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LIFE | 6

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125th YEAR | ISSUE 8 @REFLECTORONLINE f /REFLECTORONLINE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

TUESDAY

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MISSISSIPPI STATE’S UNSUNG HEROES

Trey Simmons makes receiving parking tickets less frustrating

Police find attempted abduction false report

BY KAITLYN BYRNE Editor-in-Chief

BY KYLIE DENNIS Staff Writer

Mississippi State University Police Department deemed last week’s reported abduction on MSU’s campus a hoax, according to an MSU University Relations news release.

On Sept. 11, MSU issued a Maroon Alert about a possible abduction attempt behind Sessums Hall. According to the news release issued on Monday, the student who filed the report later recanted her claim.

The release said the student now faces criminal charges for filing a false report.

Mississippi State University parking services employee Tim Simmons is well on his way to accomplishing the seemingly impossible — he aims to bring a positive light to parking tickets.

Originally from Eupora, Miss., Simmons followed job opportunities and family ties to Starkville where he accepted his current position as an MSU parking service officer in 2007.

Only a month ago, Simmons secured an additional job as he and his fiancée welcomed the arrival of a baby girl.

Jeffrey Guess, manager of Parking and Transit Services, said Simmons’ good character and strong work ethic have proven instrumental in the success of parking services at MSU. “He’s very enjoyable to be around. Anything you ask him to do, he’s very willing,” Guess said.

Since the beginning of their employment together, Guess said Simmons has not only been a tremendous asset to the department, but also a continued source of support in his own early career.

SEE TICKETS, 3

SEE HOAX, 2

University of South Alabama nominates MSU provost

BY KAITLYN BYRNE Editor-in-Chief

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Parking Service and Transit employee Tim Simmons understands the situations of students and tries to work with them.

Dining facility development delayed, tennis court building progresses

BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer

Construction on the “Fresh Food Company” dining facility planned to be built behind Cresswell has been delayed due to cost quotes received from several general contractors that were higher than the officials at Mississippi State University anticipated.

Bill Broyles, assistant vice president of Student Affairs and manager of the project, said officials began to work with the architects to revise the plans in order to lower the

overall cost of the facility.

“We received cost quotes from several general contractors earlier this year. Unfortunately, the quotes were higher than we had anticipated, and we did not have a sufficient budget to cover these higher costs,” Broyles said. “We are in final stages now in this redesign and hope to have it back out for bids before the end of the fall semester.”

The facility will feature 450 seats inside with about 49 additional seats on an outdoor terrace. The design also calls for a student lounge on the east end of the facility that would

have extended hours and would provide an option similar to the Colvard Student Union for students to congregate. The new construction will include additional tennis courts to replace the ones taken out for the cafeteria.

“Another part of this overall project is the building of six new state-of-the-art tennis courts at the Rec-Plex on Stone Boulevard. These new courts should be complete and available for use by the end of this month,” Broyles said.

Karlee Wakeley, senior communication major, said it is cru-

cial for MSU to continue mak- on-campus dining locations. ing innovations to the campus It’s just always so packed, esstructure. She pecially during said as incomlunch hour.

Unfortunately, It gets overing classes the quotes are expected whelming to grow each when you just were year, din- higher than we had want a break ing services from class,” should be pre- anticipated.”

Wakeley said. pared to feed -Bill Broyles, In the past everyone in Assistant vice few years dina timely and ing services has president of Student stress-free enadded Panda Affairs vironment.

Express, Sub“I have way and Pizza had my taste of the Perry and Hut Express to on-campus dinthe union and various other ing options.

Mississippi State University Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Gilbert is a candidate for the University of South Alabama president position, according to a University of South Alabama news release issued Friday.

The news release said over 130 applicants were considered before USA’s Board of Trustees Gilbert narrowed the list to three finalists.

Gilbert, who has worked for Mississippi State University for about 25 years, said he enjoys working for MSU and did not actively seek other job opportunities but decided to see where the nomination for USA president would lead.

SEE PROVOST, 2

SEE DINING, 2

Lost Pizza found in Starkville Trinity Church explores spirituality, sensitive topics

BY REED GADDIS Contributing Writer

The newly-opened Lost Pizza Company, which offers endless homemade options, has found a home in Starkville.

John Mark Elliot, owner of the franchise, said growth and increasing business is his rea-

son for opening the restaurant in Starkville.

“My wife and I own the one in Tupelo, and we were looking at expanding,” Elliot said.

He said the college town atmosphere and its proximity to Tupelo also influenced their decision before beginning development.

JASON SIMPSON | THE REFLECTOR

SEE LOST, 3

Lost Pizza provides various options with pizza toppings.

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BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY

“It took about 90 days from start to finish, as far as construction, to be opened,” he said.

Since this was Elliot’s third restaurant, opening it was fairly easy. Elliot said he had an advantage because his friend was the landlord of the building, and he had a good contractor.

According to Elliot, business at Lost Pizza has been rewarding. He said he is not only pleased with the progress, but also satisfied with its success.

He said the fresh homemade ingredients and laidback atmosphere distinguish Lost Pizza from other local restaurants.

“We make our own pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce,” Elliot said. “We chop our own vegetables and make our dough daily.”

Customers have the options to build their own pizza and choose between salsa and Alfredo-based pizzas.

POLICY

Contributing Writer

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 607 Hospital Road, does more than host Sunday services. It excels in offering diverse classes and community service opportunities.

Pastor Buren Blankenship said the church was founded around 1973 during the civil rights struggle and is social-justice oriented.

“Trinity has a very open and caring congregation who reach out to people who have had bad experiences with church and religion.

We are also open to other religions and faiths,” Blankenship said.

Kay Brocato, Ph.D. associate professor of the College of Education and active member of Trinity, said Trinity is a progressive, spiritual and peaceful place.

SEE TRINITY, 3

Trinity Presbyterian church offers a welcoming environment.

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NEWS

2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

BAD D WGS

Thursday, Sept. 12

• 10:55 a.m. A student reported a house photo stolen from the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house.

• 11:20 a.m. A student reported two pictures of Robert E. Lee stolen from the Kappa Alpha fraternity house.

Saturday, Sept. 14 • 7:40 a.m. A police officer noticed the letter “I” missing from the entrance sign on Stone Boulevard and Miss. Highway 12 while conducting a sign check.

Sunday, Sept. 15 • 7:04 p.m. Officers conducted a field interview of a visitor after a student reported that he was on the path between Perry cafetieria and McCool Hall stopping asking questions. The individual was asked to leave campus.

Citations:

• 23 citations were issued for speeding.

DINING “These very popular dining options and the new Fresh Food Company are examples of the continual improvement in dining options that we are committed to bring to campus,” Broyles said.

Yonee Jefferson, sophomore interdisciplinary studies major who has a commuter meal plan, said she does not visit Perry cafeteria that often.

“I visit sometimes or if I want to have lunch with my freshman friend. I avoid the lines outside Perry because they’re overwhelming,” she said.

In response to the long lines outside Perry Cafeteria during lunch hours, Broyles said he commends the cafeteria workers for the job they do.

“As long as I have been at Mississippi State, there has always been a big rush of students, faculty and staff who head to the various dining facilities at class break for a great meal and opportuni-

THE REFLECTOR

PROVOST “It’s really too early to tell what’s going to happen,” Gilbert said. “I’m certainly committed to MSU until something were to develop. I didn’t really start out looking for a new position, but I was nominated and decided to pursue it.”

Gilbert said he has gained valuable experience at MSU during his 25 years as part of MSU’s faculty.

“I’ve had a great experience here at MSU and had a lot of opportunities to learn a tremendous amount in academic affairs,” he said.

“USA is a great university, as is MSU. My alma mater is MSU, and I’m totally committed to advance the success of MSU while in the position of provost.”

MSU President Mark Keenum said Gilbert is an

continued from 1 outstanding provost, so he sity of South Alabama have is not surprised other high- to offer.” er learning inIf Gilbert stitutions are is selected interested in and accepts (Gibert) him.

USA’s preshas the “He has ident positalents and done an extion, MSU ceptional job qualifications F a c u l t y as provost to become a university Senate Presand executive ident Jervice president president, and I ry Emison here at Mis- understand his said MSU sissippi State,” interest in wanting to would beKeenum said. hear what the folks gin the “He has the lengthy talents and at the University of process to qualifications South Alabama have find Gilto become to offer.” bert’s rea university - Mark Keenum placement. president, and “I am I can under- MSU President confident stand his inwe would terest in wantdo what ing to hear we always what the folks at the Univer- do — form a search com-

continued from 1 ty to dine with friends,” he said. “The dining team does a great job getting everyone served as quickly as possible.”

Carmen Reisener, assistant professor of counseling and educational psychology, said she is not a regular visitor to the dining area except on special occasions, but she said she feels the new dining facility needs to open quickly.

“It is important to provide healthy meals to all members of the campus community, so I am sad to hear it did never open up. Especially nowadays in Mississippi with obesity rates, healthy options need to be made available to students, faculty and staff,” she said.

Fresh Food Company will accommodate students with a SMART shuttle stop in front of the facility, so students who live in the community can ride a shuttle to campus and be dropped off at Fresh Food Company.

EMMA KATE POINDEXTER | THE REFLECTOR

Tennis courts on the MSU campus are currently being revamped.

HOAX

mittee and look as broad as possible,” Emison said. “The university will continue to move forward, but of course, we would prefer to move forward with him here, but he has to do what is best for him.”

Emison said MSU would be affected if Gilbert left, but he said he is confident the university would adapt.

“He is a senior administrator at the university, and any time you make changes at the top, it will have an impact,” Emison said. “We still have a solid management team, solid faculty.

People have opportunities come along, and they make changes.”

The news release stated the USA Board of Trustees plans to make a decision by late October.

continued from 1

Sid Salter, director of Uni- inal charges is the first order versity Relations, said the of business,” he said. “We student who filed the false don’t really have any comreport has caused damage to ments specifically for what not only her own reputation, penalties may be there until but the univerthe situation sity’s reputation plays out.” as well.

Salter said We take “This is unhe hopes these fortunate for students rereports the student, alize MSU and even more seriously and are police take so unfortunate going to follow reports of for the univerviolence sesity because the them to the logical riously and harm done by conclusions.” proceed with these kinds of -Sid Salter, thorough insenseless false Director of vestigations. claims does “We take damage to the University Relations these reports university that seriously and are going to is incredibly diffollow them to the logical ficult to repair,” Salter said.

When asked if the student conclusions,” Salter said. will face disciplinary action “Student safety is job numfrom MSU, Salter said the ber one. Because of that, we university is not ready to is- are going to follow through when people play fast and sue a statement yet.

“I think the fact the re- loose with the reputation of lease said she is facing crim- the university.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 | 3

NEWS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TICKETS “I just recently became the manager of parking. Before that, I was the event coordinator, and he would do set up for me. He would stay late to make sure everything was done,” Guess said. “He was kind of like my right-hand person.”

While some remain convinced otherwise, Simmons said the torment of students is, in fact, not in his job description. Rather, Simmons said opportunities to interact with and assist commuters on campus are the highlight of his working day.

“We are willing to work with anybody as long as they’re friendly. Just be honest,” he said. “We don’t mind cutting breaks at all. It’s all about the attitude.”

Simmons, who admits issuing and receiving parking tickets is not always a pleasant affair, said he holds true to this belief and approaches each situation with optimism and genuine concern for others.

“I can understand why

continued from 1 they’re frustrated,” he said. “I just try to keep a smile on my face.”

Of course, while Simmons said his job contains more serious moments, monitoring commuters on MSU’s campus has not been without its share of oddities, including the time he witnessed a student emerge from the trunk of a car.

“They were trying to get to class, and I guess they ran out of room in the car,” he said. “I couldn’t help but laugh.”

Parking services assistant Angela Robinson said while Simmons’s commitment to his job has proved beneficial to the department’s efficiency, his sense of humor has also created KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR a lighter and friendlier atmo- Students are issued yellow parking tickets if meters expire. sphere among his co-workers.

“You don’t have a boring day In the meantime, while with Tim,” she said. “Every they remain optimistic in retime he comes past our com- gards to his future growth at students should continue to puters, he’ll turn our comput- the university, though that observe campus parking reguer screens off or he’ll tape our might mean one less smiling lations to the best of their abilphones just to make our day a face patrolling MSU’s campus. ities, Simmons said accidents “If parking allows me to will happen. After all, even little bit brighter.”

All jokes aside, both Sim- move up here, I’m willing,” he has a parking ticket to his name. mons and his coworkers said Simmons said.

LOST

continued from 1

JASON SIMPSON | THE REFLECTOR

Lost Pizza finds a home in Starkville, offering friendly service and multiple menu options.

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food, and it’s very enjoyable,” he said.

Lauren Nast, sophomore elementary education major, said she likes eating at Lost Pizza Company because the menu provides a different dining experience with many options and the workers are helpful.

“They offer different combinations and they have really good service,” she said.

Elliot, who resides in Tupelo, has had past restaurant ownership experience with Lost Pizza of Tupelo and has owned a sandwich restaurant, as well. Elliot’s goal with Lost Pizza is to provide great food and service.

Lost Pizza Company is located off of Miss. Highway 12 in State Shopping Center.

in community service. Our members serve in the Cotton District’s Arts festivals, in the 5K and 10Ks,” Sparrow said.

Sparrow said the congregation is volunteer-oriented and has about 58 habit houses within Habitat for Humanity.

Trinity also offers a college class for young adults and college students taught by Robert Jackson, grad student and landscape architecture major.

“There has not been a class like this in a long time at Trinity, and we’re just getting it started. Our latest topic has been ‘Can you be spiritual but not religious?’ And it’s only one of many topics to come,” Jackson said.

Jackson said this class is not an actual college course, but he encourages students and young adults to join. The class is held every Sunday at 11 a.m. at Trinity.

Pastor Blankenship said Trinity will hold ‘Intergenerational’ Sunday school on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.

“On fifth Sunday, Trinity will hold a special Sunday school that invites children of all ages to get together and learn together,” Blankenship said.

Trinity holds worship every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., followed

by Sunday school at 11 a.m.

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“It’s a pretty good variety,” casionally add things to our he said. menu,” he said.

He described the restaurant Elliot said lunch has been as having a famsuccessful, but ily-oriented envipizza business ronment. saw a better reThere “We’ve had a sponse at dinare six lot of college stunertime. locations dents and fami“It’s an evethroughout ning business lies with young kids eat here,” the state, and every for the most Elliot said. part,” he said. resturaunt will try New items on Barry Millthe menu may be a little something er, manager found occassion- different.” at Lost Pizza, ally. said he enjoys -John Mark Elliot, “There are working at the six locations Lost Pizza owner restaurant bethroughout the cause the peostate, and every ple are fun and restaurant will try a little some- the customers are appreciative. thing different. If it works, “It’s a really good place to we’ll add it to it, so we do oc- work because we serve good

continued from 1

“From the time I’ve been af- of Trinity and teacher of The filiated with the church, there Edge class said he has been a have been guest speakers in member since 1997. He serves on the session, almost every the local governfaith. There ing body of the have been JewFrom the church. ish, Hebrew, time I’ve “An interesting Mormon, thing about TrinBuddhist, affiliated ity is that we have atheist and with the a category called agnostic peoFriends of Triniple who have chuch, there ty. In this group, spoken. We’re have been guest people choose not an open con- speakers in almost to be a member, gregation who every faith. There however, they are have an instill very active tellectual un- have been Jewish, in the church as d e r s t a n d i n g Hebrew, Mormon, far as community of a variety of Buddhist, atheist faiths,” Broca- and agnostic people service and other activities go,” to said.

Smith said.

In January who have spoken.

Charles Sparand February We’re an open row, profesof last year, congregation who Trinity host- have an intellectual sor emeritus of chemical engied a lesbian, neering and acbisexual, gay, understanding of a tive member of t r a n s s e x u a l variety of faiths.”

Trinity, said he and question- -Kay Brocato, and his wife have ing (LBGTQ) College of been members unit where different people Education assistant for 35 years, and Trinity presents a spoke, voicing professor comfortable and their personal diverse setting to stories or opindraw people in ions on the and not turn anyone away. subject.

“We pride ourselves in being In addition, Brocato said Trinity holds three adult classes a congregation really involved each Sunday of this year.

“One class is titled ‘The Open year round!

Edge,’ a provocative, more academic class, the other is titled ‘The Seekers,’ which is a current event discussion and the last is ‘Journeys and Faith,’ which is a more biblical discussion,” she said.

Brocato said these classes present a diverse view of the world and enable an underCOSTUMES • VINTAGE • THEATRICAL standing beyond what is seen.

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OPINION

4 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITER

THE REFLECTOR

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Who’s to say you wouldn’t twerk? – A sympathetic look at today’s child stars

P

ublic “twerking” episodes, hit and run car accidents, half-naked antics on heavy machinery — it seems that nearly every other day a supposedly normal young celebrity flies off the handle and joins the ranks of the Hollywood crazies. Those of us living apart from the lavish realm of stardom often speculate as to how these young adults veer so far off the path of sanity.

Mara Wilson (you may know her as the little girl from the movie “Matilda”) recently wrote an article for Cracked.com entitled “7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insiders Perspective),” that reveals a uniquely sympathetic view toward child performers and the struggles they face while maturing under the pressure of the media.

The article touches on several in-

fluential factors that greatly impact the lives of young actors: too much involvement from parents, not enough parental attention and the inability to escape the characters they once portrayed.

Wilson presents great evidence as to how each of these could have a negative effect. However, the portion I found most compelling fell into the category Wilson so eloquently named, “They Get Used to Love and Attention, and Then Lose It.” As a part of the ever-so-judgmental general public, I often find myself guilty of criticizing the outlandish actions of celebrities without appreciating the fact that these people were literally employed to attract attention at one point in their lives. This is what they have been trained to do; this is their tal-

ent. When this desire for attention which is a serious job hazard when is accompanied by the universal your job is being cute.” pubescent struggles to define one’s Establishing a personal identity identity, the results can be bleak. is an incredibly fragile process that, Wilson draws attention to this in in my own personal experience, her article by reiterating the idea begins around the sixth grade and that child performers thrive on continues throughout the entirety their public attention. of your college years, if not be“Adults know yond. that infatuation is I can remember We must fleeting, but kids the first time I told remind don’t understand my mom I would ourselves this,” Wilson no longer wear said. “A year in of the idiotic phases my Tommy Hila kid’s life seems we have passed figer khaki shorts like an eternity, (I was grounded), and they think through.” the first time I anything happainted my finpening now will gernails black happen. Years of adulation and (which resulted in a three hour money and things quickly become long interrogation session with my normal, and then, just as they get father regarding the stability of my used to it all, they hit puberty — psychological health), freshman

year of college when my T-shirt size changed from a small to a large (prior to my gaining of the freshman 15 that later justified that jump in size). Even now, I sit in my room with a copy of “Cosmopolitan” magazine on one side of my shelf and Betty Friedan’s feminist manifesto, “The Feminine Mystique” on the other.

The gist of what I’m getting at here is that I, to this day, have not the slightest clue who I am, and I thank my lucky stars each morning that there are not 50 million people watching every move of my journey of self-discovery.

All of this said, I think the moral of Wilson’s exposé on the sensitive nature of child stars is this: we must remind ourselves of the idiotic phases we have passed through as we have made our way

Shealy Molpus Shealy Molpus is a senior majoring in communication.

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

into young adulthood. We must sympathize with these former stars on the grounds that they once had more attention than we could ever fathom, and while they search to find themselves, they simultaneously search for something to fill the void that the lack of attention has left behind. And most importantly, we must never be so prideful as to think that in a different circumstance, under the same insurmountable pressure, that we ourselves may not do the same exact thing.

YOU CAN CALL ME AL

INTERNATIONAL INK

Has America’s melting pot gone cold? Monáe shocks life into over-sexed pop culture

J

S

unday evening, Miss New clause, “The weight of legal and York contestant, Nina historical authority indicates that Davuluri was announced the term ‘natural born’ citizen as Miss America 2014. Within would mean a person who is entiminutes of the announcement, a tled to U.S. citizenship ‘by birth’ flurry of racial remarks on social or ‘at birth,’ either by being born media labeled her a terrorist and ‘in’ the United States and under accused her of association with its jurisdiction, even those born Al-Qaeda, who played a part in to alien parents; by being born the 9/11 attackes on the World abroad to U.S. citizen-parents or by being born in other situations Trade Center.

A series of shocking tweets meeting legal requirements for put together by buzzfeed.com re- U.S. citizenship ‘at birth.’

Glenn Mitchell, Marine Survealed that few labeled her Arab, while others were disturbed that veyor in Mobile, Ala., said he was an Indian-American won Miss disgusted and ashamed of those America because they reasoned, who chose to display this ignorance and racism via social media.

“This is America.”

Some were offended that Davu- “Pretty ironic when you realize luri was crowned Miss America so that all Americans have ancestors close to the 9/11 anniversary, say- that emigrated from somewhere ing it was an insult to the victims else, with the exception of the Native Americans who were here of the terror attack.

Wendy Fraser (@wnfraser) said long before my ancestors reached in a tweet, “nice slap in the face to these shores. And ironically, they the people of 9-11 how pathetic mistakenly called them ‘Indians,’ thinking they #missamerica.” had reached Colin Miller (@ Lawfully, India,” he craymiller) tweetit may be said. ed, “Miss AmerMost tweets ica, footlong illegal to were deleted, buffalo chicken differentiate and the users on whole wheat. temporariPlease and thank between black, white and brown, but the ly withdrew you.” their Twitter Kaleb Trahan (@ harsh reality is as a accounts as a Kalebistoocute ) society we still do — result of this tweeted, “Man our outburst of president nor our behind closed doors anger across new Miss America and in private spaces. the globe. isn’t even AmeriSome also can I’m sorry but changed their Miss Kansas I salute you your the real American Twitter handles and display pictures to avoid the outrage. #MissAmerica.”

Lorelei Ford, research associate Jake Amick (@Jakeamick5) tweeted, “How the f--k does a III in Mississippi State Universiforeigner win miss America? She ty’s department of Basic Sciences said it saddens her that people is a Arab! #idiots.”

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Duvu- have such hatred for others based lari is an American. Article II of on such superficial reasons as the United States Constitution race, religion, ethnicity and sexustates in the natural-born-citizen al orientation.

PRANAAV JADHAV Pranaav Jadhav is a junior majoring in communication.

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

“It’s really sad that these ‘Americans’ don’t realize that one of the things that make the U.S.A. great is our diversity. It’s a shame more people do not embrace it. Believe me, there are many more people who are happy about this than are upset,” she said.

The U.S. is the world hegemon and also celebrates the oldest democracy in the world. The founding fathers clearly stated the principles of equality and freedom in the Constitution. These horrific racial slurs aimed at President Obama and Davuluri tell a different story.

Lawfully, it may be illegal to differentiate between black, white and brown, but the harsh reality is as a society we still do — behind closed doors and in private spaces. These tweets are only a reflection of the society we have created.

Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”

In response to the racist remarks, Miss America winner Davuluri said, “I have to rise above that, I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.”

anelle Monáe claims she is not fully human.

Throughout her recording career so far, which includes two full-length albums and an EP, Monáe has positioned herself as a part human, part android character who falls in love with a human.

Monáe’s half-woman, halfmachine aura extends outside her lyrics and into her performances and public persona.

She recently told “The New York Times,” “I’m a woman, I’m African-American, I’m part android. I have to make sure I’m speaking for the underdog.”

Monáe’s most recent album, “The Electric Lady,” continues to take up the flag of weirdos, freaks and underdogs, just like its machinated protagonist.

The album dropped last Tuesday, in the midst of the current cultural upheaval surrounding twerking, female sexuality in pop music and whether male desire in songs like Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” reinforces a rape culture.

Now is the perfect time for “The Electric Lady.” Monáe, as a musician and a celebrity figure, stands as a strong counterpoint to the exploitative sexuality of artists like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga.

While pop musicians like Cyrus and Gaga display themselves as sexual objects, the question should arise: are they objectifying themselves, or are they in complete control of their own sexuality? When they take off clothing, do they control how people view them or are they falling victim to an unfair, misogynistic, hyper-sexualized culture?

With Monáe, exploitation is not a pressing question. She is crafty and does not allow

for it. I would argue Monáe’s power lies not in her display of sexuality, but her discussion of it. She talks about sex and love in her lyrics instead of wearing thongs on live television using a foam finger as a phallus.

Monáe bears her heart in songs without bearing her body. She leaves her body hidden behind stark, crisp black and white suits. A listener concerned with Monáe as a sexual object could only wonder at her physicality, and this is part of Monáe’s control. By relegating her power through her music and lyrics, and not her body, Monáe keeps the ball in her court.

With questionable nudity and sexualized controversy absent from her aura, Monáe’s music and lyrics take precedence. Her personality and live show supplements her lyrical message, rather than detracts from it.

Artists like Gaga and Cyrus could learn from Monáe.

Monáe’s pulsing, explosive music is as engaging as any contemporary pop artist’s. Yet Monáe allows no one to sexualize her. She instead indicates what a female artist who resists the societal push to succumb to explicit sexuality can look like. She can be attractive, sexy, funky, relevant, socially conscious and clothed.

Female musicians need not fall to using their bodies as ways of attracting attention to their music, their message or themselves. They also need not be berated for filling the role our society puts them in.

For those who haven’t figured it out, Cyrus’s sexuality and nudity fulfills Thicke’s requests in “Blurred Lines.” Cyrus is no more to blame than Thicke.

It is time our society stops

DANIEL HART Daniel Hart is the life editor of The Reflector. He can be contacted at life@reflector. msstate.edu.

using these gendered, sexual double standards.

It is time more artists follow the example Janelle Monáe sets.

At the iTunes Festival in London Saturday, Monáe introduced “Cold War,” a song about fighting for what you believe in, by telling the crowd that, “No matter who you are, what you look like, you’ve got to love you, love yourself, because sometimes life is a cold war.”

Monáe’s music is joyous, funky, eclectic and packed with a long list of influential collaborators (Prince, Solange, Miguel and Erykah Badu, to name a few). Her music does not overpower her message, though. Monáe calls for equality, strength and individuality from her listeners.

And when Monáe makes statements, they ring loud and clear. Unencumbered by American society’s gendered, sexualized popular culture, Monáe’s voice can be heard above the din of arguments concerning nudity and sexuality. She fights for the underdog while avoiding exploitative sexuality, one futuristic, grooving tune at a time.

WHO SPEAKS FOR EARTH?

The rise and fall of the Apple iPhone empire

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 Kaitlin Mullins

Copy Editor Emma Crawford

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Editor in Chief/Kaitlyn Byrne

Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Kristen Spink 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Anna Wolfe 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Alie Dalee opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/John Galatas 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Daniel Hart 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Kaitlin Mullins 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Zack Orsborn multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Julia Pendley 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

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EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff.

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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.

L

ook around you right now and count the number of Apple products that are out there. There are probably more Macbooks and iPhones around you than there are even people.

Why is this?

I cannot figure out exactly why there are so many Mac computers. I have a powerful Windows 7 computer I use for everything.

It is heavy, but it does everything I want it to do. I also have a tiny and cheap Samsung Google Chromebook that cannot do much at all, but still comes in handy whenever I need to have Internet access and Google Internet services at my fingertips.

I have frequently used Macbooks and know my way around their strange inner workings, but I still have not figured out their allure — unless it is hidden in their ability to use exclusive graphic design and other media software.

On the cellphone and MP3 player front, I can see the allure that Apple has. In an imore.com article series on the history of the iPhone, Rene Ritchie reveals the iPhone revolutionized the entire industry.

“Apple introduced the original iPhone back in 2007, instantly obsoleting every other smartphone on the planet in every way that mattered,” Ritchie said.

This revolutionary accomplishment is tangible, every time we see a phone that still suffers from ana-

log keyboard and button overload, we cringe a little bit inside because that went out of style six years ago.

Arguably the iPhone is the best smartphone on the market. It certainly was when it came out and has only recently begun to succumb to the efforts of Samsung’s new Galaxy phones and Google’s powerful Android operating system. We have seen a phenomenon rise — the dominance of the iPhone in the smartphone market — but is it about to fall down like the Razr flip phone and the Blackberry of yesteryear?

We almost worship the iPhone and the rest of Apple’s shiny, safeguarded masterpieces. It always makes me cringe when I see someone try to take a picture with an iPhone.

The device simply is not a camera, and its lens is too small to really accomplish anything with all the megapixels it is given. The worst thing out there is an iPad photographer. Envision a large rectangle held above eye-level, blocking out a large swath of the sky with its bulk. Then push a small touchscreen button in the middle of the screen, jostling the camera, and a mediocre picture pops out, leaving you looking silly.

The culture surrounding the iPhone has overstepped its bounds and will soon find itself on the decline. The hype and attention given to the hardware and software updates is simply too demanding.

The phones will never be able to live up to the expectations we have developed. We will take the wonderful invention given us — one of the best devices in the world — and we will demand that Apple give us more. Apple built, and the flocks of iFans have come, but it is not enough.

How does Apple respond to the rising demand? Just last Tuesday it released the annual slew of new gadgets, this time including not one, but two new phones. This year we get a shiny gold phone and a new option that, according to gizmodo.com writer Eric Limer, will usher in a new market for the iPhone.

“Apple’s new plastic-backed, color-coated iPhone 5C is a $100 option for a whole new generation of iPhone users,” Limer said.

You would expect this news to be life-saving for the declining iPhone and its surrounding culture, but it is not enough. According to Mark Gongloff’s Huffington Post article summarizing the results of Apple’s news release, the stock fell to surprising levels.

“At its worst, the stock was down three percent before recovering a little to a two percent decline, still snugly below the $500 share price that Wall Street’s round-number fans find so important … Apple continued to tumble on Wednesday morning, but in even crash-ier fashion. About an hour into the

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

trading day, the stock was down nearly six percent to about $466 a share, in what CNNMoney termed an ‘iPhlop,’” Gongloff said.

In all, Apple promises to bring a new age to the fading empire, but there is little hope that in the long run an influx of the cheaper phone users will ultimately restore the company to where it was in its days under Steve Jobs. The phenomenon has come and gone. It left in its wake changed telecommunications, social media, hardware and software industries, and paved the way for a much brighter future. The iPhone will eventually recede from sight as the culture that grew around it dies off, but its legacy will remain as touch-screen technology and social media connectivity continues to dominate the computing world.

TUESDAY, SEPtember 17, 2013 | 5

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HELP WANTED Church looking for a fulltime pianist. If interested, please call 662.323.3426 or 662.418.5280.

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FOR SALE Home for sale. Three bedroom, two bathroom. 1,650 square feet. Three miles from campus. Country atmosphere.

Fireplace, wood floors, wraparound porch, one acre. $84,900 negotiable price. Call 325.203.1169.

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If interested, please call 662-648-8128.

THE REFLECTOR

6 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT All THAT JAZZ:

BY HALEY HARDMAN Contributing Writer

COURTESY PHOTO | UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Gretchen Parlato performs to kick off the Lyceum series.

Mississippi State University welcomes a jazz artist who has traveled around the world performing for sold out crowds for its 2013-2014 Lyceum Series. This rising star, Gretchen Parlato, kicks off the series Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium of Lee Hall. Tickets for the performance are general admission only.

The Lyceum Series focuses on displaying the arts in theater, dance and music by bringing in a wide variety of artists.

Kimberly Madsen, president of Terpsichore MSU Dance Theatre Company, said the Lyceum Series draws performing artists who embody values students can see in action.

“Artists express and exemplify the importance of passion, hard work, discipline and endurance,” she said.

The Performing Arts Com-

LOCAL COLOR

Entrepreneurial MSU students form managing company, Noir

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

Student entrepreneurship may be Mississippi State University’s fastest-growing trend.

There is always the student designated as the rapper, the designer or the artist. Many students seek different ways to change campus ideals using their mediums as well as pushing for both local and international recognition.

Different T-shirt lines al-

ways emerge amongst the crowd. Students create handcrafted jewelry and accessories and sell them every day.

Dorm rooms have become second-hand shops. What if a student-owned creative managing company wanted to not only support, but also elevate talented artists?

Noir is just that: an up-andcoming student-run multimedia brand geared toward music, fashion and photography.

Cam Veal, junior music

education major, owns Noir.

Veal said he wants to showcase the talent of Mississippians to their home state.

“Mississippians don’t back each other. We don’t give each other enough support. Musically, fashion, none of that,” Veal said. “So I said, ‘Well if I can give people something that they can look to, then they won’t have to look to New York or California to feel involved. They won’t have to feel like they have to leave and

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MSU’s Lyceum Series kicks off with world-famous singer Gretchen Parlato

mittee strives to bring artists School for the Arts as a teenwith the qualities Madsen de- ager. One of her first major scribed to inspire MSU stu- accomplishments was winning dents and the Starkville com- the Thelonious Monk Institute munity.

International Vocal CompetiAmelia Treptow, Center for tion in 2004. Parlato said the Student Activities coordinator, opportunities she claims as her said the committee selects the greatest experiences include series lineup anywhere from collaborative performances six months with a few musical to over a year legends at famed I love the in advance. venues. idea that Treptow said “Some events the committhat have stood we are tee has kept sharing art and all out to me are perits eyes on forming with HerG r e t c h e n else in our lives can bie Hancock and Parlato for wait, and we just Wayne Shorter, a few years sit and experience performing with now. music together as a Lionel Loueke and Parlato has Becca Stevens at made a name community.”

Carnegie Hall,” for herself in -Gretchen Parlato, she said. “But rethe world of Jazz singer ally, in a bigger jazz music. sense, the highParlato light has been the said she grew up around music ability to create and live my but began her personal jour- dream as an artist.” ney into the musical world Parlato, genuinely passionwhen she chose to audition for ate about her music and her the Los Angeles County High audience, said her favorite part go to a place like Atlanta or Texas to find opportunities in things they love.’”

Veal said he plans to work online with other student-run organizations and businesses on campus to keep Noir open to all.

“With Noir, I want to network with everyone here, like the members of Chase Life, MSU Fashion Board and MOD,” Veal said. “All the musicians, club owners, anyone I can get in contact with, to basically keep everything fresh and new.”

Noir seeks inclusivity, but the company has experienced backlash for its name choice. Veal said he named the company Noir, which is the French word for black, for a simple reason: he likes the color.

“My favorite color is black, and Noir translates into black in French. I thought it was catchy and liked it,” Veal said.

“Though a lot of people ask me do I only work with blacks or make the inference about us only being black-oriented, but it has nothing to do with that. It has nothing to do with race.”

Veal said although Noir

about performing is the music’s ability to unify her with every part of her surroundings.

“I love the connection to the music, the band members, the audience, the room and space around us,” she said. “I love the idea that we are sharing art and all else in our lives can wait, and we can just sit and experience music together as a community.”

Gretchen’s strategy has worked for her so far. According to an MSU news release, Parlato is currently a faculty member at New York’s Manhattan School of Music and has been invited to sing on more than 50 recordings.

“Billboard” magazine named her 2009 album, “In a Dream,” the year’s “most alluring jazz vocal album.”

Parlato releases a new album and DVD called “Live in NYC” Oct. 8., which features performances by Taylor Eigsti, Alan Hampton, Burniss Earl Travis II, Mark Guiliana and Kendrick Scott.

ERIC IRBY | THE REFLECTOR

Cam Veal and Brittany Henderson sport Noir T-shirts. prints T-shirts, they are only basic T-shirt company,” Veal for marketing. Veal said Noir said. “I’m getting students to has bigger plans for fashion create a clothing line for Noir. coming from the company.

The basic T-shirt is really used “I don’t want people to for promotional purposes.” think that we’re just some Veal said the shirts are not meant to generate much revenue but instead are a visible way to alert people to Noir.

Come get game day ready at Brittany Henderson, sophomore human sciences major, already owns a DIY apparel company on campus known as Panache Flair. She said she signed onto Noir and she also Call (662) 323-0678 helps organize and find models for Noir fashion shows. and ask for Sarah “I’m mainly the styling conFishtail Braid sultant. But I also help in the Crown Braid casting process,” Henderson said. “We recently had our Dutch Braid first casting for a fashion show Waterfall Braid that’ll be in Jackson in NoFrench Braid vember.”

Half Updo Veal said Noir attempts to bring another shade of local Updo color to Mississippi, just like 100 Russell Street all locally owned businesses.

In a place rich with culture and history that is, at times, overlooked, Veal said he hopes Noir can join the movement 500 Louisville Street Starkville, MS to help push Mississippi into the forefront of originality.

“Most people are trying to copy the style they see on TV with the snapbacks and tattoos, but I’m not about that,” said Veal. “I want to show people Mississippi has its own style. We’re original and I want to make everyone see that.”

More information about Noir may be found on its Instagram account, @_AffairesNoir_ or by contacting AllNoirEnt@gmail.com.

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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

SEX, DRUGS AND HAIR DYE

BY ZACK ORSBORN Multimedia Editor

In Simi Valley, Cali., amidst the conservative families where Ronald Reagan is buried, a 16-year-old Syd Curry sat in front of a television with his friend, Rod, the only other gay boy he knew.

A commercial appeared for a Ziggy Stardust tour, flashing images of boys and girls in platform shoes and satin suits dancing along to the vibrant pulse of the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Curry lit up as he saw David Bowie on the screen.

He craved the rock ‘n roll life of feather boas, glamour and rock drag. After he was bullied for dying his hair pink, Curry was the kind of kid who turned around and dyed his hair green even after his mother’s warnings of bullying from other students.

Curry bought tickets to the Bowie concert, and nine months later, he packed his bags and moved to Hollywood. Ziggy Stardust changed his life.

Now, at the age of 59, Curry, celebrity hairstylist, sits in a hip, pseudo-Mexican restaurant where concert posters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 | 7

of the yesteryears hang with “I Love Lucy” projecting on the wall. Over seven tattoos of Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, lightning bolts and song lyrics – along with a colorful, saintly representation of Stevie Nicks praying illuminate his tan skin.

“Yeah, can I get a shot and a Michelob Ultra, please?” Curry asked a waiter as he looked at him behind his black-tinted aviators. “I need it.”

Curry entered the beauty business at 18 and delved into the celebrity scene with megastars like Mariah Carey, Janice Dickenson, Tilda Swinton, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga and even former president, Bill Clinton, as his clients according to his biography and resume on opusbeauty.com. The list goes on.

Curry’s life epitomized drug, sex and rock 'n' roll. But Curry exited the world of the rich and famous after a drug addiction to heroin and methadone took hold of his life.

Curry’s detox in rehab took two months, and he said he does not regret a single moment of his addiction.

“It’s who I am,” he said.

“I look at this this way: if I hadn’t done all the s — — t I

COURTESY PHOTO | ALBERT SANCHEZ

Syd Curry, celebrity hairstylist, now resides in Mississippi. had done and finally realized, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Today, Curry lives in Jackson, Miss., where he works at Smoak Salon. After his mother was stricken with sickness,

he moved back to the place he had fought his whole life to take care of her. Gay and covered in tattoos, Curry said he felt like he would not belong, but, much to his surprise, the

Celebrity hairstylist’s life spins from David Bowie to drugs and back down South to quiet life in Jackson, Miss.

South welcomed him with drugs,” he said. “Not because open arms. you want to get high, but be“I was taught to shake a cause you want to be well, you man’s hand and look him in know?” the eye. Just simple things.

As he looks back on histories You get back here and respect with ex-boyfriends like Kenny the culture,” he said. “I think Singman — who said Curry people immediately get past has the sweetest heart — Curthe tattoos. And they’re like, ry remembers conversations ‘OK, this is a decent guy.’” with glamorous supermodC u r r y ’s els — cult leader best friend Charles Manson and previBeing a drug selling him acid — rehab and ous assisaddict is a mishaps with the tant, Anna job within Los Angeles penal Hester, system — drag agreed and itself. It’s so nice to queen friends said the wake up and not two were have to chase drugs.” — five family members’ deaths instantly within five years friends due -Syd Curry, and how he took to his cha- Celebrity hairstylist care of his ailing risma, humother.

Curry mility and said his greatest honesty.

“He kind of stepped in and achievement is that he stayed was like my dad and a brother alive, especially after sharing all in one. To this day, I always needles in a time when AIDS forget who he is and what he’s ran rampant in America.

“Now, I just realize what done,” she said.

Besides watching horror an a — — hole I’ve been. I movies and listening to the realize how stupid I am and likes of The New York Dolls how good I have it right now. and Stevie Nicks, Curry said I could screw things up in a minute,” he said. “Before, I he wakes up happy every day.

“Being a drug addict is a screwed things up, and I didn’t job within itself. It’s so nice to care. Now, if I screw things up, wake up and not have to chase I care.”

KEYBOARDS AND QBs Fantasy football cranks up as NFL season begins, allows managers digital participation in favorite sports

BY ALEX MONIÉ Staff Writer

At halftime of the Broncos/Ravens opening game for the National Football League this year, Wes Welker had seven points in a points per receiving (PPR) 12 man league. Julius Thomas, a tight end who had one professional receiving catch before the game, had four catches and two touchdowns. The difference between these two players is thousands of fans and rivals alike drafted Welker, and few gave Thomas a second look. Now, Thomas is fantasy gold and you can bet thousands of people look at him on the waiver wire.

Yes, the NFL is back, and so is the magical, made-up sport of fantasy football.

For the last month, eight to 20 team leagues of men and women have drafted, traded and colluded to form teams that could carry them to the end of the season. Some play for fun, some play for money and some play for punishments and rewards unimaginable by those outside of the league. Under the table deals will be made while losers will be shamed until the start of the 2014 NFL season.

Fantasy football is an accessory to watching real football players in action on Thursday, Sunday and Monday night. Before the season begins, a group of family, friends or strangers hold their own fantasy draft to recruit players online to form their team. You want Tom Brady

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to play alongside Ray Rice?

Sure. You want Drew Brees and Calvin Johnson on the same team? Why not? You want the Cowboys’ defense and Mike Vick to have something in common? Nobody really wants that, but go for it if it is your thing. Jack Donovan, current Bay St. Louis High School assistant coach, said he believes high school students use fantasy as an additional way to keep up with their favorite players.

“High school students and other fans are able to look for on the field achievements as well as game time performances,” he said. “That can be inspiring.”

Shaping the interactive media was not a fast process.

Before we had the ease of laptops and professional websites doing the dirty work for us, people would tally points like the old people you see in bowling alleys who write a strike as a big X. Fantasy football originated in August1963, in Oakland, Cali. The inaugural title of the first fantasy league was the “Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League,” which is almost better than any halfbaked league name my fraternity brothers can come up with in our league. In 1963, participants of that league probably had no idea they

source: ftsa.org ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

created a franchise as they sipped moonshine and drafted whatever up-and-coming college kid sounded familiar.

Between the NFL, different hosting sites, transaction fees and media revenue, fantasy football and other fantasy sports have turned into billion-dollar industries.

That is more money than the Oakland Raiders, whose fans started it all, have ever seen from ticket and nacho sales combined.

Much like how the steam engine revolutionized American industry or the transformation of the middle of the doughnut into the doughnut hole, technology revolutionized the fantasy industry. The break-out year for Fantasy football on the Internet was 1997. CBS Sports launched a free public Fantasy football website where individuals used their

AOL email addresses to log on and draft men like Terrell Davis, John Elway and Barry Sanders. From there, the industry boomed over the next decade-and-a-half with an estimated 30 million people playing Fantasy football in 2012, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

While the same formula has been applied to create fantasy baseball, basketball, hockey and other sports, football remains the industry giant and fan favorite. Each year, family members form their annual leagues, and coworkers make up dynasty leagues that go on for years.

Podcasts and magazines outlining this year’s sleepers fill our spare time until our own league’s Super Bowl each year. The heart of fantasy really remains about fans’ love of the game and the people

that make up each league.

John Nicholson, communication professor at Mississippi State University, summed it up best when he said Fantasy football was an amalgamation of favorite pastimes.

“Ultimately, fantasy football allows people to combine three things we love: sports, competition and doing things with friends or family,” he said.

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8 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY: MSU SOCCER PLAYER ELISABETH SULLIVAN LEADS THE SEC AND IS SIXTH IN THE NATION, AVERAGING 1.14 GOALS PER GAME.

Sullivan nets hat trick in weekend tourney

BY BLAKE MORGAN Staff Writer

Elisabeth Sullivan and Annebel ten Broeke led the Mississippi State University soccer team in split matches over the weekend in the Bulldog Classic against Furman University and Jackson State University.

Despite a record-tying crowd of 875 people to back up the Bulldogs, MSU fell to the Furman Paladins 4-0 on Friday night to open the tournament.

The Bulldogs found themselves injury-depleted in almost every position, and many regular starters had to play out of their usual spots. Players such as sophomore Shelby Jordan, a typical staple of the defense, played midfield throughout the game.

Jordan said although the new position was a transition, she became more comfortable as the game progressed.

“It was different, but it was new, and I really like it,” she said.

Though many of the typical starters logged time in different positions, the team gave a solid effort. Both squads had multiple scoring chances in the first

half, but neither could get a goal on the scoreboard.

In the second half, the inexperience began to show as the Bulldogs let in four goals, and Furman pulled away for the victory.

Both teams had nine shots on goal, with Sullivan taking six of those shots for the Dogs.

Goalie C. J. Winship had five saves on the day.

MSU head coach Aaron Gordon said the crowd was a factor from the beginning of the match, but ultimately the inexperience caught up to the Bulldogs.

“First, I want to thank all of the fans that came out and supported us (Friday). It was a great crowd, and I thought our team really fed off the excitement of being back at home,” Gordon said. “Unfortunately, having four starters out of the lineup hurt us, and we lost our legs in the second half. We had some young players step in and give us some minutes, and hopefully that will help us as we get on into the season.”

MSU responded against Jackson State in a 4-2 win on Sunday as Sullivan recorded the first hat trick for MSU since 2001.

Much like Friday night’s matchup, the Bulldogs took the field starting eight freshmen. Freshman Ten Broeke, who is eighth in the nation with six assists, assisted all three of Sullivan’s goals and added her third goal of the season for a five-point performance. Like Sullivan, ten Broeke’s three assist were the most since 2001.

Sullivan said she was happy with the goal production, but gave credit to her teammate for generating the opportunities.

“Honestly, all of the work came from Annebel,” she said.

“I was just there to hit it in. It is a really good feeling, though.”

With the win, Gordon said the freshmen gained valuable experience prior to the start of the conference schedule.

“Hats off to the kids on our team that maybe have not gotten an opportunity and are now getting it and played well,” he said. “We needed people to step up, and our freshmen got some opportunities today and made the most of it.”

MSU finished its non-conference slate with a 3-4 record KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR before opening conference play against Missouri on Friday MSU’s Elisabeth Sullivan collected three goals in Sunday’s win over Jackson State. night at home.

Sullivan leads the Bulldogs with eight goals this season heading into SEC competition.

Bulldogs rally behind freshmen to sweep Bulldog Invitational

BY SHANE ANDERSON Contributing Writer

The youthful Mississippi State University volleyball team swept Wofford and Niagra in the Bulldog Invitational Tournament last weekend held in the Newell-Grissom Building.

MSU came into the weekend looking to improve on its 3-4 record on the year.

MSU took no time getting its record above .500, beating Niagra 3-0 and Wofford 3-1 in Friday’s matches.

The Bulldogs were in the same situation a few weeks ago during the Maroon Classic, where they saw themselves jump to a 2-0 record on Friday, only to lose the next two the following day.

For the Bulldogs not to have déjà vu this tournament, coach Jenny Hazelwood said the team needed to keep its focus going into Saturday.

IAN PRESTER | THE REFLECTOR

Freshman opposite Kimmy Gardiner (left) spikes a ball during MSU’s Bulldog Invitational sweep. Sophomore middle blocker Alex Warren (right) celebrates with Bulldog teammates after a point against Niagara in the tournament.

“That’s actually what we since our last home tourna- lead the team, including a pushing each other, and I career-high 16 kills against think that really paid off for have been working on for ment.”

The team kept its focus on Wofford on Friday. Her us.” the past few weeks,” Hazelwood said. “When you’re Saturday, winning both of great play also helped her Freshman Kimmy Gartired and you know you its matches against Wofford earn the Bulldog Invitation- diner recorded another solid have to come out and play and Niagra without losing a al MVP award. weekend with her seventh Duhs said she believes her double-double of the seathe next day, you have to single set to go a perfect 4-0 stay focused and do all the for the tournament and im- success this weekend came son, leading the SEC. With from practicing hard during her impressive stat-line, even little things right. Our girls proving its record to 7-4. had a great week of practice.

Freshman middle blocker the week. she is surprised with the suc“This week we worked so cess she has shown so far in They were fighting through Chelsea Duhs had a breakdrills, even though they were out tournament, tallying hard on our fundamentals,” her first year of collegiate tired. We have grown a lot 45 kills on the weekend to Duhs said. “We were all just volleyball.

“I did not come in here with that expectation,” Gardiner said. “But I did come in here looking to make a difference, and I think my teammates expect me to do that every game, so that is my goal.”

With the non-conference schedule nearly over, Hazelwood said she believes her team will be ready for SEC play.

“That is kind of the purpose for non-conference play, to get ready for SEC play,” she said. “Obviously, the competition level goes up a bit in SEC play and playing so many matches can help correlate into the confidence level in which you are playing at, and with these girls the goal is to get better every day. If we can do that, we can have a pretty good team by then.”

Sophomore libero Roxanne McVey led the Bulldogs with 76 digs on the weekend, while freshman setter Suzanne Horner helped out the team with a tournament-leading 126 assists.

MSU returns to action Sept. 20 and 21 in the Belmont Bruin Classic in Nashville, Tenn., against Arkansas State, Belmont and UAB. The Bulldogs then return home to open SEC play against No. 5 Florida on Sept. 27.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 | 9

Bulldogs fall in conference opener, set eyes on Trojans

BY JOHN GALATAS Sports Editor

For the first time under head coach Dan Mullen, the Mississippi State University Bulldogs recorded their first loss with a lead after the third quarter. Despite a strong defensive performance, the 23-20 last-second defeat to Auburn left MSU still in search for answers.

Defensively, MSU held strong until the last two minutes of the game. Linebacker Benardrick McKinney said the defense shut down Auburn’s run game, but it must work on finishing out performances.

“We just have to finish. The defense played hard the whole game. We just didn’t finish. That is it,” he said. “Our defensive plan every game is to stop the run. I knew our defensive backs would be able to shut down the pass, so I knew if we stopped the run, we would help the defense.”

Quarterback Dak Prescott earned his second start of the season in the loss and threw for a career-high 213 yards and rushed for 133. Despite the close loss, Prescott said the Bulldogs need to turn their focus to the Troy Trojans.

“We did some good things. We just have to finish on the smaller things and finish the game out,” he said. “(Troy is) good. They’re sound. They have some good players with some experienced guys up front, and they’ll be ready to play.”

Quarterback Tyler Russell is still listed as questionable after suffering a concussion in the season-opener and has not been cleared for contact.

Last season, MSU knocked off Troy on the road 30-24, and Mullen said his team is switching attention to a team who has a similar-style offense as Auburn.

“Last year, obviously, it was a very, very exciting game against

(Troy), coming right down to the wire. And they have a lot of those guys back,” he said. “Their quarterback is special, college football’s active career passing leader.

He’s a very explosive player.”

For Mullen, this week’s practice will be pivotal to gauge his team’s progress in preparation.

“We’ve got to get back to work. Hopefully they come out with a little chip on their shoulders,” he said. “To be successful you have to react, you have to respond to that type of loss, with the desire to get back out there on the field and get back to work and work harder at things.”

Mullen also said his team is eager to return home. The Bulldogs will spend their next six weeks in Starkville.

“It’s very critical for us to win at home,” Mullen said. “That’s a standard you have to set no matter who you’re playing. You can see how difficult it is to play on the road in the SEC.”

COURTESY PHOTO | SARAH BURGESS

Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall scurries for a first down on the final drive against MSU in its SEC opener. The Bulldogs return to Davis Wade Stadium to face Troy on Saturday.

Bulldog freshman steps up in big role Gardiner has contributed right away, and in many ways has already become the team’s go-to player.

Senior Dani McCree said she sometimes forgets Gardiner is only a freshman.

“In the middle of a play, if we are in trouble, we know we can set Kimmy the ball and know that everything is taken care of,” McCree said. “She’s definitely been able to come in and be someone immediately who is dependable and we can pass the ball to.”

Hazelwood said Gardiner is a solid player who brings a lot JASON SIMPSON | THE REFLECTOR of value to the team.

“She can play all six rotations.

Freshman Kimmy Gardiner readies for play against Arkansas-Little Rock. Gardiner, who Teams start to figure out pretwas named SEC Freshman of the Week earlier this season, leads the Dogs in kills. ty quickly that she’s our go-to ball team and decided to focus thing, but she said she knows player, and she can handle that

BY QUENTIN SMITH solely on volleyball. Her de- she made the right choice by Staff Writer cision has paid big dividends. coming to MSU. Positive, humble, funny, As a freshman, Gardiner is “I loved the environment goofy, dependable — these now one of MSU’s dominant at MSU, and I loved the idea are the characteristics team- players. that it was an SEC school,” mates and coaches attribute As a senior at Colleyville, she said. “The fact that I was to Mississippi State Universi- Gardiner had an exceptional able to come into a program ty’s freshman opposite Kim- year, racking up 515 digs and that was rebuilding made a my Gardiner, to name a few.

560 kills, leading her team in big impact on my choice to Head coach Jenny Hazel- both categories. Now, as a choose MSU.” wood said Gardiner’s per- freshman at MSU, Gardiner Making the jump from high sonality makes her a great continues to see some of that school to Division I volleyball athlete to coach. same success. can be a huge step for some “She’s fun,” Hazelwood Last week, Gardiner was athletes, but for Gardiner, it said. “She’s always working named the SEC Freshman of has been an easy transition. really hard. As a coach, you the Week after her outstand“It wasn’t as bad as I thought know that regardless of what ing play in the Maroon Clas- it would be,” she said. “Comkind of day she has from a sic. ing in July really helped a lot. skill standpoint, you’re goInitially, she said she was I got to meet the team really ing to get the same person surprised when she heard she quickly. We hung out all the and that helps a lot. It helps received the award. time and got our chemistry everybody in the gym.”

“It was awesome,” Gardiner going, and that made it really Gardiner, a native of said. “I thought it was crazy easy for me to transition into Grapevine, Texas, played and that it’s happening in my first playing with everyone.” starred on the Colleyville week, but I was super excited Heritage High School volley- and honored to get the recogball team. nition.”

Although she started playGardiner’s journey to MSU ing volleyball around the has been a stressful one, espefifth grade for her rec-league, cially with the recruiting proit was not until she reached cess. Gardiner said the ordeal high school that she realized of being recruited by different volleyball was something she schools was her biggest obreally wanted to pursue. stacle. At times she became Gardiner quit her basket- overwhelmed with the whole

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and still be very effective,” and easy to be around,” McHazelwood said. “She opens Cree said.

Although Gardiner has seen a things up for everyone else lot of early sucbecause teams cess, she knows are always keyshe can still iming in on her.

We’re still prove on her She gives us young, so game even more a solid player we have so and can only go that never has to come off the much potential and up from here.

“We’re still floor.” so much to prove young, so we McCree said have so much Gardiner is not to everyone in the potential and so just a phenom- SEC.” much to prove to enal athlete, but -Kimmy Gardiner, everyone in the she is a genuine SEC,” Gardiner person to be freshman opposite said. “I’m excitaround. ed to show all the “I feel like she would do anything for any- work we’ve been going through one. She’s always willing to and how hard we’ve been working help and she’s always there to to win these games, and hopefully listen. She’s just easy to talk to it shows on the court.”

10 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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