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 Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
Senior football player Lamonte Thompson gives his acceptance speech after winning an award at the 2015 Player’s Choice Awards. The second annual awards show takes place May 3 in Norton Auditorium.

Athletics to honor players with awards show

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
May 2, 2016
Senior defensive back Darvell Harris celebrates after returning an interception 52 yards against Miles College Sept. 6, 2015 at Legion Field. Harris received calls from 13 NFL teams  interested in him.

Former Lions prepare for NFL Draft

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 28, 2016
Senior first baseman Brooklynn Clark makes contact against Mississippi College April 10. Clark earned the 2016 Gulf South Conference Player of the Year award, head coach Ashley Cozart received Coach of the Year and six Lions made the All-GSC first team.

Clark and Lions earn conference honors

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 26, 2016
The UNA cheerleading team gets the crowd pumped up during the Lions' homecoming game against North Carolina-Pembroke October 17, 2015. The cheer squad earned a fourth place finish in a national event April 8.

Cheerleading squad competes in national event

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 24, 2016
Senior right fielder Peyton DeLong prepares to field a ball during the UNA softball team's 11-0 win against Union on senior day April 16. The Lions are 42-5 on the year and clinched the top seed and home field advantage for the Gulf South Conference tournament April 28-30.

Lions clinch top seed on senior day

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 16, 2016
Flowers Hall Administrative Assistant Peggy Wingo completes paperwork for UNA Athletics in her Flowers Hall office April 6. Wingo is a full-time worker in the athletics department, but also is working on finishing her accounting degree.

UNA Athletics employee pursues degree

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 16, 2016
Junior pitcher Raven Cole winds up against Mississippi College April 10 at the UNA Softball Complex. Cole tossed a no-hitter against the Choctaws April 9, becoming the third pitcher in school history to do so.

Cole and Clark make record books in sweep

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 10, 2016
Students (from left to right) Kayla Land, Hailey Holke and Kyle McCafferty unpack items in the new Student Engagement Office April 8. Both Student Engagement and Student Government Association are moving into the old on-campus bookstore in the Guillot University Center.

Student Engagement starts moving to new office

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 8, 2016
Mike Ezekiel

Group projects suffer without initiative

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 8, 2016
UNA bass fishermen (from left to right) Andrew Tate, Makenzie Henson, Sloan Pennington and Caleb Dennis come up with a fishing strategy at McFarland Park April 4. Henson, Pennington and Dennis, along with Triston Crowden, placed first at the 2016 Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Open. Tate and partner Dawson Lenz finished fifth in a national championship event in South Carolina March 17-19.

Bass fishing team aims for three-peat

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 8, 2016

Gross and Lane to enter Hall of Fame

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 7, 2016
The UNA student section cheers on the Lions during a homecoming game against Western Oregon Oct. 4, 2014. UNA Athletics and Student Government Association agreed to move the student section to the home side in 2016.

Student section moves to home side

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
April 7, 2016
UNA seniors Dawson Lenz (left) and Andrew Tate (right) await the results of their weigh-in during a collegiate bass fishing tournament this season. The duo placed fifth in the Fishing League Worldwide National Championship Tournament in South Carolina March 17-19.

Bass fishing team reels in tournament victory

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 31, 2016
Sophomore shortstop Reagan Tittle rounds third against West Georgia Feb. 20. The UNA softball team are one of four campus sports who have games during spring break.

Athletes sacrifice spring break for events

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 28, 2016
Senior third baseman Harlie Barkley prepares to field a ball during UNA's 8-5 win against Delta State March 26. The Lions extended their longest winning streak in school history to 18 games with the win.

UNA softball sweeps top conference opponent

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 26, 2016
UNA offensive coordinator Steadman Campbell observes the football team’s Purple and White Spring Game March 19. Campbell accepted his coaching promotion March 14.

Spring ends with complete coaching staff

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 26, 2016
Ryan Mason’s Luxe Brand laces change the “look” of this pair of Air Jordan shoes. The laces are “the most effectively simple ways to take common to extraordinary,” said alumna and customer Jennifer Towne.

Student business gains celebrity attention

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 21, 2016
UNA's upcoming senior guard DeAndre McKinnie drives in against Valdosta State Jan. 23 in Flowers Hall. Hero Sports dubbed the Lions as Alabama's best basketball tradition.

Hero Sports honors Lions for basketball tradition

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 18, 2016
The UNA men's basketball team huddles up during the team's 77-76 loss to Mississippi College Feb. 11. The Lions finished the season 16-13, landing the fourth seed in the conference tournament before falling to Delta State March 1.

Basketball team closes winning season

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 10, 2016
UNA Alumnus John Robert Dawson tosses a football to an official during a game against Jacksonville State in the 2013 season. Dawson works as a clubhouse manager for the St. Louis Cardinals spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida.

UNA alumnus scores job with MLB

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 6, 2016
Redshirt freshman guard Savannah Stults defends a Union University opponent Feb. 18 in Flowers Hall. The Lions finished 5-22 on the season, but will return the majority of their roster next year.

Women’s team expects optimistic offseason

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 5, 2016
Senior quarterback Jacob Tucker drops back to throw a pass during a UNA football spring practice Feb. 24. Tucker played as a backup quarterback the last three years, and many people expect him to start next season.

Football spring training provides competition

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 4, 2016
Mike Ezekiel

Gross’ departure inspires taking responsibility

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 3, 2016
Senior John Fletcher awaits a defender during a conference game against Mississippi College Feb. 11 in Flowers Hall. The Lions ended their season with a 90-59 loss to Delta State in the Gulf South Conference tournament.

Lions end season with blowout loss

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
March 1, 2016
Senior guard Janae Lyde dribbles past a defender against Mississippi College Feb. 11 in Flowers Hall. The women's basketball team presented Lyde a framed jersey in her honor on senior night Feb. 20.

Lions honor Lyde on senior night

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 27, 2016
Senior forward Bilal Richardson fends off a Valdosta State defender during a 78-64 win for the Lions Jan. 23. Richardson and senior John Fletcher each played their last regular season game in Flowers Hall Feb. 20 against Christian Brothers.

Lions earn victory on senior night

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 26, 2016
Former UNA forward Chloe Richards dribbles ahead against Tampa in the NCAA Division II playoffs last fall. Richards signed a professional contract with the SC Sand of the German Bundesliga in February.

Former UNA standout signs professional soccer contract

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 25, 2016
Junior soccer player Alyssa Bova (left) admires teammate Ele Costello’s Love Your Melon hat. Both players took the initiative to start a UNA branch of Love Your Melon, an apparel brand whose mission is to give a hat to every child battling cancer.

Soccer players kick off Love Your Melon campaign

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 22, 2016
Junior pitcher Raven Cole winds up for a pitch against West Georgia Feb. 19. The Lions (18-4, 4-2 Gulf South Conference) took two of three in the series and Cole improved to 9-1 on the mound.

Softball team wins conference series

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 20, 2016
Senior guard John Fletcher pump fakes a defender against Christian Brothers Feb. 20. The Lions won 73-71 on senior night in Flowers Hall.

Jackson hits go-ahead free throws for win

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 20, 2016

Women’s basketball falls in season’s final home game

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 20, 2016
Senior John Fletcher dribbles back against a Union defender during an 87-73 loss to the Bulldogs Feb. 18. The Lions are in a four-way tie for third place in the conference standings.

Lions drop pivotal conference game

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 18, 2016
Freshman forward Katelyn Nunley looks to receive a pass against Union Feb. 18. Nunley had a team-high 18 points in the 80-66 loss to the No. 11 Bulldogs.

Lions’ upset bid falls short to Union

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 18, 2016
Junior forward Da'Shaun Griffin backs down a Mississippi College defender during the team's 77-76 loss Feb. 11. The Lions clinched a seed in the Gulf South Conference later after a 81-80 win over Delta State Feb. 13.

Men’s basketball team clinches conference seed

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 18, 2016

5 best love songs of all time

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 16, 2016

Athens hires Gross as head coach

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 15, 2016
Junior Da’Shaun Griffin pulls up for a shot against Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16. Griffin, who made the go-ahead basket with 1.4 seconds to go against Shorter Feb. 4, is part of UNA’s successful backups.

Bench players crucial to men’s basketball team

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 11, 2016
Redshirt freshman guard Savannah Stults looks on as teammates shoot around after practice Jan. 26. Stults played at Lexington High School, a county school near the UNA campus, and she draws a crowd of supporters from the area.

Lexington native gains local support

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 5, 2016
Mike Ezekiel

Each day offers possibilities for faith sharing

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 5, 2016
Senior forward Bilal Richardson gets pumped up with his teammates as the public address announcer called the starting lineups against Shorter Dec. 19. Richardson and the Lions are tied for second place in the Gulf South Conference standings after a 97-91 win over West Georgia Jan. 30.

Lions jockey for conference position

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 4, 2016

Football and soccer teams add recruits

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
February 3, 2016
Junior point guard Dimario Jackson attempts to dribble inside against Shorter Dec. 19. Jackson leads the Gulf South Conference in free throw percentage and averages 15.6 points per game.

Jackson makes immediate impact for Lions

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 30, 2016
Senior second baseman Madeline Lee rounds second against West Alabama last season. The Lions return six starters and start the season Jan. 29 against defending national champions North Georgia.

Softball team swings into new season

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 29, 2016
Freshman guard Kierra Groce prepares to play defense against rival Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16. Groce earned her first career start against Christian Brothers Jan. 9 and has started every game since.

Freshman guard earns starting role

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 28, 2016
Aubrey Champion, the head equipment manager for the UNA football team, sorts through equipment before the team's spring training session. Champion is one of many student workers in the athletic department.

Athletic Department provides opportunities for students

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 23, 2016
Tay “Firefly” Fisher (left) tricks a defender during the Harlem Globetrotter’s performance in Flowers Hall Jan. 12. The world-famous group is in its 90th year of entertaining audiences across the globe with remarkable basketball skills.

Harlem Globetrotters perform in Flowers Hall

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 22, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge (right) draws contact during UNA’s 119-103 win against Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16 in Flowers Hall. Over 1,000 fans were in attendance to watch the rivalry take place.

Lions dominate Chargers for bragging rights

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 21, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge draws contact during a shot against Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16. The Lions defeated their rival in a high-scoring 119-103 shootout.

Lions victorious in high-scoring rivalry game

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 16, 2016
UNA's senior transfer center Alexus Patterson goes up for a shot against Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16. The Lions fell short in the last minutes, losing 63-55.

Chargers defeat Lions in final minutes

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 16, 2016
Ferris State quarterback Jason Vander Laan gives an emotional speech after being presented the Harlon Hill trophy Jan. 8 in the GUC. The award is presented to the best player in Division II football and is the equivalent of the Heisman trophy.

Vander Laan wins second straight Harlon Hill trophy

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 16, 2016
UNA freshman forward Katelyn Nunley drives the lane against Lee University Dec. 17 in Flowers Hall. The Lions (2-13, 1-7 Gulf South Conference) look to find success after a slow start hindered by injuries and a lack of depth.

Women’s basketball team hopes for mid-season turnaround

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 15, 2016
Senior forward Bilal Richardson goes up for a slam against West Alabama Dec. 12. The UNA men’s basketball team has a 7-1 record in Flowers Hall this season, including a 4-0 record at home against the Gulf South Conference.

Men’s basketball successful in Flowers, struggles on road

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 14, 2016
Mike Ezekiel

New semester should equal more sleep

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
January 14, 2016
(From left to right): James Dubuisson, Mike Ezekiel, Kadin Pounders and Xavier Wherry debate the College Football Playoff Nov. 30. Pounders, who plans to graduate May 2016, spent numerous hours and multiple years with The Flor-Ala.

Colleagues give support to senior sportswriter

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 24, 2015
Freshman Tavaras Tolliver leans in for a layup against Shorter Dec. 19. The Lions defeated Shorter 80-78 on a missed buzzer-beater to close out December.

Lions extend win streak against Shorter

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 19, 2015
Freshman Elise Holden looks for a teammate against Shorter Dec. 19. UNA lost to the Hawks 72-53.

Hawks defeat Lions with size advantage

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 19, 2015
UNA senior forward Bilal Richardson soars to the rim for a dunk against West Alabama. The Lions defeated the Tigers 91-89, as Richardson led the team with 22 points and 17 rebounds.

Lions edge West Alabama in overtime thriller

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 13, 2015
Sophomore guard Jaclyn Heath drives the lane against West Alabama Dec. 13. The Lions earned its first conference win of the season, as Heath tied a single-game school record with seven three-pointers.

Strong guard play earns first conference win

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 13, 2015
Junior guard Dimarrio Jackson runs the point position, as UNA defeats West Georgia 96-87 for its first conference win of the season. Jackson finished with a career-high 35 points, including 33 in the second half.

Career night vaults Lions to first conference win

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 10, 2015
Freshman guard Katelyn Kostelc looks for an open shot during UNA's 44-38 loss to West Georgia Dec. 10. Kostelc has hit at least one three-point shot in each of her eight games this season.

Lions fall to West Georgia in defensive battle

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 10, 2015
UNA sophomore wide receiver Dre Hall walks off the field in disappointment after the Lions' 35-31 loss to Tuskegee Nov. 28. The Lions finished the season with a 9-3 recond, including 6-1 at home.

Lions eliminated in second round

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 4, 2015
Lions complete conference championship sweep

Lions complete conference championship sweep

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 3, 2015
UNA quarterback Luke Wingo scrambles out of the pocket against Florida Tech Sept. 26. Wingo and seven other players are national finalists for the Harlon Hill trophy, presented to the nation's best player in Division II.

Wingo among Harlon Hill trophy finalists

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
December 2, 2015
UNA wide receiver Jarret Smith crouches in disappointment after the Lions' loss to Tuskegee in the playoffs Nov. 28. The Lions end the season 9-3.

Tuskegee upsets Lions in second round

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 28, 2015
Former UNA head athletic trainer Johnny Long (middle) assists current head trainer Josh Penny (white), as they help defensive back Jalen Reedus off the field after an injury. Long still has a hand in helping athletes treat injuries, as well as teaching classes as a professor.

Former head trainer still healing athletic injuries

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 19, 2015
Senior running back Lamonte Thompson (24) weaves through defenders during UNA’s 52-14 victory over West Alabama on Preview Day Nov 14. The Lions won their third straight Gulf South Conference championship and will host Newberry in the first round of the playoffs Nov. 21.

Lions win conference, host Newberry in playoffs

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 19, 2015
UNA professor Don McBrayer smiles as he enjoys a match of badminton in between classes. McBrayer is 70 years old and still enjoys remaining active daily.

70-year-old badminton guru remains active

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 19, 2015
Junior guard Dimarrio Jackson dribbles up court in UNA's 89-54 victory over Fisk University. The Lions, who are 11-2 in home openers under head coach Bobby Champagne, improve to 1-2 on the season with the win.

Lions handle Bulldogs in home opening victory

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 17, 2015
Former UNA wide receiver Eric Belew goes through reps during a football practice this season. Belew announced Nov. 5 he would no longer play for the Lions due to numerous concussions.

Concussions end former wide receiver’s career

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 12, 2015
UNA senior running back Lamonte Thompson sheds a would-be Shorter tackler. The Lions won 28-7 Nov. 7 in Rome, Georgia.

Lions defeat Hawks, Thompson breaks rushing milestone

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 7, 2015
Junior defender Alyssa Bova rears back for a free kick against Cumberland Sept. 27. Bova and the Lions finished 8-0 at home this season and will host the Gulf South Conference tournament Nov. 6-8.

Lions earn hosting rights for conference tournament

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 5, 2015
UNA junior defensive end Tyler Smith prepares to defend Shorter University’s offensive attack in last year’s 45-7 UNA victory at Braly Stadium Nov. 9. This season, Smith and the Lions will travel to Rome, Georgia in hopes of another victory.

Lions to change gameplan against option offense

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
November 5, 2015
Mike Ezekiel

Sports fans should respect teams after loss

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 29, 2015
UNA senior running back Diamond Simmons looks upfield for a block during the Lions’ homecoming game against North Carolina-Pembroke Oct. 17, where UNA won 62-28. The Lions ranked third in the first Super Region 2 rankings, released Oct. 26.

Lions remain in playoff picture despite losses

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 29, 2015
Senior linebacker C.J. Jackson shows his support for breast cancer awareness by wearing pink for the Oct. 31 game against Delta State. The entire football team is supporting the cause.

UNA football team shows support for breast cancer awareness

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 29, 2015
Bottles and cardboard boxes are abandoned by their consumers after UNA’s football game against the Florida Institute of Technology Sept. 26 in Braly Stadium. Many times, fans leave behind recyclable items.

Sporting events create recycling opportunities

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 25, 2015

West Georgia thrashes Lions to remain undefeated

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 24, 2015
Senior Lee Mayhall holds for junior kicker Kevin Henke, as he attempts an extra point against the University of North Carolina-Pembroke Oct. 17. The Lions beat the Braves 62-28 for homecoming.

Specialty players contribute to Lions’ success

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 23, 2015
Braly Municipal Stadium sits ready for fans to fill empty seats for its homecoming game against North-Carolina Pembroke Oct. 17. Braly is home to the UNA Lions and the Florence Falcons.

Hero Sports vote Braly a ‘must see’ stadium

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 22, 2015
Senior defensive end Willie Bland stands on his "hoverboard" with a football in hand before UNA's football practice Oct. 6. Bland, who is able to play multiple positions for the Lions, is not hard to miss with his hair colors and large stature.

Bland provides interesting persona for Lions football squad

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 16, 2015
Junior quarterback Jacob Tucker looks for an open receiver in last year's homecoming against Western Oregon. The Lions won last season's homecoming game 30-10 and will face North Carolina-Pembroke Oct. 17.

Homecoming win crucial for football team’s success

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 15, 2015

Lions upset by non-conference opponent

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 10, 2015
Senior quarterback Luke Wingo reads a defender on an option play against Florida Tech Sept. 26. Wingo, along with teammate Jacob Tucker, leads a hectic lifestyle as a college football quarterback, he said.

UNA quarterbacks see childhood dreams become reality

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 10, 2015

Wallace breaks UNA football win record

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 8, 2015

Lions rout Blazers to remain undefeated

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 3, 2015
Fans should stick with team for entire game

Fans should stick with team for entire game

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 1, 2015
UNA running back Lamonte Thompson listens for the playcall against Gulf South Conference opponent Florida Tech, where the Lions won 55-48. Thompson is one of the leading rushers in the nation this season and gives credit to his blockers.

Thompson praises experienced offensive line for success

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
October 1, 2015

Bye week prepares Lions for Florida Tech

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 26, 2015

Students discuss transition from home-school to college

By Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 26, 2015

Lions extend winning streak to nine games

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 19, 2015
UNA wide receivers Dre Hall (left) and Eric Belew pose for a picture during a practice in preparation for their game against Mississippi College Sept. 12. The Lions will play their next game Sept. 26 against the Florida Institute of Technology at Braly Stadium.

Two football teammates brought closer through adversity

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 17, 2015
Juniors Brian Puckett (left) and Sheldon Lewis stare each other down with titles over each one's shoulder. Both are UNA football players desiring a career in wrestling after football is over.

Two UNA football players desire wrestling career

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 13, 2015

Thompson leads Lions in home opening victory

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 12, 2015

NCAA enforces strict football inspection policy

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 11, 2015

Lions win season opener at Legion Field

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 7, 2015
Mike Ezekiel

Commenters should consider the impact of their words

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 4, 2015
Junior defensive back Levi Fell (center) blocks for a teammate after an interception last season against West Georgia. Fell will square off with his former high school teammate Sept. 6 at Legion Field against Miles College.

UNA coaches and players have opposing connections

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
September 3, 2015

Cheerleading squad prepares for season, national competition

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 28, 2015
Members of the 2012 North Alabama football team pose for a picture before practice Aug. 20. These players were a part of coach Bobby Wallace’s first team since returning to UNA for his second stint.

2012 recruiting class reaches senior football season

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 27, 2015

Students reflect on time away from America

by Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel
August 24, 2015
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