March 27, 2014
W W W. V S U S P e C TAT O r . C O M
Inside This Issue
VOLUMe 86 iSSUe 9
Tennis triple teamed
On the Web
- OPiNiONS: Schedule choice unclear
w w w. v s u s p e c ta t o r. c o m
- FeATUreS: America’s biggest loser
Check out LaShawn Oglesby’s article on today’s Faculty Senate meeting on the web!
- SPOrTS: Heinz says bye to VSu
Today at VSU LEadErShIP WIThIN - Join the National residence Hall Honorary for Leadership within Yourself. The meeting will be located in Jennett Hall from 6 to 7 p.m., special guest dr. william McKinney. gET a job! - The Spring Ca-
reer expo will be held on the third floor of the Student union in the ballroom. Students should arrive at 10 a.m. for maximum exposure to employers. Proffesional dress is required. TEMPLE ISraEL -Temple
israel is requesting volunteers for preparing food. A sign-up sheet is available at the temple.
Tobacco: up for debate? SGA debate argues merit of new smoking ban LaMarcus Wilkerson A S S T . f e AT u r e S e d i T o r
lkwilkerson@valdosta.edu
four VSu students and faculty members took the stage wednesday night in Jennett Lecture Hall to debate the new policy prohibiting the use of tobacco on campus, a policy that was approved by the university System of Georgia. on wednesday, March 19,
the uSG’s board of regents voted in favor of banning tobacco use on all college campuses under their jurisdiction. The Tobacco and Smokefree Campus Policy will go into effect oct. 1, 2014. The policy bans all forms of tobacco, including those that are smokeless and electronic. All students, faculty, staff and other individuals on uSG properties must follow
this rule or suffer the consequences enforced by the president of each institution. The uSG will allow VSu President, dr. william McKinney, to create the enforcement rules of this policy. The question of enforcement was discussed wednesday night at the debate. VSu Police Chief Scott doner said the new policy is going to be more of a disci-
plinary measure than a criminal proceeding. doner made the distinction that this was a policy not a law, so it’s not something that will be enforced by university police, who only enforce laws. At the beginning of the spring semester, the uSG Student Advisory Council, made up of all SGA See BAN, Page 2
What’s up?
This Day in History Viagra gets thumbs up on this day in 1998, the Food and Drug administration approved the use of Viagra. originally developed to treat hypertension and angina pectoris, Pfizer chemists soon discovered that it had the capability of reversing male impotence. Seeing the economic potential, Pfizer quickly began marketing the “male enhancement” drug. Viagra's massive success was practically instantaneous. In the first year alone, the $8$10 pills yielded about a billion dollars in sales Source: History.com
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Dr. Jeffrey Vasseur walks underneath the vents and wires exposed after the removal of the drop ceiling from West Hall. West Hall is currently undergoing renovations for the second time since 2013. . According to Thressea Boyd, Director of Communications at VSU, Plant Operations is preparing to work on the air conditioning in West Hall. This construction is not related to the ongoing construction of the golden dome. The work on the air condition system will take place over the summer. (Jordan Hill)
SGA calls for diversity Joe Adgie SoCiAL MediA ediTor
jmadgie@valdosta.edu
The SGA has a problem with the lack of diversity in VSu’s faculty and staff. They’re doing something about it, too: they unanimously passed a resolution calling for this problem to be fixed. The resolution recommends that the office of Social equity (oSe) “be separated and restructured” in July to more efficiently handle the lack of diversity in VSu’s faculty and staff. Currently, the oSe only employs five people, and its responsibilities, according to the resolution, are “too broad” for the number of people employed there. The resolution also said the oSe “has neglected to ‘achieve excellence through diversity’ efficiently.” Presently, 52 percent of students are white, 33 percent are African-American, and 3.8 percent are Hispanic. Among faculty, 81 percent are white, while only 7.1 per-
cent are African-American and only 2.1 percent are Hispanic. “we are the people who are supposed to be, according to our mission… providing and/or promoting a diverse environment,” SGA Senator isaiah Smart said, who is also a staff writer for The Spectator. “we can’t do that if we’re not addressing these diverse groups within our faculty, our staff and our students.” Smart explained the problem the SGA has with VSu’s faculty and staff. “The issue is that we have so many groups represented as students, but we don’t have them in our faculty and staff,” Smart said. “when you start looking around at your teachers and your faculty and staff, nobody in an overall sense looks like you. if they look like you, they don’t share the same background that you do.” Smart said that a number of minority groups on campus, such as international students, LGbT students, handicapped students and others “don’t
have someone or multiple people that they feel comfortable with.” The SGA wants to remedy
“The issue is that we
have so many groups represented as students, but we don’t have them in our faculty and staff,” Smart said. “When you start looking around at your teachers and your faculty and staff, nobody in an overall sense looks like you. If they look like you, they don’t share the same background that you do.” - ISaIah SMarT
this problem by filling the
position of assistant dean of students for minority affairs, which has been vacant for more than a decade. “…You haven’t seen a department or individual who’s going to do something to make sure that you and your fellow students, black, white, Hispanic, or not, feel comfortable in their shoes as a student,” Smart said. “No matter how we feel generally about the school, we’re still lacking a little bit because we don’t have this department or this position.” Smart went into further detail about the oSe during the meeting. “The Social equity office is in an old house across the street from the uC, which doesn’t even show, in that case, that we even care as a university about that individual department and its purpose, Smart said.” Smart also said the house has sustained water damage and those that work at the oSe have been relocated to farber Hall.
March is Social Work Month says Mayor John Preer web ediTor
jhpreer@valdosta.edu
in the first week of March, Valdosta Mayor John Gayle declared the beginning of National Social work Month. The theme of this year’s Social work Month is “All People Matter.” This campaign promotes the value of social work and highlights the accomplishments and vital contributions to the community that social workers have made. The information and services that social workers provide can benefit many people, but only if workers have access to the public. The goal of this month of observance is to increase awareness so that those in need of help know the proper channels to use to get the care they need. The Valdosta State social work department was established in 1995 and has been offering students a path toward the field of social work ever since. The decision is the result of a collaborative effort with the social work department head, dr. Mizanur Miah. The announcement comes at a time when a new executive director of the Georgia chapter of the National Association of Social workers, Ms. Cheryl bonneau, is supposed to start working under the title. bonneau obtained the position after the prior executive director resigned. in observance of Social work Month, various events are being held, including the 26th Annual NASw-GA Conference. Since March is coming to an end, the majority of planned events have already taken place. However, there are more events being held later in the year.
National Social Work Month Events Essentials of Clinical Supervision Location: Atlanta Cover Charge: Yes Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Ethical Issues in Clinical Supervision Location: Atlanta Cover Charge: Yes Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Tech, Pro Ethics, Licensure: Managing Ethical Issues… Location: Atlanta Cover Charge: No Time: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
News
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MARCH 27, 2014
Upcoming Events March 29 The Distinguished Women of Excellence is hosting a car-wash fundraiser from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rent-a-Wheel. Get your car washed for a donation and enjoy music and grilled food starting at $1. Tickets are still available for the 38th Annual International Dinner. The dinner, whose theme is “journey around the world,” will take place at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ballrooms. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for VSU students (with VSU ID). Children 5 and under are free. If you have any ques-
BAN Continued from Page 1 presidents in Georgia, conducted a survey to see how students felt about banning tobacco at USG institutions. The survey was conducted on campus for a few weeks and showed that a majority of the student body was opposed to the tobacco-free policy. The survey shows that 44 percent of VSU students strongly oppose tobacco prohibition, whereas 33 percent strongly support the banning of all tobacco products. Some
tions, contact Lauren Braun (labraun@valdosta.edu) or the VSU Center for International Programs at 229-3337410. March 31 If you are between the ages of 18 and 44, join RHA in the Student Union from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to swab your cheek and join the Be the Match Bone Marrow Registry. Free Jimmy John's will be provided. For more information visit bethematch.org or email rha@valdosta.edu.
March 31 at 7 a.m. Juniors begin April 1 at 7 a.m. Sophomores begin April 2 at 7 a.m. Freshmen begin April 3 at 7 a.m. Summer early registration ends April 18 at midnight and fall early registration ends April 25 at midnight.
Early Registration for summer and fall 2014 begins. Graduates and seniors begin
April 1 The Mary Turner Project, in conjunction with Women's and Gender Studies, African American Studies, and the VSU Sociology Club, invites VSU students, staff and faculty to participate in a public forum entitled "Coming to
students prefer to meet higher-ups halfway. “I agree that a policy must be implemented and enforced; however, I believe that designated areas around our campus would be the best solution for our community,” one VSU student said in the survey. However, there are some that don’t really see tobacco use on campus as an essential problem for the university. “Why are they so focused on this instead of looking at issues like book prices?” Dr.
David Nelson, communications professor, said. Some individuals, such as SGA President William Jimerson, remain neutral on the topic. “I’m in between,” Jimerson said. “There’s no exact side that I can choose… I can see why people are for (the policy) and why people are against (it).” According to Jimerson, the policy is not only supposed to promote health but is also an educational campaign generated by the USG.
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Terms with Slavery in South Georgia." The forum will include data on the scope and scale of slavery in Lowndes and surrounding counties, panelists from the community and VSU's faculty and a collective dialogue on the subject of slavery's legacy. The forum will be the first opportunity for South Georgians to publicly discuss slavery while having actual historical evidence on hand. April 3-5 “The Vagina Monologues” will be held at 7 p.m. in Bailey Science Center Room 1011.
Police Briefs March 24 Adonijah Bingham, 18, of Woodstock, Ga., was arrested on a violation of probation warrant. March 17 A faculty member reported an outside ashtray that was stolen from the blue house on Moore Street. March 14 A wallet was reported stolen at the Nevins Hall parking lot. March 8 Devonte Kelsie reported $100 stolen at Lowndes Hall.
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Roommate Needed Immediately: $375 Rent - Includes all utilities. 1 bedroom in a 3 bedroom house. Available NOW: Lease through July. Email Ashley for info: ashlmiller@valdosta.edu
First month 1/2 off! Need someone to take over my lease. $394/month Utilities, cable, internet, private bed & bath. 3 lovely roommates. Blanton Common has w/d & dw in unit, pool, gym & recreation. Contact Sherrelle Neal
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OpiniOns
march 27, 2014
vsuspectator.com | page 3
Our point of view...
Schedule choice unclear t
his week, the faculty senate will be discussing yet another possible schedule change for the university. in response to the endless debate over the placement of break days between thanksgiving and fall break, dr. Aubrey fowler has proposed to the faculty senate that the academic calendar be adjusted to add three days (two class days) to the beginning of the semester. this would, in theory, leave space in the semester for fall break, thanksgiving, a two-day winter break and a full five-day exam schedule. on the surface, it’s the perfect plan to keep the academic year moving smoothly. We thank dr. fowler for his
desire to respond to students’ desires and provide an amenable academic environment. However, we cannot help but express our doubts about the functionality of this plan. Adding days to the calendar sounds simple, but it is actually very complex. every day that the university functions costs money. electric and water bills, faculty and employee salaries, food services and many other arbitrary costs are affected by the shift of the academic schedule. As these costs change, so do student fees and tuition costs. it isn’t necessarily bad, but it is economics. economics are a huge part of life as a college student.
While we would love to have thanksgiving, fall break and a full week of exams, how much is that going to cost us? How do these costs affect students living on campus versus students living off campus? Can everyone afford to work two weeks less of summer, and pay two weeks more in rent and utilities? How much would those two weeks of lost summer break affect summer semester students? When the sGA circulated a poll last semester to gauge student opinions on scheduling, the poll did not include any supplementary information to the proposed schedules. students were asked to choose which of five possi-
ble fall-semester schedules and three possible springsemester schedules they preferred, without any mention of possible consequences that might come with each schedule listed. even in an educationcentered environment such as a university, it is unrealistic to imagine that every student will stop to fully research every passing university-poll question they are asked. if the sGA and faculty senate want informed student opinions, they must first inform the students. We do not wish to bring negative attention to our faculty senate, or to our student government. sometimes it can be difficult to look at
Rebecca McAleer / THE SPECTATOR
numbers on a chart and realize that each one of those numbers is a real person, with real needs to meet. it is also monstrously difficult to formulate an action plan designed to meet all of those
needs. if we want our university schedule to be as efficient as possible, we have to exercise careful judgment on all sides. We all have to work together.
This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and it expresses the general opinion of the Spectator.
Lack of age restriction sparks debate LaShawn Oglesby s tA f f W r i t e r lsoglesby@valdosta.edu
selling the morning-after pill without age restrictions is a positive step for young ladies and teenagers who aren’t ready for motherhood but have had unprotected sex. regardless of the reason for unprotected sex, whether it is a broken condom, a lack of birth control or a sexual assault, this provides females with a back-up plan without much hassle and without negative feelings of guilt or shame. some people will abuse this drug and use it as birth control instead of for its intended purpose. However, potential abuse is never a reason to keep something from the public because there are people who need this pill and will use it correctly. if we had to restrict every-
thing that was used inappropriately by a few bad apples, the public would have access to almost nothing. there are many over-thecounter products that cause harm and are not used properly. for instance, laxatives have no age restrictions, but they are abused by people, especially young girls, who want to lose weight. no one seems to want to make laxatives harder for the underage to access. emergency contraceptive pills pose no risk to the way girls’ bodies mature; there aren’t any known health risks if the pill is taken responsibly. this decision shouldn’t be based on one’s beliefs. A personal opinion should not be
imposed on others who may or may not share those same beliefs. these pills can and will prevent some women from having to go through an abortion, which is normally accompanied by judgment, and any other situation that follows an unplanned pregnancy.
females of all ages can now legally purchase an already controversial medication. the fdA recently approved the sale of a generic form of the morning-after
taking the morning-after pill is one responsible option for females who aren’t prepared to get pregnant, and the lack of age restriction on the pill makes this option available to all females who need it, young as well as old.
pill, an emergency contraceptive, to consumers, regardless of their age. this pill shouldn’t be available without an age restriction because of impending effects it could have on young females. According to the national
Debt for diplomas Jordan Hill A s s i s tA n t oPinions editor jorhill@valdosta.edu
Money isn’t necessary to find happiness, but it’s essential to gain a college education. every year, students are forced to take out loans and struggle to afford the costs of college. suzanne Mettler, a writer for the new York times, believes that college treats students unequally. statistics show that lower-class families pay more for college than upper-class families. Low-income families may receive the Pell Grant, the HoPe scholarship and other federal financial aid, but recently the amount of federal aid available has decreased,
requiring many families to obtain loans to pay the full cost of tuition. the quantity that the Pell Grant covers has decreased 50 percent in the past 44 years. in the ‘70s, Pell supplied around 80 percent of tuition, and now it covers only 30 percent. 75 percent of stu-
dents that receive Pell come from families making less than $30,000 annually. because of steep college expenses, students must do their best to increase their financial aid opportunities. “Kids from lower incomes are not as active or skilled in finding those outside awards,” said donald bishop, notre dame’s associate vice
president of undergraduate enrollment. students should consult the internet or a counselor to find financial aid information; scholarships are not hard to find or apply for, and students who don’t pursue such assistance will pay the cost−literally. Although grants and state funding has decreased for students, there are still ways to pay for college. students may have to work multiple jobs and may accumulate thousands of dollars in debt before graduating, but this is the price one pays for a post-secondary education, something that is increasingly valuable in today’s job market.
Jessica Ingram s tA f f W r i t e r jdingram@valdosta.edu
Sports Editor: Alex tostado Photo Editor: summer Yates Multimedia Editor: rebecka McAleer Web Designer: John Preer Graphic Designer: Galen Coles Copy Editor: John stephen Social Media Editor: Joe Adgie
they ever need medical attention. doctors need to know of any recently-ingested medication in order to properly treat the patient; parents may not be aware that their daughter is taking the morning-after pill if the medication can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription. Girls age 13 and 14 who are unfortunately participating in sexual activities can now easily buy the morningafter pill. they are probably unaware of the potentially harmful effects the pill will have on their under-developed bodies. the morning after pill shouldn’t be allowed on shelves without an age restriction; otherwise, the medication is too accessible to consumers, especially young girls.
Be on your best behavior, Blazers Tyra Mills A s s i s tA n t Web editor tnmills@valdosta.edu
Mind your manners VsU. there are over 9,000 students who attend this university, meaning numerous friends to run into, lots of cars to beat for parking, and many new faces to see every day. our campus isn’t so big to the point where you’re lost in a sea of people, but it isn’t so small to the point where everyone knows everything about everybody. the size of our campus is just right, and enjoyable. but i do not enjoy dealing with an older crowd that lacks manners. not everyone is without manners; i’ve seen some of the nicest, most chivalrous things done right
Spectator Staff Editor-in-Chief: Will Lewis Managing Editor: olivia McLean Business Manager: Kristen Varney Advertising Manager: Aimee napier Circulation Manager: sara turner Opinions Editor: elan Waite Features Editor: Hillary straba
Library of Medicine’s website, there are currently no studies showing the pill’s long-term effects. issues with this pill may arise in the future, as was the case with the medicine thalidomide, which was once used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women but was later seen to cause birth defects in children. Younger girls may decide to use the morning-after pill simply because it is available on store shelves, as opposed to a birth-control pill that requires a prescription. Younger girls are also more likely to abuse the pill because of their low maturity level. Parents should be conscious of the medication their children are taking in case
here on campus. i have also witnessed negative situations that could’ve been prevented if people had remembered their manners. When on campus, especially between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., the walkways are crowded regardless of which route you take. People are everywhere at this time, coming and going from class, on their way to eat lunch, heading to the library, etc. there are people running, casually strolling, riding their bikes and skateboards, or playing around with friends. Countless times i’ve been nudged, pushed over or almost hit by a bike or skateboard and had no one say “excuse me” or “i’m sorry.” i am constantly blessing people’s sneezes, holding doors
for my peers and being polite, but people don’t seem to appreciate politeness anymore. Are we all used to being pushed and nudged in VsU’s hallways and walkways? Have we become desensitized? i hope not. if someone isn’t polite to you, you shouldn’t pass that rudeness on to the next person. students, let’s remember to hold doors for each other, to say “excuse me” if you accidently bump into someone and “i’m sorry” if you cause them to fall. Yes, we all are on different pathways in life and are here for different reasons, but we are still one big family of blazers and should be cordial and polite to each other.
Contacting Us Faculty Advisers: dr. Pat Miller, dr. ted Geltner, Keith Warburg Reporters/Photographers: stephen Cavallaro , Khiry Clements, Jessica Cooke, Allison ericson, Jordan Hill,eric Jackson, tyra Mills, isaiah smart ,taylor stone , Alexis Waters, Christopher Webb, LaMarcus Wilkerson
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People Poll Do you think there is enough diversity in the faculty? If not, how could it be improved? Mitchell Jones freshman mass media major “Since I’ve been here, diversity hasn’t been a problem.”
Sidney Sowerbrower sophomore accounting major “I feel like the core classes are more diverse, like the math and English teachers.”
Benjamin Young senior history and legal assistant studies major “I’ve seen a lot of diversity in my history classes. All the professors come from different backgrounds and different countries. It’s really interesting.”
Casie Wright junior early childhood education major “I’m in my major courses, so most of my teachers are older white women.”
Want more opinions? Check out the Video People Poll online at: youtube.com/ValdostaSpectator
OpiniOns
MARCH 27, 2014
Letter to the editor:
Students should consider cost In a recent letter to The Spectator, Dr. Aubrey Fowler wrote about creating a “culture of change” through his proposed longer schedule for the university. He has never served on the faculty senate scheduling committee; I served for three years. He probably doesn’t know that the “new plan” which would give VSU the longest school year in the state of Georgia is not new: versions of it were suggested twice in the three years I served. Both times, it was vehemently rejected by the SGA. They argued that such a plan was an enemy to the student body. Why? Both times the SGA initially suggested the idea themselves. Plans proposed to the scheduling committee are researched for their impact; as SGA senators and faculty and staff investigated the idea, we
discovered an important fact: lengthening the school year costs students time and money. Time cost is straightforward: breaks and more days for finals are great, but days come from somewhere: summer break. A longer school year and shortened summer break in turn cost students money. Students living off campus with a year-long rental contract will feel less impact, but students with pro-rated contracts will pay an extra week’s rent, ranging from $85 to $130. Students who live on campus are more vulnerable. Housing may charge more rent if we lengthen school. When the bill for an extra week of water and electricity or an extra week’s salary for RA’s comes due, who will
pay that bill? Students. If students aren’t asked to pay directly, won’t those bills be paid out of the university’s operating budget? Who pays for that? Students. There is also summer income. If we lengthen the schedule, students lose a week of work: at minimum wage, a full-time job (or two part-time jobs) equals $290 a week. SGA has always opposed adding extra days, especially breaks. What has changed? Can students afford to pay for more break days, and do they want to? An SGA survey in the fall asked students to pick their top-choice schedule. Students were not told there would be a cost when many of them chose a plan with an extra week of school. Now, faculty senators are being pressured
to vote for this “student choice.” Students, is this what you want? Do you want the longest school year in the state? Are you okay with the costs that you will be asked to pay for those breaks? We want to know. Text your SGA representatives and let them know. Let your professors know in class today. Fellow faculty, please ask your students. Forward what you find to the faculty senator in your department or college. We will be pressured to vote for the longer, more expensive school year this afternoon at 3:30. Dr. Maren Clegg Hyer Faculty Senator
FeaTureS
MARCH 27, 2014
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America’s biggest loser While most people are focusing on the final four of college basketball, there’s another kind of “March Madness” going on in the world of finance. electronic arts, the company behind the Battlefield games, the Madden games and the Sims, has been dethroned as the Consumerist’s “Worst Company in america.” the Consumerist, a consumer’s finance blog, holds a yearly “March Madness”-like bracket, but instead of basketball teams, it lists prominent companies in america. the companies were nominated via an online poll that was posted on March 17 on the Consumerist’s website. When voting, participants were only allowed to choose eight companies from a list compiled by the Consumerist. from the poll results, the Consumerist determined what ameri-
cans felt the worst 32 companies were. the companies in the poll this year were abercrombie & fitch, aetna, amazon, american air-
Spec Tech with Joseph Albahari
lines/US airways, at&t, Bank of america, Citi, Coca-Cola, Comcast, CVS, Delta air Lines, DirectV, ea, eBay/PayPal, emeritus, experian, facebook, GM, JCPenney, Johnson & Johnson/McNeil, JP Morgan Chase, Koch industries, Lululemon, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Monsanto, PepsiCo, Safeway, Sallie Mae, Sears/Kmart, SeaWorld,
ticketmaster/Live Nation, time Warner Cable, target, Verizon, Walgreens, Walmart, Wellpoint, Wells fargo and Yahoo. Once the poll ended, the 32 companies with the highest votes were put into a bracket. the competition began Monday with another round of voting. time Warner Cable dethroned the reigning champ, ea, 51-49 percent during the first round of the competition. When ea won in 2013, the company posted a press release on its website−“We Can Do Better”−listing things that ea had been doing wrong, including false claims that they supported the Stop Online Piracy act (SOPa), their fan distaste of the Mass effect 3 ending and server issues across many games. in 2013, ea set out to change the way they were viewed by the public. One of the biggest steps the
company took was collaborating with Humble Bundle. Humble Bundle is a website that takes video games, movies, ebooks, music and other forms of electronic entertainment and bundles them together to sell, using a “name your own price” platform. the proceeds from the bundles go to the game developers and charity. When ea made their bundle, valued at more than $200, they divided the proceeds among five charities: the Human rights Campaign, Watsi, the San francisco aiDS foundation, the american red Cross and the american Cancer Society. the Origin Humble Bundle, as it was titled, was the most successful Humble Bundle in the history of the site, making over $10.5 million. the average buyer bought the bundle at $4.93 and 2.1 million were sold. The Consumerist
Let’s get physical Jessica Ingram S ta f f W r i t e r jdingram@valdosta.edu
the exercise Physiology Club encourages you to exercise good judgment. On Saturday, the exercise Physiology Club will host the exercise is Medicine Symposium from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Jennett Lecture Hall room 1111. Designed to inform the community about the international exercise is Medicine THE SPECTATOR Several actresses participate in a performance of “The Vagina Monologues” in 2008. “The Vagina Monologues” will be performed next Wednesday through Friday in the Bailey Science Center.
VSU to welcome eighth annual V-Day performance Rikysha Williams S ta f f W r i t e r riwilliams@valdosta.edu
Students can join the global movement to help prevent violence against women and girls. VSU’s Women and Gender Studies program will perform its eighth annual rendition of “the Vagina Monologues” at 7 p.m. next Wednesday through friday in Bailey Science Center room 1011. the play, written in 1994 by activist eve ensler, features dozens of interviews she conducted with women addressing women's sexuality and the social stigmas surrounding rape and abuse. the result is a new conversation about women by women.
“(the play) offered the world a piece of art like nothing it had seen before,” Kaylan Hand, director of this year’s production, said. “the Vagina Monologues” is part of V-Day, a global movement dedicated to raising funds and awareness to stop violence against women and girls. the play is filled with laughter from beginning to end. the audience will enjoy real-life stories about how women from different cultures, ages and races find their sexuality through humor and grace. “all of our ladies have worked very hard at this show and are all volunteers from VSU,” Hand said. “everyone should come support their college friends, col-
leagues and student body.” all ticket proceeds will be donated: 90 percent will go to local organizations such as the Haven and WGSt's Sexual assault Prevention program, and the other 10 percent to the V-day Campaign. from donations to shows like this one, the V-day campaign has raised over $100 million to date. tickets are $5 with student iD and $10 general admission, cash or check. Due to limited seating, purchasing tickets in advance is highly advised, but they will also be available at the door. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Welcome back, Blazers! Don’t forget to check out the WebSpectator! www.vsuspectator.com
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initiative, the event, which also occurred last year, features doctors and healthcare providers speaking about the importance of exercise. “the exercise is Medicine initiative was launched in November of 2007 by the american College of Sports Medicine (aCSM) and the american Medical association (aMa),” Sarah fretti, exercise physiology instructor, said. “the consortium is committed to the belief that exercise and physical activity
play an integral part in the prevention and treatment of disease and should be assessed as part of medical care.” the event requires a sameday registration fee of $20 and is open to the public. for more information, contact amanda Padgett at apadgett@valdosta.edu or Sarah fretti at skfretti@valdosta.edu.
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march 27, 2014
Heinz says bye to VSU NCAA upsets support two-year NBA age limit Alex Tostado
S p o rt S E d i to r
ajtostado@valdosta.edu
Neil Frawley S p o rt S W r i t E r ndfrawley@valdosta.edu
Commentary College basketball took advantage of the opportunity to flex its muscles in the first weekend of March Madness. twelve upsets headlined the weekend, reminding America that despite the sport taking a distant backseat to college football, college basketball still has a postseason that no other sport can compete with. Whether you were rooting for your team or the underdogs or just hoping that your bracket would survive the weekend, you got a good show. Who would have thought that schools like Mercer, dayton and Stanford would steal the spotlight from headliners like Kansas and duke and phenomenal freshmen like Jabari parker and Andrew Wiggins? Upsets are part of why March Madness is great, and since George Mason pulled off its amazing feat of making the Final Four in 2006, there’s been a newfound respect for Cinderellas in March. While there is skepticism toward underdogs as a whole, there is always an expectation that at least one of them will dance their way onto the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight or even the Final Four. What's interesting about this year's upsets is that experience is playing a major role, and with the NBA talking about extending its age limit to 20 years old and at least two years removed from high school, this weekend’s results
EXPR for matchups in Sweet 16 1. UF (2.71) vs UCLA (2.31) 2. dayton (2.31) vs Stanford (2.74) 3. Virginia (2.38) vs MSU (2.5) 4. iowa St.. (2.53) vs UConn (2.67) could validate why such a change would help basketball at the collegiate and NBA level. By using numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a player’s grade) to represent a player's experience rating (EXpr) and averaging it for every team, you can find that in nine of the 12 upsets that happened over the weekend, the team that pulled off the upset was more experienced than the favorite. For example, looking at Mercer's big win over duke, Mercer averages a 2.71 EXpr with six seniors while duke, who has only four upperclassmen, averages only a 2.38 EXpr. the only teams that pulled upsets and were younger than their opponent were Kentucky and dayton. UK was the outlier with a 1.88 EXpr, beating Wichita State, who averages a 2.19 EXpr. dayton, with a 2.31 EXpr, beat both ohio State (2.83 EXpr) and Syracuse (2.33 EXpr). of course, age isn't the only factor that determines the outcome in games. Sometimes you just have a team (like UK) that is talented and built to win. But when a group of players has been together for as long as Mercer has been, and when they know that none of them are likely to play beyond the college level, they have an edge that younger teams can't rival.
5. Arizona (2.13) vs San diego St. (2.2) 6. Baylor (2.4) vs Wisc. (2.21) 7. UK (1.88) vs Louisville (2.36) 8. tenn. (2.6) vs Mich. (1.8)
And though guys like parker and Wiggins, who regardless of their experience will make the NBA, it does make you wonder that if lesstalented players can stay for four years and cause havoc in postseason play, what would it be like if all of UK’s players stayed for at least two seasons? Michigan State's Gary Harris is a prime example. Harris was a major contributor his freshman year for the Spartans, averaging 12.9 points per game and 1.4 assists per game. Many thought he would be a lottery pick, but Harris turned down the draft and went back for a sophomore season. in his second season, Harris has improved in points, rebounds, assists, steals, freethrow percentage and minutes per game. the Spartans, although a No. 4 seed, are a big favorite to win the championship this season and Harris is a major reason why. So this summer, as new NBA commissioner Adam Silver puts together his proposal for extending the age limit, the correlation between experience and success is one that should be examined. the league may argue that they shouldn’t prevent players from earning a paycheck, but if both leagues can stand to benefit from more-experienced players, then an increased age limit is a necessity.
Mel Heinz announced tuesday that she will be leaving her position as women’s soccer head coach at Valdosta State. Heinz will be changing careers to work with her selfemployed brother at his business in the Atlanta area. Heinz said in a VSU press release that she spent much time mulling over the decision and is at peace with it. She will be taking over the sales and account-management duties of her brother’s business. Heinz built the VSU soccer program in 2011 and led the Blazers to National tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013.
the Blazers had an overall record of 33-16-7. Heinz was named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year in 2011 and had a total of 27 players with All-Academic Honors. Heinz held a team meeting on Monday before a practice and broke the news to her team. “this was an absolute shock to the team,” junior goalkeeper olivia Mills said. “the mood at practice was very dreary.” it was a hard announcement for Mills and her teammates to hear. “it was extremely emotional,” Mills said. “(it was) one of the most emotional experiences for me personally through soccer−not a dry eye in the room.” Mills is distraught by
Heinz’s decision but as a leader realizes she can’t frown upon it for too long. “My plan of action is to remind the young ones that i, along with all of the upcoming seniors, still believe in this team 100 percent,” Mills said. “We've been thrown a curve ball... but this team is still comprised of the elements, talent, hard work and unity that have made our success thus far.” Mills is ready for this next challenge and wants Heinz to succeed in her new venture. “We are happy for coach Heinz, and we wish her the absolute best in this new chapter to come,” Mills said. VSU will begin a national search to fill the position in the coming weeks.
MARCH 27, 2014
Softball streaking Eric Jackson A S S o c i At e S p o rt S e D i to r epjackson@valdosta.edu
No. 18 Valdosta State makes its second trip to Fesmire Field this weekend as Union tries to extinguish the hottest team in the Gulf South conference. the Lady Blazers, fueled by a 10-game winning streak, travel to Jackson, tenn., for a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, then a finale on Sunday. VSU beat UU 4-1 last season in its first-ever meeting against the GSc newcomers. Ace Brianna Hancock, who picked up her second no-hitter of the season last weekend, is the probable starter for Game 1. Hancock is fourth in the GSc with 11
wins. Hancock is likely to matchup against UU’s ace Kelley robey who has 12 wins this season. the Lady Bulldogs face a difficult task of seizing a recent offensive attack that VSU has routed teams with. the Blazers have outscored their opponents 81-15 in the last 10 games. NFcA player of the Week courtney Albritton has led the firepower, leading the team in hits (48) and home runs (15). three of her 15 homers came from Game 2 of last Saturday’s win over christian Brothers. After this weekend, the Lady Blazers return from their road trip in Americus, Ga., to take on Georgia Southwestern. VSU swept GSW earlier this season.
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Tennis tripleteamed Lia Armistead S p o rt S W r i t e r jparmistead@valdosta.edu
Alex Tostado/THE SPECTATOR Freshman Francisco Yim Kim returns a volley on Tuesday in a 9-0 win over North Alabama. VSU plays three opponents this weekend.
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Valdosta State tennis will travel to pensacola, Fla., on Friday for a weekend filled with competitive matches. After winning their eighth match in a row, VSU’s men’s tennis team will take an eight-match winning streak to the line against No. 3 West Florida. in the past two seasons, the Blazers have suffered losses to the Argonauts, losing 8-1 in 2012 and 7-2 in 2013. the Blazers will continue their road trip on Saturday when they play Delta State University. the Blazers defeated the Statesmen 5-0 in 2012 and 5-1 in 2013. Sunday marks the first meeting between VSU and
Lee University. the Lady Blazers will be competing in four matches, rather than three, this upcoming weekend. the ladies will be competing against UWF on Friday, DSU and Nova Southeastern on Saturday and LU on Sunday. VSU fell to UWF in 2012 6-3. in 2013, the Lady Blazers were dominated by the Argos twice in a row, losing 5-0 both times. Although the Argos are a major rivalry, Nova Southeastern is a new opponent for the Lady Blazers. the Lady Statesmen beat the Lady Blazers 5-0 in 2013. For both VSU teams, this weekend is an important test in their attempt to gain a spot at nationals.
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MARCH 27, 2014