The All State

By ANTHONY SHINGLER
Assistant Sports Editor

The APSU Lady Govs softball team went on the road to face OVC rival Murray State Saturday, April 10. After dropping the first game of the series, 3-2 in eight innings, the Lady Govs were able to get on the winning track with a 9-3 win in the second game and a 4-2 win to close out the series.

In game one of the double header, the Lady Govs (13-25, 5-8 OVC) cranked up the defense as they were able to hold eight runners on base during the first four innings before allowing two runs in the fifth. The Lady Govs scored the first run of the game when Brittany Williams scored on an Amy Mills double to take a 1-0 lead. After scoreless innings, Murray State (13-21, 5-7 OVC) would take the lead 2-1 after a big sixth inning with one Lady Gov error that allowed one of the runs.

In the top of the seventh inning, Shelby Norton was hit by a pitch, but was replaced by Detra Farley as a pinch runner. Tiffany Smith singled to the shortstop bringing home Farley to tie the score. The very next inning Murray State would single up the middle by Ellyn Troup scoring Megan Glosser for the Lady Gov loss.

In game two, the Lady Govs offense turned up the heat in the first inning after a three-run homer from Shine Huwe. It is Huwe’s fifth homer of the season. Murray State responded with three runs of their own on a homer from Jenna Bradley to cut the Lady Gov lead to 4-3. Huwe lent a helping hand again on an RBI ground-out scoring Randal Davenport, who reached base after being walked.

The third inning proved to be an inning that helped the Lady Govs pack their lead to 6-3 after Norton scored on a sacrifice fly by Jordan Cole. The Lady Govs’ bats cooled off for three innings before being reignited in the seventh inning. Norton’s three-run home run proved to be the nail in the coffin to give the Lady Govs the win in the seventh inning.

In the final game of the series, the Lady Govs used solid defense and a two-run third and fourth inning to take the series. The two runs in the third came off a double from Catie Cozart, bringing home Williams and Jessica Chernak. While the two runs in the fourth inning came from a passed ball that allowed Farley to come home, the last run for the Lady Govs came from a single from Williams that allowed Cole to score for a 4-0 lead.

Murray State threatened to get on the board in the fifth inning but the Lady Govs defense stranded three Murray State base runners. In the seventh inning Murray State rallied to get two runs on the board, but Mattocks flied out to right field to end the game with two runners left on base.

“We’re very excited to come away with the win today and take the series,” APSU coach Casey Dickson said.

“We liked the motivation we had in the dugout where we had written ‘what are we playing for’ and it said the OVC tournament.”

APSU returns home this week to host Tennessee State and Morehead State in four OVC contests at Lady Govs Field, beginning with TSU for one game on Wednesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. and the Lady Eagles for a three-game series this Saturday, April 17.

By Chasity Webb
Assistant Features Editor

TOMS Shoes was founded in May 2006 after an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, competed on The Amazing Race and became friends with children in Argentina.

He found they had no shoes to protect their feet. He then decided he would start a shoe business and for every pair of shoes he sold, he would donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.

He derived his company’s name TOMS from the word tomorrow which was taken from the original concept “Shoes for Tomorrow.”

Within the first year, Mycoskie returned to Argentina with family, friends and staff and delivered 10,000 pairs of shoes.

The shoe design Mycoskie chose was that of the Argentinean farmers called alpargata shoes. Just like the originals, the shoes are very lightweight and colorful. Depending on the style one picks, the soles are either made of rope or rubber.

Now that TOMS is so popular, the shoes have been adapted to many styles and designs, and even a lace up version has been added. The shoe’s prices start around $40 and increase depending on style. They can be purchased at www.toms.com or Apricot Lane in Nashville.

Since the business started in 2006, TOMS has donated over 600,000 pairs of shoes.

Another way to purchase them is by attending a TOMS Style Your Soles party which I hope to have on campus next semester. At the party, a person purchases a $44 pair of white TOMS and then spends the party time decorating them any way they wish.

The whole purpose of this company is to help children in need of shoes without having to campaign for donations. This allows TOMS customers to be the benefactors.

It is understandable that being a college student cuts down ones budget to spend on shoes. That’s one reason TOMS has created its yearly event.

On Thursday, April 8, TOMS Shoes hosted “One Day Without Shoes.”

One Day Without Shoes is exactly as it sounds. TOMS asks its supporters to go the entire, part of or just a few minutes out of their day without their shoes to see what it is like to live barefoot.

The Web site onedaywithoutshoes.com says, “One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infections after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.

“The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8, communities, campuses, organizations and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.”

The Web site then give facts about the effects children face when not having shoes. These facts help people truly face the issue.

Fact one: “In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.”

Fact two: “Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.”

Fact three: “Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.”

Fact four: “In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil. Podoconiosis is 100 percent preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.”

Last Thursday, April 8, I took part in this event by walking to class and elsewhere on campus barefoot. Seeing the event had circulated pretty vastly on Facebook, I assumed more people would take part.

Walking across campus I did not see anyone other than myself without shoes. I heard of a few others and I had quite a few friends from other schools that went barefoot.

I was completely mortified my school did not show support. As I walked I decided no one knew what it was about, which is why I decided to write this article.

I also think it is important to share my experience during my One Day Without Shoes.

That morning I got up and got ready. I had to consciously tell myself not to put my shoes on. That was one sign that I take my shoes for granted.

When I first walked out the door of my apartment building I was thinking, “This won’t be so bad and at least the rain is mostly dry.”

When I finally got to what my friends and I like to call, the “dinosaur stairs,” my feet were already a little sore. Luckily the pavement wasn’t hot, just a little rough. I went on to my first class.

I got out of class early and decided I would head down to the Student Publications office before my next class. This journey to the UC was worse than I could imagine.

I had forgotten the pavement had large pebbles protruding from it. With each step I was brought closer to tears. I know it sounds rather wimpy but it truly does hurt.

After I made it to the office, I thought I would update my Facebook friends on the experience so far.

That’s when my status became this: “So I walked to my first class and it’s already given me an appreciation for what the shoeless children go through.”

“When I walked to the UC, I almost cried because of the stone concrete.”

“I haven’t seen anyone else barefoot yet either. And people keep looking at me like I’m crazy or that I’m poor. Oh well. Suffering for the children.”

I continued the rest of the day barefoot except for two and a half hours of classroom observations.

The thoughts went through my mind were all very heartening. I just cannot imagine what it would be like to live like that every single day, especially when walking miles.

If you missed out, I plead with you to get involved next year on Friday, April 8, 2011. If you need help remembering, feel free to friend request me. I’ll be sure to remind everyone.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for the hopeful Governors’ Style

Your Soles party.

By MARLON SCOTT
Senior Staff Writer

Take a poll of students asking them to list the most prevalent sports at APSU and tennis probably would not make the top five on anyone’s list. Some might not even know APSU has men and women’s tennis teams.

However, this season’s Lady Govs tennis team under first year head coach Malik Tabet, are playing well enough this season to change that perception.

Before the 2009-10 season, the Lady Govs had not earned a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference since 2001. This season, the Lady Govs are not only in the tournament, they finished the regular season ranked second in the conference with a 16-3, 8-1 OVC record. According to APSU Sports Information, Tabet is not satisfied with just earning a spot in the OVC tournament for the first time in nine years.

“The women have overcome a lot this season and now our focus is on being prepared for the tournament,” Tabet said. “We still have a few challenges ahead of us and our goal is to win the tournament.”

The Lady Govs will enter the OVC Tournament Saturday, April 17, after finishing the regular season with 11 straight wins. The most recent victory was a 7-0 sweep of Eastern Illinois Sunday, April 11. The last opponent they lost to was Jacksonville State on Saturday, March 6, (3-4). Jacksonville State is the only conference team they have lost to this season. They are also the team ranked first at the end of the regular season with a 13-8, 9-0 OVC record.

While the impressive record has many realizing the tennis courts next to the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center are for more than recreational purposes, there are several names on the Lady Govs seven-woman squad that have the rest of the OVC tennis coaches whispering in fear.

At the top of that list in singles competition is sophomore Vanja Tomic.

Tomic has won 15 straight singles matches. Tomic is currently ranked first in the OVC in No. 1 singles. She is one of two Lady Govs who finished the season with a perfect 8-0 singles record. The other is freshman Carolin Weikard. Weikard has won 11 straight singles matches.

This was both Tomic’s and Weikard’s first season with the Lady Govs. Tomic was part of a Blue Raider team in the Mid South conference that advanced to the NAIA final four last season before becoming a Lady Gov. Weikard played in the European junior tennis circuit while attending high school in St. Leon-Rot, Germany before coming to APSU.

Also turning some heads in singles and providing leadership for the team is senior Mariana Pagan. Last season Pagan had a 4-14 record with only two OVC wins. After a slow start, Pagan has rallied to a 17-4 finish in singles with a 6-2 OVC record. She has gone 8-2 in her last 10 matches and has won three straight singles matches.

In addition to their singles play, Tomic and Pagan are a formidable doubles team. The duo has won 10 straight doubles matches. They finished the regular season with a 14-3, 8-1 OVC record.

The only doubles team more impressive than Tomic and Pagan is the team of Weikard and senior Yuki Nakamura. Weikard and Nakamura are undefeated with a 7-0, 6-0 OVC record. Both teams top the doubles list in the OVC.

OVC Tournament play will take place in Paducah, Ky, Saturday, April 17, to Monday, April 19.

By JENELLE GREWELL
News Editor

Cecil Wilson, assistant director of Housing/Dining Services, said Dining Services at APSU will experience a few changes over the Summer.
AP Dining and Chartwells will replace the Mama Leone’s concept with a Papa John’s concept designed especially for college campuses and other fast food type concepts Wilson said.

“Initially, our Papa John’s will serve freshly baked 8-inch pizzas for a quick, grab-and-go meal. Later, we may introduce bread sticks and other side items offered by the Papa John’s franchise menu,” Wilson said.

“I would rather have the Italian place,” Cecibel Rivera, senior social work major said.

Wilson said Chartwells has proposed several ideas to help make Austin’s Diner more of a destination. These ideas include providing a lounging area near the TV to allow for a more relaxed seating space, installing window treatments to add more privacy and warmth, changing the current photo mural and a few “back room” changes that may help expand and speed up the services they now provide.

“In the coming weeks I will continue to meet with Chartwells as we consider the feasibility and cost benefits of such changes,” he said.

Wilson said Denny’s will not be taking over Austin’s Diner. At one point, it was close to happening.

“They sent us a quote that didn’t include the cost of construction, just materials and equipment._” Wilson said when Denny’s sent the new quote with construction added, it exceeded the allotted budget.

“Besides the installation of another nationally recognized food chain (Papa John’s), we have been given the opportunity to move the Peay Pod from the first floor of the UC to a much more centralized location,” he said.

AP Dining and Chartwells recently accepted an offer to move the Peay Pod to the space currently occupied by SGA on the main floor of the UC, room 214. SGA will be moving into the Student Publications office while the vacant Peay Pod space will house Student Publications.

“We feel this location will better serve the students, faculty, staff and guests of APSU as it will be more prominent. This move calls for a complete redesign of the SGA office to facilitate a shopping experience worthy of the new space,” Wilson said.

Wilson also said the panning stages to “refresh” Chick-fil-A are in the final stages.

“We will replace tile, marketing material, and other ‘behind-the-line’ equipment to better serve the students, faculty, staff and our many guests. It will not be a totally new look, but a great breath of fresh air,” Wilson said.

Wilson said it will cost $50,000 to remodel the Chick-fil-A. The money comes from Chartwells’ investment fund. Wilson said Chartwells invested $1 million and some commission from whatever is sold, and the money goes towards improvements in Dining Services.

Wilson said AP Dining and Chartwells are currently considering a new station in place of the Freshens concept in the food court.

“While we haven’t totally settled on a name; for now, ‘Fresh Fusions’ will have to do. The Fresh Fusions concept will serve a rotating menu based, in large part, on customer feedback.”

Wilson said there have already been requests for pasta items displaced by the Papa John’s concept, along with requests for smoothies, sushi and salad.

“The choices are endless when we lift the menu constraints that come with a defined concept space,” Wilson said.

Rivera said she thinks more fresh fruits and healthier options should be provided.

Wilson said the 2010-2011 year is the last of the contract with Chartwells; after this APSU will take bids for the next dining contract.

“This is a crucial time,” Wilson said.

“I would encourage all students, faculty, staff and guests to continue to provide precise, constructive feedback,” Wilson said.

There are comment cards at each register, an online comment submissions form, a Facebook page and the availability of the Chartwells leadership and Wilson.

“It is important we hear from you. In the end, we all benefit from feedback so keep your comments and compliments flowing.” Wilson said.

Mick Blackburn, a freshman physics major said he thinks there needs to be more of a variety of seating and ice cream that is not so frozen.

Rivera said she thinks the food should be less expensive.
The Facebook page for Dining Services is “AP-Dining” and if a Facebook user becomes a fan of the page, Wilson said the fan is eligible for a key chain tag which gives access to specials offered by Dining Services.

The new millennium brought along a wave of changes concerning politics, education, technology and everything in between.

One of the major changes seen during the last decade has been regarding the environment and the proposed initiative of leading “greener” lives.

While Americans make an effort towards a cleaner and more beautiful world, The All State’s editorial board members discussed some of the positive and negative environmental changes they have noticed here at APSU.

A reform towards a more environmentally friendly campus has been slow in gaining momentum, however, the majority of TAS’s editorial board members agree that positive change has certainly taken place.

While new students may not immediately be aware of the transformation our campus has undertaken, those who have attended APSU over a number of years can undoubtedly tell the difference.

The overall appearance of the APSU campus has been rejuvenated and tremendous emphasis has been placed on aesthetics. The task of beautifying has been approached in a successful manner, in turn, helping the university economically, as well as adding much needed appeal in order to attract future prospects.

The milestone APSU has achieved with the enrollment of more than 10,000 students may, in many ways, be a product of the school’s charm. In spite of this, the growth of students also constitutes greater measures to maintain the progress made so far.

Many of us fear the positive changes, which have taken place during the last few years, may be reaching a plateau, and a reversal in the process may be in APSU’s future.

Some of these negative aspects are already visible in remote areas around the school grounds.

Overflowing trash bins, inconveniently placed recycling containers and the neglect of various sections of campus, including the vicinities behind the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center and behind the football field, seem to point to a negative trend we can all do without.

In addition, the likelihood of APSU cutting its budget in the near future could pose a major setback to the green initiative the university has adopted.

Not only will the effort to preserve an environmentally conscious faculty and student body be diminished, but the effects of higher demand by the increase in students will make a tremendous negative impact as well.

As a response to the possible damaging consequences APSU faces, at TAS, we believe the good work that has been done can continue as long as everyone takes a part in helping.

Some previous initiatives have done well in helping the cause in the past, as one editorial board member states, “buying a thermo in exchange for cheaper coffee and drinks should be better advertised.”

In the end, environmental changes occurring around campus affect us all in numerous ways.

Although our actions may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, we are the ones who can truly make a change at APSU for the better.

By LORI PERKINS
Guest Writer
Some people may use what they think are only a few seconds to send or check a text message or e-mail while driving, but studies show 23 seconds is all it takes to cause a car accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Distracted driving is broken into three types visual, which means a driver is not looking at the road; manual meaning a driver removed their hands from the wheel and cognitive, a driver taking their mind off of the road. Sending a text message is considered the most dangerous because it involves all three types of distractions.

“Texting is crazy. You see adults and teenagers ages 17-40 that can’t exist without texting. People get distracted, they don’t pay attention and people get hurt,” said APSU Campus Police lieutenant Carl Little.

According to the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis, cell phone use contributes to 6 percent of all crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries and 2,600 deaths each year.

Text messaging is now being considered an epidemic because of the national accumulations of deaths among men, women and children.

According to the Governors-Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 19 states, including Tennessee and the District of Columbia have banned all texting while driving. Tennessee’s ban became effective July 1, 2009.

“It’s an emergency issue, we would like to see all states ban texting,” said Kara Macek, communications manager of GHSA.

According to a 2005 study for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers are four times less likely to get into accidents serious enough to cause injury when they turn off their cell phones while behind the wheel. Distracted driver’s in Tennessee caught violating the law will be issued a $50 fine.

Traffic 2nd Lt., Gary Hurst of the Clarksville Police Department has heard about only one ticket that was issued to a local driver.

“It’s difficult seeing if someone is dialing or texting,” he said.

He doesn’t think the law is harsh.

“It’s obviously designed to get compliance and not punish everyone. I think it will make people pay more attention to the problem … educating ourselves, family and children. I’ve told my kids to avoid talking on the phone,” Hurst said.

To some, the punishment may not be much, but when a distracted driver kills a victim, of course the penalty is uncompromising. In the state of Tennessee, a violator can be charged with vehicular homicide and face three to 15 years in prison, get a class B or C felony, have their license suspended and/or fine payments, depending on how they are charged.

“Campus falls under state law,” Little said. Drivers who text on campus are violating the state law and will be given a citation if caught.

Using a phone at a stop light is even considered a distraction because it can disrupt the flow of traffic and cause an accident.

To alleviate the confusion of knowing whether someone is dialing or texting, and other problems that occur, people are asking drivers to simply turn their phones off while they are driving their vehicles to reduce distractions.

To raise awareness, the U.S. Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to stay focused while driving with a plain slogan, “Put it Down.” Oprah Winfrey issued a Public Service Announcement and formed a “No Phone Zone Day” campaign for Friday, April 30, in honor of victims who have been killed by distracted drivers and to enforce the importance of drivers thinking first, before they text while driving.

Winfrey has received a huge response from her TV viewers and celebrities who have pledged not to use their phone while driving.

“Our message is don’t use cell phones while driving regardless of the law,” Macek said.

Just like the slogan “click it or ticket”, Winfrey and state officials are trying to put an end to the number of deaths occurring in the U.S.

So no matter how “smart” your phone may be, before you consider using your it, ask yourself, “Is it worth the risk of losing your life and the life of a loved [or someone else’s] because you were reading a message?” Little said.