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Reflector The
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM 125TH YEAR | ISSUE 10
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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
College Republicans have Congressman Harper visit, speak BY JOHN GALATAS Campus News Editor
Congressman Gregg Harper visited Mississippi State University during his travel through northeast Mississippi on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rob Mellen, adviser to the College Republicans at MSU, said Harper has visited MSU in the past and spoke to many classes about government. “We just simply invited him to come down and speak to the College Republicans group,” Mellen said. “I work through his office with Marcy Scoggins who is one of his assistants. She handles his schedule and he agreed to come down, in fact, likes to come down and speak to the classes.” Mellen also said aside from speaking to the College Republicans group, Harper
DAN:
Grad school preparation key for seniors
THE FAMILY MAN
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also spoke to classes on campus including Whit Wa i d e’s American Harper Government class. Mellen said Harper will be in Mississippi the next few days and made appearances at several events around Starkville. In addition to two speaking engagements on campus Tuesday, Harper also visited a Starkville Fire Station that received federal funds, and toured local companies and spoke to Starkville High School Wednesday morning. “It’s kind of a whirlwind tour of northeast Mississippi, but he’s engaging in what we call constituent service,” Mellen said.
BY ANDREW FORTUNE
BY KRISTEN SPINK
Staff Writer
Sports Editor
an Mullen is easily one of the most recognized faces on campus. But, while many people view Mullen as an intimidating, tough-skinned SEC football coach, his life away from the turf is a mystery to most. Besides being a husband and father of two, Mullen finds time to encourage those who are in the midst of suffering. Mullen receives many emails from parents with kids— especially those who are MSU fans— who are going through a hard time, asking him to call their children. The renowned coach said not calling would be a tragedy because it is the right thing to do if he can take their minds off the issues for even a minute. “I find it amazing that a phone call from me can lift up someone that’s going through such tough times or a family that’s going through such down spirits. You know it would be an embarrassment not to do it,” Mullen said. “I try to tell them something funny and put a smile on their face. A lot of them are big fans, so I say, ‘I know you’re cheering for us, but we’re cheering for you, and we’ll try to get out there and win some games and put some more smiles on your face.’” Thirteen-year-old Michael Triplett is one of many who has benefited from Mullen’s encouragement. After struggling for three years with ulcerative colitis, Michael had a surgery called a total colectomy to remove his large intestine and was overjoyed when he received a call from Mullen the night before the surgery. Michael’s father, David Triplett, said his brother Les, who is the director for the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, contacted Mullen concerning Michael while the coach was at the SEC coaches golf tournament. After hearing the request, Mullen took time during the tournament to call Michael. Michael said his friends did not believe him, and his brothers were jealous when he told them Mullen had called him. “He was very encouraging and was kind of like a football coach. He got me to take my mind off things and get ready for the surgery,” Michael said. “It showed me that he is as respectable off the field as he is on the field and has a great attitude and is a great person overall.” Michael’s mom, Belinda Triplett, said her son was grinning from ear to ear when he got off the phone with Mullen. “It made it very personal that he called on his personal cell phone,” Belinda said. “It meant a lot to us. It made Michael take his mind off the fact that he was about to go in (to surgery), and he felt very encouraged and loved.” After struggling with this condition for three years, Michael has almost fully recovered, and his family is very happy with his progress.
In today’s current economic environment, obtaining higher education is considered by many to be paramount for success. Undergraduates at MSU are encouraged to be aware of the preparation they need to take if graduate school is the next step in their continuing education. The Graduate Record Examination is the exam that serves as the standard admission test for most graduate programs. Unlike the ACT or SAT, the GRE covers a larger range of material and is now offered in both a computer-based and paper-based format. Peter Crank, senior broadcast meteorology major, said the first step any student considering graduate studies should take is to study for the GRE. “Be sure to study and then take the GRE. Consider buying a test prep booklet as a study tool,” he said. Barnes and Noble and the Campus Bookmart offer a wide range of GRE study booklets to students. There are also resources available to students online to prepare for the exam. James Orr, director of the Student Honor Code Office, said that earning a graduate degree is a privilege. “[Students] should work hard and be honest when completing their assignments and admission applications. Students have an obligation to gain skills that will allow them to be a positive impact on society,” he said.
ANDREW FINNIGAN | THE REFLECTOR
Rachael Carrol, a graduate student in experimental psychology, works on transcribing and research for her master’s degree. SEE GRAD, 3
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NEWS
FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 28 , 2012
BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITORS MSU DINING SERVICES | THE REFLECTOR
P.O.D GRAND OPENING | MSU Dining is pleased to announce the opening of P.O.D. Market in Hathorn Hall. The P.O.D. Market, Provisions on Demand, offers a variety of convenience store items, Grab n’ Go sandwiches and salads, as well as a F’Real Smoothie and Milkshake machine. Pictured: Left to Right: Kathy Ashworth, Jason Nall, Dr. Bill Kibler; Dr. Ann Bailey, Shelby Balius, Pulkit Vigg and Bill Broyles.
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Sipsy Fires The Fides The Unoriginals Surviving Allison The Jarnigan Gypsies The Beats Josh Rosonet and The Press The Woodbangers Parallax
The StoneCoats Kernal Jown Kurby Dandy & the Lions Shattered Vanity Right Way Band Shades Between Bet TJ Burnham & the Halfway Home Band
The Last Minute ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
MSU Center for Student Activities announces Battle of the Bands BY JOHN GALATAS Campus News Editor
The Center for Student Activities will be showcasing its event, Plazapalooza, on Oct. 18 featuring a Battle of the Bands competition. Amelia Treptow, coordinator for programs for the Center of Student Activities, said she is excited for the event and has received good response for Plazapalooza. “(Student Association) and Music Makers are doing a joint effort to do a battle of the bands competition which they’re calling Plazapalooza,” Treptow
said. “In order for a band to be Treptow also said 18 bands entered in to the competition are entered in the voting comthey had to submit a video of petition, and the top four bands them performing. They’re go- receiving the most “views” and ing to do a view“likes” on the Whoever wins is ing party to kick Plazapalooza actually opening for Facebook page off the judging.” The viewing the Nov. 2 Bulldog will perform in party to begin the Battle of the Bash.” PlazapalooBands competiAmelia Treptow, za will be held tion Oct. 18. Oct. 2 from 7 to A panel of Center for Student 10 p.m. in the judges has been Activities Dawg House selected to modand will be an event to explain erate the competition, along the process of voting according with a special musical guest to to Treptow. Students will be help judge. able to view band videos and “The Weeks are coming to vote at the program as well. judge and then they will be
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performing also,” Treptow said. “Then whoever wins is actually opening for the Nov. 2 Bulldog Bash.” First place winner will receive a $300 contract to open for Archnemesis, Gloriana, Andy Grammer and Neon Trees during Bulldog Bash 2012. The Oct. 18 Battle of the Bands will begin at 7 p.m. in the Union Courtyard with The Weeks performing after the judging of the contest. Students interested in voting for the Battle of the Bands competition can visit the Plazapalooza Facebook page.
Show Your Bulldog Pride
Saturday, September 29th at 3 pm at Moncrief Park off N. Jackson Street Only $3 for a hot dog/ chips/soda plate!
With your Mississippi State BancorpSouth MasterCard debit card, you can enjoy everything you love about your relationship with BancorpSouth and carry an impressive piece of Bulldog pride. Combine the MSU debit card with our “green” student checking account and receive: l
Free FinanceWorks – online budgeting
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Free Online Statement
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Free first order of image checks
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MSU checks are also available to order
Paid for by: Oktibbeha County Democratic Party
More information can be found online at bancorpsouth.com/MSU – BancorpSouth’s
What the ”CELL” are you doing? Texting & Driving, slim chance of surviving!
page for the Mississippi State debit card – or talk to a BancorpSouth customer service representative.
Main Office Starkville Crossing 802 Hwy. 12 West 662-324-5500
Mid Town Office 400 University Drive 662-323-9393
bancorpsouth.com $50 opening balance. Certain restrictions apply. To receive free Bill Pay, customer must have either Direct Deposit or Online Statement, or a $4.99 monthly fee will be assessed at statement time. Free Online Statement required, otherwise there is a $2 monthly paper statement fee for a truncated paper statement. See your Account Information Statement for additional details and fees. Mississippi State debit card has a $5 annual fee.
Just right for you BXS MSU Affinity card 5.431x11 416.indd 1
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TUESDAY, OCT. 2nd Front of Colvard Student Union 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
NEWS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
friday , september 28 , 2012
Contributing Writer
This past summer, a group of girls stood outside the offices of Teen Vogue with signs protesting the use of Photoshop on the teenage models in Teen Vogue’s magazines. The girls are part of the SPARK Movement, an activist group to combat sexualization of young girls in today’s society. Kristin Miller, a senior communication major, was a model for Fashion Board at Mississippi State during her teenage years as well. “It is appalling to me that extreme photoshopping is being done to teen girls for other teen girls to see and look up to,” she said. “Teen Vogue’s audience is girls that are in a very fragile stage in their life. The confidence they have in their teens will carry on with them for the rest of their lives.” Miller said she has been fortunate to work with The Confidence Coalition through her sorority, Kappa Delta. The coalition was created in 2009 to help promote self-esteem and confidence among young and teenage girls.
“In just the first year it “It is very refreshing to see went to having nine founding young people stand up not members to more than 40,” only for what they believe in, Miller said. “Together, they but also standing up for the are committed to reaching many young girls in America the women and girls in our who don’t think that they are nation with the message that good enough because they they are good enough, that don’t fit the mold that is porthey can make their dreams a trayed in magazines,” Steele reality.” said. Caty Steele is the current Charles Freeman, assistant president of Kappa Delta so- professor in the School of rority at MSU. The commu- Human Science, said he benication major said the Coali- lieves the issue of body imtion’s goal is to help promote ages has long been a problem self-confidence in the young- with society in the entertainer generation of girls and help ment world. them reach their greatest po“The concepts of body tential. image, self-esteem and fash“The Confidence Coali- ion beauty ideals have been tion is made a controIf a model isn’t good versial issue up of many organizations, the enough to not have to since some includ1950’s,” he have Photshop done, said. “Fashing: Distinguished Young how can a young girl ion magaWomen, Girl zines, namely be good enough?” Scouts of the those focused Haylee Hull USA, Prevent on women’s Child Abuse America, The apparel, have long been the White House Project, Vera torchbearers for communiBradley, Mary Kay and Jus- cating new styles, fashion tine Magazine,” Steele said. tips, hair and makeup trends Both Miller and Steele said and, ultimately beauty ideals they find it relieving to see a to their readers regardless of group of younger girls stand age.” up for their beliefs and what Haylee Hull, a senior in is right. the School of Human Sci-
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GRAD The next step for current gain opportunities outside of undergraduates to undertake the classroom that will allow is becoming inthem to volved in extracurapply The difficulty of ricular activities. w h a t graduate school The MSU Career they are Center offers assiscomes with the level learning tance to students in their of independence seeking to draft a courses. formal resume. Joining a students are Orr said there tudent expected to take on.” sorganizaare many different Aressa Coley opportunities to tion, beadd to your resume ing part Graduate student before applying to of the a graduate program. Student Association, writing “Students should seek to ex- for The Reflector, obtaining cel in the classroom, but also an internship or working on
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a research project with a professor will make a student very marketable when they apply for graduate school and jobs,” he said. Mississippi State University offers a large variety of extracurricular activities to undergraduate students. The MSU Office of the Graduate School provides a wealth of resources for undergraduates considering taking the GRE and for those applying to graduate school. Aressa Coley, graduate student and teaching assistant, said being in graduate school
ence, said she hopes to become a counselor when she graduates from Mississippi State and will be faced with teens who have body images and self-esteem issues. Hull said she is ready for a time to come when girls can look inside a magazine and relate to what they see. “I think that’s where insecurity starts with girls; in the magazines and with the media. If a model isn’t good enough to not have to have Photoshop done, how can a young girl be good enough? It’s time for the younger generation to look in a magazine like Teen Vogue and see what they see everyday, someone who is perfect the way they are,” Hull said. For Miller, Steele, Freeman and Hull, it comes down to defining what is beauty and expressing yourself the way you want to be expressed. “Fashion is about finding beauty in the everyday, expressed through clothing and style – which all starts with finding the beauty in yourself,” Freeman said. For more information about the SPARK Movement, visit sparksummit. com.
DAWGS
Tuesday, September 25 • 10:49 a.m. A student reported five books stolen from his office in McCool Hall sometime between Sept. 20 and Sept. 23. • 11:25 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for driving with a suspended driver’s license and careless driving. • 4:31 p.m. An employee reported books stolen from her office in McCool Hall. • 4:58 p.m. A student reported being sexually assaulted. • 5:55 p.m. An Aramark employee was arrested in Starkville for possession of stolen firearms. • 8:51 p.m. A student reported his cell phone stolen from the Sanderson Center.
Wednesday, September 26 • 10:12 a.m. A student reported her vehicle damaged while in Hathorn Hall parking lot. • 3:57 p.m. A student reported her laptop missing from an unknown location.
Thursday, September 27
• 3:20 a.m. Bully Patrol broke up a fight behind Magnolia Hall between two male subjects. continued from 1 • 3:40 a.m. A student was arrested in Rice Hall for possession of presents new challenges while beer in a dorm room.
Citations:
simultaneously opening up a considerable amount of free time. • 8 citations were issued for speeding. “The difficulty of graduate • 1 citation was issued for spinning tires. school comes with the level of independence students are expected to take on. My number The Reflector is one priority is my research; grades are second,” she said. The Office of the Gradufor the 2012-2013 school year. ate School is located in Allen Interested students can pick up a application in the Henry Meyer Student Media Center next to the University Florist. Hall room 116.
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BAD
Groups concerned with body image By AmBer AlexAnder
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FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
OPINION
EDITORIAL
THE REFLECTOR
the voice of MSU students
THE WORD ON JOHNSON STREET | MATT TAYLOR
Fights among student NFL replacement refs were a bad call fans unacceptable H
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ississippi State, the People’s University. We are the best, brightest and most loved university in the great state of Mississippi. This is Our State. We have timeless traditions and campaigns to promote our school throughout Mississippi and throughout the nation. The leadership among our administration and student body unites us in true Bulldog spirit. We are True Maroon. Saturdays in Davis Wade Stadium are wrapped in maroon and white, bonded in the anthem of “Hail State” and cowbells ringing from the hands of students and loyal fans and in the ears of annoyed competition. The Golden Egg has been in Starkville for three straight years. Why, then, do we make front-page news with a student section fight leading to five arrests? The fight during the game between MSU and the University of South Alabama was completely unnecessary. In addition to the fights in the student section, another fight in the Junction and in a different part of campus occurred, resulting in 17 arrests of both students and non-students over the weekend. MSU police chief Georgia Lindley said the fight in the student section began over drinks being thrown down the bleachers. If we are going to let drinks being thrown put us front and center for fighting among the student body, we are not taking heed to the school spirit we promote to the state of Mississippi, the South Eastern Conference and the nation. How can we be the People’s University if we throw drinks at each other and get arrested for fighting with our own fans, both inside and outside of the stadium? MSU scores a touchdown and everyone in the student section ducks for cover. While it may be a part of the gameday experience, it is a definite way to ruin the experience for the fan who is soaked in soda or whatever alcoholic beverage managed to make its way into the stadium. Can we find a way to celebrate touchdowns without throwing our drinks? How can we change the culture of celebrating touchdowns so we don’t make the student victims of the celebratory showers of soda and alcohol livid enough to start fights with our own fans to the point of negative publicity? We should look forward to attending football games, not dread the student section experience. The student section should be a lively, energetic, fun place to support our Bulldogs and fellowship with each other. If we want to live up to our mottos, we have to take initiative to act like grown, classy adults. Be courteous of your fellow Bulldogs. We have to set the standard and keep things like fights among students the last thing anyone would hear from Mississippi State University. We all go to the same school. Our university’s athletics should unite us, and right now it is a wonderful and exciting time to be a Bulldog. Why would we want to compromise the positive publicity of our notable school spirit, fan base, currently undefeated record and national ranking? Lest we forget the cowbell assault of 2009 or the MSU vs. Kentucky basketball game of 2010. No student, faculty member, staff member or fan wants that kind of publicity tied to the name of his or her school. Bulldogs, be courteous to one another. Respect each other’s space and property by not throwing your drink in the direction of fellow fans. As students of the university and fans of our athletic programs, we have a responsibility not to give the media reasons to hate Mississippi State. ESPN does not need another outlet to bash the state of Mississippi. Let’s leave that to TSUN.
*** 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 Sprink, entertainment editor Zack Orsborn, photo editor Jay Johnson, copy editors Rachel Burke and Candace Barnette multimedia editor Eric Evans, managing editor Kaitlyn Byrne and Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers. 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 Jay Johnson
Copy Editor Candace Barnette
News Editor Emma Crawford
Opinion Editor Mary Chase Breedlove Copy Editor Rachel Burke
CONTACT INFORMATION
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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.
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/Jay Johnson 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising sales/Julia Pendley 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu
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EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. 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.
ere’s some quick triv- demand a clean call; this is ia. After what day of quite easy to forget when we the week do antacid have an eagle-eye view of the sales increase by 20 percent? whole play. They also have to If you take a minute to think be ready to run up and down about it, the answer shouldn’t the field with the players while evade you too long: Monday. avoiding getting bulldozed by Just think of how tailgating a wide receiver running a post and the Sunday social gath- route. There is no time for ering around your pro team them to become spectators as is accompanied by wings, a they have one of the most visiplethora of dips and copious ble and scrutinized jobs in our amounts of drink (Let’s be country. I have no doubt they try their best. honest, some But this of us aren’t I just don’t see how a just isn’t drinking sweet fraction of the NFL’s good enough tea here.) Not revenue is worth for a league only does a Sunday of footrisking the integrity of that boasts a whopping ball (or a comthe game.” 9.5 billion plete weekend in revenue. if you are a true fan) take precedence over With as much publicity as it most American’s plans but gets, the NFL and the fans dealso wreaks havoc on our ph serve to witness a well officiated game. balance. We can’t expect every call For some, these weekends and games are a part of our to be spot on, but with teams traditions. So why is the Na- now risking their W’s on a tional Football League risk- blown call in the end zone, the ing taking the glimmer of the issue is starting to get serious. The lock out started as game away? With so much at stake, it is hard for me to com- soon as the 2011 season ended prehend the logic behind the with contractual discussions controversial lockout of the continuing since last October. Basically the refs want to get NFL referees. If you’ve watched an NFL paid more. Now, of course game this season chances are there is more in the fine print you witnessed a botched call. but the hold out is estimated You can hardly blame the re- at a difference of $4 million per year. placement refs though. At first glance this may They are doing their job and putting their necks on seem like a lot but compare the line for roaring coaches the average salary of an NFL like Bill Belichick to bite off. ref to that of Peyton Manning: Most of the penalties happen $140,000 vs. $96 million over in fractions of a second and five years. Even considering
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your time value of money, it’s not that big, right? Again, I am sure there are some finer issues regarding player safety and full-time need for refs but the numbers just don’t make sense with the results. These aren’t players. They aren’t coaches. They are the law on the grid iron. These guys make the tough calls and do a darn good job at it, despite being blind. They deserve to be well compensated for the job they do. I just don’t see how a fraction of the NFL’s revenue is worth risking the integrity of the game. It’s obvious the fans are outraged at the blow calls. The Sept. 24 “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Seahawks and the Packers is probably the best example yet. With a blow call on the last play of the game, it was estimated that $150 million were shifted in bets. The sad thing: this call wasn’t even close. Give it a few more games where enough coaches start feeling hosed by calls and bedlam will ensue. It’s a bad time to be a replacement ref. The pace of a pro game isn’t something you can just officiate without experience. It is quick and very physical. You can’t call every holding or pass interference call you see or the game would be completely lame, although with the new pace it’s starting to feel that way. Referees have to be able to
make the right call as it affects the play of the game. This is quite a tall order considering how much money and pride goes into one football game. I did not think I could be more disappointed with the league as I was when the players were locked out last year. Again, it is the fans who get the short stick while we still pay too much for a ticket and official jersey. However, I feel we won’t be seeing any of the old refs on the field anytime soon. The NFL will not lose nearly enough money from disgruntled fans to consider caving on the issue. In fact there is a good argument to be made that all the hubbub related to the situation is only creating drama, therefore getting the NFL extra publicity. As if seeing Eli Manning on DirectTV commercials wasn’t enough, we are now subjected to Letterman and SNL making jokes at the league’s expense. Bottom line: the NFL knows it is the most watched sport in the country and can see the long term benefit of cutting cost and suffering a few years of scrutiny until the new refs “get the hang of it.” I just wish they could have integrated the new refs on a smooth gradient. They could have kept Ed Hochuli and Mike Carey to make the big calls while having some of the new guys work under them. This seems like it could have kept the game a little more honest.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR | PARK WYNN
Student Association’s response to voting procedures
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aving read the letter of both voting and campaignwritten regarding the ing. upcoming HomeAfter online voting was first coming Elections by Bailey established for MSU elecHansen, the Student Associa- tions, our elections code has tion wanted to respond to his seen revisions and changes concerns and address some of every year. the points he expressed. However, while SA has It might be helpful to gain made steps towards the right some insight on how the direction in changing the current elections system and code, some of the changes code came to be. that have taken place year afPrior to ter year simonline elecply do not Rather than revising the make sense tion voting at MSU, lofty 12-page code piece when all are the elections added toby piece, we plan to code regether. evaluate the entire code A great exquired many rules and ample of as a whole and make regulations this is the substantive changes.” c o n v o l u t that are no longer praced “polling ticed due to a different style place” system that Mr. Han-
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sen refers to in his letter. This year, SA is taking a new approach toward modifying the elections code. Rather than revising the lofty 12-page code piece by piece, we plan to evaluate the entire code as a whole and make substantive changes. We hope that this will leave the code both more simplified, understandable and appropriate for future elections. SA absolutely shares the concern of Mr. Hansen and others in the student body of what elections have come to look like on our campus. Student voices complaining of over-aggressive campaigning are heard loud and clear. President Shelby Balius, vice president Park Wynn,
JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR
SA vice president Park Wynn
attorney general Donny Banerjee and others have been meeting regularly to help formulate and prepare recommendations for legislation for the Senate to review this year. It is important to remember that change is a process. As SA works to revise the elections code, we ask for your patience and appreciate your willingness to voice your concerns.
THE CAT’S MEOW | CANDACE BARNETTE
Leaving games is not True Maroon
Q
uick! It’s a True Maroon quiz. The third quarter of the game has just started, and the Bulldogs are up by 20 points. You: A. Cheer for your Dogs like a crazed fan, swinging your cowbell maniacally and screeching “DEEE-FENSE!” as if attempting to break the very sound barrier, itself. B. Take a merry photo of you and your bestie and post it to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and every other existent social media (after giving it a cool Walden filter and hashtagging #hailstate). C. Continue to sit in the bleachers, munching your $5 nachos and trash talking all that Ole Miss stands for. D. Leave. If you chose a, b or c, you have passed the test! You can now proudly call yourself True Maroon and continue your daily life with newfound confidence in how awesome you are. For those of you who chose d, we need to have a little chitchat. I understand sometimes our team is not living up to its potential. Sometimes our boys just need someone to light a fire under them. They can’t kick it into
gear, no matter how much you leave everything they have on the exasperatedly shout, “C’mon! I field to win for us. That should could’ve made that tackle!” This be encouraged, applauded. experience is truly heartbreaking Isn’t there some accomplishto any fan, and I, myself, have ment you’ve wanted people to had to walk solemnly out of Da- recognize? Perhaps, you’ve been vis Wade stadium after reaching working every day to perfect my cowbell dent threshold. your performance on the bagBut when we are winning... pipes. Finally, the day is here When we make that inter- and you’re performing in the ception and local talent rush down Every year I watch the mass s h o w . to the Red abexodus of fans pouring out You’re Zone... solutely of the bleachers around Even when killing it. we just fight Everything halftime. Imagine how it our way to you’ve must feel to be a football first down... worked for player watching that same has come That feeling is undown to evacuation.” surpassable. this moThe team isn’t winning. WE, as ment, and you are so happy to a whole, all of Mississippi State be able to share your forte with University, is winning. Every the world. Wait. Is everyone... man, woman and child in that leaving? You’re not finished! stadium is WINNING. Come back! They’ll miss your How could you just walk out rockin’ bagpipe finale! and leave that feeling behind? Everyone has realized you’re Yet, every year, I watch the mass doing well. The chance of you exodus of fans pouring out of slipping up now is highly unthe bleachers around halftime, likely, so why stay? once the fans feel our victory is THIS is the mentality of leavensured. Imagine how it must ing midway through a winning feel to be a football player watch- game. And this idea could be aping that same evacuation. These boys work tirelessly to plied to any other situation. prepare for the day they come Maybe you’re a wizard at pingout in front of thousands and pong. Perhaps you have broken
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CANDACE BARNETTE Candace Barnette is a copy editor at The Reflector. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu all Twinkie-eating records in the tri-state area. Maybe you’ve trained your pet iguana to do the Macarena. Whatever the case may be, I don’t believe you would want people to walk out mid-game/Twinkie-oozing bite/ scaly-booty shake. So I challenge you: stay at the game until that clock runs down to zero. Cheer when your football team rushes over to the student section afterward, raising their helmets in salute. Loudly sing our alma mater along with the swaying cheerleaders. (It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the words; they’re right there on the massive jumbotron.) And walk out with a smile on your face and pride in your heart. Because you are True Maroon.
5 | FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER
28 , 2012
REFLECTOR-ONLINE
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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 Classic comics and albums. The largest collection of comic books and albums in the area. Also movie posters, sports memorabilia, DVDs, CDs and beer signs. Located in Ziggy’s Buy & Sell, 434 Highway 12. Details on Facebook. FOR RENT 21 Apartments subleasing from Oct. 1 through July 30. 21 Ace Avenue, Starkville. Four bedroom, one bedroom available for rent (kitchen and living room shared). Will pay deposit and first month’s rent. Please
contact Raven at 544.4013, or Pat at 544.2606. 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 Insight Bible study and worship on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation Worship Center on East Lee. Boulevard next to Campus Book Mart. 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. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION SSA will be holding its first official meeting on Sept. 27 in Bowen Hall room 250. All students, including those in BSIS with a sociology specialization, sociology majors/minors and all interested students are welcome to join. We will be ratifying our constitution, electing officers and much more. For more information, email Dr. Shannon M. Lane at lane@soc. msstate.edu.
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FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
THE REFLECTOR
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT HOW TO
Woo
by Magan Ford
YOUR DATE
ON A BUDGET Guys, put down the remote control and the ramen noodles. It is time to ask out that special someone. Although dating on a college budget seems impossible, there are plenty of ways to have a great date on a tight budget. Most college students understand the college budget and do not expect you to take them on a fancy date. A great night out does not always require a lot of money. Be creative. As long as there is good company and a fun activity, you cannot go wrong. Here are some low-cost dating ideas: 1. Explore nature. Go for a picnic on the Drill Field or hiking at the refuge. It is a lot more original than going out to eat or to a movie and is guaranteed to impress your date. 2. Cook dinner and rent a movie. Redbox is only $1.20, and cooking will cost less than going out to an expensive restaurant. Cooking for your date is always a plus and shows you put time and effort into the date. 3. Embrace our beautiful campus. Go to the chapel, take a walk, stop by the State Fountain Bakery for coffee. Ladies love the little things. 4. Go to a museum or an art exhibit. There are a lot of museums on campus and a few off campus. Find out what your date is interested in. 5. Spend time with a group of friends. Grill out, play games or just hang out at someone’s house. 6. Go to your special someone’s dorm or apartment when they wake up, give them a surprise breakfast and watch morning talk shows. 7. Walk around the downtown area and the Cotton District. Enjoy the weather, listen to the bands and talk. 8. Go fishing. Rent or borrow fishing poles and pack a lunch. 9. Check out Mississippi State University events. Most are free or at a reduced cost for students. 10. Find a hobby you both enjoy. Look up local classes for something that interests you both or play a sport together.
Pretty Lights to make Starkville vibrant
COURTESY PHOTO | PRETTY LIGHTS
like Ghostland Observatory and Mim0sa last semester, we decided it was time for us to Pretty Lights, an electronic offer students a larger elecartist from Fort Collins, Colo., tronic option,” he said. In addition to music, Pretty will be making his debut appearance in Starkville tonight Lights gives spectators exactly what his at the Misname boasts sissippi With stage designs in the form Horse Park. ranging from LED a light The artist towers set to resemble of show to achas previa midnight city-scape, company ously made to state-of-the-art lasers the music. stops at and LED paneling, Pretty F i t z n e r music festivals such as Lights’ live show is sure said Pretty Lights sets Bonnaroo, to amaze.” the bar high Coachella his perand WaThomas Fitzner, publicity with formances. karusa. chair for Music Maker “With Music Productions stage designs Maker Proranging ductions, Green Machine Concerts, from LED towers set to resemLost Legend Entertainment, ble a midnight city-scape, to and Rick’s Café partnered up state-of-the-art lasers and LED to present Pretty Lights at the paneling, Pretty Lights’ live horse park. Thomas Fitzner, show is sure to amaze,” he said. He also said the entire light publicity chair for Music Maker Productions, spoke on setup requires four trucks’ behalf of all organizations. He worth of lights and sound, said Pretty Lights is a good which surpasses almost all prechoice to bring to campus vious musical acts they have this year due to the grow- presented. “Most of the shows we bring ing electronic music scene in require one truck’s worth, with Starkville. “With the success of acts exceptions like Zac Brown and BY CASEY SMITH Staff Writer
“
Sugarland,” he said. “So, you can imagine what level this performance will be on.” Fitzner said the horse park is an excellent venue for all acts but especially great for electronic acts such as Pretty Lights. “The horse park boasts 85foot ceilings, 2,500 heated stadium-seats and a 34,250 square-foot dance floor, so there is plenty of room to party,” he said. Wick-It the Instigator, Supervision and Lotus will all be kicking things off to open up for Pretty Lights. Fitzner described Wick-It the Instigator as an artist known for his hip-hop remixes. He said Supervision does not have a sound able to be categorized into any specific genre, but instead creates an arrangement of different sounds for listeners. Supervision performed with Ghostland Observatory at the horse park last semester. Jesse Miller, Lotus’s bassist/ sampler, said it is difficult to explain Lotus to people who have never experienced them before. “It is tough to describe (our sound) since it doesn’t fit in a specific genre,” he said. “Lotus
Color Run brightens charity BY ALEX MONIÉ Contributing Writer
Running for charity has been an increasingly popular activity the last several years. For those students who think getting up for a marathon on the average Saturday morning is painful, The Color Run has managed to add an extra level of fun to these sort of events. Hosted at several cities around the country, The Color Run declares itself the “The Happiest 5K on the Planet.” Whether walking or running, participants begin the race dressed in mostly white outfits and look like walking rainbows near the end. At every half mile, spectators throw dyed powder on nearby runners, adding to the colorful confusion. Peter Nguyen, sophomore biological sciences major, said he thinks the atmosphere is much more energized than other races.
“You see everyone, from kids to the elderly, walking and looking ridiculous. Nobody cares about running; it’s all for the fun,” Nguyen said. Although most races have a specific cause or charity they contribute to, The Color Run selects a different local charity in each city. According to The Color Run’s website, the upcoming Tuscaloosa run will donate toward Read Bama Read, whereas the Memphis run will benefit the DeNeuville Learning Center. This is The Color Run’s attempt to give back at the local level to cities hosting the event. Word is spreading rapidly about The Color Run. Many Mississippi State students are traveling hours to take part in the festivities. Olivia Lunsford, junior wildlife and fisheries major, said she is excited for the upcoming Memphis Color Run.
“From what I’ve seen through media portrayal of The Color Run, it’s the uniqueness of the event that appeals to me,” she said. The event does not just end when participants complete the 5K, either. Participants are welcomed to cheer and “color” others crossing the finish line. Kelly Bartlett, junior kinesiology major, said she believes The Color Run brings more than the average race. “It’s for charity, there is pumped-up music and dancing, and it’s messy. You get to take some of the race home with you,” Bartlett said. Students can get a group of friends, grab their whitest shirts and shoes and register their team in an upcoming run. The Color Run is an event sure to brighten anyone’s day. For details on locations and registration, visit www.thecolorrun.com.
is a live band that uses elements of rock and electronic music.” He said the best way to discover who they are is to come out tonight and see for yourself. “It can be very dance-oriented, but is very much a rock band,” he said. “Best just to witness it live.” This is also Lotus’s first trip to Starkville. They have played festivals and shows with Pretty Lights in previous years. Miller said the band is always excited to play in new places and he hopes to gain some fans tonight. He said newcomers can expect to dance, sweat and smile. “No tricks or gimmicks,” he said. “We play instruments and write music we hope will move people.” Stephanie Morris, former MSU kinesiology student, has seen both Wick-It the Instigator and Pretty Lights. She said Wick-It the Instigator is a great act and extremely entertaining. “He does mainly dubstep and bass-rich music,” she said. “He is really good with the crowd and likes to have fun with us.” She said she has seen Pretty Lights live twice.
“If you’ve never seen Pretty Lights, you’re in for a treat,” she said. “The music is very groovy and can put anyone in a good mood.” She said everyone needs to experience Pretty Lights’ music and light show. “The light show will be way more than anything you are expecting,” she said. “It is an amazing show, and everyone interested in this type of music needs to experience it.” Fitzner said all of MMP is looking forward to the show and encouraged everyone to purchase tickets as early as possible. “This performance is unlike anything we have ever brought to campus and is a feat for not only Music Maker Productions, but also the university as a whole,” he said. Horse park doors open at 6 tonight. Wick-It the Instigator will start things off at 7 with Supervision, Lotus and Pretty Lights following. Tickets were previously $30 but were bumped up to $35 as of today. To connect with MMP or buy tickets, check them out at msuconcerts.com or follow them on Twitter at @Music_ Maker.
BY CATIE MARIE MARTIN Staff Writer
MUMFORD & SONS
a review
Sophomore slump? Not here. Mumford & Sons released its second album, Babel, this past Tuesday, and the band of Brits that have become so beloved to flannel-wearing coffee-drinkers everywhere is stronger than ever. Babel builds on the precedent set by Mumford’s first album, “Sigh No More” by continuing to harp on spiritual motifs – the album title itself is an allusion to a Biblical town – and include impassioned jam sessions, but by no means does this album piggyback on its predecessor. The album is peppered with Mumford-isms that are so endearing to fans – from the excited “woo!” after the first chorus in the title track, to the “har har har”s on “Below My Feet,” to the unavoidable expletive shouted in anger on “Broken Crown.” The only critique that can be made of Babel is it too closely resembles “Sigh No More.” Music blog “Pretty Much Amazing” argues “Babel” is just a “dismantling and reassembling” of “Sigh No More.” Longtime fan Wilson West, senior political science major, said he believes Babel is more than just a copycat of the first album. “With iconic banjo riffs, soaring harmonies and lyrical commitment to universal truths, Babel reaffirms the band’s dominance of modern folk music,” he said. Mumford & Sons is wonderful because the band really is a combination of everything that makes up good music. The band is like an experiment to see what happens when all of the greatest instruments combine, what sounds they make when paired with each other. Every part of the band could stand confidently alone, but the components of the band are complemented by one another. The chemistry of the band pulls together this mixture of music to make something wonderful. Marcus Mumford’s gritty, gorgeous voice paired with driving banjo paired with impassioned lyrics are ingredients that mix together to create a beautiful sound unique to Mumford & Sons.
Tattoo culture becoming more accepted, negative stigmas still attached BY CHRISTINE BOWMAN Contributing Writer
Tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable in today’s society. However, there are still some negative stigmas associated with this type of artwork display, although there is no such thing as a stereotypical tattooed person. Teresa Gawrych, communication instructor, said the tattooed community is diverse. Gawrych completed her Master’s research on tattoos as a form of nonverbal communication, group identity and body image. She also has a few tattoos of her own. Gawrych said she attributes the frequency of tattoos in society today to individuality and how that makes people more comfortable to get them. “I believe that tattoos have become more prevalent in our culture because people want to be more individual, and there really MICHAH GREEN | THE REFLECTOR
isn’t a typical tattooed person. I think that makes people feel more safe to get them,” she said Robbie “Coon” Koch, owner of Coon Tattoos in West Point, holds the world record for giving the most tattoos in a 24-hour period. Koch said his advice for people seeking to get tattoos is to seek a professional. “Don’t look for the cheapest deal if you want something for life; search out a professional that you trust. It is an art form that shouldn’t die out because of ignorance,” Koch said. There are many reasons for getting body art, including remembering a loss or emphasizing masculinity or femininity, and others get tattoos just to get a rise out of people. Some people have tattoos to tell a story about a significant experience they have had. Gawrych said tattoos are common amoung groups such
as Greek organizations. “Alot of sorority sisters all go out when they join and get a tattoo of their symbol,” she said. Gawrych said she encountered a man who could not wear his wedding ring to work because he was a mechanic and decided to get a tattoo that symbolized his marriage. Gawrych also said skepticism from parents or peers is a common issue. “I actually hid my own tattoos from my family for years, and I feel some people are hesitant to get them because they don’t want to let their parents down or cause a problem in that relationship, until they realize that they want to get the tattoo for themselves, not for others. It is a big decision,” she said. Indecisiveness to receive body art could be attributed to worries about getting ahead in the job market today. Cassandra
Latimer, associate director of the Career Center, said students who have tattoos should make the call based on their particular line of business. “The job market today is extremely competitive and sometimes they are looking for a reason to weed people out. Even though tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable in our culture, we advise you to make the decision based on what field you want to go into. Some businesses are more conservative,” she said. Latimer said individuals should cover up tattoos during interviews. “We also recommend that students conceal their tattoos for the interview process, and then use your judgment to see if revealing it would fit in with the company’s culture. You want employers to remember you for what you said, not what your tattoo is,” she said.
SPORTS
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SPINK ON SPORTS | KRISTEN SPINK
Women’s athletics can entertain, too T
his year is the 40th anniversary of Title IX. That gives me the perfect opportunity to rant about women’s sports. Keep reading. Please. It will only take you one more minute to finish this. KRISTEN SPINK I will try not to be biased; I am writing this from the Kristen Spink is the sports perspective of a sports fan, editor of The Reflector. She can not a female athlete — es- be contacted at reflectorsports@ pecially since I don’t even gmail.com. consider myself an athlete anymore. I stopped doing Watching a soccer game is that the day I walked up like watching a scary movtwo flights of stairs in Lee ie. You have to be alert and Hall and was gasping for intense the whole time because you never know air. So back to the point: when something importwomen’s sports. We have ant is going to happen. Blink in a scary movie two big women’s sports in season right now, volleyball and you might have missed and soccer. These athletes the scariest part (whether put in as much work as any you think that is a good or other sport on campus yet bad thing). Check a quick hardly ever receive recogni- text in a soccer game, and you might miss a goal (I am tion. Volleyball is one of the the queen of this. If State hidden gems at Mississip- ever needs to score anothpi State. The fast-paced er goal, I should just look down at my tempo of phone and the game Watching a soccer odds are we keeps you game is like watching will score.) on the edge It used of your seat a scary movie... Blink to bother and draws in a scary movie me that in you into the some soccer and you might have match. You games the never know missed the scariest score may be what may part. Check a quick 1-0. I prefer happen on high-scoring any given text in a soccer But point as the game, and you might sports. I have come setter (the miss a goal.” to realize the player who low scoring uses two hands above her head to in soccer makes each goal touch the ball) has so many that much more important. options for what to do One little mistake could with the ball. And nothing cost your team the game. can beat the thrill of a kill. Think of the pressure that Just one powerful kill from puts on every player. On your team has the ability to the other hand, one goal by you and you could win the erupt the whole gym. Then there’s the mental game for your team. I have also come to beside of volleyball, which is hard to figure out unless lieve soccer is the numer you have played it. But one sport where any team that should make you more really can beat any team on eager to figure it out. There any given day. Like I said, are all the positions and all it takes is one goal. In plays and rotations and football or basketball, there weird subbing rules. Who is time to catch up since is the girl in the different the score gets so high, but not in soccer. Every strike colored uniform anyways? But the strategy that goes of the ball increases your into a game of volleyball intensity. So do I count down the is so much deeper than it may appear. The sport is days until SEC football upbeat, so there is never games? Yes, eight. Could a dull moment. if you are I watch basketball or baseskeptical, just try it out. I ball all day long? Yes. And can almost guarantee you I most likely have before. will enjoy volleyball more But are volleyball and soccer just as intense and exthan you expect. Also, go to a match with citing to watch? Yes. So, if you have a free Frisomeone who understands volleyball and get him/ day night or Sunday afterher (probably her — point noon this year, try out one for the girls) to explain it or both of these sports. to you. Trust me, you will You will enjoy it, and you feel so much more involved will be supporting our fewith the game if you have male student-athletes. This weekend both a clue of what is going on. And then there’s soccer. teams are at home for a I’m not going to lie. I have pair of games. Volleyball not always been a soccer hosts LSU tonight at 7 fan, but after two years at and Florida Sunday at MSU, I can honestly say I 12:30 p.m. Soccer also look forward to weekends hosts LSU tonight at 7 but with home soccer games. plays Texas A&M Sunday Here’s my reasoning: at 3 p.m.
BY AUSTIN CHANCE Staff Writer
After a car accident in February left her hospitalized, junior setter Paris Perret has fought hard to stay ahead of the game in order to be the leader she is today. Paris Camille Perret was born March 12, 1992, in Frisco, Texas, and she started playing volleyball in the third grade. This early start helped her reach a high level of play early in her career. Perret played club volleyball in Texas for seven years, and she starred at Liberty High School, where she was a two-time All-State player. Outside of volleyball, Perret is currently a sports studies major, looking for a future career in sports. Growing up in Texas, Perret hopes to actually work for the Dallas Mavericks or the Dallas Cowboys. Perret committed to Mississippi State in 2009 and has started every year since becoming a Bulldog. However, during Perret’s sophomore year, after a series of unfortunate events, her career was almost at stake. On Feb. 21, many students were at Humphrey Coliseum cheering on the Mississippi State men’s basketball team against then No. 1 Kentucky, but Perret was not present. Perret was involved in a serious automobile accident that night that hospitalized her. “I blacked out on contact and was rushed to the hospital,” Perret said. Perret broke her jaw in two places as a result of the accident, leaving her in a situation where she would need surgery to wire her jaw shut for six weeks. While her jaw was wired shut, Perret lost 20 pounds, setting her back physically for volleyball. However, through the adversity, Perret stayed positive about her recovery process. “Gaining the weight back
SUNDAY:
Soccer vs LSU, 7 p.m. Volleyball vs LSU, 7 p.m. Cross Country at Notre Dame Invite
Volleyball vs Florida, 12:30 p.m. Soccer vs Texas A&M, 3 p.m.
was easy,” Perret said. “All you have to do is eat.” After an incident like that, some people worried if a return for Perret would even be possible. Perret said she was thankful for her quick recovery. “I was lucky enough for my injury to not affect me volleyball wise,” said Perret. “God saved my life, and it motivated me to work hard to get back to the court.” One month after the accident, MSU’s volleyball team welcomed a new face into the program. Taylor Evans became the assistant coach. Evans said he has been highly impressed with the way Perret has strived through the adversity she has faced recently. “She’s now able to focus on volleyball since she has pushed through the physical issues, and she is doing a great job,” Evans said. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised that she has been able to start all of our matches for us, and I look forward to seeing her get even better.” This sea- son Perret has 457 assists with a 10.16 assist per set average, currently placing her in seventh place overall in the SEC in the assist category. Last season, Perret ended with 1 , 0 1 6 assists and a 10.37 assist per set average, ending t h e
season in fifth place in the SEC in the
IAN PRESTOR | THE REFLECTOR
Junior captain Paris Perret has started every game as the Bulldog setter since she has been at MSU. assist category. Perret is on pace this season to end the year with over 1,100 assists for the first time in her collegiate career. Head coach Jenny Hazelwood said Perret simply has a willpower to succeed. “People have to want to be great in order to succeed in their sport, and Paris has that desire to succeed,” Hazelwood said. “I could not ask for much more than that.” Aside from assists and digs, Perret has excelled in her role as a captain for the team. She has been highly involved with talking to the younger players on the team in order to help the underclassmen improve. Senior Chanelle Baker said Perret has influenced players from every classification on the team, including Baker herself.
“Paris and I hold each other accountable on the court,” Baker said. “It’s good to have someone that you can look to on the court to let me know what I can do to get better.” Sophomore Lainey Wyman described Perret as being “the rock of the team,” and freshman Taylor Scott said Perret was “the motivational leader.” Perret’s story is that of a fighter. She has fought through adversity on and off the court in order to get her where she is today. Perret said her fight through adverse times has helped her to excel as a leader. “The accident put into perspective how much harder I was going to work in order to get back to the court to help the team,” she said.
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Perret overcomes injury in car accident to be captain of team
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THE COACH’S CORNER | FORREST BUCK
Bulldogs shine in NFL
T
he Mississippi State football team is off to a great start this season. With a record of 4-0, the Dogs are currently ranked No. 21 in the AP top 25. But the college game is not the only level at which the Bulldogs are experiencing success. State has some former players in the NFL who are really playing well and making an impact for their teams on Sundays. As a matter of fact, this past week’s primetime NFL games featured three Bulldogs. Kyle Love of the Patriots and Pernell McPhee of the Ravens played Sunday night, and K.J. Wright of the Seahawks played Monday. There are currently 15 players who played at MSU on NFL rosters in the 2012 season. Most of those players played for MSU recently, as the amount of players representing MSU in the NFL is larger than previous years. State has been producing better talent over the past few seasons than it has in some time. Of the 15 players in the NFL, 10 played under Dan Mullen between 2009 and 2011. Those players are Love, McPhee, Wright, Vick Ballard, Jamar Chaney, Fletcher Cox, Anthony Dixon, Charles Mitchell, Derek Sherrod and Chris White, all of whom are in their third season or less. This points to how much stronger the MSU football program has become under Mullen. I think the coach is doing a great job growing the football program and making the Bulldogs a more competitive team in the SEC. Of those 10 players, I believe Love, McPhee and Wright to be the best of the bunch in the NFL right now. Love has found a permanent starting role on the New England Patriots as their staring DT and is a big reason why they now feel comfortable running a 4-3 defense after years of running a 3-4 defense. I have seen some of the Patriots’ first three games this year, and Love’s play on the interior of D-Line stands out. He is constantly getting good penetration at the point of attack to disrupt the run game. Also, he appears to be making strides as a pass rusher, putting more and more pressure on opposing QBs. McPhee starts for the Balti-
FORREST BUCK Forrest Buck is a junior majoring in sport pedagogy. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com. more Ravens at defensive end and has become a valuable peace of that defense. McPhee is a prototypical 3-4 end with good size and athleticism for his position. He can rush the passer from the inside and has shown he is solid against the run. Wright is the only other starting player of this bunch. He plays outside linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, and so far, he looks really good in that role for a defense which has emerged as one of the best in the league. He has 25 tackles in three games this season, including 11 in Monday night’s game against the Packers. The rest of the players play reserve roles at the moment for their teams. Dixon is in his third season with the San Francisco 49ers, while Chaney is in his third season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ballard is a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts, and Mitchell is a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons. Sherrod is in his second season with Green Bay, but he is currently on the injured list recovering from a broken leg. White is in his second season with the Buffalo Bills, and Cox is a rookie with the Eagles. Cox shows great promise of one day becoming a dominant player. I expect good things from these players as their careers continue to progress in the NFL. I also expect the number of MSU players in the NFL to keep increasing as the MSU football team continues to improve and achieve more success.
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SOCCER SPECIAL
STAT OF THE DAY:
24-0: DAN MULLEN’S RECORD WHEN
LEADING AFTER THE THIRD QUARTER AT MISSISSIPPI STATE.
MULLEN
When Mullen is not on the field or making phone calls to lift up those in need, he makes a priority of spending time with his family. Mullen and his wife Megan have two children, 3-and-half-year-old Canon and 4-month-old Breelyn. Although the family does not get too many nights together, the Mullens make sure to spend time as a family, especially during the bye week. Megan Mullen said she thinks her husband does the best job of balancing a family and being an SEC football coach of anyone she knows. “For as addicted to football as he is, I can honestly say I think he still loves Canon, Breelyn and me more,” she said. “When he comes home from the office, we don’t sit and talk about football. Within minutes, he’s on the floor playing tackle with the babies, getting ready for dinner with me and being a dad. He’s the coolest guy I know, and I love him to death. When he comes in the door, he’s a husband and a dad.” When Mullen does have time off, he enjoys playing golf with his son. During the offseason, the Mullens love to go to their lake house in Georgia. This past summer, Megan said her husband, who is really good at water skiing, achieved his goal of getting up on one ski. “He works so hard at football when he’s in season, that when he’s away from it, he’s realized that life is too short, and he embraces everything
TEXAS A&M AT MISSISSIPPI STATE SUNDAY, 3 P.M. CST continued from 1
about being a dad and a ner, and he said he is giving husband,” she said. “He just the coaches the day off Sattries to enjoy life, and it’s urday and is having a family special. He’s a with his He’s the coolest guy I day fun, hip kind of crew. know, and I love him guy who likes “We will to chill out, do get up Satto death. When he water sports, urday and comes in the door, go down water just play. I’ll he’s a husband and a caddy for my slides and do crazy things.” son in the dad.” For the Mulback yard, Megan Mullen, len family, this and then week’s bye week we’ll shoot Dan Mullen’s wife is like a holisome hoops day. Dan Mullen has been at and watch some football,” home more nights for din- Mullen said. “We will do a
“
big tur-duck Saturday night like a Thanksgiving dinner because it’s the one dinner I’m really Mullen home for in the season.” Although Mullen maintains the image of an intense SEC football coach on the turf, when the visor comes off, it is easy to see his heart is filled with encouragement for others and love for his family.
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