March 4 Issue of The Vanguard by The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 52, NO. 8

“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”

MAR. 04, 2013

INSIDE

Officer will not be charged in Collar case By CASSIE FAMBRO caf707@jagmail.southalabama.edu

USA football is in the air again How do feel about the Pentagon’s latest move? Read three viewpoints on the decision. See Opinion, page 14

Les Barnett, Dr. Todd Andel, and Dr. Todd McDonald

School of computing receives over $2 mil By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

Redbar is the newest coffee spot to hit the Mobile scene and it’s all natural. See Life, page 5 Spring practice has the Jags and The Vanguard up bright and early! See Sports, page 8

The school of computing has received grant worth $2.1 million from the National Science Foundation that will provide scholarship opportunities to computing students concentrating in information assurance. This program, Cyber Scholars: Scholarship for Service (SFS), will offer up to 20 graduate and undergraduate two-year full scholarships during its five-year period at South Alabama. The

scholarships will be worth $20,000 for undergraduate students and $25,000 for students studying for a master’s degree. “This is a fantastic opportunity to get a fully paid education while learning some very marketable skills that the government is in critical need of,” said Dr. Todd McDonald, an associate professor in the school of computing and the primary investigator for the SFS scholarship grant. The information assurance track in the school of computing involves courses related to cryptography, soft-

ware vulnerability, virus and malware defense, forensics,and cyber warfare, which are very important issues to the US Department of Homeland Security. In fact, the SFS program is cosponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security for the purpose of helping universities like South Alabama produce federal information assurance professionals that will aid in the protection of sensitive government information. Recipients of the SFS scholarship See GRANT Page 2

SGA wants to spend more on students By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

SGA has money and it wants to give it to the people it serves: the students of USA. A numWilliam Pearson ber of stuTreasurer dent organizations was granted funds at last Monday’s Student Government Association meeting, something the SGA wants to see even more of in the future. SGA Treasurer Will Pearson

wants all students in organizations on campus to be aware that funds are available from the SGA. Pearson also wants student’s that have any ideas of ways to improve campus to attend the weekly SGA meetings and present them to the senate. We have some funds to help out... and spend money on the student body as a whole, not just organizations,” Pearson said. $1,900 went toward this year’s Relay for Life event at Monday’s meeting. This year’s relay will be held on campus on Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. Jaguar Joggers was granted $1500 dollars for registration fees for the various competitions they compete in throughout the year. This amount

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tripled from last semester’s amount due to an increase in the number of members in Jaguar Joggers. The Chinese Student Association was granted $700 for reimbursement for the money spent on the Asian New Year celebration held in early February. The SGA wants students to aware of important dates for this year’s SGA elections. Applications are available at the SGA office in the academic support center on Jaguar drive and are due at the SGA office by 5 p.m. on March 18. Those that submit applications must attend a mandatory candidates meeting on March 18 at 5:15 p.m. at

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the SGA office. Any applicants that cannot attend the meeting must send a representative to the meeting in his or her place. Primary elections will begin via JagMail on Monday, March 25 and end on Wednesday, March 27. Runoffs will begin on April 1 and end April 3. The SGA encourages all South Alabama students to attend their weekly meetings to find out about campus events and have a voice in SGA decisions as part of the student forum. The SGA meets on Monday nights at 8 p.m. in the conference room at the Fresh Food Co. near the residence halls.

Life, Page 5

Nearly five months after 18-year-old Gil Collar died of a gunshot wound to the chest at the hands of Officer Trevis Austin, we finally know the drug that spurred Collar’s erratic behavior. The drug is called 25-I, similar to Mobile’s area code, 251 but has no direct connection thus far. 25-I is an often lethal hallucinogen that was only discovered in 2003. It is often marketed as LSD on blotter paper. Collar was sold the drug at Bayfest for $10. Authorities cannot arrest or charge the person that sold it to him because it is not on the controlled substances list. District Attoney Ashley rich lamented her inability to prosecute the dealer. “There is nobody that wants to see that young person pay for being responsible for bringing that into our community than I do,” Rich said. This case will likely ensure that it is added. Among the side effects of 25-I are shaking, paranoia, fear and panic. Collar was also found to have marijuana in his system. Officer Austin will not be indicted in the death of Collar, but the civil suit filed by the family still continues. University of South Alabama’s Public Relations Director Keith Ayers issued a statement. “The thoughts of the entire university family remain with everyone involved,” Ayers said. The public remains divided on the incident but with one idea constanly reiterated. “The officers need to be trained to subdue a subject using non-lethal force,” Army student Michael Bishop told The Vanguard. Officer Austin did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. The Vanguard will have more on 25-I as well as any updates in the civil case as details are made available.

In this Issue: Sports, Page 8 Opinion, Page 13

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

Grant also will enjoy mentor programs, summer internship opportunities and aid in securing government positions in the information assurance field. Recipients must also attend mandatory conferences, workshops, seminars and fulfill required amounts of service hours. According to the Office of Public Relations’ press release for the grant, these mandatory activities “are aimed at developing a community of practice that will enhance students’ individual and collective skills in an area increasingly important to the security of the United States.” Students that wish to apply for the SFS scholarship must be in their last two years of a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program at USA and be a full time student while receiving the scholarship. Students that want more information about the SFS scholarship can contact Dr. Todd McDonald at jtmcdonald@southalabama.edu. More details about the SFS scholarship program can be found at usacfits.org/CyberScholars. Applications for the SFS scholarship are now available from the school of computing and will be accepted until April 15.

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Continued from Page 1

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

PAGE three “University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Editorial Editor in Chief Copy Editor Life Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Left of Center Senior Reporter Web Editor

Cassie Fambro Alyssa Newton Jake Howell Noah Logan Patrick Herring JT Crabtree Jayson Curry Matthew Strickland

Weather for Mar. 3/4-10

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Manager

Advertising Advertising Wesley Jackson Manager Advertising Mohammad Al-Zarrad Graphic Designer Rex McKay

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surroun ding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail editor. in.chief@usavanguard.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.

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USA Police Blotter 251-460-6312

2/22/2013 11:55 Criminal Mischief Third Degree ($500 or less) Life Science Building Parking lot Between 10:05 am and 11:50 am, the crime of criminal mischief was committed by an unknown person.

2/22/2013 13:13 Harassment The Grove Known person used profane language and made threats to a University employee

2/25/2013 14:32 Theft – Bicycle Administrative building Victim reported that a bicycle she was renting from the University of South Alabama was stolen.

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

Friday, Mar. 8

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 4, 2013

jagLIFE

Asian studies week challenges Chinese art stereotypes By ALDYN MILLER

aem1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

or most college students, the concept of Chinese art is anything stamped with the words “made in China.” China is thought of as a distant overseas land, which magically sprouts bootleg DVDs and knockoff designer sunglasses and handbags. In her efforts to change Western misconceptions about Chinese art, and Chinese culture in general, Dr. Katharine P. Burnett visited USA on February 26 to deliver a talk entitled “Speculations on Why Originality Can’t Be a Traditional Chinese Value (When It Is).” Her lecture was a part of the ongoing events at USA to celebrate Asian Studies Week. Dr. Burnett, who is a professor of Chinese Art History at the University of California, Davis, delivered an enlightening speech. Her focus is primarily upon art criticism and theory during the seventeenth century, an era in time when China reinvented itself dynamically on many levels, but one cannot fairly critique Chinese art from any period without first understanding how Western views affect our understanding of the culture. Many Westerners tend to dismiss

Chinese art, in general, as lacking originality, because the same themes and subjects tend to appear often in Chinese art. While there is a tradition of copying in Chinese art history, Chinese culture defines “copying” differently than the Western world. Copying was merely used as a technique for learning how to paint, but it is the “qi” of a painting (the difference or an artist’s own interpretation of the subject matter) that makes each piece unique. Sophomore visual arts major Samantha Harris finds Chinese art a difficult subject to understand. “I can appreciate each work of art for its beauty and technique, but it’s hard to find “originality” in each piece when you see the same subjects, places, and people pop up over and over again.” According to Dr. Burnett, this attitude is not uncommon. “In the early 1920s, we see the establishment of the Communist Party of China. The May Fourth Ideology, which promotes collectivist thinking, assigned a set of values that the Chinese people were supposed to follow. Communism denounced originality,” she said. “As a result, Chinese art, as a whole, began to be viewed as femi-

jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu

n February 15, four University of South Alabama students; Luke Buckley, Jason Cooper, Joshua “Jay Birg” Hydock and Joshua Cane, conquered the Film Scramble 7 competition, bringing home the first place prize for their short-film, “Sunday Mail.” “Sunday Mail,” a film about Daniel Frontbush, a perfectly ordinary guy, who happens to check his mail for a package on Sunday. Unfortunately for Frontbush, his neighbors videotape his mail run and post the incriminating video online. This video, and its immense repercussions, ruin Frontbush’s life and lead him on a path of eternal torment. “In his afterlife, he is forced to face his demons in ways that reflect his short-comings in life,” said graduate communications major Luke Buckley who played the mailman that

delivered that fateful package. According freshman communications major Jay Birg, who played the unfortunate Daniel Frontbush, the Film Scramble is, “an amazing event hosted by Trey Lane of Mod Mobilian. Trey comes up with a few movie plot/context ingredients and a length requirement. If you sign up, you must make a short film that includes the ingredients dreamed up by Trey and stay under time. It’s a very challenging and enjoyable process.” These films are also shot, according to senior digital cinema major Joshua Cane, “usually in around 13 days.” This isn’t the first time this talented group of filmmakers, who’ve joined forces under the umbrella of Melon Helmet Productions, has won the Mobile Film Scramble competition. Cane said, “We actually won last time as well for “Rime of the Drunken Mariner,” which was an adaptation of “Rime of the Ancient Mari-

WEEKLY LOWDOWN Monday, Mar. 4 ► 5:10 p.m. - Jaguar Produc-

tions Board Meeting in the Academic Support Center, Room 1369.

Tuesday, Mar. 5 ►3:30 - 5 p.m. - USA Career Services presents a job search panel discussion in the University Library Auditorium.

►5:15 p.m. - African American COURTESY OF DR. KATHARINE BURNETT

Dr. Burnett’s presentation not only exposed students to the Chinese culture and arts, but it also challenged their modes of thinking of those very works.

nine, passive and conforming. These stereotypes remain firmly in place today.” There is no doubt that Chinese art, just like the culture, is nuanced, layered and multi-faceted. As Westerners, we hold many misconceptions and stereotypes about Chinese culture, and often, we do not realize we

do so until the subject, like Chinese art, is addressed directly. Education is going to provide the path to enlightenment. Students who wish to learn more about Asian culture or the Asian Studies Program at South should contact the International Studies Department.

USA students take first place at local film competition By JAKE HOWELL

JAKE HOWELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ner,” only with a sandwich instead of a seagull.” That particular film was co-written by Buckley and Jay Birg. First prize in the Film Scramble involves a cash prize, explained Cane, and the winning film is screened “before certain movies that show at the Crescent for the week following the scramble. Then you have people, who would probably never see your work otherwise, see it. It’s a nice touch.” When asked about his reaction to “Sunday Mail” winning first prize, Jay Birg said, “We didn’t expect to win Film Scramble 7 just because all of the other movies were so good. They were beautifully shot and well written. When I heard we won, I was blown away.” Cane was similarly pleased with the win, saying, “There were a lot of talented people involved. Jay and Jason’s comedy really is amazing to watch, people really seemed to respond to it.”

When asked what his favorite part of participating in the Film Scramble was, Buckley said, “working with everyone is so much fun. Everyone is mad talented. Jason, Rusty, Josh and Josh....you guys are so awesome.” In a testament to their work, the winners of the Film Scramble competitions are chosen by the audience members in attendance. In addition to their work entered into the Film Scramble competitions, these filmmakers are busy with other projects. “I am currently working on a project called “The Flat Stanleys: The Movie” with Jay Birg, Jason Cooper and Ethan Hadley and a JagTV show called “Downtowners,” with Jay and Rusty Sarhan,” said Cane. All of the Film Scramble entries can be viewed on the Film Scramble website at filmscramble.org. Anyone wishing to see “Sunday Mail” in its entirety, can visit melonhelmetproductions.com.

Student Association meeting in the Humanities Building, Room 150.

Wednesday, Mar. 6 ►9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Resume

Critique Session in Meisler Hall, Room 2100.

► 12 - 2 p.m. - What’s on

Wednesday: “Things to Know Before You Go,” presented at the USA Police Department.

►5 p.m. - Pre-Occupational

Therapy Club meeting in the Allied Health Building, Room 2074.

►10 p.m. - Jaguar Productions Cheapdate movie night: “Snitch” at Hollywood Theater.

Thursday, Mar. 7 ►9 a.m. - 4 p.m. -

Mock Interview Day. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for Mock Interview Day. Contact Career Services at 251-4606188 to sign-up.

► 7:30 p.m. - University Chorale

Winter Concert in the Ladilaw Recital Hall. $5 for USA Students/Faculty/Staff.

Want your event featured in the Weekly Lowdown? Email the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under seven words) to jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu.

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 4, 2013

Chi Omega hosts second annual Walk for Wishes By SANDRA HUYNH sbh804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he Beta Theta chapter of Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity will host their second annual Walk for Wishes to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with lifethreatening medical conditions. Chi Omega is known for hosting Songfest each fall, an event full of song and dance and friendly competition among campus organizations. Recently, however, they have added a new event for the spring. “Last year was the first time we did Walk for Wishes,” said junior public relations major Destinee Bliss. “The Chi Omegas at Florida State have been doing it for some time, so we decided to bring the event to South to try to raise more money for Make-A-Wish.” The ladies raised around $3,000 that contributed to last year’s grand total of $34,603.29, which is enough to grant about seven wishes. This year, the event will be a “color walk,” a concept similar to the trending “color runs” in which participants are covered in colored powder as they run.

COURTESY OF JESSIE HOUSTON

Former Chi Omega President and Songfest Chair, Jessie Houston and Rachel Stoner at the 2012 “Walk for Wishes.”

Also included with a ticket purchase this year is dinner from Foosackly’s. SGA appropriations will provide the color packets, so all profits from

the ticket sales will go directly to Make-A-Wish. “We had a great turn out last year, and we are hoping to see more participants this year since we are

adding color and dinner into the deal!” said Bliss. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. along Aubrey Green Drive on campus. Tickets are $10 in advance and include a Foosackly’s dinner. Tickets will be available for $7 the day of the walk but will not include dinner. T-shirts can also be purchased for $13. All USA students, faculty, and alumni are welcome to purchase tickets and order t-shirts from any Chi Omega. This event is also open to the community. Chi Omega philanthropy chair Michelle Vajgrt said, “Since last year was our first walk, we were surprised at how much support we received with such a new philanthropic event! The USA family chose to step up and help us raise quite a bit of money for Make A Wish foundation. This year we are hoping for as much support, if not more. We tried to make this year’s event more appealing by adding the color aspect.” For updates, you can find the event on Facebook by searching for “Chi Omega’s Color Walk for Wishes.”

JagLife Spotlight: Second annual Maranatha 5K a huge success

HEY YOU

Into the downtown scene in Mobile? We need a Scene writer. Bars, clubs, and night life articles are welcome. Have bad service at a local restaurant? Excellent service? Tell us! Write about it and let your peers know. Email jsh803@ jagmail. southalabama.edu Opinion and Sports need writers too, and you can email fambro@ jagmail. southalabama. edu to find out how to get involved. Build your resume. Raise your voice.

COURTESY OF ANGELINA PIERCE

The second annual Maranatha 5K Race and Fun Run, held on March 2, was a resounding success. Over 250 runners participated in this Catholic Student Association sponsored event this year. Funds raised at the race benefit the Archdiocese of Mobile’s Vocation Office.

Make a difference.

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 4, 2013

REDBAR brings new game to Mobile coffee shop scene

COURTESY OF DALTON BURKS

REDBAR offers tasty organic drinks and food, a modern atmosphere and great fun all within a few minutes from USA’s campus.

By MAELYNN LA

ml802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

an it be? Is it really true? Do my eyes deceive me? There is hope for West Mobile yet! To me, West Mobile is relevant because that’s where the closest movie theater and Walmart reside. Perhaps I have been a bit harsh on that area, but I’ve always thought of it as

a place where one doesn’t linger around more than you have to. However, I might be cozying up to WeMo a lot more that I thought I would, with the opening of REDBAR. Mobile’s latest coffee shop is approximately 7 minutes away from campus. It’s about time that there was a locally owned coffee shop in that area; besides REDBAR, the only other coffee shops around are Starbucks.

After it opened early January 2013, I began to hear a lot of buzz about them from many South students. Naturally, I had to check REDBAR out since I’m sure college students always want to hear about a place that facilitates their caffeine addictions. Their slogan is “Responsible Experience Deliberate” because they aim to promote health by making all of their products organic, while at the same time meticulously building a coffee experience different than the other shops around. When I visited, I found that they are very different than the others; instead of being in an actual house like say, Satori’s or Carpe Diem, REDBAR is in a little shopping center. It definitely appeals to those who like a more modern setting. The shop is quite small, but strikingly decorated with a red, white and black color theme. The main focus of the room is of course, the large red bar where one can enjoy coffee and conversation. Their fair trade organic coffee is worth the price because it is so smooth. However, I was a bit disappointed that it’s from California because a few other places here roast their own. I ordered the 12oz Caramel Breve ($4.75), their most popular drink, upon

the barista’s suggestion. The drink contained two shots of delicious espresso, house-made organic caramel sauce and steamed half-and-half. Confession time: I used to be one of those kids that loved to drink those little cups of half-and-half, so I knew this drink would be the perfect one for me. I could see why they breves were their most popular; it was sweet enough, warm and creamy. Also, it was served in a nice white ceramic cup, with a dark chocolate piece on the side. Another time, I had the 12 oz Dirty Chai Latte ($4.00), which came with espresso, steamed Alabama organic milk and chai tea. It was nice how they used tea bags of chai instead of powders like many other establishments. In the back of the shop, they have a small grocery section dedicated to organic foods. You can buy their coffee, organic soups, local honey, soaps and even grass-fed beef in their little market area. Senior biomedical sciences major Kacie Watson said, “REDBAR offers the Mobile area a new and unique experience where one can go to relax, do homework, drink coffee and also provides entertainment on the weekends.” What I look for in coffee shops are great drinks and an atmosphere condu-

cive to studying. I definitely recommend their coffee, but I find that studying there is not for me. There’s a large flatscreen TV behind the bar, which is hard to ignore. I caught myself watching “Four Weddings” instead of watching my notes several times. Additionally, I could not find many outlets around the shop or on the bar. Don’t get me wrong though, they love college students because they had a college discount for February! There is a permanent 10 percent off military discount with ID. Upsize Mondays are where one can get a larger drink at the price of the smaller one. At REDBAR, they have special events Saturday nights where a featured performer comes in. I have yet to go, but it seems to me a good idea for an inexpensive date or outing. REDBAR Espresso & Market brings hope to West Mobile. Their espresso is wonderful and I think that this shop is great for hanging out or relaxing on their red couches. I’m always glad to see a business go for a different concept than the others; the modern feel is refreshing and what Mobile needs for more variety.

Recruiting the future ambassadors of USA HEY.

By JOEL PONCE

Guest Writer and The Southerners President

Send a letter to the editor to The Vanguard.

pplications for the official University of South Alabama ambassadors, “The Southerners”, are now available! The Southerners are 16 men and women who are selected to serve as the official ambassadors of the University of South Alabama. They serve as student representatives of USA to alumni, donors, public officials as well as to other universities nation wide. Some of the benefits of being a Southerner include meeting and networking with hundreds of USA alumni and representing USA to alumni, potential students and parents. Southerners are also able to attend and participate in events such as the National Alumni Association’s pre-game football tailgating tent and hosting guests in the Presidential and Athletic suite during football season. The Southerners are responsible for organizing one of USA’s oldest traditions, OOzeball! Being a Southerner provides leadership opportunities, campus recognition and allows for the building of close re-

Email caf707@jagmail.southalabama.edu with your issue. See it in print. Effect change. The sloth is irrelevant. But he totally wants you to write.

COURTESY OF JOEL PONCE

The current crop of Southerners. Being a part of this organization enables students to begin building professional relationships that could serve them later in life.

lationships with the administration and faculty through working closely with the Office of Alumni Relations and the President’s Office. Members are chosen on the basis of an essay-type application, interviews, academics and extracurricular activities. For those who think they have what is takes to become a Southerner, applications are due by March 20 to the Office of Alumni Relations, located behind the South Paw statue.

The application can be found online at: southalabama.edu/alumni/ pdf/20132014application.pdi. An open house will be held in Alumni Hall on Monday, March 4 at 5 p.m. to ask questions and meet the current Southerners. Questions regarding The Southerners can be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at 251-460-7084 or advisor Nick Lawkis at nlawkis@southalabama. edu.

SPORTS

PATRICK HERRING, SPORTS EDITOR sports.editor@usavanguard.com

VOL. 52, NO. 8/ MAR. 4, 2013

No. 30 baseball goes 1-2 at College of Charleston By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he South Alabama baseball team was off to a 7-0 start to begin the 2013 season when they headed for a five game road trip against Jacksonville State and College of Charleston last week. In game one against Jacksonville State, the Jags fell behind in the third inning 1-0 and the score remained the same until the eighth inning, when Nolan Earley delivered a two-out, two-run double to secure a USA win 3-1. Tripp Cecil picked up the victory after working 2 2/3 shutout innings with four strikeouts while no allowing a baserunner. Cecil relieved starter Andrew Fonzi, who worked 6 1/3 innings while allowing four hits and one run. He also added four strikeouts of his own to go with three walks. “I was just battling and trying to keep the at-bat alive,” said Earley. “He finally made a mistake, and I put a good swing on it. It was a fastball middleaway and I just went with the pitch.” The Jags had only two hits all game. The two-RBI double by Earley and a single by Dustin Dalken. In game two against Jacksonville State, the Jaguar’s bats came alive, col-

lecting 15 team hits to guide them to an 8-3 victory. Jordan Patterson finished 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI’s. Bud Collura, Jeff DeBlieux and Whitt Dorsey each had two hits. Hayden Jones went 3-for-4 at the plate. Matt Bell started his first career game for the Jags and picked up the win, giving up four hits and three runs through five innings pitched. He retired 14 of the last 15 batters he faced. Brandon Boyle, Dylan Stamey, Hunter Soleymani, J.A. Harville and Kyle Bartsch combined to give up one hit over four innings of relief. “He[Bell] threw up zeros,” said head coach Mark Calvi. “He did what he had to do. He bent a little but didn’t break, and gave us a chance to score some runs. And we were pretty good out of the bullpen again.” In game one of a three game series

against College Jags

of Charleston, the were

handed their first loss of the season 12-2 after starting out 9-0. USA starter James Traylor didn’t make it out of the fourth, giving up five hits and seven runs, five earned, through 3 1/3 innings. Payton Gardner

came in relief and didn’t fare any better, giving up four hits and four runs through three innings. Dillon Buhrkuhl made his first appearance of the season and gave up one run and three hits through 1 2/3 innings. The Jags combined for four hits at the plate, with the two RBI’s coming from players who did not collect a hit: Cole Billingsley and Jeff DeBlieux. Whitt Dorsey finished 1-for-2 with a double and run scored. The Jags came back to pick up the win 3-0 in game two against C of C. Jacob Noble pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings, giving up only three hits to go with eight strikeouts. Brandon Boyle worked 2/3 innings before giving way to Kyle Bartsch, who picked up his second save of the season by striking out the side in the ninth. “It was a tough day to play baseball,” said Calvi. “It was cold and windy but Noble did a fantastic job. Kyle Bartsch came out and did a great

job at the end. He threw strikes and was really good.” Drew Cofield broke a scoreless game in the eighth with a double with two outs. Bud Collura finished 3-for-5 with a double and RBI in the ninth. In the rubber match, the Jags fell 3-2 in their first series loss of the season. USA actually outhit C of C 7-6, but the Cougars were able to get to starter Jarron Cito early in the game to take the one-run victory. Cito lasted 4 2/3 innings while giving up four hits and three runs with his five strikeouts. Jordan Patterson and Dylan Stamey combined to throw 3 1/3 innings of shutout baseball, but the damage was already done. Along with making his first pitching appearance of the season, Patterson also added his first home run of the season in the second inning. Graham Odom led the Jags going 3-for-4 at the plate. The Jags are now 10-2, their best record through 12 games since 2001. They will travel to face Nicholls State on March 5 before returning home to face Southern Mississippi on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field.

Softball bounces back, sweeps after loss to No. 1 Bama By PATRICK HERRING pwh802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

oing back to Apr. 28, of last year, South Alabama softball has only tasted defeat on four occasions. Three of those losses have come at the hands of defending national champions Alabama. In a make-up game that had to be rescheduled due to bad weather in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide shut out the Jaguars 4-0 to stay undefeated. South Alabama didn’t dwell on the loss. They rode 60 miles down 1-59 to Birmingham and dominated the Magic City Classic Tournament on Samford’s campus. The Jaguars (17-2) defeated Murray State 1-0 on Friday night and 8-6 on Saturday morning. A couple hours after their second win, they trotted back out and defeated the hometown Blazers of UAB by a score of 8-2. The victory gave head coach Becky Clark her 200th win as the skipper for the Jaguars. She is now 201-142-1 in seven seasons at USA.

In her head coaching career, she is now On the final day of the tournament, the Jags ousted home team Samford Bulldogs 4-0 on the back of a Haley Fagan grand slam. The Jaguars continue a programbest start at 17-2. At this point last season, the squad was sitting at 13-6. At this rate, they may not see their sixth loss until April. Over the weekend, sophomore pitcher Farrish Beard moved to 7-0 on the season. She now has 63 strikeouts in 45 total innings. Her efforts at the tournament earned her Co-Most Valuable Pitcher with UAB slinger Lauren Webster. Other players who were honored at the tournament included junior infielder Julie Moss and senior outfielder Britany Campbell who were named to the Magic City Classic All-Tournament Team. Senior infielder Brittany Fowler was named the MVP of the tournament after scoring 3 runs on 4 hits and driving in three more runs. To start of their spring break, the

BY BOBBY MCDUFFIE|USAJAGUARS.COM

With two wins this weekend, junior pitcher Hannah Campbell is now 7-2.

Lady Jags will travel to Long Beach, Calif., to play in the Long Beach State Invitational. At the tournament, South

Alabama will play against UC-Santa Barabara, Idaho State, UCLA, Utah and the home team Long Beach State 49ers.

In tournament play thus far, the Jaguars are 17-1, with their lone loss coming against Southern IllinoisEdwardsville on Feb. 8.

VOL. 52, NO. 8/ MAR. 4, 2013

Men spoil Troy’s senior night in second half

BY BOBBY MCDUFFIE|USAJAGUARS.COM

Junior Augustine Rubit’s 13-point, 10-rebound double-double helps USA top in-state rival Troy.

By PATRICK HERRING pwh802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

or just the second time this season, South Alabama came rallied from a halftime deficit to

win. On the road for senior night at conference-rival Troy (11-20, 6-14 SBC), the Jaguars (17-11, 14-6 SBC) found themselves behind by 9 at the end of the first half.

South Alabama outscored the home team 34-21 in the second period to escape Trojan Arena with a 53-49 victory. Double-doubles from senior

Javier Carter and junior Augustine Rubit fueled the South Alabama offense. It was the second time this season the pair both recorded a double-double. Carter finished with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while Rubit tallied a team-high 13 points and 10 rebounds. The double-double for Carter was his third straight, a streak that began on South Alabama’s own senior night. Rubit now has 16 double-doubles on the season, good for second in the Sun Belt. Carter and Rubit combined for half of the squad’s points after halftime on 8-of-10 shooting. Junior Antoine Allen also came up big in the second half, scoring 9 of his 12 points after intermission. Senior Trey Anderson sparked the USA comeback just before the end of the second half when he hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer. South kept rolling when they came out of the locker room, as they scored on their first four second-half possessions to tie the game up at 28. The Jags took their first lead of the game with 16:53 remaining in the game on an Allen jumper. The Trojans were led by Emil Jones, who scored a game-high 22 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The win was big from a momentum standpoint for USA, who had dropped a thriller at Western Kentucky just a couple of days earlier. The Jags have wrapped up the No. 3 seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, which begins this Friday. USA will have a first-round bye before facing the winner of Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m.

Women’s basketball ends regular season on a roll By PATRICK HERRING pwh802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ith less than ten seconds left on the clock, South Alabama trailed rival Troy on the road. Then Jaguar junior forward Ronneka Robertson came up huge, putting back a Brianna Wright miss with 4.9 seconds remaining to down the Trojans 71-70. South Alabama (17-12, 10-10 SBC) got some great play from Robertson down the stretch as she scored 4 of her 5 points in the game’s final 35.3 seconds. She also grabbed 10 rebounds, her sixth doule-digit rebounding effort of the season. Robertson wasn’t the only Jag to come up big. Freshman Wright had another great outing, finishing with 16 points and 9 rebounds on 6-for-

13 shooting. She also made 4 of 6 shots from the free-throw line. Coming off the bench, junior guard Meghan Dunn scored a season-high 19 points. She was on fire from 3-point land, connecting on 5 of 6 from beyond the arc to tie a career high. The bench as a whole outscored the Trojan bench 33-6. A few days earlier, the Lady Jags outlasted the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky in the first game of their road trip. The 65-59 road victory helped build momentum heading into the matchup with Troy. In the Western Kentucky contest, Wright scored 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. She was perfect from the charity stripe, hitting all 6

of her attempts. Senior Mary Nixon recorded a game-high 17 points for South Alabama. It was her sixth consecutive outing in which she scored double digits. In the last 50 seconds of the contest, USA outscored the Hilltoppers 9-0, including going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. It wasn’t only at the end of the game that the Jags were perfect from the line, though. On the night, South Alabama shot 100 percent from the free-throw line, hitting all 14 of their attempts. Senior Mansa El and Dunn each added 9 points in the victory in Bowling Green. With their third consecutive win,

the Jaguars locked up the No. 7 seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Jaguars won’t be able to rest or keep their bragging rights against the in-state rival Trojans for long as they must face Troy again in the opening round of the SBC Tournament this Friday afternoon. The two teams will renew the rivalry at 2 p.m. in Hot Springs, Ark., at the Convention Center Court. The winner will play No. 2 seeded Arkansas-Little Rock, who will be playing in a very friendly environment.

Want us to follow you? Tweet us @USAVGSports

Drew Dearman @DrewDearman: Offensive Lineman Early bedtime tonight, much needed so I can have sweet dreams of Katherine Webb vs Dukes of Hazard Jessica Simpson in a pillow fight Brandon Bridge @Air_Canada_7: Quarterback I have been playing music all day. On twitter and Instagram and the iPhone is on 54%. If this was a black berry I would have died twice. Kyle Michael Bartsch @Kyle_Bartsch: Pitcher Whether you have girl problems or not.... 99 problems is A LOT of problems Emily Hundt @emilyhundt15: Setter Having an exam in the last class on the Friday before spring break <<<< Chris May @CmayFive5: Offensive Lineman Just tried to convince my gymnastics teacher that if I twerked in front of the class we could all leave..... Lol Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback Yeah happy birthday @CmayFive5... now shut up and keep protecting my blindside Jereme Jones @j11jones: Wide Receier It’s time to show everybody that we are not a 2-11 team and it starts NOW! I hope yall hear me #jagnation we need yall too RusHendricks @_RusHen_: Tight End Gotta love that feeling when you find clean underwear in your room when you thought you were gonna have to do laundry.

@USAVGSports

VOL. 52, NO. 8/ MAR. 4, 2013

Football begins spring practice with host of new faces By JAYSON CURRY jason-curry@hotmail.com

he University of South Alabama football team opened spring practice Thursday, hitting the field before the sun rose. The message of the first practice was simple: get better. “Obviously there is some confusion but I thought effort was good. One thing we are focusing on this spring is attention to detail and doing all the little things right. We have a good bit more leadership on this team and part of that is because we have more seniors on this team than we ever have and I expect more leadership out of them and I think their giving that,” USA head football coach Joey Jones said. “I told them just spend every minute of every day getting better and when we step out on that field next fall we will be a great football team,” Jones added. Although it was the first practice of spring, the Jags seemed to be more comfortable. Having a full year with the new spread offense under their belt is one reason the offense looked more confident across the board. USA will feature a lot of depth at the wide receiver and running back positions. The Jags have seniors Bryant Lavender, Corey Besteda and juniors Jereme Jones, T.J. Glover and Ben Whiteside heading the receiving core and have added underclassmen depth with sophomore Jake Howton and freshman Cameron Broadnax. “Offensively it was a pretty good day. You could tell we are a year experienced in the offense, we didn’t have too many busts but we can always get better. We need to pick up the tempo but that will come,” receiver Jereme Jones said. “I’m more comfortable than I was. I was timid or a little scared because I didn’t know what to expect and now I’m just trying to help the younger people.” The receivers ran crisp routes Thursday, but had a little trouble

Quarterback Ross Metheny takes snaps with the first team offense as head coach Joey Jones looks on.

holding on to the ball. This could be contributed to rust from time away from practice or the cold and wet conditions on the practice field in the early morning. The running backs are anchored by junior Demetre Baker and Kendall Houston but the standout for the ball carriers on day one was junior college transfer Jay Jones, who isn’t the biggest Jag but is very quick and ran most of practice with the first-team offense. The quarterback position will be a battle all spring. Jag fans should be used to this since there has been rotation at the position since the program started. Virginia transfer Ross Matheny finished last season as

the starter, but Alcorn State transfer Brandon Bridge looked strong as well. The defense for the Jags will be something important to watch all spring and into the 2013 season as there was a good bit of turnover at the coaching positions. The Jags brought in Kevin Sherrer to be the defensive coordinator, as well as Freddie Roach for defensive end and outside linebacker coaching and Travis Pearson to coach the inside linebackers. “I’m glad to be back in the home state,” Roach said. “This is something new for me, I’ve always been a part of something that’s been established and I think this is a new challenge for me and this is a new program but I like the

challenge and I think there are great things to come.” Roach is a former Alabama standout at linebacker and made his way to USA after being a part of a community college national championship at East Mississippi Community College. In his one season there and one season at Murray State, he served as the defensive line coach. The new faces on the defensive coaching staff will have some holes to fill from last season’s defense as the Jags lost standout players in linebacker Jake Johnson and safety B.J. Scott. Senior linebacker Enrique Williams will be the anchor in the middle of the field for the Jags and has the experience

BY JAYSON CURRY|SENIOR REPORTER

and the talent to be a standout again this coming season. The USA defensive line looked strong all around with a mix of old and new faces. Seniors Montavious Williams, Randon Carnathan and Romelle Jones, who broke a piece of equipment during drills, anchor a veteran defensive line. Ceasare Johnson was back practicing on the edge for the Jags after missing last season with a blood clot. Fans will notice Johnson immediately as he is the most physically imposing Jag standing 6’5” and weighing 275 lbs. The Jags will continue practice for spring over the next two months leading up to the April 6 spring game.

Upcoming Jaguar athletics home games Wednesday, Mar. 6:

Thursday, Mar. 7:

Friday, Mar. 8:

Saturday, Mar. 9:

Sunday, Mar. 9:

Softball vs. Nicholls State 5 p.m. at Jaguar Field

Men’s Tennis vs. Nicholls State 1 p.m. at Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts

Women’s Tennis vs. Tennessee-Martin 1 p.m. at Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts

Men’s Tennis vs. Winthrop 1 p.m. at Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts

Baseball vs. North Florida 1 p.m. at Stanky Field

Women’s Tennis vs. Nicholls State 1 p.m. at Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts

Baseball vs. North Florida 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field

Baseball vs. Southern Miss 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field Track and Field Duel Meet vs. Troy at Jaguar Track

Baseball vs. North Florida 2 p.m. at Stanky Field

LEFT OF CENTER

JT CRABTREE, LOC EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MARCH 4, 2013

Tennis triumphs in matches By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Forward Augustine Rubit has been rewriting the record books during his time at South Alabama

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Men’s basketball looks for more madness In 43 years of basketball, the Jags returning to their winning ways of the past

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he 2012-13 South Alabama men’s basketball team wrapped up the regular season with a record of 17-11, the best record since the 200809 when the Jags finished 20-12. They also compiled a 14-6 Sun Belt Conference record, their best 2007-08 when the Jags were 16-2 in conference play. Did you also know that same season the Jags went undefeated at home during the regular season? Did you know that the South Alabama men’s basketball program has collected 721 wins prior to the 2012-13 season? You are now enrolled in MBB 101, History of South Alabama Men’s Basketball. South has been playing basketball since the 1968-69 season, and has collected 10 Sun Belt Conference titles. The Jags have made it to the NCAA Tournament eight times, the last coming via an at-large bid in the 200708 season. South Alabama is 1-8 in the

“Big Dance”, but the lone win came in what could be called the greatest moment in South Alabama athletics history. The Jags were a No. 11 seed facing Alabama for the first time in their history and quickly found themselves down by 16 at halftime. South Alabama trailed the entire game until the final seconds. That was when All-Sun Belt guard Jeff Hodge hit a desperation 3-pointer with two seconds left. That shot would secure the win for the Jags. Former head coach Ronnie Arrow can still be seen on Youtube jumping for joy after the shot. The Jags have called three different arenas home in their history: the Mobile Civic Center, Jaguar Gymnasium and the Mitchell Center. During the 43 years of basketball, the Jags have had a winning season in all of them but three. 1969-70, 1971-72 and 2001-02 were the only seasons South did not have a winning record at home. Overall, the Jags are 459-173, a .726 winning percentage. The Jags have had players succeed outside too. South Alabama has been

represented by 16 different players in the NBA. The Jags have had one first round pick in Terry Catledge (1985) and three second round picks in Ed Rains (1981), Junie Lewis and Jeff Hodge (1989). There have been 10 All-American selections from South Alabama, all coming from 1979-1989. Ed Rains was selected in 1979 and 1981. Herb Andrews and Rory White were selected in 1980. Terry White was also selected in 1982. Catledge and Michael Gerren were selected in 1983-84. Hodge was selected in 1989. Along with the 10 All-Americans, the Jags have accumulated plenty of Sun Belt Conference honors. You can also add five All-Freshmen team selections, two Freshman of the Year winners, three Sophomore of the Year winners, three Junior of the Year winners, three Senior of the Year winners and five Player of the Year award winners. That’s 31 postseason accolades received by Jaguar men’s basketball players. This season, the Jags saw the

retirement of their all-time winningest head coach in their history, Ronnie Arrow. Arrow retired the winningest coach in South Alabama and Sun Belt Conference history, compiling 211 wins at USA and 112 wins in SBC games. Junior forward Augustine Rubit has been rewriting the record books at South Alabama, and he still has other records left to break. He already broke the school record for free throws made and attempted in a season. He is ninth in career points. His rebounding numbers regularly rank in the top ten in the country and he currently stands as the only player in the NCAA to be in the top 30 in both scoring and rebounding. The Jags have currently won six of their last eight games, and head into the Sun Belt Conference Tournament riding a confident comeback win against Troy on the road. They will be ranked as the No. 3 seed with a firstround bye before starting their quest for March Madness on March 9. Based on history, they are due to return to the Big Dance. Maybe this will be the year.

The Jaguar tennis teams had a victorious weekend with wins over Oral Roberts and No. 30 BYU. USA men’s tennis won over BYU last Saturday taking the doubles point and winning three singles matches. After taking the doubles point, senior Alex Berard defeated BYU’s Spencer Smith in the second match 6-1, 6-2. Gerhard Gruindelingh took the third match beating Francis Sargeant 7-5, 7-5. Shayann Vaezzadeh defeated Audrey Goryachkov 6-1, 6-2 taking the final of three winning singles matches and clinching the 4-1 victory. Woman’s tennis defeated Oral Roberts 5-1 Saturday improving their overall record to 6-3. Freshman Cinta Maria Papke started off the singles victories over Brittany Smith taking the match 6-0, 6-3. In the third match Emily Newton defeated Oral’s Tori dollar 6-0, 6-2. Paula Sanchez sealed the match with a 6-2, 6-2 win against Rachel Scroggs. The woman’s team swept the doubles easily winning all three matches against the Golden Eagles. Mchaela Meszarosova and Newton defeated Oral’s Haley Martin and Tori Dollar in the first match 8-4. Ramona Ghermani and Krachok took the second match winning 8-3 over Rachel Scroggs and Marianne Bouwer. Finally to seal off the victory Mary Angela Martin and Papke defeated Melanie Marlin and Natalia Dollar 8-2 completing the sweep. The men will take on Texas A&MCorpus Christy on March 4 before returning home to host Nicholls State on March 7. The women will also host Nicholls State on March 7 and will host UTMartin on March 8.

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

Mental Health Tip Courtesy of Robert Hanks

Student Health Sudoku

For Student Health appointments, please call 4607151 For Counseling and Testing, please call 460-7051

Mild anxiety when taking a test has been shown to actually improve performance. On the other hand, when the anxiety level becomes excessive and is accompanied by symptoms such as a racing heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, difficulty concentrating and memory blocks, it can interfere with a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to perform well. There are a number of strategies that students can employ to reduce test anxiety. Of course, there is no substitute for adequate test preparation, which should begin well before the night preceding the test and include testing oneself on the material. Other strategies would include the following: using exercise and/or relaxation techniques to cope with other stressors; getting adequate sleep the night before the test and eating healthy meals the day of the test; arriving early for the test while avoiding other anxious test takers; using deep breathing during the test to combat anxious feelings; and if possible, scanning the entire test at the outset to identify and answer the easiest items first to build confidence. To find out more about additional anxiety reduction strategies, contact our office at 460-7051.

Opinion

NOAH LOGAN OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

The Vanguard Viewpoint The University of South Jag Idol needs to tone down harshness Alabama Fighting NASCARs JagTV’s “Jag Idol” is enjoying a successful second season on air, but not without controversy resulting from the competition’s judges remarks toward contestants. “They took their power of criticism too far… it was judgment on their outfit or just ridiculous comments...I’m personally offended that they represent the university,” Nelson said. One male contestant on episode one of “Jag Idol 2.0” sang “Home” by Michael Buble, to which judge Victoria Johnson said, “I can see your ‘bubles,’” referring to the contestant’s body. An anonymous parent of one of the contestants emailed JagTV about the “bubles” comment, claiming the “Jag Idol” judge was essentially making fun of the contestant’s body. The parent also criticized the judges for yelling “next” during auditions and pretending to yawn out of boredom. The parent called for the judges to be reprimanded and replaced and ultimately asked that the JagTV general manager send out an email apologizing to contestants for any potentially offensive comments made by the “Jag Idol” judges. Sophomore and nursing major Kaytie Aycock submitted a YouTube audition, saying in her biography that she enjoys singing songs from the Disney film, “The Little Mermaid.” Judge Brandon M. Caten responded saying that Aycock resembles Ursula,

the villain from “The Little Mermaid,” which was followed by laughter from the other judges. “I was upset by what Brandon said because I don’t think anyone wants to be told they look like that character,” Aycock said in an interview with The Vanguard. The “Ursula” and “bubles” comments were edited out of episode one a few days after it first aired on JagTV. JagTV general manager Deborah Crabtree sent an email to each student that submitted an audition, saying “the JagIdol team apologizes to all those involved who feel that they have been mistreated or judged on anything besides their performance in their submitted videos… the judges have been made aware of this issue and will be more careful with their words when critiquing future performances.” The “JagIdol 2.0” winner’s prize is ten free hours of studio recording time at Roman Empire Music in Mobile.. The Vanguard agrees that JagTV is encouraging diversity and taking risks, but we hate to see criticism override the intent of the show; to showcase USA talent. Make sure to remember that we’re students supporting and judging students, Jag Idol. For more information on Jag Idol, visit facebook.com/jagtvusa.

Congratulations, South Alabama. Fifty years as a university is nothing to scoff at. That being said, RYAN WALLACE as age goes ryanwallace2010@gmail. com fifty years is regarded as a “good start” in a country full of long-lived and tradition-rich institutions of higher learning. It’s tough to compete with schools like Alabama and Auburn when they have 100+ years’ worth of a head start on you. While USA certainly has nothing to be ashamed of in the quality of its academics, the sad truth is that when Alabama universities are spoken of around the country, the conversation starts with “The University of Alabama” and ends with “the one that Cam Newton went to”. It does not have to be this way. That’s why I propose a solution to our obscurity dilemma. National perception of a university in this day and age is driven by its athletic teams. Few outside of Indianapolis had ever heard of Butler University (a school with less than a third the enrollment of our own.) before its basketball team made two consecutive national championship game ap-

JagPulse

We’re hearing that ticket writing has increased the past two weeks. Have you experienced this? Rachel Roberts: My friend got a ticket a few days ago for not fully stopping at a stop sign on campus at like one in the morning. Savannah Session: Park in the right zone and I’m sure that’ll eliminate a lot of the tickets. Mason Wade: Maybe with all that money they could.. who knows, build a PARKING GARAGE or something?! Lisa Moring Guy: From what I’m hearing... it needs to!

Lauren Godfrey: They gave me a ticket for no visible permit (it had fell face up into my seat) AND parking out of zone, when I was in my zone. I understand the 1st one but the second is entirely unjust & over ticketing. Matt Turppa: Glad to hear people are getting tickets for jaywalking. I’m tired of people cutting across the traffic circle causing backups. Colin Rains: I got a ticket for

jaywalking. Not a campus ticket... a ticket from Mobile County with a court date. David J Williams: They shouldn’t assume you’re in the wrong zone only for the parking tag not being in plain sight. They should only ticket what’s evident. Leah Garvens: I’ve seen it. A lot of people don’t take them seriously anyway. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone get a ticket and laugh it off

pearances a few years ago. USA boasts some impressive athletic programs, but it is simply not yet our time to make national championship appearances in any of the major sporting events. There is, however, something we can do to generate buzz for our athletes and the work they do now instead of waiting 100 years to get caught up to the Crimson Tide and the tigers. Students of South Alabama, I give you: the University of South Alabama Fighting NASCARs. Let it soak in and rattle around your head for a minute. I’ll wait right here. OK, now that you’ve had some time, let’s go over all the reasons this is a great idea. First, it is a name that fits our university. There’s nothing more charming than a team nickname that fits the school. Think about the Fighting Irish from Notre Dame or the Seminoles of Florida State. Anyone who has witnessed the way our students drive around campus would agree that the NASCARs is a fitting moniker for our school. Love it or hate it, NASCAR is also a part of the athletic fabric around these parts, a brand instantly recognizable around the Yellowhammer State. Second, think about the money. Then think about roughly 100 times the amount of money you were thinking of, because that’s what it

would take to compete with the revenue that the heavyweights in the state pull down from their athletics teams. If we become the NASCARs, our uniforms can suddenly hold a plethora of sponsorship patches without anyone questioning our fashion sense. I long to see Coach Joey Jones rip off his SONY headset and fling his FedEx clipboard in joy as our Pumasponsored kicker boots the Wilson football through the Exxon goalposts for the winning field goal on Regions Bank Field at Burger King Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Third, the instant local (and maybe not-so-local) fan support. Some would come simply to see the novelty of a team called the NASCARs. We wouldn’t even need to change the school colors, as nothing is more red, white and blue than NASCAR. Many more would come out of sheer confusion (“I thought you said this was a car race. Why is Tony Stewart wearing cleats and two feet taller than normal?”). Hey, attendance is attendance, no matter the pretense. Meanwhile, all of the things that make USA the great school it is will act to gently seduce our newfound fanbase into becoming “Fighting NASCARs” themselves.

EditorialBoard

The

Cassie Fambro > Editor in Chief Noah Logan > Opinion Editor Jake Howell > Life Editor Patrick Herring > Sports Editor JT Crabtree > LOC Editor

thevanguardonline.com

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013

POINT COUNTERPOINT Should the Pentagon be spending $400 billion on fighter jets? Editor’s Introduction: The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program was intended to replace the United States previous fighter jets, mainly the F-16 model. The program has seen numerous delays and is now in focus with the sequester calling for mandatory cuts in defense spending. Should the government ensure our national security or focus on cutting federal spending?

THE PENTAGON Complete Failure

Right message at wrong price tag

Worth every penny

Noah Logan

Colin Al-Greene

Micah Messer

The F-35 program has demonstrated nothing but failure. If the United States was going into another war (pointless or not), then the $400 billion weapons program that also happens to be the most expensive ever by any country would be acceptable. However, the country is not heading towards another major war and spending cuts mandated by sequestration which kicked in Friday, March 1 call for defense spending cuts. The F-35 program has been on the books and delayed for over a decade since it was approved shortly after 2001. The total price of the program was initially set at $233 billion with initial development costs being $34.4 million. The overall program cost today stands at $396 billion dollars with initial development costs of $57 million. The Pentagon’s most recent estimate of the lifetime cost for the F-35 weapons to be $1.45 trillion. This number has seen speculation because a third of it is factored from inflation and inflation is very difficult to predict half a century from now. The Pentagon has revealed several flaws with the planes as well. The F-35 B was banned from flying 25 miles within a thunderstorm for fear of “fuel tank exploding.” The F-35 has had spec downgrades that include runway length and flight maneuverability. The Pentagon changed the procedures of their F-35 flight test because the jet was accelerating and turning as well as needed. F-35 models have been grounded twice after being deemed “unsafe to fly.” What was initially described as the “affordable,” fighter jet has proven to be nothing but a catastrophic failure and needs to be cut.

The U.S. has held a simple, but highly effective policy since the late 1940s. The essence of the policy can be summed up in the words of our twenty-sixth president, Theodore Roosevelt, “speak softly, and carry a big stick”. If we keep the “awe factor” of our armed forces capabilities at such a scope that challenging us in conventional warfare would lead to your complete and total destruction, you as a hostile force, will be deterred from engaging us. This is how the thermonuclear annihilation of the human race was avoided during the Cold War. The United States, the Soviets and, to a lesser extent, the Chinese realized that if we were to ever have a conflict where everyone went in with the “big guns,” the world would be destroyed. It was mutually assured destruction. Now, there are no more Soviets and the Chinese appear to be happy with dominating the manufacturing sector. This is why we do not need a $400 billion weapon system. I say this for the sheer fact that we could never use it and we really do not need it. I am a stanch supporter of a strong national defense, but there is such a thing as overkill. We are currently in a conflict with groups of people who are light-years behind us in technology. Terrorists groups do not have super-sonic jets with guided missile systems. These planes are to act as a scarecrow to the Chinese, Russians and any other possibly threatening state. We can keep the respect of possibly hostile nations without so huge of a price tag. We, as a nation must do a better job at keeping things in perspective. In the future, let us hope we can break off a branch and not carry the whole tree with us.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter/bomber aircraft designed to replace the old F-16 and F-18 fighter/ bombers that were originally built in the 1970s. But is it worth 400 Billion dollars of tax payer money? To answer this you have to compare it to its predecessors and competitors. The F-35 is more flexible, easier to maintain, more powerful and has a longer range than the F-16 and F-18 and it is stealth. Another benefit to the F-35 over its predecessors and another reason the high price tag is worth it is its electrohydrostatic control system. This new control system, unlike its predecessors hydraulic control system, allows for almost instant control without the need for hydraulic fluid. This new system lowers the weight of the aircraft, needed for the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) F-35B. This is another benefit, the VTOL system allows for helicopter type take-offs, this increases the amount of carrier based versions could be housed. Although it is just cool to look at, it is capable of eliminating the enemy from a distance without the target knowing. Plus, it is designed to be the second best airto-air fighter constructed, second to its cousin the F-22, also stealth. But, the main reason it is worth every dime is because of the threats being created around us. With China’s J-20 program, a stealth fighter designed to be capable to take down the F-15, F-16 and F-18, and Russia’s Sukhoi PAK FA stealth fighter, also designed to combat the F-15, F-16 and F-18, the United States must be ready to defend its borders. But, we are not in the Cold War anymore, why worry about other nations? That is another discussion summed up by this, the moment a great nation appears weak is the moment that nation is no longer great but falls to other tyrannical nations.

Sequestration

► Close to 50 percent of the $84 billion sequesters $84 billion dollar spending cuts for 2013 will come out of the Department of Defense

► Because of Sequester spending cuts, the cumalitve spending for defense will decrease by $500 billion from 2013-2021 according to budget authority.

Budget and spending ► According to the Office of

Management and Budget, total spending for defense related expenditures was at $784 billion.

►The DOD Inspector General

recently released a report estimating fees for shipping containers, waste and fraud and depts to contractors cost the taxpayers $102 billion yearly.

►The Government Account-

ability Office to United States Senate Comittee on Armed Services projected each F35A to be $112 million and a lifetime cost of $600 million. Both numbers are up 50 percent fromthe orginial estimate of pricing.

ALL PHOTOS FROM U.S PUBLIC DOMAIN

THE F-35 FIGHTER Performance

► Thrusts with 178 kN 40,000 lb

class with afterburner. Speed of 1,200 mph. ► Speed of 1,300 mph.

► Durable, low-maintenance

stealth technology, using structural fiber mat instead of the high-maintenance coatings of legacy stealth platforms

Upgrades ► A modern and updated flight

simulator, which may be used for a greater fraction of pilot training in order to reduce the costly flight hours of the actual aircraft

► A new and powerful Lithium-

ion batteries that are required to provide power to run cotrol surfaces during time of an emergency and have been tested to extreme requirements.

►

Features a full-panel-width panoramic glass cockpit display with 20 by 8 inch dimensions.

► The F-35 features a helmetmounted display system which features sensors that track and target a nearby aircraft from any orientation no matter where the pilot is looking. ALL PHOTOS FROM U.S PUBLIC DOMAIN

VOL. 52, NO. 8 / MAR. 04, 2013