“The man is here.” Four simple words summed up Michael Jackson’s presence on a rehearsal set and were said by director Kenny Ortega in the concert film This is It. While Jackson was preparing for his “farewell” tour, a few lucky cameras caught the incredible last moments in the spotlight for the King of Pop.

Given the fact that the footage from This is It was never meant to be viewed, the results are surprisingly coherent. While he danced his way through classics like “Smooth Criminal,” “Billie Jean,” and an exciting stage performance of “Thriller,” Jackson looked exuberant and happier than he had been in a long time. This concert movie shows how much value as a performer Jackson had, even after years away from the limelight.

Audiences viewing the film will be reminded how lucky the world was to have him for the time that it did. They will also wonder what the finished product would have like, if the raw footage is this fascinating. Judging from it, the This is It “farewell” tour would have been an unbelievable experience. Jackson at rehearsal level was amazing; the man himself at full potential on stage would have been a revelation.

This is It shows the care that Michael Jackson put into his shows. MJ knew his lifetime’s worth of hit records, number ones, and innovative dance moves like he knew his own name. One scene showed Jackson working over the song “The Way You Make Me Feel,” having the musicians play the musical introduction over and over till it sounded just right. He felt that it was vital that the song sound “the way the audience expects to hear it, the way I wrote it.” Jackson’s dedication to his work could be seen throughout this film.

This is It is not only a record of the possibilities wrapped up in this tour that ended so tragically in June. It is also not merely a concert movie, entertaining as it is. It is at its heart an unusually intimate portrait of one of music’s greatest and most mysterious legends. Behind the scenes moments reveal a Michael that the world has not seen in a very long time: carefree and joyous, lost in his music. Viewers can marvel at the enigma of a man completely connected to his audience yet entirely wrapped in his own world.

Jackson’s career was many things. It was iconic and unforgettable. It was also marred by controversies that will never be fully cleared. Jackson the man will always be obscured by the legend. Michael Jackson tried his hardest to keep the personal aspects of his character behind the scenes, always hoping to appear larger than life. This desire probably ensures that he would not have been happy with the release of This is It and all it reveals. But the film also offers insights into Jackson as a person that his fans will appreciate. So maybe he would not have minded.

After all the hype, what was This is It? It was an incredible, over-the-top concert experience that entertained and also showed the world the man behind a talent gone far too soon.

It was Michael.

The room was dim in the candlelight. Soft, haunting Turkish music played and tables were set for a Middle Eastern tea. North Greenville University students entered one by one, putting on scarves, head coverings and the colorful garb of Muslim women from all over the world for an evening of prayer for the Muslim world.

Ruth McWhite, director of women’s ministry, said that the purpose of the prayer tea was to teach students how to pray more specifically and effectively for Muslims, particularly Muslim women, and to inspire students to reach out to Muslims both in the United States and across the world.

Paula Hemphill, International Mission Board women’s missional strategist, and Kim Gainey, former central Asian missionary, spoke to the students about the plight of Muslim women.

Hemphill told the students that out of all Muslim background Christians, only 10 percent are women.
“That is primarily because they have so little access to the gospel,” Hemphill said.

“[The] Muslim woman…is very hidden, very kept away. She makes no choices of her own. Besides that fact, she has no hope because of her religion,” McWhite said.

Hemphill and Gainey spoke of both the Muslim woman’s plight and some unique aspects of most Muslim cultures, particularly hospitality and the social custom of drinking tea.

Students shared in a Turkish style tea to get a taste of Middle Eastern Muslim culture.

After tea, students joined together for what Hemphill called “seasons of prayer.” The seasons of prayer consisted of a time of prayer for Muslim women, prayer for persecuted believers, prayer for missionaries in Muslim countries and a prayer for God to bring in the harvest. Each of the four seasons was closed with the singing of a hymn.

Katie Kasey, senior Christian studies, found the evening to be very eye opening. When Kasey arrived at the tea, she was given a Middle Eastern burka to wear. The burka covered Kasey completely from her head to below her waist with only a small, veiled opening for her eyes.

Wearing the burka gave Kasey a new sympathy for the plight of Muslim women and a new appreciation for her own freedom.

“When I put this thing over my face, I was automatically invisible. My own friends and people that I know didn’t know me,” Kasey said. “It made me realize how the Muslim women can’t even identify and have friends because their faces can’t even be seen. They can barely see out…. Their view of the world is dimmed, which I can imagine would bring so much hopelessness.”

“ It was eye opening….I had no idea the depression that just having this over you would bring,” Kasey continued. “[Having] this veil over my face has unveiled my eyes to the truths of what so many other people face.”

Although not all experienced the view from a Muslim woman’s burka, all the students learned more about praying for and reaching out to Muslim women across the world.

The North Greenville men’s basketball team opened up its preseason with losses to Division I schools Presbyterian and UNC Wilmington. The Crusaders opened in dramatic fashion against Presbyterian, having a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds.

A three-point attempt by Paul Harrison, sophomore health promotion and wellness, would not fall, and North Greenville fell 60-57. The Crusaders struggled more in their second exhibition game against UNC Wilmington, committing 28 turnovers in an 80-43 loss.

“(Against Presbyterian) our guys played hard and gave a good effort, but we were out-hustled and took poor shots (against UNC Wilmington),” head coach Chad Lister said.

Guard Luke Lattimer, freshman sport management, who led the Crusaders in scoring with 19 points against Presbyterian, said that although the squad hasn’t gotten a win, he still feels confident about the team’s overall performance going into the regular season.

“For having a lot of young players, we showed plenty of character in our first couple outings,” Lattimer said. “We looked promising.”

Despite being winless so far this pre-season, Lister feels there is plenty of reason for optimism.

“This was a wake-up call for our guys,” Lister said. “We have a talented group, and we need to continue to improve and play hard.”

This Crusader team will show an entirely different look than that of last season, having added nine freshmen to the roster. Kyler Vitko, senior business administration, will be the only starter for North Greenville who is not a freshman or sophomore.

Although this is an expectantly young team, the team is expecting the freshman to fit nicely into the program.

“The freshman should fit into the offense extremely well,” guard Zach Shields, sophomore accounting, said. “They should be able to step up and give us some quality minutes this season.”

The freshman, however, won’t be the only new addition to this Crusader team in the 2009-2010 season. Lister has implemented a new offense that he believes will benefit North Greenville.

“We want to teach our guys how to think on the floor,” Lister said. “We want to play to our strengths inside, and hopefully give our shooters more opportunities on the perimeter.”

The remodeling of this Crusader team has Lister and his players expecting bigger and better things this season.

“We want to be the first team to win 20 games since North Greenville became a four-year university,” Lister said. “We want to set ourselves up to compete in the National Christian College Tournament, and ultimately, the NCAA Division II tournament.”

Harrison, who led the Crusaders in scoring last season, echoed Lister’s goals for the team and says that this North Greenville squad can be very successful this season.

“We definitely want to get to the tournament, which will probably require 20 wins,” Harrison said. “We need to play hard, play smart and do what coach wants us to do in order to get where we want to be.”

The Crusaders will open up their season with a six-game home stint beginning Nov. 16 against Toccoa Falls in Hayes Gymnasium.

Since last semester, Fox News has made it clear that it desires to deliver accurate information to the public, even if it goes against President Barack Obama’s wishes. Fox is one of a few news networks to not worship at Obama’s feet, and Mr. President is not happy.

Critics of the presidency at Fox news have offered some challenging questions in recent months. So many, in fact, that Obama has refused an interview with the news network.

In an interview with CNBC’s John Hardwood in June, Obama states his dissatisfaction.

“First of all, I’ve got one television network entirely devoted to attacking my administration,” Obama said. “And you’d be hard-pressed, if you watched the entire day, to find a positive story about me on that front.”

Obama understands the connection between Fox and the public. He realizes that its voice affects many opinions.

Dr. Reginald Ecarma, associate professor of mass communication, is disappointed with Obama’s seemingly childish behavior towards the news network.

“I think Obama is used to a pandering media. He is personally offended. It is unprofessional, immature… it goes against his open and transparent agenda,” Ecarma said.

Ecarma updates his students with current world issues discussed openly in class and the Obama-Fox debate has been a recent focus point.

The majority of Obama’s frustration with Fox comes from Glenn Beck, the network’s self-acclaimed “rodeo clown.” Only this is no laughing matter. While Beck dances around serious reality, he accomplishes his task in angering the “bull.”

Beck, more intensely than any other Fox reporter, attempts to represent what “fundamentally transform America” means to the Obama administration. This banter is only increasing the network’s ratings.

While half of the nation is siding with President Obama, the other half is thrilled that Fox is upholding its promise to inform the public and holding the Executive Branch accountable.

That is the responsibility of a news network, after all. Fox’s duty is to serve the people about the real issues with the nation’s current distress.

Other news networks remain silent, complacent or cheerleaders of Obama. Fox dares to question his foreign policy, the war in Afghanistan, the healthcare and the stimulus plan.

It would be nice if the president could put more of his concentration and energy into our troubles with Iran and less into what Fox criticizes.

Fox remains truthful to its faithful viewers as it faces threats of slander. Obama enthusiasts publicly denounce Fox’s authority.

The president claims peace – he’s got the Nobel prize to prove it – yet succumbs to frivolous attacks that are here today and gone tomorrow.

This issue lies deep within our nation. Although it surfaces now on behalf of Fox, those who voted for Obama in the beginning are now seeing things in a new light. Division and disgrace flow freely and Americans sit idly as our honor and freedom are being slowly taken from us.

Speculation suggests that Obama’s focus on Fox is to distract from his falling poll numbers and failed policies.

John Tantillo wrote an opinion for Fox on Nov. 4 about Obama’s current role as President. He is a marketing and branding expert and president of the Marketing Department of America.

“Bottom line: a year later, millions of voters are still waiting for candidate Obama to show up and get to work. If he doesn’t do so soon (and the experience of being in office doesn’t help do the trick), my prediction is that even his core supporters will defect,” Tantillo said. “We’ll see a big drop in the poll numbers and we’ll be left with the brand that no one — neither Democrats nor cross-over Republicans — voted for.”

Fox has revealed that Obama studied at a Muslim mosque in Indonesia when he was younger. The network has also revealed other “secrets” that Obama does not necessarily want the public to know.

Should we continue to sit and watch? Or like Fox, should we search for a change that we can believe in?

(Photo by Daniel Jamison)

From medical rooms to classrooms, Dr. John Strange, on-campus physician, has done a lot to impact lives. Not only does he help patients, but he also helps students understand the amazing biology that God has designed.

He was in a general surgery practice where he did general and peripheral vascular surgery until 2001. During that time, he developed atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, causing too many problems for him to continue working in that field of practice. Therefore, he began his teaching career at Gardner-Webb University and Wofford College before he came to NGU in 2004.

Strange received his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University and his Doctor of Medicine from University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Miss. He also did his general surgery internship and residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Not only does Strange teach Human Biology at NGU, he also works in the Tuttle Clinic on campus.

“I enjoy taking care of the acute health needs of the students, faculty and staff, and I enjoy teaching biology. God’s creation is truly marvelous, and to have an understanding of biology is to have a better understanding of His character and who He is,” Strange said.

He also gave the reference to Romans 1:20, which says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

Strange is always giving funny stories to his students about medical surgeries and things that have happened over the years as a doctor. One of his favorites includes a law enforcement officer who was shot in the abdomen. That one gunshot wound caused several life-threatening injuries that could have taken his life. Strange was the surgeon on call and quickly took him immediately to the operating room, where he spent several hours repairing the injuries. This man survived and returned to law enforcement.

Along with many favorite stories of the operating rooms, he said that his favorite operation had to be vascular surgery, which is surgery on blood vessels, because it was very delicate.

“There is nothing that can compare to [saving a life]. A surgical patient places their lives in the hands of the surgeon and any time you save an individual from a life-threatening injury or illness it is a good feeling to which nothing can compare. It is indeed very rewarding,” Strange said. “I sometimes miss using my hands in that way, but God, for now, has seen fit to place me here at NGU – and for that I am grateful!”

Manuel Izquierdo netted two goals and Jonathan Restrepo and Max Duarte each added a goal and an assist as the men’s soccer team defeated Emmanuel 5-0 last Tuesday in the regular season final at Pepsi Stadium. With the victory, North Greenville (8-7-1) earned a spot in the play-in game for the NCCAA regional tournament Nov. 20-21.

The Crusaders will face Chowan Friday at 1 p.m. for the chance to travel to Franklin Springs, Ga., to participate in regionals. The win gave North Greenville a winning record for the first time all season.

North Greenville won three of its final four matches with all three wins coming at home. The loss came at the hands of Clemson. The win was also the Crusaders’ fifth shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Justin Braddock, freshman sport management, played 80 minutes of the match, and Nick Williams wrapped up the shutout.

Restrepo, junior international business, scored on an assist by Duarte, senior marketing, in the 10th minute. Fifteen minutes later, Izquierdo, senior biology, recorded his first goal of the game on an assist by Chandler Patterson, junior media ministry.

North Greenville led 2-0 at halftime, and Duarte and Seth Snyder, senior business, put the game out of reach with goals in the opening 20 minutes of the second half. Izquierdo secured a brace by scoring a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.

The women’s soccer team battled to a 2-0 defeat against Palm Beach Atlantic on a neutral field in Cleveland, Ga. The loss was only North Greenville’s second loss in seven games with one game remaining.

The Lady Crusaders (11-6-0) will wrap up the season tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Pepsi Stadium against King College.

Palm Beach Atlantic (6-8-2) got on the board in the 15th minute when Angie Kuhn found the back of the net. The Sailfish added a second goal in the 88th minute on an unassisted goal by Meagan Phillips.

North Greenville managed just seven shots, while Palm Beach Atlantic recorded 21 shots. Goalkeeper Jessica Binkley, senior health promotion and wellness, had eight saves on the night.

Last Tuesday, the Lady Crusaders topped Emmanuel 1-0 at Pepsi Stadium. The lone goal came from Leah Ward, junior sport management, on a penalty kick goal in the 32nd minute.

North Greenville and Emmanuel each had nine shots, and Binkley recorded seven saves. North Greenville marked its eighth shutout of the season, with six of those coming at home in Tigerville.

The Lady Crusaders are preparing for the NCCAA regional tournament Nov. 20-21 at Emmanuel College.

I guess I won’t be getting my money back. My ring came in the spring of 2008, and I married the love of my life on May 30, 2009. So I guess I’m not exactly an authority when it comes to giving marriage advice, but I figured I’d share some things I’ve learned with those of you who are thinking about tying the knot—sooner or later.

There are many misconceptions about marriage floating around. I even half believed some of them until after we had been married for several weeks.

I used to think that getting married would solve problems. Luckily, I learned this wasn’t true, and my husband and I worked these things out.

I also thought that marrying someone would make me “complete.” But I took hold of the truth that only Jesus can make me whole. It would be unfair for me to depend on my husband for something he cannot provide me with.

Marriage places all problems under a microscope. This is why it’s important to deal with issues before you say “I do” if possible.

It’s also important to get and heed godly advice. Sit down with a marriage counselor or pastor to start taking the right steps toward marriage.

Marriage used to mean warm and fuzzy to me. I thought my married days would be filled with cuddling, talking and holding hands with my spouse. But we’ve found that you have to make time to enjoy each other’s company since our days are busy with work, school and other responsibilities.

Though it is a rewarding journey filled with fun and excitement, marriage isn’t easy. It takes hard work and a lot of time to focus on communicating with each other and serving each other so that your relationship stays alive.

Jimmy Evans, an elder at Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas and founder of the Marriage Today ministry, says that if a marriage is not growing, it is dying.

“Great marriages don’t happen by chance; they require nurture and training,” the Marriage Today Web site says on its mission page.

My husband and I will never regret an ounce of knowledge and insight we gained through counseling and are currently gaining through a Sunday school class for newlyweds. These tools have helped us as we have begun nurturing and training for an unforgettable life together.

If you’re getting married soon, take the time now to prepare your relationship to last. And enjoy your wedding day. It truly will be one of the best days of your life.

Full of useful information about business dinner etiquette, job interview dos and don’ts and ways to dress properly for job interview situations, the Office of Career Services’ Etiquette Dinner can be helpful to all students. This dinner can be beneficial for students majoring in anything from business administration to education.

Students are able to enjoy a great meal provided by Aramark Food Services and get to know the other people at their table.

The goal of the dinner is to give students a chance to learn the proper ways to conduct themselves in a formal business situation or in a job interview. Students are also able to ask questions about formal protocol to those hosting the dinner.

This semester’s Etiquette Dinner opened with Dr. Tony Beam, vice president of student services and director of the Christian Worldview Center, giving his opening remarks. After Beam, Lisa Van Riper, director of the Honors Scholar Program, took the microphone.

Van Riper discussed proper place settings, which utensils to use for which dishes, and proper eating methods for difficult dishes. She also gave examples of the proper ways to act in certain business dinner situations. Students were also given a packet of information about additional business or interview meal etiquette.

Even though many students do not know the difference between a salad fork and an entrée fork, learning how to use utensils properly is important. As Van Riper pointed out, some companies may want to give a job interview over a meal. Knowing the proper meal etiquette can be useful in a situation like this.

Dr. Steve Holcombe of the business department then talked about the many dos and don’ts of the job interview process. He mentioned that applicants should arrive 10 minutes early for interviews, show enthusiasm about the company, dress appropriately, be friendly, and be very careful of what they say. He discussed some things that applicants should not do such as talking negatively about a former employer and having misspellings on their applications.

To wrap up the evening, Van Riper and Professor Weston Warren gave examples of proper business attire and gave advice on how to build a professional wardrobe from only a few pieces of clothing. This segment was very helpful to students working with a limited budget.

Overall this dinner is very beneficial to students, especially those who may be graduating and heading into the work force in the coming months.

Last week a monster was released. Not the type of monster that wreaks havoc, but the kind that sounds like a rock album. Monster Monster is the name of the new album by The Almost, which was released Nov. 3. The band’s sophomore release comes only two years after its debut of Southern Weather, which gave the band, fronted by Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, credibility by debuting at an impressive number 39 on the Billboard charts. Now, with Monster Monster, The Almost continues to establish itself as a band while also incorporating new elements into its music.

Monster Monster is different from Southern Weather on many levels, from the recording to the songs themselves. Gillespie played all of the instruments on the first album himself, then recruited a band to play the songs on the road. With the new album, the touring band recorded in the studio, so it was more of a collaborative effort.

“This now feels like a real band. Everyone gave up a piece of his own agenda for the good of the final result,” Gillespie said on the band’s Web site.

The album itself is very different from Southern Weather, and from most albums released this year in general. 2009 has been ripe with new music, but out of all of it, I haven’t heard a more diverse album so far. In general, Monster Monster is an alternative album, but that genre doesn’t do this album justice. There are not only rock anthems and ballads, but also a song that has a techno vibe, one that incorporates strings, some have piano throughout, while a few even have a country edge to them. Normally I don’t care for records that are all over the place, but somehow The Almost can do that with ease, without the album sounding choppy or immature.

Out of the 12-track album, my favorite song by far is “No I Don’t.” It starts as a stripped down acoustic number, but transforms into an upbeat pop/rock track so familiar of The Almost. The band members also show themselves to be amazing song writers, especially on this track. The last verses say: “I’m free because you said so/And I’m learning to grow/Because you held my hand/I’m free because you said/Go, keep walking.”

Next to this track is “Hands,” which is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. It has attributes of an anthem, but then piano comes in, which turns into shouting vocals and leads to an anthem sound again. This song can’t be described as anything but a masterpiece.

The Almost shows its diversity on tracks like “Lonely Wheel” and “Want To.” “Lonely Wheel” actually has a Rascal Flatts feel with a rock edge, while “Want To” is reminiscent of the band’s Underoath roots in the screeching vocals.

Overall, The Almost came back with a superb sophomore release. Fans will be glad to hear the band they know and love, but won’t be bored since the record is teeming with diversity. Southern Weather was a great debut album, but Monster Monster really sets The Almost apart as a band that can work with a variety of songs and genres and still sound exceptional.

Like it or not, cultural events are a part of every full-time North Greenville University student’s schedule. This year, earning that half credit by attending three events is proving to be more difficult than in years past due to the record enrollment.

If a student expects to arrive at an event in Hamlin fifteen minutes before show time, he or she might be quite disappointed in the fact that the auditorium will probably already be filled. Often, it is filled only five minutes after the doors are opened, leaving an increasingly large number of students outside. Because of this, it is well advised to get there at least fifteen minutes prior to the doors opening, which is usually a half hour before the performance begins. This is another reason not to wait until the last minute to fulfill your cultural event credit. You never know how many people will decide to attend the event and you might just be left outside.

Here are some reminders for attending these cultural events in order to receive credit. Remember your ID card. This year, no tickets are necessary, but in order to receive credit for the event, the ushers must scan the ID. Watch carefully as this is done, because with the large numbers of students, sometimes a card can slip through without the little light turning green which means it was accepted. This year, only one outside event will be accepted for each semester. This must be pre-approved. Art museum visits are no longer approved. Keep documentation of both on-campus and off-campus events so there will be no questions that will be difficult to answer later on in the semester.

The dress code is something that also needs to be paid attention to, because without the proper attire, a student will not receive credit. Men must wear a collared shirt, which may include polos. However, a dress shirt and tie are preferred. No matter the shirt, it must be tucked into dress pants or khakis. No flip-flops or sandals are accepted. For women, a dress, skirt, or dress pants with a neat top are required. Females are allowed to wear rainbow style flip-flops, but plastic or foam types are not accepted. Jeans, sweatpants and shorts are never acceptable.

Some other rules necessary to abide by are the basic courtesies that go along with a formal event. Sleeping or eating is not allowed. Cell phones need to be turned off while in the event and talking should be kept to a bare minimum. Taking pictures or doing homework during the event will result in not receiving credit for the event. A failure to adhere to these rules could lead to dismissal from the event without credit.

The Crusader defense lines up against the UNC-Pembroke offense in the 2009 season finale Saturday at Younts Stadium. The Crusaders fell 42-14. (Photo by Skyliner Staff)

Cory Guinn
Copy Editor

On Nov. 7, the North Greenville Crusaders finished their season against the  No. 19 UNC-Pembroke Braves. UNC-Pembroke, the third Division II top 25 team on the Crusaders’ schedule, scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to open up a close game and come away with a 42-14 victory over North Greenville.

North Greenville (2-8) scored first when Isaiah Johnson, freshman business administration, ran a UNC-Pembroke punt 49 yards to the end zone in the opening quarter.

The Braves scored on their next drive to tie the game at seven apiece. UNC-Pembroke (9-1) continued to execute on offense and put big numbers on the scoreboard.

The Crusaders scored their final touchdown of the day in the fourth quarter when Justin Beasley, freshman sport management, took the ball and ran two yards into the end zone.
“Isaiah Johnson did well on kickoffs and punt returns today, and Aaron Seigler came in and did some good things,” head coach Jamey Chadwell said.

“We’ve got an awfully young team which is still learning how to play. But, you’ve got to be proud of what we’ve done this year,” Chadwell said.

The Crusader offense totaled only 235 yards in the game, 225 of which came on the ground. Beasley led the rushing attack carrying 16 times for a season-high 72 yards and one touchdown.

Montez Hatten, sophomore business, ran the ball 13 times for 57 yards and Aaron Seigler, freshman business administration, rushed for 50 yards.

“Hard work is the only way you get better at anything,” offensive lineman James Thurn, junior broadcast media, said. “This offseason gives us a chance to better understand and learn the offense. We made strides during the season and got better, but we have a lot of work to do.”

On a day when seven seniors, six from the defensive side of the ball, were honored, the North Greenville defense played strong. Nick Rosamonda, sophomore sport management, led the defense with seven total tackles.

Andre Bernardi, senior sport management, finished with 3.5 total tackles and fell just one sack short of the NCAA Division II record for career sacks.

Damien Wright, graduate student, Doug Wilson, senior business administration, and Coty Black, junior Christian studies, each totaled 3.5 tackles in the game.

“The season didn’t turn out quite like we wanted but now all we can do is work hard to ensure we are more successful next season,” Nathan Batchelor, sophomore business administration said.

“This season taught us to overcome adversity and if we can play hard when we are on the bottom then we can play hard when we are on top,” Batchelor said.

The North Greenville volleyball team played its final regular season match of the season last Friday in Hayes Gymnasium against in-state rival Newberry.

The Lady Crusaders (11-23) fell to Newberry, losing in three straight sets 7-25, 21-25, 17-25.

“The ladies played very well this season,” head coach Lauren Axson said. “We came out 11-23 in the regular season but we are going to work extra hard in practice to be ready for the NCCAA regional tournament.”

Kayla O’ Kelley, sophomore health promotion and wellness, led the way with six kills for North Greenville.

Also contributing were Haleigh Gilbert, freshman early childhood education, who added six kills and Sara Beth White, freshman mathematics education, who each finished with three kills.

Devan Davidson, senior sport management, had 18 digs in her final regular season match as a Crusader and Charity Koschel, freshman sport management, added two blocks.

“The ladies are going to have to practice hard and get plenty of rest,” Axson said. “The NCCAA regional tournament is going to be very competitive.”

North Greenville’s next match will be on Nov. 20 in Hayes Gymnasium where they will be hosting the NCCAA regional tournament.

O’Kelley finished the regular season with 215 kills, 112 blocks and 43 digs.

Charlotte Swain, junior, recorded 207 kills, 28 blocks and 111 digs on the season.

The North Greenville women’s basketball team started its preseason off against an NC State team that just two years ago made it all the way to the sweet 16. Even though this was the preseason, the Lady Crusaders wanted to prove they weren’t afraid to play anybody.

The Wolfpack opened the first half with an 11-0 run and made a 15-2 run with 10 minutes to go in the game. The size and speed of the lady Wolfpack seemed to overwhelm the Lady Crusaders from the opening whistle.

The Lady Crusaders did cut their lead to eight points shortly after the opening spurt, but the Wolfpack ran away with the game after that. The lead was 42-17 at half time, and 87-44 was the final.

“There wasn’t a big difference talent wise, but their size, speed and strength showed why they’re a Division I team,” said Nikki Wood, senior psychology. “I think we played well, and even though we lost we had fun just having the opportunity to play a team like NC State. I think we’ll do well this season.”

The Lady Crusaders finished the day shooting 23 percent from the floor, 28 percent from behind the arc and 68 percent from the free throw line.Wood and Karly Stache, sophomore mathematics, led the Lady Crusaders with nine points each.

Last season, the Lady Crusaders finished 13-15, losing three out of their last four contests. North Greenville gave up 80 points or more in each of those three losses.

The Crusaders were held under 70 points in 10 of those 15 losses. They were a young team last year and are looking to improve last year’s record with another young team. North Greenville has only four seniors on the squad, and the rest are freshmen sophomores.

The Lady Crusaders have added one more preseason scrimmage before the regular season opener. North Greenville will scrimmage Converse on Nov. 10.

The scrimmage is open to the public, and all students are strongly encouraged to come support the Lady Crusaders and to get a taste of what they have to look forward to in this upcoming season.

The Lady Crusaders’ regular season starts on Nov. 17 against Newberry in Hayes Gymnasium at 6 p.m. The Lady Crusaders then go on a four-game road trip and do not play at home again until Dec. 1.

People listen to music constantly, yet may not realize how thoroughly it is incorporated into their lives. According to a survey by Veronis Stevenson in 2007 found in textbook Media Now, people spend 778 hours listening to radio and 186 hours listening to recorded music annually.

The amount of time invested in music by people today is astonishing. It is no surprise that music has always reflected society. But is music just  music?  Music is usually seen as a mere entertainment medium, something that can be heard without changing the listener. But sometimes the many subtle ways that music influences are not realized. Maybe it is time people understand that it is becoming part of who they are.

People need to be made aware of the power of music. The whole viewpoint on music in society needs to change. It has always been more than an entertainment medium and needs to be seen as such. Something that is so thoroughly incorporated into daily life cannot help but have a major impact.

Music is a simultaneous influence on and reflection of culture because of its incredible power over people. It can have negative effects, but its power can also be a positive thing. Christians today often give up on the music industry as a lost cause. But the very fact that it has such an impact on culture should be something that they should use to further what they believe. Music has incredible power over today’s culture, and most of what is heard today does not share the Christian worldview. Why should nonbelievers be the only ones who influence society this way?

The Christian music scene today does not have the impact it should. The reason for this is that its efforts often pale in comparison to the creativity of secular music.

“Christians should be the most original when it comes to music,” Dr. Rick Sparks, mass communication professor, said.

Instead of leaving the music scene to the rest of the world, Christians should use their God-given talent in music for his glory and to further the cause of Christianity.