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125th YEAR | ISSUE 43 @REFLECTORONLINE /REFLECTORONLINE

MARCH 28, 2014

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Maroon and Write strives to improve skills

MSU students build sculptures out of cans during the Montgomery Leadership Program food drive.

BY REED GADDIS

roon and Write,” she said.

“Our goal is to implement writing into classrooms where The Maroon and Write’s it doesn’t already exist.”

Spurlock said people compurpose at Mississippi State University is to help improve municate in writing all of the undergraduate student writ- time and the program hopes ing. The goals of Maroon to encourage students not to be afraid of and Write inwriting. clude improv“After coling students’ After college, lege, when writing qualwhen students s t u d e n t s ity and ingo out into the go out into creasing writthe work ing frequency. work world, world, one The program one of the key signs of the key strives to designs that a velop faculty that a student can student can who incorpo- advance and succeed rate writing in a career is the ability advance and strategies in to communicate ideas.” succeed in a career is the their classes. ability to Ann Spur- -Ann Spurlock, communilock, director co-director of Maroon cate ideas,” of composi- and Write QEP Spurlock tion, instrucsaid. “Everytor and co-director of Maroon and Write one starts out in an entry-level Quality Enhancement Plan, job, after they graduate from said writing is a skill from college, but the ones who go which everybody can benefit. well beyond that are the ones “We decided to adopt writ- with really strong communiing as our Quality Enhance- cation tools, and of course, ment Plan, and it eventually written communication is evolved into the name Ma- one of those things.”

Staff Writer

SEE QEP, 2

Volunteers host the Big Event

BY MAKYLA SPENCER Staff Writer

KIMBERLY KEEL | COURTESY PHOTO

Mississippi State University’s Montgomery Leadership Program coordinated a canned food drive Thursday where students built sculptures with the cans they brought. McKee hall won the contest, and the drive brought in more than 250 cans.

Students turn canned food drive into art contest

BY NIA WILSON Staff Writer

Fellows of the Mississippi State University Montgomery Leadership Program (MLP) put together an event that combined service and entertainment. MLP fellows Dan-

ielle Adams, Kimberly Keel and Caroline Campbell added an extra twist to canned food drives. In an effort to encourage participation and make the experience fun, students built sculptures with the cans they bring. The event was held in the Junction from 4-6 p.m.

Thurday. Three to five judges graded sculptures on their creativity, style and design.

McKee Hall won the competition for bringing in the most cans. The contest garnered over 250 cans to donate to families in need.

The MLP is an organization

designed to develop students’ service involvement and leadership capability. The program prides itself on molding students into future leaders. MLP lasts for three semesters and each semester, has a set goal the students hope to achieve.

Every year Mississippi State University says thank you to its community through service and volunteer work with the Big Event, a one-day, student-run community service project.

The first Big Event was hosted at Texas A&M University during the early 1980s.

Although it is relatively new to MSU, the program has grown to be quite large since its arrival in 2009, according to co-director Jonathan Lancaster.

The Big Event is hosted on a Saturday during the each

spring semester. Students can volunteer with a group or individually. Each group or individual is assigned different community service projects, which they perform throughout the Starkville community.

These services include help with the elderly, trash and litter pick up and assisting in care for homeless animals at the humane society.

“The sole purpose of the Big Event is to give back to the community through our service. The number of volunteers that have registered is the largest number of volunteers the school has ever seen,” Lancaster said.

SEE FOOD DRIVE, 2

SEE EVENT, 2

Crucible Challenge encourages fitness, benefits Reclaim Project

BY MAKYLA SPENCER Staff Writer

This year marks the second annual Crucible Extreme Obstacle Challenge at Mississippi State University. The Crucible was the brainchild of three Starkville men who wanted to find a fun and interactive way to give back to the community and help those in need, according to managing partner Brad Jones.

Jones said he and his partners, Jason Stoker and Steph O’nan, came up with this idea after Jones did a similar event in Texas.

“Me and my two partners came up with the Crucible after I participated in a similar event called Tough Mudder in Austin, Texas. When I moved back to Starkville, I thought to myself ,‘There is no reason that something like that could not work in a college town.’ So we started it from scratch. We came up with the name, the image and everything else just fell into place,” Jones said.

The Crucible event is an extreme obstacle course that involves a lot of military style challenges. Jones said the challenges

are tough and very physically demanding, but the ultimate goal for the participants is to learn leadership, teamwork and to gain a strong sense of camaraderie.

“The events at the Crucible include a lot of crawling through mud under barbed wire, climbing walls, running through swampy water — it is a very military style course. The course is a total of 4.2 miles,” Jones said.

“Even though it is a lot of hard work, it is meant to be fun and build camaraderie with your friends.”

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POLICY

BRAD JONES | COURTESY PHOTO

Participants in last year’s Crucible Extreme Obstacle Challenge climb over a wooden ramp, which was a part of the course designed to physically challenge the team members. The goal of the challenge is for participants to push themselves as well as build teamwork.

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NEWS

THE REFLECTOR

MSU student elected to national organization position

BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer

Katelyn Jackson, Mississippi State University junior poultry science and animal and dairy science major, was appointed as the National Treasurer of the American Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association after winning the popular vote at the 2014 annual symposium held at Iowa State University on March 21.

APVMA is a national organization of students across the United States. Its goal is to promote and stimulate interest in the field of veterinary medicine, provide open communication between pre-veterinary clubs and organizations nationally and provide resources to students pursuing the field of veterinary medicine.

A Wisconsin pre-veterinary student at the symposium nominated Jackson for the position. The student thought she saw potential in Jackson to become a great representative of APVMA. Jackson, who represents MSU nationwide, said she was shocked when she was nominated.

“It is a huge honor to have another student from another college that you don’t per-

QEP LoToya Bogard, English instructor, described Maroon and Write as a way for students to understand that writing does not stop after freshman composition.

“A lot of times after they leave freshman composition, they don’t write much in other classes, but through the Maroon and Write they’ll be using writing skills in courses across the curriculum and hopefully they can carry those into other classes that they’re taking that aren’t Maroon and Write,” Bogard said. “Some of the students I had last semester actually said in their reflective essays that they see how what we did in our course last semester can be carried over to classes that aren’t a part of the Maroon and Write.”

Bogard said writing and communication skills are a part of life.

“Writing doesn’t stop in an academic setting,” she said.

“If you’re on a job, you might have to write a proposal. You might have to do a memo, and you have to keep in mind that you’re writing to a community or an audience that has to be able to understand what you’re saying.”

Bogard said if students take what they learn in an

EVENT “So far we have 1,125 volunteers registered, which is an increase of a few hundred from last year’s Big Event. We’re so happy because not only have we increased, but our volunteers are so diverse. We have a lot of different organizations and groups registering this year, and it is just awesome,” Lancaster said.

Co-director Jaslyn Langford said the Big Event helps show the students and staff that they do not have to go far and wide to serve people because serving people can easily be done in your own backyard.

“The Big Event of course is very beneficial to the community, but the other side of it is that it is equally as beneficial for the volunteers. There is no greater feeling than that of helping others, and this event is all about that. Also, this teaches people that you don’t have to travel far to serve people and to help those who are in need. The work we will be doing will help our community and our environment, and it will all be done essentially in the comfort of our own back yard,” she said.

Langford said a large portion of the services provided include the cleaning and maintenance of the local

sonally know believe you are to know Katelyn in my capacgood fit for a position. I never ity as a faculty adviser to the thought I was actually going club. Katelyn is an extremely to win the election,” Jackson motivated individual, very said. “After my speech, it was organized and has all the creannounced that I had won the dentials to be an exceptionpopular vote and became the al leader,” Ryan said. “I can 2014-2015 see great things for APVMA Katelyn in leaderIt is a huge ship roles in the fuNational Treasurer.” ture, whether it be honor P e in her chosen proto have ter Ryan, fession, community another MSU asor at the national s o c i a t e student from level. I am always provost for another school that impressed when I a c a d e m - you don’t personally see such qualities ic affairs, and poise in our who also know believe you students at such an serves as an are a good fit for early stage in their a c a d e m i c a position. I never careers.” adviser to thought I was Jackson said it the MSU still has not sunk in Pre-veteri- actually going to that she now repnary Club, win the election.” resents MSU nasaid to be -Katelyn Jackson, tionwide. elected to “I cannot express the council MSU student the feeling of honis importor and happiness ant because that I feel about the it brings not only distinction election. I would not be able to the elected officer, but also to do this without the support to the College of Veterinary from MSU, my department Medicine and MSU. and of course, my family. I am “Katelyn has been a mem- soon going to be traveling to ber of the MSU Pre-veter- many states planning the syminary Student Club for the posium for the year 2015,” she past three years and has served said. as an officer, currently as the Jackson is the president of club president. I have gotten the MSU Pre-veterinary Club,

continued from 1 academic environment and who, for whatever reason, apply it to the work envi- can’t redesign their class or ronment, they will be more their class doesn’t quite fit effective communicators, the criteria for a Level One, which is what but they want all employers to use some Writing want. type of writing doesn’t Bogard enin their class stop in an courages her as well.” academic Lee said students to use formal writing setting. If you’re on MSU is accredited by in both emails a job, you might the Southern and text mesAssociation of sages because have to write a practicing it proposal. You might Colleges and will carry over have to do a memo, Schools Commission on into academand you have to Colleges. ic papers and “Univereventually into keep in mind that sities and formal emails you’re writing to on the job. colleges are a community or Deborah Lee, accredited co-director of audience that by a regional Maroon and has to be able to accreditation Write QEP, understand what body and it’s a outlined the you’re saying.” protection for two levels of your investMaroon and -LoToya Bogard, ment in your English instructor Write. college educa“Level One tion, because is designed to accreditation provide intensive training ensures the quality of the to faculty to redesign select education at the institution courses to incorporate writ- that’s accredited,” Lee said.

For more information reing in those courses. The faculty receive a great deal of garding Maroon and Write, training in how to incorpo- contact Spurlock at spurrate that writing assignment lock@english.msstate.edu or into the class,” Lee said. “The Deborah Lee at dlee@library.

Level Two is really for people msstate.edu.

KATELYN JACKSON | COURTESY PHOTO

The newly elected American Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association council members pose during the 2014 symposium at Iowa State University. Katelyn Jackson (second from right) is an MSU student and will serve as the association’s national treaurer. which is an organization of over 100 students that strives to promote veterinary medicine around campus. David Peebles, MSU poultry science professor said Jackson worked as a volunteer student worker in his lab.

“In my laboratory, she has always been positive, coopera-

tive, and encouraging. Her attitude and activities make her a positive role model for other students. I expect that she will provide excellent service in her position as National treasurer for the APVMA,” Peebles said.

“We hold two meetings a month and ask different veterinarians that have different

FOOD DRIVE The first semester concen- said. “Canned food drives trates on students cultivating can sometimes be mundane communication skills as well and a competition, but this as introducing leadership one is a great way to make theory. At this stage, the it fun.”

Danielle Adams, junior class meets twice per week MLP felto discuss and learn low, said leadership and comthe group munication strateIn months gies while also comaround the w a n t e d pleting at least 20 all resholidays, hours of communiidence canned ty service. The sechalls inond semester each food drives are very volved so students acts a peer popular, but some it could mentor and group reach as leader for freshmen don’t realize that m a n y Day One Students. people need food students The third semester all year long.” as possistudents utilize the -Kimberly Keel, ble. skills learned in the “ I n dustrial previous semesters junior MLP fellow Recyclers and lead their own of Misservice projects, or sissippi as they call them, provided us with huge boxCapstones.

Caroline Campbell, senior es that we have placed in all MLP fellow, said every ser- of the residence halls. Some vice project is a good one, people might not want to acbut this one is particularly tually come to the event, but they can still donate,” Adams special.

“There are always service said. “To promote our event projects. There are some that we made posters that go on people automatically think the boxes, we have distribabout, and there are some uted fliers in residence halls, that people overlook. When we made a Twitter page, but deciding what service proj- mostly it has been word of ect to choose, we saw a need, mouth. The RAs and RDs and we acted,” Campbell have really been helpful. We

continued from 1 parks and recreation centers. The volunteers will also perform maintenance tasks on elementary schools, day cares and local churches.

“One thing the city has been having a large problem with is large amounts of trash and miscellaneous items littering the grounds of local parks and recreation centers. We plan to have quite a few of our volunteer groups that will be focusing particularly on the cleaning and reviving of these parks,” Langford said.

The volunteers include students and staff of all different ages, classifications, majors, fraternities and sororities according to co-director Mialee Billingsley.

“In order to prepare for the Big Event, we have a committee called the Big Event Committee that organizes everything and helps to involve as many campus-wide and city-wide organizations as possible. This year we have so many awesome groups and organizations that believe in the Big LINH VUONG | COURTESY PHOTO Event and want to be a part of it. Almost every fraterni- MSU students serenade a lady at Vicker’s Personal Care ty and sorority are involved Home during last year’s Big Event. The Big Event is a citythis year. Also, we have a lot wide and campus-wide yearly community service project. of MSU teachers who have registered this year,” Bill- terested in participating in 10 people by filling out the the Big Event can register online participation form. ingsley said.

The Big Event will be individually or put togeth- The participation fee is $5 held Saturday. Those in- er a team of no more than per person.

specialties to come speak to our students and answer questions. We hold various community service events each year that benefit local humane societies. We try to be the liaison between prospective students and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine,” Jackson said.

continued from 1 just needed to get in contact with the right people.”

Kimberly Keel, junior MLP fellow, said both the Starkville and MSU communities can get something meaningful from this project.

“In months around the holidays, canned food drives are very popular, but some don’t realize that people need food all year long. The Starkville community will receive the food, but the MSU community will have the opportunity to help others who need it,” Keel said.

“After the competition, we plan to hopefully take it to Missisippi Food Network that night.”

Keel said she has always valued community service, and MLP was the perfect program to foster her passion.

“I have always loved doing community service, and I just needed an outlet to do it. MLP has shown me that the Starkville community has so many opportunities that I never realized. Next year I am really going to miss my MLP family. It’s amazing to be around quality people that are leaders themselves,” Keel said.

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CRUCIBLE

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 | 3

NEWS continued from 1

Stoker said a portion of the proceeds from the Crucible event supports the MSU general scholarship fund, the Reclaimed Project and helps fund a few orphanages in Africa.

“The proceeds for the Crucible go mainly to the MSU general scholarship fund.

MSU has done so much for the Starkville community, and the Crucible team would like to give it back through scholarships,” Stoker said. “Proceeds also go to the Camp Seminal, which is a Boy Scout camp, and the Reclaimed Project. The Reclaimed project is a local, Christ-oriented non-profit organization that aims to help orphaned children find families that want to adopt.”

Many of the participating MSU students said they think the Crucible is a positive way to raise money BRAD JONES | COURTESY PHOTO for charity. Kayla Payton, Participants in last year’s Crucible challenge course make their way up a hill. The course sophmore undeclared, said seeks to push participants physically and mentally through several different obstacles. she is participating for the second year in a row. She do things I did not even know participation cost is $70 per an idea, and it has blossomed said she thinks the Crucible is I could do. I cannot think of participant and $10 per spec- into this awesome event that the perfect way to spend her a better way to spend my Sat- tator. we are very grateful for. My Saturday.

Even though the event is partners and I hope to conurday, exercise and helping “I am not the most athletic others all at the same time,” fairly new to the Starkville tinue to help everyone that we person, but I enjoy pushing Payton said. area, Stoker said he and his can through this program, and myself physically just to see The Crucible will be held partners are hoping that it hopefully, it will continue for how far I can go. The Crucible Saturday at the Highlands continues for some time. many years to come,” Stoker event helps me push myself to Plantation in Starkville. The “The Crucible started out as said.

Tuesday, March 25 • 11:54 a.m. An employee reported receiving a harrassing phone call from an unknown person.

• 12:50 p.m. A visitor was at the Starkville Police Department for petit larceny and identity theft.

• 1:01 p.m. A student reported losing his backpack containing a Mac Book Pro and other items at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house.

• 2:50 p.m. A visitor was involved in an accident involving a front-end loader on George Perry Street.

• 7:13 p.m. A student reported her cell phone missing from Perry Cafeteria. The phone was later found.

• 11:38 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was vandalized while parked in the Rice Hall parking lot.

Wednesday, March 26 • 7:37 a.m. A student’s vehicle was burglarized while parked behind Cresswell Hall.

• 1:15 p.m. A student reported losing his golf clubs at an unknown location.

• 2:50 p.m. An employee was involved in a traffic accident in the Recplex parking lot. OCH was called. The subject refused transportation.

• 10:01 p.m. A student reported a disturbance at the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority house.

• 10:05 p.m. A student was arrested on University Drive in Starkville for driving under the influence.

• 11:08 p.m. Student referrals were issued to two students for a verbal altercation at Rice Hall.

Citations: • 21 citations were issued for speeding.

• 6 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device.

• 1 citation was issued for a seatbelt violation.

BRAD JONES | COURTESY PHOTO

Competitors push through obstacles during last year’s Crucible. The course includes similar military-style obstacles.

Correction: In the March 25 edition of The Reflector, the article “Transgender actress visits campus, discusses journey to womanhood” said the American Psychological Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Orders. The American Pyschiatric Association publishes this manual. The Reflector staff regrets this error.

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OPINION

4 | FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu A WORTHY CAUSE

THE REFLECTOR

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LET’S PLAY THIS BY EAR

‘Noah’ critiques present Feminism: Demystifying the F-word a gospel contradiction I

C

hristians have always asked Hollywood to make Bible stories into movies, but whenever Hollywood does, Christians argue with each other about the movies and rake them over the coals.

From VeggieTales and “Prince of Egypt,” to “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Bible” TV mini-series, Christians, in their reviews and responses, have not been rooted in scripture. Whether these movies and the upcoming “Noah” and “Son of God” are accurate or not, Christians need to enter conversation with love and grace. If, for example, a non-Christian came up to a Christian to ask about “The Bible” documentary, the Christian should see this as a great avenue for sharing the gospel. Too often, though, the Christian would respond with something like, “What terrible special effects” or “I don’t watch inaccurate films like those.” At the other end of the spectrum, some Christians oversell movies based on a biblical story just because it’s biblically-based. So, before seeing or reviewing Christian movies, I would urge Christians to stifle either their hostile attitudes or their overenthusiastic attitudes and approach discussion with grace and a biblical mindset.

That being said, the new movie “Noah” has generated a lot of conversation. It is refreshing to see producers, film makers and actors take a project like this seriously.

The directors and writers have been sensitive to and respectful of the Christian community. The writers spent 16 years compiling the script. The difficulty with making the story of Noah, however, is that the story in the Bible is short. No one knows what happened on the boat and little is said about Noah’s family, so the movie makers had to take more creative liberty.

However, Christian authors and journalists reviewing the film in magazines like “Christianity Today” and “WORLD” have all said that creative flexibility allowed them to further show the complexities of Noah himself in obeying God in a task that ostracizes him from his community and threatens the world in which he lives in. Allowing for more complexity within Noah’s character further highlights God’s providence and grace in the end. This should be Christians’ main concern. If the movie did not display God’s goodness, providence, grace and covenant, then I would urge Christians to be cautious in promoting it. Though there are a lot of elements of the movie that are

GENY KATE GURLEY Geny Kate Gurley is a sophomore majoring in special education. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

not stated in the Bible, Christians criticizing this movie need to remember that it’s only a movie and Paramount Pictures spent a lot of money on a Bible story. There are a lot of Christians working in a secular media who are encouraged by interest in a Bible story movie.

“Noah” is anything but low-budget or poorly cast; with Russell Crowe as its star, the movie is bound to be epic.

In general, there are things in Christian movies about which Christians need to have an antenna up. Noah is a sinful man following the commands of God. He is understandable and relatable, but there is more of a gray area when making Jesus into a movie character. Whether you are a Christian or not, you can follow the logic. The Bible clearly states that we, as sinful and finite human beings, cannot fully understand God. A lot of the issues with “The Bible” documentary was giving Jesus lines he never said. We cannot project what we think Jesus would say.

Even children’s films can have negative visual implications. VeggieTales presents a different type of problem. Though rooted in scripture with many beautiful song lyrics and story scripts, having animated vegetables play characters like David and Goliath can inhibit children’s understanding of the story. I was probably six or seven before I consciously realized Goliath was not a pickle. Implications of this can be that kids, as they grow up, isolate Bible stories into just fun cartoons rather than the truth.

There are a lot of good and bad elements within each movie, but rather than being overly critical or enthusiastic, Christians should be gracious and have their antennas up when seeing or promoting these movies. Rather than being argumentative, Christians should use these movies as a springboard for conversation rooted in scripture.

n honor of Women’s History Month, I would like to say, bear with me. Bear with me as I attempt to dissect a societal taboo that has existed since the 1870s and has outlasted the passing of the 19th Amendment, the Civil Rights Movement and the human rights debates of the 21st century. I ask you not to flip to the crossword puzzle, but to hear me out as I say to you: I am a feminist, and I think you should be, too.

When I say (type) the word “feminism,” what comes to mind?

For many, this term may summon images of piles of ladies’ undergarments being set ablaze, flocks of aggressive women wearing Indigo Girls T-shirts or a clubhouse full of angry females plotting the demise of the patriarchy. If this is your take on the word, you are not alone. Many people, both men and women, lump feminists into a category of extremists with the intent of belittling the male gender.

Indeed, in some cases, that may be true because feminism, just like any other ideology (religious, political, etc.), has the capacity to be taken to a dangerous extreme, but extremist views should not cause fear or rejection of the positive benefits an ideology may have to offer.

I believe the harsh interpretation of the word “feminist” is due to a misunderstanding of vocabulary. We crazy humans are always flipping, changing and generalizing the meaning of words. I feel feminism is a victim of this literary crime, but the solution is simple.

The first step in correcting the meaning of the term feminist lies in a proper and basic defining of the word.

The official dictionary definition of a feminist is “an advocate for the equal rights of women and men.” Famed activist Gloria Steinem explains, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.” Award winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie defines a feminist as “a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” You’ll notice the common thread between these three definitions is the use of the root word “equal.” You’ll also notice none of these definitions are gender exclusive, meaning that men and women alike can be identified as a feminist. Many people claim the goal of feminism is the promotion of women, by women, with the hopes of exceeding men.

This could not be further from

the truth. The basis of feminism is and has always been equality. This was true during the women’s suffrage movement when American citizens took to the streets to fight for a woman’s right to vote, and it remains true today. In short, if you believe a woman can be as intelligent, work as hard and accomplish as much as a man, and you also believe she should have the right to do so, you qualify as a feminist, whether you intended to or not.

Another misconception regarding feminism is the idea that in order to be a feminist, you must fully support any and all agendas labeled as “feminist.” Because of controversial subjects like birth control and abortion, some individuals feel that if you identify as a feminist, you cannot also identify with political parties or religions that oppose these agendas.

This, as well, is untrue. Being a feminist does not mean you must agree with every feminist-labeled opinion, just like identifying as a Republican does not mean you have to agree with every Republican opinion on military spending, just like identifying as a Democrat does not mean you have to agree with every Democratic opinion on taxes on the upper class and

SHEALY MOLPUS Shealy Molpus is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

just like identifying as a Christian does not mean you cannot disagree on the theologies and apologetics of other denominations.

The opinions of feminists on specific agendas differ greatly, and they should, because they are not the primary focus — the ultimate goal is simply equality and respect.

I am fully aware that my own interpretation of feminism will not line up perfectly with the views of others, and that is okay.

Disagreement on the topic is inevitable, but the creation of a dialogue on the subject is the most efficient means to correcting my own views, as well as the views of others.

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME

Pay it forward: A lesson on the art of encouragment

I

’ve recently been privy to several inconsiderate conversations revolving around hot-button topics such as, but not limited to: skin cancer, homosexuality, death, poverty, suicide, homelessness, drug abuse and alcoholism. I’ve overheard gossip on the shuttle en route to my sorority house. I’ve been on the receiving end of a very long telephone-like string of insults.

I’ve sat with a young woman struggling with body image on my right as the girl on my left with toothpick thighs pointedly denies a second Sister Shubert roll.

And the common question that threads throughout all of these uncomfortable encounters: is any of this really necessary? Why do we insist on poisoning the world with negativity? Why can’t we simply think before we speak?

It’s a timeless cliché, but one that cannot be cited enough.

Think before you speak. It’s plastered on elementary school walls. It’s printed in magazines and on bumper stickers. It’s taped to refrigerators. We’re constantly bombarded with reminders of this simple truth, and yet it seems to always take the back-

seat to the rumors that flow over it be a constant goal in our relaour lips on a day-to-day basis. tionships to build others up with Hearing this battered phrase is life-affirming encouragement and like thinking you’ve lost your love rather than tear them down favorite pair of shoes and later with gossip, criticism and neganoticing them resting by your tive speech?” front door, months after initially We have the opportunity to losing them. We have become either bless or curse someone completely numb to compassion with our words, and sometimes and are somewhat reluctant to our natural instinct is to choose consider other people’s feelings to curse. But if negativity is our before confronting them with instinct, how do we withhold it senseless humor. from conversation? We have to In an age where the cancer put effort into surrounding ourrate is at an allselves with positime high and tivity in order to there are 30,000 drive out pessiSo keep suicides per year, mism. your it’s not approThis isn’t to opinions priate to make say you should graceful, jokes about fallavoid any and ing asleep in the your gossip in check all emotional tanning bed or and your voices topics. There is whine about slita certain amount ting your wrists low.” of emotional vulover a bad grade. nerability that is There are 7 bilrequired to cultilion people on earth, each and ev- vate lasting relationships. In order ery one of them carrying unique to connect with people on a level emotional baggage. deeper than that of favorite colors “Darling Magazine,” a publi- and hometowns, you have to be cation committed to promoting open with your struggles, ambipositivity and encouragement in tions, desires and fears. But there today’s culture, put it best: “It is a way to approach the hard sounds so simple, but shouldn’t stuff with compassion, kindness

CATIE MARIE MARTIN Catie Marie Martin is a junior majoring in English. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

and above all else, sensitivity. The sooner we learn to filter through our negative comments, the sooner we can begin to sprinkle the world with positivity.

Author George MacDonald showed his understanding of the power of positivity when he wrote, “If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.” Loving thoughts incite loving action, and it is loving and sensitive action that allows the world to truly spin around its axis in harmony.

So keep your opinions graceful, your gossip in check and your voices low.

WHO SPEAKS FOR EARTH?

MacFarlane’s ‘Cosmos’ explores our place in the universe

Managing Editor

Editor in Chief

News Editor

Kristen Spink

Kaitlyn Byrne

Anna Wolfe

Multimedia Editor

Life Editor

Opinion Editor

Zack Orsborn

Daniel Hart

Alie Dalee

Sports Editor John Galatas

Photography Editor Emma Katherine Hutto

Copy Editor Emma Crawford

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Editor in Chief/Kaitlyn Byrne

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.

S

eth MacFarlane and Fox al Geographic” interview, the show have teamed up with as- aims to help us identify our place trophysicist Neil DeGrasse in the universe.

“I want people to come away Tyson to recreate the classic TV show “Cosmos” for the 21st Cen- compelled to recognize the cosmic tury. “Cosmos” originally aired 34 perspective on their own lives,” years ago on the Public Broadcast- Tyson said. “Once they recognize ing Service (PBS), then hosted by that the universe is bigger than we Cornell astronomer Carl Sagan, can imagine, it’s supremely humand successfully exposed millions bling. But it really compels us to of Americans to different aspects take better care of this tiny, pale of science, history and the cosmic blue dot that we live on.”

This brings up perspective of the recent conmankind in the Once they universe. tention between This new “Cosreligious, philorecognize sophical concerns mos” follows the that the general outline that “Cosmos” universe advocates and the of Carl Sagan’s indignant repuoriginal show but is bigger than this time with the we can imagine, diations of these help of modern it’s supremely kinds of attempts cinematic advancfrom people that es. With the help humbling. But it nitpick at details. of Fox and Mac- really compels us to Already, the TV Farlane, the show take better care of show has garnered wows its audience this tiny, pale blue complaints from both visually and the Answers in intellectually in dot we live on.”

Genesis (AiG) ways previously -Neil DeGrasse creation science left solely to the Tyson, and Christian imagination. The apologetics group. show focuses on astrophysicist On its blog, AiG reviews the first Tyson’s journey episode of “Cosaround the cosmos in his spaceship of the imagi- mos” and attempts to poke holes nation, which cannot fully explore in Tyson’s reasoning. The tendency what we do not know and helps us for both sides in any debate to not get a better, larger perspective on allow for any compromise between what we do know. their pre-established worldviews According to Tyson in a “Nation- causes this sparring match between

many Christians and Tyson, who is mostly uninterested in religious metaphysics in his show. Unfortunately, both parties think their views are in opposition to the other’s, but this usually comes from not taking the time to properly analyze the philosophical grounds and ramifications of both sides’ largely faith-based assumptions.

There should be an active conversation between the two groups, but the source of confrontation comes not from the fact there are different opinions, but from the domain in which these opinions reside. Creation scientists are much more inclined toward making philosophical and religious claims, primarily because their principle premise, which is that God created the world in some metaphysical fashion, prevents them from doing unbiased science and accepting evidence as it is.

This is fine for the debate across disciplines and religious presupposition boundaries until the other party, those who are uninterested in the religious realm or who are explicitly atheistic, tries to use its expertise in empirical science to make refutations about philosophical or religious matters.

The issue would go away if the creationists would stop demanding their historical account of creation trump empirical science, or if the empirical scientists would stop demanding their observations, that do in fact contradict a

CAMERON CLARKE Cameron Clarke is a junior majoring in physics and mathematics. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

strictly literal historical account of creation, must also contradict the religious conclusions that are too heavily reliant on those creationism assumptions.

The problem is not some incompatibility between science and religion, but simply an incompatibility between militant scientists and militant theologians who have accidentally fallen into seeing each other as somehow enemies. This rift is new and artificial. It is something scientists like Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler would be astonished to witness, and we must act fast to stop the growing divide between religion and science. The “Cosmos” TV show acts to better inform us of previous infractions in the religion vs. science debate, and, hopefully, we can learn from them to prevent further conflict in the future.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 | 5

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AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

3-28-14

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

Free 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-636R sportbike in excellent condition with no dents or dings, 100 percent mechanically OK. If interested, please contact michaelwills731@yahoo.com.

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.

HELP WANTED

Computer skills needed and should be well organized and will be well paid. Interested

person should please contact kelvinscott17@outlook.com for more information and wages.

FOR RENT

Canterbury townhouses are under new management.

Two bedrooms for $550, three bedrooms for $750 per apartment, not per person.

Two minutes to campus.

One month free rent and application fee waived. Call 662-323-9216. Country living off the beaten path yet so close to it all.

CLUB INFO

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 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

Solutions for 3-25-14

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for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

MSU EXTENSION SERVICE

Seed starting 101 will be presented on March 29 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Dorman greenhouses on the MSU campus. Learn how to prepare soil; control, temperature and light; transplant and avoid diseases. RSVP by March 27 by emailing gcdenny@ pss.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-1682.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

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. 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.

6 | FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

THE REFLECTOR

LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

2014 Ragtime and Jazz Festival returns with 1920s flare

BY GENY KATE GURLEY Staff Writer

The roaring 1920s breeze into Mississippi State University this weekend in the form of the Charles Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival.

The event kicked off Thursday night with the Gatsby Gala, which included Fashion Board models featuring 1920s style, but there is still more to come in the next two days. A full schedule can be found on Mitchell Memorial Library’s website, and every event is free for students.

At the gala, Fashion Board members modeled some beautiful 1920’s fashions, and the School of Human Sciences sponsored a historic exhibit in the John Grisham Room featuring 1920s apparel and accessories.

In an MSU news release, Leilani Salter, gala coordinator, said the Gatsby Gala was a collaborative effort.

“The gala will showcase talents and skills of MSU students and highlight a few of the many creative opportunities at Mississippi State,” she said. “This event would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and incredible work ethic of these students and department heads.”

This year’s festival features the musical talents of Jeff Barnhart, Mimi Blais, Stephanie Trick, Virginia Tichenor and Martin Spitznagel.

MITCHELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY

|

COURTESY PHOTO

Martin Spitznagel (left) and Jeff Barnhart (right) perform at a previous Charles Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival. The festival returns this weekend and kicked off Thursday night with Fashion Board’s Gatsby Gala. Nineteen-twenties-focused performances and special silent film showings, as well as the permanent Charles Templeton Sr. Music Museum, continue throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Heading up the event from Mitchell Memorial Library, Stephen Cunetto, festival coordinator, said the fesvital lineup includes enthusiastic, technically-skilled musicians.

“I am very excited to have this slate of performers. They are extremely talented and entertaining,” he said. “I say entertaining because they light up the room with their talent

but also with their enthusiasm and passion for music.”

Cunetto said the audience can expect to hear high energy performances while learning about the history of American music.

“We hope that students will come to the festival not only to hear these exciting and very talented performers, but also to learn more about America’s

early popular music,” Cunetto said. “This music was the birth of much of today’s music. This is yet another cultural and educational opportunity that will enhance and broaden the MSU students’ university experience.”

While the music is high caliber, attendees will also find a comprehensive view of the 1920s, from fashion and

food to music and silent movie showings by Jeff Barnhart, festival artistic director, at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Barnhart, also a multifaceted performer who played at the inaugural event in 2007 and returned in 2012 and 2013, said even apart from the festival, MSU has become known as a haven for jazz history, as the library houses a large section of jazz memorabilia that traces the music’s history. “(MSU) is a mecca for ragtime and early jazz historians, musicians and enthusiasts because Mitchell Memorial Library houses the Charles Templeton Sr. Music Museum, which has an extensive collection of early American music and also the world’s largest collection of RCA victrolas and ‘talking machines,’” he said. “To be able to see such rare memorabilia and hear some of of the items in the museum played is a marvel.”

Although Barnhart plays a larger role in this year’s festival, he said his increased responsibilities will not keep him from playing the piano again this weekend.

He said he developed an interest in ragtime and jazz as early as age seven and has been playing the music ever since. He has played in 60 countries spanning six continents. He is a band manager and now has his own label.

Barnhart said this weekend’s festival has a multitude of unexpected elements — including a diverse range of jazz and ragtime styles — that may surprise students.

“The concerts will showcase the birth of American pop music as performed by four of the world’s leading practitioners of said music,” Barnhart said. “The piano-based predecessor of Rock-N-Roll, the blues-tinged boogie-woogie, will be also be showcased alongside the aforementioned ragtime and early forms of jazz piano. There will be something for everyone.”

Each musician comes from different regions with varying styles. Cunetto said newcomer Trick will provide young energy, and Blais is a humorous entertainer. Tichenor is skilled in folk rag, and Spitznagel is versatile while also being a filmmaker, writer and graphic artist. As Cunetto said, this slew of talent will present all attendees with a great variety of experiences.

The festival continues until Saturday evening, but students can also visit the permanent Charles Templeton Sr. Music Museum located in the library.

The Charles Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival presents a multifaceted opportunity: a great way to learn through an exciting and high-energy series of performances.

Dawgs du Jour spotlighting MSU’s most fashionable

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

Spring is a time of new beginnings, as well as a time for everyone to showcase his or her floral patterns and pastels. With the fickle uncertainty of the weather lately, this has become something of a hardship for us fashion folk. But there is always the knowledgeable exception.

Meet Miyatah Love, the 22-year-old accounting major who tackles the faux optimism of the “fresh” spring weather.

Q: Hey, how are you?

A: I’m fine, a little chilly, but good.

Q: That’s good. What are you wearing?

A: I am wearing a leopard print jacket from WesC, black cargo pants I’ve had forever, a typical pair of black combat boots, a comfortable denim button down, my bag is Anne Klein and just a bunch of accessories Q: So what inspired today’s look?

A: Honestly the cold weather. I figured since it’d be spring it’d be a lot warmer, you know? But I figured wrong. I literally just pulled everything out of the closet and found this. I didn’t know what I wanted to wear, but I knew for sure I didn’t want to wear a stuffy sweater.

Q: Who’s your fashion/ style icon?

A: Currently I’d have to say the Jenner sisters, Kylie and Kendall. For them to be so young, they are so chic. I hope that doesn’t make me seem juvenile.

Q: No, not at all. They’re a couple of budding fashionistas. How would you describe your style?

A: I’m a little all over the place. It depends on how I’m feeling. Sometimes I feel a little Bohemian. Other times I feel rocker. I don’t like to dress in a constant way. It gets boring.

DESMON HARRIS | COURTESY PHOTOS

Rapper Koye Davis, known as Koye, has worked to craft his latest project, “Paper View,” with New Orleans-based producer Chase N Cashe. Davis said the album uses samples from musical styles — like soul music — unheard of in recent rap albums.

Local rapper Koye Davis returns with new album

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

ERIC IRBY | THE REFLECTOR

Miyatah Love, senior accounting major, models a leopard-print jacket from WesC, comfortable black cargo pants, a worn-in denim button-down and an Anne Klein bag. Love said her current fashion style attempts to combat the cold without bundling up.

Q: I totally agree. What’s your style must-have?

A: Embarrassingly, I buy a lot of skinny jeans. I have skinny jeans in so many styles.

Q: What’s your favorite trend?

A: The weather is so crazy, so I can’t say I have an established trend yet, but I’ll say

maxi dresses and maxi skirts.

Q: What’s your least favorite trend?

A: Plaid. I hate plaid.

Q: Why? A: I just never cared for it.

Q: What do you think a person’s style should say?

A: I think it should say who they are, what they’re about and what they believe in.

Amid the usual student load of academics and work, rapper Okoye Davis — better known by his stage name, Koye — has managed to find time to perform and work on his music, as his new album comes out at the end of April.

For his latest project, “Paper View,” the 22-year-old Columbus, Miss., native said his experiences, including unexpected shifts and curveballs, straightforwardly informed his music and resulted in an album of narratives.

“The inspiration for this album came from the drastic change that occurred in my life at the beginning of this year,” Davis said. “It’s a very honest and blunt album. Each verse has its own story, and I’ve put my heart and soul into the project.”

Listeners could define Koye’s sound as both refined and aggressive. With his docile melodic productions, which counter his rapid delivery, listeners — both deep music fans and lighthearted listeners — can appreciate the harmony he achieves.

For “Paper View,” Davis said he wanted to take a production approach that is not commonly used in hip-hop anymore and include samples that draw from genres of music lost in the modern rap world.

“The genre for this album is a new style of hip-hop,” he said. “There are some songs with live drums, samples from soul and styles of rap that people haven’t heard since Jay-Z in the early millennium.”

The record incorporates multiple genres, Davis said, but also experiments with pacing and stylistic changes.

“The feeling of the album switches at the midpoint and is really going to surprise all the listeners,” he said.

One of the album’s hallmarks is that acclaimed producer Chase N Cashe will produce the record. A New Orleans native, Cashe has worked with rap and R&B artists such as Brandy, Drake and Lil Wayne.

Davis said he was diligent about working with Cashe on “Paper View,” and their relationship began due to Davis’s interest in him.

“I contacted Chase early in 2013, trying to get him to listen to my music before I had even released my songs,” Koye said. “We talked back and forth for a while, and he was really blunt. He could tell I was young and had a lot of questions.”

Later that year, Cashe released instrumental tracks that Davis said he jumped at the opportunity to record.

“I told him what I had planned for the songs, and he asked me to send it back to him when I was finished

with it,” Davis said. “He’s a great producer and going to be great for the new wave of artists coming up.”

Tyler Mason, fellow Columbus, Miss., native and friend of Davis, said he believes Davis’s work could change music.

“Koye’s music is being innovative. Outside of the music we hear nowadays that’s more popular, we’re going a different direction with his sound,” Mason said. “Everything is falling into place, and with his new EP, you’ll see how versatile he is.”

With singles like “Heart of Ville” and “Til It’s Over,” Davis has established a growing fan base that stretches from his home to California. With his humble demeanor and Yeezy-esque work ethic, Davis is destined to be on radios nationwide.

Though Davis continues to pursue his pragmatic life goals, he said he also plans to hold himself to high musical aspirations, hone his craft tirelessly and carve out a niche for himself in the world of rap music.

“I’m going to pursue music after I graduate in hopes of starting my own music label before I’m 28,” Davis said.

“I’m tough on myself, and, hopefully, the kids who look up to me back home will see that hard work truly pays off.

I’m not here to live another man’s dream. I’m here to create my own.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 | 7

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

leon carrubba | the reflector

Junior Jonathan Holder (top, left) throws a pitch, junior Jake Vickerson (bottom, left) makes contact with a pitch and junior Zack Randolph slides safely into home to plate the second run of the game in the 3-2 win against Southeastern Missouri on Tuesday. The Bulldogs return to the diamond Friday as they hosts Arkansas in a western division series.

Late-game heroics push Bulldogs past SEMO, ready for Western Division foe

By Blake Morgan Staff Writer

With an Intro. to Gerontology paper to turn in at midnight, senior Demarcus Henderson played the hero for the No. 13 Mississippi State University Bulldogs Tuesday night and ensured he would submit his assignment on time.

Henderson struck a single into center field to score junior catcher Zach Randolph and give the Bulldogs a 3-2 win in walk-off fashion over the Southeast Missouri Redhawks at Dudy Noble Field.

Henderson, who leads the

SOFTBALL

team with a .352 batting average, said he is beginning to see the ball better at the plate.

“I’m finally coming into the point where I’m finding my swing a little bit,” Henderson said. “It always happens around this time of year. I don’t know why, it just does, but I’m not complaining. I’ll take it.”

Randolph was able to make it from second base to home thanks to a fielding error by the Redhawks center fielder and score the game-winning run. Henderson finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate, including a walk.

Henderson, who said he

had only a few finishing touches to make before submitting his paper, said after he singled to center, he was not sure if the game would end as soon as it did.

“I really didn’t think he was going to score, but when I saw the guy booted it, I was happy because that gave him more time to keep going,” he said.

Bulldog head coach John Cohen said he had confidence in Henderson as he stepped to the plate for the final at bat.

“I really thought that Demarcus was seeing the balls good tonight, and he was going to stay on the ball,” Co-

hen said. “You didn’t know if he’d get a hit, but I thought he was staying on balls pretty well.”

Offense was at a premium the entire night for the Bulldogs. MSU struggled to get runners across the plate.

The first run came in the second inning when senior Brett Pirtle needed a sacrifice bunt from Seth Heck and a groundout by Derrick Armstrong to finally cross home.

The Bulldogs loaded the bases and plated another run in the seventh inning off of a Jake Vickerson sacrifice fly to center.

Cohen said the victo-

ry proved his team can fight through adversity and find a way to earn a win.

“We found a way to win on a non-offensive day at Dudy Noble field,” Cohen said. “I think this is kind of a character builder for us. A lot of things did not go our way in this ball game, but we still found a way to win.”

On the mound, the Bulldogs went deep into the bullpen, using five different pitchers throughout the game.

No pitcher went over two and two-thirds innings.

All-American Jonathan Holder (2-1) earned the win for the Bulldogs. Holder gave up only

one hit and had three strikeouts in two innings of work.

Cohen said the coaches did not initially plan on utilizing Holder but was glad he could turn the ball over to his ace when the game was on the line.

“We weren’t planning on getting Holder out there, but certainly that was important to us,” Cohen said.

MSU will continue its play at Dudy Noble field on Friday against SEC West opponent Arkansas.

Friday’s game will start at 6:30 p.m. followed by Saturday at 2 p.m. before closing the series on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

continued from 8

“I think I did pretty well. I definitely needed a good outing, and the team had my back the whole way. It’s nice to start the game and get some runs on the board,” she said. “The defense had my back. (Jessica) Offutt made a great diving catch in the outfield, and it was just a great game.”

Clinching to a 2-0 lead heading to the final frame, freshman Alexis Silkwood surrendered a leadoff home run but responded with consecutive strikeouts and a groundout to seal the win.

Head Coach Vann Stuedeman said she was proud of the way Silkwood responded to finish the game.

“I thought she maintained composure,” she said. “The rule is, if we make an error or give up a hit, we get the very next leon carrubba | the reflector one out. It’s a ‘right back’ men- MSU junior Julia Echols slides safely into home plate during tality, and that’s what she did. the Dogs’ 2-1 win Tuesday over SELU. MSU returns to She came right back and got the action Saturday as it hosts Marshall in a three-game series. next out.”

Offensively, the Bulldogs and not look back and grind patient at-bats helped the team scratched out the pair of runs out some wins,” she said. “Our carry momentum throughout on six hits and left 11 runners pitchers looked good today. the game offensively.

“We’re really looking for on base. Stuedeman said despite We had some barrels right at the limited run production, the people, and we’re just trying to getting 50 percent or more work the process and not nec- of quality at-bats, and I think team still executed offensively.

“We dominated the process essarily run up the scoreboard.” (Wednesday) we had 18 of 25.

MSU followed Tuesday’s win That’s what we’re really focusing of the game. We don’t have a whole lot of runs to show for with a 9-1 comeback victory on,” she said. “We believe the timely hit will come if we conit, but if we had one timely hit over Samford Wednesday.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth tinue to put up the quality atthe score would have been completely different. We ran the inning, the Bulldogs exploded bats. We were loading the qualbases well, we executed when for nine runs in the fourth, fifth ity at-bats early, and then finally we needed to execute and we and sixth innings, including a Heidi Shape gets the timely hit put a lot of barrels on the ball,” grand slam from senior Heidi to solidify the run support.”

The Bulldogs complete a fiveStuedeman said. “It’s easy to get Shape in the fifth.

Shape, who collected her sec- game home stand with Marshall frustrated if you didn’t like your swing or you didn’t like the ond grand slam of her career, this weekend. The series begins strike call. Don’t think about credited her teammates for the with a double header Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. before the what just happened; think offensive production.

“It starts with teammates Sunday finale at 12 p.m. about what we’re going to do.

Echols said the home series is We’re never up by enough, and getting on, and they gave me we’re never down too far in the the opportunity,” Shape said. beneficial to building momen“I was just able to put a good tum before the Dogs return to count.”

Junior Julia Echols collected swing on a good pitch and was conference play.

“It feels good to get our fans’ a pair of hits and an RBI and able to score the runners that support,” she said. “You’re just said the team looks forward to were on.”

MSU found timely hitting as comfortable at home, and we’re earning more wins.

“A win is a win, and we’re it plated the nine runs on nine looking to get some ‘W’s and glad to get it especially with hits and limited its runners left start getting momentum back as we get back into SEC the how everything has been. We’re on base to six.

Stuedeman said quality and following weekend.” trying to look in the windshield

david lewis | the reflector

RETURNING HOME

| After dropping road matches to No.

49 LSU and No. 45 Arkansas last weekend, the Mississippi State University women’s tennis team returns to the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre as it hosts No. 26 Ole Miss Sunday at 1 p.m. Doubles teammates Alexandra Perper and Timea Guibe (top) celebrate winning a point, Guibe (bottom, left) rackets a serve and senior Rosie Dion (bottom, right) returns a volley against Alabama State earlier this season. After the match against the Rebels, the Dogs close out the season against No. 4 Florida on April 4 and No. 65 South Carolina on April 6 at home.

8 | FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL TEAM HAS TURNED A NATION’S-BEST 174 DOUBLE PLAYS SINCE 2012.

COACH’S CORNER

Houston Texans hold high expectations with first selection in 2014 NFL draft

F

LEON CARRUBBA | THE REFLECTOR

MSU sophomore Jacey Punches tosses a pitch against Southeastern Louisiana in Tuesday’s game. Punches threw four innings and struck out three batters in the win.

Bulldog softball sweeps pair of midweek games

BY JOHN GALATAS Sports Editor

After dropping six of nine games on the road during spring break, the Mississippi State University softball team returned home with a pair of midweek wins over Southeastern Louisiana University

and Samford University.

The Bulldogs started the week with a 2-1 win over the SELU Lions Tuesday night.

MSU struck for a run in the first and second innings as the pitching staff limited the SELU bats to just three hits to solidify the win.

Sophomore pitcher Jac-

ey Punches picked up her seventh win of the year as she tossed four innings and struck out three batters.

Punches said the victory on the mound and defensive support came at the right time following the tough road trip.

12. New York Giants (7orrest Buck breaks down this year’s Na- 9): OT. Taylor Lewan - 6-7, tional Football League 309, Michigan 13. St. Louis Rams (7-9): Draft. Below is a projected big board for the May draft. S. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 1. Houston Texans (2- 6-1, 208, Alabama 14. Chicago Bears (8-8): 14): DE. Jadeveon Clowney, S. Calvin Pryor - 5-11, 207, 6-5, 266, South Carolina 2. St. Louis Rams — via Louisville 15. Pittsburgh Steelers Washington (3-13): OT. Greg Robinson, 6-5, 332, (8-8): CB. Darqueze Denard - 5-11, 199, Michigan Auburn 3. Jacksonville Jaguars (4- State 16. Dallas 12): QB. TedCowboys (8dy BridgewaMinnesota 8): DT. Timter - 6-2, 214, Vikings my Jernigan Louisville - 6-2, 299, 4. Cleveland (5-10-1): Browns (4-12): QB, Johnny Manziel Florida State 17. BaltiQB. Blake more Ravens Bortles - 6-5, - 6-0, 207, Texas A&M” (8-8): MLB. 232, UCF C.J. Mosely 5. Oakland - 6-2, 234, Raiders (4-12): WR. Sammy Watkins - 6-1, Alabama 18. New York Jets (8-8): 211, Clemson 6. Atlanta Falcons (4-12): WR. Brandin Cooks, 5-10, OLB. Khalil Mack - 6-3, 189, Oregon State 19. Miami Dolphins (8251, Buffalo 7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8): OT. Zach Martin - 6-4, (4-12): OT. Jake Matthews 308, Notre Dame 20. Arizona Cardinals - 6-5, 308, Texas A&M 8. Minnesota Vikings (5- (10-6): OLB. Anthony Barr 10-1): QB. Johnny Man- - 6-5, 255, UCLA 21. Green Bay Packers (8ziel - 6-0, 207, Texas A&M 9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): 7-1): TE. Eric Erbon - 6-4, WR. Mike Evans - 6-5, 250, North Carolina 22. Philadelphia Eagles 231, Texas A&M 10. Detroit Lions (7-9): (10-6): CB. Bradly Roby CB. Justin Gilbert - 6-0, 5-11, 194, Ohio State 23. Kansas City Chiefs 202, Oklahoma State 11. Tennessee Titans (7- (11-5): WR. Marqise Lee 9): DT. Aaron Donald - 6-0, 192, USC 24. Cincinnati Bengals 6-1, 285, Pittsburgh

FORREST BUCK Forrest Buck is a senior majoring in kinesiology. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com.

(11-5): DE. Kony Ealy 6-4, 273, Missouri 25. San Diego Chargers (9-7): CB. Jason Verrett, 5-9, 189, TCU 26. Cleveland Browns — via Indianapolis (11-5): WR. Kelvin Benjamin 6-5, 240, Florida State 27. New Orleans Saints (11-5): OLB. Dee Ford, 6-2, 252, Auburn 28. Carolina Panthers (12-4): OT. Morgan Moses - 6-6, 314, Virginia 29. New England Patriots (12-4): DT. Ra’Shede Hageman - 6-6, 310, Minnesota 30. San Francisco 49ers (12-4): CB. Bashauad Breeland - 5-11, 197, Clemson 31. Denver Broncos (133): CB. Lamarcus Joyner 5-8, 184, Florida State 32. Seattle Seahawks (133): OT. Cyrus Kouandijo 6-7, 332, Alabama

SEE SOFTBALL, 7

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