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131st YEAR ISSUE 14
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Breast cancer survivor crowned Miss MSU by Vanessa Gillon Staff Writer
Recently, Molly May, a senior communication major with a concentration in public relations, received the title of Miss Mississippi State University, but the Houston native is no stranger to competing. May began seriously competing in pageantries and within the Miss America organization when she was a senior in high school. She won the “teen version” of Miss Mississippi when she became Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen in 2012. She then went on to compete in Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, placing in the top five and winning the talent portion. The scholarship money she acquired paid for her first two years of college. After seeing the great benefits, and receiving much joy in competing, May decided to keep going. Taking her freshman year off to enjoy being a college student, she picked things back up when she competed for the first time in the Miss Mississippi pageant her sophomore year and again this past June, which allowed for the remainder of her college career to be taken care of. “One of my biggest dreams is to compete in Miss America, to represent my state, but first I wanted to represent my university, which made me decide to compete for Miss MSU,” said May. May said although she has been Miss MSU for only
about two weeks now, it is not just a title, it is a job. “I am an employee of this university and the face of this institution which is a lot of pressure, but something that I take very seriously and would not trade for anything in the world, especially for my senior year of college,” May said. “I have always been a people person,” May said, “and I always make sure I pay attention to what I say; being Miss MSU, I know my words carry more weight and I am very selective in what I say whether I am talking freely in the library or to President Keenum.” On her experience in competing in Miss MSU, May said it was overwhelming how kind the girls were and how she still maintains long lasting friendships with the girls. John Forde, head of the Department of Communication, said he is thrilled for Molly’s success. “I couldn’t be happier for Molly, she’s done well in the past when she’s competed, and I have no doubt she will continue to make us all proud,” Forde said. Molly’s mother, Debra May is a 12-year breast cancer survivor who said she remembers how brave Molly was during those days. “Molly was eight when I had breast cancer, and once my hair began to fall out, I knew she didn’t understand and was scared, but she eventually came around and has been my biggest support system,” May said. May said she is grateful for the opportunities competing in pageants have provided for her daughter.
Southern hospitality big at MSU by Kristina Norman Staff Writer
Taylor Robbins | The Reflector
Molly May was crowned Miss MSU 2017 on Sept. 23. May is a breast cancer survivor who now advocates breast cancer awareness.
Mississippi State University’s volunteering work has received national recognition with the university named a finalist in the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll’s Economic Opportunity category. According to nationalservice.gov, volunteers in the Economic Opportunity category seek to “create economic independence, increase family stability and create more sustainable and resilient communities.” For a university or college, the Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition for volunteering. In order to make the roll, an institution must show outstanding dedication to their community, service-learning and civic engagement. Among the thousands of universities across the nation, only 20 universities made the Honor Roll’s cut. This year marks the sixth straight year MSU has made the list. MSU received nominations in all four possible categories: General Community Service, Interfaith Service, Education and Economic Opportunity. Awards are under the direction of the Corporation for National and Community Service, along with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, American Council on Education, Campus Compact and the Interfaith Youth Core.
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Speech and debate team shines at USM by Sean Mccarthy Contributing Writer
Over the weekend of Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Sept. 25, the Mississippi State University Speech and Debate Council competed in the Hub City Swing Tournament at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The team entered its second year with resounding success. The team was composed of students William Bonduris, Athena Kavanagh, Parker Krag, Julia-Rachel Kuehnle,
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Josh McCoy, Mackenzie Ellis, Colleen McInnis, and Coaches Brett Harvey and Cheryl Chambers. Athena Kavanagh, a junior economics major from Huntsville, Alabama, and president of the Speech and Debate Council, was proud to see her team perform well. “I think we all performed very well under a lot of pressure. And it was a really good way to start off the competition season,” Kavanagh said. Over 30 universities competed at the tournament, with the Speech and Debate Council
placing second overall in the tournament, and fourth in debate. Ms. Cheryl Chambers, communication instructor at MSU, and the speech coach for the team, was very satisfied with the team’s results. “I was very pleased with our performance, we had very good standing on the debate side of things,” Chambers said. The Speech and Debate Council has many exciting events and tournaments planned for the coming year. The team hopes to attend tournaments at Louisiana State University-
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Shreveport, The University of Alabama and Mississippi College this semester. Colleen McInnis, a junior art major, from Valrico, Florida, and vice president of the Speech team, was eager to participate in her first debate tournament. “I think that the team as a whole did extremely well, we got second place overall which is amazing,” McInnis said. The MSU Speech and Debate Team meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays in McComas 204 and on Thursdays in Union 230 for debate practice, and at noon
FORECAST: Bright sunshine all weekend with no rain in sight and temperatures in the lower 80’s for game day! Be sure to wear that jacket Sat. night as temps will reach upper 40’s.
Cheryl Chambers | Courtesy Photo
MSU Speech and Debate team placed second in their first tournament of the year.
on Wednesdays in Union 328 for speech practice. Interested individuals in either speech or debate can
contact Cheryl Chambers at cchambers@comm. msstate.edu for more information.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016
MAY
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“Molly’s platform, which focuses on breast cancer awareness, is something near and dear to both of our hearts,” May said. “One of most beloved projects is creating Chemo Caps for those who have the cancer and lose their hair, an alternative to wearing those hot and itchy wigs.” According to May, Molly has been a performer her whole life. Whether it was impersonating popular Disney characters for children or walking
up to her grade school teachers and asking if she could sing for them, Molly loves people and aspires to encourage everyone she comes across. Molly May said breast cancer awareness month is very important to her. “October is my favorite month for many reasons,” May said, “not only is it Fall and we’re in the middle of football season, but it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’m so thankful for my mother; a stage three breast cancer survivor
and getting my own double mastectomy almost two years ago.” May said she was tested and doctors found a radial scar which was a mass. She did not hesitate to get a double mastectomy, making her the youngest person in Mississippi to undergo the surgery. “Pink is a very powerful color in my house, and I am very proud of all of the pink ribbons all around campus, we’re getting the word out about a very serious matter and that
COMMUNITY SERVICE Meggan Franks, the assistant director of MSU’s Volunteer Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement, who applied the university for the Honor Roll, said volunteering at the university has become natural for students. “There’s a culture of service at our institution, and students have really bought into it,” Franks said. MSU has 160 different
programs in which 6,100 students participate. Some of the many projects and events students participate through the university include: the Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity Home, Service DAWGS Day, 9/11 National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Volunteer Week and Make a Difference Day. Among cities in Mississippi, Starkville ranks
makes me happy,” May said. May said her advice to girls who are aspiring to compete in similar competitions is to just go for it and they would not regret it. May’s next venture is running for Homecoming Queen, something very important to her, to be able to represent not only the University but the student body. May will be competing in next year’s Miss Mississippi in hopes of bringing home the title. CONTINUED FROM 1
first with the highest number of volunteers. A big part of the success belongs to the university’s students. MSU’s Volunteer Center partners with Volunteer Starkville for many events throughout the city. One of the biggest challenges Franks faces is ensuring students properly document their service hours. Many students often do not count their efforts
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because they forget or do not think of it as volunteering. Franks said something as simple and mundane as picking up trash qualifies as volunteering. Students volunteer for a variety of reasons. Many want to improve how their resume looks while others look to helping others. Benefits for students who choose to volunteer develop a passion for
Saturday October 1, 2016 1:56 a.m. An Aramark employee was arrested in Starkville for sexual assault. 2:25 p.m. A student was arrested on a warrant for simple assault on University Drive. 11:33 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation in Starkville for open container. Monday October 3, 2016 3:57 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was damaged while parked at Humphrey Coliseum. 5:42 p.m. A student reported her cell phone stolen from Allen Hall. Tuesday October 4, 2016 10:19 a.m. A student’s backpack was found in Hathorn Hall. 11:56 a.m. Students were issued referrals for a dispute in Sessums Hall. 1:46 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was damaged by the automatic gate on the east side of Allen Hall. Wednesday October 5, 2016 9:04 a.m. A resident of Oktibbeha county reported the brass street address numbers and door knocker was forcefully removed from the front door of the Alpha Tau Omega house. 12:54 p.m. A student passed out in McCain Hall. The subject was transported to OCH by ambulance. 3:07 p.m. A student reported his bicycle from the bike rack at Moseley Hall.
volunteering which may lead them to join AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps or work for non-profits in the future. Meghan Hodge, the president of MSU’s Service Dawgs, said volunteering as a student at the university has enabled her to grow, form
networks and meet nearly the entire campus. Hodge said volunteering has given her invaluable lessons she could not have learned elsewhere. “It’s taught me lessons that classrooms can’t teach me,” Hodge said.
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Editors’ note: In Tuesday’s issue of The Reflector, we printed a graphic on the front page illustrating percentages of HIV across age groups in Mississippi. These percentages were incorrect and the correct data is as follows: 60 years and older 4 percent, 50-59 years old 10 percent, 40-49 years old 13 percent, 30-39 years old 23 percent, 20-29 years old 43 percent and 15-19 years old 7 percent. The Reflector Staff
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When you’re a leader, people watch to see what you’ll do next. Nobody knows that better than Mississippi State University. For years we’ve been leaders in the world of aerospace engineering. MSU now serves as the national lead university for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, putting us on the cutting edge of this new era of research, development and integration into the nation’s airspace. We’re driven to lead the way. Keep watching as we soar to new heights. M S S TAT E . E D U
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016
Bulldog Bash returns to the District by Will Wells Staff Writer
Bulldog Bash is an annual event featuring live entertainment and shopping in Starkville’s Cotton District. Bulldog Bash began in 1999 and has featured artists including Jason Mraz, The Eli Young Band, The Avett Brothers and Third Eye Blind. Bulldog Bash crowds have swelled over the years from around 2,000 people for the early Bulldog Bashes to over 30,000 people for more recent Bashes with a crowd of 35,000
expected for Bulldog Bash 2016. The recent growth in crowd sizes has caused some difficulties in relation to the Bulldog Bash’s traditional Cotton District location with relocation being announced but then retracted. The Bash will remain in its normal location. Bulldog Bash kicks off on Friday at 2 p.m. with the Maroon Market on University Drive and throughout the Cotton District. The Maroon Market features a collection of local artists, companies and restaurants showcasing their products. A pep rally known as the Dawg Rally was originally
advertised and scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in anticipation of Mississippi State University’s football team’s home game the following day against the Auburn University Tigers. However, the Dawg Rally will not be taking place at this year’s Bulldog Bash. Alex Coats, MSU’s Student Association’s Bulldog Bash 2016 director said he is disappointed that the rally will not happen this year. “We are disappointed that the Dawg Rally will not be taking place at the Bulldog Bash this year,” Coats said, “but we are excited by the opportunities that have become
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available by making the Dawg Rally its own event separate from the Bulldog Bash.” Music will begin at the main stage at 7 p.m. with Jake Slinkard and his band, who earned the opportunity by winning the Battle of the Bands in September. Bulldog Bash 2016 will be headlined by Flo Rida, with Rock Eupora and Pell also playing the main stage. Other local bands including some from the Battle of the Bands competition will be playing on a day stage beginning at 3 p.m. Local bands playing the day stage will include Dylan Davis, Nic
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Berry, Hood Baby and the Barnacles and Jarrett Adams. Jake Slinkard and his band are very excited by the opportunity to participate in the Bulldog Bash. “Playing for an anticipated crowd of 35,000 people is simply unbelievable, and we are so excited to have the opportunity to share our original music with so many new people because that’s what music is all about, us coming together, relating to others and enjoying yourself,” Slinkard said. “It’s also nerve racking because it’s such a large jump in venue for us, easily the largest crowd we’ve
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played for.” University Drive will close at 2 a.m. Friday morning while the remaining roads in the Cotton District will remain open until noon. Those planning on attending Bulldog Bash should expect to walk as there will be no parking available in the Cotton District itself, and parking near the Cotton District is limited. Attendants can expect Bulldog Bash to end by midnight.
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016
Society can combat rising PTSD rates in veterans
Sarah Brister
is a junior majoring in public relations. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is common in people who have experienced some form of trauma. However, PTSD rates are rising in our veterans and active military members. This is a problem that can no longer be ignored. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), experiencing trauma is not rare. The VA stated approximately 60 percent of men and 50 percent
of women experience some type of trauma within their lifetime. The VA also stated that armed service PTSD rates are rising, and the number of veterans suffering from PTSD varies by their area of service. Approximately 20 percent of veterans that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Endure Freedom (OEF) have shown PTSD within a year of returning home. Approximately 12 percent of veterans who served in the Gulf War, better known as Desert Storm, have PTSD in a given year. It is now believed that 30 percent of all veterans suffer from PTSD. Presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed that veterans who suffer from PTSD simply “can’t handle it.” The blasphemy and disrespect in this statement clearly provides reason for supporting our troops and
those with mental illnesses. Not only are members of the military suffering from the stress that comes with combat, being away from their husbands, wives and children, but also sexual assault and harassment. Over 50 percent of women have reported sexual assault during their time of service,
have nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping and are left feeling emotionally numb. These types of symptoms can make a person’s daily life extremely difficult to deal with. The article also stated those who suffer from PTSD also developed depression, social anxiety,
“We need to find a way to help these men and women cope with the aftermath of war.” and 38 percent of men have reported sexual assault. I believe the people who fight for our freedom and protection should be the first to receive care and receive the highest quality care possible. Military Magazine shared an article stating those who suffer from PTSD often
substance abuse, memory problems and struggle with their families on these issues. While the article did state that many people who suffer from PTSD eventually stop experiencing it, it is still an issue we must talk about in order to help
The best pet for college kids is a lot like us, but spikier floor apartment with two roommates—is probably Staff Writer not the best owner for a dog or a cat. So what is the best As a college student, pet for college students with there are few moments in busy schedules and living the week when I am not situations? stressed about class, work, The answer may not be my social life or a combina- one you would expect–the tion of all three. best pet for a college stuFinding a balance dent is a hedgehog. Why? between getting enough Hedgehogs are a lot like sleep, making good grades us students. They sleep all and socializing can be one day, sometimes like to hide of the most difficult things and require cuddles to stay to do in college – therefore friendly. it is understandable that Also like us, hedgehogs students are stressed much are small and only require of the time. medium-sized cages that do According to Kirsten not have to be cleaned daily. Schuder, a mental health They can eat most foods, counselor in Virginia, one though it is better to look into in five college the right diet students feel for them— stressed the develop “Hedgehogs are they majority of the obesity probtime. One in a lot like us stu- lems if not fed four experience correctly. stress daily. Vet Street dents. They sleep states While there hedgeare many ways all day, sometimes hogs will to deal with bond with the stress of like to hide, and their owners if college life, time is spent a pet can be require cuddles to s o c i a l i z i n g an especially and intert r e m e n d o u s stay friendly.” acting with mood booster. the animal. According to They will Today, pets can respond to help relax their owners, their owner’s voice and scent lower blood pressure and and will become more active even help them improve when their owner is near. their relationships. Hedgehogs do not bark Being able to come home or meow annoyingly while and cuddle up to your you are trying to study, either. beloved animal after a long Instead, they may cuddle day of midterms might be up next to you and purr just what you need; how- (yes, hedgehogs purr when ever, a large amount of happy) in contentment. responsibility also comes I cannot imagine a better with taking care of another study partner than a purrliving being. ing hedgehog in my lap. Yes, When adopting a pet, it is hedgehogs do have quills, always important to under- but they are not spikey like stand the responsibility that those of a porcupine. They pet care entails–and some- feel more like bristles on a times that responsibility is hair brush. just too much. Training a Pets are great stress relievkitten to use the litter box ers, and hedgehogs are fairly or training a puppy to stop easy to manage in a college chewing your shoes will not household. Pets may be too lower your stress. In fact, it much of a stress for some, will probably increase it. but if you are looking for a It is obvious some animals more low-maintenance aniwork better for certain life- mal who will still give you styles than others. A college cuddles—hedgehogs are the student—living in a third way to go.
I hurt too. I go full force into this collaborative f ight, but I might have cried two minutes before walking out that door. Like, I’ve almost committed suicide... twice. People don’t know that. I’m a person too. Their pain and my pain hurt me too. If only they knew that it is affecting me too. I’m not f ighting for me. I’m f ighting for us. It’s me too. I’m crying to a counselor for an hour a week, because I carry the burden. But, I love that I carry it, because I would be empty if I didn’t have the f ire that’s in me. The f ire burns me every now and then, but I’d rather go through it than not have it... because, it’s important.”
Bailey McDaniel
Photo by Sarah Dutton | The Reflector, @sedphoto on Instagram
Sarah Dutton is the photography editor at the Reflector. She can be contacted at photo@reflector.msstate.edu.
Have you ever talked to someone and thought to yourself “If only they knew?” If so, keep reading. Life obviously has its ups and downs. You may wake up some days with every intent to conquer the world with the same determination and energy you had when you were younger and first found out someone walked on the moon the same way you walk over grass on the Earth. Other days, it takes absolutely everything in you to rip yourself out of bed when you wake up to tend to responsibilities that society and the culture around us influence. Of course, I cannot speak for absolutely everyone, but most people have an off day or two in between the exceptionally great and seemingly bland ones. These off days come at different times for each of us, and these tensions can be magnified by differences in age, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexuality, race and occupation Thus, it is not surprising that every once in a while we
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The article stated that it is common for most physicians to write a prescription for an anti-depressant and send a patient on their way without recognizing there may be a deeper issue. Another problem is that physicians usually spend very little time with patients and cannot get to know them on a deeper level. Many patients do not bring up the fact they are veterans and have seen combat, which can also lead to a wrongful diagnosis. While there are many factors that can lead to a veteran not being diagnosed with PTSD, we must learn how to look at this issue closer. We need to fi nd a way to help these men and women cope with the aftermath of war. The mental health of those who fi ght for our freedom should be our utmost concern, simply because they deserve it.
“If Only They Knew...
by Natalie Bullock
Editor in Chief/Kaitlin O’Dougherty
our military.I have many friends in the military, and while only 10 percent of military members experience combat, many of my friends have experienced some form of stress during their time in the military that has had an effect on their everyday lives. My friends in the armed forces have said their experiences with PTSD, stress, depression and substance abuse not only affected them but everyone around them. While they do not wish to leave the military necessarily, they do wish this topic was more widely discussed so they could receive the help they need without feeling ashamed. Huffi ngton Post shared an article stating one of the primary reasons our veterans are not being treated for PTSD is because physicians do not have the training to recognize PTSD.
experience a bit of dissonance. What is this dissonance? Is this really dissonance? If so, how do we combat it? When people interact, it is typical to judge one another on a black and white spectrum of “Do I like them, or not?” I personally do not see a problem with that. First impressions are things we all have. However, when you start creating a story for that individual based on assumptions, stereotypes, schemas and biases, you tend to write his or her story for them… before
series generated to help voice the unheard words that lay gray within the black and white spectrum. However, this continuing series is not limited. This is also for people who are already heard, if not even more so for them. Why? Because their voice is valued and listened to, something that is foreign to others. They have the opportunity to raise the voices who are not heard. I want to start a conversation that begins the end of this dissonance. However, it would not be fair if I asked
“This project is a continuing series generated to help voice the unheard words that lay gray within the black and white spectrum.” they have the opportunity to tell it themselves. That is when I have a problem- individuals are not truly being heard. This is where I feel dissonance starts: the moment we silence people. What if we just listened? Would there be dissonance if we listened with the intent to understand rather than the intent to respond? In light of events in my own life when I have personally thought “If only they knew” and the stories I have had the honor of listening to, I present to you my project, If Only They Knew (IOTK)... This project is a continuing
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. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
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everyone to be vulnerable without sharing a bit of my own vulnerability as well. In my own experience, I have thought if only they knew I have struggled with an anxiety disorder and mood disorder since I was a teenager. If only they knew these disabilities make me put up barriers and guard myself from feeling when truly all I want to do is feel as much in this life as possible. If only they knew my anxiety derives from years of sexual and emotional abuse, such as gas lighting and invalidation of my history with domestic abuse. If
only they knew it is a constant battle every day to fight these invisible demons that only half of society accepts. If only they knew photography literally saved my life. If only they knew that I am human just like them; we are all multiple layers of star dust compiled to make something much bigger than ourselves, and I feel sometimes we forget that. If only they knew I loved them infinitely, and have faith that we can figure out this dissonance together. I am growing and experiencing things so very differently alongside others who experience things in their own ways. If we all just listened to one another, I think we would realize we are a lot more similar than we are different. If you got to this point, you obviously found a portion of this concept that resonates with you. So, here’s to me growing, you growing and us growing together. Through If Only They Knew…let’s begin to truly listen to these stories. These are the stories of people who hope to change our perceptions, so we can can understand the struggles we do not know. I will document these people for you, myself and most importantly, those that want to be heard. Let’s listen to these voices so our collective voice can be heard by everyone. Let’s listen to Bailey McDaniel first. Continue to our online website to read her story in full.
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SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016
Bulldogs defense to be challenged by Taylor Rayburn Staff Writer
Mississippi State football is back at home for the first time in three weeks, and their defense will have the task of dealing with the Auburn Tigers and their famed hurry-up offense. Auburn has become an important game for MSU if they want to make a bowl, and the challenge will be to contain Auburn’s offense. Auburn runs heavy motion in the backfield before plays on top of going hurry-up no huddle most of the time. Defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said Auburn will do a lot of what he calls window-dressing. “There is a lot of different formations,” Sirmon said. “A large amount of shifts and fly motions and a lot of window-dressing to the plays.” What window-dressing means is before the play is snapped, they will run a man in motion and fake a handoff
to him and give the ball to someone else. Auburn runs a lot of fake handoffs and fake passes, and it has worked for them this season in the run game. Auburn leads the SEC in total rushing yards this season. They have 1349 rushing yards on 272 attempts and average 4.96 yards a carry and 269.80 yards a game. All the motion and staying with an assignment is usually a challenge for a young defense like MSU has. Senior linebacker Richie Brown talked about the difference between being older and seeing the offense and knowing how it works compared to young guys like freshman linebacker Leo Lewis, who is seeing it for the fi rst time. “For the older guys, they have seen it a little bit more,” Brown said. “For the younger guys it is going to be a little shaky at fi rst, they are going to see a lot of motion, a lot of flying colors, so we are just trying to keep that tempo in practice and get
them used to it.” MSU will have some more help this week in the secondary as cornerback Cedric Jiles is looking to get back into action after breaking his arm in fall training camp. Even if Jiles is in a limited role, it will give MSU’s secondary some much needed depth after losing Taveze Calhoun and Will Redmond to graduation last season, then losing Tolando Cleveland to an ACL tear in fall camp as well. Jiles has already had two season-ending injuries before this one. Head coach Dan Mullen said he thinks the fact this one was not season ending was a motivator for Jiles. “I think initially, it is extremely frustrating because he has missed two full seasons and had another injury,” Mullen said. “I think for him, the fact that it is not going to be a season-long injury really motivated him to work to get back and get himself the ability to get back on the field even if it is in a limited role just to be able to play for us this week.”
college basketball when they first came. They came a long way but still have a long way to go, I think patience is the key when you are talking to them and they still have a lot to learn.” Schnider Herard, who is originally from Haiti before moving to the U.S. in high school to play in Plano, Texas, and Mario Kegler out of Jackson, Mississippi, are the headliners of the class. Kegler, a small forward, and Schnider, a center, were both ranked in the top 52 players in the country coming out of high school and were both top 10 at their positions. Also joining them are Eli Wright, form Owensboro, Kentucky, Lamar Peters, from New Orleans, Louisiana and Abdul Ado, a native born Nigerian who moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in high school. Also there is E.J. Datcher out of Vincent, Alabama, and Tyson Carter, who is a Starkville native and the son of former Bulldog basketball player Gregg Carter. Head coach Ben Howland
said he expects all six of the eligible freshman to play, later joking about how stressful the season will be. “We are going to be, if not the youngest, one of the youngest team in the country,” Howland said. “That is going to be both fun and exciting but also excruciating, I want to look at my head right now and then we will compare a photo to see how much hair I have lost at the end of the season.” The team got some experience under their belt in August. They took a trip to Italy and went 4-0 against professional players overseas. Howland was glad they had the trip so he could get a head start on showing the younger
Noah Siano| The Reflector
Mississippi State prepares for a challenge in Auburnʼs hurry up offense. The Bulldogs sit at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in SEC play.
Kegler, freshmen begin practice for Bulldogs by Taylor Rayburn Staff Writer
Mississippi State basketball started practice on Tuesday as head coach Ben Howland prepares one of the youngest teams he has ever coached for the 2016-17 season. Mississippi State will have a lot of new faces around the program this season after losing a core trio of seniors in Fred Thomas, Craig Sword and Gavin Ware, as well as losing Malik Newman, who transferred to Kansas. To replace them, MSU has seven scholarship true freshman on the roster. According to 247sports.com’s composite rating, all but one of the freshman are four stars. Senior point guard I.J. Ready talked about patience when teaching the younger players. “Last year we had seniors that had been in the SEC and understood what they had to do,” Ready said. “All these freshman come in and don’t grasp the concept of
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players how to practice. “I thought the trip this summer to Italy and the opportunity to practice was a really good thing for this team because of our youth,” Howland said. However, the player whom many consider the top recruit for MSU entering this year did not make it to the Italy trip because he had yet to be cleared academically to play by the NCAA. That has been cleared up, and he is good to go now. Kegler talked about what he did while the team was in Italy. “For me it was motivation,” Kegler said. “I just stayed here, got in the gym, worked and told myself just get better and God will
handle everything.” Abdul Ado is another player struggling to get eligibility from the NCAA. Coach Howland said he is on scholarship and taking classes but is not eligible to practice and play. Howland said there is still some paperwork that needs to be done. Xavian Stapleton is a transfer from Louisiana Tech who sat out last season due to transfer rules but is also
recovering from an ACL tear. Howland said he has been through about 45 minutes of drills on Monday in but is not ready for practice. Howland said he is hopeful to get him back by the end of December but will be conservative with his knee. MSU basketball is a month out from their first game. They will start the season on Nov. 11 against Norfolk State.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016