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125th YEAR | ISSUE 45 @REFLECTORONLINE /REFLECTORONLINE

APRIL 4, 2014

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Suspicious male causes concern New police chief appointed

BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer

At 10:57 p.m. on March 27, a suspicious male was spotted on sorority row on the Mississippi State University campus.

According to witnesses, the

each other to be careful.

“Supposedly he had tried to rush and leave and he was really creepy and he got black listed,” Kendall said. “Supposedly he was parked outside Pi Phi, and he was taking pictures.”

male drove a black Maserati, a vehicle not common in the city of Starkville.

Kendall Robinson, freshman biological sciences major, said she and her sorority sisters were alarmed by the peculiar male, and they notified

SEE ALERT, 2

BY EMMA CRAWFORD Copy Editor

Tim Potts, Mississippi State University’s newly-appointed police chief, hails from Brookston, Ill., and brings 23 years of law enforcement experience with him to the MSU Police Department.

Potts’s appointment pends formal approval by the State Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees. Potts is expected to begin his work May 15.

Potts has worked at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., since 1997.

Potts has served as captain

of patrol operations since 2003 and has led and managed a division including 30 officers and 12 dispatchers.

Potts also oversaw departmental training and coordination of security arrangements for athletic events, convocations and other special events.

SEE NEW, 3

S.M.A.R.T shuttle ribbon cutting marks continuous growth Legalizing

BY REED GADDIS Staff Writer

marijuana oil in Mississippi

BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer

“Soon, it’s going to be weed smoke everywhere,” said Aaron Jones, a junior aerospace engineering major at Mississippi State University, after hearing news of a marijuana oil bill being passed.

Jones assumes the passing of a marijuana oil bill can and will open t h e

door to other rights for marijuana in the future.

On March 27, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 1231 that strives to legalize marijuana oil but under tightly controlled circumstances. The house voted 112-6, a positive result in light of the bill’s previous rejection.

Speaker of the Miss. House of Representatives Philip Gunn said Governor Phil Bryant has yet to provide his signature which w o u l d stamp the bill as law.

ture process works through a piece by piece process,” Gunn said. “If the governor decides not to pass it, we go to a conference. Then we pass a conference report which is exactly where we are right now.

The house has passed it, but I don’t think the Senate has signed off on it yet.”

With the progressive passing of HB 1231, many people question whether there is a possibility of decriminalizing marijuana in the future. Gunn denies this possibility.

“I doubt marijuana will be decriminalized in the future,” Gunn said. “It doesn’t fit with the sentiment of the people in Mississippi. I don’t think we will get the vote within the Senate to do that.”

SEE OIL, 2

“This legisla-

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in honor of the Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit system on Mon., March 31. The ceremony took place at the Palmeiro Center located on campus. Mark Keenum, MSU President, said the benefits of the S.M.A.R.T. shuttle system at the ceremony.

Jeremiah Dumas, director of Parking, Transit and Sustainability, said the main goal, from a student perspective, is to give as many transportation options as the system can.

“We know that we can’t offer one parking place for every student, and so we don’t want parking to be the dominant way people get to and from camDAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR pus or their Students exit an MSU S.M.A.R.T. shuttle. private vehicle,” Dumas The MSU Area Rapid Transit system was said. “This honored during a ceremony on March 31. program is to really give them an alternative that is much more efficient for them.”

Jeanette Bailey, manager of shuttle operations, said S.M.A.R.T. has been dependable even while a great deal of construction is underway on campus.

“Anytime a road is closed, we’ll alter the route as needed,” Bailey said. “We will put it on the webpage to let everybody know.”

SEE SHUTTLE, 2

MSU tries to accommodate students with disabilities despite construction

BY DJ WORMLEY Staff Writer

With ongoing construction on the campyus of Mississippi State University, it has been hard for students to get around, especially students with disabilities.

Dan Whatley, construction administrator in the physical plant administration, said the construction is important because of MSU’s growth.

“Because MSU is a growing university, It is important to

continue to grow and improve our infrastructure,” Whatley said. “We are all here to serve the missions of MSU— learning, service and research. Without sufficient facilities and infrastructure, these missions would be greatly hindered.”

Whatley said he and his staff try to decrease the negative effects for the people with disabilities and increase the positive effects for the projects they are doing.

“One of these laws that we must comply with is the Amer-

icans with Disabilities Act, and we work hard to ensure that our design teams understand the importance to MSU of ADA,” Whatley said. “Extensive planning takes place to minimize negative effects to our community with disabilities and to maximize the positive effects that come at the completion of the project.”

Roger Baker, MSU campus master planner, said in order for the university to grow, the framework of the campus must grow.

SEE DISABILITIES, 2

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Houston Everett, senior communication major, transports himself across campus amongst construction implants. MSU works to accomodate students with disabilities.

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NEWS

2 | FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

OIL According to HB 1231, the marijuana oil will mainly contain cannabidiol oil (CBD), which means it is a processed cannabis plant extract that contains more than 15 percent of CBD and only less than half of one percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The bill states the oil may only be obtained on the prescription of a physician who is licensed to practice in Mississippi and only given to a patient under the authority of the physician.

The bill also states Mississippi State University’s Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station will be utilized for the research aspect of the growth of the plants. The National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi and the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., will also participate and are the only entities authorized to produce or possess (CBD) for research.

Senator Josh Harkins of the Miss. House of Repre-

THE REFLECTOR

continued from 1 sentatives said he has been pushing the bill forward for several years, a result of witnessing families struggle with children who have seizures.

“This is something I never imagined I would be doing,” Harkins said. “Once I educated myself, I realized this is not about someone getting high.”

Harkins said the marijuana oil will serve to cease seizures, ease multiple sclerosis, help increase cancer patients’ appetite, nausea and will be used for other anecdotal purposes.

“It’s a two-prong approach.

I’m interested in CBD oil and its effects on seizures.

You would be surprised how many people have reached out to me looking for ways to help their children,” Harkins said. “We will be the 23rd state to sign this into law if it happens. It will be a major adjustment in the quality of life for a child that suffers every day from severe seizures.”

According to Harkins, the oil will not get and individual high due to the low levels of THC and higher levels of CBD within the oil.

SHUTTLE

“This isn’t even really medical marijuana,” Harkins said.

“It should really be called CBD oil because that is the main ingredient within the oil, and it is the ingredient that will be functioning.

What people don’t realize is methamphetamines and toxins are more available to patients in hospitals, and there are different derivatives of awful drugs that are available to our people today. This oil is something that will help.”

If the marijuana oil bill is legalized, Jones said he feels Mississippi should push even more forward with the decriminalization of marijuana.

“I think the bill should be legalized, especially if it’s for medicinal purposes,” Jones said. “I mean, if it’s going to help stop seizures, then yes, that’s a good idea.

I mean, but there is a con to e ve r y t h i n g .

I feel like people will use it in a negative

continued from 1

Bailey said S.M.A.R.T. tran“It’s a wonderful, wonderful sit shuttles are fueled every day, service for the campus but also which is another the community,” component that Gregory said. proves their reli“One of the great It’s a ability. things is that it’s wonderful, “We require so comprehenwonderful that all of our sive that we’re buses are fu- service for the able to market eled every day campus but also the S.M.A.R.T. because in the system with event of an emer- the community.” some of our gency we want -Jennifer Gregory, events.” our buses fueled Greater Starkville The downand ready to go,” town routes have Development Bailey said. recently experiJennifer Greg- Partnership CEO enced tremenory, CEO of dous growth, the Greater Starkville Devel- and in the 2014 fall semester, opment Partnership, said her Bailey said the routes will be exorganization helps to promote panded in the city.

S.M.A.R.T. “We are splitting the board

town routes into two routes,” Bailey said.

The Board Town routes will be composed of two buses and the Board Town South will have two buses. The Old Main Express will also be extended to Green Oaks.

“Hopefully soon we will have our two trolleys that we’ve ordered to operate on the Old Main Express,” Bailey said.

She said these will be shuttle buses that are designed to look like a trolley and expressed that the trolleys will be a scenic bonus to historic Starkville.

For additional information on the S.M.A.R.T. shuttle system, students can contact Jeremiah Dumas at 662-325-3852 or Jeanette Bailey at 662-325-0407.

Enter the code VIBE2014 for $5 off the registration fee!

way, and they will find a way.

Although I dislike marijuana, I feel like it should be legalized because it would save a lot of money on drug enforcement and a lot of good people would not have to go to jail over something as simple as marijuana.”

Jones said it has been proven not to be fatal, and entities that can be sold are being sold every day.

“It’s been proven that it does not kill people. Cigarettes kill millions of people a year, and it’s still legalized,” Jones said. “So, I say the government should just legalize marijuana and just tax it. Tax it heavily. They might as well make money off of it. Turn a negative into a positive.”

ALERT Other witnesses said the male asked them to participate in drug usage and to join him at a hotel.

Witnesses and those emotionally affected by the suspicious male said it would have been nice to receive a Maroon Alert about the suspicious individual to make everyone make aware.

Vince Nathaniel, junior electrical engineering major, said when he heard about the suspicious male, he felt a Maroon Alert would have been necessary.

“At least let the student body know about the situation,” Nathaniel said. “A simple Maroon Alert would have done nothing but raised awareness to students and those on campus to be careful at least. It wouldn’t hurt to at least know what’s going on or if we need to take precaution.

You never know what could happen.”

Sid Salter, MSU’s chief communications officer, said the MSU Police Department received the report of a suspicious person on sorority row and responded, but did not find anyone on campus.

“A person was later in-

continued from 1 terviewed by the Starkville Police Department in the city, and it was determined that the individual was not a threat,” Salter said. “The MSU Police Department responds whenever a student feels uncomfortable and responds accordingly.”

According to Salter, a Maroon Alert is only issued in the case of an immediate threat to the safety of students and employees on the campus of the university.

“The university would not issue a Maroon Alert for the threat of a suspicious person,” Salter said. “Every police venue gets a report of what goes on. MSU Police Department checked out what happened, and it was determined that the individual was not a threat.”

Salter said the complaint of the suspicious male was taken seriously, but there are standard procedures to be followed regarding the release of the individual’s personal information.

“We cannot give his name,” Salter said. “The only time the university releases a name is if there is an arrest or law enforcement accident.”

DISABILITIES “The goal for the university to reach 22,000 students,” Baker said. “In order to reach this goal, it is imperative to grow the campus’ infrastructure.”

Baker said the campus took on a new plan and organized a study showing the university needed to have some new addictions to the campus.

“During 2009, campus undertook a new campus master plan. As part of that plan, a space study was conducted,” Baker said. “That study revealed that in order for our university to comfortably reach that goal, the university needed to add library, food service and classroom and residence hall space. The great thing about campus construction and renovation construction is it gives the university the ability to update some spaces

continued from 1

that were built from 1994 to “Individuals with disabil2009, up to the current 2010 ities are always at the heart ADA Law”, of campus design Baker said. and construction On most B a k e r of projects on campus,” Baker said the projects said. “On most construcADA is projects ADA tion affects not only is not only ade ve r y b o d y, hered to, but the but the con- adhered to, but university tries s t r u c t i o n the university to go above and on campus tries to go above beyond the mingives the imum standards u n i v e r s i t y and beyond the a chance minimum standards of the law.”

Baker said the to update of the law.” construction on some of the -Roger Baker, campus benefits buildings MSU in many that were MSU campus ways. built 20 master planner “New and renyears ago. ovation construcBaker said people with disabilities are of tion on campus benefits the high importance concerning University in student recruitcampus construction, and ment, student retention and the university always coop- student quality of education erates with the rules of the experience at the university, just to name a few,” he said.

ADA.

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NEWS

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cont. from 1

Potts was lieutenant of support services, sergeant of training and operations and patrol/community policing officer before his stint at Purdue. Additionally, he earlier served as a member of the West Lafayette Police Department and Monticello, Ind., Sheriff’s Department.

In an MSU news release, Potts said he feels humbled and honored by his selection to serve the MSU community as police chief.

“I am looking forward to listening to the students, staff and faculty on issues important to them and working collaboratively,” he said.

The campus community and university’s highest priorities are their security and safety, according to a statement from Bill Kibler in a MSU news release, MSU’s vice president for student affairs.

“Our exceptional and nationally-accredited police department is a critical component in assuring the safety of our campus,” he said. “We are excited about Tim Potts as our new chief; he brings extensive experience and outstanding leadership abilities to our police department.”

Kibler also said he feels confident Potts will lead the campus police department in a positive direction.

“Working together with the excellent team we have at UPD, Tim will be able to lead us to even higher levels of professionalism, performance and innovation,” Kibler said.

For more information about the MSU Police Department, visit police.msstate.edu.

Monday, March 31 • 10:14 a.m. An employee reported finding controlled substances in Dorman Hall. The officer took the substances for disposal.

• 6:20 p.m. A student reported his scooter was turned over causing damages while parked in Rice Hall parking lot.

Tuesday, April 1 • 12:24 a.m. Students were shooting darts at vehicles and pedestrians on Lee Boulevard. Officers released them with a warning.

Wednesday, April 2 • 12:38 a.m. An officer responded to Critz Hall for carbon monoxide alarm in the laundry room.

• 12:21 p.m. A student reported being harassed over text messages and social media by her ex-girlfriend.

• 1:55 p.m. A student reported her vehicle was damaged while parked behind Hathorn Hall near a construction zone.

• 3:29 p.m. A resident adviser reported an altercation in Sessums Hall.

• 4:29 p.m. A student reported a vehicle accident in the Sanderson Center parking lot.

• 8:16 p.m. A student was transported to OCH from Cresswell Hall for a dislocated toe.

• 11:00 p.m. Student referrals were issued to two students for fighting at Arbour Village.

Thursday, April 3 emma katherine hutto | the reflector

• 12:18 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for driving under the influence and disturbing the peace.

SENATOR CANDIDATE ANSWERS TO STUDENTS | Chris McDaniel, 42nd district represen- Citations: tative in the Mississippi State Senate who is running for the U.S. Senate against Thad Cochran spoke Thursday. Students in support of both candidates attended the event.

McDaniel spoke about issues including the use of federal funds and Cochran’s support of Obamacare. McDaniel’s platform also supports repealing No Child Left Behind.

• 13 citations were issued for speeding.

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

• 1 citation was issued for driving the wrong way on a one way street.

• 1 citation was issued for obstructing a roadway.

Fiesta offers diverse range of international cultures through food, dance

beth wynn | courtesy photo

An MSU student dances during last year’s International Fiesta. The annual event showcases different cultures.

By Noor Mujahid Staff Writer

Mississippi State University’s international population represents 75 countries out of the nearly 200 countries in the world. Starkville is a second home for over 1,000 MSU students, academics and dependents who left the comfort of their native lands to pursue academic endeavors at the university.

Every year since 1990, MSU has held an International Fiesta to showcase the food, culture and traditional attire of nations all over the world. More than 20 countries will be represented at the 24th annual International Fiesta Saturday on the Drill Field from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fiesta, sponsored by the Starkville World Neighbors Association, stays true to its name and celebrates the cultures of various nations that most locals are not

likely to come across otherwise.

Joby Czarnecki, president of the World Neighbors Association and member of the International Fiesta planning committee, said the event is a hub for students to exchange cultural knowledge, as well as an opportunity to bestow a fresh perspective on one’s respective nation.

“The International Fiesta is a chance for international students and other students to showcase multiple aspects of their culture.

One is able to get a glimpse of what is beyond the borders of Starkville,” she said. “You can see other cultures and break down some walls. It’s a chance to overwrite some of the stereotypes that we so often have and see that it is possible to get along despite what we see in the news.”

The Fiesta will commence with a parade of international flags, and event highlights include arts and

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crafts exhibits, native attire, traditional song and dance and tons of exotic culinary creations from around the world.

Xiaoxi Meng, MSU life science graduate student and China native, said the International Fiesta is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow international students and get a taste of different cultures.

“During the International Fiesta, I have the chance to come across a lot of people from my country, as well as countries around the world.

It is a great opportunity to be with people I know and to make new friends,” she said. “Getting the chance to eat authentic foods from all around the world is the most exciting aspect of the event for me.”

Meng said sampling food made from outsiders is not as refreshing as eating food made by a country’s native people.

“I often went out to have Thai food in China, but the food is made by Chinese people and it is not authentic,” she said. “The Fiesta provides the opportunity to have food made by Thai students.”

Zhikai Liang, a molecular biology graduate student, said the International Fiesta provides an outlet for Chinese students as well as other foreign students to join together and celebrate their countries.

“The Fiesta allows me to taste foods that I don’t normally have the chance to taste. When all of us Chinese students get together and eat our traditional dishes, it is like coming back home,” he said. “I’m also very happy that my foreign friends can appreciate our country’s food at the Fiesta.

In previous years, the Fiesta held a pageant in which a man and woman were crowned Mr. and

Mrs. Fiesta; however, this year, the event will announce the winner of the International Fiesta essay-writing contest.

The competition required international students to share, in 1,000 words or less, what they believe they may acquire from the United States and ideas of how the U.S. could learn from their nations.

The annual Fiesta is family-friendly with an inflatable bounce house, balloon animals, face-painting, relay races and a wide assortment of other games and activities for children.

Czarnecki said she urges locals and the MSU students to attend Saturday and enjoy the festivities of the event, while providing comfort for students that have traveled

thousands of miles to be here at MSU. “I would encourage the citizens of Starkville and the students to come out and enjoy a beautiful day with food, music and children,” she said. “Our international students leave their homes, and their families and come here to study.

We should show them support and make them feel welcome.”

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OPINION

4 | FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

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

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LET’S PLAY THIS BY EAR

Modern U.S. Foreign Policy Mississippi drastically needs sex-ed overhaul demands renewed vigilance W

T

he world is an inherently dangerous place. There are people across the globe that look to do harm to others in creative and cruel ways.

Human history is checkered with violence and wicked motivations from all sorts of people. This is not a morbid outlook but a realistic mindset that requires a response.

Most students in the freshman class from this past fall would’ve Walton Chaney is a junior been in the first grade on Sept. majoring in history. He can be 11, 2001. Since that watershed contacted at opinion@reflector. day, our nation’s national securi- msstate.edu. ty policy and foreign obligations have undergone a paradigm shift. homeland and secure American While I am not arguing that to- interests abroad. First, a security day’s foreign policy should reflect agreement with President Hathat of Sept. 12, 2001, I am wor- mid Karzai of Afghanistan must ried that our nation’s attention to be reached. Without a bilateral threats abroad does not get the agreement, the results could be consideration it deserves. catastrophic. The Afghan NaIn the last few years, there has tional Security Force (ANSF) been no shortage of threats to absolutely depends on American our national security. On May intelligence, logistics and surveil1, 2010, Faisal Shahzad, a Pa- lance. If the U.S. leaves outright, kastani-American citizen, at- the ANSF will surely crumble in tempted to blow up a 1993 Nissan its infancy. The agreement is vital Pathfinder in the middle of Times if we are to sustain the gains we Square. On Sept. 11, 2011, our have made in Afghanistan over embassy in Benghazi, Libya was the last decade. Without it, we subject to an organized terrorist could recreate a dangerous power attack, and four vacuum and grant Americans were safe havens for al The U.S. killed, including Qaeda. our Ambassador Second, we must to Libya, Chris must do what remain Stevens. we can to bring vigilant if it the perpetrators The civil war in Syria, which has wants to prevent of the Sept. 11, now been raging 2011 Benghazi for nearly four another major attacks to justice. years, is now a catastrophe.”

Our ambassador serious humaniwas murdered in tarian crisis and cold blood, and strategic threat we did nothing in the region. Testifying in ear- to respond. Whether or not you ly March about Syria, United subscribe to the idea that there States of America Army General was some sort of cover up in the Lloyd Austin, who is head of the aftermath of the attack, the lack U.S. Central Command, told the of retort on any level emboldens House Armed Service Committee our enemies in the region. that if it is “allowed to continue Finally, the administration must unabated, it will likely result in a reevaluate the current state of region-wide conflict lasting a de- sanctions relief with Iran agreed cade or more.” on Jan. 20. Again, on March These are just a few examples 5, the Israeli Defense Force anof real-time hazards that have tak- nounced it had intercepted a shipen a back seat to other issues. The ment of M-302 missiles bound U.S. must remain vigilant if it for terrorist organizations in Gaza wats to prevent another major ca- and blamed Iran for sending the tastrophe. One recent unsettling cargo. We must regain the lead announcement is that the Obama in the relationship and demand administration plans to cut the change from Iran. Regimes that Army to its smallest size since sponsor terrorism should not be before World War II. This type allowed to enrich uranium. The of budget manipulation coupled sanctions relief must be taken off with an apparent lack of a com- of the table until we demand their prehensive foreign policy strategy, cooperation with the problems especially in the Middle East, is they are causing in the region. troubling.

We have a responsibility to lead This administration must do internationally, and we must reseveral things to bolster Amer- main alert to maintain our standican capabilities to protect the ing abroad.

WALTON CHANEY

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

e are all adults. Now ent a few disheartening statistics. that we have that out According to MississippiFirst. of the way, I think it’s org, 76 percent of Mississippi time we all had a very serious high school students said they discussion about the birds and have had sex by the end of 12th the bees. Hopefully by now we grade. The website goes on to all have a grasp on the biological state that a staggering one-third logistics of reproduction, but for of all babies born in Mississipmany Mississippians, and per- pi are born to teenage mothers haps for some of you, these les- and that only one-third of teen sons did not come in the form of mothers receive a high school dia book, class or lecture in grade ploma. In addition to these stats school. on teen pregnancy, the website Instead, these lessons may have explains that Mississippi also come from rumors told at the ju- ranks at the top of several counnior high lunch table, innuendo try-wide lists of states affected by from televiSTIs, notchsion shows My (admittedly ing the highand vagueest rates in controversial) ly worded the nation proposition to metaphors for both chlayou is simply from our mydia and m o t h e r s this: abstinencegonorrhea. or fathers. only sex education is In 2011, House Bill More of999 passed ten than obsolete.” not, these through Misunofficial sissippi leglessons do not accurately (accu- islation. At first glance, the bill rately being the key word) cover seemed to be a significant step in the critical details and risks of a new direction for sex education making the choice to become in Mississippi public schools, sexually active, particularly on requiring all school boards to the topics of contraception, un- adopt a policy for sex education planned pregnancy and sexually (MississippiFirst.org). However, transmitted infection. the bill affords school boards Before subjecting you to my the option to choose between opinion on sex education in Mis- “abstinence-only education” and sissippi, I would first like to pres- “abstinence-plus education,” ab-

PONDER THIS

‘Bossy’

F

acebook COO Sheryl Sandberg recently stated in an interview with “All Things Considered” that she will launch a new campaign to get rid of the word “bossy.” Her campaign has received both positive and negative attention from the public. According to a recent headline from CNN, Sandberg has also teamed up with big names like Beyoncé and Condoleezza Rice to promote her message.

Sandberg reveals in her interview that she was often criticized for displaying this characteristic as a child and explains the word bossy functions as a “second B-word” because it is often used in a negative way to describe young girls who display leadership qualities.

Sandberg argues on her website that society should get rid of the word “bossy” and encourage girls to lead. When asked if this is really an important issue since girls outperform boys academically.

“I actually think that we are conflating issues of academic performance and leadership. And in

stinence-only being a program that “offers little information on contraception (except to cite often incorrect failure rates)” and abstinence-plus being a program that “encourages abstinence while providing information about contraception” (TheAtlantic.com).

My (admittedly controversial) proposition to you is simply this: abstinence-only sex education is obsolete. We are all (even if only temporarily) citizens of Mississippi, and as such, it is our duty to combat the unsettling statistics listed previously in the most effective means possible, and abstinence-only education does not cut it. While encouraging high school students to practice abstinence is exceptionally important, our students both deserve and require a more comprehensive education.

One of the most common arguments in opposition to abstinence-plus sex education is the claim that presenting young adults with a thorough understanding of sex will somehow make them more likely to engage in the act than if strictly abstinence were being taught. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but children of the technology age have a sexually charged content thrust (pun intended) upon them on a daily, if not hourly,

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

basis. With access to the Internet constantly growing, the commercial saturation experienced by our generation and those younger than ours is astonishing.

There is no escaping the promiscuous materials put forth by the media, and the Mississippi public school system needs to embrace this fact by arming its students with information rather than ignorance.

In conclusion, as members of the next generation of mothers, fathers, mentors and educated adults, I feel it is indispensable for us to have a developed and progressive outlook on the benefits of thorough sex education.

By informing ourselves, we will inform subsequent generations, ultimately paving the way for a healthier state and nation.

sparks controversy

one area, girls are leading, and in lic, a recent headline from CNN one area, boys are leading. And a disagrees. Peggy Drexler, assislot of people are confusing those,” tant professor of psychology at she said in an interview with Weill Cornell Medical College of NPR. Cornell University and a former Sandberg’s gender scholar at reasoning beStanford UniversiSociety hind her camty, presents an inencourages teresting argument paign is that she feels society boys to take that the problem encourages boys is not the actucharge, to take charge al word; it is the but labels girls but labels girls as negative circumas “bossy” ‘bossy’ when they stances in which when they try try to lead.” the word is used to lead. She in association with points out that women. Drexler such discourpoints out that, agement could cause girls to lose if the word “bossy” was banned, interest in leadership. But should harsher words would only take its we be concerned with words like place. She makes the valid point “bossy” when there are much that “bossy” is not always bad. On more offensive terms out there? the contrary, it is often associated There is a campaign, for example, with success. to encourage society to replace the “Bosses are bossy. Plain and word “retarded” with “intellectual simple,” Sandberg is quoted as disability.” Is the word “bossy” re- saying in a CNN article. ally so bad?

As a society, we have the ability While “Ban Bossy” received to control what characteristics are mixed responses from the pub- associated with certain words. As

BROOKLYN TUCKER Brooklyn Tucker is a junior majoring in kinesiology. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

Drexler points out, perhaps the solution to “Ban ‘Bossy’” and other associated campaigns is to focus on the positive qualities associated with the word in question rather than dwelling on the negative labels that could result from the use of it. It is important to remember that women and girls are rarely overlooked in today’s culture, and that being called “bossy” seldom does harm to anyone’s reputation.

In short, there is pride in being opinionated and determined, or “bossy.”

I MEAN THINK ABOUT IT

Too often intuition is misinterpreted as insecurity Y

ou study all night for your test, but the next morning you feel like you don’t know the material as well.

Do you just doubt yourself, or is it intuition? Your friend begs you to go to this party with her, but you have a bad feeling about going. Your friend says you are too apprehensive around new people and you should loosen up but you just do not feel like going is a good idea. Is it your intuition or insecurities?

We have all struggled with this battle some time in our lives. Is it intuition or are we just insecure? It is hard to be able to tell the difference between the two, but knowing the difference is important. Knowing when to either follow your intuition or let go of your insecurities could save you a lot of headaches in the future.

So what is the difference?

Merriam-webster.com defines insecurity as “uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence.” It describes intuition as “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious REFLECTIONS:

reasoning.” Two clearly differ- ing only grows stronger the ent definitions, yet we confuse more you try to fight it. You the two feelings so often. Why cannot shake it. The more you is this? try to forget, the more it will It is the factor of the un- not let you. That is what intuknown. Both of these things are ition feels like. emotions a person is not able to It will not always be black completely explain. It makes it and white. The gray area is that easy to mistake one emotion for feeling you have when you feel a the other. little less confiHow can you dent in yourself Intuition tell the differbut that nagging could ence? It is not feeling is always simple.

Being there, too. Do tell you able to see the not ever feel something difference delike it can only pends mostly on is not worth your be one or the your situation. time and effort other. Intuition Insecurity deals at the same time and insecurity mostly with self. that insecurity tells can sometimes Are you lacking fall hand in confidence with- you that you won’t hand. Intuition in yourself? Is succeed anyway.” could tell you it just you that something is not stands in your worth your time way? If the answer is yes, it and effort at the same time incould be that you are just inse- security says you won’t succeed cure in the situation. anyway.

If you do not feel that it is you At the same time, intuition but the feeling that something could lead to insecurity. Taylor is wrong, or that something is Gang of Irokfashion.com said right, will not go away it could intuition can lead one to be be intuition. This nagging feel- insecure because if the nagging

SEQUOIA RICHARDSON Sequoia Richardson is a senior majoring in political science.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

continues, a person could come to believe that it is because they are not good enough.

Does this professor not like me? Maybe I am just not smart enough. Are my friends the right friends for me? Maybe I am just not a good friend to them or I am boring. The complexity of insecurity versus intuition does not end. It is a battle that many college students are going to face almost daily. It is completely up to you which one you let win.

“And I add my own love to the history of people who have loved beautiful things, and looked out for them, and pulled them from the fire, and sought them when they were lost, and tried to preserve them and save them while passing them along literally from hand to hand, singing out brilliantly from the wreck of time to the next generation of lovers, and the next.”

Donna Tartt — “The Goldfinch”

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

4-4-14

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.

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

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Til The Cows Come Home 5k Walk/Run April 5 at the Beef Unit on MSU South Farm. Run starts at 10:00 a.m. Gate opens at 9:00 a.m.

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6 | FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

THE REFLECTOR

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

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

MS Modern brings music, arts festival to Starkville

By DaviD Lewis Staff Writer

MS Modern, a budding company aimed at artist collaboration, holds its first Starkville event in the Cotton District Saturday at 6 p.m: the MS Modern Micro Festival, which features innovative music, art and beer straight from microbreweries.

Greg Gandy, a 24-year-old painter from Madison, Miss., leads the team effort. He said MS Modern formed to allow collaboration rather than competition among Mississippi’s creative minds.

“We are a business made up entirely of artists with the goal of connecting, enabling and mobilizing artists of Mississippi through communication and organization,” he said.

“We want to have everybody working together instead of against each other.”

The company aims to display this effort through Mississippi events.

next day to form the original ideas of a new music festival. They will be displaying the collaborative efforts in full effect through this Saturday’s Micro Festival. Assembling, organizing and planning a music festival can take months, if not years. Within three months, teams of artists and locals from all across the MS Modern’s first event was fort to get something together. state have worked to bring the a pop-up art show on Jan. 16 Instead of working on a paint- festival to reality, which Ganat the Mississippi Museum of ing for your professor’s eyes dy said is a true testament to Art. The show drew in over only, once you finish school, collaboration.

200 people, mostly in the 18- you have to create for an ac“This is what happens when 35 age range, which is MS tual audience,” he said. “Then you work together,” he said.

Modern’s key demographic. you have to work together to “A bunch of people doing The pop-up art show fea- find ways to show it to your small things can make an intured the work of MSU alum- audience. It’s about communi- credible impact.” nus Jon Nowell, who said the cating and using the strengths Gandy said he hopes the art show became a way for that each person has.” festival creates an environyoung people to work togethOn the heels of the pop-up ment of joy and happiness as er. show’s success, MS Modern’s well as one of innovation.

“First and foremost, we “It takes a ground level ef- members began work the very want to have a good time for the sake of having a good time,” he said.

As its website explains, MS Modern’s members want to push the state forward through artistry.

“Our aim is to propel Mississippi forward through creativity,” the site said.

The festival seems on track to accomplish that goal with the line up of bands and variety ms modern | courtesy photo of entertainment. The festival Ontario-based Box Tiger will perform at the MS Modern features bands from across the Micro Festival Saturday in the Cotton District. The festival country as well as bands from includes art, music and craft beer from microbreweries.

Mississippi. RBTS WIN, a

band out of Asheville, NC, is on the edge of its big break. Its synth tunes align closely with M.I.A., with whom the band has played festivals with. The Box Tiger, a band from Ontario, has played sold-out shows with Foster the People. Oh, Jeremiah, from Hattiesburg, and Graball Freerun, from Starkville, will round out the festival line-up. DJ GLOtron will play sets on the side stage between the bands’ sets.

Gandy said he believes bringing in outside artists will help the Mississippi bands gain exposure to the outside bands’ circles.

“These artists are about to blow up,” he said. “We hope that bringing them in for the festival will encourage the mixing of their circles.”

The Micro Festival will also feature the fashion designs of Hi Lo, based out of New Orleans.

Gandy said models will showcase the designs in an unconventional way.

“The models will be wearing Hi Lo’s design while standing on platforms to serve as living sculpture,” he said.

Gandy said he hopes more festivals will take place in the future throughout the state.

“We plan to go from Starkville to Oxford, Ocean Springs, Jackson and Hattiesburg. Hopefully there will

be two festivals each year,” he said. “Each city will have a large hand in defining how those festival stages will look.”

Gandy said local effort is a large contributor to this weekend’s festival in particular.

“All of us at MS Modern are grateful and humbled by their generosity and the generosity of Starkville as a whole,” he said. “This event was brought into reality through the overwhelming support of the Mississippi Development Authority, Dan Camp, the City of Starkville, and many others that chose to support the arts through action rather than words.”

The free festival will take place in the Cotton District on Saturday at 6 p.m. MS Modern will sell T-shirts, beer and armbands for beer in order to fund the event. The armbands cost $2 for participants over 21. With the purchase of an armband, MS Modern will donate $1 to Mississippi Food Network, an organization that provides meals for hungry Mississippians. Every dollar given to Mississippi Food Network provides for seven meals.

The festival has a goal of selling 1,000 armbands in order to provide 7,000 meals. The goal furthers the overarching theme of collaboration that winds throughout the entire event.

N.O.M.A.S Symposium explores human body’s interaction with design

By Catie Marie Martin Staff Writer

This weekend, Mississippi State University students have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the world of the elusive, nocturnal architecture students. The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, N.O.M.A.S.,

invites students throughout MSU to attend its annual symposium Friday.

The symposium will feature architect Howard, LEED AP of the Freelon Group architecture firm and a panel discussion in which students can ask questions of architecture students and professors from CAAD. With the theme “De-

sign for the Body,” this year’s symposium will focus on design in relation to the body’s senses and experiences.

Aryn Philips, third year architecture student and secretary of NOMAS, said she hopes students will leave the symposium cognizant of this great forethought that must go into all types of design.

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“I hope students will see that design that creates a memorable experience and atmosphere for users is what design is all about,” she said.

According to its website, Zena Howard has been an asset to the Freelon Group since 2003. Since joining the group, she has worked as an associate, an associate principal and now works at the level of principal.

Her impressive resume and valuable architectural insight promise to inspire students from all sectors of CAAD. Howard’s contributions to the firm include projects such as the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum and Durham County Human Services Complex.

The Smithsonian NMAAHC project expresses an architectural idea of the crown or corona form, which expresses faith, hope and resiliency.

The project summary states that “when completed, the new NMAAHC will stand as a demonstration of best practices in environmental design.

While the specific stories of persecution and struggle, resiliency and triumph will be presented in the museum’s exhibits, the building itself will stand as a powerful testament to the centrality and relevance of African American culture and history.”

This parallelism is a direct representation of the message the symposium hopes to send: design is a complex entity that requires forethought and delicate planning.

Aryn said she hopes students will realize that design is an intentional progress.

“The symposium is all about the unity of the differ-

aryn phillips | courtesy graphic

The annual N.O.M.A.S Symposium occurs Friday and features guest architect Zena Howard. This year’s symposium includes talks and panel discussions that will explore the design process in relation to the body. ent perspectives and experiences of man and how design is not passive,” Aryn said. “All aspects of design, whether through material, color or texture, works towards the goal of expressing its function and creating a sensory experience that reflects the designers intention for an object or space.”

Anthony Penny, architecture student and president of NOMAS, said he hopes the symposium will not only be an enjoyable experience for students, but that it will also affect CAAD long-term.

“I hope it brings recognition to our school. We’re always tucked over here in the corner, so it’s a chance for people to come out and give us some recognition,” he said.

Penny also said he is excited for students to interact with the symposium’s diverse group

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of panel advisers.

“I’m really excited about all the faculty we’ve gotten to accept our invitation to come,” Penny said. “We’ve got someone from the art studio, someone from the landscape design department, someone from the interior design program and someone from the architecture faculty. We’ve got a really good mix of people, so it sounds like it will be a great conversation.”

With this in mind, students should expect for the symposium to open their minds to the power of intentional design and leave them with a greater appreciation of the work that goes on within the College of Art, Architecture and Design. The first panel discussions will be from 1:102:10 p.m., with the second to follow from 2:20-3:20 p.m.

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 | 7

COURTESY PHOTO | MSU MEDIA RELATIONS

MSU defensive coordinator Geoff Collins looks on as junior Benardrick McKinney and senior Malcom Johnson run drills. The Dogs begin the 2014 season Aug. 31 at home.

FOOTBALL Prescott said he and Johnson have had a good wavelength all spring.

“Malcolm’s a big guy, and his speed gives him an advantage against linebackers, and his size gives him an advantage against linebackers, so anytime we can get him the ball in the open field, we’ll take it,” Prescott said.

Defensively, the Bulldogs showed signs of improvement as well. Sophomore defensive lineman Chris Jones did not play in the scrimmage due to a broken thumb, but John Harris stepped up in his place.

He was huge in the scrimmage

continued from 8 with eight tackles, five for loss, and three sacks. Linebackers Dez Harris, who had nine tackles, and Richie Brown, who had seven tackles, were also active on defense.

Brown said the defense has some things it needs to improve on, but overall it was a productive day. “(Saturday) we had a big emphasis on trying to make big tackles and get our hands on the ball,” Brown said. “Our biggest thing on defense is just trying to get the ball and force turnovers or three-and-outs.”

Placekicking still appears to be a major issue that could con-

tinue to plague the team moving forward. Sophomore Evan Sobiesk missed all three of his field goal attempts (38, 27,40), one of which was blocked. The team even struggled to convert extra points. Freshman Westin Graves missed two extra point attempts, one of which was blocked. The defense and offense both have talent and should play well this season, but special teams could be this team’s Achilles heel.

The Bulldogs will have another scrimmage in Davis Wade Stadium Saturday before the annual Maroon and White spring game April 13.

BEYOND THE ARC

Cats seek to duplicate success of Fab 5

T

his year’s edition of the ida Gators, two to Arkansas, Kentucky Wildcats is one to South Carolina and quickly becoming the another to LSU. unlikely Cinderella story of Considering the team that the NCAA Tournament.

Billy Donovan has in Florida, Upon reading that, there most were not quick to panic. are undoubtedly many who But the losses to South Caroliwould respond, “Unlikely, na, Arkansas and LSU were all how so?” Well, games the malet’s review. jority would This team Entering the say Kentucky has the year, the Wildshould have talent to go won. Immedicats and their recruiting guru the distance just as ately, it seemed of a head coach, the Cats were John Calipari, the Fab 5 did.” written off as gathered toan incredibly gether a steltalented group lar recruiting class that will, of players who were a bit inwithout question, go on to ri- consistent and could not win val some of history’s greatest. the big games.

Led by Julius Randle (No. While critics continued to 3), sharpshooter Aaron Harri- jaw over what a disappointson (No. 9), his twin brother ment this collaboration of talAndrew (No. 5), James Young ent that was once in conver(No. 8), Dakari Johnson (No. sations as one of the greatest 7) and Marcus Lee (No. 25), was, the Wildcats continued the Wildcats boasted an un- with the duration of the seaprecedented five signees in the son. top 25 of the ESPN 100.

They continued to mature.

With such a solid class, it They continued to learn the is not surprising the Wildcats nuances of their teammates’ began the season ranked No. game. They began to mesh 1 in the Associated Press pre- into a unit as the winter days season poll — quite the leap passed in Lexington. Then, for a squad that finished 21- something clicked.

12 in the previous season and From the youthful team’s only reached the first round of first game in the SEC Tournathe NIT before Robert Morris ment up to their hard-fought University abruptly ended its loss against Florida in the season.

SEC Championship game, it However, as oft is the case was clear the inexperienced, with young talent, it takes unorganized Kentucky team time for the players to gel, was no more. grow and mature as a team.

The Cats entered the The gifted, young group has NCAA tournament as a No. 8 competed every night this sea- seed in a stacked Midwest Reson but just could not seem to gion with powerhouses Louiswin against the juggernauts of ville, Michigan and Wichita the NCAA. State. The odds were piled Tough losses to Michigan highly against them. But this State, North Carolina and new-look Kentucky team has Baylor early in the season not wavered and now rides on dropped Kentucky to No. 13 a collision course with histoin the AP Poll. ry.

The team’s struggles conThey bested Wichita State tinued in SEC play, and the in a game for the ages, took Wildcats suffered two losses care of Louisville in the Sweet to the now-top-ranked Flor- 16, defeated Michigan in the

ANTHONY MCDOUGLE Anthony McDougle is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com.

Elite 8 and now all that stands between the Wildcats and their shot at a national title is a talented and dangerous Wisconsin team.

To put their run into perspective, not since the Fab 5 of Michigan (Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson) in 1992 has a group of five starting freshmen gone this deep into the tournament.

Are we bearing witness to this generation’s Fab 5? It is quite possible.

This team has the talent to go the distance just as the Fab 5 did. Whether or not the Wildcats can actually best the feats of “the greatest class ever recruited” and attain a national title is yet to be seen.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: we are all definitely witnesses to history. One day, we, much like the generation able to view the legendary quintet, will be able to say we saw the closest any other recruiting class may ever come to reaching such heights.

EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR

SEVEN IN A ROW |

The Mississippi State University softball team picked up its seventh-consecutive win with a 13-0 victory over Mississippi Valley University on Tuesday night in Itta Bena, Miss. Senior Jessica Offutt (top) lays down a bunt, sophomore Kayla Winkfield (bottom, left) runs down the first base line and senior Alison Owen (bottom, right) tosses a pitch during the win against Marshall Sunday. Offutt collected a run and an RBI, Winkfield had two hits and two RBIs and Owen gave up one hit and struck out seven in Wednesday’s win. The Dogs return home to face Missouri Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

SPORTS

8 | FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com

HEAR FROM

HEAD COACH

BY JOHN GALATAS Sports Editor

Opening statement: “I feel like we’ve had a good week of preparation, and our kids are excited about going down and playing a really good LSU team in a great environment in Baton Rouge.

This has been a long-standing series, and there have been a lot of great games over the years. I feel like it will be really competitive. Again, our kids are really excited about this great opportunity they have.”

On MSU and LSU adjusting to losing key players from a year ago: “I think LSU lost some really good players from a year ago, but I think they have really good, young, talented kids who have taken their place. I think (pitcher Austin) Nola is one of the best in college baseball. They are a very good offensive team.

They had a very good offensive night (Wednesday) night again McNeese State. After last weekend (swept by Florida), I know for sure there is

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY: THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL TEAM RANKS NO. 4 IN THE NATION WITH A .985 FIELDING PERCENTAGE.

JOHN COHEN s e r i e s

on the LSU

a sense of urgency, but I feel On pitching rotation for like we have a sense of urgen- this weekend: cy as well, and I think, again, “We know for sure (Presit’s going to be another great ton) Brown is not going to SEC weekend throw (Friand another day) night. He great Mississipthrew a bullWe have pi State vs. LSU pen earlier in to keep the week and weekend.” playing On the rivalhad a little bit good baseball to ry with LSU: of a shoulder “I think hav- have a chance to issues. We’re ing played in it, compete in the best going to have I thought it was to adjust to great. I think league in America.” that, whether the reason why that’s moving you get a sense Ross (Mitchof rivalry is because for a long ell) up into Brown’s spot, we period of time Mississippi don’t know. Ross really wants State and LSU really had two to pitch on Friday night havof the only fan bases in the ing talked to him Wednesday, Southeastern Conference in but we have to wait and see terms of schools that will trav- how he feels. Whenever you’re el and show up for games con- moving guys around, you’re in sistently. You look at the 70s, a situation to find out what’s 80s and 90s; those two have best for that young man and been a constant. It’s kind of how he feels. For right now, like any regular sport. When we would probably go Ross, we play Vanderbilt on the Trevor (Fitts) on Saturday and weekend, I think that’s a rival- then wait and see how Brown’s ry. When we play Ole Miss, shoulder is doing on Sunday.” that’s a rivalry. I think you can On Brown’s confidence on make a case for any weekend the mound this season: in the league.”

“He’s got a tremendous

sinker. So he’s got guys missing over the top of the ball and hitting ground balls, and we’re defending behind him. It gives him a chance for quick innings, and I think that builds confidence for him. He’s had two great fall (seasons) in a row. His whole deal was, ‘Man, I need to put some outings together in the spring.’ And we gave him some midweek opportunities. He made the most of those and got his chance on the weekend, and he’s pitched well on the weekend. We just need to get him healthy again.

When you pitch, there are times when your arm is not going to be feeling great, but hopefully we can get him back maybe for Sunday.”

Other pitching options for the weekend: “Ben Bracewell is a possibility. Dakota Hudson has been throwing the baseball really well. Vance Tatum is someone who has pitched really well out of the bullpen. We feel like we have some options, we just don’t have a ton of experience. (Bracewell) has expe-

rience, but he’s been so good in relief. (Brandon) Woodruff has pitched well in relief.

When these guys get comfortable coming out of the bullpen, it’s hard to take them out of that comfort zone.”

On facing LSU pitcher Austin Nola: “Nola is really good. He’s a strike-thrower, and he’s got great stuff. He’s really hard to beat. You have to get a key hit.

Somebody has got to stand in there and get that hit-bypitch or the walk. And you’re talking about two really good defensive ball clubs, so somebody’s going to have to make a mistake in order to beat Nola.

He will certainly be a challenge, but I think their other guys will be very competitive as well.”

On health of C.T. Bradford: “I think he’s moving around better. Does he play (Friday) night? We’ll have to wait and see. We’ll have to run him around and see how he’s reacting. Hopefully we can have him on the field some point this weekend.”

On offensive production:

“Our goal is to beat the game. We have certain charts that reflect how we practice. If we beat the chart, I feel like we have a great chance to win the game. I think our kids are more in tune with beating the chart and eliminating the average fly ball, eliminating strikeouts and getting to first base.”

On strength in the SEC West: “I really don’t put any stock into who is where after three weeks. We have seven weeks left, and LSU certainly is not going to be in the basement when it’s all said and done. It’s all about your body of work, not about two or three weekends. If somebody judged our club after two or three weekends last year, they would have thought we wouldn’t have been a very good ball club, but I think at the end of the year we were one of the elite ball clubs in the country.

We’ll see what transpires. We have to keep playing good baseball to have a chance to compete in the best league in America.”

Bulldog football shines in first spring scrimmage

BY FORREST BUCK Staff Writer

The Mississippi State University football team had its first official spring scrimmage open to the public on Satur-

day. Last season during the spring, the team was young and inexperienced with multiple new starters who were getting acclimated to their new roles. However, this year that is not the case as the Bulldogs

return 17 starters and have 22 seniors. With that experience and the emergence of Dak Prescott at the quarterback position, MSU enters the 2014 season with hefty expectations.

Prescott displayed a strong performance during the scrimmage. He was 16-26 for 175 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

His decision-making and ability to throw from the pocket appeared to be much improved from a year ago. He only ran the ball five times for 11 yards.

Head Coach Dan Mullen said after the scrimmage he does not want to put Prescott in a lot of running situations during the spring scrimmages.

“Overall, he did a great job.

His leadership is good, and he does a good job out here of understanding that we’re not going to put him in position to make a lot of plays with his legs even though he’s comfortable with that,” Mullen said. “I have to do it sometimes so the defense gets the practice against a running quarterback, but I love when you take that away from him, and he still manages the offense effectively.”

Running back appears to be a big position of strength this season. The Bulldogs have a lot of depth at the position with four guys who can all contribute this season. Junior Josh Robinson, senior Nick Griffin, sophomore Ashton Shumpert and sophomore Brandon Holloway all have the talent to be playmakers for the MSU ground game in 2014. Holloway showed off

COURTESY | MSU MEDIA RELATIONS

MSU sophomore Damien Williams (left) and junior Dak Prescott (center) throw passes during quarterback drills. Prescott threw for 1,940 yards as a sophomore. some impressive elusiveness in was a strong point in the 2013 the open field Saturday, shak- season, the receiving game ing and eluding defenders was not always consistent. throughout the day. He had Senior Jameon Lewis played 15 carries for 67 yards. Grif- well in 2013, but no other fin ran the ball well. He also receiver could be counted on accumulated 74 yards and two consistently. That might not touchdowns on just 11 car- be the case in 2014. Senior ries. Griffin has been plagued tight end Malcom Johnson by injuries his entire career at saw multiple minutes in the MSU, and those setbacks have scrimmage and contributed kept him off the field. How- significantly offensively. He ever, this season he appears had six receptions for 127 to finally be fully healthy and yards and a touchdown. Johnready to be a steady contribu- son and Prescott seemed to be on the same page and had tor in the backfield.

While the running game good chemistry.

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