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Volume 100 Issue 42

Thursday, March 10, 2016

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Golden Eagles face long road to Regionals Julius Kizzee Sports Editor

Southern Miss lost its third game of the season against Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday night, falling 4-2 in late-game fashion. “We just never did [enough] offensively,” said coach Scott Berry. “We didn’t get that big hit. I think more importantly are the walks and the errors especially in the seventh inning.” Southeastern Louisiana lost at home on Tuesday in dramatic fashion, squandering a two-run lead to the Golden Eagles, as USM ran off four runs to win in Hammond, Louisiana. In this contest, USM was not able to pull out the same magic on this night. “Honestly, what they kind of did last night, we did tonight,” Berry said. “This was an opportunity that we missed on, and we didn’t do enough to win this ball game.” This game was a missed opportunity for the Golden Eagles, but everyone should calm down. USM went on a tear recently, winning seven straight games to start the season. USM dropped two straight contests against South Alabama, but that was to be expected. Georgia Tech is the only undefeated team in the country, so losses should not be seen as a rarity. As a reminder, the Golden Eagles have defeated Michigan State, Southeastern and Auburn, all of whom have top 50 Rating Percentage Index rankings,

ON CAMPUS

Fadi Shahin/Assistant Photo Editor Southern Miss Golden Eagles Stevie Powers (15) piches against Southeastern Louisiana University on Wednesday, March 9.

according to warrrennolan.com. Those wins carry more weight than the three early losses that they have faced, so fans should not put too much stock into a stumble on the road to the NCAA Regionals. “We have the ability (to win close games),” Berry said. “We were hoping for it to have it happen for us again today.” Those close games have come

as early as Feb. 21 in the 6-4 ﬁnale against Eastern Illinois and last night culminated in a season that will most likely be ﬁlled with close calls and late-inning heroics. On this night against Southeastern Louisiana, the Golden Eagles succumbed to errors in both the seventh and eighth innings, leading to a total of three runs scored for the Lions. The Golden Eagles not

only dug themselves in that hole, but there was no formula for getting themselves out of it. The Golden Eagles have mustered three or fewer points in ﬁve of their last seven games. The pitching against the Lions, led by freshman Stevie Powers, was unable to keep the Lions off the base. The hitting, a mere seven hits out of 33 at-bats, was not going to magically appear for an

inning just as it did on Tuesday. They will have to rely a little more on skill, rather than a little luck or a sprinkle of magic. “We’ve been playing good baseball, I’m not going to take anything away from what we’ve been doing,” Berry said. “We’ve had a pretty good run here.” This is not to say that Berry’s squad cannot get their act together or become more consistent at the plate, and command more respect on the mound. But, it starts with facing the facts. According the NCAA, the Golden Eagles are ranked 47th nationally with a .308 batting average. The pitching staff is ranked 59th with a 3.18 earned run average. Those numbers will net 11 wins in the early going, but as the season wanes, average numbers may yield an average record. For this game, the Golden Eagles did not play to their snuff, but fans should realize the team is not as senior-laden as in 2015. Albeit talented, the bullpen and rotation is ﬁlled with inexperience. The team will need time to adjust not only their pitching arms but their bats as well. “There’s times where a little hit breaks it open, and we just didn’t get it tonight, for the most part,” Berry said. USM was not able to get the few hits needed to pull out this contest, but fans should wait on pessimistic thinking about not only this young team, but the young season.

Civil Rights activist, nephew reunited at USM lecture Nicolas Kubicki Printz Reporter

Guests packed the lobby of Kennard-Washington Hall, mingling, bustling and waiting for Myrlie EversWilliams to arrive. While most guests donned suits, sport coats and dresses, two signiﬁcantly underdressed attendees stood out. One was a reporter, and the other was Corey Murchison, a student waiting to see his great-aunt as eagerly as someone waiting to see a movie star. Murchison, a junior media production major, is the greatnephew of Evers-Williams by way of Charles Evers, her late husband’s brother. “When I was growing up, I didn’t know a lot about my family history,” Murchison said. “I think I was in middle school when I learned about it. I knew who my great uncle was, but then I realized that I was related to Medgar Evers, which meant Myrlie

as well.” Murchison talked about her with the glowing admiration of someone getting to meet one of their heroes. “She’s a major part of history, and if she’s related to me, then I know I can do great things too,” Murchison said. He waited anxiously, shifting back and forth, looking around the reception hall hoping to catch a glimpse of her so he could talk to her. Suddenly, a bluster of applause ﬁlled the room, and EversWilliams walked in. Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Burke opened the reception, and he recognized several prominent actors in USM history in attendance, including Raylawni Branch and Gwendolyn Armstrong

Chamberlain, the students who successfully integrated USM’s campus in 1965.

and said none of what had happened could have been possible without him. A representative from the Hattiesburg City Council gave Evers-Williams the key to the city on behalf of the council and Mayor Johnny DuPree. After a few more tributes, the ﬂoor was opened. People swarmed Evers-Williams, looking to take pictures with her and thank her for her work, and Murchison was among them. After ﬁghting his way through the crowd, he knelt beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, leaning in to talk to her. “She said she was excited to know that I was going to school here,” he said. After a brief moment, Murchison was hurried away so others could get

She’s a major part of history, and if she’s related to me, then I know I can do

great things, too. Corey Murchison “On the day that it was initiated, and this building was renamed, the line of people went all the way around this room, and people were in line out to the stoop,” Branch said. “It was just a wonderful day.” Branch thanked President Emeritus Aubrey Lucas for his efforts

time with Evers-Williams. Evers-Williams gave a passionate lecture about her struggle over the years with learning to let go of the hatred she felt for her husband’s murderer and believing in the justice system. “It took 30 years to bring that man to justice,” she said. “Justice still prevails in the United States of America. It may be slow, but it happens.” She talked about her time with Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz, and their ﬁght not only as the wives of renowned activists but as activists themselves. “The three of us were the best of friends,” she said. “What impacted one impacted the other.” She said the women knew their husbands were doing dangerous work but that they were willing to do what was necessary to change the system. ACTIVIST CONT. ON PG. 3

INFORMATION

Page 2 | Thursday, March 10, 2016

MEET THE STAFF SPRING 2016 Ardan Thornhill

Julius Kizzee

ardan.thornhill@eagles.usm.edu

julius.kizzee@eagles.usm.edu

Jack Hammett

Hunt Mercier

jesse.hammett@eagles.usm.edu

patrick.mercier@eagles.usm.edu

Executive Editor

Sports Editor

Managing Editor

Joshua D Starr

Photo Editor

Fadi Shahin

News Editor

Assistant Photo Editor

sprintznews@gmail.com

fadi.shahin@eagles.usm.edu

Nan Beauti

Jules Peralta

afnan.beauti@eagles.usm.edu

jules.peralta@eagles.usm.edu

Jonathan Urbina

Chuck Cook

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Copy Editor

Web Editor

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Aubrey Sanders

Printz Adviser

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Design Editor

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Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu

EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be 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. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

DIRTY BIRDS • • • •

On Thursday, March 3, a case of simple assault was reported at Chain Technology Building around 10:38 a.m. The case remains open. On Friday, March 4, university police investigated a malicious mischief report at the Kappa Sigma house around 2:05 a.m. The case has since cleared with a referral to the dean of students. On Sunday, March 6, simple assault was reported to university police around 8:55 p.m. The case remains open. On Tuesday, March 8, Copy Editor Nan Beauti’s bike tire was stolen from Hillcrest parking lot around 10:51 p.m. The case remains open.

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NEWS

POLITICS

Thursday, March 10, 2016 | Page 3

Mississippi Primary Results CLINTON

82.6%

delegates

SANDERS

16.5%

delegates

TRUMP

47.3%

delegates

36.3% KASICH 8.8% RUBIO 5.1% CRUZ

delegates

SOURCE: AP

ON CAMPUS

French scholar discusses free speech Emerald Ware Printz Reporter

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Department of Communication Studies welcomed scholar Laurent Pernot to address free speech in an on-campus lecture titled, “What is Free Speech: Michel Foucault Answers for the Greeks” on March 7. Pernot’s work includes analyzing how ancient civilizations’ ideas of free speech relate to the language used today. He served as a former president of the International Society for the History of Rhetoric, executive editor of the book series “International Studies in the History of Rhetoric” and most notably a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, one of the five academies of the Institut de France. “I found this audience particularly receptive it was a wonderful experience here in Hattiesburg at USM the audience was very reactive the questions were very interesting,” Pernot said. Rebecca Holder, an English doctoral student, said the lecture gave her new ideas about the concept of freedom speech. “I was really intrigued by the dual concept of parrhesia and thinking of freedom of speech in the way we conceive of it as a constitutional right and the speaking freely in the concept

Courtesy Image

of speaking truthfully in individual spiritual guidance,” Holder said. Pernot described parrhesia as the democratic concept of freedom of speech. “I think that what he demonstrated was that Foucult sees that there’s an ethical underpinning to the concept of thinking freely and that our freedom of speech comes with a responsibility to speak truthfully as well,” Holder said. Jameela Lares, professor of English, has known Pernot for 25 years working in the history of rhetoric. “I knew that his work was cutting edge and that he’s had a lot to say to anybody in America,” Lares said. “He’s

very interested in the United States, and he sees it as a real important part of the world an important part of the intellectual world.” Many students asked Pernot how his ideals of speech related to the candidates during the event’s closing questions. Lares said it was inevitable for people to think about the election though Pernot said that was not his direct intention. “We are trying to reflect in a rational historical way,” Pernot said. “There’s a feedback the implications exist. I think my job is not speaking of this. The students should by themselves apply what they hear to the current situation if they wish it’s not necessary it is

their freedom.” Students heard more of Pernot’s findings on March 4 during the lecture “Rhetoric for Ancient Philosophy: Plato, Aristotle, and Marcus Aurelius” Presented by the Philosophical Fridays lecture series and again on March 8 during “To Speak, Saying Nothing? The Unknown Benefits of Ceremonial Praise” sponsored by the USM Honors College. Pernot’s discussions introduced new ideas to students. “I really appreciated his lecture,” Holder said. “I think he made a lot of connections between antiquities and the rhetoric that we use today in ways that are helpful to my own studies.”

ACTIVIST CONTINUED “They knew what was coming, but they believed enough in humanity to take the risk,” she said. Evers-Williams credited her daughter with helping her through the years and helping her to come to terms with her husband’s murder. She said her daughter would tell her that her husband would not want her to hate anyone. She addressed the crowd and voiced suspicion and concern about the political candidates and the landscape today, recalling the obstacles that were once used to keep African-Americans from voting. “Are you willing to pay the price to carry out your commitments?” she said. “Don’t give up on your dreams. Hopefully those dreams will be clear, and hopefully those dreams will be just.” Members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority gave Evers-Williams gifts of appreciation, and she received a plaque of recognition from the local chapter of the NAACP. EversWilliams received the Spingarn Medal, the organization’s highest award, in 1998. Murchison said the lecture Evers-Williams gave was inspiring and interesting. “She really knows how to get people’s attention,” he said. “She’s funny and inspirational, and she always knows the right thing to say. I don’t really see her as a celebrity but as a family member with so much wisdom to offer.” Evers-Williams stressed that the nation was at a turning point, no matter what happens in the upcoming presidential election. She spoke about her husband and her friends’ husbands’ commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, which culminated in the killings of both Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.

NEWS

Page 4 | Thursday, March 10, 2016

ON CAMPUS

University radio station ‘breaks’ out hip-hop show Nan Beauti Copy Editor

Senior entertainment industry major Deveron “D” Dennis will host “The Breaks,” a new segment of WUSM-FM that will air Sundays from 10 p.m. to midnight starting March 27.

Deveron Dennis

The show will incorporate old-school hip-hop and R&B, discussions on today’s controversial topics and spiels on black culture. Dennis said the majority of the music he chose to be played during the show will feature the time periods after 1975 and before 2007. “I saw that there was a lack of diversity on the station,” Dennis said. “There wasn’t a lot of hip-hop being played.” William Foley, president of Golden Eagle Sound and Production said the show will incorporate indepth questions relating with hiphop and black culture. “It’s pretty much all I listen to,” Dennis said. “I listen to a few other new artists like J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Childish Gambino, but a lot of the artists now aren’t speaking real English.” Because of his critical attitude toward modern-day hip-hop and R&B, Dennis decided he would not be joining the same bandwagon as other radio stations, such as WZLD in Hattiesburg and play

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contemporary music. “The whole thing with me going to the old-school hip-hop was different,” Dennis said. When he asked his companions what they thought about his plan to play old-school music, Dennis said they agreed that radio shows do not play that style of music anymore. General manager of WUSM-FM, Justin Martin sent out an email asking if anyone was interested in hosting an indie hip-hop show to the students of the School of Mass Communication and Journalism in December. “I decided to dive into the opportunity just to see if I would get it, and I ended up getting the job,” Dennis said. It was proposed to be an indie hip-hop show, but after Dennis talked to a few friends who were not so fond of the idea, he changed the theme of the show to hip-hop. “The more ‘noes’ I would get, I knew what I was going to do,” Dennis said. “I would see if I could turn the indie hip-hop show into a classic hip-hop and R&B show.” After discussing the change of plans with Martin, Dennis received the OK. From there, Dennis tried to keep the original idea and incorporate indie hiphop by allowing various artists from around the Hattiesburg area to submit their music. This would give Dennis and his show

crew an opportunity to see if the public reacted positively to that music style. “I think it will bring diversity to the station, because I don’t think we have anything like that since we play a lot of blues and jazz than hiphop,” said Sara Littleton, host for the Sunday Brunch on WUSM.“It’s going to be great.” The show will also have a segment called “What Would You Do?” where the hosts ask Southern Miss students what they would do if they were in certain situations. Since he graduates in December, Dennis wanted to leave his legacy at Southern Miss and believes taking the position as host of “The Break” will fulﬁll that legacy. “My goal is just to keep it [the show] going,” Dennis said. Dennis’ co-host is senior criminal justice major Sharain Bruce who initially suggested Dennis to apply as host for the show. “We work together, and she got the same email I did and she knows the type of person I am and knows I can come up with different ideas,” Dennis said. “She came to me and said she would be my co-host.” So far, Dennis has compiled all of the show’s music, come up with ideas for different segments and contacted people he wants to interview for the show. “It’s not a talk show, but we will have a segment where Sharain and

I interview different people around campus who have an opinion or influence on pop or hip-hop culture,” he said. Dennis will speak on Southern Miss Today on WUSM radio on March 24 to promote “The Breaks.” The show has been in the works since January. The host and his crew will record Tuesday and Thursday mornings in preparation for the show to air on Sundays. The first people that will be interviewed are two actors from the theatre department who will discuss the white Oscar’s controversy, what it is like to be a black actor and the challenges that accompany. Dennis said listeners can expect the first show to cover the presidential race and other controversial topics. “Whatever’s hot, we’re going to talk about it,” Dennis said. Dennis said the show will allow listeners to see the other side. “When I first came here, I noticed a racial divide,” he said. “I want the whites to see how the blacks feel on campus.” “There is an imbalance of equality in our community and throughout the rest of the United States, and it’s a touchy topic too,” Foley said. For listeners wanting to contact the staff, a Twitter account for the show will be created, but in the meantime, music requests and opinions can be sent to e.breaks. usm@gmail.com.

STATE

Thirsty Hippo hosts Americana in Miss. Tour Hiba Tahir Printz Reporter

Downtown Hattiesburg restaurant and bar The Thirsty Hippo will host the Americana in Mississippi Tour March 10. Coordinated by Visit Mississippi and Visit Hattiesburg, the Americana in Mississippi Tour will feature Rambling Steve Gardner and The Jericho Road Show, an act comprised of four members performing individually, in combined duo efforts and all together. According to the band’s website, all four of its members play National Reso-phonic guitars and archtop guitars. Rambling Steve Gardner and Bill Steber also play harmonica, saw, banjo-ukulele, kazoo and washboard. All of The Jericho Road Show’s shows are family friendly, and this tour is no exception. “This tour has been amazing so far,” said Wes Lee, roadshow player frontman of the band Blue Roux. “[We’ve] played for the governor, played some beautiful theaters, met some incredible people. We all have a wonderful time together.” Lee and the rest of the performers bring their mutual love for Americana music to the stage with them. “The old-time Americana music that this group presents

Courtesy Image

is very relevant because [it’s] the only way to keep in touch with the past,” Lee said. “Our parents music, their parents music, music that came from all over the globe and ended up here… When someone wants to tap an all-American feel, or pull heartstrings, [Americana] music gets the call. It taps people at the core. It is very relevant and important.” According to the Visit Mississippi website, the Americana in Mississippi Tour pays homage to the state’s “the countless famous, infamous and not-so-famous bluesmen, troubadours, choirs, and songwriters that planted the seeds for what we now call roots music.” At each stop, notable local musicians join Rambling Steve Gardner and The Jericho Road Show. Scott Chism & the Better Half and Her & the Hymns will also perform with them tonight in Hattiesburg.

The tour’s previous stop in Laurel, Mississippi featured local folk/blues band Honeyboy & Boots. The husband and wife duo play cello and guitar and was formed in Mississippi but is now based in Tennessee. Drew Blackwell of Honeyboy & Boots said the band plays original music directly influenced by traditional folk and blues music. They also play several traditional folk and blues covers that appeal to Americana fans. “Americana music is just like it sounds: a blend of American music,” Blackwell said. “And mostly, it’s a blend of traditional music like folk, blues, country and gospel. All of these genres have been richly tied to Mississippi.” Honeyboy & Boots were enthused to have the opportunity to perform with The Jericho Road Show. “We were so honored to be a part of the event,” Blackwell said. “We had a great time and [a great] crowd.” The March 10 show begins at 6 p.m. and is free to the public. The tour will continue through the next month, with the last stop on April 28 at Blue Canoe in Tupelo. Other stops include Ocean Springs, Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, Oxford, Greenwood, Cleveland, Clarksdale, Columbus, Indianola and West Point.

ON CAMPUS

FEATURE

Thursday, March 10, 2016 | Page 5

USM student begins BEATS IN production company THE BURG Andrew Dutton Printz Reporter

On March 12 at the Tavern in Hattiesburg, Witch Trial Productions will present a show featuring bands Bermuda from California, Demolisher from Chicago, Animals from Boston, Thresholds from Nashville and VAEN from Ocean Springs. This whole event would never have come about had it not been for the desires of one USM student. Bryce Ballinger, a music production major at USM, got seriously into music at the age of 14 by both going to see shows and learning how to play guitar, bass and piano. “That was my dream, to be a performance musician and tour to share my music and inspire people with my music,” Ballinger said. When Ballinger arrived at USM, he met former USM student Zachary Thomas. Thomas was the head of Rabid Wolf Pack, a former Hattiesburg booking company similar to Witch Trials Productions. Thomas took Ballinger beneath his wing in February 2015. It was this experience that changed his goals from being a performance musician to being a producer and booking shows. “Of course, I’m still going to pursue being a performance musician,” Ballinger said. “But seeing how people reacted to that show, that’s when I decided that I’m going to stick with this.” Rabid Wolf Pack folded December 2015 following Thomas’s desire to leave the music business. Ballinger said he remembered Thomas talking to him after the last show to tell him he was leaving and it would be his choice if he would carry on the Rabid Wolf Pack name. Over winter break, Ballinger came up with his own production company Witch Trial Productions and assembled a team who would want to help him. “I built a team of nine to 10 people and contacted an artist to start work on the design for Witch Trial,” Ballinger said. Michael Steinheiser is the Wisconsin artist who designed Witch Trial’s logo and merchandise. Steinheiser worked with the band Sworn In from Illinois and designed their merchandise. Although it was expensive, Ballinger put up the money for his services.

“I knew if I wanted to be taken seriously, I needed to have something that represented me seriously,” he said. Ballinger’s company has other duties beyond booking venues. Ballinger currently manages and books tours for two bands from Nashville, Thresholds and Erebus. The tour will start in Houston and travel to the Gulf Coast to Florida before going to the Northeast. From there, the bands will travel through the Midwest before moving through Kentucky. Hattiesburg will be the second to last stop on this planned tour, with Birmingham being the last date. “My friend Caleb is the lead singer of Erebus, and he came down with one of his older bands to open up for one of our shows,” Ballinger said. It was through his friend that he was introduced to the band members of Thresholds and saw potential in them after listening to their music. Over winter break, the Witch Trial team got in contact with Chris Fronzak, the frontman of metalcore band Attila and owner of Stateset Records, an independent label company. The Witch Trial team sent him some music and promotional material of Thresholds. Fronzak offered them a visit to Orlando when they had the chance. “Fronz is a very good businessman,” Ballinger said. “That’s why I’m choosing to go in that route.” The process of forming a new company has been difﬁcult for Ballinger. Ballinger said he is not

afraid to start something new but worries about being as professional as possible so people can look into and not discredit it. Ballinger takes much responsibility as the owner. He helps with stage management as well as housing the bands in his house. The bands are fed, take showers and Ballinger allows them to sleep on his bed while he sleeps on the floor. “I try to do everything I can to insure that these bands and people that come out to our shows feel like this is a place that they can come to anytime,” Ballinger said. The goal of this effort is to make Hattiesburg a place where all bands need to come through. Witch Trial Productions has been getting more calls and emails from musicians around the country. Their work is important because of the perceived lack of comradery and major events happening. “I would like it for Witch Trial to become something that people can join,” Ballinger said. Ballinger does not make a profit from any of these venues and generally spends more money. All of the money from each venue goes to the musicians. He also is a student at USM and works part-time at Gamestop in Petal while living in his own house with bills to pay. He puts up money for catering, equipment and even gas, which can rack up to $700. “I can’t always promise opening bands money, because it’s all up to the people of Hattiesburg whether they show up or sit at home to watch Netflix,” Ballinger said. Ballinger admits that he will rely on his parents for money at times, not to fund the shows or pay the bands, but to buy his groceries at times. “If I didn’t have them, I probably wouldn’t be able to do as many shows as I could,” Ballinger said. His parents also support him by buying tickets and cooking food for the bands that show up. Despite all the hardships, Ballinger does not regret any of the past few months of being the owner and founder of Witch Trial Productions. He has succeeded in what he wanted to do and continues to do, despite the doubt others tried to place in him. “I’ve had people tell me I wouldn’t be able to do this and this is kind of a sense that ‘I can do this.’ I’m going to whether they want me to or not,” Ballinger said.

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OPINION Trump, Clinton ‘cruz’ through Miss. primaries Page 6 | Thursday, March 10, 2016

POLITICS

JD Rimann Printz Reporter

Ted Cruz

I recently read in a book about a politician whose big trait was that he, in the words of one supporter, “is not afraid to speak his mind.” This politician was endorsed by a bevy of white supremacists, ostracized by the party he claimed to be a part of and won most of the Deep South. Of course the man I am talking about is former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, perhaps the closest thing America has seen to demagogue Donald Trump. To no surprise, The Donald won the Republican side in Mississippi on March 8. What was surprising was the amount of faux-surprise in the media in response to Ted Cruz’s loss in Mississippi, and all the talk that this must be some sort of disaster for the Texas senator. Unless Cruz is completely blind, he must have anticipated losing Mississippi to Trump, especially after the mogul beat him in Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana and Georgia. For whatever reason, the Deep South loves the brash, lying, arrogant, racist, rambling New Yorker, and that was not going to change in the course of one week. The media playing this loss up like some sort of a disaster for one candidate is just plain silly. Mississippi went how

just about everybody expected Mississippi to go. Michigan, on the other hand, did not. In Michigan, the insurgent, democratic-socialist Bernie Sanders defied drastic odds to defeat Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side, when no poll had given him a chance. You may ask, dear reader, whether I plan to address the beat down Clinton administered to Bernie in Mississippi. The answer is no, because like with the Republicans, that outcome was nothing if not obvious from the beginning In particular, Bernie won a large percentage of the AfricanAmerican vote, which he had proven absolutely unable to do elsewhere in the South. If the Vermonter can continue to win a large chunk of the AfricanAmerican vote moving forward, that would certainly be helpful for him. But even on the night of his greatest victory, he still feels behind in the overall delegate count. Consequently, it remains difficult to envision a realistic path to the nomination for the senator from Vermont by way of Brooklyn. Finally, a quick note on Sanders and superdelegates, which are Democratic Party Committee members, elected officials and insiders who are given a vote at the Democratic Convention. Those who “Feel the Bern” like to say that while the

super-delegates are by and large totally committed to Hillary, that commitment is loose, and these individuals could be swayed to vote for everyone’s favorite socialist if he wins more states. These Bernsters eagerly point to the fact that many of these same superdelegates were committed to Hillary in 2008, until then Sen. Obama was able to persuade them to vote for him at the convention after winning the primary. A few of key points to bring these hopeful souls down to that planet we call Earth: One, Bernie is not Obama. Obvious, but it bears repeating. Two, Obama actually won the majority of the states in his primary, something Bernie has not come close to yet. Three, perhaps most importantly, Sen. Obama was already a rising national political star when he declared his candidacy, being backed by the Chicago Democratic Party, one of the most important Democratic political machines in the nation. Fourth and finally, Obama was the hand-picked choice of Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the unquestioned leader of both the Senate Democratic Caucus and effectively of the party itself. Bernie, I am afraid, is not and will not have the overwhelming establishment support which propelled Obama to the finish line in 2008.

SPORTS Pitching, offense sends Lady Lions back to den Thursday, March 10, 2016 | Page 7

SOFTBALL Kyle Williams Sports Reporter

Southern Miss’ offense provided 14 hits in a convincing win over Southeastern Louisiana on March 8, capturing the contest, 8-2. The Lady Lions came into the matchup ranked sixth nationally in stolen bases with 54. In the first inning, the Lady Lions speed would prove to be difficult to contain as Katie Lacour stole two bases followed by Kinsey Nichols stealing another. Southeastern’s speed would not be enough to produce any points as Southern Miss’ defense prevented any stolen bases from converting into any points through the first five innings. Samantha Robles got the Golden Eagles out of the first inning only allowing two hits and four hits in total for the

BASEBALL

game. She threw 97 pitches, racked in five strikeouts and only allowed three extrabase hits as she improved her pitching record to 8-4. The Golden Eagles not only managed to hold the Lady Lions to only three stolen bases, but the Golden Eagles also managed to record 14 hits, recording a hit in six out of the seven innings. The Golden Eagles performance in the third inning led to three hits and two scores putting the Golden Eagles up in the contest, 3-0, forcing Southeastern to make an early pitcher change as Kasey Nielson entered the game for the Lady Lions in the third inning. The Golden Eagles batting performance would continue in the fifth inning as they racked up five hits and four points in this inning alone. Bailey Stokes started the rally for Southern Miss as she singled to left field.

Stokes hit was the ninth of the night and yet again forced the Lady Lions to go deep into their pitching core. Peyton Pigniolo entered the game for Southeastern. After a walk and error by Southeastern, but

Sophomore slugs fast balls, reels in sweeps Brinley Mazza Hub City TV Reporter

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles began the 2016 season with three weekend sweeps. The Golden Eagles had three big victories against Michigan State, Troy and Auburn as well as sweeps against Eastern Illinois, Northwestern State during last weekend’s games. A big part of their success is owed to sophomore no. 22 Taylor Braley. Hitting five home runs within Southern Miss baseball’s first seven games, Braley was named National Hitter of the Month. With 12 runs batted in, a .480 batting average and 10 runs, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association awarded him after reviewing conference and school candidate submissions. Braley with a .618 on-base mark and 1.160 slugging percentage beat out other competitors. The Golden Eagles now stand 10-2 averaging approximately six runs per game. Braley said he remains humble as he leads the team in homers and RBIs. “I am just trying to stay confident with my approaches and continue to see the ball well,” Braley said. “I am trying to stay humble with the game everyday and take what hits I can get.” Braley, a Hattiesburg native, made his debut last year as a freshman. As starting third baseman, he collected 50 hits and three home runs. Braley appeared in 47 games with 44 starts. Braley garnered several accolades for his first season, including the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Publication and placed on the Conference USA AllFreshman team. Braley was the first Golden Eagle freshman named by CBP since 2012. Hunter Slater weighed in on his

teammate’s contributions to the team’s recent success. “He’s really been working on staying short to the ball and working his hands through the zone,” Slater said. “He’s has success early this season because he’s been seeing the ball very well and not missing his pitch.” Braley has worked closely with assistant coach Chad Calliet to better read each pitch thrown at him. “I think I have had so much success this early in the season because of all the work the coaches put in with me [helped me] improve from last year and make me a better player,” Braley said. “Caillet has really helped me with some things that I have struggled with in the past. I’m just trying to handle what pitches I can and taking my walks when I have to.” Braley’s main focus this year is chasing pitches off the plate and watching high fastballs. “I hit nearly 7 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day,” he said. “I have personally been trying to work on some little things in my swings so

I can stay ahead of the game and not get caught up in all the hype.” The Golden Eagles have a lot of confidence in Braley’s continuing success this season. “The biggest difference in him this year is obviously his ability to hit home runs,” Slater said. “Last year, he hit three or four and he’s already five this year.” According to Slater, coaches have set the team up on a path that could lead to regionals. “The coaches have really helped us maintain focus on reminding us every single day how important each game is,” Slater said. “Take two or three losses away from last year and we make a regional.” As the team prepares for the rest of the 2016 season, the team feels confident with a batting line-up that has proven to work well together. “We have a number of very good hitters in our line up with much experience so they all compliment each other,” Slater said. “Opponents can’t really pitch around guys in our lineup because everybody can hit so well.”

Hunt Mercier/Printz Sophomore Taylor Braley (22) bats at a baseball game.

the Golden Eagles managed to score another three points and put the game out of reach as they raised the lead, 7-0. “We have really been focusing on hitting,” said coach Wendy Hogue. “We have been leaving

Courtesy Photo

a lot of runners on base but getting those extra base hits are what we were looking for.” Southern Miss took the contest 8-2 and looks to carry the momentum March 12 as they face Middle Tennessee.

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