drizzle delaying lead the Bobcats, the league’s That stint ended acrimo- Connecticut to the national on Saturday, with Roger second save of the NLCS. the start for almost a half- 30th franchise. niously, but 9,948 fans championship in April, hit 8- Clemens set to start for Dan Miceli took the loss as hour and the rain lasting Primoz Brezec had 26 attended the Bobcats’ pre- of-12 shots and had four Houston against Jeff Suppan. the Astros’ bullpen continued through the final pitch. points and 11 rebounds, season opener Thursday. rebounds. By the time it was over, with If the Rocket can pull the to falter. Friday, October 15, 2004 GAMEDAY The Crimson White • Page 5B

“We think of it as a Als, seniors Justin Carroll, Britt CHEERLEADERS Hill and Jeremy Behling and Continued from Page 1B hassle, because sophomore Robert Crawford, who work together to keep up in the NCAA tournament, once you’ve made with all of Al’s public appear- we’re usually second.” ances and to keep each other Greenwell also said the it, you can’t get bad from overheating during foot- camps help the University in at being Big Al. It’s ball games. recruiting new students. The mascots have a sched- “High school cheerleaders not to weed people ule for each game. One Al will usually have a ‘B’ average or handle the pre-game festivi- above so they’re good candi- out, it’s just to make ties on the Quad and the dates for admission,” Elephant Walk to the stadium. Greenwell said. sure you’re still Another will handle the Despite the financial and dedicated. You can halftime show. The two recruiting benefits cheerlead- remaining Als work the actual ers provide the University, be beaten out.” game, with one performing in they do not receive full schol- — JUSTIN CARROLL the first and third quarters and arships. One of four Big Als on the annual tryout policy another in the second and This is especially difficult for fourth. out-of-state cheerleaders like Christmas break. After basket- ball season ends in March, “You can lose about 10 senior Ashley Horne of pounds of water weight from Memphis, Tenn. they begin preparing for that year’s tryouts in April. sweating,” senior Big Al Justin “Cheerleaders work really Every cheerleader must go Carroll said. “It’s about 60 hard and we don’t get a lot of through tryouts each year to degrees hotter inside the suit.” credit for what we do,” Horne keep his or her place on the Each Big Al has his own suit, said. “We don’t get the [full] squad. which costs between $3,000 scholarships because we’re “We want to make sure that and $3,600. not considered athletes.” each year they have the same In addition to the sporting Horne, who will graduate in enthusiasm,” Greenwell said. events, Big Al often makes May with a degree in early “They have to keep their level appearances at alumni gather- childhood development, tried at that pace.” ings around the state and out for the cheerleading squad Horne said trying out for the community service events when she was a senior in high team after she had made it around Tuscaloosa. school, and cheering has been once is not any easier. There is an appearance a part of her entire college “Your first year, when you request form for Big Al experience. try out, you don’t have any- available on the athletic “If I hadn’t made it, I would- thing to lose,” Horne said. department’s Web site, n’t have come here,” Horne “Now, it’s sad when other peo- www.rolltide.com. said. “I’ve never been to an ple don’t make it.” This year is the 25th Alabama [football] game other Despite the hectic schedule, anniversary of Big Al at the than as a cheerleader.” Greenwell has told her cheer- Capstone and his popularity The Alabama cheerleading leaders that cheering is not the continues to grow. squad is divided into a most important thing. Like the cheerleaders, Big Al Crimson varsity squad and a “She tells us school work competes in the national mas- White junior varsity squad. comes first, then school spirit, cot competition in January. The varsity squad features then competition,” Horne The competition consists of seven men and seven women, said. “She’ll take away the a video submitted in advance while the JV squad has six of competition if she thought the and an on-site skit to be per- each. Both squads practice at other two were lacking.” formed. the same times and members Carroll said he spent an esti- of both squads are eligible to mated 80 hours compiling and make the nationals squad, Big Al on campus editing last year’s video. which competes each January Also, like the rest of the in Orlando, Fla. In addition to her work with cheerleaders, Big Als must try The Alabama squad consis- the cheerleaders, Greenwell out every year. tently places among the top also serves as the director for “We think of it as a hassle, three at the national competi- Alabama’s mascot, Big Al. because once you’ve made it, tion. “[Big Al] needs his own you can’t get bad at being Big Alabama cheerleaders rarely press secretary,” Greenwell Al,” Carroll said. “It’s not to have time away from cheering. said “He is the most popular, weed people out, it’s just to Football and basketball games but he also puts the most gray make sure you’re still dedicat- prevent them from going hairs on my head.” ed. home before Thanksgiving. Greenwell arranges public “You can be beaten out. Basketball games and appearances for Big Al at a rate Debbie [Greenwell] always preparations for national of about 12 per week. wants to make sure she’s got competition shorten their There are actually four Big the best of the best.”

Page 6B • The Crimson White GAMEDAY Friday, October 15, 2004

0G 10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 G OFFENSIVE STARTERS OFFENSIVE 10 STARTERS LT 70 Wesley Britt (Sr.) WR 80 Antwon Courington (Jr.) LG 51 Evan Mathis (Sr.) WR 88 Marvin Young (Sr.) MISS SOUTHERN C 74 J.B. Closner (Jr.) Probable Gameday Rosters LT 66 Chris White (Sr.) RG 79 Danny Martz (Sr.) LG 55 Travis Cooley (So.) RT 58 Kyle Tatum (So.) C 67 Addaryl Edwards (Sr.) TE 88 Clint Johnston (Jr.) 22 9 1 80 RG 70 George Batiste (So.) QB 13 Spencer Pennington (Jr.) DEFENSIVE STARTERS DEFENSIVE STARTERS RT 77 Jeremy Parquet (Sr.) HB 34 Ken Darby (So.) LDE 56 Todd Bates (Sr.) DE 50 Akeem Lockett (Jr.) TE 19 Otho Graves (Sr.) FB 19 Tim Castille (So.) QB 2 26 LDT 90 Rudy Griffin (Jr.) NT 96 Chad Ruffin (Sr.) 18 40 Damion Carter (So.) WR 22 D.J. Hall (Fr.) RDT 99 Jeremy Clark (So.) DT 95 Terrance Ford (Jr.) FB 34 Wayne Hardy (So.) WR 11 Matt Caddell (Fr.) 44 77 HB 3 Anthony Harris (Jr.) 70 47 RDE 47 Mark Anderson (Jr.) BAN 40 LeVon Pears (Sr.) WLB 44 Demarcus Waldrop (Fr.) LB 27 Michael Boley (Sr.) 50 51 27 70 99 41 MLB 16 Cornelius Wortham (Sr.) LB 51 Dillon Cleckler (Sr.) 34 19 13 74 SLB 35 DeMeco Ryans (Jr.) LB 42 Antoine Cash (Sr.) 96 67 2 34 3 16 90 LCB 17 Ramzee Robinson (So.) CB 1 John Eubanks (Jr.) 79 51 55 FS 41 Roman Harper (Jr.) FS 18 Trevis Coley (Jr.) 95 SS 26 Charlie Peprah (Jr.) SS 12 Darrell Bennett (Jr.) 66 58 56 RCB 9 Anthony Madison (Sr.) CB 14 Caleb Hendrix (So.) 12 19 88 35 42 ALABAMA 5 39 1 11 17 15 14 88 95 21 3 86 17 61 88 16 SPECIAL TEAMS STARTERS SPECIAL TEAMS STARTERS PK 15 Brian Bostick (Sr.) KR/PR 5 Brandon Brooks (Jr.) P 17 Luke Johnson (Jr.) KR 1 John Eubanks (Jr.) G 10 20SN 95 Drew Lane30 (Jr.) H 403 Alex Fox (Sr.) 50KO 39 Britt40 Barefoot (Fr.) PR 3088 Marvin Young (Sr.)20 10 G P 21 Bo Freelend (Sr.) KO 86 Jamie Christensen (Fr.) SN 61 Stephen Daigle (So.) PK 16 Darren McCaleb (So.)

Alex Merritt Buddy Hughes Dennis Pillion Richard Lee Lauren Davidson Heather Henderson Hal Mooty Lauren Tulloss Hamilton Patrick Krista Stringer JD Rhodes CW Staff Picks Sports Editor Assistant Sports Editor Senior Sports Reporter Senior Sports Reporter Editor-in-chief Managing Editor SGA President Panhellenic President NAACP President RHA President QSA President Comments:

ONE OF TWO GAMES REMAINING IN Southern Miss @ ALABAMA WHICH THE TIDE WILL BE FAVORED

CAN MATT JONES AND CO. END Arkansas @ Auburn AUBURN’S WINNING STREAK?

UAB TRYING MAKE A RUN FOR TCU @ UAB CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP

IT’S WISCONSIN’S GROUND GAME VS. Wisconsin @ Purdue PURDUE’S AIR ATTACK

A SOUTH CAROLINA LOSS HELPS South Carolina @ Kentucky ALABAMA’S BOWL CHANCES.

IS VIRGINIA FOR REAL? WE’RE ABOUT Virginia @ Florida St. TO FIND OUT.

USC’S BIGGEST HURDLE REMAINING Arizona St.@ USC FOR AN UNDEFEATED SEASON

THAT PATHETIC OFFENSE FINALLY Ohio St. @ Iowa CAUGHT UP TO THE BUCKEYES.

LOSER IS OUT OF THE ACC RACE. N.C. State @ Maryland HELL, THE WINNER MIGHT BE TOO.

BOTH TEAMS TRYING TO STAY ABOVE Stanford @ Washington St. .500 IN THE PAC-10

Season Record 36-14 36-14 31-19 36-14 21-29 31-19 32-18 29-21 24-26 29-21 21-29 COMPILED BY ALEX MERRITT