The Xavier Herald
@xulaherald
xulaherald.com
January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
xulaherald.com
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, La.
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
Xu Fitness Center: A Semester Review by Bianca Moore Senior Writer
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n June 24, 2015, Xavier University of Louisiana unveiled its new Fitness Center. Located at the corner of Drexel Drive and South Clark Street — between the Living Learning Center and St. Martin Deporres Hall, this $3.6 million facility currently serves as a recreational facility and gym for over 200 students a day, and according to Silas Steele, Director of Recreational Sports, “It has changed the social and health atmosphere on campus for the better.” Inside the Fitness Center The first floor of the facility features an NCAA/ NAIA regulation-sized basketball court, lounging area, information and signin office, and an area with free weights and weight machines. The second floor consists of a three-lane walking/running track, two cardio rooms, a spin studio
and other “multifunctional studios,” Steele said. Getting Bang for your Buck In an interview with Steele, the Herald asked how the Fitness Center has served the students thus far. “The students love it! Student participation has really picked up, especially this semester, because folks realize it’s available to them anytime. They enjoy not having to wait until 9 p.m. anymore, and they can now
rent out or schedule an area for practices, tournaments, and various activities,” Steele said. “I’ve seen a lot of new faces, and it seems the centralized location also works well for many students who used to have to travel across campus to the Convocation Center gym,” Steele said activities include intramural sports, yoga classes, faculty volleyball games, and interhall 5-on-5 basketball games, aerobic classes, XU Fitness, a
Over 200 students use the Fitness Center daily. Photo by Bianca Moore
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new exercise program lead by volunteering Xavier students, and more. Steele also mentioned his plans to offer a larger variety of activities for the students. “A lot of the programs are run by volunteers, so we would like to bring in certified instructors to teach classes such as self-defense and pilates.” The Student Perspective D.J. Onuaguluchi, third-year pharmacy school candidate, applauds Xavier for its new facility. “I really enjoy it, it’s an outlet for students to exercise and work out. I’m big on health, so this is really great,” Onuaguluchi said. “The Fitness Center is more than just a place to exercise. It gives us a place to hang out; it gives us a chance to spend time with our friends; and it allows us to become more social, while meeting new people,” Kyla Dees-Sullivan, junior English major, said. Though students are pleased and excited about the
new facility, they also offered some suggestions. “The Fitness Center should remain open during the holidays, and they should bring back certain classes such as Insanity and Zumba.” “They should bring back Zumba classes and XU After Dark,” Alethia Love, junior chemistry major said. For the Fun of it All The staff and directors of the Fitness Center expressed enthusiasm for this upcoming semester and all they have to offer. “We do it for the fun of it, but more importantly, for the students,” Steele said. He is open to recommendations, and concerns can be emailed to the Office of Campus Recreational Sports at recsports@xula.edu, and the new recreational sports website at www.xularecsports. com.
January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
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SGA Shuttle Gets You Moving Friday evenings from 6 p.m. a few minutes. by Shermona Harvey to midnight. Requesting a ride If you have more Staff Writer is super easy: just send out a questions about the shuttle, he SGA shuttle tweet to @shuttleXULA and contact the Office of Student van is back! Many let them know where you are Services at 504-520-7357, don’t know about and where you would like to sga@xula.edu or on Twitter the benefits of the go. If you don’t have a Twitter @XULASGA shuttle service sponsored account, signing up only takes by the SGA. The van provides students with free transportation anywhere on campus and to restaurants and businesses on Carrollton Avenue. Student Government Association President Treyvon Merritt says, “Students should take advantage of the shuttle because it’s free and convenient. It generally runs all semester long and if there are any changes, we post them on Twitter right away.” The service is available Sunday through Look for this image of the van on Twitter @Shuttlexula
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
The Xavier Herald Staff
Herald updates on Snapchat and more
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by The Herald Staff
he online version of the Xavier Herald, www. xulaherald.com is up and running and we are stepping up our social media game. You will be able to keep up with Xavier news through our website, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Yes, you heard right: Snapchat! If you can’t make it to an event, we got you. We provide snippets of campus life, news and ongoing events. Stay tuned for more information about our Snapchat stories. Check out xulaherald. com for on-the-spot updates on campus news, events and the like. Additionally,
the website featues video projects, and written and visual stories. Also upcoming: We are conducting a comprehensive survey with Xavier students. We are giving you a venue to
express your opinion about what you like or don’t like at Xavier. Further updates about the “Dear Xavier” project will be on the way soon!
SPRING 2016 Editors: Franzisk Pirkl and Eric Craig Web Editor Mark Veals
Front page Design: Nicholas Davison Graphic Design: Eric Craig Meredith Williams Nicholas Davison
Photographers: Eric Craig Mizani Ball
The 2015-16 Xavier Herald staff includes, front row, l-r, Ashlee Hill, Shermona Harvey, Allana Barefield; second row, Meredith Williams, Kaelin Maloid, Natese Dockery; third row, Mark Veals, Eric Craig, Fran Pirkl; and back row, Nicholas Davison and adviser Melinda Shelton. Not shown: Morgan Yates, Kendall Lawson, Eliqua Brooks, Tyler DeSpenza, Bianca Moore and Prinsey Walker.
kaelin maloid
Alethia I. Love Bianca Moore
Staff writers:
Shermona Harvey Morgan yates Allana Barefield Bianca Moore Prinsey Walker Tyler Despenza
Sports Editor: Kaelin Maloid
Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu
HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION
Herald office:
Email stories: Advertising:
Xavier South,112B herald@xula.edu 504.520.5096
The Xavier Herald is an award-winning newspaper produced by, for and about students at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, La. While The Herald is housed in the Department of Mass Communication, its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the department or Xavier University. The Herald is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and as such adheres to the collegiate journalists’ code of ethics. The Herald staff reserves the right to accept, edit, or refuse content.
www.xulaherald.com
Tweet Us @xulaherald Instagram: xulaherald Snapchat: xulaherald Remaining Spring Print Schedule: February 16. 2016 March 1, 2016 March 15, 2016 April 5, 2016 April 19, 2016
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
X A V I E R U N I V E R S I TY Depart U.S.: Monday, May 9 Arrive Rome: Tuesday, May 10 Depart Rome: Tuesday, June 7
RO M E SUMMER 2016
Take your learning out of the classroom and into the world this summer with the American Institute for Foreign Study! Earn Xavier University credit with courses taught by your own faculty, but in Rome! Experience la dolce vita as you explore the rich history of the Eternal City and make a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the holy Vatican during this Jubilee year of Mercy.
YOUR PROGRAM INCLUDES
OPTIONAL TRANSPORTATION
• Metro and bus travel pass valid for entire trip, for use in central Rome.
• The services of an AIFS Program Coordinator in Rome for the duration of your program for information, personal advising/counseling and 24hour emergency contact service.
• Orientation program on-site in Rome including a half-day guided sightseeing walking tour.
• Access to the AIFS Portal and toll-free U.S. contact number for predepature information and application help.
• A group welcome meal.
• $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
• Student medical and program fee refund insurance policies.
• A visit to the Tomb of St. Peter and the Necropolis under the Vatican Basilica.
• Xavier course tuition fee.
• Entrances to the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
FEES
• Housing in centrally located apartments in the heart of Rome.
• Guided excursion to the Pompeii archaeological site by private bus. • A visit to the Basilica di San Clemente including entrance to the excavations. • A visit to Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi and the Pantheon. • A visit to Ostia Antica.
On a space-available basis, students may purchase the optional transportation package consisting of round-trip airfare between Houston and Rome and round-trip airport transfers between the housing and airport in Rome for an additional $675 excluding mandatory U.S. government and airline-imposed departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges (estimated at $687 for which students will be billed separately).
A minimum of 10 students must purchase the optional transportation for it to be offered.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016.
Based on an enrollment of 8-9 participants, the fee per person is $4,205. This fee excludes airfare, a $125 refundable damage deposit, optional insurance upgrades, passport or visa fees, meals other than those listed, personal expenses, textbooks, additional field trips or excursions required by the Xavier faculty and anything not specified.
For more information, contact: Sister Mary Ann Stachow Theology Faculty (504)-520-7520 mstachow@xula.edu
Offered in partnership with
These fees are guaranteed not to change as a result of fluctuations in the $ exchange rate.
aifs_italy
1 HIGH RIDGE PARK • STAMFORD, CT 06905
AIFS in Rome
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
XU Students Can Now Study in Cuba;Embargo Ended Open Travel in 1962 Students must have a valid passport and required travel documents, he added. Quinn selected Cuba as n Feb. 3, 1962, a study abroad destination President John F. “because it’s an opportunity Kennedy signed Proclamation 3447, to visit a country that has been a mystery since 1959,” which commenced a trade when Fidel Castro overthrew embargo against Cuba and essentially ended free access to the existing government and a nation 90 miles south of Key established a Communist dictatorship. While Lee West, Fla. In 2015, President has visited Cuba, it will be Barack Obama ordered the Quinn’s first. loosening of restrictions and “The itinerary includes the U.S. Embassy reopened in daily lectures by me and guest the Communist nation after a speakers in the morning,” 53-year absence. Quinn said. “The afternoon As relations between the will be spent on field trips nations improve, Xavier’s to health centers, schools, Division of Business museums, the U.S. Embassy, Professor Mark Quinn and the Cuban Foreign Investment the Center for Intercultural office, the Chamber of and International Programs Commerce, and service Director Torian Lee joined learning with a school that with Spanish Studies Abroad teaches young Cubans about to put together a summer careers in tourism.” program for XU students. For more information about Based in Havana, Cuba, the program will be May 29-June the Cuba Study Abroad, contact Quinn via email at 24, 2016. The cost of the trip mquinn@xula.edu. is $3,275, plus air fare, and includes lodging, admission Study in Cyprus, Rome, fees and three-credit hours Vietnam/Thailand, Costa for an introductory course Rica on entrepreneurship, Quinn Lee said CIIP hosts a said. Partial scholarships for study abroad and passport travel expenses are available. fair on Wednesday, Jan. 27, by Tyler Despenza Staff Writer
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from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Center. In addition to details about the Cuba exchange, Lee said more than 20 study abroad companies will be set up on the first floor with details about internships, service learning, summer, semester and year-long study opportunities. The U.S. Postal Service will be on site to answer questions and process passport applications for those
who have a certified birth certificate and valid photo ID. In addition to Cuba, Xavier students will learn about opportunities to study in Cyprus, Vietnam and Thailand, Rome and Costa Rica. Complete information will be available during the fair, when course professors will be on hand to discuss opportunities. Vietnam and Thailand information will be
shared Jan. 27 from 5-6 p.m. in the NCF, room 104. The CIIP office is located in the St. Joseph Student Resource Building, room 312, and has complete details about travel abroad opportunities, financial support, and academic credits. Call 504.520.5491 for information.
Xavier in CUBA
•Havana, Cuba •May 29, 2016 – June 24, 2016 •Bridge to Cuba Course (3hrs) w/ Prof. Mark Quinn mquinn@xula.edu •Price: $3,275 + cost of flight
Xavier University of Louisiana
STUDY ABROAD FAIR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 *A $500 Program Deposit is due ASAP but no later than February 5, 2016 *The Program Fee must be PAID IN FULL by March 15th. *Payments can be made at the XU Cashier’s Office in XU South, 3rd Floor Location: St. Joes Student Resource Bldg., Room 312 (504) 520-5491.
*Partial Scholarships available (Gilman & Diversity Abroad Network) *SIGN UP TODAY!!!!!!!
University Center, 1st Floor 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Come out and meet representatives from Xavier’s Study Abroad partner programs. Over 20 study abroad companies, representing over 100 programs around the world. Xavier Internships, Service Learning, Summer, Semester, & Year Long Programs will all be represented! For More Information: Contact the Xavier University Center for Intercultural and International Programs St. Joseph Student Resource Center, Room 312 – Phone: (504) 520-5491
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
XAVIER STUDY ABROAD IN VIETNAM & THAILAND INFO SESSION (hosted by The Education Abroad Network)
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Time: 5pm-6pm Location: Norman C. Francisxulaherald.com (NCF) Science Building, Room 104
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Parade Schedule
by Prinsey Walker Staff Writer
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he countdown has begun for the biggest party in New Orleans: Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday takes place on Feb. 9 with two of the biggest Mardi Gras headliners rolling down the streets of the Big Easy: Zulu and Rex. This carnival season, big things are happening for the krewes in New Orleans. Solange Knowles will be joining the Krewe of Muses while actor Anthony Mackie, a native New Orleanian, will be the 2016 King of Bacchus. The Zulu Aid and Social Pleasure Club was the first African American organization to ever parade in New Orleans, dating back almost 100 years. The King and Queen of Zulu participate in multiple parades and finally in the big parade. “As the King and Queen, we went around to African American schools, talked to individuals,
Friday, Jan 29 Cleopatra 6 p.m. Oshun 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan 30 Pontchartrain 1 p.m. Choctaw 2 p.m. Freret 2:30 p.m. Sparta 6 p.m. Pygmalion 6:15 p.m. Chewbacchus 7:00 p.m.
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s the 2016 Mardi Gras season quickly approaches, students are encouraged to stay cautious during the upcoming parades and celebrations. “As a New Orleans native, I have to say that Mardi Gras is one of my favorite holidays though it can be very dangerous,” said Ezinne Agwaramgbo, sophomore biology premed major, “When I attend parades with my friends I always make sure my phone is completely charged and I stay close to my friends.” During the Mardi Gras season, it is recommended that students travel in large groups of three to four students and remain together at all times. “Students should be mindful of their surroundings and strangers that may try to approach them,” said Officer Osannah Harrison with the Xavier
Thursday, Feb 4 Babylon Chaos Muses
Friday, Feb 5 Sunday, Jan 31 Hermes Femme Fatale 11:00 a.m. D’Etat Carrrollton Noon Morpheus and encouraged them,” The 2013 Zulu Queen, Georgette Mims, said. “It took me out of my comfort zone. The experience made me a better me.” Zulu will be rolling on Mardi Gras Day at 8 a.m. The Krewe of Zulu will be followed by the Krewe of Rex. “I watch floats go from scratch to where they are now. Eight floats stay the same every year,” Sam Morris, the groundskeeper of the Rex
Mardi Gras Safety Tips: by Morgan Yates Staff Writer
King Arthur 1 p.m. Alla 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 3 Druids 6:30 p.m. Nyx 6:45 p.m.
University Police Department “I advise students not to go anywhere with strangers, even if they do appear to be students.” Though Mardi Gras celebrations can lead you to various areas of New Orleans, students should be aware of certain dangerous areas “I recommend that students stay away from the 9th Ward located in New Orleans East, Gert Town, as well as other unsafe locations,” Harrison said. “If students decide to go on Bourbon Street, I suggest they don’t drink and they go with a group of students.” While students look forward to this enjoyable holiday every year, knowing how to remain safe is important. “When students attend parades in New Orleans they should make sure there are officers present,” Harrison said, “As an officer for XUPD, my concern is the safety of our students.” Safety begins with awareness and ensures that everyone enjoys the holidays to the fullest.
5:30 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Den said. “The other 20 are stripped and whitewashed a couple of days after Mardi Gras and then Raymond Bouie begins with painting.” Rex’s theme this year is the Royal Gardens and will start at 10 a.m. after the Krewe of Zulu. Both, Bacchus and Muses, are two parades that roll on days leading up to Mardi Gras. Muses has brought along Solange
Saturday, Feb 6 Iris 11:00 a.m. Tucks Noon Endymion* 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb 7 Okeanos 11:00 a.m. Mid-City 11:45 a.m. Thoth Noon Bacchus 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb 9 Zulu 8 a.m. Rex 10 a.m. Elks Orleans follows Rex Crescent City follows Elks
Monday, Feb 8 Proteus 5:15 p.m. Orpheus 6 p.m. Knowles to join their celebration. According to Nola.com, Solange will serve as the krewe’s honorary muse, representing an inspirational, female role model who contributes to the arts. Knowles is a singer and songwriter active in the music industry. She will be parading with the all-female krewe on February 4 at 6:30 p.m. Finally, Anthony Mackie will be the first African
American King for the Krewe of Bacchus in its 47-year history. “Our members are as excited [about the parade] as Sister Grace Mary Flickinger is at Xavier’s Basketball games. Mackie is also beyond excited,” Greg Federico, a Bacchus member said. The members of Bacchus encourage all spectators to scream “Hail Bacchus” when they see the King’s float on Feb.7, starting at 5:15 p.m.
Mardi Gras 2016: What’s the Catch? by Shermona Harvey Staff Writer
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s we approach the end of January and the heart of Carnival season, many can’t help but to get excited for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. But what’s more fun than going to the parade? Catching the throws. Some Xavier students have been lucky to catch some of the most famous throws aside from beads, cups, doubloons , trinkets and the coveted Zulu Cocunut. Although carnival season began on Jan. 5, most of the excitement surrounds the parades and events heldon the weekend leading up to Fat Tues., ending carnival season. What do Xavier students say about their favorite throws at Mardi Gras
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parades? Barry Sevalia, freshman physics major, knows that the bejeweled shoes at Muses and the painted coconuts at Zulu are one of the most soughtafter throws. “You got to go to Endymion for the light up beads,” Sevalia said. Zanola Philips, a junior biology pre-med major, described her favorite catch so far was a pillow with emoji faces on it.. You can also catch Valentine’s Day themed beads and light-up roses at the Krewe of Endymion parade on Canal Street, which are only a few minutes away from campus. Gabrielle Jenkins said, her favorite throws were the necklaces with extra large beads. “The Bacchus parade seems to have a fun theme every year,” said Ariel Graham, a junior biology
major. “My personal favorite items to catch are the cups. I like to collect the different cups and pick a favorite one at the end of each Mardi Gras season.” To find out more about parades, schedules, throws and other Mardi Gras traditions, visit mardigrasneworleans.com. Be sure to enjoy yourself and catch some of the prestigious throws, while staying save and traveling in groups.
Happy Mardi Gras 2016!
January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
Real-world Experience Priceless in Competitive Job Markets by Erin Ancar Contributing Writer
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s an accounting major, I know business is becoming more global, which means competition for prestigious jobs continues to increase. The Division of Business stresses the importance of internships while we are students because they give us real-world experiences and greatly enhance our classroom learning. Like many students, I learned the importance of finding an internship from my various professors and Carolyn Thomas and Marian Minnard in Xavier’s Career Services
office. When I had the chance to intern at the National Finance Center, I understood the true importance of an internship. The NFC is a shared service provider for financial management services and human resource management services for United States Department of Agriculture agencies. I work in the Financial Reporting Branch where I analyze the financial statements of the agencies and reconcile them with Treasury. My first day, I was nervous. Supervisors and employees said this experience would be completely different than
what I am accustomed to in school. I started to question whether I was prepared to handle the job set out for me because I was dealing with real money and problems, not just textbook problems. As I reviewed training materials and sat in on meetings, I realized I had to have confidence in myself. That’s when I started to learn about accounts I didn’t even know existed, different audit techniques, and many forms and software that are helpful in conducting reconciliations and tasks I must perform as a systems accountant. Working at the NFC gives me the opportunity to use accounting knowledge
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I gain from my Xavier courses and apply it in the real world. I learned that college gives me the
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basics and foundation, but I need to also learn, challenge myself, and gain knowledge in the workplace.
January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
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Sports
Meet Gold Rush Assistant Coach Tyrone Mitchell Mitchell decided to take his experience to Xavier University to become assistant yrone Mitchell set coach for the Gold Rush the record for steals men’s basketball team. at Northwestern “We are excited to State University in welcome Tyrone Mitchell to Louisiana with 264 during his the family,” said Rush Head career and the started all four Coach Dannton Jackson. “He years as a Demon. has great experience not only As a senior, he was as a player at Northwestern All-Southland Conference State and overseas second team. He played professionally, but also as professionally in Germany, a coach at Baton Rouge Romania (four years), Community College.” Hungary, Belarus, Bulgaria A New Iberia, La., and had chances to play in native, Mitchell attended France and Austria. Northwestern as a point guard Last year, Mitchell from 2002-2006. Although worked as an assistant coach his team made it to the NCAA for Baton Rouge Community tournament and beat Iowa, College. In August 2015, the Demons weren’t always winning. “My first year in college was fun,” said Mitchell. “When I was a freshman, we won six games. We lost 21.” It was a learning experience, however. Mitchell says it was the most adversity he had ever experienced playing basketball. Losing 21 games his freshman year brought him back to reality; he realized basketball was a Gold Rush assistant coach Tyrone team effort. He learned to gain Mitchell. Photo by Irving Johnson, more trust in his teammates by Kaelin Maloid Sports Editor
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and work even harder. On March 17, 2006, Mitchell and his Demons made it to the NCAA tournament and had a 64-63 upset against a third-seeded Iowa team. The win came in the final seconds. His teammate, Jermaine Wallace scored the fade-away three at the buzzer to shock the Hawkeyes and Mitchell was in the line-up at that time. “I feel like we kind of moved a mountain by representing for the small schools. I just felt like that was a life victory,” said Mitchell. “It was a David and Goliath match-up, and we won.” His college experiences also led him to his professional career overseas. He played in five countries and had offers to play in two more. His last team was the Tagu Mures of Romania in 2013. “It’s always a pleasure to get paid to do what you love,” said Mitchell. “I’ve been playing basketball all my life and never really had a different job. I came home for the summer, hung out with my family and friends, and then
went back to Europe.” There were, however, downsides to playing basketball, both collegiately and professionally. With his birthday falling in November, right in the midst of basketball season, he hadn’t had a birthday at home since he was 17. “Then I had my little girl and everything changed,” said Mitchell. After returning from playing, Mitchell took a coaching job at BRCC. When he first started coaching, he had to make the adjustment from seeing the game as a player to seeing it as a coach. However, the transition from player to coach was an easy one for Mitchell because he knew every detail of the game. “In the end, though basketball is basketball. You see what you get and you get what you see,” Mitchell said. Next, Mitchell joined the coaching staff at Xavier, filling the shoes of former assistant coach Alfred Blue. “I thought Xavier would be a great opportunity for me,” said Mitchell. “It kind
of helped me move up the coaching ladder.” It’s been half year so far, and Mitchell has enjoyed his time here. He says that Xavier has a great atmosphere even though it’s different from where he played. The students at Xavier take academics more seriously than elsewhere, and it’s a predominantly black school, whereas NSU had been predominantly white. Xavier is close-knitt, and that goes not only for the students but also for the Gold Rush. “You develop a family atmosphere and I look at them as little brothers. People tend to think I go to school here,” Mitchell said. Mitchell had tough shoes to fill after Blue left, according to Gold Rush senior RJ Daniels. “Coach Mitchell is reliable, a hard worker, a friend, and a great coach,” said Daniels. “Replacing AJ from last year wasn’t easy, but Mitchell has stepped up to the plate and filled the shoes that AJ left.”
Don’yeah Mayfield, Star to Superhero by Kaelin Maloid Sports Editor eBron James once said, “I don’t know how tall I am or how much I weigh. Because I don’t want anybody to know my identity. I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man.” With a firm grasp on the basketball, a determined perseverance to get to the rim, and an unmatched skill set, it’s not James who is the superhero of the Gold Nuggets team—it’s Don’yeah Mayfield. Mayfield, a senior public health major from Vicksburg, Miss., is averaging 11.9 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per
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game, and 1.4 blocks per game. Her 11.9 points come from 36 percent shooting from the three point line, 37 percent from the field, and 67 percent from the free throw line. Like James, Mayfield started at a young age. Whereas James found solace on a basketball court in fourth grade, Mayfield started a little bit earlier. “I first started playing basketball when I was in second grade,” Mayfield said. “My mom was my coach actually, like YMCA, kiddie ball, that kind of thing.” From there, Mayfield, who is now 5’11, continued her basketball career. In high school, she played for Vicksburg High School. There she was a two-time Vicksburg
Post newspaper Player of the Year. She averaged 15.8 points and 12 rebounds as a senior. Her game highs at Vicksburg included a 33 point outing and 22 rebounds. When asked to recall the best moment of her basketball career, Mayfield’s face lites up. “When I scored the winning bucket for my high school team to win the championships,” Mayfield said. After high school, Mayfield attended Tennessee State University and South Alabama before finding her home at Xavier, which she chose because of the coaching staff and academics. She said that the hardest part of being a student athlete is balancing practice, games, and academics.
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But she wouldn’t trade it for the feeling she has on the court. “It’s [the court] kind of like a safe place,” Mayfield explained. “I tune everything out. When I’m out there playing basketball, I really
just have fun.” Like Superman was just Clark Kent when he wasn’t saving the world and LeBron James is a father when he’s not playing basketball, off the court, Mayfield is a Xavier student who is watching movies, eating Bluebell Icecream, and cheering on her favorite teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Sky.
Mayfield during Nugget’s homecoming game. Photo by Kaelin Maloid
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January 26, 2016 - February 15, 2016
Morris Wright: On and Off the Court by Allana Barefeild Sports Writer
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e remembers the sun scorching his back while staring at his sneakers, and the sound of a basketball dribbling against the asphalt. He caught the ball, his hand slipping a bit to grasp it in his small hands. He stood at the foul line staring at the frayed rope hanging from the hoop.No missed basket or foul could stop him. Morris Wright, the 5-foot-10 starting point guard at Xavier University of Louisiana, has shown his fans that he is worth every shot. Wright’s life has not been easy as he had to deal with the loss of loved ones at a young age and struggled paving the way for his dreams. As an eager senior at Zachary High School he was determined to play at the next level and start his college career. “I knew I had to be the toughest player since I wasn’t the biggest or the tallest one,” Wright said. After signing with Baton Rouge Community College in 2012 he helped his team win their first championship in school history. At Xavier, Wright now averages 19 points per game and is ranked 27 at Xavier for having scored a thousand points in his career. “I never put any thought into how many points I score,”
Wright said. “My only concern is to win a championship at Xavier.” His motivation came mainly from his teammates, but also from his family. Through all the hard work, dedication and long practices, wright said, he was inspired by his grandma and cousin who both died at the beginning of his college career. “I play to make them proud, that’s why I have their names on the back of my basketball sneakers,” Wright said. That’s a reminder that I always need to go harder.”
Wright, who graduates in May 2016, said he plans on using his Bachelor’s degree in Education to teach business to high school students while coaching part-time. A Leader On and Off the Court Morris is an all-round athlete who pushes his team to perform at its best. “He keeps everyone’s head on straight,” said senior R.J. Daniels. Wright reminds his teammates that they need
Wright brings the ball down the court against Mobile. Photo by Kaelin Maloid.
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Morris Wright’s shoes.
to focus not only on what’s going on on the court, but what’s happening off the court, from their social life to their academics, Daniels added. Kevin Murph, a 6-foot-6 freshman from Atlanta, Ga. said, Wright made him feel like he was part of the team from day one. “During practices he would motivate me to reach my fullest potential,” Murph said. Wright looked out for Murph who had a tough time adjusting to being away from home and keeping up with his grades. “We relate even more off the court because we both grew up not in the best conditions,” Murph said. “He holds everyone accountable where he brings out your strengths and will stay after practice with you,” he said. Even though they will only play together this year, Murph knows that Wright will continue helping
athletes after graduation like he has helped him at Xavier. Basketball is a dynamic commitment that becomes part of who you are, Daniels said. It’s not just a sport, but something that can teach them life lessons with every practice and every game. Daniels said, through the game he learned the importance of teamwork and family. “One person that is like a brother to me is Morris because I‘ve been playing with him for three years,” Daniels said. Daniels described Wright as the middle man that keeps the team together even when they are 20 points down. He knows that it will be their last season playing together, but Daniels is proud of who they have become and the friendship they built. “We are a family together on and off the court. A family that prays together, stays together,” Daniels said.
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JanuaryJanuary 26, 201626, - February 15, 201615, 2015 2016 - February
Snaps!
Gold Rush, Nuggets
Live Music Friday
XU Students support Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets basketball games.
Juana Manning Briana Simms and Amanda Ware rock Sigma Gamma Rho pride.
Seth Jackson drives the ball against Tougaloo defender.
L-R Briana Lawson, Lena Martinez, Bailey Moore, and Ashleigh Olin enjoy music and food during Live Music Friday.
Photos by Mizani Ball, Kaelin Maloid and Eric Craig
AKA Sorority celebrates its Founder’s Day on the UC Yard.
Whitney Gathright shoots over Philander Smith defender.
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