Jan. 17, 2016

Sunday news s o d’s r o

Oxf

ce ur

Sunday EDITION

oxfordcitizen.com

Volume 2 | Issue 78

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Inside 3 News

Bald Eagle Survey set for Jan. 23 Sardis Lake.

4 Lifestyle

CHANING GREEN | OXFORD CITIZEN

John Sanders shows Mathilde Hufford-Varrone his interpretation of Andy Warhol featuring multicolored toast.

Public Library holds biweekly Kids Art Group

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

On the second floor in the back of the Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library sits a room where Kids Art Group is held every other Thursday at 3:45. The art room is down a short hallway with a decorated piece of paper taped to the door identifying it as the arts and crafts room.

The room is a long, somewhat narrow space with a lengthy, paint-stained table that takes up the majority of the room. The walls are lined with baskets of craft supplies.

Nine kids file in and take their places at the table. John Sanders, teacher of the class, advises the kids to be mindful of any residual glitter that

might be on the table from previous activities held in the room.

Today the kids were learning about pop art, specifically, the style of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portraits. None of the children had ever heard of Andy Warhol but were eager to learn. They were then asked to do a colored drawing replicating the style of Warhol’s famous piece. Sanders showed the kids a piece he had done in the same style but featuring toasts instead of 60s heartthrobs.

Sanders has led the art group since it began. It started out with occasional sessions but soon became a regular for activity for the library. That happened about

‘Indelible Grace’ musician Matthew Smith to perform at Christ Presbyterian Church Jan. 31.

13 Sports

Sanders shows the class the work of Chuck Close. four years ago.

Sanders was sitting at the table coloring a picture of six suns wearing sunglasses in a variety of fall colors like rust, gold and artichoke green.

Sanford said that one of his favorite things about doing the class is the relaxation it can bring.

TURN TO ART PAGE 2

Oxford’s JackAbraham finds new home with Louisiana Tech.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

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“I used to never demonstrate and participate with the kids when we first started doing this,” Sanders said, picking up another crayon and filling in a background. “It never really occurred to me how much of a stress relief this could be.”

The long table was littered with several 64 boxes of crayons, markers, oil pastels and pencils. Mathilde Hufford-Varrone was sitting across the table from Sanders and using bright oil pastels to create several different versions of a t-shirt.

“I’ve been coming here for a while and I like it a lot,” Hufford-Varrone said. “My mom brings me here after school and it’s fun.”

As the lesson progressed, Sanders shifted form the works of Warhol to the art of Chuck Close. Eventually the kids

moved the conversation into the direction of Star Wars. Nearly everyone had something they loved about Star Wars.

Chris Finney sat at the table working on six colored variations of the same pumpkin. He said he likes this activity but his favorite one was definitely the time he and John filled a plastic box with shaving cream and dropped paint into it.

They then took a pencil and mixed up the paint and laid a piece of paper on top of it. When you pull the paper out and scrape off the shaving cream, you are left with an abstract that looks like it was meticulously crafted.

After an hour, the session was over and the kids were picked up. Hufford-Varrone stayed behind to help Sanders clean up the table and put the supplies away.

The next class will meet on Jan. 28.

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PAGE 3

Bald Eagle Survey set for Sardis Lake

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Residents of Lafayette County who have ever wondered what it would be like to watch a Bald Eagle fly in person need to take part in next weekend’s survey. For the 35th straight year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host the Bald Eagle Watch in and around Sardis Lake.

Last year, a number of eagles were recorded on the cool, clear day in mid January.

Almost 40 people, who were split into different groups and accompanied by rangers, volunteered for the event.

Shae Stanton is one of the rangers who is helping lead this year’s event at Sardis.

Those that want to take part need to arrive at the field office at 8 a.m. this coming Saturday.

“We will have a briefing on the survey as well as coffee and doughnuts. Then we’ll go out and scout out the area for eagles and report back to the office,” Stanton said. “It will be a little scaled back this year, but the nature will be the same.”

All of the other lakes in north Mississippi are having, or have had, similar surveys.

Arkabutla Lake in Tate County just held its 16th annual watch. Six different areas were scouted last week. According to the Corps, a total of eight people volunteered for the watch, along with five rangers.

“All the lakes are still doing them and we made an adjustment to ours due to a lack of personnel. It’s the same principal, same basic thing as we have done in the past,” Stanton said. “We might have 20 to 30 this year. There is no way of really knowing since we don’t

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Volunteers are needed for this year's annual Bald Eagle Survey at Sardis Lake. Last year a number of eagles were spotted and their information recorded for future projects. have pre registration.”

Stanton has seen eagles flying this year while he’s been on duty. He said about a month ago, there was an eagle on the shore of the lower lake at the recreation area.

“Then I saw a juvenile eagle flying pretty much parallel with the dam about a week ago when I was in my vehicle,” Stanton said.

Good weather is really a big key in regards to being able to actually see the birds.

“That’s another reason for the 8 o’clock start. We kind of hope for any fog that might be in the area to lift. That way we have better visibility,” he said.

“We intend to cover the lower lake recreation area as well as Hayes Crossing and the Pat’s Bluff areas. As far as going up the lake to places like Hurricane Landing or Clear Creek, we haven’t planned on it, but we still might. Volunteers

don’t have to necessarily be with ranger personnel. If we have a volunteer show up and they’re familiar with those areas and they want to go look, they are more than welcomed. The thing we ask is for them to report what they find back to us.”

A jacket and binoculars are both encouraged to be brought by volunteers.

“It might be a little chilly that morning, so we want people to come prepared to be out in the cold,” Stanton said, who added that he enjoys the event each year.

Since 1967, when the Bald Eagle was listed as an endangered species, populations have grown. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Bald Eagle from the Federal Endangered and Threatened Species list in 2007.

Sardis Lake, part of the Mississippi River and Tributaries

Oxford Civic Chorus will begin rehearsing for the Spring season on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 7pm in Wesley Hall at OU Methodist. Auditions for new members will be held on the 11th and 18th at 6:30. This only requires you to match pitch for placing purposes. A prepared piece is not required.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings 7:00 to 8:30 pm with one concert in late April.

This semester we will be singing American choral music from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Some are show tunes from musicals as well as standard pieces of choral repertoire.

System (MR&T) of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, stretches over 98,000 acres through Panola, Lafayette and Marshall counties in northwest Mississippi. Approximately 1 and a half million visitors to Sardis Lake per year result in more than $26 million in spending with 60 percet being captured by local economies.

Visitor spending also supports the addition of more than 400 jobs at Sardis Lake. As The Corps offers an array of recreational opportunities that include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and photography stewards of public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to providing a safe, quality recreational experience for all visitors. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

The Pantry Board would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of the community spirited members of North Oxford Baptist Church who served 508 households, a total of 1243 people, in the month of December.

Our many thanks and appreciation.

Many thanks to Sanderson Farms, Walmart, Kroger, Panera Bakery-Cafe, Bost Farms, Community Garden, and the Oxford City Market and RSVP. Many thank also to: Night Owls Motorcycle Club, 100 Men, Ole Miss Athletics, and our Papa John's Pizza in Oxford. Papa John's donated lunch to our Mud Daubers (Ole Miss Ceramics) who made the bowls for our upcoming Empty Bowl Pantry Fundraiser on Feb. 16. "Empty Bowls.” Thanks Trey and Dave!

The Pantry Board appreciations the support and contributions of our Lafayette County and City of Oxford residents and to our Ole Miss students. Your generosity enables “The Pantry” to feed many people. Visit us on Facebook....The Pantry.

SAVE THE DATE: Scout Pantry Day! Feb. 6th, 2016. The Saturday before the Super Bowl. The Scouts will be at Walmart, Kroger, and Cash Savings from 10-4 passing out lists of needed groceries. Please be generous! Also please remember to mark your calendar for our Empty Bowl Fundraiser....Feb. 16 at O-U Methodist from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. … Bring a friend!

Donate in honor of a loved one with a Pantry donation gift card. The cards are available at the Origin Bank 312 University Avenue in Oxford MS. The Pantry is located at 713 Molly Barr Road in Oxford, MS. The Pantry email address is oxfordfoodpantry@yahoo.com and their cell number is 662-832-8001.

The Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for dropping off contributions. On Wednesdays for clients under the age of 65, and Thursdays for clients 65 and older from 9 until 11 a.m. When dropping off donations please sign the “Donor Book” and include a correct mailing address if you would like a tax receipt for your gift.

Happy New Year!

Barbara J. Smith, Pantry Publicist

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

OBITUARIES SHIRLEY T. JOHNSON Shirley T. Johnson passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 17 at Hodges Funeral Home from 2 to 5 p.m. Family hours are from 3 to 5. A funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 18 at Tallahatchie Oxford M.B. Association located at 20 Hwy. 334 from noon until 1:15 p.m. Burial will follow at Jordan Chapel C.M.E. Cemetery located at 35 County Road 145.

TOMMY C. ASHFORD Tommy C. Ashford, 66, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016 at his home in Water Valley. Visitation was held Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Funeral services followed with Rev. Fred Eakes officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016.

Man robbed Saturday morning at Regions Bank

‘Indelible Grace’ musician to perform Jan. 31

BY ERROL CASTENS OXFORD CITIZEN

Nashville-based singersongwriter Matthew Smith will present a concert at Christ Presbyterian Church in Oxford, on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. Admission is free to the concert, and the public is invited.

One uniqueness of Smith as a musician is that he writes brand-new music to centuries-old hymn texts.

He is a founding member of the Indelible Grace community, whose work has drawn acclaim across denominational lines and is used in churches around the world.

“If you pick up any hymnal, you’ll find a collection of songs from many different denominations and Christian traditions,” Smith said. “I love it when these concerts of hymns can reflect the same – we’ll be singing together in eternity, so why not start now?”

According to his website, Smith “finds beauty exploring the tension between joy

and sorrow, between the Already and the Not Yet.” “My hope in singing these hymns is that they will impact others the way they continue to impact me – by helping us to begin ‘to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,’ as the Bible says,” Smith said. “I also want to help people become more emotionally honest in worship, digging in to what’s really going on in our hearts.

Emotional honesty is one of the topics I touch on during my seminar, and how telling God what we’re feeling while reminding ourselves of truth can be a doorway to healing and true worship.

The Psalms are a great example of this, and the best hymns do it as well.”

His latest album is “Hiding Place,” which includes a dozen tracks such as “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” “Whatever My God Ordains Is Right,” and “Jesus, I Come,” along with the title song.

Before the concert, at 4 p.m., Smith will also con-

duct a free seminar on worship. He emphasizes that insightful worship helps draw Christians out of the narrowness of their own place and time, connecting them not only with God but with generations of believers whose experiences offer much of worth for their 21st Century successors.

“One thing I’ve learned from being involved with older hymns is that they help give me another perspective on the world beyond my culture and my generation,” he said. “One example is how uncomfortable we often are with talking about suffering. These hymns talk about suffering in a way that most songs today don’t, but in doing so, I think they help show how God meets us in our suffering.”

The Indelible Grace movement sprang from experiences with ministering in a college setting with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF).

“I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University,

and my second semester I began going to a Bible study where they were singing hymns. They were being led on acoustic guitar– some with traditional melodies, and others with newly written tunes,” Smith said. “I didn’t grow up singing that many hymns and was captivated by the way they talked about who God is and who I am. Kevin Twit, the guy leading the music, decided to put together an album of some of the hymns we were singing, and invited me to be a part of it. We released an album independently and hoped it would reach a few other college students. We didn’t anticipate the response from the church at large – we’ve been encouraged by the response to these hymns we’ve gotten from churches of all denominations and people of all ages.”

Between the seminar and the concert, Christ Presbyterian will host a church supper for seminar attendees and concertgoers, with

returning Ole Miss students especially invited.

Smith will also take a few minutes to share his enthusiasm for a favorite worldwide relief organization.

“One other thing I’m looking forward to during the concert is sharing my experience with a ministry called Compassion International,” he said. “My family sponsors two boys in Kenya, and it has been a huge blessing for us. I’ll give people a chance to sponsor a child themselves that night.”

Associate Pastor Jamie Peterson said the church is excited to host Oxford community members for the seminar, supper and concert with Matthew Smith.

“At Christ Presbyterian Church we seek to worship God in a way that exalts Him; edifies His people; engages the heart, soul and mind; and blesses our community. We believe that this concert will help us move further toward that goal.” errol.castens@journalinc.com

Junior Auxiliary of Oxford holds fourth annual Charity Ball

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

OXFORD CITIZEN REPORTS

There has been another victim of an armed robbery at the Regions Bank on West Jackson Avenue. At approximately 5:12 Saturday morning, an armed man reportedly robbed a man at the ATM. This is the third such incident to occur at the bank.

The victim, according to the OPD, was approached by a black male from behind in the bank. The man was wearing dark clothing and had a red bandana over his face. As the man approached, a weapon was pointed at the victim.

Money was demanded.

Money was exchanged and the suspect left the bank area.

The OPD is currently involved in an investigation.

More information will be provided at a later time, according to officers. If anyone in the community has knowledge of the crime, they are urged to call CrimeStoppers at (662) 234-8477.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

Next Friday on Jan. 28 the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford will hold its annual Charity Ball. The theme of this year’s Ball is Mardi Gras and 500 attendees will be entertained by the sounds of Music City Rhythm Revue. The event will be catered by The Second Line on the Square as well as feature a Wine Pull.

The Charity Ball will feature both live and silent auctions that bring in a large portion of the Junior Auxiliary’s revenue in order to keep their philanthropic projects going.

This year’s silent auction will feature 77 items covering a vast variety of interests. These include things relevant to local sports, photography, dining, entertainment, health and beauty and many other things. There are also tickets to Disney World, camping trips, a stay at the Delta Cotton Company Flats located above Morgan Freeman’s famous blues club Ground Zero and a variety

of other local and national experiences available for bidding.

There will be eight items up for the live auction that include a Napa Valley vacation, a getaway to Bermuda, two Diamond Club tickets for South Carolina’s baseball series, a New York Giants jersey signed by Eli Manning, a Grove Catering Package good for seven home games, a crawfish boil for 25 people hosted at the Round Table and two paintings, each by acclaimed artists Lois Arand Sarah rechea Robertson.

“We’ve had a really great response from the people of Oxford and their willingness to help out and donate to the auction,” Auction Committee Chair Joanne Mitchell said.

“From Ross Bjork donating Diamond Club tickets to people planning on showing up to participate, it’s been a really great response.”

This is the forth year that the Ball has been held but the first time for it to take

place in January rather than in the fall. The hope is that the new schedule will give more people the opportunity to participate in the event. This is the only fundraiser the Junior Auxiliary holds and all proceeds form the Charity Ball and auction go directly to projects that benefit the children of Oxford and Lafayette County.

Last year, Junior Auxiliary of Oxford logged 2,123 hours serving 4,337 local children with 16 projects.

The Charity Ball’s goal is to raise $50,000 in order to keep these projects funded. More information can be found at Junior Auxiliary of Oxford’s website, www.jaofoxford.com, or their Facebook page.

Tickets for the event are $50 each and can be purchased at Belles and Beaus or Ross Family Dental.

Those interested in helping sponsor the event can contact Samantha Weathersby at 662-202-6669 or 662-816-5443. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: @chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

PAGE 5

UM institute assisting state agency with flood mitigation plan EDWIN SMITH SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

As emergency responders cope with breached levees along the upper Mississippi River, geologists at the University of Mississippi recently submitted their assessment of which areas of the Mississippi Delta would be affected most by future floodwaters.

The Mississippi Delta Flood Mitigation Project was conducted by university’s Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, known as MMRI, for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency after the latter received federal funds.

Ole Miss scientists were tasked with determining the locations and conditions of all levees in the Yazoo Basin area, along with the critical facilities – such as hospitals, schools, utility infrastructure and government buildings – in each community.

“Should floods occur, MEMA wants to know where those things are,” said Charles Swann, associate director of MMRI. “We created and gave them a lot of maps depicting these things – not only along the Mississippi

River, but along the Coldwater and Yazoo Rivers as well.”

The MMRI study considered all components of vulnerability, expressed as social, economic, environmental and physical indicators. These were combined into a Flood Vulnerability Index, ranked on the relative degree of vulnerability as either low, moderate or high.

The high FVI category represents the susceptibility to longterm social and economic loss.

The moderate category represents the susceptibility to shortterm agricultural loss. The low category represents areas less susceptible to flooding as a whole, although if these areas flood, they could experience significant social and economic losses.

The Yazoo Basin comprises an area of 4.6 million acres (about 7,232 square miles). The study revealed that of that area, 75 percent ranked low, 24 percent was moderate and only 1 percent is considered at high risk.

“Some areas are more vulnerable to flooding than others,” said Louis Zachos, UM assistant professor of geology and geological engineering and a co-in-

vestigator with Swann. “For example, people living in Issaquena and Warren counties are experiencing backwater floods right now because they live in front of the levees instead of behind them. There’s nothing between them and the river to protect them.”

MMRI contacted the National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering, also at Ole Miss, to create computational models of how a catastrophic flood event would impact the Delta region. Engineers chose 28 points along the river levee to model these hypothetical floods. These models depict how rising water might flow through the Delta for a 10day period.

“The NCCHE models confirmed our own mapped predictions,” Swann said. “The irony is that the models demonstrate floodwaters don’t always go where your logic says that they should.”

Depending upon the severity of flooding, the number of potential victims could range from a few thousand to tens of thousands, Zachos said.

“Hopefully, as federal and state funds are allotted and re-

leased within the next year, MEMA can use all these data to create a proposal showing flood mitigation needs to be a priority,” he said.

Swann agreed.

“There’s definitely a window of opportunity that needs to be stepped into here,” he said.

“Funding should be made available before disasters come, not just afterward. The best time to apply for funding is right after something has happened and while it’s still on people’s minds.”

The Yazoo Basin has historically been defined by flooding.

The flood of 2011 was a warning that a repeat of the catastrophic floods of 1927 is possible.

“Without adequate planning, the loss of life and property would exceed the losses of 1927 by many times,” Zachos said. “The validity of the vulnerability indices is verified by detailed modeling of catastrophic flooding events.”

And MEMA should consider more than just possible breaches in the mainline levees.

“A levee break is not the only source of flooding in the Yazoo Basin,” Zachos said. “Several major tributaries entering the basin have upstream earthen

MMRI

This map, created by the Mississippi Mineral Resources, Institute shows different vulnerabilities to flooding in the Yazoo Basin.

dams that could release large volumes of water, resulting from significant rain events that could also lead to catastrophic flooding.

The calculations we provided apply equally to flooding from any source and can be used to evaluate vulnerability to flooding from these or any other events.”

For more information about the MMRI, visit http://mmri.olemiss.edu/Hom e.aspx.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

CROWDS CONVERGE ON CONFERENCE CENTER FOR INDOOR YARD SALE

Hundreds showed up Saturday morning for the Oxford Conference Center’s annual Indoor Yard Sale. The $2 entry fee bought guests an all-access pass to the sale as well as an official Oxford Conference Center tote bag to carry away their spoils. Vendors were selling everything from baby clothes to World War II memorabilia and nearly everything in between. One of the most popular booths held a vast collection of records of seemingly every genre. Books, clothing and housewares were also extremely popular items with most booths stocking most or some of these. People were leaving the sale carrying everything from bundles of golf clubs to large, decorative lamps.

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OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

Kaye Ladd

OXFORD CITIZEN

Broker, Trainer and Recruiter Oxford Cell: 662.891.5837 Office: 662.234.5344 Email: kaye@tmhomes.com

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Martin Mesecke Tupelo/Oxford Cell: 662.771.1155 Office: 662.842.3844

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326 Winners Circle MLS#133892

Oxford - Steeplechase is a great place to be a homeowner. It's the only gated development in Oxford where you can get 1.53 acre lots, a brand new home in a great subdivision on the west side of town. The lot sits on top of a hill on a wooded lot in a private area. The home features granite countertops, walk in closets, stainless steel appliances, tall ceilings, and a concrete driveway. The majority of the living space is on the ground floor with a bonus room located on upper floor. The professionally landscaped property features an outdoor wood burning fireplace that will truly make you feel at home. $399,000. Call Martin Mesecke – 662-715-1111

507 Private Rd 3057 MLS#135158

The Mark - This 2 bedroom 2 bath 2nd floor unit has been totally refurbished. This unit was totally remodeled as a result of a fire in the building in April 2015 in which several units were damaged. Construction was finished in late Nov. 2015 & has not been lived in since the remodel. This is a must see unit. Paint, flooring, granite counters, appliances, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, dryer, hot water heater & HVAC are all new as of Nov. 15. The Mark offers great amenities such as clubhouse w/kitchenette, Big Screen TV, Fitness, 2 pools, paved trails, tennis & volleyball. $136,700. Call Martin Mesecke-662-715-1111.

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PAGE 9

Blake Thompson

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

OXFORD CITIZEN

EGGS AND ISSUES The annual "Eggs and Issues" event sponsored by the Lafayette-Oxford Chamber of Commerce was held earlier this week at the Oxford Conference Center. It allowed citizens to meet and converse with elected members of state government.

Photos by Joey Brent

PAGE 11

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 12

UM among top 25 for online graduate degrees

BY ANDREW MARK ABERNATHY SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

The University of Mississippi has been ranked among the nation’s top 25 institutions for online graduate degrees in education by U.S. News & World Report.

At No. 25, the UM School of Education rose 10 spots from U.S. News’ 2015 rankings.

Ole Miss is tied with the New York Institute of Technology, the University of Dayton, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and William Carey University, falling directly behind the University of South Carolina and Indiana University, which are tied at No. 22.

UM offers four online graduate degrees designed to be accessible for education professionals including: master of arts in higher education, master of education in early childhood education, master of education in elementary education and specialist in education in counselor education/play therapy.

The School of Education began offering online degrees in 2010, when it accepted the first class into its online master’s degree in elementary education. In the past five years, the education school has attracted online students from more than 15 states in its four programs.

UM among top schools for military and veteran education

BY EDWIN SMITH SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

For the third straight year, the University of Mississippi is officially one of the nation’s top schools, according to Military Advanced Education & Transition’s 2016 Guide to Colleges and Universities.

MAE&T awarded the designation of a Top School after measuring best practices in military and veteran education.

The guide presents results of a questionnaire of the military-supportive policies enacted at more than 600 institutions, including private, public, for-profit, notfor-profit, four-year and two-year colleges. Covering community colleges to state universities, online universi-

ties and nationally known centers of higher learning, MAE&T’s 2016 Guide to Colleges & Universities arms students with information about institutions that provide exceptional services to military personnel and veterans.

This year, institutions were evaluated on their military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services. Each school’s performance rating by category is represented by an easy-to-recognize dashboard, enabling prospective students to quickly target schools that follow best practices in military education, and then put these in context with other academic or career considerations.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

New Northeast Mississippi legislators get acclimated

BY BOBBY HARRISON DAILY JOURNAL JACKSON BUREAU

JACKSON – Northeast Mississippi’s new legislators said they enjoyed their first week of the 2016 legislative session, but hope to begin the work of legislating soon.

Rep. Jay Hughes, D-Oxford, Rep. Rob Roberson, RStarkville, Rep. Shane Aguirre, R-Tupelo and Sen. Chad McMahan, R-Guntown, are the only new legislators for the new four-year term representing portions of Northeast Mississippi.

They were sworn in last week with the other 28 legislators who represent portions of Northeast Mississippi.

The work of actually taking up legislation is expected to begin soon. But first, the Legislature’s two presiding officers, Speaker Philip Gunn in the House and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves in the Senate, must make committee assignments.

That process might be delayed until two election challenges – one in each chamber – are decided in the coming days.

“I am like a kid on Christmas morning,” said Hughes, whose district consists solely of a portion of Lafayette County. “This is a wonderful opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what is under the tree in terms of policy opportunities to help the state.

“We have opportunities to excel all over the place. I am proud to have a seat at the table.”

Hughes said he would focus on education.

COURTESY

Rep. Jay Hughes, D-Oxford, recites the oath of office at the Capitol in Jackson on Sen.-elect Chad McMahan, R-Guntown, is welcomed to the Tuesday for the first day of Capitol by fellow Republican Sen. John Polk of Hattiesburg the Legislature. for the first day of the Legislature in Jackson on Tuesday.

As far as specific bills, he said he would file legislation: • To make all school superintendents appointed and increase their required levels of experience and education.

•To have open primaries so voters can cross party lines.

•To make all local offices, such as circuit clerks and sheriffs, non-partisan.

He said there is not a Republican or Democratic way for a coroner to handle his or her duties.

Hughes also said proudly he would file a resolution congratulating the University of Mississippi, which is in his district, for winning the Sugar Bowl.

Hughes defeated incumbent Brad Mayo, R-Oxford, while McMahan defeated incumbent Nancy Collins, R-Tupelo. Aguirre replaced incumbent Brian Aldridge, R-Tupelo, who opted not to run for re-election.

“It has been overwhelming,” said Aguirre, who represents District 17 in Lee County. “There has been a lot of hurrying up and waiting, but everybody has been very friendly and very cordial.

“But I know that will change soon.”

Some of the new members said the first week was hectic.

“The first week has been busy – meeting my colleagues…finding the bathrooms,” joked McMahan.

“I have been busy acclimating myself to the Capitol and finding out where

COURTESY PHOTO

Rep. Shane Aguirre, R-Tupelo, recites the oath of office at the Capitol. all the facilities are.”

As far as the session, McMahan said, “I would like to see some tax reform this year. I also would like to see some investment in education.”

McMahan, who represents the bulk of Lee County and a portion of Itawamba, said he also would focus on trying to help secure state funding for the planned Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Park in Tupelo. The plan is to build a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., which McMahan said is one of the most visited sites in the nation’s capitol. He said such a memorial would be a big draw for Tupelo.

Aguirre said he is working on health care legislation.

Roberson is representing newly created District 43, which consists of portions of Oktibbeha and Winston counties.

McMahan said for the time being, he plans to remain a member of the Guntown Board of Aldermen to save the expense of a special election. The courts have ruled that people could serve in the Legislature and on city governing boards because both positions are legislative. A person could not, for instance, serve in the executive position of mayor and in the Legislature.

Hughes has resigned from the Oxford Board of Aldermen. bobby.harrison@journalinc.com Twitter: @bobbyharrison9

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

PAGE 13

AND THE

AROUND SQUARE BEYOND JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Metcalf ready to help Chargers, Rebels finish strong

O

TURN TO METCALF PAGE 17

PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford quarterback Jack Abraham has found a new place to call home as he has committed to play for Skip Holtz and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

La. Tech bound Oxford’s Abraham finds a new home

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

After experiencing some setbacks on the recruiting front in December, Oxford quarterback Jack Abraham is back on top, and ready to take the next step in his playing career. Following a head coaching change by Tulane a month ago, Abraham and his family felt it would be best to find a new school to play at.

His body of work, and patience, paid off as he gar-

“

“

xford wide receiver DK Metcalf was back on the basketball court ready to play for the Chargers again. He was also gearing up for the final few weeks of football recruiting, and excited about how the 2016 Ole Miss class was coming together.

Metcalf played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl this past weekend. The experience was everything he thought it would be. And more.

“Just hanging out with all the great players from around the nation, I got to make some new friends. It was real good,” Metcalf said who got to know California linebacker Mique Juarez during the week. “He did the Landshark. That surprised me. I wanted to jump up and down, but we were on opposite teams.

It made me excited. I talked to his dad the night before the game and he said they like the family atmosphere at Ole Miss.”

For the record, Juarez posted on his Twitter account Wednesday evening that his top three schools are Ole Miss, Alabama and UCLA. He will be in Oxford later this month, and he’s already attended a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

“Ole Miss is a special school and if somebody from California thinks that and they can move and like it, you got to think you have a real shot,” Metcalf said of Juarez.

Some of the other recruits that Metcalf bonded with that were headed to other schools told him that they couldn’t wait to play the Rebels in 2016.

“I talked to a lot of Florida State guys and they said they can’t wait to play us in the first game of the season next year,” Metcalf said.

The last weekend of the month will be the biggest for recruits to visit Oxford. Metcalf will take part in the visit. He said offensive tackle Greg Little is coming. Of course quarterback Shea Patterson will also be there. Metcalf said Patterson, who was named MVP of the U.S. Army game, moved to Oxford for good Friday.

Metcalf is going to help the coaching staff

I’m on board and ready to go. … I’m ready to get there in March and to get started.

Jack Abraham, about his commitment to Louisiana Tech nered a spot with Louisiana Tech and coach Skip Holtz.

Abraham is now a Bulldog.

He will enroll in the next quarter semester that starts on March 8. Spring football

practice begins on March 15.

Overall, Abraham felt like the experience of it all would make him a better person and player.

“I’m on board and ready to

go,” Abraham said during his official visit where he signed all his scholarship papers and started the process of getting into classes. “It’s been pretty hectic, but I’m definitely fortunate to have this opportunity. I’m excited. I’m ready to get there in March and to get started. I met a couple of the guys (Friday) night and they were awesome, just very nice. They seem like great guys. All in all TURN TO ABRAHAM PAGE 17

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 14

SPORTS IN DEPTH PREP BASKETBALL

FRIDAY'S RESULTS Oxford (G) 66, New Hope 33 5 10 11 7 New Hope 33 19 11 16 20 Oxford 66 Leading Scorers: Oxford – Jordan Freeze 17, Kyla Malone 14, Aliyah Herod 11 New Hope – Alayshia Jennings 9.

Records: Oxford 14-4, 2-0; New Hope 5-9, 1-1.

Oxford (B) 85, New Hope 65 New Hope 13 12 24 16 65 25 24 15 21 Oxford 85 Leading Scorers: Oxford – Jarkel Joiner 42, Christopher Sandroni 15, DK Metcalf 10, Cole Cromwell 10. New Hope – Terryonte Thomas 21, Willie Ousley 13, Toddy Jennings 13.

Records: Oxford 12-5, 1-1; New Hope 11-5; 0-2.

2016 LAFAYETTE TENNIS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Feb. 27 Heritage Academy 10 a.m.

Feb. 29 Ripley 4 p.m.

March 3 East Webster 4 p.m.

March 7 Tupelo Christian 4 p.m.

March 10 Mooreville 4 p.m.

March 22 Senatobia 4 p.m.

March 24 New Albany 4 p.m.

March 25 Oxford TBA March 28 Rosa Fort 4:30 p.m.

March 29 at Grenada 4 p.m.

March 31 Saltillo 4 p.m.

April 1 Northwest Rankin 3:30 p.m.

April 2 Meridian Tournament TBA April 5 Cleveland 4 p.m.

April 6 South Panola 3 p.m.

April 7 Pontotoc 4 p.m.

April 8 Newton County 7 p.m.

April 12 Individual 2-4A tournament 8:30 a.m.

April 18 First round 4A playoffs All home matches played at John Leslie Tennis Center

FINAL AMWAY COACHES’ POLL OF THE 2015 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

1. Alabama (14-1) - 1400 2. Clemson (14-1) – 1344 3. Stanford (12-2) – 1235 4. Ohio State (12-1) – 1231 5. Oklahoma (11-2) – 1172 6. Michigan State (12-2) – 1121 7. TCU (11-2) – 1020 8. Houston (13-1) – 928 9. OLE MISS (10-3) – 919 10. Iowa (12-2) – 862 11. Michigan (10-3) – 812 12. Notre Dame (10-3) – 781 13. Baylor (10-3) – 763 14. Florida State (10-3) – 645 15. North Carolina (11-3) – 543 16. Utah (10-3) – 499 17. LSU (9-3) – 485 18. Navy (11-2) – 402 19. Oklahoma State (10-3) – 392 20. Oregon (9-4) – 356 21. Wisconsin (10-3) – 307 22. Northwestern (10-3) – 207 23. Tennessee (9-4) – 190 24. Georgia (10-3) – 173 25. Florida (10-4) – 141 Dropped out: No. 24 Temple (10-4).

Others receiving votes: Western Kentucky (12-2) 73; San Diego State (11-3) 55; Toledo (10-2) 27; Washington State (9-4) 23; Mississippi State (9-4) 18; Temple (10-4) 18; Marshall (10-3) 15; Arkansas (8-5) 11; Appalachian State (11-2) 9; Boise State (9-4) 8; Louisville (8-5) 7; Duke (8-5) 2; Memphis (9-4) 2; Southern California (8-6) 2; Georgia Southern (9-4) 1; West Virginia (8-5) 1.

THIS WEEK AT OLE MISS

Sunday, Jan. 18 Women’s basketball at Miss. State, 6 p.m.

(SECN) Tuesday, Jan 19 Men’s basketball vs. South Carolina, 6 p.m.

(SECN) Thursday, Jan. 21 Women's basketball vs. Kentucky, 8 p.m.

(SECN)

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

TUESDAY'S RESULTS Lafayette (G) 71, Tunica-Rosa Fort 40 Leading scorers: Lafayette – Shaniyah Buford 43, Mariah Holland 12.

Note: Shelbi Buford had 11 assists in the first 2-4A win of season.

Record: Lafayette 12-5.

Tunica (B) 54, Lafayette 52 Leading scorers: Lafayette — Quin Jones 19, Tyler Williams 11, Chris Long 11.

Record: Lafayette 4-9, 0-1.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS Commodore Challenge Lafayette (B) 74, Ingomar 69 Ingomar 9 23 11 26 – 69 Lafayette 21 17 24 12 – 74 Leading scorers: Lafayette – Mack Bishop 23, Quin Jones 19. Ingomar – Jay Pickens 26. Cade Hall 19.

Records: Lafayette 4-7; Ingomar 16-6.

Grenada (G) 48, Lafayette 46 Grenada 12 14 11 11 – 48 Lafayette 16 13 11 6 – 46 Leading scorers: Lafayette – Shaniyah Buford 22. Grenada – Emily Bush 14.

Records: Grenada 11-2; Lafayette 11-4.

LAST FRIDAY’S RESULTS Oxford (G) 72, West Point 51 Oxford 17 28 13 14 – 72 West Point 13 18 8 12 – 51 Leading scorers: Oxford – Aliyah Herod, Kyla Malone 16, Jordan Freeze. West Point – Qiayon Bailey 12, Amari Heard 11.

Records: Oxford 12-4, 1-0; West Point 11-4, 1-1.

West Point (B) 62, Oxford 52 Oxford 13 11 10 18 – 52 West Point 13 10 13 26 – 62 Leading scorers: West Point – AJ McFarland 18, Randall Johnson 11, Kelly Martin 10, Qua Brownlee 10. Oxford – Jarkel Joiner 20, Terry Williams 17, Cole Cromwell 10.

Records: Oxford 10-4, 0-1; West Point 7-9, 2-0.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

TUESDAY'S RESULTS Oxford (B) 2, Saltillo 0 Saltillo 0 0 – 0 Oxford 1 1 – 2 Goals scored: Oxford – James Cutler, Keaton Calhoon. Assists – Cole Calhoon, John Owen Yoste, Thomas Mayo.

Record: Oxford 10-7-1; 1-0.

Saltillo (G) 2, Oxford 1 Saltillo 2 0 – 2 Oxford 0 1 – 1 Goals scored: Oxford – Madisyn Longnecker.

Assist – Morgan O'Connor Record: Oxford 11-5, 0-1.

OPC BASKETBALL

MONDAY'S RESULTS 7-8 Boys League • Pacers 24, Lakers 13 Offense: Pacers – Braylen Judson. Lakers – Kaleb Dunn Defense: Pacers – Camden Ball. Lakers – Jonathan Cothern.

Game Hustle: Pacers – Luke Westmoreland.

Lakers – Carson Hendrickson.

9-10 Boys League • Clippers 32, Thunder 9 Offense: Clippers – Anerews McLellan. Thunder – Brendan O'Dowd.

Defense: Clippers – Andrew Jordan. Thunder – Andrew Paysinger.

Game Hustle: Clippers – James Wilder Anderson. Thunder – Fisher Waldrop.

10-12 Girls League Spurs 19, Nuggets 5 Offense: Spurs – Gracie Barrett. Nuggets – Emma Shelton.

Defense: Spurs – Sarah Vega. Nuggets – Josie Johnson.

Game Hustle: Spurs – Mallory Dunn.

Nuggets – Ciara Cooper.

7-9 Girls League • Lakers 16, Nuggets 14 Offense: Lakers – CeCe Frierson. Nuggets – Timiyiah McCarty.

Defense: Lakers – Madison Shum. Nuggets – Taylor Bradley.

Game Hustle: Lakers – Breanna Hobson.

Nuggets – Madison Smith.

10-12 Girls League • Bulls 14, Nuggets 11 Offense: Bulls – Jaida. Nuggets – Madison.

Defense: Bulls – Ella Beth. Nuggets – Holly Game Hustle: Bulls – Molly. Nuggets – Kateleyn.

9-10 Boys League • Clippers 29, Warriors 21 Offense: Clippers – Zahir. Warriors – Everett.

Defense: Clippers – Jackson. Warriors – Sharpe.

Game Hustle: Clippers – Wilder. Warriors – Dye.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

Chargers shoot their way past the Trojans; Oxford girls rout New Hope

BY BEN MIKELL SPORTS WRITER

Christopher Sandroni lit a match with three 3-point shots in the first three minutes of the game giving the Oxford an early 13-2 edge.

That lit match quickly became a forest fire for Jarkel Joiner.

Joiner went off for 42 points on 16-for-26 shooting, including 7-for-11 behind the arc. He also added six assists as Oxford defeated the visiting New Hope Trojans 85-65 Friday night in the OHS gym. The victory improved the Chargers to 12-5 overall.

Both teams were trying to avoid a 0-2 start to district play entering the contest. Oxford coach Drew Tyler felt like the fast start gave his team a booster shot for the rest of the game.

“I thought it added to the home court advantage,” Tyler said. “We had a great student section and a Friday night crowd. New Hope brought a lot of people. I thought it took their thunder away from them and only added to our confidence. I’ve got some kids who this is their first year to start, their first New Hope game. Some of the butterflies were gone, chests were sticking out a little bit, a little bit of swagger and confidence. We

shot lights out from the perimeter. Definitely was a booster shot for us.”

Joiner wasn’t the only player that played lights out for Oxford. DK Metcalf and Terry Williams each flirted with triple-doubles in the game. Williams finished a putback shy of one with eight points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists.

Metcalf did end up with a double-double and finished three blocks shy o with a stat line of 10 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a career-high seven blocks.

“Terry is a 5-11 guard that gets a lot of rebounds for us,” Tyler said about his shooting guard. “He’s been doing that all year, but now we are doing that as the other teammates are hitting the stat book and playing team basketball not only are they hitting it with points, but assists and their value and importance of a rebound. That’s what you want to do against a very athletic New Hope team that’s long and has a lot of size. You want to limit them to just one shot. DK Metcalf had seven blocks, but when you add all the shots he altered, he’s a force down low.”

The Chargers were very efficient shooting the ball, shooting 35-for-57 for the game for 61 percent while New Hope ended up shoot-

ing 25-for-70 for only 36 percent. The Chargers’ big shooting night and how Oxford accomplished that according to Tyler kept New Hope in catch-up mode throughout the contest.

“We shot 61 percent from the field,” Tyler said.

“You look at how many times we went to the freethrow line which was minimal, we went there just nine times. A lot of our first shots went in. There wasn’t a lot of live balls around the goal. I thought we did a good job of spacing it, making some good safe passes and I really felt like we had New Hope on their heels all night long.”

Sandroni finished the contest with 15 points.

Cole Cromwell also had a solid night with 10 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. New Hope (11-5 overall, 0-2 in District 25A) was led by Terryonte Thomas finishing with a double-double accumulating 21 points and 15 rebounds. Willie Ousley and Toddy Jennings each finished with 13 points and five rebounds for the Trojans. Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze and wide receiver coach Grant Heard were in attendance to watch Metcalf, an Ole Miss verbal pledge.

Oxford’s next game will be in the Rumble in the South Tournament held at

Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson against Murrah on Monday. Tipoff is set for 12:30 p.m.

LADY CHARGERS ROLL

Oxford started off the contest with a 15-1 run and never looked back in a rather easy 66-33 victory over the Lady Trojans.

Coach Cliff Ormon thought the pressure defense and a big night from Kyla Malone overwhelmed New Hope.

“Our defensive pressure started doing well early and I thought Kyla Malone really got going when we didn’t get points off of our press,” Ormon said. “That’s good to see because she will be very important for us down the stretch.”

Oxford (14-4, 2-0) was led by Jordan Freeze’s 17 points and five rebounds.

Malone finished the night with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.

Emma Schultz came close to a triple-double herself finishing with eight points, seven assists, and 10 steals.

Aliyah Herod added 11 points and six steals. New Hope (5-9, 1-1) as a team finished with 45 turnovers with the Lady Chargers forcing a steal on 29 of them.

The Lady Chargers’ next game will be at Potts Camp Tuesday night. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

OLE MISS SPORTS BRIEFS Rebels softball on TV seven times

The Rebels’ first appearance nationally will be in a non-conference matchup March 16 The Ole Miss softball team will be featured seven times on against ULM at the Ole Miss Softball Complex. Two weeks national television in 2016 across the ESPN networks, the later, a national audience will have the chance to watch rivals Southeastern Conference announced Friday with the release battle it out when Ole Miss visits Mississippi State. The secof the league’s television schedule. The SEC Network will ond game of the series, played make four trips to the Ole Miss on Sunday, will air on ESPNU at Softball Complex throughout the 6 p.m. The following night in the series finale, the two teams will season, including two league be featured in the SEC Network contests. The 2016 season marks the second-straight year Game of the Week, also set for a 6 p.m. first pitch. the Rebels will appear on naFrom there, the Rebels will tional TV seven times.

All home games not broadcast play three times on SEC Neton one of the network television work in a span of 11 days, inchannels will be available online cluding the road series finale at as part of the SEC Network+ dig- South Carolina (April 17), the middle game of the Arkansas ital streaming platform.

series at home (April 23) and a non-conference contest versus UAB (April 27).

at school day combo meal for just $5. The meal includes a hot dog, chips and a juice box. The Rebel Shop will also be open and selling the latest in officially School Day licensed Ole Miss merchandise. game announced For schools interested in atThe Ole Miss baseball team is inviting all area schools to the tending the school day game, please RSVP by contacting Ole Rebels' fourth annual school Miss Sports Marketing at (662) day game, March 22. Ole Miss 915-3604 or by email at will face UT Martin with first sportsmarketing@olemiss.edu. pitch set for 11 a.m.

The Rebels are coming off Students, teachers, chaperanother season that resulted in ones and bus drivers are ena trip to the postseason. Facing couraged to attend this event. the nation's toughest schedule, All will receive complimentary Ole Miss won at least 30 games admission to cheer the Rebels for the 18th straight season and on to victory. earned an NCAA Regional berth Schools are welcome to bring sack lunches to the game, for the 20th time in program history, including its 13th trip in but concession stands will be the past 15 years. available and will be featuring

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

PAGE 15

Quiet focus Valentine’s move has paid off for her, Oxford

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Ever since she was 4, Sarah Valentine has been playing soccer. The Oxford High senior made a choice that soccer would be her sport, and she's done her best to play it at a competitive level.

“My brother Bennett played soccer before I did and I when I was younger, I wanted to do everything he did,” Valentine said. “That's probably my initial reason for choosing it. Even after he quit, I kept playing because I really just loved soccer and running around and being active.”

Valentine is a right back defender and the thing she likes best about being on that side of the ball is the amount of action she takes part in compared to when she was a goalie.

“I like to run around and it's what I liked about goalkeeping when I had that action, but you just don't get it as much,” Valentine said before talking specifically about her play. “I think I've played well. I think the team has played well. There is always room for improvement in any position or in any body. I can't think of any specific situations where I didn't try my hardest. If I'm trying my hardest, that's all you can ask of me.”

The senior girls are all close with each other, Valentine said.

“That was important to us going into the season, that we were a tight-knit group,” Valentine added.

A change in head coaches had some of the girls unsettled about the season. Hunter Crane ultimately replaced Laura Flint and Valentine praised Crane for coming in and making everything run in a positive direction.

“He took what people have told him from our past seasons and built on it and he fixed what needed to be fixed,” Valentine said.

“I think we're more close, relationship wise, which is a needed thing. It really has affected us playing on the

PETRE THOMAS

Oxford senior Sarah Valentine is enjoying her new position on defense, and being around her teammates in her final season. field as well. Coach Flint has wished us well and she's come to some games.

I know she comes as much as she can. She has two kids, so it's hard.”

This has been a great senior season for Valentine.

Oxford is heading into the stretch run of the regular season, with the Class 5A playoffs on the horizon.

“We have all the potential. I think with us, it's more of a mental thing more than a physical thing,” Valentine said about advancing in the postsea-

son. “I think we're capable of playing with anyone. I think we're past our mental block. I think we found that we were past it when we played Northwest Rankin, after we lost a 4A school that we should have beaten. We played an hour and half later against an undefeated 6A team, dead tired, and we ended up winning 1-0.”

That match with Northwest Rankin came last month, on the road, and it set up a great weekend in the Oxford Showcase just

before the Christmas break.

The Lady Chargers had a tough loss this past Tuesday at home against Saltillo, but it's clear that they have the talent to be in any match they play. And with some breaks, anything is possible.

“I think that we realized that we can accomplish great things,” Valentine said.

So far the top moment for Valentine came off a corner kick from Grace Ann Joyce. As the ball was curving, Morgan O'Connor put

her head on the ball.

“It was when we played Starkville. It was the most beautiful goal, it was great,” Valentine said. “We were all really intense before the game because they're a big 6A school. It was just a really pretty shot.”

Crane said that Valentine was such an athlete, he couldn't help but put her on the field more than just split time in goal.

“I talked to her back in the summer about using her in different positions and she was open to the

move,” Crane said. “We made it official right before we got fired up in October.

She got moved outside back and went out and earned it. She comes to work everyday. She is a senior leader and she had a lot of votes for captain. She's not the most vocal person, but she leads by example. I will say that when she talks, everybody stops and listens. That's special to have.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 16

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

Lafayette's Robinson signs on with JCJC

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Emily Robinson has always been a winner on the softball field. The Lafayette senior just signed with the junior college program that has set the bar for winning in the state.

Robinson, last season’s Oxford Citizen Softball Player of the Year, put ink to paper Friday morning in the LHS library. Over three months after she verbally committed to play for JCJC, Robinson is officially a Lady Bobcat.

A comfortable feel with Jones, which hosted the Region 23 Tournament last season and won over 40 games, is what attracted Robinson to the program in the first place. The winning tradition only enhanced her appreciation for the team.

“I always put the team first and now when I go to Jones, I’ll be looking to win a national championship for the JUCO. Jones has won two national champi-

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Lafayette senior Emily Robinson, right, signed to play softball at Jones Junior College Friday.

Joining Robinson at the ceremony was coach Katie Jenkins. onships. They’re a really good program. It will be exciting to win a ring,” said Robinson, who was recruited as a utility role from a field standpoint. “I guess when I get there and get to practice, we’ll see

where that ends up being.

Hopefully I can prove myself.”

Lafayette coach Katie Jenkins got a lot of praise from Robinson on her help to get to JCJC. Jenkins felt like JCJC was a good fit for

her standout.

“With the top players being there, too, she will be right in the midst of them,” Jenkins said. “I believe the advantage that she has is if there is someone who is equally as good, I can guar-

antee that she is going to be in the batting cages and on the field doing something to make herself than somebody. She is going to push herself. She has that drive, that want to play and it doesn’t matter where.”

Robinson got through with volleyball late in the fall and then hit the batting cage and the infield to get ready for her final season with the Lady Commodores. Now that it’s mid January, the season is literally right around the corner. Of course, she has nothing else to worry about from a scholarship standpoint for her senior season.

“I’m ready. I think we could do big things this year,” she said with a bat in her hand. “I feel like I’m definitely more confident than I have ever been. I’m going to be more of a vocal leader this year. I hope that leads us to a bigger season that what we’ve had in the past.”

It didn’t take Robinson long to get into a rhythm from a batting standpoint.

Of course her father was there to throw extra batting practice during the Christmas break, or any time that a little extra was needed.

“We came up every other day,” she said with a laugh.

“He also hit grounders.”

Jenkins felt like Robinson could be at the corners, first or third base, in Ellisville. Robinson has a great arm to go along with a very quick bat.

“They may not have a third baseman that can cover as well as she can and if they do, she can move to second or first,” Jenkins said. “She used to catch and if that’s giving her the opportunity, she will try. She’s working now at getting stronger and working on her speed, just the little things. At practice, you just see that God-given talent all the time, no matter what.”

This past spring, Robinson drove in 39 runs and hit .597 for the Lady Commodores. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

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OXFORD CITIZEN

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PAGE 17

Metcalf FROM PAGE 13

recruit, especially one more wide receiver. Mykel Jones of Patterson, Louisiana is a top target for the Rebels.

Jones (6-1, 190) is down to Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss and he will be in Oxford Jan. 29-31.

“I have also talked with Tre Nixon a lot. He’s going to be here this next weekend (Jan. 22-24). I’m going to talk with him because you just can’t do it with just one receiver,” Metcalf said. “You have to have a class of receivers.”

As for Patterson, Metcalf smiled wide about the way his future signal caller played in San Antonio. Patterson threw for 90 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the West to a 37-9 win. For Patterson, it was his first live action in over two months.

“He tore it up. I was mad that we (East) lost, but that’s my teammate, so it made me excited for him,” Metcalf said.

The results for Metcalf were limited. He was targeted a few times, but no catches. He said there were

COURTESY MICHAEL ABRAHAM

Oxford quarterback Jack Abraham is wearing his new Louisiana Tech jersey during his official visit this past weekend.

Abraham FROM PAGE 13

it’s awesome. I’m having a great time.”

Tech offered Abraham early in the recruiting process, even coming to see him throw this past April. Abraham ended up picking Tulane this past April. The two got reacquainted after the change, and the courtship ultimately led to to Abraham deciding Ruston would be his new home. Quarterbacks coach Tim Rattay, who played for the Bulldogs and then eight seasons in the NFL, made a trip to Oxford on Thursday to meet with Abraham, and finalize his official visit.

Abraham said he felt very comfortable with Rattay, who is also the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator.

“I would say we have a bond. He’s a cool guy and

you can tell that he knows his football,” Abraham said of Rattay. “The first time I met, I could tell that I could play for him, playing under him for four straight years.

I’m so pumped to get down here and be a part of this beautiful campus. There are a bunch of great people and football is also a top thing in the city.”

Abraham led the Chargers to three straight appearances in the MHSAA Class 5A state title game. He broke every school record from a passing standpoint, throwing for over 12,000 yards and over 120 touchdowns. This past fall, Abraham, who was selected to play in the annual Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic, finished with 5,091 yards and 57 touchdowns.

He was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state due to his prolific numbers.

This past fall, the Bull-

dogs finished 9-4 overall and with a win over Arkansas State in the New Orleans Bowl. La. Tech is a member of Conference USA. Holtz has been the head coach for the past three seasons, winning 22 games during that time period. Holtz has won 1110 games as a head coach at four different schools, including Connecticut, East Carolina and South Florida.

“He’s a great guy, too,” Abraham said of Holtz. “I got to meet him at dinner and he was telling me how he wasn’t going to stay away in the recruiting process. How he was going to stick with me. I’m definitely fortunate for that.”

Former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel started for La. Tech this past season and finished with 4,033 yards and 27 touchdowns. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford's DK Metcalf is back from the U.S.Army All-American Bowl and looking to help the Ole Miss Rebels finish strong in recruiting. a few miscues on routes and plays.

“If we would have just been clicking from the get go, I believe we would have had a shot at winning,” Metcalf said. “(West) came out with trick plays all over the place. We didn’t really practice any trick plays.

That’s pretty much it.”

Metcalf was asked by his basketball teammates why he missed last week’s division game at West Point. He was aware that the Charg-

ers lost 62-52.

“I was talking to Hiram (Wadlington) and Jarkel (Joiner) while I was there. I called them a couple of nights and I asked how the team was doing,” he said. “I asked how Coach (Drew) Tyler was and all of that.

They kind of fussed at me, asked me why I left. They didn’t care I played out there.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

PAGE 18

OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

Oxford High track teams make history indoors OXFORD CITIZEN REPORTS

The Oxford Charger and Lady Charger track teams had the best indoor meet in school history last weekend at the Ice Breaker Invitational. Kadijah Ramsey set the tone early in the meet by running 8.02 seconds to win the 60 meter dash. Her time also qualified her for Freshman Indoor Nationals.

Ramsey then took first in the 400 with a time of 1 minute, 1.69 seconds.

Teammate Jakiara Dunn took third (1:02.51) place in the 400. Ramsey’s time in the 400 also qualified her for Freshman Indoor Nationals.

The Lady Chargers 4x400 relay team consisting of Swayze Elliot, Dunn, Ramsey, and McCall Mullins took 2nd place with a time of 4:23.60.

On the boy’s side, James Burnett and Kenard Harris both met the national silver standard again in the 400 by running 50.02 and 51.02, respectively. Burnett and Harris took second and third place in the 400. The 4x200 relay was the highlight of the day. Composed by Harris, Devin Rockette, Jaquan Webb, and Burnett they blazed to a first-place finish with a time of 1:29.09. The time was a meet record, qualified the relay for Nationals, and was the 3rd fastest time in the country at the time it was run. After the conclusion of the weekend races, the relay is ranked fifth in the nation. The boy’s 4x400 relay of Harris, AJ Gable, Tyrese Ivy, and Burnett also took first place and set the meet record (3:28.69).

OTHER NOTABLE FINISHES Rockette placed sixth in the 60 with a time of 7.19.

Jonathan Tyler placed fifth (4:41.23) and fourth (10:22.64) respectively in the 1,600 and the 3,200. Terese Ivy bettered his qualifying marks for Freshman Indoor Nationals in the 60 and the 400 by running 7.46 and 53.90, respectively. Webb, a sophomore, ran 51.97 in his first ever 400 to take seventh place while teammate AJ Gable took eighth (52.14).

Also, the Oxford High School 4x200 “B” Team relay of Gable, Quay Quarrels, Jaquanzi Johnson, and Josh Patton took fourth place with a time of 1:35.09.

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OXFORD CITIZEN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016