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“I’m surrounded by idiots,�
-The Lion King
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2019
134th YEAR ISSUE 29
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
SA Recap: Senate passes resolution in favor of reusable to-go trays
Mice and Men
Senate appoints six senators at ďŹ rst spring business meeting
mal Farm
DYLAN BUFKIN
President Mayah Emerson and added to the roll. Beginning with legislation, the Senate passed two resolutions. Resolution 14 expressed student support for the campus dining halls beginning to use a reusable to-go tray system, which would be provided by a company called OZZI. The process of integrating OZZI with Aramark on MSU’s campus is deďŹ nite, but the resolution sought to offer student approval for the project. The system will revolve around reusable plastic to-go trays, which will be available for students to use at the entry fee of $5. The fee will be a one-time buyin to the program, for when one takes a reusable tray togo, they need only to bring it back, scraped of bones or other refuse and receive another clean one, free of charge. SA, 2
STAFF WRITER
1984
Gracie Byrne | The Reector
Librarian Marty Coleman glances through a book in her ofďŹ ce. She has worked in libraries for over 20 years and served in the military.
Campus librarian begins retirement
Dracula
EMMA DRAY BRASWELL STAFF WRITER
A
ide and Prejudice
he Great Gatsby
of Two Cities
valued team member of Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library for ďŹ ve years, took the ďŹ rst step to a whole new adventure on Jan. 31: a life of retirement. With this new step, Marty Coleman leaves her position as an assistant professor for the acquisitions library to pursue a new lifestyle. She looks forward to many opportunities she will soon reach. Coleman supervised ordering monographs, and helped to buy required books from around the world, along with outreach services with the Center for America’s Veterans at MSU. “That’s an important part of what I do, as a veteran myself,â€? Coleman
The Mississippi State University Student Association Senate met for their ďŹ rst business meeting of the semester Wednesday—the meeting had been postponed from the normally scheduled Tuesday night due to inclement weather. The meeting comprised of four pieces of legislation, only three of which passed, and the installment of six new senators to their positions. The six new senators were appointed to ďŹ ll the vacancies left by senators who had to resign from their positions for various reasons this semester, and they will fulďŹ ll the remainder of these positions’ terms. Jackson Prather, Jack Davis, Allison Galinsky, Jack Funderburg, Haydyn Johnson and Elliot Ware were sworn in by SA
said. “I’ve been working in libraries now for over 20 years. It’s just time to do something a little different.� Of course, not everything she looks forward to in retirement is going to be new. Coleman has spent much time traveling with her husband. “My husband and I love to travel,� Coleman stated. “We went to China in the fall of last year.� For future trips, Coleman is considering Turkey or Greece. While she and her husband do not know where their next destination will be, they are looking forward to it. Coleman also looks forward to moving to Ohio so she can be “closer to (her) parents, who are in their 80’s.� Her plans are to stay there and spend time with them for as long as she can. RETIRE, 2
Rosalind Hutton
A cultural celebration: MSU plans Black History Month events Student, professor share personal signiďŹ cance of this month COURTNEY CARVER PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
The African American Studies program at Mississippi State University will host four events to celebrate Black History Month. Don Shaffer, interim director of African American Studies, said it is important for MSU to celebrate Black History Month. “I think it’s important because we live in a state that is the birthplace of African American culture,� Shaffer said. “African American culture has become such an integral part of Mississippi culture and Mississippi
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history, whether it be the blues or gospel music, or the rich literary tradition that this state boasts that includes a number of African American men and women like Richard White, Margaret Walker Alexander, or more recently, Jesmyn Ward or Natasha Trethewey.â€? To kick off the line of events, a panel discussion will be held from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12. This discussion, “A Tough Row to Hoe: Black Farmers and a History of Struggle in the South,â€? will be held in the Fowlkes Auditorium on the third oor of the Colvard Student Union. Shaffer said people can expect to learn much
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from the history of African Americans.
done by scholars in the ďŹ eld of black studies. It sort of
“African American culture has become such an integral part of Mississippi culture and Mississippi history.� - Don Shaffer, interim director of African American Studies “I am really looking forward to sharing with our students and faculty and anyone who comes the rich history of African Americans,� Shaffer said. “And also give them a chance to see some of the great work that is being
reveals a critical practice of African American studies, as well as a celebration of African American culture and history.� One week after the panel discussion, awardwinning author Kiese Laymon will discuss his
FORECAST: This weekend, we can expect warmer temperatures than what we have seen all week after an arctic front passed through Starkville. However, along with this increase in temperature comes an increase in rain chances. The real chance for widespread rain will not come until Sunday night lasting into Monday.
Campus Connect Meteorologist, Aaron Lowery
life and work at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Turner A. Wingo Auditorium in Old Main. Laymon will share his life experiences as the Black History Month keynote speaker. Following the keynote speaker’s address, the “Imitation of Life� photographic art exhibition will be available for previewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Colvard Student Union. The exhibition will be held in the Second Floor Gallery; however, a reception will be held in the Second Floor Old Main Lounge. “We get to showcase the work of our students in African American Studies,� Shaffer said. “Folks will get
to see the amazing work that our students are doing, and some of the opportunities that we are trying to provide for our students in African American studies who are a part of this amazing organization of African American studies.â€? The ďŹ nal event of the Black History Month celebration has been rescheduled to take place in April. This event will celebrate three high school students who will win the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Change essay writing contest. The winners will have the opportunity to meet with MSU President Mark Keenum at the luncheon. CELEBRATION, 2
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Policy: Any person may pick up a single copy of The Reflector for free. Additional copies may be obtained from the Henry Meyer Student Media Center for 25 cents per copy.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Black History Month Events Theme: Hope & History
A Tough Row to Hoe: Black Farmers and a History of Struggle in the South From 3:45 – 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 Colvard Student Union, Fowlkes Auditorium, 3rd floor Black History Month Keynote Speaker: Kiese Laymon From 6 – 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 Old Main Academic Center, Turner A. Wingo Auditorium Photographic Art Exhibition: “Imitation of Life” From 7 – 9 p.m. Feb. 20 Colvard Student Union. Exhibition in Second Floor Gallery and reception in Second Floor Old Main Lounge Awards Luncheon April 2019 Specific Date TBA
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CELEBRATION “It (essay competition) gives us a glimpse of the future, what the future is going to look like, the next generation of social justice warriors, activists, leaders, inventors and business folk are going to move the needle of social progress and will pick up the charge of social justice,” Shaffer said. “It’s high school students who are going to be honored by writing essays about King’s legacy of social justice and love overcoming hate. I’m just really excited to hear what these young folks have to say.” With a variety of events being offered, junior Dondreia Blanchard, a communication major, believes the importance of MSU recognizing Black History Month is something everyone should celebrate. “There are so many African Americans that have contributed to a lot of inventions—a lot of things that we still use today, that all Americans use,” Blanchard said. “It wasn’t just for us to use; it was for everybody to use. I think it should be celebrated. I think it should be honored. As a university with so much diversity, all students should be involved, and I believe all students should take African American courses because we are all involved together in the society.” For Shaffer, Black
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History Month is not only celebrated in February. “Personally, if you recall for me, moments when I was a young boy, my mother
February would roll around and everyone was doing the thing that I had been doing all year. I could finally share with them the kind of
“There are so many African Americans that have contributed to a lot of inventions—a lot of things that we still use today, that all Americans use. It wasn’t just for us to use; it was for everybody to use. I think it should be celebrated. I think it should be honored.” - Dondreia Blanchard, communication major bought me a set of black history encyclopedias,” Shaffer said. “She did it because she wanted to supplement my knowledge and understanding of African American history, because she understood as an educator that there were huge gaps in our school curriculum around African American culture, history and experience. Every February, I was always a little bit amused because everyone was focusing on black history, and that’s a great thing, but it was yearlong for me. There was always a feeling of deep pride and relief when
things I was engaging with on a routine basis, and have that opportunity to have that dialogue exchange with people about the importance of this history.” Black History Month highlights the success African Americans have achieved in this nation. Blanchard said she has learned of the history through her grandparents. “Being a generation from sharecroppers and cotton planters, my grandparents told me stories about how they set in at the lunch counters and had to go to the movie theaters downstairs, and different
RETIRE Though she has big plans for her retirement plans, she is also going to miss things about working at MSU libraries. Coleman is looking forward to moving and traveling, but knows the people she works with and the friends she has made are valuable memories she will have to leave behind. The people she has built relationships with while working at the library are going to miss several things about working with her as well. From Coleman’s intelligence, to her friendly attitude, the people who
things of that nature—not being able to drink out of the same water fountain,” Blanchard said. “These are not things that I have to see on TV, this is information that I have gotten from my own grandparents who are almost 90 years old. To be a student here at Mississippi State University and to be a parent of my own adult children, it is really making me appreciate my history, but it isn’t just for my culture or my race. We are all here together. We are all here on this earth to be better people.” With various perceptions of Black History Month, Shaffer feels everyone could benefit from these events. “I think there is this perception that African American history, and particularly Black History Month, is for only black people, and I think that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Shaffer said. “This is our history. I think it’s been an overlooked history. It’s been a neglected history, which is one of the reasons why we still celebrate Black History Month. I think if folks come out, they’ll see that black history is American history. Its human history. I think it behooves all of us black, white, Latino, Asian to come out to these events and benefit from what they have to offer.”
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work with her know they are losing someone important. Mary Ann Jones, an associate professor and coordinator of electronic resources and acquisitions, said something she appreciates about Coleman and her skill set is “her complete knowledge of library acquisitions and processes.” She describes Coleman’s knowledge as invaluable. The library is not just losing a knowledgeable worker, but also a kind one with a helping hand. Ilda Cardenas, acquisitions and electronic resources
librarian, expressed this as she told of several times when Coleman was eager to help her. “When I moved to
husband to help me,” Cardenas said. Cardenas explained how great of a friend Coleman is, as well as how generous
“She’s fun to be around. There’s always a lot of laughing when I’m with her.” - Ilda Cardenas, acquisitions and electronic resources librarian Mississippi from California, I needed someone to help me with my bed slats, and she volunteered her
she has always been. Not only has she been a constant helping hand both during and after work, but
Coleman has also proven herself to be generally enjoyable. “She’s fun to be around,” Cardenas. “There’s always a lot of laughing when I’m with her.” Jones also commented on how much she enjoys talking to Coleman. “I love hearing about her world travels,” Jones said. “She recently took a trip, and I enjoyed her showing me the pictures and telling me all about it.” Not only are Coleman’s coworkers going to miss her knowledge on everything they do, but they will miss
SA
her kind heart and enjoyable company. One moment about working for MSU Coleman said she appreciates and will remember was during her last Maroon Friday photo, when the staff was notified she was retiring. “It really touched me how many people came,” Coleman said. While there are many things to miss about working at MSU, an entirely new chapter is opening in Coleman’s life, and she is looking forward to reading forward while also looking back with fond memories.
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If one forgets to bring back their original tray, they must pay another $5 to receive another tray. The $5 will be charged to the student’s Flex account, but the trays can still be purchased without Flex, if so desired. This measure is an attempt to cut down on
the large amount of waste created by the current togo options. Resolution 15 requests a one-way traffic sign be placed on the west-end bay of the parking lot adjacent to Magnolia and Oak Hall. Currently, the parking lot has no designated flow
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of traffic, and the westend bay is too small to allow two lanes of traffic. Therefore, a one-way sign will be placed to prevent collisions. Act 7 appropriates funds for multiple groups and events on MSU’s campus. Some highlights, all at $2,000 in value, include the Chinese Student Association’s 2019 Chinese New Year Gala, the Iranian Student Association’s Iranian New Year celebration and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society for their 2nd Annual Night for St. Jude Fundraising Dinner. Finally, some proposed changes to the SA Constitution were introduced to the floor. The changes were mostly to limit verbosity and repetition while maintaining consistency, but the motion also proposed changes to the duties of SA Executive Council members, changing the GPA requirement needed to run for office, and tweaking the election system. The most radical change would have been the change in the number of Senate seats, subtracting 16 from the total. The most contentious aspect of the proposal
during the meeting was the new GPA requirement. Under the proposed rules, the Senate and Executive Council would need to have a 3.0 GPA to run for office, but some senators felt this would limit and discourage many students. However, others argued Senate was a leadership role, and seeing as a 3.0 is Good Academic Standing, the senators in favor of the proposal felt anything less was an arbitrary value. Two amendments were put to the floor, attempting to change the proposal to make the required GPA a 2.75. The first attempted to make a 2.75 GPA the standard for all offices, while the second attempted only to change the Senate’s requirement, but both amendments failed. Ultimately, the proposal failed, and it was tabled to be reintroduced at a later meeting. Due to the timing of the meeting and the election season, none of the changes which would affect elections or election requirements can be implemented by any piece of legislation this semester, but a proposal could still change the duties of the offices.
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BULLETIN BOARD
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An In-Class Distraction
OCH. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2018 • Student reported money • Student reported receiving unwanted calls and text missing from her room in messages from a person Rice Hall. she met on a dating site. • Landscape employee Monday, Jan. 28, 2018 reported breaking glass on • Student reported losing her the Butler William building purse in Colvard Student while edging. Union. Later found at Pizza • Student reported his Hut. backpack was stolen from • Student reported his vehicle the Colvard Student Union. was vandalized while • Student reported her parked in E9 parking lot. clothes missing from the • Student suffered a head dryer in Rice Hall. injury after running on the indoor track in the Sanderson. Subject refused Notable Traffic Citations: ambulance transportation • Four MSU citations issued for speeding, the most to OCH. notable of which was • Student reported her 42/20 on College View bicycle was damaged Street. while parked at a bike rack • Two MSU citations were outside of the Hand Lab. issued for disregarding a traffic device, both on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2018 Stone Boulevard. • Student was transported to OCH for evaluation after • Five Justice Court citations were issued for speeding, accidentally consuming the most notable of which extra medication. was 51/30 on East Lee Boulevard. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2018 • Student was transferred to
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY...
Jan. 29 puzzle solutions
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Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore thrift store will be open Saturday, Feb. 2, 8-11 a.m. Located at 1623 Rockhill Road in Starvkille. Come by for bargains on furniture, appliances, building materials and more!
The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3
are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost. CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements
may be submitted by email to managing@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.
...in 1885 president of the Mormon Church, John Taylor, avoids arrest and continues resisting the federal demand of reformation in the community of Latter-Day Saints. Formerly a Methodist minister, Taylor converted to Mormonism in 1836—roughly six years after Joseph Smith founded the religion in New York. When Smith was assassinated in Illinois in 1844, Taylor was by his side, and suffered many wounds himself from the attack. Taylor became another close follower of the church’s next president. Taylor continued to ascend in the church hierarchy in Utah, and when Brigham Young died in 1877, Taylor took over the leadership of the church. His time as the church’s leader was marked by rising tensions with the federal government. The mormon practice of polygamy was harshly criticized, and the U.S. was concerned for the future of Utah. Taylor continued to believe the practice of polygamy was a divinely ordained right. However, determined to assert the primacy of national secular law over Mormon theocracy, U.S. marshals started arresting Mormons practicing polygamy. Because he and his leading administrators were also subject to arrest for polygamy, they went underground on Feb. 1, 1885. For the next two-and-a-half years, Taylor would conduct the church from several secret hideouts in Salt Lake City. In 1887, Taylor assented to one concession: making polygamy illegal in a proposed Utah state constitution. Congress rejected the petition for statehood. Taylor died later that year. For several more years, the church’s leadership continued the fight, but federal pressure would have Taylor’s successor publicly reject polygamy in 1890. Utah would achieve history.com statehood in 1896.
5LIFE -Life& ENTERTAINMENT 5 THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019 @REFLECTORONLINE
Starkville Community Theatre’s ‘The Heiress’ is here SARAH MORGAN JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
If you have not already bought tickets for Starkville Community Theatre’s “The Heiress” starting Thursday evening, then take this as an incentive to act now. Set in the 1800s, the show, based on Henry James’s novel “Washington Square,” is about a plain, oftentimes socially awkward girl named Catherine who falls in love with a Mr. Morris Townsend. Conflict arises when her father, Dr. Sloper, perceives Townsend’s motives to be less than sincere. Ben Christmas, president of Mississippi State University’s Black Friars Drama Society, plays the role of Dr. Sloper. While the audience may perceive him as the antagonist in the story, Christmas said the dynamics are not black and white. “It’s not necessarily like I’m an evil villain. It’s more that I am a person whose values seem to conflict with the protagonist,” Christmas said. “It’s not as much good-guy-bad-guy–it’s more
Courtney Carver| The Reflector
Elaine Trinkle (right) will play Aunt Lavinia Penniman, and Katelyn Mathis (left) will play the part of Catherine Sloper. The show will run Jan. 30 through Feb. 9.
a conflict of ideas.” Christmas said this role has been a new acting experience for him. “It is interesting to play a father and to not be one–trying to get into that mindset,” Christmas said. “I’ve looked back on my own father and tried to see how he might deal with the
situation and how I could use that.” Christmas has performed in many Starkville Community Theatre shows, but said he has particularly enjoyed this show because of the heavy emphasis it places on character development. The entire cast is comprised of
nine people, both college students and community members. Katelyn Mathis, a junior biological science major at MSU, plays the role of Catherine Sloper in her debut SCT performance. Mathis is also involved with the Black Friars Drama Society.
She describes Catherine Sloper as, “very shy, very reserved, even plain, and a bit dull. This show is about her journey to breaking that mold. She is one of the best feminist characters I’ve ever played.” Andrew Stevens, an assistant professor of agricultural economics at MSU, has been a season ticket holder at SCT since he moved to Starkville a little over a year and a half ago. Now, Stevens is making his debut as Mr. Townsend. Stevens said the show is truly about “distinguishing love from deception. It asks the question, ‘Is love too good to be true?’” Michele Crescenzo, an English lecturer at MSU and director of “The Heiress,” said she is excited to direct her second SCT play, and has enjoyed every part of the process, starting with their first practice in December. Crescenzo said actors “have been improving so much, all the time. You start off and you worry it may not turn out, but then rehearsal is fabulous, and
then the next night it’s even better, and that’s on them more than it is on me. That’s exciting!” Crescenzo said Wayne Durst, a retired theatre professor, collaborated with her to create a Victorian set for the play. The majority of the set is constructed from the cast members’ furniture and belongings. Crescenzo also attributes the success of costumes to Connie Willsey from Costume Party. At rehearsal last Monday night, Willsey went back and forth between the dressing rooms to bring final accessories and to make last minute alterations while Crescenzo sat making flower arrangements. Crescenzo even made some of the jewelry worn in the show herself. The show runs Jan. 31, Feb. 1 through 3, and Feb. 5 through 9. Tickets are going fast and can be bought at the box office or reserved by calling 662-323-6855. Every single person has put their heart and soul into making the show a hit, and you will feel that when you step into the theatre.
Frostbite run returns to Starkville for the 34th year MARY MADELINE LAMASTUS STAFF WRITER
The 34th annual Frostbite run features a variety of races: a halfmarathon, a 10K and a 5K. While the community event begins at 9 a.m. Feb. 2, the post-race party will begin at noon. However, the race will not hold true to its chilly name since the weather is expected to be sunny and ideal for running. Brad Jones and Wes Gordon, the coordinators of the race, partner with the Greater Starkville Development Partnership to organize the event.
Gordon, a Golden Triangle native, describes the event as a “Starkville staple.” Before he and Jones were in charge of the race, it began in Pheba and ended at the Oktibbeha County Hospital. Once Gordon and Jones took over the race, they decided to move the route closer to the city and campus in order to make it a more community-centered event. This mentality has proven true. Now the route stretches from the city, through the Cotton District, into the historical area of the town and into MSU’s south farm. The races begin and end
at the heart of Starkville’s downtown area. The route has received great feedback, and Gordon does not foresee a change in the future, as the race is now an officially certified U.S. track and field half marathon course. Gordon said he enjoys the family atmosphere of the event. “It’s going to be lots of fun for every part of the family, whether one’s running or not. Music, food, and vendors will be available,” Gordon said. “I want to see all types of people out there having a good time.” Esther Sanders, local
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marathoner, has run the Frostbite for about four years now. For Sanders and her seven daughters, the event is most definitely a family affair. “The event is wellorganized and well-run. I love downtown, and it’s so fun to see the town come alive with the runners,” Sanders said. “The reason we do it more than anything else is that two of our girls are at MSU right now, and it makes for a great outdoor
family event.” Sanders will run the half-marathon with her four oldest daughters, and the three youngest will run the 5K. To encourage the family atmosphere, strollers are allowed during the race. Fees to participate include $70 for the halfmarathon, $50 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K. Included in the fee is a t-shirt, glow tube, fanny pack, entry to the all-you-
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can-eat Souper Bowl and a sample of Umble coffee grounds. Additionally, a portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to United Way. Medals will be awarded to half-marathon participants. Approximately 500 people are currently signed up. Participants are encouraged to register before the deadline, but can register the morning of the race with an additional fee.
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Super Bowl Staff Picks Winner and final score
Should the Saints be playing in the super bowl?
Courtney Carver “The Saints should have been playing instead of the Rams!” Patriots: 24-17
Megan Terry “I vote to change the NFL OT rules.” Patriots: 42-35
Garrett Smith
“No, one call will never be the only difference between two teams in a game.” Patriots: 42-27
Hunter Cloud
Rams: 35-28 (OT)
“Yes, while the Rams definitely earned the win in overtime, the call should have been made and penalties do have an impact on the game.”
SUPER BOWL LIII Rosalind Hutton
Column: NFL needs to change its ways to improve the game
HUNTER CLOUD
is a sophomore majoring communication. Contact him sports@reflector.msstate.edu
in at
While many hearts were left broken throughout Saints’ country following the NFC Championship Game, one thing was made clear: the NFL does whatever the hell it wants. Viewership has been on a decline the past few years, although this year it made a 5 percent increase according to an article by Sport Illustrated. However, this may be a result of the expansion of the game to streaming services, as there was an 86 percent increase in digital streaming viewership this year. The NFL also reported a decrease in concussions this regular season as it went from 281 to 214 concussions. While this decrease is good for the safety of the players, it begs the question as to why the blown call from the NFC Championship Game was not automatically reviewed for targeting. If you have seen the replay of the hit, Nickell
Robey-Coleman, defensive back for Los Angeles, clearly leads with his helmet, leaves his feet and makes forcible contact to the head of a defenseless player TommyLee Lewis, wide receiver for New Orleans. The NFL missed an obvious targeting call, and failed to protect its player by doing so. The only excuse the league has is that its refs are human, just like the players and coaches. However, the refs have video review to help them if they miss something, to help them correct calls and to help them avoid controversy by getting the right call. When a player or coach mess up, they are held accountable by the fans and media; where as the refs can just go home, shower and never answer for what they messed up. The no call should have been addressed that night, and the fact the NFL did not just goes to show how much they actually care about the fans. Another problem the NFL had this year was the quality of product. With new rules in place, the league saw the success rate of onside kicks fall. While it has always been low, it was 21.7 percent in 2017 according to an article on
the Washington Post, it was unfairly low this season at 7.5 percent. The onside kick is a play that makes games better by adding drama at the end of a game, especially if the kicking team is able to recover (which this year it has been shown difficult to do since new rules made it even tougher than it already was to recover). The NFL is also the only pro-American sport besides soccer, that can end in a tie. If the NFL truly cares about the fans and product on the field, they would change their rules and adopt the college overtime rules. The record-breaking LSU vs. Texas A&M 7 overtime this season was one of the best games this year. Could you imagine a seven overtime Kansas City vs. New England thriller this postseason? Everyone wins: TV wins, fans win, the game of football wins with college overtime rules. Since it is too late to change the teams in the Super Bowl, there is one thing that can be done to salvage this season: the NFL needs to rig the game, if they have not already, to allow for both the Rams and Patriots to tie after 15 minutes of overtime with no college football overtime rules.
Diamond Dogs ready for opener
MEGAN TERRY STAFF WRITER
The chilly air took a time out for the Mississippi State University baseball team to make their spring debut for the 2019 media day. Sunshine poured over the bright and shiny new Dudy Noble Stadium, illuminating the new arena and a motivated college baseball family. The team appears to be in a positive mindset, working endlessly to prepare for a season they will be proud of. Gunner Halter, a junior infielder from Overland Park, Kansas, is excited for the season to finally begin, and said the goal is to go back to Omaha and win. “We just need to take it one step at a time, game by game, practice by practice,” Halter said. “It will all fall into place.” The infielder is confident this year’s team has the potential to get the results they are hoping for. The confidence and positivity displayed radiated from base to base. In addition, the hard work, ambition and drive were more evident than anything. Jordan Westburg, a sophomore from New Braunfels, Texas, glowed with optimism about the upcoming season, explaining the team has grown together and is driven to perform at a top level. The level needed to complete the overall goal of being the best of the best comes from work within a team. “Just trying to build on what we’ve put together last year, especially with the culture, I know that’s a word that’s thrown around a whole lot here,” Westburg said. “We built something special here from basically nothing, and to come back, and try to replicate that and one up that is what I’m most excited for.” Westburg believes the team’s goal to return to Omaha is achievable, and there is an abundance of talent on the roster this season. He elaborated on the challenges that will arise and how the team can overcome them. “Challenges are going to happen every single day, so I think just the day-to-day grind is a challenge in itself,” Westburg said. “If we can master that and learn how to embrace that, I think it will make what we do stumble upon this season a little bit easier.” Most can see how Jake Mangum, a senior outfielder from Pearl, consistently leads and encourages the team. He explained this team has talent and the potential to go to Omaha and return with a win. Despite the team’s appearance in the College World Series last season, Mangum said looking forward and focusing on this season is most important. “Instead of looking back and thinking what last year’s team did, think about
Lany Wallace| The Reflector
Elijah MacNamee and Gunner Halter look forward to opening day of baseball on Feb. 15.
what we didn’t do. We were 3-1 short of (a) national championship,” Mangum said. “As awesome as it was, there’s still more.” This offseason has been a little different, as the team has actually been able to practice on its own field. Elijah MacNamee, a junior outfielder form Cypress, Texas, said this change has made it feel completely different this season. “You can definitely tell how advanced a team could be, I can tell you that,” MacNamee said. “I didn’t know that until last year when the season started when we got destroyed by Southern Miss. Now that we are on a field, you can tell how much better we are than last year at this time.” With the losses of Luke Alexander and Hunter Stovall, MSU is missing two key infielders who helped turn 53 and 42 of the 63 total double plays last year. However, Mangum said losing these players will not hurt them this year. “You see them (teammates) work every day—and where they were at in August compared to now
is light years ahead,” Mangum said. “They’re starting to click, and it’s really fun to see new guys come in and do that.” Mangum said the veteran players are teaching the younger players. “You see the older guys put their arm around them and tell them what to expect,” Mangum said. “It’s just weird that you see that three years ago, except I was in those guys’ shoes. Time here is very valuable, and everyone’s going to be ready, I can promise you that.” Mangum said throughout the ‘roller coaster’ MSU baseball has experienced in the last four years, winning has been a constant factor in the program. Mangum is optimistic about his last season playing college ball, and reflected on the reasons he chose to play for MSU and why he is proud to be a Bulldog. “This is the pinnacle of college baseball, it’s Mississippi State,” Mangum said. The home opener for Mississippi State University is at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 as the Bulldogs will face Youngstown State University.