December 4, 2014
What to do at VSU Fundraiser at The Mix- Help support the K-5 students in the community by stopping by The Mix today. Ten percent of the proceeds go to the Sullivan Learning Center, where students can go and get tutoring. The fundraser is from 5- 9 p.m. On Tap Magazine- On Tap will be having a general interest meeting today. Come by Room 204 in West Hall at 6:30 p.m. It will also be celebrating the the completion of Issue 10. If you are interested contact Josh Abbott or Deborah Hall.
Weather Today Mostly Sunny
Friday Cloudy
Ferguson issue comes to VSU
Students unite and take action LaMarcus Wilkerson STAFF WRITER lkwilkerson@valdosta.edu
Like much of the nation, the VSU community reacted to the most recent events in Ferguson, Missouri in a way that expressed its discomfort and frustration. Several demonstrations, held by various organizations, have occurred on campus since students returned from Thanksgiving break, and more protests are expected to happen in the near future. Students are demonstrating their feelings toward the shooting of Michael Brown and the fallout from that event. The fatal shooting of an 18-year-old teen on a domestic street in Ferguson ignited months of turmoil and has propelled a national debate that is powered by activists who express their anger for what they consider to be a repetitive display of police brutality toward black men. The issue became more tense after a grand jury failed to indict Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot Brown. “We were just angry with the Ferguson decision,” Maya Newsome, a VSU student protester, said.
Saturday
According to Newsome, happen anymore.” she and her peers discussed On Monday, the Black ways to demonstrate their Student League organized a feelings toward the grand jury silent protest in front of the decision. Pedestrian Mall. Newsome and fellow Students stood for over protesters felt like the student an hour with tape over their body wasn’t doing anything mouths. proactive, so they are taking Tuesday morning, a group matters into their own hands. of several protesters gathered They decided to hold a in front of the Student Union demonstration out of respect to demonstrate their emotions for Brown during Saturday’s toward the fatal shooting. Blazer football game against The conversation on police West Georgia at Bazemorebrutality and racial inequality Hyder Stadium. has been ongoing. There are about 250 people who support the effort on social media, according to Newsome. Protesters are also collaborating with other groups on campus and off, including the Red Hots, NAACP and West Georgia among others. “We feel like we can’t keep reacting to it at this point,” Newsome said. “It has to be a proactive effort to make Sierra King/ THE SPECTATOR sure stuff like A VSU student holds up a sign during the silent this doesn’t protest on Dec 3.
Source: Weather.com
Find Us Online
TWITTER: @vsuspectator FACEBOOK: The Spectator INSTAGRAM: @vsuspectator or Tap the app
Tyra Mills/ THE SPECTATOR The fountain and palm trees on VSU’s Front Lawn illuminate the night as part of the Lighting of the Palms event held Dec 2. Several holiday activities have been planned on campus to allow the VSU community to celebrate the season.
VSU to host events to liven holiday spirits Lia Armistead
STAFF WRITER jparmistead@valdosta.edu
Mostly Sunny
WEBSITE: vsuspectator.com
Volume 87 Issue 14
Tyra Mills/THE SPECTATOR A crowd of VSU students gather on the Palms Quad Dec 2. to hold a vigil in honor of Michael Brown. This event was one of many held in recent days to protest Brown’s death.
Bush comes to Moody Cole Edwards
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR csedwards@valdosta.edu It’s slightly more rare than an agreement in Congress: A former U.S. president will be on campus today as part of a visit to a city he once called home. On Wednesday, former President George W. Bush arrived in Valdosta for a speaking engagement tonight at Georgia Christian School’s annual benefit dinner, which will be held in the Student Union. With over 400 tickets sold, the dinner sold out months ago. “We’re really excited that Georgia Christian School is celebrating its centennial this year, and part of that process has been using our benefit
Inside This Issue
- OPINIONS: Students deserve academic forgiveness
- FEATURES: Smoothies make great on- the-go meals - SPORTS: Organization helps football recruit
dinner to market what the school is to our community,” Brad Lawson, Georgia Christian School president, said to WALB in February when the announcement was made. “We knew that when we got to (100 years), we really wanted to do something really big.” Bush will visit Moody Air Force Base today for a signing of his new book, “41: A Portrait of My Father.” It’s for active duty and retired military personnel only. According to the Lowndes County Historical Society, Bush was stationed at Moody AFB for several weeks while training with the Air National Guard and dated a VSU student. Organizers for the event alluded to VSU president Dr. William McKinney meet-
ing Bush. However, because VSU isn’t participating in the event, a meeting isn’t scheduled, according to Thressea Boyd, VSU’s director of communications. GCS is a small, private institution in Dasher, Georgia, that has a couple hundred students from grades pre-kindergarten to 12th, according to Private School Review’s website. Past keynote speakers for GCS have included Laura Bush (2012), Fox News host Mike Huckabee (2011) and actor/former NFL player Terry Bradshaw (2013). Bush has been paid an average of $100,000-$150,000 for each speech given since leaving the White House in 2009, according to iWatch News.
Check out the graduation tab See inside the issue
The holiday season is upon us, and VSU is hosting many events in the next week to help students, faculty and staff get in the holiday spirit while finishing the semester. VSU community members have an opportunity to help a child in need this holiday season by becoming a Holiday Helper. “For a child who faces poverty, they shouldn’t be ignored simply because they are without,” Chandler Makuta, art major said. “This is the time of year to show everyone they matter.” Patricipants will choose an ornament from the Holiday Helper Tree located in the Student Life office located on the third floor of the Student Union. The ornament will have the name of a child and the helper will purchase a gift for that specific child. “I think [Holiday Helper] is important because the holidays [are] about happiness,” senior Joe Risby said. “This provides kids with the gift of happiness that they wouldn’t have been able to have before.” Participants will receive a discount card for the Bookstore. Students, faculty and staff can become a helper until 3 p.m. on Dec. 12, when the gifts are due. The VSU Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Chambers Singers and Spotlighters will conduct their annual holiday candlelight concert in the
West Hall Rotunda on Sunday at 3 p.m., with shows at 5 p.m., and 7 p.m as well. The concert will feature traditional German, Austrian, French, English and Welsh carols as well as the seasonal classics. “Finals are stressful, so seeing people sing carols or participate in the Holiday Helper reminds us what this time of the year is all about,” senior Katie Alligood said. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students with the proceeds going to an international tour planned for the Chambers Singers in 2017. The bookstore will host an “11 Days of Christmas Holiday Sale,” which began on Dec. 1. The VSU Bookstore Facebook page will post deals for each separate day. On Friday, the astronomy department will host a planetarium show called the “Season of Light” starting at 7 p.m., with shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m as well. The show will explore the reasons why people around the world are so intrigued with lights, decorations and traditions during the December holiday season. While exploring these reasons, the show will also trace the history and development of the world’s holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season. Seating is limited to 47 guests; however, tickets are free for all shows and may be obtained at the planetarium in Nevins Hall beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday.
On the Web w w w. v s u s p e c t a t o r. c o m
Check out Tierra Francois’ article, “Christmas is too commercialized,” on the web!
PAGE 2 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
Upcoming Events Bookstore Sale Dec. 5 9 a.m.-3 p.m. VSU Bookstore In celebration of the national quarterfinal game against West Georgia, all V-State logo merchandise will be 20 percent off in the Bookstore. Planetarium Show: Season of Light Dec. 5 7, 8, 9 p.m. VSU Planetarium (Nevins Hall) This holiday program will
explore the reasons why humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. Free tickets (limited to seven per guest) for all shows can be obtained at the planetarium beginning at 6 p.m. that evening. Tailgate Party Dec. 6 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Blazergate Field (Next to UC)
tives as well as free hamburgers. VSU students and student organizations can sign up for free tailgate spots in the Student Life Office (Room 3118 in the Student Union). All VSU students will be able to attend the game free of charge. Simply bring a current VSU ID to the stadium. VSU Choirs Holiday Concert
Come out and tailgate before the big football game against West Georgia. There will be live music by the New Na-
Dec. 7 3, 5, 7 p.m. West Hall Rotunda
The VSU Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Chamber Singers, and Spotlighters will conduct their annual holiday candlelight concert. The concert will feature traditional German, Austrian, French, English, and Welsh carols, along with a few seasonal classics. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Contact Sarah Alexander at (229) 333-2150 or swalexander@ valdosta.edu to reserve tickets. Proceeds from the performance will benefit an international tour planned for the Chamber Singers in 2017.
The sudoku grid consists of eighty-one squares in a nine by nine grid. To solve the sudoku, each square in the grid must contain a number between one and nine, with the following conditions: Each row of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Each column of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Each of the nine 3 by 3 boxes of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 ANSWER ON PAGE 5
· · ·
Police Briefs Dec. 2
Dec. 1
overnight.
A caller said a male threatened her in the UC, saying “if she had his name in her mouth again he would make her see the back of her eyelids.” Police later detained someone matching the man’s description.
A student parked his car in the Nevins Lot on Sunday night, and when he returned the following morning, the car was missing. The vehicle was recovered on Dec. 2.
A student’s laptop was reportedly stolen from his unlocked truck in the Fine Arts Lot.
A student’s Mitsubishi Lancer parked in the Farber Hall Lot was reportedly broken into
Over the break, two bikes were reportedly stolen; one was taken from the front of
The Spectator prints free classifieds for current students of Valdosta State University only. These must be no more than 40 words, or a $9.30 charge will apply. Classifieds for faculty, staff, student organizations, studentowned businesses and the general public cost $9.30 for up to 40 words. Ads should be sent to the Spectator or delivered to our office in 1238 Hopper Hall. The deadline is
Nov. 30
Brown Hall, but the original location of the second bike is unknown. A green Tahoe was stopped for going on the curb to get around the gate to the Nevins Lot. The driver had no insurance and suspended registration. Two citations were issued, and the car was turned over to A1 Towing.
Spectator Classifieds 5 p.m. Thursday, a week prior. If payment applies, it should be submitted in a sealed envelope at the time the ad is placed or paid via Mastercard, Visa, Discover or electronic check online through Aimee Napier, Advertising Manager. Email Aimee Napier at acnapier@valdosta.edu to pay online. Ads must be accompanied by the name and phone number of the person submitting the ad.
Students must also submit their VSU Student ID number. Ads must be resubmitted each week, as necessary. The Spectator address is: 1500 N. Patterson St.,Valdosta, GA 31698. Our email address is spec@valdosta.edu. The Spectator reserves the right to reject any classified ad. All ads are subject to standard editing procedures. The Spectator is not responsible for
mistakes due to a submitted error. The categories for classifieds include: For Sale, For Rent, Sublease, Wanted, Roommate, Services, Personnels and Employment.
Services
www. vsuspectator.com
Your Ad HERE!
For Rent
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 3
DECEMBER 4, 2014
Our point of view...
Systemic shortcomings to blame for Michael Brown case, not race John Preer
Features Editor jhpreer@valdosta.edu
Kayla Stroud/THE SPECTATOR
Students deserve academic forgiveness
P
lease forgive us. For many students, college is a big adjustment that comes with even bigger mistakes. Unfortunately, some of those mistakes include getting bad grades that will haunt us for the rest of our collegiate careers. The Academic Forgiveness Policy that SGA passed will allow student records to reflect only the highest grade that a student receives in a course. If a student receives a C, D or F in a course and takes the class later and receives an A or a B, the grade will be replaced instead of averaged. We feel that this is a policy that needs to be backed and put into effect as soon as possible. Before that happens, it must be passed at the next faculty senate meeting on Jan. 22, 2015. Many students will be able to boost their GPA if this policy comes into effect. If a student takes a course and passes, it doesn’t matter what happened in the past. It doesn’t matter if the student takes the class three, four or 10 times. The point is that the
student completed the course and learned what he or she needed to. This will help especially in courses that are well outside of a major requirement. For instance, if an English student needs to take a math or science course, something that student is not comfortable with, he or she will get a second chance at the subject. On the other side of the argument, students should be able to take a class and pass it the first time. However, many students are away from home for the first time and are not properly prepared by high school to be in a college course. Furthermore, once we get into major courses, there is another transition that needs to be made with some professors being more strict than others. In an institution of higher education such as VSU, the point is to spread knowledge, not focus on how long it takes to learn. Just because we couldn’t learn a subject three years ago doesn’t mean we can’t learn it now.
This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and expresses the general opinion of The Spectator.
Calm down about Ebola Alex Tostado
Sports Editor ajtostado@valdosta.edu Number of times Kim Kardashian has been married: three. Number of people who have died on American soil from Ebola: two. At this rate, you have a better chance of marrying Kim Kardashian than getting Ebola. Before Thanksgiving break, students received a bombardment of emails from the Office of the President about Ebola. The emails stated to use caution if traveling to the West Africa region during break, and to exercise caution in coming in contact with people traveling to and from this region. Ebola is a serious disease, but because of the low number of confirmed cases, it is not something we need to worry about. There have been eight confirmed cases in the U.S.,
The fragile faith minorities have in the justice system has been left out cold in the streets like Michael Brown’s uncovered, lifeless body. The nation is in a state of disarray, and a lot of people seem to be confused, misinformed, or just oblivious to the situation America has found itself in. The Michael Brown shooting that took place in Ferguson, Missouri, back in August has all but polarized the nation. The recent decision to not indict Darren Wilson, the officer who killed Michael Brown, sparked even more controversy and rage that seized the small town of Ferguson and soon spread across the nation. Without an explicit confession from Darren Wilson, no one can ever truly say his actions were spurred on by race. His actions do however corroborate studies that suggest African-Americans are more likely to be assaulted, arrested, and killed by police more than any other ethnicity in America. If African-Americans are three times more likely to be arrested or killed by police, withholding any racial bias, then that would mean African-Americans are three times more likely to commit crimes. That type of belief harkens back to pre-Jim Crow times where AfricanAmericans were believed to be intellectually inferior and more criminally inclined than their white counterparts. Since modern science and good old common sense has disproven such claims, to assert that African-Americans commit the majority of crimes in America is a little off base and statistically improbable. According to 2013 Census data, African-Americans make up roughly 13.2 percent of the population. If the number of African-Americans being confronted by police
People Poll:
Do you support the academic forgiveness bill?
according to Forbes, and two deaths. According to the CDC, on average, 23,607 people die from the flu every year. For some reason, Americans have lost sight of this and are scared of a disease that has killed two people as opposed to nearly 24,000 a year. Furthermore, the flu is airborne and can travel through people quickly and easily.
Alison Stephen
Ebola is contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, feces, etc. and can only be contagious if the patient is already showing symptoms. Have you come in contact with anybody’s blood that is suffering from Ebola? You will be fine then. As a society we need to focus on diseases that bring more harm, such as cancer or other forms of the flu.
Adam Rassett Sophomore Political Science
Julie Masonheimer Freshman Biology
“I support it. To me, the willingness to make up for students’ past mistakes should be enough to earn them the chance to.”
“I do agree with it. It’s really hard being an athlete and being in school, and at least you’re retrying and not giving up.”
Contact Us
Spectator Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Elan Waite Managing Editor: John Stephen Business Manager: Kristen Varney Circulation Manager: Abbie Baggerly Opinions Editor: Jordan Hill Features Editor: John Preer
was truly representative of the amount of crimes committed in this country, it would mean every AfricanAmerican has to be a repeat criminal. This type of claim is a little far-reaching and based on derogatory stereotypes, stereotypes that may have played a factor in Wilson’s decision to pull his weapon and fire. No matter how nondisSierra King/THE SPECTATOR criminatory a Brianna Murray, freshman member of Black person claims Student League, protests with a sign sayto be, our ing #blacklivesmatter on campus Dec. 1 after the decision was made not to indict brains are hard-wired to Officer Darren Wilson, who killed Michael Brown. generalize and culture for most Americans. look for patterns in the things So what does all of this we perceive. With this in mean for America as a counmind what kind of generaliza- try moving forward? Will we tions or stereotypes are ascontinue to entertain notions sociated with certain ethniciof these gross and insulting ties? A typical stereotype for perceptions about an entire Asians is that they are hardrace, or will we address the working, maybe a little prusystemic shortcomings of our dent, but above all else, smart. flawed justice system? The stereotype for most white Instead of arguing over people usually involves them Wilson’s intent, we should being non-confrontational and be questioning any person’s enjoying relative financial (law enforcement or not) stability. Now consider the right to use lethal force in stereotypes associated with self-defense. Determining a African-Americans. They are person’s reasonable suspicion lazy, criminal, angry, violent, of danger is apparently too and burdens of the state. complex of an issue for our Other races are stigmatized cut-and-paste justice system. by negative stereotypes, but Police have a very dangerno other race has been subous job and need certain laws jected to these misconceptions in place for their own protecas long as or as voraciously tion, but these protective laws as African-Americans. This should never limit the options derogatory image of Africanof the taxpayers that pay the Americans has been perpetusalaries of the police. ated in the media for centuAmerica’s police force has ries, ingraining itself into the become too militarized and there needs to be a shift from perceptions most Americans enforcing laws back to prohave of blacks. After all, the media is the primary source of tecting and serving the people insight into African-American that keep them employed.
Sports Editor: Alex Tostado Photo Editor: Sierra King Multimedia Editor: Cole Edwards Web Editor: Tyra Mills Copy Editor: Tatyana Phelps Social Media Editor: Jordan Barela
Advertising Manager: Aimee Napier Graphic Designer: Mike LaGon Faculty Advisers: Dr. Pat Miller, Dr. Ted Geltner, Cindy Montgomery Reporters/Photographers: Lia Armistead, Mayah Cantave, Jessica Cooke, Kenzie Kesselring, Brittney Penland, LaShawn Oglesby, Marquez Slaughter, Kayla Stroud, Taymara Tait, Christopher Webb, Austin Wells, Kristin Whitman, Adrienne Fry
Newsroom Advertising Business Fax E-mail
(229) 333-5688 (229) 333-5686 (229) 333-5686 (229) 249-2618 spec@valdosta.edu
Letters should be no longer than 300 words in length. Letters are subject to editing for style, length, grammar, and libelous material. Not all letters are published. Letters should be typed and turned in with a disk, or e-mailed as an attachment by Tuesdays before 5 p.m.
VSU Spectator 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31698 Online at www.vsuspectator.com
Letters must include name, year in school, major, job title or other appropriate identification and phone number for verification.
Opinions expressed in The Spectator other than editorials are the opinions of the writers of signed columns and not neccessarily those of The Spectator and its staff. All rights reserved. Reprints by permission of the editors. Views in this newspaper are not neccessarily those of the Valdosta State University administration, faculty and staff.
PAGE 4 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
DECEMBER 20, 2014
Smoothies make great on-the-go meal
Hailey Nelson
Staff Writer hjnelson@valdosta.edu During the week, I usually don’t have time to get out of bed, take a shower, get ready, pull together all of my school supplies and make myself breakfast. I’m pretty sure all of us have experienced days like this. For me, on-the-go smoothies have been a lifesaver when comes to conserving time in the morning. Learning how to build the perfect nutrient packed smoothie is key when you’re running late and want something quick but healthy. Smoothies are a great way to get the daily recommended amount of fruits and veggies, and is a great choice if you want something that will hold you over until lunch. I like to build my smoothies in 5 parts: base, fruit, filler, extras and sweeteners. The first part of your
smoothie should be the base or any type of liquid such as water, coconut water or dairy free milk. Next, add about a cup of any fruit that you like such as bananas, mangos, berries or oranges. Just remember that fruit contains natural sugars and the more fruit you add the sweeter the smoothie. The filler of your smoothie, such as yogurt, oats and chia seeds, is going to give your smoothie some texture and consistency. The extras that you add into your smoothie are going to be where most of the nutrients and vitamins come from. Don’t be afraid to add greens, the natural sugars from the fruit will overpower the taste of any veggie you put in there. If the smoothies still isn’t sweet enough for you, try adding a teaspoon of any natural sweetener such as agave, honey or Stevia. One of my favorite and
easiest smoothies to make is a mango and spinach smoothie. First, combine a cup of orange juice and whole peaches and mangos diced into cubes. If you want the smoothie to be on the colder side try adding in ice first or freeze the fruit cubes overnight and throw them in the blender in the morning. Next, pour in about 1 cup of regular Greek yogurt. If you don’t want the smoothie to have a thick consistency, you can skip the filler. Finally, add in a handful of spinach or any type of green veggie you prefer with a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon. If you don’t have time in the morning to cut up all the ingredients, try doing it the night before and placing them in a plastic bag to freeze overnight. In the morning, all you have to do is throw it in the blender and add a little water to break up the ingredients.
Red shoes for Blazer spirit
Mayah Cantave
Asst. Social Miedia Editor mcantave@valdosta.edu
School spirit is not something that can be defined easily. It is a feeling of pride, a moment to foster relationships between students and to show support to your school. VSU is attempting to give all students and members of the community that feeling of pride. VSU has begun to kick off many activities to get more
students in the school spirit. Students are encouraged to take part in school pride by wearing red shoes. The Red Shoe Friday campaign kicked off on Oct. 24 during VSU’s homecoming week. Every Friday is Red Shoe Friday for VSU. Students are meant to show their Blazer pride by wearing their favorite bright red shoes, flip-flops, pumps or sneakers around campus. School spirit is not only extended to students but to
faculty, alumni, staff and other members of our community as well. The goal of Red Shoe Fridays is to enhance game day experiences for students. Those participating in events like Red Shoe Fridays are urged to submit pictures of their efforts to show off their Blazer Spirit via social media using the hashtags #valdostastate and #VSshoes. Students have submitted their photos to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
DECEMBER 4, 2014
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 5
Pride of VSU
Football road so far
Valdosta State vs. Albany State 38-10, W
Organization helps recruit football players
“It’s awesome to have helped recruit these guys and it makes me proud to be a part of it.”
Allison Thorpe
Spectator Correspondent Football. America’s most loved sport. But all the tailgating, touchdowns, and tears hinge on one of the most tedious and thought-out processes of the game: recruiting. What many fans aren’t aware of is how a player chooses a school. Not only do coaches hunt for the best of the best to play for their team, but they must convince recruits to choose their program. One of the marketing strategies used at VSU has been a key in its recruiting efforts. Blazer Pride is a yearlong women-only recruiting club that devotes its Saturdays to the potential VSU players. The women meet once a week to be prepped on visiting recruits so that they may be properly greeted and feel welcome at the university. “The process as a whole was really stressful and confusing sometimes, but when I visited VSU I felt like family right away,” freshman Defensive Tackle Chris Bahr said. “Blazer Pride and the coaches acted normal and didn’t make me feel like it was an interview like other schools I went to.” Blazer Pride President Alyssa Riggs goal is to find 30-40 women who are able to offer tours to potential players, and introduce them to the university. She also has to match recruiters with players, get player information, and create player surveys for coaches, as well as host the players’ families. In the fall, making the players as comfortable as possible means a catered lunch, showing highlight videos of past seasons, and front row seats during Blazer football games. “Blazer Pride fills a role on Saturdays that can be hard for the coaches to fulfill when they are prepping for a game. Defensive Backs Coach Ryan McNamara said. “There is a lot of walk-thrus, pre-game preparation, pre-game meal, travel to stadium etc. that occurs where the coaches have
-Alyssa Riggs Blazer Pride President
Allison Thorpe/SPECIAL TO THE SPECTATOR De’Osha Randolph (left), Alyssa Riggs (center), and Ayana Brown are members of Blazer Pride seen here shooting a promotional video for Blazer Pride. The organization helps VSU recruit football players by helping recruits and their families around campus while coaches cannot.
to be with the team on Saturday. In our absence, Blazer Pride members are able to continue to communicate with recruits and show them around when the coaching staff cannot be there.” Football recruiting is a whole new world in the spring, where the coaches can focus more on future players. This also means the job of Blazer Pride shifts from 30-40 escorting nearly 200 players and families, to a more personal five or six women focusing on one family at a time. “Spring visits are official visits, meaning the coaches have asked this player back specifically,” Riggs said. “They are more formal and involve multiple meetings with coaches. This includes breakfast, lunches, and dinners with the coaches, full tours of all campus facilities,
and spending one on one time with players at the end of the day.” Riggs has been with the club for over two years and contributed to the recruiting of 35 new players last year alone. She believes that there has been an influx of new commits since the Blazer Pride club picked back up in 2012, from being dormant for quite some time since its start in the early 1980s. More players signing just means that lipstick and some parent/recruiter bonding has been an effective part of VSU’s overall recruiting strategy. “Blazer Pride works on a different level,” former Blazer Pride president Dowling Payne said. “Convincing the mom of the player that our school is the best, means the player will more than likely choose our school. Not only
does Blazer Pride chauffeur them around campus, but they have to be polite, make small talk, know their stuff. That is what impresses the families.” It’s not the interaction with the families but the oneon-one interaction with the players that has given other similar female only recruiting organizations a bad reputation and viewed as crossing the line. Riggs makes sure measures are taken to keep the program on the up and up. “Recruiting here at VSU is solely focused on the athletic programs as well as the athletes,” Riggs said. “The women involved in Blazer Pride are here because they are educated on our sports, campus, and academics. We ensure that our interactions with the recruits are professional and represent the school in a positive light.” Blazer Pride itself gives back to its members. The former Blazer Pride President, Payne, is now a full-time VSU admissions counselor and recruiter who travel across the Southeast, convincing high school students to choose VSU. Riggs on the other hand plans to use her newly acquired football knowledge to pursue a career into the world of television sports broadcasting. “It’s awesome to have helped recruit these guys and it makes me proud to be a part of it,” Riggs said. “I definitely feel like we have made a difference in recruiting.”
Valdosta State vs. Winston-Salem State 22-17, W Valdosta State vs. Delta State 32-49, L Valdosta State vs. North Alabama 31-29, L Valdosta State vs. West Georgia 40-6, W Valdosta State vs. Mississippi College 62-0, W Valdosta State vs. Shorter 37-6, W Valdosta State vs. West Alabama 24-17, W Valdosta State vs. UNC-Pembroke 36-7, W Valdosta State vs. Florida Tech 31-29, W P L A Y O F F S
Valdosta State vs. North Alabama 33-31, W Valdosta State vs. Lenoir-Rhyne 23-21, W Valdosta State vs. West Georgia, Sat. Noon
Sudoku Answer
PAGE 6 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
VSU hoops faces Lions Shane Thomas
Sports Writer shanethomas@valdosta.edu VSU basketball (5-1) begin Gulf South Conference play on the road tonight against the North Alabama Lions (3-3). The Lions, led by head coach Bobby Champagne, are the defending GSC champions. The Lions ended the Blazers season last year in the GSC tournament semifinals 88-79. The Blazers have lost eight straight against the Lions. The last win over UNA came on Jan. 13, 2011, a 102-84 rout. Blazers’ head coach Mike Helfer stressed to his team in practice the importance of playing well on the road in the GSC. “Any time you’re going to try to win on the road in this league, you’re just going to have to be solid,” Helfer said.
“You have to be good from the jump, you have to be good in the middle and you have to be good in the end. UNA is a team that traditionally starts really fast at home and we have to mentally be ready for that fast start.” The Blazers will have to focus their energy on stopping the Lions’ triumvirate of leading scorer Brandon Herman, senior sharpshooter Nathan Spehr, and Croatian forward Jere Vucica, who have combined to average 41.3 points per game thus far. “They have so many guys that can shoot it and score it,” Helfer said. “You can focus on one guy but you better be careful because if you have too much focus on one particular player, that’s when somebody else will come up and beat you. You’ve got to make sure that you take them anyway as a team more so
than as an individual.” The Lions have been slow out of the gate at just 3-3 and sloppy play has been a big reason for their struggles. They have averaged 19 turnovers per contest and the Blazers, who are turning teams over 17.5 times per game, will look to capitalize on any mistakes by the opposition. “One of the keys to winning on the road is to be aggressive defensively and make that home team uncomfortable,” Helfer said. “Home teams are naturally very comfortable on their own floor and you have to do something to try to make them uncomfortable and defensive pressure is one of those things.” The game tips off at 9 p.m. For the complete story, visit www.vsuspectator.com