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Volume 3 | Issue 3

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Inside 3 News

Ole Miss has full summer of educational camps planned.

8 Business

JOEY BRENT

James Flemmons and Haywood Quarles were two of the 12 city workers who helped keep the 2016 Double Decker Arts Festival so picked up from a trash standpoint. This year, over 150,000 pounds of trash were collected, up 288 percent from 2015.

Unsung heroes

The Edison offers refreshing look at work, office space.

15 Sports

Record turnout means more trash collected at Double Decker

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

A record turnout for the 21st annual Double Decker Arts Festival resulted in a record amount of trash collected by city workers. Michael Franti and Spearhead may have been the headliner from

a band standpoint for the festival, but the unsung heroes were the 12 people who were tasked with picking up the trash during, and after, the event on Saturday.

Amberlyn Liles is the Oxford Director of Environmental Services. That includes recycling, for those who may be

curious. She has the responsibility of making sure that all the trash that is placed in a can or receptacle is picked up and taken away. It’s a thankless job, but one that is very vital to how the annual festival flows.

TURN TO HEROES PAGE 5

Seven Chargers, three ‘Dores headline All-Citizen team.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Mid-Town Farmers’ Market to open next Saturday

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The fields go for several hundred yards in each direction, until hitting the tree line that continues to the horizon. Several mounds in long rows make up the texture of the fields. Small green plants poke out from the mounds in the dozens, some more mature than others. Two workers are poking holes in a long, white plastic covering that encases one of the rows. The plastic, designed exactly for this purpose, provides a more stable environment for each plant to grow in optimal conditions. In each hole the workers make, they transplant a small, green, leafy stem where it will take root becoming just one of the many fresh vegetables available from one of the vendors at the Mid-Town Farmers’ Market.

This land and many other fields around it hidden by trees and hills belong to the family of Aileen Bost. Bost is the Director of the MidTown Farmers’ Market. Her family has been working this land for four generations now, beginning with her grandparents and now son primarily uses the vast acreage. Throughout her life, Bost was never extremely interested in farming other than as a food source, but her son became fascinated with it an early age. He eventually grew up to be a farmer, turning his passion into a career choice.

Bost is a retired teacher.

She worked in various places throughout North Mississippi during her 27year teaching career. She has held the position of director

CHANING GREEN | OXFORD CITIZEN

Aileen Bost, Director of the Mid-Town Farmers’ Market, looks over the crops of one of the many fields on her family’s land in southern Lafayette County. of the Mid-Town Farmers’ Market for about five years now, but she and her family have been involved in the market since it began 16 years ago.

There is a board of eight to 10 volunteers governing the market that is composed of both vendors and customers in order to provide a balance. Bost works with the board to help run the business side of the market, though she said that her favorite part of being involved

with the market is the relationships she has made over the years.

“I enjoy the people the most,” Bost said. “I enjoy being around people, visiting with people, getting to know people and getting to be friends with people.

We’ve made so many friends while we’ve been at MidTown. Some have passed on, and we get new customers every year, but each one has a story, and it’s just interesting to get to know

those people and find out what their story is.”

The market is open on Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m., May 7 will be the first Saturday they are open this year.

As the season progresses and farmers are producing more, the market begins opening on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well.

Bost says they make sure to stay open until 1 to give people the opportunity to come in during their lunch break.

Mid-Town is run entirely by volunteers. Their primary source of income is from vendor fees. During the market they also have Tshirts and coffee for sale.

This money helps to fund ads for the market. Insurance is also provided for the vendors so that they do not have to take out individual policies to participate in the market. The board also occasionally donates to different causes. For nearly two decades, the market and the community that emerged around it has managed to get by on this financial system, showing up year after year and keeping the organization alive and well.

The plants Bost and her son grow on the property are sold at the farmers’ market, as well as by them directly.

The market’s primary focus is making sure the produce available for purchase there are locally grown. Knowing where the food is sourced and what went into growing it is something the market’s board takes very seriously.

A community of people supporting community farms, that is what MidTown strives to be in everything they do. In order to sell wares at the market, a farmer has to fill out thorough application and agree to have a board member come and inspect their

farm. For example, if someone is wanting to sell eggplants at the market and only growing tomatoes and green beans on the farm they agreed to have inspected, then their application will be denied. If they cannot see where it is coming from, the board does not want it sold at their market.

Updates about the market and their vendors can be found on their Facebook page. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 3

Ole Miss has full summer of educational camps planned

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The University of Mississippi has long been a destination for both local kids and those from all over the sate and region to attend an educational summer camp.

Science, technology, art, agriculture, creative writing and pretty much any other subject a student would be interested in, he or she will find a summer camp through Ole Miss that closely relates to the subject.

Camps are available for elementary through rising high school seniors. The older kids even have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking a course during their time in a summer program.

The non-credit summer camps vary widely in terms of what they have to offer students. There are workshops that teach high school students about what it takes to be a crime scene investigator or agent with the Central Intelligence Agency. There are also camps that help them learn the intricacies of filmmaking, creative writing and Chinese.

The non-credit ,oneweek camps are expected to be a major hit this year.

“This is a new thing for us this year, so we’re really excited,” Kelly Nolan said.

She’s a Project Administrator with the university’s Department of Outreach and heading up all of the non-credit weeklong, camps. These are really experience-based, hands-on camps. You’re really learning and gaining life lessons through that hands-on work. These camps are run through different departments on campus that we work very closely with. We have a little of every subject.”

NATHAN LATIL | UM PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Students at last year’s Ecology Day Camp learn about the environment through hands-on activities.

Camps vary in length.

The camps that students receive credit for last the length of the class. For example, if a student is enrolled in a summer program to receive credit for a Spanish class, she will stay for the entirety of the summer semester, just like any other college student that is enrolled in the class.

These students are also able to live in the on campus residence halls, allowing them to see a bit more of the first-year college experience. The non-credit camps vary in length.

One of the more popular non-credit camps is the Ecology Day Camp organized by the University of Mississippi Field Station for Water and Wetland Resources. The program of-

fers weeklong sessions for grades 2nd through 8th, with different grades being served on different weeks.

Campers will learn the importance of and how to test water quality, how to identify native trees and bugs and several arts and crafts activities. The camp begins in June and runs through July.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, camps are also available and open to all ages. They cover everything real-world math application to roller coaster design. The middle school classes also provide the opportunity for students to earn high school credit. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

We want to hear from you Let us know how we’re doing. Call us at (662) 801-9607, write to us at P.O. Box 1176, Oxford, MS 38655, email us at mail@oxfordcitizen.com or visit us online at oxfordcitizen.com.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

OBITUARIES MICHAEL OZIER ALEXANDER Michael Ozier Alexander, 55, passed away Sunday,April 24, 2016 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi.A visitation for all friends and family was held Tuesday,April 26 at Waller Funeral Home.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.

MAX ROBERT MILLER Captain Max Robert Miller, Jr., 67, passed way Friday,April 22, 2016, in Calhoun County.A memorial service will be held Thursday,April 28 at 10 a.m., at College Hill Presbyterian Church with Reverend Justin McGuire officiating.Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Miller served as a fire fighter in the in the United States Coast Guard.

Memorial contributions in Max’s memory may be made to the University of Mississippi Foundation for the purposes of establishing a future scholarship in honor and in light of his service. Donations may be made by visiting www.umfoundation.com/maxmiller or by mail at UM Foundation, re: Max Miller Scholarship, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.

In honor of Captain Max’s service to his country, the flag of the United State Coast Guard will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.

ROY OWENS Roy Owens passed away Saturday April 23, 2016 at Baptist Memorial-Walnut Grove in Memphis. Services will be posted at www.hodgesfuneralhomes.com website upon scheduling.

CALLIE JAMES SMITH Callie James Smith, 84, passed away Saturday,April 23, 2016 at his home in Water Valley.Visitation was held Monday,April 25 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday,April 26, 2016 in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Dan Dickerson officiating.

CHANING GREEN | OXFORD CITIZEN

Curtis Minton and his student teacher Sarah Ingram stand in front of a student project in Minton’s classroom.

Curtis Minton named OMS Teacher of the Year

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Oxford Middle School has named Curtis Minton as their 2016 Teacher of the Year.

Minton teaches social studies and history to eighth graders. He began his teaching career in 2004, despite not pursuing the area in college. During his time at Ole Miss, he studied political science with intentions of pursuing a career in criminal justice. At the time, his relationship with his now-wife was becoming more serious and he began to ponder the career change.

“My mom is a teacher, I have an aunt who is a teacher and an older cousin that’s a teacher,” Minton said. “I grew up around teachers.

Like all other kids, I wanted to be a

doctor or professional athlete and just make a bunch of money. But as I got older, I realized that those were not my priorities. As my wife and I began dating, I realized that a career in criminal justice wasn’t fair when I wanted to come home to family. Then, the more I thought about it, I realized I had always been drawn to the teaching filed.”

Minton thought really hard about the decision and realized that he could successfully balance a professional and family life while also working to making a difference in the lives of kids in the community. As soon as he wrapped up at the University of Mississippi with a degree in political science, Minton entered into the Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers, a state-sponsored alternate route licensing program

70,000 662-801-9607.

where individuals meeting certain qualifications can become licensed educators.

He said that his favorite part of doing his job is seeing his students’ reaction when they finally get something. Minton spends class time getting his students to think, explaining concepts and interesting historical ideologies and practices like Manifest Destiny. He said that when he sees that moment, sees the instant the gears he has been working for days or weeks to keep turning in a student’s brain finally click, that is when he knows he has done his job and made a difference.

Sarah Ingram is currently student teaching under Minton. She is a senior education major studying secondary social studies education. Before working with him,

she had every intention of teaching high school, now she’s not so sure. She said that she has loved working with this age group and feels like she learned a lot from Minton’s instruction style with both her and the students they have been working together to educate.

“I’ve really enjoyed it because he really gives me the chance to try what I think will work,” Ingram said, reflecting on her time with the social studies teacher, which comes to an end soon. “Whether it works or not, he’ll give me a pointer. Maybe it’s another direction to try to improve it or a completely different way to see if that will work.” chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 5

FROM PAGE 1

Liles is one of several members of the city’s administration that meet together every Saturday evening of the festival to review the final leg. It was at that meeting that Liles got an even better idea that the 2016 edition had brought all kinds of folks out.

“The weather forecast told me that it was going to be big and we doubled the 30-yard roll offs and thank goodness we had extras or we would have had a mess,” Liles said. “I feel like we had double, if not triple, the amount of trash from the previous festival. That means festival success because that means people were eating, a lot. We were so busy. It was huge.”

Every time Liles and her crews turned around, there was a garbage can that was full.

“Sometimes there is lag time in between but we were from one end of the Square to the other. We had eight guys that were on the 24-hour shift and then we had some guys working the recycling,” Liles said. “They just came in for a few hours and to be honest, we had the pull the recycling guys to help us. We were just getting beat up by the number of people.”

The ultimate goal of the clean-up crew is on Sunday morning, when people are headed to the various churches around the Square, that everything is picked up, Liles said.

“You want it to look like there wasn’t a festival on Saturday night,” she added.

A key to making sure the Square looks pristine, or like it did before the festival, revolves around team work.

“There are so many pieces of the puzzle. We have the Oxford Police Department and the mounted patrol because you have a problem with people. When the food and art vendors shut down, you start having all the teenagers hanging out,” Liles said. “So you people problem because you can’t run your equipment and street sweeper and blowers in there. You

Oxford

Heroes

have all the chalk from chalking off the vendors and you don’t want to blow that on people. You have to become a team.

We have to communicate with OPD and go in and clean this street. If you don’t open up the streets people just hang out, and we’re talking hundreds of people. Our main focus this year was to get that main circle opened up in order to make traffic move. It helped us move the people out so that we could clean.”

Liles said one of the questions she gets from residents, or those that attend the festival, is why they work so quickly to get everything cleaned up. All of the trash collected is stored, and then shipped to the dumping facility in Pontotoc.

“You have to. You want people to enjoy the festival but you don’t want your neighbors or those that are left around the Square to see what is left behind,” Liles said.

The crews didn’t stop work until 4 Sunday morning. Billy Lamb, the Superintendent of Building and Grounds, has a crew that cleans the Square each morning.

Liles said they came in at 3 and the two units met up at 3:30.

“At that time, we are spent out. What we do is take the area from Abner’s to the stage and all the parking lots around,” Liles said. “Some of the lots open up and then the bar traffic comes in and they make another mess behind us. What we try and do is get as much cleaned up, 98 percent is clean, when Billy’s crew comes in. Then they go back and the restaurants that are throwing large bags into the roll offs, some of it falls out. We can’t focus on that, so Billy’s crew comes in and helps pick up that is

Double Decker Days

left behind.”

Jamie Shaw, is the Assistant Director of Environmental Services, and he was with the crews through the festival. He felt like this year was busier than others recently. He felt like no rain allowed more people to attend.

“I think it was successful festival. The hardest part is getting the cans through the crowd and trying to get to that can that is running over,” Shaw said. “That’s the hardest part other than working from 9 in the morning until 4 a.m. It JOEY BRENT starts weighing down on you about 1 in the morn- Jamie Shaw, thee Assistant Director of Environmental Services, said everything went well during. It starts getting to you. ing the festival thanks to communication.

Other than that, it’s pretty easy going.”

Shaw added that it’s enjoyable to do the job because he gets to see every little aspect of Double Decker.

“You’re not just there in one spot so you get to see, north, south, east, west,” said Shaw, who has now been a part of eight festivals. “It’s a fun experience.

Since I’ve been doing it, this has been the busiest one. Without the help of the radios, I think it would be tough. But Amber gets us those and that helps us out a whole lot.”

Even at the start of the week, Shaw was still busy counting the pounds of trash or finishing up any loose ends on Monday.

The first three hours of his day revolved around breaking down the tables that the vendors used, and returning things that they borrowed from different parts of the city.

“Tuesday is when we get back to a normal day,” Shaw said with laugh.

“Monday, we still be going.

Double Decker isn’t over for us until about noon on Monday.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

COURTESY

Old Crow Medicine Show is, left to right, Kevin Hayes, guitjo and vocals, Chance McCoy, guitar, fiddle banjo and vocals, Cory Younts, mandolin, keyboard, drums and vocals, Morgan Jahnig, upright bass, Critter Fuqua, slide guitar, banjo, guitar and vocals.

Old Crow Medicine Show coming to the Lyric

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Old Crow Medicine Show is playing the Lyric next Thursday, May 5 at 9 p.m. The folk band is known the world over for their unique style, onstage charisma and transgenerational sound they bring to live performances across the globe.

The band officially formed in 1998. Their big break, so to speak, came after the group ended up playing in front of a pharmacy in Boone, North Carolina. Folk legend Doc Watson heard them and invited them to play at his festival MerleFest, ef-

fectively launching their career.

They were soon hired to play in between at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. All the members still live in Nashville and use the Music City as home base between tours.

After graduating high school, band member Ketch Secor moved to upstate New York longtime friend and bandmate Critter Fuqua joined him. They had grown up together in Virginia and decided they wanted to continue playing music together, even if that meant moving to Ithaca. The pair soon began meeting people and year later Old Crow Medicine Show had formed.

“We all just kind of got together and started playing around,” Fuqua said on how the band came together. “The whole scene in upstate New York, just a bunch of great guys and meeting different people, it all came together in a really organic way.”

Throughout high school, Fuqua said his main interest was in heavy metal. He fell in love with hard rock band Guns N Roses in elementary school and it was right then that he decided that he wanted to play guitar. He later got super into the music of Bob Dylan, which was how he found his love for folk music. He now mainly plays banjo and gui-

tar in the band, but says that they all tend to switch up instruments pretty often, changing stuff around to fit the particular song they are working on.

Old Crow Medicine Show’s current tour began in late March after a short break from the road. Like most musicians, Fuqua has mixed feelings about touring, but once he’s on the road, he loves it.

“Other than the live shows, they’re great, I think my favorite part is just seeing different parts of the country, different parts of the world,” he said. “Walking around town and going to different shops, meeting people, historical sites, just seeing different

tidbits of American life and life in general.”

In terms of what they’ll be playing at the show at the Lyric, it is going to be a mix of things.

Fuqua said that the group has one core set list that they work around and add different stuff to. They adapt their shows to where they are playing, throwing in a mix of new stuff, old stuff and the occasional cover that they feel the crowd will vibe with. Every town and venue is different, so every show ends up being different. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 7

BRIEFING Bedsworth to lead artists in New York Local artist, seamstress and instructor at Northwest Community College Andi Bedsworth will be leading a group of “artsminded travelers” through the streets of New York City this summer through The Academic Traveler. The trip will include a guided tour of the city’s Broadway District by one of Bedsworth’s former students and University of Mississippi graduate Pep Speed. Trip goers will also see a production of “Something Rotten” where they well receive a rare backstage tour though the theater thanks to Mary Katherine Flynt, daughter of Oxford resident Gay Flint.

Many other activities and stops will be included on trip. Monday May 2 at 5:30 p.m., there will be an information session regarding the trip and pricing information at the

R.D. MOORE

Charlie Hussey, a graduate of Oxford High School and the University Of Mississippi, currently works for the Southeastern Conference and was recently honored by the Sports Business Journal as a member of the Top 40 under 40.

Oxford native Hussey honored

by Sports Business Journal

BY MICHAEL SMITH SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

Charlie Hussey grew up in Oxford where his father is a University of Mississippi chemistry professor and his mother was librarian at Oxford High School for 25 years. Hussey graduated from Ole Miss and in 1999 went right to work in the SEC offices in Birmingham, Alabama. Hussey was just honored by Sports Business Journal by being named Top 40 under 40.

He was just in Los Angeles at the award ceremony.

If anyone ever had SEC blood coursing through his veins, it’s Hussey, who now is in his 17th year with the conference office. In that

time, there’s hardly an aspect of SEC business he hasn’t touched. From ticketing to championships, he has played a vital role in the evolution of the conference. Most recently, that includes what he’s been doing in overseeing the launch and growth of the SEC Network from the conference’s perspective.

Former Commissioner Mike Slive brought Hussey onto the SEC’s TV team to learn the media side of the business in 2008, working with partners ESPN and CBS on programming.

From there, Hussey gained the trust of the networks and became the SEC’s point person for the formation of the SEC Net-

work, which enjoyed the most successful launch in cable history from its debut in 2014.?But his work isn’t done. Hussey is working with the SEC’s schools and the network to provide as much live programming as possible now that the network is into its second year.

“I’m especially pleased that the SEC Network exceeded its programming goals in year one, airing over 1,100 live events,” Hussey said. “In addition to that, and as a result of the quality and extensive programming, the network has added 5 million new households to the original 65 million at launch.”

Chamber of Commerce building on Jackson Avenue. The deadline to register for the trip is next Friday, May 6.

County. The event is being held this Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jackson Avenue Center.

This year’s Excelebration is Circus themed and will Fourth annual feature a stage with schedExcelebration uled acts for storytelling, a bluegrass jam session, eremony children’s gymnastics, KinThe Lafayette Oxford dermusik and an inflatable University community cel- planetarium from the UM ebrates it’s re-certification Center for Math and Scias a child-friendly comence Education. Arts and munity with the fourth an- crafts, tours of the free nual Excelebration. The lending library of toys and event is put on in partner- books, police officer and ship with the LOU Excel By fire fighter meet and greets 5 Coalition with support and many other activities from the United Way of will be available. The event Oxford and Lafayette is open to the public.

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

The Edison offers refreshing look at work, office space

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Office work has never felt so fun or so relaxing than it does for those inside The Edison. Sharing and creating ideas, while coming together with others in a professional work space, has also never been so easy for Oxford residents. The concept of The Edison, which focuses on coworking office space, is new for those that live in Mississippi, but it’s not a new concept overall.

“It’s a world-wide trend in the last decade or so. The whole co-working movement is really a unique combination of folks who don’t want to work in a traditional office,” said co-owner Dr. Phil Baquie. “You have entrepreneurs or people who are just starting out their own business. When I opened my own private practice, I had to rent an office and pay for internet and all those other things. To have a place where you can come in and potentially start your business almost risk free because you can do it on a month-to-month basis as you grow.”

The Edison, located at 1415 University Ave., opened for business in January, and so far the response has been nothing but positive from the community, particularly economic leaders who see the big picture.

“The Chamber of Commerce has been absolutely fantastic to work with. Jon Maynard and Allen Kurr have been so supportive,” Baquie said. “The day that I joined the chamber, when we signed a lease on this place, I joined the chamber.

I wanted to get in touch with Jon to say what I was doing and to know what we’re planning. I got a call back and literally met him in the hour down here. They wanted to tour the facility, they were so excited about it because they were hoping someone would do something like this. It’s a great business model for us, but beyond that, it’s a really great service to the community.”

There are currently 15 businesses located inside The Edison. There are 12 offices and the plan is to expand, making an additional

JOEY BRENT | OXFORD CITIZEN

Lindsey and Dr. Phil Baquie have put a new creative twist on office space in Oxford with The Edison, located at 1415 University Ave. six more offices. There is also an area for people that don’t need an actual office.

“I would say we could help accommodate 50 businesses at various stages of growth,” Baquie said. “Especially the ones that are just starting out or the folks that are just working from home and needing a place. The majority of those that are here have little kids with a home office. And trying to balance the two is next to impossible. Now you have a place you can come to with lower overhead that’s really cool.”

The concept of starting The Edison came through Baquie’s wife, Lindsey, while she was attending an entrepreneurial conference in Atlanta last July. That conference was held in a coworking environment and she came home convinced that Oxford needed something like it.

“Literally, we were looking for some place that might be good to do that and we found this place. JC Graphics had been in here previously and it had been a few months since they moved out. I actually know a bunch of businessmen that came in and looked at the facility and said it was too much work,” Baquie said. “Both

Rick Mize, left, of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce was one of many who attended a grand opening held at The Edison earlier this month.

Lindsey and myself, we’re fairly creative and we love a challenge. We saw this building and the aesthetic of it and it lent to exactly what we were wanting which was to have an industrial, modern feel. It not only goes with the context of the community as far as the look, but when I come in here, I get this happy vibe.”

Baquie has been renting out the conference room to business men who are not members, but need space for regular meetings. Having

a space that serves a purpose, but in a more creative manner has been a good alternative.

“We hit the demographic and it responded tremendously as far as that kind of members we hoped to have in here. We’ve got graphic artists, we’ve got photographers, web developers, software developers.

Entrepreneurs,” Baquie said.

“These are the folks we really wanted to be a part of the membership in order to create the community that is

another part of coworking that is fairly foreign to our area. That’s one of the big benefits of the coworking, literally the cross pollination of business ideas, concepts and networking that takes place just through what you would call the water cooler talk in a traditional office. We are constantly utilizing each other. That’s one of the most fun parts. I love coming in here everyday, not because I own it, but because it’s fun to be here and see what people are doing. It’s awesome on a

personal level as well.”

The Edison building, constructed in 1945, is 5,000 square feet overall, which equates to a lot of room to breathe. Baquie felt like the space was utilized well through meeting rooms, conference spaces as well as individual office space. Parking was also accommodated with the help of the city, which allowed The Edison to build a large set of stairs that leads from the open city parking lot down.

“There isn’t enough parking on your own, so all of our members park up top. When a members’ guest come, they can use the parking down here so you don’t have to explain it to them,” Baquie said. “Really, that was the make or break of the business. If we didn’t have the stairs, it would have been a lot more difficult because you would have had to walk around the edge of the building or walk around the Powerhouse. Fortunately, they were very supportive.”

Renovations on the building started last October and finished this past January.

David Van Landenghem of DV Finishing Carpentry did all the work inside renovations. He is a friend to Baquie, and everything went well.

“This whole process has really been enjoyable. It’s been a lot of fun. Both my wife and I own other businesses outside of this,” said Baquie, who is a licensed professional counselor as well. “It’s been a lot of work on top of that. There has been stress, but it’s been good stress. We have just hired an office manager and she is going to come in and run The Edison and the Oxford Counseling Center. That’s going to be a huge help. We have tried to use technology in the process. All of the administration of The Edison is done with some high tech software that ties with the internet and every member has their own account.

Everything is regulated and automated, so it runs pretty smoothly from that perspective.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 9

Goose bump weekend Jim Dees Tales of the Town

’ve been fortunate to work on the stage crew of the Double Decker Festival for the last several years. Throughout those years, I’ve seen the festival rained out, frozen by cold winds, and performed apprehensively under ominous skies. I’ve also had my share of goose bump moments meeting musical heroes like Los Lobos, Emmylou Harris, David Lindley and Mavis Staples, among others.

Mavis gave me a big hug and, after I told her I had kin from Drew, Miss, told me, “We’re probably cousins then.”

This past week’s edition of the festival, the 21st, may have been the best one yet. It’s already been announced it was the biggest with 65,000 attendees. The weather may have been the best ever too, 79 degrees, no clouds and a refreshing breeze all day. The Ole Miss Rebel baseball team was at home and did their part, sweeping a three game series with SEC West

I

rival, Auburn. This included a classic game three on Sunday which they won in the bottom of the ninth, 6-5, after being down 5-0.

The magic started early Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. The performer was Leo “Bud” Welch who has just released his second album at age 84. I spoke to him briefly before he went on. He had noticed the smoke wafting across the stage from the artificial fog machine.

“What’s that smoke?” he asked.

“Are they cooking something up here?”

“No Bud, that’s fake smoke. It’s part of the stage production.”

He looked at me as if I had just told him we needed fake smoke to put on this show. Once he was introduced and took his place on stage, he produced some fire of his own. Bud wears a microphone headset to free his hands to play guitar and his legs to dance and he did just that. At age 84, Bud Welch took to his feet during his version of, “Got My Mojo Working,” and proved that he did, in fact, have his mojo working, dancing through the end of the song, to the delight of the crowd.

Following Bud at 2:30 was Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, a 17-yearold blues guitarist from Clarksdale who can only be described as a

COURTESY

"Instead of punishing the wrong people with a boycott, Franti came and preached love." prodigy virtuoso. Kingfish began his set on the steps of the Lafayette County Chancery Building in front of the stage. He walked through the crowd playing the Jimi Hendrix version of “The Star Bangled Banner.” Any guitarist who covers Hendrix BEFORE he even gets on stage is to be reckoned with.

For his last song, on this weekend when the whole world was mourning the untimely death of Prince, Kingfish led the crowd in a mournful, “Purple Rain.” For the chorus, he stepped away from the

mike and let the crowd sing, “Purple Rain, Purple Rain.” (A goose bump moment). When the time came for the bone-crunching guitar solo that concludes the song, Kingfish unleashed his last facemelting shred of the day, concluding with his unstrapping his guitar and letting it drop to the floor as he walked calmly away, the audience going bonkers.

There was fine music the rest of the day leading up to the headliner, Michael Franti and Spearhead. Franti mixes reggae and hip

hop and his music often carries a political message. Franti is the kind of performer you might expect to boycott Mississippi after recent passage of the so-called “Religious Freedom” bill. Comedian Tracy Morgan, Native American author Sherman Alexie, 1980s rocker Bryan Adams and jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton have all cancelled scheduled appearances in Mississippi. We can expect more. But Franti didn’t cancel.

Instead of punishing the wrong people with a boycott, he came and used the occasion to preach a musical message of inclusion, tolerance and love. He abandoned the stage and performed on a small platform in the middle of the crowd, dancing with what seemed like half the town of Oxford, singing, “I want to be there in the sun when the whole world becomes one.”

To top off his set and the best Double Decker ever, Franti invited the entire stage crew (myself included) to come out on stage and lock arms with him while the audience, which filled over three city blocks, including full balconies, sang John Lennon’s, “Imagine.”

It was another goose bump moment – and weekend - I could never imagine.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

County residents need to be careful of phone scam

HARDY REED

cards that are available from Walmart or any other type of currency, including personal check or credit card.

Also please do not give out personal or family information.

Please be careful; there are a number of scams that have been used, and if you think you are being scammed, or have been the victim of a scam, please call your local the sheriff’s department, or your local law enforcement agency.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department phone number is (662) 234-6421.

ALAN WILBURN SPECIAL TO THE OXFORD CITIZEN

COURTESY OF OXFORD-LAFAYETTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Hardy Reed as they move into their new offices located at 300 Enterprise Dr. Hardy Reed, LLC, is an independent investment advisory, fiduciary consulting and retirement plan services firm providing objective fiduciary guidance.

We are experiencing a high volume of scam type reports. The callers are telling residents that they work for the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department or surrounding law enforcement agencies.

The Sheriff’s Department does not solicit money over the phone.

They have never asked for money over the phone.

If a uniformed officer from the department comes to a residence or answers a call, they will never ask for money.

If the public encounters a situation like this they need to contact their local law enforcement agency but please do not give any money, green dot money

Alan Wilburn is the Chief Investigator with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department in Oxford Mississippi.

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OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

OXFORD CITIZEN

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OXFORD CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

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PAGE 15

John Davis Sports Editor

Russell’s guidance leads to another award for OHS powerlifting

J

ason Russell was looking at new rings for his Oxford powerlifters last week.

The weight room at the new gym was quiet days after his Chargers garnered a fourth straight title. All the hard work was completed. It was time to rest, and reflect, on another outstanding season.

This year’s group of lifters was the most talented, but it was also the most competitive year. The Chargers have always worked hard, but they really, really had to get after it in order to keep their title.

This was the most difficult year to win a title, Russell said. The competition increased across the board. Ridgeland was a very good team, Russell added, while others like Lake Cormorant had improved enough to make it a more competitive, early on in the season. All of the challenges, the hurdles to jump over, paid off.

“We tied in our regional and then we lost our tiebreaker because they had more firstplace finishes than we did,” Russell said. “I met with our kids after that loss and we just kind of talked about that situation and how those weren’t our expectations here. We never want to lose a regional championship. We came in that next day, and we definitely had our best day in the weight room that we have had the entire year.”

After that tough practice, Russell felt like his team had a chance to win state again.

“If we continued to work that hard, I thought we would have that chance because we did have the talent,” he added. “I didn’t know where we would line up as far as the south goes because us and Lake Cormorant were knocking each other out of position because we were both very good. Ridgeland being in the south, not with Pearl, was new this year. They would kind of beat up on each other like we did with Lake Cormorant this year before the state championship and knock each other out. With Pearl being up to 6A, they came in with 10 lifters and hadn’t really been challenged.”

Oxford has had up to 11 lifters make it to the state meet, making it that much easier for them to garner points and win a title without having to wait until the end.

“Coming in with seven lifters, it’s really tough to beat 10. The most individual state champions we ever had was five and that was the first year we ever won it,” Russell said.

“This year, we won four individual state champions. That’s 28 points to start with and that’s tough to beat. And then we had every kid get on the podium. That was really, really important for us. They’re a very talented group and for those kids, losing isn’t really an TURN TO RUSSELL PAGE 19

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

This inaugural All-Citizen powerlifting team includes seven Oxford Chargers and three members of the Lafayette Commodores.They include, from Oxford, Alex Le, Tias Hilliard, Kent Hickinbottom, DQ Thomas, Jacquez Neilson, Brandon Hill and Nick Sisk. Lafayette was represented by Matt Toles, Jordan Jamison and Tay Reed.

Powerful group Seven Chargers, three ‘Dores headline All-Citizen team

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

In order for the Oxford Chargers to win a fourth straight MHSAA Class 5A powerlifting title, Jacquez Neilson had to deadlift a new personal record. To be exact, it was 40 pounds more than he had ever lifted, Oxford coach Jason Russell said.

“He had to lift 640. The only option was for him to lift 640 because the other guy from Ridgeland did 615 and we were 25 pounds behind him coming,” Russell said. “The way it worked, because it’s first place to second place, it would have been a four-point swing.

If we missed it, they would have won by two. We got it and we won by two.”

Heading into that last lift for Neilson, Russell admitted that he had some doubts. Ultimately, he knew that Neilson had to get a chance to lift the weight.

“We had to go and give him a chance to win it and it was more weight than he had ever done, but you have to put yourself in a position to go win,” Rus-

sell said. “He was psyched out and ready to go and excited, but he didn’t guarantee that he would get it. I did tell him that this was it. I told him the situation, and that if he pulled this, it’s a state championship. If you don’t, we don’t win, go do your best. He got pretty excited. I don’t know if I had ever seen him that fired up.”

Neilson was one of four Chargers to win an individual state championship down in Jackson, joining Alex Le, Tias Hilliard and Kent Hickinbottom in that department. Neilson was also one of seven lifters to be named All-State, joining DQ Thomas, Brandon Hill and Nick Sisk in that category as well.

Those seven Chargers are a part of the inaugural All-Citizen powerlifting team, joining Lafayette’s trio of Jordan Jamison, Tay Reed and Matt Toles. All three Commodores finished in the top three of their individual weight classes in Jackson as well on April 17.

While Neilson grabbed the biggest headlines, Russell, who was named the Powerlifting Coach of the Year by the MHSAA, felt like Le was the hardest

worker of the group this year. If Russell had to pick an MVP, it would be Le. “Bar none, he was the hardest worker we had in the weight room day in and day out. Alex was so much fun to coach, each day he walked in the weight room, he was so fired up,” Russell said. “He brought energy to the weight room. Every single rep that was on the sheet for the workout, I didn’t have to worry. Alex was doing every single rep and then he would go do extra stuff. He would go up to Snap Fitness and work out after our practices.

This kid pushed himself and Alex is now the 132-pound all-time 5A champion. He has lifted more weights at that meet than anyone else in the 132pound class has in 5A. He really separated himself and what he was able to do.”

Hilliard, who also won an individual title in 2015, was consistent as always for Russell.

“In Tias, you know what you’re going to get. You’re getting a top-level TURN TO ALL-CITIZEN PAGE 19

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Lafayette’s Fair pleased with first day of practice

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Football returned to Lafayette under the direction of first-year coach Michael Fair Monday afternoon. The first spring practice for Fair got his juices flowing again, with him adding that he had a lot of fun.

“I was very pleased. I really couldn’t imagine it going much better,” Fair said. “We changed some things up compared to what everyone is used to, but our coaches really coached hard today. I’m proud of them. We’ve got guys in the right spots.

Everybody was moving around and everybody was active. As a head coach, that’s one thing I look for. I thought everybody was engaged and everyone had a good day.”

Fair led the offensive line through drills, and also called out plays on offense when position drills were not going on.

There are some new faces on the staff, but the majority of the assistants that worked for Eric Robertson were out on the field at William L. Buford Stadium.

Carter Norris is a new addition, and he will coach the defensive line for Fair. Justin Lee will coach the defensive backs this coming season. He is the other new addition. Jay Jones, Nacoma James, Wayne Davis, Shane Ard and Jimmy Murphrey are still on the staff. So is Stan Robertson, last year’s defensive coordinator.

“Coach Robertson is still DC and he will coach linebackers,” Fair said adding it was good for the players not to see too many new changes. “We don’t want to come in here and change every single thing that we’re doing because it is a successful program.

At the same time, we all have to fill comfortable in what we’re doing. They are some changes, but I do think any time a young man sees a familiar face, I think it helps him.”

There are some Commodores not going through spring drills.

Tyler Williams, a starter on defense, and Will Ard, last season’s starter at quarterback, are both playing baseball. So is Dillon Woods. Not having everyone allows Fair to evaluate some younger players on the roster.

“We got a young man today that got valuable reps at quarterback, Andrew Moorehead, and he did a really good job for us,” Fair said. “I told Tyler, and he came out here with Dillon Woods, and I said ‘Guys, I really hope we don’t see ya’ll this spring.

We want you to win that state championship.’ The better the

JOHN DAVIS

New Lafayette football coach Michael Fair led his first practice Monday afternoon. The Commodores worked on fundamentals, and get into pads later today. athlete, like these young men playing baseball, the quicker they can pick up on stuff. We’re not worried about that for spring. We are getting valuable reps with the guys that are here now.”

The Commodores were set to practice in just helmets through Wednesday. The first day of pads was coming today. Fair stressed technique on his first day. A total of 15 minutes revolved just around tackling.

“We’re teaching these guys to do it, and it will look different when we put pads on, but we’re actually teaching the technique that we will be using when we get them in full pads,” Fair said.

This year’s offense is going to be more about tempo, and Fair added that his players like the idea of going fast, and spreading the opposing defense out.

“It’s been amazing to see these young men come in and willing to learn and willing to work,” Fair said. “Everyone is on the same playing field. Nobody knows exactly what we’re doing, so they’re all the same. It’s not like anyone has more experience with this terminology. It’s good that they’re all going through it together.

The junior varsity is going through drills on one side of the field, while the varsity takes reps on the other side of the 50-yard

With starting quarterback Will Ard out at baseball, Andrew Moorehead, left got valuable work in. need to be as a player,” he said. line. Fair told his players at the rather than tell them.

“It’s my job as head coach to end of the first practice that if John.davis@journalinc.com they didn’t like where they were, give you every opportunity in Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd he wanted to show the coaches the world to show us where you

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 17

Oxford’s Ramsey loves track, being with her teammates

BY JOHN DAVIS

Five Minutes with

SPORTS EDITOR

Khadijah Ramsey knew she was fast when she out past her male relatives growing up. Out in the woods, the Oxford freshman said she literally ran away from dogs and other animals they encountered from time to time.

“I grew up a tomboy with my cousins, so we were always out in the woods, playing with stuff,” Ramsey said.

“We would run up on something and just run away.

Sometimes we played tag or something.”

No matter what the game was, Ramsey showed her speed. The first time that her natural ability really got noticed was right as she got into middle school by track coach Kesha Howell. Ramsey, who is a sprinter and a member of three different relay teams for Oxford, didn’t know if she was born to do track, but she has always enjoyed the sport.

“I pretty much picked it up from my mom and dad

Khadijah Ramsey because they did all the sports and track,” Ramsey said. “I asked Coach Howell if I could come out and she said yes. She knew my sister and I tried out. I did the 100 and 200 and the 4x100 and the 4x2.

“Coach Patton, when he saw me doing track in middle school, he saw that I really liked it,” Ramsey added.

“Loving a sport and doing it at the same time is really good. It’s motivational. I love track and I have fun doing it, so it’s not a problem doing it. Supporting everyone just helps me.”

Ramsey is all about her teammates. That’s the biggest reason she likes running relays, being with her friends. She competes as the

second leg on the 4x100 and 4x200 teams, and on the 4x400 team, she is first.

“It’s pretty fun. The first time I did it, I was scared, but after I did it the first time, I just liked it,” Ramsey said about starting the 4x4 race. “It was cool.”

This past Saturday, in the Region 1-5A meet, Ramsey won the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.07 seconds, which was 0.52 better than her teammate, Tiara King. All three of the relay teams that Ramsey competes on also took first place. Up next is the 5A north state meet on Saturday at Oxford’s Bobby Holcomb Field. Ramsey said being a state champion “might” happen in the 200.

JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN

Oxford sprinter Khadijah Ramsey has impressed her coach, Chris Patton, with her natural ability and work ethic so far this spring.

Not that she doesn’t believe in herself, but she really believed more in the relays comparatively. The goal this year for the Lady Chargers is to win a state title, a fourth overall in school history.

In order to be a state champion in the 200, Ramsey said she has to get off the blocks because that has

been an issue.

“At first, I really didn’t know how to come out of the blocks. I would just hear the gun and go and I guess I was doing it wrong,” she said. “I got help and I fixed how I set up my blocks. I learned how to push instead of just hop out of the blocks.

The push makes you stride

out more.”

Down the straight away of the 200, Ramsey’s speed takes over she said. Running against everyone else has also helped Ramsey become a better performer in meets.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

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PAGE 18

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Fabulous freshmen Lampton, Lunderman having a ball for Rebels

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Ole Miss infielders Ashton Lampton and Hailey Lunderman know a thing or two about winning even though they’re freshmen. During their high school career, the two Mississippi natives won a combined seven state championships. Softball is life to Lampton, a native of Newton County, and Lunderman, who is from Philadelphia.

Diamond dirt under fingernails is just fine with Lampton and Lunderman.

They came to Ole Miss in order to play, and help change the culture.

“The way I looked at it was coming into this program, out of a winning program, I felt like I could at least contribute,” Lampton said. “I did work hard in high school and I did want to make this program a winning team. It means more coming into a program like we’ve done and setting records, breaking records. That means more to me than just coming into a program, like if I had gone to Florida and everyone saying ‘Oh, you win all the time, it’s normal.’ I want to be a part of making history.”

The Rebels have definitely made history already this season. They have a school-record 34 wins, and are two away from tying the most wins in SEC play in a single season which is 11.

People asked Lunderman why she was going to play at Ole Miss after such a successful high school career. The Rebels were at the bottom of the SEC rankings when she was a senior, and being recruited by a first-year coach in Mike Smith. She laughed about it now, saying she grew up around Mississippi State fans, who didn’t mind giving her grief just because of the rivalry.

“When I was deciding on where to go, I did have other offers, but I wanted to go to a school where I could help build the pro-

gram basically,” she said adding that State and South Carolina were the other schools she could have attended.

Lampton played travel ball in the state of Florida, and she had some offers from smaller schools to play at. Both Lampton and Lunderman liked what Smith was selling in regards to the future.

“Him coming from a winning program. He has already proved what he did at McNeese State works. They were already a successful program,” Lampton said. “This past year, they broke most of their records hitting wise.

There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that I didn’t want to come here.”

Heading into Wednesday night’s game with UAB, Lunderman was second on the team in batting average (.378) and third in stolen bases with 18.

Lampton, meanwhile, was hitting .321 with three home runs and 23 RBIs. Lunderman used the word “excited” to talk about what the team has accomplished already this season. Lampton said all the girls have “worked extremely hard” adding that she didn’t expect anything less.

Ole Miss is on the road at Georgia, a team ranked in the top 15 of the rankings, before hosting Tennessee, another SEC team in the national rankings, the final weekend of the regular season. The goal is to make it the NCAA Regionals, and both said it was exciting to be in that discussion.

“I think the biggest thing is the fact of proving people wrong,” Lampton said.

“It’s like ‘Hey, you doubted us, look what we’ve done.’

Our hard work has paid off. Ole Miss hasn’t been a winning program. It’s been Ole Miss, whatever.

Now it’s like, ‘Wow, Ole Miss. We actually have to prepare for them.’”

Lunderman said she felt a big advantage at the start of the season because teams took them for granted.

JOSHUA MCCOY/OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Hailey Lunderman has been fantastic for Ole Miss at shortstop, and at the plate, this season. She is second on the team in batting average and third on the team in stolen bases.

“I think they really doubted us and we jumped up on them. We got a win against Kentucky and Missouri,” Lunderman said.

“The first win over Kentucky was huge because they were just like woo, where did this come from?” Lampton added.

Softball has opened a lot of doors for both Lunderman and Lampton, who said she didn’t know what she would do without the sport. Both treasured the trip to Hawaii at the start of the year. Playing this season was thought about but not in a way that was conceited, Lampton said.

“I was never going to let somebody outwork me for the position. If there is a competition, I know I was the kind of person that was going to do everything they could to get the position of the field,” Lampton said. “I think (the seniors) appreciate it because they were here when it wasn’t a winning program. When Madi (Osias) is pitching,

she will get on my butt if I don’t do something right.

She takes it into consideration that we’re freshmen, but she also pushes us to make us better. They want to win, and whatever it takes.”

Lunderman, who is up for the national Freshman of the Year award, got off to a hot start, struggled in the middle, and has gotten better as the final third of the season has appeared.

She was all about praising the team, rather than her accolades.

Both would like to see more players from the state sign on with the Rebels in the future like did.

“I do think seeing us do really well has opened doors to look at other Mississippi girls,” Lunderman said. “People don’t go and recruit girls in Mississippi.

There are some good players, but they’ve gone to other schools.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Freshman Ashton Lampton is one of the more productive Rebels. She had three home runs and 23 RBIs heading into Wednesday night's game with UAB.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 19

Good drama Lafayette tops Pontotoc in 4A tennis playoffs

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Moments before the Lafayette Commodores were set to play the Pontotoc Warriors in the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs, Debbie Swindoll had to make a change in the lineup. Alley Bowen, the Commodores’ normal singles player, got ill, and was unable to play against Maddia McGregory. Sadie Wilson, who was set to play mixed doubles with Barrett Childress, was plugged in, while Cara Anne Sallis was placed at mixed. Sallis hadn’t played this season due to an illness, but her experience on the court in past seasons paid off when needed the most for Lafayette.

The Commodores ended up knocking off the Warriors 4-3 Monday to reach the 4A north state title match. It was the second win over Pontotoc this season, and just the third for Swindoll in six seasons. The victory also gave the Commodores their 10th win of the season, the fourth

her team overall. “There was a lot of drama, good drama, but there was a lot going on.

I’m proud of the team for their effort, for their fight.”

Wilson defeated McGregory 6-1, 6-0. All of the LHS girls doubles teams won their matches, while Sallis and Childress rallied from a set down to win 6-7, 6-3 (107). Emma Wilson and Halle Moore won 6-1, 6-2, while Abby Arrington and Rachel Reed won 7-5, 6-2.

Pontotoc’s Chet Wilson defeated Dawson Welch 6-3 76 in the other singles match.

At No. 1 boys doubles, Blake Gregory and Bryce Butler beat Noah Addy and Lee McLarty 6-0, 6-4, while Caleb Ginn and Nick Bails won 6-4, 1-6 (7-1) over Will Carter and Foster Roush.

Up next for Lafayette is a JOHN DAVIS | OXFORD CITIZEN Lafayette's Dawson Welch returns a shot during Monday's meeting with New Albany MHSAA Class 4A playoff match with Pontotoc.The Commodores next week to determine who will represent the north in won 4-3. the MHSAA state tennis time in five years that mark ering the circumstances and championships. what was on the line,” said has been achieved.

“That was probably my Swindoll, who immediately John.davis@journalinc.com biggest career victory consid- praised the effort of Sallis and Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Ole Miss baseball survey results

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

Results for the Oxford Citizen Ole Miss baseball survey have been gathered.

Many thanks to those that took part in deciding which players would win each category.

We will be conducting another survey during the 2016 Ole Miss football season as well. Check www.oxfordcitizen.com for more details.

All-Citizen FROM PAGE 15

powerlifter in the country,” Russell. “Tias is successful consistently in every meet.

This is his third state championship and he’s been performing at a high level for a long time.”

LAFAYETTE Coach Cody Stubblefield said Toles and Jamison were the two leaders of the team, and did a great job all season in order to reach Jackson. Toles, competing in the super heavyweight class, totaled 1,515 pounds.

Favorite current baseball player: Errol Robinson Favorite Former Rebel: Sikes Orvis Fav rebel to follow in MLB: Will Allen Fav team to sweep: Mississippi State Fav baseball tradition: Student Section Showers Fav Diamond Girl: Megan Hoggard Fav Concession item: Corn Dog Fav rebel baseball uniform: - Red top Fav Twitter handle to follow: - @redcuprebellion john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Jamison competed in the 308 class with a total of 1,480. That number tied Gentle Williams of Florence. Reed finished in a tie for second in the 220pound class with a total of 1,430.

“I was really proud of Jordan this year. He has a lot going on right now, finishing up school and getting ready to go to UAB this Stubblefield summer,” said. “He never missed a workout. When it came down to his final lift, he had the option of playing it safe and getting second or going for first. He chose to go for first and attempted a

deadlift of 675 pounds. He almost got it.”

This was the final season at Lafayette for Stubblefield, who is coaching the offensive line at Tupelo now.

“The future is bright at Lafayette. Matt Toles and Tay Reed will get another shot at a state championship next year when they will return for the senior year,” Stubblefield said.

“Matt Toles squatted 715 pounds at the state meet.

I’m looking forward to seeing how high he can go next year.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Rolling on Chargers blank Center Hill in 5A tennis playoffs

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

A ninth straight tennis state championship got even closer to becoming a reality Monday for the Oxford Chargers. A 7-0 win over Center Hill improved the Chargers to 15-0 in the state of Mississippi, and 19-4 overall.

It also advanced them to the MHSAA Class 5A north state title match, and placed the Chargers just two wins from the 5A title.

Four of the seven wins for the Chargers were by 60, 6-0 scores. The Mustangs only managed three points all day. Grace Anne Jones was the first off the court for the Chargers as she defeated Mikayla Coleman 6-1, 6-0. The No. 1 girls doubles team of McClellan Davis and Sarah Nash were next to

capture a win, defeating Carolyn Baggett and Caitlyn Barnes 6-0, 6-0.

Amanda Lowery and Anne Hardy took a third win for the Chargers, defeating Hannah Ewing and Chloe Jenkins 6-0, 6-1.

Oxford officially wrapped up the match at boys singles as Bo Nash won 6-0, 6-0 over Dawson Sharp.

The No. 1 boys doubles team of Will Swindoll and Gus Morgan won 6-0, 6-0 over Travis McKnight and Liam Harris, while the No. 2 boys doubles team of Gordon Whitwell and Ryan Mounce won 6-1, 60 over Jordan Reicke and J.D. Wilson 6-1, 6-0. At mixed doubles, Chris Le and Abbie Vaughn won 60, 6-0 over Derrick Barnes and Cameron Fuell.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Russell FROM PAGE 15

option. What happened to us at the regional meet, they’re not used to that.

They’re not used to that on the football field. That really hurt, that really stung. I do think it was a big motivation for them. I don’t know if we win the state championship if we don’t lose that regional. We got hit in the face and got woken up right there to use a boxing metaphor.”

Russell was named the 2016 Powerlifting Coach of the Year, which made him feel good, and feel good about what his athletes had done.

“Any time you’re recognized by your peers, it means a lot. As a coach or a player, that’s pretty special,” he said. “The committee voted and that means a lot to me to have that award.

That’s obviously not why you do it as a coach. You do it for them to win. A lot of the kids that won the state championship, it’s the first they’ve won in anything.

That is the most important

PETRE THOMAS | OXFORD CITIZEN

April's Sportsman of the Month is Oxford powerlifting coach Jason Russell who helped lead the Chargers to a fourth straight MHSAA state title. thing.”

It will be tough for the Chargers to win a fifth straight season losing guys like Tias Hilliard from the group, but Russell has always found a way to get his team to be competitive. He has a knack for finding talent, and getting the most out of the lifters that come out. At a school where titles have been garnered in a lot of different sports, powerlifting is one that doesn’t get as many headlines. It’s still

special for the athletes even if it’s not like a football Friday night. Only tennis and girls cross country have won more titles in a row.

Russell has helped make the Chargers one of the most formidable programs in the state, if not the best.

That’s headline-making material for sure. And something to be celebrated.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Staying alive Bishop pitches Lafayette into next round of playoffs

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

There wasn’t any hesitation on the part of Mack Bishop. He wanted the ball Monday night. He wanted to do his part in Game 3, and help lift the Lafayette Commodores to the next round of the MHSAA Class 4A baseball playoffs.

Even on the shortest rest of his career, Bishop was ready to perform, even if his velocity wasn’t the same.

The left-hander, who got off to a slow start his senior season, was better than his first start against Pontotoc last Friday night. He was more efficient, and his 6 1/3 inning effort, that featured six strikeouts, set the tone in an 8-1 win over the Warriors.

“I was thinking it could be five pitches or 125 pitches, but I felt fine,” Bishop said not long after LHS wrapped things up. “I really didn’t think I was going to be able to do it, but I just gutted it out. I did lose a lot of velocity, but when I had to make a good pitch, I could get it back to where it usually is. It was a do-or-die situation and I wanted the ball. I knew I could get it.”

Lafayette pitching coach Josh Reagan had a smile on his face when talking about Bishop’s performance. Before the game, there was a chance to see a different pitcher on the mound, and then come in with Bishop.

Reagan talked with Lafayette head coach Greg Lewis and the decision was made to start the game with Bishop, and roll the dice from there, as Reagan put it.

“I thought about it for a minute and I said that makes sense. He was rolling,” Reagan said. “It was absolutely phenomenal what he did on that short of rest. This is where it kind of tears on me a little bit. He goes out and throws 100 pitches on two days rest, but at the same time, it’s a guy who may or may not be done with his baseball career in another week or two or three or how many more weeks it lasts. Lay it out there.”

Reagan went on to say that he was happy for

MARLIE ROBINSON

Lafayette pitcher Mack Bishop pitched another gem for the Commodores. His effort in Game 3 advanced LHS to the next round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Lafayette's Xavier Martin waits on a pitch during Monday night's MHSAA Class 4A playoff game with Pontotoc.

Bishop, to have three straight really good starts after not getting the results he did when he was a junior.

“I’m happy for him, for the results, after such a slow start and after so many struggles with some arm is-

sues. He was a little behind because he got a late start just getting in shape,” Reagan said. “Then we had some defensive issues that compounded it. Now, all of sudden, here we go. I’m tickled to death for him. We

won’t pitch him until Saturday and we’ll rest him. He will do a lot of running, ice and stretching. We went in thinking grind it for three or four and then all of sudden, he was just rolling right along. He wanted to go back

out there.”

Lewis felt like Pontotoc would let Bishop work a little bit on the mound instead of being aggressive, crowding the plate and trying to get early contact. That helped Bishop stay on the

mound a little longer than planned.

“What a job by Mack to come back. I told him today that I had a guy from Amory, Will Cox, do it to me and a guy from North Pontotoc, a lefty, come back on a day’s rest and pitch and be as good or better,” Lewis said.

“I thought Mack was better tonight than in the opener as far as throwing strikes. He was just in the zone with all three of his pitches. It was probably the best I’ve seen him look. He said he had it.

He said he felt good.”

The series win came 48 hours after the Commodores were defeated 100 by the Warriors. It was proud moment for Lewis, to see his team rebound in the fashion they did.

“You have to remember what happened to us against Ripley. We took a butt kicking over there and then we came back to our place, where it feels good, and you did your did job and you beat them,” Lewis said. “I told them the same thing would happen tonight if you do what you’re supposed to. That’s a huge win for these guys, for as far as we’ve come. It was a letdown Saturday, but for us to come get this one, and these guys keep getting better on defense, that was big for us.”

Up next for the Commodores is a best-of-three series with Houston, the favorite to win 4A north state.

“I watched them play Oxford and they definitely get after it,” Lewis said of the Hilltoppers, who swept Indianola-Gentry to start the playoffs. “I watched them here last year and I thought Mack did a great job against them over there. You can tell they’re a polished team.

They’re a senior-driven team with some good arms on it. I told the guys to go have fun. That’s the team that’s supposed to be there, we’re the team that is trying to knock them off. I feel good about it. Every year we’ve had that chance, we’ve always played well.

We will see what this team does. No pressure on us.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD H CONGRATULATIONS G I H OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

PAGE 21

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