anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
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University Blvd. to get new shopping center Construction began on a 3,000 square foot shopping center.
Sun Belt Media Day
New school year, new you Our healthy lifestyle guide can help you change your life.
The Sun Belt Media Day hosted many of the conference’s top leaders. Page 8
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Athletics in-construction practice facility collapses during storm By Marissa Mason | managing editor
The under-construction sports practice facility collapsed during a storm on July 2, around 2:15 p.m., according to Bob Lowry, director of South Alabama media relations. “At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, the structure of the Jaguar Training Center, a covered athletics practice facility that is under construction on the University of South Alabama campus, fell within the construction limits of the site,” Lowry said in a statement. “No workers were present in that area at the time.” Many attendees at the Sun Belt Media Day asked questions about the situation. Continued on page 2 One month later, USA is searching for answers regarding the sports practice facility collapse. Photo by Muqit Asif Kahn
New dining options coming to the Student Center By shannon lundgren | Editor-in-Chief
USA students can look forward to new dining options in the Student Center in Fall 2018, Photo by Muqit Asif Kahn
Dining Services is planning for new dining options to be available in the Student Center by Fall 2018, according to Bob Lowry, USA director of communications and media relations. As part of the planning, Dining Services has invited several brands to
visit potential site locations at USA, according to Lowry. “If a brand remained interested after their visit, proposals were created and reviewed.” Lowry said. “This is where we are now in the process; we are reviewing various proposals.” Lowry declined to name any specific brands that may be coming to
USA. “It would be premature to speculate on changes, but we are very confident our University community will be pleased,” Lowry said. An official announcement will be made prior to the start of the Spring 2018 semester.
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University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336, Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-6898 I Fax: 414-8293 Advertising: (678) 644-7838 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com
to University Boulevard
Construction collapse, continued
STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Life Editor Web Editor Copy Editors
Shannon Lundgren Marissa Mason Sara Boone Krisha Amin Amber-Lynn Boothe Richard Narramore Reporters Ryann Guy Rachel Goodman Tricia West
Photographers Briana Cunningham Shelby Guidry Muqit Asif Khan
Advertising Advertising Manager Tiyana King Advertising Rep Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago
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Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall
Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.
Send letters and guest columns to: thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school, JagMail 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. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. Freelance writers and photographers will receive payment upon successful publication.
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Several businesses are considering opening a store in the new shopping center. Photo by Janae Thomas By Janae thomas | Reporter
The old Hardee’s on South University Boulevard is currently being renovated into a 6,000 square foot shopping center, according to property managers Delaney Land & Realty. The shopping center will feature an AT&T and a Dunkin’ Donuts. Around 3,000 square feet remain for other shops, according to Raymond Faircloth, a representative for Delaney Land & Realty.
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“It is going to be a good little shopping center,” Faircloth said. “We got a lot of people looking at it.” Students expressed there was need for a store that students living on campus without cars could reach. “A 24-hour store for people that don’t have cars would be good. They can walk there,” Charese Ragland, a junior at South, explained. “It could have things that they will need, like food stuff.” There is no current completion date set for the project.
Concept art for the proposed athletic facility that was destroyed in a July 2 storm. Art courtesy of USAJaguars
Continued from page 1
“We appreciate everyone’s interest and concern, and we’re glad they’re interested and concerned, and to meet that need, we’ll try to communicate in a centralized way through the university’s public relations,” Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann said. USA has not yet stated what caused the collapse of the facility, how much time and money this will cost USA, or how we will get back on track. “There is no official word at this time,” Lowry said. “Insurance adjusters were at the site last week to assess the situation. We are awaiting word from them regarding how this happened as well as how insurance will cover it. At the time of the event, the University had paid out $1.86 million on the project. As far as how much time this may set us back, it’s too early in the process to speculate.” The facility was previously set to open in the fall.
NEWS
USA Crime Report 07/03/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Unknown Person(s) damaged the left rear fender of a vehicle.
to deprive owner of property, unlawfully entered victim’s possibly locked vehicle by unknown means at listed location and stole listed article.
07/06/2017 Domestic Incident & Theft of Property 4th Degree A Theft of Property and Domestic Incident occurred between two males and one female at the University of South Alabama Medical Center.
07/19/2017 Criminal Mischief First Degree (Greater than $2,500) An unknown vehicle struck the front fence of The Grove damaging the fence and several decorative bushes. 07/20/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less Unknown subject(s) took a bicycle from the bicycle rack outside Building 9 at The Grove Apartments.
07/09/2017 Possession of a Forged Instrument A male not affiliated with the University of South Alabama (USA), was arrested 07/21/2017 for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 4th Degree Duty Upon Striking an in the Visual Arts parking lot. Unoccupied Vehicle Unknown person, driving a cream colored pickup truck, 07/13/2017 struck the victim’s parked Unlawful Breaking and vehicle and left the scene Entering a Vehicle without leaving the proper A vehicle was burglarized information. while parked at The Grove. 07/13/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle A theft from a motor vehicle occurred at The Grove. 07/13/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle A vehicle parked in The Grove was broken into and several items were taken. 07/13/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle Unknown person, with intent
07/23/2017 Assault Third Degree There was an alleged assault that occurred in the parking lot of the University Commons. 07/24/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less A vehicle in The Grove had its catalytic converter stolen. 07/24/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less An unknown person stole a
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catalytic converter from a parked vehicle. 07/26/2017 Auto Theft There was a vehicle stolen from USA Springhill Campus Parking Lot. 07/29/2017 Assault Third Degree Between the listed times and dates an employee at The Grove was assaulted by temporary employee at The Grove. 07/29/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less A female entered the gift shop located in Children & Women’s hospital and allegedly stole three items of clothing and
one piece of jewelry. 07/31/2017 Criminal Mischief-Damage to Private Property Criminal Mischief occurred at the University of South Alabama Medical Center. 07/31/2017 Harassment The crime of Harassment was committed. 07/31/2017 Assault-DV or Dom Violence Between the listed times and dates an employee at Research Park 2 was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend.
If you see something, DO something. 251-460-6312
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4 Letter to the Editor: Stop stigmatizing mental illness
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importance of directly addressing Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ 2 AND 3 BEDROOMS safety concerns if there are imminent FLEUR PRICES STARTING AT threats to one’s well-being, as 2 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH$895* Cherie 3 Bedroom Flat mentioned at the outset of the article. Residence Amenities 2 Bath *PLEASE CALL THE LEASING OFFICE FOR MORE •DETAILS Air Conditioning However, we urge the editorial 1,367 Sq.Ft. • Heating board to consider the power The • Patios/Balconies Vanguard wields in this regard and • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • Carpeting the often unintentional, yet possibly • Vinyl Flooring harmful ramifications of stigmatizing • Full Size Kitchen student experiencing mental health • New White Shaker Cabinets concerns. Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop All the above considered, we Throughout CHERIE • Range would welcome any conversations 3 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH • Refrigerator about such matters in the future. For • Microwave example, alternative headlines which • Dishwasher Amour • Garbage Disposal may help to facilitate your argument 3 Bedroom Townhouse Features 2.5 Bath of interpersonal effectiveness and/ Community Amenities 1,415 Sq.Ft. or conflict resolution may be • Fitness Center • BBQ Area “mismatched roommate personalities” • Surface Parking or “what to do if you do not get along Fleur • Playground 2 Bedroom Flat with a roommate.” • Pet Friendly N 2 Bath FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR • Swimming Pool & Additionally, I want to state that 1,014 Sq.Ft. Wading Pool Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ the students that comprise the CCPAMOUR • Sports Court 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE / 3 BATH Pet:COMMUNITY $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ GSO would be happy to consult on •AMENITIES Dog Park MIRABELLE LEASING CENTER • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 any matter related to mental illness, • FITNESS CENTER• Nearby Transportation and FLEUR Highways: I-65 & I-10 2 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH Cherie • BBQ AREA 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com interpersonal relationships, or 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING Residence Amenities Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject sociocultural concerns. 2 Bath • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning and information. 1,367 Sq.Ft.to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details • PET FRIENDLY Please feel free to contact me with • Heating • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL any of these issues or concerns that • SPORTS COURT • Patios/Balconies • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • DOG PARK you have related to our response. • Carpeting & • NEARBY TRANSPORTATION Thank you for your time and Vinyl Flooring • HIGHWAYS: I-65 &•I-10 • Full Size Kitchen consideration of this important • New White matter. Shaker Cabinets CLOSET
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• Quartz Countertop Throughout • Range • Refrigerator • Microwave • Dishwasher • Garbage Disposal
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My name is Shane Kuhlman and I am the president of the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Graduate Student Organization (CCP-GSO) at the University of South Alabama. I am writing on behalf of our organization to express our collective concern about the headline, “Dear Debbie: what should I do if I have a psycho roommate?” published in the July 2 edition of The Vanguard. I want to begin by stating that we believe the intent of the article was to facilitate positive communication between roommates, RAs, and other support staff, which we support wholeheartedly. However, the headline that accompanies this argument may be stigmatizing to those with mental illness, and we wish to encourage a more careful, nuanced, and intentional discussion of the issue. The word “psycho” may associate violence or antisocial behavior with all forms of mental illness. Research by our faculty mentors has found that over 30% of our students have some form of anxiety/depressive symptoms, which is near the average of universities across the United States. That means almost a third of our students are suffering from symptoms which may impact interpersonal communication and relationships. Therefore, poor communication between roommates may be exceedingly common, not some “psychotic” defect. Many unhealthy and/or unproductive exchanges can occur outside the context of persons suffering with mental illness. Indeed, it appears that the focus of the article addresses these types of normal, everyday, and developmentallyappropriate interactions that result in minor distress and frustrations. We certainly recognize the
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Editor’s note: The “Dear Debbie” article incorrectly listed the location of housing as being on the first floor of Epsilon 1. Housing is actually located in Delta Commons Ste. 100. Thank you for your support.
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251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information.
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Student spotlight on Tricia West
Freshman Tricia West started her own non-profit to improve the Mobile community and help the homeless. Photo by Muqit Khan
By SARA BOONE | LIFE EDITOR
USA freshman Tricia West took it upon herself to start her own non-profit for the homeless called Bayside Blankets in May 2017. Inspiration struck one day while she was working near the Bel Air Mall and noticed the large number of homeless in the area. West said they go in the stores because they have no other place to go. She remembers one homeless man in particular named Rhett who did not do well in shelters because of his mental health problems. “He would just sit in my store all day. He was never violent or rude to customers; he just would not be able to stay in shelters,” said West. Bayside Blankets began when West started helping Rhett out with as many supplies as she could get. Right now, West and Hannah McDuffie, a sophomore at USA, are the only ones who make up the non-profit. She has also had a lot of help from the community, though. Church members, coworkers, the general public, and even one of West’s Uber drivers have also helped with donations. Bayside Blankets has been working towards its first big event, which will be handing out homeless survival kits starting this fall. Bayside Blankets has handed out free coffee for donations at LODA Art Walk in Mobile every month and they also hope to start giving out the survival kits at Art Walk. The kits include
toothbrushes, deodorant, rain ponchos, sunscreen, and other essentials. West’s goal is to give out the survival kits to the homeless as well as the general public. “We’d give away the kits to people like you and me, and the kits would go under the seats of a car to be given out to homeless that you happen to come across around the city,” said West. This is the first project that West has started herself. “I have helped with charities, but this is the first one that I have managed. I think the idea is really unique from the others in the area,” West said. West plans to put donation boxes around the USA campus as soon as she can so anyone on campus can donate things such as toothbrushes and deodorant. There will also be some placed around the city and in some Starbucks at the beginning of August. Bayside Blankets is still in its startup phase until more donations and publicity come through. “If you love your community and you love Mobile as a city, helping our homeless citizens should be a priority that you hold close to your heart,” said West. West hopes to get USA students involved with Bayside Blankets as a way to strengthen the community and bring the campus together. To get involved or to donate, visit Bayside Blankets on Facebook or call 251-447-8890.
Donation boxes for Bayside Blankets are set up throughout campus and in some Starbucks throughout Mobile. Photo by Muqit Khan
6 Healthy living in college
Living an active lifestyle is one of the simplest ways for a college student to maintain good health. Photo courtesy of Ryann Guy By RYANN GUY | SPORTS REPORTER
As the beginning of another school year approaches, many students take the opportunity to reorganize their lives. Whether you are switching your major or improving your lifestyle, change can be intimidating. If you are looking for some helpful hints on how to hone in on a healthier lifestyle, look no further. These suggestions will help you break down your situation by adjusting your attitude, finding a purpose, and creating a plan. Attitude. The most crucial aspect of achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle begins with your mind. To acquire a healthy lifestyle, you need a healthy. Getting through mental blocks during this healthy lifestyle expedition will be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. This is due to changes occurring in your body. Not only will there be mental and physical changes, there are chemical changes being endured during this process as well. Mental preparation will ensure a strongwilled mind that wants to get better. After following these guidelines for beginning your healthy lifestyle, you will be prepared for what is to come. Your attitude will be what gets you through your journey. When your mind is strong, you will become physically strong. Purpose. When going through a lifestyle change, it is easy to become overwhelmed or lost. Understanding your purpose is the best way to avoid getting off track. Documenting the start of the process can help gauge your progress throughout your journey. Common documentations of progression are full body pictures. This is part of setting up steps or goals along the way can be motivation to keep going and remind you where or why you
started. Being able to achieve milestones along the way is reassuring and will help create your purpose. If there is ever a time you begin to stray from your goals or are feeling unmotivated, the best way to understand your purpose again is to ask yourself why you started. Then you can ask yourself what keeps you going. Finally, what you want to get out of this experience is another question to remind you of your goals. Now you know the reason you began, why you keep going, and what your goal is. Plan. Many want an instant answer that will be the cure to fix all your bad habits and lifestyle choices. Depending on how you responds to different changes being made like its response to food and exercise, accommodations have to be made to fit your body’s needs. This part of the planning can be a chance to learn how your body works. If you want enhance your physique, come up with a long-term time frame with short-term goals spread throughout. Diet. Most hate it, however, dieting is crucial for a healthy lifestyle because food is the body’s fuel. Although dieting does not sound enjoyable to some, it can be a fun. This is another way of understanding your body, how it responds to food, as well as your creativity in the kitchen (or the menu.) Luckily, when you are beginning your healthy lifestyle journey, it is best to ease into your adjustments rather than giving up everything all at once. Just like you would wean a kitten off milk, the human body responds best when you slowly take things out of your diet. You can count your calories if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Simply understanding what foods you should be eating and making better decisions is a great way to start. As a college student, it can be difficult to cook a meal three times a day. Fortunately, there are ways to still go to your local fast food place and not feel bad for cheating on your diet. Almost every fast food restaurant has a healthy menu option. Little changes like eating a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried will improve your diet and overall well being. Try eating strictly during the week and letting yourself indulge in restaurant foods and cheat meals during the weekends. Remember, one of the greatest sources available to anyone working on themselves is the internet
LIFE
and is available at any time. Another way to keep track of your diet that will make you think twice about what you eat is writing down everything you put in your mouth, food and beverages. No matter how strict you wish to keep your diet, there are many useful ways to help you stay on track and keep progressing. Exercise. Whether you are lifting weights in the gym, running miles, or riding bikes, exercising is a healthy way to keep up a better lifestyle. It is best to find an activity that you enjoy the most so that you can stay motivated. When exercising is enjoyable and not a dreaded task, it is much easier to accomplish goals from day to day. Exercise is something that needs to be regulated as well. Starting out doing your activity a few times a week will help your body as it recovers. To continuously see improvements, switching up exercises from week to week will confuse your muscles and help your muscles grow more efficiently. Balance. Achieving balance will take time after learning how your body works. After you have tweaked a plan specific to what your body responds to and what you
enjoy, you can achieve balance in your life by making a schedule so that you can work on all areas of your healthy lifestyle throughout the week. To avoid damaging your body, there should not be many drastic changes all at once. It is best to slowly take out things and replace them with what you best respond to. Therefore, it is important to have balance in your mind, diet, and exercise are all something that takes time to achieve but can be worked on using this guide. Overview. Achieving a healthy lifestyle can be an intimidating change that you may not know how to approach. With a guide to get you through your journey, you can achieve your goals following a plan designed to your specific needs. Depending your body’s response to your actions and how you enjoy different activities, your healthy lifestyle plan can be altered throughout your experience. Eventually, after learning your body, balance of a new healthy lifestyle can be achieved. Once you are able to trust the process, and stay motivated, you will be amazed at what you can achieve by adjusting your mind and focusing on achieving goals.
THE MODERN LIVING EXPERIENCE
1, 2 AND 3 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE CONTACT US (251) 450-1100 parksideatcottagehill.com
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7
Who is our library named after?
The Marx Library was named in honor of the Marx family of Mobile. Photo by Jake Cannon
By krisha amin | web editor
In the article dated April 24, “If USA buildings were your friends,” The Vanguard received much censure for referring to the University of South Alabama’s main library as the “Karl” Marx Library. Yet, we realized that we weren’t the only people at this university who were oblivious to origins of our library’s arresting name. In September 2013, the Board of Trustees voted to rename the main library in honor of the Marx family of Mobile. The Marx family has supported USA for several years, even establishing scholarships available in their name, mostly within the Philosophy department. Scholarships include the Pinebrook Scholarship, the Julien and Jean Marx Scholarships, and the Robert Snell Endowed Scholarship. The library was first constructed in 1968 and underwent a major overhaul in 2003. At the time, the new facilities included additional group study rooms, art galleries, and multimedia and print publications. The construction also gave birth to a millennial institution on the first floor: Starbucks. A $3 million dollar pledge for the facility was donated by the Julien E. Marx Foundation Trust, with a plan to use $1 million for third floor renovations and to reserve the rest of the funds for maintenance. The third
floor construction was completed in 2015. Linda Marx, a descendant of the Marx family, said the relationship between USA and the Marx family stems from a desire to preserve Mobile’s history and promote its future. Due to the Marx’s family’s contribution, USA arranged the move of the McCall collection to the third floor of the library on the south side. The collection constitutes over 1 million documents from the Civil War era, including letters from Jefferson Davis and Henry Clay and presidential land grants signed by both President James Monroe and President James Buchanan. In 2011, the collection was noted to be worth more than $3 million. Prior to the McCall collection’s move to the main campus, the relics were housed on USA’s Spring Hill campus. In addition to the generous endowment, USA also inherited the Julius E. Marx Photographic Collection, which depicts more than two decades of Mobile history. The Marx family donation was one of the most significant contributions made to the USA library, Dr. David Johnson, senior vice president of academic affairs, said in a 2013 press release. The Marx family continues to lend their support and generosity for the betterment of USA’s future.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Monday to Thursday 8am -7pm Friday 8am -5pm Saturday 10am -2pm Sunday CLOSED Move in weekend 9am -4pm Contact: (251) 461-1446
Find us at the Student Center in the USA BOOKSTORE.
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USA football attends Sun Belt Media Day by Ryann Guy | Sports Reporter
The annual Sun Belt Media Day took place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., July 24th. A traditional ceremony, Fais-Do-Do was held the night before media day at Oaks Mansion in Mardi Gras World. According to those who have attended previous Sun Belt Media days, both events were more extravagant than previous years. The Fais-Do-Do saying is an old Cajun-influenced saying that came about before WWII. It was a code phrase for putting the kids to bed so the adults can go out. As for the event, attire was business casual but served five-star worthy food and plenty of beverages. It held a true New Orleans atmosphere. Monday morning, Sun Belt Media Day kicked off with steak, potatoes, and eggs before a State of The Conference speech from the conference commissioner, Karl Benson. His words stuck throughout the day as he stressed the expansion of the Sun Belt conference adding Coastal Carolina and the improvement of talent within each program. Benson previously spoke about the Sun Belt Conference as the future. This year, he believes it is the future and the Sun Belt conference can compete alongside SEC and Big 12 teams. He credited specific wins from the 2016 season like, South Alabama beating Mississippi State and San Diego State. The College Football Playoff COO Michael Kelly, Sun Belt Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw, and a Sun Belt Athletic Director also attended media day. All conference affiliates participated in radio interviews throughout the day. During the press conferences, a head coach and two student-athletes from each of the 12 teams attended a scheduled interview where they discussed new players, changes, and what to look forward to for the upcoming season. Head coach Joey Jones brought with him returning quarterback Dallas Davis and senior safety Jeremy Reeves. Jones mentioned that as of now, Davis will continue as the starting quarterback for the 2017 season. Davis missed spring season practice
Ryann Guy and William Chandler interview the Commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference Karl Benson. Photo courtesy of William Chandler
due to a shoulder injury. However, he says he has had plenty of time to recover and feels great. Reeves will continue to be a key player on the field and a leader on the team. He hopes to be a 2018 NFL Draft prospect. The Jags first game of the season will be at Ole Miss on Sept. 2. Their home opener will be the following week against Oklahoma State Sept. 8. For more information about USA Football, visit www.usajaguars.com.
usabookstore@southalabama.edu  251-460-1446  www.usabooks.collegestoreonline.com
Across from USA
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Soccer welcomes 10 newcomers and new coach by Marissa mason | managing editor
First-year University of South Alabama soccer coach Richard Moodie is taking over the team after last year’s head coach Graham Winkworth was named the head coach of Arizona State University. USA’s soccer team went 15-6-1 last year, made its fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance and earned the Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament titles for the third consecutive season. Newcomers for the fall are Julianna Abrams, Anita Ágústsdóttir, Selma Björgvinsdóttir, Georgia Bostic, Abigail Mills and Sonja Reichel. “By the end of the day, I’d love to see girls knowing each other’s names, having a bit of fun, pushing each other, and trying to grow as a team,” Moody said. Midfielder Abrams from Pace Fla. previously made the Puerto Rican U20 national team. “... if that’s any indication of the level of player that she is, we feel like she’ll come in and fit into the culture we have at South Alabama,” Moody said. Defender Ágústsdóttir capped at the U19 level in Iceland. “She’s going to fill some holes that we have and can play a variety of positions – she’s not locked in at just one,” Moody said. “A player like that can bring a lot to a squad, especially when you consider that we play every Friday and Sunday.” Also from Iceland, Midfielder Björgvinsdóttir spent five seasons at Valur before playing two seasons for club team FH Hafnarfjordur.
“All of the girls we’ve announced have been heavily recruited by other schools and Selma [Björgvinsdóttir] is one of those kids,” Moody said. “We’re very fortunate that she chose to come to South Alabama.” Defender Bostic spent two seasons with AFC Light in Atlanta, Ga. before Armstrong State discontinued their soccer program after merging with Georgia Southern. “We really feel like she could come in and contribute year one,” Moody said. “She’s athletic and educated in the game of soccer, and well coached by Gavin McLeod of AFC Lightning.” Midfielder Mills of London, England represented England against the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands. “The development she’s had thus far has been phenomenal,” Moody said. “She’s a natural athlete and by trade is a soccer player. She’s a fantastic young lady and a great talent. She understands the game tactically very well, but we feel like Abi could come in and start on a very veteran team.” Defender Reichel from Unna, Germany spent two years as a member of Bayer 04 Leverkusen U17 team. “She’s a center back and we have two returning veterans in Hannah Godfrey and Steffi Hardy but not much depth,” Moody said. “Her challenge is to come in and make them better and play them out of the position. The University of South Alabama soccer team starts their new season with an exhibition match against LSU on Aug. 7 in Orange Beach, Ala. at 6 p.m.
First-year USA soccer coach Richard Moodie moved to South Alabama after coaching at Carson-Newman. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars
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Senior midfielder Danielle Henley was on the All-SBC team for the third time last year. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars
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10 Through the looking glass: recapping freshman year
OPINION
Freshman year doesn’t always turn out the way you think it should. Just ask Krisha Amin. Photo by Muqit Khan By KRISHA AMIN | WEB Editor
Introductions have never been my forte. They are some the most strenuous elements of writing to compose. I have this illustrious notion of what all of my introductions should be like — a neat and creaseless red bow wrapped around a present foreshadowing the same uniformity underneath all of the metallic wrapping — but I’ve learned that the best introductions aren’t meant to encircle monumental structure. Likewise, freshman year of college was no exception to my so-called list of horrendous and difficult introductions. To be blunt, I did not enjoy a large portion of my freshman year of college. I kept convincing myself, my parents, my brother, my friends back home, friends I made here and strangers that I was enjoying myself, but it was no cakewalk. I could be high off of laughter one moment and a house of cards could come crashing down the next. In those euphoric moments, I would forget the bad times, and during those bad times, it was hard to recall the happy times. That’s something they don’t tell you when you first unpack all of the goodies in your dorm; it’s almost
always the romantic ideology, “you’ve entered the gateway to the best four years of your life,” or some dumb advice that is far too vague to purposely implement, such as “learn to be responsible,” “try new things,” and “make mistakes.” During freshman year, I was definitely too caught up in curating the “perfect” college experience based on my preconceived notions of right and wrong. I saw every missed opportunity to make new friends or to attend an event as a validation for not measuring up to my predestined college mantra. It was a consistent pressure cooker feeling. As I am on the verge of beginning my sophomore year, I realize that a large part of this feeling was due to the fact I wasn’t the person that I had wanted to be. The solutions to all of my trifling “problems” are all too obvious in hindsight. It all goes back to that seemingly dumb advice of how you should learn to be responsible, engage an open mind, and try new things. The advice isn’t a cause and effect scenario but an utterly individual experience we all have to undergo ourselves in order to understand. Therefore, it only makes sense to give myself some “dumb” advice:
College is analogous to freedom. You learn to organically define yourself and test your capacities within this realm. So, don’t compose a laundry list as if you need to fall squarely into place. Have an open mind. Don’t make rash judgements about another person’s character because they come from a vastly different background than yours; everyone has a compelling story. Call yourself a feminist and be proud of it. Have an opinion on every issue. Be sorry and don’t be sorry. If you have haters, then good; it means you are doing something right with your life. Cry on your brother’s sofa every once in awhile because you’re human; it’s OK. Don’t forget to call home. Remedy your mistakes and learn to apologize for your wrongs because no one is perfect. Get high off of a box of Double Stuf Oreos. Get drunk off chicken on “Fried Chicken Wednesdays” at the “caf.” Freshman fifteen is your frenemy. Just because you didn’t get a leadership position does not mean you aren’t a leader. Make rebellious choices but at your own accord. Become friends with a police officer; you’ll love it. If you want to want to pack 53 pairs of shoes into your dorm closet, then do it.
Lastly, remember that you are not alone in this odyssey. Water always finds its own level. Sure, I can be around 50 plus people in a room and feel internally alone sometimes, but my experience isn’t a lone one. We all shrink our insecurities and vulnerabilities down into innocuous little sayings or gestures. We all are a part of this hedonistic Narnia and sooner or later, we have to step out of the closet and come to terms with our actions and feelings. It’s a rite of passage. Being lost is inevitable, and we all suffer from the duck syndrome, looking composed on the outside but desperately anxious on the inside. Looking back on my freshman year, I guess that age old mantra that reads something along the lines of college being the best years of your life is not far from center. Sure, there are ups and downs, but that’s life; you figure out your true “self ” within the contexts of all of the virtues and vices in this world. Freshman year is all kind of poetic. It is through this “freshman” medium that the bubble of our so-called intelligence bursts, revealing all that we are and all that we are meant to become. So yeah, I genuinely cannot wait for the next three years of this experience.
Registration can be difficult for new students, but the South Scheduler in PAWS can help. It allows students to make an hour-by-hour timesheet of their classes before registering. Photo by Jake Cannon
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