April 17, 2017 by The Vanguard

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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MONDAY APRIL 17 2017 VOL 59 ISS 28

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SGA votes to raise stipends Four positions recieve stipend increases.

Spectrum hosts Pride Prom

Spectrum welcomes everyone to celebrate prom! Page 5

Page 3

Interview with Thomas Huston

Learn more about the Jags’ Southpaw pitcher. Page 9

Softball shutout TexasArlington Courtesy of usajaguars

Senior pitcher Destin Vicknair tossed a one-hit, shutout, complete game and junior shortstop Kristian Foster was 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of RBI as the University of South Alabama softball team picked up a 5-0 win over Texas-Arlington at Allan Saxe Field in Saturday’s series finale. “The job Vicknair did in the circle today for us was huge; to throw a one-hitter against that ball club was big,” South Alabama head coach Becky Clark. “She’s been throwing a ton of innings for us with Devin [Brown] out. She didn’t just give us a chance today, I thought she was dominant. UTA never really squared anything up and she moved the ball around the zone the entire game and changed up speeds on them. “As far as our team, I’m really proud of them, because I felt like we played hard all weekend and never felt like there was a time that we weren’t playing hard. We made those errors in the first game and we didn’t help ourselves out, but other than that, I thought we played hard the whole time. When you’re going through some of the things we are going Continued on page 8

“A Flea in Her Ear,” will continue to play at Laidlaw through April 22. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Now playing: A Flea in Her Ear By shannon lundgren | Reporter

“A Flea in Her Ear,” a farcical comedy, debuted Friday, April 14 at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. The play is a new version of Georges Faydeau’s farce by David Ives. The play will run April 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. in Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. In the play, Rachel Chandebise

(Sadie Bell Freeman), suspects her husband, Victor Chandebise (Kip Hayes), is having an affair. Rachel plots with her best friend, Lucy de Histanga (Katlyn Eller), to lure Victor to a brothel to confirm her suspicions. A case of mistaken identity and wacky hijinks ensues. Hayes showed true versatility as an actor in the dual role of Victor

Chandebise/ Poche. Through minor changes to posture, costume and accent, Hayes expertly conveyed two different characters. His British and Cockney accents were recognizable while still being understandable. In the role of Victor’s wife, Freeman used subtle facial expressions to Continued on page 4

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, April 17, 2017

NEWS

Vanguard Ivey sworn in as governor THE

By Krisha amin | Life editor

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On Monday, April 10, Kay Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor after Governor Robert Bentley resigned a step shy of impeachment. Bentley resigned after the release of a barrage of convictions regarding his alleged liaison with senior staffer, Rebekah Mason, and his subsequent attempts to conceal it, according to Fortune magazine. Ivey expressed a silver lining mentality upon catapulting to governor’s seat. “Today is both a dark day for Alabama, yet also one of opportunity,” Ivey said during her swearing-in ceremony. At her first ever press conference as governor, Ivey promised to rectify Alabama’s fragmented image and instill a theme of utmost transparency as long as her administration was in charge. “People all over the world, much less the nation, have all their eyes on Alabama, and it’s not for the right reasons,” Ivey said. “That’s very troubling. People have lost trust in their government leaders.” Ivey, 72, grew up in Wilcox County and worked on her family’s farm, according to the official Governor of Alabama website. Ivey is Alabama’s 2nd female governor, with the first being Gov. Lurleen Wallace in 1967. In fact, Ivey has a bit of history with Wallace. While a student at Auburn University, Ivey crusaded on-campus efforts for

Wallace’s campaign, according to the New York Times. According to AL.com, following several informal meetings, Wallace invited Ivey to join her staff and cabinet after graduation. Ivey declined, opting to get married instead. “She was a personal mentor to me,” Ivey said in her press conference. “She was an inspiration to me in a lot of things. I’m honored to follow her.” According to AL.com, Ivey moved with her husband to California, where she worked as a high school teacher, and upon her return to Alabama, she worked in banking. She made her humble to honorary rise in Alabama politics in 1979 when she joined Gov. Fob James’ cabinet as director of government affairs and communications, according to AL.com. Ivey has since served as an Alabama stateswoman in one form or another, establishing a resume with a grocery list of leadership roles. Her quiet and gradual ascent in Alabama politics includes serving two terms as Republican state treasurer and a member of Gov. Bob Riley’s cabinet, according to AL.com. In 2010, Ivey was a contender in the Republican primary race for the Alabama governor seat, according to CNN. She opted out early in the campaign and was instead elected as the first female Lieutenant Governor, according to the Alabama governor’s website. One of her primary duties included presiding over the Alabama State Senate. Her role was finite, however, as she could not express

her opinions on legislation affairs, according to US News. With Bentley out of office, Ivey got straight to work; first with some spring cleaning. Ivey asked for the resignation of several members of Bentley’s staff and cabinet, including Jon Mason, Rebekah Mason’s husband. He served as director of Serve Alabama, an office that coordinates faith-based initiatives, according to WTVY. In addition, Ivey signed a bill that stated juries, not judges, will have the final word when the time comes to impose the death penalty in capital murder cases, according to Local15. She has also been re-evaluating moving the US Senate Special Election date Bentley scheduled closer up, according to Alabama Political Reporter. In the coming week, Ivey will officially move to the capitol office and government mansion, according to WTVY. Ivey will assume the role of Alabama governor until the 2018 general election.

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251-344-4575 Kay Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor on April 10. Photo courtesy of NYTimes

NEWS

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, April 17, 2017

USA Crime Report 04-06-2017

04-10-2017

Driving Under the Influence- Alcohol 0 West drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Male subject was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

Burglary Third Degree Student Center Unknown person(s) without consent forced open the locked Java City gate, making entry into the business and pried open the cash register. No money or inventory was missing at the time of the report.

04-07-2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree Student Center Sometime in the month of January, the crime of Theft of Property in the 4th degree was committed. Arts and Sciences Senator Shaun Holloway reads the bill to raise stipends at the April 10 SGA meeting. Photo by Jake Cannon

SGA votes to raise stipends By Shannon Lundgren | reporter

SGA passed two bills in their April 10 meeting at the Marx Library. The first bill raised the stipends of several SGA positions. The second bill funded the purchase of clocks for every classroom in Shelby Hall. In the first bill that passed, SGA raised the stipends of chief justice, student-at-large, senator pro-tem, and senate clerk. The raises were proposed as a result of investigations into the current duties of different roles within the SGA, according to bill author and Arts and Sciences Senator Shaun Holloway. Updated legislation that reflects the evolving roles of the positions in question is still underway. The legislation which updated the duties of senator pro-tem was introduced for discussion in the April 10 meeting. That bill will be up for vote in the April 17 meeting. The senator pro-tem leads the senators and enforces senatorial responsibilities. The senator pro-tem’s stipend will increase from $100 per semester to $100 per month. Legislation to update the role of chief justice will be introduced and up for vote in the April 17 meeting, according to Chief Justice Taylor Davis. The details of the changes to this role will be discussed then. Under the new legislation, the chief justice’s stipend will increase from $325 to $375 per month. The bills that update the roles of

senate clerk and student-at-large will be up for discussion under the incoming academic years administration, according to SGA Vice President Darshan Patel. The details of the updates will be discussed then. Under the bill which increased the stipends, the student-at-large stipend will increase from $150 to $250 per month. The senate clerk’s stipend will increase from $150 per semester to $100 per month. The senate clerk is responsible for taking the minutes for every SGA meeting and counting votes. The student-at-large represents the SGA to student organizations. The intent of the proposed bills is to codify the additional duties these roles have taken on, according to Holloway. “It’s a way of saying these students [duties] are necessary,” Holloway said. SGA Coordinator Heather Sprinkle agreed that the SGA has taken on more responsibilities. In the second bill that passed, SGA purchased clocks for every classroom in Shelby Hall. There were not any clocks in Shelby Hall and many professors would not allow students to use watches, according to College of Engineering Senator Blake Lee. The college of engineering senators aim to have the clocks installed in time for finals. This academic year’s final SGA meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Room 205. The public is welcome to attend.

251-460-6312

04-07-2017 Failure to Appear - Driving While Suspended Police Department - 290 Stadium Blvd. On 4/7/2017, said student was found to have a warrant for his arrest. 04-09-2017 Theft of Property Third Degree Delta #6 Unknown subject(s) took assorted items including a PlayStation Vita from a dorm room. 04-09-2017 Burglary Second Degree The Grove - Bldg. # 8 A female student was in her apartment at the Grove, when an unknown person kicked in the front door. 04-09-2017 Criminal Mischief-Damage to Business Property Student Center A vending machine was broken into at the Student Center.

04-10-2017 Theft of Property Second Degree Football Field House Unknown person(s) stole a number of items that belonged to the University of South Alabama Grounds Department, from an area near the Football Fieldhouse. 04-11-2017 Criminal Trespass Third Degree The Grove Officers were told that a male subject was on campus who had previously been issued a Criminal Trespass Warning for the Grove Apartments. 04-13-2017 Medical Emergency Central Utilities (Central Plant) Medical emergency at Central Utility Building. 04-13-2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree Unknown person(s) without consent took the victim’s Jag ID Card without consent, and used the card to make purchases at various restaurants on the victim’s food plan. The replacement value of the stolen Jag Card is $10.00, and charges at the various restaurants totalled $32.11.

If you SEE something, DO something!

LIFE

A Flea In Her Ear review cont. Continued from page 1

portray an over-dramatic character without becoming an over-dramatic actress. However, the most difficult part was that of Cameron Chandebise (Thomas Jefferson Dean IV). Dean portrayed a character unable to pronounce consonants. Despite the character’s speech impediment, Dean clearly conveyed the character’s emotion through use of tone. Even smaller parts were well acted and memorable. Kenny Pickens took the minor role of Hornsby, an amorous cowboy, and made it unforgettable with his southern accent. Sengphet Sengphachanh (Ferraillon) impressively performed physical comedy. With every actor bringing something special to their role, it is impossible to declare a favorite. Directors Dr. Lars Tatom’s and John Nara’s sense of comedic timing brought a stereotypical comedic farce

to life and made it unforgettable. The set design was economical and clever. Small changes, such as panels to hide extra doorways and a rug easily changed the set from middle-class living room to bawdy brothel. The curtain did not close between acts and the audience was treated to an inside look at the scene changes. Though the set was minimal, portraits of Queen Elizabeth and British themed magazines on the coffee table reinforced the setting. The era was conveyed through the costumes. Lucy de Histanga’s (Katlyn Eller) costume especially evoked images of a young Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. “A Flea in Her Ear” is a must-see for this season. One audience member, Deborah Fetherland, called it a “tour de farce,” and no one left the play without a smile on their faces. Contact (251) 460-6306 for more information on ticket availability or visit Laidlaw Performing Arts Center ticket office.

Sadie Bell Freeman portrays Rachel Chanderbise, a woman who wrongly suspects her husband is having an affair. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Theatre USA

The University of South Alabama Theatre & Dance presents

April 14&15

@7:30pm

A new version of Georges Feydeau’s farce by David Ives Directed by

Lars Tatom and

John Nara

April16 @2pm

April 14 & 15, 2017 @ 7:30pm April 16, 2017 @ 2pm April 20 – 22, 2017 @ 7:30pm Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center www.southalabama.edu/theatre (251) 460 – 6306 Roman Tournel (Cody DiFazio) and Rachel Chandebise (Sadie Bell Freeman) have a misunderstanding in a brothel. Photo by Briana Cunningham

April 20-22

@7:30pm

LIFE

Spectrum to host second chance pride prom

Teens prepare to go to prom. Photo courtesy of Oscar Rethwill via flickr.com By Richard Narramore | reporter

Spectrum will host Pride Prom, a second chance for all students to experience prom, at the Student Center Terrace on Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for nonSpectrum members at the door. Spectrum helps provide a safe environment for LGBT+ students. The organization also welcomes allies, those that do not identify as LGBT+ but want to be involved. The event is a second chance for LGBT+ students, as well as other students, to experience prom. Spectrum encourages all students to come and enjoy themselves. “It is a medium for getting out of your comfort zone,” Jamie Robinson, USA Spectrum president said.“Pride Prom is a really good event to have fun at. The closest thing to a prom as possible but still keep it college.” Pride Prom is a staple event for the Spectrum organization. “I know it has brought joy to many people in the past, “ Robinson said. “The event has always had steady turnout.” Spectrum encourages students to come regardless of whether they have a date or not. “Bring yourself or just come with friends,” Robinson said. Robinson hopes Chick-fil-a will

cater the event. Spectrum plans to provide seven different to flavors of punch, to represent the colors of the LGBT pride flag. Robinson and many of his friends are putting a lot of things together for the event and are excited for this years Pride Prom. It will have “good music, fun people and games,” Robinson said. The theme of the Pride Prom, voted on by Spectrum members, is Black and Gold. Robinson encourages people to wear their best outfits and to come up with crazy ideas. “The more outlandish the better,” he said. Robinson also said that there will be Prom Royalty elected at the event. Instead of having a queen or king, Spectrum opted for gender neutral titles. Spectrum welcomes students to join and attend their weekly meetings. To protect the safety of its members, Spectrum asked that meeting times and location not be shared. To get information, you can follow Spectrum on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to Spectrum via email by visiting Student Services in the Student Center.

LIFE

6 April 18 Tuesday “The Mask You Live In” documentary screening Marx Library Auditorium 6 - 9 p.m.

19 Wednesday “Inside Out” movie screening Student Center Ballroom 6 p.m.

20 Thursday J.P. Carnival Student Center Amphitheater 6 p.m. Lecture: The Amazing Life of Agnes Tennenbaum Archaeology Museum 6 p.m.

DayZero attends nationals By Micaela walley | copy editor

From April 13-15, eight members of the DayZero cyber competition team attended the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition in San Antonio, Texas. Only a week before the national competition, DayZero took first place at the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition that was held at Kennesaw State University. Their first place win at regionals came along with beating three-time reigning champion, University of Central Florida. They received a $500 check from Palo Alto and $19,200 in training courses from EC-Council (partnered with Simeio Solutions) for their regional win. This year marked the second year that DayZero attended the regional competition, and the first year they attended the national competition. DayZero came in fifth place at the national competition, out of 237 teams that competed overall. “Attending nationals for the first time was an incredible experience and amazingly educational,” Ryan Creel, vice president of DayZero, said.

“The sheer scope and scale of the competition was leagues larger than anything we had ever experienced before.” At the national competition, DayZero defended their network of computers against an opposing team’s exploitations which simulated real world hacking they would typically face in the cybersecurity field. The opposing team consisted of experts in the cybersecurity field who work in top tier government agencies and tech companies including the CIA, Amazon, UBER, Raytheon, and many others. According to DeMarcus Williams, DayZero’s President, during the competition the opposing team hacked one of their computers and rendered it useless. The only operation that was functional on this machine was an endless loop of the popular meme, Nyan Cat. The team also participated in Panoply, a king of the hill style event, where whoever hacked the most machines won a grand prize of an Xbox One. This event was open to everyone

in attendance, including the students, their advisors, and any attending cyber experts. Perhaps the most important part of the competition was the opportunity to network with these cyber professionals in a social setting afterwards. The team members were able to place their resumes in the hands of the cyber experts they had been competing against throughout the competition. Many came back with several business cards and potential job opportunities with the prestigious companies that were in attendance at this competition. “It’s not everyday that you get to shake the hand of the vice president of a company and personally hand him your resume,” Williams said. “This competition opens a ton of doors.” Anyone interested in participating in cyber competitions or has any interest in cybersecurity is encouraged to attend DayZero’s meetings, which are every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in room 2317 at Shelby Hall. For more information, contact dayzeropresident@southalabama.edu.

21 Friday Henna tattoo and Bollywood movie night Allied Health Auditorium Hall Room 1012 5:30 p.m.

22 Saturday Earth Day waterway campus clean-up Glen Sebastian Nature Trails entrance 9 - 11 a.m. Second Chance Pride Parade Student Center Terrace 7 p.m.

After their win at regionals, Nathan Herron, Ryan Creel, Tristen Higginbotham, Garrett Smith, DeMarcus Williams, Chris Patrick, Dr. Todd Andel (coach), Thanh Nguyen and William Holder headed to the national competition. Photo courtesy of the school of computing

SPORTS

Advance on 2017 USA football season

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The South Alabama football team will open its fifth season in fall of 2017, facing several highly-ranked teams, many of whom they have never played. Currently, the football team is weight training until the week before finals. They will pick back up practicing once summer camp begins. The Jaguars finished last season with a 6-7 overall record. For their conference, they were 2-6. Key player of the 2016 season, Gerald Everett, will not be returning this season. The 6-4 230-pound tightend intends to be drafted in the NFL, which would make him the first ever NFL draft in South Alabama history. Dallas Davis will return after completing his sophomore season as the team’s starting quarterback. Junior safety Jeremy Reaves returns for his final season. Currently, he is tied for first with six forced fumbles and 14 broken up passes for South Alabama’s all-time records. In February, the football program used three of its 11 scholarships and welcomed three local high school seniors; Kendrick Haynes of Murphy, linebacker Cephus Johnson of Davidson and offensive guard Hadon Merchant of Fairhope. These players will begin practicing with the team this summer. The Jaguars look to kick off the 2017 season in Oxford against Ole Miss on Sept. 2. Last year, Ole Miss was 2-6 in the SEC and managed an overall 5-7 record. The following week, South Alabama will host parents’ weekend for the at-home opener against Big 12 team Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State ended its season with a 10-3 overall record. The Jaguars continue their

season Sept. 16 at home against Alabama A&M. Other teams South Alabama looks to contend are post-season bowl winning teams; Idaho, Louisiana Tech, and Troy. During the “Battle for the Belt” at Ladd Peebles Stadium, Troy University took the belt from South Alabama after rallying past the Jags in the fourth quarter. This year, the rivals clash on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Troy for another chance to claim the belt. The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN2. South goes on to face LouisianaMonroe at home Oct. 21. Last year, USA lost to Louisiana-Monroe 35-42 in overtime. The next game to be televised that month will be against Georgia State in The Dome Oct. 26 on ESPNU. Arkansas State and LouisianaLafayette are the final home games for the 2017 season. The final two games for South Alabama will be away against Georgia Southern and New Mexico State. In previous years, South Alabama has beaten teams like Appalachian State, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. They are capable of competing against strong teams, but are known for relying on big pass plays averaging 13.6 yards per completion and a 56 percent fail rate. Spring practice is the time where the team worked on several different schemes with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. In order to improve their completions, their strategy to succeed is by keeping plays simple. For more information about South Alabama Football, check out usajaguars.com for news, schedules, and season tickets.

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Players began spring practice recently. Photo courtesy of usajaguars

SPORTS

8 Home Games Baseball vs Mississippi State University April 18 | 6:30 p.m. Baseball vs Alabama State University April 21 | 6:30 p.m. M Tennis vs Sun Belt Conference April 20-23

Away Games Baseball vs Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas April 21 | 6:30 p.m. April 22 | 6:30 p.m. April 23 | 1 p.m. Track and Field vs War Eagle Invitational Auburn, Alabama April 21-22 M Golf vs Sun Belt Conference Championship Sandestin, Florida April 23-25 W Golf vs Sun Belt Conference Muscle Shoals, Alabama April 17-19 Softball vs Louisiana-Monroe Monroe, Louisiana April 22 | 1 p.m. April 22 | 3 p.m. April 23 | 12 p.m. W Tennis vs Sun Belt Conference Championships New Orleans, Louisiana April 20 | All day

Softball sweeps final game in series Continued from page 1

through right now, this kind of helps build the team and create who you are; I just see us becoming tougher and tougher. We have to let this make us a better team, bring us closer together and prepare us for down the road. I’m proud of our players; I thought they showed a lot of character today.” South Alabama (25-17, 7-12 SBC) will next play its second-straight threegame Sun Belt Conference road series at Louisiana-Monroe. USA and ULM will open up with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 22 (1 / 3 p.m.) and then close out the series on Sunday, April 23 with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. Kaleigh Todd, Amanda Minahan, Katelyn Gruich, Savanna Mayo and Dayla Gulledge also recorded a hit for the Jags with Gulledge driving in three on a sixth-inning pinch-hit home run. The three-hit game marked the 12th multi-hit game of the season and 22nd of her career for Foster, while the two RBI performance was her 10th multiRBI game of the spring and 20th as a Jaguar. Foster now has 30 runs driven this season and over her last 13 games, the Pelham, Ala., native has recorded at least one RBI in 10 of those contest and 16 total. After South had allowed 12 runs on 19 hits in the first two games of the series, Destin Vicknair (11-9) was outstanding in the circle as she tossed the one-hitter and recorded her 13th

complete game of the season. Vicknair walked just two and struck out one. Texas-Arlington dropped to 22-20 overall and 8-10 in Sun Belt play with the loss. Sam Clakley (17-11) – who earned wins in both games yesterday for the Mavericks – suffered the loss on Saturday, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings of work. Aileen Garcia registered the lone hit for UTA. UTA threatened to score in the bottom of the second as the Mavs loaded the bases with a lead-off single by Garcia and a pair of two-out walks, but Vicknair was able to battle back and get Kacey Everett to fly out to right to get out of the jam. Vicknair would go on to record the next 10 batters before running into trouble in the sixth. South capitalized on the missed scoring opportunity the next half inning and took a 2-0 lead on Foster’s one-out, two-run single to center, scoring MC Nichols and Todd. Nichols walked on five pitches to lead the inning off and Todd then reached on an infield single, before moving into scoring position on Lowe’s sacrifice bunt, setting the table for Foster. The Jaguars added three more runs and extended their lead to 5-0 with three runs in the top half of the sixth. The inning started off uneventful as Clakley retired USA’s first two batters, but with two away, Mayo lined a single

to center to ignite the offense. Abby Krzywiecki followed with a pinch-hit walk, bringing Gulledge to the plate. The sophomore then drove Clakley’s 2-2 pitch deep over the left field wall. The three-run shot was her first hit of the spring and the fourth home run of her Jaguar career. In the home half of the sixth, the Mavericks threatened again as Sandra Mendoza was hit by a pitch to begin the inning and Krista Rude reached on a throwing error while attempting to sacrifice Mendoza over to second. After a fielder’s choice placed runners at the corners, Vicknair got Garcia to line out into an inning-ending double play and get out of the jam. Vicknair would retire the Mavs in order in the seventh to seal the win. For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/ USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872). Join the Bullpen Club, the softball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. Members have access to purchase parking passes and receive Jaguar Softball gear. All donations to the Bullpen Club go directly to support the South Alabama softball program. For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/bullpenclub.

For Location of Home Games

Scan this QR Code Kristian Foster was 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of RBI as the University of South Alabama picked up a 5-0 win over Texas-Arlington. Photo by Brad McPherson

SPORTS

Pitcher of the Week: Thomas Huston by ryann guy | sports reporter

Many athletes have their own inspiration motivating them to play. Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week Thomas Huston said, “Ever since I was a little kid, baseball has been in my family.” His father, Steve Huston, played at the University of West Florida in the ‘80s and was drafted with the St.Louis Cardinals. He looks up to his father on and off the field. Huston explained how his brother played as well and he plays baseball because he not only loves the game but wants to follow in his family’s footsteps. Huston also enjoys being a part of another family, his team. “We’re pretty much like brothers,” he said. “A brotherhood is extremely important to have a successful team.” It is one of his favorite parts about playing for South. Huston said at a Junior College, people more so play for themselves as everyone is looking to get scouted by bigger schools and play at four-year colleges. With the Jaguars, this is their team. Some of the players know that this is where their career will end and they would like to make the most out of their time with their baseball family. He believes that his contribution to the team’s atmosphere on a day when he is not on the mound is to be as loud as possible, cheering on his teammates. “I try to keep my team in the ballgame and let my defense help me out,” Huston said. There are a lot of athletes, however, who do not have the same attitude as Huston. A true team player has confidence in his team’s ability, according to Huston. Instilling your trust in your teammates and knowing that if the ball is put in play, they will do their job is important for any team. Huston did not always know he was going to attend the University of South Alabama. He first attended Pensacola State Junior College where he lettered the two years he played. He also received recognition by the Florida College System Activities Association and named secondteam all-Panhandle Conference as a

sophomore. Head Coach Mark Calvi was the first to contact him about a position playing for South Alabama. After Huston was offered a scholarship he decided to become a Jaguar. As for Huston’s personal pitching style, he has improved by changing his technique when he throws. It now resembles a side-arm throw rather than an over the top motion. The difference is when one throws a side arm pitch rather than over the top is the batter has a tougher time reading the ball and puts a different spin on it. Last season, Huston started three games and managed a 7.02 ERA. So far this season, he has improved his ERA to 2.85 with four wins and one loss, striking out 45 in 53.2 innings. The most memorable game for Huston was against LouisianaLafayette. The team lost 11-1 Friday night, but came back the next game and won 6-0. He was pitching that game and struck out six batters in seven innings of work. Within the past few weeks, all of the players have shaved their hair into mohawks. This is a superstition that the team went through as they were having some trouble winning mid-season. However, Huston explained that is not the only good luck charm the team has. “We also have a five pound gummy bear named Gilbert that we keep around in the dugout. He is like our spirit animal,” Huston said. After their game against University of Louisiana at Monroe, the guys went to the ULM mall and they came across this five pound gummy bear. The team challenged each other to see who could eat it within 30 minutes. Later, the team won their game that evening and concluded that ‘Gilbert the Gummy Bear’ was good luck and could not be consumed, but carried around with them to future games. The baseball team goes on to face Mississippi State University at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at home. Go to usajaguars.com for more information about South Alabama Athletics, to purchase tickets, listen to games, or watch live stats.

Thomas Huston was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week. Photo courtesy of usajaguars

Editor’s Note:

The article titled “Track and Field with fifteen in top-five” was miscredited to Ryann Guy. This article was contributed by usajaguars. We thank you for your understanding as we work toward making The Vanguard the best it can be.

FOR JAG MEDIA Communication Media Managers Paying positions. Send your résumé and cover letter explaining the position for which you are applying. Saturday,March April 15th. Applications are due no later than Tuesday, 31st. Please send applications to jaucoin@southalabama.edu. Be prepared to interview for the position. Positions Available

Editor-in-Chief, The Vanguard

The editor-in-chief is responsible for the overall operations of the newspaper, ensuring that all tasks, from planning to distribution are completed. Applicants should have strong understanding of journalism techniques and leadership skills. 20 hours per week and scholarship.

Advertising Manager

The advertising manager is responsible for advertising sales in both The Vanguard and Due South. Duties include cultivating and calling on advertisers, overseeing ad designs, overseeing sales staff, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of advertising. 20 hours per week and scholarship.

General Manager, Jag TV

The general manager is responsible for hiring and overseeing the Jag TV staff, ensuring quality of the campus news programs, covering campus events, producing original programming and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the television station. Applicants should be familiar with video editing techniques, camera operation and television direction. 20 hours per week and scholarship.

Editor-in-Chief, Due South

The editor-in-chief is responsible for the overall operations of the magazine, ensuring that all tasks, from planning to distribution are completed. Applicants should have strong understanding of journalism techniques and leadership skills. 20 hours per week.

Assistant Editor, Due South

The assistant editor is responsible for all production functions and operations of the newspaper. The managing editor is also responsible for all layout and design responsibilities as defined by the editor-in-chief. 15 hours per week.

Operations Manager, The Prowl

The operations manager is responsible for recruiting and overseeing Prowl staff, ensuring the quality of the campus radio programs and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the radio station. Applications should be familiar with audio editing techniques, broadcast operation and radio direction. 20 hours per week.

OPINION

Governor’s resignation brings Alabama politics into question for students and citizens at large By Joel Goode | Opinion Editor

With an ever-growing pattern of scandal in Alabama’s government, it is time to question the fundamental interests of our political system. Last Monday saw the resignation of now-former Governor Robert Bentley. Bentley left office amid accusations detailed in a 3,000-page report by the Alabama Ethics Committee that Bentley misappropriated state funds to conduct an affair with top-level staffer Rebekah Caldwell Mason, according to AL.com. Bentley was accused of using taxpayer dollars to pay for private trips with his mistress, as well as using state property to conduct the affair. Mason had worked for Bentley for six years, first as a campaign organizer in 2010, then as a senior political adviser, as reported by AL.com. What is most difficult to process in the scandal is not just the abuse of taxpayers through the misappropriation of state funds, but the way in which Mason and Bentley abused their significant others and staffers who suspected misconduct. Mrs. Dianne Bentley first suspected the affair in early 2014, when she noticed her husband treated her differently, as reported by AL.com. Staffers began approaching Mrs. Bentley with their concerns. One of those staffers was the Chief of Alabama Law Enforcement, Spencer Collier, who was the first person to make the affair public. According to AL.com, Bentley removed Collier from office in 2016 after Collier refused an order not to produce an affidavit in a Federal case against Bentley’s friend and coworker, then-Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, who is now in jail for fraud. Collier had recordings of Bentley saying explicitly sexual things to Mason. Despite the release of the recordings, Bentley denied the affair and continued to hold office for nearly a year until his forced resignation last Monday. As his communication’s manager, Mason was responsible for many of Bentley’s public statements. After Mrs. Bentley divorced her

husband, when rumors started to emerge, Mason herself drafted a statement for Mrs. Bentley, who had been married to the governor for over 50 years. “The erroneous and unsubstantiated media reports of the last few weeks have been very hurtful to our family,” the statement prepared by Mason read. “We ask for your continued prayers in the days and weeks to come. It has been an honor to serve this great state as your First Lady.” Mrs. Bentley did not release the statement. Instead, she sent hundreds of text messages she had captured from her husband’s phone to the media. However, as Alabamians, we should take into account how prevalent government scandal in our own state has been over the past few decades. We must ask ourselves moving forward how we can change a culture that has produced so many legislative wrongdoers in the first place. Don Siegelman served as the governor of Alabama from 1999 to 2003. According to The Washington Post, upon leaving office Siegelman was convicted of “bribery, conspiracy, and mail fraud for actions that took place during his time as governor.” Siegelman was sentenced to 78 months in prison in August 2012. Before Siegelman, Harold Guy Hunt served as governor from 1987 to 1993, becoming “the first Alabama governor to be removed from office [due to] a criminal conviction,” as reported by the Post. Among other charges, Hunt was accused of stealing $200,000 from the inaugural state fund. While governor, Hunt appointed Roy Moore as the Chief Justice of Alabama, a position from which Moore was removed twice, according to CNN. The first case was in 2002, when Moore erected a statue of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery. Moore’s most recent removal came in 2016, when five years after his reappointment he directed state courts to ignore a Federal order

mandating that gay marriage licenses be permitted. Both of Moore’s removals stemmed from policies he enforced due to religious convictions, not dissimilar to Islamic countries that enforce sharia law. As mentioned already, now-former House Speaker Mike Hubbard was removed and arrested on charges that he solicited and accepted bribes from corporations. Bentley defended him throughout the case. Bentley began his career by saying that “those who are not Christian are not my brothers and sisters,” according to AL.com. Nevertheless, Christian convictions did not stop Bentley from stealing tax dollars and pursuing an extramarital affair. As students, many of whom can vote for the first time, we can look at this pattern in one of two ways: as inherent to the world of business and politics, or as a systemic problem that can be rooted out.

What links all of the politicians detailed here are their indebtedness to religious and private interests. Bentley distinguished himself as a Christian; Moore enforced explicitly Christian policies; and Hubbard promised pro-business legislation to corporations that gave him substantial donations. Bentley’s religious connections matter, because they are what he used to gain the trust of his constituency. When elected officials tout spiritual beliefs, a willingness to exploit the sacred for political gain is exposed. The constitution frames our country as a secular nation which operates in the public interest. When elected officials campaign on the backs of religiosity and corporate subsidies, something fundamentally wrong is happening. Eradicating corruption is not an easy task with a clear solution, but if we can recognize patterns in our own state, then we may be able to direct our votes towards officials who actually hold the people’s interests at heart.

Robert Bentley resigned from his position as the governor of Alabama last Monday. Photo courtesy of AL.com

DISTRACTIONS

Life doesn’t give you answers and neither will we, but ponder this: • When one does not know what it is, then it is something. When one knows what it is, then it is nothing. What is it? • What is brown and sticky? • What is broken when it’s not held? • Say my name and I disappear. What am I? • The shorter I am, the bigger I am. What am I? • You can swallow me, but I can consume you too. What am I? • There are four siblings in this world, all born together. The first runs and never wearies. The second eats and is never full. The third drinks and is always thirsty. The fourth sings a song forever. What are they? • What begins, but has no end, yet ends all that begins?