January 31, 2019
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Special Edition
Valdosta State Welcomes Head Coach Gary Goff
Photo by Seth Willard
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Our point of view... If you don’t use it you might lose it Valdosta State University is a blessed university. Don’t take that statement as a religious manifesto but more as a realization of how much “better off” our university is than others. We have more than 200 student-run organizations, a number that grows by the semester. Organizations like Campus Activities Board and the Fire Pit who find themselves under the umbrella of Student Life, are continually providing week-to-week experiences for students such as movie nights, lock-ins, game nights and giveaways. Other student-run organizations host campus-friendly events that celebrate the hard work of our peers and groups together for a good time. The creative media team works hard to highlight student success and campus renovations and they do a great job of marketing VSU to the outside community. When it comes to our athletics, we have one of the more consistently good departments in the state, and that goes across the board. Our football team is national champions and our tennis, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and soccer teams compete for conference championships annually. The Blazer game day experience provided for athletics is unmatched. From the pregame video and introductions, to the display of lights and colors, it feels like a professional game. In reality it is students and graduate assistants putting their time and effort forward to create the best environment possible. However, students don’t seem to attend these events, or other events, unless there is some sort of incentive. During the West Georgia basketball game free shirts were provided to the first 500 students. Once the shirts ran out, most students didn’t even stay to see the conclusion of the game. There are several panels or discussions put on by students and the university that go unattended by the vast majority. Sadly, this trend will likely continue. With Black History Month approaching there is an opportunity to prove us wrong. The school has already put out a calendar of events and a student calendar will be sent out soon. Take advantage of the hard work that is displayed by fellow peers as well as faculty and staff. Don’t let such a good thing—our university—go to waste.
This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and expresses the general opinion of The Spectator.
VSU ranked ‘best’ in online programs Kyle Grodin
Staff Writer kpgrondin@valdosta.edu VSU has once again been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s and Graduate Education Programs. This year, VSU came in at #137 out of 367 institutions for the Bachelor’s Program and #139 out of 311 schools for the Graduate Education Program. The rankings are made based upon five subcategories. They include engagement, services and technology, student excellence, faculty credentials and training and expert opinion. Students rated VSU a 77 out of 100 in responsiveness and satisfaction of the program according to the U.S. News report. Jarrod Murray, the Associate Director of VSU’s Center for eLearning, highlighted the faculty’s hard work as one of the culminating factors in the ranking. “Faculty has always gone above and beyond to make online learning effective for students,” Murray said. “They are always willing to learn new technology and do anything to help students improve their grade.” In an ever-changing field, Murray talked about how much he and the Center for eLearning’s instruction designers must learn in order to adapt to the constant stream of new technology. “Our staff has always gone to intense training regimens with Quality Matters,” he said. “This includes going to different lessons and seminars to explore new tech-
nology, upgrades and trends.” He also mentioned looking at other successful schools to learn new ways VSU can improve its online education program. “The biggest help overall, though, is just going directly to the students,” Murray said. “As they’re the one[s] in the classroom, finding out what they want from their online learning experience.” Among the many things that the Center for eLearning has accomplished, Murray said that the goal is to create a checklist that all classes must maintain as a benchmark for success. He noticed this is something all big universities have tried to use as their own tool for success. “A universal design for all classrooms to have access and [to] succeed is the overall goal,” he said. “As the technology is almost changing by the semester, we must make sure that the framework for each class is the same so that students aren’t having to learn something different for each online class.” Overall, Murray is expecting continued growth and change in the online education platform but noted that it is always “an honor to be recognized by U.S. News.” “Online education is continuing to rise every year,” he said. “As more and more students have to work, the increased need for the online platform is necessary, and I think it’s important to keep making it an effective tool so that any prospective student, no matter the age or background, can get an effective education.”
January 31, 2019
VSU celebrates 14-0 season, National Championship win Arelexus Brown
Staff Writer arelbrown@valdosta.edu To celebrate its victory as NCCA Division II national champions, the VSU Blazer football team was honored in a red-hot celebration on Jan. 24. On Dec. 15, 2018, the VSU Blazers beat the Ferris State Bulldogs 49-47, earning the title of NCAA Division II national champions. Past, present and future Blazers gathered in the P.E. Complex to honor the undefeated football team with live music, a meet and greet with the team and a sale of National Championship merchandise. Complete with the cheer squad, Blazin’ Brigade marching band and Red Hots dance team, the crowd stepped outside the Complex to greet the team and kick off the ceremony. The high-profile football team arrived like champions with an escort of police cars and buses. The team made another grand appearance inside the Complex, where they were showered with congratulations from important community figures, including radio presenter Scott James of Talk 92.1, Mayor John Gail and Chairman Bill Slaughter. Gail and Slaughter officially declared Jan. 24 Valdosta State University Blazer Football Day. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also gave his congratulations via video message. Head football coach Kerwin Bell and team expressed their gratitude to the fans and community for their support during the historic season. “In the community, we appreciate all that you’ve been able to
Bryce Ethridge/ THESPECTATOR The VSU Blazer Football team celebrates a victorious season as NCAA Divison II National Championships in the P.E Complex on Jan. 24, 2019.
offer us,” Bell said. Both Bell and the players attributed last season’s success to a strong bond and teamwork. “We are a very close-knit family,” Bell said. “[The players] all had the desire to be the best.” Tanner Jackson, sophomore and wide receiver, cited the team’s unity as a key factor in their success. “It is indescribable,” Jackson said, about being a part of such a successful team. “I have to thank God. It’s definitely something I didn’t imagine in my first year.” Jody Fortson, wide receiver and NFL-bound senior, called it a blessing to be a part of the VSU Blazer football team. Fortson credited his time as a Blazer as preparation for his NFL career. “It’s made me work harder,” Fortson said. “Being a part of a Division II school made me appreciate it more.” Additionally, many fans in at-
tendance expressed their dedication to keeping up with the team’s accomplishments last season. Tianna Nelson, sophomore physics and astronomy major, said that she had been following the season before arriving at VSU and that she was thrilled to be a part of such a momentous victory. Gabby Robinson, freshman psychology major, had been following the season as well. She said being at the celebration made her feel like a part of the football team. Also among the crowd was Jaylen Norwood, transfer freshman criminal justice major, who is eager to start the next season with the football team. Norwood had heard of the team’s success prior to transferring in and is glad to be starting her VSU career with the team. The VSU Blazer Football season picks back up next fall.
African American Male Iniative aims for student success Patrick Barry
Staff Writer pjbarry@valdosta.edu Blacks and Native Americans are tied for the lowest post-secondary graduation rates, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The AfricanAmerican Male Initiative (AAMI) hopes to change that. Aimed at minority groups, the organization recently came to fruition at VSU, thanks to Dr. Tameka Hobbs, coordinator of African American (AFAM) studies on campus. Through her work, the program has begun this semester and has offered keynote events and conferences. Most notable, however, is its hands-on, personal approach to increasing graduation rates among minorities. Leafus Thomas, leader and student coordinator of the AAMI, said the organization “works to build a relationship with its members” and find “the strengths and weaknesses of the group members.” “It’s more than just a tutoring session,” he said. The AAMI’s main goal is to empower, support, and assist students in gaining an undergraduate degree in four years. However, it’s
limited to six years depending on the major and class structure. The AAMI’s value emphasizes personal responsibility inside and outside the classroom, according to the application form. It encourages young men to be leaders, not only to others but of themselves.
“We’ll hopefully expand in the next year and offer scholarships and things like that.” Members must attend weekly study halls where they are assisted with their coursework and set up to succeed. They must also attend at least one community service event per month, along with upholding other necessary expectations to show that they are dedicated to success. Although AAMI at VSU is still a fledgling branch, the organization itself has long-standing roots marked by academic success and opportunity for male-minority
youth. The AAMI is a nationally recognized organization with a presence in 26 out of 29 Georgia universities. Its national mission is “increasing [students’] successful matriculation and graduation.” Its leaders are looking forward to advancing the organization’s presence at VSU. “We’ll hopefully expand in the next year and offer scholarships and things like that,” Thomas said. On Monday, AAMI presented “A Conversation with M.K. Asante,” an author, filmmaker, recording artist and professor who spoke on his newest book, Buck: A Memoir. The book focuses on his difficult and transformative youth in Philadelphia and has been described by renowned AfricanAmerican poet Maya Angelou as being “a story of surviving and thriving with passion, compassion, wit, and style.” The AAMI used this event to inspire its patrons as well as other students. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the opportunities that the AAMI offers minority scholars, search under “African American Studies” at MyVSU and email Dr. Hobbs at tbhobbs@valdosta.edu.
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January 31, 2019
Entertainment
SAG Awards attendees dress to impress
Gemma Chan has been making her presence known on the red carpet since the release of the critically acclaimed film, Crazy Rich Asians. Chan showed us how to fly like a bird, in this Oscar de la Renta gown.
Chadwick Boseman is still riding on the Black Panther fashion high showcasing with a leaf
print Ermenegildo Zegna XXX blaze complementing his skin tone with brown and black.
Lady Gaga posed on the red carpet in Dior Haute Couture. Gaga has been trying to bring back “Old Hollywood Glamour” to the red carpet, and with this Dior gown, she did just that.
Angela Bassett sashayed down the red carpet in a deep plunging neck line Georges Chakra gown. The shape shifting gown proves Angela has still got it.
The Screen Actors Guild hosted its 25th Annual awards show, honoring the best achievements in film and television performances for the year 2018 at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.
Jacorey Moon
Special Projects Manager jxmoon@valdosta.edu The 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place in Los Angeles, CA on Jan. 27. There were many, not just with awards, wins amongst diversity and inclusion for the night. Megan Mullaly is most famous for her role as Karen on “Will & Grace,” hosted the SAG Awards this year. Megan’s comedy is always effervescent and awkward. Megan was able to apply to her comical talents to an opening monologue that criticized the entertainment industry for being sexist and ageist. She did a great job with openly criticizing the
industry that directly heled her to be where she is today. Black Panther is the movie that upped the ante on Marvel Comic pandemonium across the world upon its release in early 2018. The star-studded cast and producers took home a big win that night. Black Panther won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This award is Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. Many red carpet analysts have begun to predict what Black Panther’s potential Oscars wins could be. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” an Amazon original series, won several awards.
Tony Shalhoub won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Rachel Brosnahan won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. Finally, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Darren Criss won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. The former “Glee” star won for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in the television miniseries, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Cunanan
is the American serial killer who was on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for killing 5 people, including the Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace. Rami Malek won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. Malek won for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the critically acclaimed film, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Emily Blunt won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, for “A Quiet Place.” For a list of all the winners, visit the SAG Awards website. According to CNN.com, The SAG Awards are experiencing a
multiyear decline in viewership. The SAG Awards aren’t one of the most prestigious award ceremony like say, The Oscars or The Academy Awards, but the SAGs are still vital to the film industry. The SAG Awards are where most up-and-coming get their start in receiving awards. The SAG Awards need a revamp as it pertains to how the show promotes itself, and as well the overall entertainment factor of the show. If they want to engage with the new generation of viewership, the SAGs will have to engage with the new generation to see what interests them, as it pertains to entertainment. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.
Pop Addict: Stop the foolishness Jacorey Moon
Special Projects Manager jxmoon@valdosta.edu Hello to all my pop addicts of VSU. It’s been a week since I’ve seen you last. HOW Y’ALL DOING? I’ve got a nice a nice cup of Jasmine Chai brewing, so let’s get into it. Taraji P. Henson, the auntie of new-age actresses, has finally gotten her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s about time. Taraji has been worthy of her star since she was playing Yvonne in Baby Boy and fighting with Tyrese’s or Jodi’s big-head self. With that being said, she finally got what she deserved. Although she was able to get her star, she also had a very questionable week last week. With all of the heat surrounding R. Kelly, Henson went out on a limb to try and “protect him.” She went on Instagram and searched the hashtag #MuteRKelly, then showed her searching #MuteWeinstein, and even went on to search for #MuteHarveyWeinstein. After she received backlash for her bold actions, she then wanted people to understand that she wants anybody that does
wrong to be held accountable for their actions. Okay… like, girl. Everybody has BEEN muted Harvey Weinstein. Have you read a newspaper or watched a reliable news outlet? For the past year and a half, Weinstein’s life has been in complete mayhem. It just shows that most people will do anything to make sure that they can preserve their fond memories of “Step in the Name of Love.” Like, Taraji, sweetie. Don’t you have a movie coming out (that already looked questionable)? Either way, Taraji, enjoy your moment. Erykah Badu, about a week and a half ago, while at one of her shows in Texas, went on a rant about why she’s still supporting R. Kelly. EWWwww. The hotep, greater conscious, high self-learning queen then took to Twitter to defend her friend and threw a monkey wrench into the bad publicity. This shouldn’t be surprising since she is the one that said that LITTLE GIRLS should stop wearing clothes that show their shoulders, knee caps and elbows in order to stop enticing GROWN MEN. Yes, read that sentence over again if you must. So, this didn’t surprise me. What I will say is
that she’s doing the most. Either way, her and Taraji have a movie, and it doesn’t appear to be good. This was bad publicity all around for this already not promising movie. Moving right along. Jussie Smollett is an icon on primetime television. He has taken his real life, being a black gay man, and has applied it to his character’s role on Empire, a black gay man. Smollett was attacked while he was in Chicago this week. Reports show that he was leaving one of his shows and going to Subway to eat. As he was leaving the restaurant, two white men approached him and was calling him racial and homophobic slurs. He tried to disengage and mind his business, but they physically attacked him, wrapped a noose around his neck and poured some sort of chemical on him (some sources are reporting that it was bleach), all while screaming, “This is MAGA country.” Smollett was fighting back, but he couldn’t take on both of them. Yesterday, he was reportedly in the hospital and in good condition. When I first read this story, I was ENRAGED. How dare somebody feel like
they can do this to somebody and get away with it? And MAGA country? Sweetie, your president doesn’t even care about y’all. He just opened the government so that y’all can get a check. I think that this has opened up the floor for more discussions about how these homophobic “jokes” or “arguments” have turned into harmful situations. Celebrities showed Jussie a downpour of love and well wishes, but even being a celebrity didn’t stop the two suspects. So, imagine how hard regular black LGBTQ members have it in everyday life. This country is sad. The fact that
people are still being harmed for being themselves, is just ridiculous. DISGUSTING. Get well Jussie, and keep being an advocate for all the things that are right in the world. The Fyre Festival documentaries are out on both Hulu and Netflix. The fact that about 400600 people were hoodwinked, bamboozled and led astray, is unfathomable. Stay tuned for a review coming out next week. That’s all the tea that I have for this week. Remember to check back here next week to get your teacup filled with more piping hot tea!
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SPORTS
January 31, 2019
Goff comes full circle in Valdosta Did VSU Athletics make the right choice? Prince Robinson Jr.
Sports editor parobinson@valdosta.edu There’s a tall ladder to climb for VSU’s next head football coach. Coming off an undefeated season and a national championship win, Kerwin Bell left the Blazers in elite form. It’s now up to Gary Goff to continue the success. For those who yawn at the fact of Goff being the new head coach, he may actually be a good hire for the time being.
“Last season, the Blazers became the highest scoring offense in Gulf South Conference history, averaging 52 points per game.” No team came close to defeating the Blazers, except Ferris State (losing 49-47 to the Blazers in the national championship game). Goff, at Tiffin University, put together an offense that averaged 30 points per game. No, he is not the potent play caller that Bell was, but he has balance that the Blazers need. The Dragons ranked third in offensive yards per game with 425.4 and defensive yards allowed with 364 average per game. Both numbers are slightly lower than VSU’s. The Blazers might’ve had the best all-around team in school history. Mostly had to do with Bell’s play calling ability and the rest of the staff. Potential coordinators have yet to be named. Aside from statistics, Goff has a reputation of putting players in position for accolades. In 2016, Dragons’ quarterback Antonio
Pipkin was a Harlon Hill nominee and was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Pipkin holds seven Tiffin career records and four GLIAC records, ranking No. 13 all-time in career total offense, No. 19 in total offense per game and No. 27 in career passing yards. He is only the third quarterback Division II to ever amass at least 2,000 rushing yards and throw for 10,000 passing yards in a career. Pipkin did all of that under Goff. Goff will now have Rogan Wells, reigning GSC Player of the Year, who has shown that he is arguably the best signal-caller in the conference. This is all considering Wells doesn’t transfer. Wells passed for 3,075 passing yards and accounted for 50 touchdowns (38 passing, 11 rushing and one receiving). He was the runnerup for the Harlon Hill trophy last season, losing to Jayru Campbell of Ferris State. Also, Goff had 16 Dragons named to G-MAC All-Conference teams in 2018. Bell had 16 Blazers named to GSC All-Conference teams. With so much talent on the Blazers roster, it would be wrong to say they are in rebuild mode. They are certainly far from it, but I must address that Goff knows how to win. Goff arrived at Tiffin after a great 2010 season at West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. He was instrumental in one of the biggest turnarounds in school history, going from 2-8 in 2009 and flipping it to 9-2 in 2010. Those nine wins tied for the most wins in school history. The Blazers need someone who can sustain winning. Goff could be the one to do that for a very long time in Titletown.
Seth Willard/THE SPECTATOR Gary Goff, newly hired head football coach of the Blazers, talks to the media. Goff was formally introduced to VSU on Jan. 29. As head coach, he promises to develop positive student-athletes and win numerous championships.
Goff impresses at press conference Juston Lewis
Editor-In-Chief justlewis@valdosta.edu On Tuesday, Gary Goff was formally introduced as the new head coach of Valdosta State football. Goff, a former VSU walk-on, helped lead the Blazers to a 35-13 overall record during his time on the team and a conference championship in 1996. Goff was a team captain and helped push the Blazers to the number one team in the nation during the 1996 regular season. Now he’s back with the Blazers, the No. 1 team in Division II football. His football career didn’t start here though. After acquiring his business degree at Valdosta he decided to get into coaching. “I played for Hal Mumme, I played for Mike Leach, I played for Dana Holgerson—really a coaching tree that right now is at the top of college football,” Goff
said. “I got into college coaching and followed their shoes.” In 2018 Goff led Tiffin University to a 9-2 record which was their highest win total during his tenure. The Dragons, TU’s team, were ranked as high as No. 15 in the nation last season and his air raid offense was in the top five for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. “I believe absolutely that we have found the right man for this job,” Dr. Richard Carvajal, VSU president, said. “I say that because of what he has done on the field. Obviously, he has a record of knowing how to run offenses. He has turned programs around with his style on offense, defense, and special teams.” Goff turned the football program at Tiffin completely around. The Dragons only won two games in 33 attempts from 20082010. Meanwhile they were 38-50
while Goff had the reins. Carvajal continued to speak eminently about the newly hired coach, complementing him outside of his production on a football field but for his development of positive student-athletes. “Just as importantly, what I have learned about Gary is that he is truly a good man,” Carvajal said. “His emphasis on character development and leadership development is unlike the norm. At the end of the day that’s what we’re building. We’re giving people an opportunity to be the best that they can be.” Cavajal’s message was echoed with a promise from Goff. “We’re going to win,” Goff said. “We’re going to win more championships and we’re going to have a fun time doing it, but it is about developing young men. One promise I’m going to make to you guys is that we’re going to have high character young men.”
Townend plans to take her defensive mindset further than sports Sarah Clark
Staff Writer ssclark@valdosta.edu Crystal Townsend is a late bloomer to the game of basketball. Ranking No. 9 in the Gulf South Conference in rebounds with 7.2 and 11.2 in points per game, Townsend got her start in high school. “Basketball wasn’t always a thing for me,” Townsend said. “When I got in high school I went to tryouts and made the team, and over time I started to compete and win and I never wanted to lose.” Townsend graduated from Cape Coral High School in Cape Coral, Fla., where she was a key piece in leading her team to a 24-6 overall record while averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. Growing up, Townsend was the only athlete in her family. It wasn’t until she reached high
school that she gained interest in the popular sport. It was pure instinct that drove her closer to her athletic gifts. “I was really blessed with a talent that I happened to pick up on at the right moment,” said Townsend.
“Playing for VSU has helped me as a player and a person by teaching me to make playing ball for this university bigger than myself.” Since high school, and transferring from Eastern Florida State, VSU has had an incredibly positive impact on Townsend and her game. Not only has it helped her game, but it has made her a better
individual. From past experiences, she even thought of ending her basketball career. It was until she found VSU she knew this was the game for her. “When I was in JUCO, I didn’t really enjoy it,” Townsend said. “I was at the point where I wanted to quit. I got to VSU and it was completely different. The coaching staff really care about the players, and the teammates really care for each other as well. I consider them family.” Townsend hopes to gain more “rings and wins” in her basketball career. On the hardwood, Townsend has learned many things that she hopes to incorporate in the future. “Ball has really helped me meet many new people and travel places I have never been before,” Townsend said. “It made me humble to the game as well as giving me the opportunity to play on the next level.”
Once she walks across the stage at graduation, Townsend plans on fulfilling her dreams beyond basketball. “After this season, I plan to hopefully travel overseas, take on my real estate license, and my end goal is to become a police officer,” Townsend said. Townsend’s career plan after college is to stop crime, just as she stops offensive players on the hardwood. “My fascination started when I was a kid and would watch tv and see all of the action,” Townsend said. There’s a lot of changes that need to be made in many communities today. For Townsend, she wants to help as much as possible in law enforcement. “The news is full of negativity towards police. I want to be that person who makes that positive change.”
Seth Wilard/THE SPECTATOR
Crystal Townend dribbles down the floor versus Union.