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TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013

Reflector The

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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Creative writing professor wins poetry award

BY KYLIE DENNIS Staff Writer

MEGAN BEAN | THE REFLECTOR

Catherine Pierce is the winner of this year’s MIAL poetry award for her book “The Girls of Peculiar.”

Mississippi State University’s English department continues to celebrate the success of Catherine Pierce, assistant professor and co-director of the creative writing program at MSU, following her recent achievements. This spring, Pierce was awarded the Mississippi Institute of Arts & Letters award for poetry regarding the publication of her recent book of poems, The Girls of Peculiar.

Pierce said she was deeply honored by the recognition of her works and by her association with the MIAL, an organization which supports artists, writers and musicians in the state of Mississippi.

“I was thrilled when I found out that I had won,” Pierce said. “I think what any writer is doing is writing and hoping that eventually their work gets

in front of people, but really writing is a solitary endeavor.

So when there’s some kind of recognition of that — somebody did read it and liked it and thought that it was worthy of recognition — that feels really nice. It’s a real honor.”

Michael Kardos, assistant professor and co-director of the creative writing program at MSU, said Pierce has deserved her recent success and helps to promote an active interest in creative writing among students.

“I think it is wonderful,” he said. “I think any time there’s information out there that encourages students to take English or creative writing classes, it’s a good thing.”

Kardos, 2012 MIAL fiction winner, said although he does not consider the current state of creative writing to be near extinction, awards like MIAL help bring exposure and longevity to individual authors

like Pierce and their work.

“I don’t know if creative writing needs help being kept alive. I think that there’s always talk about the demise of the novel, poetry, civilization, but I don’t really think it’s going anywhere,” Kardos said.

“But I think anytime that a book can get some attention focused on it, it prolongs its life and let’s more people know about it.”

Richard Raymond, professor and head of the English department at MSU, said the MIAL poetry award is one of many prestigious achievements that help reaffirm Pierce’s success as an educator and talent as a creative writer.

“It’s a great milestone for her. It shows that her recognition is certainly regional, statewide, but she’s won other awards and in a very short period of time developed a national and even international reputation,” Raymond said.

SEE PIERCE, 3

Knowledge of Personhood returns to Miss., fuels controversy requirements crucial for seniors

BY ANNA WOLFE News Editor

Graduation requires awareness of academics, account balance

BY QUINTEN SMITH Staff Writer

As Mississippi State University graduation ceremonies approach, many seniors prepare for the milestone by making sure all of their degree requirements are in order.

Before graduation next month, seniors must first complete and submit the online graduation request form by April 24, the deadline indicated on the academic calendar. Seniors who miss this deadline and forget to apply will be charged a $50 late fee and have to contact the Office of the Registrar for further instruction.

Students also must ensure their account balances are paid in full.

John Dickerson, iniversity registrar, said in an email interview having a paid account balance is an absolute requirement for graduation.

“After seniors have submitted the application fee for a degree, they need to pay their student account in full to avoid being removed from degree audit for unpaid fees,” he said.

To avoid surprises, seniors can be aware of their academic standing and be sure they are on course to graduate by checking their CAPP compliance on the MyState tab banner. CAPP compliance shows the student’s percentage to graduate.

Amy Adkerson, associate registrar, said she advises seniors to keep checking and making sure they are staying on top of their curriculum.

“Students should verify the CAPP compliance which shows if a student is 100 percent complete to graduate, make sure the adviser is in agreement that all requirements have been met, and of course, make satisfactory grades in all courses,” Adkerson said.

Students are required to contact the Barnes and Noble bookstore to reserve and pay for their cap and gown rentals.

On graduation day, students are asked to meet in a designated area of the Humphrey Coliseum one hour before the ceremony time.

Signs will direct the candidates to the designated area for the processional line.

Jason Lockridge, senior interdisciplinary studies major, said he is fully prepared and anticipates graduation day.

“My emotions are high right now,” he said.

“I can’t wait for that big day. I’ve been preparing for it all year long. I’m kind of nervous, but happy at the same time. This is a major milestone for me and my life.”

Graduation ceremony times are scheduled for May 10 at 7 p.m. and May 11 at 10 a.m. in the Humphrey Coliseum.

On March 5, Mississippi pro-life activists filed paperwork for a new personhood initiative almost identical to the one rejected by Mississippi voters in November 2011.

The previous measure, Amendment 26, said, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

Amy Reed, spokeswoman for Mississippi Personhood, the group sponsoring and campaigning for the bill, said she believes Amendment 26 failed to gain enough signatures needed to appear on the ballot due to fears of consequences on women’s reproductive health care from voters.

Reed said, “I do question whether or not it would have passed had the groups — like Parents Against Personhood and some of the other groups that were funded by Planned Parenthood — if they had not put a lot of the scare tactics out there just a few weeks before it went on the ballot. I think a lot of people were just very confused.”

She said she is confident their group will gather enough signatures this time, and the language of

the new bill will gain positive feed- could lead to the banning of contraception. back in the polls.

Contrast to concerns, Reed said, “It’s better, and it’s more clear just because we’re using more everyday “Contraception is designed to keep a woman from language. The great majority of the citPersonhood, if it were actually conceiving. So, we’re not izens of the state of passed and if it got talking about a huMississippi believe that life begins at through the Supreme man being being in the picture. So conception and beCourt, would have it would not affect lieve that that life is drastic effects on how contraception.” valuable,” she said.

Some in-vitro Voters, according we treat patients in methods, however, to Reed, will be more fertility, would have would be banned comfortable with the potential effects on under personhood, wording of the new according to Reed. bill, which is close contraception, and She said the bill to the language seen it would have some ensures a fertilized in the Declaration of Independence. really unfortunate and egg will have full The new perscary and threatening rights under the law. This would sonhood bill states, effects on women who criminalize any “The right to life begins at conception. are facing potentially action stopping the formation All human beings, at life threatening and growth of every stage of develpregnancies.” the embryo. Reed opment, are unique, also said selective created in God’s im-Atlee Breland, reduction, a comage and shall enjoy founder and president mon procedure an inalienable right that stops fertilized to life.” of Parents Against eggs in an in-vitro Worded differentPersonhood patient from growly from Amendment 26, the initiative still upholds per- ing, would be banned.

“We’re not for selective reduction. sonhood in the same manner.

Voters fear defining personhood We’re not for abortion. We’re not for

“

killing babies,” Reed said.

The next step for Mississippi Personhood is to gain support throughout the state, gathering at least 107,216 signatures in 12 months.

Reed said students are getting involved in the campaign, including one group called Students for Life, who will be working alongside Mississippi Personhood.

Atlee Breland, founder and president of Mississippi Personhood’s primary opponent, said Parents Against Personhood, which is neither a prolife nor pro-choice organization, wants to help people understand the unintended consequences of personhood. Breland has had children through infertility treatment, treatment that would be unavailable if personhood were to pass, she said.

“Personhood, if it were passed and if it got through the Supreme Court, would have drastic effects on how we treat patients in fertility, would have potential effects on contraception, and it would have some really unfortunate and scary and threatening effects on women who are facing potentially life threatening pregnancies.”

Reed said dangers arise when the legalities that surface regarding the rights of embryos are left up to the interpretation of the personhood bill.

SEE PERSONHOOD, 2

Super Bulldog Weekend changes maintain entertainment

BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Staff Writer

It happens every spring — Super Bulldog Weekend. This year’s Super Bulldog Weekend takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will attract Mississippi State University alumni, incoming students and fans. The Maroon/White spring football game and Cage the Elephant concert will take place throughout the weekend.

Michael Hogan, Student Association president, said the event weekend is MSU’s biggest opportunity to promote the campus and university as a whole.

“We are showing so many diverse sides of campus all in one weekend,” Hogan said. “We highlight some great sporting events, welcome back alumni to join in on festivities and put on some pretty incredible concerts.”

Many different events, athletic and recreational, are planned to take place during the weekend.

MSU athletic teams will be in ac-

tion throughout the weekend.

Starting Wednesday, MSU will host the SEC women’s tennis tournament at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre. Admission is free, and the tournament ends Sunday.

The Maroon/White spring football game will be held in Davis Wade Stadium Saturday at 1 p.m. Admission is free to the game as well.

Despite construction on Davis Wade Stadium, the football team will still entertain devoted alumni and fans.

Bobby Tomlinson, associate athletic director for game operations and facilities, said this year’s game will be different due to the major construction.

“The east side of the stands will be for fans,” Tomlinson said. “It’s a little different.”

Because the stadium is under major construction, parking for the spring game will be different than on fall football game days. All parking and traffic news has been posted on hailstate.com.

SUPER BULLDOG WEEKEND

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

SEE WEEKEND, 2

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, NEWS Sexual assault awareness PIERCE continued from 1 creative writing professors use her poetry in their crediscourages negative stigma ative“Other writing classes as required texts. She has a tremendous followTUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

BAD DAWGS

Thursday, April 11 • 2:34 a.m. A student was arrested at Oak Hall for false information and minor in possession of alcohol.

• 3:15 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for alcohol violation in Oak Hall.

• 3:16 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for alcohol violation in Oak Hall.

• 3:16 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for alcohol violation in Oak Hall.

• 1:09 p.m. A student was arrested near Highway 182 for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Friday, April 12 • 1:41 p.m. A student reported his iPhone was stolen last Saturday from the Sigma Chi house.

• 3:17 p.m. A student’s vehicle was towed by William Wells’ Towing from the south end of the football stadium for blocking the entrance and exit to the stadium.

• 4:14 p.m. A student was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital from Hathorn Hall for medical assistance.

• 10:15 p.m. Student referrals were issued to students for noise complaints and smoking marijuana at Eckies Pond.

• 11:15 p.m. A student was arrested for contributing to a minor.

• 11:21 p.m. A student was arrested on Highway 182 for minor in possession of alcohol.

Saturday, April 13 • 12:35 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

• 1:30 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

• 3:49 a.m. A student was arrested in the Hathorn Hall parking lot for driving with a suspended driver’s license, careless driving and disregard for a traffic device.

• 4:03 a.m. An officer found a damaged bike at Campus Trails.

• 2:39 p.m. A resident of the city/county reported her vehicle was damaged while parked in the McCool parking lot.

• 2:44 p.m. A student received a referral for leaving the scene of an accident.

• 11:15 p.m. A student reported her cell phone and laptop stolen from Roberts Laundry.

• 11:30 p.m. A student was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital from Rice Hall for medical assistance.

Citations:

BY AMBER ALEXANDER Staff Writer

Although the month of April begins with April Fool’s Day, the month also incorporates an important awareness issue. April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to focus on topics such as rape and sexual violence.

Mississippi State University held an event in March to raise awareness for sexual assault, called “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” where men raced in women’s high heels and all profits were donated to charity. Leah Pylate, assistant director of Health Education and Wellness and Sexual Assault for University Health Services, said events like this are important in the fight against sexual assault.

“It is imperative the entire campus of Mississippi State be aware of sexual violence and not ignore the issue,” Pylate said. “Mississippi State is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of the threat of sexual assault,” Pylate said.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is at the forefront of creating resources for all men and women to find information on sexual violence and its prevention.

Laura Palumbo, Prevention Campaign Specialist at NSVRC, said she believes there are many different conceptions of sexual violence.

“There are many misconceptions about sexual violence and rape. Younger generations are misinformed.

Adults have to have accurate information in order to education our youth,” she said.

“Rape can happen to anyone, and it happens everywhere.

People resist this idea because it means sexual violence could

affect them or those they love.

The reality is that it likely has affected them already,” Palumbo said.

Palumbo said she hopes the month of April brings awareness to an issue that affects more citizens than what is reported.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month focuses on how raising awareness can be a part of preventing sexual violence.

Focusing on healthy sexuality is key to sharing information that equips adults and young people to make healthier choices and communicate positively,” Palumbo said.

Dylan Hales, a political science major, said he believes the topic of sexual assault and its awareness has increased in the last few years. Hales said he hopes more victims come forward to the public with their assault.

“I think it’s great to boost awareness about an issue that is happening every day, not only in this state but on this campus. You never want someone you know and love to ever feel like they don’t have a voice in a situation like this,” he said. “As a guy, it’s tough to see stories where girls and women are afraid to come public because of the fear of their attacker getting away with it.”

Both Pylate and Palumbo said more needs to be done to bring awareness to society’ss view of sexual assault, but both also said they appreciate what has already been done.

“No one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted, no matter what the circumstance,” Pylate said. “It is not the victim’s fault, it is the perpetrator’s.”

For more information about MSU’s security resources and sexual violence, visit msstate.edu/web/security/ assault.html.

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ing of students,” Raymond said.

Pierce said the awarded collection, “The Girls of Peculiar,” emerged from a nearly three-and-a-half-year interest and personal exploration of adolescence and the influence of nostalgia. In addition, the project included a more serious evaluation of language and poem length.

“I was just trying to write poems that interested me,” she said.

“The style of the poems was a little bit different. I was interested, in this book, more in economy of language. I wanted to kind of cut the flab from my poems. The subject matter was different too.

The first book — “Famous Last Words” — had a lot to do with America, ideas of America, and this book has more to do with adolescence and ideas of memory, the way that when you’re 15, 16, 17 years old. You’re between worlds. You can feel young, and you can even feel older than you are, world weary in certain ways.”

Raymond said though Pierce’s poems focus on the tension of adolescence, they transcend age barriers, accessing universal themes with which readers of all generations can identify.

“The voice that is clear in every single poem is one of her strengths. Certainly, they have appeal to younger readers but also to older readers. That’s part of her magic too,” he said. “Her themes are the classic themes of the heart, and whatever the gender, whatever the age, I think anybody could relate to them.”

Raymond also said the award reflects the exceptional balance of technical and artistic influence in Pierce’s writing.

“The award recognizes a dual thread that she teaches in her courses — that there’s the craft of poetry which means there’s certain strategies and literary devices that one can learn to make the poem happen — but there’s also the art. I think her publication, ‘The Girls of Peculiar,’ is a really fine illustration of the craft blending and becoming inseparable from the art.”

In response to her recent achievements, Pierce said she is happy with the current state of her career as both a writer and an educator, and she hopes to remain successful and consistent in her future endeavors.

“I hope that I can maintain the trajectory that I’m on where I’m writing and publishing and having books come out,” she said.

“I’m very happy with the way that I’m able to teach and write and the way that those two things dovetail.”

@newsreflector

• 12 citations were issued for speeding.

• 1 citation was issued for disregard of traffic.

• 1 citation was issued for disregard of a traffic device.

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NEWS

TUESDAY , APRIL 16 , 2013

WEEKEND

continued from 1

The MSU baseball team will also host Auburn with a three game series starting Thursday with large crowds.

“The baseball games always have great crowds with an excess of 10,000 people at the Saturday game,” Tomlinson said.

Other events, including a pig-cooking contest, will take place during Super Bulldog Weekend.

Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students, said Super Bulldog Weekend is the spring equivalent of fall homecoming.

“I love the feel of it,” Bourgeois said. “It’s a great event.”

Cage the Elephant will perform a free concert at the amphitheater on Saturday as part of the Old Main Music Festival. Ty Brown will also be performing at the admission free concert.

Hogan said SA is working to make the weekend run smoothly.

“The Student Association is assisting Music Maker Productions with planning and implementing the Super Bulldog Weekend concert series at the amphitheater. We are also publicizing and working hard to promote all athletic events happening throughout the weekend,” Hogan said.

The arrival of many visiting alumni and fans affects Starkville as well.

Bourgeois said the city does a good job of helping out with Super Bull-

dog Weekend.

“Starkville welcomes alumni with open arms, and we can’t do this without Starkville,” Bourgeois said.

The city of Starkville also helps fund Super Bulldog Weekend.

Hogan said the city gives two percent of tax funding and other various sponsorships to the event’s budget.

“It truly is a team effort to fund events on a scale like this,” Hogan said.

The many different events, including events hosted by several MSU departments, during Super Bulldog Weekend offer a wide range of entertainment for MSU students, alumni, fans and visitors.

“I believe each year grows from year to year. There has been a bar set by previous years’ Super Bulldog events, and we will always continue to put forth effort in raising that bar,” Hogan said.

Even with portions of campus under major construction, Super Bulldog Weekend will display MSU’s many facets of life while welcoming back fans and alumni. Tomlinson said he enjoys the difference in the spring environment compared to fall.

“I like seeing fans come back and support the university,” Tomlinson said. “It’s a more relaxed atmosphere than fall with all the tens at the football game focusing on a win or loss.”

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THE REFLECTOR

AGAINST:

The NEW Personhood Argument

FOR:

· Erode women's basic rights to privacy and bodily integrity · Deny women access to the full spectrum of preventive health care including contraception · Would make condoms, natural family planning, and spermicides the only legally allowed forms of birth control

· Killing an unborn child is inherently wrong, and therefore can never be justified regardless of circumstances · Contraception increases risky sexual behavior · Comphrehensive sexual education promotes sexual behavior that pose serious dangers to impressionable young people ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

PERSONHOOD “The problem is, once we pass Personhood, we’re not in the realm of scientific evidence. We’re leaving it up to a judge,” she said.

She said the evidence of “real, legitimate, huge problems that would exist” under Personhood lies with medical professionals, and pro-life activists do not have that expert knowledge.

“So far all [Personhood supporters] have ever been able to say is, ‘Oh, that wouldn’t happen. Why? Because we said so.’ Well, you’ve got to make a better argument than that, and there isn’t one,” she said.

The argument that does exist, according to Breland, is that of the experts.

“I think [medical professionals] are a lot more reliable of a source than a group of people who, to be frank, don’t really care about patients with infertility or women with life-threatening complications,” she said.

John Daniels, Pastor at Life Church in Starkville, Miss., said seeking medical professionals’ expertise regarding the outcomes of Personhood is important. He said he deals more with the theological aspect of Personhood – the idea that life begins at conception. He said he supports the bill due to the biblical

continued from 1

indication that life begins a factor in its rejection in 2011. before birth.

“I didn’t feel that the “My understanding of amendment scripture is that the Bible particular indicates that pre-born would ban things like children are called chil- in-vitro fertilization,” he dren,” he said. “In the said. “I felt like they had scripture there are several concerns, but I didn’t feel references to Jesus, to John like the reading, I didn’t the Baptist, to the proph- feel like that amendment et Jeremiah before they’re would have necessarily had born, and it calls them the ramifications that they feared, so I had no probthings like ‘child.’”

Daniels said the major- lem supporting it.”

Daniels said he does not ity of the church believes know what, life begins (God) forming us in exactly, the at conour mother’s womb bill would ception ban. and that indicates that our “I don’t life deexistence doesn’t know if I serves lereally begin when we would be gal rights.

The lantake the first breath qualified to speak on guage of as opposed to when any kind of the Perwe’re conceived.” legal ramisonhood fications,” initiative -John Daniels, he said. “A indicates Pastor at Life Church good place that it upto get that holds the general principles found kind of information I think would be crucial for in scripture, he said. “(God) forming us in people.”

In a statement released our mother’s womb indicates that our existence by the American Congress doesn’t really begin when of Obstetricians and Gywe take the first breath necologists, science should as opposed to, you know, be the contributing factor when we’re conceived,” he to decisions made regarding public health policy. said.

Daniels said while he According to their websupported Amendment site, ACOG opposes per26, he knows people had sonhood in order to proconcerns about the po- tect women’s health.

ACOG’s website states tential unintended consequences of Personhood, states, “[Personhood] mea-

“

sures erode women’s basic rights to privacy and bodily integrity, deny women access to the full spectrum of preventive health care including contraception, and undermine the doctor-patient relationship.”

Despite these feared medical outcomes, Reed said Mississippi Personhood wants to focus on protecting human life through the new initiative.

“When is it alright to kill an innocent human being? My answer to that is, ‘It’s never alright,’” she said.

She said with increased clarity in its language, Personhood should pass this time around.

“I think we’ll garner (signatures) quickly, more quickly than last time,” she said.

If Mississippi Personhood is successful, November 2014 is the earliest date the measure could appear on the ballot in Mississippi.

Breland said she believes Mississippi voters listened well to both sides the first time, and they do not want to go through this again.

“Mississippians made a really smart decision, and to say ‘Oh, they got fooled by scare tactics’ … That’s insulting to the voters. I think people are smarter than that,” she said.

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TUESDAY , APRIL 16, 2013

OPINION

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

the voice of MSU students

AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS | ALIE DALEE

THE WORD ON JOHNSON STREET| MATT TAYLOR

Tipping shows respect, says thank you

T

his past weekend I rode wanted the money? We all expewith some friends of rience this benevolence at some mine to TSUN for an point and often feel euphoric event held on campus. We ate when serving. Sometimes this dinner at a hip pizza joint some- feeling can be wiped clean if we where on the Square. We were don’t feel as if we are recognized nearly done with our meal when for our good deed. In times like a guitarist checked up, plugged these a simple “thank you” can in and started playing. The go a long way.

Tipping is about giving someblues notes he lingered on did little more than create an am- one who has somehow served bient background for the Black you the recognition of appreciaBear filled restaurant, but it was tion. Recognition can be as simenough to draw my ear. He was ple as saying “thank you” when certainly no B.B. but it didn’t someone holds a door open for you or a standing matter to me ovation after a — music is my Tipping is about speech; these two excuse to check giving someone words carry treout.

When I came who has somehow mendous power.

This idea of recback to realiserved you the ognition is so imty at the end recognition of portant that it has of the tune, I even gained the noticed I was appreciation.” lofty status of beclapping — not enough to stick out of the crowd coming one of the five love lanbut enough to catch his eye. He guages. Sure, “thank you” can go thanked me with a smirk be- a long way, but what about when cause, in the whole room, I was it comes to monetary tipping?

Even if someone’s job is to the only one focused enough on his music to give recognition — serve at a restaurant or coffee shop, tipping shows that you a truth we both knew.

I am a musician myself, so I recognize them as a human and appreciate the many hours be- are thanking them for a service. hind the instrument that an art- If you haven’t worked in the serist puts in. But he didn’t know vice industry, you might not unthat. All he could tell was that derstand the episodes that come I was listening enough to say in each day can bring in. People thank you and tipped him later. who serve you not only have to I thought long enough about deal with their life but also yours for that moment. Thank them redefining my view on tipping.

Tipping isn’t about giving for doing their job.

Somewhere along the way, someone money for a service they provide you. How many though, the feeling behind tiptimes have you done something ping got overshadowed by the for someone and honestly not monetary value that it some-

“

MATT TAYLOR Matt Taylor is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. times accompanies. Most people tip in checklist format, constantly looking for errors in the service to see how little thanks they can leave behind on the carbon paper. Why not look for what the server did right instead?

Try this next time you encounter subpar service: immediately imagine that person is having an awful day. Who knows, maybe an out-of-the-ordinary “thank you” can be the silver lining they need. Besides, if you don’t know that person, it’s just as plausible to assume they are having a bad day rather than just out to ruin yours.

I don’t believe the nature of humanity is to go around looking for ways people can piss you off by not serving you the exact way you wish to be served.

Thanking someone for trying their best, serving you or giving you something yields a feeling of respect that is much more pleasant to carry around than the rash you let someone give you when they rub you the wrong way. It hurts no one to show respect.

T

Alive in the age of dreamers

his month New York in “You’ve Got Mail,” so obviously Times best-selling author it is a completely feasible life plan Donald Miller, released a for me as well, right?

Feasible? Yes. If I actually had a post entitled “Why Most Twenty Somethings are Delusional” on business plan. Which I do not. I his blog, Storyline. His main point have no backers, no space and no resting that we are a generation business experience. It’s more likely brimming over with passion, but that I try my hand at successfully lacking the work ethic to support running an amateur library out of the bookcase in my apartment. our whims.

Miller states in many ways the I can scarcely sit on campus 20 minutes without hearing a peer 20-something generation is better earnestly discussing a new-found than his own, the generation beplan to drop out of school and hind.

“They are more altruistic, more travel the world (I’ve heard this is possible if you have a hot air bal- international, more objective and less fearful than any genloon and 180 days) Creativity eration in recent history,” or become the next over-night folk senMiller said of our generamust be sation. Believe it or tion, I believe he is right. paired with Our passion, if utilized in not, success takes slightly more talhard work in the correct way, can proent and ambition order to yield vide a world of benefits than the capabilif we are responsible and plausible ity to chant “ho, realize that passion is our hey” in sequential drive, not to be mistaken results. rhythm. I am cerfor a solid plan. Creativity tainly not condemning following must be paired with hard work in your dreams. I am a dreamer, of order to yield plausible results. Edthe daydreaming persuasion, and ison didn’t wake up one morning according to John Lennon, I am and put wire in a glass pear and say “let there be light.” He utilized his not the only one.

Just the other afternoon I found passion to give him the determimyself day-dreaming of foregoing nation to create hundreds of trials my journalism degree to drop out and errors.

If there is a single reason I beand open a used bookstore. I imagined loyal patrons arriving at my lieve the Millennial Generation shop to sit and discuss the creative will change the world, it is our genius of Fitzgerald and the beau- passion and our ability to believe tiful words of William Blake, while in our creative dreams. Everyday sipping on the world’s greatest our world becomes more interconcappuccino (you obviously can’t nected socially and increasingly less have a used book store without the ethnocentric. We have the extraorquintessential coffee shop attached dinary opportunity created by all to provide the freshly-ground- the technological advances of the beans aroma). Meg Ryan managed generation before us at our finger-

“

ALIE DALEE Alie Dalee is the opinion editor of The Reflector. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu. tips, but unless we utilize our passion to give us the stamina to work hard and succeed, we will merely be a generation remembered solely for our ideas and nothing more.

Miller characterizes this generation as believing they are special, they earning the work of their parents generation and esteeming passion over work.

“You did not make the iPhone.

When the iPhone was being dreamed up, you were in kindergarten. You use the iPhone. And when you post a picture of your vacation, it doesn’t make you a genius, it makes Steve Jobs a genius,” Miller said. “Steve Jobs is dead.

And he died when he was your parents’ age. You’re alive. He can’t create something new, but you can. The ball is in your court.”

Peers, I urge you to go and live out your dreams. Use the altruism associated with our generation to change the world, yet do so with an air of reality intertwined with your lofty ambitions. Honor the ideas and hard work of the generations before you, and use your vigor to leave a legacy for the generations to follow.

RED HERRINGS| CLAIRE MOSLEY

Unwavering loyalty: the power of a devoted fanbase

A

lthough many summers begins with the end of exams, for the true comedy series fan, summer doesn’t actually begin until May 26. That’s right: the day the new “Arrested Development” season streams on Netflix.

For those of you unfamiliar with never-nudes, dangerous seals and a money-making banana stand, Arrested Development was a TV show that ran for three seasons on Fox from 2003 to 2006, before being canceled despite winning an Emmy and garnering a rather massive fanbase. While it’s been seven years since the show was canceled, 15 new episodes — featuring the entire original cast — will be released in full on Netflix May 26.

So, how did this happen? How could a show seven years in the ground be resurrected for a brand new season and possibly even a feature length movie? The answer lies in the fans. Many TV shows gather a following, but few have

garnered the devotion and passion the fans,” Hurwitz said. that the show has gathered from its But “Arrested Development” is fans — which can be seen through not the only show out there that creative artwork (illustrator Kyle realizes the importance of a strong Hilton created a series of “Arrest- fanbase. Many projects from TV, ed Development”books, music, movies paper dolls), comand more, found their We have power, mentary and even place on Kickstartthrough the popuer, an Internet-based we have passion larity of the show home for helping to and we are some- fund creative venitself (available on Netflix, with thing of real value tures, usually with over five million to any project... As incentives (devised rankings). Mitch by the creators of the George Bluth, Sr., Hurwitz, creator content), in order to of “Arrested Develputs it best, ‘There’s spur the donor into opment,” turned a donation. always money in the making down an offer from Through Kickstartbanana stand’.”

Showtime just so er, graphic novels he could keep the have been published, integrity of the show intact for the Chattanooga became the first cast, as well as the fans. “I was not U.S. city to have its own font and interested, at that point, in doing Sundance films have been creata smaller cast and a more simpli- ed. It’s an innovative way for fans fied Arrested Development. I felt to show their support by donatlike I would lose the one thing we ing to projects that might not be had, which was the devotion of funded through more traditional

“

Reflector

Sports Editor John Galatas

News Editor Anna Wolfe

Life Editor Daniel Hart Copy Editor Emma Crawford

Photography Editor Kaitlin Mullins

CONTACT INFORMATION Editor in Chief/Kaitlyn Byrne 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

Opinion Editor Alie Dalee

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.

325-5118 sports@reflector.msstate.edu Life Editor/Daniel Hart 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Kaitlin Mullins 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising sales/Julia Pendley 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

CORRECTIONS

Claire Mosley is a sophomore majoring in accounting. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. constraints and can focus instead on doing what they do best: creating.

So let’s take a step back, relax and continue to support all those television shows, movies, books and more. Because we have power, we have passion and we — like the famous banana stand in “Arrested Development” — are something of real value to any project. Because, as George Bluth Sr. puts it best, “There’s always money in the banana stand.”

Same sex debate unfair, dishonest

Editor in Chief Kaitlyn Byrne

Multimedia Editor Zack Orsborn

CLAIRE MOSLEY

MUSINGS | BEN HESTER

The

Managing Editor Kristen Spink

means. For example, it’s hard to imagine a company interested in making posters based off a “squirrel census” in Atlanta, Ga., but with Kickstarter, all those squirrel enthusiasts can rest assured.

Your squirrel poster is safe, since enough fans pledged money to get the project Kickstarted and off the ground.

This takes us back to the idea of a loyal fanbase. If someone is truly devoted to something, a true “fan” if you will, they wield real power.

Passion for something as simple as a 20 minute-long television show or good typography is no longer ignored but rewarded. Because of the connectivity through social media fans, can more easily express their approval (or disapproval) of their favorite show, poster, song, etc.

These voices are more important than ever in the creation process, meaning that creators can be released from certain monetary

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.

W

e need to remake the conversation about same-sex marriage. As it stands now, the people who are asking tough questions about the moral and social implications of legalizing gay marriage are being written off as members of hate groups. They are being told to submit to the homosexual agenda or face the consequences. That is unfair.

For example, last October a faculty member at Gallaudet University was put on administrative leave for putting her signature on a petition that would have placed a referendum on a ballot for voters in Maryland to have a chance to overturn the state’s gay marriage laws. All she did was sign her name. All she wanted was for the people of Maryland to have a chance to engage in political participation.

Another example, after a teenage girl testified before the senate in Maryland against same-sex marriage, she was verbally abused online and even received several death threats.

In these two cases, the parties involved simply voiced their opinions. In doing so, they were disparaged and con-

demned as social criminals. conversation is over. But you This reaction shouldn’t be might think, “They’re haters. surprising. Twenty-Five years They want to suppress peoago, Marshall Kirk and Hunt- ple’s rights.” er Madsen published an essay This claim assumes too much titled “The Overhauling of and shows the flaw in the deStraight America.” In the es- bate. say, which was published in It reveals that the homoGuide Magazine, the authors sexual agenda has made it imclaim that, “In any campaign possible for people to hold a to win over the public, gays principled objection to homomust be cast sexuality. Any as victims in such objecIf accepted, a healthy tion or critineed of protection so that discussion might be cism must be straights will upon possible...We would based be inclined by prejudice, be free to examine reflex to ashatred and sume the role bigotry. From the claims of both of protector.” this position, sides and could try The authors anyone who go on to say, speaks out to make sense of a “Our camagainst it can sensitive issue in a paign should and should mature way.” not demand be punished. direct support Well, call for homosexual practices, me old school, but I believe ‘but’ should take anti-discrim- in the possibility of holding a ination as its theme.” Speak- principled and reasoned obing of the discriminators, like jection against homosexuality. the two from the examples, I’m not here to prove such an Kirk and Madsen state, “To be objection. My point is that blunt, they must be vilified.” people should at least have the Is this really the fairest way right to hold such a view. to handle this issue? To vilify If this were accepted, a people who disagree with us? healthy discussion might be If it is, then there’s no chance possible. We could center for meaningful dialogue. The the debate on the merits of

“

BEN HESTER Ben Hester is a junior majoring in communication.

He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. the issue. We could look at how same-sex marriage affects communities. We could explore the moral arguments involved. We could weigh the relevance of natural laws. At the very least, we would be free to examine the claims of both sides, and could try to make sense of a sensitive issue in a mature way.

Now do not mistake me, I do not mean to defend belligerent proponents of traditional-marriage. I refer to Bible-thumping Christians and members of other religious groups who demean and humiliate members of the LGBT, community. I’m merely trying to defend those people who are being unfairly labeled as bigots and haters for merely expressing their views.

5

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TUESDAY , APRIL 16 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

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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.

The Reflector is now accepting creative writing submissions for the Super Bulldog Weekend issue.

Please submit your poems and short stories to life@reflector.msstate.edu before Wednesday at 5 p.m.

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THE REFLECTOR

Life & Entertainment Shaken, not Stirred:

STRIP CLUBS, CLUB ANTHEMS AND THE TOUGH ECONOMY: Popular culture, exotic dancing and stripper culture merge

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

MELANIE HARRIS | COURTESY PHOTO

The cast of “All Shook Up” dances and sings to rockabilly tunes in McComas Hall Thursday night.

Theatre MSU musical mixes Elvis, Shakespeare

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

The words of William Shakespeare and the music of Elvis Presley will intertwine onstage in McComas Hall beginning Thursday. Theatre MSU will showcase its fourth production this year, “All Shook Up,” a musical written by playwright Joe Dipetro and directed by MSU communication instructor, Jo Durst.

JJ Haight, freshman music performance major, described his character Dennis and the musical’s plot. Haight said the show is a Shakespeare play tossed into the world of the 1950s, full of rockabilly tunes and complicated love stories.

“I play Dennis, the aspiring dentist and best friend of Natalie. I’m awkward, geeky and secretly in love with her,” Haight said. “The show is based off Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set in the ’50s to Elvis music, so there are a lot of crazy love triangles and trapezoids and lots of Elvis music and dancing.”

“All Shook Up” takes place in a small town that outlaws music until one fateful day a rebellious stranger comes and shows everyone in the town the power of rock and roll.

Michaela Moore, freshman communication major, plays Natalie, the lead female protagonist who changes her identity to get closer to the town’s rebel.

“I’m the female slash male lead

throughout the show,” Moore said with a bashful chuckle. “It’s set in a small town, and it’s kind of got some ‘Footloose’ vibes. We don’t allow loud music or anything, and then there’s some little roustabout named Chad who comes and shows everyone we could be having more fun than this. My character is just absolutely enamored by him, but he doesn’t pay any attention to her because she’s a grease mechanic, but she discovers once she dresses as a boy suddenly he’ll be friends with her.”

Moore said the show’s varied influences, from classical English literature to the American 1950s, result in a unique performance that sidesteps typical categories and expectations associated with musicals.

“I think it’s one of the most interesting shows I’ve ever done,” she said. “I’ve done a lot of shows before but this one is nothing like you’d expect for a show at all. You can’t go in there expecting your typical musical. It’s really quirky, fun and there’s even a little bit of audience participation. There’s lots of dancing, and if you love Elvis, definitely come to the show.”

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, and performances run until Saturday.

General admission tickets are $10 and are available for purchase on Mississippi State University’s theatre department website, comm.msstate.edu/dept/theatre/.

Anthems like “Bands A Make Her Dance,” “I Endorse These Strippers,” the aging “I’m in Love with a Stripper” and the advent of “twerking” merge the culture of strip clubs and exotic dancing with popular culture. Instead of run-of-the-mill exercise, there are now pole dancing classes. Rather than getting dance lessons for parties and events, twerking tutorials are available on Youtube for anyone’s viewing, without judgment.

Although exotic dancing is more acceptable and even intertwined with everyday culture, various nega t i ve connotations and stereotypes follow the culture of strip clubs and erotic dancing.

N a n c y Smith, an ex-server at a local strip club and bar whose name has been changed, said

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her experience was horrible, and her apprehension about the adult entertainment industry was reinforced by her time working at the venue.

“There was so much going on there that shouldn’t have been,” Smith said. “They (exotic dancers) were terrible. I never thought anything much of strip clubs, but I do now.”

Joe Johnson, whose name has been changed, has been to many strip clubs and said he thinks if people are going to a strip club for the glamour portrayed on TV, those patrons will be disappointed.

“I’m a fan of strip clubs but what’s portrayed on TV is not what you get in real life,” Johnson said.

Johnson also said he feels today’s culture has made the questionable nature of strip clubs more acceptable.

“It’s easy money, and I don’t judge them for that, but our culture has made it way more acceptable than it really should be,” Johnson said.

According to 11points.com, most exotic dancers are students trying to put themselves through college. Some are trained dancers who cannot find work and use exotic dancing to support themselves.

A Chicago native and adult entertainer, who goes by Jaycee Luv on stage, is currently taking a break from dancing. She said her near-decade of exotic dancing was enjoyable, but

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tighter restrictions on dancers have caused her absence from the stage.

“It’s a learning experience and it’s fun,” Luv said. “I’ve been doing it on and off again for nine years. I’m currently not dancing because I don’t have my license and some places insist you have one to dance.”

Luv said the media and the economy’s downturn could be responsible for the sudden wave of exotic dancers. For women, she said, exotic dancing could be an attractive job in a time of widespread unemployment and layoffs.

“One main reason (people dance) is the economy, and the people are getting laid off. And when you’re a girl you look at dancing like it’s a great way to pay your bills,” she said.

According to Payscale.com, an exotic dancer can earn anywhere from $17,802 to $142,509 dollars, not including health benefits.

Luv said she believes the media encourages the flashier, appealing side of exotic dancing without revealing exotic dancing is a market that fluctuates like any other.

“It’s definitely glamorized by the media, and it sets people up for failure,” Luv said.

“Most people get there and think they’re going to make a lot of money, but it’s an up and down thing like anything else.”

TUESDAY , APRIL 16, 2013

life & entertainment

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Making Weddings Easy on the Wallet: If you’re looking to get married in today’s economy, you might be wondering how you can have a beautiful wedding on a tight budget. If eloping isn’t an appealing option, here are some helpful hints to keep your big day both inexpensive and fabulous.

The Wedding Party A very important part of your day is the friends and family you choose as your wedding party. When aiming to save, the smaller the better! Keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for purchasing bouquets and gifts for all of your wedding party, so opt for including the people most important to you.

A personal “thank you” gift will be the most appreciated, so don’t be afraid to be crafty and do it yourself. Limit yourself to something smaller than say, 15 bridesmaids.

A how-to guide

by Sarah Ulmer

Wheeler says many young brides are using hay bales covered in fabric to seat their guests and save on renting chairs or benches. Future bride Molly Riley suggests having your wedding and reception in the same location. This is helpful to your guests because they don’t have to travel from one location to another. Lastly, the prettier the atmosphere, the less you’ll be responsible for decorating. So, if your venue already has a lot of aesthetic appeal, you can save on décor.

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Food & Cake

Mismatched cups and mugs used for drinks are creative and elegant.

Entertainment

This day is about you and your fiancé, not how big of a concert you can host. Don’t worry about entertaining people with several different singers; keep it simple when booking your band. If live music is out of your budget, nearly everyone has an iPod these days. You can make a playlist of your favorite songs and hook it up to a speaker. This is easy and cost effective for everyone.

Venue

The Dress

Of course we can’t forget one of the most important elements to a bride: the dress. In a personal blog, “The 500 Dollar Wedding,” offers several tips for picking the perfect gown. First, check your mother’s closet.

Many women are recycling their mothers’ dresses with their own tailored spin. This is cost efficient and memorable. It might be surprising to some, but JC Penney sells wedding dresses, and they can be pretty and within your budget. Don’t be afraid to go looking for that dress in an unexpected place. A high-quality consignment store may carry vintage dresses that will be reasonably priced and provide an elegant appeal to your look. If you think you’re up for a new craft, you can even take something old and remake it to fit your taste. If you’re veering away from a traditional wedding dress, your options become even greater and finding something to fit your style may be easier and cheaper.

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Handmade cakes can rival expensive professional cakes.

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

A beautiful and inexpensive handmade backdrop complements an outdoor ceremony.

When choosing your venue, you want a setting that will add to the occasion, not detract from it. Jordan Wheeler, senior communicationsw major who also coordinates weddings, offers a few options. As a member of a church you can often get a discount for using your church’s facility. You will encounter some type of service charge, but there may be a larger service fee if you are not a member. A backyard wedding is perfect for an intimate feel for a smaller wedding.

Wheeler said the most expensive part of a wedding can come when purchasing food for the reception. Jordan Davis, another soon-to-be bride, suggests buffet-style catering with simple hors d’oeuvres or more meal-appropriate food, depending on the time of your wedding. The idea that an elaborate meal must be served at a wedding is a relatively recent trend according to Riley’s advice from older family members; you don’t have to serve a lot of food. Sticking to a simple snack food, beverage and light mint is perfectly fine when presented well. Since cake is a huge factor for most when they think of a wedding, many brides don’t want to forgo this tradition. If you know someone who can bake, asking them to make the cake can save hundreds of dollars.

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SPORTS

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THE REFLECTOR

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Women’s tennis finishes regular season with win over Mizzou

BY PATRICK BESSELIEVRE Staff Writer

After coming off a big victory against No. 51 Missouri, the Mississippi State Lady Bulldog tennis team (8-13, 2-11 SEC) prepares to host the 2013 SEC Women’s Tennis Championship, beginning this Wednesday at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre.

The Lady Bulldogs posted a 4-2 win against the Tigers this past Sunday in the final regular season game of the year.

In a news release, head coach Daryl Greenan said he was extremely happy with his team’s performance against the Tigers Sunday “We fought extremely hard today and it was a great win over a very good Missouri team,” Greenan said. “(Alexandra) Perper and (Georgi-

ana) Patrasc were tough as nails and Sarai (Flores) did a tremendous job playing within herself.

Rosie (Dion) had a chance to end the match much sooner, but she really dug deep to win the tiebreaker to clinch.

It was a very solid effort on every court for us today, and it is a good feeling when that happens.”

The turning-point in the match was when Patrasc came back from down 4-0 in the first set

against Cierra Gaytan-Leach of Missouri to win that set and the next one 7-5, 7-5.

in the first round of play We d n e s d a y.

This will be the Lady Bulldogs first time since 2001 to host the SEC Women’s Tennis Championship, and emotions are sure to be running high as they attempt to defend their home court.

This will be an all-new experience for Missouri Tigers as they ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR participate in The No. 12 seed Lady Bull- their first ever SEC Women’s dogs will face-off against the Tennis Championship since No. 13 seed Missouri Tigers their move from the Big 12

conference last year.

The winner of the match between the Lady Bulldogs and the Tigers will go on to face No. 5 seed Tennessee Volunteers Thursday at 11 a.m., and the winner of that will advance to play No. 4 seed Alabama, who has a “double-bye” in the tournament.

Shealy Molpus, junior communication major and women’s tennis sports information director, coordinated this year’s tournament and said planning the event was a major time commitment.

“Preparing for this tournament has definitely been time and labor intensive, but thanks to the help of Hunter (Richardson) and the rest of the (SIDs), I know the hard work will be worth it,” she said.

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BARTON DINKINS | THE REFLECTOR

Senior starting pitcher Alison Owen tossed a complete game no hitter in Friday night’s win.

Dogs sweep Rebs for second straight season

BY FORREST BUCK Staff Writer

The Mississippi State softball team earned its second straight sweep over rival Ole Miss this past weekend. After the weekend, the Bulldogs improved to 6-9 in the SEC and 27-14 overall.

The Bulldogs won the three games by a margin of 19-6, and the only game that was close was the second game, which the Bulldogs won 6-5.

Senior pitcher Stephanie Becker delivered a stellar performance on the rubber for the Bulldogs. Throughout the weekend, she started the second and third games of the series and accomplished career milestones in both.

In the second game of the series, she became the all-time leader in career strikeouts at MSU, breaking the record with her first strikeout and ultimately bringing her total to 409 for her career with three in the game.

In the series finale, Becker threw a no-hitter to help lead the Bulldogs to an 8-0 win. She threw 77 pitches in the game, had four strikeouts and only allowed one base runner, which

came off of a walk in the third inning. This was the second no-hitter of Becker’s career and the 26th career no hitter under head coach Vann Stuedeman.

Despite a no-hitter being one of the biggest individual accolades a pitcher can have on her resume, Becker said her teammates and coaching staff should get the credit.

“We tried to make some improvements from last game and learn from our mistakes, and Vann called a great game and we made a few corrections and that helped a lot,” Becker said.

“Obviously, you can’t have a no-hitter without defense, and our fielding was awesome.”

Becker’s performance in the series opener was not as good as she struggled and allowed three earned runs in three innings before being pulled. Stuedeman gave credit to her for being able to bounce back after a rough performance.

“She came out from pitch one (Friday) and was just missing everything we called,” Stuedeman said. “(Saturday), that was gutsy.

She was sharp as a tack and barely missed anything we called. In this league everybody can hit it, so you got to have a lot of guts.”

Pitching will draw the headlines from last weekend’s games, but offensively the Bulldogs had the bats going as well. The Bulldogs averaged more than six runs in the three contests and combined for 24 hits.

Senior outfielder Jessica Cooley said the team’s performance was a great all-around team effort.

“Everybody did an excellent job today. Everybody did their role, and it was a lot of fun,” Cooley said. “Our pitchers have just been doing such an excellent job for us. We wanted to just do our part, get some runs up and have their back.”

In the Bulldogs’ latest sweep of the Rebels, Becker said victories against their rivals always feel good.

“It was great. It’s a really old tradition and rivalry, and they are a good team,” Becker said.

“We try not to focus on the team we’re playing, but it’s alA ways great to beat Ole Miss.”

On Tuesday, the Bulldogs will travel to Birmingham, Ala., to take on Samford for one game before heading to Tuscaloosa this weekend for a three game series against Alabama.

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BARTON DINKINS, IAN PRESTER | THE REFLECTOR

ON A ROLL

| The Mississippi State Diamond Dogs swept the Texas A&M Aggies

in College Station, Texas last weekend. MSU’s Hunter Renfroe hit a home run in each game of the series, bringing his total to 13 homers on the year. Senior pitcher Kendall Graveman threw his third consecutive complete game in Saturday’s win.

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SPORTS 10

|

TUESDAY , APRIL 16 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL TEAM’S SWEEP OF TEXAS A&M LAST WEEKEND WAS THE FIRST ROAD SERIES SWEEP FOR THE BULLDOGS SINCE THE 2011 SEASON.

ON THE COURT WOMEN’S TENNIS

MSU VS. MISSOURI A.J. PITTS TENNIS CENTRE

WEDNESDAY, 10 A.M.

Russell ready for senior season at helm of offense

BY FORREST BUCK Staff Wrtier

Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell enters his senior season this upcoming year for the Bulldogs.

Russell arrived at MSU as a four-star prospect out of Meridian, Miss., in 2009.

After an outstanding high school senior season, which he capped off by leading his team to a 5A state championship, he was named “Mr. Football” in the state of Mississippi and was the top-rated quarterback prospect in the state as well.

He drew consideration from powerhouse programs like Alabama and South Carolina but ultimately decided to play for the Bulldogs. He is now entering his second season as the full-time starter. Russell redshirted his first year at MSU and then in his freshman season, played a limited situational role for the team.

His sophomore season in 2011 was the year he was given the opportunity to play quarterback, and he made the most of it, eventually earning four starts that year.

Last season, he came into the year as the starter for the first time in his career and started every game of the season for MSU. He finished the season throwing for 2,987 yards and 28 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions.

His performance was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ 8-5 record and appearance in the Gator Bowl.

The 2013 campaign might be the most challenging for

Russell of any he has played so far at MSU. The team lost many veteran players to graduation and to the NFL draft, and will be counting on a lot of unproven players to discover their roles on the team.

Using doubters and critics as motivation to the upcoming season, Russell said he does not care what people say, and the Dogs’ expectation is to win.

“People are going to think what they want,” Russell said.

“At the end of the day you still have to go out there and compete and work hard.”

Youth and inexperience will be a theme for this year’s team because this squad is a lot younger than last year’s team, especially at the receiver position. The team lost three seniors at that position from last season.

The inexperience will certainly have an impact on Russell, and as a fifth-year senior, he is expected to step up and be a leader for the Bulldogs in 2013.

Russell said one of the differences between last year and this year is his role as a leader.

“I’m trying to be a better leader,” Russell said. “We got a lot of young guys, so I’m just trying to get them all on the same page as me and help them understand what’s happening on each play.”

Les Koenning, MSU offensive coordinator, said the coaches are giving Russell more responsibility this year.

“We’re giving him more

flexibility this season and letting him do more,” Koenning said.

In a scrimmage on Friday, Russell went 21-for-39 with 258 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Head coach Dan Mullen said Russell was inconsistent in the scrimmage but said there were positives as well.

“I was disappointed in certain things. I think he missed some throws today but also made some good plays today as well,” Mullen said. “We’re trying to get him more comfortable with game management right now to where he can see things on the field and make the adjustments.”

Russell’s individual play this season will be more of a critical factor than previous seasons, and if the Bulldogs offense is to be effective, a big part of that will be how influential he is with this new group of receivers.

Russell said connecting with his receivers is a big priority right now.

“We lost some receivers from last year, but we got some young guys out here making plays,” Russell said. “The chemistry is growing and it’s getting there. You’re not going to just go out there and have the same chemistry with these guys as you had with (Chad) Bumphis or (Arceto) Clark. It’s going to take time but it’s getting there.”

The Bulldogs will scrimmage again Friday before the annual spring game on Saturday.

IAN PRESTER | THE REFLECTOR

Senior quarterback Tyler Russell will lead the Bulldogs in the 2013 season. Russell threw for 2,987 yards in 2012.

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