WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 VOL. 104, NO. 15 ● SINCE 1908 dailygamecock.com UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA Tuesday Wednesday 96° 95° After a 1-1 finish in the Courtyard Cup, the Gamecocks hope to use their home-field advantage in Sunday’s game. See page 9 Former Miss South Carolina and USC alumna Dalia Garcia returns to play an acoustic concert at Colonial Life Arena with her husband. See page 6 Michael Lambert discusses why Columbia’s arts would struggle un- der an ‘arts czar.’ See page 5 (803) 777-3914 (803) 777-7726 (803) 777-7182 (803) 576-6172 USC to play ASU Garcia and Scott City’s arts could suffer Michael Lambert Second-year comparative literature student Viewpoints Editor Ryan Quinn discusses and responds to columnist Emily Shipp’s opinion about Evangelical Christians. The Controversy Online @ www.dailygamecock.com 70° 69° Thursday night’s much-anticipated season opener against Southern Miss will start a little after 7:30, but festivities near the stadium start hours prior. Here’s a quick primer on navigating the intricacies of game day at Williams-Brice Stadium. HOW TO GET THERE Traffic is always an issue on game days as thousands of Gamecock fans flow toward the stadium from Assembly Street, Bluff Road and Shop Road. Try to get to your tailgating spot early if you want to have time to tailgate as snarly traffic can hold up cars for hours. If you don’t plan on driving to the game and prefer not to trek to the stadium from campus, the Gameday Shuttle will be available starting three hours before kickoff. Free to students with a Carolina Card, the shuttle costs $3 per person for anyone else and runs for an hour and a half after the game. The pick-up locations are the Colonial Life Arena/Coliseum Lot B and Blowfish Stadium, and the shuttle drops passengers off on Rosewood near the main gate of the Fairgrounds. After the game, the shuttle picks up and drops off in the same locations. TAILGATING Thousands of diehard Carolina fans will take to the State Fairgrounds hours before kickoff, filling themselves with fried chicken, pimento cheese, grilled delicacies and plenty of liquor, but if you’d like to tailgate with hundreds of USC students, there’s a free option for you. The Gamecock Tailgate, located at the Biscuit House Parking Lot across from the stadium on Bluff Road, starts two and a half hours prior to kickoff and is free to all students with a Carolina Card. There will be free food and drinks, music and games. TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK? Anyone who has been to a football game in the past knows that drinking can be a big part of the tailgating scene, but it’s important to be aware of the consequences of this game day activity. Simply put, students must follow the state law that says they cannot drink alcohol under the age of 21, said Director of Judicial Affairs Alisa Cooney. In addition, fans must abide by the state’s open container laws and cannot bring alcohol into Williams- Brice Stadium. “A lot of students don’t realize it’s a violation just to smuggle alcohol into the stadium even if you are of age,” Cooney said. While many underage students may think they are safe by pouring the alcoholic beverage of their choice into a red Solo cup, Cooney warned against this false sense of security. “Don’t overestimate the magic powers of a red solo cup,” she said. “People know what’s in there. Be The Peanut Man loved his trip to campus for the Greene Street farmer’s market Tuesday, where he sold USC students peanuts and promoted his business located at the Sandhills Shopping Center. Hundreds of students enjoyed visiting the market, too, including Lacey Humphries, a first- year exercise science student. “I’m craving tomatoes,” Humphries said. “We grow them at home, but now I don’t have them. I just passed by and saw [the market] today and got really excited.” Since Student Government launched a farmer’s market in 2008, it has been generally considered a success. Thousands of students have purchased fresh fruit and vegetables between the gates of Greene Street in front of the Russell House. It has also been publicly supported by USC First Lady, Patricia Pastides. Market struggles for funds Without Student Government funding, Healthy Carolina initiative looks for money to operate venue for vendors Josh Dawsey NEWS EDITOR What to know before you go Hurricane Earl strengthened to a Category 4 storm Tuesday, but poses little threat of making landfall on the South Carolina coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. “The chances of Earl affecting South Carolina are pretty remote,” said National Hurricane Center forecaster Todd Kimberlain. “In North Carolina and up further north, the chances become greater.” Forecasts have Earl making landfall anywhere from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to southeastern New England as early as Thursday night. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 135 mph late Tuesday night. Earl’s outer fringes brought heavy winds to the Turks Comments on this story? E-mail [email protected]Jonathan Battaglia ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Earl not likely to affect South Carolina coastline Category 4 storm could leave its mark on NC coastal regions SECURITY REDUCED IN RUSSELL HOUSE Guards to only patrol eateries after 11 p.m. Derek Legette THE DAILY GAMECOCK 2 AM Thu 2 AM Fri 8 AM Mon 2 AM Sat The Russell House security guards are gone, at least during the daytime. The guards that patrolled the Russell House last year for food theft during the busy lunch and dinner hours won’t return this year, said Michael Scheffres, resident district manager for Carolina Dining. Now, guards will only work the late-night shift of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Horseshoe Deli and Freshens, the two establishments inside the student union open late at night. The guards were originally hired to be at the Russell House from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, Scheffres said. Carolina Dining then expanded the hours in fall 2009 after witnessing quite a bit of theft, he explained. “We eliminated the day part when we felt the theft was under control in December,” he said. There were security guards in the Russell House bookstore during the busy opening weeks, but bookstore officials declined to comment on their performance. They are no longer there. The large freshmen class has certainly made longer lines for the Russell House, but Scheffres said that the guards did have a good impact. “Our hope is that with the increased enrollment we will not have any theft issues,” he said. “I am a positive person. If the problem does resurface, we will address it again.” MARKET ● 4 Sara Hartley ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR BY THE NUMBERS 14 POINTS CAROLINA IS FAVORED TO WIN 80,250 CAPACITY OF WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM 9,400 NUMBER OF STUDENT TICKETS ALLOTTED EARL ● 2 GAME DAY ● 2 Sarah Hettich / THE DAILY GAMECOCK Representatives sold peanuts, melons, tomatoes and more during Tuesday’s farmer’s market on Greene Street.
Transcript
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 VOL. 104, NO. 15 ● SINCE 1908
dailygamecock.com
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Tuesday
Wednesday
96°
95°
After a 1-1 finish in the Cou r t ya rd Cup, the Gamecocks hope to use the i r home-f ie ld advantage in Sunday’s game.
See page 9
F o r m e r M i s s S o u t h Carolina and USC alumna Dalia Garcia returns to play an acoustic concert at Colonial Life Arena with her husband.
See page 6
Michael Lambert discusses why Columbia’s arts would struggle un-der an ‘arts czar.’
Michael LambertSecond-year comparative literature student
Viewpoints Editor Ryan Quinn d iscusses and responds to columnist Emi ly Shipp’s opinion a b o u t E v a n g e l i c a l Christians.
The Controversy
Online @www.dailygamecock.com
70°
69°
Thursday night’s much-anticipated season opener against Southern Miss will start a little after 7:30 , but fest ivit ies near the stadium start hours prior. Here’s a quick primer on navigating the intricacies of game day at Williams-Brice Stadium.
HOW TO GET THERE
Traffi c is always an issue on game days as thousands of Gamecock fans f low toward the stadium from Assembly Street, Bluff Road and Shop Road. Tr y to get to your tailgating spot early if you want to have time to tailgate as snarly traffi c can hold up cars for hours.
If you don’t plan on driving to the game and prefer not to trek to the stadium from campus, the Gameday Shuttle will be available start ing three hours before k ickoff. Free to students with a Carolina Card, the shuttle costs $3 per person for anyone else and runs for an hour and a half after the game.
The pick-up locat ions are the Colonial Life Arena/Coliseum Lot B and Blowfish Stadium, and the shut t le drops passengers of f on Rosewood near the main gate of the Fairgrounds. After the game, the shuttle picks up and drops off in the same locations.
TAILGATING
Thousands of diehard Carolina fans will take to the State Fairgrounds hours before kickoff, fi lling themselves with fried chicken,
pimento cheese, grilled delicacies and plenty of liquor, but if you’d like to tailgate with hundreds of USC students, there’s a free option for you.
The Gamecock Tailgate, located at the Biscuit House Parking Lot across from the stadium on Bluff Road, starts two and a half hours prior to kickoff and is free to all students with a Carolina Card. There will be free food and drinks, music and games.
TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK?
Anyone who has been to a football game in the past knows that drinking can be a big part of the tailgating scene, but it’s important to be aware of the consequences of this game day activity.
Simply put, students must follow the state law that says they cannot drink alcohol under the age of 21, said Director of Judicial Affairs Alisa Cooney. In addition, fans must abide by the state’s open container laws and cannot bring alcohol into Williams-Brice Stadium.
“A lot of students don’t realize it’s a violation just to smuggle alcohol into the stadium even if you are of age,” Cooney said.
While many underage students may think they are safe by pouring the alcoholic beverage of their choice into a red Solo cup, Cooney warned against this false sense of security. “Don’t overest imate t he mag ic powers of a red solo cup,” she said. “People know what’s in there. Be
The Peanut Man loved his trip to campus for the Greene Street farmer’s market Tuesday, where he sold USC students peanuts and promoted his business located at the Sandhills Shopping Center.
Hundreds of students enjoyed visiting the market, too, including Lacey Humphries , a fi rst-year exercise science student.
“I’m craving tomatoes,” Humphries said. “We grow them at home, but now I don’t have them. I just passed by and saw [the market] today and got really excited.”
Since Student Government launched a farmer’s market in 2008, it has been generally considered a success. Thousands of students have purchased fresh fruit and vegetables between the gates of Greene Street in front of the Russell House. It has also been publicly supported by USC First Lady, Patricia Pastides .
Market struggles for fundsWithout Student Government funding, Healthy Carolina initiative looks for money to operate venue for vendors
Josh DawseyNEWS EDITOR
What to know before you goHurricane Earl strengthened to a Category 4 storm
Tuesday, but poses little threat of making landfall on the South Carolina coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“The chances of Earl affecting South Carolina are pretty remote,” said National Hurricane Center forecaster Todd Kimberlain. “In North Carolina and up further north, the chances become greater.”
Forecasts have Earl making landfall anywhere from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to southeastern New England as early as Thursday night. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 135 mph late Tuesday night.
Earl’s outer fringes brought heavy winds to the Turks
Earl not likely to aff ect South Carolina coastline
Category 4 storm could leave its mark on NC coastal regions
SECURITY REDUCEDIN RUSSELL HOUSE
Guards to only patrol eateries after 11 p.m.
Derek LegetteTHE DAILY GAMECOCK
2 AM Thu
2 AM Fri
8 AM Mon
2 AM Sat
The Russell House security guards are gone, at least during the daytime.
The guards that patrolled the Russell House last year for food theft during the busy lunch and dinner hours won’t return this year, said Michael Scheffres, resident district manager for Carolina Dining. Now, guards will only work the late-night shift of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Horseshoe Deli and Freshens, the two establishments inside the student union open late at night.
The guards were originally hired to be at the Russell House from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, Scheffres said. Carolina Dining then expanded the hours in fall 2009 after witnessing quite a bit of theft, he explained.
“We eliminated the day part when we felt the theft was under control in December,” he said.
There were security guards in the Russell House bookstore during the busy opening weeks, but bookstore officials declined to comment on their performance. They are no longer there.
The large freshmen class has certainly made longer lines for the Russell House, but Scheffres said that the guards did have a good impact.
“Our hope is that with the increased enrollment we will not have any theft issues,” he said. “I am a positive person. If the problem does resurface, we will address it again.”
MARKET ● 4
Sara HartleyASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
BY THE NUMBERS14 POINTS CAROLINA IS FAVORED TO WIN
80,250CAPACITY OF WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM
9,400NUMBER OF STUDENT TICKETS ALLOTTED
EARL ● 2
GAME DAY ● 2
Sarah Hettich / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Representatives sold peanuts, melons, tomatoes and more during Tuesday’s farmer’s market on Greene Street.
PAGE 2 The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
aware you’re still just as likely to be caught with a Solo cup as with a bottle of beer.”
Disguising your drink won’t prevent you from getting caught, and as Cooney joked, Solo cups are “not a cloak of invisibility.”
Also, as part of the University policy, people who are clearly intoxicated can also be escorted from the stadium.
If caught drinking underage, s t udent s ca n f ace c r im i na l charges, the University policy or both. According to Cooney, the punishment is entirely up to the discretion of the law enforcement officer who is dealing with the student. Under the University’s s t u d e n t c o n d u c t p r o c e s s , violators can get a $50 fi ne, must pass the Carolina Awareness of Alcohol Policies and Safety course and may also be required to perform community service hours.
C o o n e y s a i d t h a t l a w e n f o r c e me nt o f f i c e r s m a y be more l ikely to min imize the consequences if students are cooperat ive rather than belligerent.
“ T h e b i g g e s t i s s u e o n gamedays is safety,” Cooney said.
WHAT TO WEAR
It wouldn’t be a Carol ina footbal l game without some u n i v e r s a l l y a c k now le d g e d wardrobe t rends . A lt hough you can never go wrong with a Gamecocks T-shirt, many prefer to follow suit with the Southern t radit ion. For g irls , a black dress and pearls make up the
most customary game day outfi t. For guys, slacks and a garnet or black polo will do the trick. Don’t be surprised to see bow ties and seersucker garments in the crowds, either.
I m p o r t a n t n o t e : w e a r comfortable shoes. W hether you dr ive, walk or take the shuttle to the game, you will still be on your feet for several hours, and you don’t want to be uncomfortable while tailgating o r w h i l e c he e r i n g o n t he Gamecocks.
WHAT TO EAT
We don’t use the term “game day” without reason — Carolina football games real ly can be al l-day events. W hen people show up hours before kickoff to tailgate, food preparations are a must.
If you have a tailgating spot, you will probably want to come prepared with snacks. Grilling out i s a f avor ite ga me day custom, but for safety reasons only gas grills are permitted in university lots.
Inside the stadium, a bag of popcorn, hotdog or Chik-Fil-A sandwich can be the perfect halftime snack no matter how overpriced they may be. And when the post-game hunger sets in, Bojangles’ is always right across the street.
and Caicos Islands Tuesday as well. The projected track of Earl turns the storm further north and eventually northwest as it fl irts with the East Coast.
Kimberlain said the bulk of the forecasting models have Earl brushing very close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
“There’s been a tendency in the models to push Earl a little further west, which brings more of the coastline into play,” Kimberlain said. “Residents from the Carolinas to New England need to remain very vigilant.”
Kimberlain said the good news is Earl will weaken as it enters cooler northern waters and the western and weaker edge of the storm is more likely to affect the coast.
Hurricane watches, which indicate that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours, were expected to be issued soon for the North Carolina coast, according to Kimberlain.
SAN JOSE MINE, Chile — The effort to save 33 men trapped deep in a Chilean mine is an unprecedented challenge, mining safety experts said Tuesday. It means months of drilling, then a harrowing three-hour trip in a cage up a narrow hole carved through solid rock.
If all of that is successful, the freed men will emerge from the earth and “feel born again,” said an American miner who was part of a group dramatically rescued in 2002 with similar techniques. But that rescue pulled men from a spot only one-tenth as deep.
“They’re facing the most unusual rescue that has ever been dealt with,” said Dave Feickert, director of KiaOra, a mine safety consulting fi rm in New Zealand that has worked to improve China’s dangerous mines. “Every one of these rescues presents challenging issues. But this one is unique.”
Chilean offi cials said the miners will have to remove upward of 3,000 tons of rock as it falls into the area where they are trapped.
Obama called America’s troops the “steel in our ship of state.” Many of those men and women of steel said they think the president is plotting the right course as he declares an end to combat in Iraq.
“I’m just glad we’re in a total transition now,” Steve Baskis said.Baskis, 24, of Glen Ellyn, Ill., lost his sight and use of his arms in a May 2008 explosion in
Baghdad. Listening to the president’s speech in a living room fi lled with beach wedding pictures he can no longer see, the former Army specialist appreciated the president’s words of support and praise.
“I think that for my buddy who died and all the ones who lost their lives, I think it would mean a lot to them,” he said as his bulldog Sophie trotted around. “We can see all the work that we did. ... Ten, 20, 30 years from now, we’ll know what this whole war, Iraq and Afghanistan, what we risked.”
RALEIGH, N.C. — A powerful Hurricane Earl threatened to sideswipe much of the East Coast just ahead of Labor Day, worrying countless vacationers who planned to spend the traditional last week of summer at the beach.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency warned people along the Eastern Seaboard to prepare for possible evacuations, and islanders in the Turks and Caicos hunkered down in their homes Tuesday as the Category 4 hurricane steamed across the Caribbean with winds of 135 mph.
North Carolina offi cials late Tuesday announced the fi rst evacuation will be Ocracoke Island beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday. Tourists will be ordered to leave the barrier island accessible only by ferries, but those who live there year-round have the option to stay.
Earl is expected to remain over the open ocean before turning north and running parallel to the East Coast, bringing high winds and heavy rain to North Carolina’s Outer Banks by late Thursday or early Friday.
The Associated Press
PAGE 3The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
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PAGE 4 The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
But now, SG has taken away its funding from the farmer’s market it started, leaving Healthy Carolina offi cials searching for grants and funding from other sources. Right now, there are no plans to eliminate the farmer’s market, said Holly Harring , coordinator of the event.
“We hope it continues in the future,” she said. “But fi nances are always a concern.”
So why is an on-campus farmer’s market so expensive? Just visit the University’s solicitation policy. For every vendor at the market, there’s a $25 solicitation fee. Add on administrative costs and a farmer’s market can cost upwards of $500.
The money is paid to the Russell House Student Union, which provides the Greene Street space and tables for the monthly event.
“It’s a campus initiative that’s very positive, and I’d rather focus on why we’re being charged so much than blaming Student Government,” Harring said. “We’ve asked several times to get that price lowered, but we’ve been unsuccessful.”
Harring said Healthy Carolina could charge the vendors $25 each. However, that’s a much higher rate than they pay elsewhere, she said, and it would discourage many from coming to campus. So, Healthy Carolina covers $15 of the fee while the individual vendor chips in $10.
The solicitation fee was implemented almost two decades ago and applies across the board. On-campus organizations must sponsor any off-campus solicitor, whether it’s off-campus housing venues or produce sellers. Those funds help support the day-to-day operations of the student union, said Kim McMahon , director of the Russell House.
“The spirit of this rule is this is an educational institution,” McMahon said. “If someone is going to profi t from using this environment, there needs to be sharing of revenue with us.”
M c M a h o n s a i d o t h e r i n s t i t u t i o n s o f t en c h a rge more i n a n e f for t to d i s cou r age on- c a mpu s sol ic i t at ion .Money hasn’t always been a problem. In the past, SG funded the entire project. However, in a meeting this spring, SG executives told Healthy Carolina officials they wouldn’t renew $3,200 in funding; they plan to spend the money on new initiatives this year, which they haven’t selected. They’re looking to meet with student organization leaders this fall and develop new projects.
“After many discussions, the executive offi cers realized that we could no longer spend money on farmer’s markets,” said Student Body Vice President Taylor Cain . “In order for Student Government to continue to create and implement new ideas and initiatives, we couldn’t afford to fund farmer’s markets any longer.”
Cain said the organization supports the farmer’s market and has offered advertising resources and manpower for the monthly event. Healthy Carolina officials said they don’t hold harsh feelings toward SG for taking the money away.
“They have the changeover every year, and different cabinets have different priorities over what they want to fund,” Harring said. “The Student Government response to the needs of students and their wants changes, and our perception is that they wanted money spent on other things.”
At the market Tuesday, Blaise Cerame, a third-year anthropology student , was one of many who purchased fresh vegetables and shrimp.
“I’m hoping it’s good,” Cerame said. “I’ve been to other farmer’s markets, but this is the fi rst time I’ve been to the one on campus. I think it’s pretty convenient and supports local farmers.”
Jars of honey came in all sizes during Tuesday’s farmer’s market on Greene Street.
MARKET ● Continued from 1
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Student Government has recently pulled its funding from the Greene Street farmer’s market. They must have realized it was a bad idea to sell fruit within throwing distance of their meetings.
The farmer’s market is a great way to promote healthy eating among students and health-conscious USC seems to know this. Healthy Carolina helps fund it and our fi rst lady supports it. The only group that doesn’t believe the farmer’s market is worth the
money is the one that planted its seed and used to fund it completely — Student Government.
S t u d e n t B o d y President Ebbie Yazdani said that “SG can’t fund new initiatives forever.” A l l r ight , so you’re end i ng a t r ied a nd true initiative to start something new. That
must mean this new idea is really good. Come on SG, tell us what it is!
Too bad SG has nothing new planned. In fact, SG sent out an e-mail asking for proposals. Here’s a proposal: Don’t change plans just for the sake of changing them.
This is a classic example of a new administration putting the old dog down to raise a new pet project. The farmer’s market is a good project, but it isn’t their project, and they want to make a name for themselves. With this move, they certainly are making a name for themselves, but one we can’t print in this paper.
Wrapping up the fi rst of many sultry, South Carolina months, I fi nd myself slipping into a mindset I fi rst felt last year: My entire plane of existence stretches from the Humanities to Swearingen buildings, with the occasional slip into that strange half-dimension known as Five Points. No, I tell myself, USC does not constitute my whole world (yet). There is this often ignored place beyond Capstone named Columbia, a city that we all call our temporary home — for better or worse.
Columbia has big plans in its future, plans that at most demand our input and at least deserve our attention. Mayor Steve Benjamin has begun working through a report compiled by citizen committees, with each addressing a different issue of the city’s development. Although each issue is important, the one that really concerns students is arts and culture. Perhaps some of you aren’t much of art fans, but who can turn down the Nickelodeon’s multiple festivals or even the bands that fi ll New Brookland Tavern every year? Every fun thing that makes Columbia a college kid’s town — from the art galleries to the bands
— roots itself in how the city promotes and provides for its cultural community.
So what are the committees’ big plans? The truly, and you could almost say only, solid suggestion is to fi nish ongoing projects now, like the Nick’s expansion. Still others call
for better public transportation, which is the job of another offi ce, and diversif y ing audiences, wh ich doesn’t rea l ly mean anything.
The rea l elephant in the p r o p o s a l , t ho u g h , i s t he suggestion to create a central office for allocating funds and maintaining programs, with its accompanying “arts director” — an “arts czar,” to borrow a term from the Free Times .
It seems that our federal government’s ph i losophy has star ted leak ing out of Washington. Yes, let the city swoop in and save its arts community, foundering in the economic downturn. Every artist or event planner secretly wishes it could have one more offi ce to painstakingly deal with. This idea rises out of the more appropriate idea of hurrying to fi nish existing projects. With business stagnating, these projects need a
push to reach completion, or they’ll never see it. However, this push shouldn’t turn into out-and-out management. Just because you ask a guy to help fi x your car doesn’t mean you want him replacing your shingles.
City management will not create a stronger arts community. The arts survive and retain their own identity and flavor through their ability to support themselves. What can the city government do that business organizations or arts unions ultimately cannot? The lack of centrality should be placed squarely on the art unions’ shoulders, for failing to see that the whole is far more profi table than the sum of its parts.
Ultimately, Columbia’s arts community would sacrif ice more than it would gain from supporting this kind of offi ce. It would be taking significant decision making and spending power out of its own hands. Perhaps that does not seem like such a threat now, but fast forward two years.
Who will be deciding which fi lms show at the Nick, which bands come to Columbia’s festivals and which exhibitions open? It doesn’t take an “arts czar” to make these decisions. It takes a few city accountants, funneling the money where they see fi t.
Roads, dams, power grids need repair
PAGE 5WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
CORRECTIONSIf you fi nd an error in today’s edition of The Daily Gamecock, let us know about it. E-mail [email protected] and we will print the correction in our next issue.
The goal of The Daily Gamecock’s Viewpoints page is to stimulate discussion in the University of South Carol ina community. All published authors are expected to provide logical arguments to back their views.
The Daily Gamecock encourages readers to voice opinions and offers three methods of expression: letters to the editor, guest columns and feedback on dailygamecock.com.
Letters and guest columns should be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Letters must be 200 to 300 words in length and include the author’s name,
year in school and area of study.We also invite student leaders and
USC faculty members to submit guest co lumns. Columnists shou ld keep submissions to about 500 words in length and include the author’s name and position. Guest columns are limited to three per author per semester.
The editor reserves the right to edit and condense submissions for length and clarity, or not publish at all.
All submissions become the property of The Daily Gamecock and must conform to the legal standards of USC Student Media.
IT’S YOUR RIGHT
EDITORIAL BOARD
ELLEN MEDERManaging Editor
RYAN QUINNViewpoints Editor
JONATHAN BATTAGLIAAssistant News Editor
MORGAN REIDDesign Director
JAMES KRATCHAssistant Sports Editor
KRISTYN SANITOCopy Desk Chief
KRISTYN WINCHAssistant Viewpoints Editor
JIMMY GILMOREThe Mix Editor
JEREMY AARONAssistant Photography Editor
GEOFF MARSIWebmaster
KARA APEL Editor-in-Chief
SG pulls funding only for unplanned efforts
Infrastructure fi xes could prevent harm
“This is a classic
example of a new
administration
putting the old dog
down. ”
OPINION GRAB BAG Columnists offer tips for enjoying gameday, inside stadium and out
Even if you aren’t a football fan, Thursday’s game is the place to be. Putt ing on your school colors and cheering on your team is amazing. Just make sure you wear some comfortable shoes because you will be standing up cheering. Tailgating is also amazing as well as hanging out with your friends and eating great food. If you’re at home, turn on the TV and get some food and friends.
D’Nisha HandFirst-year undeclared student
I hate to be Danny Downer here, but do not, for any reason, miss class. I do not care if you’re so drunk you’re three-fourths Bud Light, I do not care if you have to go back and forth between the tailgate site and your classes like a shuttlecock — there is no excuse for not going to class. You can only miss three or four of them before your grade starts dropping like an anvil. Besides, the gates doesn’t open until 6:30 p.m. anyway, so you can wait a few hours to get your burgers. Imbibe your ill-gotten beer and cheer on the Gamecocks.
Austin JacksonThird-year political science student
I ne ver rea l l y u nder s tood t he whole team spirit thing except for the anthropological aspect of it which A) allows people to feel part of a bigger whole and B) is a form of escapism (getting super drunk, hanging out, not really thinking about reality). Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all about having a good time, but standing on a sideline and watching a sport has never really been my gig. However, I have decided to take advantage of all those who will be out supporting the economy on that day and work, where I will inevitably make twice or more the amount I would regularly. It is always fun to chug beers with your friends, but I don’t necessarily need a football game as an excuse to do such. Lastly, I disagree with Austin because I think you can skip any class you so desire as long as you are willing to pay the consequences — after all, you’re the one
paying thousands for those suckers.
Emily ShippFourth-year English student
If you go to USC, you’ve got to go to at least some of the games. Football season is the highlight for the majority of students here at USC. So, whether you’re a fan or not, go to the games. You don’t have to get drunk, cheer the entire time for the team or even participate in the mosh pit during sandstorm — even though you should because it’s awesome. But at least be there and support your school. If you do happen to get drunk and go a little out of control, hopefully you can make it to your class in the morning.
Marilynn JoynerThird-year political science and dance
student
If you’re like me and didn’t get a ticket in the lottery, which I suspect is quite a few of you (freshmen, especially) this time around, there’s no reason to fret excessively about it. Yeah, you’re missing the fi rst game and it’s a bummer, but it’s nearly statistically impossible for you to not get a ticket to another game soon. So buy some pizza, throw your own party and look at it this way: You get to avoid the stifl ing heat of a packed crowd, you may not be deaf for the next week and you can avoid getting puked on by obnoxious drunkards. Unless you’re one of them, that is.
Alice ChangFirst-year international business student
Even if you did not get a ticket for the game, there is still hope. Throw your own football bash, have a good time with new friends you’ve made and remember that getting drunk does not always mean you’ll have a good time. So don’t worry if you don’t have a ticket. Just fi nd a way to have fun with other people who didn’t get a ticket. It’s not the end of the world.
Steven KramerFirst-year business student
Michael LambertSecond-year comparative literature student
City’s arts would suffer under ‘arts czar’Unions, organizations would serve
community better than central offi ce
M o r e s p e n d i n g on inf rast ruct ure is needed to help avert another major national catast rophe. A large portion of our nation’s roads and bridges are in disrepair, and some o f t hem h ave e ve n collapsed.
I n 20 07, a m ajor b r i d g e c a r r y i n g I-35W col l ap sed i n Minneapolis, Minn., k i l l i n g 13 p e o p l e a nd i nju r i ng ma ny. Howe ver, t he mo s t shocking aspect of this bridge collapsing isn’t that it collapsed, but that it isn’t an isolated incident. All across our nat ion, we f ind that bridges are scoring low grades.
T h e p r o b l e m s r e g a r d i n g i n f r a s - t ructure do not just involve br idges and roads. These problems permeate our ent ire n a t i o n a l u t i l i t i e s network. Western states have long experienced p ower out ag e s a nd
blackouts that cost hundreds of millions of dollars i n l o s t produc t-ivity.
T h e s e o u t a g e s have even a f f e c t e d
t he most popu lated regions of our nation such as in 2006, when 174,000 people in New York City experienced an isolated blackout .
To m y c h a g r i n , o n l y $10 5 b i l l i o n o f t h e s t i m u l u s f u nd i ng wa s mea nt for i n f r a s t r uc t u r a l improvements .
The current recession we are mired in has d i s p r o p o r t io n a t e l y targeted blue-collar, work i ng- c la s s men. They are the ones who have been laid off in the greatest numbers as our industrial capacity has decl ined. Those same laborers without avai lable work could easily pave a highway, build a dam or erect a power grid.
Ou r economy has transitioned at a most inopportune time for t he se laborer s , a nd our country stands at a crossroads in which we could easily invest in projects that wi l l y ield f uture returns and t ransit ion these workers.
James Strickland Third-year history student
About The Daily Gamecock
The Daily Gamecock is the editorially independent student newspaper of the University of South Carolina. It is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and nine times during the summer with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. Opinions expressed in The Daily Gamecock are those of the editors or author and not those of the University of South Carolina.
Th e Board of Student Publications and Communications is the publisher of The Daily Gamecock. Th e Department of Student Media is the newspaper’s parent organization. The Daily Gamecock is supported in part by student-activity fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each from the Department of Student Media.
CONTACT INFORMATIONOffi ces located on the third fl oor
ERIK COLLINSCreative DirectorEDGAR SANTANABusiness ManagerCAROLYN GRIFFINAdvertising ManagerSARAH SCARBOROUGHClassifi eds ManagerSHERRY F. HOLMESProduction ManagerC. NEIL SCOTTCreative ServicesMADDY ALFORD, A.J. BIKOWSKI, DEMETRIOUS COOPER, ELIZABETH HOWELL, MADDIE MCDOWELL, ALLYSON SEITZERAdvertisingHANNAH COOK, PHILIP KISELICK, QUINCY ROBINSON, MEGHAN TANKERSLEY
PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
“Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is, they forget about the roll.”
-Keith Richards
Boasting unique sound, international acoustic fl avor,former Miss South Carolina, husband to play USC
Boasting uniquformer Miss So
‘GARCIA AND SCOTT’
You’re sitting in the Colonial Life Arena, waiting for your favorite band to take the stage. The crowd roars and your heart races with anticipation as lights fi ll the stage. For hours, you connect with the musicians, forgetting all tests, homework and stresses of being in college. If only things could stay this way.
Dalia Garcia, former Miss South Carolina and now half of musical duo Garcia and Scott, shared this rush when she, too, was a student at USC.
“I remember I saw a show in the arena when I was in college and I jumped on the platform, saying to myself, ‘This is what I want to do; I want to come back some day and start playing here in South Carolina,’” recalls Garcia.
Along with her husband, Gary Scott, Garcia is returning to Columbia, bringing with them a fresh new genre that sets them apart from much of the mainstream music of today.
Scott describes it as a blend of rock, blues and jazz with a little Latin. “People assume things when they see an acoustic guitar, but we prove them wrong,”
Scott said. “Acoustic bands these days are taking on a lot of energy, and we are right there with them.”
The couple combines extremely diverse styles to create their own unique sound. Scott, a native of Nashville, Tenn., and a drummer-turned-guitar-player, sets the rock and blues foundation for the music. Attracting those who love the good ole classic styles of the South while simultaneously entertaining fans of a more contemporary twist, he compares his powerful, percussive strumming technique to that of artist Dave Matthews.
“I’m always dancing, moving and playing percussion and Gary has unbelievable rhythm,” Garcia said.
Contributing a more international fl avor, Garcia provides the Latin spice that engages audiences and keeps them on their feet. A graduate of USC as well as the fi rst Hispanic Miss South Carolina, Garcia shines with true star quality as she experiments with new vocal sounds.
Although they have a widespread fan base and the potential to be commercially successful stars, Garcia and Scott enjoy the advantages of being independent artists.
They emphasize that, “We still have total control over our lyrics and music. What we do is real, and we know especially these days college students want something real, not phonies and people shaped by a record label.”
The couple’s desire to carry out their music in their own way is highlighted through their performances and the enjoyment they feel when connecting with spectators. They hope to ignite audiences with a musical thrill and receive as much energy as they project into the crowd.
“We create a sense of interaction and togetherness. For those two to three hours, forget your problems and we transfer you to a place of feeling good. Come see us and experience hours of unadulterated laughter, joy, and enjoyment,” Garcia said.
The duo is especially excited to share their music in Columbia and with USC students. “No matter where I’ve traveled or where I go, I am a South Carolina girl,” Garcia
said. “I’ll be in Europe or somewhere and still be saying,‘Hey, don’t mess with the Gamecocks!’”
The couple will play a few gigs around the Columbia area including Sept. 2 on campus and Sept. 3 at The Thirsty Fellow .
TAKES
SOUTH CAROLINAKaitlin Wernet
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Photo courtesy of garciaandscott.com Acoustic duo Dalia Garcia and Gary Scott have been touring over a year. USC alumna Garcia and husband Scott are excited to come to Columbia three times in the next month.
This week’s “Under the Cover” will take a journey through the past and review a few older books often overlooked because they were before their time or they were overshadowed by more commercially successful works.
The first book we’ll look at is “The Robber Bride” by Margaret Atwood , a story of a woman who betrayed three of her friends by stealing their boyfriends one by one. The main confl ict lies in her faked death and subsequent confrontation with these friends after her funeral. The story focuses on the sacred friendship between women, the battle of the sexes and the intangible ideal of justice. It can be dark and suspenseful, but an interesting read throughout. Atwood’s novels at large make you quest ion your place in the world while hiding under a blanket. She is better known for her earlier book, “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
This next book has been overlooked probably because it isn’t the most pleasing to indulge in. “Beware of God” by Shalom Auslander is a mixed set of short stories focusing on humanit y ’s place in the universe. The characters are all cynics at best, having a heartfelt opinion on everything. God is often personifi ed with human qualities like the ability to get a massive headache not even half a bottle of Advil can cure. However controversial the novel may be, there’s no topic more fascinating than man’s role in the universe.
Auslander has made the l ist simply because his book gives a radical view of religion. Religion is often the basis for many people to understand and cope with what l ife brings upon them. Of course, try and apply this same theory to petty family matters, and it becomes a lot harder to understand. At fi rst glance of the childish cover of “The Ticking” by Renee
French , one would b e l i e v e i t m i g h t just be a harmless story. Instead, it is t he jou r ney of one very deformed boy’s journey to manhood told in the wonderfully repu ls ive pic t u res of a g raph ic novel . The story and plot could rival a Salvador Dali painting and displays a transcendent u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e c o m p l e x r e l a t i o n s h i p bet ween fat her and son, self-worth versus self image, society versus individuality and a series of truly bizarre, but sickly sweet pictures. Renee French has a series of other well-known graphic novels such as “Micrographia“ and “Marbles in My Underpants.” The last book on this list is “Security” by Stephen Amidon, an intriguing and extremely well-written novel. It tells the story of a securit y breach in a Massachusetts college town inside a mansion. Twists arise when a local girl raises a sexual assault claim that ends up involving half the town. The work revels in the satire and the human sacrifi ce of everything for the sake of security. While it’s just as heavy as the other novels on the list, the novel is a testament to an important aspect of wr it ing f ic t ion: stringing details together to make the story. Amidon has written seven other novels including his most recent, “Human Capital,” which delves into the human psyche.
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PAGE 8 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Across1 Moved on all fours6 “Snow” veggie9 Action fi lm high point14 Break off completely15 Select, with “for”16 Like Cheerios17 Open-mouthed18 Watch or clock20 Second fl oor of a home, say22 Your and my23 John who played Basil Fawlty24 QVC competitor25 Town, informally26 Animal fat27 Keats or Yeats29 Brighton buddy30 Ear: Pref.31 Ernie’s Muppet pal32 Amt. still owed33 With 35-Across, real McCoy35 See 33-Across39 Got ready for a lap dog40 Ink stain41 Accelerate, with “up”42 Gets nosy45 Bump off46 Arrived47 Swedish soprano Jenny48 Tyrannosaurus __49 Element used in dating rocks51 Actress Gardner52 Where to begin adding numbers54 Daily publication where you’d read the ends of 18-, 20-, 33/35- and 52-Across56 Microwave alerts58 Speechify59 Perrier, to Pierre60 Cybercommerce61 Justin Timberlake’s boy band62 AAA suggestion63 Aromatic compound
Down1 Civil War org.2 Control, as temperature3 Argentine leader played by Madonna4 Livened (up)5 Ancestral diagrams6 Pans partner7 Nickname8 Maximally9 Xerox10 See 25-Down
11 Enjoyed a diner12 Tie tightly13 Pizazz19 Directional suffi x21 Regret one’s sins23 Drain obstruction25 With 10-Down, “South Pacifi c” song28 Calif. neighbor29 Damon of “Good Will Hunting”31 Skewed view32 “Bucking” horse34 Secondhand35 Baba who stole from thieves36 Dungeness delicacy37 Tart dessert38 All square40 Costlier ballpark spot42 Expect to happen43 Funny Joan44 Sort of45 Farther below the water’s surface46 Salad oil bottles48 Cell “messenger,” briefl y50 “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” playwright52 Oil cartel acronym53 Nikki Sixx/Tommy Lee
group Mötley __55 RR depot57 35mm camera type
09/1/10 Edited by Wayne Robert Williams
Brought to you by:
Crossword
Solution for 08/31/10
09/1/10
Solution from 08/30/10
Bunny and Ravy ● By Marlowe Leverette / The Daily Gamecock
@Visit uswww.dailygamecock.com
A R IES Roma nt ic thoughts must adapt to practical considerations. Use that delightful fantasy t o i n s p i r e e v e r y o n e to move i n t he r ight direction.
TAURUS It’s a good thing you’re not seeking precision. Your mission is to create a bridge between the diverse elements of your situation.
GEMINI Passion c re at e s p rob lem s f or you now. Take care of even the smallest injury immediately. That way, you reduce diffi culties later on.
CANCER Reading a romance novel will not ach ieve the relaxat ion you’d l ike. It requ ires action to bring imaginative possibilities into reality.
LEO While you seek
comfor t , a n a s soc iate seems to be g ra spi ng f o r p owe r. D o n’t l e t laziness prevent you from protecting your position.
V I R G O Y o u perceive a problem with accomplishing your task with available resources. Figure out a way around t h i s p r o b l e m t o d a y. Consult a professional.
LIBRA The last thing you want is for someone to interfere with fulfi lling your desires. Laugh at requests that take you off track.
SCORPIO Unless you make your partner comfortable, your energy gets drained unnecessarily. Serve his or her favorite food and drink and relax.
SAGITTARIUS Emotions fl are when group members disagree. You
need to get the practical issues on the table quickly and allow each person to suggest solutions.
C A PR ICOR NPlanning a party at your house takes more effort than you thought. Take care of practical matters, l ike grocery shopping, while others clean up.
AQUARIUS Take care of practical details for someone fa r f rom home. Re schedu le a n appointment or ref il l a prescription and send it by overnight mail.
PISCES Emotional purchases fail to satisfy later. Extending l imits helps ever yone today. T h i n k a b o u t b i g expenditures for 24 hours before buying.
Calendar of EventsWhat: Organization FairWhen: 11 a.m. Where: Greene Street
What: Student SenateWhen: 5 p.m.Where: Russell House 322/326
What: Habitat for Humanity MeetingWhen: 7:30 p.m.Where: Callcott 201
What: Garnet and Black Magazine Interest MeetingWhen: 8 p.m.Where: RH 304
What: Lacrosse Club Interest MeetingWhen:8 p.m.Where: RH 305
What: USC Hockey Interest MeetingWhen: 8 p.m.Where: RH 205
What: Garnet and Black Interest MeetingWhen:8 p.m.Where: RH 304
What: Golf Club Interest MeetingWhen:8:30 p.m.Where: RH 203
The Scene
TODAY
THANK GOD, TUNGUSKA, ...FOR SCIENCE!, MURDER MEDIA8 p.m. doors, $5 over 21 / $7 under 21New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St.
WHISKEY TANGO REVIEW W/ KEVIN MCGEE6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, $5The White Mule, 1530 Main St.
I M P E R I A L S P L E N D O R : RENAISSANCE TAPESTRIES FROM VIENNAONGOING Until Sep. 19- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5 Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St.
TOMORROW
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE5:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m., $7.51Nickelodeon Theatre, 937 Main St.
F I L M: CR A F T IN A M E R ICA : LANDSCAPE12 p.m., $5Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St.
GET COCK Y: STUDENTS AND ATHLETICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., freeMcKissick Museum
The NCAA has done some dumb things. It disqualifi ed a 10,000 meter contestant
from the national meet because his coach clicked the wrong box on an online entrance form. It suspended former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant for an entire season because he lied to them about visiting Deion Sanders , even though the visit was not a violation of NCAA rules. But listen to its latest stunt and see if it doesn’t make you want to bite through your femur.
Boise State University had recruited Emil Smith, a 6-foot-2 defensive end from Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. Recruiting is not an easy business. Coaches must convince parents that they will take care of their child. They must make the athlete believe that their school is the best place for him or her. The
coaches at Boise State had succeeded in the case of Emil Smith. He had committed to Boise State and was ready to run out onto the ‘Smurf Turf’ at Bronco Stadium to follow in the footsteps of players like Ryan Clady, Ian Johnson and Jared Zabransky.
And then tragedy struck. On the night of July 17,
2010, Smith died in a car accident, along with his brother, 22-year-old Dimitri Garcia. His parents were stunned, his teammates were saddened and the Boise State coaches were shocked.
This is where you’re going to want to start spreading A1 sauce on your thigh.
Since Signing Day is on Feb. 2, Smith never signed
his letter of intent. Because he never signed his letter of intent, Boise State coaches could not comment on him. Also, phone calls to players and families are not allowed
to be made by a team between June 1 and Aug. 31. So when Emil Smith’s life was cut short by an automobile accident, what were the coaches who had recruited him and bonded with him allowed to do?
Nothing. Neither Boise State head coach Chris
Petersen nor any of his coaches could contact Smith’s family. None of the coaches could send flowers. They could not even attend the funeral. And do you know why? Because Smith’s teammates would be there, so if Boise State’s coaches attended, they would be charged with an illegal recruiting visit. At a funeral!
The men and women who run the NCAA have the common sense of a tube of Go-Gurt and half the brain power. The coaches at Boise State had recruited the kid, connected with him and now they were not even allowed to utter his name. They could not send their condolences to his grieving family. This young man was going to be part of their family, but they
could not express their remorse over his death in any way.
Of course, the NCAA made sure to announce to the world that Boise State could have applied for a waiver that would have allowed them to contact Smith’s family. Feel free at this point to sprinkle salt over your leg. Go ahead. Rub it in.
The fact that Boise State athletes and staff would have to apply for a waiver to express their sorrow to the parents of a deceased recruit is unfathomable. When does one need to fi ll out the appropriate paperwork in order to show compassion?
So, if you happen to see the Broncos play on a Saturday this fall, think about Emil Smith and how he would’ve loved to be there. Think about his family, the Boise State coaches and the people working at 700 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis, Ind., the home of the NCAA headquarters . You can send them the medical bill from your femur incident.
No, wait. Not without a waiver.
With the first four games of the season under its belt, the South Carolina women’s soccer team is making it clear that it has high hopes for 2010.
Coming off a 1-1 finish in the Gamecock Courtyard Cup , the No. 19 Gamecocks (3-1) will look to continue to use home-field to their advantage when they take on Arizona State (2-0) Sunday afternoon .
Despite suffering a loss to Louisville in game one of the tournament, Carolina seized the opportunity to give many of its reserves and freshmen playing time.
“We rotated a lot of players this weekend and they all went in there and did their job,” USC coach Shelley Smith said. “That’s what we’re asking of the team. Every game we’re improving.”
Midf ielder Danielle Au and defender Gabrielle Gilbert were two such players who continued to make the most of their minutes on the field. The freshmen started in both matches this weekend, and Au came up just short of scoring her fi rst collegiate goal with a shot off the crossbar in Sunday’s win over Ohio .
“Every game we’re trying to get more minutes for new players, gett ing them experience as we go. Danielle and Gabby are freshmen who have stepped into starting roles and fi lled in very well for us,” Smith said. “I’m excited about them and all the players we’re able to rotate in and get more minutes.”
Along with gaining experience for its newcomers, Carolina hopes to see the return of junior defender Ellen Fahey , who missed the tournament after suffering an injury against Northeastern.
“She’s working her way back in this week,” Smith said. “They wanted to rest her last week so we’re planning on having her back in for Sunday.”
The Gamecocks will also be looking for another solid performance from junior Kira Campbell , who has provided a veteran presence to a young group of midfi elders.
“Kira Campbell is someone who’s really stepped up this year and helped at midfi eld,” Smith said. “We try not to take her out of the game because she’s been really valuable as a returning player in our midfi eld.”
One of three Gamecocks named to the Gamecock Courtyard Cup All-Tournament Team , the Lexington native played 85 minutes against Louisville and 72 minutes against Ohio. Campbell has also been called upon to take many of the team’s free kicks.
“She being a returning player and the fact that Ellen was injured last weekend, we had to move Christine Watts to the back and had to rotate some people around,” Smith said. “Kira was really the steadiest in there and kept it together.”
Another steady performance will likely prove her importance against the Sun Devils, who fell in penalty kicks in the fi rst round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
“That’s going to be our biggest challenge so far this season,” Smith said. “I think they’re a very good team, very athletic.”
To extend its winning streak to two, Carolina will be looking to learn from its performances so far this season and continue to
make improvements across the board. “We need to be just a little more organized
in our defending. We’ve obviously shut down our opponents quite well, but there have been times that I think we can improve,” Smith said. “We also need to be more dangerous in our attack.”
Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. at Stone Stadium .
PAGE 9
Gamecocks take on ASUUSC looks to regroup after
.500 mark in tournament play
Ryan VelasquezTHE DAILY GAMECOCK
The men’s soccer team w i l l open t he reg u lar season in style Friday night, as the Gamecocks take on archrival Clemson at Stone Stadium .
Carolina is looking to build off its win in the preseason aga inst t he College of Charleston , while the Tigers enter the regular season with a 1-1 preseason record .
“It sets us in a good step for the opening of the season against Clemson,” coach Mark Berson said . “We need to take it up a couple of levels in intensity and performance, but I think our team’s ready to do that.”
The preseason shined light on many new faces whom Gamecock fans can expect to see in the match on Friday.
Both goals scored in the preseason were scored by new freshman additions to the Gamecock’s front line, Chipper Root and Bradlee Baladez .
“It’s very encouraging,” B e r s o n s a i d o f h i s you ng ster s . “To have both goals [come from freshmen] shows that they are learning very quickly and we have lots of players who will be able step up and help us at different times and I think that’s very important.”
Another freshman whose big play in the preseason could earn him playing t ime on Friday night is goalie Alex Long . Long allowed only one goal in 90 minutes of play in the preseason and proved himself to be a big asset for the 2010 season.
While the new freshmen w i l l h a v e t o p r o v e themselves on Friday night, Berson is also looking to veteran players to help push the team to victory.
“They’re learning, and growing and sharing it with the younger guys,” he said.
Jen HodshonTHE DAILY GAMECOCK
The South Carolina volleyball team will travel to Rock Hill this weekend to compete in the Carolina Challenge , an annual tou r n a ment t h at h a s b een dominated by the Gamecocks.
T h i s w i l l b e t h e t h i r d i n s t a l l m e nt o f t h e “ s t a t e championship” and USC has not lost a game in its previous two appearances in the Challenge. However, the Gamecocks will have a bigger task on their hands this year, as they travel with a young team only in its second weekend.
T he G a me c o c k s w i l l b e looking to tally a few marks in the win category after losing all three matches of the opening tournament hosted by Illinois.
However, it is a long season, and at this point, coach Ben Somera is more concerned with teaching his system to the new players than he is with wins and losses.
“We prefer to win,” Somera said. “But there are some things from a system foundation standpoint that are just as important at this point in the season for us being a younger team.”
Somera said the early, season games have to sometimes be treated as practice games. He doesn’t want to dwell on the defeat, but would rather watch the tape and explain what went wrong. He said the team is learning more with every game it plays.
“I was really happy with the steps they took in each match to get to a better spot,” Somera said. “Right now, I think it’s best for us to stay process-oriented and keep working on goals that improve the way we compete.”
One bright spot was senior Hannah Lawing’s move to the libero position , which proved to be very successful. Lawing was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for her career-best 31 digs against BYU . She had the
fifth-highest digs in a match in USC history.
“Lawing had a great defensive weekend. We expect to play good defense,” Somera said. “I think part of the reason why our fl oor defense did so well was that our block did such a good job of getting the balls to where our defenders are. When Hannah [Lawing] has success, the block can take some pride in that as well.”
Somera said the Gamecocks st ruggled with get t ing into rhythm in their first match last weekend, but after reviewing tape, they were able to play a better style.
Things will heat up quickly as the first match is against the Clemson Tigers . Last season, South Carolina beat Clemson 3-2 in Columbia . Clemson finished with a 23-10 record, losing to Oregon in the fi rst round of the NCAA tournament .
Volleyball hopes to grab fi rst win against Clemson in Rock Hill
Corbin EnsmingerTHE DAILY GAMECOCK
USC faces rival Tigers at Winthrop tourney
Gamecocks kick off new season against
Clemson Tigers
For extensive coverage of South Carolina vs. Southern Mississippi, check out Th ursday and Friday’s editions of Th e Daily Gamecock.
