February 6, 2017

If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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MONDAY FEB 6 2017 VOL 59 ISS 20

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New football recruits for next season The USA football team and head coach Joey Jones announce their 2017 recruits. Page 13

Men’s basketball loses to GSU

Student spotlight on Wei Min Wei Min is well-known around South Alabama for his musical talent.

Page 6

With two seconds left, GSU scored two free throws to overtake the Jaguars. Page 11

NEWS

LIFE

USA recycling to stop taking off-campus materials

USA Maintenance Recycle Facility will no longer accept donations from off-campus. Photo by Jake Cannon Balancing act duo Goulia and Nelson Pivaral perform in the Venardos Circus. Photo by Jake Cannon

The Venardos Circus comes to Mobile By marissa mason | managing editor

The Venardos Circus travelled to Mobile on Feb. 1 to present “Cirque du Mardi Gras,” a circus and Broadway act that is “an all-new Cirque experience combining the magic, music, and FUN of Mardi Gras like never before!”

The circus will perform at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center until Feb. 14 Crowds were waved in by staff members calling, “Step right up!” and “The show’s about to start!” in typical circus fashion.

Many families entered the center with excited children in tow. There were a number of adult-only groups

buying drinks and finding their seats as well.

Although an unlikely venue, the Alabama Contemporary Art Center has been briefly transformed into a classic circus environment.

Inside, face painting and other family-friendly activities plays into the circus feeling.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, although every customer can get a free hotdog during the show.

An hour before the show, there is an interactive pre-show which allows an up-close and personal experience at the Venardos Circus.

When the show began, parents and children rushed to their seats as the house lights dimmed. The seats

came right up to the edge of the stage which was cast in deep moodlighting to fit the performances.

The front row audience members feel as if they are a part of the act.

There were also balcony and ringside VIP seats that allowed ticket-holders a bird’s eye view of the stage.

Kids sat in the isles, eager to see what each performer would do next.

The cast often interacted with the audience with impromptu comments or acts depending on what’s happening around them.

“There’s suspenseful elements and daredevil acts,” Venardos Circus producer Kevin Venardos said. “All these elements are stitched together Continued on page 8

By alanna whitaker | editor-in-chief

The USA Maintenance Recycle Facility will no longer accept offcampus community donations beginning March 1, 2017, according to Mike Haskins, executive director of marketing and communications at USA. The new policy was announced via a sign posted at the recycling center on an undisclosed date.

According to the sign, the large volume of on-campus recycling materials rendered the facility unable to accommodate additional offcampus donations.

Haskins said USA Facilities Management and the USA Sustainability Committee also made the decision based on safety concerns, which was not referenced on the sign.

Continued on page 4

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

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NEWS

anguard Impact of executive order uncertain for USA THE

By Richard narrowmore | reporter

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 STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Life Editor Sports Editor Web Editor

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President Donald Trump issued an executive order putting into effect a travel ban from seven countries on Jan. 27, 2017.

The seven countries are Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. CNN reported that this ban will affect roughly 218 million people.

The order stops all refugees from crossing United States borders for 120 days and prevents travelers from the seven countries for 90 days.

Syria is barred indefinitely. Trump’s order may also require green card holders to rescreen after visiting any of the listed countries.

According to a press release, the Trump administration attributed the cause of the ban as a need to “protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes,” as outlined in section two of Trump’s executive order.

Trump’s executive order spurred outrage from many U.S. citizens.

Many protesters have gathered at international airports, such as the JFK airport, to voice their concern.

Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of demonstrators showed up to the New York airport, as well as airports in Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC. Muslim Student Association President Mahmud Yusuf said, “Looking at the news and how all these people are standing up with us is kind of heartwarming.”

Yusuf continued on to say that is comforting to know that despite a cultural and religious difference, there are people willing to stand with Muslims.

“It truly is beautiful that there are people standing for you even though you have a different religion,” Yusuf said.

The Trump administration has also received questions as to why some countries, such as Egypt and Turkey, who had citizens tied to 9/11 terrorist attacks, were not on the ban list.

Trump’s personal business in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have left some people skeptical of the president’s intentions, according to CNN. White House Chief of Staff Reince

Priebus said that business ties had no influence over the countries selected.

White House Secretary Sean Spicer said that the countries affected by the executive order were those the Obama administration considered “countries of concern.” Spicer continued on to say that because certain countries were not on the ban list now did not mean they would not be in the future, according to CNN. Department of Homeland Security John Kelly has also jumped to aid the Trump administration, standing by the president’s executive actions.

According to NPR, Kelly said at a press conference that it was not a ban but a “temporary pause” while officials look into ways to improve the system we have for immigrants and refugees.

Kelly mentioned some screening processes being considered by officials.

He said that monitoring both an applicant’s internet and telephone activity are something in development.

Kelly added that the ban may last longer for some countries on the list, according to NPR. USA College Republican Group said they are confident that President Trump is trying to keep America safe by ensuring the immigration system is both effective and efficient.

CRG also commented on the diversity on USA’s campus regarding the travel ban.

“Many of our members are firstand second-generation immigrants, and we celebrate the melting pot of religious beliefs, political beliefs, and rich heritages which they bring to our group.”

CRG also said they hope no USA students are negatively impacted by the travel ban.

USA President Tony Waldrop sent an email to all USA students regarding Trump’s executive order.

“Our international students add immeasurable value to our campus by bringing the richness of their cultures and experiences to the University,” Waldrop said. “We are grateful for their contributions and welcome them.”

In his email, Waldrop reassured students who may be affected by the order that the university is monitoring the situation closely. He also informed students to contact the Office of International Services if they had any questions.

As of Feb. 3, Trump’s ban has been

put on pause after Judge James Robart of the Federal District Court in Seattle ruled that the Trump administration lacked support of a need to protect US citizens from the affected countries, according to the New York Times.

The Justice Department sought to reinstate the travel ban, but their request was denied by an appeals court.

Trump’s administration is expected to reply Monday, Feb. 6.

The image of President Trump signing an executive order has taken the internet by storm. Photo courtesy of Google.

OPEN 7AM-10PM M-S KITCHEN OPEN 8AM-6PM 5460 OLD SHELL ROAD

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NEWS

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

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Mobile’s GulfQuest gets a second chance

The GulfQuest museum is located at 155 Water Street in Mobile, AL. Photo by Edwin Mendoza

By krisha amin | reporter

After its unfortunate closure in November 2016, GulfQuest Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico will reopen its doors on Saturday, Feb. 18, just in time for Mardi Gras season.

GulfQuest is the “world’s only maritime museum,” according to their website. The mission of the museum is to provide an interactive outlet that exposes audiences to the historical, cultural, social and economical impact of the Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, there are 90 interactive exhibits on display at the museum.

Initially, the museum closed its doors four months ago due to its sedentary state: poor attendance ratings, increasing debt, and the other financial woes.

It cost an estimated $1.85 million just to keep the museum’s attractions and operations, such as utilities, running.

GulfQuest had been open for 13 months under these deteriorating conditions before Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and his administration decided to step in and pull the plug.

The museum’s downturn came around the same time as the announcement that the cruising industry is supposed to return to the city of Mobile.

With a new exhibit to maintain starting Feb. 18 and a series of cost

deductions for all museum go-getters, generating revenue seems to be a lost cause for the museum that initially closed its doors due to financial unsustainability.

The museum, which open for about one year, was estimated to cost nearly $70 million in public-private investments.

City officials and the GulfQuest board have come together to alleviate the financial challenges and to focus on the grander picture of commemorating the maritime history of the Gulf of Mexico.

The grand reopening will usher the debut of the maritime museum’s newest traveling exhibit, “SHIPWRECK! Pirates and Treasure.”

The exhibit is a combination of aesthetics, entertainment, and education.

As the name of the exhibit insinuates, SHIPWRECK will feature countless discovered pieces from deep-sea ship wreckage. Historical information about the discovery, exploration and recovery of the pieces will accompany the artifacts themselves.

Following the grand reopening, the museum will operate under a new four-day schedule, Wednesdays through Saturdays. These days generated the most income prior to the hiatus.

Ticket prices are revised and parking is now free.

USA Crime Report

251-460-6312

*No new crime reports were prepared for media this week*

1-19-2017 Domestic Incident The Grove A domestic incident was reported in The Grove.

1-24-2017 Burglary Third Degree The Grove A handgun and ammunition was stolen from victim’s car at The Grove.

1-19-2017 Possession of a Weapon The Grove During a domestic incident, an offender was found to have a handgun.

1-24-2017 Domestic Argument The Grove An unknown person reported a possible domestic incident in The Grove.

1-22-017 Domestic Violence Third Degree Epsilon 1 A female made a walk-in report of the incident.

1-25-2017 Striking Unoccupied Vehicle Delta parking near Epsilon 1 Victim discovered vehicle damaged in Delta Loop parking lot.

1-22-2017 Stalking Second Degree Epsilon 1 A female made a report of the incident.

1-26-2017 Disturbing University Functions Humanities Bldg.

During a class, a verbal altercation occurred between a student and the rest of the class including the instructor.

1-24-2017 Striking Unoccupied Vehicle Kappa Sigma Fraternity A student’s car was damaged in the Gamma parking lot.

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Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

NEWS

The USA Maintenance Recycle Facility will no longer accept off-campus donations after March 1. Photos by Jake Cannon

Continued from page 1

According to Haskins, visitors were leaving materials that were not recyclable, such as large cooking grills or grease. Items left at USA’s recycling center become USA property, which obligates the university to incur the financial cost to dispose of such items.

Unrecyclable items could also be flammable or unsafe.

The recycling center recently had a fence installed, which could discourage items from being dropped off.

Dr. James Bridgeforth, chair of the USA Sustainability Committee and director of housing at USA, said the committee decided to encourage offcampus donors to take recyclables to two other local centers located on Hitt Road and Government Street.

The alternative centers listed on the sign are the Mobile County Recycling Center located at 7450 Hitt Road, and the Metro Mobile Recycling Drop-Off Center at 1451 Government Street.

“Everyone on the committee who was there that day supported that,” Bridgeforth said. “Everyone on campus that I’ve spoken to supports that. Everyone supports us trying to get people to recycle at the Hitt Road location. We’re just trying to make the logistics work. I think it was the right decision.”

According to committee meeting notes, nearly half of the USA Sustainability Committee members were not present at the December meeting, when it was decided that the recycling center would no longer accept off-campus recyclables.

Only eight out of 15 members were present.

Dr. Glen Borchert, Sustainability Committee member and assistant professor of biology at USA, was not present at the meeting when the decision was made to block off-

campus donations.

He disagrees with the decision.

“Our job is to facilitate. Our job as a sustainability council is to figure out how we can recycle those off-campus materials,” Borchert said. “We are so far behind our peer schools on sustainability. It’s upsetting for me.

It makes no sense to have the same leadership year after year. We need committed people with new ideas.”

Borchert expressed concern that, to his knowledge, USA President Tony Waldrop was not a part of the decision to discourage off-campus recycling.

In March 2016, Waldrop showed support for the recycling program by approving the purchase of a truck for maintenance crews to gather oncampus materials.

“Waldrop is 100 percent prosustainability,” Borchert said. “I wonder if he knows about this.”

Waldrop could not be reached for comment.

The USA Maintenance Recycle Facility partners with the Mobile Recycling Center on Hitt Road, operated by Goodwill Easter Seals.

USA collects recyclables at its oncampus location and transports the items to Hitt Road.

Director of the Mobile Recycling Center Sara Boccardo said her recycling center can comfortably process all of the recyclables it receives from USA. However, she said her employees spend too much time sorting and processing the USA donations. She attributes this to the limitations of the collection facility on campus. The building is small and poorly lit, which makes it difficult to organize material and keep it sorted.

“Contamination is high,” she said.

Food residue or unwashed cans limit what can be recycled. Both USA and the Mobile Recycling Center incur the cost to dispose of unrecyclable items.

When asked for suggestions to improve USA’s recycling center, Boccardo recommended that the area have lighting installed and that personnel be present to sort materials and direct all donations to the proper bins. She noted that many bins were not well labeled.

Boccardo had previously spoken to Borchert about potentially creating a student work-study position, according to committee meeting notes.

She said personnel could be used to sort and collect materials, keep the facility organized and potentially increase the productivity of the facility.

According to meeting notes, the committee has previously discussed creating a Sustainability Coordinator Position, but the job description does not entail physically managing the facility.

Instead, the job description described branding, grant-funding, and research tasks.

The University of Alabama currently has 11 personnel to manage its recycling center, according to Tyreece Hampton, manager of warehouse and sustainability recycling services at UA. “During the week, we have people in the warehouse that oversee dropoffs,” Hampton said. “We have bins specifically labeled, and we check them as the day goes on. We rotate our staff between the warehouse and picking up recycling on campus.”

In addition to recycling bins on UA’s campus, the UA recycling facility is able to accommodate off-campus donations, according to Hampton.

The USA Sustainability Committee is in the approval process to get student workers to help keep the center running and operational, according to USA SGA President Josh Crownover.

“As far as budgeting for the recycling center goes, it is important to

take steps to ensure we are supporting those resources, but to do them in a fiscally responsible manner,” Crownover said. “I support more resources for our recycling efforts on campus, but in a way that makes sense and doesn’t increase the financial burden on students or the university too quickly.”

When asked if the USA Maintenance Recycle Facility has considered staffing the recycling center to help keep the area organized, Bridgeforth said that it had not been discussed.

“I think people are doing an outstanding job,” Bridgeforth said.

“We don’t have a staff dedicated to recycling here. There are plenty of staff members who do double duty and do an amazing job.”

According to committee meeting notes, Bridgeforth said when 75 percent of goals related to on-campus recycling are achieved, the committee would then begin focusing efforts toward additional operations and initiatives.

The nearest listed alternative recycling center on Hitt Road is 14 minutes one-way from the USA Maintenance Recycle Facility, and the Government Street center is 24 minutes one-way, according to Google Maps.

Bridgeforth said he doesn’t feel like the committee’s decision to close the recycling center to off-campus donors is discouraging people from recycling, despite the inconvenience that off-campus donors will face being required to drive farther from campus.

“I don’t feel that we’re discouraging people from recycling at all,” Bridgeforth said. “I think that folks are really trying to make sure that people are communicating and getting people to recycle to the locations …

Sometimes, sustainability is not about convenience.”

NEWS

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

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Students assisted with the William Carey Tornado relief effort with a supplies drop-off on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Pictured in the group shot with supplies are Dr. Michael Mitchell, SGA President Josh Crownover, Shaun Holloway, Mrs. Valerie Bridgeforth, SGA Coordinator Heather Sprinkle. Photo provided courtesy of Josh Crownover

USA assists Mississippi university after tornadoes By krisha amin | reporter

A tornado struck parts of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in the early morning hours of Jan. 21 and severely damaged almost every building on William Carey University’s campus.

The University of South Alabama reached out to assist those affected by the storm by bringing supplies Jan. 27, 2017.

Dr. Michael Mitchell, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, USA SGA, and several student organizations on campus, including the Alpha Epsilon Delta and Kuwaiti Student Association, asked students, staff and faculty to donate supplies. Items included Wal-Mart gift cards, bedding and bath essentials, water and toiletries, and more.

“It was fantastic to be able to provide those resources to a neighbor

community in need,” SGA President Joshua Crownover said.

The cataclysmic storm claimed the lives of four people in the community. Hattiesburg was in disarray and sustained a large amount of damage. There was at least 15 miles of destruction, according to the National Weather Service. A majority of William Carey students reported minor injuries, and one student did lose four of her fingers during the tornado.

William Carey residence halls were uninhabitable after the storm.

Southern Mississippi University and Camp Shelby offered housing to several students as a result.

USA volunteers delivered the donation supplies to Hattiesburg two weekends ago. SGA delivered two full SUVs of supplies in addition to over $1000 in Wal-Mart gift cards. The supplies and gift cards were donated

by not only members of USA but also USA hospitals and clinics.

“With the help of the extreme generosity of the Jaguar community, we were able to really have a positive impact on the lives of so many students at William Carey as they begin to recover from the devastation to their campus and their community,” Crownover said.

KSA alone collected a total of $400 for gift cards through a donation table set up at the Student Center.

The AED organization were also able to deliver a car full of donations.

Juan Pardo, AED Vice President, estimates that these supplies consisted of roughly six cases of bottled water, over 12 bags of clothing, over 75 cans of food, over a dozen packs of diapers, and countless other essentials and non-perishables.

“This community is right next door, making them neighbors to us.

They are our friends, family and loved ones,” Pardo said.

As for the educational agenda, William Carey has temporarily turned to online learning resources to finish off the winter trimester. Most faculty and staff are currently working overtime to adapt to the predicament and get ready for the spring trimester, where they hope to teach in a faceto-face manner. Southern Miss even offered to provide space for classes for the William Carey students.

USA’s tornado relief efforts are not over. The university continues to reach out to the community of Hattiesburg.

AED will continue to collect donations throughout the entirety of February.

“I am so proud and delighted to see not only our members but how the rest of South’s community has stepped up to help this community in their time of need,” Pardo said.

6 February Events

Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

LIFE

Student spotlight on Timothy Wei Min Patrick

7 Tuesday Meditation & Mindfulness Club Meeting Student Center Room 253 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

9 Thursday HireAJag Career Fair Mitchell Center Grand Globe Lobby 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

10 Friday Trivia Night Student Center East Lobby 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.

16 Thursday Jaguar Productions Comedy Night Student Center Terrace 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

17 Friday Jaguar Productions Mardi Gras Ball Student Center Ballroom 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

21 Tuesday USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

25 Saturday USA Day Mitchell Center 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Patrick is a double major in music education and piano performance. Photo by Jake Cannon

By Morgan Parton | Life Editor

Timothy Wei Min Patrick, a senior at the University of South Alabama, has never allowed any obstacles to stop him from pursuing his passion for music.

Patrick performed at the Superdome in 2013, and has amazed students at USA with his ability to play the piano backwards. His favorite performance was at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 2013. Despite his musical success, Patrick’s story has been challenging and rigorous.

Patrick began losing his sight around 4-years-old. He recalls seeing lights and lighting around age 6, but soon lost his vision completely. His father died when he was 5-years-old.

His grandparents took care of him for another two years before he was placed in an orphanage in southern China.

In the orphanage, his caregiver played piano and taught the children how to sing the notes back to her.

Patrick could do this well, and his caregiver taught him to play the piano.

His soon-to-be mother visited the orphanage on a mission trip with no intention to adopt a child. When she met Patrick, she knew she wanted to make him part of her family.

“Before the orphanage, I never knew when my next meal would be, or who I would be staying with,”

Patrick said.

Patrick immigrated to the U.S. at 10-years-old. He had to learn a different culture, a different language and make new friends.

“I’m quite excited about learning English, the language,” he said. “I never thought I would be able to communicate with everyone when I first came to the United States.”

Patrick’s first piano teacher, Melissa Turner, initially denied Tim lessons because she was unsure how to teach someone that was blind. Despite her fears, after Turner heard Tim play, she realized Tim had an aptitude, and gave him lessons for free.

Before Patrick came to college, he was unaware that braille music existed. He learned piano pieces by repetition, memorization, and listening, rather than by reading music. Patrick never completed the first level of piano.

However, upon hearing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, Patrick was inspired to learn the piece. With the help from his teacher, and a lot of hard work, he mastered the piece, which later became his motivation for pursuing music.

“Talent can only get you so far,” Patrick said. “You must work hard. Getting better takes time and patience. All you can do is wake up and try again, and never give up.”

“Back then (when he lived in China) if you asked me if I would be going to college, I don’t think I could

have said yes,” Patrick said. “I never thought I’d be able to go to college.

Just being here at this fine University is fulfilling a dream within itself.”

Patrick said he knew by the time he came to USA that he wanted to pursue music, and teach it, for the rest of his life.

“Music is my joy, my passion, and my motivation,” he said, “Sometimes I can match a piece music to a personality of a friend, and it’s almost like I’m spending time with them.”

Patrick will graduate in May of 2018 with a double major in music education and piano performance. He plans to earn his master’s degree in piano performance.

“Everyone at South is so kind and always willing to help me,” he said, “All the professors at South have been helped me succeed. Dr. Holm has especially impacted me by being my mentor.”

Patrick intends to stay in Mobile and teach music privately. He hopes to find a job teaching music at a school and directing a large band.

“Don’t let others tell you what you can or can’t do,” Tim said, “Hard work pays off; you’ve just got to believe in yourself.”

Patrick’s next concert is scheduled for April 4 at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, where he will be playing the piece that inspired him to begin his challenging, rewarding journey of music: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21.

LIFE

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Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Winter Jam: hit or miss?

MAKE MIRABELLE YOUR HOME!

Winter Jam is a Christian concert tour that comes to the Mitchell Center every year. Photo courtesy of usajaguars.com

By marissa mason | managing editor

Every year, lines of people wait outside of the Mitchell Center to attend Winter Jam, a concert consisting of popular and upand-coming Christian artists. Past performers included Skillet, for KING & COUNTRY, and Blanca.

This year, some students said the event felt like it was missing something while others said it was one of the best years for Winter Jam. The concert started, bands played their hearts out, and the majority of the people seemed to enjoy the show.

Aside from the usual rig of lasers and LEDs, the only other on-stage elements were a disco ball and carbon dioxide cannons that shot CO2 vapor into the air.

There were no lights lining the catwalks and no pyrotechnics like the previous years. The stage had no moving components and was stationary, leaving it up to the performers to liven things up.

While some argued that this setup was not up to par, others disagreed.

“Not every band has the same type of stuff when they perform,” USA junior and Reformed University Fellowship member Morgan Tooles said. “If they did, they would all be the same and nothing would stick out.”

Each band came, played, and gave a testimony before redirecting the attention to God and leaving the stage.

One of the bigger acts of the night, Andy Mineo, a white Christian rapper from New York, was criticized for rapping while Steven Malcom only hyped the crowd.

“They can both rap, regardless of skin tone,” Tooles said. “Steven Malcom isn’t as big as Andy yet, but he’ll get there. Andy has been in the game for years and has his own squad of rappers to back him up.”

Mineo also addresses this issue in his song “You Can’t Stop Me,” where he mentions reasons people tell him not to rap. “Plus, well your pigment, Andy, huh, you don’t got skill, you a gimmick Andy,” he rapped.

Without a movie to promote, or a big cause to fight for, many of the talks between performances boiled down to, “Buy our latest album and get a shirt free,” or “Don’t be ashamed to be a Christian.”

“The headlining performances don’t have to have something huge going on to have people excited to see them because they’re still fans no matter what,” Tooles said. “I saw it as a more worship setting [this year] which I thoroughly enjoyed as well as others.”

COMMUNITY AMENITIES • • • • • • • • • •

FITNESS CENTER BBQ AREA SURFACE PARKING PLAYGROUND PET FRIENDLY SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL SPORTS COURT DOG PARK NEARBY TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS: I-65 & I-10

RESIDENCE AMENITIES • • • • • • • •

AIR CONDITIONING HEATING PATIOS/BALCONIES WASHER/DRYER HOOK-UPS CARPETING VINYL FLOORING FULL SIZE KITCHEN NEW WHITE SHAKER CABINETS

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251-343-6800 s 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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Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

LIFE

Left: Contortionists Goulia Pivaral and Nelson Pivaral perform at the Venardos Circus. Right: Firebreather Manja Podrantz stuns the crows with a hot performance at the Venardos Circus. Photos by Jake Cannon

Continued from page 1

with a little storytelling.”

The show features many circus acts while telling a broadway story of two men who wish to be in a Mardi Gras circus.

The slap-stick story unfolds between the different performances.

“These characters, the Lost Cause Minstrels, are would-be musicians who want to be a part of a Mardi Gras parade,” Venardos explained. “Over the course of the show, they figure out what they’re made of, but you’ll have to come to the show to find out if they have what it takes to be in a Mardi Gras parade.”

Several acts are punctuated with singing. Performances vary from sword walkers to fire breathers to aerial acts. The audience is left laughing one moment, then holding their breaths the next.

Many performers in the circus do more than one task.

Actor Brad Weston appears in different costumes throughout the show, doing a golf juggling skit, a thrilling sword balancing act that had the audience also on-edge from start to finish, and a mesmerizing performance with large metal-cage shapes.

“I have to ask three or four different jobs from each person on our crew,” Venardos said. “It’s absolutely essential to be able to deliver the multitude of things that are going on in the production.”

Contortionist Goulia Pivaral starts with a whimsical aerial contortion act.

Her husband, Nelson Pivaral, joins her to tell a story through a breathtaking balancing act that shows the true meaning of trusting your partner.

Their daughter, Sasha Pivaral, performs a glamorous contortion act ending with shooting a bow and arrow with just her feet as she balances in a handstand.

As the show goes on, the audience learns just what the Lost Cause Minstrels (Ryan Combs and Steven Copeland) are made of.

After the show, the audience is invited to come and take pictures with the cast.

The Venardos Circus is in town until Feb. 14 and is offering students 20 percent off of their tickets with a coupon from The Vanguard.

Ticket prices and more information on The Venardos Circus can be found at www.venardoscircus.com.

Audience members are invited to take pictures wit the cast after the show. Photo by Jake Cannon

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LIFE

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Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Advertisement

Dr. Katie Malozzi recently was appointed as a full-time staff physician for the University of South Alabama Student Health Center.

Prior to her appointment to USA, Dr. Malozzi was a family medicine staff physician at Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss.

Dr. Malozzi previously served as a family medicine staff physician and United States Navy Senior Medical Officer at Naval Health Branch Clinic Gulfport in Gulfport, Miss.

She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and completed a family medicine internship and residency at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Malozzi is board-certified in family medicine. To make an appointment, call

(251) 460-7151.

Dr. Katie Malozzi

The USA Student Health Center is located at 5870 Alumni Drive on USA’s main campus. Student Health Services are available during each semester to all students actively enrolled in the University. In addition, the center has sports medicine services available for students and collaborates closely with the athletics department and all university athletes.

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LIFE

Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Find your peace of mind, find your Jiu-Jitsu

By Matthew McCoy | Contributing Writer

Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy devotes itself to providing self-defense skills and a lifestyle perfect for thriving in a world that is sometimes polarizing and strife ridden. Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu is led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt instructor Corey Richardson.

Richardson has devoted much of his life to BJJ and achieved black belt in nine years. With a black belt in BJJ at 31-years-old, Richardson is the youngest BJJ black belt in Mobile.

“I’m the youngest, but I have the oldest mindset, and I’m happy to be the purest out of the group,” said Corey as he was discussing his youth and the purity of the Rickson Gracie curriculum that his school follows.

The Rickson Gracie curriculum provides the tools and mindset for dealing with any problem that can be faced through life. This form of JiuJitsu not only focuses on self-defense, but on proper breathing techniques needed for focusing the mind and staying calm under stressful situations.

“One of the things I find that is unique to Rickson Gracie is on controlling your emotions through your breathing as well as other metabolic reactions that you otherwise couldn’t control,” Richardson said.

BJJ can be especially helpful to students in providing them a positive lifestyle that can lower stress and help improve the lives of others. It also allows for healthy channeling of aggression and negative energy.

“It allows you to immerse yourself into something positive, as opposed to rebelling against society and playing the it’s-not-fair card,” Richardson said.

Through his Jiu-Jitsu academy Corey has formed a team of likeminded people who care about each other and the martial arts.

“He is making such a huge impact on peoples’ lives through his teaching and training and emphasis on establishing a positive, safe, and cooperative training environment where we all help each other grow.”Kim Williams, a 3 stripe blue belt under Richardson, said.

Williams has trained with Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu for five years and feels it has benefited her in many ways.

“It has greatly improved my confidence and overall awareness, not to mention BJJ is an excellent form of exercise! However, the most important

A USA student learns Jiu-Jitsu. Photo by Corey Richardson

benefit is knowing that from a real life self-defense situation my chances of getting away are so much higher now,” Williams said.

This highlights a concern of many women in today’s society. The ability to fend off attackers in a practical way is a skill especially valuable to women who many times are not as big or strong as a would-be attacker. BJJ was developed with this purpose in mind.

The founder of BJJ, Helio Gracie knew that there needed to be a martial art that favored technique and leverage over strength and size.

According to graciejiujitsu.com, Helio wanted to develop a martial art that was not so aggressive. In fact, Jiu-Jitsu translates into “Gentle Art” and this principle led Helio to develop what is now known as BJJ. Consequently, this is what sets Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu apart from any other martial art.

The inclusiveness of BJJ allows for anyone big or small to join and reap the benefits.

Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy is located on 1175 Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, Ala. Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu is the only Jiu-Jitsu school that the University of South Alabama offers a class for.

If you’re interested in taking a South accredited class when they’re available, register at southalabama. edu/cce/registration.

SPORTS

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Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Close loss for men’s basketball

Upcoming Games Home Softball vs Central Arkansas Feb. 9 | 5 p.m.

Softball hosts Sand Dollar Classic vs Central Arkansas Feb. 10 | 5:30 p.m. vs Houston Baptists Feb. 11 | 12:30 p.m. vs Jacksonville State Feb. 11 | 5:30 p.m. vs Alabama State Feb. 12 | 3 p.m.

Men’s Tennis vs Auburn Feb. 11 | 1 p.m.

Men’s Tennis vs Georgia State Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.

Away W Basketball vs LouisianaLafayette Lafayette, Louisiana Feb. 9 | 7 p.m.

Track and Field vs Samford Invitational Birmingham, Alabama Feb. 10 | all day USA basketball player Josh Ajayi tries to take control of the ball during the USA vs. Georgia State game. Photo by Ryann Guy

By Ryann guy | Sports reporter

In the last five seconds, two free throw shots from Georgia State’s Isaiah Dennis sealed a 83-80 GSU victory over the USA Jaguars.

Their victory advanced GSU’s’ record to 7-2 in the Sun Belt Conference. USA’s current Sun Belt Conference record is now 4-6.

Scoring first, USA maintained the lead for minute one of the first period, but later in the half, GSU held a 16 point lead, the largest deficit of the game.

“It was a great basketball game,” head coach Matthew Graves said.

“Really proud of our effort, but unfortunately, we were down as many as 16-0 in the first half and they were shooting the ball extremely well offensively. We made a couple adjustments in the second half, and began to defend really well.”

In the second half, the big cats tied up twice, but in the end, it was the Jaguars that could not surpass

the Panthers’ defense.

With 3:54 left in the game, South Alabama’s Georgi Boyanov tied up the score 68-68 with a layup while Jeremy Hollowell of Georgia State returned to take the lead away from the Jags.

The next tie game scorer was USA’s Ken Williams with a layup, making it 73-73 when Hollowell returned again with a three-pointer.

The last minute and a half of the game consisted of an intense rally back and forth between the teams with 1-4 point margins.

“If we didn't have a couple of those turnovers in that stretch we might have caught up with the points we needed.” Graves said.

“We hung tough, and I thought some guys made some big shots down the stretch. Unfortunately, when you allow 59 percent from the field it’s going to be awfully tough to win that ballgame.”

Williams was thought to have made the play of the game for South with five seconds left, sinking a three-

pointer, and down by one when a foul was called against him.

Isaiah Dennis from GSU was good for both free throws to end the game 83-80.

After clawing their way through the battle, Monday’s loss has left the Jaguars with a 10-12 overall record and 3-6 record in The Sun Belt Conference.

“I think the guys are figuring some things out, but it's frustrating when you dig yourself a little bit of a hole like that and have to fight your way out of it,” Graves said. “I couldn’t be more proud of their effort this weekend coming off of some games that I didn’t think we played quite as well in. I thought we took a step in the right direction with these games.”

The Jaguars fought tooth and nail, but could not redeem the upper hand to the match against the Panthers.

This weekend, both the Men’s and Women’s teams are scheduled to travel to play against the in-state rival: Troy University.

Track and Field vs Vanderbilt Music City Challenge Nashville, Tennessee Feb. 10-11 W Basketball vs LouisianaMonroe Monroe, Louisiana Feb. 11 | 2 p.m.

M Basketball vs LouisianaMonroe Monroe, Louisiana Feb. 11 | 4 p.m.

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Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

SPORTS

Rafael Scott breaks two records

Editor’s Note: Last week, we incorrectly captioned a picture of USA men’s basketball player Trhae Mitchell as football player Jeremiah Littles. We also mis-stated the team the Jags faced earlier in the week. They lost against Arkansas State, not Arizona State. We apologize for the misinformation and work hard to prevent such errors in the future.

USA basketball player Trhae Mitchell prepares to shoot against Georgia Southern. Photo by Briana Cunningham Rafeal Scott holds the best time for the 60-meter dash in the Sun Belt Conference. Image courtesy of usajguars.com

By casie carr| sports editor

USA Junior Track star Rafael Scott set the school record twice for the fastest time on the 60-meter dash.

Last week, he broke his record at 6.59 seconds.

It earned Scott the third fastest time in the world, second fastest time in the NCAA, and the best in the Sun Belt Conference.

“If you want something, go get it.

You have to be able to keep a strong mindset,” Scott said.

A transfer from the University of Alabama at Birmingham from Lucedale, Mississippi, Scott did not plan to participate in the track program at USA. His family convinced him to not waste his talent and to at least try out.

After making the team, he began to work hard to get his times down.

His achievements give him opportunities for Olympic or professional track training after college.

Scott is an exercise science major and praises USA Assistant Coach Lyndell Farmer for inspiring him to want to coach for a living.

His desired career path after competing as an athlete is coaching track.

“Coach Farmer obviously loves his job,” Scott said. “The time he dedicates to each athlete sets a good example and makes us strive to do better, Scott claims the only difference between being a normal student and a student athlete is the amount of freedom he has have with his time.

The track team practices for three hours every day of the school week.

If a student athlete wants or needs a job, time is even more limited.

It’s all about time management.

“Last year I did track, school, and worked at PDQ,” Scott said.

“Thankfully, it was unnecessary this year because I got more scholarships.

In junior level classes I don’t know if I could have managed so easily as I did last year.”

Scott encourages all students to try out for a team and put their athletic talent to use.

He said it could lead to something much greater that imagined; it could give students the opportunity to meet someone who reveals true passion, like Coach Farmer did for Scott.

Readers may visit thevanguardusa.com to read a previous article on his record-breaking performance.

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SPORTS

Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Lady Jags lose to Troy

By Casie Carr | Sports Editor

USA head coach Joey Jones excitedly talks about USA’s new recruits. Photo courtesy of usajaguars.com

New football recruits

By Casie Carr | Sports Editor

The USA football team announced on Feb. 1, 2017, that it recruited 10 new athletes, and scored a junior college transfer.

“We achieved what we set out to do, targeting the positions we needed this year, dealing with a lesser amount of scholarships,” head coach Joey Jones said. “We may not have gotten as many players as other schools, but the quality and caliber of who we got is extraordinary. The height on these guys will definitely help on the deep catches, we were trying to find bigger guys who don’t get worn down so quickly in the game.”

Three players were recruited right out of Mobile: Kendric Haynes, a linebacker from Murphy high school; Cephus Johnson, a quarterback from Davidson high school; Jalen Tolbert, a wide receiver from McGill-Toolen high school. Along with these three top players, USA recruited two more wide receivers, two safeties, two cornerbacks, a linebacker, a running back and an offensive

lineman. The stature of the athletes ranges from 5-10, 170 to 6-5, 290.

“We’re going to play the very best players, so we don’t know if any of the new recruits will start this year, but they will definitely continue to work and get better so they’re always available and ready,” Jones said. “Flenord, Tolbert, and Stanley, all wide receivers, have great talent and opportunities to start this season because we’re in need. Johnson, in my opinion, has a leadership quality that is going to be a really good force in our program.”

The team has more opportunities for recruitment because USA made it to two bowl games despite the program being so young.

“The kids are really impressed with our record, and I think they know that we’re on the verge of something great here, and now we have the offensive and defensive depth necessary to execute them,” Jones said. “With our first-ever class just graduated, we now have a backbone and something strong for the players to walk into.”

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The Lady Jags Suffer Another Loss in their Only Game this Week Against Troy University With a little over two minutes left in the game, the Jags had come back to a 70-66 lead. Unfortunately, USA had several fouls and turnovers. Troy capitalized and made successful free throws and had successful shot opportunities from the turnovers.

The Trojans maintained the lead for the last 45 seconds of the game.

“We missed opportunities late in the game,” USA head coach Terry Fowler told Jagnation media. “There were missed free throws that could have given us a bigger cushion and then two layup attempts on offensive rebounds as well. We still had opportunities to win the game, but we failed to convert on those opportunities.”

In the first quarter of the game, Troy ran to a 12-2 lead with USA missing almost all their shot opportunities and turning the ball over nine times in the first six minutes of the game. By the end of the first, the Trojans were up 20-9.

At the start of the second quarter, Troy went up to a 17-point lead.

The Jag Ladies made a come back and outscored the Trojans 24-18 in the second quarter, trailing now by

11, the score at halftime was 45-34.

“They finally settled down in the second quarter and handled the pressure,” Fowler said. “We started the game with six turnovers in the first seven possessions, but once we settled down we were fine; we just dug ourselves a big hole in the first 13 minutes of the game.”

The Jag ladies again managed to again outscore Troy 21-13 in the third quarter, and then went on a 6-2 run making it a one-possession game, the score at the end of the quarter 58-55. At the start of the fourth, USA ran an 8-2 pulling up to their first lead of the game. But, with a little under four minutes left in the game USA fouled and turned over, handing the Trojans the win.

“Troy will give you opportunities to score based off its pressing defense,” Fowler said. “You have to be efficient against it. It’s not that different if you compare it to the last few years we’ve played them; that’s typically how it goes.”

The Lady Jags’ record now 7-14 overall and 2-8 in the conference, they plan to travel to Louisiana next week to take on two more conference teams. First on Thursday, they are scheduled to face Louisiana-Lafayette, and on Saturday Louisiana- Monroe.

USA guard Genesis Perrymond dribbles around Troy center DajiaWilliams. Photo courtesy of usajaguars.com

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Opinion Editor | Joel Goode jdg908@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 23, 2017

OPINION

Political student organizations can post in the daily digest

By Joel Goode | opinion editor

Mari Ponder has been organizing non-partisan voting activities in the South Alabama area for a while now.

Last Spring, she ran as a delegate during the primary elections. She also founded the now defunct educational student group Students 4 Bernie, which has been replaced with the League of Student Voters.

LoSV meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in room 102 of the student center. Their events are regularly advertised in the daily digest, which is a new development for Ponder after a tumultuous experience trying to access that particular platform.

While S4B was active, there was much confusion over the function of the organization on the part of Student Activities and USA’s staff attorneys, mostly due to the name “Bernie”. The campus has 501-3c tax exemption status, which prevents them from opposing or endorsing any particular political candidate.

When S4B first became active, they advertised on the daily digest, USA’s largest platform for studentoriented organizations to broadcast their events. The ad raised warning bells among USA’s staff attorneys.

“They wouldn’t have gotten in

trouble because, as a club, we did not endorse Bernie Sanders,” said Ponder. “We wanted to provide information to students about the candidate. It was never about saying ‘Hey, vote for Bernie.’ I’ve never in my life asked anyone to vote for any political candidate, and I’m not about to start now.”

Thanks to the digest, the first S4B meeting had record turnout.

However, Ponder realized something was wrong the next time she sent an email to Student Activities asking for advertisement space in the digest.

“They said ‘We are unable to do that at this time,’ Ponder recounted.

“I said, ‘What’s up?’ The attorney emailed me back and said ‘No political clubs are going to be able to use the daily digest for a little while.’

She didn’t tell me what it was about.”

Ponder requested more information, but received silence.

After a month, she sent out another email.

“I was like, ‘Ok, so what’s going on? Do I need to contact an attorney about my first amendment rights? Why can’t we send out our advertisements in the daily digest?’

She said the school attorneys wanted to talk to me. I got my faculty advisor at the time for that club, and we

The area in front of the Student Center is a free speech zone. Photo by Jake Cannon

went.”

“The way they explained what it was that, at the time, USA was a little behind as far as not having a political activity policy on campus,” said Ponder. “We helped them get that.”

The staff attorneys for USA had to go on the internet and Google the political policies of other universities, like Auburn and Alabama. At the time, they explained to Ponder that until a cohesive policy was formed, no political organizations would be able to advertise with the digest.

As of September of 2016, the political policy has been put in place, and politically oriented student organizations, whether they are partisan or nonpartisan, can advertise in the daily digest.

The only significant structure in place is that outright political rallies and endorsement events cannot access facilities such as rooms in the Student Center for free. They must pay a rental fee. Otherwise, political and nonpolitical organizations are both free to advertise in the digest.

This ability is enabled by a disclaimer that all politically-oriented organizations must now include.

Ponder showed us the version of the disclaimer LoSV drafted on their constitution: “The University of South Alabama does not oppose or endorse any candidate or political organization in connection with this organization or any other political campaign or election.”

Nevertheless, despite this apparent newfound comfort with political activity, the process through which LoSV gained approval was, in Ponder’s opinion, questionable on the part of USA. “LoSV had applied to be a new student organization in August,” said Ponder. “They made us rewrite our constitution with little arbitrary changes. It was October before they said the constitution was okay, but we still had to wait to become a registered student organization.”

LoSV did not become an approved student organization until after election day.

LoSV plans to sit in on Mobile city council hearings, which are held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on the Government Plaza. Because of the inconvenient time, Ponder plans to have the council members personally

come to USA and speak with students.

The next elections are in August, and they will be for Mobile city council seats. Once LoSV brings the council members to campus, students will have the opportunity to meet candidates who will face the chopping block.

“We just want them to come and talk about what they do, with questions,” said Ponder. “One thing I’m interested in is Birmingham made themselves an official welcoming city for immigrants. I wanted to ask the city council how they felt about that, and whether they’d be willing to do that in Mobile.”

“These are people students have an opportunity to vote for,” continued Ponder. “The point of bringing the council members out here is for them to provide information and leave it there.”

“There are so many people out there who engage in name recognition voting,” said Ponder.

“They don’t have any idea where candidates actually stand on the issues. That’s what we’re trying to change as a club.”

Students who are interested in participating with the LoSV should keep an eye on the daily digest for upcoming events. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in room 102 of the Student Center.

LoSV has quite a bit planned for the coming semester. February 12 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., the group will host an excursion to Carmike

Cinemas to watch the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated film “Hidden Figures.”

This movie about a group of female African American mathematicians who worked at NASA in the early 60’s and were responsible for the organizations propulsion into the space race.

The group will partner with The League of Women Voters for a conference on mental wellness advocacy in the Mobile area. While the exact date is tentative, Sherry Graham from the LoSV is set to give a talk as part of the 2017 South Alabama Mental Wellness Conference Series.

DISTRACTIONS

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