Tigersroar.com
Tiger’s
Roar
October 2013
The Independent Student Voice of Savannah State University
by Shauna Pierre-Lewis Gwendolyn Gray, & Tiffany Taylor Alumni come every year during homecoming and visit their stomping grounds to reminisce of the days when campus was their home. Homecoming is also the time when the alumni get together to show support for their tigers on the field. The question is; do the majority of alumni support Savannah State University year round? Rodney Johnson, SSU 2012 graduate said, “I haven’t given back yet but I plan on it.” He feels that SSU hasn’t done much to reach out but he still is focused on one day giving back to his alma mater. Many alumni would agree that SSU should improve their donation collection tactics. Sending out emails more frequently may increase donations, especially during homecoming month. Alumni from all over the country gather at SSU for the Homecoming festivities and SSU should take advantage of the alumni traffic. SSU graduates can become members of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association (SSUNAA) and giving back to the community through helpful volunteer work and community service, SSU alumni will remain strong and a positive force in the community. To financially support the university, alumnus can join the SSUNAA through several membership categories: Regular Membership ($70/ year), Basic Life Membership ($600), Prestigious Life Membership ($1,500), and Diamond Life Membership ($2,500). There is also an Associate Membership which
My Alma MATTERS
Photographs by
allows friends and family of SSU to donate yearly to the school. Members that have made significant contributions to SSU may become honorary members upon recommendation of the SSUNAA Executive Committee. With being a member of SSUNAA, many opportunities to network presents itself. Through community service, mentoring, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities, SSU can be represented in the best of lights through this simple service of commitment. “Having collection booths at sporting events to donate would be an easier way for us to give back. It gets harder to donate once we get back to our
everyday lives” said Anjannette Grigley, an active 1989 graduate. Current students should create events that involve alumni. “Creating more programs and activities like a ball or an alumni dinner with students would help us [alumni] feel appreciated” said Johnson. Both Grigley and Johnson agree that Savannah State has improved a lot since they were undergraduates. SSU Alumni are also creators of the Alumni Penny Fund Grant as well. This grant gives students the opportunity to receive funding for enrollment or purchase of textbooks. The Alumni Penny Fund is one of the many ways alumnus can contribute to the continuing success of our SSU Tigers. “The things you all have now we fought for while I was staying on campus. In my opinion, SSU is one of the top HBCU campuses in the country” said Grigley. Needless to say not only Maurice Pierce alumni have seen great changes in SSU. The building of Ted A. Wright stadium has brought in more revenue for the campus, and students have taken notice. Some notable honorees of SSUNAA are; Mr. Leonard Jenkins (1998), Rev. Gilbert Dean (1994), Ms. Florene Boles (1991), Mrs. Ruby Williams (1986), and Mr. Roy L. Jackson (1984). To become a member of SSUNAA, visit SSUNAA.org for more information. There will always be a place to call home at SSU. From the SSU Band Alumni to the SSU-AASU NROTC Alumni Unit, our alumni’s dedication towards helping SSU rise always ensures that our Alma MATTERS!
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Improvements in Campus
Administaration strives to improve campus security for the saftey of the students
Jamaal to Jamiya Savannah State student shares details of her journey from male to female
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NEWS
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Improvements in Campus Security by Ronald T. Shields II, Managing Editor In the early morning of September 21st, Donald Bernard Lewis died after being shot on Savannah State University’s campus. While Lewis was not a student, SSU’s public safety department along with its security team and a budget of over 1.9 million dollars this year, has begun to take an enhanced approach to maintain the safety of is residence. “We have returned to a more strict enforcement of our entry on campus,” said Edward Jolley, vice president of financial affairs and head of public safety. “Starting at seven in the evening our gate guards are inspecting every car for an SSU student with an ID and the identification of any other person without a school issued ID,” he continued. Savannah State has even enlisted the help of a separate security company to help at the gate. SSU is also looking to improve the quality of the cameras, repositioning some cameras and adding cameras to roadways and other undisclosed locations.
“The cameras we have were installed in around 2004 or 2005 we have begun to go through, since the incident, and begun to inspect for film build up on lenses, camera resolution, placement and more advanced technology in cameras such as things with night vision,” said Jolley. SSU is also looking to add more officers, another K-9 dog and portable metal detectors for certain events as well. With all these added safety precautions, Jolley was adamant that the increased security presence would not make students feel as if they are being watched over because, “college is supposed to be a social experience,” he said. James Nelson, a senior behavior analysis major, agrees, “College isn’t a place where we should feel dangers lurk around every corner but also we don’t need to feel like we are in a maximum security prison either,” said Nelson. However, all of the pressure of having a safe campus does not fall onto the shoulders of SSU campus security, Savannah State students are going to have to get involved in making this campus more safe. “Hanging out is a young people’s culture but we are hoping that
Greeks Striving to Earn Stripes by Diorlena Natera, Contributing Writer According to Shed Dawson, Greek Life coordinator, as of the fall 2013 semester, students interested in joining Greek life must earn their stripes by maintaining a 2.75 GPA. Other requirements consist of: completing 25 hours of documented community service, remain on track to graduate within four years as well as attend seminars hosted by the Center for Leadership and Character Development. The current requirements implemented this fall and did not affect the initiation of 26 new members in the spring of 2013. “Unfortunately, they [spring 2013 Greeks] are kind of grandfathered under the rules they came in and eventually, in two or three years, most of them will kind of fade out,” said Dawson. When the spring 2013 Greeks were initiated the GPA criteria was still a 2.5, there was four year graduation requirement, and required community service was not in place but some organizations required it individually. The Earn Your Stripes program is Savannah State University’s policy on Greek life. “We are exploring [implementing the Stripes program] for RA’s, CA’s and SGA as well,” said Dawson. “At a recent seminar we learned the differences between being a manager and a leader, I found the information insightful and detrimental to the future of my career” said Senior, Paige Lawson and member of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Throughout the academic career at SSU, Greeks must attend three out of the four programs, which focus on academics, personal, professional and leadership development building. In addition, students must be in good financial standing with the university and have no open cases on their record. “The requirements are SSU specific, but they tie in with the University System of Georgia’s Complete College Georgia initiative. According to their website, the University Systems of Georgia is pushing to get students to graduate in four years due to the estimate that 60 percent of jobs will require a certificate, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree by 2020” said Dawson. Dontaiz Rouse, a junior and member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was initiated in the fall of 2012 before the GPA requirement was raised and he has yet to reach the new GPA goal. “My GPA should be higher than what it is because Mr. Dawson is trying to make sure everybody is meeting the higher standards,” he said. Shamir Yates a senior and also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ensure he has met the 2.75 GPA requirements, but this is his fifth year at SSU. Yates sees the new requirements as progressive and does not resent them. “I think essentially it raises the standards for students on this campus and nothing is wrong with that. We have to work harder to get to that level,” he said.
Photographs by Ronald T. Shields II
Trison employee installs new camera in the University Village.
our students are in inviting people onto campus in the evening that has their best interest at heart,” said Jolley. Savannah State has also advised students be proactive in helping campus police as well by being alert of your surroundings, and reporting suspicious activity to the Department of public safety. Dawson said, “It will take four years before the Greek Life Office can determine the performance of this cohort. Based on current enrollment, 18 members of the Greek Life community are starting their fifth year (ninth semester).” “Although Greeks sometimes get complacent with their status as campus leaders, they rely on each other to stay on track. With the guys that don’t have their GPA, we look at them like as if, you know. . .you gotta get it right, you gotta get it up, you can do it, you’re an Alpha. We’re trying to hold you up to a higher standard.”
OPINION
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The Tiger’s Roar Staff Nicole Lowery Editor-in-Chief
Ronald T. Shields II Managing Editor
Brinson Livingston Layout Editor
Maurice Pierce
Staff Photographer Contributing Writers: Diorlena Natera Dychal Bowles Gwendolyn Gray Madison Hedderly Sharana Richardson Shauna Pierre-Lewis Tiffany Taylor Advisers: Sandra Earley Kareem McMichael Jessica Sparks
About Us:
The Tiger’s Roar is the independent monthly student newspaper of Savannah State University. We welcome and encourage letters to the editor and staff. All letters must include an address and phone number for confirmation. We reserve the right to edit all published content for purposes of length, style, grammar and libelous material. Ideas expressed in editorials do not reflect the opinions of the editors and staff. The Tiger’s Roar adheres to the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines for stories and headlines.
Phone: (912) 358-3379
P.O. Box 20634 Savannah, GA 31404 Email: tigersroar@savannahstate.edu
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Message f rom the Edi to rs:
Breast Cancer: Don’t wait until it’s too late October is breast cancer awareness month, so we as the editors of Tiger Roar, want to take this time to encourage and inform our readers and community to not wait until it’s too late and get checked. Breast cancer is when tumors grow into other tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. The causes of breast cancer are unknown as well as ways to prevent it. The early cancer is discovered, the more likely to survive, by receiving proper treatment. Symptoms may not be present in the early stages, but just by getting checked frequently you can be helping yourself. Did you know breast cancer can start as early as the age of 20? That means around your sophomore year here in college you should start getting checked for breast cancer. Think about it like this; 1 person out of 8 people that you see every day can get breast cancer in their lifetime. However there are major risk factors
that you may have control of as a woman. Things such as avoiding weight gain by eating right and exercising, and limiting how much alcohol you consume. For those of you who are pregnant, or have friend that maybe pregnant ask them to consider breastfeeding. Everyone should be aware of breast cancer. Men have breast tissue too, so yes it is possible for your brother, father, or close friend to be at risk. Some things you can do as an attempt to keep you is being in the know and asking questions. Ask your family about history of breast cancer. A doctor’s visit inquiring about any medical problems you have had would also be helpful because some medical problems— such as liver disease— can put you at a higher risk. Getting older is a risk within itself. Don’t think because no one in your family has had breast cancer that you are out of harm’s way. All of us are at risk of getting breast cancer. Make the effort to
know for yourself. There are things you can do to stay aware are but aren’t limited to getting a mammogram –an x-ray of your breast— and other test such as a biopsy or ultrasound. A breast exam every 3 years is also helpful in being aware. Selfexaminations can be done once a week, checking for lumps, hard knots inside the breast or under the arms can become a routine because sometimes a lump can be felt before ever being seen in a mammogram. We all can relate to having at least one family member, friend, or a loved one who has had cancer. There are many types of cancer, but breast cancer has the most causes of death. Spread the word, tell friends to be aware. Often we don’t take things serious until it happens to us. Please don’t wait until it’s too late, take the time to get checked.
FEATURE
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Tigersroar.com
Cut the Theatrics:
Getting to Know Darryl Thompson
Photographs provided by Darryl Thompson
Professor Thompson in full costume as he performs in the play, “A Company Of Wayward Saints”.
by Sharana Richardson, Contributing Writer It’s the opening night for the play, ‘Company of Wayward Saints’ in Savannah, GA and the theatre is packed. The curtain is hoisted, diverting the audience’s full attention to the stage, and the costumed cast is presented. Of all the characters, there is one in particular that jumps out. An old, very elderly man wearing a funny mask with a long, hooked nose, a big round belly, and draped in a bright, tomato-red ensemble, often catches the viewers’ eyes. To his cast mates, the audience, and the director, he is Pantalone, the Venetian merchant, but to Savannah State University, he is 55 year old Professor Darryl Thompson. “It was either, be a teacher or a preacher,” said Thompson, “and I curse too much to be a preacher!” Animated, outgoing, and downright Southern, Darryl Thompson is no stranger to the arts. Growing up in the small town of Marianna, FL, with his parents and older brother, Thompson first developed an interest in theatre at age 15, after attending a local play with his parents. “My dad worked at a print shop and they printed programs for all of the local plays. We attended one of the plays and as I was watching I thought, ‘Well golly! I like that kinda stuff!” Thompson remembers. After watching the play, he noticed that the director would visit the print shop often. “When he came in one day, I started singing for him. I did this stupid little high school thing and I thought if he hears me, maybe he’ll put me in one of his plays.” Thompson’s consistency hadn’t gone unnoticed. Within a year, he began acting
in plays at the local college and continued acting ever since. With his colorful character, his distinct style, which he describes as vintage funky eclectic, and his classic bald head, which he shaved while playing the role of a Russian, paired with small silver hoop earrings, Thompson is sure to turn heads daily. “I’ll throw on a 1950s tuxedo jacket with my boots like this (black boots with metal spurs). You know, anything that’s vintage and dated,” he says, showing off his shoes. “I had one lady stop me in front of Kroger and she said ‘I just love the way you dress!’” However, Thompson didn’t always work in theatre. He worked other jobs before pursuing theatre full time. “Welcome to 1340 on your AM dial,” Thompson imitates, referring to his tag line from when he worked in radio. “I was a radio DJ at a local station in my hometown! I also worked as a jeweler for 20 years and one day; I just said I’m sick of working in retail. I love theatre. I’m gonna go for it! So I just dropped everything and went back to school.” Despite his dyslexia and other learning disadvantages, Thompson attended Pensacola College where he received an Associate of Arts degree. At The University of West Georgia he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Florida; all of which are adorned to walls of his office along with recognitions of his theater career and numerous creations from hobbies of his. Thompson enjoys receiving awards but he knows that’s not the reason he likes the theater, “I mean I like it. Don’t get me wrong, but I’d much rather know that people really and truly enjoyed my performance,” he replies. Outside of teaching, acting and directing, Thompson loves; photography, painting, patch working, riding his motorcycle, and the Star Trek series, among other things although he likes to keep that a secret, calling himself a “closet Trekkie”. Thompson is widely recognized in theatre at SSU. He has taught many acting and theatre courses over the years which include Voice and Diction, Playwriting, Musical Theatre and others he currently teaches Intro to Theatre, but he is most known for his Advanced Speech class. “ I teach introduction, informative, tribute, persuasive and eulogy speeches. Persuasive speeches are my favorite ones to give to my students because if you think about it, that’s what education is all about. Persuading people to listen, work, and increase your knowledge,” Thompson explains. “One of my students was called to do a speech for graduation and I remember being so proud because she really nailed it! She did everything we’d talked about in that class. But then I’ve had other students who’ve done the same thing and embarrassed me,” he laughs. Theatre isn’t the only trait he is known for at SSU, Thompson has directed many plays and prides himself on his directing skills, although it can be very time
consuming. “We put in a hell of a lot of time with directing. And I’m thinking, ‘I’m not even in the play. I’m just directing!’ It does take up a lot of time, but that’s what I love to do,” he says. Kareem McMichael, actor and colleague, talks about his experience with Thompson as a director. “Overall, it was a very Photographs by SSU enjoyable experience. I was actually casted at the Darryl Thompson, last minute, but he was Professor at Savannah very understanding,” said State University. McMichael. “Thompson was very precise about how he wanted the characters in the play depicted and what he expected of us actors,” he continued. Thompson doesn’t have family in Savannah. He resides in the city with his partner of over 20 years and their many pets. “We have four birds and three corgis. The corgis are high strung, kind of like me, so it’s never a dull moment in our house!” he says. Theatre and the arts have allowed Thompson to touch the lives of many peers, colleagues, and students. He is very content in the position he’s created in life and he’s happy to call Savannah State University home. Thompson is also big on family and he is very fond of his parents. “I think I get my humor from my parents,” he chuckles. “I remember my mom was fussing at me and I said ‘You listen here old lady. I will put you in a home if you don’t watch it’ and she just laughed!” He goes on. “I miss my mom. She was a great person. Both of my parents were. I think they did a great job raising me,” he smiles with bright blue eyes. “I love Savannah. This is home. For some reason, it just felt like home. I love the people I work with, I love my students. It’s just a wonderful place. I hope everybody in their life gets to find that place that makes them say, ‘Golly! This is where I wanna be!’”
Tigersroar.com
FEATURE
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Jamaal to Jamiya:
Transit ioning, Trans fo rming, Transgende r
by Sharana Richardson, Contributing Writer
What age did you realize you were born the “wrong gender”? I was always just a feminine type of person. I was about 4 or 5 and I used to wear my Mama’s heels, loved to put on her makeup and she would think it was so cute! I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I just didn’t feel like a boy. It was always like “I’m just a girl”. What was your parents’ reaction about the sex change? I told my mama when I was about 5 that I feel like I’m a girl. They (my parents) took me to therapy. I was diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. They have that?! Yes! They have that! And the chronologist can put you on hormones and let you transition. So they were supportive? Yeah. Well...no they were not really supportive. Their intentions were to get my therapist to convince me,”Hey, you’re a boy.” But they didn’t understand the term “transgender” and this is what’s happening to your child. They didn’t understand for a long time. We went to other therapists and they said the same thing. So they just went with it after a while and they let me start T-Blockers. What are T-Blockers? Testosterone blockers. It like, blocks you from going through puberty. Like, it prolongs it. So I can make the decision at 18 whether I want to start hormones. It was crazy and I don’t know what triggered in their mind, but they let me start that! What is a common misconception about transgender people? They’re men. They’re freaks. They’re drag queens. It’s not...that. With transgender, you spiritually feel like you’re a woman in a male’s body. To us, when we get our gender reassignment surgery, we’re complete. A lot of people have debates about it like, “you’re destroying what God gave you” But that’s how we feel. What’s your religion? I’m a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. I grew up in the church. Are you currently in transition or are you done? I’m still in transition. I am NOT done. I’m looking forward to getting all my surgery finished. I’ve gotten work on my sculpture (torso) and my Adam’s apple taken out.
Really? How was that? The doctor was really skeptical because I was so young and he didn’t think I could afford it. I took out a loan, but it was in my mama’s name. So I used that and paid it off. She was so mad! But she just had to realize that it was for my transition. It was a mistake and a bad thing to do. Are you afraid to undergo the FULL transition? I’m not afraid. I’m just ready to get it. If I could get it now, I would. Well refunds are coming up! Girl, it’s way more than a refund. Its $14000! And you have to get two notes from therapists saying that you’re transgender and you been on hormones for this amount of time. It’s a lot to it. I just can’t get my penis turned into a vagina. Its sooo much that goes along with that. How has SSU treated you? Good and bad. When I first got here, I thought I had everything lined up. I’d just changed my gender marker changed to ‘F’ on my license. Everything was good except my name. It was still Jamaal Salette because I hadn’t gotten it switched over yet. They looked into my high school records and saw I was born male and refused to put me in a female dorm. Wow! So where were they trying to put you? They wanted to move me to the faculty dorms, like I’m just casted away from everyone else. I was like. No I want to be with the students. They ended up putting me in the FLLC on the boy’s side. My roommate was so…scary. So scared of me. So weird around me and would always complain about me. The boys on the floor were mean, but I get ignorance all over campus all the time. I just don’t let it get to me, because I understand. What’s your most embarrassing moment? I remember when I was in high school and wearing a skirt one day, but I was bulging! And it was so embarrassing! It was so embarrassing. You didn’t tuck? No. I didn’t know. I was new to everything! So I didn’t know how to secure myself as well. At first, you think everybody is watching, but nobody was watching… until I got up. So yeah that was embarrassing. Have you ever been with a girl? Umm…Yes. I have. When I was in middle school. She was apart of the church and around that time, I was just dating her to please my parents. When I was dating her, I liked her! Like I remember the feeling of liking her, but it was never a sexual feeling. It was more like a friend type of thing. So I made some excuse to break up with her.
Before and after pictures of Jamiya.
Photographs by Jamiya
How long were you guys dating? Like two years. But we weren’t really dating. It was just for my mama. So you like men. What’s your type, Tall, dark and handsome? Yeah, like regular, boyish, and masculine. He has to have some type of swagger. So do you want to get married? Yes, I do but it’s gonna take a little time. I’ve learned in past relationships it’s really tough. When first meeting a guy, do you make it your business to tell them immediately? Now I do, but before I didn’t. I dated one guy for a whole year and I did not tell him! When I finally told him, he started acting different. I lied to him not only about being male, but my whole life history! Who do you admire? Beyoncé’! I love love love Beyoncé’! Her ambition and drive is crazy and she markets herself so well. Does anyone still call you Jamaal? My mama. She still calls me Jamaal. My parents don’t see me as a woman yet. Sometimes they’ll try it, but it doesn’t really work out. That’s just a process. What’s your biggest fear? Failure! I don’t want to fail. I don’t want my parents to say, “We were right.” That would make me feel so bad. I’ve caused too much (drama) between me and my parents to be wrong.
33.7231° -118.2659° Being debt-free after college feels great. Skimming mere feet above Pacific breakers in a helicopter feels even better. At Spelman College, I never imagined I’d go on to become the first African American female helicopter pilot in Coast Guard history. The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) made it possible. It’s a program that fosters leadership, pays for two years of tuition and books, and provides HBCU students with a competitive salary even before graduation. It felt incredible knowing that I would have a career doing something that matters. Today I have one of the most coveted positions in the Coast Guard, and I got here because of CSPI. Visit GoCoastGuard.com/CSPI to learn more.
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SPORTS
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Tiger Athletes Work Hard on the Field, and in the Classroom by Madison Hedderly, Contributing Writer Savannah State student athletes are more than just what you see on the field; the athletic department has made sure to emphasize “Student” before “Athlete”. What some students and peers may not know is that SSU athletes are under a strict academic scale that determines whether they suit up and play or sit the bench and cheer on their fellow teammates. What is this so called “strict” scale you say? Savannah State athletes who acquire a GPA that is 2.5 or lower must complete eight hours of supervised study hall a week according to Brandon Benjamin, one of three academic supervising specialists at Savannah State who monitors the softball, volleyball and some of the football team. Freshmen are required to complete one year of mandatory study hall along with transfers who must complete a semester. Not only do the athletes have to complete eight hours of study hall a week, they also have to attend weekly meetings with their assigned academic advisor to keep on track with their grades and assignments. When comparing our academics in athletics to other Division I programs, Savannah State settles in the same ball park when it comes to academic advising. According to Brandon Benjamin, the required GPA for other Division I programs is averaged around either a 2.5 or 2.3; however, the NCAA requires a much different GPA approach depending on the athlete’s graduation status. Most athletic programs require a higher
2013-2014 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Upcoming Season
GPA than NCAA regulations to make sure no athlete unexpectedly drops into ineligibility. Danita Townsend, Associate Athletics Director for Administration & Student-Athlete Welfare, commented on the NCAA regulations, “In order to compete, the NCAA requires a 1.8 GPA within the athlete’s first two semesters, then it is raised to 1.9 within the athlete’s third and fourth semester. Then it stays at a 2.0 for their junior and senior year.” Athletes are also required to attend every class within the semester unless it’s excused by Photographs by Maurice Pierce athletic events (games) by the athletic department. Savannah State’s Football team in position to hike the ball For every class a student athlete misses, the against Fort Valley’s Football team. athletic department charges their coach ten dollars lifelong lessons. What we’ve done is that we’ve turned to their budget; on top of that, depending on the coach, the athlete may have another punishment as well. our back on the young men and said if you miss these The coaches are also charged ten dollars if they (athletes) appointments (study hall, class, advising) and we’re don’t meet the required eight hours of study hall a week, charged, then you’re going to be charged too. Now that and for every academic meeting the athlete misses with makes players accountable and in order for this program their advisor. To some people, ten dollars does not seem to be the best they can be, they’re going to have to learn to like a lot of money, but when you’re dealing with high be accountable. So all we’re doing is teaching them right volume teams such as football, the dollars add up and the now to do that.” The life of a Division I college athlete at Savannah coaches tend to get fed up. I spoke to Earnest Wilson, the head football coach State comes with restrictions in order to keep players at Savannah State, about his thoughts of the ten dollar eligible for competition. Policies must be enforced by the charges considering he is in charge of the highest volume academic department to maintain the proper GPA so our team on campus with a total of 85 players on his roster. Tiger athletes can compete for MEAC Championships. “From the academic services department, I understand Our student athletes are currently working hard staying on what they’re doing; they’re trying to teach them (athletes) track to maintain eligibility to compete and to graduate.
by Dychal Bowles, Contributing Writer The time is here. The men’s and women’s basketball season is quickly approaching, and a lot of things have changed from last year to this year. Entering his ninth season as men’s head basketball coach, Horace Broadnax added five new players to the men’s basketball program for the 2013-14 season. Alante Fenner (6-4, 180 lbs), Javaris Jenkins (6-5, 200 lbs), and Saadiq Muhammad (6-7, 200 lbs) are all 2013 high school graduates while Hikeem Champaigne and Terel Hall come to SSU from junior colleges. Champaigne (6-9, 216 lbs) played at Denmark Tech. Hall (6-1, 185 lbs) played this past season at Chipola Junior College. Returning for the Tigers will be senior guards Deven Williams, Patrick Hendley, Stephen Wilson, and Angelo Davis, and forwards include Jyles Smith and Joshua Montgomery. The Tigers have a competitive schedule ahead of them. Aside from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference competition, the Tigers will be playing several major Division I programs, including University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, University of Utah, University of Arkansas, University of Miami, University of Florida, and Baylor University. SSU will look to improve upon the 2012-13 season in which they finished with a 19-15 overall record and earned
a trip to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The 2013-14 Lady Tiger recruiting class consists of four freshmen and one junior transfer. Savannah State Women’s Head Basketball Coach Cedric Baker, in his 11th year at SSU, also added five newcomers to his 2013-14 roster. Bria Dorsey, an Atlanta, Georgia native and 5-7 point guard, Charmia Graham, 6-2 from Richmond Hill will help fill the back court of the Lady Tigers. Along with Graham, Baker added 6-2 center Tiyonda Davis of Athens and two freshman shooting guards, Kenyata Hendrix, a 5-10, Carrollton, Ga. native, and Rhianna Warren, a 5-8 guard from Douglasville, Ga. The five newcomers will accent the nine lettermen returning for the Lady Tigers this year and try and help SSU improve upon a 7-23 record during the 2012-13 season. The Lady Tigers will be facing off against formidable Division I opponents such as Baylor University, University of South Carolina, Seton Hall University, Northwestern University and Mississippi State University. Both teams will hit the hardwood on October 31st at Tiger Arena as they face off against cross-town rival Armstrong Atlantic State University in exhibition games. The Lady Tigers will play at 6 p.m. followed immediately by men’s basketball. The women’s first home game will be on November 8th at 7 p.m. against Columbia College. The men’s first official home game will be on November 26th at 7 p.m. against North Florida.
PUZZLES
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Did You Read the Homecoming Edition?
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