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EXTENDED EDITION

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HOME
  
   

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Photo: Summer Earle

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Welcome to the 5th edition of
ZONE magazine. I am
grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible
staff and produce this project. This magazine includes
only a few of the many people who work hard to make
UWA Athletics an outstanding program. My goal is to
highlight the individual programs while also learning
and growing with my peers.
The ZONE staff is a collective group of talented
IMC students who wrote stories, designed layouts,
performed interviews, sold advertisements and shot
photos that allowed the production of this magazine.
Working with the
ZONE staff provided an incredible
learning experience and created memories that we
will hold onto forever. I enjoyed leading others and
watching their skills grow throughout the entirety of
the project.
COVID-19 may have postponed games at UWA but
the presence of athletics remains evident throughout
the campus. This year, we included a video to allow
our athletes to be seen and heard from again.
The ZONE staff and I hold pride in this project; how-
ever, we could not have succeeded without the love
and support shown from our IMC family. I show enor-
mous gratitude to Mr. Greg Jones, Dr. Amy Jones, Mr.
Caleb Walters, Dr. Tina Jones, Mr. Brandon Walker and
Mrs. Amanda Gilliland.
The ZONE staff and I hope you, the reader, enjoy
the entirety of this magazine, and we hope to proudly
represent UWA Athletics and the dedicated individuals
who make all of this possible.
Lauren Fuller
UWA Senior
IMC
ZONE is published annually by students in the University of West Alabama Integrated Marketing Communications program. Stories
and photographs that appear in ZONE are produced by these students. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily express
the views of the University of West Alabama. The University of West Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes appli-
cation for employment regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability or ethnic origin.
Editor-In-Chief: Lauren Fuller
Designer: Benjamin Shadden
Assistant Editor:
Summer Earle
Videographer:
Caleb James Smith
ZONE Staff:
Abby Fuller
Olivia Turner
Sarah Wright
Christian Malone
Max Potts
Kimberly Clark
Mason Pendergrass
Photographers:
Joe Chance
Trent Spruell
Colby White
Ashley Boothe
Demetrius Battle
Christian Kennedy
IMC Director:
Dr. Amy Jones
Faculty Advisor:
Mr. Greg Jones
Faculty Video
Advisor:
Mr. Brandon Walker
Faculty Editors:
Mr. Caleb Walters
Dr. Tina Jones
Gary B Garmon
Betsy Compton
Roger Davis
Kacy Nolan
Kamree Lay
Ryan Branch

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Goal to Serve by Abby Fuller
Sprint to the Finish by Caleb James Smith
Called to Coach by Mason Pendergrass
This Duo is for Hazing by Sarah Wright
Out of Left Field by Abby Fuller
Three for Three by Sarah Wright
Big Paws to Fill by Olivia Turner
Student Before Athlete by Caleb James Smith
Twirling Through Tribulation by Summer Earle
Life of a Tiger by Kimberly Clark
Serves Heard Around the World by Summer Earle
Rolling Out the Red Turf by Kimberly Clark
On the Hunt by Abby Fuller
Rising Above the Competition by Christian Malone
The Best of Both Worlds by Summer Earle
The Wild Card by Lauren Fuller
Overcoming the Tackle by Christian Malone
The Game Changer by Sarah Wright
A Grand Slam by Max Potts
Football’s Secret Weapon by Max Potts
The Curveball by Olivia Turner
The Invisible Hurdle by Olivia Turner
Tigers Got Talent by Summer Earle
Ripping Lips and Taking Names by Sarah Wright
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The University of West Alabama’s women’s soc-
cer team stays active throughout the commu-
nity. These ladies show out not only on the
field, but also within the community.
In the 2018-19 season, the women’s soccer
team collectively volunteered for 244
hours of community service, including
reading to the campus school, partic-
ipating in the UCS Color Run, dog
walking and more.
Women’s Soccer Head Coach
Graeme Orr said, “The required
amount of volunteer hours for each
girl is 12 per semester. Six hours
with the team and six hours on their
own.” Orr strives to increase the team
activity throughout the city of Livingston.
Team captain Brianna Forrest said, “Since I
was a freshman, women’s soccer has been involved
in countless volunteering experiences. We live in a
small town, so making these connections with locals
and peers can really make this place feel more like
home.”
Orr tells the team to pick something that they are
passionate about and volunteer for the organization
chosen. “If one of the girls has something that they
want to volunteer for, we will make it a team effort and
all volunteer for the event,” said Orr.
A few of the players base their volunteering on their
major. The girls who want to become coaches find
joy in volunteering at the University Charter
School. Last spring, the team spent a few
days teaching soccer skills to the chil-
dren at the charter school. “Soccer is
our passion, so helping the charter
school with some skills was a fun
and interactive way for us to give
back, while also doing something
we love,” said Forrest. This particu-
lar event allows the girls to not only
teach skills to the kids but also share
their love and passion for the game.
School and athletics take up most of
the time in the day, but the team somehow
manages to balance classes, soccer, social life and
volunteering. Workouts do not stop in the offseason
and neither does the community service.
Around Christmas, the team gives back to the chil-
dren of Livingston by participating in Toys for Tigers, a
program that arose from student athletes who wanted
By: Abby Fuller
“Coach has always
taught us to live through
new experiences and create
memories because those are
the things you shall learn from
and cherish for the rest of
your life.”
Photos: Joe Chance

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to give toys to the children in the community. “Toys
for Tigers was an amazing way for us to be able to
come together as not only a team but a family and to
help make a positive difference in the community,”
said Forrest.
Not only does the team volunteer for the children of
the community, but they also give back to the elderly
in the county. Christmas caroling creates a fun expe-
rience for both the carolers and their audience. Last
year, the team visited a local nursing home to spread
love by singing carols to them.
The girls also volunteer for the city itself, not just
the people in the city. Around the town of Livingston,
some of the fire hydrants have faded. When needed,
the team travels around Livingston and paints these
hydrants to create a safer environment for the com-
munity.
The team has been volunteering for several years,
and even former players continue to help their com-
munity. “Within the past ten years, we’ve gotten tons
of hours, and the team bond gets tighter each time,”
said Orr.
“I feel like the team benefits a lot from volunteering.
I hope that the girls continue to volunteer after they
leave here, and possibly become a better person from
volunteering,” said Orr.
Orr focuses on helping better the team in soccer
and life. “Coach has always taught us to live through
new experiences and create memories because those
are the things you shall learn from and cherish for the
rest of your life,” said Forrest.
In 2010, Graeme Orr built the UWA women’s
soccer team completely from scratch. In college,
he knew soccer needed to remain in his life. “You
have to find a way to stay involved. Influencing the
game and sharing your experience with players
is the best way to do that,” said Orr.
Orr moved from Scotland to the U.S. to begin
his collegiate playing career in 2003 at Martin
Methodist College. After his graduation, Orr spent
time working at college soccer camps and earned
his master’s degree.
The opportunity to create this program origi-
nated from EJ Brophy, UWA’s athletic director at
that time. Brophy contacted Orr with the chance
to create the program from nothing, and Orr never
looked back. “I am forever grateful that he gave
me the opportunity and believed in my ambi-
tions,” said Orr.
Since the program was created, Orr allowed
many student-athletes a chance to earn a degree
and play the sport they love. He yearned for a pro-
gram that would increase sports on campus, and
create better athletes, physically and personally.
Orr believes in character-building, and he
pushes his players to be better on and off the
field.

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“Ido what I have to do, until the task is com-
plete,” Nate Sanford, senior sprinter for the
UWA track team plans to end his track career
like he started, with a record-breaking run in his spe-
cialty, the 400-meter race.
Sanford started running his sophomore year of high
school and became a ten-time state medalist, three
of them being gold medals, by his senior year. As a
freshman at UWA, Sanford came out of the gate with
a record-breaking 400-meter sprint at 48.65 seconds.
“Nate was overlooked by many teams, but I recruited
him. Actually, he reached out to me and I thought,
‘Okay, he doesn’t have the proper training, but he has
a lot he could bring to the team,’” said Head Track
Coach Kirby Patterson Walker.
During the next week’s meet at Mississippi State, he
beat the new school record, his record, again. He ran
a 48.12 second race in the 400-meter, placed fourth
overall and was the only freshman to place in the top
five for the meet. The second time he broke his record
was shortly after he sustained an injury.
The record-breaking freshman suffered from a minor
sports hernia after an average run at practice one day
before the meet at Mississippi State. According to
Johns Hopkins Medicine, sports hernias are typically
caused by repetitive motions that require twisting of
the pelvis, and the soft tissues that perform these
movements found in the lower abdomen area are most
often torn or injured.
By: Caleb James Smith

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Despite the painful injury, Sanford managed to run
the race at the next meet, and he shaved off .53 sec-
onds from his earlier record-breaking run. He received
a steroid/cortisone injection later that semester and
used his sophomore year at UWA to regain his strength.
“You have to do your best in anything
you do and understand we’re created
for a purpose,” said Sanford.
His faith was a defining factor as to why he continued
to run after being injured. Sanford’s biggest hope is
to teach in ministry and preach the gospel once he
graduates in the spring. He believes the 400-meter race
perfectly represents his walk with Christ, and he will
do what it takes to win, no matter the circumstances.
Sanford is inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24, where the
Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race
all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run
in such a way as to get the prize.”
Now Nathan Sanford prepares to beat his old record
in his final season as a senior. The track team is training
differently this year, in smaller groups and at separate
times, but at the same intensity.
“I like working with Nate. He pushes me to do better,
so I can push him to do better. We work hard but have
fun as well, especially since Nate is a team captain and
my hall director,” said Jailah Swain, a fellow sprinter
for the UWA track team.
Sanford said the team works hard at practice so that
when the real race comes, it is just a walk in the park.
Normal practice is not the only training method he
uses though. He trains in the way he eats, in the way
he sleeps and in the way he breathes, all to better
himself and to beat his current record of 48.12 for
the 400-meter.
“It will be hard work, but he is definitely capable of
doing it,” said Patterson-Walker.
Sanford’s goal is to shave off a few seconds and run
anything under a 46.00 second race by the end of
the spring season. If he beats his record quickly, then
who knows? He could shoot for the world record for
the 400-meter, which is 43.03 seconds. No matter the
outcome, Sanford focuses on the finish line, running
to earn his reward.
Photos: Caleb James SmithPhotos: Caleb James Smith
“I want to give everything I have. I“I want to give everything I have. I
do not want to have anything leftdo not want to have anything left
in me. All effort, all energy, GONE,in me. All effort, all energy, GONE,
by the end of the last race.”by the end of the last race.”

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C
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CM
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Angela Sanders graduated from UWA in 2013. Soon after her graduation, she
was picked by Demopolis Middle School and is now the head coach for Demop-
olis High School varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams. It may have been hard
overseeing 26 players, spread between both a Varsity and Junior Varsity team, but
Angela stepped up to the challenge.
Chanel Davis graduated from UWA in 2014, and soon after she was made Assistant
Volleyball Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College. In 2019, she took Head Coach
position at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, leading the team to
an overall of 17-10 and 13-4 in CIAA Conference play. Davis continues to lead her
team to victories.
Hilary Lobenstein participated with the UWA volleyball team for two seasons.
After she proved herself as a player, she became the UWA Graduate Assistant Head
Coach from 2012-14. Five years later, she was welcomed back to UWA as the Head
Coach, bringing not only her experience as a coach, but a love for the sport and
for the school where she got her start.
By: Mason PendergrassBy: Mason Pendergrass
Callie Murphy participated with the UWA volleyball team for four years. After her
graduation, she began her career working in Sports Information and Athletic Digital
Media. Murphy is now the Assistant Coach for the Cedarville University volleyball
team and she owns Triple C, a personal company that creates custom t-shirt designs
for teams and clubs. Murphy continues to leave her legacy in the athletics world.
Photos: UWA Athletics

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Page 12

Hazing is for horses, not humans. This
hazing does not exist in a stereotypical
fraternity house, but instead under the
glowing arena lights with horses, steers, cowboys and
cowgirls.
JT Ellison, a junior, started his career on the Univer-
sity of West Alabama’s rodeo team as a steer wrestler.
His horse, Wily, is a 14-year-old palomino. Together,
they travel the country to claim steer wrestling titles.
“It’s strange because Wily and JT
have similar personalities. They are
always cool, calm and collected no mat-
ter the situation. You can always rely
on both of them to get the job done.”
- Teammate, Cody Stubbs
This talent of hazing and bulldogging did not
come naturally to Ellison. Instead, he worked on his
technique nearly all of his life.
The art of steer wrestling involves two horses,
two cowboys, and one steer. The hazer is cornered
on the right side of the shoot, and the bulldogger, on
the left, anxiously awaits for the steer to be released
from the shoot.
With nothing but open dirt, it’s the cowboys’ and
their horses’ jobs to successfully wrestle the steer down
in record time.
This dynamic duo collaborates together to lead a
steer straight. Whenever the steer emerges from the
shoot, the bulldogger hops off his horse and wres-
tles the steer down into the red dirt. UWA Wrangler,
Ryder Ladner said, “Hazing is a small part of a big
machine. The bulldogger places their whole run into
your hands.”
Steers do not naturally run straight ahead, espe-
cially when not one, but two horses are chasing it. A
quality hazing horse comes in handy, and the wrangler
must fully trust his horse to get the job done correctly.
Acquiring the right horse remains the most crucial
aspect for success.
Another challenge arises if the horse and the wran-
gler are not prepared, and this increases the wranglers’
possibility of injury. Fortunately, Ellison spends count-
less hours preparing for weekends filled with wrestling
and hazing cattle.
Wily and Ellison understand both sides of steer
wrestling. This creates an advantage when they face
the event head-on.
On a typical rodeo night, many see Wily with his
head held high and his eyes focused on the steer. His
tack proudly displays “Horse of the Year” on his chest.
On top of the decorated horse sits none other than
Ellison. Both acquired successful careers and earned
winning titles in steer wrestling.
By: Sarah WrightBy: Sarah Wright

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In 2018, Ellison won Champion Alabama High School
Rodeo Association All-Around Cowboy. In that same
year, Wily won Horse of the Year, not to mention the
titles Ellison’s other three horses carry.
In July of 2019 alone, Ellison and Wily won first place
in steer wrestling in Tuscaloosa, AL, second place in
Ashland, AL, and placed in the finals in Philadelphia,
MS.
Wily may look like the average horse; however, he
works just as hard to maintain his reputation.
“He probably has traveled more miles
than most of the college students at
UWA.”
Ellison acquired Wily in 2015. Since then, Wily
travels with Ellison to places like Rock Springs, WY,
Huntsville, TX, Shawnee, OK, and Tallahassee, FL.
Along with Wily, Ellison’s parents also travel to
rodeos all across the country. During his childhood,
Ellison’s parents both remained active in rodeo, and
taught him the ins and outs. On the Ellison Ranch, he
started training to ride sheep in rodeos at 5-years-old.
His mother, Rhonda Ellison, who is still active in
breakaway roping, said, “Growing up, he always had
a smile on his face. Even if he was run over by the
biggest calf, he was going to come up with a smile.”
Now, Ellison majors in Cell and Molecular Biology.
When he is not in a lab, he spends his time practicing
on the rich red dirt at UWA’s arena in hopes to win
another rodeo.
After graduating from UWA, he plans to follow in
his mother’s footsteps and become a veterinarian. Of
course, his horse Wily will be along for the ride.
Photos: Colby WhitePhotos: Colby White

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“Ultimately, I chose to end my playing
career and begin the process of fight-
ing the biggest battle of my life.”
Ward finished his last treatment with St. Jude in
July of 2016. After Ward was diagnosed, he began
to change his perspective on life. “It allowed me to
see how quick things can change in life and with your
health. It changed my priorities in my life and made
me realize that tomorrow is not promised,” said Ward.
Before he graduated, Ward dreamed of becoming
a collegiate baseball pitching coach. Ward changed
from being the pitcher to coaching the pitchers. “The
transition from being a player to becoming a coach
obviously has its challenges, but I thought the transition
was very smooth for me,” said Ward.
Ward embarked on his coaching
career as an assistant coach for The
University of West Alabama baseball
team. “I think having the opportu-
nity to begin my coaching career
with a coaching staff that had a lot
of experience allowed me to learn
and broaden my knowledge of the
game very quickly,” said Ward. He
stayed at UWA for three years, then
accepted a coaching position for the
University of West Florida; however,
he soon returned to where his career
first began.
When Ward was offered the pitch-
ing coach position for the UWA
baseball team, he knew then that
his dreams were coming true. “I was
excited to return to UWA when I was
given the opportunity,” said Ward.
After a 14-month-long journey, Brock
Ward defeated cancer. He overcame
his illness and worked to fulfill his
dreams of becoming a collegiate level base-
ball coach.
Ward started his baseball career at The University
of West Alabama in 2014 as a junior relief pitcher. He
later graduated in May of 2015 with a Sport Manage-
ment degree. Four days after his graduation, Ward
was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare juvenile
bone cancer.
“I went from winning a GSC Conference Champion-
ship and preparing with my team for an NCAA Regional
to finding out I had cancer. Having to decide whether
to continue playing or start the battle against cancer
was such a difficult decision because it was my senior
year,” said Ward.
By: Abby Fuller
Photo: Joe ChancePhoto: Joe Chance

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Ward accepted the position of pitching coach for West
Alabama in January of 2020.
“I wanted to come back to UWA to
coach because it has always felt like
home to me.”
For Ward, the West Alabama baseball community
is family. They, with the rest of Livingston, were there
for Ward when he needed it the most. “UWA is such a
special place not only for me but for my family as well.
The support that I was given during my battle, not only
from Coach Rundles and the baseball program but
from the University and the community in Livingston,
was incredible,” said Ward.
Throughout his journey, the West Alabama base-
ball coaches created the “Brock Ward Perseverance
Award.”
“We decided to create the award to honor one of
our own for his courageous and hard-fought battle to
overcome the dreaded disease of cancer,” said head
coach Gary Rundles.
This award goes out to the player(s) who have over-
come adversity throughout the year. This could consist
of an illness, serious injury or an unexpected problem
that a player worked hard and persevered through
during the season.“Just like Brock did during his jour-
ney to battle cancer to be able to live a long pros-
perous life, our award winner has done something to
get back and be able to play the game they love so
dearly,” said Rundles.
Ward said, “I am definitely honored to have an award
named after me. I am touched that the administration
thought enough of me and my battle to put my name
on this award. I am truly blessed to be a part of such
a great university, athletic department and baseball
program.”
The baseball program represents exactly what the
coaches strive for in a player. “We feel that athletics
is a great avenue to prepare a person for the chal-
lenges of life. All the struggles an athlete faces each
day to overcome many negative obstacles, injuries
and general failure in their sport are also courageous
and difficult to achieve,” said Rundles.
Ward continues to act as living proof that athletes
can bounce back from any obstacle. He shares his
experience, and hopes to change many lives through
his coaching career.
Photo: Ashley Boothe

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Recognition in the UWA Hall of Fame shows high
honor and major respect for the career of that
individual. According to UWA Athletics, “The
University of West Alabama Hall of Fame was founded
to honor former student-athletes, coaches, students
and administrators who have honored the university
with outstanding play, coaching or leadership, both
while on campus and/or in their careers.”
Kent Partridge was nominated for the 2020 UWA
Hall of Fame class; he works for UWA as the Sports
Information Director and Associate Athletic Director.
“When I found out I was nominated for the Hall of
Fame, it was a bit of a strange thing,” said Partridge.
Being on the Hall of Fame committee allowed Partridge
to hear about his nomination before the public.
Partridge attended UWA as a football student-athlete
before an injury ended his athletic career. After his
injury, he worked in the athletic department where his
career began, and his passion only grew from there.
Partridge worked many jobs, including Director of
Public Relations for the XFL Birmingham Thunderbolts
and the Director of Media Relations and Sports Infor-
mation Operations at Auburn University, Texas Tech
University, Samford University, and the University of
Montevallo.
“Working with Kent has been a huge blessing for me
personally and professionally. He has been in the sports
media business for a long time as both a reporter and
media relations. I pick his brain often for guidance on
how to handle things at UWA with external and internal
communications.” said Assistant Sports Information
Director Nicholas Finch. “The man is hilarious. I get to
learn and be entertained most days. UWA has been
blessed to have him in the Tiger family,” said Finch.
Dee Outlaw, current Chairman of the UWA Hall of
Fame Selection Committee, was the Sports Information
Director when Partridge was a student at the University.
“Kent worked for me when he was a student and was
the best work study I ever had. It has been wonderful
knowing him not only as a student but as a friend,”
said Outlaw.
Along with Partridge, the 2020 Hall of Fame class
consists of five men who are each outstanding in their
sport/career choice: Former UWA football players Mal-
colm Butler and Kyle Caldwell, MLB player Tanner
Rainey, and coach and administrator Houston Young.
Partridge holds the distinction of both the Hall of
Fame and the Golden Key Honor Society; he is one of
only nine people to have ever received both honors.
Partridge remains grateful for the honors the Uni-
versity has shown him and continues to fufill his job
proudly.
ROLLING OUT
THE RED TURFBy: Kimberly Clark
Photo: Christian Kennedy

Page 17

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Page 18

“The Tigers are going to the next round!”
screamed the play-by-play announcer
right after the game-winning shot swished
through the net. Justin Allison delivered a last-second
three-pointer shot that won the game.
As a sophomore, Allison transferred from Spring
Hill College to UWA’s basketball team with high hopes
of making history. “I wanted to be a part of a winning
program, and I could see the dedication and heart
that the players and coaches had for the game,” said
Allison.
Allison’s basketball career kicked off at the age of
four. His childhood consisted of playing football, base-
ball and basketball, but as time rolled on, he knew that
basketball was the sport for him. “Justin was always
a confident player and would spend countless hours
on the court, “ said his sister, Jordan Allison, “Our
older brother played basketball, and despite all the
arguments, they challenged each other. That is how
Justin grew into the player he is now.”
Allison graduated from Pelham High School in
2018. Before graduating, he earned the title of Shelby
County Player of the Year for 2017-18 and set the
record at Pelham High School for nine three-pointers
in a single game.
The start of his first season at UWA was not easy,
but it eventually paid off. Allen Sharpe stacked the
starting lineup with experienced seniors. Allison waited
patiently on the sideline and looked forward to the
moment he could help lead his team to victory.
“Every time I stepped onto the court, I
gave it my all.”
Allison said, “I wanted to prove to my teammates
and coaches that even though I was a new player, I
could make a major difference for the team.”
Standing at 6 feet, Allison measures less than
average for a college basketball player. An additional
disadvantage arose due to Allison’s foot injury which
caused him to sit out three games. Fortunately, he
recovered and received the chance to show his team
and coaches what he was capable of doing.
On March 3, the Tigers were scheduled to play
the Union University Bulldogs. UWA faced them twice
before and defeated them both times. Little did Allison
know that this win would go down in UWA history.
The Tigers stomped in as the 4th seed in the Gulf
South Conference rankings, which left the Bulldogs
in the 5th seed. The winner of the next game would
advance to Samford and have a shot at winning the
Gulf South Conference Tournament.
Many of the fans agree that the atmosphere in Pruitt
By: Sarah WrightBy: Sarah Wright
Photo: Demetrius Battle

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17
Hall was tangibly different that night. Mark Everett
Gilliam, a UWA student, said, “It was an experience
that every fan strives to see whenever they attend a
game. It seemed like every person could not take their
eyes off the court to see what would happen next.”
As the anticipation grew with only 17 seconds left,
Allison inched his way up to the foul line. He sank
the first, but the second shot fell short. Union rushed
down the court and made a fade away jump shot from
the corner with seven seconds left. The Bulldogs sent
a message across Pruitt Hall; however, they left just
enough time for the Tigers to rewrite the history books.
The score was tied, and the Tigers needed to cross
94 feet to win the game. UWA senior LaJuan Hardy
brought the ball up the floor and passed it to senior
Chris Dudley. Dudley produced a pump fake that cre-
ated enough space to leave Allison wide open at the
top of the key. When Allison caught the ball, he knew
this was his last chance to send UWA to Samford.
Years of practice led to this one moment. Allison
let the ball roll off his hands and sent up a prayer that
it would fall where he intended it. The gym froze as
only the ball moved through the air. Former Graduate
Assistant Coach Cannon Edwards said, “Right when
the ball left his hands, I knew it was going to go in
and time stood still.”
The ball slipped through the net just as the final
buzzer blared through the gym. Allison’s prayer was
answered. The Tigers had officially won the game.
The fans rushed the court to celebrate with the team.
UWA advanced, and Union was sent home.
The Tigers finished the season with a record of
22-8 and finished 4th in the regular season in the GSC.
Their season came to an end at Samford while losing
to Valdosta State 85-71 in the GSC semifinals.
He spoke highly of his team and was proud to have
helped them. “They were a great group of guys, and
I knew that they would have my back on and off the
court. They made it super easy to join a new team, and
they set an example of excellency that I looked up to.”
This next season will bring many new players to
UWA’s court, and Allison plans on leading them to
victory. He said, “our team goal is to win the GSC
Championship; that is something we have to do this
season.”
Livingston awaits the moment he does exactly that.
Photo: Joe Chance
Relive the Moment!
“The entire crowd stormed the court.
It was such an exciting moment
and truly the top highlight of any
UWA game I have ever been to.”
- Cheerleader, Ashley McMinn

Page 20

Numerous people attend the same college as
their parents once did; however, not many of
them can say they cheered for the same team
as their mother. When Jake Lewis chose to attend
UWA, he was unaware that he would share a similar
skill and passion as his mother, Kriste Lewis.
The job of a mascot requires both preparation and
improvisation to successfully connect with the crowd at
a sporting event. The person beneath the suit uses all
his creativity to increase family connection and inten-
sity. Can these skills be passed down through family
members?
As Jake prepared to explore his college options,
the couple wanted Jake to find a place he belonged.
For Jake, that happened to be The University of West
Alabama.
Kriste said, “I loved my experience at UWA, and I
wanted Jake to have the same great four years. And,
let’s be honest; it can be hard to let your child go -
sending him to a familiar place felt a little less intim-
idating.”
Jake decided to make his own path for success at
UWA. Today, his involvement includes Delta Chi Fra-
ternity, Livingston Chapter as Risk Management on the
Executive Council, Student Government Association,
school ambassador and LUie the Mascot.
Garren Granec, a friend of Jake’s, said, “ I persuaded
Jake to be LUie with me, because if I was going to do
something out of my comfort zone, I wanted a close
friend by my side. Convincing Jake to also be LUie
brought us closer together as friends and brothers.”
Jake desired to be more than just a student in the
classroom at UWA. “Initially, I tried out to be the mas-
cot because of my friend, Garren. I thought it would be
fun although I was originally opposed to it. Eventually,
my friend talked me into it. Since then, I am really glad
I did it! I have a blast doing it.”
“My favorite thing about being the
mascot would have to be dancing. I nor-
mally am not the best dancer out of the
suit. However, in the suit, I’m not sure
what it is, but something just comes
over me.”
By: Olivia TurnerBy: Olivia Turner
Photo: Lauren Fuller

Page 21

19
Jake continues the legacy after his parents’ alma
mater. Kriste and her husband met during their time
at UWA. Tim Lewis built his mark on campus as the
president of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership
honor society, president of Blue Key National Honor
Society and a school ambassador.
Kriste prepared to make her dreams become reality.
At UWA, she created her legacy on campus as the
president of Phi Mu Kappa Xi in 1994, Miss March in
the calendar of Livingston’s Loveliest and 1994 Miss
LU. After graduation, her ambitions only grew.
On her 40th birthday, she decided to audition for
the New Orleans Saints’ Saintsation. Being a full-time
mom of two and a former dance instructor, becoming
a Saints cheerleader appeared to always be on her
“bucket list.” The inspiration to audition originated
from her love of The New Orleans Saints and her diag-
nosis of polycystic kidney disease. Auditioning became
one of her top goals.
Surrounded by young women, the 40-year-old felt
intimidated. However, she wanted to seize the moment
and live life to the fullest while she could.
Kriste’s kidney disease has no cure. Eventually, the
kidneys will enlarge, causing the need for dialysis and
a transplant. Her positive attitude motivated her to
continue to pursue her dreams, she said, “Today is
the day, not tomorrow.”
After many auditions, Kriste became the first 40-year-
old to make the Saintsations, and this made her the
oldest cheerleader in the NFL. After cheering for four
years, she became recognized as a Pro Bowl Cheer-
leader, the highest honor for an NFL Cheerleader.
Her inspiration to try out for the Saintsations formed
from her college experience at UWA. She said that
West Alabama led her to the Saintsations through the
development of her character as well as finding her
support system.
Her inspiration to try out for the Saintsations formed
from her college experience at UWA. She said that
West Alabama led her to the Saintsations through the
development of her character as well as finding her
support system.
“If there was ever anything that needed to be done,
there were always people there to support and encour-
age me, especially my husband.” Kriste said, “He has
always been my number one supporter.”
Jake continues the legacy and plans to continue
to be LUie the Tiger until he graduates. One day he
hopes to see his younger brother, Rob Lewis, come
to UWA and be LUie the Tiger.
Kriste said, “I would love to see Rob and Jake be
LUie together one day. When you see your child love
something as much as you do in their own way, you
love it even more!”
As their son, Rob, continues to search for his college,
the family hopes to keep their alma mater a family
tradition.
Photo: Gary B Garmen
Photo: UWA Admissions

Page 22

Fans packed the stadium on Sept. 15, eager to
see The University of West Alabama football
team crush Valdosta State. The excitement built
in the eyes of the crowd quickly drained away as UWA
tight-end Raquavious “Qua” Boyd was violently struck
by a Valdosta State player. Boyd plummeted to the
turf and lost more than just the pass. Boyd’s sense of
memory seemed to roll away with the football.
Ever since that moment, Boyd has trekked on the
journey of recovery. The doctors concluded that Boyd’s
hit led to a severe concussion. To this day, Boyd cannot
remember what happened during that game.
He spent most of his time that season trying to regain
his memory. He visited the athletic training facility daily
to complete exercises to help his memory. He com-
pleted color tests, walking exercises, speech therapy,
and concussion tests.
“I’m just taking it day by day because I
still have a long way to go.”
Boyd still completes daily exercises to keep his mind
sharp. He believes these routine exercises will main-
tain his memory so that he does not fall back into the
place that he was when he started. These exercises
include reciting the alphabet forward and backward,
reciting numbers 1-100 forward and backward, sen-
tence writing, reading repetition, jogging and various
balance exercises.
“The game of football is a privilege, and I’m blessed
to have the privilege to play,” said Boyd.
Boyd believes that the football league should be
stricter on hits and tackles. Although helmets are made
to help prevent concussions, Boyd believes that the
referees should do a better job of managing tackles
that could lead to injuries.
According to CNN, from 2012-2019, there was an
average of 242 diagnosed concussions in the NFL per
year. In response to this, the NFL announced that a
total of $3 million has been made available to sup-
port the development of a helmet prototype that will
prevent or stop concussions.
Boyd wants to eventually have a family of his own.
He knows that this is a day-to-day journey, but he’s
willing to take it to have a healthy life. Boyd is set to
graduate with his masters in December of 2020.
OVERCOMING
“After that hit, the doctor told“After that hit, the doctor told
me that there was stuff that Ime that there was stuff that I
would NEVER remember.”would NEVER remember.”
By: Christian MaloneBy: Christian Malone
THE TACKLE
Photo: Christian Malone

Page 23

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Page 25

23
Photos: Joe Chance
Call Dyer
Football Center and Guard
UWA 2015 - 2020
“UWA was pretty fun, and I had fun with all the peo-
ple on the team,” said Dyer.
Dyer now has his Business Management degree
after graduating in the spring of 2020. “Get done
playing and stick it out and get that degree. That’s the
main goal that will help you out more than another
season will,” said Dyer. He can see that “student” is
put before ‘’athlete” in ‘’student-athlete” for a reason.
He now coaches the offensive line at his alma mater,
Gordo High School.
Taylor Donato
Volleyball Outside Hitter
UWA 2016 - 2020
“I had some of the best and worst times at UWA
that helped me grow as a teammate and as a person,”
said Donato. Donato graduated with an Integrated
Marketing Communications degree with a minor in
Political Science.
“Always remember why you’re there. Your first pri-
ority should be focused on being a student. Don’t get
lost in being an athlete when it is a means to an end
to get your degree,” said Donato. Donato took her
position of being an athlete seriously, but knew her
position as a student was more important.
Donato is currently working as a Special Education
Paraprofessional. She is also continuing her education
and earning her Masters in IMC at UWA with hopes
of finding a career in this field.
Austin Moffett
Baseball Outfielder
UWA 2017 - 2019.
“I made some of the best friends I ever had. If it was
anything, it was fun. I definitely grew up a lot,” said
Moffett. Moffett claimed an Interdisciplinary Studies
degree when he graduated in 2019.
“You always have time for extra activities. Focus on
your goals, your degree and yourself now because
these are some of the best days of your life, so don’t
take them for granted,” said Moffett. Moffett kept
his focus and finished his degree with the help of his
family and the rest of his supporters. He is currently
in the Enterprise Car Rental Trainee Program but will
be a salesman soon enough.

Page 26

Harry Satterwhite
All-Conference Quarterback
UWA 2014 - 2018
“I loved it at UWA. My best friends were my team-
mates, and we won the conference championship in
2017, one of the best seasons in UWA history,” said
Satterwhite.
Satterwhite graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration. “The biggest thing
(about college) is that it is what you make it. It’s not
about how many friends you have, but how you can
make the most out of life with it,” said Satterwhite.
Satterwhite believes he can make the most out of life
with his degree, but he is also furthering his education
by working as a graduate assistant at the University
of South Alabama where he helps coach the team’s
linebackers.
Emilee Cunningham
Women’s Basketball Forward
UWA 2017 - 2018
“It was busy being involved with sports and keeping
my GPA up at the same time. It was small-town-living,
but we made it fun,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham earned her bachelor’s degree in Exer-
cise Science when she graduated in 2018. “Be proac-
tive and have a plan, especially in today’s world. Go
get your degree,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham knows that the future is uncertain,
but her degree and her careful planning now has her
working as a Speech and Language Pathologist at
Ochsner’s Health in Louisiana.
Corey Kelley
Baseball outfielder and pitcher
UWA 2014 - 2018
“I enjoyed my time at UWA, probably the best time
of my life,” said Kelley. He graduated the fall of 2018
with a degree in Business Management.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers for help,
because they’ll give it no matter what you need,” said
Kelley. Kelley attributes his success in finishing his
degree to his teachers. He is currently serving as a
firefighter in Mobile.

Page 27

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Page 30

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#10. Josh Hatcher
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CONGRATULATIONS 2020 SENIORS

Page 31

29
Ryan “Rhino” Cram. He could possibly go down in history as UWA’s biggest fan. There are not many
sporting events that Ryan has missed in the past seven years he has been a part of the UWA family.
Ryan Cram not only holds the title of being the Head Women’s Basketball Coach’s son, but also the
official Hype Man of the football team and a bowling Gold Medalist in the Tuscaloosa Special Olympics. On
the rare occasion that he is not at a sporting event, one can find Ryan on the side of the train tracks studying
the trains that pass through Livingston. It would be an understatement to say that Ryan has simply helped the
teams on campus. Here is what the coaches have to say about their biggest fan:
“Ryan is the ultimate cheerleader for our team.
His positive, upbeat, cheerful attitude is a constant
reminder to the team to keep their chins up, keep
working hard no matter what is placed in your path.”
- Baseball Head Coach, Gary Rundles
“Ryan Cram is an extremely important part of our
football family. Our players and staff gain instant posi-
tive energy from Ryan every time he is around. Regard-
less if things are going good or bad, Ryan always has
a positive outlook and brings a breath of fresh air into
our program. We are extremely blessed to have Ryan
on our staff as the “Hype Man” and Special Assistant
to the Head Coach.”
- Football Head Coach, Brett Gilliland
“Ryan is the BMOC (big man on campus)! Caring,
faithful, loyal, sweet, funny and loving are the first
words that pop in my mind about Ryan. When Ryan
walks into our dugout, it instantly gets brighter. He is
passionate about competition and is always rooting for
you! He is a glimpse of heaven and all that is right in
the world and why there’s just something about UWA!”
- Softball Head Coach, Carie Dever-Boaz
By: Sarah WrightBy: Sarah Wright
PPhotos: Trent Spruell

Page 32

C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
The perfect athlete does not exist. However, ath-
letes still spend most of their lives training for
perfection within their sport. The UWA’s men’s
soccer team follows a strict training program focused
on bettering every player physically and mentally.
For this team, training begins long before the official
start of the soccer season; the team prepares constantly
throughout the year. Soccer affects the players’ daily
lives, including their diet, sleep schedule and time
management skills. “I visit the gym five times a week
during the spring to prepare for the upcoming season.
I work out twice as much in the spring as in the fall,”
said junior midfielder, Maxime Correia.
When these soccer players step out on the field they
leave everything else behind and focus on the game
in front of them. They create a successful response to
the training that head coach Ross Nelson puts them
through every day. “I push the guys to train at a more
intense level in practice, so they are more prepared
for how intense games are going to be,” said Nelson.
The training schedule these athletes follow through
with each and every week starts with a 6 a.m. prac-
tice in the morning once a week and practice each
night at 8 p.m. “When we have games we practice
every day, even on the weekends.”, said Nelson. The
team balances their workout style so they cover all
aspects of strength and conditioning. They compete
in a 5K to push their endurance skills and prepare for
the upcoming games.
Along with strength, athletes understand that their
everyday diet affects their awareness and activeness
during a game. “In season, you make sure to always
eat healthy, during off season you are free to eat fast
food, but it is best to avoid it,” said graduate forward
Vince Stans. While it might be different for each per-
son, Stans focuses on the proper diet for himself, so
he can build success on the field.
The team credits their coaching staff with their ability
to compete and be successful, and this comes from
the intense training program the coaches prepare for
them. The team training works toward one goal, and
that can only be winning.
By: Kimberly ClarkBy: Kimberly Clark
Photos: Joe Chance

Page 33

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Page 34

Knuckles curve around the handle of a
racquet, sneakers shuffle, and sweat
drips on the tennis court where athletes
from all around the world compete. Here at the UWA,
the men’s and women’s tennis players’ “home away
from home” is in another country.
As the globe spins, location markers pop up in Nige-
ria, Finland, Sweden, Mexico, Columbia, France, United
Kingdom, China, and the United States. Each of these
countries link together in Livingston, Ala., where the
dream of playing tennis collegiately came true.
“I have been playing tennis my whole life and it
means a lot to me,” said junior Noah Johansen from
Finland. “I came to West Alabama because of the
good tennis program and coaching staff.”
One of the biggest decisions to make in life is where
to go to college. Most students struggle with deciding
on a college 3 hours away, but for these international
athletes, the decision to attend a school in the United
States meant going home only for holidays.
“I am from Merida, Mexico,” said sophomore Haina
Franco. “The thing I miss the most is my family, but
I’m lucky I have a great team, not just on the court but
outside, that makes being far away from family easier.”
Both Johansen and Franco are from countries much
different than the United States. Each player has
expressed that even tennis is different here, but in
the best way.
“I feel here in America there is a lot more compe-
tition, and I believe that is what makes the players
better,” said Franco.
Tennis coach, Jeff Beaman, said that he has learned
much about different places and cultures through his
international athletes. Originally from Canada, Beaman
knows a thing or two about the transition from another
country to America.
“I grew up in Canada and have lived in Wyoming,
Kansas, Alabama, New Mexico, Texas and Idaho, and
even in some parts of those states, the people can be
very different,” said Coach Beaman.
On these teams, language seems to be less of a bar-
rier than one may think. The different languages that
spill from the mouths of these players may be Russian,
Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, or Chinese. While all know
enough English to speak, the coach has a special rule
to help his athletes get better daily.
“It’s very interesting being a part of such a diverse
team because many would think we have nothing in
By: Summer EarleBy: Summer Earle
Photo: Caleb James Smith
Photo: Joe Chance

Page 35

33
common, but we all get along so well and have so
much fun together,” said junior Morgan Bishop.
“They continue to help me compete
and be better on and off the court.
I’ve learned new things about their
countries and gained a huge appre-
ciation through them that I would’ve
never learned in a classroom or
on the Internet.”
From Midlothian, Texas, freshman Jared Pierce feels
the same way. Pierce sees his team’s diversity as quite
interesting, and he has seized the opportunity to learn
the languages of his teammates.
From Midlothian, Tex., freshman Jared Pierce feels
the same way. Pierce sees his team’s diversity as quite
interesting, and he has seized the opportunity to learn
the languages of his teammates.
“So far it’s been fantastic,” said Pierce. “Everyone
on the team is nice and friendly to be around.”
Whether one had to cross the Pacific Ocean or simply
drive to a different county, their journey towards the
net brought them to West. For these athletes, tennis
means everything to them, and their experience has
been nothing short of successful and supportive.
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Page 36

March 7, 2020, will forever stands out in the
mind of UWA Baseball Head Coach Gary
Rundles. After sweeping a series over Spring
Hill College, Rundles secured his spot in Alabama
history, becoming just the eighth collegiate baseball
coach with 1,000 victories under his belt.
The 65-year-old baseball coach recalls the game as if
it were yesterday. “There is no other way to describe it
other than humbling,” said Rundles. While most people
will credit the milestone to great coaching, Rundles
believes his best attribute was the team family built
around him. Rundles said, “I thank God for allowing
me to be in this position and blessing me with great
players, staff and family.”
Brock Ward, a former player and now assistant coach,
believes this milestone shows the greatness of Rundles
and how he represents the program. “It doesn’t get
much better than Coach Rundles. He deserves every
bit of praise he gets,” said Ward.
Since taking the reins of the West Alabama Tigers,
Rundles created a thriving program. Other than his
winning success, he has produced two MLB talents,
led the Tigers to numerous regional tournaments, and
won GSC gold in 2015.
Even though Rundles spent most of his time in Living-
ston, his journey truly began in 1974 when he started
his college career at Carson-Newman University where
he lettered all four years.
After putting an end to his playing career, a new
door opened, and his coaching career began. Rundles
was named head coach at Chattanooga Central High
School. After a successful eight-year stint, Rundles
returned to his alma mater in 1985. Upon graduat-
ing with his master’s, he made history by being the
first paid baseball assistant coach in Carson-Newman
history. After two years of being an assistant coach,
he accepted the helm of head baseball coach for the
Eagles.
During his time leading the Eagles, he built a domi-
nant baseball program; within 13 years of being head
coach, he won five conference titles and runner-up
four times. After building one of the most successful
programs in the south, Rundles sensed a calling for him
somewhere else. “I never had to leave Carson-New-
man. I just felt that God was telling me to start a new
chapter in my life,” said Rundles.
Ultimately, Rundles’ presence at UWA was only pos-
sible with the help of another UWA Hall of Famer, Dee
Outlaw. The two men served on the NCAA National
Baseball Committee. Outlaw, who served as UWA
athletic director at the time, mentioned an opening
for head baseball coach. Rundles then interviewed
and soon began the rebuilding process for the Tigers.
His past success encourages him to push even fur-
ther in his career. Rundles believes he made the right
choice by coming to the UWA baseball program, and
he plans to continue to advance the Tigers and build
the program to the best of his coaching abilities.
By: Max PottsBy: Max Potts
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Photo: Joe Chance

Page 37

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Page 38

For many, the feeling of a bass snatching their
bait just in time for them to set the hook and reel
him in with a strong fight can quickly become an
addiction. Ryan Branch, a member of the UWA Bass
Fishing Club, lives for moments just like that.
Branch fishes at as many school tournaments as he
can cram in with his busy school schedule. He bal-
ances his classes, social life and fishing career, so he
can make time to work on his fishing techniques. With
every ounce of free time he can stumble upon, he also
fishes local tournaments where he has claimed several
wins in the past year.
“At 8 years old, I moved to a new
neighborhood, found a rod, and
started fishing. I was hooked from
then on out.”
He started out fishing for the Vestavia Hills fishing
team but now finds himself at UWA where there are
plenty of fishing opportunities begging for his atten-
tion.
Not many can say their high school graduation pres-
ent was a boat, but that is the case for Branch. His
parents knew that a boat was what he needed for
the weekends he spends on lakes sprawled across
the southeast. This boat allows more opportunities
for Branch to further his fishing career and earn more
awards for the University.
“Fishing isn’t just just throwing a line
out and reeling it back to the boat. It’s
my escape from everything else going
on around me.”
Branch prioritizes life on the water. During the sum-
mers he works on the wooden docks of a marina on
Lay Lake assisting others with their boats. Whenever
he gets off work, he never hesitates to hit the water
to try out new fishing techniques that may or may not
lead him to victory at the next tournament.
When asked about the best fishing spots he said, “I
always love the lakes that have the murkiest water. If it
has brush and rocks, there is a bass in there, and I plan
on getting it.” He styled his technique to allow him
to be successful every time he goes out on the water.
Branch continues to live the only way he knows how,
and that is with his fishing rod in hand and ready to go.
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Photo: Ryan Branch

Page 39

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Page 40

As Hannah Montana says, mix it all
together and you get the best of
both worlds. Senior Nicole Buccieri’s
first world is softball and her second is Athletic
Training (AT). When she mixes those together, a future
full of prosperity and passion appears.
“What’s it like to be a normal student?”
Buccieri asks herself that question when
she returns home after a long day with
homework piled up and tests on her
horizon. As both a collegiate athlete
and AT major, free time appears like
a distant dream for her.
Despite the lack of free time,
Buccieri still chooses to see only the
positives produced from the dou-
ble-edged sword in hand. She says
to provide a perspective through
both the eyes of an athlete and
athletic trainer gives her an edge
over some others. Her connection
to athletics provides her with a
unique perspective that allows her
to understand the thoughts and
emotions that run through their
head.
“It’s hard for some people to
understand why athletes act or do
certain things, but it’s nice to be able
to add that perspective. This helps me
give them the care that they need in the
best way possible,” said Buccieri.
Buccieri also seizes any opportunity to
explain why athletic trainers are important to her
fellow teammates. She explains how not only are ath-
letes awake for 6 a.m. practices, but athletic trainers
are right there with them to provide whatever care
they need.
“AT and softball are going to mold me into a bet-
ter person, a harder worker, and will allow me to be
seen as someone who can manage their time well,”
said Buccieri.
Her story begins with her passion for soft-
ball. At a young age, Buccieri swung her bat
at a ball for the first time. She remembers
playing competitively at the age of five,
but her father has evidence of her love
for softball blossoming before then.
“My dad talks all the time and
shows pictures of us in the backyard
throwing balls as soon as I could
stand,” said Buccieri.
While her childhood transitioned
into her teenage years, Buccieri’s
love for softball grew stronger.
The aspiration of becoming a col-
legiate athlete manifested itself in
Buccieri’s dreams when she began
high school. Her junior year, West
recruited her to play softball.
Buccieri’s love for softball slid
her into a home plate here at UWA.
Her next steps on her West journey
lead her to decide a major. Passionate
about the medical field and athletics,
she was naturally drawn towards the
Athletic Training program. “The softball
coach here at the time introduced me to
the Athletic Training program,” said Buccieri.
Athletic training students strive to not only
obtain a required number of hours working with a
sports team on campus, but they are also required
By: Summer EarleBy: Summer Earle
Photo: Kacy Nolan

Page 41

to work hours in other clinical settings. This semester,
Buccieri must work a minimum of 250 hours with the
football team. She attends every practice, workout,
treatment, and game.
“When I came to West, AT was new
to me. When I started the program, I
knew it was something I was meant to
do and be a part of, but I didn’t know
how much time I had to put into it.”
Buccieri changes from her softball uniform into
a red polo and khakis for, what seems like, the hun-
dredth time. While she slips off her cleats and ties the
shoelaces to a pair of Adidas sneakers, she answers
her question of wonder about being a normal student
with, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Several people told me I had to make a choice,
that I wouldn’t be able to make it through four years
of doing both. All that did was just motivate me more
to stick with it because it already became something
that I loved,” said Buccieri.
Buccieri bet against the odds and strove to become
successful in both areas. Not only is she one of the
top students in her class, but she is also an essential
player for the UWA softball team.
“Nicole has benefited the team in a physical aspect
from her power hitting and her arm in the outfield,”
said head coach Carie Boaz-Dever. “But more impor-
tantly, Nicole has benefited the team in her ability to
set a high standard and level of expectation for herself
and her teammates.”
The art of time management is a skill that Buccieri
gives credit to for her success. She tackles her schedule
day-by-day. In between her schoolwork and classes,
she sketches in softball practice and athletic training
in the empty spaces
“Most of the time when I come home
for the day, I am exhausted. All I want
to do is go to bed, but I’ll have four
assignments due and two tests the
next day.”
Buccieri sees her overwhelming schedule as an
opportunity to prepare her for a future where her love
for softball and athletic training collide. Both worlds of
softball and athletic training create goals and aspira-
tions that Buccieri hopes to accomplish. She doesn’t
see any dream as too big while she tackles two of the
most time-consuming commitments a student can
make here at West.
Photo: Trent Spruell
39

Page 42

was put on my back because I was already behind. So,
I had to put in extra work, because everyone else was
ahead of me,” said Smith.
She practiced from the time the gym opened and
would stay until it closed to learn the skills she needed
to be the best player. Although her high school coach
only placed her in one position, she trained herself to
be an all-around player. “Because I’m so tall, they don’t
want me out on the perimeter. So, I was not able to
showcase what I could really do,” said Smith.
One of her major concerns with coming to college
was that the coach would see her hard work and poten-
tial and place her in other positions. She knew her
talents were not utilized in high school and did not
want to continue that cycle.
Smith believes that UWA Basketball was exactly what
she needed. After growing up in a big, fast and busy
city, she knew that she wanted a family-oriented team.
She still strives to be the best player she can be, and
she knows that UWA can help take her there. “Once I
saw how far basketball could take me, I knew this was
the sport for me,” said Smith.
“I got to travel the world. I went to Costa Rica for
five days just to play. I’ve met so many people I never
thought I’d meet. I’ve met millionaires and billionaires
because of basketball,” said Smith. She holds onto
her goal of playing overseas. Smith delivered her tal-
ent from New York City, NY, to play at West Alabama.
“The hardest part of moving across the country was
just the 19-hour drive down here,” said Smith. She
discovered that basketball was an outlet for her. Even
with her family being so far from her, she still focuses
on her goals.
“I believe that if she puts in the work she can go
anywhere she wants to,” said head coach Rusty Cram.
Smith hopes to take her career overseas, but she would
not mind going to the WNBA. “If I stop at the WNBA
on my way, then that’s fine too,” said Smith. Watch out
for Rose Smith on your screens in the coming years,
because she strives to be the next big thing coming
out of Livingston by way of New York City.
Stephen Curry from the Golden State
Warriors, Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn
Nets, and Russell Westbrook from the
Houston Rockets all have one thing in com-
mon: their height. All three athletes stand tall
at 6’ 3”. UWA basketball player Rose Smith
stands right with them. “I fell in love with being
different,” said Smith.
She upholds a personal mission to show other girls
that they can work hard and be successful. She believes
that a player does not have to start playing basketball
at two-years-old to make it to the big leagues. She
strives to be a living example of the phrase “it’s never
too late.”
“I never wanted to play basketball, but people kept
asking me why I was so tall and why I didn’t play.
After years of that question, I decided to start play-
ing,” said Smith. She stands high above the rest at 6’
3”. According to the Washington Post, “The average
American woman is around 5-foot-4. The average
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
player is almost 6 feet tall.”
Smith embarked on her basketball career in her soph-
omore year of high school and faced many hardships
because she started so late. Her height held her to a
higher standard, and people expected her to be the
best player simply because of her stature. “A burden
By: Christian Malone
Photo: Roger Davis

Page 43

41
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1124 N Washington St,
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Page 44

Kevin Guy, President and Head Coach for the Ari-
zona Rattlers and former UWA football player,
fulfilled his coaching dreams after finishing
his professional football playing career. He began
his career at West in 1991, and this jumpstarted his
progression to professional playing. After his visit at
UWA, he liked the vision of the football program and it
matched his goal. He knew this was the school for him.
Guy keeps in touch with some coaches and players
who surrounded him during his time in Livingston.
Dee Outlaw, athletic director at the time, acted as a
mentor for Guy, and he consistently provided wisdom
for the upcoming coach. Outlaw’s advice guided Guy’s
coaching approach and created a relationship that will
last forever.
According to Guy, the most important asset a pro-ath-
lete needs is speed. “If you move to the next level, you
either have speed or you’re chasing it.” Throughout
his football career, Guy transitioned through several
positions including quarterback, wide receiver, and
defensive back. Learning the ins and outs of these
positions prepared him for his coaching career. He
vouched that strength is important, but an athlete’s
speed will always out run their strength.
“I wouldn’t change a thing, because all
the positions helped me so much in my
coaching career. I had a perspective of
every position.”
His history in the positions gives him a player’s per-
spective that allows him to understand their outlook on
his coaching style. The coaching strategy Guy enforces
marks a “Culture of Accountability” that instills hard
work and responsibility in every player. He coaches
hard, but he also makes sure to be approachable off
the field and hold good relationships with all of his
players.
Guy utilizes a team philosophy that excludes the
main priority of measurables. He focuses on an athlete’s
capabilities, but he does not base his recruiting on the
player’s size and attributes. This allows him to push
players who, otherwise, may not have furthered their
career. Finding the best athletes for the team stays a
main priority, but Guy understands the importance of
the business side of athletics. He jumps at the chance
to build his brand, and he learned how exposure and
capitalization of a brand is crucial to furthering success.
In 2015, Guy was inducted in the UWA Hall of Fame,
and this honor came as a shock to him. He believed
that an induction was based on an athlete’s playing
and statistics while at the University; however, Guy’s
induction originated from not only his college career
but all of his successes that followed.
Along with his Hall of Fame induction, Guy’s biggest
honor comes from watching his players succeed on
and off the field. His dedication to the game and his
players proves evident through his coaching strategy.
Guy represents the passion UWA Football empha-
sizes, and he continues to create great success in all
of his endeavors.
By: Lauren FullerBy: Lauren Fuller
Photo: UWA AthleticsPhoto: UWA Athletics

Page 45

43
Most coaches emphasize that in every great
program someone works behind the scenes
to ensure everything runs smoothly. As a
firm believer in this mantra, UWA hired its first full-
time Director of Football Operations (DFO), Coach
David Terry.
With this position, Terry jumps at the opportunity
to decrease the workload of the other coaches. Terry
said, “From how I understand it, the coaches have all
had to take on certain roles and jobs that took away
time from their coaching duties. I am happy that I can
take that extra stress off of them, so they can focus
more on the X’s and O’s.”
Terry hopes to be an asset for the team and coaches,
and he plans to utilize his resources and abilities to
advance the program. Football Head Coach Brett Gil-
liland chose Terry to do exactly that. “I am equally
excited to have Coach Terry in the DFO position.
Above his DFO duties, he is a great resource for our
players as a mentor,” said Gilliland.
As DFO, Terry’s job requires him to plan the team’s
travel arrangements, distribute food pre and post-
game, coordinate events and fundraisers, and oversee
the program’s day-to-day operations. He also maintains
equipment and oversees practices to guarantee they
run smoothly. Terry ensures that every coach and player
has received what they need for the day’s practice
and that camera operators are ready to film practice.
After working in operations for the Georgia Tech
football program, the 40-year-old New York native took
the reins of DFO for the Tigers in March of this year.
While Terry never envisioned leaving Georgia Tech for
a division 2 school, he felt drawn to Livingston and had
maintained connections to UWA’s athletic department.
“Nate Burton, the co-defensive coordinator at Geor-
gia Tech who originally coached with Gilliland, told me
that Brett was looking for a DFO,” said Terry. He then
visited Livingston to interview and tour the campus.
Shortly after, Terry was officially offered the job and
accepted it.
Terry’s career in football started in high school and
carried over into his college years at Temple University,
where he lettered all four years under UWA’s current
athletic director Bobby Wallace.
After college, Terry voluntarily coached at his home-
town high school; however, that did not last long. He
soon packed up and moved to Charlotte, NC, to work
several other jobs. Convinced he never found his call-
ing, Terry’s passion for coaching took over, and he
made his way to Livingston.
After building his experience, Terry made his way to
UWA, and he plans to set a standard for the position
and create a better atmosphere for the football pro-
gram. The addition of a full-time DFO will grow as an
asset for the Tigers for many years to come.
By: Max PottsBy: Max Potts
Photo: Max Potts

Page 46

Most athletic students stress about
finals and 4000-word papers, but for
Kylie Martin, the stressor originates
from adapting her life for a medical condition.
Along with being a student athlete, Martin’s real
curveball is living with Multiple Sclerosis. A medical
shock flipped her sophomore year of college upside
down with a diagnosis that she expects to remain with
her for the rest of her life. For Martin, each day on the
field marks a milestone after her return to the sport
she adores.
One spring morning, Martin noticed a dramatic
change in her vision. Martin said, “It started that I
thought I needed new contacts, but as the day went
by, I knew I had to do something.”
Later, Martin and an athletic trainer visited the eye
doctor. The eye doctor’s concerns lead her to meet
with a neurologist.
Martin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the
age of 19. Doctors believe that MS can be a potentially
disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. The
autoimmune disease occurs in the immune system,
which attacks healthy tissue, causing communication
problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
“The diagnosis from the neurologist
came as a shock to me. The relief of
knowing where my symptoms were
coming from relieved me… I thought it
was going to be a much worse diagno-
sis.”
The cause of MS remains unknown, but scientists
believe it is a combination of environmental and
genetic factors. There is no treatment to cure MS;
however, there are treatment options to slow the
progression.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Multiple
sclerosis causes many different symptoms,
including vision loss, pain, fatigue, and
impaired coordination. The symptoms,
severity, and duration can vary from person
to person. Some people may be symptom
free most of their lives, while others can
have severe chronic symptoms that never
go away.”
Nicole Buccieri, Martin’s teammate and
roommate said, “I never saw a change in
her attitude towards the game. She was
out for a little while and struggled in the
beginning- this only made her work harder.
She was determined to prove to everyone
that her diagnosis doesn’t define her as
an athlete or a person.”
By:By: Olivia Turner

Page 47

45
Since Martin’s diagnosis, her life has remained as
normal as possible. With the doctor’s help, her MS
became more manageable.
Her softball career stayed intact, and her condi-
tion pushed her even harder to succeed. Martin said,
“Being active, by at least running a mile every day,
helps me manage my symptoms.”
Buccieri said, “Her diagnosis has rarely shown
symptoms that affect her. This is an advantage for her
because she’s played with it her whole life. To this day
she is still capable of doing anything and competing
as well as anyone else on the field. She has shown
everyone no matter what you struggle with you can
come back stronger than you were before.”
Martin began her softball career when she was four
years old. Her parents, Wendy and Scott Martin, intro-
duced her to the sport as soon as she was four years
old. Her parents, Wendy and Scott Martin, introduced
her to the sport as soon as she could hold a ball. When
she reached the appropriate age, her parents signed
her up to play t-ball.
As Martin grew older, so did the competition. Martin
played for her travel ball team, Kraze 99. This type of
competition prepared Martin for her college softball
career. After Martin graduates from UWA, she hopes
to go to physical therapy school to continue her edu-
cation.
Despite Martin’s mixed blessing, she continues to
do extraordinary and inspiring things with her life.
“I never saw a change in her attitude
towards the game. She was out for a
little while and struggled in the begin-
ning- this only made her work harder.
She was determined to prove to every-
one that her diagnosis doesn’t define
her as an athlete or a person.”
-Nicole Buccieri
Photos: Kamree Lay

Page 48

Page 49

47
Dajarahh Navarro, a 3rd-year member of the
UWA track team and former UWA volleyball
player, struggles with seizures that attack at
any moment and take control of her capabilities.
Before this diagnosis came along, Navarro fell in
love with track and never looked back on this decision.
Now, she continues to grow and compete on the col-
legiate level. While most would back down from this
health issue, she attacked this challenge at full speed
and with no mercy. “Being out there and competing is
the biggest accomplishment yet, next to all the medals
and accolades, of course,“ said Navarro.
Navarro, still trying to figure out the physiological
aspects of her condition, understands that a seizure
can strike at any moment and last for up to 40 minutes.
At one point in her life, she medically withdrew from
school to monitor her condition and gain control of
the seizures the best she could. The side effects of the
seizures affected her memory of recent events and
even some people in her life. While this affects her
daily, she accepted this fate and continued to push
her track career to the next level.
She praises her teammates for all the support they
show her throughout her struggles and understanding
her difficulties. Navarro follows a daily routine like most
students: class, practice, study hall. In this hectic sched-
ule, she finds it hard to obtain an adequate amount of
sleep every night, along with the proper nutrition and
hydration needed for an athlete. However, she said her
supportive teammates are always there for her. While a
diagnosis like this could hinder an athlete’s willingness
to compete, Navarro has elevated her willingness to
play, compete, and grow in her sport.
“My condition has made not only my
mental health better but created a
better outlook on life.”
Navarro strives to push herself to new heights every
day and does the same to others. The word “no” fuels
her inner fire to light her up and keep on pushing
forward. The ability to compete and practice again
became the ultimate goal for her.
Back home in Nevada, Navarro’s family supports her
in her track career, academics and modeling. When the
doctors told her she should not continue with track, the
family did not side with them, but with their own. They
support her decision to continue the road to compete.
With competition, comes a season all track athletes
look forward to and that is the spring. Once the sad
and cold times of winter scurry away and the sunshine
follows, it is the time of year they look forward to.
While she is undecided about her career choice, life
after college will have many roads for Navarro. She
always has her modeling aspiration to follow and hopes
to become an advocate for athletes. She represents
the idea that no condition should ever slow someone
down or chase their dream away. Navarro plans to
prove herself through track, and be a representation
for others to do the same.
THE INVISIBLETHE INVISIBLE
HURDLEHURDLE By: Olivia TurnerBy: Olivia Turner
Photo: Trent SpruellPhoto: Trent Spruell

Page 50

Every team holds a bond, some closer than others, but the teams at the University of West Ala-
bama share a unique connection. With student-athletes from all over the world, coaches dig
into the recruit’s character and question if they will build the bond that the team holds, or if
they will break it. At UWA, the head coach for each team performs a special strategy of finding players
to create the perfect team. All of the coaches focus on similar traits while recruiting, which include skill level,
character and passion for the game.
UWA Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball program uses more of a
research-based approach for their recruitment system.
This program begins their recruiting process up to two
years in advance. “We start recruiting in their sopho-
more year and really start to attack it during their junior
year, and then we try to sign them early in November
of their senior year,” said head coach Rusty Cram.
During the games, the obvious bond that the
team possesses shines through on the court. “When
looking at a player, I have to watch to see if she will
blend with the flavor on our team,” said Cram.
Cram focuses on everything that the fans do not.
”Everybody in the stands knows if that kid can score or
not, but we’re watching for fine details, footwork, do
they play hard all the time, do they have what it takes
to play at the next level, are they committed,” said
Cram. He stacks his roster and prepares for when his
seniors leave. He knows each of his player’s classifica-
tion. During the games, the obvious bond that the
team possesses shines through on the court. “When
looking at a player, I have to watch to see if she will
blend with the flavor on our team,” said Cram.
Cram focuses on everything that the fans do not.
”Everybody in the stands knows if that kid can score
or not, but we’re watching for fine details, footwork,
do they play hard all the time, do they have what it
takes to play at the next level, are they committed,”
said Cram. He stacks his roster and prepares for when
By: Abby FullerBy: Abby Fuller
his seniors leave. He knows each of his player’s clas-
sification and position and keeps that in mind while
recruiting.
When searching for possible recruits, the coach-
ing staff separately travels to research potential UWA
athletes. After watching players multiple times, the
coaching staff meets and narrows down their list of
potential players to a top ten.
If Cram believes a player would match the energy
of the team, he discusses the program with her and
explains his expectations. He uncovers players who
mesh well with the mindset and capabilities of the
team.

Page 51

49
UWA Men’s Soccer
For the men’s soccer team, recruiting never stops.
“We’re constantly recruiting, kids continue sending
us emails, with the season ending we can now go
off-campus and recruit,” said head coach Ross Nelson.
Being from Ireland, Nelson holds connections with
coaches and players, so that when the time comes, he
can refer back to those relationships for future players.
“I will go home and there will be a lot of agencies
putting off showcase games, so I can go and view
the players there,” said Nelson. When reaching out
to a potential recruit, Nelson prefers to start the com-
munication with an email, so the information stays
accessible for the player.
With soccer being popular internationally, recruits
come from all over the world, so coaches must cre-
atively reel them in. “Most international students have
already decided that they are coming to the states to
play while in school. We just have to show our inter-
est in hopes of them coming to West Alabama,” said
Nelson.
Livingston, Ala., creates a family-oriented experi-
ence for all athletes. “I feel like with Livingston being
such a small town, it brings the team closer and
strengthens their bond. It keeps a tight rope around
the team,” said Nelson.
While scouting, Nelson not only focuses on skills
and statistics, but he also studies a player’s character.
“If a player is going to be rude and a difficult person,
I would have to work with him every day and would
continuously butt heads. I do not want that in a player,”
said Nelson. The player’s character draws Nelson’s
attention but could also be the very reason he elimi-
nates a player’s chance on the team.
UWA Tennis
The UWA tennis teams are run by the same head
coach, Jeff Beaman. This presents the same
recruiting process with double the work.
Beaman said, “The way we get some of our best
players is completely last minute.” Beaman traveled
and scouted players in the past, but now he uses his
contacts to find the players with the best skill set to
join his team.
When contacting a potential player, Beaman nor-
mally emails or Facebook messages him or her. Some
potential players personally message Beaman before
he reaches out to them.
Every coach watches for the trait or skill that draws
them towards a potential player, but there is also a
deal-breaker for players. “I look for the best possible
player and their skill level, but I also look at their char-
acter and academics,” said Beaman.
When it comes to his deal-breaker for players,
regardless of the level of skill the player pertains, how
does he or she portray and carry themselves? “It all
depends on their character if they are known for going
to tournaments and arguing, or known as a cheater,”
said Beaman.
At UWA, everyone and every team holds at least
one specific detail that makes them stand out from
the others. The coaches of UWA all take a different
approach to recruit players, but they all search for one
thing in common, a player’s character.
Photos: Joe Chance

Page 52

(205) 652 5750
SEAFOOD - STEAKS - BBQ - CATERING

Page 53

51
TIGERS GOT TALENTFour Tigers inducted into GSC Baseball Team of Decade
Tanner Rainey
First Baseman & Relief Pitcher 2014-15
Rainey was the 2015 Rawlings/ABCA All-American, 2015 NCBWA
All-American, & 2015 All-GSC as first baseman & relief pitcher. He’s
currently a relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals. He hit three
homers to lead the Tigers to win the 2015 GSC Championship Game.
Holgate had .331 career hitter with 27 doubles, three triples, 24 home
runs and 1.28 career ERA. He made 41 relief pitching appearances
in two seasons.
Mitch Holgate
Third Baseman 2013-16
Holgate was 2014 GSC Player of the Year, 2013 GSC Fresh-
man of the Year, & 2014-16 All-GSC. He was the only player
in UWA history to hit for the cycle. Holgate had a .335 hitter.
He also was a UWA career leader in triples with 15, tied for
second on GSC career list and was second in career stolen
bases with 74. He was fourth in UWA history in home runs
(32) & singles (148), and was three-time GSC Spring All-Ac-
ademic Team honoree.
Nick Delgado
Outfielder 2015-17
Delgado was awarded the 2015-17 All-GSC All-Region. With a
career .361 hitter, he had 135 career runs scored (fifth in UWA his-
tory). Delgado had 50 career stolen bases, 146 singles, 35 doubles,
five triples, and seven home runs. He had 54 multi-hit games & 18
multi-RBI games. His 84 hits as a senior was 20th in the nation and
he ended his career on a 23-game hitting streak.
Fernando Gonzalez
Starting Pitcher 2014-15
Gonzalez received 2015 Rawlings/ABCA All-American, 2015
NCBWA All-American, 2015 All-Region, 2014-2015 All-GSC. He
led GSC with 10 wins in 2015. Gonzalez had a 1.96 earned run
average in 2015. Batters hit .228 against him in 2015 and he had
155 career strikeouts. He averaged 8.56 strikeouts and 2.5 walks
per nine innings pitched.
By: Summer EarleBy: Summer Earle
Photos: UWA Athletics

Page 54

Homecoming, SGA
et on Board Day
Higher Education Day