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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2019

135th YEAR ISSUE 23

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

KING: Spencer Kirkpatrick CHRIS LOWE STAFF WRITER

Spencer Kirkpatrick will make history this weekend as he becomes the first ACCESS program student to represent Mississippi State University as Homecoming King.

In his last year at MSU, Kirkpatrick made the decision to take on eight other candidates and run for MSU’s Homecoming King. He won with a whopping 36% of the votes, according to the MSU Student Association.

Spencer Kirkpatrick’s father, Kevan Kirkpatrick, described his son’s longstanding dedication to the university.

“He had been a Mississippi

State fan since birth. He has grown up wearing maroon, went to State sporting events … you name it. The thought of college really was never a possibility for him, until we discovered the ACCESS program and he applied. So, just the fact of him being able to go to college and then being able to go to college at Mississippi State was just really a dream come true for him,” Kevan Kirkpatrick said.

Deandra Andrade, a senior business information systems major, said Spencer has become an important part of many MSU students’ lives.

“Spencer always had a smile on his face. Him and his friends always spoke in passing and always made your

day brighter if you had the chance to stop and talk.

He was very involved on campus and even after I moved out of the dorm my freshman year, I still continued to see him actively on campus.”

KING, 2

QUEEN: Rachel Dumke

HANNAH BLANKENSHIP NEWS EDITOR

TORI BOATNER STAFF WRITER

As an out-of-state student from Franklin, Tennessee, Rachel Dumke has been motivated to get involved on campus since she first came to Mississippi State University. Now, Dumke’s involvement has granted her the opportunity to fulfill the role of MSU’s latest Homecoming Queen.

Dumke is the current Panhellenic Council president, campus-wide senator, member of Delta Gamma and tour guide of Maroon VIP. She has also participated in Dance Marathon, Women’s Club Volleyball, Lambda Sigma Honor Society and currently holds the undergraduate seat on the President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

She said her involvement in organizations like the Student Association allow for her to make a change that benefits the entire student body.

In her organizations, she has also developed lasting mentorships and relationships with faculty members.

MR. MSU:

Michael Weeks

QUEEN, 2

MISS MSU: Reagan Moak

MARY CAITLYN WRIGHT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

During halftime at this Saturday’s football game against Abilene Christian University, Mississippi State University’s homecoming court will stand on the field, representing the values

FRIDAY HI: 72 LO: 59 SKY: Cloudy POP: 90

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“If you want to know what true friendship looks like, what a true, good heart looks like, that’s what it looks like,” senior John Pyles said of Michael Weeks, Mississippi State University’s latest Mr. MSU. Pyles, Weeks’ fraternity brother and the chaplain of Beta Upsilon Chi, was in the midst of test week and initiation week when his grandfather passed away from cancer. Barely making it to Brandon in time for the visitation, Pyles was shocked to see Weeks, the president of a fraternity in the midst of one of its busiest week of the year, standing in the back of the receiving line. Weeks walked through the line, offered his

condolences, gave Pyles a hug, then made the two-hour drive back to Starkville for classes the next morning.

“He had so much going on, dropped everything, drove to Jackson, and did that to support me...If anyone could have any shadow of a doubt of what kind of person Michael Weeks is, that night should remove any of those doubts,” Pyles said.

For Weeks, it has never been about the title, achievements or personal goals. Instead, it has always been about the people.

“I’m at Mississippi State to get a good education and my schoolwork is something that I care about and I take it very seriously but I don’t want that to be something that characterizes me or defines my time at Mississippi MR., 2 State.

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of MSU. This year, Miss MSU will be represented by Reagan Moak.

Moak, a senior biochemistry major from Brandon, Mississippi, said being named Miss MSU was a surreal experience.

“It was in between my big midterms, and I was in the library, and I didn’t

FORECAST: Showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday afternoon ahead of a cold front that moves through early on Saturday morning. Some lingering showers are possible before noon on Saturday, but things should clear up before MSU’s Homecoming Game against Abilene Christian. We’re back to being sunny and cool on Sunday.

Courtesy of Andrew Miller, Campus Connect Meteorologist

want to go because I was so nervous,” Moak said.

“My friends made me go and stand out there. All of my friends were huddling around me. When they said my name, I think that I blanked out for a second because I was just looking around and everyone around me was screaming, and I couldn’t fathom what was happening. My fiance was holding my shoulders, saying that it was me, and I was like, ‘That’s me.’ It was an incredible feeling, and it was a very moving moment in my life.”

Moak said she is very happy that she is going to be able to serve the campus in a new way with the title of Miss MSU. Moak said it was an insane process, but it was rewarding to become closer to people she has previously worked with during her time

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on campus. Moak said she had some trouble applying for the Miss MSU position because it is hard for her to put herself out there.

“I had a lot of trouble getting myself to do it at first because I am one of those people that find it hard to put myself out there at first, and that’s one thing that MSU has definitely helped me out with,” Moak said.

Moak said being Miss MSU is more than just a title.

“You have the opportunity to really embody what MSU is and all that we stand for, which is being intentional, caring and being passionate about everything you do.

It’s about chasing your dreams wholeheartedly and fearlessly,” Moak said.

MISS, 2

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KING

The smiles Kirkpatrick puts on his friends’ faces can be clearly seen in a video posted to Kirkpatrick’s campaign page on Facebook.

Along with Kirkpatrick’s pure joy from the election outcome, the video captures several of his friends’ joy as well.

Andrade said Spencer Kirkpatrick embodies the values of MSU and is welldeserving of the role of King.

“The ACCESS program has provided him with great tools that will surely help him later in life, but Spencer is strong and ambitious with great willpower to go above and beyond pushing limits. I think him winning Homecoming King is a welldeserved example of this—a true representation of the ideal, well-rounded MSU student,” Andrade said.

Of course, there is more

CONTINUED FROM 1

to Spencer Kirkpatrick than becoming Homecoming King. According to Kevan Kirkpatrick, when Spencer was younger, he dreamed of higher education and a true chance of having independence in his life.

Considering his imminent graduation, Spencer’s goals are becoming a reality.

“Like any college student, he’s very excited to graduate in May and he will move

back to Tupelo. He will have a job, most likely, at North Mississippi Medical Center...

He’ll live as independent of a life as he possibly can,” Kevan Kirkpatrick said.

On Saturday, Spencer Kirkpatrick and the rest of the Homecoming Court will take the field during the football game against Abilene Christian University. Spencer’s ACCESS adviser and friend, Melody Mayden, a junior

kinesiology major, praised Kirkpatrick’s attitude and commitment to the university.

She commended him on his ability to be a representative of the values of MSU. “Not only does he love this school wholeheartedly and in a whole other kind of way that people probably don’t understand, he knows almost every person on this campus. And even if he doesn’t, he’s going to learn

QUEEN

their name ... He truly loves this school wholeheartedly and everybody in it and there’s not any motive behind it. Where other people may have motive behind what they’re doing, whether it’s for their face to be out there the most or people to know their name or for networking purposes, Spencer just did it because he loves this school and he wants people to know that.”

CONTINUED FROM 1

Following graduation, Dumke hopes to continue her passion and advocate for the voiceless on a larger scale.

“Throughout college, I’ve been inspired by all of the leaders that I’ve been able to see and that helped me grow and become passionate about continuing that legacy,” Dumke said.

Dumke, a kinesiology major, said her passion for public service has inspired her to pursue a career in law and public policy. Looking to help each student on campus, Dumke dedicated her campaign to understanding a diverse range of students’ passions and experiences at

MSU. “I really wanted to make the campaign about Mississippi State students and less about me,” Dumke said.

Dumke’s involvement, service and advocacy for all students motivated her to run for Homecoming Queen.

She said it is a way for her to promote the countless opportunities that MSU offers to its students.

“When I leave campus, I want it to be better than when we all came here, in small and large ways,” Dumke said.

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life

Jacqueline Mullins said she can attest to Dumke’s passion for service. Mullins has known Dumke for three years and has watched Dumke lead the Panhellenic Council and other organizations. Mullins said Dumke’s motivation to run for queen aligned with her willingness to serve the university.

“I felt as if her reasoning and want to do this was on par with the servant heart that she has in all aspects of the positions she’s served in and the decisions she’s made,” Mullins said.

Mullins said Dumke is a role model to other students because she works to create a

more inclusive environment in every organization in which she is involved.

“It’s exciting to see that the hard work she has done over the last four years was recognized by the student body,” Mullins said.

Dumke’s close friend an campaign manager, Erin Linley, a junior accounting major, said she is very excited for her friend. Linley said Dumke wanted her campaign to be highly inclusive and help her develop a personal connection with the student body.

“Homecoming is something everyone is involved in and Rachel

was willing to reach out to people,” Linley said.

When Linley found out Dmke had won, she said she teared up and instantly thought of helping her friend choose the perfect gown for the Homecoming Game. Linley said Dumke was the best candidate for Homecoming Queen because of her ability to serve and her dedication to ensuring that every student feels included in homecoming activities.

“She is so beautiful inside and out,” Linley said. “I can’t wait to see her walk across that field. That’s something that she will never forget.”

Dumke said she is

MR.

honored to serve as MSU’s 2019 Homecoming Queen.

She is also looking forward to cheering on the football team in Davis Wade Stadium.

Dumke said the idea of her walking onto the field is unreal and has expressed deep gratitude for the student body and their support of her campaign.

“I’ve received so much back from this university and the students that I could never repay,” Dumke said. “I hope when people are watching everything at homecoming, I hope they realize that pouring into this university is really awesome and worth it.”

CONTINUED FROM 1

I want to love people first,” Weeks said.

Despite initially feeling conflicted about applying for Mr. MSU, Weeks said he decided to go for it because it would allow him to give back to the school that has given him so much.

“It’s a really cool opportunity for me to be able to pour in everything I have to these younger bulldogs that are going to love and serve the university the way I have been privileged to do,” Weeks said.

Pyles said he was confident Weeks’ motivations for applying to be Mr. MSU were far from self-serving.

“He saw it as a platform to

bring glory to God, to let his light shine, to give him more influence and even more of a platform to do that. That’s why he did it and it’s easy to say that, but I can honestly say and believe that’s why he did it because of the person that he is and the person that I’ve seen him to be over the past two years,” Pyles said.

Weeks, a native of Madison, grew up attending MSU football games. He always believed he would end up at MSU for college. Weeks said he loves MSU because students are able to get all of the perks of attending a bigger SEC school while still experiencing a close family

atmosphere.

“It’s a mystery to me how Mississippi State does it but I think it’s super special because you’re at a campus with 22,000 students but it doesn’t feel that way. So, really thankful for that. I just feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds here,” Weeks said.

Weeks said his role as president of the BYX fraternity has prepared him to serve as Mr. MSU by teaching him to lead and serve others.

“It’s been awesome getting to lead a group of guys through college because college is not the easiest thing and a lot of us stumble along the way, so it’s been really

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cool to love on those guys well and hopefully lead them humbly through their time at Mississippi State,” Weeks said.

Also involved in the Roadrunners program, Weeks said he has loved getting to meet and talk to prospective students. He has also loved getting to know his fellow Roadrunners.

Judd Williams, the faculty adviser for BYX, admissions counselor in the office of Admissions and Scholarships and an MSU alumnus, served as a Roadrunner and on the BYX executive board when he attended MSU. He said this allows him to relate to Weeks’ own college experience.

Williams spoke highly of Weeks’ character, saying he is always willing to lend a helping hand to any of his fellow Roadrunners.

“You’ll probably hear a lot of people say this about Michael Weeks if you ask them but he is one of the most humble human beings that I have ever met in my entire life,” Williams said.

As a senior kinesiology major, Weeks hopes to become a physical therapist.

He said his experiences as President of BYX, a Roadrunner and now as Mr. MSU will be valuable for his future career.

“Through these

MISS “I think that I will do my best every single day to embody what that means.”

Moak has been very involved on campus since

positions, I’ve learned what it looks like to really step into my personality and be comfortable in that and I think that’s going to help me relate well to people in my profession,” Weeks said.

Williams said he is confident Weeks represents the spirit of MSU. “He recognizes that it’s not just him that he’s representing,” Williams said. “He’s representing the university, he’s representing his fraternity, he’s representing the Roadrunners, he’s representing his family and ultimately he’s representing Jesus and I think he exemplifies that really well.”

CONTINUED FROM 1

her freshman year. She was a Freshman Forum director for the Donald Zacharias Leadership Conference, a New Maroon Camp staff

member for three years as well as a member of Maroon VIP. Moak is also a member of the Chi Omega sorority.

Moak founded an organization called STEMpact, where she is currently serving as the president. Among other things, she is a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ambassador and CALS vice president. Moak has been the recruitment chair for two years for the American Medical Student Association. She has also served as a Community Health Intern since her freshman year. Dr. David Buys, Moak’s Community Health Intern supervisor, said Moak deserves the role of Miss MSU for multiple reasons.

“She embodies the spirit of Mississippi State. She is bright and accessible. One of the things I am most proud of while being a staff member at Mississippi State is that we are the people’s university, we are here for all of Mississippi and Reagan gets that.”

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OPINION

Taylor Swift is in the right with Big Machine Records

COURTNEY CARVER

is a senior majoring in communication.

Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

From being interrupted by Kanye West during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to her feud with Big Machine Label Group, Taylor Swift is fearless when it comes to her songs, performances and career.

The record-breaking artist will be awarded the American Music Award’s Artist of the Decade on Nov. 24, but her feud with Big Machine Label Group has yet to end.

In a Twitter post from Nov. 14., Swift said she is not allowed to perform songs from her back catalogs, songs that were made during her time with the Big Machine Label Group “I’ve been planning to

perform a medley of my hits throughout the decade on the show. Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun have now said that I’m not allowed to perform my old songs on television because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I’m allowed to next year,” Swift said.

Taylor Swift entered a contract when she was 14 years old with Big Machine Label Group. According to Marissa R. Moss of Rolling Stone, Big Machine Label Group was founded by Borchetta. It was recently purchased for $300 million by Scooter Braun, who manages Justin Bieber and other artists.

When Braun purchased the Nashville label, this meant he would also be the owner of Swift’s masters, which she would not be allowed to rerecord until 2020. This places the Artist of the Decade’s AMA performance and Netflix documentary in limbo.

This feud has been nothing but a he-said, shesaid match with claims of nonexistent proof thrown in.

This can be seen when Big

Disney’s Star Wars movies are positive for audiences

Machine still denying that they did not deny Swift her performance? Why have they changed their story and lied about an agreement with Dick Clark Productions?

This power play by Big Machine turned sour for the label the moment Swift decided to voice her opinion on the issue. I applaud her for the bravery she has shown by taking a stand. Whether we are missing bits and pieces of the puzzle will remain unknown, but I do not doubt there is more than we are getting. This is no surprise as it is the music industry; however, Swift has always been transparent with her fans.

I believe what she is saying to be true. All the Big Machine Label Group has to do is allow her to use her original songs to perform at the AMAs as Artist of the Decade this Sunday and for her Netflix documentary. Odds are, Swift is “never, ever, ever, getting back together” with Big Machine, but she should not have to fight to perform the products of her creativity.

I stand with Taylor.

Do not cross the streams or streaming services

Rosalind Hutton

movies of the main saga fell short, and the most recent theatrical release, “Solo,” had a disappointing box office turn out.

The over-saturation of content is seen to many as lazy and greedy, and Disney is aware of this. Following the failure of “Solo,” Disney C.E.O. Bob Iger acknowledged his mistakes and plans to slow production to increase quality, Matthew Belloni of The Hollywood Reporter reports.

For the critics, that is great news. For me, Star Wars has a great deal of nostalgia attached to it, so I have always tended to be a lot more optimistic with the series. I grew up watching the movies and I remember being amazed by the strange planets, epic battles and heroic characters. Even today when I watch the movies again, I find more reasons to love them.

When I went to see the most recently released movies in theaters, I noticed some problems with them but for the kids in the theater, it was still Star Wars. The Star Wars movies have never been cinematic masterpieces. They were not made to be some artistic phenomenon. When I watch Star Wars, I am put into a place that I could never imagine or create on my own and I am a kid again.

With the new generation of Star Wars content, a new generation of fans is falling in love with the galaxy far, far away. They are able to feel the same way I did when I was first introduced to Star Wars.

There are kids today that love the new stories in spite of what many critics say. I think spreading the excitement and happiness to more people is certainly not a problem, and I, for one, am happy with what Disney has done.

Each generation yields new and promising innovations. From the wheel to Netflix, mankind has truly planted its foot in the digital age. From this point, we can only continue to advance.

A recent innovation, video streaming, has become extremely popular within the last couple of decades.

Netflix, one of the first video streaming services, introduced us to how convenient it is for movies and television shows to be together on one website.

Countless streaming services have been created since then, and they are each being pitted against one another.

Recently, Disney launched a new video streaming service, and Disney fans can now binge-watch the golden ages of their childhoods.

With a $6.99-per-month subscription, the Disney Plus video streaming app provides easy access to everyone’s favorite Disney classics. The recent hype surrounding the new Disney streaming service has made me more aware of the number of streaming services many people will now be paying for. I do not mean to rain on the Disney Plus parade, but while all the hype surrounding the new streaming service sounds great, I think we should be wary of all the tricks and gimmicks of the videostreaming market.

I love “The Little Mermaid” and “Toy Story” as much as the next guy but think about all the other video streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and more, that people pay for.

According to tech journalist James Wilcox of Consumer Reports, video-only Amazon Prime subscription costs $9 a month. It costs $5 a month for Apple TV and $5 a month for ESPN Plus. Without

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Rosalind Hutton

advertisements, Hulu costs $6 a month. Netflix costs $9 a month, with high screen definition upgrades for $7 more. Now, throw Disney Plus on top of the multiple streaming services people are willing to pay for.

Each platform differs just enough from the other that people are willing to subscribe to multiple. Statista states that, in 2018, Netflix and Hulu place in second and third, respectively, for most-used video streaming services. Considering many people who actively utilize video streaming content typically pay for multiple different streaming services, bills for these services add up.

If someone only subscribed to Netflix and Hulu at the lowest available prices, the cost to Netflix-and-chill and Hulu-and-hang with ads would cost up to $180 a year.

Ashley Rodriguez of Quartz says since Netflix’s release in 2010, Netflix users in 2019 pay $1 to $8 more than the initial monthly subscription price.

New features and attractive upgrades compromise users’ bank accounts. Many users are more willing to cash out an extra $8 for better service.

With Disney Plus on the rise, it is not unreasonable to believe that their fairly priced $6.99 a month price will rise once their financial platform solidifies from more consumers subscribing to their service.

Disney Plus has also pitted itself against Netflix by creating bundle discounts that include ESPN Plus and Hulu for $12.99 a month. On top of all the deals Disney Plus offers, they will be removing all Disney movies and television shows from Netflix at the end of 2019.

This entices people to either drop Netflix or pay more money to maintain both subscriptions.

Fewer people tend to watch live television now than they have before. Many watch shows and movies through their video streaming service. There has been a shift in trends away from live television to video streaming.

Users pay for all the same shows and channels that live television provides because video streaming services are more convenient. There is also the bonus of unlimited streaming, something live television is unable to do.

Disney Plus and Netflix

aside, video streaming services are almost too far gone. Not only do their entertainment services persuade people to happily empty their wallets for shows and movies that hinder our productivity, but video streaming services have also become an emotional crutch for many. It creeps into our daily routines and becomes a go-to if we need any emotional comfort or a distraction from reality.

In order to appease our video streaming addictions, companies should find common ground. They should stream all our favorite shows and movies through one service, or cable television should make livestreaming available in the same ways Netflix, Disney Plus and others have. With more companies branching off into their own video streaming platforms, it is unlikely they will concede.

Until all streaming companies merge into a single, unified platform or television becomes more innovated, we will have to continue splitting our money off into independent companies for slightly different video streaming services.

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up. Or you’ll be punished.

This is WRONG. Neither of these men had a hand in the writing of those songs.

They did nothing to create the relationship I have with my fans. So this is where I’m asking for your help,” Swift stated.

She is right. This is wrong.

She is the only person who can take credit for her success.

Five of her albums have each accumulated over $10 million in sales, according to Chart Masters. She also has received the most AMA awards over any artist in the last decade, according to Billboard.

The way Swift is alleging Big Machine is treating her is tyrannical. I am not the biggest fan, but I can most definitely empathize with Swift as a woman. We have been taught to know right from wrong, and this is wrong. Women have had to break the glass ceiling, and some still fight to reach the pinnacle of equality.

Obviously, this argument is not over money. Swift has the most sales out of every artist currently signed with Big Machine. So, why is Big

is a sophomore majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

Editor in Chief/Mia Rodriguez

Sports Editor/Hunter Cloud

Any final agreement on this matter needs to be made directly with Taylor Swift’s management team. We have no further comment,” Dick Clark Productions stated.

If an agreement between the two never occurred, why would Big Machine Label Group say it did? The label is trying to make themselves look better. Dick Clark Productions called out this attempt because the situation is something that needs to be handled with Swift, not the AMAs or Dick Clark Productions.

There has been an unbelievable amount of support for Swift from many celebrities and politicians and there has also been backlash.

Why should Swift be punished for a contract she signed when she was 14? The award she will receive proves she has evolved from a shy and timid girl to a powerful and fearless woman.

Swift wrote something which immediately caught my attention.

“The message being sent to me is very clear. Basically, be a good little girl and shut

RILEY STEPHENS

DANIEL DYE

is a sophomore majoring in biological sciences. Contact him at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.

In recent years, opinions have become more divisive than ever. Arguments start, typically, over issues that are important, but it is easy to see divisiveness in other things as well, such as Star Wars.

I could not tell you when I last argued about politics, but within this past week alone, I have had two discussions about Star Wars. The biggest issue that I tend to discuss is whether Disney has ruined Star Wars. Ever since acquiring the rights to Lucasfilm in late 2012, I think Disney has done many great things for Star Wars. Overall, I am happy with the direction they have taken it.

First and foremost, I am excited that new Star Wars content is being produced.

When George Lucas created Star Wars, he created a universe with so many different possibilities and stories to tell.

It would be an injustice not to tell them. Disney is a massive company with the funds and resources to do it justice, and I would not want Star Wars to be in any other hands.

Before 2015, the last Star Wars movie, “Revenge of the Sith,” was released in 2005.

In the meantime, the only other content produced was the animated television series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

Since 2015, there have been four movies and three shows released, and there have been tons of books, video games and toys to boot.

There are long term plans in place for Star Wars, as well. According to Megan McCluskey of Time, Disney has a new trilogy planned for the future, as well as two new live-action series detailing characters from the main series.

However, the massive increase in Star Wars content is not always seen as a good thing. To many, the recent

Machine released a statement to Anastasia Tsioulcas of NPR saying the label and Dick Clark Productions, the company that runs the American Music Awards, have come to an agreement regarding Swift’s old music.

“The Big Machine Label Group and Dick Clark Productions announce that they have come to terms on a licensing agreement that approves their artists’ performances to stream postshow and for re-broadcast on mutually approved platforms.

This includes the upcoming American Music Awards performances,” Big Machine Label Group said.

While the statement continues, Dick Clark Productions also released a statement that denied an agreement had been made between the two companies.

“At no time did Dick Clark Productions agree to, create, authorize or distribute a statement in partnership with Big Machine Label Group regarding Taylor Swift’s performance at the 2019 American Music Awards.

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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 @REFLECTORONLINE

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

5

Theatre MSU’s 'Beowulf' turns an Old English epic into something new

BRANDON GRISHAM STAFF WRITER

The word “hypocrisy” was stuck in my mind after leaving Theatre MSU’s “Beowulf.” A significant part of the story was the false appearance of virtue.

Combined with the cost of being a hero and intense story elements that ask how far someone is willing to go to be remembered, MSU’s production of Beowulf is unique.

Cody Stockstill, an assistant professor and coordinator of Theatre MSU, directed this production. His vision allowed for everyone in the cast and crew to reach the audience on an emotional level. That goal was successful, as Theatre MSU has created something truly remarkable with this adaptation.

This production portrays the epic Old English poem adapted by Nathan Cleveland, Preslie Cowley, Cody Stockstill and Jon Tackett. This adaptation is meant for mature audiences, mostly due to intense violence, disturbing scenes and some minor usage of explicit language. The themes refuse to sugar-coat the intensity. As far as the acting talent goes, I could write endless paragraphs regarding the exceptional display of it in this production.

The entire cast was brilliant, from the main leads to the minor roles, they all brought incredible characteristics to their characters which left them memorable. Their dedication brought the story to life, and everyone had a moment to captivate the audience.

“Beowulf ” is about a warrior aiming for glory, focusing on the sacrifices made when battling evil other humans refuse to accept. Like all theatrical productions, the weight

BEOWULF Rosalind Hutton

lives or dies with the pacing.

I will admit, the first act had some slow moments. Then, I realized the first act was half an hour longer, and I got over it.

During the intermission, I heard praise for every aspect of the performance except for the pacing.

Immediately following the final scene of the entire play, I heard members of the audience weeping and giving a standing ovation.

This story needs the extra time for the audience to grow invested. The expository dialogue feels like a steep learning curve, but the weight truly hits in the second act.

While the performances bring the story to life, the design works to keep the audience immersed.

When audiences see the detail of the set, they will be floored by the subtle intricacies. Heorot Hall

looks magnificent, but the shift to the cave was extraordinarily clever. The performers’ costumes focused on practicality,

an important purpose, refusing to be meaningless.

Commendation must be awarded to the lighting and sound operators, who

“It’s not the ‘Beowulf ’ people

think they know. It’s a Beowulf for modern audiences with all the heroism and heart of the original poem. If you didn’t like it in high school, give it a shot.”

Emma Denson “Heilga” especially in terms of how the movement was incorporated. Each of the props served

made the special effects incredibly effective.

Emma Denson played Heigla, a female warrior

and mother to Beowulf ’s daughter. Denson wanted to convey how this production differs from the initial source material.

“It’s not the ‘Beowulf ’ people think they know.

It’s a ‘Beowulf ’ for modern audiences with all the heroism and heart of the original poem. If you didn’t like it in high school, give it a shot,” she said.

Denson went on to credit the writing team for their inclusion of a strong female voice.

“I just want to thank the writers for giving us the opportunity to showcase more female leads. There are only six of us in the cast, but I feel that all of them are really strong, and they represent the wide spectrum of femininity.

Like how they have to feel more masculine to fit in. I think it has a lot of commentary that was not

in the poem before. It gives the women agency, a voice and a story. It’s re-doing old work and bringing into light the invisible ones,” said Denson.

Kathleen Ritter played Wealtheow, Beowulf ’s wife and queen of the Geats.

She offered her stance on how this production tried to incorporate strong female characters.

“I know particularly me and Emma, who played Heigla, really worked hard with Cody to show the different types of women.

In Act II, 20 years have passed, and Wiglaf is still trying to prove herself.

She’s still the only female warrior. Even though things have changed there is still that tension between how feminine can I be, how much do I rely on men, how much do I have to fight against men to get to where I want to be,” Ritter said.

It took time for me to realize how prejudiced I was when I attended the opening night. The story of “Beowulf ” was familiar to me as a boring assignment from high school, but my stance changed in the second act. Something within this production showed me how ridiculous my issues with the source material were. I am awestruck by how powerful the impact of this performance left me feeling.

Theatre MSU made something special with this production.

“Beowulf ” appeals to fans of epics, showcasing intense action and heartfelt drama. There is also a solid bit of comedy for good measure. Overall, it provides an entertaining evening and is guaranteed to be a highlight for audience members and MSU students to look back on.

The production will run on the McComas main-stage until the last performance on Nov. 24.

Student Spotlight: Dylan Osmon TALLY DUKE STAFF WRITER

Dylan Osmon, a senior agriculture business major at Mississippi State University, has a strong passion for music and performing.

“I started playing piano when I was eight or nine because my grandma taught me. I learned percussion in middle school when I joined the band, and I played the drums,” Osmon said.

Church bands were also important in Osman’s musical journey.

“I played in two or three church bands growing up, but never sang only because I did not know I could,” Osmon said.

Osmon developed his musical ability even more, teaching himself how to play the guitar.

“I learned how to play the guitar my senior year of high school in Spanish class, but I was not any good at it until my sophomore or junior year of college,” Osmon said.

After becoming more confident in his ability to play the guitar well, Osmon decided he wanted to start a band.

“A little before Christmas during my junior year of college I decided I wanted to start a band because I wanted something to do,” Osmon said. “I put up flyers around campus and the people that responded were a couple, and we met up and decided to call ourselves ‘The Third Wheel’ because I was single, and they were a couple.”

By the time he started his band during the spring semester of his junior year, Osmon had not started to

sing yet. By that time, Osmon said the band had only five or six performances.

The summer before his senior year, Osmon decided he was tired of paying singers.

“I took voice lessons last spring because I wanted to learn how to sing, and I got a little better and had a few songs I felt comfortable performing in front of people, so I decided to go solo in my hometown in Arkansas,” Osmon said.

After he took voice lessons, his love for performance developed.

Since then, Osmon performs weekly.

“During the summer, I started to perform two to three times a week in my hometown, and I got more comfortable with more songs,” Osmon said.

After school started, Osmon started performing for tips.

“I came back to Starkville, and it was a slow grind getting into venues, but I worked my way in,” Osmon said.

Osmon now has weekly shows at local bars and restaurants, such as Moe’s Original Bar B Que and Hobie’s Right Field Tiki Lounge. He also performs at on-campus venues, such as fraternity events.

Along with being a local musician, Osmon is also involved in different organizations on campus.

“I joined Roadrunners my sophomore year, and I am apart of the ‘78 club’, which means I have given 78 campus tours,” Osmon said.

Taylor Reeves, a senior business administration major, met Osmon through Roadrunners and booked

“I have

wanted to model myself around Dylan because he will shoot you straight, and is a really good guy, so I have a lot of respect for him.”

Taylor Reeves

Dylan Osmon | Courtesy Photo

Osmon for performances at his fraternity.

“I met Dylan through Roadrunners, which is an admissions tour guide program for incoming freshmen.

We became good friends, and I heard Dylan started performing at venues, so I went to a couple of his shows, and I was impressed,” Reeves

said. “His performance was wonderful. A lot of parents and Sigma Chi alumni were also impressed with Dylan’s sound and wanted to get his name to have him perform down on the Coast.”

During their time as Roadrunners, Reeves and Osmon have become close friends.

“I have wanted to model

myself around Dylan because he will shoot you straight, and is a really good guy, so I have a lot of respect for him,” Reeves said.

Aside from his involvement with the Roadrunners, Osmon has been busy with different performances throughout this semester.

“I have performed at King’s Craft Butcher and I host open mic night every Wednesday at Hobie’s Tiki Bar,” Osmon said. “I play for 20-30 minutes at an 18-andup bar called Hobie’s, and other local musicians have the opportunity to take the stage and perform from 9:30 to 11:30 on Wednesday nights.”

Wyly Bigger, a recent MSU marketing graduate and musician, met Osmon at a

show at Hobie’s.

“I was at one of Dylan’s shows at Hobie’s, and I went up and complimented him because I loved his sound and thought he was talented. Whenever I’m down in Starkville we schedule something together, and I also enjoy seeing him play because he has a good voice,” Bigger said.

At the moment, Osmon only sings cover songs, but he hopes to learn how to write music for future performances.

“I play the guitar and sing into the mic, and perform what people tell me to. I predominantly sing country music because that is what people want to hear around here, but I love to sing John Mayer and the Eagles,” Osmon said.

John Mayer is Osmon’s musical inspiration, describing him as a living legend.

Osmon will graduate this December with a major in agricultural business and three minors in mathematics, economics and business administration.

After graduation, he plans on working for Southern Mississippi Trading. Preparing for graduation, Osmon’s describes his music as being a hobby that also makes him a little bit of money.

“At the moment music is a side hustle for me, but it has been a great way to make income in college, and meet a ton of people, which is a great time,” Osmon said.

Osmon typically performs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He posts his performance dates and venues on his Instagram account, @dylan_osmon.

6-Sports SPORTS 6

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 @SPORTSREFLECTOR

Bulldogs must win to make a bowl game

GARRETT SMITH STAFF WRITER

MSU Athletics| Courtesy Photo

The “Selfless” jersey that MSU will wear on Saturday is in support of the T.K. Martin Center. All proceeds from the jerseys will go to the Center.

MSU wears ‘Selfless’ jerseys to support T.K. Martin Center

HUNTER CLOUD SPORTS EDITOR

Mississippi State University football players stopped by the T.K. Martin Center to meet with the preschool program where they saw the new MSU “Selfless” uniforms that will be worn at the game this Saturday. These uniforms will be worn in support of the T.K. Martin Center.

In the corner of the room, watching all of this unfold, was the Director of the T.K. Martin Center, Dr. Kasee Stratton-Gadke. She said watching the players understand how important these uniforms are for the T.K. Martin Center was incredibly moving.

“It made me sit back and tear up in the corner of the room watching it all unfold,” Stratton-Gadke said. “It is going to be incredible to watch them take the field in that jersey and know what it means to represent. I hope they play like what it means to represent, and I know they will because they are really excited too.”

Currently, athletic teams volunteer to help read to kids or help on the playground as a part of the selfless service that T.K. Martin represents.

The sleek black jersey paired with a maroon helmet and trim, seemingly replicating a circuit board, pays homage to the T.K Martin Center.

Founded in 1997, the center serves people with disabilities through assistive technology.

The uniforms were announced in August, just one month after Dr. Kasee Stratton-Gadke took over the position of director of the T.K. Martin Center.

Stratton-Gadke said shortly after she took over, Adidas reached out to partner with a program.

“They had us involved down to their marketing and what they were doing,” Stratton-Gadke said. “The circuit board that is built into the jersey is supposed to be representative of the assistive technology that we do here at T.K. Martin.”

MSU, out of seven Universities, was chosen

by Adidas to have unique, alternative uniforms because of the work the T.K. Martin Center does in serving the community.

Stratton-Gadke said it was incredible that the uniforms will help the T.K. Martin Center as well.

“It was so fun to work with them to be a part of

the process,” StrattonGadke said. “But it also was humbling to know that they had picked us. All proceeds from that jersey come back to T.K. Martin.”

100% of the proceeds from the jerseys go right back into the T.K. Martin Center. T.K. Martin operates on grant money and private donations, but people can also donate through their website.

While Stratton-Gadke is unsure how much the center will get from the

sales of the jersey, she said it is something special and can have a major impact on the programs the center offers.

“It could be lifechanging for the center, really,” Stratton-Gadke said. “The fact that Adidas is such a large company and wanted to partner with our athletic team that is so important to the state of Mississippi. We just felt like, ‘Wow, how did we get put in this mix and be a part of that.’”

Only two games remain in the regular season for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs. They will need to win both of them if they hope to make a post-season bowl game. This has left a sense of urgency for the Bulldog’s starting quarterback Tommy Stevens, a graduate from Indianapolis, Indiana.

“It’s what we’re gonna have to do,” Stevens said. “There’s no other choice.”

There is indeed no other path for the Bulldogs to become bowl eligible outside of a two-game home stretch against two very different opponents.

The first test will be Abilene Christian University, a 5-6 FCS team out of the Southland Conference. While the Bulldogs will be heavily favored, the Homecoming Game could be shaken up.

There could be distractions that allow the underdog Wildcats to be stronger competition against their SEC opponent.

Still, there seems to be almost no scenario in which Abilene Christian could pull off the upset. That is, unless the Bulldogs completely overlook the game in favor of focusing on the University of Mississippi. Head coach Joe Moorhead has assured fans the team will not let the future distract them from the present.

“We need to be focused on the task at hand. Certainly, everyone knows what is looming on the back end of this: a huge game, a huge rivalry game,” Moorhead said. “Our focus will turn to that the second the clock ticks zero against Abilene Christian.

Right now, all of the focus and attention of the players and staff are on doing what is necessary to get win No. 5 and

Mary Georgia Hamilton| The Reflector

Garrett Shrader tries to avoid a tackle in the game against Alabama. MSU lost 38-7 to Alabama.

beat Abilene Christian. When the clock hits zero, it will be full speed ahead to the last game.”

No matter how fast the Bulldogs will be able to turn their attention to Ole Miss, they will still be behind in the preparation process because Ole Miss will be coming off of a bye week. The Thanksgiving day kickoff and the shortened week of practice prior to the Egg Bowl will leave the Bulldogs at a disadvantage.

The Rebels have been able to focus on and prepare for the Egg Bowl since their loss against the No. 1 team, Louisiana State University.

While the Rebels lost 58-37 to the top-ranked Tigers, they were still able to hold their own against them, accumulating 614 total offensive yards. Many of those offensive yards were due to a deadly rushing attack led by John Rhys Plumlee and Jerrion Ealy. The matchup against Ole Miss has many fans concerned, more so than they are with the Abilene Christian game. This worry is due to the sheer difference of talent between the two teams and the intensity of the rivalry surrounding the Egg Bowl.

Regardless, the Bulldogs remain confident in their ability to qualify for a bowl game. It certainly seems to be within reach and a core goal for players. The prospect of an extra game is definitely on

THANKS

the mind of senior offensive lineman Darryl Williams, from Bessemer, Alabama.

“We got a lot left to play for,” said Williams. “We get two more home games. The opportunity to get bowl eligible.”

The final question regarding the Egg Bowl is job security. Both head coaches have come under fire amid poor plays, but both are still calling the shots. The Egg Bowl is huge for both fans and recruits; therefore, it has a significant impact on job security. If MSU’s head coach Joe Moorhead can pull out a win against the Rebels, it seems probable that he will return for another year. If not, MSU could easily be in search of a new head coach.

No matter what happens, the next two weeks are the last two chances the Bulldogs have to become bowl eligible.

Their first chance will be this Saturday against Abilene Christian University, at 6:30 p.m. Moorhead said the team is excited to play.

“With a night game at home, we are going to have a huge Homecoming crowd,” Moorhead said. “The fans are going to be into it. The fans are going to be excited. We are excited to come out. The last two games of the season are at home. The kids are very excited about it.”

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