June 3, 2013 by The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 53, NO. 1

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

JUNE 3, 2013

INSIDE

Hangout Fest’s fourth year rocks Gulf Coast New SGA

gearing up for summer By STUART SOX editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

► News: New

student living quarters, The Edge, solves parking concerns. See News page 4.

COURTESY OF PATRICK HERRING

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

Heading into summer with grades released and the stress of spring semester finally in the past, many college students needed some sort of reward for all of the hours spent toiling over books and notes from finals week. Since 2010, many college students have done just that by descending upon Gulf Shores, Ala. to kick off their summer with the annual Hangout

Music Festival, an eclectic blend of famous and talented musicians from all over the world. Each year the Hangout Music Festival, more commonly known as “Hangout Fest” by many of its attendees, attracts all kinds of fans with bands and artists that can be appreciated by many generations of music lovers. This year’s edition, held from May

16 to 19, was no different with headliners like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder and Kings of Leon performing on stages situated along the ivory-white beaches of Gulf Shores. While the headliners demand attendance from all kinds of people at the event, many of the other lesser-known bands and artists that performed at See Hangout Music Festival Page 5

Undergraduate research gives students a leg up By NOAH LOGAN nlc1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

► News: Starting

running back dismissed from team. See News, page 4.

►

Life: Farmers’ market experience comes to USA as Market on the Hill. See Life, page 6.

For South Alabama students, gaining experience in a field of work before graduating can be one of the most rewarding aspects from their college experience. Junior Computer Science major Ellis Hicks shows his appreciation for independent research; saying “It gives me a certain element of personal responsibility as I must coordinate with my mentor personally in order to form schedules, requisition the proper items and to clear up any misconceptions. I feel this is fairly similar to common boss-employee relationships and is much different than a classroom setting where there is less of a personal touch. It may be intimidating at first, but once you find the right mentor and project the experience is very enjoyable and rewarding. ” The University Committee on Undergraduate Research (UCUR) gives students the opportunity to be exposed to basic research and scholarly activities that help introduce them to the real

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

world before the real world has a chance to knock students off their feet. Fortyfour students are currently enrolled with the UCUR summer funded program; and according to the program director Dr. Anne Boettcher, this number grows almost daily. Alabama Space Grant Consortium, the University of South Alabama Academic Affairs and the University Colleges and Departments provide funding for the program. The UCUR program has been using these funds to support students in a number of

ways that include summer fellowships with South Alabama faculty, as well as overseeing volunteer internships during the school year and serving as a source for information for students interested in undergraduate research. Outside of the opportunities for research on campus, research programs are also offered for the Center for Lung Biology Undergraduate Research Program and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Research Experience for Undergraduates. While UCUR does encourage students to reach out to a faculty See UCUR Page 4

UCUR veteran Sandra Huynh had a very in-the-field experience for her project.

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

COURTESY OF SANDRA HUYNH

ith the new senate and executive council sworn in as of April 29, South Alabama’s Student Government Association is looking forward to undertaking new projects in the upcoming semesters. The first SGA senate meeting of the summer semester will take place at 8 p.m. at the Fresh Food Company, otherwise known as the dining hall, on Monday, June 3. At this meeting, the senate will tentatively discuss possible summer senate projects. Each semester, all SGA senators must team up with the senators in their respective colleges to complete a senate project that will benefit the USA community. The senate projects that will begin in the summer semester will also serve as a platform for projects for the fall semester, according to the recently elected SGA President Riley Davis. “I feel like this will give the new senators and their colleges time to really figure out what the school needs from a senate project,” said Davis, who is a criminal justice major and a senior at South Alabama this year. At the June 3 meeting, the senate will also begin nominations for various senate committee chairs and nominate a senate pro tempore for the summer semester. Because the new SGA Vice President Will Pearson is on leave this summer for an internship, the new senate pro tempore will assume the responsibilities of vice president for the summer semester. Another senator will also be selected to assume the responsibilities of the senate pro tempore. At the beginning of the upcoming fall semester, the senate will vote again to decide which senator will serve as senate pro tempore for the fall and spring semesters. SGA President Riley Davis has been part of SGA since her freshman year at South Alabama, and she believes that her vast experience will be vital in helping the new senators learn their responsibilities quickly. “I know it’s hard to take directions from someone who has never See SGA Page 4

In this Issue:

Life, Page 5 Sports, Page 7 Opinion, Page 9 Left of Center, Page 11

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

VOL. 53, NO 1. / JUNE 3, 2013

PAGE three Weather for June 3 - June 9

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

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

Samantha Andrews

Meg Lundberg Kelly Ficarelli JT Crabtree Alyssa Newton Matthew Strickland

Stuart Sox Noah Logan

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Matthew Rhodes

Advertising Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller Sheldon Hall

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 surrounding 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 thevanguardeditor@gmail.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.

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

USAPD Police Blotter 5/23/2013 14:33

5/25/2013 15:34

Theft- Bicycle

Burglary Third Degree

Health Sciences Bldg

Officers responded to The Grove Apartments for a report of a burglary of a student’s apartment.

A bicycle was stolen from in front of the Health Sciences building. 5/25/2013 8:06 Contempt of Court-Failing to Appear Research and Technology Park lll Suspect was found to be wanted for an outstanding warrant and arrested.

5/26/2013 4:55 Driving Under the Influence-Alcohol Cleverdon Pkwy @ Old Shell Rd. One female was arrested at the listed location for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. 5/26/2013 6:35

Call USAPD at 460-6312 If you SEE something, SAY something!

Assault Third Degree The Grove- Bldg. #1 Victim reported to police that his friend struck him in the face. 5/26/2013 18:12 Theft of Property Third Degree ($500 or less) Recreation Center Officers report to the Recreation Center in response to a theft of property. 5/26/2013 18:19

Theft of Article from Auto Recreation Center Officers responded to the Recreation Center for a report of an auto burglary to a student’s car. 5/28/2013 2:44 Driving Under the Influence-Alcohol Under Age 21 Cleverdon Pkwy @ Old Shell Rd. One male was arrested at the listed location for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol under the age of 21.

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

Running SGA back dismissed

Continued from Page One.

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

outh Alabama has dismissed its starting running back from the

team. Demetre Baker called The Vanguard personally on April 28, saying that he had been dismissed from the team “after a group of seniors voted me off.” Head coach Joey Jones confirmed the move in an AL.com report, saying that Baker was dismissed “due to multiple violations of team and departmental policy.” Baker admitted his wrong-doings to his coaches, saying that he took responsibility for them. “I took credit for my actions,” Baker told The Vanguard. “I apologized for my actions, but I feel that my transgressions were minor. I kind of feel like the move was personal.” Baker also expressed that he was not being given an equal opportunity, but called The Vanguard wanting a chance to tell the fans he was sorry and he would return to South Alabama, should he be given the opportunity. “I think it’s unfair,” Baker said. “I don’t feel like I was given a fair chance to be a part of the team.” Baker led the Jags in rushing in 2012, running for 595 yards on 118 carries with three touchdowns. In 2011, Baker carried the ball 102 times for 491 yards, scoring nine touchdowns. Baker took part in spring practice, and split time with junior college transfer Jay Jones. The Jags also have JUCO transfer Cristobal Dinham and incoming-freshman Kaleb Blanchard arriving in the fall.

The Edge solves parking, USA to gate Stanky Field

done your job before, but thankfully I’ve been in SGA so long I’ll be able to give informed advice to those that need it,” said Davis, who is also looking forward to getting different members of the USA community more connected. “I’m really excited to work on getting the students, faculty and administration working together and communicating on what the USA community needs to improve. Also encouraging senators to connect with students and take suggestions for them is going to be important,” Davis added. SGA Chief Justice Colin Al-Greene is also looking forward to serving the students of USA through SGA. “While I was an undergraduate, I served as a senator for the college of arts and sciences, chief justice, vice president and president. I feel like the past experience has helped me a great deal…In many ways I have been able to pick up where I left off,” AlGreene commented. SGA encourages all South Alabama students to attend their weekly meetings to find out about campus events and issues and have a voice in SGA senate decisions as part of the student forum. SGA meets on Monday nights at 8 p.m. in the conference room behind the registers at the Fresh Food Company.

By CASSIE FAMBRO

UCUR

in the Gulf Pipefish” to Jed Oliphant’s project, ”The University of South Alabama Campus JagTran Transit Research.” Current Senior Psychology major and UCUR participant Tyler Bell is currently working with Dr. Jack Shelley Tremblay on a project looking at the effects of diet on the cognitive deficit of Fibromyalgia. Bell does not hesitate in supporting the UCUR program saying, “I feel the UCUR program is preparing me for the work force because of the hands-on experience. I am learning the research process in an intimate and

Continued from Page One.

member as a mentor before applying, they will still act as a liaison to help students identify faculty members with projects in their specific areas of study. Last year’s completed projects, which can all be found online at southalabama.edu/UCUR, range from Biology student Sandra Huynh’s thesis titled “Phenotypic Variance and Condition Dependence of Permanent and Temporary Sexually Selected Traits

fambro@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Students who choose to live at The Edge will need to keep a close eye on the parking situation at the brand-new apartment facility that opens in the fall. Students and administration members were concerned during the spring semester amid rumors that The Edge would not facilitate enough parking. The original plan is said to have had only 300 parking places for 500 possible residents. The Edge says that isn’t the case now. “Development is planning for enough parking,” community manager Mary Rutherford told The Vanguard. Rutherford did not provide an exact figure when asked. The parking areas are not yet complete and much of the complex is still under construction. In the past academic year, concerns about parking in local apartment complexes have grown. Campus Quarters opened last year and did not provide adequate guest parking, leading to an overflow into the UCOM parking lot across from the facility on University Blvd. Between the uncertainty of the parking situation with The Edge and the danger of students crossing University Blvd. at night, USA officials have decided to act.

Edge residents “will not be allowed to park on campus,” USAPD Chief Zeke Aull said in an interview with The Vanguard. “We are going to erect gates to Stanky Field that close after a specified time.” Aull says that time will likely be 11 p.m. Vehicles parked in that lot will be towed after that time. It won’t just be Stanky Field’s lot that will be placed under new restrictions. “We’re going to have a closing time for all lots,” Aull said. He especially worries about students coming across the street on Old Shell from The Edge when it opens on top of the ongoing issue with Campus Quarters. “By allowing the possibility of someone getting hurt, we are being an enabler.” Aull says that he supports JagTran access to the local apartment complexes to alleviate the dangerous pedestrian traffic and says that’s in the works with transportation and other USA officials. “We have to be good neighbors, and we encourage communication,” said Aull. The gates are currently undergoing a bid process, according to Dean of Students Dr. Mitchell. “We’re working on a design concept that won’t be a typical gate. We want it to be functional and attractive on that side of the University,” Mitchell said of

the future Stanky Field gates. He also recognized that even though South is growing and complexes are moving in, that there is an inherent safety problem by allowing people to park at USA overnight. “Parking in our lots is just not an option,” said Mitchell. As far as The Edge goes, Mitchell says USA officials met with The Edge and learned that they are now planning at least 550 parking spots. “We will be posting that lots close at certain times and are subject to towing,” he added regarding spaces on campus. Mitchell also believes the efforts will keep campus safer. “This is going to let us know when we have people here late at night,” Mitchell said. When asked what his advice is to students that are concerned about parking at one of local complexes, he says to talk to the complex personally and ask what the plans are. He’s also optimistic about the growth surrounding the University. “This isn’t a sleepy, non-traditional campus anymore. The structure is growing,” he said. With growth, there must be an increased awareness of safety. “There is a voice inside all of us that warns us about dangerous situations. Listen to that voice. Be smart and be careful,” Mitchell said.

direct way, which will certainly be useful in my graduate years. I would not have been able to gain this experience in the classroom.” Ellis Hicks, whose research is titled "Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Real-Time Systems through Lego NXT," further supported the program while addressing the financial impact. “Pay isn't really the first thing on my mind when it comes to the research. The research and the experience gained from it is quite the rewarding experience.” Tyler Bell also touched on his financial situation. “I am actually funded by the UCUR program through stipend,” Bell said, “which is extremely helpful on the wallet and allows me to spend maximum time and resources on my research. However, even if I was not given a stipend, I would recommend anyone to volunteer. This is one of the best opportunities the University provides to make a difference in your undergraduate years and to show your dedication to your field.” Most students are supported through stipends but volunteer projects are also offered for students who have less time and maybe just want to get a foot in the door. The UCUR program also provides a variety of educational workshops for all students to help teach several skills.

These workshops include resume building, ethical behavior, properly preparing research in your field and how to effectively present research. Current UCUR participants offers advice on prospective students who are skeptical by telling them to contact any faculty members involved with the program as they are all more than willing to inform students about the program. “Both the skeptics and those considering should not hesitate to contact the director, Dr. Anne Boettcher,” Hicks said. “She is extremely nice and extremely helpful. She is only one of many nice and helpful people who help make the UCUR experience great.” Dr. Boettcher explains that the UCUR program is not dedicated to just one discipline of science or arts but is instead “university-wide and invites students and faculty from all disciplines to participate.” Any student who wants more information about the UCUR program is encouraged to visit the website and contact the director of the program, Dr. Anne Boettcher. The office for the UCUR program can be found in the Life Sciences building in room 124. Students can show up in person to get all the information they want, call (251) 460-7527 or email UCUR@ southalabama.edu.

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

jagLIFE

Hangout Music Festival Continued from Page One.

Hangout Fest this year are hugely popular with students at the University of South Alabama. On the Thursday before the event, a kick-off party was held on the festival grounds with Benni Benassi, an electronic dance music (EDM) legend and producer, headlining the night. With EDM becoming increasingly popular with the younger crowd over the last few years, Benni Benassi attracted a huge group of teens and young adults clad in appropriate rave accessories like body paint and glow sticks. The actual Hangout Music Festival began on Friday, May 21. Twenty One Pilots played on the Letting Go stage in the early afternoon. “They were a good mix of rock, rap and pop all together which was awesome,” said Katie Connor, a sophomore and communication major at USA. Twenty One Pilots’ performance was especially memorable because two of its members played drums on top of wooden platforms held up by the audience. In the late Friday afternoon, crowds flocked to the venue known as the “Boom-Boom tent” for famed electronic dubstep DJ Afrojack. Afrojack played many familiar dance hits that can be heard at almost any rave. Like Benni Benassi’s show the previous night, Afrojack’s was a high-energy performance with raucous dancing from the crowd brought on by infectious bass drops. Passion Pit, an indie-dance band that has grown in popularity over the last few years, performed as the sun set on the Hangout stage on Friday.

The five-piece band from Cambridge, Mass. played a variety of songs from their three albums to a massive crowd that got especially excited and danced for hits like “Sleepyhead” and “Take a Walk.” “Passion Pit’s lights were phenomenal and they really went with the beat. I couldn’t help singing and dancing to every song,” said Macy Underwood, a junior and speech pathology major at South Alabama. While Passion Pit rocked the Hangout stage, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed on the Chevrolet Stage. To the crowd’s delight, the duo performed the famous hit “Thrift Shop.” As good as the music was, Macklemore’s performance was more impressive because of his various interactions with the audience, like crowd-surfing on an inflatable whale. Later in the performance, Macklemore gave a poignant speech to his fans on the importance of marriage equality, calling it “the biggest civil rights movement of our generation.” Kings of Leon finished off Friday’s lineup at Hangout Fest in front of thousands of sunburnt fans. Apparently the band felt the love from the Alabama crowd. “I feel like we’re surrounded by our own people here,” said frontman Caleb Followill. The four-piece band out of Nashville, TN played a nearly two hour long set that included hits like “Radioactive,” “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Saturday’s lineup on the Chevrolet Stage was headlined by dubstep DJ Bassnectar, who performed as the sun set over the sandy white Gulf Shores beaches. Bassnectar’s stage name is appropriate in that there are fewer DJ’s

COURTESY OF STUART SOX

(L to R) USA Alumni David Dickinson and USA Juniors Macy Underwood and Evan Sox waiting for Passion Pit.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATRICK HERRING

that can put on a sweeter live bass drop. Thousands of people danced and jumped in collective rhythm to his music in front of an impressive accompanying light show. Across the festival grounds, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concluded day two at Hangout Fest at the Hangout stage. Older and younger generations alike were pleased with a two-hour set full of celebrated, timeless songs. Sing-alongs from the crowd were prompted by classics like “Free Fallin,’” “I Won’t Back Down” and “Last Dance with Mary Jane.” The final day at Hangout Fest featured a diverse lineup of big name artists and indie bands. At the Hangout Stage, British singer Ellie Goulding played to one of the largest daytime crowds of the weekend. She infused her usual uptempo dance music with a few mellower tracks from her new album “Halcyon.” Thousands of screaming fans rode the highs and lows of her set the whole way, getting especially animated for her performance of the smash hit “Lights.” A broken right forearm and hand couldn’t stop Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds from rocking the Chevrolet stage late Sunday afternoon. He and his fellow Las Vegas band members played with high energy for their entire hour on stage. During their performance of their hit “Radioactive,” Reynolds jumped off the stage, broken hand and all, to greet fans in the front row. Back at the Hangout stage in the early evening, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, one of the first indie-rock bands to come to prominence in the last decade, kept the energy up at Hangout Fest

with their alternative rock melodies. Lead singer Karen O went through a few different pairs of sunglasses while performing on stage, each one complimenting her green, reptile-skinned coats and shirts. The band played songs from all four of their albums, including their month-old record, “Mosquito.” Former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio welcomed the night on the Chevrolet stage. Faithful Phish fans were mingled with the average festival goers to make up a large crowd of happy hippies. Backup vocalist Jennifer Hartswick wowed fans with an interesting rendition of the Gorillaz track “Clint Eastwood.” The crowd thinned out towards the middle of the set as fans flocked to the Hangout stage to see the festival’s final act, Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder was exactly what Hangout Fest needed to close the weekend out on a high note. One of music’s biggest icons, Wonder played

a two hour set of songs that reflected every era of his career as well as paying homage to musicians that have inspired him, such as The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Every song he performed resulted in the enormous crowd moving and shaking their hips in the nighttime, salt-tinged breeze. Wonder finished the set and the festival with a ten-minute performance of the timeless hit “Superstition.” The mood of Stevie Wonder’s performance perfectly captured the peaceful, positive vibe of the whole Hangout music festival weekend in Gulf Shores, Ala. In fact, the festival’s motto is “be nice, or go home.” As it has the past three years, 2013’s Hangout music festival provided a musical paradise for the weekend, bringing together thousands of people in an escape from the real world. Next year and the many years to come are sure to be no different.

VOL. 53, NO. 1/ JUNE 3, 2013

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Market on the Hill moves to USA area By SAM ANDREWS thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

he city of Mobile’s Neighborhood and Community Services has organized an extension of their Market on the Square event, where alllocal vendors offer a true farmers’ market experience in downtown Mobile. At the corner of University Boulevard and Old Shell Road, Market on the Hill has brought the same handcrafted products, art, fresh produce, seafood and baked goods right to USA’s campus. The University Commons parking lot will host local goods from Jerome Jackson’s Fresh

Seafood, My Happy Dog 123, Retriever Soapworks and many others from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Thursday through July 25, except July 4. Their goal is to ensure quality throughout the Mobile community. “Our department is responsible for creating quality of life events for our citizens,” Joanie Stiff, special events coordinator for Mobile’s Neighborhood and Community Services said. “We’ve made efforts for the South Alabama students because we know that they are interested in being green. We know that they are interested in

organic food and eating healthy, and we believe they are interested in buying local.” A total of 559 attended the first day of the event. The lack of traffic at the event’s previous location by the Mobile Museum of Art caused its move to the more frequented area near the University of South Alabama. Vendors at this event say they feel a sense of community amongst one another. “You get a chance to have one-onone conversations,” Lisa Hirsch, owner of Kanundrumz said. “To respect my food sensitivities, I’ve been cooking gluten, dairy, egg and soy-free for a few years. I knew others shared this conundrum. I love seeing people’s reactions when they realize this decadent tasting dessert caters to people riddled with food sensitivities! It feels great!” The University’s students as well as local residents enjoy the availability and low cost of buying local. “My family and I have been going to Market on the Square for several years,” junior of interdisciplinary studies, Justine Burbank said. “We are really excited that we have another opportunity to buy local at Market on the Hill this summer. It helps keep our food bill reasonable, and we get to know the people growing it.” The Market on the Hill follows the state of Alabama’s farmers’ market guide lines. For more information on the event, visit their Facebook at facebook. com/MarketsInMobile.

Mobile Bay Film Scramble 8 underway By SAM ANDREWS thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

Mobile Bay Film Scramble 8, the latest in the series of short film contests in Mobile, Ala., is already in progress. Both professional and amateur filmmakers from the area have been challenged once again to write, film, edit and submit their seven-minute entries, all in 11 days starting May 23. Each team was asked to draw inspiration from a particular theme that was not revealed until the contest began; this time the filmmakers must create based on their favorite works of two dimensional art. The film screenings will be open to the public on Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. at the Crescent Theater in downtown Mobile at $10 a ticket. There will also be awards presented during the after party at the Alchemy Tavern at 7 S. Joachim St. “It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone,” Trey Lane, editor for the Mob Mobilian and sole-coordinator of the film scramble said, “and taking an approach that you might not ordinarily. We kicked it off last Thursday. This one is about taking a work of art or maybe

the entire collection of works from a particular artist and using that for more ideas.” The contests are held quarterly, with new themes assigned each time. Past themes include inspirations such as silent films, movie trailers by genre and haunted films. Some scramble filmmakers turn out for the experience. Others get involved for the purpose of building Mobile’s repuation for talent. “Square Tite Entertainment is my film production name,” Michael Lewis, film scramble participant said, “and I have been in the biz since I was a teenager. I recently returned to the port city from living in Hollywood since 2005. The reason we decided to enter the Mobile Bay Film Scramble was to use our talents and gifts to showcase the ability of the local talent here. This is a very cool project and we look forward to working on it as long as we are welcomed to.” The screenings are suggested for audiences age 16 or older. Find more information, including online ticket purchases, at filmscramble.org and facebook.com/filmscramble.

SPORTS

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

VOL. 53, NO. 1/ JUNE 3, 2013

Want us to follow you? Tweet us @USAVGSports Bryant Lavender @O_yea_ThatKid8: Wide receiver puttin 5 on my back for Mostella Drew Dearman @Heavistotle: Offensive lineman Marinating in my trusty pug shirt thanks to @RMetheny15 , it’s comfy and also very fashionable Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback Graduating today!! Wait...didnt I graduate last July? Weird... #uva #walkonceayear South Alabama athletics continues to improve, sending three teams to NCAA postseasons

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Erdmann talks South Alabama future Athletic director discusses overall improvements, commitment to winning By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ollowing a year that saw the Jaguars send three teams to NCAA postseason play, South Alabama athletic director Dr. Joel Erdmann talked with The Vanguard about what was ahead for sports at USA. The Vanguard: Can you talk about some general improvements to athletics? Dr. Erdmann: “We finished with the most points we have earned in the Bubas Cup in over ten years. What that means is collectively as a department, we are finishing higher in conference standing than we have in a very long time, which is a very good thing. If you take swimming and diving out of the mix, which Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee have and we don’t, and compare us sideby-side, we actually passed them this year. We’re also gaining on Middle Tennessee. A couple of years ago we talked about ‘Hey, we gotta catch these people,’ and we’re doing that. Competitively, we’re winning more,

we’re winning more championships. We’ve got three teams in the NCAA postseason, that hasn’t happened for a while. Our Academic Progress Report continues to improve department wide. To the best of our ability, our teams’ GPA is the highest it has ever been. We’re getting better.’ VG: Can you talk about what baseball and softball have done this year? JE: “Not many universities in the nation can say they have two Top 20 baseball and softball programs, according to RPI rankings. If you really sit down and look at that, that’s really staggering stuff. For softball to be able to earn the right to host a regional championship in the sixth year of their existence, that’s a special story. For baseball, we have not been to a Regional since 2006, so it’s been a while. Softball wins the tournament championship, baseball gets a share of the regular season championship. Softball is a one seed in the regional, baseball is a two and barely missed hosting a Regional themselves. For both programs, which are considered

kind of brother and sister programs, to be achieving at the level they are, that’s some pretty special stuff.” VG: Are there any facility upgrades? JE: We are raising money. We have plans to build a covered hitting facility for softball. We’re looking at additional decking at softball, kind of like how we have at baseball. We raised money and we are building a golf suite, hopefully that will be done by the end of the summer. We are beginning to raise money to renovate our basketball locker rooms. In the next 12-18 months, we have to raise some money to renovate the tennis locker rooms. Over the 18-24 months, it will be fair to say that every program we have will have undergone some pretty significant renovations or new facility. VG: Will there be any renovations to Stanky Field, who will be hosting the Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament next year? JE: “I don’t think any too significant. We might address some

drainage issues on the field so we can get the water off faster after a hard rain, but that costs money. But as far as the facility, it’s in pretty good shape. VG: Is there anything that is going to be done differently in the athletic department this coming year? JE: “I think you’re looking at some additional new coaches. I don’t think we’re going to change anything dramatically from an operations stand point, but I think our culture is becoming solidified. I think we’re to continue to grow and win championships.” VG: Ladd-Peebles Stadium will be getting new turf this summer, will there be any other renovations? JE: “A front burner issue is a video board. I’m working on it, I’m trying. The city and the stadium and all the tenants are all cooperative. I don’t know if we will get that done for this year, but it’s definitely a need we have. VG: What about the addition of speakers to the student side? JE: “They would be involved in the same transaction.”

Lizzie Goldsmith @lizzieG_21: Midfielder/Forward A little nervous for my Wii Sport class tomorrow morning.. Kyle Bartsch @Kyle_Bartsch: Pitcher AHH WAADDUUPPPPP STARKNASTY!!! #2seed #MissStRegional Rush Hendricks @_RusHen_: Tight end Big thanks to the colleges of the SEC for letting some of y’all’s beautiful women come home to Mobile and take summer classes at South! Brittany Fowler @FowlerPower6: Shortstop Def a Texas Longhorns fan today! Suck it FSU! Brandon Bridge @Air_Canada_7: Quarterback McDonalds will forever have business because of their selfish breakfast sandwiches for a dollar.

@USAVGSports

VOL. 53, NO. 1/ JUNE 3, 2013

Softball claims Sun Belt title, hosts Regional Lady Jags find themselves on the wrong end of “Miracle in Mobile”, lose heartbreaker to Florida State By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

outh Alabama’s 2013 softball season was one for the record books, especially considering they rewrote most of the book this past season. The Lady Jags swept through the Sun Belt Conference Tournament with ease, defeating Western Kentucky 2-0 in the championship game, securing their second straight conference championship. Junior pitcher Hannah Campbell was named the tournament’s most valuable player for the second year in a row, combining to throw 21 innings while giving up 12 hits, one run, one walk and 21 strikeouts over the course of her three tournament starts, including an eight inning no-hitter against ULLafayette. Britany Campbell, Brittany Fowler and Kaitlyn Griffith were also named to the SBC All-Tournament team. The Lady Jags were also selected to host a regional, the first in the program’s short seven-year history. Matched up in their region were Florida State, Mississippi State and Mississippi Valley State. The Lady Jags had already played against the Bulldogs and the Seminoles during the regular season. In game one, Hannah Campbell pitched a perfect game against Mississippi Valley State to lead the Lady Jags to a 10-0 victory in six innings. This was the first perfect game in South Alabama history. “It was a great way to get the tournament started,” head coach Becky Clark said. “Anytime you go into

South Alabama captured their second straight Sun Belt softball championship on May 11

something like this, you want to get off on the right foot. I thought we did that. We had great pitching and great defense. We got the timely hits today. It was a great day for us.” Blair Johnson was 2-for-3 with a triple and four RBI’s. Meghan Collins was 1-for-2 with a home run, three RBI’s, two walks and two runs scored. Emily Messer added an RBI of her own. The Lady Jags advanced to the winner’s bracket to play Florida State, whom they had defeated 4-0 at home on April 10. After falling behind 2-0, South’s rally in the bottom of the seventh came up just short, as the Lady Jags lost 2-1. The loss ended an 18-game winning streak.

Campbell pitched for the second straight day against the Seminoles, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts in a complete game effort. Blair Johnson again led South at the plate, going 2-for-3. Kaitlyn Griffith finished 1-for-3 with a double. “When you’ve had the kind of season that we’ve had, you don’t let one loss get you down,” Clark said. “These kids will bounce back. They love what they’re doing. They take a lot of pride in it. I expect them to bounce back at 6 o’clock.” The Lady Jags would have to win the remainder of their games to advance to a Super Regional, and after defeating Mississippi State 3-0 behind the efforts

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

of Farish Beard’s 14-strikeout one-hitter, South Alabama positioned themselves for a rematch against Florida State for the regional championship. The Lady Jags would have to defeat the Seminoles in two straight games in order to win the region, while FSU would need only one win after going undefeated through the winner’s bracket. Kaitlyn Griffith and SBC Freshman of the Year Haley Fagan both homered in the rematch against FSU, driving the Lady Jags to a 3-0 victory, setting the table for a winner-take-all game seven against Florida State. Farish Beard pitched a two-hit shutout, and allowed only one walk and struck out eight.

Griffith and Fagan’s home runs accounted for two of the four baserunners South totaled: the others being a Britany Campbell single and a Brittany Fowler walk. In the deciding game seven, the Lady Jags had all but guaranteed their spot in the Super Regionals, taking a 6-1 lead into the final inning with two outs. It was then the Lady Jags gave up five runs, including a two-out grand slam, tying the game at 6-6 and moving to extra innings. South Alabama had its chance in the bottom half of the inning, when they loaded the bases with two outs for Brittany Fowler. Fowler popped a pitch up on the infield, leaving the winning run at third. The Lady Jags stranded 13 baserunners the entire game. In the top of the eighth, FSU hit a leadoff homer to take a 7-6 lead, which would end up being the final score. The seven runs scored by the Seminoles were the most runs South Alabama had surrendered all year. “First of all, I want to say how amazingly proud I am of our studentathletes,” head coach Becky Clark said. “It’s a shame it had to end this way for them today, but I am so grateful for how they have represented themselves, their families, this university, and our program. This is a first-class group. They work their tails off, they do everything they’re asked to do, and they play the game the right way. And they do things off the field the right way as well. I can’t say enough how proud I am of them and their effort and everything they’ve accomplished this year.”

Baseball falls in SBC Tournament, head to Regional Jaguar baseball going to first Regional since 2006, play Mercer in first round game in Starkville, Miss. By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

aguar baseball is headed back to Regional play for the first time since 2006, in spite of a rough time in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Jags have posted their best record since 2003, going 42-18 before Regionals on May 31. South also posted a 20-10 record in conference play. After sharing the regular season Sun Belt title with Troy, the Jags were unable to duplicate that success in the conference tournament, being knocked in the semi-final round. South Alabama started the tournament by defeating Arkansas-

Little Rock 10-2. Anthony Izzio pitched a career-high eight innings against the Trojans to pick up the win. He gave up seven hits and two runs to go along with one walk and three strikeouts. The Jags were unable to defeat the hosting UL-Lafayette in game two, losing 9-2. However, they found their winning ways again that afternoon, defeating Florida International 7-6 to force a semifinal rematch against ULL. The Jags did not fare well against the Ragin’ Cajuns a second time, losing 12-2. Nick Zaharion tripled for his only hit of the game. Nolan Earley added a hit and an RBI. Jacob Noble took the loss after he gave up four hits, four runs, a walk and

one strikeout in two innings pitched. Brandon Boyle relieved Noble and didn’t fare any better, giving up seven

“

Our guys did a great job getting to this game. -head coach Mark Calvi

”

hits, five runs, one walk and one strikeout in 2.2 innings pitched. “Our guys did a great job getting to this game,” head coach Mark Calvi said. “We just didn’t do enough

to win this game. There are no excuses, we just got outplayed today. Louisiana-Lafayette deserves to be in the position they are in, and we deserve to be in the position we’re in. We showed up today and didn’t do the things we needed to do to win.” The Jags were selected as the No. 2 seed in the Starkville, Miss. region along with Mississippi State, Mercer and Central Arkansas. South Alabama was paired with Mercer for their first round game on May 31 at 2 p.m. The Jags are 6-2 all-time against Mercer and 24-41 against Miss St (0-1 in Regional play). They have never played Central Arkansas before. Mercer won the Atlantic Sun

regular-season championship, going 43-16 overall with a 20-7 league record. The last time South Alabama travelled to Starkville for Regional play, they were eliminated in two games, losing to Mississippi State 9-2 and Tulane 4-3. This is the 25th NCAA Regional in South Alabama baseball history. (Due to deadline conflicts, we were unable to report the outcome of the regional games. To receive more coverage, be sure to follow USA Vanguard Sports on Twitter and Facebook as the Jags finish their season.)

Opinion

EDITORIAL BOARD

Samantha Andrews | Editor Kelly Ficarelli | Opinion Editor Stuart Sox | Senior Reporter

Be mindful of others’ safety this summer too

By KELLY FICARELLI kficarelli@gmail.com

Well, we’ve made it through another spring semester and now summertime is upon us. Living on the Gulf Coast, summertime means summer classes (for some of us), sweet tea, sweltering heat and humidity, barbecues, mosquitoes, and of course our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. The shores of the Gulf are indeed beautiful, but they can be extremely dangerous as well. Last summer, there were numerous news reports of drownings, near-drownings and rescues on our Gulf Coast beaches. There was a beach rescue in pitch black darkness by firefighters using flashlights, there were rescues by lifeguards, search-and-rescue teams and by the Coast Guard, the rescue of a dad and his two daughters in a kayak who were pulled several miles into Mobile Bay by strong rip currents and other stories of

rescues of adults, teens and children. But in far too many tragic cases, swimmers don’t make it out of the water alive. You have to be smart when it comes to swimming in any body of water, but especially the ocean. The tall waves and strong rip currents are too much to handle even for very experienced swimmers. If there is a red flag flying, don’t swim! Swimming while red flags are flying is the equivalent of drunk driving. Not only are you risking your own life, but you’re risking the lives of others as well. It is not right to risk the lives of rescuers, whether they are bystanders, firefighters, lifeguards or search-and-rescue crews. You’re risking a tragedy in your family. You’re risking taxpayers having to spend tens of thousands of dollars to search for your body. It is simply not worth the risk just to swim or surf in rough water. Accidents can happen on days where there doesn’t appear to be a strong rip current or high waves. But when there are one or two red flags flying, it is in fact against the law to enter the water. Not only is it against the law, but it one of the most inconsiderate and irresponsible things you can do, risking others’ lives for your pleasure. It is careless to risk your own life, but it is wrong to risk others’ lives.

KELLY FICARELLI, OPINION EDITOR kficarelli@gmail.com

Alyssa Newton | Left of Center Editor JT Crabtree | Sports Editor

A must-have tool for success By MALINDA G. Contributing Writer

As an older, nontraditional student who decided to go back to school after many years, my first semester was hard and took some getting used to. I have some medical issues and decided to visit the Office of Disabled Students to see what assistance could be given. It was there that I learned about the Livescribe Smartpen. This is a tool I believe all students should have since time management and organization can be huge obstacles in college. Here’s how it works: Attend a lecture, tap the record button in your dot notebook, write a few notes, then tap your notes with the pen and replay the lecture instantly. The pen also records if you do not take notes. Paper replay is accessible on your computer when using the Livescribe desktop. There are applications available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad for Pencast playbacks. The Livescribe Smartpen was designed so you could take better notes, possibly get better grades, and stay organized. There are three features which make the Livescribe Smartpen work. They are the ballpoint pen, the pen barrel’s microphone and a hidden camera with infrared inside the tip. Together, they allow the pen to digitally record sound and handwriting concurrently.

Using the free Livescribe desktop software, the saved recording, using the pen’s internal memory can be replayed through the speaker built into the pen or it can be transferred to any personal or MAC computer. The dot paper is required for the pen to obtain your handwriting. This is especially helpful if you’re a visual learner because any drawings are also captured. The collaboration with online services such as Facebook, Google Docs, Evernote and Microsoft’s OneNote makes it easy to stay organized. The Smartpen can be useful in many occupations. This pen is for anyone who repetitively takes, reviews and shares notes. The Livescribe 3D recording headset has an embedded microphone in each earbud to permit 360 degree recording for conference rooms or large lecture halls. The Smartpen will make your life easier whether you are giving a lecture or attending one. Many students spend a lot of money or things they want but don’t necessarily need, like expensive headphones. Why not use something that will benefit your education? Consider the Livescribe Smartpen as an investment in yourself and your future. You can purchase a refurbished 2GB Echo Smartpen for as low as $69.95.

The Shed helps tornado victims in Oklahoma

By Brianna Ervin brianna.ervin@ymail.com

On Monday, May 20, 2013, disaster struck Moore, Oklahoma. A devastating mile-wide tornado hit

the state of Oklahoma, destroying neighborhoods and directly hitting a local elementary school. The National Weather Service said the tornado was an EF5 twister, the most powerful type, with winds of at least 200 mph. In its wake, homes and buildings were reduced to rubble. Cars were scattered across roadways and entire blocks were destroyed. The tornado was the strongest in the United States in nearly two years, damaging or destroying 1,200 homes and affecting 33,000 people. Nonetheless, citizens of mobile

are not just standing by and watching. Local barbeque and blues joint The Shed located on Old Shell Road across from USA, is reaching out to tornado victims in Oklahoma. The Shed, a member of Operation BBQ Relief, is collecting donations to help feed storm victims in Oklahoma. As of now, they are already out of town setting up smokers and grills to help provide residents with a hot meal. The organization is asking for donations for non-perishable items to help in the effort. Additionally, the victims of this

unfortunate accident are in need of donations. If you would like to donate to this cause, there are numerous ways you can help. You may text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 for a $10 donation or visit the Red Cross website and donate as much as you wish. Also, you can text the word “FOOD” to 32333 if you’d like to donate to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. You may also hold fundraisers, donate items, or travel to Oklahoma to help with the cleanup.

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

JagPulse How do you think is best to help victims of natural disasters? Valerie Ogle: Money Ashton Howe-Aley: If you’re close by, wait until the appropriate time and go help. Then you for sure what the situation is. Sometimes you can’t always trust companies with the money you donate. If you’re not local and can’t travel to help, just make sure you’re donating to a reliable and trusted source. Dennis Mersereau: Money. Call local pizza places and donate pizzas to rescue crews and survivors. Also, for people who have the money to do this, call a local hotel and offer to put up a displaced family for a night or two. Chris Hanley: Not donating to Red Cross. Monica Burruss: I’m from North Alabama. On April 27, 2011 we had 5 F5 tornados hit my home town. Not to say donating to Red Cross doesn’t help, but I personally never heard anything from Red Cross after the storms. From experience, I would say that volunteering to help families clean up is one of the best ways to help. Power was out for a week in many places including grocery stores. Having food to eat that isn’t spoiled is also a blessing during a time like that.

VOL. 53, NO 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

POINT COUNTERPOINT Do we need armed resource officers in our children’s schools? Governor Bentley will soon decide if educators, security and resource officers will be authorized to carry firearms in public schools.

Armed officers a necessity This is little more than “Guns don’t kill peohyperbole intended to prople, people kill people.” duce a fearful position of Though we could all reaction. There are plenty of agree—or at least convenues in which armed guards cede—to the heart of are present and for which no what is being said here it one is raising a fuss. Have you would also be worth notbeen to a movie theater on a ing that guns have a way Friday night recently? Noof making the murderous By John Blythe tice the Sheriff ’s car outside? desire of such people a reContributing Writer How about the bank? Got a ality, and this reality is nothcop there, too. What about the ing short of a nightmare for officers directing traffic in front of large the victims and their families. churches on Sunday morning? Such was the case this last December when 20 children and six adults were Yup, they’ve got their guns with them. murdered in the middle of an elemenAirport security? Your favorite college or tary school just days before the Christpro football team or the sacred Saban? mas break. The point is simply that there are plenty It is one of the greatest tragedies we of everyday contexts in which we find as a country have seen in some time, para guard with a gun. It’s part of keeping ticularly because of the victims involved: the peace, and it’s part of protecting that children. which is most valuable. Since that tragic day, there has been Now, there are legitimate concerns no end to the cul-de-sac discussions conand issues with guards being present in cerning guns, safety, school security, and our schools. the federal government’s involvement in To deny that is blind and unhelpful all these matters. to the discussion at hand. I’m not against One of the many streams amidst all SRO’s and yet have concerns for the the controversy is the question of School things being proposed. But, it must be Resource Officers (SRO) being armed. stressed, having issues with the way we’re The basic line of reasoning is simply, doing it currently—and yes, before this as the NRA’s CEO Wayne LaPierre put became the hot topic there already were it, that “the only thing that stops a bad guards in about 42 percent of schools— guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” or intending to do it doesn’t mean that Perhaps this is too simplistic, but it there is an issue with the actual doing of gets his point across. There have been it. cases where this is evident, too, such as In other words, we need to fix what’s the Pearl High School shooting in Misbroken instead of throwing the whole sissippi. thing out. Iron out the wrinkles, don’t The assistant principal just so hapwalk around without your pants on. Baby pened to have a .45 caliber semi-autoand bath water. You get the idea. matic pistol in his truck which he used We owe it to ourselves and our chilto detain the 16-year-old shooter. Two dren to think through this matter carestudents were killed, seven others were fully. wounded. LaPierre’s logic worked itself Our discussions and debates can’t be out here when the bad guy saw the good filled with trigger happy language against guy armed. the other side if we are to have any hope Against this position is the claim of finding a way of keeping true trigger that our children’s schools will become happy maniacs away from our kids. armed fortresses of some sort. We need to talk with the safety on.

We don’t need school security officers

VANGUARD ARCHIVES

USAPD responded to a report of a gunman on campus in April 2012.

VANGUARD ARCHIVES

second problem with the Arming one or more security-officer method: school security officers is paying for all that security. the kind of idea that, at It is very popular to say “no first glance, seems like an price is too high” for keepobvious bit of solid poling our kids safe at school, icy. But like that goodbut can you really say with smelling “Grape Job!” a straight face that money sticker on your second can be found in education grade report card, it is an budgets to pay for wages, idea designed to make By Ryan Wallace equipment, and training of people feel good, and Contributing Writer these security officers? not much else. Or in police budgets, for There are a couple of problems with placing the defense that matter? Thanks to decades of taxof schools in the hands of security and-spend policies, the public mood officers. The first is that, just like in against taxation probably hasn’t been the real world, the police are “only this high since dressing up as native minutes away.” While these armed of- americans and throwing tea into the ficers may provide a secure feeling to ocean was the national sport. Any tax those inside the school, they would do increases for putting security officers in the schools is bound to face an upalmost nothing to deter the kind of pathetic sickos who like to shoot up hill battle in the majority of local or schools. As we have seen, these indi- state ballots. There is a more effective, cheaper viduals (like just about anyone who commits a mass shooting) are men- way. Allow the teachers to arm themtally disturbed to the point of insanity. selves. Obviously, concealed carry I doubt the presence of a school would be ideal for this situation, since security officer, armed or not, will per- I’m sure any teacher would agree that suade them just to turn around. What it would be difficult for students to it WILL do is either let them know learn math if the teacher is packing who to ambush first or merely make like Han Solo. No one would ever need them begin their attack at the furthest to know that the teacher was armed – until it was needed. If you still want to point from the security officer. Sure, the officer or officers would play the deterrence game, put yourself hear the shots and sprint to the scene, in the mind of that school invader. What scares you more: the easilybut thanks to those inflated American class sizes everyone likes to complain identified security officer, or a building about, all a killer would need to do is where anyone could cut you down beget into one classroom to rack up a fore you ever got a chance to put your death total to rival that in Sandy Hook. name on the news? If I was a school superintendent, Of course, it would probably be possible to hire a mini-army of secu- I would advertise the fact that my rity officers to cover all of a school’s schools are no longer a “gun-free entry and exit points, thus preventing zone.” Maybe then these creeps would only kill themselves, and save the rest entry to any unauthorized intruder. But having that kind of cover- of us the grief. age, or indeed anything approaching that kind of coverage, is to face the

LEFT OF CENTER

ALYSSA NEWTON, LOC EDITOR akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013

SunBelt gets new, modern look By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Jordan Patterson led the Jags in batting average, hits and on-base percentage on his way to being named Player of the Year.

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Jaguar baseball receives multiple awards Ten different honors given to USA, including player of the year By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he Jags were awarded top honors as voted by the leagues’ ten head coaches on May 21. Junior Jordan Patterson was awarded Sun Belt Player of the Year, the first Jag to win the award since David Freese in 2006. Patterson was a key component in the Jags success this season. Patterson became the sixth Jaguar of all time to win the award. “I am grateful to the coaches in the league,” Patterson said. “It’s a huge honor, but it wouldn’t be possible without my teammates and coaches. It is an individual honor, but it’s a team award and I am thankful to everyone who played a part in it.” Patterson started every game this season and leads USA in on-base percentage (.498), hits (78) and batting average (.365). Patterson is also currently ninth in career hits at USA with 210. Along with the award, Patterson was also named as a member of the first team All-Sun Belt Conference. USA tied with Louisiana Lafayette

for the most selections in the league leading all teams with seven. This is the most USA has had named since 2006. Joining Patterson on the allconference teams are Dustin Dalken and Robby Campbell on the first team. Whitt Dorsey, Matt Bell, Kyle Bartsch and Nolan Earley were all named second team all-conference. Head coach Mark Calvi was also honored by receiving the Ron Maestri Coach of the Year award. “This is a very special award that is possible due to the hard work of the student-athletes and the coaching staff,” Calvi said. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but it is a team award that was earned because of the dedication and commitment made by the players and coaches, and I couldn’t be more proud of what they have done up to this point in the season.” After only winning 23 games in his first season in 2012, Calvi led the Jags to 42 regular-season wins and 20 conference wins. The Jags have become the comeback kid of the league, ranking second in hitting and pitching this past regular season.

Seniors Anthony Izzio and Nick Zaharion were also honored after the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, being named to the 2013 Sun Belt All-Tournament team. In his last three outings, including a tournament-opening win against

“

UALR, Izzio allowed only two

I couldn’t be more proud of what they have done up to this point.

Regional Tournament as the No. 2 seed in Starkville, Miss. on May 31 against Mercer. (Due to deadline conflicts, we were unable to report the outcome of the regional games. To receive more coverage, be sure to follow USA Vanguard Sports on Twitter and Facebook as the Jags finish their season.)

-head coach Mark Calvi

”

runs, nine hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts in this last 19 2/3 innings pitched. Outfielder Zaharion hit .286 with a double, triple, one home run and five RBI during the tournament. Along with all of these honors, the Jags are also regular-season coconference champions with Troy, giving the program 14 Sun Belt titles. The Jags enter the NCAA

JT CRABTREE | SPORTS EDITOR

The Sun Belt will have a totally different look this upcoming season. With the Sun Belt changing teams and adding Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Idaho and New Mexico State in the next upcoming seasons, it was the perfect time to give the conference a whole new look and identity. The change most will notice immediately is the brand new modern logo. The school you attend determines which color scheme you’ll see in the logo. The new pinwheel-like sun will reflect the school by displaying the school colors. For South Alabama it will be red, white and blue. This gives the logo a personal touch that allows schools to feel like they are part of a program, but still have their own personal identity. “The unveiling of our new logo after months of review of how we wanted to express the ‘new’ Sun Belt Conference,” the Sun Belt Conference said in a press release. “It is a very exciting chance for us to display the opportunity and optimism that exists in the Sun Belt Conference as we move forward.” “‘Together we rise’ is the new mantra for the constantly growing Sun Belt. Starting July 1, we say goodbye to the sun with a ring around it that has been in place since 1997 and say hello to the new Sun Belt.” With a new logo and new mantra it’s hard not to notice all the big changes within the conference. With the new teams, logo and attitude behind the Sun Belt, conference will be looking to create an image that is getting bigger and better and a force to be reckoned with.

VOL. 53, NO. 1 / JUNE 3, 2013