Annual kickball tournament fun for students despite harsh weather conditions

With temperatures threatening triple-digits and thunderstorms in the forecast, Lipscomb students still came out to participate in the annual kickball tournament on Saturday. SAC intramural graduate assistant Kyle Erickson was very pleased with the attendance despite the extreme conditions. “It’s been a great day so far, we’ve had a pretty good turnout. It’s been hot, but it’s been a lot of fun,” Erickson said. The first pitch was delayed after the tournament had to be moved from the intramural fields to Draper Diamond due to the field conditions. Eight teams competed in the single-elimination format with one winner being declared in the end. The tournament featured a dunk tank (which was very beneficial considering the heat), hot dogs and hamburgers, and many laughs to go along. Freshman Danny Marsh enjoyed his first kickball experience, and was very optimistic about his team’s chances. “We’re going in with high hopes, coming back with this championship team from last year. We have huge expectations, and we’re looking for good results,” Marsh said. Participants did admit that the humidity did have some effect on them, and it was crucial to stay hydrated. “I definitely think it’s going to take a bit of a toll on us, but I think these boys are ready to push through,” Marsh said. While some teams strategically assembled their rosters, others had to scramble at the last minute to try and put together a lineup. “It kind of was a little bit of a ‘rag-tag’ put together right at the end, but the guys in Sewell Hall are pretty much all athletes, so we have a good team...

SAC sees rise in attendance for the new year

It’s no secret when you go to the Student Activities Center that more people on campus are trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Attendance numbers are higher and fitness classes are full. Since the 2011 SAC renovations, there have been more and more students taking advantage of the workout spaces. According to SAC staff, from Jan. 2010 to Jan. 2011, there were only 1,394 total check-ins. From Jan. 2013 to Jan. 2014 (as of Jan. 14) check-in is up to 66,486 people. With the New Year being  a popular time to get back in shape, the first week of school alone, saw 2,954 people at check-in. “More people are fascinated and enjoying the facilities and we’re happy to see that,” Matthew Abplanalp, director of campus recreation said. “Every January, we always see an increase of people because of New Year’s resolutions, but also there are other reasons that people are coming back such as those returning from studying abroad. It’s a time when people are looking to set new goals and start a healthier lifestyle,” Abplanalp said. The SAC has different ways for people to get involved including a Biggest Loser program, group fitness classes and even a record-setting number of intramural teams. Group fitness classes such as spin and yoga are on a first-come, first-serve basis. They start handing out the passes 20 minutes in advance. “The group fitness classes are just shy of 5,000 participants. It’s a great way to meet new people and get a great workout,” Abplanalp said. With the large increase, there will be times when more people are using the facility. Peak times...

Lumination Newscast, Feb. 28, 2013

In this semester’s seventh installment of Lumination News, Kelly Dean and Jeremy Keck are behind the news desk to update you about what’s happening on campus. Kage Sanderson brings you up to speed with sports, Nick Glende fills you in on the week’s top technology news headlines, Caitlin Selle gives the scoop on all things entertainment and Jessica Burke delivers your weather forecast. This week’s newscast features information about the resignation of campus safety’s Brad Wyatt, insight into at the current usage of ‘Dining Dollars’ on student meal plans, different tips on how to succeed on upcoming midterm exams, information about what is going on at the Student Activities Center, some news on this month’s SGA spring concert and our final look into last month’s celebration of Black history month. We also take a look at the Jazz and the University Wind Ensemble concerts held recently in Alumni Auditorium, some Bison basketball road highlights and the most recent Ultimate Frisbee tournament, as well as our weekly Nashville Spotlight, which highlights the best place in Nashville to find some good Southern biscuits. We also have the Tweets of the Week, and the anchors say goodbye to a staff member that will be missed. Be sure to stay tuned for future newscasts published every Friday here on...

Students make healthy choices for better life

Losing weight and maintaining a balanced diet as a college student seems to be a far-fetched idea. With late night studying, midnight snacks, fast food and our busy lifestyles, health and wellness is not an easy task, but it is one that many Lipscomb students say is well worth it in the end. “At a certain point being healthy was just being smaller, and then I got educated on it,” said Shanika McMillian, a junior accounting major from Nashville, Tenn. “Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you are healthy, so for a point in my life I just wanted to lose weight to be smaller, but now it’s more that I want to be healthy.” McMillan has lost almost 30 pounds, and she says being healthy has not only changed her life but also changed her lifestyle. “For me I am motivated to disconnect from my past, my past is my weight and the more I shed it, the more I let go of that,” Shanika said. “The biggest challenge is giving up food, not knowing just how attached we are to food.” Choosing the right foods is an important aspect in losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “Living a life where you are able to function at your top is choosing the right foods that help fuel your body,” said Lauren Waller, an exercise science major from Brentwood, Tenn. Health and wellness is not only being physically fit, but taking care of your body as a whole. “Losing weight is 80 percent of food and 20 percent of exercise,” McMillian said. As a college student, the hardest part of...

Student Activity Center to be Renovated

Lipscomb’s Student Activity Center is about to receive a much anticipated renovation. Over the next two years, several million dollars will be invested into the SAC, offering vastly improved fitness opportunities for students and faculty. This fall, visitors will notice many changes throughout the building, beginning with an improved reception area and lounge that will include not only a smoothie bar, but also well as new furniture. New floors will be installed for the basketball and racquetball courts, with a new branding effort also to be emphasized. Fear no more the Freshman 15, as Lipscomb has purchased all new equipment from Life Fitness for the weight room. For those not looking to bulk-up for spring break, a spinning studio will be built, and the SAC will even offer a larger aerobics room. “Campus Recreation is driven to provide many opportunities for students to become fit and active,” said Emily Harris, director of campus recreation. “We believe that fitness is a matter of stewardship and when we become balanced we can be the best God intended us to be.” As part of an increased focus on student health, Lipscomb will also provide free group fitness classes to students. These will be instructor-led exercise classes offering skill levels for those both beginners and the advanced. Additionally, students will have the option to take nutrition classes on campus and will even be able to hire a personal trainer for the new weight and fitness rooms. Increased operating hours will be another addition to the SAC’s improvement; these extra hours are aimed to help students avoid having to pay pricey gym memberships in...