Sept 25 2017 final

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

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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MONDAY SEPT. 25, 2017 VOL 1718 ISS 8

w w w. t he vangu ardus a. c om

Mobile hosts women’s empowerment forum

Homecoming court nominees

Local women gather to support and encourage each other.

Learn more about the nominees for homecoming court!

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Jags lose to Vandals in double overtime USA lost 29-23 to Idaho in marathon game.

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USA rallies to support DREAMers

The report issued by USA noted surrounding buildings were not affected by weather the day the JTC collapsed. Photo by Shelby Guidry

USA issues report on JTC collapse

By Marissa Mason | Managing Editor

The LASA and Alabama’s Coalition for Immigrant Justice hosted a rally in support of DREAMers. Photo by Briana Cunningham

By TRICIA WEST | reporter

In the wake of President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act (DACA) members of University of South Alabama’s Latin American Student Association teamed up with Alabama’s Coalition for Immigrant Justice to host a Solidarity Rally in support of USA students that are DREAMers (DACA recipients) on Sept. 14.

“Although Trump has made the decision to stop DACA, I personally believe that DREAMers are motivated, hardworking

individuals who will not stop working towards their goals,” USA freshman Lizbeth Jacome said.

Jacome came to the United States when she was only 3 years old. Although she was never a recipient of DACA, she did have to apply for citizenship when she was 18, and understands what life as an immigrant in America is like.

“Being a non-citizen will cause you to be seen as someone different in the eyes of many people. Noncitizens are not aliens or criminals, they are human beings just like others,” Jacome said.

“One of my childhood bestfriends is a DACA recipient. She is studying to be a nurse.” LASA President Erick Romero said. “It makes me so sad that her dream job which helps other people has the potential to be ripped from under her feet. She was telling me that if she cannot stay, maybe her degree can be used in Mexico.

The rhetoric in congress is leaving everything in a state of limbo. At first, I saw a grim fate for DACA and the Dream Act. As more organizations and people come Continued on page 4

The University of South Alabama released a report investigating the reason behind the July collapse of the Jaguar Training Center on Friday, Sept. 22.

The report stated that nondamaging winds applied a force to the in-construction facility. Due to the lack of bracing, the force was not effectively distributed through the structure, causing the north end to break.

“This caused a domino effect, whereby as the north end fell, it subsequently caused a collapse of the remaining structure,” the report stated.

“The University will not specifically comment on any of the conclusions in the report, as this is a Continued on page 3

NEWS

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University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-6898 I Fax: 414-8293 Advertising: (678) 644-7838 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com STAFF Editor-in-Chief Shannon Lundgren Managing Editor Marissa Mason Copy Editors Amber-Lynn Boothe Richard Narramore Opinion Editor Rachel Goodman Web Editor Krisha Amin Reporters Hannah Blackburn Hannah Clayton Charles Harrison Natasha Spradlin Rachel Sullivan Tricia West Photographers Briana Cunningham Shelby Guidry Muqit Asif Khan

Advertising Advertising Manager Tiyana King Advertising Rep Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago

Advisors

Advising Heather Leigh Stanley James Aucoin Pub. Coordinator Thomas Ausbourn

Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to: thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication.

Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school, JagMail and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail. com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Office of Student Media. Issues are available at most University buildings and select offcampus locations. Freelance writers and photographers will receive payment upon successful publication.

To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com

251-460-6312 09/01/2017 Criminal Mischief Third Degree ($500 or less) Gamma Parking Lot Unknown person, with intent to damage victim’s property, did so by scratching victim’s vehicle while same was parked at listed location.

entered victim’s vehicle and removed items.

09/05/2017 Theft of Article from Auto Gamma Parking Lot Unknown subject(s) took assorted items from a vehicle in the Gamma parking lot.

09/10/2017 Criminal Mischief Third Degree Unknown Location Unknown person, with intent to damage property, caused damage to victim’s vehicle. Amount of damage does not exceed $500 in value.

09/05/2017 Possession of Marijuana Second Degree Sorority Parking Lot A male student was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Minor in Possession of Alcohol after a traffic stop on Greek Row. 09/06/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Grove Parking Lot A vehicle was burglarized in The Grove near building 9.

09/07/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Gravel Parking Lot Unknown subject(s) struck a vehicle and failed to leave information.

09/07/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle HPELS F/S Parking Lot Unknown subject(s) struck a vehicle in the College of Business/Shelby Hall parking lot and failed to leave any information.

09/07/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Shelby Hall parking lot An unknown person struck the victim’s vehicle while it was parked, without leaving any required information.

09/08/2017 Theft of Article from Auto Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity On the listed date an unknown suspect

09/08/2017 Public Intoxication Ladd-Peebles Stadium A student was arrested for public intoxication at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

09/10/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Intramural Fields parking lot Unknown person broke into a vehicle at the overflow gravel parking lot, across from the Intramural Field.

09/11/2017 Criminal Mischief-Damage to Private Property USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital A vehicle was keyed at the stated location.

09/15/2017 Gamma Parking Lot Student reported her wallet was missing and unknown person(s) used one of the credit cards that was in the wallet.

09/15/2017 Unauthorized possession of an illegal drug The Grove On 09/16/2017, at 23:53, rule 7 S of the University Disciplinary Committee

was violated.

09/16/2017 Theft of Article from Auto USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital Unknown subject(s) removed the victim’s license plate from his vehicle without the victim’s knowledge or permission.

09/16/2017 Theft of Article from Auto Epsilon Residential A license plate was reported stolen from the listed victims vehicle.

09/19/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle ILB Parking Lot Unknown person, driving a silver Ford Mustang, struck the victim’s vehicle while attempting to park and left the scene without providing proper identification and vehicle information.

09/20/2017 Receiving Stolen Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less USA North Dr. Two non-students were arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, pistol carrying without a permit, and receiving stolen property during a traffic stop.

09/20/2017 Theft of Property Second Degree Academic Support Center Unknown person(s) removed victim’s property from the desk he was taking an exam at inside the Academic Services Building without the victim’s consent.

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NEWS

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Construction collapse, cont’d

USA will announce future for plans for the JTC as they are finalized, according to Director of Communications and Media Relations Bob Lowry. Photos by Shelby Guidry

Continued from page 1

matter for the insurance companies and their investigators,” Director of Communications and Media Relations Bob Lowry stated in an email.

According to the report, the building collapsed on Saturday, July 22, at around 2:15 p.m. during a thunderstorm. The entire steel structure fell on top of unused construction vehicles and materials.

“The majority of the anchor bolts are sheared, either above or below the base plate of the rigid frame columns,” the report stated. “The majority of the concrete pile caps are cracked, and some of the caps are fractured with the reinforcing steel exposed. The majority of the anchor bolts are sheared at the base plate of the sidewall and end wall columns.

Some of the column flanges are sheared, and at least one anchor bolt is pulled out of the concrete pile cap.”

During the investigation, one of the goals was to understand if the storm was to blame for the collapse. A forensic meteorological investigation was performed by Zachary Tamurian. According to his report, rotating winds of 46 mph were present during the storm, but this is not considered severe or even damaging.

The report also looked for damage to weak, non-structural

components near the construction site which might indicate a tornado or other damaging events near the construction site.

“The weather data indicates that a storm occurred on July 22, 2017, moving toward the north-northeast, which is the opposite direction in which the football facility fell,” the report stated. “No severe weather reports were documented by the NOAA SPC [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center]. No collateral indicators of wind damage, such as displaced equipment or felled trees, were found at this site.”

Though the winds did not appear damaging in the surrounding area, the facility still collapsed.

“The construction of the football facility was incomplete on the reported date of loss,” the report stated. “Approximately one-sixth of the diagonal rod bracing in the sidewalls and roof framing was installed, which is noted in the plans as being a component of the, ‘main wind force resisting system.’ It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide adequate bracing to safely support the building during construction, including wind loading from a nondamaging wind event. The absence of such bracing is considered an installation error.”

According to the report, the

steel framing cannot be reused and construction site has been released for clean-up.

“The intent is to move forward and resume construction of the Jaguar Training Center. University leadership is currently evaluating

the appropriate next steps, and these decisions will be communicated to the University community as they are finalized,” Lowry stated.

At this time, USA has not released any additional statements regarding future plans for the practice facility.

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Mobile seeks to empower women

DREMERs rally, cont’d USA students rallied in support of DREAMers on Sept. 14 . Photo by Briana Cunningham

Continued from page 1

Ashley Bonner, Rosemary Chambers, Monica Motley, Stephanie Bryan and Lynne Chronister attended the women’s forum. Photo courtesy of the University of South Alabama

By Natasha Spradlin | Reporter

The University of South Alabama, along with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians partnered with the Community Foundation of South Alabama and Congressman Bradley Byrne to bring the 3rd annual Women’s Forum to Mobile on Sept. 15, 2017.

Lynne Chronister, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at USA, moderated the event. Chronister set the tone when she stressed the value of economic and social empowerment of women.

“I think it would be the same advice for men and women. Find what you love to do, set a goal, and go after it.” Chronister said.

The panelists included local female leaders who spoke on a variety of issues such as building self-confidence and balancing a career with other responsibilities in life. Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, expressed the need to nurture our passions and set goals for ourselves.

“Passion drives success,” Bryan

said. “If you don’t have goals you can’t measure success.”

The panelists acknowledged success doesn’t come easy for most. Attorney and stay-at-home mom, Ashley Bonner, shared her experience with low self-confidence even in the face of success.

“I felt mediocre in everything I tried to accomplish,” Bonner said.

“But I finally started to trust myself.

It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.”

The panel discussed the gender leadership gap in the United States. According to the Center of American Progress, women make up 50.8 percent of the U.S. population and yet they only account for 14.6 percent of executive officers, 8.1 percent of top earners and 4.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEO’s.

Dr. Monica Motley, President of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Sciences, and Rosemary Chambers, first woman judge on the state or federal bench in Mobile County, emphasized that women deserve a seat at the table and should support one another’s success.

“We need to be at the table,” Motley said. “We have a unique perspective and when we are at the table great things occur.”

“Believe that you belong there just as much as anyone else,” Chambers said. “You will earn the respect and power when you get there.”

USA Business student Bri Sims left the event feeling empowered after hearing the messages shared from panelists and Duggan.

“I’m definitely moved by all of these women,” Sims said. “These women are very successful and I expected them to talk more about their skills, but it turned out to be really personal. We talk about our jobs and career paths but we don’t take much time to talk about the things we are going through outside of that. I think it’s amazing they took the time to bring those things to light.”

According to the Community Foundation of South Alabama, plans for the 4th annual Women’s Forum are already underway.

Future dates will be announced at communityfoundationsa.org/ events.

together to support it, I think it has a good chance of being passed. I think and hope it is heading in the right place.”

Romero wants to raise awareness of the plight of DREAMers.

“The major issue is the lack of awareness, Romero said. “Once being told, it seems that others feel for the DREAMers and the other Latin American students. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal of graduating.”

Dr. Tony Waldrop, USA’s president also released an official statement on Sept. 12 concerning the matter.

“We believe in a diverse community whose academic, research and health care initiatives and ambitions requires global outreach and engagement,” Waldrop said. “The uncertainty surrounding DACA does not change those principles nor the support for our students, faculty and staff.”

Waldrop encourages those affected by DACA to seek out an immigration attorney. Campus resources are available to students by calling the Office of Counseling and Testing Services at 251-4607051, the Office of Student Affairs at 251-460-6172 or the Office of Academic Affairs at 251-460-6261.

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Homecoming Announcement

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The 2017 Homecoming season has arrived, and with it the Homecoming Court election. This year, almost 30 men and women are running to represent every class of USA. In the past, the election has been based on a points system coordinated with the Homecoming events. This resulted in great success from the Greek and Independent categories.

“After we received feedback from our survey last year, we found that a great deal of students didn’t like the competition aspect so we decided to focus more on increasing the events and having opportunities for students to participate without it being ‘mandatory’,” Heather Sprinkle said, coordinator of the SGA. “The SGA Homecoming Committee has really worked to have several events throughout the week with some

events being during the day and others in the evening.”

These changes are in hopes of broadening the chances for all candidates, including those not associated with an organization.

An official statement from USA reads: “The University of South Alabama is excited to announce our Homecoming festivities for 2017 will kick-off on Sunday, October 15th.

This year’s Homecoming theme is 54 Years: Roaring Through the Decades.

Homecoming at South Alabama is the university’s annual tradition that brings together our community of student, faculty, staff, alumni and fans to celebrate Jaguar pride and spirit. The experience features a lineup of events that will unite students, alumni, faculty, and staff to participate in exciting activities!”

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By RACHEL SULLIVAN | reporter

Savannah Marshall, Civil Engineering 2 Bath 1,014 Sq.Ft. I love being a jaguar, and I strive to emulate jaguar pride and spirit in Rent: $ everything I do. I am currently a College of Engineering Ambassador Rent: $ and the Recruitment Chair for the Society of Civil Engineers. I also serve Cherie as a member of organizations and groups such as the Society of Women 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING Residence Amenities Engineers, Student Organization of Academic Research, Kappa Delta, and the 2 Bath Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information.

1,367 Sq.Ft. • PET FRIENDLY Mobile Opera. I am so thankful to this university for motivating me to make • Heating • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL the most of my collegiate experience.

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Voting opens on Sept. 25 and lasts until Sept. 28.

Kenny Ngo, Fascia Barclay, Sarah Carney, Jasha Evans, Ellie Lapinksi, Deanna Green and Savannah Marshall were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

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Michelle Nguyen, Speech and Hearing Sciences After graduating with my bachelors in Speech and Hearing Sciences, I had a passion to service my community as a Speech-Language Pathologist. The choice to pursue my Master’s degree at USA came naturally (so naturally that it was the only school I applied to.) Fast forward a year, I am currently doing my clinical placement at a local elementary school and I could not be more in love. It has given me a chance to not only connect with my community, but to give back to them as well.

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Marlee Necaise, Recreation Therapy I’m a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, USA’s Honors College, Mortar Board, and several other on campus organizations. My platform is a self created organization called Dissing Disability. It focuses on creating accessibility and equality for students, potential and current, with physical impairments. I’m very passionate about South and my platform and would love the chance to represent USA as the next homecoming queen.

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HOMECOMING Jamia Bussie, Psychology I had the opportunity to go to several other schools but, I came to South because I fell in love with my school and the great social status here! Even being a freshman, I have explored my options of joining a few clubs and attending social events to meet different people.

Karissa Witcher, Pre-Nursing I have always wanted to be super involved and I made a promise to myself to do so during my years at South. I am also involved with USA Diamond Girls.

While running for freshman maid to represent my wonderful class and also representing my sorority, my platform is to bring attention to world hunger!

Hadley DiForti, Elementary Education I am running for freshman maid as the Kappa Delta representative, and I’m also the Kappa Delta delegate for Junior Panhellenic. If you see me around come up and say “Hi.” I love talking to new people. I hope you’ll vote for me and that you’ll enjoy homecoming week.

Lacey Bemis, Nursing I chose to run for Homecoming Maid because I felt I could represent South in a dignified and gracious manner. I am very involved here at South: I am an SGA senator, an active member of Chi Omega, in multiple honor societies, and work as a tour guide for the university.

Allera Padgett, Criminal Justice I am a member of the Residence Hall Association, serving as a community representative for Azalea Hall. I would be more than honored to represent my class of 2021 as one of your freshman homecoming maids this year!

Taylor Cambron-Earles, Nursing I am a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and serve as our chapter’s Director of Property and Vice President of USA’s chapter of Silver Wings, a community service based organization. I also have the great privilege of being a JagPal and an FYE mentor for the freshman class.

Shamya Simpson, Biomedical Sciences I aspire to be a pediatrician or an anesthesiologist. I love being involved as much as possible with the school and meeting new people. I feel that being a freshman maid could potentially open up new opportunities to meet others and get to know more of the class of 2021.

Madison Ernest I am so honored to have the opportunity to be Alpha Omicron Pi’s candidate for Sophomore maid! Being born and raised in Mobile, Alabama I have grown up loving the Jags! I would love the opportunity to represent the university and the sophomore class!

Rikecia Walker, Communications I am a total sweetheart and if you were to ask my friends, they would definitely say that is true. I love to enjoy life and let nothing get to me. I represent the South spirit by letting everyone know that here at South is the best way to go and going to every event is a must.

Haley Grant Not only is USA a beautiful campus, but the sense of community and support that south offers, is something I’m grateful for every day. From cheering on the Jags to long nights studying, the students, faculty, and staff here at south are always willing to come together.

Ashtyn Williams, Nursing I am my own person: a person of good character and integrity. I’m dedicated, passionate and loyal. I am who I am through every new life experience. I am not afraid of challenges, always considering them a new opportunity for my personal growth and development.

Emma Kolany I serve on the academic committee for Phi Mu, I am a Whiddon Honors Scholar, USA Leadership Scholar and an active member of Campus Outreach Ministry! Off campus I volunteer at USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital as well as the City of Mobile Animal Shelter.

Whitney Williams, Biology When I began baton twirling, I dreamed of one day becoming a collegiate Feature Twirler and representing my university. There is nothing like showing my Jaguar pride by twirling my batons on the field during halftime. I have never felt more welcomed and appreciated in my life.

Deja Thompson, Community Service Through my campaign, I’m trying to bring together the entire campus of South by encouraging each student, faculty and visitor to realize their own excellence. My platform stands on my life motto “Be the Voice of H.O.M.E” #BeTheVoiceOfHome

HOMECOMING Gibs Williams, Nursing The reason I chose to attend USA was the amount of school-wide spirit and togetherness that I observed. I am so thankful that I was nominated by Kappa Delta and given the chance to meet so many more individuals in our student community. One of my favorite things is seeing groups of people come together.

Bria Cunningham, Psychology I’m currently serving as the Public Relations Co-Chair of AASA, President of the Gerontology Club, a member of AED, as well as a member of ABK Honor Society. I’ve had the opportunity to share my voice and make a difference for others. My platform for voting this year is, “Believe you can, and you will.”

7 Alexys Bush, Music My platform, Heart and Soul: Music Matters, focuses on empowering, educating, and encouraging our students in understanding the ways music matters, and ultimately how music creates a diverse and inclusive environment, or community.

Sav Hoyt, Chemistry I am an active member of the University Honors College, am in the SGA and several other on-campus organizations. My platform is V-Day, a movement to end sexual assault and violence against women. I hope my campaign will help me spread awareness for our event, taking place Feb. 28.

Libi Jacobs, Communication I enjoy running, hiking and listening to vinyl records. For incoming students, I want them to feel like they are able to belong somewhere at South or within the city of Mobile. I have grown to love this family spirit of students, faculty and peers at South.

Myrah Taylor, Speech and Hearing Sciences She has served as a Peer Mentor in the English Learning Center. Her service platform Women’s Healthcare for the Homeless is sustainable as we share with our community our devotion to those who are less fortunate.

Josie Schaefer, Nursing I hold positions as Co-Vice President for Active Minds and Public Relations Chair for Phi Mu Fraternity. I am a member of the Student Nursing Association, Chemistry Club and NSCS. You may have seen me giving tours around campus, or even had me as your South Guide at one point!

Josh Cox, Exercise Science I represent the South spirit by getting involved on campus, such as teaching cycle at the Rec and serving as secretary for the Pre-PT club. My platform is the March of Dimes, an organization which specializes in research for prevention of premature birth defects in newborns.

Emily Viglione, Marketing In my past two years at South, I joined organizations like Campus Outreach, Geology Club, SGA, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity, and the Mitchell College of Business Ambassadors. I am proud and thankful to be a student here.

Steven Doan My platform is in support of Title IX. I believe every student has the right to walk around campus, learn in a classroom, and enjoy campus activities without being discriminated against based on their gender. As Homecoming King, I want to promote this ideology.

Evan Mazur The greatest part of this campaign experience has been meeting students from all over campus that I would not have interacted with otherwise. These opportunities have reiterated my love for this university and the Jaguar spirit.

Rohan Ghosh My philanthropy is Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit that puts on a free week of summer camp for children whose parents have cancer. It’s a fantastic organization that gives me life in everything that I do on campus.

Rachel Chamberlain, Biology I am passionate about this university and excited for the potential to represent our amazing student body! My goal is to inspire action on campus by raising awareness for my platform, the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

Johnathan Sampey, Marketing I represent South spirit as being a source to incoming students that want to know more about the school. My platform is fulfill your dreams. Going to college was just a dream for me and others I know when growing up. I never thought I would be where I am today.

8 SPORTS Jaguars fall short in double overtime By: charles harrison | reporter

Lightning delays and penalties stalled the Jags as they fell 29-23 to the Idaho Vandals Saturday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Jaguars started strong, opening up conference play against the Idaho Vandals (2-2 1-0 Sun Belt). Senior Safety Jeremy Reaves forced a fumble on the Idaho 28-yard line to open the game. The Jags then capitalized on it with a 9-play, 28-yard drive capped off with a two yard rushing touchdown from running back Xavier Johnson. The Jags and the Vandals finished off the first quarter by trading field goals when Idaho kicker Cade Coffey hit a 36yard kick, and USA kicker Gavin Patterson split the uprights with a 34-yard kick.

Two and a half minutes into the second quarter, USA quarterback Dallas Davis threw an interception at the South Alabama 36-yard line.

With a long return, and a personal foul after the interception Idaho set up shop on the USA 9-yard line.

With a short run from running back Aaron scoring on a 6-yard run to tie

the game 10-10. The Jags finished the first half with a long 11-play, 73-yard drive highlighted by a 41-yard run by backup quarterback Evan Orth, and finished with a 24-yard field goal from Gavin Patterson giving the Jags a 13-10 lead at the half.

The second half was broken up by four lightning delays, but that didn’t stop the defenses of both teams from digging in and providing a scoreless third quarter or an offensive shootout in the fourth. The scoring began with 9:38 on the clock in the fourth quarter when Idaho kicker Cade Coffey kicked a 34 yard field goal to tie the game. After a two hour break caused by two lightning delays, the Jags struck back and scored the first touchdown of the second half. Xavier Johnson broke free on a 34-yard run for his second touchdown of the the game putting the Jaguars up 20-13. The Vandals refused to go down quietly and forced a Jaguar punt with 1:40 left on the clock.

Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan put together a 9-play, 61-yard drive that was finished when he threw the only touchdown pass of the night, tying

the game at 20-20 and sending it to overtime.

The first overtime began with an Idaho possession and ended quickly with the stout Jaguar defense holding the Vandals to a three and out, and a 39-yard field goal from Cade Coffey. The Jags also struggled on their first offensive possession of overtime and only managed 4 yards on five plays. The Jaguars decided to settle with a game-tying 38-yard field goal from Gavin Patterson.

The second overtime opened up with USA on offense and was the beginning of the end. Xavier Johnson started it off with a pair of carries for four yards setting up a third and six for the Jaguars, but a penalty for a substitution infraction and an incomplete pass from Dallas Davis left the Jaguars with a long fourth and eleven. Patterson then missed his second field goal of the year from 43 yards, leaving it up to the defense to decide the game. Despite playing an excellent game the tired Jaguar defense couldn’t hold up allowing a 4-play, 25-yard drive for a gameending touchdown.

Backup quarterback Evan Orth completed a 41-yard run during a 11-play, 73-yard drive. Photo by Shelby Guidry

Though the Jaguars were delayed by storms, they still fought through double overtime.

Photo by Shelby Guidry

Take Aways Offense The offense posted solid numbers in the running game, with starting running back Xavier Johnson totaling 155 yards on 20 carries plus the Jags only two touchdowns. For the past three weeks, quarterback Dallas Davis posted only average numbers going 11-25 for 106 yards and an interception he was unable to come up with the big plays the Jags were used to last season. The Achilles heel of most football programs is penalties and the Jags are no different with 12 for 109 yards the Jags were unable to capitalize and lost a lot of momentum.

Defense The defense posted a steady game against a tough Idaho opponent holding the Vandals to only 20 points in the first half. The defense contained the running back tandem of Saunders and Duckworth holding them to only 116 yards on 27 carries.

They also bent without breaking in the secondary, which allowed quarterback Matt Linehan to only pass for 273 yards and complete 23 of his 38 attempts. Penalties hurt the Jaguars as much on defense as they did on offense. Having two picksixes called back the defense did still manage to force two fumbles, but the simple self discipline penalties beat them.

SPORTS

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Inside Athletics: Cheerleading By: hannah blackburn | reporter

The University of South Alabama cheer squad rallies Jag Nation with every jump, backflip and push to the top of a pyramid. Much like those they cheer for from the sidelines, they are also athletes.

“I think it’s important that people know we are athletes too and we train just as hard as these other athletes,” head coach Bre Kucera said. “Each year we go to the NCA [National Cheer Association] competition in Daytona Florida, where we do sets against other NCAA schools. We prepare all season for that one competition.”

Controversy has surrounded cheerleading because Title IX, which states male and female programs must receive equal funding, does not include athletics that are co-ed. This is not a problem for Kucera.

“I am actually a little happy that Title IX doesn’t cover us,” Kucera said. “We wouldn’t be able to compete and cheer co-ed if we did.

There would have to be a separate team for the males. But here at South, we are fortunately treated with the same respect that is given to other athletic programs.”

Cheerleaders must hold onto their smiles despite anything that may happen. Photo by Shelby Guidry

The program has different groups within it that form one team. There is the “pom team,” which are gameday cheerleaders on the sidelines.

The other groups are the co-ed and all female acrobatic teams which are the ones who compete yearly in Division I groups. Lastly, there are the mascots, Southpaw and Miss Pawla, and they can qualify for the mascot national competition.

“Choosing mascots is a complex process, because we want to keep consistency,” Kucera said. “Our main goal is keeping the character. I was there when they brought back Miss Pawla, so I got to help recreate her character. Part of their training is that they know to act the same in suit. A lot of the acting in the suit is improv, and a lot of the people that do this are reserved, but when they get in that suit they show their true character.”

The cheer program does more than stand on the sideline; they are also active in the community by appearing in local events and charity fundraisers, which include camps for kids and participating in Relay for Life.

“When we choose who is on our team. We want them to know that they are representing our school and that it is important they have a strong community presence,” Kucera said.

“It can get tough at times, but overall it has been a very fun experience for me,” said fifth-year senior Danielle Aiken. “This was something I did in high school and wanted to do in college because I enjoy it so much. There is a lot of rigorous training and practice involved, but it really is worth it.”

The cheerleaders must be able to get on and off the field quickly, all while performing for the audience. Photo by Briana Cunningham

No matter what happens in-game, the cheerleaders must keep morale high. Photo by Shelby Guidry

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OPINION

Dear Debbie: My best friend is driving drunk, what should I do?

By: Shannon Lundgren | Editor-in-cheif

Dear Debbie: My best friend and I recently moved to Mobile together to start school at the University of South Alabama when we graduated from high school. It hasn’t gone very well. Since we moved here, she began drinking alcohol. She’s only 18, and I don’t mind that she’s drinking under age, but she will often drive out to sporting events to keep partying after “pre-gaming” it at home.

I’m terrified she will hurt herself or another person! I have thought about calling her mother, but I don’t want to be a tattle-tale. What should I do? ~ Accident Waiting to Happen Dear Accident Waiting to Happen: This question was a bit above my pay-grade, so to speak. To answer your question, I contacted USA Chief of Police Zeke Aull and USA Counseling and Testing Services Counselor Shanta Jenkins.

Both Aull and Jenkins agreed that talking to your roommate when she is sober and preferably not hungover is the first step.

“I think you have to be direct,” Aull said. “I think you have to be blunt. I don’t think you have to be rude,” Aull said. “I think you have to be up front. You don’t have to be ‘in your face,’ but you have to let them know that they can get hurt and others can get hurt.”

The statistics prove Aull’s point that drinking and driving is dangerous to college students.

“Each year, an estimated 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcoholrelated unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes,” Jenkins said.

Senior Rachel Goodman, English major, does not drink and drive. This photo was taken to illustrate a point. She is over 21 and that is an empty bottle. Photo by Shannon Lundgren

If you don’t know how to have a conversation with your roommate about her drinking and driving, Jenkins mentioned that the CTS can help you develop a strategy for talking to your roommate. CTS offers free and confidential services to USA students with no limit to the number of sessions.

Jenkins said that you should remind your roommate of the consequences of drinking and driving, which could include being fined, arrested, being expelled from USA housing and suspension or expulsion from USA. The hidden expenses of drinking and driving add up, according to

Aull. Some people don’t think about the monetary reasons not to drink and drive. “... a DUI [charge] is a costly little gift,” Aull said. “Insurance goes up dramatically, court costs, attorney’s fees. It’s an expensive little gig.”

Additionally, Aull and Jenkins agreed that you should follow your instinct about whether or not you should call your roommate’s mother. What sort of relationship you have with your roommate’s mother and whether or not you think it will be an effective move should guide your decision.

If your roommate remains unpersuaded by your arguments and continues to drink and drive, you have a moral and ethical duty call the police. If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do the right thing all the time.

Remember, the people out on the roads didn’t ask to get in an accident when they got in their cars.

Aull acknowledged that calling the police on your friend and roommate is a difficult decision.

“As much as it might hurt, calling the police might be the thing that helps,” Aull said.

Indeed, some people have to hit rock-bottom before they can make positive changes to their life.

There’s something about being forced to face the consequences of one’s bad decisions that makes people change when no amount of persuasion can do so.

I fully encourage you to take advantage of the free services offered by CTS if you need their help at any point. You can reach them by going to southalabama. edu/counseling.

Questions for Debbie? Email her at deardebbievanguard@gmail.com

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