February 1, 2016

AUG. 10, 2015

VOL. FEB.57 1, #3 2016 VOL. 57 #20

If we build it,

will they come?

2016 Senior Bowl NEWS NEWS

Wheels for Elijah Project Homeless Connect

25

LIFE LIFE

Freshman Do’sMuseum and Don’ts Mobile Carnival

127

pg. 8

OPINION OPINION

the allowed Source NoConsider safe spaces

16 14

2

FEB. 1, 2016

South students serve through Homeless Connect University of South Alabama volunteers help with annual event to serve Mobile’s homeless population

By BRIA JOHNSON Staff Reporter

L

ast Thursday, the University of South Alabama partnered with the Mobile Project Homeless Connect in an effort to end homelessness in the community.

According to its website, the Mobile Project Homeless Connect works to provide hundreds of homeless residents in Mobile and surrounding areas with medical services, legal assistance and screenings. It also provides access to resources such as food stamps, state ID’s and Social Security cards.

Homeless Connect is a national project that takes place in several cities. Mobile, under the guidance of Housing First, has been doing the project for three years.

Over 200 workers and volunteers came to the Mobile Fairgrounds, site of the third annual Mobile Project Homeless Connect.

Kim Pettway, social work instructor and director of the Center for Academic Service Learning and Civil Engagement (CASLCE) said this year had the greatest number of participants.

“The University of South Alabama is a major partner in... the project as we offer a significant portion of the medical support,” Pettway said. “We often have several hundred students volunteering from social work, nursing, PT (physical therapy), etc.”

A group from the University of South Alabama’s College of Medicine, including social work, pre-med, and occupational therapy clinic students worked with Homeless Connect. The group planned and recruited other students to help with the project.

Students in residency and doctors from the college of medicine helped with any health-related problems that the clients needed.

Many South Alabama students were there as a class requirement but said that they really enjoyed helping those that needed it.

“I felt like I made someone’s day,” said Aaliyah Crawford, a junior, health informatics major.

Crawford said that her experience was great and that she meet many new people.

“I got to help someone in a long term way, that was my favorite part,” Crawford

(Emily Rodrick | Staff Photographer)

Two men stand in line as they wait to take part in the services provided in the oneday project. (Emily Rodrick | Staff Photographer) said.

Chrishonda Irby, a junior social work major, said that she enjoyed helping with the Mobile Project Homeless Connect.

“This was my first time at the Homeless Connect,” Irby said. “I was kinda nervous at first, but everyone was friendly and it felt good being able to help out.”

Irby worked as an escort, showing clients to the different vendors to receive any service that they needed. She said that some did not talk, but those that did said the project connected them to the resources they need.

Jeffrey Watts, a client at Homeless Connect, said he thought the project was great and was very appreciative for

everything. Watts, who is currently living at the Waterfront Rescue Mission, came to the clinic looking for more permanent housing, food stamps applications and dental work, but while he was there, he also got a haircut and a meal.

Pettway said she thinks that the event was a success and that it would not be without the support of students and community partners.

The event brought government agencies, academia, health care facilities, faith-based organizations, transportation, law enforcement, United Way, workforce development and other nonprofit agencies together to provide needed services at no cost to the homeless in the community.

‘Pathway to USA’ expands to SGA announces ‘Ticket Forgiveness’ date, votes on SGA budget Monday Bishop State CC

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

A

week after South Alabama announces partnership with Faulkner State University, to allow an easier transition from the community college to the Mobile four-year university, the University has now partnered with Bishop State Community College.

“By partnering with Bishop State, Pathway USA will enable more community college students to receive a degree from the University of South Alabama and provide these students with an earlier involvement in USA activities,” said University of South Alabama President Tony Waldrop. “Bishop State and South

Alabama have a lot of history together, and we’re looking forward to the next, exciting chapter.”

This program is specifically geared towards students wanting to begin their collegiate career in a community college before transferring to a larger university.

Students from Bishop State CC who enter the program will have automatic admission upon completion of the program with a 2.0 GPA or better. Other benefits for the program include allowing students to meet with an USA academic advisor and enjoy special discounts that USA students enjoy through Jaguar Productions and free admission to athletic events.

The program will begin in the 2016 fall semester for both community colleges.

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

A

campaign promise from SGA president Ravi Rajendra may be finally coming to fruition with the announced date for “Ticket Forgiveness Day.” On Monday, Jan. 25, Rajendra announced during the weekly meeting that the highly anticipated event will fall on March 10.

Students will be able to fill out a form and bring in certain food items to donate in exchange for ‘forgiving’ a $10-$15 parking ticket.

This will only apply to existing parking tickets, including only those for out of zone, no permit and parking in faculty staff spots before 5 p.m.

Before concluding the regularly scheduled meeting, other topics covered during the meeting included Higher Education Day (Feb. 25), ‘It’s On Us’ committee forming, LiveSafe, and the rescheduling of the lighting tour.

SGA will vote on the budget proposed last week on Monday, Feb. 1.

In addition to appropriations, cosponsorships, senate projects and other regularly listed budget items, the budget also includes Higher Ed Day, SGA Banquet, student appreciation baseball game, a leadership summit in Washington DC for incoming and outgoing SGA president and a basketball suite for a SGA event.

SGA meets every Monday at 7:15 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

3

FEB. 1, 2016

3 Editorial Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Life Editor Staff Reporters

Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton

Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Caitlin Smith

Staff Photographer Emily Rodrick Web Editor Cole Tarver

Distribution

Distribution Alan Smith

Advertising

Advertising Cristina Werner Graphic Designer Katelyn Huff

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and 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 Alpha Hall South Room 336 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

Nick Grondin | Staff Meteorologist

USAPD Blotter

If you SEE something 2 5 1 - 4 6 0 - 6 3 1 2 SAY something!

17:00 1/12/2016 Theft of property in third degree ($500 or less) Bookstore Theft was reported by USA Bookstore involving a temporary employee.

2:34 1/15/2016 Property damage Phi Kappa Phi Resident reported unintentionally breaking a window.

1:28 01/19/2016 Possession of Marijuana Officers stopped a vehicle going in the exit side of the Grove and discovered marijuana a from the driver, a non student or resident of the Grove. He was transported to Mobile County Jail and placed on docket.

11:97 1/19/2016 Possession of a weapon on USA property Rifle in sling bag, knives and ammunition.

Male student was referred to UDC for possession of a wepon on USA property.

7:17 01/20/2016 Criminal Mischief The Grove Rear passenger window broken out.

23:54 01/20/2016 Harassment Epsilon I Incident of harassment at dormitory.

1:18 1/22/2016 Driving under the influence - Alcohol University Boulevard Non-student driver discovered driving under the influence.

4

FEB 1, 2016

What to expect when you’re graduating

Academic advsor Kelly Taylor gives tips on making the graduation process painless

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

A

month into spring semester hundreds of seniors are are focused on one thing, graduation. However, all students should be thinking about graduating at least two semesters before they plan on it.

Kelly Taylor, an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences, said it is important for students to meet with their college’s academic advisor at least two semesters in advance, to make sure they are meeting all the requirements for graduation.

“If there’s a problem with the way that courses are being offered, or if you thought you only had certain courses left and then you come see me and I go oh, ‘but you forgot about this or you forgot about that,’ if I have two semesters to work with you, typically we could work it out.”

Meeting with an advisor two semesters in advance can help students avoid the shock of having more hours to take than expected, as well as saving some potentially embarrassing situations regarding graduation.

“I think it also is a big kick in the teeth for students, you know. When family members have bought airline tickets and they’re flying in and you go they just told me I have 25 hours left, I really thought I had two classes. It does a lot more damage to a student’s self-esteem.”

Taylor said that many students don’t realize

Over 2,000 students graduated last spring from South Alabama. (Photo | Vanguard Archives) that the process to apply for graduation begins five to six months in advance. Or that they don’t understand that students have to register for graduation in the first place. She said that the reason the process begins so early is so students need know what classes to take heading into their last semester and to know when the needed courses are going to be taught.

However, if you haven’t met with your advisor two months in advance, Taylor still encourages you to make an appointment.

However, she does say that there is a final cut off date to register for graduation in the College of Arts and Science, Feb. 5. Still, Taylor said that all the colleges have different rules and to check with the college your department is located in.

There are still some possible pitfalls that

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/thevanguardusa

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW US

ON TWITTER! @TheVanguardUSA Stay Connected. Get Involved. Make Memories.

students can face after registering for graduation.

Taylor said that students should continue to check their university email until they physically receive their diploma. Final grades from the spring semester are not posted until the Tuesday after the commencement ceremony.

“Walking does not equate to graduating, it’s simply a ceremony. Grades don’t post till Tuesday. You could fail a course and it happens, so you don’t graduate. But, you walked across the stage and in your mind you graduated.”

Students are notified when they are actually graduated, but it’s a weeks long process until all graduations have been finalized and the university sends out an email confirming that diplomas are being sent out.

Taylor stressed using the DegreeWorks, degree evaluation on PAWS, because that

program is the exact program is used to graduate students. She said that freshman and sophomores should get in the habit of using it, so they can track their academic progress and avoid some of the possible hiccups on the road to graduation.

They need to be understanding how that works and how important that is that stays accurate. And a lot of them are using it.”

Taylor said. “They can see how far away they are. I think they get excited as they start seeing more and more things fill in and it keeps them motivated.”

Like last spring, the university will be holding two ceremonies, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 2 p.m. on May 7. Just over 2,000 students graduated with a degree from the University of South Alabama last spring.

FEB 1, 2016

5

SPORTS

MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

FEB 1, 2016

Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief

Men’s hoops beats Troy, blows out App St. Jaguars beat in-state rivals Troy on the road, handle Appalachain State at the Mitchell Center

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

T

he South Alabama men’s basketball team was able to squeak out a win against their in-state rivals Troy, before returning home on Saturday to beat Appalachian State by double-digits.

Led by Georgi Boyanov, the Jaguars managed to claim a 66-58 win in Trojan Arena last Tuesday against Troy. The junior forward from Bulgaria finished with a 18 points and 10 rebounds, his sixth double-double of the year.

“When Georgi is consistent for us, we’re a pretty good offensive team because he is a matchup nightmare,” Graves said to USAJaguars. “He can score around the basket with his funky game and he’s able to step out and shoot the ‘3.’

Boyanov scored one three-pointer, but it was a crucial one. With 17 seconds to play, Shaq Calhoun found

Boyanov of the left wing, whose three gave the Jags an insurmountable six-point advantage.

“That was a great play,” Graves said to USAJaguars. “Georgi stepped up. He was 0 for 4 (from deep) at the time and both he and his teammates had the confidence to step up and make a big shot. Obviously that was the deciding factor there.”

The Trojans’ held an eight point lead in the second half but, the Jags went on a 15-3 run behind threepointers from Calhoun, Ken Williams and Nick Stover over 4:18. The Trojan’s dried up offensively and only hit 1-of-8 shots.

Defensively, the Jags were able to force 13 turnover, 10 in the second half. They held the Trojan’s to 43.4 percent shooting for the game and 37 percent shooting in the second half.

“I thought the defensive effort was much better,” Graves said to USAJaguars. “Again, it’s not a matter if we’re playing man or zone, it’s our energy and effort. I thought tonight we sustained it for a lot more posses-

sions. We rebounded the ball really well, and that’s what we need night in, and night out. If we continue to do that, we’ll win enough games to put ourselves in position to be able to compete for a Sun Belt championship. The next challenge is showing consistency in doing that.”

A late run from Troy cut the game to three, but Boyanov’s three-pointer with 17 seconds left was enough to put the game away for the Jags.

The Jags returned home Saturday to take on the Mountaineers of Appalachian State, a team that was one spot ahead of them in the conference standings. The Mountaineers came into the night averaging 84.3 points in their last four game. The Jaguars were able to hold the potent Mountaineer offense to 60 points and 31.8 percent shooting in their 73-60 win.

“I’m very pleased with our effort, especially on the defensive end,” USA head coach Matthew Graves said. “We did a tremendous job of following the game plan. We really wanted to eliminate Frank Eaves

from the game and he’s a great player and leading scorer of this league. To hold him to two points on 1 for 15 shooting, our guys were absolutely outstanding. We mixed some things up and our guys were able to rotate and follow through with the scouting reports. I couldn’t be more pleased with their effort, their attention to detail, and their focus was outstanding.

The Jaguars trailed the Mountaineers 30-25 at the half, but strung together a 22-3 run to start the second half. During that run, App State missed 12 straight shots and went seven minutes without a point.

With 8:52 left App State cut the lead to 47-38, but senior guard John Brown came off the bench to drain three straight three-pointers. Tafari Whittingham added another two points off a layup, giving the Jags an 18 point lead, which put the game away for the Jaguars.

“My time comes. Coaches say every time you get in the game, just give it your all, just go all out, so that’s what I did just gave it my all and went

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

all out.” Brown said.

USA led by at least 11 for the rest of the game, resulting in a 73-60 win. Four Jaguars finished the night in double-digits. Brown led all scorers with 13, Ken Williams and Boyanov had 12 and Stover had 10.

“Our guys are starting to understand we can be down two, four, or six points, that we have the ability to make up points in a hurry,” Graves stated. “At Troy, it was kind of going back and forth and then we hit three straight threes from three different guys. Tonight we were up a little bit, and all of a sudden J.B. came in and made three straight threes and it extended the lead. Our guys really fed off that.”

The Jaguars are now 9-12 and 4-6 in the Sun Belt. They head to Arkansas this week to play Arkansas State on Thursday and ArkansasLittle Rock on Saturday. Both teams are currently in the top four in the Sun Belt. Thursday night’s game against Arkansas State will be available on ESPN3.

7

FEB 1, 2016

Men’s, women’s tennis each win two

Jaguar baseball opens spring practice

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

L

ast Friday, the South Alabama baseball team opened spring training with an intrasquad game at Stanky Field as they look to retain the Sun Belt Conference title.

The Jaguars return 24 letterwinners from last season’s team, including the 2015 SBC Pitcher of the Year and All-American Kevin Hill, as well as first-team all-SBC and Rawling’s Golden Glove Award winning outfielder Cole Billingsley. Both players were named to College Sports Madness all-conference first team. The same publication also named Hill the Sun Belt Preseason Pitcher of the Year.

"I have been really pleased with the team's progression," Jaguar head coach Mark Calvi said to USAJaguars. "I saw it this fall. We have a lot of returners, so it's not like we have to spend a lot of time on things that we do already. We have been able to put a couple of new wrinkles in there offensively, because we have so many returners. Almost everyone on the infield is back from last year. They understand how we want it played, where everyone is supposed to be, the speed at which it is supposed to be played and our intentions with what we want defensively. I have been really happy with the progression we have made defensively. The team that pitches it the best and plays the best

defense early on in the year has a chance to win its share of ball games.”

Calvi told USAJaguars that although there are some question marks on the offensive side of the ball, but there is still potential for the offense to be dangerous.

“We have some guys who can run, and I think we can hit more doubles this year. I think we have a chance to do a little bit more of everything than we did last year.” Calvi said to USAJaguars.

Calvi also said that the hard work that the team has show is a good indication of the season to come.

“These kids come and work hard every single day they practice. They are in the cages before and after practice and I see guys in there on the weekend on their own and there are pitchers out there getting their work in,” Calvi said, “I've been very pleased with the leadership shown thus far in this team. Hopefully, that is a good indication of things to come this year, it usually is."

Last season, the Jaguars finished 37-20 with a record of 19-9 in the conference en route to a regular season Sun Belt championship.

The Jaguars fell to Louisiana-Lafayette in the championship of the conference tournament.

South Alabama will open the 2016 season on Friday Feb, 19 when the take on Evansville at 6:30 p.m. at Stanky Field.

The Jagaurs finished last season with a record of 37-20 and 19-9 in Sun Belt Conference play. (Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief)

Tuki Jacobs won both matches agaisnt Jackson State and Jacksonville State in straight sets. (USAJaguars)

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

S

outh Alabama’s men’s and women’s tennis teams defeated Jacksonville State and Jackson State in their home openers on Friday. The men’s tennis team also beat Stetson on Sunday.

The No. 74 ranked men’s team extended their win streak to five games over the course of the weekend. The team defeated Jackson State 7-0 and Jacksonville State 6-1 on Friday. The Jaguars were led by Tuki Jacobs finished the day 2-0 and didn’t drop a single set.

“A guy like Jacobs, who played No. 1 this morning and No. 2 this afternoon, coming out of the day 2-0 without dropping a set is great.” USA head coach Nick Brochusaid in an interview with USAJaguars Jacobs, along with senior Tim Srkala led the Jaguars to a win over Seston on Sunday, improving their record to 5-1 on the season. Sarkala beat Loic Blanco 6-2.

7-6 (7-2) after trailing 5-2 in the second set. He rallied to bring the set to 5-5 and eventually won the tiebreaker.

Jacobs and Juan Troglia gave the Jaguars a first doubles win of the day.

Srkala and junior Pierre Noyon won their doubles match to give the Jags the doubles point.

“It’s nice to see your two captains, Srkala, a senior, and Jacobs, who has been around for three years, get two big points for us,” Brochu said to USAJaguars.

“That’s big and for the young guys to see this they feel very motivated to follow them. Today was a great match from top to bottom.

The women’s team beat Jackson State and Jacksonville State 7-0 on Friday, bringing their record to 3-3.

“I’m excited to get two wins,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser to USAJaguars. “Winning feels good. We’re getting back on the winning track and going about business as always. Playing a doubleheader is always long, but our student-athletes were really mature in the way they approached our matches.”

The women are back in action on Friday against Texas State at 1 p.m. at home. The men will return to the court at home on Feb. 6 against Southern Miss.

8

FEB 1, 1, 2016 2 01 FEB

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

E

very year Mobile becomes the center of all college football as some of the best players from all over the country come to the Port City to display their talent in front of NFL staff, scouts and thousands of fans.

The 2016 Senior Bowl wrapped up one of the biggest annual weeks in Mobile with a 27-16 South win coached by Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley.

Senior Bowl MVP Dak Prescott went 7-for-10 with 61 yards and a touchdown.

The Mississippi State quarterback also ran for 13 yards in the South team’s victory.

Darian Thompson, a safety from Boise State, broke up two passes, recorded five

tackles and was named MVP for the North team. Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman, who was recorded this week at 6’7 and 269 pounds, was named MVP for the South team after recording two sacks for 13 yards and a forced fumble.

Mobile native Jake Coker was the first of the South quarterbacks to take the field with the offense.

“I love coming home to Mobile and playing,” Coker said after the game. “It’s been a good time. It’s something I always dreamed of growing up.”

Coker led a pair of first-quarter scoring drives. After keeping a drive alive with an 8-yard scramble, TCU running back Aaron Green opened up scoring with a 25-yard rushing touchdown with four minutes left in the first quarter.

The first quarter was capped 10-0 after Duke kicker Ross Martin added to the South team’s lead on a 48-yard field goal.

Coker left the field 3-for-8 for 24 yards.

The South defense continued to stand tall until there were less than three minutes left in the second quarter. The North

DAK PRESCOTT “I’m going in just trying to be the best person, the best quarterback and the best leader I can and take advantage of every opportunity...”

(Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief)

Mississippi State QB

7-for-10, 61 yards, 1 TD

Senior Bowl MVP team got on the board when UCLA kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn made a field goal from 36 yards out.

The South team answered with a 5-yard touchdown from Prescott after the MVP led the South to the end zone with a 10play, 80-yard drive just before the half. He hit Baylor’s Jay Lee on a couple of long completions to get in scoring position, then found Southeast Missouri State’s Paul McRoberts on a 5-yard TD strike with 22 seconds remaining to put the South up 17-3 at the break.

In the second half, the North team was more successful offensively. It answered a 40-yard field goal from Martin with a oneyard touchdown run by USC quarterback Cody Kessler.

The following drive, the South team went for a 33-yard field goal, but it was blocked

by West Virginia safety K.J. Dillon and returned 73 yards by Wisconsin linebacker Joe Schobert. The North team was within

five yards of a one-possession game.

The clock ran out on the North team though, and the ball changed hands for the start of the fourth quarter. The South team answered, capping a 75-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown from Alabama running back Kenyan Drake.

This year, the teams combined had 8 quarterbacks, with the coaching staff splitting playing time to attempt to allow each player to have enough time to showcase what they could.

The South team’s quarterbacks included Prescott, Alabama’s Coker, Arkansas’ Brandon Allen and N.C State’s Jacoby Brissett.

The North team featured Kessler, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, Stanford’s Kevin Hogan and Louisiana Tech’ Jeff Driskel.

“It’s fun to work with all of these quarterbacks,” Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. “We had a good group and there’s so much for a quarterback to learn in such a short period of time.”

With 3:10 left in the ballgame, Driskel led the North team 94 yards down the field, passing 6-for-9 with 86 yards.

On the last play of the game, he found Michigan State receiver Aaron Burbridge on a 29-yard Hail Mary for a touchdown.

The only Sun Belt player in the game was tight end Darion Griswold from Arkansas State. He was not selected until this past Wednesday, and as a result, saw little playing time.

Some of the most popular players throughout the week came from Alabama, the college football national champions, who sent five players to the Senior Bowl: Coker, Drake, Reggie Ragland, Cyrus Jones, and Jarron Reed. State rival Auburn sent only one, cornerback Jonathan Jones.

The record for the most players sent by a single college in a single year is held

by Alabama, who sent 10 players in 1987.

The next year, Auburn sent nine, and that number was tied by Southern California in 2008.

Saturday’s game was the 67th annual clash between the North and South, but the first game was held in Jacksonville before it moved to its home of Mobile in 1951. The nationally-known game has become a staple of the city and has been the launching pad for many NFL players’ careers.

The South leads the series 33-28-3, winning three of the last four games.

FEB F EB 1, 1, 2016 2 01 6

9

HEAD COACHES

Jacksonville Jaguars GUS BRADLEY

Dallas Cowboys JASON GARRETT

Jaguars head coach since 2013 Head Coaching Record: 12-36 (.250) NFL COACHING PAST: LINEBACKERS - TAMPA BAY (06-08) DC - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (09-12)

Cowboys head coach since 2010 Head Coaching Record: 45-43 (.511) NFL COACHING PAST: QB COACH - MIAMI DOLPHINS (05-06) OC - DALLAS COWBOYS (07) Assistant HC/ OC (08-10)

COLLEGE: Safety at North Dakota State

COLLEGE: Quarterback at Princeton

Homegrown:

The man, the myth,

THE MEME

(Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief)

ay in front of h ometown Two Mobile natives play hometown crowd for Senior Bowl

K.J. MAYE

Wide Receiver - Minnesota Murphy High School

T

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

D

(Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief)

efensive end Shawn Oakman is known for his size, power, and speed as a lethal defensive weapon.

Oakman measured in at the national scouting weigh-in last Tueday at 6’7 and 269 pounds, looking almost chizzled and with tatoos to match.

Needless to say he’s hard to miss.

But, for those who don’t know the former Baylor Bear, many could probably recognize him from his viral meme that took over Twitter.

“It was cool at first, but there was some good and bad with it,” Oakman said. “It kind of got old, but I’ve seen some funny posts.”

The image came from a still in the 2015 Cotton Bowl against Michigan State. The Spartans beat the Bears 42-41.

Last season Oakman recorded 43 tackles, two forced fumbles and 4.5 sacks.

he 5-foot-10, 194-pound K.J. Maye lettered all four years while playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Murphy graduate made his mark in 2015 starting all 13 games and catching 73 passes, the second most in school history, for 773 yards and five touchdowns.

On Jan. 25, Murphy High School had “KJ Maye Day” as they honored the former Panther.

“It’s been a great experience coming back home and being a hometown kid, playing in front of my friends and family...everyone who’s been there from day one,” Maye said.

Maye was originally on the North roster before being moved to the South team after changes were made to the roster.

In the game, Maye had two catches for six yards.

JAKE COKER

QUARTERBACK - ALABAMA ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Jake Coker returned home to Mobile for the Senior Bowl a national champion after Alabama’s win over Clemson last month in the 2016 National Championship game.

Coker transferred to Alabama from Florida State, where he played backup behind Heisman Trophy-winner Jameis Winston.

The quarterback went from being beat out by quarterback Blake Sims in 2014 and being benched earlier this season, to becoming the first transfer quarterback to win a national championship since Cam Newton in 2011.

The senior completed 69.9 percent of his passes (263-for-393) for 3,110 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season for the Tide.

Three of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s national titles at Alabama have been won by two quarterbacks from Mobile, Coker and fellow St. Paul’s graduate A.J. McCarron.

10

FEB 1, 2016

Women’s hoops moves one game short of .500 in SBC

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor

T

he South Alabama women’s basketball team brought home wins against Troy and Appalachian State last week, extending their win streak to three games. The Jaguars moved to 9-10 on the year and 5-5 in the Sun Belt Conference, currently in sixth place in the league.

Last Tuesday the Jaguars traveled to Trojan Arena to take on their in-state rivals, Troy. USA shot an incredible 90 percent in the second half to bring home a 75-71 victory. The win against Troy is the first time the Jaguars have won back to back games against Sun Belt opposition since the 201213 season. Four players finished the night in double figures. Sophomore guard Marquita Daniels led the way with 17 points after shooting 50 percent from the field. Daniels also shot 8-of-10 from the charity stripe. Colby Davis had 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Chyna Ellis and LaNeetra Guillory each had 10, a new career best for Guillory.

“Tonight’s win just gives our team so much confidence,” South Alabama head coach Terry Fowler said to USAJaguars.

“We’ve now won two road games in a row.

Troy sits in third place in our league right now and to come in here and play and fight the way we did, I just couldn’t be more proud of our team.

The Jaguars shot 18-for-20 in the second

Colby Davis scored 21 points in Saturday’s 71-55 win over Appalachain State. (USAJaguars) half and didn’t take one three-point shot.

The Jaguars also scored a season high 42 points in the paint.

The teams were tied 28-28 at the half, but the Jaguars came out in the third quarter to hit their first eight shots. The Jaguars shot 11-for-13 in the quarter, but also committed seven turnovers resulting in 21 points for the Trojans. In the final minutes of the game, Troy would make it a one possession game four times, but Daniels

University of South Alabama

Student Health Center of South Alabama Where University good health and healing Begins

Student Health Center t 4FYVBM "TTBVMU 4FSWJDFT t 4QFDJBMUZ 3FGFSSBMT t 4QPSUT .FEJDJOF t 45* 4DSFFOJOH BOE Contraception Counseling t 4FYVBM "TTBVMU 4FSWJDFT t 5SBWFM .FEJDJOF

t "MMFSHZ *OKFDUJPOT t (ZO 4FSWJDFT t )FBMUI &EVDBUJPO t *NNVOJ[BUJPOT t -BCPSBUPSZ 5FTUJOH t "MMFSHZ *OKFDUJPOT t 1IZTJDBM &YBNJOBUJPOT

Where good health and healing Begins

t (ZO 4FSWJDFT t )FBMUI &EVDBUJPO t *NNVOJ[BUJPOT t -BCPSBUPSZ 5FTUJOH t 1IZTJDBM &YBNJOBUJPOT

t 4QFDJBMUZ 3FGFSSBMT t 4QPSUT .FEJDJOF OFFICE HOURS 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., Mon., Wed. and Fri., t a.m.

45* 4DSFFOJOH BOE 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tues., Thurs.

Contraception Counseling Appointments Preferred/Walk-ins welcome t 5SBWFM .FEJDJOF ADDRESS

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

HEALTH SERVICES DRIVE

EN DRIVE

USA NORTH DRIVE

AUBREY GRE

Marx Library

Medical Sciences Building

Health Sciences Building

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

ITY

RS

IVE

UN

RD

VA

ULE

BO

OFFICE HOURS PHONE/FAX

M FRO OAD TH OR LL R » N SHE HEALTH OLD SERVICES

8:00(251) a.m. 460-7151 – 5:00 p.m., Mon., and Fri., Phone: FAX:Wed. (251) 414-8227 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tues., Thurs.

WEB SITE/WEB PORTAL Appointments Preferred/Walk-ins welcome

DRIVE

EN DRIVE

USA NORTH DRIVE

AUBREY GRE Marx Library

Medical Sciences Building

www.southalabama.edu/studenthealth https://jaghealth.usouthal.edu ADDRESS

Health Sciences Building

UN

M

D

AR

LEV

OU

YB

SIT

R IVE

RO

650 Clinic Drive TRP III, Suite 1200

650 Clinic Drive TRP III, Suite 1200 EMAIL studenthealth@southalabama.edu PHONE/FAX

hit four free throws during in the final 21 seconds of the game to hold on to a four point win.

The Jaguars would return home to face Appalachian State on Saturday. Daniels and Davis would both have big scoring nights, combining for 43 points in a 71-55 rout of the Mountaineers.

The Mountaineers got out to an early 7-point lead, but the Jaguars quickly tied things up scoring on three straight trips

down the court, Davis hitting a three-pointer to tie the game. Jennifer Towne gave the Jaguars their first lead of the game with a three-pointer, sparking a 10-0 Jaguar run.

The Jaguars went into the half with a 3124 lead. With 30 seconds remaining in the third, USA had a 50-39 lead that was cut to 9 after a Joi Jones buzzer-beater for the Mountaineers. The Jags would put the game away with a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to come away with the 16 point win.

“I see them every day come to practice and do their job, and we’re having fun as well. We’ve asked over the last few ballgames ‘When is the last bad practice that we’ve had?’ and nobody can point to one.

It started with our preparation and is carrying over in the game plan on game day.

When we start getting away from that we just say ‘game plan discipline’ and everybody knows what we need to do.” Fowler said.

Daniels finished the night with 22 points, with Davis right behind her with a career high 21 points.

“I want to do whatever I could to help my teammates out whether it was scoring, rebounding, assists, defensively, whatever it was, that’s what I wanted to do for my team tonight,” Davis said.

The Jaguars move to sixth in the Sun Belt Conference and are currently on a three-game winning streak. They travel to Arkansas to play Arkansas State and Arkansas Little Rock this Thursday and Saturday.

LIFE

NATALIE FRANKLIN LIFE EDITOR nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu

FEB 1, 2016

Eterniti featured at South Alabama’s hip-hop night

Eterniti performed at South Alabama on Tuesday, Jan. 26. (Natalie Franklin | Life Editor)

By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor

H

ip-hop night at the University of South Alabama blasted through the Student Center with hot beats and even hotter rhymes. Unfortunately, only a handful of students were there to enjoy it.

Jaguar Productions hosted the night and brought rapper, Eterniti, to the stage. Eterniti isn’t a name you hear every day.

“The literal definition means "time after death," I changed my name to that after my grandfather passed. My original group had a signature of swapping "i” with “y” and vice versa so I spell it with an “i” as a tribute to where I began,” he explained.

The Mobile native has been creating music since he was a young teen. “I always enjoyed writing short stories and poems when I was younger, and I decided to try my hand at writing songs. I found a group of guys that all had a love for good music. We could all rap and write, and so we formed a group in middle school and it just grew from there,” Eterniti said.

Eterniti hit the stage at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. This wasn’t Eterniti’s first time at South Alabama, but it was his first musical concert.

“I've performed several times over the years doing poetry and most recently with the Powerlines Poets, but I am ecstatic to hit that stage. It's just something special about performing on big stages at home,” Eterniti said.

Eterniti engaged the audience during his performance, encouraging them to come closer to the stage. Students who were in attendance appeared to be enjoying the show.

They were swaying and dancing with the music.

For some students, this was their first time hearing

Eterniti’s music. “I like it. It’s great,” Brianna Thomas, a freshman, said. Jalen Beck, another freshman student in attendance, reiterated his enjoyment of Eterniti’s music.

Eterniti’s music is quite unique. “Eclectic, Genredefying, hip-hop infused with influences of jazz, rock, big band, and electronica,” Eterniti described his music.

There were definite undernotes of jazz in his hip-hop beats.

He tells stories with his lyrics: stories of love, relationships, success and loss. His lyrics are clear and concise. Eterniti provided quality entertainment at the show.

Eterniti played music from his previous album, as well as one song from his upcoming album. It was his first time performing that song live. “The fan favorites tend to be ‘No Days Off,’ ‘Name Brands,’ and ‘Better Without You.’ I like to perform ‘No Days Off,’ but more recently my latest single ‘Vendetta’ and a new song I'll be debuting for this show called ‘How I Do’ are definitely my favorite songs to perform,” Eterniti explained.

Eterniti’s show was a hit for those in attendance, but it hasn’t always been so easy for the artist.

What’s been his biggest challenge? “Acceptance.

Especially on a local level, I don't do make the ‘typical’ hip hop that the music industry is pushing right now. I've always had my own style, look, and I prefer to talk about things I know versus things that are popular. I've been doing this professionally for around 12 years, and just being given opportunities on big stages has been hard because I don't conform or play politics,” Eterniti said.

Eterniti takes all of his challenges with the proverbial grain of sand.

“I am just blessed to have been doing this as long as I have and I haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg.

World Tours, Grammy's, I want it all...bring it!”

To access Eterniti’s music, visit his website mreverlasting.com.

Eterniti is a native of Mobile, Alabama. He describes his music as electric and genre defying. (Natalie Franklin | Life Editor)

Events of the Week

01

Black in the Media Student Center Room 203 7 p.m.

02

Groundhog Day

03

Candy Gram Nooner Student Center Mall 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

04

Zumba Rec Center, Studio 1 5:30-6:20 p.m.

05

Mardi Gras Parade Crewe of Columbus Route A 6:30 p.m.

12

FEB 1, 2016

Mobile Carnival Museum: the historical center for Mardi Gras

By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

T

he holiday season is over. The Christmas tree has been put by the side of the road and the New Year’s Eve kiss is still lingering on your lips.

This is the time when most places across the country go into a depression with nothing to look forward to but spring break. However, this does not apply to Mobile.

We do not get the post-holiday blues because we have Mardi Gras.

The time of year when tourists and native revelers alike stand shoulder to shoulder against barricades and scream for moonpies and beads. But why do we do these things?

The Mobile Carnival Museum curator, Edward Ladd believes you have to see it to understand the magic behind Mardi Gras.

“It is all make-believe and people love make-believe. It is a grownup’s Halloween. There is nothing like it.”

Since 1703 people have been celebrating this glorious time of year in Mobile.

“

It is a grownup’s Halloween. There’s nothing like it.

-Edward Ladd

”

With coronation balls that rival corona-

The Mobile Carnival Museum, located on Government Street, houses some of the oldest Mardi Gras memorabilia in Mobile, Alabama. (Caitlin Smith | Staff Reporter) tions of Europe’s heads of state and the largest street party in the country, it is safe to say these festivities are very important to Mobile.

“It is a huge economic boost for Mobile. All the costumes and the floats, and all the money spent by the organizations

The costumes above were once worn by young children in a Mardi Gras society.

(Caitlin Smith | Staff Reporter)

to put the show on, then what the tourists and the Mobilians spend to see it all,” Ladd said.

Some towns have small weekend long state fairs or carnivals to bring their city money. Not Mobile. We celebrate and dance in the street for three weeks straight.

With over 60 societies and each society having their own traditions and history, the Carnival Museum is filled with relics new and old.

“This museum gives a representation of what Mardi Gras is to Mobile. It is a unique museum and probably the only one like it in the country,” Ladd explained.

From Mardi Gras floats and working fire trucks to crowns and scepters worn by the royal courts, the museum tells the whole story.

The last float of the final parade of the year in the Order of Myths has always been the most meaningful.

Folly, a man dressed as a jester representing joy and happiness, chases Death, a man in a skeleton costume, around the column of life while flogging him with painted pig bladders.

It is not all moonpies and debauchery.

The reason we celebrate so passionately is to conquer what the man dressed as Death symbolizes and to fight off the holiday blues.

Mardi Gras is still in full swing. Whether it’s your first parade or your one hundredth parade, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

13

FEB 1, 2016

Mobile Writer’s Guild supports local authors

By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor

T

heir meetings begin like any ordinary organization: announcements are read, the treasury report is reviewed and business is conducted.

These are all typical practices of any other organization, but the Mobile Writers Guild is anything but ordinary.

The Mobile Writers Guild comprises aspiring writers as well as professional writers. “Our purpose is to help educate and inspire writers of all age levels and experience levels,” Carrie Dalby Cox, vice president of the guild, said.

The organization was established in 2005 by Mahala Church and Tracy Hurley.

Since the organization was established, local writers, experienced or otherwise, have had a place to gather together and support one another.

“I think that the Mobile Writers Guild is terrifically good and would be terrifically good for students who are interested in writing,” Linda Busby Parker said.

Parker is a creative writing instructor in the English department at South Alabama. She has been a guest speaker for the guild and has attended meetings in the past.

The guild meets on the first Thursday of every month, September through May. The various authors that comprise the guild feel right at home as they meet at West Regional Library, the home to thousands of books.

Guest speakers are invited to each meeting to discuss different topics, topics ranging from publishing to the delicate writing process.

“This last November meeting, we had Carolyn Haines. She spoke to us about the benefits, pros and cons, of traditional versus self-publishing,” Cox said. Haines is an assistant professor in the English department at South Alabama, and she has published over 20 books.

While Haines is not a member of the guild, she is an advocate of writing organizations in general.

“I, personally, believe that gatherings of writers to discuss writing and the business of writing is a very helpful thing,” Haines said.

The guild offers a plethora of opportunities to its members. “We are in the process of setting up outreach programs with different stores around town. Right now we have a Mobile Writers Guild table at the Urban Emporium down on Dauphin Street that only our members can sell their books from,” Cox said.

Writers also have the opportunity to perfect their craft through the guild.

“Several of us are in critique groups we form through meeting each other at the Writers Guild,” Cox said.

These critique groups meet and go through a process of assessing each other’s material. Critique groups are important for writers at any level.

“They keep you motivated,” Parker said.

The guild members are quite diverse.

“Our membership base is usually college level up to retirees,” Cox said.

The guild is not only beneficial to experienced, published writers, but it also offers pertinent assistance to beginning writers.

“We can point people in the right direction to help, whether it’s which website or how-to books or inspirational books to read to help with the writing craft or getting over rejections,” Cox said.

“I think the students would be delighted to find that here’s this community organization. If they’re writers, that organization will be great support for them,” Parker said.

The guild unites writers to create and share personal success.

“We set goals for ourselves and at the next meeting, the president reads through

what the goal was that you wrote down and asks, ‘Did you accomplish it?’

So it’s a way that you’re accountable and you have to report and it helps push you along to get to the next level,” Cox said.

To be in the presence of veteran authors is beneficial to young writers just beginning their craft.

Treasure Scarbrough, a Graphic Design major at South Alabama, has attended a few events held by the guild.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing novels but is too afraid to take that first step,” Scarbrough said.

Contrary to popular belief, writing is no easy feat. “Writing is solitary work,” Haines said, “and it’s nice to get together with other writers and discuss contracts, promotional opportunities, share information on good editors, etc.”

So, what is the most valuable aspect of the guild?

The answer is unanimous. “I think the guild is a great way for local writers to learn from each other,” Scarbrough said.

A more experienced writer, Carrie Dalby Cox, would answer that question in an almost similar way.

“The comradery. We’re very supportive of each other.”

OPINION No safe spaces allowed:

STAFF thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

FEB 1, 2016

A simple take on abortion and the definition of life

By TOM ADENT Contributing Writer

J

anuary marked the 43rd anniversary of Roe v Wade, the landmark decision legalizing abortion in the United States.

While “pro-lifers” and “pro-choicers” may disagree on many things, there is one fact that they can all agree on: people get passionate about their views on abortion. If one starts to look at the different ideas coming from each side, one will pick up on some interesting similarities.

We are currently living in the Deep South, so let’s start with the pro-life side, at its lowest level. Think of what your conservative, maybe less-educated but definitely less-informed friends might say when the question of abortion is raised in conversation.

“Abortion?” they say. “No way! You must HATE babies. I love babies. Babies babies babies.”

Does this sound familiar? Now flip to the other side, the lowest level in the prochoice hierarchy of ideas. This time, think of your friend who is liberal and equally less informed as your conservative friend, and what their response might be.

It could be something like this: “You are against abortion? You must be against women! Why do you hate women?”

What similarities do you see in these two friends? Yep, they are both idiots.

If you find yourself talking to someone

about abortion, and their first response is, “you must hate women,” or “you must hate babies,” then immediately stop, walk away and remove them from all of your social media outlets to save yourself some frustration down the road.

While there are always idiots on both sides of any argument, most people don’t fit into either of those stereotypes. So now that we have those people weeded out, let’s look at each side a little more seriously.

If we had to pick one phrase that defines the pro-choice side, it would probably be “my body, my choice.” This phrase can be seen all over social media, but what does it really mean?

This phrase usually comes along with the idea that women deserve equality, and the freedom to do what they want with their body. So it really boils down to the right to control what you do with your body.

Who would stand against an idea like that?

The one phrase to sum up the pro-life side would probably be something like, “a life is a life, no matter how small.” Just like the pro-choice phrase, this one also comes with its own implications.

The first implication is that the thing inside a woman during pregnancy, whether you call it a fetus or a baby, is alive. The second implication is that because it is alive, it has a right to life.

This side boils down to the right to life.

The ideas we have pitted against each

(Photo | Wikicommons) other here are the right to control your body and the right to life. Do you see the problem?

Only a crazy person would tell you that you are not allowed to control your body or that you do not have the right to life -- a crazy person or a politician I guess.

The reason the abortion debate has not gone anywhere is that these ideas do not confront each other. The real idea we need to be discussing is the definition of life.

The definition of life is clearly the biggest difference in the two arguments, yet

Why Russian?

By CAROLINE MURRELL Contributing Writer

T

hree years ago, when I decided to study Russian in college, the UkrainianCrimean crisis and the Sochi Olympics hadn’t happened. So, why Russian? Yes, it is considered a critical language by the US Departments of Defense and State. Yes, that means it usually pays better. But, it was a challenge.

It was interesting. I wanted to study something useful, but not quite like everyone else. So, I endured the “In Soviet Russia…”

jokes from my family and friends and came to South.

I didn’t know a word of Russian until my first class. I didn’t even know the alphabet.

The professor walked in and, stereotypically, rapidly started speaking in the language. The class had a mix of blank and horrified expressions. We didn’t understand anything. Two years later, when I studied abroad, it was almost worse. However, I was able to successfully, if crudely, order food and buy souvenirs.

I could explain to my host mother that I was going out with friends after class. I managed to

communicate with other people in this crazy language.

Russian is absolutely confusing.

The vocabulary and grammar have rules, and then immediately break those rules. I have to study things I have forgotten and spend more time than I have in learning it. I do occasionally question my decision of studying Russian.

But when people ask, “Why Russian?” I have an answer.

Because I love it. Because it is difficult and confusing, yet interesting and rewarding. Because why not Russian? Because in Soviet Russia, you do not learn Russian. Russian learns you.

you hardly hear anyone discussing it in a serious way. No, stating that you believe that it is or is not life does not constitute discussion.

There are oodles of scientists and philosophers that we could be utilizing as we explore this issue. If we want to take ourselves seriously as a society, we need to block out all the idiots, stop hurling hatred at each other and come together to actually discuss what life is.

Until then, we will not make progress on this humans’ rights issue.

We love opinions.

Have one?

Of course you do.

Send us your hottest takes. thevanguardeditor

@gmail.com

(The giraffe is irrelevant.)

DISTRACTIONS

STAFF thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

FEB 1, 2016

2016 Senior Bowl Players Down Across 1. North QB 5. Blocked kick 2. Alabama RB 7. Little Gronk 3. South MVP 8. Alabama QB 4. South kicker 9. MVP Sun Belt player 6. North MVP 10. Su Scored first touchdown 11. Sc All answers can be found in A Senior Sen Bowl game story on page 8

Every Saturday &Sunday

99c NIBBLERZ

PLUS HALF OFF

MILKSHAKES Valid at the Airport Boulevard location only Near Providence Hospital

NOW HIRING AT ALL LOCATIONS

16

FEB 1, 2016