Vol. 76 / No. 23
April 7, 2016
The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University
jsums.edu
First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama to wish graduating Tigers a farewell William H. Kelly III Associate Editor After weeks of anticipation, Jackson State University students, faculty, alumni and supporters were bursting with excitement with the news that First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, would give the 2016 undergraduate commencement address. On Feb. 23, JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, released a memo stating that the spring graduation commencement would be moved up one week to accommodate a high profile speaker. Social media immediately lit up with rumors of possible speakers. When the announcement reached graduates and their
INSIDE
families, there was a lot of talk among the student body about inconvenience to families and costs associated with a change in dates, including travel arrangements and other expenses associated with graduation like invitations. Students are now expressing that the first lady was worth the change in dates. “Michelle Obama speaking at MY graduation was definitely worth the wait! Seeing her is one thing, but sitting ground level listening to her address us (JSU graduates) specifically and possibly shaking her hand on stage is truly a blessing!” said Tiffany T. Holland, a senior finance major from Coldwater, Miss. Amber Davis, a senior
JSU Events........ 2
Opinion........ 3
accounting major from Jackson, Miss., looks forward to the historic moment for JSU. “Yes, it was definitely worth the wait. Having Michelle Obama as our commencement speaker will be a historic moment for JSU and us (seniors). With this being her last few months as First Lady, I think it was just the right timing. I can’t wait. What a blessed time to be a Tiger,” said Davis. According to the White House press release, as a part of FLOTUS’ Reach Higher Initiative, Obama will be deliver the graduation addresses for Jackson State University as well as Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and City College of Miss JSU Pagent...... 5
New York in New York, New York. According to the whitehouse.gov website the Reach Higher Initiative is the First Lady’s effort to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. Less than an hour after the announcement to the public, social media immediately began to flood with screenshots of the article from the Clarion Ledger. “It’s an honor for Michelle Obama to come to speak, and I think she will be inspirational because her message will not
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only touch and connect with the graduates but also with the students, faculty, and the community in some way,” said Mya Lee, a junior history major from Jackson, Miss. According to the JSU official website, the Spring 2016 Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement exercises will occur in two separate ceremonies. The commencement exercises for graduate students will occur at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 22, in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. The commencement exercises for undergraduate students will occur at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
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Tiger Events
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The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2167 / Fax: 601.979.2876 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu
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Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.
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Subscription rates for The Blue & White Flash are 25 issues for $25 or the special alumni rate of 25 issues for $20. To subscribe to the Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University, submit your name, address, city, state, and zip code. Make a check or money order payable to The Blue & White Flash and mail to address above.
The Blue & White Flash SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
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WILLIAM H. KELLY III Associate Editor
JEREMY ANDERSON Associate Editor
Aniecia Brewster Kendra Brown Orionna Brumfield Ashli Coggins Alyssa Drake Alexandria Galtney Deirdra Harris Glover D’Raey Fogg Kristen Hudson
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Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.
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The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2167 or visit room 211 in the Blackburn Language Arts Building.
Publication/Distribution Information The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.
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The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“Why do you feel there are so many vacant and unopposed positions in SGA this year?” Compiled by Asia Knight, Jennifer Wiles and William Kelly
Aaliyah Dent Sophomore Chemistry East St. Louis, Ill.
“Students have seen people go for these positions and feel as if the position holders are lazy, irresponsible people who are nothing more than position holders. They only want to hold the title.”
Markell Williams Junior Biology Memphis, Tenn.
“I feel that people are beginning to understand the responsibilities of SGA and they aren’t willing to make that commitment.”
Joseph Harris Junior Civil Engineering Natchez, Miss.
“There’s too many shady people and they are out here for the wrong reasons. They just want to put on a show. They’re not there for the people or Jackson State.”
Cartoon: Kristen Hudson
Student involvement at an all time low Lance Perrilloux Meteorology Senior Reserve, La.
“SGA right now is on a decline. I feel like its nothing but hype and I feel like it is corrupt inside the office.”
Hannah Lacey Freshman English Madison, Miss.
“Nobody cares about student government or how its run and everybody knows that the people who are running just want to be seen or Greek.”
Spencer Williams Sophomore Earth System Science Gulfport, Miss.
COMMENTARY
“Students aren’t excited about SGA anymore. They don’t feel as if the positions mean anything and they feel that the people in these positions don’t get anything done.”
William H. Kelly III Associate Editor Jasmine Jackson Junior Political science Litte Rock, Ark.
“A lot of people don’t trust SGA and they feel like we’re just here for show and not action. So now it’s something that they don’t want to be a part of.”
Jalen Nelson Junior Criminal justice Yazoo City, Miss.
“People don’t feel like SGA is involved in the people enough. I know they’re busy, but they need to at some point make time to visit the student body.”
Kedric Hayes Junior Biology Chicago, Ill.
Chelsie Coleman Senior Psychology Byram, Miss.
“People have given up all hope in SGA. It is going to take a group of leaders to make sure people can have faith and actually want to be in SGA.”
“Students are realizing the true responsibilities. They don’t realize how much hard work goes into the position when they go to step up to the position.”
Jerrica Johnson Junior Finance Byram, Miss.
Ishmaiah Graham Freshman Biology Jackson, Miss.
“There are so many vacancies because people are unaware and unconcerned.”
“Well isn’t it self explanatory? Maybe they just didn’t want to apply for the position.”
In high school, every one informs you and encourages you to make wise decisions, go to class, and get involved as much as possible. Unfortunately, they forget to tell you about the work and stress that follows behind involvement. I am now wrapping up my second year here at Jackson State University and I have been overly involved from the second I stepped on campus. While there are a multitude of benefits with being active, it also comes with a price. For those involved in the Student Government Association, have executive board positions in your perspective organizations, or have been crowned as king or queen for one of the National Pan Hellenic Council
organizations, you tend realize that it is almost impossible to get anything completed. When elected, or put into these positions, some of us have the mindset to have events on campus or make a difference some how, some way. Students need to realize that sometimes there are other circumstances preventing progress, its not always the students. You are told that your event has not been approved yet or the day of your event it gets canceled due to lack of communication and other excuses. I have witnessed this school year, hands on with being a photographer for the SGA, that it is not always the students’ fault when there is a delay. Too often I hear the students of our university blame those students we put into office for the lack of events and services you desire. We must stop blaming those who are not responsible UNLESS you are positive that they are not trying to accomplish anything. Admit it, this has to be by far the most boring, deserted campaign season I have experienced and honestly I am not sure who is to blame. Based on the comments I have heard among the students, it seems that there is a lack
of trust because students become discouraged when things don’t go as they were originally planned. There is only so much that one can take before finally giving up and moving on to the next objective. I encourage all of the students to get involved not only to gain professional skills and network, but so that you can also understand what happens behind the closed doors of Jackson State. I am simply stating my personal experiences along with those of my fellow peers. Running an organization, a student body, and so forth is a very strenuous task and it naturally comes with obstacles. Along with the lack of trust amongst the student body, there is also just simply a lack of interest. Every one who shows exemplary leadership skill does not have to get involved with SGA but they should get involved in what appeals to them. Student life is dying and it is time for us to resuscitate it back to life, one step at a time. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
News
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The Blue & White Flash
School of Journalism and Media Studies hosts conference Special to the Flash Jackson State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies 2016 Conference, “Multimedia Platforms in the Digital Age,” will feature national and state media professionals who will share their expertise and guide students into successful careers in communication. The conference is April 7-8, 2016 and opens with Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn speaking about Information and Technology: The Key to Global Communication.” Commissioner Clyburn, a former newspaper publisher and general manager, is considered a champion of consumers’ access to affordable communication technology and a defender of the public interest and smart, targeted regulatory action when needed. Other major speakers include Michael Wallace, ESPN NBA Reporter; Jerry Echols, Technology Manager with FOX News, Washington, D.C. and JSU alumnus; and Marshal Ramsey, author and award-winning Editorial Cartoonist with The Clarion-Ledger. Their topics
include “Media Production: The Technology Behind the Stories,” “The Changing Landscape of Journalism” and “Social Media: Getting Your Message Out.” The keynote speaker for the April 8 banquet is DeMarco Morgan, national correspondent with CBS News, New York and JSU alumnus. Morgan will recount his journey from JSU to becoming an award-winning reporter/anchor covering stories that matter. Morgan has reported on a wide range of events, from the first national rally after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin to President Obama’s second inauguration. Morgan has worked as a weekend anchor for WNBC TV in New York while also serving as a cut-in anchor for MSNBC. Prior to that, he worked as a weekday evening anchor and reporter at WTVJ TV in Miami, at WISN TV in Wisconsin, and at WJTV TV in Jackson, Miss. Morgan also taught broadcast writing and reporting at Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. Other panelists include media personalities from local stations who will discuss “Covering Sports in the Digital Age,” and public relations and
advertising experts from the Godwin Group, The Cirlot Agency and the University of Mississippi Integrated Marketing Communications programs speaking on the topic, “Branding, Marketing and PR: the Power of Persuasion.” Also, local print journalists will present “Storytelling in the Digital Age” followed by experts who will help further prepare students for the job market with tips on interviewing, attire, social media dos and don’ts, etc., in a professional development session, “How to Build Your Professional Brand.” Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, Dean of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, said: “This conference is a unique opportunity for current and potential students to listen and learn from outstanding local and national professionals who are developing and shaping a new media landscape.” In addition to JSU journalism and communication students, three local high schools will bring newspaper and yearbook students to attend the Thursday sessions; additionally, Alabama State University media students plan to attend the conference.
Miss Senior provides a “Dream Prom” come true for local girls Dashawna Wright Staff Writer
Photo: Tyinnia Jenkins Two of the prom dress recipients model their selection.
High heels, sparkly dresses and crowns are in the air for high school seniors all across the nation as prom season has arrived. Miss Senior, Tyinnia Jenkins, an elementary education major from Chicago, Ill., promised a few high school girls that their “Dream Prom” was going to become a reality. With the help of many supporters and donators, Jenkins met her goal of collecting over 160 prom dresses by April 1. As a result, Jenkins couldn’t hold back the excitement that she felt about reaching her goal. “I’ve been preparing for this event for over eight months and collecting dresses. I’m really excited that I was actually able to help these young ladies and it warms my heart to know that my service meant something to someone,” said Jenkins. The girls who had the opportunity to attend the event were also excited. As the girls rushed over to the racks that were filled with beautiful gowns, they were allowed to try
on as many dresses as needed to discover the dress that best fit them. Along with the racks filled with dresses, there were other treats there for the young girls and their parents to enjoy. A table with shoes, accessories, hair care products, and snacks were available for the guests. To add a cherry on top, five girls were selected in a raffle drawing to get their makeup done by Jaelah Keely, a professional makeup artist, on the day of prom. Keely, a sophomore chemistry major from Saint Louis, Mo., was thankful to be given the opportunity to help her fellow peer and to give five girls the dream prom of their lives. “This event is super important because some girls aren’t as fortunate to go out and purchase these things on their own, and the fact that people were willing to donate and girls were able to come and pick out what dresses they wanted,” said Keely. “I’m providing my makeup service to five lucky girls and I’m just super excited that I was able to be apart of this.”
Latasha House, a parent and JSU alumnus from Flint, Mich., felt that this event was very beneficial especially for those who can’t afford expensive prom dresses. “I think this event is very important, it helps a lot of people who need this and it is a good experience for the young ladies and young men to enjoy it. Although prom can become expensive, this is a great opportunity for people to go out and still be able to enjoy themselves without breaking the bank,” said House. Jenkins hopes that this effort will encourage others to continue her platform to help other high school girls in years to come. She leaves this message for the future Miss Seniors at Jackson State University. “Always remember what service is and what service can do, because you never know what type of services that you offer and the impact on someone,” said Jenkins. “Continue the legacy because you never know how many lives you may change with this project.”
The Blue & White Flash
Campaign Season & Miss JSU Pageant
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All Photos by William H. Kelly III
1.) Students take advantage of the warm weather by having a great time and blowing bubbles on the plaza. 2.) Students gather on the plaza for a campaigning hotspot for candidates. 3.) Student Government Association President candidate, Kendall Bunch, as he talks with students. 4.) Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as they support Student Government Association Presidential candidate, Jasmine C. Jackson. 5-8.) Contestants (Left to Right) Destiny Harris, Kierra Watkins, Ruquyya Calmes, and Olivia McNeal during the Miss JSU Pageant formal wear segment. 9.-10.) The Speech and Theatre Department as they performed skits based on the movie and theme of the pageant, “Dreamgirls.� 11.) Miss JSU contestant, Diamond McCray, performs monologue and plays piano during the talent portion.
News
Page 6- April 7, 2016
The Blue & White Flash
Lawrence, McCray and McNeal vie for the crown Alexandria Galtney Staff Writer It was a night for dreams to come true as students, faculty, parents, and alumni gathered in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on March 31 to witness six lovely ladies compete for the title of Miss Jackson State University for the upcoming school year. This year’s theme for the pageant was “Dreamgirls in Tiger World” inspired by the Broadway musical and film “Dreamgirls.” Students got to meet the contestants for Miss JSU and also the candidates for the royal court. The six contestants competing for the title were; Ruqayya Calmes, Destiny Harris, Diamond McCray, Olivia McNeal, Destiney Lawrence, and Kierra Watkins. The competition began with an introduction from Charence Higgins, the current Miss JSU 2015-2016. Higgins introduced the Mistress and Master of ceremonies Brittany Noble Jones, a co-anchor for WJTV News Channel 12, and Ryan Houston, an anchor for WAPT News Channel 16. Jones and Houston introduced the parade of contestants and the five panel judges; Vivian Dotson, Othor Cain, Katrina Myricks, Thomas Roots and Melanie Sanders.
All contestants were judged on five individual categories: interview, oratorical ability, talent, on-stage questions and evening wear. Throughout the night, the contestants displayed their grace, talent, overall stage presence, personality, and confidence. In each phase of the pageant, contestants took a brief intermission and students of the Speech and Theater Department put on miniature skits based on the movie “Dreamgirls.” During the talent phase of the competition, contestants amazed the crowd with performances of dance, song, and instrumental ability. Some contestants captured the audience, while others left a questionable mark on stage. As the evening came to a close, each contestant gave their final remarks and Higgins shared her experience as Miss JSU 2015-2016 through photos, gave a tearful farewell walk and hugged her mother before stepping back onto the stage and thanking the students for allowing her to represent the university. With high anticipation in the room, Jones and Houston announced the three Miss JSU candidates that will continue on to campaign for the title of Miss JSU 2016-2017. The three contestants who will be campaigning for the
Photo: William H. Kelly III (L-R)Miss JSU Candidate Destiney Lawrence,2015-2016 Miss JSU Charence Higgins, Miss JSU candidate Olivia McNeal, and Miss JSU Candidate Diamond McCray after finalists named during pageant.
crown are Diamond McCray, Olivia McNeal, and Destiney Lawrence. “What did I get out of this experience? I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone and that takes a lot of me to step out of my comfort zone. I’m not that comfortable talking in front of people, so to be able to speak in front of an audience, I can now speak in front of people,” said McCray, a junior political science major from Magnolia, Miss. Lawrence, a junior biology pre-medicine major from
Fairhope, Ala., appreciates that she was able to be herself. “What I took from the Miss Jackson State pageant was that it was okay for me to be original and be myself. The pageant gave me so much joy, just knowing that having a genuine heart never goes unnoticed,” said Lawrence. All of the six contestants did their absolute best, said one student in the audience. Kendrick Lee, a freshman civil engineering major from Memphis, Tenn. said, “These contestants, they did so well, but
I just knew three of them had to come out on top but they need to stay strong and believe in themselves because they all did amazing.” Which one of these ladies will capture the crown? Make sure you go out and vote April 8 in the Jackson State Student Center located on campus to find out. William H. Kelly III contributed to this story. Note: Miss JSU Candidate Olivia McNeal was contacted for a comment but it was not received at press time.
JSU recruits community college honor students at PTK Day
Photo: Orionna Brumfield Three transfer students honored with full scholarships at Phi Theta Kappa day with Paul Scott, JSU Community College Recruiter..
OrionnaBrumfield Staff Writer Phi Theta Kappa Day, an event that honors the top community college students from around the globe, was held on April 1, 2016 at Jackson State University.
JSU welcomed the honors transfer students with activities that introduced the students to the many benefits of attending the university. Phi Theta Kappa members are eligible for many benefits, including full room, board, and tuition scholarships. Paul Scott, community
college recruiter at Jackson State, is responsible for inviting students from across the country by whatever method possible: via email, text, social media, and even campus visits, in an effort to recruit students to attend JSU. During the all day event, the students met and spoke to various members of the administration, faculty, staff and current JSU students, who encouraged the students to choose JSU to continue their academic journey. During the luncheon, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, discussed the benefits of attending JSU, including the classroom’s innovative learning. “We have a unit that is dedicated to cyber learning. We have gone beyond the regular way of teaching and learning. We are in the clouds,” said Dr. Leggette. Dr. Loria Gordon, dean of W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College,
also extended an invitation to the students stating that the Honors College automatically accepts incoming transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members. “The honors philosophy is that the more contacts you have with students, the larger the impact on the their collegiate success. Thus we text, email and call about our knowledge of various types of opportunities, research and industry internships, study abroad, jobs, scholarships, research presentations, community service projects, and etc. Ask an Honors College student about their messages and they will tell you we get too much. I say better to much communication, contacts, than not any at all,” said Dr. Gordon. Maya Lewis, a Holmes Community College graduate who is now a marketing major at Jackson State also spoke with the students during the event. “[Jackson State] has been a
wonderful experience, everyone is so nice, and it has opened me up to different opportunities. I got to experience college life. Since my community college had no dorms, I did not get to socialize with people and now I can. I get to meet different people and really reap the benefits of my hard work especially by being a member of Phi Theta Kappa” said Lewis. There were many students impressed with the love they received from Jackson State during the event. “I feel very honored because the other school I was looking into did not really offer anything like this. Jackson State offering this and me being able to be here is a blessing honestly. I do not know what to expect, but [I want] to expect the best because Jackson State is so welcoming and its kind of reminds me a little of home,” said Joya’Nicole Coggins, a psychology student at Olive Harvey Community College in Chicago, Ill.
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Sports
Page 8 - April 7, 2016
The Blue & White Flash
Nail biting ending wins national basketball championship Morgan Beard Staff Writer
In a thrilling last second buzzer beater shot by junior forward Kris Jenkins, the Wildcats take the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship home to Villanova University. The North Carolina Tar Heels came up short in the nail biting game on April. 4 as the Wildcats defeated the Tar Heels 77-74 in a matchup, played in Houston, Texas, lived up to all of its hype. Jenkins’ shot the first ever buzzer beating shot to win a NCAA men’s national title since Lorenzo Charles’ dunk for North Carolina State in 1983, and the first title game to end on a buzzer beating three pointer. Jenkins’ mother, Felicia Jenkins, is also a former Jackson State women’s basketball coach. Jenkins also played against his adoptive brother, North Carolina’s Nate Britt. Britt’s was Villanova’s original target as a prospect but Villanova fell in love with Jenkins’ soft touch. It was a very physical and intense game. Both teams were experienced, led by senior guards Paige and Arcidiacono on a mission. There were no freshman prodigies expected to dazzle and then ditch college for the N.B.A. This was a throwback game. Villanova and North Carolina quietly established themselves as a cut above. The Tar Heels, the
No. 1 seed in the East Region, had yet to win a tournament game by fewer than 14 points. The Wildcats, a No. 2 seed from the South Region, had to upset the top seed, Kansas, to reach the Final Four. Villanova player Arcidiacono, who was named the most outstanding player of the Final Four, scored 16 points. Phil Booth added a team high 20 for Villanova. North Carolina Paige score a game high 21 points. North Carolina was favored by many to win its sixth national title and Coach Roy Williams his third, to move him into a tie for fourth on the career list with Jim Calhoun and Bob Knight. He would have surpassed his mentor, the legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith. It was a sloppy start to the game, with the teams combining for four turnovers and only five field goals in the first five minutes. But Carolina, which had missed its first 12 3-point attempts in Saturday’s win over Syracuse, delivered on five of its first seven, including three in a row from the same corner. Carolina was leading, 32-20, with two minutes remaining in the half when Joel Berry II knifed through Villanova’s defense for an uncontested layup, The Wildcats went in the locker room at the intermission trailing, 3934. Despite shooting 58 percent from the field.
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Kris Jenkins hits the game-winner for Villanova. Villanova even outscored Carolina in the paint, 18-12, in the first half, a rarity against the Tar Heels interior size. A dry spell for the Tar Heels early in the second half allowed the Wildcats to retake a 49-46 lead with 12 minutes 45 seconds remaining. It would grow to double digit thanks to three point shots by Jenkins and Arcidiacono with 5:29 left.
Neither defense was able to get a stop on both team’s star key players. Chaz Shepherd, a sophomore health physical education & recreation major from Jackson, Miss., said, “The game should be considered to be the best title game in many decades. The game came all the way down to last second, with Villanova making a clutch game winning
shot.” Nickolas Davis, a freshman mass communication major from Fayetteville, Ga., agrees. “The game has to go down in the top ten in championships all time since it’s only the second buzzer beater in history and wow so exhilarating especially as a Duke fan to see North Carolina hopes flushed down the toilet,” said Davis.
Tiger baseball action underway at Jackson State
Photo: JSU Athletics Media JSU player hits ground ball.
JSU Athletics Media The Jackson State baseball team, wrapping up a three game series at Mississippi Valley State for the 3-0 sweep and getting in exhibition play in Biloxi versus the minor league Biloxi Shuckers, will remain on the road as they
travel to Monroe, La to take on the University of LouisianaMonroe Warhawks. The Tigers hold a 7-7 record in road games and a 12-8 record in non-conference play going into Tuesday’s game. At the Plate: Carlos Diaz has been the most accurate hitter
at the plate for the Tigers with a .451 batting average. With 25 games played and started, the junior transfer has tallied 91 atbats, 33 runs, and 41 hits (six doubles, one triple, and four home runs) with 34 RBIs and 61 total bases. Diaz has maintained a .670 slugging percentage and a
.523 on base percentage. Jesus Santana, sophomore infielder, has proven to be the Tigers power hitter with a leading the Southwestern Athletic Conference with nine home runs. Against MVSU, Santana launched two grand slams and a third home run to total three homeruns in three games. The Cagus, Puerto Rico native has appeared and started in all 28 games with 95 at-bats, 35 runs, 27 hits, 37 RBIs, and 61 total bases. Santana has maintained a .642 slugging percentage and a .453 on base percentage. He was named SWAC Player of the Week on Monday because of his exceptional effort during last weeks play. On the Mound: Rene Colon and Miguel Yrigoyen have each collected four wins and two loses for the Tigers on the mound. Colon has pitched 32.1 innings for a 5.57 earned run average, 38 hits against, 28 runs (20 earned), 16 walks, and 29 strikeouts. Batters sport a .284
average against him. He has played in nine games with four starts. Yrigoyen has seen the most action for the Tigers with 35.0 innings pitched. The Valencia, Venezuela native holds a 5.91 earned run average on eight games played with six starts. He has recorded 35 hits against, 26 runs, 15 walks, and 47 strikeouts. Batters hold a .252 batting average against him. At the Plate: Jacob Stockton leads the Warhawks with a .270 batting average. Stockton has played and started in all 28 games with 89 at-bats, 17 runs, 24 hits 39 total bases, a .439 slugging percentage, and a .405 on base percentage. On the Mound: With a 2-2 record, Brayden Couchey has spent the most time on the mound for ULM with 37.0 innings pitched. Bouchey sports a 4.14 earned run average with seven appearances and starts. He has tallied 33 hits against, 19 runs, 15 walks, and 44 strikeouts.