August 24, 2015

Aug. 24, 2015

VOL. 57 #5

Trump Towers:

Mobile plays host to biggest rally of campaign

Life

sports

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9

Chat and Chew

Sit down with AD

Opinion

Students, demand merit pay

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Aug. 24, 2015

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Donald Trump makes campaign stop in Mobile

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Aug. 24, 2015

Billionaire businessman draws in 20,000 people Ladd-Peebles Stadium for rally

Editorial

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Life Editor Staff Reporters

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upporters, critics and the curious filed into Ladd-Peebles Friday night to be a part of a historic moment for Mobile and the impending presidential election.

Republican hopeful Donald Trump drew a crowd of 20,000 people to the stadium, one of the largest crowds by a presidential candidate.

It was announced on Tuesday that the billionaire businessman would be in Mobile on Friday and the rally was originally planned to take place in the Mobile Civic Center.

After an overwhelming response, the rally was moved to the home of the South Alabama Jaguars, Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Multiple media outlets said that over 30,000 people were expected to fill the stands come rain or shine.

That total fell short as only half the stadium was filled.

Although it was not the 35,000-40,000 projected, thousands showed up from across the country in support or curiosity

Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton

Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Alexander Moylan Mary Alice Wilson Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Caitlin Smith

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Advertising Cristina Werner Graphic Designer Katelyn Huff

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Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump visted Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Aug. 21. (Alyssa Newton | EIC) of the candidate. The crowd roared as Trump walked to the podium to “Sweet Home Alabama.”

“We have politicians that don’t have a clue. What’s happening to this country is disgraceful,” Trump said as he addressed

Roughly 20,000 people attended the Trump rally. (Alyssa Newton | EIC)

the largest crowd of his thriving presidential campaign.

Various officials introduced Trump with their endorsements. Trump then invited Sen. Jeff Sessions to the stage, Sessions in a Trump “Make America Great Again” hat.

“The American people, these people, want somebody in the presidency who stands up for them, defends their interests and the laws and traditions of this country,” Sessions told Trump after embracing him.

“We welcome you here. Thank you for the work you’ve put into the immigration issue.

I’m really impressed with your plan. And I know it will make a difference, and this crowd shows a lot of people agree with that.”

One of the first issues Trump addressed was immigration. Earlier last week, Trump said he wanted to end birthright citizenship for children of immigrants here illegally.

“We’re going to build a wall… I just got these numbers today, 7.5 percent of all the births in this country are illegal immigrants…the 14th amendment, you can do something about it and you can do

something fast...That’s 300,000 babies a year that we all have to take care of,” Trump said to the crowd. “In other countries they don’t do that.”

Trump has been in hot water before with his comments on immigration. This inspired some South Alabama students to protest the event.

“I didn’t want to not do something about it. We just wanted to make a presence,” Vivianna Rodriguez, a senior at South Alabama said. Rodriguez is the youngest board member on the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Injustice committee. “When he started to sell out his venues, we knew we just had to be out there, even if it was just a handful of peope.”

Trump also brought up Macy’s and NBC after they cut ties with Trump after his initial comments on illegal immigration, calling Macy’s “gutless” for dropping him.

NBC and Univision dropped Miss Universe in response as well.

Trump discussed an array of issues he’s

See TRUMP on pg 4

Distribution Bobby Faulk Alan Smith

Management

Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

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05/15/2015 14:25 Bench Warrant Domestic Violence USA Medical Center Trauma Center A patient who was recently discharged from USA medical center was arrested for an outstanding warrant (Domestic violence in the 3rd degree) issued by the MPD.

5/16/2015 7:59 Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle Stadium Blvd Unknown person unlawfully entered the victims secured vehicle and stole a laptop and tablet while it was parked at the Recreation Center.

5/16/2015 Bench Warrant Burglary in the 1st Degree 14:25 USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Female patient who had been discharged from USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

Arrested for outstanding warrant.

5/21/2015 Medical Emergency 5/21/15 2:25 The Grove The victim stated he was suffering with pain from smoking marijuana or “spice” 5/26/2015 Harassment 16:25 Recreation center Victim was being harassed by a known individual over social media.

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Aug. 24, 2015

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Aug. 24, 2015

Trump protest personal for student

ILLEGAL continued

Student shares story as daughter of an illegal immigrant, passion to fight for others

my heart and I broke down in tears. She’s a single parent, it’s not like I could have called my dad. I didn’t know what to do,” Rodriguez said. “I thought, if my mom gets deported, I won’t be able to go to college.

I’m going to have to work and support my three younger siblings.”

Because her mother was not eligible for bail, she missed Rodriguez’s high school graduation.

“Everyone thought I was crying because I was graduating, but no one knew that I thought she was being deported on the day of my graduation.”

That’s when the Rodriguez’s reached out for the help of an immigration lawyer.

“Honestly I don’t think we ever paid for what he did. I think he took the case pro-bono and helped my mom get released on her not having any criminal history and being the lone provider for her Americanborn children.”

Because of President Obama’s immigration policies Rodriguez’s mother was allowed to stay in the States with her children.

“After going through that, it was a bad way to find out what I wanted to be, but I want to be an immigration attorney and fight for immigration rights. I don’t want anyone to go through what I go through, but yet people, young people go through this all the time.” Rodriguez said.

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

W

hen Vivianna Rodriguez found out that Donald Trump was coming to Mobile, she knew she had to be there.

Not for the billionaire, but to be the voice of those that Trumpone issue he’s built his platform around: illegal immigrants.

“I didn’t want to not do something about it. We just wanted to make a presence,” Rodriguez, a senior international business major said. She and other South Alabama students from the Latin American Student Association stood outside the gate with signs in a peaceful protest. “With the handful of people we had, we got a lot of attention.”

For Rodriguez, it’s a personal passion to stick up for those who many Trump supporters cry to be deported. When she was a teenager, that almost became a reality.

Rodriguez went to Northview High School in Dothan, Alabama and was 17 as she prepared for one of the biggest days of her life, her high school graduation. “ The day before my graduation, two cops showed up to my house and they knocked on the door. We were setting up

TRUMPcontinued brought up in past speaking engagements, from taking jabs at Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush to Nabisco moving their plant to Mexico.

“I’ll never eat Oreos again,” Trump said.

Trump has been known for his bold and controversial opinions since declaring his run for presidency. Although his comments have drawn national attention and criticism, Trump embraced it.

“This is not going to be an election based on a nice person,” he said. It’s going to be based on a competent person.”

But many voters are buying the ideas Trump is selling.

Jacob Murray, 19, travelled from Nashville that morning at 4 a.m. to see Trump speak.

“When I hear Donald Trump speak and I hear him say we will make America great again I’m so inspired,” Murray said.

“We will make this country so great and so powerful we will be the envy of the world and no one will even come close to us anymore.”

SGA president Ravi Rajendra also attended the event at Ladd, but said it was not in support of the candidate, but because of his love of politics.

“I definitely don’t support Trump

Students protested outside of the Trump rally on Friday.

(Vivanna Rodriguez) for my graduation party,” Rodriguez said.

“I was raised by my mom who is a single parent. They said they had a warrant for my mom’s arrest for an unpaid ticket. We knew that we had paid the ticket for the taillight … but we didn’t have the receipt.”

The two officers arrested Rodriguez’s mother and followed the cop car through downtown Dothan to the police department.

“I followed right behind her to bail her out with the money we had saved for my in his bid for the presidency,” Rajendra said. “I came to this event only because I love politics and campaign season. This is a historic event for Mobile. We’re not a traditional spot on the campaign trail.

Maybe we’ll get to see the other presidential hopefuls, the candidates with real plans, come through Mobile in the future.”

Claire Stark, 24, said she had problems with buying into anything that Trump said.

“Trump doesn’t seem to have a consistent plan or ideas,” Stark said. “At the beginning he was talking about how are not going to support foreign countries, and wars, but at the end talked about beefing up the military seeing how supporting Israel making sure we’re good friends with them … A lot of his statements are inconsistent, pandering to a base especially here.”

Trump attracted a wide swath of people, some to hear his message, others to see the show. The overarching theme of his speech was that of his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

“I am going to make this country bigger and stronger and better and you’re going to love it and you’re going to love your president and we’re going to turn this place around and you’re going to be so proud,” Trump declared near the end of his speech.

But did he turn the curious into critics or believers? Only time will tell.

Mitchell Kahalley contributed to this story.

graduation party,” Rodriguez said. “They told me that she was not eligible for bail because she was an illegal immigrant and didn’t have any papers. If someone is booked and they don’t have a social security card, it’s an automatic red flag.”

That’s when the young teenager heard the words that changed her life.

“They put a hold on her and said that they were going to deport her. That broke

See ILLEGAL on pg 45

Rodriguez is now a paralegal for an immigration firm in Spanish Fort and says it’s like living her “dream job” as she learns everything she needs to know for her path to law school to become an immigration attorney herself.

“That’s why I’m very passionate, I know what it feel like to go through that. I see cases everyday where kids are stuck in America without their parents because they were deported. They’re sad cases.” she said.

With Trump coming into the presidential race, the immigration topic has been at the top of many voters’ lists of issues they consider when looking for the next president.

Instead of ‘building a wall,’ Rodriguez asks that instead people open their minds and their hearts.

“Just have a heart,” Rodriguez pleads.

“The people coming over here are coming over here for a reason. It’s for an opportunity to work. Everyone’s dream is to have the American dream, being able to work your butt off to get somewhere in life better than you were before. That’s all they’re trying to do, make a better life for their children.” she said.

“My mom gave me a better life, an illegal immigrant is putting me through college.

Now, my brother is going to college …

Have the heart to let just them work legally and achieve the American dream”

University holds first freshmen convocation

By TORIE BRACKETT Staff Reporter

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outh Alabama introduced freshmen to the university in a way they never have before, starting with the University’s first ever convocation and a “Week of Welcome.”

These inclusive events welcomed the newest class to the university and helped them find where they belong on campus.

The week was meant as a way for students to meet others in their major, faculty in various departments, and members of organizations they can join.

On Monday, the eve before the first official day of classes, the class of 2019 gathered for a class photo inside of the Mitchell Center.

The historical, first freshman convocation then followed at 11 a.m. in the Mitchell Center.

Students were welcomed to the campus by President Tony Waldrop, Dean of Students, Dr. Mike Mitchell, as well as student speakers, alumni and SGA President Ravi Rajendra.

Student involvement on campus was recognized and accomplishments of the university were celebrated.

“I was so excited to be a part of

what turned out to be an excellent first convocation,” Mitchell said on the convocation. “The class of 2019 showed up with great numbers and seemed really engaged in what was being offered.”

The convocation was followed by a free lunch on the lawn and an opportunity for students to walk their schedule, guided by volunteers, to find their classes the next day. Open houses in the various colleges and schools were given at this time, and there was a Chill Around the Grill dinner that evening.

“As a returning student, it’s great to see a new tradition unfold here at South,” Rajendra said. “For new students, they got to feel a sense of community that exists at South through the Week of Welcome and convocation.”

Multiple student organizations volunteered to help with the events, including the new student organization FreshMinds, by manning the Week of Welcome kiosks, where new students could grab a campus map and ask any questions they had about classes and locations.

“I hope that all of our new students have been impacted in some way by our efforts to welcome them to their new home,” Mitchell said.

South held its first ever freshmen convacation. (Emily Rodrick | Staff Photographer)

LIFE

Natalie franklin life Editor nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Aug. 24, 2015

Mayor Sandy Stimpson chats and chews with Mobilians Events of the Week

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Panhellenic Sorority Bid Day Sorrority Commons 5 p.m.

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JP Movie Night: Avengers: Age of Ultron Student Cemter Ballroom Rec Center Outdoor Pool 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

26 Mayor Sandy Stimpson at Serda’s for this month’s “Chat and Chew” (Caitlin Smith | Staff Reporter)

By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

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ayor Sandy Stimpson has launched a new campaign to get one-on-one time with the residents of Mobile, all while eating at some of the best locally owned restaurants Mobile has to offer. “Chat and Chew” stemmed from wanting a more personal connection with the community and to promote some of the best local places.

“This gives people the chance to ask me specific questions face-to-face that they wouldn’t get to otherwise.” Mayor Stimpson said, “They can leave here knowing where I stand on some very important issues.”

The rain did not scare away the locals wanting to talk to the Mayor on Tuesday. After visiting Cotton State BBQ last week, this week’s “Chat and Chew” was held at Serda’s Coffee Co. The bustling coffee shop filled up even before the Mayor arrived. Serda’s plays host anddowntown DAWN EVERTS toRon a younger crowd serving

coffee, food, gelato and even a full bar.

The Mayor picked this location as a stop on his “Chat and Chew” tour to connect with younger Mobilans. “To grow this city, we need to connect with the younger generation to help create a city where they will want to raise their families and build a life. Our growth and future lies in your generation.”

South Alabama is growing and the student body is getting bigger. Mayor Stimpson wants there to be more of a presence downtown for students, and he even hopes to have a downtown campus one day. “Bringing that youth and vibrancy downtown would be so beneficial to the community.” He believes that the work being done on campus to make students safer is a start. “South is a great school and it is getting better every year.”

His advice to South students? Internships. Stimpson wants there to be a business environment here in Mobile that will help students grow, thrive and inspire them to stay in this city. “If all

you do is go to class and study you will never get any real life experience.” He believes that taking the knowledge you learn from lectures and textbooks and applying it to actual real world problems is the best way to retain information. “Getting your name out into the world you want to work in is so integral to getting a job, and internships are the best way to get hands on experience that separate you from other applicants.”

Right now is an exhilarating time to live in Mobile, according to Stimpson, and it will grow as time goes on. Stimpson is proud of how South has grown and developed. “It is the cycle of positive change.”

The Mayor will continue to tour local eateries in Mobile and talk to citizens.

His next stop will be at Kitchen On George on Friday the Aug. 28. Keep up with his “Chat and Chew” locations by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

It is a great opportunity to talk to your mayor, get direct feedback and enjoy some great local food.

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Jaguar Productions Architecture Names Student Center Mall 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Aug. 24, 2015

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Picklefish brings open mic comedy to west Mobile

By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

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omedy Open Mic Night has come to Picklefish and is hopefully here to stay. Kris Ray (Damon Edwards), who started this event, thinks having it close to campus will help it grow and evolve into more of a South Alabama go-to place on Tuesday nights.

“I really wanted more student involvement.” Ray said, “They are already here for the great drink specials and the food, why not give them a laugh too?” Ray was the MC for the night and introduced the talent, but he also had a few jokes up his sleeves. “It is a great way to meet new people, and it is honestly a great time.”

All the comedians were male, but the few ladies in the audience didn’t seem to care. “I came for the fried pickles, but I stayed for the show.” South student, Elissa VandeWaa said. “It is also great that it is so close to campus. I wouldn’t have driven all the way downtown for this, but since it is right around the corner, why not go?” Plus, having all South students put on a comedy show really makes for some relatable jokes, and if you bring your student ID, you get 10% off on all pizzas. Can’t beat that.

Tables were rearranged and chairs pulled up all around the makeshift stage

Hunter Allen performs at Picklefish’s Comedy Open Mic night. (Caitlin Smith | Staff Reporter) Picklefish had set up for the event. Getting there early is a must if you want a table because everyone was packed elbow to elbow to see the comedians.

There were some veterans to the comedy scene, but a few newbies as well. “I have only been doing comedy for a few

Jaguar Prodctions Block Party Moulton Bell Tower 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

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months, but working with these guys is always a pleasure. It’s a lot of fun.”

Hunter Allen said after his set, “I hope we get to keep performing here.” Stage fright is not as commonplace as you would think for a the comedians Tuesday was the first time the Com-

edy Open Mic Night was held at Picklefish, and Ray hopes to continue having it there every week. “I was tired of people complaining about having nothing to do. Here’s something for you to do, folks.”

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Aug. 24, 2015

Over 300 girls take part in sorority Recruitment Week

By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor

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orority Recruitment Week 2015 has come and gone. A total of 345 girls registered for Recruitment Week, breaking a record for the university, and matching numbers recorded from other universities in the state.

Introductory events began last week with a parent-daughter welcome on Saturday, August 15. Parents and students interested in USA Greek Life were present to learn more about the sororities on campus and all of the events during the week of recruitment. The informative event was followed by Panhellenic Orientation on Wednesday, August 19.

This orientation introduced the young ladies to their Pi Chi, or Recruitment Counselor, and they were placed into groups to complete the events for the rest of the week and get to know other potential new members of the sororities. The Pi Chi’s are members of the sororities who disaffiliate from their chapter to help the girls through the week with no bias, but plenty of knowledge about Greek life, and reveal their sorority after the girls receive bids the following Saturday at Bid Day. Recruitment Week officially began with Ice Water Teas on Thursday, August 20. The young ladies participating in rush were able to visit each of the five sororities for 25 minutes. Ice Water Teas is designed to introduce

MARY ALICE WILSON SPORTS Editor usavgsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

Aug. 24, 2015

ΑΓΔ ΦM AOΠ KD ΧΩ the young ladies to the different sorority chapters on campus. The members of the sororities perform chants and cheers upon arrival to the event. Afterwards, the ladies are introduced to the various sisters of each chapter and shown around the houses.

The week continued with Philanthropy Party. This event, held Friday, August 21, gave the young ladies an opportunity to become familiar with the different philanthropies that the sororities are involved with, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The girls participating in

rush helped work on creative projects that each chapter will donate to their philanthropy, allowing the girls to interact with the sorority members and give back to the community.

The next day of Recruitment Week focused on each sorority’s sisterhood. These themed parties promise skits, slide shows and pure merriment to portray to potential new members the bond that the sisters share.

This occurred on Saturday, August 22.

The following evening, which took place on August 23, was Preference night, a more solemn and focused event, during which the

young ladies participated in more serious conversation, while hearing member’s speak about their values and time in the chapter.

After the visits finished, the girls rushing decided the sorority they felt most at home in, before Bid Day. Bid Day, the most anticipated day of Recruitment week, will take place Monday, August 24 and close out the week’s activities.

Invitations to join a sorority are distributed to new members on this day. Friends and family will gather at the Sorority Commons to watch these young ladies receive their bids and run home to their new sisters.

Staff reporter Tori Brackett contricuted to this story.

Sit down with Athletic Director Joel Erdmann Part one of the in-depth interview looking at USA’s athletic programs ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

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thletic Director Joel Erdmann sat down with Editor-In-Chief Alyssa Newton and discussed some of the successes and progresses made over the last year for the various athletic programs at South Alabama.

Last year, South Alabama was had its highest ranking ever as they finished 120 out of 341 division 1 schools. Erdmann explains that “Our kids our doing what they need to do in the classrooms, our APR scores and GPA scores were high and our community service was great as well.”

FOOTBALL AN: What are some goals you have for this program?

JE: “I think the sign of a very strong program is consistency and continuity. It’s one thing to have a level of performance every single

year, it’s another thing to demonstrate that level of performance over an extended period of time and if we can demonstrate that year one, two, three, for and year five, we’re battling for championships across the board. To me, that is a sign of a very healthy, very competitive, solid department. We’ve demonstrated that we can do great things, but now let’s do them consistently.”

AN: We now have the record for the fastest NCAA Div. I football team to go from no football to a bowl game. How big was the bowl game for our program?

JE: “Being the fastest growing program to enter a bowl game is something to be proud about and that is a result of good word by head coach Joey Jones and the people that surround that program.”

AN: South Alabama and Troy’s SGA has been working on a Troy, South Alabama rivalry. What part has athletics played?

JE: “I think it’s a great concept.

Our Student Government and Troy’s Student Government, I personally prefer that to be grass roots. I think it’s more effective if the students grasp this and put their arms around it and make it happen. It’s a student initiative.

I’ve seen some potential renderings and potential names and I hope it gets going.”

AN: How has the success of the JagSwag App been in the last year?

JE: “Every student should be familiar with JagSwag. Even Joel Erdmann had concerning regards to South’s JagSwag success last year, “It was good. Not only in providing perks to students who come to games and event but it also gained exposure to our students to people in the community.

By doing this, the students who are participating receive discounts at certain businesses in the community. Whether it’s a discount on food or discount on a oil change

or whatever. But, I think there was a benefit on students coming to the games and also saving money.”

SOCCER AN: Looking at this year, the girls will be going for their third conference championship. Can you talk about the program’s success thus far?

JE: Coach Winkworth has come in and shaped and molded a team that is incredibly talented and has temistrated chemistry and unity.

Athletically we’re fast, and we’re still young. Never underestimate the impact of a new coach. He’s come in and turned up the volume and the girls believe. So it’s exciting so we’re excited for him and the program. They are first class people that have worked so hard and become explosive.

NCAA Tournament last year...

JE: Coach Winkworth has made the decision that in order to be considered for an at-large bid, in order to get in the tournament, besides a conference title win or to be considered for higher ranking in the post season, you have to play and beat some good folks. Their schedule reflects that and they’re playing a very difficult schedule.

GOLF AN: I saw where there were recently some updates for the golf locker rooms and facillities.

JE: “Our golf team really didn’t have a locker room, or anything.

All our coaches really had was an office that doubled as an equiptment storage area. When the space became available in the Jaguar Gym, we really updated that is not only a place where they can go, but Courtesy of USAJaguars a place they can practice...”

AN: I saw where we will play three teams that made it in the Look for the rest of the interview in next week’s issue.

FOLLOW US! Twitter - @USAVGSports ||| Facebook | USAVGSports

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Aug. 24, 2015

South Alabama Fan Day 2015

By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

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any people, fans and athletes alike, showed up at the Mitchell Center Sunday to support the Jags on the upcoming season.

The volleyball team was busy signing autographs and talking to the younger generation of Jag Nation. When asked what a favorite part of Fan Day is, Savannah Stewart said, “It brings the whole city out. We get some Jag Spirit going. You see a lot of people that you wouldn’t necessarily think would support you, but they’re here.”

“I think it’s fun to see all the little kids come and see their faces light up when we sign for them,” Emily Anderson commented.

Emily Hundt said, “For me, it’s really fun to see all the people support Jaguar Athletics.”

When asked how it feels to have the little ones look up to you as a role model, Hundt also commented, “It’s humbling. You never realize it – When we play, we don’t see ourselves as this big huge program, but for them, we are. It makes us proud of what we do.”

Arissa Chappell was asked about the upcoming season. “Since this is my first season,” Chappell stated, “Just hearing about past experiences, this is probably the best group that they’ve had for a while, so just having a better outcome

this year is what I’m expecting.”

Freshman cheerleader Donald “Tripp” Burnett was excited to talk about his first Fan Day experience.”-I really like this,” he explained. “I get to see all the people, say hey, throw up the J hand. I’m a people person so I like to be around the folks. It’s nice to see everybody in Jag gear.”

Burnett talked about the experience at the recent Trump rally and compared it to the Saturday night lights experience. “I got to see what the stadium looked like with a lot of people in it. It was loud. It was an awesome experience. I could feel the vibe coming out of there. I’m just ready. I’m so pumped.”

When asked what it means to him to see all of these fans come out and show their support, Burnett commented, “It shows the true dedication. It separates men from boys. I like to see who is actually going to stick with us, who is really about South Alabama.”

Head football coach Joey Jones was the last to be interviewed.

He was first asked to speak about what Fan Day even is, and what it means to the student athletes involved.

“The fans get to meet our players and talk to them, and the players get to know them,” Jones said. “When you have that, you get more tradition and creates a greater feeling for our players.”

Football players at Fan Day. (Mary Alice Wilson | Sports Editor)

“They’re really the heart and soul of our football program,” Jones added when asked what the fans mean to him and the upcoming season. “We have so much support here in Mobile and from the University that it just makes it so much better for our student athletes to see the people care about what they’re doing. It makes all the difference in the world.”

When asked what he is looking for-

ward to most this season, he said, “Looking forward to seeing how the guys we graduated last year, how we fill those holes and how well these guys step up and play championship football. That’s our challenge to them. We have some very tough games early – Nebraska, San Diego St., NC State – We better be ready to go early. We want to play well early and show what kind of football program South Alabama can be.”

Aug. 24, 2015

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Men’s basketball hires Morris as assistant coach

By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

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labama native, Brock Morris was hired as men’s basketball Assistant Coach after Coach Maddock left for St. John’s.

Morris will be joining the Jaguar staff after spending two years at the College of Southern Idaho as an assistant coach.

There, he went 58-8, including a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. He was previously the Director of Basketball Operations at the University of LouisianaLafayette.

“We have accepted a position @SouthAlaMBK - we are very excited about the new journey and opportunity. #JagNation, ” Morris announced on twitter Thursday, August 20.

“Hopefully I can contribute some energy, contribute some positive things, but at the end of the day,” Morris said to KMVT News, “I just want to come together as a family and I think if we can do that, our

Former softball standout returns as assistant coach

By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

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annah Campbell was hired as assistant coach and will be taking Rachele Fico’s place.

While playing for the Jags, Campbell became the first USA softball player to ever advance to the professional league after being drafted third overall in the 2014 NPF Draft. She was also the first ever female to be drafted professionally from South Alabama.

According to USAJaguars, Campbell said,”The University of South Alabama is home to me. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to come back and coach at USA. Having played here for four years, I understand what it means to be a Jaguar and hope to instill that in the current and future student-athletes. I am looking forward to working with Coach Clark and the staff, who have done great things with South Alabama softball.”

Head Coach Becky Clark told USAJaguars, “I can’t say enough about Hannah and how excited I am to have her joining our staff. Her collegiate career speaks for itself, and the experience she is getting in the professional ranks is going to prove to be invaluable to our pitching staff. When I look at how much she has already invested in our program and how much she genuinely cares about South Alabama softball, I know she is the perfect fit for this position.”

Campbell will be leaving the Akron Racers after two seasons for this position.

#JagTweets Finding the best tweets from South Alabama athletes.

Jay Mitchell

@CoachJayMitch Spending the birthday breaking down film..Gotta love this game!

Football

Meagan Hall

Alabama native Brock Morris hired as assistant coach. (Morris’ Twitter) culture can win a lot of games and have fun doing it.”

According to Magic Valley News, Morris was not looking for a move, but South Alabama was an opportunity he could not pass

up.

“South Alabama is a beautiful place,” Morris said to Magic Valley. “The facilities, the city, the recruiting grounds, they’re second to none.”

Soccer wins first two

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

T

he South Alabama Jaguars opened the 2015 soccer season with two wins on the road.

The Jags overcame the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a tight 1-0 win Friday night. Ashlynn Jones scored a late winner to break the 0-0 deadlock in her first game as a Jaguar. Junior Nikki Shirtcliffe crossed the ball into the box in the 82nd minute where a wide open Jones sent the ball into the net.

Head coach Graham Winkworth said in an interview with USA Jaguars "I'm really pleased for Ashlynn," she's waited a long time to make her collegiate debut, so for her to score on her first appearance at South Alabama, we are delighted as a staff and as a team to have her as a Jaguar.”

The Jaguars were on the backburner for much of the first half, being outshot 11-5 and 6-1 in shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Sarah Hay made six saves in the match.

The Bulldogs outshot the Jags 9-6 in the sec-

ond half. Jones accounted for both of South’s shots on target and converted the chance in the 82nd minute to give the Jags the win.

On Sunday night, the Jaguars faced their second set of Bulldogs on the weekend, beating Samford 3-2. South outshot the Bulldogs 12-7 and 8-4 in shots on target.

Malcanisha Kelley opened the scoring for Samford in the 34th minute. South’s Chelsea Followwell equalized eight minutes later by heading in a cross from five yards out.

Kelley scored her second for the Bulldogs three minutes into the second half by beating three defenders and taking the shot from 15 yards out.

Sophomore Charde Hannah, South Alabama’s leading goal scorer last season, scored two unanswered in the 71st and 79th minute giving the Jags the 3-2 win.

Goalkeeper Courtney Baum played 90 minutes in goal and made two saves.

The Jaguars take to the road again next weekend to play Louisiana Tech on Friday and Tennessee-Martin on Sunday, before their home opener against South Florida on Sept. 9.

@Meags_Hall In case you were wondering: hairspray doesn’t exactly kill a spider, it just makes the spider freak out and fall on you

Track & Field

Braedon Bowman

@braedonbowman10 How does @ChipotleTweets run out of guacamole... #ComeOn

Football

Dewayne Alford Jr. @MrHennyHardaway Coach Joey Jones for president

Football

Emily Messer @emily_messer20

Softball

I wonder how many people in mobile have seen me stuffing my face in my car.

Jemma Perfield

Soccer

@JemmaPerfield Alabama weather is so unpredictable, 35 degrees one minute, thunder and lightning the next

Sarah Hay

Soccer

@sarahhayUSA02 Three-Peat. I LOVE my team. I would get kicked in the face again a thousand more times for them!

Taishaun Johnson

Basketball Charde Hannah scored twice in South’s win over Samford.

@HoopDreaming1 Females love them some Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe!!

(Alyssa Newton | EIC)

ALEXANDER MOYLAN opinion Editor alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Opinion

AUG. 24, 2015

Attention student workers, demand merit pay now Three ideas that could potentially benefit student workers moving forward

By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Opinion Editor

L

ast week I reported that student workers will now face more restrictions than ever regarding their weekly allotment of hours. For example, it is now near-impossible for student workers to work more than 20 hours per week. Also, students are no longer allowed to work one semester post-graduation unless they have enrolled in another degree program for the following semester.

Trust me, I didn’t plan on talking about student pay again so soon. I wanted to discuss other issues I’m passionate about, like sustainability on campus or maybe even parking issues. But enough is enough. After only the first week of school I’ve realized that something needs to change with how student workers are treated on campus.

I have several ideas for how this University can take better care of it’s student worker population. What I’ve found is that the University maintains separate policies for both undergraduate and graduate student workers.

With that said, the following ideas are targeted towards undergraduate student workers.

Let’s start with my pie-in-the-sky idea: use a merit-based pay scale for student workers. This is an ideal scenario for student workers. I’ll admit though, I’m not sure it’s a terribly realistic option for South. However, my research uncovered that a similarly-based idea is in use at other universities today.

Rather than subject all students to the same hour restrictions, the University should instead consider each student’s academic performance as a gauge for how many hours they can work. Ironically, in the Personnel Policy for Undergraduate Student Employees of USA I found nothing regarding the minimum GPA to work on campus but I’m assuming it’s a 2.5. Regardless, my idea would restrict students with a 2.5-2.9 GPA to 10-14 work hours per week. Next, I’m thinking that one should maintain a 3.0-3.4 GPA to work 15-20 hours, whereas a GPA of 3.5 and higher could allow students 21-25 work hours per week.

My sticking point here is that if you demonstrate that you’re able to maintain good

grades while working then you should have the option to work more hours per week.

The idea here is that student workers are evaluated on a semester-by-semester basis.

If your GPA dips/rises then your maximum weekly work hours could change.

Sure, if this plan was enacted today I bet some students would be upset over losing some work hours per week. Think of this as motivation then. The better you perform in the classroom, the more hours you’re allowed to be compensated for on a semesterly basis. Essentially the University would be rewarding students who are capable of balancing their coursework and work each semester with more work hours.

Another idea of mine involves letting any student work on campus, regardless of the number of credits they’ve registered for.

Currently students must be enrolled in six hours of class in order to work on campus.

I have a two friends in particular enrolled in only one class, one of which is in the last class for her degree program and the other is taking a course to fulfill graduate school requirements elsewhere.

Why is there a distinction between being enrolled in one three credit course or two three credit courses? Students registered for less than six credits should be allowed to work on campus, albeit a smaller range of hours somewhere between 5-8 hours. After all, some pay is better than no pay considering the cost of higher education today.

My last idea involves bringing back the option for students to work one semester past graduation. In the aforementioned document that covers policies regarding undergraduate student workers, no where is the change in working past graduation explained.

If someone can bring a reason to my attention that’s not in support of allowing students to work one semester past graduation, by all means go for it. One of the current goals of the University is to “enrich the quality of student life and the living/learning environment” as per the 2014-17 strategic plan.

South can enrich the quality of our lives by putting the responsibility of balancing work and class on us and out of their hands by reexamining current student worker policies.

Would you be interested in South allowing student assistants to work more hours per week based on academic performance each semester? Essentially, students would work fewer/more hours depending on one’s GPA. For example, with a 3.0-3.4 you could work a maximum of X hours the following semester, 3.5 and above could work more than 20 hours. This allowance would be reviewed each semester.

To view the entire question and additional responses please visit The Vanguard Facebook page.

Khaela Huey As a former student employee, I relied

solely on my campus job for income because other places weren’t hiring me. The times where I was able to work more than 20 hours a week were very good times for me-- I could pay bills and cover the rest of my tuition if I needed to. If my paycheck was based on tuition, frankly I’d be screwed. I feel that other student employees will have similar situations.

Anna Henrikson This should not be based on

gpa. I work on campus and I think 20 hours a week is not enough I think we should be allowed 30. Our supervisors often have to come in unpaid hours because we get flagged if we go over

Ryan Engler I would have to disagree. There are

students trying to support themselves by working on campus. Sometimes grades slip. Would it be appropriate to punish a student is who working 3 jobs to attend South and reward a student who may be working 10 hours a week for gas money? There should not be a maximum on the number of hours one can work, currently.

Sheree’ Covington I really don’t see an issue with the

GPA standards. Now, if their GPA were to drop, let’s say they have a 3.5 and it drops to a 3.0, would they lose that position or would their hours just be cut? Would their pay rate go down? But, I think that this is not a bad thing. It could possibly keep students’ GPA up.

Aug. 24, 2015

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Depression walks among us in many forms Student expresses what it’s like to experience depression and how it isn’t so rare around college campuses

By OLIVER KARCHER Contributing Writer

F

orty-four percent of American college students reported feeling symptoms of depression according to Psych Central, one of the largest and oldest online mental health social networks.

Some students might already be aware of their depression before they begin at South.

However, the cases that are the most dangerous are the people that don’t ask for help from their doctor. Unfortunately, those people just fade away, and that’s a problem.

Being a person who was assigned female at birth and now living in society as a transgender, pre-op surgery and pre-testosterone, depression creeps around in my mind frequently. Growing up, I never felt depressed because I had a good childhood full of awesome friends and good family memories.

It wasn’t until around my preteen and teen years that depression really got to me. In middle

school, all of my neighborhood friends that I had grown up with moved away to vast parts of the states and everybody was separated. I believe was around the time when depression first set in.

I also was bullied a lot in middle school and high school, but more so in middle school. I went to a school where my mom taught band class and people would accuse my mother and I of nepotism when I would get awards that I deserved because I could play well. Generally, the people who made fun of me were the kids who gave my mom trouble in class.

I wasn’t diagnosed with anything until my senior year of high school, which was when all of the gender dysphoria (discomfort and general discontent in my given body) set in. My psychiatrist diagnosed me with manic depressive disorder, insomnia, and dissociative disorder. My psychiatrist prescribed a daily dose of antidepressants and I started to see him often.

My depression got more severe when I came out as transgender to my parents while I was liv-

ing at home in the last semester of my senior year and I contemplated suicide several times. In hindsight, I’m glad that I didn’t follow through since life is so much better at South. I can be my own person and I don’t have to listen to what anybody has to say about it because they have no say in it.

People who don’t have depression or any form of mental disorder have trouble grasping what the disorder means/is or how someone can have it. In my experience, the most popular response that I get when I tell people that I’m manic depressive is, “You smile so much. How could you be depressed?” My answer is very easy, but not simple in nature. I usually tell them that some comedians and entertainers may have depression, but choose to not show it because they don’t want the public to see that side of them. The most recent and talked about person like this was Robin Williams, who ended up taking his own life due to depression in 2014. An older example of an entertainer with depression is Whitney Houston, who also passed away in

2014.

For students who are vegan and may not believe in being medicated for their depression or other mental disorders, there are many natural remedies for depression. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, organizing one’s life, and taking natural supplements can also help.

Unfortunately with most chronic cases, natural supplements won’t help because people with chronic cases have a chemical imbalance that needs an extra boost which only medication can bring.

Life can and will get hectic, but it’s important to keep your mental health in check by seeing a counselor here on campus if you feel depressed or overwhelmed.

A person doesn’t have to have a gender identity disorder to develop depression. You could find yourself depressed even if you don’t get enough sleep or eat right. As nerve wracking as making friends can be, making friends can defer depression or just completely hinder it, so take the time to make friends now and don’t wait until it’s too late.

Under pressure: South finally welcomes sustainability Any progress is progress for South Alabama’s move towards becoming more sustainaible

By JUSTIN ROBERTS Contributing Writer

A

s the new school year kicks off this semester you will hopefully begin to see sustainability at South take a significant step into the 21st century as administration officials begins to implement a comprehensive recycling program here on campus.

This means for the first time in the history of the University, you will be able to recycle aluminum, glass, steel - even milk jugs!

While it is quite frankly embarrassing that South is just now beginning this program in 2015, we are now finally seeing some real progress being made as the University has officially dedicated a large storage unit behind the maintenance building on USA North to house a wide variety of recyclables.

According to a deal reached over the summer with the recently opened Mobile County Recycling Center on Hitt Road, these materials will be collected periodically and taken to the recycling center at no cost to the University; however, there’s still a lot to be done.

While plastic bottle and cardboard pickups have already begun, there’s still no infrastructure in place within campus buildings to collect all the other forms of recyclables accepted at the central location. That said, the President’s Sustainability Council says they have begun to make

This storage unit on USA North will hold recyclables for collection by Goodwill Easter Seals. (Justin Roberts) plans to purchase and install multi-stream bins across campus over the course of the next year to collect these other materials.

It should be noted that prior to this recent development, South Alabama was the only major university in the state without an appreciable recycling program. While this is ludicrous and shocking and simply unacceptable, hopefully the upcoming year will actually mark the beginning of USA starting to meet its basic moral obligation to serve as a community leader and educator

in terms of environmental consciousness.

Implementing a comprehensive recycling program here on campus constitutes a major step forward in that regard, but it’s also unquestionably a step that’s pitifully long overdue. Further, perhaps more important than actually starting this new recycling initiative is what happens after. Does this move signify a new found determination by our University to become more sustainable, or will USA continue its legacy of environmental apathy?

Only through continued pressure to improve brought by an informed and engaged student body will officials choose to adopt additional, wide-reaching sustainable practices. With that in mind, I encourage everyone to begin taking advantage of the new recycling center on campus and to please support the future sustainability efforts that will begin rolling out in the coming months.

Besides being important to the community and environment, it’s quite simply the right thing to do.

Aug. 24, 2015

Distractions WHERE DID SUMMER GO?

STAFF thevanguardeditor@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Aug. 24, 2015

SUDOKU

See if you can find this week’s THREE HIDDEN WORDS! Hidden words from last week: Bobs Burgers, Mixology, Sherlock BEACH FAMILY FLIPFLOPS FRIENDS HOT ICECREAM POOL RAIN RELAXING

ROADTRIPS SANDALS SHORTS SLEEPING SUNSHINE SWIMMING TANKTOP TANNING WARM

Riddle of the Week:

There was once a college that offered a class on probability applied to the real world.The class was relatively easy, but there was a catch. There were no homework assignments or tests, but there was a final exam that would have only one question on it.When everyone received the test it was a blank sheet of paper with a solitary question on it: 'What is risk?'.Most students were able to pass, but only one student received 100% for the class! Even stranger was that he only wrote down one word! What did he write?

Last week’s answer: Pressure

80s Movies

15 KARATE KID LABRYNTH LOST BOYS PRETTY IN PINK PRINCESS BRIDE RED DAWN ROBOCOP SCARFACE SIXTEEN CANDLES ST ELMOS FIRE TERMINATOR THE SHINING THE WALL TOP GUN TRON BREAKFAST CLUB DIE HARD FLASHDANCE FOOTLOOSE FRIGHT NIGHT FULL METAL JACKET HEATHERS

Aug. 24, 2015

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