July Issue of The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 51, NO. 2

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

JULY 9, 2012

Parking services fine policy to change

USA tuition to rise 7.7 percent

INSIDE

Trustees voted for the increase to compensate for reduction in state funding

COURTESY OF CJ BENNET

Those with over $100 in fines will not be able to register

► Editorial: Alta Pointe let USA patients down by discontinuing residency to provide psychiatric services.

By JAYSON CURRY

See Opinion, page 8.

jayson-curry@hotmail.com

► Life Spotlight: Plan your beach

B

y the start of the summer semester 2013 at the University of South Alabama, Derek Christian any student Parking Services with $100 or more in parking fees will not be able to register for classes. This news comes from USA parking services and USAPD Deputy Chief Derek Christian who want to make all students on campus aware of the change before it happens so no one is caught off guard.

“The changes we are talking about aren’t going to affect class registration until next summer.

This summer semester is winding down so basically a year,” Christian said. We wanted to give the students time to work on any outstanding balances in the mean time because it’s hard to come up with that amount after you have already paid for everything else and you still can’t register because the ticket balance has changed yet again.”

Currently the limit for parking fees you are allowed to have before you register stands at $250.

“The larger picture is we want to help everybody get to a zero balance per semester. We want you to be able to get your balance down to zero before you register,”

trip in advance and you’ll have a better time.

See Life, page 5.

CASSIE FAMBRO | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Fresh Foods Co., new residence halls, Moulton Tower, Shelby Hall and the campus portals are all sources of questions in regards to USA finances.

By CASSIE FAMBRO editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

T

hose shelling out the dough for college clutched their wallets in defeat as the USA Board of Trustees (BOT) voted to raise tuition 7.7 percent for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The increased financial burden stems from an over 30 percent reduction in state funding since 2007-2008. In 2007, USA received $139.7 million from the state. For 2012-2013, USA will take in only $98.3 million , according to Public Relations Director Keith Ayers. With a difference of almost $42 million in funding, the cost pendulum has shifted from the state to the student.

USA used to be considered a “statefunded” university, with the majority of its income received from the state. Since the recession began, it has become a “state-assisted” university, since the state simply does not have the money to be the primary source of income.

Every university in Alabama has raised tuition within the last four years, according to each university’s websites.

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s net payment estimator makes cost comparison easy between Alabama institutions, and the results are that USA is still the lowest institution to

Comparative tuition costs in Alabama

U A A U T r o U y A U B S A

Tuition has gone up roughly 30 percent total in 3 years

•

USA still has the lowest tuition in Alabama

•

USA Faculty received no continual raises

•

In five years, USA has lost approximately $190 million in state funding

AARON ETHEREDGE | STAFF ILLUSTRATION

attend. The University of Alabama is on average $870 less in tuition per year instate.

In 2011-2012, Auburn clocked in at $8,698 a year in tuition, while Alabama hit $9,330. Troy leveled at $7,990 and Jackson State cost an average of $7,650.

USA came in at $7,380, beating all academically competitive institutions. For 2012-2013, tuition and fees will increase from $7,380 to $7,950, a difference of $570. “The cost of education is not a fixed cost,” Ayers told The Vanguard.

“The erosion and function of state

support is draconian,” Ayers said, echoing President Moulton’s statement at the BOT meeting. Many students question what tuition pays for, pointing to buildings and landscaping as drains for their hard-earned dollars.

Not so, says Ayers. Tuition pays for the basic education process, which is composed of 80 percent salaries of faculty and staff. BOT is not paid. Fees go to designated entities, athletics to athletics, computer lab fees to lab upkeep and so on and so forth.

Another question reiterated by stuSee Tuition Tuition, Page 2

See Parking Parking, Page 10

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

•

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

► Sports: Check out our new

Left of Center section for information on the Jags NCAA video game news.

See Sports, page 9.

Airbus chooses Mobile

By KALYN MCCLELLAN kbm1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu

B

ig news came last week for Mobile’s job market. Airbus President Fabrice Bregier announced last Monday during a news conference that the company plans to build a $600 million aircraft assembly plant at the Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile. The facility will employ 1,000 workers, which is good news for the local economy.

“The city known for ‘perpetual potential’ is about to become the city of perpetual motion. The Airbus project is nothing short of transformational, with broad ramifications for local government, schools, real estate and the Port of Mobile,” according to an article posted July 4 on al.com.

This announcement also means See Airbus Airbus, Page 2

In this Issue: Life, Page 4 Opinion, Page 7 Sports, Page 9

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VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

Campus Gripes ►

The amount of people complaining about parking.

The entire campus is only 1 mile across. I’m so sorry you have to walk an entire 500 feet from your car to class.

-Tyler Williams

►

Campus Alert mass messaging system needs to be mandatory and integrated into every student’s phone when they sign up--just as you have to have your JAG card, etc.

“Liking” a facebook page is not enough. Students can unlike the page, never like the page at all--then how will they get updates?

No reason that this shouldn’t already have been done--sirens you can’t always be around to hear. If you make it mandatory for every student, we know every student has a phone, and that will ensure most if not EVERY student is notified when/if an alert is issued.

-Micah Caffey

►

►

Parking zones and tickets!

If I have a central parking pass and its pouring down raining, I have to decide whether I want to get a parking ticket, walk across campus in the rain or just not. go to class at all!

-Kaitlyn Williamson Why is there not a bathroom attendant in every restroom on campus? I can’t believe my tuition doesn’t pay for me being offered a mint or vial of cologne when I leave a restroom!

-JT Crabtree

Want your Campus Gripe featured in the next issue? Add us on Facebook and leave a comment when we ask for our next issue! Search “The Vanguard USA”!

Tuition goes up again

SGA Presidential Address

Continued from Page 1

USA, dents is that if alumni can buy a bell tower and other projects, why can’t they support students?

In fact, they do, says Ayers. Alumni contributions make up the majority of the general scholarship fund.

A lot of their giving is “invisible” but our scholarship program is one of the most generous in the state, according to Ayers.

Pointing to Shelby Hall, Ayers explained that it was paid for by a direct federal appropriation in a cause led by Senator Shelby.

The $42 million for the building did not come from tuition or state funding.

The project was a culmination of a decade of work with the University and the federal government.

When asked about public perception of the appearance and construction on campus, Ayers shed some clarity on the administration’s perspective.

“We want to give students the best possible educational experience. Should we not pursue these things because of perception? No.” In response to other buildings, Ayers expressed disdain towards the notion of students and parents believing that their dollars paid for facilities such as the Fresh Foods Company or the new residence halls.

In fact, they’re “auxiliary enterprises.”

In other words, the rent of the residence halls pays for the residence halls. A student not living in a residence hall does not contribute a dime to the residence halls.

The same goes for meal plans and the building itself. Ayers gave another example, citing USA Children and Women’s hospital.

The hospitals pay for themselves based on services received, Ayers said.

“We’re not reluctant to share how entities are funded,” Ayers responded when asked about financial transparency. State funding is made up of two main sources, income tax and sales tax. With people out of work, income tax suffers.

If people are out of work, sales tax will suffer because people are not able to buy things.

President Moulton told The Vanguard that “the recession of the last five years has had a devastating effect on state funding for higher education, as the sharp drop in tax revenues has shifted a greater proportion of the educational cost from the state to parents and students.”

Moulton stated that “no one wants to raise tuition.”

Acknowledging that he understands times are challenging, he maintained that

Over the past two months your University of South Alabama SGA has been hard at work. The Senate just finished the summer round of appropriations, and are finishing up a majority of their duties this summer.

Senate, has also approved 3 Senate projects so far this summer and are working to find other necessities around campus.

The Executive board, along with the governmental affairs committee, have been in close relations with the Higher Education Partnership in an attempt to keep the federal funding to the university as high as possible. A meeting with Happy Fulford and President Moulton gave way to some great implications for this fall’s governmental affairs committee. So be looking forward to some informational events in the fall..

I am happy to say that the revised lowdown is now being implicated courtesy of SGA Vice President Colman Wolf, and should be available some time in the next few weeks.

Also, the SGA would like to thank Dr. John Smith, Dr. Phillip Car (Faculty Senate), and Dean Wood (Dean of libraries) for their hard work and accommodation for extended library hours this fall!

SGA is already working on this years Homecoming! We hope to make it bigger than ever. Get excited!

The theme should be released in the next few weeks.

Be on the lookout for available positions in conjunction with SGA starting this fall. We will have the new Freshman Leadership Council , Freshman at Large, Transfer at Large, as well as non senate committees that are available for you to get involved with.

The SGA hopes you are enjoying your ummer, and can’t wait for the fall. Go Jags!

-Parker S. Chastain SGA President

New Library Hours Sunday: from 1:00 p.m. until midnight Monday - Thursday: from 7:45 a.m. until midnight Friday: from 7:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

sacrificing the quality of USA was unacceptable.

“USA’s faculty, staff, and administration have worked together diligently to cut costs and do everything possible to ensure that USA remains one of Alabama’s best educational values when considering both cost and quality.”

Ayers takes the message one step further, calling USA “unequivocally the best value in Alabama.” Sophomore communications student says people should step back when expressing their feelings against a tuition hike.

Airbus Continued from Page 1

great opportunities for University of South Alabama students.

The Airbus news means that more USA engineering students will have the choice to stay in Mobile after graduation and work with a local company.

In an interview, John Steadman, Dean of USA’s College of Engineering said, “For students, there will be plenty of chances for cooperative education allowing students to get experience at Airbus while in school.

The high visibility of Airbus and establishment of larger mechanical and electrical engineering presence in

“Don’t get mad at the University. Get mad at the national, state and local leaders that we elect.” SGA Senator Stephen Purnell says students need to be proactive. “Higher Education Day is important.

We go there to remind them that there are faces behind the numbers, and that we are the future of Alabama and the United States.”

Still, many students such as Kayla Hawes are incensed. “This is crazy,” Hawes posted on The Vanguard’s Facebook page.

With the increased cost of tuition and general increases in the cost of education, the average USA student graduates with approximately $25,000 in loans, which averages out to a payment of $265 a month for 10 years according to Public Relations.

Parents, students and those concerned about education cuts are encouraged by administration as well as the student government to call and mail letters to the state legislature.

For a breakdown on how to pay for the cost of attendance, visit southalabama.edu/moneyforcollege.

Mobile allows us to both attract highachieving students and gives us an opportunity for our faculty to do cuttingedge research with Airbus.”

David Beverly, long-time resident of Mobile is also optimistic about Airbus’ announcement. “Over the past decade, I have seen the economy in Mobile decline, causing many residents to move to other cities in search of work,” Beverly said.

Beverly has witnessed firsthand the effects of a faltering economy, having lost his job of 20-plus years after the closing of Courtaulds Fibers in 2002.

Fortunately, he was able to stay in Mobile, finding employment locally.

Mobile leaders and residents are celebrating the announcement and antici-

pating the start of construction which begins next year. When complete in 2015, the Airbus plant in will manufacture A320 aircraft, a high-demand aircraft in the aeronautics industry.

SKYHIGHHOBBY.COM

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VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

PAGE three

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

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

Cassie Fambro Aaron Etheredge Jake Howell Noah Logan Patrick Herring JT Crabtree Jayson Curry Naquita Hunter

Weather for July 9 - July 14

Distribution Distribution Johnny Davis Manager

Advertising Advertising Wesley Jackson Manager Advertising Mark Crawford II Graphic Designer Rex McKay

Management Advising James Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surroun ding areas.

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

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688.

Or editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication.

Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number.

All submissions become the property of The Vanguard.

The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer.

The Staff Editorial represents

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Managing Editor, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor.

All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings.

The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications.

To report a mistake, 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 offcampus locations.

The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each.

See something suspicious? Report it to USA’s Police Department and help make a difference!

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

USAPD: 460-6312

06/05/2012 The Grove Parking Lot 10:22 a.m.

Duty upon striking unattended vehicle

06/14/2012 Life Sciences Parking Lot 8:27 p.m.

Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle

06/09/2012 The Grove Parking Lot 12:35 a.m.

Theft of property third degree ($500 or less)

06/16/2012 5950 Old Sell Rd. (Mitchell Center) 2:10 p.m.

Domestic incident

06/10/2012 Common Area 2:30 p.m.

Harassment

06/18/2012 Mitchell College of Business 8:34 a.m.

Burglary third degree

06/11/2012 Mobile, Alabama 6:26 p.m.

Domestic violence third degree

06/19/2012 6351 Tonsmeire Dr. 3:03 p.m.

Theft of property third degree

06/23/2012 Stadium Blvd.

3:20 a.m.

Possession of Marijuana first class, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit.

jagLIFE

4

JAKE HOWELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR life.editor@usavanguard.com VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY. 9, 2012

Celebrating freedom with a bang Semmes community celebrates Independence Day early with Celebrate Freedom event

By JAKE HOWELL life.editor@usavanguard.com

O

n July 3, thousands of people flocked to the campus of Mary G. Montgomery High School (MGM) in Semmes, Ala for Celebrate Freedom.

The event, which began in 2007, was organized and sponsored by Orchard Assembly of God and many other local organizations and churches.

Despite the threat of rain and ominous thunderclouds in the distance, the Celebrate Freedom event went off without a hitch, attracting families from across the area with its promise of family friendly entertainment.

Students, including several from the University of South Alabama, were a major workforce at the event while others volunteered from local churches and organizations.

When asked about the event, Brittany Hamilton, a senior elementary education major volunteering with Forest Hill Church of God, said, “It was a good outreach event for the community. I enjoyed the variety of things that were there for all age groups.”

As Hamilton mentioned, there were activities for every age group imaginable.

Kids of all ages raced through the Kids Zone at the event, bounding from inflatable bouncy castles to a mobile petting zoo featuring goats, ducks, and a cow or two.

The inflatables were due to be closed down before the live entertainment started at 7 p.m.

The children and parents alike took issue with this, prompting event officials to reopen the attractions for an extra hour.

In addition to the inflatable castles, which afforded many parents with abundant photo opportunities, the kids were also treated to a rather interesting puppet show.

Hope Puppet Ministries, an outreach group from Rainsville First Baptist Church in Rainsville, Ala, were on site in the Kids Zone to get the kids, and some attending police officers, to dance to popular songs rewritten from a Christian perspective.

The puppet show included numbers like “Born Again” a rewrite of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” with

PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN RUSSELL

Keith Moody is touring across the country promoting “Dreaming Out Loud.”

Keith Moody rocks The Blind Mule PHOTO COURTESY OF COLE PRUITT

A professional fireworks display followed the conert with an uproarious bang, complete with blinding flashes of color and an fitting grand finale to Celebrate Freedom

a puppet that bore an incredible likeness to the pop star performing the song.

Parents who weren’t necessarily captivated by the petting zoo or puppet show were able to peruse various arts and crafts booths.

There was also an antique car show filled with an eclectic mix of vehicles driven in from around the community.

The main draw of the event, though, was the live entertainment.

A stage was set up in the middle of the MGM football field where the bands Cross Country and 4-Him performed.

After Cross Country warmed the crowd up with covers of classic country hits like “Wave on Wave” former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore spoke.

Moore spoke on, as the event’s name would suggest, the importance of freedom.

“We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Moore said, quoting the Declaration of Independence, as he began speaking of the freedom imparted by the founding fathers.

Moore then transitioned to calling attention to the “true freedom through Jesus Christ” that is avail-

able to everyone, even those in places where governmental freedoms are few and far between.

As Moore ended his address, event officials welcomed 4-Him, a popular Christian band native to Alabama, for a reunion performance.

The group, which disbanded in 2006, performed several of their most popular singles including “For Future Generations”.

Before singing “For Future Generations” the band remarked how amazing of a feeling they had felt while performing the song to the “very people it was written for.”

The song, which states, “I must be a light for future generations,” echoed the need for leaders in this rapidly changing world.

A professional fireworks display followed 4-Him’s rendition of the national anthem, sparking comments of pleasant surprise from event attendees.

The fireworks burst into incredible arrays of shape and color above the MGM football field.

Even those attendees who had experienced much larger displays were impressed with the quality of the show.

This community event, which has grown from 3,500 attendees its first year to expecting more than 9,000 this year, was a resounding success that brought a community together to truly Celebrate Freedom.

By ADRIANNA MANIACI amm902@jagmail.southalabama.edu

M

usician Keith Moody performed on June 30 at The Blind Mule in downtown Mobile on tour for his latest album, “Dreaming Out Loud.”

Moody’s music, which he classifies as rock and roll, flooded the building, amplifying its engaging atmosphere.

Speaking about his latest record, Moody said, “This record is the one I think people should hear.”

With the issues the songs cover, he believes “people benefit from knowing that other people think this way.”

“We’ve all been the girl in the song.

You want to believe there’s something better,” he elaborated, speaking of his favorite track from the album, “One Big Ending,” which is about a girl wanting to escape her current life and being told it’s too late.

He says his newest record “is a metaphor to represent the long way up— chasing your dream.”

When asked if he enjoys all that he does, he immediately replied with, “I love it.” His love and devotion to his music is evident when listening to him perform and in listening the lyrics of his songs.

Though Moody has been in the music field for 14 years and has released multiple records, “Dreaming Out Loud” is the first with which he put himself in the minds of others while writing the songs.

Despite a difficult journey, Moody continues onward. Being a “little guy” in a “business controlled by money” can be challenging just to keeping going.

“Not making enough money to get home is a sickening feeling,” he admitted.

His hardest obstacle thus far, however, has been “getting people to listen.”

Moody said the best advice he has received is “be yourself.”

“No one else can be Keith Moody,” he declared.

This is most definitely the case.

Moody’s music is one of a kind, and it is not something to miss.

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VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

The “Elder Scrolls Online” is heralded by the “Dawnguard” expansion pack

By BAILEY HAMMOND blh803@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

F

ans of The Elder Scrolls franchise and MMO’s will soon have a few new additions to the world of Tamriel.

Bethesda Softworks released an expansion pack on June 26, titled Dawnguard, for the Xbox 360 version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This new content is centered on vampires.

Already, players can fight vampires and even become one if exposure to the vampire virus if left untreated, but this expansion pack opens up new possibilities.

New monsters, new locations and new dangers have been added to spark the imagination of those already addicted to the game as it is.

Since its release, Dawnguard has garnered mixed reactions from gamers and game reviewers alike.

Some seem to like the DLC and others hail it as merely more of the same with the added bonus of a different form, i.e. the Vampire Lord.

According to Jason Schreier of Kotaku.com, “If I had to summarize Dawnguard in two words, it would be this: more Skyrim.”

For some people, that’s not necessarily a bad thing and those looking for

something different but still in the same vein as Skyrim are in luck.

In addition to releasing Dawnguard, and perhaps more exciting in general, is the news that Bethesda Softworks has been working on creating an Elder Scrolls MMO in conjunction with Zenimax Online Studios.

That’s right, you read that correctly.

The already massive world of Skyrim is going fully online, and not only that, but the other regions as well. All of the different regions of Tamriel—such as Hammerfall, Morrowind, Cyrodiil—will be there for exploration.

The game is set about 1000 years before the events of Skyrim. It’s a time of unrest, and if you’re one of those players who actually stops to read the books found in-game, then you probably already have some ideas about what the storyline will be like.

There will be three factions: the Daggerfall Covenant, the Aldmeri Dominion, and the Ebonheart Pact. Players will choose one of the three and which faction you choose determines what races are available for you.

If you’re interested in reading more about the different factions, go online to gameinformer.com.

The game will be available for play in 2013 (an exact date has not been set) and can be played on both PC and Mac.

Weekly Lowdown Tuesday > July 10 •

•

Wednesday > July 11 •

life.editor@usavanguard.com

E

veryone’s favorite gun-packing, Tyler Perry character is back in theaters this summer in “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

IMDB.COM

Madea gets a “pat down” from an airport security guard enroute to New York City.

“Witness Protection” follows the normal Perry pattern for a Madea movie.

Perry’s Madea films always strive for some sort of balance between drama and the comic relief offered by Madea and her hilarious family.

In “Witness Protection,” George Needleman, played by Eugene Levy, is a wealthy Wall Street investment banker with a beautiful wife (Denise Richards), a senile mother (Doris Roberts) and two children.

Everything in Needleman’s life seems to be going right until he is unknowingly set up as the fall guy in a Ponzi scheme used to launder money for the mob.

In return for his help and testimony, Needleman and his family are placed in witness protection. Who better to protect the Needlemans than the always packing Madea?

The film tries, but never really succeeds in trying to make the audience care about the Needlemans.

The “serious” plot line of the movie, the Ponzi scheme fallout, never seems all that serious. This is especially

New Student Orientation 8 a.m. in the Mitchell Center

Saturday > July 14 •

HTTP://ELDERSCROLLSONLINE.COM/EN/

What more could a gamer want out of a fully online Elder Scrolls MMO than dragon-soul devouring, vampire viruses, and aarows to the knee?

“Madea’s Witness Protection” has its moments

By JAKE HOWELL

JagBlast and New Student Orientation 10 a.m. in the Mitchell Center Haines/Trout Book Launch Reception 4 p.m. in the Faculty Club

evident when compared with the family dynamics, complete with a mother dying of cancer, in the last Madea film, “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

The film as a whole just feels as if it was put together entirely too quickly and haphazardly. The Ponzi scheme plot line seemed to fade into the background, overpowered by the antics of Madea and her brother Joe. Not everyone, however, sees this as a bad thing,.

Lee Burley, a senior biology major, said, “I appreciate that they didn’t take time away from the humor pointless drama. It was nice to see a movie full of Madea and her insane antics.”

While the film itself feels shoddy, the acting in this installment is some of the worst of all the Madea movies.

Eugene Levy and Denise Richards alternate between incredibly wooden performances and sheer ridiculousness.

Levy in particular seems to spend the entire movie in a perpetual state of semi-panic attack.

Madea’s and Joe’s parts, however, are what saves this movie. They are as

hilarious as ever.

Madea’s first bit of screen time, which involves a carjacking attempt and her subsequent “lesson” to the would-be criminal, is fantastic.

Her reaction to learning that the Needlemans are white is explosive as she snaps to Brian, “I wanna know how the hell I’m supposed to hide five white folks. If the police come in this neighborhood they don’t even come in a white car, they send a black SUV!” This movie also offers the audience a glimpse of Madea outside of her native Georgia as she and Needleman take an entirely too short trip to New York City.

Just imagine Madea trying to make it through airport security.

If more time had been spent weaving the dramatic side of this movie into the comedic, this might have been an excellent theater experience.

Instead, the audience is left with plenty of laughs and several large loose ends that are never tied up.

All in all, however, “Witness Protection” is still worth seeing, especially to those die-hard Madea fans.

Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures: Canoe and Kayak on Perdido River $20 per student. $25 for faculty/staff/ alumni.

Saturday > July 19 •

Dive-in Movie: “The Hunger Games” 8:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center’s outdoor pool. Free popcorn and drinks.

Want your event featured?

E-mail the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under 7 words) to life.editor@usavanguard. com.

Include “Weekly Lowdown” in the subject line. E-mails must be received at least 7 days before the event.

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VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

Summer beach trips more fun with a little planning

By JAKE HOWELL life.editor@usavanguard.com

With summer in full swing, people are flocking to the Gulf Coast’s beaches in droves in search of long awaited rest, relaxation, and fun. All too often, however, a beachgoer’s fun in the sun is interrupted by things that are not exactly fun.

Even those who’ve grown up on the coast’s white sandy beaches sometimes make mistakes that make for a disastrous and wasted trip.

Here are some tips that can help ensure an unforgettable beach experience.

1. Plan ahead Spontaneous trips to the beach are one of the benefits of living near the coast, but they are often prone to being derailed by weather or surf conditions.

Tabby Perry, a junior biology major, recommends checking the surf report before gearing up for a beach outing.

“You never know if the water is going to be full of seaweed or jellyfish, or if there is a bad riptide. Swellinfo.com is a good website to try.”

Pay heed to warnings of rough surf conditions. Water is an incredibly unpredictable force of nature and, like it or not, humans are not adapted for fighting strong currents.

Riptides are one of the most danger-

ous hazards beaches have. They can pull unsuspecting swimmers far out from shore very quickly and exhaust them as they try to swim back.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website, if caught in a riptide, swimming parallel, not straight back, to the beach will enable swimmers to eventually escape the riptide’s grasp.

2. Don’t forget sun protection While a nice tan might be in high demand, it doesn’t change the fact that the sun can cause serious health damage.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ultraviolet radiation, which causes sunburn, can damage the DNA found in skin cells. It is also linked to causing skin cancers such as melanoma.

The best defense against the sun is to stay out it, which is, unfortunately, somewhat difficult to do at the beach.

In order to reduce the chance of sunburn, be sure to apply sunscreen liberally and often. Also, wearing hats and clothing when not in the water can also help to protect against UV radiation.

UV radiation can also cause eye damage as well. Wearing sunglasses that block UV radiation can help prevent damage, like cataracts and macular degeneration, which can be caused by exposure to UV

radiation.

3. Bring food and water “Every time I forget to bring food, I kick myself. The sun saps a lot of energy so bring lots of water and snacks. Watermelon and strawberries are my favorite to bring,” says Maelynn La, a senior chemistry major.

Water is a major necessity for beach trips as the sun and salt carry a dehydration risk.

Food, however, is always flexible. Depending on the beach location, there are the options of restaurants right on the sand, such as the Hangout in Gulf Shores. Picnics on the beach are a favorite of many beachgoers as well.

Be warned, however, that whatever is brought onto the beach has to be carried both onto and off of the beach.

4. Don’t harass the wildlife Something an incredible amount of people don’t realize is that, just like the Amazon rainforest, the ocean is a wild place, home to wild animals.

People often don’t associate the bottlenose dolphin, a common Gulf Coast resident, with wild animals thanks to movies and television portrayals.

These animals, however, have been known to become habituated to human and boat presence, especially if they’re fed. They are also known to attack hu-

JAKE HOWELL | JAGLIFE EDITOR

Dolphins have sharp, conical shaped teeth and powerful tail muscles, both of which can do serious damage to humans.

mans if they aren’t fed.

Another thing that people don’t realize is that it’s a federal crime to harass, which is any act that can cause injury or behavioral changes, marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Sea turtles also frequent Gulf Coast beaches in order to nest. Every species of sea turtle that occurs in the United States are considered endangered and are thus protected.

Sea turtles have extremely strong

bites that can do severe damage to extremeties like fingers.

In short, enjoy the wildlife from a distance. Don’t approach them, and, if they approach you, remain still and allow them to move along.

Be smart about planning your next trip to the beach. Take advantage of the tools and resources available in this age of technology in order to ensure that your next foray onto the white sands of the Gulf Coast is a success.

Opinion 7

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

A STAFF EDITIORIAL The Vanguard Viewpoint

Cassie Fambro > Aaron Etheredge > Noah Logan > Jake Howell > Patrick Herring >

Facebook Chatter: “Don’t Double My Rate”

EditorialBoard Editor in Chief Managing Editor Opinion Editor Life Editor Sports Editor

Alta Pointe let student patients down at USA Counseling and Testing offers services to students that are free, yet priceless.

Mental health is vastly overlooked in the college spectrum and Alta Pointe has failed USA. Sporadically, Alta Pointe rotates its residents so that they can provide psychiatric services to USA students free of charge.

In early July, it was announced that Alta Pointe residents would no longer be coming to the Counseling and Testing center on Wednesdays to see students.

While Counseling and Testing still has psychologists, the absence of residents means that prescriptions cannot be issued.

Dozens of patients were essentially abandoned with zero warning that are already on medications and now are at risk of not being maintained.

By seeing students for free, resi-

dents provided a service that many students could not get.

The uninsured could be seen, and now they can’t.

This leaves a gap in mental

health care coverage for many students that rely on the residents.

An Alta Pointe source anonymously spoke with us and told us that the 18-25 age group is crucial in the field of psychiatry and a unique demographic.

What better place to learn than a college campus?

If the cost is an issue, then instead of leaving entirely on short notice, institute a small fee.

If too many patients are an issue, institute an application process.

One of the four principles of medical ethics is beneficience. “A practitioner should act in the best

interest of the patient.”

Leaving the Counseling and Testing Services office without a valuable resource that its patients had come to rely upon is not in the best interest of the patient, nor is it ethical.

The Hippocratic Oath states “I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.”

What are you teaching the residents by having them abandon their patients, Alta Pointe?

We appreciate the time, patience and kindness of the residents.

We want them back, Alta Pointe, and dozens of students need them.

I would feel a lot better if the amount of grant/loan money the government could give out wasn't cut like it was. A lot of students wasn't able to receive summer aid because of it. -Emily Deas If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it. That includes college. -Doug Roberts We still live in a country where we have to shackle ourselves to massive debt in order to get an education. Whoop-de-doo, our debt is going to stay the same.

-Tyler Henderson With the likelihood of a better quality of life having a job you actually like rather than one you take just to pay the bills or support a family, even if it pays what you consider to be “well”, student loans are one debt I wouldn’t mind having. -Andrea Baker

Mitt Romney’s favorite shoes are flip flops, his food crow A

fter

years of partisan politics preventing the DREAM act of 2009 Noah Logan from getOpinion Editor ting anywhere, President Obama has now passed a version of his own.

According to the AP, this bill will give around 800,000 people a more sure and direct way to achieve full citizenship through higher education or two years of military service.

These people are not guaranteed the citizenship yet but the fear of being deported is gone and I’m sure they won’t be complaining.

As expected, the Romney campaign immediately came out firing at President Obama, calling the act an election year ploy to win the Hispanic vote that will most likely keep

Romney out of office. Back in the early days of the GOP nomination battle, Mitt Romney attacked Texas Governor Rick Perry for supporting a part of the DREAM act that would allow children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition of the state that they live in. “It shouldn’t be allowed,” Romney stated. “It makes no sense at all.” So there we have an example of Romney clearly stating that children of illegal immigrants should not have the same academic opportunity as their fellow classmates. That was in September of 2011.

In December of 2011. Mitt Romney claims if he is elected, he will veto the DREAM act if elected president. So four months later, he is still on the same stance, which might be a personal best for Romney. We do, however, see him support citizenship through military service. “ I am delighted with the idea that people who come to this country and wish

to serve in the military can be given a path to become permanent residents in this country. Those who serve in our military and fulfill those requirements, I respect and acknowledge that path.”

Jumping to June 17, Mitt Romney appeared on CBS News “Face of the Nation.” In an interview with Bob Schiefferr, Romney was asked three times if we would veto this bill or allow it. Three times Romney avoided the question.

Schieffer: “I think you said that this is just a short-term solution to a long-term problem. But would you repeal this order if you became President?”

Romney: “Well, let’s step back and look at the issue. I mean first of all, we have to secure the border, we need to have an employment verification system, to make sure that those that are working in this country are here legally. And then, with regards to the kids who were

brought in by their parents through no fault of their own, there needs to be a long-term solution so they know that their status is...”

Schieffer: “I won’t keep on about this but just to make sure I understand, would you leave this in place while you worked out a long-term solution or would you just repeal it?”

Romney: “We’ll look at that setting as we reach it...”

Even though this bill would give the same protection through higher education as the DREAM act of 2010 would, Romney doesn’t want to come out and say if he would repeal it or not.

Last but not least, look at Mitt Romney’s interview with conservative news source Newsmax.com on Friday, June 29th. “ For those that are here as the children of those who came here illegally, I want to make sure they have a permanent answer to what their status will be,”

“And I’ve indicated in my view that those who serve in the military and get advanced degrees would certainly qualify for that kind of permanent status.” Okay, so now Romney does support protecting children of illegal immigrants with higher education. I don’t know what else to call this except for a full flop on this stance.

The Romney Campaign will surely release a statement clarifying what Romney “actually meant” but that will not stop CNN, MSNBC, and other news sources from criticizing his already horrible reputation as a flip-flopper. Romney appears to think political stances are “rent to own” and he can’t decide on one that he likes. For me, I am awaiting anxiously for the July, August, and October version of Romney to clarify on what he actually wants the American voters to think he stands for.

8

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

Children of Syria should be Good job, Mr. Roberts saved, not forgotten

By COLIN AL-GREENE calgreene@comcast.net

Sixteen months into the anti-regime rebellion in Syria, the world is at a loss over Mohammad how to end Ammar Al-Zarrad Advertising Assist. the bloodbath unleashed by the dictator Bashar Al-Assad.

Since the beginning of the Syrian uprising, brutal repression practices by the security forces under President Bashar Al-Assad’s authority have been utilized in stopping the uprising.

The number of casualties in the protests, according to National Organization for Human Rights in Syria, is 18,236.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that over 599 Syrian children have been killed. Another 400 children have been reportedly arrested and tortured in Syrian

prisons.

The United Nation Human Rights Council has reported that children have suffered serious violations and that Syrian State forces have shown little or no recognition of the rights of children in the actions taken to quell dissent.

The detention and torture of a group of children accused of painting anti-government graffiti on public buildings in the city of Deraa in March 2011, was a critical factor behind the spread of protests countrywide.

Today, the situation on the ground is dangerously and quickly deteriorating, children rights violations are occurring across the country on an alarming scale during military operations against locations believed to be hosting protests.

On May 25, 2012 a new massacre took place in the Syrian area of Al Houla after the town saw many anti-government protests.

According to the United Nations, 108 people were killed,

including 34 women and 49 children.

Those children were executed from close quarter distances using knives by Al-Assad military (Shabiha).

Despite repeated calls for an end to the violence in Syria, children continue to suffer as a result of the crisis.

The free nations around the world have the responsibility to protect Syrian children from the ongoing violence and to help them regain a sense of normalcy.

Given that Syrian regime have failed to comply with the peace plan of the United Nations special envoy to Syria Mr. Kofi Annan, and the United Nation Security Council has condemned the massacre of Al Houla.

It became urgent for the free nations around the world to take serious action to protect Syrian children from the killing machine of Al-Assad regime.

Y

ou always hear that it is rude to talk about money. It is offensive to talk about religion. You always hear that it is not polite to talk about politics. Well, in this column, all bets are off. In this first issue, we will talk about “Obamacare.”

In the June 28 decision of The National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling that both confused and angered many people. Before we delve into the decision, let us take a moment to go back to the beginning of the story. In March of 2010, President Obama signed the controversial Health Care Bill into law. Its official name was the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but, it is more commonly known as Obamacare.

The charges against the Obama Administration were varied.

“They’ll kill Grandma! The Death Panels, Dear God, the Death Panels! It’s Communism!” Some complaints were a bit more reasonable.

Many were concerned that the Act would make it difficult for doctors to stay in business. Why should I have to help pay for other people’s

Conservative doctor supports PPACA

By ANDREW SCHNEIDER editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

J

une 28 will be one of those days in our nation’s history I’ll never forget. I was working at the hospital that day, sitting at my computer, incessantly clicking the refresh button on my browser waiting for Google news to update me on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or “ObamaCare.”

After some tense moments and an incorrect report by CNN regarding the decision, I finally heard the news at about 9:30.

The Supreme Court upheld the mandate; exactly the decision I was hoping for.

Yes, you read that correctly, I support the decision by the Supreme Court. Actually, the individual mandate is about the only thing from the PPACA that I do find appealing. In fact, if I had things my way, the tax

penalty for not purchasing insurance would be much higher than its current limit.

While many of my conservative colleagues will spend the coming months griping that our rights are being taken away, a few of us will still remember that this decision is essentially a win for conservatives. After all, the individual mandate was originally “our” idea.

In 1989, the Heritage Foundation, a strongly conservative think tank, made public a piece entitled, Assuring Affordable Health Care for All Americans.

This document was published to provide an alternative to the democrats’ plan of employer based mandates and a single payer system. It reads: If a young man wrecks his Porsche and has not had the foresight to obtain insurance, we may commiserate but society feels no obligation to repair his car. But health care is different.

If a man is struck down by a heart attack in the street, Americans will care for him whether or not he has insurance. If we find that he has spent his money on other things rather than insurance, we may be angry but we will not deny him services - even if that means more prudent citizens end up paying the tab.

A mandate on individuals recognizes this implicit contract. Society does feel a moral obligation to insure that its citizens do not suffer from the unavailability of health care.

But on the other hand, each household has the obligation, to the extent it is able, to avoid placing demands on society by protecting itself.

As I read the arguments presented by the Heritage Foundation, I can’t help but agree with what they have to say. Ironically, neither could Mitt Romney when creating the Massachusetts plan.

Even Newt Gingrich supported individual mandates in the 1990s.

To conclude, I would prefer a national system based on private health savings accounts (HSAs) similar to Singapore’s (rated sixth in the world) and I do believe an intact PPACA will one day lead to a single payer system, which no conservative wants.

It’s also my hope that the PPACA will be dismantled entirely for reasons such as a lack of cost controls, a potentially intrusive Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and the job killing requirements it places on employers.

However, until that day comes, I choose not to be a hypocrite and to support the individual mandate.

After all, there’s nothing more “right-winged” than mandated individual responsibility.

health care? Almost instantly, the lawsuits began. Attorney Generals from all over the country, including Alabama, filed complaints. They claimed the law, which required that all Americans have health insurance or pay a penalty, was unconstitutional. This requirement is the Individual Mandate. Some said that Congress had overreached its powers. In the end, 26 States joined together against Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

In late March of 2012, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments.

Almost everyone thought it had gone badly for the Obama Administration. The common wisdom was that the Individual Mandate, the heart of the law, would be struck down. This would have left the Act toothless. However, on June 28 of 2012, the Supreme Court had a surprise for us. In a 5-4 decision, the Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. The surprise was that the 5th vote in the 5-4 decision was Chief Justice John Roberts. He was appointed to the Supreme Court by George W. Bush in 2005. Roberts can usually be counted among the conservative Justices, but in June of 2012 he stepped out of character. Roberts joined with Justices Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan; “aka, the liberals”. Though, I believe his motives were more in line with wanting to support the rule of law by not overturning a legitimately enacted piece of legislation. They declared that the “penalty” in the Act was in fact a Tax, and thereby allowable under the Tax Powers of Congress.

So, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, now what? Though it will not take full effect until 2014, some provisions of the act are already in place. You cannot drop children from coverage, you can stay on your parent’s insurance until you are 26, and you cannot be dropped for preexisting conditions.

When the Act takes full effect, all Americans will either have to have private insurance, insurance from their employer, or through a Government subsidized program. Here is my take on the whole matter; I am not big on new taxes, but I think it was the right thing to do. If the only thing the Act did was to allow those with pre-existing conditions to receive treatment, then the whole thing is justifiable.

So I say, good job Mr. Roberts.

SPORTS

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

9

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

EA Sports to roll out red carpet for South Alabama  The University of South Alabama’s exclusion from NCAA Football 13 has

prompted Electronic Arts to “roll out the red carpet” in the 2014 NCAA series

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.

Electronic Arts, makers of the acclaimed NCAA Football series, is set to make up for leaving USA out of the 2013 installment, shown above.

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

E

A Sports’ latest installation of their college football video game, NCAA Football 13, is set to be released on July 10. The popular video, which has been in production

since 1993, will feature 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor.

Many fans of the game will note the ability to play as any previous Heisman Trophy winner, for any team. Also added to the game for this season will be the newest schools

joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the 2012-2013 football season. Among those schools are Texas-San Antonio, University of Massachusetts, Texas State, and South Alabama.

But there’s one problem. South Alabama was not included in NCAA Football 13.

Julie Foster, a communications manager for EA Sports, said South Alabama was not included due to them not receiving “confirmation that they were changing to a full FBS schedule this year until it was too late for inclusion in NCAA Football 13.”

Foster went on to add that South Alabama will indeed be included in NCAA Football 14.

However, Jag fans did not react kindly to this. Members of the website JagsJungle, an online message board, started uproar in the video game community, including the creation of the #FreeSouthAlabama Twitter campaign.

South Alabama being left out of NCAA Football 13 was the best thing that could have happened during the Jags first eligible year to appear in the game. The publicity gained from EA Sports’ mistake has brought the

South Alabama football program into the national spotlight, more so than if they were originally included in the game. Writers from Yahoo! Sports, CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated have all spread the news of South Alabama’s exclusion, prompting EA Sports to respond to the situation.

Their solution was surprising.

EA Sports responded to their mistake through a letter sent to the Athletic Department, promising to “roll out the red carpet for South Alabama in 2014.” The treatment to be received by South Alabama is that which is usually reserved for the premier programs in the country, such as Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, and USC. EA Sports detailed six things that they will be doing to recreate the Jags in NCAA Football 14.

1. EA Sports will meet personally with the Athletic Department to create the team introduction that ESPN announcers Brad Nessler, Rece Davis, and Kirk Herbstreit will talking about as part of the pregame presentation.

2. EA Sports will meet with the coaching staff to accurately recreate the South Alabama playbook.

3. EA Sports will be adding South Alabama’s mascot “South Paw” to the game, where he can be seen on the sidelines during games, and be used in the “Mascot Mash-Up” game mode, where players control a team made entirely of mascots.

4. EA Sports will perform a “Stadium Scan” of Ladd-Peebles Stadium to give South Alabama the most accurate stadium in the game it can create.

5. EA Sports will videotape the team and cheerleaders as they run out onto the field during pregame in order to replicate it as accurately as possible.

6. EA Sports will perform a “Crowd Recording” of a South Alabama game this coming 2012 season and use that to create the stadium sounds and crowd chants heard in the game.

All of the things EA Sports has promised to do will bring an extreme sense of realism to the game for Jag fans. Many fans expressed that the error made by EA Sports is worth waiting a year to have preferential treatment and play as South Alabama for the first time in an NCAA Football video game.

Track stars Schwartz, Johnson named All-Americans four years,” said track and field head coach Paul Brueske.

had to walk on, but when Coach Brueske presented me with

events next season but her outdoor eligibility is done. John-

“It has been fun watching them improve and develop into

a scholarship and a chance to learn a new event (hammer) it

son plans to continue her hard work and push herself to do

national level competitors.”

was an opportunity I wanted to take,” Johnson explained. “I

even better next season.

They have played a major role in turning our women’s track program around here at South Alabama.

Johnson, an Escambia, Fla. Native, competed in the

Courtesy of Public Relations

Laitifah Johnson (Top) and Lindsay Schwartz (Bottom)

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

never fathomed I’d compete at Nationals even though com-

“Coach has a motto ‘Last throw, best throw’ and I liter-

peting at Division One track meets is ultimately like compet-

ally want to make my last throw as a college athlete my best,”

ing at Nationals.”

Johnson said.

throws events for the Jaguars. After having competed at a

Johnson had multiple top three finishes in throw events

high level in her first three years on the USA roster, Johnson

including a first place finish at the Coach “O” invitational in

saved her best season for her last at USA.

the shot put and the hammer throw.

Johnson credits her faith and her work ethic for her success in her last season at USA.

For Schwartz, her season and career ended at USA with a trip to the 2012 USA Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Schwartz has competed and dominated the Heptathlon

Johnson was named All-Sun Belt Conference in both

event the past two years and her senior year was no different.

events and also became the first female thrower from South

Schwartz broke the USA school record in the event at the

“In the throwing events you have to focus on being re-

Alabama to advance to the NCAA championships. Johnson

Texas Relays earlier in the year and never looked back.

laxed and duplicating the technique you’ve learned in prac-

would later finish 17th in the hammer throw at the NCAA

tice. My faith helps me because I know that I am in the hands

finals, held in Des Moines, Iowa.

She was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team after winning the Heptathlon event for the third consecutive

of God and that whatever happens to me will be for my

“Me being the first Hammer Thrower in South’s History

he South Alabama women’s track and field season

good. Then I would have to say my work ethic takes care of

to advance to Nationals is a testament to the knowledge and

Schwartz then went on to compete at the NCAA cham-

has come to an end but as the year closes out, there

technique. I have to say I worked hard this season coming to

skills Coach Paul Brueske brought to South Alabama as I was

pionships. While competing in Iowa, Schwartz recorded

practice early and staying late.

a part of his first recruiting class,” Johnson said.

a career best 5606 score in the Heptathlon, finishing 10th

T

is much to be proud of. This season, the USA women were led by two female athletes that have been named All-Ameri-

“The technique was engrained in my muscle memory.”

cans in their respective events.

Johnson, who wasn’t a highly sought after recruit out of

Seniors Lindsay Schwartz and Laitifah Johnson both received the honor of being named to the All-American team after their performances in the 2011-2012 track and field season.

“These two women have worked very hard over the past

high school has accomplished more than most thought she could as a track athlete.

“Although I was good for my area in high school in shot put I wasn’t close to being the best in the state. I always planned on going to college and continuing in track even if I

Johnson was voted in as an NCAA honorable mention All-American.

year at the Sun Belt championships.

and was named a second team All-American for the second straight year.

“It feels awesome to be considered an All-American,”

With her performances, Schwartz gained a chance to

Johnson said. “I missed Second Team All-American status

compete at the US Olympic trials where she finished 14th

by one spot but I have to give God all the glory. It has been

while recording three personal best records in the seven

a great year.”

events and breaking her own points record at USA with a

Johnson will be eligible to compete in the indoor track

5614 total.

10

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

Freese named to MLB All-Star lineup

USAJAGUARS.COM

Freese fielding a ball during his USA playing days.

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

D

avid Freese played third base at USA for two short years after transferring from St. Louis Community College. Since leaving South, Freese has made quite a name for himself in the MLB. Last year saw Freese play the role of hero in the World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals. After recording MLB postseason records with 21 RBI and 50 total bases, he was named

the World Series M.V.P. He also took home the Babe Ruth Award as the M.V.P. of the postseason.

His pace hasn’t slowed this year as the first half of the MLB season came to an end. Freese was voted onto the National League roster for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game.

Freese and Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish were named to the All-Star roster after garnering the most votes in the All-Star Game Final Vote, which let fans choose a player from each league to play in this year’s All-

Star Game.

Freese beat out some of the best in the game in the Final Vote, including Braves veteran Chipper Jones and Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper, amongst others.

His numbers alone warrant a spot on the All-Star squad. He ranks second among NL third baseman in all major categories, including home runs (13), RBI (50), batting average (.285) and hits (81).

During his tenure at USA Freese lettered twice (2005-06), and was honored as the 2006 Sun Belt Conference Player of the year to go along with All-American and All-Sun Belt recognition. South also went to two consecutive NCAA regional tournaments with Freese at third base.

In his senior year he recorded 99 hits and 73 RBI, which still rank second and third, respectively, in the school’s single season record books.

Following his senior season, Freese was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round (273rd overall) of the MLB draft.

After a couple of years in the minor leagues, Freese was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2008 season.

But it wasn’t until opening day in 2009 that he made his major league debut. That season didn’t work out well for Freese as he was dropped

back to the Cardinals Triple-A squad in Memphis.

The 2010 season didn’t go much better for Freese as he was injured after only 70 games and was forced to have two ankle surgeries.

2011 started off much better for Freese. He was hitting .320 before being hit by a pitch that fractured his hand. The fracture caused him to miss the teams next 51 games.

But Freese didn’t lay down or take it easy after returning from the injury. He returned to the starting lineup and finished the regular season with a .297 batting average.

Then the Cardinals made the playoffs and made their historic run with David Freese firmly planted in the spotlight.

Making the All-Star team for the first time is one of the smaller accomplishments in Freese’s short career, but certainly not one to scoff at either .

He joins Luis Gonzalez (1999, 2001, ’02, ’03, ’05), Lance Johnson (1996) and Jon Lieber (2001) as the Jaguar alumnus to attain All-Star status.

This year’s All-Star game, the 83rd installment, will be held Tue., July 10, at Kauffman Stadium – home of the Kansas City Royals.

Parking services policy to change Continued from Page 1

Christian explained. “Right now the balance is $250 and then that will drop to $100 and that will eventually drop to $0, and that way we can help students to not carry around hundreds of dollars in parking tickets to graduation and then not be able to get a transcript and grades.”

Christian explained that the change in the limit on parking fees was less about the money and more about the changes USA wants to make on campus.

“We don’t really want the money; we want the behavior to change. We want to change into a walking campus.”

The advanced notice of change comes in an attempt to get the information out to all students who do owe parking fees. USA Parking Services does not want to surprise any student with substantial fees.

“We’re not trying to keep

it from you, it’s not a secret,” Christian said.

“We want you to have the information now to put yourself on a budget, to pay one parking ticket at a time to keep that balance down and you can register when you can.”

For students who do have parking fees that need to be paid, Christian said to go to Student Accounting located in Meisler Hall.

Student accounting will accept all forms of payment and would be the easiest and most convenient place for students to pay.

USA Parking Services will also make getting a parking permit and paying for parking tickets easier for students starting this fall.

“We are in the middle of upgrading the software yet again and for this fall our plan is to have permits online and payments online,” Christian said. “A person should be able to go online and pay.”

Want us to follow you?

Tweet us @USAVGSports

CJ Bennett @CJbennett1 Definitely got better today!!

Them #Jagaurs coming this year boy Ellis Hill @Eazy_E13 What’s for lunch? Oh well guess its the cafe...

Darrius Morrow @DMorrow_4: When they hate, they might as well be cheering. All it does is just #motivate me!

Kolton Peavey @OmgItsPeavzilla Call me high maintenance but our player lounge can be a lot better after seeing some other schools.

Bj Scott HimSelf @Bj_Scott_1 I’m beginning to be a nerd I lost sleep because I didnt feel good about my test. 93.

I missed one.

Jake Johnson @JakeJohnson540 A true warrior uses adversity to break though the barrier that will make him a champion #365

@USAVGSports

LEFT OF CENTER

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

11

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

Not your typical sports

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

W

ARCHIVE PHOTO

Members of the Jaguar football team take the field before the start of a game during the 2011 season.

#FreeSouthAlabama campaign works Jaguar Fans come together to get South Alabama added to video game

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

he 2012 season marks the first year of the Jags playing a full FBS schedule, including a full Sun Belt Conference schedule. They will be playing teams like Mississippi State, NC State, and Hawaii, among others.

Sounds like a rigorous schedule for a first year FBS team, but FBS nonetheless.

But for some reason this wasn’t good enough for EA Sports, who somehow managed to forget to put the Jags in their edition of NCAA Football 13. Apparently it’s not in the game.

So why did they not get in? Is it a conspiracy? Did the university not do something, like submit paperwork in time, as was previously reported by Kevin McGuire of Examiner.com?

(Later proved to be false) EA Sports added Texas State, UMass, and TexasSan Antonio (UTSA), who the Jags open the season with on August 30. All three of those teams are the same status as South, playing a full FBS schedule, as well as full conference schedule, but not eligible for postseason play.

So why were the Jags left in the dark?

Julie Foster, a communications manager for EA Sports replied to questions with “South Alabama was a provisional member of FBS last year and

did not play a full FBS schedule,” she wrote in an email. “We did not receive confirmation that they were changing to a full FBS schedule this year until it was too late for inclusion in NCAA Football 13. South Alabama will be included in NCAA Football 14.”

Receive confirmation? South Alabama announced in 2009 of their intentions to join the FBS. Before UTSA formed a team. Before UTSA had a field to practice on. Before UTSA even had a logo.

Basically, EA Sports screwed up.

They made a mistake. It happens; there are humans behind the computers after all.

While it indeed is disappointing that members of the South Alabama football can’t play as virtual copies of themselves this year, there is a bright side to this. The exposure.

Jaguar fans took to social media and the story caught fire. Fans used Twitter and Facebook to send messages to EA Sports asking them to add South Alabama, or at least respond as to why they were left out. Twitter was set ablaze by Jag Nation using the #FreeSouthAlabama hashtag. Several websites, including CBS Sports and Yahoo! Sports, wrote features on South Alabama being omitted from the game. And most media outlets were supporting South Alabama

In fact, they were just as confused as us. CBS Sports writer Jerry Hinnen said “[Jags fans] not surprisingly take issue with that…and we don’t blame them.” Graham Watson of Yahoo!

Sports said “This is ridiculous. South Alabama is the only new FBS team left out of the game despite being the first of the four to join an FBS league.”

That exposure forced the hand of EA Sports, and they finally responded after about a week of silence. And did they respond.

EA Sports is going to basically make South Alabama one of the most realistic teams available to play in NCAA Football 14. EA Sports is going to come to a game this coming season, film the team run onto the field, and recreate it in the video game.

Sounds good right? No it doesn’t.

Not in comparison to the rest of what EA Sports has promised.

They are going to recreate LaddPeebles Stadium, home of the Jaguars, in NCAA 14, as well as our very own South Paw. South Paw will even be available in the “Mascot Mash-Up” game mode. Can you imagine a team with 11 South Paw’s on the field at one time?

The best part of all this; EA Sports is going to record the crowd during a game and then put what they hear into the game. Think about it. You could

be in a video game. What you say at a game could be heard for years to come through NCAA Football. What you say could be heard by millions of people around the world. How great would it be to hear the kickoff chant of “U-S-A! South in your Mouth! Go Jags!” booming every time someone plays as South Alabama on NCAA Football.

How cool is that?!

South Alabama obviously came out on top of this debacle, and the rewards will definitely help the Jags to gain exposure on a national level. But after everything that has happened, Jag Nation really does need to send a hearty “Thank You” to EA Sports. Thank you for messing up, which gained attention in its way, and offering to correct it, which will help South Alabama for obvious reasons.

EA SPORTS

elcome to Left of Center.

In the future, you will find things here that may not necessarily find in your usual sports section.

The goal of this section is to provide you guys with things going on in the sports that may be a little off the beaten path. They could be interviews with players and coaches.

They could weird sports stories. They could even be as simple as a game recap with a weird twist.

But what you can bank on seeing as a reader is for people’s voice to be heard on sports. Sports are tightly wrapped around fan involvement, and without fans, sports would have no audience. We want to hear what you have to say about South Alabama sports, and how it affects you.

But this doesn’t just go towards on the field performance. We don’t want people screaming in emails to us after a call or game doesn’t go in the Jags favor. We want to know what’s on your mind about everything sports related.

Are the Jags your favorite team?

Maybe Alabama or Auburn is more your team. Do you like going to basketball games? What was your greatest experience at a South Alabama sporting event? What is your favorite thing about sports?

To help with us with this, we need your help. What we will do is every other week or so we will propose a question; a question asking your view on something going on in the sports world.

Now this isn’t necessarily a place to rant about how you can’t believe how overpriced concession stand food is. This is a place for Jag Nation to let their passion for South Alabama be exposed.

So, for the first fall issue of The Vanguard, we ask this: What is your favorite thing about South Alabama Athletics? What do you like to do during games?

Send us your response to jtc804@ jagmail.southalabama.edu and we just may use in our next issue.

VOL. 51, NO. 2 / JULY 9, 2012

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