The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES-DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 | VOL. 129, NO. 25 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

Students evacuated from Egypt join new programs abroad All three choose to stay overseas rather than return to US

by Ann Schnoebelen

News Editor news@timesdelphic.com

photo from IAN WELLER

AMINA KADER, ASHLEY CROW AND IAN WELLER pose in front of a pyramid before their semester abroad in Egypt was disrupted. The three were evacuated Jan. 31.

Juniors Ian Weller, Amina Kader and Ashley Crow had all prepared to spend the spring 2011 semester far away from Drake University’s campus. Their original plan was to study at Alexandria University in Egypt, but none of them are now within Egyptian borders.

After being evacuated on Jan. 31 during the beginning stages of a political upheaval that has stunned the world, the three spent several days at a hotel in Prague, Czech Republic, exploring possible next steps. Back in the U.S., members of the Drake faculty were working to determine ways they could join classes at Drake to finish out the semester, even after the deadline to drop/ add classes had passed. Some of their worried parents were hoping they would simply come home as well.

But all three students opted to finish out the semester overseas in different study abroad programs.

Weller and Kader are now studying with the Study for International training in Muscat, Oman.

“I decided that I didn’t want to go back to Drake because I didn’t think I could get another opportunity to study abroad because of credit requirements,” Kader wrote in an e-mail.

“I am thankful for the support I have at Drake, but in no way was I prepared to be back there,” Weller wrote, adding that, “The blizzard hitting also reinforced our wanting to stay out here.”

Both commented upon the more conservative Omani culture, something they said will take a little getting used to.

“The dress is completely different, which means I stick out even more, along with being almost a foot taller than everyone,” Weller explained.

In Egypt, the students were planning on

living in apartments, but now Kader and Weller will live with host families.

“The rules we were told to follow were pretty much the same, especially as a female,” Kader wrote. “The only thing I, or any American student, would find to be the most difficult to adjust to is that we have to ask our host parents if it’s OK for us to go out, even if it is at 3 p.m.”

As for Egypt, Weller “will miss the cheap prices, and the food, and the availability of hookah.”

“I think I’ll miss everything about Egypt,” wrote Kader. “The first morning I woke up in Cairo, I had this burst of excitement and energy, even though I had only slept for four hours. In Oman, after I woke up from the restful eight hours, I still didn’t feel that energy and excitement.”

But there are still things she mentions she’s looking forward to.

SEE RELOCATION, PAGE 2

Coalition of Black Fitness instructor Students has big plans for thinks latest craze has Black History Month lasting appeal

by Lillie Schrock

Staff Writer lillian.schrock@drake.edu

“Black History Month is about black people knowing their history and reflecting on past struggles and achievements,” said the Lawrence Crawford. president of the Coalition of Black Students. “It’s about looking forward to a more promising future in the black community.”

The Coalition of Black Students at Drake is organizing several events to celebrate Black History month, which is honored every February. To celebrate Black History Month, students are invited to attend the Black on Black Banquet, which is a cocktail formal event open to all students. The formal will take place this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Parents Hall. According to CBS, the Black on Black Banquet is a celebratory event showcasing the pivotal role and purpose of black student organizations on college campuses today.

“We want to engage the whole in campus in opportunities to learn about black culture,” said Alexis Davis, the organizer of the event.

Formal attire is required and the banquet will feature DJ Sin. In addition, an up-scale Sodexo meal will be served, including BBQ chicken, catfish nuggets, green beans and a variety of desserts.

Davis said that there are a lot of important things that even black people do not know about their culture. CBS seeks to educate not only its members on black history but also the whole campus.

“Black History month is not only about black history, but should remind all people to study their own cultures,” Davis said.

In addition to music, food and good company, the banquet will feature a keynote speaker.

Romonda D. Belcher, Iowa’s first black female judge and alumna of Drake’s Law School, will speak Saturday night about her experience transferring from an all-black college, Howard University, to Drake.

CBS invites all students to get involved with the organization. CBS meets biweekly on Sundays for general assembly meetings and discussions. CBS executive council meets weekly to discuss issues to be brought up at general assembly meetings. All students are invited to attend general assembly meetings and can attain full CBS membership by attending two events and two meetings.

“The Coalition of Black Students is a unifying organization for students who identify as black or African-American,” said the Coalition of Black Students Vice President Matt Martin.

“The programming is meant to educate others about black culture and African and AfricanAmerican history.”

CBS’s new tagline is “You don’t have to be us to befriend us.” With this declaration, the group hopes to involve more students who are not of black descent and spread the message that Black History Month is a time for all people to consider black history.

To help students celebrate Black History Month, CBS has a schedule of events for the month. Start the celebration by attending the Black on Black Banquet. Following, on Saturday, Feb. 19, Catwalks for a Cause: (R)evolution to Fight with Fashion is taking place in Upper Olmsted at 6:30 p.m. This is a fashion show with proceeds going to Children and Families of Iowa. To finish off the month, attend CBS’s ‘Mama’s Cooking’ at the Black Cultural Center Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.

“We must be mindful of our history every day, but Black History Month is designated nationally to celebrate our history,” Martin said.

>> Cold enough for ya?

Drake policy identifies class cancellation and university closings as “a rare event.” But how chilly does the walk from GK to Olin have to be before your PYSCH 001 meeting is called off?

According to the policy, Provost Michael Renner makes his decision after consulting with several other university officials and considers “the amount of snow, amount of ice, wind chill, temperature, wind, and weather forecast” along with how many times classes have already been canceled this semester.

Because so many factors play into the decision, documents from the office of the Provost say that “there is no simple formula that is followed.”

Our advice? Bundle up and think warm thoughts while you look forward to next week, when temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-40s.

inside

Zumba teacher says new Bell Center class has something for everyone

by Becca Mataloni

Staff Writer rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu

As Hannah Pink entered the Bell Center on Tuesday, Jan. 18, she walked by the front desk only to hear the worker say, “You’re in for it.” And she certainly was.

Over 75 people waited for Pink to walk through the doors of the multipurpose room, eager to start the new and unique program that has become photos by KELSEY SHERMAN | staff photographer a worldwide phenomHANNAH PINK , a sophomore, teaches Zumba class during Zumenon: Zumba Fitness.

“Ditch the workout and bathon hosted by the Bell Center on Feb. 4. join the party.” The Latininspired dance workout fitness. It combines choreography in ways that program is bringing something new to Drake are different than the traditional dance classes.

University by encouraging people to join the The hour-long courses are new to the Drake “biggest dance party in the world.”

Group Exercise schedule this semester and Latin, hip-hop, step, merengue and salsa are have proved extremely popular. Some group a few of the dances one can learn from Zumba have capitalized on the craze, as the Feb. 4 Zumbathon hosted by the Bell Center brought in a crowd of well over 100 people and raised around $550 for the American Heart Association.

Pink had never heard of Zumba until this year and had no dance background going into the training but always loved working out.

“I was worried about gaining the Freshman 15 last year, so I did a lot of the group exercises, and really enjoyed them,” Pink said.

This year, she wanted to bring something different to Drake. Zumba was the answer.

The 10-year-old fitness program has over 10 million members in 110 countries. Founded in 2001, Zumba means “to move fast and have fun.” That is exactly what its participants do While it may not consist of lifting weights to tone the body or running on the elliptical to raise the heart rate, Zumba adds different aspects from every fitness program. There are lunges and squats involved, and the dancers are constantly moving, which raises the heart rate.

But don’t expect a break, because there aren’t any.

“There were so many people the first class, there was hardly any room to move,” Pink said.

First-year students Elizabeth Robinson and Kelly Diekemper were not surprised by the amount of people that attended the first class.

“With fire code, I don’t even know if it was legal for us all to be in there,” Diekemper said.

Diekemper is a self-proclaimed “work out junkie” and never misses an opportunity to work HANNAH PINK is a sophomore who had out. Zumba has helped her see a different side never heard of Zumba before this year, but she is now the instructor for the weekly class at Bell Center SEE ZUMBA, PAGE 2

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

09-10 TimesDelphic staff takes home 11 awards

The 10 bands you need to know

Annual jazz series downtown at the Botanical Center

Big crowd turns out to see Bulldogs over Bluejays

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NEWS

quote of the

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THE TIMES-DELPHIC

THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 | PAGE 2

day news SECURITY REPORTS A GOOD DEED 1:35 p.m. Feb. 5 A male student turned in a wallet to a security officer near the Drake West Village. The wallet contained over $600 in cash. The wallet was turned over to police as the owner of the wallet was not a student. The owner of the wallet was contacted.

5:36 p.m. Feb. 3 Security responded to the fourth floor of Stalnaker Residence Hall regarding someone smoking marijuana.

A female student admitted to having smoked marijuana in her room but that she had

no more. Marijuana seeds were found. Police were called and the female student became enraged and insisted in quarreling and was being offensive and disrespectful.

She was arrested on drug charges. Later in the evening,

another quantity of marijuana was found and turned over to police. Hall staff was present and the dean of students and director of residence life has been advised.

9:53 a.m. Feb. 3 Security responded to a Drake parking lot located in the 1300 block of 27th Street regarding folks smoking in a vehicle. Two male students were observed exiting the vehicle and denied smoking in same. After the vehicle was searched, both students admitted to smoking a blunt. No other evidence of drugs or paraphernalia was found. The dean of students was advised.

12:25 a.m. Feb. 4 Security responded to Stalnaker Residence Hall based on report of the female who had been arrested for image from allcountries.org

RELOCATED: Junior Ashley Crow Rabat, Morocco Institute for the International Education of Students

RELOCATED: Juniors Ian Weller & Amina Kader Muscat, Oman School for International Training

Wide range of students brave cold, snow to attend exercise classes FROM ZUMBA, PAGE 1 of exercise.

“It combines two of my favorite things– dancing and working out,” Diekemper said.

“It’s perfect. Anyone can try it.”

“It’s just like one big dance party,” Robinson said.

Robinson and Diekemper took belly dancing last semester and wanted something new for this semester. They are so dedicated to the class, one could have spotted them, along with 20 others, braving the blizzard last Tuesday on the way to attend Zumba.

“A blizzard wasn’t going to stop us from going,” Diekemper said. “We’re obsessed.”

Dancer or not, this class attracts those of every shape and size, and various dancing backgrounds.

“Instead of the traditional classes, I wanted to teach something that appealed to all demographics–students, professors, everybody,” Pink said.

Sophomore Michael Riebel had never danced in his life, but Pink persuaded him and his friends to attend the first class. Although he wasn’t sure what the class would entail, the last thing he expected was to actually enjoy it.

“It may not sound like a ‘masculine’ class, but some of the guys here were athletes in high school and loved it, including me,” Riebel said.

Riebel is one of four guys that have made an appearance at Zumba in the past three weeks.

Although none of them have dance backgrounds, they all enjoy the class.

Riebel credited Pink for the difficulty of the class, saying she made it easy on the beginners by explaining all the moves before they start dancing to the music. The hardest part for him, though, is working the hips.

“There are a lot of hip movements,“ Riebel said. “We try to do it, but it’s definitely not fluid.

I probably make a fool of myself.”

But Riebel is not alone. The class is held in the multi-purpose room, which is full of mirrors, so everybody can see everybody. Dancers spend just as much time laughing at one another as they do dancing.

“It’s a great way to mix up workout, dance and fun,” Pink said.

With a big turnout from the beginning, Pink is not worried about people losing interest.

“I think it’s always going to be successful. At least I hope so,” Pink said.

Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Bell Center in the multi-purpose room.

Calling all prospective editors It is now time to apply for next year’s editorships of these student publications:

The Times-Delphic Editor-in-Chief DUiN Editor-in-Chief Drake Magazine Editor-in-Chief Periphery Editor-in-Chief Drake Broadcast System President Applications are available in SLC and are due March 21. If you have questions, please contact Carol Spaulding-Kruse at carol.spaulding@drake.edu.

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO NEWS@TIMESDELPHIC.COM

We try to do it, but it’s definitely not fluid. I probably make a fool of myself.

— MICHAEL RIEBEL, ZUMBA CLASS PARTICIPANT | PAGE 8

drugs had returned to campus and was creating a disturbance in the hall. She had also sent harassing text messages to her roommate. Police were called and a report was filed. The suspect student was advised on trespass for Stalnaker Hall.

Her boyfriend showed up and was re-advised on trespass stemming from his advisement and assault arrest in August, 2010. The suspect student accused her roommate of stealing from her but did not request a report be filed. The director of residence life and dean of students has been advised.

11:34 p.m. Feb. 4 A female student reported several items including toiletries, electronics, prescription medicine and school-related notes were taken from her room in

Stalnaker Residence Hall and she has a suspect that was also reported to police.

2:15 p.m. Feb. 4 A former female student reported someone struck her vehicle while it was parked in a Drake lot located in the 1300 block of 27th Street between noon and 2 p.m. on Feb.4.

1:18 p.m. Feb. 5 Security and Midwest Ambulance personnel working a basketball game responded to the southeast corner based on report of an 80-year-old male feeling weak and woozy.

He was taken to a local hospital by a friend.

3:22 p.m. Feb. 5 Security responded to the fourth floor of the GoodwinKirk Residence Hall based on report of an intoxicated

FROM RELOCATION, PAGE 1 “We have several excursions that the program offers including one to Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” she explained. “I also get to join my host family to a wedding this weekend so that is something I am really excited about.”

On the other side of the African continent is Crow. She is in Fes, Morocco for orientation with the Institute for the International Education of Students, but will be taking classes in Rabat, Morocco the rest of the semester. She ended up there mostly for financial reasons.

“I wanted Oman, but the cost was $19,000– about 4,000 more than I had–and so I either had the choice to go to Morocco or back home,” she said in an e-mail.

She chose Morocco, where she will be taking six credits of Modern Standard Arabic and four credits of Moroccan dialect, which is heavily influenced by French.

But there are also elements of Moroccan culture she mentioned she’ll find interesting.

“The thing I’m looking forward to in Morocco is picking up an entirely different dialect and maybe some French too,” she wrote. “Artwork in buildings is ridiculously detailed and

female. It was determined an underage-for-drinking female student was lying on her bunk bed and she was conscious and somewhat alert. She had expelled contents of her stomach all over her bed and the floor and she was assisted out of her bed and placed on a couch. The student had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her. The female stated she had been drinking at the basketball game but didn’t remember with whom, how much, what she drank or how she got back to her residence hall. A resident assistant was present and is the person who found the intoxicated female drooped over in the hallway.

The director of residence life has been advised.

beautiful, and there are a lot of hole-in-thewall places to go to.”

What she’ll miss most about Egypt is “most definitely the people,” Crow said. She is even exploring the possibility of making her way back in the next year.

“Hopefully I can go next semester insha’alla (God willing) if my credits work out to graduate on time, and I can petition to take less than my last 30 credits at Drake,” she wrote.

The semester is certainly not unfolding according to plan, and a sense of disappointment at disrupted plans is evident as each student talks about what might have been.

But also expressed is an acknowledgment that they will still be experiencing something far from a typical college semester. The landscape, the culture and the people that surround them all contrast dramatically with what they would be experiencing back at Drake.

Weller recounted thinking back on Egypt his first day in Oman as the students watched Disney’s “Aladdin” and saw the magic carpet soar over the pyramids.

But he likened his new environment in Muscat to another film industry production.

“Ever see the movie ‘The Kingdom’? It’s pretty close to that.”

Last year’s Times-Delphic recognized for excellence at annual ICMA conference

by Ann Schnoebelen

News Editor news@timesdelphic.com

The 2009-2010 staff of The TimesDelphic took home 11 awards last week at the Iowa College Media Association Student Newspaper Contest.

The accolades come after the paper was named a national finalist for the highest college media award in the country, the Associated College Press Pacemaker award.

This most recent prize was a part of the ICMA Annual Conference held in conjunction with the Iowa Newspaper Association’s annual convention. This year’s event took place Feb. 3 at the Marriott Hotel in down-

town Des Moines.

More than a dozen college newspapers from around the state contributed materials published between Oct. 16, 2009, and Oct. 15, 2010, to be judged by the association.

Former editor-in-chief senior Matt Vasilogambros won three individual awards for pieces he wrote.

“I’m just really glad that the ICM recognized how hard our writers and editors worked last year. The diligence of their work truly paid off,” he said. “It felt pretty good.”

This was the first time The Times-Delphic has entered the competition, and its honors included six first place awards–including one for general excellence–three second place, one third place and one honorable mention.

BREAKDOWN OF SUCCESS First Place Awards: • General Excellence • Best Page One- Relays 1A • Best News Story to Matt Vasilogambros for his breaking news story on a hazing incident at the fraternity Phi Delta Theta • Best Feature Story to Matt Vasilogambros for “Three for the Free” piece about Drake students going to Afghanistan with the military • Best Photographic Portfolio for Sarah Andrews • Best Sports Story to Matt Moran for his coverage of Drake Basketball’s come-frombehind victory over South Illinois during the first round of the MVC tournament Second Place Awards: • Best Editorial Leadership • Best Explanatory/Interpretive News to Matt Vasilogambros for his article on recent sexual assaults at the university • Best Sports Feature to Dominic Johnson for his piece on the new Drake men’s tennis coach and his developing relationship with his team Third Place Award: • Best infographic to Sarah Andrews for her work appearing in the Relays edition Honorable Mention: • Best Inside Page Design to Mary Bess Bolling for her sports page layout in the Relays edition FOR BREAKING DRAKE NEWS, CHECK OUT WWW.TWITTER.COM/TIMESDELPHIC

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

PAGE 3 | THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011

opinions&editorials

10 bands everyone should know 1

7

Band of Horses

Mumford and Sons

“Lend me your hand and we’ll conquer them all.” One of my new favorites and with good reason. Marcus Mumford’s voice mixed with four-part harmonies and folk instruments is breathtaking. Together the band makes you want to sway with the rhythms or sing along to its catchy choruses.

The British band sometimes has a folk sound, but it always make it sound great. “Little Lion Man” is a good first listen, followed by “Awake My Soul.”

2

Arcade Fire

This band has been around for a while, and is finally gaining more attention.

Arcade Fire is most known for “Wake Up,” which was used in the “Where the Wild Things Are” movie trailer, but they can do so much more than that. Their new album, “The Suburbs” received numerous awards for best album, and rightly so. Although my favorite is still “Neighborhood #1: Tunnels,” “Rococo” is a close second.

Beside “Funeral” and “Is There a Ghost” don’t expect crowd-roaring songs by Band of Horses. They are laid-back and perfect to listen to if you want to relax. Their recent album “Infinite Arms” is similar to their previous two but with more instrumentation and deeper vocals. Listen to “Compliments” and “Laredo.”

8

She & Him

We all loved Zooey Deschanel when we first heard her voice in the movie “Elf.” Thankfully, she formed a band with Matt Ward and together they produced some of the best compilations. Their songs are personal and fun, especially “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” “Volume Two,” their recent album, picks up where the last one left off. I recommend “If You Can’t Sleep.”

3

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

They’re Arcade Fire mixed with Mumford and Sons. This 16-person band is one that will not disappoint. Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos lead on vocals, but Castrinos is the one that leaves a bigger impression, especially on “Home.” They are reminiscent of Arcade Fire in the album’s leading song “40 Day Dream” and they bring back the ’60s with “Carries On.”

4

photo from decemberists.com

The Decemberists

Like Mumford and Sons, The Decemberists can be described as folk and/or indie rock. While I’m a bigger fan of their older albums, “Picaresque” and “The Crane Wife,” the bands’ recent album, “The King is Dead” brings us back to the style of their older music. The band is together simply because they enjoy the music they create as one, and that’s why I listen to them. For simple enjoyment, “The Crane Wife 3” and “The Engine Driver” are good ones to start with.

photo from margotandthenuclearsoandsos.net

9

Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s

Margot’s previous albums have only semi-impressed me, but songs like “As Tall As Cliffs” made me stay with them for a while. It was worth it. Their recent album, “Buzzard,” has completely won me over.

Good from start to finish, the band brings a different sound than previous albums. After hearing Richard Edwards’ voice in “Will You Love Me Forever?” My answer is “yes.”

10

Poison Control Center

I wanted to add a local to the mix, and PCC was perfect. Their last album, “Sad Sour Future,” made many national Top 10 lists of 2010, and their never-ending national tour is sure to spread their name even more. Their genre, alternative/indie rock, does little to describe the energy the band brings. It’s evident on the album that the members put everything into the music, and seeing them live is just as much an acrobat show as it is a concert. Favorites: “Pacific Sunrise” and “Being Gone.” You can find them on iTunes and Twitter @123sayPCC.

5

Mates of State

Husband and wife, Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner are one of the best duos.

Their voices harmonize so well together, it’s nearly perfect. Their new album,“Crushes” is full of covers, but it is great, nonetheless. My favorites are “Love Letter” and “True Love Will Find You in the End.” To hear some of their originals, listen to “Halves and Havenots” or “10 Years Later.”

6

Jack’s Mannequin

I realize this band isn’t fairly new, but that doesn’t matter. The voice of lead singer Andrew McMahon can make anyone melt. Whether he’s pounding on the piano in “Dark Blue” or gracing the keys in “Hammers and Strings,” it gives me chills.

Both are worth a listen and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop. If you still aren’t sold on his skills, then listen to “Konstantine” by Something Corporate, McMahon’s former band.

BECCA MATALONI | COLUMNIST

Mataloni is a junior news/Internet and music major and can be contacted at rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu

THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884 LIZZIE PINE, Editor-in-Chief editor@timesdelphic.com JESSICA MATTES, Managing Editor features@timesdelphic.com MATT MORAN, Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

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THE TIMES-DELPHIC

thebuzz

The blue Haiku is now open.

The folly of desire I was having dinner at Hubbell South with a few friends the other night. It was getting late and the cafeteria was thinning out to the point where the end of our conversation was in a completely empty room. It was in the quiet and solitude that our talk turned to matters that normally would not come up over dinner, things that some might have found to be too personal to speak of. However, we were well fed, relaxed and comfortable enough with each other that we could venture into culturally taboo subjects without feeling awkward. Of the things we discussed, the one that centered our discussion started when one of my companions made the remark that every single person sitting at the table either had parents that were divorced, separated or would soon be divorced.

Each of us had our story to tell as to why our families were structured so. One that we spoke of was the matter of infidelity. The question we had to ask was “How can someone married for so long cheat on his or her spouse?” While we certainly did not profess expertise on this matter, the consensus was that the only way for such a bond to be broken would be for some form of desire to overpower the individual to the point of breakage.

This line of conjecture led to thoughts about the very nature of desire in our society beyond the realm of marriage. It is quite apparent that our wants seem to motivate much, if not all, of our actions. The problem, as evidenced by the example of infidelity, is that many times our wants and desires can become destructive. The question we must ask ourselves is, at what point is enough truly enough?

Is there ever a point in some aspect of our lives that we can claim satisfaction?

In the daily affairs we concern ourselves with, we are always reinforced by the shared cultural values and philosophies that dictate the structure of the social world around us.

One value that many Americans will proudly

claim is that of pure desire and the will to achieve everything one wants. The paradox with this method of thinking is that wants are infinite. If the value that we believe is that it is right to pursue all of our wants, we will never achieve such a feat. By virtue of the fact that desires are naturally never ending, pursuing them in their entirety will simply never work.

We will either end up harming ourselves, such as the individual who desires much but succeeds little; or we will end up harming others, such as the example of the unfaithful spouse.

The solution is to not let yourself be encumbered by such methods of thought. We must discipline ourselves against too much desire and reflect on the things we already have rather than the things that we want. I do not wish to overuse the cliché of giving thanks, but the truth of the matter is that simply being grateful for what one already has can do wonders for tempering wrong and hurtful desire. If we realize that what we already hold is enough to bring us joy and pursuing more will bring little more benefit, we will save ourselves and those around us from a great deal of needless suffering under the toils of excessive want.

KEVIN PROTZMANN | COLUMNIST

Protzmann is a first-year philosophy major and can be contacted at kevin.protzmann@drake.edu

Greek life, a way of life Omega Psi Phi claims that “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” That motto will never matter more than it will to those Q’s who will need to rely on their brotherhood to overcome the tragedy at Youngstown State University this weekend. Initially asked to leave the fraternity after starting a fight over one of the female students, two gunmen opened fire on the straggling party-goers early Sunday morning. So, could it happen here?

An average Saturday night, a party on Greek Street and two guys with a tendency toward violence, whether there were more factors or not, (I’d be willing to bet there were) I couldn’t say, but what I know is that, based on the facts given to us in the media, the situation at Youngstown sounds like it could happen at any university, anywhere.

“

The best cure for fear is supposed to be knowledge, so here’s what I’m saying: Let’s figure out how to be safer and actually put it into action.

It’s hard to walk through campus or go out on the weekends without hearing a wise crack about how “ghetto” the area around Drake University is–and for good reason. I’ve never worried about my safety more than when the rapes happened near campus last year, or when shots were fired at a Laundromat only a short walk from one of the most popular bars on campus. It’s easy to brush off the fear that accompanies those incidents. “Oh, it won’t happen to me.” “That’s totally unrealistic.”

“You’re just freaking yourself out.” But, in truth, it’s entirely possible that the events at Youngstown could be possible at Drake.

The best cure for fear is supposed to be knowledge, so here’s what I’m saying: Let’s figure out how to be safer and actually put it into

action. Let’s follow the rules we tell our friends and ourselves every weekend. Don’t ever walk alone on campus. Don’t talk to people you don’t know. Don’t ever accept a drink if you didn’t see it poured or you don’t know where it came from. (Sorority girls, you can manage to pump a keg. C’mon and show off those muscles that you log so many Greeks in the Gym hours to get.) If you don’t know how much vodka those frat guys put in the jungle juice, don’t drink it. If you ever hear the words “riot punch,” run. While you might have your tolerance down to a science, mixed drinks can be easy to drink too much of…way too much of.

If you don’t drink, you aren’t out of the woods. Chances are not every one of those students at Youngstown had been partying that night. Maybe they had just come home from a date, the library or a midnight movie. While the events there were probably unavoidable, other dangerous situations can be avoided in our own houses and it’s our responsibility to make sure that happens.

Keep throwing raging after-hours. Make the trek from Dublin to the Library. Keep trying to convince yourself that the new Four Loko really is as good as the old one. I’m not saying to change your habits. I’m just saying to be smart and safe. Also, remember that no girl is worth it. Not even a sorority girl.

EMMA COLLINS | COLUMNIST

Collins is a sophomore English major and can be contacted at emma.collins@drake.edu

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FEATURES

features

THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 | PAGE 4

don’tmissthis

Megan Burtt, hosted by SAB, will be performing Saturday at 8 p.m. on Pomerantz Stage.

Sufjan takes new path on Age of Adz

by Frank Merchlewitz

Staff Writer frank.merchlewitz@drake.edu

Say good-bye to the banjo–and the 50 states.

Sufjan Stevens’ most recent album “The Age of Adz” (pronounced “odds”), is definitely something different for the young, Brooklynbased musician. Stevens garnered a lot of attention back in 2003 for boldly claiming that he intended to write and record an album for every state in the union. The 50 States Project began with the release of “Greetings from Michigan: The Great Lake State,” a more minimalist approach when compared to his next feat.

“Come on Feel the Illinoise,” released in 2005 was a huge critical success demonstrating Stevens’ ability to write songs with big, lush orchestral arrangements juxtaposed with minimalist folk pieces that matched his whispery, emotive voice. All of this high-concept jibberjabber worked pretty well for Stevens, resulting not only in a musical epic, but a whole hour and fifteen minutes of outtakes and extras released as “The Avalanche.” He managed to cram a career’s worth of work into one musical effort.

Needless to say, he was a little exhausted and took a break.

During his public musical exile, Stevens did a lot of little experimental projects, including a music/film project about the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. He really loves places. All the while, gossip loomed about what state he would tackle next; guesses ranged from Minnesota and Oregon, to California and New Jersey. But Stevens was pretty much done, telling The Guardian in 2009 that he “had no qualms admitting it was a promotional gimmick.” After going through a musical existential crisis, Stevens embarked on a new path that freed him of the folksy, swelling Americana that characterized his previous albums.

The result was “The Age of Adz”–a swirling,

electro, apocalyptic, prog-rock, Disney-esque… well, what can you call it? “Adz” bears only a shade of resemblance to the states’ records.

Released near the end of 2010, it is Stevens’ first original studio release in five years. (That’s about 10 in music industry years.) All that time has certainly given Stevens time to clear his head, and he puts just about all of his ideas into the 11 tracks on “Adz.” It starts out simply enough with the brief “Futile Devices,” a quiet little love song with layered guitars and piano—pleasant and standard.

Then, immediately afterward on “Too Much,” it begins to sound as if Stevens has been playing tennis with the Flaming Lips, establishing an electronic orchestral sensibility that is consistent for just about every tune on the album.

The swooping sound is all over the place, but in a good way. Drum machines kick out mechanized beats while synths glide through arpeggios next to big brass and string arrangements. It works both ways, really. At times the computerized sounds take on the quality of the organic instrumentation, and at others, it makes a whole string section sound like an army of robots from hell. Everything sounds dangerous and foreboding, like the soundtrack to a film about machines wiping out the human race. We’re not really dealing with geography, here.

Lyrically, however, the album is Stevens at his most personal. “Lover, will you look at me now?/ I’m already dead/ But I’ve come to explain why I left such a mess on the floor” (“I Walked”). By de-conceptualizing his work, Stevens manages to connect to the singer/songwriter inclinations that he established on “Seven Swans” and “A Sun Came.”

The only difference is that Stevens is dealing with more pronounced emotions—existential crises, death and, as always, matters of faith and spirituality, but on an angrier level than his previous albums. Plus, he doesn’t have to work in a line about Adlai Stevenson somewhere in

photo from music.sufjan.com

the middle.

However, “Adz” is more lyrically forceful, if only for the manner in which Stevens surrounds his melodies. The chord progression to “I Walked” is pretty akin to “Flint” from his “Michigan” album. Stevens’ fans will have no real problem recognizing that these melodies are similar in style to his other songs. However, to say that everything is pretty intense on this record is an understatement. Hell, Stevens uses auto-tune at one point to take on the mechani-

cal electronic quality of the music. Underneath it are rich, precisely choreographed choral arrangements. It never gets cheesy, although at times it gets pretty bizarre. In this way, Stevens succeeds in delivering an original album following a successful one, not getting stuck in that rut of releasing the same album every two years. If you’re expecting a polite little album with songs about Decatur, Ga., Chicago, or Detroit, leave those notions at the door. As Stevens puts it in “I Want to be Well”: “I’m not f***ing around.”

Sushi a competitive business in DSM

by Evan Tonda

Staff Writer evan.tonda@drake.edu

The scent of sticky white rice–fresh and airy–with a hint of the sea cascades across the narrow room. Eager customers plummet into the restaurant, which is already crammed with waiting diners. The hostess shares it will be at least a 20-minute wait, but the news doesn’t seem to bother anyone–everyone stays put.

Those waiting, let their eyes roam over the rich and vibrant dishes, while those eating attempt, fruitlessly, to take their time and cherish their cuisine. The platters are creative and strikingly displayed. But, as beautifully presented as the sushi is, the helpless customers don’t wait too long and shovel the fresh fish into their drooling mouths.

The city of Des Moines offers a variety of different sushi restaurants for customers to choose from. With the wide selection, each of the restaurants presents something distinct from one another. Whether one wants traditional, unusual or mild sushi, a laid-back setting, cheap cuisine or a place with an exciting atmosphere, there is almost certainly a sushi spot in Des Moines that will suit you. Some of the many sushi options in the city include: Miyabi 9, Waterfront Seafood, Taki Japanese Steakhouse, Sakari Sushi Lounge, Samurai Sushi and Hibachi,

Wok in Motion, Hoshi Sushi Lounge and more.

The best sushi restaurant, arguably, in Des Moines is Miyabi 9. The restaurant is small and has a unique shape, being long and narrow. It only fits about 40 customers. The décor is clean and minimalistic, which creates a very modern feel. Along with the progressive atmosphere, the personality of the restaurant is laid-back and casual.

“

With the wide selection, each of the restaurants presents something distinct from one another.

”

“I think it’s a nice, contemporary place that has extremely high-quality food at a reasonable price for the quality and value you’re getting,” Drake student Mary Jane Morgan said. “Miyabi 9 has great service and a nice wait staff, too.”

Although the setting is enjoyable, the main focus of the restaurant is the sushi.

“Miyabi 9 offers a wide variety of sushi choices, but whatever one orders, the sushi is a faultless, stunning parcel to savor,” Drake stu-

dent Caroline Schoonover said. “I also had difficulty choosing what to order with well over 40 sushi selections.”

Some of the options include the traditional choices like tuna or salmon rolls, but there are also more creative alternatives like Miami Heat or Captain Crunch. The range and originality of Miyabi 9’s sushi, along with the immense quality, has made the restaurant one of the best sushi locations in Des Moines. Miyabi 9 is located in the East Village on Grand Avenue.

A close second and third to Miyabi 9 is Waterfront Seafood and Taki Japanese Steakhouse.

Both Waterfront and Taki Japanese Steakhouse offer a variety of sushi options, but the restaurants provide many non-sushi choices as well.

Therefore, if customers have friends or family who don’t like sushi, the non-sushi lovers can munch on something fully cooked.

“It’s nice to go to a sushi restaurant that offers other food besides sushi, because then I can go more often with all of my friends, even those less adventurous toward seafood and Japanese, ” Schoonover said.

Specifically, Waterfront Seafood is ideal for all ages with an informal, yet classy environment. Taki Japanese Steakhouse is a little more formal and trendy, but still family oriented. Waterfront is located in West Des Moines and Ankeny. Taki is located in Urbandale.

Sakari Sushi Lounge is a great sushi destina-

tion if one would like to save some money. Although affordable, Sakari offers a fun, contemporary dining environment for all ages.

“Sakari Sushi Lounge is a great place to hang out,” Drake student Nora Harding said.

“Plus, the sushi is at a good price and quality.”

A highlight of Sakari is its popular happy hour from 5-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Drake student Erika Owen said she loves the happy hour because customers can get sushi rolls and drinks for a great price. The restaurant is located on Ingersoll Avenue.

Hoshi Sushi Lounge is a hub for the younger, college-age crowd. Its lower prices, running at $9-15, and unique, chill groove are appealing for customers. Not only does the restaurant’s atmosphere draw the 20-something fan base, but the restaurant is open Friday and Saturday until midnight. Although Hoshi has its perks, Harding said the sushi is not the best. Sushi Lounge is located in the Drake neighborhood on University Avenue.

It’s clear the Des Moines area has a variety of different sushi restaurants, all which provide an array of opportunities for any customer’s taste. Nonetheless, a new challenger joins the sushi competition in Des Moines. That new contender is Haiku. Haiku is located just off Drake University’s campus in the Drake West Village.

The restaurant opened Monday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. and its hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

Giraffe recruits new spots

by Kensie Smith

Staff Writer mackensie.smith@drake.edu

The white board is covered with bright colors, squares and arrows. It’s the aftermath of a creative hurricane. The minds behind the brilliance or madness is the student-run advertising agency, Giraffe Creative.

The small business is looking for new recruits to the zoo. A creative agency needs both account and design-orientated young professionals. Focus, direction and a desire to do real work is required.

Giraffe is the brainchild of junior Jon McDonald. He began the agency on the search for something beyond basic class work. It evolved into a main team, called the “tower” and a group of “spots” that bring the best of creative design, copywriting and marketing ideas.

Giraffe recognizes that year doesn’t matter as much as drive to succeed.

“We’re looking for new hires that are the interested, engaged ones,” McDonald said. “The

ones who are in class and truly can’t wait to do different kinds of projects and real-world work.”

This past year the agency has worked with a wide variety of business and projects. Clients past and current include Successful Farming, EGG the band, Bandit Burrito and Recycle Me Iowa. Their work crosses state borders into Minnesota with non-profit Feed My Starving Children and swimming supplier, Elsmore Aquatic.

Drake Law Professor, James Albert, has enlisted the team’s help with his foundations, the James Arthur Albert Foundation and ongoing work with increasing the availability of education in Belize. JAAF will be sponsoring the anticipated Belize Dance Marathon on Aprli 16.

“We’re back for another semester and we’re ready to get down to business,” McDonald said.

Those interested in applying with Giraffe Creative are advised to attend the “Find Your Spot” meeting tonight in Meredith room 124 at 7 p.m. If not able to attend, e-mail giraffecreative@gmail.com. Click to the website to learn more about the team members, clients and mission of the agency.

Get Spotted Web: giraffemidwest.com Facebook: Giraffe Creative Twitter: @giraffebusiness photo by Connor McCourtney | photo editor

PAGE 5 | THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011

FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Sunday afternoon Botanical Blues

by Laura Wittren

Staff Writer laura.wittren@drake.edu

Tired of the Des Moines winter? Escape the frigid cold and step into a tropical forest.

You don’t have to fly out of Des Moines to stay warm. The Des Moines Botanical Center offers warmth, plants and now music.

Botanical Blues will feature a different local band each Sunday in February. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is only $5 per person.

Parking was limited at the Botanical Center this past Sunday, nearly every spot in the parking lot was taken. People filed into the dome and crowded around a small stage set up among different plants. The air in the dome is a constant 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter; a nice change from the negative temperatures outdoors.

Water dripped from the exotic plants and from condensation on the ceiling. Some of the audience members sat down in chairs that had been set out for the concert while others roamed around the vast varieties of plants in the Botanical Center. Lizards, as well as children, darted across the paths as blues music filled the air.

Audience members can also enjoy a nice meal during the concert. The Botanical Center has food and beverages available at the Riverwalk Café. Items on the menu are around $10.

Bella Soul performed Feb. 6 as a part of this annual series. The members of Bella Soul are Tina Findlay, lead vocals; Brandon Findlay, guitar; David Larson, keyboards; Julie Myers, bass; Teywonk Tnodew, drums; and Kyle Gowin,

PMAC applications now available

by Bailey Berg

Staff Writer bailey.berg@drake.edu

The Peer Advisory Board (PAB) is currently accepting applications for Peer Mentor/Academic Consultants (PMACs) for next semester.

The PMAC Program was designed in an effort to help new students—whether they are directly from high school or transfers—during their transition into the Drake University community.

Sophomore Ryan Price, along with the three other students—Nisha Patel, Nick Lund and Robin Sautter—serve on PAB under the guidance of Vice Provost Wanda Everage, and it’s their duty to select the next year’s PMACs based on their individual merits.

“We’re looking for people who have a passion for Drake University and want to give back their own successful first-year experience to next fall’s incoming class,” Price said.

Those students interested are asked to submit a written application by Feb. 9, which will be reviewed by PAB, and from there applicants will be asked to interview Feb. 18-20.

If selected, training for next semester’s PMACs will begin this spring and will be geared toward general staff development. It’s not until the few days before Welcome Weekend begins that the intensive staff development begins.

However, the duties of PMACs extend long beyond Welcome Weekend. ! “PMACs are responsible for their first-year

photos by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

saxophone The band describes itself as “a kaleidoscopic approach of emotion and sound that fuses rock, funk and blues with jam, jazz and gospel.”

This is the fifth year the Botanical Center has done this event. According to facility manager Dawn Goodrich, the Botanical Center works with Frank Strong, local blues artist. Strong approached the Botanical Center about the idea for Botanical Blues, and he hires all the blues musicians who play for the series. Only local blues musicians can be chosen to play.

“I guess they thought we were good to be included,” Tina Findlay said. Tina was very excited to be performing in the Botanical Blues series. She loved being able to sing in the dome but wasn’t too thrilled about how warm it was inside.

“It’s better than being outside, though,” she said. While the majority of the audience members were over 40 years of age, the Botanical Blues would be a great reason to leave the cold for an hour or two of fun.

The Botanical Center’s goal is to promote horticulture to the Des Moines Community.

Many different plants grow in the Dome, from cacti found in Arizona to trees from China and South America. The Botanical Center is located on 909 Robert D. Ray Drive. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets cost $5, and there are guided and self-guided tours available.

Other events at the Botanical Center include a plant sale on Feb. 12 and a Valentine’s dinner on Feb. 13 and 14. For more information about the Botanical Center and upcoming events, visit www.botanicalcenter.com.

seminar students’ successful social and academic transition to college,” Price said. “PMACs assure a successful transition to college by staying in touch with their students throughout the semester and building community during Welcome Weekend.”

First-year student Kelsey Johnson is considering applying to become a PMAC next semester.

“I really enjoyed my PMAC and would like to help future students with as easy a transition as he did,” Johnson said. “He’s really gotten me through a lot this year.”

Students who are interest but are vying for possible Residence Assistants (RA) positions need to be wary of conflicting dates, as is the problem for first-year student Jordan Payne.

“I’m interested, but the issue is that the training dates for becoming a PMAC conflict with the training dates for becoming a RA,” Payne said. “I’d much rather become a RA.” Payne didn’t want to apply to both positions in the chance that she’d get both and have to turn one down.

Price encourages anyone interested to apply.

While the position is not paid, Price is glad he did it.

“I became a PMAC because I simply loved my own FYS experience, especially pertaining to Welcome Weekend,” Price said. I wanted to be able to help another first-year seminar have the same community I had.”

Weekend Calendar Friday

Blood Drive

Morehouse Ballroom, 10a.m.- 4 p.m.

Build a Bear

Quad Creek Café, 5 - 6 p.m.

Live Group Sex Therapy Bulldog Theater, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Honors Recital

Sheslow Auditorium, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday

Black on Black Banquet Drake University Graduate & Professional School Fair Register at www.drake.edu/career Tuesday, February 22, 2011 from 3:30!6 p.m.

Olmsted Center Professional casual attire -Talk with school representatives -Information sessions about application processes -Test preparation by Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions Sponsored by Professional & Career Development Services and Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions

Parents Hall, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Jazz Concert Series

Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Megan Burtt

Pomerantz Stage, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 | PAGE 6

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

sports

ON TO EUROPE

Drake softball’s career home run leader, Elena Leon, will take her talents to the Netherlands to play for Olympia Haarlem starting this March. Leon played her final season of college ball last spring. The West Des Moines native knocked out 33 home runs during her four-year career, and also holds the school record for runs scored with 124. “I wasn’t really looking to play, but I had the opportunity and jumped on it,” Leon said in a Drake Athletics press release.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs earn third straight victory Simons’ 16 second-half points, late run push Drake past Creighton

by Eduardo Zamarripa

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

SOPHOMORE REECE UHLENHOPP drains a 3-pointer as his teammates rise from the bench to cheer him on. Drake shot a solid 45.8 percent from the field in a 67-64 win over Creighton on Tuesday.

Led by sophomore Ben Simons, the Bulldogs outlasted bitter rival Creighton 67-64 and held on to earn their third consecutive conference win.

Simons had an all-around game, leading the team with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

“He did some things going to the basket,” head coach Mark Phelps said. “He used his length and his shooting ability. He really makes me happy.”

Playing in front of a raucous crowd of 4,552, Drake was trying to win three straight games for the first time this season.

Drake was able to pull away early in the first half and led by as many as 10 points. But the Bluejays kept chipping away and the Bulldogs headed into intermission with a 29-28 lead.

With the game tied at 49-49 in the second half, redshirt sophomore Jordan Clarke gave Drake the lead and it appeared the Bulldogs had taken control. They led by nine points with 2:28 left to play in the second half. But a couple of missed free throws and miscues let the Bluejays back into the game. Antoine Young scored Creighton’s final nine points to pull within 6664 with five seconds to go.

Junior transfer Kurt Alexander hit one of his two free throws to give the Bulldogs a threepoint lead. The Bluejays pushed the ball and Young got a shot off from half-court as the ball hit the backboard and the front rim before bouncing away.

With the win, the Bulldogs are now 11-14 on

the year and 6-8 in conference play.

For the second consecutive game, Drake was able to put away a strong conference foe as it continued its recent surge. Last Saturday, the team defeated reigning Missouri Valley Conference champion Northern Iowa, 72-69. And on Tuesday night, they were able to outplay the favored Bluejays by shutting down their perimeter game and attacking the basket.

The Bulldogs stifled Creighton into a 4-of-22 performance from 3-point range and were able to constantly attack the rim. Drake went 19-of25 from the charity stripe and the Bluejays were only 8-of-12.

Clarke played a great game defensively as he held Creighton’s star freshman Doug McDermott to just 2-of-9 from the field. McDermott had destroyed the Bulldogs with 28 points and 10 rebounds the first time around this season, a 73-57 Creighton victory on Jan. 1.

“We felt disrespected by some of the comments that [McDermott] made, talking about taking advantage of a less physical player,” Clarke said. “So we made it a point to be more physical. We know he’s a good player, but at the end of the day, it hurts when a freshman gets 28 and 10. We really didn’t even want him to catch it tonight.”

Freshman Rayvonte Rice had another great game as he contributed 16 points and six boards.

Sophomore Seth VanDeest was able to finally get some extended minutes as he has been struggling with injuries. VanDeest finished with 12 points and four rebounds in over 22 minutes.

This Saturday, Drake will hit the road and square off against Indiana State. The Bulldogs will try to split the season series as they lost the first meeting to the Sycamores 62-57 on Jan. 9.

Rice garners MVC Newcomer of the Week honors Rayvonte Rice was named the MVC Newcomer of the Week for the period spanning Jan. 31-Feb. 6. Rice was pivotal for the Bulldogs in last Saturday’s 72-69 upset over Northern Iowa. He had 19 points and made the go-ahead layup with 2:17 left. He preceded that performance with a careerhigh 23 points in a 65-44 rout at Southern

Illinois last Wednesday. He shot 63.6 percent from beyond the arc over the week.

This is the second time this season Rice was honored with the award. The true freshman has been a sensational addition to Drake, leading the team in points (13.6 per game) and rebounding (4.8).

RICE | photo courtesy of Drake Athletics

He also has 31 steals—the nearest Bulldog has 13. He ranks seventh in the Valley in scoring and second among freshmen.

compiled by Matt Moran Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

SOFTBALL

Drake set for season opener this weekend

Bulldogs face high expectations in 2011

by Sonya Brauchle

Staff Writer sonya.brauchle@drake.edu

The Drake softball team breaks out of its winter slumber for the 2011 season this Saturday at the UNI-Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Bulldogs were picked to finish third in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason coaches’ poll on Jan. 26 with just Illinois State and Southern Illinois placed above them, tying at first place with 94 votes each.

Drake was slated third with 72 votes and one first place vote.

The team is led by a senior pitching staff in Jenna DeLong and Brynne Dordel. DeLong garnered first team all-MVC honors last season while Dordel was awarded second team accolades. The battery is completed with senior catcher Erin Mollohan, who was also selected to the all-MVC second team. Molly McClelland is the fourth senior on the team, starting at first base, registering a .986 fielding percentage and hitting five home runs last season.

DeLong said that the team is excited to get back out on the diamond.

“I’m anxious to see how our team responds to playing on a regulation-size field and hitting off pitchers other than our own staff,” she said.

“We are restless due to our lack of facilities and look forward to real-game situations that are difficult to simulate in practice.”

Mollohan also said the team is eager to begin the season and to show the competition what they are capable of doing.

“We’re all really excited to get out there and show what we can do this year,” she said. “It’s the seniors’ last chance to prove that we’ve got what it takes to finish in the top of the MVC and hopefully go to another NCAA Regional this spring.”

Last year the Bulldogs ended with a 32-22 record and 12-13 in the MVC. The team returns seven starters in key positions while also welcoming four first-year players.

The incoming players will have big roles to fill as the Bulldogs lost shortstop Elena Leon to graduation. Leon holds school records in five career categories (runs, doubles, home runs, stolen bases and walks). The Drake home run leader finished with 33 roundtrippers. Bridget Shields, Carrie Hatfield and Kelsey Kahler were also starters for the Bulldogs.

“We lost really good contributors last year, but we also got some really promising new additions to the team,” Mollohan said. “As the season progresses, I think they’ll fit right in and start producing right away.”

The team is optimistic going into the season, with its first home game not slated until March 19 when it will host Indiana State. First, the Bulldogs will travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Arizona, Oklahoma and California before returning to Des Moines for the opener.

“Our biggest rivalries are Creighton and UNI, so we need to be ready to face them in the spring,” DeLong said.

The Bulldogs will face South Dakota on Saturday in Cedar Falls to kick off their 2011 campaign. The first pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.

FILE PHOTO

ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE FREEZING COLD OUTSIDE, the Drake softball team begins its spring campaign at the UNI-Dome Tournament this weekend. The Bulldogs return four seniors from a team that went 32-22 overall and 12-13 in the Valley last year.

>>2011 MVC Preseason Coaches’ Poll T1. Illinois State (5) 94 T1. Southern Illinois (4) 94 3. Drake (1) 72 4. UNI 69 5. Missouri State 57

6. Creighton 7. Evansville 8. Wichita State 9. Indiana State 10. Bradley

*Number of first-place votes in parentheses

compiled by Matt Moran Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

54 39 36 19 16

SPORTS

PAGE 7 | THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs carry momentum on road after big weekend

by Mary Bess Bolling

Staff Writer mary.bolling@drake.edu

After a pair of wins in a four-game home stand, the Bulldogs will take to the road this weekend, facing Bradley (11-11) tonight and this year’s MVC heavyweight Northern Iowa (17-5) on Saturday.

Drake’s victories over Evansville last Thursday and Southern Illinois last Saturday were the type of pick-up the team needs to compete for a spot in the top half of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Head coach Amy Stephens said those wins were a byproduct of the energy the team showed last week.

“It started in practice with our effort,” Stephens said. “Our overall intensity and preparation was so much better last week.”

Even the gray squad, a group of male students who compete against the Bulldogs in practice to help scout opponents, recognized the change in intensity.

“There was definitely a lot more energy in practice last week,” senior gray squad member Dan Behrens said. “You could tell they were pretty motivated and driven in practice, making the gray squad work extra hard.”

Stephens said that keen focus the team had last week has continued into the early practices in preparation for the Bradley game.

“There’s always a carry-over effect—when you prepare well, you usually play well,” she said. “We need to carry this momentum into our game [tonight].”

Bradley also has momentum coming into tonight’s matchup.

The Braves will return to their home court after a big win over preseason MVC favorite Missouri State on the road. It was also the team’s first MVC road win so far this season and it halted

Missouri State’s eight-game win streak. Drake was one casualty of that streak.

Bradley has a strong veteran crew on the court. Juniors MacKenzie Westcott, Hanna Muegge and Latasha Hollingshed have emerged as key offensive threats this season. The Bulldogs will also have to focus on defending MVC Player of the Year Casey Garrison, as she again proved her dominance with a 10-0 run against the Bears.

“That win makes our game big because we’ve got that opportunity to vie for the fifth spot in the conference,” Stephens said.

“For us to get into that, we’re going to have to figure out how to win games on the road.”

Drake won the last meeting with Bradley 68-64 on Jan. 13.

The Bulldogs started strong and held a 40-22 lead over the Braves at halftime. But, as is the pattern for Stephens’ team this year, one half didn’t reflect the other.

Bradley fought back in the second half and a pair of free throws by freshman Angela Christianson clinched the win in the last five seconds.

“We’re striving for consistency every day,” Stephens said.

“We’re looking to put 40 minutes of basketball together. And, when we do that, I think we’ll be successful.”

Consistency will be key for the Bulldogs in their second game this weekend. The Panthers also defeated Missouri State last week, 67-59.

Valley leader Northern Iowa will test the Bulldog defense and challenge core scorers in senior Kristin Turk and junior Rachael Hackbarth.

The veteran-led Panthers will not only have experience and winning momentum on their side but also have fans. Saturday night is Northern Iowa’s annual “Pink Zone” night that will raise awareness for breast cancer. Much like Drake’s Hoops 4 Hope game last weekend, the Panthers should expect increased attendance.

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

JUNIOR AMBER WOLLSCHLAGER looks to pass to a cutter coming around a screen. Wollschlager ranks second on the team in 3-point field goals made, and Drake hopes her long-distance shooting will be a valuable asset against Bradley and Northern Iowa this weekend.

MEN’S GOLF

Drake falls to Iowa, UNI in Big 4 Tournament

by Tad Unruh

Staff Writer tad.unruh@drake.edu

The Drake men’s golf team emerged from hibernation to play in its first tournament of the spring season last Saturday. Drake, as well as in-state rivals Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa, escaped the chilly clutches of its home state to participate in the annual Big 4 Championship at Lone Tree Golf Club in Phoenix.

The team has been practicing in a dome since the winter break, and sophomore Ben Lyons was getting antsy to play some golf outside.

He said that while it was interesting to see grass for the first time in three months, the team was focused on keeping reasonable expectations

and having fun.

For the tournament, a head-to-head competition format was used. Instead of counting the teams’ strokes as a whole, each team lined up its top six golfers and each golfer played his numbered counterpart. This meant the No. 1 golfer played the other No. 1, and No. 2 played the other No. 2 and so on. In each of these individual matches, whoever shot the lower score was the winner and earned his team one point.

The morning match for the Bulldogs was against the nationally ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.

After a two-hour frost delay, the teams played on, and the Bulldogs’ winter rust became evident in the final score. Drake dropped the first match 5-1. The lone victory point came from senior Cody Schweinefus. Head coach Scott Bohlender was humble but critical about his

team’s performance against the Hawkeyes.

“It is hard to set expectations when you don’t know until afterwards,” Bohlender said. “[Iowa] has a really solid squad and we competed as best we could. Unfortunately, Cody was the lone guy that exceeded our expectations.”

Sophomore Jared Gustafson was optimistic about the team’s play against a Big Ten opponent.

“If we’re just as good as them, it’s just about consistency,” he said. “How to hit the ball best, focusing on every shot and getting good scores; we can play just as well.”

Drake went on to play in the consolation match against Missouri Valley rival Northern Iowa. The Bulldogs played a much tighter game against their bitter rivals, but lost 4-2. Because of the frost delay in the morning the teams were

only able to play 16 holes for the second match.

Overall, the team’s performance showed need for improvement.

The team has the chance to improve as it has a three-week hiatus until the next tournament. The Bulldogs will travel to Palm Desert, Calif., for the Wyoming Desert Classic. It will be an uphill battle playing against not only stiff competition, but also teams that have been able to practice outside since late November in the southern and western states. Gustafson feels hopeful and confident that the team can get better and compete in the future.

“Everyone wants to improve from Phoenix,” he said. “Our goal is a top three finish in the [Wyoming Desert Classic]. That is big expectations, but if everyone plays how we should, then I can see it happen.”

Packers bring Dr. R. Bin Wong Lombardi Trophy back to TitleTown Drake University presents:

Director of the Asia Institute and Professor of History, UCLA

“The Global Rise of China in Historical and Comparative Perspectives” This presentation considers factors behind China’s recent rise. Comparisons are drawn between the historical arcs of Chinese development and social change in light of political experiences elswhere.

Parents Hall, Olmsted Center 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 15

by Mike Wendlandt

Staff Writer michael.wendlandt@drake.edu

When Charles Woodson addressed the team after its NFC Championship victory over the Chicago Bears, he mentioned that since President Obama didn’t want to come to the Super Bowl, that the Green Bay Packers would visit him after winning the whole thing. And now they are. After their Super Bowl victory over the Steelers, the Packers added their 13th title to the trophy case, and none was as tumultuous as this.

With injuries left and right, the Packers fought their way into the playoffs by winning their last two games against the New York Giants and the Bears. We’ve all heard that in the playoffs, anything can happen, and anything did this year.

From Seattle’s upset of the New Orleans Saints, to the New York Jets heart-thumping thriller with the Indianapolis Colts, none were as amazing as Green Bay’s three consecutive road victories.

When Ben Roethlisberger’s fourth down pass fell incomplete with 59 seconds left in the Super Bowl, the largest fan base in the world breathed

a sigh of relief, or shed tears of joy, as their team won their first title since 1997.

In a season filled with unlikely heroes, it was only fitting that the Packers’ fourth wide receiver had the biggest game. Jordy Nelson’s nine catches were a game high, as were his 140 yards.

And don’t get me started on Aaron Rodgers.

He has made the world forget about that Favre guy with one of the greatest postseasons ever.

He had the highest rating ever for the playoffs, and now has just as many championships as Brett Favre. I shudder to think of what he’ll do next.

Now, this was a great season all around for the NFL. I look forward to next year, providing that there is football. But while the commercials were mediocre, and the halftime show bombed, the game itself was entertaining until the very end. From Nick Collins’ interception return to the final kneel down, this was a game for the ages, and two of the most respected teams of all time gave everything they had to compete in the big game. Congratulations go out the Packers and the Steelers, and I cannot wait for the draft and next season as Green Bay tries to repeat as champions.

>>did you know? >> Aaron Rodgers became the fourth

A Drake University Exhibit In a student and faculty collaboration, we explore how Chinese urban middle-class young adults solve everyday problems related to self-identity through what they buy and use.

Collier Heritage Room, Cowles Library Through February 28

quarterback in Super Bowl history to pass for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.

>> Rodgers is 27 at the time of his first

championship. When Brett Favre won his only Super Bowl title with Green Bay (XXXI), he was also 27. Bart Starr, the quarterback who led the Packers’ to numerous NFL championships and Super Bowl I and II victories, was also 27 when he won his first championship.

>> Even though Pittsburgh holds the

record for most Super Bowl titles (six), Green Bay has the most championships in NFL history with 13. The first Super Bowl was played in 1967, won by the Packers.

>> Packer safety Nick Collins had an

interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Teams that have had a pick-six in the Super Bowl are now 11-0. compiled by Matt Moran Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 | PAGE 8

As the end of the season nears, Drake heats up for its final stretch The Drake men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to three with a 6764 triumph over Creighton Tuesday night at the Knapp Center. For the secondstraight game, the Bulldogs survived a last-second shot to hold on for the win. Antoine Young scored a game-high 24 points for the Bluejays, but his half-court heave clanked off the backboard and rim to send Drake fans into a frenzy.

Sophomores Ben Simons and Seth VanDeest had 18 and 12 points, respectively, and freshman Rayvonte Rice added 16 for the home team.

Drake is now 11-14 on the season and 6-8 in the Valley.

photos by Matt Moran | sports editor

JUNIOR TRANSFER KURT ALEXANDER (3) has been a vital addition to the Bulldog backcourt and provides much-needed minutes at point guard (top, right).

FRESHMAN SENSATION RAYVONTE RICE (24) is blooming into a prime-time player for the Bulldogs, and has the potential to elevate Drake to elite status in the Missouri Valley Conference.

SOPHOMORE CENTER SETH VANDEEST(45) has been hobbled by injuries recently, but battled back to give Drake 12 points in the team’s 67-64 win over Creighton on Tuesday (left).