Stories

The Year in Sports

A look back at Flagler’s first year competing in NCAA Div. II

By Devon Jeffreys and Brian Vigna | gargoyle@flagler.edu

This December marks the end of Flagler’s first full calendar year in NCAA Div. II and it has been a year to remember.

The major announcement was made that because of a NCAA rule change, Flagler is now a year away from full membership in NCAA Div. II, instead of the three- to four- year probationary period originally expected. Though full membership is just around the corner, conference affiliation is still up in the air as Flagler waits on a decision from the Sunshine State Conference.


Women’s basketball starts slow again

From Staff | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Flagler got its first win of the season when it routed Tennessee Temple University 86-60 in the opening round of the Newberry College Classic Friday, but they didn’t stay in the win column long.

Classic host Newberry College, No. 24 in NCAA Div. II, beat Flagler 90-45 on Saturday, and the Saints have now fallen to 1-8 on the season.

The bright spot of the win, and much of Flagler’s season so far, has been Brittney Garmon, who led five Flagler players in double figures with 19 points and added 17 rebounds against Tennessee.


NBA action sure to excite

By Brian Vigna | bvigna@flagler.edu

NBA basketball is in full swing in early December, and as the east is finally catching up to the perennial powerhouses of the west, people are already picking this year’s winners.

San Antonio and Dallas are both strong candidates in the western conference, while last year’s biggest story, the Golden State Warriors, are quickly falling behind.


Redskins’ Sean Taylor is the latest pro athlete murdered over money

By Brian Vigna | bvigna@flagler.edu

Sean Taylor, safety for the Washington Redskins, was tragically shot and killed last week, shocking the sports world.

Taylor, 24, died Nov. 27 after being shot while fighting off intruders at his home. Taylor was shot in the upper thigh, and lost a life-threatening amount of blood during the flight to the Ryder Trauma Center of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Taylor passed away from the injury, several hours after the shooting and before ever regaining consciousness.


Photo by Tad Mask

Studies show that the job market might be changing for college grads

By Steffi Shook | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The job market is booming! Record increase in employment! College grads need not worry about jobs!

These are all statements the National Association of Colleges and Employees is screaming in its new study on the job market. If this is the case, then why are so many seniors nervous about graduating?

It turns out that just because the job market is improving, that doesn’t necessarily mean good things for prospective graduates.


Administration removes SGA president

Direction of Student Government Association uncertain with loss of leader

By Danielle Marsh | dmarsh1@flagler.edu

After a failed attempt by students to impeach Student Government President Brandon Collins, Student Services has relieved him of his duties.

In an official letter delivered to Collins by Assistant Dean of Student Services Dirk Hibler, the main reason for his removal was “a lack of leadership.”

Upon receiving notice of his removal, Collins wrote an appeal letter to the Dean of Student Services Dan Stewart. His appeal was denied.


Lobbyists play key role in government

Local officials say counties’ interests are ignored at the state level; lobbyists close the gap

By Rachael Yaeger and Jennifer Gager | gargoyle@flagler.edu

St. Johns County pays David Ramba up to $10,000 a quarter to lobby for the county’s interests at the state government level. But, don’t we have local representatives and senators that should represent local issues?

“They [local representatives] represent the people, not local government,” Ramba said.

St. Johns County has three local senators and three representatives that represent the county. However, even with all these representatives state Sen. Stephen Wise said, “You cannot know everything about everything.” Still, average citizens often do not see the need for lobbyists.


Student engagement tops college, student priorities; Flagler responds

By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu

“Most Involved” used to be a title held only by someone considered a nerd. However, this title is becoming much more desired on college campuses around the nation.

Colleges are not only being ranked today by academic standards or by the population of attending students, but are now being evaluated by the amount of students participating in cultural and academic features of their school.

According to a recent article in USA Today, The National Survey of Student Engagement is offering an alternative way for prospective students to look at colleges and a different way for schools around the nation to be ranked.


Students reach out to teens

By Eli Nuzzi | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Stephanie Snyder, a recent Flagler graduate, leads the College Reach Out Program, which encourages students to excel in their classes, and has about 100 students from St. Augustine High School.

Krista Purcell, a senior at Flagler College, helps about 20 students and personally tutors five of them.

“[The students] meet at the Flagler campus student center on Saturdays,” said Purcell, who has been in this program since late September.


Beware of scamming squatters

By Rosanna Gill | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Upon my arrival at Flagler College, there were so many things to see and experience. The college is full of history and the city is beautiful.

But somewhere between my acclimation to Flagler and my tours of St. Augustine, the other side of downtown showed itself — the darker, less ornate side of the city.

It lurks in darkened areas, sleeps on park benches and has no qualms with crossing the bounds of personal space.

My first encounter with this less attractive aspect of St. Augustine was one night after work when I still lived in the dorms.