TODAY
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See page 8 for a full rundown of Saturday’s victory against East Carolina
S P The
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Tuesday, November 18 2008
Volume 93, Issue 26
Post-election racial tensions reach campus
Verbal, physical abuse spark need for discussion of race relations Meryl Dakin Printz Writer
David N. Jackson/Printz
Andrea Gibbs-Henson of Camp Sister Spirit Folk School waves the rainbow flag with pride on Hardy Street. About 25 gay and straight people came out in protest of Proposition 8.
Hub City protests Prop 8 decision Lesley Walters News Editor
U
SM’s Gay Straight Alliance participated in a national protest Saturday afternoon on the south sidewalk of Hardy Street in response to California voters’ approval of Propostion 8, an amendment to the state’s Constitution defining marriage as being between a male and a female. According to a Los Angeles Times report, 60 percent of California voters supported a similar proposition during the 2000 elections, when Proposition 22 defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. In May, the California Supreme Court overturned that proposition and thousands of same-sex couples married in the following months. During the elections two weeks ago, 52.2 percent of voters, over 6 million people supported the new proposition, according to a Los Angeles Times report. Anna Davis, a senior public relations major from Houston, said the GSA held the protest in Hattiesburg because, while Mississippi legislation supporting gay marriage may be “far-fetched,” the amendment in California ruined a dream for many in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender community. “You would think, at least in California, we would have equality,” Davis said. “So it’s kind of a slap in the face, and not just for California, but for everybody … A lot of people move out there because they think they’re going to be equal, but then something like Prop. 8 passes.” Davis said the amendment is comparable to discrimination, and that calling samesex marriage a civil union is an example
‘‘
Seperate but equal has never worked. You’d think we had learned from our history.
’’
-Anna Davis, senior
of “separate but equal.” “Separate but equal has never worked,” Davis said. “You’d think we would learn from our history.” When the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in May, it based the ruling on a 60-year-old precedent that overturned a California ban on interracial marriage, according to a Los Angeles Times article.
Ronald Beasley, a junior history major from Waynesboro, Miss., said the local protest Saturday was an act of opposition against Proposition 8 and similar propositions in Arizona and Florida. Perhaps a million protestors participated in the opposition in more than 300 cities, he added. Beasley and Davis are two of the threeperson council that heads GSA at Southern Miss. They have both been in their fair share of protests before. Beasley, who went to a July protest in Washington, D.C., said the rally Saturday “had a more local feel to it.” “I think I knew 80 percent of the people who were there,” Beasley said. “I could see people I knew and they knew each other, and they were feeding off each other and just getting louder and louder.” He added that an estimated 50 people participated in the Hardy Street protest against Prop. 8. There were also several spectators watching from the Southern Miss campus. Shane Holman, a senior political science major from Tampa, Fla., said most passersby were “enthusiastic and supportive.” “We got support from people just driving down the road, honking and cheering,” Holman said. “I was really expecting people to be on the other side protesting, and I really didn’t see much opposition to the protest.”
Episodes of verbal and physical abuse surfaced the day after the election, stemming from Barack Obama’s victory Nov. 4. Obama supporter Maria Newman, senior photojournalism major from Petal, said she heard the phrase “paint the White House black” from a few black students on campus. “There was a girl yelling about how it was ‘God’s will,’” Newman said. “She said, ‘I believe God came down and said, Barack! Gather your people!’ I wanted to scream ‘I’m his people too! He’s half white.’” Newman said she is especially disheartened by the recent events because she feels that they undermine Obama’s message. “Obama is about unity; he is two races united in one,” she said. “Racism is against all he stands for, so the black people who are making racist comments about white people obviously missed Obama’s message altogether.” “Just because I’m white doesn’t mean I voted for McCain,” said Kaycie Hall, junior English and French major from Jackson. Hall, an ardent Obama supporter, said she was walking to class last Wednesday when a black male stopped her and demanded to know who she’d voted for. He then made vulgar remarks about McCain, insinuating Hall had supported him, she said. “I guess he made an assumption about who I voted for because I’m white,” she said. “I just felt shocked by it. It surprised me and I wasn’t expecting that sort of thing
to happen.” Were Southern Miss’s incidents of racial tension merely isolated events or did they point to a new wave of racial profiling on college campuses across the south? Stephen Cherry, professor of sociology at USM, says there’s nothing to panic about. “I think this is one of those issues, because race is involved, any time one incident occurs everyone wants to rally around and say ‘is this a big deal?’” Cherry said. “If the entire campus exploded into a giant race riot then we can start talking about something, but I don’t think it’s helpful to just start discussing those incidents.” Cherry believes the blame rests on both sides. “If you have a few radicals on one side of the fence leading up to the election … it’s only natural that you would see some sort of radical reaction after the election by a few,” Cherry said. Cherry also discussed some of the statistics from the exit polls. He said that 54 percent of the people who thought race was a big issue voted for Obama, while 46 percent voted for McCain, indicating that Obama’s race helped him win the election. These results are similar to those extracted from a USM survey of 100 and 200 level political science classes in which 94 percent of black students said they supported Obama. With such an imbalance of support among black people, the question of priority came up: did a vote for Obama reflect support for his policy or his pigment? Cherry said that although the data isn’t available to answer that question, focusing on the racial see RACE on page 3
see Prop 8 on page 3
Eaglepalooza: The night in pictures on page 7 Submitted photo
Last year’s Songfest participants raised $25,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year’s Songfest takes place Thursday in Reed Green Coliseum.
Songfest Thursday Chi Omega raise funds for Make-A-Wish Andie Szabo Printz Writer
This Thursday, at 6 p.m., Chi Omega’s 57th annual philanthropy Songfest will commence in Reed Green Coliseum. Songfest is a choral competition between Greek organizations with a Christmas twist. A silent auction and other entertainment will take place between acts. The proceeds from the silent auction, donations and any money raised through Songfest will go to Chi Omega’s philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation,
which provides a final wish for terminally ill children. Last year, Chi Omega was able to raise $25,000. Each wish costs approximately $5,000, so five children’s wishes came true last year because of Songfest. One of the children whose wish was fulfilled by the foundation will be a special guest judge this year. Barbara Wakeland, a senior political science major from Brandon, is in charge of this year’s Songfest. “Songfest really kicks off the holiday season in Hattiesburg see Songfest on page 3
Page 2|News
www.studentprintz.com |Tuesday, November 18, 2008
CampusEvents
STUDENT PRINTZ CRIME MAP: Nov. 10 - 12, 2008
Andy Hess/Printz
Editor’s Note: The Student Printz wants to make sure the students feel safe on campus and around town so we’ve decided to add a map to go along with the Dirty Birds. This, hopefully, will give students an idea of where the majority of crimes are happening on campus. You can view an interactive map on our Web site: www.studentprintz.com.
DirtyBirds
11-10-08
•Payne Center - Petit Larceny - A student reported his keys as lost. 11-11-08 •The Hub City Market - Harassing Phone Calls - Incident report on file. •Pinehaven Apt - Larceny - A resident reported the theft of two Next brand bikes, one was red and the other blue and silver. •31st Ave. - Motor Vehicle Accident - MS Uniform Crash report on file. •Walker Science Bldg - Petit Larceny - A staff member reported the theft of an Epson Powerlite 1815p projector. •Payne Center - Petit Larceny - A student reported the theft of a Nokia Krazer cell phone. •Owings-McQuagge - Citizen Complaint -
Report on file. •Thad Cochran Center - Shoplifting - Two students walked through the food line refusing to pay. •Thad Cochran Center - Disturbance Employee related; incident report on file. •Ross Blvd - Motor Vehicle Accident Incident report on file. 11-12-08 •Theater and Dance - Medical Assist - AAA ambulance responded but the reporting party declined transport. Each event is color coordinated with the placemarkers on the map.
--Compiled by Andy Hess
TODAY •All Day -- “Breaking the Veils: Women Artists from the Islamic World” -- Hattiesburg Train Depot •10 a.m. -- Free November Festival, exhibition -- Museum of Art •5 p.m. -- Lt. Col. John H. Dale, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series -- Thad Cochran Center Ballroom •6 p.m. -- Telia Brewer Senior Voice Recital -- Marsh Auditorium •7 p.m. -- Men’s Basketball v. Alabama State -- Reed Green Coliseum •7:30 p.m. -- String Chamber Music Recital -Marsh Auditorium •7:30 p.m. -- Jazz Lab Bands Concert -Mannoni Performing Arts Center •7:30 p.m. -- Theatre presents “Down the Road” by Lee Blessing -- Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre •8 p.m. -- Wesley Foundation JAM -- Wesley Foundation TOMORROW •All Day -- “Breaking the Veils: Women Artists from the Islamic World” -- Hattiesburg Train Depot •10 a.m. -- Free November Festival, exhibition -- Museum of Art •3 p.m. -- Curator speaks about Camp Shelby, Miss. Armed Forces Museum -- Cook Library Room 123 •6 p.m. -- String Chamber II Recital -- Marsh Auditorium •7:30 p.m. -- Theatre presents “Down the Road” by Lee Blessing -- Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre •7:30 p.m. -- Traverser Saxophone Quartet Concert -- Marsh Auditorium
CAMPUS BRIEFS •A collection of English neoclassical pottery will be on display at the Dubard School for Language Disorders November 14 – 21. The collection is on loan from an anonymous donor whose child has a speech difficulty. •Former Ambassador Wyche Fowler will be the inaugural speaker of the Lt. Col. John H. Dale Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series in International Security and Global Policy, today at 5:00 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom. •Chad Daniels, director of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, will speak about the history of Camp Shelby as part of the Fall 2008 University Library Speaker Series, Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Cook Library Room 123. •USM Department of Coastal Sciences Professor Robin Overstreet was recently given the Innovation Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in marine parasitology and pathobiology. Overstreet has authored over 300 peerreviewed articles. •Events being held in connection with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week continue today with a canned food drive, which will run through Friday, and Habitat for Humanity workdays, today and tomorrow from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Other events include a Salvation Army Food Distribution Friday and Christian Services’ Community Kitchen Wednesday. Students are encouraged to wear an orange ribbon to raise awareness of the week. More information can be found in Union Room 221.
-- Compiled by Bob Worth
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www.studentprintz.com |News
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | Page 3
30 years later, survivor remembers tragedy at Jonestown Kathleen Kreller
McClatchy Newspapers
BOISE, Idaho -- In the 30 years since Clifford Gieg has seen his brother alive, he has never talked publicly about what happened. Until now. The Boise cabinet maker survived the Jonestown massacre _ the murders and mass suicides that killed almost 1,000 people at Jim Jones’ People’s Temple hideaway in Guyana on Nov. 18, 1978. His brother, Stanley, did not. “He died. He was murdered. I know he was murdered. He was shot. And he was a victim,” Gieg said. “And I want him recognized as a victim and not as part of it.” Gieg’s mother joined the People’s Temple Disciple of Christ in 1968, when Clifford was 8 and Stanley 9. She’s still living _ she never went to Jonestown _ and he won’t share her name. She was attracted by the church’s cathartic therapy-like sessions and by Jones’s teachings of racial and class equality. “It was all about the people,” Gieg said. “He would welcome anybody. People on drugs _ help them get of drugs. Losers all over the place.” Gieg’s parents divorced when he was 11, about the time he started playing drums in the People’s Temple band. “My mother basically could not take care us,” he said. “So the
church took my brother and myself in and we were put in a foster home.” At first, it was fun and loving, Gieg said. There were the sleepovers with the Jones children, and long bus trips crisscrossing the country from Niagara Falls to Philadelphia, to Indianapolis, to San Francisco. “We would call him Uncle Jim,” Gieg said. “I remember sitting on his lap at Easter and getting a chocolate Easter egg from him. That’s a true story... “He was definitely a father figure to me. He became a monster.” Eventually, Jones and the People’s Temple came under fire and talk turned to building an egalitarian, socialist society in Guyana. A year after the first Jonestown settlers left for South America, Gieg followed. Stanley, now 17, was already there. “I was a kid. I was 16 at the time and it just sounded like an adventure. We are going to build a community, a town in the middle of the jungle. And it’s a promised land,” Gieg said. “There will be no monetary system ... it will be heaven on earth. That was the big promotion. It was like heaven on earth.” But the thick Guyanese jungle was anything but heaven, Gieg said. He and other church members worked 12 hour days, six days a week. Gieg, a carpenter, worked “like a slave” to build 12 by 24 sheds as living quarters for
RACE from page one category is inconsequential. He added that while many blacks may have recognized a “mutual identity” with Obama as far as race, Obama won in several demographics. “It’s a little misleading to say African Americans are voting for him because he’s black,” Cherry said. “You’ve had other black candidates like Alan Keyes. What’s
different with Obama is that he was actually able to mobilize people.” But racism isn’t dead, Cherry warned. “A lot of the editorials that came out after the election made these broad, sweeping generalizations as if racism is going to disappear, everything’s better, and that’s not the truth,” Cherry said.
PROP 8 from page one Initially, the protest was set to take place on the front lawn of Southern Miss’ main entrance, Davis said. In a meeting before the rally, the director of student activities and representatives from UPD showed Davis and Holman a copy of an e-mail sent to local churches and religious groups, including the time, location, and purpose of the rally. The on-campus event was denied due to safety concerns, so the GSA informed Hattiesburg Police they would hold the protest on the city-side of Hardy Street across from campus, Davis said. “It would have been better, maybe, if the school had been able to support us, but I don’t
think they made a bad decision,” Davis added. “They had the student body’s safety in mind, but I do think they overreacted.” Davis said the university officials’ decision did not seriously affect the turnout. As a precaution, Davis said she encouraged protestors to be respectful of other religions and groups in their chants and signs, especially since “over half our number is Christian or religiously affiliated.” “After this past weekend, I’m seeing a lot of people coming out in support, people who are against Prop. 8,” Davis said. She added that legal disputes like this may be a catalyst in the national dialogue over gay rights.
and throughout the Southern Miss community,” the Chi Omega member said. “Songfest also unites most of the Greek community on campus, since nearly every organization is in some way involved.” Sororities and fraternities spend the weeks practicing before Songfest. “Practicing for Songfest brings my sisters and me closer together in the spirit of Christmas, and it is for a good cause,” said Katelynn Gibson, an Alpha Delta Pi sophomore from Baton Rouge, La. This year, Show of Hands, a campus sign-language group, will be providing special entertainment before intermission. Delta Gamma, the winners of last year’s Songfest,
will also be performing as special entertainment along with the Chi Omegas. Chi Omega President Kristen Cangiamilla, a senior tourism management major from Mandeville, La., showed concern about raising money this year. “With the economy at its current standpoint, it has been much more difficult to get donations this year,” she said, encouraging students to go and support the cause. The competition will result in the winner of three categories: Best Fraternity, Best Sorority, and Best Overall. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free to the public. Songfest usually lasts around two hours.
SONGFEST from page one
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church members. “At first there was plenty of food, chicken and regular meals. But as soon as more and more people started showing up, it was like things were getting rationed. There were no more pops. No more Pepsi. No more goodies,” Gieg said. After helping build the community, Gieg became the pilot of the Temple’s 80-foot, wooden-hulled vessel, the Cudjo. Gieg would ferry people and cargo to and from the boat launch at Port Kaituma, Guyana. He’d fish with the local children, catch piranhas, swim in the “root beer” colored river. “I was on the boat; I was out, kind of free,” Gieg said. “That was kind of fun.” But while Clifford was a true believer, quietly obedient, Stanley was “always in trouble.” Stanley was part of the “hard hat brigade,” forced to wear yellow hats and run everywhere inside Jonestown after committing minor infractions like stealing food or cursing. “There is such a fine line between socialism and fascism. It can go either way at any time,” Gieg said. “We had a lot of meetings in the pavilion where, hell, everything was going on. Beatings. Beat. Fisticuffs. Someone would come up and just beat them as a discipline for disrespecting. One guy come up, a guy named Tom Grubbs. He was a teacher and he
complained to Jones that there was not enough nourishment in rice and gravy to educate _ he was a teacher _ to educate children. And he got beat for complaining. “There was dunkings, where they had this huge well, an open pit well, where they had like the old witch days. They would take someone and just dunk them in, whoosh, and pull them up. Dunk them in, whoosh, and pull them up. And you never hear about that on TV, but it’s true.” Jones became paranoid that people who left the church had hired mercenaries to kidnap family members and attack Jonestown. He held “White Nights,” practice drills for ritualistic suicide and taking poison, Gieg said. “It started to hit me, like, what’s going on here,” Gieg said. “This is falling apart here.” In November 1978, after hearing rumors of abuse and theft, Rep. Leo Ryan, D-Calif., arrived in Guyana with an entourage of media and relatives of People’s Temple members. The last night the community existed, Gieg played drums in the Jonestown band for the visitors. “In fact, before Leo Ryan was murdered, I actually leaned over my drum set and shook his hand that night because we had been playing and everything was great . . . on the surface,” Gieg said. “He was a good man. He was trying to help the people. And I knew it in
his tone when he talked to the congregation that evening.” But some church members decided they wanted out, and Jones’s paranoia got the best of him. At about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 18, Jones’s security guards told Gieg and his boat-mate to take the Cudjo 50 miles downriver. Now, Gieg suspects Jones was cutting off all means of escape. Early the next morning, about 1:30 a.m., the heavily armed Guyanese Defense Force descended on the Cudjo. “When we first got interrogated by the constable, they said there has been a mass suicide at Jonestown. We were just crying and carrying on,” Gieg said. “After he told us ‘Everybody is dead in Jonestown,’ he put us back into the cell and we were bawling like kids, you know. There were probably 10 people consoling us outside of this jail.” With few exceptions, everyone in Jonestown was dead. Leo Ryan and three journalists had been murdered by Jonestown gunmen at the Port Kaituma airstrip while attempting to leave with disenchanted church members. Stanley Gieg had driven the tractor towing the gunman to the airstrip. He was among the dead at Jonestown. He’d been shot, Gieg said. Stanley wouldn’t have had a choice, he said, and wouldn’t have liked what happened. Gieg has run
through the scenario a thousand times in his mind. “I’ve lived it so many times and in so many different ways. I wasn’t there. “I can only imagine, but knowing my brother forever, I bet you he was bawling like a school girl. I know he had a sensitive side, but he always had hard shell. He was something else,” Gieg said. “After that happened, I’m sure he was crying. After he got back to Jonestown, he was murdered. He probably tried to run or something. He had some morals. I bet you he was bawling after realizing what was going on. Yeah, he was hardassed, his exoskeleton. “But he was like breaking an egg.” Weeks later, Gieg returned to the states on a plane filled with police. An army of television and newspaper cameras blinded him from inside the airport terminal. When he rejoined his father in Reno, Nev., wearing only a South American warm-weather shirt, he was adrift. His father gave him a job and served as a crutch. For years, Gieg was afraid that People’s Temple members would come to kill him. The “family” he had known was all but gone. “It was all we had,” Gieg said. “It was everybody I ever knew. Everybody I had ever communicated with suddenly died.”
John Duffy a film and television editor and David Sheffield a film and television writer discuss the production aspect of filmmaking during Friday’s Symposium. Eric Shelton/ Printz
Opinions
Page 4 opinions@studentprintz.com
Marriage should be reserved for heterosexuals Jonah S. Taylor
Printz Writer
On Election Day, the matter of who was going to run the country was not the only issue embraced at the polls. Citizens of California were voting on a more personal issue—Proposition 8, which would outlaw same-sex marriage only months after the California Supreme Court legalized it. Almost immediately after its passage, many protesters lined
the streets in anger, holding signs that read, “Quit hate,” and chanting, “Yes we can!” One online ad that expressed bitterness over Prop 8 was an ad that promoted the website, refusetohate.com. My question is, why is this instantly about hate? Just because voters decided they want to keep marriage a sacred union between one man and one woman, the way it was originally intended, does not make them prejudice or hateful people. As a Christian, I am offended that people who oppose Prop 8 are insinuating that religion is just an excuse for straight people’s homophobia. I think it is com-
pletely absurd that this is even an issue in our country in the first place. It is not like straights are hunting down all the gays and burning them at the stake for heaven’s sake. Let’s face it; homosexuality is not as looked down upon as it was years ago. In many ways, society has accepted gay people and turned its head to a lot of things just so it would not come off as discriminatory or offensive. I mean, come on, one of the most popular TV series in America was Will & Grace. But when people of same-sex orientation suddenly decide they want to extend the boundaries of tradi-
tional marriage to accommodate their lifestyle, they are simply crossing the line. I recently read a post on a site where a gay man commented on Prop 8 saying, “As gays and lesbians we have little to complain about in today’s liberal society with so many protections and opportunities. As a community we stepped too far in attempting to flip-flop the whole institution of marriage.” The man went on to say that everyone (or at least most) has come from both a mother and a father and it would be tragic for us to deny future children of that chance. I agree. If the United States is going to allow same-sex
marriage, then it might as well legalize killing unborn babies when we do not want them. Oh, wait, that’s already legal. Anoher thing that deeply irritates me is when gay activists try to compare the horrific events that occurred in the days of prevalent racism to the banning of same-sex marriage. Hello, not even the same! As a matter of fact, sizing up the two in such a way belittles what African Americans truly went through at that time. In today’s society, homosexuals are not denied the right to vote, they are not segregated from everyone else and they are not
tied to stakes and burnt while everyone watches and laughs. The point is, this is not about hate or because straights think gays are disgusting. There is no hidden agenda to strip away rights from anyone. It is the fact that marriage is a sacred and balanced institution that has been in place for centuries and should not be so easily redefined. Yelling, “hate” in the street does not change that; it only proves that America is used to getting its way. Jonah S. Taylor is a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Gay marriage nonthreatening facts. Both sources show similar correlations to a lesser degree in other European countries with similar laws Jesse Bass Does the choice of Opinions Editor vocabulary used to refer to something change what it is? Is the word “marriage” really that important? Honestly, I don’t understand The fact that homosexuals the opposition of Proposition protest Proposition 8 shows 8. that co-habiting homosexuals The argument I’ve heard the already exist. Otherwise, most goes something like this: they wouldn’t care about If we allow gays and lesbians Proposition 8, right? Will to marry, then the institution allowing those persons of heterosexual marriage shall something they want so badly, forever be tainted. ultimately a word and a set of Let’s take a look at rights really change anything? Denmark, where gay and Homosexuals will exist and lesbian partnerships (gay live together either way. marriage called something Other arguments against else), has been accepted by homosexuals’ right to marry the government since 1989. include statistics, although Heterosexual marriage rates questionable, derived from saw an increase. some type of research. What? Of course not. The Family Research I, a straight, would never Institute is a nonprofit consider marrying a woman if organization with painfully homosexuals standing on soil heterosexual motives. One governed by the same groups excellent example of the above as I were allowed to marry. I mentioned type of argument can only hope that my sarcasm can be found in pamphlets will show someone that what written by the institute’s homosexuals choose for their chairman, Dr. Paul Cameron. own lives has nothing to do Cameron states that with anyone’s life other than homosexuals should not be the homosexuals in question. granted this right because Perhaps the only unbiased according to his research, sources I found to support they stay monogamous for these facts was a 2006 ABC shorter periods of time, are news report and a transcript more likely to engage in from “The O’Reilly Factor” unprotected sex while in of the same year. O’Reilly monogamous relationships, himself acknowledged these are more likely to engage in facts. He argued nonetheless, domestic violence, and are but acknowledged them as sub-standard parents.
Firstly, the parentally based research is all his own. Look it up. This man conducting research on homosexuals is far from objective. Next, what does all this matter? Let’s suppose that all this research is true to the highest degree. It could be for all I know. I checked some of his citations out and at least some look moderately legitimate. Will any of these social dynamics change if the word “marriage” is applied to gays and lesbians? I’m betting the only homosexuals who exercise their right to marry are the supposed percentage who do choose monogamy. Even if not, aren’t heterosexuals rushing irresponsibly into marriage now? Does that mean we should ban traditional marriage until we as citizens prove we can handle it? Won’t the homosexual fans of unprotected sex still practice it just the same without a marriage license? Ultimately, I think this is an issue to be decided by individuals, not the public at large. Just as I have the right to choose which woman I marry, so should our homosexual brothers and sisters. It doesn’t affect our lives as straights, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians…
Jesse Bass is the opinions editor for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
www.studentprintz.com |Opinions
Tuesday, November 18, 2008| Page 5
Please tip. Your fellow students need the cash
Everyone has gone out to eat and had an awful experience at least once. I know that I’ve had terOlivia rible servers, Lightsey terrible food, Printz Writer and felt like I was wasting my money on more than one occasion. However, after being on the other side of the restaurant for roughly two years as a server, I feel like I can provide some explanation for the problems, and hopefully help everyone be happier in the long run.
As college students, we are by nature loud, rowdy, and broke. This leads us to find ways to eat cheaply and cut corners whenever possible. Servers know this. They expect college students to be difficult customers with complicated orders and too much bill-splitting. College students are expected to tip very little, if at all. This is not an incorrect assumption much of the time. The problem with this situation is that quite often, your server is also a broke college student. The host or hostess probably is too, as is the cook, and possibly the bartender. When you choose not to tip,
or tip very poorly, you are in essence robbing fellow students of their pay. Most of the time, your server is required to split his or her tips with the host or hostess, the bartender, and sometimes the kitchen staff. This leaves the server with a mediocre percentage of the actual tip. Many people who work outside the restaurant industry are not aware that minimum wage for tipped employees is significantly lower than that of other employees. Nearly all servers are only paid $2.13 per hour, plus tips. Minimum wage for the rest of the working population in Mississippi is $6.55 per
hour. That’s quite a difference, when you think about it. So, here are my suggestions for making your dining experience more enjoyable. If both patrons and servers follow these suggestions, everyone will be more content in the long run. *Most importantly, BE NICE. Do not assume that your server or customer is mean, ugly, rude, loud, inconsiderate, etc. * Do what you can to make the other person’s experience enjoyable. No server wants to wait on a group of rude, drunk people. At the same time, no paying customers want to have an obnoxious, or even worse,
never-present server. *Patrons, tip your server well! The accepted standard is a minimum 15% tip. If the server is good, tip more. Don’t expect the other people in your group to tip enough so that you don’t have to tip. Discuss how the tip will be handled early on to ensure that your server does not get stiffed. *Servers, you must work for the tip. Unfortunately, that is part of the food service business. Drinks need to stay full, dirty dishes should be out of the way, and napkins should be plentiful. Don’t forget to be a salesperson for the restaurant! *If each person in your party
is paying separately, the server needs to know from the very beginning. On the same token, servers, if you think your table will be paying individually, don’t hesitate to ask early so there’s no hassle later! *Did I mention that you need to be nice? “Please” and “thank you” are essentials. None of my suggestions are difficult. Executing them may be a little harder, but I guarantee it will be worth it when you actually go home happy at the end of your meal or at the end of your shift.
Olivia Lightsey is a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
The food you eat can actually harm the environment Brandon Drescher
Printz Writer
When you think of carbon emissions, gas-guzzling cars usually come to mind, but you also need to look down at what you are eating and take a moment to realize that processed food can add just as much damage to the environment as driving. Food processing changes the properties of food products
meant to preserve it, improve its quality or make it functionally useful. Food processing currently accounts for about one third of the total greenhouse gas emissions. So, in essence we are killing ourselves by thinking we can make foods better through processing. Key contributors to carbon emissions and energy usage include the equipment used for processing, ovens, dehydrators, pasteurizers, coolers, and freezers, air systems, and lighting. Hydrofluorocarbons, used in refrigeration, are a key carbon source influencing the depletion of the ozone layer.
Letters to the Editor
A letter to the editor forum will be open to the expression of fact or opinion that will be of interest or importance to The Student Printz readers. Letters which fit within the scope of First Amendment protection, and that meet other stipulations spelled out in this document will be published on a space-available basis as explained below. Each edition of the paper will include a letters column if letters are available. Letter writers may expect prompt publication of their letters in the paper’s opinion section, as space is available. Letters of up to 350 words will be allowed. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts. The editor is also responsible for making decisions as to the pertinence of the letter to the USM community. Letter writers must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. Letters will not be published without the contributor’s name. To send a letter to the editor email printz@usm.edu or send to campus mailbox 5088.
Without our ozone layer there would be no life on Earth. Our planet’s surface would more resemble that of our sister planet, Venus. Some good news: processing companies are racing to reduce their carbon footprint. Not simply out of a concern for the environment, or because of consumers’ concerns, since we continue to process our food in great, unneeded quantities and in such manner that is simply a waste, but for financial reasons. This makes sense since so many companies will not even think of reducing carbon emissions unless it benefits them financially. I am waiting for the day that we realize we are oppressed by a man-made creation that comes from the environment. It’s green, dirty, and keeps humanity from achieving so much more. Food processing companies are, thankfully, not just looking at what uses lots of energy at the plant, but also their vehicle fleet in everything from fuel efficiency to tire inflation stating “it is all the little things you can do that we are looking at.” This is true, and while some people may disagree that something like tire inflation
is not that big of a contributor to fuel efficiency and carbon emissions, it still contributes. That is the bottom line here – if it has an impact on carbon emissions and the environment, then it is important. Some organic companies are popping up throughout the country like Dean Foods Co., a leading milk processor, marketing brands such as silk soymilk and Horizon Organic
dairy products. Not only is this an organic processing company -- which means no strange, synthetic chemicals in their product -- their farm in Maryland is powered by solar panels. Such great strides are what need to be done everywhere. The company also encourages sustainability efforts at the level of individual employees. You can’t run a “green” company
without “green” people. Here in Mississippi, people still argue against the evidence of human influences on the environment and fight against the facts of how better it is to live sustainably. With that attitude, we will always be behind the rest of the nation in living a better life and having superior businesses.
Brandon Drescheris a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Entertainment
Page 6 entertainment@studentprintz.com
Bad weather fails to ruin Eaglepalooza Patrick Laughlin Printz Writer
Patchy rainfall accompanied last Friday’s Eaglepalooza, the fifth annual music festival of its kind to be hosted by the Southern Miss Student Government Association. After a brief downpour early that evening, it was clear that many people were anticipating a soggy Eaglepalooza 2008. The weather relented, fortunately, only sprinkling halfheartedly on what was otherwise an enjoyable music experience. The intersection of Main and Batson Street in downtown Hattiesburg, alight with decorations signaling the upcoming holiday season, was unrecognizable as
a traffic junction with the presence of the giant covered CocaCola stage and soda booths. A roped-off beer garden (which denied this writer’s request for entrance to perform qualitative research) was situated beneath one of the two large projector screens. Add to this the oh-sohandy shuttle service that ran from the Freshman Quad to Downtown, and it’s clear that the SGA pulled out all the stops once again to accommodate Eaglepaloozers. The music festival hosted an eclectic lineup, headlining bands a little more homey than in previous years, with David Barnes from Kosciusko opening for Mute Math, an onthe-rise rock band from New
Orleans. Past guest artists at Eaglepalooza have largely been major-label, featuring names like Eve, Dashboard Confessional, Sister Hazel, and Train. This year’s headline selection, though a break from the norm, did not disappoint. Eaglepalooza kicked off at 6 p.m. with Red Hill City, this spring’s Battle of the Bands winner from Brandon who brought an excellent sampling of indie rock from their new album This Time Next Year. Scheduled next, the Foulon Brothers, from Picayune, MS, unfortunately fell victim to the inclement weather and were not able to make an appearance on stage. Whild Peach, a hip-hop/funk
cover band from Atlanta, GA, delivered the only shaky performance of the night. Although instrumentally powerful, Whild Peach, who has toured with Outkast on numerous occasions, fell short in the way of vocals because of their singer’s often ragged warbling. Following Whild Peach at 9:30 was David Barnes, whose R&Binfused acoustic ballads possessed a personable, laidback sort of charm which he himself carried on stage. Eaglepalooza’s finale with Mute Math, though, was what ultimately made the wait in the rain worthwhile. Mute Math was a bit of a genre-bending surprise: hard rock, most certainly, but their music also distinctly
blended elements of psychedelic, electro, jazz, and in the case of their encore “Noticed,” a dash of reggae. Mute Math grabbed the audience immediately with their first two songs, hits “Typical” and “Chaos,” songs usually reserved for ending of concerts. However, the climax of their performance was no less entertaining, as the band ventured into intriguing instrumentals. The Grammy Award-nominated quartet worked like mad scientists, running from one side of the stage to the other and trading instruments, all in an effort to achieve a precise mixture of beautiful sounds. “Mute Math puts on a really good live show,” said fan Zachary Knight, a freshman Mute
Math fan from Gulfport, MS. “They had a lot of energy and they definitely brought it to the crowd at Eaglepalooza. They just grabbed everybody and ran away with the show.” Another light sprinkling of rain fell halfway through Mute Math’s performance, but by this time, the crowd was hooked. “[The rain] was a little annoying at the beginning of the concert,” Knight said, “but by the end, during Mute Math, it was kind of a welcome cool-off for me.” Rain in any form was no match for an outstanding Eaglepalooza 2008, with its hardy preparation, rousing pep rally, and altogether memorable selection of bands.
Fundraiser for the arts Down the Road opens Eric Nagurney
This play wiill absolutely cause it’s viewers to see illegal immigration from a point of view they’re not used to thinking about.
Printz Writer
The Hattiesburg Art Councilis holding a play reading of “Our Dad is in Atlantis” tonight at 206 Front. The goal of the reading is to raise money for the promotion of arts in Hattiesburg by “bringing art to Hattiesburg,” said council board member Matt Carr. The council has teamed up with The Department of Theatre and Dance and 206 Front to put on the reading. In addition to seeing the play, ticket buyers will receive a dinner provided by 206 Front. “Atlantis” was written by playwright Javier Malpica and translated by Jorge Continas. The play tells the story of two young brothers left in Mexico while their widowed father tries to find work in the United States. The pair are left in the care of unfamiliar relatives, leaving the brothers to provide emotional support for each
The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Theatre and Dance will present Lee Blessing’s crime thriller “Down the Road” Nov. 18-23 as part of its 2008-09 Studio Series. Directed by Sean Boyd, assistant professor of acting and movement, the drama is a battle -Matt Carr of wills between two reporters of view they’re not used to and the subject of their interviews, a convicted serial killer. thinking about,” said Carr. Directing the play is Due to the graphic nature of recent USM theatre student Kacey Musick. Last year, Musick took top honors in the Southeastern IV region Jonathan Hoeger of the Kennedy Center Acting Competiton. She was the first MCT Campus student from Mississippi to receive the honor. After the “Guitar Hero” was left playing play’s conclusion, a short talk catch-up last year when “Rock back with Musick will be held. Band” introduced drums and voTickets will cost $40. They cals into the music-game mix. Well, can be purchased at 206 Front consider “Guitar Hero” caught up, or by calling 601-310-7807. and then some. The reading will begin at 6:30 The full “World Tour” package p.m. includes an updated guitar (larger, with a touch-sensitive secondary fret pad), its own drum set (with three drum pads, a bass drum pedal and two “cymbals”) and a microphone. The game is compatible with “Rock Band” instruments and vice versa. “World Tour” has an excellent new feature: its song editing mode, in which players can create their own tunes with guitar, bass, drum and keyboard parts, and share them online. Both “World Tour” and “Rock Band 2” have similar game play and an extensive selection of songs, both on the disc and for download. Each has online and offline modes, group play for bands, and a career mode that unlocks songs, venues
’’
OUR DAD IS IN ATLANTIS
Where: 206 Front St. When: Tonight at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $40 Contact: 601.310.7807
other. “This play will absolutely cause it’s viewers to see illegal immigration from a point
Special to the Printz
the material, the play is recommended for mature audiences only. As the killer recounts his shocking crimes, the two reporters, a husband-wife team, become caught in a downward spiral, testing their working and personal relationship. Blessing’s work leads the audience to wonder how a convicted mass murderer can be turned into a celebrity, and how much is one willing to pay for ambition. Blessing has amassed an impressive body of works, includ-
ing “Patient A,” “Fortinbras,” “Cobb” and “Two Rooms.” He has earned a Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominations and has written more than 20 plays in his career. The production will be presented at 7:30 p.m. each evening Nov. 18-23 at the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre. Tickets are $8 per person with general seating; $6 for students. Order tickets online at http://www.southernmisstickets.com or call the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 601.266.5418 or 800.844-8425.
New video games released
and other goodies. Microsoft Xbox 360, also for Sony PlayStation 3, PS2, Nintendo Wii; $59.99; other versions $49.99 to $59.99 (game only) Age rating: Teen BIOSHOCK 3 1⁄2 stars “BioShock” now is just as “BioShock” was a year ago: It’s one of the best games around, though it has a slightly unsatisfying endgame. To sweeten the pot, ex-
clusive downloadable levels are planned for release eventually, for a fee. The graphics, sound, music, game play and most of the story are fantastic. Players control a nameless protagonist as he explores the ruined halls of the once-beautiful underwater city of Rapture, slowly uncovering the secrets behind its fall, the powerful genetic modifications that form much of one’s arsenal, and this art deco dystopia’s remaining _ and mostly violently insane _ inhabitants. Sony PlayStation 3; $59.99 Age rating: Mature SECRET OF MANA 3 1⁄2 stars “Secret of Mana” is an excellent blend of exploration and action. Players start out as a boy who’s banished from his village after pulling an enchanted sword from a stone; later he’ll meet two companions. Players can control these characters at will, and a second or third player can join in. Nintendo Wii (Virtual Console download); $8 (800 Wii Points) Age rating: Everyone
Fans excited for Twilight film Robert K. Elder Chicge Tribune
It’s a request British actor Robert Pattinson gets almost daily as star of the new vampire film “Twilight” (opening Nov. 21). “It’s crazy,” said Pattinson, 22, waiting inside the Hot Topic store in the Orland Square shopping center. He has to laugh, pretend he hasn’t heard it before. “Even if you say, ‘No,’ they just wait,” he says. “They just stand there.” Wednesday night, more than 500 fans waited outside _ some since the night before _ to ask him the same question or something in that vein. One fan, Orland Park’s Abby Johnson, wore a self-made T-shirt that read: “Edward Cullen Make Me Immortal” (Edward is Pattinson’s fanged alter ego.) As the clock reached 6 p.m., the time he’d start signing autographs, the crowd started screaming, counting down, “Three ... two ... one ...” Chaos. “Oh my God,” said Pattinson, laughing nervously at the uproar. “Are they going to blow (the place) up?”
Mostly, they just filed in peacefully, gushing and smiling _ though for the public Q&A session later, the crowd seemed to have swelled to a frenzied mass. In what follows, Pattinson talks about his new movie, immortality and Doctor Who. Q. What does Edward, a 108year-old vampire, see in a 17year-old girl? A. He’s lived for 108 years, but he still has the same brain as a 17-year-old. He experiences the world as a 17-year-old. He’s kind of mature in some ways.But if you were in the body of a 17year-old, I don’t think you’d go for a 108-year-old woman. Q. But why high school? For you personally, wouldn’t 80 years of high school be hell? A. Definitely. I would hate it.That was one of the most difficult things to figure out. You think he’d stay in college, or be a street kid. It’d be way cooler. But I think the whole concept of it is: He’s like an addict. I think he wants to make his life really, really, really boring. Q. This question is from Jennifer Armour, a fan waiting in line. David Tennant, the current star of “Doctor Who,” is quitting
in 2010. Would you consider taking up the mantle? A. The Doctor is great. ... Yeah, maybe. I did grow up watching it. I loved it when I was a kid. In fact, I met one of them the other day, Sylvester McCoy (the seventh Doctor). He’s one of the few people I’ve asked for an autograph. 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ‘TWILIGHT’ -”Twilight” the movie (opening Nov. 21) is based on author Stephenie Meyer’s teen vampire book quartet, which has sold more than 17 million copies. The story revolves around high schooler Bella Swan and the object of her desire, Edward Cullen, a vampire. “Jane Austen meets Bram Stoker,” one reviewer said. -Controversy: Some fans initially protested the casting of Robert Pattinson, a relative unknown, as Edward. Who did the hardcore fans want? Tom Welling (“Smallville”) and James Franco (“Pineapple Express”), for instance. -Author Meyer is a mother of three and a practicing Mormon whose faith finds its way into the series. There’s passion, but no sex before marriage.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | Page 7
www.studentprintz.com |Entertainment
David N. Jackson
Eaglepalooza featured four bands from around the South. Even with fears of rain a large crowd showed up to see the performance.
Sebe Dale IV
Hailing from Atlanta, David Whild of Whild Peach covers hip hop and rock bands like Outkast, Little John, Three-six Mafia, Nirvana, and Led Zepplin.
David N. Jackson
Sebe Dale IV
Paul Meany tickles the electric ivories.
Sebe Dale IV
Paul Meany of Mute Math shreds on a keytar on top of fellow bandmates electric piano during Friday’s concert in downtown Hattiesburg.
Darren King and Roy Mitchell-Cardenas of Mute Math entice the crowd with their percussion skills.
Bryant Hawkins
Darren King - of the band Mute Math - stands on his drum set during their performance.
David N. Jackson
Guitarist Gregg Hill of Mute Math entertains the audience by playinh his guitar into his amplifier to get feedback during Eaglepalooza.
David N. Jackson
Southern arranged a shuttle service to bring students from the freshman quad to downtown Hattiesburg for the festivities.
Sports
Page 8 sports@studentprintz.com www.studentprintz.com/sports
Golden Eagles keep winning season alive with win
Southern Miss beats East Carolina 21-3 in hunt for 15-straight winning seasons and bowl appearance Tyler Cleveland Printz Writer
With one game left on the regular season schedule, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles have accomplished what was once thought as just a dream. Staring down the first losing season in 14 years, the Golden Eagles rallied from a 2-6 record after week nine to 5-6 with a 21-3 win over East Carolina Saturday at M.M. Roberts Stadium. With the win, the Eagles are just one win away from becoming bowl eligible and earning a chance to extend their winning season streak to 15. For head coach Larry Fedora, the turnaround was no surprise. “It is a great feeling to see the things that we have been preaching to these guys about believing and not giving up finally paying off,” Fedora said. “It is hard to believe when you are not winning. Losing magnifies your problems and winning solves them all.” Saturday, the Eagles dominated East Carolina in nearly every facet of the game. The Eagles out-rushed and out-passed the Pirates, controlled the line of scrimmage and won the turnover battle. They took the vaunted East Carolina defense to task, scoring on a fourth down pass and a 97-yard touchdown pass from Austin Davis to DeAndre Brown while not allowing a single sack.
David N. Jackson/Printz
Southern’s defense brings down East Carolina’s wide receiver after a short gain from a screen pass. The Golden Eagles beat the Eagles 21-3 to stay alive in their quest for 15-straight winning seasons.
The individual stories from Saturday are almost too many in number to list, but there were some impressive storylines. Damion Fletcher’s status going into Saturday was questionable at best considering that he had missed the previous week with a sore hamstring that continued to sideline him throughout the week. But Fletcher did play, and rushed for 121 yards on 23 carries with one touchdown. “It’s just one of those things you learn to do as a football player, playing through the pain,” Fletcher, USM’s all-
time leading rusher, said. “That’s what I did tonight, I knew I was at a high enough percentage that I could move around and help the team win.” A guy nobody could have guessed would be asked to step up, third string tailback V.J. Floyd, added 72 yards on just 13 touches. Starting free safety Chico Hunter went down with what is called a “bucket tear” of tendons in one of his knees two weeks ago, so on Saturday redshirt sophomore Justin Wilson stepped up with two big interceptions and two tackles.
The defensive line, who was ridiculed by many in both print and broadcast, played it’s most physical game of the year. “I cannot say enough about the way those guys played,” Fedora said. “They came out and were ready to play and played the entire game. “They forced ECU to kick field goals and I am not sure how many they missed. We had the short field several times and they stood up to them.” The Eagles now turn their attention to a hard-earned bye week that will give them time to get healthy, stay focused and prepare for their final regular
David N. Jackson/Printz
Freshman wide receiver DeAndre Brown battles Emanuel Davis of East Carolina for a pass downfield.
season game against Southern Methodist. “At this point I just everyone to get healthy,” Fedora said in his Monday during his weekly press conference. “Certainly we will use this week to recruit a bit more, but our main goal is to stay on task and use the extra week to prepare for SMU.” The Eagles are not mathematically eliminated from contention for the right
to represent C-USA’s East Division in the conference championship game. Southern Miss needs to win at SMU and for East Carolina to lose their two remaining games to UAB and UTEP, and Memphis to fall to Central Florida and Tulane. That scenario may be a long shot, but if the Eagles can win at SMU next Saturday, they still have a great shot at earning a bowl bid.
Eagles over Loyola 75-51 Special to the Printz It’s official, the Southern Miss men’s basketball season is off and running. Junior Jeremy Wise led the way with 23 points as Southern Miss opened the 2008-09 season with an 75-51 victory over Loyola (N.O.) Saturday night at Reed Green Coliseum. “(Wise) struggled in our two scrimmages,” Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy said. “(He) got frustrated. So the level of athlete and team are going to move up, so he’s going to have to throw some good games out here against the more quality teams.” It was the first regular season meeting between the two teams since 1963, with the Wolfpack holding a 25-14 advantage. The teams have met the last two years in exhibition action. Southern Miss forced 18 turnovers in the contest and capitalized with 27 points. The Golden Eagles also dominated in the post, outscoring the Wolfpack 26-12. The Golden Eagles struggled from the field in the first half, shooting 37.9 percent on just 11-of-29 shooting, yet still led 34-22 at the half. But Southern Miss roared out of the locker room in the second half, going on a 25-7 run to take a 28-point lead with 5:30 remaining. Loyola would get no closer than 21 points the rest of the way. “You know, it’s the first game,
Bryant Hawkins/Printz
Lady Eagles defense keeps Tennessee State to 57 points. Lady Eagle’s Basketball Stats
Tenn State FG-FGA Pct 19-58 32.8%
Lady Eagles FG-FGA Pct 30-62 48.4%
3FG-FGA Pct 2-17 11.8%
3FG-FGA Pct 4-12 33.3%
FT-FTA 17-27
FT-FTA Pct 15-23 65.2%
A 8
Blk 3
Pct 63% Stl 9
A Blk 22 5
Stl 9
Bryant Hawkins/Printz
Amber Eugene and the Lady Eagles beat Tennessee State 79-57 Monday night at Reed Green Coliseum.
Lady Eagles score second win Tyler Cleveland Sports Editor Eric Shelton/Printz
Loyola (N.O.) players watch as sophomore guard R.L. Horton makes an easy two. Southern Mississippi beat Loyola 75-51 on Saturday night.
it’s tough to get going right away,” Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can score. I just think we’re about where we should be, but we’ll get a lot better before it’s over.” The Golden Eagles got a solid defensive effort from everyone on the court, out-rebounding LUNO, 42-24. Five players pulled down five or more rebounds. Andre Stephens led
Men’s Basketball Stats
Loyola (N.O.) FG-FGA Pct 19-45 .422
Southern Miss FG-FGA Pct 28-58 .483
3FG-FGA Pct 3-7 .422
3FG-FGA Pct 4-12 .333
FT-FTA Pct 10-20 .500 A Blk Stl 7 2 5
FT-FTA Pct 15-21 .714 A Blk Stl 13 2 5
the way with seven boards, while Sai’Quon Stone pulled down six. Wise, Courtney Beasley and Craig Craft added five apiece. Beasley also dropped in 11 point. “We just basically kept on improving on our defense,” Eagle guard R.L. Horton said. “Rotate good, take charge. We got some shots to fall and it all worked out for us. It really opens the floor up.” Ryan Brock led the Wolfpack with 14 points, and Torry Beaulieu added 11. Southern Miss takes on Alabama State next Tuesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. at Reed Green Coliseum before traveling to the Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam. The Eagle return to action today when they host Alabama State at Reed Green Coliseum at 7 p.m.
Junior forward Pauline Love recorded her second double-double in as many games as the Lady Eagles won their second game of the season 79-57 over Tennessee State Monday night at Reed Green Coliseum. The Lady Eagles improved to 2-0 on the season after winning their first game against Sam Houston State 72-60 Friday night in Texas. Love tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds and fell one short of her career high for assists with five, but after the game it was hard to tell from talking to her. “I know I didn’t play well at all tonight,” Love said. “I didn’t execute, I took bad shots and those are things I have to work on. (The double-doubles) are exciting, but I’m not looking for stats, I’m trying to get a win and have a great game.” Redshirt-junior center Stephanie Helgeson also recorded her fifth career double-double, scoring 16 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Kendra Reed also
added 12 points. “That second half liked to have killed me,” McNelis joked after the game. “We were playing sloppy and just kind of running down there and forcing some bad shots and not getting very good looks.” The Lady Eagles cruised to a 41-15 first half lead after starting the game with a 19-2 scoring run, but were outscored in the second half for the second time. At one point, the Lady Tigers even cut the Eagle lead to 21, but the height and speed of the Eagles proved to be too much in the end. “Our big lead probably had a lot to do with (the second half),” Helgeson said. “They told us at the half not to let that get to our heads, and we need to do a better job of finishing.” Tennessee State forward Tiffany Jackson led all scorers with 23 points and had 11 rebounds. One aspect of Monday night McNelis said she was pleased with was the play of her less experienced players. Newcomers Candace Rucker and Erin Gatling scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
“We all know what they are capable of,” McNelis said. “They really have found their spot and run with it. Candace is going to be a very special player for us, she just needs to learn ow to be mentally tough.” Gatling, a point guard from Van Buren, Ark. was three for three from beyond the three point arc. “I have to give the credit to our big girls,” Gatling said. “We get it inside to them and that kind of opens things up on the outside. When I get one of those shots I have to take them.” McNelis said she is hoping that Gatling will become a coach on the floor much like departed senior Liz Biland was a year ago. “We were better tonight than we were Friday against Sam Houston State,” McNelis said. “And that’s our goal, to keep getting better with every game. It all starts in practice.” The Lady Eagles return to action Thursday night when they travel to take on the South Alabama Jaguars at 7 p.m. in Mobile, Ala.