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Student arrested after fatal vehicle accident

BY ZACK ORSBORN Multimedia Editor

A Mississippi State University student was arrested in connection to the death of Kaleb Dwayne Barker, 18, according to a Starkville Police Department news release.

Sawyer Tomas Steede, freshman mechanical engineering major, 18, has been arrested and charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released on a $50,000 bond and will appear in the Starkville Municipal Court on Oct. 21.

The one-vehicle traffic accident, reported to police on Tuesday at 2:05 a.m., occurred in the parking lot of McDonald’s on Miss. Highway 12.

The news release stated that

Kaleb

Steede was operating a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado two-doortruck while Barker and MSU student Steede Halli Camille Reasons, 18, also injured, were passengers in the bed of the truck.

Barker was transported to the Oktibbeha County Hospital and then airlifted to University Medical Center in Jackson. Reasons was treated for minor injuries at Oktibbeha County Hospital and was released.

The Crash Reconstruction Team of the Starkville Police Department and the Detective Squad are still investigating the incident.

Family and friends celebrate Kaleb Barker’s life after tragic accident.

TAYLOR BUSKIN | COURTESY PHOTO

Barker and his friends gather after moving into their new homes at MSU. From left to right: Logan Goff, Kaleb Barker, Sawyer Steede, Taylor Bufkin, Shawn Chambliss.

News Editor

Kaleb Dwayne Barker, Mississippi State University freshman kinesiology major, 18, died early Tuesday in Starkville due to injuries resulting from a one-vehicle accident near campus, according to a statement released by University Relations.

A news release from the Starkville Police Department said Kaleb Barker was “struck by the motor vehicle he had been riding in” and suffered “multiple blunt crush injury.”

Sid Salter, director of University Relations, said the accident was outside of MSU Police jurisdiction.

Michael Hunt, Oktibbeha

DOMA repeal’s effect minimal

BY ZACK ORSBORN Multimedia Editor

Editor’s Note: Sources named Cynthia and Donna wanted to remain anonymous.

On the way to a business meeting in Jackson, Miss., on June 26, Cynthia received an abundance of texts at 9 a.m.

The Defense of Marriage Act had been repealed, and as a lesbian planning to marry her fiancée Donna, the texts came with jubilation as the Supreme Court ruled the federal law unconstitutional.

Signed in 1996, the law recognized marriage as the union of a man and woman, cutting thousands of federal benefits to same-sex couples. In the Supreme Court case, United States v. Windsor, Edith Windsor sued after being placed with a $363,000 estate tax following the death of her same-sex spouse, according to glaad.org.

Victory brought down Section 3 of DOMA, which stated same-sex marriages would not be federally recognized, but Section 2 remains intact: states still possess the right to deny same-sex marriage.

Christine Rush, Mississippi State University assistant professor of political science and public administration, said the Windsor case ended DOMA with the decision that states are the decision makers regarding marriage.

“The Windsor case reinforces the authority of states’ rights,” she said. “Although the Supreme Court’s decision declared the federal law, DOMA, unconstitutional, the decision also stated that individual state legislatures have the authority to make choices regarding same-sex marriage in each state.”

Because Mississippi does not recognize same-sex marriage, the repeal of DOMA has little effect on same-sex couples in Mississippi.

Article 14, Section 263A of Mississippi’s constitution states marriage may be valid between a man and a woman and may not be recognized even if a same-sex couple marry in a different state.

Husbands Ravi Perry, assistant professor of political science and public administration, and Paris Prince, lecturer of business, married in Massachusetts. Since moving to Mississippi, the couple has not been able to share a family health insurance plan despite Mississippi State University’s nondiscrimination policy.

“If an institution had a nondiscrimination ordinance that included sexual orientation, I assumed wrongly that that would mean in terms of policy, such as employment policy--for example, health insurance--that if I’m employed then my spouse can also be covered under health insurance,” Perry said.

BY ANNA WOLFE

TAYLOR BUSKIN | COURTESY PHOTO

Students congregated Wednesday to honor Barker’s life.

County coroner, said the death occurred when a vehicle backed up in the McDonald’s parking lot and fell into the Cold Stone Creamery parking lot, throwing Kaleb Barker from the vehicle.

Kaleb Barker was then run over by the truck, according to the SPD release. The release also stated the remaining four passengers of the vehicle were Barker’s friends.

Hunt said Kaleb Barker was transported to Oktibbeha County Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and then was airlifted to University Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.

President Keenum made a statement in regard to the incident.

SEE COMMEMORATION, 2

Alumni enter local business scene with a clang

BY ANNA WOLFE News Editor

Battle Bells, a local company founded by a Mississippi State University alumni in 2012, makes a loud entrance onto Starkville’s business scene with the sale of the first indestructible cowbell.

John Howell, MSU graduate and founder of Battle Bells, said he and his business partner Stephen Caples have an entrepreneurial drive and use the

cowbell to fuel their passion.

As an Ole Miss fan growing up, the cowbell took on a different meaning for Howell as he converted to a State fan and eventually student.

“Going to the games, I never had a cowbell given to me. Both of my parents were Ole Miss fans, so I had to go buy one of the

SEE DOMA, 3

cowbells like everybody else,” he said.

Howell said as he came in contact with bells during his time at MSU, he began to think he could improve the symbolic instrument.

“It is such an important part of Mississippi State history, heritage and tradition,” Howell said. “That’s how we started.”

Howell, who graduated from MSU in 2010 with a business degree in finance and economics, said the response Battle Bells has earned could not be better.

He emphasizes the help he received from MSU’s Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board in particular.

“We have had nothing but great feedback from customers, fans and the university, who are 100 percent behind us. We have worked hand-inhand with Mississippi

State ECAB. Parker Stewart has been a huge help,” he said. “We actually received a $2,000 grant from the ECAB last week.”

Caples, who graduated from MSU in 2012 with a degree in business information systems, said he and Howell knew they wanted to start a business after their time at MSU, during which they came up with the idea for Battle Bells.

“It just kind of came to us one night, and we thought, ‘Maybe we should try cowbells. Let’s give it a shot,’” Caples said.

Battle Bells offers products that cannot be found anywhere else. Their cowbells stand apart from competitors because they are stainless steel, handmade locally and taller than most.

The bell also includes an interchangeable wooden handle in different stains and a lifetime warranty against damage to the bell body.

SEE COWBELLS, 2

MSU student wins contest, face appears on Dr Pepper can

BY HILLARY LAPLATNEY Staff Writer

As the can tumbles from the fluorescently-lit soda machine, Mississippi State University student Anna Trundle’s face stares up from a can of Dr Pepper.

Anna Trundle said the chance of a lifetime all started when she unintentionally stumbled upon an interview with Dr Pepper to win a chance to receive a $2,500 scholarship. “(Dr Pepper representatives) were at the Tennessee vs. Mississippi State football game last season with the Coaches Trophy,” Anna Trundle said. “I wanted my picture with it, and a guy from Dr Pepper started talking to us and asked us to do an interview, so I did it right

ANNA TRUNDLE | COURTESY PHOTO

then on the spot. I talked about wanting to join the Peace Corps after college and then going to grad school at Tennessee, and I mentioned that I wanted to be on the Dr Pepper can because it’s my favorite drink.”

David Trundle, Anna Trundle’s father, said he was at the game with his daughter when she gave the interview.

“Anna came up to me and said, ‘Dad, you won’t believe what I just did!’” David Trundle said. “As a parent, I’m very biased — I’m so proud of both my daughters — but then a representative from Dr Pepper came up to me and said, ‘That was a fabulous interview, especially for being off-the-cuff. I think you’ll be hearing from Dr Pepper soon.’”

Kathleen McMullin, senior

interdisciplinary studies major and a good friend of Anna’s, said she was “not at all surprised” when Anna’s interview went so well.

“When I first met Anna, she blew me away with how personable she was and how easily she talked to new people,” McMullin said. “I don’t know anyone more deserving.”

Despite her friend’s and family’s expectations, Anna Trundle said she was surprised to receive a phone call from Dr Pepper on a Monday evening last November to tell her she had won a $2,500 scholarship. Later, this amount was bumped up to $7,500.

“They then said that I was chosen to go to the SEC Championship on Dec. 3 and that I was allowed to bring one

person with me,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Dr Pepper had also informed Anna Trundle she could receive a $100,000 scholarship if she won a football-tossing contest during the SEC Championship game’s halftime show.

Anna Trundle said the first call she made was to her parents.

“My dad said he was so excited to go with me, and he would think of ways for me to train,” Anna Trundle said. “I thought I’d joke with him a little bit, so I said, ‘What makes you think I’m going to take you, Dad?’ He immediately replied, ‘Anna, I’ve played sports with you your whole life. I was there at the game when you made the video. I’m going with you!’”

SEE TRUNDLE, 2

Anna Trundle was awarded $7,500 through a Dr Pepper contest.

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COWBELLS “We made it with the intention of being passed down from generation to generation, not just a cowbell that you are going to use for a year or two that is going to break,” Howell said.

The founders of Battle Bells spent eight months designing the bell by taking apart other bells.

“We literally destroyed it and found everything that was bad and wrong with it and did the opposite. This is what came out of doing that,” Howell said.

One of the main problems Howell said he noticed with other cowbells is a clanker that falls out, which is why Battle Bells are manufactured with a reinforced clanker assembly. “(It’s) something that will be in the family for a really long time,” he said.

Battle Bells can be purchased

online and at several local retailers, including Reeds, Campus Bookmart and Stromboli’s. The Battle Bell cowbell is the first product sold at Stromboli’s that isn’t Italian food.

“That’s one of my favorite restaurants. I think the majority of people around Starkville feel the same way. So, for them to actually take on the Battle Bell, it really meant a lot to us,” Howell said.

Tim Turman, owner of Stromboli’s, said he has sold Battle Bells in his restaurant for about a month. He said he believes the high-grade cowbells will appeal to his clientele, which includes students, graduates and professionals.

Turman said the bells’ quality makes them a sentimental product that will last a lifetime, as opposed to others that will deteriorate.

continued from 1

TRUNDLE

“You are not going to damage this bell,” he said.

Turman said he has high hopes for Battle Bells because of the hard work they have put into their bells.

Howell said MSU fans will not have sore arms from ringing the stainless steel cowbell.

“It really doesn’t take a lot of work to ring it because it is the loudest bell on the market,” he said.

Howell said one of his favorite pieces of feedback was from a customer in Atlanta, Ga. According to Howell, the customer wrote, “Got mine today.

Wow, yes, it will be heard. Most of Atlanta just did. You could send earplugs with it.”

The company does, in fact, send earplugs with purchase of a cowbell on their website, battlebells.com.

Anna Trundle said Dr Pepper paid for her plane tickets, hotel room, food and access to parties in Atlanta for the SEC Championship.

She and her father had seats on the 50-yard line.

Unfortunately, Anna Trundle broke her finger the week of the contest and was not able to throw to her usual standards.

“It made me mad that I broke my finger because I had been working so hard on tossing the ball, and in a minute of playing flag football it was all gone,” Anna Trundle said. “Even though I didn’t win the first or second place prize, Dr Pepper wanted me to go to St. Louis for the photo shoot for the cans. They said I had a great attitude toward having

THE REFLECTOR

continued from 1 a broken finger, and I had a great perspective all weekend and wasn’t mad about my situation.”

Last March, Dr Pepper flew Anna Trundle to St. Louis, where she participated in a photo shoot complete with her own hair dresser and makeup artist.

“Dr Pepper paid for me to fly to St. Louis. They paid for my hotel room, they paid for my food and they took us to a hockey game where we had our own suite,” Anna Trundle said.

A picture with two other winners is now on two-liter bottles of Diet Dr Pepper around the country, and on cans of Dr Pepper in select regions. She said it is up to the bottler to decide if they want to use the picture.

“It’s been fun seeing both across the country. My dad bought 34 cases of the cans when he found them in Kentucky,” Anna Trundle said.

David Trundle said he loved to experience all the excitement with his daughter.

“It was unbelievable,” David Trundle said. “Not only are we having a great time, not only do we get to go to the football game, not only does she get to compete in this event, not only did she get a photo shoot in St. Louis, but it was paid for and she won $5,000 more than she thought. As a parent, getting to spend that weekend with her and watching her interact with the other kids was really neat.”

New shuttles connect students between Starkville, MSU

By Pranaav Jadhav Staff Writer

With the receipt of the Rural General Public Transportation Program grant through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi State University and the city of Starkville will be equipped with two new campus-community shuttle routes beginning spring 2014.

The grant provides more than $800,000 for transit operations and approximately $1.5 million for the purchase of 12 new shuttles. Five shuttles will be delivered this month and five next month, including two vintage-style trolleys that will service Starkville’s downtown area.

Mike Harris, MSU director of Parking Services, said the message he wants to give to the students and the community is this service is free.

“Being able to get on a bus and go somewhere at no cost is something that is certainly valuable to some folks, especially with almost $3-$4 a gallon gas,” he said.

MSU President Mark Kee-

num said via email that providing a reliable and convenient means of transportation such as this will serve a great need for MSU students as well as residents and businesses all across Starkville, and it will help ease traffic congestion as well.

“I have said often that what is good for Mississippi State University is good for the community and vice versa. This transit system is an example of that. It is also reflective of the strong collaborative spirit and teamwork that exists between the university and the community,” Keenum said.

Harris said the city helps parking services with in-kind services, meaning the city of Starkville will install concrete pads for the shuttle shelters, run courtesy graphic | mike harris electrical outlets for the shelters New shuttle transports students between campus, OCH Medical Center, Wal-Mart and Kroger. and take responsibility for the electricity.

Ward 5 Alderman Scott May- to be marketed effectively and addition to other stops at resi- color-coded all of those, and then nard said it is a great partnership just let the students know it is dential areas. we found a route that hit all of between the city and the univer- there,” Maynard said.

“We did a GIS study on all these,” Harris said. sity, and he has not heard any Harris said the Starkville (of) Starkville, and we broke MSU Student Association negative comments whatsoever MSU Area Rapid Transit shuttle them down on certain areas in President Michael Hogan said about the project. system will have stops at OCH Starkville as far as demographics every week he gets requests to “I think like any project for Regional Medical Center, Wal- — where people live, (residential extend the hours of the shuttle this to be successful, it needs Mart Supercenter and Kroger in areas), retail areas — and then we service from students who do

not have a car or international students for whom it may be difficult to afford a car.

“Well, Mississippi State can’t be expected to fund a shuttle system like the one that is coming our way, so this is huge for us,” he said.

An MSU shuttle driver who chose to remain anonymous said there was a public transit system in place in Starkville prior to this one which had to end due to unforeseen reasons several years ago.

“I only hope this doesn’t end in similar fashion,” he said.

In response to how the SMART shuttle system is different from the earlier one that failed, Harris said the time and days of operation of the new system have been extended.

SMART system will operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“One of the main things that I think is going to make this more successful than the other one is because it is a fixed route system,” he said, “We also have the real time GPS system which will allow folks to schedule their pickups based upon that real-time application.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 3

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DOMA

continued from 1

Prince said the policy distinguishes between his marriage with Perry and a heterosexual marriage in terms of treatment.

“Instead of us having a family health insurance plan, we now have a separate health insurance plan. That might incur extra costs, complications in terms of coordinating our family, etc.,” he said. “It’s unnecessary. It’s based on bias and prejudice, essentially.”

Rush said MSU’s benefits are determined by state legislation because the legislature makes decisions for all state universities in Mississippi.

Whit Waide, political science and public administration instructor, said Perry and Prince’s situation is patently unconstitutional.

“It’s unconstitutional beCOURTESY PHOTO | PARIS PRINCE cause of Article 4 of the United MSU faculty members, Paris Prince and Ravi Perry, married at their home in Worcester, Mass.

States Constitution which says, “Federally, we’re married, so I ‘Full faith and credit will be exshould be able to take time untended to the states,’” he said. der that act and have my posiArticle IV, Section 1 of the tion (at work) saved, but in MisU.S. Constitution says that sissippi, we’re not married,” she states must recognize the “the said. “If they were to deny me, public acts, records and judithat becomes very murky legal cial proceedings of every other territory because it’s a federal state,” according to law.cornell. law, and I’m entitled to it.” edu.

With hospital visitations, Reff “Reading that as courts have said the hospital would not let in prior “full faith” cases, it begs her visit her wife because the the question: what happens state does not recognize their when a non-gay marriage state legal relationship. refuses to recognize a marriage “If something were to happen that is recognized by a gay-marto my wife in Mississippi, and riage state? This question has she’s admitted — heaven forbid not been addressed by the something happen to the baby courts. And perhaps it never — I’m not seen as a relative,” she will be,” Waide said in an email. said. “It’s crazy and devastating.”

Waide said some conservaThe repeal of DOMA protive figures contradict themvides Reff the ability to sponsor selves. her German wife for a green “It’s particularly interesting card as federal law handles imbecause the people who hate migration. gay marriage the most — the COURTESY PHOTO | PARIS PRINCE Cynthia and Donna’s situalunatic, radical conservative Tea Prince and Perry’s wedding was featured in “Jet Magazine.” tion is uncommon.

Party folks — are the ones that, Five years ago, Cynthia and if you do what they want to ing benefits from state-provided be on the baby’s birth certificate. do, that is adhere strictly to the health insurance. The couple That’s something that wouldn’t Donna decided to have a child.

In the process, Donna donated Constitution and what it said pays out of pocket. happen in Mississippi.” in 1789, you absolutely cannot Reff recently moved to MisAccording to lambdalegal.org, eggs to Cynthia, who carried the deny people the ability to mar- sissippi with her wife, but they the Family and Medical Leave child.

But because of Mississipry for gay marriage,” he said. will travel to Boston, Mass., to Act gives federal employees unDesta Reff, joint Har- have the child because of Missis- paid leave to take care of family pi’s ban on same-sex adoption, vard-MSU delta fellow and sippi’s laws. members, but only if a state rec- Donna holds no legal rights postdoctoral associate, plans to “My wife is having a baby, ognizes every marriage includ- although she is the biological start a family with her wife who and Mississippi won’t recognize ing same-sex marriage. Reff said mother.

“If I died, my family could is currently pregnant. However, our marriage. In Boston, they Mississippi’s laws complicate the Mississippi’s restrictions also recognize our marriage,” she legality on a state and federal hinder Reff ’s wife from receiv- said. “Both of our names would level.

Monday, Sept. 16 • 11:29 a.m. A student was arrested on a warrant for false reporting of a crime.

• 7:32 p.m. A student reported his roommate used his pre-paid credit card without permission. The roommate admitted to officers that he used the card to make a purchase at Walmart.

Wednesday, Sept. 18 • 12:00 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for having an open container.

• 7:00 a.m. A student called 911 to North Hall for a ring that was causing his/her finger to swell. The subject was transported to OCH for the ring to be removed.

• 11:12 a.m. A student reported a suspicious male in Mitchell Memorial Library.

• 6:01 p.m. A student reported inhaling vapor from a chemistry experiment, causing her throat to hurt.

• 11:14 p.m. An officer reported a suspicious incident in the Burger King parking lot.

• 11:28 p.m. A student received a Justice Court citation and student referral for smell of marijuana and having a non-police siren in his vehicle on President’s Circle.

Citations:

• 11 citations were issued for speeding.

• 7 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device.

take my children away from her,” Cynthia said. “When we went to have our daughter, there was no fertility doctor in Mississippi who would treat us. We had to go to Baton Rouge. There are antiquated fertility laws in Mississippi.”

Cynthia said Donna could not have her children treated in the hospital because she is not a legal parent. Besides complications with parental rights, the couple, who recently married in Maine, cannot file state taxes jointly, even though the repeal of DOMA lets them file federal taxes together.

“DOMA doesn’t really affect Mississippians at all, except that financially, it is a big deal for us to be able to file (federal) taxes jointly,” she said.

Despite Mississippi’s legislation, Cynthia and Donna have a happy life with a five-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.

“As Southerners, we value family. It’s the way we’re raised.

We want to live in family and community,” she said. “I could probably name 10 couples off the top of my head that went and had children like us.”

Perry said southern states’ opinions of same-sex marriage shifted significantly in the past 10 years.

“It’s obvious we need a change in the voting population to assist us in generating new leadership that will be responsive to the shift in public opinion,” he said.

Prince met with the president of the Human Rights Campaign and former governor Ronnie Musgrove regarding efforts to have substantive policy changes and legal action to address unconstitutional laws in Mississippi. He said equality will come to the state soon.

“Difference and diversity enhances society,” Prince said.

“Discrimination erodes society.”

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THE REFLECTOR

MSU celebrates 150th Civil War anniversary, hosts Lincoln symposium

BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO | PATTYE ARCHER

MSU Lincoln symposium will show oscar nominated “Lincoln”.

COMMEMORATION “The Mississippi State University family is heartbroken today over this very tragic accident,” said Keenum. “Kaleb was a young man with a great deal of promise. We feel a deep sense of grief and our thoughts and prayers will remain with Kaleb’s family and his many friends in Lucedale, Miss., and here at MSU.” Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students, said MSU plants a tree on campus in loving memory of any student who dies while enrolled.

“It’s a tragedy. Any time the university loses a student, it is one of the worst things that can

happen,” he said. “We do our best to remember him through stories and thoughts.”

Sonya Barker, Kaleb Barker’s mother, said her son was a “mama’s boy” and his father’s best friend.

“He was funny. He was goofy.

He was so compassionate and tender hearted — it’s unreal. He was loyal and very, very loving,” she said.

Cory Dickerson, who grew up in Lucedale, Miss., with Kaleb Barker, said Kaleb was passionate about his tight-knit group of friends.

“He was real down to earth.

He was one of the nicest guys

Abraham Lincoln will be on campus this week — at least his look-a-like will be.

To commemorate the American Civil War sesquicentennial, the Symposium on Lincoln: the Movie and the Man will be held Monday and Tuesday. The event will include a showing of the 2012 motion picture as well as a panel discussion and lectures from notable speakers including Frank Williams, a former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice, and George Buss, a nationally acclaimed Lincoln character actor. All events are free and open to the public.

The Office of the President Mark E. Keenum, Mitchell Memorial Library, the Grant Presidential Library, African American Studies and Shackouls Honors College sponsor the symposium.

Frances Coleman, dean of libraries, said the symposium is an excellent opportunity for people to learn about the history and the man.

“Those of us from the South might not know as much as we need or would like to know about Lincoln,” Coleman said.

During the symposium, speakers will separate Hollywood magic and history facts

using the 2012 epic historical drama “Lincoln.”

Stephen Cunetto, MSU Libraries’ administrator of systems, said the movie is important to see because it reflects a time in our country that changed the course of history.

“Those issues that are dealt with in the movie are still being dealt with today and had certain ramifications for how things changed,” Cunetto said.

“Lincoln certainly was influential in that.”

Lincoln, the movie, sparked the idea of the symposium.

John Marszalek, a retired MSU Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus and executive director and managing editor of the U.S. Grant Association, said Rhonda Keenum, President Keenum’s wife, created the idea of the symposium.

“The whole idea for the symposium came from a dinner when Chief Justice Williams was here and was giving a lecture at the library,” Marszalek said. “During the course of the conversation, the Lincoln movie had just become a big deal, and we were talking about it.

Mrs. Keenum said, ‘It would be great if we could do something to make sure the students got to see this, and we could talk about what it was like.’”

Since then, several campus offices have become involved

in the creation of the event.

The symposium will begin with a showing of “Lincoln” Monday starting at 7p.m. in McCool Hall’s Taylor Auditorium.

On Tuesday, historians including Marszalek will present lectures related to the movie and Lincoln.

John Middleton, MSU history professor and leader of the African American studies program, will give a lecture on Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment.

“I happen to think Lincoln is the greatest president this country has ever had, especially from the African American perspective,” Middleton said. “If you are going to truly understand this country and why we should embrace the opportunities and the liberties that we have, it is important to understand Lincoln and what he did for the country with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.”

A press conference with Lincoln is scheduled for Tuesday as one of the events. Buss, as Lincoln, will deliver the famous “Gettysburg Address.” A panel discussion moderated by Sid Salter, University Relations director, will follow.

Marszalek said he plans on walking Buss around campus to see how many students are startled by the presence of the important president — or at least his look-a-like.

A goal of the symposium is to show people Lincoln’s ongoing influence.

Ravi Perry, political science and public administration professor and member of the African American studies faculty, said Lincoln is an obvious choice, especially in terms of the South and MSU. “MSU is an ideal place to have such a symposium. It is simple to see that the movie was a huge blockbuster success, and so it is a great opportunity to use it as an educational tool,” Perry said.

“Lincoln, in his era, has had a significant reverberating effect on our politics, and Lincoln is also President Obama’s favorite president as he aims to be as transformational in the modern era as Lincoln.”

Lincoln’s influence can still be seen today. His push to end the disenfranchisement of African Americans while granting equality in the Civil Rights Amendments has developed to modern issues.

“It has been extended significantly to be applicable to other groups of people: women, presidential candidates, persons of the LGBT-community and to the poor populations,” Perry said.

For more information about the Symposium on Lincoln: the Movie and the Man and its event schedule, visit guides.library.msstate.edu/lincoln.

continued from 1 you could meet. He was all about his friends, and we were all about him,” he said.

Dickerson said the driver of the vehicle, Sawyer Steede, came to MSU with Kaleb Barker from Lucedale and was one of his best friends.

Sonya Barker said Sawyer was like the brother Kaleb never had and that the incident was tragic.

“We love Sawyer, and Kaleb loved Sawyer. There’s no way that we’re blaming that baby for any of this. It was just an accident,” she said. “(Kaleb) wouldn’t want people thinking bad of Sawyer because that was his best friend.”

Sonya Barker said Kaleb was enthusiastic about attending MSU. She said she looked forward to attending the MSU vs. Alabama football game and wearing her Alabama shirt until after the game when she would change into an MSU shirt for Kaleb.

“I know he was so excited about going to State. He was actually looking so forward to going to the Mississippi State v. Alabama game because we’re Alabama fans, and he’s a State fan,” she said.

Taylor Bufkin and Logan Goff, two girls Kaleb Barker grew up with, said he was passionate about making a great future for himself and those around him.

“He put others first. He always lived to the highest,” Goff said.

Bufkin said Kaleb Barker was one of the sweetest people she had ever met.

COURTESY PHOTO | TAYLOR BUSKIN

A candle lighting service was held in memory of Barker.

“Any time you had a problem, he was going to try to help you fix it,” Bufkin said.

Sonya Barker said she is proud of who Kaleb grew up to be and is moved by the number twitter@LBBShop of people who have come forward to show support for the Cuttin’ it family. old school. Barker “We raised Kaleb to be a 100 N Lafayette St good-hearted person and to 648-9271 treat others fairly, and apparently, we succeeded in that part,” Open 7–6 daily* she said. *Close *Close 12 12 pm pm Wed Wed && Sat Sat Sonya Barker said she is re-

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minded of Kaleb’s love through memories of their conversations.

“He never missed an opportunity to tell us he loved us. It didn’t matter where he was at or whom he was with. Whether we were there in person or over the phone, he would never shy away from saying, ‘I love you Mom’ or ‘I love you Dad.’ And he never whispered it either,” Sonya Barker said.

Dwayne Barker, Kaleb Barker’s father, said Kaleb Barker was his best friend and that he loved everyone.

Kaleb Barker’s visitation is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Lucedale, Miss. His funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. Sonya Barker said she wants everyone to wear causal clothes and MSU gear to celebrate Kaleb’s life.

“I don’t care if they wear a ball cap. I don’t care. Kaleb couldn’t stand the stuffiness,” she said.

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OPINION

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 5

EXPRESS YOUR VOICE AT REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

LIVING BY MY WITS

Has Obama become just Express yourself: body serves as a canvas another president?

I

JAMES TRACY

t’s always an emotional time when your president transforms into an ordiJames Tracy is a physics nary president. No, he hasn’t graduate student. He can be been caught with an intern or contacted at opinion@reflecraised taxes after promising he tor.msstate.edu. wouldn’t. Instead, he’s considering military action in a for- the biggest expansion of “Leave eign land. it to Beaver” reruns in history, A couple things you should supplied 100 percent of the know: “artificial banana” is not military budget to the Roya flavor, and I do like and sup- al Lao government during the port Obama. But the question Laos Civil War. is: how is he now a normal presSo, presidents have historicalident? ly decided to go mucking about You see, throughout our na- in wars, to varying public opintion’s history, presidents have ion. What about Mr. Obama? done things, and there are those Well, for the first four years of who find ways to disagree with his presidency, we were treated the presidents, to such noveleven when it ties as the first worked out in black presiThere you everyone’s indent, the early have it: terest (who’s assertions that President still upset he was a secret about JefferMuslim, the Obama is son’s “unconbizarre Birther just like any stitutional” movement, p u r c h a s e ? ) . other president. He his Nobel And that’s a runs the country as he Peace prize, good thing, sees fit, dealing with Obamacare, because the Congress according the Great ReFirst Amendcovery, Bin ment guaran- to the Constitution Laden’s elimitees this liberty and assaults foreign nation and the and as Ameri- lands whenever it is winding down cans, we’re in the ‘right thing to do.’ of the Iraq and the habit of Afghanistan thinking that Forty-Four is growing conflicts. Afwe’re always up so fast.” ter his re-elecright. tion last fall, it For examwas expected ple, consider that we would President James Madison and see more historic milestones. the War of 1812 (their catchy But, as happens even with the slogan was “Free Trade and best of us, he dropped his game.

Sailors’ Rights.” Times were We saw early signs of his condifferent then.) Public opin- version to a normal president ion was sharply divided over during the budget crisis back in the prospect of war with Great 2011. Hope survived, though, Britain, whose navy had been as the country remained sharply ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll ev- divided over the simple fact that ery year since before the Amer- he was president. But that’s all ican Revolution, but Madison gone now. Nope, now people went forward with it anyway are angry that he’s considering (we eventually won with a stun- a military strike in a foreign naning overtime victory at New tion because he thinks it’s right.

Orleans).

Ironically, many of these people Fast forward to President are the same ones who argued Polk, who justified the Mexi- that leaving Iraq showed weakcan-American War with mani- ness. fest destiny. Called “Mr. Polk’s In an informal poll, a few War” by its detractors, a group Mississippi State University stuthat included future president dents were asked whether they Abraham Lincoln, the seeds of felt Obama’s threat of action the Civil War were revealed in against Syria made him seem major sectional and regional di- more like a normal president. vision over its merits.

Three weren’t sure, and four felt The list goes on: in 1898 we that it did. saw McKinley’s quest to liberate There you have it: President Cuba from the evil clutches of Obama is just like any oththe Spanish empire; Woodrow er president now. He runs the Wilson (campaign slogan 1916: country as he sees fit, dealing “He Kept Us Out Of War”) with Congress according to the decided to join World War I, Constitution and assaults forwhich still had the working ti- eign lands whenever it is the tle “The War to End all Wars.” “right thing to do.” Forty-four Eisenhower, who presided over is growing up so fast.

S

tretched out on a table, the serenity prayer on Therewith the most obnoxious sa Vail’s side and the military buzzing in my ear, I anx- medical insignia on her shouliously awaited the pain I knew der.

Perhaps Vail’s most outspoken would ensue in only seconds. I gritted my teeth as the needle opposition comes from Donald touched my skin and began to Trump. Trump, who holds a inject ink into my body. How- prominent position in the Miss ever, the physical pain of my Universe organization, said second tattoo paled in compar- that Miss Universe doesn’t “enison to the anxiety I felt about courage” tattoos.

Miss Kansas said on her blog showing this new ink to my that her platform for the paggrandmother.

Although only one of my eant was to empower women to tattoos is visible, I receive dis- overcome stereotypes. She even approving glances at least once said she would feel like a hypocrite if she cova day. Teachers, fellow ered the ink.

Miss Kansas students and Some of the even co-worksaid on her most beautiers shake their ful works of blog that head in disart I’ve seen approval at a her platform...was have been on a (barely notice- to empower women person’s body.

Sure, some peoable) wrist tat- to overcome ple end up with too. I, on the stereotypes.” a spring break other hand, see tattoo that they my body as a try to hide for the rest of their canvas.

Tattoos don’t usually bring life. Others end up with beaumuch controversy into the tiful tributes to people or ideas. news world. However, Miss Even more put ink on their Kansas recently decided to bare body in an obscure way that both of her tattoos at the Miss makes sense only to them.

Tattoos, when thought out, America pageant. The 22-yearold National Guard sergeant are works to be appreciated. was the first contestant to ever My face eases into a smile when show tattoos in the pageant. I look at my tattoos. Tattoos During the swimsuit compe- are a form of communication tition, the eyes of judges and and expression. Whereas some viewers alike were drawn to people see tattoos as a reason to

Reflections

“I only care what you think of yourself.

If you feel your value lies

CLAIRE WILSON Claire Wilson is a junior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

refrain from conversation with a person, I embrace it.

While older generations frown upon tattoos — my grandparents chastised mine at first — body ink has become a more acceptable trend. Employers are (slowly) becoming less opposed to the idea of an employee with tattoos.

“So, tell me about your tattoo,” seems to open up more room for communication than any other opening line of conversation. More often than not, people you know have tattoos of which you aren’t aware. However, you probably shouldn’t get a tattoo tomorrow because you’ve always wanted one. Take some time. Consider your options. Decorate your flesh canvas, if you wish.

in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that’s all you really are. Time erodes all such beauty.

But what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind — your humor, your kindness and your moral courage. These are things I so cherish in you.”

-Louisa May Alcott,

“Little Women”

ONE LITTLE SPARK

Alabama students take a stand against segregation

O

n Sept. 11, The Crim- sourced by some very brave son White, the Uni- young women, has exploded versity of Alabama’s across national media such as student newspaper, published CNN, the New York Times, an article detailing the preva- USA Today, Buzzfeed and the lent racism in the rush process Washington Times. in its Greek system. It seems Wednesday, crowds of stuthat this year, at least two black dents participated in the Fifreshmen went through the nal Stand at the Schoolhouse Panhellenic rush process at Al- Doors in protest of the current abama, and despite at least one descrimination controversy, acof them being qualified and ac- cording to AL.com. tively pursued by three different Yadena Wolf, a member of sororities, neither was offered Alpha Omicron Pi stated, “We a bid. The article quotes repre- cannot end this discussion. We sentatives from must move four sororities, forward and At least Alpha Gamma encourage two black Delta, Tri Delone anothta, Chi Omega er to be freshmen and Pi Beta Phi, went through brave,” as who say this parreported by AL.com. ticular recruit Panhellinic rush...

Alabama got high scores and despite one of and was high- them being qualified... g o v e r n o r Rober t ly sought-after. neither was offered a Bentley However, in has spoken each case, alum- bid.” out against nae from the sothe prororities’ boards blocked access to this recruit ceedings, citing his wife as his sorority authority. Things are because of her race.

Since being published on Sept. changing at the University of 11, this article by a student Alabama, and people are listennewspaper much like this one, ing. And all this because two

young women had the courage to go through an avenue that had been closed to them, one sorority girl was angry enough to bring it to the attention of the school newspaper and some plucky editors had the skills and bravery to publish it.

For the past three years, the name of this column has been a reference to a Disney attraction about how “one little spark of inspiration” can change everything. I’ve written about dozens of instances in which one person, in many cases my reader, can do something small to create a new reality. But not until now have I truly seen a case where students have committed such a brave act for such a far-reaching call to action.

Maybe we’re not Alabama.

Our fraternities and sororities may not have a mysterious “machine” that surrounds their actions and gathers intrigue.

And our Panhellenic Council may have slightly more women of color in it than the inspiring number of zero. But, as a state and as a university, we face the same history and the same challenges that Alabama does.

Ignoring the racism faced

WHITNEY KNIGHT Whitney Knight is a senior majoring in English education. She can be contacted at life@reflector.msstate.edu.

by our student body does not work. As the responses to The Crimson White article continue to come in, there is a prevailing sentiment that today’s young white people are taking a step outside the racism of the past.

But in order to truly change an entire generation, these white people, especially those in positions of social authority like sororities, have to educate themselves and speak out about the issues faced by people of color every single day. It seems that at Alabama, for whatever reason, our peers had stayed silent long enough.

RED HERRINGS

Windows 8: you should know this is a love story Managing Editor

Editor in Chief

News Editor

Kristen Spink

Kaitlyn Byrne

Anna Wolfe

Multimedia Editor

Life Editor

Opinion Editor

Zack Orsborn

Daniel Hart

Alie Dalee

Sports Editor John Galatas

Photography Editor Kaitlin Mullins

Copy Editor Emma Crawford

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Kaitlyn Byrne

Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Kristen Spink 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Anna Wolfe 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Alie Dalee opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/John Galatas 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Daniel Hart 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Kaitlin Mullins 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Zack Orsborn multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Julia Pendley 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

CORRECTIONS

EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff.

The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

A

few weeks back, I went to start up my laptop to begin an intermediate accounting test (though let’s be real, it was really only to watch “Breaking Bad”), only to find that my dear old Samsung (lovingly referred to as a “piece of Nickelback”) had finally decided to call it quits and give up the ghost, only a few weeks after all that preventive insurance (spill protection! Knife fight scratch guard! Tech support!) expired, leaving me with no option but to drive to Tupelo to purchase another laptop.

When I arrived in the store, toting the corpse of my former laptop, I immediately ran to the Geek Squad counter and asked the worker (who sort of looked like a Jake) to find a laptop that could a) run Photoshop and b) was not a Samsung. At this point, Jake (not his real name), looked at me and slowly pulled a Toshiba laptop off the shelf, shed a single tear and informed me that it unfortunately came installed with Windows 8.

Windows 8 was, in his own words, “The worst thing ever.”

Harsh words, especially from someone trying to sell me a computer. Still, with no other choice, I purchased the thing and here we are. And to be honest — though it might seem a

of Best Buy in Tupelo told bit surprising — it’s great.

Calm down, calm down. Yes, me. Part of this is due to the this is unexpected considering touch screen component of the the rampant backlash that has Toshiba I purchased, which I surrounded the new Windows believe is essential to enjoying update, but it’s true. Most of the experience. But the oththe criticism has centered on er part is just everything runs the fact that, in the words of so smoothly and without any Geek Squad superstar Jake, hitches. I’ve had this computer “Windows is trying to be like for about two weeks, and have Apple, and I hate it.” Appar- yet to attempt to set it on fire, ently only Apple can be Apple, which means the system is an and anyone else improvement would be wise to on past ones I’ve had this stay away. This (I’m looking computer for at you, Winis like saying beabout two cause someone dows Vista.) is in good shape, Here’s the weeks and that it would be have yet to attempt deal with unwise to hit the Windows 8: to set it on fire, which it’s essentially gym.

Still, my expe- means the system is a tablet experience has been an improvement on rience on a a pleasant one. past ones (I’m looking laptop. There After booting are a few user issues up my laptop, at you, Windows to deal with expecting some- Vista.)” at first (such thing horrible as, there is to happen at not a “Start” any moment, I was almost given a heart attack button, and a few other learnwhen my computer booted up ing curves, such as figuring without any hang ups and that out how to close apps, (which spiders didn’t swarm out of the is what the main screen now monitor while I adjusted my consists of, including a desktop settings. app, Netflix, Internet Explorer, Ultimately, I’ve found the as well as several other preloadexperience to be smooth rath- ed ones) and learning how to er than horrifying, as the crew navigate the software. On the

CLAIRE MOSLEY Claire Mosley is a junior majoring in accounting. She can be contacted at opinion @ reflector.msstate.edu.

whole, though, I’ve found it to be a wonderfully user-friendly experience. Though, in part, this might be due to the fact that the computer is a touch screen, which I believe is probably the easiest way to ease into the new Windows 8 experience.

In fact, if you consider getting a new PC with Windows 8 on it, I would suggest the touchscreen is a necessity. Without it, it wouldn’t be surprising to find several broken Windows 8 computers smashed around a brick wall. So, get Windows 8 and splurge on the touch screen. You’ll soon find yourself immersed in an experience that is almost as user-friendly as Apple, almost.

6 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 7

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AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

9-20-13

BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid.

Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

HELP WANTED Church looking for a fulltime pianist. If interested, please call 662.323.3426 or 662.418.5280.

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FOR SALE Home for sale. Three bedroom, two bathroom. 1,650 square feet. Three miles from campus. Country atmosphere.

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MISCELLANEOUS Cookies To-Go delivers homemade chocolate chip cookies on campus and

in Starkville. Call or text 615.945.3561, or follow us on Twitter @cookiestogomsu.

CLUB INFO

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@reflector.msstate. edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

Interested in a greener future?

Come to SSC every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool 111. Optin for the Green Fund.

WESLEY FOUNDATION

Insight Bible study and worship Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

at 286 East Lee Blvd. next to Campus Book Mart. Follow on Twitter @MSStateWesley or on Facebook.

MANIFESTING GLORY PRAISE TEAM

We are looking for talented singers and musicians to be a part of our campus ministry.

If interested, please call 662-648-8128.

MSU PRE-VETERINARY CLUB

MSU’s Pre-Vet Club will have a meeting Wed., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in Tait Butler with food and drinks at 6:30 p.m.

KAPPA KAPPA PSI

Cardboard box boat race Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sanderson Center pool.

Teams of one to five people can compete for a cash prize with a $50 registration fee Register online at www. squareup.com/market/KKpsiepsilon/cardboard-boat-raceregistration. Proceeds go to the Palmer Home for Children.

SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

SSA meets the last Thursday of every month in Bowen 250 at 5 p.m. Every major is welcome.

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THE REFLECTOR

8 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

BETH WYNN | COURTESY PHOTO

The second annual Plazapalooza Battle of the Bands will be held inside the union ballroom Friday.

PLAZAPALOOZA RETURNS Second annual Student Association Battle of the Bands happens Friday in the Colvard Student Union Ballroom

BY CATIE MARIE MARTIN Staff Writer

Mississippi State University students have the opportunity to view the second annual Plazapalooza Battle of the Bands Friday in the Colvard Student Union Ballroom at 7 p.m. The Battle of the Bands gained recognition across the Starkville community last year, and since then it has become an exciting campus event for students, including raffles and free food from Aspen Heights this year. The winning band will receive a $300 cash prize, as well as the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to open for this year’s Bulldog Bash headliners, The Black Crowes and Chris Young.

Alissa McKinnon, junior communication major and director of Late Night Events for the Student Association, said although last year’s Plazapalooza was a huge success, there will be a few major changes made to this year’s Battle of the Bands.

The largest change will be the diversity among the competition judges. McKinnon said this year the judges are not the guest performers, but are residents of Starkville and MSU employees.

“We are really hoping that it can be a way for MSU to support Starkville’s music scene,” she said. “Bulldog Bash and Battle of the Bands are really important within the community of Starkville and within MSU.”

McKinnon, who coplanned Plazapalooza with Marshall Scruggs, junior accounting major, said she hopes this change will provide all genres of music with an opportunity to perform.

“We really want to keep it as unbiased as possible because I think there’s some great talent, and I think that they deserve to experience the university picking who wins,” she said. “This year we wanted to keep it within the campus, but we are so excited to have Space Capone perform. They’ll be great headliners for the event.”

McKinnon said although there is a $300 grand prize for the winning band, the best part of the experience is the bands’ opportunity to

perform for the Starkville community.

“The good thing about Battle of the Bands is that it’s really gained a lot of recognition within the bars and restaurants in Starkville. A lot of people that played last year got picked up by places like Rick’s and Dave’s and Zorba’s,” she said. “This really opens a lot of doors for the bands. Restaurants pay attention to the Battle of the Bands.”

The competitors in this year’s Battle of the Bands represent several varied styles of music. Oxford-based group The Red Thangs, inspired by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Dirty Projectors and producer/songwriter Max Martin, boasts an indie-rock sound, whereas local band Sipsy Fires plays eclectic funk and soul music.

McKinnon said she counts this wide range of genres as one of the competition’s assets.

“There are a lot of really talented artists this year,” she said. “I know whoever wins is going to be awesome because any one of them could get up on the stage and rock it.”

McKinnon also said her favorite part of the event is so many different groups coming together to create music, including those from outside Starkville.

One such group, The Red Thangs, represents the evening’s indie-rock entertainment. The Red Thangs admits it has grown tremendously over the past couple of years.

Charles Adcock, The Red Thangs’s guitarist and lead

vocalist, said the band began without specific intentions.

“The Red Thangs met through a series of informal jam sessions. Guitarist Adam Ray and drummer Drew Shetley would spend hours playing blues and rock classics,” he said.

“Blair joined a bit later, once the rest of the band witnessed her obvious talent and asked her to join,” he said.

Since then, The Red Thangs have grown from their humble beginnings to a well-known group across

PLAZAPOOLZA

PROCESS Sept. 9-16

SA publishes band videos on Facebook where users can “Like” their favorites. The top eightbwill be chosen for the viewing party.

Sept. 18

The top eight videos are shown at viewing party in the Dawg House. The top four are chosen there.

Sept. 20

The top four acts will perform in front of the Colvard Student Union after the band Space Capone performs.

Oct. 4

The winner will open for The Black Crowes and Chris Young at Bulldog Bash 2013.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Adcock said he then joined, bringing his own guitar playing, and Blair Bingham, the group’s fourth member, came amost immediately after Ray, Shetley and Adcock met her.

Mississippi university campuses. It is this dedication and passion for music that is so appealing to MSU students, and it is ultimately what brings Plazapalooza back for another year.

BETH WYNN | COURTESY PHOTO

Performers at the first annual Plazapalooza Battle of the Bands performed outside the union in 2012.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 9

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Humans, animals and a Hunter, oh my!

BY ALIE DALEE Opinion Editor

There are few topics as relevant to a campus body as the bond between students and their pursuit of knowledge.

Likewise, there are few bonds as telling as the natural bond between humans and animals — a bond demonstrated daily on a morning walk down Main Street, leash in hand, as a dog meanders five feet ahead or the gentle exultation at the discovery of a stray campus cat under a car’s carriage.

This month, Mississippi State University’s College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) has partnered with the College of Veterinary Medicine in an attempt to unite those two bonds. They are posed to host renowned artist Kathryn Hunter as a special highlight in Human-Animal Bond Week, which takes place Oct. 18Nov. 1.

Hunter, an established artist with a gallery presence ranging from Louisiana to New York City, holds a bachelor’s degree in printmaking and currently operates Blackbird Letter Press in Baton Rogue, La. Her background encompasses letterpress, printmaking and three-dimensional work. However, her incorporation of textiles, fiber and paper have led her down an avenue into product development.

Animal-bond week celebrates the merger of two of MSU’s most diverse colleges in a venture to unify campus and the community. Lori Neuenfeldt, coordinator of the MSU Visual Arts Center Gallery and Outreach Programs, stressed the importance of viewing art as way of self-discovery and exploration of the world around us.

“Artworks reflect what is going on within contemporary times, and the concerns we have, whether it’s political, environmental, religious...”

Neuenfeldt said. “That all can be seen visually in the works of art we’re trying to bring here to campus. In a way, we’re trying to bring a part of the world here to Mississippi State. Anyone can see that art is tied to any area of interest.”

Hunter’s exploration of polar bears in her work allows

students to grapple with the issues of endangered species and growing up in an age of increased awareness to the finite world around them and depleting natural resources.

“These are a way for them to revisit those in a way that’s very visual, and they can respond to that visually, so not just the Department of Arts

sionate group of people, and they are people who have had a passion for animals and science since they were small,” Van Ormer said. “It’s a way to get them outside of the science part and help them to enjoy and appreciate a subject they love anyways.”

CAAD’s persistent effort to draw in diversified exhib-

KATHRYN HUNTER | COURTESY PHOTO

Hunter’s exhibit “Confluence” hangs in the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery until Nov. 1.

KATHRYN HUNTER | COURTESY PHOTO

Hunter’s work “Sunk” combines textiles and linocut. students, but any student,” Neuenfeldt said. “What we’re trying to do is we’re trying initiate that conversation and get people to confront those ideas.”

Hunter’s exhibit falls in conjunction with the College of Veterinary’s almuni weekend. The exhibit aims to encourage veterinary students to explore outside the scientific realm of animal studies.

Brandi Van Ormer, director of communications at the College of Veterinary Medicine, said veterninary students are a student group especially passionate about the bond between humans and animals.

“I think that veterinary students are a uniquely pas-

its has played a large part in expanding its students’ worldviews and creative optimism toward future career ventures.

Trey Hardin, junior art major with an emphasis in graphic design, said the exhibitions add subjects to his education students do not learn otherwise.

“I don’t think you can get the same kind of education without it (exhibitions). If you’re out there trying to do it alone and you never see anyone else, how do you even know how to go about pursuing a career?,” he said. “But also, because of the diversity of it, it kind of makes you think, and it gets you interested in pursuing things that you

KATHRYN HUNTER | COURTESY PHOTO

Hunter’s piece “Wading” is an amalgamation of metal, textiles and animal imagery.

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never would have thought to do.”

Neuenfeldt said she has seen a positive response to CAAD’s exhibitions through increased student engagement and hopes to continue to serve the community and Golden Triangle region by bringing in future exhibits. The university’s continued persistence to diversified exhibits honors CAAD’s mission statement which says, “Preparing students for a career or advanced study; offering courses that fulfill university requirements; and providing an active art

gallery to serve the university, the community, and region.”

Neuenfeldt said she values raising varied issues with students even when the discussions and ideas are difficult.

“I think it’s important to show students different concepts — you know, whether they’re tough to grapple with, they’re raising certain issues,” Neuenfeldt said.

Alaina Griffin, junior architecture major, said she concurred with Neuenfeldt. She said she felt her education involved more than mere school work and felt it necessary for

students to go beyond their own majors and learn about different colleges that unite campus as a whole.

“I think it’s important to see other people’s work and what’s going on,” Griffin said.

“I feel like your education shouldn’t just be about what you want to do. It should be about knowing about other things that are going on at the school.”

Hunter’s exhibit is set to run Sept. 23 - Nov. 1, including a free gallery reception on Thursday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

10 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

NEEDS NEW MANAGEMENT:

BY ALIE DALEE Opinion Editor

It has been three years since MGMT graced us with its electro-pop presence, and “Oracular Spectacular” transformed the daily monotony of fifth period playing over the linoleum-checkered floors of public high school.

The album gave the fluorescent lull of mundane daily schedules an electric feel.

Duo Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser dropped its third, self-titled (because it

Electro-pop band MGMT’s third, self-titled album finds group stuck in sophomore slump

is never too late for an introduction) album Tuesday, and oh baby, does it lack that electric feel. The album displays a strange, other-worldly, watered-down electricity, beginning with the first track, “Alien Days.”

MGMT established itself as a forerunner in the synthpop genre in 2007, and with no competition, “Oracular Spectacular” spiraled to the top of the charts.

Now, six years later, the likes of Passion Pit and Broken Bells give MGMT a run for their

money. MGMT’s psychedelic vibes and synthetic beats prevail, but the lyrical depth vacant from 2010’s “Congratulations” is still absent on “MGMT.” The album is on beat, but it is a debut into a world overtaken by electronic dance music (EDM). It now takes more than a groove to keep one’s album pulsating to the top of the charts.

The band’s freshman album contained a lyrical depth comparable to the likes of Vampire Weekend. MGMT penned the unifying anxieties felt by

millennials’ transitioning into adulthood amid a failing economy and financial woes. While “Oracular Spectacular” thrilled us and “Congratulations” bored us, “MGMT” is, sadly, spectacularly forgettable. The duo who pulled us onto dance floors with “Electric Feel,” effortlessly convincing even the introverted hermit to the bust a move, has turned out the lights, shut down the party and lulls all to sleep with psychedelic lullabies from a band perpetually trapped in a sophomore slump.

COLUMBIA RECORDS | COURTESY PHOTO

Pop into country: Country artists crossing into pop music become more commonplace

BY NUR-UL-HUDA MUJAHID Contributing Writer

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Sound familiar? This sounds like something a tall, thin, statuesque 23-year-old might have said about one of her infamous relationships. Does it ring any bells?

The song, from Taylor Swift’s most recent album, “Red,” was her first-ever No.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

Chances are, unless one has lived under a rock for the past couple of years, the country-pop-crossover-princess’s songs are unavoidable.

One thing is for sure: Swift was not talking about her torrid affair with the pop charts in her Grammy-nominated single. Swift is not alone in her country-to-pop crossover success. She is one of many country singers making his or her way into mainstream music.

Carrie Underwood, Hunter Hayes, Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line are all coun-

try singers who made the leap into popular music.

Jasé Gonzales, freshman business administration major, said crossover artists like Swift are the only reason he began to listen to country music.

“I didn’t typically listen to country music until singers like Taylor Swift came out,” he said. “Now, when I listen to country music, it reminds me of home, like they’re singing from the heart.”

Country music is a growing trend in America. This is perhaps attributed to the fact that the genre sticks, for the most part, to culturally-shared values and real-life dilemmas.

It is a break from the cursing and frivolous lyrics that sometimes dominate other musical genres.

Bryan currently holds the No. 1 position on iTunes’s Top Albums chart with his album “Crash My Party” and the No. 5 spot for Top Songs on iTunes with his single, “Crash My Party.”

In an interview in August

with the Huffington Post, Bryan explained why he believes country music has “crossed over,” or become more mainstream.

“I think it’s always dictated by the fans, and kind of the fans’ drive, or what they’re loving. I think there’s been somewhat of a change with our generation,” he said.

“You know, nobody grew up more countrier than me, but I mean, I had Beastie Boys playing on little boomboxes and Run–D.M.C. and all forms of music. So through the years, I just think it’s all constantly blending together.”

Susannah Billingsley, sophomore communication major, said she believes country music crosses over into pop because of the success artists like Swift have had.

“Country music has become more ‘pop-y’ because

CAPITOL NASHVILLE | COURTESY PHOTO

specific artists, such as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, are winning all these awards for the pop-country music they are putting out to their audience, and other artists are picking up on that,” she said.

Billingsley said crossover country music not only wins awards for artists but also

helps them sell more music.

“What it honestly comes down to is how many records they are going to sell,” she said. “Right now, pop music is the ‘in’ thing. It’s what’s selling the most records.”

Record labels must agree that pop music sells well in today’s culture. ABC News has reported record labels and radio stations have lost their faith in traditional country music’s marketability and are, therefore, targeting it for a more mainstream audience.

Joe Odom, freshman English major and avid fan of “authentic” country music, said he thinks some country artists shift their sounds to please listeners.

“Country musicians are just trying to keep up with the interests of their listeners, and they are turning country music into a new genre,” he said.

This new mixture of pop and country music is a far cry from the days of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.”

Musicians experiment with new beats, and others collaborate with pop artists. Recently, Florida Georgia Line, a country music duo, recorded their summer hit “Cruise” with hip-hop artist Nelly. The song reached No. 7 on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 and is played on countless pop radio stations throughout America.

Undoubtedly, listeners took notice when country music sensation Swift soared into mainstream music, but country-pop crossover music becomes more popular day by day. Just as one of Swift’s song titles claims, “Everything Has Changed.”

CHRIS MILAM | COURTESY PHOTO

Chris Milam is a Memphis-based singer-songwriter.

Starkville, smokes, songs: Chris Milam brings acoustic tunes to Cigar Lounge of Starkville tonight

BY SHELBY PERANICH Staff Writer

Since the day he picked up a guitar in middle school, music has been a priority in the life of singer-songwriter Chris Milam.

While in college, Milam expanded his musical talents and began to sing. This is where he said his career began.

“I started playing out five or six nights a week while I was still in school. From there, I moved to New York City. Once my touring schedule ramped up to about one-third of the year, I wanted a cheaper homebase,” Milam said.

Milam found his less expensive homebase by going back to his roots, to his hometown of Memphis, Tenn. Moving back home proved to be a good decision for Milam because he said it inspired his EP “Young Avenue.”

“Young Avenue’s a street I used to live on. The record’s kind of obsessed with both youth and the idea of home.

The whole EP kind of asks the question, ‘Can you come home again?’” Milam said.

“I think it’s a record a lot of young people, especially

from around here, can relate to.”

Lisa Hankes, junior communication major, was an intern for Signal Flow public relations firm in Memphis over the summer. While working at Signal Flow, Hankes got to know Milam because he is one of the firm’s clients. She said Milam’s music is contemporary, yet filled with soul, and Milam’s personality comes out in his music.

“His style of music is very soulful, and it reminds me a lot of Ben Rector or The Lumineers. It’s just him and his guitar. He has a great voice and a passion for music,” she said. “Chris has a great sense of humor that reflects in his songs.”

Milam plays at the Cigar Lounge of Starkville Friday, free of charge, at 10:30 p.m.

Milam said Friday’s show will be his first stop in the college town, but his expectations are high.

“I’ve never played Starkville before, so I hope it’s the first show of many,” he said. “I’ve heard great things. I’m looking forward to it.”

For more information on Chris Milam, visit chrismilam.com.

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 11

STAT OF THE DAY:

WITH FOUR HOME GAMES AND TWO OPEN DATES, THE MSU FOOTBALL TEAM WILL SPEND ITS NEXT 42 DAYS IN STARKVILLE.

Steele opts not to play final year at MSU

BY JOHN GALATAS Sports Editor

COURTESY PHOTO | MSU MEDIA RELATIONS

MSU men’s golf coach Clay Homan (left) and Bulldog senior Joe Sakulpolphaisan (right) look on during a tournament.

MSU posted its best tournament finish in 30 seasons and preps for the Dick’s Sporting Good Challenge this weekend.

MSU golf thrives behind veteran leaders

BY QUENTIN SMITH Staff Writer

Golfstat.com ranked the Mississippi State University men’s golf team No. 13 this week, its highest ranking in school history. In what appears to be déjà vu from last season, the MSU squad finished runner-up at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate last weekend for the second consecutive year, falling to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette by just one stroke.

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start at the tournament shooting seven over par through the first nine holes, but the team managed to rally back and finished the tournament shooting a combined 14-under par as a team, its lowest tournament score in 30 years.

Despite the second place finish, the Bulldogs still played well and head Coach Clay Homan said there are multiple positives to take away from last weekend’s play.

“We didn’t beat ourselves,” Homan said. “We didn’t always play our best but we played like senior-laden teams are supposed to play. We played with a lot of poise and with a lot of confidence.”

The team entered last weekend’s tournament without its All-SEC first team selection Chad Ramey. Ramey’s absence

was a big loss for the team but also provided other players a chance to step up. Senior Joe Sakulpolphaisan delivered in a major way by finishing first place and winning the tournament. Sakulpolphaisan shot a career best 14-under par and also tied the course record.

“I had played my best golf and shot my first 29 in nine holes,” Sakulpolphaisan said via email. “It felt really great to shoot that number and come back to win my first Division 1 college golf tournament,” Assistant Coach Sean Covich said he could not be more proud of Sakulpolphaisan on his tournament win.

“He works just as hard as anybody on the team,” Covich said. “To go ahead and get a win in the season opener is going to give him confidence for the rest of the season and propel him to a great year.”

The Bulldogs are a veteran-savvy team, and Homan

said he expects experience to play a key role on the team this season.

“We have four seniors that, on any given day, one of those guys can beat the other guy, so we’ve got four guys who have experience and have shown they can carry the torch for us,” he said.

The team now has its eyes set on this weekend’s tournament in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Challenge, an ACC vs. SEC challenge. The team will also have its captain, Ramey, back to play this weekend, and Covich expects him to have an enormous impact.

“To get him back in the lineup is good,” Covich said. “He’s a great kid to have around, and we’re definitely a much better team with him there.”

Along with MSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt will represent the SEC in this weekend’s tournament. Boston College, Clem-

son, Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest comprise the ACC contengents.

The Dick’s Sporting Good Challenge will be an all-weekend event and will air on tape-delay on ESPNU on Sun., Oct. 13.

Jalen Steele will not play his senior season with the Mississippi State University basketball team, the university announced Tuesday.

The release stated Steele, who has suffered a string of injuries in the Maroon and White, will instead focus on graduation in the spring.

The Knoxville, Tenn., native tore his ACL twice and suffered a broken wrist during his three years as a Bulldog.

Steele appeared in 78 games and averaged eight points, two rebounds and dished out 72 assists for his career.

Basketball head coach Rick Ray said in a statement Steele overcame obstacles with injuries, and he will support Steele as he pursues his degree.

“What Jalen has experienced with injuries has been extremely unfortunate,” Ray said. “He’s battled through a lot of adversity, and it’s important we do everything we can to support and help him earn his degree from Mississippi State.”

Steele took to Twitter Tuesday to voice his frustration about the decision, one that appears not to be mutual.

“I came back last year to play ball and also for the people of Mississippi State we a

family but there is always a home wrecker,” he tweeted from his Twitter account @ JalenSteele0.

In a separate tweet he said he initially wished to continue to play for MSU. “All I wanted was a redshirt and come back stronger next year but they got what they wanted…,” Steele tweeted.

Steele also let it be known he does not have any intentions to cease his pursuit of his basketball endeavors.

“Hilarious I’m not done playing just wanted to take a year off to get stronger and be strong for my senior year,” he tweeted.

According to the NCAA website, student-athletes who have graduated are subject to the same release requirements as undergraduates and must have at least one year of eligibility remaining. Steele may transfer and play immediately in the 2014-2015 season if he graduates from MSU this spring.

With Steele’s departure, seniors Wendell Lewis and Tyson Cunningham and junior Roquez Johnson are the lone Bulldogs left from the Rick Stansbury era.

MSU’s basketball team begins practice on Sept. 30 in preparation for its regular season opener on Nov. 8 against Prairie View A&M in the Humphrey Coliseum.

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12 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

JUST A BIT OUTSIDE

Prescott clicks in Bulldog spread option offense

A

n offense that works is good example of this would hard to find in college be head coach Paul Johnson’s football. Head coach- triple option at Georgia Tech, es and offensive coordinators which is always near the top in have been exiled to the coach’s total rushing yards at the end carousel of job-hunting at the of the year.

But to turn an offense into conclusion of each fall season.

Around and around they go a championship-caliber ofuntil finally they can think fense, the quarterback has to of an offensive scheme that be able to do both. This is betcan work like magic, and then ter known as the “dual-threat” they can finally try to work quarterback. This type of quarsome stability into their ca- terback makes offenses nearly impossible to stop. Don’t bereers.

In Mississippi State Uni- lieve it? Look at the last three versity’s case, they have found Heisman Trophy winners: that stability with the spread Cam Newton, Robert Griffin offense. It is an offense that III and Johnny Manziel. What do they uses speed and all have in precision and common? uses athletic ofOf course, They have fensive linemen these the abilithat can pull quarterbacks ty to shred out for screen a defense passes with come along once in through the ease. There is a lifetime, so if an air with a only one probgreat arm lem with this offense can’t have and precioffense: if you the electrifying player sion passdo not have that can do it all, they and the right quar- need to stick with what ing, they also terback, you have the might as well works. Dak Prescott skills to throw your works with what the playbook out Mississippi State wants tuck ball away the window. in a read Finding a to do.” option and quarterback scurry off that can fit a spread scheme is the main for a 70-yard touchdown at piece of the puzzle. The any moment. spread can be utilized to have Of course, these quartera throwing quarterback, who backs come along once in a will throw at least 40 or 50 lifetime at a program, so if times every game. This has an offense can’t have the elecbeen shown to work with trifying player that can do it Mike Leach’s air raid offense all, it needs to stick with what that he ran at Texas Tech and works. now has success with at WashDak Prescott works with ington State. what MSU wants to do.

On the other side, there is First off, the Bulldogs the big, bruising type of quar- should stick with the run terback. This type of quarter- as the majority of their play back will run 20 to 30 times calls. Until they can get the a game and rarely get an op- weapons at the wide receiver portunity to throw the ball. A position, this should not even

EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR

SHANE ANDERSON Shane Anderson is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com.

be a questionable decision.

Prescott is primarily a runfirst, pass-second quarterback.

People saw this last year when he was called in on short-yardage situations to use his 6’2”, 230-pound frame to pound it out for a few yards and a first down.

Secondly, when the running game works, the passing game falls into place. If a team averages seven or eight yards a carry, the safeties begin to move up to halt the run game.

This coincidentally opens up the passing game, especially down the middle of the field.

MSU’s go-to play is the read option. Everyone knows this, but it should continue to be the main offensive weapon. If run correctly (key word “correctly”), it causes numerous problems for an opposing defense. The half of a second where a quarterback is reading the defensive end or outside linebacker to decide whether to keep it or hand it off can turn into so much more. It freezes the linebackers and secondary, so if the quarterback decides to drop back and pass after the read, the defensive secondary is already a step behind and out of position, thus creating holes in the defense that can be exploited.

The run-first spread offense is a difficult one to run, but it has proven to be successful.

Just look at what Dan Mullen did as the offensive coordinator at Florida with Tim Tebow. It is possible, Bulldog fans, but only with the right pieces to the puzzle.

Sophomore quarterback Dak Prescott (top) holds his helmet up in victory after the Alcorn State game and (bottom) rushes in for a touchdown in the home win.

Bulldogs prepare for nation’s leading passing quarterback

BY FORREST BUCK Staff Writer

Mississippi State University takes on the Troy Trojans Saturday in what will be the first game of a four-game home stretch for the Bulldogs. This game is the beginning of a pivotal point in the Bulldogs’ schedule, especially after falling to a 1-2 record in a last-second loss to Auburn last weekend. Troy might be a Sun Belt team, but the Trojans are not to be underestimated. The Bulldogs played Troy a year ago on the road, and the Trojans gave MSU all it could handle as the Bulldogs held on to win a tough game 30-24.

Head coach Dan Mullen acknowledged the potential threat Troy poses as a team, especially Trojan quarterback Corey Robinson.

“It will be a great challenge for us this week against Troy,” Mullen said. “They’ve always been able to put up points and put them up in a hurry, and their quarterback is special.”

Robinson, who is a fouryear starter and No. 42 on the all-time passing list, is the active leader in career passing yards in college football.

Stopping Robinson and the Trojans passing attack will be priority number one for the Bulldog defense. Against Auburn, the MSU defense

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for contact, which means Dak Prescott will most likely make his third consecutive start.

Prescott brings a different dimension to the offense, and that new dynamic was on full display last week versus the Tigers as he led the team in rushing with 133 yards.

Offensive coordinator Les Koenning said he has been impressed by Prescott’s play up to this point.

“The run game is a different type of run game when Dak is in the game because he can carry the ball and make some plays for us, too,” Koenning said. “He’s always looking at his grade, looking for feedback and trying to get better.

He strives for excellence.”

Prescott’s ability to run the ball along with the running backs will be key in the game as MSU has the advantage up front with bigger, stronger players on the line. With an injured Bulldog secondary, running the ball effectively will also keep Troy’s offense off the field and limit the Trojan’s opportunities to attack the secondary.

Troy might not be a big name opponent, but Saturday’s game will be pivotal because of the upcoming schedule. After Troy, the Dogs will face LSU and a slate of powerhouse SEC teams in South Carolina, Texas A&M and Alabama down the stretch of the season.

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held the Tigers’ run game effectively, but miscues in the secondary caused the Dogs to surrender big plays, and it ultimately cost them the game.

So far this season, Robinson has passed for 870 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions and completed over 75 percent of his passes.

Troy has an up-tempo offense with an efficient passing game that can cause problems. The Bulldog secondary already had question marks coming into the season, with only one returning starter and a lot of inexperience. Those concerns are still present and have now been compounded by injuries on the back end as well.

Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said he recognizes the challenges of defending Troy and said facing them last year will be beneficial in preparation.

“They’ve got a good offense. Their coaches do a great job, their quarterback is the leader in passing yards and they have good skill players so it’s going to be a challenge for us,” Collins said. “Our kids remember what happened last year. They did a good job on offense against us so we’ve got another big challenge again coming up on Saturday.”

MSU senior quarterback Tyler Russell has been practicing this week, but his status remains unchanged for now.

He has still not been cleared

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Grimes’s leadership, passion trots beyond soccer field

MORGANNE GRIMES | COURTESY PHOTO

MSU soccer captain Morganne Grimes rides her horse, Chief, in her spare time. Grimes calls herself a bit of a country girl and enjoys hanging out at the lake on the weekend.

BY KRISTEN SPINK Managing Editor

Most teenage girls dream of a shiny BMW or a brand new, flashy Lexus for their sixteenth birthday. Morganne Grimes, however, received a more subtle form of transportation — a horse — for her sweet 16.

Senior captain of the Mississippi State University soccer team, Grimes has ridden horses since she was 10 years old, learning early to seek out her passions rather than the spotlight.

“I’m kind of a little bit of a country girl on the inside.

At home we have chickens and goats, and that’s just a different side that I do miss,” Grimes, whose current horse is named Chief, said. “I’ve tried to teach my friends (how to ride horses), but it never works out. It’s one of those things like soccer where

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I feel like I can do it, but I wouldn’t know how to tell anyone else to do it.”

No matter what “it” stands for in the soccer world, Grimes is right — she can do it. Grimes has led the back line of the Bulldog defense for four years and even started every game her freshman year. As a defender, she rarely receives the praise or “wows” fans with record-breaking stats, but Grimes prefers behind the scenes work rather than the spotlight.

“I always grew up hearing ‘Forwards win fans, but defense wins championships,’” she said. “If you don’t know too much about soccer, you definitely see the flashy side, and you see the amazing goals — and if you don’t score, you can’t win, so the goals are just as important. I’m not trying to downplay that at all. I think that’s a huge aspect. I feel like from the defensive

side, I get a lot of respect from the team playing my position, and that, to me, is so much more important than recognition from the fans.”

While scoring goals is key to winning, the goal-scorers know just how valuable the defense behind them is.

Senior forward Elisabeth Sullivan has played with Grimes all four years and said she could not accomplish all she does offensively without Grimes behind her.

“When Morganne’s on our back line, it automatically makes me feel comfortable knowing that she’s back there and going to work her hardest. That’s one thing I love about Morganne is she always gives 100 percent no matter what, and she’s respected for it,” Sullivan said.

Just one semester after beginning her career at MSU, Grimes’s teammates chose her as captain of the team, a feat

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Sullivan considered a “huge deal.”

“For a freshman to be the captain of an SEC team — that’s really awesome,” Sullivan said. “She immediately took that role and was able to lead in the back with the players we had then, and she especially leads the players we have now. She leads the back line great, and everybody looks up to her.”

First year head coach Aaron Gordon immediately noticed Grimes’s leadership ability and humility when he arrived in Starkville. Gordon said he brought Grimes into the conversations about new changes on the team and valued her help for the new coaching staff.

“Her quality of working hard every day and being outspoken and being just a good person gives her a lot of respect with her teammates,” he said. “Being a captain is sometimes a lonely job because you’re the conduit between the team and the coaching staff on a lot of different things, but she’s done a great job communicating with the staff and the team.”

Currently in her fourth year as captain for the Dogs, Grimes has developed a mother-like role on the team.

Sullivan explained t h a t Grimes makes s u r e t h e t e a m shows up on time to everything, even to something as simple as warmups.

Grimes said she has learned

the importance of listening as the girls on the team, or “soccer sisters” as they call themselves, come to her with problems or opinions.

“You can be a leader and tell people what to do, but if you’re not listening to what the team wants — that’s w h a t ’s most important,” she said.

“Sometimes I think I take on that

ro l e (of a mom) more than I should. I definitely get concerned, and I g e t

worr i e d a b o u t everyone. I try not to be overbearing because everyone is in college, and I’m not their mom, but I definitely do have a sense of protection over the girls for sure.”

Another student-athlete,who kicks footballs rather

than soccer balls, has benefited from Grimes’s motherly way, as well.

Football senior kicker Taylor Earhart, Grimes’s boyfriend, has witnessed her hard work and responsibility off the field — in the accounting realm.

“She’s the smartest one of our whole group, and everyone is always asking Morganne ‘ W h a t ’s t h i s ?

What’s that?’

S h e kinda takes the mom role with our accounti n g group,” Earhar t s a i d . “ S h e s t u d ies all the time, and she makes me study. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I would make it through accounting.

She’s a hard worker, and anyone could vouch for that and say she works her tail off in accounting as well.”

After this year, Grimes plans to stay at MSU to go to graduate school for accounting.

She said she will attend every home soccer game and continue to encourage the players during 5 a.m. practices if she happens to walk by.

But with more time to pursue other passions, maybe the players should expect to see Chief in the stands, too.

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