anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
THE
MONDAY MARCH 5, 2018 VOL 1719 ISS 19
w w w.t he vangu ardus a.com
New license plate scanning technology Police Chief Zeke Aull shares some of the ways campus security is evolving. Page 3
Parks and Education
Women’s basketball team make 600th win
New study opportunities are opening up to USA students.
The womens basketball team reached a milestone over the weekend.
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Democracy & Dialogue USA Students participated in round table discussions and marched around campus BY: TRICIA WEST | REPORTER
Students turned the Student Center Amphitheater into a classroom in celebration of the University of South Alabama’s Democracy Day on Friday, March 2. Students discussed issues and democracy in the United States. This year topics included Media and Democracy, Immigration and Policy, Black Lives Matter and Democracy, Free Speech, Climate Change, Education & Democracy, and #MeToo Movements and Democracy.
Students gathered at the Student Center Amphitheater to participate in Democracy Day. Photo by Briana Cunningham
“I really enjoyed that the panels were taught mostly by students,” USA freshman Robin Welderson said. “I kind of felt like they ex-
plained things from our generation’s perspective and not through the ideas of the generation above us. I felt like I learned a lot and will
attend next year.” “The reproductive rights panel was truly student-led,” Claire Cage, faculty advisor of USA’s Planned Parenthood branch stated. “Dr. Corina Schulze and I, the faculty moderators for the panel, were happy to have the opportunity to participate alongside some of the leaders of the USA Generation Action group on campus. [Planned Parenthood’s student leaders]... thoughtfully framed a well-informed discussion on reproductive rights, women’s health services, and current political and legislative threats to these issues.” The College of Arts and Science along with the Office of Student Affairs sponsored the teach-in on democracy and its role in our academic community. Democracy Day consisted of four panels focused on different Continued on page 4
USA trauma center receives funds to expand BY: RICHARD NARRAMORE | ASST. MANAGING EDITOR
Bert Meisler donated $5 million dollars to the expansion of the University of South Alabama Medical Center’s Trauma Cneter. The trauma center will be renamed to Fanny R. Meisler Trauma Center,
in honor of Meisler’s late wife. This donation comes after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s $4 million in grant from an economic bond issued to USA Medical Center. “The USA Medical Center serves thousands of people each year and saves the lives of our citizens every day,” Meisler said in a press
release. “The expansion of its Level 1 trauma center — the only one of its kind in the region—is vitally important to our community. I am so pleased to be able to give back to the University of South Alabama and to the USA Health system in this way.” Dr. John Marymont, vice presi-
dent for medical affairs and dean of USA’s College of Medicine, said in a press release, “Mr. Meisler’s generous gift is the capstone of a partnership with the state and USA Health that will transform trauma care in this region, enhance economic development and provide future emergency medicine physi-
NEWS
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University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-7966 I Fax: 380-2850 Advertising: 460-7966 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Web Editor Electronic File Mgr. Reporters
Shannon Lundgren Marissa Mason Richard Narramore Amber-Lynn Boothe Charles Harrison Krisha Amin Tricia West Hannah Blackburn Kenyan Carter Christian Hinkel Elaine Russ Evy Savoie Natasha Spradlin Rachel Sullivan Photographers Briana Cunningham Cartoonist Clay Lolley
Advertising Advertising Manager Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago
Advisors Advising Heather Leigh Stanley James Aucoin Accounting Candice Jennings Advisor Emeritus John Sellers
Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall
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: 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, JagMail 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. 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 Office of Student Media. Issues are available at most University buildings and select offcampus locations. Freelance writers and photographers will receive payment upon successful publication.
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Upcoming Events 5 Monday
8 Thursday
College of Nursing White Coat Ceremony USA Baldwin County Campus Performance Center 6-8 p.m.
PowerLines Poetry Mobile Museum of Art 6-7 p.m.
6 Tuesday
10 Saturday
Last Lecture: Dr. Tony Waldrop Student Center Ballroom 5-6 p.m.
Touch A Truck Hank Aaron Stadium 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7 Wednesday
13 Tuesday
Part-time and Summer Job Fair Student Center Ballroom 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Howard Mahan Lecture: Erica Dunbar Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 1205 7-9 p.m.
USA Crime Report 02/22/2018 Criminal Trespass Third Degree The Grove Apartments Arrested subject was found on University property after having received a criminal trespass warning. 02/27/2018 Illegal Possession/Use of a Credit/Debit Card No location given Unknown person(s) is using the victim’s credit card number or a duplicate card to make purchases in stores and online without the victim’s consent.
02/27/2018 Criminal Mischief Second Degree (Greater than $500 to $2,500) Communication Department An unknown suspect scratched the victims vehicle with what appeared to be a key from the middle of the rear hatch to the front of the drivers door.
Medical Center Endoscopy Center Conference Room. “
02/27/2018 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less Endoscopy Ctr. Conference Room “I was called to take a report for Property Damage, which occurred at University of South Alabama
02/28/2018 Theft of Article from Auto Shelby Hall Parking Lot Between the times of 14:00 hours and 15:00 hours, the crime of vehicle burglary took place in the Shelby Hall parking lot.
02/28/2018 Assault 2nd 250 Stadium Blvd. Known subject, with intent to cause injury, caused serious physical injury to the victim.
If you SEE something, DO something! 251-460-6312
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USA Trauma center expansion continued Continued from page 1
cians for Alabama.” The expansion will more than double the size of the current USA trauma center and allow USA medical center to meet the Mobile
“This will allow us to have a facility that matches the care we are providing each and every day” -USA Hospital
Administrator Sam Dean community’s needs better, according to USA Hospital Administrator Sam Dean. “This will allow us to have a facility that matches the care we are providing each and every day,” said
Dean. There is not an official timeline for the project as of now, but Dean was hopeful they would break ground by the end of 2018. This would also allow for USA Medical Center to begin its ER residency program and produce certified emergency physicians for not only the Mobile community, but the state in whole, according to Dean. The USA board of trustees announced the donation at their meeting on Friday, March 1. Chair Pro Tempore Kenneth Simmon gave Meisler a framed copy of a resolution to rename the Trauma Center. “One reason that our students have the most support this community can give them is because of the generosity of people like Bert Meisler,” Simon said. “We are honored to receive this
Herbert A. Meisler has donated $5 million to expand the USA Medical Center’s Trauma Center, which will be renamed the Fanny R. Meisler Trauma Center. Photo courtesy of USA Marketing and Communication
generous contribution to the USA Medical Center from Mr. Meisler,” USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop said in a press release. “He has shown a deep commitment to the University and to USA Health for
many years, and his latest investment in the Fanny R. Meisler Trauma Center is truly transformational for the state and the region.”
Parking tags phasing out BY: ELAINE RUSS | REPORTER
License Plate Recognition will change the way parking is enforced on campus, according to the University of South Alabama Police Chief Zeke Aull. “Next year, instead of having students that write tickets for us, we’ll have cameras mounted on cars,” Aull said. “We’ll drive through the parking lot and we’ll be able to geofence them. If a vehicle is parked outside its zone, then LPR will notify us. The hangtag system will slowly be phased out.” Aull said LPR monitoring the parking lot could benefit students. “Let’s say you drive your car or your mother’s car, something like that,” Aull said. “You’ll be able to have two different license plates in the system. Now, you can only drive one on campus at a time, but LPR will know that both are registered to you. So, not only will it help parking enforcement, but it
will also be a benefit for students, so that they don’t have to get a temporary permit.” LPR Technology has been in use at USA since last year. Aull said LPR was first installed at all entrances of USA’s campus. With LPR at every entrance, a picture is taken of every license plate, which is recorded in the system, said Aull. Placing LPR technology costs between $12,000-$20,000, according to Aull. LPR helps the police monitor the USA campus and ensure safety, according to Aull. “If we have a known individual that has been banned from campus driving a known vehicle with a license plate, we’re able to key in that information into our system,” Aull said. “So, the next time that individual comes onto campus, we can put a warrant out for their arrest and dispatch officers to stop him. We’ve already had individuals that have been caught and arrested
Currently, students apply for parking permits to park in designated zones around campus. Photo by Briana Cunningham
with this.” LPR is on other college campuses as well, and in a few surprising places. “It’s in places that you wouldn’t even recognize,” Aull said. “The interstate has them; Mobile City
Police has them around in certain places.” Chief Aull said he was excited about the new technology and keeping the campus safe.
4 NEWS Democracy & Dialogue continued “I think democracy day is important because it allows students to speak their mind,” USA Senior Geoff Way stated. “All opinions are allowed. There are no wrong answers. I am able to come to this event and learn things that I may have never even thought about before. I am exposed to new ideas, and that’s a huge deal when you
Planned Parenthood Generation Action discussed reproductive rights and women’s health services at the Student Center Amphitheater on Democracy Day. Photo by Briana Cunningham
Continued from page 1
topics and lasting for 40 minutes at a time, according to one of the coordinators, Martha Jane Brazy. Most discussion panels were organized and taught by students.
All USA students, faculty and staff members were invited to attend and to join the discussions. Everyone could come and go to different panels as they pleased. After the discussion panels, there was a Democracy March through
campus. Students held signs and spoke about democracy to students passing by. According to USA’s website, this was in support of dialogue, diversity, engagement and global democracy.
into the program visit their choice of national parks or natural wonders of America and explore scientific, cultural and historical significances of the area during the summer. They are also given several opportunities for recreational activities while in the parks. This year, Partners in the Parks offers students 12 different locations to choose from, including the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. “I have always been passionate about the environment, and I believe national parks are so valuable to our country,” Dahmer said. “I chose the Acadia National Park due to its rocky beaches, tall mountains and rolling hills. I love the geographic diversity it has to offer.” Itineraries vary from park to
park, but all choices feature educational seminars as an integral component of the trip, according to the Partners in the Parks website. “[Partners in the Parks] projects will … broaden participants’ understanding of the overall value of national parks to our country and its citizens,” the NCHC stated on their website. The USA Honors College partnered with the NCHC to provide students this opportunity. Cooke is excited to share this opportunity with the University of South Alabama. “One of the primary missions of the Honors College is to cultivate interdisciplinary and intelligent thinking,” Cooke said. “Partners in the Parks isn’t just about geology or environmental science. It’s a means to engage with different communities and schools of thinking on a
“I think democracy day is important because it allows students to speak their mind. All opinions are allowed. There are no wrong answers” - USA Senior Geoff Way grow up in such a small town.” To get involved in future events and the next Democracy Day , students and faculty can email Brazy at mjbrazy@southalabama.edu.
National parks - study abroad at home BY: EVY SAVOIE | REPORTER
Partners in the Parks, an annual outdoor learning program where students study in national parks, is an opportunity now available to University South Alabama students, Dr. Kathy Cooke, dean of the USA Honors College. Donavon Dahmer, a junior biomedical sciences major and a USA Honors College student, applied for an opportunity with Partners in the Parks. Dahmer said he is exploring ways to help pay for his trip to Acadia National Park. “Initially, my financial situation kept me from pursuing it, but once I talked more with Dr. Cooke, she informed me about scholarships that would provide funding for most, if not all, of the program’s cost,” Dahmer said. Students and faculty accepted
national level.” Deadlines for Partners in the Parks applications vary from project to project and fall anywhere between mid-April and early July. Prices for Partners in the Parks vary from project to project, but the organizers of the program, the National Collegiate Honors Council, accept applications from both members and nonmembers of the NCHC. USA Honors College students are already members of the NCHC due to their honors status, and receive a 50 percent discount on their registering fees according to NCHC’s Partners in the Parks website. For more information, you can contact the USA Honors College or visit the Partners in the Parks website at: nchchonors.org/events/ partners-in-the-parks.
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New restaurant coming to University Blvd. BY: KENYAN CARTER | REPORTER
Students at the University of South Alabama may have another meal choice when Cook Out makes its new home in the local community. According to Vallas Realty, the real estate agency that helped negotiate the sale, Cook Out will be located at 116 S. University Blvd., replacing the PDQ. Cook Out has locations in Auburn, Huntsville, Jacksonville and Tuscaloosa. They also plan to open restaurants in Troy and Opelika, along with the new location in Mobile. The fast-food chain offers more than 40 different milkshake flavors and has variety of items including, drive-thru barbecue and hamburgers. Prior to coming to Mobile, fans created a Twitter account with the handle BRNGCookOutMOB.. Sierra Gardner, a junior nursing
PDQ shuttered their University Boulevard location earlier this year. Photo by Kenyan Carter
major at USA , said she was excited for Cook Out’s arrival. “They have a variety of different foods at a reasonable price,” Gardner said. “There really isn’t another place like it in Mobile!” Katie Joiner, a business administration major and member of the Jaguar marching band, echoed
Gardner’s sentiments. “I was excited,” Joiner said. “I’ve eaten there a few times while visiting friends at Alabama and Jacksonville and its always the cheapest option with the best food.” Percey Johnstone, an exercise science major and sophomore at USA, believes Cook Out is a trade-up.
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“I have only been to PDQ a couple of times and it was a little pricey,” Johnstone said. “I think Cook Out will do better in the location because the prices and quantities are more appealing to college kids.” Cook Out stores are open until 3 a.m. on weekdays. This would offer students a late-night dining option. PDQ left a note on the door of the shuttered restaurant titled, “This isn’t goodbye, This Is A We’ll See You Soon.” The note reads as follows: “We are sad to announce that we have made the difficult decision to close our Mobile PDQ. We hope to find another site in the area where we may be able to relocate our restaurant. Our Mobile team has become deeply connected to the community and we will miss seeing you, our loyal guest, every day.” There is no word yet on an opening date for Cook Out.
EDITOR IN CHIEF The Vanguard
The editor in chief is The advertising manager of responsible for the content The Vanguard sells ads for and layout of the paper and managing staff. the paper and magazine, manages client information, Applicants must have a knowledge of journalistic seeks out leads, lays out writing and values. This is the ads for the paper and a 12-month paid position oversees the advertising with scholarship. Please staff. This is a 12-month submit one writing sample paid position with a scholarship. No samples of and one layout sample. work required.
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Applicants must email a resume, cover letter, a faculty letter of recommendation and samples of work to Heather Leigh Stanley, director of student media, at hlstanley@southalabama.edu before MARCH 15.
LIFE
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PASSAGE USA expected to grow BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN| REPORTER
Preparing All Students Socially and Academically for Gainful Employment at the University of South Alabama is preparing to expand with a two-year, non-degree certificate program designed for students who need extra support to be successful in our community. Project Director Dr. Abigail Baxter said PASSAGE USA hopes to add 10 more students in the fall 2018 semester. The program began last spring with one student and expanded to seven students by the fall. It gained a lot of publicity when student Keith Griffith received his acceptance letter for the fall 2017 semester and the video went viral. “Our basic model has been working,” Baxter said. “We have seen growth in all of the students and so have their families.” Students in the program attend elective classes with other USA students and specialized classes to target specific skills. They spend time in and out of class with peer mentors to help them with their school work as well as socialize. “We always need mentors,” Baxter said. “They are the individuals who make the program work. The mentors we have tell us they get more out of the program than the students. We have a great variety of students, some who work with us as little as an hour a week and others who mentor 15 hours a week.” Baxter said other needs for the program are more communitybased employment settings and opportunities for independent living, such as in a dorm or apartment with mentors. “We are expanding on many fronts,” Baxter said. “Trying to find more diverse job opportunities
within the USA community as well as in the larger Mobile community. We are trying to get more students involved as mentors.” Baxter wants USA students to help PASSAGE students feel welcome at USA and to get involved on campus by inviting them to extracurricular activities and campus events. “Appreciate and value diversity,” Baxter said. “Welcome PASSAGE USA students to classes, community events, in all interactions.” For Baxter, the inclusion of PASSAGE students is a way to rewrite the way people with disabilities are viewed. To USA students, she is hopeful that viewing them as equals on campus will encourage a welcoming environment on campus and in the community. “Individuals with disabilities are more like you than they are different,” Baxter said. “They have the same interests, goals and dreams. Focus on the similarities and not the differences.” PASSAGE USA is asking students and faculty to aid in the growth and success of the program on campus and in the community. To help get USA students involved with PASSAGE USA, the program has organized the Student Civitan Club which plans to serve individuals with disabilities. The club meets on Monday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m. in UCOM 3901. For more information on PASSAGE USA’s activities and mentor applications, visit southalabama. edu/colleges/ceps/passage or contact Dr. Abigail Baxter at abaxter@ southalabama.edu
“Individuals with disabilities are more like you than they are different.” - Dr. Abigail Baxter
PASSAGE USA encourages students to accept and embrace diversity. Photo courtesy of Carol Hudak
LIFE
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Homecoming queen turned dolphin trainer
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Rachel Chamberlain, USA Marine Biology senior. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chamberlain
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USA senior Rachel Chamberlain, landed her dream job training dolphins at Dolphin Quest in Oahu, Hawaii. After graduation, Chamberlain has a job waiting for her as an Apprentice Marine Mammal Specialist for Dauphin Quest This facility in particular has sentimental importance to Chamberlain. During a visit to Dolphin Quest, she realized her passion for marine animals and decided that she wanted to become an marine animal trainer. “As I entered my last semester of college, I began my post graduate job hunt,” Chamberlain said. “Working at Dolphin Quest has been a dream job since I was a little kid, so I started checking their website for job openings on a daily basis. As soon as they posted a listing for an apprentice specialist, I immediately applied! “When I was 6 years old, I visited Dolphin Quest while on a family vacation to Hawaii. The Marine Mammal Specialists there instilled a passion in me for marine mammals that has never faded!” Chamberlain said. Now, over a decade later, things have come full circle. Chamberlain said her job will involve training and caring for the dolphins and educating guests about marine mammals, wildlife conversations and scientific studies Dolphin Quest is conducting or participating in. During the spring semester of 2018, Chamber-
lain took part in a for-credit internship with the US Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP) in San Diego, California. She was able to be directly mentored by senior level Navy handlers while they trained their dauphins and sealions. “In my high school marine biology class, I learned about the Navy Marine Mammal Program and the amazing work that they do protecting our service men and women,” Chamberlain said “I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part it one day! When I decided to take a semester away from college to intern, the NMMP was the first place I applied.” Her time with the Navy in California solidified that marine animal training was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. The day-today life of a marine animal trainer was one Chamberlain could see herself living. “During my internship, I assisted with the daily care and training of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions,” Chamberlain said. “My days began at 6 am in the fish house where we prepared the daily meals for all of the NMMP animals. Afterwards, we would spend the rest of the day with our crews participating in training sessions, assisting veterinary procedures, and caring for the animals however needed. I loved every second of it.” Chamberlain is scheduled to graduate with her bachelors in marine biology in May 2018. During her time in college, she’s been a member and officer of Kappa Delta Sorority, a cheerleader and was recently crowned as USA’s homecoming queen.
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SPORTS
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Women’s basketball wins 600 games
Senior guard Erin Autio takes a three-point shot. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars.com BY: CHRISTIAN HINKEL | REPORTER
The University of South Alabama Women’s basketball team hit
the road Saturday Mar 3 and beat Georgia State University 70-69. With this victory, the Jags scooped up their 600th win in programs history. Freshman guard Savannah Jones and senior center Chyna Ellis lead the Jags to this historic win. Jones lit up the scoreboard with six three-pointers. She also added six rebounds and three assists to her totals. Ellis had a double-double on the night as she poured in 16 points and 11 rebounds. Another notable performance came from freshman forward Antoinette Lewis. Lewis scored 13 points and also recorded 16 rebounds. The Jaguars outscored the Panthers through the first two periods of play and went into halftime with a nine-point lead. As the second half began, the Panthers slowly chipped away at
Look ahead to the Sun Belt tournament ARTICLE COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS
The South Alabama women earned the No. 5 seed after finishing the regular season with an overall record of 18-11 and a SBC mark of 11-7, tying for the program record in conference wins set in 2002-03. They will face the No. 12 seeded ULM Warhawks on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The USA men enter the tournament as the No. 10 seed after concluding the season with a 14-17 record, 7-11 in conference play, and will face the seventh-seeded Troy Trojans at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The Jag women took both meetings from ULM, defeating them on the road 67-60 on Jan. 27 and taking the meeting at the Mitchell Center by a 72-55 margin on Feb. 22. In the road matchup, Savannah Jones went 6-of-7 from behindthe-arc, setting a career-high for made threes and tying for fourth
most made in a game in program history. Chyna Ellis recorded her 10th double-double of the season in home win at the Mitchell Center with 15 points and 10 rebounds. South Alabama enters the conference tournament winning three of its last four. The winner of the USA-ULM matchup will face fourseed Troy at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The Jaguars and Trojans met twice this with Troy taking both matchups, 79-64 in Mobile on Jan. 13 and 80-63 on Feb. 3 in Troy. The two schools will be facing off in the tournament for the fourth time, but first since 2012. USA is 2-1 vs. Troy in postseason play. Second-seeded Georgia State awaits the winner on Friday at 5 p.m. Fans can purchase an all-tournament pass for $120 or single session (two games) for $15 from the South Alabama ticket office.
the Jags lead. GSU regained the lead with four minutes to go and left the Jags in desperate need of a bucket. With one minute left on the clock, Ellis regained the lead for the Jags with a clutch field goal. The defense, lead by freshman forward Antoinette Lewis, managed to hold the Panthers the rest of the way. Lewis blocked what would have been a game-winning shot with 19 seconds left to seal the victory for the Jaguars. Georgia State’s shooting percentage on the night, which sat at 40 percent, was better than the Jaguars’, but the Jaguars 12 threepointers compared to GSU’s six propelled them to victory. The Jags shot 36 percent on their field goals, and 34 percent on three-pointers. With this victory, the Jaguars will finish the regular season with a re-
cord of 18-11 and 11-7 in Sun Belt Conference play. The 18 wins the Jaguars have are the most they’ve had in any season since 2008-09. The Jags are scheduled to compete in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Tournament on Tuesday March 6 in New Orleans, La.. The tournament will feature teams from across the conference, competeing for the regular season conference title. The Jaguars will be the No. 5 seed in the tournament and face the No. 12 seed University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at 2 p.m. This will be the third match-up with the Warhawks. The Jags won both of the two previous meetings in the regular season. For more information on South Alabama Women’s basketball and all other sports on campus, follow the Vanguard on Facebook @
111 S. Royal Street, Mobile AL 36602 | 251.208.7569 For more information, visit historymuseumofmobile.com
SPORTS
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Jags lose in-state showdown to Auburn BY: HANNAH BACKBURN | REPORTER
The University of South Alabama Jaguar baseball team fell 7-6 against the unbeaten Auburn Tigers Tuesday night at Stanky Field, setting a new attendance record with 4,508 fans. Both the Jags and the Tigers had 10 hits and one error. Auburn came out strong in the eighth inning and completed a four-run rally, pushing them ahead of the Jags by one. The Tigers kept their lead allowing the Jags only two runs and earning themselves another win. Redshirt freshman outfielder Michael Sandle led the Jags in hitting with three hits, two runs-battedin and one run in his five at-bats. Junior outfielder Travis Swaggerty had one run and two hits in two at-bats. Junior infielder Wells Davis had two hits, one run and one RBI in four at bats. The Tigers capitalized on their two-run lead and made it a threerun lead in the fourth inning. In the bottom of the fifth, the Jags knocked in four runs to push their lead over Auburn by one run.
Tied 4-4 in the top of the eighth, the Tigers’ three-run homerun gave them a 7-4 lead. Sandle hit a single to center field. Junior infielder Deyvid Silva got on base after getting walked and sophomore Hunter Stokes’ hit a double to left-center allowing Sandle and Silva to score. However, those two runs were not enough for the Jags, allowing the Tigers to secure the win. Head coach Mark Calvi felt that the Jags downfall was due in part of not playing a complete game. “We left too many men on base and we struck out too many times,” Calvi said. “We competed like crazy, but we didn’t play a complete baseball game.” Calvi went deep into the bullpen using four pitchers in the contest. Right-handed sophomore pitcher Tyler Perez threw just four innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Junior left-hander Jared Proctor was on the mound for one inning and threw one strikeout. Junior right-hander Chase Lambert was on the field for two at-bats giving up two hits, two runs and two
Redshirt freshman Michael Sandle made a diving catch in the game against Auburn. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars.com
errors. Sophomore right-hander Chase Shell (0-1) came in as the night’s closer. Shell allowed one hit, two runs and two errors to go with one strikeout. “Chase Shell was outstanding,” Calvi said. “I thought Perez deserved a little better fate early on. He probably should have given
up just two runs instead of three through four against a good club. I thought Chase was outstanding.” To find out more about the Jaguar baseball club and other athletics, visit USAJaguars.com.
streaked down and scored the opening goal of the game. The Jags dominated the rest of the game played at intramural field No. 3. “It means a lot, it’s the start of something big,” Nolan Kotila, a freshman attacker, said. Jaguar lacrosse is hopeful about the things to come. While they don’t have any games scheduled going forward they are hopeful about the future. “We are a club,” Kotila said. “We don’t have an official schedule. We will be letting everyone know as soon as the next game happens.” Lacrosse is also open to new recruits going forward. Members must provide their own stick, helmet and pads. Members pay a club fee, but
receive a jersey and helmet wrap upon paying “We are a pretty cost-efficient team,” Kotila said. “We do offer multiple fund raising opportunities, so it’s a good cheap way to get out.” The Jags have open practices Tuesday and Thursday from 6 - 8 p.m. and are open to the public. They practice on intramural field No. 3, and are also welcome to anyone looking to come out. “We are trying to get people interested and trying to get them to come out, so just come play,” Kotila said to people who were looking to come and play. For more information about the lacrosse club going forward, watch the USA Daily Digest, or come check out at a practice on intramural field No. 3.
USA lacrosse wins first home game
The University of South Alabama lacrosse team celebrates their win. Photo by: Charles Harrison BY: CHARLES HARRISON | SPORTS EDITOR
The University of South Alabama lacrosse club won their first ever home game, defeating the Universi-
ty of West Florida Argonauts 12-6. The Jags started their first home game on Saturday March 4, after winning the face off the Jags
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OPINION
Higher Education Creates Opportunity
University of South Alabama students travelled to Montgomery on Feb. 22 to participate in a rally for higher education funding. Photo by Natasha Spradlin
our public colleges and universities walk the tightrope between excellence and affordability without Americans once embraced higher renewed state investment? In establishing state institueducation as the great equalizer. tions of higher education with the State colleges and universities allowed children from working- and first land grants in the 1860s, our forefathers believed education to middle class parents to compete be an investment in the state. They on a level playing field with chilwanted to build a well-trained, dren from more advantaged backwell-educated workforce and to grounds. The race gap in higher create knowledge centers that can education has also been closing, attract business. with more African-American To be sure, not all jobs or careers students and Hispanic students require advanced degrees, but achieving degrees. many of the new jobs created reOn this backdrop of accessibilcently in Alabama do. Several high ity and opportunity, things are tech and international businesses unfortunately changing. Due to the recession, states slashed higher have opened in Alabama over the last decade. These companies need education budgets in 2008. In consequence, tuition has increased engineers and scientists, people across the nation. For many Ameri- who can communicate in multiple languages. can students, the financial burden Data shows that indeed, state of earning a college degree quickly universities outflank private overshadows the dream. The recession forced Alabama to schools in advancing knowledge decrease the higher education bud- and research that drive our local economies. get by 34 percent in 2008. Despite Further, state-supported institusteady economic recovery from 2011, it has been difficult to restore tions are essential to the public good. They train the people who higher education funding to pretake care of us, such as teachrecession levels. Our state colleges ers and health care professionals. and universities have struggled to Moreover, communities with a keep tuition costs down, but the higher-education driven health question remains: how long can care center show substantial gains BY USA SGA PRESIDENT CARL THOMAS AND FACULTY SENATE PRESIDENT DR. ELIZABETH VANDEWAA
in patient care and overall health. Public universities have a $20 billion impact on the state of Alabama. For every dollar the state invests, taxpayers receive 12 dollars
in return, whether in terms of jobs created or improvements in health care. Data shows citizens with advanced degrees earn more per capita. Simply put, public colleges and universities are a good investment for the community and the individual. Alabama is home to exceptional institutions of higher education of which the state is very proud. Our colleges and universities have achieved national reputations for excellence and have helped fuel economic growth. Please support and encourage our elected officials in their efforts to restore higher education funding and to continue the state’s positive momentum. University of South Alabama Student Government Association Past President (2016-2017) Joshua Crownover and USA Faculty Senate Secretary Dr. Mara Kozelsky are contributing writers.
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DISTRACTIONS
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Don’t forget! It’s time to ‘spring forward’ again. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11! This is when the US will set their clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. Over 78 countries participate in DST.
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