The Vanguard February 16, 2015

Mobile issues same-sex marriage licences Page 4 LIFE

SPORTS

OPINION

6

9

14

Grads make movie magic Baseball sweeps New Orleans

Marriage Equality

2

FEB. 16, 2015

USA School of Computing recognized by NSA South Alabama recieves designation from NSA and Homeland Security for cyber-security program

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor in Chief

S

outh Alabama announced on Feb. 11 that the University’s School of Computing has been recognized for for its designation as a center for academic excellence in information assurance and cyber defence from the U.S NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.

“The University of South Alabama School of Computing, with our great faculty and students, has developed the state’s pre-eminent cyber security program, and we’re very excited about that.”

President Waldrop said to the crowd.

The new CAE IA/CD designation

announced is meets the most recent academic criteria for cyber security education and will be effective through 2021.

This replaces an earlier designation received in 2011. South Alabama is one of less than 100 universities to claim this designation.

In honor of the designation multiple guest speakers gave nods to the program, including Rep. Victor Gaston, Sen. Bill Hightower, Commissioner Connie Hudson, Councilwoman Gina Gregory and representatives from Rep. Bradley Byrne’s, Sen. Jeff Sessions’ and Richard Shelby’s offices.

Dean of the School of Computing Dr. Alec Yasinsac also spoke to the

crowd and introduced many of the students who were part of the program, 14 of them on a full tuition scholarship from the federal government.

Yasinsac emphasized that all students in the school of computing received the best education possible whether they received a scholarship or not.

He also focused on the faculty who were part of the redesignation process According to the school’s website, the School of Computing’s graduates have been employed by companies such as Airbus, Apple, Austal, Cisco, FBI, Harris, HP, Intel, Mentor Graphics, Microsoft, Mobile County Public School System, U.S. Secret Service.

Students take “It’s On Us” pledge USA takes part in campaign against sexual and domestic violence

By LAURA HAVARD Staff Reporter

S

outh Alabama has had multiple students take the pledge “It’s On Us,” a promise to prevent sexual assault and create a safe environment for all victims and survivors.

One out of every six women and one out of every 33 men have been the victims of attempted or completed sexual assault, according to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and the country is jumpstarting that initiative and embracing the “It’s On Us” campaign.

“It’s On US” is a national campaign to spread the prevention of sexual assault.

A number of universities, prominent celebrities and President Barack Obama on the 2015 Grammy Awards have advocated for it. The goal is to educate people on the effects sexual assault has on others and how they can step in to prevent it from happening.

The campaign helps the spread of sexual assault prevention through four main themes.

Recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault. Many victims do not report sexual violence because they often times do not see it as an act of violence, or rape. Sexual assault is an act of dominance and control. The attacker leaves the victim possibly feeling so humiliated and/or guilty that the victim cannot find the courage to say something to others.

Identify situations in which sexual assault may occur. Potential victims are of-

ten times too close to the situation to realize what is happening. Watch carefully for a friend who has had too much to drink and ensure that he or she is safe.

Intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given. Do not stand by and watch someone being sexual harassed. Step up and stand up for the victim. “It’s On Us” offers the tip to draw attention to the situation, get in the way of the situation.

Create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. Never blame the victim according to itsonus.org. Also, there is a helpline for victims, survivors and even people who are trying to help another survive sexual assault. Go to notalone.gov or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Everyone is encouraged to take the pledge to end sexual violence at itsonus. org.

South Alabama has now joined the initiative and is advocating and spreading

ALYSSA NEWTON

Pres Pr esid es id den entt To Tony nyy Walldr d op

HELP WANTED

awareness of sexual, domestic and dating violence.

There were a series of events last week including an educational session, “How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships,” to teach students about healthy and unhealthy relationship.

In support of the “It’s On Us” campaign, the Jaguar men’s and women’s basketball teams wore “It’s On Us” t-shirts during Saturday’s pre-game warm up.

The University has also used this time of awareness to promote the new LiveSafe app available to students. The app uses a cloud-based dashboard to connect students to officials and friends when they are needed most.

The goal for this app is to share information about sexual assault, mental health issues and violence so to prevent incidents before they occur.

By becoming aware of the signs of violence and having the tools to prevent it, we can all do our part in preventing all forms of violence. It’s on us, South Alabama.

ALYSSA NEWTON

The bask ket e balll teams wore “It’s On Us” warmu up shirts to promote the campaign against violenc nce.

Advertise with us

usavanguard@gmail.com 251-460-6898

3

FEB. 16, 2015

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

Alyssa Newton Shawn Leonard Alexander Moylan Jordan Knox Drew Scelsi Mitchell Kahalley Laura Havard Jenna Munday Aaron Poiroux

Distribution

Distribution Bobby Faulk Alan Smith

Advertising

Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

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: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688.

Or 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 and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity.

Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail 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. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.

To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com

USAPD crime blotter 2/08/2015 16:32 Stokes Hall Striking an unoccupied vehicle Unknown person struck an unoccupied vehicle parked in front of Stokes Hall.

02/07/2015 04:27 Deltas Burglary in the third degree XBox I with two controllers Unknown suspects unlawfully entered the residence through an unlocked door and removed the listed property.

02/06/2015 07:33 Delta 5 Suspicious Circumstances A couple entered the University of South Alabama police department and reported suspicious circumstances and attempted burglary complaint.

02/05/2015 12:54 Humanities Striking an unoccupied vehicle An unknown subject struck the victim’s car in Humanities parking lot South without leaving personal contact information.

02/03/2015 08:29 Mitchell Center Aramark manager notified South Alabama police department of damage to Aramark vehicle by unknown means.

02/03/2015 21:46 New Hall Informational Police responded to New Hall to do a welfare check.

USAPD 251-4606312 If you SEE something SAY something!

4

FEB. 16, 2015

Same sex marriage begins in Mobile After four days of closed windows and legal confusion, federal judge orders issuing of marriage licenses

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor In Cheif

A

fter three days of looking at closed marriage license windows, a ruling by Judge Callie V. S. Granade allowed same-sex couples to be married in Mobile County.

On Feb. 9 probate offices around Alabama were expected to open that morning and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A federal ruling declared that gay marriage was now the law of the land, but some windows did not open around the state, including the windows in Mobile County.

Confusion ensued. Probate judges were instructed by federal decision to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore issued his own decree to probate judges, telling them not to heed the federal ruling.

Several judges, including Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis, heeded Moore’s order.

The saga began when Judge Granade heard a case involving two Mobile residents, Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand. Granade ruled in their favor striking Alabama’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. Granade issued a stay after the Alabama Attorney General’s office placed a request to extend the stay beyond Feb. 9 to the Atlanta 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Granade again struck down the state’s ban in a second case involving an unmarried samesex couple James Strawser and John Humphrey who won the right to marry due to Stawser’s health issues. Strawser sought to have his partner, Humphrey, to have full spousal authority to make medical decisions on his behalf.

On Feb. 8 in response to the court not issuing an extension, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore ordered late that night that all probate judges in the state of Alabama and employees to not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in compliance with the existing state law despite the rulings.

On Monday morning the U.S Supreme Court voted 7-2 to not extend the stay making same-sex marriage legal in the state of Alabama.

ALYSSA NEWTON Mobile Probate Judge Don Davis, along with multiple probate judges around the state, did not issue licenses to any same-sex or heterosexual couples due to the conflicting orders.

Davis took the bench as same-sex couples waited for over more than six hours.

This included Robert Povilat, 60, and Milton Persinger, 47, who showed up at 7 a.m. that morning to be the first in line.

“I’ve been sitting here and I will stay at this window because their office hours say they are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until someone from that office tells me that they are not opening, I will stay sitting at that window,” said Povilat.

ALYSSA NEWTON

Robert Robe rt Povvil ilat at (le left ft)) an and d Miilt lton on n Persing ngeer (righ gh ht) were we re the fi firrst to re rece ceiv ive a ma m rrria iage license.

Same-sex x couples began to rece ceive marriagee licensess af afte t r Judge Granadees’s ruling on n Thursday, Fe F b. 12.

Christine Hernandez, the attorney for multiple gay couples, and co-counsel David Kennedy filed for an emergency injunction to ask Granade to hold him in contempt in response.

She denied the request to hold Davis in contempt but the following day, Feb. 10, the federal judge set a 1 p.m. hearing for Feb. 12 to consider a request to order Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

On Thursday, Granade heard from the lawyers of the gay couples who had not been issued marriage licenses. The lawyers stated that the administrative order by Moore held no validity, citing his past stance against a Supreme Court ruling to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the judicial building that resulted in his removal from the bench.

Mike Durnhan, Davis’ lawyer, said that the judge was not taking a position and only sought guidance. He compared Davis to a Vietnam soldier, claiming Davis was “like a rifleman in a rice patty who steps on a mine. If he stood still he would be shot in the head by a sniper and if he moves he would be blown to bits.”

Within an hour of the conclusion of the hearing, Granade ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered Davis to issue marriage licences.

“We got it!” was yelled out followed by cheering, tears and hugs in the probate court where many couples, supporters and media

awaited the news.

Although the road had been a little rougher than most couples had hoped, the wait was worth it according to Povilat and Persinger.

“We had those those last few little battles that tested us these last few days. They tested our emotions and our feelings for one another.

[We asked] did we really want to be the ones who were fighting so hard for this … We said ‘let’s do this,’” Persinger said. “We were fighting for our community as well. Now we don’t have to say it’s a gay community, straight community issue anymore. We are all a community now.”

At 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 the windows opened and Povilat and Persinger became the first same-sex couple to receive a marriage license. They immediately left the courthouse and were married surrounded by media.

“We were never angry, just frustrated,” Persinger said after receiving their marriage license.

“I’m glad we’ve reached this point,” the now married Povilat said. “I’m glad to say that we are a legally married couple in the state of Alabama. We can now enjoy the same privileges as any other married couple.”

So far it is not clear if whether other probate judges who were not defendants in either case on Thursday will alter their position in the face after Granade’s ruling. For those who continue to resist the new ruling, they may face lawsuits themselves in their respective counties.

5

FEB. 16, 2015

Faces of marriage equality Milton Persinger and Robert Povilat Milton Persinger and Robert Povilat have been been together for over two years. The two were the first in line on Monday morning in anticipation of a marriage licence that the couple said they had always wanted.

On Monday both came dressed up to a tee, including matching boutonnieres bought just for the occasion.

“We started with high emotions, we were excited when we heard that the ban was lifted,” Persinger said. “The plan was to come down here, get our licence, get married and be happy.”

When Monday didn’t go the way they planned, they continued to wait

for the windows of the probate court’s marriage licence window to open.

Persinger works as an overnight nurse and had little rest between waiting in the probate courthouse and working the overnight shifts.

“Nurses have strong convictions and a very strong dedication to what we do. No matter what we do with the rest of our lives we are always there for our patients. That was not an option.”

Persinger said.

On Thursday before the hearing, Povilat said that morning there were two lone blooms on the camellia bush outside of the couple’s home.

“I felt like that was a sign for good

things,” Povilat said. “So I decided that I would make them into boutonnieres in hopes that it would be the day that we could get married.”

Turns out, he was right. On Thursday the windows finally opened after Granade’s ruling and they were the first same-sex couple to be married in Mobile.

“Somebody had to do it for those who can’t,” Persinger said.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted. I’m a widower from a past relationship and so is Robert. We had a chance to do something we’ve wanted for our entire lives. It’s a wonderful thing. We finally get what we have always wanted.”

ALYSSA NEWTON

Sara Sills and Kay Hedgepeth

ALYSSA NEWTON

Sara Sills has been waiting nine years for this day. Her and her partner, Kay Hedgepeth had a holy union nine years ago and are planning on getting married on the anniversary of their holy union in May. “But this time, it will be legal, and we’ll no longer be second class citizens in our country.”

Sara and Kay met 23-years ago at a woman’s function of a social group here in Mobile. Sills is a Mississippi native, but has lived in Mobile for more than half her and said she considers it her home.

“This is the most amazing, historic

moment in my lifetime. I’m 56-yearsold and I never thought this day would come. It’s an amazing day. It’s just a day to celebrate, love won and I am just overjoyed to be here to witness it,” said Sills on Monday as dozens of people waited for the marriage license windows to open. However, their hopes of obtaining a license were dashed after Judge Don Davis told his staff not to open the windows.

It took three days and a federal hearing to get the windows opened, but they finally did.

Sills said, “Can you imagine? Alabama wasn’t last. We weren’t even next

to last, or next to next to last. It was worth the wait.”

Sills said it was a long week but it was worth it to work through the system and seeing justice prevail. She said that the patience shown by the LGBT community during the week it showed how strong that community is in Alabama.

“We are a people united together and we believe in Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement that the arc of the moral universe may bend slowly, but it bends towards justice, and we waited and Alabama once again has made history in civil rights. Yes. Well done us.”

Jim Strawser and John Humphery It took a little while for James (Jim) Strawser and John Humphrey to find each other, but through the power of social media they found who they believed they were meant to be with.

Strawser was married three times to women before meeting Humphrey in April 2014. They were married Aug. 16, 2014 at the Mobile Japanese Gardens, but due to the same-sex marriage ban they were not eligible to receive state benefits for married couples. With little money for lawyers, the couple filed a lawsuit in the District Court of the Southern District of Alabama alleging the state had deprived them of the right to equal protection under the 14th

amendment.

“We have faced a long journey with the federal courts because we had no lawyers,” Strawser said. “We had a friend help us file the paperwork. We did it ourselves, it’s been a long battle.”

The couple said they are a good balance for each other.

“He’s comical and thinks he’s a comedian sometimes,” Strawser said about his partner Humphrey. “But you know, I know better.”

“For him, I like reminding him to use his filter,” Humphrey laughed.

“He has no filter and I have to keep him level headed. But we balance each other well. I like sweets, and he’s a chef.”

The couple said their fight wasn’t just for them, but for others who were battling alongside them. A big reason for the fight was also for Humphrey to have a say in Strawser’s medical care as a spouse.

“The main reason we started was because of my health issues,” Strawser said. “I didn’t want to go on any kind of machines without him having any say since I am pacemaker dependent. That’s why we fought.”

Through all of the hardships, the couple said in agreeance that the fight for each other was worth everything they had to go through.

“I knew from day one this is who ALYSSA NEWTON I was going to be with,” Strawser said.

CONTRIBUTIONS ALYSSA NEWTON AND MITCHELL KAHALLEY

For complete coverage visit thevanguardonline.com

MITCHELL KAHALLEY LIFE EDITOR wmk1221@jagmail.southalabama.edu

LIFE

FEB. 16, 2015

USA grads make movie magic with “Aether” EVENTS S THIS WEEK MITCHELL KAHALLEY

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Life Editor

eeing dozens of people dressed in Victorian gowns and petticoats, with robotic prosthetics and monocles one wouldn’t know that we were in Dauphin Island, Alabama. That’s because filmmakers, and South Alabama graduates, Drew Hall and Horst Sarubin transformed Fort Gaines into the fictional cities of Spector and Waveland for the new steampunk film “Aether” Hall and Sarubin, both South Alabama graduates, said that it was the perfect place to shoot.

“When Drew and I were doing some location scouting we had a couple other places in mind and we stopped by here kinda as a coincidence...and the moment we walked through we were like “oh wait a minute” this sort of changes everything.” Said Sarubin.

Hall said that the diversity of the the architecture at Fort Gains made it easy to shoot the whole film in one location. Parts of the fort were built from brick during the Civil War, other parts of the fort are made of concrete during World War II. “You have two textures instantly set in that juxtapose the multiple levels within the world itself. So you have a nice visual feat so to speak.” Said Hall.

“Aether” tells the story of a group of outcasts who have to band together to stop a king from taking over the world. While it may sound like a simple David and Goliath story, “Aether” is unique because it’s a steampunk film. Steampunk is a genre of fiction that is set in a world where steam power is still in use. Stories are often set in the Ameri-

Lundi Gras:: Noon. -King Felix III Floral Parade 1 p.m. - Pricahrd Mardi Gras Assocaition Parade 3 p.m. - MLK Business and Civic Organization, MLK Monday Mystics and Northside Merchants 6:45 p.m. - Order of Mystic Magnolias (Fairhope) 7 p.m. - Infant Mystics, Order of Doves

17

Fat Tuesday, No Classes: 10 a.m. - Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Association (Gulf Shores) 10:30 a.m. Order of Athena 12:30 p.m. - Knights of Revelry, King Felix III, Comic Cowboys 2 p.m. - Orange Beach Parade (Orange Beach) 2 p.m. - MAMGA Mammoth Parade 6 p.m.- Order of Myths

18

Kareoke Night 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Student Center Terrace Free

19

Who Am I? I Am...

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom Free Sponsered by the NPHC

20

Battle of the DJ’s 7 p.m.

Jag Gym Free

“A Aethe her” r”” wass filme meed enti en t er ti erly ly at Fo Fort rtt Gains on Daup Da uphi up h n Is hi Isla land la nd JENNA MUNDAY

can Wild West or Victorian era Britain.

“It’s an alternate technology sci-fi universe.” said Sarubin.

Hall said that while there have been steampunk elements in some films,there hasn’t been a steampunk film yet. He says he’s looking to find a way to let steampunk influence a larger sci-fi story.

“When I wrote “Aether” I knew in my mind I want to pull these elements this crazy cool arm gadget doodad that also served a function in the world, so we went through

MITCHELL KAHALLEY

MITCHELL KAHALLEY

Di Direcotrs Ho ors rst Sarubiin (left) and Drew w Hall (right) met at the Unive versity of South Alabama.

16

MICHAEL EROBU

and kinda built this story on an aesthetic.” said Hall.

Hall and Sarubin met at the University of South Alabama and they both say they feel the an obligation to help film students at USA, so the set of “Aether” was full of students working as extras or helping out as part of the crew.

“We talked we love having people that go to South come and intern for us or come and be part of a crew. It’s building a community in this area of filmmakers that have a passion for it.” Said Sarubin.

Hall also said that having students come work for them is a way to hedge their bets. “I can be like ‘Hey, remember that time I have you a break? I need it back.’ said Hall.

Both directors said that they were given free reign with the equipment in the communications department and were able to edit their own personal projects, not just projects for class and that helped further their education.

It’s a good time to be working in the film industry on the gulf coast. Hall and Sarubin both said that the film community in Mobile is experiencing tremendous growth.

“You get all the bigger films coming in you get an opportunity to work on it and you immediately get the credibility and the experience and the knowhow to then push yourself up to the next level.” said Sarubin.

“Aether” finished shooting last week.

Horst and Sarubin are currently looking for a distributor. Keep an eye on frame29films. com to stay up to date on all the developments with “Aether” and check The Vanguard website for an extended interview with Hall and Sarubin.

7

FEB. 16, 2014

Mardi Gras rolls on at the Mobile Carnival Museum MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM

The Bruckman Crown and Sceptor is The onee of on o many artifacts on display at the Mobile Carnival Museum.

Mo

By JENNA MUNDAY Staff Reporter

A

ny Mobilian will tell you that the Port City is the birthplace of Mardi Gras but, how many of them know the history behind the holiday?

You can discover the history and celebrations of Mardi Gras all year long at the Mobile Carnival Museum, and even though the season ends this Tuesday, you can experience the grandeur and significance of the holiday all year round.

The Mobile Carnival Association

opened the museum in 2005 and according to their website, they “coordinated a volunteer effort of historians, artists, lawyers, businessmen, architects, contractors and seamstresses who all gave their time and talents to get the museum established.”

Also according to the website, “the museum offers 14 gallery rooms, a pictorial hallway, theater, den and gift shop. In addition, the home is registered as a historic building and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy detailed crown mold-

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM

ing, pine floors and exquisite chandeliers.”

“The first thing we’d like for our guests to know is that Mobile is indeed the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World, so we consider ourselves to be the ‘Mother of Mystics’ ” said Judi Gulledge, Executive Director of the Mobile Carnival Museum. “The second thing that we would like for them to know is that the community-wide celebration, which is the two and a half week of parades, is a gift that these organizations offer to the community for free entertainment.”

“People cannot imagine the magnitude to which we celebrate here in the city,” continues Gulledge, who has been with the museum since 2006. “Both from the number of organizations, there are over 60 Mystic organizations here in Mobile, as well as the way that our royalty actually designs their robes and creates their royal ensembles.”

Gulledge also explains that the muse-

“

“The first thing we’d like for our guests to know is that Mobile is indeed the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World, so we consider ourselves to be the ‘Mother of Mystics’ ”

”

Th he Mard Mardii Gras Ma as seaso on ma may come to a clos cl o e on os on Tue u sday, but the Mobile Carnival Museum remains open all year long.

um has displays that remain constant, but they do change out exhibits. At the moment, the museum features the robes of the anniversary monarch from the 25th anniversary of the Mobile Carnival Association along with a display of children’s juvenile court monarch robes from the early 1920’s and 1930’s.

To see these beautiful displays and to learn more about Mardi Gras in Mobile, stop by the Mobile Carnival Museum which is located on Government Street in Downtown Mobile.

The Mobile Carnival Museum will continue with regular business hours during the remaining Mardi Gras festivities.

They are open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 years of age and under and no charge for children under the age of 3.

For more information about the Mobile Carnival Museum, feel free to visit their website at www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com or call them at 251-432-3324.

8

FEB. 16, 2015

John Davis brings Blind Tom back to Mobile

By JENNA MUNDAY Staff Reporter

A

mazon chart-topping pianist, John Davis will be transporting audiences back to the 19th century with his concert series “John Davis Plays Blind Tom: Music as Storytelling” right here at the University of South Alabama.

John Davis will be paying tribute to Blind Tom through his music and according to a press release, he will play towns in Alabama where Blind Tom played, such as Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Tuskegee and Demopolis.

“Blind Tom” was an African-American musical prodigy during the 19th century. He was born into slavery in Georgia as a blind and autistic infant who later grew to become a household name.

Blind Tom composed one of his most famous pieces, “The Battle of Manassas,” at the age of fifteen during the time of the Civil War. He then went on to perform before President James Buchanan, which made him the first African-American musician to officially perform in the White House.

According to Deirdre O’Connell, author of “The Ballad of Blind Tom,” he possessed an “encyclopedic memory, all-consuming passion for the piano and mind-boggling capacity to replicate-musically and vocally-any sound he heard, his name was a byword for eccentricity and oddball genius.”

The series is entitled “John Davis Plays Blind Tom: Music as Storytelling” and according to the press release, “in addition to

John Davs Plays Blind Tom

his public performances, Davis will conduct master classes and assemblies about Blind Tom at schools and colleges during his week in Alabama.”

Davis will be launching his concert series as a part of the Southern Literary Trail’s Trailfest 2015, “the nation’s only tri-state literary festival.” The festival takes place in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi and “connects mythic places that influenced great novelists and playwrights of the 20th century.”

The Southern Literary Trail is “America’s only tri-state literary trail connecting mythic places that influenced great novelists and playwrights of the 20th century.”

This tri-state trail includes Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia and this year, The Southern Literary Trail will once again be hosting Trailfest.

Davis has produced two successful CDs entitled “John Davis Plays Blind Tom” and “Halley’s Comet: Around the Piano with Mark Twain & John Davis, ” that are tributes to Blind Tom. According to a press release, “John Davis Plays Blind Tom” became a top-ten seller in Classical music on Amazon and at Tower Records.

Davis will be coming to South Alabama to present his Trailfest series concert at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Feb. 22. Admission is free to the public.

More details about Trailfest 2015 and John Davis’ series can be found on the Alabama Calendar of the Southern Literary Trail’s website, www.southernliterarytrail. org.

JOHN DAVIS

Where: Laidlaw

Performing Arts Center

When: Feb., 22 at 3 p.m.

How much: Free to the

public

Come see John Davis bring the music of Blind Tom back to Mobile as part of Trailfest 2015

John Davis will be plaaying the music John of Bli lin nd Tom in ciiti ties where Bliind Tom m pl played in thee 19th century

G

DREW SCELSI SPORTS EDITOR usavgsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

FEB. 16, 2015

South h Al Alab Alab abaam ama base ama seba b ll went ba en nt 33-00 ag a ai ain nsst th he Un Univ iveer iv ersity of Neew Or ersi Orleeans.

Orle

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

South sweeps New Orleans on opening weekend Jaguars open the 2015 season with big wins over UNO, new Jags make statements

By AARON POIROUX Drew Scelsi Contributing

T

he South Alabama baseball team opened the 2015 season by sweeping the University of New Orleans Privateers in three games at home.

Game 1: USA 7, UNO 3

The Jags opened up the series with a 7-3 victory on Friday night.

“I’m proud of our guys and the way they fought,” said South Alabama head coach Mark Calvi.

“We had a bunch of guys making their first start here tonight.

We put up ten hits, we got some bunts down, and we took some walks. Offensively, I saw some good signs tonight.”

Drew LaBounty finished with two runs, while Bud Collura had

one run and one hit. Cole Billingsley recorded one run, one hit and one RBI, and Garrett DeGallier had one run and one hit. Matt Bolger and Ryan Raspino both had one run, and Cole Gleason finished with two hits and two RBI. Right-hander Cody Van Aken threw for 4 2/3 scoreless innings to win the game after replacing Austin Stephens on the mound.

“Van Aken was really good,” commented Calvi. “I didn’t expect him to finish the game. I thought we’d keep him in for maybe two or three innings, but he kept grinding away and at that point I thought we might as well let him finish the game. I thought he was outstanding out of the bullpen, and I thought Stephens was pretty good as a starter.”

Freshman catcher Jared Barnes, who made his debut as a Jag tonight, had four hits on five at bats.

“Barnes did a great job tonight,” said Calvi. “He’s been really good for us and he’s going to have to be part of the heart and soul of this team. He’s got the right makeup and the right character. We’re all proud of him. It was part of a very solid team effort.”

“I was confident going into this series,” said Barnes. “I’ve got great guys around me and a great support system. I’m just happy that I did what I could to help the team get the win today.”

debut Friday night with another solid day at the plate. Barnes finished 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored.

Mike Dolloff (1-0) earned the win, giving up just one earned

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

Game 2: USA 8, UNO 2

The Jags continued the series on Saturday with an 8-2 win.

Barnes followed up his strong performance in his collegiate

See Baseball Page 11

COURTESY OF Cody Cody Van Aken eaarn rned ed USAJAGUARS the win in the he Jag agu uars r ’ seeas ason on opene pee er.

Check out our website! www.usavgsports.com photos, videos, stories and more

10

FEB. 16, 2015

Softball Sweeps Mardi Gras Invitational Jaguars take down all opponents in hosted invittational, improves season to 7-2 overall

By Aaron Poiroux Sports Reporter

T

he South Alabama softball team went undefeated during the 2015 Mardi Gras Invitational this weekend. During the tournament, the Jaguars defeated Oklahoma State, Lipscomb University, Butler University and the University of Evansville. The No. 24 Jags, now 7-2, will take on Nicholls State University on the road on February 17, followed by the 2015 South Alabama Invitational at home.

South Alabama 5, Oklahoma State 4 The Jags started off the weekend with a 5-4 victory against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls Friday night.

"That wasn't really a pretty game; we made some mistakes that we shouldn't be making," said South Alabama head coach Becky Clark.

"The good news is that we competed all the way through, and we gave ourselves a chance to win in the end.”

During the game, Amanda Minahan recorded 2 runs, 2 hits and 1 RBI. Blair Johnson and Emily Messer both had 1 run, 2 hits and 1 RBI and Kaitlyn Griffith had 1 run. Amanda Herron and Stephanie Pilkington both finished with 3 hits and 1 RBI, while Alex Breeden and Taylor Bahos had 1 hit each.

Pitcher Kalen McGill recorded the victory for the Jags after replacing Devin Brown.

“Kalen did a great job coming into a pressure situation and working us out of that to give us a chance in the end,” Clark commented.

"We've got two big games tomorrow, so we've got to come out and compete again," said Clark.

South Alabama 4, Lipscomb University 1 The Jaguars continued the weekend with a 4-1 win over the Lipscomb University Bison on Saturday. Chloe Rathburn finished with 2 runs, 1 hit and 2 RBI, and Emily Messer recorded 1 run and 1 hit. Johnson had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Pilkington had a single hit.

Kaleigh Floore pitched for the first three innings before being replaced by McGill who pitched the last four.

South Alabama 9, Butler University 4 South’s winning streak continued when the Jags beat Butler 9-4 Saturday evening.

Pitcher Devin Brown recorded the win for the Jags.

"Devin wasn't as sharp as she usually is [versus Butler], but she did enough to keep us in the game," Clark said. "Kalen came in and did a great job of closing the door.”

During the victory, Alyssa Linn recorded 2 runs and a hit, and Messer had 1 run, 2 hits and 3 RBI. Minahan finished with 1 run, 1 hit and 2 RBI, while Griffith had 1 hit, 1 run and 1 RBI. Pilkington and Haleigh Lowe both finished with 1 run and 1 hit. Herron and Gwen Jones both had a single run apiece, and Rathburn had 3 hits.

“Our hitting was there today – we drove the ball,” said Clark. “We've just got some things in terms of baserunning that we've got to clean up. We're looking to have that big inning sooner in the game. We're going to come out tomorrow and hope to clean up some things on the bases."

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

Th he Ja Jags beat Evan ansville 100-22 by virtue of me m rcy rulee on n Sund nday ay.

South Alabama 10, University of Evansville 2 The Jaguars wrapped their weekend up with a 10-2 win over the University of Evansville. The win came by virtue of mercy rule in the 5th inning.

Freshman Kristian Foster finished with 1 run and a pair of hits.

“I got the opportunity to play, and I really just wanted to do what I could do to help the team,” said Foster. “Personally and as a team, I think we’re really comfortable with how we’re playing right now. We’re doing what we’re supposed to. It makes it a whole lot more fun when the whole team is clicking like we’ve been doing.”

"We've been trying to get that big inning," said Clark. "We've left runners on and bases

loaded recently, and I thought today, when you look at the line score, you see a five-run second inning and four-run fourth. That's the difference in the game, and that's the kind of offense we've got to have."

Minahan and Herron both finished the game with 2 runs, 2 hits and 3 RBI. Pilkington recorded 2 runs, 1 hit and 1 RBI. Rathburn had a single run, 2 hits and 2 RBI. Lowe had 1 run and 1 hit, and Johnson had 1 run.

“As a head coach, you're giving that opportunity, waiting to see what they'll do with it," Clark added. "They've been working their tails off, and to see them take that opportunity and have some great at-bats is awesome.

I'm proud of them for taking advantage of their opportunities, and they were big in the win today."

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

Devin Brown named Sun Belt pitcher of the week

P tc Pi tche heer De D vi vin Brow o n wa ow wass na name med d th thee Su Sun n Belf Be lf con onfe feerence pi p tc tche h r off the wee eek.

Freshman pitcher Devin Brown was named Sun Belt Conference pitcher of the week during the league’s first voting period. Brown went 2-1 during the Sand Dollar Classic, and recorded a one-hit shutout during the team’s 8-0 trouncing of Liberty University.

"I thought Devin was huge this weekend," said USA head coach Becky Clark about Brown’s performance during the Sand Dollar classic. "She stepped up and did what we asked; she competed and worked hard for her team. This weekend was a challenge for her and she rose to the occasion. I'm really proud of her effort."

Brown is currently 4-1 with an ERA of 2.05 after the Mardi Gras Invitational this weekend.

Brown is now nineth overall in strike outs at South Alabama after only seven appearences.

Brown, a right-hander from Mobile, Alabama, has pitched 27 innings so far this season, more than any other Jaguar pitcher.

11

FEB. 16, 2015

Baseball Continued from Page 9

run in four innings of relief. Ryne Long started the game and pitched well, allowing only five hits with no runs. “[Ryne] Long was okay, not super sharp, but he worked through a couple of jams and made some pitches when he had to, and that’s what you want to see,” USA head coach Mark Calvi said. “Out of the pen, I thought Mike Dolloff was very sharp, as was Van Aken last night. So, two long relief stints, and both of those guys have been good so that was good to see.”

DeGallier hit a two-run home run during a four-run sixth inning for the Jaguars (2-0). DeGallier’s homer was the first in

his Jaguar career.

“It was nice to get my first college home run that actually means some-

“

The mark of a pretty good team is when you don’t play your best and still hang on and win the ballgame. Last year we would have lost this game.

-Head Coach Mark Calvi

”

thing,” DeGallier said. “Baseball is just a really unforgiving game, and you’ve got to earn everything you get in this game. As

South Alabama vs Auburn uburn University Unive

Tuesday, uesd day, Feb. 117 Stanky Field 6:30 p.m.

much as I want to sit on this game and feel good about it, we’ve got to come out tomorrow and really get after it, because we want to sweep [New Orleans]. We’ve got Auburn coming in Tuesday, and we want to be 3-0, not 2-1.”

DeGallier finished the day 3-for-3 with the 2-RBI homerun, as well as a triple and two runs scored.

"Garrett DeGallier has been fantastic," Calvi said. "He had a big home run; it was great to see. We put up eight runs and we had some doubles with men on base.

When you walk a few times and get some hits, you're going to leave some men on base like we have the first two games, but we won the ballgame and we swung the bats okay. Some guys are having some good at-bats early, and some aren't quite dialed in but we'll talk about it and keep swinging it.

Game 3: USA 8, UNO 6

The team concluded their season opening series an 8-6 come-from-behind victory on Sunday.

"UNO outplayed us for about eight innings," said Jaguar head coach Mark Calvi. "Their pitcher, Alex Smith, did a fantastic job on the mound. I thought they played better defense and he pitched better than our guys did, even though we did not issue any walks; I'm proud of that.

But our guys hung around, and the mark of a pretty good team is when you don't play your best and still hang on and win

the ballgame. Last year we would have lost this game. We don't know if we're a good team, yet. We have some of the components, but we have to clean some things up.”

Collura finished the game with 1 run, 1 hit and 2 RBI. DeGallier had 2 runs and 2 hits. Raspino, Hawthorne, Benn Gann and LaBounty all recorded 1 run and 1 hit.

Adam Ballew’s 2 run single in the bottom of the eighth put the Jags up 8-6 over the Privateers.

"I was just trying to stay relaxed," Ballew said. "It was a big situation to come into off the bench. I just tried to stay calm and see a pitch and hit it. He threw me a fastball, but I was thinking he may throw something offspeed. But I was able to stay back and drive it."

The Jags used six pitchers during the game, and right-handed pitcher Cameron Cochran recorded the win.

"We need to put more pressure on an opposing pitcher who is not overpowering, but does a good job mixing his pitches. But I am proud of the guys for hanging in there and getting the win. Ballew was big off the bench. He and Collura each did a great job driving in runs. We're happy to pick up the win and sweep the series."

The Jaguars will return to Stanky Field on Tuesday, Feb.17 at 6:30 to take on the Auburn Tigers.

Student Health would like to welcome Candyce Morris, WHNP

Candyce Morris, WHNP is now accepting appointments.

Specializing in Women’s Health GYN services, STI screening and Contraceptive Counseling (251) 460- 7151 Student Health TRP III Bldg Suite 1200 off USA North Drive

12

FEB. 16, 2015

Men’s basketball beats Troy, UT Arlington Jaguars win two in a row in hopes to land spot in SBC tournament

By DREW SCELSI Sports Editor

T

he South Alabama men’s basketball team won two games in a row last week. The Jags beat Troy 71-67 on Thursday night, and then defeated UT Arlington 97-91 Saturday evening.

Game 1: USA 71, Troy 67 Taishaun Johnson scored 17 points, and Georgi Boyanov recorded his third double-double of the year, leading the South Alabama men’s basketball team to the victory over Troy Thursday night.

Johnson’s 17 points came on 7-of-12 shooting, while Boyanov scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting to go with 10 rebounds. "[Boyanov’s] energy and effort were really tremendous tonight," USA head coach Matthew Graves said. "He gave us a big boost.

When Georgi gives us a doubledouble, we're 3-0. It's his effort and focus, and he's capable of doing that, he just has to be more consistent about it. We need him to play well."

Dionte Ferguson added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Ken Williams put in 13 points and dished 6 assists. The win snapped the Jaguars’ three-game losing streak and improved their record to 8-17 (6-8 Sun Belt Conference).

The Trojans (9-14, 4-10) had five players in double figures, led

by Kelton Ford’s 17 points and Wesley Person’s 14.

"There's no question we needed this win to get back on track and get refocused," Graves said.

"Anytime you can win a game

on the road in league play, it's a great thing. I thought our guys continued to battle throughout the game. It was a very well played game, both teams made some runs and neither team really jumped out to a big lead. We were very fortunate that we made a lot of the right plays at the end of the game and came out with the victory."

The Jaguars scored 36 points in the first half, the largest halftime total they’ve had since Jan. 8 against Appalachian State. USA is 6-4 (4-2) when leading at halftime. The Jags led for 27:57 in the contest and held the Trojans to 23-of-60 shooting (38.3 percent) from the field.

"You have to give credit to our players and to Coach (Darnell) Archey," Graves said. "He did an outstanding job with the scouting report and the defensive scheme, calling out their actions. Our players did an excellent job of following through with that. We had three days to prepare for them; when we have three days to prepare for somebody and our guys stay locked in and focused, that's a recipe for success. Our scouting and preparation were top-notch this week."

The win improves South Alabama’s chances of making the Sun Belt tournament, moving the Jaguars into seventh place in the conference standings, just a half game behind Appalachian State.

USA 97, UTA 91 The team played the UT Arlington Mavericks on Saturday at the Mitchell Center. During the victory, Ken Williams set a new career high in scoring with 29

Ken Willi K Williams scored d 29 points i s ag agai ains ai instt UT UT Arlington on Saturday.

PHOTO BY AARON POIROUX points.

“I’m really proud of how we started the game,” said South Alabama head coach Matthew Graves. “We were very focused.

Juice (Williams) got us off to a great start, and we really defended at a very good rate in the first half.

We kept them out of transition, and we were up by 20 going into halftime.

“We knew they were going to make a run at some point. A team that’s down 20 is going to gamble and take some chances. Unfortunately we made some poor decisions with the basketball in the second half. It’s something that we’ve got to continue to work on.

It’s a simple fix: we’ve got to be in

triple-threat, and we’ve got to cut harder and be in our spots. When they started to make a run, you saw guys drop their heads and feel sorry for themselves, and that’s not going to help anybody. We’ve got to stay upbeat and know that teams are going to make runs, but I’m really proud of how we ended up finishing the game.”

Georgi Boyanov finished with 17 points and 5 rebounds, and Taishaun Johnson had 16 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Dionte Ferguson recorded 9 points and 2 rebounds, while Abdul Lewis had 7 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Barrington Stevens had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Williams shot 6-of-10 from

three-point territory and 7-13 overall. He also pulled down 8 rebounds and dished out 5 assists.

“If my coaches motivate me to keep shooting, it gets me on a roll,” said Williams. “My teammates look for me to make big plays. We got out to a great lead and continued to do the things that got us that lead. We played together and helped one another on defense.”

The Jags, 9-17 overall and 7-8 in SBC play, look to secure a spot in the Sun Belt Conference tournament as the regular season winds to a close. Their next game is on Thursday, February 19 at 6 P.M. against Georgia State in Atlanta.

Women’s Tennis beats Tesxas-San Antonio, Texas State on the road Jaguar women 5-2 overall after beating UTSA and Texas State

By Aaron Poiroux Sports Reporter

T

he South Alabama women’s tennis team improved to 4-0 overall after beating UT-San Antonio and Texas State this week.

The Jags travelled to San Antonio to take on the UTSA Roadrunners on Friday, February 13. The Jags picked up a 5-2 victory over UTSA, who fell to

3-2 after the loss.

"This was a tough battle today," said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. "It was definitely a grind-it-out win, but we're very excited that we fully engaged and figured out a way to win."

Emily Newton her second singles win 6-1, 6-4 over Alena Shichkova at the No. 2 spot.

At No. 1, Laura Valkova was beaten by Jacobea Junger 6-7, 6-2, 6-3. On the No. 3 court,

Monica Mitta was bested by Miriam Rosell Canudas 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, and at No. 4, Mary Angela Martin beat Nicole Karaklis 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. At the No. 5 spot, Laura Matuskove defeated Lina Hallgren 6-1, 6-4, and at No. 6, Cinta Maria Papke beat Irene Gandara Gonzalez 2-6, 7-6, 7-5.

In doubles action, Papke and Paula Sanches defeated Hallgren and Karaklis 6-2 at No. 3, while Mitta and Valkova

were beaten 6-4 by Junger and Shichkova at the No. 1 court.

"The good teams stay the course and give themselves a chance to win," said Keyser. "I thought we definitely need to do certain things better in order to produce higher-quality tennis, but the sky is the limit when we compete as hard as we did today."

The Jags took on Texas State on Sunday, February 15, a

match they won 6-0. For more about this match, visit our website at.thevanguardonline.com.

The Jags were scheduled to take on the Alabama State Hornets on Tuesday, February 10, but the match was postponed.

The make-up date will be determined and announced at a late time.

The women’s team’s next match will be away at Kennesaw State on February 27.

13

FEB. 16, 2015

Men’s tennis shuts out Alabama State 7-0 South Alabama men’s tennis improves to 6-2 after victory at home

By Aaron Poiroux Sports Reporter

T

he USA men’s tennis team played Alabama State on Tuesday, February 10, where they picked up a 7-0 victory. The Jags improved to 6-2 overall and the Hornets fell to 0-4.

"We feel really good right now," said USA head coach Nick Brochu.

"We've played eight matches so far.

We were coming off of a big win this past weekend, so the guys were very confident heading into the match today. We need to stay playing at this level."

Junior Tim Srkala put the Jags up 2-0 after beating Patrik Cvik 6-0, 6-2 at the No. 1 spot. Senior Daniel Leitner, the No. 71 ranked player in the nation, beat Takura Mlambo 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 2 spot shortly thereafter.

Junior Juan Troglia put the match away for South with his 6-3, 6-1 victory over Divijay Singh Naruka at the No. 6 spot. Tuki Jacobs defeated

Ronald Mataba 7-5 at No. 3, while Oliver Gingras took down Jarred Thompson at No. 5. Gerhard Gruindelingh defeated Karlo Skovrc on the No. 4 court.

"Individually, each guy knows they need to step up," said Brochu.

"They work on stuff individually, and then when we come together they really push each other. They understand that everyone needs to work hard and do their part to get the win."

In doubles, Gingras and Gruindelingh beat Mataba and Adam Coyne 6-2 at No. 3, while Leitner and Jacobs downed Mlambo and Skovrc at 7-5 No. 2.

"I think doubles is working really well for us right now," said Brochu.

"We have been trying so many different combinations, and we seem to always have success in doubles so that is big."

The Jags are set to take on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg on Sunday, February 22.

Daniiel Leitner was named SBC player of the week.

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

Women’s basketball continues losing streak

Track and field claims four first place finishes at Samford Invitational

By Aaron Poiroux Sports Reporter

T

he University of South Alabama men’s and women’s track and field teams claimed four first place finishes on Friday, February 13 at the Samford Invitational in Birmingham.

The men’s team placed eighth overall with 45 points, while the women placed ninth with 29. Coastal Carolina won the men’s division with 76 points, and Western Carolina took the women’s division with 83.23 points.

Christoph Graf came in first in the mile, with a time of 4:06.14, and Rafael Scott earned first in the 60-meter dash. LaMia Miller finished first in women’s shot put with a career-best distance of 14.65m.

Kaitlyn Beans earned first place in the women’s triple jump, posting a make of 12.55m.

Five additional Jaguars placed in the top five of their respective events. Ravaughn Pope came in second in the 60-meter hurdles, and Matthew Dillon placed 10th.

Laura Labuschaigne placed fifth in the women's mile run with a time of 4:57.64. Mark Watts placed seventh in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.65. Joanna McCoy came in eighth place in the women’s 3000-meter run with a time of 10:08.22.

In field events, Renaldo Frechou came in fourth in the men’s weight throw with a distance of 17.54m.

Jan-Lowe Kotze placed ninth with a distance of 15.08m. Niel Giliomee placed fourth in the men’s pole vault with a height of 4.70m. Scott also participated in the long jump, where he placed ninth with a distance of 6.74. Robert King took 10th place in the high jump with a height of 1.85m.

"We had about 20 individuals who recorded lifetime best performances today," explained USA head coach Paul Bruekse. "It's definitely a good showing as we head into the conference championships at the end of the month.”

The Jaguars will head to the Sun Belt Conference Indoor Championship on February 23-24.

By DREW SCELSI Sports Editor

T

he South Alabama women’s basketball team lost two games this week. The first loss came to Troy on Thursday, and the second came at the hands of UT Arlington on Saturday.

Game 1: Troy 78, USA 67 The Jaguars had more than twice as many turnovers (31) as assists (15). Those turnovers led to 37 points for Troy, which improved to 14-9 (9-5) on the season. The turnover margin also led to 22 fast break points for the Trojans, compared to just 4 for the Jags.

“I thought the transition baskets [tonight] were critical,” South Alabama head coach Terry Fowler said. “[Troy] was able to get a lot of easy baskets when we were fighting so hard to get back into the game.

They were able to give themselves a cushion with those baskets.”

South Alabama had three players score in double figures: Breanna Hall led the team with 18, and Colby Davis and Amber Yelding contributed 14 and 12, respectively. Hall has reached doublefigure points in 19 games this season, and 31 times in her last 35 games. Chyna Ellis pitched in 9 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals.

Troy was led by Ashely Beverly-Kelley, who posted a game-high 19 points on

7-of-13 shooting to go along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Ronita Garrett added 12 points and 7 rebounds for the Trojans.

The loss dropped the Jaguars into last place in the Sun Belt at 1-13, and all but eliminated them from a chance to play in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.

Game 2: UTA 64, USA 46 The team lost its fifth consecutive game to the UT Arlington Mavericks on Saturday. The Jaguars shot 34.1% from the field and 35.7% from three point territory during the 63-46 loss. UT Arlington scored 24 of their points off of 18 South Alabama turnovers.

“I was really disappointed in how we started the game,” said Fowler. “We were down 7-4, but you would’ve thought we were down 20-5. We hung our heads and from that point on we turned the ball over and it snowballed the rest of the first half. We gave up 13 points off turnovers in the first half and nine points off second-chance shot opportunities, that was 22 points right there; if you cut that in half, it’s a ballgame “In the second half they came out and answered some of the challenges we gave them at halftime, we got it down to six turnovers and were able to attack their pressure. There were things we were seeing from the bench the entire time that we finally started executing it in the second half, so we were able to get baskets.

In the half court our defense was pretty good, we forced three or four shot clock violations, but it was the points off turnovers that gave them easy scoring opportunities and they were tough to handle in the paint with their size as well.”

Hall led all scorers with 13 points. Hall also finished with 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Marquita Daniels had 11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Rachel Cumbo recorded 8 points, 5 rebounds and a pair of assists. Taylor Jenkins had 8 points and 3 rebounds.

The Mavericks shot 41.7% from the field and 50% from deep.

“The toughest thing is not that every game matters but every day in practice matters,” said Fowler. “We have to be able to simulate games in practice, but one of the things that’s happening with us is that we have so many young players who have never had to go through this all the time.

They’re playing against each other in practice a lot, but they are not used to playing at this level that you need to on game day; all of a sudden we get to a game and there’s a whole other intensity level and we’re not ready for it. At some point we adjust to it and they’re ready to play, but we’ve dug ourselves such a big hole that it’s hard to come back.”

The Jags, now 4-20 overall and 1-14 in Sun Belt play, look to snap the losing streak against Georgia State in Atlanta on Thursday, February 19 at 4 P.M.

JORDAN KNOX OPINION EDITOR kjk1103@jagmail.southalabama.edu

OPINION

FEB. 16, 2015

Mobile County makes history: Marriage equality for all

By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Copy Editor

A

couple weeks ago I wrote on the subject of marriage equality. Less than two weeks later the state of Alabama made national headlines as Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore requested that probate judges refuse to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

I’ve thought a lot about the issue and went back to read what I said and reflect on my own words. Has my opinion changed?

Absolutely not. Still, I think I need to clarify my words.

One of the things I like to reiterate is that no one has the power to choose who someone else can love.

No one should be able to tell you that you can love this person but not that person for any reason, especially based on sexual orientation.

This issue is much more than

that though.

A refusal to issue marriage licenses is nothing more than a veil to shroud the inequality that still exists in this country, and especially in the state of Alabama.

I think the nation finally realized that we’re not too far removed from the racism that plagued this country for hundreds of years in light of the recent events that plagued the end of 2014.

Equality, in regards to race and sexual orientation, seems to be at a standstill as well.

As I grew up in the mid-late 90s and early 2000s I looked at the world with rose-colored glasses. I thought racism didn’t exist, everyone was equal and I had no idea as to what the economy was comprised of as an elementary school student!

Now though, almost two years removed from my undergraduate degree and months away from a graduate degree, I feel like I’ve learned so much more about how the world works. I think a racism-free country is still a dream in this country.

Additionally, I still think we’re far and away from a genderequal society as well, just look at the figures of what a man and woman makes in the same job with the same degree post college degree.

Again, I don’t think that someone can decide who can love who. But what I didn’t vocalize weeks ago is that I understand love and marriage are different.

Regardless, I do not think that anyone can approve of someone else’s love, or someone else’s marriage.

I’m still not into the idea that people in this country should have to seek approval from a local government agency to be legally married.

Then again, we do have people that try to marry trucks and other inanimate objects so I understand the government’s presence in this issue. What I don’t understand is the stance that religion takes in marriage equality.

I don’t need religion

superseding the laws of my government anymore. It’s 2015, not 1615, 1715, or 1815.

Regardless of what religioustied-morals helped give structure to this young country’s government back in 1776, it’s time to begin living in the present.

It’s been 238, almost 239 years, since this country’s freedom was established on religious freedom among other principles.

I read on AL.com that Reverend Franklin Graham, an evangelist, stated “I applaud Justice Moore and the many Alabama judges who are

upholding the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman.”

To me, the bible has no place in the definition of marriage between two people, even in the Bible Belt.

Listen, the best thing about an opinion article is that I’m allowed to express my opinion.

Don’t get it twisted.

If you wish to let your faith dictate your morals and your politically-tied views, then go for it. Chief Justice Moore is doing it. Rev. Graham is too.

Personally, I choose to separate church and state.

Rob ober ertt Povilat and Milton Persing i ger emb m race while waitin wait ing on Judge Gra rana n de’s ruling Th T ursday, Feb. 12.

ALYSSANEWTON

Do you feel like the parking situation on campus could be improved in any way? How? MICHAEL RIZZOLI Don’t let teachers/cops park in student zones.

AMANDA SUZANNE Do away with the 100 faculty spots in every zone that are half used.

MASON ALEXANDER They make a killing off of those tickets! Why would they ever spend more money only to make less money? They can’t keep up with growing enrollment so they really couldn’t careless the reputation it leaves or possible deterring of prospective students. It will be long after our time before any dramatic resolution is seen

LINDSAY BYRNE Maybe do away with the parking zones except for the faculty and other workers. Allow students to park where they want. More jag Trans

STEPHANIE DIAZ Two words: Parking garage.

JORDAN KNOX OPINION EDITOR kjk1103@jagmail.southalabama.edu

DISTRACTIONS

FEB. 16, 2015

FAT TUESDAY See if you can find this week’s THREE HIDDEN WORDS! Hidden words from last week: Roses, Friends, Presents BALL BEADS CELEBRATION FATTUESDAY FEBRUARY FLOATS FRIENDS GREEN

KING KINGCAKE MARDIGRAS PARADE PARTY PURPLE QUEEN YELLOW

SUDOKU

ANSWER KEYS FOR: FEBRUARY 9

16

FEB. 16, 2015