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Volume 2 | Issue 59
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Inside 3 Lifestyle
The Oxford Square Alliance presents the 2015 Holiday Open House on Friday, November 27.
6 Business
PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN
Skipwith Cottage, first moved to the Square from the corner of Fifth Street and University Avenue in the mid-1970s, made another move this week to a new home on Bramlett Blvd. at the Skate Park.
Skipwith Cottage moved BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN
The little yellow house on the Square has a new home. Workers from Oxford-based Wortham Construction spent Monday preparing the 17- by 19-foot building for a short but tedious haul down Jackson Avenue East. “Coming down off the platform was the hardest part,”
said company owner Wade Wortham, who has been moving houses since 1990. On Tuesday, with the house loaded on a trailer just big enough for it, they moved it down, up and back down again on three steep slopes that end at the bottom of a hill next to the Lafayette CountyOxford Library. “We had to move some tree limbs, because the building’s
so tall on the trailer,” Wortham said. The cottage had been on the stage next to City Hall since 1977, when it was relocated from the Skipwith Home, a property on the northeast corner of University Avenue and 5th Street, where the University Museum now sits. The removal of the building will lead to renovation of basementlevel office space.
Cups on Jackson Avenue West is a unique coffee house for Oxford and Ole Miss.
10 Sports
“It’s been a Visitors Center for several years, but they’re having to do some remedial work on the platform below it, which has offices down below,” said Jim Pryor, chairman of the Oxford Historic Properties Commission. The Commission oversees the Skipwith Cottage, the L.Q.C. Lamar House, Cedar Oaks, TURN TO SKIPWITH PAGE 8
The 2015 All-Citizen Volleyball Team is announced
OXFORD CITIZEN
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
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Tim Tebow (left) speaks at the Orchard in Oxford. Lead Pastor Pat Ward joined him on stage.
Tebow talks football, family, faith at Orchard BY JEFF ROBERSON OXFORD CITIZEN
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Ole Miss suffered a tough loss to Arkansas last Saturday night in football. On Sunday morning, Tim Tebow told those gathered at the Orchard here he knew how they felt. “First of all, I know that was a tough loss last night. I experienced that against Ole Miss a few years ago,” said the former Florida quarterback who is also known for his philanthropic work with groups like the Tim Tebow Foundation he established in 2010. Tebow was in Oxford as a part of the SEC Network’s SEC Nation, which was televised live Friday and Saturday from the Grove. On Sunday morning, speaking at two services of some 1,600 people, he shared more than football. He even made light of his own emotions following the Rebels’ 31-30 defeat of Florida in Gainesville during the Gators’ national championship run in 2008. “A few people may have seen some of you cry (Saturday) night,” he said. “When I experienced that against Ole Miss, the whole country saw me cry.” There was laughter from that, even from Tebow himself, and then he began to open up about
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For me, that was sports. There has to be that passion deep down, and you have to sacrifice for it.
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Tim Tebow, about how important it is for people to do what they love his faith, which is a very public part of who he is. For him, it likely is the most important part of who he is. He also talked about his competitiveness, how his entire family is so competitive, and the way that has contributed to make him who he is. He said football is obviously an important part of his life and his story. “But at the end of day, it’s just a game,” he said. Tebow also mentioned how important it is for people to do what they love to do and are passionate about doing. “For me, that was sports,” he said. “There has to be that passion down deep, and you have to sacrifice for it.” Pat Ward, the Lead Pastor of the Orchard in Oxford, asked Tebow some questions during one session. He asked him who the most influential people in his life are. “My mom and dad,” Tebow said. He mentioned
his mother’s influence came in the form of being kind and generous and loving, and his dad as a leader and how to be courageous. The Tim Tebow Foundation website has these words from Tebow on its mission statement page: “From a very early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of God’s word, the salvation we have in His Son Jesus and the responsibility we have to give back to others. That’s why in 2010, I was so excited to create the Tim Tebow Foundation with a mission to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.” On Sunday, Tebow talked about knowing Jesus and prayed for those in the building who didn’t to come to know Jesus. He shared the Gospel message with those gathered. “Tim is a powerful TURN TO TEBOW PAGE 8
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
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Holiday Open House again on the Square Nov. 27 BY JEFF ROBERSON
Holiday Open House
OXFORD CITIZEN
The holidays are approaching and Oxford is getting ready. Already some decorations are going up around town and in businesses. November is the month to get prepared for the even busier time of December. That’s why the day after Thanksgiving, which this year is on Friday, November 27, is a special day a lot of places. And Oxford is no exception. The annual Holiday Open House, sponsored by the Oxford Square Alliance, has become quite the festive occasion for businesses and local citizens as well as out of town guests who visit for the day. “A few years ago the Oxford Square Alliance had this idea of creating this Normal Rockwell environment on the Square for Christmastime,” said Will Hunt of Hunt Marketing, a member of the Alliance. “The whole concept was to bring a very family environment on the Square year ‘round. Not that it wasn’t already, but to make it even more. And Christmastime was a great time to get this going.” The day after Thanksgiving has normally been a good shopping day in Oxford, just as it has in other places.When there was a Battle for the Golden Egg football game be-
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa pictures and Holiday Art on Courthouse Lawn • 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Carriage rides around the Square • 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Carolers at City Hall • 6 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall • 6:05 p.m. Square Dollars Raffle with $1,000 worth of gift certificates All events are free to the public
PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN
The Oxford Square Alliance will host its annual Holiday Open House on Friday, Nov. 27. tween Ole Miss and Mississippi State that was played in Oxford, the crowds on the Friday after Thanksgiving were always larger. Now, however, even when the game is played in Starkville, like this year, those crowds are still here for the shopping day and to get into the Christmas spirit. This year should be another banner year in that regard. “People seemed to always go to places like Memphis to shop years ago,” Hunt said. “Of course they still do, but now people actually come to Oxford to do the same things. It’s amazing, and there are a lot of peo-
ple who want that family, smalltown, intimate environment. Oxford has become that for many.” The events begin at 11 a.m. There is the Santa photo shoot, and also the carriage rides, with two horsedrawn carriages, throughout the afternoon. The Civic Chorus will sing from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in front of City Hall. The Christmas Tree lighting will be at City Hall at 6 p.m. Immediately after that will be the drawing for the Square Dollars Raffle. “It’s become one of those great traditions of the Square and Oxford to kick off the holidays and the Christmas season ,” said Mark
Huelse of Something Southern, chair of the Oxford Square Alliance. “Every year it becomes more special as more and more people join in on that day.” Huelse said Thanksgiving time, with the Christmas season approaching, is always special in Oxford. “It’s one of those times when you get a lot of families and guests in town.,” he said “It’s just a special day for a lot of people in a special place, the Square.” The Oxford Square Alliance, formerly known as the Oxford Downtown Council years ago, hosts many events throughout the year. “We do the Spring Fest around Easter and have the Easter bunny. We do photos with that,” Huelse said. “We have the Summer Fest tied in with sidewalks sales. And there are other events throughout the year where we support other organizations doing things. We’re happy to support different causes and events.”
Hunt said many people are involved in making it all happen, and that it has to be that way for all of this to be successful. “This all takes a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and many are involved in making it happen,” Hunt said. “You’ll see a lot of members do special things throughout the year. And it works, because people want to be here. They want to be in Oxford.” The number of people who are actually on the Square that day the day after Thanksgiving, this year Nov. 27 - continues to get larger each year. “It has grown. People expect this now. It’s magical,” Hunt said. “Last year was by far the biggest crowd we’ve had. We had more than 1,100 people come through for the Santa photos. The year before was 850. So you can see the increase. It’s growing. We’re very fortunate here.” jeff.roberson@journalinc.com
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OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
OBITUARIES MARVIN GLENN HOWE Burial followed in McMinn Marvin Glenn Howe, 73, passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Waller Funeral Home.
REBA MCMINN Reba McMinn, 84, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, at Yalobusha General Hospital in Water Valley. The funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Gerald Shook and Rev. Derek Starnes officiating.
Cemetery in the Orwood community in Lafayette County.
THERESA BARLOW MCKENZIE
RICHMOND SMITH Richmond Smith, 86, passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Services will be posted upon scheduling. Hodges Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Theresa "Terry" Barlow McKenzie, 56, passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 at Baptist HENRY LEWIS FOX Memorial Hospital North MisHenry Lewis Fox, 51, passed sissippi. Funeral arrangements away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. with Coleman Funeral Home Services are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. with are incomplete at this time. viewing beginning two hours WAYMON prior to services at Pilgrim Rest MONTGOMERY M.B.Church in Batesville. Rev. Waymon Montgomery, 77, Melvin Ellis will officiate. Viewpassed away Monday, Nov. 9, ing will also be at Hodges Fu2015 at his home near Oxford. neral Home on Friday, from 11 Funeral arrangements with a.m. until 5 p.m. Burial will be Coleman Funeral Home are in- in New Hope Cemetery in complete at this time. Batesville.
Hughes: Military service a ‘duty and honor’ BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN
A crowd of veterans and their civilian supporters gathered Wednesday at the National Guard Readiness Center in Oxford to commemorate Veterans Day with patriotic music, flag presentations and words of encouragement. State District 12 Representative-Elect J.P. “Jay” Hughes Jr. was the featured speaker. He began by thanking his fellow veterans for their service before noting how easy it is for those words to hide the reality behind such service. “Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring all those here who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” he said. “It is also about honoring and remembering those who did not have the good fortune to come home – or those still serving in places around the world, whether in daylight or darkness. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. Other soldiers were not so lucky.” Hughes raised appreciative chuckles – some perhaps from those with similarly ignoble beginnings to their military careers – by recalling his enlistment. Despite being from a family of veterans,
including his father, who woke the household each morning at 5 o’clock with the banging of pots and the call to “rise and shine,” Hughes had no designs on joining the service until he saw the movies “Private Benjamin” and “Stripes,” both of which portrayed characters enlisting on a whim. “I found myself stopped at a red light one afternoon, looking directly at an Army Recruiting Station. Then and there I decided I wanted to be a part of those glorious travel experiences being enjoyed by Goldie Hawn and Bill Murray – while in uniform,” Hughes said. “It turns out that recruiter may not have been entirely accurate on travel and hair length,” he said. “I figured that out real quick when Drill Sgt. Gator McCluskey hopped on my bus at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and loudly introduced me to HIS army.” Hughes elicited some knowing nods when he noted fear of failure was his biggest asset. “Uncle Jack, a Vietnam vet, declared the day I left that I would never make it,” he said. “Turns out that my desire to prove him wrong was the best
medicine of all.” “Basic training and military service are a duty and honor,” Hughes said. “It is the willingness to put others above yourself, your country at the top. It is what changes many, and, for me, led me down a path of appreciation and respect, which got me on the right path – to where I am proudly today. It is the compass that gives a sense of direction.” He noted a transformation that seems common among those who have carried weapons for their country. “After breaking me to my very core, and then rebuilding my mind, body and spirit, I recognized and learned to live what my father had taught me, and what Gen. Douglas McArthur had preached before him: Duty, Honor, Country,” Hughes said. “Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be. “We would all be better served by having everyone serve, and learn these three things,” he added. “Until then, I am simply proud to say, ‘Thank YOU for your service.’” errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
THE SECOND LINE RIBBON CUTTTING
COURTESY
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Second Line, a restaurant offering everyday New Orleans food, under the ownership of nationally acclaimed chef Kelly English. It is located at 208 South Lamar.
November is Mississippi’s second tornado season BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN
There is no time of year when North Mississippi is not subject to tornadoes, but the majority happen in late winter and early spring, peaking in April. Late fall, however, is a secondary peak in our tornado season. In 2010 alone, the state experienced 18 twisters in November, affecting counties as far south as Hancock and Amite and as far north as Clay and Monroe. “We typically see the polar jet stream dive south this time of year,” said Andy Chiuppi, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Memphis. It’s the collision of opposite weather types that most often triggers storm rotations that can become tornadoes if they reach the ground. “We’ll often have warmer, more humid air masses pushing up from the Gulf, and then a cold mass pushes in with the jet stream. That’s what creates the severe weather.” The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges these actions in case of tornado: • If in your home, go to its
Tornadoes and Tornado Fatalities by month since 1950 Month Tornado January 145 February 196 March 244 April 380 May 214 June 84 July 40 August 70 September 134 October 105 November 232 December 165
Fatalities 42 166 89 108 6 4 0 1 1 5 31 50
lowest level or an inner room without windows and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. • In a mobile home, evacuate – even if only to a nearby ditch or culvert. • At work or school, go to the basement or an inside hallway. Avoid placed with widespan roofs. • If caught outdoors, get inside a sturdy building with a concrete foundation. If there’s not enough time, lie in a ditch. Be aware of the potential for flooding. • In a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Get out of the vehicle and take shelter – even if only in a ditch or culvert.
If there’s a “positive” side to Mississippi’s having a second tornado season, it’s that it is shorter than its spring variant. “In late winter and spring, we peak in April, but we’re subject to having lots of tornadoes in March, and even in late February,” Chiuppi said. “In fall, it’s basically from early November to early December.” It is typically also less severe. Though November has the third-highest number of recorded tornadoes (232, just behind March’s 244) since records began in 1950, its record of 31 fatalities puts it behind every other month from December to April. One has to go back to 2004 to find a tornado-related fatality in Mississippi in November, with only single-digit totals in December over the past 10 years. By contrast, it’s a rare April when several Mississippians aren’t killed by twisters. In April 2011 alone, the state suffered 23 fatalities and 299 additional injuries from 97 tornadoes that strafed the state that month. Ironically, February ranks sixth in the number of tornadoes on record, but its fatalities eclipse even April’s.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Cups a unique coffee offering for Oxford BY JEFF ROBERSON OXFORD CITIZEN
Cups. Now there’s a name for a coffee shop. Cups, located in Jackson Place at 1501 Jackson Avenue West in Oxford, is more than just coffee. It’s a gathering place that’s unique to Oxford. And it’s also a unique concept to Mississippi, since there are many Cups location in the metro Jackson area. But only one is outside there: Cups of Oxford. The business in Oxford is owned by Lee and Teri Bowie. Teri is a native of Oxford. Lee is from Jackson. “I’m a lawyer and we moved up here in 2012,” Lee said. “We had lived here before and obviously Teri is from here. We’d lived here when I was in law school, and again from 1998-2001.” When they came back, they wanted to do something more. And Oxford offered them the opportunity to do that. “I still practice, but I love the transition,” Lee said. “Oxford’s growing. There are a ton of great places here in Oxford. But you can also have more. I started looking around for coffee places that I liked. I knew Cups was down in Jackson where I grew up.” And Cups was what they got excited about. ‘I just looked them up and started talking to them to see if they were interested,” Lee said. “They’d never really gone outside of the Jackson metro area. There are 10 or 12 stores down there. “ In March, 2014, they opened Cups of Oxford. “We do daily offerings of medium roast from places around the world,” Lee said. “We have specialty coffees, dark roast, flavored roast. We also have loose leaf tea, and we have over 20 loose leaf teas. They are very popular. We have smoothies, spritzers, hot chocolate, a variety of things.” They also have a good location and they have a unique décor that they put
PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN
CUPS on West Jackson Ave. offers a variety of coffees and drinks while also providing a place for students and people of Oxford a place to study and relax. together mainly themselves. “We looked around and wanted to be close to campus. And we wanted to have a place with sufficient parking. Anderson Road is here, and there are a lot of students living up that way. I liked having the two entrances into the parking lot. Having other businesses in the Jackson Place center is also a positive, according to Bowie. “You’ve got Noodle Bowl, Jos. A. Bank, Firehouse Subs. Computer Express , things like that, and these are definitely a positive. People see you and remember you when you are in a place like this.” The Cups brand, since it is so Jackson and the metro area of the capital city, is also a strong selling point in a number of ways. “If we had said we were going to open Teri and Lee’s
CUPS Address: 1501 Jackson Avenue West Phone: (662) 380-5027 Website: cupsespressocafe.com coffee shop, I’m not sure it would have been what this has been,” Lee said. “When you pay franchise fees and royalties, it balances that out. And when you are already in Mississippi, people know you. A lot of people come to school here from the Jackson area. So that helps.” There are other Bowies in the family. One son is in Oxford, and two other children are out west. “We’ve been married 30 years this March,” Lee said. “We’ve been a team for a long time. One or both of us is here just about every
day. We have a daughter in Colorado, a son in California, and a son that’s a senior in high school in Oxford.” It’s a family business, a Mississippi business, and there are a number of reasons Lee believes people like Cups in Oxford. “I think what makes us unique, first and foremost, is the folks in Jackson do an incredible job with the coffee. They roast it in Ridgeland. They do an excellent job. Some places the Espresso might have a burned taste. Here, our Espresso is so good. “The coffee bean selection is very good. We also pride ourselves on the fact that at this location we get to use Brown Family Dairy products, and it just tastes better. We use their dairy in all the drinks that call for dairy.” Cups of Oxford is very
community-minded and has been from the start. “We support local artists, and that’s a draw for us here,” Lee said. “We have had live music here from time to time on our stage. We’ve had poetry reading. We’ve had Theatre Oxford do a table reading. We support the (Yoknapatawpha) Arts Council.” And their hours are conducive to all who want to visit. “We‘re open late nights. Generally we’re open from 7 a.m. to Midnight. Sometimes when Ole Miss is not in session, we might close earlier. And we open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday except on game weekends, and then we go ahead and open at 7 a.m.” Next month Ole Miss students will be busy with exams before heading home for Christmas. And Cups will accommodate
during that time at any hour there is a need. “We’re open 24 hours during exams,” Lee said. “We’ve seen that slowly catch on. Some don’t start (studying) until midnight.” Cups offers fresh baked goods like muffins, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cupcakes daily. Cups also has mugs for sale with the logo, and also t-shirts and other gifts. The décor of the store is unique as well. “We do our own thing,” Lee said of the interior. “The lighting in here, the paint colors, the art we have, some of this stuff came out of our house and other things we’ve picked up along the way different places.” Cups. Unique. Mississippi. And in Oxford at Jackson Place. jeff.roberson@journalinc.com
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
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Good ideas pay off for Oxford employees BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN
Oxford Mayor George “Pat” Patterson believes good ideas are worth recognizing. Often in a Board of Aldermen meeting or in conversations with department heads or other city employees, Patterson’s eyes will light up at something just suggested and respond, “That’s worth a dollar.” It’s not just any dollar, though. Patterson rewards good ideas with a silver certificate – paper money originally issued by the U.S. Treasury between 1878 and 1964 to show ownership of PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN an actual silver dollar. City Clerk Lisa Carwyle, left, and Public Works Director Bart Robinson, right, display half of a (They are still legal tender, silver-dollar certificate that each of them received from Oxford Mayor Pat Patterson. Patterbut the government has son hands out the certificates to employees for "dollar ideas" helpful to the city. not honored the silver “My first idea of note was equivalency since 1968.) Pat’s been here six years (as at my first staff meeting. I “I’ve always collected mayor).” and traded paper money, Megan Prescott is execu- suggested making the old and when you give sometive assistant to Oxford Po- Fire Station #1 on North body a silver certificate, lice Chief Joey East, but Lamar into a pocket park they just go, ‘Oh, wow,’ Patbefore that she was Patter- celebrating the service of police, fire and other first terson said. “They’re not son’s executive assistant. that valuable monetarily – “You know I have a stack responders,” she said. Jimmy Allgood is the about a buck and a half – of those (certificates), but I but I knew it would make surely can’t remember an impact.” what I said to be gifted them! I should have writRECENT RECIPIENTS ten it down,” she said. “I Parking Manager Matt may have had an advanDavis was one of the recent tage working right outside recipients. his door for almost three “I got a dollar for the idea years.” of adding the parking app,” “The last time I got one he said. Parking Passport is from him was about a a wireless application that month ago,” said Fire Chief allows drivers to pay for Cary Sallis. “When you look parking through their Cary Sallis, Oxford Fire around the Square you will smartphones, even adding Chief see all the banners for Ole time to their meter if they Miss and their athletes stay longer than anticisupporting all their sports. pated. dinance to prohibit the use So my idea was that the Public Works Director of the Jacobs Engine Brake, City of Oxford should do and City Engineer Bart a device used on large the same for our local high Robinson’s most memo- diesel trucks to supple- school athletes (both Oxrable rewarded idea may ment their wheel brakes ford and Lafayette) during have been his sudden with reverse engine thrust. the different sport searecognition, as contractors Such devices create a sud- sons.” were dismantling the old den and voluminous noise. armory, that that frame “I live out southwest SMALL RECOGNITIONS and foundation of the (near Highway 6), so I was Sallis said city employees building were worth sav- inspired by hearing jake look forward to the small ing. brakes at 6:30 in the morn- recognitions. “I said, ‘There’s our pavil- ing,” Requet said. “The idea of giving out ion,” Robinson said earlier Those most often tar- these silver certificates this year. The pavilion, now geted for Patterson’s at- does challenge you and complete, is managed by taboys tend to lose track of make you think outside the the Yoknapatawpha Arts the ideas for which they box, especially with all deCouncil and is available for were presented. City Clerk partment heads trying to rent for private events. This Lisa Carwyle said she re- do the same,” he said. “I week it also hosted its first members getting the have seen some great ideas Oxford City Market. recognitions but can’t re- brought forth as a result Assistant City Planner member a single specific which is great for our city.” City Planner Andrea CorBen Requet said he’s had suggestion. several silver certificates – “I don’t have a clue what rell remembers well her inthe latest for the idea of de- they were,” she said. “I troduction to the mayor’s veloping a “jake brake” or- probably have 10 of them. impromptu rewards.
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The idea of giving out these silver certificates does challenge you and make you think outside the box.
city’s emergency management director. That job title also includes overseeing the deer control program that depends on bow hunters. “My latest one was for doing the Wounded Warrior Project – setting it up where a Wounded Warrior (disabled veteran) could come in and deer hunt,” he said. Alderman Robyn Tannehill said she’s most often cited when she just walks into the Mayor’s Office with a thought on some problem or other. “I think most of my dollars have been for creative solutions to city issues and for ideas for nominees for city-appointed boards,” she said.
UNIQUE BILLS One of the certificates Patterson issues has a unique place in history. “Look at any dollar today, and it’ll say across the back, ‘In God We Trust.’ Well, in 1935 the Bureau of Printing and Engraving
made a mistake and left that off the plate, so it doesn’t have ‘In God We Trust,’” he said. “They printed tens of millions of these, thinking people wouldn’t mind. Well, people had a stroke and they backed up and put it in reverse real fast and stopped all these and started printing the correct version, with ‘In God We Trust.’ But there were more of these printed that year than there were the correct ones. In the business we call these ‘Atheist Dollars.’” Tannehill insisted that while Patterson is generous with the awards, he is by no means profligate. “The mayor has been known to award a dollar and by the end of the conversation decide that maybe it wasn’t a great idea and take it back!” she said. “One of his favorite things to say is, ‘That’s a good idea. Not worth a dollar, but a good idea.” errol.castens@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec
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OXFORD CITIZEN
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Skipwith
Tebow
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FROM PAGE 2
and the Burns Belfry Museum. The new location, which shares the grounds of the Oxford Skate Park, is a compromise site. Pryor and other commission members had urged Skipwith Cottage’s relocation in a number of sites, including the University of Mississippi campus and on the one-acre property that was formerly Fire Station No. 1 at the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and Price Street. Skipwith Cottage will continue to be used for a greeting center. With its location near the Skate Park and the Library on the east side of Oxford, the building will be staffed and equipped to provide information to visitors – particularly those interested in the other historic properties. “It will be a historic stopping-off place to see what kind of historic sites you have to visit in Oxford,” Pryor said. “It’ll also be an adjunct location for the library to use for schoolkids to have reading programs. We’ll probably even have room for eight- to 10-person meetings. We’re planning to put it back into active use and at the same time save a historic asset.” Short-term plans for the site next to City Hall are not firm yet, but possibilities mentioned so far include renovating it to move the City Clerk’s office out of overcrowded City Hall. Long-term use of the site will depend on whether the city ends up building a long-anticipated parking lot behind City Hall. If that develops, the area between City Hall and Square Books Jr. will likely become a plaza that creates an entry to the Square from the garage.
speaker and great storyteller. He was very funny and also moving with what he had to say,” Ward said. Ward said it wasn’t an everyday Sunday at the Orchard, and many pitched in to make sure the morning went well and that the message of Jesus was at the heart of it all, even with a person known internationally in the building. “I’ll always remember how many volunteers it took to pull off a crowd of that size,” Ward said. “People love Tim Tebow. They wanted to be close to him, to see him, to be in the same building with him. And Tim was so gracious to everyone he came in contact with.” Ward said having Tebow share his story is very much
errol.castens@journalinccom Twitter: @oxfordcitizenec
like the daily walk of the Orchard itself. “People were so respectful of the reason he was here,” Ward said. “It was a very special day for a lot of people at the Orchard. We have always loved having people share their story with us, and for us to share our story with them.” Lea Fyfe, a member of the Orchard, said the most important aspect was that people heard a message about Jesus. “People came to the Orchard to hear Tim Tebow speak,” Fyfe said. “But they heard the Gospel presented in a way that they may not have listened to anybody else. That’s the important thing. He presented it in a very clear way and in a context that a lot of people would receive it well. He’s just a genuine person.” jeff.roberson@journalinc.com
read more and find exclusive content at
PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN
Employees of Wortham Construction Company ready the Skipwith House for its journey down Jackson Avenue. The spot it has vacated will be renovated and eventually perhaps for a plaza entrance from a proposed parking garage to the Square.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
PAGE 9
An appropriate farewell for an honorable man
wasn’t surprised when I heard after Billie Hopkins died Sunday that his funeral would be Wednesday. It was, after all, Veteran’s Day. Billie Hopkins and his wife, Betty, lived across the street from my family in Baldwyn all my life. Earlier this year Betty died, and now Billie. Betty worked at Farmers & Merchants Bank for years until she retired. When I was a child, Billie worked in the grocery store with his brother, Howard. The name of the grocery store? Hopkins Big Star. Later Billie owned a restaurant and after that worked in a hardware store. Billie and Betty married after World War II and grew old together. They loved to travel. As late as 2014 they were still driving their huge motor home to places within a few hours’ drive. A couple of years ago they drove
I
ilo Henry came home on the 28th of July. He was recruited from the Humane Society. The Old Boy that showed him said he thought he was a blue heeler mix of some sort. I looked at the small dog, his coloring and his frame and said, “Uh, huh.” Apparently, the Old Boy is unfamiliar with hounds, because Milo Henry looked just like a Blue Tick. As Milo Henry has gotten older he has taken on the traits of at least 10 other breeds and some bad kids. The only thing I am almost assured of is there is no cat involved. I asked the Old Boy where they found Milo Henry and was told he had been residing near the by-pass in Water Valley. That explains a lot. When Milo Henry runs, he is all legs and feet, each one seemingly controlled by a different intelligence. Milo Henry does not fall down - he wrecks. Magnificent skidding, sliding, twisting, end over end disasters that move rugs, takes out tables and chairs and if he is outside, long distance tumbles when one leg or the other does not hold up to the agreed on direction. As he has gotten older, puppy gainliness is slowly being replaced by grace and assurance.
M
Jeff Roberson Managing editor
it to Florida again where for many years they had spent a lot of time. They had many friends they’d met through the years camping and fishing, and every year was a reunion. When they got back home, there were stories to tell. They had one child, Emily, who was eight or nine years older than me. One thing I remember about the Hopkins was how big a deal Christmas always was. That was because Emily’s uncle Tommy, Betty’s brother, would arrive from Lafayette, La., where he lived, bringing all kinds of things to eat and drink.
It was quite a south Louisiana spread when Uncle Tommy rolled in for the holidays. Billie was small in stature but stood tall when it came to his past service. Probably 5-foot-5 and 135 pounds, the stories of his World War II years were larger than life. Billie had two Purple Hearts. I always heard he had three and for some reason I always thought he was due one more. Maybe we just felt like he should have had another one. There wasn’t a whole lot of celebration of his military achievements throughout his life that I can recall, until the last several years, that is. That’s when he made one of those military honor flights to D.C. and received a flag that flew over the capitol. That’s when, earlier this year, he went on a trip with Emily and
others to the World War II museum in New Orleans, and when they found out about his service to his country, he became the most honored man in the building that day. They even invited him back, so he went again a few months later. Last month, my dad and Billie made a few rounds several different days on the walking track in their neighborhood. Then Billie took a turn for the worse and went downhill. He died on Sunday a few days after being admitted to Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. Billie and Betty were always simply the neighbors across the street, good friends to all, the kind of folks you can always count on. You’d see them in the same places, like the bank or the grocery store, or in church, or in their yard that Billie took good care of. There was something
solid, special and even AllAmerican about the way they lived. And in Billie’s case the way he was honored by Emily at his funeral service on Veteran’s Day. There were military honors and a moving video rendition of “Wave On, Old Glory, Wave On” co-written by former Ole Miss football player Jim Weatherly. “Keep us united, free and strong. In the face of all adversity, attacks upon our liberty, remind us where our loyalty belongs. Wave on, Old Glory, wave on.” It was a farewell that Billie Hopkins would have been most pleased with and certainly richly deserved.
me. I charged again screaming, growling and yelling. The coyote no doubt better armed, thought it best to take leave of this crazy man. He trotted by horses who were more perturbed by my display than the coyote. The coyote casually loped down the hill and toward the tree line. That, I thought, is that and went back to the house. I shut the door behind me and heard Milo Henry start to bark. I grabbed my shotgun and a handful of shells and ran back out. The coyote was in the pasture just across the fence, no more than 40 feet away. The coyote faced me, and glanced up and for a moment our eyes locked. The coyote then looked at Milo Henry. The coyote put his ears back, grimaced and dropped his front a little bit in the canine, come play with me pose. I informed Milo Henry that I had seen that look before on politicians, car salesmen and a couple of preachers. I admonished Milo Henry for thinking he could play with the coyote and the coyote wanted to eat Milo Henry. Like most young things, warnings were ignored as Milo Henry tail wagging, eased forward to greet this new friend.
Flipping the shotgun over I started shoving shells in. Birdshot. That was all I had. Milo Henry was moving toward the coyote who was retreating slowly and only as I advanced, step for step. Jerking the shotgun upright, racking a round, the coyote’s demeanor changed. Apparently, this boy had grown old by knowing the sound of weapons. The coyote ran as if he was fleeing for his life. Milo Henry was standing between the coyote and me puzzled by the sudden departure. A downhill shot with a scattergun was too great a chance of hitting the puppy. I watched the coyote head toward the creek and disappear. The thing that bothers me is the coyote knowing that in a one on one he stood a chance at besting any person. The coyote knows technology gives people the advantage. I walked around for a week after the encounter with a rifle on my back wondering if I would see him again. A few guineas are missing so I know he is still out there - watching.
Jeff Roberson is the Oxford Citizen managing editor. He can be reached at jeff.roberson @journalinc.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Citizen_Jeff.
Coyote Harold Brummett Country Roads
Milo Henry loves to lick, and mouthy like nothing I have ever seen. Milo Henry’s second love is to fetch and will run behind me with his squeaky toy and bump into my leg squeaking the toy vigorously to get me to throw it. When anyone comes to visit, he twists himself in knots around their legs, jumping and giving little yelps. When the visitor puts their hand on him, he melts into the cracks in the floor. Milo Henry’s biggest pal is Perry, Maria’s pet from before she went into the nursing home. Perry is a wonderful mentor and they wrestle and play tug with one another. Perry is well into middle (dog) age and Milo Henry plays well with him and makes a great tug pal for Perry. Baby, another canine of mixed heritage we counted on to alert us and patrol the farm, passed away in the spring from a cancer. Blossom our other excellent farm dog, is a 2001 model and has gone on the retired rolls. Perry is a vigorous
but small terrier who is the Sheriff of the household, maintains the peace between the cats and dogs. Milo Henry was enlisted to eventually fulfill the job Baby had. Milo Henry is to take on the mission dogs have been doing for humans for the last hundred thousand years. I get up early. I don’t have to, I want to. The best part of the day. Quiet. The other day at dawn, while enjoying my coffee, Milo wanted out of his kennel. I opened the door and we walked out onto the porch. Milo and I heard a racket in the barn and I looked out to see a coyote chasing the guineas as they were coming down out of the rafters. I charged toward the barn yelling and growling waving my arms above my head. The coyote stopped chasing, turned and looked at me. His thin frame, rangy, coat that looked healthy despite having only been brushed by briars and thorns, turned and faced me. No fear on his part, just puzzled. Milo ran to my side and stopped. The coyote and I spent the better part of three to four seconds just looking, sizing each other up. The coyote glanced at a guinea that was noisily fleeing to another part of the farm, and then looked at
H.M. Brummett is a fifth-generation resident of Lafayette County. He can be reached at denmarkmississippi @hotmail.com
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Ben Mikell Sports writer
Soccer referees, from their point of view
he high school soccer season just got underway this past Tuesday for both Lafayette and Oxford. The Commodores played North Pontotoc while the Chargers played the Vikings’ cross-county rival South Pontotoc. Some people may not know this, but I was also one of the assistant referees for both games at William L. Buford stadium Tuesday night. Soccer referees, like many other referees in other sports, have their own team on the playing surface. They do not give one care in the world who wins the game. They must look out for each other and back each other up. Sometimes they have to make a call in the game where half of the players, coaches, and fans don’t like. The team of referees on the field win when they walk off the field and nobody else talks about them. They are forgotten two minutes after the last buzzer or whistle sounds. That usually means the referee didn’t make many, if any, of the wrong calls in the game or did not have a major call that helped decide the game that one team did not like. This is my ninth year to officiate soccer games and my second year to officiate high school. What I have learned in the high school ranks is that some soccer rules from high school are not the same as in the FIFA Laws of the Game. An example is that on a throw-in, according to FIFA, if the throw is taken correctly but does not enter play the throw is retaken. However, in high school, if the same thing happens the ball is given to the other team. That can lead to some confusion in the stands and by some coaches. Most of the fans that have watched their kids play in competitive soccer tournaments argue almost immediately because the rule is slightly different between high school and FIFA. Some rules that are the same routinely get broken, such as nobody is allowed to stand behind the net. Nobody, including parents and coaches, is allowed to enter the field unless the referee beckons them to. Even in an injury situation, parents and certified doctors aren’t allowed on the field unless the referee allows it. Some people do not realize that some
T
PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN
This year’s All-Citizen Volleyball team include, from left, Lafayette’s Kylie Glass, Emily Robinson and Shelbi Buford and Oxford’s Ragan Freeze, Maggee Hobson and Grace Ann Joyce.
Talent, balance keys 2015 All-Citizen Volleyball team BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Lafayette and Oxford had very successful seasons in volleyball this fall. Both the Lady Commodores and Lady Chargers made the Class II playoffs. Both won their respective division championships during the regular season and both teams finished with over 20 wins. It was a banner 2015, one that should be remembered by both fan bases. Six players made this year’s All-Citizen Volleyball team, three from Lafayette and three from Oxford. The Lady Commodores were represented by three seniors, Shelbi Buford, Emily Robinson and Kylie Glass. Oxford had two juniors in Maggee Hobson and Ragan Freeze, while sophomore Grace Ann Joyce rounded out the team.
OXFORD TURN TO REFEREES PAGE 20
The Lady Chargers fin-
ished 28-9 overall. Hobson, an outside hitter, led the Lady Chargers with 338 kills overall. She also had 63 aces and 211 digs. “Maggee just knows the game. She really does. She can do it all,” said Oxford coach Tara Ross. “She can pass, she has an amazing serve and of course the thing she does the best is she is a great hitter. She is just a very dynamic player. When we go to play other teams, she is the one they remember and just what she can do with the volleyball.” Ross added that Hobson also improved as a leader for the Lady Chargers. “We’re still growing and we’re still learning. Something she really worked on this year was to be a good leader,” Ross said. “We haven’t always been successful, but I have seen growth in her.” Freeze, the Lady Chargers’ libero, finished with a team-
high 374 digs. She also had the most receptions (408) on the team. “Ragan is one of those players that you love to coach. I love her attitude. She doesn’t complain,” Ross said. “If you ask her to go and do something, she does it. She loves the game and she loves the camaraderie of the girls. She really works hard out there. She doesn’t expect anything. She plays hard all the time.” Joyce, a middle blocker and middle hitter, was second on Oxford with 215 kills. “Grace Ann is a quiet leader. She doesn’t make a big show of anything. She doesn’t come out and do anything flamboyant,” Ross said. “When I say that she has improved 10 fold from the beginning of the year to the end, she is one of our best players. She was very needed for us to be successful. I’m just so very proud with how far she’s come and
how hard she has worked. She’s coachable and she listens. She is just a really good player. The fact that she is just a sophomore and has so much farther to grow is exciting for everybody.”
LAFAYETTE
Clint Jordan had a lot of great things to say about his three players. The Lady Commodores finished with 24 wins overall on the season. All three were expected to garner All-Division status. He said the thing he will always remember about Robinson, the team’s setter, is her competitive drive, and how she wanted to win every ball. “She wanted to score every point she could for her team whether that was getting the ball to somebody else to score or scoring herself or setting somebody else up for a point,” Jordan said. “She just competed every single play. TURN TO VOLLEYBALL PAGE 20
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
PAGE 11
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OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
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OXFORD CITIZEN
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OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
PAGE 15
Mayo, Thompson pace Oxford teams at state CC meet BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
JACKSON – A lot of hard work paid off for Oxford’s John Owen Yoste on the biggest stage. The sophomore was the top runner for the Chargers at Monday’s MHSAA Class 5A state cross country meet. While the Chargers were unable to defend their crown, losing to Saltillo by seven points, Yoste finished third overall with a time of 17 minutes, 36.6 seconds. Yoste was upset that he and his teammates were unable to win. He thought the course at Choctaw Trails hurt the times overall. “I worked hard all season, but I never thought the course would be as bad as it was today,” Yoste said of the muddy track. “It tired our top runner out, tired most of us out. It slowed us down, you could tell by the times. Saltillo had a great race, and you have to beat them on the day you race them. That’s how it goes.” Yoste did say he raced as hard as he could, and that he was pleased with third place overall. His finish garnered all-state recognition. Jonathan Tyler, who was fourth, Will Farmer, Thomas Mayo, Alex Thomas and Harri-
JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN
John Owen Yoste, left, led the Chargers at the MHSAA Class 5A state cross country meet. He finished third overall. Addie Thompson was the top finisher for the Oxford Lady Chargers Monday at the 5A state meet. She finished second overall. man Abernathy also garnered allstate medals. “I’m glad that my best race came at the state meet. It’s the best race I’ve had all season. Not time wise, but it was the best finish I’ve had all season,” he said. “I came in with a lot of confidence. I came in feeling good. I thought we were going to win as a team. I was thinking I might get third or
fourth coming in.” The loss Monday motivates for next season, Yoste said. “We’re going to come back stronger. Next year, you’ll see us. We’ll have 6 o’clock in the morning workouts,” said Yoste, who is off to soccer. “We’ll do all that we can.” Oxford coach Chris Patton was very pleased with how Yoste ran,
saying he put everything together at the right time. “I was very proud of John Owen. He’s one of those runners who has just been gritty, so I’m not surprised to be close to the top,” Patton said. “He’s always been a strong finisher, but he put it all together, from the beginning, to the end. He finally figured it out and what he had to do to be at the top.” Addie Thompson was the top finisher for the Lady Chargers. Thompson has consistently at the top of all the races for the team this fall, and Patton said she had a great race. “You have to remember that she is only a freshman. She is a great runner, but she still has a lot of potential left,” Patton said. “She is still trying to figure out how to run a race. Once she does that, she is going to be unbelievable.” Thompson, who finished with a 20:53, was one of four Lady Chargers to earn all-state. Katelyn Rock was 11th (21:51), while Ally Shinall was 12th (21:52.), while Margaret Pepper Adams was 13th (21:53). Oxford’s Lady Chargers also finished second to Saltillo in the meet. Patton felt like Yoste about
the course and how the heavy rain made it more muddy than not. “I think it bothered some people that were further in the back and brought some other teams closer due to the weather conditions,” Patton said. “We ran pretty good the first mile, but I think the second mile, that was the kicker for us. We didn’t run a strong second mile and in the third mile, we just couldn’t get it together. We had a strong finish, but it was a little too late. I told the guys and the girls I was proud of their effort and as long they’re putting out their best, I can live with the results.”
EXTRA LAPS
Tyler finished with a 17:46, while Farmer had a 17:53 and was seventh. Mayo was ninth with an 18:02, while Thomas was 11th with an 18:12. Chip Powell also ran for the Chargers and he was 15th (18:35) … Lilli-Grace Mitchell, Patrica Hughes and McCall Mullins rounded out the runners for the Lady Chargers. Mitchell and Hughes both finished 15th and 16th, respectively. Mitchell had a 22:21, while Hughes had a 22:24. Mullins was 17th with a 22:37.
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PAGE 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Friday Night Previews: Week 13
JOEY BRENT
Lafayette is hoping to have some more celebration moments during Friday’s Class 4A playoff matchup with Noxubee County.
Lafayette-Noxubee best matchup in state BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Friday night, when Lafayette travels to play at Noxubee County, the entire state will be watching. And waiting to see who emerges from the heavyweight battle. The two top teams in the Class 4A ranks, at least in the north, will meet in the second round of the 4A playoffs this season. Many thought that the Commodores (10-2 overall) would be playing the Tigers (8-4) in the north state title game in a few weeks. Lafayette’s loss at Senatobia three weeks ago prevented them from being crowned 2-4A champion, which meant a matchup with Noxubee, who won
Lafayette at Noxubee County Kickoff: 7 p.m. Radio: 93.7 every division game this year in 4-4A, early rather than late. The Tigers played a very tough schedule, defeating Class 6A schools, Starkville and Columbus, to start the year. They played Aledo (Texas), Meridian and West Point as well. After falling to 2-4, the Tigers have won six straight. They opened
the playoffs with a 41-10 win over Amory. Since 2008, Noxubee County and Lafayette have either played for the state title, or won the state title. Noxubee won the 2014 title, while the Commodores played for the 4A title in 2013. Of course the Commodores won the 2010 and 2011 titles, and played for the championship in 2009, a year after Noxubee won it in 2008. The Tigers also won the 2012 4A title. “It’s a great football game and we’re approaching it the same way we did last week. We have to win a quarter at a time,” Robertson said. “I told our kids that this is like one of those 15 round, heavyweight boxing matches. It’s going
to be a battle and we’re going to have to take some shots from them and then counter punch. We’re going to have to be ready to battle the whole game. It’s a great matchup. It has the north half atmosphere about it.” Robertson stressed again that his team had to approach the contest like they have the other games, even if the opponent an aura of great tradition. “I think our mental approach has to be exactly what it was last week when we played Gentry,” Robertson said. The Tigers are led by senior defensive end Jeffrey Simmons, who is one of the most highly regarded players in the nation. The 6foot-4, 265-pounder missed
four games due to injury this season, but he’s back, and healthy. Heading into Friday night’s game, Simmons has made 78 total tackles, and has 12.5 sacks. “He is definitely the best defensive lineman in the state of Mississippi and arguably the best defensive lineman in the nation,” Robertson said. “He’s a big, strong kid. A powerlifter. He’ll also play on offense, play tight end and fullback. He’s got a lot of speed. He’s the ideal type of defensive lineman. He’s the kind of lineman that you see in the SEC.” On offense, the Tigers are very good at the skill positions. Ladaveon Smith leads the team with 68 catches for 827 yards and six touchdowns. Quarter-
back Timorris Conner has over 300 yards rushing, and passed for 2,244 yards and 17 touchdowns. “They’re a lot more multiple on offense than what we’ve seen in the past out of them,” Robertson said. “They run the ball really well and you get a lot of different formations. Defensively, they’re the same Noxubee. They play really fast and run to the ball well. It’s difficult to get points on them. I think they’re every bit as good as advertised. They’re healthy and they’re a better team with the Simmons kid in there. He’s their leader, not only on defense, but he’s their team leader.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
PAGE 17
Friday Night Previews: Week 13
PETRE THOMAS
Oxford coach Johnny Hill feels like his team is getting better at the right time heading into the start of the Class 5A playoffs.
Chargers getting better heading into 5A playoffs BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Oxford is three wins away from playing for a third straight Class 5A state championship. And the Chargers begin the playoffs with a lot of momentum after winning eight straight games to end the regular season. Johnny Hill felt like his defense played better after he watched film of Oxford’s win over Lake Cormorant. “They made some really good things happen out
Oxford vs. Vicksburg Kickoff: 7 p.m. Radio: 95.5 there. (Lake Cormorant) completed balls early, but they were good passes. Our guys were there, it wasn’t a
busted coverage, and they just made some throws,” Hill said. “When their quarterback didn’t make good throws, we picked several off. All in all, I would think that it was one of better games we’ve played on defense this year.” Jack Abraham has blistered teams through the air. He enters Friday’s game with the Vicksburg Gators with 3,525 yards and 43 touchdowns. They are averaging 469 yards per game overall on offense. Still, to be a championship team, Hill
said the defense is going to have to get some stops. “We’ve been very fortunate offensively. We’ve been clicking on offense fairly well and hopefully we’ll be even better this week,” Hill said. “Defensively, we’ve struggled at times but again, Friday, I thought we played well. I thought we did a good job. We did fumble some kickoffs and missed a couple of extra points. The field goal was my fault. I didn’t protect the short side over there and that’s all on me. We look at it and move on and get our
problems corrected and try to get better this week.” Vicksburg finished fourth in 2-5A and enter with a 6-5 mark. Hill said the Gators are athletic and have plenty of speed. “They run a little bit of everything on offense. You have the speed sweep. You got the counters. The quarterback is a big threat and he has good wheels. They will go empty and run a quarterback draw. They will run some option. On defense, I’ve seen them in a 3-4 look, a 4-4 look and six on the line
of scrimmage type thing. We’re going to have to play well. They have a lot of talent out there.”
READY TO PEAK
Hill was really hoping that his Chargers would start to roll out some wins and continue to get better. “You’re either getting better or getting worse and I honestly think we’re getting a little better and that’s what you want,” he said. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
OXFORD CITIZEN
PAGE 18
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Crane looking for Lady Chargers to be more offensive BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
It took Hunter Crane a few months to really take a breath. Hired in July to coach the Oxford Lady Chargers on the soccer field, Crane jumped right into the fire. “The day I took over, we had a game,” Crane said. “I hit the ground running. We got through the summer and then we got into eighth period working with the team. I’ve had the girls everyday just about since I was hired in July. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been exciting and I’m so much more familiar with them now than I was.” Oxford’s program has been gaining momentum over the past few seasons. In Crane’s eyes, he felt like the Lady Chargers were a contender, with the chance to be special. “I have six seniors that have been on the team, a lot of them, since they were seventh graders,” Crane said. “They have all been impact players and they all play a lot of minutes. They all played a
PETRE THOMAS
Hunter Crane is leading the Oxford Lady Chargers for the first time this winter. Crane is looking for his team to be more offensive in matches thanks to the 4-3-3 alignment he has continued. lot in the playoff game against Germantown. It’s not just them either. There are seven juniors, six sophomores and seven freshmen. This team is special and it’s because they are all soccer players and they have all been doing
it for a long time and they all have a lot of experience.” Crane added that each of his players has talent, and as he has learned the team, he has come to realize that they are even more talented than what he thought
prior to being hired. The Lady Chargers have been known for defense the past few seasons, and Crane felt like his players will be even more balanced. “I’m excited about the potential. We will still be very strong defensively but our center mids and forwards have grown into their own. They’ve gotten a lot older and a lot more experienced and they’re more comfortable with what I want them to do,” Crane said. “I think from the center midfield forward, we’re going to be very strong.” Oxford will base from a 4-3-3 and from an attack standpoint. Zoe Scruggs will play forward, as will Grace Ann Joyce and Madisyn Longnecker. Those three are the ones that Crane was pinning, early, to have big seasons. And because the team has been so strong on defense, his main focus has been improving on offense. “Our center mids are going to be able to distribute the ball to them, get them into space, and
when they get around the net, the put the ball in,” Crane said. “When they went to a 4-3-3, they struggled to get the system down but then they took off and went on that big run at the end of last season. Because our defense is so strong, we’re going to try and be more offensive. It’s exciting for me because I was an offensive player when I played in college. That’s been my forte. Defense wins championships, but you have to be able to score.” Nicole Wilkin, Addison Mills and Addison Meadows are the three center midfielders that Crane is relying on to help push the ball, and be the anchors of the team. “They’ve been together for a while and they’re going to be where it all begins right there in the center,” Crane said. “I’m very excited about their potential going forward. I’ve stuck them in the same group because I want them to get used to playing with each other.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
Branch excited on what his Chargers can accomplish BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Jonathan Branch made sure that his Oxford Chargers had plenty of soccer to keep them busy this summer. A more intense approach worked as Branch felt he had the best summer training of his career. The Chargers have a chance to make some noise in the MHSAA Class 5A ranks this year. Branch, who is entering his third season leading the team, has some veterans mixed in with some talented overall players. His tough practice schedule has been a difference maker for teams with less overall talent, but now that he has players that fully understand how he wants to play and train, Branch feels like the next step is coming for the Chargers. “Perfect practice makes perfect. When we start doing that, it will carry over to the games and we have to get back to that level like we were this summer,” Branch said. “I think we have the talent, but you can have the best team in the world, but if they’re not going to work hard … you
give me 11 guys that are going to work their butts off, we’re going to beat that other team.” There are still some players that Branch is waiting on to round out the team like Connell Yoste, who kicks for the football Chargers currently. Yoste is one of three captains elected by the team. The other two are James Cutler and Cole Calhoon. “As much as I would love to have Connell out here, he’s got other responsibilities. James and Cole have taken the team on their shoulders and been the leaders out here,” Branch said. “They’re not the only ones. I still have other good upperclassmen to help tote the load. All together I have seven seniors and I would love all of the seven to be out there leading everything and playing all the minutes. They’re just as important off the field as they are on. I still need them to mentor and motivate those underclassmen and get them going.” A few weeks ago, Branch was having to refocus his team at practice. When there was too much goofing off as he called it, he had the Chargers run
PETRE THOMAS
Jonathan Branch is leading the Oxford Chargers for the third season. His is upbeat about his team, and the experience he has on the roster. sprints. In an ideal scenario, there are no sprints done before practice, Branch said. “I’ve seen what these guys did in the summer, and I’m excited about what we can do,” Branch said. “My goal is to win a state championship and the past couple of years, I thought we had an outside shot of sneaking in there. This year, I feel really good. I thought we had a good shot before the summer, but after,
when I saw what we could do, yes, we have a really good shot. So my expectations are high for this year.” There were a few holes that Branch felt had to get filled, but having seven seniors on the roster made him feel like those issues would be addressed. “I’ve got plenty of hungry guys that are ready to step in and fill those roles,” Branch said. “I can guarantee that the first starting lineup that I put out there is
not going to be the same one that I have at the end of the year. We’re going to have to move around and I told everybody that just because you’re a freshman you’re not going to get a shot. I’m going to give everybody a shot.” Branch has scheduled several junior varsity matches against other varsity teams. He feel like the younger Chargers will be able to show their ability better in those situations
rather than just in practice. “I have a few open spots and a lot of guys that want it and can do it,” Branch said. “It’s about getting that right mixture in there and it being a really good year.” The Chargers have changed formation wise to a 4-3-3, and Branch is asking a few players to do a few different things. “What I’m really excited about is our central midfield this year. We have several guys to put in there like Connell, Malek Daghestani, Cole Calhoon and a bunch of younger guys like Books Kevin or John Handy,” Branch said. “There are a ton of guys I can put in there and we’re going to give them all an opportunity. We will play with three central midfielders and they will be the backbone of our team. We’re excited about what we can do. James Cutler will be our point man at the top and he can finish real well. That’s something we haven’t done as well in the past. We haven’t finished.” The next varsity match for the Chargers is Dec. 1 at Olive Branch. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Lafayette sweeps Vardaman to open home schedule BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
John Sherman wanted his Lafayette Commodore basketball team to post a win in the season opener against Vardaman. His want became a reality as the Commodores defeated the Rams 51-15 Tuesday night. The victory was the first for the Commodores since Feb. 17, 2014. Four sophomores started on the floor for Sherman. And the lone senior that was on the floor to start hasn't played since he was in middle school. “Nobody had been there. This is completely new for all of them,” Sherman said about the win. “When you don't have one guy with any varsity experience, there are going to be some things that don't look good or flow well. For the most part, they set the tone for the rest of the season. We got the rest of the team sitting in the stands, watching to see how we do. I don't think we disappointed.” Sherman, who coached the Lady Commodores last season, went on to say that playing at home meant a little more pressure for his team. Once the team settled down, and played with patience, the execution was better. “I thought our defense was OK. They ran a very deliberate, almost a delay type of offense,” Sherman said. “I thought we were patient within the defense for the
most part.” Three Commodores scored in double figures showing balance on offense. Xavier Hill led the way with 13 points, while Hogan Linzy and Mack Bishop each scored 11 points. Jykyus Woodall had nine points as well.
LADY 'DORES Lafayette won its first game of the season, defeating Vardaman 53-20. Head coach Shayne Linzy felt his team did what they needed to do on defense. “I thought we were really aggressive on defense. We held back on the fouling problem that we had against Starkville. I thought we were much more intense and we never let them take it to us,” Linzy said. “It was a change of attitude. We more aggressive at the same time being smarter on the defensive end. We relied more on our teammates to help.” Freshman Xhiir Burgess was a player Linzy singled out as someone who played well. She finished with nine points overall, and led the team with eight rebounds. Shaniyah Buford led the team with 15 points, while Orianna Shaw had 11 points. Linzy added that Shelbi Buford also also calmed everyone down and get the team into position. Chelsea Allen also shined on defense. John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
PAGE 19
Sharp enjoys being with her friends on Friday nights BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
There was a time when Madison Sharp wasn’t sure she was going to be a cheerleader. She didn’t participate in seventh grade, but that all changed when she became an eighth grader. Her mother Jennifer is the sponsor for the varsity team, so that means for the past four years, the two have been together every Friday night. “I was so tired of cheer when I was in the seventh grade with mom being the cheer coach. I said I would never be a cheerleader, but I changed my mind,” Sharp said who changed her mind because all of her friends were out on the team. “I wasn’t in any sports at the time, so I tried out and I liked it. My mom, she is probably more hard on me than the other cheerleaders. If I’m not respectful to her, they feel like they don’t have to be and things like that.” Cheering actually expanded Sharp’s athletic participation at Lafayette. She joined the powerlifting team and has garnered a lot of success in that sport over the past couple of years. The thing that Sharp liked best about a Friday night was being with all of her teammates on the sidelines. “Even if we lose we still have fun,” she said. “The Oxford game was my favorite because we had a really big student section and they were just so into it. We never gave up on
MEET YOUR
Cheerleader Madison Sharp
COURTESY
Lafayette junior Madison Sharp enjoys being with her friends, and cheering on the Commodores, each Friday night. the team even though they didn’t get the win.” Last week, the Commodores rolled over Indianola-Gentry to open the Class 4A playoffs. The clock ran the entire second half, and even though it was boring, Sharp was quick to point out that boring meant a big win. “I would rather be
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ahead than it be too close,” she added. “I think the game affects the cheerleaders as much as it does the football players when we lose.” Malik Vaughn is the player that Sharp gets snacks for before each game. She wasn’t friends with him prior to the year, but she has enjoyed get-
ting to know him better. “All of the junior football players and cheerleaders are pretty close,” she said. “I don’t have a best friend on the team. On the cheer team, I look up to Madison Hill because she is always giving us a reason to be positive. She just keeps everybody going.” The Lady Commodores have been preparing for the state competition since August. Next month is when the team will showcase everything they’ve been working on. “I’m with them more than I am my best friends. We’re always together practicing every day of the week except for Saturday and Sunday,” she said. Friday night, the Commodores will travel to play Noxubee County in the second round of the 4A playoffs. Sharp wasn’t looking forward to the long bus ride, but she did understand just how big of a game it was. She also knew that she had to be over her flu-like symptoms in time to support the team. “It’s going to be pretty big. It’s really nerve wracking because I don’t want the boys to get too nervous. When they get too nervous, they don’t perform as well as they usually do,” she said. “The worst part is the ride over there. I like (road games) if they’re not too far out. I don’t like missing games. I would still be out there if I had the flu.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
OXFORD CITIZEN
PAGE 20
History Made
Volleyball FROM PAGE 10
Everyone competes, but Emily does it at a different level. It was very impressive to see and contagious for the team. That’s something we will miss.” Robinson finished the year with 925 assists, 73 kills and 109 digs overall. Buford played outside hitter for the Lady Commodores due to her fantastic overall athleticism. Buford was a much improved player in 2015, her second season with the team. “The biggest thing for Shelbi was she needed to be comfortable with the game of volleyball. Last year being her first year, she really wasn’t comfortable even though she played pretty well,” Jordan said. “This summer was big for her. You could see her start to hit the ball with some authority. She started to understand defenses and what was open shot wise. The thing that made us good this year that Shelbi did was her ability to serve. Last year, she just hit over. This year, she could serve short, deep and at targets. And because she could do that, it allowed us to move Emily, Kylie and Cara-Anne (Sallis) into positions that they could be aggressive.” Buford finished with 279 kills, second most on the team behind Glass’ 301. Buford also had 138 digs. Glass, one of two middle blockers, did a little bit of everything for the Lady Commodores. She was the lead cheerleader for the team, and the most vocal leader. “The thing people don’t know about Kylie is that she is a cheerleader at heart,” Jordan said. “She’s tough and she can be competitive to the point that she comes across as mean. But when you need a big point, she is the one that is yelling the loudest. She is the one that kept us emotionally in a good place. She is the one that sparked us. She has come in a ton of different times into the huddle and she is the one that is carrying on and sparking our momentum.” Glass finished with 104 blocks and 80 digs. She also served at 90.8 percent for the season. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Four Chargers sign to play for Rebels BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Dreams became a reality at the same time history was made as four Oxford High Charger baseball players signed with the Ole Miss Rebels Wednesday afternoon. There have been other Chargers that have played for the Rebels, but there haven't been four that are from the same class. Pitchers Jason Barber and Houston Roth joined infielder Grae Kessinger and catcher/outfielder Thomas Dillard in the OHS library to make their verbal pledges to head coach Mike Bianco concrete. Barber, Roth and Kessinger helped lead the Chargers to the MHSAA Class 5A state title this past May. Dillard comes to Oxford for his senior season after playing in Memphis at Briarcrest Christian. His addition only makes the Chargers an even bigger favorite to repeat as state champions in 2016. “It's one step closer of finally fulfilling my life-long dream of playing college baseball and to top it off, playing Division I, SEC baseball,” said Barber, who committed to the Rebels the fall of his sophomore season. “It relieves some stress because I hadn't signed my papers yet, but it also makes we want to
JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN
Oxford baseball standouts, left, Thomas Dillard, Jason Barber, Grae Kessinger and Houston Roth signed to play baseball at Ole Miss Wednesday. work harder. Now I know I'll be playing at Ole Miss, it's put on paper. It just puts more fuel on fire when I'm playing this spring and next fall, that I will be working to toe the rubber when I get there.” Kessinger, the son of former Rebel Kevin Kessinger and grandson of former coach and player Don Kessinger, has also been committed to the Rebels since the fall of his sophomore season. “Once we sign, we're all but there and that's special. When you commit, you're excited, but I don't
think it's going to compare when we sign and know that you're right there from playing at Swayze,” Kessinger said adding he has thought a lot about his family's baseball tradition at Ole Miss as signing has gotten closer. “It's crazy that I'm the third generation and that I get to play at the same place and represent the same school. I hope when I get there I can make a name for myself like they were able to make a name there.” Roth, who is also pitcher like Barber, committed to the Rebels at the start of
his junior season. He and the rest of the Chargers took their official visit to Ole Miss this past weekend. “Everything was great. We got to see some of the other guys that we will be signing with, it was a lot of fun," Roth said. “This is a dream that is becoming a reality. It really is something to see that four players from the same school get this opportunity to play at the next level.” Dillard, who could be drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft this coming June,
meaning it does not have to touch anybody before it can enter the goal. The FROM PAGE 10 only non-physical foul that results in a direct kick calls aren’t made by the is when a non-goalkeeper center referee. The most player handles the ball. If common misconception a defender commits a diis that while the center rect free kick foul in their referee blows his whistle own penalty area, that refor an offside call, the assults in a penalty kick. sistant referee is the one If the infraction is nonmaking that call. The cenphysical such as offside, ter referee never has the dangerous play (often proper angle for offside. mistakenly called as a A lot of people, especially players and coaches, “high kick”), impeding, or a non-physical infraction don’t know what makes a by the goalkeeper inside foul a direct or indirect his own penalty area, the free kick. To put it in simfree kick will be indirect ple terms, if a foul is a meaning it has to touch physical infraction such as tripping or pushing, the somebody after the ball is put into play before the free kick will be direct
ball enters the net. That somebody can be from the opposing team; it does not always have to be from the team benefiting from the call. These infractions do not result in a penalty kick regardless of where the foul happened. I cannot tell you how often a referee gets criticized for a supposed missed call everyone but the referee saw or a call that only the referee saw but nobody else. More often than not, that usually depends on the angle the referee has at the time the infraction occurs. No one can really understand that concept until one referees a game in any sport.
There is a no better example than what happened in a World Cup match in the 1990s. The center referee in the match issued a penalty kick for a foul in the penalty area against the defending team that eventually decided the game. Every camera angle at the time, where there was very few of, appeared to show no foul. The key word: Appeared. The referee was put to shame for the apparent missed call. It was not until months later that a picture from a photographer in an England newspaper showed the exact angle the referee had and
Referees
also said it was a dream to play for Ole Miss. “Today I finally get to sign and get one step closer to that dream,” he said. Oxford coach Chris Baughman said amazing wasn't a strong enough word to describe the fact that four of his players were all getting a chance to stick together and play in town for the next three or four years. “I think as the head coach, I am extremely lucky,” Baughman said. “I can't say that I have done anything in their four years or two years or even this year to help them, other than to give them a place to play. It's a testament to their work ethic and the type of players they are to play on that level.” Last season Barber was 12-0 with a 0.00 ERA. He had eight shutouts and eight complete games. He also had 110 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched. Barber was 9-1 with a 1.26 ERA. He also had 95 strikeouts in 61 innings. Kessinger hit .354 with 45 runs scored. He also drove in 36 runs. Last season, Dillard helped the Saints go 25-13. And like Kessinger, Dillard played in the Under Armour All-American game this past August. John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
showed that there was a foul, blinded from the camera angles. It cleared his name from controversy. It was one of the biggest stories ever in soccer. If I have learned anything from refereeing, it is this: Referees are human. To understand a call, see the game from their eyes, they could’ve been body blocked. My hope is that I shed some light about refereeing from our side of things. If you find yourself being one of those “arm chair” referees, perhaps you can help us out refereeing some of these games instead of trying to do so from the sidelines.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
OXFORD CITIZEN
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
OXFORD CITIZEN
Rebels host Murray State in NCAAs BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Mission accomplished for the senior class is the way Ole Miss soccer coach Matthew Mott viewed his Rebels hosting an NCAA Tournament game. The Rebels are back in the NCAAs, and for the second time in three seasons, they are playing at home. A season ago, the Rebels missed out on the NCAAs all together. “I'm excited about being at home. These seniors deserved another home game,” Mott said. “Certainly that's the goal, to grow the program. I think we made great strides this year and I'm really happy with how we played all season long. And because we played well, we put ourselves
in position to play in the NCAA Tournament.” This year's opponent is a good Murray State team that won both the regular season title in the Ohio Valley Conference as well as the tournament title. “We know they played Mississippi State earlier and that they beat Mississippi State in Starkville. They also played Tennessee and lost 3-0,” Mott said. “It will be a good game and we have to be playing at our highest level for sure. That's the way it is at NCAA Tournament time. You have to be playing your best or it could be over quickly.” While the six seniors on the roster have been key for the Rebels (13-52), so has the play of Amory's Addie Forbus,
who has scored 11 goals this year and was named first team AllSEC. “She's always been a scorer, she knows how to score, but her actual play has gotten so much better,” Mott said of the junior forward. “She just understands the game at such a better level. She has grown from her sophomore to junior year. A lot of that is her maturity level and her understanding of the game. She's been as good as any player from Florida or Texas or anywhere else.” Ole Miss and Murray State (16-4) will meet Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP Lafayette cross country Led by Julianna Mikell, the Lafayette Lady Commodores finished ninth in the MHSAA Class 4A state meet held at Choctaw Trails in Jackson. Mikell finished 20th overall with a time of 23 minutes, 29 seconds. Eighth grader Alaina Quarles was 37th with a 25:08. Sara Giray, a seventh grader, was 39th with a 25:15. Alex Long, Anja Diercks and Abby Davis rounded out the runners for the Lady Commodores. The Commodores finished in 18th place. They were paced by freshman Andreas Diercks who was 49th with a 19:59. His twin, Alexander Diercks, was 58th (20:11). Quin Roush, Devin Satterwhite, Foster Roush, William Smith, and Brelynn Hudgins completed the team finish for the team. “We're young, boys and girls, and if our young run-
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ners stay with this sport, we'll get better,” Lafayette coach Ben Mikell said. “Some of our runners understand what it takes to excel, and some don't, especially some of our boys. We'll work on our understanding of the sport as we move into the future.”
Oxford soccer Oxford got its soccer seasons off to a good start with a doubleheader sweep of South Pontotoc Tuesday night. The Chargers won 20, while the Lady Chargers triumphed 7-0. Both games were played at Bobby Holcomb Field. Six different Lady Chargers scored a goal in the win. Grace Ann Joyce led the team with two goals. Madisyn Longnecker had three assists. Addison Meadows had two assists as well in the win. Zoe Scruggs, Longnecker, Anna Abel, Addie Thompson and Mor-
gan O'Connor each scored one goal. Kately Rock and O'Connor each had an assist. The Chargers got a goal each from James Cutler and Malek Daghestani. Cole Calhoon was credited with an assist. Oxford's girls return to action Tuesday against Lafayette.
Lafayette soccer Alley Houghton scored four goals, while her sister Maddy scored two to help lead the Lady Commodores to a 7-0 win over North Pontotoc in the season opener Tuesday night at William L. Buford Stadium. The Commodores lost 2-1 in the nightcap. Emma Wilson scored the other goal in the win, while Tucker Anderson scored the lone goal for the Commodores, who return to action at home against South Panola on Tuesday night. The Lady Commodores play at Oxford.
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OXFORD CITIZEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015