The Oracle WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 I VOL. 52 NO. 6
Inside this Issue
www.usforacle.com
The Index
News.................................................................1 Lifestyle......................................................4 Opinion.......................................................6
classifieds..............................................7 Crossword.........................................7 sports............................................................8
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Policing the police
L I F E STYLE
Horse lovers gather in Equestrian club. Page 4
‘We can’t do this with a half-empty stadium’
Montage
SP O RTS Two key starters injured after Week 1. BACK
Oracle online Follow The Oracle on Twitter @USFOracle or take a photo of the QR code below with a QR reader app on your smartphone.
USF Criminology Professor Lori Fridell developed a seminar to specifically target implicit bias and impartial policing, such as that which sparked riots in Ferguson, Missouri. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU
USF professor discusses impartial policing in light of riots in Ferguson, Missouri.
members, although they are very concerned about the incident, might not and have not produced a disruption, because they have the confidence that there will be a serious investigation, that it will be transparent.”
By Roberto Roldan
“There’s very little the police can do well unless they have the trust and confidence of the community.”
n
M A N A G I N G
E D I T O R
Over the holiday weekend, hundreds of protesters continued to march through the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. Though the violence in Ferguson seems to have died down three weeks after the death of Michael Brown, peaceful protests and civil disobedience continues to be a problem for police. Lori Fridell, a USF criminology professor and an expert on police bias, doesn’t see the issue simply as a response to Brown’s death. To Fridell, the protests and violence are the culmination of long-term issues with the perception of police bias and lack of trust from the community. “There were other unarmed black males that were shot by police during the last few weeks,” she said. “But in some jurisdictions, the community
Lori Fridell USF criminology professor
Fridell’s research has received over $1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Justice so that she can run training seminars for police agencies of all sizes. She currently spends her time traveling across the U.S. holding seminars for police on implicit bias and impartial policing. She wants to make sure
these agencies don’t end up in a similar situation as the Ferguson Police Department. “They need people to call the police to report crime, to bring information to the police about criminal activity, we need them to believe the police when the police are testifying in a trial …” she said. “There’s very little the police can do well unless they have the trust and confidence of the community.” Fridell specifically targets implicit bias because it is something that affects individuals who, on a conscious level, reject bias and prejudice. “The way that prejudice manifests has changed over time,” she said. “In our grandparents’ era when bias and prejudice manifested, it tended to be in the form of what we now call explicit bias…implicit biases can impact us outside of our conscious awareness.” Tampa Police Department’s (TPD) Police Chief Jane Castor participated in bias training a little over a month ago when Fridell held a seminar near Tampa. Fridell’s seminars include role-playing scenarios in which officers will have to react on
n See POLICE on PAGE 2
Athletic Director Mark Harlan ORACLE PHOTO / ADAM MATHIEU
By Vinnie Portell S P O R T S
E D I T O R
When Mark Harlan took the position of USF Athletic Director on March 11, he faced the uphill battle of creating a culture of winning and rebuilding the USF fan base. He leaves the winning up to the athletes, but when it comes to fan support, Harlan is trying everything to win back the USF and Tampa community. “The biggest thing I found that needed to be attacked was apathy,” he said. “As we dived into it more, we found out we needed to start getting the students involved and that’s why you see all of these initiatives. When you have your two high-profile sports being down at the same time, it obviously causes fiscal issues that come up because people aren’t buying enough tickets.”
n See HARLAN on PAGE 8
2
POLICE
Continued from PAGE 1
the spot to situations such as domestic violence disputes. Many officers automatically assume the male at the scene is the one who abused the woman, showcasing their implicit bias. “It’s very hard to reduce our implicit biases,” Fridell said in a previous interview with The Oracle. “It took us a lifetime to develop them and they’re not going away quickly.” Eric Ward, TPD’s deputy chief, said the type of violent outburst seen in Ferguson would never happen in Tampa given the department’s longstanding relationship with the community. “The chief’s golden rule here is that we be fair and impartial,” he said. “She teaches that from the day you enter the academy till the day you are sworn in.” Ward said Chief Castor returned from Fridell’s seminar with “a different perspective of policing.” He said TPD
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
has always tried to maintain good relations with the community and Fridell’s seminar has only renewed that resolve. “When citizens see something happening, they come to us and we address the issue, no matter how big or how small,” Ward said. “We try to touch base with the community and not just when a crime is committed. We want them to know we are human and not just police.” For Fridell, the human aspect of policing is exactly what makes her work so important. Trust and confidence from members of the community, and the human relationships that make it possible, are the key to making sure an incident like Ferguson doesn’t happen again. “This isn’t about police, this is about humans and all humans in all professions have these implicit biases,” Fridell said. “So every community should be working to promote impartial policing: community members in partnership with their police department.”
●
T H E O R AC L E
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
●
3
T H E O R AC L E
Four ways to exercise without the gym By Courtney Combs L I F E S T Y L E
E D I T O R
It is getting harder to ignore the massive amount of evidence behind the benefits of regular exercise. While USF has a well-equipped gym within walking distance of nearly everything on campus, for some, gyms are inherently intimidating and monotonous. Figuring out the machines and establishing a routine can be so confusing that it would be easier to give up and try again next week. There are, however, ways to get in that crucial regular exercise on campus without having to set foot in the gym. The Trailblazing Route Treadmills haven’t been around forever. People once
had to rely on the area around them to get in their running. Since the invention of the car, however, it has become a bit more difficult to find a safe place to run. It is possible to run and walk around campus, but USF has an option for runners who wish to avoid dangerous automobiles, sneaky cyclists and slow moving pedestrians. Tucked between the track and soccer field and the tennis courts off of Sycamore Drive is more than 1.25 miles of safe and winding trail for students to run or walk to their hearts’ content. The USF FitTrail runs in a loop and includes several fitness stations where students can pause and do other exercises including
pull-ups and leg lifts. The New Friends Route Working out with friends is almost guaranteed to make that vital exercise so much easier, and there is no better way to make new friends than by joining a club. Whether you’re interested in rock climbing, paintball, cricket or bowling, odds are there is a sports club just for you at USF. Sports clubs give students the opportunity to learn new skills and compete against other universities around the state. They are also a great way to relieve some of the stress that comes with student life. So if you have always wanted to learn how to fence or think wake boarding just sounds like fun,
now is the perfect time to sign up and try out a few of the many sports clubs USF has to offer. The Great Indoors Route It is possible to get in a bit of light exercise without having to leave the comfort of home, apart from opting to take the stairs. There are apps available for download, such as the 7 Minute Workout app to help users build and stick to a gym-less workout routine. For very little money, students can also purchase low key and easy to use exercise equipment, such as the Iron Gym or a Pilates band to help them meet their fitness goals. Dorm dwellers can also use simple domestic items, such as a stepping stool or weighted water bottles for
light exercise. The Parks and Rec Route Riverfront Park is just a quick walk away from the main campus and has several options for students looking to get physical outside the gym. Students can gather a few friends and play disc golf or volleyball at the park’s facilities, or student’s can bring their own gear and start up a game of football or soccer. The Riverfront Park Challenge Course ropes course allows students and their friends to spend the afternoon scaling to new heights. The park also has canoes, kayaks and brand new stand-up paddleboards available to rent so students can take their exercise to the water.
ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU
Lifestyle
4
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
●
W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
●
T H E O R AC L E
Equestrian Club gallops into new semester By Courtney Combs L I F E S T Y L E
E D I T O R
Not many people would associate bulls with horses, but the USF Equestrian Club has brought the two together. The sports club is made of members from the USF English and Western riding teams, as well as other horseloving students looking for a place to meet fellow horse fanatics. “I played a lot of sports when I was younger and, to me, horseback riding was the biggest challenge…,” said Amanda Benedict, a biology student and president of the Equestrian Club. “With my horse, it’s a new thing every day. I never get bored of it.
Everything else I got bored of.” One of the primary purposes of the club is to bring the English and western riding teams together. The two practice and show separately, making the Equestrian Club the only way for team members to meet up and work together. “We all do separate stuff, but with the club we try to find common ground to be able to do something together,” said Alyssa Alers, a junior majoring in agricultural engineering and the vice president of the Equestrian Club. The club hosts free trail rides for all of its members, including those who don’t ride with either of the teams. Members also volunteer
with Quantum Leap Farm, an organization that gives disabled adults and children the opportunity to ride and interact with horses. “It’s a really good opportunity to meet people that have common interests and it’s hard to meet people at a big school like this, and it’s harder to find somebody that rides horses,” Alers said. “It was really hard for me to find people I actually get along with and who understand what it’s like.” Equestrian Club meetings also give interested students the opportunity to get more information and sign up for the riding teams so they can attend riding lessons and begin competing for the school. Alers said students
don’t need to have any prior riding experience to join one of the teams. “We have girls that have started from scratch, and just started going to the trainer and they learn from there,” Alers said. “I know a lot of people are scared of horses … because they’re so big but I don’t think people should be scared to try something new.” The western and English riding teams compete through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, the IHSA. Riders who earn enough points in competition can qualify for regionals, zones then nationals. The Equestrian Club is free to join, but students who want to ride for one of the teams have to pay to
compete. English shows can cost upward of $100 while Western shows start at $20. Students also need to pay for lessons, which are offered at a discount through their team. Both teams provide riders with horse tack, including saddles and bridles, and the western riding team even provides its riders with show clothes. “Creating that bond with your horse is unlike any other sport,” Benedict said. “Yeah, you have teammate interaction, but being able to control an animal that large and tell them what you want to do and to have this mutual agreement … I don’t think there’s anything else like that.”
“Creating that bond with your horse is unlike any other sport ... I don’t think there’s anything else like that.” Amanda Benedict Equestrian Club president
The first meeting of the USF Equestrian Club will be Sept. 9 in MSC 3708. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE
Students do not need to join the competitive teams to join the club. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
●
5
T H E O R AC L E
Football
USF strengthens non-conference schedule By Jacob Hoag A S S T .
S P O R T S
E D I T O R
USF football bulks up its non-conference schedule by renewing a series with Syracuse University playing a home-and-home series in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Former Big East foe will travel to Raymond James Stadium on Oct. 12, 2015 making Syracuse the fourth ACC team scheduled to make the trip since 2013 including the 2013 National Champion FSU in 2015 and 2016. The Bulls will make the reciprocal trip the following season to play in the Carrier Dome on Sept. 17, 2016. This will be the ninth meeting between the two teams who played together in the Big East from 2005-2012. USF boasts a 6-2 record against Syracuse from their days in the Big East, but the Orange have taken two of the past three games including a 37-36 vic-
tory in their last meeting. USF continues to build a strong non-conference schedule for the upcoming seasons, pitting the Bulls against top conferences such as the Big Ten where USF has eight games scheduled over the next six seasons. The Big Ten schedule starts Saturday when the Bulls take on Maryland and continues Sept. 27 when they travel to Camp Randall Stadium to take on the No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers. Not only is a tougher schedule better for the program, but also the players. It gives the players a place in the national spotlight, giving them a chance to prove their worth on the biggest stage. “It’s important because it shows we are a powerhouse, we are a big time program and we’re getting back to where we once were,” freshman quarterback Mike White said. “They use to call this program
a sleeping giant. Well, we’re waking up and we’re ready.” The Bulls have fared well in the past with a 23-11(.676) record in non-conference games since 2008. With strength of schedule weighing more heavily than in recent years, new Athletic Director Mark Harlan has made it a point of emphasis to bring the big names to USF. “We are very excited to renew a home-and-home series with Syracuse,” Harlan said in a press release. “We are committed to playing a very competitive non-conference schedule against some the top teams in the country and it is exciting to be able to bring these programs to Tampa.” USF now has 13 games on the schedule against teams from the “Big Five” conferences and looks to continue bringing these marque games to the USF football program.
USF hasn’t faced Syracuse since the 2012 season when the Bulls lost to the Orange 37-36. ORACLE FILE PHOTO/TONY GORDON
Opinion
6
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
●
W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
Virtual libraries are the way of the future
Students at the new Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland showed up to the new campus library last week and found something missing: the books. FPU, the newest addition to the State University System of Florida, has decided to go Space Age with an entirely digital library. While it may seem they are stepping too far into the cyber world, the benefits could outweigh what seems like a nostalgic loss. In 2012 there was a 28.1 percent increase in e-book sales over the previous year, raking in $282.3 million compared to the $299.8 million in adult paperback sales, which saw a 10.5 percent decrease from the previous year, according to the Association of American
Publishers. Technology is no longer the luxury it once was. CNN reports that 90 percent of Americans, age 18 to 75, own a smartphone, laptop, tablet or e-book reader, meaning that students won’t necessarily be spending more to access course materials. While mobility and access are obvious advantages to electronic textbooks, many overlook the fact that a lot of e-books have interactive features for supplemental instruction. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), e-books allow teachers to customize the text to complement the state standards. The NSF also reports that digital text is a flexible means of learning for students with impaired vision and those who are learning a second language. Electronic books are winning the race economically, as well. On Amazon, one can buy “The Everyday Writer,” a staple in composition courses at USF, at $67.50 for the physical book. However, the electronic version is listed at $50.99, a trend that is fairly standard across the board, according to technology blogger Alex
the Oracle
the University of South Florida’s student newspaper since 1966
Brandon Shaik COLU M N I ST
Editor in Chief: Alex Rosenthal ............................ oracleeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor: Roberto Roldan .................. oraclemeditor@gmail.com News Editor: Wesley Higgins ......................... oraclenewsteam@gmail.com Sports Editor: Vinnie Portell ........................ oraclesportseditor@gmail.com Lifestyle Editor: Courtney Combs .......... oraclelifestyleeditor@gmail.com Opinion Editor: Brandon Shaik .......................... oracleopinion@gmail.com Copy Editors: Grace Hoyte, Grace Korley Multimedia Editor: Adam Mathieu Graphic Arts Manager: Chelsea Stulen
Sharp. The USF Library also offers a resource allowing students to request required or recommended reading be purchased through the Library in electronic format. The objective of the program is to reduce the cost of textbooks for students through unlimited electronic access. At the end of fiscal year 2011-12, USF held 2.3 million books, serial backfiles and other paper materials on the Tampa campus alone. The USF Library currently owns 541,243 e-books and 52,502 e-journals, available to faculty, students and staff, showing that while print is still dominant, digital material is making a dent in the resources available to students. Polytechnic’s library serves as a preview of what books could be heading toward in the future. Solely digital libraries might be far off for many institutions, but there is a cyber shift occurring. As technology advances, bibliophiles everywhere may be forced to say goodbye to the stacks and enter an LCD world. Brandon Shaik is a senior majoring in psychology.
The Oracle is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly, Monday and Thursday, during the summer. The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student. Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the Oracle office (SVC 0002).
BY PHONE Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports ................ Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Website: Facebook: Twitter:
974-6242 974-5190 974-1888 974-2842 974-2398 974-2620 974-6242
usforacle.com facebook.com/usforacle @USFOracle
CORRECTIONS The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors. Contact Editor in Chief Alex Rosenthal at 974-5190.
●
T H E O R AC L E
Obama 2015 climate change accord more rhetoric than action Anhvinh Doanvo COLU M N I ST
Obama has unveiled his pursuit of a climate change agreement as negotiators try to create an accord to politically bind the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions without Senate ratification of a new treaty. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell has reportedly said the accord would do “serious damage to the rule of law in America” and violates the Constitution. Republican criticisms of Obama’s violations of constitutional law may be groundless, but the accord is more likely to damage the reputation of the U.S. abroad than it is to drive us to act on climate change. To create a politically binding accord without the Senate, the president is trying to amend the 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a treaty ratified by the U.S. By law, treaties may be amended without Senate approval when changes are technical in nature or derived from new interpretations. Without a supermajority in the Senate, the amendment process gives the president little room, but leaves his accord constitutionally legal. Under the framework of the UNFCCC, developed nations are to support climate change initiatives in developing nations and enact their own initiatives while reporting their progress. However, in an article of the UNFCCC, parties to the treaty are to promote “the development of ... public awareness material on climate change”
using gathered emissions data. So theoretically, a body could be created to vocally condemn nations producing greenhouse gasses excessively for the sake of “public awareness.” The past has shown how well such bodies work. The World Trade Organization has condemned China for its currency manipulation, and the U.N. General Assembly has repeatedly condemned Israeli human rights violations. While the world has consistently condemned Israeli and Chinese actions, international pressure without a tangible consequence have created resistance rather than change. Such resistance, especially with the U.S.’s intransigent stance on climate change, is nothing but a fire without fuel. If Obama can’t get Congress to agree to real changes to our climate policy, further denouncing other countries’ policies without changes to our own will end up doing more bad than good. President Obama needs Congress to support renewable energy funding and other national policies because without it, the U.N.’s condemnations will only change our reputation for the worse. And since “Cap and Trade” died in a democratically controlled Congress in 2010, action beyond renewable energy subsidies may as well be dead until the next era. Anhvinh Doanvo is a freshman majoring in biomedical science.
Classifieds UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
To place a classified ad go to
●
W E D N E S D AY S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
http://www.usforacle.com/classifieds
APTS & HOUSES FOR RENT Condo For Rent Sunridge Palms Condo, 3/2.5, across from campus on 50th St. Available immediately, reasonable rent. Call (727) 793-5154
PETS AND ANIMALS The Lodge at New Tampa, an upscale boarding and daycare facility for dogs needs parttime employees to work mornings or afternoons/evenings. Must be able to work weekends. Great job for preveterinary students to gain animal experience. Job entails cleaning, exercising and possible daycare duties. Job requires a person who is not afraid to work hard. Application available on our website, thelodgefordogs. com under Contact Us. Fill out application and bring to The Lodge in person. 15403 Morris Bridge Road Thonotosassa. Approx. 10 miles from campus.
Crossword
HELP WANTED Veterinary Tech/Assistant Veterinary Tech/Assistant or Receptionist needed for animal hospital close to campus. Part-time or full-time. Experience a plus, but will train. Email resume to acahhiring@gmail.com. Email acahhiring@gmail.com
Part Time Medical Assistant Needed! Looking for a part time medical assistant near the USF area. Training will be provided. 10-15 hours per week, $9 per hr., Must have Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday availability! Spanish speaker preferred. Please call, (813) 932-5389.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Graphic Designer specializing in print design, with other design work as needed. Creating print collateral and brand development. Submit a resume/portfolio, please email danny@createanecho.com
FRONT DESK STAFF WANTED PART TIME FOR FRONT OFFICE OF A COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER AND MEDISPA IN TAMPA. MUST HAVE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS, PLEASANT PHONE SKILLS, AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL. MUST BE BILINGUAL. SALES EXPERIENCE A PLUS. PLEASE FORWARD RESUME TO USFRESUMES@YAHOO.COM
WEBMASTER WANTED FULL TIME FOR A COSMETIC SUR
LAB TECH ASSISTANT Needed. FT/PT positions. Near HCC Brandon Campus. Gain science experience and work around classes. Experience not necessary. Work minimum 20 hours M-F, 8 am - 5 pm. $9/hr. E-mail resume with work schedule availability to hr@randglabs.com.
Math tutor needed for grades K-12. Starts at $8.25/hr. Email resume, name of last completed math class, and schedule to newtampa@mathnasium.com (813) 644-7282
CHILD CARE Looking for someone to pickup my 14 year old from high school in Tampa Palms at 3PM daily, except Monday, at 2PM, and dropping off... There are possibly opportunities for more hours. 813-842-0450
●
T H E O R AC L E
7
Sports
8
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
●
W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 4
●
T H E O R AC L E
Football
Two key Bulls injured after Week 1 By Jacob Hoag A S S T .
S P O R T S
E D I T O R
Following Saturday’s 36-31 victory over Western Carolina, the Bulls head out to practice with their heads held high, though they know the task ahead will be a much greater challenge. As they open up practice in Week 2, the Bulls face the challenge of filling the voids that would be left if seniors Andre Davis and Thor Jozwiak are unable to play against Maryland on Saturday. Davis, the Bulls’ leading receiver last year, bruised his sternum on a 44-yard completion that set up a field goal for Marvin Kloss in Saturday’s game. Davis is listed as day to day according to coach Willie Taggart who will evaluate him as the week progresses. Davis’ 735 receiving yards last season were the most in a single season in USF history; a presence that will be difficult to replace. Another blow to the USF offense was guard Thor Jozwiak who was taken to the locker room in the first half with a shoulder injury. Jozwiak later returned to the field in a sling and didn’t re-enter the game. Jozwiak, who missed all of the 2013 season due to a heart condition, went in for an MRI on Tuesday evening, but the results have not yet been disclosed. If Davis and Jozwiak are unable to play this week, USF coaches plan to lean on sophomore transfer Rodney Adams, who stepped up for USF hauling in three receptions for a team-high 67 yards in Saturday’s game, and senior Deonte Welch. Redshirt freshman Cameron Ruff entered the game in Jozwiak’s absence and will be counted on to provide interior protection for freshman quarterback Mike White against a strong Maryland front four.
The packed student section on Saturday was positive affirmation of AD Mark Harlan’s new student initiatives success. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU
HARLAN
Continued from PAGE 1
The two wins the football team recorded last year were the lowest in the program’s history and the men’s basketball team hasn’t lost as many games as they did last year (20) since the 2010-11 season. Both these programs have received new coaches: coach Willie Taggart arrived before the 2013 season and coach Orlando Antigua was hired on March 31, highlighting a rebuilding period within USF Athletics in addition to Harlan’s plans for the program. The initiatives Harlan created so far focus on improving the fans’ experience at football games. Specifically, their purpose has been to ease the hassle of student transportation and increase overall student support and passion. At the Bulls’ first game against Western Carolina, the student section was packed with 6,392 students. But Harlan isn’t done creating ways to increase student involvement. “It’s always going through my mind,” he said. “We’re going to try everything and we’re open to all ideas. It’s just the constant effort of creating them and it’s something
we will be working on every day.” While the student support is a huge facet of rebuilding the USF Athletics program, support from the community is where much of the financial support comes from. To combat the lack of community support for USF, Harlan launched the “Around the Horns” tour this summer, during which he traveled the state with USF coaches to gather support and connect with the Florida community. “I told them when I was hired that we needed to get out and wake it up,” he said. “We cannot get people involved sitting in our offices on Fowler. Until we do that on a regular basis, people have every right not to support us. I’ve talked to city leaders, corporate leaders, even people in the community that root for other schools in the state and they all want to see the Bulls succeed. Everything is there for us, there’s no excuses anymore.” The support that Harlan is trying to drum up is sorely needed: USF averaged 20,354 attendees at home football games last season — roughly one-third of the capacity of Raymond James Stadium. “We need people to support us,” he said. “We can’t do this with
a half-empty stadium.” In the last fiscal year, USF had 2,100 donors for the Athletics program. Out of the 12-team conference (including Navy), this number ranks USF 11th. In comparison, UCF has 4,100 annual donors, nearly twice as many. “We know where we’re at, but we have to move forward and get people involved,” Harlan said. “This means us telling a better story and putting a better product on the field. I think our floor has been hit, so now we just have to move it forward.” Even with the early success of the initiatives, Harlan said the best way to fill a stadium is by supplying the fans with a good product. “The goal is to put the best product on the field and we are also working hard on the game production and … utilizing video, music and coordinating with band,” Harlan said. “If both of these things come together, we’ll get people there.” But putting a good product on the field is easier said than done. Just ask coach Willie Taggart and last year’s football team, which finished 2-10 with an FBS-low 11 offensive touchdowns in the sea-
son. “I think wins and losses are critically important,” Harlan said. “I think anyone is being disingenuous if they don’t think it’s the most important. However, the experience has to be great as well.” Harlan said he believes the wins will come for the Bulls and Taggart as a result of the careful but necessary management of the football team over the past year. From having the best recruiting class in the AAC this year to fostering a team identity, Harlan said he envisions the Bulls achieving success sooner rather than later. In the same way that wins are on the forefront of fans’ minds in the coming years, Harlan is also planning for the results of the team’s success. Aside from creating more initiatives and bettering the tailgating experience, Harlan is hopeful that USF can bring game days closer to home. “I’m really intrigued by (an oncampus stadium),” Harlan said. “I’m excited to learn more about how we could do it, where it would go, the financial implications … it’s absolutely foolish not to look into it.”