The SpringHillian

SpringHillian the

February 11, 2010

Volume 90, Number 3 Mobile’s 1st Collegiate Newspaper

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

The New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl many of us thought the Saints were simply destined to win.

But destiny appeared to be dead after the first quarter when the Colts had two productive scorJIM LOVE ing drives and limited the Contributing Writer Saints potent offense. Drew Brees and company were in

Somehow, the Reda 10-0 hole going into the skins fan from Maryland is second quarter, and at that getting to write the article point, they would have to about how the Saints just match the greatest comewon their first Super Bowl. back in Super Bowl history

After Maryland got --- my beloved Washington Redskins had an epic 10 three feet of snow last Saturday, I should have known point comeback in Super Bowl XXII with Doug that you-know-where was Williams at the helm --- if going to freeze over and they wanted to win. The that the Saints were actually going to win the game. Saints defense responded in the second quarter by The hype preceding the See SAINTS’ page 14 Super Bowl was huge and »Editor’s Note: This commentary is written by Jim Love, a contributing writer.

This article expresses solely his opinion, and does not reflect the opinions and beliefs of The SpringHillian staff.

Photo by Doug Bruce Spring Hill students celebrate at the Fairway apartments after the New Orleans Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Major trash issues The Mobile Experience: The Mobile Carnival Museum »Residence Life has developed a plan of action to deal with trash issues in residence halls JASMINE WILLIAMS Staff Reporter

A couple of months ago, the trash rooms in the dorms were closed due to staffing expenses and sanitary reasons.

People leaving their trash in the hallways has forced Residence Life to come up with a new plan of action, and is on a manhunt to identify the culprits.

“I have had to touch things that no man should touch, like used condoms, and feminine products; you name it,” said Rob Brooks, New Hall, Mobile, and Fairway apartments area coordinator. Since the trash being left in the hallways has gotten so out of hand, Brooks and others have begun to go

through it in hopes to find things to lead back to the culprits. While the staff has been able to identify some people, it has not been enough to stop the problem that seems to be campus-wide.

“I would say that Mobile Hall is the worst right now in regards to the trash problem, but New Hall and the Fairway apartments all have their problems as well,” said Brooks.

From the beginning, the trash rooms were a problem. Staffing someone to empty them was expensive, and it was unsanitary to have trash sitting out for so long because it would smell and See RESIDENCE page 4

KENDRICK DUNKLIN News Editor

“Discover the birthplace of Mardi Gras” is the theme of the Mobile Carnival Museum, a history museum that chronicles over 300 years of Carnival and Mardi Gras in Mobile, Ala., according to Edward Ladd, curator for the Mobile Carnival Museum.

“The concept of a museum totally dedicated to Mardi Gras in its true birthplace had been a goal of numerous native Mobilians for years,” said Ladd.

“When the opportunity became available, the Mobile Carnival Association took the lead in acquiring important and appropriate memorabilia and props, and we’ve had donations of Mardi Gras memorabilia flowing in ever since.”

The Mobile Carnival Museum Photo by Doug Bruce opened in 2005, and it is housed Spring Hill students Staci Sternberger, Ryan Johnson in the historic Bernstein-Bush and Alicia Reeves throw Mardi Gras beads off of the inSee MUSEUM page 3 teractive float exhibit at the Mobile Carnival Museum.

newS

Page 2 The Springhillian February 11, 2010

Campus Briefs

Dr. Robert Baldwin will give Christus Lecture

Robert Baldwin, M.D., will present “Life and Death Matters: Seeking the Truth about Capital Punishment” at the monthly lecture of the Christus Theological Institute. The lecture is set for Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in Byrne Memorial Hall.

SHC will host book signing during Homecoming

Dr. Andrew Sharp, professor of accounting and 1983 alumnus, has written “Antebellum Myths and Folklore: A Search for the Truth,” published in 2009

by ArtCraft Press. Spring Hill College will host a book signing during Homecoming on the Hill from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 23 in Byrne Memorial Hall.

WHIL Chamber Concert

WHIL is starting a series of free, live classical chamber music concerts.

The first concert is Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. with clarinetist J. C. Barker and members of the Mobile Symphony wind section in an all-Mozart program. The performance will be in the Gautrelet Room and will be broadcast on 91.3 WHIL.

Kendrick Dunklin News Editor ktdunklin@stumail.shc.edu

Dr. Michael Kaffer will present ‘The Last Lecture’ students.”

Senior Anna Pate, member of Alpha Sigma Nu, says “If this were your last that the Honor Society hopes time to address a group of students, what would you say to continue it every year. “Ideally, it would be great to have to them?” about three of four a semester.

This is the theme of the Last Lecture Series that is held Alpha Sigma Nu is hoping to make it a lasting tradition on all over the country and has Spring Hill’s campus,” said now made its way to Spring Hill College. The Jesuit Honor Pate.

First to present will be Society, Alpha Sigma Nu, will Dr. Michael Kaffer. He will be be hosting the event at Spring speaking on Thursday, Feb. 11 Hill. Fr. Michael Williams, at 4:30 p.m. in Byrne Memomoderator of Alpha Sigma Nu, rial Hall. When asked about seemed very excited about the the contents of his lecture, Dr. upcoming lectures and gave Kaffer had a simple answer. some insight on what a “Last

“In regards to my lecLecture” is ideally about. ture--it will not be religious

“The purpose of this in nature. I will use my life unique series is for students as a possible example to show to experience their professors students how they should be in a much deeper and open open to the possibilities that way than in the classroom. their lives will offer and to not In these talks, professors are be afraid to take risks in meetasked to be totally open and ing the challenges that they honest about themselves, their face. It will be informal and lives and beliefs, and in what- somewhat personal.” ever ‘last’ words of wisdom

There is a huge amount they wish to share with their of interest from the students

ALICIA BARBOUR Staff Reporter

over these lectures and there were 150 confirmed guests on the Facebook event list late Sunday afternoon. Facebook may not be an official RSVP, but 150 students is a very high number and the members of Alpha Sigma Nu are thrilled about the students’ excitement over the series, according to Pate.

Dr. Kaffer’s “Last Lecture” will be the first of two “last” lectures given this semester. Spring Hill’s president, Fr. Richard Salmi will be giving the second lecture. His “last” lecture will be held on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. during Alpha Sigma Nu week. Students are not only attending the meeting, but officers of Alpha Sigma Nu have helped plan and vote on who they would like to present their “last” lectures.

“This idea was actually the result of a brainstorming within Alpha Sigma Nu. Myself, as well as the other officers in Alpha Sigma Nu - Alyse

Granier, Luciana Gomez, and Allison Symulevich have been involved in really planning and implementing this series.

However, as an Alpha Sigma Nu chapter we voted on who we would like to present the Last Lecture,” said Pate.

“This series was made famous by Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon, who when giving this lecture - it was actually his last. Randy had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. This series has become popular because of his speech. There is even a national best-seller about his life and last lecture - entitled ‘The Last Lecture,’” explained Pate when asked where the idea for the series originated.

Though it is, hopefully, not the last lecture of any professors at Spring Hill, their speeches are expected to be given as much thought and consideration as though it were, just like Pausch.

Biologists introduce sunfish to get rid of snails in lake KELCEE SMITH Op-Ed Editor

To eliminate an invasive species of snails in Langan Park Lake, fisheries biologists introduced thousands of sunfish on Jan. 25, according to the Mobile Press-Register.

The Amazonian apple snail, which at maturity is the size of a tennis ball, has been a big problem in the lake for several years now. In the past, the fisheries biologists of the Alabama Wildlife and Order of Omega will Freshwater Fisheries Section have used chemicals to treat be sponsoring tailgate the problem, a project that

Order of Omega, the will resume in the spring.

Greek Honor Society, is However, the scientists feel sponsoring a campus-wide the population has grown too tail gate from 5:30–7:00 big and so the introduction of p.m., on Thursday, Feb. the redear sunfish will help combat the snails further.

18. The women and men’s

While the 14,000 juvebasketball teams will be nile sunfi sh won’t be able to playing against Belhaven. consume adult apple snails, These games are going to biologists hope that they will be a “Purple Out!” Wear as eat the young snails, preventmuch purple as you can and ing an increase in population.

These fish generally feed on show your Badger Spirit!

Wildlife Watch Apple Snail Ampullariidae Amphibious freshwater gastopod mollusks Size: Can reach 15 cm (5.9 in.)

Color: Range anywhere from brown to pink to jade Diet: Microscopic vegetation Active: Nighttime Source: https://my.sfwmd.gov

mollusks and bottom dwelling insect larvae, according to the Alabama Outdoor Web site, so they are perfect for attacking apple snail populations.

The redear sunfish is a native to the area’s water systems, so a large population should not have any negative effects on the general ecology of the lake. Biologists feel lucky to have found a native species to help battle an invasive species problem. “We decided they are one more tool we had to control and

Helpful: Eat parasites in tropical regions Hurtful: Serious threat to plant life, especially rice plantations and native ecosystems Other facts: Most commonly sold in aquarium stores. In the southern U.S., their genus is Asolene, Felipponea, Marisa and Pomacea

manage the snail population,” said Ben Ricks, a District V Fisheries Biologist.

It is possible for the snails to contaminate other water systems as well, threatening the Mobile Tensaw Delta. The snails can be devastating to native plants, eating almost all types of vegetation.

This destruction to native vegetation can cause the water to become nutrient-poor and filled with algae, destroying the whole ecosystem.

Dr. Chester, Chair of

Spring Hill’s biology department, said, “Invasive species are becoming a growing problem throughout the United States because of a few irresponsible people.”

Earlier reports show that the apple snails were probably introduced by an aquarist, and then the lake became overrun with them. According to Alabama law, it is illegal to “stock or move any fish, mussel, snail, or crayfish to any public water” without a permit.

News Date

Event

Page 3 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Coming up this week on campus...

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Latin Dance Night

Monday, February 15, 2010

No classes

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Fat Tuesday: No classes

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

No morning classes

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Christus Lecture

Time

Location

Contact Person

7 p.m.

Byrne Hall

MSU

7 p.m.

Byrne Hall

Theology department

Special Notices • Get your 21st annual American Cancer Society Chilli Cook-Off tickets in advance for only $10 ($15 at the gate) from Dr. Sharee Broussard. This event is Feb. 27th in Bienville Square/LoDa • American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will be Friday April. 16 at the University of South Alabama Jag Gym. For more information on joining a team or helping out, contact Kat Renik at karenik@stumail.shc.edu.

Museum offers view of royalty and rowdiness of Mardi Gras traditions Continued from page 1

gallery rooms, a pictorial hallway, theater, a social mansion on Government Street in downtown Mobile. gathering area, and a gift shop.

The museum displays a

The galleries house treasure chest of Carnival intricately designed gowns, traditions, and it features trains, and jewels worn by exhibits that tell the story of how the local celebration various carnival kings and queens of various Mardi evolved from its early days Gras societies. Also on to the modern tradition it display are the costumes has become today. of several jesters of well “The Mobile Carnival known parading societies.

Association coordinated Some of the trains featured a volunteer effort of hisin the museums cost over torians, artists, lawyers, five figures to create and businessmen, architects, can weigh over 70 pounds. contractors, and seam The collections also stresses to give their time include original Mardi Gras and talents to get the muart and posters by various seum established. Families area artists, doubloons, of monarchs donated royal tableaux designs, and ball robes, crowns and scepinvitations. The mansion’s ters,” said Ladd. former carriage house con “Members of lotains interactive exhibits, cal mystic organizations donated emblem costumes, including one that allows favors, doubloons and such. visitors to “ride” and throw The accumulation is beauti- doubloons from a Carnival float. fully displayed throughout

On the 90-minute the museum,” stated Ladd.

The museum offers 14 tour of the museum given

by Ladd, various questions can be heard such as: “Who is King Elexis I,” “Why do they throw cups off of the float,” and “Why do float riders wear a mask?”

Visitors also have a chance to get a hands-on experience of being in a Mardi Gras parade. In the museum’s interactive exhibit, visitors can climb on a rocking Carnival float and throw moon pies into a yelling crowd.

“There are two faces of Mardi Gras; one is regal and one is raucous. We want people to experience the royalty in the restored mansion by viewing the majestic crowns, scepters and bejeweled robes,” said Ladd. “Yet, we also want visitors to get rowdy in the social gathering area by getting a behind the mask view of the street party.”

Spring Hill junior, Crystal Womack, has visited the Mobile Carnival Museum

on several occasions and has enjoyed her experience every time.

“For one, the experience was very informative about the many traditions of Mardi Gras, and the museum employees are able to tackle so many questions about the traditions and history behind Mardi Gras in Mobile,” stated Womack.

“Yet, it wasn’t boring like some museums out there. It was a great, fun, and interactive experience that helps you to learn more about the Carnival season, and if you love Mardi Gras as much as I do, it would make the experience of visiting the museum so much better. I had a blast. It was just like being at a parade.”

The museum’s gift shop sells specialty gift items, paintings, favors, souvenirs, music and parade throws, such as Mardi Gras beads and

cups. Toomey’s Mardi Gras Store, which is Mobile’s leading Mardi Gras supply headquarters, operates the boutique Gift Shoppe.

The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only. Entry rate is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

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News

Page 4 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Regional Science Olympiad comes to Spring Hill »State middle and high school teams competed for top spots in Olympiad KELCEE SMITH Op-Ed Editor

The Regional Science Olympiad was hosted by Spring Hill College last weekend to test middle and high school students on their knowledge of science, math, and physics.

The event took place on Saturday, Feb. 6 and the first event began at 8:30 a.m.

Teams were tested on various subjects including ecology, ornithology, chemistry, and were also tested in hands-on activities like bridge building.

The competition lasted all day with a final awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

In the middle school division, the students from Brewton claimed first place, while the students from William Schaffner Neal took both second and third place trophies home to East Brewton, Ala.

In the high school division, Trinity Presby-

terian was awarded first place and Bayside Academy teams won second and third place.

These teams are now qualified to compete at the State Tournament, which will be held at Huntington College (middle school) and Jacksonville State University (high school) later this year.

This was the first time that Spring Hill has hosted the event; usually the honor goes to the University of South Alabama. Despite having pre-Olympiad jitters, the faculty of the science and math department agrees that things ran smoothly throughout the day.

Joining the Spring Hill science department in this endeavor was faculty from the University of South Alabama, the University of Mobile, and specialists from the region who all volunteered to be event supervisors.

There were also many

Spring Hill student volunteers who helped the event supervisors proctor exams, set up events, hand out awards, and guide students around campus.

Junior Andrew Bingham felt encouraged by the enthusiasm he saw, “America needs Photo by Doug Bruce more science, and Alabama middle and high schools competed in the Regional it’s good to see that Science Olympiad, which was hosted by Spring Hill College. interest in these subOver 250 students chemistry and Dr. Mark jects is starting in younger attended the event, along Byrne of physics agree that generations.” with 21 coaches and nuevents like the Science

At least one student merous parents. Most of Olympiad help get science volunteer aided each of the teams came from Mointo the community. The the events in the Science bile and Baldwin county event will certainly be easOlympiad. schools, but a few came ier to put on in the future

Tournament Direcfrom as far north as Mont- having had such a positive tor, Dr. Charles Chester, gomery, Ala. to compete. response this year. said that the college could potentially benefit from so Though it was a lot of One William Schaffmany students visiting the work for the department ner Neal coach said, “I campus: “They saw our at the beginning of the sehope Spring Hill is able faculty, our students, and mester, science and math to do this again next year. our campus… what better faculty are ready to host All the buildings are really way to highlight Spring the event again next year. easy to find, and it is a reHill?”

Dr. Mark Watry of ally nice campus.”

Residence Life hopes trash issues in residence halls will get better Continued from page 1

resident assistants feel that they should not have to take out everyone

plan of action. The plan: when trash is left in the attract bugs. But now, hall, residence assistants with people leaving their will have mandatory trash in the hall, it is beWe have coffee rinds, rotmeetings and everycoming a health issue. ting food, and sanitary one on the hall will

“We have coffee products being spread out have to take the trash rinds, rotting food, and across the hallways. out as group. Those sanitary products being

-Rob Brooks not present at the spread out across the meetings or assisting hallways. We are trywill be fined. Residence else’s trash, and students ing not to resort to fining Life hopes the problem feel that it is not fair for because we know it is not will improve with the new fair to fine everyone when people to live in these plan of action. If not, then conditions. only a couple are leaving

Therefore, Residence it’s back to the drawing the trash out.” board.

Life has come up with a Area coordinators and

SGA Briefs

• The Regulations Board will set up an online voting system for the upcoming elections for SGA president and vice president as well as class Senator elections.

• The Spirit Committee is finalizing plans for Badger Brawl 2010 with a “Back to the Future” theme.

• CAB was solidified last week and is up and running.

Cheapbooks.com BUY. SELL. RENT.

Kelcee Smith Opinions & Editorials Editor klsmith@stumail.shc.edu

Opinions & Editorials

Page 5 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

The value of entertainment vs. education »Is the price of watching a sports game the same as receiving a worthwhile education?

LINDSEY WORLEY Co Editor-in-Chief

I think it is safe to say that young people have a love/hate relationship with their teachers. Some of our teachers we remember with fond memories forever, and some teachers we want to accredit with our hatred of a subject.

And yet, where would we be without them? The best

ones leave us with something better than just a grade, and even the bad ones taught us the things we need to know to get ahead in life.

The point is that every single person has received something of value from a teacher (whether they were a certified one or just a giver of wisdom).

So please, America, please inform me why sports players receive millions of dollars just to simply entertain for a few hours once a week. Then inform me why I went to school from age five to age 22, was taught by teachers Monday through Friday,

8-3 p.m. for roughly seven months, and those teachers only received, according to teachersalaryinfo.com, a mere $45,000?

I’m not trying to argue that teachers don’t exactly get paid enough.

In actuality, teacher pay has increased significantly since 2004. What I’m trying to argue is that I can’t see the sense in paying those who provide entertainment as being more valuable to our society than those who provide us with information and learning skills. If our society is so focused on jobs, then how come those who give us the skills to receive both are

sometimes left in the dust?

Despite these things working against them, teachers are our future. They shape our minds and encourage us to think intelligently and solve problems. How good the teachers are affects how well the next generation thinks. Kids who don’t go to school work at low-end restaurants or end up on welfare that those who did go to school end up paying for. Let’s get those people out of the streets and into the classrooms of caring teachers who actually love to influence and encourage young people.

Finally, remember those times you spent in school. Those torturous days spent inside while wishing to be out in the sun, and the crappy food that is barely nourishing. Don’t you wish they could have been better?

Children have never really liked school. Why shouldn’t they? Let’s make our schools better—pay the teachers more; make the classrooms bright, well-ventilated and aesthetically pleasing; and help children have a better time at school and therefore WANT to learn. We can only be better as a society for it.

They say only the good die young, but why? »Hollywood’s young stars have many problems, but no one seems to listen to their pleas

ABBY COWART Co Editor-in-Chief

See MAKE page 7

The SpringHillian Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

E-mail: hillian@stumail.shc.edu

Spring Hill College 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608-1791

Phone: (251) 380-3850 or 380-3840 Fax: (251) 460-2185

800-742-6704 251-380-4000 www.shc.edu

Advisor Stuart Babington sbabington@shc.edu

Page 6 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Opinions & Editorials

Saying “love” is hard to do Student Reaction »Jasmine discusses society’s confusing ways of expressing our emotions

JASMINE WILLIAMS Staff Reporter

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, a lot of people are rushing out to flower shops and jewelry stores attempting to get that someone special the perfect gift. Some are taking an even bigger plunge and using….the “L” word. But what does it mean when someone says that they love you…or even worse—if they don’t say it?

Some women wait

around to hear the “L” word from that special someone, as if pledging for a sorority they so desperately wish to belong to, pushing their guy to the edge until he just snaps. Then basking in their glory of “love,” they run back to their friends who congratulate them with “awwww”s and “that’s so sweet”.

Deep down, these girls are hoping that they really did just come to college to find their bridesmaids and that they have found the one. The one with whom she can become a van driving, PTA running, soccer toting, house-wife. She’s hoping for a Prince Charming. The one with whom she can have no ambitions of her own and yet still be the woman of his dreams. Is it so wrong to be 40 plus and single? Can we not live it up

in stilettos in New York City, Carrie Bradshaw style?

Fact: We as Americans are one of the few that shove marriage down people’s throats like it’s sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving, and conveniently, we have the highest divorce rate in the world.

Americans are pressured to be married and have children by 30, and most women have an “ideal” marriage age of around 24-28. But, if we have all of these issues with love should we be marrying so young and so quickly? Some studies show that people who marry around these ages have pretty successful marriages, while other studies show that people who marry later on in life tend to have more substance in See SHOULD page 7

Hillian Poll: Accountability Board

It’s possible that students will be banned from sitting on the dugout during games (which is a SHC tradition). How do you feel about this?

“Well, as a player I don’t spend much time (if any) sitting on top of the dugout, but I see no reasons why the students should be banned from sitting on top of the it.”

Fred Rossi- Sophomore “I do not think that students should be banned from sitting on the dugout during games. It is a Spring Hill tradition and it would truly be a shame if that would not be possible anymore.”

Maria Walser- Senior

Last week’s poll question: A Community Accountability Board is being established to hear cases involving nonacademic, student discipline issues. Which of the following goals of the board do you believe is most important?

Giving accused students the opportunity to state a defense and hear from witnesses in front of a board of their peers.

60 50 40

Giving students an opportunity to experience or assume roles in the judicial process.

30 20

Jay Hay- Junior

Serving as a way to encourage positive, peaceful on-campus behavior.

10 0

“Spring Hill is a school built upon tradition.

That’s why I am here.

Leave the dugout alone and keep winning those games!”

Respondents

“Sitting on the dugout is what makes the game fun.

It gets students and the players pumped up and I would be really upset if this tradition was taken away from the students.”

This week’s poll question, found at www.shc.edu/hillian, is: What is the best explanation for the trash problems in some residence halls?

•

Irresponsibility of some students.

•

More attention from cleaning crew needed.

•

The movement of some garbage cans farther away from individual rooms in the dormitories.

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Opinions & Editorials

Page 7 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Being responsible is rewarding and induces self-respect »Kelcee realizes the importance of being responsible after seeing a raccoon lost and hurt outside the Communication Arts building

KELCEE SMITH Op-ed Editor

As college students, we have at least developed some kind of responsibility.

Whether it’s remembering to do your laundry, cleaning your dishes or feeding your fish, we have all been taught to do certain things without having to be asked.

It has come to my attention that many of us might not

appreciate our own ability to be responsible. I know I didn’t realize how much I valued my own innate drive to be responsible until last week.

I was working on issue two. It was late at night. I was leaving the building when I saw something dreadful. The first time I saw it, I didn’t know what to do, but when I saw it a second time, I knew I had to take responsibility.

There in front of me was a battered raccoon.

Chunks of fur were missing from its back, it was bleeding, disoriented and limping across the sidewalk. Being the animal lover that I am I felt really bad for it at first, wanting to

put it out of its misery. My second thought was, “Wow! I wonder what happened.”

Of course I had no clue.

Maybe this raccoon had a severe case of mange, had been attacked by another animal or even rabies. At this point my safety became an issue.

I took the next logical step and called Public Safety. I asked if they could contact Animal Control to come pick up the raccoon, because obviously SHC’s Public Safety isn’t equipped with tools to take on wild animals. I was floored though when Public Safety explained to me that they couldn’t call Animal Control because it would have to be approved by too many people who might be

sleeping; I called at 8:30 p.m. I was very angry and ended up just hanging up the phone.

I got teary-eyed as I walked by the raccoon, feeling helpless and completely frustrated. After thinking about it with a clear head, I realized that Spring Hill had literally taken away my ability to be responsible. Here, I’ve been taught my whole life to be responsible and at the age of 22, some random protocol tells me that I can’t and shouldn’t. This may be taking it a bit too far, but it felt like I lost some freedom at that point. Freedom to make my own decisions, freedom to stand up for what I believe in and the freedom to be responsible

were all gone.

I don’t know what happened to the raccoon. I’ll assume that it eventually found some place in the woods to die, but who knows.

Take what you want from this I suppose.

You might think that I’m crazy for caring so much about a raccoon. Maybe the whole idea of freedom and responsibility is irrelevant to you right now. But if you do realize where I’m coming from, thanks for reading, and I hope you take pride in being responsible. For as Joan Didion has said, “The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

Should the ‘L’ word have a deadline? Make a difference today Continued from page 6

their marriage. Most Spring Hill students can admit that dating someone for six months to a year can seem like a lifetime. They either get tired of a person or they become bored.

But maybe you are not a pushy bride type; what if your guy genuinely does love you and just doesn’t say it? What if you have been with a guy for a whole year (a decade in college years) and he just can’t say the “L” word? Should you wait and how long should you wait?

Should the “L” word have a deadline?

Some women believe if it’s been six to eight months and he hasn’t said the “L” word then you should leave. I know you shouldn’t leave the person you love because of a technicality issue like saying the

“L” word, but should you be expected to wait around hoping that they feel the same way? Telling each other “you know how I feel.”

How do I know how you feel if you haven’t said it! Why is it so hard for us to say it?

Using the “L” word in a relationship is like playing the silent game: whoever talks first loses.

Why does saying the “L” word make you a loser? Women are expected to wear their heart on their sleeves; whereas men are expected to be buff, rough and tough. Can a typical “manly” man not express his feelings without losing his masculinity and boasting privileges in the locker room? For Americans to be getting married at such a young age, it seems we have pretty conflicting views when it comes to expressing our feelings.

Though women are expected to be emotional softies and men to be reserved emotionally, we all run from the “L” word out of fear of being vulnerable and getting our feelings hurt. Society as a whole teaches reason over romance and fact over fiction. Maybe we should all just drop our logic classes, gather together and sing “Kumbayah”... because it is love that makes the world go round, right?

Continued from page 5

EDITORIAL POLICY

The SpringHillian is published weekly from September to May, except during examination periods and vacations. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students, but are the views of the individual columnists.

SUBMISSIONS

The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the studenteditor and section editors. Submissions should be less than 500 words, and editors reserve the right to edit the submissions for length and content. Original writings should be mailed or delivered to: Student-editor, The SpringHillian, Communication Arts, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608.

Life & Culture

Get to know: Steve Pochard KATELYN IKNER Life & Culture Editor

Steve Pochard, Spring Hill College’s Dean of Admissions, has been the first person to welcome students to Spring Hill for the past fifteen years. This will be changing as of May 31, 2010, as he steps down as Dean of Admissions and begin his well-deserved retirement.

The “Spring Hill experience” is often regarded as a life-changing experience for students.

But, Pochard believes this “experience” is extended to faculty and staff.

Pochard believes his

time at SHC has made him “more caring for people than before Spring Hill.”

He also adds that it has made him appreciate the Catholic faith.

As for his college experience, he graduated from the University of Findley in 1971 with a bachelor’s in marketing.

While in college, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and played football and baseball. He was a quarterback and first baseman in his football and baseball careers, respectively. Pochard even played in the Small College World Series in 1970 and spent a summer in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

Pochard has been in the admissions business for 39 years. He started his career as assistant director of admissions, for his alma mater, the University of Findley, in 1971 until

1975. From 1975 to 1979, he served as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Arkansas College.

He then served as VicePresident and Dean of Admissions at Heidelberg. In 1990, he became Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Christian Brothers University. And his last stop before Spring Hill was from 1994 to 1995, when he worked in Enrollment Management for the state university of New York.

Finally, in 1995, he came to Spring Hill College as Dean of Admissions.

After his many decades of experience, he says technology has changed the most. When he first started out in the business, they did not have computers, Internet or email. Everything was done manually, says Pochard.

He believes that due to the advances in technology

Katelyn Ikner Life & Culture Editor krikner@stumail.shc.edu

Campus highlights

Photo by Kelcee Smith

Page 8 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Mardi Gras King Ryan Nocito and Queen Kaiesha Ford

See POCHARD page 11

Students immerse in service and culture »Immersion trips to various South American countries give students new insights

During the Mardi Gras break, small groups of Spring Hill students accompanied by faculty and staff chaperones will embark on international immersion trips. Students will travel to El Salvador, Belize, and Nicaragua.

Immersion trips are exactly what the name implies. Instead of students being shuttled back and forth into a community to do service work, they live alongside the people and become apart of their community.

Students will be fully immersed into the culture and will experience first

hand the impact that their service has. Senior Anna Pate who will be participating in her third immersion trip this year said, “We interact and almost become like a part of the families that we’re working with. We get to know them really well and bond with them.”

During the immersion trips, students participate in constructing buildings such as houses for families and schools for the neighborhood children. However, this isn’t there only purpose for being there. John Koch who is going on his first immersion trip said,

“Most people think of an Immersion trip like it’s a service trip overseas. It’s us going to a different country to immerse ourselves in the culture there, and also in the work that we are doing for the individual there.”

Students get to go outside of the building site that they are working at. They have the opportunity to travel around and see the neighboring sights around the community.

Anna commented, “You do cultural things too while you’re there.

When I was in Nicaragua we went to an active See IMMERSION page 12

The Drive by Press set up shop outside the Outlaw Center.

Photos by Doug Bruce

DEMARCO WILLS Ads Editor/Staff Reporter

The new brick pathway was installed recently.

Life & Culture Student Spotlight: Kathleen Harmon

Page 9 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

KATELYN IKNER Life & Culture Editor

Many Spring Hill College students will be lining the streets of New Orleans, La. to enjoy the Mardi Gras parades.

However, there will be one Spring Hill student with a slightly different view.

This student is freshman Kathleen Harmon. She has won the title of Queen of Orpheus, for the Order of Orpheus.

This Mandeville, La. native and Saint Scholastica Academy graduate began this process when she signed up to be an Order of Orpheus maid. Any young lady over the age of 18 whose family was a member of the Order of Orpheus could sign up to be a maid.

Once the maids have signed up, they are presented to the order at a presentation ceremony.

At this presentation, they select numbers at random. This number is the order in which they will select a piece of cake. Each piece of cake has a ribbon that contains their placement among the Order of Orpheus royal court. Harmon was lucky enough to pull the ribbon that told

her that she would be reigning as Queen of Orpheus. She says from the second she pulled the ribbon that named her queen she was “really excited!”

One of her duties as queen is host-

ing a tea. The guest list for this tea include: officer’s of the order, officer’s wives, maids, junior maids, the former queen and her selection of guests. Harmon’s other duties are to attend the king’s party and the Order of Orpheus ball. She must

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule Feb 13 12:00 12:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 6:45

Floral Parade Mystic Revelers Mystics of Pleasure Mystics of Time Coronation of Queen to King Felix III Mystic Order of Shadow Barrons

Feb 14 2:30 5:00 5:30 8:15

Joe Cain Parade Le Krewe de Bienville Parade Les Femmes Cassettes Parade Coronation of King Elexis

Feb 15 3:30 6:30 7:00

MLK Monday Mystics Parade Infant Mystics Parade Order of Mystic Magnolias

Feb 16 12:00 Krewe of Kroc 12:30 Knights of Revelry Parade 1:00 King Felix Parade 1:30 Comic Cowboys Parade 1:30 Orange Beach Parade 2:00 Mobile Area Mobile Gras Association 6:30 Order of Myths Parade

also ride in the Order of Orpheus parade on Friday, Feb. 12. Harmon says that out of all the events, she is looking forward to the Order of Orpheus ball the most.

Harmon’s family has not always been a part of the Order of Orpehus, although her family had always gone to the Orpheus parade and admired the royal court. Later, Harmon’s family joined the order, so that Kathleen and her sister could be maids.

Harmon’s sister reigned as Princess of Orpheus just last year.

Harmon’s duties as Queen of Orpheus will not end this year. She will attend the revelation next year, in addition to being invited to future events.

As a freshman at Spring Hill College, Harmon is also involved in SHAPe, Pro-Life club, math club, choir and Praise and Worship. In her spare time, she enjoys making crafts. She is an undecided major, but admits that she is leaning towards the Dual-Degree Engineering program. She says she selected Spring Hill because she “liked the size and the people are friendly and nice.”

Athletics podcast brings a fresh perspective to campus sports LINDSEY WORLEY Co Editor-in-Chief

“Some people have been saying that radio is dying,” says senior Devin Golden, “but in fact, the internet is somewhat saving radio.”

For his Senior Seminar, Devin Golden is hosting a podcast which covers Spring Hill Athletics. A podcast can be accessed online, or through iTunes, which is how Golden believes that the internet is supporting the radio. Golden already has two podcasts out, and he hopes to have a third one out by Feb. 11.

Over the past summer, Golden got his idea for a podcast when he and a friend collaborated

and worked on a podcast for fun. He says, “It was very unorganized and kind of just for fun. But it was just that: fun.” Once he had the idea for the sports podcast for Spring Hill, Golden knew that he wanted to keep the fun spirit of his summer podcast.

Golden has always been interested in sports and has always wanted to work in radio broadcast journalism. For each episode, he has questions ready for the interviewee, but Golden says that if the guest is comfortable with talking, then Golden just “goes with the flow and thinks of more stuff as [they] go along.”

So far, Golden has

been interviewing coaches of the various sports teams on campus. He says, “I knew I wanted to interview coaches, because I wanted the show to have REAL content. I wanted it to be newsworthy, and in journalism, some of the best newsworthy information comes from interviews.” Golden says that he didn’t want the episodes to just be about him sharing his own opinion.

Hoping to put out as many episodes as The SpringHillian issues, Golden has ambitious plans for his show. “I plan on having around 10 episodes,” he said.

See PODCAST page 10

Page 10 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Life & Culture

Podcast to increase enthusiasm of sports Little known Black Continued from page 9

And Golden’s guests aren’t just anyone. He plans out his guests according to what is going on around campus at the time. “A lot of who I interview will depend on what is happening that particular week,” said Golden. Some of the upcoming guests will be senior basketball player Marcus Coleman, the soccer coach and volleyball coach.

Mostly, Golden wants his listeners to be entertained. And indeed they have been. The first show was a hit with Golden’s friends, and he believes the episode was “amazing.” His first guest was Coach Sims. “He can go on and on with stories, and as an interviewer, that is what you want from your guests. You

want them to feel comfortable enough to go on tangents, even if it kind of goes off topic, because it is still interesting to the listener.”

Finally, there is a different medium on campus that students can enjoy and learn from. “I really just want the podcast to offer Spring Hill students a form of voice journalism,” said Golden.

“This is what I want to do, my dream job I guess you could say.”

But the real purpose behind his podcast is to increase awareness and enthusiasm of Spring Hill athletics. So, tune in to Devin Golden’s podcast by going to http://shcbadgers.podbean. com/, or Facebook users can find it by typing in “Spring Hill College Athletics Podcast.”

History facts: Part II JASMINE WILLIAMS Staff Reporter

1. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was the first fraternity established in 1906 for African-American men 2. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was the first sorority established in 1908 for African-American women 3. Even before the famous Tyra Banks, Iman and Naomi Campbell, Naomi Sims was the first black supermodel that appeared on the cover LIFE and Ladies’ Home Journal 4. In 1994, TLC’s album “Crazy, Sexy, Cool” was named the best-selling hip-hop and R&B female group album of all time. It featured songs like “Creep” and “Waterfalls” 5. In 2001, Colin Powell was the first African American named Secretary of State. He served under the Bush administration 6. In 2005, Condoleezza Rice was the first AfricanAmerican female named Secretary of State. She served under the Bush administration 7. In December 2009, Disney introduced their first black princess Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”.

The movie was set in New Orleans, La. 8. In 2009, Tyrone Barnes was the first black male to graduate from Spring Hill College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing 9. Oprah Winfrey was the first black to own her own television and film production company, Harpo Studios, Inc. She recently announced that this season is her last 10. Soul Train, a show that primarily featured R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop and gospel artists to this day, is still the longest, first ran, nationally syndicated program in television history

Life & Culture Foley Center begins new partnership

»Spring Hill’s Foley Community Service Center has a new volunteer site at Blount High School in Prichard, Ala. KENDRICK DUNKLIN News Editor

In the spring of 2009, the Foley Community Service Center began tutoring programs in partnership with Blount High School, according to the Mobile County Public School Web site.

Blount High School, located in Prichard, Ala., serves predominantly innercity students and has a mission to “develop a literate, self-disciplined and productive member of society by utilizing an effective, caring and dedicated faculty and staff offering students a variety of learning experiences within a safe environment conducive to learning,” according to Blount High School’s Web site.

Blount High athletic director, Rashad Stallworth, thinks the Spring Hill’s Foley Center is what the high school needed to help fulfill the mission of the school and to get students motivated academically.

“I really like the one-on-one aspect. I think it’s great for our students because this is attention that they do not normally receive. In addition, they receive help with homework and are in a positive learning environment,” stated Stallworth. “As we go into the next school year, we will see the effect it has had on Blount High School students and student-athletes.”

Stallworth, a former Blount High school student and athlete, also appreciates what the Foley

Community Service Center has done for Blount athletics.

“The Foley Center has helped Blount athletes in several ways. The tutors come once a week and help our freshman basketball, volleyball, and football players by working one-on-one after school before practice.

They also act as mentors for our students,” said Stallworth. “It has been a good experience so far and we would like to continue this partnership in the future.”

Spring Hill freshman and Blount High School graduate, Melanie Johnson, has enjoyed her experience as a Foley Center tutor at Blount.

“It has been an amazing experience and a joy to go back to my roots to help students academically and socially

who may not get that attention on a regular basis,” stated Johnson.

“It not only helps the high school students, but it also inspires me to do more for the community and my former high school because the Blount students look up to us and view as mentors, so it makes the experience one that I would love to continue and expand.”

Students from Spring Hill tutor at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and in after-school programs, giving children the extra attention they need for success. All these programs are within 15 minutes of the college and require one to three hours per week, according the Foley Community Service Center Web site.

Eichold Gallery hosts ‘Fiction’ exhibit »Spring Hill’s Eichold Gallery hosts a former Mobile resident’s unique artwork MEGAN WIGAL-HARRISON Staff Reporter

An opening reception was held for the Eichold Gallery’s newest exhibition “Fiction” on Feb. 4.

The featured artwork on display is by Clayton Colvin. Colvin, who now teaches drawing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, actually lived in Mobile, Ala. for a year. During his time in Mobile, Colvin was the education curator for the Centre for the Living Arts / Space 301, a nonprofit showcase for art in Cathedral Square.

According to al.com, the title for Colvin’s solo exhibit came from his recent

reading habits. He spent over a year reading fiction books and this sparked the inspiration for his “Fiction” paintings.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines fiction as “something invented by the imagination or feigned; specifically: an invented story.” Colvin’s “Fiction” exhibit is just that; something that a person could only imagine. Colvin let his hands convey what he imagined and the results are spectacular.

The exhibit really does tell a story, each painting is like a different chapter in a book.

This is the first exhibition of the year to be held at the Eichold Gallery,

and two more are in the works for the spring 2010 term, a faculty show in March and April and a showing of Spring Hill College student artwork April 19 through April 30.

The Eichold Gallery of Spring Hill College will continue to run the “Fiction” exhibit through Feb. 26.

The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Eichold Gallery is located in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. For more information, you can contact Wanda Sullivan, director of the Eichold Gallery, at wsullivan@shc. edu.

Page 11 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Pochard plans for retirement Continued from page 8

the admissions business has somewhat lost that one-on-one connection with students. However, he believes that is what makes the Spring Hill admissions program so special. He thinks the interrelationships that the admission counselors develop with their students is what make the program special.

What Pochard hopes for Spring Hill in the future is to continue to progress and be successful. He believes that the key to this success is to support Fr. Salmi and his vision for Spring Hill.

He says, “Father Salmi is a great president and has a great vision for the college.”

As for his position as Dean of Admissions, there is currently a search to fill this position. This search is the same kind that was held to fill the position of our current president. At this time a nation-wide hunt is being conducted. Once this search has concluded there will be a series of interviews to select the new Dean of Admissions.

With his plans for retirement firmly intact, Pochard plans on spending time with his family, especially, his two grandsons. However, he plans on still being active in the admissions process. He says he wants to, “find something to do part-time to stay in admissions and financial aid” and “stay active in his profession.”

Life & Culture

Page 12 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Review: Osman’s Restaurant ABBY COWART Co Editor-in-Chief

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and most guys (or girls!) on campus are probably looking for that perfect date spot to take their significant others. Mobile has plenty of quaint locations with original cuisine, but none stand out as much as the romantic atmosphere offered by Osman’s Restaurant.

The restaurant is housed in a small antique home that allows room for only about 11 tables.

Osman’s is partnered by a husband and wife. The couple graduated from culinary school in 1982 in Banja Luka, Bosnia. They came to the United States in 1997 and opened their family-run restaurant in 2000. The restaurant was recognized in 2003 with the Best Chef award by Mobile Bay Monthly and The Lagniappe voted Osman’s as the Best Locally-Owned Restaurant in 2004, 2005 and 2009.

The cuisine is quite diverse with recipes from Italy, Germany, France and America. Every meal is made from scratch with

fresh ingredients, and the menu changes daily with the discretion of the chef.

To get dinner started, the restaurant features a diverse group of appetizers including Mussel Brodett, Eggplant Parmigiana and Escargot.

As for the meal, the menu boasts a wide variety of rich pasta dishes. One of the most popular pasta dishes is the baked tortellini. The pasta is mixed with shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage, mushrooms and cream and baked in the oven for a crisp topping. Another favorite is the angel hair pasta with sauté shrimp, ham, peas, cheese and cream. The cost of the pasta dishes range from $18 to $20.

Some of the other menu items include chicken Marsala, filet mignon, lamb chops and the catch-of-theday fish. Each entree comes with rolls, a side salad and a plate of steamed mixed vegetables. Entrees range in price from $18 to $35.

After eating at Osman’s twice, I recommend the chicken breast gorgonzola that is sautéed with gorgonzola cheese and cream.

The chicken is coated in the cream sauce, giving it a great flavor that goes well with angel hair pasta and the mixed vegetables that come on the side. My one piece of advice for future customers would be to steer clear of the side salad that comes with the meal, because it is a little too “organic” for my liking. The lettuce looks and tastes like leaves that should stay on trees. Other than that, every meal that I have tried at the restaurant offers big taste and unique flavor.

Osman’s is the perfect place for a romantic date or special occasion. With its quaint, quiet ambiance and relatively inexpensive price tag, Osman’s is sure to impress. The food is original and rich, making your date think that you spent a fortune on it.

Osman’s is located at 2579 Halls Mill Road.

The restaurant is only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Because of the limited seating, reservations are recommended.

Call (251) 479-0006 for more information.

Immersion trips to take place during Mardi Gras Continued from page 8

volcano and got the chance to climb it. We went to a Nicaraguan market and we got to barter for merchandise that we wanted. It was really cool.”

In order for any student to participate in the immersion trips, the students raise the money by writing to organizations for grants, and doing fundraisers.

The fundraising process is done throughout the entire year to insure that the trip is as inexpensive as possible.

The preparation to go on an immersion starts at the beginning of the school year. Students are divided into small groups and learn about the customs and the history of the country in order to make the transition to the new culture an easy one.

John said, “They put you in very small groups. You get to know just that group of students a whole lot

better which has been the best part for me so far.”

The immersion trip experience is not limited to a single major.

Anyone who is interested and willing to devote the time and commitment is welcome to participate.

The only requirements: that students put in the time to meet with their group on regular intervals, participate and help with fundraisers and dedicate themselves to service and learning.

“You need to really want to learn about the culture of the country you’re visiting.

It’s much more than just one week of the work you do there. It’s a commitment of one year in preparation.” Anna added.

Any students are interested in the next immersion trips, they should contact Maureen Bergan in Campus Ministry.

Coming up this week in Mobile...

Date Event Time Location Friday, Feb. 12

Saturday, Feb. 13

Wednesday, Feb. 17

LODA Art Walk

6-9 p.m.

Cathedral Square Arts District

Top of the Orange (Band)

10: 30 p.m.

Soul Kitchen

Winter Jam Tour (Christian music)

6: 20 p.m.

USA Mitchell Center

The Velcro Pygmies (Band)

10:30 p.m.

Soul Kitchen

Guided tour of the Mobile Musuem of Art

2 p.m.

Mobile Museum of Art

Dan Criscione and Alex Del Rio

Sports Editors dscriscione@stumail.shc.edu & aldelrio@stumail.shc.edu

Page 13 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Sports

Spring cleaning: Baseball team sweeps Tougaloo »The Badgers are off to a hot start with a 5-1 record and look to keep the stride going against William Carey University this weekend ALEX DEL RIO Co-Sports Editor

The Spring Hill baseball team brought out their brooms as they swept the Tougaloo Bulldogs in a three-game conference series last weekend. The Badgers have jumped off to a quick start this season, earning a 5-1 (5-1 GCAC) record with some convincing wins.

In the first game of the series, the Badgers took down the Bulldogs by a score of 9-2. The Badgers had a solid game on both sides of the ball committing zero errors and adding eight hits. Andy McCall and Ryan Cummings helped the Badgers offensively going 2-3 during the game. Brad Holstein gave the Badgers some additional breathing room with a two-run homerun that solidified the win for the Badgers. David Dupuy had a spectacular game on the mound giving up six hits and one run in six innings of play.

It was the same story for the Badgers in the second game of the series as they shutdown the Bulldogs in a 7-0 victory. Josh Essington threw some serious heat allowing the Bulldogs only six hits in his seven innings pitched. Essington also added eight strikeouts on the day as Tougaloo struggled to hit the winning pitcher. Ryan Hall, lead-

off batter for the Badgers, got things going early on as Spring Hill rallied four runs in the first inning. Offensively, the Badgers had a great game, cranking out 14 hits as everyone in the line-up contributed.

The Badgers sent Tougaloo packing after taking the final game of the series 11-1.

The game ended in the seventh inning on the 10-run mercy rule. The Badgers quickly got to work in game three as Ryan Cummings opened up a 2-0 lead with a first inning double that brought a man home. Andy McCall added to the lead with a textbook bunt that brought in a run and landed him safely at first. A single to right field by Blake Nelson brought McCall home later on the inning. The Badgers combined for 11 hits and committed zero errors in the game. Joe Carter recorded the win for the Badgers after allowing only one run in five innings of play.

The Badgers are certainly starting to make a name for themselves in the conference after beating their opponents in the first two series of games. Their record has earned them 2nd place in GCAC thus far.

The Badgers look to continue their success as they go on the road this weekend for a series against William Carey

Photo by Doug Bruce Pat O’Malley prepares to tag the Tougaloo runner.

University. William Carey was ranked 14th in NAIA pre-season polls but have started off the season 4-2 leaving them currently in 3rd place in the conference.

Olympics kick off this weekend Golf teams look DAN CRISCIONE Co-Sports Editor

Team USA brought home some heavy hardware from the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, but appears to be going for more this time around. In 2006, Team USA earned nine Gold Medals, nine Silver Medals and seven Bronze for a total of 25, the second highest total (first-Germany with 29).

The United States are represented by 216 athletes in Vancouver this year, the most participants of any country, even more than host country Canada, with 206 athletes.

There will be over 80 countries represented in 15 Olympic Sports in Vancouver.

Team USA certainly appears to be the heavy fa-

vorite in the snowboarding and skiing events, given their recent success at the Winter X Games this January. Although the Winter X Games appeals more to American thrill seekers, they certainly are a prelude of what is to be expected at the Olympics.

While most eyes will be on high-flying snowboarder Shaun White, some will be following other Olympic events. Junior Collin ‘Gaspo’ Gasparovic says, “Curling and hockey are by far the best. I’d watch them all day if I could.”

Team USA men’s hockey didn’t medal in 2006, but things are going to be a little different at the 2010 Olympic Games. Rather than playing on an internationalsized ice rink, hockey will be played in an NHL sized rink, which could benefit the

Americans because they play on that size rink year-round.

An international-sized hockey rink measures 200 ft. by 98.5 feet, where as a NHL sized rink measures 200 ft. x 85 ft.

The Olympics are about more than just bringing home medals though.

Remember that movie Cool Runnings? For those guys, the Olympics was about being able to represent their country.

There will be 22 nations who only have one or two representatives in Vancouver, all thrilled just to be a part of the experience. Of course, everyone wants to win, but the Olympics were created to show national pride. Getting there should just be enough. But how can you not say, “U-S-A- ALL THE WAY!?”

ahead to nationals

DAN CRISCIONE Co-Sports Editor

The Badgers men and women’s golf teams are looking at this golf season with a new goal: nationals.

The thought of nationals came from new Athletic Director, Jim Hall, who has inspired the Badgers golf programs to kick it up a notch.

Junior Eddie Smith says, “We’re practicing with a purpose now. We can get to nationals. We can win nationals.”

The re-vamping of the golf team has already started working.

Sophomore J.D. Sabio says “I can already see improvement, especially

from myself. This new workout program is going to help immensely.”

The new workout schedule isn’t just going to the gym to pump iron, it is a series of new stretches and workouts designed just for golfers. New training equipment, techniques, and attitude are all a part of this new program. Sabio also added, “even the yoga we’re doing is sweet!”

Rather than just making sure they hit the course from time to time, this new spirited golf team is going at specific times and getting specific instructions from Coach Hodges, who is getting the team motivated to not just hit the ball, but play golf.

Page 14 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Sports Saints’ fans celebrate first Super Bowl win Continued from page 1

allowing the Colts only six offensive plays and no first downs. The offense had a productive 11 play field goal scoring drive early in the quarter and appeared to be on the doorstep of a gametying touchdown with less than two minutes to go in the first half. Unfortunately, Coach Sean Payton elected to go for a touchdown on fourth and goal at the 1 and running back Mike Bell did not get in the end zone. The Saints’ defense did help by getting their offense the ball back quickly and they did muster a 44-yard field goal right before halftime to make the score 10-6 as the teams headed to the locker room.

What transpired in the Saints’ locker room during halftime must have been special.

Coach Payton fired his team up for the final thirty minutes and he told his rookie punter

that he would be attempting an onside kick to start the second half.

The Colts never saw it coming and after a scuffle for the ball the Saints recovered the kick and immediately drove down the field for a touchdown to take their first Super Bowl lead in franchise history. Peyton Manning and the Colts fired right back with a touchdown drive of their own to retake the lead 17-13 at the 6:15 mark in the third quarter. The Saints once again drove into Colts’ territory but had to settle for another Garrett Hartley field goal.

With a score of 17-16, the stage was set for an epic fourth quarter. But in the final 15 minutes absolutely nothing went the Colts’ way.

They missed a 51-yard field goal attempt with 10:39 to play and left the Saints a short field to drive down for the go ahead score. The Saints needed nine plays to cover 59 yards for a touch-

Word Jumble!

down and then they had a successful two-point conversion after Sean Payton successfully challenged the ruling of an incomplete pass on the play.

Peyton Manning had the stage he wanted --- drive his team 70 yards in 5:42 for a gametying score to disprove everyone that says he has been mediocre in the playoffs (he is now 9-9 in the postseason).

The drive started out with promise and Manning drove his team into Saints’ territory with ease. With just over three minutes to go in the game, there had been no turnovers and only one sack --- by the Colts “injured” defensive end Dwight Freeney -- meaning that some defensive player was bound to make a big play.

Enter Tracy Porter --- the Saints cornerback who picked off Brett Favre in the end of regulation of the NFC championship. Porter

jumped the route on a third and five throw intended for Reggie Wayne and took his interception 74 yards to the end zone.

I estimate most of campus was jumping up and down after that play because the Saints had a two touchdown lead with three minutes to play and barring a disaster the Vince Lombardi trophy was on its way to New Orleans.

The Colts mustered another impressive drive that ended in the Saints red zone and Drew Brees only needed to kneel the ball once to make the Saints 31-17 victory official. Brees would win Most Valuable Player honors because he did not turn the ball over and he went 29 for 32 --- with a spike and a dropped pass --- after his 3 for 7 performance in the first quarter.

The cries of “Who Dat!?” echoed through the residence halls and across campus immediately after the Saints

secured their first Super Bowl title and brought pride to a city that has been through so much turmoil over the last four and a half years. Many of your parents and grandparents have waited for this moment since 1967 and I urge you to celebrate with them if you go home for the break.

The entire region is boasting with pride and the partying will continue straight through Mardi Gras and beyond in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast.

New Orleans has its first ever pro sports championship and the city will look forward to September when the Saints begin their title defense --- which is a realistic possibility because the team is well coached and should not lose many key players. But until then I urge you football junkies to be patient and enjoy the baseball and basketball seasons.

Valentine’s Day knock-knock riddle.

1. Signature heart-box of chocolates: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. Valentine’s day is named after: _ _ _ _ _ _ _

_ _

______

_ _ _ _ 4. Body organ of Valentine’s Day: _ _ _ _ 5. You hope to get hit by it to fall love struck: _ _ _ _’ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6. Make reservations for this nightime meal: _ _ _ _ _ 7. Ashton Kutcher’s new movie: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _’ _ _ _  3. Smelly gift to give the misses: _ _

- Knock knock!

- Who’s there?

- Olive.

- Olive who?

!!

Source: http://rlv.zcache.com Benny the Badger shows off his big heart for Valentine’s Day.

Page 15 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Sports Predictions for NBA All-Star Weekend »Alex breaks down this All-Star weekend, giving background of each event and predicting who will take home the crown of each challenge ALEX DEL RIO Co-Sports Editor

With half a season in the books, the NBA looks to take some time off as they enter the 2010 All-Star break. The All-Star Weekend festivities kick off at Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Friday, Feb. 12th with the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge.

On Saturday, fans can enjoy the skills contest, three-point shootout and the highly anticipated dunk contest. NBA AllStar weekend will be wrapped up with the All-Star game on Sunday night.

Here are my predictions for this weekend’s winners.

T-MOBILE ROOKIE CHALLENGE Leading off the 2010 NBA AllStar weekend is the Rookies vs. Sophomore Challenge. To entice viewers to watch this year’s game, there will be a “dunk-in” between DeMar DeRozan and Eric Gordon, and the winner will compete in the Dunk contest on Saturday.

As opposed to recent years, the Rookie vs. Sophomore Challenge looks quite promising as the league’s rising starts battle for bragging rights.

Rose will retain his title. Steve Nash and Deron Williams will give him a run for his money, but Derrick Rose has the touch and the speed to win this event again.

FOOT LOCKER THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT Daequan Cook of the Miami Heat won the 3-point title last year but will need to stay focused if he plans to defend his title.

Among those competing against Cook are Paul Pierce, Stephen Curry, Chaucey Billups, Danilo Gallinari and Channing

And with all the stars headlining the event, there will be no pressure for Gallinari to find his groove and steal the show.

SPRITE SLAM DUNK CONTEST The 2009 Slam-dunk contest set the bar extremely high for this year’s athletes. Last year, 5’9” Nate Robinson jumped over 6’11” Dwight Howard to take home the trophy. This year, fans will be glued to their televisions to see what these athletes will come up with. Participating this year in the dunk contest are Nate Robinson, Gerald Wallace and Shannon Brown.

There will be a “dunk-in” for the first time in NBA history for the final slot in this year’s contest. The dunk-in will be held during halftime of the Rookie vs. Sophomore Challenge and will be between DeMar DeRozan and Eric Gordon.

WINNER: I’m going to have to take Shannon Brown to take the crown as this year’s dunk champion. For those who haven’t watched Brown play before, the guy can flat out fly. Nate Robinson will definitely throw down some jaw-dropping dunks, but unless he jumps over a 7-footer, I don’t think Nate will keep his crown.

NBA ALL-STAR GAME WINNER: The sophomores East vs. West will face off Sunday will win this game, but not night for what should be a easily. This year’s rookies highlight-filled evening. Starting have a lot of talent, but not for the East are Allen Iverson, enough to contain the polished Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, sophomores. Furthermore, the Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard. sophomores have not lost to For the West, Steve Nash, Kobe the Rookies since 2002, and Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Source: Orlando Magic Web site it doesn’t look like this year is Duncan and Amar’e Stoudemire Dwight Howard braces as a player jumps over his shoulders to slam dunk. going to change the current will start. The West won last year’s streak. game 146-119 last year, but only Frye. This season Pierce leads the field time will tell what the players have in store TACO BELL SKILLS CHALLENGE shooting 47 percent from behind the arc. for this year’s game.

For an event that has only been around Curry is the only rookie competing in the 3since 2003, the skills contest has quickly point contest this year, but what he lacks in WINNER: For a game that is mostly all proven to be a fan-favorite. In this skills experience he makes up for in confidence offense and no defense, I think this year’s challenge, Derrick Rose will try to repeat as he has proved to be one of the league’s game will be another high-scoring affair. I as the champion as he squares off against top marksman this season. think the West will win the game because Steve Nash, Deron Williams, and Brandon they have a deeper bench. However, this Jennings. Steve Nash and Deron Williams WINNER: This year’s 3-point shootout game can go either way and I’m excited have already won this event in previous has a bunch of big names competing. to see what tricks and jokes players have years, winning it in 2005 and 2008 That is why I think the underdog Danilo planned for this year. I kind of have my respectively.

Gallinari is going to steal the title this year. fingers crossed hoping that Shaq and the Many may not know it, but Gallinari has Jabbawockeez have an encore performance WINNER: In a nail-biter, I think Derrick one of the sweetest strokes in the league. this year.

Page 16 The SpringHillian February 11, 2010

Sports Spring Hill intramural basketball »Competition gets tough as men’s and women’s intramural basketball heats up

UPCOMING GAMES BB

DATE Feb. 12

OPPONENT William Carey

SITE Away (6:00)

BB

Feb. 13

William Carey

Away (1:00)

WB

Feb. 13

Dillard

SHC (5:00)

MB SB WB

Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 18

Dillard NW Florida State CC Belhaven

SHC (7:00) Away (1:00) SHC (5:30)

MB

Feb. 18

Belhaven

SHC (7:30)

WB-Women’s Basketball MB-Men’s Basketball BB-Baseball SB-Softball

KEY

WT-Women’s Tennis RGB-Rugby WG-Women’s Golf MG-Men’s Golf

RECENT RESULTS TEAM BB

DATE Feb. 6

OPPONENT Tougaloo

RESULT W 9-2; 7-0

BB WB MB

Feb. 7 Feb. 6 Feb. 6

Tougaloo William Carey William Carey

W 11-1 L 60-64 L 48-69

WB MB

Feb. 6 Feb. 8

Southern U. at New Orleans Southern U. at New Orleans

L 62-69 L 54-62

Photos by Kelcee Smith

Women’s basketball falls at Carey ALEX DEL RIO Co-Sports Editor

The Spring Hill women’s basketball team dropped to 2-19 (0-11) after a close loss at William Carey University Saturday night. The Badgers led the Crusaders 30-26 at the half but allowed the Crusaders to make a run in the second half losing the game 64-60.

Free-throw shooting proved to be costly as the Lady Badgers shot just 55% from the line. William Carey hit 77% of their free throws, aiding them during their second half comeback.

Leading the Badgers in

points was sophomore, Jackie Higgenbotham with 16 points.

Kristen Rogers and Lynleigh Hughes each added 11 of their own points.

Kristi Ybarra also contributed 10 points for the Lady Badgers.

Spring Hill out rebounded William Carey 38-33; however, they lost the turnover battle by giving away 15 turnovers to William Carey’s 14 turnovers. The Badgers also had a good game from behind the 3-point line, knocking down a respectable 47% of their long-range shots.

The Lady Badgers will look to end the losing woes with a win over SUNO Monday night as well as one against Tougaloo on Thursday night.