April 29, 2013

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 52, NO. 15

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

APR. 29, 2013

Stimpson visits USA to talk mayorship

Mock office visits teach health students

By NOAH LOGAN

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net COURTESY OF USA PUBLIC RELATIONS

ncl1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

After his recent campaign event on campus, Sandy Stimpson sat down with The Vanguard and touched on some key points of his campaign.

VG: Why do you feel you are a more qualified candidate for mayor and what should voters keep in mind about you when going to cast their votes on election day?

SS: We’re going to unite Mobile and make it one again.

VG: Your campaign has a FB page in which you repeatedly post updates encouraging citizens to give any ideas to help you improve Mobile. Looking one the responses, you see mainly two different ideas present. One wants to improve tourism in Mobile and spend money on museums and other public services and one wants to stop all of the bulk spending that those things bring along. Which side do you see yourself on and why?

SS: The first thing we have to address is spending. We need to cut out wasteful spending in the city and really get a grip on where the city is. On the flipside, you talk about cutting wasteful spending and investing into future projects and you wonder if they are in opposition with each other. I don’t think they are. You can’t invest with money you don’t have obviously but you don't have to spend money to make money. But also, some of the projects that need to be done will seek to gain private money to fund them as well as public money. But before any people will donate and invest into anything in the city, they have to know your fiscally responsible first. Today, there is a problem in people’s minds that we are not fiscally responsible as a city so they don’t want to invest in anything.

VG: So much of your campaign is about making Mobile great again by getting people from out of state to See STIMPSON Page 6

Dr. Jim Connors signs amendment to master cooperation agreement between USA and Fuzhou University.

South Alabama and Chinese University form partnership

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

Associate dean of the school of continuing education Dr. Jim Connors recently visited China to lead a talk between South Alabama and Fuzhou University Zhicheng College (FUZC) in an attempt to further study abroad programs.

Dr. Connors was accompanied by the following: Dean Richard Hayes of the college of education, Dean Vaughn Millner of continuing education, Dean John Steadman of engineering, Dean Alec Yasinsac of the

school of computing, as well as FUZC graduate Dr. Jingshan Huang of the school of computing, chair of marketing Dr. Mohan Menon and dean of engineering Dr. John Steadman.

“A major component of USA’s long range plan is to increase study abroad and international exchange opportunities for our students and faculty, and to intermingle a global perspective into the entire curriculum. That’s what this initiative and a number of others are all about,” Connors said.

“The main objective of the trip was to expand the existing academic part-

nership between USA and FUZC. These agreements have been in the works for a while to facilitate more seamless transfers of degree-seeking students between our two universities,” Connors added.

The visit ended with five new general education, computer science and business course articulation agreements being signed. Work was also started on agreement in education, engineering and interdisciplinary studies.

In the past, 11 FUZC students See PARTNERSHIP Page 5

BJ Scott to the Chicago Bears: “I can dig it”

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

A l though he didn't hear his n a m e called in the NFL Draft, BJ Scott former Safety S o u t h Alabama safety B.J. Scott did hear

find us on Facebook “Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA”

from the Chicago Bears. He took to Instagram and posted a Bears logo and tweeted the phrase, "I can dig it."

Scott is one of many college players to go undrafted and become an unrestricted free agent.

These players are free to sign with any team who reaches out to them. It appears the Bears have reached out to Scott.

Undrafted free agents are brought on to participate in mini camps and offseason training activities in order

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

to try to make it onto the team's final 53-man roster before a season begins. It gives players a good chance to prove how quickly they can learn a system and pick up the terminology.

There are many undrafted free agents who have caught on with a team and become very successful.

Some of the top names include Texans Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster and All-Pro wide receiver Wes Welker, who recently signed a See SCOTT Page 5

South Alabama’s clinical simulation lab will serve as a simulated doctor’s office to help students in the professional schools of the health sciences gain valuable hands-on experience.

Located on the first floor of the college of medicine building, the “office” is complete with examination rooms, a nurse’s station and a waiting room. Even the neutral colors of the walls and the intensely bright ceiling lights create an ambience that is comparable to that of a real doctor’s office. Inside the examination rooms there are beds for the patients and any device for medical diagnostics that a physician or nurse may need.

The key to making the simulation lab real is the use of standardized patients, real people who are hired by the clinical simulation lab to emulate real, sick patients. They are trained to answer specific questions about certain symptoms in order to create a real examination experience for the student. After the mock examination, the student records the information from the examination on a computer with software designed specifically for the student’s professional program.

There is also an examination room with a two-way mirror that allows professors to directly see their students examining and speaking with standardized patients.

Any student can apply to be a standardized patient. According to Alison Rudd, the assistant director for human simulation programs at South Alabama, the hours are flexible and standardized patients are paid $12 per hour.

Rudd works with the faculty of each division of South Alabama’s Health Sciences to build software and design examinations that are specific to each profession. These professions include any that are health or medical related, such as physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, audiology, nursing, speech pathology and many others.

Even some non-students use the clinical simulation lab. According to Rudd, See HEALTH Page 5

In this Issue: Life, Page 7 Sports, Page 10 Opinion, Page 13

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VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

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VOL. 52, NO. 15 /APR. 29, 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

PAGE three Weather for April 29-May 4

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.

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

USA Police Blotter

251-460-6312

04/18/13 10:48- Delta Parking Lot. Property Damage. Stop sign and post knocked down.

17:20-Biomedical library, N University Blvd.

Criminal Trespass Third Degree.

04/19/13 14:43- The Grove. Bldg #17 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle.

04/21/13 0:49-Old Shell & Hillcrest Rd. Driving Under the Influnece-Alcohol.

04/22/13 21:23-Research Park 3. Theft of Article from Auto.

04/24/13 16:10-HPELS-171 Jaguar Dr. Theft of Property Third Degree. ($500 or less)

CLASSIFIED Home For Sale: 3B/2B. Hillcrest at Grelot. Built 2010.

1546 sq. ft. Fenced in yard, security system. $163,900.

205-821-5094. Will negotiate.

VOL. 52, NO. 15/ APR. 29, 2013

facebook.com/ thevanguardusa

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VOL. 49, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

Partnership Cont. from Page One

studied at USA and 21 are expected to visit the campus this summer. The FUZC students will participate in an ESL course and cultural experience course.

“Dr. Steven Trout (English), Dr. Mohan Menon (marketing), and Ms. Dawn McKinney (computer science) will teach at FUZC for several weeks,” Connors said. “We will also host a delegation of FUZC administrators and faculty in August for more talks on expanding our relationship. It’s all very exciting and great for our students.”

Each of the USA faculty gave presentations to FUZC students on their research, and Dr. Yasinsac was awarded a Visiting Professorship by his FUZC colleagues. Drs. Connors and Millner (dean of the school of continuing education) also visited the Office of Chinese Language Council International in Beijing to discuss the placing of a Confucius Institute at USA to help in the teaching of Chinese language and culture.

Health

Scott

Cont. from Page One

Cont. from Page One

physicians send their nurses and residents to go through simulations to stay in practice with physical examinations and other important tasks.

The clinical simulation lab opened on January 13. Since then, they have been able to produce over 1,000 simulated patient examinations for students in health or medical oriented programs.

Apart from examinations, the lab is also used to teach students how to handle other tasks in the medical field, such as delivering the news to a patient that they have a terminal illness.

“I wish I had this luxury when I was in nursing school,” said Rudd, a USA alumnus.

“It is invaluable hands-on experience that will go a long way in preparing students for the real job,” Rudd added.

Rudd also says that she is confident that the clinical simulation lab will bring even more students to South Alabama. “Pretty much every major medical school uses standardized patients,” Rudd added.

“USA’s medical school already has a great reputation and this will only add to the quality of the professionals that we produce,” Rudd said.

Any students interested in becoming a standardized patient or any faculty interested in utilizing the clinical simulation lab can email Alison Rudd at arudd@southalabama.edu.

SGA concludes 201213 academic year

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

two-year, $12 million contract with the Denver Broncos.

Scott played two years for the Jaguars and recorded 132 tackles, nine passes defensed and three forced fumbles in 20 appearances.

He also averaged 29 yards per kickoff return.

Scott was brought on as a late addition to the Senior Bowl in January.

He participated in the game and had the opportunity to showcase his versatility by playing both the safety and cornerback positions. He also participated in a pro day at the University of Alabama, another chance for him to showcase his skills to pro scouts.

Scott joins former South Alabama wide receiver Courtney Smith as Jaguars to sign with an NFL team. Smith signed with the New York Jets following the 2011 draft.

He currently plays for the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football League.

The Studen Student nt G Government oveern rnme ment me n A nt Associasso ss ociation met on M Monday, April onday ndday ay,, Ap Apri rill 22 for ri for their the h ir last regular m meeting spring seeeti ee ting ti n for tthe hee spr rin ng se mester.

“It’s been and great n a great yyear ear an d a gr grea eatt ea ride,” said SG SGA President Parker ChasGA Presidden entt Pa Park rker rk er Cha hasstain.

The Associate Dean off St Students Dr. Th As Asso soci so ciat ci atee De at an o Stud uden ud nts D r.

Krista Harrell attended the meeting and Kris Kr isstaa Har arre relll atten re ende dedd th de the meeting message thee se senate. ggave ga ave a sspecial peci pe cial ci al m essaage tto o th sena nate na te.. te “Renovation has begun on stu“Ren “R enov en ovvat atio ion io n has be begu gun n the gu th hee stu udent center and we are all very excited dent cen ente terr an te nd are about that…thank abou ouut th that at…t at …tha …t h nkk yyou ha ou ffor o voicing yyour or ourr ou support,” Harrell said. supporrt, t,”” Ha Harr rrel rr elll saaidd. Although el Alth Al thou th ough ou gh she she couldn’t ddirectly attribute whyy re renovairec ir ectl ec tlyy at tl attr trib tr ibutte wh ib reno nova no vtions began from n to tthe he ddemand eman em a d fr an om sstutu-tu Harrell dents, Dr. Har arre ar rellll took re too ookk no note te tthat hatt it ha was began soon after tthe he ssubject ubje ub jeect w as rraised aise ai sedd se month. often during SGA elections ele lect le ctio ct ions io ns llast astt mo as mont nth. nt h. you’re “I hope that when yo you’ u’rre tthinking u’ hink hi nkin nk ing in about and reflecting on yo yyour ur eexperiur xperience during senate that you think about how you’re leading the senate, the student government, and the campus…

and an that that yyou’ve ou’ve left the campus better than you’ve than you ou’v ’vve fo ffound und it,” Harrell ssaid to the senate. th he se sena nate na te.. te “You allll have worked re“Yo Y u al haave obviously work ally hard…I thank you and Dr. Mitcha ly har al ard… d… …I th than ank an M ell thanks you,” Harrell added. ell th than ankks an ks you ou,” ,” Harrell SGA for Jags SGA held held a collection col o lection date fo 4 Ja Jags on April 17 in front of the Fresh gs on Ap Apri riil Food Company.

Food Compa om m any. nyy Jags meal Jags g 4 JJags agss is a mea ag eaal do ddonation nation program operated through the gram ope p raate tedd th thro roug ro u h th Dean ug De of Students offi ce.

There are collection S ud St u en ents ts office. e The here re are coll dates throughout where date da tess thro te th hro roug ughout tthe ug he yyear earr w ea her students can donate extra, unused den de nt nts n do dona n te exttraa, un na unuused us meals to tthis program.

SGA collected hiss pr hi prog ogra og ram. ra m. SGA col olle lect le c ed over 180 meals donated by students on the 180 me do d nateed b stuude dent ntss o nt April 17 collection date, according to Apri Ap rill ri col o lect ctio ct ion io n da date t , accco te cord rdd SGA Senate Pro Tempore Elizabeth SGA Se Sena nate na te Pro Tem empo pore po re Elilizz McDonald.

McDo Mc Dona Do nald na ld.. ld Students who are sstruggling trug tr uggl ug glin gl i g finanin cially can apply for donated don onat a ed meals at website, through the Jags 4 Jags webs sit ite, e southe, alabama.edu/deanofstudents/jags4jags.html.

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Stimpson Cont. from Page One

come. How do you feel about the smoking ordinances passed almost a year ago by city council? (No smoking in any inside restaurants or sidewalks until 8:00) SS: One of the things we find government doing often is just making things more and more complicated. I think things have to be kept simple.

If you’re going to make rules about smoking, you can’t have it be time restrictions or being outside. That’s just ludicrous. The more rules and regulations you make, I think those are the things that drive people away. Personally, I do not want to walk into a restaurant with people smoking but if the owner wants to allow his citizens to smoke during the day, that’s his business.

VG: You probably noticed the turnout wasn’t great tonight. What would you say to students who might feel local politics aren’t important enough for them to care about it?

SS: I would encourage college students to get involved. If they get engaged, and the unite, they can affect change. If our society is going to deal properly with imposing problems, we need new thoughts and new ideas.

We need young people that have a lot of energy and are idealistic in asking, “Why can’t we do any better?” I can tell you a story about the private school that I’m associated with. On our school board, we have three sets of parents on the board. Some parents have kids who are very young and are in kindergarten and such. Some have children in middle school and some have kids in high school. The reason is because the school can’t do anything right in the eyes of the parents who have kids in younger grades. The older parents have seen the whole process and know what is realistic and what can work. So you hopefully have wisdom from the older ones and a push from the younger ones to always do better. Somewhere in between, that’s what our society has to have. We have to have the young people pushing but some of the older generation still involved for the wisdom. So a college student can make a huge impact on society. I would really encourage everyone to get engaged because you can and will make a difference. And if you don’t get involved, you shouldn’t have a right to complain.

VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR 29, 2013

Jaguar Productions encourages student participation, looks ahead

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

Jaguar Productions President Khaela Huey and the rest of the Jaguar Productions staff want to encourage students to take advantage of the entertainment events that they organize.

In many cases, students may be seeing a performer at a Jaguar Productions event before they become famous. For example, in 2009 Daniel Tosh performed at a Jaguar Productions event on-campus.

According to senior Patrick Herring, a member of Jaguar Productions, the event that Tosh performed at didn’t sell out.

Jaguar Productions is funded through the student activities fee that each student pays as part of tuition. In some cases Jaguar Productions raises money through fundraisers.

“We want to give students something fun to do with the money that they’re spending in tuition,” says Huey, a senior and English major.

Jaguar Productions is also work-

ing to continue improving as an organization.

Members of Jaguar Productions attended the National Association of Campus Activities conference in Nashville, TN from Febr uary 16 to 20. At this conference Jaguar Productions were able to book entertainment performances for South Alabama as well as learn new ideas through networking with other universities.

The first annual Jag Jam Music Festival was held on April 11 at the University of South Alabama’s

Mitchell Center.

Live music, inflatables, and interesting cultural activities were available for students at the event.

The artists featured at Jag Jam were Matt Corey, Darling Parade and Nelly’s Echo, a former contestant on the television singing competition “The Voice.”

“I can say that it was a highly enjoyable event that everyone should have been a part of,” said Khaela Huey, the president of Jaguar Productions.

“I had a great time at Jag Jam— the music was really good and meeting the bands was really cool,” said Laura Fliegel, a sophomore and French Major at USA. Students can also buy discount ticket vouchers at the Jaguar Productions desk in the Academic Support Center for Carmike movie theaters, Bellingrath Gardens, Bayfest, the Mobile Symphony and other special events.

Students that wish to join Jaguar Productions can do so by visiting their office in the Academic support center and filling out a brochure. According to Huey it is a great way for students to “build leadership skills and make friends.”

A full list of upcoming Jaguar Productions events can be found on their Facebook page, website, and on the back page of The Vanguard. Jaguar Productions can also be found on Twitter and Instagram.

Image courtesy of JP.

VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

jagLIFE

Theatre USA offers up fantastic show in “Cyrano”

JAKE HOWELL | JAGLIFE EDITOR

The cast of “Cyrano de Bergerac” surrounding Ben Jacobs as he takes his final bow as the titular character, Cyrano.

By JAKE HOWELL

jsh803@jagmail.southalabama.edu

W

ith a tale of love, war and the pain of being friendzoned, Theatre USA has produced another magnificent show in the form of “Cyrano de Bergerac.”

Written by Edmond Rostand and translated by Anthony Burgess, “Cyrano” details a fictionalized version of the life of the real Cyrano de Bergerac who lived in 1600’s France.

The show itself focuses on Cyrano’s (Ben Jacobs) love of the beautiful Roxane (Sarah Beth Locklar), and the shenanigans that ensue after she confesses her love of handsome Christian de Neuvillette (Brandon Mallette).

Cyrano, an officer in the French army and accomplished poet, has a bit of a sore spot when it comes to his enormous nose, as evinced by the tongue-lashing and duel that opens the show.

After his successful duel and dispatch of Vicomte de Valvert (Quinn Riley-Clark), Roxane’s Duenna (Kristina Walter) arrives to arrange a private meeting between Cyrano and her mistress.

It is at this meeting where Cyrano, sure that Roxane has come to confess her love to him, is relegated to the friendzone. Poor Cyrano even ends up helping Christian romance Roxane by lending his hand at writing letters to her in Christian’s stead.

Jacobs, as the lead in a stellar cast, delivers Cyrano’s lines on point and with excellent timing, drawing laughs or conjuring sadness from the audience. Perhaps one of the funniest scenes of the play is one involving Cyrano stalling Carlton Warnberg’s Comte de Guiche with a series verbal somersaults and the occasional smack with a tree limb.

Both Mallette and Locklar deliver

the comedy as well. Christian’s disastrous attempt to woo Roxane without Cyrano’s help, coming up with only “I love you SO much,” and Roxane’s quick thinking in trying to keep de Guiche from sending Christian to war were immensely entertaining to watch.

This reviewer is constantly amazed at how the Theatre USA group is able to completely transform the performance hall in Laidlaw for each new show.

From the Garden of Eden of “Children of Eden” to the warm wooden structures seen in “Cyrano,” the set design this semester has been truly great.

The costumes have gotten even better as the semester has progressed.

The classic attire of French noblemen and women and, of course, Cyrano’s nose was very well done.

Between the stage and the incredible costume work, USA has a fantastically talented group at work behind the scenes.

“Cyrano de Bergerac” is USA Theatre’s final production for the 2013 Spring semester, but the talented group will return in the fall.

By TIMOTHY BORLAND trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

aylor Meckley began the sport of twirling at the age of five.

Growing up in Fredericktown, Pa., she never expected her skill would lead her to Mobile, Al. “I decided to come to South Alabama because I saw how nice the school looked, the school had my intended major and then the feature twirler position was an added bonus on a reason to come,” Meckley said.

Meckley will be the new feature twirler for the USA Jaguar Marching Band and is receiving a scholarship from the USA Music Department for her position.

She will also be majoring in informa-

5

WEEKLY LOWDOWN Monday, Apr. 29 ► USA Bookstore “Textbook Buyback” begins today!

►2:30 p.m. - “Writing job ap-

plication letters and resumes: tips on developing and formatting effective cover letters and resumes” in the Humanities building, Room 144.

Tuesday, Apr. 30 ► 7:30 p.m. - USA Symphony Band Spring Concert $5 USA Students/Faculty/ Staff

Wednesday, May 1 ► 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Free Massage Therapy in the Student Center Mall .

► 7:30 p.m. - USA Woodwind

Ensembles Spring Concert in the Laidlaw Recital Hall. $5.00 USA Students/Faculty/ Staff.

Thursday, May 2 ►7:30 - USA Concert Choir and JAKE HOWELL | JAGLIFE EDITOR

These concept drawings show how the exquisite costumes used throughout the play came about.

Marching band announces new feature twirler tion systems at USA this fall.

The feature twirler position isn’t without responsibilities. Meckley will be required to maintain a certain GPA, be a spokesperson for the band and compete at least twice during her tenure.

Meckley’s years of experience, however, have prepared her for the challenges of her new role.

“What I love most about [twirling] is the competitiveness and dedication needed to stay at a high level of twirling as I got older. Also, this competitiveness helped me do something else I love about the sport which is the traveling aspect to it,” Meckley said.

She acknowledges that, despite her years of experience, dropping is inevitable.

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

“If I am learning something new and I keep dropping, I have no worries. I know I will eventually get it and it even becomes fun trying to get the trick to be perfect,” Meckley said.

The twirling community is tight knit, and as a result many participants maintain lifelong friendships. Meckley is looking forward to making new friends in Mobile.

“I am most looking forward to my very first football game with the band, but what I most look forward to about attending USA is becoming a part of this community and experiencing a new place...I will be far from home, but the school will quickly become my second home. I feel very proud to be apart of the growing music department and marching band,” Meckley said.

University Chorale Spring Choral Concert in the Laidlaw Recital Hall. $5.00 USA Students/Faculty/Staff.

Friday, May 3 ► 6:30 p.m. - 50th Anniversary

Celebration and President Moulton Tribute at Moulton Tower.

► 8 p.m. - IMC presents Eef Barzelay at Satori Coffee House. Free for USA students.

Tues. May 7 - Thur. May 9 ►8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - USA

BOOKSTORE Cap & Gown pick-up.

Want your event featured in the Weekly Low-

down? Email the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under seven words) to jsh803@

COURTESY OF USA MUSIC DEPT.

jagmail.southalabama.edu.

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VOL. 52, NO. 15/ APR. 29, 2013

USA CEO chapter launches new networking project

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF JAMES PALOMO

Startup Spotlight is an interesting opportunity for students to network and gain advice from the movers and shakers that are changing the face of business.

By JOEL PONCE joelponce90@gmail.com

T

he Ivy League schools have long hosted and all-star cast of guest speakers to share insights with students around the world.

These juggernauts have turned industries inside out and back! Hearing their stories fuels a passion in and drives the up and comers of tomorrow.

But what about other institutions? What are they doing?

Students at the University of South Alabama involved in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) decided they would reach the ‘unreachable’ and show that underdogs shouldn’t be counted out.

In an attempt to prove that the people featured on the big news sites were more than merely stories on the web, Joel Ponce and Hunter Brooks started to reach out to some big-hitters, and people responded!

With the support from fellow students Hayden Chudy, Adam Moore

and James Palomo, they were able to put together an action plan and off they went.

The sale was easy. All they asked for was 30 minutes of the entrepreneurs’ time to talk about their experience and 10-15 minutes of Q&A. No need to travel and book a hotel. Startup Spotlight TV would take care of reaching out to students and host the conversations streamed live via Google Hangouts, later to be archived on startupspotlight.tv.

All the distinguished guest had to do was set aside 45 minutes, at their convenience, to share their story and the group would take care of the rest.

Since the group launched the website they have featured a wide variety of the following guests: •Samer Saab – Co-Founder of Unbranded Designs •Steve Huffman – Co-Founder of Reddit and Hipmunk •Tony Hsieh – CEO of Zappos & Partner at Downtown Project •Andy White – Partner at VegasTechFund •Brett Martin – Co-Founder & CEO of Sonar The group’s list of upcoming

speakers includes David Cohen (CoFounder & CEO of TechStars) on May 9 at 3 p.m. and Daniel Ha (CoFounder & CEO of Disqus) on May 23 at 3 p.m.

As the website grows the group plans to feature lessons learned from each talk as blog posts and offer the subscribers added benefits through partnerships with national organizations.

The best way to stay informed on future plans is to check out startupspotlight.tv and stay involved with the local Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) chapter at the University of South Alabama.

Students around the country are encouraged to send questions to @ StartSpotTV on Twitter to engage in the conversation.

This new media program aims to bridge the gap between rookies and all-stars in hopes of inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

So get the word out however you can – tweet, post to Facebook, share it on Instagram, dispatch a carrier pigeon and send out a smoke signal – whatever it takes! Startup Spotlight TV is ON AIR.

Historic Temple Downtown is a unique sight to see

By TIMOTHY BORLAND trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

E

ntrepreneur Scott Gonzalez is no stranger to running businesses in downtown Mobile.

As the owner of Three George’s Chocolatiers, he has been serving the local population delicious deserts on Dauphin Street since 1992.

Purchasing the vacant Scottish Rite Temple, however, was a much bigger risk.

“The Temple was on the market for a number of years. After a lot of prodding I was able to convince my wife it would be a good move,” Gonzalez said.

The Scottish Rite Temple was commissioned in the 1920’s for the Scottish Rite Bodies of Alabama Freemasons.

The building was designed by renowned architect George Rodgers as a tribute to the Egyptian Valley of the Kings, with a prominent gateway, elegant sphinxes, obelisk pylons, and high slanted walls reminiscent of Karnak’s Temple.

The cornerstone was laid November 30, 1921 with an inscription that reads, “Erected to the service

TIMOTHY BORLAND | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When rain moved in, the patrons of Arts Alive 2013 were able to take refuge inside the Temple’s ballroom (pictured).

of God and humanity.”

The building’s original function was as a Freemasonry lodge. Only the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, one of the progressively selective degrees conferred within Masonic organizations, were allowed entry into the Temple.

The last century brought with it a

decline in the popularity Freemasonry, however, and due to operating costs and the aging membership of the organization, the Temple was put on sale.

On January 5, 1984 the Temple was placed on the National Registry of Historic places, effectively saving the last intact example of Egyptian Revival style in Mobile.

The Temple is officially listed as Mobile’s most unique building. It has been utilized as a movie theater in addition to being used as a lodge and public space.

During World War II, the U.S. military used the facility as a mapping room, wiring the building with dynamite due to the sensitivity of the operation.

“Everyone is amazed with this building. Imaginations go wild when thinking of the possibilities,” Gonzalez says.

In 1996, Gonzalez purchased the building and started renting it out as a multi-use venue under the corporate name of The Temple Downtown.

The spacious ballroom has become a popular rental location for concerts, Mardi Gras balls, proms, parties, business meetings and wedding receptions.

The Temple was used for day three of Arts Alive once rain forced festival guests inside. The ballroom area was also used as an official stage for Southsounds 2013.

Tours of the upper lodges and model train can be arranged via reservations. More information can be found at templemobile.com.

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Bars, clubs, and night life articles are welcome.

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

9

VOL. 52, NO. 15 APR. 29, 2013

Softball racking up individual awards

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

The South Alabama softball team has been opening eyes all season long. They have a 41-7 overall record. They are 15-1 on the road, the best road record in the country in terms of wins and winning percentage. They are also ranked in the top 25 and have an RPI ranking in the top 20. But they also accumulated a number of Sun Belt Player of the Week awards this season, winning five in total. Here is a recap of the honors giving out this season to USA softball: 2/11-Farish Beard-Pitcher Farish Beard earned the first honors of the 2013 season, becoming the first pitcher at South Alabama to win Pitcher of the Week since Beth Pilgirm in 2010. Beard finished the first week of the season 2-0 in three appearances in the Bulldog Kickoff Classic in Starkville, Miss. The Fairhope, Ala. Native struck out 16 while allowing two runs in 13.2 innings pitched, good for a 1.02 ERA. Beard also earned all-tournament honors.

2/18-Julie Moss-Player Julie Moss would earn the first of two Player of the Week honors on February 18 after her performance in the Mardi Gras Invitational. Moss batted .538 for the tournament, going 7-13 with seven runs, four RBI’s, two doubles and a home run. At the

end of the weekend, the Birmingham, Ala. native was tied for the conference lead in runs.

3/18-Brittany Fowler-Player Brittany Fowler was named Player of the Week on March 18 after her performance against No. 22/25 Louisiana-Lafayette. Fowler finished the series 6-for-8 with three home runs, seven RBI’s and four runs scored. The Jacksonville, Fla. native has rewritten the record books at South Alabama. Fowler is the alltime leader in runs, hits, triples, hit by pitch, RBI’s and sacrifice flies.

She is also second all-time in home runs.

3/25-Julie Moss-Player Julie Moss earned the honors for a second time in the 2013 season on March 25 after her series against FIU. Moss finished with two home runs, two doubles, three runs and 11 RBI’s, five of which came in game two of the series. Moss was responsible for 14 of the Jags’ 29 runs scored during the weekend (48%).

4/21-Haley Fagan-Player Haley Fagan became the first freshman in South Alabama history to win Sun Belt Player of the Week on April 21. The Dunnellon, Fla. native earned the honors after a weekend series against LouisianaMonroe, where she went 8-for-11 for the series, including two home runs, six RBI’s in game two.

Haley Fagan became the first freshman in South Alabama history to win Player of the Week

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Lane Hulse shot a -2 during the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Golf Championship, securing a first place finish

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Men’s golf finishes third

Junior Lane Hulse wins individual championship in playoff

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

The South Alabama men’s golf team started strong, but was unable to hold onto an early lead in the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Golf Championships, finishing third overall on April 24.

In spite of the third place overall finish, junior Lane Hulse placed first in the individual standings, shooting -2 for the tournament. Hulse is the sixth player in Jaguar history to win the individual championship. This was also Hulse’s first career victory.

The Jags finished at 880 for the three-day tournament, nine strokes behind champion North Texas. Georgia State placed second, shooting an 876.

“This means a ton; this is what you dream of,” said Hulse. “I have worked two-and-a-half years to get a win in college, for it to come at the conference championship makes it really special.”

Hulse credited much of his success in the tournament to his putting. “Going back to the first round, I got off to a little bit of a shaky start striking the ball,” said Hulse. “But I made some good putts to keep the round going. The last day it comes down to the back nine, and it was tough with the wind blowing, you

were missing greens out there today, but I made several five and six footers for par that kept me in it.”

Hulse needed a playoff hole to take the title, sinking a 16-foot putt to defeat Rodolfo Cazaubon of North Texas.

“For the playoff we went right back to No. 18. It’s a par three and I had just played it in regulation so I knew the number, exactly what club and the line to hit. I hit a really solid shot and was able to put the putt in the dead center of the hole for birdie.”

“Lane had a great performance, he was in total control of his golf game from the very first round when he opened with a 68,” head coach Ben Hannan said. “He was really at peace all day today, he never panicked. From the 18th hole to the playoff, he was in control, and as a result played great golf.”

The Jags have finished in the top

three in the five twelve events that have participated in this season, and currently rank among the top 50 in the country.

Their season may not be over now, as the Jags must wait until May 6 to find out if they were selected for an NCAA Regional. Regionals will be played from May 16-18, with the national championships being held in Alpharetta, GA from May 28-June 2.

“We got beat by two teams ranked right around us, so finishing third won’t hurt at all,” Hannan said. “Mathematically we should be in very good shape to be picked for an at-large berth to a regional, and if we are, that will be the first time under the current format that South Alabama men’s golf would accomplish that. That’s a testament to this team’s performance week in and week out and to the many good events that they’ve played all year long.”

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

10

VOL. 52, NO. 15/ APR. 29 , 2013

Softball dismantles Trojans, matches 2012 win total

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

I

t took head coach Becky Clark and her team ten fewer conests to get to the program record of 41 wins this season than it took in 2012.

The total that will surely be added to with two more regular season contests and the Sun Belt Conference tournament still to be played.

The record-tying win had extra significance in that it came against rival Troy in the team’s last home game of the season. No. 18 South Alabama (41-7, 17-3 SBC) defeated the Trojans (20-27, 7-11 SBC) 9-0 in just five innings of a run-rule shortened game at Jaguar Field Wed. night.

Sophomore picher Farish Beard got the start on the mound and registered the first no-hitter of her career in five innings of work.

She struck out 10 of the 17 Trojan batters she faced and had it not been for a pair of walks, she would have had a perfect game. She improved her record to 20-0 on the season, tying her for the second most wins

in program history. Beard’s 9.5 strikeouts per seven innings is good for fourteenth best in Div. 1.

In the same week that she was named SBC Player of the Week, freshman Haley Fagan put on another show as she drove in 4 runs on two hits, which included her team-leading tenth homerun of the season. Her ten homers are good for second most by a Jag in a single season. Fagan was the fourth Jaguar to receive the weekly honor from the league, joining Beard, Julie Moss and Brittany Fowler.

The Jaguars got the scoring started in the second inning when freshman Emily Messer hit an RBI single to score sophomore Alyssa Linn and give USA the 1-0 lead.

In the next inning, USA tacked on three more runs, starting with and RBI single from Fagan, which scored sophomore Blair Johnson from third.

Fellow sophomore Kaitlyn Griffith then drove two more in with a double that was just shy of the fence to put USA up 4-0.

Five runs on five hits in the

fourth put the game well out of reach of the visiting Trojans’ grasp.

Johnson singled up the middle to score Britany Campbell from third to start the scoring flurry. Moss would then walk to put two on for Fagan.

She took a 1-0 pitch over the right center wall to put the Jags up 8-0.

Messer ended the scoring with an RBI single to give the Jags the winning score of 9-0. The run-rule victory is USA’s sixteenth of the season and the sixth in a row. The 9-0 final also marks the team’s sixteenth shutout win of the year.

This season overall has been outstanding for USA softball, but the stats the Lady Jags have put up at home are outstanding. In games played at Jaguar Field this season, USA batted .333, slugged .582 and registered a .416 on-base percentage.

They outscored visiting teams 13739 and hit 27 home runs in 20 home games. South Alabama’s pitching staff combined for a 1.86 when pitching at home. The squad only lost three home games all season.

The Jaguars will travel to Troy

this weekend for a pair of games to end the regular season. South Alabama hasn’t lost to the Trojans since May 7, 2011, when they fell 1-2 on the road.

USA leads the all-time series over Troy 11-8 and has won the previous five contests.

Hannah Campbell will likely get the start on the mound for the

Jaguars in the first game of the road trip to Troy. This season she has an 18-7 record and her .94 ERA is tops in the country. She is one of only two pitchers in Div. 1 to have an ERA under 1.

South Alabama is currently atop the Sun Belt Conference standings with a two-win lead over secondplace Western Kentucky.

BY CHIP ENGLISH / USAJAGUARS.COM

Coach Becky Clark talks to catcher Alex Breeden (left) and pitcher Farish Beard on Wed. during the contest against Troy in which Beard registered her first no-hitter.

Baseball sweeps Jacksonville State, takes series against ULM

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

S

outh Alabama baseball put together a flurry of wins last week against Jacksonville State and ULMonroe, using solid pitching and clutch hitting on their way to a six game winning streak.In game one against Jacksonville State, the Jags had to play catch for much of the game, but seven unanswered runs led them to a 9-6 comeback victory.

Jeff DeBlieux finished 4-for-6 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Hayden Jones went 4-for-5 with two runs scored.

Nick Zaharion went 2-for-4 with three RBI’s, a run and a walk. Jordan Patterson finished 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI to go along with his two walks. Nolan Earley and Dustin Dalken each added two RBI’s.

Bud Collura also walked three times in six plate appearances.

Jags starting pitcher Payton Gardner was only able to last three innings. He allowed four runs on five hits, while walking one and striking out five.

Brandon Boyle then came in relief, working two innings and giving up three hits and two runs while recording a strikeout. Jaime Dennis was able to shutdown the Gamecocks, working 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing two hits and striking out two. Kyle Bartsch came

in the ninth to pick up his eleventh save of the season.

In game two against Jacksonville State, the Jags used a six run first inning to set the table for the rest of the game, going on to win 6-5, sweeping the season series against the Gamecocks.

The Jags played station-to-station the whole way, with all nine of their team hits being singles. Dustin Dalken finished 2-for-3 with two RBI’s, a walk and a run scored. Hayden Jones also went 2-for3 with an RBI and run scored. Nolan Earley finished 2-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. Graham Odom added two RBI’s of his own on one hit and a walk.

Starting pitcher Anthony Izzio worked four innings, allowing seven hits, five runs, three walks and a strikeout.

Tripp Cecil came in and provided valuable relief in the rain delayed game, working 4 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits, a walk and recording three strikeouts. Jordan Patterson struck out the only batter he faced in the ninth to record his first career save.

“Tripp Cecil did a nice job out of the bullpen,” head coach Mark Calvi said.

“He was really good, and it was a great rebound-appearance for him. We’re happy for him, because he works his tail

off and he has done a great job for us so far.”

The Jags then went on the road to UL-Monroe for a Sun Belt Conference series, taking the first two games to extend their winning streak to six games.

In game one, the Jags were able to slug their way to a 10-8 victory.

Bud Collura, Jordan Patterson, Jeff DeBlieux and Dustin Dalken all added extra-base hits for the Jags. Patterson finished 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Collura went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a walk. DeBlieux went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a two-run home run, the first of his career.

Dalken added a home run and two RBI’s of his own in his 1-for-5 outing.

“We did a good job offensively, we left too many men on base, but we scored enough to win,” Calvi said. “Cito was great for seven innings. I would have loved to have seen him go eight (innings), or see Traylor go out there and just finish the ballgame. That was my plan. I had all the confidence in the world in him (Traylor) to go out and finish the game, but it didn’t happen so we had to hang on late.”

In game two, the Jags again had to

mount a comeback, overcoming a 5-2 deficit to win 9-6 due in large to a six-run fifth inning.

Jeff DeBlieux continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI’s and two runs scored. Dustin Dalken went 2-for-5 with two RBI’s and a run scored. Jordan Patterson added an RBI double. Robby Campbell, Bud Collura and Nolan Earley each had two hits.

Starting pitcher Matt Bell was roughed up in the second and third inning before being pulled for Hunter

Soleymani, who worked a career-high 6 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, one run, two walks and three strikeouts on his way to picking up his first career win. Bell worked 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits, five runs, while walking one and striking out two.

“Soleymani was great,” Calvi said. “It wasn’t looking good for us. Bell has been really good all year long. It just wasn’t his day today.”

(Due to deadline constraints, we were unable to provide a recap of Game 3 against ULM. Please visit usajaguars.com for a full recap.)

BY BOBBY MCDUFFIE / USAJAGUARS.COM

Senior outfielder Jeff DeBlieux went 9-for-18 with five RBI’s last week.

11

VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APRIL 29, 2013

Get to know new women’s head basketball coach, Terry Fowler The Vanguard Sports Section spoke to Coach Fowler and asked him some questions to learn more about the man behind the coach.

Sports Favorites:

One word to describe:

Pro Sports TeamBoston Celtics Athlete - Michael Jordan Head Coach Bill Belichick Non-basketball Sport Football Moment as a coach: 1. Seeing kids graduate 2. Beating Alabama in an exhibition game Venue: Mitchell Center

Yourself - caring Coaching style encouraging Mobile - great South Alabama passionate people Mitchell Center - awesome

General Favorites: Food - steak Drink - sweet tea Movie - Blackhawk Down Band - Cameo Color - black

Kyle Bartsch @Kyle_Bartsch: Pitcher

2013 NFL Draft proves nothing’s a sure thing

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

H

ad former Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season last year, he likely would have been a top ten overall selection, maybe even top five. Instead of declaring for the draft, though, he chose to come back and play another season at USC. The Trojans didn’t perform as well as he’d hoped and his draft stock was hurt because of it.

Barkley was still the number one pick, but it was the number one pick in the fourth round.

Strangely enough, Barkley and nearly

200 other prospects were drafted after a guy who didn’t even play football last season. Former Louisiana State defensive back Tyrann Mathieu sat out the 2012 football season as opposed to transferring from LSU after he was suspended indefinitely from the team. Even after he admitted to failing countless drug tests while in college, the Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round with the sixty-ninth overall pick.

Most draft experts had former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy going first among the guys at his position, while many had him pegged as a first rounder.

Three other running backs were selected

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before Lacy, who fell to the Green Bay Packers at pick number 61 overall.

One of the biggest stories of the first night of the draft was that of former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith was considered by many to be the top overall quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. He was even invited by the league to attend the draft proceedings in New York. But pick after pick went by before the first team chose a quarterback at number 17. However, Smith’s name wasn’t called. Florida State alum E.J. Manuel was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in a surprise move. The remainder of the first round went by without Smith’s name

being called. The New York Jets finally selected Smith with the seventh pick of the second round (39 overall). Surely he was happy to go to a team that already has 5 other signal callers on contract, including former first round picks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

These are just a few of the strange happenings in the annual three-day event that temporarily feeds the appetite of the football-starved American public.

The guys in the 2014 class, names such as Braxton Miller and Jadeveon Clowney, better not take anything for granted because anything can happen in the circus that is the NFL Draft.

I’d trade a 2nd round pick right now for a back scratch and foosackly’s Jay Jones @_JayJones3: Running Back Watching Netflix until sunrise #allnighter Drew Dearman @DrewDearman: Offensive Lineman If you wanna measure the number of white guys at a bowling alley... throw on some Linkin Park Mr.DJ Jake Howton @J_Howdy_86: Wide Receiver It’s not a roadtrip until someone pisses in a bottle.

Emily Hundt @emilyhundt15: Setter

USA Sports Briefs courtesy usajaguars.com Women’s golf senior Golightly named All-Sun Belt It was announced Thursday that South Alabama’s Kristen Golightly was named Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference for her efforts this season.

Golightly recorded a stroke average of 76.48 in 27 rounds this season, including a career-low 3-under par 69 at the SBC Championship. She finished the tournament with a three round total of 216 for even par.

Over the course of the season, Golightly earned three top-five finishes and two other top-ten finishes.

She is the first women’s golfer from USA to receive all-conference recognition since Elin Anderson in 2008.

Track and field produces three winners in first day of meet The South Alabama men’s and women’s track teams garnered three individual victories on the first day of

the Coach “O” Invitational at Jesse H. Colley Track on the Troy University campus Friday.

USA swept the podium in the men’s pole vault with Mikel Magnusson (4.75m), William Henley (4.60m) and Garrett Schumacher (4.30m) placing first, second and third respectively.

Magnusson’s distance was good for a new personal best.

Kayla Carlile finished atop the standings in the women’s pole vault after she cleared 3.70m, just .02m short of her career-best effort.

In the women’s hammer throw, Bobbie Williams placed first with a toss of 54.69m to defeat the rest of the seven-woman field.

On the men’s side of the hammer throw, Adam Patterson led South with a new personal record toss of 55.85m, which was good for a fourth-place finish. Jeff Long landed one spot behind him with a hurl of 53.71m The men’s and women’s squads also competed on Saturday, but results were not available by the time this edition went to press. For full results, see usajaguars.com.

When your milk is at that stage where you can taste it’s going bad, but it isn’t gross enough to waste half a gallon... #collegeproblems

Are you a student at USA?

Trey Anderson @UnoDosTrey123: Guard

Do you love sports?

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to

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If you answered yes to these questions, we want YOU to write for the Sports section! Just send an email with some kind of sample writing to jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

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You could be in an issue of The Vanguard in the fall semester!

My physics teacher just charged these two dudes up SICK for trying to leave class early Chris May @CmayFive5: Offensive lineman If a catfish and a Llama had a baby it would be Pau Gasol Darius McKeller @ BigDdaBasedLord: Offensive lineman Cant even watch my Hawks play.

They too irrelevant to get on regular cable. Sigh

@USAVGSports

12

VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

Concussions becoming an increasing problem in football

By DALTON ORWIG Contributing Writer

H

ere’s a quick test: Starting with December and going backwards, state the months of the year.

“December, November, October...”

Having trouble yet? If so, there may be a chance you have had a concussion.

Last year, during the 2012-2013 National Football League season, more than 170 players were diagnosed with at least one concussion. That number includes only players who reported injuries to the medical staff.

Many players refuse to come off the field when they sustain head injuries.

They stay in the game and risk damaging themselves more, either because of the “warrior mentality”, or out of the fear they may lose their starting job, which happened to former San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith.

Last year, Smith was in the midst of his best season at quarterback when he suffered a concussion during the 10th game of the year. Smith had an upand-down career prior to last season.

Many felt he was good enough to start at quarterback and build a team around, but many felt that he was better in the role of a back-up.

Smith tried to stay in the game following his concussion, and even threw a touchdown pass just a few plays later. Eventually the side effects of the concussion became too much to handle.

He was pulled from the game. Rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick took over the quarterback position and Smith was never given another chance. He watched the rookie lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth.

Ryan Onkka, a junior tight end for the USA Jaguars, has spent much of his life playing football. He has seen players try to stay on the field after being concussed.

“In the 2010 or 2011 season, I remember seeing a guy trying to stay in the game after he got knocked loose,” Onkka said, “We could all tell, and the trainers did a good job of getting him off the field. One time when I thought I had one in high school, I did take myself out for a couple of plays, but I got checked by a trainer. It wasn’t a concussion, so I went back in.”

According to the Sports Concussion Institute, a concussion is defined as “a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain, typically induced by trauma to the brain. It can be caused either by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to the body, causing neurological impairments that may resolve spontaneously. Symptoms usually reflect a functional disturbance to the brain, and may include physical (e.g., headaches, nausea), cognitive (e.g., difficulty with concentration or memory), emotional (e.g., irritability,

sadness), and ‘maintenance’ (e.g., sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or energy levels) symptoms. A concussion is considered a brain injury,” according to SCI documents.

Senior linebacker Enrique Williams has never been officially diagnosed with a concussion. He described what it feels like after a hard hit to the head.

“You feel a little dizzy for a few seconds or so,” Williams said, “I know one incident a couple years ago, I felt fatigued, like my body was worn out for a little while, but that was basically it.”

Until the recent spike in cases of brain disease associated with professional sports, not much was known about concussions. Many thought a concussion only occurred if there was a loss of consciousness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, however, fewer than 10 percent of sports-related concussions involve loss of consciousness.

The Sports Concussion Institute says that research suggests that for every concussion, that person is one to two times more likely for a second concussion, then two to three times more likely for a third, and three to nine times more likely for a fourth. If you are watching mixed martial arts or boxing, and a fighter is referred to as having a “glass jaw,” that fighter has more than likely been concussed enough times that it doesn’t take much to knock him out again.

Now, researchers are beginning to find that many ex-athletes (including ex-NFL players Junior Seau and Dave Duerson, who each committed suicide) developed CTE as a result of head trauma.

CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease that results in depression, loss of memory and dementia. The disease is not usually diagnosed until after death, which makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult. Late last year, Boston University announced it discovered 28 cases of CTE in deceased football players. Fifteen of those players played in the NFL. In January this year, Seau’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL, claiming that his suicide was a result of head trauma he sustained over his 20-year NFL career. They joined a group of thousands of other former NFL players who are suing the NFL over the concussion issue.

Should football players be worried about the future effects these concussions may cause?

“Everyone takes a risk when they play football,” Onkka said, “You know that when you sign up. You play for the love of the game. You do know the risk, but that goes for everything you do in life. It does scare you to hear about

people having brain problems, or to hear about Junior Seau or other people committing suicide from numerous hits to the head making them crazy. It doesn’t really scare me too much because I’ve been blessed, where I haven’t had many concussions.”

Prior to this year’s Super Bowl, President Barack Obama shared his thoughts on concussions, officially making it a national concern.

“I’m a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” the President said in an interview with The New Republic. “And I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence. In some cases, that may make it a little bit less exciting, but it will be a whole lot better for the players, and those of us who are fans maybe won’t have to examine our consciences quite as much.”

With pressure from all sides, the NFL released a statement following the autopsy of Seau’s brain: “The NFL, both directly and in partnership with the NIH (National Institutes of Health), Centers for Disease Control and other leading organizations, is committed to supporting a wide range of independent medical and scientific research that will both address CTE and promote the long-term health and safety of athletes at all levels. The NFL clubs have already committed a $30 million research grant to the NIH, and we look forward to making decisions soon with the NFL Players Association on the investment of $100 million for medical research

that is committed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have work to do, and we’re doing it.”

Less than a month following the statement, the $100 million grant was awarded to Harvard Medical School from the NFL Player’s Association.

The funding will go toward a 10-year initiative to study 1,000 retired athletes across the country.

In Harvard Medical School’s press release announcing their partnership with the NFLPA, they gave a detailed outline of the plan. Using experts from a wide range of fields, the researchers will identify 100 healthy and 100 unhealthy players out of the group of 1,000 athletes chosen to participate. Then, researchers will put the 200 players through a series of tests and examinations to create what they describe as a “biological profile of illness.” The hope is that their findings will help develop tests to detect problems with the brain much earlier than is possible now, and ultimately find more effective prevention methods.

Along with making rule changes in an effort to minimize dangerous situations where a head injury is likely to occur, the NFL also plans to have independent specialists on the sidelines at every game. These specialists will be able to treat and diagnose concussions their sole job.

Until now, it has been the job of team-employed physicians to care for the injured players and determine whether they were fit to return to action.

The NFL Players Association alleged that the team physicians have not been following NFL-established concussion protocols because they are either unqualified or they are being pressured

by their employers to keep star players in the game, even though it is hazardous to their health.

With independent specialists on each team’s sideline, who specialize in concussions and answer to the league rather than a specific team, the league hopes the number of avoidable brain injuries decreases.

The way that University of South Alabama medical trainers and coaches work to prevent and treat concussions received high marks from both Onkka and Williams.

“Before the season, we’ll have a meeting, and they’ll go over the different situations and what you should do if you think you have one,” Williams said, “Usually if you get a concussion, they sit you out for the rest of the game or practice. Then you have to come in that Monday and you have to go through these concussion tests. I guess based on what your score is, that will give you a timetable for when you can play again.”

The NFL players, however, represent a very small number of people in contrast to the hundreds of thousands of pee-wee, high school, college, and other football players. It is a dangerous sport. According to the CDC, if you play football there is a 75 percent chance you will get a concussion.

The CDC also estimates that in all sports, between 1.6 million and 3.8 million concussions occur each year.

That estimated number includes concussions not reported to physicians.

It is a disease about which few people were worried ten years ago. It is now, unfortunately, a disease that could ruin the lives of many more than anyone originally thought.

STAFF ILLUSTRATION

Pro football players like Alex Smith (11) may stay in games with a concussion to avoid being passed up on the depth chart.

Smith left a game with a concussion and was never given back the reins, which eventaully resulted in him being traded.

Opinion

NOAH LOGAN OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

13

VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APRIL 29, 2013

The Vanguard Viewpoint

Transition from graduation to life

Finish Strong Aldyn Miller The end of the academic year is a time where students, faculty and staff are supposed to wrap up loose ends.

By now, people should know where they stand in a class and where they’re going.

It’s also a time where many are about to say goodbyes. Some are painful and some are a relief.

College is a place where we grow far more than we did in high school and these changes are harder. These changes are liberating while strenuous.

Whether it is changing your major, leaving your high school sweetheart or simply moving, college is not carefree. It’s important to know what your grades are right now and what you need to get on finals.

This week is where you hit the pavement as hard as you can and try to avoid academic regret. You should do the same with the people in your life. Summer often separates us and when we come back, things change.

If you’re walking across the stage, you’ll be walking out of some lives.

What will you leave behind? If you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped this year, now is the time to finish strong and set your focus on next semester.

The last week of a semester is not a week to give up. It’s a week to make sure you’re closing this chapter the right way. Resolve your loose ends this week and make sure that what you’re looking forward to will make you not only a better student, but a better person.

Getting through the harder semesters make you stronger. Setting goals makes you competitive. Doing right by the people you care about is important, but resolving conflict with those you don’t make you mature. How you live is how you choose.

This week, act like the person you want to become.

Finish strong, Jags.

aem1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

For me, graduation will come in eight months (December 2013). For many of my friends, graduation will occur in May, just a few short

weeks from now.

Behind my bravado and jokes about how I can’t wait to escape USA, there is a healthy dose of anxiety and trepidation.

Now that I’m facing the unknown prospects of adulthood, a small part of me longs for the security of childhood. Back then, ignorance was bliss. At the same time I’ve been reflecting on the past, I’ve also been reflecting on the future.

For those who will be graduating

soon, the world is waiting for us. The last sixteen years of education have put blinders on us, providing us with the singular goal of completing our education and obtaining that degree. However, now we’ve reached that end of that tunnel, and the light is starting to shine through.

For the first time in our lives, there won’t be anyone telling us what to do or where to go. If you’re like me and feeling some anxiety, just know that it is perfectly normal.

Life is all about transitions. The most important element in successfully handling a transition is having confidence in yourself. More than anyone, you know what your personal strengths and weaknesses are and what it is you have to bring to the table. Although it’s easier said than done; try to take things in stride. Don’t sweat the small things. Stick to your instincts. Stick to your principles.

Never let anyone stand in the way of achieving your goals. If you want some-

thing badly enough, you’ll achieve it through hard work and dedication. Go after your goals with passion and enthusiasm. Stay true to who you are. Value the friendships you’ve made and the education you’ve received while in college. Be excited.

We’ve heard these kinds of statements made plenty of times over the course of our academic lives, but now it’s time to take these tools we’ve been given and apply them to real life situations. My time at South has been great, and I won’t ever forget it. For every person who has played a part in journey here, no matter how small, I’d like to say thank you.

There isn’t a one size fits all blueprint for success, but the good times are just beginning. As we move into unfamiliar territory, just know that if you can’t find solid ground to stand on; then you will learn to fly.

JagPulse

How do you feel about the new cell phone application LuLu? Dennis Mersereau: I’ve seen it defended as “all in good fun.” I don’t know if people will be okay with it once the opposite version comes out.

Overnight it’ll turn into the most evil app to ever exist.

April Lindsay: That seems really shallow and horrible. If it was for guys rating girls, everyone would freak out and call it sexist.

Joshua Goff: That sounds seriously wrong. THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS!!!!!!

Kristina Williams: Certainly one of the most interesting apps I have ever seen. Keeps me laughing.

Olivia Martin :I think it’s extremely embarrassing anyone would even fool around with that.

There are so many reasons why that is a bad idea. Why can’t dating be what it was 30 years ago? The constant access to people has made it so much more difficult to cultivate healthy relationships. People have no boundaries. Shame on you for being

so superficial.

Sean Ramsey: I imagine, just like, rate my professor. It’ll be highly populated by people who feel ‘wronged’ by the other, and they’ll throw up a bunch of mud, and destructively post about their significant other as they go through the process of a break up.

JT Crabtree: I’m cool with it, as long as I have a good rating. If not, then it’s crap.

VG ARCHIVES

EditorialBoard

The

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

thevanguardonline.com

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VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

End of the year advice Don’t stop improving yourself this summer The end of another school year is upon us.

The fun part about living in Mobile is RYAN WALLACE ryanwallace2010@gmail. that we are com just a few miles away from south Alabama’s fantastic beaches, a handful of hours away from the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans (if the downtown Mobile scene isn’t getting it done for you), and a day away from Florida’s fantastic beaches if we get bored with ours. Summer means that most of us will make our pilgrimages to these and other vacation sites, as is a natural and righteous part of the American college experience.

Lord knows you didn’t pine for snow drifts and blizzards while you stayed up all night with that 10-page research paper.

But sooner or later, you’re going to forget to put on sunscreen, and you’re going to wind up with wicked sunburn.

What to do with all of your newfound free time spent avoiding heat and bright light? Let me propose a few ways to spend your time: 1. Get a job, you bum. They’re not as easy to find as in years past, but they’re still good for financing all of your summer delinquency, or you can just waste them on servicing your student loans.

Not to mention that if you get REALLY lucky, it’ll be something you either moderately enjoy or can use for resume fodder down the road.

2. Donate your time instead. As nice as taking the long break from school can

be, there’s plenty of folks in our area for whom summertime is just another rough time of year. Lending some of your time to them provides a myriad of benefits.

You get that warm feeling that comes from offering unconditional help to another human being. And no, no company or organization ever looked at a resume and said, “That’s way too much service work.” Although I think it’s a little distasteful for you to bring that up right now; we’re being altruistic here.

3. Learn something new. I would never tell you to break out last semester’s notes and prep for your finals all over again, because nobody is going to do that and I would fear being struck by lightning of I acted like this was something I did.

What I would suggest is to find something that interests you and learn as much as you can about it this summer. Bonus

“

As nice as taking the long break from school can be,

there’s plenty of folks in our area for whom summertime is just another rough time of year.

points if it’s something related to your major.

Just think about what made you want to pursue that major, and start from there. It is worth mentioning that any profession you pursue as a result of your college degree is going to require you to constantly learn and update your knowledge as time goes on. Why not get in the habit now, while you can still choose what you learn?

For many of you, this May represents your last days on campus as a student here. For everyone that is coming back in the fall, take some consideration towards

”

how you spend your time this summer.

Whether you do some of the things I have suggested here or not, use your summer to improve yourself in some way. From experience, I promise you that a little bit of extra work can make all of the difference down the line. Most of all, stay safe this summer. It was a rough year around campus for our student family as we lost too many of our fellows too soon. Enjoy a well-deserved vacation, and come back here to share in another year here with the rest of us.

Come back and be ready to be more involved I would encourage all returning students to be more p r o a c t i ve on campus Noah Logan and within ncl1101@jagmail.southalthe city of abma.edu Mobile.

Find an interest this summer than you can use to join a group or go to an event and meet more people with the same interest. And

even if you find an interest that has no relevant student group or organization on campus, start one.

Parker Chastain briefly explained the process at the last SGA meeting and he seems only too happy to help new organizations navigate through the red tape and paperwork.

Student organizations are literally everywhere on campus. Every stairwell and door is plastered with advertisements for free events and while I don’t attend all of them, I go to as many political science club events as I possibly can.

Mayoral candidate Sandy Stimpson gave a free speech in Humanities last night and I was sad to see only 48 people present. No more than six students were present at any SGA meetings I have been to this year.

Unfortunately, these stories resemble those other student organization leaders on campus. This combined with an low SGA voting rate of 10 percent leads me to believe that we can do better. I can speak on behalf of the editors when I say that new ideas and new writers are constantly welcomed.

In my opinion, the only obstacle keeping South Alabama from forming Alabama’s own Big 3 with Auburn and

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By getting involved, you’re not only benefitting yourself. You’re benefitting all those attempting to involved else-

Find an interest this summer than you can use to join

a group or go to an event and meet more people with the same interest.

Alabama is this mindset that no matter what students try to do, it just can’t happen. It can happen, it just can’t happen for you.

”

where.

South Alabama is on a fast track to success. My only advice is for more people to get on board.

“He who stands for nothing will fall for anything” O n e more semester ends, and with it, another year of school. It so happens that this year Micah Messer was my first mjm1202@jagmail. southalabama.edu year here at the University of South Alabama. Three more years to go and every moment I will treasure as a Jaguar.

I would like to thank you all for making it a memorable year. Also, I would personally like to thank Noah Logan for allowing me to write for The Vanguard and for his relentless work for the university and the student body. I have very much enjoyed

writing in the opinion section as it allows me to use the voice guaranteed to me by the United States Constitution, whether it is looked upon with fondness or disgust. I can’t help but smile. I would like to end this year with a few words of encouragement and wisdom I have gained this year that could benefit you next semester or wherever you go in life.

A lot of times we get caught up in the winds of college life, assignments, work and other duties, but there is more to life than that. We have been blessed to be able to live, work and study in the United States of America. More and more as I go through my life, this truth becomes more evident. As such, I encourage you to continue to press on in your studies, your work, your friends, and your family. Ceaselessly pursue truth

in all you do, whether it is the popular thing to do or not. Times will come where your opinion is not a favorable one.

Many times this year I have had people come against my views, my religion, and my rights as a citizen.

Nevertheless, I stood against such things with dignity and courage. I encourage you to do the same thing.

Whatever your race, religion, ethnicity, intelligence, or gender is, never stop standing up for what you believe in. I encourage you to not only focus on what you believe in but also why you believe in it. As my English 101 professor quoted one day in class, “He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”

This quote is from Alexander Hamilton, a brilliant man to say the least.

Since that day, it has rung in my ears as I

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Let us not strive for the things that are possible but for the things that are impossible for they will become possible.

both wrote and spoke. I encourage you to do the same. Voice your opinion.

I believe that if we, as a body, rise above the turmoil in our world and stand for truth, we could change this very world we live in. Let us not strive for the things that are possible but for the things that are impossible for they will become possible.

I do hope that I will have the ability to write for the Vanguard next semester and for as long as I am here at the University of South Ala-

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bama. I would like to end this article with a few words that we all might recognize. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Thank you and God bless! If you disagree with any statement above, you have the right to do so. After all, this is the opinion section!

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VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013

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VOL. 52, NO. 15 / APR. 29, 2013