Monday, September 21, 2015
Volume 100 Issue 9
www.studentprintz.com PAGE THREE
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PAGE SIX
PAGE SEVEN
NEWS
F E AT U R E
OPINION
S P O RT S
Sorority raises $37,500 for charity, children’s hospital.
Taking a break before college pays off for some students.
Tips for steering clear of overzealous campaigners.
Eagles defeat Texas State in offensive shootout.
Bonnamu
Undergraduates
Homecoming
Football
Mitchell claims Miss USM title Lora Lavigne Printz Reporter
Nine of the university’s prestigious women competed in the Miss USM scholarship pageant on Saturday. The pageant is an official preliminary to the Miss Mississippi Pageant, which will be in June 2016. Macy Mitchell, a freshman communication studies major who was crowned Miss USM 2016, will compete in Miss Mississippi as the representative of The University of Southern Mississippi. Bethany Noelle Cuevas, senior child and family studies major, placed second alternate in the Miss USM Pageant. She said that she loves opportunities that allow her to continue her leadership on campus. “Pageantry helps me gain selfconfidence, opportunities that I would never have had and a sisterhood,” Cuevas said. “I wanted to compete in Miss University of Southern Mississippi because I bleed black and gold.” Cuevas added that she loves having the ability to make people aware of her platform, which is called “Volunteerism: Every Hour Counts.” Cuevas implements her platform through her community by shining a light on issues through volunteer drives. Taylor Robbins, a junior biochemistry major, was a firstyear contestant through the Miss Mississippi Organization. She discussed her excitement and admiration for her newfound love. “I really wouldn’t consider myself much of a pageant girl, but this experience has definitely forced me to find things about myself I would
GREEK LIFE
Hunt Mercier/Assistant Photo Editor Saturday night, freshman communication studies major Macy Mitchell was crowned Miss USM 2016 at the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Pageant on Sept. 20.
have never discovered had I not given it a shot,” Robbins said. Robbins said she has competed in pageants before, but never one of this caliber. Robbins placed third alternate at Saturday’s event. Meredith Moody, pageant director, expressed her love for
pageantry. She said she has always enjoyed planning and executing events and that now she is combining her two passions. “The most rewarding part of this job is seeing the contestants become more confident in who they are and seeing the smiles on their
faces when they realize that they can truly do anything they put their minds to,” Moody said. She discussed how the contestants inspire her as a director by facing their fears and challenging themselves through this process. “Only one girl can win the crown,
but every single one of them will take away memories, friendships and skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their life,” Moody said. The Miss USM Pageant provides thousands of dollars in scholarship money toward the contestants’ educations. First runner-up of Miss America 2016, having walked away from the Miss America Pageant with approximately $25,000 in scholarship money, Miss Mississippi 2015 Hannah Roberts was the emcee of the Miss USM Pageant. Friends and family of the contestants described Roberts’ performance as breathtaking and the highlight of the event. Other highlights included the Spirit of Southern performance and the crowning moment. “‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others,’” Mitchell said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi. “As Miss University of Southern Mississippi, I now have the opportunity to give back to such a wonderful university that has already blessed me with so much.” Mitchell described her crowning moment as overwhelming with gratitude. “I am extremely excited to learn about the opportunities and plans the university has for me,” Mitchell said. “As Miss USM 2016, I now have an even bigger voice for my platform, ‘The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.’” For more information about her platform, visit the Crowns for a Cure Facebook page. Mitchell will go on to compete in the Miss Mississippi 2016 scholarship pageant in June 2016 as the university’s representative.
Sig Ep receives coveted Buchanan cup Nan Buti
Printz Reporter The Mississippi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was awarded the Buchanan Cup at the Grand Chapter Conclave in Nashville. The convention, which took place Aug. 12-16, recognized 32 chapters that received the award. The Mississippi Gamma Chapter was one of those 32 and has been named one of the most significant chapters nationally. Since the Mississippi Gamma
Chapter’s start at Southern Miss in 1953, this is its first time to receive the award. “In order to qualify to win the Buchanan Cup, a chapter has to excel in all facets of operations and new levels of success,” said Patrick Kirby, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “We have strived to be the absolute best men that we can be and we worked really hard on an extensive application, which ended up being about 80 pages or so.” The Buchanan Cup is named after Sigma Phi Epsilon’s former
Grand President, Edwin Buchanan. The award recognizes actions and achievements in volunteer service, recruitment, academics, member development and faculty engagement during a two-year period. “Sig Ep is consistently one of the leaders in our Interfraternity Council,” said Charles Childress, Southern Miss director of Greek Life. “Their continued recognition through their National Office proves they are a leader regionally amongst their peer chapters. We in Greek
Life are proud of their past and current accomplishments and what the future holds.” The Grand Chapter Conclave is held every two years, and its goal is to teach undergraduate and alumni members educational programming and professional development. “This award means everything to our chapter and pushes us to continue to push ourselves to new levels,” Kirby said. The Mississippi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in 1963 at Southern Miss. Sigma
Phi Epsilon was established in 1901 and is one of the nation’s largest fraternities, with more than 15,000 undergraduates on 240 campuses across the United States. Its mission is to build well-rounded men which is accomplished through a continuous member development program that has contributed to a fraternity-wide GPA of over 3.0, a focus on the principles of Sound Mind and Sound Body and service learning efforts that allow members to develop leadership skills while giving back to the community.
Page 2 | Monday, September 21, 2015
INFORMATION MEET THE STAFF OF FALL 2015
Dirty Birds
EDITORS & STAFF
•
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3:54 p.m., residential burglary was reported at Hattiesburg Hall. The case remains open. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 12:52 a.m., a harassment incident was reported next to the fountain and next to Wilbur Hall. The case remains open. On Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:43 a.m., grand larceny was reported at Pride Field. The case remains open. On Friday, Sept. 11, at 2:00 p.m., vandalism was reported at Sigma Chi. The case remains open.
•
• •
Police Contact Information
When reporting, the following information should be provided: • • • • •
Nature of the crime or emergency Name, address and phone number of the caller Location of incident Description of the scene and suspects Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers
University Police 911 (emergency) 601.266.4986 (non-emergency) Bond Hall, First Floor West
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The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff, or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number, and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space, or journalistic ethics.
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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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NEWS
Monday, September 21, 2015 | Page 3
GREEK LIFE Phi Mu raises money for Children’s Miracle Network with Bonnamu Elizabeth Lee Printz Reporter
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Mu at Southern Miss had its seventh annual Bonnamu, a philanthropy event to raise money for their charity Children’s Miracle Network and Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson. Phi Mu raised $37,500 overall, which exceeded their goal of $35,000. It is the most money the sorority has ever raised from a single philanthropy event. Bonnamu, the music festivalthemed event, was on Saturday afternoon at Centennial Lawn and featured live music from local band Haley Line and the Squares, games like Pie-a-Phi-Mu and a step show competition. “It may have been hot, but I was so impressed by Bonnamu’s success as well as how all of Greek Life came together to support Phi Mu and Children’s Miracle Network,”
Parker Brewer/Printz Design Editor Greek Life and Children’s Miracle Network patients from Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children gather to watch sorority and fraternity members perform in the step show portion of Bonnamu.
said senior elementary education major Cassey Toney. Bonnamu also featured some special guests who have experienced firsthand the benefits of Phi Mu’s involvement with their charity. “My favorite part of Bonnamu
was having a few of the patients from Blair E. Batson come out and enjoy the beautiful day,” said junior psychology major Emily Hope. “I believe their favorite part was the step show.” In the days leading up to Bonnamu, Phi Mu also organized a
Band-Aid drive, two profit shares and a social media photo competition called the Miracle Band Challenge, which challenged participating team members to post photos on Instagram of themselves wearing Children’s Miracle Network hospital bands and practicing healthy habits.
Melody Hill, a junior social work major, serves as Phi Mu’s philanthropy chair and is dedicated to Blair E. Batson hospital and Children’s Miracle Network because they have impacted her on a personal level. “The most rewarding thing about being philanthropy chair is getting to show my love for Children’s Miracle Network and the kids at Blair E. Batson, both of which have meant so much to me and my family, especially when two of my younger cousins were treated there,” Hill said. “One was diagnosed at the age of two with leukemia, and the other was diagnosed with being epileptic at the age of four. Both are doing great now and have fun, active lives. I could never repay CMN enough for everything they have done for my family.” To learn more about Bonnamu and Phi Mu’s relationship with Children’s Miracle Network and Blair E. Batson, visit Phi Mu’s Facebook page.
ON CAMPUS
OLLI names Harris its new director Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) named a new director in August. The program is designed for older adults who share a love for learning throughout their lifetimes. Classes, which started Sept. 8, provide an environment for like-minded people over the age of 50 to continue their education in a wide range of topics like art, current events, history and fitness. As he is transitioning into the position, new director Brett Harris actively participates in many of the activities and classes provided by OLLI. “I’m asking a lot of questions and learning from as many people as possible who have been a part of OLLI much longer than I have, so we can direct our goal setting and planning appropriately and in line with our mission,” Harris said. “I firmly believe that OLLI at The
ON CAMPUS
Courtesy Photo of Brett Harris
University of Southern Mississippi can be the most engaged, passionate and diverse institute in the Osher Network.” Harris has previously been involved in Teach for AmericaMississippi and worked as a selfemployed grant writer. Faculty and members are looking forward to what Harris will bring to the table. Vice President for Academic
Affairs Steven Moser noted that Harris has many experiences that make him ideal for the position. “Harris’ work with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta, background in servant leadership and creative and collaborative leadership style were among the many factors that led to his appointment,” Moser said. “His extensive experience with volunteer and nonprofit organizations, as well as grant writing, are crucial skills for leading the USM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.” Southern Miss is the only university that offers the program in Mississippi. Some members have specifically retired in Hattiesburg in order to be a part of the institute. Donald Hegwood, a previous president of OLLI and a retired agriculture professor, explained that this educational opportunity was one of deciding factors when they chose to move to Hattiesburg.
“The reason why we became members is to find a place to be intellectually active after retirement and be surrounded by people with a similar purpose,” Hegwood said. “Not all classes are taught by formal instructors. Some teach from life experience. The point is to learn not be tested. It’s a fun thing.” Hegwood has taught some art classes for OLLI. He noted that people never stop wanting to learn, and that it is crucial that people stay intellectually active. The Hegwoods have been members of OLLI for over 10 years, and they remain dedicated to the experience. Hegwood also supports Brett Harris as the new director. “He’s going to be a great director,” Hegwood said. “He is being active and interested in the operation of OLLI. He has attended classes and has certainly shown great leadership. I think he’s going to make a great director, he has a lot of
positive support.” Wayne Archer, a professional photographer and former board member of the Hattiesburg Arts Council, says he would love to join a program like OLLI now that he is retired. “In a lot of cases, if you quit learning, your brain goes stagnant, so you keep mentally healthy by continuing to learn,” Archer said. “The Learning Institute is something I could benefit from. I have friendships with some people involved, and I would be interested in looking into it further.” The institute currently serves over 700 members and continues to reach further into the community. A new chapter was recently founded on the USM Gulf Coast campus. Harris has a big responsibility to the community, and the vast support he has received so far indicates that he will do a great job as the new director.
UPD security measures: what are they? Andrew Dutton Printz Reporter
After the shooting at Delta State University, attention is once again on college campus security. The University of Southern Mississippi’s police department (UPD) has detailed plans that are in place to deal with emergencies and crises that may occur on campus. According to UPD’s web page, in the event that the campus community must be notified of an emergency or crisis on campus, they would use many methods to contact students and faculty. The list of methods include e-mail
alerts, phone messaging system, voice messaging utilizing alert sirens and alerting local media and radio outlets. If someone is notified of or involved in an emergency or crisis, they will be told to stay calm, assess their surroundings and be prepared to take safety measures based on their personal situation. Other warnings issued include staying away from the area of emergency or crisis, finding a safe place to stay until the emergency is over and not opening the door for anyone unless it is the police. Also according to their web page, UPD is fully recognized as a law enforcement agency by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Officers are highly trained and capable of responding to all types of emergencies, which include active threats such as a shooter. Officers also train for specific types of situations and participate in regular training exercises. If you are directly affected by an emergency, call 911 or UPD at 601266-4986 as soon as it is safe to do so. Provide as much information as you can and stay on the phone until told to hang up. If UPD needs additional assistance, other law enforcement agencies such as the Hattiesburg
Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and Petal Police Department are prepared to respond. Alexandria Paige, junior business administration entrepreneurship major, has felt very safe during her time at USM. “I feel safe so far,” Paige said. “There’s been nothing that has given me a reason not to feel safe.” Mitchell Carley, sophomore athletic training major, feels the same way. “I usually do feel safe,” Carley said. “I don’t see any trouble going on campus.” In the United States, shootings at college campuses have become
common. The New York Times reported that from 2007 until 2013, an average 16.4 mass shootings per year took place in the U.S. The National Center of Victims of Crime reported that in 2011, data from the FBI showed that over 89,160 crimes were reported to college and university police. Of the reported crimes, 97 percent were property crimes and 3 percent were violent crimes. Of all the property crimes reported on university campuses in 2011, 87 percent were larceny-thefts, 11 percent were burglaries, 2 percent were motor thefts and 0.4 percent were arson.
Page 4 | Monday, September 21, 2015
FEATURE
ON CAMPUS
Some undergrads go unconventional route Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
The stereotypical undergraduate is between the ages of 18 and 21, lives on campus and is actively involved in campus activities. This is usually the picture that comes to mind when you think of a “college undergrad.” However, in almost every general curriculum class, there are one or two students who do not fit the bill. They look a little more refined and attentive, and maybe they are considerably older. These people are not teacher assistants or professors but are undergraduates just
like everyone else in the classroom. They represent an underrepresented nontraditional demographic that exists in colleges everywhere. Heather Richard, a 26-yearold senior, described the social implications of being a nontraditional undergraduate. “Our social lives are completely different from conventional students,” Richard said. “I don’t think I have ever seen frat row. Typically, you will see unconventional undergrads building friendships with other people their age, because those are the only students they can relate to.” Richard also explained the
Hunt Mercier/Printz
Senior Alex Savain does homework in the library on Sunday.
Senior Lisa Wakeland does her homework in the library on Sept. 20.
issue with being friends with younger students. “Me and friends my age can leave to go to a bar, and I have had friends under twenty-one that I’ve had to leave behind,” she said. Chris Dumal, also 26 and a senior, addressed the age-conflict in terms of life on-campus. “Professors teach lower-level classes as if you are 18 and fresh out of high school,” Dumal said. “Often, conventional students will come to me for counsel because I already have the life experience they are learning now.” He also pointed out that the relationship he tends to have with professors is more laid
Hunt Mercier/Printz
back because it is easier to find common ground. “Younger students still have the idea that if they do something wrong, they will be sent to detention,” Dumal said. Students who wait to go back to college have certain advantages. By the time they choose to finish their education, many have completed their basic curriculum at a junior college. Also, the time off allows for these people to become adults, learn discipline and gain a level of maturity that might be lacking in students fresh out of high school. Many of the non-traditional students at The University of Southern Mississippi have personally experienced that lack of maturity, which is what led them to taking time off. The respect and appreciation these students have for their education is genuine. Julia Sieben is a 54-yearold undergraduate at Southern Miss double majoring in political science and history. She is also involved in the Honors College. Julie put a hold on her education after becoming a single parent and transitioning into a lifestyle in which making a living and raising a family were the ultimate priorities. She has since supported her son through college and has finally made it back to fulfill her academic goals. “I have the dedication and tunnel vision that is needed for studying,” Sieben said. “Students like me don’t have someone paying our bill. We are investing in ourselves rather than our parents investing in us, so we hold ourselves accountable, and I feel like the professors expect more from me.” Sieben has felt unwelcome by typical undergrads because of her high academic performance. “It’s bad when I go to a class and the teacher says, ‘There is
no curve because Julia made a 100 on the exam,’” Sieben said. “Students don’t want to be in class with me after that because I ruined the curve. Why would you expect a curve? Why wouldn’t you just do the work to make the grade? I have seen a few students who demonize me because I try so hard.” She desires to bring respect to the university with her hard work. “When I don’t apply myself, then I do not live up to the quality of my instruction, and I don’t blame the professor,” she said. “I blame myself.” Sieben is passionate about promoting honor societies, student organizations and scholarships that aid nontraditional students. She desires to leave a legacy at USM by starting a chapter for the NonTrad Student Organization by the end of the year. At the moment, the only university in Mississippi that offers these types of opportunities is Mississippi State. “Unfortunately, because this school does not subscribe to nontraditional, they are losing a lot of good transfer students, higher GPA levels and lower quit rates,” Sieben said. “Young parents, single parents and veterans are generally not approached. They miss out on scholarship opportunities because they can’t be full time. They are not applicable for general government educational programs.” She plans to work a career focused on education reform after graduation. Unconventional undergraduates’ life experiences allow them to contribute meaningfully to the classroom and offer mentorship to younger students experiencing personal problems or academic struggle. This community, though it is inherently separated from the majority of students, plays an important role in the cultural environment of USM.
Courtesy Photo
FEATURE
Monday, September 21, 2015 | Page 5
MUSIC
Mississippi-bred band returns home Beth Cunningham Printz Reporter
The Weeks perform at The Thirsty Hippo in downtown Hattiesburg, Sept. 19.
Beth Cunningham/Printz
On Saturday night, The Weeks returned to Hattiesburg on the third night of their home-state tour to play one of the most popular music venues in town, The Thirsty Hippo. This Jackson-born band started their Mississippi tour on Thursday, Sept. 17, in Ocean Springs and will end it on Sept. 26 in Meridian. They are one of the better-known bands to have come out of Mississippi recently, and The Thirsty Hippo was packed with fans as a result. Mallory Robbins, a freshman exercise science major at The University of Southern Mississippi, hails from the band’s hometown, Jackson. She was in the crowd Saturday to see them. “I’ve been a fan for three years, and this was my fourth show,” Robbins said. “I was beyond excited when I heard they were coming to town. Their shows have been a tradition for me and my friend back home for so long. Seeing them made me feel a little less homesick.” A significant portion of the band’s fanbase shares this attitude. Mississippi pride is at the heart of the band’s image. The name of the tour itself is “It’s Like Comin’ Home.” Their set opener Saturday night was one of their biggest hits, “Mississippi Rain,” and they continued to sing of their homeland with wistful tunes such as “Slave to the South.” Lead singer Cyle Barnes sports a tattoo of the state’s outline on his arm, but his love for his home clearly runs deeper than that. “We are so happy to be in the state of Mississippi,” Barnes said. “The people are beautiful, the state itself is beautiful and it feels like being home. Because it is our home, and we love you all very much.” USM junior speech pathology major Kaleigh White raved about the show. “Last night was my third time to see them, and it was the most fun I’ve had at one of their shows,” White said. “You can definitely tell they love what they do, especially when they’re doing a show in their home state.” The show was high-energy from start to finish. The venue allows the crowd to be right up next to the stage, which encouraged the band and the fans to interact with each other. The lead singer and drummer are twins, and the chemistry between the two was extremely visible. The whole band played without reservation, like they truly were coming home. On Mississippi’s border, the signs read, “Birthplace of America’s Music.” With a soulful, southern rock sound with influences from the greats such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Killers, The Weeks have developed a sound that embodies modern-day Mississippi. White said of the artists, “They’re a fantastic band to represent the state, and I hope that their popularity continues to grow nationally.”
Page 6 | Monday, September 21, 2015
OPINION
NATIONAL
Del Rey’s ‘Honeymoon’ powerful, evocative Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
Lana Del Rey’s new album “Honeymoon,” released on Friday, was everything but disappointing. Listeners can expect sepia-filtered ideas, hazy jazz melodies and Del Rey showing off her Italian. “High By the Beach” teased fans for a little over a month before the album was released. It was received with mixed feelings, but no one can deny that it really has some movement. My mother even knows some of the lyrics. Surprisingly, this is the most upbeat track featured on “Honeymoon.” For the duration of most of the album, Del Rey floats, suspended in solemn air while delivering smoldering work—the best of her career. “Honeymoon” cradles Del Rey in her most comfortable range—mostly low tones. As her voice lifts upward, Del Rey sinks into the shadows of noir thoughts and muddy trap styles. Previous albums featured songs of her life narrative, but “Honeymoon” is an invitation into Del Rey’s private reflections. Her story has been told, and now she is free to just make music. Honeymoon does not maintain the same kind of tension as her other albums. It does not express the same kinds of pain. However, the tracks remain true to the morose attitude for which Del Rey is renowned. Lana Del Rey did not satisfy her fans with many comments
about the anticipated release. Social media revealed very little about what was coming. Del Rey only sporadically posted cryptic comments and photos on Instagram that revealed little to nothing, but that is the way of this famously elusive and mysterious artist. The album opens up with the haunting song for which the album is named: “Honeymoon.” It is a perfect opening that sets the stage for expressing her vision for the album. “I love this song because it encapsulates all of the things that come naturally to me,” Del Rey said via her website in July. “In some ways I feel it’s where the record begins and ends.” The music blends the electricity of modern pop and trap with pastel 1950s themes. She picks up the tempo gradually with a slow burn. Her sound is more abstract than ever. While listening, I could not decide whether to lose myself in the music or indulge in something spicy and sweet. Her moody blues is ideal to listen to alone in a low-lit room or with a lover. It’s not the kind of album you listen to for getting pumped on the way to a bar. As I have often experienced listening to Del Rey, I could see myself reflected in her voice. “Money Power Glory” from the album “Ultraviolence” is still the most resounding piece I have ever heard from Del Rey. It made me re-evaluate myself. As “Honeymoon” closed with Del Rey’s cover of the familiar
jazz track “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” I was inspired. It was the most intense hour and five minutes I have ever spent with myself. Of course, not all fans will share my
experience. The album has a unique energy that Del Rey has never ventured to master before, but it may be her best yet. “I’m going deeper and
deeper, I’m getting darker and darker,” sings Del Rey in “The Blackest Day.” Where exactly is Lana going? In my opinion, she is diving straight into her truest self.
Courtesy Photo
ON CAMPUS
Homecoming how to:
avoid excessive campaigners like a pro Alexis Ware Printz Reporter
Every year, students are forced to face the plight of the homecoming campaigners. While I’m sure the candidates and campaigners have the best intentions, being heckled daily is not on the top-ten list of students’ favorite things. So, for all of the students who would like to make it through the next week with little interaction with homecoming campaigners, heed these suggestions. Homecoming elections are Sept. 22 and 24. On these days, the sticker you get once you vote will help you.
While this is not a guaranteed way to avoid the chaos, it gives you some leeway. You can just point to the sticker and avoid being stopped or engaging in a longer conversation. The campaigners will thank you and move on to the next passing student. This sticker will only be given once you vote on election days, so they will not help you if you choose not to vote or on the days leading up to elections. Campaigners work in all of the main areas on campus. To avoid direct interaction, keep to the outskirts of campus. When this is unavoidable, there are a few precautions to take to keep interactions to a minimal. Wear earphones and
sunglasses or avert eyes elsewhere to avoid eye contact. This should get across the message that you don’t want to socialize. If they still attempt to stop you, tap your wrist to signal that you are running late and continue to power walk by. As a general rule, if someone passes you and is being abnormally friendly toward you, it’s safe to assume the conversation will lead to him or her asking for your vote. On occasion, campaigners will ask what your classification is to ensure you are eligible to vote for the candidate they represent. If your classification is the same, tell them you’re in another class. Saying “sophomore” to junior maid
campaigners is a shorter conversation than hearing why their candidate is ideal. Getting stopped on campus isn’t the only way the campaigners will get to you. Do you have social media? It’s 2015, so of course you do. Well, avoid it. For the next week, fight the urge to log on to any of your accounts. The majority of your feed on Instagram probably consists of flyers and profile pictures on Facebook are also candidate promotions. Even Snapchat isn’t safe from homecoming hopefuls. However, boycotting social media can be difficult, so you can also temporarily unfollow people who campaign.
Sure, you love them, but that love will still be there in two weeks when you no longer have to scroll through their homecoming posts and it is safe to reconnect them into your social media life. While excessive homecoming campaigning can be overwhelming, remember that those students are only trying to help a friend and make the most of their college careers. If you do engage in conversation with campaigners, avoid the temptation to be rude. Homecoming can be an exciting time of year. Once the voting part is over, it’s a great time for students to come together and show their love for Southern Miss.
SPORTS
Monday, September 21, 2015 | Page 7
FOOTBALL
Richard and Mullens star in 56-50 win
Soobum Im/USA Today Sports Images Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles wide receiver Jordan Mitchell runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Texas State Bobcats during the first half at Bobcat Stadium.
Joshua Campbell Sports Editor
Southern Miss (2-1) exploded offensively Saturday night, beating Texas State (1-2) 56-50 in a shootout of epic proportions. Jalen Richard and Nick Mullens were the stars of the game for the Golden Eagles, combining for eight touchdowns. Richard had two rushing touchdowns of over 50 yards, a 53-yarder and a 64-yarder on his way to 230 yards on 27 carries. Mullens was equally impressive, completing 19 of his 27 attempts for 333 yards and four touchdowns. Throughout the game, he was prepared, poised and extremely accurate. On the opening possession, Mullens hit D.J. Thompson for a 23-yard touchdown and on their next possession, Jordan Mitchell caught his first career touchdown for 19 yards to take an early 14-3 lead. To start the second quarter, Richard powered his way for a 1-yard touchdown to cap off a 13 play, 65 yard drive to extend the lead to 21-3. However, the Bobcats owned the rest of the second quarter. Tyler Jones got the Texas State offense going with a 35-yard scamper to cut the USM lead to 21-10. After a Southern Miss punt, Jones capped off an impressive drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence White before hitting Robert Lowe on the 2-point conversion to cut the lead to three. With just over a minute remaining
in the first half, Trey McGowan forced Ito Smith to fumble, giving Texas State a short field. Facing a third and 19 after a holding penalty, Jones threw a deep out to Demun Mercer that Kalan Reed tipped, but fell into Mercer’s arms for a 32-yard touchdown. Despite a hot start offensively, the Golden Eagles went into the half trailing 25-20. On their opening possession of the second half, Mullens connected with Casey Martin for a 4-yard touchdown, set up by a 30-yard catch by Mitchell. Richard then extended the USM lead to 35-25 with a 3-yard plunge up the middle. The Bobcats were able to cut the lead to seven with a field goal, but then Richard completely took over the game. After Mullens delivered a big time throw on third down to extend the drive, Richard exploded through the line untouched on his way to the end zone for a 42-28 lead. On the Bobcats’ ensuing possession, Dylan Bradley continued his great start to the season, sacking Jones to force the punt. Facing a tough third down, Mullens hit Martin in stride on a slant. Martin proceeded to split the safeties, accelerating through the second level of the defense for a 50-yard touchdown. Despite a comfortable 49-28 lead, the Southern Miss defense started to leak some oil, allowing Jones and Texas State to start a comeback. Lowe capped off a 14-play, 84-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown. Lumi Kaba then executed a perfect onside kick that gave the
Texas State sideline some much needed life. On the first play of the drive, Jones turned on the jets on a quarterback draw, scoring from 54 yards out to cut the USM lead to 49-42. With their backs against the wall
against the resurgent Bobcats, USM desperately needed a big play to take back control of the game. Once again, Richard answered the call. Richard took a handoff off tackle that appeared to be bottled up
Soobum Im/USA Today Sports Images Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens throws a pass against the Texas State Bobcats during the first half at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, on Sept. 19.
behind the line. But he made a beautiful jump cut to the outside to elude a Bobcat defender, then cut back to the middle of the field, turned on the jets for his second long touchdown and fourth touchdown of the game. “Coming out of halftime, (running backs) coach Simon got in my ear and said, ‘Just hit it.’ He said I hadn’t been hitting (the hole) like I was supposed to,” Richard said. “So coming into the second half, that’s what I did. I trusted my blocks, put my head down, hit it and it started opening up.” Texas State attempted to get back in the game, but the Golden Eagle defense stood its ground. With just over two minutes left, Texas State faced a fourth and goal from the USM 4-yard line. Jones hit Brandon Smith in the flats which appeared to be a walkin touchdown. But Reed came from the middle of the field and laid a huge hit on Smith to keep him from reaching the goal line. USM willingly accepted a safety to avoid the risk of punting from their own end zone before the Bobcats added a garbage time touchdown with just four ticks left. The final score was not indicative of how well the Golden Eagles played. “If you just look at the areas to why you win—explosive plays, we had a bunch of them. Turnovers, unfortunately we had one, third down conversions which we were very good at (and) scoring touchdowns in the red zone, which we did and the last one is lost yardage plays,” said head coach Todd Monken. “I don’t know how many of those we had, but not a bunch. That’s how you win.” In Monken’s tenure as the head man, there have been very few games in which his team has executed in all five of his ‘how you win’ areas, but this was certainly one of them. The offense was more explosive than it has ever been, they played smart and disciplined on both sides of the ball and the defense made big plays in big moments. While the season is still young, it is clear that this group is not the same Golden Eagle teams we have witnessed the past three seasons. This teams looks very much like a contender in Conference USA and that is not a knee-jerk reaction. The Golden Eagles are now a fast and physical team capable of winning every time they step onto the field. But this newfound success will be put to the test this week. The Golden Eagles travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, to take on a very good Cornhusker squad, but the talent differential will not be as large as in seasons past. Nebraska (1-2) is coming off a heart-breaking OT loss to Miami and could be looking past USM with their conference schedule looming ahead. It will be interesting to see just how far these Golden Eagles have come when the game kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m.
Page 8 | Monday, September 21, 2015
SPORTS
SOCCER
Lack of offense dooms Southern Miss in weekend pair
Hunt Mercier/Assistant Photo Editor Southern Miss forward Becky McMullan kicks the ball against South Alabama on Sunday in Hattiesburg Sept. 20.
Julius Kizzee Printz Reporter
Southern Miss went into the weekend looking to make a statement. With a one-goal loss against Alabama and a tie with MSU, the Golden Eagles traveled to play the UL-Monroe Warhawks in Monroe, Louisiana, on Friday night, but lost a defensive struggle 1-0. Southern Miss was unable to rebound from an early goal scored by ULM’s Danielle Sabbath on a
cross into the box. Golden Eagle goalkeeper Brittany Taylor played hellacious defense, halting eight balls from scoring. The defense was phenomenal for Southern Miss, but the offense just could not keep pace. The Lady Eagles stayed aggressive as Mary Kate Smith took three shots on goal, but unfortunately none went in. Freshman Kirstin Bradley held her own on the night, shooting five goals herself. With the loss behind them, the Lady Eagles traveled back home
VOLLEYBALL
for the first time in over two weeks. Southern Miss played host to the South Alabama Jaguars, losing 4-0 in their effort. The South Alabama Jaguars took the game from the start, scoring in the first three minutes of the contest. The shot from USA’s Ashlynn Jones was taken from the front of the box, landing in the left corner of the goal. That early statement started the rout for the Jaguars. The Jaguars did not score again until the end of the first half. Ashlynn Jones again got a chance to put her mark on the game with a penalty kick. Setting up across from Taylor, Jones drilled the shot, creating a 2-0 deficit for the Golden Eagles to climb out of. Jones again came alive for the Jaguars in the 61st minute, scoring her fifth goal of the season. The score was 3-0, pinning the Golden Eagles against the wall. Just two minutes later, the grave was dug for the Golden Eagles when the Jaguars scored again. In the game, Southern Miss only got off six shots. South Alabama had a whopping 21 shots in the game. The aggressive play that they held against UL-Monroe did
not hold true in this game. Southern Miss will begin its conference schedule when it travels to Murfreesboro, Tennessee,to take on Middle
Tennessee State Friday, Sept. 25. The Golden Eagles (2-3-4) were downed in both of their games over the weekend, traveling to ULM and playing host to South Alabama.
Hunt Mercier/Assistant Photo Editor Southern Miss forward Becky McMullan controls the ball against a South Alabama player on Sunday in Hattiesburg Sept. 20.
Golden Eagles winless in Tiger Invitational Deantae Smith Printz Reporter
Southern Miss fell to 12-4 following a tough Tiger Invitational this past weekend in Memphis, Tennessee. Southern Miss opened the invitational against in-state rival Mississippi State. The Golden Eagles rallied from two sets down to force a fifth set, only to fall for the first time in a fifth set this season. Junior Stephany Purdue registered 16 kills while senior Mary Pursell contributed 20 digs. Freshman Sarah Bell added 40 assists along with seven kills, eight digs and three aces. As a team, the Golden Eagles finished with 52 kills, six aces and six team blocks. The loss of the fifth set gave the Golden Eagles just their second loss of the season. On day two of the invitational, Southern Miss faced host Memphis in an early afternoon matchup. The Golden Eagles dropped a four-set match 3-1 (25-22, 25-16, 18-25, 25-15). Against the Tigers, a pair of Golden Eagles recorded doubledoubles as Purdue finished with 17 kills and 18 digs while freshman Kylie Grandy recorded 12 kills and 15 digs. Bell nearly
record a double-double as well, registering 37 assists and eight digs. Southern Miss finished the match with 47 kills, four aces and 65 digs as a team. The Golden Eagles concluded the Tiger Invitational versus Austin Peay, but fell in five sets, 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 16-25, 30-28, 15-9). The Golden Eagles struggled to keep control of the match against Austin Peay. After losing the first set by two, Southern Miss captured the second set and dropped the third set. In a pivotal fourth set, Southern Miss forced a fifth set only to fall in the fifth set 15-9. Purdue led the way in the final match of the invitational with 20 kills and 16 digs. Grandy, Rachel Johnson and Elise Ames tallied 10 kills each. Grandy also chipped in 15 digs with Pursell added 21. Bell added 14 and collected 47 assists. Southern Miss ended the match with 62 kills, eight aces, 84 digs and 10 team blocks. Since starting 10-0, the Golden Eagles have gone 2-4 in its last six matches ahead of conference play, a tough time to hit a cold spell. Southern Miss opens Conference USA play on the road against Louisiana Tech tonight at 6 p.m.