SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • OCTOBER 21, 2020 | VOLUME 106 | ISSUE 11
VIRTUAL HOMECOMING
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2020 ELECTION BALLOT JUSTICE APPOINTMENT PG 5
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Southern Miss gets condensed spring semester
BRIAN WINTERS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Photo by Meghan Fuller | Printz
n Oct. 1, President Rodney Bennett announced a new, shorter calendar for next semester. In the email, Bennett said he accepted a joint recommendation from the Provost, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student Affairs to approve a condensed academic calendar for the 2021 semester. “These changes are in line with
national trends supporting health and safety, in an effort to limit travel and help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19,” Bennett said in the email. Spring classes will still begin on Wednesday, January 20, and regular instruction will conclude Thursday, April 22. The modified schedule eliminates Mardi Gras break and Spring Break. Two new student holidays will be added instead, taking place on Friday, Feb. 19, and
Friday, March 19. A university-wide holiday will also be observed on Friday, April 2. “Navigating this pandemic has certainly brought with it unexpected challenges, and I share in the disappointment of another difficult decision that impacts our graduates and their families,” Bennett said. “But I continue to be encouraged by the ways in which our Southern Miss family meets these challenges with determination
and commitment – together.” Amy Chasteen Ph.D., the Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, said the original academic calendar was planned before the pandemic began, so Southern Miss made adjustments in fall to shorten the semester. “We waited on decisions about
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NEWS MEET THE STAFF Executive Editor
Brian Winters brian.s.winters@usm.edu
News & Features Editor Mary Murphy mary.s.murphy@usm.edu
Entertainment/Opinion Editor Meg Fuller meghan.fuller@usm.edu
Sports Editor
Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu
Photography Editor
Meg Fuller meghan.fuller@usm.edu
Multimedia Editor
Blair Ballou blair.ballou@usm.edu
Social Media Editor
Bethany Morris bethany.morris@usm.edu
Design Editor
Marissa Haas marissa.haas@usm.edu
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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Southern Miss releases procedures for game day events CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPROTS EDITOR n Aug. 25, the Southern Miss Department of Athletics announced special game day procedures for the 2020 football season. The procedures address various safety concerns of COVID-19 and reflect new guidelines put in place from Gov. Tate Reeves’ recent executive order on college football. Fans should expect these conditions at Southern Miss football home games this year: -There will be a 25% seating capacity at M.M. Roberts Stadium, or approximately 9,000-
The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submission must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications. Courtesy of Moffitt Health Center
10,000 fans, allowed into the stadium each game. -Individual tickets are currently not available for sale. Fans are encouraged to buy season tickets to attend games. Season tickets are also limited due to attendance restrictions. -There are 1,000 tickets available for students to sit in the student section. -Fans in attendance will be required to wear face coverings at entry and at all times in the stadium. Face coverings will be recommended while seated too. -Fans who do not live in the same household will be required to socially distance from each other by at least six feet. -All tailgating and social gatherings on campus will be prohibited before games.
-There will be a limit on cash transactions at concession stands. Cashless payment will be accepted and encouraged. -Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the stadium. There will be signage and floor decals to encourage proper social distancing in waiting zones. These procedures will apply for the seven home games at M.M. Roberts Stadium this year. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles will begin the season at home on Sep. 3 versus the University of South Alabama. To read more information about game-days and to stay updated on the football season, visit www.southernmiss.com.
NEWS
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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COVID-19 turns Homecoming Week virtual
HANNAH HOUSTON PRINTZ REPORTER
Courtesy of Southern Miss SGA
hough there is no official Homecoming week this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Government Association (SGA) has planned virtual events to keep the tradition, and its spirit, soaring. Traditional Homecoming events like the Fountain Sit and the Bring It On Eagle-Style competitions will not take place in the week leading up to Homecoming, which is taking place in conjunction with the Southern Miss football game against the Rice University Owls. However, the SGA will be organizing all new events for the Southern Miss community to participate in virtually. “Now more than ever, we [the SGA] recognize the importance of building community and showing spirit,” says the SGA’s official website. “We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
Sherrice Wright, SGA’s Director of Homecoming, has created new events for a virtual Homecoming week along with her team to preserve the tradition while preventing the spread of COVID-19. “We still want to build community and give students a chance to get to know the court they voted on to represent them,” said Wright. “We want to remind everyone that Southern Miss is still about community and tradition, and to remind them of why they’re here in Hattiesburg.” Seeking Seymour, a virtual challenge inspired by “Where’s Waldo”, will be an all-day scavenger hunt across campus to collect prizes sponsored by campus departments and student organizations. Students will follow clues to find eagles that have been placed around campus, which they will then take photos with to
post on social media. The eagles correspond to different prizes like sweatshirts, cups and more. The recently elected Student Body Court will be honored in a series of Instagram Live takeovers. A pair of court members will take over the SGA’s Instagram account throughout Homecoming week, introducing themselves and engaging with the USM community. The social media takeover will start Oct. 23 and will end with Mr. and Miss Southern Miss on gameday Oct. 31. In place of the traditional Homecoming Court halftime show, the jumbo screen will play a pre-recorded video introducing the Student Body Court. The court will be in attendance for the game, but they are not expected to wear formal attire. Freshman maid Kelli Hathorn is honored to be a part of South-
ern Miss tradition despite all of these new restrictions. “I totally get it that we can’t be on the field for safety precautions. It’s disappointing, but I know we will have more festivities in the future. Homecomings in the years to come will be even better,” Hathorn said. SGA President Rachel Shoemaker said they are working on creative ways to possibly move the traditional Homecoming spirit events to the spring semester, but remains confident in what has been done instead. To keep up with all the new Homecoming festivities, follow the Southern Miss SGA on social media sites like Twitter and Instagram. Barring any delays due to a recent COVID-19 outbreak on the team, the Golden Eagles should face off at home with Rice University on Oct. 31, at 2 p.m.
FEATURES CONT. FROM PG 1 spring term until we got into fall and [saw] how the pandemic developed,” Chasteen said. “As we approached advisement for spring, we looked at what universities were doing nationally and in our state and made the decision to again shorten the semester and eliminate longer holidays.” Anton Martin, a senior communication studies major, said he has been extremely stressed over work and online classes this semester. However, Martin also said not having a Spring Break is not the worst thing to happen. “If we get out [of school] a week early -- I still don’t like it, but I’ll take an extra week of summer,” Martin said. Martin said students still need days off, though. School is a lot, especially when professors give students a lot more research projects and extra homework due to online learning. Chasteen said students have given feedback that they need and want
OCTOBER 21, 2020 more breaks during the spring semester, which they have worked to include. The newer holidays allow Southern Miss students to have a Friday off every three to four weeks. “That decision is different from many other institutions and one we believe will be to the benefit of our students,” Chasteen said. “We will also be working with faculty as we near spring term to ensure that we do not have assignments or tests due on those long weekends so that they can be true breaks, and we want to encourage students to really take that time to unplug and engage in some (safe) activities for their physical and emotional health.” Even with these added breaks, though, Chasteen said it was important for students to take care of themselves during the pandemic. Physical self-care, such as getting exercise, eating well and prioritizing sleep, is important to keep from burning out. Chasteen said the less we take care of ourselves physically, the easier it is for schoolwork to get overwhelming. Kevin Walker, the Director of the
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Academic Success Center at the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus, said he has noticed changes with students in the classes he teaches and those that use the Academic Success Center. However, he does not know if those changes are related to fewer breaks. “I think it is important to remember that ‘fewer breaks’ is only one thing that makes this semester ‘different,’” Walker said. “Adjusting to new ways of life in general can make things more tiring than the usual exhaustion university students experience.” Walker is generally in favor for this condensed spring semester. He believes it would allow for students to search for jobs earlier than some other schools. For example, he said that education and licensure majors can apply for and receive their licenses earlier than usual. This would give students the chance to apply for jobs earlier, as well as a competitive edge. Bennett also announced in the email that graduation will look a bit different in the spring semester.
The expanded schedule for May’s Commencement ceremonies are as follows: Monday, May 3, 7 p.m. – Undergraduates in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Tuesday, May 4, 7 p.m. – Undergraduates in the College of Education and Human Sciences Wednesday, May 5, 7 p.m. – All Graduate Students Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. – Undergraduates in the College of Business and Economic Development Friday, May 7, 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences Saturday, May 8, 3 p.m. – All Coast-based Undergraduate and Graduate Students “I sincerely appreciate your patience and your ongoing engagement as we work to ensure not only a successful end to our Fall 2020 semester, but also a productive Spring 2021 term,” Bennett said.
NEWS
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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What’s on the ballot this November? CARTER LISHEN PRINTZ REPORTER
he 2020 presidential election is now just a few short weeks away. On Nov. 3, voters will have the opportunity to exercise their civic duty, able to give their opinions on topics ranging from the general election to the state flag. The first election voters will see on their ballots is for the President of the United States. President Donald Trump will face Democratic challenger Joe Biden as well as a slew of third-party candidates in what has become a referendum on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the publicity and media coverage surrounding the presidential race, voters should not overlook the state and local races on the ballot this November. Democrat Mike Espy aims to oust Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith from her U.S. Senate seat. Hyde-Smith previously defeated Espy in a 2018 special election to fill the seat of late Senator Thad Cochran. If elected, Espy would become the first black senator from Mississippi since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. On the other side of Capitol Hill, Republican Rep. Steven Palazzo is unopposed for his fourth congressional district seat in the House. Palazzo has held this position since 2011, speaking for voters along both Mississippi’s Pine Belt and Gulf Coast. His web-
site touts his service record as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an active member of the Mississippi National Guard. While these elections will send politicians to Washington, D.C., there are some races voters need to decide on that hit a little closer to home. According to Y’all Politics, residents of Mississippi State House District 87 will decide who will fill the vacant seat in Jackson, with a special election with a runoff set for Nov. 24. Qualified candidates include conservative republican Joseph “Bubba” Tubb, who promised on his Facebook page to “support policies that are pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment and protect our religious freedoms”. His main opponent, Matthew Conoly, does not specify or focus on his own party affiliations in the same way. However, according to his Facebook page, his campaign centers on conservative policies and language, such as his stances on economic policy and the public education system. But voters will do more than just decide who gets to make the laws. Ballot Measure 3 on House Bill 1796 asks voters to mark “Yes” or “No” on the new Magnolia Flag design approved by the Mississippi Flag Commission. If “Yes” wins, it will become the state’s new flag. If “No” wins, the process will restart and a different flag must be selected. Initiative 65 addresses another long-contested issue: the legalization of medical marijuana. Started by a petition, Initiative 65 would establish a statewide medical mar-
Marissa Haas | Printz ijuana program that prescribes to “qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions, as certified by Mississippi licensed physicians,” per the description of a sample ballot. The ballot contains expense and revenue information about the proposed program to help voters make an informed decision. Another measure, House Concurrent Resolution 47, will amend the state constitution to eliminate an electoral vote requirement for statewide elections, including the office of the governor. According to Emily Wagster Pettus of the Clarion Ledger, candidates currently must receive the most votes from each state House district in addition to the popular vote. This law is widely regarded as a tool of racial suppression, as it has allowed white lawmakers to block
black politicians from taking office thanks to gerrymandering. The final measure on the ballot for residents of Forrest County will give the option to relocate a Confederate monument outside the downtown Hattiesburg courthouse. The Hattiesburg American reported that this referendum holds no real legal binding, but is more of a poll of opinion. The Forrest County Board of Supervisors placed the measure on the ballot in June, and will act accordingly based on the results. Other races on the ballot include Mike Randolph, an unopposed nominee for State Supreme Court Justice, and elections for five district election commissioners for Forrest County. To view a sample ballot before Nov. 3, please go to www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting.
Yoga at Town Park Photogallery NIUSHA KARKI
PRINTZ REPORTER Photos by Niusha Karki | Printz
eople dropping by town square park at 7 PM to do yoga offered by Greenhouse Yoga. This event is running from 7 October 2020 until 28 October 2020.
Whitney Miracle with Greenhouse Yoga teaching the yoga class at Town Square Park, Downtown Hattiesburg.
ENTERTAINMENT
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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‘Bly Manor’ is dull, yet intoxicating
MEG FULLER
ENTERTAINMENT/OPINION EDITOR Illustration by Marissa Haas | Printz
ith viewers left wanting more following the ending of the Netflix original series ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’ many were excited to see the same production team behind the new Netflix original series, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’, which released Oct. 9. While each film and show in the ‘Haunting’ universe is typically an adaptation of or inspired by Henry James’s ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ many fail to see the repetitive nature that results from using the same source material. There have been at least thirteen films and television series based on James’s work, all of which center around a family affected by severe paranormal phenomena. ‘Bly Manor’ is especially hard-pressed for originality as it it coming off another recent film adaptation, ‘The Turning’, released in January 2020
‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’, unlike both ‘Hill House’ and ‘The Turning’ is solely based in the 1980s, and struggles to justify the change in scenery. Many cast members from ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ series are back, including Victoria Pedretti, who played Nell. ‘Bly Manor’, however, is in concept a duplicate of the novella, as a governess watches over two children in what seems to be a haunted mansion. Director Mike Flanagan keeps most of the gothic-theming and production value of ‘Hill House’ in ‘Bly Manor’, but it is not nearly as neat and easy to follow. Many scenes are confusing and overly-complicated, with changes in behavior or character developments that simply do not make sense writing-wise. Many character conversations and behaviors toward death tend to slow certain scenes down, making the suspense
abruptly stop. Though “haunting” is in the name, these stilted scenes and the overall atmosphere make ‘Bly Manor’ often dull and unremarkable. While dreary and sometimes thrilling, the psychotic, terrifying setting of Flannagan’s previous ‘Hill House’ adaptation is sorely missed. However, the plot is hypnotic, focusing more on grief and love in a dark, jarring exposition. Many characters in ‘Bly Manor’ are surrounded by their trauma, which allows viewers to connect well with their personalities. Through the use of monologues, many characters and their backstories are strewn throughout the whole season instead of just one episode. This is surprisingly effective, considering how often forgetful many viewers tend to be when watching a certain show periodically.
The intoxicating plot thickens as the show continues, but it definitely takes a while to settle into a comfortable, comprehensive narrative. This series, while uneventful, does allow viewers who often fear more visceral horrors to reflect on more psychological horrors instead. The trauma that surrounds many of the characters could only be described as daunting, which is why it is explored in detail. Flanagan uses our own fears against us in an effort to show how truly terrifying it is to be human. This series allows many horror fans to contemplate why they truly enjoy a good scare. ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ allows us to see exactly what happens during paranormal phenomena while illustrating trauma like no other. The show reminds viewers that ghosts are not the haunters during horror films, but the haunted.
OPINION
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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James narrows G.O.A.T. debate with fourth championship CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR ho is the greatest basketball player of all time?” This question typically evokes one of two responses from basketball fans: “Michael Jordan” or “Lebron James”. As James celebrates the fourth championship of his career, the answer to the question might now be clear. Jordan and James are one-of-a-kind players with their own legacies that should each be individually respected. That this debate has been narrowed down to these two players at all is a testament to just how great Jordan and James really are. Sure, there are plenty of other names that come to mind when talking about great athletes in NBA history, but none have changed the league as much as Jordan and James have. Their fame extends far beyond the basketball court. Both are transcendent, highly marketable superstars that changed the entire landscape of the NBA. Unfortunately, sports fans love to compare. When this debate inevitably comes up, Jordan’s accolades speak for themselves. In the span of 15 years, he was an All-Star 14 times and won all six of his championship appearances. He finished his career averaging 30 points per game, which is the highest in NBA history. James, meanwhile, just finished his 17th
season in the NBA. During his career, he has won four MVPs, four championships and made an All-Star team every season except his rookie year. Statistically speaking, James has surpassed Jordan in almost every career totals category. James leads Jordan in points, rebounds and assists in both the regular season and playoffs. However, many question James’ status as the G.O.A.T. due to his reliance on his star support. During his career, James has played with the likes of Dwayne Wade, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis and many other key players in the league. Jordan’s only All-Star teammate that he played with was Scottie Pippen, possibly giving him a physical edge. However, James has changed the debate this year, drawing attention to what he has and what he will accomplish. Even with the difficulties of the NBA’s bubble experiment this season, James and the Los Angeles Lakers persevered to win the club’s 17th championship. James became the fourth player in NBA history to win a championship with three different teams. He has appeared in nine of the last ten Finals. Before this season, the Lakers had six straight years with a losing record, which was by far the longest in their history. James not only brought the Lakers back to the playoffs again in his second year with the team, but he fulfilled his promise of winning a title. At 35-years-old, James switched to point guard and put some of the best numbers up in his whole career. He had a career-high
Illustration by Erin Collins | Printz of assists and also led the league in that category. He finished second in MVP votes, though some people still think he deserved to win instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Anthony Davis set to sign a long-term contract with the Lakers, the sky’s the limit for the team. Davis and James have proven what they are capable of doing in even the worst circumstances. While last year seemed to foretell a decline for the star, James bounced back with
a vengeance. It was a year of redemption and an opportunity to reclaim his throne. This season proved James isn’t done, with no signs of slowing down until he shatters the NBA’s record books. This G.O.A.T. debate will probably last until James plays his final game. Perhaps it may never be settled. James has proven his worth, though, and ceased any rumors of decline. Now, it’s time to sit back and watch what else he will do in his career.
Amy Coney Barrett clears another hurdle for Justice appointment DIPIN SUBEDI PRINTZ REPORTER ast week, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was questioned on a wide range of topics during a four-day long hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Although she was grilled left and right, it was clear that the hearing was not about questioning her qualifications, but further bickering between Democrats and Republicans. Barrett seemed calm and composed throughout the hearings. She was unconcerned, unscathed and sometimes mocking throughout the questioning, such as when she held a blank letterpad when senators asked how she had “prepared” before entering the hearing. Although her inclination towards conservatism, especially her image as a staunch Catholic and construtionalist, was questioned frequently, none of them succeeded in bringing her down. The hearing veered off from the main topic frequently because Democratic senators were not there to make Barrett defend her qualifications for a Supreme Court nomination. Rather, the Democrats questioned Barret off the assumption that she was President Donald Trump’s mouthpiece. The hearings, for them, became a new way to vilify the president before the
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upcoming Nov. 3 election. It quickly became clear to anyone watching that these hearings served more as a political vehicle than as a legitimate cross-examination. Barrett also seemed to understand this, however. She spent most of the hearing trying to assure the public that Supreme Court Judges are independent, fair and impartial. “Americans of all backgrounds deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our constitution and law as they’re written,” Barrett said.
However, this was all in vain. No senator changed their vote after the hearing, and seemed to glean nothing from the entire week. Instead, Democratic senators used the hearings to grill Barret on controversial issues, designed to show the monstrous face of the current administration to voters. Some issues mentioned included repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), reforming DACA-friendly immigration laws, overturning Roe v. Wade and combating climate change. Barret was also
asked about many of Trump’s recent controversial statements, such as his meddling in voting rights by delaying national elections. Senator Kamala Harris, the vice presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, also used the hearings to promote her and Joe Biden’s campaign. Harris would mention all the plans and policies the Biden-Harris ticket is campaigning on whenever a certain issue came up. This “advertising” and her constant pressuring was not appropriate. Harris was denigrating the decision-making ability of Barrett through her own conjectures and could not help but steep Barrett in the mire of political agendas. Also, senators constantly comparing Barrett to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not make sense at all. A Justice should judge a case based on what is written in the Constitution, not their political preferences. It is important to understand that Ginsburg, who supported pro-choice, was not unanimously supported by the American population. Likewise, being pro-life should not mean that everybody should disagree with Barrett. All in all, Barrett did a commendable job in the Senate hearings that seemed to do anything but find out whether or not she is an eligible candidate for Chief Justice.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 21, 2020
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Southern Miss postpones UTEP game due to COVID-19 cases on team CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR
or the second week in a row, Southern Miss will not play due to COVID-related issues. This time, however, the reason for the postponement is because of an increase of COVID-19 cases on Southern Miss’s team. Early last Friday, Southern Miss announced that it postponed its game against the University of Texas of El Paso, originally scheduled for Oct. 17. Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain released a statement on the decision. “The health and safety of everyone involved continues to be our guiding force[,] which made this decision to postpone the UTEP game the appropriate one,” McClain said. “We are disappointed for our student-athletes who will not get a chance to participate for a second-straight weekend[.] [However], we will work with UTEP, in conjunction with Conference USA, to reschedule this game for later this season.” Southern Miss last played on Oct. 3 against North Texas. After returning from Denton, the team prepared for a home game versus Florida Atlantic University (FAU). However, FAU postponed the game due to positive COVID-19 cases on its team. According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, FAU
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Head Coach Willie Taggart confirmed that a total of 18 players and nine staff members tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the game’s postponement. Now, Southern Miss will have to reschedule the two postponed games to a later date. Earlier this week, Conference USA announced that it moved the conference championship to Dec. 18. The decision allows teams that have been affected by postponements to more easily reschedule. “The shift of the Champion-
ship Game from its originally scheduled December 5th date will create two additional weeks to schedule games that were postponed due to COVID-19-related issues,” the statement said. “Dates and matchups for those [rescheduled] games will be announced at a later date.” As of Oct. 16, there have been a total of 14 postponed and canceled games within Conference USA, mostly related to COVID-19. The availability of players
who have tested positive for COVID-19 may present a challenge for Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are still scheduled to play on Oct. 24 at Liberty University, but how many Eagles will actually see the field is unknown. According to the NCAA’s “Resocialization of Collegiate Sport” guidelines, athletes who are exposed to COVID-19 are recommended to quarantine for 14 days. “When an athlete tests positive for COVID-19, local public health officials must be notified, and contact tracing protocols must be put in place,” the NCAA document said. “All individuals with a high risk of exposure should be placed in quarantine for 14 days as per CDC guidance. This includes members of opposing teams after competition.” Southern Miss is required to test all athletes three times a week though PCR and antigen testing methods, also required under Conference USA guidelines. If an athlete tests positive, they have to take an assortment of cardiovascular tests, which include echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and troponin level tests. These are taken to assure that the athletes do not have myocarditis, which is an inflammatory condition of the heart that has been linked to COVID-19. Visit the Southern Miss Athletics Department’s official website at www.southernmiss.com for all further developments on this and all other sport scheduling changes.
Men’s basketball aims to improve with its youth CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR
fter finishing second-tolast during the 2019-2020 Conference USA season with a 9-22 record, Southern Miss looks to improve in its second season with Head Coach Jay Ladner. “We are trying to be better than we were last year,” Ladner said. “I do like our team. Our goal is to win the league, and we will do whatever we can to do that. It’s a crazy year, and crazy things can happen. We have a lot of new faces and inexperience at this point, but I couldn’t be happier with the way our team has approached every day. They’re a joy to be around, good guys and talented basketball players that work their tails off. I truly look forward to [coming] to practice every day, and I’m sure they feel the same way.” The Golden Eagles have nine new players on its roster, which include five freshmen, three junior college players and a transfer. Ladner believes this year’s roster will fit the team’s play style better. “I think we are closer to the style we’d like to play. We want to be pressure-oriented on both ends,” Ladner explained. “You’re going to see two things. First, we definitely look the part. We had some good players last year, but as I’ve told people this year, we have more of those guys now. We’re longer, more athletic and physical. We want to play more of an up-tempo brand of basketball.”
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The biggest reason for the changing play style are the new additions to the team, who Ladner is excited to see perform. “Seeing [junior-college transfers] Justin Johnson, DeAndre Pinckney and Tae Hardy, who have been the more-heralded guys of our recruiting class assimilate so well is something to compliment,” Ladner said. “They’re good guys and good basketball players. We’ve got better depth and overall talent, and that should happen every year.” The Golden Eagles will also have
returning veterans on its arsenal. Senior LaDavius Draine, who averaged nearly 13 points and 5 rebounds per game last season, needs only 16 three-pointers to earn the second-most in school history. Last season, Draine had seven games with over 20 points. Since he came to Southern Miss, junior forward Tyler Stevenson has gained 50 pounds to gain physicality at his position. Last season, Stevenson averaged nearly 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. He also led the team with a 55.7% field goal per-
centage. On top of adding weight, Stevenson said that he’s been focusing on improving his ball-handling and three-point shooting for the upcoming season. “I want to get my three-pointer consistent and be able to dribble the ball well so if I’m getting a rebound, [I can] push it out and then give it to a guard,” Stevenson said. Ladner talked about how Stevenson trained during the pandemic to continue his goals. “Once you see us in person, you won’t recognize a lot of our guys,” Ladner said. “You’ll see Tyler Stevenson and Denijay Harris [who redshirted last season]. We hadn’t seen them from spring break till July, and it could have gone one of two ways. They could have sat around, but they went back home to Columbus and set up a weight room inside a barn. Their physicality has been impressive.” That seems to be the overarching attitude about the upcoming season. Recent transfer Tae Hardy, who played last year for the undefeated PRCC basketball team, describes how well the team has been developing communication and chemistry in their first practices together. “It’s always a work in progress,” Hardy said. “At this early, I wouldn’t expect us to be perfect, but just the fact that we’re working on it and it’s getting better day by day really impresses everybody on the team and it shows on the court.” Southern Miss’s schedule for the 2020-2021 season has yet to be released, but the team held its first official practice on Oct. 14.