The Print Edition

Dogs seek to stay undefeated in conference play TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2013

Sports I 8

MLK remembered Life I 5

Reflector The

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM 125TH YEAR | ISSUE 28

TWITTER.COM/REFLECTORONLINE FACEBOOK.COM/REFLECTORONLINE

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Zipcar seeks to increase utility, services to students

BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Staff Editor

After three semesters of use at Mississippi State University, the Zipcar program in Starkville looks forward to becoming more beneficial to students and becoming a more widely used method of student transportation.

Avis, one of the largest car rental companies, recently bought Zipcar for almost $5 million. This business transaction will not result in negative changes for Zipcar at MSU. Everett Kennard, manager of transportation services, said the change cannot do anything but help both companies and the university with the expansion.

“The university sector will not be changed by the buyout,” Kennard said.

The Zipcar car-sharing program has been available at MSU since the 2011 fall semester. Since then, the program has been in use by students.

Shelby Balius, Student Association president, said

the car rental program has two cars located outside the Colvard Student Union available for student use.

“Once a student has registered for the program and rented their car, they are able to use the car for whatever they need,” Balius said.

Students can register online at Zipcar.com.

After registration, students can sign up for dates and specific times to use a Zipcar and will be mailed a usage card to gain access to the car.

“Your card unlocks the car, and the ignition key is inside,” Kennard said.

Balius said the program allows students without cars more freedom and flexibility.

“It gives our students who do not have cars on campus the ability to use the car for their needs even if that means going to a job interview, run errands or go home for a weekend,” she said.

Zipcar also accepts international driver’s licenses.

Kennard and Balius agreed its international compatibility is one of the reasons MSU decided to use COURTESY PHOTO | THE REFLECTOR the Zipcar program over other similar car-sharing The Zipcar program will adjust compatability changes after its implementation in 2011. businesses.

Study abroad safety taken to new level

BY JAMES TOBERMANN Staff Writer

Studying abroad introduces students to completely foreign cultures and experiences that can cause them to feel anxious before traveling to their destination.

According to Katherine Frantes, interim manager and coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad, students traveling overseas should be cautious but

not worried about living in a foreign country.

Frantes said the Office of Study Abroad requires students to complete an online orientation before leaving the United States.

“That orientation has a lot of information for students on staying safe,” Frantes said.

Frantes said keeping a friend nearby is important when traveling abroad.

“If you go out, go with someone, especially if you go out at night,” she said. “We can’t really

control this, but students should never go to a bar alone or go home with someone they don’t know.”

Frantes said studying abroad is comparable in many ways to taking a trip to New York City.

“If you were to go to New York, you would try to protect yourself against pickpockets,” she said.

“You would keep your purse closed, keep your belongings at your side, and guys would move their wallet to their front pocket.”

KAITLIN MULLINS, ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Director of U.S. National Park Service to speak at university

BY CANDACE BARNETTE Copy Editor

Director of the U.S. National Park Service Jonathan Jarvis will pay a visit to Mississippi State University today.

Jarvis made plans to visit MSU after speaking with his friend, fraternity brother and fellow alumnus of William and Mary College, Walter Diehl.

Diehl, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the idea to bring the NPS director to MSU began as soon as he found out about Jarvis’s title.

“When I was told several years ago he (Jarvis) had been named director of the National Park Service, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get him on campus,” Diehl said. “We talked about it and finally scheduled a time.”

Jarvis will hold two presentations one at 2 p.m. in Thompson Hall for students interested in pursuing a career with the NPS and one at

READER’S GUIDE

BAD DAWGS..............................2 OPINION ...............................3 CONTACT INFO.......................3 BULLETIN BOARD...................4

6 p.m. in McCool Hall for the general public.

His 6 p.m. seminar titled “National Parks and American Values: A Field Guide” will analyze many of the national parks and how each can serve as a metaphor for an American value, according to Diehl.

Jarvis has worked with the NPS since 1976, advancing through the ranks to his current position.

George Hopper, dean of the College of Forest Resources and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said he attributes Jarvis’s growth through the NPS as a major factor that will inspire his audience.

“He’s been with the park services for 36 years. From ranger, to resource management specialist, to park biologist, to superintendent, to director for three years, it’s quite an honor to have him share some of his experiences with us,” he said. “The directors of any of our federal agencies are always highly successful individuals.”

Diehl said Jarvis’s overwhelming responsibil-

CROSSWORD .................. ..... 4 CLASSIFIEDS...........................4 LIFE....................................5 SPORTS...................................8

POLICY

ity as director of a $3 billion federal agency is the main reason people will be interested in attending his presentation.

“There are about 400 properties in the national park system; we have over 275 million people visit our national Diehl park system every year. He’s the guy that’s in charge of all that,” he said.

“Anyone who appreciates our national, state or local park system would be interested in hearing what he has to say because we have a phenomenal park system. A lot of countries have national park systems, but I don’t think there’s another as extensive as ours is.”

Before Jarvis speaks at MSU, he will travel to Tupelo to visit headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, where he will speak to the staff there.

Marty Owens, executive assistant to the superintendent at the Natchez Trace Parkway, said their team is excited and honored to re-

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

ceive a visit from the director of the NPS. “It’s basically to us like the president of the United States is coming to see us, and that’s because he drives the mission of the parkway. He’s someone we respect, and we listen to what he says because what he says is very knowledgeable and informative about protecting our resources,” she said. “To actually have this man here who puts your mission into place when you go to work everyday, it’s an honor.”

Owens also said the public should be interested in what Jarvis has to say in his presentations because his task is relevant to everyone.

“What we’re talking about preserving and conserving is their property. It belongs to the American people,” she said. “How we do it plus what they can do is very important. I hope that when he goes to speak to the students that he puts a spark in there that maybe makes them want to come in and say, ‘How can I serve my country?’”

Jarvis’s 6 p.m. presentation for the general public will be held in the first-floor Rogers Auditorium of McCool Hall. Attendance is free to all.

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

38 35

46 32

40 29

59 29

2

|

NEWS

TUESDAY , JANUARY 15 , 2013

ZIPCAR “Since many amenities students need are off campus, the Zipcar allows them to borrow a car from the university to get off campus,” Balius said. “Particularly, it helps our international students and students who do not have a car on campus.”

Kennard said students using Zipcar will be fortunately have reserved spots for parking and will not have to fight other students for spaces.

“You do not lose your parking place because Zipcar has reserved parking places,” Kennard said.

Sharing timeslots with friends can also save students money.

“It’s a pretty good deal,” Kennard said. “Gas is furnished up to a certain number of miles.”

The Zipcar program also has the potential to help minimize the number of cars on MSU’s campus and therefore, its parking problem.

“Some universities have utilized Zipcar to minimize the number of cars on campus by

THE REFLECTOR

BAD

continued from 1 buying entire fleets,” Balius said.

Additionally, Kennard said Zipcar can help to reduce MSU’s carbon footprint.

“It can replace some vehicles and help the greenery of the university and its emissions and number of vehicles,” Kennard said.

MSU does not receive any monetary gain from the Zipcar program.

“It is a service to students,” Kennard said.

Kennard said Transportation Services continues to work on making the Zipcar program more beneficial to students.

“We would like to see more student usage, and we are still in the mode of trying to see how many cars are needed,” Kennard said.

MSU’s university organizations look to help students save money and Balius said by utilizing Zipcars, they can.

“Students who use Zipcar can save hundreds of dollars every month,” Balius said.

How to use

DAWGS

at MSU

1

Thursday, January 10

2 3

• 9:52 a.m. An employee reported a possible theft at the Perry Cafeteria.

• 10:12 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, shoplifting and suspended driver’s license on Louisville Street.

• 1:18 p.m. A student reported she had been receiving harassing text messages.

• 1:54 p.m. An employee reported a fuelman card was stolen from the vehicle while parked at Thompson Hall.

• 3:27 p.m. A student reported there was damage to her vehicle while parked in the Commuter East parking lot.

• 4:58 p.m. A student reported damage to his vehicle while leaving the parking lot in front of Humphrey Coliseum.

• 5:18 p.m. A student reported a fire at his residence on Bulldog Circle. Starkville Fire Department was dispatched.

4 5 ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

ABROAD Valik Koshka, junior computer science major and native Ukrainian, said he, too, compares traveling abroad to visiting a large city in the U.S. “You have to watch out for pickpockets in any big city,” he said. “Be alert, and keep your wallet in your front pocket.”

Koshka said study abroad participants should avoid carrying passports on their persons.

“Don’t carry any documents that are not easily replaceable; keep them in a safe,” he said. “A stolen passport is a big pain.”

Koshka added students should limit the amount of money they carry.

“Be minimalist,” he said. “Carry a driver’s license, some cash and maybe a few cards.”

Frantes said students tend to bring far more than they need when studying abroad.

“We tell students to pack their suit-

continued from 1 case, and then remove half of what they packed,” she said. “You can survive on a lot less than you think.”

Koshka said drawing attention to oneself in a strange country can be dangerous.

“Don’t be flashing money or expensive objects like iPhones, which are considered luxury items in many places,” he said. “Don’t give anyone a reason to want to harm you.”

Koshka also said researching the country to which students are traveling is vital.

“Do your homework before you leave for your destination,” he said. “Be mindful of the culture, because you don’t want to do something offensive.”

Frantes said Mississippi State University students who study abroad are generally required to purchase international health insurance, and the university provides such insurance for the MSU faculty-led study abroad programs.

“International health insurance is actually pretty inexpensive, and all the providers we work with offer the insurance,” she said.

Frantes said international health insurance helps to ensure students’ safety and well-being in case of an emergency.

“If a student needs things like treatment or medical evacuation, they are covered under the insurance,” she said.

Frantes also said in the event of a natural disaster, the Office of Study Abroad would try to contact students in the affected area and confirm their safety.

“We would also try to contact their parents and make sure they know they’re okay as well,” she said.

Frantes said the Office of Study Abroad has no serious health or safety problems on record.

“We haven’t had any real issues so far,” she said. “One student broke an ankle, but other than that, no major issues have been reported.”

Friday, January 11 • 12:14 a.m. A student was arrested for driving under the influence and careless driving.

• 1:31 p.m. A student reported damages to her vehicle while parked in the North Hall parking lot.

• 1:41 p.m. A student passed out while in Perry Cafeteria. OCH arrived and transported the student to the hospital.

Saturday, January 12 • 3:06 p.m. A non-resident/visitor reported she had been bitten by a dog while judging a class of Akitas at the Horse Park/Agricenter.

• 1:54 p.m. An employee reported fuelman cards stolen from an MSU vehicle.

• 5:19 p.m. A student reported suspicious activities taking place in Cresswell Hall.

Sunday, January 13 • 1:13 a.m. A non-resident/visitor was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, no tag, no insurance and suspended driver’s license at the corner of George Perry and Barr Avenue.

• 2:33 a.m. A student was found lying in the street at Bully Boulevard.

OCH arrived and transported the student to the hospital.

• 4:37 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of marijuana at Eckies Pond.

Citations:

VISIT • 8 citations were issued for speeding.

• 1 citation was issued for running a stop sign.

reflector @reflector-online.com

Download our iPhone or Android App today!

ADVERTISE (WITH)

THE REFLECTOR

CALL 325-7907

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

OPINION

TUESDAY , JANUARY 15, 2013

|

3

the voice of MSU students

THE CONSTANT | MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | MORGAN WENGER

ʻLes Misérablesʼ tells story with deeper meaning Human trafficking

P

atrons poured out of the- free from prison but not from aters with red eyes and its implications.

He cannot find work bemascara-stained cheeks.

Facebook exploded with post cause he bears papers declarafter post exclaiming, ‘Oh my ing he’s dangerous — his sin gosh, you HAVE to go see Les is still in chains around him.

Valjean is taken in by a kind Mis! It was amazing! I cried Bishop and ends up stealing the whole time!’

And I know exactly why his silver — but the Bish“Les Misérables” makes every- op shows him mercy by not one cry. I’ve figured it out. I only getting him out of trouhad an epiphany after I saw it ble with the law, but also by giving him all of his precious for a second time in theaters.

First of all, “Les Misérables” silver. Did Valjean deserve the makes a swift stab at your Bishop’s generosity?

No. Of course not. He actuheartstrings with the music.

Forget the lyrics for now; the ally stole from the man — not music alone has the power to to feed his starving nephew stir your soul; to make you — after the good Bishop took hurt, to make you feel, to him in and cared for him. Valjean deserves punishment but make you cry.

“Les Mis” wouldn’t pack the is given mercy.

The Bishop gives Valjean punch it does without such a powerful score. But the mu- something Inspector Javert sic simply sets the stage for a doesn’t understand: grace. Yes, Valjean gets a second chance beautiful story to be told.

It’s a story most people have as a new man. Several songs and plot twists later, Javert heard of, yet few understand.

Let’s take a look at Jean discovers Valjean’s new idenValjean. (By the way, if you tity and vows to bring him to justice for aren’t familiar with the plot, Grace isn’t something breaking the law because stop here, see you earn or work for; Javert lives by the movie/ grace is a gift. And the the law: “On musical, then the doorway start reading thing about grace is, to paradise / again.) we don’t understand That those Va l j e a n who falter spent a good it.” and those chunk of his life serving a prison sentence who fall / Must pay the price!” for a crime done out of mer- Javert doesn’t understand cy to save his starving sis- grace because it doesn’t make ter’s child. He stole a loaf of sense to him.

In his eyes, Valjean is a bread—big deal, right? Did Valjean deserve prison for criminal, and his job is to bring him to justice. Javert stealing bread?

According to the law, yes. doesn’t see the good in ValAfter 19 years, he is allowed jean; he doesn’t see the truth in Fantine’s situation (a womparole.

After 19 years of abuse, he is en forced into prostitution to

“

feed her daughter); no, Javert is blinded by the law.

Flash forward a few more songs, and the audience views the encounter we’ve all been hoping for: Javert’s hands are tied, with a rope around his neck, and Valjean gazes over him with not only a pistol in hand but a knife as well.

Valjean has the chance to end Javert’s relentless pursuit of him — he and Cosette (Fantine’s daughter he raised after her death) can live in peace. All he has to do is pull the trigger. But what does Valjean do? He shows grace.

Not only does he set Javert free, he also tells him he’s done his job and he understands Javert will still pursue him.

Every fiber of our human nature tell us, “Valjean! Kill him! Make it easy on yourself!” Why on earth would he set the inspector free? Why the grace?

What is grace?

Merriam-Webster tells us grace is “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification,” but I like to define grace as something wonderful given to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

Grace isn’t something you earn or work for; grace is a gift. And the thing about grace is, we don’t understand it. It doesn’t make sense. It counteracts our instinct.

“Les Misérables” tells the story of grace. It is a story of revolution and rebellion, but ultimately one of how a single act of kindness can change someone’s life forever. A single act of kindness: grace.

In the last few minutes of

needs awareness

I

MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE Mary Chase Breedlove is the opinion editor at The Reflector.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. the film, we see a dying Valjean pass away to join the ones who died before him, singing a familiar song with new words: “Do you hear the people sing? / Lost in the valley of the night / It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light / For the wretched of the earth there is a flame that never dies / Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise / They will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord / They will walk behind the ploughshed, they will put away the sword / The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward!”

The wretched of the earth — the sinners, thieves, adulterers — will live in freedom one day. Their chains will be broken.

Grace is given to the ones who don’t deserve it.

There is another story with similar themes of “Les Misérables” — unlike “Les Mis,” it’s one I believe to be true. It’s about a man who gave his life and took my place — our place — for the punishment of sin.

He gave me something I couldn’t possibly earn and do not deserve.

want to write to you and in an industry (like apparel) tell you how much I ap- and receive a list of compapreciate the article that nies within that industry that addressed the issue of human have been given a grade of trafficking that appeared in A-F based on their policies the Jan. 11 issue of The Re- and procedures that help to flector. It is such a big issue, reduce forced labor in their and the main problem right supply chain.

There is also a Free2Work now is awareness.

The majority of people app that can be downloaded don’t even know that people to some iPhones.

This app functions as a are being bought and sold and used and abused right more mobile version of the website so that while you are under their noses.

Most (if not all) of us are out shopping, you can make supporting human trafficking better choices about what without realizing it by the your money is going toward.

Another great thing to purchases we make. Forced keep an eye labor has out for is the crept into The majority of people “Fair Trade” almost every indon’t even know people certification. d u s t r y, are being bought and sold Companies that bear this including and used and abused certification electronics, apparright under their noses.” have been el, jewelry ensured to and coffee (all things we col- greatly reduce or eliminate lege students especially love). slave labor from their supply I would like to highlight chain.

These companies are also some useful resources that I have found that can be used good stewards to the environwhen buying products that ment and economic developare known to usually involve ment.

One popular company some form of slave labor.

When I am at the grocery that sells Fair-Trade-certified store or shopping for new products is Ben & Jerry’s. clothes or in the market for a What a great excuse to buy new computer, I want to be some ice cream!

Thank you for your notice able to know which companies are fighting to end forced on this issue. I would love to labor in their supply chains. see other articles in the future These are the companies that that detail organizations such I want to support over others. as these, so that readers can One useful tool that I have not only be aware of the issue come across is Free2Work. but also be educated about org. On the homepage of practical ways that they can this website, you can plug get involved.

“

THE GOLDEN THREAD | WENDY MORELL

Biological clocks really tick; not a myth, age can influence mental illness

F

emales of my generation, including myself, since I am unarguably female, were raised to believe we could have it all: the career life and family life.

I spent years not ruling out any career possibilities because I thought there was nothing in my way; I had the drive, the ambition and the intellect. But then as I got older, I started recalculating my future, realizing I had left one important variable out of the equation: kids.

Yes, I want to have kids. Call me crazy or just a woman, pretty much the same thing. (Calm down, feminists, it was a joke.)

I don’t want to have them soon, but I do think babies are adorable and cannot deny I have an overwhelming maternal instinct.

It was when I acknowledged this that I began to hear a little tick-tock going off in my head.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not

going to run off and get knocked 42-year-old chasing a toddler up because I think my biological around the house. clock is running out, but I think Scientists seem to agree with girls of my generation need to my concerns (scientists and I take a step back and realize, wait, are just so in sync.); it has been maybe you can’t have it all. known for some time that older Maybe you need to prioritize. mothers have a greater chance of We see celebrities giving birth bearing a child with chromosomwell into al abnormaltheir 40s, such as Older fathers were found ities, seemingly Down Synmuch more likely than without a drome. problem.

A recent younger fathers to have It gives us study dischildren with autism or comfort cussed in schizophrenia.”

TIME shows that we have that it is not so much time for settling down and having just older mothers that control a family; we can go to school till the likelihood of abnormalities, we’re 30, establish our career and but older fathers as well.

(And, since when you find an then decide it’s time to pop one (a older mother, you will probably child, that is) out.

What we don’t see is the fertil- find an older father paired with ity struggle, the IVF treatments, her, the child will be at higher risk the 40-year-old waking up ev- for more than just Down Synery two hours for feeding, the drome.) Older fathers were found

“

The

Reflector Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers

Managing Editor Kaitlyn Byrne

Life Editor Zack Orsborn

Multimedia Editor Eric Evans Sports Editor Kristen Spink

Campus News Editor John Galatas

Photography Editor Kaitlin Mullins

Copy Editor Candace Barnette

News Editor Emma Crawford

Opinion Editor Mary Chase Breedlove Copy Editor Rachel Burke

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Hannah Rogers

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/Kaitlyn Byrne 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Emma Crawford 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu News tips/John Galatas 325-7906 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Mary Chase Breedlove opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/Kristen Spink 325-5118 sports@reflector.msstate.edu Life Editor/Zack Orsborn 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

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.

much more likely than younger fathers to have children with autism or schizophrenia.

So now, ladies, it’s not just our biological clock we have to worry about; it’s our potential partner’s as well. These studies are especially beneficial to help increase knowledge of risk for these developmental or psychiatric disorders stem. In America, the rate of children born and diagnosed with autism has skyrocketed to one in 88.

These increased rates may have something to do with new gene mutations passed down, called “de novo mutations,” which have been found in the same study to be 97 percent attributed to the father’s age.

For example, the study found a 20-year-old father will pass 25 genetic mutations to his offspring; a 40-year-old father passes 65 genetic mutations.

A mother will consistently pass

down 15 mutations, no matter her age. The increase in genetic mutations translates to an increased risk for developmental or psychiatric disorders.

Another recent study conducted in Iceland compared genetic mutations in children born in 1980 compared to those born in 2011.

From 1980 to 2011, the average genetic mutation number increased from 60 to 70, paralleling an increase of fathers’ average ages, which rose from 28 to 33.

So yes, dream of doing whatever you’d like.

You can have a great career and also have a beautiful healthy family, but realize the rate of autism is most likely not going up just because of something in the air.

It is likely increasing due to the increasing age of parents.

I understand the desire to have it all, and I am in no way advo-

WENDY MORELL Wendy Morell is a senior majoring in communication.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. cating dropping out of school to immediately have babies; but, people, realize there are biological factors involved when having kids.

Not only does female fertility decrease, making it more difficult to conceive, but more and more studies are tying developmental problems and other problems to the age of the parents.

Trust me, I read Newsweek.

EVERYBODY NEEDS TO CALM DOWN | ZACK ORSBORN

Our generation doesnʼt know how to be alone

I

eye my phone as it sits on my bedside table. The blackness of the screen resembles that of an abyss of sorrow and loneliness.

It’s been 24 agonizing seconds since I last got a notification, and I’m freaking out.

Thoughts cloud my mind — why isn’t anyone talking to me?

Does everyone hate me?

That must be it. Everyone hates me, oh God. At last, the screen magically glows. In slow motion, with “O Fortuna” thundering in the background, I reach for my phone with deadly precision.

“Ten percent battery remaining” flashes on the screen. So not only does everyone in the entire universe hate me, so does my dwindling battery. Thanks, phone, I appreciate your killing of my self-esteem.

But then, I have a total epiphany.

Much like I crave Big Mac sauce, I constantly crave social interaction.

I’m literally on the edge of my nerves wondering when I’m going to exchange words with someone.

If I’m not in the presence

of another human being, I look everything about a permight as well as worthless as son that makes you unhappy.

Lindsay Lohan’s singing career I was unhappy while trying (although “Bossy” is my jam). to force myself to be…happy.

Although I’m clearly no so- Doesn’t make much sense, cial scientist, my cravings for does it? interaction might result from This constant search for a the fact that I’m terrified of significant other has taken unbeing lonely. countable hours of refreshing To whom will I make “Liz- my OKCupid profile. zie McGuire” references?

It’s become stressful filling Who will I complain about out About Me forms, asking Netflix’s painful buffering questions on whether or not speeds to?

I like seafood and admitting The thought of sitting in on the Favorite Movie section my room, by myself, for more that only Tyler Perry movies than three hours gives me the can make me cry. bad kind of chills.

Instead of worrying about But why does being by my- finding “the one,” (which is self sound one of the so nightumbest To be single, you have to dphrases marish?

I’ve settle. To settle, you must ever heard) In the past, I’ve overlook everything about I’m going relied on to learn to a person that makes you the theory be by myunhappy. I was unhappy that you self. I won’t must never while trying to force myself search anybe single. more. to be...happy. Doesn’t make I I know, I will know. Belearn to sit much sense, does it?” ing single, in a room right? with myself and be happy Who doesn’t have a signif- about it. Last time I checked, icant other, geez? Losers, am I’m a pretty cool guy. I’m I right? To not be single, you good company. I will start by have to settle. enjoying time alone. Like realTo settle, you must over- ly enjoying the silence.

“

ZACK ORSBORN Zack Orsborn is the life editor at The Reflector. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

I’ll read a book without checking my phone after every sentence.

I’ll watch copious amounts of “That’s So Raven” without worrying if someone will laugh with me.

I’ll drown myself in Polynesian sauce from Chik-Fil-A without someone sitting next to me in the Union.

I will go on a walk on the Drill Field without someone walking next to me.

Basically, I’ll be in relationship with myself and hope I don’t get weird looks when I hold my own hand and tell myself how pretty I am.

There are much worse things than being alone. Take watching “The Big Bang Theory,” for example. Bazi-…no, I just can’t, I’m sorry.

4

|

TUESDAY , JANUARY 15, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

1-15-13

BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue.

Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

HELP WANTED Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available. Call 800.965.6520 ext. 213.

FOR SALE Couch and chair that reclines in good condition. Burgandy recliner in good condition. Two barstools. One-year-old computer, Acer desktop. Call 773.6895.

FOR RENT One bedroom studio apartment. Appliances furnished. Old Highway 25. 418.8260.

2,800 square feet. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms. Brick home, two car garage, screened patio. Master suite separate. Next to Browning Creek. 418.8260.

Three bedroom, two bathroom brick house. Two car carport, fenced yard, large den and kitchen area. 418.8260.

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.

Wesley Foundation Worship Center on East Lee Boulevard next to Campus Book Mart.

MSU CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION The MSU Catholic Student Association invites you to join us for Sunday mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 607 University Dr. All are welcome to $2 Tuesday night dinner at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ msstatecsa MSU STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MICROBIOLOGY Contact msuasm@yahoo.com or like us on Facebook, “MSU ASM,” for membership information.

YOGA MOVES CLUB School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves!

Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings 5 to 6:30. Like Yoga Moves ClubMSU on Facebook.

SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Sociological Student Association is based in the Department of Sociology. Undergraduates of all ages are welcome. Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month in Bowen Hall room 250 at 5 p.m.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS SSC meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool room 212. Come and meet really cool people who all share interests in saving the environment. Don’t forget to opt-in for the Green Fund.

MSU STUDENT DIETETIC ASSOCIATION SDA meeting on Jan. 15 in Moore Hall 100. A light meal will be served at 5:45 p.m., business meeting at 6 and guest speaker at 6:30. Guest speaker is Beverly Lowry, director of child nutrition for Starkville School District.

WESLEY FOUNDATION Insight Bible study and worship on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the

Solutions for 1-11-13

FOLLOW the

NEWS DESK @newsreflector

ADVERTISE (WITH)

THE REFLECTOR

CALL 325-7907 Columbus Seventh-day Adventist Church

301 Brooks Rd.

(off North Lehmberg Rd.)

662-329-4311 Saturday Worship 9:30 am am 9:30

Sabbath School 11:15 10:30am am

Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm

ALL OUTERWEAR

1/2 Price

College Park Shopping Center | 100 Russell Street | 323-2326

FRIDAY , JANUARY 15, 2013

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

|

5

Life & Entertainment Club to hold candlelight vigil for Martin Luther King, Jr.

BY CALEB BATES ContributingWriter Nearly 45 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot while standing on the second floor balcony of his motel in Memphis, Tenn.

Along with his wife and four children, King left behind a legacy of peace, love and freedom. Tonight at 6, his legacy will be honored with a candlelight vigil at The Junction.

The event is sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, a campus organization that strives to enhance the college experience of culturally diverse students. The HCDC has coordinated a variety of different outreach events aimed at cultural awareness and sensitivity since its conception in 1979, when it was known as the Office of Minority Affairs.

The HCDC will provide over 300 candles to illuminate the night in King’s honor.

A keynote address will be given by Michael Williams, assistant professor of history here at Misssippi State University, titled “Upholding the Legacy.” Ra’Sheda Forbes, assistant director of the HCDC, is spearheading the organization and planning of the event. Forbes said this is the first time the center has done something to honor the life and legacy of King.

She said Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., a prominent African American fraternity on campus, will

MUCH ADO ABOUT SOMETHING | CATIE MARIE MARTIN

Become a better person in 2013 I f you’re at all like me, you were standing alone as the ball dropped at midnight on Jan. 1, 2013. No one kissed you good luck on making this year better than the last, on achieving your dreams or on becoming a better you. You woke up the next morning, ate some black-eyed peas and some hogjaw, scribbled down some resolutions on the back of a napkin and waited for the wet January air to somehow morph you into a new and improved version of yourself.

Maybe you went to the gym or resolutely tossed out your half-empty packs of cigarettes, continually repeating “this year will be different” in your head as your New Year’s mantra.

And then Jan. 2 rolled around and you ran out of time to go for a run or you bummed a smoke off a friend just for

the heck of it. And all of your heartfelt, genuine resolutions went straight down the drain.

I’ve made resolutions in the past. Go for a run five times a week, drink three cups of water a day, the usual. And I’ve broken them. And I’ve been disappointed and frustrated with myself. These tangible resolutions are fragile promises; we are human, and we make mistakes. I know there will never come a day when I will just naturally wake up and naturally want to run a half-marathon. And that’s okay.

In my 19 years of wisdom, I have learned the best we can do is to make a heartfelt attempt at becoming a better person with each passing year.

This year, I’m making the resolution to be a more patient person, a less selfish person and a healthier person. I’m

CATIE MARIE MARTIN

Catie Marie Martin is a sophomore majoring in English. She can be contacted at zorsborn@reflector.msstate. edu. not making empty promises to myself, and I’m not having an accountability partner who will only bring me down when I forget myself and eat an entire bag of Jalapeño Cheetos on a Friday night. My only resolution is to finish out 2013 a better, stronger, more intelligent person than I was when I started it, and I hope that is an attainable goal.

SOCIAL GRACES | CHRISTINE BOWMAN

How to deal with the distance: tips for long term relationships

F

or all of you star-crossed lovers on campus who just went from spending every waking second with your sweetie during the break to finding yourself hours away because of a long distance relationship: you are not alone.

Though these first few weeks may be the hardest to readjust to this drastic change, there are some tips to keep in mind regarding staying in touch with your significant other.

My first bit of advice is to use the mail service to your advantage. A heartfelt note received by snail mail is a great way to show your loved one you took time to make them feel special.

The possibilities are endless pertaining to what you can mail. Some suggestions would be his or her favorite candy — Hershey Kisses and Hugs — or my favorite, gift cards. Sending a Starbucks, Smoothie King or other kind of gift card will perk up his or her week with a little something sweet.

Remember: thoughtfulness is key. Try to relate any personal touches or experiences through these little happies.

Another idea is to spend time planning an event-filled week-

end together for the next time you will see each other. Be a tourist in your own town, and look into going to museums, zoos and local restaurants. This could be even more fun if your boyfriend or girlfriend lives in a town large enough to offer lots of activities.

Sporting events, such as Mississippi State University basketball and baseball games, are a great excuse for your honey to make a drive to Starkville. Make a weekend out of it by going to eat somewhere the two of you have never been before. If your other half goes to another college, consider taking a drive for one of his or her athletic events.

Making mixed CDs offer a thoughtful way to get personal.

Each track could mean something special to your relationship, or it could simply ease his or her drive home from visiting you.

Sending photographs is easy, and seeing pictures of the two of you together can brighten both of your days, since you don’t get to see each other in person very often.

Another idea for some couples is to choose to watch a movie at the same time or keep

CHRISTINE BOWMAN

Christine Bowman is a sophomore majoring in communication. She can be contacted at zorsborn@ reflector.msstate.edu. up with a TV series whether live or on Netflix. These are fun ways to connect and have something in common to discuss, rather than the day-to-day grind.

Last but not least, there are live video feeds. Skype and Facetime with iPhones are two ways to keep in touch while getting to see their face and hear their voice.

A long distance relationship is all about patience, trust and thoughtfulness. It is great to go ahead and prepare yourself, knowing you are not going to be able to see him or her as much as you did over the break, but that it will be worth it in the end.

also be making an address.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that Dr. King was actually a member of Alpha Phi Alpha,” Forbes said.

Two different groups will give musical tributes at the event. One of these is Doss Family Singers, a Southern Gospel group consisting of a mother and her three daughters based out of West Point. Also paying musical tribute is the Black Voices Choir, a student operated praise group that has been active for the last 39 years.

Junior kinesiology major Erika Lowe, president of the Black Voices Choir, explained how grateful the group was to be a part of this event.

“I think it’s such an honor to be a part of this type of reflection,” Lowe said.

When asked if the group had selected any songs with special meaning for the occasion, she said, “One of the songs we’re singing is ‘Ride on King Jesus,’ and in that song, it says no man can hinder me. When you believe in something, you’ve got to push on, no matter what stands in your way. I think that describes the life Dr. King lived.”

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Bill Foster Ballroom on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union.

Retired professor researches Civil War and here we are working together in the same place,’” he Marszalek.

The beginning of recently retired Michael Marszalek, also a Civil War Ballard’s interest in Civil War history is, as he expert with a list of credentials said, a study in irony: it began with an over- including 13 books published, stuffed chair once used by the namesake of his has worked with him since future workplace.

Ballard’s doctoral dissertation, Ballard “It’s really ironic that the one thing in the including together co-found(Vicksburg Courthouse) Museum that was al- ing the Civil War Historians-Western Theater ways the first place I went as a kid was an old group. Aside from the extensive list of scholasleather chair that had stuffing coming out of tic achievements of Ballard (his vita is 20 pages it; they had it in a glass case, and it was a chair long), Marszalek said his good nature shone that (General Ulysses S.)Grant supposedly through all else. Even at a reception honoring used when he was in Vicksburg,” Ballard said. his retirement, Marszalek said Ballard focused “I loved that chair. There was something about attention onto others, and away from himself. it. I can’t tell you why, but years and years after “The library had a big reception for him I wound up working for Grant papers.” we were all talking about him, and what does Ballard, a native of Ackerman, Miss., re- he do? He said, ‘Some of you may or may not ceived three degrees from Mississippi State know that a group of Marszalek’s graduate stuUniversity: a B.A. in history in 1975, an M.A. dents put together a book, and this book has in history/archives in 1976 and a Ph.D. in his- just been published, and I want to present it tory in 1983. Ballard joined university staff in to you,’” Marszalek said. “It’s his retirement, archives in 1983, going on to and he’s deflecting attention, become university archivist, and he’s putting it on the edWhen I was a kid I had itors, nice enough to put my coordinator of the Congresone brother, and my sional and Political Research wife (and my own) picture in parents used to take us it, and dedicate the book to my Center and associate editor of Ulysses S. Grant Presidential to Vicksburg occasion- wife and me.”

Library publishing projects.

Ballard’s focus on his friends ally; I immediately fell As well as making a sizable and colleagues is also revealed in love with the town contribution to MSU through in his attention to the humanand the battlefields.” archive work, Ballard has also ity of the Civil War, his quick- Michael Ballard authored 11 books centered ness to share stories of soldier on the Civil War, an interest, diaries and correspondence he which he said, stemmed from a childhood in has studied and the unimaginable trials they history-steeped Mississippi. endured.

“When I was a kid I had one brother, and Ballard said one soldier left behind an account my parents used to take us to Vicksburg oc- of blisters on his feet so large that he could not casionally; I immediately fell in love with the fit them into boots salvaged from a deceased soltown and the battlefields,” he said. ider that would have otherwise fit him perfectly.

Ballard also visited battlefields with a cousBallard spoke often of how fascinating and in to search for Civil War relics buried in the enjoyable his work has been, and said he will ground. Heading to Port Gibson, Miss., to continue to research the Civil War, because, it’s hunt for animals as well as relics, Ballard said what he is interested in. these searches got him rooted in another locaHe said he plans to seek out a few other intion: the pages of books. terests, as well, including possibly publishing a “That’s what got me to reading; I really got work of fiction he wrote and working on a bit interested in the war. I wanted to know where of music. the troops were when we got to the battle“I’ve been writing Southern Gospel songs, field,” he said. which I love, I’d like to learn a language or two, Ballard changed his major from music to get better at the guitar, which I can only strum,” history once beginning college, taking his first he said.

Civil War class under John Marszalek, and Marszalek said Ballard’s retirement is a huge beginning another ironic cycle that Marsalek, loss to MSU, but he also spoke of what he said current director and managing editor of Ulyss- Ballard means to him and his colleagues as a es S. Grant Presidential Library, said Ballard person. had laughed about for years.

“He’s a really special person to me and to a lot “He used to (jokingly) tell people, ‘I thought of people. It’s an amazing, amazing thing, the I got rid of Marszalek when I got my degree, kind of good human he is.”

BY DANIEL HART Staff Wrtier

“

What’’ In Youu

NETFLIX

Queue?

the good, the bad, the shameful

1. “Breaking Bad” Although the series isn’t complete, a lot is on Netflix, and it was one of the most thrilling shows on television.

2. “Jackie Brown”

Quentin Tarantino is a personal favorite director of mine, and as usual, he delivers with this one.

3. “Battlestar Galatica”

A very smart sci-fi show. Exciting action with a great political subplot that references turmoil in the Middle-East.

ROBBIE RICHARDSON Senior, art major

6

|

LIFE

FRIDAY , JANUARY 15, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

THE CONSTANT | MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE

“Smash” sings a better melody in second season preview

O

n Feb. 5, NBC’s musical drama “Smash” will premiere its second season. Many “Smash” fans (like myself ) felt the show’s plot meandered from its original exciting pilot to something predictable and frustrating. However, season two will not disappoint.

Don’t get me wrong; season one was not necessarily disappointing. Viewers watched a musical come together about the life of Marilyn Monroe, complete with original music that managed to tell Monroe’s life story and reflect the characters’ lives as well. That’s im-

pressive and entertaining.

After watching the first 45 minutes of the two-hour season premiere on nbc.com (you can, too), I have faith this season will have several solid things going for it.

1. The Cast: “Smash” already has a star-studded cast; American Idol’s Katharine McPhee, Broadway darling Megan Hilty and Debra Messing give the show initial star power. This season, Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Martin and Nikki Blonsky, along with many others, will add to the cast in a way that actually works for the show. (Meaning,

I don’t see them being like Uma Thurman was on the show. Thank God.) Most of the newest cast additions have proven themselves to be talented singers. I realize Thurman’s character wasn’t supposed to be a bad singer, but featuring guest stars who can’t sing on a show about people singing isn’t a smart move for a show like “Smash.”

2. The Songs: What makes “Smash” so different is the original music. The original songs for the fictional Bombshell musical give the show the edge to set itself apart from shows like “Glee.” The begin-

ning of the season two premiere opens with an original song that will not disappoint.

3. The Story: The messy story lines from season one will come to a fruition of sorts in season two, and I don’t think they will end up derailing all over the place.

There is complexity among relationships, work, the future of Bombshell and the future of Bombshell’s cast members.

4. Ivy vs. Karen: I have a feeling Ivy (Hilty) and Karen (McPhee) may not be at each other’s throats for the entire season. One of the

MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE

Mary Chase Breedlove is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at zorsborn@ reflector.msstate.edu. initial things about “Smash” I loved so much was that I didn’t hate the two women in competition to play the role of Marilyn. In fact,

I liked both of them a lot.

Writers later made Ivy out to be a complete jerk and the stereotypical antagonist.

I’d like to see Ivy and Karen regain a friendship in the midst of competing for the role of a lifetime. (Let’s be honest; Karen will never be “safe” as the lead role.)

However, I could be proven wrong in all of this. I hope I’m not. I foresee season two being more consistent with the pilot episode: exciting, different and captivating.

You won’t have to be a fan of musical theater to enjoy “Smash.”

TJ VAUGHT | DAYS AND CONFUSED

FOLLOW @LIFEREFLECTOR ON TWITTER. FOR REAL. SERIOUSLY. WE REALLY LIKE PEOPLE, AND YOU ARE A PERSON.

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Lone senior, Gaynor, finds her way to MSU began high school, and Gaynor chose to attend college in Staff Writer Eugene, Ore. “Oregon was the only Darriel Gaynor leads the Mississippi State women’s school that recruited me all basketball team on and throughout high school,” off the court as the team’s Gaynor said. “I’m big on loyonly senior. Gaynor’s road alty, and they were loyal to to MSU has been a long, me. It was an easy decision.”

Gaynor’s career at Oregon winding road in which she has been through injuries, was short-lived, playing in transfers and multiple oth- 26 games for the Ducks in er challenges to land her in only one season where she averaged 1.3 points and one Starkville.

Gaynor’s success on the rebound per game.

After a short stint at Orecourt started early in life as she was impacted by the ped- gon, Gaynor transferred to igree of basketball she grew Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. up around.

In her first game at TVCC, Darriel was taught the game of basketball by some- Gaynor’s season ended as one she holds very close to quickly as it began. Within her heart. Her teacher, the the first five minutes of the one whom she still looks game, Gaynor suffered a seaup to this day, is none other son-ending knee injury that would cause her to become than her sister.

At the age of five years redshirted for the remainder old, Gaynor’s sister Sequoia of her sophomore year. But Holmes, versed Darriel in Gaynor was determined to continue her playing career. the game of basketball.

After recovering from her “Sequoia has been a big influence in my life,” Gaynor injury, Gaynor committed to said. “She’s my mentor and the University of Alabama, but shortly after, she decommy best friend.”

Holmes played in the mitted and found her way to WNBA for the Phoenix Starkville. Gaynor said her Mercury and the Houston reason for choosing MSU Comets and now plays in was simple.

“I love the family atmoSlovakia.

With the help of Holmes, sphere at State,” Gaynor along with practice and said. “It’s different from the coaching throughout her big city, but I like it here.”

Since becoming a Bulldog, life from other people, Gaynor made her way to Bish- Gaynor has been a leader on and off the op Gorman court. She has High School Darriel plays awfully used her past and immediately impacthard. We look to her experience in career to ed the proon the court to be a her help out the gram. While leader for the team.” younger playat Bishop ers around her, Gorman, Vic Schaefer, such as juGaynor averhead women’s nior Candace aged almost basketball coach Foster. Foster 15 points per game, along with 4.2 spoke highly of Gaynor’s rebounds and 5.4 assists leadership ability.

“She is a hard worker and during her junior year, leading the Gaels to their second a great leader,” Foster said. straight 4A State Champion- “She goes the extra mile to ship. The Gaels won three do all that she can and leads championships in Gaynor’s by example.”

Sophomore guard Kendra last three seasons.

The Oregon Ducks heavi- Grant said she has also been ly recruited Gaynor since she highly influenced by GayBY AUSTIN CHANCE

“

TUESDAY , JANUARY 15, 2013

|

7

SPORTS over the weekend

Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team fell 62-42 at LSU Sunday afternoon. The loss kept the Dogs winless in SEC play and moved them to 8-9 on the season.

Sophomore Martha Alwal led State with 17 points and 14 rebounds to record her eighth double-double of the season. Sophomore Carnecia Williams added nine points and eight rebounds, and junior Katia May came off the bench to score seven points to go along with five assists.

The Tigers went on an 18-2 run to end the first half, and the Dogs shot just 6-27 from the floor in the half. Overall, State was just 2-16 from long range and 6-14 from the free throw line.

In a press release, head coach Vic Schaefer said LSU’s run to end the first half was the difference in the game.

“We had trouble scoring against the zone,” Schaefer said. “It was long and athletic, but I thought we did a better job in the second half. We made some good decisions and stopped turning the ball over.”

MSU will travel to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats Thursday at 6 p.m.

Indoor Track and Field

STEPHANIE GODFREY | THE REFLECTOR

Senior Darriel Gaynor started her collegiate career at the University of Oregon before transferring to a community college and ultimately finding her way to Mississippi State. nor’s presence at State.

“Darriel has been through everything in her career, and she is still so positive and uplifting to everyone on this team,” Grant said.

Although it may seem as if Gaynor has been playing a high number of minutes for State, she only appeared in the starting lineup here once during her junior season. She is now a fifth-year senior, and excels on the court in her final year as a starter. Head coach Vic Schaefer said he

credits her work ethic as a reason for her success.

“Darriel plays awfully hard,” Schaefer said. “We look to her on the court to be a leader for this team.”

During her career, Gaynor has been through almost everything that any player could possibly go through to get to her final destination as an athlete, but she has kept her head up and now leads the Dogs on and off the court during her final stand in college.

At the UAB Invite Friday, the MSU track and field team captured six top-10 finishes, including a first place finish by D’Angelo Cherry in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.66 seconds.

The team competed in the Crimson Tide Indoor Opener Saturday and recorded 10 top-five finishes. The men’s 4x400m relay team of Daundre Barnaby, Brandon McBride, Randy Patterson and Tavaris Tate won with a time of 3:06.50.

In the pentathalon, Erica Bougard finished top-three in three of the five events, including a first place finish in the 60m hurdles.

Cornelia Griesche claimed a fourth place finish in the 300m run.

Cherry finished second in the 60m dash, and Nathan Arnett captured second place in the 60m hurdles.

The Dogs now turn their attention to the Auburn Invitational on Jan. 19.

Bulldogs will appear in Super Bowl XLVII After the conclusion of the divisional round of the playoffs, four former Bulldogs, one on each team, are left in the NFL playoffs.

Anthony Dixon, who scored the game-sealing touchdown against Green Bay, and the San Francisco 49ers will take on Charles Mitchell and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game Sunday at 2 p.m.

Kyle Love and the New England Patriots will battle Pernell McPhee, who sacked and forced Peyton Manning into a fumble in the divisional round, and the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Mullen ready for 2013, adds two new coaches

BY JOHN GALATAS

adjust his coaching staff.

Co-defensive coordinator Geoff Collins was promotFollowing MSU’s 8-5 2012 ed as full-time coordinator, campaign, head coach Dan and Mullen brought in Tony Mullen has officially closed Hughes as safeties coach after the books on 2012 and can Melvin Smith left for Auburn.

Last week, Mullen annow turn his attention to nounced the hiring of Da2013.

“We had our team meeting vid Turner as defensive line last week and this year’s team, coach, and Mississippi native the 2013 team, was born,” and former Arizona Cardinals Mullen said. “That was the assistant Deshea Townsend birth of a team and we have as cornerbacks coach. Turner a one-year life, this team, to was with the Bulldogs from leave their mark on history. 2007-2009 before joining And I know they are fired up Joker Phillips’s staff at Kentucky in 2010. and ready to get after it.”

“We’re really excited about After a 7-0 start, the Bulldogs lost five of their last six all of the new guys coming in games, including a loss to Ole here,” Mullen said. “David Miss and a Gator Bowl loss Turner has a lot of experience to Northwestern. But Mullen here and knows the state of said he is still optimistic about Mississippi, knows recruiting, the direction he is leading the knows what our program is about, knows about our guys. program.

“The program is certainly I know we were disappointed going in the direction I want to lose him when we lost him it to go in, which is the op- a couple years ago, and I was really thrilled portunity to To me it’s about hiring and excited to continue to win football a coaching staff and have him come back and join games, to making sure that staff our staff.” put ourselves Mullen said in a discushas a great he was not insion, as the combination of people vested in hirseason wears that we’re putting out ing specific on, to go and compete for there and can feed off individuals for each vacancy conference of each other.” but rather apchampionproached the Dan Mullen, ships which task by enis our ultihead coach visioning his mate goal whole staff as a unit. here,” he said.

“When you go to hire Task number one for Mullen following the New Year’s somebody, it’s not about just Day loss was to evaluate and hiring a specific coach,” MulCampus News Editor

“

COURTSEY OF MSU MEDIA RELATIONS | THE REFLECTOR

Junior Gabe Jackson announced his decision to return for his senior year last week.

Jackson said he talked to Johnthan Banks among other players to help make the decision. len said. “To me it’s about hir- Mullen can focus on next to MSU for his senior season, which will bring experience to ing a coaching staff and mak- year’s roster and recruiting.

MSU listed 19 seniors on a growing offensive line. ing sure that staff has a great “I talked it over with coach combination of people that its 2012 roster, including four we’re putting out there and defensive backs, four receiv- Mullen and my parents and can feed off of each other, and ers and seven linemen. Last came out with a good deciweek, junior All-American sion to come back and finish that’s what we’ve done.”

Now that his coaching offensive lineman Gabe Jack- my education,” Jackson said. changes are taking shape, son announced he will return “I talked to (Johnthan Banks)

about his choice, and other guys who had the choice to leave, and he said ‘Think what’s best for you and the team, just don’t be selfish about this season.’”

The biggest losses the Dogs will face are at the receiver and defensive back positions, but Mullen said his coaches are looking to recruit players at every position.

“Offensive line is obviously a big need for us this year.

Quarterback is a big need for us this year, receiver,” he said. “Here’s the thing I guess when you look at it: there are the ones you expect guys to have to come in and play right away. But I think you have to, as we’ve been able to do I think with the program, to build the depth within a program, to go compete in the Southeastern Conference; you better have solid recruiting across the board at every position. You can’t have lapses in years of positions or you’re going to get yourself caught at some point.”

The Bulldogs currently have 20 verbal commits and are projected to have a top-15 recruiting class according to 247sports.com. The Dogs also have two junior college transfers, safety Justin Cox and receiver Jeremy Chappelle, who already enrolled earlier this month, and Mullen said he expects them and every junior college transfer to make an immediate leadership impact.

The 2013 season and roster will become more clear after National Signing Day Feb. 6.

Want in-game updates and the latest news on MSU athletics?

FOLLOW THE SPORTS SECTION

@SPORTSREFLECTOR on twitter

SPORTS 8

|

TUESDAY , JANUARY 15 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

MISSISSIPPI STATE IS ONE OF ONLY EIGHT SCHOOLS GUARANTEED TO HAVE A FORMER PLAYER WIN A SUPER BOWL RING THIS YEAR.

COLLEGE HOOPS: ALABAMA AT MSU WEDNESDAY, 8 P.M. CSS

Five Dogs possess high draft stock State looks to stay THE COACH’S CORNER | FORREST BUCK

T

he college football season is over, which means it is time to start talking about the NFL draft. Mississippi State has five players at the moment who have a good chance of being drafted — cornerback Johnthan Banks, defensive tackle Josh Boyd, wide receiver Chad Bumphis, outside linebacker Cameron Lawrence and cornerback Darius Slay.

Banks is the stand-out player of this bunch and the only player among the group who has the talent and potential to be a full-time NFL starter as a rookie. Scouts consider Banks the second best cornerback prospect in the entire draft class behind Alabama’s Dee Milliner.

Banks can cover, but his biggest strength is his ability to play the run, which is a rarity at his position. In coverage, Banks is capable of playing both man and zone well but, of the two, is better in man coverage.

Banks has average speed at the corner position but his 6’2, 185-pound frame is great size for a cornerback and will allow him to be physical at the line of scrimmage with receivers and to match up with a lot of the bigger receivers at the NFL level who are 6’3 or 6’4. I think Banks, if he reaches his full potential, can be a bigger, more athletic version of Antoine Winfield, the three-time Pro Bowl cornerback who currently plays for the Vikings.

As of right now, three players from MSU have been invited to the NFL Combine: Banks, Boyd

and Slay. Banks got all the attention this season, but Slay proved to be a ball hawk this year with five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Of all the guys who are projected to be drafted from State, Slay is the only one who was not on the NFL radar at the beginning of the season, but he is now projected to go in the third round.

Slay has average speed for the NFL level, but being 6’1, 190 pounds helps his stock. Slay still has room to improve in terms of technique and pure coverage skills at the next level, but he’s rocketed up draft boards because of his ball skills and playmaking abilities.

Boyd is projected to be a fifth rounder. In college, Boyd was a one-technique defensive tackle, and as of right now, scouts believe he will be too small and not physically dominant enough to play that role in the NFL. Yet, at the same time, he is not athletic enough nor a good enough pass rusher to be a three-technique.

But scouts praise Boyd for his high motor and his ability to play the run, and because of that, he will make an NFL roster.

Lawrence was named to the All-SEC second team for his outstanding play this season. As of now, he is only projected to be a sixth or seventh round pick, but that could change as he begins to work out for teams and scouts take a closer look at him.

He had 111 tackles this season and 123 his junior year.

That shows consistency, which

perfect in SEC play

BY ANSON KEITH Staff Writer

FORREST BUCK Forrest Buck is a junior majoring in sport pedagogy.

He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com. is always valued when looking at seniors who played well in their junior years. At only 230 pounds, though, he is small and needs to get bigger and stronger to hold up against the run at the next level.

Coming into the year, it looked like Bumphis might end up on the outside looking in on draft day, but after putting together the best season of his career during his senior campaign with 12 touchdowns, he put himself in a great position to be drafted.

He shows quickness rather than speed, and at 5’11 he best translates as a slot WR in the NFL. He is currently projected to be a seventh-round pick. He brings value to a team as a kick or punt returner, which should play a big role in him being drafted.

Cornerback Corey Broomfield, offensive tackle Tobias Smith and wide receiver Chris Smith are in the mix but may not get drafted; however, all three should be able to receive an invite to camp and have a chance to make a team as an undrafted free agent if they are not selected in the draft.

If the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide Wednesday, it will be the first time since 1936 a first year head coach from MSU started out 3-0 in SEC play.

The Bulldogs, who have not started 3-0 in SEC play since 2010, also look to improve their stellar record at home.

They are 5-1 at The Hump this year.

In their first SEC road test Saturday, the Dogs came from behind to defeat Georgia 7261.

Head coach Rick Ray said he thinks even though the guys are a young team and injuries are most definitely playing a big role in this season’s lineup, the team is improving steadily.

“Us going on the road and getting that win over Georgia was huge. The team is really trusting the motion-based offense, and even when the shot clock gets low, they don’t panic and continue to keep moving,” he said.

Ray repeatedly noted the importance of ball security and defense. The Dogs have been most successful when they have applied pressure on the ball handler.

“Our guys must take care of the ball on offense, but we preach defense,” Ray said.

“That’s all we do: we practice defense and getting stops. The offense and easy buckets will come from that.”

Craig Sword, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week, played Saturday’s game against Georgia with a sprained ankle.

He said he thinks the team’s ability to knock down easy shots and apply pressure defensively are the keys to Wednesday’s game and for the rest of the season.

“I think it’s all about me letting the game come to me and not trying to force things,” Sword said. “Sometimes I move too fast, but now with Jalen (Steele) back, it opens up my game a lot more. But defense is still the most important. Everybody can play offense. We know that, but we just really try to stay focused on defense. Some of

BARTON DINKINS | THE REFLECTOR

Freshman Craig Sword, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week last week, has been a key part of State’s quick start, averaging 17 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in conference play. their players have more experience than ours, so we know we need to be prepared.”

After scoring a career-high 18 points in State’s SEC opener against South Carolina, Sword scored 16 points and added two steals in MSU’s win over Georgia.

Jalen Steele missed eight games earlier this season with a wrist injury but scored a career-high 21 points on Saturday at Georgia. Steele said he is very excited about the upcoming game against SEC rival Alabama. He said the game on Saturday helped him get back into the flow of things.

“During the Georgia game everything felt back to normal. Everything felt good and my game is starting to come back now,” Steele said. “My teammates were setting good screens and really trying to help me get open. It really helped out.”

Steele, a Junior guard from Knoxville, Tenn., is averaging 11.5 points and 23.3 minutes per game.

The Dogs must face a Crimson Tide team that is coming off a 68-65 win over Tennessee.

Alabama is led by Trevor Releford, who averages 16.3 points per game. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.

Wednesday at the Hump.