Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Employees,
Area organizations still helping hungry, homeless customers
required to wear
masks as Starkville
businesses reopen
Mask requirement,
continued curfew both
in place until May 11
BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com
Some Starkville
businesses are al-
lowed to reopen with
restrictions under
Gov. Tate Reeves’
new executive order
that took effect Mon-
day, but all employ-
Spruill
ees and customers
over the age of 6 are required to
wear protective face masks from 8
a.m. today until 8 a.m. May 11 to
curb the spread of the COVID-19
Slim Smith/Dispatch Staff coronavirus, the board of aldermen
Ann Younger, Sandra DePriest, Cindy Cranford and Clarissa Dodson spent Monday distributing sack lunches at decided Monday with a 5-2 vote at a
Loaves and Fishes. Monday’s meals were a collaboration by three churches — Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, special-call meeting.
Seventh Day Adventist Church and Pleasant Grove Church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Loaves and Fishes has The resolution requires busi-
been providing approximately 60 sack lunches a day. nesses to “provide adequate super-
vision, including door monitors” to
While meal volume is down in Columbus, costs for providing them have risen make sure no one enters without a
mask.
The city will also keep its 10 p.m.
BY SLIM SMITH which provides free lunches up to rarily limited operations at essential
ssmith@cdispatch.com to 5 a.m. curfew in place until May
five days per week at its Columbus businesses and closed businesses 11, a measure that Starkville Police
facility. “I’m hoping it’s just because deemed non-essential, and banned
The nightly news brings images Chief Mark Ballard said is neces-
people are staying home and may- gatherings of more than 10 people,
of hundreds of cars waiting in line sary.
be someone is providing meals for among other things.
to pick up food items as COVID-19 them. I hope that’s the case. What I See ALDERMEN, 3A
Prior to that, the facility had fed
continues to disrupt normal life do know is that we’re not serving as
across the country. 100 to 150 people daily.
many people as we did before (the
It is a scene that hasn’t been du- Loaves and Fishes relies on a
virus).”
plicated in the Golden Triangle. The group of 30 local organizations,
Sparkman estimates Loaves
primarily churches, who assume
anticipated crush of demand at soup
kitchens and food pantries caused
and Fishes is providing about 60
bag lunches per day since clos- responsibility for preparing and Starkville police arrest
serving lunches at least one day per
by COVID-19 has yet to materialize.
“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing
ing its kitchen and ending its hot
meal service because of the city’s month. two men for shelter in
“We have had a few churches
or a bad thing,” said Ann Sparkman,
co-president of Loaves and Fishes,
COVID-19 ordinance that went into
effect a month ago — which tempo- See FOOD PANTRIES, 6A place violation, one
for kidnapping
BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com
Keenum: MSU will receive $17.8M from CARES Act Two men have been charged
with shelter in place violations and
Classes
MSU will offer a wider variety of summer courses for a lower cost wrapped up
at least one has been charged with
kidnapping a juvenile after they
BY TESS VRBIN The COVID-19 coronavi- ment for the rest of the semes- We d n e s d a y, tried to run from Starkville police at
tvrbin@cdispatch.com rus pandemic started to force ter. students are a driver’s license checkpoint Friday
the cancellations of school, “These past eight weeks or taking final ex- night.
The second week of March sports and other gatherings so, I can truly say, have proba- ams this week Larry Simon, 31, of Jackson, and
seems like it was a year ago, on March 11, during MSU’s bly been the most trying time and MSU will Quincy Smedley, 32, of Laurel, were
Mississippi State University spring break. The university of my life,” Keenum said. “It’s hold a virtual Keenum in a car that nearly hit a police offi-
President Mark Keenum told extended its break by a week like the days run into weeks, graduation cer- cer after failing to stop at the check-
the Starkville Rotary Club at but soon had to convert all and a day feels almost like a emony on Friday at 2 p.m., point at the intersection of Louis-
its virtual meeting Monday. classes to an online environ- week.” See KEENUM, 6A See ARRESTS, 6A
79 Low 62
the ASPCA by singing her song “Angel” in 6 p.m., Brandon Central
High a gut-wrenching 2007 TV pitch featuring Services Center
Increasing clouds
homeless cats and dogs? May 15: Lowndes
Full forecast on Answers, 6B County Board of Super-
page 3A. visors, 9 a.m., County
Courthouse
May 19: Columbus City
Council, Municipal Com-
INSIDE plex, 5 p.m.
Classifieds 6B Dear Abby 3B Vyusti Yadav, a student at Starkville Academy, June 1: Lowndes County
Comics 3B Obituaries 5A is from India. She loves painting murals and has Board of Supervisors, 9
141st Year, No. 41 Crossword 6B Opinions 4A one in Tupelo. a.m., County Courthouse
GTECHS
Continued from Page 1A
the school’s fiscal agent, not know exactly how an opinion Savely shares.
based on the number of GTECHS application numbers his district’s relation- Initially, the board
GTECHS students. That Number
ship with GTECHS will votes at CMSD and
amount is different every Number pan out, given CMSD SOCSD indicated all
accepted
year based on MAEP’s Middle Number of accepted Number not and SOCSD’s departure their GTECHS students
and declined
formula, said LCSD Su- School applications and chose to accepted from the agreement, and would return to their
invitation to
attend
perintendent Sam Allison, attend that the remaining su- home districts but Labat
but last year it was about Columbus 33 28 2 3 perintendents will have said would be left up to
$5,100 per student. to work out a new agree- Allison, since students at
Caledonia 38 29 2 7
Next year, fiscal man- ment with GTECHS and GTECHS become LCSD
agement is slated to New Hope 17 12 5 0 EMCC administrators. students once they reach
switch from LCSD to West Lowndes 9 5 1 3 “We all got to get to- 10th grade.
EMCC. CMSD Super- BF Liddell 38 26 0 12 gether again and figure “I’m hoping we can
intendent Cherie Labat out at least what the work out a way for (Co-
Armstrong 23 22 1 0
said MDE would have al- program’s going to look lumbus and Starkville)
located about $130,000 in Fifth Street/West Point 38 34 0 4 like,” he said. students who are already
CMSD’s MAEP funds just Annunciation 6 4 0 2 Broadnax said in par- enrolled in the early
for GTECHS’ freshmen Columbus Christian 1 1 0 0 ticular that he hopes college to stay because
class from Columbus — CMSD and SOCSD’s they have taken a risk
an amount she called a Starkville Christian 1 1 0 0
departure from the pro- to enroll in a school that
“conservative estimate.” Central Academy 1 0 0 1 grams does not increase was brand new and out of
The cost is especially high Hebron Christian 3 3 0 0 the $130,000 costs for their comfort zone, and
given those public funds other districts. we want to make sure
Oak Hill 1 1 0 0
would have gone to pay for Allison added “at the that we honor the prom-
some students from pri- Starkville Academy 1 1 0 0
very least” he wants ises that we made to
vate schools, she argued. Homeschool 15 13 1 1 Lowndes County stu- them when they enrolled
GTECHS Principal Jill Total 225 180 12 33 dents currently attend- with us,” Savely said.
Savely said the intent be- ing GTECHS to be able Dispatch reporter Tess
hind forming GTECHS to finish their high Vrbin contributed to this
While 15 homeschool stu- Savely said there dents to attend GTECHS.
was that it would be avail- school careers there — report.
dents applied, only one did would not be an instance But Spears said that’s
able to all students.
not make it through the when administrators not what the MOU says
“From the beginning
lottery. Private school stu- would have to choose and that the board can-
we wanted to make sure
dents, on the other hand, between a public school not violate the MOU.
that all students had ac-
made up about 6 percent applicant and a private “(Parents say,) ‘Well,
cess, whether they were
of the applicant pool but or homeschool applicant. it’s all tax money,’”
coming from a public
9 percent of students who If two such applicants Spears said. “But that’s
school or a private school
were not selected in the both were a good fit for not how it was supposed
or homeschool,” she said.
lottery. GTECHS, administrators to be applied.”
“So from the beginning
Savely said it is not could send both appli- The MOU does not
we have had students
common for students to cations to the lottery for specifically address pri-
from homeschool and pri-
be eliminated before the random selection. vate or homeschool stu-
vate school to apply.”
lottery, because the appli- She said because there dents.
However, CMSD Board
cation and interview pro- are so few private and SOCSD Superinten-
President Jason Spears
cesses are more to ensure homeschool applicants, dent Eddie Peasant de-
said he has always un-
potential students under- it’s more likely for them clined to comment when
derstood that GTECHS is
stand what GTECHS is to get in than for all the reached by The Dispatch.
supposed to recruit only than to find reasons to ac- However, at the meeting
public and some homes- public school applicants
cept or reject applicants. to get in. where SOCSD’s board
chool students who need- However, there have been voted to end the part-
ed extra help to graduate. But Spears argued that
times in the application any private school student nership with GTECHS,
“The biggest thing was process when it became he raised concerns that
to help (the students) stay accepted to the program
clear GTECHS wasn’t for is still taking a slot for a GTECHS administrators
in school,” he said. “It was certain students. were using public money
never anything to where public school student.
“That would lead to “Under the MOU, to fund a “private-type
we’re trying to create this a conversation with the setting.”
incubator for children it should have been
family to see if it really 100 percent (of private Not everyone agrees
from all areas to come to was the best placement,” with Peasant and Spears.
school.” school students) rejected
Savely said. “If kids are Rodriguez Broadnax,
because they shouldn’t
really connected to the state transformation in-
have been eligible to ap-
The numbers schools that they’re in,
ply at all,” he said.
terim superintendent for
Between 2017 and then that may very well NCSD, which is under
2019, 225 students applied be the best placement for state conservatorship,
to GTECHS. Of those, them or where they’ll be District reactions said he plans to continue
196 — or about 87 percent more successful.” Spears argued the working with GTECHS
of the applicant pool — Some of the things original MOU outlining and that, at least in Nox-
were from public middle that attract students to the program does not ubee County, he hasn’t
schools. GTECHS — such as allow for private school seen a problem with pri-
Of the 225, 33 students smaller class sizes and no students to apply. vate school students at-
were not accepted, either formal extracurriculars, He said he’s received tending.
because the lottery didn’t such as athletics — might multiple calls from par- “I think EMCC is do-
select them or they were appeal more to students ents arguing that be- ing a wonderful job with
eliminated before then. who have been in small cause parents who send GTECHS,” he said.
About 88 percent — 29 private schools or home- their children to private WPCSD Superinten-
of those students — were schools who want to try schools still pay taxes dent Burnell McDonald
from public schools. “something different” but that fund public schools, did not return calls from
A larger discrepancy don’t want to jump into a their children should The Dispatch by press
existed between private large public school, she have the same opportu- time.
and homeschool students. said. nity as public school stu- Allison said he does
Aldermen
Continued from Page 1A
Violators of the curfew of COVID-19 as the state I think to keep our entire “The average working
or the mask order face a reopens but emphasized community safe, it’s an person from 10 (p.m.) to
fine of up to $1,000. “personal responsibility” infringement that’s worth 5 (a.m.) is not deeply af-
Reeves’ “shelter in for keeping the virus con- the risk.” fected by this curfew, but
place” order expired Mon- tained. Ward 6 Alderman and public safety and public
day morning after being “Personally I just don’t Vice Mayor Roy A. Per- health are impacted,”
in place since April 3. have a lot of fear of this kins proposed requiring Ballard said.
The new “safer at home” pandemic right now,” customers as well as em-
order still requires people Carver said. “I’m not a big ployees to wear masks.
to follow social distanc- mask-wearer.” “We need to do that be-
ing guidelines but allows Ward 5 Alderman cause we are trying to en-
some businesses to open Hamp Beatty disputed act every measure that is
with a maximum of 50 Carver’s statements and reasonably necessary and
percent of their capacity said he would feel safer proper to curb the spread
of customers at a time. in a store if everyone was (of COVID-19),” Perkins
Spruill initially pro- wearing a mask. He also said.
posed that only employ- reminded the board that Spruill suggested re-
ees be required to wear some people might pick quiring businesses to
masks and said she up the virus in a public have extra masks on hand
thought requiring cus- place and never show for customers who do not
tomers to do the same symptoms but pass it on have one upon arrival, but
was an overreach, but to someone at serious Ward 2 Alderman San-
she supported the board’s risk, such as an elderly dra Sistrunk said such
decision to extend the re- relative. a requirement would be
quirement to customers. “On the surface, may- “cumbersome” and the
Ward 1 Alderman Ben be it is an impediment to decision should be left up
Carver and Ward 3 Alder- our personal freedoms, to the individual business
man David Little were the what we want to do and owner.
two dissenting votes and how we want to do it, but The entire board sup-
said they opposed the these are extraordinary ported continuing the
mask requirement. times,” Beatty said. “I’m curfew that it first enact-
“We’re about seven to all for personal freedoms ed at its April 7 meeting,
eight weeks into (the pan- and constitutional rights, with an exception for es-
demic) now, and we hav- but this is something sential travel, and set to
en’t required the masks we’ve got to get a handle automatically extend and
early on,” Little said. “To on.” end with Reeves’ shelter-
come in now, late in the Spruill told The Dis- in-place order. Oktibbe- SOLUNAR TABLE
game, and apply that is patch she believed the ha County has its own The solunar period indicates
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Tues. Wed.
a little restrictive, and I resolution is appropriate curfew with many of the Major 5:17a 6:15a
think it comes down to to make everyone com- same parameters that will Minor
Major
10:50a
5:46p
11:51a
6:44p
personal choice.” fortable going places if last until May 6. Minor 12:42a 1:39a
Courtesy of Mississippi Department
Carver agreed that they must during the Ballard asked the of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
wearing a mask is a mat- pandemic, even if it risks board to “please stay the
ter of “freedom of choice,”
though he also said people
who are elderly or have
infringing on personal
freedom of choice.
“I don’t think a two-
course” and keep the cur-
few. He said “the streets
are relatively quiet” now
The Dispatch
The Commercial Dispatch (USPS 142-320)
health problems should week requirement for that the curfew deters Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
wear masks for their own wearing masks is over- residents of other cities Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
safety. He said he would ly burdensome,” Spruill and counties from com- POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
Website: cdispatch.com/help
The Commercial Dispatch, P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703
not be surprised to see a said. “It certainly has a ing to Starkville to avoid Published by Commercial Dispatch Publishing Company Inc., Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
spike in confirmed cases definite end in sight, but their own curfews. 516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
Opinion
4A TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020
PETER BIRNEY IMES Editor/Publisher
BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher 1998-2018
BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003
Dispatch
The
BIRNEY IMES SR. Editor/Publisher 1922-1947
OUR VIEW
AREA OBITUARIES
COMMERCIAL DISPATCH publication. For more informa- Melissa Thompson; of arrangements. In addition to his Lonnie Red of Aber-
OBITUARY POLICY tion, call 662-328-2471. sons, Chris Stokes, Mr. Red was born parents, he was pre- deen and Roy Gentry
Obituaries with basic informa-
Patrick L. Stokes and Aug. 29, 1940, in ceded in death by his of Wren; sister, Martha
tion including visitation and
service times, are provided Waymon Stokes Donnie Murphy; seven Arkabutla, to the late wife, Joan Little Red; Sykes of Aberdeen;
free of charge. Extended REFORM, Ala. — grandchildren; and two Herbert Ray Red and sister, Loretta Red; brothers, Gene Red of
obituaries with a photograph, Waymon Edd Stokes, great-grandchildren. Mary Louise Davis brother, Aubrey Red; Aberdeen, Leon Red of
detailed biographical informa- 75, died April 25, 2020, Red. He was formerly and one grandchild. Okolona, and Thomas
tion and other details families
may wish to include, are avail-
at his residence. Sallie Webb employed with St. Joe He is survived by Red of Hamilton; six
A private family NOXUBEE — Sallie Paper Company, Cul- his daughter, Ginger grandchildren; and
able for a fee. Obituaries must
graveside service will Mae Webb, 81, died lum Brothers, and Uni- Berford of Milling- three great-grandchil-
be submitted through funeral
homes unless the deceased’s be held at 11 a.m., at April 25, 2020. man. He was a member ton, Tennessee; sons, dren.
body has been donated to Macedonia Cemetery, Arrangements are of Friendship Baptist
Health
HEALTH TIP
n Certain vegetable oils should be avoided:
Sunflower, soybean, and corn oil contain large amounts
of omega-6 fatty acids. Studies suggest that a high
intake of omega-6 fatty acids — relative to omega-3 —
increases low-grade inflammation in your body.
Source: www.healthline.com
Keenum
Continued from Page 1A
“the most unique com- meet this challenge,” he limited to gatherings of 10 ers to make face masks
mencement exercise in said. people or fewer and “are for healthcare providers,
the 142-year history of our MSU announced in strongly encouraged to primarily in Meridian and
university,” Keenum said. March that all summer use personal protective Lauderdale County, which
It will be livestreamed classes will be taught on- equipment,” the release “have been hit very hard”
on the MSU website and line. More courses will states. and asked MSU for re-
broadcast live by WCBI. be offered than usual and Whether students can sources, Keenum said.
The federal Corona- the prices of those courses come back to campus in He said he is confident
virus Aid, Relief, and have been lowered in what the fall is still to be deter- that MSU will bounce back
Economic Security Act Keenum called the “Sum- mined, but MSU has been from the pandemic while
(CARES Act) alloted mer Advantage.” able to contribute resourc- continuing to help those in
more than $14 billion for “Many students have es to help frontline health need however it can.
higher education institu- summer jobs or intern- care workers fight the pan- “Our state is going to
tions, and MSU’s share ships or co-ops, but for demic in the meantime, get past this at some point,
is $17.8 million, Keenum many of our students, Keenum said. and I can promise you
said. The university has those opportunities are A team with MSU’s that Mississippi is going
already received half, or not going to be there,” Paul B. Jacob High Voltage to need a strong, vibrant
$8.9 million, and it has to Keenum said. “So take Laboratory worked with Mississippi State to help
go directly to students, he advantage of this Summer Taylor Machine Works in our state move forward,”
said. Advantage to continue Louisville to convert more Keenum said. “I’m com-
“We’re still working your education and do it than 550 battery-powered
mitted to doing every-
with the U.S. Department in an affordable manner, ventilators to automatic
thing in my ability to make
of Education, getting and take courses that you current power, meaning
sure that Mississippi State
more specific guidelines would normally not be able they can be plugged into a
continues to be strong and
on how we can award to take because we’re go- wall, and sent them to the
vibrant and important, to
those grants to address ing to have a much broad- University of Mississippi
student needs who have er offering.” Medical Center in Jackson meet our needs for our
been impacted by this vi- MSU’s emergency op- earlier this month. state’s future.”
rus as far as their finances erating guidelines are in Shortly afterward, the
(go),” Keenum said. place until May 11: all em- College of Veterinary
The other $8.9 million ployees must stay at home Medicine provided two
will be used to cover the until they have coordinat- ventilators to OCH Re-
university’s costs related ed their return with their gional Medical Center.
to the pandemic, he said. supervisor, and those who Keenum said he does not
“Whatever they pro- can work remotely should know if OCH has used
vide us, it won’t be enough, do so, according to a Mon- the ventilators but is “very
but we’re going to be in as day press release from proud” that MSU could
good of a position as any the MSU Office of Public provide them.
other college or university Affairs. Employees who Faculty, staff and stu-
in the state financially to must work on campus are dents have used 3-D print-
Food pantries
Continued from Page 1A
who’ve had to drop out,” Sparkman said. food ready to go on Saturday. We’ll give
“The volunteers they use are older peo- them out until people stop coming in or
ple, and they were just too vulnerable to we run out of food.”
continue.” St. Joseph distributes food one Satur-
To compensate, other churches had day per month. Smith said a typical dis-
added additional days, Sparkman said. tribution will provide food for 150 to 180
“Most weeks, we serve at last three families.
or four days per week and a lot of weeks “We’re prepared to do more than that
we serve every day, Monday through Fri- since we missed last month,” he said.
day,” she said. The threat of COVID-19 has led to a
While the number of meals has gone change of strategy at Columbus Com-
down, the expense associated with the munity Outreach, which helps provide
meals has not, she said. assistance for low-income and homeless
“I know at St. Paul’s, which is the people, said director Glenda Richardson.
group I serve with, when we were serv- “Before this, our approach with home-
ing hot meals it cost us $100, maybe $200 less people who came to us for help was
to serve meals,” Sparkman said. “Now focused on getting them a hotel room
that we’ve gone to pre-packaged meals, for a night or two until they could find
I think the last time it was our turn, we more permanent residences,” Richard-
spent more than $400.” son said. “Now, we’re working more with
In Starkville, The United Way of Rapid Rehousing, a national group, that
North Central Mississippi has been finds long-term housing. This is not new:
sponsoring food drives to help supply It’s something we’ve done before, but
the 15 food pantries it supports. given the situation, it’s something we’re
Joe Schmidt, director of the St. Jo- doing a lot more of now.
seph Catholic Church food pantry, said “The homeless are more vulnerable
his group will hold its first distribution because they can’t shelter in place,” she
since February on Saturday. added.
“We didn’t distribute (in April) be- Richardson said her office has put six
cause of the (state) shelter in place regu- people through the program in April.
lations,” Schmidt said. “Right now, we’re “Before this, we probably would
stocked pretty well, thanks to the work do that many people in two or three
of the United Way. We’ll have 288 bags of months,” she said.
Arrests
Continued from Page 1A
ville Street and Industrial mon was charged with fel-
Park Road, according to a ony fleeing because he did
Starkville Police Depart- not stop when police sig-
ment press release. The naled, and possession of a
two men and a third indi- weapon by a felon, accord-
vidual, a 16-year-old, left ing to the press release.
the car and tried to flee on Smedley was charged
foot when they reached the with simple assault of a
Simon Smedley
Emerson Family School. police officer in addition
Police caught Simon said she is from Jackson to the shelter in place vio-
and Smedley immediate- and that Simon is charged lation.
ly and caught the juvenile with kidnapping her. Both are being held in
after searching the area. In addition to the shel- the Oktibbeha County Jail,
SPD Public Information ter in place violation and and bond has not been set
Officer Brandon Lovelady kidnapping charges, Si- as of press time.
Sports ANALYSIS
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020
B
SECTION
BY BEN PORTNOY have been selected in consistently struggled Media Days after spend- lowly effort against Lou- picture of where the Bull-
bportnoy@cdispatch.com the NFL Draft — includ- to piece together win- ing two years guiding a isville in the Music City dogs stack up against
ing three first rounders ning seasons with ample record-breaking Penn Bowl, further muddying teams that churn out a
STARKVILLE — For in 2019. The program is professional talent in its State offense. But instead Moorhead’s future in similar number of profes-
a program that had just also one of just six teams arsenal? The answer is of championships, his Starkville. sional players.
16 players selected in the Since 2019, both MSU
in the country in the past complex. two years overseeing the “I coached long enough
NFL Draft between 2000 and Oklahoma have had
two drafts to have at least For one, the coach- Bulldogs were met with myself to know wins and
and 2010, Mississippi seven players selected in
seven players selected in ing change from Mullen underperforming records losses matter -- Joe did
State’s recent production
the first three rounds. De- to the now-departed Joe and a decade’s worth of win 14 games,” MSU Ath- the first three rounds of
of professional talent is
spite that, MSU compiled Moorhead is a major com- off the field controversy. letic Director John Cohen the NFL Draft. Over that
profound.
a meager 23-16 record ponent of the Bulldogs’ An academic miscon- said of why he fired Moor- same span, OU’s strength
Since Dan Mullen took
and a 1-2 mark in bowl perpetual underachieving duct scandal in which a head back in January. “In of schedule has never
over the program in 2009,
games during that span. over the past three sea- tutor completed course- this case, it goes a little dipped below 14, and av-
36 former Bulldogs have
By comparison, the sons. work for 10 football play- bit beyond just wins and eraged out to No. 11 na-
been selected to play at
other five schools to After spending nine ers, among others, left losses. Although, I want tionally as the Sooners
the next level — including
record seven or more years in Starkville, Mul- those involved suspended to state for sure that wins compiled a 24-4 record
12 first and second round
draftees. players in the first three len parlayed his extended for eight games last sea- and losses matter. There according to TeamRank-
But for all the NFL tal- rounds over the past two stay at MSU into the head son — including starting were some other issues at ings.com.
ent MSU has churned out years were Alabama, coaching job at Florida linebacker Willie Gay Jr. stake here that we had to In MSU’s case, it aver-
over the past few years, LSU, Clemson, Ohio State where he notched 10-win and defensive tackle Lee consider.” aged a strength of sched-
the Bulldogs haven’t and Oklahoma — a group seasons in each of his first Autry. A reported fight And while coaching ule of 14.5, aided massive-
reached the heights fans that combined for an 119- two years in Gainesville. between Gay and fresh- is a major component of ly by its No. 6 ranking in
and administrators have 13 record and each of the As for Moorhead, he man quarterback Garrett MSU’s failure to rack up 2019, while finishing a
hoped. past two national champi- came to MSU lecturing Shrader also left the latter wins with its NFL tal- meager 14-12 in that time.
Over the past three onships. on ring sizes at his first with a broken nose and ent, strength of schedule If not Oklahoma, take
years, 14 former Bulldogs So why has MSU so Southeastern Conference unable to play in MSU’s helps to paint a broader See MSU, 2B
Four Mississippi State softball seniors will return for 2021 season
BY THEO DEROSA has been such a blessing for this coach- “Given that this season was cut short, “To say I am blessed is an understate-
tderosa@cdispatch.com ing staff. They are the foundation of this I feel the best thing I can do to support ment, and getting to represent this univer-
team.” my teammates and to repay the faith that sity for another year is a privilege,” Quinn
The Mississippi State softball team saw Leilua, who along with junior catch- Mississippi State softball has had in me said in a tweet Monday announcing her
a promising 2020 season end early due to er Mia Davidson formed the SEC’s best is to give it one more year of devotion,” return. “ ... Here’s to another year!”
the coronavirus pandemic, but the Bull- home run-hitting duo with 48 long balls Loza tweeted Monday. “Softball has been Quinn, who started 11 of Mississippi
dogs are poised to run it back next year in 2019, will come back for a sixth year of a driving force in my life, and this MSU State’s 28 games, hit .207 but got on base
with many of the same key contributors. college. Leilua, who was hitting .384 and Bulldog team has become my family.” at a .361 clip this season.
On Monday, four of the team’s five se- had a team-leading nine home runs and Loza had a 1.26 ERA in 16.2 innings
niors announced that they will be return- Senior second baseman Lindsey Wil-
a slugging percentage of .791 through 28 pitched in 2020, striking out 14 batters. liams is the only member of the Bulldogs’
ing for the 2021 season, using the extra games in 2020, sat out the 2018 season Denis was the first Bulldog to announce
season of eligibility the NCAA is set to senior class not to return, saying Monday
after transferring from Arizona State, but she was staying, tweeting that “(i)t is with
award them. that 2020 was her final season. Williams,
she said there was never a doubt: She was utmost joy to say that I get to wear maroon
First baseman Fa Leilua, pitcher Alys- coming back. and white for another year and complete a who started 21 games, hit .295 with two
sa Loza, pitcher/outfielder Candace Denis “I have the blessing of being offered lifelong journey the right way.” home runs, driving in 10 runs on the sea-
and outfielder Christian Quinn will all be another chance to restart,” Leilua said in She pitched to a 2.33 ERA in three in- son.
back in 2021. a Twitter post Monday morning. “Without nings this spring and hit .295 with eight “As disappointed as I am that my se-
“To have them back for another year is hesitation, I decided to take that chance doubles and two home runs as a starting nior season ended this way, I know there
a tremendous feeling,” head coach Saman- and take one last ride with my Dawgs.” outfielder for the Bulldogs. comes a time when you just have to move
tha Ricketts said in a release from Mis- Loza, who followed Leilua from Tempe Quinn tweeted that before the 2020 on,” she tweeted Monday. “ ... Everything I
sissippi State athletics Monday. “They’ve to Starkville, will join her on the field again season she was sure it would be her last, experienced at Mississippi State made me
each been an integral part of our program. next year. On Monday, Loza announced but she soon found out that wouldn’t be into the person I am today, and I will forev-
Who they are as women and as leaders her decision to return for 2021 as well. the case. er be grateful for this opportunity.”
MSU
Continued from Page 1B
Clemson. The Tigers lantic Coast Conference Leach has taken the helm ductory press conference. narian. We hired Mike has yet to really begin giv-
have reached the nation- receives, Clemson still in Starkville. Long known “We didn’t solely hire Leach because he’s a bril- en the ongoing COVID-19
al championship in four hasn’t had a strength of for his ability to win with Mike Leach because he’s liant tactician. Most of crisis, but it will be his
of the last five years and schedule worse than No. less, Leach has perpetu- a visionary and a pioneer all, we hired Mike Leach task to take the NFL tal-
have become a stalwart 4 nationally since 2018. ally outkicked his cover- in the modern game of col- because he’s a proven ent MSU has produced
at the top of the polls un- In the nearly four age in the wins column lege football, but indeed winner. He’s won in some in recent years and prove
der coach Dabo Swinney months since Moorhead’s at both Washington St. he is,” Cohen said on Jan. places, quite frankly, that that the program is more
during his tenure. But for firing, former Washing- and Texas Tech — a trait 10. “We hired Mike Leach are very difficult to win.” than just encouraging
all the maligning the At- ton State coach Mike Cohen lauded in his intro- because he’s a discipli- To date, Leach’s tenure numbers on draft night.
Wilcox
Continued from Page 1B
ute, 28-second wall sit the resilience Wilcox born: The Bulldogs Challenge is a specific are issuing the Wall Sit where a Bulldog statue
through the pain of che- showed as she stayed taped themselves doing example of time and also Challenge to softball sits near the wall. Below
mo and the burn in her there on the wall. a wall sit in their indoor shows just how strong programs across the na- it, her number 8 — in the
legs that spring day in “All the other girls on facility for 4 minutes and she was, physically and tion, asking participants shape of a teal ribbon —
2018. And, according to the team understood: If 28 seconds and sent it mentally, to go through to film themselves per- is featured prominently.
current head coach Sa- someone had the mental out on social media with a moment like that.” forming the wall sit and Except for basketball
mantha Ricketts, Wilcox capacity and strength to the hashtag #428Wall- The challenge went tag three friends to join. and football, which have
didn’t think anything of get through a wall sit as SitChallenge, hoping viral beyond Ricketts’ “‘OK, here’s an actual their own weight rooms,
it. they’re going through other softball programs expectations, making challenge that Alex went Bulldogs of every sport
By the time the Bull- chemo, why can’t we?” around the country its way through 230 col- through that we can all
will always see the trib-
dogs faced Ole Miss in said Stephanie Mock, would follow suit to hon- lege softball teams and participate in togeth-
ute.
mid-April, Wilcox was head Olympic sports or Wilcox’s memory and 42 high school, club and er,’” Ricketts explained.
back in the hospital. She strength and condition- spread awareness of professional teams. The “I think it’s just a really “I wanted to make
died June 25, 2018, in ing coach at Mississippi ovarian cancer. Provo, Utah, fire and good way to unite a lot sure that she was re-
her hometown of Brant- State. “I think she really “Everybody remem- rescue department even of people and feel may- membered in a facility
ley, Alabama. pulled the team togeth- bers her for her story got in on it. be just a little bit of what such as mine,” Mock
That fall, her team- er in that sense — that and her overall fight and Two years later, the one of her struggles said of Wilcox. “Every
mates approached Rick- everything can be over- drive to be out on the challenge and Wil- was.” time the student-ath-
etts and former head come.” field and with her team,” cox’s legacy persist. On Wilcox’s memory letes come in the weight
coach Vann Stuedeman, On Oct. 2, 2018, the Ricketts said of Wilcox. Tuesday — April 28, or won’t be forgotten soon room, they see it, so
never having forgotten Wall Sit Challenge was “I think the Wall Sit 4/28 — the Bulldogs at Mississippi State, she’s never forgotten.”
DeRosa
Continued from Page 1B
themselves doing a wall sit Carter Spexarth, Wilcox’s 0:57: Still trying to
for 4 minutes, 28 seconds favorite songs included breathe. Realizing this
in Wilcox’s honor and pub- Mississippi Girl by Faith will be a lot harder than I
lishing it with the hashtag Hill, Meant to Be by Bebe think.
#428WallSitChallenge. Rexha feat. Florida Geor- 1:24: Had to straighten
Mock, who joined Mis- gia Line and Neon by up a lot. A lot.
sissippi State in July 2018, Chris Young. Pretty much 1:45: Afraid of inflict-
says that’s easy — for her, any country music would ing long-term damage to
anyway. do. my legs.
“I could go forever, let’s I’m thinking I’ll go with
2:02: Straightened up
be honest,” she said. R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of
again.
How about for me? the World as We Know It.”
I don’t expect to feel fine. 2:17: Almost fell down.
“It will be difficult,”
2:38: Grabbed nearby
Mock told me. “I do prom-
How to make it easier doorknob for help; really
ise you that.”
That’s right, I’m going By the end of the Bull- feeling the burn
to try this challenge — dogs’ original Wall Sit 3:05: Actually fell
though I am absolutely not Challenge video in Oc- down.
going to film it — for the tober 2018, now-head 3:44: Finding it hard to
purposes of this column. coach Samantha Ricketts stand back up after nearly
To do that, I asked Mock couldn’t keep her body at falling over.
for some tips to survive the 90-degree angle Mock 4:15: How did Alex
268 seconds on the wall. described as optimal — Wilcox and her teammates
and she wasn’t the only do this?
one.
Getting started Mock acknowledged
4:18: Stood up briefly
Find a flat-surface wall for the last time
sliding up a bit on the wall, 4:28: Freedom!
with nothing sticking out ending up a little above 90
of it. Place your feet shoul- 5:28: Still breathing
degrees, will take pres-
der-width apart and make a little hard; legs a little
sure off your lower leg as
sure they’re flat on the sore.
the wall sit continues.
ground. Slide down to a Additionally, Mock 8:10: Wobbled into
90-degree angle at the hip said, starting slow and kitchen for water.
and at the knee, like you’re building up to the full time 8:55: Thighs appear to
sitting in a chair. Make will help if you’re out of be cramping. I didn’t know
sure your head, shoulders shape — like I am. that could even happen.
and lower back are flat But managing to make 11:34: We’re good …
against the wall — the lat- it through can be a mental for now. I’m going to the Y
ter allows you to keep your thing as much as a physi- as soon as it reopens.
pelvis tilted forward and cal thing, Mock said, so
keep your core engaged,
Mock said.
prepare your mind as
much as you can before-
Retrospective
I’m pretty sure I cheat-
hand.
ed a couple times. But
Just breathe “I think there’s a big
faced with a choice be-
One key to surviving mental capacity that goes
into it, too,” Mock told tween letting my legs give
the wall sit is deceptively
me. “You will start to feel out and jettison me onto
simple.
“Make sure throughout a burn, so where are you the floor or briefly stand
this extremely long wall at from a mental stand- up and take the pressure
sit that you are breathing,” point?” off, I took the easy way
Mock said. “Do not hold Well, I’m about to find out.
your breath the whole out. Here we go. Really, though, doing
time — you will pass out.” this — if I can truly say I
That’s good enough for On the wall — a sec- did it — just gave me add-
me. ed respect for Alex Wilcox
ond-by-second account and her teammates. This
0:01: Four minutes, 28
Sing along? seconds? How hard could isn’t easy under normal
Four minutes and 28 that be? circumstances, let alone
seconds is a long time, so 0:12: OK, yeah, this is right after chemotherapy.
while you’re breathing, hard. It takes some kind of men-
Mock recommends sing- 0:28: For the first time, tal and physical strength
ing a song to pass the time I remember to breathe. to do that — a strength I’m
and distract yourself. 0:50: I need to exer- not ashamed to say I do
According to teammate cise more. not have.
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 3B
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April need to fulfill a specific need what makes today so incredible.
28). You brighten people’s lives or want. You’ll get as close to “back” as
and they let you know, reward- TAURUS (April 20-May 20). possible.
ing you with special position, Charming people, delicious LEO (July 23-Aug. 22).
invites and opportunities. Your food, jaw-dropping information You’re open-minded. You don’t
plans come to fruition a little — these are all on offer for you require perfection or familiarity
differently than anticipated, but today, though not in the typical in order to give something a
they’re even more satisfying. ways you would go about experi- chance. For this reason, you’ll
There’s a material purchase encing such things. become an early adopter of a
that represents years of hard GEMINI (May 21-June 21). novel solution.
BABY BLUES work. A reunion will make you You will influence others with VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
wonder how you ever were integrity. The best part is, you The worse time to think of the
apart. Aries and Gemini adore won’t come off sounding pushy best thing to do is when you’re
you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, in the least, because you don’t already doing it. Good plans
21, 6, 39 and 49. have to push at all when you’re make for a good life. You can
ARIES (March 21-April 19). just right. always choose to follow or not
Your close friends have earned CANCER (June 22-July 22). follow your plan, but you can
their place. For someone new to It is said that you can never go only give yourself that option if
become dear to you at this very back because even if you do, you have a plan.
busy time in your life, they will it’s just not the same. That’s LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
You think that you’re reasoning
your way into a decision, but
actually you decide based on
a feeling before you are even
aware that there is a decision to
BEETLE BAILEY be made. Something has to feel
right before it can make sense.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). There are things you can
see yourself doing and things
that are so far out of character
for you that you can’t even
picture them. Place your imagi-
nation well because your life will
follow it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). You’ll have an impact on
your environment. You’ll apply
yourself in such a way that
things will get lighter, brighter,
MALLARD FILLMORE fresher and more fun when
you’re around.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). You will sing the unsung.
Being able to see what’s unique
and interesting about people is
a talent that makes life more
enjoyable for all. Everyone gets
a lift.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). Staying on the path of
least resistance means that
when you do meet resistance,
you just go another direction.
The shift can be made without
alarm or emotion. Much can
FAMILY CIRCUS happen when things move
easily.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). You have many options,
and it would be overwhelming
indeed to have to account for
them all. Narrow it down to
three, and then pick the one
that’s easiest for you right now.
65+
years
young?
You’re at higher risk.
If you’re 65 or older, you are at higher risk of getting very sick
from the coronavirus. You must take extra care of yourself.
We are all at risk, and some more than others. In challenging times, the
choices you make are critical. And their impact is significant. Help slow
the spread of coronavirus.
Visit Coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC.
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