The Vanguard June 1, 2015 by The Vanguard

VOL. 57 #1

JUNE 1, 2015

Taking a stand:

Graduates address social issues using mortarboards LIFE

SPORTS

Five fun things to do in Mobile USA falls to Auburn in Regional

OPINION

Surviving summer classes

JUNE 1, 2015

USA grads make statement with graduation caps Two gradutes use their morterborads to comment on pressing social issues By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Cheif

ecorating mortarboards, or graduation caps, has become a rite of passage that many seniors use to express themselves on their graduation day. Some students took that expression to an even larger level. Caps may include anything from “thanks mom and dad” to resumes in hopes to be hired after graduation. South Alabama had over 2,000 students walk in two commencements over the weekend with thousands of parents, friends and supporters overlooking the ceremony. Kadeem Fuller, who graduated with a political science major, decided that he wanted his mortarboard to stand for something different. Fuller decorated his cap with the phrase “Black Lives matter”, a movement that morphed into a hashtag campaign following the

acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin. The campaign resurfaced after the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown by a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri and subsequent racially charged incidents. “I decorated my cap the way I did because I felt as though I needed to send a message to people and graduation gave me a opportunity to do just that,” Fuller said. “With Baltimore occurring and Ferguson still mourning along with the deaths of black men such as Freddy Gray, Kendrick Johnson, and Charles Scott by police, I wanted to be sure that the message that despite everything black life has will and always matter.” Fuller said that graduation was the platform he wanted to send the message that he wanted to be heard. “There were so many different people watching the graduation,” Fuller said. “I could use those people to bring awareness.” Graduate Rachel Doctor decorated her cap with “B.A. and Fabu-

lous” with a rainbow background representing LGBT pride. However, Doctor said her cap wasn’t meant as statement, but was meant to represent herself personally. “I simply wanted a cap that represented myself and my accomplishments,” Doctor said. “Making one that mentioned my Bachelor of Arts degree and also showing my LGBT pride was all I wanted.” Same-sex marriage in Alabama is a controversial, national legal battle. In February a Mobile district judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama ruled that Alabama’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. The legal battle continues after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled for probate judges issuing same-sex licenses to stop Over 500 same-sex couples were married from February 9-March 3. Doctor said she will take time from school before pursuing a Master’s degree and one day hopes

Kadeem Fuller’s graduation cap as seen on his Instagram. The phrase “Black Lives Matter” became a popular hashtag after the death of Trayvon Martin. (Photo | Courtesy of Kadeem Fuller) to open a non-profit. “I want to help LGBT homeless youth by opening a youth

home or LGBT center,” Doctor said. “In Mobile possibly, or other places across the South.”

2015 Hangout Fest attracts thousands to Gulf Shores By TORI BRACKETT Staff Reporter

he Hangout Music Festival finished its sixth year on the Gulf Coast with headliners including This year headliners included Zac Brown Band, Paramore, Foo Fighters, Beck and Skrillex. Over the past six years, the festival averages over $30 million for the city of Gulf Shores and has featured popular acts such as Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, The Avett Brothers, Tom Petty and the Wailers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Outkast and The Killers.It has been recognised a major success. In 2010, Shaul Zislin and A.J. Niland founded the festival, produced by Huka Entertainment. When the fest began 13,000 people attended. This year, an average of 40,000 people attended. Two of the six stages were directly on the beach, as well as the “Life is Good” hammock area, the Bud Light “House of Whatever” and the Malibu Rum sponsored “Malibu Beach House.” It wasn’t only the music taking center stage, the food trucks and

The Hangout Music Festival completed a successful sixth year on May 17, 2015. (Photo |Tori Brackett) booths were unforgettable, including vegan corndogs, a mobile coffee truck all the way from Michigan, Cajun crawfish fries and a craft beer “backyard”. A unique way to enjoy the festival is to volunteer. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 18 hours over the course of the week-

end, and are given a free wristband to enjoy the festival when not working. Volunteers are able to get a glimpse of the inner workings of a music festival while working backstage, in the V.I.P. grove and in the artist’s’ island. Hangout Fest goer Iris Buckley

is no novice. Buckley has been to the festival for the past six years in a row, traveling up to 10 hours to make the trip. Her experience with hangout is different each year, but this year was especially different for her. “Every year they have different kinds of attractions and sponsors that set up activities for everybody.”

Buckley said. “This year I actually walked around and made sure to look at everything that Hangout had to offer. Usually I’m running from concert to concert, but this year I really took the time to try everything out, and I suggest doing that to any festival goer. It makes this years experience much more personal.”

JUNE 1, 2015

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

Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton

Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Sunny Therres Mary Alice Wilson Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Caitlin Smith Web Editor Jake Palmer

Full graduation coverage online at thevanguardonline.com

Distribution

Distribution Bobby Faulk Alan Smith

Advertising

Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller

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 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.

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CONGRATS USA GRADS! USAPD crime blotter If you SEE something SAY something! 251-460-6312

5/16/2015 7:59 Unlawful breaking 5/21/2015 and entering of a Medical Emergency vehicle 5/21/15 Stadium Blvd 2:25 Unknown person 05/15/2015 unlawfully entered the The Grove 14:25 victims secured vehicle The victim stated he Bench Warrant and stole a laptop and was suffering with pain Domestic Violence tablet while it was parked from smoking marijuana USA Medical Center at the Recreation Center. or “spice” Trauma Center A patient who was 5/16/2015 5/26/2015 recently discharged Bench Warrant Harassment from USA medical Burglary in the 1st 16:25 center was arrested for Degree Recreation center an outstanding warrant 14:25 Victim was being (Domestic violence in USA Children’s and harassed by a known Women’s Hospital the 3rd degree) issued by Female patient who individual over social the MPD. had been discharged media. from USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Arrested for outstanding warrant.

JUNE 1, 2015

Dr. Francis Greiner remembered in USA memorial service Family, friends, coworkers and students celebrate the life of Dr. Greiner in Mitchell Center service By BRIA JOHNSON Staff Reporter

unday, May 17, 2015, family, friends, and colleagues arrived at the USA Mitchell Center to pay their respects and remember the life of Dr. Francis “Frank” Greiner. Dr. Greiner joined USA in 1995 and had been the recipient of many teaching awards including outstanding teacher award from the University of New Mexico, State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Texas-Houston Science Center and USA. Dr. Francis “Frank” Greiner, professor of radiology and chief of neuroradiology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, passed away May 1, 2015. He was 60. “I will always remember him as the contrarian, and I

put that in big capital letters and I say that in all love,” said Suzy Figarola, MD, as she reminisced in the times that she and Frank had shared as colleagues at USA. His siblings, Anthony Greiner, John Greiner, and Ann (Greiner) Van Hadway, were present to hear how their big brother had made so many people’s lives better and happier and to tell them about the Dr. Greiner that they had grown up with. Anthony “Tony” Greiner stood to share the days of Dr. Greiner’s youth, a time before anyone knew him. “Half the time he’s a boy, he’s Francis, half the time he’s a man, Frank, and just a few minutes ago it occurred to me, he never stopped being half man and half boy.” Greiner said. He talked about the times when he had been the typical big brother that teased his younger siblings and the

times that he was proud to have Dr. Greiner as his older brother. A few of his former students came to remember the professor and presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Dr. Greiner for the last time. The audience stood and, all who desired, shared a thread of how Dr. Greiner had touched their lives. The family set up a short slide show for the audience and even brought a few of their brothers numerous ties he had accumulated over the years. They gave them away as a keepsake so that everyone who knew and loved Dr. Greiner could have a piece of him forever. There were several heartfelt moments, tears shed and times of laughter throughout the service, as Dr. Greiner’s life was celebrated by his family and friends at his service.

The South Alabama family mourned the death of decorated teacher Dr. Francis Grenier is a memorial service on May 17, 2015. (Photo | University of South Alabama Colelge of Medicine Facebook Page)

LIFE

NATALIE FRANKLIN LIFE EDITOR nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu

JUNE 1, 2015

Five Fun Things to do in Mobile Are you bored or stuck in your room with nothing to do? Instead of twiddling your thumbs or binge watching Netflix, how about going out and enjoying all the wonderful activities Mobile, and even South’s campus, has to offer during these sweltering summer months. By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor

WIKICOMMONS

The Beach

The Beach- One of the perks of living in Mobile is the convenient closeness to the beach. There’s Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and the farthest is only over an hour away. Everyone should take a trip out to the beach. There’s sun, sand and a ton of fun! You won’t regret venturing out to the beautiful, white beaches.

Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail

Mobile Baybears Game

Mobile BayBears game- FACEBOOK Now that South’s baseball season has come to an end, I’m sure some of you baseball fanatics are in a bit of a rut. Don’t fret though, The Mobile BayBears are still playing! All home games are played at Hank Aaron Stadium. A full schedule of the BayBears’ games can be found at www.milb.com. Nothing is better than going to a baseball game, getting a hotdog, and cheering on our city’s team. After all, baseball is America’s pastime.

WIKICOMMONS

Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail- Reconnect with nature at the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail on South’s campus. Surround yourself with the trees and the birds as you walk through the lush landscape. The trail was dedicated to retired professor, Dr. Glenn Sebastian, in 2012. The trail spans over three miles, and it is surrounded by beautiful pine and oak woodlands. So put down your phone and pull out those sneakers. Discover your inner explorer!

Flea Market

Flea Market- Do you enjoy junking, thrifting, or even just people watching? Then the Flea Market is definitely the place for you. Located on Schillinger Road, The Flea Market Mobile boasts to be the largest flea market on the Gulf Coast. With over 800 booths, there is a little something for everyone. The Flea Market is opened on Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine. So, spend a weekend getting to know your inner junker at the Flea Market.

Fort Conde

RON AND DAWN EVERTS

Fort Conde- Fort Conde, located on Royal Street, is an engaging exhibit where visitors can learn about the colonization of Mobile. It’s opened from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For all you history buffs on a budget, admissions is free! Stop by Fort Conde to learn a little more about the early years of our beautiful city.

Deleting social media, reconnecting with the world around you By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

wenty years ago when Cotton Eye Joe was the No. 1 song in America, and Justin Timberlake still had hair that looked like Ramen Noodles, social media did not exist. If the idea of Instagram was described to someone in 1995, how do you think they would react? Today, it is commonplace to discuss what you saw on social media or tweet your friends instead of page them on their beepers. According to ABC News, the average phone user looks at their phone more than 150 times a day. Last semester I had a nice walk everyday from the Communications building to the Mitchell College of Business, and I began to notice everyone around me had their nose in their phone, myself included. I decided to start using that walk as a phone free zone, just to see if I could do it. Honestly, it was hard. That was my only break for a few hours, and I started to feel disconnected from the world. What if Beyonce posted a photo and I missed it? What if my sister sent me a funny picture of a cat and I didn’t respond right away with a kitty pun? My phone is the first thing I look at in the morning and it is within arms reach of me every night. I have a problem, but admitting that is the first step. At the beginning of the summer I decided to cleanse myself of social media. HUGE step for me. I deleted Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Snapchat, Vine and Instagram off of my phone. I gave myself one week for a detox. One week without any ‘likes’ or notifications. I was completely antisocial media, and the first few days I did okay. I checked my email so much. Email was basically the only thing I had left on my phone since I do not really play any games. Deleting the coupons from Bath and Body Works just didn’t fill the void that the Snapchat of your friend, bored at work, can fill. I wish they made a patch or a gum for this because I was jonesing hard. Then, one of my best friends moved away,

and we had a big going away party and took so many selfie stick pictures. While we were taking them, I was thinking of the tear jerking ‘you changed my life and I’ll never forget you’ caption I was going to put on Instagram. I even knew what filter I was going to use. But I couldn’t post it. I hate to say this, but it physically made me anxious not being able to tell the world that I would miss my friend. At 9 p.m. on May 17, I reinstalled all of my apps. I had so many notifications, snaps and likes. I was tagged in numerous pictures from the going away party, and a few of my friends even tweeted me the funny things I had said. I felt so loved. That is when the clarity that I had been searching for came to me. Not everyone needs to see the sunset I saw, even though it was an amazing sunset. You can still have adventures, even if you don’t post it to Facebook. However, my thoughts on needing Pinterest to cook food remain the same. I have noticed now that I am back in the land of the ‘likes’, Facebook is still annoying, and people can’t spell. Most importantly though, I have noticed that I don’t look at my phone as much and my social media apps stay closed sometimes for a whole day. Except Instagram, it is wedding season and I have to know how many people get engaged everyday. Smartphones are such a life changing device. The 1995 me would definitely freak out about smartphones. It is amazing to have all that information in the palm of your hand. Perhaps I am not totally cured of my addiction, but we all have our problems. Knowing how badly attached to an app I had become was staggering, and I am glad that I did a cleanse so to speak. I’m not saying that everyone needs to swear off social media all together or even for a week like me, but I do believe it is healthy to maybe take a walk between classes without your phone. Maybe you could try to put your phone on airplane mode when you’re out to dinner with friends. At least limit your Snapchat story to 14 seconds! For an extended version of this story, visit thevanguardonline.com.

According to ABC News, the average phone user looks at their phone more than 150 times a day. (Photo | Alyssa Newton)

JUNE 1, 2015

SPORTS

MARY ALICE WILSON SPORTS EDITOR mw1221@jagmail.southalabama.edu

JUNE 1, 2015

ALYSSA NEWTON

South Alabama falls to Auburn in regional final Softball defeated 7-4 in NCAA Auburn Regional, SBC Champs end season 40-13 By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

outh Alabama ended their NCAA Tournament run with a 7-4 loss against the Auburn Tigers in their fourth straight Regional final appearance. The 2015 Sun Belt Champions were selected for the Auburn NCAA Regional after earning the automatic bid with their third Sun Belt title in four years. The squad was slated to face the SEC Champions and No.4 seeded Auburn along with Chattanooga and Tennessee Tech in the regional. The Jags defeated the regular season champions the ULL Ragin’ Cajuns for the spot and were just the second team to shut out the ULL Ragin’ Cajuns this year, defeating the regular season champions 2-0 in the championship. South Alabama opened up the tournament on Friday, May 15 against the Chattanooga Mocs, a team the Jags lost to earlier in the season.

four frames, opening with an 11-1, run-rule victory. “At the beginning of the season we set this understanding of, ‘if the opposing team is going to score first, we are going to fight back,’” said Rathburn. “We are going to fight back the entire game. I think we took that approach in this game, as we have many others, and it worked out in our favor.” After their blowout win to stay in the winner’s bracket, the Jags faced the tournament hosts, the Auburn Tigers.

AU 1, USA 0 There were only three hits in the contest, but one would be the Tigers’ lone run to defeat the Jags: a bomb from a former Jaguar, Haley Fagan. Fagan sent a home run sailing to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Tigers up 1-0. With the loss, South Alabama needed to fight through Tennessee Tech to move on to the regional final in hopes of facing the Tigers again.

USA 9, TTU 3 USA 11, CU 1 Chattanooga opened the contest with a solo bomb against the Jags in the bottom of the first, but that would be the last lead the Mocs would have. The Jags stuck back with 11 unanswered runs through

Amanda Minahan lead the Jaguars in the contest against the Golden Eagles with her sixth home run of the year and a two-out, three-run triple. South Alabama trailed through the first three innings, but tied up the game 3-3 in the top of the

fourth before waiting through two rain delays to continue. After a dance-filled delay, the Jaguars tacked on four more unanswered runs, all credited to Minahan, to seal the Jags’ regional final spot with the 9-3 win.

REGIONAL FINAL AU 7, USA 4 In the Jags’ fourth straight regional appearance, Auburn struck first 2-0 in the top of the fourth before the Jags would answer. Amanda Minahan was the first to cut the deficit in the bottom of the fourth after reaching third on her second triple of the regional, s the bottom of the fourth inning continued, the Jaguars tacked on three more runs. The Jags would stay at four as Auburn rallied with four unearned runs of their own in the top of the fifth and added their final run an inning later. Auburn eliminated South Alabama with a 7-4 final and will host their first Super Regional against Sun Belt team, Louisiana-Lafayette. South Alabama finishes the 2015 season 40-13, COURTESY OF the fourth straight time the Jags have accomplished a forty win season. “South Alabama softball has great things coming for it.,” senior Blair Johnson said. The great things we were able to do in my four years have been amazing.

Hats off to Auburn. They are a great team too, but we fight. I love it. Just don’t count us out because we have everyone returning and new girls coming into the program. They are going to do it. Look out for South Alabama softball.”

BY THE NUMBERS

3 4 straight regional appearances 10.92 strikeouts per 7 innings, setting a

Sun Belt titles in four years for the Jaguars

new season record by freshman Devin Brown

14 15 doubles for Chloe Rathburn and

home runs for Kaitlyn Griffith, breaking the most in a single-season Amanda Herron, breaking single-season record

28 tying Christin Crocker 53 RBIs by Chloe Rathburn break-

USAJAGUARS career home runs for Griffith,

ing a single-season record set by Brittany Fowler in 2011

JUNE 1, 2015

Baseball falls in SBC Championship Jaguars NCAA Tournament hopes crushed after 5-1 loss to Louisiana Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

outh Alabama went 3-0 leading up to this year’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament final, but fell to Louisiana Lafayette in the championship game after a Ragin Cajun grand slam. The Jags came into the tournament with the No. 1 seed. South Alabama’s first game was against No. 8 Arkansas State. The Jaguars won 6-2 after six different Jags crossed the plate and six Jags recorded RBIs. Jared Gates was the starting pitcher this game and recorded his fifth win. Ben Taylor also recorded his seventh save on the year. This advanced the Jags into the winner’s bracket for the tournament. Game two, South Alabama blew past Georgia State with a win of 14-4. The Jags scored ten consecutively unanswered runs. Ryan Raspino and Matt Bolger both hit homers in the fourth inning. The score was 10-4 at the bottom of the eighth, but the Jaguars came back with four more runs in the ninth. Cole Billingsley was the impact player of the game after he crossed the mound three times. Kevin Hill pitched seven innings of this game. During this time, he allowed only one run and contributed ten strikeouts. South Alabama clinched the championship spot after defeating Arkansas State for the second time. Timely hits made this one a win for the Jags.

In the seventh inning, Adam Ballew and Daniel Martinez hit back to back doubles of the center wall. The score was 7-0 before ASU was able to put runs on the board. The Red Wolves ultimately fell short, leaving South Alabama with a 7-3 lead and heading to the Sun Belt Conference Championship. Again in this game, six different Jags scored and five different Jags recorded RBIs for the team. Austin Bembnowski took the win after a career high 8.1 innings pitched on the day. He also set a personal best of seven strikeouts on the day. This would be the first time South Alabama would have a chance at the conference title since 2005. The championship game would be played against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Rajun Cajuns. Unfortunately, that chance would fall short after a ULL grand slam in the twelfth inning of the game, ending the Jag’s run with a 5-1 loss. The game was tied at 1 through eleven innings. It was a defensive battle for the win the whole day. Cole Billingsley was the only Jag to score on the day. “It was an outstanding effort. That’s what college baseball is all about,” head coach Mark Calvi said after the game. “I think this was a true indication of the two best teams fighting it out for the ultimate prize and that was the chance to go postseason … I hate that a game like that, that there has to be a loser, but sports, it wouldn’t be as much fun if everyone won. There had to be a loser and unfortunately that was us.”

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

ALYSSA NEWTON Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year and All-American Kevin Hill led the SBC in wins, ERA, opposing batting average and strikeouts. (Photo | Alyssa Newton) The Jags ended 37-20 for the season, and 19-10 for conference play, earning them being named the regular-season Sun Belt Champions. Junior pitcher, Kevin Hill won Pitcher of the Year for the Sun Belt Conference. He was only the second Jaguar to ever win

this honor, following P.J. Walters in 2006. He recorded 102 strikeouts and 10 wins on the season. Mark Calvi was named Coach of the Year for the second time of the last three seasons after a win in the 2013 season as well.

South sends 12 to region preliminaries COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS

Kotze, Beans and Frenchou advance to NCAA T&F Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

he Jaguar’s Track and Field team set a record this year for most players ever sent to regionals, sending 12 Jags to the 2015 NCAA East Region Preliminaries, May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Florida. Of these 12 Jags, three qualified for the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Upon entering the tournament, junior Renaldo Frenchou was South Alabama’s top player and No. 4 in the region for men’s hammer throw, with a distance of 69.67m recorded at the 2015 Sun Belt Championship. In Thursday’s event, Frenchou threw 66.54m. This throw placed him sixth in the competition and qualified him for the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. This

honor is only given to top 12 competitors in the region for each category. Junior Jan-Louw Koutz also earned his seventh place seat in the NCAA Outdoor Championships for men’s discus throw after he threw for 58.83 m in Friday’s regional. This was after clinching a school and league record at the Sun Belt Championship with a throw of 59.73m. He came into the meet ranked No. 13 in the region. Sophomore Kaitlyn Beans placed twelfth in the women’s triple jump with a distance of 12.78 m. This clinched the final seat for the NCAA Outdoor Championships for this division. As for the other Jags, in Thursday’s events, sophomore Zach Blahnik also competed in the hammer throw competition. He finished 39 with a distance of 58.21m. Junior Mark Watts finished 45 in the men’s

400m dash after a recorded time of 48.29 seconds. For the women’s team, sophomore LaMia Miller finished 33 in the shot put division with a distance of 14.53 m. Barbara Rivera, a redshirt freshman javelin thrower, ended her season 38 in the region after a throw of 42.61 m. To start Friday’s competition, junior Phoebe Dowson finished 18 for women’s discus throw after she threw for 49.95 m. junior Matthew Dillon ran his 110m hurdle in 14.38 seconds, which left him ranked at 38. Patrick Rohr, a junior, competed in the 3,000 m steeplechase and ended in 26 with a time of 8:57.68. Senior Nick Farrell ended the day being ranked 25 with a height of 5.0 m in the men’s pole vault. Saturday’s competition rounded out the tournament with the final Jags competitor.

Junior Christopher Graf ran the 5000m race and finished in 32 place with a time of 14:50.15. Eight of the 12 Jag competitors finished this preliminary competitions ranked higher than they were when they entered. Kotze and Joanna McCoy earlier this month as to receive all-district honors. They were both first team selections and will be placed on a ballot to be selected for the Captial One Academic All America teams. To be eligible for academic all-district honors, individuals must maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average or better, be a starter or important reserve, and must have sophomore status both academically and athletically, according to USAJaguars. The 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships will take place June 10-13 in Eugene, Oregon.

SUNNY THERRES OPINION EDITOR asp1321@jagmail.southalabama.edu

OPINION

JUNE 1, 2015

Surviving and thriving through summer classes By: SUNNY THERRES Opinion Editor

Don’t put off what you can do now. With the completion of spring semester the last thing most students want to think about is school. The sun is out, the breeze is refreshing, the drinks are cold and you hear the beach calling you name. Everything is sunshine and whiskey till summer comes to a sad end. It’s difficult to find the energy and motivation to get back in the routine of classes and this is where we see the most college dropouts. Summer fun is awesome but guess what’s more awesome. Being closer to your degree than your friends!

Work with your schedule, not around it.

Be selective about your course load.

Planning on working full-time and debating whether summer courses would interfere? Fear not young padawan! There are many general education courses as well as intermediate courses that can be taken ONLINE. That’s right, so you’ll still be able to work that Monday-Friday 8-5 with no doubt that you won’t be able to continue your education. In fact, a friend of mine is taking 2 intermediate summer courses online and he even had time to go to Disney World. Balancing academics and social life can be done!

FYI you’re a human and not a robot. Don’t go into summer courses with the mindset of a ninja. Don’t overload yourself and overwhelm yourself. Take 1 or 2 general education or elective courses. And pick courses that interest you the most and subjects that are your strongest such as English, art, drama, math. Whatever your notch is, I would highly recommend taking courses that you would excel in. And another plus for taking summer courses, it helps boost your GPA tremendously!

Doubt kills ambition

Some summer courses are actually much easier.

You are amazing! Making an investment in your education shows an ambitious tenacity about yourself. You’re on the road to success. There will be potholes on that road but c’est la vie (“That is life”- French) and you can’t allow any obstacles to scare you from reaching your ultimate destination. You hold the key to your future so stand strong and hold your pretty little chin up buttercup! You’re going to go far.

Maybe it’s the warmth of the beautiful sun radiating against your skin, but there’s just something amazing in the air and professors are much more lenient during the summer. Class sizes are also much smaller so there is more one-on-one time that makes learning less stressful. ALYSSA NEWTON

ORGANIZATION NATION Start off your semester with your best foot forward. Solid organization skills are the key success in college. A clean space helps your mind de-clutter and helps wonderfully with focus and concentration. It is essential to learn to effectively juggle responsibilities and deadlines, while maintaining a fulfilling social life to achieve what most people would view as a well-rounded bang for your college buck.

Here are some tips to stay on top of your game.

Invest in a planner It doesn’t have to be anything fancy and over the top. It just needs to be something with a daily and weekly calendar. Write down all the dates that assignments, quizzes and or tests are due and also write down study times and breaks.

Be a goal setter! Write down a daily honey-do list for yourself and MAKE yourself meet each goal whether it be to floss twice daily or study 4 hours a day. Force yourself to set goals and meet them each day. Start off with simple no-brainer goals then progressively move forward.

De-clutter your workspace Color code things based on importance. Such as: Weekly homework highlighted in pink, quizzes highlighted in green, tests highlighted in blue, etc. Clear off your desk of entertainment magazines and other distractions. they tidier your workspace, the more clearly you can think.

DISTRACTIONS Summer Word Search

JORDAN KNOX OPINION EDITOR kjk1103@jagmail.southalabama.edu

JUNE 1, 2015

SUDOKU

FIND THE FOLLOWING L WORDS BEACH BASEBALL ICECREAM SWIMMING PICNNIC VACATION

SUNFLOWER WATERMELON SANDCASTLE HEAT BOATING POOL

Corny Joke of The Week What’s the difference between a snowman and a snowwoman? Snowballs!

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JUNE 1, 2015

Artist of the Week Who? SGA VP Dan Currie The Piece? The Sea Monster Made in? ARS 123 (2-D Design)

Recipe of the Week Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Want to submit your work? Email our Opinion Editor asp1321@jagmail. southalabama.edu

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JUNE 1, 2015