Distance runners stood out last weekend for track and field. PAGE 7 SPORTS
THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
DES MOINES, IOWA • Thursday, April 8, 2010 • VOL. 128, NO. 40 • www.timesdelphic.com
Senate fails BSC funding motion 6-17 Over 20 people gather at the meeting to protest the Board >>HOW THEY VOTED of Student Communications 2 percentage point reduction >AYE >NAY by RACHEL KAUFFOLD
Staff Writer rachel.kauffold@drake.edu
Senate saw the largest crowd it’s ever seen this year at last Thursday’s meeting. On an already hot day, over 20 people gathered in the back of the Drake Room to either observe or have their say on the continually heated debate over the Board of Student Communication funds. David Wright, associate dean of the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, presented an
impromptu survey that he conducted earlier in the week among the BSC editors to find out the needs of each of their publications. “There were $21,000 in needs, and it’s not a fluff list,” Wright said. “It’s very real things they need.” Wright also suggested to Senate that they call the BSC back to Senate within the next year to see “how they’re progressively going to use your funds to supply your student media.” “I’m upset with both sides,” said Tyler O’Neil, the Relays editor for The Times-Delphic. “I’m upset with the
Westboro Baptist to protest outside the law school
BSC because I’ve seen that huge need every year. To know about this much money and not being able to use it?” O’Neil also asked Senate not to “take away resources that we use to produce something that all of campus enjoys.” Most senators had already made up their minds to support the request made earlier in the week by Sen. Tyler Boggess: to vote down the very motion that he brought to the table. “This has now become bigger than
Tisleen Singh Eric Gudmundson Carla Olszewski Ben Urick Seejo Valacheril Kenn Yu
SEE SENATE, PAGE 2
Ben Cooper Tyler Boggess Norah Caroll Tyler Coe Brad Dick Jennifer Field La’Cee Groetken Samantha Haas Matt Haupert
Megan Hutcheson Emily Krstulic Greg Larson Kyle Lewandowski Laura Menendez Brittney Miller Byron Spears Sarah Tucker
SENATE RESULTS ARE IN
Students organize counter protest by REBECCA MATALONI
Staff Writer rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu
Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church are making a visit to Des Moines at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday to protest the 2010 Constitutional Law Center Symposium’s “The SameSex Marriage Divide” outside the Drake University Law School. Many students have strong feelings against the WBC and have organized a counter-protest. It started as a small group of friends on Facebook and within a week, over 500 people wanted to participate. Junior Holly D’Anna started the group because she wanted the community to be aware of the protest. After growing up in San Francisco, Calif., and living next to a lesbian family, D’Anna has always been accepting of the gay/ lesbian/bisexual/transgender community. D’Anna became familiar with the WBC after watching a one-hour documentary about its goals and purpose. Phelps started WBC in 1955 in Topeka, Kan., because he wanted to have daily picketing demonstrations across America and in foreign countries. Since 1991, WBC has conducted 43,056 events at homosexual parades, funerals of military personnel and other such events. On its Web site, the church says its “goal is
SEE WBC, PAGE 2
photo by MATT NELSON | Staff Photographer
MIKE RIEBEL celebrates with Education Senator-elect Jennifer Field after learning that he was elected as one of nine senators-at-large. by JACKIE WALLENTIN News Editor tdnews@drake.edu
Early Monday morning, many senatorial candidates spent time chalking their names onto the sidewalks of campus in hopes of some last-minute campaigning. The rain quickly washed them away by the afternoon. However, the student body was not discouraged. The online voting process was strong, with 1,423 students participating by casting ballots for the senator-at-large election. There were 51 abstentions.
First-year Kensie Smith received 533 votes to place her as the top candidate in the senatorat-large competition. “I didn’t expect that,” Smith said. “It is going to be a great experience with a greatlooking table for next year. There are a lot of changes to be made and a lot we can strive for.” Returning for her third year on Senate, Megan Hutcheson gained 511 votes to come in second place. “Next year will be interesting,” Hutcheson said. “There are not a lot of incumbents so it will be nice to be that senior on the table.” Sophomore Seejo Valacheril placed third
Q&A by KATHY HUNT
Staff Writer katherine.hunt@drake.edu
AP PHOTO
THE WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH OF TOPEKA, KAN., is infamous for its protests at military funerals and after the death of Matthew Shepard. Members will be at Drake on Saturday.
“Your destruction is imminent. Obey your God.” These are the words of advice given to everyone by the Westboro Baptist Church. Led by Fred Phelps, their mission is to use words to spread God’s message. The WBC first got its start back in 1955 when the East Side Church wanted to have another ministry. As an established preacher already, Fred Phelps started the Westboro Baptist Church and has led it ever since. Every Sunday, more than 70 people fill the pews and listen to Phelps preach the word of God. More than 40 of these attendees are
with 488 votes, first-year Amanda Laurent came in fourth with 483 votes, first-year Nate Bleadorn placed fifth with 477 votes, junior Ben Cooper came in sixth place receiving 468 votes, first-year Alex Hendzel placed in seventh place with 433 votes, first-year Michael Riebel came in eighth place with 409 votes and finishing in ninth place, was first-year Matthew Van Hoeck with 407 votes. “I’m excited to have an opportunity for a brand-new Senate and Executive Board,” Valacheril said. “We have a real good chance and
SEE ELECTION, PAGE 2
SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER, DAUGHTER OF WBC FOUNDER FRED PHELPS
members of the church itself. The church has gained national notoriety in recent years for its stances on the rest of the world (godhatestheworld.com) and controversial picketing events within the United States, which protest topics from other religions to homosexuality and alternative lifestyles. The Times-Delphic had a chance to interview Shirley Phelps-Roper, Fred Phelps’ daughter. Q: What’s it like, always working with family members all the time? A: I love it. I simply love the fact the Lord has given me everything I need. We have nine
SEE Q&A, PAGE 2
NEWS
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
QUOTE of the
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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
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A good friend once told me that Student Senate is a lot like lifeguarding. There are times your job is boring and you take yourself a bit too seriously but sometimes you get the chance to do something truly worthwhile.
—MICHAEL PORTERFIELD , SEE PAGE 1
SECURITY REPORTS HEIST SEASON 12:08 p.m. March 28 Two male students reported property stolen from their room in Kirk Residence Hall between 12 noon on March 27 and 11:30 a.m. on March 28. One student was missing a laptop computer and the other student was missing a PS3. It is believed the door to the room was locked during the period. 10:08 a.m. March 26 Security and police responded to Cowles Library based on report of a suspicious package. The package contained a five dollar bill, letters that did not make much sense, and rocks.
It was determined the package was sent by a mentally challenged male in New York that was not taking his medication. 9:11 a.m. March 27 Security responded to a first
floor room in Carpenter Residence Hall based on report of marijuana odor. An-underage for-drinking male student was found sitting on the floor in the dark room and an underagefor-drinking female student
was found passed out in her own vomit on a futon. A small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was also found in the room. The male student was arrested on a drug charge and the female who was not at all responsive was transported to a local hospital. A second female not affiliated with the university was found hiding in a closet and was advised on trespass for the campus. There were 15 empty cans of beer in the room as well as whiskey and other alcohol. The remains were poured out. The dean of students has been advised. 1:26 a.m. March 28 Police responded to a bar lo-
cated in the 2300 block of University Ave. based on report of a fight. It was determined that an underage-fordrinking male not affiliated with the university complained he had been beaten by others. He then declined to pursue the case. Three underage-fordrinking male students were in the bar and were believed to be involved in the altercation. The dean of students has been advised of the underage consumption in the bar. The victim was also underage and stated he got into the bar with a fake I.D.
male between Hubbell Dining Hall and Stalnaker Residence Hall. The male had no valid reason for being on campus and was advised on trespass. 6:11 p.m. March 29 A female student reported her laptop computer was stolen from her fourth floor room in Kirk Residence Hall between 11 a.m. and 6:11 p.m. on March 29. The victim states her room is never locked. The matter in cases 10-187, 188 and 190 have been discussed with the assistant director of residence life.
1:30 p.m. March 29 Security officers responded on a complaint about a suspicious
BSC budget cut to be looked at again next year FROM SENATE, PAGE 1 simply balancing a budget,” said Boggess. “We’ve all learned a lot from this and I think the BSC is going to turn out better on the other side of this next year.” Sen. Emily Krstulic spoke in terms of the availability of student media to all students. “It’s important to remember that these are student publications, and that every student can write for these organizations,” Krstulic said. At the end of discussion, the motion was turned down by a vote of 6-17, but not before some senators voiced why they were not convinced that Boggess’ recommendation was the best decision. “This money would go towards organizations that I represent,” said Organizational Council Sen. Laura Menendez. “They get turned down all the time.” Menendez, however, voted against the change. “We still run the risk of letting student funds go unspent,” said Sen. Carla Olszewski,
photo by BEN CURTIS | Staff Photographer
who voted for the motion. Later in the meeting, Senate passed a resolution that addressed the changes in the BSC that are still needed. According to the resolution, “Senate strongly urges the (BSC) to reevaluate its own internal workings…so that it may spend its budget…appropriately and productively in the next year.” The resolution also states that the question of authority over the percentage of student fees will be defined in both Senate and BSC bylaws and that the percentage will be reevaluated after these changes in the BSC take place. Another option brought forth by Senate, supported by some of the student observers and added to the resolution, was an investigation into making the BSC’s budget a line-item separate from the student activity fee, so that the BSC can have more say on how much money they receive. But for next year, the BSC keeps its 27 percent of student fees, not without the expectation of making the changes needed to help student media better serve the students. n
FROM ELECTION, PAGE 1 we’ve gained a lot of experience this year on how to perceive some of the key issues. We can strive hard to make those gaps smaller.” In the diversity senator race, sophomore Umamakeswaran Veerasingam won 636 of the 1,423 votes. There were 176 abstentions. “One of my goals is to make multicultural organizations more relevant to everyone,” Veerasingam said. “My hope is for organizations to meet new people and expand.” Junior Earl Lee was slated unopposed for the position of arts and sciences senator, winning 199 of the 398 votes cast. Write-in candidate junior Dane Buschling received 135 votes, and there were 45 abstentions. Sophomore Quint Hall and junior Reed Allen will face off again in a runoff election in the business senator race. Allen gained 170 of the 390 votes, one more vote than Hall. For the position of education senator, sophomore Jennifer Field defeated first-year Chelsea Rink with 47 votes, compared to Rink’s 33. Junior Rachel Kauffold was named the journalism senator with 108 of the 171 votes, beating out first-year write-in candidate Jessica Mattes. Mattes received 26 votes, and there were 21 abstentions. “I’ve been watching the issues that have been confronting the journalism department for the past few weeks, so I’m excited to officially be able to jump right in and make a difference,” Kauffold said. President-elect Samantha Haas says that all senatorial candidate winners received a packet at the end of the election containing an application, a list of upcoming events and a description of the liaison and committee positions. Executive members will be appointing positions next week based on an interview process.
FROM Q&A, PAGE 1 children still at home. We take off and do a picket trip. I love that. It gives us an opportunity to be close and talk. Our lives are blessedly simple. He blesses us and keeps us. It’s an amazing thing; God has mercy on us. Q: Should violence be used as a means to succeed? A: Words. Use words. Obey the laws of God and obey the laws of man. Q: Are your beliefs the same as your father’s? A: No, they don’t vary at all. It’s all the same commandments. Thou shall not kill. Q: Why do you choose homosexuality as the main thing to focus on from the Bible?
photo by MATT NELSON | Staff Photographer
THE DRAKE SQUIRREL placed in 10th place in the Senator-at-Large election, with 101 votes. The campaign was strong for the write-in candidate. Student Body President Ben Olsen was pleased to see that there were no disqualifications in this year’s election, and he says the transition process for next year is already in place. Senate will hold four more regular meetings before the end of the semester. “It is hard to do what they do, but keep the faith in them,” Olsen said. “Senators are here to do what you’ve elected them, but just stand by them.” n
A: In the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, understand the bottom rung on depravity chain is to sodomize. Two things: They’re doomed. They’ve already kicked over all other standards of God. In the Bible, the last thing they did was to have global gay marriage. “Knew not until the waters came and took them all away.” Q: Do you feel there is a proper method for “cleansing” the world of Jews and homosexuality? A: It’s about God’s standards. It’s not about us. The solution is a personal one. You obey the commandments of God. Don’t worry about genocide. You use words. Q: What is the role of women? A: Be teachers of good things. Teach daughters to
love their fathers. The job of the woman is to do those things just like the job of the men. Also, they need to submit their self to the husband. Obey the policy of your obedient husband. Q: In your opinion, should politics and religion ever combine? A: One world, religious order. The beast will be presiding over. The Antichrist sits in the White House now. Obama speaks blasphemy. He rips the heart out of the scriptures. The Westboro Baptist Church will be at Drake on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. to protest the “Same-Sex Marriage Divide” symposium, taking place at the Cartwright Law School, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. n
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A FACULTY ROUNDTABLE assembled on Monday night from 7-8 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge. “How Has Same Sex Marriage Affected You?” was sponsored by Rainbow Union as part of Pride Week. Rainbow Union hopes to spread awareness and acceptance around campus through this week of events, speakers and fun.
Westboro Baptist Church set to protest Saturday morning FROM WBC, PAGE 1 to preach the Word of God to this crooked and perverse generation. By our words, some will repent. By our words, some will be condemned.” Although the WBC feels strongly about other issues, homosexuality is at the forefront. It states online that “if you are a fag, you should be ashamed of yourself. If you support fags, you should be ashamed of yourself.” Because of the church’s online statements, D’Anna knew she had to do something to peacefully fight back against them. “I’ve felt pretty strongly against WBC,” D’Anna said. “As soon as I found out they were coming to Drake, I knew it was a great opportunity. We want to stand up for what we believe in; we are uniting against them, but supporting a good cause.” Sophomore Alex Masica felt the same way. He has counter-protested at other WBC events and wants to continue his support of the GLBT community, America and military families.
“We want the public to see that there is good that can come from hate,” Masica said. Masica warns that the counter-protesters must be careful because Phelps and the WBC have sued people and organizations for violent counter-protesting. Because of that, the students are fighting back with a peaceful approach. “(WBC) makes the most news when someone attacks them. That’s how they make the money,” Masica said. “We want to be peaceful and push them out of the limelight.” Drake’s Rainbow Union is a group focused on a gaystraight alliance and is sponsoring the event by helping with the funding. Junior Kelsey Wells is a member of the group and has seen first-hand how people are affected by the WBC. Her roommate and some friends are members of the GLBT community and are happy to have the support of people for the counter-protest. “The attack from Phelps’ church is not on me, it’s on the GLBT community,” Wells said. “The church is coming to Des Moines to spread negativ-
ity and we are putting a positive spin on it.” The counter-protesters know they will not be able to change the opinions of the picketers, but they want to put the message across that hate is not the answer. The group’s main goal is to fight the picketers in a peaceful, nonviolent manner. They are taking the situation and turning it into a charity event by selling T-shirts, receiving donations from local businesses and having a donation bucket where people can give $1 for every hateful word or sign the WBC has. Profits from T-shirts and donations will be sent to certain organizations across Iowa that support AIDS research and the GLBT community. The themes for the two shirt designs are, “There’s No Hate in Iowa” and “Anything Hate Can Do, Love Can Do Better.” If people wish to preorder a shirt, they can contact Alex Masica at alex.masica@ drake.edu. T-shirts are $10 and will be available for purchase through Friday in the Olmsted Breezeway during meal hours. n
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PAGE 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
OPINIONS & EDITORIALS
OPINIONS&EDITORIALS
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
the BUZZ
This cold weather and rain better stop before street painting.
PERSPECTIVES
Fred Phelps protest raises concerns
His self-defeat by reminding us of equality
T
here will be a prothose holding the forum intest on April 10 at side. the Drake Law In an effort to silence School. The sidea debate, he has made it walks outside will be filled louder and more public. As with people carrying vile he seeks to show the debate signs and spewing slogans as closed, he has shown us filled with hate. And for a the harm in closing our DANIEL HERTING few brief hours, the memminds. As he calls our nabers of a small church from tion damned, he shows us COLUMNIST Kansas will be the focus of how truly blessed we are to attention once again. While live in a country that promy first reaction (and I sustects everyone’s right to live pect many of yours) will be to counterprotest, I their life as they see fit. am confident that that won’t be necessary. Fred So to you, Fred Phelps: Let every step rePhelps is, all by himself, a more effective coun- mind you that your protest is making the deterprotest than we could mount. bate more prevalent. Let every sign you carry Phelps is not here in response to a pro-gay remind the law students and attendees inside message. He is not here to combat a policy that our Constitution protects even those that change at the law school that recognizes gay seek to undermine the ideas it contains. And couples. He is here because we are simply talk- let every story written about you remind the ing about an issue he believes to be resolved. country that our efforts for equality are never done. Thank you Fred Phelps, not for the message you speak, but for the one you don’t. To the students who share my outrage: I beg you to do something positive with your time during that protest. Do not succumb to his hate. In lieu of a counterprotest, talk about this with your friends and family. Give money to charities that promote a respect for all people. Go out and volunteer to a good cause. Come inside and listen to a real debate.
As he calls our nation damned, he shows us how truly blessed we are to live in a country that protects everyone’s right to live their life as they see fit.
A symposium about gay marriage will be held in the school to discuss the arguments on both sides of the highly contentious issue. He wants to silence that debate. Of course, the law school will not be deterred by the mad ramblings of a hate-filled preacher. If anything, the symposium will be better publicized. More students and members of the general public will attend. People reading stories about this protest will discuss the issue with those around them. The debate is stronger because of his actions. In an irony of ironies, the students of the law school will be receiving a bonus lesson by his presence. As he fights against the symposium, students will see the strength of our Constitution—a document designed to protect the ideals of a country Phelps believes to be damned and that protects his speech as he attempts to silence others. His presence will serve as a reminder that the Constitution protects men as despicable as Phelps just as it protects
Protests in bad taste and incite violence
T
he recent decision inciting, or is likely to incite, handed down by riots or violence. A comthe 4th District mon example used is that Court of Appeals we cannot yell “fire” in a reversing an $11 million crowded movie theater if civil victory for Mr. Snyder, there is no fire; so why can father of Lance Corporal protesters protest at funerals Matthew Snyder, is an insult when, given the incredible ALEX GINSBERG to all Americans regardless emotions present, there is of race, sexual orientation an increased likeliness that COLUMNIST or religious beliefs. violence will occur? For those not familiar I am well aware that with the lawsuit, Fred Phelps there are First Amendment and the WBC, who will be protesting the Law rights to free speech and exercise, but perhaps School’s Same-Sex Marriage symposium this the courts have forgotten that they serve the weekend, picketed the funeral of L.C. Snyder people, and without the sacrifice of our solwith signs such as “Thank God for Dead Sol- diers, there would be nothing to protect. I’m diers,” causing an undue burden to an already- not saying that Phelps and other protesters grieving family. should not be able to picket anywhere, but simSnyder sued and was awarded $11 million ilar to “right to life” protesters, there should be in civil court, which was reduced to $5 million a “protest-free zone” around cemeteries, placin one appeal and then completely reversed es of worship and education facilities, K-12 by the 4th Circuit, ordering Snyder to pay schools in particular. $16,000 in legal fees to Phelps and the WBC, The issue for the court remains: at what according to a CNN online report. point does speech stop being an expression of Regardless of my, or anyone’s, personal ideas and instead become an act of intimidafeelings toward Phelps and his “church,” this is tion causing fear of harm in another? I believe an unacceptable decision and, frankly, an insult the actions of Fred Phelps and his followers to those of us who aspire to become a member have crossed the fine line between belief and of this esteemed group of individuals we know action. as federal judges. Similar to the neo-Nazi campaigns of the The implications of such a decision in the 1980s and ‘90s, when the government failed to favor of protesters open the door to much more successfully stop the U.S. Nazi Party (yes, it exthan just Phelps and company. The precedent ists) from distributing literature and protesting set here will, theoretically, allow domestic and the streets of our cities, religious fundamentalinternational terrorists, homophobes, anti- ists like Phelps cannot be stopped by simply Herting is a second-year law student and can be Semites or any other discriminatory group, to asking nicely, or completely ignoring the probcontacted at daniel.herting@drake.edu. protest at the funeral of not only soldiers, but lem. Action must be taken to limit their ability also everyday to act before people like Timothy McVeigh, the citizens. Oklahoma City bomber, whose actions mirror Not only are the plot line of a pro-Nazi book, “The Turner their protests at Diaries,” takes antigovernment or other disfunerals and oth- criminatory beliefs into their own hands. er private funcThe Supreme Court has decided to hear tions, such as this case in an attempt to resolve just how far religious ceremo- protesters can go to get their message heard. nies and private The implications for a decision limiting proschool functions, testers would completely change the game in bad taste, across the board. The stakes are high in every but the height- Supreme Court case, but with First Amendened emotional ment rights at stake, this is of particular imstate at funer- portance to all Americans. I hope the Supreme als in particular Court will do the right thing and find a balance also drastically between the right to demonstrate and the right increases the of individuals to be able to hold private cerprobability that emonies in peace, without the constant fear or violence could intimidation of protesters such as Phelps. occur. Precedent set in 1969 by “Brandenburg v. AP PHOTO Ohio” prohibits Ginsberg is a junior law, politics and society major and speech that is can be contacted at alex.r.ginsberg@drake.edu. FRED PHELPS protesting homosexuality and Matthew Shepard.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The confusion, problems and misconceptions about the recent Senate motion from the BSC’s perspective As current chair of the Board of Student Communications, I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on the recent controversy regarding the proposed 2 percent reduction in funding to the BSC, which was voted down at last week’s Student Senate. I’m a former faculty advisor for both DUiN and “Periphery” journal, and I care a great deal about all of Drake’s student media, their fiscal integrity and their future. During the 2009 fall term, one important item on our agenda was the need to purchase six new computers for The Times-Delphic. I had planned, this term, to take up the question of how the Board might improve our budgeting process so that capital equipment could be maintained as an ongoing expenditure rather than replaced in the midst of a crisis. Before we were able to have that meeting, I was notified on the night of March 7 of a motion prepared for the upcoming Student Senate meeting on March 11 regarding a reduction the BSC budget allocation for the coming year. There was not time to bring notice of the proposed motion to the Board before it was presented at Student Senate. Uproar, of course, ensued. Some argued that the reduction in funding of a joint committee can only happen by joint agreement of the student and faculty senates; others argued that regard-
ing the matter of student fees, the Student Senate giveth and the Student Senate taketh away. BSC bylaws on the matter are unhelpfully ambiguous. Since no one was clear on the answer—or on who had the authority to determine the answer—the Student Senate proceeded with its vote: a majority of NO votes and bruised feelings later, I’m pondering lessons learned. I attended the Student Senate meeting at which the vote was taken and noticed that several misconceptions about the BSC had taken root. The first and, in my opinion, most egregious of them is that the BSC’s budgeting process is somehow broken. I agree that a measure of fiscal soul-searching was called for; that’s why it was on the docket for spring term. But one group’s budget overage is another group’s contingency fund. The editors’ frugality should be commended, not criticized. Many of them work without office space or dependable equipment and yet still manage to turn out national award-winning publications. In response to the accusation of fiscal irresponsibility, student editors countered that they did not realize they had money to spend. This creates a second misconception. The BSC accounting process is necessarily yearend heavy, resulting in editors’ finishing their terms before the final tally would reveal over-
THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884 MATT VASILOGAMBROS, Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu LIZZIE PINE, Managing Editor tdeditorials@drake.edu JACKIE WALLENTIN, News Editor tdnews@drake.edu
JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu HOLLY WORTHY, Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu
KENSIE SMITH, Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu
MATT MORAN, Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu
MARY BESS BOLLING, Sports Editor tdsports@drake.edu
KYLE GLASER, Digital Editor tdweb@drake.edu
SARAH ANDREWS, Photo/Design Editor TYLER O’NEIL, Relays Editor tdphotos@drake.edu tyler.oneil@drake.edu PHIL KREZNOR, Business Manager tdbusiness@drake.edu
CALEB BAILEY, Ads Manager tdads@drake.edu
ages. “We were wearing barrels when we could have been wearing pants,” said Joe Barlow, quoted in last week’s TD. In fact, any editor’s choice of wardrobe, as it were, is entirely his or her own fashion statement. BSC publications—and their budgets—are run by and for students. The person responsible for a publication’s budget is the editor of that publication. And that means we need to improve the budgeting process so that outgoing and incoming editors communicate clearly about what they have to spend for the year. A final misconception, and the one that probably matters most in the long run, is that this conflict was unfortunate. I disagree. The BSC was made into a joint committee precisely so that when the boat got rocked it would stay upright—and that’s what happened. In a democracy, effective journalists should keep legislators and interest groups almost perpetually annoyed. At the same time, legislators who don’t make us sweat a little when our budgets are under scrutiny aren’t doing their job. That’s healthy. Perhaps there will always be a little bit of friction between those who create the news and those who report it. That there will be conflict among us is inevitable. How we treat one another as we work to resolve it is key.
I’m proud of the integrity of our campus publications, but I am equally impressed by the students who serve as senators. In fact, Charlie Edwards, dean of the college of business and school of journalism and mass communication, and I joked that if these young people had been our peers when we were undergraduates, they would have made us look bad. In particular, the senator who put forth the motion is a young man I respect a great deal—and that’s despite the fact that I wince when I think about the hours this situation has caused many of us. He had the maturity to admit publicly before his peers and his academic superiors the mistakes he had made, stood his ground where he felt he needed to, and maintained grace under pressure and disfavor for weeks. How many of us could manage that? Had the motion carried, the issue would most likely have come before Faculty Senate. Since that didn’t happen, clarification about whether a joint committee can have its funding reduced by only one side of the equation—if not a change in the way the BSC is funded altogether—is in order. Perhaps we should have that discussion prior to the next conflict. Carol Spaulding-Kruse carol.spaulding@drake.edu
The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The Times-Delphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications. LETTERS & SUBMISSION POLICY The Times-Delphic strives to represent student views as accurately and honestly as possible. We rely on readers to provide us with criticism, comments and new ideas so that we can continue to serve the interests of the students in the fairest possible way. We encourage interested readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s name and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Deadlines for guest submissions are noon Tuesday for the Thursday edition and noon Friday for the Monday edition. The Times-Delphic reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for space and in the interest of taste. Letters and submissions reflect only the opinions of the authors and should be limited to 250 words. ADVERTISING POLICY The Times-Delphic’s business office is located at 2507 University Avenue, 124B Meredith Hall, Des Moines, IA 50311. The Times-Delphic is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. The newspaper is distributed for free around the Drake campus. All advertising information is to be submitted noon Tuesday for the Thursday edition, and noon Friday for the Monday edition. Advertisements can be designed by The Times-Delphic or submitted via e-mail. We accept cash and check. A 10 percent discount is offered for prepayment on advertisements. The business office can be contacted at 515-271-2148.
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FEATURES
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
FEATURES Clash of the Titans
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
PAGE 4
Drake Law School Constitutional Law Symposium, “The Same-Sex Marriage Divide,” at Cartwright Hall, 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
DON’T. MISS. THIS.
ARTS. LIVING. MOVIES. MUSIC. WEEKEND.
MOVIE: Clash of the Titans| VERDICT:
Film portrays Greek mythology with over-the-top action and special effects by MATTHEW H. SMITH
Staff Writer matthew.h.smith@drake.edu
Greek mythology doesn’t translate well onto the big screen. Maybe it’s the melodrama of it all. In the new film “Clash of the Titans,” Perseus, mortal son of the god Zeus, embarks on a journey to save all of mankind from certain devastation as the gods clash with one another. Apparently Zeus has a big chip on his shoulder, and his brother Hades, god of the underworld, is going to put Zeus in his place once and for all. Shunned as a “demigod” (part man, part god), Perseus doesn’t exactly have it easy. After Hades kills his adoptive family, he must trek over the perilous countryside on a giant scorpion (which has been tamed and domesticated, of course) to seek out Medusa, whose gaze will turn any living thing to stone. Once he finds her, he must cut off her head—a tricky task, considering he can’t look at her. But Medusa’s head is the only way Perseus can save mankind. Naturally, he needs it to defeat the Kraken, a monster sent by Hades to destroy the despicable humans. None of this really makes sense, although it all seems to follow Greek mythology fairly closely. “Clash of the Titans” is a remake based
upon the classic 1981 film starring Laurence Olivier. And while the special effects of the 2010 version are magnificent, the action is plentiful and the 3D is really cool, this film still leaves something to be desired. In the new “Clash of the Titans,” Sam Worthington turns in a predictably over-thetop performance as Perseus, dropping lame one-liners throughout. It’d be nice to see Worthington out of his element for a change. So far his career has been marked by such films as “Terminator Salvation” and “Avatar,” neither giving Worthington a chance to show off any real acting chops. “Clash of the Titans” is no exception. The rest of the cast is made up of minor players, with the exception of Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades. In some ways, Neeson and Fiennes seem perfect for the roles of the feuding gods. But it’s hard to take them seriously. Neeson spends most of his time onscreen glittering like a disco ball, and Fiennes spontaneously appears out of ominous black smoke, looking constipated with anger. It’s all fairly laughable. The two actors might feel more at home in a soap opera. While “Clash of the Titans” may not be the spring pick of 2010, it’s nonetheless a watchable film. The special effects and choreographed combat sequences make for some en-
Courtesy of http://bordersblog.com
SAM WORTHINGTON, stars as Perseus in this Greek action film to win the right to marry his love (Andromeda) and fufill his destiny, Perseus must complete various quests and battles.
tertaining moments. Just be prepared to leave your brain and any rational logic at the door.
Enjoy the movie for what it is: mind-numbing, action-packed drivel. n
VERDICT:
Blood and gore — to get the guts Law deals entertaining action with morality twist in this futuristic film by CAITLIN BERENS
Staff Writer caitlin.berens@drake.edu
Courtesy of http://media.kino-govno.com
JUDE LAW works with Forest Whitaker to sell illegitimate organs through action and comedy.
In a futuristic city that looks like Times Square advanced 20 years, there is The Union, a big corporation that has human organs ready for the taking—all you have to do is sign on the dotted line. With highly advanced technology, scientists have created mechanical organs and prostheses—artiforgs—that work to eliminate many of the diseases and ailments in society. The only catch? Hefty price tags (think upwards of $100,000). Fortunately, you can buy them on credit through the company, with an “Antiforg Payment Plan” to fit your needs. With The Union, health care is simple, right? Wrong. “What they don’t tell you is that if you can’t pay the bills, some Union (repo) man will break into your house and reclaim our property,” according to repo man Remy, a bulked-up Jude Law. Remy is good at what he does, and doesn’t seem bothered by it. If you’re wondering about the intricate process of organ removal and hospitalization: They come, they shoot and they reclaim. Whether it’s a kidney, heart or eyes they must repossess, if it’s overdue, they will find you. With scanners in hand, Remy and his longtime friend and partner Jake (Forest Whitaker) cruise the streets and follow pink sheets, looking for organs to take back to corporate salesman Frank (Liev Schreiber). Despite the violent nature of their work, both repo men seem to justify what they do—Jake in particular, who appears valiant and proud; reinforcing order in the world. As dark as this may seem, director Miguel Sapochnik, along with screenwriters Eric Garcia and Garrett Lerner, worked hard to turn this sci-fi thriller into something that can put a suprising smile on your face. The random bits of humor found through-
out the film put the viewer in an odd sort of mind, cringing at the blood and gore one moment while chuckling at unexpected jokes and puns the next. But when Law’s character finds himself with a Union-loaned heart, kicked out of his home and falling behind on his payments, his old phrase “a job’s a job” doesn’t seem to cut it. The comedy stops for a moment, perhaps for the audience to pick up on the obvious irony. “Repo Men” is a definite action flick, yet weaved throughout the blood, guts and gore the audience may pick up on political undertones (think things like home repossessions and corporate control of health care) and of course, a love story. Not to be confused with the 1984 film “Repo Man,” this 2010 version of a similar title is about repossessing mechanical organs instead of cars. A more recent similarity and upset comes from Darren Lynn Bousman, the director of the 2008 sci-fi musical “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” “Repo Man,” is based off of “The Repossession Mambo,” a 2009 novel by Eric Garcia ( one of the two screenwriters.) Despite any negative points this film may get for being a “copycat,” at least there was something published a year back to somewhat validate the work. Bottom line: Though many reviews have warned against “Repo Men,” counting strikes against it for originality and some predictability, I still recommend the R-rated film. Whether you go to satisfy your inner sci-fi nerd or just to eye a hunky Mr. Law, “Repo Men” will do its job in keeping you entertained—just don’t get too upset at the ending. To examine the antiforgs, watch some interesting videos and even register to become a repo man, check out the film’s site: www.repomenarecoming.com. There’s a mix of creepy and thought-provoking content, but you can always play the “Repo Men” game. How many opportunities do you get to pretend you’re British hunk Jude Law? n
>>What’s going on?
campus calendar TODAY RELAYS
Blitz day picnic with games, giveaways, theme, host/hostess revealing WHERE Parents Hall WHEN 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
FILM
FRIDAY FUNDRAISER
WEEKEND GAME
Blood drive sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega
Coed sand volleyball, sign up in SLC by today
WHERE Morehouse Ballroom
WHERE Elite Beach 3200 Delaware WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHEN: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LECTURE
EVENT
Rocky Horror Picture Show with free snacks and costumes welcome
“Scientific Understanding of Postpartum Illness,” by Stacey Tovino
Stay In for a Good Cause, games, movies, prizes for Make a Wish Foundation
WHERE WHERE Olmsted Bulldog Theater Olmsted Pomerantz Stage WHEN WHEN 11:55 p.m. 7 p.m. - 8- 1:55 p.m. a.m.
WHERE WHERE Medbury Honors Sheslow Auditorium Lounge WHEN WHEN 3:30p.m. p.m.5 p.m. 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
WHERE Olmsted WHEN: WHEN 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
PAGE 5
FEATURES
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
Celebrate.
Passover Seder traditions and dinner attract students by CORI CLARK
Staff Writer corinne.clark@drake.com
Passover is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the slaying of the firstborn of the Israelite families. Last Monday, Hillel of Drake University held its annual Passover dinner. The three-hour Seder dinner was held in Levitt Hall of Old Main. It was filled with prayer, celebration, stories, and, of course, food. The Hillel board started planning for the event toward the end of February. There is a lot of planning that goes into the event, such as disseminating publicity, ordering food, collecting money, reserving the hall where the event was held and getting a headcount prior to the actual dinner. The Passover Seder is one of the most well-attended Hillel events eachyyear. “This year’s turnout for the Hillel Seder was good, but not as strong as it has been in past years,” said Jason Sigal, the president of the Hillel board. “I think a lot of this was due to the fact that many people went home and spent the holiday
with their family.” Despite smaller numbers, the Hillel dinner even attracted people outside of the Jewish faith. “I thought it was a great experience, very well-organized,” said first-year Kelly Hendricks, a Catholic. “It was interesting to see the difference between the Jewish faith and mine.” During the week of Passover, certain foods are forbidden for Jews to eat, specifically leavened bread. Instead, they will eat unleavened bread known as matzah. Matzah is believed to represent that the Israelites had to leave Egypt so quickly; they could not wait for their bread to rise. A common kosher meal for college students during the week of Passover is matzah pizza, made from matzah bread, Ragu sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and placed in the microwave for a minute and a half. In previous years, the Seder dinner has traditionally been held in the Medbury Honor Lounge. However, this year the dinner was held in Levitt Hall due to scheduling conflicts. The dinner requires a large area and access to a kitchen. “It ended up being for the better,” said Vice President Caitlin Feuer on the location change. “It had a classier feel and was much more spacious.” n
>> Try it out
Drake Hillel Taste of Israel April 18 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Morehouse Ballroom Israeli food, music and dance $5 for Save a Child’s Heart For more info check outsaveachildsheart.com
photo courtesy of JASON SIGEL
STUDENTS, read text associated with the traditional Hebrew holiday of Passover. They celebrated the Hebrew’s exodus from Egypt about 3000 years ago. Passover changes dates each year, due to the Jewish calendar. This year, it began at sunset on March 29, and continued through April 6.
SPORTS
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
SPORTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS
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PAGE 6
STELLAR STATS
The wins the UConn women’s basketball team has tallied this season in its longest win streak.
Face-off: Tournament edition by DAVID JOHNSON
Staff Writer david.e.johnson@drake.edu
Do you think Duke was the best team? ny team that wins the six games needed to become national champions gets lucky at times, but mostly it takes overall talent and great coaching. Duke was led by upperclassmen Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and Brian Zoubek. Duke proved itself as the best by beating solid teams in the tournament including Purdue, Baylor, California, Butler and West Virginia. A 21-point Final Four victory against Big East powerhouse West Virginia and winning the National Title against the hometown Butler Bulldogs was not simply luck. Duke, who bounced around in the top ten all season, showed up to play each week because of one of the best coaches in college basketball history in Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Is Michigan State the best program in the country? Michigan State has a solid basketball tradition, but it is not the best in the country. Simply look at North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Duke and Indiana. Michigan State made a surprising run to the Final Four, and they were not expected to be there like other powers such as Kentucky and Duke. Michigan State did not beat any power teams en route to its Final Four appearance. The wins included New Mexico State, Maryland, Northern Iowa and Tennessee. The best programs get the best recruits. Duke, UNC and Kentucky battle for the McDonald’s AllAmerican recruits each season, not Michigan State. This year’s number one recruit, Har-
A
rison Barnes, will be going to UNC. Was Ali Farokhmanesh Northern Iowa’s best player? I take nothing away from Ali Farokhmanesh and his clutch 3-point shots, but he was not UNI’s most important player. UNI played as a team and did not rely on one key player to carry the team. They played solid defense, which led to their offense. During their Sweet Sixteen run, Jordan Eglseder, not Ali Farokhmanesh, was UNI’s most valuable player, or as Dick Vitale would say a “PTP-er, baby”(prime-time performer). His inside dominance drew multiple double-teams from the opponents. These double-teams opened up Farokhmanesh for his big 3-point shots throughout the game. Without Eglseder’s defensive rebounding and solid post defense, UNI would not have been in position to win in the last seconds. Was Butler the greatest underdog story of all time? Do not forget about the 2006 NCAA Tournament. George Mason, a small school that barely reached the tournament as a No. 11 seed, surprised the nation and ruined millions of brackets with its Final Four appearance. Butler should not have been a surprise. They were ranked in the top 10 during the regular season, entered the tournament with a 20-game winning streak and received a No. 5 seed. They have been a good team for the last several years, since the days of former Coach Todd Lichliter. George Mason was a true Cinderella story. Should the NCAA expand to a 96-team tournament? An expansion to a 96-team field would ruin the NCAA tournament. There is already a tournament for the teams that aren’t the best 64. It’s called the NIT. There is already a way for teams that are on the bubble to make the tournament. It’s called conference tournaments. All an expansion will do is bring more money for the NCAA from the media. It is not for the players or even the fans. Honestly, how many people watch the opening play-in game? Most importantly, how will a 96-team bracket fit on an 8-by-11 piece of paper for millions of fans to make their predictions? It will now take a microscope to read the tiny print. Johnson is a junior journalism major and can be contacted at david.e.johnson@drake.edu.
by MATT MORAN
Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu
Do you think Duke was the best team? lthough deserving of a national title, Duke was not the best team this year. In March Madness the best team does not always win. Kentucky was by far the most talented team in the country, with four potential lottery picks. But it takes more than talent to win, and Duke showed that. Kansas was another team loaded with talent and by far the top team in the country all year, but failed to show up on the biggest stage of the season. So Duke may not be the best team, but they are the most deserving champion because they were the last team standing. Is Michigan State the best program in the country? I think Michigan State is the best program in college basketball because of one man: Tom Izzo. Izzo has taken the Spartans to six Final Fours in 12 years in an era where basketball talent is the best it has ever been. Although he has only won one national title, he has overachieved with nearly every team that has made the tournament. He is the only coach to make the Final Four twice as a No. 5 seed, and last year knocked off Big East powers Louisville and Connecticut to make the National Championship. This year was his best work yet, as he lost his starting point guard and last year’s Big Ten Player of the Year in Kalin Lucas to injury in the second round. Also, one starter was playing injured while another came off the bench and played limited minutes; yet Izzo still found a way to get it done. Was Ali Farokhmanesh Northern Iowa’s best player? I believe Ali Farokhmanesh was Northern Iowa’s best player. Although he may not have the all-around game like teammate Adam Koch or the size like Jordan Eglseder, Farokhmanesh was the go-to guy in each key situation in the tournament. He made a trey to push the Panthers into the second round, and hit the shot heard ‘round the world to KO Kansas. The bottom line in basketball is to score points; and no one was better than Farokhmanesh when the time came. He was arguably the most clutch player in the tournament, and was fearless in the shots he took; no other UNI player had the stones to take the shot that Farokhmanesh took to knock off the Jayhawks. Koch struggled to score at times, and Eglseder was too out of shape to play extended minutes. Was Butler the greatest underdog story of all time? Butler was the greatest underdog story of
A
all-time, and Gordan Hayward nearly had a Jimmy Chitwood moment to put the Bulldogs on top. Although Hayward’s half-court heave didn’t fall, Butler is still the smallest school to make such a run. Although only a No. 5 seed, Butler knocked off No. 1 seed Syracuse, No. 2 Kansas State and Big Ten Co-Champion Michigan State to make the final. No other mid-major schools that had made a run had to defeat such a difficult set teams in a row. George Mason is a good argument, and also defeated the Spartans, but it was not nearly as talented a team as Butler defeated. George Mason also defeated No. 7 Wichita State to make the Elite Eight, and defeated a reeling Connecticut team that survived three straight games and was lucky to be alive. GMU also got pounded to eventual national champion Florida while Butler got a step further and was one shot from defeating Duke. Should the NCAA expand to a 96-team tournament? Expanding the tournament to 96 teams would take March Madness to another level. Can you imagine the hype? More teams would allow for more Cinderella’s to capture America’s heart. It would eliminate the NIT tournament and the agony of the bubble. In a year like this year, 96 teams would be ideal because so many teams were evenly matched that it was difficult to narrow down the field to 65. College basketball prides itself in deciding championships on the court, so why not give more teams a chance to do so? Moran is a sophomore journalism and math major and can be contacted at matthew.moran@drake.edu.
Lose the Shoes to benefit HIV/AIDS education by MATT NELSON
Staff Writer matthew.nelson@drake.edu
The $10 entry fee into Sunday’s “Lose the Shoes: 3 v. 3 soccer tournament” shouldn’t be enough to keep any Drake University student from having fun. The event, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at Drake Stadium, funds the Grassroot Soccer program that is designed to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among children in Africa. “(Soccer) is kind of a universal sport in that you can be really bad and still have fun,” said senior Blair Nelson, the coordinator of the event. “When you’re bad at basketball, it’s not fun.” Nelson has played soccer for 16 years, four of which were spent as a center mid-fielder on the Drake women’s soccer team. She said she is thrilled about the three vs. three aspect of the game. “Three versus three isn’t as much running,” Nelson said. “It changes the game in the sense that it’s not as technical, and also if you want to chill, you don’t have to be running the whole time.” While Nelson said the event is designed to emphasize fun over education, the philanthropic side holds considerable weight. Professional soccer players in Africa wanting to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS started Grassroot Soccer in 2002. The
program works by getting kids to play soccer and establishing positive role models within the organization, providing them information and a support system against the disease. About $25 will send an African child through the Grassroot program; the “Lose the Shoes” program has raised about $150,000 (that helps about 6,000 children). Nelson said philanthropy is an important part of being an athlete. “We’re kind of engraved with the mentality that community service and giving back is a huge part of being an athlete,” Nelson said. “I think this is a really cool opportunity because it involves our sport. Why wouldn’t people want to do this?” All Drake students are welcome to the event — just make sure to bring your student ID. “I think a lot of events have been geared toward specific people at Drake, either athletes or Greek life, or other organizations,” Nelson said. “I wanted to get everyone involved, that’s one of our key things. I think Drake is a good atmosphere for that.” Nelson said there will be raffle opportunities for people in attendance. The event will run, rain or shine. If you’re going: Where: Drake Stadium When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday
Drop the shoes, raise awareness 33% to 72% increase of students who could list 3 people they could talk to about HIV.
47% to 76%
increase of students who knew where to go for help for HIV-related problems.
52% to 73% increase of students who said they would feel comfortable providing emotional support for an HIV positive classmate.
49% to 71%
increase of students who believed condoms were effective.
PAGE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
SPORTS
TRACK & FIELD
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
MEN’S TENNIS
Shockers challenge Bulldog dominance in Missouri Valley by DOMINIC JOHNSON Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu
photo by NICOLE BRAUNSDORF| Staff Photographer
DRAKE TRACK ATHLETES use the final meets leading up to the Drake Relays to work out the kinks in their events. The team will have four more meets before the Relays, including the Hawkeye Invite in Iowa City, Iowa.
First time’s the charm Curtis logs Drake’s best 400-meter hurdle time with breakout race by JACK THUMSER
Staff Writer john.thumser@drake.edu
The Bulldog track and field teams continued their campaign toward the upcoming Drake Relays and Missouri Valley Conference Championships with strong individual and team performances at the Tom Botts Invitational in Columbia, Mo., and the Central Invitational in Pella, Iowa. The highlight of the weekend came when junior sprinter Ari Curtis set the Drake school record in the 400-meter hurdles in her first-ever race in the event. Clocking in at 1 minute flat, Curtis broke Julie Head’s 10-year-old record of 1:00.59. “That was pretty sweet,� Head Coach Natasha Brown said in an official press release. “Ari ran the race as if she had done it all her life. You would have never known it was her first time.� As if breaking a school record wasn’t enough, Curtis also helped the Drake 4-by-100 meter relay team finish third with a time of 48.48 seconds and fourth in the 4-by-400 meter team with a time of 3 minutes, 53.14 seconds. Curtis wasn’t the only athlete on the women’s side to have an impressive weekend. Junior high jumper Tyse Samani won the high jump with a 5 foot, 5 inch leap. Fellow junior high jumper Michelle Mitchell finished third with a 5 foot, 3 inch jump. Freshman Marissa Smith finished second in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14:52 seconds. Junior Beth Hamling did her best Ari Curtis impression
and finished fourth in the 400-meter run, then competing on the same 4-by-100 and 4-by-400 relay teams. Due to bad weather Friday, all but two events had to be moved to Saturday. Senior Courtney Hein didn’t let it bother her, however, finishing fourth in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase before the meet was delayed. At the Central Invitational, Drake’s freshmen women took center stage. Kelly Hendricks won the women’s 100-meter run and Elle Yesnes finished third in the 5,000-meter. For the men at the Central Invitational, sophomore Matt Jurysta led the way with a second place finish in the 1,500-meter with a time of 4:09.07. Sophomore Derek Campbell and junior Adam Oestreich finish third and fourth, respectively, in the 5,000-meter. The men also had many encouraging performances at the Tom Botts Invitational. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was sophomore sprinter Shaun James, who won both the 100 and 200-meter sprints, finishing in 10.87 and 21 seconds, respectively. “Shaun’s speed is really improving and I can tell he is testing his limits,� Brown said in the press release. “I expect he will drop even more time as he becomes more confident with his ability.� Senior Josh Bangert finished second in the long jump on Friday, one of only three men’s events that were completed due to weather. Bangert’s jump was 21 feet, 8.25 inches. Freshman Dan Karys finished third, falling two inches shy of Bangert’s mark. Karys completed a successful weekend the next day when he won the triple jump with a distance of 45 feet, 9.75 inches, a personal best. Junior AJ Fajimolu finished second. Senior distance runner Jeff Grassmeyer finished seventh in the 1,500-meter with a time of 4 minutes, 0.81 seconds, but said afterward that he was disappointed in his time. “My race did not go as planned,� Grassmeyer said. “I went out extremely slow the first half, so any hope for a good time was pretty much gone by then. I didn’t run a smart race tactically, and the results show that.� The Bulldogs will return next weekend at Drake Stadium competing in the Jim Duncan Invitational. n
Last weekend, the Bulldogs men’s tennis team opened up their conference campaign in The Valley with a 1-1 record, defeating the Creighton Bluejays but falling short against the Wichita State Shockers on the newly redone outdoor courts at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center. The loss to Wichita State marked the end of an era, halting the Bulldogs’ Missouri Valley Conference regular season winning streak at 23 straight matches. Creighton came into the match against Drake with an impressive 9-1 record, but struggled early against the Bulldogs. The second and third doubles team didn’t play their best tennis, but both were able to take their doubles matches by a score of 8-4, which led to the win of the doubles point. Unfortunately, the first doubles team of freshman James McKie and junior Mauricio Ballivian couldn’t shake their early funk, falling to Creighton’s squad of Billy Paluch and the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, J.T. Christian, by a score of 6-8. “We were able to get the doubles point as a team, but we still have a lot of work to do there,� McKie said. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, both McKie and Ballivian started their singles matches with a bang, as both players were able to win comfortably in straight sets. Freshman Jean Erasmus, sophomore Cesar Bracho and sophomore Jonathan Hadash also won their singles matches in straight sets, leaving only senior Gui Marsiglia on the court. After failing to take the first set, Marsiglia was able to fight back and take the second set in a tiebreaker. Both coaches agreed that the second singles match would be decided by a 10-point super-tiebreaker. As Creighton’s Christian continued attacking the net effectively, Marsiglia was able to produce a good number of superb passing shots, yet Christian’s volleys were simply too crisp and accurate as he took the tiebreaker and match 12-10. “Overall our singles was very strong, as five of our matches we beat them comfortably,� McKie said. Between Thursday’s Creighton match and Saturday’s match against Wichita State, sophomore Cesar Bracho got the results from an MRI that was taken last Tuesday. Having suffered from back problems throughout the season, the MRI finally showed that Bracho was suffering from a stress fracture affecting a small bone in his back. With Bracho out, the team’s lineup for the Wichita State match was altered drastically. The change in the doubles lineup was the most drastic, with Hadash and Marsiglia, who usually play No. 2 doubles together, were bumped up to the first doubles spot. Despite staying with the Shockers for the beginning of the match, the Shockers eventually pulled away and took the match 4-8. The second and third doubles suffered a similar fate, as the pairing of Erasmus and Ballivian fell 5-8, and the pairing of McKie and freshman Ryan Drake fell 4-8. “We had chances in all three of those matches,� Drake said. “We didn’t take our opportunities when they arose.� The fans at the match looked disheartened after being swept in doubles, but a fun exhibition match between Drake’s President Maxwell and Assistant Coach Maor Zirkin raised the crowd’s spirit. Zirkin ended up winning the exhibition 7-3 after President Maxwell rattled off three straight points when down match points. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Zirkin’s showing at halftime didn’t rub off on the young squad’s play. Already frustrated from a less-than-stellar doubles showing, the Bulldogs started off slow in singles and were never able to take back the momentum as a whole. Marsiglia, McKie, Hadash, and Drake lost their matches in straight sets. By the time Erasmus and Ballivian were able to finish their matches with wins, the Bulldogs had already lost the match. McKie hopes that the loss to Wichita State will light a fire under the team’s feet. “With players out of the lineup you start to go out there and play hard with nothing to lose,� McKie said. The Bulldogs have a double header this weekend, as they take on the St. Louis Billikens on Friday at 2:30 p.m. and the Southern Illinois Salukis on Sunday at 11 a.m. “St. Louis just beat Southern Illinois and each team has a strong top three,� McKie said. “Our lower guys will need to step up this weekend to get wins.� n
SOFTBALL
SURE
Shockers drop Bulldogs in two of three weekend games
MY SANDWICHES A R E G O U R M E T. B U T T H E O N LY T H I N G
by MATT MORAN
Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu
The Drake softball team dropped two out of three to Valley foe Wichita State this weekend. Drake lost the opener of a Friday doubleheader 1-0 and bounced back to win the nightcap 8-0. The Bulldogs also lost Saturday’s game 6-1. “We didn’t play well,� Head Coach Rich Calvert said. “We didn’t pitch well enough, didn’t hit well enough and didn’t play defense well enough.� Junior Jenna DeLong allowed an unearned run in seven innings to suffer a tough defeat. She struggled the next day, not even getting out of the first inning while allowing five runs. Drake never recovered and lost the rubber match. An on-edge Calvert could not explain what the difference was in her two outings. “She didn’t throw as well,� he said. Junior Brynne Dordel earned the only Drake win of the weekend, tossing five shut-out innings while allowing one hit and striking out seven. Dordel also relieved DeLong on Saturday, and pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only one run. In the lone win, Drake scored six runs in the first two innings. Senior Kelsey Kahler led the charge going 2-for-2 with two runs scored. Friday’s doubleheader marked Calvert’s 200th career win and 200th career loss. “It feels like any other win,� said Calvert about the accomplishment. On Saturday, the Bulldogs’ lone run came off the bat of senior Elena Leon. Leon led off the bottom of the first with her 30th career round-tripper. On Tuesday, Drake defeated Iowa State 3-2. It was the first win over the Cyclones in three tries for Drake. Dordel went the distance for the win, and Leon and junior Molly McClelland homered in the victory. Drake moves to 21-10 and hosts Iowa State at Buel Field today at 4 p.m. n
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SENIOR ELENA LEON prepares for a hit on third base. Leon managed to score the only run in Saturday’s game against Wichita State, bringing her to 30 career home runs.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
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