AUG. 10, 2015 OCT. 12, 2015
VOL. 57 #3 VOL. 57 #11
If we build it,
will Think Pink: they come?
Breast cancer survivors walk the runway at Think Pink Tea fashion show
NEWS NEWS for Elijah ThreeWheels Mile Creek clean up
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SPORTS LIFE Freshman andinDon’ts Soccer staysDo’s perfect SBC
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OPINION OPINION Consider the Source Shameless Football
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OCT. 12, 2015
South Alabama joins together for wetland cleanup effort SGA, Sustainability Council and Outdoor Adventures team up to clean up Three Mile Creek By JACOB HEARN Contributing Writer
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n effort has been started by South Alabama’s Sustainability Council, SGA and Outdoor Adventures to clean up the wetlands that lie on the north side of campus near the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trails as a collaborative effort to remove trash from Three Mile Creek and make it navigable. South Alabama’s first scheduled cleanup of the wetlands will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. SGA encourages students to come out and help clean up trash and clear it of invasive species. Carter Phillips, SGA senator of continuing education, is helping to organize the cleanup. Phillips is a hospitality and tourism management student who claims a passion for ecotourism and works with Outdoor Adventures. “I decided it was time to take action and bring this to the forefront of the collective consciousness of USA,” Phillips said. “Fortunately, the Sustainability council had
already planned a cleanup when I presented the problem to the powers that be, and I thought it would be awesome if we could rally the entire campus population to send representatives from as many organizations as possible to help out.” The wetlands connect into a watershed that stretches all the way to midtown, according to Phillips. Clearing between these two points would allow nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks and canoes, to navigate through the waterway. There are other reasons for the cleanup, Phillips says. The waterway drains all the way into the Mobile Bay, as well as others rivers and creeks. Any litter that is in the water now eventually makes its way into the bay. “I think we need to come together over this issue,” Phillips said. “Humans have a massive impact on the environment and that can be for good or bad. I would like to be a force for good.” If students want to help out, all they have to do is show up. According to Phillips, there are already several Greek fraternities coming, but more help is needed.
Volunteers will help clean up the ‘swamp’ on the north side of campus that is a part of the Three Mile Creek. (Alyssa Newton | Editor-In-Chief) “The more people the carpool. Water will be provided environment on campus that better,” Phillips said. “The more to volunteers, but they are students will have access to use involvement we have the more encouraged to bring their own for research purposes, outdoor class lectures and recreation. power we’ll have to make bigger snacks. In the future, the goal is “The hope is that this will be changes.” The plan is to work for a couple an ongoing and growing project,” to create open-water paddling hours and make it from one end Phillips said. “In the future, we’ll trails and add a boat launch and of the swamp to the other. Some need serious help from the city signage around the nature trail boats will be available from to remove the natural dams that swamps. For more information about Outdoor Adventures to help in have formed by storm drainage.” Phillips hopes that this the cleanup and how to get the cleanup effort. Parking will be limited cleanup will be the catalyst involved you can contact Phillips near the trails so volunteers for a long-term project to by email at hcp1222@jagmail. are encouraged to walk and introduce an outdoor ecotourism southalabama.edu.
Students for Concealed Carry petition for on-campus carry USASCC president says recent campus shootings bring light to ineffectiveness of gun-free zones By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
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ast Friday, two school shootings in Arizona and Texas marked 47 school shootings in 2015. DJ Parten, president of South Alabama’s Students for Concealed Carry, said that these shooting are drawing a lot of attention around the United States. The attention to the fact, Parten says, that ‘gun-free zones’ are ineffective. “You have these gun free zones where people are not able to carry their firearms, law-abiding citizens are not able to carry their firearms,” Parten said. “It just leaves them with no response to an active shooter. The only way to defend yourself from a firearm is a firearm” In October alone, three shootings have taken place on college campuses,
leaving twelve students dead and thirteen wounded. “Obviously people are taking guns on campus and it’s not the people we want to have them,” Parten said. “You want the good guy to be able to defend themselves.” Students for Concealed Carry has begun collecting signatures to “petition the administration of the university (South Alabama) to change the current weapons policy to allow concealed carry permit holders to carry their firearms while on university property as the law allows.” According to the University Lowdown student handbook, all weapons are prohibited in residence halls, parking lots and on University property. This includes bullets, pellets, firearms, guns, knives (length of more than three inches, box cutters, decorative knives etc.), paintball guns,
USA Students for Concealed Carry has been collecting signatures in support of on-campus carry.The group has over 600 student signatures. (USASCC Facebook)
air guns, hunting bows, swords, martial arts weapons and any replicas. That includes toy and water guns. Alabama is one of 23 states that allows the decision to ban concealed carry weapons on campus up to each college or university itself, according
to the National Conference of State Legislature. Due to recent state legislation and court rulings, eight states now allow the carrying of concealed weapons See Campus Carry pg. 5
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3 Editorial Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Life Editor Staff Reporters
Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton
Mitchell Kahalley Micaela Walley Alexander Moylan Mary Alice Wilson Natalie Franklin Bria Johnson Tori Brackett Caitlin Smith Briana DiGiorgio
Staff Photographer Emily Rodrick
Distribution
Distribution Bobby Faulk Alan Smith
Advertising
Advertising Cristina Werner Graphic Designer Katelyn Huff
Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan
Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.
Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.
To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com
Nick Grondin | Staff Meteorologist
USAPD crime blotter
If you SEE something 251-460-6312 SAY something! 9/30/2015 23:14 Contemplating Suicide Beta Gamma Commons 290 Stadium Blvd, Mobile, AL 36688 A medical emergency concerning a suicidal student was reported. 9/29/2015 9:00 Property Damage Parking area, Shelby Hall 150 Jaguar Dr., Mobile, AL, 36688 Reporter advised that he parked his vehicle in the Mitchell College of Business parking lot at 9:00 hours and returned at 17:30 hours. He found the outside mirror of the passenger side front door dangling from the vehicle. 9/29/2015 22:00 Theft of Property Second Degree (Greater than $500-$2,500) Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority A female student had her wallet and keys stolen from the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOP) Sorority House.
9/27/2015-9/28/2015 17:11-15:56 Aggravated Stalking 411 N. University Blvd. Mobile AL 36688 A known male subject intentionally and repeatedly followed or harassed the victim and made credible threats, either expressed or implied with the intent to place the victim in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm and who violated a court order to avoid future content with the victim; did make contract via e-mail with the victim after a court order prohibited such contract. 9/28/2015 13:00 Harassment or Harassing Communications Area of Stadium Blvd, Unknown person with intent to harass, annoy or cause alarm, to the victim, did so by using language towards the victim that made her feel threatened.
9/28/2015 9:30 Domestic-Menacing-Strong Arm Theft from Residence The Grove - Bldg 3 1 White iPhone with Black and Silver case Apple iPhone 6Plus 1 2010 Silver Metallic Toyota Corella SIL Subject made forced entry into an apartment and stole an iPhone. 9/27/2015 13:00 Football Field House Possession of a firearm 1 .45 Caliber semi-auto pistol; Ruger; SR45 1 Ammunition; Winchester; COM A hand gun was found in a players bag at the Football Field House.
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Contratto, cancer survivor, runs in Chicago marathon Associate director of student activities runs for cancer awareness, raises money for research By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
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ames Contratto, a cancer survivor, completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of country’s oldest and largest marathons in the country this past weekend. Oct. 11 Contratto, the associate director of student activities-university programs in the Division of Student Affairs at South, ran as a part of the DetermiNation American Cancer Society team, according to a University release. Contratto discovered he had cancer shortly after he began his career at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During a health program event he helped organize for students, he read a brochure about testicular cancer. Contratto decided to consult a doctor that confirmed he had testicular cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and abdomen. “It was the worst news I ever received. I was an emotional wreck.” Contratto said. “With the help of my sweet and loving parents and friends, I started to look at the big picture, and I saw my life in my future.” Lisa Contratto, James's mother, moved to Charlotte when she learned
of her son’s cancer. “It was tough to hear our son had cancer. But, we threw our love and support around James, and told him he was not going to be alone,” she said. “I moved from Florida to Charlotte to support and care for my son. I drove him to his doctor’s appointments, to have surgery and to his chemotherapy treatments. I lived in his one- bedroom apartment with him. We are so grateful that he is cancer free, and we are proud of the work he’s doing at South Alabama and the fact that he’s running for a cause.” As he battled cancer, Contratto came up with the motto “ROCKstrong” to motivate him daily. He now runs to spread this message and raises funds for cancer research, In preparation for the Bank of America Marathon, Contratto raised over $2,000, the most he’s ever raised for cancer research. Contratto has been in multiple marathons including the TCS New York City Marathon and the Rock n Roll Marathon. To prepare, Contratto ran three times a week with cross-training two days in between. Contratto earned his bachelor of See Contratto pg. 5
James Contratto, a cancer survivor and associate director of student activities-university programs at South Alabama, trains for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. (Victor Calhoun | USA freelance photographer)
Strategic plan town hall meetings open for all Administration answers questions, surverys university to find what is important to community By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
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outh Alabama is reviewing and updating the strategic goals and assessments around the University’s five institutional priorities. One of the main priorities is University and community engagement and the vision for the University’s future. This lead to the University holding town hall-style meetings to engage with students and the community as a chance to receive feedback on issues and topics that are important to students, faculty and staff. “I encourage faculty, staff and students to attend one of the several meetings that are scheduled,” President Tony Waldrop said in an email. “At these
meetings, you will be able to review and discuss the document in small groups and offer your comments. We will also have a question-and-answer session where I, along with Dr. David Johnson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will be available to answer any questions you may have.” “Your feedback will be forwarded to the University Committee on Planning, Assessment and Finance, which will review the comments and further update the strategic plan before sending a proposed plan to the Board of Trustees.” he said. The committee considers input from the University Assessment Advisory Committee so as to make informed, evidence-based recommendations regarding the continued appropriateness of the University’s Strategic Plan
goals and objectives to the Board of Trustees and the University’s leadership, according to the University website. The University of South Alabama operates under a strategic plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2013. The plan includes five strategic goals and assessments around our five institutional priorities, which are:
•student access and success,
•enhancement of research and graduate education, •global engagement, •excellence in health care, and •University-community engagement. Meetings have already taken place on campus, but there are four more chances
this week for students and faculty to be a part of the conversation. The final meetings will take place Oct. 14 and Oct. 16. Wednesday, Oct. 14 meetings will be held at 9 a.m. in the Atlantis Room at the Children's and Women’s Hospital, 3 p.m. in the college of nursing auditorium (HAHN 1013) and 5 p.m. in second floor conference room at USA Medical Center. The final meeting will be on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. in the Marx Library auditorium. Anyone who is unable to make the meetings can access the proposed draft on the university website under the Institutional Effectiveness and the University Committee on Planning, Assessment and Finance and give feedback in the online survey. The Vanguard will post a link on their Facebook this week.
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OCT. 12, 2015
Campus Carry Continued from Page 2
on public postsecondary campuses: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and most recently Texas. Texas’ legislature passed a bill permitting concealed weapons on campus during the 2015 legislative session. The legislation will take effect in August of 2016. “Just because you allow campus carry doesn’t mean that every student would go out and buy a gun,” Parten said. “Anyone who has gone through the process to get a permit should be allowed to carry. If you can carry off campus in the state, you should be able to carry on campus … People are going to hurt other people no matter what ... no matter what the tool is.” For the past three weeks Parten and Students for Concealed Carry has set up in front of the student center collecting signatures. So far, Parten says that the initiative has over 600 signatures, almost halfway to their goal of 1,600 that would represent 10 percent of the student body. “We want administration to look at changing the policy,” Parten said. “. I’m going to use that to ask SGA to
sponsor a resolution to help change the policy, or at least have administration look at it.” Parten addressed SGA back in March after conducting a survey that included 605 respondents. Sixty percent were in favor, 33 percent were not in favor of concealed carry on campus. Then Parten said that under Alabama state law, concealed carry permit holders should be able to carry on campus. He cited Alabama code section 13A-1161.2 which does not list universities as an exception. The law does go on to say in 13A-1161.2(c) that guns are now allowed in places that have signs banning firearms in public entrances. South Alabama does have several signs prohibiting firearms. At that time SGA did not take a formal stance on concealed carry and then SGA president Danielle Watson suggested a town-hall style forum. Such meeting has not taken place. Parten as an SGA senator can create a resolution for concealed carry and submit it for approval, something he plans to do after reaching a higher number of signatures. “The right to defend oneself shouldn’t end because you choose to get an education” Parten said.
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Contratto Continued from Page 2
science in accounting and finance from Florida State University and his master’s degree in student affairs from Eastern Illinois University, according to the release. Dr. Krista Harrell, associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator, has known Contratto for years. “I have known James since he was a senior at Florida State,” Harrell said. “I supported him when he had cancer. He embodies ROCKstrong! He engages our students with positive energy and high expectations. He has balanced his work and run life very well. We are so proud of him.” “When James has a battle to fight, whether it’s running a race or beating cancer, he does not give up until the fight is won.” She said. Contratto finished the Bank of America Marathon with a time of 4:14:46. “I am living a healthy life, thanks to my friends, family and medical team,” he said. “I have been cancer free for seven years. The day I got cancer is now my survivor day. I have survived cancer, and I know I can survive 26.2 miles running in the Chicago Marathon.”
Want to be a part of THE VANGUARD?
WRITE FOR US! Contact Alyssa Newton editor-in-chief thevanguardeditor@gmail.com All majors welcome. Must write articles in a timely manner. Writers will be paid $20 per article published in The Vanguard.
LIFE
NATALIE FRANKLIN LIFE EDITOR nsf1222@jagmail.southalabama.edu
OCT. 12, 2015
USA Mitchell Cancer Institute hosts Think Pink Tea
The sixth annual Think Pink Tea occurred on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. (Natalie Franklin | Life Editor) also is something that benefits Mitchell Cancer Institute and Children’s and WomBy NATALIE FRANKLIN en’s Hospital, two great facilities we have Life Editor here in the area that allow people to be he Alabama Cruise Terminal was treated here and not have to go distances transformed into a runway fash- for the type of cutting edge treatment ion show for the sixth annual Think Pink that they can get,” Dr. Waldrop said. Tea. The Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) is The USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and dedicated to providing quality healthcare the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospi- to those in need. “It’s wonderful as presital hosted the event on Thursday, Oct. 8. dent to know that we have that capability The Think Pink Tea showcased cancer of serving people in the community,” Dr. survivors, current patients and nurses, Waldrop said. and also featured guest speakers from Dr. Michael Finan, the director of both USA Children’s and Women’s Hos- MCI, recognized the cancer survivors. pital and USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. “We do what we do every single day for Dr. Tony Waldrop, president of South you, the cancer survivors.” Dr. Finan said. Alabama, welcomed guests to the event. “We’re not just treating cancer, were findHe reminded everyone that the Think ing the cure for cancer.” Pink Tea is a celebration for breast cancer Owen Bailey, the Administrator of survivors. He also spoke about the spon- USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, sors of the Think Pink Tea event. “This addressed the cancer survivors present,
T
as well. “You are our heroes,” Bailey said. USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital dedicates treatment to women, be it through the breast imaging facility or the outstanding team of surgeons. The Think Pink Tea was presented by Vincent F. Kilborn III. Kilborn’s Charitable Foundation is “dedicated to healing.” Kilborn is a Mobile attorney, and he founded his foundation in honor of his father. “It is my pleasure to help you ladies and sponsor this event,” Kilborn said. Kilborn’s grandchildren, Camille Carey and Charles Carey, gave a musical performance that really engaged the crowd. The Alabama Cruise Terminal was transformed into a runway fashion show. Over 20 women modeled fashions sponsored by Dillard’s. The fashion show featured cancer survivors, patients and nurses. The women strutted down the runway with confidence and beauty. At the end of the runway were three lit candles. These candles were in honor of three former models who died. “This show is indeed dedicated to them,” Carlisha Hartzog said. Hartzog, of Hartzog Consulting LLC, emceed the fashion show. The Think Pink Tea is one of many events held to raise awareness about breast cancer. Making Strides of South Alabama, which is a walk that helps raise funds for the American Cancer Society, is another event that encourages awareness for Breast Cancer. October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month, so all month long there will be events hosted.
Events of the Week
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SGA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Student Center Ballroom
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Jags vs. Arkansas State 7 p.m. Ladd-Peebles Stadium
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Oktoberfest Dinner Fresh Food Company
Common Read/ Common World Poetry Night 7 p.m. Student Center Terrace Greek Festival 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. The Annuciation Greek Orthodox Church
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Live Trivia 9 p.m. Student Center Lobby Greek Festival 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. The Annuciation Greek Orthodox Church
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The Think Pink Tea was hosted by the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. (Natalie Franklin | Life Editor)
Student Recreation Center Open 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. Greek Festival 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. The Annuciation Greek Orthodox Church
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OCT. 12, 2015
Yoga can benefit the stressful college student
Yoga classes are taught Monday through Saturday at the Student Recreation Center. For more details check the South Alabama website. (Emily Rodrick | Staff Photographer)
By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter
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n college, you are exposed to things that you have never had to deal with before, such as living on your own, heavy class loads, ten plus page papers and trying to have a social life on top of all of that. It is enough to drive anyone bonkers. Stress and college student go hand in hand, they are basically synonymous, but there may be ways to cope with it other than crying on the bathroom floor. Yoga is designed to teach you to control your breathing and discover simple meditation all while stretching in specific poses. Yoga helps to clear your mind and focus on yourself. Bringing together physical and mental disciplines, yoga helps not only your body be at peace, but your mind as well. The Mayo Clinic says that a regular yoga session can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and even improve heart function. The great thing about yoga is there are many styles and intensities, and every pose can be modified to be easier or harder. “Getting through Nursing school was so stressful and yoga really helped me relax and focus when things became too much,” Samantha Bush, South graduate, said. “It is a great way to slow down and listen and learn from your own body and just shut out school for a while.” The American Yoga Association has
developed a technique called the complete breath technique, which focuses on the simple inhale and exhale of your breath. This technique can be used anywhere at any time to reduce the symptoms of a panic attack and to calm the mind when faced with a difficult situation. AYA says the practice will help you gently switch your feelings of anxiety to feelings of relaxation and relief. Yoga isn’t just deep breaths and stretches, you are still getting a full body workout and you may not even realize it. As a student, a lot of your time is spent sitting in class, hunched over your computer, and it can be detrimental to your back and hips. Taking a yoga break during your hours of studying can improve not only your mental well-being but be physically rewarding as well.
There are various styles of yoga, some moving through the poses more quickly, almost like an aerobic workout, and other styles relaxing deeply into each pose.” South’s Student Recreation Center offers many yoga classes throughout the week to try out. There are also great videos on YouTube with practices ranging from yoga for insomnia, weight loss, and even for pain relief. Yoga helps you slow down and focus on precise aspects of your body, but it can also be up tempo and a cardio workout. Engaging your body in this type of
physical activity has numerous benefits, and there’s an awesome nap at the end of each class. After each yoga session you lie on your back, close your eyes and focus on relaxing every single muscle, joint and body part. This pose is called shavasana or corpse pose, and always leads to such relaxation that a little nap happens. All the more reason to give it a shot. Yoga classes at the Rec are offered Monday through Saturday at different times of the day. For a full schedule, check the South Alabama website.
“
Getting through Nursing school was so stressful and yoga really helped me relax... -Samantha Bush
”
Stress Management expert, Elizabeth Scott says, “During yoga, the body becomes relaxed and energized at the same time.
Taking a yoga break during your hours of studying can improve not only your mental well-being but be physically rewarding as well. (Emily Rodrick | Staff Photographer)
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OCT. 12, 2015
The best wine for your buck By CAITLIN SMITH Staff Reporter
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ine is known for being prestigious and classy in the alcohol world. Compared to clear liquors that make you shudder when you shoot it and beers that leave you bloated and full, wine conveys elegance. The glass it is served in screams high class. But the downside is, just like with any alcohol, the cheaper it is the worse it tastes, which is why I am here to save the day! I have discovered and created a list of various wines that won’t break the bank but still taste like they might. Skinnygirl, California Red—$11.99 Don’t let the twist off top fool you, this California red has it all! Chocolate undertones, rich berries and even a hint of butterscotch but without all the calories. A lot of people who are new to drinking wine can be overwhelmed by how to pick out something that will taste good and fit the occasion. Luckily, this Cali Red fits with just about any food and it really is a great intro into the red wine world because it is not as bitter as most reds. Plus it is only 100 calories per glass! Win. Win. Polka Dot Riesling—$7.19 Riesling is a great starter wine, it is sweeter than most whites and won’t be as harsh to the taste buds. Most wine drinkers will tell you the first wines they drank were either a riesling or a moscato. The Polka Dot is everything a riesling should
be with apple and pear notes and it even has a little bite at the end to keep you on your toes. This wine drinks very well and it is less than $8 at Publix. Flip Flop Chardonnay—two for $11 These beginning stages of fall when the air is finally cooling off but it isn’t quite cold yet is the PERFECT time for a nice chardonnay. Just not this one. The price is fantastic at only $5.50 a bottle, but it is a terrible, terrible wine. It is bitter and has a stale tastes. This Flip-Flop would pair nicely with some Kraft singles and is certain to give you a headache in the morning. It isn’t full bodied or woody and it leaves an uncomfortable taste in your mouth. I love a good chard and I hate to leave this category unfulfilled, so I would suggest spending a little bit more and getting something that is actually drinkable. Butternut Chardonnay is $14 at Publix and is a much better buy. 337 Noble Vines Cabernet—$12.50 My rule for cabernets is you need to spend a little more based solely on shelf life. Red wines go bad quicker than whites, and cheap reds will turn on you before you even finish the bottle. The moment it is corked the process of turning into a nasty, vinegary liquid has begun. Spending a few more dollars on a bottle is almost a necessary evil for reds. This Noble Vines cabernet is fantastic. It is rich and dark and smooth with a hint of mocha. It drinks so easily for such a high alcohol content wine. This wine is the perfect choice for steak night because the flavors will beef up the richness
Flip Flop Chardonnay, Skinngirl California Red, Polka Dot Riesling, 337 Noble Vines Cabernet. (Left to right) (Caitlin Smith | Staff Reporter) of the wine. The Noble Vines brand makes a variety of wines and all are fantastic. If you like the cabernet, you should try their Pinot Noir the 667. I know a cold beer hits the spot and Fireball always sounds like a great idea at the time, but wine is a classic. College is the perfect time to begin your wine journey and find your favorite types and brands. The great thing about wine is there are so
many different kinds, so if you try one that you don’t like, there are a million more to try just within the Pinot Grigios. Every company makes their wine differently so nothing tastes exactly the same. The next time you are at Publix take a stroll through their wine section and try one of these wines out or get adventurous and judge a wine by its bottle. Cheers!
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OCT. 12, 2015
’Tis the season to be spooky By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
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t is October, which means that the spooky season is upon us. Scary movies abound, costume parties are thrown and haunted houses are brought to life. There are certain movies you have to watch, certain costumes you should avoid and of course, haunted houses you must visit. Halloween wouldn’t be the same without an all-out scary movie fest. After all, who doesn't enjoy watching ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween? There are the classic movies, such as “Friday the 13th” and “Halloween.” These movies have been remade and revamped throughout the years, and have still remained cult classics. “Scream” is a slightly more recent fan favorite that never gets old. In fact, it was recently spun-off into a series on MTV. Then there are the family-friendly scary movies, like “Hocus Pocus.” This film is a definite hit for all the 90s babies, and it is sure to be played over and over throughout the month. The Disney favorite, “Halloweentown” always sparks fond memories of Halloweens past. These movies aren’t very frightening, but they are still fun to watch.
When a black cat crosses your path, it is considered very bad luck. (WikiCommons) More recent horror movies are a little more macabre than their predecessors. Films such as “The Conjuring” and “Insidious” are darker, menacing and frankly terrifying. The whole demon thing is just too scary for some, but in the spirit of Halloween, it’s worth at least one screening. However, scary movies are only one of the Halloween experience. The next important element is, obvi-
University of South Alabama
Student Health Center of South Alabama Where University good health and healing Begins
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Where good health and healing Begins
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ously, costumes. There are scary costumes, silly costumes, and the ever so popular, sexy costumes. Yes, you can buy a costume from a Halloween store, but half the fun comes from making your own. Some costumes have been overplayed though. The sexy kitten costume is definitely out. It’s been done since the dawn of time. Step out of the box and get creative! Reference pop culture for costume ideas. Who wants to be Kim Kardashian or Donald Trump? It would be a cinch to cut a piece of yellow rug and slap it on your head, and instantly you’ve transformed into Trump! You can never go wrong with a mask. Buying a mask is an easy alternative to going all out with props and makeup. There are funny masks and scary masks, so your options are almost unlimited. The whole point is to have fun with your costume and try not to take it too seriously. Costumes give you a chance to imitate someone else. That being said, keep it classy. Don’t wear black-face or other insensitive or offensive costumes. Back in 2013, actress Julianne Hough was heavily criticized for her black-face costume of “Orange is the New Black” character, Crazy Eyes. It’s just common courtesy to not be hurtful when imitating someone. If you are really brave and actually enjoy
being scared, then you’ll want to visit at least one haunted house this season. There are some seriously scary places in Birmingham and Auburn, Alabama. Fortunately, there is an attraction that is closer to home. Nightmare Chambers, located in Fairhope, Alabama, promises to offer you the fright of your life. Nightmare Chambers is dedicated to fear. There are both outdoor and indoor features. This haunted attraction is sure to scare you silly. Monsters, deranged clowns, basically your worst nightmare comes to life to haunt you at this local attraction. The good news is that Halloween season only comes around once a year. It can be a bit overwhelming, but as long as you stick to the basics and remember to have fun, you’ll be fine. WIKICOMMONS
AUG. MARY31, ALICE2015 WILSON
SPORTS
SPORTS EDITOR usavgsports@gmail.com
OCT. 12, 2015
South stays perfect in conference South Alabama first in Sun Belt with four matches left to play in regular season BY MITCHELL KAHALLEY Managing Editor
T
he South Alabama Jaguar soccer team won two matches this weekend to remain unbeaten in the Sun Belt Conference and keep their six match winning streak alive. Friday saw the top two teams in the Sun Belt Conference face off when the Appalachian State Mountaineers traveled to Mobile to take on the top ranked Jaguars. The Jaguars dominating performance led to a 3-0 victory. Jordan Duncan put the Jaguars on the board 15 minutes into the match after she got on the end of a Charde Hannah cross from the right side of the field. “It was awesome,” Duncan said, “Charde worked really hard and it was just a little tap in.” Danielle Henley doubled the Jaguar’s tally three minutes into
the second half after finishing a long range effort from just outside of the box. Nini RabsattSmith slotted in the third goal from point blank range after a corner kick. The Jaguar’s finished the match with 17 shots, eight of them on goal. The Mountaineers managed nine shots with Jaguar keeper Sarah Hay only having to save two. This was the first shutout for the Jags since the conference play has started. Head coach Graham Winkworth praised his team’s defensive effort. “I thought we defended very very well from front to back. Our defending starts at the front and they run a lot up there defending, worked extremely hard,” Winkworth said, “The backline was very solid throughout, you know one or two slight moments where it looked like they might get through but we were very comfortable back there. Sunday the Jaguars had a
tougher time dealing with the visiting Bobcats of Texas State, but a goal late in the match gave the Jaguars a 2-1 win. The first half was a cagey affair, with Texas State only managing four shots, none of them on goal. The Jags were able to get two efforts with one of them on goal. Things changed in the second half when Texas State’s Lynsey Curry scored on a breakaway 12 seconds into the second half. Just over a minute later the Jaguar’s were awarded a free kick. Chelsea Followwell sent the ball into the box and Rio Hardy was able to put away a low rolling shot. “I asked for more energy in the second half, and they gave it to me.” Winkworth said. With 10 minutes left and overtime looming, Ashlynn Jones found the ball outside of the penalty area. She laid the ball off to Sophie Haywood who found Danielle Henley
making a run in the right side of the box. Henley pulled the trigger and scored the game winner. “For a game that wasn’t one of our best performances, I thought that was one of the most attractive goals we’ve scored all season. Some lovely football was played in creating that goal.” Winkworth said.
The Jaguars are 11-2-1 and sit at the top of the Sun Belt Conference with 15 points and a record of 5-0. South has four matches left in the regular season. They will travel to Georgia next weekend for games against Georgia State and Georgia Southern on Friday and Sunday respectively.
The Jaguars are currently on a six match winning streak (USAJaguars)
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11
OCT. 12, 2015
Previewing the enemy: Arkansas State By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-in-Chief
O
n Tuesday, South Alabama will attempt something they have yet to do since entering the Sun Belt Conference: defeating Arkansas State. Oct. 13 will mark exactly three years since the two conference foes met for the first time in Jonesboro. The Red Wolves currently lead the series 3-0 over the Jaguars. South Alabama enters the midweek contest 2-2 while the Red Wolves are 2-3 with their wins against Missouri State (70-7) and Idaho (49-35). Arkansas State’s losses came at the hands of USC, Missouri and Toledo. QUICK NOTES | Arkansas State is averaging 394.4 yards of offense and 30.4 points per game. The Red Wolves’ defense has allowed an average of 390.6 yards and 32.2 points per game. The Red Wolves run a spread offense and a 4-2-5 defense. This season Arkansas had 15 returning starters with nine on offense, six on defense. The Red Wolves two wins had backup quarterback James Tabary while Fredi Knighten was out from injury. RED WOLVES TO WATCH | First and foremost running back Michael Gordon (No.34). South Alabama contained Troy’s run game, but Gordon will be someone who the defense will have to shut down or at least limit. Gordon has rushed for 455 yards with five touchdowns so far this season. Quarterback Knighten will be returning against South Alabama after a pulled groin injury in the Red Wolves 27-20 loss to Missouri on Sept. 12. After injury, head coach Blake Anderson said that the senior quarterback is ready to return to the field. Ja’Von Rolland-Jones (No. 11) will be one of the key players on defense. Jones has 18 tackles with 5.5 for a loss with three sacks, a
Senior RB Michael Gordon was named SBC Offensive Student-Athlete of the week after last Saturday’s game against Idaho. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Athletics) forced fumble and an interception so far this season. Injuries: The Red Wolves will be missing their starting guard Daniel Keith after a procedure to repair a high ankle sprain. South Alabama comes into this game pretty healthy, nothing major to note. OUT OF THE RED WOLVES MOUTH Head coach Blake Anderson: The Red Wolves come into the contest with a conference win under their belt. “It’s good to start off the conference 1-0, it is good momentum and momentum is something we needed” Last year, South Alabama fell to Arkansas State on the road 45-10. The Jags were ridden with injuries with eight starters out and Marvin Shinn suffered a season-ending injury within the first quarter of the game. That Jaguars come into this game at home with extra rest and a healthy squad. “It’s a better football team than we played a
year ago, they’re healthy. They’re a team that’s probably not too happy with us after last year’s win. It’ll be a huge challenge for us.” Anderson said that a change in personnel and the addition of UAB transfers has helped the Jaguars, but said that the Jags schemes are familiar. “A lot of the schemes are the same. Vincent came from that program and has a lot of the same schemes. They are still sticking with what they’ve done. It’s like playing against ourselves but with differences between Fredi (Knighten) and their quarterback (Cody Clements) on what they like to do. The personnel is a big upgrade from a year ago.” KEYS TO WINNING | Finish the job: South Alabama had multiple drives that should have ended in a score, but were opportunities wasted. The Jaguars have to come out with points on the board when they get in the red zone and put the points up early. Stop the run: I write this every week, but
the Jags are getting better at controlling ground play. The defense contained Burks last week and it made a big difference, especially in third and fourth down situations. The Jags will need to limit the Red Wolves and keep an eye on Gordon. Common special teams: We have got to start playing smart on special teams. Too many mistakes have turned into points in the other teams’ favors this year. Control and protect the ball. In almost every contest this season a returner has mishandled the ball and have come close to giving a touchdown away. The Jag specialists also have to limit opposing punt returns. South Alabama gave the Trojans too many chances to have great field positon to start out their drives. Help your defense. Be explosive: South Alabama looked like it got its swag back with a few big plays both on offense and defense. The final fourth-and-one stand in the final minute of the game was one of the biggest moments of the game. Defense has to ‘protect this house’ with intensity. Magee and Everett need to be unleashed, big plays like 40-yard bombs down field from Clements to Magee or Everett using his size and strength to gain that extra yardage and make touchdowns. The game on the ground needs to be big as well, the run game has been a big part of South Alabama’s success in their wins so far this season. SPECIAL NOTES | Athletics has joined with iHeartRadio and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce for a special Tuesday Tailgate. A “Taste of the Jags” will run from 5-6:45 p.m., featuring free food samples and beverages from 20 local restaurants and vendors. Craig Campbell will be performing live beginning at 5:30 p.m. GAME INFO | The Jags and Red Wolves kick off Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Ladd Peebles Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2. South Alabama is a six point favorite over Arkansas State.
Jaguar volleyball falls against Troy, takes two wins at home BY BRIANA DIGIORGIO Staff Reporter
W
hile students packed up to visit home for fall break, the Lady Jaguars traveled to the Trojan Arena to take on SBC rival, Troy. Although they battled to try and pull out a win against The Trojans, it wasn’t enough as they fell in a 3-2 matchup with final scores of 25-22, 19-25. 18-25, 25-21 and 8-15. The Lady Jags started off strong in the beginning set of the match as they were able to defeat the Trojans. Troy was not willing to let them defeat them again as they took two straight wins in a row for the second and third match. The Lady Jags then stepped back up to
claim another set win in the fourth but then fell short again as The Trojans won the final set, ending the game in their favor. Head coach Amy Hendrichovsky told USA Jaguars that, “In the first set, we were able to execute our offense the way we wanted to. In the second and third sets, we gave up too many unforced errors and were unable to control the ball on our side of the net. I was pleased with the effort and the way we fought in the fourth set. That’s what I really like about this team. We have a group that will continue to fight even when they are down.” The team’s chances started to look better once they took on UL Lafayette in Friday’s matchup in the Jag Gym. The Lady Jags ended up taking away a 3-1 victory against ULL with final scores of 25-19, 25-14, 23-25 and 25-16.
The ladies started out strong in the beginning two sets of the match and let ULL take over in the third match and then came back in the fourth to claim the match in their favor. “The one thing that I will say about this team and I’ve said it a few times, they fight and scrape and scrape,” Head coach Amy explains to USA Jaguars about her team. “It’s just about tweaking the little things. If they can have that mentality and play volleyball at a high level consistently, we will be a very good team come November.” The Saturday following Friday’s game, The Lady Jags host UL Monroe to also take home a win with a straight 3-0 matchup with final scores of 25-15, 25-15 and 25-18. The ladies fought hard three straight sets
to receive the victory against ULM, not even giving them a chance. “We talked before the match about playing at our full potential for the whole set, every night and not just being happy with just doing it for one night, “Coach Amy said to USA Jaguars. “When we play at our best, we can compete with anyone in this conference. In order to take the next step as a program, we needed to play that way for the whole match tonight. Last night, we played to our potential for three out of the four sets, so it was important for us to do that in all three sets. I was proud of our team for responding to that challenge tonight.” South Alabama, now with a 10-8 record and 4-3 in Sun Belt Conference, will travel to Arkansas to take on Arkansas State on Friday.
12
#JagTweets
OCT. 12, 2015
Repeat potential, health and new faces in new places Five storylines to keep track of heading into the 2015-2016 NBA season BY ALEXANDER MOYLAN Opinion Editor
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Follow Us! USA Vanguard Sports @USAVGSports
Abby Tincher @tinch__ coach I really don’t need to lift today, I just lugged my huge suitcase across the Charlotte airport...
Softball
John Robinson @RJohnIII
Football
When she love the same ramen noodles as you!!! #goals #collegeprobz
Rio Hardy @riohardy_ Having our own rooms in our apartment = using the group message to talk to each other cos we’re too lazy to get up
Soccer
Ethan Haslam @Emagic3
Basketball
I’m 19 years old and bendy straws still amuse me
Jeremy Reeves @JR2_Era
Football
Everybody wanna be “The Man” but what are you doing to get there?
Meagan Hall @Meags_Hall I’m the kind of person who gets “too full” to finish dinner but will devour dessert
Track
Sophie Haywood @SophieKHaywood I don’t know how visors exist? Like who wore a hat and thought “I could really do with my head popping out the top of this”
Soccer
Christoph Graf @ChrisGraf_runs I don’t have a nice car. Or nice speakers. Or a great voice. But when the Bohemian Rhapsody is on, I turn the volume up and sing
XC Football
s we draw nearer to the middle of the NFL season and the end of MLB’s season, it’s time for the NBA season to begin. There are plenty of storylines to tune in for and The Vanguard discussed which may be the most poignant heading into the 2015-2016 season. Will Golden State repeat? I say “will” instead of “can” because I know the Warriors are capable of repeating next year. They’re beginning this season with their entire starting lineup intact with only one major roster change, the subtraction of David Lee via trade to the Boston Celtics. Detractors dismiss the Warriors citing injuries suffered by opposing point guards during the championship run, therefore suggesting that Stephen Curry wouldn’t have been able to carry his team as much as he did throughout the playoffs had opposing point guards been healthy. I argue the opposite. Jrue Holiday, Mike Conley, or Patrick Beverley for that matter wouldn’t have made so much of a difference to stop the league MVP from cruising to The Finals. Will the Heat challenge LeBron and company? Strike the memory of last year’s Heat squad because this year’s will be totally different. For one, we’ll see the return of a healthy Chris Bosh who spent the latter half of this past season recovering from blood clots in his lungs. Also, the Heat were without Josh McRoberts for much of the year too. He may not be a household name, but he and Al Jefferson were largely responsible for Charlotte’s run to the playoffs just two years ago. He’s the epitome of a stretch four in today’s NBA and will be extremely involved in any of the team’s success this season. Besides the addition of rookie Justise Winslow out of Duke, the Heat will also return Hassan Whiteside who emerged as a legitimate option at center for a team that has previously forced Bosh to handle most of the minutes in the middle. I haven’t even gotten to Goran Dragic yet! Dragic didn’t play a single minute with Bosh last year. Expect some growing pains at the beginning of next season, but I seriously believe the Heat will contend for the East crown this season giving us some superb drama to close out the season next April. Dragic, Bosh, and an aging Dwyane Wade are just too good to let the East pass them by again this year.
Will a healthy Durant return to a Westbrook-led Thunder? (WikiCommons) Is Kevin Durant healthy? “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 may still be tired of being second, but he’s returning to the Thunder this season with a twist. Teammate Russell Westbrook filled Durant’s shoes and kept the team afloat by himself during Durant’s absence due to injury last season. Westbrook put up herculean statistics towards the end of the season as the Thunder only missed out on the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. Westbrook became the unquestionable leader at the end of last season, so will Durant step aside and let his teammate resume carrying the mantle? Many questions will surround Durant this season, especially as he enters the last year of his contract. Will he stay with the Thunder, will he leave for the Washington Wizards in the offseason, is he still the alpha dog on the team, is his team still relevant in the competitive western conference? Really, Durant’s health is only one piece of the puzzle. The whole Thunder team is full of questions going into this season as they have the personnel to reach The Finals, but each of the last three years one key cog has fallen to injury and derailed the season. Will this trend continue? Will the Kings let Boogie be Boogie? No, the Sacramento Kings aren’t a title contender. Realistically, they’re a playoff hopeful, but you can argue that there hasn’t been another team as much of a mess as the Kings within the last few years. Management is in a constant state of flux,
Cameron Blankenship @Big_Red71 If I could go back in time to my kindergarten self, the only thing I would tell him would be to cherish nap time #snooze
JarMarkus Sims @NoFlyZone_11
Football
I need that cookies and cream from Walmart who gonna go buy me some
Hunter Vaughn @HVaughn3
Football
What is fall break? -All Athletes
Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins is poised for another big year. (WikiCommons)
their star Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins hasn’t had the same coach for two full seasons yet, and to top it off, the Kings signed the NBA’s definition of mercurial point guard, Rajon Rondo, to the team this past summer. Can the Kings organization get out of its own way and let their star lead the team to a start similar to that of last year’s when the team was 9-6 through their first fifteen games? You have to bet against the Kings at this point, right? Last year the team went 2-7 after their first fifteen games and fired the only coach Boogie, a Mobile native, has seemingly ever enjoyed playing for. The ousting of former Kings head coach Mike Malone followed the team’s depressing win-loss record after their hopeful start; however, the poor record coincided with Cousins falling ill and missing most of the games that the team lost during that stretch. A hasty coach firing derailed the Kings for most of the season. Here’s to hoping the Kings can bottle what they had at the start of last year and apply it to the whole season. Will LaMarcus Aldridge really fit in with the San Antonio Spurs? The Spurs are the Spurs, what else can you say? This team has the “it factor”, the thing that keeps them ticking year after year, and surprisingly under the radar too. The team’s ageless anchor Tim Duncan enters his nineteenth season this year and is still as effective as ever. The Spurs also staged arguably one of the biggest coups of this offseason by securing power forward David West for a $1.2 million contract after the former all-star opted out of the final year of his contract with the Indiana Pacers which would have paid him approximately $12 million this year. If you’re a Spurs fan, the only thing I’d worry about is the lack of a true center. The team traded away their starting center from last year, Tiago Splitter, to make room to sign power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who reportedly refused to meet with teams that planned to feature him heavily at the center spot. So the team will feature three allstar-level power forwards on opening night and, at best, a rookie center? Recent history makes me doubt that head coach Gregg Popovich will feature Duncan prominently at center given how much rest the coach gives his players. But hey, the Spurs are the Spurs. The addition of Aldridge will carry such an impact that the lack of a true center may be an afterthought. Come late April they’ll be in the hunt for the western conference crown as always.
OPINION
ALEXANDER MOYLAN OPINION EDITOR alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu
OCT. 12, 2015
Our nation’s capitol, home of the shameless team Football team owner’s refusal to change offensive name continues to oppress Native Americans
By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Opinion Editor
T
he Washington professional football team, more commonly known as the Washington Redskins, is the most ignorant team in the national football league. No, I’m not referring to players, rather my focus here is on the team’s ownership, specifically the majority owner, Dan Snyder. For some time now there has been considerable backlash against the team’s “redskin” moniker from a variety of groups, including several Native American tribes. Meanwhile, Dan Snyder apparently has never been offended before and has previously stated, “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER -- you can use caps.” Quite the poignant statement from a white male regarding what offends another ethnic group. For more perspective I turned to Baxter Holmes, a well-reputed writer who is also of Cherokee and Choctaw lineage. He wrote about this topic earlier in 2014 and, unsurprisingly, little has been done to expunge this name from sports lexicon since then. Holmes reported that the term “redskins” dates as far back as the institutional genocide of Native Americans. The Phips Proclamation, named for Lieutenant Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Province Spencer Phips, ordered “His Majesty’s subjects to Embrace all opportunities of pursuing, captivating, killing and destroying all and every of the aforesaid Indians.” A bounty was issued for Indian scalps, specifically
50 pounds for an adult male, 25 for adult female and 20 for the scalps of boys and girls under 12 years old. During this time period, those scalps were known as “redskins”. Later in his piece, Holmes refers to several teams that have changed their offensive names, mascots or logos. This list includes several collegiate programs such as Marquette who changed from the Warriors to the Golden Eagles, and Miami University in Ohio who became the Redhawks after ditching their previous name, the Redskins. Absent from that list: the Washington Redskins. Of course, you may be familiar with two other professional sports teams today using Native American-related monikers, the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. However, “redskins” is still far worse than other monikers I’ve mentioned, like “braves” or “indians”. A “redskin” is a trophy of war, a bloody scalp of a murdered Native American man, woman or child. Snyder isn’t the only aloof man with an opinion of the name. During a radio interview, Jeb Bush, a possible presidential candidate, spoke on the “redskins” name issue, “I don’t think it [the team] should change it. But that’s again, I don’t think politicians ought to have any say in that to be honest with you. I don’t find it offensive. Native American tribes generally don’t find it offensive … It’s just -- it’s a sport for crying out loud. It’s a football team. I mean it’s -- Washington has a huge fan base... I’m missing something here I guess.”
Hot Take
The logo may not strike you as offensive as the team name does. (Fansided.com) Comments like that, and that of Snyder’s as well, are emblematic of the problem facing racially-fueled issues in this country today. People disregard racial issues that don’t affect them. Native Americans have been nearly wiped from existence thanks to the genocidal nature of our nation’s forerunners. Yet ironically, many individuals don’t seem to understand why “redskins” may be at least a little offensive. “Redskins” is a disgusting name, plain and simple. Now, I can’t speak for any Native American groups myself, but to suggest that I must be a member of tribe in order to feel anger is asinine. Think about it, have you ever been offended by a derogatory term of some sort used to label you, or even another group of people? You shouldn’t have to identify with a particular group of people being slandered or offended in order
to feel for them, or to call for change. It’s called being human when you acknowledge the problem in someone using another person’s likeness, whether it be their skin tone, eye color or even hair, as a means to discriminate. Why this idea doesn’t appear to be present in Snyder or Bush’s thoughts is mind-boggling. Snyder believes his team’s name is a “badge of honor,” meanwhile Holmes believes, “if he has any decency, he will change it, because it is not and never was just a word.” Snyder’s flat-out refusal to change his team’s name is a reflection of his character and only demonstrates how blind the man is. For him not to clearly see how “redskins” is an offensive, rather than celebratory term is unbelievable. Apparently you can have millions and millions of dollars to your name and still carry poor beliefs with you.
Got something to say?
Vocabulary By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Opinion Editor To all my friends, fellow students and peers, there are a couple words and phrases we need to strike from our daily vocabulary. These words and phrases that I’m about to describe are nonsensical and a waste of anyone’s time that you may be speaking with. First, let’s talk about “very.” As discussed in the legendary film, “Dead Poets Society”, the word “very” is just a tired expression. It’s lazy. Why use “very” when you can use any number of words to further describe just how angry, sad or happy someone is? For instance, you can replace those aforementioned words with furious, morose or elated. You’re still emphasizing basic emotions (anger, sadness or happiness) yet you sound like you have a better vocabulary doing so!
Next, “ideally” or its close relatives “in an ideal/perfect world”. I hate the word and I hate those expressions. Sorry, but this is the real world and a lot of things about it aren’t ideal. Yeah, “ideally” we wouldn’t have war, famine and poverty, but we do. Stop justifying your words or actions with “ideally” and its close expression relatives. Instead, save your breath for something stronger! Let’s close with “just”. I’m trying to stop using this myself but it’s hard. Have you ever said, “Hey, I just want to ask you something quickly?” I know I have. Consider “just” to be like “justification”. There’s no reason for you to justify your actions, let alone your questions. If you need to ask something, ask! It’s better to “just” be straightforward with your question. See, “just” doesn’t add anything to a sentence. It’s “just” there. Get to the point in as few words as possible and learn something!
alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu
14
OCT. 12, 2015
The “buy in” feels real among South Alabama students Rivalry week with Troy University may have sparked renewed interest in South Alabama athletics By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
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uying into a school’s program is something that can come naturally to some people. All my life I grew up only knowing a crimson world because that’s what I were taught. I remember watching my father and his love the Tide is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. That’s when I began to love the game of football and Alabama just like him. I bought in at a young age and never looked back. And even though almost all of family attended Alabama, Auburn or even Troy, I ended up in Mobile, Alabama because it felt like home compared to the schools that fueled my family feuds. When I came to South Alabama, I went to the Jags games on Saturdays, but still knew what time Bama kicked off so I could at least keep up with the score. For the longest time I ended my tweets and Facebook statuses with both “Go Jags” and “Roll Tide.” Because really, how could I ever not love the Tide? After my freshman year, I finally bought it. It clicked. Now everyone has heard that you should “root for who you pay the bills to,” but my fandom wasn’t just about that. There’s so many special things about this football team that made me want to be a
part of it for as long as I’m a student and beyond. For the first time this year it felt like people were buying into the rivalry week between South Alabama and Troy. Having a solidified rivalry was something this program needed and the fans have soaked up every part of it from ‘Beat Troy’ hashtags to the belt itself. What’s even better is that the student body was a part of that. If you’re a student right now, reading The Vanguard, you’ve read about the planning, the meetings, the stories that asked for names and feedback. The student body made the rivalry what it is because a lot of you have bought in and realized you’re a part of our program, just like the players who put on a helmet each week and take the field in South’s name. Before Troy week, I knew that there are some students who, like me, truly love this school and will be at every single game if possible so that we can see our fellow classmates and peers represent the institution we go to. Although the mutual dislike of Troy may have helped, that’s how some of the best bonds form. That week gave me more hope for the students buying into our athletic programs than in my last three years here. I feel like we’re finally buying in. We’ve gone FBS, we made it to a bowl game and now with the
South fans cheered the Jags onto a win at Troy. (Alyssa Newton | Editor-in-Chief) installment of the Battle for the Belt, I feel like this program that is still so young, is finally capturing the hearts of students. South Alabama may not be an SEC or even a power five school, but it’s MY school. It’s OUR school. It will be my and your alma mater. We have had this unique opportunity as a student body to watch this program grow and become what it is today. Who needs 150 years of tradition when you can
be a part of history in the making? Buy in, Jaguars. I don’t care if you still check on another team on your phone during our games. Be a part of something that you will remember for the rest of your life, make memories to tell your kids. Just like my experience with my dad, when I have kids, for at least for the first few years of their life they’ll know what it is like to cheer for the red, white and blue.
JagPulse: Friday marked the No. 46 and 47 school shootings (Northern Arizona University and Texas Southern University, respectively) in 2015. Have the shootings impacted how you feel about concealed carry on campus? Are you for it or against it? JANITA LORANE BELL Yes, I feel that concealed carry should be allowed so students and faculty can defend themselves and not be sitting ducks in an attack. I also feel that people should have to pass a mental examination before qualifying for a gun license
HANNAH BECTON I’m still against it. Consider the issue of campus rape... Most rapes are carried out by someone the victim knows. They would surely know that someone like me who is terrified of guns will not own one. Not wanting to be murdered would be a pretty good coercion tool for someone to violate my body. Plus, I think of a recent story in Florida where someone used a gun to try and stop a carjacker but ended up shooting the owner of the car in the head instead. People wouldn’t be sitting ducks, but people would be making stupid mistakes right and left. I’d rather walk around campus without the anxiety that someone has a concealed weapon and could point it at me at any minute. The possibility of the victim having a gun, as well, never stopped a person from being brave.
KATHLEEN SOWELL MCALISTER I know we need protection but I’m wondering how many psychos will be able to carry their guns on campus free and clear. This is not Hollywood and the good guy with a gun does not always stop the bad guy. It all makes me uncomfortable. I’m not against someone sane and safe carrying a gun but we have little to go on that this will make us safer.
ROBBY PEARSON The idea of a gun-free zone makes a location a target filled with people unable to defend themselves. Forty-seven school shootings so far this year, including two just today? Maybe adding guns to a situation could add more bullets in the air, but the idea of resistance and the ability of the public to defend themselves may just as well eliminate a criminal’s desire to attack target areas. Being able to defend ourselves could lower the death toll in such situations and make someone say, “Hey, they might shoot back so I won’t do that,” rather than, “I’ll be the most powerful person there since I’ll be bringing a gun to a fist fight and nobody can fight back until the cops respond.”
ALEXANDER MOYLAN OPINION EDITOR alm1323@jagmail.southalabama.edu
DISTRACTIONS
OCT. 12, 2015
The Walking Dead Word Search See if you can find all of the words in our The Walking Dead-themed word search in honor of the season six debut on 10/11/2015! Have suggestions for the next one? Send us what you want to see on the distractions pages at thevanguardeditor@gmail.com ALEXANDRIA CROSSBOW KATANA MORGAN SURVIVE WOLVES BITERS DARYL
MAGGIE GLEN PRISON TERMINUS CARL MICHONE RICK WALKER
Cryptogram answer from 10/5 There is no such thing as fall without a pumpkin in your life
Can you solve the cryptogram?
16
OCT. 12, 2015