Oct 17, 2007

Sweepstakes Winner 2006 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

Staff Editorial

THE WICHITAN

VIEWPOINTS

Finalist 2004 Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award

Oct. 17, 2007

Recycle Please The average American discards seven and a half pounds of garbage every day.

Imagine how much waste is collected on any given day. Multiply it by 300 million then by 365. Yeah, it’s a staggering number but that’s not all.

Forests, rivers and other wildlife are damaged every day due to the increasing amounts of garbage that’s carelessly tossed.

MSU does its part to add to the wasteful glut. An aluminum can here, a plastic bottle there. Forage through garbage and you’ll find Styrofoam food containers galore.

Faculty do their part, too, by filling their office trash containers with papers of all stripes. So much for computers leading to a paperless society.

Light of realization for victims of cancer

We can all plea guilty, but what are we doing about it?

On campus, not enough.

things that I’m afraid of.

But when someone asks me what my greatest fear is, my answer is always cancer.

Because out of everything in this world nothing scares me more than cancer.

I’m afraid of losing someone I love to cancer. That’s a horrible, slow and painful way to die.

As I learned this past year, there is nothing more difficult than having to watch someone go through surgery to remove a tumor only to discover that the cancer spread too much for the surgery to even help.

Then having to watch that person grow weaker and weaker because of the different types of chemo-therapy that were used.

All you can do is watch, pray and hope that they will somehow get better.

But what scares me even more than seeing one of my loved ones go through that?

The thought that I will probably one day have to go through that.

But the fear is different. I’m not afraid of the actual cancer. I’m afraid of what the cancer might do to me.

I’m a very independent person and cancer forces you to lean on other people for almost everything.

Cancer is very humbling…sometimes too humbling.

From what I have witnessed, when a person has cancer it becomes all about that person. They become the center of attention.

Other people are either trying to help heal them, help them get around and do daily routine activities, or they are doing things to help the people who are helping them.

I enjoy being the center of attention, but I do not want that to be a way of getting people to pay attention to me.

Then there are the effects of the chemo. This is where I really start to get scared.

Chemo is supposed to help you get better, and a majority of the time it does work.

But what about how tired it makes a person feel, or how weak it makes you?

Your appetite changes and so does your behavior. You no longer feel like doing the things you used to do because you just don’t have the energy.

And who wants to go and do everyday activities when they have this box constantly around their neck that is pumping chemicals into your body? Not something I would opt for.

Then after the chemo gets underway, your hair begins to fall out.

For guys this isn’t always such a big thing except for the symbolism factor that goes along with it.

But for most girls, their hair is part of who they are. It helps to make us feel good about ourselves.

I know I wouldn’t feel like me if I didn’t have my hair.

And then on top of already feeling self-conscious, people look at you with…THAT look. What’s THAT look?

It’s the one that I have used so many times and I have seen other people use it so many times. It’s the “I want to know why they don’t have any hair but it’s rude to ask” like how long has she had cancer, is it really cancer or did she just shave her head, what kind of cancer does she have and how bad is it and is she going to die are the questions that people think when they have that look.

It’s the look that comes along with the pity.

The people who are nicer to you because you might be dying soon or because they think you are more fragile.

It’s the look that follows a cancer patient. For four months whenever I looked at my grandfather I had that look on my face and in my eyes.

Whenever he moved I wanted to cry because it was slower movements. For the first time, I saw him move like someone his age might move. He stopped playing the piano as much because he didn’t have the energy to.

On days when he had doctors appointments that is all he did because it would wear him out so much that he had to go back home and sleep.

I had that pity look because whenever I looked into his eyes I saw the same twinkle that I had always seen, except behind the twinkle was pain and fear.

He is in remission now, but I still can’t help but to look at him with that look sometimes when I think about what a different person he has had to become because he had to change. I had this fear of cancer long before my grandfather got sick.

For a while after he was diagnosed I thought the fear might be gone because he had survived something that crept up so quick.

But I can’t help to be afraid of it still because it’s such a powerful thing.

How is a person not supposed to fear something that can come in and change how you look, act, feel and behave?

Why does it seem like MSU students have no school spirit and support for any sport that is not football?

Yes, I love NICHOL PHILLIPS footFOR THE WICHITAN our ball team.

They play hard every time, but why doesn’t our 20-3 volleyball team get anyone to come out and cheer them

on or even our 12-2 men’s soccer team and 8-3-2 women’s soccer team?

In the case of soccer, I know there’s some NCAA rule that states our cheerleaders can’t cheer at the games as they would at a football game (in uniform). And I will give them their praise for actually showing up at soccer games, but I’m not in love with the way they show support. They sporadically shout some little cheer, which the rest of the crowd can actually drown out by just talking while they’re cheering.

All I ask is that our cheerlead-

ers give us some more! Cheer like you’re happy to be there.

On the last Thursday in September, we faced Cameron University in the Red River Rivalry volleyball game. Cameron came with quite a few supporters, their mascot and cheerleaders. And even though we beat them three straight games, they were louder than us, and their supporters only made up for one-third of the crowd. Their mascot kept dancing, their cheerleaders kept cheering, and their fans kept supporting.

I don’t know if people don’t

come out to support these sports because they don’t understand them or because of a lack of interest, but what I must say is that it is quite depressing to see how little support we show soccer, especially women’s soccer and volleyball.

This is a desperate plea from me, a fellow MSU student, to all of you.

Please come out and support our athletes. They deserve it.

This is our university.

If we don’t have school spirit, who will?

Take a tour through the buildings and you’ll spot very few recycling bins.

Sure, several are scattered about the Clark Student Center but that’s about the extent of it. Even here, students fall short. Peer inside them and you’re likely to discover students are using them for trash instead of for their proper use.

A big paper recycling bin has been set up outside Moffett Library. However, with a wooden fence surrounding it, most students are probably unaware of its existence.

As a nation, we continue to churn out more and more garbage. When one landfill is full we create another. It’s easy to shrug off the problem with the idea that someone will one day solve it. If it’s going to be solved its going to take all of us. For starters, MSU should do more and set an example.

The school spends money for new buildings and facilities.

Why can’t a little be set aside to start up a serious campus recycling program?

More individual bins for aluminum, plastic and paper need to be placed throughout the campus. Student organizations could start a student awareness campaign to get things going. Individually, each student needs to know that he or she can make a difference.

Did you know that recycling four Sunday newspapers each month is the equivalent of saving four trees per year?

Recycling five cans each week is the equivalent of saving enough energy for 15 hours of TV viewing.

Yeah, it all adds up.

Unless things change America will some day be one big wasteland. It could happen. We’re well on our way.

3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 News Desk (940) 397-4704 • Advertising Desk (940) 397-4705 Fax (940) 397-4025 • E-mail WICHITAN@mwsu.edu Web site: http://www.mwsu.edu/~wichitan

CARLY BURRES FOR THE WICHITAN

Spiders, choking, the water grates and drainage ditches that line streets and sidewalks.

These are the

Save for football, school spirit lagging

Copyright © 2007. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. First copy of the paper is free of charge; additional copies are $1. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address for verification purposes. The editor retains the right to edit letters.

THE WICHITAN

Reporters Richard Carter Rachel Tompkins Courtney Foreman

Advertising Manager Rebecca Ferguson

Managing Editor Brittany Norman

Photographers Joel Abeyta Lauren Williams

Copy Editor Haley Cunningham

Op-Ed Editor Christian McPhate

Graphic Artist Robert Redmon

Adviser Randy Pruitt

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Krystle Carey

Entertainment Editor Konnie Sewell Sports Editor Josh Mujica

Photo Editor Patrick Johnston

Op-Ed

Homosexuals change in prayer

CHRISTIAN MCPHATE OP-ED EDITOR

T h e bong of incompetence continues on its path of mindwashing around the different facets

of our society.

From the oil-parched mouth of the president who took a deep hit when he vetoed health care for children to the religious leaders who took a hit and then puffed out the power of their god in smoke ring circles of ignorance, the bong of incompetence reaks through the walls of conformity.

On September 14, Exodus International, a group of religious fanatics who believe that the power of God can change the very fabric of reality, reported that through the power of God they had found research “proving” religious leaders could reverse the effects of homosexuality.

The group invented a bong for the incompetence ganga and took several hits before exhaling stupidity across the airwaves.

During a gathering of the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference, researchers Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse released their findings that indicated religiously meditated (prayer) sexual orientation change was possible… and it did not cause psychological harm—on average.

And the bong hit continues to

bubble as the religious fanatics inhaled the smoke of ignorance and created their own truths for their flock of brainwashees to smoke up.

The Christian researchers’ findings went against findings of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association that stated: “Change in sexual orientation is impossible and attempting to pursue this alternative is likely to cause depression, anxiety or self-destructive behavior.”

The president of Exodus International and former homosexual Alan Chambers, also a chronic smoker, stated: “Finally, there is now scientific evidence to prove what we as former homosexuals have known all along—that those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction can experience freedom from it. For years, opponents of choice have said otherwise and this body of research is critical in advancing the national dialogue on this issue.”

Slater hit him in the head one too many times with the bong of incompetence.

What is wrong with the world today? I thought we were living in the 21st century.

Why do people need to worry about things that just don’t really matter.

Who cares if John and Steve or Jane and Jan want to be a couple?

If there is a god in heaven or some other ghostly plain of existence, do you think he really cares if two people of the same sex find happiness together?

Somehow, I doubt that a god

with enough intelligence to create a universe so vast would care about something minute like same sex relations.

The hate rhetoric spewed from the mouth of man not God. It is the hate of misunderstanding that guides the dangerous hand of our conservative society.

And with the boiling pot of the Middle East exploding across the globe and the constant threat of terrorists, how can religious leaders find time to worry about something like a person’s god-given right to choose who he or she wants to be with?

Shouldn’t you be praying to your god for a solution to this problem that you and your congregations are helping to prolong with your hypocritical rhetoric of ignorance blasting through the minds of the young.

Even though they stare with hungry eyes at the bong of incompetence bubbling before their watering mouths.

Isn’t it time to put the bong down and take a deep breath of fresh air?

Stop your rhetoric of hate and become more like your god–a hippie–and start loving thy neighbor as thyself... or something like that.

Jesus was a hippie, not a warmonger. He did not hang out in the houses of the rich, but in the alleys of the poor. He associated with the beggars, homosexuals and every other misfit living in those times.

He did not try to change people. He witnessed through his own actions.

Too bad the rest of Christianity has forgotten his words of love and peace.

Night full of panic and mystery M y Monday night took a very interesting turn around 11 o’clock.

I was in the liREBECCA FERGUSON brary, and AD MANAGER yes, I was actually studying, when my phone rang.

One of my somewhat good guy friends was on the other end, panicking, and asking for me to come pick him up.

I’ve never had to go rescue a friend for almost being arrested.

As we drove around town for a little bit, he told me he just signed up to join the Marines that morning and was going to find out his job and date of employment any day now. He told me he was finally happy with the choices he had made and they were only ruined by a misunderstanding.

I took him back to his apartment and we arrived only to find his roommate packing her belongings, obviously moving out. I had no idea what happened and I didn’t bother to find out.

They go outside to talk about things in a feeble attempt to come to an agreement, while I’m sitting there looking at a bottle of gin that is only one-fourth full.

My friend did smell like alcohol when he got into my car, but I could only hope he hadn’t had that much to drink.

I hear a car door slam and my friend comes back inside. He sits down next to me on the couch and I just give him a hug. I told him that it was late and I needed to go, but

before I did, I had to do something.

I took the bottle of gin and the two full shot glasses sitting beside it and walked to his sink. I told him the last thing he needed was the rest of the bottle.

A look of disbelief, followed by anger, passed across his face once he realized I meant to pour ever last drop down the sink and think nothing of it.

It’s not everyday I can say I have the guts to pour an alcoholic’s alcohol down the kitchen sink.

He didn’t think I would, and honestly, neither did I. A string of obscenities flew out of his mouth.

That night was the first time I’ve ever been kicked out of someone’s apartment for trying to do the right thing.

I pulled out of the parking lot only to turn right back around because I knew he shouldn’t be alone.

Something in me, for whatever reason, made me feel sorry and responsible for him at that moment.

We stood outside and talked for about 10 minutes. He told me he wanted to kill me for pouring out his alcohol, but out of his friends, none of them would have ever done what I did for him that night, that none of his friends would care enough.

He told me that when he got out of boot camp we could trade hoodies, one MSU hoodie for one USMC hoodie.

I have never been that scared or upset for a friend than I was on Monday night. I probably left his apartment around one o’clock but didn’t get to sleep until almost three o’clock. Even then, I kept tossing and turning.

I went back over there Tuesday afternoon to check on him and make sure he was okay. He once again

told me that none of his friends would have cared for him that much and that not a single one of them would have had the nerve to throw away his alcohol.

He told me he was sorry for what he said the night before, and I think that was the first time I had ever heard him apologize to someone face-to-face.

I have a very eclectic group of friends and the events of the past two days only further proves that point. I like my friends and I know they’re all in my life for different reasons.

I learned a lot Monday night. I learned what I was capable of. I learned that I had the ability to see past all the fights and disagreements that had transpired over the course of our friendship.

I like to think I make a difference in my friends’ lives. I like to think they know just how much I care about them.

My close friends and I have been through some pretty rough patches with each other, but we always manage to make things right.

I know I may not always do the right thing, or say the right thing, but I know my friends can count on me to be there for them when they need me. Monday night proved that to me.

I walked away from that night with a different perspective on a lot of things and more respect for myself.

I haven’t stood up to anyone in a long time, and I did that night. I stood up to someone I cared about.

I have no problem doing that with people who I don’t really know. It’s not a problem at all. But when I care about you, that is a completely different story.

Education Career Fair Thursday, November 1 Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is open to all students and alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in education.

To view a list of those school districts registered to attend, visit www.mwsu.edu/career and click on “Education Career Fair.”

For more information, call ext. 4407.

THE WICHITAN Oct. 17, 2007

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Christian’s Horrorscopes Today’s birthday (10-17-07): Domestic tranquility is going to be hard to obtain this year, for you are an asshole and your significant other does not like you. You should think about that divorce or separation your buddies have been nagging you about. You might not find peace from the creditors, but you will have silenced at least one of the annoying voices vibrating through your head.

Aries (March 21-April 19): You are being watched. It is futile to resist. The eyes of Uncle Sam continue to haunt your mind. Try being on your best behavior. You might come out ahead with some cool secret stories to pass down to your grandchildren (or your head on a platter once the long arm of Uncle Sam catches up with you).

Taurus (April 20-May 20): A light in the tunnel of your darkness has appeared before you. And you realize that the train of incompetence has finally passed you by. You are now free to make fun of the other incompetent morons running through our society.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): It is time to visit the personnel office, and you are in for a big surprise. Be sure to duck and cover when you walk into work this morning.

Try avoiding the joint of incompetence this week.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Don’t be alarmed when you get into a fight with your other half this week. Just smile and remember that you want to be rid of them. Imagine them falling off a cliff or disappearing into a den of rabid wolves. It will not lessen the tone of their disgruntled voice, but it will put you in a better mood for a little while.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): It is time to start pushing out of the mound of crap piled on you these past couple of weeks. Try quitting your job and beginning a new one at a local fast food chain. It will not solve your financial problems, but it will help your body catch up to your attitude.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Relax, Halloween is around the corner... and you have a date with a zombie. Your world is looking darker.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You need to lock yourself in a dark room. Avoid all contact. If you do this, then you just might make it through the weekend.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Try to avoid Hell-Mart this weekend. It is best to purchase what you need at a local mom and pop gas station, or the clawed fingers of the capitalistic vampires will ring your neck and feed you to the machine of incompetence – have fun.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Heed Scorpio’s advice – avoid Hell-Mart at all cost.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your boss is needing your advice this weekend. Give him a couple of shots of Jack and then pay him back for all the raise screwings that you received this past year. It might not solve your financial problem, but it will make for a hell-of-a-good time.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You are screwed – hide.

Pices (Feb. 19-March 20): Satan wants a date with you this weekend. Prepare to throw your money around.

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THE WICHITAN Oct. 17, 2007

New Releases MUSIC: “Here I Am,” Eve; “Chase This Light,” Jimmy Eat World; “A Classic Christmas,” Toby Keith; “The Art of Love and War,” Angie Stone; “Free Life,” Dan Wilson; “It’s A Wonderful Christmas,” Michael W. Smith; “Chrome Dreams II,” Neil Young; “Oblivion With Bells,” Underword.

(Yeah ... it’s a lame week for music, y’all.)

DVD: “Transformers,” “A Mighty Heart,” “The Reaping,” “The Hoax,” “My Best Friend,” “Crazy Love,” “The Invisible,” “Lights in the Dusk.”

(Not spectacular for movies, either ... ) BOOKS: “The Intellectual Devotional: American History,” David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim; “Become a Better You,” Joel Osteen; “Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography,” David Michaelis; “The Almost Moon,” Alice Sebold; “War and Peace (New Translation),” Leo Tolstoy; “Harry Potter Box Set,” J.K. Rowling; “The Conscience of a Liberal,” Paul Krugman; “Think BIG and Kick Ass in Business and Life,” Donald Trump and Bill Zanker; “Musicophilia: Takes of Music and the Brain,” Oliver Sacks; “What’s So Great About Christianity,” Dinesh D’Souza; “The Abstinence Teacher,” Tom Perrotta; “The Politically Correct Guide to the Bible,” Robert J. Hutchinson; “Bloodfever,” Karen Marie Moning; “The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century,” Alex Ross; “Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy,” Matthew Reinhart; “Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA,” Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara. ( ... Better. Books, the saviors of civilization!)

VIDEO GAMES: “Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground,” PS3, X360, PS2, Wii, DS; “Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East,” PC; “Fury,” PC; “Beautiful Katamari,” X360; “Victorious Boxers: Revolution,” Wii; “Dawn of Magic,” PC; “Crash of the Titans,” PSP; “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition,” PS3; “Spider-Man 3,” PSP; “Mercury Meltdown Revolution,” Wii; “SWAT: Target Liberty,” PSP; “Guilty Gear XX Accent Core,” Wii; “Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe,” X360; “Every Extend Extra Extreme,” X360.

Books for the Troops Books-a-Million has a program allowing visitors to its Web site (www.booksamillion.com) to select and buy books for members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas.

Shoppers select books from a list. Once a week BAM addresses and sends the books to the soldiers.

Unit commanders distribute the books to the individuals in their units. Buyers pay no shipping charges on the books they buy.

A wide variety of popular, in-stock books at available for purchase, including fiction, biography, business, history, political science, religion and self-help.

Golden Jubilee The Dallas Opera is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the 2007-2008 season.

This season’s theme is “Death by Diva.” Productions begin in November with Verdi’s “Macbeth,” Lehar’s “The Merry Widow,” Strauss’ “Salome,” Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and Puccini’s “Tosca.”

For more information, go to www.dallasopera.org.

Entertainment

PSP ‘Tactics’ is perfect KONNIE SEWELL ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

If we have the opportunity, my brothers and I will sit around and play any of the original “Mario” games nearly all day long. When we do this, it’s all about the nostalgia and gameplay. But other games don’t have it so easy.

It seems to me that more than any other genre of video games, RPGs are the most dependent on graphics.

There are many RPGs and SRPGs out there that have great gameplay and storylines, but these qualities don’t seem to make up for poor graphics with many gamers, and that’s a shame.

So it is with the original “Final Fantasy Tactics” for the PlayStation.

Completely overshadowed by “Final Fantasy VII” when it was originally released 10 years ago, this game has become a hallowed favorite among many fans.

Now re-released on the PSP, older fans can experience the game a second time with oodles of goodies thrown in, and newcomers can experience this masterpiece for the first time.

Plot-wise, it’s a deep and dark tale about politics, class war and religious turmoil that was badly tangled and flayed by a terrible translation.

At times, it was nigh impossible to comprehend. But the PSP brings with it a fabulous new translation.

It’s quite often poetic, not to mention a whole lot easier to follow.

The story follows the story of Ramza Beoulve. A naïve aristocrat in the beginning of the story, he is overshadowed by his two older brothers. Because Ramza is only their half-brother, the result of his father’s affair with a courtesan, he feels out of place. He is closest to his little sister Alma, who is his full sister, and Delita Heiral, a commoner his father had taken under his wing.

Starting out as friends, Delita begins to see he cannot walk the same path as Ramza. Though Ramza is a good person and friend, neither of them will be able to overcome the class differences between them.

They meet a year later, both of them changed. They are both caught up in the War of the Lions. The war is a fight over the succession to the throne between the queen’s brother

Dashboard Confessional, bottom, performed in Dallas Wednesday, Oct. 10 with Augustana, top. Photos are the reporter’s own.

and the late king’s cousin. As time goes along, many others become involved, including noble and peasant factions, a princess and the church.

Eventually it’s revealed that the manipulators in this story are being manipulated, who are in turn also being manipulated.

Delita emerges as a dynamic, Machiavellian character. He wants to change the world for the better, but unfortunately he believes in taking the doctrine of “the ends justify the means” to the extreme. He is, unquestionably, one of the best villains in the series, better than everyone’s beloved Sephiroth (yes, that’s right, I went there. Kiss my ass, fanboys.)

New cel-shaded cut-scenes are gorgeous to see and are voiced by a wonderful cast. The musical score is as great as it ever was, continually epic-sounding despite the small size of the PSP. There is also a new twoplayer mode if you are so inclined.

Gameplay itself is the same, a cross between playing a game of chess and being a DM. Two new job classes have been added, the Dark Knight and the Onion Knight. All the hidden characters are still available, as well as two new additions to the cast, including Balthier from “Final Fantasy XII.” It’s especially a treat to see Balthier make an appearance, as it links the past Ivalice of “Final Fantasy XII” (which takes place hundreds of years before “The War of the Lions,” and where an all-important character is only just beginning to stir up trouble) with the future one of “Tactics.”

The only thing that I can complain about is the load times, but once you get used to it, it’s bearable. In the end, “Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions” is perfect, completely justifying the purchase of a PSP if you don’t already own one.

Christian singer connects with many LAUREN WOOD STAFF REPORTER

I personally am not a huge fan of Christian music. I’ve heard a few songs here and there, but it is not my first choice when it comes to music. So when assigned the task of seeing local Christian artist Jay Burnam, I wasn’t too thrilled, but was willing to try something new.

He performed Thursday at the Mustangs for Christ building. I had never even been in that building before, so I expected lots of weird looks and questionable faces. Instead I got a warm welcome and conversed pleasantly with the people there until Burnam performed.

Burnam’s voice is very mellow and soothing. He plays mainly acoustic guitar, but occasionally will be accompanied by other musicians. It wasn’t bubbly or catchy, it flowed well and was peaceful. He is a Christian singer so

naturally there were songs about God, but he also sings about girls.

Lots and lots of girls. Which was nice, considering everyone who listens might not have been crazy about Christian music.

Burnam was very friendly in that between every song he managed to make me laugh with his commentary. There was only a small crowd of us there, but all the same Jay didn’t care and just played as if he was just playing for you individually. He connected with the audience and for me personally, it was a good experience.

Luckily there will be a few more chances of seeing him perform. Oct. 19 he will perform at First Baptist Coffee House at 10 p.m. and also Oct. 26 at South Weeks Park at 8 p.m.

Frontman Carrabba brings down house COURTNEY FOREMAN STAFF REPORTER Being at the Dashboard Confessional concert last Wednesday was one of the most intimate concert experiences of my life.

Lead singer Chris Carrabba acted more like a friend than a big music star. Letting the fans sing most of the songs and thanking the crowd for inviting him to play made him seen very humble.

For the entire two-and-a-halfhour set, Chris played acoustically and truly connected with the crowd. Playing classic Dashboard songs such as “Vindicated,” “Hands Down” and “Remember To Breathe,” Chris truly gave Dashboard Confessional fans an experience to take home with them.

I have been to many other concerts and never have I felt like the band on stage took as much notice

to their fans as Dashboard did.

As Chris told funny stories and thanked the crowd for “being the most loyal fan base he has ever seen,” I truly think Dashboard Confessional connected with their fans more than other bands do today.

The opening acts were the John Ralston Band and Augustana.

Nick Eberhardt, guitarist of the John Ralston Band, said: “If you can win people over in a city like Dallas, you can win over anybody” when asked what he loved about touring in the Dallas area.

Overall, if you can catch Dashboard Confessional on tour this fall I would highly recommend it. Dashboard Confessional is currently on tour with the John Ralston Band and Augustana. Dashboard Confessional just released their latest album “The Shade of Poison Trees,” and it’s in stores everywhere.

R

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M c C l a t c h y - Tr i b u n e

connection between Halloween and candy

Take a look at the sweet

BY AMY WILSON

CANDY QUIZ

McClatchy Newspapers

lot of what looks like present-day Halloween had its start as many as six centuries ago.

An odd little assortment of autumn beliefs and practices — like the one celebrating the night before All Souls Day, the one celebrating fire or the end of the harvest or the one toasting the Day of the Dead or the Lord of Death — became party excuses for, among others, the English, Romans, Druids, Irish, Norse, Greeks and Christians.

The whole harvest-season boo-fest hit the United States in the late 1800s, and it’s not going away.

Today’s kids likely have never eaten the next-doorlady’s warm popcorn balls or the granny on the corner’s candied apples. They’ve probably heard stories, of course, but even if by some chance a nice chunk of homemade orange fudge got tossed into their goodie bags, no parents worth their weight in urban myths would let them eat it.

Which brings us around to pondering the history of Halloween candy. This, more or less, is it.

TREAT TIMELINE Key events in candyland:

Prior to 1920: At-home Halloween parties serve roasting nuts and fresh popcorn.

— Sally Dadisman, McClatchy-Tribune

19 o tre n the 20s: atin E Kis g. ast Wea lt F C s Mil es, S illing oas hy ch tb ky i t u h n Wa -M eir egin ldren y, h aid bag tri o shi me raisi s: He ck-or ma ns, ny r d M sh pe e tre oun ey’s nn ies ats a ds, nd .

1. What holiday has the highest candy sales?

A. Halloween B. Easter C. Christmas D. Valentine’s Day 2. What candy was named after the maker’s family horse?

A. Three Musketeers B. Bazooka Gum C. Reese’s D. Snickers

men irst erim 9: F 193 in an A rculai tion ass-c ine z m can n maga ase tio e phr t.” of th -or-trea k “tric

1968 repor : Thir teen te objec d cases o ts f prom in candy p Jerse t the New y leg to ma islature ndate priso n those terms fo r fou of tam nd guilty perin g.

re are 1967: The out ab s rumbling sharp d n a rs razo in s ct obje Halloween apples.

Did you know that Hershey’s Kisses might have gotten their name from the motion and sound of the machine “kissing” out the chocolate? Or that Oct. 30 is National Candy Corn Day? Here’s a trivia test for candy lovers everywhere.

pel 196 le 3 flav ts wit : Swe or c h th eTa r om e o bin rigin ts, the atio a c n, a l swe andy re i et a ntr odu nd ta ced r t .

3. What U.S. regions consume the most candy?

A. South and Southwest B. Northeast and Midwest C. West and Midwest D. Mid-Atlantic and South

1940s: Trick-or-treating spreads to Texas, Florida and North Carolina with M&Ms, Almond Joy and 3 Musketeers not far behind.

196 get 0: M & No color Ms iz b ora lack a ed. nge n yet d .

4. The candy bar “Baby Ruth” was named after whom?

A. Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, the first baby born in the White House B. Babe Ruth C. The inventor’s wife D. The inventor’s mistress

19 its 58: P ma first o eep llow ra s m jac nge ake k-o ma s ’-la rsh nte r n.

1950s: All American children

5. What country has the highest per capita candy consumption in the world?

A. Canada B. United States C. Denmark D. France

are on board; universally reject Sun-Maid raisins in small boxes. Atomic Fireballs start era of “extreme candy.”

1968: Mars introduces the “Fun Size” candy bar.

-up Follow 1972: ds that fin study f razors o repor ts ples in ap axes. are ho

1979: Twix caramel cookie bars are introduced.

According to the National Confectioners Association, 84 percent of kids prefer candy or gum in their trick-or-treat bags. It’s probably no surprise that kids would rather have chocolate than a bag of pretzels.

Kids prefer � Chocolate, 50 percent � Non-chocolate candy, 24 percent � Gum, 10 percent Kids least prefer � Toys, 2 percent � Baked goods such as cookies/granola bars, 2 percent � Fruit, 1 percent � Salty snacks, 1 percent

8. How long does it take to make a batch of M&Ms? A. 48 hours B. Four to eight hours, depending on if it’s milk chocolate or peanut C. Ten to 12 hours, depending on if it’s milk chocolate or peanut D. Two hours

2003: Pumpkinshaped Snickers, snack-size Snyder’s pretzels added.

9. What is the most popular color of gummi candy?

A. Green B. Orange C. Red D. Purple

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TOP CHOICES

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1989 : Univ ersity stu “stran dy labels gers p o Hallo wee isoning an ur n candy” ban m yth afte 78 re r finding por ts o no de f same; so att aths ribute d.

2006: Fun-size Quaker granola bars, skull and bones SweeTarts and candy corn taffy.

Parents also have favorite Halloween candy. As many as 90 percent admit to

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7. How many miles of Twizzlers are made in a year?

A. 500 B. 1 million C. 2 million D. 5 million

10. When first introduced, 3 Musketeers were three separate candy bars. What were their flavors?

A. Chocolate, caramel and nougat B. Vanilla, strawberry and chocolate C. Strawberry, chocolate and caramel D. Caramel, vanilla, chocolate

of incident t proven a stranger s ir F : 0 200 d by ween ing injure child be eedles in Hallo Botts n ie g rt e in B tt f u p ce o rding ea ppearan candy. A or Beans (inclu soap), d v n la Every F booger, grass a ts. ea t, wax, dir e Harry Potter just lik

sneaking treats from their children’s bags, according to the NCA. Parents prefer � Snack-size chocolate bars, 70 percent � Candy-coated chocolate pieces, 40 percent � Caramels, 37 percent � Gum, 26 percent In fact, 35 percent of parents buy and give out their favorite candies on Halloween.

About 16 percent choose their kids’ favorites.

— Sally Dadisman, McClatchy-Tribune

As many as 90 percent of parents admit to eating their kids’ Halloween treats.

11. Who invented the candy bar?

A. Milton Hershey B. Joseph Fry C. Forrest Mars D. Count Chocula 12. How many Hershey’s Kisses does it take to make one pound of chocolate?

A. 417 B. 220 C. 95 D. 225

SUGAR OVERLOAD So your child is the star of the neighborhood, having successfully filled his entire pillowcase with chocolate treats. But you’d prefer he not eat it all on his own. Here are some suggestions on how to share his haul. � Donate it. Give it to the local hospital, food bank, school or church. These places might be able to use it for parties or carnivals. � Make a gingerbread house and decorate it with leftover candy. � Freeze some of it to use as ice cream toppings. � Bake candy into cupcakes or substitute candy bar pieces for chocolate chips in your cookie recipes. � Put some of your child’s favorites away and save them for occasional treats or as a dessert. � Make candy necklaces or hard-candy mosaics. � Take it to the office — it will likely get gobbled up by the end of the day.

— Sally Dadisman, McClatchy-Tribune

S O U R C E S : C A N DY U S A . O R G , G L O B A L . M M S . C O M , C A N DY- C R AT E . S TO R E S . YA H O O. N E T, F O O D. A O L . C O M , M I L K Y WAY B A R . C O M , M A S T G E N E R A L S TO R E . C O M , H E R S H E Y S . C O M , C E N S U S . G OV, K E E P K I D S H E A LT H Y. C O M , TO OT S I E . C O M

HALLOWEEN CANDY

13. Outside of the United States Milky Way bars have a different name. What is it?

A. Earth bars B. Venus bars C. Saturn bars D. Mars bars I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y C H R I S WA R E / M C C L AT C H Y N E W S PA P E R S

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1981: Goelitz introduces the first American-made gummi bears and gummi worms. Formerly, these candies had been imported from Europe.

6. What were the first individually wrapped penny candies?

A. Charleston Chews B. Taffy C. Tootsie Rolls D. Caramels

14. What candy bar gained popularity after Bart Simpson became its “spokesperson”?

A. Snickers B. Heath bar C. 100 Grand D. Butterfinger 15. What state has the most cocoaproducing establishments in the nation?

A. Iowa B. California C. Pennsylvania D. New York A N S W E R S : 1 . A . , 2 . D. , 3 . B . , 4 . A . , 5 . C . , 6 . C . , 7 . B . , 8 . B . , 9 . C . , 1 0 . B . , 1 1 . B . , 1 2 . C . , 1 3 . D. , 1 4 . D. , 1 5 . B .

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THE WICHITAN Oct. 17, 2007

News

Rehm______continued from page 1

married at 19 to an Arab. His tendency to control her soon led to a divorce. She has currently been married for 48 years and has a daughter and a son.

“Public radio is something that I never expected to become involved in,” Rehm said.

She said society has lost its ability to to listen.

She placed the blame on politics, talk-show hosts, federal agencies and marriages.

“9-11 taught us that agencies in our own government don’t listen to each other,” she said. “Katrina taught us that individuals in government don’t listen to each other. The divorce rate is 50 percent, which is devastating. We can’t blame it all on incompatibility. We’re all incompatible.”

The audience in Aikin Auditorium laughed and applauded.

Rehm stressed that all politicians need to be able to listen to each other and their constituents.

“If the politicians do not listen to their audience how they are going to know what the people want and how they are going to be able to appeal to audience and get them what they want?” she asked.

She suggested that talk show hosts be called listening-show hosts.

Many, she said, do not do enough listening to their guests.

Rehm said people are already preparing an argument before someone is finished with what they have to say.

“We need to be able to listen to that person and open ourselves up,” she said.

Rehm referred to listening as a form of spiritual hospitality. To her listening helps strangers become friends and helps friends to become even better friends.

Members of the audience peppered Rehm with questions following her talk.

Regarding declaring English as the official language of the U.S., she said, “I would not like to see the country move to any official language.”

On censorship – “Censorship is po-

LAUREN WILLIAMS | THE WICHITAN Diane Rehm speaks to MSU students Oct. 10 on the importance of listening.

litical. It’s done by people who don’t want to listen to what you say.”

In response to an audience member’s complaint that the media are devoting too much to celebrity news at the expense of serious news, Rehm replied, “Don’t say it’s the media’s fault. It’s a two-way street.”

Rehm noted that during her plane trip she noticed how many people were reading People magazine.

“We should be reading magazines like Time and Newsweek,” she said. “I don’t think the public is totally engaged in what’s happening in the world. The public has decided not to be bothered with Iraq and places like Israel and Syria. If we don’t like the emphasis on celebrities, we should say ‘enough,’ and say we’re not going to watch stupid programs that pander to the lowest common denominator. That’s the only way to get the message across to publishers and TV stations.”

Rehm said Americans should be thinking about more important things.

“We should be concerning ourselves with America’s standing in the world and be open to looking at ourselves.”

She said her main concerns are world standing, health care and the economy.

She pointed out that nightly net-

work news has shrunk to 18 minutes. The best place to get network news is The News Hour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, she said, explaining that it not only has in-depth coverage, but it also presents conflicting viewpoints.

Rehm brought up the subject of her gravelly voice and how she suffers from a disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia. A neurological disorder, it causes involuntary spasms of the vocal cords that interrupt speech and affect voice quality.

She said she started suffering symptoms from the disease in 1992.

“In February of 1998 I wasn’t able to get a word out,” Rehm said.

She said that she sat at home for four months not being able to talk.

Her family thought that she might have been suffering from a rare form of throat cancer.

“I couldn’t even say my own name,” she said.

Her family eventually took her to Johns Hopkins University for further testing. She received treatment that allowed her to be able to remain on the air.

Rehm has wrote two books, “Toward Commitment: A Dialogue about Marriage” was published in 2004. Her other book is called “Finding My Voice.”

Hijab_____________________________________________continued from page 1 turned 14. Her father moved from Jordan to the United States to pursue a higher education. Her mom, a Lubbock, Texas native, was born and raised a Christian.

“My mom converted from Christianity to Islam when I was 8 years old. I decided I wanted to wear a hijab after seeing my mom choose to wear it,” she said.

Javed said people see Muslim women wearing the hijab as a sign of suppression. She explains how it is more liberating instead.

“Islam teaches girls to wear it once they reach puberty as a sign of self-respect that is meant to prove beauty comes from within,” she said. “It’s the parents’ responsibility to get them to wear it. Then, it becomes the individual’s choice and responsibility to wear it after reaching adulthood.”

Sachedina and Suleiman agree that wearing a hijab gives them a sense of pride and individualism.

“Nuns are fully covered and people see holiness and purity so why do people think we are suppressed when we do?” Sachedina questioned.

Another misconception of the religion implies that Islam constrains women only to the house and their children, making them inferior to men.

Sachedina and Suleiman argue that different cultures might favor males over females but nowhere in the Quran does it suggest this. Men and women are meant to be equal in Islam.

“Yeah, women are not allowed to

drive or are forced to cover themselves up in certain countries but those are the rules of the extremists ruling that country and not our religion,” Sachedina said.

One MSU senior’s life can illustrate the differences between men and women that stem purely from cultural customs.

Roya Shariati sits on the MSU tennis court bleachers in her blue knee-length shorts and uncovered, blonde highlighted hair, watching a couple of her friends play.

The 24-year-old native of Iran said she wished she knew how to play or even had the chance. The expression on her face, reflects the story of a stolen childhood.

“There is no opportunity for women in Iran,” she said. “We can’t be our own person. We have to be women the government says we should be.”

Life for Iranian women changed for the worse when the country underwent a political revolution 25 years ago.

At the age of 7, Shariati was not only forced into wearing the hijab but she was also required for the rest of her body to be completely covered, only exposing her face.

She described it as “the ridiculous dress code” that applies to all females in schools. Every part of their body, except their face, had to be fully covered in uniforms that were either black or navy blue. Even wearing white socks was forbidden - light or bright colors might attract attention and that was considered taboo by the Iranian government.

More Homecoming Events • Bonfire – Thursday at 9:15 p.m. at South Campus.

• Fish Fry & Cardboard Boat Race – Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

at Sikes Lake Center. Tickets are $8 per person. Boat Race at 6 p.m.

• Retro Hip-Hop Dance Party – Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Don Flatt Gym, D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

• Tailgate & Football Game – Tailgate party and competition

on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Football game to follow at 8 p.m.

Participating in sports was discouraged. Playing fully-clothed in near hundred degree weather proved restrictive.

“I love sports. Who knows, maybe I could be on an athletic scholarship if I had the opportunity to play when I was younger,” Shariati said.

She has not worn a hijab since she moved to the United States four years ago. Her controlled adolescence she said, robbed her of a childhood. The hijab rekindles all the fury and frustrations that came with being a girl back in her home country.

“It probably would be different if I was raised here. A lot of the other Muslim girls have the option and that’s why it liberates them when they wear it (hijab). I wish it were different, but that’s not the case with me,” she concluded.

IFC_______________________________________________continued from page 1 Nu did not violate any of its bylaws since the party was not funded by chapter money and was not discussed in any meetings.

Although 11 of 13 active fraternity members were present, including four pledges, the party was not a fraternity event according to IFC. Lamb said that the fraternity is still on social suspension as far as the university and the national chapter are concerned.

MSU and the national chapter have a different definition of what

constitutes a chapter event. The university’s definition is more of a “reasonableness test” according to Lamb.

“If a reasonable person would consider it a fraternity event, then it probably is,” Lamb said.

Lamb said that he will not make a decision as far as university rules are concerned until the national chapter has completed its investigation.

“I will probably follow the lead of the national office,” Lamb said.

“I don’t have to but I probably will.

If their national office determines by their risk reduction guidelines that they did not have a function of the fraternity, then I’ll probably follow with that as well.”

As far as Sigma Nu is concerned, Scott Oshman, social chair for the community, said that they have learned from this situation.

“We learned from what happened to take every precaution necessary so there will never be another reason to go to the judicial board again,” Oshman said.

Sports

THE WICHITAN Oct. 17, 2007

Maniac attack hits Midwestern JERMEY ELLIOTT FOR THE WICHITAN You see them at the games yelling their brains out.

Dressed in maroon and gold, with a loud roaring yell, they heckle the opposing team.

Chants of “Warm up the bus,” and “You need to find a new recrutier” fill the coliseum.

The Midwestern Mustang Maniacs are a student organization that shows school spirit at sporting events.

The Maniacs were created in the fall of 2005 when students thought it would be a good idea to form a spirit group.

“We just wanted to make students feel involved in something on campus,” Maniac President Dustin Webb said.

Webb, a senior, has been a member since the beginning and has seen the group grow over the years.

The organization is appealing to students because no dues are charged and members are able to meet students from different backgrounds.

The Maniacs have grown from a handful of students to more than 70

active members.

The group also elects officers and holds meetings twice a month.

The recent growth spurt in the group can be attributed to more support from the administration.

MSU officials make sure to leave the major decisions up to the members.

The Maniacs receive funds from the athletic department, which pay for expenses such as member tshirts, transport to home games and transport to a few away games a year.

“The highlight of the year was the the football playoff games last fall when we had a good student turnout,” Webb said. “It was great!”

Though the group has seen huge growth since its humble beginnings, Webb sees room for improvement.

“A majority of students and members are aware of major sports, such as football and basketball, but numbers are low for some of the other sports,” Webb said.

The Maniacs attend volleyball, rugby, soccer and softball games but would like to see an improvement in numbers.

The group has had a hard time of keeping track of members and

keeping them active.

“A big problem we had last year was, after passing out shirts for members, some people just stopped showing up,” Webb said.

The Maniacs have decided to combat this problem by keeping a log of attendance at sporting events.

The organization has many goals for this year and the future.

“Increasing attendance is our number one goal,” Webb said.

To up attendance, the Maniacs plan to keep dues at zero and to recruit heavily in the fall when incoming freshmen arrive.

The group also plans on offering more shuttles to away games that most students wouldn’t be able to attend.

Last year, the Maniacs made a trip to College Station to attend a Texas A&M vs. Midwestern State basketball game.

The organization is always looking for new members, and it all starts by students attending sporting events.

“The original group of guys saw how Division I schools games are,” Webb said. “Midwestern can be like that.”

PATRICK JOHNSTON | THE WICHITAN The Midwestern Mustang Maniacs get into the game from the stands as MSU battles West Texas on the field at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 6. The Maniacs are an organization dedicated to school spirit at every sporting event.

Volleyball team continues to dominate BOBBY MORRIS STAFF REPORTER

PATRICK JOHNSTON| THE WICHITAN MSU’s Krissa Johnson, 12, hits the ball over two DBU players Tuesday night as Rachel Gilmore, 9, stands guard in case the ball is hit back. MSU won, 30-19, 30-26, and 30-18.

The MSU Mustang’s volleyball team continued their red-hot streak this week, winning matches on both Saturday afternoon and Tuesday night.

Improving their overall record to 21-3 on the season, the Mustangs are currently on a winning streak of seven-straight matches.

The Mustangs kept their streak rolling in their Saturday match against Southeastern Oklahoma State, winning the match in four games.

After strolling through their first two games, 30-26 and 30-25, the team faltered during the third set eventually dropping a close game to

Mustang soccer teams stumble JOSH MUJICA SPORTS EDITOR Both the MSU men’s and women’s soccer teams had rough weekends as both fell to their respected opponents.

The previously second-ranked men’s team moved to No. 8 in the NSCAA/adidas National Rankings poll after having their nine-match winning streak broken by Incarnate Word on Saturday, 1-0, in San Antonio.

Incarnate Word’s Dustin Lemly scored off a corner kick opportunity to give the Cardinals the win and keep his team in the playoff hunt with a 7-4-1 record.

The Mustangs’ only two losses of the season come at the hands of Incarnate Word who beat MSU 1-0 also on Sept. 7 at the MSU Soc-

cer Field.

Midwestern (12-2) is still No. 1 in Midwest Region Rankings but is tied with Metropolitan State.

The women’s team lost a close match on Sunday as they hosted Texas Women’s.

TWU’s Christine Hornisher posted a goal in the 76th minute to give the Lady Pioneers the 1-0 win over No. 24 MSU. The Lady Mustangs outshot TWU, 19-11, but were unable to take advantage of some great chances.

The loss drops MSU to 8-3-2 overall and 4-2 in Lone Star Conference play.

The men will be in action again on Sunday to take on St. Mary’s in a contest set for 1 p.m.

The Lady Mustangs look to bounce back against East Central on Friday in a 4 p.m. match at MSU.

the Savage Storm, 29-31.

Led by the 16 kills of senior middle blocker, Krissa Johnson, and the great play of junior setter, Allison Schreiber, who contributed 58 assists, the Mustangs brought it back together, smothering SOSU, 30-16, in the final game.

Midwestern State, then, headed home for a non-conference match against the Dallas Baptist University Patriots on Tuesday.

Previously during the week, the Mustangs’ sophomore middle blocker, Sesley Graves, was named the LSC Defensive Player of the Week, specifically for her play against SOSU. The Mustangs won against Dallas Baptist University in straight games, partly because of the stellar play of two of their middle blockers:

PATRICK JOHNSTON | THE WICHITAN MSU’s Katy Lukert, 10, attempts to score on a header from the right wing in the 84th minute against TWU Sunday at The MSU Soccer Field.

Ricky Tims ...

In Concert

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

MEN SIGMA NU DEF. O D PHI, 17-14 GNABARIANS DEF. BALL WIZARDS, 26-20 ABN DEF. SHOCKERS, 41-28 SIGMA NU DEF. TKE, 23-0 BALL WIZADS DEF. DTF, 62-22 LONE WOLF DEF. SHOCKERS, 24-14 PHOTOS BY DEB DEF. D5W, 28-20 PHOTOS BY DEB DEF. BSM, 28-25

bring a native son home for one night only!

7:00 PM Saturday, October 20

Tickets: $20 / $15 with MSU ID

940.767.2787 13th and Lamar www.kempcenter.org YOUR community art center

The MSU cross country team traveled to Fayetteville on Saturday to compete in the University of Arkansas’ Chili Pepper Festival.

Even though the Lady Mustangs took on warm temperatures mixed with high winds they were still able to retain a positive learning experience on how to run a 6K race.

Sophomore Hassie Sutton and Andrea Borgman posted the seventh and eighth fastest 6K results in MSU history.

Sutton came in 203rd place

with a time of 24:48 and Borgman finished in 214th with a 25:02.

Junior Mindy Briones earned a 27:12 and freshman Chloe Lander sprinted to a 31:26.

The Lady Mustangs did well considering they only had four runners competing against a field of 322 in the College Women’s Division.

“The weather affected the times as the whole field was off over a minute from last year’s times,” MSU Coach Koby Styles said.

The Lady Mustangs now travel to Texas-A&M Commerce next weekend to clock out in the Lone Star Conference championships.

WEEK OF 10/08 FLAG FOOTBALL

The Kemp and

KEMP CENTER for the ARTS

the before-mentioned, Graves and another sophomore, Alysha Pritt.

Midwestern found few roadblocks in their match against DBU, as they dominated this match: 3019, 30-26 and 30-18.

The volleyball team has felt very comfortable playing at D.L Ligon as of late, rarely dropping any games in any of their matches.

In fact, MSU has won their last 10 matches at home, dating all the way back to October 14, 2006.

The Mustangs will look to extend their winning streak and stay atop the Lone Star Conference standings, while on a two-match road trip this weekend as they face-off against both Texas A&M Kingsville and Tarleton State on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

MSU spices it up in Arkansas JOSH MUJICA SPORTS EDITOR

If you have an interest in the visual or performing arts, this will be a rare opportunity to meet a Wichita Falls native who has made a satisfying life and successful career as a composer, performer, and visual artist.

7

Please Recycle!

WOMEN SIGMA KAPPA DEF. ALPHA PHI, 40-0 BADDEST CHICKS DEF. GAMMA PHI BETA, 30-0 CHI-OMEGA DEF. PONYTAILS, 8-0

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THE WICHITAN Oct. 17, 2007

Sports

Boys unable to horseshoe Pats CHRIS COLLINS STAFF REPORTER

COURTESY PHOTO New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss, 81, scorches the Dallas Cowboys secondary including Roy Williams, 31, and Jacques Reeves, 35, on Sunday in a battle of undefeated teams at Texas Stadium. Moss had a touchdown in the Patriots’ 48-27 victory.

MSU loses second straight, 44-32 BOBBY MORRIS STAFF REPORTER The No. 23 Mustangs made the trip down to Stephenville last Saturday to challenge the now-ranked tenth Tarleton State Texans in a battle to avoid losing their secondstraight game.

Following yet another backand-forth contest against a ranked opponent, MSU found itself falling into a two-way tie for fourth in the Lone Star Conference North Division, falling 44-32.

This game proved to be just as nip-and-tuck as their 25-20 loss to the hands of rival West Texas A&M on Oct. 6.

This game, however, featured both offenses getting cranked up early and not letting up until the game went final.

The Mustangs finished the game ahead in most statistical areas, which lead to deciding a victor, by winning the turnover battle and out gaining the Texans by more than 60 yards.

However, it was the often-overlooked special teams, which made the overall difference in the game.

TSU drew first-blood in the contest, capping off a 5-minute, 14-play drive, with a 27-yard field goal by the Texans place-kicker, Stephen Arnold.

MSU followed by doing what they do best.

They went to the ground, and firmly asserted themselves running the football.

They quickly drove down the field, ending the drive with an impressive 27-yard run by the Mustangs’ junior tailback, Joe Chat-

man.

As the first half rolled on, the score went back-and-forth.

With a total of seven leadchanges and ties in the first half, no team appeared that they were going to allow the other team to gain momentum before the half.

Then, while leading 23-20, the Mustangs punted the ball to the Texans, in an attempt to pin the Texans deep in their own red zone before the half.

However, Nathan Robinson, the Texans punt returner, had other plans.

As he returned the punt for an 87-yard touchdown, the momentum had squarely shifted into the hands of the Texans entering halftime.

Senior quarterback, Daniel Polk, and the Mustangs weren’t going down without a fight.

Needing a score, Polk led the offense down the field on a 9-play drive, capped off by a 7-yard run into the end zone by freshman running back, Marcus Mathis.

This gave the Mustangs the lead, 32-30, entering the final quarter. It was in the fourth-quarter, however, that the Texans took control of the game.

Tarleton State dominated timeof-possession in the fourth-quarter.

The Texans scored a touchdown on a 10-play, 6-minute drive to regain the lead.

Yet, the defining moment of the game came on their next possession.

Failing to move the ball into scoring range, the Mustangs were forced to punt the ball back to the Texans.

Midwestern State’s punter, Ben White, excelled when he was brought out on the field to punt, pinning the Texans at their own 1yardline, leaving plenty of time left on the clock for MSU. Then, deadening Midwestern’s hopes, the Texans methodically began to move the ball down the field.

First down, after first down, the Texans’ quarterback, Scott Grantham, led his team down the field, driving 99 yards on their way to scoring the game-clinching touchdown, on a 3-yard run by Travis Evans.

Chatman finished leading all rushers with 128 yards on only 13 carries, two of which were touchdowns.

Even while dropping this tight game, it was still quarterback Polk’s day.

Polk became the first rusher in the history of MSU football to top the 3,000-yard rushing barrier.

With his 101 yards rushing on 19 attempts, Polk has now totaled 3,062 career rushing yards.

Polk also finished the game with 239 yards passing on 21 of 29 attempts.

Place-kicker, Jose Martinez, kicked in two field goals last Saturday, one being from 27 and the last from 30 yards out.

However, after two of their four touchdowns, Martinez failed to convert the PATs. The Mustangs should receive just what they need to buck this two-game losing streak this weekend as they return to Memorial Stadium for their Homecoming matchup with the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas, 1-6 (0-2).

tion with all of the festivities and the alumni, friends and family that attend the game,” MSU Offensive Coordinator Glenn Thomas said.

MSU has been in similar highpressure situations before.

The Mustangs also had to win out last year in order to make the playoffs.

The experience of successfully completing this before is beneficial to the team’s chances this year.

“We know it’s feasible and can be done,” Thomas said. “We can win out and the rest will take care of itself. Anytime you can put experience in the equation, it’s human nature to benefit.”

The players are also not worried about the additional pressure of the game.

“It is just the next game on our schedule and we have to win,” wide receiver Andy Tanner said.

One concern the team does have ,though, is A&M-Kingsville who has a 1-6 record this season coming into the game.

“They’re playing for pride, so we can’t take them lightly,” redshirt tight end Sasan Faradineh said.

MSU is 10-9 since 1988 in Homecoming games, having won the last four games. They are also 3-5 against A&M-Kingsville, but MSU has won the last two games.

Midwestern in a must-win situation PATRICK JOHNSTON & CAILTIN MORRISON FOR THE WICHITAN

Midwestern State University will be facing Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Memorial Stadium as a part of the 2007 Homecoming festivities.

The Mustangs have to win all of their remaining games in order to have a chance to make the playoffs.

To add to this pressure, they will be playing in front of a larger crowd due to Homecoming.

“Sometimes it can be a distrac-

The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a healthy dose of reality Sunday afternoon when their showdown with the New England Patriots at Texas Stadium ended in a dismal 48-27 loss that raised more questions for the Cowboys than it answered.

The first question on Wade Phillip’s mind had to involve Dallas’ secondary.

The Cowboys’ defensive backfield isn’t nearly as strong as it was at the beginning of this season – not that it was ever too solid to begin with – and injuries to Terence Newman and Anthony Henry should be one of Phillips’ main concerns.

Newman’s decline in effectiveness was doubly proven in week five against Buffalo, when he intercepted rookie quarterback Trent Edward’s badly-thrown ball and then was run down by Edwards before scoring on the return, a scenario rarely seen in the NFL. Anthony Henry, who already has four interceptions on the season, hurt his ankle last week against New England, an injury that may

have been a catalyst for Brady’s three-touchdown kick at the close of the ball game.

Cornerback Courtney Brown and safety Keith Davis are also among the ranks of Dallas’ beat up secondary, which could be troublesome if Dallas is forced to face New England (or, dare I say, the Colts) again in the Super Bowl.

Penalties are another concern for Dallas this year.

Dallas is near the bottom of the league in both penalties and penalty yards, something that Phillips seems a bit more lax about than his predecessor Bill Parcells.

Similarly, Terence Newman was fined for a helmet-to-helmet hit initiated last week against a Buffalo wide receiver, though no penalty flag was thrown during the game.

Flozell Adams, who had a staggering seven penalties in Dallas’ first three games this season seems to have cleaned his act up, though; he only received one penalty against New England last week, though it was committed on a crucial thirddown situation.

Against the Patriots, Dallas committed a disappointing fare of 12

penalties for 98 yards.

The penalties need to stop if Dallas wants to be an effective ball club and wants to compete against teams like New England and Indianapolis.

To Dallas’ credit, though, they played a closer game than the 48-27 score indicates.

Romo only committed one turnover -- instead of last week’s six -- and threw for two touchdowns against one of the toughest defenses in the league.

Dallas rushed for over 100 yards against a crippling Patriots run defense, and were actually at a 24-21 lead early in the third quarter. That’s only the second time that’s happened to the Patriots all season.

There’s some good here, and there’s some room for improvement here, too.

Dallas played the best team in the league Sunday (arguably the best team ever) and came out with little pride intact.

Now all they can hope for is another chance to play the Patriots in Arizona later this year.

PATRICK JOHNSTON | THE WICHITAN MSU’s Frank Brown, 27, puts a halt to a West Texas A&M player as Glen Watkins, 99, and Jamaal Bouyer, 24, give pursuit on Oct. 6 at Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs lost to WT, 2520, and fell to Tarleton State, 44-32, this past Saturday.

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