SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • NOVEMBER 10, 2021 | VOLUME 107 | ISSUE 12
FACES
HIGH-FIVE ANIME
PG 4
PG 9
C-USA CHAMPIONSHIP
PG 12
Mississippi One Grant may impact how low income, minority students afford college
Charlie Luttrell | Printz
Sunset at Kennard-Washington Hall, which houses the Office of Financial Aid.
A’DARIUS MCCORMICK PRINTZ REPORTER
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ississippi’s Post Secondary Board unanimously voted to change the state’s financial programs, which will shift how low income and minority students pay for college. The proposed program, the Mississippi One grant, would award students based on their FASFA and ACT scores. This could allow incoming students to receive more money, as it changes the qualifications currently required. This change has the potential to affect a lot of students, as the Office of Financial Aid at Southern Miss reports that “more than 80 percent of the Southern Miss student population receives some form of financial assistance”. If the proposed plan does get full approval, the Mississip-
pi One grant will replace the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG), the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) and the Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP) grant programs here in Mississippi. David Williamson, the Director of Financial Aid at Southern Miss, believes the change in financial aid benefits the state and Southern Miss students. “Fiscally, the state can’t afford to maintain [the currently running programs], so I think they need to look at a different approach,” said Williamson. “[There] are some students who are right on the border of getting help, and they miss out by maybe a couple hundred dollars.” The Mississippi One Grant
promises big changes for prospective college students looking to receive financial aid. The proposal, however, would decrease the average rate awarded to lower income and minority students. In order to fund the program, the grant would take over one million dollars of financial aid from minority students in the state. Senior Kiara Stirgus seemed disheartened by the stat. “I think that they should keep it the same, but I think that [...] they should find another way to be able to serve more students if that’s what they want to do,” said Stirgus. “I definitely don’t think it should be at the cost of black students.” Williamson felt the numbers were unfair as well. “The cost overall [should] not create disparity amounts for any
race,” said Williamson. “[We’re ultimately] just trying to be as fair as possible to give everyone an opportunity to afford college.” While the Mississippi One grant will not affect students currently receiving financial aid, prospective college students should expect to see changes in the amount of aid they receive. To keep up to date on financial aid changes, visit the Office of Financial Aid’s website at www.usm.edu/financial-aid. This report initially aired on SMTV on Nov. 2, and was presented by A’Darius McCormick and Sariah Bonds. It has been transcribed by Student Printz’s Executive Editor Mary Murphy. To watch all episodes of SMTV, visit the Southern Miss Student Media’s YouTube page.
PHOTO GALLERY MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS SM2 News Director
Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu
Executive Editor
Mary Murphy mary.s.murphy@usm.edu
Entertainment/Features Editor Loren Jones loren.jones@usm.edu
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
Students protest incindiary preachers at Shoemaker Square SARAH KOFMAN SMTV EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
SMTV Executive Producers Sarah Kofman sarah.kofman@usm.edu Koby Moore koby.moore@usm.edu
SM2 Creative Director Lohn Lenoir lohn.lenoir@usm.edu
Printz Reporters
Cordaveon Carter cordaveon.carter@usm.edu Seth Daspit seth.daspit@usm.edu A’Darius McCormick adarius.mccormick@usm.edu Ben Milburn ben.milburn@usm.edu Dima Mixon joshua.mixon@usm.edu
A student holds a Pride flag in protest of the demonstrators’ anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
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.
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The children of one of the preachers stayed quiet throughout the demonstration.
PHOTO GALLERY
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
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Students are angered at a demonstrator’s comments at Shoemaker Square.
A student directly debates one of the preachers at the protest.
A student stands in contrast to one of the preacher’s signs, which says that “Rebellious Women”, “Potty Mouths” and “Drunkards” will go to Hell.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM NEWS A “High-Five” to the new anime store in Turtle Creek Mall LOREN JONES ENTERTAINMENT/FEATURES EDITOR
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n Nov. 5, Hattiesburg’s Turtle Creek Mall got a new anime store. Many anime fans are excited about this new store because it will allow them to have a physical place to examine and buy high quality merchandise. “It is a great way to see what new products are available to the public,” said Allison Smith, the president of Southern Miss’s Anime Club. “As well as get the opinion of others.” There were some concerns about High-Five Anime setting up in Turtle Creek, as many believe malls are becoming outdated. However, others disagree. “I feel like it was somewhat of a good decision. Hopefully, it will bring more business to the mall,” said Smith. High-Five Anime, owned by CEO Brandon Willis, initially started under another name, Blushies. The store began in 2018 as a kiosk at the mall in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At first, they only sold merch at anime
High-Five Anime’s storefront in Turtle Creek Mall.
cons, but a little before COVID hit, Willis decided to open a store. He now has four locations, which they have been slowly expanding due to COVID. “We have four stores, one in Louisiana, two in Texas and one in Mississippi,” Willis said. “We
come by and check out the latest merchandise and interact with others in the anime community. “Come, if you all want, we could figure something out. We are very community-based,” said Willis. Willis also said that customers can make a product suggestion on their Discord at HFA Hattiesburg. They hope customers will communicate with them through Discord to cater to both new and old shows, not leaving anyone out. “We want our community to talk to us. So, tell us what you would like to see,” said Willis. Not only do they have four locations, but customers may also encounter High-Five Anime at Loren Jones | Printz their local anime or Comic-Con. For more information about also have a contract for 92 more High-Five Anime, visit their stores with the CBL properties, Facebook page at High-Five so if there is a CBL property Anime or visit their store online anywhere, I can open a store at highfiveanime.shop. The store there.” is located right across from Hot When Willis found out about Topic near the food court at Turthe Anime Club at Southern Miss, he said they are welcome to tle Creek Mall.
NEWS
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM
Wednesday’s ‘Twin Plagues’ confronts lingering memories SETH DASPIT PRINTZ REPORTER
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ithin the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, DIY band Wednesday is making new waves within shoegaze and country. Wednesday, a five-piece band, released their latest album, ‘Twin Plagues’, back in August. In it, frontwoman Karly Hartzman confronts lingering memories and anxieties throughout life. ‘Twin Plagues’s’ closing song, “Ghost of a Dog”, is a genuine cover of an Edie Brickell song, which doubles as a recollected memory. Hartzman sings it the same way her father did to her growing up, intentionally leaving out some of the original lyrics. This type of personal and captivating subject matter is consistent throughout the
record. But Hartzman was also upfront about how there were a number of subjects she couldn’t fully remember. “There was a new perspective gained that added new emotions to what I thought were moments frozen in time,” said Hartzman. A prime example of this was the track “Birthday Song”, where a group of high schoolers drop acid in a random living room. The trip dramatically peaked with a friend jumping out of a window, breaking his foot. “It became a traumatic memory in more aspects than just, ‘My friend broke his foot’,” Hartzman said. “When you’re 24 looking back on high school memories, you realize that there are so many things you didn’t realize were really wrong and
scary just because you didn’t have the experience yet to know.” It’s hard to handle monumental topics like that in song. For Hartzman, however, there is a formula she follows that helps her process her thoughts. “I like when the music crescendos at the climax of the story. It adds to the narrative so much when the music follows the lyrics instead of vice versa, in my opinion,” Hartzman said. Instrumentally, Hartzman is complimented by guitarist Jake Lenderman, bassist Margo Shultz, drummer Alan Miller and lap steel player Xandy Chelmis. Chelmis’s lap steel is a unique choice for an instrument, as primarily seen in country genres, not the noise-oriented shoegaze. It wasn’t his first choice, either. Chelmis said that, when he jammed with Wednesday for the first time, he played guitar and synth. However, when he tried his hand at a lap steel laying on the floor, he fell in love with the sound. “I put it through [the] pedals for the first time and it sounded so, so crazy,” said Chelmis. “Putting it through distortion and other effects makes for this awesome hybrid sound between guitar and synth.” Wednesday makes really
good use of that sound for its music, too. “One More Last One”, written by Chelmis, is a well-crafted song following the blueprints of shoegaze. Chelmis’s lap steel twirls behind his haunting voice, harmonizing with Hartzman’s. Add to that Miller’s kick drum, and the song becomes so rhythmically catchy that the listener’s foot cannot help but tap along. To support the kind and talented members of Wednesday, visit their Bandcamp merch page at wednesdayband.bandcamp.com/ merch and consider buying their shirts, handman by Hartzman. You should also be on the lookout for the band’s third album, which the group has already started recording. If ‘Twin Plagues’ is any indication, there will be a lot more sonic imagery to explore in it. In the meantime, you can listen to the various Asheville side projects the band members are involved in, such as MJ Lenderman, Nash to Stoudemire, Colin Miller and Lavender Blue. If you’re passing through Asheville, you can find a lot of records from these bands and other DIY acts in Static Age Records, which doubles as a local record store and venue.
ENTERTAINMENT
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
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‘Limp Bizkit Still Sucks’ doesn’t suck BEN MILBURN PRINTZ REPORTER
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t feels like it’s 2003 again as Limp Bizkit has finally released its sixth studio album, ‘Limp Bizkit Still Sucks’. After 10 long years, the sometimes “nu-metal”, sometimes “rap” band is back in full force. If you grew up watching WWE in the early 2000s, there’s a good chance you have heard this loudmouth act before. They are known for their controversial music style and lyrics. Fred Durst and his crew are back, and if there is one thing I want to emphasize during this album review, it’s that they did not hold back. A lot of strange things have happened over the last two years, but I definitely did not see a new Limp Bizkit album coming anytime soon. I was interested in ‘Still Sucks’ the second I heard about it. I’ll now take you through my thoughts about the album track by track. Track 1, “Out of Style”: I truly don’t think a better song could have opened this album. It sounds like they haven’t missed a beat. Limp Bizkit is well known for playing The Undertaker’s theme song, “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)”, and this song taps into that same energy. This song also features some of the best guitar riffs on this album, and that’s definitely saying something. Track 2, “Dirty Rotten Bizkit”: This song sets the tone
for the rest of this album, as it is easily one of the biggest stand out tracks from the release. The bridge in this song particularly sounds like it came straight out of the early 2000s. Track 3, “Dad Vibes”: This was one of two songs released before the album came out. It got a lot of people talking about Limp Bizkit’s long delayed sixth album, as Fred Durst first played this song through the PA system at their Lollapalooza set back in July. The “dad” fit he wore during the performance also got a lot of attention online, and all of the hype was worth it. Track 4, “Turn It Up, Bitch”: This is another song that made its debut back at LB’s set at Lollapalooza, though this one it was played live. This track features lots of Durst’s typical rapping style while taking a few shots at the band’s critics. Track 5, “Don’t Change”: If you thought this album was going to be predictable, this song would prove you wrong. This is actually an acoustic ballad, which is very out of the norm for this band and allows them to flex their musical talents more. This song is actually a cover of another song by the band INXS, but it works well here. Track 6, “You Bring Out the Worst in Me”: The beginning of this track also sounds very
different from a typical Bizkit song. But it gets loud very quickly with a sick breakdown. Durst’s vocals truly shine on this track as he screams about how he wants to haunt someone. Track 7, “Love the Hate”: The title for this track is quite fitting. It features a lot of criticism Durst and Limp Bizkit have heard over the years. The song ultimately pokes fun at all of their critics. It is a track directly aimed at their haters, and they even claim during the chorus that LB doesn’t give a you-know-what about its criticism. Track 8, “Barnacle”: The title for this track is tied to its main message. This song talks about people who continue to stick around without you wanting them to be there. This is a direct comparison to barnacles, hence the name. This track’s sound is definitely influenced by grunge, and specifically by Nirvana, which I think works well. Track 9, “Empty Hole”: If you thought one acoustic track was surprising, then hang on to your hat, as this album features another acoustic track. I actually prefer this acoustic track out as Durst really shows how well-rounded of a singer he is. He can sing, scream, rap -- if you ask me, he’s a true vocalist. This song is also an original, unlike the previous acoustic track. Track 10, “Pill Popper”:
This song is very metalcore influenced. The guitar riffs are really sick and pull this song through to its end. Durst’s screams sound especially great on this track. It also works well for its story, as the song is about the consequences of being addicted to pills. Track 11, “Snacky Poo”: This song is probably the track that includes the most jokes in it, as it has Durst’s comedic rapping stylings. The track seems to be about “clout chasers” and how Durst couldn’t care less about them. It also features a hilarious prank phone call at the end, which was a nice touch. Track 12, “Goodbye”: Many have said this song is very “boyband-esc”, and Durst’s vocals definitely sold it. The title of the track and the outro also leads me to believe that ‘Still Sucks’ could possibly be Limp Bizkit’s last release. Only time will tell, though. I definitely enjoyed ‘Still Sucks’. Even if I wasn’t already a fan of Limp Bizkit, this album would make me one. I would have to say “Barnacle” and “Pill Popper” are my top two favorite tracks, but I think all of the songs have something good in them. I would give ‘Limp Bizkit Still Sucks’ a 9/10 overall. I think Limp Bizkit really knocked it out the park with this one.
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NOVEMBER 10, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM
‘Halloween Kills’ brings back the king of slasher movies LOHN LENOIR SM2 CREATIVE DIRECTOR
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or most people who celebrate Halloween, the month of October is full of fun, scares and candy. This is the time of year where we can dress up and pretend to be someone else. The opportunities are endless. However, in the new movie ‘Halloween Kills’, October is only known as the month Michael Myers returns. Michael Myers is a horror icon. He is both one of the first and one of the best known slasher killers horror has ever seen. His legacy is strong in ‘Halloween Kills’, and most of the movie shows how he haunts the town of Springfield. Laurie Strode, once again played by Jamie Lee Curtis, has been haunted by Michael Myers since 1978. She has devoted her life to ending his, and, even though she’s tried time and time again, she has always failed. Her obsession with Myers has only grown over the years, to the point that he almost always consumes her thoughts. It has even ruined her personal relationships with her daughter and granddaughter. It makes sense why Laurie is so obsessed with Myers. His evil spirit, forever trapped inside of a mortal man’s body, has stalked her for years, killing her friends and family. What else can she do? It doesn’t help that the town of Springfield tends to forget about Michael Myers. Some of the victims are too young to remember the town’s horrored past. But most of the victims just foolishly ignore the threat. Laurie is only ever seen as the crazy old woman that lives in the past. So, while most people celebrate Halloween, Laurie patiently waits for Myers to once again return. For a while, things seem fine.
Kids in costumes trick or treat. Couples stay at home to enjoy frightening movies. But Michael Myers returns once again, as willing to kill as ever. Sadly, Laurie Strode once again remains the only one that is prepared. But the town of Springfield starts to notice these murderous patterns. They form a group to chase down Myers, and believe that odds weigh heavily in their favor. Even though most of them have never come in contact with an evil spirit before, they believe they can beat Michael Myers with enough determination. However, they are soon surprised that their mortal weapons do not work. No average joe can harm Michael Myers. They just become new targets. Their reactions to this vary. For many, it is a matter of belief and disbelief. Is he still alive? Is he real? Is he just some guy in a mask? This means most of the victims carelessly await their deaths as Michael Myers approaches. But when Myers does approach, they realize just the mistake they’ve made. Fear starts to overcome them from the inside out. As they look into the eyes of death, their bodies become paralyzed. They realize that Micheal Myers is real, that he is an evil force and that he has no remorse. He does not fear death. Micheal Myers is death. ‘Halloween Kills’ is a fantastic entry into the ‘Halloween’ franchise, and really shows how the character operates. It shows how, while fear can be restricted by man, evil cannot. It is as real as the breath in your lungs. ‘Halloween Kills’ proves that evil can not be contained...only accepted.
8 ENTERTAINMENT
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM
Summer Walker dives deep into her emotions in ‘Still Over It’ CORDAVEON CARTER PRINTZ REPORTER
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his past weekend, R&B singer Summer Walker released her third studio album, titled ‘Still Over It’. It’s a direct sequel to her previous album, ‘Over It’, and has been highly anticipated for years now. With a length of 20 songs and a run time of one hour and four minutes, ‘Still Over It’ was great from top to bottom. Even before this album dropped, everyone was talking about it. Walker has
worked on this album since 2019 while she was still pregnant. The birth of her child pushed the album release date back some more, only adding to the hype. Walker then went through a breakup with her then boyfriend LondonOnDaTrack, who is a very successful producer. This added more fuel to the fire, and everyone wanted to know how she would handle these deep and personal subjects. A few days after ‘Still Over
It’ dropped, some people were joking about how they were going to slide down the wall to better handle the album’s pain. Walker also knew the pain she talked about in this album. In an interview with Revolt, she explained the main messages of ‘Still Over It’, and what she wants listeners to take from it. “[I take] this opportunity to learn from my mistakes,” Walker said. “You don’t have to guess if something is love. Love is shown through actions. Stop making excuses for people who don’t show up for you. Don’t ignore the red flags. And don’t think you have to stay somewhere ‘cause you can’t find better -- you can[,] and you will. Don’t settle for less -- you don’t deserve it, and neither does your family.” After listening to it, I must say ‘Still Over It’ did all of that, and did so perfectly. I think this album is the best R&B release of this year so far. Of course, I say “so far” because Silk Sonic’s ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ drops this Friday and I have big expectations for it. But that is for next week’s music spotlight. But even after ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ drops,
‘Still Over It’ will remain a great project. She has features from a lot of top artists, including Cardi B, SZA, The City Girls, Lil Durk, Pharrell, Omarion and Ciara, which added onto the already excellent production. It captured the heartbreak and the betrayal Walker felt throughout its creation, and turned it into a learning experience. She goes off on this album and lets her feelings be deeply heard. She also provides a sense of relatability with her music, which is why I love her as an artist. Walker is one of the most down-to-Earth musicians out there, and she understands everybody has been through some sort of hurt. She channels that energy and puts it into her music, and you can hear it in every single song on that album. Out of 20 songs on the album, 14 found a permanent home in my music library. My favorite song was “Unloyal” featuring Ari Lennox. The final rating that I would give ‘Still Over It’ is 7.5/10. Definitely Grammy nomination worthy!
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The re-release of 2014 mixtape ‘Faces’ continues Mac Miller’s legend KOBY MOORE SMTV EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
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t’s been three years since the Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller passed away, but the “Rap Diablo’s” legacy continues to live his family, his friends, his videos and, most importantly, his music. On Oct. 15, ‘Faces’, his 2014 mixtape, was re-released on all music streaming platforms and on vinyl. This is considered one of Mac Miller’s most popular mixtapes and has extremely positive reviews. ‘Faces’ has 25 tracks total, clocking in at an hour and thirty-one minutes. Initially, I did not enjoy how long the mixtape was. 20 plus songs is never an easy thing to get through, with either an album or mixtape. That was part of the reason why I never had a chance to sit down and listen to the whole thing back in 2014. The only songs I ever heard from ‘Faces’ before the re-release were “Diablo” and “Insomniak (ft. Rick Ross)”, which I enjoyed. But now, having listened to all 25 tracks on this re-release, I think the music makes the length well worth it. Miller’s rapping ability remains top-notch, and the features throughout ‘Faces’ -- including ScHoolboy Q , Sir Michael Rocks and Da$h -- were second to none. It’s hard to pick a favorite feature, but some top contenders are Rick Ross (“Insomniak”), Earl Sweatshirt (“Polo Jeans”), Vince Staples (“Rain”) and Mike Jones (“Uber”).
The first track, “Inside Outside”, caught my attention right out the gate. Miller has always been gifted with lyrics and storytelling, and ‘Faces’ is no exception. The opening lyrics of “Inside Outside” also take on a whole new eerie and grim meaning, something which persists throughout ‘Faces’. Miller always put a lot of his life into his lyrics, including the demons he struggled against, and they’re easy to find while listening. It’s weird and a bit tough to listen to at first, but after a while, you start embracing the journey he takes you on. The next track, “Here We Go”, might be my favorite track on the entire mixtape. Miller pulls everything he can from his rapping bag and just neutralizes the beat. My favorite line from that track was “Tryna be a legend by tomorrow / They say I can’t, I'm determined to prove ‘em wrong though”. Other standout tracks on this mixtape were “Diablo”, “Insomniak”, “Friends”, “Malibu”, “Polo Jeans” and “Ave Maria”. But those are far from the only songs worth listening to. I loved the production on this mixtape. These beats seemed to fit Miller like a glove. He delivered on almost every beat, always perfectly spitting a verse. The beat on “Rain”, which was produced by 9th Wonder, might have
been my favorite, but I can’t not mention “Insomniak” (produced by ID Labs, Big Jerm and ShodBeats) and “Ave Maria” (produced by Larry Fisherman, Miller’s alter ego), which were also standout beats on this mixtape. I enjoyed taking a ride down memory lane with Mac Miller. This album just took me back to when I was in high school. I also just listened to ‘Watching Movies with The Sound Off’, the album before this mixtape came out, which was still great. Sadly, this mixtape is also another example of Mac
Miller’s potential. Miller was so underrated when he was alive, and only really started getting recognition when he died. He was so good and nowhere near his prime. I’m glad ‘Faces’ was re-released because it really showed off the gems he was able to create while he was still here. I give this mixtape a 8.5 out of 10, and recommend that everyone listens to it when they have the time. Rest in peace, Mac Miller -know that your fans can continue to celebrate your life and spirit through your music.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 10 SPORTS Cross Country runner leads team in first season back from injury
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CHARLIE LUTTRELL SM2 NEWS DIRECTOR
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unior Lina May has led Southern Miss Cross Country through its first four events this year. May has reached new heights in her first outdoor season back from an injury that sidelined her in the previous season. May, a seven-time high school state champion from Vancleave, Mississippi, shone in her first two seasons at Southern Miss. However, May suffered a stress fracture injury that took her out of the 2020 outdoor season. She said that, though her injury slowed her down, it also taught her valuable lessons. “It was tough, that’s for sure,” May said. “It was a long process and whenever I got hurt, I was definitely in the best shape I’d been in my life. So when that happened, it was rough because I knew I was going to have a good cross season. [... It] was tough not getting to do the thing I love every single day and get out there and travel with the team, but I definitely learned from it. May said she thinks of herself as a smarter runner now, as she understands the importance of recovery. But throughout her recovery process, when she trained by biking, swimming and aqua jogging, she still longed to get back on the trail. She had the opportunity to return to the track at the end of Southern Miss’s 2021 indoor campaign. While former Cross Country Head Coach Aaron Kindt insisted that May rest through this season, Head Coach Jon Stuart pushed for her to run. May officially returned at the C-USA Indoor Championships, where she finished fifth in both the 3000m and 5000m races, earning key points for Southern Miss. Her points helped the team win its first Indoor Championship in program
history. “I was just so stoked and excited to get back out there again,” May said. “I always love running, I just feel free when I’m running and being stuck in a pool for three months or however long it was was not fun to me at all. I was just so excited and I wanted to go faster and start doing higher mileage instantly but I had to ease into it.” This wasn’t the only change May had to get used to, either. Southern Miss announced Nick Gibson as the new Cross Country Head Coach weeks before the team’s first event. Though there were concerns about how the move would affect runners, May seems to have taken the change in stride. She eased into 16th place in the North Alabama Showcase with a personal record of 17:25.55 in the 5K, giving her the fifth-best time in the event in program history. The showcase was only the start of a standout season for May, who has placed within the top 25 during all four of Southern Miss’s races this season, including a ninth-place finish at Notre Dame’s Joe Piane
Invitational. Recently, she also managed a fourth-place finish at the C-USA Cross Country Championships. The fourth-place finish, which she made with a time of 21:08.5, earned her First-Team All-Conference honors for the first time in her career. “Lina has been that consistent piece at the top for our team all season,” Gibson said. “She’s worked extremely hard to put herself in the position that she’s in and I’m happy for her to get the recognition that she deserves with the All-Conference award.” May said she handled the conference championships differently. Though she mostly felt left out of the competition as a freshman and sophomore, she was more comfortable competing this year. Still, she said learned some important things at this event. “At the conference [championships], I felt like I was so far away from third place and whenever I was finishing, I felt like they were just way ahead of me and then looking back at the times, I realized I was only two seconds behind. [...]
Lina May (black) leads the Golden Eagles with four Top 25 finishes in 2021. | Photo from Southern Miss Athletics
I’ve definitely stepped back until I’m like what can I do to take it to the next level and what can I do better in any way,” May said. May’s dedication to her sport shows through her rigid routine, as she gets up at 4:30 a.m. before practices. “I just feel like I’m still asleep if I don’t wake up an hour before. I like to drink my coffee, read my Bible in the morning and I just like to have some time to wake up and relax before we get out there and start running,” May said. However, May is not solely focused on her sport. She values her friendships immensely, and said that her experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic gave her a new perspective on rest and relationships. “My priorities kind of shifted with COVID. Family, friends, your relationships -- that’s what’s most important, not even school, not running,” May said. May prioritizes balance, and tries playing guitar, enjoying coffee and hanging out with friends in her free time. She also frequently volunteers, and earned the C-USA Spirit of Service Award in 2019. Last month, she held a charitable event on campus that had all the proceeds go to the Edwards Street Fellowship Center. But, with less than two weeks until the NCAA South Regional, May once again pours her energy into the preparation process. “I go into practice every day and show up focused and ready, not being afraid of the pain that’s going to be in that race and be ready to be uncomfortable. It’s a 24-hour job and it takes a lot of work[,] but I enjoy it,” May said. May and Southern Miss Cross Country will travel to Huntsville, Alabama to participate in the NCAA South Regional on Nov. 12.
SPORTS
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Southern Miss collapses, falls 38-14 to North Texas DIMA MIXON PRINTZ REPORTER
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outhern Miss lost to North Texas 38-14 after the Mean Green scored 38 unanswered points, dropping its seventh straight game and falling to 1-8 and 0-5 in C-USA. This is the longest losing streak Southern Miss football has experienced since 2013, when Southern Miss went 0-23. On its first possession, Southern Miss drove right down the field. Frank Gore Jr. ran a 38yard rush, which was his longest run of the season. Jake Lange then found Jason Brownlee and
completed a 17-yard pass. Southern Miss scored within five plays. “It was all consistent execution,” said Head Coach Will Hall. “We ran five plays and executed five plays.” On North Texas’s second drive, quarterback Austin Aune rifled the ball, which was tipped by Cam Harrell and intercepted by Jay Stanley. Stanley returned the ball 55 yards for a touchdown. It was Southern Miss's first pick six since 2019 against UAB. "It felt pretty good. It was a lot of emotion, but after [it,] I had to focus on the game," Stanley
said. This was the first game that Southern Miss has led by double digits after the first quarter all season. Southern Miss led in total yards 104-89, and Lange was dominating as quarterback. Things were looking up for Southern Miss. They looked like an entirely different team. But North Texas's second drive of the second quarter began Southern Miss’s collapse. The Mean Green would drive the ball down 83 yards within 4:36 to score their first touchdown. Southern Miss had chances to get off the field during that drive -- for example, when North Texas had a first and 30. Nevertheless, North Texas’s Isaiah Johnson rushed up the middle from 8 yards out and cut the lead to 14-7. On the next drive, Southern Miss went three and out, which was their fourth punt in a row. North Texas got the ball at their nine-yard line. They would put together a 17-play, 91-yard drive. Southern Miss made an impressive goal-line stand to end the half. But the play wasn’t enough to save the game. The second half started with a quick three and out by Southern Miss, which then led to North Texas scoring a game tying touchdown. After another three and out for Southern Miss, North Texas conducted a four-play, 64 yard-drive in under two minutes to take their first lead of the game at 21-14. "I thought they pounded it. We haven't seen a back like those guys other than Alabama," Hall said. Lange would be sacked on the
next drive for Southern Miss, and Grayson Murphy ran the fumble back 37 yards for a touchdown. That sucked the life out of the 22,478 fans who were there at M.M. Roberts Stadium, and things only got worse from there. On the next drive for Southern Miss, they turned the ball over on downs in North Texas's territory. The Mean Green responded on a 15-play, 71-yard drive and tacked on a field goal to extend their lead to 31-14. After the game, Hall said that Southern Miss’s problems are not just tied to the team’s morale. "It's not a morale problem, we [as coaches] have to put them in positions and if they [the players] don't execute, then we need to recruit to get guys in here that will execute it,” Hall said. In their first drive of the fourth quarter, North Texas milked about four minutes off the clock. Unfortunately for Southern Miss, their offensive struggles continued. Former student coach and current quarterback Jake Smithhart lost the ball, and North Texas picked up the fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. “[It was] another tough defeat," Hall said. "We just aren't a good football team. We are having difficulty completing a pass.” North Texas ended the game with 537 yards to Southern Miss's 229 yards. "We [as the defense] need to complete the game, and I need to be a better leader," Stanley said. Southern Miss will travel to San Antonio next Saturday to take on the ranked University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners.
12 SPORTS
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM
Southern Miss falls short of C-USA Championship in loss to Old Dominion
CHARLIE LUTTRELL SM2 NEWS DIRECTOR
S
outhern Miss Soccer’s historic run came to an end as Old Dominion beat the Golden Eagles in the C-USA Finals in a 1-0 match. “These ladies have given it their best. I'm proud of the effort, the resiliency that they have shown throughout the year and the group that they have become,” Head Coach Mohammed El-Zare said. Southern Miss put together a historic season despite incredible odds. The team’s championship run came only months removed from a loss in the C-USA Semifinals last season. They lost a number of key seniors and added 11 freshmen to its squad. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Golden Eagles had one of its strongest seasons, winning ten games overall, and were crowned division champions for the first time in program history. The Golden Eagles also had four students named to All-Conference USA teams, had five C-USA Player of the Week awards and had the
C-USA Freshman of the Year, Ilana Izquierdo. However, Old Dominion earned the milestone Southern Miss had longed for. The Golden Eagles had its second shot at the C-USA Title, having only reached the C-USA Final once before, losing against North Texas in penalty shootouts back in 2018. The Monarchs controlled the pace throughout the game and limited Southern Miss’s chances to three shots on goal. Old Dominion’s defensive performance handed the Golden Eagles its first scoreless match since a 0-0 draw against North Texas on Sept. 24. The only score in the game came in the twentieth minute as Old Dominion’s Morgan Hall headed a ball past senior goalkeeper Kendell Mindnich. While Southern Miss began its previous match against UAB with a 1-0 deficit, the Monarchs thwarted the Golden Eagles’ attacks. Southern Miss started the game outshooting Old Dominion 9-4, but the Monarchs only allowed two shots in the second
Graduate student Macie Pennington dribbles the ball against Old Dominion. | Photo from Southern Miss Athletics
half while they earned six. Southern Miss’s closest shot came near the end of the first half, as Madisyn Flammia fired a shot that sailed to Old Dominion’s goal. However, Kasey Perry made a jumping save to prevent the score. While Mindnich allowed the first shot against her in the game, she shut down all of the Monarchs’ attacks for the rest of the game, earning six saves in her final game at Southern Miss. Mindnich finishes her career as the winningest goalkeeper in Southern Miss history, becoming the all-time single-season
shutout leader with a career total of 176 saves. Southern Miss’s other three returning seniors similarly led the team through their tournament. Ariel Diaz recorded one goal and two assists, Alice Campos fired eight shots and Macie Pennington made two starts on the defense and had a key save in the win against FAU. “The seniors have left this program better than they found it, and I thank them deeply from the bottom of my heart,” El-Zare said.