The Vanguard 2.13.2012

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

feb 13, 2012

Freese comes home for First Pitch Banquet Baseball >> see Sports, page 10, for story.

Left of center: golf and rugby are featured on page 14 vol. 50, no. 5

Police chief cautions students about date rape USAPD distributes date-rape drug detecting drink coasters to warn women about date rape by genny roman Associate Editor

cassie fambro / editor-in-Chief

(Left to right) David Freese, P.J. Walters, Marlon Anderson, Jon Lieber, Allen Battle and Lance Johnson were honored at the First Pitch Banquet Tuesday night.

Last week, the USA police department released an unexpected, but very useful, tool to the South Alabama community. The police department gave out drink coasters that detect date rape drugs in beverages.

According to USAPD Chief of Police Zeke Aull, the coasters are designed to find up to 250 date rape drugs, including gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) and rohypnol (more commonly known as a “roofie”).

The coasters are simple to use. A person just has to place a drop of their beverage on the test strip and wait to see if it turns dark blue. If the spot turns dark blue, then the drink tests positive.

The event of a false positive is not likely, but possible. The company, Drink Safe Technology, cites on the back of the coaster that false positives do happen on occasion.

A positive result does not mean a drink has an illicit drug, but that there is something present in the drink that should not

be there. They warn that a positive-testing drink should not be consumed, though.

Aull actually ran a number of beverage tests himself with a variety of common date rape drugs and found each test accurate. “I’ve not had a failure yet,” he said.

Aull stated there is no substitute for practicing common sense when going out, but he said the coasters are one way to stay safe.

“We wanted to give students a tool that could be used in real world situations,” Aull said. “This is only one piece of the pie, though.”

Amy Spivey, a senior management major, thought the coasters are a good idea “if executed well.” She also said “anything that makes our campus and community safer is a good thing.”

Anastasia Hill, a sophmore art history major, echoed Spivey and said that if “the coasters simply test drinks for drugs, then it would be very effective ... I’d take a see page 5

Officer Green honored in Mobile procession The Mobile officer who was killed in the line of duty honored by USAPD officers

by Kalyn McClellan Jaglife Writer

Kalyn McClellan / Photographer

USAPD participated in the police convoy during the procession to honor Green along with officers from surrounding counties and states.

It was a service fit to honor a hero on Wednesday when Mobile Police Officer Steven Green was laid to rest. Green was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 3 when he was stabbed by an inmate he transported to Mobile Metro Jail.

Officer Green’s funeral service took place at the Sunlight District Auditorium in Prichard and was followed by a processional to Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens.

According to al.com, over 500 people attended the service, many standing outside the auditorium paying their respects.

During the service, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones read a letter from President Barack

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Obama, offering his condolences. Mobile Police Capt. Jack Dove, Green’s supervisor, said in an interview that Green “liked being a police officer.”

After the funeral, hundreds of law enforcement vehicles lined up in a processional to escort the hearse from the auditorium to the cemetery. The processional was more than 10 miles long, as law enforcement from three states honored their fallen brother.

At least three patrol cars from the University of South Alabama campus police were in the processional.

Police cars from Huntsville, Birmingham, Gulfport, Miss. Crestview, Fla., and Pensacola, Fla. were just some of the few that joined officers from all over Mobile County.

check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

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As the processional made its way to the cemetery, traffic came to a stand-still, even along the Interstate 65 portion of the route, and hundreds of people lined the streets, some holding signs, others holding flags, to show support for Green’s family and to honor the local hero.

At the intersection of Government Boulevard and Knollwood Drive, Mobile FireRescue displayed a massive American flag, suspended between two ladder trucks, which the hearse passed under.

A spokesperson for the family said the show of support “has been wonderful.”

“We thank God for everyone that came out and supported Officer Green and the family. It’s just beautiful. It’s just overwhelming,” said the spokesperson.

in this issue (pg 7): Life (pg 12): Opinion (pg 9 ): Sports

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vol. 50, no. 5/ Feb. 13, 2012

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Page three

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

editorial editor in chief associate editor senior reporter copy editor life editor opinion editor sports editor web editor

Cassie Fambro genny roman Matt Weaver Carey Cox Bailey hammond Jeff Gill Jayson Curry naquita hunter

distribution

weather forecast

University police blotter

Feb. 13 - Feb. 19

Editor’s note: Have a question for USAPD? Email us at editor.in.chief@usavangaurd.com

weather forecast >>

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distribution manager Johnny Davis

advertising advertising manager Wesley Jackson graphic designer Brittany hawkins

management adviser James Aucoin accounting Kathy Brannan

submission and editorial policies 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. Unsigned letters will not be published. 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, Associate editor, copy editor, senior reporter, and opinion editor. All members of the editorial Board have the same weight during weekly editorial Board meetings.

The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the editor in Chief at 251-460-6442 or 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.

2/04 Driving Under the Influence A student was arrested for driving under the influence at approximately 3:03 p.m. near the grove parking lot.

2/05 Duty upon striking an occupied vehicle 9:31 p.m.

A hit and run was reported near the Delta 5 parking lot at approximately 9:31 p.m.

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2/06 theft of property in the second degree (greater than $500) a black and blue gym bag was reported as stolen at the uSa rec Center at approximately 4:10 p.m. A U.S. Army outfit, wallet, Jag Card and military ID were amongst the items listed as stolen.

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2/06 abandoned vehicle a vehicle was towed near the Pi Kappa alpha fraternity house at approximately 9 a.m. the vehicle was towed after a 7-day notice had expired.

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2/07 harassment A female victim reported harassment at approximately 9:30 a.m. The report read that someone smeared red sticky stuff all over her bedroom door and placed a pad with the same red sticky stuff on the door.

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2/08 Burglary in the third degree (greater than $500) An unknown person unlawfully entered the intramural field house at approximately 4:34 p.m.

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2/08 harassment a male student cursed at a female victim and swung a jacket at her face at approximately 7:24 p.m. near the USA Humanities Building.

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 surrounding areas.

The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its first Amendment rights.

vol. 50, no. 5 / feb. 13, 2012

We’ll start off the week cool with highs in the upper 50s on Monday with mostly sunny skies. Lows on Monday night will cool down slightly to the low 50s.

A disturbance will move through for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday bringing us the chance of scattered showers.

We will warm up to the upper 60s on Tuesday with lows in the mid 40s. We will clear up for Wednesday and become partly cloudy with highs near 70° and lows in the mid 50s. A cold front will move through on Thursday bringing scattered Thunderstorms with highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s. friday will be cooler with partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 60s. overnight lows will dip into the low 40s. scattered thunderstorms will be possible for weekend with highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low to mid 40s. for the latest on your forecast, severe weather updates, and what’s going on in the tropics, find us on Facebook search “StormTeam4Gamma9Wx” you can follow us on twitter, too search “stormteam4g9wx” and find Patrick on twitter search “metwxpatrick”

2/08 Criminal Mischief Breaking and entering was reported near the uSa engineering Building at approximately 9:55 a.m.

2/09 driving with Suspended License / duI A non-student was arrested for driving under the influence and with a suspended license at approximately 2:40 p.m. at the corner of University Blvd. and Judson Dr.

USAPD: 460-6132

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vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

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vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

Aull: Drink coasters ‘a piece of the pie’ to keep students safe POLICE, from page 7 coaster.” She also added that there may be people who would not use the coasters if they are intoxicated. “They probably won’t remember to use that coaster.”

So far, the coasters have been met with a large amount of support.

“We’ve had people calling from all over the state asking about the coasters,” Aull said. The police department has had calls from students, alumni and even other universities about the coasters.

The coasters are available at USAPD headquarters on the main campus. Call USAPD at (251) 460-6611 for more information.

Jags news in brief >>

The USA music edition of news in brief for upcoming events courtesy of Keith Bohnet

USA Chorale Concert with Mobile Symphony Youth The University of South Alabama University Chorale invites you to the Winter Choral Concert presented on Thursday, March 8, 2012.

The concertbegins at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in the Recital Hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

The Chorale will perform a broad range of music under the direction of conductor Dr. Laura Moore and guest conductor Dr. Robert Seebacher.

Tickets for this Musical Arts Series events will be sold at the door only.

Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty and staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens.

Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136, or go online at www. southalabama.edu/music and click on “calendar.”

Michael Sammons Faculty Percussion Recital

USA Trumpet Professor to perform

Dr. Michael Sammons will present a faculty percussion recital on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Music on the program will include John Psathas’ “Matre’s Dance for Percussion and Piano” (with pianist Dr. Robert Holm), the public premiere of Askell Masson’s “Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra” and the snare drum solo “Tchick” by Nicolas Martynciow.

Tickets for this Musical Arts Series event will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty and staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only).

Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136, or go online at www.southalabama.edu/music and click on “events.”

On Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m., Dr. Peter Wood will perform a faculty trumpet recital in the Recital Hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama.

With the collaboration of pianist Robert Holm, hornist Jodi Graham Wood and trombonist Greg Gruner, Wood will perform an exciting program of music for solo trumpet that includes music of all musical eras from the Baroque to the present.

The program will include works by Alessandro Marcello, Franz Schubert, Engelbert Humperdinck, John Gibson and Gordon Goodwin.

The concert is part of the USA Musical Arts Series and is open to the public.

Tickets for this Musical Arts Series event will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty and staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only).

Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136, or go online at www.southalabama.edu/music and click on “events.”

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vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

Kappa Delta hosts Shamrock events for child charity

by Allsion woodham Contributing Writer

Courtesy ofK∆

20 percent of all pizza sales on Saturday, Feb. 25, go to Kappa Delta’s national philanthropy, The Penelope House and Prevent Child Abuse America.There will also be a run March 2.

As spring approaches and the shamrocks start to sprout so does Kappa Delta’s (KD) service to the community.

The Kappa Delta Shamrock Project is a weekend consisting of a pancake dinner Friday, March 2, and ending with a 5K run/walk and one mile fun run on March 4.

The pancake dinner is from 6-9 p.m and is $5 a ticket for all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon and sausage.

A silent auction will take place during the dinner.

The 5K run/walk is 1-5 p.m. Sunday afternoon and is $15, which includes a T-shirt and free snacks.

All proceeds will benefit the sorority’s national philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse American and The Penelope House, a safe home for battered women and children in Mobile.

The sisters of KD Sorority are asking for as much participation from the student body as possible.

Both events are held on campus; the pancake dinner is at the KD sorority

house and the run at the SGA pavilion and intramural fields.

Too busy on March 2 and 4 but still want to contribute?

The ladies of Kappa Delta are asking for donations of any amount. Checks may be made payable to KD Sorority.

Businesses who donate $100 cash or auction item will have their name displayed on a banner all weekend, and $150 will get the business name on our T-shirt.

Godfather’s Pizza will be assisting the sorority by holding a fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25.

If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets, don’t hesitate to ask a KD sister, stop by the house on campus or email harville.lindsey@ gmail.com.

Please help with this worthy cause for Prevent Child Abuse America and Penelope House, because it should never hurt to be a child.

jaglife

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Bailey Hammond, jagLife Editor life.editor@usavanguard.com vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

staff illustration

Bailey hammond JagLife Editor

V-Day ideas for everyone bailey hammond/jaglife editor

Ideas for gals: (No matter what she says, get her something. You’ll thank us.)

1. Pack a picnic to be eaten under the stars. If the weather is not cooperating, just take that basket inside and put on some romantic music.

2. Cook dinner. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but something simple will show that you care.

3. Flowers and a night in with movies and candy. Pick out a selection of romcoms and settle down for a night of cuddles and relaxation.

4. If you’re more active, take her dancing. There are bound to be dance clubs or halls in your area. Or light some candles and dress up your living room.

Ideas for guys: 1. Get your guy his favorite candy. This sounds too simple, but it’s a nice gesture.

2. If he likes to work out or has a special diet (vegetarians, I’m looking at you), put together a basket of protein powder, health bars and muscle milk.

3. If he’s a “nerd” or a gamer, purchase a game he’s been wanting, an extra controller or some kind of nerd paraphernalia. For example: Star Wars Legos.

4. Go the technology route and pick up a sweet piece of techie goodness.

5. Is he all about sports? If he’s a baseball fan, grab a baseball and write a special message and autograph it. Show him that you know him!

For some, the road to registration is seemingly one way, but everyone can benefit from the detours that general education courses can afford, even if they don’t “need” them.

General education classes: the debate

A hot topic among students and professors alike is the necessity of general education classes. Namely, do we need them? Or will everyone be better off without them? jake howell JagLife Writer

If one thing is universal across a college Skills such as critical thinking, probcampus, it is the general disdain for gen- lem solving and the appropriate usage of eral education requirements. the English language are, instead, grown These classes, normally 100- or through the coursework those classes re200-level, are necessary for graduation quire. and are often labeled as “wastes of time.”

General education classes also include Are these classes truly a waste of time, foreign languages and world literatures though? and rightly so.

General education courses were put We no longer live in an isolationist into place to help students gain a wide world. This is world where a businessman base of knowledge in Michigan can “For a student who is and develop skills that chat with an assoare necessary to excel ciate in Finland inundecided about a main upper level courses stantaneously. jor, general education and out in the workAs stated on psyforce. chologytoday.com, courses provide an array For example, you “While it is true that of options to explore.” may never be asked to college is intended write a research paper to provide students – Dr. Annmarie Guzy on why Milton porwith the necesAssociate English Professor trayed Satan as a hero sary credentials for in “Paradise Lost,” but the career of their future employers expect an educated em- choice, it has other important functions as ployee to know how to write coherently. well, especially in this era of globalization.”

Many of the skills that general educaKnowledge of foreign cultures and a tion requirements hone or develop aren’t working understanding of another lanlisted as course objectives or laid out in the guage only make a student more valuable syllabus. to future employers because they can in-

teract on a global scale and not just within their sphere of influence in Mobile, Ala. Dr. David Forbes, professor and chair of the Chemistry department, said, “I recently heard the statement how we are both a consumer and producer of intellectual capital. I do believe students would be at a disadvantage without having general education requirements as part of their undergraduate experience. Requiring students to take a variety of disciplines provides a broad spectrum of knowledge, which is key when considering what is needed to be successful upon graduation.”

We should also not forget that many students enter college with no clue as to what the rest of their lives might be devoted to.

As Dr. Annmarie Guzy, an associate professor in the English department, said, “For a student who is undecided about a major, general education courses provide an array of options to explore.”

Even students who already have a major have been known to completely change

see General, page 8

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vol. 50, no. 5 / feb. 13, 2012

‘Social norms’ not so normal Drinking: 63 percent of USA students surveyed have zero to three drinks when they drink.

Mathew Schlehuber Contributing Writer As we go through our college career, we will sooner or later run into a situation that involves alcohol. Alcohol is making itself ever more present on this campus.

It can be in the form of beer cans scattered about a dorm room floor or another underage student being found to have possession of alcohol on campus property.

In light of this fact, there is an effort being conducted to help incoming, as well as current students, become aware of these social “norms” about drinking.

Last September, a series of email surveys were sent out, and based on the data that was collected, the Office of Institutional Research and Planning Assessment (OIRPA) has produced some interesting statistics that reflect the drinking preferences of students from this very campus.

The study, headed by Dr. Robert Hanks, surveyed 1,027 South Alabama students, ages 19 and above.

According to the survey, 63 percent of University of South Alabama students have between zero and three drinks when they do consume.

There have been multiple ways that OIRPA has tried to promote these statistics such as to help students (incoming students especially) know the social norms of their college.

As defined by the surveys, the social norm that has affected USA is the one that continues to haunt younger individuals: peer pressure.

Drinking has found its place on a high pedestal on college campuses and that is exactly what is leading more and more students to drink and/or drink heavily because of the increased pressure on campus.

According to CIS junior Ethan Stan-

mon > feb 13 Life South Blood Drive

9 a.m- 4 p.m. College of Engineering parking lot.

“Please come out and support Life South by giving blood!”

Spring Study Abroad Fair

9 a.m - 2 p.m. Student Center Mall (between the bookstore and food courts).

tue > feb 14 “Songs of Robert Burns”

7:30 p.m. at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. $8 general and $5 for USA faculty and staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only) bailey hammond/Jaglife editor

The social norms campaign has placed signs and posters on bulletin boards across campus, much like this board in the back stairwell on the first floor of the Humanities building.

ford, “In the past three school years that I have attended USA, I have definitely seen an increased amount of alcohol related instances.”

This pressure comes from a number of sources, such as seeing others drink and the many local bars and clubs that Mobile offers.

It is Dr. Hank’s goal to help “educate students about the misconception that drinking is a common activity” and he is doing just this.

Through “advertisement” such as T-shirts, emails, signs and, most importantly, lectures, Dr. Hanks is informing the campus about the dangers of this drinking paradigm.

Dr. Hanks himself gives lectures during freshman orientation and collects feedback from the students.

Along with these efforts, the Planning and Assessment committee on campus creates fun alcohol-free activities for students to enjoy including concerts that have been arranged on campus as well as the new recreation center that promotes health and fitness.

Because of the efforts of Dr. Hanks and OIRPA, this campus is developing into a more responsible, informed and fun environment for current and incoming students alike.

General education classes GENERAL, from page 7

the courses of their lives because of a single general education class.

One weapon that general education’s detractors have, though, is the rising cost of tuition.

Students are crying for the demise of these classes that have little to do with their majors and cost hundreds of dollars each semester.

“Students are legitimately concerned about escalating tuition costs, and some see eliminating gen. ed. courses as one possible solution. We might continue down that slippery logical slope, however,

weekly lowdown

and cut all of the college expenses that don’t relate directly to the coursework you need for your degree, such as sports and social organizations. These traditional aspects of college life are well-loved by students and faculty alike, but they do not develop specific skill sets for careers in, say, medicine, engineering or computer science,” mentioned Dr. Guzy.

General education is not perfect. There is definitely room for improvement in that area of the curriculum, but that doesn’t mean it should be scrapped.

As said by Mercy Blalock, a sophomore

majoring in biomedical sciences, “I think the general education classes are pertinent in making students versatile scholars; however, they are often not taken seriously by the students and even the professors, thus losing their value.”

Students, you get what you put into your time at USA. Instead of complaining about “pointless” classes, learn what you can from them.

Remember, knowledge is power.

Spring Career Expo

1 - 4 p.m. USA Mitchell Center Waterman Globe Lobby.

“Please dress in professional business attire.”

thu > feb 16 Professional Behavior: What You Don’t Practice Can Hurt You Seminar

3 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall.

“Learn more about what skills and behaviors employers expect.”

vol. 50, no. 5 / feb. 13, 2012

sports

USA Softball opens season

usajaguars.com/ Bobby McDuffie

USA Senior Christin Crocker and USA softabll head coach Becky Clark after Crocker hit a walk off home run.

hannah blackburn Sports Reporter With spring just right around the corner, chalk lining the field and the ping of the ball hitting the metal bat means only one thing— it is time to play ball.

With a 37-17 record last season, making them third in the Sun Belt Conference, the Lady Jags softball team will look to have another great season.

There will be a number of players who will step up and help play a leadership role for the team. “Everyone will have an impact”, says coach Becky Clark. “We are very fortunate that we have a lot of people to fill that leadership role.”

Everybody knows what it takes to win, and this is clearly evident with players such as Brittany Fowler, Christin Crocker, Hannah Campbell and Hayley Hopkins.

Last season, Fowler started and played in all 54 games as a left fielder. She can now also add making the second team all-conference to her list of accomplishments. Fowler is also a two-time all-conference player who ended last season with a .340 batting

average.

This Jacksonville, Fla., native has also been ranked in many other categories in the SBC as well. She was seventh in slugging percentage, having a .571 average, ninth in on-base percentage with a .432 average, fifth in RBI, having 50, and tenth in total bases with 89.

Crocker played and started all games last year as third baseman and she also knows how to slug one out of the park having led the Jags in home runs with 11. She has recorded 85 total bases and stole 11. She is tied for third in runs by having 35 and has also recorded 10 multi-hit games and 9 multi-RBI games.

In one game alone against Alabama State, Crocker hit a pair of home runs.

Satsuma-native Hannah Campbell is starting her second year of play but already has one major accomplishment under her belt, and that is being named freshman of the year She started in 23 out of the 35 games she played last season and was also named second-team all-SBC. Campbell has also earned NFCA allregion honors.

Coming from Gulf Shores is Hay-

ley Hopkins, who started in all 54 games played last season while earning second team all-conference in the outfield. She has a mighty powerful swing that has placed her second on the team in slugging percentage with a .565 average and having nine home runs.

The full effort of all players will be needed as there will be some tough games on the schedule.

“Every game will be a big game.”

Clark said.

With games against Mississippi State, Alabama, who is a top three program in the country, and other top 25 teams like LSU, Louisiana Lafayette and Florida State, the Lady Jags have a tough season ahead of them.

After USA’s Mardi Gras Invitational this past weekend, the Jags will be on the road for the remainder of the month of February. The Lady Jags next home game will be on Wednesday, March 7 against Southeaster Louisiana at 6 p.m. USA will then play three home games that same weekend against Louisiana-Monroe before hitting the road again.

jayson curry, sports Editor sports.editor@usavanguard.com

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Athletics updates LADY JAGS TORCH USA DISTANCE MEDLEY RECORD AT VULCAN INVITATIONAL The University of South Alabama track and field quartet of Mary Finn, Leah Hixon, Kendra Lowe and Tori Lawson beat the school’s leading distance medley time Friday at the Birmingham Crossplex, site of the Vulcan Invitational this weekend.

The Lady Jag runners posted a 12:05.36 time in the event to surpass the previous record set in 1999 by Katherine Ankerson, Rebecca Beverly, Crystal Pelham and Grainne O’Dea by 1.99 seconds. The new numberones were also part of a Lady Jag cross country squad that finished third at the Sun Belt Conference cross country championships in October – also the best result since the 1999 season.

KIRKLAND NAMED PRESEASON ALL-SBC University of South Alabama second baseman Logan Kirkland was named preseason all-Sun Belt Conference, as announced by the league office Friday.

Kirkland, a sophomore from Grand Bay, Ala., earned Freshman All-American honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and Baseball America last season after hitting .330 with 43 runs scored, 10 doubles, two triples, one home run and 27 RBI. Kirkland batted .336 against SBC opponents last year.

Kirkland recorded a 21-game hitting streak – the longest of any Jaguar since 2003 – and led the Sun Belt Conference in sacrifice flies (10), which tied for third nationally.

GOLDSTEIN NETS CAREER HIGH, HITS GAME WINNING SHOT AT ULM University of South Alabama junior Freddie Goldstein (Milwaukee) scored a careerhigh 33 points, including a school-record-tying nine three-pointers, and hit the go-ahead bucket with 30.9 seconds remaining to give the Jaguars an 88-86 win over Louisiana at Monroe Saturday afternoon at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

USA survived six missed ULM shots in the last 16 seconds and got a block from sophomore Augustine Rubit (Houston, Texas) with a second left in the contest.

The Jags, winners of four of their last five games, defeated the Warhawks for the first time since the 2008-09 season to improve to 14-10 overall and 6-7 in the Sun Belt Conference. ULM dropped its eighth in a row to fall to 2-23 and 1-11.

- Wire Reports

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vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

Banquet sets tone for season

USA Baseball First Pitch Banquet

Matt Weaver Senior Reporter The level of anticipation for South Alabama baseball has never been higher following Tuesday night’s First Pitch Banquet.

It truly felt like the start of a new era for South Alabama baseball.

With all due respect to the legacies of Eddie Stanky and Steve Kittrell, Mark Calvi has the potential to go down as the greatest coach in program history.

It’s clear to anyone that meets him that he just gets it.

Beyond the development of the best pitching staff in college baseball, Calvi’s bread and butter at South Carolina was his ability to convince players to join the program. That talent has obviously carried over to his short tenure at South Alabama.

Everyone that speaks to him is spellbound. He just has the power to make you believe anything. The Vanguard conducted a sit-down interview with Calvi directly after the preseason’s first scrimmage, and he spoke of winning the Sun Belt, returning to the NCAA regionals and making USA’s College World Series debut.

We believed every word.

In a similar turn of events, Calvi made the same promises on Tuesday night. He spoke of pride in the USA’s baseball program, having fun at Stanky Field and, more importantly, winning a championship.

“Championships,” he corrected himself.

We’re living in Mark Calvi’s world and we don’t know it yet.

But one can’t fully appreciate the future without acknowledging one’s past and that was the chief priority of the First Pitch Banquet.

Six South Alabama baseball alumni, including St. Louis Cardinal and World Series MVP David Freese attended the banquet.

Jon Lieber has pitched all over the country, including for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. That includes pitching stints at Yankees Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Busch Stadium. But for him, it all comes back to Stanky Field.

Lieber still lives in Mobile and can often be found watching South Alabama baseball from his perch on the right field player’s deck. Even after all these years, see Tone, page 11

Matt weaver /senior reporter

Former Jaguar David Freese and other former Jaguar baseball players.

jayson curry Sports Editor The University of South Alabama baseball program entertained a sold out crowd last week for its First Pitch Banquet, which was organized to celebrate a new baseball season and celebrate former Jaguar playersand coaches.

The event entertained over 500 supporters of the program and honored six former players and the incoming 2012 team.

The list of invitees was star-studded from top to bottom. That list included current St. Louis Cardinal and recent World Series MVP David Freese, and other former Jags, including Marlon Anderson, Jon Lieber, Allen Battle and Lance Johnson.

“This is awesome,” Freese said. “It feels great to get down here right before spring training starts and just get that itch for baseball – I know everyone is excited for the Jaguars to get going and so am I.” Freese toured the renovated South Alabama campus during his stay and came away with a positive impression of the new field house and recreation center.

“With the new rec. center and weight room, the renovations to the clubhouse and the field, you’ve got to cherish that,” he said. “I was walking around with the coaches and was just jealous. You guys need to embrace that and understand just how fortunate you are that you have it. It’s pretty cool.”

Each former player engaged in a Q&A session about their Major League Baseball experiences and signed autographs for everyone in attendance.

South Alabama baseball head coach Mark Calvi also attended and delivered a captivating speech to those in attendance.

“We want to make you guys proud of South Alabama baseball,” Calvi said. “This is a team that you will enjoy and have fun watching – that is our hope. We want our actions to exceed your expectations as fans, and that is our number one goal.

“We are going to win a championship here – championships,” Calvi said.

To end the evening, South Alabama Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann spoke to the crowd about the upcoming season. Erdmann has put together multiple new things for the baseball program, from renovating the baseball clubhouse to building a new home for commemorative plaques called the “Ring of Honor.”

Erdmann’s ultimate goal is an attempt to get more people out to Stanky Field on campus to watch the Jaguars play. The First Pitch Banquet was a first step toward that goal.

The Jaguar baseball team starts the 2012 season this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field. South Alabama will start the season against the College of Charleston. The two teams will also play on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Jacey Chandler @JaceyBlurrrDoes anyone have my jag card? This tweet is my last resort, my last glimmer of hope. There’s sentimental value attached to that baby!

Jacey Chandler @JaceyBlurrr- I love reporting people as spam. Muahahahahaha FOLLOW ME NOW CYBER PROSTITUTES!!!!

Drewski ─ @DrewDearman- ALL I DO IS LIN, LIN, LIN NO MATTER WHAT!!!!

Drewski ─ @DrewDearman- Saw a jogger wearing an Arkansas State shirt, almost hit him with the truck! Don’t you know this is JAGUAR COUNTRY? #Sunbelt RAWdge @CJBennett15- Februany footlong, I think so RAWdge @CJBennett15- *takes out calculator and sends quick prayer* wish me luck, first stat yet of the year Jose @joliusofthemall- Can’t wait to get back and watch safe house after this victory JT Files @jtfiles- Took a picture with @dfreese23 and @Captain_Kirk2.

Even though he single handedly beat my rangers, he’s still a jag!

Olivia Mohler @Olivia_ Mohler12- So hard not to complain!

Just gotta remember I’m #blessed compared to many others.

Brandi @Brandiii_19- I know the people who live below me hate me.. I stay droppin somethin late at night all the time.. Oh wells.

Logan Kirkland @Captain_ Kirk2- Me and Nate just ran into Lil Roundhead from Big Shrimpin’ at the gas station lol too funny!

Jerry Zulli @CoachZUSA- Pretty cool when your working in your office and CY Young award winner Jon Lieber comes by to check this out! #JAGNation ameriol finley @M3M3_Marl3- I deserve the best all I want is the best and all I can give someone is my very best! #determination _RusHen_™ @_RusHen_- Anyone can call you a failure, but without your confirmation, it will never be true! #myquotablethoughts Veronica Wade @Everybody_loVEE- ♪ Headphones in ♪ #GameTime

vol. 50, no. 5 / feb. 13, 2012

Bringing the noise: USA Basketball J.T. Crabtree Sports Reporter

Under the leadership of Sam ‘TogaMan’ Wicker, J.T. “AfroMan” Crabtree and The Vanguard’s own Matt Weaver, the Outlaws and myself have made a comeback.

The Outlaws are the student-run athletic supporters group and used to be a staple at several South Alabama sporting events. They were the original super fans, cooking out before games, painting themselves, wearing their “Tame is Lame” shirts and cheering loudly for the Jags.

Their main objective is to support the team and give them the home field advantage that is so important in college sports. Over the past three years however, they have slowly disappeared, but this past Thursday, the Outlaws reemerged as the Jags played Arkansas State.

The Outlaws quickly made themselves known, starting by chanting each South Alabama player’s name before the game started. The players seemed to enjoy it, many of them seen laughing and smiling on the court as they heard their names. The Outlaws also started other chants, such as the U-S-A chant and Defense among others.

The players responded, playing a determined first half and taking a 35-27 lead into the half. Freshman Mychal Ammons lead the team with 12 points in the first half alone.

“He is so tremendous, not only as a person but athlete, and he’s learning the outside game,” coach Ronnie Arrow said. “I keep saying that he’s never played outside before this year, and he’s learning, making better decisions with the ball. He’s finishing inside and that’s what we need from him.”

Sam ‘TogaMan’ Wicker expressed confidence that the players’ solid performance was a result of the fan support. “We sent all the players Facebook and Twitter messages throughout the week showing our support.

Many of them responded to our posts, too.

Tone, from page 10 it’s still a way of life.

Even Freese in his first visit since advancing to the Majors can’t shake the good vibes and memories.

And after talking to Calvi and his coaches prior to the festivities, Freese is buying into the New South as well.

“He’s building something really special here,” Freese said. “Coming back to Mobile almost has me wanting to stick around and sneak into a uniform.”

Almost, he reminded us.

He has a World Series MVP to defend.

The city of Mobile and the South Alabama community is watching the Jaguars now.

Calvi, Dr. Joel Erdmann and the First Pitch Banquet made sure of that.

They seemed to like hearing that we have their back.”

The Jags would go on to defeat Arkansas State 74-57, with Mychal Ammons going on to have the best game of his career, leading the team with 25 points and nine rebounds.

“I think this is the best overall game we’ve played since early in the season, since maybe LSU and some of those games where we were very focused,” Arrow said.

USA’s Augustine Rubit also added 14 points for the Jags.

With the victory, the Jags improved to a 13-10 record overall, and 5-7 in Sun Belt Conference play. South Alabama currently sits in third place in the East division of the Sun Belt.

The next four games will determine where the Jags place in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.

The Jags have one home game remaining this season, when they play host to rival Western Kentucky on Saturday, Feb. 18.

The other three remaining games are all on the road including a Thursday to Saturday schedule where the Jags will face both SBC teams from Florida.

As part of the USA promotional staff, the Jags last home game will be Senior Night as well as more fun activities for the fans.

As part of Senior Night, AcroDunk will be performing during halftime. AcroDunk has performed at the Mitchell Center before, promising the crowd a high-flying spectacle of slam dunks using trampolines and other props. Some highlights from last year included a back flip off the backboard and a front flip through a sign that read “Go Jags.”

Several dunks are very elaborate, sometimes involving 5 members in order to complete their feat.

Senior Night festivities start at 5 p.m., with the Lady Jags playing WKU, following by the men’s game at 7 p.m. And you can bet the Outlaws will be there as well, cheering on the Jags one last time from the Mitchell

Jaguar Alumni Marlon Anderson excited for Stanky Field changes South Alabama alumni and former Major Leaguer Marlon Anderson spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball.

He’s seen the best and worst baseball has to offer, and after a recent tour of South Alabama’s new athletic facilities, Anderson is prepared to place his alma mater at the top of the list.

“Between the new dugout, warning track, weight rooms and clubhouse, South Alabama may have the best facilities in the game right now,” Anderson said.

The 2012 team will have access to a lot of features that Anderson did not, a fact that Anderson believes will translate to wins.

“Calvi’s going to have these kids ready to play,” Anderson said. “If the talent level can match the facilities, they’ll go a long way.”

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Center.

Jayson curry/ sports editor

USA’s Augustine Rubit and Wndell Wright trap a MTSU player and force a timeout.

Jayson curry/ sports editor

USA guard Trey Anderson runs through a crowd of fans during the starting line up intro.

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Santorum’s misleading victories This week was definitely a big one for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

On Tuesday, the Republican presidential hopeful scored three wins in a row, claiming Colorado, MinneIMRAN MOHIUDDIN sota and Missouri as his own in the Contributing Writer GOP primary.

The news came as a shock to both advocates and critics of Santorum, especially considering his recent performances. Though he managed to scrape a first place finish in Iowa by the skin of his teeth, Santorum wasn’t able to keep up his momentum in the coming states, finishing neither first nor second in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida and Nevada.

Before the recent primaries, many believed that Mitt Romney had all but locked down the GOP nomination. Nevertheless, with Tuesday’s victories in hand, Santorum has seemingly galvanized his presidential prospects; he now touts more first place victories than Romney and has replaced Newt Gingrich as a GOP frontrunner for the 2012 election.

At first glance it seems like Santorum is resonating with his core constituency, but the logistics of the situation say differently.

According to the Branson Tri-Lakes News, a news agency centered in Missouri, voters were less than emphatic about the Republican presidential hopefuls.

In one county, clerks originally projected a 30 percent voter turnout, but were forced to readjust the number down to a mere 16 percent

by Tuesday.

Similarly, after tabulating all the votes, Missouri voter turnouts were down by 57 percent when compared to 2008. Similar trends were also seen in Colorado and Minnesota, where the number of Republicans heading to the polls decreased by 7 percent and 24 percent respectively.

Though this is one of the most closely watched Republican primaries in recent years, the number of voters—or lack thereof—reveal more about the state of politics as a whole.

None of the Republican candidates have the appeal to unite the party like Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s, and the fact that President Obama’s approval rating dipped to less than 50 percent indicates that he’s isolated his core constituency as well.

Ultimately, this presidential election will pass with only a fraction of the fanfare that characterized the 2008 campaign trail.

It’s important to take the news with a grain of salt. If the numbers tell us anything, it’s that all the candidates, Republican and Democrat, have already lost in the eyes of most Americans.

opinion

vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

Jeff Gill, opinion Editor opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

Our view >> a staff editorial

One take on the present SGA: Is it an analogous structure?

You know how there are certain parts of the human body that used to have a function but don’t anymore, like the appendix? It used to have a purpose, but now we have no idea what the perfunctory nature of it was.

It just sits in the human body, sometimes becoming inflamed and infected. That makes for an unhealthy body, right?

You would think sitting at a Student Government Association meeting on any given Monday should be at the very least an informative experience, but the Feb. 6 appropriations meeting left one to scratch their head and wonder why we have an SGA. Sure, any legitimate school should have a governing head for the student body, but not a governing appendix. Maybe it’s not entirely fair to equate SGA, an organization that appropriates funds to different student organizations, to a non-essential part of the human body. But besides appropriations, new JagTran routes and the individual duties of officers, what else do they do?

Like the appendix, nobody really knows what its function is, or even really cares. The senators show up out of obligation with what seems like no real fervor for the job. For example, at the Feb. 6 appropriations meeting, there was no discussion whatsoever from the senate about the groups they were not funding that

Editorial Board

Cassie Fambro > Editor in Chief Genny Roman > Associate Editor

night. No discussion. At all.

In past years, you could expect at least some questions from senators directed to the group representatives at the meeting. But this semester, all you could hear was the high-power air conditioning blowing away in the John Counts Room and Appropriations Chair Jacob Weatherly speaking for what seemed like the entire senate, even though he only heads the appropriations committee.

Being in that room was like watching the slow evolutionary decline of a former functioning body. It was painful and bleak, and from the outside looking in, ‘appendix’ was written all over this mess.

At its best, SGA should be the heart of the student body. It should serve as the representative for the students and act as an open forum for concern or question. The SGA is every student’s advocate. It exists for the students and works for us. We might not be taking advantage of it, but how are we supposed to care if we’re faced with general apathy from our own governing body? We would love to see a healthy SGA, not one waiting to succumb to extinction.

Be the heart, SGA. Not the appendix. Nobody wants to be the appendix.

Jeff Gill > Opinion Editor Matt Weaver > Senior Reporter

Bailey Hammond > Life Editor Jayson Curry > Sports Editor

Jag Pulse >> opinion poll

Considering Mardi Gras’ prevalence in Mobile, should Ash Wednesday be a holiday for USA? “Yes. I will need the time to recuperate from the arrests I’ll be participating in.”

“I think we should have the WHOLE week off!”

“Yes. I try to spend my Ash Wednesdays at the Catholic Church downtown.

Classes will get in the way this year.”

“It wouldn’t bother me; I always accept a holiday.”

“As much as I would love an extra day off, it would be an unreasonable interference with our education.”

Chase P’Pool Communcation Junior

Aaron Etheredge Undecided Freshman

Grant DeFrancisco History Junior

Bailey Hammond Secondary Ed. Junior

Rachel Wyers Political Science Junior

Find us on Facebook!> search “The Vanguard USA” Foaming at the mouth with opinion? Contact Jeff Gill.

vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

counterpoint point Should the United States government make military service mandatory?

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Editor’s introduction: Mandatory military service is a method of military replenishment that many countries use, but the United States is not one of them. Should we continue our policy of voluntary conscription? This week’s prompt is answered by two men of service. DISCLAIMER: These opinions do not in any way reflect the sentiments of the writers’ commanding officers or branch of military.

Point >> Service should be mandatory

Counterpoint >> Motivation is key, not numbers

I understand that the idea of being forced to do anything in this country of freedom is not the most popular idea. But how do we have that freeMatthew Cooper dom in the first place? No mentally sane person would sign up as an infantry man to get shot at. There are only two reasons for it: either they are mentally messed up and need psychiatric help or they have an entirely wrong idea of what war is like and join for the wrong reasons.

The majority of these young men join just to wear a uniform, prove their manhood, have adventures, get medals and the money. It is only fair that the weight of wars be spread across all categories of Americans including age, economic status, education, area of country, religious and ethnic groups, instead of the majority being Southeastern males. This will give us a higher quality force instead of the poor or hopeless individuals that join today.

We should be sending our best to the war, not what we scrape off the bottom of our melting pot! Consider what we have to lose!

Also, more and more of our armies are being made up of foreigners getting citizenship. I am no xenophobe, but the symbol, the representation, the last line

In my own opinion, not the military’s, when asked I would side strongly against a mandatory military.

I am a third year cadet in Chris Beasley charge of training for AFROTC, which puts me as an “officer” in our cadet core.

My rational is really simple. Who does better, a student taking a class that is mandatory and is uninteresting to them or someone who is taking a class they don’t have to take and signed up for because they are highly interested?

We used to give a lot more money in scholarships, but as the needs of the USAF change we have fewer scholarships to offer except in engineering, which is still a full ride.

In this decline of monatary motivation I have noticed a difference in the quality of cadet. There used to be a lot of cadets who only joined ROTC because they wanted college paid for.

Those cadets would be given a task and a deadline. Most of the time the cadet just didn’t have the motivation to do it.

It was like the checkout lady we’ve all run into who hates her job and only does it to pay the bills. She’s never pleasant either.

of defense of our great nation should be represented by Americans. I fear that this is becoming an army of mercenaries, with no real sense of duty or loyalty to the country they are fighting for.

Also, with having an all-volunteer force you make having an Army more expensive, more “accessible” and more reliant on contractors.

Having a mandatory service, or draft, would make the government less likely to have these unnecessary wars. It would also make the public much more wary of going into war when they personally have something to lose.

Wars are gruesome and violent. We don’t need to go to one unless it is absolutely necessary. We have been the police of the world too long; it is time for other countries to pull their weight. A random lottery of ages 20 to 55 to serve two years would increase the quality, decrease the expense and increase integrity compared to our force today.

To those of you that say this country is supposed to be free and that you shouldn’t be forced to do anything I say this: stop hiding in your utopia where no one murders innocents and everyone gets along.

You can never pay any amount of money for someone to go through what soldiers go through. You can’t pay anyone enough money to risk their life. You all should be willing to serve Lady Liberty if she were to call.

God bless America.

In contrast, I am very proud to say the cadets we have today without scholarships to motivate them handle tasks enthusiastically.

I can attribute this to their overall enthusiasm for the military. They seek opportunities to show they care, to get mentorship and feedback, even to build the highest moral I think I’ve seen.

I don’t think scholarships are bad.

I think anything other than desire to be in the military taking first priority is not good.

Granted, I have not been on active duty but I have a very strong feeling this effect is the same. If money as a primary reason for joining the military can make people less interested in doing their job, I don’t want to imagine what “because I told you so” by the U.S. government would do for a primary reason. Instead, I enjoy seeing the pay and stability as a secondary motivator for joining.

There’s something about a person who will look you in the eye after a tour in Afghanistan and tell you his reason for wanting to defend our country was that he’s always wanted to stop bullies.

This is the type of person I want with a .50-caliber covering my back, not someone who was forced and uninterested.

>>> Opinion Editorial: Rainforests vital for human progress Jeff Gill Opinion Editor Rainforests are too important to take for granted, but this sentiment could include any areas with rich biodiversity.

A friend recently pointed me to an article about a species of bacteria found in the Ecuadorian Amazon that can digest polyeurethane anaerobically. It was discovered by a Yale University team that visits annually.

This is of particular interest to me as an environmentalist, because the discovery implies that they can be used to condense our landfills. “Endophytes,” such as the one mentioned above could be researched more in depth to find bacteria.

I have mixed feelings about this. There is a chance to start a new trend concerning the way we dispose of plastics, and conquer the

way we manage waste.

Many advances in science have been catalyzed by finding niche roles of various plants, animals and interactions we find.

For example, a species of leafcutter ant in the Amazon was found to feed (and later eat) a fungus that would otherwise be prone to molding. The researchers found that bacteria were grown on the bodies of the ants to prevent or kill diseases or harmful molds. These bacteria are the same bacteria responsible for half of modern medicine’s antibiotics.

This is a form of mutualism, where two animal species cooperate for a common good. This discovery of ants using antibiotics was and is a revolutionary find.

It also shows how even ants can cultivate fungus, a trait that would be ignored or unfound if there were no exploration into the lives of Amazonian ants.

It would be a shame to not mention the

indigenous tribes that are strewn across rainforests all over the Amazon. These tribes are a great resource of information for scientists in search of medicinal plants.

A particularly heart-wrenching photo of a Kayapo chief hearing the verdict of Belo Monte Dam, which will drown the land his tribe inhabits.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of concern for the rainforests Brazil, Colombia and even Ecuador are so lucky to inherit.

The uses for the new land cleared by governments are usually for cattle farms.

The type of soil in the Amazon does not allow grasses to grow as heartily, and becomes useless a few years later.

As a matter of common conversation, the fad of rainforest protection has mostly passed. The applications of undiscovered flora and fauna, as well as the preservation of the indigenous tribes, is paramount.

COURTESY oF WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Belo Monte Dam threatens to relocate up to 40,000 people, according to washingtonpost.com.

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Left of Center: Sports

vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

Spotlight: Rugby by patrick herring Staff Reporter

people are welcome to try out at any of the team’s Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 p.m. practices on the bottom intramural fields.

Just last Thursday, a newcomer arrived and Don’t think of it simply as football withwas immediately immersed into practice. out pads and helmets, because it predates “You don’t need to understand or even be football as a sport. It is not a game for the familiar with the sport weak or faint of heart. to try out,” O’Rear It is one of the fastsaid. “We will teach est growing sports in you everything that America. It is rugby, you need to know.” and it is here on the Will Hankins, ancampus of South Alaother player, enjoys bama. rugby because it gives If you had to exhim the opportunity to plain rugby to someplay an intercollegiate one, the easiest consport at a Division 1 cept would probably school. be to call it a combi“Let’s be realistic. nation of soccer and You can try out for football. It is a high basketball or football, tempo sport like socbut odds are you won’t cer but with a ball that make the team,” Hanis similar in shape to a kins said. “But with football.

Courtesy of South alabama Rugby rugby, the odds are Like soccer, there are no downs or lines 2010 Rugby Battleship Tournament high- more in your favor light of South Alabama players reaching up. that you will not only to gain, and the game make the team, but is played with the you will even see playclock running coning time.” tinuously.

Since the team started, there has been Like football, players can tackle, use at least one new or different player in every their hands on the ball and pass but only game that’s been played. laterally and backwards, though the forAnother aspect that separates rugby from ward pass is where football branched from other intermural collegiate sports is the cathe sport over 150 years ago. maraderie amongst opposing teams. Unlike In August of 2010, after seeing the school the other sports where you only see your install a football team, some alumni joined opponent on the field or court, with rugby forces with Mobile’s Battleship Rugby Footteams actually meet off the field. ball Club to create a rugby club on campus.

“We will usually go out and have drinks The Battleship Club hopes South will bewith the other team afcome a feeder program “...Rugby is referred ter the game and socialfor their league. ize with them,” O’Rear During their first to as a holligan’s game said. “That’s one reason semester, the fledgling rugby is referred to as ‘a team finished third played by gentleman.” hooligans game played in their division and –Stuart O’Rear by gentlemen.’” third in a 7’s tournaThe club currently ment, which the game is plays its home games played with seven playon the bottom intramural fields. This year, ers as opposed to the traditional 15. They South will be the host of the Deep South beat the University of Alabama 12-0 at the Rugby Union Division 3 tournament for men Alabama Sports Festival. and the Divisions 2 and 3 tournaments for Stuart O’Rear was part of the inaugural women. Other teams in our division include season and is still on the team today. the University of West Florida and Troy.

“I’m excited to see the club grow and The next home game will be played have new guys coming in and learning the against UWF on Feb. 18. For more informasport,” O’Rear said. tion you can check out the teams Facebook Rugby is currently the only club sport page, South Alabama Rugby Club, or their that is offered at South. What makes it difwebsite southalabamarugby.com. ferent from other sports on campus is that

Kelley

courtesy of Brad puckett

Golf swings up success by patrick herring Staff Reporter

For as much glamour and publicity as the other “major” sports receive, the golf team flies under the radar, even though they are annually ranked at or near the top of the Sun Belt Conference.

Since 1994, the program has produced six All-Americans and 38 All-SBC athletes.

Recent history has seen South alumni Heath Slocum claim four PGA Tour victories. Fellow alumni Gareth Maybin has three victories and is playing on the European Tour.

The current men’s golf team consists of 11 athletes on scholarship who travel around the country competing with some of the best teams in the nation. In this upcoming season, their schedule is littered with Southeastern Conference competition.

Current coach and 2005 SBC Coach of the Year Ben Hannan believes this team has great potential.

“We have a very talented group of guys,” Hannan said. “When they play up to their potential, they can win anywhere.”

Four players on last year’s team were named to the SBC Commissioner’s List for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5 for two semesters. Another six players were on the SBC Academic Honor Roll for having a GPA between 3.0 and 3.48. To have ten of 11 players maintain a 3.0 plus GPA is no small feat.

Add to that the amount of work they must put into playing the sport, and you’d be hardpressed to find a group of guys who better exemplify the term student athlete.

“I think the one thing people don’t realize is how very time-consuming of a sport golf is,” Hannan said.

Unlike student-athletes in other sports, golfers can’t arrive at a location, play a game,

and head home all in a matter of a few hours.

A typical tournament spans two days and 54 holes. On the first day, players leave their hotels at 6 a.m. to make their early tee time and continue to play for 36 holes. This often results in ten to 11 hour days. The following day they must play 18 more holes, another six or so hours, before a winner is crowned.

Junior Blake Kelley, who has been in the winner’s circle, is excited about this year’s team.

“I’m looking forward to this season, looking forward to seeing a lot of these younger guys on the team play and develop,” Kelley said.

Kelley won individual honors at the Sam Hill Intercollegiate Tournament last September and helped the team to a second place finish by shooting a personal best round score of 64 and a 54-hole total of 204.

Sophomore Lane Hulse was one of the four named to the SBC Commissioner’s list last season. As a freshman, Hulse shot a 5-under par 139 total to garner a second place finish and catapult South to a win at the Bancorp South Intercollegiate hosted by Ole Miss.

Hulse is also optimistic about this season.

“We struggled at the end of the fall season,” Hulse said. “But we’ve put in good work in the offseason, and I’m excited about playing good teams week in and week out.”

This golf season is already underway with the team having competed in the Gator Invitational in Gainesville last weekend. On Feb. 20 and 21, the University will host the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate with the likes of Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Illinois competing, among others, at Magnolia Grove Crossings Golf Course.

vol. 50, no. 5 / feb. 13, 2012

DISTRACTIONS

Picture of the week

Matt Weaver/Senior Reporter

The centerpiece at the First Pitch Banquet. All that’s missing is the Crackerjacks!

Weekly Quotable Quote Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful. ~Buddha

Student health Sudoku For Student health appointments, please call 460-7151 For Counseling and testing, please call 460-7051

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vol. 50, no. 5 / Feb. 13, 2012

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