The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • www.nineronline.

com THURSDAY
August 29, 2009 Vol 22, No. 01

Got a tip? Give us a call at 704.687.2324 Partially Funded by Student Fees Published twice weekly

INFO

University receives
The Student Union
Ten years in the making
a $9.3 million gift:
UNC Charlotte re-
ceived its largest
academic gift in history from Leon
and Sandra Levine, owners of
Matthews based Family Dollar. The
award will be given to freshmen in
2010.
Story on Page 3

On the Inside

Will Grier/photo

Bringing in the new year with a new face on campus

Ryan Freeman and Kristen Litchfield
News Editor and Editor-in-Chief

Sick pics of the Queen City’s finest
ripping up the bowls and ramps at
Grayson Skatepark.
Story on Page 6
Former Charlotte basketball stand-
out, Lamont Mack, will pack his
bags and head to Greece to play
for the AEK Athens basketball
program.
Story on page 7
S
tudents old and new congregated Monday, outside of UNC Charlotte’s most
recent and promising addition. The Student Union ribbon cutting ceremony aptly
occurred at 10:49 a.m. led by Chancellor Phillip DuBois and Associate Vice Chancel-
lor for the Student Union Jim Hoppa and featured cameo appearances from Norm
the Niner and former homecoming king and Radio Free Charlotte’s station manager
Brandon Kirkley.
T-shirts flew into the crowd as Norm flung them from the rooftops. UNC Charlotte’s
own a capella group “The 49th Measure” sang in the new era of Forty Niner progress.
“After ten years in the making… I am here to tell you it was well worth the wait,”
beamed Hoppa.
“This building has a lot of promise and the last few days began to show us what
that promise might be. A place where students can gather, relax and fulfill their needs,”
explained Jerry Mann
Dubois concurred, “[The Student Union] is a special place to gather for everyone…
it’s more than a place of convenience.”
Several students shared the same sense of optimism as University officials. “I can’t
wait for the movie theater, it’s going to be huge!” exclaimed freshman Nicole Flo-

“
ersch.
“I’m a big fan of Einstein Bagels myself,” interjected fellow freshman Nicole Cortaz-
zo. The Student Union building will house several new facilities, an array of restaurant
options and stores including a Barnes and Noble and the Niner Mac Store.
It wasn’t all ribbons and revelry.
After ten years in the mak- shortscissor The ceremony was almost cut
by a dangerous carbon mon-
No passport required, all ing, I am here to tell you it oxide leak in the campus’ Cameron
was well worth the wait. building. An armada of emergency
you’ve got to have is a posi- service vehicles raced to the scene
tive attitude, a little bit of -Jim Hoppa, Associate Vice including three fire trucks, an ambu-
money for drinks, and the lance and a squad of police cars.
Chancellor for the Student According to Larry Howell,
less clothing the better. Director of Management and Op-
Union erations, the

”
Ryland Blackinton
page 5
The struggle for Charlotte
football continues: Several
obstacles that have arisen could
put a delay on 49er football, but
the athletic department hopes to
keep the start date at 2013.
Story on page 7
situation diffused when
the source of the leak was discovered
and repaired.
But that’s not where the problems began. August 24, the movie theatre on the first
floor of the Union was supposed to open its doors to play the first feature film, Twilight
at 7:30 p.m. followed by The Dark Knight at 10:30 p.m. However, the grand opening
of the theatre has been postponed because neither the screen nor projector to play the
movies has arrived.
Currently all of those students who were employed by the theatre are being placed
in other various jobs around the Union, such as Wendy’s or Mamma Leone’s until the
theatre is ready to officially open.
Leaks occured throughout the building in addition. In Student Media alone there
were three leaks prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.
The traffic in front of the newest building on campus, is another story. With the
student body eager to see the treasures the Union has to offer, the pedestrian traffic
is holding up the other traffic on Carver Road and causing it to be backed up passed
Woodward and Burson.
Will Grier/photo
ABOVE:
Norm the Niner made a special appearance at the ribbon cut-
ting ceremony as he threw the ceremonial ribbon from the top
of the Student Union Monday morning.
TOP:
The cutting of the ribbon took place at 10:49 a.m. Monday. Stu-
dent Union will be the focal point and center of UNC Charlotte
in the near future as it houses many dining options, the campus
bookstore, retail stores, Starbucks, movie theatre, art gallery,
conference rooms, offices, and is home to several student or-
ganizations.

Pride or Prejudice? Climb aboard the Cobra Starship

Where is the Niner Nation Dana Nigro
Viewpoint Editor
pride?: Charlotte currently lacks
the school pride that it deserves. “Good Girls Gone Bad,” the latest hit by Cobra
With numerous academic and Starship, has been racing up the charts and is cur-
athletic programs, whats not to be rently holding the number nine slot on Billboard’s
proud of? Let’s make this campus top 100.
Niner Nation green. The University Times in conjunction with Ra-
dio Free Charlotte had the opportunity to sit down
with Cobra Starship’s lead guitarist Ryland Black-
Story on page 4 inton and talk about everything from their upcom-
ing tour to Gossip Girl Leighton Meester.
“The tour is going great so far, two thirds of
the way through,” said Blackinton. “It’s been a
CONTACT US particularly messy, sweaty tour…it’s the hottest
704.687.7148 time of the year and a lot of the smaller clubs don’t
have AC.”
tips, comments, The reason for the slew of smaller venues is
letters: thanks in part to Cobra Starship’s desire for more
uteditor@uncc.edu of an “intimate” touring experience and return-
Advertising: ing to some of the previous areas they’ve played
704.687.7144 before.
Photo courtesy of Cobra Starship
See Cobra Starship on page 5
PAGE 2 ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES
 THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ PAGE 3

ninernews
UNC Charlotte receives $9.3 million
gift, largest in university’s history
Ryan Freeman community service will provide Charlotte with a cadre of truly com-
News Editor mitted young people devoted to working in our neighborhoods and
with community organizations across the city… The Levine Schol-
August 18, UNC Charlotte received its “largest academic gift con- ars Program will prove to be transformational for UNC Charlotte,”
tribution in its history,” according to the University’s website. The touted Dubois. The awards will be provided to incoming freshmen
Leon Levine Foundation’s contribution amounts to $9.3 million in beginning in 2010 and will include $90,000 for each in state student Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte Public Relations

merit-based scholarship funding for students who excel in academics
and community service.
The contribution comes from Matthews, N.C. based Family Dol-
lar owner Leon Levine and his wife Sandra Levine. “Thanks to this
UNC Charlotte
and $137,000 for each out of state student who is awarded the schol-
arship over 4 years. 40 students will receive the Levine scholarships
in 2010.
Scholarships include community service and leadership obliga-

want students to
extraordinary commitment by Leon and Sandra Levine, UNC Char- tions and an $8,000 service grant supporting the scholar’s commu-
lotte will be on par with other major universities in North Carolina nity work. The scholarship covers full tuition, housing, books and a
and around the country in attracting exceptional young people to laptop. The deadline for school officials to nominate individuals for

‘Stake Your Claim’

Charlotte,” Dubois said. “In addition, the program’s emphasis on the Levine Scholarships is December 1, 2009.

Campus Career Center offers
Kristen Litchfield
Editor-in-Chief
As the fourth largest and fast-
pus over the summer and found
its new home at the traffic circle
near the front entrance. Two iden-
tical sculptures were installed

students helpful advice

Erika Summers
Special to the UTimes
As the new school year is underway,
students are busy exploring all that UNC
Charlotte has to offer. Students are seek-
ing places for dining and entertainment op-
tions, as well as many academic offerings.
The opportunities and various departments
at UNC Charlotte can be daunting to any
student, however it is essential that students
know (and use) all of the university’s re-
sources available to them.
How much do you know about the
University Career Center (UCC)? Did you
know the UCC has programs designed for
every class level—from beginning fresh-
men to doctoral students? One of the most
commonly believed myths about the UCC
is that the office can only be beneficial to
upperclassmen that are seeking internships
and full-time employment. However, this is
far from reality. At the UCC, you have your
own designated career advisor for your aca-
demic major (there is also a career advisor
designated for UCOL students!) to guide
you through your journey towards career
success from your first year here, all the way
through graduation.
Why start early? Before you can begin to
consider internships or a full-time job, you
must begin with a career goal. We encour-
age students who are just beginning their
academic studies (as well as any student
needing to clarify their career options or in-
terests) to take one of our online career self-
assessments. For more info visit www.career.
uncc.edu, scroll over the “Students” menu
and select “Take a Career Assessment.”
Another way to explore career options is
through our Career Prospector job-shadow-
ing program. Through Career Prospector
you can get a “behind the scenes” experi-
ence in a career of interest to you. Group
job-shadow experiences are also available
throughout the year.
Did you know that 80 percent of May
2009 graduates had completed a career-re-
lated experience sponsored by the university
before they graduated? In a tough job mar-
ket, experience is a necessity and the UCC
can help! We supervise students every se-
mester enrolled in our Experiential Learn-
ing (EL). Through the EL program, students
gain access to 49ership, co-op, or service
learning postings that employers send to the
UCC and work for one or multiple semesters
for an employer in their field!
Something for all class levels is our job
and internship database, NinerJobNet. Nin-
erJobNet holds job shadowing opportuni-
ties, 49erships, co-ops, part-time and full-
time positions and is also our vehicle for
on-campus interview sign-ups. Students and
alumni can access the database after attend-
ing a brief orientation session or completing
a web tutorial.
UCC sponsors several career fairs and
related events throughout the year. Upcom-
ing fairs include: Career Expo Fall 2009
(9/16) and the Public Service Career Fair
for government and nonprofit opportunities
(10/6). Employers come seeking UNC Char-
lotte students to fill internship, part-time,
and full-time positions. You can see which
employers will be attending each fair by
checking out the event link on our homep-
age, at www.career.uncc.edu. In addition to
these two fall fairs, we also host Majors Day
on 10/21, at which you can talk with vari-
ous academic departments about major and
minor prospects.
The University Career Center is open for
all students, and the use of the services and
resources can help you tremendously. Our
office is open for students no matter where
they are in their career planning. To make
the most of your university experience, be
sure to drop by the University Career Cen-
ter!
Questions? Visit us at the University Ca-
reer Center (150 Atkins, next to the library)
or check out www.career.uncc.edu.
est growing university in the UNC
system, UNC Charlotte has been
trying to create its own identity.
The branding campaign, “Stake
Your Claim”, which began last
year was created to build aware-
ness throughout the university
itself and the community.
The “Stake Your Claim”
campaign is an attempt to char-
acterize UNC Charlotte as con-
temporary, assertive, confident,
authentic, and decisive. The ad-
vertisements will highlight Char-
lotte’s research, arts and culture,
athletics, scholarship and inter-
nationalization.
The branding campaign is
going to assist the University, ac-
cording to Ruth Shaw, chair of
the Board of Trustees, “I think
the tagline ‘Stake Your Claim’
and the iconic pickax will help
students, alumni and community
identify with UNCC. They build
on Forty-Niner symbols that are
already familiar, and ‘Stake Your
Claim’ provides a new twist. It
emphasizes this is our University.
It takes time and repetition for a
brand to become known, and I
believe our tagline and icon will
stand the test of time.”
The iconic “Stake Your
Claim” pickax arrived on cam-
in uptown Charlotte; one at the
atrium of the Charlotte-Douglas
International Airport and the
other at the First Citizen’s Plaza
Center City Charlotte.
“Stake Your Claim” is being
funded through the Division of
University Relations and Com-
munity Affairs as no state funds
are being used for the campaign.
Therefore, on October 24, the
campaign will host a 5K run/
walk fundraising event. The
event gives the University com-
munity the opportunity to ben-
efit students.
“Business and research part-
nerships, donor engagement,
alumni support and recruitment
of faculty, staff, and students are
directly enhanced by a unified,
integrated brand. ‘Stake Your
Claim’ embodies the pioneering
spirit of the University and in-
vites people to claim ownership
of this great public university.
It also provides the platform to
share stories of amazing stu-
dents, faculty and staff who have
achieved great things by seizing
the opportunities UNC Charlotte
provides,” said David Dun, Vice
Chancellor for University Rela-
tions and Community Affairs.

CAMPUS
MEDIA
GROUP
viewpoint
PAGE 4 ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

Kristen Litchfield Editor-in-Chief

Will Grier Managing Editor Jim Ghegan A&E Editor
Ryan Freeman News Editor Josh Carpenter Sports Editor
Dana Nigro Viewpoint Editor Shannon Morgan Photo Editor
Sarah Jones Layout Editor Rob McCormick Jr. Feature Editor

PRIDE? Clash over clunkers

The lack of Charlotte school
pride is dissappointing Jamie Brown Alabama. Automakers have even Jillian Mullen years? The saying ‘Don’t beat a dead
Staff Writer been paying workers overtime to in- Staff Writer horse’ comes to mind.
crease production. The CARS program does have
Kristen Litchfield While the media and civilians are These impressive statistics all go ‘Cash for Clunkers’ (the Car Al- benefits, but when those benefits are
Editor-in-Chief determined to find all the flaws of back to the numbers. The increase in lowance Rebate System) was estab- shrouded by worries over money and
President Barack Obama’s attempt the number of cars sold during this lished to encourage consumers to the already-horrendous economy,
The last time I checked I go to UNC Char- at a car industry turn around, also program has meant businesses seek- trade in their old, less fuel-efficient they hardly seem worth it.
lotte. So why is it that when I look around cam- known as the Cash for Clunkers pro- ing employees, as well as more money cars and buy new, more fuel-efficient It looks like a good deal, but with
pus I see shades of blue and red t-shirts with gram, the success is seen within the for car dealers and automakers. cars to replace them. every seemingly good deal produced
other schools names written on them? numbers. Number of cars sold, the Even though this program was The dealers front the money by the government comes draw-
If you have not noticed you are in Niner Na- amount of buyers that traded in their created in hopes of improvement for for the rebates and then they are backs. With cars selling so fast and
tion and we wear green. older vehicles, as well as the number the auto industry, the number of cus- reimbursed by the government. It the program running out of money,
It pains me to see the lack of pride taken in of laid off workers that were rehired. tomers that have partici- sounds catchy, it sounds promising the dealers were afraid about the un-
this university by Transportation Secretary Ray La- pated and money is involved. It certainty of not getting paid.
some of the student hood said the program has been “a must be good, right? According to Associated Press,
body. lifeline to the automobile industry, some dealers stopped participating
UNC Charlotte jump starting a major sector of the in the Clunker program before the
is the fourth largest economy and putting people back cutoff date. The Greater New York
and fastest growing to work.” Automobile Dealers Association,
university in the Due to the broad range of which represents dealerships in the
UNC system and trade-in requirements, such as New York area, said about half its
it will continue to receiving 18 or less mpg and 425 members had left the program
expand for many less than 25 years old, now less because they cannot afford to offer
years to come. gas greedy and air-polluting cars more rebates.
Aside from the are on the road. So thanks, Congress, for turn-
outstanding aca- According to the Associated ing a seemingly positive plan into
demic programs of- Press, about 490,000 new vehicles a problem.
fered here at UNC have been sold so far under this pro- The $1 billion allowance for
Charlotte, our ath- gram, equaling nearly $2 billion. CARS was exhausted by July
letic programs continue to outshine other com- Sure, there are the stories con- 30, 2009--and the expected
petitors and claim title after title. cerning the week it took to run out end date was November 1,
However, one thing is missing…you on the of the first $1 billion provided and 2009. I was under the impres-
sidelines cheering them on. having to add $2 billion more to the sion that we were in a reces-
In case you were in hiding for the last year, program. However, the real problem sion.
let’s do a recap of Charlotte athletics. was not our president’s hasty deci- The government is encour-
The one thing I am sure you remember is the sion but rather the predicament the aging people to go out and par-
recommendation from Chancellor Dubois to add car dealers placed upon themselves. ticipate in CARS, yet the govern-
football to 49er athletics in 2013. After receiving a month’s knowledge ment is scrambling to scrounge up
Aside from the fact that Charlotte is current- of this new program, car dealers des- the money to support the program.
ly without a football program, there are several perate for sales made deals weeks No one expected the consumers’
other reasons why you should be a proud Char- in advance. This created backed up reaction--not even Congress or the
lotte fan. paper work before the program even shocked many in- car dealerships.
In 2008 alone, the women’s soccer team went started. volved. Early ana- The government wasn’t prepared
undefeated in Atlantic 10 play, won their third Then there is the simple little lysts believed that for the madness, and in turn, they
straight conference title, had an NCAA Tourna- detail of being left out of the paper the cash for clunkers Wrong. didn’t prepare anyone else. Associ-
ment appearance, as well as winning an NCAA work that has helped back up the program would only provide a small When reading the FAQs and re- ated Press also said that car dealers
Tournament game over the Tennessee Volun- system. Dealers are required to write bump in sales. Even the government quirements of this deal brings on a made Cash for Clunkers deals weeks
teers. “Junk Automobile, Cars.gov” on the had estimated each dealer would migraine, the deal is obviously not in advance even though they were
On the men’s side, they found way into the forms being filled for these trade-ins, make only about 12 sales under the worth it. advised against it.
record books as the program saw its first national however dealers have neglected this program. Mr. Ray LaHood, the United This mayhem created a big back-
ranking in ten years. The 49ers started out strong request. However, a new survey suggests States Secretary of Transportation, log the moment the program of-
last year, but did not finish the season as strong Lahood explained, “The form that dealers were making about 14 said the Car Allowance Rebate Sys- ficially began, which continued on
as they would have like. that needed to be filled out by the car sales each, with some making more tem (CARS) program was “a life- throughout the existence of the pro-
November 1 was a big day for Charlotte cross dealer was inadequate and we had than 100. line to the automobile industry, gram. Basically, CARS was doomed
country as junior Adu Dentamo and sophomore to send it back.” He went on to say, Daniel Smith, an associate ad- jump starting a major sector of the from the start.
Amanda Goetschius claimed the A-10 cross “that caused a great deal of delays.” ministrator overseeing the program economy and putting people back to If these are the kinds of ideas
country individual crowns. These were the first On the bright side, the govern- proclaimed, “We were not antici- work.” Congress has to boost our economy,
titles the program has seen since joining the con- ment agency has had to triple the pating the number of transactions However, if this program was so I think we’re in worse trouble than
ference in 2006. staff working on the program, which would be anywhere near what it is at great, then why was there an end to we thought.
Indoor track also had a successful season as has been a rare sight in the last year. this point.” Although it is a very wel- it? Connecticut Attorney General
the women’s team picked up their fourth straight Employment also spiked for several comed shock. Conor Clarke, a writer This nation has enough to deal Richard Blumenthal, who sent a let-
indoor conference title and the men picked up car manufactures. for the Atlantic, expressed it the best with, especially the car industry-- ter to LaHood asking him to reform
their third title in the last four years. GM recently announced plans to saying, “The speed with which the what is the government doing mess- Cash for Clunkers, said it best: “The
Not only did the indoor track team find suc- rehire more than 1300 workers, with program is shutting down is a testa- ing with an industry that has been program is choking on its own suc-
cess last year, but also the outdoor squad. The Hyundai recalling 3000 workers in ment to its success, not its failure.” tanking so much in the past few cess.”
women’s track and field team won their fourth
consecutive crown and the men picked up their
second outdoor title. Previously published in the University
Even though the men’s basketball team draws Times. Looking back at October 21, 2001.
the biggest crowd to Halton Arena in the winter,
the women’s basketball program won the 2009
A-10 Tournament Championship on our cam-
pus.
The Niners also made an NCAA Tourna-
ment appearance last season.
I bet you did not know the Charlotte golf
team has won four consecutive league titles and
several former Niners have qualified and partici-
pated in the U.S. Open.
Now I ask you, from all of the things I just
named to you, what’s not to be proud of? I real-
ize Charlotte is not in the ACC, but if you look at
some of the programs that are in the Atlantic 10,
they are just as good.
Some of you may say ‘well I was raised a tar-
heel.’ First of all I’m sorry that you were raised to
like the tarbabies, but you are now a Forty-Niner
so it’s time for you to take some pride in YOUR
school.
This year, many of our athletic programs will
look to build on their success and some support
from the student body would be appreciated.
This university is growing at a rapid rate, and
it is up to the student body to represent UNC
Charlotte and all that is has to offer, whether it be
in the classroom, on the field, or on the court.
I urge you to take pride in this university and
show your support. You are a part of Niner Na-
tion now so take off that tarbaby blue shirt and
those ugly red Wolfpack shorts, get a giant trash
bag and throw them in there.
If you like that school so much better, than
go there. This is a green campus and we are all
49ers.
For those of you who have continued to show
your support for this university, thank you. And
I want you to help me in making this campus a FEEDBACK
greener one. Have a strong opinion about a story that ran in the University Times, or a hot topic on campus about which you want to vent?
I hope to see you out there supporting Char-
lotte and as always, GO NINERS! Voice your thoughts by sending the University Times a 200 word or less letter to editor@uncc.edu. Be sure to include your name,
year, school, major and telephone number. Letters are subject to editing for length, style and content.

Newspaper staff: Jacqueline Bieringer, Houston Burnette, Max Catudal, Melissa

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Students are entitled to one free copy of The University Times per publication date. Additional copies
are valued at $.35 and can be obtained from the Student Media Offices. Subscriptions to The Times
are available for $40.00. Submit payment and mailing address to: Student Media Marketing, Cone
Center, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223.
EDITORIAL POLICY
The University Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials
are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views
expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. The University Times is published during
the regular academic year on Tuesday and Thursday except during holidays and exam periods.
Cole, Catey Contes, Angel Farmer, Kenyota Farmer, Christy Gaines, Samantha
Hackett, Quentin Holness, Kaitlin Locke, Alexa Massau, Rob McCormick Jr.,
Adrianne McNeil, Glenn Morrow, Kimberly Palmer, Allen Rosenbury, Christopher
Wood
Marketing Director: Matt Coffey Sales Manager: Tim Gheen
Advertising Staff: Cheryl Adams, Jacqui Brooks, Ashley Cirano Brittany Falzone-
D’Andrade, Sara Ingram, Erin Reeve
Creative Director: Sarah Jones
Production: Sarah Jones Circulation: Brian Lambert
Business Manager: Daisy Concepcion Marketing Adviser: Kelly Merges
Student Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Production Adviser: Pete Hurdle
Office Manager: Mark Haire
GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK
The University Times welcomes letters. Letters should be under
200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s
signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty
and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous
letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space
and style. Submit letters to Opinion Editor, The University Times,
Student Union, Charlotte, NC 28223 or e-mail to UTEDITOR@
uncc.edu.
EDITORIAL OFFICES
Lower Level, Room 046 • Student Union, UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
arts&entertainment
THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ PAGE 5

Cat Stevens releases

greatest hits album
Jim Ghegan
A & E Editor
It’s not often that a musi-
cian from the era of “classic
rock” puts out an album that
is honestly nothing less than a
“Best Of” or “Greatest Hits.”
These compilations albums are
nothing more than the artists
squeezing out tired versions of
the songs that they have been
living off for forty years now.
It’s even harder to find them
touring because of the height-
ened age of most the starts from
the golden age of rock. How-
ever, I changed my opinion on
this topic when I came across
the album “Roadsinger: To
Warm You Through the Night”
by Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens)
This album was a pleasure to
listen to and even harder to find
on shelves.
That could be because of
some of the past legal troubles
surrounding Yusuf and his con-
troversial stance following his
conversion to the Muslim reli-
gion in 1977.
As Cat Stevens he recorded
major hits such as “Peace Train”
and “Oh Very Young,” yet he
abandoned everything for a life
of solidarity and peace away
from the vanity of professional
music.
Still he has lived not without
controversy, in 2004 he was de-
nied entry to the United States
on a plane for being labeled on
the “no fly list,” even though he
clearly stated that he was against
the September 11th Attacks and
donated millions to the relief
fund.
To this day Yusuf has tried
to fight this charge, but it has
greatly affected his image, espe-
cially within the United States.
Yusaf has tried to avoid the
limelight of his former success,
but these new burdens have
brought him back into the re-
cording studio for another try
at a musical career under a new
name.
This is the second main-
stream album released by
Yusuf. “Roadsinger” still feels
as if you’re listening to the same
British folk artist you or your
parents may have loved from
the seventies. His trusty acous-
tic guitar accompanies most, if
not every song on the album.
Yet this time I feel this al-
bum is very personal and he
goes on an introspective journey
through what he’s been through
since his heyday in the seven-
ties.
An introductory line of the
song “Welcome Home” is as
follows ‘I was still alone and no
one knew my face.’ I think that
shows that he missed stardom
and the recognition of being the
man behind such great songs.
Also the title track
“Roadsinger” really shows how
he felt during the controversy
of denied entry into the United
States. The second line “people
stood and stared and closed
their doors as he passed” shows
just how nobody was listening to
his side and just looking at him
as a potential terrorist or some-
one who could cause harm.
This album is something I
really encourage you to listen to.
Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Ste-
vens) shows he still relevant and
very much able to write great
folk songs that really make you
think about life in a post 9/11
world.
He touches on topics such as
fear, isolation, and feelings to-
wards other people. Hopefully
other artists from the “classic
rock” era will take notice and
stop living off those countless
royalty checks and write a new
album worth our time.
This Black
Dragon spits fire
Get up with Brian Kan, the queen city’s fresh faced rapper
Alexa Massau of free styling. It’s basically off the top of your head making the
Staff Writer rhymes. You know like fresh, act like we’re talking right now,
I’m thinking about concepts, what I want to say next, but you
Wearing dark shaded sunglasses, in a dimly lit room, Brian have to do it in a rhyme form. When I get bored I go on You-
Kan shows a goofy side before removing the shades to talk about Tube, find instrumentals and I freestyle. Either I find a rhythm
his ambitions in the music industry. Kan, 21 and UNC Charlotte or a flow, basically that I want that’s really complicated, for
International Studies major, hopes to graduate in May of 2010. word choice to keep my freestyle up.
His close friends know him as Brian, but if he puts on a show
in Charlotte or creates and sells an album many know him as
“Black Dragon.”
Here’s a glimpse at the making, foundation and future of
Black Dragon
Q: Where does Black Dragon come from?
A: We were rapping in a [circle], and everyone gets a turn to
spit or rap whatever they want. I said a real sick line and Woo
says ‘they should call you Dragon, because you spit fire,’ and
ever since then, as corny as it may be… I thought Black was a
menacing color, you know. I’m not going to pick Pink Dragon
that would be kind of weird.
Q: Who’s your main audience?
A: I guess my main audience would be the kids that really
liked the classics of rap. Like Wu-Tang…Big L, up North more
like lyrical type music, underground music, and hip-hop is my
audience.
Q: How many songs have you written and recorded, approxi-
mately?
A: I’ve had two mix tapes out and a lot of other side collabo-
rations, but I couldn’t give you a definite number.
Q: Do you have a favorite-recorded song?
A: I do! It’s a song called “Pushing It.” My crew and me
were actually going to get signed to a record label; they were
giving us a development deal. We didn’t get it. One of my
crewmembers blamed it on me, saying it was my fault, because I
wasn’t developed enough at the time, since it was a development
deal. So that got me really mad and that is when I wrote that
track. I feel out of all my tracks that are my most breakthrough
tracks it’s the best, and a lot of people love that track as well. It’s
just about never quitting… you can’t give up, put your all into
it. If this is what you love and your passion, then you can’t just Q: So, you’re doing this in college right now, and you’re study-
quit like that. ing International Studies. What are your plans after college?
A: Really, rap isn’t my foremost main focus. This year’s been
Q: What motivates you overall to write your lyrics? pretty great so far; I built a studio in my room. I guess college
A: Life, just plain life…stories, predicaments that we face. is my backup. I’m going to do well in school, and when I do
That’s what makes me rap, competition too. I’m a real com- graduate I’m going to move out to L.A. to pursue my music, or
petitive person, and the common competitive nature of hip-hop New York.
that’s what really makes me do it.
After questions Kan good-naturedly gave shout outs to
Q: What techniques help when you rap? those he has collaborated music with: Producer Soulfull, Dante
A: It’s just more like anything else practice. You have to prac- Fawkes, Royaltee, Woo and Cyrano. To find further information
tice free styling. A lot of rappers now don’t appreciate the art on Black Dragon and listen to recorded songs go to his MySpace

Cobra Starship continued from page one
In October however, they will be
going back out on tour to larger venues
along with Boys Like Girls.
UT
album. They also collaborated wit Kevin science to the right way to it, you just need
Rudolf and Kara Dioguardio. “It was awe- to force yourself into variety.”
some, my first co-write situation…it was With a play on words, Blackinton en-

The hit song “Good Girls Go Bad”,
features a cameo appearance by Leigh-
ton Meester, better known for her role as
Blair Waldorf in the CW’s Gossip Girl.
Though Blackinton only worked with
Meester on a few occasions, he couldn’t
help but notice how professional she was.
“She was immensely professional…but
has an incredible sense of humor,” he
added.
Meester wasn’t the only celebrity Co-
bra Starship had help from on their latest
NORTH
an immense learning experience Blackin-
ton explained.
“The way [Kevin Rudolf] works in the
studio is so cool…and I thought the expe-
rience was so fun,” he said. “Kara brought
sort of this pop fairy dust…[she] helped
us hash out Good Girls,” he continued.
When asked about what inspires Co-
bra Starships beats and music Blackinton
explained, “the key is experiment with all
types of instrumentations…it makes you
look at music a different way. There is no
joys being referred to as ‘Pleasure Ryland’.
Fans have even gone as far as to make and
wear yellow and black t-shirts themed
around his name.
In order to get to Pleasure Ryland, “no
passport required, all you’ve got to have
is a positive attitude, a little bit of money
for drinks, and the less clothing the bet-
ter. So really its what you don’t need,” he
laughed.
Cobra Starship will be going back out
on tour in October.
PAGE 6 ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

These Basterds were worth the wait Winters

offers take
on Austen’s
classic tale
Tish Wells
McClatchy Newspapers

Ben H. Winters never expected to end

care to witness.
John Rader The violent scenes in the movie that are elud-
Staff Writer
ed to in the previews are every bit as violent as
one could have imagined and the cheapness with
In what is without question the best movie of
which human life is treated is, in its own way,
the summer so far, Brad Pitt stars as Lieutenant
even more disturbing.
Aldo Raine, an officer leading a band of Ameri-
For Tarantino fans, this is nothing new, but
can Jews, as well as German and French dis-
may shock some viewers that are new to his style
senters, on a mission of terror against the Nazi
of story telling. Remember this is the man who
regime.
envisioned one woman brutally take down an
Directed by Quinton Tarantino, “Inglorious
entire Japanese gang and the accidental shooting
Basterds” pushes the limit of tasteful moviemak-
by a hit man at point blank range in a car.
ing and comes out on top.
Like a number of other Tarantino movies,
Using his blend of intense character dialogue
“Inglorious Basterds” is divided up into several
and absurd situations, Tarantino tells a story
chapters. In addition to breaking up the inevi-
that is suspenseful, laughably entertaining, and
table monotony of a movie of this length, the
thought provoking all at the same time.
chapters allow instant mood changes.
It is worth mentioning, to those who are
Each chapter tells a little bit of the back-
thinking about seeing the movie that this film
ground of one character or another, and each
is not for everyone. The sensitive nature of the
containing their own mini climax. Then they
themes touched on in the movie, combined with
each contain an intense confrontation between
violence that is graphic, and at times completely
characters. The result is a movie that has a fast
over the top, may be more than some viewers
paced feel throughout.
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
Tarantino’s use of wartime France as a setting
is one of the more difficult features of the mov-
ie to appreciate. Given the importance of the
events of Second World War to human society, it
would seem ideal to stick to historical accuracy
as much as possible. For a Tarantino film, and
his notorious ego.
This is something that is clearly deviated
from. Instead, Tarantino goes so far outside the
bounds of historical accuracy, that it becomes
a caricature of the events themselves. History
buffs be warned, this movie is about as histori-
cally accurate as “The Matrix.”
All in all, “Inglorious Basterds” is a movie
with more than enough entertainment value
to overcome some of the qualities that suit the
more acquired tastes of long-term Tarantino
fans. With action, comedy, suspense, and bril-
liant script writing it really has something for
everyone. In fact, for any moviegoer that is not a
fan of Tarantino’s work, this may just be the best
time to become one.
up writing collaboration with Jane Austen.
In “Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters,”
Winters take Jane Austen’s 1811 classic novel
and infuses it with horror-movie seasoning.
Instead of being set in the placid English
countryside, the Dashwood family has taken
up residence on an isolated island after the
father is killed by a hammerhead shark.
Add pirates, mysterious chanting and nu-
merous vindictive denizens of the deep, and
you have quite a bouillabaisse.
“One of the real joys was getting to figure
out ways for Austen’s work to intermingle with
all these other writers that I loved,” Winters
explains. “It’s a literary game and a really fun
one to imagine, what if (H.P.) Lovecraft and
Austen sat down and wrote a book together
_ it’s just preposterous, but what would hap-
pen? And to think about how the vocabulary
would interact and the themes could interact
is really what’s so fun about writing the book.
I really hope it’s fun to read also,”
Winters is highly respectful of his co-
author because “there is so much to admire
in her writing, it’s so sophisticated and very
sly. How she lets you know so much saying
so little _ the societal restrictions on what
can or can’t be said, and the way you can say
it. Much as (the character) Elinor says in the
book, there are certain things that can’t re-
ally be said, and certain things that shouldn’t
be said _ and the way Austen gets around it
and let’s her reader know what’s underneath

‘New Norm’
what’s being said; it’s just fascinating. She’s a
masterful writer. The book wouldn’t be any
fun if Austen was a bad writer.”
“Sea Monsters” mixes Austen to other
classic writers: Robert Louis Stevenson for
pirates, Jules Verne for undersea fantasy and
Lovecraft for otherworldly horror.

New campus radio station hits the web

Dana Nigro
Viewpoint Editor
Over the past few decades the notion of a
UNC Charlotte radio station has been consid-
ered and some even came close to fruition. This
year the Student Media Board has recognized
Radio Free Charlotte (RFC) as UNC Charlotte’s
new official campus radio.
Scott Phillipson, a professor at UNC Char-
lotte and Brandon Kirkley, a graduate student
(also better known as the front man for Brandon
Kirkley and the Firecrackers) were the driving
force behind bringing the station to life. “ I had
thought about [starting a campus radio station]
for a long time, but about two years ago I did
something about,” Phillipson said.
Out of two semesters of classes Phillipson
had his students focus on how to create a thriv-
ing radio station on campus. A student came up
with the phrase it’s “a new norm” for campus.
That is what they hope it to be.
Though the station is young, Kirkley ex-
plained, “support from the students has been
great.” The most surprising thing about RFC is
that so far it was thought of researched, aired,
and approved for no money at all.
When a new club is approved by the Uni-
versity, they are given a sum of money to estab-
lish themselves. “RFC has at least 100 students
involved and still no funding,” Phillipson said.
However if the station continues to grow and
He tried to combine the flavor of Jules
Verne’s scientific “specific vocabulary” with
Austen’s intimate descriptions of her beloved
countryside. “When we’re in the undersea
portions, we’re getting an eyeful of this _ the
branch out, “there are still things we need fund- “We want school spirit, we want to bring stu- glowing plants and the fungi and the coral,
ing for,” Phillipson explained. dents together to have something to be proud lots of coral reefs, _ (I tried) to give the reader
RFC is its own beast. The music that will be of,” Phillipson said, “we want people to tune in the same sense of depth.”
aired is unlike what can be heard on any other and then tune back in.” A graduate of the Washington Univer-
Charlotte radio station. “It’s music for students sity in St. Louis, Winters actually preferred
to listen to, a place to listen to something a Charles Dickens to Jane Austen. He was an
little different,” Kirkley said. “It has an English major, history minor, student who
edgy, underground sound, almost worked various jobs, finally ending up in
electronic,” he continued. New York in 2001. His love of old English
The music is unique yet literature added flavor to “Sea Monsters.”
something everyone can en- “I’m a big believer in actually picking up
joy, with songs from the a thesaurus rather than using Thesaurus.com
bands Ladytron, Fisch- or online reference sources. I find the experi-
erspooner, and Metric. ence, as a writer, of digging up words in the
RFC wont only consist old books is so satisfying.”
of music but it will be “For example, what word would Austen
the only station around have used to describe the layer of gooey flesh
that will cover specifi- on the underside of a man-eating snail?” Af-
cally UNC Charlotte ter digging around, he found ‘mucocutane-
news, sports, and ous,’ and “Then you go, ‘That’s great!”
events. He adds, “And in a book like this where
Kirkley went on to you’re both trying to write in a Regency style
say, “It’s not just some- and describing the hideous monsters, you’re
thing for students to lis- bound to come up with some fun new words
ten to, but something for fun old words, I should say.”
them to get involved with.” Winters hopes that his “audience can
RFC is looking for DJs and range from 14-year-old boys who are just re-
they also “have leadership posi- ally, really into monsters and adventure all
tions available,” Phillipson said. the way to literate college educated profes-
Though it is recognized by the Student sor types _ or just Austen fans who loved the
Media Board, all positions remain unpaid original work and will enjoy re-experience it
due to the lack of funding. in a new way.”

Twelve year-old skaters go big or go home

Ryan Freeman
News Editor

On Saturday the sun scorched down on the asphalt of Grayson Skate Park
where a flood of youths eagerly tore up the park in a closely contested tourna-
ment “Battle Slam Jam 2009,” defying the boundaries of age and athleticism.
The skaters flew around the park at breakneck speeds performing acrobatic
tricks that, at times, appeared almost impossible.
Grayson Skatepark sits at the transition of Eastway and Wendover Roads
in Charlotte in the Grier Heights. The park has a large bowl (a feature resem-
bling a drained pool that skaters use to pick up speed and get big air) and
several ramps and rails the skaters used to show off their skills in a series of
heats to determine the best skater of the day.
The skate frenzy included several merchandise stands, a car show with
rides from Dirty South Customs and musical performances from rapper Capi-
tal Ill and band Kid Monsters who hit the mic as the skaters battled each other
in the preliminary heats.
The University Times caught some great shots of these youngsters pulling
out impressive flip tricks and grabs, but the most amazing thing we witnessed
was a run by a 12 year-old boy who perfectly executed a back flip on a skate-
board. Think about it, a backflip! This boarding prodigy, Clay Kreiner, hailed
from Simpsonville S.C. and had already been riding for four and a half years
and skates on his Celtic brand board every day.
As the scorching day came to a close I could only come to one disheart-
ening conclusion, there is a kid at twelve who is cooler than I will ever be…
ever.

Shannon Morgan/photo Shannon Morgan/photo

ninersports
THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ PAGE 7

SPORTS SCHEDULE
Women’s Soccer vs. Appalachian State Fri. Aug. 28, 7pm, Charlotte, NC
Volleyball at Wake Forest Fri. Aug.28, 7pm, Winston-Salem, NC
Men’s Soccer Alumni Game Sat. Aug.29, 6pm, Charlotte, NC
Men’s Soccer at South Carolina Tues. Sept. 1, 7pm, Columbia, SC

Women’s soccer looks to build

on three seasons of success
Kristen Litchfield
Editor-in-Chief
For three consecutive seasons the nationally ranked
Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team has won the At-
lantic 10 regular-season title and two straight conference
tournament titles. This year the Niners are looking for
another title, but this time without former head coach
Jon Lipsitz.
In December Athletic Director Judy Rose announced
the resignation of Lipsitz, who decided to take the head
coaching position at the University of Kentucky.
Lipsitz coached the 49ers for four seasons and finished
his Niner career with a 58-23-4 record, three Atlantic 10
regular season titles, two Atlantic 10 Tournament titles
and two NCAA Tournament appearances, and in 2007
was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.
Replacing Lipsitz is former 49er John Cullen, who
played for the nationally ranked men’s soccer team in
the early 1990s.
Cullen coached at Catawba College for the last eight
years, where he led his team to win two South Atlan-
tic Conference championships, as well as leading the
Catawba Indians to four NCAA Division II Regionals
and a pair of regional finals.
The London, England native was a four-time SAC
Coach of the Year as well as being named the NSCAA
Regional Coach of the Year in 2005.
The women’s soccer team returns 10 starters and 21
letter-winners from the 2008 team who won a school-
record of 18 games including a perfect 11-0 record in
league play, as well as advancing to the second round of
the NCAA Tournament.
In addition the nationally ranked team also gains six new
freshmen this season.
Among returners are senior midfielder Hailey Beam,
and juniors forward Whitney Weinraub and defender
Whitney Bryant, who were named to the preseason All-
Atlantic 10 team.
Beam, Bryant, and Weinraub were essential members
to the 49ers as they won their third straight A-10 regular
season title along with their second straight A-10 Tour-
nament title. Last years team was also able to make the
program’s fourth NCAA Tournament appearance.
In 2008, Beam became the program’s first All-Ameri-
can as well as being named A-10 Midfielder of the Year
and A-10 Championship Most Outstanding Player for
the second straight season.
The midfielder from Cornelius, N.C., led the league
and was ranked in the nation with 17 goals, 13 assists
and 47 points, which is the third highest single-season
total in Charlotte history.
Weinraub was named A-10 Offensive player of the
Year, second-team Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region
honors, first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors,, and A-10
All-Championship team.
The Pennsylvania native finished the season second
on the team with 12 goals and 33 points.
Bryant was a third-team Soccer Buzz All-Southeast
Region honors and was a first-team All-Atlantic 10.
The Marietta, G.A. native led the Charlotte defense that
recorded 13 shutouts and limited 16 teams to a single
goal or less last season.
The Niners will host 11 regular-season games at
Transamerica Field including games against Georgia,
ACC rival NC State and Big East foe Villanova. Charlotte
will also play host to the conference championship on
November 5-8.
“We are excited about our 2009 schedule, we play some
highly established and traditionally strong programs,”
said Cullen. “As always the highlight of the season is
the Atlantic 10 conference Championship which will be
played in front of our fans at Transamerica Field.”
Despite winning back-to-back-to-back conference titles
and making NCAA Tournament appearances, the 49ers
were picked to finish second, behind Dayton. However,
the women’s soccer team will not let the preseason At-
lantic 10 poll stop them from having another successful
season.
Charlotte began their season on the road at William
File photo
and Mary, where the Niners shutout the Tribe 3-0. The Junior Whitney Weinraub was named the Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the
Niners will host their first home game at Transamerica
Year as well as being named to the A-10 All-Championship team.
Field tomorrow night, August 28 at 7 p.m. where the
team will take on Appalachian State.

Mack heads to Greece’s Charlotte soccer has

AEK Athens team
Josh Carpenter
Sports Editor
Former Charlotte 49er standout forward Lamont Mack
has signed with AEK Athens in Greece. AEK Athens
competes in the top professional division in Greece, the
A1 league.
Before joining the 49ers, Mack was a Junior College
all-American at Angela Community College in Luftin,
Texas. Mack was the 49ers’ most consistent scorer dur-
ing his two-year tenure with the team. The 6-7 forward
scored in double figures 52 times in 64 games played and
scored 20 or more points on 10 different occasions.
As a senior, Mack scored in double figures in 28 of
the 31 games he played in and managed to reach double
figures in all 18 A-10 games, including a career-high
32 point effort against Richmond in his final game at
Halton.
Mack was a consensus 2009 third-team all-Atlantic
10 choice after leading the team with a 15.2 scoring
average and averaging 5.7 rebounds. He ended his two-
year campaign with the 49ers with 908 points and 353
rebounds and was named A-10 player of the week on
Feb. 14 after averaging 19.7 points over a three-game
span.
The Chicago native is projected to start at strong
forward for AEK Athens, a team that has won 8 Greek
championships throughout it’s 85-year history. AEK was
the first Greek team to participate in the Euroleague Final
Four in 1966 and throughout their storied history, has
won 2 Saporta Cups, 8 Greek Championships, and 3
Greek Cups.
Other notable players that have played in the A1
League include New Orleans Hornets head coach Byron
Scott, nine-time NBA All-Star Dominique Wilkins, San
Antonio Spurs shooting guard Roger Mason, and former
File photo
In Mack’s senior year at Charlotte he
scored in the double digits in 28 of 31
games.
Stanford star Josh Childress. AEK Athens is the only team mark, making the score 4-1.
other than Panathinaikos and Olympiacos to have won
a Greek championship over the last 17 years.
winning weekend
Men defeat Gardner-Webb and women shut
out William & Mary Sunday afternoon
Kristen Litchfield & Erin Reeve
Editor-in-Chief & Staff Writer
After an exciting day at Rec Fest and 49er New Year,
students gathered at Transamerica Field to cheer on mens’
soccer team, as they kicked off the first season with an
exhibition game with the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.
The 49ers controlled the ball for most of the game,
and only allowed the Bulldogs to score once as Charlotte
defeated Gardner-Webb, 5-1.
Fifteen minutes in to the game, the Niners were given
two penalty shots and a throw in back to back, with still
no end result. Dribble attempts were made by senior Luke
Exley and sophomore Justin Tucker, but neither finished
through.
The first goal did not come until twenty minutes in to
the game, when sophomore Evan James dribbled from
the right side of the field, to shoot the ball in to the upper
right corner of the net.  the road to begin the season. We have a new style of
The ball remained in Gardner-Webb’s defensive side
and sophomore Charles Rodriquez capitalized on that,
as he came from his defensive position to score a header
with five minutes left in the first half.  larly pleased with the play of our new players who
After half time, the 49ers started off the second half
with five fresh new sets of legs. And after scoring two
goals early in the second half (rounding off his hat trick),
sophomore Evan James was taken out as well.  With the win, Brown recorded her 20th career
This experimentation may have not allowed for the one
and only Gardner-Webb goal at the twenty-five minute
With two minutes left in the game, the last goal was
scored by freshman Jennings Rex with sophomore Owen
Darby getting the assist.
The Niners will hit the road for the team’s next three
games, first heading to nearby Columbia to take on South
Carolina. Charlotte will return to Transamerica Field
on Saturday, September 12 7 p.m. to take on Campbell
University.
The women’s soccer team began their season on the
right foot, as the three-time Atlantic 10 champions shut
out William & Mary, 3-0 in the 49ers season opener to
give new head coach John Cullen his first win.
Junior Whitney Weinraub, freshman Car-
rie Dail, and senior Hailey Beam led the Niners
in scoring with senior goalkeeper Lauren Brown
keeping the net empty.
“I am very pleased with our performances to-
day,” said Cullen. “I am very proud of the team in
that we beat a very good William & Mary team on
play and our players responded to that style today.
I was really pleased with our defense. We had a lot
of good individual performances. I was particu-
responded in their first college game.”
Charlotte left the game with an 11-8 shot advan-
tage over William & Mary.
solo shutout and had three saves in the game.
Charlotte will host their first game at Transamer-
ica Field, as they take on Appalachian State Friday,
August 28 at 7 p.m.

The fight for Charlotte football rages on Kristen Litchfield
Editor-in-Chief
Obstacles tend to be in the way whenever you’re going
after something you want, and for UNC Charlotte it’s no
different. Numerous obstacles have been in the middle
of the road when it comes to the future of the
Forty Niners football program.
The university’s fight for football
continues, as the sales of Forty-Niner Seat
Licenses (FSLs) are slow.
Initially the plan was to raise $45
million and build a 12,000-seat stadium
on-campus, as well as meeting the goal to
sell 5,000 FSLs at $1,000 a piece in order
to begin the inaugural football season in
2013.
However, due to the unstable
economy the athletic department has had
to scale back their plans.
In the new “plan,” $20 million would have
to be raised and rather than building a brand
new stadium, an option would be adding on
to an existing structure. One such option is
the Belk Track & Field Complex.
Despite the scaled-back plan, the sale of 5,000 FSLs is
still a requirement.
When the Chancellor made his recommendation to the
Board of Trustees in September 2008, “5,600 people had
signed on to want FSLs,” said Athletic Director Judy Rose.
However, no money was to be collected at the time.
For those purchasing FSLs, a quarter of the payment was
to be received by April 3 and at that time the number
of names on the reservation list dropped from 5,600
to 1,600.
“If people really want football they better put their money
where their mouth is,” said Rose.
Due to the lack of commitments the athletic depart-
ment was receiving for FSLs, they decided to take a sales
team approach.
“We have seven captains at the top, (Judy Rose, Mike
Hummer, Gene Johnson, David Houser, Bob Hall, Joe
Price and Steve Lukewire), all of us are responsible for
selling 20 FSLs,” said Rose. “We are then responsible for
recruiting five co-captains, who are also responsible for
selling 20 (FSLs). Then they get five team members who
are responsible for selling 10 each.”
Before the sales team approach, about 1,800 FSLs had
been sold. As of July 28 1,971 FSLs have been sold.
The firm deadline to sell FSLs through this approach
is October 15.
“We think this approach is going to work, if everybody
does what they say they’re going to do,” said Rose. “This
is a critical time for us, an important time for us. I want
us to stay on schedule if at all possible, and if we are able
to sell these and show there’s support we have a much
better chance of not delaying football.”
Even if the sales team approach proves to be the key
to selling the required FSLs, Charlotte football will have
another obstacle to overcome: the Board of Governors.
“There’s so much concern over the cost of education
for students that there would be a question on whether
or not the Board of Governors would be willing to ap-
prove that fee,” said Chancellor Philip Dubois. “It may be
prudent just to say let’s think about starting a year later,
or two years later when we’re certain the environment
is going to be a little more conducive to raising money.
We have a great plan it just hit the streets at the wrong
time.”
Thus far a definite answer on a delay has not been
decided on, but the athletic department plans for every-
thing to go on as originally scheduled.
PAGE 8 ❚ August 27, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES