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4 h A- inJacksonville! 'he Abstract - Page 2 Contents! Page 2 ...... Letter from the staff of The Abstract

Page 3...... :.Letter from the President

Page 3 ...... ?tterfrom the SGA President

Page 4 ...... :....There is more to do than you think

I Page 4 ...... Not your mama's drama department

Page 5 ...... :...... 'M~JSU:Advanced ~echnolo~~at your

Page 7 ...... %me for the weekend

Page' E...... - ampus Bookstore still 'cocky'

Page 9 ...... -om the trail to the stars

Page 10...... ampus Map (Complc I Wi-Fi hotspc

Page 12...... I...... DI he cheap . ,

. Page 13...... : ...... Thinen Tloors of help and learning

Paae 16-19 ...... ,p orts

Deaf Students, The Abstract can serve as your on campus, but if you think campus experienc~13 LUG best it College can be the most excit- guide to JSU. about it, maybe can possibly be. Here's to a new ing time in a person's life. It can The cover there are. The year of college, may it be full of - also be the most terrifying: of this issue is aliens are you. learning and growing for every Hopefully, this .issue of The meant to be a For new stu- student. Good luck! Abstract will help you acclimate little silly. We dents on cam- to life*on(and off) campus here - were given pus, college life Jered Staubs, Sports Editor at Jacksonville State University. new page sizes can be almost We've racked our brains here for this issue, like visiting an Sierra Sherer, Ad Director - at The Chanticleerto come up and figured alien planet. with interesting stories and use- since it's tab- Nev v experi. ful information that you will loid size, why encc 2s await Julie S1 kinner, ZWS 1- - - Ti YAitnv need to know as you navigate not make a you nere. r rze L campus life. From organizations mock super- Chanticleerwill

that might interest to places market tabloid be around all year to inform YOU_ Zach c , Editor in' to visit when you aren't in class, No, there aren't really aliens of events, and to make sure your Chief The Abstract - Page From the desk of the President Dear Students: student life, as well as its Take advantage of dl Welcome to Jacksonville faculty, staff and students, JSU has to offer. The Uni- State University! Your represent opportunities to versity has a $100 mil- fellow students, faculty, enrich your future beyond lion budget, 1,063 faculty staff and administration your dreams and aspira- and staff, a 459-acre cam- are pleased that you have tions. pus, 58 major academic made the wise decision to The Chanticleer staff buildings, 43 baccalau- join us for the great adven- has assembled an excellent reate degree programs and ture, which is JacksonviIle guide for your new home, 25 graduate and profes- State university. The Abstract. Here you sional degree programs all Jacksonville State Uni- will find not only the carn- dedicated to your future. versity is now your home. pus map and an outline of All you need to do is get I urge you to become as resources, but also advice involved ! familiar with your campus on student life with articles as you are with your own from student leaders who Go for it, home. Your new campus, want you to get the most William A. Meehan, Ed.D.. its buildings, programs in from your university expe- President academics, . athletics and rience. From.the SGA Hello Gamecocks! - ence in the lives of those around On behalf of the Student Government you. This year, SGA is blessed with Association, I enthusiastically welcome one of the most optimistic and ener- you to Jacksonville State University the getic executive teams ever involved "Best Kept Secret" and the "Friendliest at JSU. These leaders, with their Campus'" in the South. I am certain that incredible ideas and extraordinary JSU is right for .you, and abilities, are ready SGA.. .well, we are too! and willing to serve I encourage you to take the university. Let advantage of this oppor- SGA lead your way tunity and become ac- to an amazing colle- tively involved in student giate experience! activities. ' Your time has ar- SGA is the avenue of rived to get "cocky", acceptance open to .all get excited and get students residents and involved at JSU! commuters, Greeks and Carnpvs life is what independents, traditional you make of if. Open and non-traditional. We your eyes to the new serve as student repre- world around you, sentatives to the faculty open your mind to and administration. Our the amazing , oppor- decisions directly affect university pol- tunities and open your heart to your icy. Your input is important and your new Gamecock family! opinions should be heard. My goal is to meet each of you in an effort to better re- late to your concerns and provide a more ~nceaGamecock, always a personal representation of your needs. Gamecock! My office is located in room 402 of the Jennifer N. Nix, - - Theron Montgomery Building. Talk to President me and let me be your voice! Student Government Association As you begin your journey at Jackson- ville State, I urge you to make friends, make wise decisions and make a differ- TheAbstract - Page 4 There is more to do than you think By Jacob Probus tively flat, running through some until it winds its way to the top of down the creek that includessome Senior Writer ' pretty incredible greeneryand scen- the hill and take in a.soaring view mild whitewater action, the creek Jacksonville State University is ev. During the s~rjngand summer of the campus. returns you to the canoe shop. the trail is full of cyclists, walkers If you prefer your fun on the wet Choccolocco Management Area nestled in the foothills of the A~~~- ' lachian ~~~~~~i~~.rests in a veri- and runners. 1t is marked in miles side,takeafloatdownTerrapinCreek, is just 15 minutes from campus and and lcilometers so you can up 30 minutes from campus. The Ter- offers over 40,000 acres of wilder- table -playground -- for those who dig- the outdoors. Withina with the distance rapin Outdoor Center rents canoes' ness where you can hike, mountain 30 minute drive lays you've covered. for $40, which you can split with bike, camp, swim, canoe, hunt and several outdoor won- Cheaha State a friend fish. There are sev- derlands. When you Park is 45 min- because eral camp grounds, get home from a long utes from cam- they hold some are primitive day's play, there are pus on the high- two pad-' and some are- fully several places in town est point in the dlers. For furnished, offering to waste the night state, Cheaha $25 you bathhouses and RV away. Mountain. The can rent a hook ups. The Chief Ladi- park offers one person There is plenty ga Trail runs right camping, hik- sit-on-top to do on campus as through the middle of ing, mountain kayak. well. If you are a fit- the campus. It's a bik- biking, fishing, The price ness freak, Steven- ing/walking/running trail that starts swimming, and awe-inspiring vis- includes son Hall has a very eight miles away,on the outslurts of tas. For a pretty incredible view a shuttle-. nice gym over by Anniston, and connects at the Geor- without leaving Jacksonville, you service the Theron Mont- gia state line to the Silver Comet can drive up to the fire lookout that carries you and your boat eight g.Omev and Olympic Trail, taking you all the wayto At- tower at the end of Mountain Street. miles up creek to start your fou; to sized swimming pool in the base- lanta. The trail is paved and rela- Just head north on Mountain Street five hour float. After a scenic trek See TO DO, Page 15 I Not your mama's drama department By Jalon Turner and directing. ing class to help them decide directed one-act productions Staff Writer Students who are unsure if if they want to be in the spot- each year. ~~~ki~~for drama? ~h~~ they want to act or be behind light. ~raduatesof the drama de- the scenes are offered an act- , The Department does partment have attended top the JSU~-- drama deDment is 5-6 K ~ where you want to be. main stage shows a year and graduate theatre programs in- The drama de one musical. All students cluding NYU,Penn State and , at Jacksonville can audition, not just dra- North Carolina School for the State Univer- Arts. The drama department offers ment covers one-on-one time between stu: three schools dent and instructors that will in the state of help in careers in theatre field. rnance. The department is part of a strong liberal arts programat tional Association. Jacksonville State, and offers of Schools of Theatre scholarships and work study. With the upcoming shows in The department has the fall, the drama department lots of areas to which will be hosting tryouts the first students can contrib- two weeks of the semester. If ute. Students will learn you are interested, be on the how to make anything lookout for flyers around cam- from costumes and back- / There are pus or contact the department drops to doing the lighting - / several student- at 256-782-5623. The Abstract - Page 5 Advanced technologyat your fingertips MyJSUprovides online access to JSU campus By Chrh pittian site. Staff Writer Information Technology has Keeping up with advances in worked hard to add new features technology can be an impossible for people to use while they are on task in the age of computers. JSU's campus. Department of Iqformation Tech- Numerous wireless hot spots nology has gone above and be- have been added to give students yond to put the school ahead of the the Banner system aims to ease any The main Web site is undergoing more opportunities to connect to game. I and all concerns. changes in order to provide a more .the internet while at JSU. Wireless "We've come a long way in the Students simply click the regis- up-to-date look. It will also help the access is free to all students of the last year," Vice President for Infor- tration link and they are. presented different departments over campus university upon comp-letion of a niation Technology Randy Harper with the ability to register for class- to keep updated pages. small registration process. said. "The reason we have been es,,view student records and review "The new system requires no The university has upgraded able to do that is the extra effort financial aid information. Click- HTML knowledge, which is some- bandwidth from 34 megabytes per put in by our students, faculty and ing the registration link again will thing that hurt us in the past," Harp- second to 45 megabytes per second. staff." prompt another set of links which er said. "Now every department on This increase will provide quicker The first step was the implemen- will lead students to the area for campus will be able to update their access to anyone visiting the JSU tation of MyJSU, an administrative adding and dropping classes - sim- Web site using easy to use tem- computing system created by Sun- ple and to the point. plates." See MyJSU, Page 15' Gard. When the user logs into M~JSU, The tern-

"MyJSU is the doorway into they are presented with a sleek Y'""" l'-" the Banner system, which handles looking display that is easy to navi- vide a stan- our registration and financial aid," gate. The navigation bar is handled dard look I I Harper said. "It's the portal that al- with separate tabs that the user can that will be lows access to everything impor- click to peruse through the different , easily rec- I tant to the student in an easy to use features available. Students &e able ognizable manner." to customize this la'yout to their lik- across all I I - Registration can be one of the ing, and can even add links to their' sections of '702 Pelham Road biggest stresses of college life, but favorite web pages. the JSU Web 1 I I - Jacksonville I

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JaclrPonvZlle Opam Theatre 0 PrassnS tllbsrta Sulitvan'slhe Mikado May 23 -June 1

(by-W-ber) ' (I 3Su Alum Charlie Waldmp Mamad Alabama's FIM "Eupr Lowyar" JSUAtum Named Actlnlp GXC Pmddsnt IGaddam Tfmps] 0 JSU NwBwtre Announcamanb 'I GOGAMEGOCKS! ; The~bspct - Page 6 From Russia, With Love By Julie Skinner think of the old James very colorful this year. CopylNewsEditor Bond movie," Bodiford Costumes will go along said. "Bur it's really noth- with the Russian theme, Ken Bodiford, direc- ing about that, it's music as the Ballerinas will be tor of bands at Jackson- based on Russian corn- dressed as Russian ice ville State University, posers." princesses and the color- was watching a commer- While the theme "From guard will be dressed as cial one night with James Russia with Love" is not Russian sailors. Bond in it. It was then that completely centered on ' "[The audience will] the' idea for the Marching James Bond, it will have love it," Bodiford said. Southerners' 2008 pro- fragments during the show "I think they're going to duction began to blossom. pertaining to the films. . eNoy the color, costumes "When you hear 'From The show, according to and the music. It will bring Russia with hue,' you Bodiford, is going to be the house down."

File photoslTh Chpnticleer

F TNESS FOR L FE

WeNow Offer Body Jam Classes COMEJAM WrrHUS!

Women'sWork Out Room Staying or going could=. .aflect I your grades

Check out The Chanticleer every Thursday (fall & spring semesters) The Abstract - Page 8 Campus Bookstore still 'cocky' More improvments than meet the eye

By Julie Skinner the section for textbooks has books that have been ordered dents will also be able to order CopylNewsEditor been reotganized and shelves on the Internet. Now, students clothing online. Butno worries, At Jacksonville State Univer- have been moved so that now can order their textbooks on- though the store has invested sity, the book- line, bring their receipt and in a new line of clothing, the store is best at the front pick up their books without cocky tees will still be in full known for.. . and see to the standing in line. swing this fall. well. . . books. PEASEPARDON OUR back of the Jennifer Holmes, 20, works "As far as I know they're But, it is also at the bookstore, and thlnks the going to continue the 'cocky' APPEARANCE,WEARE change will be pleasing to stu- the place "It's more shirts," Stephens said. "We dents. where students plan on keeping those." "With the rearrangement in buy their JSU easier to Look for the grand re-open- threads. Yes, the back, Internet orders will be less of a hassle for every- ing of the bookstore this fall. around here, The date has yet to be decid- you just don't one," Holmes said. "I think the ed, but Stephens said it will feel like a true convenient is upper-classmen willappreciate be close to the start of school student unless it, but it will be a good envi- you have a - up window at ronment for freshmen, too." and will feature giveaways and famous ficockyv tee. ~h~ ,the back of the store for text- Beginning in the fall, stu- door prizes. was designed by the student government association about six years ago, according to bookstore Manager Randall Stephens. Stephens said the t- shirts and slogan were designed to promote school spirit, and they've donejust that. "From Washington D.C to California to Iraq to Spain, we ship those t-shirts all over," Stephens said. "Who knows why some things catch on." With a renewed Barnes and Noble contract and clothing sales continuing to grow each' fall, the JSU Campus Book- store has recently undergone a makeover. The transformation has in- cluded new carpet, paint, floor tile and a brand new line of clothing. "Wc've only had this out a few days and we're already selling it," Stephens said of the new clothes. In order to provide more Photos by Zach ChildreelTheChanticleer space for the clothing section, The university bookstore looks bare during the renovation, but is still open. TheAbstract - Page 9 trail to the -stars I :W ;. By &die@kinner cally beneficial, but helps reduce ' &'opy/NewsEditbr - *'lass: You're probably familiar with "Cp~.is.an exercise where the bigger organizations around .you don't haYretb carry your OMI Jacbmville State University, : Myweight, so it's good for any- -acb -as thestudkt Government me," Hmjssaid. "~t's'alsopod - *A Prssociafion mdcthe Baptist Cam- TM kqpr0vin-g cwdio-lespiiatory pus Ministry. B-rft JSU endurance." widevariety of urgariiatio Jason Butler, 23, is a senior at ate often werlooked JSU double majoring in econom- cause students don't bow' much. ics and psychology. After an in- &out them: . jury to his knee from running vL'I'he.JSU Northeast &b&a cross-country, he decided to join I &tsoyomy Wpe ls a newer or- 1 I the cycling club to stay active and @r&atiPg hat m* people help build the strength back in his . . . , a?& of. 'White are % NEW knee. + *,&cognized asars o@&~lyb "Cycling is less. taxing on the due fo,lack qf~&@they3ttre- body than running would be," hoping to gain student interest ' and expand their meetings Brrd Butler said. "I would imagine that ' monthly starparties. it would be less taxing on your " .-Saturday, May 24, was the photo by Julie SkinnerlThe C- lower back and oij~your joints . mostreacgt starparty. At 7 p.m., , . the pomdini go& get . , 'fSu,a W '3 came to these because I like

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diem. wdrewivding. .. .tqJacksonville. After going to a . pace. at tficusual , '4~party' it would be hard to ever "It's a great place to meet peo- 8ad ma, look at the sky the same way. ple, from college students to pro- Leo, "It's Hard to get people inter- fessors," Butler said. "It's a good were ested in it," Gladden said of the way to SM a network, and astronomy club. "People are send- are always looking for people ing all these things up in space, to join? ' . C -r?b @Beleeted tim~ofye&. . "wow." For new members,looking but most people can't identify the According to ~~rri~,each &,%&'a fapneq-isd T..grew up at the sky and simply learning of stars." month there is a time trial to pro- + + watching stars during the sea- the basic constellations and stars To join the NEAAL is simple. moteinterest in the cycling club. sons," Gladden said. "The constel- is rewarding, but for members Showing interest and going to Cyclists ride the Ladiga Td,a lations you see in the sky won't be who want a challenge, there is a meetings is all that's necess*. :: 33 mile biking and waw trail, the same 6 months from now." system Hofland uses called Sky- "If you-ever&t into it, you war14 David Hofland, director of stu- Tools that helps identifying lesser to start. off with identifying the ': *aGirwspdd*~m-. dent services for the Bachelor of known parts of the sky easier. sky, not buying a telescope, but dayofwh rmanth. .r Science in Nursing program, cur- "I just get a kick out of find- getting familiar with the starsP* "Y~qjmt ride yau can rently organizes the star parties. ing the most galaxies I can find," Gladden said. a& it's design4.PO, mcrtivate you, He's won various awafds for his Hofland said. "It's kind of like Another JSU organization .that to get YW #@W afid'm havea astronomicalachievements. walking .down a beach collecting is seeking members and looking ' good time," Harris said. "It's just "It's really the imagination of shells." to raise interest is the JSU Cy- a great sport and activi~." it," Hofland said. "What we see For some, it's not even the star cling Club. ' These two organizationsare just through our telescope isn't like gazing that's enjoyable.Just being Dr: Ronnie Harris, the adviser a peek into the activities around what we see in magazines, so peo- outside is what member Vaughn of the cycling clbb at JSU, says JSU. There's a place for every- ple are sometimes disappointed at Adair enjoys. that cycling is not only physi- one, you just have to find it. The- Abstract --Pap'10'

BIDD Graves Ha11 I

~arlisieFine Arts Facility

i.- .::- 0 = TheAbstract - Page 11 - DecoratingThe Abstract - Page 12 on the chea- By Julie Skinner.. "We will probably use a lot of

CopylNewsEditor -- hand-me-downs and things we So, you're finished with high already have," Yarbrough said. school and ready to venture out "We'll also shop at yard sales." into the college world. Getting a - . Instead of buying a washer place of your own and preparing and dqer brand-new, Phillips to decorate could pose a prob- and ' Yarbrough have decided lem if you're not careful with to take the washer and dryer budgeting your money. I mean, passed down to them by family, let's be kal, you don't want to and paint one of them pink with find yourself with empty pockets black polka-dots and the other and no accessories to flaunt but a black with pink polka-dots. leopard-print couch.. .do you? "I'm interested in color," Phil- Cady Yarbrough, 17, and Lau- lips said. "I want lots of color." ren Phillips, 18, are incoming With both girls interested in freshmen at Jacksonville State art for their living room, and University. With the task of fill- wanting to incorporate lots of ing an unfurnished apartment, color, they've decided to spray- Yarbrough and Phillips are on ~aintcanvases for their walls as a mission to find affopdable, yet Photo by Zach ~hiidreeI The Chanticleer See CHEAP, Page 15 fashionable, dCcor. , The dorms provide great space, but not muchin the way of decor.

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THEGROVE @ JACWNYIILE -351 NlSBR STREET NW - SACHSOWICLE, AL36265 a 256-78241285 The Abstract- Page 13

ThirteenStories of Helpand Learning 4A HoustonCole Library offers. students many services By Jacob Probus ing." Senior Writer The librarians are specialists H~~~~~~tole ~ib~~~~is the in different subjects, accord- tallest academic building in ing to McAbee. The seventh the state, and the amount of floor is the literature floor and help it offers students fills it the librarian up there has a from top to bottom. Many first master's degree in literature. time students are intimidated "So he knows his stuff," she by the sheer size of the build- Says. The sixth floor is foreign ing, and the collection - they language, fine arts, and music have nearly 700,000 items cat- and the librarian there teaches alogued - but there are helpful French at the university- staff members to guide your "We're all specialists, we're search and offer services to all generalist of course, but you, the student. they [students] need to know The dreaded research paper that We do have specialist for becomes a lot more tolerabIe their specific needs and ma-. when you have a professional jors,"McAbeesaYs. to guide you through The library has five laptops

it step by - that they circulate for step. Re- student use, accord- search As- ing to McAbee. They sistance at have free wireless In- Houston ternet so you can Cole offers urf the web, students just and it reaches all that, accord- the way out to ing to Sonja- the patio. McAbee, The Hous- head of tech- +a ton Cole Li- nical servic- brary is a ' es. They will member of the even help you with the beastly ALLIES Group, citations and horrid bibliogra- five colleges and universities phies. in Alabama who share their "Reference services I think collections with each other, 'is something that is taken for according to McAbee. granted," says McAbee. "We "The students can borrow a do have a librarian at the desk, book from UAB using their Photo by JulieSk~nner 1 The Chanticleer on the second floor, for any- JSU ID." she says. "They can Houston Cole Library is the tallest building in Calhoun County. body that has, questions. Be: drop it off here and we'll get cause this library is somewhat it back to them. Or you can go teresting and historical items vices available at Houston intimidating to freshman they on line and if UAB has it [the too, from the Oral History col- Cole Library that can make need to be comfortable go- book you need], or any of .the lection to a Chanticleer archive your college career at least a ing to the librarian and letting other schools, you can put in that dates back to the 40s. The little bit easier. It never killed them know what their needs a request and they'll mail it to library collection goes back anyone to read a book or are. We do one-on-one refer- us, and you can drop it off at 125 years just like the univer- check out a library either. Who ence online, on the phone, or any of the five libraries." sity. kriows, you might learn some- you can just come to the build- The library is filled with in- There are many helpful ser- thing. TheAbstract - Page 14 II-., TO DO... from Page 4 The Abstract - Page 15 ment of the Coliseum. There are also plenty leyball court, sand and all, and in the warm More info on tweb of school-affiliated groups and organizations months they have friendly tournaments. to get involved with, from Greek groups to Right around the comer on the square is The student Government. Vault in the old bank building. They serve Cheaha So now that you've played out in up drinks, food, and a the beautiful southern scenery and relaxed atmosphere. www. alapark. comlparkslpark. scorching sun all day or slogged it Opposite The Vault cfm?parkid=7 out in the gym or played a is Java Jolt, a cool rousing game .of intramural: little artsy coffee Terrapin Outdoor Center football, you've probably shop. This would be worked up a pretty the logical first stop so www.canoeshop.net good thirst and an that you may fuel up on caf- appetite for the feine to get you through nightlife. No need Choccolocco ManagementArea the night. Then to fret, there are there is Jeffer- www.fs.fed.uslr8/alabama/ plenty of water- ing holes around son's where you forests/shoal~creek/index.shtml you. can get a mix of hot wings, beer, Brother's Bar is JSU Student Life the oldest tradition in and karaoke. Up drinking and music in Jacksonville. the road toward Anniston studentlife.jsu.edu It was opened over 30 years ago and the stage there is the Sports Nut, but the kitchen there has seen the likes of The Allman Brother's burned down recently, so they are closed for Band and The Marshall Tucker Band. They now- still have live music on the weekends, show- So if You like playing in the outdoors and casing local talent gd the occasional big bar hopping then You shouldn't g,et bore(i Got a news tip? headliner. in Jacksonville. Even if you don't 1ike thesf D 0- -- On the square sits Brother's sister bar, things there is plenty to do for you too. DU get Call us at 782-5701 Pelham's. In the back they have a beach vol- out, do what you love, and 1( t you do.

MyJSU ... from Page 5 ICHEAP.. . from Page 12 Web site. It will also help gency on campus," Harper opposed to going out and buying watching herspending, and plans to students access their favorite said. "This will provide text paintings to hang. tackle tasks as she comes to them. - .. pages at a blazing fast speed messages, phone calls and e- Simple things sucn as rnese can "I just want to ease into it and do while on the network. mails to everyone come in handy when trying to con- a couple things at one time, so I can participating if an serve money. Yarbrough and Phil- gradually do it," Phillips said. emergency is tak- lips also plan on bfi-- Decorating can be a has become ing dishes from hc time-consuming duty instead of buying a r and can be very over- set. Sacrifices can ~e whelming. Taking cent events - made in order to allow things slowly, lke Phil- your money to go a long lips plans to, can be lence on sev- way. helpful in keeping stress Yarbrough, who works at a minimum. across the na- but Harper is at an ice cream shop in Though it's tempting' tion. An event notification sys- pleased with how ev- Pel1 City, Ala., has al- to go out and buy lavish tem is in the process of imple- erything has fallen into place ready started saving for decorations and brand- mentation to alert students if so far. her new apartment by monitoring name appliances, it's smart to such an event is taking place. The extra work from every- her spending on the weekends. realize your budget and stick The system will also be used one on campus has been a "I try to limit my money on the with it. Cut . corners as need- to provide weather warnings. tremendous investmentof weekends. Like, if I eat out one ed, and use recycled items when "The system will allow time and effort," he said. "But night, then that's all I'll do that possible. Save the leopard-print emergency personnel to no- we now have a platform and - .. weekend," Yarbrough said. couch for after you graduate and tify our students, faculty and a structure that will support Phillips is equallyconcerned with have the money to splurge. % s staff when there is an emer- JSU for many years to come." TheAbstract - Page 16 Big man on campus LSU transfer Perrillouxheads to Jacksonville By Jered Staubs Sports Editor After three consecutive 6-5 seasons had taken some of the luster off the JSU football program, the arrival of a nationally known appears to have re-energized the community. Farmer LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux will be taking the reins of the Gamecocks' offense this season, and there has beena palpable buzz around town since he committed to JSU on May 14. In class, at Stephenson Hall, at local restau- rants, Perrilloux's arrival has been the hot topic. People who know next to nothingabout seem to have found art opinion on the matter. No matter the location, the general con- sensus is the same - the JSU football team has become interesting. For a school that has long striwd to compete for the attention of a community that seems more interested in Auburn and Alabama, Perrilloux's arrival could be the sparkplug thatleads to JSU becoming an option on Saturday afternoons in the fall. The timing could not be more perfect for a pro- _gram that has greater ambitions than remaining a middle-tier OVC school. The school has been exploring the option of moving up to the highest level of college football, the Football Bowl Sub- division, and the Board of Trustees has proposed a $36 million stadium expansion. The biggest criticism of both moves has been the inability to fill the stadium currently, and Perrilloux - and the success that many feel he will bring to the program- could be the perfect solution. Perrilloux's past Pemlloux's dominant high school career led to a flurry of honors, most notably the2004 Hall Trophy (nation's most outstandinghigh school' player) and "Offensive Player of the Year" by USA Today. Photo courtesy of Dave Man~n1 Associated Press 1 File Pemlloux was the first major recruit head coach attracted to LSU, but with Ja- Ryan Perrilloux celebrates after being named MVP of the 2007 SEC Championship Game, Marcus Russell and in front of Per- in which he led his team to a 21 -14 victory over Tennessee. The win propelled LSU to a rilloux, he redshirted the 2005 season, andthrew berth in the national title game. only one pass in 2006. Last year, however, Pemlloux blossomed as But all was not good for the sophomore. He kicked off the team on May 2. Reports have in- part of a two-quarterback system, cuhnating was caught trying to board a gambling boat de- dicated he failed a drug test, along with miss- in a 20-for-30 performance in the SEC Charnpi- spite being underage, and later was involved in ingclasses, workouts,and other team functions, onship Game, a 21- 14 winaover Tennessee that a fight at a Baton Rouge nightclub. though neither Penilloux nor LSU have con- - led to the Tigers playing for - and winning - the On February 18, Miles indefinitely suspended national title. Perrilloux for violating team rules, and he was See Perrilloux, Page 19 - The Abstract - Page 17 Climbing out of the cellar Gamecocks hope new coach will bring more success

By Jered Staubs American head-coach in any team Sports Editor sports at JSU, will inherit a rela- After losing more than 20 games tively young ,team that only lost the past two years, and three of the two players to graduation. past four, the Jacksonville StaJe Senior 'point guard DeAndre basketball program is Iooking to Bray, who was a member of the committee in. charge of finding move in a new direction. LaPlante's replacement, will be Former Mississippi Valley State one of the people expected to lead coach James Green replaced Mike the transition under the new coach- LaPlante after LaPlante's eight- ing regime. year tenure ended with a 95-137 Fellow senior guard Jonathan record. Toles will help in that area, as well Besides the poor record in recent as last year's leading scorer, Nick seasons, there have also been off- Murphy. There was rampant spec- court issues that led to multiple ulation that Murphy would trans- suspensions and the dismissal of fer closer to his hometown in the Dorien Brown, the team's leading Bronx, but after Green's appoint- returning scorer and rebounder at ment, Murphy ain~uncedthat he the start of the 2006-20@? season. would stay at JSU. Green has already shown the ini- There were high marks dur- tiative of cleaning up the program, ing LaPlante's reign. LaPlante as he outlined his expectations in replaced current Texas A&M that area at his introductory press coach Mark Turgeon in 2001, conference, including raising the and got off to a flying start. team's GPA. In his first season, LaPlante won Green's Mississippi Valley State more games than any first-year Photo courtesyof JamesHarkins lJSUFan.com/FiLe team won the SWAC Cham]pion- c toach in JSU history. The 2002- Amad' dj score s inside in a 57-53 loss to Samford at Pete ship last year and qualified fc)r the 2'003 team went 20-10, the best Mathe jeum or I January 7. . NCAA tournament as a #16 seed. r ecord by a JSU team in almost a The team won its final nine games decade. ing the Gamecocks to that consis- His teams won the 2007 SWAC of the season before being beaten Green will try to make that type tent level. regular season title and the 2008 badly by top seed UCLA in the of season commonplace, and his After serving as the head coach SWAC tournament title. He was first round of the tournament. success at Mississippi Valley State at Southern Miss for eight seasons, named 2006-2007 SWAC Coach Green, who is the first African- indicates he may be capable of tak- he spent three seasons at MVSU. of-the Year. Parris will return to announcing booth for football

By-. John.NtckoLson dio station WLJS-92J in 2006 season. The of- Parris continued to - Former Jacksonville Specialto the Chanticleer early March, has seem- ficial reason was to al- cover men's and wom- State All-American ingly been well received low Parris to devote en's basketball quarterback Ed Lett will The voice.-. .of the Game- by most Gamecock more time to .his other for the Gamecock rmesports continue to serve as col- cocks. will be returning fa;ls. job on campus, which Network. or commentator for the to the football broadcast Parris has been ban- is handling the athletic Before the start of the ' booth this fall. Legend- dling the. la -by-play football broadcasts. Lett department's marketing 2007 baseball and soft- began calling games for JSU broadcaster duties for a; J~Usport- res onsibilities. ball seasons he was re- Zke Parris will call ing events on the Game- &e move was not well placed by then Gadsden the Gamecock Sports football arnes for the , cock S orts Network received by many long-- radio personality and Network with Coulter in Gamecoc ii Sports Net- since 191 3. time Gamecock fans. PA announcer for --JSU 2006. work for the first time Birmingham sports ra- Most notably, the JSU .football and basketball All of the games since 2005. dio veteran Matt Coul- fan Web site gojaxstate. games Carl Brady. Parris broadcast by the Game- The news of the ter replaced Parris in corn was flooded with returned to calling both cock Sports Netwnrk change, which was first . the football radio booth criticism of the original baseball and softball for can be heard on W reported by campus ra- at the beginning of the move. - . the 2008 seasons. 91.9 FM. -* The Abstract - page 18

Gamecocks coast through OVC, give Alabama a scare

By Jared Gravette . Associate Sports Editor Jana McGinnis and the members of the Jack~nvilleState softball C - team put together arguably the greatest.season in program history during their 2008 campaign. The Gamecocks not only-made it to Regionals for the first. time since 1996; they made it all the way to the championship game against the third seed Alabama' Crimson Tide. JSU didn't come away with the Regional title but did beat a very talented Florida State squad twice, notching their very first NCAA tournament victory. "We really made history. There has never been a team at JSU to win at Regionals," McGinnis said. "I don't know if we had ever beaten Florida State (they hadn't before this season). Florida State has a very reputable program. They have been there, done that. "To beat a program like that not only once, but twice, I think it was huge for our program Our goal was to always go to Regionals Photo courtesyof James HarkinsfJSUFan.comlFik and try to win, and we lost to one Leftfielder Rachel Fleming accepts her award for being named OVC Tournament MVP after the Game- of the best teams in the country. cocks defeated Tennessee Tech in the final game of the tournament. "I don't think our team has any- thing to be ashamed of. I think consistently knocked JSU out of It was nothing short of a mile- was a testament to them actually they've got everything to be proud the tournament over the years, but stone season for the Gamecocks. more than me." of. They definitely raised the bar .the Gamecocks dismantled them Not only did they win their first Next season, JSU will bring and set the standards." by a score of 10-1. Regional game, McGinnis also back all but four players from The Gamecocks played a very "I was proud of our team for captured her 500th victory at JSU their OVC championship squad. difficult non-conference schedule their conference play," McGin- in a 7-6 victory over Kennesaw Players like Rachel Fleming, with games against programs like nis said. "We had to win confer- State. Whitney Elder and Alana Hicks Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss. ence in order to ho~tthe confer- "It probably meant more to our will be missed, but the core of the That experience against top notch ence tournament. Then we hosted program than to me personally," team will jeturn. the conference tournament. What McGinnis said. "From a personal competition helped JSU stearnroll The Gamecocks will also get a great, great time. We had great standpoint, it just made me think through their Ohio Valley Confer- pitcher Karla Pittman back to pro- ence schedule, winning the regu- crowds back to all of the good players that - vide another valuable armalong- lar season and tournament titles "To beat Tennessee Tech, who I've been fortunate to coach." with ease. L had put us out three out of the last "It just made me reflect back on side OVC Freshman of the Year The most bittersweet victoryfor four years, I think it couldn't have how lucky I am to have my two Ashley Eliasson. Needless to say, the Gamecocks came in the con; been scripted any better. I was assistants and how lucky I am to it will be a very difficult task to ference title game against Tennes- very proud of our team. It was a lave good players and good peo- unseat JSU as the defending OVC see Tech. The Golden Eagles had fun season." ple come through our program. It champs. 4 The Abstract - Page 19 Everything but the ending Baseball team dominates OVC, comes up short in tournament

By Jered Staubs without its positive SportsEditor memorjes, as JSU took T,he Jacksonville home the two major State baseball team has conference awards. established itself as Head coach Jim Case the cream of the Ohio was named OVC Coach Valley Conference, of the Year, and senior but the 2008 season rightfielder Clay Whit- ended in unexpected temore was named OVC disappointment. Player of the Year. After compiling a 23-4 It was the second sea- conference record and a son in a row Whittemore 17-game winning streak was honored with the that was -the longest award. He hit an unheard in the nation entering of .425 on the season, and the OVC tournament, the Gamecocks were led the team in hits (96), surprising eliminated doubles (19), triples (6), from the conference home runs (8) and RBI tournament despitebeirig (66). healthy favorites. Whittemore was the JSU won every ,series cleanup hitter in one of against OVC opponents the most potent offens: this season, sweepingfive es in the nation. Fresh- series and winning two of man Todd Cunningham, three against the rest of from Jacksonville High the conference teams. School, led off for the Photo byBill Schmidt, courtesyof JamesHarkins lJSUFan.eomlFile The Gamecocks used Gamecocks, and quickly Record-setting rightfielder Clay Whittemore and family are honored on Senior a dominant offensive emerged as an elite op- Day by Athletic Director Jim Fuller (far left), President Bill Meehan (second from performance throughout tion at the top of JSU's left) and head coach Jim Case (far right). the season they scored - lineup. 10 or more runs on 17 occasions and qual- In total, seven Game- - cocks finished the season ity pitching to distance 1PERRILLOUX.. . from Page 16 themselves from theOVC hitting .300 or better. pack through the season. Whittemore is expect- firmed the. specific transgressions. direction of Jacksonville State and its un- Still, the top seeded ed to be the latest in a Perilous? conscionable decisionto allow Ryan Per- . Gamecocks fell to even- long line of the many re- Despite the excitement Perrilloux has rilloux to play football this season for the tual champion Eastern cent draftees who have created, some feel that JSU is making a Gamecocks." 1 Illinois and SEMO in the transformed JSU into mistake. After losing six scholarships in Perrilloux has left himself open to that football and dismissing previous quarter- conference tournament, the crkme de la &me of type of skepticism with his prior actions, back Cedric Johnson for repeated viola- and were denied what but he has said all the right things since the conference. Donovan tions, the timing has generated some skep- many assumed was a Hand, who was drafted being dismissed from LSU, and his sup- clear bid into the NCAA ticism. a year ago, was recent- Here's what the biggest sports personal- porte;s will aigue that his mistakes have tournament. ly called up to Brew- been small. After making it to the ity in the state, Paul Finebaum, had to say ers Double A affiliate in He'll have his chance to start endearing final game of the OVC about it in an article entitled "Crowe sells Huntsville. his soul for quarterback". himself to the JSU, fans when the Game- Tournament four consec- cocks play at on August 28 utive seasons -and win- Case and the Game- "You want to know what's wrong with in a game to be shown on ESPN. ning twice - the elimi- cocks will try to build on sports? Let me quickly point you in the nation was a surprise to that tradition next year, all involved with the pro- as they look to win over gram. 30 games for the seventh Visit us online at thechanticleeronline.com The season was not consecutive season u TheAbstract - Page 20 . .A

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