September 19, 2013
W W W. V S U S p E c TAT O R . c O M
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w w w. v s u s p e c ta t o r. c o m
- OpINIONS: “Students, quit blaming the system” - FEATURES: “Vegas to get piece of Britney” - SpORTS: “No. 1 VSU football to host Shorter Sat.”
Today at VSU Free T-shirT Design caB hosts a free t-shirt design from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom a. Students that show up with their 1card can get their t-shirt designed however they want.
sTuDenT reciTAl - curtis thornton plays the tuba from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Whitehead auditorium. grADuATe school Workshop - career Services hosts a workshop on attending graduate school from 4 to 5 p.m. in Powell Hall-West, second floor.
Weather Today
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Saturday
Mostly Sunny 89 H 69 L
This Day in History Nevada experiences first ever underground nuclear explosion. September 19, 1957
a 1.7 kiloton nuclear weapon detonated in an underground tunnel at the Nevada Test Site--a 1,375 square mile research center located 65 miles north of Las Vegas. Source: History.com
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VOLUME 85 ISSUE 5
Blazer football to play Shorter, page 6.
Check out Olivia Gear’s story on D&T Personal Training!
VSU student struck by semi, dies on I-75 Will Lewis MaNaGiNG eDitOr walewis@valdosta.edu
VSU lost a member of its student body early tuesday morning. Marcus Holmes, 19, sophomore, was killed when he was struck by a UPS semitruck on i-75. Police say the accident occurred around 1 a.m. when Holmes stepped into traffic
SGA makes a deal Joe Adgie
just north of the mile 19 marker on the normally bustling interstate. "the driver of the UPS truck, whenever he noticed the pedestrian in the roadway, he was unable to avoid impact with the pedestrian,” Sgt. carl taylor, Georgia State Patrol, said in an interview with WaLB News. at the moment officers with GSP say that drugs or alcohol don’t appear to be in-
ward Braun, english instructor, said. “Marcus was full with joy and kindness,” Hannah Davis, former Shorter University schoolmate to Holmes, said. “He had a huge heart and gave great advice.” McKinney said consolers would be available to speak with students affected by Holmes’s passing. Students seeking assistance should call 229-333-5940.
First African American students honored Wednesday
Shane Thomas
jmadgie@valdosta.edu
shanethomas@valdosta.edu
See SGA, Page 2
On tuesday, shortly after the crash, condolences from Holmes’s friends and family flooded his facebook page, and word of his death continued to spread following McKinney’s announcement. ‘Marcus was a bright, outgoing, and hopeful young man who shared those qualities with those around him, and without him, those closest to him find the world a slightly darker place,” ed-
Campus celebrates 50 years of integration
SOciaL MeDia eDitOr the SGa traded off help for a $450 fee on Monday night. this $450 fee was directed to the film and Video society for the screening of “Land of Higher Peace”, a Q&a with filmmaker Mark ezra Stokes, and the rights for VSU students to screen the film whenever they want. for the $450 aid, the organization promised the SGa help for any promotional videos in the future. “if you are willing, i would like to offer my organization’s help to produce any sort of video,” rizal Buckingham, film and Video Society member, said. “We’re always more than happy to bring our own equipment.” Senators were originally not enthusiastic about giving the $450 to the organization, with Senator edgar James expressing doubt that the money would go to an event that would benefit VSU as a whole. “it doesn’t seem to benefit the (student) body as a whole, as far as catering to the needs of our students,” James said. James also mentioned the small capacity (30 seats) of the room that this event will take part in, and noted that maybe the event would cater to just 30 students. Senator tamelonie thomas also noted that the Q&a would primarily concern the making of the film, rather than the subject matter of the film itself, which is about, according to imdb.com, “the daily challenges ethiopians face through the eyes of a group of well-meaning americans in the small northern town of Gondar.” “i know we have a very good student body here, who are mass media students, but i honestly don’t feel like that this film will be educational or really vital for the SGa to have our money budgeted to it.” thomas also noted that she was excited to see the film, after having done mission
volved with the crash, but a blood test will provide definitive results. the tests are expected to be completed in a month. President Dr. William McKinney sent an email to faculty and students announcing the death. “On behalf of the entire VSU family, we extend our deepest sympathy to the Holmes family,” Dr. McKinney said.
S ta f f W r i t e r
& Von Kennedy S ta f f W r i t e r vtkennedy@valdosta.edu
VSU celebrated 50 years of integration with the Heritage community cookout and “a Look 50 Years Back and 50 Years forward Kickoff reception” on Wednesday. robert Pierce and Drewnell thomas, the first africanamerican male and female to attend VSU, were honored during the cookout, sponsored by the Langdale college of Business administration, in Palms Quad. rebecka Mcaleer / The SPecTaTor Students gathered in Palms Students enjoy a cookout Wednesday, kicking off the celebration of integration at VSU. Quad as free hamburgers, hot flect on everything that peodogs and other refreshments ple have done to make the were served from noon until university more inclusive and 2 p.m. it’s important to remember SGa president Will Jimerthat 50 years later,” son, VSU first Lady Dr. Dacharlesworth said. “Students cia that i spoke charlesworth to in line and Valdosta knew what For the two that Mayor Pro they were tem alvin paved the way for celebrating Payton adAfrican Americans and they dressed the to attend a universi- were excitstudent body ed—it was during the ty like this I just feel great.” cookout. in addition very honored. I “i think to free food, the turn-out wanted to volunteer students was great,” and do what I can to could also Jimerson participate help. said. “We in a raffle to had a diverse - AyAnnie ThomAs take home group of commemopeople that rative “50 came out to Years” t-shirts. celebrate. that is what the “i feel very thankful,” mission of this event was—to ayannie thomas, junior bring people of different herspeech communication major, itages, cultures, and backVon Kennedy / The SPecTaTor said. “for the two that paved Dr. Shirley Hardin, director of African American Studies, grounds together as we celediscusses the history of VSU. The photograph is of the brate 50 years of integration.” the way for african americans to attend a university first African American VSU homecoming queen, Skip “this moment is so historiMcDonald. cal because it allows us to reSee 50 YEARS, Page 2
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New Associate Dean of Students named Isaiah Smart S ta f f W r i t e r itsmart@valdosta.edu
another void is filled for VSU as it hires a new administrator. Nicole turley was named the new associate Dean of Students less than two weeks ago and will serve alongside
russell Mast, Vice President of Student affairs and Dean of Students. the position involves working with the vice president for student affairs and the dean of students to implement plans for the Division of Student affairs. the search began in June and ended on august 1.
the search committee consisted of thomas Hardy, Sherolyn Hopkins, robin Vickery, Stanley Jones, Lisa Long, Kevin taylor and Hassanat Oshodi. thomas Hardy led the committee but couldn’t be reached for answers at press time. there were 55 applicants,
the final four were invited to campus. turley, former SGa president and graduate of VSU, now serves as an advisor for SGa in her returning role at her alma mater. She made a visit to the SGa meeting on Monday and See ADS, Page 2
News
PAgE 2 | VSuSPEcTATOR.cOM SGA
ture. “Mass Media has access to continued from page 1 a lot of filmmaking and prowork in Kenya. motional styled things,� Senator Heather WashingLovelace said. “It may be ton, meanwhile, did find one worth our money to invest in thing that would have benethem so we have some added fitted the VSU community. resources in advertising and “The only thing that actual- marketing for SGA.� ly looks like it would actually Senator Valencia Warren benefit VSU agreed. would be “This This would be a the copy of would be a the film,� huge help to the PR huge help to Washington committee as far as the PR comsaid. “If I’m mittee as far as the video editing is not a mass the video editmedia maing is conconcerned. jor, I’m not cerned,� War-Valencia Warren sure if I ren said. “It would even would be great show up (to the film screenfor our YouTube channel and ing and Q&A).� getting out to students.� Washington advocated Amendments were pro“maybe getting the word posed to bring the dollar out,� but was opposed to amount down to $300, and funding anything outside of then to $250, but Lovelace the rights to the film. advocated again for the full Senator Breanna Lawrence $450 due to the promised noted the SGA could take a benefit to the SGA from the look at how organizations mass media department. have tried to raise money be“The quality of work that fore going to them. the mass media department “We definitely have to take does is worth a lot of monthat into consideration with ey,� Lovelace said. “We are other organizations,� now limiting the funds we Lawrence said. “What have are giving and asking for you done to help yourself help. I think it is a bit unfair first before you get help from to limit the amount of money other people?� that we are giving and asking Lawrence advocated giving them to help us. So instead of $150—which would be the limiting us to one event or a rights fees for VSU students couple of events or one to screen the movie whenever YouTube channel, why not they wanted. give the entire $450 and then Senator Matt Lovelace, asking for continuous help in however, favored the full marketing for the SGA.� amount for the benefit that The SGA soon afterwards the Mass Media department voted for the full $450 to be would bring to the SGA, in given. regards to promotional videos SGA BUDGET: $19,148.23 that would be shot in the fu-
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ADS continued from page 1
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
“The general plan is to deepen the awareness of and connection to the services, development and support provided by the Division of Student Affairs through various social media venues,� Turley said.
spoke to the senate and guests briefly to introduce herself. “I hope that the new Associate Dean of Students is able to fully I hope that the new foster all the Turley will Associate Dean of expectations act as an for an adviStudents is able to advisor for sor,� Hassanat departfully foster all the Oshodi, SGA ments such expectations for an as: Access Vice President, said. Office, advisor. “SGA is in the Testing and -Hasanat Oshodi reconstruction Orientastage so at this tion/Leadpoint it is important that we ership Programs. have an advisor who is effiShe will also have a hand ciently responsive and able to in coordinating student adhere to the needs of SGA recognition initiatives, Parent and the other departments the Programs and Campus MinADS is over.� istries. With the increase in social Turley’s office is located in media use Turley has the task the Student Affairs Office on of had coordinating social the third floor of the Student media for the division. Union.
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�
50 Years continued from page 1 like this I just feel very honored. I wanted to volunteer and do what I can to help.� Payton reflects on his own experience in 1963 as a thirdgrader when Pierce and Thomas arrived on campus and what it means to the city of Valdosta. “Being born and raised in Valdosta and being here in 1963; knowing some of the changes the city was going through at that time, as a third-grader, you don’t see those things,� Payton said. “Obviously, Ms. Thomas and Mr. Pierce, to be the only two African-American students on this campus in 1963, those were some heavy, heavy burdens to bear.� “From a city perspective, I think this (event) shows how far the city and the county have progressed in their forward thinking,� Payton said.
Various VSU organizations also hosted “A Look Back and 50 Years Forward Kickoff Reception� in the Bailey Science Center. The event celebrated Pierce and Thomas, as well as Dr. Shirley Hardin, professor of English and Director of the African American Studies program and other notable people and moments. Hardin has been at VSU for 37 years witnessed much social change on campus. “Sometimes people take their education here for granted,� Hardin said. “(Here) you get to interact with different fraternities, sororities, races and once you learn their history and culture, you are empowered. All of us can soar, and that is my greatest joy; when students can come together.�
Lawn art goes natural Ritsuki Miyazaki / The SpecTaToR
Art took on a natural form with this sculpture of the sun and moon outside of Whitehead Auditorium.
Upcoming Events Sep. 20 The VSU Dance Club will hold a bake sale from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pedestrian Mall Gazebo near the Student Union. The Society of International Students will host a Cultural Hour featuring the country of Belize. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the ELI House at 111 Moore Str. Just behind the Student Union. Sep. 23 The Peace Corps. will have an informational table set up in the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An information session will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Powell Hall West, second floor. College Republicans are proud to host Congressman Austin Scott for a meet and greet. The event is open to all Students. Monday, September 23rd at 6 p.m. in the Union Ballroom A Sep. 24 A blood drive will be held from 12:30-5:30 p.m. in the Student Union. "The Constitution, the Continued Democratic Voting Chal-
lenge, and the Rise of a New Jim Crow Order." Student presentations on various cases and background history on the struggle for democratic voting and the roles played by the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress, and the various state legislature. Presentations will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. From 7-8 p.m. in the Powell Hall Auditorium, Dr. Fred Knowles, Director of the Native American Studies Program, will present an overview of the Supreme Court decision regarding their ruling concerning Bab Veronica. Dr. Knowles will also discuss the significance of these rulings and how they relate to the current Legislature and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. The Student Health Center has received the flu vaccine (H1N1 covered in this vaccine) and the vaccine is available to students for $10 (flex, cash or check). If you would like to get a flu vaccine, but not make an appointment, please come to the Student Health Center on Sep. 24 , Oct. 1 or Oct. 8 from 8:30-10:30a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Police Briefs Sep. 11 A student reported a female leaving a room in Centennial Hall following an altercation in the room. Dispatch spoke with one roommate who acknowledged that and altercation had taken place regarding a boyfriend staying the night. VSU student, Heather Shew, was arrested. Sep. 13 VSU student, Trenton Williams was arrested for driving under the influence, and transported to Lowndes County Jail. A student reported a Columbia jacket and a TI83 calculator stolen from her backpack in Georgia Hall. Sep. 14 A student witnessed a vehicle being broken into the night before in the Georgia Hall gravel lot. Sep. 16
A red Genesis bike was stolen from the Student Union. A student reported his bag stolen from the Front Lawn. Some items were later found in the bushes beside Patterson Hall and turned into the VSUPD. Sep. 17 VSUPD responded to a report of an odor of marijuana coming from a room in Centennial Hall. Police arrested VSU student, Justin Culler and transported him to Lowndes County Jail. Sep. 18 A student flagged down a VSUPD officer at the corner of the Sustella lot and reported a gray and orange checkered backpack stolen. The officer responded by placing a BOLO for the item, but police were unable to make contact with the thief.
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vsuspectator.com | page 3
Our point of view...
Students, quit blaming the system When I was in the second grade, the quadratic formula, variables and polynomials were the last things on my mind. that’s what elementary school students are now learning: algebra—a subject that already befuddles many middle and high school students. I can’t imagine being seven years old and having to learn algebra (that might also be because math is not a strong suit of mine). Like any business model, education changes constantly due to competition and an influx of a variety of knowledge. this is the same knowledge academia tries to expose students to over a relatively short amount of time. to keep up, educators are
expected to update their curricula regularly and usher upcoming students into this new world of knowledge and technologies that even they have a hard time understanding sometimes. teaching can be just as much of a learning process for educators as it is for students. We may have not learned algebra in elementary school, but we were still exposed to it later in our educational careers. So, the system hasn’t failed us, it is just changing to meet the requirements of a new generation of thinkers. It is true that students learning higher levels of subjects so early on will probably be exposed to even higher levels by the time they
reach our ages, but those students will be carrying us when we get older, just as we’re sure to carry our parents’ generation—and in some ways we already are. Whether or not we can say we understand a subject thoroughly, our teachers did what they could for the amount of time they had with us. Plenty of VSU freshmen complain about not understanding certain subjects well and the fact that the core curriculum requires us to take classes such as college algebra, foreign languages, biology, geology, etc., regardless of our majors. “I’m an english major, why do I have to have sci-
ence credits? I’m not going to use this later!” the truth is it does not matter what students experi-
We have to be willing to learn more and have a drive to learn more—especially in the fields we’re trying to pursue as careers. enced in their prior education, and it does not matter what students think is useless or not. each subject has the po-
tential to expand our minds, and when we’re exposed to those subjects, there’s a chance that one of them may turn into our major or minor. Not everyone comes out of college with the same goals with which they started. education is a malleable model that changes case by case. We, as students, cannot expect teachers to do all of our work or magically implant knowledge into our brains effortlessly. We have to be willing to learn more and have a drive to learn more— especially in the fields we’re trying to pursue as careers. at the same time, teachers cannot expect students to always know everything they need to know before regis-
tering for a class. Quite often the foundation that primary education was supposed to lay for students isn’t there—either due to learning disabilities or curriculum deficiencies. It’s our responsibility to take the extra step to learn about things not presented to us and prove to teachers and advisers that they are not wasting their time. (taking those extra steps and building those relationships helps us later when we need recommendation letters, too—just putting that out there!) We are here now, we are adults and it is our chance to take responsibility for our own education.
This editorial was written by Jennifer Gleason (jlgleason@valdosta.edu) and it expresses the general opinion of the editorial staff.
Regulating body art Isaiah Smart S ta f f W r I t e r itsmart@valdosta.edu
Body piercings and tattoos have had a long-standing relationship with humans throughout history. In some cultures, body art represents history, lineage or religion, but in other cultures a tattoo
may simply represent a drunken night. In March, arkansas Senate Bill 387 was passed. the bill redefined “body art” and included scarification—the etching, scratching or cutting of skin to produce a design. the bill isn’t exactly clear on what is limited or banned,
but it is clearly stated that subdermal operations are prohibited but can be performed by licensed physicians. this shouldn’t be much of a problem as Joe Phillips, a member of the arkansas Body Modification association, stated that he doesn’t know of anyone doing such procedures. Misty forsberg, a piercing
and scarification artist in arkansas, worked with state legislators to update the bill. She was reported as satisfied with the results despite a “bumpy ride” at first. What if this moves along to Georgia? a council in Washington, D.C., wants to establish a 24-hour waiting
period to prevent impulse acts of getting a tattoo or piercing. “We’re making sure when that decision is made that you’re in the right frame of mind.” Yvette M. alexander, a council member, said. as stated, the bill is ambiguous to what is limited or banned, but what isn’t? this ambiguity could give the government some type of
grey area to reign in. Could the prohibition of subdermal body art be the beginning of widespread regulation on self-expression? Is this an infringement on your first amendment rights or just a way to keep things safe for minors and people acting off impulse?
People Poll In response to the incident at UA: Is VSU greek life segregated?
River Page freshman exercise physiology major
Candyce Peters junior pre-nursing major
“I would definitely like to see a lot more diversity in fraternities and sororities because right now they’re mostly traditional, black and white”
“I do feel like we’re segregated by tradition because I was so surprised when I saw a white girl in a black sorority”
Want more opinions? Check out the Video People Poll online at: youtube.comValdostaSpectator
E-cigs, innovative or recreating the past? David Lacy S ta f f W r I t e r dclacy@valdosta.edu
Just when you thought cigarettes were soon to be a thing of the past, companies are now introducing the cigarette of the future. the electronic cigarette is a newly popular type of cigarette that may not only help change the way smokers quit but could also replace their nicotine patches. Here is the catch: e-cigs are relatively new to the market, and there is still a lot of research that needs to be done before anyone can say that they are a viable in helping to control or even quit smoking. according to theLancet.com, e-cigs are used by many smokers to assist in quitting the habit because they can deliver nicotine and mitigate tobacco withdrawal symptoms. a trial done by a group at the Lancet produced underwhelming evidence. e-cig
users did quit smoking, but the results were not nearly as high as one might expect. the article states, “e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine, were modestly effective at helping smokers to quit…Uncertainty exists about the place of e-cigarettes in tobacco control, and more research is urgently needed to clearly establish their overall benefits and harms at both individual and population levels.” So are e-cigs a better alternative to cigarettes? I think they are. there is not a lot of evidence supporting the theory that they can help people quit, but I have been around people who smoke them. e-cigs seem to be a great alternative for those who enjoy smoking inside or around non-smoking friends since secondhand smoke risks associated with e-cigs are lower than those associated with regular cigarettes. the idea in theory is great. an odorless cigarette that can
be smoked without harm to others sounds fantastic. We may not be at this point just yet, but we are getting there. Personally I hope research proves that e-cigs can help people quit or at least control the urges that many people have to smoke. I have seen many friends try to quit but not be able to because the patch did not work. If this is truly an effective way for
smokers and non-smokers to live in harmony, I’m all for it and hope that more research proves that this will benefit people. Do you feel strongly about electronic cigarette? Is this technology a benefit or a hazzard to humanity? express your opinions by sending the Spectator staff a tweet at @vsuspectator.
Taylor Stone S ta f f W r I t e r tnstone@valdosta.edu
are “tobacco free” cigarettes better for your health? What if that tobacco was replaced with liquid nicotine? Say hello to electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigs.” electronic cigarettes are quickly becoming a preferred
option among smokers to traditional cigarettes. With such a rapid increase in popularity, questions arise about the safety of these sleek, smokeless, battery-operated alternatives. You have probably seen people smoking these innovative, ultramodern, “safe” cigarettes in unconventional places such as restaurants and elevators, but what makes
Sports Editor: eric Jackson Photo Editor: ritsuki Miyazaki Multimedia Editor: rebecka Mcaleer Web Designer: John Preer Copy Editor: Olivia McLean Social Media Editor: Joe adgie Faculty Advisers: Dr. Pat Miller, Dr. ted Geltner, Keith Warburg
laws, which give them a guise of safety. the fDa is in the process of trying to have e-cigarettes regulated as a “drug-delivery device” but the manufacturers insist that e-cigs are simply recreational and should not be subject to regulation. the truth is, there simply isn’t enough known about electronic cigarettes to so fervently claim that they are safer than traditional cigarettes simply because the nicotine is being delivered to your lungs in a different way. a cigarette is a cigarette, regardless of whether you use a lighter or batteries or whether you’re producing smoke or vapor. We shouldn’t question what the “healthier” option is if they are both delivering nicotine, the very component that makes cigarettes addictive, directly to your lungs. So I guess the real question is, do you want to be addicted to a “traditional” cigarette or an electronic cigarette?
Contacting Us
Spectator Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jennifer Gleason Managing Editor: Will Lewis Business Manager: Kristen Varney Advertising Manager: aimee Napier Circulation Manager: abbie Baggerly Opinions Editor: Stephen Cavallaro Features Editor: Sarah turner
these popular substitutes “safer?” a common myth about electronic cigarettes is that they are a healthier option because they don’t contain tobacco, but the nicotine is still there, only in a different form. electronic cigarettes contain a mechanism that heats liquid nicotine turning it into a vapor, allowing smokers to inhale and exhale as they would a normal cigarette. Why do so many people believe that inhaling liquid nicotine will not affect their health? this myth may stem from the fact that e-cigs are readily available to everyone, regardless of age – especially online. It doesn’t help that many electronic cigarettes come in kid-friendly flavors such as gummy bear and cookies cream, leaving little room for debate when it comes to its targeted audience. Since they are tobacco free, electronic cigarettes are not subject to U.S. tobacco
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Online at www.vsuspectator.com Opinions expressed in the Spectator other than editorials are the opinions of the writers of signed columns and not necessarily those of the Spectator and its staff. all rights reserved. reprints by permission of the editors. Views in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the Valdosta State University administration, faculty and staff.
PagE 4 | vSuSPEcTaToR.coM
Features
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
Vegas to get piece of Britney Cyrus and Hemsworth shed few tears and move on from breakup
H
ello, world—anthony here bringing you all the pop culture events from the last week that had us talking. it’s Britney, Bitch! the pop princess made her return to hearts this past week. But let’s be honest. she never left. Ms. spears’ new single “work Bitch” leaked sunday morning. the leak prompted spears’ team to move up the itunes release a full day before scheduled. the following morning Brit Brit made a huge announcement in the only way Britney can: by flying in a helicopter
to the middle of the Nevada desert. surrounded by a few hundred screaming fans, spears
Pop Addict Anthony Pope
announced she would be taking residency at Planet Hollywood in Vegas for the next two years. titled “a Piece of Me,” spears will perform 48 shows
per year over the next two years. Britney might want to buy a bigger purse too because her wallet is about to get a whole lot bigger. it is being reported that she will take home $30 million for the tenure of her residency. it works out to $310,000 per performance. that’s going to buy our Louisiana princess a lot of Cheetos and UGG boots. that wasn’t the only news spears had. she also announced her next album will be released on Dec. 3, the day after she turns 32 years old. while Britney’s professional life seems to be moving
iPad revamps orchestra
Photo by: Summer Yates
Valdosta State Orchestra opened its season with U.S. premiere of Ned McGowan’s innovative Concerto for iPad and orchestra last Saturday.
Cool down with CORE Abbie Baggerly s ta f f w r i t e r
rabaggerly@valdosta.edu
anyone looking for an adrenaline rush should be glad to know that COre will be taking students white-water rafting in the cool appalachian Mountains on sept. 28-29. COre plans to tackle the rapids in Hiawassee, Ga. and Ocoee, tenn. during the trip which will include rafting, hiking and plenty of water. "water,” sean wilkinson, COre outdoors graduate assistant, said. “there will be water everywhere! Plus, they will be in the foothills of the appalachian Mountains, which provide a beautiful, deciduous forest along the cliff sides. Did somebody say fall leaves?" Not only will there be white-water rafting, but the group will also take a short
hike through the mountains on the John Muir trail. there is no experience necessary to go on the trip. “we are hiring a trained guide through an outfitter near the river that will tell you everything you need to know before we get on the river,” rebecca tucker, COre team leader, said. “they are also providing all the gear that will keep you and your friends safe during this action-packed adventure.” food will be provided on saturday night, but students, faculty and guests are responsible for all other meals. students will need to bring a fast-drying swimsuit, dry clothes to change into, river shoes or an old pair of tennis shoes, a light jacket and sunscreen. COre will provide tents, sleeping bags, stoves, spray jackets, sleeping pads, head-
lamps and dry bags at no charge. “On past trips, there has been nothing but positive feedback about our whitewater rafting from both beginners and experienced folks alike,” wilkinson said. “the Ocoee is full of everything, Class i to Class iV rapids, and is sure to get that adrenaline pumping. Personally, this is one of my favorite trips that COre Outdoors does.” Costs for the trip are $55 for students and $65 for faculty and guests. students, faculty and guests need sign up and pay before sept. 26 at the COre office in the sustella parking deck. the pre-trip meeting will be on sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Departure times will be determined at the meeting.
right along, another star’s per sonal life seems to have crumbled apart. Both Miley Cryus’ and Liam Hemsworth’s publicists confirmed that the young stars have ended their engagement. the announcement came after both of them quit following each other on twitter which, apparently, in 2013 is a big deal. allegedly, Liam wasn’t too happy about all that twerking and tonguing Miley has been doing and ended the relationship. whatever the reason, he obviously was not too heartbroken because he was spotted
with a new girl late tuesday night at an L.a. nightclub. Miley probably isn’t too hurt either. Her latest single, “wrecking Ball,” off her forthcoming album, “Bangerz,” dethroned Katy Perry’s “roar” to take the No. 1spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. this is Miley’s first song ever to go No. 1on the Hot 100 chart. i guess all the “hood rat” antics Miley has been displaying is working. that’s it for Pop addict this week. Be sure to check back next week to read what some of your favorite celebrities are up to.
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SportS
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
VSU soccer team falls out of top 25 Alex Tostado s p o rt s w r i t e r
ajtostado@valdosta.edu
Valdosta state women’s soccer (3-0-1) hits the road for the first time this season as they make stops at Gulf south Conference opponents Delta state (1-3) on Friday afternoon and Christian Brothers (3-0-1) on sunday afternoon. VsU is 1-0-1 this season in the GsC after a double overtime tie with Union and a 3-0 win over Alabama Huntsville this past weekend. the Blazers admittedly did not play their best in the tie against Union and have been working physically and mentally to ensure they do not take an opponent lightly. “we are still hugely motivated since the Union game,” Head Coach Mel Heinz said. “we are still going to gnaw on that (Union) game that should have ended in a win… and we are also going to remember that each game is important and 90 minutes need to be played.” so far this season, CBU is outscoring its opponents 12-1. “it’s shocking that (CBU) fall(s) in the polls every year,” Coach Heinz said. “they are a very strong team and clearly they have done good so far.” Heinz and the Blazers want to make sure they stick to their game plan this weekend. “i would say that going into each match strong, making sure we stay focused, we are prepared and when we step on the field we play all 90 minutes (will bring us a victory),” junior goalkeeper olivia Mills said. “(we need) to stay confident in our abilities and put the results on the board early and keep it that way. we know we can win. we know we have the capabilities.” sophomore midfielder Margaret stauffer knows how im-
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portant each game is and doesn’t find any excuses. “we are a team that wins,” stauffer said. “we are not intimidated by any other team or their success because we are focused on what we are doing and we know that we are going to succeed.” stauffer and the rest of the team realize that more goals need to be scored and they have been working on that this week. “we are working on being more connected up front and to our (midfielders),” stauffer said. “we are working on triangles and easy passes so we can break pressure with the NCAA Division II Top 25 long pass. (we also work) 1. Grand Valley State on team chemistry.” the Blazers dropped out of 2. Saint Rose the NCAA top 25 rankings in the nation after last weekend’s 3. Armstrong Atlantic performance and the attitude 4. Western Washington of the team is disappointed yet 5. Tampa motivated. “i think we have to get back 6. East Stroudsburg in check with us,” Heinz said. 7. Fort Lewis “we’ve got to play well and 8. Minnesota-Mankato we’ve got to win games for us. if we do that, then we will 8. American International get rewarded, not just on the 10. West Florida field and in our conference 11. Cal State Stanislaus and for our university, but i think nationally we will start 12. William Jewell getting attention.” 13. Colorado Mines Mills is upset about the news but knows that there are 14. Millersville still a lot of games to be 15. North Georgia played this season. “(the team is) frustrated be- 15. Sonoma State cause we know we deserve to 17. Central Missouri be in the top 25,” Mills said. 18. Wisconsin-Parkside “it was pretty bitter learning that (we dropped out) but at 19. St. Edwards the same time, it just lights 20. Dowling our fire even more.”
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David Lacy/The Spectator Junior forward Blakley McClellan advances the ball during VSU’s win over Florida Tech (above).
21. Gannon
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22. Rollins 23. UC San Diego 24. Columbus State 24. Southwestern Oklahoma
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SportS
september 19, 2013
No.1 VSU football to host Shorter Sat. Chris Kessler s p o rt s w r i t e r
ckessler@valdosta.edu
No. 1 Valdosta state (1-0) plays their home opener against Gulf south Conference rival shorter (0-2) this saturday at Bazemore-Hyder stadium. “it's weird; it does seem like a long time since we've had a home game. But we're excited to have an opportunity to play at home and get the atmosphere of a home game,” said Coach David Dean. saturday's contest is the GsC opener for both teams. A win could set the table for a successful season for the Blazers, while the Hawks try to stop the bleeding with a rough start.
“we have to get off to a 1-0 start in conference if we want to have an opportunity to win the conference,” said Dean. the Hawks run a veer option attack on offense lead by quarterback eric Dodson and fullback Bradley Moon. Dodson leads sU with 264 rushing yards on the season, and Moon led the GsC last season in rushing. “what you have to do is limit their big plays, Dowling Payne/Blazer Pride and force them into VSU football team runs out of the tunnel before its 36-21 victory over Fort Valley State on Sept 7. those long yardage situation team it's all assignment and throwing down the field, tions,” said Dean. there's just so many options Defensively, VsU's biggest football,” Dean said. they have to go by.” key will be playing discipline “You make sure someone is on the dive, the quarterback this week VsU had some football to prevent explosive and the pitch man, but still difficulties preparing for the plays. aware of them pulling back upcoming unique offense in “Any time you play an op-
practice. “their offense is something we can't practice for because we don't have any players in here that run that type of offense, so to simulate it in practice is difficult,” Dean said. “we're going to go into it blind as far as the speed is concerned.” the Blazer's best defense against shorter could be their offense. if VsU can get ahead early, it will force shorter to rely on Dodson's arm, rather than legs to make plays. Dodson has completed less than 35 percent of his passes along with three interceptions. “that's what you got to do when you play those option teams, force them to do the things they're not comfortable doing, then they play into
your hands a little bit,” Dean said. “if we can get a big enough lead, hopefully we can force them to do that. it's going to be a heck of a challenge for us.” there's more at stake besides conference standings. VsU wants to continue their winning ways against new rivals and continue their establishment as top D-ii program in Georgia. “As far as recruiting goes, we want to be undefeated against all the teams we play in state, and this is the second one. From that aspect, to go 2-0 in the state is very good,” said Dean. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm at Bazemore-Hyder stadium saturday.
Blazer volleyball team opens Maylisa Johnson fights off conference play this weekend injuries for final season Neil Frawley s p o rt s w r i t e r
ndfrawley@valdosta.edu
Valdosta state volleyball team enters Gulf south Conference play with a pair of matches against Alabama Huntsville and North Alabama on Friday and saturday. Despite going up against two teams with losing records, this weekend presents a great opportunity for VsU to improve upon its weaknesses as they play towards their goal of winning the GsC volleyball tournament that begins in late November. Although VsU is going up against what should be much weaker opponents, head coach Mike swan is not concerned about the plights of his opponents when going forward through his game
plan. “i worry about my team and our side of the net and where we need to be playing, what level we need to be playing, and executing. so it's about us being disciplined and focused and ready to play," swan said. VsU enters conference play 7-2 after suffering two losses in the Aiken invitational, a two day tournament held in Aiken, south Carolina. VsU opened the tournament against Lander University, in which Lander won 31 in four sets, a game that head coach Mike swan would love to have back. “Friday's loss to Lander was very disappointing. they had a winning record and they left the tournament 4-0, so they weren't a bad team, (but) i just felt like fundamentally we should have won
that game and we didn't," swan said. the second loss came to No.25 palm Beach Atlantic. VsU held a two point lead in the first set of the match, but ultimately fell, and went on to lose the remaining sets. VsU bounced back on day two, handling Limestone College in a 3-0 sweep, but the match of the weekend came against the host school UsC Aiken, where VsU pulled out a 3-2 victory in which they fell 14-12 and rallied back with three straight points to win the match 15-14. VsU lost the first game, 25-22, and then traded wins the next three games, which forced a fifth, first to fifteen game to decide the match. read the rest of Neil’s story at www.vsuspectator.com
Shane Thomas s p o rt s w r i t e r
shanethomas@valdosta.edu
the words ‘torn ACL’ are perhaps the most feared words in sports. For Valdosta state Lady Blazers guard-forward Maylisa Johnson, those words have been a little too familiar. Johnson missed all of the 2012-13 season after undergoing a second ACL surgery on her left knee and finds herself working to get back into game shape for her senior season. “physically, i’ve been going hard,” Johnson said. “i went hard in the summer and when i was out with my ACL. each and every day is a battle, but as the days go on i’m getting better and stronger.” Johnson, a self-proclaimed professional shopper away from the floor, admits that rehabbing the injury has been tough on her mentally. “the rehab process was very
tough,” Johnson said. “this was my second ACL surgery so i knew what to expect but mentally, i got down a lot. physically, it wasn’t that hard but it was mostly a mental thing.” in 2011-12, Johnson started all 30 games for the Lady Blazers, averaging 5.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, which led the team and tied for the Gulf south Conference lead. “My goal is to make my teammates better every day in practice,” Johnson said. “i just want to be tough every single game.” “i’m more of a distributor—i like to get the team going and excited. i have a lot of energy so that’s what i bring to the table.”
the okmulgee, okla. native was a key piece to a team that finished 22-8 and advanced to the sweet sixteen in 2011-12. Head coach Kiley Hill expects Johnson to be a force in the upcoming campaign. “May just brings an intensity and competitive spirit,” Hill said. “she can play multiple positions for us. As long as she stays healthy, she does some very good things for us, on and off the floor.” Despite a few new faces this season, Hill believes that Johnson will fit in seamlessly with this collection of players. “we had a lot of injuries last year,” Hill said. “we’re returning 10 players and we’ve signed four new kids.” “May knows how to mold within that group and can morph into what the team needs. that’s a major positive for her coming back.” read the rest of shane thomas’s story at www.vsuspectator.com.