Dion Fair keeps possession of the ball during Bryan’s cardiac match against Oakwood University. The Lions won the game 85-84 / Photo by Maddie Doucet

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Reporter

The Bryan College men’s basketball team (2-4) recovered from a two-game losing streak Tuesday night, beating Oakwood University (Huntsville, Ala.) 85-84 in a back-to-back match.

The Lions faced the Oakwood Ambassadors earlier this season in an exhibition match and lost by a score of 61-50. In the second meeting between both teams the Lions had the edge and took home a deserved victory, making up some phases of weakness with a collective team effort.

“I think everybody contributed equally for our win tonight,” said freshman point guard Dion Fair, who lead the Lions with 23 points and seven assists. “[Tonight we showed] what a team is.”

The Ambassadors took the early lead as Bryan had trouble getting to the basket and allowed some easy points on the other end. Still in the opening stages of the game, however, the Lions found their rhythm from beyond the arc. Fair and junior shooting guard Rob Riley made three consecutive three-pointers to regain the lead and push it to 13-7.

Bryan never let go of that lead in the first period thanks to a solid effort from the three-point line. The Lions’ six three-pointers were opposed to two for the Ambassadors.

Nevertheless, Oakwood didn’t let the Lions pull away, dominated the game on the glass and answered a seven-point Bryan lead with five consecutive points in last few seconds, hitting a three pointer on the half-time buzzer.

The game stayed close, but led by their point guard in the vein, Bryan stayed on top. Fair had an excellent night, playing all forty minutes, showing his great potential.

“I believe I played well, but I just want to give this win to my team,” said Fair commenting on his performance. “We deserve it.”

Only once in the second half the Ambassadors took the lead but Fair and senior shooting guard Lavonte Henderson, who recorded 19 points for the game, stepped up for Bryan and with 7:30 left in the game the Lions regained the lead.

Henderson, however, showed some nerves from the free throw line and invited Oakwood back in the game. With the match standing at 84-84 and seconds left, freshman forward Alan Holt drove to the basket and got fouled. He kept his cool and converted one of his two foul shots, missing the second on purpose to run time out, winning the game for his team.

“Hopefully [the win] will spark the team to continue on a winning streak,” said Fair, looking ahead with confidence. “I believe this is a big win for us.”

The Lions play again Saturday at Tennessee Temple University (Chattanooga). Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Panalist Mary Lokers provided a new view on the issue of homosexuality in the church at The Couch, as a Christian who admits struggling with same sex attraction / Photo by Maddie Doucet

Daniel Jackson
Assistant Online Editor

In 2003, Rhea County banned all homosexuals from its borders. Fox News and CNN descended upon Dayton to cover the law, which was retracted soon after. Here a national issue once again touched Dayton. In order to provide context, Bryan College invited Exodus International to hold a seminar about homosexuality for Dayton and the Bryan community. Just last week, Bryan College asked the question again: what is the Christian response to homosexuality?

About 200 students gathered on Thursday, Nov. 9, to listen to a panel discussing the question—delineating several practical steps for students to follow. The Office of Worldview Formation hoped that the evening would inspire a public dialogue on homosexuality into the future.

In the question of homosexuality, all the panelists were in essential agreement. Dr. Dan Wilson of Harvest USA mid-south division, History professor Dr. Salvatore Musumeci, Director of Counseling and Soul Care Jonathan Doran and Bryan alumnus Mary Lokers spoke on the panel. Although they approached this issue from different angles, all assumed that the act of homosexuality was sinful and that a person could be attracted to the same sex while still being a Christian.

Although students could ask any question of the panel, the question of the evening was how to respond when someone told you they were homosexual. The panelists all agreed: the response came down to building relationship.

Lokers, who struggled with same-sex attraction for 16 years, said the best response is not a ready reply or a quick condemnation. Instead, it’s relationship. She said to ask the person about their struggle (because many people who come out have struggled with their sexuality, she said) and ask about their current difficulties.

Wilson followed up by saying the person should ask many “feeling” questions.

Later, Doran stressed the sensitivity non-homosexual people must use while using language. He said words like “gay,” “fag,” “queer,” are derogatory and akin to racial slurs. They tear down relationships instead of building them, he said.

Lokers said phases such as “well, I love you, just not your sin,” and “homosexual lifestyle” are not helpful.

This was the second time that Bryan College hosted The Couch. Andrew McPeak, coordinator for the Worldview Initiative, said The Couch is a discussion of tough issues facing Christians in the present time.

“This is step one,” he said.

McPeak said The Couch is there to address issues where we ask “What is our Christian call when the issue isn’t so clear?”

Following the couch, Bryan College is trying to approach the issue of homosexuality with other public opportunities. Next semester, chapel will discuss sex, singleness and marriage right around Valentine’s Day. The college is also offering several CLFs and classes on human sexuality.

One of the computers assumed to be taken by the Bryan "laptop thief" was recovered recently in the Huston lounge / Triangle photo by Krissy Proctor

Clari Stewart
Triangle Reporter

This past week, just a few days after her computer was stolen, freshman Mary Trumm found her laptop in the Huston Lounge.

“People have been saying that it has been sitting there for a few days,” Trumm said.

Unlike her roommate, freshman Katie Yance, Trumm had her computer password protected.

“I think they left mine because they couldn’t get onto it,” said Trumm.

The other items stolen (two laptops, a charging cord and an iPod Touch) have not yet been recovered

Freshman point guard Dion Fair speeds down the court on Tuesday night's game against Cumberland / Triangle photo by Cat Rogers

Shane Vicry
Triangle Reporter

Bryan played host to Cumberland University on Tuesday night, looking to string together a pair of wins for the first time in this young season. Despite a good start behind the support of their home crowd, a shorthanded Bryan squad lacked the offensive firepower to match the visiting Bulldogs down the stretch, losing 67-71.

The Lions came into the game undermanned, playing without the services of Lavonte Henderson. Henderson led the lions with 24 points their last time out, and is recovering from a sprained ankle. Anthony Moore, a player the Lions were likely counting on to pick up much of the slack offensively with the loss of Henderson, suffered an undisclosed injury himself in the first half and would not return to action after halftime.

Bryan opened the game with a 7-0 flurry that began with a smooth jumper from point guard Dion Fair. Keying the run was a Lions’ defense that clearly frustrated the Bulldogs in the opening moments as the visitors didn’t record a point until the 15:00 mark.

The Bulldogs seemed to settle in from that point onward, getting into their offense and putting points on the board behind their star forward Michael Sweat’s effortless scoring ability and the knock down shooting of Jerrett Towns.

Bryan battled hard throughout the first half, behind the toughness of Rob Riley who at times seemed to be willing his team to stay in it. Riley did it all for the Lions, taking up much of the burden scoring the ball while also setting the tone with defense and rebounding.

The teams entered the tunnel for intermission, knotted at 29.

Fair also played at a high level for much of the game, wowing the crowd with his electric passing and frequent spins into the lane. He finished with 6 assists though it could have been a few more had his teammates not wasted some dazzling passes with botched layup attempts.

Cumberland seized a lead early in the second half they would never relinquish. Fair had a nice steal and transition layup to make it 54-56 with 6:18 to play and Riley pulled the Lions within 2 once again with a tough step-back jumper moments later, but Bryan would get no closer as Bulldog assassin Michael Sweat seemed to always have the answer.

Riley finished with a game-high 30 points which is certainly an encouraging sign moving forward. Bryan fell to 1-3 on the season while Cumberland remained unbeaten

Bryan will travel to Young Harris College Saturday afternoon.

[Triangle photos by Cat Rogers]

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Senior Sara Barnett takes a shot at the basket / Triangle photo by Maddie K. Doucet

Shane Vicry
Triangle Reporter

The Bryan College women’s basketball team hosted Hiwassee College Tigers on Tuesday looking to maintain a perfect season. The Lady Lions proved to be simply in another class from their opponents, dominating from start to finish. The ladies pushed their spotless record to 4-0, cruising to a 91-26 victory.

After trailing early, Bryan responded with an 11-2 run which forced Hiwassee to take an early timeout trailing 11-6 at the 14:20 mark.

From that point forward, the visitors had absolutely no answers for the suffocating Lady Lion defense. Hiwassee got no good looks at the basket, forcing up airball after airball, and the Lion pressure constantly turned the Tigers over. Bryan would finish the game with a whopping 26 steals.

On the other end of the floor Abigail Pippenger had her way down low, showing off an impressive array of moves in the post.

The two teams went into the locker rooms at halftime with the score 44-12. Bryan hardly took their foot off the gas from there, building their lead to as many as 68 points in the second half.

It was a complete performance from the Lady Lions, shooting over 50% from the floor and 40% from beyond three. They also won the battle of the boards, 45-35.

Hanna Kaler led the all scoring with 16 points. Jenna Ray had 14 points and a game high 8 rebounds. Macy Kilgore finished with 11 points and a game high 9 assists.

The Lady Lions will host Brescia University Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00pm ET.

[Triangle photos by Maddie K. Doucet]

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The Book Barn opened next to Sonic on Highway 27 this past Saturday./ Triangle photo courtesy of Clari Stewart

Natalie Masti
Triangle Reporter

On Saturday, Nov. 5, three students from Bryan held the grand opening for the Book Barn in Dayton. Sophomores Clari Stewart, Kristin Fortenberry and Cristina Smith joined forces as part of the Persuasive Communications class to put on a very exciting and considerably successful grand opening. Nick Daughtrey, the owner of the Book Barn, enjoyed working with the group and has appreciated their help.

The Book Barn itself is a used bookstore with one third of the books coming from Daughtrey’s personal library.  He has worked in the field of marketing before when he sold insurance and office equipment.  The reason he decided to open the Book Barn around two months ago is because he loves books and had a large library that he wanted to share with the community.  He says he also thrives off of the intellectual conversation his customers provide.

For many Bryan students, it was their first trip down the Hill, rather than to the conveniently located library, in search for literature.  For sophomore Krista Elston, the grand opening of the Book Barn “provided the perfect excuse and opportunity to come and support her friends.”

However, Bryan students were not the only ones in attendance. Dayton resident Dorothy Fine was also present and said that she “really enjoy[s] shopping at the Book Barn”, and has “spent some time there trading and buying books.” She continued on to say that though the Book Barn does not have the biggest selection yet, but that is simply because they have just opened.  She goes to the library regularly and thinks that this store will add to the Dayton community.

One great attraction to the grand opening was the poetry and prose contest, ultimately won by sophomore Bryan student, Caroline LaPlue.

“I love books and I was excited by the opportunity to use the prize to get more books for my library,” said LaPlue about winning a $10 credit from the contest.

Who doesn’t have fond memories of someone reading out loud to them while they were little?  This is what inspired Stewart as she helped plan the grand opening, orchestrating a wide selection of recitations ranging from Hardy Boys to Shakespeare.

Daughtrey says he was happy to see all the new faces.  It was a good time for all who attended as well as a great chance for the owner’s little girl to eat some of the many cookies provided by the Persuasive Communication team.

Bryan varsity volleyball players celebrate after winning a point in their match against Reinhardt last week / Triangle photo by Maddie K. Doucet

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Reporter

The Bryan College volleyball team (19-17, 13-3 in AAC) remains a force on its home court. The Lions took down conference powerhouse Union College (Barbourville, Kent.) 3-1 (25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 25-17) Saturday night and are now unbeaten for eight consecutive games in Summers Gymnasium. The win ended Bryan’s regular season and solidified second place in the conference standings.

In front of packed stands, the Lions came out of the locker room on fire and dominated the first set against the favored Bulldogs, who came to Dayton with a 13-1 conference record (16-14 overall). But while Union seemed lethargic and uptight, the Lions displayed pure joy at playing.

“We all understood the importance of a win [over Union] and played with a desire that hadn’t been there the last games,” said senior Chelsie Blackburn, explaining the extraordinary amount of energy on the part of the Lions.

Bryan won the first set by seven points, led offensively by freshman Kerrie Reinhardt who eventually recorded eleven kills for the whole match.

In the second set however, the Bulldogs stepped up their game and proved why they are the AAC table-toppers. Union took care of the ball on defense and executed with precision, beating the Lions by ten.

What followed was a contested third set. Especially in the beginning, the lead switched back and forth, never exceeding a one-point margin. After the intermediate result of 9-9, the Lions then pulled clear as they dominated the game at the net. The Union offense couldn’t handle the Bryan block, anchored by junior Kaylan Dilts and freshman Makenzie Sindelar, and in return had no answer to the Lions’ offensive fire power.

“Bryan played better on defense today and created better opportunities,” said Union coach Chuck Amshoff after the game.

The Lions went ahead as far as 21-12 and it looked like an assured set-win for Bryan, but Union scored seven points in a row as Bryan was sitting on 24 and made it a three-point game. Then, however, Lion’s Coach David Shumaker took a strategic timeout to break up the Bulldog’s streak and no other than the outstanding Dilts secured the set for Bryan with a block.

The fourth set was another display of Bryan’s defensive composure and offensive execution. The game stayed on even terms until midway through the set; when Bryan pulled clear again with a 4-0 streak. While Bryan was up 13-11, Union had the chance to retaliate but a dive by senior Caroline Aldridge prevented the Bulldogs from scoring. In the same play, Blackburn hammered down the ball for one of her nine kills that night – the Bulldogs never rebounded.

It was up to Blackburn, one of six graduating seniors in their final home appearance for the Lions, to end the game. Off a set from freshman Taylor Fink, who recorded an outstanding 38 assists and was named the AAC Setter of the Week, Blackburn spiked the ball for a kill.

To “this is our house” cheers from the Bryan fans, the Lions celebrated their deserved victory. They look ahead to the conference tournament with a great amount of confidence.

“We want to play like we know how to, and come out on top,” said Dilts.

Blackburn added that she feels confident in her team’s abilities: “If we play our game, we can take the conference championship.”

As the second seed, Bryan will face seventh seeded Reinhardt University in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The site of the tournament is Bristol, Tenn.

[Triangle photos by Maddie K. Doucet]

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Movies, friends and fun; what more could you ask for?

Arnold’s Dorm Council hosted the first Movie Madness on Wednesday, April 13, complete with 11 films, free popcorn and candy under a dollar.

Sophomore Liz Olsen and junior Maggie Bailey hosted people on their hall for Movie Madness.// Triangle photo by Lana Douglas

Each hall had its own theme from a “Memory Lane” hall, which showed classic films like “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “The Wizard of Oz,” to an “Adventure” themed hall which showcased “Sherlock Holmes” and “National Treasure.”

According to Beth Hale, Arnold resident director, about 90 students participated in their event.

“The responses have been very positive,” said Hale.  “We’ve heard comments such as, ‘I wish this happened every week,’ and ‘I had no idea it was going to be this cool.’”

“I thought it was really well done, and it brought a lot of people into the dorm,” said freshman Thalia Edmons.

According to Hale, this event was created with the intent of becoming an annual event similar to Robinson’s Harvest Bash.

“I would go again,” said Edmons.  “I thought it was a lot of fun.”

Returning students will no longer have the option of living on Huston 4th and Long 2nd or in any triple rooms next semester.

Because there are so many unoccupied dorm rooms on campus, the admissions department is not expecting a need for triple rooms, according to Long Resident Director Matt Williams. In the past, there has been a lack of space on campus due to large incoming classes and small graduating classes.

There is always a possibility that triple rooms will become necessary, said Williams, but admissions does not anticipate that will be a problem.

Huston 4th and Long 2nd are still reserved in case there is a need for triple rooming, according to Huston Resident Director Karie Harpest.

“Usually freshmen have an easier time adapting to triples,” said Williams, so if the need arises the freshman halls will be tripled first.

In the past, Huston 4th and Long 2nd have been set aside for triple rooms, but this is the first semester that a men’s hall has been designated for a specific class.

The halls may lack the insight and maturity of upper classmen, said Williams, but it may be positive if the freshmen have their own community.

Senior Rebecca Wilson, Huston 4th RA for the upcoming semester, is allowed to invite 2-4 friends to live on the hall as encouragement and support, according to Harpest. Williams says there is a possibility that the RA of Long 2nd will have a similar option, allowing for upperclassman to move onto the hall in support of the RA and to help “pour into the freshman”.

Sophomore Jordan Kelly, who currently lives in a triple room on Huston 4th, said that her two roommates are no longer able to receive the $500 per semester discount for living in a triple room because of the changes.

The change is emotionally stressful, said Kelly, because she was planning to room with the same two people next semester.

According to Kelly, the only benefit she sees to the change is that it will make assigning rooms to freshmen easier. However, she added that she enjoyed being on a hall with upperclassmen as a freshman.

According to sophomore Brian Dicks, a current resident of Long 2nd, creating a freshman hall will provide incoming freshmen with other students and classmates whom they can relate to at their new school.

The changes on Long 2nd will have little impact on Dicks because he already planned to move to Long 3rd or 4th next semester. However, he said he wonders why they chose the nicest hall in Long, with the laundry room and computer lab, to set aside for the freshmen.

In previous semesters, first choice for halls and triple rooms has traditionally been given to students with the most college experience. Students who have waited for this seniority will be turned down if they desire to live on Long 2nd.

Dicks also noted that the freshmen halls would not have upperclassmen to provide discipleship and advice for incoming students during their first year at college.