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FEBRUARY 11, 2014
TUESDAY Evidence suggests vehicle malfunction in DUI case BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Assistant News Editor
Mississippi State University student Sawyer Thomas Steede’s aggravated manslaughter DUI charge has been reduced to a first demeanor DUI charge. Steede was charged with aggravated manslaughter DUI after a fatal accident in September in the McDonald’s and Cold Stone Creamery parking lot, resulting
in the death of his friend and fellow MSU student Kaleb Barker. Rod Ray, Steede’s lawyer, said he knew Barker’s parents did not want Steede to be charged because they knew the incident was an accident. Ray said Barker’s parents told the grand jury they thought it was a tragic accident and did not want anything to happen to Steede. Ray said Steede said he did
Berkeley national lab visits MSU, explores potential research opportunity
not accelerate the truck, but the truck accelerated on its own. Ray said the law firm hired a computer car expert to look into Steede’s statement. “It did have a malfunction on the day that this occurred, which is wonderful that it showed that my client was telling the truth and had not in recollection pushed the gas,” Ray said. Sonya Barker, Kaleb Barker’s mom, said she believes her hus-
band was key in Steede’s reduced sentence. “He (Kaleb’s father) showed pictures of the boys together and asked them to not take another child away from him,” Barker said. Barker said she never doubted Steede’s innoncence. “We didn’t blame Sawyer from the beginning. We never blamed him at one moment. When we got the full report, it cemented our belief even more,” Barker said.
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MSU CLOSED TUESDAY DUE TO WINTER WeATHER
No make-up day will be scheduled. University urges students to stay off roads. SA elections will be held Wednesday. University will make a decision about Wednesday’s status Tuesday at 3 p.m. ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
MSU professor reports at Olympics BY MAKYLA SPENCER Contributing Writer
The 2014 Winter Olympics is sure to be intense but may be a bit more vigorous with a
Bulldog in the midst. Olympic News Service chose Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication assistant professor Skye Cooley to serve as a flash quote reporter.
Sochi, Russia hosts this year’s winter Olympics, which will continue until Feb. 23. The 22nd Olympics features a total of 98 events in 15 winter sports. The games include
biathlon mixed relay, women’s ski-jumping, mixed-team figure-skating, mixed-team luge, half-pipe skiing, ski and snowboard slopestyle and snowboard parallel slalom. SEE COOLEY, 2
BY PRANAAV JADHAV
can lead to collaborations on research proposals. In addition, our scientists may want A six-member delegation to develop user access proposfrom the Lawrence Berkeley als to conduct experiments National Lab, Calif., visited and simulations at LBNL,” Mississippi State University Keith said Monday to explore partnerDavid Shaw, vice president ship and funding possibilities. for research and development The visit was at MSU, said designed to MSU has some I hope that t r e m e n d o u s inform MSU researchers strengths that we can about Berkematch extremely identify ley’s resources, well with LBNL. areas of facilities and “I and severproposal pro- mutual interest al others from cess and devel- which can lead to MSU met with op a potential collaborations on the LBNL leadproject with ership a year ago the personnel. research proposals. when they were Over 100 In addition, our in Mississippi. MSU re- scientists may want C o n g r e s s m a n s e a r c h e r s to develop user Alan Nunnelee met with the had invited them s i x - m e m b e r access proposals to Mississippi to to conduct delegation. learn more about MSU show- experiments and our research procased research simulations at grams,” Shaw in biofuels, said. “Following c o m p u t i n g , LBNL.” that meeting, materials sci- -Jason Keith, I flew out to ence and glob- MSU Energy LBNL and spent al technolotwo days meetInstitute director gies. ing with variJason Keith, ous individuals, MSU Energy learning about Institute director, who coor- their capabilities. We’ve had dinated the visit, said prior to several from MSU make folthe visit he was hopeful MSU low-up visits to begin explorand LBNL would find com- ing partnerships. LBNL Day mon ground. is the next step in cementing “I hope that we can identify a relationship between our two areas of mutual interest which organizations.” Staff Writer
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Skye Cooley, public relations and political communication professor at MSU, who has traveled to Russia to lecture and conduct research, is working as a flash quote reporter for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Cooley is attending press conferences, interviewing athletes and helping write stories for the Olympic News Service. Cooley was chosen in part because he speaks Russian.
SEE BERKELEY, 2
Demolition proposal for Evans Hall awaits approval BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
ALLISON BERLER | THE REFLECTOR
Campus Master Planning at Mississippi State University has selected Evans Hall, located across from the Sanderson Center, for demolotion. Engineers and architects have inspected Evans Hall and deemed it unworthy of renovation. Plans to tear down Evans are awaiting approval.
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The Campus Master Planning and Development Advisory Committee of Mississippi State University awaits approval for the demolition of Evans Hall, expected to begin fall 2014. Tim Muzzi, director of the architect facilities management, said approval for the destruction of Evans Hall is dependent on the Institute of Higher Learning, a board of trustees that approves major construction implants on campus.
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“This is a part of a process of getting approval for two new residence halls. Evans Hall is one of them,” Muzzi said. “After approval and the selection of architects, we will start with the drawings to demolish Evans.” Muzzi said the plans for Evans Hall were decided about two to three months ago by the Campus Master Planning committee, and so far, there are no imminent plans to begin destruction on any other residence halls this year. Roger Baker, campus master planner, said there are multiple potential sites for the second
residence hall to be built, none of which have been approved. “The master plan shows the possibility of the old Smith site, directly south of North Hall and the old Suttle site, directly south of Ruby Hall to be the possible sites for the second residence hall to be built,” Baker said. “The reason these two sites are in consideration is due to the fact that we wouldn’t have to tear down another existing residence hall.” Baker said the Evans Hall destruction is a part of the 2010 master plan for campus to acquire 5,000 beds for graduate and undergraduate students.
SEE EVANS, 2
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COOLEY
THE REFLECTOR
continued from 1 ist and media members from job, always running around to the press conferences and comaround the globe. “I originally just volunteered ing back to our media room, for the Olympics. After look- but I love every moment of it. ing over my resume, the Olym- I feel very fortunate,” Cooley pic News Service contacted me said. Many others in the commuand asked me if I wanted to do something more meaningful. I nication department at MSU said yes, and I was thrilled to believe Cooley is the man for the job. John do so. In order Nicholson, assisto qualify, I had I have met tant professor of to go through communication, some language a number said his selection exams, a bunch of media alone reflects of tests and members well on MSU, two formal inthe state of Misterviews, but and made a sissippi and the I eventually tremendous landed the amount of contacts Department of Communicagig,” Cooley that I think will help tion. said. “Skye was The Olym- me guide students, chosen because pic News Ser- especially those he has a rare vice (ONS) in communication set of qualificaprovides the includmedia with studies, to jobs and tions, ing his mastery c o m p r e h e n - internships.” of English and sive games -Skye Cooley, Russian, as well i n f o r m a t i o n MSU professor as his written services. This communication includes biogskills. The fact raphies of all the athletes, game time news that he is a faculty member at service, press conference high- MSU is evidence of the literlights and flash quotes. Cooley ary world-class faculty on our said his job is very hectic. He campus,” Nicholson said. “He said it involves a lot of people is one of the most highly moskills, high journalistic integri- tivated people I have ever met. For Dr. Cooley, no challenge is ty and high energy. “So basically, what I do is too daunting, no obstacle too sit in on press conferences, ask large. When you combine his questions to the athletes and skill set and his motivation, Olympic officials and help he becomes the kind of team write news stories for the ONS. member any group would I also help write short pieces we want.” Cooley said having a memcall winterludes. It is a hectic
The events take place in two new venues: an Olympic Park constructed in Sochi’s Imertinsky Valley on the coast of the Black Sea and the Fisht Olympic Stadium. The games’ indoor venues are located within walking distance, and snow events are held at the resort settlement of Krasnaya Polyana. Cooley is a public relations and political communication in the Department of Communication professor at MSU. He holds degrees in international relations, international studies and political communication. Cooley has traveled through much of Europe, Latin America and Africa. He has also lectured, researched and traveled throughout Russia. Cooley said in an email he is no stranger to the country. “I love Russia. I have been here numerous times, and it is like a second home to me. Sochi is amazingly beautiful. The sea and mountains combined with the Olympics — it is just simply amazing,” Cooley said. “The climate is just a little warmer than Mississippi, at least since I have been here. More than anything, though, it is the people here that make it memorable. Sochi, right now, is flooded with kids who want to represent their country. The energy is just infectious.” Cooley is one of 10 team members for the Olympic News Service. Cooley said the team is managed by Australian journalist Louise Evans and is made up of renowned journal-
BERKELEY Keith said the visit was designed to allow for maximum integration of MSU faculty, research staff and graduate students with the LBNL visitors. Shaw said when he met with LBNL first, LBNL leadership was impressed with MSU’s efforts in areas of computing, biofuels, material sciences and global technologies for developing nations, which is why they were willing to send a team of people
ber of MSU’s faculty chosen for this job could potentially have great future benefits for the university and its student body. He said these kinds of jobs are a great way to network and meet fellow educators and media persons. This opportunity will reflect positively on the university and will represent MSU at an international venue. “I am very honored to represent MSU. I think having a representative of our university at the Olympics is a great thing,” Cooley said. “I have met a number of media members and made a tremendous amount of contacts that I think will help me guide students, especially those in communication studies, to jobs and internships. It is also helping me to update my skill set in reporting the news and learn new technology which, in turn, will help me prepare my students for real-world jobs.” Asya Cooley, Skye Cooley’s wife, said she believes his experience in Russia will greatly benefit his students and have a significant impact on his teaching methods. “I can only imagine the wonderful first-hand experiences he is having with the Soviet media. He will serve as an inspiration to students and faculty members to reach for the loftiest goals, to work hard and to achieve those goals. That is what the Olympics are all about,” Asya Cooley said. continued from 1
to our university to explore collaboration. Teresa Gammill, assistant vice president for research for the office of research and development, said the department provided the logistical support for the effort. “Dr. Shaw and some of our faculty have made several visits to LBNL, and we decided that it would be good to provide a LBNL Lab Day here at MSU to provide an opportunity for our
faculty to learn of the resources available at LBNL as well as discuss collaborative opportunities with the LBNL personnel,” Gammill said. The program began at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems building in the Research Park and ended with breakout sessions in various MSU buildings in the Research Park for MSU researchers to present their research and talk with LBNL points of contact to allow for possible research collaborations.
BAD D WGS
Thursday, Feb. 6
• 6:23 p.m. A student reported damage to his or her vehicle while parked in the entomology gravel parking lot. • 6:54 p.m. MSU police and the Starkville Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the Kappa Alpha fraternity house. The false fire alarm was reported by an individual inside of the house. The alarm reset before agencies arrived.
Saturday, Feb. 8 • 12:29 a.m. A student reported a suspicious male at Critz Hall. • 2:36 a.m. A student was issued a referral for having an unauthorized visitor in Hathorn Hall. • 8:07 a.m. An officer retrieved a bicycle leaning against a wall on Lee Boulevard. • 3:11 p.m. A student reported her Northface jacket missing from the laundry in Sessums Hall.
Citations:
• 13 citations were issued for speeding. • 13 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device. • 1 citation was issued for obstructing traffic. • 1 citation was issued for having an expired tag.
EVANS “The goal is to have the new residence hall in place of Evans complete by the fall of 2016,” Baker said. “We are also really trying to make sure our residence halls are not only residential, but a living-learning environment such as Griffis.” Bill Broyles, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, said this spring’s student housing application renewal process will not feature Evans Hall as an option for the fall and spring semesters of 2014-2015. After careful analysis by engineers and architects, Evans Hall has been determined an unworthy candidate for the investment of the extensive funds that would be necessary to renovate the building, according to Bill Kilber, the vice president of Student Affairs. “Although the loss of the
continued from 1 200 bed spaces in Evans will have a temporary impact on available housing on campus, planning is already underway to build a new state of the art residence hall on the site where Evans Hall is currently located,” Kibler said. Kibler said the new residence hall in place of Evans is expected to house around 350 to 375 students. “The addition of the new residence hall will serve to increase capacity and improve the overall quality of on-campus housing,” Kibler said. Baker said all residence halls are funded with MSU housing funds. State funds are not appropriated to the construction of residence halls. Decisions on the co-residency status or name of the prospective residence hall have not been decided.
MSU’s NO MORE campaign is a symbol designed to create change and increase awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. If you have been impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault and would like to share your survivor story or would like more information, please contact Kayla Roden at kr217@saffairs.msstate.edu. Department of Health Education and Wellness
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President
Brett Harris, presidential candidate, is a junior management and marketing major from Florence, Miss. Harris’s platform said he wants to restructure the football ticket distribution process by creating an online system where students can buy and sell tickets. Tickets will be on student IDs, and students will be allowed to buy guest tickets. Harris also said he wants to work with Aramark so students will be able to use Flex Dollars at sporting events. His platform said he wants to give students the opportunity to replace parking ticket fines with MSU-designat-
ed community service. In addition, Harris said he wants to push for creating a single campus wide app that will allow Harris access to myCourses, Blackboard, university announcements and current shuttle locations. He also said he wants to push for more SA transparency and create a food bank for students in need at the end of each semester from remaining block meals.
McKinley Ranager, secretary candidate, is a sophomore graphic design major from New Ranager Albany, Miss. Her platform states she wants to emphasize communication and keep students informed about events, session information and passed legislation through Twitter, as well as maintain a current website by posting
Adam Buckley, attorney general candidate, is a sophomore business administration major from Madison, Miss. Buckley’s platfrom says he wants to enhance the effectiveness of MSU’s class gift program as well as execute fair elections as SA’s elections commissioner. If elected, he wants to involve different councils, such as the Class Council and Judicial Council, in important SA matters. In addition to promising to
Emma Sweat, presidential candidate, is a junior elementary education major with concentrations in history and English from Cumming, Ga. Her platform said she wants to increase student involvement by combining job and involvement fairs and by enhancing Dawg Daze. She also said she wants to host send-off parties at community colleges. Sweat said she wants to strengthen the relationship between MSU and Starkville. She said, if elected, she would attend weekly meetings with Park-
Lauren Sledge, secretary candidate, is a sophomore elementary education major from Sunflower, Miss. If elected, she said she hopes to improve transparency between the SA and the student body by tweeting SA Senate agendas and key decisions to allow students to be more in touch with important campus decisions. Sledge also said she wishes to strengthen relationships between the SA and other groups across campus in particular to increase communication
Attorney General
maintain sufficient funding, Buckley said he will support the SA president. If elected, Buckley said Buckley he would preserve and protect MSU monuments and memorials and also maintain the SA Constitution’s integrity in legislative and program decisions.
Haley Grantham is the unopposed SA vice president candidate. Grantham is a native of Star, Miss., and a junior political science major. She said she wants to work with MSU administration and Barnes and Noble so students can use flex dollars to purchase items. Grantham also said she plans on making campus safer for pedestrians and bicyclists with new routes for each. She said she would also like to create online teacher evaluations that students will earn a grade for
completing once at midterm and the other at finals, which she hopes would allow teachers the Grantham chance to provide their students with better learning opportunities. Grantham also said she aims to make campus more e n v i ro n m e n t a l l y - f r i e n d ly, enhance the SA Judicial Branch and strengthen SA Senate and its elections.
Treasurer
Secretary
weekly minutes and legislation in addition to creating weekly podcasts on YouTube. She said she will provide easy access to SA senators. Ranager also said she wants to make herself and senators available for speaking engagements within the numerous organizations on campus and promote the senators within their colleges through advertisements. If elected, she said she plans to keep designated office hours and maintain a cohesive structure in SA executive leaders.
er Wiseman, who is mayor of Starkville, hold student discount days with Starkville businesses and Sweat work closely with the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. In addition, Sweat said she wants to install USB plugin ports in future classroom buildings and publish teacher evaluation information. She also said she wants to work to improve parking situations.
Vice President
Matt DeBerry, attorney general candidate, is a sophomore management and marketing major from Olive Branch, Miss. He said he wants to start an initiative within SA to pursue group organization seating at football games, which would include reserved sections for applicable student organizations. DeBerry said he would love to start this because the athletic department has expressed openness to the idea if the SA presented a pro-
with students about decisions, and through continuing the tradition of Meet Your Senator Day. Sledge She said she also wants to improve leadership and community service and hopes to help the Senate and Cabinet partner together to fundraise for the Student Relief Fund during homecoming week.
posal. He also said, if elected, he would want to help ensure that Bulldog Bash is the best experience it can be DeBerry as one of his top priorities. He said he also wants to publicize SA Senate legislation and senators’ contact information in hopes of creating a more informed student body.
Chloe Cantor, treasurer candidate, is a junior environment economics and management major from Jackson, Tenn. Her platform states she wants to increase SA budget transparency by posting it on the SA website and various social media outlets. Cantor said she will assign the food and beverage tax to better events while increasing programing and discussing the importance of effective money management skills through enhancing the Maroon Money
Management program. If elected, Cantor said she wishes to hold semester meetings with SA Cabinet members Cantor to discuss the budget and find effective ways to plan finance events. She also said she wants to increase Bulldog Bash fundraising efforts to encourage larger musical acts to perform.
Chance Dye, treasurer candidate, is a junior management major from Cullman, Ala. He said one of his goals for the SA, if elected, is to provide more funding to smaller SA Cabinet positions in order to create new campus events. Dye also said he wants to make sure the 2 percent food and beverage tax funding that currently helps fund campus student activities is renewed next year. He said he wants to implement a progress meter, similar to Domino’s pizza tracker, on the SA website to track the progress of the SA’s platforms and goals. Dye said he also wants to ensure that funding is strategically
distributed in order for the SA to host innovative and successful events on campus. Dye
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OPINION
4 | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014
OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
An opportune lesson learned Pedestrians get right of way: from losing an SA campaign ‘It’s what Coase would have wanted.’
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inston Churchill said, pened to me during my tenure “It is mountaintops at MSU. I now firmly believe that inspire leaders, that failure, in fact, can be a good but valleys that mature them.” I thing. Had I not lost that election, write to you from the perspective I would not have reevaluated my of a former Student Association priorities and delved into some much-needed fault finding in candidate who lost his race. On Feb. 12 of last spring, I my habits and every day decision found that I would not be the making. Theodore Roosevelt understood vice president of the SA at Mississippi State University. With one opportunity and failure, and he announcement by the elections described it best in his speech commissioner, the previous four “Citizenship in a Republic” when months of my life seemed utter- he detailed what it means to be ly wasted. I poured months of “the man (or woman) in the aremy life into something and asked na.” He said, “The credit belongs to a core team of others to do the same. My selfless friends on the the man who is actually in the arena … who spends campaign team himself in a worput their lives on hold to do a cruThe beauty thy cause … and if he fails, at least he cial, yet thankof failure fails while daring less job. Time is that it greatly, so that his was spent paintinherently place shall never ing signs, prebe with those cold paring speeches, leads to new and timid souls and election day opportunity.” who neither know strategies were victory nor defeat.” crafted only to Apathy and lethdiscover that we had not met our goal. Losing in argy plague the millennial genfront of more than 20,000 people eration. Combating this apathy with some sort of constructive is a humbling thing. The most crucial item on the outlet, whether civic, academic, agenda following a major event in physical or spiritual — anything life is a conscious decision on how with an element of intrinsic good to respond. We invest far more that leads to our development as time in our reactions to the expe- individuals — is absolutely parriences we endure than the actual amount. We need somewhere to invest our most precious resource: incidents themselves. After election day, I had to go our time. We should commit to back to the drawing board. I was rid ourselves of the habitual, aimsurprised by what I found. Look- less movement through our days, ing back over the last year, I have only moving from one event to decided that losing that election the next with no goals, for this is was the best thing that has hap- exhausting and a sure way to sim-
WALTON CHANEY
Walton Chaney is a junior majoring in history. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
ply go through the motions. C.S. Lewis wrote, “It would seem pretty clear that paddling near the shore is of little consequence.” Taking a leap of faith on something is a liberating concept. Who cares if you come up short from time to time? The beauty of failure is that it inherently leads to new opportunity. It allows us another chance to achieve. We are awarded an opportunity to respond, to show what we are really made of and find out what our true character is. Failure is a time to develop and grow. Our future selves are forged in the decisions we make in response to adversity. To this year’s candidates who find themselves in the same position as I did one year ago, let me offer you my stance: don’t let this loss define you in a negative way. I assure you, it is not as bad as it seems. Doors will open where you absolutely did not expect to see opportunity. You will meet people that you would not have known existed who will serve as integral parts to your growth and development as a person. The credit belongs to you for spending yourself in a worthy cause, no matter the outcome. Seek comfort in the fact that even in this temporary moment of shortcoming, you can always know that your place will never be among those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
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e have all been there. der the most efficient outcome You drive to class and despite who is initially given the are in danger of be- property rights. In other words, ing late because you must wait law does not need to intervene. on pedestrian after countless pe- People can solve disputes pridestrian to slowly zombie shuffle vately and do so more efficiently than government. his or her way across the road. Coase did not see the theoAs a driver you may think, “I am in a car. This is a road made rem as being the most importfor cars. It should be my right to ant take away from his paper. The theorem use it. Why do I is normative have to wait on for the reason these pedestrians Next time to cross?” Howyou wait for that in most real-world scenarever, Mississippi pedestrians ios, transaction State Univerwho walk costs are not low sity’s rules and enough for pristatutes make in zig-zags with vate bargaining drivers liable for their heads down to be effective collisions with — transaction pedestrians. Es- texting, relax, costs being the sentially, pedes- breathe and say costs of negotitrians hold the to yourself, ‘This is ating, identifyproperty rights what Coase would ing all relevant to use of the parties, aggreroad. Let us ex- have wanted.’” gating informaamine why. tion, setting up We must first look at observations made by meetings, etc. Privately, the proRonald Coase in his 1960 paper, cess becomes quite costly. Con“The Problem of Social Cost.” sider an individual attempting The paper makes several key to bargain with a corporation. observations. The most famous The individual would suffer far being The Coase Theorem. The too great of a cost. Coase knew theorem states that economic ef- the limitations of the theorem. ficiency in the presence of a neg- Instead, he wanted others to ative externality is best achieved understand that rights over inby full allocation of property tangible things such as air, volrights. It does not matter who is ume of a space and sound could initially endowed with property be treated the same as property rights, but only that the rights rights of the tangible — cars, are completely owned by one houses, etc. Now, let us examine why party. If transaction costs are sufficiently low (expenses of the drivers are responsible for not process of buying and selling), hitting pedestrians on campus, then private bargaining will ren- rather than pedestrians being
BRIAN GRECO AND KIM PETTITT Brian Greco and Kim Pettitt are graduate students in business administration. They can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
responsible for not getting hit by cars. For many externalities, a low-cost avoider exists. A lowcost avoider is the party which may avoid the cost of an externality in the cheapest manner. They are the ones who should be responsible for paying for the externality. In the case of pedestrians on campus, the drivers of vehicles are the low-cost avoiders of collisions. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the pedestrian would suffer far greater costs than that of the driver. Thus, the driver should be responsible for collisions, and pedestrians receive precedence in use of the road. The result is that the drivers now have more incentive to avoid collisions with pedestrians. The pedestrians already possess incentive to not be hit as they will still suffer cost. By forcing drivers to halt and let pedestrians cross safely and making the drivers responsible for collisions, the number of collisions are greatly reduced now that both parties possess incentive to avoid collisions. Next time you wait for pedestrians who walk in zig-zags with their heads down texting, relax, breathe and say to yourself, “This is what Coase would have wanted.”
RED HERRINGS
Goodreads: the good, the bad and the literary S
ince the rise of the Internet, there has been a subsequent rise in the glorification of certain pastimes or hobbies. Pinterest allows users to flaunt their crafty sides by letting users post ever more insane art crafts (crochet your own coffee mug holder in only 3,486,391 steps), Tumblr opened up the gates for massive fandoms to be unleashed (clicking on an average Tumblr blog will saturate your dashboard with “Dr. Who” gifs.) Twitter allows users to post tweets pertaining to a variety of topics, ranging from inane personal information to merely trivial personal information. The one thing these sites have in common? They are all, essentially, social media sites. This is where Goodreads comes in. For those unaware, Goodreads
is a site dedicated to building a community of book lovers who can share and recommend books. It’s like if Facebook were composed solely of readers who weren’t very active and only posted statuses relating to books. It’s very specific and pertains to a very special type of person, and after using it for about a year, I’ve decided it’s the worst social media site I’ve ever used. But it’s also my favorite. Let me explain. With most sites that claim a community and aim to have users “share,” well, anything, there is always a deluge of people who share absolutely too much. How many inane tweets by that guy from high school (you know, the one obsessed with snapbacks and Ed Hardy) can one stand before the “unfollow” button is clicked? What about Face-
book? How many terrible status updates (“I love life” *insert poorly taken sunset picture*) can one stand before unfriending happens? There are only so many pictures of your cappuccino I can look at before I unfollow you on Instagram. It’s not personal, but when my dash starts to look like an advertisement for Starbucks I know it’s time to cut the cord. With Goodreads, it’s different. The site aims to focus on a niche (people who read, which these days counts as a niche), and for the most part, these users don’t really tend to interact with one another. If you sign up, it’s incredibly easy to never receive any messages, friend requests, comments, push notifications, etc. from anyone. Instead, the site allows one to browse recommen-
dations and keep track of books read, an incredibly useful tool for seeing trends in what novels or whatever you read throughout the year. If one’s list is inundated with E.L. James, Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steel, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate one’s reading material, and perhaps time to reevaluate life. Anyhow, this got me thinking. After using this site for a year, I came to the realization I wanted every social media site to be like this. With Goodreads, I have never been given a massive migraine after looking at some idiotic status update that makes me question how some people have access to computers. The site is so good at what it does (recommending and keeping track of books and reviews) and yet also so good at
keeping comments and the headache aspects of social media at bay that I am constantly in awe at how I manage to use the site on a fairly regular basis without ever having involuntary spasms of disbelief. Essentially, what would make sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr better would be if the “sharing” aspect were turned down and the functionality turned up. Now this antisocial practice might be unpractical for Twitter and Facebook (which are essentially built upon the idea that everyone is stalking everyone else), but with Instagram and Tumblr I think both of these sites could focus on blogging or photography and create more features to showcase these, rather than turning the focus to direct messaging and the like.
CLAIRE MOSLEY Claire Mosley is a junior majoring in accounting. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
Thus, it is my belief that if other social media sites apply what I will term “The Goodreads Model,” then I believe I could probably go a full day without having a seizure after coming across duck-face selfies or pictures of food.
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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.
325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Kristen Spink 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Anna Wolfe 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Alie Dalee opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/John Galatas 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Daniel Hart 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/ Emma Hutto 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Zack Orsborn multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Alex Anthony 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu
CORRECTIONS
EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.
The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.
I
cannot begin to count how many times I have tried to start a paper and gotten stuck. There have been numerous times when I turned to magazines to find a diet or exercise plan for myself, and it did not work for me. Every time I get a new gadget, I play around with it to figure out all of its new functions. This usually results in me messing something up and having to reset the device. I never realized Mississippi State University offers services that would help me with all of these problems for free. But like so many of my colleagues, I was unaware of these services. Why is that? Is it because they are not advertised enough, or is it just that we do not take the time to explore all of our campus offerings? MSU offers so many services to students that we do not take advantage of. This may be because campus services are not openly or regularly advertised. I did not know that I could skip my trip to Redbox and rent DVDs from Mitchell Memorial Library. I wish I had known earlier I could Reflection:
go to the library’s I.M.C. and food allergies and sensitivities. make an appointment to get a When I told a friend about this tutorial on how to use comput- she was shocked and made an aper programs like Adobe InDe- pointment right away. I started to sign. After some exploration on think that if my friend and I did the school website, I found that not know about these services, MSU has something called a Par- how many other students are unents’ Club that offers support and aware of all the offerings. information about MSU resourcI decided to ask as many stues and activities. dents as I could One service I started to whether or not on campus I was they were aware think if my excited to hear of any of the friend and about is the free services I just nutrition counselrecently disI did not ing students can covered, and if know about these receive from the they could tell Longest Student services, how many me anything Health Center. As other students are they think most I was visiting the unaware of all the students would Sanderson Cennot know that ter, I saw a small, offerings?” MSU offers. Afyellow piece of ter talking with paper taped on many seniors, several of the walls that gave a juniors, sophomores, freshmen number for students to call if and graduate students, the mathey wished to receive counsel- jority of them were unaware of ing on nutrition. I looked this all of MSU’s offerings. None of up on the school website and saw them could tell me something that a nurse would speak to you about our campus offerings they about what diet would suit you thought others may not know. personally and help those with When I asked them how they
SEQUOIA RICHARDSON Sequoia Richardson is a senior majoring in political science. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
find out about campus services, all of the answers were the same — from class or a teacher recommendation. I do not think this issue comes from lack of advertisement. When I looked on our school website I found many different offerings by simply typing “services” into the search box. Students need to take the time to explore their school’s website and become familiar of all the services offered to them. They may be pleasantly surprised at what they find.
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. -Victor Hugo
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 | 5
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AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...
2-11-14
BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY
The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. FOR SALE
Classic rock albums for sale in Starkville. Beatles, Eagles, AC/DC, Boston and more. Over 5,000 comic books, mostly 1970s and 1980s, bagged and boarded. Over 20,000 baseball cards in 800 and 3,200 count boxes. Call 662-312-2402.
club_info@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. WESLEY FOUNDATION
Insight Bible study and worship Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at 286 East Lee Blvd. next to Campus Book Mart. Follow on Twitter @MSStateWesley or on Facebook. STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
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The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to
Care about the environment? Love activism? Come join SSC on Thursdays at 6 p.m. in McCool 111 to make a difference. Follow on Twitter @MSU_SSC. YOGA MOVES CLUB
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out? Get moving into Yoga Moves. Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. Like Yoga Moves Club-MSU on Facebook. SCUBA DAWGS
Ever wanted to try scuba diving? Now you can. Come out for Discover Scuba on Feb. 11 and 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanderson Center pool for just $5. All gear will be provided. Follow @MSUSCUBADawgs on Twitter or like us on Facebook. MSU RUGBY TEAM
Want to play a real sport? Join the MSU rugby football club. Practices are MondayThursday from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Recplex fields located near the end of Stone Boulevard. For more information email josephpongetti@gmail.com.
6 | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014
THE REFLECTOR
LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
Sharing local history:
Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum preserves community BY NUR-UL-HUDA MUJAHID Staff Writer
From Miss Mississippi pageant gowns to photographs of Old Main, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum gives Starkvillians and Mississippi State University students a journey through history of Oktibbeha County. Located at 206 Fellowship St., near the intersection of Fellowship Street and Russell Street, the museum showcases relics from the community’s past and also displays mementos from recent years, including a sports exhibit added in October 2013. The blend of past and present lining the museum’s displays can appeal to young and old alike. The museum features exhibits that include donations from citizens and sources around the Starkville area. The museum also periodically holds events that commemorate local history. Recently, on Jan. 22, a program was held to remember MSU’s Old Main dormitory that burned down in 1959. Shirley Carley, volunteer docent at the museum, said volunteers within the community spearhead the exhibits and upkeep of the museum. “The museum has a board of trustees, and apart from
that, there is a group known as the ‘friends of the museum’ made up of several generous volunteers,” she said. “They help out with events that are held here as well as fundraisers for the museum. These people are just dedicated, and I think it makes for a wonderful museum.” A devoted group of volunteers keeps the museum open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors can also arrange appointments by telephone.
Carley said the museum’s interactive exhibitions draw groups that range from visitors from around the state to wedding parties that come visit the museum. “We get all different types of people coming in here to look around,” she said. “From people who have grown up in the city looking to see Starkville’s history, to school groups, scout groups, family reunions and even weddings, the museum receives a diverse group of visitors. There are a lot of interactive exhibits
ALLISON BERLER | THE REFLECTOR
The museum’s outdoor spaces include landscaping, a pavilion and a rain garden designed and built by architecture and landscape architecture students. The museum is located at 206 Fellowship St., near the intersection of Fellowship Street and Russell Street.
BRADEN BENSON | THE REFLECTOR
Gerald Richardson reads a book on Old Main, an MSU dormitory that burned down in 1959, at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum. Volunteers run the museum, which features mementos that trace the history of the county and community. which children especially have fun with.” Carley said after she retired from writing for the Starkville Daily News she needed to look for new ways to occupy her increased free time, and she said the museum provided the niche she sought. “I volunteer here the first Tuesday of every month, and I have just always had a love for history,” she said. “After I stopped writing for the Starkville Daily News, I wanted to find a way to give back to the community as well as a way to spend my time involved in something as worthwhile as the museum.” Carley also said the museum plays an important role as the community’s archivist. “The museum is really a treasure because it preserves the community’s history, and history is all too often lost because of the repository factor accompanied with it,” she said. Joan Wilson, a long-time museum volunteer, said her
time with the museum has been rewarding, as she gets to preserve Oktibbeha County history while also giving it back to the community. “I have probably been with the museum for over eight years. It has been so long that I can’t remember the exact time, but there is definitely an aspect of fulfillment volunteering here,” she said. “We are helping conserve history for the local area, and we are able to share that history with everyone.” Wilson was a part of the team that helmed the interior and exterior transformation of the museum, and she said the renovations and additions, which began through the MSU School of Architecture, have given the museum new life. “Dr. David Lewis, an MSU School of Architecture professor, was the first to get students from his design and architecture classes to catalog each item in the museum, and then they renovated two
of the interior rooms. It all took off after that,” she said. “More recently, MSU’s landscape architecture department transformed the museum into a sustainable building. We are really fortunate for the connection to Mississippi State.” Julie Johnson, junior English major, said she has heard nothing but good things about the museum and believes that even cities as small as Starkville deserve a museum to celebrate its history. “When I think of a museum, the first thing that comes to mind is one of those huge metropolitan museums, but I think it’s great that a city as small as Starkville has a place to showcase its roots,” she said. Although donations are welcomed, visiting the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum is free of charge and paves the way for Starkvillians and MSU students to celebrate the history of a place that may serve as home for four years or a lifetime.
Glowing and going:
Dawgs du Jour
spotlighting MSU’s most fashionable SA Glow Run benefits children’s hospital, provides rave with run
BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer
With the gloomy atmosphere winter weather brings to campus, style is the last thing most students worry about. While hustling and bustling from class to class, sweatshirts, sweatpants and comfortable athletic footwear are the norm. According to Nigel Moncure, senior kinesiology major, normal is boring, and he prefers to stand out. Q: What are you wearing? A: My beanie is from Trukfit, the plain black T-shirt is from ASOS, the plaid button down shirt is by Pac Sun and my sneakers are Converse, All Star edition. Q: What inspired this outfit? A: Honestly? Q: Yeah, honestly. A: What inspired this outfit was the fact that it was washed. Q: That’s great. How would you describe your style? A: If Pharrell had a love child with a sale rack. Q: Hmm. Interesting. What is your style must have? A: I must have socks. They’re essential. Q: What’s your favorite trend at the moment? A: That’s a tough one. I don’t really know honestly. Maybe color blocking. And black. The color black can work with anything. Like all black, like American Horror Story: The Coven kind of black is my favorite trend. Q: What’s your least favorite trend? A: Turtle necks? Q: What do you have against turtlenecks? A: What do you mean? They’re weird. They’re not
BY ADAM SULLIVAN Staff Writer
ERIC IRBY | THE REFLECTOR
Nigel Moncure, senior kinesiology major, said he hopes his fashion choices allow him to make an impression while remaining stylish. His above outfit includes a beanie from Trukfit, an ASOS T-shirt, a Pac Sun button down shirt and Converse, All Star sneakers. cool. You’d catch me popping my shirt collar, which is kinda lame as well, before you catch me in a turtleneck. Q: Well, what about if your neck is cold? A: Scarves — long, wool scarves. Q: Good point. What do you believe a person’s style should say?
A: Your style should reflect your personality and show confidence. And it should literally fit you. Nothing worse than ill-fitting clothes. Q: Here’s my last question, who’s your style icon? A: I have my top three. Pharrell. David Beckham and lastly, Solange. That pretty much sums me up.
Mississippi State University students now have an opportunity to run, party and give to a charity all in the same night. The MSU Student Association hosts the Glow Run on Feb. 27, which begins at 7 p.m. in front of the Newell-Grissom Building. The Glow Run is a fun run that takes place on MSU’s campus and benefits the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson, Miss. The course has both 5K and one mile options to accommodate runners of all skill levels. Alissa McKinnon, co-director of late night events for SA, said the Glow Run gives MSU students a convenient, enjoyable way to serve the community of Starkville. “Mississippi State is such a community service driven campus,” she said. “Students are always looking for new ways to give back to their community.” Matthew Belew, sophomore environmental engineering major, said he looks forward to the run because the event is constructive and meaningful while being fun and exciting. “I participate in the Glow Run because it is a great way for students and people in the community to support an awesome cause, the Blair Batson Hospital, and have fun while doing it,” he said. McKinnon said SA members work extensively to give the Glow Run a party-like
atmosphere through pooling ideas, like providing glowing and neon accessories to runners to transform the area surrounding the Newell-Grissom building into a neon rave. “The Student Association provides all kinds of glow sticks, black lights and neon face paint, and DJ Glotron will be playing music,” McKinnon said. McKinnon said SA members hope this year’s run will not only provide a raving, lively atmosphere but will
live up to Glow Runs from years past. “Our first goal is to give all the runners a fantastic and cool experience,” McKinnon said. “We hope that in the next few years, the Glow Run becomes a tradition here at MSU.” Students interested in participating in this year’s run can register at sa.msstate.edu or in Suite 314 of the Colvard Student Union. Runners can pre-register before Feb. 18. After Feb. 18, prices increase.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 | 7
SPORTS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
Men’s tennis sweeps weekend slate, turns eyes to ITA National Indoor Championships in Houston By Anthony McDougle Staff Writer
Backed by stellar performances on every court, the No. 9 Mississippi State University men’s tennis team swept its opponents in dominating fashion Sunday, defeating Samford and Alcorn State 7-0 and 6-0 respectively. The victories put the squad at 8-0 on the year, which is the best start for any men’s tennis team since 1972 as well as the best start for seventh-year head coach Per Nilsson. The team’s triumph over Samford also gave the guys a 4-0 mark against ranked opponents. The team will carry that undefeated record and a ton of momentum into the ITA National Indoor Championship, which sophomore Jordan Angus said should help the Bulldogs heading to Houston Valentine’s weekend. “This stretch has filled us with confidence. We are a young team, but our team chemistry is getting us through, and it’s why we are 8-0,” Angus said. In the first match of the doubleheader versus Samford, the duos of Angus and Malte Stropp and Florian Lakat and Tassilo Schmid secured the doubles point in 6-3 wins.
In the team’s second match of the day against Alcorn State, the Bulldogs showed no signs of letting up. MSU quickly jumped ahead by earning the doubles point with a 6-0 victory from the duo of Lakat and Schmid. The team of Agarwal and Angus would respond with a 6-1 win on court two to clinch the point. Just as they did earlier in the day, the Dogs continued their dominance in singles play. The first singles victory of the match came on court six with freshman Egbert Weverink defeating ASU’s Nikita Kostikov 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets. Lakat earned the match-clinching point by defeating Ernesto Santillan 6-3, 6-1. As Lakat secured the match, play also came to a close on courts two and four, both ending in favor of the Bulldogs. Jordan Angus won 6-2,6-0 on court two, while Agarwal leon carrubba | the reflector defeated ASU’s Garry Amor Mississippi State junior Tassilo Schmid (left) and sophomore Jordan Angus (right) served the ball during singles play in 6-2,6-2. MSU matches Sunday against Alcorn State. The Bulldogs will take an 8-0 record to Houston for the ITA Championships. Angus stands undefeated thus far but said his focus re“I didn’t know I had won injuries the past few weeks mains more on the team than The Bulldogs rode the mo- SU’s Liam Sullivan. The team followed suit, that many matches until my but said he feels better every individual records. mentum of the doubles victories into singles play and did with all matches being decid- parents told me afterwards. match. “I just want to help the “I feel like I’m almost at team as much as I can,” he But it is an amazing feeling, not surrender a set to Sam- ed in straight sets. For senior Stropp, his 6-2, and I am glad to be able to 100 percent now,” he said. said. “We are undefeated ford the remainder of the day. MSU freshman Rishab Agar- 6-4 victory marked his 80th win so many matches for “I should be good to go for heading into national innational indoors and the SEC doors, and hopefully, we can wal set the tone for the match career singles win, a mark he State,” Stropp said. Stropp has struggled with season.” with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over said he was not even aware of. remain undefeated.”
Softball sweeps home-opening weekend, ready for Florida Atlantic Strike Out Cancer Tournament By BrAnDon lAnglois Contributing Writer
Dominating pitching and hitting brought Mississippi State University’s softball team to a 5-0 opening weekend as the Bulldogs hosted three teams in the 15th annual Bulldog Kickoff Classic. MSU outscored its opponents 43-3 and finished the weekend with an SEC-best .098 batting average against, .990 fielding percentage and .519 on-base percentage. Head Coach Vann Stuedeman said the opening weekend was a great start to the season. “It was nice to see the bats get hot, and we had everybody, the whole pitching staff this weekend,” Stuedeman said. “I think we made one error on the weekend, which is always good to see. (I’m) really excited about our start. We’ll have to dig deep and continue to work hard as we prepare for the conference season.” In a doubleheader on Friday, the Bulldogs outscored opponents Mississippi Valley
State and Northern Kentucky in a 20-1 sweep. The Bulldogs beat Mississippi Valley State in an 8-0 shutout and Northern Kentucky 12-1, each in five innings. The Bulldogs improved to 15-0 against teams from Mississippi. Young pitching was a major contribution for the Bulldogs as sophomore Jacey Punches and freshman Alexis Silkwood each tossed one-hitters. Punches recorded a career-high nine strikeouts in game one. Stuedeman said she was pleased with the performances from the young pitchers. “We wanted to get them out early, get them some innings and get them some looks where they can build some confidence,” Stuedeman said. “They’re going to have to pitch. They’re going to have to log some innings this year, and we’re going to need both of them. I’m really excited about their start. They both looked poised.” At the plate, the Bulldogs drew a single-game record 14
walks in game one with 18 walks for the doubleheader. Senior Jessica Offutt scored four runs, drew two walks and drove in a run while junior Katie Gentle and senior Logan Foulks combined to drive in seven runs and draw two walks. Success continued on Saturday as the Bulldogs recorded two more wins, beating Northern Kentucky 6-1 and Jacksonville State 9-1, each in six innings. Freshman Mackenzie Tolar earned her first career start in game one of the doubleheader. Tolar pitched one-andtwo-thirds innings before being replaced by Punches, who earned her second win of the season. Punches said she feels confident on the mound knowing her team can hit. “This year especially, the team has a lot more chemistry,” Punches said. “While you’re on the mound, you know the whole team has your back. Whether you give up a hit or a home run, on the field they’re going to defend as
leon carrubba | the reflector
MSU senior pitcher Alison Owen tosses a pitch during Sunday’s 8-0 win against Jacksonville State. Owen picked up two wins on the weekend and tallied 16 strikeouts.
leon carrubba | the reflector
Mississippi State senior outfielder Jessica Offutt swings at a pitch during Sunday’s win over Jacksonville State. Offutt finished the weekend with four hits and three RBIs. many plays, and at bat they’re going to hit as many balls as they can.” The offense was led by senior Heidi Shape, who went 3-for-5 with four runs scored, three walks and three stolen bases during the doubleheader. Freshman Caroline Seitz hit her first career home run and two doubles with two runs batted in. Stuedeman said she is excited about Seitz’s potential at the plate this season. “Caroline is a special player,” Stuedeman said. “This summer I went to see her play summer ball, and every game I went to she hit a home run. I was hoping I was good luck — her good luck charm. She’s really smooth at the plate, and when she stays smooth she can really do some damage.” In game two of Saturday’s twin bill, the Bulldogs were down 1-0 from a leadoff home
run given up by senior Alison Owen. She retired the next 11 batters. In the top of the fourth, sophomore left-fielder Loryn Nichols robbed a home run with a leaping catch over the wall. Trailing in the fourth inning did not stop the Bulldogs’ power hitting as MSU scored nine runs on eight hits. Owen earned the victory, striking out 10 batters and allowing just three hits and one run. Foulks said it was good to get a comeback victory in the second contest. “We’re feeling good and have the expectation to win,” Foulks said. “We had our first comeback victory, so that was good to get under our belt — to know we have a little fight in us. We’re going to stay competitive and keep on fighting. That’s good to know when we go into conference play. We
know we can take this good feeling from this tournament and push that momentum toward another win.” MSU completed the sweep of the Bulldog Kickoff Classic by shutting out Jacksonville State 8-0 in five innings on Sunday. Seitz continued her power hitting with her second home run of the season. Owen recorded her second win of the season as she struck out six batters and allowed just one hit. MSU seeks to carry the momentum into this weekend’s Strike Out Cancer Tournament hosted by Florida Atlantic University. The Bulldogs will open the tournament with a double-header against Florida Atlantic Thursday. The squad will then face Massachusetts and Maryland on Friday before finishing the weekend against Long Island Sunday.
SPORTS Bulldogs drop fifth straight, seek
THE REFLECTOR
8 | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014
SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com
STAT OF THE DAY: Georgia is one of three SEC teams the MSU men’s basketall team has a winning record against, along with Ole Miss and South Carolina.
to snap slump against Georgia By Forrest Buck Staff Writer
The Mississippi State University men’s basketball team entered conference play with an impressive 10-3 record and had some wondering if this season could be more than just another building season as head coach Rick Ray tried to rebuild the program in just his second season. However, conference play has brought a more challenging schedule the Dogs’ way, and road games and ranked opponents have been this team’s achilles heel since the SEC season began. The team lost its fifth-straight game on Saturday against Kentucky 6959. The loss drops MSU to a conference record of 3-7 and an overall record of 13-10. Despite the MSU’s current rough patch, Kentucky head coach John Calipari said he is impressed with what Ray is doing at MSU. “Ray is doing an excellent job. Those guys are 3-1 at home, and they had Florida down in the second half. In this game, they’re shorthanded. The starting point guard is out with the flu, so they’re
trying to play seven scholarship guys, and they still have a chance to beat us,” Calipari said. “I told him I’m very impressed with his ability to coach and feel the game, and I love the fact that his team fights.” One could look at the Bulldogs’ last two home games as moral victories. The team lost both games by double digits, but both losses were to ranked teams, both of whom could make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Since Ray has taken over and started completely over with almost a whole new roster, the team has played against seven ranked opponents and lost all seven times. However, in the last two games, the team looked better than it ever had against ranked teams and a legitimate argument can be made the Dogs had a chance to win both games. Ray said he did not want to hear any talk of moral victories. “I was really pleased with the way our guys competed (Saturday) after being disappointed emma katherine hutto | the reflector with our effort against A&M,” MSU’s Craig Sword (left) gets a shot blocked by Kentucky’s Ray said. “But I’m not satisfied Willie Cauley-Stein (right). The Bulldogs look to end a fivewith the loss, I don’t want you to have that misconception that game skid when it hosts Georgia to the Hump Wednesday. “He’s just such a strong, Sophomore Gavin Ware this is a moral victory.” One of the biggest concerns said defending Randle was a physical presence that if you allow him to get touches, he’s for the Bulldogs entering this challenge. “He’s a very versatile play- either going to score or get contest was stopping Kentucky freshman Julis Randle, who is er,” Ware said. “You just have fouled,” Ray said. “You have considered a top-five prospects to watch the film and read to try and stop him from for the NBA draft. Randle lead the scouting report and work getting touches, and we just Kentucky in scoring with 16 hard in practice to prepare for allowed him to get way too many touches today.” points on 8-of-13 shooting. him.” The Bulldogs will try and Ray said his team did not The Bulldogs struggled to defend him when he got the ball do a good job of executing the stop their five-game skid on in the post or around the bas- game plan in regard to stop- Wednesday at home against Georgia at 8 p.m. ping Randle. ket.
Mullen finalizes football staff with Johnson hire By kristen spink Managing Editor
The winningest quarterback in the history of the University of Utah will join and complete the Mississippi State University football coaching staff as Brian Johnson comes to Starkville to be the Bulldog quarterbacks coach, head coach Dan Mullen announced Monday. Johnson will replace Les Koenning, who left MSU to be the wide receivers coach at the University of Texas. Mullen, who formerly coached at Utah and signed Johnson to a letter of intent when he was just 16 years old, said he is excited about the hire. “I’ve known Brian since I recruited him at Utah, and he is an excellent fit to our staff with his experience and knowledge of the quarterback position,” Mullen said. The 27-year-old has been an assistant coach at Utah the past four seasons. In addition to Johnson’s hire, MSU finalized its coaching positions by naming offensive line coach John Hevesy and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales as co-offensive coordinators. In addi-
tion, running backs coach Greg Knox was named the special teams coach. Previously, dif- Johnson ferent phases of special teams were split among multiple coaches. Mullen said the upcoming season promises to be exciting for the Bulldogs and their fans. “Along with Brian’s addition, Billy and John will continue to develop our offense, which was the most explosive in school history last season,” he said. “Greg is well respected and has over 20 years of coaching experience that will enhance our special teams production. We are thrilled about the staff we have in place.” Johnson, who became the youngest NCAA FBS offensive coordinator in 2011, tweeted Monday from his username @BDJohnson3, about his new job. “Thank you for all of the kind words. Utah will always have a special place in my heart. Looking forward to a new opportunity #HailState.”
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