Vanguard The
Serving USA students and the University community since 1963
June 6, 2011 |VOLUME 49, NUMBER 1
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University of South Alabama’s student newspaper
The Grove faces security issues after robbery This week’s Police Blotter features 4 robbery incidents at The Grove. Ranging in severity, the incidents are part of a larger issue: security. By Matt Weaver SENIOR REPORTER
Two people were robbed at gunpoint just outside of The Grove on the morning of May 23, according to University of South Alabama Police. The victims were described as a student and non-student who were in the parking lot near Building 9 of the on-campus housing complex near Old Shell and Hillcrest roads at about 1:15 a.m. when a car pulled up and two men jumped out, according to USAPD. The men asked for a cigarette lighter before reaching for pistols. The robbers were described as African-American, both at sixfeet tall and weighing about 160 pounds. Both wore white T-shirts and blue jeans.
One robber was described as having short cropped hair and the other wore dreadlocks. The robbery is the most recent in a series of crimes near The Grove that has shaken the student community. The University recently tightened security and instituted nighttime checkpoints for those driving onto the campus but criminal activity has persisted. South Alabama junior Kayla Sandifer lives in The Grove and said she would like to see additional security enhancements. “It’s not safe here because there are always these random strangers in The Grove and we can’t tell who lives here and who doesn’t,” Sandifer said. “Anyone can walk in at any time and just do whatever they want. “It’s super scary.” Both officials from USA and the Grove are working together to monitor the area and are advising students to keep an eye on who enters the property, especially those who are staying overnight. “Guests who enter the property should be
Staff Photo
The Grove is a student apartment complex located on the exterior of campus by Old shell Rd. It is patrolled by USAPD. Crime at The Grove is a pressing issue for USAPD and residents.
see GROVE | 4
late the student Code of Conduct, program. Riis has been indefinitely sus- he will likely be subjected to a hearpended from the team pending a ing with the University Disciplinary full investigation by the Athletic De- Committee (UDC). The hearing would either be an partment. “We’ve suspended the player from informal hearing where no witnesses the team effective immediately,” are called or a formal hearing that Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann relies on witness testimony, according to The Lowdown. said. Riis, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound “We’re going to open an investir e c e i v e r, gation to returned figure out three punts what hapal.com for a total pened and of 3 yards we’re curduring rently in the 2010 the early season. stages of He had gathering a total of informatacktion.” Head By Matt Weaver -Athletic Director Joel Erdmann eight les on decoach Joey SENIOR REPORTER fense, six Jones is curUniversity of South Alabama foot- rently away of which ball player Earling Riis IV was ar- on assignment and has meetings were unassisted. rested early on May 29 on a charge scheduled with Erdmann next week This is the second incident in as of driving under the influence, ac- to discuss what’s next. many seasons for the football procording to Mobile County Metro “We just found out [on Monday] gram after Zach Brownell damaged Jail records. and we’re not going to comment 22 cars in the Delta area parking lot Riis, 22, was booked at about 3:30 publicly just yet,” Jones said in a in April 2010. a.m. and released on $1,000 bail, phone conversation with The VanBrownell was indefinitely susaccording to jail records. pended from the program and has guard. The Mobile-native is a backup “All I can say is that we’re investi- gone off the radar following the inwide receiver who has also returned gating the situation.” cident. punts for South Alabama’s football Because Riis’ alleged actions vio-
Football player arrested for DUI
IPolice Blotter p.2
“We’ve suspended the player from the team effective immediately.”
News in Brief p. 4
Weather p. 5
Campus Pulse p. 8
inside
Opinion | Point/Counterpoint Should Pell Grants be restricted to students by semester?
Life | Geology Field Camp Students think with their feet and trek the southwest to learn about their discipline hands-on.
Sports | Kittrell Memorial Paying tribute to a great in the world of South Alabama sports.
JagLife p. 12
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NEWS
June 6, 2011
Vanguard The
University of South Alabama’s Student Voice 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. Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Editor-in-Chief, editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. 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, 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 Editorin-Chief at 251-460-6442 or e-mail editor.in.chief@ usavanguard.com. The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience. 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. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Cassie Fambro Associate Editor: Genny Roman Senior Reporter: Matt Weaver Opinion Editor: Imran Mohiuddin Life Editor: Bailey Hammond Sports Editor: Jayson Curry Webmaster: Nick Griffith DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Johnny Davis ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Wesley Jackson Advertising Representative: Mohammad Ammar Al-Zarrad Graphic Designer: Brittany Hawkins MANAGEMENT Adviser: Jim Aucoin Accounting: Kathy Brannan
Website: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Phone Number (251) 460-6442 Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication. SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and affirms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.
POLICE BLOTTER 5/31 Marijuana Possession
A 22 year old USA student was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 5/29 DUI
Male alumni student of University of South Alabama was arrested for driving under the influence. 5/23 Theft from Auto
Theft from vehicle at The Grove building 19. A CD player, credit cards, money and a wallet were stolen from the vehicle. The entry was through the victim’s door and deemed forcible. 5/23 Harassing Communications
Harassment occurred at the University Library. A female harassed another female acquaintance. 5/23 First Degree Robbery
Two victims were held at gunpoint at The Grove. Nothing was taken.
5/19 Possession of Controlled Substance Kappa Alpha fraternity house was found to be in possession of clear plastic bags of suspected mari-
juana, an electronic scale, and brass knuckles. These items violate the University’s Code of Conduct Policy.
5/19 Unlawful Breaking and Entering
A company truck was left at the Alpha Gamma Delta House parking lot overnight and was robbed of logging equipment. 5/17 Robbery
Robbery and assault occurred at The Grove. An iPhone and other items were stolen. 5/17 Assault
A non-student was assaulted at a high-school graduation at The Mitchell Center. She was cut under her left eye by another female with a box cutter.
Correction In its May 2 issue, The Vanguard did not clarify Sikivu Hutchinson’s credentials. Hutchinson has a Ph.D in Performance Studies from New York University. According to NYU’s website regarding Performance Studies, areas of concentration include: “contemporary performance, dance, movement analysis, folk and popular performance, postcolonial theory, feminist and queer theory, and performance theory.
5/17 Assault
Performance studies training can lead to careers in teaching, research, theatre and performance reviewing and scholarship, writing, editing, arts administration, and management of performing arts collections.”
5/14 Theft
Note that “feminist and queer theory” both fall into the range of what Hutchinson is qualified to speak about in regards to her degree.
Assault occurred at The Mitchell Center. Victim reported that an unknown female assaulted her in the parking lot. An iPhone 4 was reported stolen at The Grove.
Construction progressing By Matt Weaver SENIOR REPORTER
Students interested in the new campus housing can breathe easier this week. Completion of the new residence facility draws closer. The facility will house 330 beds near the Delta 4 dormitory and fraternity row . The building will emphasize private living, as most rooms will be single-bedroom residency with a shared bathroom. Construction has been headed by the SA Group. The team is spearheaded by Dow Bark, Project Director of the group. With enrollment topping 15,000 last fall, it has created an additional demand on student housing. As of fall 2010, the University boasts 2,097 beds, excluding those offered by The Grove. SA Group anticipated such growth and the expansion is part of a long term opera-
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Vanguard
tion to provide additional beds. “We don’t typically talk about long term plans for expansion,” Director of Housing Dr. Christina Vinet said. “Our enrollment is growing and this is us acknowledging the demands for more beds. This Staff Photo is especially true of private rooms,” Vinet said. “Students continue to express an interest in this area and we try to provide all the conveniences of living on-campus.” A completion date has not been announced but the University intends for construction to be completed by the fall semester. “This is a great opportunity for students who want to live on campus,” Venet stated.
The sentence in the article that said “material had no accreditation aside from citing undervalued or unproven material ...” should contain “in provided pamphlets” after “materials.” Hutchinson did not produce the handouts herself. The Vanguard also wishes to note that the Etc. Section is not the same as News in that it provides reviews of events and other noteworthy commentary about lifestyle topics. The Vanguard apologizes for this error. In the event of any necessary correction, please e-mail editor.in.chief@ usavanguard.com
The
Vanguard
NEWS
June 6, 2011
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News in Brief Doy Leale McCall Collection
The University received over one million documents dating back to the early days of Alabama history and the Civil War on May 6. The collection is estimated to be worth $3.1 million and the University received it as a gift. The gift came from the McCall family. In honor of the generous donation, the USA Archives will be renamed “The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library.”
Robert Holm Recital The Robert Holm Recital “Sonatinas” is Thursday, June 9 at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Part of their summer concert series, “Sonatinas” encompasses Ravel and Bartok, as well as Labalvsky and Khachaturian and USA retiring faculty Owen Middleton’s Sonatinas. Contact the Department of USA Music at 251-460-7116 for tickets and more details.
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NEWS
June 6, 2011
“One for the Books”
The South Alabama Film Festival is hosting their summer film series at the Bernheim Hall in the Ben May Main Library. Admission is free and coupons for dinner afterward will be provided for those who wish for conversation after the films. June 14 marks the start of the festival with “The Americanization of Emily,” a 1964 film. Visit southalabamafilmfestival.org for a full schedule and more information.
USA Foundation Meeting The USA Foundation convened in its annual meeting June 2. They approved their Semiannual contribution to USA totaling $1.9 million dollars. Their contribution funds Whiddon scholarships, Eminent Scholars, Endowed Professorship Funds among other projects. The Foundation also honored James H. Gambill for his service to the foundation as he goes into retirement.
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Vanguard
Grove Crime from page 1
Sales Tax Holidays Set Baldwin county tax holidays will officially be August 5 through 7. These holidays exempt shoppers from sales tax. Many shoppers use this opportunity to purchase school supplies, clothing and computers.
SGA Appropriations Requests are due June 10. For more information, e-mail sga@usouthal. edu.
Living and Learning Living and Learning communities will be introduced in the Fall semester. Communities will feature student groups that live in the same residential areas and take several classes together. There will be discipline specific communities such as Business and Nursing. Athletes and leadership communities will also be offered. The new initiative hopes to promote student involvement and retention.
checking in at the front desk,” Lt. Keith West said. “We’re asking that [tenants] monitor their surroundings and report any suspicious activity that they see.” The Grove has a record of crime issues. In both 2008 and 2010 respectively, criminal reports spiked from their previous levels. “It’s difficult to compare The Grove to the residence halls,” West said. “There are a lot of factors that make the two hard to compare including the location of The Grove compared to the rest of the campus. The residence halls are more centrally-located within the campus while The Grove is right off Old Shell.” “The same factors that make The Grove convenient for residents make it convenient for criminal activity as well.” Most of the crimes reported during fall 2008 were alcohol and property crimes. The 2010-11 academic year brought additional armed robberies and breaking-and entering cases.
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NEWS
Vanguard
June 6, 2011
Gamma 9 Weather Research Center
Forecast for June 6-10
Hilary Smith Student Meteorologist
For the week we can expect sunny skies with highs rising into the mid to upper 90’s each day. Scattered thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons. Each day will end with temperatures falling into the lower 70’s with partly cloudy skies. If you’re beach bound, be sure to pack an umbrella and have a back-up plan if a scattered shower pops up!
For more local weather information, visit facebook.com/ stormteam4gamma9wx On Twitter: @metwxpatrick @stormteam4g9wx
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Life
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June 6, 2011
Bookworm Bailey “The Name of The Wind” “5 out of 5 Stars”
Bailey Hammond Life Editor
Calling all fans of fantasy: here is a hefty book well worth a read. Patrick Rothfuss climbed the New York Times Bestseller list with his debut novel, “The Name of the Wind” (The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One.) The story revolves around a flame-haired young man named Kvothe (pronounced like “quothe”) and the astounding tale of his life. His world is filled with danger, magic and mysterious forces that constantly threaten his very existence. The two details that make this book stand out from others of its genre are of note: one, the narrative style, and two, the stark beauty of the prose itself. In fact, the entire book cannot be condensed into just one main storyline. Kvothe is simultaneously narrating his past in first person as well as participating in a larger, third-person omniscient style story. There are many stories weaving themselves throughout the narrative, and many times it is difficult to discern whether the book is about Kvothe’s past, the present, or the future, yet all play important parts in the telling of the tale. As for the second factor that makes The Name of the Wind so spectacular, it is nearly impossible to accurately describe Rothfuss’s way with words and images. To say that the book is beautifully written cannot even cover the scope of the work itself and is perhaps an insult to it as a piece of literary art. Where J.R.R. Tolkien created a world, language and history and is known as a father of fantasy, Rothfuss has created a story that reads likes music and thrills a reader so thoroughly to the marrow that one forgets it is just words on paper. It is almost hard to believe that The Name of the Wind is Rothfuss’s first novel, which makes its increasing success and popularity all the more impressive. Most writers would give their eye teeth for the reception Rothfuss has received from the literary community in such a short time. The Wise Man’s Fear, the second book in the series, was released March 2011 and has further increased Rothfuss’s literary fame. Because the books are so lengthy, they’re bound to discourage lesser fans of fantasy, but any true reader of this genre will no doubt find the books to be immensely enjoyable and well worth the time.
The
Vanguard Bailey Hammond, Life Editor life.editor@usavanguard.com
www.usavanguard.com/life
Hangout Music Festival: One for the record books Bailey Hammond Life Editor
For many along the Gulf Coast, music has become more than just an art form. It’s blossomed into a spectator event that brings thousands down to the white sand beaches for a weekend of fun in the sun. That’s right, the Hangout Festival has struck again, and this year, it was even more of an event than locals had anticipated. Restaurants, shops, and condominiums along the Gulf Coast were flooded with tourists sporting the green-printed Hangout Fest wristbands and varying shades of burned skin, but all had the same look on their faces: happiness. There was an air of festivity—to be expected from a festival drawing nearly 35,000 music fans from across the county—and concertgoers, locals, and regular vacationers alike enjoyed a myriad of bands and the hospitality of the Gulf Coast. The first day of the Hangout Festival featured My Morning Jacket, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and ended with a packed performance by Widespread Panic, and those were just a few of the bands that filled that day’s lineup. Foo Fighters covered for Cee Lo Green when he couldn’t make it for his time slot on the second day, and then they closed the night. Big Gigantic, Slightly Stoopid, and Civil Twilight, among others, were also involved in that day’s musical festivities. While the heat continued to rise, people continued to chill on the beach and enjoy the outstanding acts on the stages scattered across the sand. The last day of the Hangout Festival featured the great Paul Simon, The Black Keys, Girl Talk, and a host of other bands. The night culminated in a firework display lasting more than ten minutes and paying homage to the great bands, fans and city that had opened its arms to the musical community. Perhaps the only downside to a large gathering of people is the potential for criminal behavior, and according an article run in the Press Register on May 24, there were 189 arrests made during the festival ranging from substance
al.com
abuse, underage drinking and other sundry acts against society. That being said, the festival came off as perfectly as can be expected and despite the arrests made, the three day event was mostly peaceful. Kelly Kashuda, a Gulf Shores High School senior, spent all weekend enjoying the music and weather, and offered her take on the atmosphere. “Hangout Fest was a totally cool experience. I really liked how Gulf Shores opened up to new ideas, music and culture,” Kashuda told The Vanguard. “I’m so stoked for next year!” It’s a sentiment that many other festival-goers likely shared as the festival drew to a close May 22. Next year the festival is expected to be even more spectacular and some fans are already planning on purchasing tickets as soon as they go on sale. For those of the technological generation, the festival can be fol-
lowed on Twitter (@Hangoutfest) and on Facebook (facebook.com/ hangoutmusic). So keep those lines of communication open if you want to hear the latest news concerning next year’s event.
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LIFE
June 6, 2011
Field Camp GY-480 Field Camp: From Textbooks Excursion to Tough Terrain
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Photos courtesy of Dr. Jim Connors
Geology class goes beyond the classroom. Dr. Jim Connors explains to The Vanguard why field camp is essential to any aspiring geologist.
VG: What’s the outing’s official name? JC: GY-480: Geology Field Camp. “Field Camp” is considered a standard part of the BS-level geology education, and is required for entry into most geology graduate programs. In many states, it is also a required part of the education of any person wishing to sit for the Professional Geologist (P.G.) licensing exams. VG: How did it begin? JC: It was started at USA about 20 years ago by Dr. David Allison and Dr. Wayne Isphording. For many years, Dr. Allison shouldered the load alone. It is now taught primarily by Dr. Allison and me, with help from other geology faculty members from time to time. This year we have the assistance of Mr. Kyle McCulloch, one of my graduate students, and Ms. Mary Anne Connors, an instructor in our department. VG: How does it benefit the students that attend? JC: Field Camp brings together in a practical way, much of the theoretical geological education that the Senior-level USA geology majors have received. As such, it is usually the last course the students take. VG: What are the activities that take place? JC: As we currently operate our Field Camp, the students are divided into several teams and these teams perform a number of field mapping exercises. Some involve use of geological transit compasses, GPS units, and electronic/optical theodolites (called “Total Stations”). VG: How many attend? JC: It varies. As the USA geology program has grown rapidly over the last five years, the number of Field Camp attendees has steadily increased. Six years ago only about 5 students attended the course. This year we have 23 students attending, and that is a new record. VG: How do you feel it reinforces the learning experience in relation to the career field? JC: Camp is great experience for the students in that it exposes them to “real world” conditions. Specifically, it makes them use what they’ve learned in the classroom to solve problems that don’t necessarily have a “key” nor single “correct” answers. The students are limited in how much data they can collect in the time allotted, so they experience “scope/schedule” constraints. VG: How long is it and what locations are visited? JC: It’s a 6-week course, with the first 4 traveling, usually tent camping. We start in the Texas Hill Country, near Llano. We then move to Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo. From there we go to Taos, NM, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. VG: Favorite memory of field camp? JC: My favorite memories are always the looks on the student’s faces the first time they enter the Grand Canyon. It’s always breathtaking and many of our students have never seen it. Many have never traveled beyond the northern Gulf Coast. VG: Scariest moment? JC: We’re not allowed to have scary moments.
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Opinion
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June 6, 2011
The
Vanguard Imran Mohiuddin, Opinion Editor opinion.editor@usavanguard.com
www.usavanguard.com/opinion
OUR VIEW EDITORIAL BOARD >>editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com
STAFF EDITORIAL Cassie Fambro | Editor-in-Chief Genny Roman | Associate Editor Bailey Hammond | Life Editor
Imran Mohiuddin | Opinion Editor Jayson Curry | Sports Editor Matt Weaver | Senior Reporter
Tuition Increase Will Hurt Times are tough for everyone involved in education. From the federal government, down to the university level, and into the student pocket. Many students have to choose between keeping the power on and textbooks. With that being said, we all realize that the university level has to acclimate to drastic budget cuts in order to meet the needs of faculty, staff and students. We simply hope that the likely tuition increase will come with belt-tightening. Let’s make sure we are committing to saving money in every way possible. Remind employees that University resources are expensive and reward them for using less ink, paper, and supplies. Remember to turn the lights off when you leave and don’t leave the water running. Let’s see traveling expenses cut down and more of the
Spotlight:
Imran Mohiuddin Opinion Editor
Make the Choice to Listen and Learn
If there’s one thing that the recent string of calamities has taught us, it’s that life can change in a second. From the catastrophic FukushimaDaiichi nuclear meltdown, to the devastating tornados in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Joplin, we are still subjects of a fickle and often unfair world. While these disasters cause grave turmoil and inexplicable hardship, they also offer an astounding look into the nature of humanity. They show that while the political climate of the U.S. reeks of intolerance, corruption, and divisiveness, there is still an underlying sense of connectedness that binds our nation. In the midst of a disaster, we are no longer liberals or conservatives. How
bills footed personally. University vehicles need to be used as a last resort, and should never be left idling. It requires a fundamental shift in the paradigm for everyone involved to get used to saving money. We do it at our homes, let’s do it here too. Remember that students are going to extra lengths to pay for school and every dollar matters. Minimum wage isn’t getting anyone very far. This needs to be kept in mind as the tuition hike is being considered. Make the decision that you can live with when you’re eating out and your student server looks weary and worn-out. Stand by the students and only do what is necessary, nothing more. Tuition increase is not the easy way out; it’s the most painful route to take. Let’s tighten our belts together, USA.
to appropriately balance a budget norant; it brings progress to a grinding feels like a mere triviality, and arguing halt. So as the new Opinion editor, I imabout the fate of Planned Parenthood seems absurd. By rallying together plore you to challenge yourself and take and looking past our differences we an unbiased look at both sides of the arachieve greatness, quickly and effec- gument each week. Try to envision the mindset and scetively delivering aid when it’s needed narios that each writer presents in their most. This progress results from camara- article before offering any praise or conderie and consideration, by listening demnation. Washington’s pitiful state to the thoughts of others as well as by shows us that extreme views, jingoism and partisanship voicing our own don’t work. opinions. While congressThe U.S. was his progress results men on Capitol founded on this Hill, both liberal canon of compro- from camaraderie and mise, but recently it consideration, by listening and conservative, may believe that seems to have been vehemently stickforgotten. to the thoughts of ing to their guns This year, The others...” is important, their Vanguard’s Opinstubbornness ultiion section will conmately harms more tinue to tackle various hot-button political and social issues than it helps. So even if you think that President that arise in the hearts and minds of Obama is a fascist, communist, or just Americans. While the ideas presented in the Point a man trying his best; or if you believe Counterpoint may be radically differ- that abortion is admissible or abhorrent, ent, it’s important to consider both sides listen to both sides of the argument. If you’re lucky, you might just learn of the argument before drawing any something. conclusions. Basing an opinion after hearing only one side of a story is more than just ig-
“T
Do you prefer summer or fall/spring classes? Why? I prefer the Autumn/Spring semesters. Classes are a bit more relaxed and things move at a slower pace. The weather is also not something that makes you fantasize about the air-conditioning in hell. Joshua Goff Psychology
Fall/Spring. The professors are refreshed after summer break and after exams are the holidays!
Janet Davis History/Criminal Justice
Summer classes are better because they force students to work faster. Sometimes during the longer classes, we get caught up in the perfect idea and never complete what we started. Summer classes force us to quickly create a concept and execute it in the most efficient way. It prepares us for shorter deadlines in the real world. Trisha Koger Graphic Design
Fall/spring because it’s not as fast paced as the summer classes even though the summer works faster and makes you do the work if you want to pass the classes.
Amanda Harwell Secondary Ed./ Social Sciences
I prefer summer courses because it forces the teachers to focus on the core material and eliminate meandering on tangents usually brought on by “know-itall” students who make comments to kiss ass.
Rodney Thompson International Studies
The
Vanguard
OPINION
June 6, 2011
9
POINTCOUNTERPOINT Pell Grants: Distribution Policy Hurting Students?
Editor’s Introduction: Pell Grants have grown to be a mantra of many politicians, including President Obama. Trumping the benefits of funding low-income college students with the money to pay their tuition, Pell Grants are
Students Need to Adapt for Greater Good
the only way many students can afford to go to college. Pell Grants have become more common lately and recently, the federal government enacted policy to limit disbursement of Pell Grants due to budget shortfalls. The P/CP explains.
Pell Grants Right of Policy
As with everything If the goal of this By James Fulford Considering We all know By Bailey Hammond we do, there is always nation is to encourCONTRIBUTING WRITER that some students that college classes LIFE EDITOR a cost and benefit to age students to go are dependent on are expensive, and our actions. to college, we must the Pell Grants, I many of us depend In this case, the benefit of not allowcan understand the concern. Beon financial aid of some kind to pay find a way to get as much funding to as fore this fiscal year, the grants were for our education. ing summer grants to be awarded is many students as possible. Personally, I have a scholarship that distributed twice a year, but recent While the amount granted to students that we develop a larger pool of money requires me to maintain a GPA of 3.5 policy changes have limited the distrifor students seeking Pell Grants; it also may seem small during the summer bution to once a year. or higher. prevents people from simply claiming semester, it reduces the pool of money According to the Code of Federal Other students, however, depend that it only benefits a few people every available to all students. Regulations listed on the Department on Pell Grant distribution each year year. Considering that Congress seeks to of Education website, “an institution to further their Certainly the slash the federal budget by a sizable education experi- may pay a student at such times and cost of depriving amount, that pool of money will bein such installments as it determines ence. For those people their ability come smaller in the coming years. of you who don’t will best meet the student’s needs” to pay for sum(Title 34, Chapter VI, Part 690, Secknow what these While it is a hard pill to swallow, stubabies are, here’s tion 690.76.) mer courses would dents must accept that Pell Grants must This means that even though stua quick history be relatively high be restricted or even eliminated for the dents may want to receive their yearly lesson. for them, but for summer semester. Pell Grants are allowances for the summer semester, society it ends up While it may hurt a few students, the federal awards of if the administration decides that the being a net-posipotential of increasing the number of majority of the student population $5,550 per year grants given offsets the cost of eliminat- tive result. would benefit from Pell Grant funds that do not have This is not to ing summer grant support. in the Fall or next Spring, that is to be repaid like say that people And let us be honest, more people when the funds will be released. other student shouldn’t take will need more Pell Grants than before. Now, I realize that often the adloans. splashlife.com summer courses. ministration may not be as “in touch” In fact, Pell The economic recession we continue Pell Grants have been a source of contingency Grants aren’t loans with the student body as we would Nor is this to say that to face will reduce parents’ abilities to among politicians, students and academic in- at all. It’s basically like, but that’s what SGA is all about. students should not fund their children’s college education stitutions. They provide funding to students like free money. If enough students voice their be receiving governand will consequently increase young based on income. dislike of the hostage-holding of Pell The only catch ment funding during adults’ financial burdens. Grants for the summer semester, I’m is that in order to summer. More than ever, Pell Grants will be sure their voices will be heard echoqualify for the grants, you must be This is to say that the economic situnecessary to fund the education of enrolled as a full- or part-time student ing in Meisler Hall. ation must improve and the budget balthose desiring to go to college in this If not, well, at least you tried. Just and come from a lower-income anced before we consider opening up country. rest easy in the knowledge that you household. summer applications for Pell Grants. While there is some merit to letting will get your money at some point This factor is easily determined To do otherwise is to tempt the fate this fiscal year. It’s all in the regulathrough the FAFSA form. Currently students use grants for summer semestion book. there has been some worry over the of politics in general. ters, it does not balance out against the potential halt of distribution of funds potential cost for those who are not for the summer semester. receiving Pell Grants. own stress. the other side but it could crack at any time. beach and be at peace? Technology never Work is a common source of grief. It is People bring the stress upon themselves of gives us isolation or reflection from stress. when something that was fun becomes a trying to repair every crack. Look around at Gulf Shores at all the Cassie Fambro chore that I feel the tension in my shoulders Many would volunteer that vacation is the people holding a Nook or their BlackBerry. Editor-in-Chief and the weight of my eyelids. solution to stress. Summer is somewhat of a At the bar, people aren’t talking to each I am looking at my last year of college joke to me. I know that some lucky folks are other, they’re texting people who aren’t even SMOKE ON THE with a great deal of dread because school actually out living the Corona dream on a there. isn’t fun anymore. It’s just another obstacle beach with nothing but waves to lull the soul In class, Facebook is more important than WATER that I have to hurdle to get to my goal. The to peace. the textbook. We can’t escape it; it’s become fun comes from outside of the obligation. Most of us aren’t. The reality is that most part of the order of things. For most, work, family and school become of us are doing what we do the rest of the When we’re shy, we don’t develop the E v e r y obligations. I look with a jaded eye on so year. Fulfilling obligations at work, home skills to learn how to deal with it because we once in a many people getting engaged. and everywhere else. fake a call. We don’t have to be annoyed by while, we From where I stand, college is a time of This brings me to the idea that the walls people with differing political views because encounter someone or something that takes great change and often to a degree that none we create and don’t destroy come from nev- we can hide them from our news-feeds. a great deal of our energy and even though of us expect. er having a break to see how tall they are. Avoiding tough situations has led us to we know it’s wasted, we keep fighting it. When you marry someone at this stage in We don’t really get a break to stop and look fail at compromise. So what’s the answer? A brick wall is built up and we ourselves your life, you’re pinning a caterpillar down at ourselves. Where is the solution to finding peace? don’t want to knock it down, because we before it’s grown its wings. Things come to us in some kind of order Sorry, you’ll have to figure that one out on built it. The hardest things to destroy are Looking at the divorce rate in America, and we go with it because it’s what we are your own. those that we create. looks like lots of folks grow up and fly away. supposed to do. You work, you make money, You can though, make the choice to put In reality, most of us face a great deal of Their spouse becomes an obligation, even a you pay bills. You date, you commit, you the phone down, tell someone no, and agree stress. Society places ambiguous levels of liability. What was, is no longer what is. get married. You go to school, memorize to disagree. It’s a start to dismantling those importance on different kinds of stress, but Trying to force someone to be how you things, take tests, and do it all over again walls that keep us from peace. everyone faces it nonetheless. The difficult want them to be is building a kind of wall forty times. thing to face is the fact that we create our that’s made of opaque glass. You can’t see At what point do we get to sit on that
Break Down The Walls
10
June 6, 2011
Jayson Curry Sports Editor
CURRY’S CORNER
Would NCAA Stop Yard Sales?
After watching the downfall of Jim Tressel and Ohio State University I couldn’t help but think about where the NCAA draws the line on players making money. In the case of Ohio State, the investigation and punishment started during December of 2010 when it came to light that five players had sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos. Those five players are now suspended for the first five games of the football season. Of course Jim Tressel is in much warmer waters after attempting to cover up the allegations made against his players, but still where do you draw the line? Last season Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green sold an autographed bowl game jersey for cash and he was also suspended for the first few games of this past college football season. But why? Wasn’t the jersey his? Yes it was. Did the school pay him outside of his scholarship? No they didn’t. So why and how can you punish him? When you factor in all of the time a college football player puts in to his sport you don’t have much time left for anything, not even class. It doesn’t stop at football because any college athlete spends the majority of their time working out or traveling. So with so little time left after school and sports you can’t expect these athletes to hold a decent job. These athletes want to be able to buy things and do things. They want to be able to go out to eat and go to the movies and live the “normal” life of a college student. But with less opportunity to make money outside of a scholarship what are these players to do? If I was in their shoes I would do the same thing they have begun to do, which is sell my old jerseys or any other memorabilia. It seems like such a harmless thing. They are not taking money from the school outside of your scholarship and their not taking money from boosters. These athletes are selling things that belong to them. Would these players be suspended for selling their own shirt that they bought with their own money? What if they had a yard sale? Would there be an investigation into how much money a player made off that? And the need for money is even bigger for some college athletes when they have kids. How do you expect someone to support a family when the only money they have is a scholarship? You can’t allow your kid to live in a college dorm that the school pays for and you can’t take your family and let them eat off of your free meal plan provided by the school. These rules need to be changed. Let these players sell their own property if they want to. Maybe if you do that these coaches and schools will stop having to pay the players themselves. Follow The Vanguard Sports Section on Twitter
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Vanguard Jayson Curry, Sports Editor sports.editor@usavanguard.com
www.usavanguard.com/sports
Kittrell era ends with emotional ceremony By Matt Weaver SENIOR REPORTER
Eddie Stanky Field on the campus of the University of South Alabama couldn’t have been any more scenic than on the afternoon of May 22. It was here on that day that a legend waved goodbye and gave his final farewells. I’m sure we have not yet seen the last of now former baseball head coach Steve Kittell. But it’s definitely the last time we’ll see his legendary jersey (No. 3), the signature sunglasses and dignified class that accompanied them in the dugout of a South Alabama baseball game. It was quite the bittersweet experience and the emotion of the moment even overwhelmed the usually stoic Kittrell. “Twenty-five years go by fast,” Kittrell said. “You guys took my breath away thousands of times and I am never going to forget what you did for South Alabama -- your hard work, sweat, work ethic are tremendous. “The memories I’ve got -- I can’t tell you. I could write a book about them, but I can tell you this, you are the lifeblood of South AlaMatt Weaver | Senior Reporter bama. This is what you built.” From the fans and supporters of South AlaSteve Kittrell has retired after 28 seasons as head coach of South Alabama's baseball program. He bama baseball, we’re proud to have had you, leaves with a 1022-616-1 record. coach. Godspeed.
Jags Recruiting Strategies Paying Off Players Must Fit All Three Of Jones’ Key Areas Or They Move On
secondary,” John said. “The offensive line will also need to add some depth.” The football team will look to sign around 15 to 20 players on scholarship in this class depending on injuries and other factors. With the continued efforts of Coach Jones and his assistants the recruiting classes will steadily rise in talent to allow the Jags to have success with its future D-1 opponents.
By Jayson Curry SPORTS EDITOR
As the first head coach and architect of the South Alabama football program, Joey Jones has brought in his strategy of recruiting. With the early success over the past two years his strategy has worked very well. This past season Coach Jones and his staff have brought in a class that could turn out to be his best. According to Jones, players like Maliki Harris, who is a freshman outside linebacker, and Robert Terrell, blocking fullback, will see increased playing time this year. Another player who looks to get immediate playing time will be Demetre Baker who has already made an impact on USA sports with the track and field team. “We get players that are the best in all three of our key areas.” Jones said,” We want a good student, we want players who are athletic specific to their position and we want high character players.” “If the player doesn’t fit in all of these categories we move on.” As the Jaguar football team gets closer to being a full time division-1 football program, the coaching staff will be competing against other D-1 schools for recruits. This past recruiting class Coach Jones and his staff beat out teams like Kentucky and Southern Miss for the signatures of players. As far as this season and what to
The University of South Alabama Baldwin County Alumni Chapter presents “Meet the Coaches”
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South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones.
expect from the coaching staff and recruiting, Coach Jones said the main places the Jags will look to get most of it’s players from are New Orleans, Baton Rouge, South Mississippi, from Georgia and the Florida panhandle. “We will look to find players for our
On Thursday, Jun. 16 from 5:30 8:00 p.m., the Blue Gill Restaurant on the Causeway will have a meet and greet with three of the University of South Alabama’s most influential athletic head coaches. Meet Head Basketball Coach Ronnie Arrow, Head Baseball Coach Mark Calvi and Head Football Coach Joey Jones who will give the attending group an update on plans for the upcoming season. The evening will also include a seafood buffet, live music, silent auction, and meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the coaches. Proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Alumni Chapter Scholarship The event is sponsored by WindCreek Casino & Hotels. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 day of event.
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Sports Briefs
Ryan Franklin
Track and Field Ends NCAA Prelims With Valiant Effort
Sports Columnist
FROM THE PERIMETER
Wild Ride to Basketball Finals What if someone told you at the beginning of the 2010-11 NBA season that the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers would get swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks? Or that a young eight seeded Memphis Grizzlies team would take out the experienced veteran San Antonio Spurs in the first round. Many people’s first impression would be to give them a blank stare or laugh in their face. Well not only did those events happen, but there were plenty more surprises in store in the playoffs this spring. Unpredictable is not even the word to describe what happened during this year’s postseason. There was so much that’s happened that it is difficult to find a good starting point. So let us start with quite possibly the biggest story of the year, the Miami Heat after all the flash, glitz and glamor actually made it to the NBA finals. Something they said they would definitely accomplish at the beginning of the season. They are facing the red hot Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of the 2006 Finals and what a coincidence that is. No one saw this match up coming, the majority of pundits were counting both the Mavs and the Heat out. But Dirk Nowitszi has waited five long years to get his revenge against the Heat for ruining his chances at anNBA title. But Dwayne Wade looks to crush his dreams yet again with the help his new found company Lebron James and Chris Bosh. Speaking of Dirk he even managed to accumulate a new nick name due to his extremely impressive performance throughout this year’s postseason. Courtesy of the one and only Charles Barkley, Dirk’s new name is the “White Mamba.” Wade on the other hand got vilified by the Chicago Bulls Taj Gibson and lost the first game in the Eastern Conference finals. It must have enraged him and his team, because the Heat went on a tear and won four straight games to clinch a spot in the Finals. Even the League’s MVP Derrick Rose looked helpless and could not make a difference in the series. The Mavs took a similar route when they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals. The Mavs gave the Thunder a beating in game 1,but lost the second. After that they quickly took control and went on to win three straight to secure their place in the NBA finals. With that said, both the Mavs and the Heat are going into the finals with a strong sense of confidence. They both have something to prove. It should be an entertaining and interesting NBA finals. Do you think the “White Mamba” will lead his team to victory or will the new Big 3 reign supreme?
June 6, 2011
greenascot.com Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire captivated baseball fans in 1998 with their historic chase of Roger Maris' single-season homerun record. Both would pass Maris in September 1998.
Steroid Era Also Provided Benefit for Major Leagues By Alex Wiles
SPORTS COLUMNIST
The Major League Baseball seasons of the 1990s and early 2000s will always be remembered as the “Steroid Era.” Beginning in the late 90s, reports began to surface that several players were using anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). While the time brought a new wave of excitement to America’s oldest sport, most baseball fans frown upon the Steroid Era as one of sports lowest points. Steroids not only corrupted what was once America’s favorite past time, but also destroyed the less attractive fundamentals of the game – fielding, base running, and strategies of “small ball.” Instead, baseball became oriented around which team could score the most runs off of huge blasts. In 2000, when steroid use was still rampant, there was a total of 5,693 HR, an absurd amount when compared to the 20% decrease to a total of 4,655 HR in the PED-regulated 2009 season. With so much negativity centered on the era, it seems necessary to remind those who have lost faith in baseball that there were still positive aspects during steroid’s reign. The point is not to argue that steroids were beneficial to baseball, and this certainly does not endorse the removal of MLB’s wellness policy. If you look at a couple of bright spots from the “steroid era” they are some of the most memorable for many fans. Perhaps the most memorable event took place in the summer of 1998, during the McGwire vs. Sosa homerun race. The mainstream became enthralled with baseball that summer, as even McDonald’s sold McGwire and Sosa action
figures. Baseball historians gave the epic homerun race credit for saving baseball after the 1994 season was cut short after a labor strike. When discussing the steroid era, no one will forget the name Barry Bonds as he provided yearlong storylines when breaking McGwire’s record (70 HR) in 2001 and controversially surpassing Hank Aaron as the Homerun King in 2007 with a total of 762 career HR. These events were intertwined with the illegal use of PEDs, but there’s no doubt that the increased homeruns played a large role in ushering in a new generation of fans. Although McGwire and Bonds have admitted to steroid use, there were several achievements not linked with steroids such as the Yankee Dynasty (1996-2001) winning 4 World Series, the unprecedented run of 14 consecutive division titles for the Braves from 91-05, and the Hall of Fame play of drug-free superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Cal Ripken Jr. Do some wish steroids would have never found a way into baseball? Of course; but unlike the status quo, let us find the bright spots of our childhood baseball memories, instead of shunning the entire period as a disgrace to the game. It is time for us all to accept what happened, realize that baseball was not ruined, and most importantly, enjoy what today’s drug-free game can offer. The MLB has entered a second “Dead Ball Era,” saturated with perfect games and no-hitters. So while low scores and solid defense may not draw the huge crowds that the longball did, true fans can leave the steroid era behind and take in the new moments that will enter baseball folklore.
Three University of South Alabama track and field athletes ended their seasons Saturday in the last day of competition at the East Region of the NCAA Championships held at Indiana University’s Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex. Anton Graphenreed advanced past the first round of the men’s 200-meter dash Friday with a time of 21.22 seconds and finished 17th in semifinals, clocking in at 21.48 seconds. Joey Torres advanced to the finals in the men’s discus throw Saturday, but came up just short of the top 12 finish needed to advance the Jag junior to the NCAA Championships. Torres’ best mark came on his third attempt in the qualifying round with a distance of 54.02m (177-02) just 0.25m behind Auburn’s Marcus Popenfoose who finished in 12th and advanced to the finals. Demetre Baker – also competing in the discus - finished 34th in the qualifying round with his best throw coming on his last attempt - a mark of 49.19m (161-05). Lindsay Schwartz - who bypassed the preliminary rounds - will compete next weekend in the first round of the women’s heptathlon at the NCAA Championships, held in Des Moines, Iowa. Baseball’s Season Ends at SBC Tournament Against Arkansas State Arkansas State scored 11 runs in the first three innings and held on to knock off University of South Alabama baseball 12-9 in day four of the Sun Belt Conference Championship at Warhawk Field. Arkansas State took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Michael Faulkner scored on an RBI groundout off the bat of Zach Maggio. But South Alabama answered with a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single to center by Jake Overstreet that scored Taylor White, who reached on a leadoff single. Then in the top of the second inning, ASU opened up a 5-1 lead when they scored four runs on five hits and never looked back. Brock, Cooks will not return for 2011-12 Men’s Basketball Season The University of South Alabama has announced that Allyn Cooks and Martino Brock will leave the men’s basketball program and transfer to another institution. Cooks, a rising senior from Bryan, Texas, and Brock, a rising junior from Memphis, Tenn., both finished the spring semester academically eligible. “Both Allyn and Martino indicated at the end of the season that they wanted to transfer and play for another university,” said USA head coach Ronnie Arrow. “We wish them well in the future.” -Wire Reports
12 June 6, 2011
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