FEBRUARY 21, 2018 VOLUME 102 ISSUE 20
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News
The Prom Knights performed at Brewsky’s.
5
Entertainment
‘Black Panther’ exceeds expectations.
7
Sports
Keep up with the USM track and field team.
serving southern miss since 1927
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Majority of SGA candidates go unopposed Alyssa Bass
entertainment editor Applications for the executive branch of SGA closed on Thursday, Feb. 15. However, by the deadline of 4 p.m., three out of five executive positions had only one applicant, causing these students to win by default. Current SGA Vice President McKenna Stone will be the next student body president. Executive Director of Freshman Associates Katie Rogers will be election commissioner, and SGA Judicial Board member Lauren Gaudet will be attorney general. All will be sworn in on Student Awards Day. Sophomore theatre major Katarina Kristensen said students should be outraged. “People should care that leadership positions are being won by default. If our country was being won by default, there would be anarchy and that resistance from my example does not exist on the University of Southern Mississippi campus because it is deemed as normal. Furthermore, Kristensen said applications should have been advertised more towards diverse oncampus groups. “There could be more initiatives to bring awareness of the application and its positions to minorities, international, and transfer
students to apply, but too often is it quietly done and over before everyone’s eyes.” Current elections commissioner and senior biological sciences major Henry Bruebaker said that applications had been available on the SGA website since Jan. 16. “Applications were advertised through EagleVision, social media, etc. as early as Jan. 30,” Bruebaker said. “The graphic and links to the applications were shared with all branches of SGA, and every branch member was encouraged to spread the word. We also reached out to specific organizations across campus that not only had large volumes of members but also may be interested in applying (AASO, College Democrats, College Republicans, Gay Straight Alliance, Queens Uplifted, Speech and Debate team, Future Black Law Students, Men of Excellence and many others.” Additionally, no one announced a campaign for treasurer. Current treasurer and junior double major in accounting and finance Brooks Rahaim said he believes that Southern Miss students aren’t inspired to run for leadership positions. “I believe student leadership at USM as a whole has changed over time,” Rahaim said. “I see in many organizations people have trouble with keeping two term executive officers or finding a new generation of leaders. I
think we are hitting, what I would call, a bubble. It’s just a period of time where there is a lack of desired leadership and aspiration across our campus.” SGA extended the deadline for treasurer applications until Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. If no one applies, SGA President Cameron Cloud will appoint a treasurer, requiring a twothirds vote from the SGA Senate. Currently, the only election necessary is for vice president. Junior double major in political science and music Jarrod Colley is one of two competitors running. Colley is best known for authoring and passing R05F17 “A Resolution to Distinguish Hard-Working Students at the University of Southern Mississippi” during the fall semester. The resolution called for basing Latin designation on GPA rather than the completion of a thesis guided by the Honors College. Colley said his experience in the senate inspired him to run for vice president. “I feel as if the large-scale and small-scale projects I have taken on as a Senator have greatly impacted me, and I want to use those to foster strong relationships between the students and the SGA Senate,” Colley said. “It is my belief that more interaction between students and Senators will create a more positive environment on campus, and that is what I aim to do.” Kristensen, who is a former SGA
senator for the College of Business, said Colley created a stressful work environment during her time as a senator. In a public Facebook post Kristensen said: “To all the University of Southern Mississippi students that care about our community, I have a slight suggestion. DO NOT VOTE FOR Jarrod Colley for Vice President. He is not the nice, kind-hearted person that you see on his campaign flyers. I know from experience because I was a Senator for the College of Business last semester alongside him. He was a Senator that had a huge problem with not getting his way, hence the direction that the Latin Distinction Bill went. While I did agree with the bill as a whole, I did not agree with how and which he conducted his research and his lack of holding forums before creating the bill. He did not have respect for those that were elected in higher positions above him. During the last Senate meeting, I had to personally shut him down and reestablish his trust in the decision of the student body about the higher positions place. He lost his sense of his surroundings in the midst of giving the elected person the third degree in front of the fellow Senators and live stream. Recently, he approached me while I was unlocking my bike to have ‘small talk’ about my major, how he missed
the Senators, & about the current theatre show I am working on. I have a gut feeling that he did not sincerely mean any of the words he said to me because election season is upon us. On top of that, he recently invited me to the his campaign page knowing very well I do not and will not support him. He is not the man to lead Senators because he cannot properly lead himself. This is all from my personal experiences with him, you all can take this information and do with it as you will. Please, do not be afraid to like & share if you agree.” When asked about her motives in sharing the post, Kristensen said, “Sure, some people may think I have some vendetta against Jarred Colley, but that’s not the case. It’s way deeper than that. I really want to get people talking about SGA elections because too often does it get put on the back burner. It’s important because our community is important. That is all.” Colley will be competing against junior psychology major Corai Jackson for the title of vice president on March 6. Prior to voting, the candidate debate will be livestreamed from the Facebook SGA Facebook page at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 in Union B, where Colley and Jackson as well as the unopposed candidates will be giving speeches and taking questions from the audience.
February 21, 2018 ANDREW ABADIE
Assistant Sports Editor andrew.abadie@usm.edu
KAITLYN WATKINS
Executive Editor kaitlyn.watkins@usm.edu
HIBA TAHIR
Managing Editor hiba.tahir@usm.edu
MORGAN CLARK
News Editor morgan.clark@usm.edu
ALYSSA BASS
Entertainment Editor alyssa.bass@usm.edu
SARAH ANNE SCHLOEMER
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KENYATTA S. ROSS
The Student Printz
NATHANIEL SCHUMANN
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Webmaster sarah.schloemer@usm.edu Photo Editor kenyatta.ross@usm.edu
Features Editor nathaniel.schumann@usm.edu
KYLE WILLIAMS
Sports Editor kyle.e.williams@usm.edu
CAMERON CUMMINS
Printz Designer cameron.cummins@usm.edu
JHAIMEE BULLOCK
AMBER COBBINS
ASHLEY HOBSON
CHUCK COOK
Design Editor jhaimee.bullock@usm.edu Social Media Editor ashley.hobson@usm.edu
The Spring 2018 Career Fair will be on February 27 in the Thad Cochran Center from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Over 80 employers, from all across the nation, will attend the Career Fair, ready to hire future Golden Eagles. Mark your calendar and make sure you’re prepared by attending the “How To Work The Career Fair” sessions on Feb. 21 and 22.
Printz Designer amber.cobbins@usm.edu Printz Advisor chuck.cook@usm.edu
OPINIONS
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.
Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
RecycleMania teaches students the importance of recycling Lanie Leach printz reporter
Southern Miss began participating in RecycleMania, a program created to show the importance of minimizing waste, on Feb. 4. The eight-week program is a competition between colleges and universities in the United States and Canada that will continue until March 31. “The goal of RecycleMania is to bring awareness to the rising concerns of environmental issues and ways we can help offset them,” Sustainability Coordinator Melissa Covington-Olsen said. “The program aims to generate waste reduction, reduce carbon footprints and develop a growing support
network for campuses across the country.” Covington-Olsen arranged four upcoming events and activities to encourage the student body to recycle between now and March 31. Participants will “Get Caught Green Handed” between Feb. 19 and March 2. RecycleMania affiliates will be watching for recyclers on campus and award Eagle Dining coupons. On Feb. 26, “Dorm Storm” will challenge on-campus residents to a recycling competition between dorms. “[The dorms] try and support RecycleMania as much as we possibly can,” sophomore media production major and RA Megan Lee said. “We have dorm storms
where representatives come to the residence halls and pass out flyers to encourage students to get involved in the competition on campus. Recycling is highly encouraged in the dorms, as each room has a recycling bin provided for our residents… Our campus is too beautiful to be so careless and throw our trash on the lawn or not recycle perfectly good recyclable material.” Other events include “Spring Cleaning,” on March 12-16 and the “Recycling Olympics” beginning at 11 a.m. on March 28 on Weathersby Lawn. Sophomore political science major Sarah Kathleen Stewart believes that Southern Miss could benefit from programs like
RecycleMania. “I’ve always been passionate about sustainability,” Stewart said. “It’s why I chose my first college, Western State Colorado University, because they had an incredible sustainability program. At Western State Colorado University, everyone automatically recycled because of a culture of sustainability where recycling was the norm.” “This is the kind of atmosphere I want to bring to USM as a senator by increasing not only the number of recycling cans on campus but also awareness about how and what to recycle and why recycling is so important,” Stewart said. Southern Miss has been competing in RecycleMania every year since the spring of 2009. Last
year, Southern Miss came in 138th place by recycling a total of 78,260 pounds. With all colleges and universities combined, Southern Miss helped contribute to a total reduction of 65,153 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Southern Miss placed 123rd in 2016 by collecting 68,940 pounds of waste, which equals 84 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. “RecycleMania is a good platform that allows us to generate some excitement and visibility of our recycling program,” Covington-Olsen said. “Everyone can participate as there are blue recycling cans in every building on campus, and anything can go in them except food, Styrofoam, glass and books.”
CORRECTION: In the Feb. 14 edition of the Student Printz, a story was written about a Resident Hall Association event that was not accurate. Instead of a date auction like the story claims, a Valentine’s Day mixer occurred. Cahlen Fogg, who was quoted, did not speak to a reporter. The Student Printz regrets the error.
February 21, 2018
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Theatre department to perform ‘You Can’t Take It with You’ Caleb McCluskey
listening to every single word you’re giving out, it leaves you speechless.”
The Southern Miss Department of Theatre is beginning its semester of plays with Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy “You Can’t Take It with You” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at Martha R. Tatum Theatre. Referred to as “one of America’s happiest comedies” by the theatre department, the play features two vastly different families and the romance between their children in 1936 New York. “I think [the play] has become a sort of, for the theatre community, a classic, but it is so relevant to today,” visiting professor of acting and movement Burton Tedesco said. “There are a lot of moments [of] sincerity, meaning and weight that shouldn’t be glossed over and lost.” Sophomore theatre major Moses Williams describes the play as “lighthearted and fun.” “[Being on stage] is perfect,” Williams said. “When you have control of the audience, and they’re
Tedesco said students have been working on the play since last semester. The designers began working on the set and costumes in September. “This is like another part-time job for them,” Tedesco said. “I don’t think students outside the theatre department really realize the amount of extra dedication needed.” Once the cast was finalized in the fall semester, actors learned their lines during winter break and returned to campus a week early for rehearsals. The rehearsals were held four hours a day for five days a week. Despite having a busy schedule, Williams enjoyed preparing for the play and encourages students to attend. “You don’t know what it feels like until you are there,” Williams said. “Once you are there, you’re like, ‘How come I haven’t seen this before?’” Tedesco will be making his
printz reporter
Southern Miss directorial debut on Thursday when the play opens. “One of the things I love most about directing is that every actor comes in with a different process,” Tedesco said. “So, as a director, I feel like I have to figure out how to communicate differently with each one of them, take what they’re bringing into rehearsal and sort of help craft and mold it to fit the overall story.” Senior theatre major Daniel Morrow, who plays Ed Carmichael, said that every audience member will be able to learn a valuable lesson from the characters. “It has some really important messages,” Morrow said. “I think anyone can come see the show and take something from it in an enjoyable way. Nothing is forced down your throat. It’s just a comedy with a lot of really good things.” “You Can’t Take It with You” will be playing Feb. 22-24 and March 2-4. Tickets will be $8 for students, $10 for faculty, staff, veterans and senior citizens and $14 for the public.
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EagleThon raises money for Blair E. Batson
Hannah Beaver, Printz
Amelia Strahan printz reporter
The EagleThon dance marathon raised $17,173.01 on Feb. 16 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Twelve Southern Miss organizations and 179 participants came together for the second year in a row to raise money for EagleThon, a dance marathon fundraiser in which all proceeds go towards Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. EagleThon is part of the national
movement Miracle Network Dance Marathon, which raises funds for children requiring medical treatments. The funds raised by EagleThon go directly to Blair E. Batson in Jackson, Mississippi. Southern Miss held EagleThon last February for the first time, raising $10,017.00. “Eaglethon is a way for Southern Miss students to support Blair E. Batson in Jackson, Mississippi,” junior broadcast journalism major Brooke Bullock said. “The event itself lasted for six hours which is
the standard amount of time for a child will receive treatment. It shows unity for Southern Miss students, and it serves as a reminder that we are supposed to serve others before we serve ourselves. EagleThon makes me proud to be a Golden Eagle.” “It’s really cool to come together with Southern Miss students from other Greek organizations and also non-Greek students who are all supporting the same thing,” junior communications major Claire Browning said. “And there are a lot of kids who come to EagleThon
who have gone to Batson and reaped the benefits of the fundraiser. Also, the atmosphere is really fun. There are games and fundraising push competitions that makes everything more interesting but you know it’s all for a good cause.” According to dancemarathon. childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals. org, the Miracle Network Dance Marathon has raised around $200 million to fund treatment for children fighting life threatening illnesses. The top teams participating in EagleThon were Delta Gamma
raising $2,624.00, Alpha Kappa Alpha raising $1,635.00, Phi Mu Official $1082.75, Chi Omega raising $583.00, Sigma Nu raising $545.00, Alpha Chi Omega raising $347.00, Tri Delta raising $204.00, Dixie Darlings raising $170.00, Miss Mississippi Title Holders raising $120.00, and Phi Mu raising $47.00. The top fundraisers include Kayla Hubbard raising $1635.00, Michaelah Wheat raising $1,050.00, Tyler Murry raising $550.00, and Kayley Safley raising $510.00.
February 21, 2018
“Black Panther” stuntman Rashad Smith talks about his time on set Carlton McGrone printz reporter
Hattiesburg-born actor Rashad Smith visited the Southern Miss campus to speak about his role in Marvel’s most recent film, “Black Panther.” I got the chance to sit down with the steadily growing performer to chat not only about his time on set but Smith’s influences and his past in all things entertainment. Carlton: “So, what exactly is your role in the movie?” Smith: “I am a Border Tribe warrior. I did stunts. Didn’t get a chance to say anything in this film, but I fought a little bit. I wish that I could have had the opportunity to be blessed to say something, but I just felt blessed to be a part of it, standing in the same space as these great people.” C: “Are there any stories you can tell us front set?” S: “That’s a funny story. This was my first time interacting with Michael B. Jordan [Killmonger, the main villain of the film]-” C: “Oh, so you actually interacted with him?” S: “Yeah, actually you know the vibe you get when you get around other guys, and you get to looking at them like ‘I think I can knock him out.’ But then he came up out the sweater and he was like 20-30 more pounds. I was like, I haven’t been to the gym in a minute. And listen, the guy that plays Thor. Now I’m not the smallest person in the world, and we were across the river from him and I was like, ‘He’s not that big. I’ll walk up on him.’ Then, as he got closer, he started to get bigger. He’s like a legit 6” 4’ and 185 pounds. I had to break him down, seriously, but he’s like the nicest guy.” “I worked with Chad[wick Boseman], and it was actually my third time from working with him on ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ It was amazing. They all have so much
respect for each other. Even though they know Robert Downey Jr. is kind of like the trailblazer for the Marvel characters, and when he’s on set I just see it flowing out of him.” C: “Were you a fan of Marvel comics and movies before the project?” S: “I wasn’t a huge comic book head. I still have a few ‘X-men’ issues, but my first step to Marvel Studios was ‘Blade.’ Ever since ‘Blade,’ I was sold on everything else.” C: “How familiar were you with ‘Black Panther’ before hearing about the role or movie?” S: “I wasn’t vastly familiar with it. I didn’t know the depths of Wakanda and where he came from and the character and the different pockets and how over the course of 50 years, different writers have been advancing the story. I just knew it from the surface. I knew that he was black, a politician, tight, wealthy and one of the most swagger [heroes]. He’s like an African Batman but 10 times better.” C: “If at all, how important would you say ‘Black Panther’ is to you as an actor and a black male?” S: “Huge. The whole ordeal with how successful it was very vital because not only did it do the character justice, but this will also show more studios that black films can travel, meaning black actors can sell. They can sell in China, Korea, Africa. They just need the opportunity. “It also shows that just like Marvel produced ‘Black Panther,’ Tyler Perry can produce it. Oprah Winfrey can produce it. All of these great people can produce ‘Black Panther,’ but it’s us that’s not being proactive. We let other people dictate our stories, and when our stories don’t meet our expectations, we want to criticize the film, but it’s up to us to be proactive in films because it’s up to us now.” C: “So you spoke a little about the public’s reaction to the movie. Can you describe your feelings when you heard about the hype for the movie?”
S: “I knew it was going to be a huge movie when I saw how invested Chadwick was. When your number one is invested, it can’t help but to trickle down. He was in the suit for 12 hours a day, even though he didn’t do the stunts, but he was always there and ready.” C: “I know you’re from Hattiesburg, so I wanted to go into your origins as a performer and musician. Can you talk about how that started for you and how you knew you wanted to be an actor?” S: “Church. I’m actually a son of a preacher and son of a minister of music. My mama used to make me stand at a piano and say ‘you gon’ sing this!’ God gave me the gift of playing drums. I started out playing on paint buckets and that’s what I wanted to do, but my mother knew I was blessed to sing, so she made me stand by the piano and sing. “Also, just being around family. I have a very musical family. I can’t emphasize it enough, it was church. That’s where you get your start. That’s where you get your ‘yes’s and ‘no’s.” C: “And I know you were in a jazzcentered Netflix movie-” S: “Yeah! ‘Mudbound!’ It’s crazy that you know that.” C: “I know that you were in several other projects. Can you talk a bit about how, since this is a huge Marvel project, the whole filming process was different from a smaller project?” S: “I think total, we were dealing with 300-400 people daily. It’s a lot of moving parts, and everyone does their job, and when everyone does their job, everything moves smoothly. The biggest difference is that the communication. Communication can get people fired. “Say they’re shooting and the P.A. sends you in at the wrong time. That’s actually what happened to me. The P.A. told me to stand there and be ready to die and fall on the ground, and I didn’t, and I was like a deer in
headlights.” C: “Would you say that you have any current or past inspirations for performing?” S: “Of course. Michael Jackson, Prince, Usher, Tank, Jamie Foxx-” C: “So the classics.” S: “Yeah! Who else? I’ve been inspired by so many people. Just being around these people and seeing how the work is amazing. Music-wise: Brown Michael Cox and Quincy Jones, even though he’s popping off on people now. Ray Charles. Wow, so many great people.” C: “So, since you’ve been in a Marvel film, do you plan on trying to get a bigger role in Marvel movies?” S: “Honestly, right now I’m just grinding, so if it comes, then it comes. I pray that I’m blessed to land a bigger role, and matter-of-fact, as you can tell
from the “Avengers” trailer, they are in Wakanda. Sorry but it’s not a real place, even though we might wish that it was. C: “I guess the last thing is: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” S: “Whoa, man. This is hard. I want Black Panther superpowers.” C: “I figured as much.” S: “Not only are you rich, you got access to the best stuff. You’re in an advanced country. Like with Batman, he’s rich, but Black Panther is the wealthiest Avenger because he is the king of a more advanced country. I’d be Black Panther because of the suit that conducts kinetic energy, so I want Black Panther’s powers!” “Black Panther” is out in theaters now.
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Local band draws crowd at Brewsky’s Caleb McCluskey printz reporter
The Prom Knights showed “pop punk is not dead” by blasting their brand of pop punk to a sea of enthusiastic music lovers Friday, Feb. 16. From humble beginnings, the Prom Knights grew a massive following among Greek life and fans of 90’s pop punk. Their setlist was finely tuned over three years of trial and error and now holds hits from Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco and Green Day and features unusual and quirky punk covers of songs like “500 miles” by The Proclaimers and “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. The Prom Knights were created four years ago when Lee Chambliss, manager and guitarist for the band, was working as a disc jockey at Brewsky’s. The manager at the time, Jess Mitchell, approached him. Mitchell warned Chambliss they would no longer need him to DJ weekly. Mitchell told him to try anything he wanted musically, but he only had three weeks. That is how the Prom Knights came to be. The Prom Knights and Mitchell have a great relationship. Mitchell helps to refine the setlist and keeps the band informed on the crowd’s mood. “I love the Prom Knights. They are
one of my favorites,” Mitchell said. “They went from having [no one] here to being a huge draw.” Chambliss said every member had previously been in a band many times, but The Prom Knights is the first to find substantial success. Evan Hall, lead guitarist, said that they had Greek life to thank for this success. “Greek life pretty much owns college towns—especially in this town—so if they want to make an event good, they will,” Hall said. “You have to be in their good graces.” Every member brings a different style to the table in their playing. Hall said that music was one of his only passions and that he loves blues. “Whether I want to or not, [blues] is the way that I play,” Hall said. The lead guitarist said he enjoys being able to transform the music with improvised solos. The Prom Knights travel around Mississippi and parts of Florida playing at multiple venues. “We’ve been to places I didn’t even know had music venues,” drummer Zack Chambliss said. “You get to see all kinds of walks of life and different atmospheres, and most of them are awesome. Some aren’t, but that’s what you get.” Junior speech pathology major Samantha Grissom said that she loves The Prom Knights and that she was drawn in by the music and atmosphere they produce. “For those
who haven’t experienced [the band], definitely give it a shot, and for those who have, keep coming back. You won’t regret it,” Grissom said. “It’s just really cool to come out
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and support friends and see them perform,” Ross Goddette, a friend of the band, said. “They deserve all of the attention and promotion that they can get.”
The Prom Knights’ next show will be at Pop’s Saloon Friday, Feb. 23, in Jackson, Mississippi. After that show, they will make a trip to Panama City, Florida, at the end of March.
February 21, 2018
“Black Panther” is yet another Marvelous triumph Carlton McGrone printz reporter
Despite having its movies mapped out for the next three years, Marvel somehow manages to stun viewers with its additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel’s latest film, “Black Panther,” not only lives up to the massive amount of press it’s gotten but also well exceeds any expectations Marvel fans have built over the months of anticipation. Everything from the film’s awesome stunts, gorgeous sets and incredible casting is nearly perfect, but what makes “Black Panther” a true gem unlike other Marvel projects is the tense racial and colonization themes laced throughout the narrative. Toting this reputation, “Black Panther” truly goes where no superhero movie has ever dared to go. “Black Panther” takes place a mere week after the catastrophic events of “Captain America: Civil War” with T’Challa/Black Panther preparing to take the throne of the most advanced civilization on Earth: Wakanda. Not long after officially claiming his title as king and as the country’s protector, T’Challa faces his greatest challenge yet in the form of veteran and murderer Killmonger. Fans of the MCU have been incredibly vocal about their displeasure of knowing the lineup for Marvel’s upcoming projects, claiming that this makes the movies more predictable considering the well-known formula to superhero films. An unsuspecting person gets extraordinary powers and they must save the day because his or her parents died. Director Ryan Coogler, though, doesn’t fall victim to this seemingly inescapable formula and
instead ushers in a fresh form for the superhero genre. Almost to a surprising degree, “Black Panther” refuses to shy away from its roots, tackling racial issues head-on with a story centered around the colonization of one’s land and the crippling, defenseless power one feels knowing that the usurper has incredibly overwhelming forces. This message becomes increasingly prevalent once Michael B. Jordan’s character Killmonger makes his appearance. Killmonger, previously scarred by the Wakandans, was forced to live in poverty in a predominantly black community, and his main goal, albeit a bit twisted, is to put the power that Wakanda keeps secret into the hands of his people so that they may fight back. It was a massive relief to see Jordan redeem himself after his awful debut onto the superhero scene in the latest “Fantastic Four” film, and there could not have been a better reintroduction than this stellar performance. Killmonger is truly the greatest villain that the MCU has seen since the massively popular and conflicted Winter Soldier character. With his ideals and motivations centered around equality and revenge, Killmonger brings something tangible that the MCU has been missing all along, and Coogler expertly manages to place these complex ordeals into a world of gods, aliens and super suits. With Killmonger’s final lines of the film, Coogler demonstrated Killmonger’s capacity to become the most fleshed out, incredibly complex villain in MCU history. In one short sentence Coogler captures the overall controversial themes of the movie and ironically places these themes within a grounded, stellar villain.
Villain aside, “Black Panther” is also sporting possibly the greatest casting of any Marvel film. The women are just as amazing as expected, outshining Valkyrie and Hela from “Thor: Ragnarok” by miles. Letitia Wright’s (Shuri), Lupita Nyong’o’s (Nakia) and Danai Gurira’s (Okoye) characters far surpassed almost any other performance in the film with each actress battling for best character any time they’re on screen. The relationship between T’Challa and his sister Shuri is unmatched, their chemistry oozing off the screen and makes up for the weak romance of T’Challa and Nakia. Meanwhile, Okoye steals the audience’s attention any time she appears with emotional, raw lines and amazing battle choreography. Chadwick Boseman clearly continues to be an excellent cast choice for the titular hero. Like Jordan, Boseman makes a perfect action star as if he were born to represent Black Panther in this role. Every line is delivered with a precise, practiced accent and every action sequence, no matter how CGIfilled it may be, is executed to near perfection. Besides the heavy themes, “Black Panther” is fun and action-packed without being overbearing with imposing laser beams and multicolored magic stones. As Shuri points out multiple times throughout the film, everything Black Panther and the Wakandans are able to do is because of science and technology, not magic. The sleek black suit is unbelievably high-tech and looks gorgeous even during CGI-heavy scenes. You’ll hold your breath and watch in amazement every time T’Challa puts on the suit and starts taking down gunmen one
at a time. Instead of spanning over an entire galaxy, “Black Panther” mainly takes place in Wakanda and parts of South Korea, which was a relief. Though Marvel isn’t known for pairing heroes in their first solo films, it would have been a great disappointment if Black Panther was forced out of his homeland to solve an issue happening in New York City. Keeping Black Panther based in his native land keeps the hero true to his character as he is the sole protector of Wakanda and is primarily interested in protecting his country and people. Coogler also somehow manages to combine every nuance Marvel has built throughout its films and exceptionally expands on them. “Black Panther’s” action has multiple moving pieces, even evolving into an all-out civil war in the film’s final
act. The film also has its own take on comedy, poking fun at traditions and old ways while also celebrating and creating a healthy awareness of African traditions. The emotions in this film greatly rival those of a traditional arthouse film, which is something Marvel movies have always lacked. If it wasn’t obvious, “Black Panther” has easily become my favorite Marvel film, rivaling my infatuation with “Civil War” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” As the senses during the end-credits open up an entirely new world for the MCU, it’ll be interesting to see what roles Black Panther and the Wakandans play in “Avengers: Infinity War.” “Black Panther” is out now, and “Avengers: Infinity War” releases May 4.
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NUGGET’S PUZZLES SOLUTION
February 21, 2018
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The shots heard everywhere but Washington Ashley Hobson printz reporter
While many couples left their children with babysitters and sat in restaurants illuminated by white candles and red roses, some were forced to leave their children in hospital morgues lit by examination light and surrounded by the smell of embalming fluid. While many schools were filled with red roses and balloons, one school ran red with blood. This may seem grotesque, but it was all too true for the parents of 17 children who were shot and killed at a Florida high school on Feb. 14, 2018, in yet another school shooting. Unfortunately, this phenomenon seems to be integrating itself into our culture. While our parents practiced tornado drills, we practice active shooter drills. The difference is stark. One is an act of God, predictable enough that some warning can be given. The clouds turn black and it usually rains. Sometimes it hails. The other is the act of evil individuals, predictable yet usually ignored. It can happen at any time in any place. It’s as much of a threat in a first-grade reading class as it is in a undergrad chemistry course. And it’s happening too much.
Our country is at an intersection. The politicians who continuously ignore the cries of
their people never went to school with the threat of never leaving. They’ve never been in the library at a university desperately trying to finish a 25-page paper when they must submit to an uncontrollable urge to find all the exits. They have never had to think about what they would do if someone opened fire in the middle of the room. They’ve never lived with that
fear, but I have. Who knows how many more active shooter alerts will go out across campuses before the generation that has lived through it becomes old
Some would say it’s a futile fear since my university has never had an active shooter. While that’s true, no one ever thinks it could happen to them. I’m more likely to experience a mass shooting than I am to
be
enough to replace those w h o sit silently inside their buildings protected by armed guards. The irony is morbid.
attacked by a shark. But unlike the latter, I can’t just stay out of the water. As a student in the heart of pro-firearm Mississippi, guns are no stranger to me. When I hold one in my hand, the feel of the cold metal
makes me feel powerful enough to protect anyone. Yet, I am still afraid. I do not fear the item itself, but I fear those who are allowed to wield it. I am afraid because it’s easier to buy a gun than to buy a home. It’s easier to purchase a firearm than it is to adopt a child. I fear because instead of enacting stricter laws for firearms, politicians like House Speaker Paul Ryan tell us to “step back and count our blessings.” For why? That only 17 families are planning funerals instead of birthday parties? As opposed to what? 18? 19? When will enough children have died to stir our leaders to action? Because one life lost is a life too many. It’s time for Washing to listen to the rest of the nation, the majority of the nation, because that is what a democratic republic is for. I do not want to live in a world where Donald Trump is President and I am not allowed to own a firearm. But even more than that, I do want to live in a world where I can buy a 24-pack of crayons and a semi-automatic rifle in one click without ever leaving my home.
The ugly truth Rob Porter exposed about domestic violence culture in America Ashley Hobson printz reporter
Another member of the White House Staff has resigned, and this time it is not because he cannot tolerate the working conditions. Rob Porter resigned from his position as White House Staff Secretary on Feb. 7 after accusations surfaced from two of his former wives that he had physically abused. T he obvious issue is that a man who had a pattern of domestic violence was allowed the clearance required to
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wo rk i n t h e W h i t e H o u s e. However, there is an issue that seems even more pressing and revealing about the domestic violence culture in America. Those who worked closely with Porter, such as White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and President Trump, initially came to Porter’s defense praising him and his work ethic on social media. That is until photos of Porter’s first ex-wife, Colbie Holderness, began circulating online. The photos show Holderness’ black eye, which she says was the
aftermath of one of Porter’s rages. Those who had previously defended Porter soon voiced their shock at the allegations, or rather at the proof of the allegations. “We wish him well, he worked very hard,” Trump said. “We found out about it recently and I was surprised by it, but we certainly wish him well and it’s a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House.” America has a long-standing policy of innocent until proven guilty concer ning those who have been accused of a crime.
Unfortunately, I believe this has also created the tension that has led to the explosion of the #MeToo movement. So often, the only proof is one person’s word against another’s; in most cases, a man versus a woman or the accused versus the accuser. Yet, somehow, even when there is proof such as in Colbie Holderness’ case, people still don’t believe that domestic abuse has taken place. Furthermore, working in the White House requires top security clearance. This security clearance is ironically how Porter’s past
was exposed to the public. An institution that should set an example for the rest of America has failed once again. However, some such as Porter’s ex, believe that he still belongs in the White House despite his criminal past. The explosion of the #MeToo movement means that we now have to decide what the proper p u n i s h m e n t fo r s ex u a l a n d domestic abuse for those who have fairly been found guilty. While we’re figuring out those guidelines, it’d be a safe bet to keep them out of the White House.
February 21, 2018
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Golden Eagles drop third consecutive home game against UAB, 87-69 Kyle Williams sports editor
Southern Miss (13-15, C-USA 6-9) concluded its homestand Saturday with a lost against UAB (17-11, C-USA 8-7), 87-69. After winning nine straight games at home, the loss gave Southern Miss its third consecutive loss at home. The Blazers shooting proved to be too much for the Golden Eagles as they shot over 50 percent in both halves. Southern Miss came close to breaking that 50 percent mark but fell short as they shot 46 percent in the first half and 37 percent in the second half. “You could say we scored some points, but we didn’t shoot the ball as well as we have in the past,” Head Coach Doc Sadler said. “We got to the free-throw line a little bit in the second half when we were struggling, but 13 attempts is still not enough. We need to get in the 20s.” Southern Miss held the lead early in the second half but an abundance of scoring droughts doomed their chances. UAB took full advantage of the Golden Eagles struggles as they took an 18-point lead with a little over a minute left, 84-66. “Effort should always be a given,” Saddler said. “But we didn’t make adjustments defensively and [we] need to learn that whether it’s the first or second half, if you can’t step it up defensively, you will fall short.” Southern Miss looks to find its way back to .500 with a Thursday game at UTSA and a Saturday game at UTEP.
Nick Dykes, Printz Cortez Edwards (1) scores a reverse layup against Middle Tennessee
Southern Miss has 16 podium finishes at C-USA indoor championship Andrew Abadie
assistant sports editor The Southern Miss men and women’s track and field team competed in the C-USA indoor championships in Birmingham, Ala. this past weekend. The Southern Miss women’s team finished as conference runner ups with
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a team score of 93.50 while the men’s team finished fourth with a team score of 80 points. Together the track and field team combined for 16 podium finishes with four event winners. “We had inspired performances all day,” Head Coach Jon Stuart said. “Once the momentum builds and the crowd started yelling ‘to the top,’ I knew it was going to be a special day.
Our kids simply have a lot of heart and were not going to miss out on that podium.” In the men’s 60m dash, junior McKinley West won and set the school record with a time of 6.66. Senior Cra’Vorkian Carson finished in second running 6.69 and junior Chedlin Sagesse ran 6.78 finishing fifth, respectively. West also won the
200m dash with a time of 20.85. Carson finish in fourth running 21.38 and senior Alexander Richemond finished in fifth running 21.59. In the men’s 4X400 relay, Southern Miss finished in third place with a time of 3:14. In the women’s short distance, sophomore Keiyana Gaskin finished second in the 60m dash with a time of 7.38 and was just beaten by .01 seconds by Cecilia Francis of Middle Tennessee. Gaskin doubled in the 200m and finished third, running a time of 23.86. In the 400m dash, juniors Chanelle Ricketts and Rian Robinson ran 55.03 and 55.45 to finish third and fifth respectively. In relays, the women’s 4X400 team ran 3:44 and placed fourth but the teamwas just edged out of third place by .07 seconds by the University of Texas at El Paso. In the 60m hurdles, sophomore Caleb Parker finished in third with a time of 8.01. Parker doubled in the high jump and took second place with a jump of 2.15m. Junior John Warren won the triple jump with a jump of 16.34m. His jump broke the school and conference record and ranks the second best in the nation. In the women’s high jump, sophomore Jamari Drake took second place with a jump of 1.71m and senior Trista Barry finished in seventh place with a jump of 1.68m. In the men’s one mile run,
sophomore Patton Little finished in sixth running a 4:13. The women’s distance team was led by a second-place finish in the distance medley and a third-place finish by Courtney Filliben who ran 2:09. In the DMR, the team ran 11:43 with UTSA taking first place in the event. In the women’s one mile run freshman Kate Mattox finished fifth running 4:58 and sophomore Regen McGee finished eighth with a time of 5:03. In the men’s weight throw, senior Donald Daley threw 18.96m and finished in fourth place. For the women’s throwers, senior Alexis Chiles and Brashe Wood took second and third place in the shot put with throws of 15.35m and 15.13m. Junior Danisha Jones finished in sixth place with a throw of 14.78m. In the women’s weight throw, sophomore Nadia Maffo won the event with a throw of 20.29m and Jones finished in fourth place with a throw of 19.70m. “This team is very special. We set a goal for ourselves and stayed focused even when some things didn’t go our way,” Assistant Coach John Ellis said. “I’m unbelievably proud of all event areas and our staff. John Warren setting a new C-USA Indoor record in the triple jump was such an incredible thing to be a part of.” The team will now prepare for the NCAA Indoor championships held at Texas A&M on March 10.
February 21, 2018
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Golden Eagles finish 1-3 at Black and Gold Invite Grant Chighizola printz reporter
After earning their first wins of the season against Alcorn State on Feb.13, the Southern Miss Softball team hosted four other teams at the Softball Complex for the Black and Gold Invitational from Feb.16-18. The Golden Eagles lost three games and won one during the threeday tournament. In their first game against No. 9 Alabama on Feb.16, the Golden Eagles struggled to generate hits and runs. The team only managed to collect three hits during the contest, compared to Alabama’s 13 hits. Senior pitchers Kim Crowson, Samantha Robles and Jillian Johnson all made appearances during the game. Each pitcher allowed multiple runs with Robles and Crowson allowing four hits and Johnson allowing three hits. Alabama went on to win the game with a score of 11-1 after bringing in four runs in the fifth and sixth innings. During the Saturday’s contest against No.11 Baylor, the Golden Eagles kept it close for most of the game. After Baylor’s Kyla Walker scored on a throwing error in the top of the first inning, Samantha Papp responded for the Golden Eagles with a solo home run in the top of
the second inning to tie them 1-1. An RBI-single from Destini Brown put Southern Miss ahead 2-1. Baylor came back to tie the game in the top of the third inning off a Nicky Dawson RBI single, but both teams held each other to zero runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. The game was tied at two-all heading into the seventh inning. Despite Southern Miss’ momentum heading into the seventh, Baylor took the lead in the top half of the inning after Walker scored off a Goose McGlaun RBI-single. The Lady Bears held on in the bottom of the seventh to get the 3-2 win over the Golden Eagles. Robles took the loss for Southern Miss against the Lady Bears, allowing 10 hits, three runs and striking out one batter in 6.2 innings of work. “We’ve got to take some momentum and build,” Head Coach Wendy Hogue said. “We’ve just got to get over that little bitty hump.” On the final day of the tournament, the Golden Eagles faced their third nationally ranked team in No. 24 ranked McNeese State. The Cowgirls got out to a 2-0 lead in the first three innings of the contest. The Golden Eagles battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the third after Papp hit an RBI-single that brought Samantha Reynolds home. Sarah Van Schaik then doubled which scored Chase Nelson. The 2-2 tie between the two teams
Mattie Gray, Printz Samantha Reynolds (2) prepares for a bunt hit against Alabama. held until the top of the sixth inning, when the Cowgirls tacked on two more runs to regain the lead. They also added an additional run in the top of the seventh off of an Erika Piancastelli home run to seal the 5-2 win over the Golden Eagles. In their final contest against a winless Mississippi Valley State squad, the Golden Eagles’ bats came alive. Southern Miss came out by scoring two runs in the first
inning and connected with the ball throughout the contest, notching 12 hits and scoring nine runs in the 9-2 win over the Devilettes. Karley Nichols led the way for the Golden Eagles against the Devilettes at the plate, getting three hits in four at bats, as well as three runs. Crowson and Robles combined to strike out three batters and allowed five hits against Mississippi Valley State on the mound.
Though her team lost three games over the weekend, Coach Hogue was glad to end the weekend of action on a high note. “We’ve grown so much,” Hogue said. “Every adjustment that we ask them to make; they’re just making those things.” The Golden Eagles will return to action with a midweek home contest against Alabama State on Feb. 21. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Southern Miss sweeps Mississippi State on Opening Weekend Trevor Ritchie printz reporter
Southern Miss completed a three-game series sweep against the No.12 Mississippi State Bulldogs at Pete Taylor Park on the Feb.16-18 opening weekend. Associate head coach Chad Calliet covered the first two games as head coach Scott Berry was serving a twogame suspension he received in the final game of last season. Nick Sandlin took the mound on opening day for his first career start with the Golden Eagles. In the presence of over 25 professional scouts, Sandlin pitched seven scoreless innings while only giving up four hits. Mississippi State transfer and Southern Miss third baseman Luke Reynolds made his debut as a Golden Eagle. The third baseman made the Bulldogs pay on opening day as he notched two hits, drew a walk, recorded two RBIs and scored three runs in his four appearances at the plate. Second baseman Storme Cooper batted in three runs while designated hitter Matthew Guidry and first baseman Hunter Slater added two runs each. Guidry hit the first home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth inning to give Southern Miss a 2-0 lead. Between the fifth and seventh innings, the Golden Eagles added another four runs. Freshman pitcher Jacob Weirich made his Southern Miss debut in relief of Sandlin. Wright and with relief from Keller Bradford kept the Bulldogs scoreless and completed the shutout, 11-0. In game two, the Southern Miss offense kept its rhythm and rolled out to a 5-0 start. Stevie Powers took the mound for Southern Miss and struggled early against the Bulldogs. Powers cleared a jam in the first, left
a runner stranded in the second but gave up a two-run home run in the third inning that cut into the Golden Eagle lead, 5-2. Jarod Wright came in to relieve Powers in the fifth inning with two runs and seven hits already on the board. Pinch hitter Gabe Montenegro hit an RBI-triple for the first hit of his career and was brought home by Irby that extended the Southern Miss lead, 7-2. Mississippi State tacked on two runs later on, but ultimately Southern Miss clinched the series with a 7-4 win. To complete the sweep, the Golden Eagles got off to another quick start in game three. Montenegro’s RBIsingle in the second along with a walk drawn by Irby gave Southern Miss a 2-0 lead. However, J.C. Keys struggled early and allowed the Bulldogs to erase that lead. In the third inning, Keys loaded the bases for the Bulldogs with three straight, twoout walks and was pulled for righthanded pitcher Mason Strickland. Strickland walked a batter, then hit the next batter, tying the game. Strickland avoided further damage and made it out the inning with the game still tied, 2-2. Later in the fifth, Reynolds made a mark on his former team again with a two-run RBI double. The third baseman came home himself in the same play on a throwing error at second base, giving Southern Miss a 5-2 lead. Reynolds went 6-for-10 in the series with a home run and five RBIs against Mississippi State. Batting in the third spot in the lineup, Reynolds may become a valuable asset for the Golden Eagles. Reynolds’ emotion showed all weekend and his preparation for this series carried through with a purpose from behind the plate. “I enjoyed every single minute of
Kenyatta S. Ross, Photo Editor Pitcher J.C Keys (16) prepares to throw a strike against a MSU player. that,” Reynolds said. “We all came together this weekend and we had one goal. That was to punch them right in the mouth, keep our foot on their throat, have that mentality and just play for one another. We did that to a tee.” Berry received his 300th career win in his return from his suspension, but still has much more to look forward
to with the rest of the season ahead of him. “What I was so proud of our guys for was that we did not focus on this series as ‘it’s Mississippi State,’” Berry said. “We approached it as an opportunity to play an opponent and win the game of baseball. We can’t get caught up in roller coaster of emotion on who you play. We’ve
got 55 games of regular season and every game is important. It doesn’t matter who you are. I thought our guys really stuck to that approach the whole weekend.” Southern Miss Baseball will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to face South Alabama at Stanky Field in Mobile, Al. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.