The Print Edition

Page 1

$ 125th YEAR | ISSUE 49 @REFLECTORONLINE f /REFLECTORONLINE

APRIL 22, 2014

TUESDAY

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

NSSE engages student opinions, announces winners of web survey BY NIA WILSON Staff Writer

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) provides Mississippi State University students the opportunity to have their voices heard. The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) worked with Director Ann Bailey and Associate Director Dante Hill in Housing and Residence Life in a collaborative effort to rally freshmen and seniors living on campus to participate in the survey. The residence hall floor wing with the highest percentage of completion receives a pizza party hosted by OIRE. During the months of February and March, a mass email was sent out to freshmen and seniors asking them to complete a web based sur-

vey that would anonymously share their overall MSU experience. The NSSE results are grouped within four themes: Academic Challenge, Learning with Peers, Experiences with Faculty and Campus Environment. This year’s theme is “Love Your State? Share Your MSU Experience.” The OIRE contributes the majority of survey participation to the several incentives provided by Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Campus Book Mart and The Lodge. Four students who participated in the survey were randomly selected as winners. Shannon Manson won a $50 gift card from Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Corey Fry won a $50 gift card from Campus Book Mart, Troy Chan won an MSU T-shirt from The Lodge and Tyler Camp won an MSU windbreaker courtesy of The Lodge.

Mitzi Johnson, associate director of institutional research, said the results received from the survey only aims to improve MSU as a whole. “It is so important that we hear about your MSU experience. This is one avenue to have your voice heard,” Johnson said. “The biggest thing the NSSE results have contributed to is the validation for the need for writing skills across the board. The Maroon and Write program was established to help develop students’ education.” The 2014 NSSE response rate included a 2.6 percent participation increase from last year. Timothy Chamblee, director of institutional research, said he is pleased more people participated in the survey this year. “The survey is the best means for students to provide feedback on any areas where they are unhappy.

We certainly encouraged students to participate. The more students you have participating, the more confidence you have in the results,” he said. Tyler Camp, MSU senior who received a prize in the survey participation drawing, said the survey was an excellent chance for him to express himself, and he does not understand why students would not take advantage of it. “Student governing organizations, departments and the administration all look at the results from this survey. It’s an easy act to take to provide an even better experience for prospective students,” Camp said. “It seems that the students that aren’t involved with the survey are likely to be the main ones to complain first. I’m a strong advocate for speaking what’s on yourr mind in a tactful way.” SEE SURVEY, 2

RUSSELL HOUSTON | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

From left to right are freshman computer science major Troy Tran, freshman accounting major Shannon Manson, director of MSU’s Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness Tim Chamblee, senior communication major Tyler Camp and senior industrial engineering major Corey Fry. The winners were randomly drawn from a pool of participants who completed an NSSE, OIRE survey.

MSU student receives Swayze scholarship BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer

Mississippi Young Bankers, a division of Mississippi Bankers Association, awarded its top award to Mississippi State University student Spencer Pipitone. The $5,000 Swayze scholar award is presented annually to the top Magnolia State University major in banking and finance that best represents the tradition of banking excellence exemplified by Orrin H. Swayze Jr., a senior officer for Trustmark until his retirement in 1967. Out of the seven Orrin H. Swayze Jr. Scholar annual awards, six have been received by MSU students. Spencer Pipitone, senior marketing and finance major, said he was extremely honored to be named the Swayze scholar. “Many successful bankers throughout the state of Mississippi have been Swayze scholars, so it’s awesome to be included in such a prestigious group of people,” Pipitone said. “In college it’s very easy to procrastinate, as I’m sure everyone knows, so its all about prioritizing your activities. I try to do the best I can when it comes to academics so I can be proud of any result that occurs. I started double majoring in finance as a junior because I thought it would make my educational experience wellrounded paired with a marketing degree.” This year there were two finalists from MSU, one from the University of Mississippi and two from the University of Southern Mississippi for the award. The 2014 MYB conference was held over spring break at the Grand Marriott Resort in Point Clear, Ala. The five finalists completed several faceto-face interviews with the MYB Scholarship Committee and participated in convention sessions over the course of the four-day conference. Pipitone said his parents and grandparents have always pushed him to work hard both

in and out of school. “They have consistently supported my choices regarding my future while encouraging me along the way. Also, my teachers from elementary, middle and high school were major influences on the way I treat my education,” Pipitone said. “I’m from Brandon, Miss., and I was a student in the public school system my whole life. The teachers were not only interested in our grades, but on our success in our later lives. They were great, and I thank them for all they did.” Michael Highfield, finance and economics department head, said he has not personally worked with Pipitone in classes, but knows him through the outstanding reputation Pipitone has among the finance faculty. “As a department head, I am well aware of who our best and brightest students are, and it was my privilege to nominate Spencer for this outstanding honor. This is a prestigious award, and we are very proud that several of our students have been selected as Swayze Scholars and finalists over the years. People seeking a career in banking and finance have to be intelligent and good with numbers, but they also need to have an outgoing personality,” Highfield said. “Spencer represented Mississippi State University extremely well, and his selection as this year’s Swayze Scholar certainly speaks to his accomplishment as a student with a very promising career ahead.” Since 1979, the Scholastic Awards named in honor of Swayze have been awarded annually at the MYB Study Conference and Convention. Nominees are submitted by professors from across Mississippi. Based on their applications and letters of recommendation, five finalists are invited to attend the convention at the expense of the MYB. Pipitone said in 10 years he hopes to be in Mississippi working in the banking industry with a family. SEE SCHOLAR, 3

MSU national panhellenic fraternity back on the yard BY ALEXANDRIA WILSON Staff Writer

It has been eight years since the brothers of the Eta Upsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated have walked the Mississippi State University campus.

Eta Upsilon was chartered on January 22, 1974 and was the first Black Greek Letter Organization on MSU’s campus. The Spring 2014 members are: De’Ronnius Young, Justin Matthews, Jarell Colston, Winston Williams, James Bishop, Jamal Brown, Donte Thomas, Jonathan Peterson and John James,

Jr. Members of the Eta Upsilon chapter have been and are actively involved in Student Association, Orientation Leaders, Road Runners, Alumni Delegates, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Men of Excellence and Montgomery Leadership Fellows. Matthews, a senior mechani-

cal engineering major, said Eta Upsilon will create a more competitive atmosphere at MSU. “Adding another fraternity will make Greek life better because all the fraternities will be creating more education opportunities, scholarships, social events and community service events,” Matthews said. SEE FRATERNITY, 2

READER’S GUIDE BAD DAWGS OPINION CONTACT INFO BULLETIN BOARD

3 4 4 5

CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS LIFE SPORTS

5 5 6 8

POLICY

ANY PERSON MAY PICK UP A SINGLE COPY OF THE REFLECTOR FOR FREE. ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MEYER STUDENT MEDIA CENTER FOR 25 CENTS PER COPY.

LACRETIA WIMBLEY | THE REFLECTOR

Spencer Pipitone, senior marketing and finance major, is the recipient of the prestigious Orrin H. Swayze Jr. scholarship. The scholarship is an annual award presented to top Magnolia State University students who major in banking and finance who best represent the tradition of banking and exellence exemplified by the late Orrin H. Swayze Jr., a former senior officer for Trustmark bank.

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

73 50

73 50

82 61

79 59


2 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

THE REFLECTOR

NEWS

SURVEY

Camp said surveys are equal to instruments students should participate in to assist the University with continuing forward in success. Camp also went on to express how proud he is to be a student at MSU. “I think we are doing great things here at Mis-

continued from 1 sissippi State University. It’s vital that we continue to improve on what we are already doing great,” he said. “I’m blessed with the opportunity to always hold the alumni status as a forever Bulldog. I can’t wait to give back to the uwniversity that has given so much to me.”

Donte Thomas | Courtesy Photo

The Eta Upsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity are back on MSU’s campus after eight years. Eta Upsilon was chartered in 1974. Russell Houston | Public Affairs

Graduate Research Symposium |

Student winners of Mississippi State University’s recent Graduate Student Research Symposium include (front, left to right) Kate L. Henderson and Jutima Simsiriwong, chemistry; Marta Amirsadeghi, chemical engineering; Janet W. Kwan, psychology; Michael A. Ciaramella, food science and technology; (rear, left to right) Jonathan P. Jeffreys, forest resources; Janice L. Cunningham, biomedical engineering; Curtis A. Kennett, applied anthropology and Vu H. Le, chemistry. All are doctoral students, but Kwan and Kennett, who are pursuing master’s degrees. Winners not pictured include doctoral students Alexis E. Jones, cognitive science; Megan S. Stubbs-Richardson, sociology and Tamer A. Aldwairi, computational engineering. The Graduate Student Research Symposium is hosted by the Graduate Student Association which sponsors two main events annually to enhance student experience and showcase student achievements. The symposium is one of two events hosted annually by the GSA, the other event being the Graduate Students Awards Banquet. The Graduate Student Research Symposium strives to provide programs and services to enrich the graduate student experience and promote, support and represent graduate student interests and values.

FOLLOW @REFLECTOPINION ON TWITTER

FOLLOW

@reflectopinion

ON TWITTER.

TWEET US YOUR OPINIONS. WE VALUE THEM.

Promo Code: PS11

$11

1 Large Pizza Up To 3 Toppings

Available at www.papajohns.com or on our iOS and Android Apps Expires 5/31/14. Not valid with any other offer. Limited delivery area, charges may apply. Customer responsible for applicable sales tax.

Store Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 10:30am-1am Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am-3am

FRATERNITY Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911 on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., on the principles of achievement, public service and fellowship. “For the community service we plan to have numerous service events. Most of these events will deal with the youth and encouraging them to attend college after they graduate,” Matthews said. After graduating, Matthews said he has interviews with General Mills, Atoms Energy, and General Electric. “My ultimate life goal is to work with sports from a technical aspect. I want to design new equipment to help build faster, stronger, and better athletes,” Matthews said. Brown, senior computer engineering major, said he has accepted a full-time job offer with Halliburton Oilfield Service Company. “After graduation I will begin working as an Associate Technical Professional in Hydraulic Fracturing/ Acidizing in Hobbs, New Mexico,” Brown said. Brown also said Kappa Alpha Psi has inspired him to achieve great things and to branch out and make relevant change in the community. “My ultimate goal in life is to make a difference in the world, even if it’s in small way,” Brown said. According to Brown,

cont’d from 1 the Eta Upsilon chapter’s main focus is to inspire students and people of the community to remove any limitations and succeed at everything they do. “The entire Eta Upsilon family plans to reach this goal by staying active on campus and in the community by giving as much as we can, whether it is tutoring, fundraisers, etc. We also plan on setting an example to other males on campus and in the community by staying proactive in our academic endeavors in attempt to personify how a successful male should be,” Brown said. “The most significant thing I have learned about being Greek is to carry myself positively at all times. By being Greek, people tend to watch everything you do and/or look up to you, so I have learned to carry myself respectfully and positively in everything I do.” De’Ronnius Young, senior criminology and political science double major, said he will attend graduate school at Texas A&M University in September 2014. Young also said his plans include pursuing a Masters degree in sociology and working as a graduate residence director. “My ultimate goal is to become a professor at a university. I also want to advocate for education equity for underprivileged youth,” Young said. Young said he joined Kappa Alpha Psi to be a member of an organization that shares the same morals and values that he upholds personally. “Joining this organization has taught me the importance of networking, selflessness and fraternity,” Young said. “I’ve been so blessed to become a part of such a sacred bond of men who have given me guidance and wisdom.”


TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | 3

NEWS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Students reflect on final week of classes, prepare for finals BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY

brought on by the end of the semester, Amber Bennett, freshman psychology major, said she is not quite ready for the semester to end, being that her home is miles away in Texas. “I’m not ready to leave,” Bennett said. “I’ve made so many friends and I really love it here. I feel pretty good about my classes and finals because I’m exempt from some of them, and the others won’t be too hard.” According to the American Time Use Survey, from a 2005-09 window, students spend 3.6 hours engaged in educational activities, 8.4 hours are spent sleeping and 3.5 hours are spent participating in leisure activities and sports during a normal school week. Finals week and the final week of classes seem to present opposite results.

News Editor

“I’m just taking tests and trying not to die,” said Graham Arinder, freshman biomedical engineering major, while reflecting on the final full week of classes. After a long enduring semester, the last full week of classes at Mississippi State University has reared its head. According to an article published by The Washington Post, students who are usually seen double-fisting caffeinated beverages, munching on sugary snacks, shuffling around papers and books to find a place to lay their head and sleeping very little is not uncommon. On the contrary to the typical “overwhelming” experience perceived to be

Although feelings of happiness and content are expressed by some students in light of the semesters end, other students said they feel otherwise. Erin Campbell, senior marketing major, said being a senior during this time is equivalent to having a lot of things thrown to you at once. “Frustrating, time consuming, sleepless, challenging but fulfilling is how I would describe the last few weeks,” Campbell said. “The semester did go really well for me, even though I have two 30-page papers to turn in. I’m glad they are group papers though.” Some students said this semester’s end will be full of studying from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and enjoying nights of relaxation. Others described finals as drastic and drowningly awesome.

Wednesday, April 16 • 9:03 a.m. A student reported her debit card was stolen from the Wise Center.

Thursday, April 17 • 12:55 a.m. A visitor was arrested on Hardy Road for driving with a suspended driver’s license. • 2:30 a.m. Student referrals were issued to students for playing beer pong in McKee Hall. • 11:02 a.m. A student reported his Bully Bike stolen from Hathorn Hall. • 3:41 p.m. A student reported her vehicle was keyed while parked in the South Zone parking lot. • 7:20 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for disturbing the peace. • 10:03 p.m. A construction worker reported a suspicious vehicle at Aiken Village. • 10:08 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for open container. • 10:32 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for open container.

Friday, April 18 • 12:17 p.m. A student was arrested on campus on a warrant for simple assault-Domestic Violence. A student referral was issued.

Sunday, April 20 • 5:20 p.m. A bicycle was found near Colvard Student Union. • 7:35 p.m. A student reported fraudulent charges on his bank account.

Monday, April 21 • 2:31 a.m. A visitor was arrested at Aiken Village for driving with a suspended driver’s license and expired tag.

Time use on an average weekday for full-time university and college students during the traditional school year (September through May), 2005-2009. Other 2.3 Grooming 0.8

Sleeping 8.4

Eating 1.0

Traveling 1.5

Work and work-related 2.9

Educational activities 3.6

Leisure and Sports 3.5

Citations:

On average, college students slept 8.4 hours, engaged in educational activities (such as attending classes or studying) for 3.6 hours, and enjoyed leisure and sports activities for 3.5 hours on a typical weekday during the school year over the 2005-2009 period.

NOTE: Date include indiviuals, ages 15 to 49, who were enrolled full time at a university or college. Date include non-holiday weekdays and are averages for the traditional school year (September through May) 2005-2009.

• 5 citations were given for speeding. • 9 citations were given for disregard of traffic device.

SCHOLAR

“Many young people are leaving our state to start their lives elsewhere, but I believe the only way to push Mississippi forward is through the initiative and energy of young professionals. As college graduates, we need to step into our role as the future of the state. Saying that, I want to be a

continued from 1 leader where I work and also in my community as I get older,” Pipitone said. For more about MSU’s finance and economics department, visit /business.msstate. edu/programs/fe/.

Source: American Time Use Servey

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

ADVERTISE (WITH)

THE REFLECTOR

Follow the SPORTS SECTION on Twitter

CALL 325-7907 @SPORTSREFLECTOR ADVERTISE (WITH)

THE REFLECTOR

CALL 325-7907

FOLLOW the

NEWS DESK @newsreflector


4 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

OPINION EDITOR: CAMERON CLARKE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu STEP INTO MY OFFICE

OPINION

THE REFLECTOR

EXPRESS YOUR VOICE AT WWW.REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

New autism definition Ambition, not greed, fuels prosperity broadens diagnosis L

S

ince April is Autism Awareness Month, there has been more and more discussion of the changes in the Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis under the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version five, also known as the DSM-V. You probably just read that sentence and turned the page to the crossword. (Help me with mine Geny Kate Gurley is a sophoif you can figure it out) I know more majoring in special eduyou do not want to read a tech- cation. She can be contacted nical article about diagnoses, at opinion@reflector.msstate. but bear with me for the general edu. als to have a basic, universal overview. The DSM-VI was just updat- language, but there are many ed and changed to the DSM-V. negative implications. Those It is a universal diagnostic tool on the spectrum that are more for psychiatrists to universal- high-functioning will have a ly define and diagnose various harder time receiving services. mental disorders. There are a It is unknown how state and lot of new modifications in the educational services and insurDSM-V, ADD becoming a part ance companies will adopt these of ADHD being one of them, changes. On the flip side, fambut the changes in Autism Spec- ilies of those with lower-functrum Disorders have generated tioning autism are concerned that all aspects of autism will be the most discussion. Under the DSM-V, Asperger’s seen as Asperger’s as portrayed Syndrome does not exist any- on television, an endearing more; it is simply a part of the quirkiness rather than a serious, Autism Spectrum. Calling au- profound disorder. There is a tism a spectrum disorder means stigma surrounding the word “autism” which there is a range could mean famof mild to severe The hope ilies whose chilattributes. Teleis that now dren are more vision shows like high-function“Big Bang Thehaving the ory” and “Par- term ‘autism’ cover ing will not pursue a diagnosis. enthood” have The hope is that brought some every part of the now having the more attention spectrum will help term “autism” to the disorder, people understand cover every part but Asperger’s is there is a vast of the spectrum more than just will help peobeing “quirky.” range of severity.” ple understand Asperger’s has deficits in social behavior and there is a vast range of severity. Though basic, the universal obsessive interests with little lingual communication problems; language in the DSM-V will there is no intellectual disability. make identifying and diagnosMany families with children ing Autism Spectrum Disorder previously diagnosed with As- a little easier. Those with Asperger’s are anxious about the perger’s have been stripped of stigma of autism rather than their distinction. Every part of having their own distinct cat- the spectrum is now grouped egory. Hannah Fjelsted, a girl together. Being identified as “autiswith Asperger’s and a guest blogger on Autism Speaks, said, tic” means something different “The label of Asperger’s at least now, and these are not people gives observers the impression open to change. Losing their of intelligence and ability. But various labelled distinctions will when most people think of ‘au- be a major negative at first, but tism,’ they think of someone hopefully from this people on who should be institutional- the spectrum, their families and the population in general will ized.” Though a bit insensitive, she categorize these people as people makes a good point. Asperger’s first rather than whatever their will lose its distinction and be label or level on the spectrum. Though it is great to have an grouped with more severe forms awareness month to bring disof autism. Having the Autism Spectrum cussion of autism to light, just Disorder range through levels 1, remember people with autism 2 or 3 will group every range of are people first and are not easily the disorder together. This will “grouped together;” each person be good for various profession- is a distinct individual.

GENY KATE GURLEY

et me first preface this article by saying that I do not completely disagree with the writers of the Friday, April 11 article on capitalism, but rather simply wish to examine this problem through a different lens, through a sociological lens. Capitalism works almost flawlessly in theory, but so do a lot of things. Peyton Manning, for example, is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of professional football and ideally, would continue this success into the playoffs, but this is where he struggles mightily. Likewise, capitalism, when put into practice, is sometimes less than perfect. The original article asserts that greed is good, that it essentially propels the capitalist economy into financial and economic success. The original authors contend that greed is great in both personal and societal economic settings, and that it is what propels the capitalist economy. I think on a personal level, ambition may be a better word to use. Even so, sometimes no matter how ambitious a person is, they cannot achieve what we consider to be the American Dream. This concept that

anyone can pull themselves ern American economy, espeup by their bootstraps and cially now that we are in the eventually live the American midst of one of America’s most Dream is largely a farce. prominent crime waves that Personal ambition, or greed, few have heard about. is often not enough to become Over the past several years, socially mobile. The ability this greed that is supposed to of socioeconomically lower lead to societal success has in class individuals to emerge fact cost taxpayers and sharefrom that situation is usually holders millions and millions an unreasonable expectation. of dollars after the recent fiClimbing the ladder between nancial scandals at places like classes is much more easily HSBC, AIG, JPMorgan, Ensaid than done. This is espe- ron and WorldCom. cially relevant One would because in our be hard-pressed Climbing society, greed to assert that the ladder and ambition these clear exhibetween are much more bitions of greed valuable for classes is much have been benethe wealthy. more easily said ficial to society. They have been Greed scandals taught their en- than done.” like these cut tire lives how to consumer faith be greedy and ambitious and in markets and trust in big to do it well, just as margin- businesses, and in many cases alized individuals have been hurt the economy as a whole, taught chiefly how to simply among other things. make ends meet financially. Greed, because it is allowed While personal ambition is so rampantly, carves out a ficertainly a good thing, it is nancial gap right through the rarely sufficient to bring mar- American socioeconomic class ginalized individuals out of system. According to welltheir marginality, but that is known sociologist Karl Marx, material for another article. capitalism is less about making On the other hand, corpo- a living for oneself and more rate greed is one of the most about the managerial class, nefarious fixtures of the mod- or bourgeoisie, maximizing

Tucker Fleming is a junior majoring in sociology. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

the profits of their ventures through oppression of the working class, or proletariat. It is concepts like this that continue to allow the rich to get richer, while the poor get poorer. Of course, this is a rather extreme example, but one that is maybe not completely irrelevant in a society that owns a Gini coefficient, or inequality measure, of around .42 in 2013, according to “The Economist.” This is among the highest of nations of its class. I believe it is a good argument to say that ambition, not greed, is great for personal and societal success. By no means am I asserting that capitalism is not the best form of economic system for America. However, I do believe the American brand of capitalism in its current state may warrant some extra thought and consideration as to its effectiveness and possible regulatory shortcomings. So friends, as we move forward, if another calls us greedy, let us be moved to a place of personal introspection before one of pride.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tanning too dangerous to be careless

W

hen I was a little girl I have many friends that tan around the age of five, every single day because they feel I remember going into like being tan automatically makes my first tanning salon to wait on them more attractive. Many tanmy mom. As a little kid, the tan- ning salons around Starkville – ning salon was a huge place, and I there are at least four – run really loved walking around and reading good deals to lure people in for a all the tanning lotion labels and cheap tanning visit. Many of the looking at the other merchandise apartments in town offer free tanthey had. The manager always ning services, too. I have been to talked with me and made me feel some of these tanning salons, and at home. As I have gotten older, I always feel disgusting when I leave. have heard a lot of negative things Many people refer to tanning about indoor tanning and staying beds as cancer beds, but they out in the sun. Now that tanning could also refer to them as a home has become more for germs. Pink and more popueye is a common ... one lar, there is new illness where the person dies membrane lining evidence every every hour day about just of the eye gets how dangerous from melanoma infected. The it is. routine goes that and one in every 50 According to you wear tanning the Skin Cancer men and women goggles to protect Foundation web- will be diagnosed your eyes while site, www.skin- with melanoma in tanning, and cancer.org, one then the glasses indoor tanning their lifetime.” are placed in a jar session increases of solution for the the risk of developing squamous next person. However, if they are cell carcinoma by 67 percent and not cleaned correctly, bacteria can basal cell carcinoma by 29 per- stay on these goggles and be passed cent. The website also states nearly along. Additionally staphylococ30 million people tan indoors in cus, or staph infection, bacteria the U.S. every year, of which two also lurk in tanning beds. Staph to three million are teenagers. can be spread though cuts or skin-

to-skin contact, and if the tanning bed is not cleaned properly, then everyone runs the risk of contracting staph. Another downside to tanning is the premature aging that affects your body later in life. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports on their website tanning causes the skin to lose elasticity and wrinkle prematurely. They also claim UV-B radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses, leaving it more vulnerable to diseases. Melanoma is the seventh-most common cancer in America for women. The website www.skincancer.org has an article about the dangers of melanoma that claims one person dies every hour from melanoma and one in every 50 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime. Tanning beds and the sun put out great amounts of ultraviolent radiation, which contributes to 86 percent of Melanoma cases. The Skin Cancer Foundation features stories from cancer survivors, including one from a 22-year-old named Natalie. In her story, Natalie claims she never thought she would get cancer, even

TAGE PHILAMLEE Tage Philamlee is a junior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

after her grandmother expressed concern about her tanning. “I tanned because I felt like it made me look prettier,” Natalie said. “I felt like it made me look skinnier.” After a full body examination a doctor found two spots on her — one on her back and the other on the bottom of her foot. After the biopsy, one of the spots came back as stage one Melanoma. Natalie said she could not believe she would do that to herself. “My advice would be that it’s not worth it. Your health and your happiness come above everything,” she said. “It’s not about how you look.” Tanning is not worth the harm it does to you. These facts are scary when you actually think about it. I encourage people to wear sunscreen when going out in the sun or at least put on a hat. Summer time is just around the corner, and with all these facts in my mind, I will certainly be more conscious of harm the sun does to my skin.

I MEAN THINK ABOUT IT

Managing Editor Catie Marie Martin

Editor in Chief

News Editor

Emma Crawford

Lacretia Wimbley

Multimedia Editor

Opinion Editor

Kelsee McKim

Cameron Clarke

Life Editor

Photography Editor

Emma Katherine Hutto

Copy Editor John Galatas

Noor Mujahid

Graphic Designer

Sports Editor

Austin Grove

Blake Morgan

CONTACT INFORMATION LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor in Chief/Emma Crawford 325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Catie Marie Martin 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Lacretia Wimbley 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Cameron Clarke opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/Blake Morgan 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Noor Mujahid 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Emma Hutto 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Kelsee McKim multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Alex Anthony 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

CORRECTIONS

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.

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.

Reality TV paints unrealistic picture

R

eality television has taken over the world. People of all ages are being sucked into this fabricated sense of “reality.” Reality television attracts mostly younger adults and teenagers. Turn to any channel and there is sure to be some type of reality television show airing at some point. Most college students enjoy watching some type of reality television show and are even participating in them. In the past we could turn on the television and just watch our favorite celebrities live their reality, which is far from the average person’s sense of reality, and feel as if we were somehow in on their lives. It made them feel more human to us. Now, even the average Joe can find his or her 15 minutes of fame and sometimes longer through reality television. Everyone wants to try their hand at fame, and while some of us are fine with just being spectators, other college students are looking for a way to the other side of the TV screen. Reality TV offers a quick jumpstart into fame. Most people who audition for a reality REFLECTIONS:

show either audition right after college or leave college to pursue some type of career in entertainment. There are consequences in taking the fast lane to fame. Most reality shows that feature average people are so popular because of the type of drama and entertainment they create. An article in USA Today said directors do not cast an average person who viewers may find boring. They cast mostly stereotypes, especially stereotypes that conflict with one another, in order to create drama and tension. This means there are a lot of young adults out there willing to do anything or act a certain way to make it on television. The image of young adults today is not a good one. Most people see them as out-of-control kids who drink an excessive amount of alcohol and party all the time. When it comes to reality television, you rarely see the overly stressed, studying-all-the-time, working college student who drinks an excessive amount of coffee to pull all-nighters. That is reality for a lot of us, but in reality television that is boring and uninteresting.

Nobody wants to see actual reality in reality TV. The viewers want drama, fights, gossip, backstabbing and dangerous stunts. When college kids want to escape the stressful world of school but remain in the comfort of their own homes, watching reality TV is like a little 30 minute to an hour get-away. An article in “College Magazine” said there is no known cause for why college kids are so drawn to reality television because the possible reasons are endless. It is just impossible to avoid. Reality TV now rules the world. For the college kids who watch reality TV as an outlet from the boring world and for those that use it as a head start into Hollywood stardom, let’s think for a minute. Why do you love reality television so much? What is your reason for tuning in every week? How do you perceive the young adults you see on these shows, and do you want to be perceived that way? Not every reality television show is a bad one. From “Best Ink” to “King of the Nerds,” some of them do shed a positive

SEQUOIA RICHARDSON Sequoia Richardson is a senior majoring in political science. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

light on young people today by showcasing their talents and intelligence. As educated students, we should think before we choose to participate in these types of shows. However, there is nothing wrong in indulging, as long as we take care to analyze and diagnose such habits. Escaping reality is where imagination and creativity comes from. Take a study break and turn to any channel. I am sure there will be some type of reality show playing.

“It is the obvious which is so difficult to see most of the time. People say ‘It’s as plain as the nose on your face.’ But how much of the nose on your face can you see, unless someone holds a mirror up to you?”

Isaac Asimov — “I, Robot”


TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

4-22-14

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. 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. 507 Scales St., two bedrooms/ one bath. $600/month. All appliances included. Fenced in backyard with deck. Pets allowed with additional deposit. Available Aug. 1. Call 205-799-5893. 24 Lindbergh Blvd. Three bedrooms/two baths. Big closets and extra vanity in each bedroom. $900/month. All appliances included. Pets allowed with extra deposit. Available Aug. 1. Call 205-799-5893.

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. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

The Sociological Student Association will meet the last Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. in Bowen Hall room 250. All majors are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Lane at lane@soc.msstate. edu.

CLUB INFO

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNIONMSU CHAPTER

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

The MSU chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will meet the last Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. in Bowen Hall room 250. All majors are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Lane at lane@soc.msstate.edu.

Solutions for 4-15-14

TO ADVERTISE WITH

The Reflector Call 325-7907


6 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

THE REFLECTOR

LIFE EDITOR: NOOR MUJAHID | life@reflector.msstate.edu

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR

Margaret Bernheim (top left), Sarah Margaret Hewes (top right), Will West (bottom left) and Olivia Munn (bottom right) make up the executive board of Mississippi State University’s Music Maker Productions. The organization is entirely student run and specializes in on-campus, quality musical entertainment. In the past, MMP has made it possible for acts such as Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, Goo Goo Dolls, Tina Turner, Counting Crows, Sugarland, Girl Talk, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Zac Brown Band and several others to perform live in Starkville. This school year, MMP along with SA hosted Bulldog Bash as well as Old Main Music Festival and arranged the highly succesful sold-out 2Chainz concert. BY DAVID LEWIS Staff Writer

Whether it is for a good cause or simply for fun, live concerts and music festivals bring floods of people to one place with a unified emotional connection. Over the past year Starkville has seen a wide diversity of top-notch musicians play packed shows in venues all across town. In order for this to happen, a lot of work happens behind the scenes. Music Maker Productions is one of the main groups on campus working hard to bring the best live music to Mississippi State University. A peek into the minds of the executive board will show the passion and hard work that drives the organization. Hailing from Gulfport, Miss., Sarah Margaret Hewes, a senior history major, serves as student director of Music Maker Productions. Hewes’s laundry list of favorite artists ranges from The White Stripes to Frank Ocean to Manchester Orchestra. She

said her appreciation for diversity translated into her goals for the past year with Music Makers. “One of my main goals was to be diverse when it came to booking bands, and I definitely think we hit that mark,” Hewes said. “This year we had a show in every single venue available to us, and I am really proud of that and think that says a lot about our dedication to bringing different size and genre shows to MSU.” Music Makers certainly delivered this year bringing in artists such as Fun., 2Chainz, The Neighbourhood and Sidewalk Prophets. Due to their hard work and dedication, the 2Chainz show was the first sold out show in the past six years of Music Makers’ concerts. Hewes said she was overjoyed by the success of the concert. “The moment we sold out 2 Chainz was probably the proudest I have been in my entire life. Music Makers are the hardest bunch of people you are going to find, and it is because of this we were able

to reach and surpass goals we had set as an organization this year,” Hewes said. Hewes has a solid group of chairs who work with her and share a passion and drive. Olivia Munn, the Artist Relations Chair, comes from Gulfport. Munn, a junior majoring in business administration, said she focused her aim on an experience true to our state. “One goal that I set for this year was to really make the hospitality experience the best it can be for the artists. For example, we tried to get every little thing for them that will make their experience better at MSU,” Munn said. “We’ve done things like providing the artists with special MSU items such as MSU ice cream and an MSU cheese ball.” Will West, a senior majoring in business management in finance, said his favorite bands include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Gary Clark Jr and The Kings of Leon. West, a Columbus native, headed up the market-

ing campaigns as Publicity the same goal of bringing diChairman for the past year. versity. Through Facebook, Twitter, “Aside from my exec posiposters, word of mouth and tion, I think our main goal other forms of advertisement, as a whole this year was to West focused bring diversity on doing whatto Starkville,” ever it took to Bernhiem This year sell out a consaid. “I think we had cert. He said it this was pretty a show in was a collabwell accomorative effort every single plished because that led to the venue available we brought a 2Chainz conGrammy-winto us, and I am cert’s success. ning pop “Thanks really proud of group, a rapto everyone in that and think that per, a Christian this organizaartist and an says a lot about tion and the up-and-comstudents of our dedication to ing alternative MSU, we were bringing different band.” able to sell out size and genre Bernheim our 2 Chainz said she also show, which shows to MSU.” looks forward was really reto training the warding,” West next group of said. board members and helping Margaret Bernheim, also a them disprove the stereotypes Gulfport native, rounds out that have been attached to the group and serves as Tick- Music Makers over the past eting Chair. Bernheim, a ju- few years. nior majoring in psychology, “I want people to see that said she aimed for efficiency we’re just normal, approachin her department, but shared able students who all share the

love of live music,” she said. Music Makers recently held an event called ‘Meet the Music Makers’ where students were encouraged to stop by the Dawg House and get to know the members of the organization. Other members of Music Makers include: Will Alexander, Jacob Bennett, Bonnie Brumley, Drew Carter, Alex Coats, Justin Cooper, Nadia Elalighe, Thomas Fitzner, Hunter Friday, Lauren Guisinger, Olivia Lunsford, Alissa McKinnon, Theresa Mensi, Clayton Waller, Morgan Wilson and Emily Wright. This hardworking group of music buffs seek to continue bringing the best live music to MSU’s campus in the years to come. Students who are interested in joining Music Makers, applications can be found on their website. The process is not easy, but the experience will have lasting positive effects. Hewes, who will be getting her masters in music business at New York University, explained, “It is definitely tough, but well worth it.”

‘Wonders of Nature’ art exhibit allows peek into foreign landscape, exotic animals BY HALEY HARDMAN Staff Writer

The Colvard Student Union Art Gallery is currently showcasing a collection of photographs that make up what is called the “Wonders of Nature” art exhibit. The images depict animals and scenery from all corners of the world. The intricate detailing of each picture suggests a unique story of what it took to capture the moment. Steve Brandon, a Mississippi State University alumnus, is to be the man behind the lens. Brandon has traveled to a multitude of various destinations in order to capture breathtaking images and understand the importance of wildlife conservation. According to Brandon’s website, “Steve and his wife Patsy Fowlkes have traveled

the world photographing um, Pat Cory. We spent a day wildlife and speaking at uni- going around Chattanooga versities, high schools, civic to learn about my camera clubs and business meetings and all the things it could do. about wildlife conservation.” At this point, I had upgradBrandon began taking pic- ed my equipment. Later on, tures of all the adventures my wife and I went the Galawith a simple point-and- pagos Islands on a National shoot camera. He said his Geographic trip. For a week, wife was truly I had a Nationthe reason his al Geographic It’s photography photographer skills skyrockopportunity to help coach eted. me.” based. “Along the Brandon way I started You need to be in said his inspitaking pic- nature, be where ration for his tures, and they are, and then images and people started watch for the love of nature talking about traces back to how good the opportunity.” his childhood photographs roots. were,” Bran“I’ve always don said. “For Valentine’s had a great love for animals,” Day, my wife gave me a full Brandon said. “I grew up on a day with the lead photogra- farm. I’ve always had a love for pher at the Tennessee Aquari- the land, nature and wildlife.”

Brandon’s pictures are especially impressive due to the process he had to undergo in order to represent the animal’s natural state. Brandon said it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. “It’s opportunity based. You need to be in nature, be where they are, and then watch for the opportunity,” he said. One photograph in particular took Brandon four days to capture. He had a goal set for the trip. He said he wanted to capture an elephant with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. “I kept watching through my binoculars. Once I saw the elephant, I told the driver to get us down there that instant,” he said. “We drove 100 mph over rocky roads to get there before the good

lighting vanished, Kilimanjaro clouded up or the elephant left.” Brandon has a heaping number of incredible stories that compliment his photographs. Of his many terrifying experiences, Brandon explained his close encounter with a gorilla while attempting to take photographs. “I was on a path three feet wide in the jungle, and an alpha male gorilla was coming straight toward us. A ranger was sitting there with me. He told me to keep shooting my camera,” he said. “As the gorilla approaches, he got about two feet from the ranger, and the ranger told me to step behind him. The big gorilla brushed my left shoulder as he passed us. He was 6’1” and weighed 561 pounds.” Dedication allows Bran-

don to capture moments that will stand still in time. Brooke Seale, sophomore management major and a student interested in Brandon’s work, said his photographs are fantastic. “I thought the art exhibit was great,” Seale said. “The photographs are beautiful. I enjoyed taking my time to look at each and every one of them.” Brandon’s passion for traveling and taking pictures of native animals results in oneof-a-kind pictures that move people. Brandon will be attending the reception Tuesday in the Colvard Student Union Fowlkes Auditorium from 5 - 7 p.m. The reception is for anyone interested in wildlife photography. The “Wonders of Nature” art exhibit will be on display until May 29.


TRACK AND FIELD “He made a visit to my high school, and I really wasn’t interested, but then he and my mom convinced me to go on a visit, and I just fell in love with how committed he was to the sport and to his athletes,” Houston said. Those who know Schmidt best describe him as caring, supportive and always willing to go over and beyond his call of duty to make sure everything is right. Houston Franks, MSU track and field assistant coach, ran for Schmidt and coached alongside him. Franks said he could not even begin to describe the impact that Schmidt has had on his career. “There’s no question I

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | 7

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

would not be where I am at this point without him,” Franks said. “I couldn’t even begin to describe the amount of knowledge I’ve gained from him, both on the track and in my personal life.” Schmidt takes his relationships with his athletes further than just player and coach. Huston said she considers Schmidt to be one of her friends. “I’ll call him up before my races or call him after my races and ask him what did he think of my performance. I value what he has to say; whatever coach says goes,” she said. Even though Schmidt is stepping down from the head coaching spot, he will

continued from 8 still be around the team. He will now take on the roll as the volunteer assistant, where he will still help out and be a part of the team. With 25 years of coaching in the books at MSU, Franks said success and longevity is how he thinks Schmidt’s legacy will be remembered. Schmidt will be remember for doing things the right way. “He’s been coaching here for 25 years, and in today’s world of coaching, that’s very rare,” Franks said. “Everyone who has been apart of this program since he has been here until now will leave here knowing they’re a better person just from being around him.”

COACH’S CORNER

NBA awards and All-NBA teams awards MVP: Kevin Durant Kevin Durant dominated all year long and carried his team through stretches without their second-best player, Russell Westbrook. He led the Thunder to the second-best overall record in the NBA and improved his game in a lot of areas – most notably on defense. His development and improvement on his game this season have led to him having the best regular season of his career. He averaged 31.9 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.

Defensive Player of the Year: Joakim Noah Want to know how good Noah was defensively this season? Just think about this – he only averaged 12.6 points per game on only 47 percent shooting and is considered to be an MVP candidate by some, simply because of how dominant he has been defensively. Noah does it all on defense, and his non-stop effort and tenacity help lead the Bulls to being the top defensive team in 2014. On the year, the Bulls held teams to a league best 91.6 points per game and 42.9 percent shooting from the field – good for second-best overall, and Noah was the driving force behind their success. Most Improved Player: Goran Dragic The Suns were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season and were projected by most analysts to be at the bottom of the standings again. However, thanks to the drastic improvement in Dragic’s game, the Suns were in the playoff hunt all year long and fell just short finishing No. 9 in the loaded Western Conference. He averaged a career high of 20.4 points per game and shot a career high of 50.5 percent from the field. His previous career high was last season at just 14.7 points per game.

Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford This was a really tough award to pick. Manu Ginobili and Taj Gibson were both equally worthy, but at the end of the day, Crawford led all non-starters in points per game with 18.6, and his play was huge in keeping the Clippers afloat while Chris Paul was out with injury.

Coach of the Year: Jeff Hornacek I know Phoenix fell just short of making the playoffs, but considering the fact that this team still won 48 games and their second-best player Eric Bledsoe missed half the year, I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for what Hornacek was able to pull off with a team every NBA expert predicted to be one of the worst teams at the beginning of the year. He completely maximizes the talent and abil-

Williams came out of the gate hot and was clearly the most impactful rookie all season.” ities of the players he had and greatly overachieved. You could make a case for guys like Steve Clifford or Tom Thibodeau, but if you ask me, nobody did more with less than Hornacek.

Rookie of the Year: Michael Carter-Williams The Rookie of the Year race was not even close to me. Williams came out of the gate hot and was clearly the most impactful rookie all season. He averaged 16.7 points per game, 6.3 assists per game 6.2 rebounds per game, and 1.9 steals per game – showing that he could impact the game in a multitude of ways. All NBA First Team: G. Chris Paul G. Stephen Curry

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

F. Kevin Durant F. Lebron James C. Al Jefferson

All NBA Second Team: G. Tony Parker G. James Harden F. Carmelo Anthony F. Blake Griffin C. Tim Duncan All NBA Third Team: G. John Wall G. Goran Dragic F. Paul George F. Kevin Love C. Joakim Noah All Defensive First Team: G. Patrick Beverly G. Jimmy Butler F. Paul George F. Anthony Davis C. Joakim Noah All Defensive Second Team: G. Ricky Rubio G. Andre Igoudala F. Kawhi Leonard F. Serge Ibaka (Tie) F. Tim Duncan (Tie) C. Roy Hibbert All Rookie First Team: G. Michael Carter-Williams G. Victor Oladipo F. Tim Hardaway Jr. F. Kelly Olynyk C. Mason Plumlee All Rookie Second Team: G. Trey Burke G. Giannis Antetokounmpo F. Gorgui Dieng F. Pero Antic C. Stevan Adams

ADVERTISE (WITH)

THE REFLECTOR

EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO |THE REFLECTOR

SEC PITCHER OF THE WEEK |

Freshman Alexis Silkwood won SEC Pitcher of the Week for the first time in her career thanks to her efforts against No. 4 University of Tennesse. Silkwood received the start last Friday and delivered possibly her best performance as a Mississippi State University Bulldog. Silkwood pitched the entire game without giving up a run. She struck out 11 batters in the contest which is tied for the third-most in an SEC game in program history. Silkwood allowed only three hits through out the game and gave up only three walks. Silkwood pitched again on Sunday; she struck out five Volunteers in a little less than five innings. Silkwood stranded seven runners on the mound Sunday. This is the Bulldogs’ second straight SEC Pitcher of the Week award. Last week senior Alison Owen won the honor for her performance against Alabama.

the week in baseball

The Mississippi State University baseball team will return to action Tuesday against arch-rival Ole Miss Rebels at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Mississippi State and Ole Miss enter the game with identical conference records 10-8. The Bulldogs have won four straight games since being embarrassed by the Rebels on Super Bulldog weekend. Head Coach John Cohen has been playing with different lineups over the past four games, even benching senior Wes Rea for a game against the Missiouri Tigers. The Diamond Dogs struggled to score runs versus the Rebels in their last series. The Bulldogs will have to figure out a way to manufacture runs if the team hopes to win the in-week matchup. On Thursday, MSU returns to the mound at Dudy Noble Field to take on the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas will be looking to gain ground in the SEC West race, and the Razorbacks will enter the game at 9-9 in conference play. MSU will try to gain momentum for the final stretch of the season.

Drive in. Drive out.

Dig in. Pig out. Grabbing a bite of fresh, delicious chicken tenders has never been easier at Abner’s. Our Starkville location now features true drive-thru service! No need to call ahead, just drive up and order. Come try it today! Buy a 4-peice Meal and 2 small drinks and get a

SNACK PLATE 99¢ FOR ONLY

Expires April 28, 2014. One coupon per customer per order. May not be combined with another offer. No cash value.

$3 OFF!

Any meal and medium drink! Expires April 28, 2014. One coupon per customer per order. May not be combined with another offer. No cash value.

Starkville ❖ 518 South Montgomery Street ❖ 662.338.0098 ❖ www.abnerschicken.com Or visit us in Tupelo! 3282 North Gloster ~ 662 .891 .4649

CALL 325-7907

Highway 12 E Southdale Center (next to The Lodge)

Owner: Laurette Shira

662.323.3029

•Haircuts•Color•Makeup•Eyebrow Waxing•Nails

APARTMENTS FOR RENT Nice one bedroom apartments off of University Drive

Available August 1st, 2014 $495 to $515 NO PETS For more information call 662-323-3784

ARE YOU READY? To complete your Master’s Degree in…

ONE YEAR

Speaker’s Edge • Professional Development • Mentor Program

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2014 DEADLINE TO APPLY JULY 1 Contact Ashley Jones at ajones@bus.olemiss.edu / 662-915-5483

www.olemissbusiness.com/MBA


8 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: Blake Morgan | reflectorsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY: Senior Alison Owen has 197 stikeouts this season, the third most in school history for a single season.

MSU Track and Field will always be “full of Schmidt” By Quentin smith Staff Writer

On October 22, 1988, twenty-five years ago Mississippi State University made the choice of hiring Al Schmidt to become the head coach of the MSU track and field program. Fast forward through those 25 years. On October 31, 2013, Schmidt decided it was finally time to step down from his illustrious coaching career. Schmidt has been coaching track and field for 40 years, and 25 of those years have been at MSU. When asked what made him finally decide to retire, Schmidt simply said it was finally time. “I’ve had a great time coaching this sport I love,” Schmidt said. “When you’ve been coaching for as long as houston franks | courtesy photo I have, you eventually know Coach Al Schmidt poses for a picture with Renee it’s going to come to an end Masterson, a former athlete, after a meet. Schmidt at some point. Nothing lasts forever in life, although finished up his storied 25-year career this season. Schmidt has coached 39 Allsometimes we may want it imizes their full potential as Americans, 35 SEC chamto.” an athlete, and if I don’t help Schmidt has had a prolific pions and four individual them reach their full potencoaching career and has expe- NCAA titles, but that’s not it. tial, then I have failed as a His coaching did not just stop coach.” rienced success at every program he has stopped at along on the track; he also made Schmidt has changed the sure his players excelled in the culture of the MSU track and the way. classroom. In his last year as Prior to arriving at MSU, field program ever since he head coach, Schmidt had a Schmidt was at Florida State arrived in 1988. He builds University, where he served as school record of 208 athletes personal relationships with an assistant men’s track coach who were named to the SEC each and every one of his athAcademic Honor Roll. and the head cross country letes.Katie Huston, senior disWhile many coaches only coach. While at FSU, he led tance runner and Huntsville, coach for the glory, Schmidt the Lady Seminoles to two Ala., native, said Coach said the accolades were not his Schmidt is the number one consecutive national titles main focus. in 1984 and 1985. With reason why she chose to come “I enjoy being able to take to MSU. already having two national someone from ground zero titles on his resume, Schmidt “I wasn’t thinking about and build him or her all the brought his same winning the South. I was trying to way up to Mt. Everest,” he ways to MSU where he go up North,” Huston said. said. “I want to make sure would continue to have the see TRACK AND FIELD, 7 everyone that I coach maxsame success.

kaitlin mullins |Courtsey Photo

The Mississippi State soccer team celebrates a goal (left). Sophomore Shelby Jordan looks to make a play (right).

Women’s soccer looks to depend on new freshmen in the fall By Kristen spinK Staff Writer

Having football signees leave high school early and come to campus in the spring has become a common occurrence. Having a soccer recruit arrive a semester early, however, is somewhat of a new phenomenon. Mississippi State University welcomed three soccer signees this spring who are benefitting from an extra semester working with the team. Head Coach Aaron Gordon said the program was financially able to bring in Morgan Ferrara, Ashliegh Badley and Hannah Smith, who have all grown this spring. “It depends on the sacrifices of those players who want to come. For some, giving up the spring of their senior year may mean high school soccer or just social activities like prom potentially that might be important to them, but really it’s starting to be more common,” Gordon said. “It’s an opportunity to get five college games under their belt

and see what it’s like, and they’ve made the most of it and gotten better every day.” Ferrara led the team with four goals this spring and has the task of replacing All-SEC forward Elisabeth Sullivan, who scored 16 goals last season and is now playing in the National Women’s Soccer League with the Portland Thorns. Ferrara, a Tampa, Fla., native, said she has liked the small town atmosphere of Starkville but does miss living next to the beach. She said she has not kept up with her high school friends that much but would rather be here than there any day. “It was a tough transition, but I think all three of us have grown as players, so I think we’ll be ahead in the fall,” Ferrara said. “Just being around the team — they’re my family, and they became my family so fast. I love them.” With 17 freshmen joining the team in the fall, both Gordon and Ferrara agreed coming to MSU early will make the fall transition smoother. Ferrara said she hopes the bonds created by the team this spring will help the other freshmen who come in the fall have that same chemistry. “We have a big recruiting class coming in the fall, and I wanted to get ahead and get used to the college feel. Soccer wise, I’m at a whole new fitness point and have gotten way stronger in the weight room, so I’ll be more ready in the fall,” she said. Ferrara’s counterpart at the forward position is new as

well, but not because she is a freshman. Shannen Jainudeen moved from defender to forward this spring — a switch Gordon said is permanent for her senior campaign. Injuries and concussions sidelined Jainudeen last year, so when she came back at the end of the year and was not at her best fitness level, Gordon tried her at forward and said he liked what he saw. “I saw a side to her that I thought could be really good for us. She has been awesome all spring. For someone who’s only played up there five games and scored three goals — that’s a good record,” he said. “ ( F e r r a r a and Jainudeen) have already established chemistry which will be good because the other freshmen coming in can look to Morgan and see Shannen is easy to play with and all those different things.” At 5’11” Jainudeen stands as the second tallest player on the team, and 5’10” Ferrara, the third tallest player, joins the ranks at forward. Jainudeen said it has been good having another tall player up top. “It’s great because our chemistry is stronger, and it’s going to build,” she said. “(Gordon) just put me up there, and I guess I did well enough to keep me there, but I have a lot more work to do up there.” Jainudeen and Ferrara have a little break from preseason work before continuing their chemistry in the summer to prepare for the upcoming season in the fall.

A Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Campaign

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 In Front of the State Fountain Bakery 10am- 2pm The First 150 People to Donate a Pair of Jeans Will Receive a Free T-Shirt!

Sponsored by: Department of Health Education and Wellness 662-325-2090 www.health.msstate.edu/health

Rain location will be the Dawg House Located in the Union


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.