Thursday, October 29, 2009

Making homefield a real advantage

Steven Grandy

Sports Editor

Home Field Advantage.

We hear this phrase all the time describing how a particular team is able to play better at home. Whether it is the stadium, the location of the city, or the rowdiness of the fans, certain football teams have a definite advantage playing at home.

How does Wingate stack up?

All-time record at Irwin Belk Stadium: 39-22 entering Saturday’s game. Check
Location: Have you ever been outside when the wind is blowing from the direction of the chicken plant? Check plus.
Fans: Hit or miss. Wingate has averaged 3,028 fans through four home games, but the figure is boosted by a large 3,872 figure from homecoming. Compare that to the number of fans who went to the second home game against North Greenville on Labor Day weekend, which happened to be 2,497.

You read that correctly. The only thing preventing a true Wingate home advantage happens to be the fans in the stands. I have seen more students show up at high school games than I’ve see here. You, the students are the only thing that prevents Wingate from having a true home field advantage. Thankfully, a chance at redemption is offered this weekend.

This Saturday is the biggest game of the season as the Bulldogs will host 18-ranked Carson-Newman at 1:30 p.m. Carson-Newman is ranked second in NCAA Super Region 2, while Wingate is ranked ninth. The Bulldogs have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in school history if they win the last two games and finish in the top six.

Many students may have the opinion that because Wingate is Division II that they could not possibly play any big-time teams. Wrong. Carson-Newman has won the South Atlantic Conference title a whopping 20 times. The Eagles are in position to win it again this year, as Wingate is the last real test separating the Eagles from their 21st title and 17 in the past 21 years. Carson-Newman has also played in the NCAA Division II National Championship game four times. By comparison, only one other program in the conference has reached the semifinals.

I have heard complaints from people saying that there is nothing to do at Wingate and they choose to go to other schools for the weekend. While an argument can be made for this on away weekends, this reasoning does not hold any water when there is a home game. A football game lasts for around three hours during the middle of a Saturday afternoon. How is this not something to do? Even if you aren’t a football fan, more students will be at a game than at the pool or in the library during a home afternoon. At least go to the game to hang out. Wingate students are fortunate to even have a football team, as many small, private schools choose not to field the sport due to the high cost. Like it or not, the public opinion of colleges and universities are affected by the record of the football team, or if they have a team or not. A key part of the college experience is football, and if you don’t go to the games, you are depriving yourself of a very important part of college life.

Some schools in the SAC have a team but must play at an off-campus site. Wingate has one of the nicest stadiums in the conference. Irwin Belk Stadium has a great location because it is close enough for students to walk to, yet it has plenty of open space for fans to tailgate, work on their cornhole skills or mingle with other fans. The architects did a great job when building the stadium, as the sight lines are excellent from every single section in the stadium and the fans are close to the field.

Looking at the grandstands before and after halftime, I notice that the amount of gray that I see increases after the 20 minute break. Unless it is 33° with a driving rain I see no reason to ever leave at halftime. Regardless of the score, the game is not over until all 60 minutes have been played. Wingate’s game at Lenoir-Rhyne is a great example of why a fan should never leave until the end. The Bulldogs were down by three touchdowns at two points in the game. Did they quit? No. They came back and scored the game winning touchdown with less than a minute to play to earn a 50-49 win. Nothing is official until the coaches shake hands at midfield after the game.

Speaking of the weather, the long-range forecast for Saturday is for a high of 79 degrees. This is about as good as it gets for fall weather in North Carolina. It will not be as hot as some of the earlier games this season, nor will it be as cold as it was for the Homecoming game. Although Saturday is Halloween, the festivities do not usually start until after sunset. For those of you choosing to go celebrate the holiday with friends at a different campus, that’s fine. However, if they are good friends, they will understand that you have friends here to support before you can venture off and visit them. It also happens to be the last regular season home football game and Senior Day. This year’s seniors have won more games than any previous class. They deserve your support and each of them will give everything that they have to pick up a victory.

Now that you have decided to attend the game, the enthusiasm that Wingate have somewhere in themselves is needed. If a can of body paint is located in your apartment, break it out and paint up. When Carson-Newman has the ball and is facing a third down, stand up and cheer. My challenge to you, the readers, is this: If you are physically able to go to Saturday’s game, be there. Put your other plans aside and instead spend your Saturday afternoon cheering for the Bulldogs. Let’s fill Irwin Belk Stadium to the brim, turn the stadium into a sea of blue and gold, and give the football players the home field advantage that they deserve.

Greek life on the move

Cameron Quick

Staff writer

Big changes are being made in Wingate Universities Greek Life. The staff is working hard to make adjustments that will allow the community to be student lead. The goal is that advisors will be there for guidance and advice, but the students involved will be making the decisions.

“Increasing student engagement is very important for a successful and thriving Greek community,” said Zach Blackman Greek Life GA.

Letters have gone out to begin the application process to join Order of Omega. To join students must be a junior or senior with a GPA about the Greek average. Order of Omega is a honorary Greek organization that is nationally recognized. At Wingate University the organization will be centered on scholarship, leadership, and service. Activities the organization plans and participates in will be chosen by the new members.

Applications are now available for all Greek students who are interested in being a part of the 2010 Greek week planning committee. In the past chapters have nominated two members who compromised the Greek week committee, the office of Greek Life hopes that the application process will bring the most creative and dynamic ideas to the committee.

The office of Greek Life is also working hard to restructure the governing councils. Students on the councils are working to make the bylaws and constitution the best it possibly can be. Panhellenic is in the process of changing the rotation of officers, and IFC is working to update their bylaws.

Sarah's scripture space

Sarah Briggs

Columnist

I received inspiration for this devotional upon hearing the pastor of Arden First Baptist in Arden, North Carolina, speak his interpretation of the book of Ephesians. As a church we have studied the book of Ephesians since the beginning of the summer and the epistle is full of insight from the Apostle Paul. The entire book of Ephesians was written to the church of Ephesus that was trying to thrive in a culture much like ours today. The people of Ephesus were of all types of religions, spiritual identities, and even some that believed in witchcraft. Paul wrote this book with the purpose of encouraging those of the Christian faith to keep pursuing unity that can only come with Christ. Paul challenges us in Ephesians to be “imitators of Christ” (5:1) and also to “live as children of the light” (5:8). With these things in mind, we can read Ephesians 5:19-21 and see what Paul is saying about being filled with the Holy Spirit and obeying the will of God. From these four verses, four truths about living in the Spirit can be pointed out:

1.) Speak encouraging words to one another: No matter how different your opinions or thoughts might be, we are charged to build each other up with encouragement.

2.) Praise the Lord for all the has done: Paul literally says to “sing and make music in your heart”, no matter how poorly you might think you sing, it is still giving praise and it is still a joyful noise in God’s ears.

3.) Give thanks for all things: This is pretty self explanatory. God does good daily. He blesses us in ways that we sometimes seem to overlook. He’s satisfied with a simple thank you when we notice how much he has blessed our lives.

4.) Submit to someone: Paul says that we should submit out of reverence for Christ. Just as Jesus submitted to God when he came to earth, so we should daily submit to one another.

This is my charge this week to the readers of this little devotion: to live in the Holy Spirit and try to live out these four truths given to us in the book of Ephesians. Keep in mind that we are children of the light and that we are God’s workmanship created to good things (2:10)!

Peace & Praise the Lord!

International films lets students experience culture

Rhonda Naylor
Staff Writer

The Department of Modern Language’s annual International Film Series offer students the chance to gain insight into another culture. On October 20, the French film, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” was shown with English subtitles. It told the true story of Jean-Dominic Bauby.
At 43 years old, Bauby went from playboy editor of French Elle magazine to sudden stroke victim with an inactive brain stem. This condition made it impossible for him to speak or move his body parts. The only thing he was able to move was one eye. By moving and blinking that eye, his therapist developed a code to signify the alphabet letters. Through this code he found a way not only to interact with the world, but also to write his autobiography. Though he couldn’t escape the prison his body held him in, the diving bell, his memories and imagination gave him freedom, the butterfly. Bauby died of pneumonia soon after his book was published but his experiences created a bittersweet memoir with sometimes comical insights. At several places, students were laughing out loud. To quote the Italian film director, Federico Fellini, “a different language is a different version of life.”
Dr. Marc Yang, director of the festival, is pleased that since it’s inauguration in 2003, the International Film Series have been among the most popular lyceum events. Sadly, due to budget cuts, they have had to reduce their films this academic year from seven to four. There will be three more films for the months of November, February, and March. The next film will be a Spanish film entitled, ‘The
Orphanage’ and will be shown Nov. 23. The others will be chosen from among a limited selection.
Dr. Yang cites two reasons for this Lyceum event, “to provide an opportunity for our students who are studying another language to expose themselves to the target language and culture and to help general student population at Wingate gain a global perspective. This event really opens a window for our students to see the world beyond the United States.”

Great fabrics should not be taken for granted

Doug Coats

Opinions editor

Thank goodness we do not go to school in Florida.

The time of year has come in North Carolina where we start wearing jeans and long sleeve shirts more and wear flip flops and khaki shorts less. Recently there really has not been a tough decision regarding what to wear because of the monsoon type pattern the region experienced.

Notice that the term “khaki” was used rather than “denim.” More on this later.

We are going to further discuss denim—one of the most important fabrics known to man. On a typical day, you will see many people sporting denim of some kind.

The popularity of denim stems from its multi-purpose use and durability, as it take several years for a well-constructed piece of denim clothing to wear down. In addition, its versatility makes it a viable option for any kind of outfit.

What exactly is this material made of? The basic denim composition is 100% cotton, which is woven with the weft passing under two or more fibers. Weft is the yarn that is placed over and under the parallel yarns creating the rugged and comfortable denim fabric.

This idea of ground-braeking textiles was created by Levi Strauss and NV tailor Jacob Davis. These men created the San Francisco-based Levi Strauss Company in 1873. Many of us can thank them for providing an essential part of the wardrobe for all these years.

Denim has many uses. Not only is it used for leg coverings, but also for home décor, such as curtains or furniture upholstery.

Of course, the most common use is through leg garments. Denim pants, often called “jeans” can be found in pretty much every retail store in existence. This is evident through the vast amount of jeans worn everywhere you go.

When watching your favorite college team play in person, find the edge of the student section. There should be a solid blue line goin up the final row of students. This of course, is the mass of denim. The line to get in a rock concert should produce a similar bearing.

While denim jeans, are viewed as commonplace in many societies, denim shorts are often seen as a fashion faux paw. The urban dictionary describes jorts as garments mostly worn by children and men over 40.

However, Florida gator fans are famous, or in this case, infamous for sporting the denim product. They probably believe jorts are fine, though, since football savior Tim Tebow has been documented wearing them.

Swamp (Ben H. Griffin Stadium)-flocking fans are not the only demographic who wear jorts, however. Denizens of New York and New Jersey are also known for sporting denim shorts.

Another use of denim clothing is the Canadian tuxedo. Jeans and a denim long sleeve button-up shirt make up this outfit. If you’re familiar with 80’s pop music, then you may know that Rick Astley wears the tuxedo during the “never Gonna give you up” music video.

These examples should make you think twice when possibly buying such articles. Just choose wisely next time you find yourself shopping for some warm weather clothes.

Students, faculty come together for Light the Night Walk


Megan Wood

Editor-in-Chief



Would you walk two mile to save a life? That’s the question the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is asking. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk is the nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. Professor Marlyin Hartness, a survivor of lymphoma participated with two Wingate students in Charlotte’s Light the Night Walk Oct. 17.

“I love going to light the night with Ms. Hartness, not only because it’s encouraging and empowering to me, but because of how much it means to her,” said senior Effie Stansbery, that has attend the walk with Professor Hartness more than once.

Anyone can take part in the walk. This is a casual fundraising walk with no fitness requirements.

“Some walk to support a family member or friend, others walk in honor of someone they’ve known and loved who has lost the battle to cancer, and others walk to celebrate a fight that has been won,” said Stansbery.

Those walking carry illuminated balloons that designate them. White are for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

“As a survivor of Lymphoma, she’s [Hartness] been through it,” said Stansbery. “It’s the most intense feeling to be part of a group of people, all holding different colored balloons, walking for a common cause.”

Teams are formed for Light the Night Walks and Professor Hartness team name is “Winning”. Her team players are Wingate. “I’m a positive person and it’s a play on words,” Professor Hartness explained about her team name.

Each year Professor Hartness holds a silent auction to raise money to be donated during Light the Walk. Funds raised support the work of hundreds of the world’s best and brightest researchers in their search for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor, supporting someone who is battling cancer or have lost a loved one, you are encouraged to join Light the Night walks.

“Whether that night is the evening time after the sun has gone down, or the darkness that fills the bodies of those struggling with cancer we walk, and will continue to walk, to light the night,” Stansbery said.

Holloway shares life experiences with Wingate


Kevin Goode
Staff Writer

Kris Holloway, author of this summer’s common reading book, Monique and the Mango Rains, arrived on campus Monday to share her Peace Corps experience with Wingate students.
Holloway said, “When I was in school I was studying environmental science and I was learning a lot about global poverty, world hunger and how the developed nations were actually un-developing the other countries. We’re sort of feeding off the lower income countries.”
She continued, “Most people in the world would never live at the level of wealth that I was living. So knowing that the rest of the world lived differently, I really wanted to know what that felt like and broaden my horizons before I went into some narrow career. I remember feeling really claustrophobic about the thought that I would go from college into some sort career and never know what the world was like.”
Holloway was originally assigned to Mali to work as a resource manager, helping to build mud stoves to conserve firewood for cooking, planting trees and building anti-erosion rock lines to protect the fields from the erosive rains when they came.
“I started doing that work but I was placed in my village where Monique lived,” said Holloway. “She was assigned to me as a host and I was assigned to live with her, but not work with her.”
“As I started to get to know her, it was clear that she was so gifted at the work she was doing. If I could just help her, sort of bring more resources to her work, I could have a much greater impact and also work within the culture in a way that planting trees with 19 year old guys as a western white woman was not going be quite as easy culturally to do.”
The desire to write Monique’s story was born from the loss of Monique, but grew more into a need to keep Monique’s life alive to readers, said Holloway.
“I realized that her story really stood for so many women’s stories in West Africa and if I didn’t let the world know that she had lived, why would anybody cared that she’d died?” she said.
“I mean a woman dies every minute in child birth around the world and we don’t care, because we don’t know them. So if we can know one, suddenly she becomes someone we know and we have to care.”
“Ironically, I don’t think I would have ever written the book if I still had her in my life. Because I’d be satisfied, she’d be in my life, we’d be friends, and we’d be visiting each other,” she said. “There would have been no sort of fire and pain to get me to do the work that’s necessary to write a book.”

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bulldogs ride high-octane offense to victory over Catawba

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

After a disappointing Homecoming game against Newberry, it would be fair to wonder how the Wingate football team would play in a tough road game against Catawba College. 518 offensive yards and six touchdowns later, the answer to the questions was simple.
Quite well.
Wingate scored early and often against Catawba and picked up a key 42-17 Super Region 2 win Saturday over the Indians. With the win, Wingate moves up the ninth place ranking in Super Region 2 with two games remaining, both against higher ranked teams. The top six teams make the playoffs.
After surrendering a 37 yard field goal by Catawba’s Andrew Trexler on the opening drive, the Bulldogs took a 7-3 on the first ofrunning back Nelson Woods’ two touchdowns on the day. Woods scored from two yards out to cap a 9 play, 74 yard drive and gave Wingate a 7-3 lead.
Following a Catawba punt, the Bulldogs would only need 16 seconds to take a 14-3 lead as quarterback Cody Haffly connected with wide receiver Antonio Cotton for a 75 yard touchdown pass. It was Cotton’s first touchdown of the season.
Catawba would cut the lead to 14-10 after a Patrick Dennis touchdown pass to Brandon Bunn with 13:23 remaining in the first half. Wingate running back Vince Jordan scored his first of two touchdowns of the game with 7:22 remaining in the half to widen the Bulldog lead to 21-10. Wingate would take that lead into halftime.
Wingate would stretch the lead halfway through the third quarter on a 28 yard touchdown pass from Haffly to Philip Thomas to push the lead to 28-10. Catawba would add a touchdown inside of two minutes to go in the quarter to cut the Bulldog lead to 11 entering the 4th quarter.
The final quarter would belong to the Bulldogs, as Woods and Jordan would both add their second rushing touchdowns of the game to put the game out of reach. With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in the South Atlantic Conference.
“Our guys took a good hard look at the Newberry game and found where they needed to improve,” said Wingate offensive coordinator Mike Long. “They came out ready to work all last week and their hard work was the key to the offensive performance (Saturday)”.
Wingate will host conference leading Carson-Newman College Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Irwin Belk Stadium. The Bulldogs will celebrate Senior Day prior to the game.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wingate police investigating break-ins on campus

Charity Smith and Bryant Lilley
Staff writers

Police chief Barry Glass reported to the Wingate Town Commissioners on Tuesday concerning multiple break-ins that have taken place on and around Wingate’s campus.
He said, “Although we have received several leads, we don’t have any definite suspects yet."
At the meeting, commissioners also approved the addition of another police officer for the department and voted to purchase another police car.
Another issue discussed at the meeting was the impending purchase of a new backhoe for the city. The purchase of this backhoe will help control waterline breaks that have taken place on Wingate’s campus and in the surrounding areas.
The town's current backhoe is 14 years old and has provided Wingate with 14 years of service for a total of about 3800 hours of service, commissioners were told.
The town of Wingate is purchasing the new backhoe for $41,000. That’s about half of what an average used backhoe cost. Commissioner Johnny Jacumin said, “I think it would be foolish not to move forward with this.” Preceding this statement, the Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the new backhoe.
Commissioners also approved a contract for the Diane Street Sewer Rehab Project. This will cost around $500,000, but only 14 percent of that is coming from the town budget. The rest will be made up from grants.
Commissioners are looking for land in Wingate to build a new town hall and police department. They found a place right off Highway 74, but a building is currently located there. The contract that the commissioners approved will allow them to get estimates on demolition and constructing a new building.
Once they have all the estimates, they will seek approval to go ahead and start the project.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Simplified to perform Friday at pep rally


Kevin Goode
Staff writer

Weekly Triangle staff writer, Kevin Goode recently sat down with lead guitarist; Chris Sheridan of the local band Simplified before their upcoming return concert at Wingate Friday.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourselves and what you do in the group Simplified.
A: My name is Chris Sheridan and I play lead guitar and this is my friend Tim Lail, Percussionist.
Q: I read a previous interview that you were quoted as saying “There are so many different styles that we incorporate, our group style is more of a mood than a genre.”
A: That was something that Jeff with Creative Loafing said and I thought it was an accurate description. We’ve had a hard time in the past describing the style. Everybody needs to be able to compare musical style to something else. We get endless comparisons to Dave Matthews. Because of all the different musical backgrounds we that we have. We don’t really think, hey lets write a reggae or rap song. Sometimes it just comes about that way when were sitting around. I think that the name fits the mood. We’d rather view every song different. It creates a mood and a vibe. Am I going somewhere with this?
Q: You guys have recorded a few albums. How has your sound evolved from your first album?
A: Well we’ve done two full studio albums, a six song EP and a live record that we’ve done all on our own. We’re not really focusing on doing the same thing over and over. We’re evolving as song writer. If you were to listen to the six song EP, the first project we put together to until now, there’s an extraordinary difference. A lot of it was because of the production quality of the records. Tim, at the beginning was pushing me to use more distortion to create a more edgy kind of sound as oppose to when we first came about we were playing a more clean almost Grateful Dead, or Phish type. We’ve kind gone to a more rock sound. We are definitely more focused on writing songs and writing good songs. We want to make the arrangements to be the best that they can be. I think it’s just important.
Q: Whenever you step on stage to do a show, what is it that you hope to impart?
A: We want people everybody to leave talking about, how they had the best time. It’s for the music and I think people enjoy the music, but it’s also for the scene and for the social aspect?
Q: Do you or any of your band members have any skeletons in the closet as far as music you listen to?
A: Sure, our bass player, Chris Lynch is a huge Ani Difranco fan. I don’t think people would know that unless he talks about it. Tim Lail comes from a heavier background, but he listens to Britney Spears. I like Madonna. I’d go see a Madonna show. She’s cool.
Q: What do you like most about your job and what do you like least?
A: I wish we had a tour bus. I like the van the least because it’s so close quarters and were on the road a lot. I’m glad we have a van, but we need a bigger van. What I like the most is entertaining and playing in front of an audience. It’s something you can’t explain. It’s a great feeling to get out there and kind of give people a part of you.
Q: Who were some of your influences that led you to use music as your medium?
A: I really liked a lot of things when I started playing guitar. Slash from Guns and Roses was a huge influence on me. I really liked his tone and his particular style. I kind of try to take something from good from anything I hear. If I like something, whether it’s country, rock, pop or reggae, if there’s something cool about it. I try to get in there and find out what makes me like it, whether it’s a solo or if it’s a vocal melody that sounds pretty. I think there is so much good stuff out there; I try to take a little bit from everything. I’m inspired by a lot.
Q: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
A: I worked the bar business for a while and I definitely don’t want to that anymore. So I’d probably do something in Television and film. It would be something definitely something creative.
Q: I read that you all do about 250 shows a year. Tell me what are the personalities like when you all are on the road?
A: It’s kind of funny. There’s a book out there that describes the psychology of tribes. When you are a band and you’re together as much as we are; without thinking about it we take on certain roles. We have our own little language through movie quotes. These are all quirky things that you don’t think about. We really try to stay really business focused. That’s the other side, besides the creative thing. The business side is really important.
Q: What are the future goals of Simplified?
A: The goals of Simplified are to go national. We just signed a new management deal. We’re going to pursue doing the next record through various means, whether we have to do it ourselves, with an investor or maybe a deal. We want to market it a little heavier and promote it outside the region more.

Mime-Matics teaches student's math lesson

Carter Jewell
Staff writer

The study of mathematics has been revered by many and feared by most since the beginning of its existence in the human mind, but it has rarely been associated with mimes, clowns, and the laughter of children, youth, and adults alike. However, performing mathematicians, Tim and Tanya Chartier entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds with the incorporation of mathematical concepts into routines of acting and miming.
The Chartiers visited the Wingate University family on Thursday, October 1. Their “Mime-Matics” show was a Fine Arts Lyceum, and they arrived to a packed Recital Hall with standing-room-only availability. The first trick presented in audience-participation-style was the old mime “stuck in a box” routine. The Chartiers taught the enthusiastic audience to place their hands in “c” shapes one at a time, and slowly “flatten each one as it touches the glass.” While their years of experience helped their boxes to look much more realistic, the point of natural human dimension was made. There were probably not any professional mimes in the audience, but everyone grasped the general concept that to be against a wall, hands would have to appear to be an equal distance away from the body.
The second task for the audience was to clap on the down-beat provided by a clown-like Tanya in conductor’s attire. Two sides of the room competed to see who could be more accurately on-beat than the other. Giggles erupted from visiting children as the conductor became sillier and sillier with her conducting patterns. Tim then explained the concept of the Fibonacci pattern that can be found in many aspects of nature from pine cones to pineapples. The teaching technique was to amuse the audience with a performed example, and then refer to a well-explained power-point to educate them on the logistics of the subject.
“Infinity” was explained through the portrayal of a funny man who pulled on a rope from the middle, but the rope continued to go on and on, no matter how much the man pulled. Tim then explained that while there can be different degrees of the term “infinity,” it is never-ending and continues forever. This illustration did not necessarily make the concept much easier for many audience members, but it did provide a visual example which can now be referenced in the future.
Sticky-head was an odd character portrayed by Tim to illustrate the importance of shape. He explained that his Velcro mask with attachable objects was similar to a computer-animated head made of various shapes. A giant slinky-character produced the most laughter from the crowd and managed to hide both Tim and Tonya at one point in its many creases. Tim also used a soccer ball to explain that different shapes and patterns on the ball could greatly affect the aerodynamics, quality, and projected path of a kick.
The Chartiers encourage audience members to take an interest in the creative side of mathematics. To add a subject that could originally be viewed as dry and dull (math), to one of flamboyance and artistic ability (performance) can greatly simplify the concept of learning in today’s constantly-changing generation.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Haffy leads Wingate to victory over Brevard

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

Facing one of the top defenses in the South Atlantic Conference, the Wingate football team relied on the right arm of sophomore quarterback Cody Haffly to lead them to a 28-12 victory over the previously unbeaten Brevard Tornados.

After forcing a Brevard three and out, Haffly found wide receiver Philip Thomas on the first play from scrimmage for a 69 yard touchdown pass. Thomas was wide open, as there was not a single Brevard player within five yards of him. RP Lopez converted on the first of four extra points to give Wingate a 7-0 lead with 11:27 to play in the first quarter. “The touchdown pass to (Thomas) was a designed play we had been working on all week” said Haffly. “We felt like they were very aggressive on defense and that we could use that against them.”

The Bulldogs would score another touchdown on their second drive. Following another Brevard three and out, Wingate would begin the drive on their own 42. The Bulldogs would gain three first downs on Haffly passes and would finish off the drive with a two yard rushing touchdown by Vince Jordan with 6:55 left in the quarter. Wingate would take a 14-0 lead into halftime, as neither team scored in the second quarter.

On the opening drive of the second half Haffly and the Bulldog offense marched 57 yards to give Wingate its largest lead of the game, 21-0. This time, wide receiver Delric Ellington was the recipient of the Haffly pass, concluding an 11 play drive.
Brevard would answer the Bulldogs on their next drive. The Tornados went on a 15 play drive, capped off by a Shaton Pratt four yard touchdown, to on the scoreboard with 3:20 to play in the third quarter. Tornado placekicker Chase Henry would miss the extra point. All 15 plays on the Brevard drive were running plays, helping the Tornados accumulate 238 net rushing yards on the afternoon.

With less than a minute to play in the third quarter, Wingate defensive lineman Mico Drew would recover a fumble by Brevard quarterback Michael Crumbaker on the Brevard 20 yard line. The Bulldogs would score two plays later as Haffly found wide receiver Chris Bowden to give Wingate a 28-6 lead with 15 seconds to play in the quarter. Bowden led the Bulldog offense with four receptions.

After four three and outs by both teams, Brevard would find paydirt once again as Crumbaker completed an eight yard touchdown pass to Eric Watts with 4:10 remaining. The Tornados were unable to make the two point conversion and would not see the ball again until 54 seconds remained to be played. Wingate outgained Brevard in total yards by a 364-268 margin but also committed 12 penalties for 103 yards.

Wingate will play at Lenior-Rhyne Saturday Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and will return home to face Newberry for the annual Homecoming game on Oct. 17.

Marshville council debates purchase of church property

Sam Bare
Staff Writer

MARSHVILLE -- The big question at Marshville’s Town Council meeting on Monday was whether or not the town should purchase the Marshville Baptist Church site. The church, currently on the market for $1 million, with a tax value of $692,750, is informally considered a historic landmark by many in the town.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, two citizens spoke against buying the church. Rusty Johnson said, “The town of Marshville doesn’t need to get into being landlords, to get into the real estate business.” Joy Ray agreed with Johnson and felt the money could be used for other purposes, such as building the police force.

Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Gail Kiker said the town should not purchase the building because it doesn’t have the money to buy it, but suggested making it a stipulation that the new owners cannot tear the building down. However, council member Margaret Bivens said that the only way to ensure its preservation was for the town to purchase it.

Other council members cited the need for extensive renovations, cost of upkeep and political philosophy as reasons not to buy the church. After listening to the debate, Mayor Franklin Deese requested that more information be brought to the next meeting.

Another issue concerned property that the town currently rents out at 107 N. Elm St. The council members had to decide whether to sell the property or to continue to rent it out. Some of the members felt that if they were to sell the property, the new owners would overcharge on rent. The council was advised that legally, the town can only retain the property if it serves some sort of public purpose.

A “motion to keep and maintain the property because it does keep a public purpose” was passed 4-1, with Kiker opposed. A Marshville citizen asked what that purpose was, to which Deese responded, “No sir, I cannot say what that public purpose is at this time. I will research and try to find that out.”

At this point, the town is in the process of hiring a new town administrator. A total of 86 resumes were sent in by the Sept. 3 deadline and the council is figuring out how to most efficiently review them. A discussion on the need to re-evaluate the current responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Director was suspended until the town is closer to hiring a town administrator.

The members also voted to declare the Hamilton-Marsh House on N.C. 205, which dates from the 1890s, as a Union County historic landmark and to erect a speed bump on South Austin Street. The council discussed the town’s contract with AT&T, which allows the company to put antennas on the town water tower. AT&T wanted to renegotiate the deal in order to lower the price of having the antennas up. The motion not to revise the contract with AT&T passed unanimously.

The council also set a time and date for the annual Christmas tree lighting. It will take place on Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Plans are being made for entertainment and refreshments.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Women's soccer cruises to win over St. Andrews

Chris Siers
Staff Writer

The Wingate University women’s soccer team blew past St. Andrews last Wednesday, shutting them out 6-0. The Bulldog’s defense shut down St. Andrews, only allowing two shots during the entire regulation.
The Bulldogs had five separate players score, with forward Liz Kinney scoring twice. Wingate scored three of their goals in the first half, and completed the shut out with a final score by forward Kelly Adams with 20 minutes to go in the game. Defender Madi Welch, midfielder Jordan Mayer and forward Kerstin Williams had goals for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs were able to post 23 shots against St. Andrews goalkeeper Becca Knott.
Wingate was able to completely shut down St. Andrews’ offense. Defender Kate Butler said, “We were just able to play our defensive game, and keep the ball up field, which gave us a huge advantage.”
Wingate kept the ball on St. Andrews end of the field for most of the game, which really gave the defense quite a break. Between Wingate’s offense keeping the ball up field, and the defense shutting down St. Andrew’s offense, Wingate completely dominated the match.
The Bulldogs are looking to keep their season on a high note as they roll into the bulk of conference play. If the Bulldogs are able to continue the physical defense they exerted against St. Andrews, the Bulldogs will definitely be the team to beat this season.
The Bulldogs are back in action tonight against Brevard.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Men's soccer team stop 7-game losing streak to Tusculum

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

By 9:30 that night, the only number that mattered was one.
As in, a one match winning streak.
The Bulldogs scored two goals in seven minutes early in the second half and played tight defense the rest of the way to defeat Tusculum 2-0 to improve to 5-1-0 on the season and 1-0 in South Atlantic Conference play. The win was Wingate’s fifth in a row and the first time they had defeated the Pioneers since 2003.
“It feels really satisfying to finally beat them after several years of coming up empty handed” said goalkeeper Joey Calandra, who made 5 saves to pick up his fifth win of the season and the ninth shutout of his career. “We treated this match just like it was any other match, but there was definitely some extra motivation for us. Since it was a conference game and we have struggled in the past against Tusculum, we knew that the only acceptable outcome would be a win.”
After a scoreless first half, midfielder Luke Mulholland scored his second goal of the season, beating Pioneer goalkeeper Lance Moore one –on- one 8:09 into the second half. Fellow midfielder Ruy Andrade picked up his first assist of the season on Mulholland’s goal.
“Whenever your team manages to go up 1-0 early in the first half it is a morality booster, but when the captain is the one who scores the goal, it inspired us to say to ourselves, ‘Alright, we can do this’’ said Calandra. “The goal really got us going because I think for the first 15 or 20 minutes we were apprehensive because of who we were playing.”
Seven minutes and fifty four seconds later, forward Paulo Brunetto added his fourth goal of the season on a rebound. Wingate would hold onto the lead for the rest of the match while outshooting Tusculum 20-9.
The Bulldogs hosted Catawba on Wednesday and will travel to play Newberry on Saturday. Calandra believes that a lot of confidence will be gained from the victory over the Pioneers. “It (the victory) tells us that if we come to play it will take a good team to beat us.”

Wingate vs Brevard match up preview

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

Last Season
Wingate scored early and often against the Tornadoes, racking up 524 yards of offense in their 44-13 beatdown of Brevard to improve their record to 6-0.

Last Week
Both teams earned what were arguable the biggest wins in school history. Wingate traveled to Tusculum to play in a nationally televised game on Thursday night. The Bulldog defense stepped up with two timely interceptions to secure the 42-31 win. Wingate’s offense also joined in on the fun, racking up 450 yards of offense. Brevard defeated Lenior-Rhyne 14-9 to earn their first South Atlantic Conference victory since the football program was restarted in 2006.

Who has the edge?
When Wingate has the ball
Wingate’s offense had its best performance of the season last week against Tusculum, racking up 450 yards in a winning effort. More importantly, they scored six touchdown on drives that were not at the end of the half. The Bulldogs seem to have found some consistancy on offense, which they will need against Brevard. The Tornado defense has only given up an average of about 90 rushing yards per game and only one rushing touchdown. While Brevard has yet to see running backs that are as talented as the ones Wingate possesses, the Bulldog offense may have to call on the right arm of quarterback Cody Haffly to win this one. I see Haffly introducing himself to the SAC on Saturday with a big game. Advantage: Wingate

When Brevard has the ball
Brevard’s offense is pretty simple: Snap the ball and hand it off. The Tornadoes are one of the top rushing teams in all of NCAA Division II, averaging 322 yards of offense a game. Passing however is a different story. Brevard has not even attempted 30 passes on the season and has only scored three passing touchdowns all year long. In fact, they only threw one pass the entire game against Lenoir-Rhyne! If the Bulldogs can prove that they can stop the run early, Brevard will have to pass. This could be a dangerous situation for the Tornadoes, as Wingate has intercepted eight passes so far this season.
Advantage: Wingate

Special Teams
Wingate kick returner Perry Floyd had a good game against Tusculum. Floyd racked up 57 yards in three total returns. Bobby Seidof returned three kickoffs for 50 yards. These two will face a Brevard team has surrendered an average of 20 yards per kickoff. Wingate punter Phillip Hilliard continued his impressive season last week, averaging almost 44 yards per punt. Hilliard’s blockers have done a good job as well, as the Bulldogs have yet to have a punt blocked against them. Other than a 64 yard punt by Eric Watts, Brevard’s special teams have been anything but special. Floyd, Seidof and Hilliard will help Wingate win the field position battle, creating a short field for the offense to travel. Advantage: Wingate

Intangibles
If Wingate is to make the playoffs this season, this is the type of game that they must win. The Bulldogs schedule dictates that they play the perenial contenders at the end of the season, so it is important to pick up as many conference wins early on as possible. As tempting as it may be, they cannot overlook Brevard. Brevard is a dangerous team not only because they are undefeated, but because few, if any, expected them to win as many games as they have this season. The Tornadoes have nothing to lose and will play with this mindset. After the auroa of playing on national television last week, it is back to reality for the Bulldogs this week. They will be focused and will shear the Tornadoes hopes of winning before halftime. Advantage: Wingate



Prediction
Wingate is the better of the two teams with a stronger defense and much more balanced offense. A key to the game will be for the Bulldogs to score first.Brevard does not have the type of offense that allows them to come from behind In the first two years of competition between the two schools, the Bulldogs have won 51-7 and 44-13. Brevard’s turnaround has been one of the best stories of the football season so far, but Wingate is the best team that they have played to date. Three of the Brevard wins have come against teams that are not even in NCAA classification. This year’s Tornado team is better than its predecessors, but they are not good enough to pull the upset. Wingate 35, Brevard 17

Volleyball team continues to control own destiny

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

Entering Tuesday night’s volleyball match against USC Aiken, the Wingate Bulldogs knew what was at stake if they won. Win the match, and your chances of hosting the Southeast Regional continue to improve. Lose the match, and lose control of the opportunity to host. Knowing what the stakes were, the Bulldogs came through with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Pacers. Wingate did not trail in a single set.
“This was a really important match for us” said outside hitter Jacki Emmenecker. “USC Aiken is one of the top teams in the region.”
In the opening set, the Bulldogs held a 10-6 lead entering the first timeout called by the Pacers. Wingate continued to bring the heat, going on an 8-4 run to make the score 18-10. Wingate would win the first set 25-12. “We scouted (USC Aiken) said Emmenecker. “All of us knew the meaning of this match and it we have been waiting for this match for a while.”
Wingate would jump out to a 7-3 lead in the first set, but the Pacers would not go away, cutting the lead to 16-15. USC Aiken would not get any closer, as the Bulldogs would win the second set on a kill from outside hitter Lauren Billo. The third set would be a battle early on, as the teams were deadlocked at 10 following a Wingate error. Wingate would go on a 3-0 run, started by another Billo kill, to take control of the set and the match. Following a Pacer timeout, at which time the score was 23-15 in favor of the Bulldogs, USC Aiken would cut the lead to six, but would give the Bulldogs the deciding point on an error, sending the 378 in attendance away with a Bulldog victory. “Playing in front of a large crowd was awesome” said Emmenecker. “We are very appreciative of all the fans that give us support. As a team, it makes us want to play harder and our adrenaline feeds off of them.”
The Bulldogs will hit the road for their next three conference matches, returning to Cuddy Arena on October 13 to play archrival Catawba College at 7 p.m.

News staff recap Wingate's first nationally televised football game



Jill Corbo
Managing Editor

The Wingate vs. Tusculum game was probably the most exciting football game I’ve been to in my life. I’m not usually a huge football fan, or even know all that much about the sport, but it was amazing how energized and into the game all of the Wingate fans were. There were a few of us who decided it would be a cute idea to make shirts spelling “BULLDOGS,” and by game day it had turned into “GO WINGATE BULLDOGS!” The amount of school spirit and excitement the fans brought, even after a four hour bus ride, waiting for the game to start, and then standing the whole game was unbelievable. Some students made signs showing their support, hung banners and even painted their faces. After an exhausting yet fulfilling night, most of the students slept the four hours back to Wingate. I think taking a bus of students to away games for not only football, but any sport is something Wingate should look into. Yes, it would be expensive, but even if there was a small charge, I think there would be people willing to go support their Bulldogs. Last Thursday’s game would easily make the list of my favorite college memories, so thank you to all who were part of putting the trip together and to everyone who went for making it the enjoyable trip it was.

Megan Wood
Editor-in-Chief

A four hour trip on a bus through the mountains is not an ideal Thursday afternoon for me but after some motivation from fellow students, I decided to take a trip that I’ll never forget to Tusculum College for our football team’s first national TV appearance. If you look at my Facebook my excitement is written all over it. I have mobile picture uploads, status updates of the score, and friends comments that make me proud to be a Bulldog. I called family, friends, and again used my social networking skills to make it known that my team was going to be televised and they could watch it from home. The coolest part of my night by far was watching the game ball be delivered by helicopter.

Samantha Bare
News Editor

Under the lights, a football game takes on a different atmosphere than a day game. The energy and intensity at the Wingate-Tusculum game kept the Wingate students on their feet the entire game and provided fuel for an energized Wingate team. Our boys all played so well and it was an incredible experience to be there, cheering them on. There were so many key plays by such a range of players that it’d be hard to single out any one best player for the game. This was definitely the most memorable and exciting game I have been to, and not just because of how well the Bulldogs played. It took me about two days to fully get my voice back! Thank you to everyone who made it possible for us to get to the game and good luck to the Bulldogs (go get that ring!).

Steven Grandy
Sports Editor

Although attending the Wingate/Tusculum football game would have been a great experience, I think to fully understand how special the night was you had to be sitting in front of the television. I can’t explain how cool it was to see “Wingate” on the top of the screen and people who you have class with, people who you see walking around on campus, living their childhood dreams. I’m sure the guys on the field will remember that night for the rest of their lives.
Watching on TV and being able to see the replays gave me a better perspective to see the ability of the Wingate team. I was impressed by the performance of the offense. Coming away with touchdowns on the first three drives and taking control of the game early on was a big key to the game. The offense was a lot better compared to the UNC P game and I think they will continue to improve every game from here on out.
Having seen all four games the Bulldogs have played this season, I thought that this was the most complete performance of the season. Was it perfect? No. However, being 1-0 in the conference after getting what is arguable the biggest win in school history should give Bulldog players and fans a lot to smile about.

Wingate students take on rain and rafting


Megan Wood
Editor-in-chief

Rainy and cool doesn’t describe a day that many would like to be outside, although 19 students found that even the dreariest of days can be one to remember. Last Saturday was that kind of day students had while visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center for a Weekend Blitz activity.
‘I wanted to go because it seemed like a great opportunity presented by the school for a great price, plus I’d never been before,” junior Heath Weatherford said.
Students were asked to pay $15 for transportation and an all day pass to the park. A deal, that can’t be complained about when all day passes run for $49 regularly. An all day pass gives full access to the outdoor recreation facility set on the banks of the Catawba River. The 307 acres also offers the world’s largest recirculating river, 14 miles of biking, hiking and running trails, and one of the world’s largest outdoor climbing facilities. “I’ve never seen anything like this type of place before and it was so much fun,” junior Zoe Hartas said.
The center was inspired by the Penrith Whitewater Stadium built for the 2000 Olympics and the stadium built for the 2004 Athens Games, and was designated by the United States Olympic Committee as an official Olympic Training Site.
“I was really scared because I didn’t want to get thrown out of the raft, you see all these movies and how scary it can be but I always wanted to try it and this was my opportunity. I probably would have never done it otherwise,” Hartas added.
“If you have never been, don’t hesitate to go to the Whitewater center,” Weatherford said. “It’s pretty sweet.”

Hazing concerns put to rest


Samantha Bare
News Editor

If the new Greek members were concerned about undergoing hazing initiation rituals, their fears were laid to rest last week.
Hazing Prevention Week kicked off on Monday with a showing of “Haze”, a documentary centering on the tragedy of Gordie Bailey in an attempt to show others that hazing does exist on college campuses and can be deadly. Bailey, a college freshman, rushed a fraternity and, as a pledge, had to go through alcohol hazing rituals. He ended up dying from over consumption of alcohol. The documentary was meant to make students aware of the effects of alcohol and the dangers that can accompany certain hazing rituals.
Other events in the week included information tables in the W.T. Harris Dining Hall on Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday featured a faculty lunch and banner-hanging in the DPC.
The week wound down with a leadership roundtable on Friday. “On Friday, we met with leadership from each chapter,” said Graduate Assistant of Greek Life Zach Blackmon. “We wanted to spend more time discussing what to do in different hazing situations as well as the legal implications if something were to happen.”
Each chapter also had the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and come up with activities for new members that were not considered hazing.
The Wingate student handbook defines hazing as “an act/activity which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student regardless of intent, location, or consent of participant(s)” (pg 38). It lists forcing the consumption of alcohol, sleep deprivation and physical assault as examples.
Sigma Sigma Sigma President Emily Holmes explained the no-tolerance policy her sorority employs. “We strongly encourage our new members to participate in everything that our initiated sisters participate in.”
She continued, “Bridget DuPre, our Vice President and New Member Educator, has worked and is continuing to work very hard to ensure that our new members feel as welcomed and comfortable during their transition period as possible. Other measures are in place to make sure that hazing is never a part of our organization.”
While the direct effectiveness of the week cannot be measured yet, Greek community leaders feel they reached their goal for the week. “We did it for increased awareness,” said Jacki Emmenecker, president of Alpha Xi Delta. “We don’t know the true effects of it because we’ve never really done it before, but I do think it definitely increased awareness.”
Blackmon agreed, “If nothing else, it made everyone think about something for one week that they usually don’t for the other 51 weeks.”

Wingate family weekend finally here


Tracy Wilkinson
Staff Writer

This weekend families from all over the country will travel to Wingate to be a part of Family Weekend beginning on Oct. 2, 2009.
Each year the students, staff, and professors look forward to the annual weekend.
“Family Weekend is an opportunity for students to show off their home to their families. Coming together as a group shows students that their real family and their Wingate family both have best interests at heart and care about their success,” said Assistant Director of Student Activities Sarah Smith.
There will be many activities throughout the weekend for families and students can participate in.
On Friday, families are encouraged to eat at the Klondike for lunch and visit the library. They are also invited to a Mexican Fiesta in the DPC that evening with some of Wingate’s talent on hand as well. “I’m really excited about family weekend because it’s a great time to meet the parents of your friends and get to know them,” said junior Sarah Briggs. The evening can be wrapped up at Kate’s Skate in Indian Trail.
Saturday morning, families will be able to enjoy Dr. Aaron Culley’s Introduction to Sociology class to experience a college course. Breakfast will also be offered for families before a meet-and-greet session with faculty and staff to give more insight about college life, academic programs and international travel opportunities.
Tailgating across from the football stadium, the actual football game , and an alumni lacrosse match at the intrumural fields will conclude Family Weekend Saturday night.
Captain of the cheerleading squad, Kati Norris said, “I am really excited about Family Weekend because there are always a large number of parents at the game to help us cheer on the Football team.”