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Inside this Issue

C O - N E W S

The Merc with a Mouth heads to the big screen.

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Montage

S P ORTS Nunn and Spivey enter their final season at USF. BACK

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U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F LO R I DA

Divestment resolution scrutinized by court

By Miki Shine

L I FE STYLE

The Index

E D I T O R

The Student Government Supreme Court released an opinion Tuesday concerning the Senate resolution “In Support of Student Voices,” which passed at the Senate meeting Feb. 2.

After coming before the Court on allegations of unconstitutionality, the resolution was rendered inconsistent with the SG Constitution. It went before the Student Government (SG) Supreme Court.

The resolution requested the USF foundation Board of Trustees end investments in companies associated with human rights violations — spe-

cifically against the people of Palestine.

An early joint resolution by the same title was vetoed by the Student Body President and Vice President.

Shortly thereafter, the Senate failed to override the veto, but passed an identical Senate resolution.

The request stated that the resolution was outside of the Senate’s jurisdiction, violated Florida law and the equal protection clause of the Constitution, and entered into the jurisdiction of the executive branch.

The preamble of the SG Constitution states that the goal of SG is “giving, guiding and stewardship concerning the allocation and expenditure of the student finances to serve in

the best interest of our student body.”

In response, the Court ruled that the resolution was outside of the Senate’s jurisdiction, as it was not related to the allocation or expenditure of student expenses.

The Court’s decision also stated that the resolution’s third request is in favor of a specific group or people and is also not related to student expenses.

The Court dismissed concerns of the resolution violating Florida law by saying that the law in question doesn’t take effect until July and that it is not within the Court’s ability to determine what violates state or federal law.

However, the request sent to the Court also cited the equal

protection clause that says, “the differential treatment of a student based on factors including but not limited to, race, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, disability, personal wealth, or any combination thereof, is deemed unacceptable.”

While the Court decided the resolution did not target any specific religion, it did find that the resolution violated the racial and national origin elements of the clause by specifically targeting companies that have business in Israel.

Finally, the Court stated that the resolution violated Senate statutes by calling for a committee of students, staff and

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Students express varying opinions on Trump’s visit

By Chuck Muller C O R R E S P O N D E N T

Donald Trump will host a rally at the Sun Dome Friday.

SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

With Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump scheduled to visit the Sun Dome on Friday, there are mixed emotions and opinions among students on the business mogul’s campaign and allowing him to host the rally on USF’s campus.

The political hopeful will speak to students and supporters in a rally to garner support for Trump to be nominated as the Republican candidate for November’s presidential election.

The announcement of the visit only last week has caused some students to question the candidate’s intentions.

“I think he may just be jumping around places trying to get his name out there rather than focusing on certain areas,” senior Leah Fowler said.

“I feel like he could have

a better plan than what he shows. I feel like he is still doing well, but I just think it’s from the popularity of his television shows.”

Although some of Trump’s views and beliefs are not the most popular, students still believe it is important for all political candidates to have a platform to speak.

“It’s a public university, so we have to hear all sides,” junior Wes Eldridge said. “You may not agree with what he has to say or what he believes in, but he has the right to say what he wants to say. Given a forum, he should be able to use it.”

Some students, like senior mass communications major Andy Harrington, are just fascinated with the idea of a major political figure not only visiting the university, but also choosing to hold his rally on campus.

“I think it’s interesting that he’s coming. He’s a very dif-

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USF partners with Brazilian university

By Morgan Blauth C O R R E S P O N D E N T

USF has partnered with Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (PUCRS) in order to expand research and business opportunities for students.

According to a press release, Tampa and Porto Alegre, where PUCRS is located, have been sister cities since 2013.

Because of this, faculty members from both USF and PUCRS were already collaborating on research before the universities’ official partnership.

The College of Pharmacy was the first to be involved with PUCRS, followed by the Colleges of Engineering and Arts and Sciences, which helped diversify the connection between the universities.

“When a city signs a sister city agreement, there are multiple dimensions to that,” Kiki Caruson, associate professor and assistant vice president

for Research, Innovation and Global Affairs at USF, said.

“There might be an education component, there might be a trade component; there might be an investment component;

USF and PUCRS have strengths in health and biological science disciplines. USF’s Research Park and PUCRS’s TECNOPUC have signed a formal agreement in order to utilize these

“There might be an education component, there might be a trade component; there might be an investment component; there might be a tourism component.

So USF agreed to play an important role in developing the educational partnership between the two cities” Kiki Caruson assistant vice president for Research, Innovation and Global Affairs at USF

there might be a tourism component. So USF agreed to play an important role in developing the educational partnership between the two cities.”

The press release said both

strengths and increase collaboration on industry and technology transfer.

“Technology transfer means you have an idea, whether it be in engineering or in medicine,

and you want to bring that idea to the marketplace. So we can facilitate that,” Caruson said. “In our research park we have a business incubator, so start-up businesses have a framework within which they can build until they’re sustainable.

“We also have a student incubator, … a place where students who have ideas can bring those ideas to fruition.”

USF is one of the top 50 research universities in the nation, but Caruson said there are many reasons the partnership would be beneficial to students.

“Brazil is a dynamic and important country within Latin America … we know how important it is to have global skills in our global economy and our global marketplace, so having these international partnerships with universities and our research parks that are complementary to our strengths allows us to pro-

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Opinion

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

the Oracle the University of South Florida’s student newspaper since 1966

Editor in Chief Grace Hoyte oracleeditor@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL

Millennials cry out for political revolution

Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders won Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, demonstrating the frustrated nature of millennial voters craving a Managing Editor revolution from a lackluster governAdam Mathieu ment. oraclemeditor@gmail.com While slightly more-traditional candidates — Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio News Editors and Hillary Clinton — are expected Miki Shine to be the ultimate winners of the Abby Rinaldi nomination, the overwhelming voter oraclenewsteam@gmail.com turnout is throwing the polls out the window.

In New Hampshire, Trump, who Sports Editor is considered a radical conservative, Jacob Hoag oraclesportseditor@gmail.com received 38 percent of the millennial vote, according to an exit poll taken

by CNN. Opinion Editor This number far exceeds the other Breanne Williams candidates.

Cruz received the second oracleopinion@gmail.com largest millennial vote with 17 percent and Rubio placed third with 12 Lifestyle Editor percent.

Jasmin Faisal Bernie Sanders also obtained the oraclelifestyleeditor@gmail.com millennial support and received 83 percent of the 18- to 29-year-old Copy Editors Democratic vote. In contrast, only 16 Zach Lowie percent of young voters gave their Isabelle Cavazos support to Hillary Clinton.

Our generation has officially Graphic Artists become the largest group in the Luke Blankenship country and has the power to deterDestiny Moore mine an election. If the 75.3 million millennials recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau were to come out Advertising Sales and vote we would, without a doubt, Lauren Alford sway the election.

Alyssa Alexander That fact is terrifying to many Adriana Covate politicians who are struggling to capDestiny Moore ture the younger vote. They fail to Dylan Ritchey grasp exactly what our generation is searching for in a candidate: radical The Oracle is published Monday and Thursday authenticity. during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

We grew up with George W. Bush, The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student. who in his eight years in office, Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the had both the highest and the lowest Oracle office (SVC 0002). public approval rating in history. He

BY PHONE united a country and then watched Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-6242 as it divided.

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-5190 Barack Obama then took office News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-1888 under the promise of change. That Sports ................

974-2842 promise gained him 66 percent Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-2620 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-6242 of the millennial vote. While we were by no means the largest voting Website: usforacle.com group, we did play a key role in getFacebook: facebook.com/usforacle ting Obama into office.

Twitter: @USFOracle However, as years passed we CORRECTIONS became increasingly frustrated with The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors. the depressing, nonproductive deciContact Editor in Chief Grace Hoyte at 974-5190.

sions made by our government.

Obama had severe difficulty getting any of his ideas passed, the government literally shutdown in 2013 and politicians began to vehemently refuse to cross the aisle to get necessary legislation passed.

For our entire lives, we have witnessed the repercussions of a stalemate government. Now that we are able to vote, we are actively showing our dissatisfaction. Hence the overwhelming support for what the rest of America considers to be radical candidates.

Trump will be holding a political rally at USF Friday. While many attendees may disagree with his extreme views and frequent insulting comments, there are students who are in full support of his protocoldodging campaign.

Will the Sun Dome be full Friday night? Only time tell. However, Danielle McDonald, the Dean of Students at USF, sent an email Wednesday to all students reminding them to be respectful of other people’s beliefs and encouraging them to continue to be politically engaged.

USF is full of students who are passionate about their political beliefs.

Groups meet to watch each debate, Bernie stickers are tacked on bulletin boards across campus and some students have even planned protests for the upcoming Trump rally.

We recognize that the elected president will heavily impact our future, and because of that we are no longer remaining passive. Do all students support such radical candidates? No. There are several proClinton, -Cruz and -Rubio groups on campus.

However, polls are showing our generation unified in support of these two revolutionary candidates.

Their ideas could not be more different, but the candidates are ultimately the same. They say what they think and back up what they say with years of corresponding actions.

Congratulations, Trump and Sanders. Though you will undoubtedly face extreme opposition in the White House, it appears as if millennials will do everything in their power to get you the presidency.

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What you said Donald Trump is hosting a political rally Friday at the Sun Dome and Opinion Editor Breanne Williams asked students if they were going to attend the event.

“No, I don’t agree with Trump’s values — or lack thereof.”

- Udeme Ikaiddi, a junior majoring in international business

“I’m not going because I’m an international student, so it doesn’t concern me.”

- Nirma Kumarasiri, a sophomore majoring in psychology

“Yes. I’m not an American, but I’ve never heard a speech like this so I want to go see what it’s like. Plus it’s a historic moment.”

- Amiel Ersumo, a sophomore majoring in international business

“I might go. I’m a finance major and he’s a great business guy. I’m not going to vote for him, but it’ll be cool to see him in person.”

- Darryll Taylor, a senior majoring in finance

Lifestyle

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Get to know Deadpool before the movie

By Sarah Violante C O R E S P O N D E N T

After over a decade of production hiccups, The ‘Merc with the Mouth’ is finally coming to theaters Friday, and fans are thrilled.

Initial talk of a Deadpool movie began in 2000, but the character wasn’t introduced on the big screen until 2009, when he was played by Ryan Reynolds in “X-men Origins: Wolverine.”

Reynolds, who once said at a convention that he felt he was born to play the role,

continued to push for the production of a standalone film until 20th Century Fox finally gave it the green light and started filming in 2015.

Here are some things you should know before watching the movie this weekend.

He’s not the same Deadpool from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

Deadpool is restarting the origin of the character to be more true to the comics. In “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Deadpool was depicted with no mouth, though the character is known as the Merc with the Mouth. The change was partly due to the PG-13 rating of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

In reality, Deadpool’s character is pretty raunchy. He crafts colorful insults, makes crude jokes and is generally off-color in his humor. Comic book movie adaptations have almost unanimously had PG-13 ratings in the past, but Reynolds pushed for “Deadpool’s” R rating so there could be more freedom to portray the character with all his dark-humored propensities.

Who is the real Deadpool?

to being skilled in martial arts, swordsmanship and marksmanship from his years as a soldier and mercenary, makes Deadpool a lethal anti-hero.

The Weapon X procedure also made Deadpool mentally unstable. His brain cells die off and regenerate at superhuman speed to keep his cancer at bay. The process makes him a bit crazy, and fans eat it up.

Deadpool’s mental instability makes for some really interesting exposition, which is the next thing you need to know before watching the movie.

The Fourth Wall Deadpool knows he’s a fictional character, and often breaks the fourth wall in the comics to make cheeky comments and popular culture references directly to readers. He’s one of a few Marvel characters who share the tendency.

The Love

First appearing in “The New Mutants” #98 comic book, Deadpool, whose alter ego is Wade Wilson, is the result of Weapon X genetic experimentation. Weapon X is a military project in Marvel comics that turns its subjects into mutant warriors. The project also created Wolverine.

Wilson joined the program in an effort to cure his brain cancer.

From the experiment, Wilson gained accelerated healing powers, making him immortal. In one comic, he even survived decapitation by simply growing a new head. This, in addition

It’s been confirmed that Deadpool is omnisexual. His cocreator, Fabian Nicieza, has said “Deadpool is whatever sexual inclination his brain tells him he is in that moment. And then the moment passes.”

Deadpool’s love life in the comics is complicated and somewhat disturbing at times, but it’s uncertain how much of it will be put into the movie. For now, though, Morena Baccarin is playing Wilson’s girlfriend, Vanessa Carlysle.

The Friends Deadpool doesn’t really have friends, but he has people that are something close.

Weasel, played by T.J. Miller, is

Deadpool’s informant and weapons dealer. He is also probably the closest thing Deadpool has to a best friend, despite the antihero sometimes being manipulative and cruel in the comics.

Blind Al, played by Leslie Uggams, is a blind elderly woman who plays Deadpool’s roommate in the film. In the comics, Blind Al is a prisoner with Deadpool, sometimes taking on the role of a friend.

The Mutants The Marvel world is full of mutants, and some are making appearances in Deadpool.

Ajax, played by Ed Skrein, is also a product of the Weapon X program. He has super strength and a high tolerance for pain.

Angel Dust, played by Gina Carano, is a mutant with super strength and speed.

Negasonic Teenage Warhead, played by Brianna Hildebrand, is a teenage mutant in training with the X-men. In the comics, she is assumed to have telepathic powers, but in Deadpool she will have the ability to launch atomic energy from her body.

Colossus, voiced by Stefan Kapicic, is another X-men member who has the ability to turn his skin to steel and harness super strength.

Not Safe For Work (NSFW) It’s not typical for comic book movie adaptations to be rated R, so it may be shocking when the characters in Deadpool start to swear, make vulgar jokes and partake in graphic violence. This film is definitely not one for families, so keep that in mind when making plans for your relatives’ movie night.

The anti-hero Deadpool, sporting his iconic suit. SPECIAL TO THE EDITOR

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Florida Legislature kills LGBT discrimination ban

By Abby Rinaldi C O - N E W S

Sen. Joseph Abruzzo could not get enough signatures to save a bill against LGBT discrimination after a tie vote in the Senate judiciary committee. Abruzzo plans to reintroduce the bill next year. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

E D I T O R

A ban on discrimination against the LGBT community failed in the Florida Legislature Tuesday. The bill, known as SB 120, was designed to add sexual orientation to Florida’s civil rights laws.

After a 5-5 vote on Monday, bill sponsor Sen. Joseph Abruzzo had one more day to get other senators in the Senate Judiciary Committee to sign the bill.

No other senators did.

The existing civil rights laws protect people based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status “to protect their interest in personal dignity, to make available to the state their full productive capacities, to secure the state against domestic strife and unrest, to preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare, and to promote the interests, rights and privileges

of individuals within the state,” according to Florida statute.

This legislation came with the Florida Civil Act of 1992.

Major opposition to the bill came from concerns about male predators posing as women in order to gain access to female facilities, such as restrooms and locker rooms.

“We do come out disappointed by the progress, or lack of progress in the last week.”

John Tonnison Tech Data’s chief information officer

One of the senators opposed to the bill is Sen. Jeff Brandes, who feels that more discussion is needed about the bill.

“I understand where my constituency is on this issue, and I understand that we want a resolution,” Brandes said in an interview with the Tampa

Bay Times.

Abruzzo believes the change will come eventually, even if it isn’t right now.

“I think you see the movement changing and just as civil rights generally takes some time to move,” Abruzzo said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “Ultimately, this will not be an issue one day because this will be the law of the land in Florida.”

Abruzzo plans to reintroduce the bill next year. The effort this year came in part with support from companies like Tech Data. According to an article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Tech Data, Home Shopping Network and Carlton Fields have been in support of anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBT community since 2014.

“We do come out disappointed by the progress, or lack of progress in the last week,” John Tonnison, Tech Data’s chief information officer, told the Times.

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COURT

TRUMP

faculty.

According to the constitution, the ability to appoint or remove members from a university-wide council falls only within the power of the student body president.

“The acts that fall under the ruling shall be deemed in conflict with the student body constitution and ought to be stricken and any acts that go beyond its constitutionally vested powers and are determined exclusionary shall be prohibited,” the official ruling, which was signed by Llinas, Ranking Justice Chelsea Lo and Associate Justice Ruth Gameiro, said.

Despite this ruling, members of the SG Senate attended the Faculty Senate executive committee meeting Tuesday afternoon in hopes of presenting the resolution.

This presentation did not occur, however, as it was not on the agenda and no faculty member offered to yield time to allow the representatives to speak.

ferent type of politician,” said Harrington. “I think it’s refreshing in some ways, but in some ways, it’s scary to think that of a ‘celebrity’ (as president), and if it’s just a publicity stunt and he’s just doing it for a popularity contest.”

After winning the New Hampshire primary last week, Trump’s visit to USF marks his first scheduled trip to the Sunshine State in 2016, according to his campaign website.

Friday’s rally also brings heightened security measures and changes to the normal flow of campus activity accommodate the influx of people the day of the event.

According to an emailed statement to the Oracle from the Sun Dome, “individuals who are not attending the event may otherwise congregate in areas surrounding the USF Sun Dome that are open to the general public so long as they do not interfere with the safety of the event, impede the flow of automobile or pedestrian traffic, or otherwise dis-

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rupt the licensed use of the facility.”

Several parking lots and the Campus Recreation center will close early Friday to leave as much room as possible for the thousands of spectators, supporters and demonstrators expected to attend.

In a e-mail addressed to students Wednesday, Dean of Students Danielle McDonald respectfully encouraged and reminded those planning to attend the rally that “it is important to remember that not all of those who attend this public event will share your views or maintain the same level of respectful speech that we know you will.”

The rally is also open to the public. Those hoping to attend the event have to register for tickets on eventbrite.com.

In addition, routes on the Bull Runner campus busing system will be changed for the event. Additional information on parking and campus transportation can be found at usf. edu/parking.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the rally is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

BRAZIL

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vide new opportunities to students,” she said.

USF System President Judy Genshaft also emphasized the advantages of the partnership between the universities.

“Our agreement with PUCRS establishes future collaboration among faculty, increases opportunities for student exchanges, and allows us to share best practices in connecting university research to economic development,” Genshaft said in a press release.

Caruson wants students to understand the importance of the relationship between USF and PUCRS. “Our students should care about our international partnerships … because they identify universities where there is activity and interest and mutually beneficial research or other types of collaboration going on,” she said.

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“(Leadership) is seen, it’s not heard,” Eriksen said. “If you’re giving good effort and everyone’s on the same page, I think it lends itself to everybody following each other and motivating each other.

“I do know that those two at the end of the table over there, if anybody gets out of line, we’d have those two step in and go, ‘hey look, that’s just how we do things here at USF.’” Their experience will be needed in USF’s opening weekend that will feature No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Michigan.

USF took the Gators to the wire last season, leading 4-2 in the final frame before allowing eight runs in the bottom of the seventh.

“If you come out this weekend, I don’t think you’ll find an NCAA regional or postseason tournament that will have the type of players and type of teams that we’ll have this weekend,” Eriksen said. “We have possibly six postseason teams in the opening weekend.”

USF will play nine teams that are ranked or receiving votes in USA Today’s preseason poll.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Its schedule includes rematches against Michigan, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee, all of whom USF lost to in 2015.

“Without the 22 parts, we’re not going anywhere.

Everyone has to play at their top level for us to be a very competitive team that can go very deep in the postseason.”

Ken Eriksen USF softball coach

But, it’s a way for USF to judge itself early on.

“It’s a great way for us to come out and show people that we’re here to play ball,” Spivey said.

“Who cares what their name is on their chests? If we’re putting across more runs and playing harder than they are, we’re going to win.”

Spivey needs just 13 homeruns to break the all-time mark held

by Kourtney Salvarola (36). But

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that is far beyond her vision for her final year.

“As soon as you start looking at stats — I feel like it’s a head game — you’re not really playing for the team, you’re playing for yourself,” Spivey said of the milestone. “I think it’s really important to accomplish any goal; everyone has to be on the same page.

“You have to be selfless about the person next to you. If it comes to the last at bat of the season and I’m thinking, ‘Hey I need one more homerun to break the record,’ but what I really need to put down is a squeeze, then I’m going to put down the squeeze.”

Both Spivey and Nunn play for their team, putting individual accolades aside.

The team’s goal for this year is to make it far beyond where they fell last season. USF missed the postseason by one vote, claiming the spot of the first team out.

“Without the 22 parts, we’re not going anywhere,” Eriksen said. “Everyone has to play at their top level for us to be a very competitive team that can go very deep in the postseason.”

USF will take on South Carolina at the USF Softball Complex on Friday at 2:15 p.m.

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USF made it to the postseason for the first time since 2002 last season, but lost a fair amount of their top-tier players.

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from last year tell us,” Kingston said. “Some guys’ stats say they are much better out of the bullpen.”

He went on to note “the core group of seven to eight guys are all very competitive,” and it’s up to his coaching staff to figure out what roles they are going to fill.

With no clear-cut ace on the roster since Herget was drafted, Kingston doesn’t seem fazed.

“Jimmy wasn’t the ace heading into last year, and he had to replace someone from the year prior, just

like someone will have to replace him this year,” he said.

The Bulls have yet to announce who will pitch in the opening game.

“We are very close,” Kingston said. “(However), at this point, we are not ready to say that yet.”

The team is still searching for an identity, but Kingston said he wants his group this year, more than anything else, is to “play hard, know how to play the game and deal with every type of situation they might be faced with.”

The Bulls’ first game is against the Liberty Flames at USF Baseball Stadium on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The Rundown

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Baseball

USF success hinges on youth

Outside USF

Manziel reportedly was drunk at practice While the Cleveland Browns organization continues to deny reports that quarterback Johnny Manziel was drunk at practice on Dec. 30 when they put him under their concussion protocol, ESPN sources say Manziel otherwise. One source told ESPN that Manziel “was heavily hungover on something,” that day. Manziel missed the Browns’ season finale due to a concussion, but was reportedly in Las Vegas instead. Manziel has had a long list of incidents during the 2015 season including a recent domestic violence accusation by his girlfriend.

Note-a-Bull USF softball coach Ken Eriksen enters his 20th season with the program on Friday.

In his two decades, Eriksen has won 818 games with 11 NCAA tournament appearences.

Quote of the day “I was just focused on whether they’d go for two and the defense had to step up and make some stops.” — New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning told TMZ regarding his unenthused look following his brother Peyton’s Denver Broncos’ scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the Super Bowl Sunday. Eli, a two-time Super Bowl champion, added “it’s all good stuff” referencing the ample memes that surfaced after his now famous “Eli face.”

USF seniors Lee Ann Spivey (right) and Erica Nunn (left) are entering their final year while head coach Ken Eriksen embarks on his 20th season at USF. ORACLE PHOTO/ ADAM MATHIEU

The finish line Erica Nunn and Lee Ann Spivey enter their final season

By Jacob Hoag

D S P O R T S

E D I T O R

uring his tenure with USF softball, coach Ken Eriksen has seen heaps of players come and go through his program. From former player and assistant Monica Triner to recent ace Sara Nevins, Eriksen has groomed many top-tier players.

Sitting at the team’s preseason media day before USF’s season opener against South Carolina, Eriksen knew two of his cornerstone players were starting their last rides.

Catcher Lee Ann Spivey and pitcher Erica Nunn have spent countless hours together over their four-year career. Whether at summer practices, tossing bullpen warmups or clutch bottom of the seventh performances, the duo has built a special relationship.

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“When I’m catching for her and calling pitches, we kind of have our own language,” Spivey said of Nunn. “I can just look at her and go ‘alright this is what she wants called right here,’ and I’ll give it. It’s a great relationship to have.”

Nunn and Spivey have started nearly 50 games together. They began their careers as backups, but have grown to become one of the conference’s top pitchercatcher tandems.

“Spivey is really a comfort blanket behind the plate because I’ve thrown to her for four years,” Nunn said. “It’s nice to have her behind the plate, because she knows what I want to throw and knows where I want to throw it.”

Being on the same page is key.

Although consistency has made them who they are today, pushing the limits has helped them evolve.

“Having caught (for) her for

Returning starters for a USF team that missed the post season by one vote.

4

four years, I’ve seen her mature as a player and as an individual,” Spivey said. “Just yesterday at practice, I was catching her drop balls and she’s got an insane drop ball on the inside corner, and four years ago she would’ve looked at me and said, ‘I don’t throw a drop ball.’”

USF’s identity was youth and speed last season, with the underclassmen shouldering the offensive load. This year, the Bulls will have a different mantra relying on the experience of Nunn and Spivey.

In four seasons, Spivey has made her name known for her timely and powerful hitting. She led the team in batting average, slugging percentage, RBIs, homeruns and several other categories.

Nunn led the team in wins with a 10-8 record and a 2.73 ERA.

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Number USF’s opening-weekend opponents that are ranked or receiving votes.

By Luke Blankenship C O R R E S P O N D E N T

The Bulls far exceeded expectations last season, as they reached their first postseason berth since 2002 under first-year coach Mark Kingston. Expected to return to postseason play, the team is missing over half of last year’s roster.

USF lost 18 players, retained only 13 and over half of the team (21) is new recruits. The most notable losses were pitcher Jimmy Herget (sixth round to Cincinnati Reds), pitcher Tommy Peterson (12th round, Washington Nationals), infielder Kyle Teaf (30th round, Tampa Bay Rays) and pitcher Casey Mulholland (37th round, Los Angeles Dodgers).

Kingston was confident during Wednesday’s preseason media day in discussing his freshman players.

“We will have four freshman that will get a chance to start as we open up,” he said. “We have four to five freshmen starting and maybe six considered to start on any given day.”

The only players guaranteed a starting spot were catcher Levi Borders, outfielder Luke Maglich, outfielder Luke Borders and utility player Kevin Merrell, who he called a “developing star.”

There is potential for freshmen, but returning players might also have a place to start, as Kingston knows those players can be relied on for consistency.

In regards to pitching staff for the Bulls, he said it’s still very much in flux, with five to six guys vying for roles in the starting rotation.

“We need to combine what our eyes are telling us right now with what we are seeing in practice, and marry that with what the stats

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