GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Beach volleyball has always been a favorite past time for Alabama Gulf Coast visitors, but now collegiate athletes from all over the country are turning this past time into a fight for a national title. The American Volleyball Coaches Association has chosen Gulf Shores to host the 2012 Inaugural AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Tournament on April 27 through April 29.
“We, as the AVCA Sand Volleyball committee, are extremely excited to have the Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball host our first varsity championships,” said AVCA committee chair and Pepperdine University coach, Nina Matthias. “Gulf Shores is a beautiful beach and a wonderful setting to launch our emerging sport. The central location enables many of the universities sponsoring sand volleyball to attend with reasonable travel costs. It should be a fantastic weekend and an awesome way to finish the first collegiate sand volleyball season!”
CBS Sports Network will broadcast the entire championship live. The event consists of both a team championship, which includes the top four NCAA women’s sand teams, and a Pairs Championship, which consists of the top 16 collegiate doubles teams. Invitations to participate are based on 2012 season results, and championship selections are made by the tournament committee.
In addition to the Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championship, adult and junior’s sand tournaments, volleyball clinics and a coaching seminar will be available to the public.
Games are set to take place on the public beach in Gulf Shores, where Highway 59 dead ends at the Gulf, starting Friday, April 27 at 8 a.m. and conclude at the closing of games on Sunday, April 29.
Sponsors of the event include Gulf Coast Region Volleyball, The City of Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission and The Hangout.
More information on the championship and registration for the coaching seminar and all other events can be found at www.gulfcoastvolleyball.com.
For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.
(Gulf Shores)
From the couch of FES
"Bedlam", the rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, has not been much of a match-up recently with Oklahoma winning the last 7 meetings by an average of 22 points per game. This game brings a different angle this time though. The winner of the game earns a spot in the Big 12 championship, new territory for this game.
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Oklahoma has lived at the Big 12 championship while Oklahoma St. has never been. One disturbing trend I've noticed is the way Oklahoma has played on the road the past 2 years, they don't play at all. They are traveling this time into an environment that I think wants it a little more than they do this time around. Take Oklahoma St.
Here is this weeks College Football television schedule:
Friday, Oct. 8
Connecticut at Rutgers, 7:30 pm ESPN
Oklahoma State at Louisiana, 9:00 pm ESPN2
Saturday, Oct. 9
Western Michigan at Ball State, 12:00 GP 788
Boston College at NC State, 12:00 GP 791
Temple at Northern Illinois, 12:00 GP 789
Illinois at Penn State, 12:00 ESPN2
Baylor at Texas Tech, 12:00 FSN
Syracuse at USF, 12:00, GP 790
Central Michigan at Virginia Tech, 12:00 ESPNU
Minnesota at Wisconsin, 12:00 BTN
Tennessee at Georgia, 12:21 GP 792
Colorado State at Air Force, 2:00, Mtn.
Western Kentucky at FIU, 3:30, GP 791
Virginia at Georgia Tech, 3:30, ESPNU
Akron at Kent State, 3:30, GP 792
Michigan State at Michigan, 3:30 ABC/ESPN
Clemson at North Carolina, 3:30 ABC/ESPN GP 789
Pitt at Notre Dame, 3:30 NBC
Alabama at South Carolina, 3:30, CBS
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M, 3:30, ABC GP 788
Wyoming at TCU, 3:30, CBSC
UNLV at West Virginia, 3:30 GP 790
Utah State at Louisiana Tech, 4:00, FCS Atlantic GP 793
San Diego State at BYU, 6:00, Mtn.
Oregon State at Arizona, 7:00, Versus
Colorado at Missouri, 7:00, FSN
Eastern Michigan at Vanderbilt, 7:00, ESPNU
LSU at Florida, 7:30, ESPN
Auburn at Kentucky, 7:30, ESPN2
Purdue at Northwestern, 7:30, BTN
Toledo at Boise State, 8:00, GP 789
Mississippi State at Houston, 8:00, CBSC
Florida State at Miami, 8:00, ABC GP 792
New Mexico at New Mexico State, 8:00, GP 790
USC at Stanford, 8:00, ABC GP 792
Hawaii at Fresno State, 10:00, GP 793
Arizona State at Washington, 10:00, FSNW
San Jose State at Nevada, 10:30, ESPNU
Do you ever have trouble finding the College Football games you are interested on the tube? HoNob is here to help. Please note (all times Eastern)
Friday, Oct. 1
BYU at Utah State, 8:00 pm ESPN
Saturday, Oct. 2
Temple at Army, 12:00 CBSC
ULM at Auburn, 12:00 ESPNU
Kansas at Baylor, 12:00 FSN
Miami at Clemson, 12:00 ESPN2
Vanderbilt at Connecticut, 12:00 GP 788
Ohio State at Illinois, 12:00 BTN
Ohio at Eastern Michigan, 12:00 GP 792
Northwestern at Minnesota, 12:00, ESPN
Alcorn State at Mississippi State, 12:00 GP 789
Florida State at Virginia, 12:00 GP 790
Kentucky at Ole Miss, 12:21 GP 791
TCU at Colorado State, 2:00 Mtn.
Idaho at Western Michigan, 2:00 GP 793
Navy at Air Force, 2:30 pm Versus.
Michigan at Indiana, 3:30, ESPNU
Tennessee at LSU, 3:30 CBS
Wisconsin at Michigan State, 3:30 ABC/ESPN
Virginia Tech at NC State, 3:30 ABC GP 790
Oklahoma vs. Texas, 3:30 ABC/ESPN GP 789
Washington State at UCLA, 3:30 FSN
Utah at New Mexico, 6:00, Mtn.
Arizona State at Oregon State:6:30, FSNW, FSAZ
Georgia at Colorado, 7:00, FSN
Texas Tech at Iowa State, 7:00, FSN Central
Georgia Tech at Wake Forest, 7:00, ESPNU
Louisiana-Lafayette at North Texas, 7:30, GP 788
Florida at Alabama, 8:00 CBS
Marshall at Boston College, 8:00 ABC GP 790
Penn State at Iowa, 8:00 ESPN
Boise State at New Mexico State, 8:00, GP 791
Stanford at Oregon, 8:00 ABC/ESPN2
Marshall at Southern Miss, 8:00 CBSC
Washington at USC, 8:00 ESPN2 GP 789
Nevada at UNLV, 10:00 Mtn.
(ARA) - Freshmen heading off to college don't have to over-think decorating dorm rooms. Save all that mental energy for your studies. Creating inexpensive and interesting living spaces is easier than your high school finals.
It's all about expressing yourself while working with your roommates. According to Keith McCleary, Academic Director of the interior design department at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania, "It's best to have a sense of space before you arrive on campus with a carload of belongings that won't fit or will look dreadful when combined with those of your roommates."
Plan ahead with your roomies for smooth sailing during those first somewhat anxious weeks. Every college student has a bed, whether it's a loft, bunked, or arranged to make as much floor space as possible.
"Neutral bed coverings work best," says McCleary. "Then you can use interesting accents, such a quilt made of your old high school logo T-shirts or oversized pillows that double as seating when the first pizza party takes place."
Those pillows will add color and texture to what might be bland cement block walls. Other ways to make wall space seem less institutional: use mirrors; hang miniature Christmas lights or use a floor spot lamp to create a dramatic feeling in the room, (always be safety conscious with High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps and extension cords). Also try suspending colorful fabric from the ceiling or bringing an old screen door in to hold jewelry (just add hooks) or to display treasured family photos. Heavy duty adhesive mounting squares are good for securing posters and will not damage walls.
Don't be shy about asking people if they have "orphan furniture." There's nothing wrong with bringing some things from your home; it's not necessary to get all new gear and accessories. Memories of home will help you feel comfortable in your new living space. If you have a green thumb, bring a few easy-to-grow plants: philodendron, cacti and snake plants require little maintenance, or simply use some attractive branches in a vase. It's a good idea to remember an inexpensive fan to keep the air moving and fresh.
The old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" applies here. Many websites have "free stuff" categories offering unusual or shabby chic furnishings. Yard sales, used furniture stores, and vintage shops all have great finds for budget-conscious students; these items also make for great conversation starters. Deer antler hat hangers, an old picnic bench for seating with storage space underneath and artwork or movie posters from the past will add personality to your home away from home.
"Proper task lighting is critical," says McCleary. "Incandescent desk lights are always preferred over any type of overhead ceiling lighting, as they provide more focus for studying and reading. Desk lamps are inexpensive and vital to a well-equipped dorm room."
Storage can be a major issue. Bed risers are inexpensive and allow you to do some undercover stashing of items not often used. Head to antique alley to find storage cubes, old containers, a stack of antique suitcases or a trunk. These can be used for off-season clothing storage, non perishable foods and dirty laundry too.
"As you anticipate your approaching college experience," notes McCleary, "keep in mind that your room is a place to study, socialize and rest - all important facets of your newest life adventure away from home."
To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 45 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.
Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College - Akron, Ohio, offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work."
The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College - Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. "This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It's well worth it," Violet says.
Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students' own financial contributions.
Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. "Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran's Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country," she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.
Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.
Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:
Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.
Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.
Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.
"Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they're in school, and in the future when no bill comes due," Violet says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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