S P The
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 29, 2008
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Volume 93, Issue 20
2008 Homecoming Court
HOMECOMING GAME
UAB vs. USM When: Saturday Nov. 1, 2008 Where: The Rock, Hattiesburg Time: 7:00 p.m CT
EAGLES READY FOR HOMECOMING GAME Tyler Cleveland Sports Editor
Once the Alumni Association breakfast is over, the parade has passed and the homecoming queen is crowned, attention will turn to M.M. Roberts Stadium and the Golden Eaglesʼ homecoming game against Alabama-Birmingham. Southern Miss first-year head coach Larry Fedora has had a slow start to his career at Southern Miss, but history will be on his side when the Eagles take the field against UAB. The Eagles have never lost to Blazers, and will look to continue that winning tradition this year. Since 2000, Southern Miss is 7-0 in homecoming games. Southern Miss has taken several steps in the past two years to expand the Southern Miss football program, including hiring head coach Larry Fedora and adopting his attitude of “Attack, attack and attack some more.” The expansion of the South endzone, a $29 million investment in the future of the program, added 29 luxury suites for big donors, and 3,000 additional field-level seats for fans. Associate Athletic Director Scott Carr explained that the new endzone seating and edzone expansion has worked out wonderfully for the University, which is currently experiencing one of its best years in terms of attendance at home football games. See GAME on page 2
Sebe Dale IV/Photographer Back Row: Hilliary Walters, Graduate Maid; Sarah Ali, Junior Maid; Jessica Eli, Freshman Maid; Jessica Parker, Sophomore Maid; Brena Ward, Senior Maid. Front row: Katie Christansen, Homecoming Queen; Jenell Ward, Student Body Maid
Meet the Homecoming Court on pages 3 and 4.
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The
Student Printz
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Andy Hess
Maggie Williams
Executive editor
Productions Manager
Lesley Walters
Melissa Lee
News Editor
Advertising Manager
Jesse Bass
Sebe Dale IV
Opinions Editor
Multimedia Editor
Abby McMullen
Maggie Sanford
Web Editor
Photo Editor
Eric Nagurney
Brandon Phillips
Entertainment Editor
Circulation Manager
Tyler Cleveland
Crystal Scretching
Sports Editor The Student Printz is published every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Signature Offset of Hattiesburg. The first four copies of The Student Printz are free. Each additional copy is 25 cents. Accuracy is important to everyone on the staff of The Student Printz. Please report any factual inaccuracies
Graphic Designer to the executive editor of The Student Printz as soon as possible. Opinions are expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, it’s publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
GAME continued from pg. 1
“The new south endzone is going unbelievably well,” Carr said. “Everyone that owns a suite will tell you that we overdelivered with that, so many comment ‘We didn’t expect it to be this nice.’ People compare the suites with any other suites in the country, and it makes you feel good about that.” The school also plans to have a 25-year reunion for the 1983 Golden Eagle squad that finished 7-4 with victories over Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The team featured vaunted Southern Miss players such as defensive linemen Louis Lipps and Jarold Bayliss. The Southern Miss Athletic Department
plans to honor the team at halftime with a plaque. The school has many game-day traditions that still offer a family friendly atmosphere. The pregame ceremonies at “The Rock” include music from the Pride of Mississippi, dancing from the world famous Dixie Darlings and the Southern Misses dance team. Cheers such as “The Nasty Bunch” when the team makes a third down stop and yelling “To the Top after the PA announcer proclaims a first down have also become staples of Southern Miss football.
John Adam Hackney
and get involved in the activities then it can be easily one of the most memorable experiences a college student can have while at USM.” Megan McPhail, a freshman international business major, can’t wait to see what homecoming college style is all about. “I’m excited about my first college home coming experience, and I’ll definitely be going to the game.” Others say the timing of this year’s
Events highlight week Printz Writer
So what is it that makes homecoming week so special here at Southern Miss? Everything, students say. “I’m excited about every aspect of homecoming this year because I have found that the more you put into it and the more school spirit you show, then the better time you will have,” said Richard Franks, a senior majoring in sports marketing. “You show your spirit
See EVENTS on page 4
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Homecoming Queen Katie Christiansen
Major: Nursing Hometown: Fairhope, AL. Honors: Dean’s List, leadership scholar regional award, member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. Community Service: Volunteer worker for Girl Scouts of the USA, Prevent Child Abuse America and Children’s Hospital; Relay for Life participant; nursing home volunteer. Campus activities: Member of Kappa Delta Sorority – VP for member education, sisterhood enrichment team leader, Beauty Review chair, pledge class secretary; Southern Style 2008; GEWW Crew, 2006, 2007; Greek Seekers member, The legacy Board, Student Government Association Cabinet – Eaglepalooza promotions 2008; assistant director, Miss Southern pageant, 2006; Freshman Associates, 2005, 2006; member, The Wesley Foundation.
Student Body Maid Jenell Ward
Major: Nutrition and Dietetics Classification: Senior Hometown: Pearl, MS Graduate of Jackson Preparatory School Activities: Chair of entertainment projects of Delta Sigma Theta; Freshman Associate; Landa Sigma Honor Society; AASO Student Organization;
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Senior Maid Brena Ward
Major: Accounting Hometown: Pearl, MS Honors: Lambda Sigma Honor Society; Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society; Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society; National Dean’s List; USM Dean’s List; Afro-American Student Organization Achievement Award, 20062008; Leadership Scholar. Community Service: Carver Pearson Neighborhood Association; DREAM of Hattiesburg; Mission America Ministry. Activities: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; Southern Style 2007; Eagle Ambassador; Freshman Associates, 2005; Afro-American Student Organization; Eagle Connection, 2006-2007; ELITE; Student Government Association election commission, resident assistant for Wilbur Hall and the Village; treasurer – Alpha Lambda Delta; vice president – Phi Eta Sigma, GEWW Crew.
The Student Printz would like to congratulate all the participants and volunteers in the 2008 Homecoming Elections. Job well done!
Graduate Maid Hillary Walters
Junior Maid Sarah Ali
Major: Speech Language Pathology Hometown: Ellisville, MS Honors: A 2008 summa cum laude graduate of USM’s Honors College; Hall of Fame; H.E.A.D.W.A.E. award; Who’s Who; College of Health advisory committee; research graduate assistant. Activities: Eagle Connection; Honors College ambassador; Golden Key member; Phi Kappa Phi; SSHA; MORA volunteer; March of Dimes volunteer.
Major: Biochemistry Hometown: Hattiesburg Activities: Southern Style, 2008; Delta Delta Delta Sorority; Honors College; Lucky Day Program; Student Government Association Cabinet; GEWW Crew; Eagle Connection.
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Sophomore Maid Jessica Parker
MSU Riley Center
Enjoy amazing live entertainment in the heart of downtown Meridian at Mississippi’s magnificent, fully restored Grand Opera House theatre. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience what artists and patrons are calling the best venue in the South. For tickets call 601-696-2200 or visit www.msurileycenter.com
Boyz II Men Thursday, November 6, 2008 8 p.m. (Pre-Show Social – 6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $54 & $48 Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris started out as boys from Philadelphia with a dream to become professional singers. They became the bestselling R&B group ever, bestselling artist ever on Motown Records and the #1 Billboard singles artists in over 40 years. In mid-2007, the group released the album Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA through Decca Records, featuring songs from Motown Records. Having sold over 60 million albums worldwide, the group is sure to keep you entertained with their beautiful harmonies, casual style, class and personalities. “Boyz II Men still sound incredible� —Washington Post, 2007
To see the entire lineup and buy tickets online visit www.msurileycenter.com
Upcoming Shows: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley 11/21/08 A Tillis Family Christmas 12/7/08 Pilobolus 1/20/09
MSU RILEY CENTER 'JGUI 4USFFU t .FSJEJBO .4
www.msurileycenter.com
Major: Biological Sciences with emphasis in pre-dental and molecular biology Hometown: Ocean Springs Honors: Beckman Presidential Scholar; Vice Presidential Scholar; Leadership Scholar; Academic Excellence Scholar; Explosion of Excellence Scholar. Activities: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority; SMAC; Year Two Initiative; American Chemical Society student afďŹ liate; The Legacy; Phi Eta Sigma president; Alpha Lambda Delta member; Residence Life tutor; Honors College member.
Freshman Maid Jessica Eli
Major: Psychology Hometown: Petal Honors: Special Honors Mu Alpha Theta; HOSA member and district winner. Community Service: Relay for Life participant; United Blood Services. Activities: Petal Innovations; Petal Soundsations; All-State Showchoir; Petal Band and Color Guard – rie line; Mississippi All-state Lions Band dancer.
EVENTS from page 2 homecoming – with Halloween Friday and a full day of homecoming activities Saturday – makes it a bigger deal than past celebrations. “This yearĘźs homecoming game falls on Halloween weekend and everyone loves celebrating that holiday here in town, so it should give people the push to dress up and show a little extra support for our team,â€? says Phill Ducomb, a Hattiesburg USM alumnus. Combining Halloween spirit and school spirit makes this weekend one worth looking forward to, said USM junior Samson Whitfield. “This week is going to absolutely wild as far as things to do on campus related to homecoming,â€? he said. “Then, you have tons of parties and bars to go to for Halloween parties around town all week long.â€? That means a whole week of bleeding black and gold, Whitfield said. “I plan on going hard and showing support all week from the beginning of the week, to the pep rally at the fountain, tailgating Saturday and all the way to the game that evening,â€? he said. The Golden Eagles face the University of Alabama Birmingham in a 7 p.m.
match up in M.M. Roberts stadium. “IĘźm excited about the game this year because we have played UAB around five or six times and have never lost to them,â€? said Hattiesburg resident Scott Saunier. “I donĘźt think weĘźll have much of a problem out of UAB this year just like the previous years,â€? Michael Felter, a devoted Golden Eagle fan said. “I hope itĘźs a complete domination by the Eagles and it is a blowout by halftime.â€? show a little extra support for our team,â€? says Phill Ducomb, a Hattiesburg USM alumnus. Combining Halloween spirit and school spirit makes this weekend one worth looking forward to, said USM junior Samson Whitfield. “This week is going to absolutely wild as far as things to do on campus related to homecoming,â€? he said. “Then, you have tons of parties and bars to go to for Halloween parties around town all week long.â€? That means a whole week of bleeding black and gold, Whitfield said. “I plan on going hard and showing support
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Thursday, October 30 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Trick or Treat on Greek Street • Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building • For more information, contact Erin Munson at 601.266.4823.
Friday, October 31 All Day Womenʼs Tennis Hosts the Lady Eagle Fall Classic • For more information, contact 601.266.4046.
8:30 a.m. Shell Finish Line/Southern Miss Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament • Hattiesburg Country Club • For more information, contact Jerry DeFatta at 601.266.5674. 9 a.m. Phi Kappa Tau Alumni Golf Tournament • Canebrake Golf Club • For more information, contact Kevin Holbrook at 601.606.4522. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Breaking the Veils: Women Artists from the Islamic World” • The College of Arts and Letters hosts an international art exhibit designed to counter misconceptions about the art and culture of women who live in the Islamic world. • For more information, contact Jennifer Gillespie at 601.266.4315. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. “A Private Collection of Japanese Prints” • The Museum of Art will present the exhibition, “A Private Collection of Japanese Prints,” highlighting a selection of wood block prints from the collection of Joseph W. Bailey. For more information, contact the Museum of Art at 601.266.5200. 11:30 a.m. Eagle Club Luncheon featuring Coach Larry Fedora • R.C. Cook Union • For more information contact the Eagle Club at 601.266.5299. 3 p.m. Womenʼs Soccer vs. UCF • Southern Miss Soccer and Track Complex • For ticket information, call 601.266.5418. 6:30 p.m. Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony • Southern Oaks House and Gardens, Hattiesburg • For more information contact the Alumni Association at 601.266.5013. 7 p.m. Womenʼs Volleyball vs. UTEP • Reed Green Coliseum • For ticket information, call 601.266.5418. 7 p.m. Friday Night at the Fountain • Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building • Bag Oʼ Donuts Concert at 7 p.m., with pep rally following at 9:10 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Fall Dance Concert • Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium • For ticket information, call 601.266.5418. 7:30 p.m. Camerta Concert: Faculty Artist Chamber Music Series • Marsh Auditorium • For more information, contact the School of Music at 601.266.5543.
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Saturday, November 1 All Day Women’s Tennis Hosts the Lady Eagle Fall Classic • For more information, contact 601.266.4046. 7:30 a.m. 13th Annual Eagle 5K Run • Start at Sunset Drive • Day of race registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on the east side of Reed Green Coliseum and costs $15. Pre-registration is $12 for adults and $7 for children 14 and under. Free t-shirt with every registration. • For more information, call 601.266.6058 or 601.266.5579. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Breaking the Veils: Women Artists from the Islamic World” 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. College Alumni Brunch/Social at the Museum of Art • Sponsored by Partners for the Arts • For more information, contact the Museum of Art at 601.266.5200. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. “A Private Collection of Japanese Prints”
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
10:30 am – 12:30 p.m. Pi Beta Phi Reception and Room Dedications • Pi Beta Phi Sorority House 11 a.m. Alumni Association Awards Brunch and Business Meeting • Grand Ballrooms 1 and 2, Thad Cochran Center • Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the Alumni Association. • For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 601.266.5691. 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fall Dance Concert • Mannoni Performing Arts Center • $10 Homecoming Admission; $10 fac/staff, seniors; $6 students • For ticket information, call 601.266.5418. 1 p.m. Homecoming Parade • The Hardy Street parade will feature The Pride, current and former Dixie Darlings and floats. 1 p.m. College of Arts and Letters/School of Music Tailgating Featuring the USM Jazz Sextet • Fine Arts Building Lawn
4 p.m. English Department Tailgate Party • Golden Eagle Avenue • For more information, contact Sarah White at 601.266.4593. 5 p.m. Eagle Walk/ The Pride Pre-Game Concert • From Bennett Auditorium to Eagle Walk on the east side of “The Rock” • Followed by a pre-game concert performed by The Pride in The District. 7 p.m. Southern Miss vs. UAB • The Golden Eagles take on the Blazers at The Rock. For ticket information, call 601.266.5418. After the Game 5th Quarter Concert Featuring The Pride • The Rock
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Halloween, Homecoming highlight weekend Craig McNeese & Bob Worth For USM students, faculty and staff, this year Homecoming falls on the weekend of costumes and candy. That means the main goal for the weekend is fun. Although Halloween isn’t until Friday, students will get into costume tonight at 7 p.m. in Bennett Hall for the Mr. and Ms. Varsity pageant, a Halloween-themed “backwards beauty contest,” said Chad LeuFroy, a homecoming committee member and senior speech communication and political science major from New Orleans. “This is a very funny event in which guys dress up like girls, and girls dress up like guys,” LeuFroy said.
Another Halloween-related homecoming event will be trick or treating, open to the public, along fraternity row. “Starting Halloween day, the fraternities will have their own Trick or Treat venues next to their floats and will be giving out their own treats and everybody is invited to check them out,” LeuFroy said. “The main focus of this Homecoming is “Coming Home to Gold’,” Luefroy said. Later in the week, the Halloween theme, “Go Gold, Go Fright, Go Win,” takes over. Melissa Weinberger, another homecoming committee member, said there are numerous activities planned throughout homecoming week, and the goal is to have as many people participate and get in the spirit for the Saturday football game between the Golden Eagles and the University of Alabama Birmingham There will also be non-Halloween themed
homecoming events, such as a spelling bee to be held at the power house. “The idea for the spelling bee will be to spell words associated with actually having fun instead of having those long words to spell,” Weinberger said. “Everybody is open minded and very eager to compete in the activities we have planned.” SGA Student Body President Melissa Cirino agreed, saying “Melissa and Chad have come up with new and exciting events and ways to increase participation.” Earl Bell, a graduate student who is doing his studies in history, said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing what the homecoming committee has planned for this year.” Bell, who is from Wesson, is looking forward to hanging out with old friends and seeing what the link will be between homecoming and Halloween.
Photo illustraion by Sebe Dale “I want everybody to stay pumped and keep the fun going their entire week, said LeuFrouy.” Weinberger agreed. “We know it’s going to be incredible,” she said.
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@Southern Miss Maggie Sanford/Photo Editor
A young fan waves at the homecoming court in hopes of getting candy during last years parade.
Floats bring fans together Thomas Lambert Printz Writer
USM student organizations have spent most of this week surrounded in tissue paper. USM’s official 2008 Homecoming Float Competition kicked off Sunday at midnight and runs through Saturday. Winners of the competition will be announced at Saturday’s game with the University of Alabama-Birmingham. For students like senior Amanda Newman and sophomore Elizabeth Maynard, both members of Delta Gamma sorority, float stuffing is a time to show a group’s school spirit and to bond with other members. “It’s cool because it’s a time to spend with your sisters while getting involved with the university,” said Newman. Maynard, the activities chairman and head of homecoming for Delta Gamma, also enjoys the week spent stuffing a float with her sorority sisters. “It gives us an opportunity to sit down and mingle with other members of the sorority that we don’t see or really talk to very often,” said Maynard. “I really like the idea of us all being there working on the float together.” In the competition of artistic displays of Southern Miss spirit, creativity and originality are key elements to a winning float design. “I think they judge the floats on how original and creative they are,” said Maynard.
“I know that, to me, it’s cool to walk by the floats when they are finished and see something that you would never have thought of or that you know a team put a lot of time and effort into. That really stands out to me.” Last year, the newly established Black and Gold Team not only won the float competition, but also homecoming overall. Sophomore Heather Murray, an SGA member and representative of the Black and Gold team, is excited for the young group’s second year of homecoming competition. “We are happy that we have retained some of the same leadership that helped us [win] last year,” said Murray in an email. “Of course we are going to work very hard in all the competitions. In the end, though, homecoming isn’t about winning – it’s about spirit. We plan on coming together as a team and showing the best of our extraordinary Southern Miss spirit, and if that leads us to another win, that’s great,” she said. Anyone in the Southern Miss student body can join the Black and Gold Team efforts this week. Murray said the group was established especially for those students who want to take part in the homecoming festivities, but aren’t in an organization that already participates. “We welcome all students, and it’s not too late to sign up,” said Murray. For more information, check out the facebook group, “Black and Gold Team 08” or contact team captain Deonne Moore at deonne.moore@usm.edu.
Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:45am-8:00pm Sat. 10am-5pm & Sun. 12pm-5pm Contact us at (601) 266-4381
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Backseat dining Meals an essential part of tailgating Justin Sawyer Printz Writer
There’s just something about loading up the family, driving to a designated spot on the USM campus and spending the afternoon before a home football game cooking, eating and talking. Tailgating enthusiasts at USM say a lot of planning and effort goes into a successful tailgating experience. But the real measure of success (or failure) for a tailgating experience is often summed up in one word: Food. Laurel resident Doug Seidenberg’s group of about 25 friends and family members hooked up a grill on wheels to the back of a pickup truck and parked in front of Hattiesburg Hall on the USM campus during a recent home game. “Well, we get here about three to four hours before kickoff so we can find a good spot,” Seidenberg said. “We prepare pheasant, quail, Boston bratwurst, sausage, and chicken on the grill.”
While some tailgaters restrict their fare to chips and dip, others feel the experience isn’t complete without a complete meal. Donald McNabb of Ocean Springs said he and his family have been tailgating at Southern Miss home games for more than 20 years. On a recent home game Saturday, the McNabb group was barbequing two pork loins and enjoying chicken wing platters as well. There are also tailgaters who decide to keep the festivities a little less complicated. Hattiesburg resident Gary Grab’s family and friends came up from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to tailgate at a recent game, and because of time issues, decided to let Popeye’s and Raising Cane’s do the cooking instead. “It all depends on what time people get here and how much time we have before the game starts,” he said. “Sometimes we go all out, serving gumbo, bratwursts, and hamburgers. This time we decided to keep it simple.”
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Tents full of tailgaters crowd the District on gameday. The District is a popular place for tailgating and grilling during football season.
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Tailgaters come in all shapes and sizes John Adam Hackney Printz Writer
As homecoming draws near for Southern Miss, many tailgaters are preparing to gear up for what many call the biggest day out in The District and around campus. Some people prefer to show up with their rolling cooler and simply visit many different tents throughout the day while others set up their tents Friday at noon to get the same spot every weekend. “Yes, (the tailgating location is) crucial!,” said Brandon Paz, a tourism management major from Pass Christian, “Everyone knows where your spot is if you set up in the same place every home game. So when your friends show up (on campus), they know exactly where to head to.” Michael Felter agreed. “Since we have began tailgating and setting up our tent in The District, we have always had the same spot and it makes new friends coming to tailgate easier to find us,” said Felter, a senior construction major from Pass Christian. Tailgating -- a social event centered around food and drink consumed from the Members of the USM rugby team get letters painted on their chests while tailgating before a game. back of a pickup truck – has many forms and fashions but is particularly popular I know people all over The District at difwhen combined with a sporting event. At ferent tents so I make my rounds all day,” USM, trucks, tents, RVs and other picnic she said. regalia begin popping up in The District So what drives people to wake up, unand all around campus as game day ap- load chairs, tents and fire up their grills proaches. before most people even get out of bed on “It’s a pretty simple It’s a pretty simple game day? Seeing friends, formula: good music, family and alumni gathgood friends, good formula: good friends, ered on one big day to weather, and it never good weather, and it support the team and have hurt to have some good fun in a safe, lively atmofood and cold drinks on never hurt to have some sphere is pretty close to hand too,” said Felter. good food and cold drinks heaven, some USM fans While some park on hand too. say. themselves at one “My brother and friends tailgating venue until are alumni here and I work Michael Felter here in town,” said Stuart game time, other stusenior construction major dents prefer hopping Marsalis of Hattiesburg. from tailgate to tailgate “So it’s great to get to throughout the prehang out with my family game celebration. and friends all in the same place on game “I stay pretty mobile when I’m tailgat- day and get ready for the game.” ing because my different friends offer difPhill Ducomb, who majored in coachferent food and drink all over The Dis- ing at USM and now lives in Gulfport trict,” said tourism management senior says, “It’s the pride I have in being a Rachel McDowell. USM graduate, alumni and fan. It’s so Anna Bankston, an elementary educa- worth the trouble of hauling all our stuff tion major from Petal, doesn’t think lo- out there because tailgating all day just cation matters when it comes to a good helps enhance the excitement of the game tailgate party.’ no matter if we are playing an SEC team “Personally to me I could care less or a conference rival.” about having one stationary spot because
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David Jackson/Printz
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Dress up or dress down? Thomas Lambert Printz Writer
The preferred dress for a Southern Miss home football game is as different as the fans that attend the games. “I personally feel it’s stupid to dress up and wear high heels to a football game where you’re going to walk up and down the stairs and get sweaty and gross,” said senior Lauren Winstead. Senior Amanda Newman said dressing for a USM home football game – even for the annual homecoming game -- is largely influenced by originality and comfort. “I don’t like to dress in heels or anything, but then again I don’t want to just wear the same old Southern Miss t-shirt that everybody has,” said Newman. “I think a lot of people [dress up] to be different, not to compete or be better than anyone else. “If I go shopping and find some cute black and gold dress or something like that other than a t-shirt, I’ll obviously wear that to the game. It’s really all about school spirit,” she said. In times gone by, the annual homecoming game was more of a dress-up event. With the tone set by the queen and her court in formal at-
tire, men might wear a coat and tie and pick out chrysanthemum corsage to pin on their date’s dress. Today, anything goes at a homecoming game. And the ability to choose what to wear for game day attire rather than follow the crowd appeals to some students. “Southern Miss is different than other universities in the state because there is no unofficial dress code like at Ole Miss, where dressing up is the norm,” Newman said. “It’s fine to go to Southern games in a t-shirt and shorts or a dress.” Mary Swayze also enjoys the laid-back, yet spirited environment of Eagles’ home games. “I love wearing t-shirts to games,” Swayze said. “I grew up going to Ole Miss football games so I used to think it was always a time to dress up.” T-shirts and polo shirts are popular among guys on game day. However, it doesn’t make much of a difference to people like Hobie Malone. “Don’t dress like me,” said Malone. When asked what made him wear his gold button-up shirt on a recent game day he said, “This was my only clean shirt.”
Maggie Sanford/Photo Editor
Fans cheer on the Golden Eagles during this season’s game against Marshall. While some students choose to dress up on game, others stick to showing spirit in their Southern Miss t-shirts.