APRIL 11, 2016
VOL. 57 #29
Holi Festival brings colors, culture to South pg. 7
NEWS SGA runoffs announced
2
SPORTS Baseball stays undefeated in SBC
9
OPINION
Over-sexualization of art
11
2
APRIL 11, 2016
SGA runoffs, winners announced
Record number of students vote in student government elections By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
T
his year, 2,439 students cast a ballot in the Student Government Association election, a record number for SGA elections. South Alabama students were able to cast their votes for president, vice president, treasurer, chief justice, attorney general, student-at-large and college senators. None of the candidates for president nor vice president received over 50 percent of the vote, meaning there will be a runoff election on Wednesday, April 13. The runoff for president will be between DJ Parten and Josh Crownover after 2,349 students voted for president. Crownover lead the three candidates with 43.7 percent of the votes with Parten coming in with 31.3 percent. Timothy Patrick received 20.9 percent of the votes. The remaining 4.1 percent were write-in candidates. There will also be a run-off for vice president between Roger Cook and Darshan Patel. Patel led in the first election with 40.7 percent of the 2,327 votes cast. Cook received 31.5 percent of the vote edging out Javon Averett who only received 24.9 percent of the vote. Marcus Williams will return for his second
consecutive term as SGA’s treasurer. He ran unopposed in the election. Due to two disqualifications, candidates for attorney general and chief justice also ran unopposed. Senator JuWan Robinson will take the position of attorney general this summer. Taylor Davis will take over as chief justice. Kinsley Knapp, a nursing major and the director of First Year Council, won the position of student-at large in a landslide victory over Mauricio Cole with 70.9 percent of the 2,293 votes submitted. Students also voted to amend the SGA Constitution and officially recognize FYC as a legislative body within SGA. The First Year Council that was established in the fall of 2012 and has acted as a way for freshmen to become involved and molded as leaders on campus. The amendment was approved by the student body with 93 percent of the votes, and will take effect since the act was passed. FYC will now receive financial support “through the appropriate budget within the student senate,” according to the amendment. South Alabama had a record number of student participation in SGA elections with Another amendment will be included in the 2,439 votes. The graph above breaks up the votes by college. (Staff Illistration) runoff ballots on Wednesday. Every change Currently, the SGA senate clerk receives pay go from monthly to by semester if passed. made to the SGA constitution must be ratified Runoffs will be April 13-15 through by the student body. The amendment was $200 a month for taking minutes during added to the run off ballot so that the SGA meetings and posting them on the SGA students’ JagMail accounts with polls closing at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Winners will be would not have to send out a mass email to website. This amendment will have the senate clerk’s announced shortly after. students.
Runoffs PRESIDENT
SGA election results Treasurer: Marcus Williams Chief Justice: Taylor Davis Attorney General: JuWan Robinson Student-at-Large: Kinsley Knapp
School of Computing: Ryan Creel Ashley Gideon
College of Allied Health: JOSH CROWNOVER
DJ PARTEN
VICE PRESIDENT
Ashley Fonville Kevin Hartley Elizabeth Hernandez Collin Miller Tyler White
Mitchell College of Business:
ROGER COOK
DARSHAN PATEL
College of Arts & Sciences: Namisha Ajit Jacqueline Brazile Ashley Ford Shaun Holloway Faith Kilpatrick Caroline Kolakoski Shawn Phillips Courtney Wegel
Meghan Hatcher Carl Thomas Emily Viglione
College of Nursing: Bailey Lee Joshua Robertson Kayla Terry
College of Engineering: Marquis Lawrence Blake Lee Kenneth Tews Write-in Candidate TBA
College of Education: Leslie Evans Kashama Miller Write-in Candidates TBA Write-in Candidates TBA
APRIL 11, 2016
3 3
Editorial Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Life Editor Staff Reporters
Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton
Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Caitlin Smith Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Josh Rutledge
Staff Photographer Emily Rodrick
Distribution
Distribution Alan Smith
Advertising
Advertising Cristina Werner Graphic Designer Katelyn Huff
Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan
Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.
Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.
To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com
Nick Grondin | Staff Meteorologist
USAPD blotter
If you SEE something 251-460-6312 SAY something! 04/07/2016 Stokes Hall Domestic Incident/Disorderly Conduct There was a domestic dispute between two individuals in Stokes Hall. 04/06/2016 Moulton Tower Criminal Mishief Third Degree Bell tower marble was vandalized. 04/05/2016 Delta 4 Criminal Mischief Third Degree Window was broken by unknown person - no entry was made. 04/04/2016 Stokes Hall Medical Emergency Student suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital.
04/04/2016 Mitchell Center Criminal Mischief Third Degree Unknown person(s) vandalized the Jaguar statue in the north courtyard of the Mitchell Center by writing on it. 04/04/2016 The Grove Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree A student was arrested at the Grove for criminal trespassing and was taken to the Mobile County Metro Jail. 04/01/2016 ILB Harassment Student reported being harassed by a known male. 04/01/2016 Dining Hall Miscellaneous Offenses A backpack was found with drug paraphernalia.
4
APRIL 11, 2016
SGA campaign materials vandalized, missing SGA Presidential candidates report vandalism during campaigning UPDATES Spring Senate Projects (Approved) College of Education The Student Government Association will help fund the following items: 50" Tripod and Bluetooth Remote For Samsung Galaxy Note Edge S4 Mini $14.99 X 3 Audio-Technica ATR3350 Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone - ATR-3350 $24.40 X 3 Total Cost: $118.17
College of Nursing The Student Government Association will fund the following items: Three laptops - $1,800 Two Professional Digital Scale $800 Four Fingertip Pulse Oximeter $340 Four Teaching Stethoscopes $460 Two Otoscope/Opthalmoscope Set $1,000 Total Cost: $4,400
College of Medicine The Student Government Association helped fund the College of Medicine Senate Project was held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Spring Football Game. The total showdown cost is $13,801.00. The Student Government Association appropriated $8,885.31for supplies.
College of Allied Health The Student Government Association will help fund the following items based on itemized quote given by the Allied Health technological department: ( Computers ) LVO TS TC M83 I5-4690 1TB 4GB W8P – $4.781.70 ( Projector ) EPSON BRIGHTLINK 585WI W/ WALL MOUNT – $1,599.00 ( Smart Pens ) ADONIT JOT PRO FINE POINT – $167. 34 ( Software ) LVO LANSCHOOL LICENSE 10-25 DEVICES – $185.15 ( Mice and Keyboards ) LOGI WRLS MK320 OPT COMBO - $194.81 Total Cost: $ 6,928 This bill will help fund items for the College of Allied Health Team-Based Learning Room.
College of Continuing Education The Student Government Association of the University of South Alabama will fund $750 towards travel expenses for Ms. Bonnie Monteleone on April 18th, 2016.
Runoffs APRIL 13-15 VOTING ENDS FRIDAY at 3 P.M. Ballots will go out Wednesday via JagMail.
By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
A
ll three SGA presidential candidate have claimed that some their campaign methods and materials were vandalized or taken throughout the two weeks. Timothy Patrick, the SGA presidential candidate that did not qualify for the runoffs, told The Vanguard that as he was going to collect his flyers from throughout campus some of them had gone missing. “I went to remove my flyers and a good majority of them were not there,” Patrick said. “Obviously someone has moved them. I have a feeling someone did it during the campaigning period. I don't know it would've changed the end results, but it certainly could've reduced my chances.” Patrick said an email about not removing other candidates’ items was sent earlier in the week. “I'm not trying to make a big deal because it happened to me, but I don't want others to go through this,” Patrick said. Candidate DJ Parten did not have any items moved or missing, instead he said that places where he had chalked throughout campus had been “modified or removed.” “It’s a shame we can’t hold elections without such juvenile actions directed at either campaign,” Parten said. Joshua Crownover has faced the most vandalism out of the three candidates. Along with missing signs, four of his yard signs were vandalized with tape over his name replacing it with names such as “Doug Stamper” and “Olaf Mifrinzarge.” Stamper is a character from the Netflix series “House of Cards.” Stamper is a character that exhibits blind loyalty with little regard for morality or possible consequences.
One of Josh Crownover’s vandalized signs that was confiscated by USAPD.This is one of four signs the candidate has had vandalized. (Photo | Josh Crownover) The name ”Olaf Mifrinzarge” is not recognized when googled. One other was vandalized with Donald Trump’s name. The last Crownover had to retrieve from USAPD station on campus after it was picked up by Police Captain Keith West. On one side, the name was taped over with “#GayLivesMatter” and “I am gay” on the sign near the JagTran stop on Stadium Drive. "I went into this election with the intent to run a clean and nice campaign. In the face of adversity, I have really tried to maintain that ideal,” Crownover said. “We have to take responsibility for our current national political climate, and what better place to start than in University elections.” “I think we have lost sight of why we do this: to better the lives of students through the University of South Alabama.” Dan Currie, SGA vice president and the chair of the elections committee, said that
the committee has not been able to act on the vandalism due to the lack of evidence of who committed the acts. “Without knowing who has vandalized materials, no specific action can be taken,” Currie said. “If the perpetrator was caught in the act, either being seen by someone or a picture evidence, then more action could be taken.” Currie said that it could also involve students who are affiliated with any other candidate. “Some students who aren't involved in the elections like to mess with people's property as well and tracking down individual students can be nearly impossible.” Wednesday, it was announced that Parten and Crownover will have a runoff to decide who will be the next SGA president. Since those results were released, no new vandalism has been reported.
Pulitzer Prize winner to speak at spring commencement
By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
P
ulitzer Prize winner Cynthia Tucker Haynes will be one of the speakers at the upcoming spring commencement in May and is very excited about the opportunity. Haynes admits she does not have a direction for her graduation speech yet, but she does know that she wants to share a few stories from her profession and what she has learned over the years. She also admits she doesn’t remember what the speaker spoke about at her college graduation and knows many of the graduates won’t remember what she says, but she hopes that she reaches some of the graduates and hopes that they will remember a little of what she says. Haynes received a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from Auburn University in 1976.
In 2007, Tucker won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary for her work in the Atlanta JournalConstitution. She was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2004 and 2006. The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious award for achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature, and musical composition in the United States. “It gives you recognition,” Hayne said. ‘it adds a line to your obituary’. “But, just the recognition that my colleagues had honored the works I had done. It’s an accomplishment you’ve really won.” Haynes said the award was all the more exciting, rewarding, and thrilling after being nominated twice and finally winning. “It was a tremendous accomplishment for me,” Haynes said. “I was walking on clouds for months and months,” Haynes gave a lecture at the University in November last year entitled “Are We Post-Racial Yet?”
Cynthia Tucker Haynes (Photo | Twitter) During February’s board of trustees meeting, the University of South Alabama honored Haynes with an honorary doctorate degree. “I’m honored that South believes that I am a fitting recipient,” Haynes said.
LIFE
NATALIE FRANKLIN LIFE EDITOR nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu
APRIL 11, 2016
The Zetta Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi steps their way to Las Vegas South Alabama fraternity will compete in a national step show this summer By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
Events of the Week
T
he Zeta Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated will be stepping into national recognition in Las Vegas this summer. This group of talented young men will be competing in a national step show. About a month ago, the six members that make up the Zeta Kappa chapter step team participated in a step show at the 79th Seventh District Meeting in Jackson, Mississippi. This meeting consists of frat brothers from the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida. The meeting is held mostly to discuss fraternity business and things of that nature, but the march down determines who will represent the seventh district on the national level. South’s Zeta Kappa chapter represented Alabama and competed against fraternity members from Jackson State University representing Mississippi, and two other chapters from Florida and Georgia. The Zeta Kappa chapter came out victorious for the second year in a row. “It was actually a lot of pressure on us,” Ja’ Larry Byrd, President of the Zeta Kappa chapter, said. Byrd explained that last year’s march down was hosted in Mobile. “There was a lot of talk saying ‘hey yall have home court advantage and yall had the crowd with yall. So for us to actually travel to another location and win again, that was really big for us,” Byrd said.
“
Our enthusiasm is what’s gonna take us over the top to win. -Ja’Larry Byrd
”
The brothers choreograph their own steps. “One of my line brothers, Craig Taite, he comes up with a lot of the stuff, and we just practice and put everything together,” Byrd said. The six member team includes Byrd, Taite, Malcolm Seals, Rorye Scott, Tyler Agee and Christopher White. There were some criteria that the routine had to adhere to. The show had to be under 10 minutes, and each team was judged based on precision, style, stunts, uniforms and enthusiasm. “I actually had one of my line brothers to jump over my head,” Byrd exclaimed. The team will be travelling to Las Vegas in July for the 80th Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclave. “Each district, which is basically all 50 states, will have representatives there,” Byrd explained. The Zeta Kappa chapter will be represented South Alabama, the state of Alabama, and the seventh district. “This is the first time that we’ve ever been able to do that on a national scale, and we’ve ac-
11
Take Back the Night: Speakout and March Student Center Amphitheater 8:30-9:30 p.m.
12
JP Comedy featuring Tracey Ashley Student Center Ballroom 7– 9p.m.
Frat brother Tyler Agee jumps over frat brother Ja’Larry Byrd during their step routine at the 79th Seventh District Meeting. ( Photo | oppf.org ) tually been charted here since 1974,” Byrd said. These young men will be making history for their chapter at South. On July 26, the Zeta Kappa chapter will put their skills to the test, and compete against young men from around the country. “Right now we’re just trying to find out what our competition is, who our competition is. Try to basically do something different, because with our organization, pretty much everybody does the same movements, but you have to try to find a way to put a twist on it to make yourself unique. That’s something that we’re really focused on right now, our uniqueness and how we can stand out.” Byrd is very confident in his brothers and in his team. To win at the national level would be monumental for these young men. “It would
definitely make a lot of our older members proud to know that they laid that foundation and how we’re upholding our traditions. “Also, I think it would be a good look for incoming students who are interested in joining our organization. If they see that we’re actually doing something in a positive light and we’re not just doing something here on campus, but on a national level, that’s a big thing for anybody who’s interested in being Greek or just being a member of our fraternity.” The men of the Zeta Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated have so much to look forward to this summer. Byrd believes they can and will win. “Our enthusiasm is what’s gonna take us over the top to win.”
The Zeta Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi competed in a step routine in Jackson, Mississippi. ( Photo | oppf.org )
13 14
Walk Out Against Sexual Violence Student Center Atrium 12-12:30 p.m.
Station Bungee Student Center Amphitheater 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Outdoor Movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 8:00 – 10:30 p.m.
15
Live Trivia Student Center Lobby 9-11 p.m.
16
Jag Jam Student Center Amphitheater 4– 9 p.m.
6
APRIL 11, 2016
Native American artist brings project to South By JASON RUFFIN Contributing Writer
S
tudents were invited to take part in an interactive art project this past Thursday with a visit from professor and artist Christopher Olszewski. The art project was a brainchild of Olszewki’s, a member of Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, meant to raise awareness about Native American history. Olszewski uses car covers as canvases, and invites people from all walks of life to share their demons in any way they like. Some students expressed their frustrations in words, while others drew pictures and portraits. Olszewski’s flyer describes his project as a “mobile message board”, “a portable monument” and himself as a “low budget mystic.” He uses cars that are often named with Native American themes. For example, he brought a Pontiac to South Alabama. Pictured on the canvas at South, alongside President Andrew Jackson, was the seal of the Muscogee nation and a portrait of Chief Laughing Fox. Olsewski combines these ghosts of our nation’s past, with those of random people to show we all share demons. Drawn onto Olszewski’s modern day “skins” were sentiments most people, not just college students, can relate to. Sentiments and frustrations about anxiety, money and loss just to name a few. Olszewki expressed his own frustrations at the typical settings in which people encounter art. “For myself I was trying for years to get into galleries, these certain blue chip galleries. You had to sell
Students used the art to express themselves. Ashley Fonville added to the various student paintings. ( Jason Ruffin | Contributing Writer) certain pieces or get into a museum. You know, and how many people really saw my work? You know like 5, maybe 8, so it’s just like that’s not really what I wanted to do with art. I want art to really be a platform for these kinds of conversations.” He also talked about the way art can sometimes intimidate people, especially in typical settings. And the power of the untypical setting to engage people, “Hopefully they walk away with it you know, ‘well it’s not as intimidating as I thought.’” According to a flyer on Poarchcreekindians.org Olsewski’s project began last summer with a 7,200 mile road trip.
According to the website he has also driven along the Trail of Tears and Custard’s route to Little Big Horn, picking up the demons of strangers along the way. Scrawled all over South’s canvas were demons of anxiety, self-doubt and nostalgia. Someone had drawn a red, white and blue picture of Napoleon on the front of the cover, a red cape falling behind him. Above that, a student wrote the words, “I Romanticize the Past,” in large red letters. A sentiment that can be shared by all Americans in one way or another.
University of South Alabama
Student Health Center of South Alabama Where University good health and healing Begins
Student Health Center t "MMFSHZ *OKFDUJPOT t (ZO 4FSWJDFT t )FBMUI &EVDBUJPO t *NNVOJ[BUJPOT t -BCPSBUPSZ 5FTUJOH t "MMFSHZ *OKFDUJPOT t 1IZTJDBM &YBNJOBUJPOT
t 4FYVBM "TTBVMU 4FSWJDFT t 4QFDJBMUZ 3FGFSSBMT t 4QPSUT .FEJDJOF t 45* 4DSFFOJOH BOE Contraception Counseling t 4FYVBM "TTBVMU 4FSWJDFT t 5SBWFM .FEJDJOF
Where good health and healing Begins
t (ZO 4FSWJDFT t )FBMUI &EVDBUJPO t *NNVOJ[BUJPOT t -BCPSBUPSZ 5FTUJOH t 1IZTJDBM &YBNJOBUJPOT STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
HEALTH SERVICES DRIVE
EN DRIVE
USA NORTH DRIVE
AUBREY GRE
Marx Library
Medical Sciences Building
Health Sciences Building
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
ITY
RS
E NIV
U
RD
VA
ULE
BO
8:00(251) a.m. 460-7151 – 5:00 p.m., Mon., and Fri., Phone: FAX:Wed. (251) 414-8227 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tues., Thurs. WEB SITE/WEB PORTAL Appointments Preferred/Walk-ins welcome
DRIVE
EN DRIVE
Marx Library
USA NORTH DRIVE
Medical Sciences Building
www.southalabama.edu/studenthealth https://jaghealth.usouthal.edu ADDRESS
Health Sciences Building
U
M
ITY
RS
E NIV
RO
650 Clinic Drive TRP III, Suite 1200
OFFICE HOURS PHONE/FAX
M FRO OAD TH OR LL R » N SHE HEALTH OLD SERVICES
AUBREY GRE
t 4QFDJBMUZ 3FGFSSBMT t 4QPSUT .FEJDJOF OFFICE HOURS 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., Mon., Wed. and Fri., t a.m. 45* 4DSFFOJOH BOE 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tues., Thurs. Contraception Counseling Appointments Preferred/Walk-ins welcome t 5SBWFM .FEJDJOF ADDRESS
RD
VA
ULE
BO
650 Clinic Drive TRP III, Suite 1200 EMAIL studenthealth@southalabama.edu PHONE/FAX
APRIL 11, 2016
7
Holi Festival brings colors and culture to South Alabama By JORDAN WESTMORELAND Contributing Writer
D
id you see anyone covered from head to toe in paint on Saturday and wonder how on Earth they got that way? Would you believe me if I told you it was from a paint party held on campus, and you also had an invitation? The Indian Student Association, ISA, kicked off their second annual Holi Festival of Colors Saturday afternoon at the intramural fields on campus. For anyone not familiar with the event, Holi is a family oriented Hindu festival that welcomes spring with the throwing of vibrant colored powders, promoting happiness and love. According to ISA member Omar Mulla, if you are into receiving and giving good vibes, Holi is definitely for you. “There are a lot of good vibes here today. Spring is all about colors and bringing about new life, and that’s what we’re celebrating. People are spreading love when they are putting colors on others. No one here is having a bad day,” Mulla said. While throwing colors on others, it is completely acceptable to yell at the top of your lungs, according to group member Sumeet Patel. “It’s a huge celebration in India, so here we celebrate by gathering in a big field like here(intramural fields), throwing colors and just having a lot of fun together,” Patel explained. “You hear people yelling ‘happy Holi’ a lot be-
Holi Festival 2016 was hosted by the Indian Student Association. (Jordan Westmoreland | Contributing Writer) cause they are having a really good time celebrating this happy occasion.” The Vice President of the association, Veena Danthuluri, adds that Holi also represents the conquering of good over evil. Curious to what exactly Danthuluri means by “good over evil?” President Mayank Patel puts it like this: “In an ancient Hindu legend, a demon king’s sister tried to burn her nephew, and right before she did it, God intervened and instead burned her. And so in general, that whole scenario is where the triumph of good over evil comes from. So over time, people use this festival to celebrate
Photo | Jordan Westmoreland
light over dark and good over evil, as well as getting over grieves, disputes and challenges. So when you adorn someone else with color, you’re also saying I forgive you, let’s move on and let’s celebrate together.” In similar ways, Holi is like the Mardi Gras of India. “In India, this is such a huge festival that people don’t go to work or to school. They’re throwing color and spraying water guns at their neighbors, their friends and their families; the whole entire street is just completely colored,” Patel explained. Along with the good vibes, the festival also
provided a rockin’ DJ, Indian based food vendors, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, door prizes and numerous fun activities such as karaoke, hula hooping and tug of war. The mission of the ISA is to predominantly bring the culture of India to the student body at South Alabama, but with larger events such as Holi, its target audience also ranges outside of the student body and into the University’s community. Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon explained how pleased she is with the growth in the ISA. “I have been the advisor for eight years, and when I first started out, ISA primarily put up events that were for the students, and so the last two to three years they’ve started doing at least one event a year that reaches out to the community also. An event like today is actually open to the entire community, children included, so you do not have to be affiliated with USA to celebrate.” The Indian Student Association also hopes to spread their love outside of the borders of Mobile all the way to an orphanage for HIV stricken children in India called Aashray Care Home, by donating all of the t-shirt sales to the orphanage. President Patel clarified that the ISA group chose this specific international charity because the dollar in India “goes a long way” compared to the dollar in America. “Raising $1000 here can pay for so much over there because of the currency exchange. It can last them a really long time.” The organization hopes that after the success of Holi this year the turnout will grow even larger next year.
8
APRIL 11, 2016
Jaguar Productions presents Saddle Up South By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
L
ast week, Mobile was treated to beautiful spring weather. The sun shined, the sky was blue and there was a perfect cool breeze. Tuesday, April 5, was a perfect southern day, and Jaguar Productions hosted the perfect southern themed event to match. The Jaguar Productions hosted event, Saddle Up South, brought hoards of students to the Student Center Amphitheater. “I wanted to give the students something that they want. JP [Jaguar Productions] is all about students and the activities and all that stuff, but I wanted to make sure it was something that they asked for,” Gabi Vargas. Vargas is the Jaguar Productions Special Events Chair. “I wanted to do something that has not been done before.” Saddle Up South brought some traditional southern flavor to South with live music, food and even a mechanical bull. Students got to enjoy classic southern cuisine with barbeque pork sliders, mac and cheese, baked beans, peach cobbler and corn bread. The band played classic country music, and there was also a photo booth with a rustic background and funny costumes.
The mechanical bull was perhaps the most fun attraction at Saddle Up South. Vargas had suggested the idea of a mechanical bull, and that sparked excitement among students. There was laughter, cheering and of course some falling surrounding the mechanical bull. For some students, it was their first time ever riding a mechanical bull. “I liked it. It’s a little shaky, jerky, but you know, once you get on it a few times, it’s all right,” Zoe’ Hightower, a sopho-
“
I wanted to do something that has not been done before.
”
-Gabi Vargas
more, said. Jaguar Productions teamed up with the Resident Hall Association (RHA) and First Year Council (FYC) for the event. RHA had cotton candy, root beer floats and they gave away free t-shirts. FYC hosted games like horseshoe and stick races, while Jaguar Productions had fun giveaways including koozies and cowboy hats. No student left empty handed.
Students enjoyed mechanical bull riding, southern cuisine and fun giveaways at Saddle Up South. (Natalie Franklin | Life Editor) Typically, Jaguar Productions’ biggest events of the year are the Block Party and Fun Fest, but Vargas made it one of her goals to get students out to the Saddle Up South event. “I think you have to ask, ‘what do the students want,’ and then they’ll come out for it.”
With the large crowd of students present, it was obvious that they enjoyed all the southern fun Saddle Up South had to offer. “As far as JP events, as far as special events, I think this is going to be one of the largest events that we have,” Vargas said.
Bringing down the House lights: “Everybody Wants Some!!” By SHANNON HOUSE Contributing Writer
“E
verybody Wants Some!!” is the latest film by Richard Linklater, Oscar-winning director of “Dazed and Confused” and “Boyhood.” “Everybody Wants Some” serves as a “spiritual sequel” to the cult classic “Dazed and Confused” taking viewers from the 1970s and Matthew McConaughey’s “alright, alright, alright” to the 1980s complete with thick mustaches and faded Wrangler dad jeans. Whereas the characters in “Dazed and Confused” were what their movie title suggests the characters in “Everybody Wants Some” are confident and free in their own bubble of newfound adulthood. “Everybody Wants Some” follows a group of Texan college baseball players in 1980 during their last weekend before classes start with as much drinking, picking up girls and dancing as possible. Jake, played by Blake Jenner from “Glee,” is the film’s main character, a pitcher and one of several college freshmen new to the team. We see the “pathological competitiveness” of college athletics through the lens of Jake, an artistic, awkward type who becomes more confident as he finds his place
among the other players. Per usual, his older classmates put Jake and his other younger cohorts through freshman rituals such as duct-taping them to a baseball fence and batting balls at them. Glen Powell from “Scream Queens” and Tyler Hoechlin from “Teen Wolf ” are two of the main seniors giving the younger players a tough time. By the end of the film, though they’re still as competitive as ever, the players are united by a sense of male camaraderie. Fans familiar with Linklater’s style, i.e. movies bound to a short amount of time and strung together with seemingly unconnected vignettes—all to convey the human experience—will not be disappointed with “Everybody Wants Some.” For instance, one of the standout scenes in the film features characters Jake, Finnegan, and Dale rapping along to The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” while they ride around town in between parties and casual hangouts. In an interview with Studio q, Linklater discussed the motivation behind “Everybody Wants Some” and much of his other films saying “I’m usually doing a movie [from] that era of my life.” Linklater drew upon his own experiences as a baseball
Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” was a hit movie in the 1990s. (Photo | playbuzz.com) player for “Everybody Wants Some” and in this way is the own “head coach to an ensemble cast of young actors all to make the best movie.” On the surface, “Everybody Wants Some”captures parts of American culture in the 1980s pre-Reagan, AIDS, and— most poignantly given the context of the film—social media. However, the film, like Linklater’s “Before” films and “Dazed and Confused” doesn’t follow any one plot. To me, this lack is where the film truly
succeeds. “Everybody Wants Some” succeeds in showing the human experience because each character brings their own perspective of what college and life is for them. The film succeeds with critics, if you consider its “Certified Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes’ score of 91. The film also succeeds with its soundtrack. Any film with The Knack’s “My Sharona” in it (Reality Bites) is sure to be good.
APRIL 11, 2016
SPORTS
STAFF wmk1221@jagmail.southalabama.edu
Photo | USAJaguars
Baseball stays undefeated in Sun Belt play N0. 29-ranked Jaguars won their 15th-straight SBC game and fifth consecutive SBC series sweep
By MITCHELL KAHALEY Managing Editor
T
he South Alabama baseball team rattled off four wins this week, solidifying their spot at No. 28 in Collegiate Baseball’s top 30 poll. On Wednesday night the New Orleans Privateers traveled to Stanky Field to take on the Jaguars. The Privateers were looking to claim their second win over the Jaguars this season, but the Jags claimed a 12-3 win behind a career game from pitcher Randy Bell. Bell allowed two earned runs on six hits and no walks en route to his first career win at USA. Bell retired the first 10 batters of the game before letting up a one-out single to UNO’s Aaron Palmer in the top of the fourth. "I had a good defense behind me and good run support," Bell said to USAJaguars. "I just had the mentality that it was a 1-0 game the whole game to get through those later innings. I had command of my fastball, and threw the curveball when I had to to keep them off balance. This was a big win for us." USA scored six runs in the bottom of the first and their bats stayed hot, sending in three more in the bottom of the sec-
ond, for a 9-0 lead. The Jags scored their 10th run of the game in the bottom of the fourth when Drew LaBounty scored on a sac fly from Carter Perkins. Ben Gann then drew a two-out-bases-loaded walk to score LaBounty, extending USA’s lead to 11-0. The Privateers cut the lead to 11-3 in the top of the seventh after an RBI groundout to second by Chaz Boyer and a two-run single by Jay Robinson. The Jags would score their 12th and final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh. Travis Swaggerty lead the inning off with a single and moved to second after a wild pitch. He scored on a two-out RBI single by Danny Martinez. Swaggerty led the Jaguars offensively, finishing 3-for-6 with a double, tying a career high in hits and two runs scored. After beating UNO, the Jaguars looked to stay undefeated in Sun Belt play as they took on Arkansas State. Kevin Hill pitched his third complete game of the year , leading the Jaguars to an 8-2 seriesopening win over the Red Wolves. Hill allowed two runs off of eight hits and struck out nine batters without registering a walk to claim his seventh win of the season. "I just threw as many strikes early on as
I could. We feed off of each other. The pitchers have confidence in the defense, and when the hitters are rolling then we're rolling as well." Hill said to USAJaguars. The Jaguars got on the board in the bottom of the first after Cole Billingsley blasted a solo home run over the right field wall, stretching his hitting streak to 14 games. The Jaguars would tack on five runs in the bottom of the second, giving the Jaguars a 6-0 lead. USA would add two in the bottom of the fourth. Adam Wolfe reached on a two-base throwing error from third baseman Joe Schrimpf. Wolfe moved to third on a throwing error by ASU pitcher Tyler Zubur after a failed pickoff attempt. Swaggerty then hit a double to left-center to plate Wolfe. A sac fly from LaBounty plated Swaggerty, giving the Jags an 8-0 lead. The Red Wolves scored their only runs of the game in the top of the seventh. Jarred Barnes led the Jags offensively, going3-for-4 and scored one run. Swaggerty finished 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. LaBounty added a hit and three RBI. Billingsley finished with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. On Saturday, the Jags would score sev-
en unanswered runs to clinch the series against Arkansas State. The Red Wolves opened the scoring in the top of the first with a two-out, tworun homer to left field by Schrimpf. The Jaguars responded with a pair of runs in the bottom second after Barnes sent one flying over the left field wall for a two-run homer to tie the game, 2-2. Barnes leads the Jaguars with six home runs on the year. The Jags took the lead in the bottom of the third after Barnes, grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that allowed Martinez to score to give the Jaguars a 3-2 lead. The Red Wolves scored four runs in the top of the fourth giving ASU a 6-3 lead. The Jags hit back scoring two in the bottom of the same inning. LaBounty hit a two-run single into right-center field to plate Wolfe and Swaggerty. A one-out RBI single by Jeremy Brown put the Red Wolves back on top for the last time in the game, giving them a 7-5 lead. In the bottom of the fifth Ben Gann scored on a two-out RBI single by Wolfe to cut the Red Wolves lead to one. The
See Baseball Page 10
10
APRIL 11, 2016
Softball sweeps fourth straight Sun Belt opponent By JOSH RUTLEDGE Staff Reporter
T
he University of South Alabama swept up another series this weekend against TexasArlington. After the game against Mississippi State was canceled on Wednesday due to rain. The Jags lead it off with three runs right off the bat in the bottom of the first. Emily Messer led off with a base hit to left field, and Kayleigh Todd followed with a walk. Amanda Minahan bunted the pair into scoring position, and Pilkington supplied a single to right field to score Messer for a 1-0 lead. Foster then lifted her team-best third sacrifice fly to center field to score Todd and double USA’s lead. In the next at-bat, Lane doubled to right center to score Haleigh Lowe, who reached on a Maverick fielding error, as USA jumped ahead, 3-0. The Jaguars extended their lead in the bottom of the third when Breeden doubled down the left field line to plate Pilkington and Foster, and Todd grounded out to second base to allow Dayla Gulledge to score, as the host pushed their lead to six runs. UTA added a run across in the top of the fourth after Britnea Barilli reached on a one-out base hit and then scored after a pair of Jaguar errors, cutting the Jag lead to five runs. Barilli almost scored again in the top of the sixth when she reached third on Mallory Foster’s double down the left field line, but Brown forced Kacey Everett into a fly out to left field to avoid any further damage. Messer, Pilkington and Breeden each went 2-for3 to lead USA at the plate. Breeden drove in a pair of runs, while six different Jaguars scored in the contest. Brown allowed only one run (unearned) on three Maverick hits with one walk. USA clinched the series against UTA after beating them 5-1 in the second game of the double header. The Jags took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on Pilkington’s sacrifice fly to left field, which scored Messer, who reached again to lead the game off with a base hit. Texas-Arlington tied the score in the top of the third when Laura Curry singled to score Rebecca Stokes, who reached on a one-out base hit up the middle. USA took a three-run lead in the bottom of the fourth when Todd, Minahan and Lowe each delivered two-out RBI singles consecutively to score Lane, Tucker Caraway (pinch-running for Breeden,
Baseball Continued from page 9 Jags would take the lead on a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh. Billingsley scored Gann and Wolfe on a tworun single up the middle, bringing his hitting streak to 15 games and give the Jags an 8-7 lead. The Jaguars would go on to score four more runs in the bottom of the eighth, giving them the 12-7 series clinching win. The Jags clinched their fifth straight Sun Belt series sweep with a 3-2 win over the Red Wolves. Jaguar pitcher Austin Bembnowski allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and four walk in 5 1/3 innings to earn his fourth win of the season. "We walked way too many, and the game wasn't pretty," Calvi said to USAJaguars. "In fact, I didn't like the game at all; the only part of the game that I like is that we won. It was ugly, but I would rather
who singled) and Todd. The Jaguars added on a final run an inning later when Gulledge drove in Lane, who singled, with a base hit to right field. Vicknair dodged trouble in the top of the sixth after dealing Shelbi Sikes a two-out walk to load the bags, before forcing Kayci Moore into an infield pop up. Vicknair retired the Mavericks in order in the top of the seventh to secure the victory. Seven different Jaguars recorded hits in game two, as USA outhit UTA, 9-4. Lane led the way on 2-for-3 hitting with a pair of runs scored. Gulledge recorded her second multi-hit game with a pair and one RBI. Messer drew a walk and scored for the fifth game in a row. Vicknair struck out four Mavericks against two walks and allowed one run (earned) on four hits. USA won 7-3 against UTA on Sunday in game three to claim a fourth-straight Sun Belt Conference series sweep. Kaleigh Todd tied her career high in hits to lead USA (24-11, 12-2 SBC) after going 4-for4 with two runs and an RBI. Devin Brown improved to 14-7 on the year after striking out 13 Maverick batters for a second time in the series, with no walks and three runs (all earned) allowed on seven hits. Brown has now struck out 10 or more batters 14 times in 24 total appearances this year. Her total for the year now stands at 226, eight shy of tying Beth Pilgrim’s record for the most in South Alabama single-season history. Brown finished the weekend 2-0 with 26 strikeouts to a walk in 14 innings with four runs (three earned) allowed on 10 hits. Todd finished 6-for-11 with four runs scored and three RBI. Haleigh Lane went 4-for8 in the series with three RBI and two runs scored, while Messer scored four runs on three hits and walked three times over the weekend. Pilkington drove in four total runs in the series. USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, Messer and Todd scoring. Messer drew a leadoff walk and stole second, followed by Todd, who singled and stole, with Messer coming around on an errant throw attempt to erase Todd on her steal attempt. Minahan bunted Todd over to third, and Lowe drew a walk to bring up Pilkington, who lifted a sacrifice fly to left center to score Todd and double USA’s lead to 2-0. The Jags scratched one across in the bottom of the fourth when Lane singled to score Tucker Caraway from second. Caraway pinch-ran for Pilkington, who led off the inning with
win ugly than lose pretty. Sometimes you have to win when you're not at your best, and that was one of those games. The Red Wolves started the scoring with a two-run double by Schrimpf in the top of the first to give them a 2-0 lead. The Jaguars tied them in the bottom of the third. Gann led off the inning with single to right-center field and Wolfe reached on a walk. Swaggerty loaded the bases on a single. Billingsley hit a sac fly to plate Gann and cut the lead in half. LaBounty then reached on a fielding error by ASU pitcher Tanner RIng that allowed Wolfe to score and level the game at 2-2. The Jaguars scored the game winning run in the bottom of the fifth after Martinez delivered a two-out RBI single to the middle to score Swaggerty, giving the Jaguars a 3-2 win. South Alabama moves to 25-8 on the year and remains undefeated in the Sun Belt after winning 15 straight conference games. The Jaguars are back in action on Tuesday, April 12 when Southeastern Louisiana comes to Stanky Field.
Pitcher Devin Brown moved to 14-7 on the year after striking out 13 UTA batters twice in the Jagaurs fourth straight SBC series sweep. (Photo | USA Jaguars) a walk and moved to second on Kristian Foster’s sacrifice bunt. USA put the game out of reach with a four spot in the bottom of the fifth to go ahead, 7-0. Messer reached first on a Maverick fielding error, and then scored when Todd doubled down the left field line to give the hosts a 4-0 lead. Minahan followed with a base hit to left to put a pair in scoring position. Lowe drew a walk to load the bags, and Pilkington drew a walk to send Todd across the plate for a 5-0 Jaguar lead. Foster drew another bases-loaded walk to make it 6-0, and Lane supplied a sacrifice fly to plate Minahan. Texas-Arlington put up three runs in the final two innings, beginning with a pair in the top of the sixth.
Laura Curry got on with a one-out single and moved to second on a wild pitch before coming home on Britnea Barilli’s double off the wall in right field. Mallory Foster then singled to score Barilli, which cut USA’s lead to five runs. The Mavericks scratched one more across in the top of the seventh to cut USA’s lead to 7-3 when Sandra Mendoza doubled to left center to score Kayci Moore, who pinch ran for Rebecca Stokes after the latter singled with one away. Brown retired a pair in order to end the contest. The Jaguars move to 24-11 on the season and 12-2 in conference play. The Jaguars are back at it on Wednesday night against Nicholls State on Wednesday night.
OPINION
CAITLIN SMITH OPINION EDITOR lcs1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu
APRIL 11, 2016
Over-sexualization of art forms takes away from the skill By CAITLIN SMITH Opinion Editor
W
omen have made such huge strides in equality. We can vote and we can hold office, but we can’t do it without the fear of oversexualization. Is it liberating or demeaning even if we are the ones controlling it, though? Having practiced some form of yoga for all of my adult life, discovering aerial practice has honestly changed how I see yoga and also how I see myself. I have never felt more strong or confident as I do after a lesson. I always leave class feeling so in control and so powerful. I just spent an hour performing tricks 18ft in the air with only my strength and abilities keeping me from crashing into the ground! What can’t I do? Yoga is a hobby, yes, but I also believe it is an art form. It requires skill and passion and hours and hours of practice to be good at it. Like dance and ballet it is a celebration of the body and the incredible things it can do. It is hard but even more rewarding. Once I became infatuated with the art of verticals, I started following Instagram users and Facebook pages, doing everything I could to immerse myself into this lifestyle. I wanted to become one of those graceful
women above the earth, defying gravity. Practicing aerial skills has helped awaken the strong, empowered woman inside of me that is fierce and graceful, but it has also opened another door to a world that makes me uncomfortable and feel highly sexualized. The aerial practices range from yoga to vertical silks and from trapeze to aerial hoops or pole work. While I do view it as a skill and am blown away by the strength and ability it takes, there’s that part of me saying it is demeaning. The pages I started following on various social media would post gorgeous and truly amazing photos and videos of vertical tricks and poses that I wanted to try so badly when I would get to class. I also started noticing a lot of these poses were being performed in bikinis or even lingerie, which took away the strong, powerful “I AM WOMAN” feeling I had around aerial practices. I see the beautiful yoga poses on the same pages as women doing a pole dance routine in next to nothing and stilettos with the hashtag #SundayBumday. Is it still empowering then? Or is it taking something that was for me and making it about what men want to see? I was curious as to how pole dancing made its way into the aerial world and found out it actually did start under the big top. So,
Aerial pole work must be done in minimal clothes to help stay on the pole. (Photo | Instagram) much like trapeze work and juggling clowns, pole dancing was originally a circus norm. It then made its way into bars, became coupled with burlesque shows and started operating on a sleazier end of things. All of this hard work and talent and strength so a man can be aroused? Where I take my aerial classes does not offer a pole dance class, and even if they did I would not be able to take it. The disappointed look on my mother and father’s face would be burned into my skull.
The attraction to yoga for me has always been about my inner and outer selves connecting, using breathing and stretching as a form of healing for both but never about pleasing others. This new venture into aerials is exciting and terrifying, and I do it only for me. Seeing people force it to be sexual, even if it is not being made that way by an outside source, is still a step backwards for me. Do not praise me doing something you find sexy, praise me for being a skilled artist.
Letter to the editor: Spring Fest coverage was lacking By LOUIS XU Contributing Writer
I
laid my hands on the latest issue of the Vanguard this Monday with excitement and expectation. When I flipped it over, I felt that International Spring Festival could not be fully covered in only one page. It deserves at least two pages for its significance. However, I appreciated the coverage of the event because of my heavy involvement in it. After a scrutiny of the text, photos and captions in the report, I decided that something is missing in it and significant improvement could have been made for the whole report to be more newsworthy and informative. First, all the participating student organizations deserved at least one mentioning of their full names as they all did a wonderful job to make the event a complete success. Their efforts should be appreciated. This kind of recognition is crucial as people thrive on praises and encouragement. Second, the popular lion dance was ac-
tually presented by the Vietnamese Student Association, however, its name failed to appear in this report. It is really a great pity and they might feel unhappy. Some well-informed audience, especially Chinese, may also claim lion dances to be traditional Chinese. As it has already found its way into the Vietnamese culture, the Vietnamese Student Association's contribution to bring it to the stage this year should be recognized accordingly. It might be a better alternative if both Chinese and Vietnamese join hands to present it as they did years ago. Third, Pakistan Student Association's exhibits won the first prize in the international exhibition, but it has a small student population of only 7 in the South. It doesn't represent how hard they had been working and I would like to know more about their story, especially about the role of Mr. Jang Najmi, President of CISO, in the organization of his own compatriots. Fourth, the Latin American Student Association made their not-so-desirable debut last year, but they tried very hard and won a hard-earned 3rd prize this year. This
must have greatly boosted their confidence to do a better job in the future. Readers like me would be happy to be further informed if possible. Fifth, the Chinese Student and Scholar Association, after a few years of dormancy in the USA life, made its comeback with two beautiful songs and two types of exquisite boxing performed by people from various countries. From my point of view, this embodies the true essence of the Festival to bring people from different ethnic backgrounds and of different age brackets together. What is behind the scene? Last but not least, I strongly believe that a round-up of all prize-winning associations could have been presented in the Vanguard to honor the winners, inform the readers, and inspire the participants. The impact of the Festival was still felt on Tuesday when Miss Truc Hua stopped me in the student center and inquired about our Taiji performance she heard about from her friends. She asked me if it is possible for her to learn how to do it as she loves it. This reminds me of one of our volunteer performers, Mrs. Cathy White, who
travelled from another town here in order to be part of this great event. Mr. Jim Mather, director of Friends of Internationals in Mobile, had attended these years' shows and he told his friends that the performances are growing better by every passing year. He might have more to share with us, I am sure. If all the above-mentioned are handled in a more comprehensive manner, I have every reason to believe that the USA International Spring Festival will turn out to be a logo for our university to attract an increasing number of international applicants.
Louis, We appreciate you writing and voicing your opinion. Although we agree that Spring Fest is a big event ever y year and is important to the international student community, we also are limited by our space in the paper. Ver y rarely do stories recieve more than a page of coverage due to lack of space. We enjoyed covering the event and the display of all the beautiful cultures and traditions. We’re excited for next year! Thanks! The Vanguard Staff
12
APRIL 11, 2016