Thursday, April 23, 2015 Volume 99 Issue 53

www.studentprintz.com

N E W S F E A T U R E O P I N I O N S P O R T SExtra Table Symphony Orchestra Resolution Softball

Deborah Voigt joins in fi nal performance.

Alabama students request USM senators pass resolution.

Lady Eagles beat nationally ranked USA 1-0.

PAGE THREE PAGE FIVE PAGE SIX PAGE SEVEN

‘Power to Fight Hunger’ fundraiser to aid Hattiesburg nonprofi t.

Local actor and University of Southern Mississippi student Julian Walker recently began his publicity tour to promote the film “Blackbird,” appearing on such shows as “The View” and “Arise Entertainment 360.”

Walker, a senior theatre major, starred last year in independent film “Blackbird,” a drama detailing the life of a gay teen in a religious home in the South. “Blackbird” was filmed in Hattiesburg and directed by Hattiesburg native Patrik-Ian Polk. The film also stars Isaiah Washington and Oscar winner Mo’Nique. The film opens in selected theaters on April 24.

The publicity pull began after Walker first appeared on the cover of Factor Magazine. He left Sunday on a trip to New York City, temporarily leaving the Department of Theatre’s production of “Spring Awakening,” in which he appears as an ensemble member.

Mollie Betsch, a senior theatre major and Walker’s “Spring Awakening” cast mate, is enthused over his work in the play as well as his role in “Blackbird.”

“I think it’s wonderful that he’s able to do this movie and promote this film,” she said. “The faculty here is so accommodating of it and celebrating his accomplishments. He’s a quiet thunder; he’s going to take over Hollywood.”

Walker appeared on popular daytime talk show “The View,” where host Whoopie Goldberg asked him what it was like to work with Washington and Mo’Nique for his acting debut.

“It was absolutely amazing,” said Walker. “This was my first film that I’ve ever done, so I was nervous. I was thinking that they weren’t going to like me, but the minute I stepped onstage, they were so (supportive).” Mo’Nique praised his work and said, “I got the same feelings with this young man that I had with Gabourey Sidibe (of ‘Precious’

fame). He was so fearless and so brave to put it out there in its rarest form.”

Walker also appeared on “Arise Entertainment 360,” a show appearing on Centric TV.

He talked about filming “Blackbird” and his experiences on set. “One thing that drew me to this project was how I could relate to that character,” Walker said. “We filmed ‘Blackbird’ where I go to school and that’s

actually where Patrick (the director) is from, his hometown, so I could really relate to being from a small town, having a religious background and also being openly gay myself. “

Lola Ogunnaike of “Arise Entertainment 360” called him “an overnight sensation” and asked what it was like to work with stars Washington and Mo’Nique. “Honestly, they were so welcoming and loving and

the minute I met them both, they gave me the warmest embrace I have ever received in my life,” Walker said. “Have fun, that was the biggest thing they’ve given me.”

“Blackbird” opens in select theaters April 24. Audiences can also see Walker perform locally by attending “Spring Awakening” with the USM Department of Theatre, which closes on April 26.

Lindsey KelleyPrintz Reporter

Local actor, student tours for publicity

USM student Julian Walker stars in the independent fi lm ‘Blackbird’ in 2014. Recently, Walker begins his tour to New York to promote the fi lm by appearing on shows such as ‘The View’ and ‘Entertainment 360.’

Kara Davidson/Printz

See ROAST, 3

The Southern Miss Alumni Association will host a Retirement Roast in honor of Joe Paul, the retiring vice president for student affairs. Paul has served The University of Southern Mississippi for over 40 years, and in February, he announced his retirement from the vice president position, effective June 30.

The Retirement Roast will be Friday, April 24, at 6 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom.

The event will feature a comedy performance by Roast Master Bob Pierce, vice president for advancement at USM.

“The response to this event has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “This response further proves that Dr. Paul has impacted hundreds and hundreds of students over the course of his 40-year career at USM.”

“From the alumni who are returning to campus to participate as roasters for the event, to the guests who have purchased tickets and made additional contributions towards the Dr. Joe Paul Society of 1910 Scholarship Endowment, anticipation of this event is extremely high. We’re all looking forward to roasting Dr. Paul in good humor while celebrating his University career,” he added.

DeFatta said the alumni association is looking forward to having a diverse crowd of former and current students, friends and family of Paul. They also hope to raise money through tickets to benefi t the Dr. Joe Paul Society of 1910 Scholarship Endowment.

Head coach of the University of Texas at El Paso men’s basketball team and Paul’s friend Tim Floyd will be one of the roasters to show a video certain to bring a reaction to the crowd. Roasters will include Jim Warren, managing partner in the law fi rm of Carroll, Warren and Parker; Todd Buchanan, senior vice president of AIG Valic

ON CAMPUSON CAMPUSAlumni Association to hold roast for Joe Paul

Nan ButiPrintz Reporter

INFORMATIONPage 2 | Thursday, April 23, 2015

MEET THE STAFFOF SPRING 2015

EDITORS & STAFF

Editorial PolicyThe 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.

Contact UsThe Student Printz is on social media. Keep up with the latest news on and off campus at all times!

The Student Printz @studentprintz@studentprintz

OpinionsExpressed 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.

Dirty Birds• On Tuesday, petit larceny was reported

at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house at 5:11

p.m. The incident occurred between

April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 7 a.m.

The case remains open.

Police Contact InformationWhen reporting, the followinginformation 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 Police911 (emergency)601.266.4986 (non-emergency)Bond Hall, First Floor West

About 300 people will attend The University of Southern Mississippi’s 2015 Undergraduate Symposium on Research and Creative Activity.

The two-day event will take place Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25.

The symposium began as an annual event for USM’s History Department. Alumnus Donald Drapeau began sponsoring a series of cash prizes in 2012 and by 2013, the Department of History decided to expand the symposium by allowing students from all departments to participate.

The two-day event includes art, music, dance and theater performances as well as paper and poster presentations.

“Students who present get a lot of benefits,” said Amy Miller, associate dean of the College of Arts & Letters and co-chair of the Undergraduate Symposium planning committee. “Not only do they get the experience of being involved in a professional activity, but they also, obviously, get to put this on their resume and build connections with other students and faculty. It also helped students who attended last year who did not present think about ways they could present in the future.”

Miller said the event is designed like a professional conference and an opportunity for students to see classmates in a different light.

Both new and returning

participants expressed their excitement for the symposium.

“It definitely looks good on a resume and I’ve already gotten accepted into an internship in Boston because of my research experience,” said Christopher Cruz, a senior psychology major. “After I graduate I plan on going to graduate school and doing more research, so I figured I may as well get more practice now.”

“You can only learn so much from just researching and reading material, but it adds so much when you start doing applied work. When you start doing it for yourself. It better allows you to evaluate the information you are presenting,” Cruz added.

Austin Allen, a junior communications major said the symposium will help him with achieving his career goals.

“The symposium is an opportunity to share an appreciation for academia with other undergrads,” Allen said. “I plan to pursue a doctoral degree so the symposium is giving me the much needed experience critical to pursuing my future goals.”

Suzanne Amadi, a senior psychology major said she is excited to present because she enjoyed the first symposium held in 2014.

“The USM symposium is one of the best academic events that I have participated in at Southern Miss, and I look forward to this year’s turn out,” Amadi said.

Friday’s events begin at 4 p.m. in Marsh Auditorium. Saturday’s events begin at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in the Liberal Arts Building.

NEWS Thursday, April 23, 2015 | Page 3

ON CAMPUS

Students to unveil work at symposium

Karyn LewisPrintz Reporter

This Friday, Community Connection, an employee-based volunteer organization run by Mississippi Power, will host the fi rst “Power to Fight Hunger” charity golf tournament at Timberton Golf Club in Hattiesburg. Money raised by the golf tournament will benefi t Extra Table.

Extra Table is a nonprofi t founded by Robert St. John, a well known restaurant owner in Hattiesburg. The organization helps to provide fresh and healthy food to food pantries across Mississippi.

According to a study done by Feeding America, 28.3 percent of Mississippi children are being fed breakfast and lunch at school and then going to bed hungry every night. Also, 56 percent of Mississippians 65 years old and older are not getting the food they need.

Extra Table’s mission is to provide healthy nutrient-dense food across the country. They seek to do this by working with Sysco to raise money

and have food delivered directly to soup kitchens and food pantries across Mississippi. The organization has grown exponentially since its founding in 2009 and looks to expand outside Mississippi to bordering states and beyond.

“The tournament is organized and hosted by Community Connection, which is a employee-run nonprofi t for Mississippi Power,” said Michael Dixon, executive director of Extra Table. “They are hosting the tournament and allowing Extra Table to receive the benefi ts.”

The “Power to Fight Hunger”

charity golf tournament not only will raise money to bring food to food pantries and soup kitchens, but the proceeds will also specifi cally benefi t areas of need in the Pine Belt.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds will be used to purchase healthy food in bulk for soup kitchen and food pantries across the Pine Belt,” Dixon said.

The tournament will be four-person scramble format. The event will also feature a longest drive, longest putt and hole-in-one contest. The event is being sponsored by businesses from across the Pine Belt and food will be provided by local restaurants such as Glory Bound Gyro Co. and Vicki’s on Walnut in downtown Hattiesburg will provide refreshments. Food from Extra Table founder and chef Robert St. John’s restaurants Crescent City Grill and Tabella will also be featured at the event.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Friday. For more information on the tournament, visit extratable.org.

LOCALFirst ‘Power to Fight Hunger’ golf tourney to benefi t Extra Table

Chris LeePrintz Reporter

2906 Hardy Street by IHOP

Financial Advisors in Tampa, Florida; Ryan Mouledous, president of Broadmoor LLC in New Orleans.; Jared Loftus, CEO of College District in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Vince Fabra, education and training director for Phired Up Promotions in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tickets, presented by Regions Bank, will be $50 with net proceeds benefi tting the Dr. Joe Paul Society of 1910 Scholarship Endowment. To purchase tickets or make additional contributions online, visit usmfoundation.com/joepaul. Ticket requests will be fi lled on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. For more information, contact the Southern Miss Alumni Association at 601.266.5013.

continuedROAST

Courtesy Photo

Southern Miss Radio, WUSM-FM 88.5, will host its fi fth annual golf tournament called A Round for Roots Radio, on April 27 at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg. Robert St. John will be chairing the tournament for the second time since its initiation. The Round for Roots Radio is the largest fundraiser WUSM holds annually, making it the main source of funding for the station.

The tournament will raise enough money to enable WUSM

to remain in operation, update its equipment and continue providing valued experience to students interested in pursuing a career in the radio industry.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with registration and lunch boxes provided by Tabella Italian Restaurant, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A crawfi sh boil sponsored by Forrest General Hospital and Triangle Seafood will be hosted at the end of play. The tournament is a four-person scramble and accepts all skill levels. Tournament registration is $100 per person and accepts four man teams, duos and individuals. Registration includes greens fees, a golf car, range balls, lunch, crawfi sh boil, beverage service and a gift bag.

“We’ve done this tournament before, and everyone that has been associated from the past as a player or sponsor has had a blast,” said Wilbur Martin, general manager at WUSM. “The money coming in from players and sponsors is really necessary for us to provide the equipment

for the radio program and the experience students would need to go into the commercial world.”

The 2015 Round for Roots Radio golf tournament is sponsored by American Graphics Custom Screen Printing and Embroidery, the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, South Mississippi Electric Power Association, Southern Beverage of Hattiesburg, Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg and Fine Wine & Liquor Loft.

Southern Miss Radio, WUSM, broadcasts directly from the Hattiesburg campus of USM. It is the Pine Belt’s only community radio station and provides college students hands-on experience within the radio industry. Southern Miss Radio offers listeners an alternative experience from traditional commercial radio by broadcasting unique artists from all over the world. WUSM is a part of USM’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism. To register for A Round for Roots Radio, visit southernmissradio.com.

Nan Buti Printz Reporter

LOCALGolf tournament to benefi t WUSM

On Friday, the Southern Miss Activities Council (SMAC) will once again host its annual Crawfi sh Fest.

From 4 to 7 p.m., students can come out to Centennial Green and Weathersby Lawn to enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfi sh.

According to Lenzie Blake, a senior elementary education major and crawfi sh festival director,

SMAC will also offer attendees delicious seasoned potatoes, corn on the cob, hot dogs, snow cones, Dippin’ Dots ice cream and much more along with the unlimited amount of crawfi sh.

Students can either purchase a ticket for Crawfi sh Fest with a meal swipe or if they choose to use dining dollars, cash or a credit card the tickets will be $10. Students can also purchase VIP wristbands in The Fresh, Seymour’s or any of the pods.

Along with the food, SMAC will have many fun activities for students to do throughout the event. They will have infl atables set up along with a DJ playing music and Ricky Noble, a caricature artist.

“My favorite part about Crawfi sh Fest is seeing all of the students, faculty and staff here at Southern Miss and the community really come out and enjoy an event based on food, music and fun,” Blake said. “Whenever this event

rolls around, you can always expect a relaxing, good time as a Golden Eagle family.”

SMAC president Gavin Snyder has worked with this event for the past four years. He began working as a volunteer in the Coca Cola booth and the following year he planned the 2013 Crawfi sh Fest.

“Crawfi sh Fest has always been an important part of my years here at Southern Miss,” Snyder said.

Snyder said this event is a great addition to the Southern Miss

social calendar because it brings all kinds of people from different groups and organizations together for fun and entertainment.

“My favorite thing about Crawfi sh Fest is being able to provide an outlet for students to relax and eat near the end of the school year,” he said. “I also love the opportunity to see people try Crawfi sh for the fi rst time.”

For more information on SMAC Crawfi sh Fest, visit the event Facebook page.

Jeffrey George, SGA president, speaks at the Fallen Eagle Memorial Service on Wednesday evening in the Thad Cochran Center. The SGA began the service in 2003 and it is held to remember those Golden Eagles who have passed and to show gratitude to the families of Fallen Eagles.

- Abby Smith/Printz

ON CAMPUS

ON CAMPUS

SMAC to host annual crawfi sh fest

Fallen Eagle ceremony to honor late Golden Eagles

NEWSPage 4 | Thursday, April 23, 2015

Mary SergeantSocial Media Editor

Hattiesburg residents and musicians are gearing up for the Hub City’s second Hattiesburg Stink Music & Arts Festival this Friday and Saturday. Stink Fest was created in 2014 by co-directors Michael Peerboom and Mathew Coleman as a way to bring awareness to the conditions of Hattiesburg’s wastewater facilities.

“Originally, I wanted to do a music festival because Mathew and I work as music promoters, and we own our own company (Solid Sound),” Peerboom said in article by the Hattiesburg American. “With the outdated sewer systems, we saw an opportunity to pair the two together a music festival plus raising awareness for the issues and hopefully pushing for a better, up-to-par system.”

Stink Fest is presented by Southern Beverage and is sponsored by Southern Prohibition Brewing, The Keg

and Barrel and Glory Bound Gyro Co. Thirty-fi ve bands are participating in this year’s Stink Fest and will perform at fi ve venues throughout Hattiesburg: the Thirsty Hippo, Marlins, Keg and Barrel, Brewsky’s and Benny’s Boom Boom Room.

“I would say the diversity and size of our lineup is the most impressive,” Coleman said. “We believe that this event really helped bring awareness to the problem last year, and we’re hoping and believing our efforts will effectively ‘stomp out the stink’ of Hattiesburg.”

Coleman said one of the overall goals of the event is to ultimately showcase more of the unknown music acts from the area. A few of the bands participating this year include Soup Kitchen, the Social Lights and Criminal Birds, with the Social Lights set to kick off the event.

“This is our fi rst year playing Stink Fest,” said Casey Bourne, lead guitarist for the Social Lights. “We are extremely excited to be kicking off a festival that

showcases the local music so well. This is a great opportunity for everyone involved and we couldn’t be happier to be the ones starting it off.”

In order to raise money for the improvement of Hattiesburg’s wastewater system, a small cover fee of $3 to $7 dollars will be charged at each venue, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to the city of Hattiesburg, according to the Hattiesburg American.

Coleman added that this year’s event is expected to be much larger than last year’s.

“We actually made national headlines on Yahoo News last year, and (this year) is close to three times the size of what it was last year,” he said in the Hattiesburg American article. “We’ve had a lot of positive responses, from both (bands) playing and the people that we talk about sponsorships with.”

For more information and a full lineup of bands and schedules, visit the Stink Fest Music & Arts Festival Facebook Page.

LOCAL

Festival created to ‘stomp out stink’Colin CameronPrintz Reporter

Courtesy Photo

FEATURE Thursday, April 23, 2015 | Page 5

ON CAMPUS

Twelve Southern Miss students will compete Sunday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Ballrooms for the title of Miss Krimson and Kreme.

The Kappa Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity hosts the scholarship pageant, making this year the eighth annual pageant.

According to Perry Robinson, a junior broadcast journalism major and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, the pageant was created as a way

to give back to the young ladies of Southern Miss, who serve as their primary support in various events.

“We decided to put on this scholarship pageant as way to assist these women in their academic studies, just as how they assist us with a lot of the things we put on and have,” Robinson said.

Alexandria Walton, a junior dance education major, will compete in the 2015 pageant and described it as one of her most memorable experiences of the semester.

“I feel very confi dent and excited

about the pageant. It has defi nitely been one of the best experiences I’ve had this year,” Walton said.

Raychelle Gammage, a junior broadcast journalism major, expressed her excitement for one particular area of the competition.

“I’m mostly looking forward to the talent portion of the pageant because I really dedicated time into perfecting my talent,” Gammage said. “I’m ready for everyone to see all the hard work myself and the other 11 contestants have put in.

The pageant will consist of 4 areas of competition: introductions,

swimsuit, evening gown and a question and answer portion.

Contestants will have a chance to make the competition fun, with this year’s theme, “How to Get Away with the Krown.”

The title resonates from the ABC hit television show, “How to Get Away with Murder” produced by “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy” writer Shonda Rhimes, which the Kappas decided to put a spin on and make their own.

Miss Krimson and Kreme along with the fi rst and second place alternates will receive a

monetary scholarship.Other awards will be given

such as Most Ads Sold, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic as well.

Robinson urges the student body to come out and enjoy the event.

“If you haven’t been to one of our pageants, then you’re missing out,” Robinson said. “It’s one of the best events of the year,6 and I highly suggest you bring out family and friends to spectate and support such a great event.”

Admission will be $5 before the pageant, and $7 at the door.

ON CAMPUSKappa to host Krimson and Kreme pageant

Sydne’ AutryPrintz Reporter

While Hattiesburg is probably not at the top of anyone’s list of most culturally relative places in the world, it will play host to one of the foremost staples of highbrow culture in the last 20 years. World-renowned opera singer Deborah Voigt will be in town to perform at Bennett Auditorium on Saturday night.

Appearing quite a distance from her home venue–the New York Metropolitan Opera–Voigt will perform a showcase with The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to celebrate its fi nal performance of this season, the symphony orchestra’s 95th. The performance will feature both operatic and more popular and jazzy music.

“Voigt comes to pop singing naturally. She creates each musical mood so perfectly and demonstrates such show-biz savvy that it makes me wish she had more opportunities,” said Opera News, referring to the soprano’s versatility and ability

to switch seamlessly between the drama of opera and the more laid back nature of a jazz show. “If this were 1970, she would probably be given her own network variety show.”

Students appeared to be enthusiastic about Voigt’s upcoming performance with the orchestra symphony.

“I’m excited to see that such a talented and accomplished opera star is going to be performing in Hattiesburg,” said Austin Allen, a junior communications studies major.

Born in Chicago but raised in southern California, Voigt also has a very inspiring personal story to share, having overcome several addictions during the course of her accomplished career in the opera world. She is well known for being very down-to-earth, by the standards of opera singers.

Members of the symphony orchestra are equally excited by the prospect of performing with the world class opera star.

“She’s one of the foremost performers of her voice type today, with an inspirational

story about overcoming struggles,” said Abbe Adent, a junior interdisciplinary

studies major and symphony orchestra member.

For tickets call the Southern

Miss Ticket Offi ce at 601.266.5418 or 800.844.8425 or visiting www.southernmisstickets.com.

World-renowned soprano to visit HattiesburgJ.D. RimannPrintz Reporter

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity is preparing for its 18th annual Charity Bowl philanthropy event Friday. Proceeds from the Charity Bowl event will go to benefi t the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp for children and adults with disabilities.

The event is essentially a full-pad football game between SAE and the highest bidding fraternity on the row. This year, the highest bidding fraternity that will compete against SAE is Sigma Chi. According SAE’s philanthropy chair, Blake Coco, money is raised through sponsorship sales,

spirit links and jambalaya at the fraternity’s fi rst ever CiviJam Festival, which included a day of live music and games.

“Our chapter takes great pride in our philanthropy event and we look forward to Charity Bowl each spring,” Coco said. “We are optimistic and hope to exceed last year’s mark of $7250 that will benefi t the Civitan Camp.”

Likewise, Delta Gamma Charity Bowl queen nominee, Madeline Kuluz, said that she and her sorority are eager for the event as well.

“The men of SAE have adopted a wonderful, local philanthropy that truly changes lives,” Kuluz said. “Civitan Camp gives special needs children and adults a chance to

belong, feel loved and have the best times of their lives. I can’t wait to see how much money the (guys) raise for this noble organization.”

Coco said ultimately every aspect of the event, from the Charity Bowl game to CiviJam or to serving campers, is more than something SAE does to simply raise money. It is, however, a way that the chapter has been able to build relationships with campers and serve them selfl essly.

“All of our members leave the fi eld feeling that we accomplished something, and that can be attributed to the hard work of everyone coming together for a great cause,” Coco said.

The event will begin Friday at 5 p.m. at the M.M Roberts Stadium.

ON CAMPUS

SAE, Sigma Chi face off in Charity BowlColin CameronPrintz Reporter

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy PhotoSigma Alpha Epsilon played Sigma Phi Epsilon in the past Charity Bowl game at Southern Miss.SAE will have its 18th annual Charity Bowl philanthropy event Friday at 5 p.m. in M.M Roberts Stadium. The proceeds from the event will go to support the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp for children and adults with disabilities.

· Senate’s resolution condemns the illegitimate control of Alabama’s student government by the Machine and recommends their SGA Elections Board adopt a reform initiative.

· The Machine is a secret society composed of traditionally all-white fraternities and sororities. The society has dominated Alabama’s SGA for most of the past 100 years.

· Most recently the Machine-backed senators in Alabama’s SGA have tried to block the Chief of Staff nominations of newly elected president Elliot Spillers, the first African-American SGA president since Cleo Thomas in 1976. Spillers is also the first candidate in almost 30 years to defeat a Machine-backed presidential candidate.

· USM’s Senate resolution refers to a reform initiative proposed in January by the United Alabama Project (UAP), a watchdog group that monitors SGA activity.

· UAP’s initiative calls for the

legitimization of the Machine as a political party that can be held accountable, and for the Elections Board to allow equally capable political parties to form.

· Southern Miss became involved because if Alabama’s Elections Board experiences outside pressure from other universities, then maybe the board will adopt the proposal and introduce much needed reform to their campus politics.

· UAP and other advocates have already reached out to other university SGAs for support, such as University of Kentucky, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Auburn University and others.

· If USM’s Senate passes the resolution, then other universities may follow up with similar resolutions of their own, increasing the outside pressure on Alabama’s Elections Board.

To view the reform initiative, visit studentprintz.com.

OPINIONPage 6 | Thursday, April 23, 2015

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Things to know about the UA resolutionSGA Senate’s effort to help Alabama achieve Reform

One of the fi rst symbols for the Machine, otherwise known as the former Alpha Rho chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon fraternity, depicts a skull and keys. Independent, non-Machine students have battled Machine dominance of SGA since the 1940s.

Courtesy Photo

The Southern Miss women’s golf team had one of its best performances at the C-USA Women’s Golf Championship ever, which concluded Wednesday in Fort Myers, Florida.

The team played at the par-72, 6,081 Verandah Club, and the Lady Eagles shot a final round 303 to finish 32-over par. Their 54-hole score of 896 ties their lowest ever in the tournament and is the second lowest in school history, tying for ninth place with UAB.

There were a few bright spots for the Lady Eagles as freshman Belen Abrile shot a two-over 74 in the final round and finished

tied for ninth-place at straight even par. Abrile became the first Lady Eagle to ever finish even par at the C-USA championship. Abrile was tied for second after the first day of the tournament and tied for third on thesecond day.

Abrile shot her career best while there and will only get better with time as she is only a freshman. Her 54-hole score of three-over par was the fifth lowest in school history.

Devon Spriddle shot a final round 74 and finished in 17th place at four-over par. Junior Jennifer Nguyen finished with a 74 as well,with an overall 16-over par performance, good enough for 44th place.

Sophomore Emily Ross shot well and placed 36th at three-

over par. Her 54-hole score 228 was her career best. MacKenzie Kelly brought up the rear for the Lady Eagles as she shot a 43-over par, good enough for 54th place after carding a 97 Wednesday.

Middle Tennessee State won the team event with a final score of seven-under par and also had 2015 C-USA All-Tournament Team member Samantha Gotcher. FIU’s Meghan MacLaren won the top golfer award and title after posting a 10-under par, a single stroke in front of Gotcher.

The Lady Eagles finished off a solid season of golf and will return most of their team. They should continue their ascension into one of the top teams in the conference.

Southern Miss hosted No. 21 South Alabama (32-8) Wednesday night, defeating the Lady Jaguars 1-0 and improving their overall record to 18-28. The win was just the third victory for the Lady Eagles in their last 24 games.

South Alabama came into this game on an 11-game win streak, sweeping three conference opponents and notching two non-conference wins over Nicholls State and Mississippi State. USM entered the game after losing a hard-fought series to MTSU at home. Despite the loss, the Lady Eagles’ bats were hot, highlighted by Cleary’s two home runs and McKeever going 5-for-10.

Southern Miss hoped to keep the fi ery offense alive in Wednesday’s matchup with USA. The two teams faced off earlier in the season March 18 in Mobile, Alabama, where the Lady Jaguars defeated USM 9-1 in six innings.

USM’s defense was put to the test in the fi rst inning. Leadoff hitter for the Lady Jaguars, Emily Messer, reached fi rst base on a fi elding error by USM’s third baseman. It was not the start Southern Miss wanted, but pitcher Danielle Block was able to force a fi elder’s choice groundout, a fl y-out and a strikeout to end the inning.

With two outs in the bottom of the fi rst, Katie Cleary kept her bat hot, singling through the right side on a 1-1 pitch from

Kalen McGill. Sarah Evans then reached fi rst on an error, giving the Lady Eagles runners on fi rst and second. The threat ended with a Mallory Hayden groundout, but the Lady Eagles proved they came to play against nationally ranked South Alabama.

A pitcher’s duel was underway as sophomore Danielle Block was holding her own against a strong hitting Lady Jaguar team. By the fourth inning, Block accumulated four strikeouts and only gave up two hits.

In the bottom of the fourth, Cleary singled up the middle on the fi rst pitch she saw for her second hit of the evening, but was lifted for pinch-runner Peyton Garner. Evans did her job by laying down a sacrifi ce bunt, advancing Garner to second base. Hayden then knocked a single to right center fi eld, sending Garner home to put the Lady Eagles on the board fi rst, 1-0.

The Lady Jaguars got out of the inning on a groundout double play, looking to carry that momentum to the plate.

Block continued to deal on the mound for Southern Miss, tossing out Gwen Jones at fi rst base on a leadoff bunt attempt, forcing a groundout and snagging a line drive to end the inning and any momentum South Alabama had.

South Alabama brought in Farish Beard to relieve McGill on the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning. Beard is one of the Lady Jaguars’ most reliable and experienced pitchers and was also a top-25 fi nalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the

Year award in 2014. Beard walked the fi rst batter

she faced, Selena Estrada, who went deep into the count. With two outs, Hayden was hit by a pitch and Estrada advanced into scoring position at second base. Jordan Beck was called on to pinch-hit and drilled a hard ground ball to the left side, but Estrada was thrown out at third base to end the rally.

The Lady Eagles needed just three outs to defeat USA and earn their most impressive win of the season by far. Block walked back-to-back batters, throwing eight straight balls.

Head coach Wendy Hogue chose not to pull Block, which paid off in a huge way. Block battled her way back, striking out Taylor Bahos for the fi rst out. Emily Messer hit a line drive to Michelle Stringer who doubled off the runner at fi rst base to end the game.

USM won 1-0 with fi ve total hits and held the Lady Jaguars to just two. The Lady Eagles committed three errors, but their execution on offense and timely hitting made the difference.

Block was stellar on the mound, pitching all seven innings with six strikeouts and only gave up two hits and two walks. Block picked up her team-high sixth win and lowered her already team-high ERA among regular starters.

The Lady Eagles will travel to take on UAB this weekend for a three-game series, looking to carry their momentum and pick up their fi rst series win in conference play.

Lady Eagles save best outing for conference tourney

Lady Eagles upset No. 21 South Alabama

SPORTS Thursday, April 23, 2015 | Page 7

GOLF

SOFTBALL

Jacob KempSports Reporter

Ashley HickmanSports Reporter

Sarah Evans reaches fi rst on an error, giving the Lady Eagles runners on fi rst and second at the game Wednesday night. They defeat the Lady Jaguars 1-0 and improve their overall record to 18-28.

Kara Davidson/Printz

Southern Miss continued its success against non-conference opponents Tuesday night with a 9-3 win over UL-Monroe, improving to 13-6-1 against teams outside of Conference USA.

The victory was fueled by impressive offensive outbursts in the sixth and eighth innings, scoring four and five runs, respectively.

The Warhawks got on the board first with a solo home run off the bat of Nathan Pugh, his third of the season. Pugh jumped on a first-pitch fastball that was left over the heart of the plate by USM starter Christian Talley and hit a towering shot to right center field.

Talley was expected to be the ace of the Golden Eagle pitching staff, but has struggled mightily this season and has been removed from the weekend rotation completely. Talley has pitched to a 2-5 record in 10 appearances (nine starts) with a 4.63 ERA, the lowest of any Golden Eagle pitcher who has logged more than four innings.

Talley’s biggest issue has been commanding his pitches all season and it came back to haunt him again in the fourth inning. He walked Justin Stawychny to leadoff the inning, who proceeded to steal second and score on two wild pitches. Talley lasted just four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, one walk and two costly wild pitches.

The Golden Eagle offense was held in check for the first five innings by ULM starter Payton Coddou, tallying just two hits off of him in that time. But USM finally got to him in the sixth, beginning with Connor Barron’s leadoff home run that changed the tide of the game.

“Connor’s home run kind of broke the ice for us. Up to that point, we really didn’t have very good at-bats,” said Southern Miss manager Scott Berry. “But Connor hit that ball really well and that got us going.”

The Golden Eagles got runners on first and second with one out before Coddou was lifted for Weston Mason, who did not fare much better. Tim Lynch connected on the first pitch he saw from Mason, driving the ball through the right side of the infield for an RBI single, tying the game at 2-2.

Chase Scott then loaded the bases for USM with a single to left field. Two batters later, Mason walked Austin Roussel, giving USM the lead before being replaced by Josh Leone.

Leone got off to a rough start, walking Nick Dawson for the fourth Golden Eagle run of the

inning before settling in and getting the Warhawks into the eighth inning, down just one after Chase Stone narrowed the gap with an RBI single in the seventh.

However, Leone gave way to fellow reliever Connor Fiasco for the eighth inning, who stumbled to the worst appearance of his career. Fiasco threw just 14 pitches, walking all three batters he faced and was pulled from the game with the bases loaded and no outs.

Barron came to the plate with the idea of putting the Warhawks away for good, fouling off two pitches with big swings before he drew the fourth consecutive walk of the inning and brought Breck Kline in to score.

Michael Sterling followed with a sacrifice fly before Dylan Burdeaux and Matt Durst hit back-to-back RBI singles to break the game open. USM added one more run on a Lynch sacrifice fly before Clay Targeant and Ryan Milton put the game away on the mound for the Golden Eagles in the ninth.

Seven different Golden Eagle starters tallied an RBI with Barron and Lynch each picking up two. The offense drew eight walks, showing great discipline at the dish. Five USM relievers combined to pitch five innings of three-hit ball, allowing just one run. Connor O’Brien picked up the first win of his Golden Eagle career with 1.2 innings of work.

Southern Miss (22-14-1, 9-8 C-USA) will look to make up ground in the conference standings against UTSA this

weekend, who currently sits just a half-game ahead of USM. The Golden Eagles are just 4.5 games back of conference

frontrunner Middle Tennessee State and have the chance to inch closer in the three-game set against UTSA.

SPORTSBASEBALL

Plate discipline leads to 9-3 win over ULM

Page 8 | Monday, April 20, 2015

Senior James McMahon pitches against Florida Atlantic last weekend at Pete Taylor Park. The Golden Eagles recently beat Louisiana-Monroe on Tuesday at home.Susan Broadbridge/Printz

Joshua CampbellSports Editor

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