November 30, 2015 by The Vanguard

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Consider Source Freshman Do’s and Don’ts for athe conversation Georgia Southern runs over South Thankful

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NOV. 30, 2015

South Alabama SGA forms working group to survey student opinion on campus concealed carry By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

outh Alabama SGA has formed a working group to address the issue of concealed carry on campus. After a resolution in favor of the group was approved by the senate at the Nov. 16 meeting, the group added nine members. DJ Parten, the author of the resolution, originally presented a resolution to address concealed carry with the administration. The resolution was discussed among the senators, but after multiple concerns Parten changed the resolution that would be voted on. “Some minor changes were addressed concerns to the wording of the original bill,” Parten said. “We also wanted to include FYC (First Year Council) and we wanted to make it an odd number of people to make decisions easier.” The group is comprised of two executive council members, five senators and two First Year Council members, a branch of SGA made up of freshmen. Parten will be on the working group along with president Ravi Rajendra, treasurer Marcus Williams, chief justice

Micha Messer, senators Kenny Ngo, JuWan Robinson, Joe Connors and two of the FYC members. According to the resolution, the duties of the group include, but are not limited to, organizing town hall meetings and conducting a survey of the student body. “The senate as a whole thought it would be best if we better surveyed the student body before making a decision on the issue,” Parten said. This is not the first time that Parten has presented to SGA. Last spring, Parten presented the same proposal to the senate before he was a senator. Parten used the same information he presented in his original resolution presentation on Nov. 9. This information included a survey of over 600 participants. Due to concerns that the student body may not be well represented, the resolution was adjusted and presented on Nov. 16. The resolution was passed with only one abstain by the senate. With a working group, SGA intends to include the student body on this national issue and to have a better sense of what the students want. Parten says that utilizing the working group could actually speed up the process,

NOV. 30, 2015

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

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Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Alexander Moylan Mary Alice Wilson Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Caitlin Smith

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South Alabama SGA has formed a working group to find out if students are behind campus concealed carry. (Vanguard Archives) more so than if the senate had just passed the original resolution. If the result is in favor of concealed carry on campus, SGA can propose the idea to administration. “When they (the administration) made a change to the tobacco policy, they did a survey of the student body through a USA polling group,” Parten said. “If the survey is already done it speeds up the process.” South Alabama became tobacco-free in August after an exploratory committee

appointed by President Tony Waldrop. The committee researched the potential policy and polled students before making the decision to become a tobacco-free university. The working group is expected to meet before the end of the semester, and a majority of their work will take place in the spring semester. The Vanguard will continue to cover the progress and any of the events that are organized for the issue.

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USAPD blotter

If you SEE something 251-460-6312 SAY something! Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle The Grove 10/25/15 – 16:05 On October 25, 2015 an unknown person unlawfully entered a vehicle parked in the Grove. Burglary Third Degree The Grove 10/25/15 – 15:19 Unknown suspect/s used force to enter the victim’s Grove apartment via front door and bedroom doors

Theft of Article from Auto The Grove 10/25/15 – 10:42 A female suspect’s vehicle was burglarized while parked at the Grove. Alcohol Poisoning – Engaging in conduct that places the campus community in danger New Hall 10/25/15 – 4:50 On 10/25/2015 at 04:50, a Medical Emergency was reported at New Hall Dorms

NOV. 30, 2015

GOP candidate Ben Carson makes stop at South Alabama Mitchell Center

By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief

n Nov. 19, Republican candidate Ben Carson held a rally at the Mitchell Center in front of over 2,000 students, supporters and Mobilians. The rally at the University of South Alabama was one of the many stops Carson made while in the Port City. Carson visited Prichard Preparatory School and St. Paul’s Episcopal School, along with a fundraiser dinner at a private residence, but the Mitchell Center rally was by far his largest audience of the day. Tickets for the private event ranged from $500 to $1,500. “I’m really interested in what he has to say,” Aimee Beets, a 23-year-old postgraduate physical therapy student said before the rally. “It’s really important to be informed about who our potential president could be. This opportunity is something I’ll remember and tell my kids about.” The former neurosurgeon spoke to the crowd on an array of topics ranging from his childhood to the ongoing debate over allowing Syrian refugees into the United States. Carson spoke about his love of the medical field first, saying he had always dreamed of becoming a surgeon, “skipping the fireman phase,” and how much his mother encouraged him when he was a young boy. Carson said he was a terrible student but emphasized that one can accomplish anything he or she sets his or her

mind to do. Another issue that Carson discussed in his just over-30-minute speech was the fiscal gap and the debt that is being put on the next generation. “We no longer have a healthy environment here,” Carson said. “For one thing, we are putting on the backs of our children incalculable debt.” Carson then took on two of the biggest topics in the United States — how to deal with the Syrian refugees and where in the United States to allow over 10,000 people to resettle. The refugee issue became a national topic after the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, which were claimed by ISIS. “Look at what happened last week in France,” Carson said. “If you look at an administration that wants to bring in thousands of people from Syria — now, I’m as compassionate as the next guy, but I don’t want to bring anybody from that part of the world who isn’t fully screened and vetted in a satisfactory way.” Before the Mobile rally, Carson made an analogy comparing the refugees to “rabid dogs.” Carson took a shot at the media during the rally, calling them “dishonest.” “I always find it kind of amusing that every day, there are all these articles about me that I said to the news media today that you know that bringing people that are not fully screened and vetted from a part of the world where there are jihadists who want to destroy would be, like, you love dogs and you love children but you know that there’s a rabid dog out there,” Carson said. “Well, you’re going to bring your child in the house until you know that rabid dog had been taken care of.

GOP candidate Ben Carson spoke at a campaign rally on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Mitchell Center. (Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief) “So what did the news media do? ‘Carson says the Syrians are like rabid dogs.’ This is kind of thing — fortunately it only works on gullible people, but the problem is there are a lot of gullible people. And you know it is kind of a sad thing that we reach a point in our society where such dishonesty in our media.” Despite some of the negative light cast on the candidate, Carson still has a following that makes him one of the top Republican hopefuls. “I have always followed Ben Carson,” South Alabama sophomore Joshua Cox said. “I have

read all of his books and I like his ideals for America. He has really clear cut policies and stands strong in his faith of God.” For one of his final points, Carson emphasized the importance of voting. “In 2012, 93 million people who could have voted didn’t vote,” Carson said. “Twenty-five to 30 million evangelicals did not vote. “You know some of those people... I hope you are not one of them. You need to make sure they understand that when you don’t vote — you are voting, but you are voting for the wrong side.”

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ast Thursday, for International Education Week on campus, the Council of International Student Organizations invited students to Culture Shock. Culture Shock brought students from around the world together to educate students and help them understand different cultures. The international students that presented at Culture Shock were from different countries all around the world. Those included Pakistan, Mexico, Vietnam, India, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. International students gave presentations about their home countries covering topics like religion, tourism, food, festivals, holidays and sports. The presentations gave an interesting perspective of different countries and gave students a new perspective of the culture shock in the United States. The vice president of CISO, Hamza Abbasi, was very excited for Culture Shock. “It’s a time for us to get out

and show the world, ‘Ok, this is our culture, what do you think about it?’.” Mayank Patel, President of Indian Student Association along with Monica Sai Pasala and Srinayane Ramamurthy, VIP members of ISA, helped to educate students about their home country, India, and learned new things about other countries that they did not know. “Something that I learned personally was there’s a lot of different food varieties in different countries that I didn’t know about. You dont know alot about that here in the states. We don’t get to see the traditional foods here, so that was really nice to see, what they eat on a regular basis,” said Patel. Kassy Urena-Rodriguez, the emcee of the event said the event was a real success. “We learned to understand that there are different cultures here at South and that it's not only Americans and African American. There are Latin cultures, Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese.” “I had a lot of fun at the event today,” said Tasheena Jacques, a member of the Latin American Student Association. “I learned a lot about the different cultures that I didn’t know before.”

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Natalie franklin life Editor nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu

LIFE

NOV. 30, 2015

Rebecca Juliet, 16-year-old singer-songwriter By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor

Events of the Week

t 16-years-old, Rebecca Juliet has already released two singles. “Damsel in Distress,” her latest single has received quite a bit of buzz recently. “It’s so above what I had anticipated, and it’s really incredibly humbling to know that there are other people who care about the same things that I care about, who are into the same things I’m into, and who want to empower young girls and women in the same way that I want to,” Juliet said. The the young singer-songwriter’s has donated the proceeds of both her singles to charity. Juliet has been singing since she was a child. “I’ve been singing literally my entire life. I just kind of never stopped,” Juliet said. Juliet is from New York City, and her upbringing in New York shaped who she is today. Juliet described the abundance of both wealth and poverty that is present in New York City. “It’s a place where there’s a lot of socioeconomic diversity, which I think has in part influenced my desire for social action and social change.” Juliet’s latest single, “Damsel in Distress,” has a retro sound, while the lyrics pertain to a more 21st century message. “I would say my music is, it focuses on bringing together things that might not necessarily seem like they inherently go together,” Juliet said. The juxtaposition of a 1960s sound with lyrics concerning women’s empowerment isn’t exactly common. “We were just feeling that it would be kind of fun to take that vibe and transpose it very much into a 21st century message of women’s empowerment.” Bust Magazine has labeled “Damsel in Distress” the “Feminist Pop Anthem” of 2015. “That’s huge! That was like a screaming excitement kind of thing. I have always considered myself a feminist. I think feminism is super important, and I think especially women labeling themselves as feminist is super important,” Juliet said. The proceeds from “Damsel in Distress” have all been donated to charity. Juliet chose to donate profits to Girls Inc. of New York City. The main mission of Girls Inc. of New York City is to support and improve the lives of underprivileged girls between the ages of 6 and 18 within the five boroughs of New York City. They provide educational programs in the areas of math, science, health and much more. Growing up in New York, Juliet is all

Jags vs. Spring Hill (Men’s Basketball) Mitchell Center 7:05 p.m.

USA Choir and University Chorale Holiday Concert LPAC Recital Hall 7:30 p.m.

02 Rebecca Juliet is a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from New York City. Her latest single, “Damsel in Distress,” is about women’s empowerment. (rebeccajuliet.com)

too aware of the economic and social divide present in today’s society. “Seeing that discrepancy in addition to seeing all of the culture, and the art and music that surrounded me has really influenced my goals,” Juliet said. She is passionate about implementing

“

I think feminism is super important, and I think especially women labeling themselves as feminist is super important -Rebecca Juliet

”

change in her community. Juliet chooses to focus on her community because she feels that often times people focus on helping far off places in lieu of their own communities. Juliet has always considered herself a feminist. “I go by the definition of feminism as that it is the searching for equality among

the genders. I also believe in the intersectionality of feminism, which basically means that feminism does not only pertain to white, cis [cisgender], heterosexual, able women but rather pertains to all…” The lyrics in her song reflect her strength and determination as a woman. Juliet is still young and has much to look forward to in the future. “Right now I’m very focused on my college applications. I definitely want to continue both music and social change,” Juliet said. She plans to attend a traditional liberal arts university, where she can excel in academics and dabble in music, too. Juliet’s message is clear. She encourages women’s empowerment and equality. “Always believe in your own convicted ideas, your own convictions and not allow whatever is going on around you to affect that. I think it’s very important to have a certain level of self-assurance. I think that self-assurance is so necessary in so many different ways. I would also say to young girls, not to be afraid to call themselves feminists. I don’t want anyone to be discouraged to fight for their own rights…”

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Jags vs. Appalachian State 6:30 p.m. Ladd-Peebles Stadium

NOV. 30, 2015

Holiday drink recipes that will keep you warm with cheer By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

hristmas break is a magical time of the year, when a whole semester is behind you and an entire new one is right ahead. Just a few weeks where no assignments are due, no papers to write, no assignments to finish. You’ve the freedom to watch Netflix without guilt and sleeping till noon is encouraged. There is one problem. You have been away from home for months and are now back in close quarters with (DUN DUN DUN) your family! Sometimes the only way to make it through an entire break with your loud siblings and your slightly racist nana is a nice, stiff holiday-themed cocktail.

The Wild Christmas • 1 ½ oz of Wild Turkey Bourbon • ½ oz of triple sec • Cranberry Juice Serve over ice and it is like a Christmas dinner but with alcohol

Not Your Momma’s Cider • Apple Juice • 2 oz of Fireball Whiskey Rim the glass with cinnamon and this drink will make it easier to talk about your future plans and your GPA when your mother asks.

Jingle Juice • 1 ½ oz Captain Morgan • ½ oz Disaronno • ½ oz Grand Marnier • Cranberry Juice • Pineapple Juice This will make any family gathering full of good cheer.

Santa’s Nightcap • Makers Mark Whiskey • Eggnog This one is great because your family doesn’t even have to know you are drinking, it is just eggnog after all.

North Pole Mule • • • • •

Splash of simple syrup Cranberry juice 1 ½ oz of Gin or Vodka 2 oz ginger beer Rosemary Sprig and cranberries for garnish Taking a holiday spin on the traditional Moscow Mule, this drink will help you smile while your family tells you, you will never find a job after college with a Philosophy major.

Mrs. Claus’ Mojito • 1 ½ oz White Rum (Bacardi) • Simple Syrup • Mint leaves • 3 Lime wedges • Cranberry Juice • Sprite A mojito is traditionally a refreshing summer drink but with the weather in the South it still feels like summer. In a shaker, muddle mint, limes and simple syrup till all the lime juice is squeezed and then add the rum. Fill shaker with ice, put the lid on and give it a few good shakes and then pour it into a glass. Add a splash of sprite or soda water and a splash of cranberry juice and you have a lovely Christmas cocktail that is like a breath of fresh air when your family makes you feel trapped.

Maple Old Fashion • 1 ½ oz of Crown Royal Maple • ½ oz of maple simple syrup • A few dashes of bitters • Lemon wedge To make maple simple syrup, combine two parts maple syrup one part really hot water and TaDa! Combine all ingredients except for the lemon in a glass and stir together. Squeeze lemon over drink and then rub the rim of the glass with it for taste and then drop it in the drink for garnish.

crownroyal.com

NOV. 30, 2015

10 holiday gift ideas for the friend that is hard to shop for By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter

• A massage

Wikicommons

Your mom is always talking about how

stressed she is and how much her back hurts. This gift says you listen and care about her pain.

e all have those family and friends who have everything or don’t need

anything. It can be extremely infuriating. Around this time of year, the panic starts to sink in. “What am I going to buy for them?” Instead of another gift card, how about try one of these:

a present that they can use and hopefully make some decent beer out of.

• Yoga pants/pajamas

It may not be the most heartfelt present, BUT I am pretty sure every year for the

past few years I have asked for yoga pants. You can never have too many pairs of yoga pants

• Etsy

Etsy is where all the goodness and light in the whole world come together and create a

surplus of things for everyone. Does your boyfriend really like Alabama Football and playing guitar? Just search elephants and guitar and WALA a gorgeous painting of an elephant playing guitar. If your grand-

Thanksgiving 2015: What are you thankful for? What’s your favorite holiday dish?

• Pinterest

Just about every girl in your life has a pinter-

• Home Brewing Kit

Do you have a dad or a significant other who is really into beer? Why not get them

NOV. 30, 2015

mother really loves cats and she’s always wearing brooches, why not get her a cat brooch off of Etsy.

• Tickets to ___

I have always been partial to doing things

rather than having things and this way you not only get to give a great present but you get to go too! Buy tickets to your mom’s favorite sports team, you can make a whole weekend out of it and get to spend some great time together. If your boyfriend’s favorite band is coming close, surprise him with tickets!

• Funny coffee mugs

Starting your day off with just a boring ole

mug is not the way to do it. I believe

wholeheartedly that how your whole day will go starts with the choosing of the coffee mug. EmilyMcDowell.com has some hilarious mugs and also many other things that would make great presents. Check out her website if you need any ideas for presents for the person who has everything.

• Books

I always feel so good when someone gives me a book as a present, especially when

they read it and they said it made them think of me. That is truly a heartfelt present. Write a nice inscription on the inside cover and the receiver will know how much thought and love you put into buying them a present.

est. And just about every Pinterest has a ‘Things I Love’ board. We don’t make these things just for fun people, this is real life. If you are really stumped, check out their pinterest, and I am sure you will find the perfect gift that you know they will love.

• Whiskey of Club

the Month

Got a whiskey connoisseur in the family?

Here is the perfect gift for them! Tastersclub.com has many different packages to sign up for so your whiskey lover can have a new whiskey to try every month. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

•

Funny T-Shirts

Teepublic.com, teefury.com, skreended. com all of these websites have fantastic hi-

larious shirts. Teefury does a new t-shirt of the day every day and it is always $11. Your hard to shop for pal will get a kick out of any shirt on these websites.

“I’m thankful for being able to go home and see my family again.” Favorite thanksgiving meal: “My grandma’s triple cheese macaroni and cheese.” - Elijah Bibbs

“I’m thankful to be alive, and my favorite Thanksgiving meal is my grandma’s dressing.” - Emily Benefield

Favorite Thanksgiving meal: “I like chicken.” “I’m thankful to be alive.” -Josh Lee

“I’m thankful for the holidays and being with my family.” Favorite thanksgiving meal: Turducken -Lina Dang

SPORTS

MARY ALICE WILSON SPORTS Editor usavgsports@gmail.com

NOV. 30, 2015

Basketball travels throughout week, goes one for three By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

Photo Courtesy of USA Jaguars

Georgia Southern runs over the Jaguars Jags have one last chance to become bowl eligible, look to beat App. State next week By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

outh Alabama fell to Georgia Southern Saturday afternoon after hoping for a win and bowl eligibility. The Jags appeared to leave their momentum in Mobile after falling short to the Eagles in a 55-17 loss. Georgia Southern outgained South Alabama 542 to 136 in total yards in the contest, 100 of USA’s coming from the first half. “They are better than us,” head coach Joey Jones after the loss. “If you look at the game, they have bigger and faster guys on offense and defense. They’re kind of tops in the league right now athletically, and they just kind of exposed us. They’ve done that to everybody; they almost beat Georgia last week. They are a good football team, my hat’s off to them.” Not unlike the previous week against Georgia State, South

Alabama drove the ball 75 yards downfield for Tyreis Thomas to score on the opening possession of the ballgame, bringing the score to 7-0 only four minutes into the contest. Georgia Southern answered not long afterwards with a touchdown of their own to tie the ballgame at 7-all going into the second quarter. Georgia Southern was driving on the Jaguars during the second quarter, but on a fourth-andinches attempt, Akeem Lewis forced a GS fumble and Devon Earl scooped the ball to run it back 62 yards into the endzone to take the lead. The Jags appeared to still be in the game until Georgia Southern answered again only two minutes later to tie the game at 14. But they didn’t stop there. The Eagles would go on to score two more touchdowns before the halftime break, one of which came off of a South Alabama interception, allowing them to go into the locker room up by 14 with a 28-14 lead, and getting the

football to start the second half. South Alabama forced Georgia Southern into a three-andout to begin the second half, and went on to score a field goal to begin their run in the third quarter. Unfortunately this would be the last score the Jaguars would see in the contest. “It was kind of difficult, but we just had some mis-fits here and there,” LB Kalen Jackson explained. “We can’t afford to give those up on this type of team with the offense they run. If you mis-fit one time, they are going to take it the distance. We just made too many mistakes — too many mental errors.” Following the field goal, GS RB Matt Breida took the initial handoff back 75 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles would go on to score two more touchdowns and two more field goals before the contest ended, finishing with a final score of 55-17. “We knew they were a good football team and they were going to keep fighting, even though

we got the early score and it was supposed to be some type of momentum,” Tyreis Thomas stated. “Unfortunately we just kind of fell off.” Cody Clements went 5-for-12, passing for 64 yards before switching out with Dallas Davis due to a shoulder injury. Devon Earl and Grant Powell also

clocked out on the game due to injury. The Jaguars have one more opportunity to become bowl eligible this weekend against Appalachian State. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. It is also senior night. Seniors will be honored prior to kickoff.

Courtesy of USAJaguars Dallas Davis spent the second half in the game after starter Cody Clements went out for injury. (Alyssa Newton | Editor in Chief)

en’s basketball did a lot of traveling this week to come up slightly short on the week. First, the Jags travelled to Kennesaw, Georgia this week for the Legend’s Classic. Monday afternoon, the Jags took on Belmont Bruins. This would be the first time these teams would ever meet, but the Jaguars ultimately fell short with a final score of 9885. Five Jags scored in the double digits during Monday’s contest, a season-best. Ken Williams led the Jags with 19 points. Junior Georgi Boyanov and sophomore Taishaun Johnson were both close behind with 16 points each. Nick Stover and Don MuepoKelly each added 11 points to the day. Boyanov recorded nine rebounds on the day, The Jaguars appeared to lead the game throughout most of the contest, scoring 47 points and only allowing Belmont to go ahead once before the halftime break. The Bruins overpowered the Jags in the second half with 12 unanswered points. They managed to mount a 17-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the game. “We were 1 for 12 from ‘3’ in the second half, and I think when we go back and look, seven or eight of those were really good, open shots,” head coach Matthew Graves said to USA Jaguars. “If we want to compete for a championship this year, we’ve got to knock down those uncontested 3s. The way Belmont was guarding us, clogging the paint and allowing us to kick-and-shoot, we’ve gotto

Ken Williams led the Jaguars for all three games of this week. (Photo courtesy of USA Jaguars) make them pay when they do that, and unfortunately we weren’t able to do that tonight.” The Jaguars fell to the Bruins, but went on in the Classic to take on IUPUI Tuesday afternoon. South Alabama rallied IUPUI with a 78-68 win. “I think it really bothered them when we switched to our zone and our guys were very active, used their hands well, and rotated and covered for each other,” Graves said to USA Jaguars. “That’s what being on a team is all about, helping each other, working together and having each other’s backs. In that second half, we really showed a lot of character.” Williams led the Jaguars again in Tuesday’s contest with 19 points and a career-high tie six assists. Williams also moved into the fifth

place spot in program history for career triples during this matchup with a total of 154. Boyanov tied his career-high with 17 points, just missing a double-double with nine total rebounds. Barrington Stevens finished the contest with 10 points, while MuepoKelly tied his career-high as well with 11 points. Stover outdid his own personal record with a total of 10 rebounds on the day. The Jaguars also blocked a season-high nine shots, getting three each from Boyanov and Tafari Whittingham. “We were able to spread them out with our ball-screen coverage, and our guards, when they have space to operate, we’re doing a good job of either getting paint touches, getting to the rim, or getting some nice dropoffs to our bigs for finishes. I really liked the

versatility we showed there in the last few minutes of the game.” The Jaguar men finished out their road trip in Denver on Saturday. The men’s team fell to 2-4 on the season with a loss to Denver with a final score of 69-56. “I thought we came out very slow and tentative,” Matthew Graves said to USA Jaguars. “Denver runs a unique Princeton offense and they play a matchup zone and it gave us problems. We were down 34-20 at the half. Williams was the leader of Saturday’s contest with 12 points and three assists. Shaq Calhoun was not far behind with 11 points and a career-high three steals. It appears the Jags got their fight back with a little less than 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Jaguars scored 12 points within a 2:21 time frame to tighten the gap, finished out by a three-pointer from Calhoun. Four of those final points would come from freshman Nikola Marijan. “In the second half, we came out and got a few stops but we weren’t able to capitalize and that was the theme throughout the night.” Graves explained to USA Jaguars. “We probably had four or five missed layups or dunks in the first half, and you can’t do that against a team that limits the number of possessions because of their pace of play on the offensive end of the floor.” By looking at the stats alone, Denver appears to complete outplay South Alabama. The Pioneers shot and overall 56.8%, while the Jags only got 39.1%. The Jags look to take on their rival, Spring Hill, Monday night at 7:05 at the Mitchell Center.

Women’s basketball falls to Central Florida Tuesday BY MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

outh Alabama’s women’s team took a hard fall to Central Florida Tuesday

night. Erin Autio was the lead Lady Jag for the contest. Autio came off the bench in the second half to record career-high points and rebounds with 12 and 9, respectively. LaNeetra Guillory and Colby Davis each recorded seven points of their own for the game. USA was only 15-for-57 from the floor and 2-for-20 from behind the arc, leading to only 26.3% shooting percentage in the 7736 loss. “In the first half, I thought we really got shots we wanted. They just did not go in,” head coach Terry Fowler explained. “When it was 19-10, if we could have just gotten two stops, which I think we did, and get two scores, then it’s 19-14. When we didn’t get those scores and they did, our confidence went down from there and theirs just went

up. They are a team that came into the game not shooting great from the three, and tonight they went 8-for-18. For us, it’s about learning and being able to stay together.” Central Florida would go into the halftime break up by 21 (31-10). South Alabama had a difficult time keeping up with the Knights, as they went on runs of 12-0 and 10-0, while the Jaguars were going on runs missing 20 of 21 shots attempted. “For us, we have to be able to practice at the pace that we need to practice at. We have a team of young kids coming out of high school and they don’t understand the pace.” Fowler admitted. “We’ve been able to have a couple of sessions and a couple of days of practice, but to be able to continually do it day in and day out, we need to come in and play a physical team from the American Athletic Conference and they expose you. That was the challenge for our team tonight. I hope this was an eye-opening experience.” The Lady Jags will be back in action at Erin Autio was the leading scorer in Tuesday’s contest with 12 poins and 9 rebounds. the Mitch this Tuesday at 7:00 against the (Photo courtesy of USA Jaguars) Florida Gators.

NOV. 30, 2015

#JagTweets

Rowdy Reds take over men’s basketball BY MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor

USA Vanguard Sports @USAVGSports

Amanda Minihan @Minivan___ I forget people can see through my car window, at least I always put on a good concert

Softball

Cole Billingsley @CDolla_Billz4

Baseball

Someone needs to create a store called “No Logo’s” #ihatelogos #idkwhy

Sophie Haywood @SophieKHaywood

There are only 2 ways you can possibly try to connect a USB lead, yet it takes the average person 25389 attempts to do so #UberFact

Soccer

Hannah Evans @hannah_nicole18

Soccer XC

Buying a rain jacket and an umbrella was by far the best decision I’ve made since being here

Christoph Graf @ChrisGraf_runs Another day where no JagTran hit me on the bike path. #success

Morgan Feldt @Mo_Feldt I’m obsessed with ugly Christmas sweaters.. So if I wear one every day after Thanksgiving, I apologize.

Track

Xavier Johnson @IAM__Johnson28

Football

When you see tears in my eyes, you see it’s not about the wins or the losses, it’s about the opportunity.

Kayla Carlile @kaylacarlile Someone explain to me how all those babies got their passports instantly in Rugrats in Paris

Track

rior to the NBA season beginning nearly two months ago, I covered a couple different topics that I thought would be especially interesting to follow throughout the year. As we enter December, I think it’s time to review these points again and see where some of the previously discussed NBA teams and players have ended up so far. Rowdy Reds are the new student section for men’s basketball (Alyssa Newton | Editor-in-Chief) makes the Rowdy Reds different? According to John Felschow, “student groups, like the outlaws, die out because they become too exclusive.” “I want the Rowdy Reds to be accessible to those students who wish to participate.” Fleschow added. “I want every student to be able to put on the Rowdy Reds bandana and become anonymous. A lot of students are afraid to participate because of fear of rejection and judgment from their peers. At this past game I attended no one knew who I was. I had people ask me if I was in attendance, little did they know I was sitting in the front row with a bandana covering my face. All students should have the opportunity to participate in events throughout campus and feel a part of our Jaguar Family.” So what’s up with the red bandanas? “That’s something that we’ll give out to those students who show the passion and dedication.” Surenkamp explained. “We ask them to not only wear them at games, but wear them around campus and establish that as a trademark, just a way you can recognize them. Hopefully that takes off.” Urban said it best when he explained the anonymity of the group when behind the red shield. “At games we wear bandanas on our faces so that people don’t know exactly who we are or who is shouting what. It provides a safe guard for the rowdy reds to shed any titles they have in normal life and just be a rambunctious fan that no one can judge.” With the majority of this group being freshmen, it is hard to come into an atmosphere when cheers and chants have already been established. It

Meagan Hall @Meags_Hall Lol @ teachers who apologize for cancelling class. Like you really think we’re upset about that?

Audrey Duren @lil_duren_17

Are you a sports fan? Write for the Vanguard! Contact Mary Alice Wilson

College: writing an essay, studying for finals & wathcing the Iron Bowl on your thanksgiving break

mw1221@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Track

India Hall @basketballba_

Basketball Soccer

Slept in a full size bed the other day, and didn’t know how to act. #collegeprobz

is the student section’s job to be loud and chant. But, the Rowdy Reds had a solution for that. According to Willemsen, Felschow has taken the bull by the horns in terms of recruiting these students and teaching them the chants. “Primarily I’m teaching them the traditional cheers.” Felschow explained. “Im leaving it up to them though, if they want to create cheers they are more than welcome to. This is a student lead group, by students and for students.” Surenkamp explained that while it is a studentled group, that’s not all the program wants it to be. “We don’t want it to be Rowdy Reds and men’s basketball. We want it to feel like it’s a family. That’s why I talked to them before practice. I told them we want them to realize that they are a part of this and we want them to be there with us this year.” That’ when Willemsen explained the experience of something they had never done before. “For the first time in my three years, Coach opened up practice to the Rowdy Reds. So, last Wednesday, it was an open practice, which is something we haven’t done. They got to get an inside look of our preparation for Auburn-Montgomery and NC State. They sat here the whole two hours, and all we asked is they be respectful of Coach, don’t be loud, just watch and observe and if you have any questions afterwards, we’ll answer them.” Do you want to be a part of it? The Rowdy Reds meet as a group on Wednesdays at 7:30 at the student center. If you cannot attend those meetings, email Russ Willemsen, Jordan Surenkamp, John Felschow, or direct message the South Alabama basketball instagram page for more information.

Revisiting preseason NBA predictions

By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Opinion Editor

ho were those people at the basketball games with the red bandanas? That would be South Alabama’s new student section, the Rowdy Reds. This group is currently made up of approximately 25-30 students who are passionate about USA and want to be a part of cheering on the basketball team as a unified group. According to Director of Basketball Operations, Jordan Surenkamp, most of this group are freshmen. “They’re in their first year of college, they’re excited, they’re passionate about it.” Surenkamp explained. “By having freshman, you’re establishing them at a young age and teaching them how to do things. Then by the time they’re seniors, they’ll have people under them that can take this on.” Assistant Coach Russ Willemsen explained how the group came about. “Jordan and I have been talking about it for about 6 to 8 months, talked to Coach Graves about it, and actually got in contact with Heather Sprinkle with the SGA introduced us to Rachel Bolden. We contacted John Felschow. We got up with Travis Troth, JT Crabtree. It was kind of a collaboration of about 8 people.” “The big push for student involvement on campus is something the university has kind of been doing as a whole,” Surenkamp added. “It’s something that we wanted to get involved in. We have students who come to our games and just sit there. Why not have them be more active in a way that not only has them involved in something that helps them, but it helps us too. It’s something that helps our program and helps our team?” Freshman Braden Urban is one of the founding members of the Rowdy Reds. Urban explained that John Felschow came to one of his classes and pitched the idea and he jumped right on board. “In my opinion student sections bring life to a basketball team.” Urban said. “When you know that you have fans and fellow students right there cheering you on it pushes the team to play harder to get a win.” Student sections are not an unfamiliar thing for South Alabama. In the recent years, the basketball team has seen the outlaws, Matthew’s Graveyards, and Fowler’s Howlers for the women’s team. What

NOV. 30, 2015

Will Golden State repeat? During and following the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors faced criticism from many who thought that the team had an easy road to a championship. Critics cited the lack of healthy point guards in the Western Conference during the playoffs allowing last year’s NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry to have his way. An injury suffered by Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, that sidelined him for the remainder of the Finals didn’t help Golden State’s argument either. However, critics need to be silent. The Warriors are off to an amazing 18-0 start to the season beating notable opponents

WE’RE HIRING! Like Sports? Like to Write? The Vanguard is looking for passionate and dedicated people who love sports. Must have a basic knowledge of sports, time management skills, basic writing skills and a flexible schedule to attend and cover South Alabama sporting events. Send a resume to thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

including the ascending Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers twice, and even the Chicago Bulls off a back-to-back night with travel from Los Angeles to Oakland, California. Stephen Curry is the best player in the NBA right now and it’s not even close. As of November 11, Curry scored more three point shots by himself than four separate NBA teams did themselves. Four different NBA teams, composed of approximately fifteen players a piece, didn’t score more three pointers than Curry! He hardly even plays during the fourth quarter of most games because he takes care of business early on in the first three quarters. Winning 18 games in a row, against teams that should be at their healthiest coming off the off season, demonstrates that this team is for real.

Will the Heat challenge LeBron and company? The Heat are rocking a 10-5 record and sit at third place, just two spots behind LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference way-too-early-to-reallydiscuss playoff picture. This year’s Heat squad is competitive and enjoying a surge of youth thanks to second-year player Tyler Johnson at the point guard position, and

Justise Winslow, rookie out of Duke University, filling a much-needed hustle and energy role for the team. Mario Chalmers, the Heat’s point guard during four straight Finals appearances, was traded only weeks ago to the Memphis Grizzlies yet the Heat haven’t missed him much. A big test awaits the Heat as they face the Boston Celtics this week. Albeit early in the season, this game should mean a lot for both teams trying to cement their place in the playoff picture for next April.

injury was unrelated to his foot injuries that sidelined him for almost the entire season last year. Furthermore, incorporating a new head coach makes the Thunder’s 11-6 record appear slightly more impressive as players attempt to conform to a new system. In games that Durant has played in he’s been his old self scoring in bunches and leading his team to victories. The real time to judge this team will be around the All Star Break when Coach Donovan’s system should be fully embraced by this competitive team.

Is Kevin Durant healthy?

Will the Kings let Boogie be Boogie?

“I’ve been second my whole life,” the Oklahoma City Thunder star told Sports Illustrated in 2013. “I came in second in The Finals. I’m tired of being second. I’m not going to settle for that. I’m done with it.” Durant is still tired of being second I’m sure, but the Thunder are currently resting at third place in the Western Conference playoffs. Teams have barely played twenty games thus far this season so one shouldn’t make a big deal out of playoff seeding right now, but it’s encouraging for the Thunder regardless. Durant missed a little bit of time with a hamstring injury, but this

Who saw this coming? Rajon Rondo leads the league in assists with 11.2 per game as of Nov. 29 and he has returned to the player we haven’t seen since before his ACL tear as a Boston Celtic over two years ago. But Boogie has missed seven games this season, one of which due to a onegame suspension and the remainder due to injuries. The Kings are 1-6 in those games. The team has always thrived when Boogie plays. The team also goes through horrible scoring droughts without him. The Kings simply won’t win games without Boogie, no matter how well Rondo plays.

Opinion

ALEXANDER MOYLAN opinion Editor alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu

NOV. 30, 2015

Thankful for a conversation with Kevin from El Savador

A random encounter becomes much more as one reader experiences life from another perspective By ANONYMOUS Contributing Writer The following came from a writer who wished to remain anonymous. The writer felt that the story coming from an anonymous perspective would help others see themselves in the piece, and perhaps even be moved to see things a little differently in the future. Aiding your fellow man, woman or more plainly human being is a merit-worthy act, but not one that must be recognized for the sake of recognition.

’m a big fan of the Humans of New York stories you may see shared on your Facebook timeline every now and then. What I’ve taken away from this cathartic campaign is that everyone has their own story leading them to their current place in life. While these wellcirculated Humans of New York stories prove that everyone has a unique life story, somehow I still occasionally find myself forgetting this idea when I encounter strangers in public. However, about a month ago I attended a conference held in another state and there I had a conversation with a man who appeared to be a couple years older than me. His name is Kevin, he calls the entire United States his home and his story is one I’ll always be thankful for hearing. I first noticed Kevin one evening as I was navigating through a couple blocks in search of some groceries for my hotel room. He was sit-

ting outside of a building against the sidewalk as I made my way towards the closest supermarket. The supermarket was only right around the corner so I decided to grab what I needed for myself quickly, throw in a couple things for this man and head back towards the hotel to see if he was still there. On my way back, I found Kevin in the same spot and asked if I could take a seat next to him and he graciously welcomed me. Over the next hour, we shared stories, listened to each other and I came away with some perspective. Kevin was born in El Salvador, but at a young age he and his mother emigrated to the United States. Prior to leaving El Salvador Kevin’s mother was a nurse and his father was soldier during “the war”. However, in addition to wanting a better chance at life in the states, Kevin suggested that his mother’s decision was also based off his father’s alcoholism. Therefore, as a young child in America, Kevin was now without a father figure. Our conversation then switched to how he goes about his daily life, how he travels, what he does for money, etc. Kevin has travelled up and down the Mississippi River and has also seen both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. One time during his travels, Kevin came across a couple who described a book to him that would become essential to his future travels throughout the country. Essentially, this book was a guide to the railroad system with maps and illustrations detailing routes that sprawled the United States. The couple had heard of others using this book while

hitching rides on trains, and it wasn’t long before Kevin used some of the money he collected to find a copy of the book with the description the couple gave him. However, Kevin mentioned the caution he employs whenever hitching a ride on the railroads since for one, he’s not a legal passenger of these trains, and secondly, the intentions of anyone else he comes across may not be in his best interest. It was at this point in the conversation where I really began grounding myself in my own reality, where I began comparing his life to my own. I never asked for many specifics, instead hoping we could instead continue with the free flowing conversation that we were already having. But there were moments I began fading in and out of the conversation. I began imagining what my life would be like had I lived Kevin’s life to this point. I scared myself. Lost in thought I began thinking about all the choices I’ve made in my life, all the help I’ve received along the way to completing my first college degree and how much I wish I could help others. I feel like there’s so many people out there in the world that need help, people that are honest and good but things just haven’t turned out to be in their favor. There’s so little push to help people though. We live in a materialistic society that’s not measured by what we give, but what we have. How can I make a difference with the odds stacked against me? As my time with Kevin was coming to a close, he told me one last story. Kevin one time

ALEXANDER MOYLAN opinion Editor alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Distractions Last Issue of the Semester Word Search

nov. 30, 2015

encountered a woman who appeared to be in the middle of a bad day at the time. He didn’t ask for money or help, he just told her to smile. According to Kevin, the woman incredulously looked at him and a frown turned into a smirk slowly and she went about her day. Well apparently the woman was so struck by the interaction that the following day she returned to the same spot she had previously saw Kevin in hopes that she would see him again. When she saw him nearby she confronted him and explained how she had been having a horrible day. Work stress coupled with a fight with her boyfriend left her distraught and saddened that previous afternoon; however, it was Kevin’s simple act of taking a moment from his day in order to show her that while it could be difficult, even a forced smile may could turn one’s day around . Kevin and the woman went their separate ways, but not before the woman tried demonstrating her gratitude for Kevin’s help by giving him some money. This story showed me that maybe I don’t have to hit a homerun in order to make a difference. Maybe neither of us do. Perhaps sitting down with Kevin and talking to him for a little bit made more of a difference in my day, like the woman from one of Kevin’s stories. Or, maybe my conversation with Kevin was more impactful on me than him. Regardless, I learned that there will be times that a conversation is all someone needs to get through the day and that we can never anticipate the value of helping another human being.

BATTLE FOR THE BELT CONCEALED CARRY UPWARD AND ONWARD FOOTBALL NETFLIX SUN BELT HOMECOMING BREAK FASHION PARKING TOBACCO-FREE VANGUARD CARSON FINALS MIDTERMS STUDY ABROAD TRUMP

Have suggestions for Distractions next semester? Send us what you want to see on these pages then! alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu

JagPulse: Following a campaign stop, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump was accused of mocking the disability of a New York Times reporter when referencing a previously written piece by said reporter. What do you think? Has your opinion of the candidate changed following this latest story? Matthew Strickland It’s pretty sad

that he has to make fun of a person with a disability before people take notice of how much of an asshole he is. But it was perfectly fine when he bad-mouthed immigrants, women, homosexuals, and poor people.

Joshua Mather He’s always been an

insensitive jerk too full of himself to know any better.

Kaylyn Stanford I cannot stand him. Never have and never will. He owes that man a public apology.

Lindsay Byrne No Joshua Estelle He went way over the line Matt Kelly I believe he was nuts way before this incident.

Bea Ishler My opinion of him has not changrd. He is a realty tv personality playing to his audience. Janita Lorane Bell :’(

Can you solve the Cryptogram to the right? This time I actually made sure to give hints! Thanks for bearing with me and my lackluster Distractions at times!

NOV. 30, 2015