02.18.08

Page 1

Vanguard The

Volume 45, Number 26

Special Homecoming 2008 Edition

February 18, 2008

Serving USA SinCe 1965

JONES NAMED FOOTBALL COACH Staff Report vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

After a nine-week coaching search, the University of South Alabama named Mobile-native Joey Jones to be the head coach of the University’s first-ever NCAAsanctioned football program. Last Friday in the USA Mitchell Center, Jones was introduced to a cheering crowd of students, faculty, alumni and community. “When I first heard about the coaching j ob in November, it sent chills up my spine. I knew then I wanted the job. I just didn’t

know if the job wanted me,” Jones said. “I can see myself staying here for the rest of my life.” Jones, 45, signed a five-year contract with a salary of $275,000 per year. Jones’ salary at his previous job as head coach of Birmingham Southern College was $150,000. Jones spent the past two years as head coach at BSC, where he restarted a football program dormant since 1939. Jones said he learned a lot of lessons from starting the program at BSC, including the

need to recruit more than just freshmen. Jones was also impressed with the organization of USA’s effort as compared to BSC’s. Before coaching at BSC, Jones was a high school coach, with a record of 101-27 at Mountain Brook and 24-11 at Dora. Jones played football at Murphy High School in Mobile, Ala. After high school, he went on to play for Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama during the last three year’s of Bryant’s career. Jones also played for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL.

USA breaks ground on Bell Tower Hannah Skewes SENIOR REPORTER hks502@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

On Feb. 16, the University of South Alabama hosted the Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza groundbreaking ceremony near the USA Mitchell Center. This is what many consider to be one of the most symbolic new additions. Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and community members gathered on the grounds of the Mitchell Center to aid the Alumni Association in commemorating the piece of land that will eventually host the completed structure. "This certainly is a historic weekend for the University of South Alabama," said Joseph Busta, vice president for development and alumni relations." Today is the groundbreaking of what will be a transformational campus facility and landmark." The idea for the Bell Tower was born in an alumni board of director's meeting 15 years ago as a "pencil sketch and absolutely no budget," according to Busta. After a few failed fundraising attempts, the project was approved as part of Campaign USA 14 years later. Campaign USA is one of the University's first comprehensive fundraising campaigns that seeks to raise $75 million over three years. It was also approved for a matching program to help the project reach the $3 million it needs to be completed. "It will be a symbol of unity and a symbol of strength," said Andy Denny, Alumni Association president. The architectural firm building the Bell Tower is Barganier Davis Sims. It will stand more than 130 feet tall with a clock face. There will be a space underneath with a seating capacity of 142 people for reunions, classes, weddings, student gatherings and other X

Inside

see TOWER, page 15

Lifestyles pg. 7

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Turberville, Harris crowned queen, king

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

The University of South Alabama had the Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 16. The look of the Bell Tower was unveiled as students, faculy, staff, alumni and the community celebrated with fireworks, refreshments and the USA pep band.

Whitney Turberville was crowned Homecoming queen by last year’s Homecoming queen Holly Peek, and Ben Harris was crowned Homecoming king by last year’s Homecoming king Brandon Taylor during halftime at the men’s basketball game Feb. 16 in the USA Mitchell Center. SEE PAGE 7 FOR FULL STORY.

Fine Arts pg. 10 Entertainment pg. 12

The Vanguard P.O. Drawer 25100 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Newsroom - 460-6442 Fax 414-8293 Advertising - 460-6898 Letters, press releases, announcements - vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Sports pg. 15

Opinion pg. 18

Classifieds pg. 19

Vanguard online The

http://www.usavanguard.com


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02.18.08 by The Vanguard - Issuu