Title IX leaves footprint at UA

Women’s athletics at the University of Alabama has come a long way. It was not that long ago when there were technically no organized women’s sports team on campus. Today, the 11 NCAA women’s athletics teams outnumber the eight men’s teams. Women did not compete on the NCAA level originally but began under the Alabama Women’s Intercollegiate Sports Association. Ann Marie Hicks was UA’s first women’s sports head director, according to a report on the Beginning of Women’s intercollegiate sports at the University of Alabama.

“Like anything, when there are more resources put into something, the expectations change and increase,” said Marie Robbins, associate athletics director. “And so, I think as women’s athletics began to get more resources and opportunities, then the expectation level for success for women’s athletics also increased, and rightfully so.”

Robbins is a former UA female athlete. She led the gymnastics team to the national title in 1988 and two SEC championships while in an Alabama uniform.

The gymnastics team has won five championships since it began competing in the fall of 1972. Terry Bryson was the first coach, and now Sarah Patterson is leading the Tide in her 34thseason. She began running the gymnastics program right after graduating college.

“At the end of [my first year], it was the first time that we had ever not had a losing season,” Patterson said. “So, Coach Bryant decided we would keep the program and we would add scholarships to it.”

The success of women’s programs, including the addition of funding and scholarships, can be traced to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. The law requires equality among different genders. Robbins said early on, some women’s teams were merged with men’s athletics departments, and coaches of women’s teams coached many sports.

“Over time, with the effects of Title IX, now you see there are head coaches of women’s sports,” Robbins said. “I think, similarly, in the early years, coaches might’ve been graduate students . . . now they’re full-time and well-paid. I think all of that is a natural result of Title IX, but it didn’t happen overnight.”

The 1970-1971 school year was the first year UA had official organized women’s sports. They were volleyball and softball. Today, the University has basketball, rowing, swimming, diving and eight other sports for female athletes.

Though football may seem to reign supreme at Alabama, Robbins says the athletic department aims for fair treatment of all sports.

“Being that Alabama is predominantly a football school, you would think that women are not treated as good as the men, but that is not the case,” said former women’s basketball standout Tierney Jenkins. “I was treated great, and I was never shown that they cared more about men’s athletics.”

Alabama’s women’s teams are competing for championships year in and year out, and the culture keeps growing richer.

“I think, ultimately, the institution decides at what level to fund and to compete with their women’s programs,” Patterson said. “…We want the same experiences for our female student athletes as we want for the men.”

Former All-American gymnast Morgan Dennis said, “[Women’s athletics] are important because they should be recognized. In the sports world, females are capable of a lot of things, and I think that’s special that now, through everything that we’ve been through with the NCAA and the University and just all those rules passed for us, to be able to compete in collegiate athletics is really special. I do think it’s something that needed to be done.”

print/web 1.29.12

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/01/30/title-ix-leaves-footprint-at-ua/

New health care bill covers birth control

The Obama administration has agreed to include the payment for birth control or contraceptives in the new Affordable Care Act. After President Barack Obama signed the bill, government officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services voted yes for the inclusion of contraceptives beginning Aug. 1.

As reported on colorlines.com, HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement last year, “The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start. These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.”

Though payment for birth control pills is an essential part of the plan, women will be able to receive a number of other services without insurance worries.

Guidelines also include the following: visits to the gynecologist, HPV testing, STD counseling, HIV testing and counseling and domestic violence screenings. Breast feeding support, supplies and counseling for pregnant women are included as well.

Jessica Vickery of the health education and promotion department spoke from the point of view of a health educator.

“Pregnancy is so expensive for insurance companies, as well as hospitals and doctors,” Vickery said. “By covering contraceptives, you’re kind of getting rid of this idea of unplanned pregnancies of people who are not going to be able to afford the costs that a pregnancy has over the course of that nine months.”

While some Catholics have publicly spoken against the inclusion of birth control in the Affordable Care Act, Democrats stand behind the president.

“I believe that the cost of contraceptives was included in the ACA because they are an integral part of preventing disease and ensuring the healthiness of the American people,” said Jamie Woodham, president of UA’s College Democrats. “Contraceptives are key in the fight against HIV and STDs and should therefore be included in the ACA. Furthermore, people deserve the right to choose when they wish to start a family, and contraceptives allow them to make that choice when they feel that they are ready.”

Republicans take a different stand on the topic.

“As with most every decision made by the current administration, the decision to include contraceptives, including the morning-after pill, in Obamacare was a political one,” said Cliff Sims, president of College Republicans. “Rather than enacting responsible social policy, the administration focused on playing to their liberal base.”

It’s unclear what type of effects including birth control will have on society.

“By taking away the obligation for people to pay for contraceptives out of pocket, I believe that we will not only drive down our numbers in terms of HIV and STD rates but that we will also have far fewer unwanted pregnancies,” Woodham said. “The bottom line regarding this initiative is that the many positives – disease prevention, women’s reproductive rights, etc. – far outweigh any potential negatives, most of which are rooted loosely in religious dogma and right-wing radicalism.”

“We’re witnessing the deconstruction of the social fabric of our country,” Sims said. “Whether it’s bailing out big banks, giving handouts to so-called ‘green’ companies, or dishing out morning-after pills to teenagers, our government is reinforcing the idea that it’s OK to be irresponsible because you won’t have to suffer the consequences of your decisions.”

All information on the Affordable Care Act can be found on the national website, healthcare.gov.

print/web 1.29.12

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/01/30/new-health-care-bill-covers-birth-control/

Robinson continues to grow through second year

Jasmine Robinson is turning the sophomore slump theory on its head.

The second-year, standout guard is leading the Tide in points per game and spearheading a youth renaissance for the women’s basketball team.

“Jasmine [Robinson] has probably been our most consistent player in the last few basketball games,” head coach Wendell Hudson said after the team knocked off previously undefeated Kansas. “She is so versatile. She can move the basketball. You think she’s not as quick as she is, but she can get by you.”

Robinson did not see as much playing time last season; however, she started seven games and was named SEC Freshman of the Week. This year, she is the team’s leading scorer, averaging almost 12 points a game.

Robinson says following behind leaders such as Tierney Jenkins has improved her leadership skills and attitude on the court.

“I feel like I’m more aggressive,” Robinson said. “Last year, I didn’t have as many leadership skills because we had Tierney Jenkins on our team. She kind of helped guide me to be where I am today. My ability on the court and how I am leading my team and doing whatever I can to get the job done [has improved]. My leadership skills, the way I’m playing and how I’m scoring is a major difference from last year to this year.”

Robinson is a native of Memphis, Tenn. Before enrolling at UA as an exercise and sport science major, she was a key member of the Overton High School women’s basketball team, leading them to the state tournament for the first time in more than 40 years. Robinson was named to the All-State team twice along the way.

“We started watching Jasmine from the start,” Hudson said when Robinson first signed with Alabama. “We decided she was really the type of player we’d like to have in our program. Coach Evans established a relationship with her early on and did a great job maintaining that. She really understands how to go to the basket and has that toughness we are so big on. She’s another player that has the ability to make everyone around her play better.”

“The coaches were genuine,” Robinson said. “I felt like this was the place for me because I’ve been in the type of situation that this program has been in [when I was in high school]…we have everyone here to fill in the puzzle so we can win and rebuild this program.”

Alabama has a 10-10 record and is currently winless in Southeastern Conference play. The Tide’s next game will be a conference matchup against Tennessee in Foster Auditorium.

The team’s SEC game troubles are no secret, and Robinson says she’s here to help the Tide get through it.

“The little things are the major key because we haven’t played a complete game yet,” she said. “I feel like once we play a complete game, and everyone gets on the same page and starts playing hard like we were in the beginning, then we’ll be fine.”

Robinson was a part of a noted freshman class that was ranked ninth nationally by ESPN and HoopGurlz. The team has made improvements over the last two years, and things will more than likely continue to go up from here.

print/web 1.24.12

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/01/24/robinson-continues-to-grow-through-second-year/

Sleep texting a growing problem for young people

Some students may find that their social life doesn’t end when they turn out the lights and their head hits the pillow each night.

There has been growing conversation about sleep-texting, which includes responding or sending a text message from a cellular device in the middle of one’s sleep.

“[Sleep texting] would be some variation of sleep walking, where people engage in behaviors while asleep,” psychology professor Kenneth Lichstein said.

While texting in the middle of your sleep may not be an ideal situation, Lichstein said there is probably no harm psychologically to the individual. While the theory may not be known in every household, it is clear it does occur – especially among teenagers and college students.

“Sleep texting definitely can occur especially during the first two stages of sleep because you’re actually very alert, and you don’t actually fall into a deep sleep until right before you’re about to wake,” said FabryeAnne Robinson, a senior majoring in psychology.

Some students who are aware of the sleep texting phenomenon agree on its harmful side effects, such as disturbing both a good night’s sleep and social relationships.

“Even though you’re sleep texting and don’t know you’re doing it, your body is still moving and still doing something, so you’re not completely at rest,” said D’Amber Chambers, a senior majoring in general health studies. “It might feel like a wear on your body. You might wake up tired and try to figure out why you’re still so tired, and it’s because while you’re asleep you’re still texting and moving around.”

“It does have some type of effect on who you’re actually texting,” Robinson said. “Sometimes you could be dreaming, and it could actually be happening, so it can have an effect on your relationships.”

Many believe we are in an age where everyone, especially young adults, is too attached to their cell phones. So, why can’t students let go of their cell phones for the sake of getting a good night’s sleep?

“It goes to show how much we rely on technology and texting now,” Chambers said. “It shows that we [text] too much to the point where we do it in our sleep.”

A study completed in November found a connection between stress and sleep texting. Dr. David Cunnington of Melbourne Sleep Disorder Centre in Australia concluded sleep texting is a result of people having too many responsibilities in their everyday lives, according to the British newspaper The Daily Mail.

Cunnington advised those struggling with the task to remove their cell phones from their bedrooms when hitting the hay. Texting less during the day can also help to prevent unwanted messaging.

print/web 1.24.12

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/01/24/sleep-texting-a-growing-problem-for-young-people/

Championship boosts New Orleans economy

The Tide took care of business at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Monday, and the city of New Orleans brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in the process. Experts estimate about half a billion dollars flowed into the city’s economy during the week of the BCS Championship Game.

“It was an excellent turnout, and I think people will be very, very happy [financially],” James Richardson, LSU economics professor, said. “There are estimates of having an impact of 500 million dollars over that short period of time.”

The expected total is more than the $412.4 million economic impact New Orleans saw in 2008 when it hosted the Sugar Bowl and National Championship game. That was the first year the city hosted two Bowl Championship Series games.

The economic impact of the bowl games goes towards supporting jobs and tax revenues from sales and hotels that support the state and local government, but Richardson said there is also more than just an economic advantage.

“The other impact you’re having is [the bowl games] bring a certain notoriety to New Orleans,” he said. “It makes people aware of it, and you get some great pictures on TV at night in terms of the riverfront and downtown area. In that sense, there’s an advertising value that’s hard to put a value on.”

While the BCS Championship Game was the main event, there were other noted sporting events that took place in The Big Easy in the past month. The New Orleans Bowl took place Dec. 17, but the big week of events started with the All State Sugar Bowl between Michigan and Virginia Tech. The New Orleans Saints also began their run for a Super Bowl at home two days before the championship game.

Having thousands of people hit the New Orleans streets is nothing new to those who call the city home. Professor Moore said the city is used to the big crowd, and that Mardi Gras brings in about three times as many people.

Nevertheless, the city had a plan in place to prepare for the week.

“The city administration, under the leadership of Mayor Mitch Landrieu, conducted a series of table top exercises to review the events and city services necessary to support the events,” said Mark Romig, CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. “Communication amongst various departments was stressed and realized, and the implementation plan was put into place. We know how to handle large crowds and we believe we accomplished our goals of ensuring a safe and fun environment for our visitors.”

It’s been years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged through the city, and it’s getting back to being a top tourist attraction, especially in the sports world. Romig said the city has an outline of events planned for the next couple of years.

“We have entered an historic and unprecedented period in our history – more national and international events than we believe any American city has hosted in a short period of time,” Romig said.

The Men’s College Basketball Final Four will be held in New Orleans this year, and the women’s next year. New Orleans is set to host the Super Bowl, Sugar Bowl and SEC Tournament in 2013, along with annual festivals such as Mardi Gras and Essence Music Festival.

print/web 1.17.11

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/01/17/championship-boosts-new-orleans-economy/

Animal shelter encourages adoption

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is one of the main domains where one can find a cat or dog without a home. While the shelter has seen an abundance of animals come through its doors, they are doing their best to get these animals adopted into happy homes.

Miranda Workman, office assistant at Tuscaloosa Metro Shelter, said the recent Home for the Holidays adoption event was a success. Thirty-two dogs and cats were adopted.

“We’re pretty low right now in animals that are up for adoption,” Workman said. “But, in a couple of days they’ll fill back up and we’ll have more up for adoption.”

“I think it’s important to adopt animals, so you can always have a friend,” said Jazzmin Franklin, a senior majoring in telecommunication and film. “Animals don’t want to be stuck in cages all day or be put down, so it’s important to adopt so the animals can have a good life.”

Workman said the shelter has animals coming in frequently that they house for as long as they can. Overcrowding has been an issue the shelter has dealt with, but events like Home for the Holidays have assisted with the problem.

“There are some times when we have to withhold taking an animal because we get crowded,” Workman said. “We can’t take them in because we just don’t have the space.”

Senior Chantrice Pruitt has looked into adopting an animal.

“I think it was a good event because there are a lot of homeless animals, especially at the metro shelter,” she said. “There are also a lot of people out there who want animals, but can’t afford them. It’s kind of like a win-win situation for each person.”

The April 27 tornado left many people homeless and many animals homeless as well. However, Workman said the tornado is not the sole cause of overcrowding.

“I think the tornado has had a prolonged effect because usually our busiest months are the summer months when we’re constantly full,” she said. “That’s actually been extended up until last month, and that’s never really happened before. I do think the tornado had something to do with it, but we don’t know for sure.”

Like many other animal shelters, there are times when pets have to be put down. Adoption is one way to fix this problem.

“The importance of [TMAS] is to get animals homes that don’t have homes,” she said.

Many students visit the shelter as volunteers also.

“We do have a volunteer program,” Workman said. “[Students] can come in and volunteer. They can come in and visit with the animals and of course, helping out by adopting is the best thing to do.”

Franklin said, “I have a couple of friends who have fostered dogs, and they’re probably going to end up adopting them. It’s good to help our community in any way we can.”

For more information website the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Website, metroanimalshelter.org.

print/web 12.8.11
http://cw.ua.edu/2011/12/08/animal-shelter-encourages-adoption/

Tide travels to North Texas for second road test

Junior guard, Meghan Perkins, lays the ball up Monday night against Georgia Southern.

CW | Margo Smith

Head coach Wendell Hudson and the Alabama women’s basketball team have a 7-2 record and are undefeated at home. The team defeated previously unbeanten Kansas in its last game, and now they will travel to Denton, Texas to face the Mean Green of North Texas Wednesday, Dec. 7.

“Well, I think what it proved to us, when we play together, and we’ve talked about this over and over and over, we’re a pretty good basketball team,” Hudson said. “And so beating Kansas, which is a really good basketball team, should have proved to us that when we play together, we are a pretty good basketball team too. And get that maximum effort. I think that’s the big key. I think this is one of those games at the end of the season where we look back and say, ‘This was a game that kind of catapulted us on to another level,’ because if we continue to play with that kind of effort, good things can happen.”

Alabama defeated Kansas 80-76 in Foster Auditorium. The Tide out-rebounded Kansas 42-35 and out-scored the Jayhawks in the paint 48-38. UA also had a positive night at the free throw line, shooting 75 percent. Sophomore guard Jasmine Robinson led Alabama with a career-high 24 points. Robinson also had five rebounds.

“I thought Jasmine grew up. She’s been growing up this whole year. She’s not there yet, but she’s getting closer to being there. One of the things that she’s done, she’s under control when she’s going to the basket. And not letting the bumps and the little nagging stuff [get to her]. She’s now understanding, ‘Now I can go ahead and play without all of that.’”

After a big win over Kansas, the team says they must stay in the right frame of mind.

“Keeping that intensity level [is important],” junior guard Meghan Perkins said. “And, the aggression. Intensity level and aggression – as long as we have that, every time we step out on the floor, we’re gonna be fine.”

North Texas’ last games were in the Gene Hackerman Invitational in Houston. The Mean Green took first place with wins over Texas A&M and Oregon State. Alabama will be the first Southeastern Conference team that North Texas has faced since the 2002-2003 season.

This will be Alabama’s second non-tournament away game of the season. The first was against Central Arkansas in November. They lost, but went on to win two straight before heading to the Virgin Islands and winning the Paradise Jam tournament.

“When this team plays hard, when this team plays together, and I think I’ve said this before, I think we have a pretty good basketball team,” Hudson said.

print/web 12.6.11

Don’t be bitter, it’s just Twitter

Twitter is a social networking site that many people use to stalk celebrities, talk with friends and share links to other sites. Some people use Twitter as a means of blog where they can share their personal thoughts on anything. The University of Alabama has been an influence for the creation of numerous Twitter accounts floating around the blogosphere and being talked about on campus.

“I think the UA-related Twitter accounts are funny, but some of them are definitely better than others,” Breanna Swims, a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies, said. “The ones that surpass the quality of others are the ones that constantly deliver funny and up-to-date tweets regarding what is happening on campus. I think the Twitter accounts have a positive effect on the University because they serve as a form of satire through which we can express our concerns with the University as a whole while also connecting with other UA students.”

Popular accounts include @NotRobertWitt, @UADennyChimes, @UglyTusk, @UAFashionPolice, @UA_Lately and more.

Creators of these sites feel they are performing well on sharing the news about the University that people need to know about. @UglyTusk is not only on Twitter, but also has a website, uglytusk.com.

“[We don’t hope to accomplish] much really,” @UglyTusk said in an emailed statement. “We’ve talked about putting on some shows, have put on some but want to do more. I really want to put on two of my favorite dance parties from back home: MMP – Madonna, Michael and Prince – and a soul dance night because if I hear another band doing awful Sublime covers I might lose it. How is Sublime still even remotely popular?”

The Ugly Tusk is a blog, group of people and movement. As stated on the website, “Mostly, the Ugly Tusk are some kids who live in Tuscaloosa and are tired of the fact that this town appears to have no culture.”

They look to change this.

“Thought this town could use a cranky commentator of some sort before The Crimson White started acting like a real paper, which it has done a fine job of this year,” @UglyTusk said in an emailed statement.

The Ugly Tusk’s latest stories online cover topics like Girl Talk, the LSU online store hacking and also references Stephen Swinson.

@UA_Lately has all of the latest news and words on the important happenings at UA and in Tuscaloosa. Their name derived from their undying love for Chelsea Handler’s show, “Chelsea Lately.”

Their goals for the account are clear.

“UA_Lately is not meant for any nefarious or malicious purpose,” @UA_Lately said in an emailed statement. “Our goal truly is to say what we think. It just so happens that what we think is extremely funny and usually also happens to be what other people are thinking and not saying.”

Many of these UA-inspired accounts are aware of each other, but what do they think about one another?

“[@UAFashionPolice] seem to be real into dressing like their parents and have zero interest in dressing like young folks,” @UglyTusk said. “I think a real @UAFashionPolice Twitter that doesn’t use phrases like fratdaddy and actually knows something about fashion could be a worthwhile venture. I don’t think this person actually knows anything about fashion.”

@UAFashionPolice and @UA_Lately are somewhat like counterparts, and frequently exchange mentions on Twitter.

“We consider ourselves on equal footing with her and that is completely fine with us,” @UA_Lately stated.

While @UA_Lately does not know about other accounts such as @UglyTusk and @NotRobertWitt, they do not approve of @theUAGossip, who they claim has stolen their tweets.

Some students feel these accounts add entertainment to a sometimes monotonous college life, and said it’s interesting to see what they will tweet next.

“I think someone created these accounts because they wanted to not only provide humor for the student body, but also to connect with other UA students in a manner other than academics,” Swims said. “Twitter allows people to discuss things they have in common in a way that is easy, efficient and portable.”

print/web 12.6.11