March 12, 2018

anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

THE

MONDAY MARCH 12, 2018 VOL 1719 ISS 19

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SGA passes new resolution The resolution calls for an update to the current active shooter plan.

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Squirrels gone wrong

Student Spotlight Kaysie Wagoner shares her backstory and motivations for helping African orphans.

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Enjoy a satirical article about the squirrels on campus.

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Students question safety BY: SHANNON LUNDGREN, MARISSA MASON AND RACHEL SULLIVAN | THE VANGUARD STAFF

The recent shooting at The Grove apartments has left some residents of The Grove wondering whether or not they are safe in their own apartments.

“Honestly, I’ve never felt safe there and this just makes me and a lot of other people feel worse,” one resident, who preferred to stay anonymous, said. “I do not feel that The Grove has created a safe environment. I can’t tell you how scared I get walking from my car to the apartment at night, especially when there are huge crowds standing in the middle of the street that will yell at me and try to get a reaction out of me.”

A common complaint among residents is the occurrence of individuals and groups of people lingering outside at night. An anonymous resident said she been a victim of theft several times at

Shots were fired at building 13 of The Grove apartments on Thursday, March 8. Photo by Briana Cunningham

The Grove.

“My car has been broken into three times since I’ve lived there,” the resident said.

According to the residents interviewed, the safety at The Grove has never been ideal. They report that

The Grove has repeatedly ignored complaints and cries for better security.

“I’ve called the USAPD multiple times and have filled out many surveys about the safety at The Grove,” said an anonymous resident. “I say

the same thing, I don’t feel safe. I don’t think it’s going to improve because they only care about filling up the apartments, not about our safety. Or at least that’s how they make me feel.”

Continued on page 2

Investigation of Grove shooting continues BY: SHANNON LUNDGREN | EDITOR IN CHIEF

Police are continuing to investigate a shooting at The Grove which

hospitalized a non-USA student on Thursday, March 8, according to Bob Lowry, USA director of communications and media relations.

The Grove is a privately owned

and operated student residence facility on the southwest corner of the main USA campus.

An unknown number of shots were fired at approximately 7:30

p.m. according to Lowry.

Shortly after the report, a man Continued on page 3

2

Vanguard Safety Questions, THE

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Continued Continued from page 1

However, some residents argue that The Grove is relatively safe but succumbs to property-related crimes. Brandon Lyman, a threeyear resident, said he feels safe but can understand the unease.

“I can see why many would say no [to feeling safe] due to the main gate of The Grove is always open,” Lyman said. “The drop gate never goes down unless there is an incident in which police are being called.”

Yulonsky Mitchell Jr., a second year resident of The Grove, could not recall the gate being locked any time this school year.

The gate was locked March 9.

Carleigh Lloyd, another resident, said the issue lies more in selfprotection rather than the fault of The Grove.

“I would feel safer living there if I was allowed to carry [a gun],” Lloyd said. “The university disarming its students puts us in a vulnerable position.”

For Mitchell, a second year resident of The Grove, the answer is to avoid The Grove altogether.

“It is horrible,” Mitchell said. “It’s so bad I’m leaving May 6 and don’t mind paying my lease up until July.

I don’t care what deals and perks they tell you, do not move here.”

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9, The Vanguard asked The Grove’s management office when they locked their gate.

A representative at the front office said the gate was locked every night and referred The Vanguard to their manager. The manager said that they could not speak to The Vanguard and said she would pass our contact information along to district management. The Vanguard has not heard from The Grove’s district management at the time of publication.

NEWS IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY

DO SOMETHING! USA POLICE DEPARTMENT

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US

BY PHONE OR EMAIL: 24 Hr. Patrol/Dispatch: (251) 460-6312 24 Hr. Text-A-Tip:

Please save in your cell contact list

(251) 219-0219 Anonymous Tip Line: (251) 460-6667 Non-Emergency email: police@southalabama.edu Visit the Department: 290 Stadium Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36688

3 NEWS Resolution 002 passes BY: ELAINE RUSS | REPORTER

SGA passed a resolution calling for an updated active shooter preparedness plan in their Monday, March 5 meeting. The resolution proposes a partnership with the University of South Alabama Police Department and it seeks to make students feel safe, according to the document.

The resolution came after news of mass shootings occurring at schools and colleges.

“Mass shootings across school campuses have fostered fear in the hearts of many students,” SGA President Carl Thomas Jr. said. “It is an issue we continue to see in our nation and in the city of Mobile.

We want our students to know that our university is adequately prepared and well-equipped. The purpose of the [resolution] is to bridge the gap between the USAPD and SGA to brainstorm and contribute ideas, programming and opportunities for collaboration to make our students feel more secure.”

Thomas said the resolution was, “more of a nudge,” for the university to strengthen the current active shooter preparedness plan.

Thomas is optimistic the resolution will reassure students concerned about their safety.

“In my opinion, I believe this plan will show students that the university is continually making

steps to make our campus a safer place,” Thomas said.

If updated, the plan will only be known by the police.

“For safety reasons, students, faculty and staff are not allowed to know what the plan consists of,” Thomas said.

Zeke Aull, chief of the USAPD, shared some information regarding how the police will respond in the event of an emergency.

“All of our officers are trained to respond to active shooters,” Aull said. “It’s called rapid response deployment. If there is an active shooter, law enforcement will be charged with being deployed into that building and addressing the shooter. Now, why would they do that? Because every second we are not responding, someone is being shot.”

In the event there is an active shooter situation, students will be notified immediately, according to Aull.

Thomas recommended several ways students can protect themselves in an emergency.

“To be prepared in an active shooter situation, students need to make sure they listen out for the alarm system and keep a close eye on student email accounts,” Thomas said.

In addition, USAPD has a special program to teach students safety in a dangerous situation.

SGA passed a new resolution to make students feel safer on campus. Photo by Briana Cunningham

“We have a program called ‘Don’t Cancel That Class,” said Aull. “Faculty members have lives; they have to cancel class for various reasons.

So, what we’ve asked them to do is, instead of cancelling, let us come in and do active shooter training.

We have something called ‘Shots Fired on Campus.’ It’s a DVD that we show and talk about what to do

if we have an active shooter. The mind-set behind it is, if we can start making people think about what to do if we have a situation, then that saves lives.”

In the event of an emergency, the USAPD phone number is 251-4606312 to call and 251-219-0219 to text. Their anonymous tip line is 251-460-6667.

Investigation of Grove shooting, continued Continued from page 1

with a gunshot wound arrived at Providence Hospital, according to Bob Lowry, USA director of communications and media relations.

The man was transported to USA Medical Center where he is currently receiving treatment, according to Lowry.

Gunshots were fired during an altercation between three non-student men, according to Lowry. Two male subjects have been identified, but the third male subject remains at large, according to Lowry. USAPD are investigating why three non-students were at The Grove.

The three non-students gained access to The Grove through an

open gate at the main entrance of the complex, according to Lowry.

The names of the men could not be released at this time. This situation no longer poses a current threat to USA students, according to USAPD. USA Police are continuing to investigate and Lowry urged anyone with any information to contact

them. You can reach them as follows: • Call 251-460-6312 • Text 251-219-0219 • Call the Anonymous Tip Line at 251-460-6667 • Email police@southalabama. edu • Visit the 290 Stadium Blvd., Mobile, Ala.

NEWS

4

Students thank USAF BY: KENYAN CARTER | REPORTER

Students with research assistantships thanked the University of South Alabama Foundation for their financial support at the USAF meeting last Thursday.

According to the USAF website, the board has provided more than $168 million in support of the University for scholarships, faculty support and academic programs through December 2017. $217,550 of that went to USAF research fellowships and graduate assistantship stipend support.

Bethany Jones, a graduate speech pathology and audiology student at USA, expressed her gratitude to the USAF. “Something I wanted to just

thank you all for today is the wellrounded experience I’m getting,” Jones said. “Your contributions and the work you do is the reason I’m in Mobile and the reason I’m at South Alabama.”

Jones explained that her assistantship gave her an opportunity at unique collaborative projects with speech pathology and audiology, giving her a more comprehensive experience. Jones has worked on projects such as evoked potentials, the study of brain activity when exposed to certain stimuli, and the effects tobacco and diabetes has on hearing.

Craig Browning, a USA engineering doctoral student, was also grateful for the support of the USAF. Through his assistantship,

“The funding sources and the people that support us, it’s defiantly because of them that I’ve found my calling.”

-Craig Browning

Browning has been working with the USA’s College of Medicine to create devices that can more efficiently detect colon cancer.

“I never realized research was something I was passionate about.”

Browning said. “The funding sources and the people that support us, it’s defiantly because of them that I’ve found my calling.”

Ken O. Simon, attorney and chair pro tempore of the USA board of trustees, expressed his support of research funding.

“It [research] can enhance a stu-

dent’s opportunity for employment and continuing their academic advancement,” Simon said. “It, of course, filters down to the undergraduates as well…. For example, and you see just how important getting students involved in research at the undergrad and graduate level, along with the faculty, is really helpful in terms of recruiting great students and enhancing the University’s reputation.”

The USAF board is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 14.

USAF helps to fund academic programs and research. Photo by Kenyan Carter

SGA seeks new applicants

BY: RICHARD NARRAMORE | ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

Campaign season is on the horizon for SGA hopefuls. Applications opened up on March 2 and close March 16 at noon.

To apply for a senate position, students must have a 2.0 GPA and be a sophomore by the end of the spring semester.

Students may only run for a senate seat in the college they are enrolled in.

Students interested in applying for an officer position must have a 2.5 GPA and have taken at least 44 credits at USA. Additionally, potential candidates must apply via Orgsync.

There will be a mandatory candidate meeting at 5:30 p.m. on March 16. in the Student Center room 203. After the meeting, SGA will approve physical campaign adver-

tisements.

Candidates may begin their campaigns immediately after the meeting.

SGA President Carl Thomas Jr. said campaigning was a lot of work and advised SGA hopefuls to strategize.

“Someone interested in running should be building their platform, working on their elevator speech, organizing a visiting schedule, recruiting a campaign team, taking campaign pictures and more,” Thomas said.

SGA Vice President Elizabeth Hernandez cautioned students who were thinking of running for office and advised them to look at their upcoming academic year.

“Will you be solely committed to SGA or will you be working on research, an internship, working,

volunteering, other leadership roles or taking 18 credit hours?” Hernandez said.

Hernandez advised those interested in applying for an SGA position to attend a SGA meeting to experience what it is like and speak to the person in the position they are interested in to see what the job entails.

Hernandez continued on to stress the importance of being committed.

“It is easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility you are taking on, but you cannot just quit because you made a commitment to this job,” Hernandez said.

Thomas and Hernandez said SGA was a wonderful experience and important learning opportunity.

“I’ve learned to stay focused,” Thomas said. “Listen to the voices that matter. People never really know the journey until they step into your shoes.”

Thomas said some of his favorite memories and experiences come from student interactions around campus.

“Those little moments are best,” Thomas said. “I also enjoy speaking to high schools with our ‘SGA Visits’ initiative.

Students interested in running for office can apply on orgsync at orgsync.com/102347/ forms/309669. If you do not have an account, you will be required to make one before applying.

“For anyone who wants to run for SGA I say be prepared, be honest, be positive, and be the voice,” Thomas said.

LIFE

5 Student Spotlight: Kaysie Wagoner biggest country to adopt in China.

Many were born illegally, most Abandoned and orphaned at the likely me.” age of 1 in Wuhan, China, Kaysie Wagoner said she does not Wagoner’s love for the less forturemember much but has pictures. nate knows no bounds.

She also was told she liked to sing.

Wagoner, a junior chemical enA lot. gineering major at USA, hopes to Wagoner has clung to her sunny someday open a clinic in a develsing-along disposition through oping country to help undeserved years, claiming that how you react areas across seas. to situations out of your control “I am a big advocate of the undetermine your situation. derdogs in all things I do,” Wagoner “Part of that is deciding whether said. you want to see things in a positive Wagoner’s passion to help the lens or a negative,” Wagoner said. underdogs sent her on a mission Wagoner has utilized her positive trip to Kenya, Africa where she vis- outlook on life and seized the opited Naomi’s Village, an orphanage portunities that lay before her. for young kids.

Serving in “I feel like “I have realized that as a several leadership orphans need positions across the most love leader you can do a lot a campus, she because they more, I have this urge to actively seeks to have learned make a difference they are do more and to serve.” at USA. unwanted at “I have realized - Kaysie Wagoner a young age,” that as a leader Wagoner said. you can do a lot a Wagoner more,” Wagoner also helped build a new school for said. “I have this urge to do more children in the area and visited and to serve.” several others including: a school She serves as the President of for children impacted by HIV, one Omega Chi Epsilon, an honor she had donated supplies to before society for chemical engineering her trip to Kenya and another for students, and hopes to provide free disabled kids. tutoring to chemical engineering Wagoner’s past is shrouded in students. mystery. A police officer found her As the webmaster of Biomedical with no information linking her to Student Society, she manages the her biological parents. She did not organization’s social media achave a birth certificate, a birthday counts and helps plan events. or a name.

As a SGA senator for the College The police officer gave his family of Engineering, she works to bring name to Wagoner. new amenities for engineering “I have a Chinese name too,” students, such as a proposed bill Wagoner said. “Huang Furui. We to install water bottle fountains in put our family name first. So he Shelby Hall. used his family name, Huang, and As an ambassador to the Colgave me the name Furui.” lege of Engineering, she gives tours Wagoner was adopted around to interested students and helps two years later to an American recruit new students. couple.

Again, true to her optimistic “It [Wagoner’s adoption] was views, Wagoner enjoys the juggling mostly due to the one-child law act she is engaged in. they had,” Wagoner said. “Girls “This is my free time,” Wagoner were not wanted and there was a said. “I take the activities that I large amount of girls who were put have and consider that my free into adoption. The U.S. was the time because I enjoy it so much.”

BY: RICHARD NARRAMORE | ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

Kaysie Wagoner went on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa where she visited Naomi’s Village.

Photo courtesy of Kaysie Wagoner

111 S. Royal Street, Mobile AL 36602 | 251.208.7569 For more information, visit historymuseumofmobile.com

LIFE

6 Coastal Venture Competition returns to USA PAN.

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251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information.

If you have an idea, you can submit it to the Coastal Venture Competition for a chance to win a $4,000 grant. Photo by Briana Cunningham

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The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is currently accepting candidates for its third annual Coastal Venture Competition in April. Applications for the competition are due March 28.

The Coastal Venture Competition allows student entrepreneurs to display their business ideas to a panel of judges, with a chance of winning money to fund their business idea, according to MCEI page on USA’s website.

This competition is a two-part contest consisting of a video and live presentation segment. MCEI gives away a total of $12,000 to the winning entrepreneurs. The grand prize winner receives a $4,000 grant. Kobi Bell, USA business major and the 2017 grand prize winner , presented a family-focused fitness center created to provide classes parents can take with their children called Focus.

Bell shared a few tips that lead to her win.

“To the competitors this year, make sure you don’t leave any stones unturned,” Bell stated. “Refine every detail of your plan and make sure you show the judges this is something you’re committed to.

Bell emphasized the importance of being prepared and knowing everything about your business.

“The hardest part of the competition was, ironically, the part that made me stand out most,” Features Bell stated. “Due to a glitch in the Community Amenities • Fitness Center computer, my presentation couldn’t • BBQ Area be pulled up for several minutes.

• Surface Parking Fleur • Playground In that time, the judges had the 2 Bedroom Flat • Pet Friendly opportunity to grill me with ev2 Bath • Swimming Pool & 1,014 Sq.Ft. Wading Pool ery question they could think of. I • Sports Court Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ think this really was the “make or 2 AND 3 BEDROOMS • Dog Park • Nearby Transportation and break” point of my time in front of FLEUR PRICES STARTING AT $895* Highways: I-65 & I-10 Cherie them. In hindsight, had I not been 3 Bedroom Flat Residence Amenities 2 Bath so prepared this would have been *PLEASE CALL THE LEASING OFFICE FOR MORE •DETAILS Air Conditioning 1,367 Sq.Ft. • Heating the moment in which they would • Patios/Balconies have seen right through me. Any• Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • Carpeting thing can happen and being able to • Vinyl Flooring roll with the punches is a great way • Full Size Kitchen • New White to show you’re confident with your Shaker Cabinets concept.”

Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop Throughout Bell was grateful for the opCHERIE • Range portunities competing in Coastal • Refrigerator • Microwave Venture Competition has given her.

• Dishwasher Amour She runs her own company and at- 3 Bedroom Townhouse • Garbage Disposal Features 2.5 Bath tributes her success to her win.

Community Amenities 1,415 Sq.Ft. “Winning this opened doors for • Fitness Center • BBQ Area me in the community that would • Surface Parking not have been possible otherwise,” Fleur • Playground 2 Bedroom Flat Bell said.

• Pet Friendly N 2 Bath FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR • Swimming Pool & To apply for the Coastal Venture 1,014 Sq.Ft. Wading Pool Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ AMOUR Competition, students should sub• Sports Court Pet:COMMUNITY $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ •AMENITIES Dog Park mit a video explaining their busi• MIRABELLE LEASING CENTER • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 • FITNESS CENTER Nearby Transportation and FLEUR ness idea to mcei@southalabama.

Highways: I-65 & I-10 Cherie • BBQ AREA 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING edu from their Jag Mail, along with Residence Amenities Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject 2 Bath • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning and information. their full name and Jag Number.

1,367 Sq.Ft.to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details • PET FRIENDLY • Heating • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL Guidelines for the video submis• SPORTS COURT • Patios/Balconies • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups sion can be found at the Melton • DOG PARK • Carpeting & • NEARBY TRANSPORTATION Center for Entrepreneurship and Vinyl Flooring • HIGHWAYS: I-65 &•I-10 • Full Size Kitchen Innovation’s page on USA’s website.

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LIFE

7

First Gen professors help USA students

Rasheeda Brown (left) and Kiara Johnson (right) study at the Marx Library. Photo by Natasha Spradlin BY: NATASHA SPRADLIN

Students at the University of South Alabama can find First Gen stickers on the doors of professors who were once First Generation College students, all of whom have open door policies that welcome students to ask questions or seek guidance.

Rasheeda Brown, a USA senior and member of USA’s First Generation College Student Organization, said it is imperative first generation college students have access to resources, networking opportunities and guidance while learning to navigate university life.

“Most people in high school teach you how to get in college but they don’t tell you how to stay in college,” Brown said.

Dr. Tony G. Waldrop, USA president, began a faculty and staff outreach program for First Generation College Students in 2016. As a FGCS himself, Waldrop’s initiative began as a platform to connect students with USA faculty, staff and administrators who understand the struggles first generation college students face.

FGCS are students whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree, according to USA’s First Generation College Student page. However, USA recog-

nizes some First Generation College students may not fit into this category. Some FGCS have siblings who have attended higher education, or come from single parent households.

According to Kiara Johnson, President of USA’s First Generation College Student Organization, FGCS face a number of challenges in their academic careers. Many FGCS do not know how the college system works or how to apply to college, receive financial aid or choose a major. All of these challenges make it difficult for FGCS to adjust and succeed in the unfamiliar culture that is university life.

The National Center for Education Statistics found that firstgeneration college students are less likely than their continuing-generation peers to persist through the first couple of years of college.

Research published by the College Board, a non-profit dedicated to connecting students to college success, found that first-generation SAT and ACT test-takers tend to have less core academic preparation and score lower than latergeneration test-takers.

Johnson said half the battle for FGCS is identifying themselves as a one.

“South has done a good job at

providing a platform for first generation college students,” Johnson said. “But I do feel like we need more improvement. A lot of people do not know the term FGCS. As a

whole, we need to do a lot more to emphasize what is considered to be a first generation college student.”

Johnson and Brown encourage FGCS to seek out professors who display First Gen Stickers, and get involved with the First Generation College Student Organization on campus.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Brown said. “I was one of those people. I didn’t know who to go to, or who to talk to about certain things. A lot of professors are actually First Generation College Students which I didn’t know until recently. It was exciting for me to see that many people have been in my shoes and can help others who are going through, or have been through the same things.”

Students can get involved with the FGCS by following them on their social media pages @FGCS_ USA. Faculty and staff can obtain FCGS stickers by emailing Dr. Carr at ntcarr@southalabama.edu.

SPORTS

8

USA baseball breaks losing streak against ULL ARTICLE COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS. COM

LAFAYETTE, La. – The University of South Alabama baseball team used a four-run fifth inning to defeat Louisiana 7-3 Saturday at Russo Park.

USA (8-7) broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with the game’s first run, scored four runs in the fifth, and added a run in both the sixth and eighth innings to secure the win.

South Alabama will return to action Sunday when it faces Louisiana at 1 p.m. in the rubber match at Russo Park.

GAME FACTS • USA pushed across the game’s first run in the top of the fourth inning. Brendan Donovan singled to center field with one out, moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a single to center field by Wells Davis

to put runners at the corners with one out. Carter Perkins followed with an RBI sacrifice bunt to first that scored Donovan for a 1-0 lead.

• The Jags scored four runs in the top of the fifth for a five-run advantage. Michael Sandle led off the inning with a walk, and moved to second on a bunt single by Dylan Hardy. A bunt single up the first base line by Paul Russo loaded the bases with no outs. Donovan delivered a sacrifice fly to left field with one out to allow Sandle to score from third and double the Jaguar lead at 2-0. Wells Davis followed with a threerun home run to right field on a 2-2 pitch from UL righthander Jack Burk to extend the USA lead to 5-0.

• Louisiana loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth on

Brendan Donovan attempts to catch a low hit. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars.com

a one-out walk by Monroe Moll, and a pair of two-out walks by Kole McKinnon and Zach LaFleur. Daniel Lahare then reached on a hit by pitch to score Moll and cut the USA lead to 5-1. Gavin Bourgeois followed with an RBI single to center field, and moved to second on a fielding error by Swaggerty which

also allowed LaFleur to score and cut the Jaguar lead to 5-3.

• Swaggerty doubled the Jaguar lead at 6-3 in the top of the sixth when he lacked the first pitch he saw from UL righthander Dylan Moore over the right-center field wall for a solo home run, his fourth of the year.

Men’s basketball head coach Graves fired after five seasons

Graves watching the men’s team play from the sidelines. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars.com BY: CHARLES HARRISON | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of South Alabama announced they will not renew head basketball coach Matthew Graves’ contract, following the 69-62 loss to the Troy University Trojans.The defeat ended a disappointing season (14-18,7-11 SBC) for the Jags, leaving them ranked

No. 10 out of the 12 teams in the Sun Belt Conference.

The Jaguars’ road record (1-13) and a six-game losing streak to end the season, ultimately lead to the decision to release Graves.

“I met with Matthew this afternoon and have informed him that I am going to make a change,” athletic director Joel Eardman said

in the official press release following the announcement. “I have a great deal of appreciation and respect for Matthew and his service to our university over the past five years and wish him and his staff the best moving forward.”

Graves leaves the Jags with a (65-96) record, with no appearances in the NCAA tournament and failing to put together a single winning season during his five year tenure with the Jaguars.

To replace Graves USA will soon conduct an international search to replace Graves as his contract expires. There are no named front runners for the job at this time.

For updates about Jaguar Athletics, and the search for a new men’s basketball coach check out the The Vanguard’s Facebook page @thevanguardusa.

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SPORTS OPINION

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Football begins spring training

The Jags running the ball in the spring game.

Photo courtesy of USAJaguars.com BY: CHARLES HARRISON AND CHRISTIAN HINKEL | THE VANGUARD SPORTS STAFF

The University of South Alabama football team opened up spring practice on March 8 for the first time under new head football coach Steve Campbell.

Many fans have high expectations for the Jags this season, hoping that Campbell will be able

to bring the kind of success he produced at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Central Arkansas The main issue for Campbell to address will be the Jaguars offense, specifically the anemic running game.

During the 2017-18 season the Jaguar back-field was plagued by of field issues and injuries. They posted only 97.3 yards, the lowest YPG average in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 125 among Division 1 schools.

At the moment the Jaguars look to sophomore Tra Minter to lead the running game.

Following the suspension of senior Xavier Johnson last season, Minter took the majority of the carries, however his 3.2 yards per carry average and single touchdown leave questions about whether or not he is ready to bear the brunt of the rushing attack.

The Jaguars will struggle to find

a starting quarterback. Last season, injuries kept juniors Dallas Davis and Cole Garvin alternating on an almost week-by-week basis and kept the Jags from finding any consistency.

Davis, who ranked No. 66 in the country in passing efficiency last season, is a steady choice.The substitution of Davis into the 2017-18 Troy game that ignited the offense and allowed the Jags to pull past Troy for the win.

Garvin, the other returning starter, struggled in his 2017-18 season. His 52.6 percent completion percentage and seven touchdowns combined with seven interceptions definitely hurt his case for the starting position.

However, Garvin’s performance in games such as the 2016 42-24 upset win against the then No. 19 ranked San Diego State University does show he can compete in big games.

Whoever wins the starting job at

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quarterback will have the benefit of a veteran receiving corps.

The Jags should return their top two receivers, Jamarius Way and Sam Harris for the season. The duo combined for over 1,000 receiving yards in 2017 and will look to carry that productivity into the Campbell era.

The foundation for what Campbell wants to do on offense will start with his offensive line. The offensive line plans to return multiple starters, most notably All-Conference left tackle Noah Fisher.

The Jags will continue with spring practice and end it on Apr. 14 with the annual Red vs. Blue spring game. USA is scheduled to open up its fall season on Sept. 1 at home vs. Louisiana Tech.

For more news on USA football and other Jaguar Athletic events, visit The Vanguard News on Facebook, or on Instagram @TheVanguardUSA, or go to USAJaguars. com.

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OPINION

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Satire: Squirrels parade on USA nature trails

USA squirrel Scrat enjoys a snack while at the parade on USA’s nature trails. Photo by Briana Cunningham BY: NATASHA SPRADLIN | REPORTER

Mobile squirrels organized a military parade yesterday on USA’s nature trail. They came together to celebrate their eldest members, and their strength in numbers.

Senior Rachel Pilgreen worries the squirrel population on USA’s campus is out of control.

“Personally, the squirrels terrify me,” Pilgreen said. “Even though they are the mascot of my sorority, I don’t love them.”

Unfortunately, our campus is not the only area to come under siege by the squirrels.

Student Amber-Lynn Boothe reflected on her encounter with a squirrel in Bienville Square over Christmas break.

“The squirrels in Mobile are notorious for eating out of your hand so I figured I’d feed it,” Boothe said.

“Well, it took the cornbread from my hand...As well as half of my finger.”

Squirrels are rarely a problem indoors, according to Bob Lowry,

USA director of communications and media relations. In the event that a squirrel finds itself inside a campus building, pest control is called to humanely trap the squirrel and return it to the outdoors.

But what stops a squirrel from being a menace outdoors?

For more information, the Vanguard decided to go straight to the source: the squirrel community.

Rocky is a direct descendent of an Old Mobile family of squirrels that were given to Bienville Square in 1904 from the Mayor of Montgomery, Thomas Carr. In an interview with the Vanguard, Rocky identified what he believes is causing a spike in aggressive squirrel behavior.

“Back in my day, you didn’t get handouts,” Rocky said. “Squirrels nowadays don’t understand the value of a hard days work. Humans need to stop giving these squirrels food and degrading the moral character of our youth. They need to forage for their own nuts.”

Scrat, an adolescent squirrel, ar-

gued human negligence has led to an increase in poor squirrel health.

In response, squirrels are lashing out.

While living outside of USA’s Humanities building Scrat said he has observed humans create allyou-can-eat high carb and protein buffets, feed wild animals and smoke excessively.

“I’ve politely asked humans to be aware of others and abide by the rules,” Scrat said. “They just laugh and tell me I’m too chubby.”

According to Scrat, there are no consequences for students who break the rules. Humans continue to subject squirrels to secondhand smoke, offer their leftovers to squirrels who stare too long, and throw away their unhealthy lunches where squirrels can easily access them.

“The enforcement of the smoking ban is not USAPD’s responsibility and USA has failed to provide healthier lunch options,” Scrat said.

“We’re at a loss.”

In the meantime, biology instructor Joel Borden urged the USA community to observe squirrels from a distance. According to Borden, squirrels are placental mammals with high body temperatures and can carry diseases that could be passed on to humans, such as rabies and lyme disease.

“Typically, wild squirrels are not aggressive toward humans,” Borden said. “They would see us as a potential threat. However, the more they come into contact with humans with little to no adverse consequences, the more likely they are to approach humans. They become habituated to humans and may even associate us with food.”

At the end of the day, we should never feed wild animals.

USA also offers smoking cessation classes to students and employees who wish to quit smoking.

You can find more information on the cessation program at southalabama.edu/specialprojects/tobaccofree

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