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TUESDAY APRIL 9, 2013

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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Fifth annual Maroon Edition book selected BY EMMA CRAWFORD News Editor

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Mississippi State University Athletic Director, Scott Stricklin, celebrates with the football team and congratulates Dan Mullen after a win.

Scott Stricklin makes his presence felt at State BY KRISTEN SPINK Sports Editor

As Mississippi State’s athletic programs continue to rise to the top of the SEC, Bulldog athletic director Scott Stricklin continues to work behind the scenes making the magic possible. Like a magician, Stricklin is everywhere. Fans, coaches and players spot Stricklin at almost every game or match held on campus, supporting his staff and the student-athletes through both the ups and downs. Stricklin said while he loves going to games, he often becomes like a fan and second-guesses the program while watching games. For example, if he sees a missed hit-and-run at a baseball game, he wonders

Victorianist delivers lecture Wednesday

if the coaching staff had enough training equipment to teach the skill properly. “I think everybody gets into this business for the games. The games are fun, but if you’re competitive, there’s a lot of anxiety during games, especially when you’re in an administrative roll,” Stricklin said. “Once the game starts, there’s nothing you can do to affect the outcome, but you feel like you ought to.” Preseason All-American shortstop Adam Frazier said Stricklin stays active and makes his face shown rather than hiding behind the busyness of the sports realm. “I don’t know if he’s missed a game, which is pretty neat for an athletic director. I know at some other schools, their guy doesn’t really ever come around, but he (Stricklin) is always out there supporting,” Frazier said. “He’s a

real nice guy. He’s there for anybody who ever needs anything, so it’s nice to know that.” Stricklin said he makes a point to stop by practices daily to be visible to the teams and student-athletes rather than being caught behind his desk all day. But any good magician must have a wand. For Stricklin, social media has catapulted him to become one of the most active ADs in the conference. Although his age also makes him one of the youngest in the SEC, his youthfulness has benefited his social media use. Stricklin has the second most Twitter followers — over 21,000 — of SEC ADs (behind Arkansas’ Jeff Long) and holds the top spot with over 2,000 Instragram followers. In addition to this, Stricklin hosts his own monthly radio show called “Hail State with Scott Stricklin.” SEE STRICKLIN, 9

Breaking ground: walking track construction begins BY JAMES TOBERMANN Staff Writer

BY ANNA WOLFE Staff Writer

Author and English professor at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will visit Mississippi State University on Wednesday for the Humanities’ Distinguished Lecture Series. Students can attend Nancy Henry’s presentation, “Women and the Victorian Culture of Investment,” in McCool Hall’s Rogers Auditorium at 4 p.m. Henry is the author of “George Eliot and the British Empire,” “Victorian Investments: New Perspectives on Finance and Culture” and “The Life of George Eliot.” Her work focuses on Victorian literature and culture, 19th-century finance, imperialism and colonialism. According to a news release, Henry will discuss women’s use of investments to find independence. Henry said in a news release the importance of looking at investments of women in the past, as it directly relates to modern women in the 21st-century global society. “So women have been investing for a long time, and yet even today women are not as knowledgeable about managing their money as men,” she said. Students will participate in a discussion of the relevance of 19th-century finance. “By studying the past, we can see that the subject of women’s financial independence has an interesting history, and that the history continues today,” Henry said.

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Mississippi State University announced “Physics for Future Presidents” by Richard A. Muller as the fifth book in the Maroon Edition program on April 8. Muller is a physics professor at University of California, Berkeley as well as a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Scientist. In 1982, Muller was presented with a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, an honor known as the “genius grant.” “Physics for Future Presidents” covers a range of topics that future presidents of the United States will face, as well as other future leaders. Muller’s book addresses the science behind topic areas including, energy, specifically oil, coal and solar power; nuclear weapons, nuclear plants, space exploration, particularly exploration, spy satellites and GPS systems and global warming. Linda Morse, professor of educational psychology, said Muller’s book is based on course material from his course for non-science majors and covers a variety of subjects throughout its 384 pages. “The book came out of lectures he did for his students at Berkley and so you could read one chapter, you could read many chapters. I hope you will read all of them,” she said. “They are very interesting discussions of the physics involved in particular situations.” A committee of faculty, the Maroon Edition Committee, selects the Maroon Edition book after reading each potential option to make a choice to benefit MSU students. Morse said this year’s book was chosen because of the leadership roles she thinks MSU students will pursue after leaving the university. She said as future leaders and informed citizens students can read “Physics for Future Presidents” in preparation for dealing with and understanding problems facing our country and the world. “This particular book, while it says ‘Physics for Future Presidents,’ is really about issues in the world today that an informed citizen should know,” she said. “And of course, our students are the leaders of tomorrow, so we felt like it was something a little bit different.” Morse also said although details still need to be worked out, Muller has agreed to visit campus in the fall in coordination with the selection of his book for the Maroon Edition program. All incoming freshmen who attend orientation in the summer will receive a copy of “Physics for Future Presidents,” and the book will also be available for purchase at the Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State bookstore.

KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR

Soon students will have the option to exercise outdoors on a track around Chadwick Lake.

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TUESDAY

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Construction on the new walking and running track to be built around Chadwick Lake will begin soon and is projected to be open to the Mississippi State University community in September. Joyce Yates, director of Health Education and Wellness at MSU, said a groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday and the Department of Health Education and Wellness is eager for construction to begin. “Now it’s time to break ground, and it’s a great thing for MSU,” she said. Yates said the MSU on the Move grant awarded to the Department of Health Education and Wellness by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, is funding the track. Yates said the Department of Health Education and Wellness has allocated all of the grant funds to promote fitness and overall health on MSU’s campus. “All initiatives support increased exercise and better nutrition habits for all MSU community — faculty, staff and students,” she said. “We hope MSU on the Move has been branded across campus so that people know it stands for health and wellness.” In an email interview, Dan Whatley, construction administrator for MSU, said he expects construction to begin in approximately two weeks. Whatley said Weathers Construction, Inc., from Columbus, Miss., will provide the construction services and the department of Facilities Management will supervise the project. Whatley said the expected duration of the project is about five months. “The contract calls for a 150-calendar-day duration, so we expect completion by the late part of September,” he said.

SEE TRACK, 2

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NEWS

TUESDAY , APRIL 9 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

BAD DAWGS

Friday, April 5 • 4 a.m. A student was arrested on Spring Street for driving under the influence, careless driving and no insurance. • 9:30 a.m. A student was arrested off campus on a warrant for embezzlement.

Saturday, April 6 • 12:51 a.m. A student was arrested in Hunter Henry Center parking lot for public drunkenness. A student referral was issued. • 3:24 a.m. A student was arrested on Bully Boulevard for careless driving and no proof of insurance. A student referral was issued. • 1:54 p.m. A non-resident/visitor reported her daughter fell off a horse at the MSU Horse Park. No injuries were reported. • 6:16 p.m. A non-resident/visitor reported his vehicle was damaged while parked near the Dudy Noble baseball field.

Sunday, April 7 • 2:12 a.m. A student was arrested on MacGruder Street for driving under the influence, no driver’s license and littering. • 8:17 a.m. An officer reported a dumpster fire at the Leo Seal Football Complex. • 2:19 p.m. A non-resident/visitor fell off her horse hitting her head at the MSU Horse Park. The subject refused medical treatment. • 3:17 p.m. A student hit a light pole making a left turn off Coliseum Boulevard. • 6:20 p.m. A non-resident/visitor reported hitting her leg while riding her horse at the MSU Horse Park. • 9:34 p.m. Student referrals were issued for disturbance in Sessums Hall parking lot. • 10:17 p.m. A student’s vehicle was wrapped in plastic wrap in the Zacharias Village parking lot. The subject reported everything was fine.

Monday, April 8 • 12:08 a.m. A student reported her cell phone was stolen from the Sigma Chi house on Saturday.

Citations:

• 7 citations were issued for speeding. • 2 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device. • 2 citations were issued for driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Construction on the featured outdoor walking track around Lake Chadwick is projected to be completed by September.

TRACK

continued from 1

In an email interview, Bill Broyles, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, said MSU does not expect the track to create any serious conﬂict with the disc golf course around Chadwick Lake. “We will need to relocate some tee boxes to make everything work together,” he said. “The track and the disc golf course will occupy the same general area, but we do not envision any issues with people enjoying both at (the) same time.” According to a news release from the Department of Health Education and Well-

ness, the concrete track will have a width of six feet. An exercise loop of .15 miles on the north side of the Sanderson Center will connect to the .80-mile trail around Chadwick Lake for a total track distance of .95 miles. Yates said she hopes the convenience of the new track will encourage students, faculty and staff to exercise regularly. Yates added the health of the community is the primary focus of the MSU on the Move grant. Yates said many segments of MSU, including the Student Association and the

Division of Student Affairs, have cooperated to facilitate the construction of the new track. “We’ve had so much administrative support. The SA partnered with us, and so many others have worked with us,” she said. Yates also said she is conﬁdent the teamwork being put into the construction of the track will beneﬁt MSU students. “When you have people working together on so many levels, you know it’s going to be something for the good of the students,” she said.

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OPINION

the voice of MSU students

FACE-OFF:

FOR

AGAINST

Personhood Amendment

THE WORD ON JOHNSON STREET | MATT TAYLOR

PRICE OF TEA IN CHINA | ANNA WOLFE

Fertilization begins life-giving Defining ‘personhood’ wrongly process, personhood approaches abortion issue

o back to high school, it is wrong to take another life. U.S. history specifical- Now, what if there was another ly. At some point after person who was removed from you learned why we first started man-made law and lived acgetting our noses in the affairs cording to his or her own moral of North and South Korea you code? Would I see it right for learned about a very important Supreme Court case: Roe v. someone to take life of a perWade. This case essentially dis- son who crossed him or her? allowed restrictions regarding I would see it wrong from my abortion on a state and federal view, but I could not find fault or condemn him or her for his level. However, this decision or her actions since doing so is opened a back door prompting not my place; their truth is their the question of what circum- own, not mine. Since we live in a country stances makes where taking abortion illeWith thought, not a life has congal that still seeing fertilization as sequences, goes on to the dawn of life can be then I underthis day. Now, let’s difficult. I see this event stand he or she must face fast forward as the moment when them. Also, to the fall of I need to ad2011 when all the ingredients for our Magnolia human life have been dress the issue of rape. State voted on combined to produce a I will never Amendment know what 26, which living being.” it would be defined personhood (when life begins) at like to harbor and birth an unfertilization. This amendment wanted life into the world while did not pass. Despite its failure, constantly being reminded of the intention of the initiative probably the most traumatic has inspired citizens of North experience I would ever enDakota to spearhead the same counter. I feel heavily for those placed issue, which passed on March in that situation and can’t fath22. The first time I came in om the weight the decision contact with this amendment must bear. Even though I I impulsively felt it was ballsy would see their desire to abort and out of touch with reali- as unlawful, since the decision ty. Although I respect the for- at its core is ultimately taking mer, I didn’t have to employ a life, I would still respect that much mental energy to form person regardless. I realize this happens, but this my opinion; since I am a firm believer in individual choice, I doesn’t change my stance on the naturally sided with pro-choice. basic issue of a life being a life. So when is it too late to Choice makes life special. But my haste in making this de- abort? Essentially, this quescision kept me from examining tion is asking when life begins. the issue and therefore not al- With thought, not seeing fertillowing myself the opportunity ization as the dawn of life can to engage in an inner dialogue be difficult. I see this event as the moment when all the ingreall for the sake of clarity. So does a person have the dients for human life have been right to abort, and if so, when combined to produce a living being. From here it grows its is too late? The answer to the first ques- own organs and draws from a tion boils down to taking a life. source. Now is it self-sustaining? On Taking a life under almost any circumstance is wrong and not a simple level no, but generally, in our power. I speak with re- nothing organic is self-sustainspect to a moral code when I re- ing in the sense that it dies when fer to right or wrong. Removed disconnected from a source. So from law made by man, I feel in this sense, being near-sighted

“

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

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News Editor Emma Crawford

Opinion Editor Mary Chase Breedlove Copy Editor Rachel Burke

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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.

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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.

MATT TAYLOR Matt Taylor is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. on that point isn’t an effective perspective. Amendment 26 also readdresses the issue on stances of birth control and stem cell research. Birth control in no way kills a natural process; it only prevents it from happening, mainly by preventing ovulation. I, therefore, don’t see birth control as a debatable issue just as I don’t see altering the rules of a game before it has begun as unfair. Point being, I think it’s wrong to disrupt a process but OK to prevent the process before the start. Morning-after pill? I don’t agree with that as it can take as little as 30 minutes after intercourse to fertilize an egg —you haven’t even finished your glass of water at that point. What about stem cell research? The recent winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine have shown we no longer need stem cells to do stem cell research. What? Yes! Scientists can now take a developed cell and turn it into a pluripotent cell (a cell that can develop into any of the mature tissues of the body). Bottom line: scientists don’t need stem cells to do embryonic research. You see, when issues seem obvious, we unconsciously elect to overlook them in a heedless manner. When this happens we shortchange ourselves the opportunity to sink our feet further in the sand and reconnect with, or even discover, our inner code. I encourage every person to question everything with an open mind and dig deep into his or her own beliefs to get a better picture of where he or she stands on any issue.

he personhood bill, or Amendment 26, was struck down by Mississippi voters in 2011 due to its confusing language and dangerous probable outcomes. Anti-abortion groups are now supporting and pushing for a similar personhood amendment, according to Mississippi Business Journal. The bill strives to explain life begins at conception and argues the term “person” should be defined to include every human being from the moment of fertilization. The new initiative will be created within the next two weeks, after which sponsors will have one year to gather enough signatures to put the amendment on the ballot. The goal of the personhood campaign is to outlaw abortion by defining a fertilized egg as a person, therefore denoting abortion as murder. Ignored by the bill’s creators is the stipulation under the amendment, which would outlaw contraceptives and in-vitro methods and create an atmosphere of suspicion around miscarriages. The apathy concerning women’s health care displayed by these individuals shows. Disregarding my own opinion regarding the issue of abortion, my problem is this: politicians and activists have the tendency to attempt implementing their views by altering definitions in favor of their cause. The definition of marriage, for example, is being fought for by conservatives to include only the union between a man and a woman. They avoid touching on the essence of the issue, the rights of humans to be bonded by love and recognized by the state, by using arbitrary definitions to validate their claim. I question the rationality of using these political methods in our increasingly pluralistic world. Defining persons is impossible and genuinely irrelevant.

Biologically, human life starts at the beginning of conception — that cannot be contended. What, however, does this have to do with the moral argument? Difficulties arise when inANNA WOLFE terpreting “human being.” This term cannot be used, in Anna Wolfe is a junior the moral sense, as a prem- majoring in communication. ise for any argument, be- She can be contacted at cause that moral obligation opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. is exactly what the activist or politician must establish to step out of poverty. If personhood supporters (and not by simply revising want to argue the precious interpretations). These people must find nature of personhood, they more effective arguments to have greater problems to adprogress their political agen- dress, considering how little da, ones that will not create “personhood” is actually probigger problems than they tected, nurtured. The Personhood Amendsolve. When considering “personhood,” I think about ment is flawed with contradiction, not only what directly immakes a livBy ignoring the real ing human a posing on person, but the rights of issues all when face also the treatinregarding sex, whether women, ment of all stitutionally children are wanted or and socialthe subjects whom we not, we contribute to ly. Women’s already conown pera misinformed society sonhood is sider persons. This is to say, disregarded and put women at the persongreater risk. I guess I when peohood of the ple with don’t know when one government mother and father must individual’s right to life, i n f l u e n c e be considromote liberty and the pursuit pnegative ered. atof happiness should I reflect titudes toon the perbe able to supersede ward their sonhood of bodies. another’s.” people born Not only into poverty, does the bill the personhood of minorities endanger women’s health and the systematic oppres- care, limiting contraceptive sion that robs them of life, and reproductive options, it liberty and the pursuit of encourages social taboo. happiness. By ignoring the real issues I know highlighting hy- all women face regarding sex, pocrisies diverts the issue, whether children are wanted but if we cared so much or not, we contribute to a about personhood, discrim- misinformed society and put ination would have already women at greater risk. been replaced by equal opI guess I don’t know when portunity. one individual’s right to life, We would be pouring our liberty and the pursuit of money and resources in ed- happiness should be able to ucation, paying teachers supersede another’s. competitive wages, providEither way, attempting to ing universal health care and define persons is the wrong investing in programs that way to approach the issue of make it possible for people abortion.

“

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | DUNCAN DENT

Americans should care about foreign freedom Editor’s note: Nicholas Maduro is currently the interim president of Venezuela.

hile Mississippi State University students were preparing for spring break, a dictator lost the fight with cancer. Just days before that, I had a great conversation with a good friend of mine on despotic dictators. Much of the conversation centered around Hugo Chavez, Muammar Gaddafi and the Arab Spring. The whole world has been in a malleable state for the past few years. We have seen huge political figures fall (Gaddafi, Jong-Il) or be restored (Putin, Chavez) and whole countries have been brought to their knees (Greece). I couldn’t keep this off my mind during our last election. While our presidential election and subsequent other elections for government officials are important, the people of America still have an unprecedented amount of power. We can vote, shoot guns, drive cars, run for election or get published in a newspaper. All this to say there are some bastards out there, but it is a

bad time to be a bastard. the people continue to show In the past 10 years we their distrust of the wildly bihave seen the fall of — by ased government. causes natural and extraorThe weekend of March dinary — Saddam Hussein, 20-23 saw rioting in front Osama Bin Laden, Muammar of the Muslim Brotherhood Gaddafi, Kim headquarters in Jong-Il and As an American, I Cairo. most recently, The Egypbelieve we have a tians remain Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias. duty to support and malleable and This, coupled ready for change observe freedom with the Arab in a stable demin all parts of the Spring and ocratic govPussy Riot ernment. The world.” protests, show riot prompted a world not putting up with Egyptian President and pardespotism. ty leader Mohammed Morsi Like I said, malleable. to order the arrest of certain We are seeing poor and “democratic activists” that are oppressed parts of the world believed to be key inciters of who are taking a stand for the riot. The Arab Spring still the freedom of their country. has a way to go. Now, it has not all ended well. Among rumors of Chavez’s Two members of punk illness last year, Nicholas band Pussy Riot were jailed in Maduro gained some nationRussia for something Ameri- al exposure by being named cans take for granted as every- heir apparent to the Chavez day free speech. regime and had some photos Egypt ousted one strong- of him with the infamous Fiman to replace him with the del Castro published in major highly restrictive Muslim news publications including Brotherhood. But where Rus- The Wall Street Journal. While many Venezuelans sia has quieted down some, may have delusions about Egypt is still aflame. While the Muslim brother- Chavez and how much he hood desperately tries to so- actually hurt the country of lidify its hold on the country, Venezuela and its people, it is

“

clear that change is needed. This has led to rumors of possible alternative political successors other than the Chavez pawn Maduro. This gives the people hope. Chavez won an election recently that many outside analysts believe was likely rigged. Perhaps this will give the people a clean slate to an honest government as Maduro has many detractors even in the government and the multiple attempts at coup d’état on Chavez’s seat seem to point to a promising shift in power. As an American, I believe we have a duty to support and observe freedom in all parts of the world. That’s not to say we should be putting any more boots on foreign soil (though we would be remiss not to drop some CIA loafers into the area, countries do not have friends only interests) but paying attention to the rest of the world and becoming part of a more global community could lead to eventual peace in the disenfranchised parts of the world that experience persecution every day. Hopefully, we can make the world a little bit better of a place.

OPINION

TUESDAY , APRIL 5, 2013

REFLECTIONS

Flowers are a proud assertion that a single ray of beauty can out value all the utilities of the world. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE REFLECTOR

THE NEWSMAN | PRANAAV JADHAV

EDITORIAL

sexual health education

Do not ignore Kim Jong Un’s delusional world Government must focus on ou cannot help but giggle when you see Kim Jong Un with his bouffant hairstyle, oversized overcoat, oversized chair and his six loyal men in uniform standing beside him. His recent remarks have given the young man worldwide popularity and serious attention. The nuclear capable United States B-2 bomber drills and the presence of approximately 30,000 U.S. troops in South Korea with a reason to defend our ally against any threat have forced the North Korean leader to make a preposterous statement or fall flat on his face. With an estimated $711 billion defense budget, the U.S. continues to top the chart as far as expenditure on military is concerned. The long historical rhetoric by the North Korean regime has been curbed by the ever-growing ties between South Korea and the U.S. There are high chances Kim Jong Un and the North Korean security advisors, if anything, are underestimating the resolve of South Korea and the U.S. Recently, there has been an instance in the past where North Korea’s constant proliferation of weapons acquired a nuclear-capable status; but is the sword sharp enough to use against a hegemon? Former Secretary of State

Condoleezza Rice made a valid point in her question and answer session after her speech at Mississippi State University citing the novelty in the EastAsian region with the leadership change in South Korea, China and Japan. This shuffling of the political cards will create a bit of instability in the region. According to the state media’s report, Kim Jong Un managed to sneak in a rocket preparation plan and has ordered rockets to remain on standby to strike the U.S. mainland, South Korea, Guam and Hawaii. Later, images of tens of thousands of North Koreans who turned out for a 90-minute mass rally in support of Kim’s call to arms were circulated worldwide through mass media. A report from the BBC says Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned of the situation spiraling out of control, however. Both Russia and China share borders with North Korea. President Barack Obama, who is known to be good at negotiation is taking the threats from North Korea more seriously than he did Iran with the presence of our military forces in South Korea and the B-2 bomber drills. Secretary of State John Kerry, who completed a recent

PRANAAV JADHAV Pranaav Jadhav is a junior majoring in communication and political science. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. tour to Iraq and Afghanistan, will probably be assigned with the task of solving the threat of North Korea diplomatically. Citizens can think of the bouffant hair-styled, 30-year old-leader as living in a cartoon world of his own or can actively speed up counter attack or defense mechanisms and pay heed to the threats issued. Do not be surprised if you see fast-paced diplomatic, political and military developments in the capital city of Washington, D.C., over the next few weeks. If these instabilities continue to bother the U.N. and all other sovereign nations who are in a constant quest for peace, these countries will be forced to pass a resolution on the denuclearization of North Korea. I will be the least surprised if the U.S. and South Korea lead the front of that movement.

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ast Friday, a federal judge ruled emergency contraceptive to be available without a prescription and without an age limit. Levonogestrel pills, known by brand names Plan B or Next Choice or the “morning after pill,” work by preventing fertilization and are 85 percent effective if taken 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. According to webmd.com, “Plan B works like other birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Plan B acts primarily by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It may prevent a sperm from fertilizing the egg. If fertilization does occur, Plan B may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. If a fertilized egg is implanted prior to taking Plan B, Plan B will not work and pregnancy proceeds normally.” The morning-after pill should not be confused with mifepristone, or RU-486 — the abortion pill. Mifepristone blocks the production of progesterone and empties the uterus during a pregnancy; the morning-after pill works to prevent pregnancy. The morning-after pill does provide another option to avoid unwanted pregnancy but offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The availability of the morning-after pill may be a victory in the eyes of some for women’s health, but we think the most important issue driving the need for limitless emergency contraception has been overlooked. According to a study by the Guttmacher Institute, Mississippi has the highest rate of unwanted pregnancy in the country. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Mississippi does not require sex education in schools; but if taught, sex education must track closely with the federal definition of abstinence-only education. The CDC study shows 59 percent of high school students in Mississippi are sexually active and only 67.2 percent of sexually active students used a condom the last time they had sex. The study also shows the national rate matches the state rate in estimated rate of adults and adolescents newly diagnosed with AIDS in 2007: 15 adults per 100,000. Little to no sex education in the same state with the highest unwanted pregnancy rate in the country speaks volumes of the need for proper sex education. These statistics tell us abstinence-only sex education does not work. While abstinence does ensure 100 percent protection from pregnancy, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, the lack of a complete sexual health education reflects these startling statistics. The federal government should pass a law requiring all schools to teach proper sex education and awareness if it passes a law allowing the morning-after pill to be available without a prescription and with no age limit. With a proper sexual health education at an early age, the need for emergency contraceptives could be eliminated.

*** The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Mary Chase Breedlove, news editor Emma Crawford, campus news editor John Galatas, sports editor Kristen Spink, entertainment editor Zack Orsborn, copy editors Rachel Burke and Candace Barnette, multimedia editor Eric Evans, photo editor Kaitlin Mullins, managing editor Kaitlyn Byrne, upcoming editors Alie Dalee, Anna Wolfe, and Daniel Hart and Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers.

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Apply today before it’s too late! Applications may be picked up from The Reflector main office in the Henry F. Meyer Student Media Center. Call 325-7907 for more information.

TUESDAY , APRIL 9 , 2013 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE

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4-9-13

BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

MISCELLANEOUS

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classiﬁeds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

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HELP WANTED Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available. Call 800.965.6520 ext. 213. FOR SALE 1/2-carat past, present and future engagement ring. Paid $500, will take $300, ﬁrm. Call 617.0111 and ask for Angela. Fire staff/contact practice staff. One of each for sale with kerosene can, ﬁre cloth and three instructional DVDs. $50 cash or credit card for all. Text 312.4939. L.E.D. hula hoop, rainbow lights with rechargeable batteries and charger, one DVD. $50 cash or credit card. Text 312.4939. 2010 River Birch mobile home, 16x60, two bedroom, two bathroom, vinyl siding, shingle roof, 8x10 porch with roof and door, fenced yard, oak plank linoleum throughout, excellent condition, two miles from MSU. $25,900 or best offer. Call 769.0770. FOR RENT

Solutions for 4-5-13

Studio two and four bedroom apartments available. Close to campus. Call Barbara at 418.8603. Close to campus, one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. Appliances included: microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. No pets. Call 648.9519, 323.5186 or 341.5186

Think you might be pregnant? Free pregnancy test and confidential counseling. Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center. 327.0500. mslifechoices.org. 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.

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 Club-MSU on Facebook. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Sociological Student Association is based in the Department of Sociology. Undergraduates of all degrees are welcome. Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month in Bowen Hall Room 250 at 5 p.m. MANIFESTING GLORY Manifesting Glory is currently looking for musicians on a temporary or permanent basis. All who are interested, please call 518.1456. PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION CLUB Are you interested in talking about the deeper questions of life? If so, come and join us on Thursdays at 5 p.m. in Union Room 227. Email msu. philosophyandreligion.club@gmail.com. MONTGOMERY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

THE WESLEY FOUNDATION Insight Bible study and worship. Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Wesley Foundation Worship Center, East Lee Boulevard, next to Campus Book Mart.

Cow Patty Bingo. $5 per ticket. Beneﬁting St. Jude. April 11. If the cow patty lands on your spot, you win cash. Contact Devin Rose at 255.6354.

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 Drive. All are welcome to $2 Tuesday night dinner at 6 in the Parish Hall. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ msstatecsa.

WOMEN AND THE VICTORIAN CULTURE OF INVESTMENT Nancy Henry, professor of English at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will give a talk on Women and the Victorian Culture of Investment on April 10 at 4 p.m. in Rogers Auditorium in McCool Hall.

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6 | TUESDAY , APRIL 9, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

Life & Entertainment G.I. JANE: BY CALEB BATES Staff Writer

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta took strides of historical proportions for gender equality in January by lifting the ban on ground combat roles for women in the United States military. While gender equality advocates praise the policy the idea of women in combat deters many people, both male and female. Kimberly Kelly, director of Mississippi State University’s Gender Studies Program, says this is a normal effect of societal change. “A lot of people, in fact most people, feel that if women start behaving like men, and vice versa, that it will destabilize society,” Kelly said. Although women have had a presence in the military for some time, they have not been able to assume combat-specific roles. The military has instead valued women for their skills in intelligence gathering, as a middle-eastern woman typically will not speak with a man who is not her husband. Even though women have not been able to serve in combat positions, they still actively engage in combat. The military’s new policy allows women to serve in these roles and intends to break gender barriers and encourage equality in the armed forces. Kelly related the military’s new policy to the gender equality labor laws of the 60s and 70s. When

SEEING RED:

How the U.S. military is opening doors for women these laws were introduced, the male-populated workforce resisted change. Once the laws passed, society’s perceptions of women did not change for years. The military’s new policy intends to follow the same path. Despite varied sentiments among civilians, most servicemen believed a female soldier is as combat competent as her male counterpart. However, women are bound to face unique challenges that many male soldiers will not. Women may often be a family’s emotional support, and when a man returns from war he may seek emotional counsel from his family. Studies have shown that returning female veterans do not receive that same support. Women have also been targets of sexual harassment in the military. Some women may face discrimination and hazing in these male-dominated fields. Some men may doubt the physical prowess of female soldiers, and many military women have reported hiding their menstruation ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR for fear of being ostracized. Military women’s sexual identities are also under attack. Many women feel the need to stifle their femininity in a typically masculine environment. After repressing their feminine traits for extended periods, some soldiers find it hard to readjust to the normal societal roles expected of them in civilian life. While Secretary Panetta’s new policy ushers in greater equality, it brings with it a slew of problems. The majority of these problems may fade away as society adjusts to the idea of a G.I. Jane, while others may persist. These changes may be difficult but point to an increased interest in gender equality in multiple facets of American society.

RILEY REED | COURTESY PHOTO

Charles Adcock, Drew Shetley, Blair Bingham and Drew Shetley practice above the Oxford square.

WHERE ARE WOMEN IN THE MILITARY?

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Oxford-based The Red Thangs splash color into Mississippi music scene

BY COLEMAN HUMPHRIES Staff Writer

A blend of Mississippi artists based in Oxford, Miss., known as The Red Thangs continues to become more prominent in the Mississippi music scene, bringing intricate-three part harmonies, catchy guitar riffs and a whimsical style of lyricism. The story of The Red Thangs, according to lead singer Charles Adcock, developed over several seasons. Before the band began to play together, three out of the four current members, Charles Adcock (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals), Adam Ray (guitar, bass, trumpet, vocals) and Drew Shetley (drums) performed together in a previous group that ended when creative differences interfered. After work with the former band ceased, the trio formed The Red Thangs and got to work. Since then, much has changed, improvements have been made and the band members said they have loved every minute of the ride. After The Red Thangs found its desired musical direction, the trio began to record songs and work to create a one-of-a-kind live show, as well as build up a number of fans. Blair Bingham (keys, percussion, bass, guitar and vocals), the newest addition to the band, said she was one of those fans who loved attending The Red Thangs’s shows. She said she secretly wished she was a band member every time she saw the Red Thangs perform. Her wish was granted when the band started to look for another member to help create a three-part harmony as well as a bigger sound. Bingham was asked to play music a couple of times with the band, and after only a few practice sessions, the rest of the group knew they had found a new Red Thangs ad-

dition. After playing several shows, she finally discoverd her status with the band when the members added her as a fourth addition on The Red Thangs’ Facebook page. Charles Adcock said the band’s music is certainly not something that could be described with one word. “We definitely have rock and pop aspects, I guess you could call it indie-pop-rock, but then we’re not exactly that either. It’s more of a variety and we basically play what we want to hear,” he said. The Red Thangs’ members say they believe the friendship among the band is a very special perk. Guitarist Adam Ray said he is very thankful for the bond that has been created. “When I got to Oxford and started looking for people to play music with, not only did I find some really good people that are easy to get along with, but they are great musicians as well. You can’t beat a combination like that,” he said. The members of The Red Thangs are gaining popularity as musicians and said they hold high expectations for the upcoming year. Upcoming shows include a radio show in Oxford, Miss., known as Thacker Mountain Radio Show on April 11 and a live show in Oxford on April 20 at Proud Larry’s. The Red Thangs’ music can be found at theredthangs.bandcamp.com. Although the members said they cannot predict the band’s upcoming events, The Red Thangs members said they will keep up the hard work and continue improving as individual musicians and as a group. “We’re looking forward to playing more live shows, improving the shows, performing in new places, recording some new music and doing as much as we can as loud as we can,” Ray said.

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Calendar of Events: Display in Union– April 9, 2013 Women for Women– April 10, 2013 LUNAFEST– April 11, 2013 Display in Union– April 16, 2013 Denim Day– April 24, 2013 Brought to you by: The Department of Health Education and Wellness 662-325-2090 Located next to the Reflector and Subway

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TUESDAY , APRIL 9, 2013

life & entertainment

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

RILEY REED | COURTESY PHOTO

Riley Reid, senior fine arts major, has photography in the spring thesis exhibition.

Staff Writer

The Mississippi State University senior art students comprising the spring 2013 Bachelors of Fine Arts Fine Art and Photography Thesis Exhibition tell stories that are only understandable in person. These works ask to be interacted with, to be grappled with in a gallery; as Brent Funderburk, senior thesis coordinator, said, digital images on glass screens are not the work’s intended viewing experience. The students’ stories are multifaceted and can only be told through the work they have created. These stories flow through a diverse range of media, utilizing photography, sculpture and drawing as well as combinations of all three. According to the exhibition’s news release, the 2013 students represent the five fine art concentration areas of painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing and photography. The show blankets itself across multiple galleries, including the Department of Art Gallery in McComas Hall, the Colvard Student Union Gallery and the MSU Visual Arts Center at 808 University Drive. The 16 tales scattered through the walls and displays of the galleries cover a broad range of inspirations, as students explored concepts spanning pregnancy and motherhood to psychological and sociological theories. Funderburk said the show attempts to shatter the expectations and limits often implemented on artwork by both artists and audiences. “We’re trying to not only break the students’ limit of the concept of what art is but allow the public to gently be broken and expanded in terms of, perhaps, their widening perception of what art can be,” he said.

RILEY REED | COURTESY PHOTO

The sculptures of Jon Nowell follow this trajectory, as Nowell said he uses combinations of three-dimensional and two-dimensional media to uncover ideas he doesn’t fully comprehend. “I feel that most of times my work has just as much to do with shedding light on something I do not quite understand as it does with expressing an idea with confidence,” he said. His “artistic objects,” he said, are at times created objects as well as amalgamations of found and created objects. “I find immense joy in fabricating objects. For whatever reason, I was designed to manipulate materials and make things,” he said. “I also think there is something interesting about an unaltered object when in conjunction with a heavily designed object. Sometimes it is more difficult to leave something alone than it is to embellish it.” Destiney Powell’s thesis work is a synthesis of media on paper. Powell’s organic, fluid drawings of watercolor, guache, graphite and ink hang like long vertical scrolls, expressing what she said were the moods she experienced during her pregnancy. “Well the work is meant to show what emotions I felt during my pregnancy as well as make the viewer feel emotions of their own,” she said. “I want them to take an experience from viewing theses pieces and I don’t want to tell them what to feel.” Powell’s thesis became urgently personal when her twoyear-old son was diagnosed with a hole in his heart and scheduled for surgery within a week of the thesis exhibition opening. She said the close proximity of the operation and the show’s opening gave new purpose to her drawings. “My son’s heart problems made this work so person-

Bachelors of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibiton tells broad range of stories with diverse media, inspirations

al because it is about growing and experiences,” she said. “But his condition made me reflect on our journey together as mother and son beginning in the stages of pregnancy.” Riley Reid’s black and white photographs build on sociological and psychological theories exploring self-perception which claim “our perception of ourselves is really based on how we think others perceive us.” She said the photographs of subjects inside their own homes, taken from the exterior through glass windows, were shot, and then she gradually distilled the psychological concerns behind the images. “I have been drawn to photographing portraits through windows and really began exploring it about three years ago,” he said. “As I kept shooting in this style, I began to hone in on what it was that I was seeing and trying to understand through the images.” Reid said the expectations she had about the project were broken down as she worked through the photographs. As she set out to capture the barriers of perception and self-perception, she said she learned from her subjects’ unfettered transparency in being a part of her project. “There was a sense of vulnerability and openness from the trust and willingness of the individuals that I photographed,” she said. “The project taught me a lot about perception, and much of what I set out to find was different than I originally anticipated. I was surprised by the willingness of my subjects. To be honest, the project is still teaching me.” The show will run in all three galleries from Tuesday, April 9 to Saturday, April 13, and work in the Colvard Student Union Gallery will hang through the end of April. Funderburk said though the show will only be exhib-

RILEY REED | COURTESY PHOTO

Jon Nowell, senior fine arts major, creates mutlimedia sculpture.

ited for a brief time, the students intend for their work to stick with attendees. “Sure we can reproduce these images and put them on the website, but you carry these things with you as experiences,” he said. “We’re hoping that people five months from now will be humming these songs in their mind and the meaning will start to emerge.”

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SPORTS

TUESDAY , APRIL 9 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

Students embrace professional role working with media relations BY KRISTEN SPINK Sports Editor

BARTON DINKINS | THE REFLECTOR

SENIOR DAY WIN

| MSU men’s tennis won its

fourth-consecutive senior day with a 4-2 win over No. 20 South Carolina on Friday to close the regular season home schedule. The No. 13 Bulldogs traveled to Florida Sunday and rallied to defeat the No. 17 Gators 4-3. MSU will close out the regular season as they travel to Baton Rouge Wednesday and Texas A&M on Friday before preparing for the SEC tournament in Oxford.

Recent Mississippi State University graduate Lee VanHorn spent just two hours at home the day before and on his birthday. The rest were spent at work with the MSU media relations department. VanHorn arrived at work around 7 a.m. Sept. 15 to prepare for the Thursday night LSU football game. When the statistics computer crashed during the game, he and others were forced to work until about 5 a.m. Sept. 16 — his birthday — finishing up stats. After a two-hour break, VanHorn was back at work, grinding away preparing for the Friday night volleyball game. But VanHorn said he would not have it any other way. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I haven’t had a college life, but it’s perfect for me,” VanHorn said. VanHorn started working for the MSU media relations department his freshman year and became the women’s golf sports information director the next year. In athletics, each sport has its own sports information director who acts as the team spokesperson and the liaison between the media and the players and coaches. When the spot opened up as the men’s golf SID VanHorn’s spring semester, he took the position and oversaw both sports his junior year. This year, however, VanHorn handed the reigns of men’s golf over to junior communication major Tyson Rodgers. VanHorn and Rodgers began their work at MSU at the same time. Rodgers said after talking to students who work with media relations at other SEC schools, he realized MSU provides students the opportunity to do a

THE CURE FOR THE DINING HALL BLUES.

wider variety of jobs within the department. “We’re way ahead. With State being a smaller SEC school, you still get the name recognition of working at an SEC school,” Rodgers said. “This field allows you to be right on the sideline with the sports, so that’s a really cool incentive.” Gregg Ellis, assistant director of media relations, oversees the student SIDs and said MSU does not have as big of a full-time staff as other schools and therefore relies on the students a lot. “The advantage for them is the invaluable experience they are getting,” Ellis said. “What they get to do is unbelievable for their resume. They’ve already established themselves as mature students who can multitask and who have proven that they’re not afraid of hard work because they’re in here a lot of hours.” Instead of just keeping statistics, VanHorn and Rodgers, along with fellow students and men’s and women’s tennis SIDs Hunter Richardson and Shealy Molpus, are each in charge of a single sport and responsible for writing news releases, publicizing the team and helping out with the marketing and scheduling for their individual team. They also assist with most every other sport. VanHorn said being an SID is a 40-hour job on top of school, but the more you put in, the more you gain from the experience. “The hardest part would just be the number of hours we work and the amount we get paid (scholarships start at $50 a month or $500 a semester.) It’s just the work load and not getting tangible stuff, financial stuff, back out,” VanHorn said. “The most fun and interesting thing is the people. My fresh-

BARTON DINKINS | THE REFLECTOR

Lee VanHorn and Tyson Rodgers spend numerous hours working as the men’s and women’s golf sports information directors. man year I met Erin Andrews. close to their coaches,” he There have been some com- said. “It’s nothing outrageous, mentators who have come to but it’s that unique bond they town I’ll get to know and even could never have with a fullother SIDs in the conference.” time person. They see me more But having students car- as one of them.” VanHorn and Rodgers both ry such a daunting work load does not only benefit the stu- plan to stay at MSU next year and continue gaining experidents. VanHorn said he thinks a ence and friendships through student working with the stu- their work with the media redent-athletes creates an advan- lations department. tage for the athletes. Editor’s Note: Part two of this “The golf girls don’t necessarily see me as a student, but story will feature Shealy Molpus I can have conversations with and Hunter Richardson and them they would never have will run in an upcoming issue with a coach, and they’re very of The Reflector.

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SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TUESDAY , APRIL 9, 2013

Men’s golf hosts first hometown tourney BY BRITTANY YOUNG Staff Writer

After 39 years of delay, the Mississippi State men’s golf team will host its first regular season home tournament with the Inaugural Old Waverly Collegiate Championship April 8-9. The tournament is set to take place at the Old Waverly Golf Course in West Point, Miss. The No. 28 Bulldogs will be joined by: Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Georgia State, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana Lafayette, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Ole Miss, Rice, No. 48 South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Miss and UAB. Head coach Clay Homan said hosting the tournament is something the team has wanted to do for quite some time. “We wanted to make sure

the weather was good and the course was nice and green for this event,” Homan said. “It’s exciting to play in front of fans on a course we are familiar with. Hopefully, we can continue to host this tournament in the future, the field of teams will continue to grow and the caliber of teams will get better each year.” After Monday, State leads the pack and is the only team with an under-par performance. Bulldog Axel Boasson is tied for fourth, and Chad Ramey is tied for seventh heading into Tuesday’s competition, which begins at 8 a.m. The Bulldogs are coming off a record-tying victory at the 2013 BancorpSouth Intercollegiate tournament hosted by Ole Miss in Madison, Miss. On April 1-2, the Bulldogs captured their third win of the season, which is the most since the 1998-1999

squad’s three win season. MSU was led by juniors Joe Sakulpolphaisan and Boasson. After shooting a Boasson 7-under-par, 209, Boasson took home the SEC Player of the Week honor. It is the second time this season the Bulldogs have taken home this honor, after fellow junior Chad Ramey won in March. This is the first time MSU has had two players win in the same year. Homan said Boasson has improved the most since last year because he was an under-the-radar player. “Axel really stands out the most from last year,” Homan said. “It’s really good to see Axel play up to his ability. Chad, Axel

and Joe are all ranked in the top 150 in the country, and they are all keys to the team’s success.” Boasson said although he won SEC Player of the Week, he said he needed to improve some things before the next competition. “I have been working on my swing because I left a lot of putts short,” Boasson said. “The main thing is continuing to build my confidence and getting better.” At the BancorpSouth Intercollegiate, Boasson’s thirdplace card was his second top-5 finish of the season, and his fourth-consecutive top-15 card. The junior is on-pace to have the third-lowest stroke average in MSU history after lowering his average to 72.03 for the year. MSU will tee off at 8:30 a.m. in the first group from Old Waverly. Admission to all rounds is free.

STRICKLIN

continued from 1

Stricklin said social media softball coach Vann Stuedebreaks down walls and forms man. In an email with The Reconnections that could not have existed otherwise. flector, Stuedeman said she “It’s important that the peo- was drawn to MSU because of ple who love the university feel Stricklin’s passion and vision for like that person (athletic direc- the athletic department and his tor) is accessible ... I think being work ethic. out there and engaging people “Mr. Stricklin has ignited allows those conversations and the Bulldog family. He has his communication to take place a sleeves rolled up, working hard lot easier,” Stricklin said. “So- for this athletic department and cial media is such a powerful this university,” Stuedeman tool to communicate and con- said. “He comes to practice, nect. That’s what social media he knows my team by name, does. It connects people in such he is quick to text or call after a powerful way that you didn’t big wins and tough losses and have 10 years ago or 20 years he believes in his coaches. He ago.” is excellent at his job and that One of the tricks Stricklin excellence motivates me to conhas pulled out of his sleeve stantly grow and improve.” includes retweeting tweets of In addition to days full of Bulldog fans wearing maroon meetings, practices and games, for Maroon Friday. Tweets have Stricklin currently serves as come in from places such as the SEC representative on the the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel NCAA recruiting and personTower along with numerous nel issues cabinet. He humbly places around the country and said there was no rhyme or reaworld. Two summers ago, the son to his selection but having men’s basketball representation I’m a believer that team requested on the cabinet a retweet from we can win at a high was positive for the AD while both the league level consistently the guys were and MSU. across the board at playing games Stricklin said in Europe. Mississippi State ... although MSU While Strickwill never have We just have to keep the biggest budlin makes a prigrinding away.” ority to interact get or largest with MSU fans, stadiums, he Scott Stricklin, assistant media wants coaches athletic director relations direcand players who tor Gregg Ellis said Stricklin simply work to have the best also understands the impor- teams and the best programs. tance of communicating with “There’s no secret to having his staff. success. You have to work hard, “Scott’s the type that will you have to have good people, walk through just to come and you have to do things the right say hi. When he says he has way and treat people the right an open door policy, he really way and you’ve got to be pasdoes,” Ellis said. sionate about what you do,” But like every famed magi- Stricklin said. “I’m a believer cian, Stricklin must have an as- that we can win at a high level sistant. He understands a team consistently across the board at is only as good as its coach, and Mississippi State. We all want in the past two years, he has it to happen tomorrow, and brought four new head coaches some sports are better off than to Starkville — men’s basketball others right now, but eventualcoach Rick Ray, women’s bas- ly I think we can all get there. ketball coach Vic Schaefer, soc- We just have to keep grinding cer coach Aaron Gordon and away.”

“

COURTESY PHOTO | MSU CLUB SPORTS

CLUB SPORTS

| Over the weekend, the Mississippi State men’s and women’s club disc golf teams traveled to

Augusta, Ga. The women’s team won the tournament, and the men’s team placed second. The men’s lacrosse fell to the University of Nebraska 10-5 and the University of Arkansas 13-8 over the weekend. The Bass Fishing club team fished in two tournaments this past weekend. Justin Atkins and Drew Long placed eighth in the FLW College Event on Lake Seminole. Clark Lawerence and Kyle Alford place second and Chesley Heatherly and Shane Howington placed 7th in the College Fish Life Tournament on Pickwick Lake.

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SPORTS 10

tuesday , april 9 , 2013

THE REFLECTOR

stat of the day:

the mississippi state softball team recorded its first win over a topthree team in 11 years when the dogs beat no. 3 florida 6-5 sunday.

Pitching gives Bulldogs advantage in series win By Patrick Besselievre Staff Writer

After a tough last couple of weekends for the Bulldogs, Mississippi State pulled together and secured its first SEC series win of the season, defeating the Florida Gators two out of three games. The series win would not have been possible if not for quality outings from MSU starting pitching. In the Friday night matchup, left-handed pitcher Luis Pollorena captured his fifth win of the season. He threw six innings while only giving up two earned runs as he continues to impress in his new role as the Friday night starter for MSU. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe led the way for the Bulldog offense, going 2-4 including his team-leading 10th home run of the year. The story of the weekend was the performance Saturday by right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman. The Alexander City, Ala., native threw his second consecutive complete

game while shutting out the Gators and only giving up five hits in the 2-0 Bulldog victory. Coach John Cohen said he is extremely happy with how his veteran pitcher has performed the last couple games. “I am just so proud of Kendall. Real leaders aren’t people who talk all the time. They are people who do it, and Kendall has done it in his last two weekends,” Cohen said. “I can’t remember two starts like that in a long time, by anybody that has played for me.” Graveman said he knew he and his teammates could protect their home field and come out with the series win. “That was our whole goal coming in here this weekend was to get a series win,” Graveman said. “We knew that we had enough confidence and we were a good enough team to win a series. We knew just one play here or there, if we can eliminate those we would get a series win this weekend.” barton dinkins | the reflector The Bulldogs went for the series sweep Sunday but came Hunter Renfroe blasted his team-leading 10th home run over the up short, losing 8-3. The Ga- weekend. Renfroe also has a team-best .417 batting average. tors scored all eight of their runs in the fifth inning, startMSU is now 26-9 (5-7 SEC) this weekend. This will be the ing with a bases-clearing triple and looking forward to a big first time the Bulldogs and the for Connor Mitchell. week ahead as the Dogs face-off Aggies will face off as conferPerhaps the most frighten- against archrival Ole Miss Tues- ence foes. Cohen said he feels ing part the inning was Bull- day at Trustmark Park in the his team has the confidence to dog sophomore LHP Jacob annual Governor’s Cup. Bran- make a big run here in the next Lindgren coming up limping don Woodruff will likely start few weeks. after fielding a bunt. Lindren for the Bulldogs as he continues “We have won three of our had to leave the game but Co- to try and pitch his way back in last four, and I feel that we are hen said he believes it is just a the Bulldog weekend rotation. on the verge of doing some twisted ankle. His absence left The Bulldogs also have a special things but for us to do the door open to eight runs chance to move to over .500 that we have to defend,” Cohen for the Gators from which the in SEC play when they play said. “We have to get back to Bulldogs could not recover. Texas A&M in College Station our identity.”

on the diamond

msu vs ole miss pearl, miss. trustmark park 6:30 p.m., msu radio

Women's Intramural Basketball Winners: GREEK LEAGUE: CHI OBLITERATION VS. DELTA GAMMA BLUE CHAMPION TEAM- DELTA GAMMA BLUE WON BY DEFAULT DELTA GAMMA BLUE ROSTER: Amanda Meeler Alyssa Cummins Casey Arbuckle Christina Nelson Jessica Arnold Jordan Moore Kailey Rigby Katie Gentry Madison Ford WOMEN'S OPEN: SHOWTIME VS BALLIN' BELLAS SCORE- SHOWTIME: 25, BALLIN' BELLAS: 34 BALLIN' BELLAS ROSTER: Chelsey Whitaker Chels Ashley Boatner Bree Harris Carlee Puckett Emily Burk Katie Beth Dahlem Kelsie Follin Lauren Wren Pazlee Walker Pernisha Watkins Tabi Talley zack orsborn | the reflector