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TH E UN IVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA ATH LETICS
FALL 2017

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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 application for employment regardless of race, color, age,
sex, disability or ethnic origin.
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Weldon Fultz
Faculty Advisor
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IMC Director
Dr. Amy Jones
Photographer
Joe Chance
Writing Staff
Kaitlynn Beaird
Breanna Johnson
Rosemary Horton
Alyssa Wright-Brown
Lauren Sevenish
Sarah Neill
Maci Lankford
Audrey Diekmann
Colton Morgan
Jake Thompson
Ma’Kiyah Hall
Brooke Ames
Sawyer Jones
Sarah Miles
Desmond Lester
Watkins CrossLLC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
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(205) 652-1291

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TIGHT END TOUCHDOWN RECORD
HOLDER TRANSFERS TO UWA
Qua Boyd began athletics earlier than most. Boyd’s first high
school basketball start came when he was in the eighth grade.
He averaged 29.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and four assists per
game from his freshman to his senior year of high school, which
earned him all state honors four consecutive years. He earned a
basketball scholarship to Western Kentucky University, where
he committed his senior year.
Boyd also excelled on the football field. While playing quar-
terback in high school, he threw for 536 yards, six touchdowns,
and had one game where he completed 83 percent of his passes.
He earned all-state honors in football as well. He was a Super
12 selection in the state of Alabama, and was chosen to compete
in the North vs. South All-Star Game.
Boyd participated in boxing when he was younger. He admits
his boxing history had a lot to do with his love for football.
In search of a way to still enjoy the violence of boxing, he
found football to be the answer. Boxing helped Boyd relieve
anger, and once he stopped boxing, the only way for him to
relieve his anger was football. Despite being better in basketball,
he needed something to fill the void that boxing left.
He had been the starting quarterback in high school since the
ninth grade. He switched positions his freshman year due to his
size and athletic ability. He started at receiver at the beginning
of his freshman year. Boyd went to a 2A school; therefore, he
was relied on heavily in football. He was required to play many
different positions due to his school’s lack of athletes.
In addition to being a standout in both football and basket-
ball, Boyd was also a pitcher in baseball. He earned second team
all-state honors in baseball, and his most memorable moment
came when he pitched a no-hitter against Randolph County.
He led the team in home runs and was selected defensive player
of the year.
After talking his decision over with his family, he decided
to take a football and basketball scholarship to Jones County
(Miss.) Junior College. After leading the nation in touchdowns
with 14 at Jones County, he quickly became a two-sport star at
Jones County.
Boyd received football offers from Alabama-Birmingham,
Louisiana-Lafayette, North Alabama, West Alabama, and Lou-
isiana Tech. However, he only played one year at Jones County
and sat out his second year due to injury.
He accepted a football scholarship to UWA in the spring
of 2017. He has quickly become a key to UWA’s offense, and
he currently leads all tight ends in the GSC in receptions.
Desmond Lester UWA Athletics

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DAKARI MAYO
EYES PRO BALL
SCOUTS
“I decided I wasn’t ready to give up the game yet,” said Dakari
Mayo, a senior UWA Basketball player, about announcing his
plans to play basketball beyond the collegiate level.
Maci Lankford Joe Chance
Mayo played UWA bas-
ketball for four years, which
has prepared him for a pro-
fessional career. “My coaches
and teammates have pushed
me to my limits, and I truly
believe that they are the
ones who encouraged me to
push beyond my limits and
believed in me to go after this
dream.”
Mayo is from Bronx, New
York, where he attended
Bronx High School. Mayo
claims that this is where his
love for basketball began. “I
always saw my siblings play-
ing, and I immediately knew
I wanted to be a part of it,”
said Mayo. After high school,
Mayo decided to attend the
University of West Alabama
to play basketball. As a Tiger,
Mayo scored 300 points and
made over 200 rebounds.
Mayo adds that basketball
has helped him establish
character and establish life-
long friendships. Mayo also
explained that basketball has
taught him to hold himself
accountable for all of his fail-
ures and helped him learn
from his mistakes to make
improvements. Mayo also
said that basketball has also
helped him excel academi-
cally. Student athletes must
maintain a minimum grade
point average, so coaches
push athletes to attend class
and avail themselves of tutor-
ing services.
The process of earning a
spot as a professional basket-
ball player is lengthy. Mayo
says that his experience
began when a pro scout saw a
collection of videos of Mayo
playing. In addition, he sent
them around to several pro-
fessional scouts in hopes of
receiving positive feedback.
“No one is out looking for
you. At this level, it is every
man for himself. You have
to get yourself out there,”
said Mayo. Multiple scouts
have contacted Mayo and
asked for a meeting. Mayo
explained that he still has a
lot to do before the process
is complete, but he is work-
ing hard to achieve his dream
of playing professional
basketball.

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How many people can say they fit into every one of those
categories? UWA’s Savannah “Taz” Smith can.
Born with Spina Bifada, Smith underwent her first surgery
to correct her spine when she was only one month old. Spina
Bifada occurs when the neural tube in a baby’s brain fails to
develop or properly close, causing defects in the spinal cord
and the bones in the spine.
“As I got older, they noticed my leg wasn’t growing,” said
Smith. “When I was six years old, I had what they call a club
foot.” Because the tissues that connect the foot muscles to the
bone are shorter than normal, a club foot twists so the heel
cannot touch the ground.
After years of attempting to correct
her foot, Smith’s parents finally decided
to amputate her right leg from the shin
down when her right foot was six shoe
sizes smaller than her left. Smith’s doc-
tors informed her parents that she would
probably end up in a wheelchair if she
kept the foot. Instead, they elected to
take a leap of faith on the 50 percent
chance of her being able to walk again
if they opted for the amputation.
“I remember waking up, and it didn’t
really phase me back then,” recalled
Smith about her first moments as an
amputee. “I just thought the pink cast was cool.” She attended
her first day of kindergarten in a wheelchair. Since her ampu-
tation, she has endured two additional operations.
Nevertheless, Smith soon followed in her older sister's foot-
steps by playing basketball and softball. She even joined the
cheerleading squad. Smith never let her condition hold her
back from doing what she loved. For example, when Smith set
her heart on becoming a catcher at age 12, despite her parents'
doubts about her being fast enough with her prosthetic, she
excelled in her position.
Nineteen-year-old Smith credits her coaches and parents
for never giving up on her and pushing her as the reasons she
keeps going. “All of my coaches honestly have never cut me
any slack,” said Smith. “When they say, ‘if you mess up, you’re
running,’ I still run. I still do the drills. I still run bases. I still do
the conditioning. I’ve never had a coach let up on me.”
UWA softball head coach Carie Dever-Boaz quickly rec-
ognized Smith’s determination, fearlessness, and leadership
skills within minutes of watching her play. “She has a ‘never-
say-die’ attitude and never has an excuse for anything, even
running—or hopping—stadiums at 6 a.m.”
said Dever-Boaz.
Dever-Boaz was still a coach at Northwest
Mississippi Community College when she
recruited Smith, but when Dever-Boaz came
to UWA, Smith knew she had to listen to her
heart and follow the coach.
After just a few months of being at UWA,
Smith's teammates, as well as classmates,
perceived her as a leader. She completed the
fall 2016 semester with a 3.5 grade point aver-
age, earning membership in Phi Eta Sigma
National Honor Society.
“Savannah is wise beyond her years; she
has faced more than most will in a lifetime
and never backs down,” said Dever-Boaz. “Her actions and
determination hold this team to a level of accountability like
no other. She is always encouraging and has no problem with
holding people accountable. She is genuine and is always finding
ways to better herself and those around her.”
Smith plans to become a high school English teacher and
softball coach upon graduation in 2020. She hopes to inspire
others, especially those affected by Spina Bifida and limb loss,
to always pursue their dreams, regardless of their situation.
AMPUTEE ATHLETE INSPIRES
How Savannah “Taz” Smith overcame
debilitating effects of Spina Bifada
Kaitlynn Beaird
One in 12 American female high school athletes will play a sport in college.
One in 190 Americans will live with the loss of a limb.
One in 1,000 Americans will be born with Spina Bifida.

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HISTORY IN THE
MAKING
Thorne leads women's soccer to
three GSC titles
Alyssa Wright-Brown Joe Chance

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In 2014, fans in the stands were in an uproar after the third
goal was scored during the 90-minute battle between the UAH
Chargers and the UWA Tigers. After the final whistle, the
Tigers won their first Gulf South Conference championship.
“Our first title is special,” said Coach Thorne. “We created
history.”
Thorne said, “It was great beating local rival UAH in the
semifinals and then stepping up in the final and winning con-
vincingly. It really showed the character we had in the team.”
What no one realized in 2014 was how that first title was just
the beginning.
Now with three consecutive GSC title wins under his belt,
Thorne knows a little about staying on top.
Thorne implemented the soccer program in 2012, coming to
UWA after serving as an assistant coach at Huntingdon Col-
lege for two seasons. While at Huntingdon, he helped guide
the Hawks to an appearance in the 2009 Great South Athletic
Conference Tournament.
As a young assistant coach, most coaches look for the head
coaching opportunity that is the right fit. “UWA was a perfect
place to start a new program and look to create history.”
With an overall record of 55-37-6, Thorne knows what it takes
to be a winner: persistence. “Every coach will get their chance.
Just always give 100 percent, be willing to learn, and take your
opportunity when it presents itself.”
Thorne and his team pounced on every opportunity to be
the best.
“I have had inspiration from numerous coaches and peers,
and for me, it's taking a little bit from everyone I look up to and
molding it into my coaching style.”
Role models, such as Paschal Dunne, the Head Coach at Saint
Joseph College, showed Thorne that patience and defensive
organization is key.
Thorne knows every player has a champion inside them, “but
it's our job, as coaches, to try maximize their output and to dig
deep to become a champion and set the winning mentality.”
“It's a lot easier to become number one rather than stay
number one. In every game we play, we must bring that level
of intensity because every team wants to knock the champs
off their perch.”
Coaching offers no future guarantees. Thorne and his family
are happy at UWA and hope to win more championships while
creating a dynasty.

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Brooke Ames Joe Chance
RODEO STAR ALSO
SHOT HOOPS
Career-leading scorer Taylor remained
a three-point threat
University of West Alabama's senior
basketball player Catherine Taylor's love
for basketball started at the age of five.
From then on, she followed her passion
for the sport, eventually opening up a
door to take her skills to the next level.
“At first, basketball was something
my brother played, so of course I had to
play,” Taylor said. “Once I figured out
there could be a future with it, I knew
that basketball was basically my ticket to
get a free education.”
Starting out at Tennessee Tech Uni-
versity in 2013, Taylor played in 60 games
and was a starter in 15 of them. For those
first two years, Taylor hit a career high in
assists with 318 points scored.
However, when Taylor made the
decision to transfer, she contacted the
University of North Alabama first. It
was not until UWA women's head bas-
ketball coach Rusty Cram made her an
offer for both basketball and rodeo that
she committed to the University of West
Alabama.
“I reached out to Cat and visited her
and her family, and we were fortunate
enough to sign her over some other
schools. We seemed best fit for what she
was looking for in a school and program,”
said Cram. “I also found out she enjoyed
rodeo, so I spoke with Coach Caudle of
our rodeo team here, and together we pro-
vided Cat the opportunity to do both.”
Taylor earned a starting spot for the
Tigers and played in all 26 games during
her junior year of the 2015-2016 season.
When it came time for her senior year,
Taylor was a starter for the first half
and beginning of the second half of
the season. All was well until she col-
lided knees with a teammate in practice,
causing a second ACL injury late in the
season.
“It was really hard to hear that I was
not going to be able to finish my senior
year,” Taylor said. “They thought I was
completely done, but I was going to try
and play what was left of the season.”
According to Coach Cram, Taylor
brought a world of experience to the
team. As one of the leading scorers on
the court, as well as a leader in the class-
room, Taylor will be difficult to replace,
according to Cram.
“Cat was a solid pick up for us at the
right time. She filled a much needed
position for us as our program contin-
ues to change direction,” Cram said. “Cat
brought size and was always a three-point
threat on the court. Off the court, she is
a great ambassador for our program and
the University of West Alabama.”
Since her final season has ended, Taylor
has put her focus on her school work. She
plans on working for the physical therapy
clinic where she interned a year ago, and
she will apply to graduate school to con-
tinue her career in physical therapy.

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TRIPLE-THREAT
TRIATHLETE DOES
EVERYTHING IN THREES
How Muncher tackles athletics,
scholarship, sorority life
Katlynn Beaird Joe Chance

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“I miss a lot of things because I’m involved in so much, but
you kind of have to get your priorities straight,” explained
Muncher, who is not just a triathlete but also runs for the cross
country and track teams. She is a Tutwiler Scholar and a sister
of Phi Mu.
Muncher began swimming at the age of four and instantly fell
in love with the sport. Her mother coerced her to join the track
team in the seventh grade, and she was soon invited to join the
varsity team to compete in long distance running.
The 18-year-old Jasper native always knew she wanted to
follow in her mother’s footsteps by running in college, but she
did not know she would also be able to continue her real pas-
sion: swimming. Muncher’s father conducted some research
online and discovered that she could join a triathlon team in
college—all she had to do was add a bicycle.
As a result, Muncher started training for triathlons the
summer before her senior year of high school with family friend
Angela Harris.
“We started working on techniques in order to get Caitlyn
comfortable on the bike. Quickly, Caitlyn mastered her basic
techniques and then started building speed. Before she knew
it, I had signed her up for her first triathlon,” said Harris. Cait-
lyn finished first in her age group as well as first overall female.
“During this race, I will say that Caitlyn fell in love with being
a triathlete and made her decision to compete in triathlons
during her college years,” added Harris.
Consequently, Muncher started reaching out to schools that
had triathlon teams. After coming on her first tour to UWA,
she decided then that it would be her new home that fall.
“She loved UWA and was extremely excited to be become a
member of our program and school,” said Allie Nicosia, UWA’s
triathlon coach. “She visited often and was eagerly awaiting the
signing period to officially call herself a UWA Tiger.”
In the meantime, Muncher earned a 28 on her ACT, which
allowed her to apply for the Tutwiler Scholars Program. As a
result, she was granted a generous scholarship, study abroad
opportunities, and the option to take honors courses. In addi-
tion, she was eligible to take several trips with other Tutwiler
Scholars.
“When you first meet Caitlyn, she seems very easy going,
almost shy, but when you get to know her, you see that she’s
driven to win, whether it’s in a triathlon or in academics. And
the person she competes hardest against is herself—she’s always
pushing herself to become better, faster, smarter,” said Dr. Lesa
Shaul, the director of UWA’s Honors Program.
By the time classes started, Muncher realized that she wanted
more out of her college experience. Despite her coach’s disap-
proval, Muncher accepted a bid from Phi Mu during sorority
recruitment.
“I had my doubts about Caitlyn’s schedule, but she assured
me that she would be able to handle everything. Because of her
grades, high school involvement, and level of commitment, I
did not have many concerns,” said Nicosia. Muncher demon-
strated she could handle her busy schedule by completing her
first semester of college with a 4.0 GPA.
Additionally, in the triathlon team’s only spring meet in
March, Muncher finished sixth overall and first among NCAA
female athletes at the Draft Legal Challenge in Clermont, Fla.
“Caitlyn still has plenty of room to grow and develop, but if
anyone has the ability to be great, it is her. As she continues to
dial in her nutrition, become more comfortable racing draft-le-
gal, and get more training under her belt, she will continue to
thrive on not only our team, but in the national ranks,” said
Nicosia. “If she continues on the path that she is currently
building this semester, along with her races in the summer,
we could see a completely different triathlete in the fall of this
next season.”
4:45 a.m.: Caitlyn Muncher heads to meet her team for their first practice of the day.
5:30 a.m.: The University of West Alabama's triathlon team heads to Meridian for swim practice.
8:13 a.m.: Muncher quickly showers in her dorm room at Gilbert Hall, then races to Young Hall
Cafeteria to grab a quick breakfast.
10:10 a.m.: Class.
12:21 p.m.: Lunch on-the-go after class, so Muncher can squeeze in as much homework as possible,
and maybe even a quick nap.
3:30 p.m.: Triathlon practice again, but instead of swimming, they run six miles, up and down hills.
6:09 p.m.: Muncher sprints to a Tutwiler Scholars meeting.
7:27 p.m.: Muncher arrives late to her sorority’s social, as always.
9:23 p.m.: Muncher finally returns to her dorm to finish up on her English essay, study for her calculus
test, pack for her track meet that weekend, and try and get in bed before midnight.

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When the idea of college sports comes
to mind, riding bulls and roping cattle
probably aren’t the first things people
think of. Luckily for fans of the fast-paced
and dangerous world of rodeo, The Uni-
versity of West Alabama is home to both
a men’s and women’s collegiate rodeo
team, more aptly referred to as the Tiger
Wranglers.
UWA is unique as the only Alabama
university with a men’s and women’s
rodeo team. The Tiger Wranglers have
been an integral part of UWA’s athletic
scene since 1995. While other, more
traditional athletic teams at UWA com-
pete in the Gulf South Conference
(GSC), the rodeo team competes in the
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Associa-
tion (NIRA). The NIRA is made up of 11
regions around the country, and UWA
competes as one of 14 member schools
in the Ozark region.
While the rodeo team plays a role in the
overall athletic program at UWA, there
are several aspects that set this team apart
from all of the others. A day in the life of
a Tiger Wrangler is vastly different than
that of a typical student. Most students
head straight to class after their alarm
clocks sound; members of the rodeo
team, though, wake up in the early hours
of the morning with a full plate of tasks
to accomplish. Whether driving to the
barn, checking up on their equipment,
RIDING AROUND THE COUNTRY
Rodeo team offers one hell of a ride
Lauren Sevenish Joe Chance

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feeding their horses, or letting animals
out to graze in the field, mornings are
packed for rodeo members.
When classes are over, it’s back to the
barn to tend to their horses once more.
As if this schedule wasn’t exhausting
enough, Tiger Wranglers then gear up for
intense practice sessions that can last up
to seven hours. This is a regular schedule
for members of the rodeo team four days
out of the week.
As the weekend rolls around and it
comes time for actual competition, the
rodeo team does not hop on a bus and
head to their destination. Instead, Tiger
Wranglers drive their own trucks while
pulling their own trailers for their horses.
Rodeo members travel to locations as
close as Mississippi or as far away as Wyo-
ming, a daunting 22-hour drive.
Although it sometimes costs members
of the rodeo team substantial amounts of
money to travel long distances with their
trucks and trailers, they are encouraged
by the prospect of winning large amounts
of cash and other collectible items at
competitions.
Lance Daniel, a bull rider for UWA, has
won big at several rodeos. “At one compe-
tition, I won close to $2,200,” Daniel said.
“In my best season, I won about $20,000.
I have also won 42 buckles, two champi-
onship saddles, and a pair of champion
chaps.”
Daniels, who has been riding bulls for
15 years, also commented on the around-
the-clock lifestyle that rodeo demands.
“Rodeo isn’t like any other sport. It
takes extreme commitment and ded-
ication to be good at what you do. In
other sports, there is an off season or a
slow time. Rodeo is all year and every
weekend.”
The rodeo team competes in 10 com-
petitions, five in the fall and five in the
spring. UWA hosts its own rodeo each
fall at the Don C. Hines Rodeo Complex,
bringing crowds of fans and spectators
from around the country to Livingston
for a weekend filled with rodeo action.
Being a member of the UWA rodeo
team requires immense physical and
mental toughness. Rodeo coach Alex
Caudle said, “You have to put in the
work and you have to be athletic, but if
you don’t have it mentally, you will never
win.”
Caudle, a former Tiger Wrangler him-
self, said that along with mental and
physical toughness, luck of the draw can
also play a role in his team’s success.
“A lot of times, you go to the rodeos,
and you may not have a chance accord-
ing to what stock you draw,” Caudle
said. “Sometimes you don’t win, and it
is nothing that you have done. You have
to be able to turn around, walk out of the
arena, and come back and do it and not
think about the time before that.”
With immense amounts of money
invested into their horses, cattle, equip-
ment, transportation, and countless
hours at the barn dedicated to their
horses and practicing, Caudle said the
team has one main reason for pushing
forward.
“Just like everything else, once it gets
in your system, you’re eat up with it,”
Caudle said. “You have that burning
desire to win.”
That burning desire has paid off for
Caudle and his team over the last year,
with two Tiger Wranglers competing
and placing at the 2017 College National
Finals Rodeo. In the past five years, UWA
has sent 12 individuals to perform in
nationals.
UWA finished out their 2016-17 season
fifth overall in men’s and sixth overall in
women’s standings in the Ozark region.
Caudle himself was named the 2017
Ozark Region Coach of the Year for the
second time, affirming his dedication to
his team and to the sport of rodeo.
“It’s addictive,” Caudle said. “When-
ever you do win and everyone says ‘man
good run, hell of a ride,’ there’s nothing
that can take that place in your heart.”
In my best
season,
I won about
$20,000.
I have also
won
42 buckles,
two
championship
saddles,
and
a pair of
champion
chaps.

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14
FROM KENYA TO
THE COUNTRYSIDE
Onyango beats NCAA Division
One runners
Katlynn Beaird Joe Chance
“Pace yourself,” yells his coach from
the sideline.
“Pace myself? Hah!” he thinks.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
His heart pounds in his head. Breaths
shorten. Muscles tingle. Sweat pours
down his face.
Finish line.
Only one runner is ahead of him.
He sprints to sneak past him just in
time.
Victor Onyango just won the Missis-
sippi College Watson Ford Invitational
8000-meter, or 4.97-mile course, in
25:55.85, in October 2016, beating even
NCAA Division One participants.
Three years ago, when he last saw
his parents and two younger brothers,
Onyango boarded a plane headed for Bir-
mingham with no clue about his future
besides running cross country for UWA.
Onyango launched his running career
at a young age, racing with the other chil-
dren in his village in Kapsabet, Kenya.
“We used to compete to see who was the
fastest in the neighborhood,” explained
Onyango.
In junior high school, he started run-
ning with a friend to relieve stress from
his strenuous boarding school exams. In
high school, his teachers created teams
among his classmates to compete against
other schools in his district. Ultimately,
he realized that he had a shot at running
at a higher level.
“A university back at home is very
expensive, so I wanted to relieve my par-
ents of that burden,” explained Onyango.
“My dad said, ‘You can run; how about
you use it?’”
Daisy Byrne, Onyango’s older sister,
inspired him to attend college in the
United States for she was a cross country
and track runner at the University of Bel-
larmine and the University of Louisville.
Consequently, Onyango started
researching schools online and reaching
out to coaches. He then attended a train-
ing camp for a year and a half in Kenya to
improve his speed and endurance.
After speaking on the phone several
times with former cross country coach
Ray Stanfield, Onyango was offered a
scholarship to run on both the cross
country and track teams.
Despite having several other schol-
arship offers, Onyango chose to attend
UWA because of the small-town atmo-
sphere and beauty. “The countryside is
a good place to run,” he explained.
Onyango has led UWA’s cross-country
team in most of their events, placing three
consecutive years at the Gulf South Con-
ference championship and the NCAA
South Region meet. He has also been
a top finisher for UWA at the NCAA
National Championships two years in a
row, finishing in 54th place in 2015.
In addition, he is a great asset to the
track team in the long-distance events,
such as the 3,000-meter, where he has
placed first at several meets. “My main
objective is just to break records right
now,” said Onyango.

Page 15

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16
COCKRUM AND
PENNINGTON
HONORED
First Brock Ward Award
recognizes perseverance
Katlynn Beaird Joe Chance

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Every year, the University of West Alabama’s baseball team
hosts its Grand Slam Dinner to recognize the team’s accom-
plishments. In January 2017, the annual banquet included a
new award beside the usual Most Valuable Player and Highest
Batting Average awards. Embossed in the plaque were the words
“Brock Ward Perseverance Award.”
UWA’s head baseball coach Gary Rundles created the Brock
Ward Perseverance Award in honor of cancer survivor and
former player Brock Ward.
Ward was diagnosed with Ewing carcinoma, a rare type of
childhood bone cancer, only four days after graduating from
UWA in 2015. After undergoing chemotherapy treatments for
several months, Ward celebrated the victory that he was can-
cer-free on February 19, 2016.
“Personally, Brock has been an inspiration to me because of
his willingness to never give up. He had his life put on hold, and
his baseball career ended by this dreaded cancer. When faced
with this adversity, Brock never let his faith in God falter. He
has always been positive, even through the painful surgeries
and regimen of chemo treatments,” said Rundles. Looking for
players who had overcome adversity in their lives and seemed
completely deserving for this award, the coaching staff chose
Jack Cockrum and Brandon Pennington as recipients.
For example, during the 2015 Gulf South Conference tourna-
ment, Cockrum was accidentally hit in the face by a teammate’s
bat during batting practice, smashing his nose into his cheek.
One hour later, he was in the batting lineup as a designated
hitter and caught the last inning of the game for the closing
pitcher. He went on to play the remaining games in the tourna-
ment before going to the hospital. Additionally, he returned to
play in the regional tournaments just a few days after surgery.
No doubt, Cockrum’s dedication to the game and perseverance
to push through not only that injury, but several others, were
the basis of the coaching staff choosing him.
“Brock's battle made mine look miniscule and helped me to
shrug off my burden and continue to play through something
as inconsequential as a broken nose. My battle was not life and
death. His was,” said Cockrum.
According to Rundles, Pennington was chosen because of his
“willingness to play the game he loves while fighting his own
battle with Crohn’s Disease.” Pennington has played dozens of
games in pain from Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammatory
disease of the digestive tract, throughout his two-year career at
UWA. Most of his teammates were not aware of the struggles
he has experienced. Pennington must be careful with what he
eats and make sure he is medicated properly to prevent flare-
ups. “Brandon will fight this disease for the rest of his life, and,
he too, has not let it affect his willingness to go on or affect his
faith in God,” added Rundles.
“To be honored with an award in the name of one of my
good friends was truly amazing. After everything Brock went
through, I didn't believe I deserved the award. I cannot fathom
all that he went through with cancer. I will always be truly hon-
ored to have my name on this award,” said Pennington.
Rundles plans to continue giving the Brock Ward Award
each year to a deserving baseball player from that season.

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18
Brooke Ames Joe Chance
CRONWRIGHT HITS A
BALL IN AUSTRALIA
AND LANDS ON
AMERICAN GREEN
Heading off to college can be over-
whelming, but heading off to college
all the way around the world can sound
almost impossible.
Andrew Cronwright is a 19-year-old
sophomore exercise science major at
UWA, from Melbourne, Australia. He
was contacted by Coach Buie, former
head coach of UWA men’s golf. Cron-
wright was ready to go.
“It was always something I wanted to
do, so I took the opportunity and ran
with it,” Cronwright said. “It was pretty
exciting.”
Cronwright had been playing the game
of golf since he was three years old with
his father. At the age of 12, he started
taking it seriously.
Having always been an independent
person, Cronwright was prepared for the
move, but moving to a different country
with a different way of life took some
getting used to. Compared to 4.5 million
people in the city of Melbourne, Living-
ston seemed very small.
“It’s hard being away from your family
for so long,” Cronwright said. “There’s a
big time difference, and it becomes diffi-
cult to find time to talk at times, but we
make it work.”
During his time here at UWA, Cron-
wright had to set some records. He tied
the school record for an individual round
at 69. The team also tied the overall team
record at 263.
Head coach Brian Williamson thinks
highly of Cronwright.
“Andrew is an emerging player for our
team, and I couldn’t ask anything more,”
Williamson said. “He is a big leader on
and off the course. His work ethic is amaz-
ing, and the other players really look up
to him.”
Patiently waiting to see what the next
two years have in store for him, Cron-
wright plans on finishing out his next two
seasons, only hoping to better himself
and set more records. After graduation,
he will more than likely return to Austra-
lia, unless an opportunity arises to play
Golf in the U.S.
“I would love to play for a living for a
short period of time and eventually end
up coaching golf,” Cronwright explained.
“If that doesn’t work out, I would like
to use my degree in exercise science to
become a strength and conditioning
coach.”
Cronwright is thrilled to have had this
opportunity to travel across the globe to
attend college, play golf, meet new people,
and learn the American way of life for a
few years.

Page 19

19

Page 20

20
THEY WILL
ROCK YOU125-member Scarlet Band from Tiger
Land supports the University’s mission
on and off the field
Maci Lankford Joe Chance

Page 21

21
Imagine sitting in Tiger Stadium during the biggest game of
the year when the football team is down by one touchdown in
the fourth quarter. The fans and cheerleaders are cheering their
hearts out, but it just is not enough. Who should they turn to?
Who can give them the hype they need to push through the
last bit of the game to win? None other than the Scarlet Band
from Tiger Land!
With over 125 members, the band performs at all of the home
football and basketball games. Their mission is to provide a
positive environment for students to learn and perform music
as an extracurricular activity. Also, they hope to raise student
retention and graduation rates through enhanced academic
support, student counseling, and improved quality of extra-
curricular experience.
“The cheerleaders depend a lot on the band. We have dances
to most of their songs, and without them, we would be a lot
more boring on game days,” said UWA cheerleader BreAnna
Johnson. “The band always has such a good attitude while
performing, and their attitudes are contagious.”
Phi Mu Fraternity member and Tiger fan Sarah Hansen said,
“I come from a school that did not have a marching band, so
when I got here, it was like a whole new world. I can remember
when I first got here and lived on campus, I would walk down to
the football field and just sit in the stands and watch the band
practice. I loved it. It gave me chills to hear them play the fight
song. It always made me so excited for game day.”
During football season, the band practices every weeknight,
weather permitting. They work around teams that use the foot-
ball field for practice, which means that they typically do not
start practice until around 9 p.m. They often do not finish until
midnight, ever striving for perfection, and it shows on game day.
Band members are given the opportunity to participate in
both on- and off-campus activities throughout the year, serving
as both a recruiting and public relations tool to support the
university's mission. Performances include six UWA home
football games, the Christmas on the River parade in Demopo-
lis, the Crewe of Columbus parade in Mobile, and the Crewe of
Endymion Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans. The basketball
pep band performs at all home basketball games and the Spring
Concert.

Page 22

22
HARRIS LEAVES
LEGACY
#BuckleUpForBeth campaign
stresses seatbelt awareness
Brooke Ames Joe Chance

Page 23

23
One girl. One tragedy. One life lost. Many lives changed.
Bethany Joyce Harris left quite an impact on the University of
West Alabama community.
Harris was a 19-year-old freshman biology (medical compre-
hensive) major at UWA. She was a cheerleader and sister of
Phi Mu. She graduated Valedictorian at Dora High School in
2015 and was a cheerleader, SGA President, and a leader in just
about any other organization you can think of.
On December 28, 2015, Harris was on her way home to Empire
when she was involved in a car accident that tragically ended
her life.
“Bethany was a ray of sunshine who never met a stranger,”
said Kylee Koch, teammate, sorority sister and roommate. “She
had such a strong love for everyone. She lives on through our
hearts and left a legacy of love and kindness.”
After Harris’ death, best friend Kaitlynn Beaird started the
hashtag #BuckleUpForBeth, now a seatbelt awareness campaign
in memory of Harris, who was not wearing a seatbelt and was
ejected from her vehicle, causing her death.
“I started using the hashtag a few days after Bethany passed
away,” said Beaird. “I then asked my Phi Mu sisters if we could
adopt this as our community campaign in addition to our other
philanthropies, and everyone immediately jumped on board.”
Many people do not realize that wearing a seatbelt increases
chances of survival by 50%.
“With this campaign, we can put a "face" to the story that
so many people can relate to and hopefully motivate others to
buckle their seatbelts when in a car,” Beaird added.
So far, Phi Mu has sold around 1,000 #BuckleUpForBeth
bracelets to UWA students, faculty, staff, and community mem-
bers. The profits from these sales fund the Kappa Xi Bethany
Harris Memorial Scholarship, an award presented to a new
member of Phi Mu each spring.
Sarah Neill, Miss UWA 2015, used #BuckleUpForBeth as her
platform to spread seatbelt awareness across the state. Paige
Miller, Phi Mu’s philanthropy chair, boosted the campaign by
initiating a month-long social media campaign that included
videos, statistics, and facts about seatbelt safety.
Beaird also runs a #BuckleUpForBeth Facebook page.
“With this #BuckleUpForBeth campaign, I know that Beth-
any's legacy will always be alive,” Beaird said.
To purchase a #BuckleUpForBeth bracelet or make a dona-
tion to the #BuckleUpForBeth campaign, contact any Phi Mu
sister.

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24
MURPH WILL BE HERE
THROUGH 2018 SEASON
And he might as well run for mayor.
Colton Morgan UWA Athletics

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25
A normal person can
live his whole life in a
town and not every-
one can know him.
However, in Living-
ston, everyone at
least knows about
baseball's Murph.
Joel Murphy
might as well run
for mayor because
he has been here for
a tenure at West Ala-
bama. OK, not really,
but it takes a special
someone to come to Liv-
ingston and thrive for five
years like this man has.
Mandeville, Louisiana, a
small, quiet town located
about 30 minutes north of
New Orleans, is home to
senior shortstop Joel Martin
Murphy.
Murphy was born on Feb-
ruary 4, 1994, to Martin and
Carol Murphy, Joel also has
a younger brother, Josh. He
attended Mandeville High
School where he played all
four years.
Coming out of high school,
Murphy had many offers from
bigger and wealthier programs
than West Alabama, such as
University of Louisiana-Mon-
roe and Southeastern
Louisiana.
West
A l a b a m a
appealed to him for
one reason and one reason
only: Coach Gary Rundles
told Murphy he would have
a chance to start at West Ala-
bama, and he got that chance
his freshman year.
Murphy has become one of
the starting infielders for the
Tigers. In his second year, the
Tigers won a GSC Champi-
onship. Within the same year,
however, he experienced a
high in the spring only to hit
rock bottom in the fall.
A partially torn labrum
required surgery, which was
suc-
cessful,
but Mur-
phy’s troubles were
only beginning. He tore his
labrum all the way through,
requiring a second surgery.
As a result of these surger-
ies, Murphy basically missed
two seasons, save one at-bat in
the 2016 season opener before
the second injury.
Through a lot of rehab,
Murphy bounced back
during the fall of 2016. Then
Spring 2017 rolled around,
and Murphy enjoyed the best
year of his UWA career, play-
ing well enough to be named
All-GSC while helping lead
his team to play in the
conference champion-
ship game.
Unfortunately,
the Tigers came
up short and took
second place. He
also helped his
team to make it
back to the seem-
ingly untouchable
regional champion-
ship game where again
they came up just short.
Murphy was rewarded
an extra year in baseball via
the NCAA medical hardship
rule and will finish his career
after the 2018 season.
As one of the three captains,
he has a high outlook on the
upcoming season.
When a person first visits
Livingston, he is unsure of
the town, at least at first. Now
Murphy calls it home. He loves
the tight-knit community, the
good people, and the great
atmosphere.
Pressed to name at least one
shortcoming, Murphy said,
“Livingston doesn’t have a
lot of food options, or enough
women.”
Even with the lack of
choices in food women,
Murphy has thrived in good
'ole Livy.

Page 26

2626
CHEERLEADERS HONOR LOST
LOVED ONES WITH
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUTINE
Breanna Johnson Joe Chance
Picking up and rebuilding after tragedy is a small part of the
grieving process. New head cheerleading coach, Ellen Reid,
knows this challenge and helps the cheerleaders at UWA over-
come grief every day.
Over the past two years, the UWA cheerleaders have suffered
not one but two traumatic losses—the deaths of two teammates.
The squad survived one death, only to be torn down again the
very next year. This team of special ladies have overcome expe-
riences that some athletes never want to imagine, but through
the tragedy, they are focused on one goal, to honor their lost
loved ones with a national championship.
“The losses we’ve been through have taught us to lean on
one another, and we plan on building the bond even more as
we head into a new competition season,” said current senior
cheerleader Maci Lankford.
The team’s first loss was that of freshman Bethany Joyce
Harris, who died in December 2015 after being ejected from
her vehicle due to not wearing a seatbelt. Harris brought joy
and a smiling face to every practice. The blonde-haired, hazel-
eyed, spitfire never met a stranger.
Barely recovered, the UWA cheerleaders also lost Libby Scott
Hankins, a 23-year Cystic Fibrosis survivor, less than 15 months
after Harris. Hankins, a four-year veteran of the squad, was
transferred to Duke Hospital in North Carolina, midseason,
to await a double lung transplant. She got the call and spent
11 months with two new lungs and a new life and a heart of
gratitude before her fight was up. The short, sassy cheerleader
loved every moment of life.
In a desperate search to continue the healing process, the
team looks to Reid to begin a new year with a new face. Reid’s
bubbly personality quickly became a change of pace and a breath
of fresh air.
“I didn’t get the honor of knowing the girls, but I know they
are with us and are still very relevant to this program,” said Reid.
With their new coach, these cheerleaders are focused on
rebuilding and healing. For the first time in school history, the
squad will travel to Daytona Beach, Florida, in April 2018, for
the NCA Collegiate Cheer Championship in hopes of coming
home with a trophy. For the squad, the competition is not just
about them, but honors their lost teammates too. Their goal
for a new competition, in a new place, centers on bringing home
something for which their lost loved ones would be proud.
“Dedicating our routine to Bethany and Libby will push us
when things get hard. When it’s too hard to keep going, these
girls will think about them and consider what they would do,”
said Reid.
These UWA Tigers who have come through multiple trials
and tribulations are ready to “Perform like Bethany, and Fight
like Libby.” No matter where the team travels, Harris and
Hankins will be there, cheering along.

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27
Livingston
MARKET PLACE
NO GAMES! NO GIMMICKS!
NOTHING ADDED!
THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY!
1313 N Washington St.
Livingston, Alabama
(205) 652-7533
Store Hours:
7am- 9pm
Monday-Sunday

Page 28

28

Page 29

29
THE GIRL IN PINKTatishvili embodies princess style
“Coming to the United States alone was a huge challenge in
my life. I have never lived far away from my parents; they were
with me everywhere I went,” said University of West Alabama
junior Teona Tatishvili. “I was really scared because I was still a
little daddy’s girl and I felt like I wasn’t ready to face this huge
challenge.”
Tatishvili was born in the Republic of Georgia, in the capital
city Tbilisi, in July of 1993, so a different country, different lan-
guage, and different culture was a fresh experience. Tatishvili
knew that hard work was the only way she could be successful,
especially when it came to playing tennis.
Since childhood, she has admired Serena Williams because
of her love for the game and her dedication to tennis. Tatishvili
understands how hard she must work to be number one in the
world.
“I am not afraid to challenge myself and start something new.
I felt so lucky when I met people in the United States who made
me feel like I am home again,” said Tatishvili. “I remember when
I came to the United States, I was crying at the airport, but my
parents told me, 'Teona you are stronger than you think you
are.'”
Tatishvili started playing tennis at 5 years old when she found
her parent’s tennis rackets at home and asked them if she could
try and play. Immediately, her father started teaching her how to
play, and from the first practice, she fell in love with the sport.
Around campus, Tatishvili is known as being a princess.
“It is really funny for me when people call me princess. It
actually comes from my childhood. I loved Disney princesses
and was a huge fan of them, especially Cinderella,” Tatishvili
said. “My parents dressed me up like the princesses because
they knew how much I adored them. I had different kinds of
crowns, which I would wear at home, and sometimes outside,
of course, when I was a kid. All my school notebooks and book
covers were covered with pictures of princesses. I was infatuated
with how the princesses looked, acted and dressed. Whenever
my parents would ask who I wanted to be at my birthday party,
the answer was always a princess.”
Around campus, Tatishvili will always be seen wearing a
shade of pink.
“I don’t think I am a real-life princess. I am just a girl who
likes to look good and dress nice. When I look good, I am in a
good mood. That puts a smile on my face,” Tatishvili said. “A
lot of people have told me that when they see me they start
smiling, and it makes me happy to see that I bring positivity to
other people's lives.”
Alyssa Wright-Brown Joe Chance

Page 30

30
GOLF IS NO WALK
IN THE PARK
Practice and discipline pay off for this
fledging program
Sarah Neill Joe Chance
The air is noticeably thin every morn-
ing as The University of West Alabama’s
Golf Team rises to putt on the soft, green
grass at Livingston Country Club. These
athletes know that every six-footer
counts, so practice is a necessary evil.
Although each day in the life of a UWA
golfer may be slightly different than the
last, the typical day always starts with
an early-morning team workout and
practice.
According to Brannon O’Pry, captain
of the men’s golf team at UWA, golf
involves much more hard work than one
might think.“I wish people could see how
much work and time it actually takes to
be a college athlete,” O’Pry said.
When it comes to both UWA’s mens
and women’s golf teams, that hard work
consists of going to class in uniform,
going to practice, and then practicing
from two to four hours. When practice
is over, they drive back home, work on
homework, and repeat the same thing the
next day.
The weather can play a major role in
the team’s rigorous practice regimen,
ranging from sweltering heat and nonstop
sweat in the summer to barely being able
to swing a club from being bundled up in
the freezing winter.
Whatever the case, the hard work of
UWA’s golf teams have resulted in several
accolades since their first season in 2013.
The women’s team won the Alabama
State Spring Golf Kickoff this past spring,
with Savannah Payne finishing third
overall and Ye Eun Jin finishing fourth.
This past summer, O’Pry, as well as
Harris Stevens and Alec Riley, received
Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American
Scholar accolades from the Golf Coaches
Association of America. Additionally,
O’Pry also brought home the men’s Divi-
sion II individual medal, besting Virginia
State’s Samuel Reid in a playoff match.
These recent successes reflect the ded-
ication of the players, as well as that of
head coach Brian Williamson and assis-
tant coach Kristen Golightly. Williamson
began his role as head coach of both the
men’s and women’s teams in August 2016,
and Golightly was named assistant coach
soon after in January 2017. Both brought
with them a wealth of knowledge of the
sport to bring UWA golf to a higher level.
UWA golfer Hannah McCracken cred-
its good preparation, as well as staying
hydrated, as a key to being successful on
the golf course.
“Every day I have to restock my golf bag
and make sure I have everything for prac-
tice,” McCracken said. “I always stretch,
too, before I practice or play.”
No matter the level of preparation,
McCracken admits that there is always a
bit of unknown when entering the golf
course.
“The most complicated thing about
golf is one day could be your best day,
and the next could be your worst,”
McCracken said. “It is hard to stay con-
sistent because every time you play there’s
always something different.”
A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into
playing a collegiate sport, and golf is no
exception. These athletes walk for miles
around the golf course for hours without
a break, often in less-than-ideal weather
conditions. Traveling coast-to-coast for
tournaments can also take its toll.
Regardless of the circumstances,
McCracken admits that the end result
is always a key motivator to keep
performing.
“The persistence always pays off—if
the balls are going where I want them.”

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31

Page 32

32
MUSICAL MAGIC:
The Scarlet Band from Tiger Land
crushes it with the Stars of Alabama,
the Tigerettes, and the Scarlet Guard
Ma’Kiyah Hall Joe Chance

Page 33

33
The sound of trumpets fill the air as the UWA football team
scores another touchdown. The fight song echoes as the drum-
line plays out, and the cadence begins to roll away. Fans rise to
their feet in Tiger Stadium, taking in the sights and sounds as
the scoreboard adds points for the home team.
Performing at halftime is not all The University of West Ala-
bama Scarlet Band is known for. For some, the UWA band has
become one of the most valuable additions to football culture
here on campus. From keeping the crowd entertained through
both wins and losses, to putting on an extravagant show during
halftime at each home football game, the band and its auxillary
have become a memorable and enjoyable component for Tiger
fans.
Before band members have the chance to wow the crowds
each season, they must put in hours of immense preparation
by attending a week-long band camp before the fall semes-
ter begins. The band camp usually begins at 8 a.m. and can
sometimes go on until midnight. The band works diligently on
drills to perfect songs from that year’s chosen theme. The band
endures the heat of summer, along with frequent summer rain
showers, to better its show. Being able to adapt to the heat and
rain is no easy task. Drive and determination to complete the
week and be ready for the upcoming marching season encourage
all band members to continue forward. There are no off days
for the band until the last home football game of season.
The Scarlet Band is now currently under the direction of
Adam Anderson. Anderson has transitioned the band into
an student-centered organization, rather than simply a group
of musicians. Anderson’s main goal for the band is to create a
show and an environment that fans enjoy.
“We do all that we can to try and get the fans off their seats
and into the game,” Anderson said. “We work with the cheer-
leaders in leading chants and cheers for the crowd, perform
songs to get the crowd motivated, and lead all our fans from
the tailgating area to the stadium with the Tiger Prowl.”
Although the fans are the Scarlet Band’s main audience, a
bit of musical sabotage seems to work its way into the band’s
performances as well.
“Our program also does whatever we can to get into the
opposing team’s head and disrupt them during the game,”
Anderson said.
In addition to the instrumental portion, the Scarlet Band
has three auxiliaries: the Stars of Alabama dance team, the
majorette team called the Tigerettes, and the Scarlet Guard. All
three auxiliaries play a significant part in creating the Scarlet
Band’s visual effects. Each individual team showcases the skill
of its members as the band plays.
The Scarlet Guard is a massive part of the visual effects, from
spinning multicolor flags to tossing dramatic airblades. Chelsi
Stewart, captain of the Scarlet Guard, said, “The band adds
to the game-day atmosphere here at UWA because the band
pumps the crowd up. The crowd is excited and cheering for
the football team, and in return, it makes them play better.”
Like the Scarlet Guard, the Tigerettes and Stars of Alabama
are known for their impeccable skills and beautiful technique.
Hayley Richardson, a member of the Tigerettes, said, “I feel
as though the band and auxillary add to the game day atmo-
sphere because they liven up the crowd. A game just isn't a
game without the band.” Jayla Gellington, a second-year dance
team member, shared Richardson’s sentiments: “The band
adds to the gameday atmosphere by getting the crowd hyped
and energized during the game. It ensures that there is never a
dull moment during the game.”
Above all else, the main objective of the Scarlet Band is to
entertain the crowd. Without the Scarlet Band, the air in Tiger
Stadium would be a bit less full.
The band may be small in numbers, but they are large in
sound. Some people may not think of the Scarlet Band as
innovators to football culture, but they are nothing short of
motivators when it counts.

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34
It’s fourth down, with just a few yards to go to score the game-winning touchdown.
The center snaps the ball to the quarterback, and his intended receiver is wide open
in the end zone. The pass is perfect, the catch is good, but no one’s cheering: the
receiver took a hard hit, and isn’t getting up. Crews from the sideline rush to the field
to assess the damage, and eventually get the player up on his feet, waving to the crowd.
Small victories like this happen every day in the world of athletic training. In the
grand scheme of college sports, athletic trainers probably go unnoticed when fans
enjoy a game, unless a serious injury occurs. These dedicated and highly-trained
individuals are the first ones out on the field or court checking on injured athletes.
Not only do athletic trainers help with medical decisions, but they also use proactive
measures to help prevent minor injuries from turning into major ones.
Housed in the newly-established School of Health Sciences and Human Perfor-
mance, the athletic training program at UWA is renowned throughout the Southeast
as one of the best. The program is consistently ranked highly by its graduates and
professionals in the field. To give deeper insight into the program, ZONE spoke with
current and aspiring athletic training students, as well as faculty members, about
what makes their work worthwhile.
As college sports become more competitive and dangerous with the passing of
each season, the increasing importance of properly trained athletic trainers seems
difficult to ignore. Without their help, most athletes would not be able to come back
from an injury that could potentially ruin their sports careers.
UWA continues to produce high-quality trainers, armed with the skills to treat
and assess any number of injuries in a multitude of sports.
The next time a player is down on the field or the court, pay special attention to
the individuals in red polo shirts and khakis running to check them out.
GUARDIANS OF
THE GRIDIRON+
Athletic trainers discuss their roles as
protectors of athletic health
Audrey Diekmann

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35
Tim Harbison, a senior at UWA, is look-
ing forward to graduating in December
from the athletic training program.
What made you choose Athletic
Training?
It was a way to be in the medical field and
still be close to sports.
What was the hardest task you have
done so far?
The hardest task I have done was covering
a sideline by myself for the first time, but
after that it became a breeze.
What is your favorite part about being
in the UWA Athletic Training Program?
It gives you a feeling of accomplishment.
If you could give a freshman advice
about being an AT, what would it be?
Time management. Learning how to
manage your time is key, and everything
else will fall into place.
What is your main goal when you finish
school and why?
I want to work in a D2 college setting with
a soccer program.
Do you have any funny experiences?
Every day. You just try to inject every-
thing with humor.
With the start of her second year at UWA,
athletic trainer and assistant professor
Racheal Lawler is set to begin her eigh-
teenth season as an athletic trainer.
What do you do around campus that
is different from other fields?
I don’t think we do anything traditional
because we have both jobs: we have the
professor jobs where we have to come in
and do all of our scholarly acts, but then
in the afternoon, I have to focus on all my
clinical skills that I learned throughout
the years and use on all my teams. A pro-
fessor typically just teaches and applies
their knowledge in a classroom. I do that,
but I also use that knowledge and apply it
to real life. I don’t know if all professors
actually get to do that.
Do you do athletic training outside of
UWA, if so for whom?
I do high school athletic training for some
high school football games. I was recently
nominated to be the vice president for
our state association. I do a lot of legis-
lative-type service to help with licensing
and getting athletic trainers jobs.
If you could give advice to anyone
wanting to join the program, what
would it be?
You have to want it; this is something you
are going to have to want to do every day.
I mean, yesterday I worked a 14-hour day
on a Wednesday, and we are not even in
season. It is a service-oriented business;
you are here to provide a service, to care,
to show support, and you have to just flow
with the craziness of athletics.
Along with athletic training responsibil-
ities, Lexy Harvey, a junior, juggles both
school and a job.
What do you do in the program?
I am responsible for working 175 clinical
hours at Rush Medical Clinic, working
at the Meridian High School outreach
program, working high school football
games on Friday nights for experience,
and working with the UWA men’s bas-
ketball team this year.
What was the hardest task you have
done so far?
Working with Racheal [Lawler] for sure,
because she always makes you think.
That is what makes me a better trainer.

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36
Biking to class is a common practice for
college students. Biking at high speeds,
though, combined with a long-distance
run and a strenuous swim, are all in a
day’s work for members of the women’s
triathlon team at The University of West
Alabama.
A triathlon is an intense, fast-paced,
three-part race. The triathlon team at
UWA is currently in its third year and
looks to make some major waves with
both veteran and new athletes. Estab-
lished by a grant from the National
College Athletic Association (NCAA),
the UWA triathlon team is quickly
becoming another example of the success
and dedication of West Alabama athletes.
Allie Nicosia, assistant coach for wom-
en’s triathlon, cross country, and track at
UWA, shared her enthusiasm about the
team’s progress.
“I am excited about this group of girls,”
Nicosia said. “They are a very hard-work-
ing and dedicated group that is driven to
do some great things.”
Triathlon team members Julia Berg-
mann and Hannah Martin offered insight
into the world of collegiate triathlons,
as well as the team’s dynamic and quick
success.
“We swim, bike, and run very hard and
deal with a lot of sore muscles,” Berg-
mann said as she looked around the track
and field offices by Lake LU on UWA’s
campus.
Both Bergmann and Martin were previ-
ously swimmers before joining the UWA
triathlon team. Bergmann, a junior, swam
in high school and competed in track and
cross country, and was recruited by the
University online. Martin, now a graduate
student, was recruited by UWA for her
TRIATHLON CONTINUES
SUCCESSFUL RUN
Jake Thompson UWA Athletics

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37
swimming skills while she was pursuing
her undergraduate degree at Louisiana
State University.
“Swimming might be the most techni-
cal part of it, but it’s also the shortest part
of a triathlon,” Martin said. “In a sense,
it’s not going to matter if you’re good at
one area of the sport or another. You have
to train your body to be equal.”
The team practices six days a week,
usually twice a day. A typical Monday
through Friday practice for these tri-
athletes begins at 6 a.m. and consists of
a variety of pool or open-water swims,
bike practices, running and lifting, as well
as other skills and drills. Saturdays that
aren’t spent competing in a race are ded-
icated to a longer practice, but the team
gets Sundays off to rest.
“It’s hard to get bored with it because
you might run and bike one day, but the
next day you might swim,” Martin said.
“You might get exhausted at the end of
the week, but the different workouts and
practices keep it more interesting.”
Bergmann added, “Triathlon is liter-
ally mind over matter in a lot of aspects.
Getting over the mental block involved is
honestly the hardest thing about the sport
because of how much work is involved.
You have to be dedicated to it, and you
cannot slack off.”
Each triathlete must provide her own
bicycle, which can create additional finan-
cial hurdles for team members.
“It depends on how much you want
to pay. You can get a $5,000 bike or a
$1,000 bike,” Martin said. The main cri-
teria the athletes are concerned about
with their bikes is longevity. While the
amount of money paid or the quality of
the bike might not matter in the long run
for these athletes, having to ride one at
such high speeds definitely plays a role
in their choice.
“It takes a lot of guts to run up and hop
on that bike,” Martin said.
UWA’s triathletes have made notice-
able headway into spotlight of their
sport. Last year alone, all five members
of the team moved on to compete at the
National Championship in New Orleans.
UWA finished out the championship as
the top ranked Division II varsity insti-
tution, as well as the 8th ranked team
overall.
The team’s hard work is further evi-
denced by their success against other,
much larger schools and programs.
“What a lot of people don’t under-
stand about triathlon is that we don’t
just compete against Division II schools,”
Bergmann said. “There are no restrictions
on who we compete against. We compete
against UCLA or ASU or East Tennessee,
which are all Division I schools.”
The triathletes face six races this fall
semester, including two regional races,
and just recently qualified for their
nationals in Tempe, Arizona.
“This year, we’re already better than we
have ever been,” Nicosia said. “We have a
lot of work to put in, but I am counting on
us being top three overall at nationals this
November in Tempe. I know this squad is
more than capable of doing that.”
UWA’s triathletes show hard work
and dedication to both their sport and
the University, emphasizing just what it
means to be a successful student athlete.
“You can be talented to an extent
in this sport,” Martin said. “Like life,
though, you have to work hard in order
to succeed.”
Nicosia is proud of the team’s three-
year progress and is optimistic for the
future of women’s triathlon at UWA.
“The program has seen tremendous
growth in numbers and talent over the
past three years,” Nicosia said. “We will
only continue to grow and make Tiger
athletics stand out on the national stage.
Watch us closely because this year is
going to be one to remember.”
“What a lot of
people don’t
understand
about triathlon is
that we don’t just
compete against
Division II
schools,”
Bergmann said.
“There are no
restrictions on
who we
compete against.
We compete
against UCLA or
ASU or East
Tennessee, which
are all Division I
schools.”

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While some people may prefer to plan their future, includ-
ing every detail, some prefer to take it day-by-day and explore
opportunities as they arise.
Joseph and Natalie Boyd may not have expected to end up
in Livingston, but the opportunities the University of West
Alabama provided were some that could not be passed up.
31-year old Joseph and 24-year old Natalie met at Kennesaw
State University and have been together for four years.
Joseph Boyd had been working as an assistant strength coach
at Stephen F. Austin State University, and Natalie had finished
school at Kennesaw State University when they heard about
the opportunity for the strength coach position being available
at UWA. In July of 2015, Joseph made the move to Livingston,
and Natalie moved a month later after they got married.
Natalie Boyd joined the UWA softball coaching staff as a
graduate assistant while Joseph Boyd is the head strength coach.
There are very few husband and wife coaching duos, especially
in college. However, Joseph and Natalie Boyd have been grateful
for the chances UWA offers, especially with their one-year old
son, Luke.
"I don't know if anything has gone to plan since we've been
here," Natalie Boyd said. "But it's definitely been better than
we expected."
Joseph Boyd works directly with the UWA football team,
and since it is a fall sport and softball plays in the spring, the
seasons work well together for the two coaches to support one
another and spend time with Luke.
"Doing what we're doing here would not happen at any other
university," Natalie Boyd said. "There would be no time; we
couldn't have two coaches in a household."
The support from those around them allow both coaches to
take active rolls in their jobs. It has also allowed Natalie Boyd
to work toward earning her Master's degree.
"There's a family atmosphere, not only around the town but
on campus," Joseph Boyd said. "Everybody's been very under-
standing of the fact that Natalie and I are both coaches."
While working at the same school allows them to see each
other every day, it also prohibits them from being at every event
for each other. The conflicting schedules also require Luke to
split time with his parents.
"It does get stressful. It has its challenges but we make it
work," Joseph Boyd said.
They credit the Campus School as one of the largest benefits
of the small town of Livingston because of the accessibility to
their son.
"If something goes wrong, we're all right here," Natalie Boyd
said.
Natalie Boyd will be graduating with her Master's degree in
May, and Joseph Boyd hopes to continue making the strength
and conditioning program better at UWA.
The two coaches have no specific plans for their future, but
hope to only benefit their son and give him the best future
possible.
BOYDS FIND OPPORTUNITY
AT WEST ALABAMA
Sarah Miles UWA Athletics

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39
ON YOUR MARK
Sarah McMillion earns GSC
freshman of the week x2
Rosemary Horton Michael Wade
This is normal self-talk for University
of West Alabama freshman Sarah McMil-
lion on race day. She constantly overthinks
and worries about her performance. Her
nerves even cause her to wake up early on
race days.
Sarah McMillion, the only freshmen on
the track team, has made her mark on the
spring 2017 track season. She earned Gulf
South Conference track freshman of the
week for her performance in the Jaguar
Opener in Mobile. During the same event,
she won the women’s 3,000-meter run with
a time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
Surprisingly, track has not always been a
passion of hers, but she always loved to run
in her free time. She loved playing sports,
but nothing seemed to satisfy her. She first
The official calls all runners to their starting posi-
tions. Sarah is a nervous wreck, but the stone-faced
freshman never shows any sign of emotion to her
competitors.
The official comes over the loudspeaker, saying,
“On your mark.” As the runners rise, someone yells
“Go!” as the starter pistol fires. At this very moment,
all the nervous energy and doubt Sarah may have
felt completely goes away. She has her sights set
on the finish line.
“I got this! I got this! Just calm down and take position. You
have prepared yourself for this race all morning. Just take your
position and breathe.”
competed in her high school senior year, and she loved it.
She remembers the day she got recruited like it was yesterday.
“It was May 2016 at the state track meet in Gulf Shores. I
had just finished third in the 800-meter race. I left the track
area, and Coach Kirby Patterson from UWA approached me.
She wanted me to come visit UWA,” said McMillon. “I was
excited because I knew I wanted to continue running track
while in college, but I just did not know where. After visiting,
I felt like it was the perfect place and opportunity for me to
continue my passion.”
At times, she felt like she had to prove her talent to her coach
and teammates. “As a freshman, you naturally want to work
harder than everyone,” said McMillion. “You want to prove to
everyone that you were picked because of the talent the coach
saw in you and not simply because you are a good runner.”
“When I felt like giving up, I had to realize I’m here for a
reason. There were times when I did not
want to get up at 5 a.m. to lift weights, or
go to practice. However, I told myself that
everyone goes through the same pain, so
you just have to push through. Complain-
ing will get you nowhere. Pain equals hard
work. Without hard work, you’re basically
just putting forth enough effort to get by.”
Her advice to upcoming freshmen is
to continue to work hard. “There will be
times that you will to want to quit. Do not
quit. When you quit, you are giving up
on your team, your coach and the other
people who believed in you. There will be
times that you do not want to practice, or
get up for training at 5 a.m. You must push
through pain, and believe that your hard
work will pay off. The more you push, the
better you will become,” said McMillion.
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Go to WWW.UWA.EDU/STUDENT_LIFE to get involved!
Angel Fire, New Mexico