The Lion's Roar 04/19/2016

APRIL 19, 2016 VOLUME 87, ISSUE 25

’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

A Student Publication

In-state rival defeats Lions in series finale

Campus Life Page 2

Opinions Page 3

Arts & Entertainment Page 4

Sports Page 6

Suspect Cardell Hayes attended SLU until 2011, never completing his degree

Staff Reporter

see BASEBALL pg. 6

LionsRoarNews.com

Student Union grand Will Smith’s alleged shooter, former SLU reopening celebrated student

BY JONATHAN RHODES The Lions lost their home game last Sunday in the series finale against UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 4-5. The Lions lost the first game of the series at Lafayette which was their third straight loss before winning big on Saturday against the Cajuns 16-5. Their record is now (26-11, 13-2 SLC).

“We learned how to compete these last few games,” said Head Baseball Coach Matt Riser. “I don’t think we went with the right mindset at their place and we really got dominated. We did a good job responding Saturday and today.

Sometimes you lose a tough one; today was a tough loss. We had that one big inning that got away from us. I take full responsibility for it. They competed the right way. I should have trusted our guy more coming out the bullpen to go the distance, but I will not make that mistake again.”

The Lions and Cajuns have been in-state rivals since Southeastern started its baseball program in 1948. Back then, UL Lafayette was called “the University of Southwestern Louisiana.”

Both teams were initially in the Gulf States conference which dissolved in 1971. Even after the disbandment, the two schools face each other every year with the first game of the series typically played in Lafayette and last two in Pat Kenelly Alumni Field. The alltime series record is 47-62 Cajuns.

The first pitch of the game was thrown by Southeastern track & field thrower Alex Young in honor of his many accomplishments this year.

“It was pretty cool, I have never actually done that before,” said Young. “A lot of people were telling me beforehand ‘just spin it man’. I should have. It would have been a little more accurate.”

Freshman shortstop Brennan Breaud started the game with a bunt to put himself on first base.

Junior first baseman Jameson Fisher was hit by a pitch on his first at bat, but junior second baseman Carson Crites was able to advance both runners off of a grounder to third. Sophomore left fielder Drew Avans got Breaud and Fisher to home with a single to the right side giving the Lions the lead 2-0.

Crites hit a homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning to extend

News Page 8

BY MEGAN FERRANDO Editor in Chief

The Lion’s Roar / Karson Sharp

University President Dr. John L. Crain (above, center) cuts a ceremonial ribbon during the Student Union’s Grand Opening ceremony. The ceremony occurred last week and marked the completion of a three phase renovation of the Student Union.

SGA President Alexis Quackenbush (above, center right) was also on stage during the ribbon cutting. After the cutting, students posed with a large Instagram cutout (right).

Student Publications / Lee Lind

BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter

Four years of renovation were commemorated in one afternoon at the Student Union’s official Grand Opening Ceremony.

The ceremony lasted from 12 to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 14 and was held under the Student Union Walkway.

Several notable campus officials spoke at the ceremony, beginning with Student Government Association President and senior political science major Alexis Quackenbush.

“The main reason we did the re-opening now is because creating the new War Memorial Student Union was part of a three phase plan,” said Quackenbush. “Phase three was just completed.

Phase one was the building with the food court and Mane Dish, phase two was building the bookstore and the final phase was moving a lot of student centered offices to the new union. For example, the SGA Office and the Counseling Center are over here now.”

After a welcoming speech and introduction by Quakenbush, University President John L. Crain recognized special guests in attendance and delivered additional remarks. During this speech, the President mentioned the many construction projects he has

overseen during his time at Southeastern. Following Crain’s speech, special guest speaker and former University President Dr. Randy Moffett spoke to the crowd.

After Dr. Moffett spoke, the green ceremonial ribbon was cut by Crain.

According to Event and Conference Services Director Cally Berner, the ceremony had been planned for six months. Concerns for the event were finding a date and time that worked for students, finding a location that would be minimally affected by weather and selecting a space that would accommodate the crowd that appeared. Berner estimates at least 300 students and faculty attended the ribbon cutting.

Students may use the Student Union for their dining, social and recreational needs. One student explained how the union has served him over the years.

“I love going to the Student Union for meals,” said sophomore criminal justice major Aaron Montz.

“The food is a lot like what I’m served at home and there are so many options. They have a home-cooked meal station, a pizza station and a lot of other things.

I also like to see Miss Marilyn’s smiling face every time I head over.”

For more information on the Student Union, the services they offer and upcoming student events, visit the university home page.

Lion Up Tuesday every Tuesday

BY MEGAN FERRANDO Editor in Chief

Courtesy of Athletics

Athletics Travel Coordinator Mary Hannah Prevot Lions Up with Roomie during Lion Up Tuesday.

Follow the Roar Stay connected. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @lionsroarnews.

The University will continue to celebrate Lion Up Tuesday every Tuesday to showcase Lion Pride among students, faculty and staff. Lion Up Tuesday began Mar. 8 and has had a successful run so far.

“Our Lion Up Tuesdays have been going very well,” said athletic director Jay Artigues. “They have been received by our students, faculty and staff very well. We look forward to continuing this new tradition and helping spread Lion Pride across our campus as well as continuing to grow Team Southeastern.”

Team leaders, along with Roomie, will patrol campus on Tuesdays to scout for those showing Lion Pride. Those selected will be thanked through prizes and a “pride citation.”

A pride citation will also be given to vehicles showing Southeastern gear.

Lion Up Tuesday participants can be seen by searching the hashtag #teamsoutheastern.

Weather Tuesday H 78 L 62

Cardell Hayes, the man accused of shooting former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, spent time at Southeastern as a student between the years 2005 and 2011.

“He started here in Fall 2005 and was an off-and-on student,” said Director of Public Information Rene Abadie. “His last semester was 2011. He never graduated.”

On Saturday, Apr. 10, Hayes, 28, allegedly shot Smith eight times and shot his wife Racquel twice after an incident of road rage.

According to the coroner’s report, Smith received seven shots to the back, while his wife received two non-fatal shots to both legs.

The investigation is on-going as both lawyers spar over the happenings of the events.

Both men were football players; Smith is commonly remembered for helping the Saints win the Superbowl in 2009.

Hayes was a promising defensive lineman during his time at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans and played again starting last year for the Crescent City Kings, part of the Gridiron Developmental Football League, according to WWL. In high school, Hayes was ranked among the top 50 college

prospects in the state, but did not play college football during his time at Southeastern or at any university.

“Cardell Hayes was never a student-athlete at Southeastern,” confirms director of Sports Information Kemmler Chapple.

While in school, Hayes studied management, but appears to have kept a low profile despite his large size, according to USA Today, of 6’6” and 200 pounds.

Several professors in the Department of Management and Business Administration at Southeastern reported to have no interaction or recollection of Hayes during his time at Southeastern.

Associate professor Dave Bowes was not able to recall Hayes specifically, but remembered him vaguely after looking Hayes up and learning he was in his Economic classes during fall of 2011.

“I honestly do not remember him as a student,” said Bowes.

“I can now vaguely picture him in class. Football linemen can stand out sitting in those little desks, but again I have no specific recollections.”

Hayes’ bond is set at $1 million, according to the Associated Press.

Facts of the shootings remain uncertain as lawyers on both sides have different views about who was the aggressor in the incident.

Hayes’ lawyer claims Hayes did not start the fight and that the case is an example of a person being prejudiced, according to CNN. However, the lawyer on Smith’s side says Hayes was the aggressor as he ran into Smith’s car after being rear-ended.

Hammond favorites plan to reopen after downtown fire

BY HEATHER JEWELL Sports Editor

On Apr. 10 at approximately 2 p.m., a fire began that claimed both Superking Seafood and Lee’s Drive In. Both restaurants are notable Hammond favorites.

Lee’s offers the classic diner experience with the chrome walls, while Superking created Cajun-style boiled seafood, even working with the university and bringing food on campus during football season.

Before consuming both establishments, the fire’s creation was in the walls of Superking.

When the building added the boiling area fifteen years ago, it met fire safety codes at the time by being ventilated and having walls made with metal lining. The permanent boiling pots they used are placed approximately five feet away from the walls; however, the lining of the building was wood.

In buildings today, plywood or drywall would be used to conform to today’s safety codes.

According to Hammond Fire Department Chief John Thomas, though it was never directly in contact with the fires, after years of being subjected to the heat of the boiling pots, the wood aged and caught fire.

“It was not intentional,” said Thomas. “They weren’t doing anything wrong; it just happens like that, and that is why codes are changed over the years.

Building codes are in effect when the building is built. You can’t go back and make people change things with new codes. Now, if you rebuild, you can go to today’s codes.”

When the wood caught fire, a Superking chef was cooking and smelled the smoke. When he went outside and saw the fire, he ran to get a fire extinguisher, but by then, the fire had grown too large so the fire department was called.

“It was definitely unintentional; it wasn’t from them not watching the pots,” said Thomas. “The moon aligned, wrong place, wrong time. They didn’t do anything, everything was to code. It wasn’t some Mickey Mouse setup. It was a good setup that they had.”

Meanwhile in Lee’s, an employee had gone up to coowner Russell Tallo Jr. telling him they smelled smoke. When Russell Tallo Jr. went out the front door, he saw the blaze coming up from on top of a fence that was level with the roof of Lee’s and

see FIRE pg. 8

Reminders Wednesday H 78 L 63

The Summer 2016 Part-Time Job Fair will be Thursday, Apr. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Student Union.

CAMPUS LIFE

PAGE 2 APRIL 19, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Spring showers cannot stop the fun of Strawberry Jubilee

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

Students are able to participate in the Stuff A Lion (left), a new event at this year’s Strawberry Jubilee. Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante and President John L. Crain cut the traditonal cake (middle) to kick-off Strawberry Jubilee. Along with the Stuff A Lion, Campus Activities Board brought a petting zoo (right) for students’ enjoyment in having the chance to get close and personal with exotic animals.

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

Last Wednesday began with a downpour of rain for the morning. The Campus Activities Board ensured that the festivities of Strawberry Jubilee would not be halted.

Since spring of 1980, the Jubilee kicks off with the traditional cutting of the strawberry cake. This year’s first cut took place at 11 a.m.

by President John L. Crain and Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante launching the event that would last until 2 p.m. in the Student Union Walkway.

A few changes did take place from previous years. CAB also knew that it would most likely rain a few days before the event.

Though not all the activities were available such as snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy and a couple of other things, CAB Coordinator/Advisor Nick Elliott was pleased with the turnout by 11:17 a.m. and despite the early rain that cleared up for the event, knew that it would only get better when the 11 a.m. classes let out.

“The move we went with was less bounce houses and more take away items,” said Elliott.

“That is something they can take away from Strawberry Jubilee to remember forever. A lot of stuff was still traditional such as the cutting of the cake and the cupcakes. We just filled it up with exotic animals and Stuff A Lion. I would have liked to have it in the park because it would

have had more of that park feel because they have benches out there and you can sit out there but this is still happening. You build your Lion, you take it away, you are happy where you are.”

Some of the new activities, such as the create your own license plate, Stuff A Lion and exotic animals continually had a line of participants. Some students passing through the Union Walkway had no idea of the event that was taking place but were drawn in.

“I just got out here and I saw the snake and stuff like that so I am just looking around,” said freshman business major Haley Johnson. “This is seriously the coolest thing. I love getting to see all the animals.”

Others came looking for a free T-shirt and rather left with memories that would last forever.

“I heard they had exotic animals and that was amazing,” said freshman health care management major Alexis Guerrn. “I got to pet a spottedleopard and that was a dream come true. I mean I got my picture drawn for the first time and then they had an exotic animal petting zoo right there. It was really diverse and I like it.”

Other events of the Jubilee included the serving of red beans and rice, a pie throwing booth, self-portrait drawings, selfie prints by CAB, organizational booths, an appearance by Phil the Pig and more.

Among the organizational

booths, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry had a free ring toss.

They were glad to switch from being participants of Strawberry Jubilee to being a part of the Jubilee.

“We just really want to reach students and we just wanted to make our organization known on campus,” said sophomore nursing major Carli Soileau.

“Last year, we didn’t have a booth, all the people of the BCM just met together and ate together. I think it is really cool this year that we actually get to have a booth and just be out there instead of just being a part of the crowd. We actually get to give them something else at Strawberry Jubilee.”

Make sure to follow CAB on Instagram @southeastern.cab.

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

Students stand in line at the annual Strawberry Jubilee for red beans, rice and French bread. The event was held on Apr. 13 in the Student Union Mall.

Pennington to host Spring Daze for students Fraternity awarded for service

BY ALEX BRAINARD Staff Reporter

It’s that time of the semester where the Claude B. Pennington Jr. Student Activity Center will be hosting Spring Daze.

Spring Daze is a week where the Rec center, University Housing and Student Affairs all gather and put on all kinds of activities and programs for students. Spring Daze will start Apr. 25 and the week will consist of University Housing’s Fais Do Do event, Division for Student Affairs Awards Convocation, followed

by De-stress, Recfest and Swamp Bowl.

“Right now the biggest event is Recfest,” said Jean Bernard the Assistant Director of Guest Services. “It is designed to be a big day of passive recreation; we do it to celebrate the end of Spring semester. There will be a concert all day long and free crawfish. With admission which is free for Southeastern students, you get a plate of crawfish and a drink.”

There will be live entertainment and alcohol featured at Recfest.

“We’re bringing in Jonathan Koeppel and Impaired Faculties which are Southeastern talent,” said Bernard. “The Gillis Silo who is a country band out of Baton Rouge that just signed a national deal and The Chee Weez will also be there. Wise Guys is providing alcohol so if you’re 21 or over you can buy alcohol.”

De-stress is performed once a semester,

The Lion’s Roar / Alex Brainard

The Rec, along with other organizations, will be hosting Spring Daze at their facility and encourage students to attend. Above are students playing on the basketball courts inside the Pennington Center. while this is the fourth annual Recfest, and the ninth annual Swamp Bowl.

“Swamp Bowl is where we dig out a couple of courts and fill it with mud and water and play mud volleyball,” said Bernard. “We

usually have about 40 teams that compete.”

Each event will offer free food and a chance to interact with people students would not usually interact with and Recfest is offering free music.

According to Bernard, De-stress is relaxing.

Students can come and hang out as well as have massages, while Recfest is a concert and Rec partners with KSLU and the Campus Activities Board to add new things to do at the event.

De-stress will be hosted in the Rec center from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Recfest will be Thursday and start at 2 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Swamp Bowl starts at 12 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

“De-stress I expect a couple hundred,” said Bernard. “Recfest we are advertising to the outside community and we expect people coming in will have to pay a $10 charge to get in. It’s still geared towards students but we still want to be able to invite the community.

We’ve doubled the size of the area for Recfest, and I’m expecting a couple thousand people to show up all around campus.”

Bernard is hoping to have a decent turnout for the Spring Daze week and wants students to enjoy themselves before finals.

“We want to turn outside in a place where everyone can come relax,” said Bernard. “Just prepare for finals and the end of the semester.”

For more information on any upcoming events, visit the university’s website.

BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter

The Epsilon Phi chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity members were recognized for their services to the campus, community and fellow man.

The award was the prestigious Hugh Shields Flag, a commendation that is bestowed for outstanding standards of operations, membership education, service and alumni relations.

The Hugh Shields Flag is awarded to the top ten Delta Tau Delta chapters in the nation.

According to Philanthropy Committee Chair Christopher Hudspeth, Delta Tau Delta members must maintain high academic standards as well as perform extensive community service. The fraternity requires at least 25 hours of community service each semester, but Hudspeth noted that many members go beyond that.

“To see my chapter receive the Hugh Shields Award was an honor,” said Hudspeth. “I think that it was also rewarding

see DELT pg. 6 CORRECTION: In volume 87, issue 24 published on April 12, 2016, not all elected Student Government Association candidates were recognized on page 1. For a full list, visit lionsroarnews.com. Tammy Bourg was incorrectly identified as the new provost on page 2. Bourg is past provost, and Dr, Tena Golding will take over the provost position beginning on June 1. In a picture accompanying “Alumna designs 45th Strawberry Festival poster” on page 12, Delta Tau Delta fraternity members were incorrectly identified as Kappa Alpha fraternity members.

All corrections can be viewed at lionsroarnews.com.

Organizational News is due on the Friday before publication by 10 a.m., with a limit of 150 words.

DSQ The Nu Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated is hosting an

event entitled “REaDy, Set, Go: A Nu Amazing Race” on Apr. 30 at 10 a.m. at Southeastern Louisiana University. The purpose of this event is to promote physical fitness in a fun, competitive environment. Teams of two will race across Southeastern’s campus and visit stations to answer a series of health related questions and participate in physical tasks. It will take intelligence, strategy, endurance and teamwork to successfully complete the race. The cost of the event is $10 per team of two. It is open to Southeastern Louisiana Students as well as members of the community. There will be music, free food and fun following the race.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Louisiana. Can you keep up?

Department of Fine Performing Acts

Two Dance Informal Demonstrations will be presented on Monday, Apr. 25 in Pottle Music Auditorium. The presentations are by students who are enrolled in two of Dr. Martie Fellom’s dance courses this semester. Each demonstration is approximately 45 minutes. At 9:30 a.m., the students enrolled in the Special Topics in Dance Pointe class will demonstrate a variety of original

phrases and also one ballet variation from the 19th century on pointe. At 11 a.m. the students enrolled in Tap Dance 2 will demonstrate two ensemble works, several solos and original rhythmic patterns developed from a variety of sayings created by the students. Everyone is invited to attend the demonstrations. There is no cost to attend these two presentations.

FKF

The Annual Spring Banquet for the Southeastern Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will be held immediately after our induction at 6 p.m. in the Large Ballroom of the New Student Union on Thursday, Apr. 21. In addition to honoring our new inductees and the top juniors in each college, the top freshman, the Lou Ballard scholarship winner and our Fellowship Applicant, members overall will hear from featured speaker, eminent historian and Professor Emeritus Dr. Howard Nichols. Signed copies of his latest book on the history of Covington will be available.

Tickets for the banquet are $20 and must be paid in advance by Apr. 18. Checks should be made out to Phi Kappa Phi and mailed to Chapter Secretary Dr. Joan Faust at SLU Box 10861, Hammond, LA 70402, or delivered to her office at 392 D. Vickers Hall. Email questions to jfaust@selu.edu.

PKA

The men of Pi Kappa Alpha would like to thank everyone who supported our

Greek Week team this year. Congratulations to Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Theta Phi Alpha for all of your hard work over the past month.

Reconnect

Come join Reconnect’s Earth Day Events on Apr. 20. The Reconnect Farmers Market will be opened from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside of the Student Union with plenty of vendors and a variety of produce and items. Come find a unique Mother’s Day Gift.

Most vendors accept cash only. Then head over to the Friendship Oak for 3 p.m., where the Reconnect

Speaker Series presents Emily Mickley-Doyle, cofounder of Sprout NOLA. Learn how we can each do our part to better our community.

SGR

Sigma Gamma Rho week is Apr. 17 to 22. We will have many campus events for students to attend. Please contact your nearest poodle or follow us on instagram @ piiota_poodles for flyers and more information. We would love to see the campus come out and enjoy themselves with the many things we have planned. out and enjoy themselves with the many things we have planned.

OPINIONS

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 19, 2016 PAGE 3

Presidential Primaries: Bringing out the worst in people William Schmidt Assistant Editor Due to studies, I am not able to keep up with politics as much as I wish I could. One thing I’ve noticed with the current GOP debates is that the worst in people are coming out.

For me, politicians and the people are on two different spheres. The term, “It’s just politics” has always bothered me. Why is it just politics?

Shouldn’t us, as a people, try to improve America?

I remember when President Barack Obama was first elected to office. I was living in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I was sad and extremely angry at the same time to see how much racism still exists in our country. What was worse, for the town I was living in, the safest place for a black person after that announcement was to stay in their home. Way to go America and showing that white privilege still exists, insert extreme sarcasm.

Today, it seems much worse. I am not going to focus on the politicians in this opinion. My personal thoughts are that the person most likely to become President will ruin the country even more.

This election is bringing out the worst in people. Earlier this year, Senator Bernie Sanders had protestors for Black Lives Matters shut down his event in Seattle. Candidate Donald Trump went as far as having to cancel his rally in Chicago due to violent acts of protestors. These are only a few examples I have heard of.

I have also seen argument galore on social

media. People that were friends were deleting each other because of the intense arguments over who would make a good president. Even worse, I’ve seen posts say, “You should kill yourself if you vote for Trump” or, “Those who support Sanders are the ones ruining America.”

When did we, as Americans, get so low that we are telling people they should kill themselves if they disagree with our political choices?

We, as voters, should find mutual respect for one another. We need to start being kind to one another. Stop this racism, slander and violence.

The politicians are already name-calling each other and this election marks the most extreme jibes. Let us show the presidential candidates that the people can act more polite than they can during debates.

Though it may be impossible to see, we the people have a voice that needs to be heard by the government. But first, we must prove that we as a people are better than the presidential candidates.

I will leave on a quote by one person in history who believed that the people had a voice over politicians. A quote that Martin Luther King Jr. would repeat. Let us stand together as we near the Presidential election that will take place in November and show the world that we can come together without ruining our country, even when we don’t agree on who should take office.

“Let us not be afraid to help each other-let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us,” said Franklin D. Roosevelt on Jul. 8, 1938 in an address at Marietta, Ohio. “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and government officials but the voters of this country.”

Earth Day: Protect the environment Larshell Green Staff Reporter

What is the worst thing you have heard about a presidential candidate?

Donald Trump scapegoating Muslims because that’s the same kind of stuff Hitler was saying when he ran.

Joshua Ferguson Freshman, Physics

Hillary Clinton because she destroyed emails critical to the terror attack in Benghazi.

Every year on Apr. 22, countries across the world shine a light on one global issue: protecting the environment. Earth Day is celebrated in order to raise awareness of environmental problems and find solutions.

Before this year, I never realized the impact of Earth Day on society. It slowly stopped becoming a big deal as I got older.

In high school, a group of science teachers got together to put recycling bins around campus and in celebration of Earth Day, they sold cool black and green T-shirts.

Now I could be wrong, but I’d be willing to bet that most of the people who got the shirts just didn’t want to wear a uniform

Morgan Ledet Staff Reporter

Donald Trump. He’s talking about how he wants to make America great again. He’s ignoring that America is.

The most disgraceful act of any presidential candidate so far was Ted Cruz, when he was the zodiac killer.

Matthew Kennedy Senior, Accounting

Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall around the whole country because it will take away from cultural diversity.

Bryan Covington Senior, Criminal Justice

Donald Trump saying he would cover the legal expenses of people who hit people at his rallies.

Wallace Stewart Senior, English

In today’s world, the media only seems concerned about one thing, celebrities. What’s new with Angelina Jolie?

Melissa McCarthy got fired from “Mike and Molly?” Who is the most beautiful woman?

Who is the sexiest man alive?

Kylie Jenner has her own lip kit? What stupid thing did the Kardashians do now?

Kylie Jenner has green hair?

Channing Tatum is half-naked on a magazine cover?

The only thing you seem to hear is “this celebrity did this or Kylie Jenner did that.”

Who cares what color Kylie Jenner’s hair is? What about the fact that a former member of the New Orleans Saints was shot and killed? What about the murder that took place at three in the morning? We have all these questions with no answers because people do not care about anything else

except popularity.

What also has caught my attention with the media is that they can always catch you when you do something “wrong” but never when you are doing well.

I mentioned earlier that Melissa McCarthy got fired from her sitcom “Mike and Molly.” Everyone knows that she got fired, but do you know why? She got fired because she lost weight and created a healthy lifestyle for herself. That is complete discrimination.

Discrimination seems to be a huge problem in our country. She is too fat or she is too skinny. She is too tall or she is too short. Since when is it okay to use a person’s weight or height against them?

Everyone is different. We were not all created the same way.

We should use our differences to help each other and create better versions of ourselves.

Another thing that some people are sometimes skipping over is that Donald Trump is running for President. Hello...

Donald Trump the crazy

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businessman that seems to have no idea what the hell he is doing. He has also been throwing around racist comments. Our country has enough problems with racism and we want to vote someone into office that is going to make matters worse.

I think as a country our media should be looking into this. We need to talk about things like racism and discrimination. We need to open the country’s eyes to more important things than the new color of Kylie Jenner’s hair or her 300 thousand dollar Ferrari. (But really, what do these people do with their money?)

All the questions I asked earlier are what people are attracted to. Those topics are what people are more interested in. They are avoiding these problems thinking they won’t go away.

Ignoring these problems aren’t going to make them go away. It is just going to make them worse. We need to tell the people that we need to speak out. We need to hear opinions

and solve the problems that our society has. Stop worrying about the Kardashians and start caring about our world before it just ends.

Nelson Mandela once said, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

I think this quote needs to be said daily. We can teach our world that it is okay to be different and sometimes different is good no matter where we come from or what we do.

As a recent tweet said that spiked into popularity, “The world needs less Kardashian and more George Strait.”

I completely agree with this statement. We need to find a way to let the media, outside of The Lion’s Roar, focus on the important news over celebrities. We live in a big world and it is important to know what is happening in it.

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.

those caught committing this heinous act.

I know what you’re thinking, who’s to blame here? Everyone is probably to blame. According to earthobservatory. nasa.gov, “Global warming will continue to cause warmer days, rising sea levels and will impact ecosystems and humans.

The ways and times that food is grown will possibly directly affect the shelters and nutrient intakes of humans, animals and plants.”

As humans, we have a moral and physical obligation to protect the world that we live in, starting with Earth Day. All of us must help, collectively, not just the ‘tree huggers.’

We only have one Earth and once it’s gone, there will be no bringing it back.

So if you don’t want to be haunted by the constant fear of your world being slowly destroyed before your very own eyes, do at least one thing in your lifetime to help save the environment.

Bring us the important news over celebrity news

Adaline Griggs Sophomore, Accounting

James Pagones II Graduate, English

that day. Before that, I only remember my elementary school teachers forcing us to play Earth Day themed games and coloring globes.

The point is, Earth Day was always pretty much forced upon me for a grade, or it was a distant memory. I never knew how important it was and I honestly didn’t care.

Meanwhile the rest of the world was becoming more aware of environmental problems. People began to become more ‘green.’ People, including me, were purchasing those swirly white bulbs, officially known as the compact fluorescent light bulb. It became a good idea to use public transportation, carpool, solar cars and purchase solar roofs to save energy. People wanted to stop pollution because of a little issue you may have heard about before called climate change.

Littering also became a bigger deal, so states raised the level of consequence on

in the Old Student Union 1303 (Student Union West 1303). Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Campus Life Editor Sports Editor

Megan Ferrando William Schmidt Megan McCormick Heather Jewell

Distribution Jake Treadway Advertising Assistant Nicholas Walsh

Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind

CONTACT General Offices Old Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402 E-mail lionsroar@selu.edu Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications) www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar

PAGE 4 APRIL 19, 2016

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

Miss Louisiana State Meeting brings Lions together

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

Beauty queens came together for the Miss Louisiana State Meeting and three contestants hail from the university.

The state meeting was held on Apr. 9 in Monroe, Louisiana.

Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante, Miss Slidell 2016 Nancy Peck and Miss Crescent City 2016 and former Miss Southeastern 2015 Emily Randon were all in attendance. The contestants were glad to have the chance to come together and meet each other for the first time.

“The Miss Louisiana State Meeting is a very important part of the competition because it is where we turn in our paperwork for the judges as well as our signed contract that would be sent to Miss America if we were to win the title of Miss Louisiana,” said senior kinesiology major Randon.

“We also choose our spot in the lineup.”

This was the first time that the current Miss Southeastern

participated in the state meeting and she was proud to represent the university while experiencing a new life event.

“Going to the state meeting as a ‘newbie’ was very overwhelming,” said senior kinesiology major LaPlante.

“With the help of my pageant directors and my mom, I was reminded that even though I am new, I still deserve to be here and that I can do this. Every event that I have experienced since holding this title has been new and surprising, but I feel that it’s important to soak in every experience and make the most of it.”

Though the university students competing may hold different titles and are all working toward the Miss Louisiana crown, it has created lasting memories for each contestant.

“The meeting was overwhelming, so it was so wonderful to see the familiar faces of my Lion family,” said LaPlante. “No matter what title we may hold, I will always

appreciate their friendship and all the help that they have given me so far. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Miss Southeastern 2016 wishes to let the campus know that she will represent the Lion Nation in True Lion form in June.

Also, LaPlante wants people to realize that true beauty is not only skin deep.

“With the media portraying negative images and role models to our young people, it’s important to promote what true beauty really is,” said LaPlante.

“Miss Louisiana defines this standard through promoting community service, scholarships, style and success. I believe that this organization is important because it helps raise young women who have a drive and a purpose with their life while also making advocates for change and I think that is a wonderful cause.”

The Miss Louisiana Pageant will take place Jun. 23-25 at the Monroe Civic Center. LaPlante will represent Miss Southeastern as contestant number 18, Randon

Courtesy of Greg Randon

Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante (left), Miss Slidell 2016 Nancy Peck (center) and Miss Crescent City 2016 Emily Randon (right) Lion Up at the Miss Louisiana State Meeting. All three are current university students and will compete for the title of Miss Louisiana in June. will represent the Crescent City as contestant 30 and Peck will represent Slidell, but was unavailable for an interview with The Lion’s Roar.

“I encourage everyone to tune in to their local television

station June twenty-fifth to support Nancy, Alexis and I as we represent Southeastern on the Miss Louisiana stage,” said Randon. “What a lot of people don’t understand is that being crowned Miss Louisiana

marks the beginning of a year long job. Once the confetti falls and the audience goes home, Miss Louisiana has a huge responsibility and she is considered an employee of the state.”

Provence journeys closer to Broadway Silent Films screening at

Columbia Theatre

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

The Lion’s Roar / Elizabeth Brown

Senior music major Provence Hatfield enjoys playing the piano while in a practice room in the Ralph R. Pottle Music Building. She is on her way to making her dream of being on Broadway become a reality by partaking in an Open Jar Institute program in the upcoming fall.

BY ELIZABETH BROWN Staff Reporter

Many theatre lovers often dream of one day having their shining moment in the lights on Broadway. One student in particular, senior music major Provence Hatfield, is taking one step further to make that dream come true.

Having recently participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) and finished as one of the 14 Music Theatre Initiative (MTI) finalists, Hatfield captured the attention of representatives from the Open Jar Institute who were present at the festival. According to Hatfield, they contacted her two days after, telling her to audition for their program.

According to openjarinstitute.com, the Open Jar Institute is a Broadwayintegrated training program for actors located in New York City and “provides select students and professionals the

most intensive one-on-one training with working Broadway professionals.” She auditioned, then was accepted for this upcoming fall’s residency program and is thankful for the opportunity to be able to further her passion.

“I’m really excited,” said Hatfield.

“It’s all happening so fast I just don’t know how to process it. It’s a big deal for me as a person because this is my dream. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to sing on Broadway. This school will open so many doors to start working and performing in New York.”

She is also thankful for the skills she has gained up to this moment while at the university.

“I’ve been at Southeastern for five years,” said Hatfield. “Over these five years, I’ve received the training to get me to this moment. As a student at Southeastern, this is huge. There are not a lot of students in the music

department who actually get to pursue this type of dream.”

As part of this eight-week program, she will receive training in singing, dancing and acting beside several members of the Broadway community.

She will also attend classes and workshops, learn how to prepare for what it takes in the theatre environment, including auditions, under the guidance of a mentor and gain exposure to the community. After the program, she will perform in a showcase in front of several agents and casting directors in New York which could allow her to continue fulfilling her dream.

In preparation for the program, Hatfield plans to hold a benefit concert in May to help raise the funds needed to partake in the program. The exact date, time and location for the concert are to be answered. She also has a gofundme page open for donations at gofundme. com/ts7575g4.

By popular demand, the Columbia Theatre for Performing Arts has brought the Silver Screen to Hammond once more.

Columbia Theatre Director Roy Blackwood explored the possibility of what it would take to bring movies back into the theatre like days in the past.

According to Blackwood, people would come up to him or his tech-director and say, “Geez, I remember going to movies here as a kid and it would be great to have movies here again and what would be the possibility?”

Blackwood explored the idea of what it would take to play movies in the theatre again and responded to the community’s request by investing in a digital projector to screen digital remakes of movies.

The next movie to be played at the Columbia Theatre will be Fritz Lang’s silent 1927 film “Metropolis.”

This film takes place in Metropolis, a city of the future divided into two classes.

One class is of managers and planners who live above the Earth in skyscrapers.

The other class is made up of workers who toil underground as slaves to Metropolis’s ten-hour clock. “Metropolis” set the pace for where sci-fi movies are today. “‘Metropolis’ is the grand-daddy of all sci-fi movies,” said Blackwood. “It was ground breaking. Without that movie, the contemporary sci-fi movies would not exist in the form they do. There had to be some ground breaking artistic form done in the cinema for that genera to even develop and that was the movie that got it started.”

The movie “Metropolis” touches on issues that are still prevalent today.

“The other thing that happens with

‘Metropolis’ is that they deal with social issues and economic issues so it is not just a pretty movie,” said Blackwood. “It is something that is tackling very weighting societal issues and I think, and most people that see this movie will agree, that those issues are still as relevant today as they were in 1927.”

Though a person may still be able to enjoy the feature without background information, more of an appreciation can be expected with basic knowledge of “Metropolis.”

“It can be a joy on many levels so just take it at face value,” said Blackwood.

“It is quite entertaining and people will understand the importance of it. If they come in a little prepared, with a little background information, then they are going to have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the film.”

According to Blackwood, the community has been pleased with the series and he will continue it next year.

Blackwood invites those who like film to let the Columbia Theatre know what kind of films, even by title, that may be enjoyable for the next season.

“We are still putting together next season, so there is room for this kind of feedback and input from the community,” said Blackwood. “We would very much like our films to reflect the community interests so we would like to get information from them on what they would like to see. They could call us at the theatre at 543-4366. They can go online on our Facebook page and ‘like’ us and leave feedback that way. They can call us or connect with us on social media.”

To learn more about the Columbia Theatre or watch a preview of “Metropolis,” visit their website at columbiatheatre.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 19, 2016 PAGE 5

The Lion’s Roar / Kelli Meynard

This years senior art students (left) boasts the most seniors to graduate in one semester with 42 seniors. Despite the large numbers, all seniors’ work managed to fit into the Contemporary Art Gallery for the Senior Exhibition. Students, faculty, staff and family attended the gallery to admire artwork (right).

Artists boast final works at Senior Exhibition

BY KELLI MEYNARD Staff Reporter

Being an art major requires a tremendous amount of time to not only study, but also to work on many different types of art pieces at a time. The university offers different art concentrations within the Bachelor of Art degrees.

There are many different types of artists at the university. Students who came to the Contemporary Art Gallery on campus last week got a chance to see these artists display their best pieces.

On Thursday, Apr. 14 from 5 to 7:00 p.m. CAG held the seniors’ art exhibition. Graduating seniors displayed their best pieces of work for friends and family to view while enjoying refreshments.

“We had to come up with a proposal of a body of work that we felt would most represent our skills that we have learned,” said senior art major Kaley Jones. “I had a rough start. I didn’t have anything figured out until last semester and then I fell in love with photography.”

For Jones, nature inspired her to come up with her piece for the senior exhibition. The senior art majors helped each other set up their work in the gallery.

“Something really clicked and then the whole thesis just happened,” said Jones. “It’s nature and romantic inspired work. I couldn’t have gotten to this point without the faculty. Everyone was so much help and that is what made it a really good experience. We all worked together by giving perspectives and telling each other ‘oh no it looks better this way’ and ‘maybe you should hang it like this.’”

Trying to figure out what to choose for a student’s senior exhibition could be considered hard, but for some students like senior art major Alycia Berry, they had it figured out by freshman year.

“My style is a Japanese street style called ‘Sweet Lolita,’” said Berry. “It’s basically what I am wearing. It’s really cute things associated with sweets, pink, cupcakes and really cute pastel palettes.

I found this the first semester I was here and I have always been interested in Japanese fashion. When I found it, I was like ‘Oh my

God, I have to wear this.’”

Jones, however, did not have it all figured out. She first was interested in art education and sculpture until falling in love with nature photography.

“Over the past year, I have went through a transformation mentally and physically and I fell in love with landscape while I was in a photography class,” said Jones. “I just started taking a lot of pictures of nature and that’s what I decided to do my piece on. I have always been kind of nature based.”

After graduation, these senior art students will go on to find jobs and careers or try to figure out their next steps in life.

“I recently have been looking into graduate schools,” said Jones.

“I am currently interning at the Hammond Regional Arts Center, and I really like it there as a gallery assistant. I’m going to move home to New Orleans once I graduate and hopefully get into the art scene like I never have before. I am also interested in teaching elementary art.”

Special Topic courses offer Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and more

BY JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter

Now that registration has opened students can search for any classes that they want or need to take. For students who need an elective or just one more class to add to their hours, students can consider English special topic classes.

“Special topics classes, at least in the English department, are 300-level classes (usually 315) that allow students to study material that is not as traditional,” said English professor Rebecca Murry Rushing.

“They’re generally geared towards nonEnglish majors who need to fill a 300 or above English requirement.

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For example, a History major who needs a 300 level English, but does not want to take Shakespeare or British Lit. These classes should include as much work and writing as the regular 300-level classes, but the topics are usually more specific and often more popular rather than classic or traditional.”

Professor Rushing is currently teaching the Harry Potter class this semester as one of the special topic class. The other one is Best American Short Stories taught by Richard Louth. Rushing teaches this class every two or three semesters, the last time being in Fall 2015.

“The Harry Potter class has been a great deal of fun this order out of chaos will help you deal with a sudden rush of responsibilities that would threaten someone less able to balance his or her priorities.

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semester, as it always is,” said Rushing. “The only problem that we’re running into is that there is so much in-class discussion that we’re running out of time to discuss all the books. The students are enthusiastic. That’s another thing about 315 classes I like. Since they’re so focused, the students that take them are often very interested in the subject. We have to be careful though. For a class like Harry Potter, most of the students are engaged, but there is often one or two students who see “Harry Potter” or “The Hobbit” or “Twilight” and think that the class will be an easy A. I’ve had to clarify that yes, we will be reading and discussing all seven books of the series, there will be essay exams on each one, there will be a House (group) project and there will be quizzes and discussion on them in Moodle. It’s a legitimate class with a lot of work - it just often doesn’t feel like work for me or the students because it’s on a topic that we love.”

Students have fun in these classes and believe that all the hard work they are doing is worth it

because of their love for the topic.

“I feel like if you are taking this class it’s something you care about,” said junior social work major Sarah Barker. “It’s a way to bring a new light and a new love to something that you already cared about previously so I would recommend it to anyone.”

Professors suggest the topics of the classes. Professors will choose either something that they find very interesting that is not already a class or will choose a topic that they have studied in their field.

“For example, I wanted to teach Irish studies because that’s what I did my graduate work on, but we don’t have a course in Irish studies so I proposed a course in that years ago so occasionally I teach Irish Studies,” said English professor Claire Cowart.

Professor Cowart will be teaching Detective Fiction in the Fall semester as one of the special topic classes.

“Right now in my Fall Detective Fiction class, it’s called studies in Sherlock and it’s going to be about adaptations of the Sherlock Holmes story,” said

SPONSORING

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

The Special Topic course in the English Department this semester is Harry Potter. Student in the class are sorted into houses and awarded house points.

Cowart.

The other special topic class for next semester is Science Fiction which will be taught by English professor Christopher Genre.

“I chose mine (Science Fiction) because of my long love of the genre, my knowledge on the subject and my desire to pass on my passion for Science Fiction,” said Genre.

Students who are interested in these classes should enroll in them

as soon as they can before these classes fill up.

“It’s a better class setting I feel,” said junior English education major Kendall Alvis. “You get to do something that you actually like and you are getting a lot out of it. I think it’s worth all of the extra work that you are going to have to put into it.”

To find these classes, go to Leonet and search for English 315.

SPONSORING

SPORTS

PAGE 6 APRIL 19, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

The Lion’s Roar / Jonathan Rhodes

Senior pitcher Domenick Carlini started the game pitching before being taken out for senior Pat Cashman who was then taken out for sophomore Kade Grainer. Coach Riser took responsibility for the many pitching substitutions.

see BASEBALL pg. 1

The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Sophomore left fielder Drew Avans slides into the third base. He finished the game with two hits and three RBI’s.

the Lions lead to 3-0.

At the top of the sixth, the Cajuns went on the attack scoring five runs to take 3-5.

The Lions made it a one run game in the bottom of the seventh when senior outfielder Daniel Midyett was hit by a pitch and Avans sacrificed a hit to left field to get Midyett to home. The Cajun’s pitchers shut down batting for the remainder of the game. Even

though the Lions got as many as two men on base in the bottom of the ninth, they still could not get a hit ending the game 4-5.

“We competed really well close to the end of the game,” said Fisher. “It was a tough game. We knew it was going to be a battle going into it. In the beginning they got five runs and we just could not answer back.”

Sophomore infielder Taylor Schwaner, Avans and Crites

all led the Lions with two hits. Two substitutions were made by pitching. Senior Pat Cashman who went in for senior Domenick Carlini. A few innings later the second substitution was sophomore Kade Grainer.

This season has been a successful one for Fisher who leads the nation in batting average and onbase percentage. He also was recently named both the D1Baseball and Perfect Game’s

Midseason All-America teams.

Fisher is arguably the biggest offensive threat in college baseball.

“All the glory to God for that,” said Fisher. “It was a long road coming back from the injury and it was well worth the wait. I am having a lot of success and hitting the ball really well. I am just trying to do what I can to help the team win.”

The Lions next game is tomorrow against No. 9 ranked LSU in Baton Rouge. This game will be televised by the SEC Network.

“The results is not the key, the key is how we are competing,” said Coach Riser.

“And if we compete the same way we have, the last two games that are the most important part of this. I think that is where the consistency will come in.

Maybe with our success we kind of got away from playing our game playing as fast as we do. Sometimes when you play lesser opponents you can get away with it, but the stretch we are in right now you do not get away from it.”

To see the Lions’ full schedule, visit lionsports.net.

Coach Jason Hayes shows no regret in career

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

Head women’s tennis Coach Jason Hayes has no regrets. It would be hard to regret a life of mostly highs, including a victorious career. His personal connection with players, dedication, honesty and most of all passion for the sport, has made the Lady Lion’s a prime team in the Southland Conference for 12 seasons under his instruction. The Paris, Kentucky native previously travelled overseas to coach in Europe before becoming a member of the Lion nation. It was at Southeastern that Hayes earned eight Coach of the Year awards, including being the second person in the history of the Southland Conference to be named both the Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year in the same season. Both the Lions and Lady Lions tennis teams have a combined 49 All-Southland Conference and 37 All-Louisiana selections.

The Lion’s Roar: What was your childhood like?

Jason Hayes: I was fortunate to grow up in a subdivision that had 15 to 20 kids around the same age group, so we played all the sports growing up and tennis is the one that just intrigued me the most.

Fortunately, I had a bunch of people to play it with.

TLR: Why are you so intrigued by the game of tennis? What do you love about it?

JH: I love the one-on-one aspect of the game, there’s just something about that level of competition that separates it from team sports.

TLR: Did you know when you graduated from Cumberland in 1996, where you earned a Bachelor DELT continued from pg. 2 because I know how hard we worked over the past year to earn it. It just goes to show that what we have here at Epsilon Phi is real and something not to take for granted. I truly love this organization and I was delighted when I heard that we won this year.”

Hudspeth also noted that while receiving the Hugh Shields Flag was an honor, he hopes the fraternity will continue its efforts.

“Although we are one of the top chapters nationally, we all realize that our work is not yet finished,” said Hudspeth.

“We constantly work for the betterment of our chapter. Our goals are to earn the Hugh Shields award again this coming year as well as be top philanthropists in the nation with our JDRF Clay Shoot.”

The Clay Shoot is an effort that will collect research funding and raise awareness for Juvenile Diabetes. Other philanthropy efforts include the Hammond Police Union Ball, working with lab schools in “Winter Carnival” and running in an annual 5K to raise funding for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. According to Hudspeth, Delta Tau Delta donated $6,000 to MADD the previous semester. The fraternity also hosted “Delta Tau Delta Dog Day for Tangi Humane Society” which raised funding for the society and helped facilitate adoptions for the animals at the event.

In alumni relations, the

of Science Degree in Physical Education, that you wanted to be a tennis coach?

JH: Absolutely, I was really fortunate to have the opportunity to follow my dream. I think it’s important to find something that makes you happy and then to pursue it as a career because you don’t want to be miserable every day when you wake up.

TLR: What is your method of recruiting players?

JH: I tell every recruit that I’ll always be 100% honest with them even if it hurts our chances of getting them. I also believe in selling what we have to offer because Southeastern is a great university in a fantastic area that is supported by the community.

This is a really special place and I think it’s important for the recruits to see Southeastern because once you visit our campus, you want to pursue your degree here.

TLR: What was your experience like coaching in Europe in 1988?

JH: It was a fantastic experience to get paid to travel through Europe to get to see London, Paris and Rome. It was a great summer and I got paid.

TLR: What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

JH: It may seem odd, but my size is my biggest obstacle. Most people don’t think of a tennis coach being 6’6 and 300 pounds, so I’ve had to fight that obstacle.

TLR: Why did you decide to begin coaching at Southeastern? How did this come about?

JH: I was very fortunate to have the opportunity

fraternity works to keep in touch with its former members. Current members have held multiple events in the past semesters for alumni, including football and softball games, Spring Formal, a Christmas Party and an Alumni Poker Night.

Hudspeth explained Delta Tau Delta currently has four

members who are involved in SGA and two as members part of the Interfraternity Council.

Last year, one Delta Tau Delta member was President of the Council.

For more information about Delta Tau Delta at Southeastern and their activities, visit their Twitter page @EPhiDelts.

to coach at Southeastern, I’ve had opportunities to leave, some for more money, but I love it here. I just couldn’t imagine coaching anywhere else, it’s such a great place to work.

TLR: How have you felt about the current season so far?

JH: I’m extremely happy with how the season is progressing. We had some good wins, we’ve had some tough losses, but the girls are so focused and committed to what we’re doing, it makes my job very easy. I think we’re going to be very successful, now I don’t know if that means a championship or not, but I know that when you have a team that is this selfmotivated, you can only have success.

TLR: What do you feel has been the key to your success as a coach?

JH: It starts with the players. I’m not always the easiest person to play for, but they know that I care a great deal about them and want them to be successful and not just on the tennis court.

I want this to be a great experience for them and we have a saying that ‘when it’s time to work, we will work and when it’s time to have fun, we will have fun.’ You have to remember to smile and laugh every day.

TLR: What sports are you skilled in and/or have a passion for?

JH: I would say my three favorite sports are football, tennis and golf.

TLR: What other interests do you have besides sports?

JH: Movies are probably my biggest interest outside of sports. I enjoy anything with a good story and great acting.

TLR: How have your experiences varied coaching men’s and women’s teams? How were they similar?

JH: When we had both programs you had to treat both of them differently, although I was the same, I do miss parts of men’s tennis, but I do think that my coaching skills are better suited for women’s tennis.

TLR: What has been the best day of your career as a coach?

JH: There are too many to mention, but if I must pick one, I would say when Emilija Arnaudovska qualified for the individual championships in 2007 and we got to go to the final site in Athens, Georgia.

Just to be in that environment and get to share it with a few players was memorable.

TLR: Have you had a worst day of your career as a coach?

JH: The worst day was in 2009 when two of my players, one former and one on the 2007 roster were involved in a drunk driver hit and run. That was a very bad time for a lot of people, but I’m so grateful that both of the girls survived and have gone on to live a normal and healthy life.

TLR: Do you have any regrets in your life? If not, is there a great lesson that you’ve learned from a mistake?

JH: Zero regrets, I am so fortunate to do something that I love for a living and I look forward to each and every day and am so proud to represent Southeastern.

SPORTS

THE LION’S ROAR

APRIL 19, 2016 PAGE 7

The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer

Green (offense) and Gold (defense) clash in a drive at the Lion’s Football 2016 Spring Game (left). Head Coach Ron Roberts prepared the Lions for a comeback year throughout the spring practices leading up to the Spring Game (right).

Green beats Gold at the 2016 Spring Game

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

With three scrimmages and the spring practices out of the way, Lions football tested their skills in front of the crowd at the 2016 Spring Game.

Green (offense) beat Gold (defense) with a score of 44-9 at Strawberry Stadium last Saturday. Green scored points traditionally with the addition of points for first downs and big plays. Gold scored by forcing three-and-outs, stops and turnovers. The game gave Lion’s football fans, friends and

family the opportunity to see the team’s performance on the field after a rough previous season.

Junior defensive back Ryan Sigers’ father Reginald Sigers came from Katy, Texas to see the game. He was optimistic about the season.

“We need a big year,” said Reginald Sigers. “I think with the offense looking like they did and the defense playing really well, we’re going to have a good season.”

The game also gave the opportunity for Head Coach Ron Roberts and the team to see how they play football in 2016

with the additional stress of a crowd watching and expecting a comeback year.

“Some guys’ lights turn on, they shine,” said Roberts. “Some guys’ lights turn on, they choke.

I thought across the board our guys turned around and played pretty well.”

Gold played strongest in the first half with the Green only able to score a 26-yard field goal from sophomore kicker/ punter Harrison Heim. Junior Jeff Williams II led the defense finishing the game with seven tackles.

Green picked up after

halftime. Senior D’shaie Landor opened the beginning of the second half with a six-play 75yard touchdown drive. Landor, who also led with 44 rushing yards, said the team played well, but was concerned with mistakes such as false starts which held them back.

“We still got to work,” said Landor. “We went four and seven last year and that’s just not how we do it here at Southeastern. We just have to work. We have to prove ourselves again; that we’re the top dog in the conference.”

Gold picked up again later

in the game, but lost ground after a personal foul. Afterward, junior wide receiver Kaelyn Richardson caught a 24-yard touchdown from Landor.

Landor finished the game with 78 yards plus the 44 rushing and a touchdown. He said the mistakes holding them back in the beginning were due to the offense being new and he was optimistic about the comeback year.

“It’s coming,” said Landor.

“We’re in the weight room working. Our goal this year is redemption. We have to redeem ourselves.”

According to Roberts, the team has made progress since the beginning of spring practice, but there is still work to be done until then.

“Practice 15 needs to be our best,” said Roberts. “As long as that’s our mentality, the next time when we go on the field that needs to be our best. If we do that, in the long run, we’ll be okay. If we ever stop getting better, we got problems.”

The Lions will begin practicing in August for the 2016 season and the Lions first game against Oklahoma is set for Sep. 3.

up to the competition is practice. It’s one of the few opportunities that our fan base gets to see us. I’m pretty sure we won the state meet on both sides. It shows where we’re stacked up with the rest of the state.”

Lion fan and father of athlete Rodney “D.J.” Ruffin, Casey Baxter, reflected on his experience returning to Southeastern for a track and field competition.

“I think it was very put together,” said Baxter. “They held the championships last year and they did just as good this year.”

The Lion Invitational began

on Friday, Apr. 16.

Senior thrower Jermisha Frazier won the hammer throw, breaking the meet record with a 196 feet, 5 inches (59.89 meters) throw.

Frazier expressed the importance of home games and events like Super Lion Saturday to both athletes and fans.

“It’s a chance to show out at home in front of my friends, family and Lion sisters since a lot of people don’t know what the hammer throw is,” said Frazier.

According to lionsports. net, in the men’s hammer throw, senior thrower Jimmy

LeBlanc earned the title of “top collegian” and placed fifth overall with a throw of 56.01 meters.”

Freshman thrower Michael Seither placed ninth with 47.90 meters.

Southeastern senior thrower Alex Young, who played unattached, broke meet and facility records with a throw of 72.47 meters (237-08). He also placed first in the men’s hammer throw and shot put.

The Lions continued to break numerous meet and facility records during the invitational which continued for the second day on Saturday, Apr. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:25 p.m.

Young broke the meet and facility record in weight throw, 237-09. He also broke the

meet record in shot put with a distance of 58-3.75.

Sophomore Devin King broke the meet and facility record in pole vault, 17-10.5.

Senior middle distance and hurdle runner Andre Colebrook, won the 400 hurdles with a meet record of 51.65.

The Lady Lions did not fail to break a few records of their own.

Frazier broke the meet record in hammer throw with a distance of 196-06.

Freshman sprinter Dekayta Alex broke the meet record with a time of 55.40.

For some, the invitational was a chance to hone in on their skills and make improvements.

“My aim is just to run fast and to improve in areas

that I didn’t get to last year,” said senior sprinter Sharrona Williams.

Williams placed second in the women’s 100 meter dash.

Senior jumper Clarence Robinson describes his plans to improve in jumping at future competitions.

“I’m still trying to chase 7 feet, I jumped 6’11 at McNesse,” said Robinson. “I want to perform good at our conference meet and I will try to keep progressing.”

Robinson placed first in the men’s high jump. Following behind in a close second place was freshman jumper Ruffin.

For others, the invitational was a chance to prepare for an athlete’s ultimate competition.

King, who is a qualifier for the Olympic trials, describes his battle with Mother Nature during the invitational.

“It feels good to qualify for the Olympic trials,” said King.

“I take each meet as practice, as if it is a trial. Today was a bad day to jump because it was mainly head winds. As a pole vaulter, that isn’t good on any day. If you’re not mentally strong, the wind will reject you.”

King placed first in the men’s pole vault.

Other wins at the invitational included senior Sharon Ann Ourso who placed first in the women’s pole vault, senior Collin Rowland, unattached, placed first in the men’s javelin throw, senior sprinter Raheem Brown placed fourth in the 100 meter dash, junior sprinter Maverick Bowleg won first in the men’s 400 meter dash and junior mid-distance runner Lekisha Jelks placed first in the women’s 800 meter run.

In the women 4x100 relay, the Lady Lions excelled, winning first place overall, as did the men in the 4x100 relay.

Both the women and men ranked number one overall at the invitational by way of 18 scored events.

Brady describes his hopes for exiting players.

“It makes me proud as a Lion’s coach that players not only took away a degree, but something that they hold dear to their heart,” said Brady.

The Lions will split their team to compete at the Northwestern State Invite and the LSU Alumni Gold next Saturday, Apr. 23. For more information on Track and Field, visit lionsports.net.

Lions break records during two day invitational

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

Amid hovering clouds and strong winds, the men’s and women’s track and field team faced fierce competition from universities across the state.

The Southeastern Lion Invitational was a part of Super Lion Saturday, which also featured home events in baseball, softball and football.

Head track and field coach Sean Brady explains the importance of hosting the Lion Invitational.

“It’s really important,” said Brady. “It’s a home meet and contest. Everything leading

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

Freshman hurdler and jumper Tayla Celestine fiercely competes during the Women 100 Meter Hurdles during section 2 of the Southeastern Lion Invitational which began on Friday, Apr. 15 and continued until Saturday, Apr.16.

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The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Senior Addison Martinez pole vaults during the Lion Invitational finishing with 12-1.5. She was defeated by teammate Sharon Ann Ourso who cleared the bar with 12-7.5.

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PAGE 8 APRIL 19, 2016

NEWS

Mane Dish ranked best in state, among top 100 in country

THE LION’S ROAR

AROUND

THE

NATION

WINNERS OF 100TH-ANNUAL PULITZER PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED NEW YORK (AP) — The winners of the Pulitzer Prizes in journalism, letters, drama and music are set to be announced in New York City.

The year marks the 100th year of the contest. The prizes are set to be announced Monday afternoon at Columbia University.

The Pulitzer Prizes will recognize the best journalism of 2015 in newspapers, magazines and web sites. There are

AROUND

THE

14 categories for reporting, photography, criticism and commentary.

In the arts, prizes are awarded in seven categories, including fiction, drama and music.

The very first Pulitzer Prize in reporting was given in 1916 to Herbert Bayard Swope of the New York World.

Swope reported from the German front lines during World War I.

WORLD

DEFENDER OF CAMBODIA’S DWINDLING FORESTS WINS GOLDMAN PRIZE PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The latest crackdown on illegal logging in Cambodia is “just a game” and big timber traders are winning, says Ouch Leng, a former government official who has spent The Lion’s Roar / Elizabeth Brown two decades helping poor villagers A variety of foods are often offered at The Mane Dish such as pizza, homestyle foods, burgers, salads and international foods, to name a few. Schools across the fight poaching of precious tropical nation were ranked based on average meal plan cost and student reviews, and the university was favored for the new Student Union along with meal variety, forests. food quality and costs.

Leng’s tenacious and perilous press release, the university in Aramark and the university. amazing,” said Javery. “The crusade to stop illegal logging

BY ELIZABETH BROWN particular was favored for its We work together to provide a food here is superb. There are and stop land concessions from Staff Reporter addition of the new Student quality dining experience for our different foods, very complex forcing Cambodians out of their Recently, students from across Union, meal variety, food quality students. As a business partner, and everyone, myself included, homes has won him a Goldman the nation took part in reviews and costs. we try to align our goals with the really enjoys it.”

Environmental Prize, which of the quality and cost of onThe university was ranked goals of the university, and by Being a smaller school, honors grassroots environmental college-campus dining options. No. 77 at the National level and doing that, it helps us to achieve senior mathematics major Krista activism.

England felt surprised about the Of the nearly 1,700 schools that given the 2016 Best College results like this.”

The award follows recent were assessed, the university was Food in Louisiana title.

Cashier Marilyn Griffin also ranking, but was glad students’ announcements that Cambodian ranked the best in the state and in Food Service Director Martin feels that the recognition is a voices have been heard and authorities plan to expand considered. the Top 100 in the nation.

Balisteri is proud of the hard work positive thing. protected areas of the Southeast “The best in the state, I could Asian country’s forests by about a Niche.com, a ranking and that was done and continues to be “I think we are doing good,” see that, but as far as nationally third. Long-ruling Prime Minister review site for schools across done to make this recognition a said Griffin.

Many students, including ranked, I’m surprised,” said Hun Sen, whom many consider the United States, conducted possibility. sophomore communication England. “We really are doing a backer of the biggest logging surveys. The ranking was “It’s an honor to be ranked major Bruce Javery, feel that the good with what we have. group, Try Pheap, recently said he factored on average meal plan number one in the state,” said ranking is well deserved.

They’ve tried and considered had authorized rocket attacks on cost and student reviews.

Balisteri. “It comes down to “Personally, I feel it’s really what students wanted.”

According to a recent good partnership between illegal loggers.

But Ouch Leng (ook leng) and other critics say reports of raids FIRE roofs. The fire was harder to changed to the well-known trying to reopen as fast as and other high-profile shows of continued from pg. 1 reach and the firefighters were Lee’s Drive In, not just in possible,” said Sam Tallo. force against illegal loggers belie Though they are not open, the lack of arrests or prosecutions forced to work from the top on name, but also in appearance Lee’s owners are trying to of those cutting and trading in ran back inside to get everyone downward to extinguish the and menu as well. find ways that they could fill illegal timber.

Co-owner Sam Tallo bought flames. out the building. up their workers’ time sheets. the restaurant in 1996 and Lee’s suffered fire damage “The policeman I had Asked if the crackdown is for On Friday, Apr. 15, student real, he said, “It’s just a game.” added the chrome lights to it, in the office and storage area, been eating with was already moving people out,” said as well as water and smoke giving it the classic diner look workers had showed up to “Nobody was arrested. The Russell Tallo Jr. “They were damage throughout the entire that customers enjoy. Then help with the restoration of the media was set up,” Leng said walking, and when I told them building. All ceiling tiles will in 2007 he was joined by his building. during an interview. “The Ministry According to Thomas, of the Environment doesn’t care. brother Russell Tallo Sr. and the building was going to catch have to be replaced. neither Superking Seafood They never go inside the jungle to “It’s bad, but it could be a his son Russell Tallo Jr. fire, they went faster and I told or Lee’s Drive In is going patrol or arrest illegal loggers.”

“Basically it went from a lot worse,” said Paul Davis someone to call 911.” anywhere. From a business small hamburger place to a Restoration, Inc. General Then, Russell Tallo Jr. Much of the timber trade is standpoint, Thomas hopes the protected by military units that diner in 1996,” said Russell Manager Steve Owens.

“It’s had his employees go out the building and that was when significant. There’s a moderate Tallo Sr. “Then, we brought it community will respect the profit from deals with the loggers, amount of damage to the up to one more level in 2007 time it takes for them to get and the stakes of fighting it can the fire department arrived.

Thomas was impressed by interior and a lot of equipment and we added more breakfast. the businesses back. be deadly. At least five deaths “Both places knew they had in Cambodia have been linked how quickly both businesses has to be cleaned. The biggest We kept the same menu, just a home here in Hammond,” to illegal logging since 2007, were able to evacuate the part is getting everything added food to it.” said Thomas. “Unfortunately, including that of Leng’s fellow cleaned and getting everything Though there has been no buildings and get people to the buildings were lost, but environmentalist Chut Wutthy, put back together.” re-opening date for either safety. that can be rebuilt. No owners, who was fatally shot in 2012 while Lee’s has been a part of restaurant, the owners are all Though Lee’s was easy to employees, customers or showing journalists a logging Hammond since 1963 when hoping to open again. put out, Superking was not firefighters got hurt.

That’s the it was first opened under the “Appraisals haven’t come so easily extinguished. Over camp in the southwest’s Koh Kong the years, the restaurant had name of Ganus’s. It was not in yet so we don’t know what goal. Everyone got to go home province. remodeled and had several until several years later it all the damage is, but we’re at the end.”

It’s a risk shared with other environmental crusaders defying powerful companies and government backers around the world. Honduran indigenous leader and environmentalist Berta Caceres, a winner of a 2015

QuickSt s op ’ e d n Re

Rende’s

Goldman Prize, was killed by assailants who broke into her home last month. She had received death threats from police, soldiers and local landowners for her efforts to block construction of a dam.

Leng said he accepts the risks as part of his mission.

“I don’t expect the government to allow me to live long,” he said.

Leng wins $175,000 for this year’s Goldman Prize, as do five other winners: — Zuzana Caputova, a lawyer who led a campaign to shut down a toxic waste dump in Slovakia.

— Maxima Acuna, a Peruvian farmer fighting major mining companies’ efforts to take her land for a gold and copper mine.

— Destiny Watford, a Baltimore, Maryland, student who helped prevent construction of a trash incinerator in her area.

— Edward Loure, a Tanzanian communal land rights leader.

— Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera, who campaigned to create a nature reserve in Puerto Rico to protect endangered leatherback sea turtles.

Leng travels into the forest armed only with a camera and a GPS locator, tracking illegal loggers. At times he works undercover by cooking for loggers, hauling cargo on docks or posing as a tourist.

Showing determination early on, Leng excelled in his studies in mostly rural Takeo province.

When his village chief denied him a permit to travel to Phnom Penh to take university exams, he says he hid on a sugar cane train to get to the city. After studying law, he was assigned to the Foreign Ministry, and later to the Ministry of Planning. Drawn into politics, he moved to a nongovernmental organization and began investigating illegal logging.

Marcus Hardtke, a German environmentalist who lives in Cambodia, says the prize is welldeserved.

“Ouch Leng is one of a handful of people fighting to stop forest destruction in Cambodia,” Hardtke said. “It is up to activists like Leng and affected local communities to make a stand against the shortsighted, greed-driven policies of the Phnom Penh elite.”