Vanguard2013 07jul08

VANGUARD

THE

“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”

JULY 8, 2013

INSIDE

VOL. 53, NO. 2

USA tuition to rise 4.5 percent in fall

By SAM ANDREWS thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

► News: Mayor Sam Jones

visits USA, as the mayoral election approaches See News, page 6.

► Life: The Mobile Jaycees

present the 80th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See Life, page 7.

The June 7, 2013 USA Board of Trustees meeting unanimously approved a 4.5 percent increase in tuition.

Starting in August, the minimum annual cost of tuition will rise from $7,950 to $8,310 for students taking a total of 30 credit hours. Graduate programs, online courses, certain fields of study and attending USA from out-of-state will all cost even more. Changes at the state level were the driving factor in the board’s decision.

The University will receive $99.7 million in state funding for the 201314 academic year, increasing only 1.4 percent from last year. USA has operated these past five years on nearly two-thirds of the appropriations the University previously received from the state. The $139.7 million in fundSee Tuition Page 3

COURTESY OF PATRICK HERRING

Chairman Yance and the Board of Trustees met on June 7 to approve the tuition increase and other USA-related proposals.

Mitchell’s donation makes scholarships available

By NOAH LOGAN nlc1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

D

► Sports: Baseball team

falls in Regionals, finishes 43-20 See Sports, page 9.

► Left of Center: USA

bass fishing team shows dedicatication to the sport See LOC, page 14

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Abe Mitchell (left) and President Moulton (right) have created the Mitchell-Moulton Initiaive from Mitchell’s $50 million donation.

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

uring the celebration of the 50th anniversary for South Alabama, for President Gordon Moulton cemented his legacy along with Abe Mitchell’s with one last announcement that will impact future Jags for years to come. Abe Mitchell contributed the largest donation from an individual to a public university in the history of Alabama, a total of $50 million. Moulton cited the number as “ $1,000,000 for each year present.” This donation brings Abe Mitchell’s total contribution to USA to $93 million.

Mitchell stated part of his reasons in a press release from USA. “Given the rising costs of attending college and the pressure this puts on students and their families, President Moulton told me it was his fondest wish as he completed his career that even further efforts be made to create additional academic scholarships,” Mitchell said.

Moulton further explained that $25 million of the donation will be used to create the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Fund. This is in addition to past

In this Issue:

projects such as the Mitchell College of Business Scholarship, the Mitchell Center, the Mitchell College of Business and Moulton Tower.

The press release from the University Office of Public Relations informed that the $25 million creating the new scholarship fund is a matching challenge gift that will have an impact of $50 million. Under the matching challenge program, donars who make gifts of at least $10,000 will be matched by Mitchell and will be recognized by having their names attached to a scholarship. When fully developed, the initiative will increase he number of scholarships awarded annually from 3,600 to 5,600.

The Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship initiative will reward high school graduates with ACT scores of 21-22 and a 3.0 grade-point average a one-time scholarship of $1,500. The rest of the awards for all in-state high school graduates and out-of-state students who receive Alabama resident tuition rates will be scheduled as followed: See New scholarships Page 3

Life, Page 7 Sports, Page 9 Opinion, Page 12 Left of Center, Page 14

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Tuition Continued from Page One.

ing given during 2007-08 was reduced by 22 percent in just one year, and the University has seen only two small increases in the otherwise steady decline of state assistance.

“Over the years,” Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers said, “money coming from the state has not grown as fast as the demand for higher education... In the state of Alabama the primary tax funds that go to higher education are sales tax and income tax. And when you have a recession, unfortunately both of those sources of funding fall. We have legislators in Montgomery that care about higher education, but the way the systems work is if the money is not there, they cannot appropriate it.”

In addition to this, mandatory costs have risen for certain state-regulated programs. The University will pay a total of $6.2 million this next year for increases in employer retirement costs and employer health insurance costs for both retired and current employees.

“You put it all together and it makes it very difficult not to do a tuition increase and balance the budget,” Acting President John Smith said, hoping not to need an increase in tuition. “I’ll say, I think the toughest decision a president has to make is whether to raise tuition or not. I fully understand, having been a VP for Student Affairs, the impact it has on our students. It’s not something I take very lightly.”

Tuition increases as well as state funding cuts are happening all over Alabama. The tuition cost of two semesters at the University of Alabama will increase by 2.7 percent to $9,450; Auburn University by 4.5 percent to $9,852; UAB by 6 percent at $8,904; and UAH by 4.5 percent to $9,129.

Currently, USA ranks third in undergraduate enrollment in the state and fourth in graduate enrollment.

Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs David Johnson considered USA’s tuition increase to be an “aggressively low percent.”

“USA’s [tuition] will remain among the lowest of public institutions in the state,” Johnson said.

“Our advertised cost is lower in every respect than most of our peers,” Ayers said. “And we have one of the most generous scholarship programs in the region.”

The Board of Trustees has also approved a 4.5 percent increase in student housing rates and an average increase of 4 percent in student meal plans. As fully self-sustaining organizations, student housing and student dining halls do not use a cent of student tuition.

Dean of Students Michael Mitchell explained that the construction of the

new residence hall and the renovation of Epsilon 1 have contributed to both housing quality and housing expense.

The new four-story residence hall will open August 2013 and be available to 350 first-time freshman. And by the end of Epsilon 1’s renovations, the building “will have the same interior… as the brand new hall.”

Mitchell also says the rising operating expenses and cost of providing food to the campus is what’s creating the need to increase meal plan rates.

Another proposal accepted for the 2013-14 academic year is unlimited meal plans, opposed to the previous set number of weekly meals.

“Our most popular meal plans… will go to an unlimited plan which means that rather than having to count those meals to make sure you’re within your 15 for the week, you’ll be able to go into the Fresh Food Company as many times as you like on that unlimited plan to enjoy the Fresh Food Company in the way you enjoy your kitchen at home. So if you want to go in and get an apple, that’s fine. And an hour later, if you want to come back and get your lunch, that’s fine too.”

If neither student housing nor dining has any effect on tuition, what does? Ayers speaks out against several tuition myths.

“There are so many things on campus that students look at and enjoy, but there might be a tendency to think that the students paid for them,” Ayers said.

Shelby Hall, for example, is the product of the University and the federal government‘s 10-year project led

by Senator Shelby, paid for completely by direct federal appropriation.

“If we had not built Shelby Hall, tuition would not have been affected one whit,” Ayers said. “Only our engineering and computing students would still be in the older building.”

Additionally, scholarships and any sculptures seen on campus are paid for purely by donors. Moulton Tower and the several new entryways around campus were a combination of private and University dollars.

“So we’re making the environment better through private funds,” says Ayers. “The university gets up every day and tries to figure out how to give the most positive experience there is.

Even if the students don’t understand at times exactly how we do it, we’re still going to do it.”

Data collected over the six months prior to March 31, 2013 by the Board of Trustees accurately depicts the University’s spending on the eight categories within educational and general expenditures. Ayers and Senior Financial Analyst Scott Weldon shed light on the details.

Instruction makes up 36 percent, which includes faculty salaries and facilities. An example of the 17 percent that’s allocated to public services

includes non-hospital-related health care provided to the general public.

Any part of student life, like the recreation center, is a portion of the 9 percent within student services. The amount discounted in student scholarships makes up 9 percent. The University’s power bill, paint costs and other building-related upkeep is included in the 9 percent within the operation and maintenance of plant.

The 8 percent in institutional support is spent in non-academic costs that benefit the University at large, such as fundraising expenses. The Office of Financial Aid, because it is a nonteaching enterprise, is an example of the 6 percent spent in academic support. Finally, the studies conducted through the University make up the 6 percent for research.

During this same six-month time frame, tuition collected accounted for only $69.5 million or 19 percent of the total revenue for the University. Furthermore, several of these expenditure categories do not touch student tuition.

This tuition increase is nearly half that of last year’s 7.7 percent, but its effect will not go unnoticed by the students.

New scholarships Continued from Page One.

• 23 ACT score and 3.0 high school GPA: $2,500 per year • 24-27 ACT score and 3.0 GPA: $3,500 per year • 28-29 ACT score and 3.5 GPA: $5,000 per year • 30-31 ACT score and 3.5 GPA: $8,000 per year • 32 ACT score and 3.5 GPA: $9,000 per year • 33 and above ACT score and 3.5 GPA: $11,000 per year Out-of-state students who are not eligible for in-state resident tuition will receive annually renewable scholarships as well. The Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship initiative will reward them as followed: • 23 ACT score and 3.0 high school grade-point average: $5,000 per yr •24-27 ACT score and 3.0 GPA: $7,000 per year •28-29 ACT score and 3.5 GPA: $10,000 per year “I think if something does not change,” senior psychology major Tyler Bell said, “we are going to see four year colleges become more and more irrelevant as only they are not producing enough of a benefit to justify steep student debt. To the Trustees a 4.5 percent increase may not seem too bad, but to the average student who lives near the poverty line, it is damaging.”

According to Public Relations, the average USA student graduates with approximately $25,000 in loans.

“You’re always going to have students complain about tuition increase,” SGA President Riley Davis said, “but I think the important thing is getting the information out to them and letting them see these numbers.”

Ayers advocates USA’s strong commitment to keeping the University financially affordable and financially accessible.

“South Alabama was created to provide opportunities and 50 years later, we’re doing it,” Ayers said.

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

PAGE five Weather for July 8 - July 14

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Editorial Editor in Chief Copy Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Left of Center Web Editor Senior Reporter Staff Reporter

Samantha Andrews

Meg Lundberg Kelly Ficarelli JT Crabtree Alyssa Newton Matthew Strickland

Stuart Sox Noah Logan

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Matthew Rhodes

Advertising Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller Sheldon Hall

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 P.O. Drawer U-1057 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, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor. 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 editor. in.chief@usavanguard.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.

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

USAPD Police Blotter 5/30/2013 12:11 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Shelby Hall Parking Lot A vehicle was struck by an unknown driver who left the scene afterwards.

06/09/2013 22:18 Driving Under the Influence Twin Oaks Apartment A non-student was arrested offcampus for Driving under the Influence

6/12/2013 15:26 Theft of Article from Auto Mitchell Center Parking Lot A vehicle was broken into and items were stolen while parked at the Mitchell Center.

6/3/2013 22:20 Property Damage-LSA Delta 3 Parking Lot Victim’s property was damaged.

06/12/2013 15:03 Theft of Article from Auto Mitchell Center Parking Lot A vehicle was broken into and items were removed from the front seat while parked at The Mitchell Center.

6/19/2013 20:38 Harassment-Domestic Incident The Grove- Bldg. #13 There was a domestic incident involving two roommates in the Grove.

06/12/2013 15:21 Theft of Article from Auto Mitchell Center Parking Lot A truck was broken into and items were removed from it while parked at The Mitchell Center.

6/21/2013 13:23 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Administration Parking Lot Reportee’s vehicle was damaged by an unknown vehicle or object while parked in the Administration parking lot.

06/08/2013 11:53 Attempting to Elude a Police Officer Old Shell Rd Subject was placed under arrest after fleeing from a traffic stop 06/08/2013 1:18 Public Intoxication South Dr. One male arrested at the listed location for public intoxication

Call USAPD at 460-6312 If you SEE something, SAY something!

6/23/2013 2:00 Disorderly Conduct The Grove-Bldg. #9 One ale was arrested at the listed location for Disorderly Conduct.

The male as well as the two other individuals were also given Criminal Trespass Warnings from University property.

6/24/2013 10:30 Theft of Article from Auto The victim reported that his vehicle had been burgled and items taken.

6/24/2013 13:36 Theft- From Yards 253 Commanders Drive Unknown person(s) removed two outside A/C units without the owner’s permission.

6/27/2013 1:09 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Possession of a Controlled Substance The Grove- Bldg. #10 13 individuals were arrested at the listed location on varies charges consisting of Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

6/29/2013 2:24 Driving Under the Influence-Alcohol Old Shell Rd. @ Cody Rd. One male was arrested at the listeD location for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Sam Jones visits USA with election approaching

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

M

ayor of Mobile Sam Jones spoke at a town hall meeting held on June 5 at South Alabama’s Humanities Building.

Roughly 30 students, professors and local citizens were in attendance. The event was sponsored by South Alabama’s Political Science Club.

Mayor Jones began the meeting with a speech and followed that by answering questions from the audience. In his speech, which lasted just over 30 minutes, Mayor Jones spoke on a variety of topics, but his primary focus was on the future of Mobile.

“I thought I’d talk to you a little bit about where this city has come from, where we are now and where we are going,” said Jones, who has served as mayor of Mobile since September 2005.

Jones recalled the economic recession that began in the United States in 2008, adding that Mobile’s revenue dropped between 29 and 32 million dollars each year between 2008 and 2010.

“We had to make some decisions as to how we were going to weather that,” said Jones. As a result of the recession, Jones and his administration instituted a hiring freeze that kept additional city workers

from being hired during the economic downturn. Jones says this is one way they were able to get through the toughest years of the recession successfully.

Jones claimed the city has recovered well since then, citing an online study done by the Alabama Policy Institute last year that compared Mobile to eight other cities of similar size in the Southeast.

“Of those cities, Mobile wound up doing better than all of those cities…and I was very proud of that,” Jones said.

Jones also addressed the unemployment rate in Mobile, stating that it was at 11 percent during the recession and is at seven and a half percent now. “We operate best when the unemployment rate is below five [percent], and I think within the next 18 to 24 months we’ll get there,” said Jones, who also reported that 17,000 jobs have been created in Mobile since the recession. “We’ll probably create another 6,000 in the next three years,” Jones added. He attributed this expected increase in jobs to the recent influx of new retailers and businesses in Mobile like Whole Foods, Publix, Airbus and many others.

Jones then answered questions written and submitted by audience members before the beginning of the meeting. One question posed to Mayor Jones was how the University of South Alabama will be involved in Mobile’s

future.

Jones noted the importance of the sports at South Alabama, saying that they have an economic impact on the community. “We have to connect the community to the sports programs here so that they’ll look at it as being their university…we ought to have a lot more community support for what’s happening here,” Jones added.

Another question asked of Jones read, “Teens in Mobile say that there is nothing for them to do…what are some of your ideas to bring entertainment activities to Mobile’s teens?” Jones answered by encouraging all young people who want something new in Mobile to suggest it to him. “Whatever those things are that you’d like to see that you don’t see, communicate them. I’ve only had teenagers come to me about one thing and they wanted a skate park…and we’re building a skate park on Airport Boulevard,” Jones said.

Later in the meeting, a member of the audience asked Mayor Jones his opinion on firearms policies in Mobile. “I think we

RYAN KELLER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

need to be very mindful of how we deal with firearms…especially if underage individuals have them. My position on that is that we should have the right to bear arms but we should have some kind of control as to who gets them…and I do think people should have to fill out proper documentation before buying a gun,” said Jones. His response was followed by a round of applause from the audience.

South Alabama junior and professional health science major Danielle Watson, who is also the Attorney General for the Student Government Association at South Alabama, attended the town

hall meeting. “I really enjoyed the town hall meeting. It seems like Mayor Jones really wants to help this community. I noticed that he always had the University of South Alabama, as a whole, in mind…

Mobile has grown as a city in the little time that I’ve been here and I’ve seen a great improvement,” Watson commented.

For more information about the mayor, visit www.cityofmobile.org/ cityofficials. The 2013 Mayoral election will take place on Aug. 27, 2013. For more information on this year’s mayoral election, visit www.cityofmobile.org/ election.

VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

jagLIFE

7

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo’s 80th anniversary

By PATRICK HAUTAU pth1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

he Mobile Jaycees, which also coordinates the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds and the Azalea Trail Maid Court, will be presenting the 80th annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo July 19, 20 and 21 at Dauphin Island, Ala. The contest attracts over 3,000 anglers to the Gulf for the chance to win first, second and third place prizes in 30 different categories for their largest fish caught over the three-day period.

Prizes that will be awarded throughout the competition are valued at more than $400,000. In addition to rewarding the contest participants, the rodeo has already donated over $150,000 to the University of South Alabama’s Department of Marine Sciences and contributes to academic scholarships annually.

Fishing rodeo competition tickets are $40 per angler and the young anglers tournament is $3 per angler. A list

of official ticket outlets and additional information can be found at ADSFR. com. All trophies, prizes, cash prizes and jackpots will be awarded 6 p.m.

Monday, July 22 at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds.

A boat isn’t required to win prizes.

Any legal fish caught and weighed at the rodeo will enter the angler into a drawing to win a 21-foot Contender Boat with a Loadmaster trailer. But the excitement isn’t held to just three days.

The rodeo attractions start the Saturday before the rodeo on July 13 with the 54th annual Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament, for kids 15 years old and younger. The next attraction to follow is the annual Liars Contest, which takes place on July 18.

“The Liars Contest is a free event,” Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Publicist Gene Fox said, “where contestants bring their best, worst or most interesting fish tale, often while wearing a costume.”

Plus, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab will have a hands-on fish tank, where

Patrick Hautau (left) and Bryant Hautau (right) show off a couple of Jack Crevalle caught in Mobile Bay. people can touch and experience sea life on a new level.

“It is a festive atmosphere,” said Fox, “all over the island from the west

end beach, to the public beach, to Fort Gaines.”

Fox also says the best day to attend the rodeo is Sunday to experience the

PATRICK HAUTAU

excitement of the leaderboard changing, the boats coming in and the cannon blast at 5 p.m. that signals the end of the tournament.

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

GlowRage comes to Soul Kitchen

By NOAH LOGAN nlc1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

he popular GlowRage Tour is returning to The Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile on July 26 for another paint-filled night. Along with stops in Mississippi and Florida, the GlowRage Tour has brought DJs to The Soul Kitchen twice in the past year. Sophomore meteorology student Christine Paschal attended the last GlowRage show and had nothing but good feedback for the tour. “GlowRage was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had! The measly $25 PHOTOS BY SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to get in is well worth it. I would go evThe Soul Kitchen in Mobile will ery weekend if I could. I wouldn’t miss host DJ Excision on July 26. out when they come to town again.”

Running the show this time is DJ at the top of Beatport charts for two Excision. Excision is the stage name straight weeks and even featured a for DJ Jeff Abel, one of the pioneers follow-up remix album the next year. of electric and dubstep music as noted Now, Excision is bringing his notoriin his biography which can be found ously dark and heavy set to the Glowon DJZ.com and his personal web- Rage Tour.

Tickets can be bought in advance at site, excision.ca. He hails from British Columbia, Canada and has worked thesoulkitchenmobile.com for $25 and frequently with another popular Cana- at the door for $30. The show is 18 dian DJ, Datsik, who recently played years old and up only. More inforThe Soul Kitchen. Excision is the mation about Excision and The Soul co-founder, along with DownLink, Kitchen can be found on each of their of the dubstep recording label called websites. A word to the wise: dancers Rottun Recordings. In 2011, Excision use water guns to spray the crowd with produced and featured his first album paint, so wearing nice clothing is not titled “X-Rated.” His album stayed recommended.

The Prowl in 2013-14

By EMMA MITCHELL eem1002@jagmail.southalabama.edu

S

outh Alabama’s very own radio station, The Prowl, is looking to branch out this fall as they begin their transition from an online radio station to an AM/FM broadcasted station. This October marks the third anniversary of The Prowl, formerly known as Jag Radio. The Prowl is a student-led, alternative rock radio station featuring student DJs, specialty shows, promotions, and highlights of local and regional bands. The leadership of the station prides themselves in putting students first, even adopting the slogan, “We are YOUR campus

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SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

radio station,” and making the constant effort to bring both campus information and great music to the students.

Students can currently listen to The Prowl online at theprowlusa. blogspot.com, or by using the USA app on smartphones. According to Louie Gannon, The Prowl’s program director, the biggest reason for switching to a regularly broadcasted station from an Internet-based station is that it gives the students of South Alabama the opportunity to listen to the station in their cars.

They are hoping it will also help to inform the area surrounding South Alabama “USA has some great things happening,” said Gannon.

The FCC radio licensing administers and The Prowl hope to begin the filing process on Oct.15, 2013.

Once they are approved, they will receive a permit to begin “construction” on the new station. If everything runs smoothly, they are hoping to be up and running by the beginning of 2014.

As a student-run station, they are always looking to add to their selfproclaimed “motley crew.” Some areas they are looking for assistance in include webmaster (some experience preferred) and engineer (preferably an electrical engineering student).

In addition, anyone interested in assisting with promotions and running the sports board would be helpful.

If you are interested, or would any like more information, you can email The Prowl at theprowlusa@gmail. com.

SPORTS

JT CRABTREE, SPORTS EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

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VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Want us to follow you?

Tweet us @USAVGSports Logun Gunn @Logunn15: Kicker In about two hours I’m taking my shirt off, putting my raybans on, and blasting classic rock all the way to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Drew Dearman @Heavistotle: Offensive lineman Ratchet awards play by play is up and down my TL

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

South Alabama baseball finished with their best season in 12 years, winning 43 games.

Baseball falls in Regional, finishes 43-20 After turning in the best one season turnaround in the country, Jags fall just short

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

After being selected to the Starkville Regional of the 2013 NCAA Postseason Tournament, the South Alabama Jaguars found themselves in need of two wins in order to advance to their first Super Regional in school history.

The Jags were first matched with Mercer, the No. 3 seed in the region, and defeated the Bears 9-4.

Anthony Izzio (4-0) pitched six innings of one-run baseball, giving up seven hits while striking out five and allowing one walk. Tripp Cecil pitched two innings and allowed three runs on four hits, three walks and one strikeout.

Jaime Dennis finished the game after he allowed two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

“Coach Calvi preaches to go out there and give it what you got and that’s what I was trying to do,” said Izzio. “I got behind a little behind in the count, but the defense play unbelievable today and it worked out for me. At the end of the day it’s a team game –it’s not one guy –and that’s the big thing about our team.”

Nick Zaharion finished 2-for-2 with three RBI’s and Dustin Dalken went

2-for-4 with four RBI’s to lead the Jags.

Jeff DeBlieux finished 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Bud Collura and Nolan Earley each went 2-for-4.

“Our guys are very level-headed,” said head coach Mark Calvi. “They don’t dance and celebrate too much when we win, and they’re not down for two or three days when we lose. They understand it’s a game that you have to be consistent both physically and mentally to even have a chance to be good.”

South Alabama advanced to play the top-seeded Mississippi State the next day, where they would be defeated 6-2.

After taking an early 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, USA starter Matt Bell gave up four runs in the fifth inning, a lead the Bulldogs would only increase later in the game. Bell lasted 6 1/3 innings and gave up six hits, five runs, four earned, four walks and two strikeouts.

“I gave up a few walks that really hurt me,” said Bell. “And I left a few more pitches up that they were able to hit the other way. It was kind of upsetting, but at the same time that’s baseball – it happens.”

Dylan Stamey pitched 2/3 innings and gave up two hits and one unearned run while striking out a batter. Hunter Soleymani pitched two innings and allowed only one hit while striking out two.

Robby Campbell and Drew Cofield each finished 1-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Jags.

Facing elimination, South Alabama had to defeat No. 4 seed Central Arkansas to force a rematch against Mississippi State for the Regional title.

However, the Jags were unable to get on the board against Central Arkansas, losing 3-0 and ending their 2013 season.

Jaime Dennis started for the Jags, going 4 2/3 innings. He gave up six hits, but only one run and five strikeouts.

“That was my first start since high school,” said Dennis. “It was fun to do.

I’m a senior, and it’s great to put the team on your shoulders for that last game of the year. I made a bad pitch to one batter that I had 0-2, and it ended up hurting me. That was the difference in the game.”

Jordan Patterson worked two innings of shutout baseball, walking two and striking out three. Dylan Stamey struck out the only batter he

faced in his 1/3 inning of work. Kyle Bartsch gave up two hits, two runs and one strikeout in one inning of work.

At the plate, Jeff DeBlieux, Bud Collura, Jordan Patterson and Nolan Earley accounted for the only hits for the Jags, each with one hit apiece.

“It was an amazing turnaround,” said Calvi. “It all starts with the type of character of your players. There’s no way you could turn it around like the way this program has if you didn’t have unbelievable kids. And that’s what this team was – a team of unbelievable guys. They jelled early, they all liked each other and they pulled for each other. They were great teammates, and they stayed together through thick and thin right to the very end. It was just a phenomenal group. There was great leadership from a great bunch of older guys. They did the right things, and I couldn’t be happier for a great group of seniors to go out and experience the postseason in an NCAA Regional.”

South Alabama finished 43-20, their best season since 2001 when the Jags won 45 games.

The Jags’ 2013 campaign marked the best one-season turnaround in the country after losing 23 games in 2012.

Ben Whiteside @B_Whiteside88: Wide receiver Today marks the first day I’ve outweighed @CJbennett15 since I’ve known him #milestone Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback It’s impossible to do anything in Mobile without sweating Brandon Boyle @BrandonBoyle08: Pitcher Light em’ up up up light em’ up up up, I’m on FIAAAA Lizzie Goldsmith @lizzieG_21: Forward/Midfielder Thigh and calf tatts will never be “in”.

Rush Hendricks @_RusHen_: Tight End I feel so grown up when I cook dinner for myself. Then I realize I bought the groceries with my parents money. #college Brandon Bridge @Air_Canada_7: Quarterback Forget the NBA draft. Nfl and college football season is almost here.

@USAVGSports

10

VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

South Alabama finally arrives in NCAA Football 14 After being snubbed last year, South finds itself among the football elite in latest video game

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

I

t may have taken a glaring oversight and mild uproar to get it down, but the South Alabama Jaguars are finally a part of EA Sports’ NCAA Football video game franchise.

In the summer of 2012, EA Sports released the team rankings of all the teams included in its upcoming NCAA Football 13. USA fans eagerly searched for the page to find what ranking South Alabama was awarded in what would be their first year included in the popular college football video game, but what they found was heartbreaking; South Alabama was left off the game.

New teams included Texas-San Antonio, Texas State and UMass, all of which were transitioning to FBS much like South Alabama.

But for some reason, the Jags were completely omitted from the game.

Julie Foster, a communications manager for EA Sports replied to some of the questions South Alabama fans had.

“South Alabama was a provisional member of FBS last year and did not play a full FBS schedule,” she wrote in an email. “We did not receive confirmation that they were changing to a full FBS schedule this year until it was too late for inclusion in NCAA Football 13.

South Alabama will be included in NCAA Football 14.”

South Alabama’s home field, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, has been fully recreated in NCAA Football 14.

This proved to be a false claim, as South Alabama announced its intentions of playing a full FBS schedule in 2009.

South fans were outraged by this, and quickly took social media by storm with hashtags of #FreeSouthAlabama. Jag Nation caused such a stir about this that CBS Sports and Yahoo! Sports quickly came to their aid, publishing articles about the mistake EA Sports had made.

“This is ridiculous,” Graham Watson of Yahoo! Sports said.

“South Alabama is the only new FBS team left out of the game despite being the first of the four to join an FBS league.”

The bad publicity forced EA Sports to respond, but not only with an apology. EA Sports rolled out the red carpet for the Jags, arriving on South Alabama’s campus on September 6, 2012 and began going to work on creating South Alabama

Men’s tennis falls in semi-finals

By NATE ARTHUR

npa1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu

The South Alabama Jaguars men’s tennis team ended their season after advancing to the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament, where they were swept by Georgia State.

The Jags faced Western Kentucky in the opening round and completed the sweep (4-0) before losing to GSU the next day (4-0). The Panthers would eventually go on to win the Sun Belt Conference championship.

“Today’s loss is a hard one to swallow,” said head coach Nick Brochu. “It was a long season and we worked very hard. We really believed we had a good shot at winning the conference title, but credit to Georgia State. They came up big and played extremely well today.”

The Jags ended the season with an 11-14 record and the #9 ranking in the

Southern region. South Alabama also ended the season undefeated on their own courts.

Sophomore Daniel Leitner, who finished the season ranked #74 in the nation, and #8 in the Southern region, ended this season with a team best 21-9 and 4-2 against other nationally ranked players, three of whom were in the Top 50. Leitner also received the honor of being named to the 2013 All-Sun Belt Men’s Team in singles.

“Daniel worked very hard last summer and during this past year,” Brochu said. “He definitely earned his ranking.

He had some great wins during the spring. It is unfortunate that he missed the NCAA selection by just a few spots, but he is only a sophomore. I am confident that he will be in the top 50 for the next two years. He will be a great leader for the team. Daniel finished as

the second best player in the Sun Belt Conference and it is a privilege to have him here at South.”

Seniors Alex Bernard and Cody Hall also posted very good seasons.

Bernard ended 15-12 and 1-1 against nationally ranked players, but his doubles were even better, ending at 14-9.

Hall ended his season at 12-13 in singles and an 11-8 record in doubles.

“We fought hard in singles and lost some close matches,” said Brochu.

“The overall result is not reflective of the competitive match we had today.

My guys fought hard. A special mention to my two seniors, Alex and Cody.

I know they gave everything they had and I am blessed to have had them on my team. They are great guys and great athletes. The team and I will miss them.”

JT CRABTREE | SPORTS EDITOR

as realistically as possible.

They recreated Ladd-Peebles Stadium, home of the Jaguars, in NCAA 14, as well as South Alabama’s mascot SouthPaw. SouthPaw will also be available in the “Mascot Mash-Up” game mode. They also attended the South Alabama vs. Nicholls State football game on September 8 to record the crowd noise, chants and cheers as well as player entrances. They also met with the coaches to ensure that

the playbook was close, if not exact to what South Alabama actually uses in games.

South Alabama obviously came out on top of this debacle, and the rewards will definitely help the Jags to gain exposure on a national level. But after everything that has happened, Jag Nation does need to send a hearty “Thank You” to EA Sports. NCAA Football 14 will be available in stores July 9.

Golf team gets new suite

By DAVID SKINNER

dbs1201@jagmail.southalabama.edu

As the South Alabama continues to build and expand, another renovation is set to take place. Coming this fall of 2013, the school is set to open up a “state of the art” golf facility on campus.

If you’ve walked through the physical education building, or Jaguar Gym, in the last year, you’ll have noticed major renovation to the offices and locker rooms. Soon to arrive are renovations for not volleyball, not basketball, but for the “Jaguar Golf Suite”.

The space provided will be a 3,000 square-foot area designed for the golf teams. It is set to include coaches’ offices, player lounges, locker rooms, a 640 square-foot putting area and a 375

square-foot TrackMan hitting bay as well as championship trophy cabinets.

The entire project cost an estimated $350,000--with $200,000 guaranteed from the athletic department and the other $150,000 secured through private donations.

According to Trackman.dk, the indoor version “measures ball launch as well as clubface and swing data.” It is also a “world class” system that can “calculate the length, dispersion and trajectory of the shot.” This system ranges from between 15 and 25 thousand dollars. The best of the best use it, including one of the PGA’s most respected coaches, Sean Foley, who works with Tiger Woods and many of the other world elite touring professionals.

11

VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Four Jaguars selected in 2013 MLB Draft Former South Alabama baseball players are fulfilling a childhood dream of playing professional baseball

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

For almost every baseball player, hearing your name called on draft day and playing professional baseball is a lifelong dream. For four South Alabama Jaguars, those dreams have come true.

Jordan Patterson, Kyle Bartsch, Dylan Stamey and Nolan Earley were all selected in the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Patterson was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round (109th overall), Bartsch was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the seventh round (204th overall), Stamey was also selected by the Rockies in the 14th round (409th overall) and Earley was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 22nd round (663rd overall).

All players reported to Rookie ball: Patterson and Stamey to the Grand Junction Rockies, Bartsch to the Idaho Falls Chukars and Earley to the Bristol White Sox. Patterson, the 2013 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, ended

his final season with the Jags with a team-leading .352 batting average, 82 hits and 69 runs scored. He had four home runs, 49 RBI’s and 25 doubles.

He also had a 1.84 ERA on the mound to go with 17 strikeouts and six walks.

Patterson, a Mobile, Ala. native, was the highest-selected Jaguar since Adam Lind was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the third round in 2004.

“

It’s something every baseball player dreams about since the day they could pick up a baseball.

-Kyle Bartsch

�

Bartsch, the Jaguars’ all-time leader in saves with 22 in his two-year USA career, finished 3-0, with 12 saves and a 3.12 ERA. A Hurst, Texas native, Bartsch also had

35 strikeouts and 11 walks. “It means a great deal to be drafted,� Bartsch said. “It’s something every baseball player dreams about since the day they could pick up a baseball. To hear my name called, and to see that lifelong dream become a reality is something I’ll remember until the day that I die. It’s so surreal and such an honor, I just go out every day and go hard and give it my all for all the kids who dream to be in my situation because only about 1% of baseball players actually get a chance to play pro ball, so to be a part of that 1% is something I’m very proud of.�

Stamey was 5-2 with a 2.17 ERA in his only season as a Jag. The Theodore, Ala. native struck out 62 and walked nine in 37.1 innings pitched.

Earley, along with Patterson, was one of two players to start every game for the Jags in 2013. Earley, from Anderson, Ind., finished with a .323 batting average, three home runs and a team-leading 59 RBI’s.

South Alabama has now produced 150 players to sign professional baseball contracts, 22 of whom have reached

COURTESY OF KYLE BARTSCH

the majors. The highest-selected player in South Alabama history was Glenn Borgmann in 1971, when the former Jaguar catcher was selected with the

ninth overall pick in the first round by the Minnesota Twins.

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Opinion

12

EDITORIAL BOARD

Samantha Andrews | Editor Kelly Ficarelli | Opinion Editor Stuart Sox | Senior Reporter

Alyssa Newton | Left of Center Editor JT Crabtree | Sports Editor

A preventable tragedy of society

By KELLY FICARELLI kficarelli@gmail.com

In today’s society, we are seeing a number of crimes committed by people who are mentally ill. Sadly, many of these people are not criminals at all -- they are sick -- yet they are sent to jail, which is the last place they belong and the farthest they could possibly be from getting the psychiatric treatment they need. Jail may protect the general public from the actions of criminal others, but the victims of these illnesses are not protected from these others in jail and often do not receive

the help they so desperately need. The ultimate tragedies are the cases where police have had to kill mentally ill people to protect themselves or the public.

It is common knowledge that many of our homeless suffer from mental illnesses. It is also well-known that many of the mentally ill have substance abuse problems. Many sufferers refuse the treatment they need because they don’t believe they are sick, or don’t want to give up alcohol or drugs.

Therefore, many families feel helpless in the daunting task of caring for them. A lot of families simply do not have knowledge of the resources that are available to help them care for their loved ones properly, such as petitioning the probate court to have their loved one committed involuntarily, if necessary.

The situation seems to be getting worse, but maybe we are simply becoming more aware of it due to the recent flood of news stories. After Searcy’s closure last year, patients from

Mobile were sent to AltaPointe and other facilities, placed in group homes or sent back home to live with family members. According to Carol Mann, PR Director of AltaPointe Health Systems, not one patient from Searcy was left homeless.

In Mobile, there are only a few facilities that provide care and treatment of the mentally ill. One of these is AltaPointe. They are continually expanding to meet the needs of our mentally ill population by opening new facilities, educating caregivers about crisis prevention, housing the homeless in our community, offering rehabilitation services and even providing job readiness classes.

Another great resource for Mobile patients and family members is the Survivors of Mental Illness Club, or SOMI. This is a center specifically for the mentally ill and their families to come socialize, participate in activities, do arts and crafts, engage in support groups, hear speakers, and learn life

skills. Co-coordinator Ronald Hunt says, “It is a place for them to socialize without the stigma of mental illness.”

He says they are a USA clinical rotation site so student nurses help with health-related issues such as checking blood pressure and teaching nutrition.

Support groups are a vital aspect of treatment and SOMI provides them locally through the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

While a lot is being done for the mentally ill, even more must be done so that the growing epidemic of crimes perpetrated by the mentally ill is halted. More places like AltaPointe and SOMI are needed, as well as more group homes and community-based activities. Awareness is essential in furthering efforts for places and programs for the mentally ill and their caregivers.

With the right counseling, medication and support, they can be productive members of society instead of the tragedy of society they have become.

New Sorority Recruitment Dates for 2013

By KATHRYN SEGERS kjs901@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Beginning in 2013, sorority recruitment is scheduled to begin during the first week of fall semester. In the past, it occurred the week before classes began. Although classes begin Monday, August 19, the new recruits will not actually visit the chapter houses until Thursday, August 22.

Greek coordinator Brigette Soderlind says that if any recruitment participants are unable to attend any events due to class schedule conflicts, they will be made a special schedule. After researching other institutions, Soderlind found that holding recruitment during the academic year is becoming a trend. She said, “Change can be stressful, but there will be advantages.”

A casual parent/daughter welcome ceremony will be held Saturday, August 17 at 3:30 p.m. A Panhellenic orientation will be held Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 p.m. The locations for both events are to be announced. Recruitment 2013 will take place August 2226.

Each night, the girls should arrive in the sorority commons area by 5 p.m. and the parties will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday night is Ice Water-Tea night, which allows the girls to be introduced to each chapter. Friday is Philanthropy night, which allows the girls to see the various philanthropies to which Greek women dedicate themselves. Saturday is Sisterhood night, which allows the girls to see a glimpse into what makes each sisterhood unique. Sunday is Preference night, the final night, when girls determine which sorority they would like to call their own. The final event is Monday at 6:30 p.m., when the girls receive their bids in the sorority commons.

It may be stressful for students to adjust to their class schedules and participate in recruitment simultaneously.

However, most professors designate the first week to previewing the course.

Scholarship is of primary importance to those in sororities.

Overall, I think it is a great idea!

One advantage will be that participation should increase. Because the cutoff date for registration will not be until Wednesday, August 21, students who may not have considered Greek Life will still have the opportunity to participate. No longer will girls from out of town have to make plans to

move into the dorms early before classes start.

Secondly, girls will not have to cut short summer jobs or other commitments if recruitment coincides more closely with the academic year. Finally, sorority women will be able to start preparations for 2013 recruitment just a little later than they had in the past.

KELLY FICARELLI, OPINION EDITOR kficarelli@gmail.com VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Top 5 summer movies

By LOUIE GANNON theprowlusa@gmail.com

A

nother academic year is done and once again summer is upon us. One thing will happen during this summer as it has in the past: boredom! For all the “Man, I can’t wait ‘til summer,” you may ask, “Gee Big Lou, how can we stop this?” Well, my friends, I have a solution -- DVDs. So here are my top 5 college movies (you might get homesick as well): 5. Waterboy - It is 45 days left ‘til USA football. Also foosball is the debil.

4. PCU - This features Jeremy Piven as a 30-something senior (for some reason, I can identify with that) showing a pre-fresh around campus. Should be required viewing for the Southbound workers.

3. Van Wilder - A popular senior is afraid to graduate and enter the real world. With this economy, I can understand.

2. Revenge of the Nerds - Remember, never mess with the students in STEM programs because they will bring the pain. Same applies to Communication students.

1. Animal House - Brought back the Toga Party - ‘nuff said.

Honorable mention: Ghostbusters - Proof of what happens when you screw up a grant… save the world from Stay Puft Marshmallow Men. Have a great summer. That’s all, folks!

COURTESY OF KELLY FICARELLI COURTESY OF KATHRYN SEGERS

Excited members of Chi Omega pose for a shot.

Check out a favorite summer flick!

13

VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

For Art’s sake

Jo Bonner to retire from Congress

By COLIN AL-GREEN Contributing Writer

By LYDIA CHRISTIAN Contributing Writer

An overwhelming majority of the University of South Alabama’s creative arts students ends up here by apathetic response based on convenience. Outside of the region, few people know that South has excellent professors in lucrative concentrations. Because of the disconnect, USA is not a first choice destination for most young artists. USA’s creative arts are so invisible that it doesn’t even rank on any of the numerous university ranking websites. With a few changes, South could outgrow its ‘Plan B’ position and reach its full potential.

The best way for prospective artists to learn about USA is to graduate successful talent more often. A collaborative approach would create mutually beneficial relationships within all disciplines and increase visibility through accomplishments. The more experience one has, the more one has to offer. If the students being molded at South were encouraged to choose a more eclectic path, they could become well-rounded creators with more to give society.

South Alabama could become the center of the world’s next greatest art movement by establishing an atmosphere of unity within the creative disciplines. The Italian Renaissance birthed artists like Michelangelo, who was an equally talented poet, sculptor and architect. Encouraging fellowship between the music, drama, English, philosophy and art departments would breathe passion into tired programs. The responsibility lies not only with the faculty, but with each student to bring inspiration to themselves and each other.

U.S. Representative Jo Bonner, who has served in the position since 2003, is set to resign on August 15 of this year. According to USA Today, “Bonner will become vice chancellor of government relations and economic development for the University of Alabama System.” Once Represen-

Art by student, Lydia Christian.

elected House members on the fringe, and the results have been disastrous.

While I do appreciate their idealism, they have proven inadequate in performing the functions of government.

Thanks to them, and the Democratic left, we have had years and years of a do-nothing Congress.

There is hope, however. Several politically-minded local individuals have expressed interest in the seat. While the special election will more than likely have a crowded field of contestants, some names definitely appeal to me.

Any of you who know of my political leanings, I am a centrist through and through. A touch of moderation is the best policy. You can be right without being all the way right.

Contributing writer, Elizabeth Bemis sends her regards from the Capitol.

COURTESY OF ELIZABETH BEMIS

Reading political cartoons isn’t the same as political involvement

By ELIZABETH BEMIS Contributing Writer

COURTESY OF LYDIA CHRISTIAN

tative Bonner’s resignation becomes official, Governor Bentley will call a special election to fill the Alabama 1st Congressional District seat.

The people of Alabama’s 1st are losing an admirable Representative in Bonner. He is one of the last personable, reasonable moderates left in the House of Representatives. He is a true credit to the Republican Party, and close to what I believe we should strive for in selecting our leaders. Bonner is especially well-remembered for his work in aiding those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

I must admit that I am heavily concerned as to whom his replacement may be. We do not need someone on the extreme right. Many states have

I am not a fan of political cartoons.

Cartoons that ridicule a political party divide us and make us think of Washington, D.C., as a battleground for Republicans and Democrats. A group is made up of individuals, none of whom conform to an exact ideology or agree with every decision made by members of that group. Political cartoons also give us a false sense of involvement in politics - a dangerous illusion. Ignorance among voters is hindering the effectiveness of our government, as well as communication between individuals.

Many Americans do not recognize the discrepancies between an individual’s beliefs and his party’s platform.

Assuming that every Republican and Democrat’s views and attitudes are the same is foolish and presumptive. Within a political party, there are differing views which originate from each person’s upbringing and life experiences.

People running for office have little chance of winning an election without the backing of a political party. Without a party endorsement, politicians lack funds and influence. They also lose constituents who vote for a predetermined party, hardly considering independents as a viable option. They don’t bother to research candidates and are ignorant. This is inexcusable and far too common.

Partisanship, blind devotion to a political party, affects me on a daily basis. Too often, I wind up in a political discussion with people who are closeminded to any other party’s ideas, and like a machine, re-articulate the views of their parties. When asked to expound on an issue, they know nothing but the original statement. They cannot argue for or explain their beliefs beyond the superficial. They are devoted

to a party, rather than an ideology. It is difficult to respect someone’s views when he or she cannot communicate or even discuss them.

Many of our founding fathers warned against partisanship. John Adams wrote, “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other.

This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.”

Americans need to realize that aligning with a party does not equate to being informed, just as enjoying a political cartoon does not make you politically involved. I believe in disregarding political parties as much as possible.

Websites like votesmart.org contain unbiased information on candidates’ views and backgrounds, and politicians are more accessible than ever. It is our responsibility to vote based on information that supports our views, not because of devotion to a party.

Be aware and be prepared

By STARR JAMES Contributing Writer

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words student loans? As a fifth-year, full-time student, I can assure you that these words come only with fear, anxiety and grief. Student loans are designed to help students pay for university tuition, books and living expenses, but are they really helping, or are they merely for pushing students into immense debt?

As early as the adolescence, students are bombarded with great pressure to attend college, but at what cost? Yes, some families are able to afford to pay out of pocket the full cost of tuition, and yes, students have an abundant number of grants and scholarships for which they may apply, but who’s to say you will actually be eligible for them? And what about the families who rely solely on loans?

During high school, I was always told to attend college and study whatever I was passionate about. Teachers would often say, “If you major in something that you truly love, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

The phrase sounds pleasing until your passion is art or psychology. CBS reported back in 2011 that these two majors are amongst the top 25 majors with the highest unemployment rates.

It’s great to study what you love, but be knowledgeable of unemployment rates and potential salaries. CNN reports that students preparing to take subsidized government loans will see their interest rates double to 6.8 percent from current levels starting July 1.

Be aware and be prepared.

COURTESY OF KELLY FICARELLI

Example of student loans.

LEFT OF CENTER

14

ALYSSA NEWTON, LOC EDITOR akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

The new LOC What to expect from the “other sports section”

By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

South Alabama bass team members promoting South on their jerseys during a tournament.

COURTESY OF BASS FISHING TEAM

Bass fishing team asset to South

South’s own bass fishing team promotes school in a new way

By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

U

nknown to many, South Alabama has a bass fishing

team.

Modern bass fishing has evolved into a multimillion dollar industry in the last 20 years throughout the United States.

Collegiate bass fishing has grown tremendously with more than 600 schools hosting events, establishing teams and making thousands of dollars each year. As this sport continues to grow, our South Alabama bass team is making sure South takes the bait.

Starting in 2008, two South Alabama students who shared a love for bass fishing started a team. Over the next five years their team went from two to more than 20 students, many of whom are full time students and have jobs outside of school.

The team provides their own equipment and boats, some up in the $50,000 range, with only about $1,500 from SGA every semester.

“As a club we spend about triple that,” bass fishing team member Travis Johns said. “We also have sponsors who give us discounts on their products… including

local sunglasses company ONO’s Sunglasses and national names such as Quantum Fishing, Big Bite Baits and Duckett Roads.”

“

We always promote South Alabama...

- Bass team member Travis Johns

”

Even with the multiple sponsors, the bass team always promotes the school in everything they do, from the jerseys they wear that display South’s name and logo front and center, to promoting the school when they are interviewed on television.

“We always promote South Alabama whenever we are speaking on TV and try to draw viewers to our school’s program,” Johns said.

“This past tournament, my partner, Alex Hopson, and I had a camera on the boat for over an hour asking us questions about fishing and our school.”

The tournament Johns mentioned

was the boat U.S. Collegiate Championship held May 23-24 in Florence, Alabama. This is one of the largest tournaments for college bass fishing with more than 400 anglers, 200 boats and 120 different schools competing.

South Alabama had three boats participate this year with the highest placed team finishing at 73.

But the competition was about more than just winning, it was an opportunity to connect and network with other schools and even create professional contacts with national companies. The competition will be televised in August on NBC Sports.

The South Alabama Bass Team is making itself known throughout the collegiate fishing world.

Through this spectrum South is getting its name put out in a whole new way.

You can keep up with South’s team by liking their page “University of South Alabama Bass Club” on Facebook.

The first event of the Fall Collegiate Series will be Sept. 21 at Lake Mitchell.

COURTESY OF BASS FISHING TEAM

New year, new editor and new section; Left of Center will look a little bit different this coming school year.

Left of Center is an innovative section that was originally our current sports editor JT Crabtree’s section when he joined The Vanguard staff last fall. In it, you would usually find stories for main sports that didn’t fit into the sports section.

This year will be a little bit different.

Mr. Crabtree did an incredible job making a name for Left of Center and I only hope to build off his success.

This year, you can expect a few changes. I am hoping to do more features this year, really get to know the stories behind players that we come to love as we watch them play on the field or court.

I am always looking for ideas and contributing writers, so if you as a reader have any ideas let me know.

Another thing I am looking to do is really make sure to cover all sports.

That means cricket, rugby, quidditch and many other teams you may not have seen as featured in previous years.

My overall main goal is to highlight all of the great things going on in the sports world at South Alabama. We have more talent and passions here than many know and through this section and The Vanguard, we plan on doing this to our best ability.

You can follow USA Vanguard Sports or myself on Twitter by following @USAVGSPORTS or @ AlyssaNewtonLOC. You can also like USA Sports on Facebook. If you have any ideas or would like to write for LOC, just contact me via email.

15

VOL. 53, NO. 2 / JULY 8, 2013

Life as a Student-Athlete

South Alabama volleyball player Olivia Mohler provides an inside look at the hard life of a college athlete

By OLIVIA MOHLER Contributing writer

T

Being a student-athlete in college is not as easy as many people think it is.

what it really takes to be a successful student-athlete,” Amy Hendrichovsky, head volleyball coach at the University of South Alabama said. “Part of the process I enjoy most is watching all the hard work, dedication, success and failures prepare these young athletes for the rigors of the real world.”

From the TV and camera angles, it may appear to be all fun and games, but the time we spend in the classroom

often goes unnoticed, despite the fact that we are--first and foremost-students. It’s nice to say you went to school for sports, but it is better to get a degree while you’re there, too. In order to be eligible to play a sport, a student-athlete must maintain a certain grade point average, carry a full course load and finish a certain percentage of her major each year. Not fulfilling one of these requirements may cost

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

an athlete a year of eligibility and/or a scholarship. It isn’t an easy task to do makeup work for missed classes when you’re playing road games. But, hard work in the classroom is just as important as the game.

Think you can go to that party or skip class? Think again. Whether on or off the court, a student-athlete must always represent her team well.

But the team is not the only group

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she represents when she puts on the uniform. She also represents the administration, the university and the community. She must always wear the name on her jersey with a sense of pride and know that she is held to a higher standard. As a student-athlete, your decisions don’t affect just you anymore. Athletes choose the life and appreciate the opportunity to be a student-athlete.

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wenty hours of practice, 15 hours of class, and seven hours of study hall are just the beginning of the weekly requirements for a student-athlete.

Our lives are no walks in the park, as some people believe. I find it amusing when I hear someone say, “You have it easy because you are an athlete,” or, “You get pampered because you are an athlete,” without realizing what work goes into being a student-athlete. Yes, we get the opportunity to play and compete at the sport we love, but it is a job that comes with high expectations as well as high rewards.

We have been working our whole lives for the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Not just to play but to compete for a conference championship and a shot at the NCAA title. Game spectators see only the end results, not the daily grind. There are the hours of practice spent preparing for games. The energy expended in the weight room is tremendous—we must get bigger, faster and stronger.

Fans do not see the focus during film sessions as we study the opponent.

Some of us must spend recovery and treatment time in the training room on a daily basis.

These are just a few of the behindthe-scene activities a student-athlete may endure for the game that she loves.

“Many people on the outside and even incoming freshmen do not realize

The Vanguard is in need of new writers. Interested individuals should email their contact info and sampled writings to Editor in Chief Samantha Andrews at thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

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VOL. 53, NO 2 / JULY 8, 2013