April 8, 2013 by The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE

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

APR. 8, 2013

Blue team earns bragging rights at spring game

Graduation requirements changed By JAYSON CURRY

SGA drops 14k on projects By STUART SOX

jayson-curry@hotmail.com

sgsox@att.net

tudents at the University of South Alabama should be looking forward to changes in their academic lives starting in the 2013-14 school year. “On November 7, 2012, the Retention Task Force met and reviewed a proposed policy change that would reduce the required hours for a baccalaureate degree at USA,” Dr. Nicole Carr explained. Dr. Carr, a director at South Alabama’s Student Academic Success and retention, went into detail about the new policy change that will require students at USA to only need 120 hours of classes down from 128. The policy was reviewed by the Dean’s Council in November and was then passed along to the USA Faculty Senate voted to support the change in their January meeting. “The change does several things,” See CHANGE Page 2

Cassie Fambro/ Editor

TE Rush Hendricks raises his hands in victory. The Jags had the best spring game ever according to Coach Jones. See full coverage on page 10.

QEP: Quality Enhancement Program will benefit USA You’ve seen the signs around campus; learn what they mean and why they’re important to USA’s future By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

VOL. 52, NO. 12

his year South Alabama is undergoing a Quality Enhancement Plan, an accreditation requirement enforced by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Quality Enhancement Plan has been named “TEAM USA” by the office of academic ffairs, which has spread awareness of the program and the reaccreditation process by placing TEAM USA flyers and literature around campus. The USA Quality Enhancement Program will be conducted from 2013 to 2018 with the 2012-2013 school year serving as a project pilot, according to

the Quality Enhancement Plan website. Dr. Ronald A. Styron, the director of South Alabama’s Quality Enhancement Plan, came before USA’s Student Government Association and the student forum in February to speak about the Quality Enhancement Plan. “South Alabama is going through reaccreditation…which essentially makes your degrees have value. Without accreditation we cannot receive federal funding, grants, or any type of outside funds,” Dr. Styron said at the meeting. According to Dr. Styron, two years ago various committees were formed to gather and assess student data at South Alabama. Upon review, these

committees determined that the main areas of academic weakness among South Alabama students were “critical thinking” and “collaboration.” “A plan was developed to improve critical thinking and collaboration… which is the Quality Enhancement Plan,” Dr. Styron said. Last week, a team of visitors from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools visited South Alabama to ask students and professors on campus if they know what the Quality Enhancement Plan is. According to the Quality Enhancement Plan website, “The purpose of TEAM USA is to improve student learning in STEM courses by increasing student critical thinking and col-

laborative skills through the utilization of team-based learning instructional strategies.” “Team-based learning is a special form of collaborative learning using a specific sequence of individual work, group work and immediate feedback to create a motivational framework in which students increasingly hold each other accountable for coming to class prepared and contributing to discussion,” according to the Quality Enhancement Plan website. “Team-based learning is an active learning strategy,” said. Dr. Styron. As defined by the Quality Enhancement Program website, STEM courses are “any class where science, technology, engineering or mathemat-

outh Alabama’s Student Government Association spent $14,184 on various senate projects and co-sponsorships at their last meeting on Monday, April 1. $3,400 went toward the University of South Alabama’s Mesonet Station, one of a network of 25 weather stations located along the Gulf Coast. These highly sophisticated weather stations are utilized by local news stations and the National Weather Service. South Alabama’s station, located on campus, is additionally used as part of the university’s meteorology curriculum. The $3,400 will be used for repairing and recalibrating instruments, maintenance supplies, student assistant salaries, service vehicle costs and IT services. $8,701 went toward the school of computing and college of engineering co-senate project. The money will be spent on new furniture to be placed in the patio area behind Shelby Hall. The furniture will include benches and picnic tables that will give a place for students to study and socialize between classes, according to college of computing Senator Jacob Taylor. As the second part of this project, a smoking area will be constructed by the Shelby Hall loading dock. At the new smoking area, a new picnic table and smokers urn will be placed on a new 10-foot by 17-foot concrete slab. SGA spent $2,013 on a co-sponsorship for the American Society of Civil Engineers’ competition materials. The materials were used by the members of ASCE to build a concrete canoe and a steel bridge for a past competition. SGA will hold a collection date for ‘Jags 4 Jags’ on April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Fresh Food Company, otherwise known as the cafeteria or dining hall. Jags 4 Jags is a meal donation program run through the dean of students office. There are collection dates

See QEP Page 2

find us on Facebook “Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA”

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

Life, Page 5

See SGA Page 2

In this Issue: Sports, Page 8 Opinion, Page 13

SGA

Continued from Page 1 throughout the year where students can donate extra, unused meals to this program. Students who are struggling financially can apply through the website, southalabama.edu/deanofstudents/jags4jags.html. The SGA encourages all South Alabama students to attend their weekly meetings to find out about campus events and issues and have a voice in SGA senate decisions as part of the student forum. The SGA meets on Monday nights at 8 p.m. in the conference room behind the registers at the Fresh Food Company.

Credit hours Continued from Page 1 Dr. Carr said. “First, it reduces the cost for students. Lowering required credit hours by eight represents a cost savings to in-state residents of over $5,300 in tuition compared to graduating with 128 credit hours.” Some USA students are already looking forward to the changes.

VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APR. 8, 2013

“I think lowering the hours helps out greatly. I’ve changed majors twice, and so the lowering kind of offsets the new hours I need to complete,” USA Junior journalism major J.T. Crabtree said. Crabtree was once a Biomedical Sciences major as well as Radiological Sciences. “It’s also cheaper. Those are eight hours I don’t have to pay for and money I can use for something else,” Crabtree added. Other students at USA won’t be affected by the change. Senior Engineering major Cody Poyner explained that some majors require more than the minimum credit hours for a degree. “As an engineering major we take 130 hours before graduation and I honestly don’t see them removing any courses from the program other than general education classes,” Poyner said. According to Dr. Carr the change in policy will also help graduation rates at USA. “This change will make it possible for students who take a full load of 15 credit hours per semester to complete an undergraduate degree in eight semesters and graduate in four years,” Dr. Carr said. “Finally, it will make us more competitive with our peer institutions. A review of our peers shows that we are out of line with other institutions’ baccalaureate degree requirements; this includes nearly all

of the other colleges and universities in our state.” Auburn University, the University of Alabama and Troy University all require only 120 credit hours to graduate.

QEP

Continued from Page 1 ics is integrated into course content.” “Outside of the college of education, most professors are experts in content areas but have never been taught how to teach, so accreditations have been pushing on universities to teach their professors how to teach,” Dr. Styron said. Dr. Styron believes that the Quality Enhancement Program will also set South Alabama apart from other universities. “This helps establish us as a leader in this area because I’m not sure that I can name any universities that have decided to take on a project that deals with improving student achievement…I consider us ahead of most from that standpoint,” Dr. Styron commented. For more information about TEAM USA, visit southalabama.edu/ qep.

VOL. 52, NO. 12/ APR. 8, 2013

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

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

Cassie Fambro Alyssa Newton Jake Howell Noah Logan Patrick Herring JT Crabtree Jayson Curry Matthew Strickland Stuart Sox

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Matthew Rhodes

Advertising

Advertising Wesley Jackson Mohammad Al-Zarrad

Graphic Designer Rex McKay

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

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor. 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 editor. in.chief@usavanguard.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select 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.

PAGE three SGA calls students out for failing to participate During the SGA Candidates Forum the presidential candidates were asked where they see South Alabama in 10 years. Both candidates said glowing things about a vibrant, larger campus, rivaling the larger state universities, such as Troy or Auburn. That vision will not be achieved at the rate we are going. For the past two election cycles (2012 and 2013), only 10% of the student body voted for their SGA representatives. That is roughly 1,500 students out of 15,000 who voted. To put it in another perspective, in a class of 30 students, 3 students in the entire class would have voted. Yet, social media seemingly contradicts the apathy reflected at the voting booth. Anyone can see posts replete with complaints about parking tickets, meal plans, student organizations, and poor student government visibility. Where were these individuals when voting time came around? They only sit behind a computer screen. That is the limit of their campus involvement.

According to the statistics above, they more than likely did not vote. Students are quick to criticize SGA and complain about campus problems on Facebook, but rarely attend meetings or voices concerns during the Student Forum. Students even have an entire issue of The Vanguard dedicated to elections every year that would provide them with background about issues and candidates. We are here for you, but you need to come to us. SGA is your representation to the university administration. If you do not vote, contact your senators, or get involved, SGA cannot properly represent your interests. We WANT to help you make South’s campus the best it can be, but you have to be willing to put forth some effort. Nothing gets done without hard work, but hard work cannot get done is we are unaware of where to start. Students are also quick to criticize the Greek community for controlling SGA. Yet, with the new

USA Police Blotter 251-460-6312 3/27/2013 14:27 Harassment University Police Department Victim reported to Police that she was being harassed by an unknown black male in front of the Humanities Building. 3/28/2013 9:38 Criminal Mischief First Degree (Greater than $2,500) Lab of Infectious Diseases Four counts of Criminal Mischief were committed at the New Construction site of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory Building. 3/28/2013 14:02 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Stokes Hall Vehicle was seen hitting another vehicle in the parking lot of Stokes Hall and driving off. 3/29/2013 7:36 Theft of Property First Degree (Greater than $2,500)

Delta 4 Parking Lot Reportee came to the USA Police Department to report damage to her vehicle. 3/29/2013 21:16 Domestic Incident Humanities South Parking Lot Two individuals had a verbal altercation in the parking lot of Humanities 4/2/2013 20:12 Driving Under the Influence (Other Substance Cleverdon Pkwy @ Old Shell Rd. Offender was involved in a traffic accident and arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

4/3/2013 3:29 Parking Lot Motorcycle was stolen from the Delta 6 parking lot by unknown person(s).

Possession of Marijuana Second Degree Delta #3

3/29/2013 14:42 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle

A female student was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Senate having fewer than half being members of one of these organizations, that claim cannot be verified. Why blame these organizations? Student organizations, BOTH Greek and independent, are often times the saving grace for many college students. Numerous studies have show that student involvement in organizations increases GPAs, offer numerous leadership opportunities, and create familial bonds in our home away from home. These students don’t simply sit behind computer screens and complain; they take the initiative to become involved and inspire change. In ten years, if you really want to see this place rivaling major universities, or if you just want a more flexible meal plan, you have to be empowered to do something. If you want to see changes, you have to throw your hat into the ring or just VOTE. Elizabeth McDonald Stephen Purnell Rebekah Lloyd

Opinion

NOAH LOGAN OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APRIL 8 , 2013

The Vanguard Viewpoint

And read page 3. We couldn’t have said it better.

South Alabama could kill multiple birds with one stone The one major obstacle I see facing South Alabama in the future is student involvement on campus. With a commuter perNOAH LOGAN centage greater Opinion Editor than 75, many students only find themselves on campus for a short period of time during class and then leaving once classes are done for the day. On weekends residents like myself are often faced with boredom due to lack of that certain university atmosphere that students can pride themselves on. Allowing alcohol on campus would help with this problem and many more that the university currently faces. Allowing alcohol on campus is only allowing the same rights guaranteed by the law of the United States. A public university that receives public funding from the federal government has no place in deciding what is best for adults over the age of 21. While the fear of promoting underage drinking on campus, this argument is a fantasy at most. I am 19 years old and have been to a fair share of parties on campus and around campus. While at these parties, I have met people that drink way too much and people that have never even touched alcohol. However, I have never met an un-

JagPulse

What is your greatest USA-related concern right now? David L. Loeser: The odor in the Humanities building that has been present since my freshman year. Lara Bishop: The lack of security... In September was at the ILB building only to come out and my window had been busted and my car alarm going off and no one in security saw anything... The high tuition we pay for no cameras! Shawn William Ulmer: Ever inflating tuition

Nick Grondin: How to keep the campus attractive to those students from all backgrounds and all parts of the country. Katie Gray: The fact that USA has spent $526,769.06 on landscaping and only $9,727.99 on paved areas. I don’t pay my tuition to go towards $70,000 in pine straw. Fix the parking, it’s ridiculous. Deborah Gasque Hovater: Classes I need to graduate in

December are not offered in summer. Kayla Leigh Cobbs: Parking when the new dorms are built. It scares me to think that the stokes parking lot is going to get even more crazy than it already is. Melvin Dixon: I want the campus to go wet! Khaela C Huey: I didn’t have one, but now I’m concerned about the desire for a wet campus.

derage student who refrains from drinking because “the university says so.” That student doesn’t exist. Allowing alcohol on campus could also contribute to the parking dilemma South is facing with the majority of students. Our recent JagPulse found a great number of students hold parking as their “biggest USA related concern.” If alcohol was introduced on campus, university officials would be smart to stop trying to come up with $122,000 (how much parking ticket money was collected in Fall 2012) a semester in parking tickets and start getting the money by jacking up the ticket fees of crimes with an actual victim or at least the potential for a dead victim. DUIs, Public Intoxications and underage drinking will be more of a problem but the university will be able to stop angering so many students with strict parking policies and start extracting money from rule-breakers whom break meaningful rules. College students are supposed to represent a top tier of the intellectual population. If students are conscious enough to choose to get a four year degree to help them in the future, the same students are more than likely more than aware that binge drinking isn’t healthy. I encourage any group of students who agree to help organize a movement to show administration how adults feel about being treated like children.

SOUTH POLLS Alcohol Policies Question: Do you think having a dry campus benefits South Alabama?

►Yes 40.0% ►

60.0%

Question: Do you think having a wet campus would increase residency rate and university atmosphere?

► Yes 60.0% ►No 19.0% ►Residency rate only 13.0% ►University atmosphere only 8% Question: Would you prefer USA to be a wet campus?

► Yes 54.5% ► No 21.2% ► On certain days and at certain times

24.2%

Question: Do you think having a wet campus would contribute to more crime on campus?

► Yes 52.0% ► No 48.0% find us on Facebook “Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA”

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Cassie Fambro > Editor in Chief Noah Logan > Opinion Editor Jake Howell > Life Editor Patrick Herring > Sports Editor JT Crabtree > LOC Editor

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VOL. 52, NO. 12/ APR. 8, 2013

United States should warn Braves not in wrong with screaming Indian Indian logo is offensive according to some “experts”, North Korea, be weary of allies While thethescreaming Braves organization still remains innocent of any racism

ith the mainstream news churning out the latest with North Korea’s Micah Messer threats against mjm1202@jagmail. South Korea southalabama.edu and the United States, including the most recent closing of the industrial factory coowned and operated by both South Korea and North Korea, many questions arise. However, the main question being asked is what should the United States do about North Korea? Should we heighten security, prepare for war or just do nothing? Many different speculations swirl around North Korea and what Kim Jong Un’s intentions are with the threats and military movements along the DMZ (De-militarized Zone). With North Korean short and long range rockets being aimed

the United States already responding? It very well could be possible that these small movements are a signal to Pyongyang that the United States is strong and will back South Korea, even in the threat of nuclear war. Although a much greater amount of forces would be required to effectively neutralize the threat of North Korea, the show of strength is nevertheless impressive. However, I believe the United States should send a very clear message, something like a verbal shot across the bow. A clear statement sent to Pyongyang stating that any act against the United States or its ally South Korea would be met with the full force of the United States military. This would give North Korea three options: keep making verbal threats with no attack, back down from verbal threats all together or to attack South Korea or the United

KOREAN CENTRAL PUBLIC NEWS AGENCY

at South Korea, the statement that said the Korean peninsula is in a state of war, and the recent oath to start producing nuclear material for nuclear weapons, the question is what will the United States do? Once again, the entire world looks upon the United States to take the first step. But, has the United States already done this? On April 1, the United States sent F-22 fighter jets, the most advanced fighter ever built, to join the battle drills with South Korea. Also, a missile-defense capable ship was moved to the coast of South Korea, but is not taking part in the drills. But, the first movement by the United States was the B-2 Stealth Bomber making practice runs on a deserted island just off the cost of South Korea. The thing is, the B-2 flew all the way from the United States for a practice run. That is a little but much for a practice run. Is

States. Either way, the United States is in no real danger from North Korea. The way our government is set up and how we run the United States allows us to withstand incredible attacks and function honorably in the chaos, just look at 9/11. Even though a nuclear strike, most likely by suitcase type nuclear devices, would be terrible in the United States, the likely hood of it happening is extremely unlikely. If in the case of attacks on either South Korea or the United States, our air force alone could reduce North Korea to ashes in a day with traditional weapons. The real trouble lies with the unforeseen allies of North Korea, the ones hiding in the dark waiting for a chance to attack. But, the United States should stand up to threats against its allies and its citizens whether or not they have allies.

rememb e r watching the 1995 World Series with my g r a n d f a t h e r. I remember catcher Javy Jake Burchfield Lopez’ snap throw behind the runner at first – which never works except for that time; Maddox, Glavine and Smoltz; The Crime Dog(first baseman Fred McGriff), the new kid at third base and David Justice; I can still see Marquis Grissom jogging under that lazy pop in shallow center to end the series. I never thought during that series, nor have I in the seventeen years since, about the fact that both teams had Native American (Indian) mascots. It never occurred to me that those two great teams, playing those six close, hard fought games, wore Indians and Braves on their jerseys because they were racists. Much has changed since 1995. In the intervening years, thoughtful people discovered the dark stains of bigotry at the bottom of the Indianteam-mascot-nomenclature trend. Sports teams at all levels have given up their Indian logos, mascots and traditions. I would simply tell them that those names I ran off were my boyhood heroes. They were black, Hispanic and white men who played a game greatly. I cannot fathom an anti-Indian prejudice underlying the uniforms that millions of children dream of one day wearing. There is no insult in that, no insinuation, just the worship of little boys who want to grow up and be Braves. One must conjure offense in this, for surely none is given. This Spring, the Braves made a mess for themselves by replacing the A on their batting practice caps with an actual brave. As it was to be stitched onto a hat, it lacked the attention to detail and subtle nuance of a real Indian. This did not go unnoticed by Kevin Gover at the Smithsonian, who takes offense to the fact that, “The screaming Indian is an image of an imaginary Indian.” Perhaps Mr. Gover would sit for a portrait next season. In the meantime, he may want to look at the image of an imaginary Irishman, diminutive and farcical, adorning Notre Dame paraphernalia; or perhaps the image of the imaginary Spartan at Michigan

ATLANTA BRAVES LOGO WORN DURING SPRING TRAINING

State, the Trojan at USC, the Patriot on Tom Brady. He might discover that this is the only way team logos are stitched onto team caps. Mr. Gover runs the National Museum of the American Indian, and he “was deeply disappointed that the Braves may be choosing to go backward.” Why is a stitched Indian figure backward, but an A with a tomahawk forward? The mystical front and backsides of progress are, as always, beyond comprehension. Try to think in a straight line, and you will drive yourself crazy trying to understand the logic behind forward and backward. For instance, the Seminole Tribe gave permission to FSU to use the mascot. If you have not seen Chief Osceola ride out and thrust his flaming spear into the ground at midfield, you should before someone finds a way to ban it anyway. But the broader point is that the Seminoles are the ones that get to decide! Is FSU racist for using the Seminole mascot? The answer, apparently, is that that depends on whether or not the Seminole feels insulted. FSU could get a letter tomorrow, saying that their license is void because it has been decided that FSU is racist. But today, they are not racist. In no way will they have changed, except they will be racist tomorrow. How has progress led us to that? Mr. Gover goes on to inform the reader that “What this does is contribute to the casual racism native people are subjected to in our society.” As a native person, having been born in these United States, I cannot

see it. It seems to me like we call our teams the Braves and Seminoles and Indians because there is in our national psyche a sense of awe at the bravery and fierceness with which the Native American defended his home. Fans only wish our teams could summon up that kind of fighting spirit. If we want our teams to press on with unshakable will against impossible odds, to hate dishonor, to give the other guys hell – then I would tell Mr. Gover that our team names pay tribute to the unconquerable spirit of the native warrior, whom we shall never forget. Unless we begin to unwrite his name from the national ledger. Unless, that is, Mr. Gover succeeds in banning him from the ballpark.

SOUTH POLLS Alcohol Policies Question: What do you think of Vanderbilt University having a bar on campus with Tuesday Night Trivia as a major tradition?

►Good idea 62.0% ► Bad idea

►

Not sure

13.0%

25.0%

find us on TWITTER @TheVanguardUSA

VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APR. 8, 2013

jagLIFE

The Heligoats bring clever, curious music to Satori Coffee House By HANNAH KINARD hlk801@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he Independent Music Collective (IMC) will be kicking off the month of April with a concert event featuring The Heligoats, a band based out of Bellingham, WA. This event will be held at Satori Coffee House on Friday, April 12, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and The Heligoats taking the stage at 8 p.m. Admission is free to all USA students with a valid student ID and only $5 for the general public. This must-see show will be the eighteenth concert hosted by the IMC as part of its ongoing concert series. As a student organization dedicated to enriching Mobile’s local music scene, the IMC sponsors a concert series featuring (mostly) roots musicians and Americana acts, and strives to book national performers who otherwise might not stop in Mobile. The IMC also manages musicinmobile.org, a website that features .mp3s from the concert series and

COURTESY OF THE HELIGOATS

The Heligoats will bring their interesting and curious mix of rock, pop and folk music to Satori Coffee House on April 12. Admission is free to USA students with valid student ID’s.

helps advertise other music events in the Mobile area. This long-awaited performance will feature The Heligoats’ Chris Otepka, who, in the eight years fol-

lowing the dissolution of his poprock band Troubled Hubble, has dedicated himself to The Heligoats. While difficult to pigeonhole, the Heligoats’ music can be described as

a blend of rock, pop and folk. With straightforward honesty, Otepka’s songs showcase his superior song writing skills though his moving, warm and catchy lyrics. NPR describes Otepka’s elaborately orchestrated lyrics as intellectual and captivating: “Chris Otepka writes songs that are brainy in the best way: clever without straining for cuteness, wry but never smug . . . it’s no surprise that his songs practically burst with intellectual curiosity.” After touring across the United States and even into South America with the like-minded folks from Clem Snide, The Heligoats recently released their fourth full-length album,“Back to the Ache”, on Greyday Records. The album features twelve tracks and is the first musical collaboration between Otepka and drummer Nate Lanthrum since their time together with Troubled Hubble. Otepka’s vocals lead this group of talented musicians into a harmony rarely achieved, and this show promises to be one of the IMC’s most exciting yet.

PharmaFIT to host 5k run JagLife Spotlight: Relay for Life By JAKE HOWELL

jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu

n April 28, the University of South Alabama family will have the opportunity to raise money for Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy and the American Heart Association through the inaugural PharmaFIT 5k Run/Walk. This event, presented by the Harrison School of Pharmacy-Mobile Campus and Little Red Hen Productions, will consist of a 3.1 mile course through USA’s campus. PharmaFIT committee chair and PharmD candidate Valerie Regaliza said, “I feel this race is going to be a blast, and also really unite the students both at our school and at USA. On top of all that, it’s benefiting two great organizations, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy and the American Heart Association, and we’re promoting fitness all at the same time!” While the American Heart Association is familiar to most USA students, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy doesn’t have quite the same notoriety.

According to the pharmacy’s website, “The Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy is a non-profit organization that provides life-sustaining medication to persons with severely limited income and resources. We offer the medications free of charge to qualifying individuals.” With rising healthcare costs, many people, especially those in lower income areas, are unable to afford the medications they need. Organizations like Ozanam help ease this burden for many in the Mobile/Baldwin County area. “I think people hear 5K and think ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not a runner, I can’t do that. I haven’t even started training.’ But I assure you everyone can! You don’t have to run. You can walk, stroll, or even skip. It’s really all about philanthropy, fellowship and promoting health,” Regaliza added. The event will start and end at the SGA Pavilion near the intramural fields. Pre-registration is $10 and $20 on the day of the race. There will be things for the entire family at the event, including a bouncy house, food and drinks.

JAKE HOWELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu

WEEKLY LOWDOWN Monday, Apr. 8 ► 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Free

Airbrush T-shirts and Tattoos at the Student Center.

►6 p.m. - Oozeball Captain’s Meeting at Alumni Hall.

Tuesday, Apr. 9 ►10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Free Spin Art Frisbees at the Student Center.

► 7:30 p.m. - “Batman Begins” movie showing in the Stokes Hall Classroom. Free.

Wednesday, Apr. 10 ►10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Free

Personalized Dog Tags at the Student Center.

► 7:30 p.m. - USA Symphony

Orchestra Spring Concert in the Laidlaw Recital Hall. $5 for USA Students/Faculty/ Staff.

► 7:30 p.m. - “The Dark

Knight” movie showing in the Stokes Hall Classroom. Free.

Thursday, Apr. 11 ► 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Jag Jam

Music Festival in the Mitchell Center Arena. Free.

►7:30 p.m. - “The Dark Knight Rises” movie showing in the Mitchell Center, Room 1101. Free.

Friday, Apr. 12 ► 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Free

Flash Friday Photos (Green Screen Pictures).

►Theses/Dissertations due in Office of Graduate Dean by 5 p.m.

COURTESY OF SANDRA HUYNH

These luminaria bags were lit during the March 29 Relay for Life at the Moulton Bell Tower. Each luminaria shines in memory of a loved one who lost their battle with cancer.

Want your event featured in the Weekly Lowdown? Email the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under seven words) to jsh803@ jagmail.southalabama.edu.

VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APR. 8, 2013

Unravelling the mysteries of building and keeping good credit

STAFF ILLUSTRATION

Obtaining a credit card just to go shopping or pay bills isn’t a good way to build credit responsibly says USA finance professor Dr. Ross Dickens.

By KANDACE RAYBON klr802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

“

There is nothing mysterious about establishing good credit,” Dr. Ross Dickens, professor of finance and chair of the department of economics and finance, said when asked for advice on how to keep a clean credit record. Dickens offered a few tips on establishing good credit for the general public and a few pointers directed specifically to

college students. A person’s credit rating is determined by three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These agencies look at a number of factors when calculating a credit score, which can range from 300 to 850. These factors include payment history, amounts owed, the length of time credit has been used, the number of newly opened accounts and the different types of credit in use. According to the New York City de-

partment of consumer affairs’ office of financial empowerment, there are three primary types of credit: Installment credit, revolving credit and open credit. Installment credit is accrued when money is borrowed and paid back in equal amounts over a period of time. Examples of this type of credit are mortgages and student loans. Revolving credit is built when a limit is given, as with credit cards, and the amount borrowed can be paid in full or in small installments. Open credit is when all money borrowed must be paid in full every month. Knowing how to establish good credit is important, but one small detail might make the knowledge useless. Credit has to be built before it can become good or bad. No credit is worse than bad credit, as strange as that sounds. One major roadblock to building credit is that it’s almost impossible for someone to get approved for credit without a credit history – a simple catch-22. The office of financial empowerment listed a few ideas of how to break into the system. Get a secured credit card. This is a prepaid card that reports to the credit agencies. Get a cosigner, or become an authorized user on a friend’s credit card. Piggybacking is a great way for a young person to establish credit.

This could end badly if the friend or family member selected is unreliable, though, so choose wisely. Applying for a gas card or department store card is another great way to start building credit. These are credit cards for which approval is relatively easy to obtain. Once in the system, learning how to play the credit game wisely is crucial. Dickens’ main piece of advice to credit card users, especially college students, is to use the card only when there’s no other option. Getting a credit card just to go shopping, for instance, is an awful idea. “If you do use a credit card, pay off the balance each month. If you are not going to be able to pay off the card at the end of the month, do not buy the item,” says Dickens. He also suggested that student loans be kept at a minimum and to get only one credit card while in school. “Reduce the amount you borrow by lowering your lifestyle until after you graduate. Live at home, drive a used car, keep “fashion” items to a minimum -clothes, games, shoes, phones, etc. and rarely eat out,” Dickens added. Living below your means is something that many college students must learn, but the lesson is one that could save you money in the long run.

Phi Kappa Sigma makes comeback with Miss Greek USA By SANDRA HUYNH sbh804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity (Phi Kap) is making a comeback on campus. Many current students have never heard of this fraternity at South, but the chapter was a part of campus in the past. “We were here before,” said Mathew Schlehuber, the Phi Kap recruitment chair. “The charter was removed early 2000s because of financial problems. We brought it back.” The brothers of Phi Kap have been busy reestablishing their involvement on campus this year by hosting several events, both social and philanthropic, and participating in other Greek organizations’ philanthropies. Philanthropy chair Christopher Thomas has plans for Phi Kap to offer more opportunities to give back to the community. “We have high hopes to bring

Alabama Adopt-a-Mile/Clean Campus program to South. The school would be divided into sections for different organizations to sign-up to maintain its appearance,” said Thomas. “We would have one day a semester that would be “Clean your mile day” where all organizations can give back to the school and maintain a campus that we are proud of,” Thomas added. Most recently, students had the opportunity to “Pie a Phi Kap” in the Humanities courtyard, which raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), Phi Kappa Sigma’s national philanthropy. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website, LLS helps fund blood cancer research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. It’s also the largest voluntary health agency in the world of its kind, which is dedicated to blood cancer. After much time and effort this

semester gathering sponsors from the community, Thomas was pleased to announce a new campus event to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: the Miss Greek USA Pageant. “This will be the first of its kind at the University of South Alabama,” said Thomas. Whitney Washington, a contestant representing Zeta Phi Beta said, “There are 8 beautiful young ladies representing both National Panhellenic Council and Panhellenic Council.” “No matter the letter, the bond of sisterhood isn’t broken. We have had a lot of fun preparing for the pageant and raising money for a cure,” Washington added. Washington is also looking forward to the pageant because of her support for the philanthropy. “I have been a volunteer and caretaker of many cancer patients, so participating in the Miss Greek USA Pageant is just another way I can be a friend to man,” Washington

said. The categories of the pageant are: Sorority Wear, Phi Kap Wear, Talent, Formal Wear and Question and Answer. The Q&A will be geared towards how Greek life has influenced one’s life or how it will continue to do so. “We want this to highlight the positives of Greek Life,” said Thomas. Thomas hopes that the pageant will become a new South tradition. “In fact, I hope that the philanthropy chairs who follow me are able to raise more funds,” Thomas said. Miss Greek USA will take place on Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Davidson High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door, and proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Washington commented, “I believe it’s going to be a great event with a lot of competition. I’m thankful that Phi Kappa Sigma gave us this opportunity to be beautiful and serve others at the same time.”

HEY YOU

Into the downtown scene in Mobile? We need a Scene writer. Bars, clubs, and night life articles are welcome. Have bad service at a local restaurant? Excellent service? Tell us! Write about it and let your peers know. Email jsh803@ jagmail. southalabama.edu Opinion and Sports need writers too, and you can fambro@ jagmail. southalabama. edu to find out how to get involved. Build your resume. Raise your voice. Make a difference.

VOL. 52, NO. 12/ APR. 8, 2013

Southsounds 2013 to rock downtown Mobile Southsounds 2013 Music Lineup

COURTESY OF SOUTHSOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Southsounds Music Festival 2013 brings together bands from all over the Southeastern United States and gives them the chance to play for an entirely different audience than they normally do.

By TIMOTHY BORLAND trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

n April 12-14 a new and improved Southsounds festival will return to downtown Mobile. The event is already receiving huge buzz all over the Port City and Mobilians from as far out as West Mobile and Tillman’s Corner are making the trek downtown for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend. Southsounds is an exciting event because many of the bands are just as excited to be involved as the fans. The festival will provide Mobile bands with possibly the largest audience they have ever had the privilege to perform for

. One such band is 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, who describe their sound as “delta psychedelia.” “Southsounds not only provides an opportunity for bands to perform in front of large crowds and network with other regional bands, but it brings attention to Mobile as a music city,” says vocalist/guitarist David Maclay of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. There will be a multitude of different genres represented, including rock, metal, punk and folk. Some bands, however, defy genre boundaries. Local musical luminary Ryan Balthrop has played with a large number of Mobile’s finest musicians. “I consider myself a singer song-

writer first of all, and, as a songwriter, it’s hard to narrow down to one genre because I love songs from various genres and don’t want to limit what I can do creatively. I sometimes call it island blues,” says Balthrop. Advance purchase tickets are currently available for $10. The exclusive concerts at Callaghan’s are an additional charge, but one can obtain a Callys Gold wristband for the advance price of $25. There is even a VIP Music Lover package including entrance into an after party meet and greet with the artists at Hayley’s. With nine different locations, the price of the event represents a huge bargain. Each venue will be a unique experience. Cathedral Square is the only outdoor venue, and concerts at this lo-

COURTESY OF 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is just one of the many groups slated to perform during Southsounds 2013 weekend. Their interesting “delta psychedelia” sound will be a treat for the festival-goers.

cation will be free to the public. A number of the best independent bars such as Alchemy and The Haberdasher will showcase smaller acts. At OK Bicycle Shop festival-goers can listen to the bands while enjoying great Mexican cuisine. The largest, most well-known bands will be featured at The Blind Mule, Alabama Music Box and Soul Kitchen Music Hall, all well-established independent concert venues. The Malaga Inn is an excellent choice for a place to crash during Southsounds because it’s also one of the music venues. Exclusive concerts will occur at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, another food vendor, where entry will only be granted with a gold or VIP wristband. Another unique thing about Southsounds is that all the participating bands are independent or local musicians from the Southeast. “Independent musicians have a stronger conviction about the delivery of their material. They are providing and actual service instead of just selling advertising,” says Landon Miller, a member of Space Western band Engine. Coinciding with Southsounds is Mobile’s Arts Alive Weekend. Those in attendance can participate in fun art activities held during the day and purchase merchandise from local vendors. More events occurring downtown include the Artistic Fashion Experience at Lunatix, the SOAL Film Scramble and the Mobile Symphony’s performance of Alexander Nevsky by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev featuring The USA Concert Choir. All Mobilians should go out and invest back into the local economy while supporting the arts with their attendance during Southsounds 2013.

Grayson Capps and the Lost Cause Minstrels Lost Bayou Ramblers Hurray for the Riff Raff St Paul and the Broken Bones The Pollies Banditos El Cantador Sam Doores + Riley Downing and the Tumbleweeds Underhill Family Orchestra Clear Plastic Masks Daikaiju No One Knows, Unknown Areas The Great Book of John Great Peacock Tedo Stone Baby Bee Ryan Balthrop Promised Land Gashcat Jesse Payne 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Luke Winslow King Callooh! Callay! Handsome Scoundrels Pioneers! O Pioneers Evil Army Belle Adair Fargo Andrew Duhon Chillakaya 1 Chase Knighton Digital Organix Gold and the Rush Grandaddy Ghostlegs Plains Gregg Fells Blaine Duncan and the Lookers The Sunshine Factory Tanks Mississippi Shakedown Crowned Jewelz Engine Tony Tornado and the Birthday Boys Moonguys Ground Level Fall

SPORTS

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

VOL. 52, NO. 12/ APR. 8 , 2013

Blue team quarterback Brandon Bridge cocks back for the game’s first touchdown pass, just escaping the clutches of lineman Alex Page

BY CASSIE FAMBRO|EDITOR IN CHIEF

Quarterbacks, defense win spring game for blue squad By CASSIE FAMBRO caf707@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he Jags squared away against the most formidable rival they could oppose on Saturday; themselves. Jags faced Jags on the line of scrimmage in the annual spring game with the blue team earning bragging rights winning 33-24 against the red team. The red versus blue game is an abbreviated version of a typical football game. The first and second quarters are only 10 minutes long and the third and fourth quarters are 12 minutes with a running clock. The blue won the coin toss and elected to receive. Alcorn State transfer Brandon Bridge started as quarterback. After a successful first down pass to Bryant Lavender, Bridge threw an interception. “I threw that pick early, but you have to come back,” Bridge said after the game. The blue team did. Just minutes

later the red team’s QB Ross Metheny threw an interception back into the hands of the blue team’s EJ May. Bridge took the helm again at QB and threw to freshman tight end Kyle Sappington who caught a 25-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game. The blue team took an early 7-0 lead with a successful extra point by freshman punter Logan Gunn. The red team responded by having Metheny throw deep passes to drive down the field. At the blue 39 Metheny threw to Jay Jones who ran in it for a touchdown and tied the game 7-7 with another successful kick by Gunn. “All the hard work we did through the spring practice we came out here to showcase and we looked pretty good,” Jay Jones said after the game. “Both teams look pretty good.” At the beginning of the second quarter the red team had an unsuccessful drive. The blue team then executed the most exciting play of the game. QB Trey Fetner threw

a backwards pass to sophomore Jake Howton, who then threw to Jereme Jones for a gasp-worthy touchdown followed by the third successful extra point attempt by Logan Gunn. Head coach Joey Jones ran in the middle of the field with his hands thrown up in exclamation and the crowd went wild at the trick play. “We have more players that can make plays. We have more depth,” Jones said in post-game remarks. With the blue team leading 14-7, the red team drove down the field but only made it into field goal range. With three minutes left in the second quarter, Gunn kicked a 41-yard field goal for the red team bringing the score to 14-10. The blue team’s Fetner threw an interception to linebacker Desmond LaVelle. Freshman quarterback Grant Powell rushed for 20 yards in the first two plays of the red team’s drive followed by Jay Jones rushing for 7 yards to score a touchdown. Gunn

missed the kick for the extra point making the score 17-14 red team to close out the second quarter. The third quarter only had one scoring play with both teams trading defensive licks. Metheny threw another interception. With the running clock ticking and seven minutes left in the game, sophomore wide receiver Tyrome Bivins caught a 44-yard pass from blue team’s Brandon Bridge to put blue back on top at 27-17. On the first play of the fourth quarter sophomore running back Derric Burrell rushed for a red touchdown and Logan Gunn kicked for the extra point to make the game close at 27-24 blue team. The blue team struck hard on the first play of their drive when Bridge threw 52 yards to Tyrome Bivins for a first down. Bridge then threw two incomplete passes resulting in a turnover on downs.

The red team didn’t do anything with the ball with Powell throwing three incomplete passes resulting in a turnover on downs back to the blue team with 5 minutes left in the game. Dennis McMillan forced the ball up the field, rushing for 31 yards. Fetner then rushed for 13 more yards to the goal line. Perched on the goal line, Fetner leapt over the defense of the red team and into the endzone as the final seconds ticked by and secured the win for the blue team 33-24. Coach Jones summed up the game positively. “This was the best spring we’ve ever had from start to finish.” On the topic of what the future holds, Jones was even more optimistic. “We are a much better team and I’m excited, I’m excited,” Jones said. The Jags begin the fall season against Southern Utah at home on August 29.

VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APR. 8, 2013

Blue-Red Spring Game Gallery Want us to follow you? Tweet us @USAVGSports

Tommy Hicks @TheTommyHicks: USA Sports beat writer/ Blue Team spring game guest coach Thanks Blue team. Great win. I can now retire with an undefeated record as a football coach. Thanks for the invitation. I had a great time.

BY CASSIE FAMBRO|EDITOR IN CHIEF

Red team running back Jay Jones runs to the outside in search of paydirt. The rising junior accounted for 40 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns.

BY PATRICK HERRING|SPORTS EDITOR

Brittany Fowler @FowlerPower6: Infielder Leading the nation in hit by pitches at 18.... #ouch #bruisecity Trey Anderson @UnoDosTrey123: Guard

Blue squad second string quarterback Trey Fetner dives into the endzone on the game’s final play to ice the blue victory.

Is there anything more precious in this world than cory and topanga’s relationship? Yeaaaa...didn’t think so. Darius McKeller @BigDdaBasedLord: Offensive Lineman Coach Schwind walks in the cafe just in time to see me woofin down some cookies. Dammit.. Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback Last spring game...FOREVER (sandlot voice) BY PATRICK HERRING|SPORTS EDITOR

BY CASSIE FAMBRO|EDITOR IN CHIEF

QB Grant Powell (4) cuts to avoid CB E.J. May (7). Powell was the game’s leading rusher with 40 yards, while May snagged two interceptions in the contest.

USA Sports Briefs courtesy usajaguars.com Track and Field’s Hixon, Kotze earn Sun Belt weekly honors It was announced last Wednesday that USA Track and Field members Jan-Louw Kotze and Leah Hixon were named SBC field athletes of the week for their recordbreaking performance in the Jaguar Invitational. Hixon set a new school record in the women’s javelin throw with a distance of 46.90m in a first-place effort. She holds the top spot in the conference in the event, as well as being sixth best in the NCAA Div. 1 East Region and seventeenth in the country. This is Hixon’s second time receiving the weekly honor.

Kotze set the new school mark for the men’s discus throw with a distance of 57.60m, passing the old record by more than a meter and also taking first place. He too leads the conference in his event, while sitting at sixth in the NCAA Div. 1 East and thirteenth in the country.

Blue tight end Kyle Sappington looks for space. The rising sophomore caught 3 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Upcoming Jaguar athletics home games Tuesday, Apr. 9:

Saturday, Apr. 13:

Baseball vs. Nicholls State 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field

Women’s Tennis vs. UAB 11 a.m. at Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts

Wednesday, Apr. 10: Men’s Tennis downs Troy After losing the doubles point, the USA men rallied to take five of the six singles matches to win 5-2 over Troy. Juan Troglia, Gerhard Gruindelingh, Cody Hall, Alex Bernard and Shayann Vaezzadeh all recorded singles wins for South Alabama, who defeated Troy for the second time this season.

Softball vs. Florida State 6 p.m. at Jaguar Field Friday, Apr. 12: Track and Field South Alabama Invitational Jaguar Track

Softball vs. North Texas 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Jaguar Field Track and Field South Alabama Invitational Jaguar Track

Tripp Cecil @Tripp_WarHawk18: Pitcher Just saw a wild female Snorlax attempt to walk up the campus quarters stairs.... #Priceless Terrell Brigham @T_BRIGGS18: Safety Class on a Friday, by far has to be the worst class schedule...#FML Kyle Bartsch @Kyle_Bartsch: Pitcher There’s just somethin about the sound of a child singing the Star-Spangled Banner that gives me goosebumps #nextgeneration #proudAmerican

@USAVGSports

VOL. 52, NO. 12/ APR. 8, 2013

USA baseball falls to MS No. 23 Softball rides undefeated week to State, take series against FIU 33-7 record By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

fter being swept by FAU, falling out of the Top 30 rankings and losing a heartbreaker to No. 17 Mississippi State, the Jags came back to their winning ways, taking the first two games against FIU at home. The Jags were able to take an early 1-0 leading in the third against the Bulldogs on April 2, but failed to keep that lead as they would lose 6-4. After finding themselves down 4-1 in the seventh inning, the Jags put together a string of hits after Whitt Dorsey reached on an error. Robby Campbell reached on a single, followed by a pinch-hit double by Dustin Dalken that scored Dorsey. Hayden Jones then drove in two runs off an error off a MSU error to tie the game 4-4. Closer Kyle Bartsch worked the ninth inning and gave up a single and hit the next batter to start the inning. The Bulldogs took advantage of early baserunners, and after a one out walk loaded the bases MSU hit a two-run single to right to give them the lead and the victory 6-4. “This is a good team, and every

team goes through its spells where things just aren’t going your way – where you’re not playing well,” head coach Mark Calvi said of the four game losing streak. “But this is a good team. It is a locker room full of tough kids, and they know how to win. They just need to play better, be aggressive and go to the game instead of waiting on it to come to them.” In game one against FIU, the Jags rode the arm of Jarron Cito as he continued his good pitching, shutting down the Panthers on the way to an 8-1 victory. Cito worked 7 2/3 innings, giving up nine hits, allowing one run, while striking out five and walking three. “Cito is a senior, and we were kind of searching for who to throw on Friday,” said Calvi. “Who else is better to throw out there than a senior who won some games for us last year? I’m glad we did it. He did a nice job, and put us on his back for almost eight innings. Hopefully he solidifies Friday night and runs with it.” The Jags also swung the bats well. Jeff DeBlieux finished 3-for4 with a double, a RBI and a run scored. Nolan Earley added two

Catcher Whitt Dorsey continues his hot hitting, batting .426 with one home run and 15 RBI’s

more RBI’s. Bud Collura went 1-for2 with an RBI, two runs and three walks. Hayden Jones also scored twice and had three walks. In game two, the Jags had to fight to hold off the Panthers, as a 6-1 lead quickly dwindled down to a 6-5, where the score would stay to give the Jags the victory. Brandon Boyle picked up the win with two innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out three and walking two. Kyle Bartsch picked up his seventh save of the season working a perfect ninth. Dylan Stamey struck out every pitcher he faced in 1 1/3 innings of work. Cole Billingsley led the Jags at the plate, finishing with a triple, a walk and three RBI’s during his 2-for-4 performance. Whitt Dorsey, Robby Campbell and Hayden Jones all drove in one run. Due to game three occurring after deadline, please visit thevanguardonline.com for a recap of the game. The Jags will host Nicholls State at 6:30 p.m. on April 9 before going on the road to face SBC foe Arkansas State April 12-14.

After dropping their first series of the season to Western Kentucky two weeks ago, the USA softball team had a bitter taste in their mouth. Well last week served as mouthwash for the Lady Jags. The team rallied to go undefeated on the week with doubleheader victories over Florida Atlantic 11-0, 7-0 and Middle Tennessee 9-1, 13-3. The Lady Jaguars improved to 33-7 on the season and 10-3 in the Sun Belt. After a weather delay moved the FAU doubleheader back a day, South Alabama finally got the chance to prove they are still the head of the class in the Sun Belt on Thursday. Senior outfielder Britany Campbell turned in a dominant performance, going 4-for-6 with 2 RBI and 3 runs. She played well on defense as well, registering two putouts, including a homerunrobbing snag. Junior pitcher Hannah Campbell got the win in game one with five scoreless innings to earn her sixth shutout of the season. She only allowed 3 hits and recorded 2 strikeouts. In game two she earned the save after not allowing a hit in the two innings of relief for sophomore Farish Beard. With five strike outs and no walks, Beard moved to 14-0 on the season. On only one day of rest, the Lady Jags turned around and made the eight-plus hour drive up to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to take on the Blue Raiders. The fatigue of the ride and lack of rest prove to be insignificant for South Alabama as they absolutely dominated the home team. In the first game, the Blue Raiders (4-32, 1-12) kept appearances by going into the third inning tied at

1-1. But then the Jaguar bats caught fire, resulting in the Jags scoring the final 8 runs of the game to take the 9-1 victory. The win went to H. Campbell who moved to 15-7 in the season. Then in one of their most dominant offensive outputs of the season, South Alabama recorded a school record for hits with 19 in the second win over MTSU. Freshman third baseman Haley Fagan led the way for the Lady Jags going 4-for-4 at the plate, including a homerun. She finished with 4 RBI and a run. Senior Britany Fowler and junior Julie Moss added three hits apiece. Both went 3-for-4, scoring 3 runs and hitting one runner in each. Fowler also knocked one over the fences. Senior Meghan Collins and freshmen Clara Bowen and Emily Messer added a pair of hits. Collins also hit a homerun, her second of the day after she knocked one out in the first game. Beard added another complete game effort to her resume with a sixinning effort. She gave up 5 hits and 3 runs, all earned, but she struck out eight Blue Raiders. The win moved beard to 15-0. South Alabama has now outscored its opponents 244-76 on the season. They’ve scored in the double digits on seven occasions, and recorded 13 shutouts. The squad is 13-3 at Jaguar Field and 10-1 on the road, dropping its lone away game to Alabama back in February. Fowler leads the nation in hit by pitches with 18. The Lady Jags played one more against MTSU on Sunday, but the game occurred after this edition went to the presses. South Alabama is in action again Wednesday against Florida State (30-13).

BY JT CRABTREE|LOC SPORTS EDITOR BY BOBBY MCDUFFIE|USAJAGUARS.COM

Freshman third baseman Haley Fagan went 4-for-f in the second game of a doubleheader against Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

LEFT OF CENTER

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

VOL. 52, NO. 10 / APR. 8, 2013

Women’s soccer open spring season, defeat LSU By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

South Alabama may be left out of all the realignment

PATRICK HERRING | SPORTS EDITOR

Sun Belt Conference adds teams Five new members added for 2014, two added for 2013

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

e’ve already seen several teams changing conferences in the last six months, but now even more teams are on the move. Fans may not recognize the new teams that are set to join the Sun Belt in the next few years. The current conference will be a shell of its former self after North Texas, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State have left for Conference USA. To offset these losses, Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson added Georgia State, Texas State, Idaho, New Mexico State, Appalachian State, Texas-Arlington and Georgia Southern. Texas-Arlington will be joining as a non-football member, while Idaho and New Mexico State will be football-only members. After all of the realignment, the conference members will be South Alabama, Troy, Arkansas State, Texas State, Texas-Arlington, Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Georgia State, UL-Monroe, UL-Lafayette, Arkansas-Little Rock, Idaho and

New Mexico State. Of those 13 teams, only six are currently in conference. Some suspect that the Sun Belt will try to add another member for at least football, to make it an even 12. As it stands, there are 11 conference members playing football, one shy being able to play a conference championship. So who would the Sun Belt add? Would they go to Conference USA or the American Athletic Conference (formerly known as the Big East) to try and lure a team away? Do they dip into the FCS and try to bring a team up, such as they did with Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and Appalachian State? What does South Alabama do? Let’s say the Jags remain in the Sun Belt Conference. With many of the conference powerhouses leaving, South Alabama faces a much weaker in-conference competition. Each of the last football and basketball champions will be leaving. Not much will be standing in the Jags way to securing more championships. Football will be significantly weakened as well. Only eight of the

thirteen teams will have prior FBS experience. On the other hand, propose that the Jags leave the Sun Belt for Conference USA, for example. They would basically be moving to another version of the current Sun Belt. Of the current members, only Marshall, UAB, Southern Miss, Rice, UTEP will still be member of Conference USA in 2014.The teams that will be joining them will Charlotte, Louisiana Tech, Old Dominion and UTSA, as well as the other Sun Belt members moving over. Imagine playing conference games against Southern Miss and UAB. The rivalries that occur from it would have fans from each side easily travelling to see games. Hattiesburg is only two hours away, and Birmingham is an easy four hour drive straight up Interstate 65. There are many advantages to staying in the Sun Belt, but one could also say that to be the best, you must beat the best. The times are a-changing in the world of college athletics. Perhaps South Alabama will be a part of those changes.

outh Alabama women’s soccer team opened their 2013 spring season at home with a 2-0 win over LSU on April 3 and a 3-0 win over Montevallo. The Lady Jags scored two goals in the second half to shutout the Tigers, with goals from midfielder Clarissa Hernandez and defensivemid Shawn Meach. “It’s exciting. I’m very proud of the girls,” head coach Graham Winkworth said. “We’ve really only practiced one week, properly, with a ball. We worked on some things defensively, and the girls responded. The one thing I asked was that we fight and battle for 90 minutes, and we battled for 90 minutes and defended brilliantly.” Hernandez scored at the 68-minute mark, striking a volley from Jordan Duncan to put the Lady Jags up 1-0. Meach followed up with a goal of her own, when she scored on a breakaway chance at the 80-minute mark.

Freshman forward Jordan Duncan scored a goal against Montevallo

The Lady Jags followed their win over LSU with another shutout, this time a 3-0 win over Montevallo. The Lady Jags outshot Montevallo 20-2, adding goals from Clarissa Hernandez, Anne Baumhower and Jordan Duncan. Hernandez scored first from just outside the penalty box, followed by Baumhower putting a shot in the back of the net to give the Lady Jags a 2-0 lead going into the half. Duncan finished the scoring with a blast off of a rebound into the goal. “I feel that, once again, we defended pretty well and really limited our opponent to the occasional long-range effort,” Winkworth said following the match against Montevallo. “I felt that we caused them problems out wide more tonight, and were able to put a few more crosses in.” The Lady Jags will play Auburn on the road on April 13 before returning home for the season finale against Mobile on April 27.

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VOL. 52, NO. 12 / APR. 8, 2013