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Mardi Gras is February 9!

FRIDAY JANUARY 29, 2016

The

Reflector

130 th YEAR ISSUE 29

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

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SA Presedential debate

Sarah Story | The Reflector Student Association Executive Presidential candidates Roxanne Raven (top left) and Cole Wood (top right) answer questions during a debate Wednesday evening in the Colvard Student Union.

2016 SA ELECTIONS DEBATE HOSTS LARGE TURNOUT The crowd clamoured for standing space as the debate started. After a short word from unopposed Vice President candidate Hunt Walne, Mississippi State University Event Staff removed the room divider to accommodate for the large, unexpected turnout.

SA Elections Commissioner Jamie Aron said Chi Omega was the single largest group, bringing 120 members to the debate, and won $100 for being the organization with the most members in attendance.

Each candidate answered questions posed by Reflector Editor-in-Chief,

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

Student Association election candidates advanced their platforms and defended against rebuttals Wednesday night during the 2016 SA Elections Debate officiated by The Reflector in the Colvard Student Union Ballroom.

MSU bans hoverboards in buildings

MSU Student Association

Staff Writer

BAN, 2

Weather

Reflections

Constitution, Statutes & By-Laws 2015-2016

Starkville, MSU and the Mississippi Department of Transportation share draft of potential changes to Highway 12

by Reed Gaddis Staff Writer

Senate hearing set for Tuesday

by Lacretia Wimbley Editor-in-chief

A closed judicial hearing for Student Association President JoJo Dodd takes

place Friday and an open SA Senate hearing is set to take place next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Fowlkes Auditorium, in light of a constitutional violation Dodd committed earlier this week.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

HI: 60 LO: 39 SKY: Sun

HI: 68 LO: 49 SKY: Sun

HI: 70 LO: 56 SKY: Cloudy

POP: 0%

POP: 0%

POP: 10%

Bek Yake, The Reflector

Hwy 12 to see major changes

“The Elections Board and SA Executive Officers shall not wear or display any type of campaign materials. Furthermore, the Elections Board and SA Executive Officers shall not publically express support of any candidate.”

by Emmalyne Kwansy

As of Monday, hoverboards are now banned from all Mississippi State University campus buildings.

Executive Council of MSU made this decision in the interest of student safety. Hoverboards are seen as a potential fire risk because they have been known to catch flame unexpectedly. The lithium ion batteries inside these devices have caught fire and reportedly destroyed bedrooms and entire homes in some cases.

There has been no discovered way to avoid these potential fires.

Lacretia Wimbley, as well as the crowd, and had the opportunity to make rebuttals against their opponents’ answers.

The subject matter of the debate covered most aspects of MSU student life, but across all candidates ‘inclusion’ was the buzzword of the night.

Students running for Executive Council seats include Hunt Walne (unopposed) for VP, Gavin King (unopposed) for Attorney General, Elaine Vyles and Tyler McMurray for Secretary, and Katherine Nash and Ashley Brooks for Treasurer.

SA presidential candidate and current Vice President Roxanne Raven broke constitutional rules as well earlier this week, and was issued a violation Thursday because her Twitter account originally retweeted Dodd’s endorsement.

Possible changes could now be implenmented along Mississippi Highway 12 through portions of the Starkville area. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, a large number of car accidents have occured along Highway 12 and a raised median, instead of a continual turning lane, could help with safety and traffic.

According to an October 2015 press release, individuals representing Mississippi State University, the City of Starkville and

MDOT met and came to an agreement on a shared vision to advance Highway 12.

In relation to the press release, MSU President Mark E. Keenum said, “This project that will benefit the city and university is an example of the progress that can be accomplished in a spirit of cooperation with a common purpose of bettering the community.”

Sid Salter, MSU Chief Communications Officer, said although the project is not a university initiative the university is in active partnership with MDOT on the south road project and are generally supportive of MDOT’s efforts both locally, throughout the region and statewide.

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NEWS

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

WHATʼS HAPPENING IN TOWN?

Jan. 25 the Starkville Police Department and U.S. Marshall Service obtained a warrant to search 107 Colonel Muldrow Ave in Starkville and found a large amount of cash and several pounds of marijuana.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015 11:00 a.m. A student was arrested at his residence in Starkvile for Felony sale of Schedule II and three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 11:04 a.m. A student reported someone on a bicycle ran into her vehicle on Lee Boulevard causing damages.

1:53 p.m. A student reported his bicycle was stolen from McCool Hall.

8:55 p.m. A student reported individuals stealing scrap metal near the Wise Center.

Timothy Williams, 50 years old from Tennessee was arrested for Traffi cking and his bail is set at $20,000.

Alexander Hollingsworth, 22, from Starkville and MSU student, was arrested for Trafficking. His bail is set at $10,000.

Austin Waddell, 22 and from Starkville, was arrested for Possession.

Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 1:50 a.m. Students were issued student referrals for trespassing inside Davis Wade Stadium.

HEARING On Jan. 25, Dodd violated the SA constitution by publicly endorsing SA presidential candidate and current SA Vice President Roxanne Raven, releasing a statement via Twitter in support of her.

Following this, the SA Senate began an impeachment process on the night of Jan. 26, requesting that Dodd recant his statement from social media, make a statement recognizing the unconstitutional nature of his actions and apologize to the student body. Dodd was given until Jan. 27 to

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comply, which he did not.

A statement was released

by Dodd shortly after the impeachment process began by the Senate, stating he endorsed Raven because he had no choice, and he is not convinced every candidate is committed to the effort of being SA president. “…This is an effort to punish me for speaking my mind, but no fear of punishment will silence my efforts to make MSU a better place,” the end of Dodd’s statement reads.

Since Dodd did not comply with requests of the Senate to remove his public endorsement and make an apology to MSU students, he became subject to judicial council disciplinary action.

Elections Commissioner and Chief Justice Jamie Aron said the Council will hold a closed hearing Friday for this and has fi ned

Dodd $50. Seven members of the Judicial Council will attend.

“He was given until Wednesday at 5 p.m. to remove his post and comply,” Aron said. “Now, if he does not comply with our sanctions (fi ne of $50), we can remove him from office,” Aron said.

Current SA Senator and Vice Presidential candidate Hunt Walne said the SA senate hearing that is set for Tuesday is the second part of the impeachment process.

“The meeting will begin with an opportunity for JoJo to plead guilty or not guilty,” Walne said. “If he pleads guilty, then there is no hearing. We would just go into the part of the meeting where the Senate determines the sanctions.

If he pleads not guilty, then there’s a specific protocol in the constitution that Jamie will lead. There, we

as a senate body will determine if he is guilty or not guilty. Then, if he is proven not guilty (by the senate) it is over. If he is proven guilty (by the senate), we will move forward with determining sanctions.”

Walne said sanctions can range anywhere from a $50 fi ne, to withholding pay, suspension, or removal from office at the greatest extent. An outcome will be determined by the end of Tuesday night.

The SA Judicial Council and SA Senate branch are two different entities.

According to Walne, Dodd is not being put on trial for the same violation twice.

“The judicial branch can put him on trial for breaking the law essentially, but the Legislative branch under which the Senate falls has power to vote and impeach him,” Walne said.

“The Judicial Council can only provide fines, and

only if he doesn’t comply can they remove him from office.”

Dodd must pay sanctions set by the Judicial Council Friday. Then, Tuesday’s Senate hearing will be the final step in the impeachment process. If he refuses to pay the sanctions Friday, he will be removed from office.

Aron said Raven’s violation includes a 10-percent deduction of her campaign budget.

“The elections board met last night to discuss Roxanne, and she has been issued a violation. We are issuing one major violation that is two-part,” Aron said. “One violation is because Roxanne’s Twitter account retweeted JoJo’s endorsement.

Although she did take it down later, it did happen.

The second part is because members of her campaign team retweeted it on their

BAN There has been no discovered way to avoid these potential fires. The ban on them is applicable now, but hoverboards are still allowed around campus just as bicycles and skateboards are used for transportation outside of buildings.

At the start of this semester, all residence halls prohibited hoverboards just as candles, halogen lights and LED lights are banned.

Because of the ban in residence halls, the question was brought to the executive council on whether or not the machines should be allowed in any buildings on campus.

Regina Hyatt, MSU Vice President of Student affairs, said this ban, unlike the ban in the residence halls, was not made out of fear of possible fire concerns but

own account. Once you become an affiliate of a candidate, then you are responsible for what you do.”

Raven said she accepts full responsibility, but still believes a retweet should not equal acceptance of an endorsement statement.

“I was given a violation for retweeting, but I did not personally retweet it myself,” Raven said.

“My campaign manager did it without asking me and I unretweeted it as soon as I noticed. I fully accept responsibility for my team. That’s part of what I agreed to as a candidate, so I accept the violation. I still don’t believe a retweet should equal acceptance of an endorsement statement.”

Visit our website www. reflector-online.com, and our Twitter @Ref lectoronline for updates.

CONTINUED FROM 1

because of other safety concerns.

“In this case this decision was reached, not necessarily just a fire safety concern, but because we also do not allow students to ride their bikes or skateboards or rollerblades, inside campus buildings for other kinds of safety considerations,” Hyatt said.

Universities across the nation have also banned hoverboards, including the University of Kentucky, the University of Alabama, and Louisiana State University.

Sid Salter, the MSU Chief Communications Officer, said this decision was reached after much consideration for the safety of the students across campus.

Hyatt said Student Affairs realized after the explosions became a national phenom-

enon they would have to address the subject.

“Because of the fire hazard, the idea of having them in university housing and other buildings where there would be the potential for these types of fires to begin with hoverboards that were left unattended, the risk was decided to be too great.

It exposed people who did not have hoverboards to an undue amount of danger that they do not deserve.”

If a student brakes the restriction, the student would be immediately asked to remove the hoverboard. If the student does not comply with the instructions, they will be referred to the student code of conduct process which could result with them being expelled, dismissed, or suspended.

View full story at reflector-online.com.

MDOT “Obviously with the crowds that we attract for athletic events and for major campus events, like graduation, having an efficient traffic flow and traffic management system is very difficult,” Salter said.

“The university is supportive of any initiative that MDOT or city and county government would have that would make traffic flow more efficient and safer on the roads leading to campus and away from campus,” Salter said.

As the highway serves as the main conneciton be-

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tween MSU and Starkville, any changes made will affect student life.

Chris Sabine, senior finance major, from Decatur, Alabama expressed beneficial reasons for a raised median.

“If it will lower the amount of accidents then it will be a wise move,” Sabine said in addition to stating that individuals would be safer and able to avoid injuries.

Ben Nagel, interlibrary loan assistant for Mitchell Memorial Library, said when exiting the parking lot of University Square Shopping Center, drivers are crossing many lanes of traffic onto Highway 12.

“A raised median will be a little bit better for traffic control,” Nagel said.

“Also sometimes people will get into the turning lane and cruise down the turning lane as if it’s another lane of traffic. The median would break that up so there would be less

of a chance of being hit by somebody that’s running really fast down the turn lane.”

In addition to safety reasons for a raised median, Nagel also mentioned how the addition would create a better look for Highway 12.

“It also helps for beautification,” Nagel said.

“Going into town you’re going past Chick-fi l-A and the hotel on the hill all you see in front of you is a flat hill of concrete. A median gives you a chance to put in some planters, trees or shrubberies.”

Salter said there is no other ungoing project that will ease MSU’s traffic woes moreso than the south road project.

“It’s something that’s been on the books for a very long time, that has slowed and picked up momentum, but is a priority of the university to get that project completed,” Salter said.

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OPINION

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

TWO VIEWS ON SA CONTROVERSY

Where do you stand?

The Final Word

International Ink Dodd broke the rule of not showing support for any candidate; which makes him unethical in the eyes of the SA Senate who voted 25-03 to have him impeached as SA President. His act was unethical because he broke a rule of the constitution.

The senate had no choice but to vote to impeach him as president because others would question the validity of the ethical stance on the situation. They have the job to uphold the rules of the constitution even if they personally agreed with Dodd on supporting Presidential hopeful Roxanne Raven. Those who oppose Dodd want him to be impeached because of the terrible decision he made by endorsing Raven on Twitter.

Let’s be honest, Dodd probably made the greatest decision ever as SA President by supporting Roxie Raven.

non-Greek rarely vote. Why don’t you be like Dodd and step out and invite others to vote to see what SA has to offer? Diversity and inclusion have become such a problem with those who are in power or want to keep a system that is not working.

Dodd, unlike others, has stood by his comments. It Justin Brickler would have been easy for is a senior majoring in him to apologize and just communications. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. move on from this incident like it never happened, but he Student elections have welcomes the consequences. taken Mississippi State Dodd was quoted in The campus by storm. Not one Reflector saying, “I am student has missed the action aware this goes against a of the so-called scandal that particular rule. I think involved current Student it is important enough, I Association President Jojo believe in it enough and I am Dodd. Dodd took to Twitter passionate about it enough earlier this week to show that I think it is worth his support for the current it,” he said. “The student SA Presidential runner association is important if Roxanne Raven, who also you think Mississippi State is serves under Dodd as SA important. The student body Vice President. Dodd was president has real influence, quoted, a small and truly affects exerpt from his all aspects of “If Dodd believes that his VP is student life. You letter on Twitter as saying, “I’m someone in the best candidate for the job, then want encouraged to that position who know that there committed to I agree with him because he has isserving is a candidate all students committed to someone done such a great job of promoting and working for committed to every student, diversity and inclusion on our making campus regardless of who better.” campus.” they are: Roxie Since meeting Raven. I’ve been Dodd, he has able to observe remained the as she’s worked diligently He stood up to a system he same person both before this past year –even when believes does not support and after becoming SA she thought no one was the average student. Was he President. I respect someone watching – to make MSU a wrong for saying he wants who stands by what they better place.” Some students to include more diversity in said instead of apologizing say it was okfor Dodd to SA? Was he wrong for going for being who they are as a show support for his VP, against the status quo? No, person. Candidates always while others disagreed with Dodd did the right thing say they are for your best his decision sighting it was in standing up for those interest, but Dodd showed it unethical. who usually do not have a by speaking out. People who The Student Association voice on Mississippi State’s challenge the status quo can constitution states, as campus. He spoke up for change the world. If Dodd printed earlier in The Reflector, minorities and also gave a believes his VP is the best “The elections board and voice to those students who candidate for the job, then SA executive officers shall are non-Greek. It makes I agree with him because not wear or display any type no sense to have a smaller he has done such a great job of campaign materials. The faction make decisions for of promoting diversity and constitution also states the the larger one. I already see inclusion on our campus. elections board and SA your argument coming for Who better than Roxie executive officers shall not those who will oppose this Raven to continue the trend publicly express support of article. I know that the 80 of welcoming all students to any candidate.” percent of students who are SA?

At the SA candidate of two platforms derailed debate on Wednesday night, somewhere in the last few I threw the last question days and as a responsible at the two presidential electorate we need to force candidates Cole Wood and it back to the discussion Roxanne Raven asking, table. Please check out “In light of recent events, Roxanne’s platform at will you work to bring back roxthevote.com and Cole’s at integrity, credibility and colewoodisgood2016.com. respect back to the office Let’s turn the focus Pranaav Jadhav of the Student Association of the elections back to is a graduate student majoring in president?” the issues, that you and political science. He can be contacted As a journalist covering I face every day. The at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. the SA elections closely, I efficiency or inefficiency believe somewhere in the of some of the shuttle I request that both Cole process we have lost what routes, parking problems, and Roxanne, in these last the Student Association msu1x connectivity issues, few days of campaigning, stands for– service. There’s ensuring MyCourses please talk more about a lot being said and done by efficiency and the problems students face the media currently, this is inconvenient hours of dayin and dayout. Please the first time a Mississippi operations for dining connect with your State University electorate and avoid SA President has any sort of political gotten so close to “I request that both Cole and posturing. being impeached.

And to voters, Whoever wins at Roxanne, in these last few let’s make sure we 10 p.m. on Tuesday vote on Feb. 2 and night will have a days of campaigning, please exercise our greatest major role to play in right as citizens of a re-installing respect talk more about problems democratic country. and integrity back students face day-in and day- In the end, the ballot to the office. is the most powerful As part of my out .” weapon we as students election coverage, have.

I got a chance to Maybe next time meet and interview both facilities. This is what there is an election, we candidates. The one thing, the election should have hope the elected executive among several, that unites been about, not who is council preserves, respects them is their drive and endorsing whom and and follows the constitution passion to perform for what the current SA they have vowed to defend Mississippi State.

President is saying about a since day one. As far as While Roxanne has candidate. Which political the events that led to the great plans, like adjusting advertisement is more impeachment process of the student ticketing glamorous? This does not Jojo Dodd, we can discuss, system at football games, solve anybody’s problems. debate and make changes Cole wants free printing It only gives media fodder after 10 p.m. on Tuesday stations in all dorms and leaders their political night. Have an informed sponsored by the Student mileage. election season. Hail State.

Association. The battle Through this medium,

RE F L E C T I O N S Stephen King

“A secret needs two faces to bounce between; a secret needs to see itself in another pair of eyes.”

Countdown to ‘I Do’ accompanied by drama

by Bek Yake

Multimedia Editor

As the days count down until my big day, the anxieties go up. I will be getting married to my girlfriend on Feb. 15, which is our dating anniversary, although we had been close friends for years before that.

Now, I have the normal pre-wedding jitters such as making sure all the planning turns out fine and everyone will have enough food and beverages, but I also have other anxieties rather specific to my situation (besides the fact that I still have not finished sewing her dress, let alone what I will be wearing and will likely still find glitter in my belongings for years to come).

I am a trans guy, meaning my birth certificate has the little F on it but I experience a masculine gender. My fiancée’s family has been accepting of the relationship, even helping to sponsor the wedding, but we still have to deal with all but about two of her family members considering our relationship to be a lesbian one. This is because I simply have the wrong genitals (in their eyes) to count as anything other than a woman, albeit an unfeminine one. This has lead to some rather interesting interactions with my soon-to-be nephews as their father refers to me as a woman, but their mother refers to me as a man.

From my birth relatives, I have some different drama going on. My paternal

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grandmother is a pastor who, while she will come to be happy for me, sent me a long letter detailing why I should reconsider becoming legally married, even if I intend to stay with my fiancée. Interestingly, she also recounted to me a story of having masculine gender feelings when she was younger and cites her eventual acceptance that her body parts will not magically change as a reason for me to reconsider my own transness.

However, at least she and my paternal grandfather will be attending. My father and step-mother have refused to go or let my younger siblings attend on grounds of gay, despite at least one of my siblings really wanting to go.

My maternal family is happy for me and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

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attending, though I have not come out to them about me being trans. This will make it interesting when I finally work up the courage to tell them. I figured my first conversation with them in years would probably be shocking enough announcing my marriage to a woman. I did not need to risk someone hanging up on me when I told them I’m actually a guy.

On top of all this, my petition for legally changing my name to Bek Andrew (for my uncle Andy who has been my only truly supportive male family member) Yake will be on Feb. 8. My fingers are crossed, and hopefully the judge will consider transness a valid reason to want to change my name and the drama at the wedding will not be too terrible.

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Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

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The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

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YOGA MOVES Yoga Moves incorporates meditation and relaxation into a free class where everyone is welcome. We meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanderson in Studio C. They hope to see you there!

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Freaky Friday News A Princeton, New Jersey, elementary class was shocked to find a lizard nestled in one of the studentʼs lunches. The lizard was discovered in a kindergartnerʼs salad after being refrigerated for a few days. The students rescued the three inch green lizard and nursed him back to health. The class named him Green Fruit Loop and promised to take care of him forver.

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Student Association elections are coming up on Feb. 2.

Make sure your voice is heard!

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Mardi Gras’ famous traditions continue

by Emily Wright Staff Writer

Mardi Gras is just around the corner beginning on Feb. 9 and it is almost time to start preparing for the frivolous festivities.

Every year, thousands of people gather in the city of New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Carnival.

However, Mardi Gras is not only celebrated in New Orleans but also throughout the rest of the country and the world. According to history.com it dates back thousands of years and originates in Rome. The festivities began as pagan traditions of spring and fertility.

The Roman Catholic church decided to incorporate such festivities into its own traditions rather than being forced to abolish them completely, making it a prelude to Lent.

In the days leading up to Lent, Catholics’ diets consisted solely of milk, meat,

eggs and cheese, before they were expected to fast on fish for the next 40 days of Lent.

This is where the alternate name for Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday,” comes into play.

Mardi Gras was brought into the United States when the French landed in Louisiana in 1699. Since then, it has evolved into a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana.

Mardi Gras’ traditions and customs still include throwing trinkets and beads, decorating floats, eating king cake and wearing exotic masks.

However, the event has become more than a prelude to Lent.

For Mollie Houin, a sophomore kinesiology major, it is a time to reunite with her family.

“I go to Mardi Gras every year because it is a family tradition. My whole family lives in New Orleans so I would never miss going,” Houin said At the three-day parade, people primarily throw beads of royal colors–purple for justice, green for faith and

gold for power–to celebrate the state holiday. The logic behind using the colors was to throw the color to a person who has shown the color’s meaning. The parades also consist of floats and bands marching down the streets.

Houin said her favorite part about Mardi Gras is being around all of the people.

“There are all kinds of different people there and everyone has their own way of celebrating so it’s really cool to get to experience it,” she said.

Today, the parades in New Orleans have a reputation to outsiders who have never experienced the magic of Mardi Gras, that it is filled with intoxicated people doing insane things to get someone to throw beads at them.

Julia Knight, freshman biological engineering major who has attended Mardi Gras since she was a small child, said she refutes those preconceived notions.

“The stereotype is partially true. However, the types of parades I have always been too to are very

Jacob Follin | The Reflector

Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years and continues its traditions today. Parades and King Cakes are some of the major attractions of the holiday. Strangebrew is currently selling these cakes starting at $19.99.

family oriented,” Knight said. “Everyone will stand on the street and watch the floats and bands go by while screaming ‘hey mister’ to try to get people to throw them beads off of the floats. Other people would really get into the bands and start dancing with them. It’s really like a big street party.”

In the case that one is not able to make the four hour drive to New Orleans or three and a half hour drive to the Gulf Coast to participate in the event, one is more than capable to have their own celebration right here in Starkville.

There are some places around Starkville doing

their part to spread Mardi Gras cheer.

Just five minutes from campus, Strangebrew is selling King Cakes starting at $19.99. Also, Party Market in Columbus has Mardi Gras items to celebrate Mardi Gras such as masks, hats, centerpieces, tiaras, banners, and balloons.

Steven Sullivan | Courtesy Photograph

The Frostbite run attracted people from all over Starkville last year (pictured). The run will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning on Main Street. Registration packets are still available tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and at 8 a.m. before the race.

Frostbite Half-Marathon to unite community registration option for those interested in running will also be available at the Contributing Writer same time.

“Although a late registration option is available, T-shirts may or may not be available for those who Beginning at 10 a.m. this did use that option,” Jones Saturday, Chick-Fil-A of said.

Starkville will be hosting Registration prices for the 31st annual Frostbite the fun-run, 5K, 10K and half-marathon. half-marathon According to vary from $10, the website, www. $25, $40 and $55. frostbitehalf.com, the “Many of these changes were Proceeding late run now includes a the 5K, 10K and mile just made this year in hopes that registration, half-marathon fun-run option for will start at 10 all avid runners, not just runners, but everyone a.m. sharp with beginners and the other races families. in the coomunity would following about Brad Jones, participate.” five minutes after. event organizer, Freshman said over 400 peo-Brad Jones, Event organizer Josh Zdon said ple from Starkville he hopes many and surrounding students will get areas have already involved in this registered for the but everyone in the com- event. race.

“I’m extremely excited The run began over munity would participate,” 30 years ago. This year, Jones said.

Runners will be able to it will start and end on Main Street. It will also pick up registration packmake its way through ets Friday night from 5:30Greensboro County, Green 7:30 p.m. If participants are Oak, the Cotton District, unable to attend that night, Starkville’s Historic District packets will also be available and part of Mississippi State at 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

Dri-fit, long sleeved T-shirts, University’s campus.

The website also stated custom-made water botthat “chip timing, higher tles and stickers will all be quality apparel and custom included in the registration medals” are expected to help packet.

Jones said a late the Frostbite run appeal to

by Devan Edgar

more runners and improve community involvement.

Part of the event’s proceeds will be donated in support of the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter.

Jones said he hopes people of all skill levels feel welcome to participate.

“Many of these changes were just made this year in hopes that, not just runners,

about this race,” Zdon said.

“I hope that I can convince some of my friends to participate as well.”

After the race, all participants can head over to The Dawg House Sports Grill at approximately 1 p.m. for the post-party.

Food, music and awards

will be available. Later that night, live music by The Molly Ringwalds will be provided.

Every runner that pays regular concert admission prices can show their race bib, or number, to receive two tickets for free drinks at The Dawg House.

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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

Disc Golf club sets sights on national title

by Dalton Middleton Staff Writer

One national championship. Of all the success Mississippi State has had in every sport, only one team has won a national championship and that is the MSU Disc Golf Club.

The team won won the national title in 2009 and this year’s team could possibly also win a national title. Although they are in mid-season, they

continue to improve and are sitting at a comfortable fourth ranking in the nation after finishing 12th last season.

After their last tournament, the Mid-South Collegiate Open, the “A team,” are the best four players, finished first in the tournament out of many schools. Team president James Bracken finished in second place overall individually. He said he feels very confident with the rest of the season.

“We don’t have many weaknesses, as our B team could beat some schools’ A

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Courtesy photo |MSU Disc Golf Club

Pictured left to right: Morgan Weems, Trevor Strong, James Bracken, and Paul Marbury sport 1st place Midsouth Collegiate Open trophies.

teams,” Bracken said. “We want to win a national title and we want to get back to competing for it. We are close, but we are not back to how good we can be until we win the national championship.”

As the team looks toward the end of their season and to nationals, they are all eyeing the national championship. Not only does Morgan Weems look forward to competing in the tournament, he said he’s also excited about to spending time with his friends on thei trip.

“There is nothing better than hanging out with everyone and playing the best sport in the world,” Weems said. “We don’t have much pressure; we are just ready to have some fun. That is all that the game and the club is about. We just have to stay

focused on our job.”

Caleb Sanders, a senior, also elaborated the importance of being close with the team.

“Last year, we weren’t that close,” Sanders said. “We would show up to practices and just play. This season is different. I like how close we are and how big of a family we are. We hang out all the time and all go out to eat at least once or twice a week.”

As he hopes to keep having fun with the team, Weems also has a personal achievement he wishes to fulfill. He was in the running for the All Star team in nationals last season, which is presented to the top 20 players. He said his personal goal for the season is to be named one of the All Stars.

“I am probably our number one player, but these guys are

stepping up everywhere and competing toe to toe with me,” Weems said. “I have a legitimate shot at being an All-Star this season.”

With every person on the team having the same goal, the team is extremely solid throughout. With their A team, B team and C team all performing at the best of their ability right now, there are not many weaknesses involved.

Sanders said, “We are all pretty good skill wise.”. “We are back on the way to the top. We performed very well at the Mid-South Open and we pretty much set a standard on how we will play and how we can play.”

Weems seemed to have a lot of praise for the team as well.

“We don’t have many weaknesses, but the one we

do have is inexperience,” Weems said. “We have a lot of first or second year players, but they are improving day by day and they have a lot of natural talent to them. I cannot wait to see what they can do next year.”

Since the season is winding down and there are not many tournaments left, Bracken said he is extremely happy with the said he is extremly depth the team has.

With three full teams of four players and three substitutes, said he looks forward to traveling to Tuscaloosa on Feb. 20-21 to take on Alabama in the tournament they are hosting. After that is nationals, where he really hopes to finish off his career with a bang.

“We want that national title,” Bracken said. “Augusta and Ferris State are going to be our biggest competition at nationals, but we feel like we can beat them if we keep playing at the level we have been.”

Although winning a national championship is the main goal for the club, they also want to increase awareness of the sport across Starkville. There are currently 15 members on the team, the most there has ever been.

The team is losing three seniors at the end of the season, but are encouraging as many people as they can to come out and join. There are no fees required .

Interested students should contact James Bracken through Facebook on the Mississippi State Disc Golf Group.

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