The
S TUDENT PRINTZ November 7, 2013
www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
Calendar ....................... 2 News ............................. 3 Feature.......................... 4 Opinion.......................... 6 Sports............................ 7
Volume 98 Issue 21
ATHLETICS
Bowen: A true Southern Miss legend Kathryn Miller Managing Editor The University of Southern Mississippi has many traditions. The Eagle Walk, our mascot, Seymour and the memorable songs chanted at football games. But we should the remember the tradition that has been here since 1976. A man who brought luck to Southern Miss when former Golden Eagle head coach Bobby Collins would tie this man’s shoes before every football game. A man who has been here for more than 40 years and is considered the No. 1 fan of Golden Eagle football. Owen Bowen, more commonly known as O.B., is a dedicated USM fan. “If there was ever a fixture for this university, somebody that has been here longer than anybody, it’s O.B. Bowen,” said Jeff Bower, a former USM head football coach who has known Bowen since the 1970s. “Everybody loves him, the players do, the coaches do.” According to southernmiss. com, Bowen was recently inducted into the Football Hall of Fame for his loyalty and long-term involvement with the university.
Susan Broadbridge/Printz
Owen Bowen, known as O.B., has worked with Southern Miss for more than 40 years, dedicating his time to the Golden Eagle football team. He works in the Southern Miss Athletic Center and participates every day by blowing the air horn during football practices.
Bowen, 61, is from Richton, Miss. and he attended college at USM from 1976-1978. He continued his
love for football after graduation by devoting his time to the Southern Miss Athletic Center. He has worked
with the equipment staff and the football office administrative staff. Claire Tynes, a junior speech pa-
thology major and front desk assistant at the Southern Miss Athletic Center, works with Bowen. “[O.B.] is with us all the time,” Tynes said. “He brightens everyone’s day and he’s really outgoing and energetic.” Tynes also explained the strict schedule he adheres to while at work. She said he arrives at work every day around 9:15 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., he will check the mail and he eats lunch every day in the Fresh Food Company from 11-1 p.m. Then, he always goes to football practice at 3:40 p.m. Bowen was in the Fresh Food Company when I met him for the first time. He was sitting with Ken Rhinehart, a professor in the environmental sciences department, and Doug Masters, both good friends who eat with him almost every day. “We’re part of O.B.’s family [at Southern Miss],” Rhinehart said. Rhinehart and Masters knew things about Bowen that most people do not know. The men said Bowen is an avid watcher of “All My Children,” but he prefers to call it, “All My Kids.” Every two weeks, he serves on the
See O.B., 3
ON CAMPUS
U.S. Army delays ROTC closure Carly Tynes Executive Editor The Department of the Army has decided to delay the closure of the USM Army ROTC program for a minimum of two years. According to The Sun Herald, Mississippi elected officials were told Wednesday of the Army’s decision to place the program on a probationary status during this time. University officials are expecting to receive formal notice from the Army soon. “Two years will give the Army plenty of time to more carefully consider the successful history of the Southern Miss program,” said
U.S. Senator Thad Cochran in a news release Wednesday. University officials said since program began in 1951, nearly 1,555 students have graduated. Lt. Col. Joseph Worley said 12 cadets are set to be commissioned in December 2013 and five are scheduled to be commissioned in May 2014. “We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate what The University of Southern Mississippi already knows—that this is a successful program that has benefited not only Mississippi but the entire country for more than six decades,” said USM President Rodney Bennett. “Our current cadets are bright, engaged and pa-
triotic citizens, and the program has a long history of producing military leaders for our country including 16 General Officers.” The Army made an announcement in October regarding its decision to close USM’s Army ROTC program, along with 12 other programs in the country. University and state officials immediately began preparing an appeal for the program to remain open.
Jamie Gominger/Printz Archives
To the Right: USM sophomore
and Army ROTC cadet Dylan Paul performs a squad mission during an STX lane Saturday, March 2 at Camp Shelby.
>>PAGE 5
>>PAGE 6
>>PAGE 7
Restoration begins on historical landmark
Best ways to save
Lady Eagles gear up for season
Ogletree House
Holiday Shopping
Women’s Basketball