Candace McConnell, junior broadcast media, shows her speech skills in the very interesting Broadcast Announcing class. McConnell received an A for the fully-talented completion of the task. (Photo by Jairo Mateo)

Chris Bailes, junior biology, and Nick Mang, sophomore health and wellness, take part in what is quickly becoming the hottest fad among the free-running community, known as "car parkour." (Photo by Kellan Mayfield)

Dan Pete, sophomore youth ministry, gears up for the "Human v.s. Zombie" game that started last week. Dan is proud to be one of the last remaining Humans and claims that his success lies in "being very careful wherever he goes." (Photo by Timothy Sarazen)

Natalie Stewart, junior business administration, and Jeff Greene, senior business administration, take some time in the library to put their studying skills to work. (Photo by Sarah Bell)

Blake Holbrook, junior marketing, is focused intently on the basketball to keep score as the intramural semi-finals take place. (Photo by Aaron Locke)

Staff Writer

“If we write down our words, someone will benefit,” said Vonda Skelton, author and keynote speaker for Write2Ignite. North Greenville University hosted this Christian writing conference on Feb. 26 and 27. Writers, illustrators, publishers and editors from all over attended. Among the more than 70 attendees were several NGU students and faculty members, including Deborah DeCiantis and Cheryl Collier, both members of the English department.

David Yarley, senior interdisciplinary studies, and many other students attended the Write2Ignite conference both Friday and Saturday.

The conference consisted of several general sessions, a panel discussion and various workshops all aimed at encouraging and informing writers. There was also a teen track for aspiring young authors. The workshops ranged from those instructing writers on how to create memorable characters to those detailing the process of submitting manuscripts to publishers.

The conference focused on all age groups within children’s writing, from picture books to teen novels. Among presenters were Nancy Lohr, acquisitions editor of JourneyForth Publishing, and Cindy Kenney, an award-winning author. Presenters from all areas of expertise were there, including those knowledgeable about writing, editing, publishing and even illustrating children’s books.

In addition to informing and connecting those in the writing industry, this conference focused on the obligation writers have as Christians. The purpose behind Write2Ignite, as put forth in its mission statement, is to write messages and create works that will ignite a fire for God in the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Write2Ignite reminds Christian writers that whether they are writing a Christian novel or secular curriculum, they should make the inclusion of biblical principles a priority. As several presenters emphasized, good writing is not stating what children should believe, but including subtle biblical truths that let them come to their own decisions.

Jean Hall and many others spoke to both faculty and students during the conference about numerous issues concerning authors and illustrators.

The presenters in the conference assisted writers of various levels of experience with setting goals for themselves. Presenters and the Write2Ignite team also encouraged writers to put down on paper what they feel God has given them to write. The main focus, Write2Ignite asserts, should not be on writing a bestseller. Rather, Christian writers should be concerned about following God’s will and allowing Him to use their words to touch lives.

The conference’s theme verse was Psalm 78:7-8: “That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.”

Write2Ignite provided many aspiring, struggling authors, as well as those who have been successful, with helpful information and biblical encouragement.

“I thought that this conference was very helpful because it gave a lot of information from professional writers about the writing process itself and getting published. It was helpful and practical,” said Megan Morrow, sophomore studio art, about her Write2Ignite experience.

American hardcore band Attack Attack! was formed in 2005. Attack Attack! started out as a six-piece band made up of Austin Carlile, Johnny Franck, Andrew Whiting, Caleb Shomo, John Halgado and Andrew Wetzel. Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, the members of Attack Attack! brought a unique sound with them, mixing the generic hardcore sound with techno-like melodies and using auto tune for their lead singer’s voice.

Their somewhat original sound took the popular music scene by storm, gathering large crowds of fans quickly. Was this just because of the way their music sounded, or because they performed well on a live stage? In a way, both. But there was something else that brought them hundreds of fans—their explicitly Christian lyrics. These were lyrics that only a true follower of Christ would have been able to write.

One example is their song “Catfish Soup,” that features lyrics saying “Hallelujah/I’ve been saved by grace/Hallelujah/Saved by grace/And this is why/I’ve been saved by His grace.” Attack Attack! was by no means the first band to have explicitly Christian lyrics in their music, but for a band in this type of genre, lyrics like these are few and far between. Showing what kind of people and what kind of a band they were with these lyrics gained Attack Attack! many Christian fans who found that they could identify with the band while also enjoying their music.

However, in 2008, things began to change, causing many fans to turn against the band. To start, Attack Attack! kicked out their screamer Austin Carlile. Some say they booted him because he was being too forceful with his Christianity, and some say it was because he was not living like a Christian. Either way, his exit was a bad blow for the band.

Carlile’s vocals had become a well-known part of Attack Attack! He had also written the lyrics for their debut album Someday Came Suddenly. After they lost Carlile, the band recruited Nick Barham to be their screamer. But Barham was a negative influence and only helped to bring the band down further. By this time, the band was starting to show its true colors, and they were not those of true Christians. They began cursing on and off stage and generally living like the world, something totally contrary to how they had presented themselves in the lyrics of their first album.

Around the time Barham got on board, Attack Attack! recorded two music videos for their song “Stick Stickly” that were met with more criticism than praise.

In late 2009, Barham left the band. Since then, the members of Attack Attack! have made only bad decisions. Caleb Shomo, the keyboard player, replaced Barham. Shomo’s vocals were completely different than those of Carlile and Barham. This change only led to more criticism from fans. To top it all off, the band recently recorded their new single, “Sexual Man Chocolate.” The problem with that song seems to be self-explanatory.

Sadly, with all that has happened to Attack Attack! in the past two or three years, it almost feels as if I were writing an obituary for them. My only suggestion for the band is that they take a few steps back, read their old Christian lyrics and have a complete turnaround.

The Young Victoria may have historicity backing its plotline, but at heart it is truly a romance. However this film is no romance in the Harlequin paperback sense of the word. It is instead a quality love story that shows a relationship between a man and a woman at its purest and finest.

The woman, Victoria (played by Emily Blunt), is on the brink of becoming England’s queen. She is young, but strong of will and character.

This strength keeps her from being only a pretty pawn in the chess match that the game of kingdoms and royalty is compared to. It is a game where the stakes are unimaginably high and where Victoria happens to be the most important piece.

The people controlling her include her mother, her private secretary and even her lady-in-waiting. They oversee every aspect of her life, and Victoria justifiably compares it to being in prison.

The concept of prison is brought up again when Victoria meets Prince Albert of Germany (played by Rupert Friend).  His uncle is determined that Albert marry Victoria.

At first, Victoria and Albert shy away from the idea,because they seem to have been chosen for each other without their consent.

“You don’t think I’ve come this far to walk straight into another jail?” protests Victoria.

Albert and victoria begin corresponding through letters and soon become each other’s confidantes.

The story told by The Young Victoria carries themes about women’s strength and equality as well as the importance of the common person.

It is also a period film, built on fact and featuring lavish Victorian costumes that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design. But the heart of this film is not found in its political or historical touches.

Victoria is at its core the most exquisite of love stories, and perhaps the nicest thing about this fairytale is that it actually happened. The dialogue between Albert and Victoria manages to be heady and believable at once.

“You are my whole existence,” he tells her.

He also shows his love for her through action, throwing himself into the path of a would-be assassin’s bullet to save her. The love scenes are delicately done, sensual in their very subtlety.

Blunt plays Victoria with charm and grace, while Friend brings a quiet strength to Albert. The chemistry between the two is the most powerful component of the film.

The Young Victoria is the story of a new queen and her conflicted rise to power. It tells the value of a woman’s strength and shows the weight that comes with having authority.

At the end of the film, however, the most memorable part is the honest love shown by Albert and Victoria for each other. It is rated PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence and brief language and smoking.

“Have you heard the one about the priest, the minister, and the rabbi?” Religion has become a joke in today’s society. Christianity in particular has been under fire by many both inside and outside the faith.

According to the American Religious Identification Survey conducted in 2008, 76 percent of Americans claim they are Christians. But if so many Christians live in the U.S, why did our own president state that America is no longer a Christian nation?

It is because Christians have lost sight of Jesus, the focus of Christianity. Today’s sermons are filled with do’s, don’ts, prosperity and acceptance, but Jesus is rarely mentioned, if He is mentioned at all.

“In some communities, adherence to political ideology is so great, that if a homeless and hungry immigrant happened by, he would be unwelcome, as would Jesus,” said Ron Amundson, a scientist from Minnesota.

While Amundson’s statement sounds harsh, it is true. I do not think that Christians would even notice Jesus if he were to walk into a church and sit in the pew. Christians are so busy planning the next church event that the faces of the lost fade into the background.

“My pastor once said, ‘We’re not as bad as we could be, but we are all as bad off as we possibly could be.’  In other words we are all in desperate need of a Savior,” said Dr. John Strange, science professor at North Greenville University.

I am a Christian and a member of a church in Spartanburg. I have heard people complain about the choice of songs, the length of the sermon and having to participate in Bible studies.

Being a Christian is not about perfect attendance. It is also not an insurance policy to use in times of trouble. Christianity is a lifestyle. It is a daily choice to give up self and focus on others.

Albert Einstein, the 1921 Nobel Prize winner for physics, said, “I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene . . . No one can read the gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.”

Einstein, by his own admission, did not believe in a personal God and did not consider himself a religious person. He believed that Christianity was a myth, but was enthralled by Jesus. Why?

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He befriended those who were outcasts in society and lived a life that was different than those around him. If Christians are going to proclaim Jesus as Messiah, then it is necessary to make an effort to reach out to the community and really come to understand Jesus and his mission, which is to love everyone and to preach the gospel to all nations.

1 John 3:18-19 says, “Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.”

If Christians were to put more of an emphasis on loving their neighbors, I believe that more people would be more involved in churches and those outside the faith would have a more positive view of Christianity.

NGU has several ways to get involved in the community and share your faith with others. L.I.G.H.T. teams reach out to those with special needs or people who are living on the streets of downtown Greenville. NGU students also participate in several mission trips throughout the year and travel all over the world.

Go spend time with the homeless, the hurting and the broken. Go spread the love of Jesus.

Praying, tithing and singing are limited ways to worship the God who created us. Some people go to church to get something out of worship instead of giving back. Restricting worship to one certain way is harmful to a relationship with God.

Where in the Bible does it specifically say there is only one way to worship? The answer is nowhere.

To know how to worship, we first need to know what worship is. Worship is a reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.

As Christians, we are commanded to worship God only. Exodus 20:5 says, “You must not bow down or worship them . . .” This verse commands us first not to make any idols and second not to worship them.

How does the Bible command us to worship, though? God commands us to worship Him, but how are we to worship Him?

Christians can worship in any way that pleases and gives God the glory. Some may believe that worshipping is standing while singing or singing only hymns.

I disagree with the statement that worship is any one specific thing we do in church or a church setting.

As Katie Mitchell, freshman Christian studies, said, worship is a lifestyle.

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.”

Last summer, my youth pastor talked about the acts of worship. He set up multiple “worship stations” and told us to walk around the room to the different stations. The stations included drawing, writing, singing, sitting, standing, or bowing. The worship stations showed us different ways we could praise God.

This exercise really opened me up to finding a new way to worship a never-changing God.

In worship, we are to give Him our time, money, voice, attention and anything else that says, “This is for you, God and it is not for me or anyone else.”

For young students focusing on how others will observe their worship becomes a problem. People do not want to be rejected for raising their hands or bowing down.

1 Samuel 16: 7 says, “Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

One’s worshipful act should not be judged by others.  A Christian should not discriminate against how another Christian worships; instead, Christians should focus on their own hearts of worship.

Whether someone is doing an interpretative dance, singing, tithing, bowing, sitting or standing, we cannot look at that person and say that is wrong.

As long as one is worshipping with a pure heart and giving honor to God, who are we to say that it is wrong?

Staff Writer

Running into people who have almost three full-time jobs is rare. Most people are content with one. However, there are those few that never settle for the minimum but tackle many challenges at once.

One of those people is a magnificent cello player, Brenda Leonard. She is currently working at three different colleges, finishing up her doctorate and trying to save time for her husband, Alan, and her son, Tim.

Leonard and her family live in Boiling Springs, S.C., where her husband is a priest at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Leonard teaches a high school Sunday school at the church as well.

Teaching at the church and taking care of the family is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Leonard is also an adjunct cello faculty member at North Greenville University, Clemson University and Anderson University. Leonard got her jobs at Clemson and Anderson in the fall of 2008 and her job at North Greenville in January of 2009. She has seven private cello students at North Greenville, five at Clemson and two at Anderson. Besides private lessons, Leonard also leads string ensembles and quartets and teaches music theory and fundamentals of music at North Greenville.

Besides the college jobs, she also occasionally plays for the Greenville Symphony, Spartanburg Philharmonic, Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) and the Asheville Symphony.

But the story does not end there. On top of family, teaching and orchestra, Leonard is also in the process of completing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of South Carolina. She began this long and challenging process in the fall of 2004, when her husband (formerly a chaplain) was in Iraq. During the first year and a half of her doctoral work, she was separated from her husband due to his military duties. The course work, all five solo recitals, oral exams and the 30 class credits she had to take are finished. All that Leonard has left to complete her doctorate is to write a 100 page half dissertation on the cello composer Max Rager.

She has no definite plans for when she finishes her doctorate yet. Although one of the main reasons she decided to get her doctorate in the first place is so that she can work at a college level, she said that she is in no rush to apply for a permanent job at a university. She has her family to think about for one thing, and she wants to keep her job options open for the time being. However, there is a large possibility that she will try to stay at North Greenville University, not only because its music program is expanding, but also because she loves the university.

Staff Writer

Last weekend the public joined North Greenville University’s theatre department during their production of Pilgrim’s Progress.

The production was showed on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Chapel.

“I think this show was a risk,” Karla Neves, senior theatre, commented. “It was not what our theatre department normally does.  Even though it is ‘Christian’ material, there are a lot of elements to this show that are challenging in its nature.  My hope is that every person looking at this show was able to look at themselves in their walk with Christ.  I am proud of everyone involved and their accomplishment.”

Pilgrim’s Progress was written by John Bunyan and adapted by Tom Key.

Pilgrim’s Progress catalogs the journey of Christian, a man who is seeking his salvation on a pilgrimage to heaven. Bunyan wrote the allegory while imprisoned in 1675. Told as a dream, this 17th century religious drama comes alive in a contemporary adaption by Key, the acclaimed author of Cotton Patch Gospel.

In this story, there are many various parts to be played.  In the production put on by North Greenville, the characters are played by Addi Musen, freshman theatre; Nathan Baker, junior theatre; Jessica Berryhill, freshman psychology; Jamie Costa, sophomore outdoor leadership; Will Daniel, freshman theatre; Lindsay Furrow, sophomore theatre; and Thomas Sieberhagen, freshman theatre.

David Schneider directed this production. Schneider holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in drama from Bob Jones University.

An associate with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, his directing work includes Gianni Schicchi for the Marjorie Lawrence Opera Theater, A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the SIUC Department of Theater and his own original work, The Free and the Brave, at Bob Jones University.

He is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and Christians in Theatre Arts and has participated in workshops with Joe Calarco, Nathan Allen and John Dillon. Schneider taught a Stanislavkian acting system, voice for the actor and Laban movement analysis, and an introductory theatre class at SIU from 2006 to 2009. He also served as interim drama director at the Tipton Christian Academy in Iowa in 2003.

He has been seen on stage as Jason in Medea, Rosencrantz in Hamlet, Philly Cullen in Playboy of the Western World and Arsene in The Swan. Other acting credits include Henry V, Pygmalion, The Winter’s Tale, new plays, and original one-person shows such as Ben-Hur and The Life of Paul presented at churches and schools in South Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Point guard Tim Franklin drives to the basket against a Carver defender in an overtime thriller on Feb. 23. (Photo by Timur Kamilov)

After winning two consecutive games, the North Greenville men’s basketball team traveled to Anderson University on Feb. 22 in hopes of gaining revenge on the Trojans, who downed the Crusaders 80-76 earlier this season.  North Greenville shot 53 percent from the field but only 43 percent from the free throw line leading to an 82-78 victory for Anderson.

Paul Harrison, sophomore sports management, recorded his fourth straight double-double, scoring 31 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Luke Lattimer, freshman sports management, and Zack Shields, freshman accounting, were the only other Crusaders to score in double figures, finishing with 12 and 10 points respectively.

The Crusaders returned home to Tigerville on Feb. 23 to close out the 2010 season against the Cougars of Carver Bible College. Thanks to a clutch performance by Shields, North Greenville defeated Carver 103-101 in overtime.

Shields, who scored a team-high 24 points, hit a game-tying three-pointer with seven seconds left to send the game into overtime. The Cougars and Crusaders traded baskets for much of the extra period but with four seconds left on the game clock, Shields was fouled and sent to the foul line. He once again came up big for the Crusaders, hitting both free throws and winning the game.

Other offensive performers included Harrison, who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Harrison now has more than 1,000 points in his young Crusader career. Lattimer finished the game with 20 points while Jonathan Bozymowski, sophomore undecided, scored 11 points in the contest.

“It was not very pretty but I was proud to see us grind out a win,” said head coach Chad Lister.

The Crusaders’ (15-11) next game will be in the NCCAA South Regional Tournament in West Palm Beach, Fla. on March 8-10.

The men’s and women’s tennis teams had no trouble defeating Greensboro College, but the Lady Crusaders fell to Erskine College in a hard-fought match.

The Lady Crusaders began the week on Feb. 26 by dropping a 9-0 match at home against Erskine College. The Flying Fleet easily handled the Crusaders sweeping the singles and doubles matches. Cassie Curtis, freshman secondary education, and Cherie Curtis, junior elementary education, came up short in their doubles match after a tough 8-9 battle.

The men’s and women’s teams then traveled to Greensboro College on Feb. 27 where they dominated the Pride with scores of 8-1 and 9-0.

The men, who are now 3-2, were led by Tomas Clack, junior business, who won both of his singles sets 6-0, 6-0, and Timur Kamilov, freshman print media, who won his singles sets 6-2 and 6-1.

The Lady Crusaders were also able to put up an impressive effort by shutting out the Pride and moving their overall record to 3-3 on the season.

Cassie Curtis, who won her singles sets 6-1, 6-1, and Katherine Shaw, sophomore psychology, who won her singles sets 6-1, 6-3, were the top performers for North Greenville.

Both teams played yesterday at Brevard College and will play against Tusculum College on March 5.

On Feb. 23, the Lady Crusaders softball team took its perfect record on the road to play in a double header against the Brevard Tornados in Brevard, N.C.  North Greenville would suffer its first loss of the season in game one, 4-2, but bounce back to split the series by winning game two, 5-3.

In game one, pitcher Kristyn Smith, junior biology, took the mound for the Lady Crusaders. Smith pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on six hits while striking out four batters. Laura Hopper, freshman intercultural studies, recorded the final out for North Greenville by striking out the side.

Allison Bailey, senior studio art, provided the offense for North Greenville in game one going 1-2 with two RBI. Kansas Wofford, freshman early childhood education, went 2-3 from the plate and scored a run in the first inning.

The Lady Crusaders turned the tables in game two as the offense heated up scoring five runs on 10 hits. On the mound for the Lady Crusaders was Taylor Roof, sophomore health and wellness, who pitched a complete game, giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out three Tornado batters.

Wofford led off game two with a single and later scored on a base hit by Karli Taylor, sophomore sports management. Wofford finished the game 3-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Taylor, Jessica Turner, senior mathematics, Shealy Broome, senior health and wellness, and Tia LaFreniere, senior outdoor leadership, each recorded an RBI in the game.

On Feb. 26 the Lady Crusaders hosted a double header against Milligan College. North Greenville was unable to get much offense as they dropped the first game 4-2 in extra innings but won the second game, 7-4.

Smith started on the mound in game one and pitched five innings, giving up two runs while striking out six. Kimberly Robertson, freshman biology, pitched four innings of relief and gave up the game-winning home run in the top of the ninth inning.

Offensively, the Lady Crusaders struggled in game one and only scoring two runs. Roof finished the game 1-4 with an RBI and LaFreniere also drove in a run.

In game two, North Greenville’s offense heated up, scoring four runs in the first inning and seven runs overall. Roof picked up her fifth win of the season by pitching a complete game and striking out six.

Hope Brewer, senior sports management, led the Lady Crusaders going 2-4 with two RBI in the game. Taylor and Roof each knocked in a pair of runs and catcher Rachel Holeman, freshman biology, got her first career RBI.

After playing the home series against Milligan, the Lady Crusaders traveled to Wingate, S.C., on Feb. 27 to take on the 15-1 Wingate Lady Bulldogs. North Greenville was stagnant on offense once again, losing both games in a double header 2-1 and 3-0.

Hopper would be on the mound for North Greenville in game one and pitch 7 2/3 innings, giving up only two runs while striking out 10 batters.

On offense for the Lady Crusaders, LaFreniere had the team’s lone RBI in the second inning.

Smith would pitch game two for North Greenville but come away with the loss as she gave up three runs in six innings with only two strikeouts.

The Lady Crusaders (8-4) will receive a much needed-break as the team’s next game will not come until March 3 in a double header against Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C. The first game will begin at 2 p.m.

1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Suh and fellow lineman Gerald McCoy could be virtually interchangeable at this spot. In a day and age where much of the NFL is dominated by offense, it is critical to have a talented defense. Suh has size and speed that are rare among men his size (6’4”, 303 lbs).

2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

No matter who is taken first, the Lions are sure to feel fortunate to have either McCoy or Suh in this spot. McCoy is more of a pass rushing lineman and in a league dominated by passing attacks, anything that can help a defense stop the passing game is a plus.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

As stated in my first mock draft, there is no better prospect at the safety postion than Eric Berry. He is a hard-hitting defensive back with a nose for the ball and above-average speed. The Buccaneers need to return to the defense that won them a Super Bowl title in 2002 and Berry is a step in the right direction.

4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

While new head coach Mike Shanahan continues to evaluate his current quarterback Jason Campbell, this pick is very likely to change. But for now, Bradford is still the Redskins’ top choice. Based solely on potential, if Bradford recovers from shoulder surgery, as many think he will, he could be the top quarterback to come out of the 2010 draft.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

The Chiefs need to protect quarterback Matt Cassell and will make this their top off-season priority. By giving Cassell time to throw the ball to his young wide receivers, the Chiefs’ offense will improve immediately. Okung is the top rated tackle in this year’s draft and Kansas City would love to have his ability to anchor their line.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Byan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The second most-pro-ready offensive tackle, Bulaga’s stock has been on the rise of late. With two picks in the first round, Seattle can afford to secure an offensive lineman and worry about a quarterback or running back with their second pick. This would give new head coach Pete Carroll plenty of things to think about going into the later parts of round one.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

The Browns could go a number of directions with this pick but choosing the best corner in the draft would be the best thing to do. Landing the draft’s most complete defensive back should be above drafting for potential. Cleveland has a history of pretty decent draft picks and choosing Haden should continue that trend.

8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

We never know whom the Raiders will choose in the first round until after the 40-yard dash times from the NFL Combine are posted. However, until then we must go with the best fit, which is Anthony Davis. Davis will be ready to start from day one at left tackle and if JaMarcus Russell is going to be the quarterback, Oakland has to find a way to protect his blindside.

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Bills could go choose from many different positions here, but this team needs a quarterback. Buffalo’s offense was terrible in 2009 and without a quarterback, 2010 will not be much different. Clausen is a born leader with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy. The Bills need a franchise quarterback and picking Clausen is a great place to start.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Earl Thomas is known as a play-making safety and that is just what the Jaguars need. Thomas can cover, seems to always know where the ball is going to be and can come up to the line and deliver help against the run. A strong showing at the combine will help his stock continue to rise.

North Greenville first baseman Tyler Callicutt stands in to face an Anderson Trojans pitcher on Feb. 24 at Ashemore Field in Tigerville. The Crusaders now have a 10-2 record on the season. (Photo by Kari Weaver)

The North Greenville baseball team took down Anderson University and Erskine College this past week. The Crusaders have now won their last seven games.

“It has been a big week for us,” said head coach Travis Henson. “Anderson and Erskine are two teams that are very strong in Division II baseball, so we had a chance to find out how we can do against some good baseball teams.”

The Crusaders started off their week strong by posting an 8-4 victory over Anderson University on Feb. 24, completing their three-game series with the Trojans.

Brian Westbrook, freshman secondary education, got the start on the mound for the Crusaders, but was unable to cool off the hot bats of the Trojans as he gave up three quick homeruns in the contest. The Crusaders bounced back offensively, however, being led by Markus Duckworth, sophomore social studies education, who went 3-4 with two RBI, and Adam Taylor, freshman business administration, who was 2-5 with two RBI.

“Our offensive versatility was a big key for us,” said Henson. “We were able to score in different ways. We had some clutch hits, but we also ran the bases very effectively.”

The Crusaders then traveled to Erskine College on Feb. 25, where they swept a double header with the 25th ranked Flying Fleet by scores of 19-2 and 6-1.

On the mound in game one for North Greenville was ace Drew Provence, sophomore marketing, who pitched a complete game, with five strike outs, two walks, and allowing only two earned runs. Offensively, the Crusaders were led by David Frazier, sophomore sports management, who went 4-5 with three RBIs, Randy Stegall, senior business, who went 3-6 with two RBI, and Taylor, who went 3-4 with three RBI.

“When your team is winning and everyone is playing good, it gives you confidence,” said Frazier. “It takes pressure off of individual people so that we can play the game like we know how to.”

Game two in the double header did not provide the same amount of offense, but resulted in another win for the Crusaders. Michael Benjamin, junior business administration, got the start on the mound, as he pitched a complete game, striking out two batters and only giving up one earned run.

The 10-2 Crusaders are off to a very strong start, and coach Henson believes the team is on the road to success.

“We’re 10-2 and people are starting to ask ‘what do we have to do to get ranked’,” Henson said. “Now we have a lot of people’s attention, but the question is what are we going to do now that they are looking.”

Provence, who is now 4-0 as a starting pitcher, said that although North Greenville has had some success, there is still a long road in front of them.

“We had a huge week beating some of the top teams in the state of South Carolina,” said Provence. “But we have only completed 20 percent of our schedule and we have to be able to perform under the spotlight now.”

As Spring break is approaching quickly, so are many North Greenville mission trips. Allen McWhite, director of global missions, named at least five North Greenville mission trips to Romania, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico and Washington, DC. North Greenville is active in creating opportunities for students to minister to the world by sharing the gospel of Christ and His love.

Mark Smith, sophomore secondary education biology and  NGU football player, is traveling with other teammates to Mexico.

“It’s a good opportunity to go with other teammates because we’re working with a football team down in Mexico. We get to teach them about American football but it also opens doors to share the gospel and make relationships,” said Smith. “Even though we’re only there for a week, it can be good to make relationships we [can] invest in later.”

Vicki Plows, junior psychology, is traveling to Honduras and has a similar view about creating relationships. Her passion, instead of football, is youth.

“God has given me a passion for teenagers. I feel like going [to Honduras] and having love for them and [building] relationships with them, I think that’s where the ministry is going to stem from, building relationships with specific kids,” said Plows. “The focus is relationships.”

“The trips are really not so much an end in themselves as they are a means to a greater end,” said McWhite. “Our prayer is that when students are here at North Greenville they would really develop a heart for the nations.”

As students discover and develop a heart for the nations, their passions can be developed and used wherever they are.

McWhite said, “I really would like to see students, regardless of their academic major, consider taking at least an introductory [course] to give them exposure to what God’s doing around the world, because we need people in all kinds of academic disciplines on the mission field.”

For more information on how to participate in mission trips sponsored by the campus, please contact Allen McWhite at Allen.McWhite@ngu.edu or reach him through his office phone at 864-977-7076.

Brandon Blizzard, senior history, works in the school bookstore making Icee drinks for students. (Photo by Elizabeth Wood)

Nick Mang, sophomore health and wellness, takes some time to relax with friends and ice cream at Spill The Beans in downtown Greenville. (Photo by Kellan Mayfield)

The North Greenville Baseball team departs as they complete a 3 game sweep over Southern Wesleyan University. The Crusaders had their best start in over ten years and currently posts a record of 10-2. (Photo by Jairo Mateo)

Josh Tipton, sophomore christian studies, enjoys a short study break in his dorm while playing some video games. (Photo by Timothy Sarazen)

Kyle Jones, dual-enrollment student, and Cameron Marler, junior business administration, endure the windy days at NGU walking across campus. (Photo by Sarah Bell)

TobyMac delivers again with his fourth original studio album, Tonight, which hit stores Feb. 9. The CD features 17 tracks. Each has a unique flare that provides originality and charisma.

“Tonight,” “Get Back Up” and “Funky Jesus Music” are upbeat and demonstrate TobyMac’s ability to create different beats that continue to surprise listeners.

“City on Our Knees,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart in October 2009, is the highlight of the CD. TobyMac’s singing is a refreshing yet sharp contrast to the rapping that listeners are used to from him.

“Hold On” and “Wonderin’” bring a mellow feel to the record and “Break Open the Sky” is a fascinating fusion of reggae and gospel.

TobyMac’s passion is evident in every song on this CD.

“The recording process means a lot to me, and I don’t approach what I do haphazardly,” he said on his website, www.tobymac.com.

“I have a lot of passion when it comes to my records. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but there’s this range of emotions that come with making a record. Music is something that can actually open people’s minds to who God is. Music will never change the world, but God can choose to use music, and that’s what I count on.”

Tonight has already sold 78,000 units and has reached number six on Billboard’s 200 top selling albums across all genres.

“I want my songs to be said in a way that anyone can relate to them. I want them to move people’s lives forward, toward God, and if I’m accomplishing that, whether or not anyone loves this record, as long as I feel like that is what I’m doing, then I feel like my job is done,” he said.

Tonight is a great album filled with many surprises that leave the listener eager for more. TobyMac’s ability to include many genres and sounds into his songs makes him one of the best in the Christian music industry. His new CD is a declaration of his God-given talent.

Justin Robinson sits in the foxhole as he takes part in his own production. To ensure better quality, Robinson produced his production while also starring in it. (Jenny Farnham/ The Skyliner)

“Lights, Camera, Honor God!” was the motto for 19-year-old freshman broadcast media Justin Robinson’s film production, Foxhole, that premiered Feb. 6, 2010. Many students from North Greenville University participated in the making of the film and attended the premiere.

Foxhole is about an atheist soldier in battle during World War II who meets a Christian soldier within a platoon.

Robinson’s movie is based on the Bible verse John 15:13. It states, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Foxhole won the hearts of viewers.

“Justin Robinson has done a phenomenal job creating a realistic war scene while incorporating some very realistic struggles of the heart,” said Amanda Friederich,  sophomore psychology, who attended the premiere.

“The one part that impacted me was at the very end when Justin’s character realizes that while the corporal saved his body, Christ saved his soul,” Nathan Baker, junior theatre arts and an extra in the film, said.

Christopher Bailes, junior biology, who portrayed a soldier in the film, responded with the same answer as Baker.

“It was the defining moment of the movie, in my opinion. Realizing what the love of Christ means was a powerful moment,” Bailes said.

Robinson and his brother Jordan have been creating films since 2004 with their self-named logo, J ROB Productions.

“It was just for fun, but my passion for filmmaking began to brew inside of me,” said Robinson. “I realized that God was calling me to the arena of filmmaking and that I wanted to be used by Him.”

It is no secret who Robinson considers as his inspiration for his films.

“The purpose is not self glory for any of us. God created the world. Just because I make a movie doesn’t make me important,” he said.

To find out more about J ROB productions, visit www.j-robproductions.com.

Coach John Wingfield talks with the media during a USA Diving Team press conference ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics at the Main Press Center on August, 3 2008 in Beijing, China. (Getty Images)

In the midst of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the North Greenville University Sport Management Society had the unique opportunity to hear from an Olympic coach. On Feb. 15 in Hayes Ministry Center, John Wingfield, head coach of the 2008 U.S. Olympic diving team and current director and head coach of the USA Diving National Training Center, spoke to 140 North Greenville University sport management majors and guests, including Jimmy Epting, president of NGU.

Before becoming a part of USA Diving, Wingfield spent 10 years coaching at Ball State University. He coached three divers, David Boudia, Thomas Finchum and Mary Beth Dunnichay, who competed in Beijing on the 2008 Olympic diving team. Wingfield has coached these three divers through most of their careers.

Wingfield visited campus on Monday with his wife Tania and daughter Sierra. The Wingfields were guests of Ralph Johnson, Dean of the College of Business and Sport Professions, and his wife, Peggy. Wingfield was recruited as a diver when he and Johnson were at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Johnson contacted Wingfield last fall and asked him to come speak.

As he spoke about his role as the USA’s Olympic diving coach, Wingfield talked about how he prepares his athletes for competition. Training begins very early for divers with Olympic aspirations. He mentioned how having a routine is critical for the mentally challenging sport of diving. Wingfield shared several stories about the Olympic divers he worked with and his time in Beijing.

Wingfield challenged those in attendance to remember when they first found their dream and to do what is necessary to achieve that dream.

Aside from speaking Monday night to the Sport Management Society, Wingfield also spoke to several sport management classes during the week. He spoke on the history of the Olympic movement and how Olympic coaches approach leadership.

“It was an incredible honor meeting such an organized and godly man who is passionate about the sport of diving.  NGU was privileged to have him here,” Fred Battenfield, sport management professor, said about Wingfield’s visit.

New softball head coach Sarah Hall began her tenure at North Greenville on the right foot as the Lady Crusaders swept Southern Wesleyan University in a double header on Feb. 17 in Central, S.C.

In the first of two games, ace Kristyn Smith, junior biology, pitched six innings, giving up only two hits and striking out an astonishing 17 batters while leading North Greenville to a 10-3 season opening victory.

“I am very excited about the way we came out and started this season,” Hall said. “I think our pitching was outstanding and I am very pleased with our intesnsity on offense.”

The Lady Crusaders’ bats were hot from the start, led by Allison Bailey, senior  studio art, who finished the game 2-2 with two home runs and two runs batted in. Other offensive contributors in game one were Karli Taylor, sophomore sport management, who finished the game with two doubles and Marielena Santos, freshman business, who opened up her college career with two RBI.

After blowing out the Lady Warriors in game one, Hall turned to pitcher Taylor Roof, sophomore health and wellness, to finish the sweep. Roof pitched a complete game, finishing with eight strikeouts, leading North Greenville to a 10-2 win over Southern Wesleyan.

North Greenville continued to do damage on the offensive side of the ball as they racked up 13 hits in game two. Santos led the Lady Crusaders with two hits and two RBI. Taylor and left fielder Jessica Turner, senior mathematics, each finished the game with two RBI and Shealy Broome, senior health and wellness, knocked in a run of her own.

After opening the season with two straight wins, the Lady Crusaders returned to Tigerville with hopes of extending their winning streak against the Lady Bobcats of Lees-McRae College in a double header on Feb. 18. North Greenville continued their hot streak taking both games in the series 4-1 and 9-0 in front of their home crowd.

Roof started game one for the Lady Crusaders and pitched a complete game registering five strikeouts and allowing only two hits and one earned run, which came off of a solo homerun in the seventh inning. At the plate, Roof helped her own cause by going 3-3 and scoring a run. Broome finished the game 2-3 with an RBI while Santos, Kansas Wofford, freshman early childhood education, and Courtney Campbell, freshman biology, each accounted for an RBI.

Coach Hall put Smith on the mound in game two and she got all the run support she needed from the offense. North Greenville scored nine runs in five innings, forcing the game to be called due to the mercy rule. Smith fnished the game, pitching all five innings, striking out seven batters and allowing four hits.

Roof played first base in game two and provided power at the plate, hitting a three-run homerun in the fifth inning. Hope Brewer, senior sport management, went 3-3 from the plate and plated a run and Bailey was also 3-3 with two RBI in the game.

After winning four straight games, the Lady Crusaders traveled to Gaffney, S.C., on Feb. 20 to play in an early season tournament hosted by Limestone College.

In the first game of the day, North Greenville was matched up against West Virginia Wesleyan. Smith once again pitched a complete game, giving up only four hits and striking out seven as North Greenville defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 4-1.

In the game, Wofford went 2-3 with one RBI and Brewer hit a triple and collected an RBI. Roof was again hot from the plate finishing with three hits and one RBI,

Roof took the mound in the second game as the Lady Crusaders took on the Lady Battlers of Alderson-Broaddus College. Roof pitched a one-hit shutout as North Greenville came away with a 6-0 victory.

Sarah Griffith, sophomore mathematics, led the Lady Crusader offense finishing with a double and two RBI and Brewer was 1-3 with an RBI and one run scored. Brewer also stole a base in the game.

The Lady Crusaders (6-0) played last night against Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. and will take on Milligan College on Feb. 26 in a double-header in Elizabethton, Tenn.

On Feb. 16, the Crusaders traveled to Charleston, S.C., to take on Division I-AA opponent Charleston Southern. North Greenville shot 45 percent from three-point range but had an abundance of turnovers leading to a 94-65 trouncing by the Buccaneers.

Paul Harrison, sophomore sport management, and Jimmy Ellis, freshman undecided, each finished the game with 11 points to lead the Crusader offense.

The Crusaders ended their road trip when they took on Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C., on Feb. 18. North Greenville shot well once again but dropped a heartbreaker 80-76.

Luke Lattimer, freshman sport management, continued his strong play as he finished the game with 16 points. Ellis scored a career-high 15 points in the game going a perfect five for five from beyond the arc while Zack Shields hit four three-pointers and had 14 points.

North Greenville returned home on Feb. 19 to take on Hiwassee College. The Crusaders set a team record for points and broke their four-game losing streak with a 118-105 victory.

Harrison asserted himself in the paint, leading to a 40-point, 14-rebound, double-double performance. Jamaal Pryor, freshman sport management, gave North Greenville a spark off the bench, finishing the game with 16 points.

The Crusaders defeated Morris College on Feb. 20 in Hayes Gymnasium for the team’s second win in as many days. North Greenville shot an even 50 percent from the field for the 79-67 win.

Harrison recorded his second straight double-double finishing with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Lattimer was the only other Crusader to finish in double figures as he scored 17 points in the game.

The Crusaders played Monday against Anderson University and last night against Carver College. North Greenville’s next game will come in the NCCAA South Regional Tournament on March 8-10 in Palm Beach, Fla.

On Feb. 15, the North Greenville women’s basketball team took home the NCCAA South Regional Championship after defeating Southern Wesleyan University and Emmanuel College.

“It feels awesome,” said Karly Stache, sophomore mathematics. “Starting out 4-10, it was hard to think we could get over 10 wins, nonetheless go to nationals.”

The Lady Crusaders opened the tournament in dramatic fashion, pulling out a nail biting 82-80 win over Southern Wesleyan University. Stache led the Crusaders in scoring with 20 points on the night. Other top performers for North Greenville included Whitney Smith, senior accounting, who had 11 points and Christina Carlis, sophomore undecided, who had 16 points in the contest.

With a win against SWU, North Greenville advanced to the championship game where they snagged a 64-54 win over Emmanuel College. The Crusaders had four players score in double figures, which lead to a South Regional Championship. Top performers included Stache, who had 17 points, Nikki Wood, senior psychology, who scored 14, Carlis, who had 11 points and Smith with 10 points on the night.

“The regional championship was wonderful,” said head coach Jayne Arledge. “We played two really good games back to back, and we are super excited to play in the national tournament and represent North Greenville.”

After a forfeit by Hiwassee College, North Greenville finished off the regular season with a tough loss on senior day to Morris College on Feb. 20. The Lady Crusaders blew a 15-point halftime lead as Morris College rallied to defeat North Greenville 84-80. Top scorers for North Greenville included Smith, who had 24 points, Krisceda Cotton, freshman sport management, who had 17, and Stache who scored 18. The seniors were honored at halftime of the game and Arledge had nothing but good things to say about her players.

“Nikki [Wood] has been a great point guard for us. Whitney [Smith] has become a great scorer,” said Arledge. “Jacquetta [Golden] has been a defensive stopper her whole career and Bridgett [Smith] was able to come from a soccer program and add life to our team.”

Winning the regional championship gives North Greenville a chance to compete in the national tournament on March 11-13.

Evolving in the music industry is a hard task. Tuesday’s Child appears to be taking small steps at a fast rate to become a bigger pop-punk band.
Two North Greenville University students, Kyle Phillips, sophomore broadcasting, and Brad Loftis, freshman undecided, combine with Mike Simmons and Matt Fleming to form Tuesday’s Child.
Phillips and Loftis started the band with Jacob Johnson, an alumnus of NGU, almost three years ago.

“We had been playing music together for a long time so we decided to give a run at being a band,” said Phillips.
The original name of the band was Acacia, but many bands already owned that name. They decided to come up with their own and became Tuesday’s Child.
The name “Tuesday’s Child” came about one day when the four guys were talking about their birthdays. It just happened that all their birthdays fell on a Tuesday, hence the name Tuesday’s Child.
The members of Tuesday’s Child are all dedicated and passionate about music. Fleming is the lead vocalist and also plays the guitar. The whole band collaborates on music, but Fleming writes most of the songs, including the song, “Shakespeare” for their first CD.

“I was on the way to practice and it just came to me,” Fleming said.

Loftis plays the drums while Phillips leads on guitar and Simmons strums on bass.
Simmons is the newest edition to the band. He commented that it was hard to be the new band member, because his old band had left him in a bad place.
“But these guys are so good to me and understand me. They’re a good Christian influence especially,” said Simmons.

From Friday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 21, Tuesday’s Child recorded their first album at Virtuo Sound Studios in Canton, Ga.
The album, which is still unnamed, holds seven songs.

Phillips said before the recording, “I am very excited about our new song, Don’t Stop. It has great potential and I can’t wait to hear it produced.”

After day one in Canton, Loftis said, “I really liked recording in the studio, but I was glad when the first day was over. It was tough.”

Tuesday’s Child is planning a CD release party at The Channel very soon. Their next show will be at The Channel on Wednesday, Mar. 10 at 7 p.m. They will be playing the show with Children 18:3. Cost at door is $10.
For more information about Tuesday’s Child, check out their MySpace and Facebook or learn more at http://www.purevolume.com/tuesdayschild.

Though he is new to North Greenville University this year, Greg Mosely is definitely not new to coaching volleyball.

While playing football at Liberty University, Mosely met his future wife, a volleyball player. From his wife, he gained a love for the sport of volleyball which continued to grow as their daughter grew up playing the sport as well. His desire to coach his daughter and to impact children through Christian education led to a long coaching career. Mosely has coached 15 years of high school volleyball and eight years of club volleyball.

More than just his love of volleyball, Mosely emphasizes his love of Christian education, particularly on the university level. Mosely has been attracted to NGU since his daughter attended from 2001 to 2005 and played volleyball for the school.

Mosely appreciates the success the volleyball program has experienced in the past and hopes to build on it in the future. He wants to include the mission of the school within the volleyball program, making Christ the focus. His overarching goal is to impact the players by using the sport of volleyball to help them gain lessons which can be applied to all of life.

Mosely describes his coaching philosophy with the following statement: “Volleyball is a microcosm of life.”

He sees volleyball, or any sport, as a reflection of life. Both sports and life have their own injustices, pressures and opportunities. Teamwork is important to exercise on and off the court, according to Mosely. He sees sports as a great way to prepare for facing life. He believes people should remember God can use every event that occurs in life to help individuals grow.

The Bible verse Mosely most looks to in relation to all aspects of life is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” He believes if he is going to do something, he has to do it with all his heart. This verse applies to everything from academics to relationships, according to Mosely.

Mosely came to know Christ at the age of 11 when his Sunday school teacher visited him one Saturday morning. His teacher’s reiteration of the gospel message touched Mosely’s heart, leading him to accept Christ as his personal savior. Mosely later learned his teacher had been getting ready to leave for Vietnam when he witnessed to Mosely. Mosely was touched and inspired that his teacher took the time to share Christ.

When Mosely is not coaching, he enjoys fishing, hunting and attending car shows. In his eyes, his biggest accomplishment has been being a good dad to his daughter.

The North Greenville men’s and women’s tennis teams opened the 2010 season by splitting their first four matches.

The men began the season on Feb. 8 by shutting down Coker College in a 9-0 win. The Crusaders then traveled to Lander University on Feb. 11, where they suffered a 9-0 loss. It was a tough afternoon for the Crusaders as Timur Kamilov, freshman print media, and Louis Campos, freshman business, had the lead in their doubles match before having to forfeit the match due to an injury suffered by Campos.

The Crusaders would not be able to rebound against King College on Feb. 16 as they were downed in a 4-6 loss. North Greenville then took on Roberts Wesleyan University on Feb. 17, where they were able to come up with a much-needed 6-3 win. Kamilov and Kesha Sedov, sophomore broadcast media, began the match by winning their doubles set and Kamilov continued his performance by winning his singles set and propelling the Crusaders to a win.

The Lady Crusaders opened their season by grinding out a win against Coker College on Feb. 8. Cherie Curtis, junior elementary education, and Katherine Shaw, sophomore psychology, were able to come up with key wins that led to a 6-3 victory. The Lady Crusaders then mirrored the men’s effort against Lander University on Feb. 11, dropping the match 9-0.

The Lady Crusaders bounced back against King College on Feb. 16, as they were able to come up with a closely contested 5-4 win. Shaw, Cassie Curtis, freshman secondary education, and Natalie Stewart, junior business administration, all came up with singles victories. North Greenville then came up on the short end of a hard fought match on Feb. 17, as they dropped a match against Roberts Wesleyan University 4-5. Stewart and Sarah Stanga, sophomore international business, were able to win their doubles match, but it wouldn’t be enough.

The men (2-2) and women (2-2) will both take the court again on Feb. 25, as they take on Carson Newman University.

The North Greenville baseball team is maintaining its strong start as it has now moved to 7-2 on the season.

“People don’t realize that this team is a legitimate NCCAA/ NCAA Division II college baseball program, and our goal is to make people aware of what we can do,” said outfielder Adam Taylor, freshman business administration.

North Greenville began the week by splitting a double-header with Anderson University on Feb. 16. The Crusaders produced some strong offense that propelled them to a 6-3 win in the first game. Randy Stegall, senior business, and Dayton Lupton, senior sport management, had the hot bats for the Crusaders, each going 3-3 on the day.

Anderson would be too much in the second game of the double-header, putting up 10 runs to down the crusaders 10-3. North Greenville gave up five quick runs in the second inning and they were unable to put runs on the board, which gave Anderson University a big lead.

“We played well and came up with a good win in the first game [against Anderson],” said Lupton. “They just capitalized on a few situations, which allowed them to pull out a win in the second game.”

The Crusaders bounced back quickly from their loss to Anderson, as they were able to sweep a three-game weekend series with Southern Wesleyan University.

North Greenville began the series on Feb. 19 with a dominating 16-7 win over the Warriors. Taylor had the hot bat for the Crusaders, hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning. Drew Provence, sophomore business administration, was on the mound for the Crusaders, as he moved his record to 2-0 as a starting pitcher.

The Crusaders continued their series with the Warriors by sweeping a double-header on Feb. 20. Neither contest was very close, as the Crusaders took the first game 16-4 and the second 14-9. Overall, North Greenville outscored Southern Wesleyan 46-20 in the series.

“Our team is very good this year,” said Lupton. “We have a lot of depth and we surely showed it this weekend.”

“We are really good right now but we could be so much better, and I expect that we will improve in every aspect of the game as the season continues. We just have to stay focused,” said Lupton.

The Crusaders will take the diamond again today at 2 p.m. in a rematch with Anderson University.

In the 2009-10 Major League Baseball offseason few teams did as much to improve their team as the Seattle Mariners.

In a market such a Seattle, where rain is more common than wins, the Mariners were able to lure top-tier free agents and land one of the best pitchers in the MLB. At times, Seattle has been among baseball’s elite. In 2001, the Mariners had a historic season winning 116 games, and tying the record  for the most wins in a single season. This franchise is not just now emerging. They are re-emerging.

The Mariners’ rebuilding began with the hiring of general manager Jack Zduriencik, who has a reputation around the majors as one of the game’s best evaluators of talent. With money to spend, he took advantage of his opportunity and began to make major changes.

One change made by the front office was to let go of third baseman Adrian Beltre. Beltre was signed to a huge contract in the summer of 2005 after he hit 48 home runs with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, in his five-year tenure in Seattle, Beltre failed to hit more than 26 home runs in any season. After a subpar 2009 where he hit a measley .265 with only eight home runs, the Mariners knew they had to let the under-performing Beltre go his own way.

The first major change made was to sign infielder Chone Figgins to a four-year contract. At 32 years old, most teams were only offering Figgins two-year deals. When the Mariners came calling with more money and job security, they were able to land one of the game’s best utility players. Figgins gives this team more speed at the top of the order and will provide protection for Ichiro Suzuki. Figgins’ veteran presence will mesh well with the young talent in the clubhouse and prove to be one the offseason’s most notable moves.

A lesser-known and somewhat questionable move made by the Mariners was a trade for troubled outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley, known for his locker room disruptions, was suspended by the Cubs for the final month of 2009 for “conduct detrimental to the team.” If he can keep quiet in the clubhouse, Bradley should prove to be a decent addition to the Seattle offense where he is projected to be the primary designated hitter.

After Seattle solidified their defense and offense, it was time to revamp the pitching staff to complete the makeover. Zduriencik pulled off the biggest trades of the offseason when he was able to join with Philadelphia and Toronto in a three-team deal, bringing right-hander Cliff Lee to the west coast.

Lee, the American League Cy Young award winner in 2008, was traded to Philadelphia midway through 2009 and helped lead the Phillies to a runner-up finish in the World Series. Lee, who finished 2009 with a 14-13 record, has amassed a career record of 90-52 to go along with a 3.97 ERA and 900 strikeouts. Lee will be paired with ace Felix Hernandez (19-5, 2.49 ERA, 217 Ks in 2009) to form one the most dominant one-two punches in the major leagues.

After taking a look at all the changes within the front office and on the field, it is easy to see that Seattle is a team that has turned the corner and is headed in the right direction. In an American League West Division normally dominated by the Anaheim Angels, the Mariners are now ready to be playoff contenders and make some noise around the league.

What happens once a week, represents a bird and feeds North Greenville students? Chicken day. Every Wednesday, students can have fried or baked chicken with sides of green beans, corn and mashed potatoes. Considering that NGU is in South Carolina and fried chicken is practically as necessary as water in this state, the fact that fried chicken is served every Wednesday may seem obvious.

There is, however, an origin to chicken day, and the culprit is our president, Jimmy Epting.

“As president, I have to travel a lot and have to be away from campus more than I want to be and I love fried chicken. I never could figure out when the dining hall was having fried chicken and I never could be here at the right time when they had fried chicken,” Epting said. “I started thinking and said, ‘You know, I am president, so maybe I could do one thing, first of all for all of us – especially for myself – and that’s to have a fried chicken day.’”

The origin of chicken day has been solved but a few other questions need to be answered: Why on Wednesday and why fried chicken?

Since Epting is the mastermind behind chicken day, he has all the answers.

“Wednesday at lunch is sort of the hump. At that time, you’re sort of finally over most of the week,” Epting said. “Let’s just reward ourselves with good old fried chicken. So we decided that the tradition would be said to have fried chicken every Wednesday.”

The reason why the food selection for Wednesday is fried chicken goes back to Epting’s family roots.

“Growing up, most Southerners, not all of us, but most Southerners like fried chicken. Nobody could cook fried chicken better than Grandma. Many Sundays, usually it was always on Sundays at lunch, we would have fried chicken.  So I grew up loving fried chicken and I still love fried chicken,” Epting said. “I want my students, my faculty and my staff to have one lunch a week that has fried chicken in it or baked chicken.”

Epting is aware of health concerns. Smiling, he said, “I know now that we have to be more health conscious and all that, but the best thing to do is just to take the skin off the meat or get baked chicken or grilled chicken.  One piece of fried chicken a week is not going to hurt you that much. Now you could eat about 10 and it might [hurt you] or something. So it is sorta like ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ So I think one piece of fried chicken a week keeps the doctor away.”

While working busily on a paper, Kaity Dixon, freshman accounting, pauses for a moment to relish one of life's simple pleasures: strawberry flavored italian ice, supplied by her roommate. (Photo by Ashley Marquiss)

Rachael Gallman, freshman early childhood education, and Troy Drinkard, senior interdisciplinary studies, play an acoustic set together at O-Cha Tea Bar over the weekend. Gallman and Drinkard are a dynamic duo similar in sound to the indie band She & Him. (Photo by Alyssa Raymer)

Patrick Turbyfill, sophomore business administration, and David Moon, freshman broadcast media, engage in a fierce competition in the game room of the Stud. (Photo by Aaron Locke)

Thousands came out to Greenville’s Bi-Lo Center for a great time of worship and fellowship at Winter Jam 2010 on Saturday, Feb. 13. More importantly, hundreds responded to the message brought by speaker Tony Nolan.

This year’s Winter Jam featured some of the old and new. Fan favorites such as NewSong and the Newsboys performed songs from their new albums as well as familiar worship songs such as “Arise, My Love,” “Something Beautiful” and “Jesus Freak.”

Revive, a new band from Australia that toured with Third Day, opened the show Saturday night.

Rob Pierre was another young face at this year’s concert. Hailing from Orlando, Fl., this 17 year old has already produced two albums. He performed songs from his latest album, Identity, at Saturday’s concert.

Fireflight got the crowd on its feet, performing songs from their recently-released album, For Those Who Wait, including the title track and “Desperate.”

One North Greenville University student got the unique opportunity to participate in Nolan’s message Saturday night. Jordan Ferrell, sophomore church music, was approached by Nolan and asked he if wanted to exchange $50 for 1 cent as part of Nolan’s sermon illustration. Nolan spoke about giving up our sins for the great things God has in store for us.

“I couldn’t refuse that offer . . . I also felt obliged to do it because I would be a part of the message that would touch lots of hearts and change lives, and I was very blessed to see the hundreds of decisions and commitments that were made at the end of his message. I feel God used me to be a part of that,” Ferrell said.

After the message and intermission, Tenth Avenue North performed their hit song “By Your Side” and other favorites.

Third Day closed out the concert with impressive performances of “Revelation” and “Cry Out to Jesus.” Dawn Michele, lead singer from Fireflight, joined Third Day’s Mac Powell onstage to sing “Born Again” for one of the night’s best moments.

Bradan Tench, junior sport management, brought 11 teens and college students from Truth Tabernacle Baptist Church in Starr, S.C., to Winter Jam.

“My overall impression of Winter Jam this year was awesome. This was my fourth year going to Winter Jam, but first year going as [a] youth pastor . . . [The youth] absolutely loved it,” Tench said.

Tench, along with about 200 fellow pastors and youth pastors, was able to go backstage to meet Nolan and several of the artists.

“When we got backstage, each band got up and said a few words, pretty much just thanking us for all that we do . . . As I was walking [back] in, Tony Nolan was at the door shaking each youth pastor’s hand,” Tench said.

The pastors also received free church resources, a copy of the Newsboys preview CD and a copy of Nolan’s message.

Each year the Winter Jam Tour offers a great value to Christian music lovers by bringing several great artists together for only $10. Winter Jam concerts are always great fun, and this year was no different.

Dr. Becky Thompson, English Professor at North Greenville University

“One of the greatest rewards is when God allows me to see that I have made a difference. You can’t measure that,” said Becky L. Thompson, English professor at North Greenville University. Since the second grade, Becky Thompson desired to be a teacher. Throughout her elementary and high school years, she saw how teachers made a difference in her life, and she wanted to do the same in the lives of others.

“It’s kind of like that pebble and the ripple effect. It’s extraordinary. It gives you that opportunity to reach out to students,” she said. Thompson enjoys the rewards of impacting her students’ lives.

Thompson started teaching at NGU in fall of 2002. Before NGU, she taught at Bob Jones University, Northland College in Wisconsin and Riverside High School. 2010 marks Thompson’s 18^th year of teaching. She said that she could not imagine doing anything else besides teaching, especially in a Christian environment. She clearly recalled how God ordained NGU for her.

“I promise you, when I finally pulled onto campus, it was that feeling that this is right.  When you meet people who believe it’s more than just a job, you just know it’s right,” she described.

Students enjoy her classes and teaching style because she is personal and entertaining. Thompson wants her students to know they are not just a number. They matter to her. Each semester, Thompson says she takes time to learn each and every one of her students’ names.

Farrah Gilbert, one of Thompson’s students at NGU, said, “She even remembers prayer requests that students tell her to pray for, and she asks about them later.” Gilbert added that Thompson “takes passion to the next level.”

She is known as a unique teacher because she uses visual aids like dolls, pictures and books from the actual author. Why does she utilize these unusual types of visual aids?

“As much as I can make it real and as much as I can make it mean something, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” said Thompson.

Another student,  Anthony Garzone, said, “[Thompson] instilled in me a newfound respect for literature through her passionate spirit.” He added that he still remembered a great deal from her class. According to NGU students, Thompson will continue to be admired because she cares about them so much. Thompson declared, “I really do care about my students. I consider my students as my friends and I want what’s best for them.”

Brian Hickey, the new Aramark food service director at North Greenville University’s Todd Dining Hall, started his new job in August of 2009 and has high hopes for the future.

Hickey has worked as a retail manager as well as with Einstein Bros Bagels on campus. He has been around for six years and says he enjoys working here.

Before working at NGU, Hickey worked as a caterer for Furman University.

Hickey’s biggest goal as food service director is customer satisfaction. To help achieve this goal, there is a bulletin board posted near tray drop-off where students can add suggestions and receive replies.

Through his position as director and through the many changes he has brought to the cafeteria, Hickey states, “The biggest change I see is the employee moral.”

Kala Hudson, freshman Christian studies, said, “I like chicken Wednesdays because baked chicken and mashed potatoes are two of my favorite foods.”

Paul James, senior broadcast media, said, “I like that they give us options. I think it really benefits the students to have several choices when they eat.”

Jackie Simmons, daytime cook for Todd Dining Hall, smiles and makes conversation with every student who comes to her station.

Many of the employees attribute great qualities to Hickey and at time speak highly of him. “Brian takes the time to get to know his employees,” said Simmons.

Hickey shows respect for his employees and those around him, and in return, they show him the same respect. A deep, professional connection between employer and employee can make a difference in the work being put forth.

Hickey said, “I love working with my staff.”

Hickey can be contacted by visiting campusdish.com, by calling 864-977-7100 or by emailing diningservices@ngu.edu.

Since their advent in 1929, the Academy Awards have epitomized glamour and cinematic excellence. The ceremony, styles and stars may have changed over the years, but the Oscars have always been known as the height of brilliance in the world of film.

2010, however, marks a new chapter in the history of the prestigious award ceremony. The Best Picture Category has been re-tooled to include 10 nominations, double the amount previously allowed. Viewers, however, may not realize that this change is not entirely new.

“After more than six decades, the Academy is returning to some of its earlier roots, when a wider field competed for the top award of the year,” said President Sid Ganis on the Academy’s official website, www.oscars.org.

The reasoning behind the shift was also explained by Ganis.

“Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going to allow Academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize,” he commented.

The broader field for the category allows more mainstream films to be nominated. In the past, blockbuster films like The Dark Knight in 2008 have been passed over, while the Academy has nominated critically-acclaimed flops like 2009’s The Reader. But these 2010 nominations are a marked contrast, including box office hits like Avatar and The Blind Side.

The 2010 nominations include:

Avatar: Director James Cameron added another blockbuster to his legacy with this groundbreaking film on the exotic world of Pandora. Can dazzling effects make up for an arguably thin plotline and win him another Best Picture? That outcome is doubtful; it may have taken home the Golden Globe, but Avatar is still no Titanic.

The Blind Side: Based on the true story of football star Michael Oher and starring the eternally likeable Sandra Bullock in a role nominated for Best Actress, The Blind Side offers a message on redemption that has touched audiences worldwide.

An Education: Her character Jenny may have gained An Education, but what star Carey Mulligan gained was next-big-thing status with her spare, refreshing performance of a British schoolgirl combating sexual politics in the 1960s. Mulligan portrays Jenny’s conflicting life choices and inevitable farewell to youth with charm and joie de vivre.

The Hurt Locker: Commended for being the first film to honestly portray conditions in Iraq, The Hurt Locker tells the story of American soldiers working on a bomb squad. Intense, relevant and riveting, it manages to be both startlingly epic and mesmerizingly intimate in scope.

Up: Pixar’s latest effort mingles the joyous and the bittersweet exquisitely in this creative tale that is as innovative as it is entertaining.

Editor’s Pick: The Hurt Locker.

The 82^nd Academy Awards air Sunday, March 7. For more information and the full list of nominees, visit www.oscar.go.com/nominations.

Antwon Glenn, junior mass communication, and Raven Wamer, freshman undecided, eat dinner at Todd Dinning Hall while talking about NGU athletics. (Photo by Jereme Green)

Anna Hoxie, sophomore undecided, checks her school mailbox on Monday morning in order to get ready for the week. (Photo by Elizabeth Wood)

Megan Rockefeller, senior elementary education, and Anna Ruffner, senior biology, get serenaded by Chris Bailes, junior biology, as he plays some songs on his guitar. (Photo by Kellan Mayfield)

Alex Smith, sophomore outdoor leadership, prepares himself for his teams intramural basketball game. (Photo by Timothy Sarazen)

Natalie Roush, freshman broadcast media, and Lauren Floro, freshman spanish and linguistics, put in some hard core study time. (Photo by Sarah Bell)

Wendy Elizabeth Greve, sophomore english, finalizes yearbook spreads in the publications office. (Photo by Ashley Marquiss)

John-Mark Searcy, senior, has a chance to get some late night studying done in the comfort of his dorm. He is usually accompanied by a tall glass of herbal tea. (Photo by Aaron Locke)

Centerfielder #27 Rand Stegall, senior business administration, waits for a pitch against Limestone College. North Greenville was defeated by Limestone College 7-5 on a very cold, windy day. At the end of the at-bat, Stegall won the battle and received a walk. (Photo by Jairo Mateo)