Oxford February 9, 2017

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Volume 3 | Issue 84

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Inside 4 News

Oxford High School senior named Regeneron Scholar

11 News

PHOTO BY JOEY BRENT

Visit Oxford held a press conference Tuesday morning to reveal the official artwork and music lineup for the 2017 Double Decker Arts Festival.

Double Decker

Theatre Oxford to debut two act comedy The Foreigner

16 Sports

Visit Oxford reveals Double Decker artwork and lineup

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Visit Oxford held its annual press conference Tuesday morning to announce the details of and reveal the artwork for the 2017 Double Decker Arts Festival.

Director of Visit Oxford Mary Allyn Hedges began the press conference by

addressing the press, city officials, community members and festival sponsors gathered in the tourism bureau’s office on the Square. Hedges thanked everyone for coming out and made a point to recognize each sponsor that helped to make the festival possible, as well as Lee Ann Stubbs who coordinates the festival for the city.

Mayor Pat Patterson was the next to take the podium. Patterson was on the city’s Tourism Council when now-Ward II Alderman Robyn Tannehill approached him about creating the Double Decker the Festival in the mid-90s. The Mayor thanked everyone for their hard work, TURN TO DOUBLE PAGE 10

Leading the Way: Freeze has stepped up for OHS Lady Chargers

OXFORD CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RANDOMHOUSE PUBLISHING

Autor George Saunders will be coming to Square Books February 22 to promote his first novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” The novel focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln’s son Willie Lincoln.

George Saunders coming to Square Books

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Best-selling author and National Book Award Nominee George Saunders will be coming to Square Books to promote the his first novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” The book follows not the life, but the death of Willie Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s 11-yearold son who died in February of 1862.

Saunders first had the idea for the novel back in the 90s.

He was in Washington D.C. and a relative shared the fabled story of Lincoln entering the mausoleum of his young son to privately mourn his unimaginable loss as the nation the man helmed was on the verge of plunging into civil war. Sunders become rapt with the idea of Abraham Lincoln, one of history’s most famous leaders, sitting in a mau-

soleum at 2 a.m. in the company of a corpse that had once been his son.

“Honestly, it was just this image,” Saunders said. “Lincoln was the most powerful person in the world at the darkest time of American history. His son died. In his grief, he crossed Washington alone, probably on horseback, and went into this graveyard and, supposedly, entered the crypt and held the body. The fact that this great man that we all think we know would have such a well of grief that he would be moved to do that was just incredible to me.The newspapers at the time said he did this several times. Why did he do it, and why did he stop?”

Over the years, Saunders has tried to tackle this story in a variety of ways, but nothing ever felt quite right.

He tried writing it as a play,

but it wouldn’t work. He tried approaching it as another style of novel, but that didn’t work either. So he sat with the idea for a while.

Eventually, the style of instant messaging caught his eye.

“Somewhere in there, I had tried to write a novel that had no Lincoln in it, and was just ghosts,” Saunders explained. “That was around the time people starting using chat lines, and I was just really intrigued by that format. You would have a name and then just a bunch of garbled text of shorthand and abbreviations. I remember thinking that that’d be really cool to see on the page.”

He thought that if ghosts speak to one another, they probably don’t do a very good job of listening. This chartroom-esque mode of dialog bounced around in

Saunders’ head until he figured out how to spill it onto the page. Rather than telling the story of Lincoln in the graveyard from Lincoln’s perspective, why not tell it from graveyard’s point of view, more specifically, the ghosts within that graveyard? Using this mode of storytelling, Saunders was able to tell the story of Willie’s death and Lincoln’s grief, while also including whimsical elements, whacky characters and sharp dialogue.

The meat of the story begins in the White House. The Lincolns hosted a party one evening, during which Mary Todd Lincoln made several trips upstairs. There, in his room was Willie, dying of Typhoid fever, believed by scholars to have been caused by the contaminated Potomac River, from which the White House drew its

water supply. This part of the story is told from the perspectives of various party goers and others.

The story then eventually shifts to focus on a number of ghosts in Oak Hill Cemetery as they welcome the lonely soul of little Lincoln.

His father’s return to the tomb that night causes quite a stir among the spectral spectators and forces them to contemplate the life they’ve left behind and what waits beyond the graveyard.

Saunders’ playful and unusually constructed novel spins a tale of paternal love, loss and has something to teach everyone about not what it is to die, but what we all, even the youngest among us, leave behind.

“Most of time, like anybody, I’m just trying not to think about death,” Saunders said. “I don’t like to acknowledge the reality of it,

but there are times when you have to stop and think, ‘Wow, that’s incredible. This is actually gonna happen to us.’ It’s terrifying, but I also get the sense that it could be very enlightening if we let ourselves really believe that we all are going to die.”

“Lincoln in the Bardo” will be released on Valentine's Day in print, electronic and audio formats. The audiobook features the voices of Ben Stiller, Susan Sarandon, Nick Offerman, Julianne Moore, Rainn Wilson, Bill Hader, Don Cheadle and so many others.

Saunders will be signing copies of his book at Off Square Books Wednesday, February 22 at 5 p.m., just two days after the 155th anniversary of the death Willie Lincoln. chaning.green@journalin.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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Oxford School Board to vote on Winter Institute MOA

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

This month, the Oxford School Board will be voting on whether or not to adopt a proposal from William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. The proposal would expand inclusionary training for teachers and staff at the school, as well as introduce what are known as community Welcome Tables that would be open to teachers, students and community members.

The Welcome Tables would not be mandatory by any party. Neither students nor teachers would be required to attend them. The hope is that they would choose to do so in order to open a dialog regarding many facets of interaction, including race relations, that take place within the school district and its relationship with the broader community.

For the training, specialists from the Winter Institute would work with all faculty and staff in the district to

promote a better understanding of how implicit bias can affect the classroom, as well as educating them racial and cultural sensitivity. This training has already begun in Della Davidson Elementary School and Oxford Intermediate School, but the board would have to approve its implementation to all schools within the district.

The relationship between the Oxford School District and the Winter Institute began around the middle of last year when different schools in the area, including the OSD, asked about the inclusionary training that the institute provides to different departments on campus as well as to universities and organizations all over the country.

“Around the same time as we were getting ready to do this training, there was the issue that happened in late September and was printed in 'The Charger' newspaper,” said April Grayson, who oversees the Welcome Table program for the insti-

tute. “Through this incident, it became very apparent that there was some distrust between a lot of community members and district officials. Our process is designed to nurture trust and build relationships so that you can sort of move beyond personal dynamics and into those hard topics.”

After this, Grayson, with the support of her colleagues, approached the school board and pitched them the idea of offering the Welcome Table to the community. The board was in-

teresting in hearing more about the program and wanted to begin a conversation about it.

Welcome Tables function as a sort of community discussion. Groups consist of about 25 to 30 participants who sit together and just talk. Grayson and a colleague facilitate the sessions.

People come to Welcome Tables to be honest with each other, to say things that others might deem hurtful and share stories of how others have hurt them. It’s meant to open a community dialog

about what’s going on within the district and how better to strengthen their relationship with the broader community.

“We have become a very divided country in many ways and we often fall back on an ‘us vs. them’ mentality,” Grayson said. “We tend to think of people who share an opinion different from ours as ‘the other.’ When we go into conversations with this mentality, we often find ourselves not listening, but rather preparing our argument against the other per-

son. The Welcome Table seeks to break away from that paradigm.

“We’re really excited for the opportunity to work on a deeper level within our own community,”Garyson continued. “I have two kids in the Oxford School District. I’m very invested in the quality of the district, not only in terms of education, but as well as their relationship with the community.”

Anyone with questions or interested in finding out more about the Winter Institute and the Welcome Table program can visit them online at www.winterinstitute.org. To see the full Memorandum of Agreement being voted on by the district, go to www.oxfordsd.org/SchoolBoard, click on “Agenda and Minutes” and select the agenda packet for Monday, January 23. The Winter Institute’s .pdf version of their MOA is the first item under section C. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Oxford High School senior named Regeneron Scholar was four years ago, and they were also an OHS student. We’ve only had three scholars in the last 13 years from Mississippi. I was really happy to have the chance to represent the state in a positive way.

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Oxford High School senior Shawn Chao has been named a Regeneron Scholar, the most prestigious science award available to American high school students. Chao’s work on an algorithm capable of predicting when and where algae will bloom in place like the Mississippi Delta won him the esteemed recognition. Algal blooms have the potential to damage not only ecosystems, but also to severely impact an area’s economy by damaging tourism and destroying water-based crops. Between his classes at OHS an Ole Miss, Chao found time to sit down with Oxford Citizen reporter Chaning Green and discuss the research.

CHANING GREEN: Why algal blooms?

SHAWN CHAO: I was first inspired to explore this around December of 2015.

There was a red tide in the Biloxi area, and I read about how it affected the seafood industry and things like that. That prompted me to read more about algal blooms. I began studying the effect they had on not just the ecosystem, but on public health and the economy. It inspired me to work on something to mitigate this problem.

Growing up, my favorite subject has always been math, so my first instinct

OBITUARIES NETTIE L. COKER Nettie L. Coker, 103, passed away on February 07, 2017, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later

by Serenity-Martin Funeral Home.

JESSIE BENJAMIN HARRIS Jessie Benjamin Harris, 91, died Sunday, February 5, 2017, at Oxford Health and Rehab in Oxford. The funeral service was held February 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Toole officiating.

Burial followed in Eastover Memorial Cemetery.

GREEN: Does this come with a scholarship?

CHAO: It comes with prize money, but this is definitely something that will make me stand out in college applications. I’m still waiting for most of my decisions. This is hopefully going to push me up a bit.

PHOTO BY CHANING GREEN

GREEN: What schools are you considering?

CHAO: I’m definitely looking at MIT. I really enjoyed being able to do research there this past summer. I’ve already gotten into Georgia Tech, so I am considering them, but I’m looking harder at Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Duke, Cornell—places like that.

CalTech also has a really strong focus on research and I really like that. I’m hoping to get some good decisions back from those.

OHS senior Shawn Chao has been named a 2017 Regeneron Scholar for his research on predicting algal bloom. Chao’s reGREEN: Do you know search on the subject has the potential to prevent millions of dollars in ecological damages and loss of tourism revenue in what your major would be? areas adversely affected by aggressive algae.

CHAO: I’m considering was to take a mathematical CHAO: Yes, it is not speGREEN: When did you six-week research intern- applied math and economship at MIT. That was all- ics. I plan to continue this approach to solving this cific to the Delta and can being working on this? problem. That led me to re- be applied to most situaCHAO: I started around expense-paid internship. It form of computational search and develop this al- tions. There are a few as- the end of December ’15, was amazing. It was a modeling and apply it to once-in-a-lifetime oppor- things like stock prices or gorithm. sumptions my model beginning of January ’16. tunity. Something like 2,000 different kids of trends in makes. For example, it GREEN: How does it makes the assumption that GREEN: Who has been people applied, and they the market. Maybe even the area being considered working with you on this? only accepted 80. I was able apply it to machine learnwork?

CHAO: Okay, as an exam- does not undergo much CHAO: A lot of it has been to meet some of the bright- ing. I don’t know if I want to ple, right now, one of the fluid movement. This is independent research, but est students in the world further this exact research biggest environmental is- usually a pretty decent as- my mentor is Dr. Douglas and we’re all still really in college, but I know I sues in the 21st Century is sumption because lakes Shields. He’s a retired scien- close to this day. I’ve been want to take the concepts I global warming. I can pre- susceptible to algal blooms tist with the National Sedi- exposed to so many new learned from this research and apply it to other things He’s ways of thinking. dict the effects of global are often still bodies of mentation Lab. in my future endeavors. warming by changing the water. It’s difficult for algae working as an adjunct proparameter values or input to thrive in moving bodies fessor research consultant GREEN: When did you values in my algorithm and of water or in areas that ex- for the university. He has an find out that were named a GREEN: What have you see how those factors perience a lot of move- office on campus. gained from all this?

Regeneron Scholar? would affect algae concen- ment. Generally speaking, CHAO: I found out on CHAO: Winning all these trations in a particular lake. my algorithm is applicable GREEN: Have you en- January 4. It was right be- awards, though really nice, I can do this with relative to stagnate lakes suscepti- joyed working on this? fore school started back. but the experience that ease because the nature of ble to algal blooms.

CHAO: Absolutely. As I came with it was the most The algorithm also said before, math has almy model allows for substiGREEN: How did that important part for me. It tutions in different places. makes the assumption that ways been my favorite sub- feel? wasn’t about winning all Because my model is so the lake is at equilibrium, ject, so I’ve been doing CHAO: Oh, I was so sur- these awards. Maybe in the simple and efficient, I can so they’re small. Small lakes something I really enjoy. prised. I didn’t think I was beginning, I wanted to win just do that. I can also pre- are the most susceptible to This research project has going to get it. The applica- a few awards, but later on dict where the next algae receiving significant dam- brought me a lot of oppor- tion’s super long, but I just as I matured with the projbloom will be taking place age from algal blooms be- tunities. Not just in the decided to give it a shot. ect, I realized that the based on historical data cause they can develop an learning experiences, but Most of my friends applied learning and all the differentire surface layer of algae the things I have been able for it. That motivated me to ent opportunities were the and stuff like that. that can completely cover to do because of this re- apply for it. I was in shock most important part of this.

GREEN: And this can be the lake and prevent sub- search. I’ve been able to go when I got it. Not many chaning.green@journalinc.com applied anywhere in the surface organisms in the to the International Sci- people from Mississippi get lake from getting sunlight. ence Fair twice. I landed a this award. The last person Twitter: chaningthegreen world? Not just the Delta?

OXFORD CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PHOTOS BY CHANING GREEN

The Lafayette County School Board held their monthly meeting in the elementary school library Monday evening. The change in venue was to accommodate the crowd of parents gathered to watch teachers and students demonstrate for the board some of the skills they are working on in the classroom.

Teachers and students present for Lafayette School Board elementary school library this past Monday. During the meeting, board memThe Lafayette County bers and district officials School District held its Feb- heard from teachers and ruary board meeting in the students from pre-k to secBY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

ond grade who presented on the work they’re doing in the classroom.

This was a way for teachers and parents to show their appreciation for the

school board and the work that they do to keep the district up and running.

The first group up were teachers and students from the second grade. They different demonstrated math and literacy skills for the board. Parents were in the audience to cheer on their little ones and many had their phones out recording.

Teachers from the school’s pre-k program presented the improvement levels of children when they enter the program in August, and how proficient their handwriting and literacy skills are by January. Some students come in barely knowing a single letter of the alphabet, but learn to write their names and sound out words in just five short months with the program.

Kindergarten students demonstrated their literacy skills by reading a short passage they’d constructed about groundhogs. First grade teacher Katie Goodwiller presented before the board on how she incorporates science lessons into the curriculum in order to better prepare students who will encounter the material in their later years of elementary school.

Before the presentations, the board voted to adopt a new five-year strategic plan of goals they would like to achieve as a district by 2021. The first parts of the

plan being implemented are the new Mission and Vision Statements. The newly adopted Vision Statement for the district reads that district aims “To create a distinguished, innovative school community highly regarded for excellence, opportunity and service.” The Mission Statement says the district exists “To provide students an exceptional education in a nurturing environment with devoted people.”

During the fall when teachers will have more professional development days and the start of the new school year, more of the strategic plan will be implemented. This includes their new motto, “Anchored to Excellence.”

The strategic plan features five primary goals for the district in the coming years. In addition to each goal there are several bullet points that mention ways by which students, educators and district officials can work toward these goals. Goal 1 states that “All students are proficient and show growth.” Goal 2 is “Students have access to professional and effective educators.” Goal 3 wants to make sure “Students are ensured a safe and nurturing learning environment.”

Goal 4 insists “Students experience innovative learning opportunities.” The final goal for the district is

that they “Foster mutually beneficial relationships within our community.”

Bullet points listed for achieving these goals stress the importance of things like open communication, increased attendance, the implementation of evidence-based teaching methods and more. For Goal 3, the district is hoping to “cultivate an atmosphere of respect, trust and pride” in the schools so that students and staff can freely exchange ideas and feel valued.

The school board also voted to approve the purchase of a new, full-sized school bus that will come with a wheelchair lift installed. There will also be straps within the school bus for the secure storage of those wheelchairs while the bus is in motion.

The board also approved to adopt the academic calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. This calendar has the new school year beginning on August 4 and then coming to a close next spring with a 60 percent day on May 23.

Superintendent Adam Pugh took the time to call special attention to kindergarten teacher Connie McCluskey and announce that she had been voted the Lafayette County School District Teacher of the Year. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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Food + Film Fest bringing together cuisine and the screen

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The Oxford Film Festival is partnering with the Southern Foodways Alliance and local chefs for the first ever Food + Film Fest. The unique event will be pairing a series of films with a full five-course meal for just $30.

There will be five films screened during the event.

Four of them will be shorts with an hour-long feature bringing the evening to a close. As each film is being screened, attendees will get to eat what is being shown in the film. These films are not just featuring food, but are focused entirely on a particular dish, drink or style of food.

The first film is a short documentary called “I, Whiskey: The Human Spirit” and will be accompanied with whiskey.

There will be nonalcoholic options for children as well as adults who wish to abstain. Other films being shown are “Ira Wallace: A

Seed with a Story,” “Little Kurdistan,” “The Flavor Saver” and “Cutting Chai.”

“Cutting Chai” is the hour-long feature film being shown that night.

The documentary dives into “one of the South’s most notable Indian street food concepts.” The story

follows two-time James Bead Award-nominated chef Meherwan Irani and the crew of head chefs from his restaurant Chai Pani, based out of Georgia, as they make their way through India.

Chef Irani will be present at the screening and

will be cooking food from the film to serve to attendees.

Melanie Addington is the executive director of the film festival. She said that she and the other organizers are looking forward to bringing this unique event to the festi-

val’s programming this year. By bringing this and other unique events to the festival Addington and organizers are hoping attract a broader audience to see what the festival has to offer. Plus, it just sounds like fun.

“You’re going to leave

full,” Addington said. “It’s a good way to go out and grab dinner on a Friday night while still participating in the film festival. It’s a nice date night. If you don’t like whiskey, we’ll also have a full cash bar and we will of course be providing water as well.”

There will be vegetarian options to correspond with each meal. Insomnia Cookies has also donated a cookie for every participant to grab on their way out of the Powerhouse that night.

Food + Film Fest will be happening Friday, February 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Powerhouse. Tickets for the event cost $30 and are being sold entirely separate from all other passes or packages. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Limited space is available, and ticket sales for this event end on February 14.

All ages are welcome. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

City Board appoints committee for parking garage

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

There was standing room only at this month’s City Board meeting due to a large number of Ole Miss journalism students in attendance to learn about city government.

During the mayor’s report that kicks off the meetings, Mayor Pat Patterson made a point to welcome all the Journalism 102 students filling the pews and jokingly told them that if the tried to leave early, he would make sure someone tackled them before they made it to the door.

Getting to business, the mayor said there had been a significant amount of traffic signs stolen recently. He said the city has had trouble keeping them up for week in some areas of the city.

The mayor and police chief will be taking the matter very seriously

from here on out and will not be hesitating bring harsh punishment on those they catch stealing signs.

Shifting gears, the mayor then reiterated the City and Board of Alderman’s commitment to ensuring the residents of Riverside Section 8 housing development find suitable living arrangement as the City begins the process of closing the complex.

“We are working with [the Oxford Housing Authority and Riverside residents] full blast to make that transition as easy as possible,” Patterson said.

“I also welcome any calls to my office about that or any questions you may have. This board is committed to making this transition as easy as possible and as seamless as possible.”

Fire Chief Mark Heath spoke to the board and answered their questions

about controlled burns within the city. Heath spoke to the benefits of controlled burns and said that the white smoke seen

when burning is sign that the area and material being burnt is a “pure burn.” He discussed air quality concerns and how

phere, rather than being forced down by cloud cover.

This was part of a first reading for an ordinance to amend the City’s Fire Protection and Prevention ordinances.

The mayor then appointed a new committee of individuals to oversee the design and building of the parking garage. Serving on the committee will be Jason Bailey, John Morgan, Amanda Hyneman, Mike Harris, Catherine Crews, Coach Ulysses Howell David Krouse, Andy Phillips, Stewart Povall, Mary Allyn Hedges and Tom Sharpe.

The board approved all of the appointments, solidifying the decision. They City will also soon begin accepting design bids from architectural firms burns would only take wishing to oversee the place on clearer days project. when the smoke from chaning.green@journalinc.com burning has a clear path Twitter: chaningthegreen to dispersed in the atmosSpecializing in Employee Benefits for 27 Years

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PAGE 9

Yalobusha and Southern Star team up for pups

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Southern Star Yoga is teaming up with Yalobusha Brewery to hold an open yoga class benefiting the Second Chance Animal Alliance of Water Valley. The event is taking place this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the brewery.

Yoga instructor Emma Finly, who also organized the event, is leading the hour-long class. She got the idea to hold a class in the space when she visited the brewery for a beer tasting. She fell in love with the large open space, the exposed brick and the tall windows that bathe the floor in sunlight. She got in touch with the brewers and asked if they’d be open to letting her hold a class there. They enthusiastically agreed.

Finly spoke to her colleagues at Southern Star

and the people at Yalobusha and they decided to make the class a fundraiser for a local charity. Finly is an animal lover herself and has two rescues, so choosing a local animal shelter was a no-brainer.

Second Chance Animal Alliance is a no-kill shelter that runs entirely off of donations.

“We wanted to make a significant donation and we just though a class would be the perfect way to do that,” Finly said.

“Depending on how the class goes, it could turn into a monthly event and we could continue to help this animal shelter.

It’s going to be a really cool thing that has the potential to turn into something bigger.

All the instructions from Southern Star who will be going are donating their time, as well as their cash, to help out. Finly will be leading the class

while her colleagues help to spot participants and guide them deeper into poses. The class is de-

of beer and socializing.

Participants pay $20 for the class and one beer. If they bring a bag of dog food with them, they get another beer. Absolutely all of the proceeds go directly to benefiting the Second Chance Animal Alliance. Musician Andrew Bryant of the Water Liars will also be performing at the event.

“Recently, my sister brought me to Peru, and while we were there, we saw an unbelievable amount of street dogs,” Finly said. “They were everywhere. They run wild. It was really eye opening. I think people in the United States really don’t appreciate how important shelters are and how we have these sort of things set up. It just opened my eyes. I love dogs, and I want to be signed for all levels, be- able to do something ginners to experts. more.”

The class will last one This event came tohour, followed by an hour gether in less than two

weeks. As of Monday morning, 40 people are signed up for the class, a much higher number than organizers were initially anticipating. The space is large enough and there will be enough instructors present to accommodate that number and more.

Anyone interested in attending the event can reach out to Southern Star on their website www.southernstaryoga.c om. There is also an event page created by Yalobusha Brewing on Facebook. Those who would like to be apart of the class can just go to the event page and mark themselves as “going.”

There is also a GoFundMe page set up for anyone who would like to donate to the shelter, but is unable to attend the event. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Double FROM 1

sponsorship and general support of the festival, which he referred to as one of Oxford’s signature events.

Senior Vice President for the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Pam Swain was at the conference to share some facts about the 10K and 5K races that take place every year before the festival. Last year’s races had over 1,500 participants from 26 states across the country. This year’s racing routes have been updated to better accommodate the city’s expansion and avoid areas under construction.

With different routes for each race, they will begin at the same time this year.

Runners will also be chipped and will get an extremely accurate race time because their chips begin counting the instant they cross the staring line and stop right when the finish line is crossed. For those wishing to know more about the race, register for the event or just check out the new routes, the Cham-

PHOTO BY PAM LOCKE

ber has set up a website w w w. d o u b l e d e c k e r springrun.com where those interested can learn more details concerning this year’s races and Kids’ Fun Run. The University of Mississippi Museum is this year’s presenting sponsor, a title gifted to them by Ole Miss Athletics. Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork addressed the crowd to explain why Ole Miss Athletics is sponsoring the festival on behalf UM Museum. It began with the question of what could Athletics do to give back.

“We will never take this

PHOTO BY JOEY BRENT

Pam Locke’s design was the artwork chosen to represent the 2017 Double Decker Arts Festival. Locke said that she was excited for the opportunity to have her work represent this year’s festival. for granted, but the Ole Miss brand has never been stronger,” Bjork said, reflecting on why he and his colleagues decided to gift the sponsorship title. “It would be easy to just put our logo up there and let Ole Miss Athletics get all the

recognition. But is there another group that we could perhaps market who needs and perhaps deserves the exposure?”

Bjork and his colleagues eventually decided on giving that exposure to the UM Museum. He refereed to their physical location as the “front door” to the university and talked about how a pillar of the university dedicated to art sponsoring Oxford’s art festival

was only appropriate.

The music lineup for the event was also release and features Muddy Magnolias as the Friday night opener for the festival. The official poster art for this year’s festival was also unveiled at the conference. Local Artist Pam Locke’s work was chosen to be the official art for the festival. Locke is a longtime Oxonian and member of Oxford Artist’s Guild.

“I’m really excited to have

the opportunity to do this,” Locke told the crowd as she stood beside a poster of her design. “I’ve been attending Double Decker every year since moving to Oxford as either a shopper or a participant with the Oxford Artist’s Guild. This year I’ll even have my own booth at the festival and I’m very, very excited.” chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

FRIDAY APRIL 28 • 8:00 P.M. - Muddy Magnolias • 7:00 P.M. - Thacker Mountain Radio Hour • 6:00 P.M. - Jimmy “Duck” Holmes

SATURDAY APRIL 29 • • • • • • • •

8:45 P.M. - Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats 7:00 P.M. - Dr. John & The Nite Trippers 5:30 P.M. - Luther Dickinson 4:00 P.M. - James McMurtry 2:30 P.M. - Seratones 1:00 P.M. - Robert Finley 11:30 A.M. - Amelia Eisenhauer and the Peruvian Farm Girls 10:15 A.M. - The Mississippians Jazz Ensemble

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 11

Theatre Oxford to debut two act comedy The Foreigner

BY KATHRYN WINTER STAFF WRITER

The Foreigner is making its debut this Thursday, February 9, at the Powerhouse and will run through a February 12 matinee. Presented by Theatre Oxford, the Foreigner is a comedy that has won two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production.

Tickets for students, seniors and Theatre Oxford members are $15. Nonmembers are $20. Based on what the NY Post describes as a “devilishly clever idea,” the play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) doesn’t know any English.

The Foreigner is a twoact comedy written by American playwright Larry Shue. Director of the Theatre Oxford production is Caren Watts. Watts described the play as a zany comedy with a lot of character development.

“It’s a great story about how a group of strangers can become like family through circumstances,” Watts said. “The play is performed by some of the best actors in the area! We have people who performed with Theatre Oxford before and some who have performed at the Panola Playhouse in Sardis. I love to see a merging of the arts communities in the local area and feel very fortunate that I have gotten to work with such a talented and kind cast and crew.

“The synopsis of the play begins with a scene in a fishing lodge in rural Georgia, which is often visited by “Froggy”

LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base.

This time Froggy has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So Froggy tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should- including the evil plans of a sinister, twofaced minister and his redneck associate. The fact that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant and many other damaging revelations are all spoken because they think Charlie can’t understand. The fact that Charlie can in fact understand them, fuels the nonstop hilarity of the play and sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the “bad guys,” and the good guys emerge triumphant.”

Equal in hilarity to the author’s classic comedy The Nerd, the present play enjoyed a sold-out premiere in Milwaukee before moving on to a long run off-Broadway. The local cast for The Foreigner includes: Andy Belt,

Bill Dabney, Matt Saye, Ashley Scott, John Ross Graham, Rebecca Jernigan and August Rain. “I encourage everyone who wants to know more to come to the play and experience the passion that drives Theatre Oxford,” Watts said. February 9-11, the play starts at 7:30 p.m. and February 12 matinee performance at 2 p.m.

“The thing I love about theatre is that every show is a different experience.

The audience really informs the performance. I love that you can be in a crowd of 50 to 100 plus people and everyone can have a unique experience of their own to the actors, the material, and the themes explored. I am so thankful that Oxford is a community that supports the Arts and continues to support our theatrical endeavors here,” Watts said.

The crew members of the show include: Abby Adams, Adam Davis, Kayleigh Graham, MarBuckley, David jorie Naron, Gayle Adams, John Allan, Tanya Gesmondi and Aaron Harris. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.oxfordarts.com. Anyone who wants to get involved in Theatre Oxford or would like to know about upcoming auditions visit www.theatreoxford.com.

New customers are searching for you online!

Are you being found? http://thrive.ms

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Danny Flowers

Paula Crum

Blake Thompson

Weesie Biedenharn

Danny Flowers

Paula Crum

Weesie Biedenharn

Blake Thompson

Polina Wheeler

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 13

Paula Crum

Cell: 662.701.7789 Office: 662.234.5344 paulacrum.com

Alister Cove at the Highlands $129,000-$159,000

Come live in the Highlands of Oxford, MS where nature is always present. Select your Highlands’ Lot NOW before they are all taken! No time restrictions to start. You can begin your custom home when you are ready to build, but immediately begin taking advantage of the private ~80 Acre spring fed Trophy Lake and all the numerous amenities of Braemar Park right away. (Minimum required (heated/cooled) space is a minimum of 2500 square feet.). MLS# 136853.

Call Paula Crum – 662.701.7789.

3018 Highlands Circle $585,000 303 Downing THE HIGHLANDS - Professionally decorated, custom built home w/ open floorplan (City of Oxford Schools); every BR has a bath, 4BR, 4BA (2 down & 2 up), stainless appliance pkg, hardwood floors, 10’ smooth ceilings, 8’ solid wood doors, kitchen opens to the Keeping Room, built-in bookcases, stone fireplace, Wet Bar, breakfast area and large screened porch that includes a fireplace for those chilly nights for roasting marshmallows. House is encapsulated with foam insulation; backyard has an iron-type fence. Access to ~80-acre Trophy Lake & ~30-acre Park. MLS#136645. Call Paula Crum- 662-701-7789.

Shaun Hudson

Email: bewise@bellsouth.net

Email: shauntmhomes@gmail.com

Blake Thompson

Cell: 662.801.7014 Office: 662.234.5344

Email: caroline@tmhomes.com www.youroxfordhome.com

Email: blake@tmhomes.com

Weesie Biedenharn HIGH POINT CONDOS - Immaculate 3 bedrooms/3 full bath attached condo in West Oxford with gated entry in a premium location. Perfect for roommates or a ballgame weekend getaway. Large bedrooms, open kitchen & living area, appliances included, and a covered back patio with storage room. Hardwood flooring upgrades, lots of cabinets and great closets. Move-in ready! MLS# 137560.

Call Amanda Miller- 662-213-2764.

Cell: 901.870.4626 Office: 662.234.5344

Cell: 662.234.5344 Office: 662.234.5344

Cell: 662.801.0878 Office: 662.234.5344

$159,900

WOODLAND HILLS - TWO MASTER BEDROOMs (up & down), 4BR/3.5BA , 1.5 acres, kitchen w/double oven, built-in desk, breakfast area with picturesque view, laundry room, separate dining room, large family rm w/gas fireplace and bookshelves, BR upstairs can be used as Playroom or Media Rm, MBR is comfortably spacious w/Master Bath w/two sinks, jetted tub, shower; detached brick garage/workroom; storage galore, hardwood floors all downstairs, except tiled kitchen and Laundry Rm, 1/2 bath off garage for easy clean-up. Lovely front porch to enjoy view of trees & private patio off family room for those cookouts.

MLS# 137450. Call Paula Crum – 662.701.7789.

Betty Wiseman

Caroline Felker

1305 PR 3097

$374,660 103 Woodland Hills$360,000

COBBLESTONE PARK - Spacious home with a view of the large pond and very affordably priced! 4BR/3BA, huge kitchen, granite countertops, double walk-in pantries, eat in kitchen, dining room, family room completes the Main Floor. Upstairs, another BR and Bath with a huge finished bonus room utilized at the Home Theater complete with Cotton Candy and Popcorn Machine! Storage room galore!

MLS# 136466. Call Paula Crum- 662-701-7789.

Cell: 662.638.5332 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: weesie@tmhomes.com

2115 W. Wellsgate $366,000

WELLSGATE - Come be a part of one of Oxford's most prestigious neighborhoods in this custom built home!

This great home sits in the back of Wellsgate & backs up to one of Wellsgate's natural lakes where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets. Kitchen with custom oak cabinets and stainless appliances features solid granite counter tops. Hardwood, ceramic, and carpeted floors throughout the home. Family room with a fireplace on lower level. Two pantries for storing your goods. Breakfast area looks out to the lake.

Jetted tubs in the bathrooms. Sellers giving $1k allowances for both carpet and appliances. MLS# 137482. Call Blake Thompson - 662-801-7014.

Sanders Edmonson

Cell: 662.889.8046 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: sanders@tmhomes.com

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Polina Wheeler

Eileen Saunders

Cell: 662.404.0816 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: eileen@tmhomes.com

Cell: 662.401.4632 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: polina@tmhomes.com

317 Windsor Dr. N $335,000

WINDSOR FALLS - Beautiful 4 bedroom/3 bath in popular neighborhood. Customized Indianola plan includes a slightly larger kitchen, 4th bedroom (full bath and closet) upstairs that could also be used as a bonus room, office or guest room. Built-in cabinets surrounding fireplace. Covered patio accessible to master bedroom and kitchen. Fenced yard for privacy. Community pool access for an extra $300/year. Approx. 2 miles to Baptist Memorial, 3 miles to the Square. MLS# 136673.

Call Eileen Saunders- 662-404-0816.

Danny Flowers

Cell: 662.816.7294 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: danny@tmhomes.com

1017 CR 251, Oxford

$339,000 172 Chickasaw, Pope$399,500 506 CR 210, Oxford$379,500

Property includes a 3BD/3BA home and 47 acres. Approximately half pasture and half wooded, storm shelter, fenced pasture, deer stands, cleared shooting lanes, horse barn, ATV storage, other storage building, pond, and heated tile floor in master bath are just some of the amenities. Not far from town but quiet country living or just a get away. Little Q quail preserve is across the street. MLS# 136965.

Call Danny Flowers – 662-816-7294.

Wonderful custom built house on 17.2 fenced acres. Close to the Chickasaw Hill Campgrounds and boat ramps.

Owner is ready to Sell. MLS# 137014. Call Danny Flowers – 662-816-7294.

Quiet country living with acreage less than 10 miles from town. Even the walls are insulated to make it more quiet.

Home also features a storm shelter. Call Danny Flowers – 662-816-7294.

Vic Sullivan 480 Cotton Rd., Taylor $279,500 115 CR 471

24 +/- acres with ranch style home with some remodeling. Property has a pond and 4-5 acres of cleared pasture for horses. Approximate 1 mile to Taylor Grocery and less than a mile to Plain Air. MLS# 137277. Call Danny Flowers- 662-816-7294.

$380,000

OXFORD - Wonderful secluded house with guest house, pond, workshop on 14 wooded acres minutes from the square.

MLS#137517.

Call Danny Flowers- 662-816-7294.

Cell: 662.228.6025 Office: 662.234.5344

Email: vic@tmhomes.com

Stan Abel

Cell: 662.816.9363 Office: 662.234.5344

Email: stan@tmhomes.com

206 Avalon Lane $194,500

THE GABLES - Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home with an open floor plan just 3.5 miles from the Oxford Square. Easy access to shopping, schools and entertainment. This charming home is low maintenance and perfect for a busy lifestyle. Nine foot ceilings throughout the home with a cathedral ceiling in the Master. Master bath has double vanities, a jetted tub and a walk-in shower.

Hardwood floors in the living area and carpets in the bed rooms with tile in the baths. MLS# 137553.

Call Vic Sullivan - 662-228-6025.

Kaye Ladd 404 Taylor Ridge Lane$285,000

Taylor-Greene - Proposed construction starting soon. Should be available before Christmas 2016. Open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with a formal living room. Still time to pick your finishings.

Please Builder is a licensed Mississippi real estate agent and listing agent. MLS# 136748. Call Stan Abel- 662-816-9363.

Cell: 662.891.5837 Office: 662.234.5344

Email: kaye@tmhomes.com

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 15

Martin Mesecke

Cell: 662.771.1155 Office: 662.842.3844 Email: martin@tmhomes.com

231 PR 3049

$168,900 2100 Old Taylor Rd. #322 $189,900 12004 Water Ridge Dr.$639,900

135 Yancy

$165,000 167 Keenum

THE SOLEIL - Very popular unit. TURNBERRY - 3 bedroom 2 bath condo Freestanding 3 bedroom, 2 .5 bathroom close to Ole Miss campus. MLS# 137505. cottage style condo. Front door parking, Call Sadie Smith- 662-678-3033. lots of green space, gated community.

MLS# 137010.

Call Martin Mesecke- 662-715-1111.

WELLSGATE - Beautiful 4BR/4.5BA home with inground pool overlooking lake. Open floorplan with large 2 story living room highlighted by a stone fireplace.

Home features wooden beams, columns and bead board ceilings. The large kitchen/keeping room combination was a brick hearth over the gas cooktop.

Large master suite is on main level with a sitting area.

Screened porch on the back leads to a large patio and inground pool. Professionally landscaped with irrigation system. Agent is related to the sellers. MLS# 137214. Call Meredith Martin- 662-401-0811.

Nicole Cain Wright

Cell: 662.617.5744 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: nicolec@tmhomes.com

BRUCE - Country Living at its finest. this lovely wood and stone home is located in one of Bruce's nicest neighborhoods boasting wood floors throughout, Open floor plan on main level and tons of closet space. the lower level offers a cozy family room with a gas fireplace. the wooded lot is located on a stunning lake with lots of deck space to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Another amazing feature is the access to the neighborhood pool. MLS# 136109. Call Nicole Cain Wright- 662-617-5744.

$88,000 405 CR 102

Calhoun City - 3 bedroom 2 bath home on 2 acres. storage building on the property stays, home is currently rented Perfect for a family or a rental property.

MLS# 136746. Call Nicole Cain Wright – 662-617-5744.

$95,000

PITTSBORO - This 4 Bedroom 2 bath has plenty of space for a growing family.

Enjoy the peace and quiet on any of the three porches. Beautiful mature landscaping and shade trees. Storage buildings and playhouse on the property. MLS# 136540. Call Nicole Cain Wright – 662-617-5744.

OXFORD| TUPELO 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, 662.234.5344 210 East Main St., Tupelo, 662.842.3844 tmhomes.com

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Ben Mikell Sports Writer

Oxford Strong: Lady Chargers motivated by Tragic events

M

any teams would be thrilled at the thought of going undefeated and untied capped off with a state championship. That's what the Oxford Lady Chargers did by defeating the West Harrison Lady Hurricanes for the second consecutive year and in going 20-0. Most teams would celebrate such a feat in any sport that is able to accomplish it. We could talk about the history made about the first undefeated soccer team in school history or that both Lady Charger and Charger soccer teams won the title in the same season for the first time.

However, the thought of going undefeated never truly crossed the minds of this Oxford team. Frankly, going undefeated and running their win streak to 29 games was just something that happened to them.

Three tragic events all happening one right after another in August and playing for those in memory to go back-to-back was all that mattered to this team, not going through the entire season without a loss to their record. It really meant more to these players than having an unblemished record.

Junior forward Ally Shinall's little brother eight-year-old Trevor was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia and has since been in remission. It has been a really hard six months for this family. Ally Shinall has been driven to perform her best through the tough times. She has helped the Girls Cross Country team to a second place finish and has been a big help to keep defenders off of Morgan O'Connor.

She did it for Trevor.

Morgan and her older sister Bailey O'Connor was also hit with a tragic illness to their family. Their mother Jennifer O'Connor was diagnosed with brain cancer after finding a tumor within her. Bailey is a senior and is the team's starting goalkeeper while Morgan is the do-it-all freshmen forward for the Lady Chargers who broke the single season school record for goals scored before the turn of the calendar this season. They did it for Jennifer.

The most well known tragic event occurred with freshmen midfielder Wesley TURN TO STRONG PAGE 17

JOEY BRENT

Jordan Freeze was recently selected to play in the North-South All-Star basketball game.

Leading the Way Freeze has stepped up for OHS Lady Chargers

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS WRITER

Jordan Freeze's importance to the Oxford Lady Chargers this season can't be understated. Her all-around ability has been a blessing to coach Cliff Ormon, who lost the services of his starting point guard, Tiara King, before the season started in a car wreck.

Anything a player can do on the court, Freeze has done for Ormon. She has increased her ball handling skills and she's become a better rebounder and defender.

“Actually this year, I think she has played harder than she did last year and it's just not showing up in the stats and the win column,” Ormon said. “On film, you see her doing things in so many different ways.”

A big smile covered Freeze's face when she started to talk about stepping up more for the team compared to last season.

“I've had to handle the ball more and everything so my game has definitely expanded,” Freeze said. “I knew that Tiara was definitely one of our big leaders on the team and we've been close friends.

She told me that I had to step up and Coach Ormon also had a talk with me about stepping up before the wreck.”

Freeze is a shooter first and a player that teams have to account for on offense each game. Her ball handling has improved so much as the year has progressed that Freeze is able to take defenders off the dribble and use ball screens set by her teammates to get open. Her rebounding is something that Ormon has really been pleased with.

“She had nine rebounds in a game the other night. Against Saltillo was one of those games where you could see her allaround game just kind of take place,” Ormon said. “She almost had a quadruple double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and nine steals. Just a good

all-around game for her.”

Freeze was named to the North-South All-Star game for juniors which show the strides she has made.

“We've put her on some really good players because of her ability to defend.

She has definitely impacted us in other ways than just shooting the basketball,” Ormon said. “The thing about Jordan is that she is seeing the other team's best defender or they are running a special defense at her. She is a known person now when we walk into the gym. She's having to take some shots that are contested. We want her take them because once she sees them go through, she can make lots and lots of them in a row. She has been a difference maker because teams do key in on her. We've been able to get some things by using her as a decoy sometimes.”

Without Freeze improving as a player, TURN TO FREEZE PAGE 21

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 17

Linzy likes where LHS Lady 'Dores are at late in the season

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS WRITER

A chance to build on a season filled with success will come this week and next for the Lafayette Lady Commodores.

Coach Shayne Linzy saw his team earn the No. 2 seed in Division 2-4A play this season, which means they have already earned a spot in the upcoming MHSAA playoffs.

Lafayette earned a bye in next week's division tournament. A division tournament title would give the Lady Commodores the top seed and a better hosting position when the playoffs begin.

Lafayette had 21 wins in 24 games heading into the final week of the regular season. Additional players have come of age in the last few weeks, and Linzy likes the depth of his team. He saw that in the win at New Site this past weekend.

“When you get to this final week, you hope the things that you have been working on and stressing that the girls have finally accepted and really started to work on things,” Linzy said. “I believe they have. We still have some lapses offensively and defensively but that's all a part of playing basketball.

When you play a team that does something really well, sometimes you're going to have some mistakes. We have done a very good job of staying on track of what we want to do as a team to be successful.”

The Lady Commodores will play the winner of the Ripley-Tunica Rosa Fort game in their first game of the division tournament.

Tunica is hosting the tournament, which would make things interesting from a

JOHN DAVIS

Shayne Linzy and his Lafayette Lady Commodores are heading into the final week of the regular season and looking to build on a strong regular season in the Division 2-4A tournament. home court standpoint.

“That would be a whole other challenge to us to have to play Rosa Fort in their own gym. If Ripley beats Rosa Fort as they are expected to as the No. 3 seed, then we will face a team that we beat and they've got the hunter mentality,” Linzy said. “We have a tough task either way. We have to make sure that we have the right attitude. The division tournament is that second season. We have to handle our business and we have to make sure we're doing everything correctly and

Strong FROM 16

Warrington who was one of the 11 children who lost their parents to the plane crash in Tuscaloosa that took the lives of the Jason and Lea Farese, Austin and Angie Poole, and Michael and Kim Perry. Warrington is a seldom used player on the team but did have a goal on the season that came against New Hope. She was part of "our 11".

keep doing the things that have made us successful.”

Byhalia is the only team that defeated Lafayette in 24A play this year. That game was played away from Lafayette and the Lady Indians shot the ball very well. If there were four more minutes in the game, Linzy thought his team would have been able to come all the way back from an early deficit.

“I think people know who Byhalia is state wide and I still think they're in that situation where they're under the radar. They're a very

Most sports teams, even football teams, may only have one tragic event happen to that team once every few seasons that directly affects one or all members of the team. This Lady Charger team had three happen in the same month. It was not the way they really wanted to bond together as a unit this season, but god may have had a plan for the 32 members of this team for this season and this was a way to grow closer to each teammate.

Through it all, the Oxford Lady

good team and we would have to play really well to beat them,” Linzy said. “I think we can and I think the girls would look forward to playing Byhalia again. I want them to make sure they are focusing on handling the first business, the first game, first.”

Linzy felt like his team was ready for the tournament atmosphere and the playoffs overall. He was counting on the seniors to see the team through.

“They know that the season is winding down and from talking with them and

Charger soccer team was able to stand together.

Oxford's athletic program has skyrocketed throughout the past decade. It has grown so much that each sport is supporting the other sports. Everyone not involved in football goes out to support the team.

The football players return the favor on the Volleyball court.

Much of the baseball team has supported the soccer team especially during the playoff run as baseball practice officially started last week.

watching them play, you can tell they're still having a good time playing,” Linzy said. “That tells me that they don't want to stop playing.

New Site was a great way of looking at that. We jumped out ahead early in the first quarter and then in the second and third quarter, we were kind of coasting. New Site took advantage of it and led by two going into the fourth quarter. The girls started to pick it up again and we were able to come out with a win because they didn't want to lose. That's what I have been looking for

There's a reason why Oxford has won at least two titles in each of the last 10 years and winning 38 over that span. No matter what sport any of the student-athletes are involved in, they are all Oxford strong and support each other.

Whatever it is for our 11, for Trevor, for Jennifer or for anybody else that may have an ill family member or grieving from one, Oxford will always stand together and be Oxford strong through the thick of it all.

all year.”

The attitude that the Lady Commodores showed in the win over New Site is what Linzy wants his team to play with the rest of the year.

“Every game could be your last, especially when it comes to your seniors. We still have four games before that's the case, but I think they're ready and I think they're excited and do what it takes to give us a chance to win and be successful,” Linzy said.

The regular season will come to an end Friday for Lafayette at Potts Camp.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

USA TODAY

C.J. Johnson, the former Ole Miss defensive end, recently wrapped his first season as a defensive line assistant at East Mississippi Community College.

Johnson Makes Seamless Transition to Coaching

BY BEN GARRETT SPECIAL TO OXFORD CITIZEN

C.J. Johnson always knew his future was in coaching.

He just didn’t realize that future would arrive so soon.

Johnson, the former Ole Miss defensive end, recently wrapped his first season as a defensive line assistant at East Mississippi Community College. Johnson started 37 games in his Rebel career, finishing with 148 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks over five seasons.

“The transition’s been al-

most seamless, just for the simple fact that I knew I wanted to get into coaching right after I was done playing ball,” Johnson said.

Johnson signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent following the 2016 NFL Draft. However, he was unable to practice with the team following his recovery from emergency hernia surgery – a procedure he he underwent three weeks before the three-day draft. After nine weeks, the Patriots cut him.

But Johnson was pre-

pared. He immediately called his high school head coach, Teddy Dyess, as well as Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze – both of whom are friends with EMCC head coach Buddy Stephens. They put in a good word, and Stephens created a job just for Johnson.

“They had a guy, actually, already in place,” Johnson said. “They kind of just threw in a little extra deal to bring me on the staff, so the staff was really already complete. I just had to squeak in there right before the season

started. I didn’t know how long New England was keeping me. I kind of had a feeling that something could go wrong. I was trying to keep a card in my back pocket in case I needed to get a job. It was a blessing for me.”

Johnson said he tries to be himself with his players.

EMCC finished 11-1 last season and No. 2 in the country.

The Lions closed out the year with a 27-17 win over No. 13 Kilgore (Texas) College in the Mississippi Bowl, preserving a perfect (5-0)

postseason record for Stephens in his nine seasons leading the program.

“I’m really, kind of, me off the field,” Johnson said. “I try to be me and give the guys a guy who’s just done it, kind of a pretty raw perspective different from what they hear from our coaches on a day-to-day basis. I’m more of a ‘hoorah’ kind of guy. I’m always up, I’m always loud, I’m always jumping around and banging people. My job, I feel like, is I have to bring the energy, and if I bring it every day, there will be some

days where our guys will be here or our leaders who are down and I’ll pick them up.”

Coaching is nothing new to Johnson. His coaches at Ole Miss often referred to him as a coach on the field due to his almost-encyclopedic knowledge of the Rebel defense. Johnson knew the assignments of every player on defense – details he picked up from regular drop-in film sessions and concept discussions with former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Dave Wommack.

BRIEFING Adult Volleyball League registration Don’t miss a chance to be a part of history. The Adult Volleyball League in the Oxford Park Commission is currently registering for the spring.

The co-ed league will be held on Wednesday nights from 6 until 8 in the OPC Activity Center.

First match is set for March 1.

The league will be 6 versus 6.

Cost is $100 per team. Ten people per team is the maximum allowed. For more information on the league or to sign up, visit www.oxfordparkcommission.co m.

Baseball/Softball registration Registration for baseball and

softball in the Oxford Park Commission is ongoing and will continue through Feb. 10. Cost to register is $50 per child. The season will begin April 10. Ages for baseball range from 5 to 15, while for softball ages range from 5 to 14. Registration can be in person at the OPC’s main office located at 310 South 15th Street or at the activity center located at 400 Price Street. For more information on the pro-

grams or to register online, visit www.oxfordparkcommission.co m.

as well as mixed doubles. Doubles is not often a focus for most junior tournaments, but the goal is to take a weekend leading up to the high school tennis season Youth Tennis to focus on playing all doubles.

Tournament So if you're 18 or younger, grab a The Oxford Doubles Champi- partner or two and come get ready to work the net later this onships is set for Feb. 17-19 at the FNC Tennis Center. The dou- month. Tournament Registrables only tournament drew over tion can be found at 130 players in 2016. The tourna- http://m.tennislink.usta.com/to urnamenthome?T=195560 ment is open for girls and guys

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 19

Lafayette takes two from Kossuth on Senior Night

BY BEN MIKELL SPORTS WRITER

The Lafayette Commodores managed to win its second game in as many nights by overpowering the Kossuth Aggies 53-38 on Senior Night Tuesday night in the LHS gym. The Commodores defeated Walnut Monday night at home 50-45 to help post their first winning streak since December 29.

Lafayette (10-13 overall) struggled early against Kossuth (12-12) and led 16-14 after the first quarter. After a 6-0 Aggie run to regain a 20-16 lead on the Commodores, Lafayette used a 13-2 run to get the lead back for good and led 29-24 at halftime. After the break, Lafayette coach

John Sherman thought his team played better defense once his team recognized what Kossuth was trying to do on offense.

"You can't ever relax against a team like that," Sherman said of Kossuth.

"They can shoot it; they know how to play. If you relax, they are going to lay it up. They are going to drive it and find the open man. We talked at halftime about guarding the cutters, being aware of the cutters and I think we did a better job of that. We hit some shots and guarded the shooters pretty well.

We had a good fourth quarter."

Lafayette had four players finish in double figures, led by Stephon Isom with a game-high 14 points and five rebounds.

Cory Williams and Keilan Buford each added 11 points and six rebounds.

Jonah Matlock chipped in 10 points for the Commodores. Dalton Lovelace, Jonah Smith, and TJ Essary each led the Aggies with a team-high nine points.

Kossuth was held to just 13-for-39 shooting in the contest, a 33 percent clip.

LADY DORES ROLL It was an all around effort across the board by the Lafayette Lady Commodores as they cruised over the Kossuth Lady Aggies 62-20.

Early on in the contest, both offenses were stagnant as Lafayette (22-3) settled for jump shots while Kossuth (19-8) just couldn't make much the entire game connecting

on just four field goals. The Lady Commodores led just 10-4 after the first quarter. Once the Lady Commodores started forcing turnovers and turning them into layups, they were able to control the contest.

"We were playing (Kossuth) for a different defense," Lafayette coach Shayne Linzy said. "Kossuth had some illnesses they were dealing with and instead of playing in their normal man they came in a zone. It wasn't something we were expecting, but it shouldn't have affected us any. We came out and settled for some threes early on that we probably shouldn't have settled for. I think the key word was 'settled'.

Once we settled down our-

selves and got into a rhythm, we played much better. " Heading into the 2-4A Tournament next week, Linzy thinks his team is nearing its peak at the right time.

"I really think we are playing well," Linzy said.

"Like any other team, sometimes you aren't hitting shots, that's part of the game. Part of that is credit to the other team doing a good job defensively. Part of it is just taking us a little bit to get in a rhythm. I want to make sure we shore up some defensive areas on help side defense."

Shaniyah Buford lead Lafayette with a gamehigh 15 points and four steals. Xhiir Burgess added 12 points for the Lady

Commodores. Ten different players scored for Lafayette. The Lady Aggies had eight different players score, but no player scored more than four points.

Kossuth scored 12 of their 20 points from the free throw line.

TIP-INS The 2-4A Tournament times at Rosa Fort are set for next week. The Commodores will play Senatobia Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Commodores will play at 4:00 p.m. next Thursday against the winner of Tuesday's Ripley and Rosa Fort contest.

Lafayette's last regular season game is Friday night when they travel to Potts Camp. Girls will tip at 6:00 p.m. with the boys game to follow.

PERFECT SEASON

COURTESY

A season to remember is what the Lafayette seventh grade Commodores provided for their coach Lee Gray. The team went undefeated in Gray's second season coaching at the middle school. Gray said he was proud of every young man that has come through the program, and not only for their athletic achievements but even more importantly for their growth as young men of great character.

“This team accomplished some amazing things on the court this year, finishing the season undefeated, and I consider myself extremely blessed to work with them each day,” Gray said.

“We have incredible support from our parents, community, faculty and administration. My main goal for every team that I coach is to do everything in my power to equip these young men with everything they need to be successful in life; to ensure that they grow into young men of great moral character and hopefully somewhere along the way we learn how play a little basketball. The kids I work with each day are truly a testament to hard work and personal growth. Every young man I coach makes my job so easy and loveable.”

Members of the team include: front row, l. to r., Lee Goolsby, Xahkhyrien Pegues, Kewun Rockette, Jeremiah Tanner, Takyland Hilliard, Immanuel Barragan, John Dukes and back row, l. to r., Caden Crowson, Tyhjen Stokes, Kylen Vaughn, Trikyus Woodall, Zay'lan Pitts and Bralen Williams.

PAGE 20

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

CHAMPIONSHIP CHARGERS

BEN MIKELL

For the first time in school history, the Oxford Chargers brought home the Class 5A soccer state championship for both the boys’ and the girls’ teams after each team won with shutouts Saturday in Madison.

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the Lady Chargers would have really struggled in some more games offensively.

“As the season has gone on, our other players have realized they have to do their job even better and that has taken some of the pressure off,” Ormon said.

There is still room to improve on, like hitting more free throws, Freeze said. She was looking to give a consistent performance the rest of the games this season. The Lady Chargers will have to beat a team they play in the division tournament for a third time, and that's always hard to do.

“They know they do but they know what you do well.

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from this first game with Calhoun City, we only had one day to practice without Tiara. To see how we've come together and through the inexperience, getting second and moving on to playoffs is a good thing for sure.”

Freeze felt like a good junior year could set her up for an even better senior season. She hasn't thought about playing basketball in college but she is excited about everyone coming back as the team moves up to Class 6A. As for playing in the All-Star game, which is in March, she was excited about that opportunity.

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Citizen

PAGE 22

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Methodist Rehabilitation Center is looking for a Community Outreach Registered Nurse in the Northern Mississippi area to enhance the referrals that we receive from that region. This nursing liaison position combines the clinical patient assessment skills (50% of time) of a Registered Nurse with marketing and sales (50% of time). Daily travel within the territory is required. This exciting opportunity will challenge anyone looking to expand their traditional nursing role. Covering the North Mississippi territory, this individual will be responsible for developing relationships with potential referral sources and for working with physicians, case managers, social workers, etc. to ensure continued referrals and admissions to MRC. Candidate must be a Registered Nurse with current MS licensure and excellent computer skills.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017