The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
All content by by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
From left: Timmy Ray, Tony Bush, Brad Greene and Benjamin Ray represent their band, the Ray Brothers, in fall 2011 in Muscle Shoals. The Ray Brothers will perform a Billy Joel cover concert April 29 in the Mane Room with all proceeds going toward the adoption process of Timmy Ray’s and his wife’s, Maggie Bea Ray’s, second child from Colombia.

Local band brings Billy Joel to Mane Room

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 25, 2017
Applicants should aim for more than ‘hard worker’

Applicants should aim for more than ‘hard worker’

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 9, 2017
North Alabama men's basketball coach Bobby Champagne barks out orders to his team against West Florida Feb. 16 in Flowers Hall. Inspired by administrative assistant Peggy Wingo finishing her degree, Champagne began his quest for a master's degree in 2013, graduating in December 2016.

Basketball coach finishes postgraduate degree

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 16, 2017
Sophomore forward Shelby Wall (left) goes up for a header against Mississippi College Oct. 16, 2016 at the UNA soccer complex. UNA added eight recruits on National Signing Day Feb. 1.

Soccer collects eight signees

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 1, 2017
A North Alabama football player leans on his helmet during the 2016 season. North Alabama football added 34 new signees on National Signing Day 2017 including 30 high school recruits, and four college transfers.

Football adds 34 on National Signing Day

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 1, 2017
North Alabama guard Myrek Lee-Fowlkes looks to find a crease in the Delta State defense Jan. 28 at Flowers Hall. The Lions are tied for sixth place after losing two in a row against DSU and Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 30.

Men’s basketball enters crucial stretch

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 31, 2017
New North Alabama defensive coordinator Brett Borden preparing pregame drills during his tenure as defensive line coach for the Lions 2012-13. Borden also played linebacker at UNA from 2004-05.

Former Lion returns as defensive coordinator

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 31, 2017
Mike Ezekiel

Individuals should strive for positive impact

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 26, 2017
Senior Karen Gutierrez died Dec. 25. She was a transfer from Northwest Shoals Community College, who senior Jonathan Barnett remembered as “uniquely spirited.”

Students will ‘cherish’ life of senior

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 12, 2017
Colorado School of Mines quarterback Justin Dvorak gives an appreciation speech after winning the Harlon Hill trophy Jan. 6 in the Guillot University Center Banquet Hall. Dvorak is the 31st winner of the award, which honors the best player in the NCAA's Division II.

Colorado Mines quarterback receives Harlon Hill trophy

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 6, 2017
In their Dec. 4 home game versus Alabama-Huntsville, North Alabama forward Austin Timms drives to the basket for a layup attempt. UNA returned from their first Gulf South Conference road trip without a win, and look to get back in the win column Dec. 7 when they host Christian Brothers.

Men’s basketball struggles during road trip

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 6, 2017
Senior Karen Gutierrez died Dec. 25, according to a source close to the family. No visitation or funeral arrangements have been released.

Campus loses “inspiring” senior over winter break

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 26, 2016
Senior defensive end Tyler Smith chases down a ball carrier against North Carolina-Pembroke Nov. 26 during an NCAA Division II second round playoff game. Smith is one of many upperclassmen on the North Alabama roster heading into the national championship game.

Lions bring seasoned team into championship game

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 15, 2016
Lions volleyball players embrace at mid-court following a kill in their Oct. 21 home match against Lee. After defeating West Florida in the Gulf South Conference tournament finale, North Alabama could not duplicate the results in the first round of the NCAA tournament as they fell to the Argonauts 3-1 in a rematch.

Volleyball comes up short in playoffs

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 9, 2016
Lions Harlon Hill candidate quarterback Jacob Tucker looking for an open receiver as he scrambles outside the pocket during North Alabama's quarterfinal game against North Greenville. With the 38-0 victory over the Crusaders, UNA advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2008.

Lions ready for semifinal bout

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 5, 2016
Senior defensive back Philbert Martial returns a punt in North Alabama’s 41-17  playoff victory over North Carolina-Pembroke at home. The Lions advance to the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2013 with the win.

Lions seek improvement heading into quarterfinal round

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 1, 2016
Senior quarterback Jacob Tucker ready to pass in North Alabama's homecoming game against Shorter Oct. 15. Tucker was one of 10 student-athletes named as a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist from Super Region 2.

Tucker named Harlon Hill Trophy finalist

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 22, 2016
The North Alabama volleyball team celebrating before a match against Valdosta State Nov. 12. The Lions won their second straight Gulf South Conference tournament title Nov. 20 in a 3-2 nail-biter at West Florida. 

Volleyball team wins conference, advances to playoffs

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 22, 2016
North Alabama sophomore guard Tavaras Tolliver looks to pass the ball on the perimeter in the Lions' game against Saint Leo. UNA trailed by six points with under four minutes remaining in regulation, but surged back to force overtime and win the game 101-96.

Men’s basketball defeats Saint Leo in OT thriller

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 13, 2016
North Alabama football players celebrate during their 51-3 victory over West Florida Nov. 5 at Braly Stadium. The Lions currently sit atop the region rankings after winning a fourth straight Gulf South Conference title.

Football carries momentum into final game

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 10, 2016
Sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary sets the ball up for a play in the Lions Oct. 22 match versus Shorter. North Alabama's final two opponents are Valdosta State and West Florida who are the only teams in the Gulf South Conference to defeat the Lions this season.

Volleyball looks to end on a high note

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 10, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge defends a player in a game versus Mississippi College. The Lions return six lettermen and rank fourth in the conference preseason poll.

Men’s team earns fourth in preseason conference poll

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 8, 2016
Mike Ezekiel

Suicide should never become solution to problems

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 4, 2016
North Alabama freshman defender Sarah Ashy attempts to stop a Valdosta State advance in their Oct. 23 meeting in Florence. After claiming the Gulf South Conference tournament championship a year ago, the Lions failed to qualify for the 2016 GSC tournament.

Soccer season comes to an end

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 3, 2016
UNA volleyball celebrates a kill against Shorter in their Oct. 22 showdown in Flowers Hall. The Lions have lived up to their lofty expectations set in the preseason. They were projected as second in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll, which is where they currently sit.

Volleyball lives up to preseason hype

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 27, 2016
Senior defender Samantha Parrish dribbles the ball into Valdosta State territory in their game Oct. 23 in Florence. The two road games the team plays this week, Oct. 26 at Christian Brothers and Oct. 29 at Union, will determine their playoff fate.

UNA controls postseason destiny

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 26, 2016
Junior wide receiver Jacob Thomas takes a reception into the end zone for a touchdown against Valdosta State Sept. 17 at Braly Stadium. Thomas’ career began as a quarterback at Troy University before transferring to UNA in 2013.

Former quarterback finds success as receiver

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 22, 2016
UNA's freshman defender Caroline Naess holds off a West Georgia attacker in a 1-0 loss to the Wolves Oct. 19. This was the first start for Naess in her collegiate career, as the Lions fall to 6-7 overall and 5-4 in conference play.

UNA soccer falls to West Georgia at home

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 19, 2016
Freshman Haley Yarber (16 white) connects on a header during a conference game against Mississippi College Oct. 16. Yarber scored in the first minute of the game, while Ele Costello's overtime goal gave UNA a 2-1 win.

UNA soccer defeats Mississippi College in overtime

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 16, 2016
True freshman midfielder Shelby Wall during a game against Delta State Oct. 12 in Florence. Wall came to the Lions after a stellar high school career at Auburn High School where she was the class 7A Player of the Year last year.

True freshman makes impact for Lions soccer

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 13, 2016
UNA running backs coach Courtland Hays looks for a signal during practice Sept. 20. Hays began his football career as an equipment manager for UNA in 2007 and is now the running backs coach.

Former equipment manager now position coach

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 7, 2016
Senior hitter Natasha Fomina sends the ball to the opposing court against Mississippi College Oct. 1 at Flowers Hall. Fomina is one of four Lions to have more than 100 kills in the season so far.

Volleyball team utilizes multiple offensive threats

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 6, 2016
Sophomore forward Kylie Huey tracks down a ball during a game against Belmont Abbey last season. Huey broke a school record by scoring six goals in one game against Spring Hill Sept. 28.

Huey shatters record in dominant victory

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 29, 2016
Redshirt freshman Audrey Tanner (left) and sophomore Paige Porter toss a ball around before practice Sept. 16. The duo came to UNA after successful high school careers at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Porter and Tanner: Teammates for life

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 26, 2016

Make-A-Wish means more than good publicity

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 22, 2016

Soccer struggles early in season

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 16, 2016
Freshman running back Malik Emmett makes a cut during a UNA football practice Sept. 6. The UNA football team has a multiplicity of running backs it hopes to utilize this season.

Running backs hope to emerge against Blazers

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 14, 2016
Sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary makes a play on the ball during the Lions Sept. 2 match against Northwood. Davila-McClary leads the 8-0 Lions with 323 assists.

Lions find early success with new setter

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 13, 2016
Sophomore goalkeeper Kate Webster warms up for a game against UAH in 2015. Webster emerged as the replacement for the conference save percentage leader from last year, Shelby Thornton.

Soccer looks to replace goalkeeper

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 8, 2016
Jacob Tucker (16) gearing up for a pass during spring training. Tucker will receive his first test when UNA travels to rival Jacksonville State on Sept. 1.

Tucker takes helm as new starting quarterback

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 31, 2016
Junior outside hitter Lexie Bradley tips a ball over the net during a volleyball game at Flowers Hall during the 2015 season. The GSC coaches picked the Lions to finish second after winning their conference a season ago.

Preview: Volleyball in position for GSC repeat

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 27, 2016
Senior midfielder Ele Costello races toward the net against Tampa last season. The Lions open their season at Columbus State Sept. 2.

Soccer team enters post-Richards era

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 26, 2016
UNA head football coach Bobby Wallace looks on during a practice last season at the UNA practice field. With 17 starters and 43 lettermen returning, the Lions hope to win its fourth consecutive conference championship in 2016.

Football team seeks 4 straight conference titles

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 25, 2016
Upcoming senior outfielder Amy Carden prepares to swing against West Alabama during the 2015 softball season. The NCAA selected Carden as one of its Elite 90 award winners, which they give to athletes in every sport from each division for their contributions in the classroom and to their championship team.

NCAA nominates softball player for national award

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
July 19, 2016
Police arrest UNA football player on felony charges

Police arrest UNA football player on felony charges

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
July 15, 2016

Sky Zone trampoline park comes to Florence

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
July 9, 2016

University hires new communications chair

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
June 21, 2016
Bill Norvell prepares to snap a photo for social media. Norvell attends many UNA events and frequently interacts with the community.

Fan expresses support on social media

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
June 21, 2016
UNA head coach Ashley Cozart (left) and assistant coach Whitney Hawkins discuss a pitching strategy during the 2016 Division II Softball Championship final against Humboldt State. The two received the NFCA coaching staff of the year award for Division II June 6.

Softball staff credits contrasting styles to success

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
June 15, 2016
Senior outfielder Courtney Shields celebrates with teammates during the Division II Softball Championship tournament in Denver. Shields went 5-for-7 in the final two games of the championship series and helped the Lions hoist its first national championship trophy in the softball program's history.

Lions win Division II softball championship

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 22, 2016
Graduating senior Harlie Barkley accepts her diploma from University President Kenneth Kitts at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel May 21. Barkley, a member of the UNA softball team, missed the graduation ceremonies May 14 as she was traveling for the Division II Softball Championships in Denver.

Barkley receives diploma before championship game

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 21, 2016
UNA's sophomore shortstop Reagan Tittle attempts to turn a double play against Adelphi May 18 in the Division II Softball Championship in Denver. The Lions lost Game One of a three-game championship series vs. Humboldt State, falling 5-0.

Lions fall in championship series opener

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 20, 2016
Senior Harlie Barkley hits a ground ball during UNA's 5-1 win against Adelphi University May 18 at the Regency Athletic Complex in Denver. Barkley drove in three runs in the Lions' victory over Southern Arkansas, helping UNA advance to the final series May 20-21.

Softball team moves to championship series

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 20, 2016
UNA freshman catcher Mackenzie Roberts applies the tag to net an out at the plate against Adelphi University May 18 at the Division II Softball National Championship in Denver. Roberts received the throw from sophomore left fielder Bailey Nelson to prevent a run.

Lions rally late to advance in World Series

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 18, 2016
Brooklynn Clark shows emotion after hitting a double against Rollins in the NCAA Super Regional May 11 at the UNA Softball Complex. Clark went 3-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in the first round of the Division II World Series in Denver.

Lions start World Series with statement win

by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 17, 2016
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