The
S TUDENT PRINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
December 5, 2013
Calendar ....................... 2 News ............................. 3 Feature.......................... 4 Opinion.......................... 6 Sports............................ 7
Volume 98 Issue 28
Susan Broadbridge/Printz
The Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building is decorated for the holidays.
ON CAMPUS
Southern Miss 2013 year-in-review Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter Every year, The University of Southern Mississippi continues to make strides as an institution of higher learning. When reflecting back over 2013, it has been a year filled with perseverance, transition, transformation and excitement. Nobody could have imagined that 41 days into the New Year, a rare event would take place that would tremendously impact the faculty, staff, students and the overall view of the university. “We were preparing to close seven projects by March 1 but on February 10 all of that changed,” said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Planning Chris Crenshaw. The powerful EF-4 tornado that ripped through campus on
Feb. 10 damaged several buildings, destroyed 75 trees and scattered debris across the southern edge of campus. This event not only led to the delay of projects that were near completion, but it led to a year that was filled with numerous construction projects and building renovations to restore and improve the university. Although in a time of desperation, the pride and perseverance from faculty, staff and students wouldn’t allow for the university to remain at a low point. Under the leadership of President Rodney Bennett and the USM Foundation, 3,000 donors helped raise $2 million to aid in university relief efforts. This resulted in construction projects nearing completion and more projects starting in 2014. “Our alumni and friends, along with
state funding, have allowed us to move forward at different stages with projects that will continue the transformation of the USM campus,” said USM Foundation Executive Director Shannon Fleming. “Donors to the USM Foundation continue to change the lives of our students through their generosity.” In regard to tornado-related construction projects, The Landscape and Fence Project was completed and the pre-construction assessments for multiple roofs of buildings on campus were completed on Aug. 2. Repairs for these buildings will begin soon. The Ogletree Alumni House, which was severely damaged from the tornado, began renovations on Aug. 12. The restoration process will take nearly 14 months to complete. “This area holds such importance for our students,
alumni and friends,” Bennett said. “It serves as our visitors’ impression of our campus.” According to the USM website, The Landscape Restoration and Enhancement Plan, the fivephase project to a create views that highlight campus landmarks, has finished two of its phases. The Gateway Phase, which allowed for the planting of five mature live oak trees, began May 7 and was completed in June. The Rose Garden Phase, which began in mid-June, consisted of removing obsolete pavement and adding a brick pathway to the center of the garden. This week, the Lake Byron Phase began with the draining of the lake. Eventually, the shore will be expanded and a donor recognition wall will be built at the end of the lake. “This phase will also feature a new bridge, an
attractive bulkhead and an aerating pond fountain,” said Assistant Director of Marketing and Campus Relations Michelle Shinall. “Depending on the weather, targeted completion of this phase will be sometime during the spring of 2014. The other two phases have not yet begun.” Repairs to the George Hurst building, Marsh Hall and the Mannoni Performing Arts Center are almost finished. “The architectural renovation projects involving all three will be approaching soon,” she added. “Marsh Hall will feature new additions such as an opera and choral rehearsal hall and self-contained practice rooms and the George Hurst building will receive additional graphic design studios.” The demolition of Elam Arms
See YEAR, 3
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Eagle Eye
Coco’s Corner
USM baseball preview
Students react to USM’s live feed.
The evolution of beauty pageants.
A breakdown of the upcoming season.
CALENDAR
Page 2, Student Printz
The
Student Printz
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Executive Editor Carly Tynes carly.tynes@eagles.usm.edu 601.266.4266
5
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Mark Your Planner 6 7 8 9
6:30 p.m. Chi Omega | 62nd Annual Songfest Reed Green Coliseum
9 a.m. Eagle Connection | Admissions Group Tour TCC 214
11 a.m. Sigma Phi Epsilon | Chili Cook-Off The District
Happy Sunday!
Happy Monday!
Good Luck On Finals!
Managing Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu Chief Copy Editor Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu Copy Editor Courtney McNichols courtney.mcnichols@eagles.usm. edu News Editor Monicia Warner monicia.warner@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm. edu Design Editor Taylor Fesenmeier taylor.fesenmeier@eagles.usm. edu Art Director Mary Alice Truitt mary.truitt@eagles.usm.edu Webmaster Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu Designers Joshua Byrd Gerri Ducksworth News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu
Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com
The Student Printz is published every Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services. Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
Southern Miss Sports Upcoming Games 12/7/13 3 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Central Arkansas Conway, Ark. 3 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia State Hattiesburg, Miss.
12/14/13 5 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. St. Catherine College Hattiesburg, Miss. 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Mississippi State Starkville, Miss. 12/18/13 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Grambling St Hattiesburg, Miss. 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball at Western Kentucky Bowling Green, Ky.
12/20/13 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball at Coppin State Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Island 12/21/13 1 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. New Orleans Hattiesburg, Miss. TBA Men’s Basketball at Jacksonville State/Arkansas-Little Rock Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Island
EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily 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 eligilible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. 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.
WHERE’S SEYMOUR?! THIS WEEK’S WINNER!!
Jonathan McGowan LOOK FOR SEYMOUR AGAIN IN MONDAY’S EDITION OF THE STUDENT PRINTZ!!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
ON CAMPUS
NEWS
Be bold and go green Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter As our planet continues to transform from the impact of human industrialization, the idea of conserving natural resources becomes very significant. Humans contribute large amounts of waste that consist of recyclable items. For many, the answer to this recurring issue is sustainability. As the new year approaches, The University of Southern Mississippi and the City of Hatties-
burg have created initiatives and taken suggestions to help students and local citizens become more sustainable. The Office of Sustainability at Southern Miss recently announced its Recycleathon 2014 initiative for students. The event consists of eight weeks in which individual Southern Miss recycling teams will compete head-to-head for the title of recycling champions. The team who contributes the most to the university’s recycling efforts will win a special prize. Recycleathon 2014 will provide
Melanie Boyd/Printz The Office of Sustainability is located in Hickman Hall Room 222. Pictured above, Sustainability Coordinator, Christina Foreman, diligently works in the sustainability office.
a great opportunity for students to get involved with sustainability efforts at USM. “Every year, we hope to increase our student participation,” said Christina Foreman, coordinator of the Office of Sustainability. “It is also a great way for students to compete and help establish our institution as a leader in sustainability.” The city of Hattiesburg will continue its Christmas tree recycling program for the Greater Hub City area. Residents will get the opportunity to bring their old Christmas trees to various locations throughout the city and discard them sustainably. The locations include Duncan Lake on James Street, Kamper Park next to the recycling bins, Highland Cemetery behind the office on West 7th Street, and the Eighth Fire Station on Lamar Boulevard near Petro Nissan. The city of Hattiesburg will mulch the trees and donate the mulch to city residents for landscaping on a first come, first serve basis. Recycling will begin Jan. 2 and last through Feb. 28 at different locations throughout the city. There are other ways to be sustainable during the holiday season. These include using al-
Student Printz, Page 3 YEAR, from 1 was completed in August. The repairs to the football stadium scoreboard, press box renovations, resurfacing of the football field and drainage upgrades were completed in August. With construction projects, the groundbreaking ceremony for Scianna Hall was took place May 10. The new business building is expected to be completed by fall 2014. The demolition of Scott Hall, Van Hall and the East end of Bond Hall was completed, allowing the construction of Century Park South to begin. On Sept. 6, the ArmstrongBranch Plaza was dedicated in honor of the first two African-American students to enroll at the university. The Landscape and Fence Project was completed this year. The Track Renovations and Na-
ternative wrapping paper when wrapping gifts, shopping online, decorating Christmas trees with repurposed decorations from local thrift stores, using LED Christmas lights and making charitable donations to family and friends instead of purchasing gifts. For more information about Recycleathon 2014, contact the
tatorium Fire Restoration will be completed by the end of this year. Projects still in progress include the Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade and the Energy Reduction Retrofits. In the upcoming year, the College of Nursing will take bids with an estimated construction completion date of 2016. All of the construction projects bring a sense of excitement for the years to come. “For past, current and prospective students, it is a sign that we are truly making an effort in every way to continue rising to the top,” said Student Government Association President Ann Marie Chilcutt. “Our campus is already beautiful, but I cannot wait to see the continual improvement and restoration of the place we know and love within the next five to ten years.”
Office of Sustainability on campus at 601.266.5687. For more information about Hattiesburg’s Christmas Tree Recycling program, contact the Urban Forestry Division at 601. 545.1541.
FEATURE
Page 4, Student Printz
LOCAL
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Giving back during the holidays Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter During the holiday season, many people are worried about giving gifts to their family or friends, all while making their own Christmas list to ensure they get the items they want. But, there are many people who will go without gifts and animals who will freeze or starve on the streets this year, but you can help. Here are a few ways you can give back in the Pine Belt area to help a child, a senior citizen, a homeless person or a shelter animal during the holidays. *The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program The Angel Tree Program was started 55 years ago to help serve low-income and poverty-level families in the community. Angel ages range from infant to 12 years old. Donors can pick an angel off the tree and purchase items on the attached list. The list contains
items the child or the family have requested for Christmas, such as educational toys and new clothes. Without the Angel Tree, these children would not be able to open gifts on Christmas morning. The Angel Tree is located in Turtle Creek Mall near JCPenney and unwrapped donations can be dropped off there through Dec. 12. *Be a Santa to a Senior Program This program is similar to the Angel Tree Program, but instead of children, it sponsors senior citizens. The program is sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care and this is the fifth year for the tree to be in the Pine Belt area. It was started because many senior citizens live at home, far away from their family and don’t receive many visits during the holidays. Donors can choose a senior citizen ornament from the tree and purchase some items on the list. Many items are typical everyday things, such as pajamas, Kleenex and lotion. Some even ask for certain
types of food or books. The Senior Citizen Tree is located in Turtle Creek Mall near the Food Court. Unwrapped donations will be accepted through Dec. 12 at the Home Instead Senior Care office in Hattiesburg. *The Fur Baby Tree Program The Fur Baby Tree Program sponsors needy dogs in the Pine Belt area and the donation tree can usually be found at different veterinarian offices and pet stores, such as PetSmart or Petco. The tree contains ornaments with a photo of a dog and a list of items that a particular dog needs, such as a new bed, food or toys. *Christian Services, Inc. Keep an eye out for different organizations that are putting on canned food drives in the community. One organization, Christian Services, Inc., located in downtown Hattiesburg, is always accepting canned food donations for families in need in the community. They also serve Christmas meals to the homeless or hungry.
Kara Davidson/Printz
Miss USM Kimberly Page performs at Lighting the Way on Tuesday night. Lighting the Way is an annual holiday event sponsored by the Student Government Association that features performances from various groups on campus.
ON CAMPUS
Letter to I Spy with my Eagle Eye the Editor Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter
Dear Southern Miss Students, What a blessing to receive over 6,000 pounds of food for our food pantry in the annual Southern Miss “Let’s SAAC Hunger” food drive! We are very grateful to the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Josh DuPlantis, Dan Jacobs and all the Southern Miss students, faculty and staff who made this year’s event an overwhelming success. The Edwards Street Fellowship Center food pantry typically serves around 1,000 families per month with emergency food bags, but the number of clients we serve has jumped dramatically since the November 1st reduction in SNAP (food stamp) benefits. Your generous donation makes a huge difference in our ability to continue serving our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone involved for taking the time to offer help and hope in our community. With gratitude, Ann McCullen Executive Director Edwards Street Fellowship Center
Facebook has blown up today about the new Eagle Eye live feed. On iTech’s website, there is a tab called “Eagle Eye” where anyone is able to watch a live feed of Starbucks, The Thad Cochran Center in front of Fresh Food Company and Scianna Hall, the new College of Business building. The Eagle Eye live feed for Starbucks and the Fresh Food Company got up and running around Nov. 22. Scianna Hall’s camera has been there since the beginning of construction 6-9 months ago. The Scianna Hall camera was to first allow individuals to watch the progess of the new College of Buisness building being built. The camera also takes still shots every five minutes. Once the project is complete, they will be able to combine the still shots to show the building progress. The other two cameras were installed to show potential students and faculty members what’s going on at USM. University Provost, Denis Wiesenburg, said the cameras are innovative. “We wanted to show potential new students what being a student at USM looks like. The live feed of two heavily student populated places was the most innovative way to do that,” Wiesenburg said. He said the cameras and feed are not an unusual thing. “Ole Miss has a few cameras,
Auburn does too – it’s not unusual to have cameras showing off a college campus. In fact, it was unusual for USM to not have them,” Wiesenburg said. “We are working on getting a few more cameras set up in outdoor areas to show off the beauty of our campus,” he added. “We really just want potential students, faculty, or staff members to see what The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus and student body looks like.” He said this is not like ‘Big Brother’ or for crime-related reasons. “We certainly don’t want people to think that ‘Big Brother’ is watching them or that crime has increased on anything of that nature,” Wiesenburg said. “This is simply to market the beauty that is USM.” Many students have voiced concerns over the new cameras and live feed. Shelby Inloes, a junior nursing major, said the cameras have no purpose. “I believe the cameras are doing no good. If they were put up for security reasons, I understand, but only if it was to be viewed by authority,” she said. “I see no reason why cameras would need to be put up for just anyone to view online. It seems creepy.” Others seem to like the idea. Anne Griffis, a senior marine biology major said she feels safer with the cameras and live feed. “I grew up overseas where cameras and a feed like this is a normal thing,” she said. “So, having them on campus makes me feel more secure due to the fact that when people
know they are being watched, they tend to act more virtuous.” Some students find the cameras as an opportunity. Connor Holland, a junior entertainment industry major, said he is excited to see how people will take advantage of the cameras. “I think the cameras are harmless, Holland said. “Would I have done it? No. It is a little bit creepy for sure, but it isn’t in our dorm rooms or anything.” “This could be a fun opportunity,” he added. “People could organize flash mobs, or just whatever fun scheme they could think of.” Some students think they’re convenient. Cierra Hodo, a senior entertainment industry major, said it helps her know how long lines are. “If you have a packed schedule like me, it’s convenient to be able to see how long the line in Starbucks is before you go,” she said. “If you want to use it for creepy purposes, that’s your prerogative and if you’re worried about people watching you, don’t give them a show.” Wiesenburg added if students have a concern, the best way to approach the situation is to go to the Student Government Association. “We’d love to hear opinions from students because they are very important to us. If the SGA can collect concerns or opinions, we’d love to address them,” Wiesenburg said. To see the live feed, visit usm.edu/ iTech/eagle-eye.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
GREEK
FEATURE
Student Printz, Page 5
Chi Omega to Host 62nd Annual Songfest Kirstie Lowery Printz Reporter The Epsilon Delta chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity at The University of Southern Mississippi will host its 62nd annual Songfest Dec. 5 at Reed Green Coliseum. Rhea Phillips Valentine, a sophomore Chi Omega member, said Songfest is the oldest and largest philanthropy event held on the Southern Miss campus. According to the university website, every year all proceeds from Songfest are donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Make-A-Wish has been proven and shown to benefit the lives of children through this and even assist with the healing process and coping with a life threatening illness,” said junior Chi Omega member Alicia Frazier. This event not only benefits the children involved with the foundation, but also each individual who chooses to participate. “It’s such an awesome experience to know that the money that you raised is going to somebody,” Valentine said. “It’s not just sending a check out in the mail, it’s
actually seeing somebody be benefitted through it.” Most of the Greek organizations on campus will participate in Songfest, where they will take part in various competitions. “They sometimes take songs and make them holiday-themed,” Valentine said. “It’s really fun to see everyone come out and compete and to see who shows up.” Frazier said the competition winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Whitney Miller, owners of Click Boutique Adam Myrick and Jason LeViere, and USM basketball coach Donnie Tyndall. “He [Tyndall] is so supportive of not only his basketball team, but also the student body here at USM and I am so excited that he has chosen to be one of our judges,” Frazier said. She added that Songfest is a great way to have fun while kicking off the Christmas season. Every year the chapter invites another very important judge: a child receiving a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event will also feature individuals who have been nominated by other sororities to be selected
Susan Broadbridge/Printz
The ladies of Pi Beta Phi practice for Chi Omega Songfest in preparing for the event this Thursday night in Reed Green Coliseum.
as Mr. and Ms. Make-A-Wish. For those interested in attending, more information can be found on the Chi Omega USM Facebook page. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
62nd Annual Songfest: Thursday, December 5, 2013 6:30 p.m. Reed Green Coliseum Admission: Free
COCO’S CORNER
The evolution of beauty pageants Courtney McNichols Copy Editor Beauty pageants are no longer just a space for able- bodied individuals to display their good looks to the world. As early as 1970, pageants like Miss Wheelchair America recognized the accomplishments of women who utilize wheelchairs. Its website lists 31 states currently active in the Miss Wheelchair America Program where the winner is a titleholder for a year. The winner possesses good communication skills as they fulfill the requirements of Miss Wheelchair America. These requirements include traveling within their state and to the national Miss Wheelchair America pageant and making appearances to raise public awareness so that all citizens can live their lives with meaning and purpose. In 2003, future Miss Iowa USA 2008 winner Abbey Curran, who was born with cerebral palsy, wanted to break down the barriers in the lives of others. She started the Miss You Can Do It pageant for individuals with special needs and challenges. Their website states that contestants are girls and women ages 5 to 25 and for one night a year they compete in the categories
of private interview, casual wear, evening wear, on stage question, photogenic, people’s choice and congeniality. Every contestant goes home with the experience of a lifetime and a trophy, crown and the opportunity to meet both Snow White and Cinderella on pageant day. In November 2007, Jordan Somer took insights gained from working with individuals with disabilities in the Special Olympics and held the inaugural Miss Amazing pageant. Somer’s vision later became her passion and career. She wanted to provide a place for young girls and women with disabilities to strive to be their best. Miss Amazing’s website states that any girl or woman who is considered to have a disability according to government laws and acts is eligible to compete in a Miss Amazing pageant. Participants ages of 5 to 35 can compete in the categories of rising star, preteen, junior teen, teen, junior miss, miss and senior miss. To be eligible to compete in the Miss Amazing pageant, each participant must donate five cans of food that will be donated to charity. The four areas of competition are interview, introduction, evening wear and talent showcase. One individual from each category is crowned queen and represents their state for a year.
Contestants from 25 states are eligible to compete in the Miss Amazing pageant. Southern Miss student Savannah Holsomback, a senior French and history double major, currently serves as Mississippi’s state director of the Miss Amazing pageant where she plans, organizes and recruits participants,
volunteers and sponsors. While Holsomback was in the womb, an amniotic fluid band was wrapped around her right arm resulting in her being born without it. Like Somers, Holsomback has competed in other pageant systems and wanted to give back to others what she gained from
them in order to help them grow into stronger individuals. It takes a special group of people to care so much about helping others reach their full potential. If you or someone you know embodies this vision visit missamazingpageant.com/ where you can apply to be a volunteer, state director or make a donation.
Page 6, Student Printz
OPINION
Thursday, December 5, 2013
I’ve got the eye of the Eagle
ON CAMPUS
Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter In case you missed it, there is a new thing called Eagle Eye at The University of Southern Mississippi. And students are going crazy. I, personally, spent an hour of my day in front of the camera at Fresh Food Company. I took a few screenshots of me posing in front of it with my friends, and in fact, I was told by many that they watched me while I was there. (This is excluding my Student Printz co-workers and friends – I told them to.) But, after playing around for an hour, I did some legitimate research and I’d like to clear a few things up so everyone can calm down just a little. 1. “I feel like Big Brother is watching me.” I heard this quote many times when I talked with students about the cams. However, no one is sitting there just watching you. I know that we’re all fabulous, and we’ve all had crazy significant others, some even stalkers – but y’all. Get with it. If you are in Starbucks or Fresh Food Company – you’ve already stepped into two of the most popular places on campus. And you don’t need the live feed to show people where you are because they’re probably there too. 2. “Its an invasion of privacy.” Well, no. It’s not. An invasion of privacy would be me reading your text messages over your shoulder or hiding in your shower while you use the bathroom. In this case, they would be invading your privacy if these cams were in your. You can’t invade privacy in a public space. If you’re standing in line at Starbucks and I walk in to Starbucks and see you, how is that any different than me looking at the camera and seeing you? It’s not. 3. “Invasion of Privacy” continued. The cameras are VERY far away. So, basically you see people walking around, talking to their friends, standing in line for coffee or food or studying, just like you do if you literally walk around campus. Also. There is no sound. So, while you’re gossiping or having a very intimate phone conversation in the Starbucks line (lol at this because you’re in a public place so why would you be doing private things like that) this live feed isn’t publishing that. So – once again, it’s just not an invasion of your privacy. 4. “The whole thing is pointless.” Of course it’s not pointless. Just because you don’t know the point or see the point or get the point or like the point doesn’t mean there isn’t a point. These cameras were installed to show off our campus to potential new students and/or faculty members. There are plans of having outdoor cameras put in to show off some of our cool features, like the
Lofty Return. Anyways, the point is, y’all are all conceited. These cameras weren’t to watch YOU. Ole Miss has four cameras (livefeed.olemiss.edu) and bigger schools have them too. It’s not a weird thing, folks. 5. “How are these beneficial at all?” Well aside from us potentially recruiting new students and/our faculty members – these cams could help YOU. Yes, you, the one complaining about them. How many times have you gone to the Fresh or Starbucks and the line be OUTRAGEOUS and you only have 10 minutes before class? But, you walked across campus to get there – so you have to make the heart-wrenching decision to eat or skip class. These cameras help you avoid that. Use the live feed, people, USE IT! 6. “These are creepy.” Nah, not really. You can make them creepy. Like, if my boyfriend says he’s going to Starbucks, I can of course be that crazy girlfriend that checks on him. OH. And he better not talk to that girl that is behind him in line. I’m kidding of course, but these cameras can be what you make it. Would you sit at your computer and watch the live feed of either of these places all day? No. Don’t even lie, you know you wouldn’t. So what makes you think anyone else wants to do that either? Also, these could make people be better people. I’ve heard of phones that have been stolen off the table at Starbucks or jackets left on the bench outside of the Fresh – well now that people know they’re being watched, they’ll probably think twice about doing something like that. Also – we might actually start brushing our hair or wear real clothes and not pajamas when we’re out in public – things we should do anyway. My point is – these cameras are truly harmless. And can be a lot of fun. I think everyone is just real paranoid. And, in the words of my friend Mary Alice, “I think everyone is losing their minds for no reason at all probably just need a little smooth jazz in their life.” OH. And I wrote a parody to “Roar” by Katy Perry. Enjoy!
I used to pick my nose and wedgies Then I found out they were watching me So I’ll wait patiently Til I’m off the live feed I used to dress really ugly to class Long tshirts that covered my a$$ But now I’ll look nice When I get my pumpkin spice They nailed them down (in reference to the cameras) Then put it up – The live feed that shows all of us You can’t hear a voice Or hear a sound It’s just people walking around I’ve got the eye of the eagle In starbucks, fresh food, and the College of Business, and you’re gonna see me wave Getting coffee, hanging out with friends, or Putting up buildings, you’re gonna see me wa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-a-ave I used to wonder where my crush was But now I don’t because Thanks to Eagle Eye I got all day to spy They nailed them down Then put it up The live feed that shows all of us Can’t hear a voice Can’t hear a sound It’s just people walking around I’ve got the eye of the eagle In starbucks, fresh food, and the College of Business, and you’re gonna see me wave Getting coffee, hanging out with friends, or Putting up buildings, you’re gonna see me wa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-a-ave Wave, wave, wave, wave, wa-a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-ave This was an article of opinion by Kristy Shelley, a writer for the Student Printz. Email questions or comments to kristy.shelley@eagles.usm.edu.
Courtesy Photo
Thursday, December 5, 2013
BASEBALL
SPORTS
Student Printz, Page 7
USM baseball hopes to return to the College World Series Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter
After finishing last season only one win away from winning the Conference USA title, The University of Southern Mississippi baseball team has the potential to achieve major success this season. With new additions to an already immensely talented team, Pete Taylor Park is sure to be rocking with powerful home runs, remarkable pitching and energetic Southern Miss fans. USM finished last season 3027 and 15-9 in conference play which many would agree it was a successful season. In regard to the team, they felt they were successful, but there is always room for improvement and growth. As the season draws near, the team is preparing for what should not only be a phenomenal season, but one that builds from last year’s successes and failures to accomplish greater goals. TEAM CHEMISTRY The relationship between players on a team is very important to obtaining success on the field. The team prides itself on playing and growing as a team on and off the field. Last season, the players had great chemistry. “This team has amazing chemistry and we are as confident than ever before,” said David Walley, a junior catcher from Richton, Miss. “We look forward to achieve big things and surprise a lot of people this year.” CONSISTENCY In 2012, there were spurts of impressive offensive outbursts
and dominant pitching. But, there were several times the team lacked the tenacity of continuing its success through nine innings. This was a major issue in the team’s ability to not only win games, but also win consecutive games within the season. Consistency should be an advantage for the Golden Eagles throughout the tough stretch in the season. STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE Southern Miss has always been regarded as a high-caliber program and the players feel they can play against any team in the country. The Golden Eagles are used to facing tough opponents each year throughout the regular season. Not to mention, many of the opponents are champions from their respective conferences and have reached the NCAA tournament beyond the regional round. The strength of the schedule doesn’t intimidate the Golden Eagles, but motivates them to rise to the top in beating high-ranking opponents. “We beat Ole Miss twice last year and played LSU, MSU and other top-ranked opponents,” said Mason Robbins, a junior outfielder and pitcher from Leakesville, Miss. “Our pitching is good enough to shutdown any higher- ranked opponent and our offense is capable of scoring enough runs to win games.” Southern Miss will face another tough schedule this year, playing 11 teams that reached the NCAA tournament in 2012. MAKING IT TO REGIONALS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT Losing 5-4 in a nail biter against Rice University in the conference tournament championship game
was a hard pill to swallow for the team. Not being able to win a conference championship and earn a regional spot in the NCAA Baseball Tournament was truly disappointing. It’s the goal in the forefront of every player’s mind when the season begins. “Earning a spot in regional play is our number one goal,” Walley said. “That is something our program prides itself on.” Prior to the beginning of last season, the team was coming off a tremendous year, making it to the College World Series. There was a certain level of expectation put on last year’s team after getting to the College World Series. Last year’s heartbreaking loss will serve as motivation as the team looks to focus on winning a conference championship, and making it to the regionals of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. THE IMPACT OF PLAYING AT HOME “It means so much to warm up on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon and see the stands packed in black and gold at Pete Taylor Park,” Walley said. “Having fans attend the games in support of the team makes the playing environment more intense and difficult for opponents.” “A Pete Taylor Park filled with school spirit from fans and students makes the opportunity for playing at home worth while,” said Jake Winston, a sophomore pitcher and infielder from Vidalia, La. This season, the Golden Eagles’ schedule features 29 regular season home games and the hosting of the C-USA Baseball Tournament in May. In 2012, the Golden Eagles went 19-12 at Pete Taylor Park.
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz Archives Freshman pitcher Jake Winston sends a pitch to home plate during the game played against the University of New Orleans at Pete Taylor Park last season.
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE TEAM The Golden Eagle baseball team have added several key additions who will have a major impact on the team throughout the season. These include junior catcher Matt Durst, freshman catcher Chuckie Robinson, junior infielder Michael Gilbert and freshman infielder and outfielder Dylan Burdeaux. These players, as well as other new players on the team, will be called upon to play early, and will have the opportunity to help the team reach its ultimate goal. HOSTING THE CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP “There would be nothing like dog piling at Pete Taylor Park in May with a conference championship in front of the best fans in the nation,” Walley said. “We want nothing more [than] to bring that home to them.” Southern Miss hosted the conference tournament in 2009. “It is definitely an added incentive to our season,” Winston said. “Having the opportunity to compete in front of our home crowd for a championship would certainly be remarkable after being so close to winning one year ago.” The 2014 Conference Championship will take place May 21-25,
2014 and will feature the top eight finishers in regular-season league play. The championship will also be the return of the double-elimination format the conference used from 1996-2009. THOUGHTS ON THE UPCOMING YEAR “As a team, we have the dedication and motivation to be successful in the upcoming season,” Robbins said. “If we do these two things: remain consistent and continue to build our team chemistry, we will the have opportunity to achieve many goals in the upcoming season.”
Page 8, Student Printz
The Student Printz
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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