09.24.2012

Special Edition USA v. Troy “The battle of I-65”

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 51, NO. 9

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

SEPT. 24, 2012

INSIDE

Troy rivalry built on more than sports

By STUART SOX CASSIE FAMBRO |EDITOR

sgsox@att.net

Next game: Troy ►Guns on campus? See the point counterpoint on this hotly-debated issue.

See Opinion, page 19.

Moulton fifth on salary list, celebrates 46 years at USA

► DeLuna Fest happened

this weekend and we had a reporter on the ground. See what the hype is about.

See Life, page 23

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

► Joel Erdmann has something to say about the Troy rivalry, too, and it’s important to him.

See Left of Center, page 8

SouthPaw statue: Keep an eye on alumni circle this weekend

Fambro | EIC

I

n May of this year, the Chronicle of Higher Education came out with an article featuring the salaries of public university presidents. One of the presidents towards the top of the list was South Alabama’s Gordon Moulton.

The Chronicle ranked the presidents on multiple levels but when it came to the final ranking of salary ratio of presidents to professors, Moulton was 5th in the country behind only Ohio State, Kentucky, Penn State and Auburn.

Moulton was reported to have made $570,027 in total compensation from USA when professors averaged $112,800 at a ratio of 5:1.

“Salary data for University presidents nationwide is gathered by the College and University Professionals Association for Human Resources. The CUPA-HR reports thats the average salary for presidents with similar sized budget to USA is $400,000.

Moulton’s comparable salary at the time of the last survey was $470,000 which doesn’t

find us on Facebook “Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA”

include housing and car allowances,” University of South Alabama Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers said.

According to Ayers, Moulton’s current salary is $481,778 which reflects the 2.5 percent increase given Oct.1, 2011 to University employees covered by the Retirement System of Alabama.

Moulton’s salary is set after the Board of Trustees has a presidential review which happens once every five years. “The salary is based on competitive salaries at peer institutions, performance in the position, years of service, availability of funds and other factors,” Ayers added.

“The board recently finished one and submitted it. Quite frankly, they’re probably kinder and more generous than I probably deserve. The process, no, it’s not nervewracking. It’s very positive. In some ways, the evaluation of a president is more like an evaluation of an institution. They look so much at direction, what’s happening and what’s changed or hasn’t changed in an institution and in turn, that gets reflected on the president,” Moulton said.

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

Another interesting factor of Moulton’s salary is his length of employment at USA. Moulton was actually hired at USA before the first class graduated from the University. Moulton admits he has never missed a graduation ceremony at South Alabama since the first ceremony in 1967.

“To me, twice a year at commencement, to see the looks on the kids and on families faces – still a lot of first generation kids – that’s the most satisfying thing. Lots of other things. Also to see great employees come here and do a super job and be successful. That’s the thing that makes me want to come back,” Moulton said.

That means Moulton has been an employee at South Alabama for 46 years, 14 of which he has been president. Under the current pension program in the state of Alabama, an employee makes just over two percent of their salary, giving Moulton roughly 92 percent of his current salary if he were to retire this year. Based on the math, Moulton could actually make more money if he were to retire rather than con-

See MOULTON Page 4

A

s the University of South Alabama has grown in size and prominence as a result of success in athletics, rivalries with other schools have naturally increased. USA has a significant rivalry with neighboring Sunbelt school Troy University, the Jaguar’s opponent at this weekend’s game at Ladd Stadium.

USA’s rivalry with the Trojans stems primarily from the schools’ proximity and that fact that they are two of the most competitive universities in the Sunbelt Conference. The rivalry began with basketball and baseball but has flourished with the formation of South Alabama’s football team.

This contention has been magnified even more in light of recent events.

Most, if not all, students are aware of Troy’s head football coach Larry Blakeney’s colorful choice of words when asked earlier this summer what he thought of South Alabama’s recruiting methods. “I think it’s bullcrap myself,” Blakeney commented according to an article by Adam Sparks of The Tennessean.

Blakeney’s words have added an extra sense of anticipation to Saturday’s game.

“I think Coach Blakeney’s words will definitely add more tension to Saturday’s game,” said James Coley, a sophomore and Pre-Med Psychology major.

“This will be a great chance for See RIVALRY, Page 6

In this Issue: Life, Page 21 Sports, Page 9 Opinion, Page 18

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

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VOL. 51, NO. 8 / SEPT. 17, 2012

PAGE three

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Weather for Sept. 24 - 30

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See Something suspicious?

Report it to USAPD!

USA Police Blotter 251-460-6312 9/20/2012 3:40 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct Abusive language or engaging in a course of conduct. Parking Services.

09/18/2012 5:17 p.m.

Harassment.

Person was hit in the back of the head by a known person.

5:07 p.m.

Driving While License Suspended. Fail to stop at sign. 175 Cleverdon Pkwy 12:43 p.m.

Suspicious Circumstances.

Epsilon 2 Residence Hall 8:21 a.m.

Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle Humanities North Parking Lot. Stole Engineering Textbook, Calculus textbook, C++ textbook, Syntax graphing calculator.

9/16/2012 5:05 p.m.

Harassing, annoying or attempting or threatening physical harm. Epsilon 1.

Individual reported being harassed at Epsilon 1 by a known male subject.

2:05- DUI Alcohol.

Reckless driving. Old Shell Road @ Cleverdon.

9/15/2012 1:42 a.m.

Possession of Marijuana first degree. Possession

of a controlled substance.

1 plastic, 1 glass drug containers. Cleverdon pkwy. Green leafy plant, smells and appears to be marijuana. 1 plastic, 1 glass drug containers. Rolling papers. Money, US. Pill Zopidem Tartrate. Non student.

9/14/2012 Theft of Article from Auto.

Bookstore parking lot.

Stole credit cards, Alabama drivers license, Military ID. 9/10/2012 Harassing Communications.

Psychological Clinic.

Suspect handled pocket knife. Victim’s roommate called him by telephone and threatened to kill the victim.

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Moulton makes top 5 MOULTON, from page 1 tinue working.

You have to get up every morning and be As stated before, Moulton has been the prepared to at least have somebody mad at president at USA for 14 year, making him you before 9:00 a.m. And hope that you one of the longest tenured presidents in the can find the right way to assuage their concountry. cerns or deal with it. If you think about it, a “Of course, I’ve felt pressure as anyone president is subject to a number of constitwould if you’re in a position that has to uents: students, faculty, trustees, in a state respond to all the issues that a university intuition, politicians, and the general public. president does. It’s hard to sort out why the “Quite frankly, all five of those groups outcomes, for the have a little most part, have different “You’ve got to make sure you been acceptable. outlook relacan get up in the morning and The dynamics of tive to their look in the mirror and say, the last four years expectations ‘Gee I still want to keep doing are pressuring a out of this lot of public uniinstitution. So this...’” versity presidents it’s a complex – Gordon Moulton because funding juggling act.

USA President for public eduThe thing cation has been you need to substantially reduced all over the country. remember is that if you tell each group the “This institution, we’ve lost almost truth and if you try to make sure that you’re $190 million in state funding in the last four consistent in your beliefs and the actions years. So, attempting to bridge that gap and you take, then it’s a lot easier to keep your deal with salary and compensation issues stories straight. I don’t know how long you for your staff and faculty – those are big should stay in this job. I think it’s like any challenges. Students and parents are cer- other position. You’ve got to make sure tainly concerned about tuition costs. I’m you can get up in the morning and look concerned too. Everyone who is in public in the mirror and say, ‘Gee I still want to education who is a thoughtful person is,” keep doing this. I’m enthusiastic about it.’

Moulton said.

The day that doesn’t happen, you should let “It’s a tough job. I don’t minimize that. someone else do it,” Moulton added.

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Troy rivalry goes deep

Help available for GRE prep

RIVALRY, from page 1 As a gesture of friendly the Jags to prove themselves and gain competition, the Student Government respect as a team, it’s a huge game for Associations of South Alabama and us,” said Frankie Barrale, a sophomore Troy will host blood drives on their and pre-occupational therapy major. respective campuses to see which Regardless of the result of this school can donate the most blood.

Saturday’s game, it will be a contest of The winning school will be presented two of Alabama’s finest universities. a trophy made by USA’s Glassblowing Troy University was founded in department at Saturday’s game. USA’s 1887 and, according to Forbes.com, has blood drive will take place on Monday, a student population of 26,172. Troy Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ranks 636 on Forbes list of America’s Student Center Atrium.

Best Colleges and is unranked among Students who wish to donate research universities. Their football blood apart from this event can do so team posted a 3-9 record for the at LifeSouth on Hillcrest road. Visit 2011-2012 year and is 488-360-27(.573) lifesouth.org for more information on overall according to enotes.com. how to donate South blood.

Alabama On USA’s football program: Both USA was and Troy are founded in have a 1-2 1963 has record going a student into this population weekend’s of 14,769 game. according – Coach Blakeney Be sure to to Forbes.

Troy Coach come out and com. USA is support the ranked 545 Jaguars this Saturday at Ladd Stadium overall on Forbes’ list and is number as they take on the Trojans. Kick-off is 208 in research universities. The USA at 2:30 p.m. football team posted a 6-4 record for 2011 and is 23-4(.852) overall.

“I think it’s bullcrap myself.”

Writing Center >>

By SHANOA REED shanoareed@gmail.com

USA Writing Center Located: 207 Alpha Hall East.

Phone: 460-6480

The University Writing Center is an instructional facility, not an editing service.

Our writing consultants focus on teaching the writers, rather than simply fixing the writing.

Students and others may receive help on any type of writing task at any stage of the writing process from idea generation, development, and revision, to grammar and editing strategies.

www.southalabama.edu/writing

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s graduate school deadlines approach, interested students begin preparation for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

The GRE is a widely accepted entrance examination for many graduate programs throughout the United States, including many at the University of South Alabama.

The GRE consists of three separate parts: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.

Verbal and quantitative sections of the exam are scored on a 120-170 points scale. Analytical writing’s section is scored on a 0-6 points scale.

What constitutes a good score varies by department, according to the USA Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Keith Harrison.

The school looks at the entire student, including test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal statements, stated Harrison.

If a student has met minimal requirements for graduate school and the program is not at capacity, the admissions department looks at each student holistically in an effort to accept “every student they think will succeed,” Harrison said.

Harrison stressed it is essential that students apply early for graduate schools to make sure they are eligible for assistantships and grants.

Students contemplating graduate school should begin preparing for the GRE during the summer prior to their senior year, according to a graduation checklist prepared by USA. This allows adequate time to retake the test if necessary.

Senior public relations major, Andrea Pace, wants to be well prepared for the GRE. “The test is expensive so I want to do well the first time,” Pace said.

Senior anthropology major, Mollie Shiffer, said she will use a study book to prepare for the GRE. There are a multitude of test preparation guides available at local bookstores.

Flash cards are available from some publishers to cover GRE’s verbal section.

A graduate student studying English, Amber Curtis, prepared for the GRE by downloading a practice test from their website.

She said she felt better prepared after familiarizing herself with the types of questions that would be on the test.

The website, ets.org, offers a wide and free variety of study materials. It offers a complete list of analytical writing topics, study guides and a practice test.

USA’s writing center is also a source of help for those preparing to take the GRE’s analytical writing section.

Students can choose a topic from the list on the center’s website and time their responses.

Afterwards, the analytical writing sample can be taken to the writing center and the student can work with a writing consultant, who can identify weaknesses and help improve the student’s writing ability.

To make an appointment with a writing consultant, call the center at 251-460-6480 or schedule your own appointment online by clicking on the "schedule" button in the website’s menu. Consulting sessions are held in the writing center, located at 207 Alpha Hall East.

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

MINI-DISTRACTIONS Student Health u d o k u

For Student Health appointments, please call 460-7151 For Counseling and Testing, please call 460-7051

LEFT OF CENTER 8

JT CRABTREE, LOC EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

College football landscape is becoming skewed

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

S

omething that I personally love about college basketball is when March Madness rolls around, anyone and everyone has a chance to win. Upsets are part of the game. But in college football, it’s not quite the same.

Every year, it’s the same teams winning and dominating the conferences. In recent years, it’s been Alabama and Auburn stamping their logo on the college football landscape. Parity is nonexistent right now. No upsets, no dark horses sneaking into the Top 10.

Until this year.

Something has changed in the world of college football. Who knows what it could be, but this season has a little something different about it. So far we’ve seen Top 10 teams fall to unranked teams, the Number 2 team in the country lose to a rival and the defending national champion completely shut down a Michigan offense that is known for putting big numbers under head coach Brady Hoke.

So what is causing all this craziness? It’s that word from earlier; parity is starting to emerge.

South Alabama’s Sun Belt Conference-mate UL-Monroe toppled the Number 8 Arkansas Razorbacks in week two, and then quickly turned around to lose in overtime by three points to Auburn. The Warhawks gained national attention. Everyone was watching their matchup in Au-

South Alabama lines up against NC State.

burn to see if they could match “The Shock in Little Rock.” ESPN carried their home game against Baylor on Friday night and witnessed a 47-42 loss to the Bears. They may not be winning these games, but they are making a name for themselves.

In Week Two, the Number 13 team in the country, the Wisconsin Badgers, lost to unranked Oregon State. Number 18 Oklahoma State lost to Number 24 Arizona 59-38.

UCLA upset Number 16 Nebraska.

The landscape is changing, and it’s being unpredictable, much like college basketball. Maybe some December and January Madness are in store for college football fans?

Number 10 Michigan State lost to Number 20 Notre Dame in Week 3 by a score of 20-3. Not even a close game. Unranked Pittsburgh ran over Number 13 Virginia Tech 3517. Pitt scored more points against a ranked team then it had combined the two games prior against lesser opponents.

What’s causing this? One word: Parity.

Think back to 2007 when Kansas and Missouri were Number 2 and 3 in the polls. And then they’re annual rivalry game rolled around. The nation was glued to their TV’s in order to see two teams completely ruin the stamp of other teams like USC, Oklahoma and LSU had left for years.

It was insane. It was madness.

Whatever word you want, it all comes back to one thing. Parity.

JT CRABTREE / LOC EDITOR

Members of South Alabama’s football huddle before their game against NC State this season.

JT CRABTREE | LOC EDITOR

New tradition, rivalry starts now USA Athletics prepares for what could be biggest game in history

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

he competition between South Alabama and Troy starts off with a blood drive between the two schools, hosted by SGA, on Sept. 24, but it will hit its climax when the Troy Trojan come to Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Sept. 29 for the Jaguars first Sun Belt Conference in program history. It will also be the first game in the anticipated USA-Troy rivalry. USA Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann sat down with The Vanguard to discuss what the athletic department has planned for the game.

VG: What is the athletic department doing to promote the Troy game?

JE: “We’re making it a big deal.

Through our marketing, advertising and promotional efforts awareness of the game is very solid. I would be surprised and disappointed if someone said they didn’t know we were playing Troy. So I think our awareness campaign is very strong through TV, Print, Radio and more roots on social media. We are coordinating with Troy to provide services for their fans understand how to get to the stadium through our shuttle system and the parking around the

stadium. Troy played in a bowl game down here a few years ago, so most of their fans are probably familiar with Ladd-Peebles Stadium. They kinda know what the deal is.”

VG: Are there going to be shuttles for students going from campus to the Ladd-Peebles Stadium?

JE: “We’re looking into it. I’m not sure right now, if it would beneficial and students would use it, we would definitely be for it.”

VG: Many fans see this as the first true rivalry game, is the Athletic Department talking with Troy to start a tradition around that?

JE: “We’ve had preliminary discussions. I hope there is a day when there is some type of trademark to this game. Other rivals have some kind of memento that the winner takes home with them. I do think that a game or two might be played to get a flavor for what that memento might be. But I think it would be a great idea, I would be in favor for it.

And I think we will continue talks with Troy about that.”

VG: What do you think the attendance will be for the game?

JE: “I hope it will be our largest crowd ever. I think people will be energized with excitement and an-

ticipation for this game. I think we have a good chance to pass up our first game ever played, not only in support from our great fans and students, but also for the first time we have a school I think will bring fans, and they are bringing their band. I feel the atmosphere will be different for this game.”

VG: If needed, will you remove the tarps from the endzones?

JE: “We will move some of them if needed.”

The Jags will be hosting the Troy Trojans on Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be nationally televised as the “Game of the Week” on the Sun Belt Network on CSS and is also available on ESPN3.

JT CRABTREE / LOC EDITOR

Head coach Joey Jones.

SPORTS

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

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Special Edition Issue Inside

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OUR TIME IS NOW!

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Jake Johnson and Jesse Kelley combine for a tackle on Mississippi State running back James Baldwin.

BY PATRICK HERRING |SPORTS EDITOR

Defense holds early, Mississippi State pulls away to win 30-10 The Bulldog running game combines for three touchdowns to down the Jaguars in Starkville

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

T

he Jaguars’ first game against a ranked team and an SEC opponent both came Saturday night. Playing in a hostile, loud environment in Starkville, the Jaguars (1-3) were unable to come away with the biggest victory in program history and were defeated 30-10 by Mississippi State (4-0).

The ground-and-pound run game of State proved to be too much for the Jaguar defense as all three of the Bulldog touchdowns came on the ground. State gained 156 rushing yards to USA’s 123.

Ross Metheny made his first start in a Jaguar uniform against the Bulldogs. It marked the first time since Oct. 23, 2010, that C.J. Bennett did not get the start as quarterback for USA. Metheny would go 8-17 for 70 yards with an interception.

“It was exciting to get my first collegiate start, and it was special for it to be with these guys,” Metheny said. “We knew we had a tough game coming up against Mississippi State, an SEC team, and we knew we were going to have to fight. We were so close on offense, so close.”

On the first play of the game for the Jaguar offense, Jereme Jones caught a screen pass to break Courtney Smith’s record for consecutive games with a reception, doing so in this eighteenth straight game. The streak goes back to the seventh contest of the 2010 season against UC Davis.

The Jaguar defense held early, forcing punts on the first four Mississippi State drives. Three Jaguar defenders would end the day with double-digit tackle totals.

After a quarter of scoreless play, kicker Michael Chapuseaux missed a 47-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs the ball at their own 30. Quarterback Tyler Russell completed a pass to Chad Bumphis for a 21-yard gain and Ladarius Perkins ran it in from 44 yards out on the next play to put the Bulldogs up 7-0 early in the second quarter. Perkins ended the day with 69 yards on 11 carries.

The Jags were forced to punt on their following drive. The Bulldogs kept their momentum rolling and drove the ball 80 yards in nine plays, keyed by three carries for 34 yards by Josh Robinson and a 22-yard reception by Brandon Heavens.

Backup quarterback Dak Prescott ran it in from the USA two to put MSU up

14-0 with just under six minutes left in the first half.

The Jaguars again failed to get anything going and were forced to punt it away. The defense held better on the ensuing drive, but still allowed a 42-yard field goal by Devin Bell.

Following another USA three-andout, Russell threw an errant pass that was intercepted by Tyrell Pearson and returned to the MSU 42.

Unfortunately for the Jaguars, Metheny gave the Bulldogs the ball right back two plays later. His pass intended for Jereme Jones was intercepted by Nickoe Whitley and returned 66 yards to the USA 21. The Bulldogs drive stalled, but Bell hit another field goal, this one from 40, to put State up 20-0 going into halftime.

The USA offense was able to get a good drive going to start the second half.

Demetre Baker rushed for 23 yards on three totes and Metheny completed three passes for 32 yards and was aided by a pass interference penalty to put the Jags in field goal range again. Chapuseaux’s kick was true from 22 yards out to put USA on the board, down 20-3.

The Bulldogs didn’t let the celebra-

tion last long, as Jameon Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards to midfield.

From there, Russell completed a 46-yard pass to Arceto Clark to give MSU first and goal at the USA four. Three plays later Russell ran it in from a yard out to increase the Bulldog lead to 27-3. He would finish with 171 yards on 13-27 passing.

The Jaguar offense would stall on the following drive and punt it back to Bulldogs.

The drive started with a pass interference penalty to put the ball at the USA 43. From there, Russell completed three passes to move the ball into the redzone.

The MSU running backs couldn’t punch it in, so Bell was brought out for another field goal attempt to start the fourth quarter. It was good from 31 yards out to push the Mississippi State lead to 30-3.

C.J. Bennett checked in to start the next drive and threw two completions for 36 yards separated by a 7-yard Baker rush to move the ball to the MSU 32. Bennett then scrambled for 14 more yards to put the Jaguars in the redzone.

On the next play, Bulldog defensive back Johnathan Banks made an acrobatic play to intercept a pass from over the head of T.J. Glover and return it 47

yards to the USA 48. The play was number seven on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays Saturday night.

Again, the Jaguar defense held strong to force a field goal from Bell. The 40yard kick hit the left upright. USA took over at their 22.

Bennett played like a man possessed on the next drive, completing six of eight passes for 63 yards, including an 18-yard scoring strike to tight end Greg Hollinger to cut the lead to 30-10. It was Hollinger’s first receiving touchdown of the season.

He snagged three passes for 49 yards in the contest.

The Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs on their next drive. Desmond Jones would fumble four plays later to give the Bulldogs the ball back with five seconds left. They would run the ball to end the game.

Bennett, though he didn’t get the start, ended with the better stats of the quarterback duo, going 14-26 for 154 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Enrique Williams led all defenders with 12 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.

B.J. Scott and Jake Johnson each added See Football Football, Page 16

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Former star WR Courtney Smith stops by football practice

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

T

he USA football team enjoyed the company of a special guest this past week. Former Jag football star Courtney Smith was back in Mobile to visit with his former teammates and coaches.

“I’m doing well, just enjoying coming back to see my teammates,” Smith said. “I saw they lost some games lately which is disappointing because we don’t lose here.

I came to see if I could come out here and talk to them. I want to help out my teammates. I don’t play here anymore but I’m still a part of this program.”

Smith helped write the short but storied history at the University of South Alabama after transferring in from University of Alabama-Birmingham for his final seasons of eligibility. After a stellar

career with the Jags, Smith was invited to the Senior Bowl in Mobile where he played in Ladd-Peebles stadium in front of a home crowd for the last time.

Smith would go undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft but was brought into the New York Jets training camp shortly after.

“That was awesome coming from a program that only started a few years ago.

I’ve always had it in my mind to make it to the next level and coming from a school in South Alabama where people overlook you I just had to show it’s possible to go to the NFL or go pro,” Smith explained.

After his short stint with the Jets, Smith signed with the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and now is with the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football league.

Smith, as well as most people close to the USA program, knows that the Jags will be heavily considered the underdog

against most of their opponents this season. After winning all but four games in four seasons, the Jags still fight to be respected.

“There is talent everywhere. They have the ranking stuff; like you can be a 5-star player, but we have 5 stars here like B.J. Scott and Jake Johnson. We have a receiver here that had offers from teams like Stanford and he came here,” Smith said. “It’s just your feel. I could have gone to other schools but I came to South because of coaches like Coach Jones, Coach Clarke, all of those coaches are big factors in this program and big factors in all our lives.”

Smith will long be remembered at USA because of his record-setting and standard-setting performances on the field. Not only did Smith score the first touchdown in USA football history, but See Smith Smith, Page 16

BOBBY MCDUFFIE |USAJAGUARS.COM

Courtney Smith played wide receiver for the Jaguars during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, setting records and wowing fans every week.

Linebacker Johnson’s mullet no laughing matter

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

B

usiness in the front, party in the back.

South Alabama’s Jake Johnson has accomplished so much since transferring to USA from Virginia Tech. Johnson set the USA record for most solo tackles in a game last week against N.C. State with 11 total. He also holds the record for most total tackles in a game with 17 in last year’s contest against Kent State.

One of Johnson’s other accomplishments may not seem like it has a lot to do with football, but to Johnson, it absolutely does. He is the first and only University of South Alabama football player to rock a mullet.

Since arriving in Mobile, Johnson has changed his haircut numerous times,, but the most memorable haircut of all is when Johnson brings back the mullet. It’s a ritual that he started while at Virginia Tech that has made its wayy to USA. Often thought of as the punch line of a joke, Johnson’s mullet m e a n s much more

to him than most people know.

“When I was at Tech, me and all of my buddies cut it and that spring we all had the mullet and that’s where it really started. We all liked Jared Allen, he is a big, crazy guyy and we all wanted to emulate him and have fun out there,” Johnson said.

“I didn’t cut it when I first got here but last year I did it,” Johnson explained. “You have to have fun out here and this year I cut it again and put some lightning

bolts in it and all that stuff.”

Johnson un-

derstands the importance of time and place for when he cuts his mullet though.

“This week I cut it off because I am serious and I want other people to know I’m serious and I’m not just playing around,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s teammates definitely take him seriously and look to him for leadership, even offensive players like offensive lineman Drew Dearman.

“He’s a great example of being a beast out there. Physically he’s superior to many that play the linebacker position and also his knowledge of the game is

PATRICK HERRING |SPORTS EDITOR

very high too,” Dearman explained. “For example when we scrimmage, he’s pointed out things in my stance that would be a warning signal of what kind of play the offense is about to run. It’s the little things and attention to detail that has him ahead of our opponent’s offense weekly.”

As Johnson explained, the mullet is not a joke or a fashion statement. His mullet and athleticism is inspired by some of the NFL’s best, not only Jared Allen but others as well.

“Jared Allen, James Harrison and Clay Matthews are the three guys I really watch, just because how hard they get after it. Jared Allen was drafted in the t fourth round as a long snapper and now n he is the best pass rusher in the league, Harrison was undrafted l and got cut six times and he was a defensive player of the league d and Matthews was a walka on and didn’t start until llater his senior year and he was an all-American,” h JJohnson said. “Nobody gave them what they wanted, they went and took it aand now they are at the top of ttheir game.”

Whether or not Johnson will bring back his mullet this season is unccertain, but he will continue to lead his team by b example, even if they don’t follow t in i his “mulleted” footsteps. f

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

The Battle of I-65: USA vs. Troy

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

O

nly about three hours and a 108-mile stretch of I-65 separate the University of South Alabama from Troy University, the only two Alabama schools in the Sun Belt Conference.

Troy is a well-established team in the Sun Belt. They’ve won five SBC championships since joining the conference in 2004. On the other hand, USA has yet to wet its feet in SBC play.

The two will meet at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Saturday in what is anticipated to be the first game of a fierce in-state and conference rivalry.

The Jaguars (1-3) appear to still be running a two-quarterback offense with C.J. Bennett and Ross Metheny, though head coach Joey Jones has expressed his desire to name a starter before getting into conference play.

Bennett has thrown for yards 521 and three touchdowns with three interceptions, while Metheny, working in a backup role the first three games, has accumulated 370 yards with one touchdown and two picks. This game may reveal who will get more playing time in the meat of the Sun Belt schedule.

Running back Demetre Baker is leading the Jaguar rushing attack with 239 yards. He’s led the team in rushing

JAYSON CURRY | SENIOR REPORTER

South Alabama and Troy have faced each other many times in other sports, but this meeting in the South’s favorite sport of football is what really matters.

in each game this season.

As receiver, tight end Greg Hollinger has emerged as a favorite target of both quarterbacks, gathering in 10 catches for 135 yards and a score.

Jereme Jones remains a staple in the receiving game as well. He’s also caught 10 passes for 130 yards and added two touchdowns.

The USA defense is anchored by a stout linebacker core headed by Jake Johnson. He’s paced the team in tackles three out of four weeks while averaging ten per game. Also in the line-

backer corps, Enrique Williams is a force for the Jaguars. He’s second on the team in tackles with 34.

In the secondary, Tyrell Pearson and B.J. Scott lock down the opponent’s receivers. Pearson has a team leading two interceptions and is averaging 26.5 yards per interception return. He’s also tied for the team lead in pass break-ups with three.

Scott has 20 tackles on the season, including one for a loss, to go with two quarterback hurries.

For special teams, Michael Chapu-

seaux has played well. He’s 5-6 on field goals with a long of 43. He’s 100 percent on extra points hitting all six this season.

Punter Scott Garber has done a good job of changing field position for the Jaguars so far. He’s averaging over 41 yards per punt. Six of his punts have been downed inside the 20 and two went for over 50 yards.

The visiting Trojans (2-2) enter the game having defeated North Texas 14-7 last week. Quarterback Corey Robinson is currently leading their

team in passing with 1,266 yards on 118-177 passing with six touchdowns to four picks.

Their running game is led by Shawn Southward who’s gained 430 yards and five touchdowns on 78 carries. In the first game of the season he eclipsed 200 yards rushing against UAB. Chip Reeves appears to be the number one target of Robinson. He’s caught 26 passes for 361 yards, including one that went for 76 yards and a touchdown. He’s also scored twice.

Against their only common opponent so far, Mississippi State, the Trojans fared better than the Jaguars. Troy lost 30-24 to the Bulldogs in a game that went down to the wire, whereas USA lost 30-10 in a game that was close for only a half. Granted the Trojans had the advantage of playing MSU at home while USA had to travel to Davis-Wade Stadium.

Speaking of home-field advantage, that’s where the tide is in the favor of the Jaguars. Since 2009, the Jags have compiled a 19-2 record in the solace of Ladd-Peebles stadium. That’s a home winning percentage of .905, which is among the best in the country over that span.

The game will be a huge test for the Jaguars, and could be a trap game for the Trojans if they attempt to overlook the new kid on the block.

Who will be South Alabama’s next super fan?

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

T

here have been a few constants since the first football game for USA. Head Coach Joey Jones has roamed the sidelines for every game. SouthPaw has been there to pump up the crowd week in and week out. But one constant that is often overlooked is the presence of resident University of South Alabama football super fans AfroMan and TogaMan. These two super fans have been in the student section leading cheers and screaming their lungs out in support of the Jags at every home game since the team’s inception: AfroMan wearing his traditional black Afro, Kanye shades and sleeveless blazer, and Togaman wearing, well, his toga.

After every scoring play, TogaMan exits the stands and runs along the bottom row of the student section, soliciting high-fives from the cheering fans.

AfroMan keeps a makeshift megaphone, made out of an old construction cone, by his side at all times to amplify his cheers.

The two are unmistakable when

seen in the student section, never ceasing to tear down the opposing team’s players, just a few yards below.

TogaMan was even featured in a couple of recent photo galleries on SI.com under the title “super fan.”

Sadly, this will be their last season in the stands before departing to do bigger and better things.

Even after they leave, South Alabama football, and all other sports, still needs super fans. Not just the kind who paint their chest. Not the ones who stand for the entire game.

Not your average crazed student, but fans that will take it to the next level, as these two have. The Jaguars need someone to carry the torch after AfroMan and TogaMan exit these hallowed halls.

Find a gimmick. Do something to make you stand out in a crowd, above all of the other crazies. But be consistent. Don’t do it for a game and then lose the spirit because that would disrespect the position AfroMan and TogaMan have strived so hard for so long to build.

Who will carry the torch? Is it you?

COURTESY JT CRABTREE | L.O.C. SPORTS EDITOR

Pictured to the right are super fans AfroMan (top) and TogaMan. The two have been cheering on the Jaguar football team as long as there’s been a team to cheer for.

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Jagstagram

Trey Fetner @Tfet16 (Quarterback): White men cant jump? improvise!! Newest addition to the room! #hoopjones

BJ Scott @Bj_Scott_1 (Safety): 1+1= 2 Real

Rush Hendricks @_RusHen_ (Tight End): When I can’t decide which cereal to get.

Want us to follow you?

Tweet us @USAVGSports Drew Dearman @Drewpac72: Offensive Lineman If only girls found my blocking technique and demeanor as sexy as they do TD’s and tackles... If only.

Joseph Scelfo @jscelfo66: Offensive Lineman

N.F.L.’s replacement refs not a problem

By LEEQUINTON BLACKMON

lkb1002@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

he NFL referees are currently in a lockout against the NFL, which is causing them to miss games until the matter of their differences is resolved. In the meantime, we have replacement officials from various college football conferences and even the Women’s Lingerie League officiating meaningful NFL games.

Replacement referees have recently been under heavy scrutiny for what appears to be bias towards certain teams and players.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen first re-

ported that Brian Stropolo, the side judge originally scheduled for the Saints and Panthers week two game, was replaced after Facebook photos of him dressed in Saints fan gear were discovered.

Stropolo’s Facebook status recorded 73 “Likes” and a flurry of controversial comments, such as “Hey, now be nice with those yellow flags for our Saints!!” and “That’s awesome you get to be an official for a Saints game! I didn’t think they would let you since your (SIC) from Louisiana.”

Eagles All Pro Running back Lesean McCoy further added to the scrutiny after their week two game against the Ravens. The following Monday while on 94WIP Player’s Lounge with Anthony

increase from last season. While it may seem like this would give referees a very public chance to be exposed, that hasn’t been the case. Only 31 percent of those calls have been overturned, which is down from 52 percent last season and 42 percent in 2010.”

As fans, we are programmed to hate every call a referee makes against the team we root for, so it’s only natural to be critical of these replacement referees, but let’s put down the pitchforks and torches before we storm the NFL offices with a list of complaints.

Honestly, would we even know these guys were replacement referees if nobody actually told us that the real ones were in a lockout?

Gargano and Ike Reese in Philadelphia, McCoy mentioned that one of the referees in that game came to him and said, “McCoy, come on, I need you for my fantasy team.”

Sure, we all want competent and unbiased referees, but are they really all that bad? I mean it’s not like they’re missing calls, while letting the franchise quarterback get punished like he was facing the New Orleans Saints with a $50,000 bounty on his head.

Kevin Clark of the Wall Street Journal actually proves that these new refs call a more efficient game than the veteran refs. He writes that “NFL coaches have thrown 29 challenge flags this season—that’s on pace to be an 11 percent

College Football Predictions

Editor’s Note: During the 2012 football season, we here at The Vanguard Sports Section will be doing weekly predictions of South’s football game, popular in-state games, and one or two nationally significant games. We will keep a running tally of who’s “winning” the prediction game, and may from time to time include a guest picker.

Week Three Season Totals

Patrick Herring Sports Editor (13-3)

USA vs Troy University

The Jags played well on the road at Miss. State, looked prepared for their first Sun Belt Conference game. USA 27-20.

#1 Alabama vs.

Ole Miss

Ole Miss has been Alabama’s whipping boy in recent years. Alabama will continue that tradition. Alabama 41-6.

#5 Georgia vs.

Tennessee

Tennessee almost climbed back into relevance in the SEC. Georgia will make sure the descent will continue. Georgia 38-17.

#16 Ohio State vs. #21 Michigan State

Urban Meyer has Ohio State rolling. Michigan State won’t have an answer for Braxton Miller.

Ohio State 45-31.

Jayson Curry Senior Reporter (13-3)

JT Crabtree Sports Editor L.O.C. (11-5)

Tough fought game for the Jags but they pull This is the game I have been waiting a long it out in overtime. Jags win 17-14. time for. The beginning of the USA-Troy rivalry. Jags all the way! USA 100-0!

Alabama rolls again. Simple as that. Bama 42-6

Ole Miss almost looks like a junior varsity team this year. The Tide will continue to roll. Yeldon will score two TDs. Alabama 38-13.

Haha my teacher wrote on my progress report that I’m a pleasure to have in class but I need to stop flirting with the girl next to me lol Chris May @CmayFive5: Offensive Lineman British lit< watching a Richard Simons workout Darius McKeller @BigDdaBasedLord Offensive Lineman: Im so unathletic compared to my dad its despressing CJ Bennett @CJbennett15 Quarterback: My teacher just gave the stankiest of all stank eyes to the girl who walked out early Brandon Bridge @Air_Canada_7 Quarterback: I don’t know how I survived highschool. I Sat in class from 8am - 2:30pm . But now I complain about having class for 2 hours in college.

Rush Hendricks @_RusHen_: Tight End

Tennessee started out great beating N.C. This will be a tough one. Both are pretty much State but hasn’t looked the same since. Geor- the same team, but I think the magic of the gia dominates. 35-12 orange pants has worn off. Georgia 24-14

Does anyone else test their reflex speed when a red light turns green?

Ohio State struggled with UAB and Michi- Ohio State struggled against UAB of all teams. gan State did the same against Eastern Mich- I think the Spartans will take advantage of igan. OSU wins 37-20. turnovers and win. Michigan State 28-20.

@USAVGSports

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

2012-2013 Men’s Basketball Preview

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

COURTESY USAJAGUARS.COM

Augustine Rubit looks to make a move on an MTSU defender last season. In the 2011-2012 season Rubit averaged 15.2 ppg and 9.2 rpg.

he 2012-2013 men’s basketball season started early at South Alabama, with the team making a trip to Canada in early August to play three exhibition games before starting preseason practice.

The team finished their trip north with a 2-1 record, but possibly more importantly, it allowed the team to have 10 extra practices before most programs in the nation. The extra practices allowed the Jags to get a good look at how the team will perform, a team that includes three new transfers and two new freshmen, one of which is 6’10” forward Viktor Juricek from Slovakia. The roster also includes guards Jeremy Jones of Kansas State and Dionte Ferguson of Morehead State. Both Jones and Ferguson will have to sit out the 2012-2013 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

With the new talent, the Jags will be playing higher quality opponents this season. South Alabama will open the season on the road against Florida State, a team that defeated them by the score of 80-39 last year. Following Florida State, the Jags will take part in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Atlanta from Nov. 19-21. The Jags will play New Mexico State, the winner of the WAC in last season, UAB and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi before

starting their full Sun Belt Conference schedule “With who we open the season up against and starting the conference schedule when we do, this was the perfect year for us to go on the trip we took to get the extra practices and early games,” said Head Coach Ronnie Arrow. “I think we’re going to see that tour we went on really prepared us to go into this season and have a good year.”

Coach Arrow also added that playing against New Mexico State will also bring more recognition to the basketball program, saying, “They have a name that basketball fans know. Every year, we always want to get the best home schedule that we can for our fans. New Mexico State fits into that.”

The Jags roster will return seven players from last year’s squad, and all five of the starters from the team that finished 17-12. The team will continue to be led by junior forward Augustine Rubit. After being named Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2010-2011, and First Team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2011-2012, Rubit continues to rack up accolades by being named preseason Mid Major Madness Sun Belt Conference co-player of the year, along with Tony Mitchell of North Texas. Rubit averaged 15.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per games last year.

The Jags 2012-2013 season will begin on Nov. 5 with an exhibition game against Spring Hill College at the Mitchell Center.

Smith

Continued from Page 11

he also leads the school in all receiving categories, with 59 total catches for 1,282 yards while scoring 10 touchdowns.

Current Jaguar receiver Jereme Jones recently broke one of Smith’s records by catching a pass in his eighteenth consecutive game after recording four catches in the Mississippi State game last Saturday.

“I didn’t even know I set records other than scoring the first touchdown,” Smith said. “Jereme is a great player and even though some people say he is too small, every week he is making plays.”

Football Continued from Page 10

10 tackles, with 1 and 1.5 for a loss, respectively.

Pat Moore got a sack, increasing his total to a team-leading 3.5 for the season. After the game, Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen commended the team.

“Give credit to South Alabama; those guys played hard tonight,” Mullen said. “They’re building a good program down there and it showed tonight.”

2012-2013 Lady Jaguars Basketball Preview

By HANNA BLACKBURN Contributing Writer

W

ith winter right around the corner, that can mean only one thing—it’s basketball season. The Lady Jags will be facing a tough road ahead of them as they are scheduled to play eight teams that made it to the postseason last year.

According to Coach Rick Pietri, they’ll be playing in a tournament in California where, besides the Jags, three teams made it to the postseason last year, including Penn State.

They are also scheduled to play non-conference teams such as Sam Houston State, who won their division in the Southland Conference last season, as well as Central-Florida who went toe-to-toe into triple overtime with the Lady Jags in a game last year.

There has been a slight change in conference play due to the fact that Denver is no longer with the Sun Belt. This season the University of South Alabama Lady Jags will be playing in 20 Sun Belt Conference

matchups.

Four seniors return to help drive the Jags to postseason play. They include guards Mansa El, Mary Nixon and Camille Reynolds and center Veronica Cherizol.

Last season, Mansa El saw playing time in all 30 games after returning from an injury. She has earned third-team all-SBC honors. Last year she led the team in shooting (12.1ppg) and steals (39), and also ranked second on the team in threepoint shooting at 31.4 percent.

Mary Nixon started in all 29 games in which she played, averaging 7.8 points per game as well as 4.8 rebounds. She was the second best on the team at crashing the boards, and was also good at taking a steal, ranking second on the team with 37.

Not only did Nixon score double figures in 10 games, she also had two games in which she had double figures in rebounds.

Veronica Cherizol was great coming off the bench last year, playing in all 30 games. In 18.4 minutes of gameplay, she averaged 3.6 points

per game and 4.5 rebounds. She also had two double-figure rebounding games and three double-figure scoring games.

Camille Reynolds also saw playing time in all 30 games last year, providing great play off the bench in 29. She is third on the team in scoring (8.8 ppg), averages 2.4 rebounds per game, and in just 21.5 minutes of action, she has doled out 45 assists. Reynolds is also a star from behind the arc, ranking number one on the club making 38.4 percent of her shots from a distance.

Three newcomers have been added to this season’s roster. Meghan Dunn is a 5-6 guard from Hoover, Ala., and is the only one transferring from a junior college. While playing at Shelton State, she had 938 points.

Diamonisha Sophus comes from Houston where she lettered at Wheatley High School. She scored over 1,400 points while playing there.

Brittany Webb was recruited in the fall, and is from Whiteland, Ind. She averaged 14.7 points per game

for Heritage Christian High School.

USA opens the regular Nov. 9 when the Lady Jags take on Houston Baptist.

MICHAEL CHANG | USAJAGUARS.COM

Mansa El (above) returns this season as the Lady Jags leading scorer with 12.1 ppg last season.

Mary Nixon (right) also returns after ranking second on the team in 2011-2012 in steals and rebounds.

MICHAEL CHANG | USAJAGUARS.COM

17

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

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Opinion

NOAH LOGAN OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Vanguard’s Viewpoint A STAFF EDITORIAL

Maintain balance, USA To deviate from our routine of pointing out issues with the school itself, we’d like to touch on the idea of balance this issue.

As we near midterms, it becomes apparent that there is much to do. But the important thing that especially the seniors here can relate to is that balance is found.

If you’re a freshman, take heart.

It gets easier. Academics are crucially important and by all means, focusing on school work is top priority.

Take note; if you only focus on school, you’ll lose sight of who you are. Set time limits for studying.

Go out to dinner with friends on Friday night and don’t stay shut in.

Get a full night’s sleep because you need it and you’re going to do better in the long run when you’re physically and emotionally healthy.

Don’t forget to string up your hammock in the Humanities courtyard and take a second to appreciate the world around you. If something is

bothering you, ask yourself if it will matter in five years.

College is meant to teach you to think critically.

Thinking critically doesn’t just apply to school. It applies to you as an individual as well.

We’re not saying that you can ever eliminate all your stress; however, you can learn to deal with it in a healthy way.

Friends, family and hobbies matter too and finding out a way to make time for all of the things that matter to you will benefit you now and for the rest of your life.

Take a break and go see the football game this weekend.

Do something good and donate blood. Treat yourself to a pumpkin Frappuccino at Starbucks and take a friend out to eat for doing well on a test.

Balance is key, USA. Smell the metaphorical roses, Jaguars.

Romney puts 47 percent of his foot in his mouth

By Ryan Wallace

rdw1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu

M

itt Romney made the greatest mistake a politician can make at a Republican fundraiser earlier this year.

He told far too much of the truth.

Here’s the most damning segment of the recording of the fundraiser, which was taken via hidden camera: “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That’s an entitlement.

And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what... These are people who pay no income tax.”

Most of the facts Romney laid out for a gathering of donors earlier this year are accurate, but like the majority of any presidential election, the facts aren’t really germane to the issue.

The presidential contender is

JagPulse Do you feel safe sharing the roads with JagTran drivers?

Dennis Mersereau: Definately.

I actually feel less safe with JagTrans having to share the road with other drivers.

to campus and I’ve never had a problem or felt unsafe due to JagTrans. I agree with Dennis above, it’s the other drivers I’m scared of.

Kyle Laurio: They obviously take up a lot of space, so they frighten me when turning towards my car. Thus, my answer is no.

Audrey Nathalie Paulzak: I was behind a Jagtran at a stop sign when the driver decided to back up and turn right instead. He backed up right into me, never even noticed, and kept driving. They scare me.

Daniel Moran: Uncertain why this is an issue. I commute

Ang Tripp: Only if they aren’t praying and driving at the same time. Amiright??

James Parmley: I generally don’t feel safe with any Lower Alabama, Florida, or Mississippi driver. They all seem to have misplaced Talladega! But JagTran driver are some of the safest around.

correct in that a large segment, much larger than at any time in our nation’s history, are completely or largely dependent on the government.

He likely will also receive a very small percentage of that segment’s votes, as the protection of outof-control entitlement and benefit programs for this segment as they currently exist is a key part of the Democratic platform.

Romney’s grasp of the electoral math is also strong; he notes in the video that “My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”

Recent electoral history has shown that as Mr. Romney says, about 47 percent of the voters are likely to vote Republican, while roughly the same number vote Democrat.

The election is really won in the 5-10 percent in the middle of those two numbers. This middle ground is where Romney is likely to feel the impact of his statement.

This incident bears a striking resemblance to the gaffe made by then-Sen. Obama in the lead-up to the 2008 elections that some voters not likely to vote for him were “bitter” and “cling[ing] to guns or

religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

Unfortunately for Romney, he has been running against a perception that he is an out-of-touch millionaire, and this video will play into those perceptions.

Where Mr. Romney has miscalculated is in painting that huge percentage of government-dependent Americans with the same broad brush.

While there are undoubtedly many who are satisfied with their dependence and want more, there is another large portion that are simply victims of a struggling economy who work two or three jobs and are trying to pull themselves out of dependency.

Although Romney most likely didn’t mean to insult those voters, that is exactly what this video comes across as doing.

Romney may have thought he was making all the right points in his speech, but he is about to discover that presidential politics are similar to a certain long-running improvised comedy show: most everything is made up, and the points don’t matter.

EditorialBoard

The

Cassie Fambro Aaron Etheredge Noah Logan Jake Howell Patrick Herring

> Editor

in Chief Editor > Opinion Editor > Life Editor > Sports Editor > Managing

thevanguardonline.com

19

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

POINT COUNTERPOINT Should students be allowed to have guns on campus?

Editor’s Introduction: In light of recent acts of violence by and towards students at USA, more and more people are bringing up the topic of having guns on campus. Do you think the crime rate in Mobile calls for students to be able to own guns on campus?

Point:

Point: Protest the actions, not the beliefs

“

Just this past semester, we had a campus lockdown due to an armed gunman and a report of shots fired in Stokes Hall and last July, a resident was stabbed 25 times.

Phillip Harding

C

rime in the City of Mobile has hit a critical level, and the number of pistol permits issued by the Mobile County Sheriff ’s Office proves that; there were 5,465 pistol permits issued between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 of 2011, more than five times the number issued during the same period in 2010.

What these figures tell us is that more people are turning to handguns for their peace of mind and security at an exceptional rate.

What does this mean for us students (and faculty/staff) who live, work and study here? It means that crime is a problem that is affecting the city as a whole, and our campus being a part of that city, crime affects us, too.

Many have noticed the steady rise in crime over the past few years, (burglaries more than doubled between 2008-2010, a new report for 20092011 is to be published by Oct. 1 under the Clery Act) culminating in a few surprising events right here at South.

Just this past semester, we had a campus lockdown due to an armed gunman and a report of shots fired in Stokes Hall, a student was murdered at his home on Old Shell Road in January, and last July, a resident was stabbed 25 times.

Many feel that trepidation and heightened awareness when we leave our night classes or the library and head back to the dorm or the house, but caution and a cell phone likely

”

won’t be enough when trouble jumps out between some parked cars and demands that phone, along with your wallet and keys even if you have dialed campus police or 911, the perpetrator will be long gone by the time the police cruiser pulls up.

That is why many students would like to carry the same firearm they are permitted to legally carry off-campus, to their classrooms and dorms.

The University of South Alabama has a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous weapons, but unfortunately that only applies to those who follow those policies; to anyone else, the campus is the same as the streets of Mobile, but with the virtual guarantee that anyone met in the parking lot or in class is unarmed.

There is an organization pushing for students and employees to be permitted to carry on campus, called Students for Concealed Carry (SCC).

Started the day after the Virginia Tech massacre, this organization fights for the rights of legal pistol permit holders to carry their weapon across the arbitrary boundary of a college campus. “Campus Carry” is permitted at over 220 campuses in six states and the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of SCC in Colorado; the fact of the matter is, not one of the schools that allow it has had an issue with a permit holder, so why would South be any different?

“

Giving troubled students the ability to access guns without penalty is a dnager to both the student themselves and the people that they surround themselves with

Michael Mascolo

N

CASSIE FAMBRO| EIC

o college student should be allowed to carry guns on campus, period.

Yes, there is a relatively high crime rate in the city, and people want to be protected; however, students with guns is not the answer. Guns and college students do not mix, and there are several reasons why.

Perhaps the most delicate of these issues is the topic of suicide. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA) the suicide rate among young adults, ages 15-24, has tripled since the 1950s and is currently the second most common cause of death for college students.

Think of it like this--most of us are far away from our families, thrusted in an environment where we do not know many people and operating in a setting that exudes many pressures, both academically and socially.

Giving troubled students the ability to access guns without penalty is a danger to both the student themselves and the people that they surround themselves with.

Students with access to guns renders the South Alabama police force near useless; if we are going to “take the law into our own hands,” then why should we continue to have a police force, who’s weapons, cars and pay is supplied by our tuition.

Personally, I would rather have a trained police force on campus watching my back than a stranger with a gun.

”

Having guns will affect the classroom, the way we learn and will limit our academic achievement. My biology class has 100 plus people in it, with each person having a clear sight (or shot) of the professor.

If students were allowed to carry guns, and if I was a professor, I would be a bit worried for my safety.

If I always had the fear of a student pulling a gun on me in class, then how could I keep my mind on teaching the subject at hand?

This isn’t just a fictitious claim that has no evidence to back it up. Just a few hours away, earlier this year on March 26, two students attending Mississippi State were shot and killed on campus (Fox News, AP).

Tragedies like this happen daily, and the last thing we want to hear are gunshots on our own campus here at South.

Imagine if one gunshot were heard in Stokes and every student had a gun in their dorm. You can imagine the chaos that could happen.

Having guns on campus is just a bad idea. I can see the motivation for the idea.

Coming from a small town called Foley, there is a definite difference between Mobile and other areas of the state, and honestly Mobile just isn’t one of those cities that you can feel 100 percent safe in.

Allowing more guns to be carried and concealed on campus is not the way to fix it.

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

jagLIFE

JAKE HOWELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR life.editor@usavanguard.com

5

Spotlight: Student Rural Health Association USA students are learning that not everyone has access to healthcare, especially rural communities

COURTESY OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Alabama Rural Health Association members Andrea Pittman and Amy Chiou handing out flyers and candy at Get on Board Day in August.

By JAKE HOWELL life.editor@usavanguard.com

I

magine growing up in a community that doesn’t have a hospital or even a single physician or dentist to care for you.

Imagine raising a family in a community such as this where, if a child gets sick, there’s no guarantee of getting adequate medical care.

For many Americans, however, that is life as they know it.

According to Dr. Allen Perkins, chair of the family medicine department in the College of Medicine, “Alabama does not

have enough doctors in the rural counties.

51 of Alabama’s 55 rural counties are currently classified as having a shortage of primary care physicians.”

Communities nestled into rural areas are commonplace in the United States, especially in the South.

Those who live in such communities tend to have different health concerns than those who reside in urban areas.

In fact, according to the National Rural Health Association, rural Americans have higher rates of hypertension, higher rates of male suicides and the number of young adults that abuse alcohol, smoke-

less tobacco and cigarettes is greater than in their urban counterparts.

Residents of these communities often have to drive long distances just to reach a doctor.

One student organization at the University of South Alabama, however, is hoping to change the circumstances of these communities one day.

The Alabama Student Rural Health Association is “an organization that offers USA students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to learn more about rural health care issues in Alabama and to become involved in rural health care policy, development and recommendation,” says Amy Traylor, a biomedical sciences and Spanish double major and president of the USA branch of the organization.

The relatively new student organization was started on USA’s campus in the spring of 2011 and is active in exposing students to the various different fields of healthcare as they pertain to rural health.

Traylor went on to say, “We work hard to represent each health field at our meetings and not just be for premed or prePT… I think as undergraduate students it is important to be aware of more possible career paths rather than only looking into one particular field. Also, since most of Alabama (and the Southeast in general) is rural, these meetings are a good way to get to know about what is going on throughout the state.”

Past speakers include family practice physicians, nurse practitioner Dr. Carolyn Dolan, and Lloyd Sirmons from Alabama Partnership for Telehealth.

USA is home to many different organizations related to healthcare, most notably Alpha Epsilon Delta and Future Pharm-D, and Traylor was quick to point out that the Alabama Student Rural Health Association’s goal isn’t to compete with these other organizations.

“We’re just here to raise awareness about an aspect of healthcare that is often neglected,” Traylor said.

When asked why students should consider getting involved with the Alabama Student Rural Health Association, Perkins, who also serves as the faculty advisor to the group, said, “I believe that access for acute, preventive, and chronic disease services for all Americans… is important for the citizens of rural America and specifically for Alabama.”

“Creating access in Alabama would allow us to work on the entrenched health problems that dominate our health statistics such as premature birth (access for family planning), care for diseases such as diabetes (primary care access) and early detection and treatment of cancers such as breast cancer (primary care and specialty care access). As a rural physician, you can become a vital part of the community and make an impact in many people’s lives,” Perkins added.

This organization isn’t just limiting itself to booking speakers. Instead, several members volunteer at the Family Medical Center in Summerdale, Ala. “We volunteer there mainly helping to scan in medical records and Dr. Barbara Corcoran usually lets us shadow some while we’re there. She has a lot of uninsured and migrant patients,” explained Traylor.

Perhaps the greatest benefit that this organization offers to its members is to remove the rose-colored glasses of healthcare.

Especially with the recent debate over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it’s important for future physicians and healthcare providers to know that there are some areas of this country that don’t have access to medical care.

Kendall Brinkman, a senior biomedical sciences major, said, “Over my years in Rural Health, I have gained a lot of knowledge as to the need for physicians, nurses and dentists in Alabama towns. I joined Rural Health, because I hope to be a dentist in my town in a few years and I can relate to such a small, rural town.

The best thing about Rural Health is that it shows you the under-served side of healthcare.”

The next Alabama Student Rural Health Association meeting will be on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Allied Health building in room 1025.

Top 10 phone numbers to know 1. Student Health 460-7151 2. Counseling and Testing 460-7051 3. Housing 460-6185 4. USA Operator 460-6101 5. Maintenance 460-7655

6. SGA 460-7191 7. Jaguar Productions 460-7144 8. Dean of Students Office 460-6171 9. Financial Aid 460-6231 10. USAPD 460-6312

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

Gregoricka brings forensic anthropology to USA

By RACHAEL FOWLER raf802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

A

re you a fan of the TV series “Bones”? If so, consider taking a few classes in the Anthropology Department.

This semester, Dr. Lesley Gregoricka started teaching as an assistant professor of anthropology.

She earned her Ph.D. from Ohio State University and does her bio-archaeological work on Bronze Age tombs in southeastern Arabia.

A typical day of field work for her would entail excavating a necropolis and examining the human remains to discern things such as age, sex, diet, trauma, activity patterns and cultural practices.

She utilizes a biogeochemical approach to study the mobility of the Bronze Age population. The direction of her future work includes looking at dental and cranial traits as well as expanding her digging sites across Arabia and into India.

This semester, she’s teaching introductory courses on archaeology and physical anthropology.

Her teaching load, however, will soon expand to include a physical anthropology lab, an introductory course on forensic anthropology and an advanced forensics course.

According to Gregoricka, the University of South Alabama was attractive for many reasons.

“I like that the program here is just

for undergraduates. It allows opportunities for undergraduates, opportunities that would usually go to grad students,” Gregoricka said.

In the future, she intends to provide hands-on experience with physical remains in the research and lab environment. She’s also eager to have students accompany her to do fieldwork at her sites such as the Al Khubayb Necropolis.

She may, however, have her hands full. According to the president of the Anthropology Club, senior anthropology major Danielle Thomas, enthusiasm for anthropology has grown.

“The turnout at the first club meeting was better than it has been in years. The club has gotten somewhat of a face lift over the past year, and the hard work of the officers and our adviser, Dr. Carr, has really paid off,” said Thomas.

When asked what was the best part of being in the club, Thomas’s answer was quick.

“The most exciting event has got to be our 2nd annual Night at the Museum Halloween Party! This year its going to be bigger, better, and spookier than before!” asserted Thomas.

The event will take place in the USA Archaeology Museum, which officially opens Oct. 14, 2012. Wearing costumes for this event is encouraged.

Kelley Partridge, a senior history major and officer of the Anthropology Club, commented on the amount of stu-

Weekly Lowdown Monday > Sept. 24 •

•

Tuesday > Sept. 25

COURTESY OF DR. LESLEY GREGORICKA

Dr. Gregoricka’s research isn’t confined to a lab. Like many anthropologists, she travels to archeological digs across the world, seeking to uncover mysteries of the past.

dents becoming anthropology majors and participating in club activities, saying the department “must have done something right to get that much interest.”

Many students have shown curiosity towards the subject in general, and the upcoming forensic classes are causing quite a buzz.

Having participated in forensic recoveries while at Ohio State, Gregoricka is thrilled to be offering courses on the matter starting spring semester 2013. She also notes the errors of TV shows like “Bones.”

“You can never be 100 percent on designating whether a skeleton is male or

female. All you can do is make a sex estimation. You can sometimes get into the 90 percent range, but complete accuracy is never a possibility,” stated Gregoricka.

This coming January, Gregoricka will give a talk entitled “CSI, Bones, and Other Lies They Told You: The Real Forensic Anthropology.” The exact date and location has yet to be determined.

The talk will be open to anyone, and the introductory forensics class is open to any major.

Curious about the actual life of a forensic anthropologist? Put down the remote and delve into your own forensic adventure.

•

•

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

T

COURTESY OF TOBIN VOGGESSER

he music scene of Mobile is steadily growing and improving with an increasing number of wellknown bands and musicians selling out venues.

On Thursday, Sept. 27, The Alabama Music Box will host another dynamic and entertaining performance: Lotus, a band that is truly in a category of its own.

Even Lotus’ bassist Jesse Miller has trouble assigning the band a genre.

“There is no good answer to describe our sound,” Miller said.

In fact Lotus prefers this as opposed to being boxed into a specific category.

“Although it’s some dance-y, electronic, some Rock and Roll, we really try to stay away from particular genres.

We want to be uniquely Lotus,” Miller added.

“Uniquely Lotus” sure seems to be catching fire, judging by their rise in popularity in recent years.

Since their start at Goshen College in Indiana in 1999, they have steadily gained more fans and attention with

each show they play and album they release.

For the last few years, Lotus has toured all over the country and played at music festivals like Bonaroo, Rothbury and many others.

On Sept. 13, Lotus released their self-titled album, which is their ninth full-length release so far.

The new album gravitates slightly more to an electronic sound while still maintaining their unique blend of hard rock, dance heavy beats and much more.

Lotus can be described as an instrumental band since very few of their songs have vocals. While most songs on the new album have short or faint vocals, the only song to feature singing is “The Surf.”

When asked to describe his band’s live performances, Miller replied, “They’re energetic; a bridge between an Electro DJ show and a Rock Show.

People get down at Lotus shows.”

Come “get down” with Lotus at The Alabama Music Box on Thursday, Sept.

27 at 9 p.m. for a show that is sure to sell out fast.

Tickets cost $17 in advance and $20 at the door.

4:30 p.m. - Amnesty International meeting in the Humanities building, Room 150.

8 p.m. - “Music in the Video Age” 80’s Rock featuring Rock Historian Barry Drake in Mitchell Center Classroom 1101.

Wednesday > Sept. 26 •

Lotus brings eclectic sound to the Alabama Music Box

Lotus, fresh off the release of their self-titled album, will soon be gracing the stage at the Alabama Music Box on Sept. 27.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - USA vs. Troy Blood Drive in the Student Center Atrium 7:30 p.m. - Faculty Voice Recital: Thomas Rowell with pianist, Laura Moore in the Laidlaw Recital Hall. $5 for USA students/ faculty/staff.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. What’s On Wednesday: “The How of Happiness” in the Fresh Food Company Meeting Room. Light Lunch included. Free.

Thursday > Sept. 27 • •

8 p.m. - Rock Climbing Club meeting at Student Recreation Center.

8 p.m. - IMC presents Ramsay Midwood at Satori. Free to USA students with student ID

Friday > Sept. 28 •

7:30 p.m. - USA Theatre presents “Children of Eden” in Laidlaw. For ticket information call: 251460-6306

Saturday > Sept. 29 •

2:30 p.m. - USA Jaguars vs. Troy Trojans Rivalry Game at Ladd Peebles Stadium.

Want your event featured?

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

23

VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012

DeLuna Fest: nothing short of a good time

By MEG COAKLEY Contributing Writer

D

Blackhearts took stage at the Wind Creek Stage around 6:15 p.m., people were filing in by the dozens to hear her set.

Joan and her boys played every old hit and some great new songs as well. After their show, most of the crowd rushed over to the DeLuna Stage to catch The

eLuna Fest, a relatively small music festival held on beautiful Pensacola Beach, Fla., kicked off excellently this past Saturday, Sept. 22. Crowds of people filled the festival grounds, both young and old, to enjoy the food, music, and atmosphere.

Bands were playing all day, directing the crowds to one of the festival’s six stages. Some of the major headliners, COURTESY MEG COAKLEY Foo Fighters, Joan The crowd at DeLuna Fest on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Pensacola Jett and the Black- Beach. See the rest of the album on The Vanguard Facebook hearts, Band of page.

Horses, Jimmy Cliff Joy Formidable, who also put on an aweand Diplo, all performed amazingly and some show. kept the crowds cheering on for more.

Band of Horses attracted a large DeLuna Fest offered up a very singroup of festivalgoers with their eclectic, cere and enjoyable atmosphere to everyindie rock set, but the biggest and the one who attended. Left and right, men, greatest set performance goes to Foo women and children were having oodles Fighters. of fun.

The boys of Foo took the DeLuna Not to mention, DeLuna had someStage around 9:15 p.m. and rocked out thing to offer for festivalgoers of all until 11 or so. There wasn’t a single perages. From the delicious restaurants to son in the crowd standing there, rather the arcade and sanitary stations situated everyone was dancing and having a wonthroughout the festival, DeLuna kept its derful time. promise of value.

Foo Fighters played everything from Vendors selling their goods and ser“Learn to Fly” to “Everlong.” Not to vices lined the festival grounds day and mention, they sang “Happy Birthday” night. Two of the biggest vendors, Eno to Joan Jett before performing a duo of Hammocks and Vapur, the “Anti-Bottle” “Bad Reputation.” company, furnished hangout spots and All in all, DeLuna Fest was a very satfilling stations throughout the festival. isfying experience and I would definitely Back to the biggest part of DeLuna: go again. The festival grounds were as the music. Around noon, bands such as clean as could be considering the amount Hip Kitty, Paloma and Bad Penny were of people there and every staff member I attracting relatively sizable crowds with came across couldn’t have been any nicer. their funky sounds.

Thanks, DeLuna Fest!

However, when Joan Jett and the

COURTESY MEG COAKLEY

A concert-goer watches set-up at Deluna. See the rest of the album on The Vanguard’s Facebook page.

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VOL. 51, NO. 9 / SEPT. 24, 2012