Monday, AUG 8, 2016 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 1
If it matters to you, it matters to us
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5 Pokémon Go has students hooked as they travel the campus in search of Pokemon.
The USA Marching Band begins their fall band camp in preperation for this years season.
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The football team takes to the practice field for the start of their fall camp.
Roman Buchanan describes jersey as a “huge honor”. Photo courtesy of usajaguars.com
We Are South
Sports
No. 5 jersey honors senior linebacker By Alyssa Newton I Contributing Writer
outh Alabama linebacker S Roman Buchanan is a
Group 11 poses in front of the statue of South Paw, USA’s Mascot. Photo by Sharon Williams
NEWS
New Southbound Orientation brings the Jag experience to the Class of 2020 By Albert L. Terry, III I Reporter
University of South T heAlabama welcomed new Jaguars to campus with the Southbound New Student Orientation Program, which took place this summer from June 7 to July 22. The annual program invites freshmen under the age of 23 to explore USA before classes begin. Participants are sorted by major into breakout groups led by two orientation leaders. The leaders guide the new students on a 15-stop tour of campus, which highlights important academic and administrative buildings. Accompanying discussions familiarize freshmen with various aspects of student life including how to access the Personal Access Web System (PAWS), first-year advising, housing and
INSIDE news 2 life 5 sports 8
dining locations, financial Aid, student disability services. Overall, Southbound provides these new students with a comprehensive introduction to South and what it means to become a Jaguar. The breakout groups are a relatively new feature in the orientation process. According to Southbound coordinator Joshua Missouri, Southbound was revamped beginning in fall 2014 to feature the smaller breakout groups and to consolidate the program into one day, which formerly took place over two 13-hour days. Missouri says that students are able to retain more information in small groups, which better facilitate conversations with the orientation leaders. The
new format also allows students to be more engaged and develop an intimate relationship with their orientation leaders, who can prove to be valuable resources in navigating the challenges of freshman year. Many incoming freshmen were impressed by their first glimpse at South and were excited about the new experiences soon to come. The new students remarked that South has a beautiful campus and were looking forward to getting involved in one of our many student organizations. College doesn’t have to be all about work, however. An important part of college life (after making good grades, of course) is learning how to find an ideal work-life balance before striking out into the
professional world. Some of the freshmen were eager for the opportunity to meet new people and have fun while learning more about what they choose to do in their futures. Orientation leaders were also enthusiastic about taking these new Jaguars under their wings (or, more aptly, under their paws). Some of these orientation leaders are second-year students who went through orientation themselves just a year ago. Lauren Carrubba, a sophomore business major and first time orientation leader, said she had a rough go during her own orientation last year, so she hoped to improve on that experience and give a great first
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long-time leader, and that’s why he will sport a new jersey number this season. It’s a tradition that’s carried out every year. At the beginning of fall camp, USA Head Football Coach Joey Jones awards a special jersey that symbolizes one of the most prestigious honors a player can earn as a senior. Jones, along with his coaching staff, pick a senior football player to wear the No. 5 jersey. This honor is a remembrance of Anthony Mostella, a former USA running back who was killed in a motorcycle accident the summer before his senior season in 2010. Instead of retiring the jersey, No.5 is bestowed to a senior leader whom represents the characteristics that Mostella emulated as a team captain and person. This year, senior linebacker Roman Buchanan was chosen to wear the No. 5 jersey. “Roman Buchanan possesses all of those qualities,” Jones said. “He’s a great young man.” “It’s a huge honor,” Buchanan said. “I understand the tradition of it. When I first got in, some of the older guys actually played with Anthony Mostella, so it’s a huge honor. I understand it and I’m going to go about it the right way.”
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CONTACT email: thevanguardeditor@gmail website: thevanguardusa.com
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Senior Reporter I Jason Ruffin jwr1321@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Aug 8, 2016
NEWS USA welcomes
Developing USA Honors College allow students to enrich their education By Megan McDowell I Copy Editor
will accept freshman and USA returning students to the new USA Honors College beginning fall 2017. USA admits 45 freshmen to the current USA Honors Program, each academic year. But USA has more than 45 students who desire additional academic challenges. Dr. Michael Doran, professor of computer science at USA and director of the USA Honors Program, described the rigor of the New Honors College. “The very selective admission
process and enhanced scholarship [of the USA Honors College] will be the same [as the USA Honors Program],” Doran said, “They must still do the undergraduate research and take the honors courses…[but,] Departmental Honors will be expanded and more formalized.” According to Doran, many bright and talented students on USA’s campus currently do not participate in the USA Honors Program. Aside from limited admittance, the current requirements of the USA Honors Program may be too strenuous for many students. By creating an Honors College to accompany the USA Honors Program, USA will allow more students to participate in an honors program with an “enhanced track” for their undergraduate degree. “The goal of the creation of the college is to admit more highlyqualified freshmen to an honors experience.” Doran said. “Currently, with only 45 Whiddon’s awarded, we turn away hundreds of outstanding students who in many cases go to another university.” Honors College students choose a track with a concentration within a department. Each track will require a capstone project and reflection paper. The Honors College program will require students to take a certain
amount of honors courses each year, Honors College students receive a USA Presidential Scholarship based on ACT scores, graduate with departmental honors and receive access to honors community events and activities. “We hope to have the first honors college class in 2017 be 45 Whiddon [students] and 45 other tracks for a total of 90 [students] and perhaps 2 or 3 new tracks,” Doran said. “In fall 2018 we hope to have 45 Whiddons and 120 other tracks in the freshmen class and up to 5 or 6 new tracks.” These tracks will include fields such as EAP What does this stand for, study abroad and global leadership, technology, service learning, health, digital media and creative expression, and business impact. Each track will be led by a faculty coordinator and a USA Honors College dean that will be hired before the start of the college in the fall of 2017. “The students selected for the New Honors College will still be highly qualified,” Ravi Rajendra said, a current Whiddon Honors student. “So the prestige of honors at USA will remain high. Having a larger number of qualified students in the New Honors College will create, in my opinion, increased peer support and camaraderie within honors at USA.”
new Jaguars to campus Cont. from page 1
impression to the new students. When asked for her thoughts on the incoming class, she noted that the students are really awesome. “It’s exciting to see awesome kids coming through that really want to make a change,” Carrubba said. Shy Russell is a sophomore and first-time orientation leader. Russell says her approach with students is to “try to make them feel at home… to make them as comfortable as possible.” She said this year’s students are “really smart and really eager to start. The class of ’20 is a really smart class.” Based on freshman accounts, it seems that this year’s Southbound orientation succeeded at guiding South’s newest students into life as a Jaguar; if the enthusiasm and dedication of this year’s orientation leaders is any indicator, it will continue to be so in coming years.
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Linebacker John Robinson runs through drills during the start of football practice Photo by Jaccob Hearn
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08-04-2016
Bench Warrant |
07-30-2016
University Blvd. at William and Mary St. A non-student was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Burglary Third Degree | Delta
08-03-2016 Harassment | USA Administration building Harassing communications were directed toward an individual. Event occurred on campus. 07-31-2016
Abandoned Vehicle | USA Medical Center An abandoned vehicle was issued a tow notice and later towed from the USA Medical Center parking lot.
Dorm No. 5 An unknown person(s) entered a dorm room and stole a television. There were no signs of forced entry. The stolen property was valued at $250. 07-25-2016
07-25-2016
Damage to Public Property | The Grove building No. 3 Unknown person(s) inflicted damage to a door frame and strike plate. The damage did not exceed $500. 07-26-2016
Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Marijuana | USA Medical Center A patient at USA Medical Center was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.
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Striking Unoccupied Vehicle | Humanities Building south parking lot An unknown vehicle struck an unoccupied parked vehicle.
The Vanguard-USA’s Student Newspaper
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NEWS Monday, Aug 8, 2016
Mobile Bay Bears, American Red Cross to host fundraiser, support students
The American Red Cross provides relief and medical services for families in need. Photo by Casie Carr By Casie Carr I Reporter
American Red Cross of T heMobile are scheduled to team up with the Mobile Bay Bears baseball league to host a fundraiser for emergency funds on August 19, 2016. The American Red Cross serves those in need by organizing blood donations, providing health and safety services, international services, providing support for military families and preparing for disasters. “Half of all ticket sale proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, who will be out at the stadium handing out donated water bottles and providing information on how you can become a volunteer for your community,” American Red Cross disaster manager Stephen Carr said. The American Red Cross of Mobile provides services not only to those in need in the community but also offers internships for students at The University of South Alabama. Internships are within the disaster services and volunteer services part of the organization. During the summer semester, the disaster services internship position was held by USA student Bryan Huy Ha. Ha explained that he took classes in disaster management, event planning and emergency medical service law and legal issues. He said these prepared him for his role at the American Red Cross. Ha specifically mentioned that, “encouragement from Mrs. Paula Daniels… and Professor Charles Erwin influenced me in joining the Red Cross.” Ha also described some projects he has accomplished for the American Red Cross that included updating the Shelter Guide Book for 2016-2018, assisting with fire alarm installation projects and conducting interviews for home fires or other disasters.
International Women’s Organization seeks to introduce branch at USA By Alanna Whitaker I Managing Editor
These projects require Ha to gather resources from school districts and private sectors as well as organize partnerships with local businesses. Ha’s role in the Mobile Bay Bears fundraiser will include selling tickets along with presenting the director of Coast Young Professionals to speak. Visit http://www.milb.com/index. jsp?sid=t417 for more information about the Mobile Bay Bears.
College of Arts & Sciences University of South Alabama
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work 5991 USA Drive North, Room 34 307 University Blvd., North Mobile, Alabama 366880002
Department Phone: (251) 4606347
Fax: (251) 4607925
Dr. Phil Carr: (251) 4606907
Email: pcarr@southalabama.edu
members of the American L ocal Association of University Women are currently seeking ambitious and motivated students to organize a college branch at the University of South Alabama. Collegiate members receive access to scholarship, grant and fellowship opportunities, leadership training, career development, advocacy tools and networking opportunities. Kinsley Knapp, rising junior and USA nursing student, said she is in the early stages of starting an AAUW student branch at USA. AAUW describes itself as a nonprofit, international organization that aims to break through educational and economic barriers for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The organization focuses on specific issues that hinder gender equality and fair pay, LGBTQ+ issues, violence against women, women in STEM careers and women in leadership. AAUW addresses these issues through campus leadership and educational funding, public policy activism, research, case-study support and global networking. This past summer, Knapp received a scholarship to represent the AAUW Alabama chapter at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in Washington, D.C., where Knapp learned about affecting public policy and social change. “We lobbied on Capitol Hill one day and had multiple breakout sessions and speakers,” Knapp said. “The experience would impact other women my age immensely. … I would love to be able to send four women next year to NCCWSL.” “It was one of the most empowering and beneficial things I have ever had the opportunity to attend,” Knapp
continued. “I was able to learn from and network with so many women from so many diverse backgrounds. It allowed me to challenge my personal beliefs and perspectives.” The Alabama chapter currently includes the state organization and 10 local branches. To begin another branch, Knapp must submit an application through the national AAUW headquarters, and each branch must write its own constitution. Additionally, she must complete an application to start a new student organization through USA, which requires a minimum of 10 students to express interest before it will sanction a new student organization. AAUW awarded $3.7 million in fellowships and grants for the 20162017 academic year, but local AAUW branches have the opportunity to influence their local communities beyond individual scholarships. The AAUW Birmingham branch was awarded one of 15 national community action grants to bolster STEM education for seventh- and eighth-grade girls in Talladega County for the 2016-2017 academic year. The University of Alabama in Huntsville received a grant from AAUW to sponsor the Tech Trek camp on their campus this past June. Since 1998, AAUW Tech Trek camps have encouraged girls’ interest in science, math, engineering and technology exploration. “AAUW is not just a social group.” Knapp said. That’s just one aspect. It also includes advocacy, public policy and women’s rights. Members have the opportunity to make a huge impact on local communities.” Students interested in organizing an AAUW student branch at USA should email Knapp at kfk1321@jagmail. southalabama.edu. Visit www.aauw.org for more information about the organization.
LIFE
Editor I Anna Van DerWood akv1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Aug 8, 2016
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Pokémon Masters swarm USA campus By Jaccob Hearn I Editor-in-Chief
Go has become one of P okémon the most popular cell phone games with 50 million downloads as well as being becoming a pioneer in augmented reality gaming since its release on July 5. In the short time it has been out, Nintendo has seen a 25 percent increase in shares and has added $7.5 billion to the company’s market value, according to CNBC. The free game’s popularity can be easily observed almost anywhere as flocks of people walk in groups with cell phones in hand trying to catch and train Pokémon. The University of South Alabama has become a hot spot for wouldbe Pokémon Masters as crowds of students and visitors alike flood campus nearly every day from early afternoon to late in the evening. “The first time I came out to the bell tower, there were about 100 people playing Pokémon Go and sprinting around,” sophomore Lee Richburg, a USA nursing student, said. The two most popular spots on campus are the Moulton Bell Tower and Student Center courtyard. Richburg said the game has had a positive effect on people despite what some critics claim. “Friendships have been made and I had no idea about a lot of the landmarks and art around campus until I started playing,” Richburg said. “I could see this being used as a fun distraction between classes next semester as well.” The interview was cut short after a wild Pikachu appeared and a crowd rushed toward the Mitchell Center to catch the popular Pokémon. “I’ve never seen this many people on campus after hours in my life,” junior Blake Parks, a psychology major, said. Parks believes that Pokémon Go will be good for campus safety.
Students and visitors playing Pokémon Go right next to the bell tower. Photo by Jaccob Hearn
“There could be worse things we could be doing at night,” Parks said. “With more people out every night around campus, there will be more people around to see things.” Nick Kneabel, USA alumni, said he would not have a reason to visit the campus if not for Pokémon Go. “I never came to the bell tower and actually this is the most I’ve spent back at South since I graduated,” Kneabel said.
Kneabel thinks that Pokémon Go will continue to grow and help the local area. “There’s so many more people out enjoying these places that were low traffic before and walking around
A wild Pidgey found hiding under the jaguar statue. Photo by Jaccob Hearn
enjoying fresh air and buildings,” Kneabel said. Whether or not Pokémon Go is just a passing fad or something that is here to stay has yet to be seen. At the moment, though, USA students are trying to catch them all.
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LIFE Monday, Aug 8, 2016
Advice Column: Tips every freshman should know By Anna Van DerWood I Life Editor
may feel overwhelmed F reshman by the first year of college. With newly-made friends in the same boat, it can be difficult for students to find a mentor and good advice. To address some common questions and mistakes freshmen usually experience at the University of South Alabama may have about the college world, students and faculty at USA contributed tips to survive the first year of college. Third-year USA students Hannah Oswalt and Joshua Horshok offered some advice about the social aspect of attending a university. “I wish someone had told me it’s okay to be scared about all the new changes, whether [it’s] moving away or making new friends,” Oswalt said. “I always thought college was supposed to be where things just fall into place, but it was terrifying to start all over. I didn’t know others felt the same way [for months].”
Horshok suggested that freshmen join clubs. “Not only can they help you in the long run, but it’s a great way to make friends and be active in the community and campus,” he said. Sterling Spencer, a senior at USA, and Darrius Beard, a junior at USA, discussed how freshmen could help themselves succeed academically: “Utilize the internet to your advantage,” Spencer said. “Quizlet, Written Kitten and Thug Notes all exist as a way to help students have fun while succeeding in class. Look them up and use them.” Beard advised incoming students to “set alarms, verify exam dates and never be ashamed to beg.” If asking for an extension on an assignment or opportunity for extra credit, professors can be more forgiving than students might think. Dr. Steven Trout, professor and chair of the English department, mentioned the negative consequences that skipping even a few days of lessons can have on students’
Freshmen from group six dab in front of the jaguar statue during orientation. Photo by Sharon Williams
success in a course. Missing class can leave gaps in knowledge on fundamental concepts, mounting coursework and eliminating
absences that may needed for serious circumstances in the future. Trout had a brief but important message: “Go to class.”
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LIFE Monday, Aug 8, 2016
Student Spotlight: Sterling Spencer By Megan McDowell I Copy Editor
hile the W University of South Alabama has many remarkable students that attend the school from out of town, out of state, or even out of the country, it also has many talented and achieving students born and raised in Mobile. Sterling Spencer, a senior at USA, is one of those students. “I have lived in Mobile, Alabama my entire life,” Spencer said, “As much as I complain about the city I really do love it.” After graduating from Baker High School, Spencer said that he originally chose USA because he wanted to stay close to home and family. “I wanted to be somewhere nearby
where I can take care of her as well as get a quality education.” But after attending the university for several years, Spencer has found the school has more value than just its close proximity to home. “South has an amazing community,” Spencer said when asked what his favorite thing about USA was. “I always manage to find good people at this school.” Spencer is in his final year at USA as a secondary education major with a concentration in English. He will be starting his student teaching in a secondary school in Mobile this year to begin preparing for his career after college as a school teacher. Spencer hopes that with his educations and skills gained at USA, he will be able to teach specifically to school kids with learning or greater disabilities. “I think the best class I was in was my special education class. It completely changed the way I looked at students with disabilities,” Spencer explained. “That’s why I am intending on teaching in a disadvantaged school. Far too often are these kids forgotten and I think we need to help these kids succeed.” Spencer has also conducted undergraduate research while attending USA. He did a project where he looked into mythology and the sociological implications within it that codes language and how it has an impact on young American students. Outside of his secondary education studies, Sterling Spencer is active in many of USA’s campus organizations. He is currently a member of USA Spectrum, USA Unity, South Alabama College Democrats, and the Political Science Club. He has previously held officer positions in these clubs as well, including president of USA Spectrum, vice president of USA Unity, and secretary of the Political Science
“South has an amazing community. I always manage to find good people at this school” -Sterling Spencer
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Senior Sterling Spencer, a secondary education major, hopes that the skills he’s learned at USA will help him teach children with disabilities. Photo courtesy of Sterling Spencer.
Club. Spencer finds that political involvement and social activism are important parts of staying involved in the community around him and in keeping it safe and welcoming for all individuals. With his involvement in USA Spectrum especially, Spencer has been able to attend conferences and conventions to connect with other college students and community members with beliefs and interests like his own. “I have gone to the Southeastern LGBTQ conference several times. It was an amazing time and it really helped to get me to expand my mental horizons.” Spencer says he has valued his time in Mobile and doesn’t plan on leaving unless necessary. He encourages any student looking into attending USA to deeply consider applying. “South has a great community. The
people really do make the school. The campus is compact and easy to walk. And the city has so much historical value. My favorite thing is Mardi Gras.”
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Editor I Shawna Mason smmtheii@gmail.com Monday, Aug 8, 2016
SPORTS
Triple Sun Belt conference-winning soccer team open season with exhibition and Danielle Henley; 2015 All-Sun Belt Second Team member Monique Autmon. Also returning are Anisa Patterson, Ashlynn Jones, Audrey Duren, Courtney Baum, Emily Farrell, Hannah Evans, Hannah Godfrey, Maggie Pierce, Nikki Shirtcliffe, Rio Hardy, Sophie Haywood, Tiina Trutsi. Season tickets for the South Alabama Jaguars’ Women’s Soccer team and USA sports teams can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1872. For more information about USA athletics, including the 2016 schedules and rosters, check out www. usajaguars.com
The USA women’s soccer team practicing in anticipation for thier upcoming season. They’ve been Sun Belt Champions three years running. Photo Coutesy of usajaguars.com By Shawna Mason I Sports Editor
University of South TheAlabama women’s soccer team is gearing up for another recordbreaking season. USA’s 2016 women’s soccer season kicks off Aug. 11, 2016, with an exhibition against The University of Southern Mississippi. The USA women’s soccer team finished the 2015 season as Sun Belt Champions for the regular season, resulting in their third consecutive Sun Belt Championship. They went on to secure a top-20 ranking in the NCAA Women’s Soccer RPI after a 4-0 win against Louisiana State University. The competitive season officially
begins Aug. 17, 2016, when the Jaguars USA Women’s soccer team will face back-to-back Southern Conference champions, Samford University. The next game on Aug. 21, 2016, features another in-state opponent, Auburn University. Auburn was ranked No. 12 in the 2015 NCAA Women’s Soccer RPI, just five slots above the USA women’s soccer team. USA will also host NCAA-ranked No. 2, Florida State, on Sept. 5, 2016, and rival Troy University on Oct. 8, 2016. The Sun Belt Conference Championship for women’s soccer will be held Nov. 2-6, 2016, at the Foley Sports Complex in Foley, Ala. USA’s 2016 women’s soccer season schedule features 11 home games, beginning with two exhibition games. Returning to the team this year are NSCAA All-Region team member, 2015 All-Sun Belt Second Team member and Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, Jemma Purfield; NSCAA All-Region Team member, 2015 All-Sun Belt First Team member and two-time Sun Belt Conference Most Outstanding Player award-winner, Chardé Hannah; and Sun Belt Conference Defender of the Year and 2015 All-Sun Belt First team member, Steffi Hardy; 2015 All-Sun Belt First Team members Chelsea Followwell
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SPORTS Monday, Aug 8, 2016
USA marching band begins their fall band camp
Band members march in unison during their fall camp. Photo by Jaccob Hearn By Casie Carr I Reporter
University of South Alabama T heJaguar Marching Band started band camp Friday, August 5 and continues through Saturday, August 13. The band consists of 250 members, and roughly 100 of them are new. Practice begins every day from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Drum major Carson Watson, senior and second-year drum major at USA, said, “In past years the Marching Jaguars have performed two shows per season, including science fiction and Broadway themes, but this year we aspire to put on up to five shows for the audience, the first of which having a Western theme.” During the school semester, band members must work to balance school work with practice times. Marching band rehearses every day for two hours during the school week. Saxophone section leader Pat Martin said, “It’s harder to balance band and school when you are not a music major. For instance, I’m a bio-chem major and always have a load of school work along with extra
practice times for band because of my leadership position.” On the other hand, Miki Vaughn, assistant drum major and music major, said, “Even with a full school load, we put in the time for band because music is something we love. It is amazing to see something come together like a marching show.” All of the leaders agreed described incoming members as one of the most dedicated and talented groups they have seen in some time. Hunter Giannini, a feshman tuba player, said, “It’s great to be a part of something that instantly gives you friends. If I had decided not to participate in band I would’ve known about four people in total going to USA. Now I not only know 100 other freshmen, I know upperclassmen and am friends with the people in my section”. Marching band is one of the biggest groups on campus and has many opportunities for connections as an incoming student. Destin Hinkley, a junior and trombone section leader said, “Band
Piccolo player Josie Sheaffer is a returning wind player this season. Photo by Jaccob Hearn
was the best decision of my college career.” Hinkley transferred to USA as a sophomore and described his experience as unusual but receptive. He feels that the band is a family and his new home. Hinkley now uses his leadership position to help other students to have as great an experience as he has been offered. Taylor Meckley, marching band twirler and senior at USA, describes her role, along with Watson, as “the face of the Jaguar Band”. There is only one twirler in the
band, and the drum major is the most important figure because she leads the band in any situation. The Marching Jaguars not only perform pregame and half-time shows for the audience at football games, but they also lead most of Mobile’s parades including many during Mardi Gras or Christmas. In many ways, the Marching Jaguars represent Mobile as well as USA. “You know it’s great when it gives you chill bumps,” Martin said.
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN
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The band has several shows they are preparing for this year. Photo by Jaccob Hearn
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SPORTS Monday, Aug 8, 2016
The Jaguars push themselves during the start of fall camp By Jaccob Hearn I Editor-in-Chief
South Alabama Jaguars F orlasttheweek was the start of many fall practices to come during the summer heat. The athletes worked through drills and tested their abilities for the upcoming season. “Practice is only about three days in and we’re giving a lot of effort out here,� runnerback Tyreis Thomas said Thursday. “It’s real hot so effort is pretty much everything you can do but we’re also trying to grow as a team.� Thomas said that the team is prepared for the heat due to the strength and conditioning training they underwent in the summer. Head Coach Joey Jones said practice is going well and the team is in good shape. “I love the effort,� Jones said, “The intangible part that they’re doing is all that they can do. We just need to polish things up on both sides of the ball.� Last season the Jaguars finished the Sun Belt Conference in a five-way tie for fifth place but safety Devon Earl believes the team has the motivation to win the championship. “We got one common goal, we want to win a conference championship and that’s all the motivation you need right there,� Earl said. The return to practice also means many new and returning team members learning to work together again, according to Thomas.
“This is pretty much what this camp is for is so everyone can understand what their doing, get banged up a little bit, and get ready for the season,� Thomas said. Earl added that this camp makes the players push each other and brings out some healthy competition in one another. “I want to beat the guy in front of me, he wants to beat me,� Earl said. “So we’re only helping make each other better right now.� Jones and Earl both said that the new safety Nico Robinson has Quarterback Dallas Davis looks for an opening during fall camp o. Photo by Jaccob Hearn been a surprise turnout for the team. “He just got here, but you can tell he just came out here we’re really coming together right just knowing exactly what to do and now,� Earl said. “There are people that making sure the guys around him don’t think we’re going to be that good knew what to do,� Earl said. but we have a lot of fighters and some The Jaguars have some big games guys who are going to make a name at the beginning of the season that for themselves and will do that in the will determine where they stand said next couple of months.� Thomas. His teammates have shown confidence in their ability to win. “I think we’re really talented and
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Runnerback Dami Ayoola attempts to rush past his defending teamates. Photo by Jaccob Hearn
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SPORTS Monday, Aug 8, 2016
No.5 jersey bestowed to a senior leader Cont. from page 1
The Daleville native isn’t a stranger to being a leader for the Jaguars. Last season, he became the first junior player to be chosen as a team captain. “I’m just honored my coaches think so much of me to honor me with this jersey,” Buchanan said. Buchanan will have more than just the No, 5 on his back this season. USA is trying to improve off of a 5-7 record last season, coming up short for a bowl game. “I understand that this is a process and that this season is a marathon and not a sprint,” Buchanan said. Buchanan said that the No. 5,
although an honor, won’t change what he’s already doing. “It doesn’t change who I am and that’s why I got the jersey because of how I go about things,” Buchanan said. “If anything, it will elevate my play. But, I feel like my play was going to be elevated without the No. 5, so it is what it is.” Buchanan will go into this season in a different position for the first time in his career. Last season at safety, he ended the year with 67 tackles and two interceptions. A coaching change to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack lead to Buchanan changing from safety to linebacker. Buchanan has admitted that the switch was something he had to get used to. However, the senior leader said that he had to put the team first in the end. “I feel like I can play any position. I’m the type of guy that I have that mindset. It doesn’t matter where you put me, I am going to thrive,” Buchanan said. “This is what my team needs right now and I can’t think of myself alone …Just understanding that and it took me a while. I knew
The defense attempts to stop the offensive players . Photo by Jaccob Hearn
there’s nothing wrong with being upset at first, but you can’t sulk in it.” When asked at Sun Belt Media Day in July if that attitude came from being a team leader, Buchanan said it came from much deeper roots – mom and dad. “That’s from mom and dad,” Buchanan said. “Things aren’t always about you. Being selfish was never an option in my house, even though I’m a single child.” Heading into his senior season, the new No. 5 is ready to do what he has to do for his team.
“It’s a grind. You got to make sacrifices,” Buchanan said. “That’s something you’ve got to understand and know that you’ve got to be focused right now. There’s a time and place (for other distractions), but in season there’s no time for it.” South Alabama opens the 2016 season against Mississippi State Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. on the SEC Network. The Jaguars will then have their home and conference opener against Georgia Southern at Ladd-Peebles Stadium at 6 p.m.
Monday, AUG 8, 2016 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 1
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