The East Texan: Feb. 17, 2011

The East Texan STUDENT NE WSPAPER OF TE X AS A& M UNIVERSIT Y- COMMERCE SINCE 1915 XCV, No. 17, 8 pages

www.theeasttexan.com

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

Board of Regents passes reorganization Faculty: Administration failed to communicate effectively CALEB SLINKARD ADAM TROXTELL EAST TEXAN EDITORS The Texas A&M System Board of Regents passed a college reorganization proposal that was discouraged by the majority of A&M-Commerce faculty, according to input from faculty senate members and a university-wide survey.

The Board of Regents passed the college reorganization proposed by the A&M-Commerce administration on Feb. 4. The proposal will go to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a 30 day posting period during which proposal is open for public comment.

Faculty Sentate President Dr. Lavelle Hendricks said he believes the biggest problem faculty members have with the reorganization going ahead is the limited communication and knowledge they have received about it.

“I think for the most part, when all of this came about there seemed to be a lack of communication of what the final product would entail,” he said. “As a result of that, it seems as though it has just slid down the slippery slope and it’s just been

very difficult to get a handle on things.”

Hendricks said he has asked Dr. Jones to come before Faculty Senate and explain the reorganization plan in detail and address the concerns faculty members have about how it will work and affect the way A&MCommerce operates.

“When I met with the president, Dr. Jones, I asked him to come before the faculty senate to explain what this entire reorganization structure is so the faculty will know,” he said. “The faculty has believed that, for the most part, at times there has been some miscommunication or lack of information as well. So, in order to understand fully what this reorganization plan is going to be, the faculty senate has asked the president to come address that, and that’s what he plans to do.”

He said there are concerns from fac-

ulty members about the reorganization process, time frame and overall cost.

“Again, we don’t know what this entire plan is going to look like,” he said. “We don’t know how this is going to be paid for. These are the questions we’ve asked the administration. Number one, communicate with us. Number two, how do you plan to pay for all of these changes that are going to occur on campus? More importantly, when does this plan go into effect? When will it be implemented?”

Once the faculty gain this knowledge, Hendricks said he believes the process will become much more smooth.

He also said this will eliminate any false information or rumors from getting loose and causing any anxiety.

“The faculty wants to know exactly what this reorganization plan is going to look at,” he said. “I think the sooner the

“The faculty has believed that... there has been some miscommunication or lack of information...”

-Dr. Lavelle Hendricks

Valentine’s heartbreaker for UCO

administration can sit down with faculty senate, and all faculty members for that matter, and explain how this is going to look, the better we will be. When there is erroneous information circling around, when there is misinformation circulating around, when there is a lack of communication, those stories take on a life in and of themselves.”

As for the reorganization plan going ahead despite the task force’s recommendation, Hendricks said he does not feel the administration completely brushed off Faculty Senate requests.

“I don’t think the administration ignored it,” he said. “One of the recommendations was, basically, if you’re going to look at this, reconstitute another task force. Well, the administration took at heart what the task force sent forth and decided to do that. One thing I have learned over the years and will continue to learn is that we are a recommending body.”

According to faculty senate member Dr. John Smith, a majority of the faculty voted against the proposed organization in an online survey conducted by

CPD breaks up Sigma Chi party, Rail shut down ADAM TROXTELL MANAGING EDITOR

GRAYSON GRAVES / THE EAST TEXAN

The A&M-Commerce men’s basketball team broke the University of Central Oklahoma’s 11-game winning streak, undefeated conference record, and the hearts of their fans in a 91-79 victory at the Field House last Monday night, Feb. 14.

UPD responds to incident at blueberry farm JAMES BRIGHT ART SCENE EDITOR An incident at the A&MCommerce Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm on U.S. Highway 50 raised questions about response time for emergency services.

The farm sits on property owned by the university. In addition to the farm, the land also holds housing for a small group of A&M-Commerce students.

The farm, which houses approximately 12 students according to Crime Information Officer Jason Bone, sits eight miles from the main campus.

“We have not experienced a whole lot of calls from that location yet, but there are still several things that have to be considered,” he said.

Besides police, fire and ambulance service time is a key issue.

Bone said the property technically sits in Campbell and that city only has a volunteer fire brigade.

Currently the Commerce Fire

This week in The East Texan

Department will respond jointly with Campbell, but there could still be delays in getting to the farm.

“Emergency Medical Services have an eight mile drive to get there and if the Commerce ambulance is busy a response may have to come from Greenville,” Bone said.

Luckily there has yet to be any fire calls at the station.

On Jan. 27 officers were dispatched to the farm to assess a call made about an intoxicated person who would not leave the farm.

Upon arrival they identified a white male named Eric Sattler who had a busted lip and appeared intoxicated.

Resident Assistant at the blueberry farm Wesley Young said he tried to get Sattler to stay on a couch because he was intoxicated, but Sattler became argumentative.

Resident of the blueberry farm Joshua Montrose said he also tried to get Sattler to stay the night, but said he became argumentative and Montrose felt the best option was to strike him in the face.

Professor runs to raise money to cure cancer.

We usually sit around for charityPage 4

According to a police report, one of the officers at the scene contacted Sattler’s friend who drove to the farm and picked him up.

Bone said this was the first major incident at the firm and he is not expecting a lot of calls, but the distance is still a concern to him.

“We will not be able to get there as quickly as in town, so it may be the sheriff’s office who sends officers,” he said.

If the situation was bad enough the warrant a large police presence, Bone said the Commerce Police Department could be involved.

Community Resource Officer for CPD Alex Suarez said CPD and UPD can respond jointly to any issue if the need is there.

“They would just call our dispatcher,” he said. “They can come out to the city to help us and we can go out to their property to help them,” he said.

Although the distance between the farm and the school is a little taxing, Bone said safety would not be an issue.

See FACULTY page 3

Commerce Police Department officers shut down The Rail Bar on the night of Saturday, Feb. 5, during the Sigma Chi event, Hurricane, due to the discovery of underage drinking.

Red-shirted freshman football player Alan Beatty and fellow A&M-Commerce student Carlos Alberto Ruiz were arrested for minor in consumption while attending the fraternity event.

Sigma Chi has given no response to the incident as of press time, but did confirm Beatty as one of their active members.

According to CPD, Det. Cpl. S.R. Scott was patrolling through the back lot of The Rail.

The officer approached a group of people he thought were arguing and noticed a woman at the lot entrance lying on the ground. After Scott unsuccessfully attempted to get a response from her, he called EMS. The woman was later identified as Sulphur Springs resident Jessica Leeann Harrison.

Scott reported he observed Harrison was having trouble breathing, and she was transported to Hunt Regional Hospital for treatment.

Officer N. Johnson had responded to the scene to

East Texan editorial staff catches Bieber fever: “Never Say Never” reviewPage 7

backup Scott, and both officers entered The Rail after they discovered Harrison had been drinking underage. Inside is where they found Ruiz and Beatty.

After discovering three instances of minor in consumption on the premises, the CPD officers cleared the party out and closed The Rail for the night.

According to CPD Crime Prevention and Warrants Officer Alex Suarez, the reports have been handed over to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for further investigation.

TABC Enforcement Agent Barron Carter said the investigation would take a few weeks, but could lead to penalties against The Rail depending on the results.

“There is going to be an investigation,” he said.

“There can be criminal charges to individuals who served the minors. There can also be an administrative charge against the bar.

It could involve suspension of serving alcohol for a period of time.”

Carter said if any punish ment were to be handed down it would also depend on any past infringements by The Rail.

He could not say whether there had been any charges brought against them in the past, but he said he has received “complaints” about the establishment.

This week’s poll: What do you think about the Student Voice?

Vote online at theeasttexan. com.

OPINION

Page 2

That Valentine’s Day Thing:

Love

Hate

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

www.theeasttexan.com

Chancellor Mills’ Information for Life: Lesson 3: preparing a home-cooked dinner for yourself CHANCELLOR MILLS OPINION EDITOR

SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN

&$0386 /,)( (',725 Valentine’s Day is nearly here and so is the storm of hearts that comes with it: candy hearts with sentimental messages, gel hearts stuck on windows, stuffed bears holding stuffed hearts and more heart-decorated cards than anyone could read in a lifetime.

Sure, the cheesiness of Valentine’s Day can be a bit overwhelming, but what is all the fuss about? So, you don’t have a man to shower you in chocolate DQG à RZHUV ZKR FDUHV" Chances are, even if you GLG KDYH D VLJQLÀFDQW RWKHU he wouldn’t provide you the picture perfect day you have been imagining since you were a little girl.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be clichĂŠ and it doesn’t have to be spent crying alone on the couch watching “Sex and the Cityâ€? re-runs. I can assure you, the sorrow is only a waste of energy. If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, embrace it. Go out and do something for yourself instead of ruining your time sulking about the date you don’t have that night.

Also, you poor guys with girlfriends who are batty about the ‘ole national love day, just show her you care. This doesn’t require rose petals sprinkled throughout a candlelit room or any of that nonsense; it simply takes a little brainpower and a hint of originality. Any women worth your time will be VLQFHUHO\ VDWLVĂ€HG ZLWK your honest affection.

Valentine’s Day is not out to get you. If you feel the need to show a special kind of love this holiday season then you should go for it. Enjoy the time you have with the one you love. If you don’t choose to do so, then shut up about it DOUHDG\ /RYH ZLOO ÀQG \RX some other day.

Let Valentine’s Day and its precious heart collection simply be because someday you will turn into the person who actually likes it, wanting to muzzle all of the people who complain DERXW LWV LQVLJQLÀFDQFH It is a perfectly innocent day that should be coveted rather than bashed.

JAMES BRIGHT ART SCENE EDITOR I spend every year GUHDGLQJ RQH VSHFLÀF KROLday: Valentine’s Day. It’s ridiculous, it’s expensive and it is really the opposite of what true love should be about.

There’s no need to wait for Feb. 14 to show that special someone how much you care about them.

0HQ DQG ZRPHQ ² JX\V like to feel the love too ladies – put way too much emphasis on this day. Why not bring a bushel of roses home as a surprise. Any other day of the year they would be received as a nice romantic gesture. On Valentine’s Day a dozen roses just means you put little to no effort into the gift idea.

It’s that idea that really pisses me off about this holiday. A guy gets a girl roses and he’s not trying hard. There are way too many expectations on this day. A guy gets a lady roses and he’s not trying hard, really? Sure, maybe it was a last minute decision, but at least the guy made an effort. We are still starving college students.

A dozen roses costs a lot more money than anyone really wants to spend on anything.

There is also no reprieve from work or school on this day. No one recognizes this as a professional holiday.

The working world sees it as nonsense. We give more credence to Labor Day than to this ridiculous farce of a holiday. What this means is there is no time to make incredible efforts at romance when Valentine’s Day falls during the week. People have to work; they have to go to school. Life doesn’t stop, unless of course a couple is destitute in which case Valentine’s dinner consists of sardines over spam.

Now that’s true love.

0D\EH , VHHP ELWWHU EHcause I’m single, or maybe my heart mimics our recent weather pattern. Regardless this day has never done anything good for me whether I was single, or if I was taken.

To hell with Valentine’s Day, I’m saving my money for President’s Day. That’s a holiday I can get behind.

Retractions The photo of Fred Tarpley on page 3 of last week’s issue was taken by Dave Walvoord, not East Texan Graphics Editor Jessica Martin.

The enrollment graph on page 3 of last week’s issue was inaccurate.

A corrected graph can be found online at theeasttexan.com

The East Texan, RIĂ€FLDO VWXGHQW QHZVSDSHU RI 7H[DV $ 0 University-Commerce, is published 12 times per semester during the Fall and Spring by students in reporting and editing classes. Content is solely the responsibility of the student editors and writers. The comments and views expressed in The East Texan GR QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHĂ HFW WKH beliefs of other students, staff, faculty, administration, or the Board of Trustees. The East Texan is located inside the Journalism building on the east side of campus in room 113. Single copies are available in Journalism 113 for an additional 25 cents.

Letters to the editor are welcome and should be limited to 250 words. They will not be edited for spelling, grammar and libelous or malicious statements. We reserve the right to refuse publication. Letters should be typed or e-mailed DQG PXVW LQFOXGH D VLJQDWXUH OHJDO QDPH FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQ JUDGH OHYHO DQG WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU 0DLOLQJ DGGUHVV LV The East Texan, P.O. Box 4011 Commerce, Texas 75428.

College is a place for learning. You learn who you are, who you’re going to be, how to survive on your own, what you’re going to be when you “grow up,� etc. There are some things, however, that you may not learn how to do – certain skills that will aid you during your time in college and could serve you for the rest of your life. So I have decided to write a series of “how-to� columns over completing some these tasks.

This week’s lesson: cooking dinner.

On the menu tonight: Pineapple chicken.

What you’ll need: -Canola or sesame oil -1/2 C stir-fry sauce -1/4 C pineapple juice -1/4 tsp garlic powder -3 tsp Buffalo Wild Wing brand “Blazin� wing sauce (adding a little heat will help balance out the sweetness of the pineapple juice) -1 (15-oz) can pineapple chunks (drained) -2 cups diced chicken -Skillet -First aid kit -Cell phone Step one: heat oil in a large skillet. Since everyone knows that time is money and all college students are poor, we want to be done with this dish as soon as possible. Because of that, we’re going to set the burners to the highest heat possible. This will

COOKINGWITHALAN.COM

Columnist Chancellor Mills continues his series of “how to� columns by walking readers through the seemingly simple task of preparing a home-cooked dinner.

save us a lot of time during the cooking process.

Step two: add all the ingredients to the skillet.

The recipe calls for cooking the sauce separately from the chicken and pineapple. But since we are adhering to the “time is moneyâ€? principle, the meal will be ready sooner if you go ahead and toss in the chicken and pineapple. And you’ll want to let WKDW FRRN IRU DERXW Ă€YH RU six minutes.

Step three: realize that you may have used too much oil, and probably at too high a heat when some hot oil splashes out of the SDQ DQG JLYHV \RX ÀUVW degree burns.

6WHS IRXU DSSO\ ÀUVW aid. Don’t worry. You can still stir the food with your

“good hand.�

6WHS ÀYH ÀYH PLQXWHV have passed and now it’s time to get your delicious pineapple chicken out of the skillet.

Step six: notice that there are some alarming differences between the picture of pineapple chicken from the Internet and the charred, oil dish that you just produced. It’s okay though. Nobody except for gourmet chefs can perfectly replicate a meal based solely on a recipe. ,¡P VXUH LW ZLOO EH ÀQH Step seven: choke down your diligently prepared pineapple chicken, which seems to be lacking the pineapple portion of that dish. It’s not so bad once you get past the fact WKDW WKH SLQHDSSOH à DYRU

has been replaced by the à DYRU RI EXUQW RLO $QG so what if you have somehow managed to cook your chicken to a crispy, crunch state of well well WELL done? At least it’s edible, right?

Step eight: once the heat of Buffalo Wild Wings’ spiciest wing sauce kicks in, vomit uncontrollably and wish you were dead DV \RX VSHZ OLTXLG ÀUH Step nine: weep.

Step ten: call local Pizza Hut and order a large pineapple and chicken pizza.

Close enough, right?

Huzzah! Now that you know how to provide sustenance for yourself, you are one step closer to becoming a fully functioning member of society, who won’t starve to death.

Editorial: iPads show creative thinking by university We at The East Texan PXVW DGPLW WKDW XSRQ ÀUVW hearing about the iPads and the rumors surrounding them, we were, like PDQ\ $ 0 &RPPHUFH students, upset. However, now that the real story is out in the open, we applaud the university for its forward thinking.

While we are at a university, we are also located in a small Texas town where the term “new� is sometimes given a negative connotation. In such instances it can be dangerously easy to blend

in with the surroundings and continue on one path or in one direction simply because it is the simple and painless thing to do. $ 0 &RPPHUFH LQ this case, has taken more RI D Ă DJVKLS UROH LQ WKH changes taking place at institutions of higher learning all across the nation.

While computers and the internet have already established a foothold in the education world, tablets and handheld devices are next. These come with things such as e-books and a necessity

for a wide-reaching wireless network. These are new technological innovations that will become more and more applicable over time.

Because of this, we feel the university has taken a smart move in trying to stay ahead of the curve and see just what a world with tablets in the classroom would look like. $ 0 &RPPHUFH LV ORRNing ahead to see what the students of the future will be dealing with and gaining valuable knowledge on how to prepare and

adapt to the changes.

Having said this, we also want to express a view of caution when taking on new technologies.

Sure, buying the iPads was a good idea, but what of the economic climate?

Clearly, these are not the times to be throwing money just anywhere, but in directions that would best serve the university. $ 0 &RPPHUFH PXVW ensure its ambition carries it close enough to the top of the mountain without causing it to tumble over the edge.

by Arielle McMahon and Brad Ray

SUDOKU STYLE * Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order * Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order * Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 Puzzle courtesy of: pdfpad.com

The East East Tex Texan an The Established 1915 CALEB SLINKARD EDITOR ADAM TROXTELL MANAGING EDITOR

JARED WATSON DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR

JUSTIN CHEATHAM CO-SPORTS EDITOR

JON MCDANIEL CO-SPORTS EDITOR

CHANCELLOR MILLS OPINION EDITOR JESSICA MARTIN GRAPHICS EDITOR

JAMES BRIGHT ART SCENE EDITOR SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

ARIELLE MCMAHON STAFF CARTOONIST

CONTACT

903-886-5985

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theeasttexan@gmail.com facebook.com/pages/The-East-Texan-Online twitter.com/TheEastTexan ADVERTISING: JERIC GRIFFIN (903)244-7350

FRED STEWART FACULTY ADVISER fred_stewart@tamu-commerce.edu

www.theeasttexan.com

news

Thursday, Feb. 17 2011

President Dan Jones (seated, left) submitted a proposal to reorganize the colleges after receiving a recommendation from Provost Larry Lemanski (seated, right). The proposal passed the Texas A&M System Board of Regents and will be posted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for 30 days before it can be implemented by the university.

Page 3

Faculty Senate President Lavelle Hendricks, pictured above, has requested that President Dan Jones come in front of the facutly senate to explain the reorganization more detail.

Faculty raise questions over College of Arts and Sciences split CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the university.

“Faculty who responded to the survey were in a general agreement that the reorganization should not take place,” Smith said. “Many were worried about the cost. It might be a good idea, but not now. Some said yes to the organization, and they have changed some things from the original proposal.”

According to Smith, some faculty members didn’t vote in the survey because they didn’t see any point in it.

“From faculty that I have talked to, my sense of the perception of this reorganization was that it was going to happen no matter what,” Smith said.

Smith acknowledged that the administration did make some attempts to meet faculty wishes.

“The initial document mentioned merging departments, including my own, which the administration

removed,” he said. “The administration wanted to do something that was in the best interest of the university, which is admirable, but the senate is the voice of the faculty.”

Associate Professor of Political Science Chad King was also frustrated by the lack of information.

“I am not terribly fond of the process that was used to lead to this conclusion,” he said. “Initially, the committee that was going to consider this was made up of faculty and staff, then they asked for more assistance and guidance, and they were eliminated and it was given to the deans. So, it’s hard to know because I don’t feel like the process has been open enough to make a completely formed decision.”

As reported by the East Texan last semester, a task force created by A&M-Commerce Provost Dr. Larry Lemanski to formulate a recommendation regarding the reorganization of the university’s colleges had voted not to accept the reorganization plan on the grounds of a lack

of information.

The College Reorganization Task Force turned in their recommendation to Lemanski on Sept. 24, voting 11-to-2 that the Provost’s office needed to provide more information and direction in order for them to create a reorganization plan.

The Deans Council then made a recommendation to the Provost, who made a recommendation to the President.

President Jones then proposed the reorganization to the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, who passed it.

The only official faculty input received by the A&MCommerce administration consisted of the original task force, which voted against it based on a lack of information, and the faculty survey, which by faculty accounts revealed a negative opinion of the reorganization by the faculty who voted.

President Dr. Dan Jones and Provost Dr. Larry Lemanski were out of town and unavailable for comment at press time.

Page 4

Ca mpus Life

COURTESY REBECCA BOGGS

Associate Professor of English Dr. Bill Bolin trains for an upcoming marathon in which he is helping to raise money for chartiy.

Bolin runs marathon for leukemia charity CLAY DYESS STAFF WRITER Despite the cold weather, a Texas A&M University– Commerce professor is preparing to participate in his first marathon to raise money for charity. Associate Professor of English Dr. Bill Bolin has begun training for the BMO Vancouver Marathon in Vancouver, British Columbia, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “Part of our credo here at A&M-Commerce

is ‘unselfish service to others,’� he said. “Most of us here on faculty, staff or in administration participate in some kind of voluntary community service, even though we’re not obligated to do so.�

This led to involvement with an organization called Team in Training. “I was looking for a new service project to do, and at the same time I’ve been trying to keep in shape,�

Bolin said. “Team in Training sends out regular mailings on its mission to help eradicate blood

cancers by raising awareness through regular folks - even non-athletes - who train for endurance events. So it seemed like the perfect service opportunity. Also, Dr. Gerald Duchovnay of Literature & Languages had run a marathon for this organization a few years ago, and he spoke well of the entire process.�

Preparing for the marathon has been an eyeopener for Dr. Bolin, as the training can be quite tedious. Bolin states that he has been running since November with a running group on White Rock Lake, steadily increasing his endurance. He also had the benefit of support from a fellow faculty member adjunct Literature and Languages professor Rebecca Boggs. “She runs faster than I do,� he said.

The most important thing to Bolin, though, is that he is able to help raise funds for the charity, a mission that has been spurred on by the motivation given by cancer survivors. “We periodically hear from cancer survivors, whom we call Honored Heroes, at these sessions,� he said. “An 11-year-old who has been undergoing chemotherapy much of his young life handed out small notes of thanks to us one frigid Saturday morning before Christmas. I keep that note taped to my training calendar. Two hours of running for me can’t be nearly as bad as the chemo is for him.�

The marathon is not until May, but Bolin thinks he will be ready, if not a little anxious. “I’m excited in that

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 nervous sort of way,� he said. “There will be tens of thousands of people at this thing, including a number of cancer survivors who will line the roadway, shouting encouragement.�

Bolin said his goal is to raise $3,900 for the charity. “Individuals can make a secure donation of any amount at my website (listed below),� he said. “The website is informative and at least mildly entertaining, including personal updates, photos, and even a short animated video.�

Bolin hopes that his efforts can help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as get others involved. “I’d love to see participation from the TAMU-C community,� he said. “If people can’t join the team in an endurance event, I hope they consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on my website. I plan to wear a TAMU-C Lion sticker on my racing singlet during the marathon for each A&M-Commerce-related donation of any amount.

So far I have five. But if everyone I know who’s connected to the university gives just five or ten dollars each, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would gain a couple of thousand dollars toward its goal of eradicating blood cancers.

I know I’ll cross the finish line on May 1, but it would be great to cross it in style and covered with Leo stickers.�

Individuals interested in Bolin’s efforts can visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/ vancouvr11/bbolin for more information.

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This area in Rockwall, known as The Harbor, is lined with shops and restaurants that included a view of Lake Ray Hubbard. Students can find numerous date locations on this strip just outside of Dallas.

Local options serve date needs SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN

CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR On a normal night students can find at least one party to attend at relatively no cost, but this simply won’t work for Valentine’s Day. We don’t exactly live in an entertainment-filled town, but there are all sorts of things couples can do to celebrate this special day together; you just have to look around.

For students looking to stay in Commerce for Valentine’s Day, don’t even think about going out to eat. Our five restaurant choices are already old and there is nothing original about going to the same place you went two days ago. Get online, look up some recipes, and cook a homemade meal.

You can cook it for your significant other ahead of time, or the two of you can incorporate the cooking into the date; everyone’s ideas of a good date are different. However, the effort put into cooking a meal yourself rather than telling some waitress what she can do for you adds a sentimental and generous

feeling to the night.

I realize that some students live in residence halls that are not equipped with full size kitchens, but there are still many options for a menu.

After the meal, do something simple. Watch a classic movie, play a game that might teach you two something new about each other or take a stroll through campus.

Gee Lake is beautiful at night and it is sitting right at our fingertips‌ and it is free.

For those who are looking to venture outside of Commerce, Greenville is a short 20 minutes down the road. There are many restaurants to choose from and there is even a new winery downtown for those of you who are of age.

Downtown Greenville is filled with delightful hole-in-the-wall stores just sitting full of treasure, or you could try your hand at winning your own treasure in a round of bowling.

If Greenville just doesn’t do it for you and you are looking for something more romantic or extrava-

gant, you need not go further than Rockwall.

Rockwall is an estimated 45-minute drive from campus, and it has everything you will need to make the night special. There is an abundance of activities available in Rockwall such as the games and entertainment at Shenaniganz, but if romance is what you are going for, the harbor is where you want to go.

The harbor is lined with classy restaurants and shops, all lit up, reflecting across the water of Lake Ray Hubbard.

Gloria’s Restaurant is a great recommendation, and if it’s not too cold, the outside seating that is located right beside the water provides the perfect datenight setting.

The above ideas are not complex, costly or common, which is what gives them their charm. Dates, especially those which take place on Valentine’s Day, can easily get blown out of proportion, but a night to remember is as simple one, two, three: find a location, develop a plan for that location, and enjoy.

www.theeasttexan.com

The Pickens Report JARED PICKENS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Let’s face it – there is an opportunity cost of going to college. You have to give up the chance of making money immediately in order to pursue an education (not to mention the canned meat and Raman Noodles that you will be eating). However, in the long run going to college will pay off, right?

Well‌it depends. It depends on how much money you borrow for college. Due to the increase cost of tuition and a poor job market, many students are taking on more debt then ever, but how much is too much?

Before we answer the question, let’s take a look at some overall statistics. The Project on Student Debt, a non profit research organization, says that the average student graduates from a 4 year public university with around $20,000 in student loans.

This is an astonishing 20 percent higher than in 2004. In fact, if we go back even farther, the amount of student loans taken out by a single student has increased by more than 80 percent over the last 15 years.

It is obvious that students are relying more heavily on student loans, but where do you draw the line in determining how much is too much?

There isn’t one simple solution, but rather a set of rules you can follow to ensure that you don’t take too much debt: ‡ &DOFXODWH ZKDW \RXU VWXGHQW ORDQ PRQWKO\ payment will be and make sure that it is no more than 5 percent to 6 percent of your anticipated annual earnings upon graduation. ‡ 8VH VWXGHQW ORDQV IRU QRWKLQJ EXW WXLWLRQ and fees if possible. Even though it’s tempting, avoid using student loans for groceries, car payments or rent. ‡ &RQVLGHU WDNLQJ VXPPHU FODVVHV DW D FRPmunity college to save money. ‡ 'RQ¡W WDNH WKH PD[LPXP DPRXQW RI ORDQV offered. Only take what you need. The more money you take, the more you will be tempted to spend. ‡ :KHQ \RXU VWXGHQW ORDQ FKHFN DUULYHV deposit the money in a savings account and transfer out the money that you need on a biweekly basis. ‡ *HW D MRE XSRQ FRPSOHWLQJ \RXU XQGHUgraduate degree. Many employers will pay for graduate degree programs, so if you want an advanced degree, look into getting while you’re working.

These rules are designed to help you make sure that you don’t end up buried in debt upon graduation. The rules are general and can change depending on the student. If you have any questions regarding personal finance, feel free to contact jared_pickens@tamu-commerce.edu or nathan_harness@tamu-commerce.edu with the College of Business and Technology.

www.theeasttexan.com

Ca mpus Life

Page 5

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

A poster for “Attack of the Space Pirates,� a show hosted by the A&MCommerce planetarium on Friday nights.

Students dine together in the cafeteria located in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. The cafeteria menu is planned and produced by Sodexo Dining Services. Some students have voiced their opinions on the menu items they believe are not much to be desired.

Student Center cafeteria menu fails to meet expectations of A&M-Commerce students DARIUS ROSE STAFF WRITER Food choices at the cafeteria have been a subject of debate since before the Sam Rayburn Student Center was built.

A recent informal survey of students eating in the cafeteria found that many have problems with the cafeteria’s food service.

According to freshman psychology Shaquala Quigly, the cafeteria should serve more beef like steak and roast. “The chicken that is served is not good, so I would like if they would transition over to serving different types of beef,� she said. “Today was jerk chicken and a lot of people don’t really respond well to that.�

According to Quiqley, the vegetarian food is prepared at a sub-par level. “I like vegetarian food,�

she said “It’s just not done well here.�

According to sophomore sociology major Shoal Sharrock, the cafeteria has enough variety. The cooks themselves just can’t cook well. “They basically serve everything under the sun,� he said. “They are just terrible at cooking.�

Some students question the quality of the food served in the cafeteria. “Last semester the food was good, and the quality of the chicken tasted better and it was easier to chew,� junior Beverly Douthit said. “This semester I’m not too thrilled about the food. For instance, the chicken is too tough when I try to bite into it. The rotisserie chicken last semester when they had it was nice, soft and it fell off the bone.�

According to senior liberal arts major Michelle Blackshear, seafood would be a good addition to the cafeteria.

“I would like to see more fish, especially baked fish,� she said “I would like to see a little more protein at the salad bar.�

Some students have been frustrated by the amount of time it takes for the cooks to prepare the food. “There is food that tastes good sometimes, but majority of the food is not up to par,� junior accounting major Ronald Balthazar said. “The cooks take too long to get the food ready.

It is like they are always playing catch up.�

Balthazar said the cooks just cooking burgers are no longer acceptable. “I’m tired of the cooks just cooking burgers on the grill,� he said. “I suggest they start cooking wings and chicken tenders.� “Our grill serves a menu daily that includes grilled cheese, bean quesadillas, burgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers and fries,� Cafeteria Executive

Chief Diane Shannon said. “Grill specials rotate through a large variety of items including tenders, wings and bacon cheese burgers. Most of the students love the burgers as evidenced by the number we serve daily.�

According to Shannon, the cafeteria serves seafood twice a week. “Baked or fried fish or other seafood items are served at least twice on the menu, usually baked and grilled fish for dinner and fried fish for lunch,� she said. “Students watch the posted menus or ask in the dining hall.�

According to Shannon the cafeteria serves beef regularly from steak to Yankee pot roast. “Vegetarian options and Meatless Mondays are being offered not only in universities or other school settings, but also in fine dining establishments across the country,� she said.

‘Space Pirates’ draws crowd to planetarium JUSTIN CHEATHAM CO-SPORTS EDITOR The Science building at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce is probably the last place you would go in search of a fun, inexpensive time on a Friday night, but maybe you are looking in all the wrong places. “Attack of the Space Pirates� is a personal adventure through the galaxy that gives the viewer simple explanations for very complex activities that take place in our universe. “It was a good experience,� graduate student Ashish Pagadala said. “This was my first time to try out the planetarium here at Commerce.

I really liked the roller coaster ride and am definitely coming back later in the year to see the U2 show.� “Attack of the Space Pirates� is more of a family friendly experience than the other shows played throughout the year, such as the “U2� show and “Violent Universe�. “I took astronomy here and really liked it, so I thought that this would

be fun,� junior Tommy Davis said. “’Attack of the Space Pirates’ was more for little kids, but still not bad for only three bucks.�

The seats of the planetarium even shake with the movie, adding reality to the experience.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing the viewers a look at the popular constellations in the Commerce night sky before the show begins.

After the show a family cheered for an encore and the staff obliged, sending the room on a roller coaster ride to a Johnny Cash cover. “The roller coaster ride was much more interesting for me,� Davis said. “I could tell that all the kids at the planetarium really enjoyed it too.�

The planetarium hosts shows every Friday night. For ticket prices and show times visit the planetarium in the science building or go online to http://web.tamu-commerce.edu/communityOutreach/planetarium/ showSchedule.aspx.

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Art Art Scene Scene

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

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Fromage du Jour

A weekly look at film cheese

PHOTOBUCKET.COM

“Stonehenge Apocalypse” attempts to mix science with plot, but fails miserably in the effort.

‘Stonehenge Apocalypse’ is yawn-worthy disaster DAEMONSMOVIES.COM

Although “The Eagle” provides entertainment the performance from lead actor Channing Tatum was less than pleasing. Luckily the rest of the cast made up for Tatum’s poor performance who had trouble putting forth a convinving English accent.

Tatum fails to soar as centurian CALEB SLINKARD EDITOR In a post-Michael Bay world of huge explosions, gory fight scenes and plot lines that almost always include world salvation, “The Eagle” is a nice change of pace.

The film, based on a 1954 book by Rosemary Sutcliff “The Eagle of the Ninth” centers around roman Centurion Marcus Flavius Aquila (Channing Tatum). Marcus’ father led the Ninth Roman Legion, stationed in Britain, but the Ninth was lost when it marched into the wilds past Hadrian’s wall to the shame of the Aquila family. Following a war

injury, Marcus pledges to return north of the wall to find the remnants of the Legion and return the Legion’s standard, a golden eagle, to Roman possession. Marcus enters this dangerous territory with only his faithful slave Esca (Jamie Bell), a Briton who owes Marcus his life.

Marcus and Esca travel far north and discover the Eagle in the possession of a fearsome tribe.

Following a religious ceremony, Marcus and Esca steal the eagle and race south, chased by Briton warriors. Esca has to leave Marcus behind, who is slowed by an old war wound, but returns with former members of the lost legion who had escaped

the legion’s demise and had created new lives as Britons. Following a battle between the lost legion and the Britons, Marcus and Esca return to Roman territory, where they return the eagle to Roman hands and restore the honor of Marcus’ family.

“The Eagle” had quite a few shortcomings. Tatum’s lack of acting ability was painfully obvious throughout the film, although his strong supporting cast somewhat made up for it, particularly Bell. The story itself is not inherently that complicated- they basically run up North and then run back. There was not a lot of character development and the story was

obviously historically inaccurate.

That being said, “The Eagle” was refreshing in the fact that it didn’t try to do too much. Instead of utilizing an increasingly complicated plot line that has become more and more popular in Hollywood films, “The Eagle” focused on the friendship between Marcus and Esca and promoted courage, honor, faithfulness and respect.

The scenery was gorgeous and the viewer had no issue feeling immersed in second century Britain.

“The Eagle” was not unique and it lacked certain key elements, but it was entertaining, refreshing and worth a watch.

“Just Go With It” does more SAVANAH CHRISTIAN CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston star in Happy Madison’s latest production “Just Go With It”, a refreshingly witty comedy that proved to be even more entertaining than the previews.

So many films today are nothing but a bore by the time they make it to the theater because the entire story line and every exciting point has already been shown in the previews, but “Just Go With It” was able to keep its audience on their toes with its combination of humor, love and moral lessons.

Sandler plays Danny, a successful plastic surgeon who wears a fake wedding band out to bars on a regular basis as a ploy to pick up women. He tends to make up tragic stories about the abuse his “wife” inflicts upon him and the travesty of his “marriage,” arousing sympathy from women which leads to… well you can use your imagination.

Danny meets fashion model Brooklyn Decker’s character, Palmer, at a party one evening without using his ring, but is caught in a growing mess of lies when she finds his ring, questions him and he tells her

JARED WATSON DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Man, the world ends a lot in movies. Every time I turn around in the video store, some filmmaker else is blowing Earth to smithereens with meteors, tornadoes, or, in ever-increasing number, zombies.

However, few movies have dreamed up a more idiotic way for the world to meet its end than “Stonehenge Apocalypse.” As you can probably guess, the mysterious British wonder of ancient architecure is the silent villain in this madefor-SyFy original movie.

That’s right, the big stupid rocks are the bad guy.

I can only assume “Arc de Triomphe Assassin” and “Empire Death Building” are soon to follow.

The psuedoscience involved in turning a historical landmark into a weapon of mass destruction apparently involves electromagnetic fields, something about meridans, and, as is a common theme in this type of movie, a whole heck of a lot of explaining.

The cast has some “big” names in it, though for this genre, that only means the lead actor is someone you’ve kind of heard of. In this case, the “hey, I remember him” guy is Misha Collins, known best for playing the angel Castiel on “Supernatural,” as disgraced scientist and underground skeptic

radio talk show host Jacob Glaser. After Stonehenge zaps some tourists out of existence, Glaser catches wind of it and, after looking into the middle distance in what can only be called the “my god” face, he hightails it to England to inform the authorities that the electricity will eventually destroy humanity.

This movie is big on the “my god” face, actually. every one of the characters makes it at some point, and Glaser himself actually even says it once, in what is probably the unintentional comedy highlight of the movie.

Anyway, the movie breaks down into a chase for something that looks like an X-Men merit badge which will somehow turn off the electricity and save the world. Why the chase?

Because Glaser is being pursued by a cult of people who think humanity does not deserve to survive and wants to make sure Stonehenge finishes the job.

It’s all satisfactorily made, but it’s just boring.

Nothing about “Stonehenge Apocalpyse” leaves even the slightest impression on the audience, and worse, it isn’t even bad enough to make fun of adequately.

That’s a lesson to filmmakers: if you can’t make a disaster movie good, you’re better off making it bad, because if you can’t make an audience cheer, at least make them laugh.

Verdict: Two-and-a-half Shatners

BLOGSPOT.COM

Adam Sandler’s new film “Just Go With It” sets itself apart from other films in the genre by creating a script that will entertain the audience for the entirety of the film.

he is getting divorced.

Because of this lie, Jennifer Aniston’s character (Katherine) and her children become his hired soon-to-be ex-wife and children, laying the foundation for hilarious improvisation as Danny digs himself and everyone around him deeper and deeper into a fake life.

Any success of the film should be majorly attributed to the cast.

I’ll admit, when I first saw the trailer for the film, I laughed a little throughout, but I was wary of the Aniston-Sandler duo. I

would never put those two together in a cast, but I am glad Roger Mussenden and Jeremy Rich did. The two personalities meddled so well together as Katherine and Danny discovered the importance of their relationship, in and outside the office.

Eleven-year-old Bailee Madison starred in the film as Katherine’s daughter Maggie. Madison did an outstanding job of not only portraying her character, but morphing into other characters throughout the film as she becomes a part of Danny’s web of lies, giv-

ing her the opportunity to recreate her identity.

Not only was the cast exquisitely put together, the raw humor kept the film at a steady pace, ever dragging, creating mystery as the audience never knew what was coming next.

“Just Go With It” was true comedy at work. The film was not ignorant or juvenile, but mature and relatable.

A film that has the ability to keep an entire theater laughing for almost two hours is hard to come by, but this one did the trick.

“‘Stonehenge Apocalypse’ is bland, uninteresting and has literally no memorable elements whatsoever. It is the old-fashioned vanilla ice cream of sci-fi disaster epics: something to be consumed and immediately forgotten.

That said, it is competently made. I never for a second believed the actors were actually at Stonehenge, but the rest of the effects are adequately done, and, if the script was of the same quality, this film would be very entertaining.

But that’s ultimately where this movie fails. All the reasonably good filmmaking is really a detriment, because that means the movie is made too well to be bad, but the plot is too stupid to be good. It’s a no-win situation.”

- Jared Watson Digital Media Editor

Next week: “Eyeborgs”

www.theeasttexan.com

Art Art Scene Scene

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

Page 7

The unheard sound

MUSICREMEDY.COM

“Woe is Me” brings a new sound to post hardcore music fuses pop with a fan base that usually rejects it.

“Woe is Me” has no reason to be sad KERRY HENDRICKS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTER

CHUMGAME.COM

International superstar Justin Bieber attracts the attention of several women who are many years his senior prior to one of his shows. The music icon jumped to stardom after being discovered on Youtube by recording artist Usher Raymond.

Writer catches case of Bieber sniffles CHANCE MILLS ONLINE EDITOR I was a little hesitant when I was given the assignment to go see “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” and review it. This was simply because I had always heard people making fun of Justin Bieber’s music and such. On the other hand, I was a little curious to learn more about this teenage girl that seems to have inspired so many “tween” girls to be more like her. I jest, but as you might have guessed, I was among the many that poked fun at Bieber and his long, silky hair, and I just assumed this would fall under the axiom of “know thy enemy.”

Imagine my surprise when I left the theater with a newfound respect for Justin and the music he produces.

“Never Say Never”

centers around the days leading up to Justin’s performance for a sold out Madison Square Garden.

Also, while all of this is going on, the film intermittently goes back to friends and family of Justin who are telling the story of how he was “discovered,” and about his swift rise to fame.

I was quite impressed to find out that “Biebz” started making music from the age of two, and had never had any formal musical training.

Only with a little help from some family friends did Justin learn to sing, play piano, drums, guitar and trumpet, according to the film.

Another thing that I was surprised to find out was what a strong following he has built during his surprisingly short year and a half long career.

Speaking of his following,

the only part of the movie that made me inconsolably angry were the parts of the film when fans of Justin Bieber were interviewed. I mean, it wasn’t as bad at first, but there is a finite amount of 14-yearold girls shrieking about their love for him that I can take.

One thing I enjoyed seeing was that, even though Justin was so famous – he was able to sell out Madison Square Garden, a venue that can hold roughly 40,000 people, in a baffling 20 minutes –he still hasn’t forgotten that he wouldn’t be where he is now if not for all his fans.

Throughout the film, there are countless scenes where Justin is “tweeting” to his fans about how he’s feeling or how disappointed he is that he has had to cancel a show due to illness. Also revealed is a practice that Bieber’s crew call “giving

back,” where they go out and give premium tickets to people who were unable to procure them by the concert date. I found that to be very humble of “The Biebz.”

All in all, I found “Never Say Never” to be a very enjoyable and enlightening film. It showed me that, even though Justin Beiber is ridiculously famous, he is still just like any other 16-yearold boy – aside from all the fame and wealth.

Granted, as a 16-year-old boy, that means that he can be a bit of douche at time and completely rebellious of the rules that are set toward him, but he’s alright for the most part.

And I will say that, while I may not have a raging case of “Bieber Fever,” I may have a small case of “Bieber sniffles” after watching this film.

Finding new music is something that I have developed into my own personal hobby. No matter how I come across it, through trial and error or by chance, it feels like an archeological find. As for the metalcore band Woe, Is Me, it was by listening to a cover of “Hot N Cold” (Katy Perry) on the Fearless Record’s Punk Goes Pop 3 album. After investigating further, the August 2010 release of their first full length album, “Number[s]” (Velocity/ Rise Records), revealed the true potential of this explosive band.

The heavy rhythms of this band matched with the technical guitar work and screaming vocals definitely drew me to this band, but every band need that “hook” that keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end, and Woe, Is Me’s secret weapon is the incredible clean vocals of Tyler Carter. The track “[&] Delinquents” is a great example of how Carter uses that golden voice of his, leading into the powerful support of screaming vocalist Michael Bohn. The vocals mix very well and are spot on throughout the album, made easy by the versatility of the rest of the band. If you have the fortune of listening to this album in a decent sound system rather than laptop speakers, use caution as this sound will probably kick you in the chest.

There are many good bands out there if you take the time to go out and find them; lucky for you I have the means to do that for you. Woe, Is Me proves that good music is still being made for those who want to listen outside the mainstream music box or like a little gasoline in their morning coffee. “Number[s]” is an album that doesn’t disappoint, so be sure to pick a copy up on iTunes or at HotTopic.

Former student uses comedy to stay sane The East Texan’s opinion editor Chancellor Mills recently had the opportunity to interview A&MCommerce alum and comedian Amber Bixby about her recently being selected to perform in the Women in Comedy Festival in Boston, Mass. The festival, which is in its third year, is designed as an event where comedians and comedy troupes from all over the country gather to perform as well as hold workshops and panel discussions with award-winning comedians.

sors. I had her for 3 separate classes and she’s just great. She was really supportive when I told her I did stand-up.

So, Amber, how exactly did it come about that you started doing standup comedy?

Not everything is 100 percent true.

You always want to embrace a little creativity. But the feelings are usually the same: frustration, feeling genuine depression or hopelessness. Stuff that everybody feels and maybe even if they haven’t gone through the same thing, maybe they’ll take from it the same emotion and it’ll help them realize that after a while you can laugh about it or gain something from it.

[Daniel Tosh] actually came to the campus and did his show, and I remember going to see the show and only like 50 people showing up.

I remember laughing so hard that I was crying and just really enjoying it, and that made me want to try it.

Was there anything or anybody here at A&M-Commerce who encouraged you or inspired you to do comedy?

I took a humor series class with Salvatore Attardo, who I think was the head of the English department at the time. And then I also took a creative writing class with Robin Reid, and that really made me want to start writing some different things. Also, another teacher who really encouraged me and always made me laugh is Cissy Akin. She was one of my Psychology profes-

Well, I have actually heard some of your stand-up comedy and I have to say that some of that stuff you talk about – like unplanned parenthood and your ex getting a restraining for you – is pretty depressing.

How do you come up with your material? Have all of these things actually happened to you?

I want to talk for a minute about the Women in Comedy Festival. From what I understand you are one of only three women from Austin to be selected to go the festival. How does that feel?

Getting into that festival means more to me than almost anything else I’ve ever done. It feels really, really good. There are moments in comedy when you doubt what you’re doing and that’s easy because everything is so subjective. It feels good to just feel like I’m on the right track.

A phrase that gets thrown around a lot with musicians, comedians and artists is “struggling artist.” Would you say that is an apt description of your comedy career?

I’m somehow making it okay right now, but it’s really hard. As hard as it is to get people to come out and see your band, I think it’s harder to get people to come out and see your comedy. The money isn’t why I do it. It’s not about money for me.

Anyone who gets into comedy for the money should rethink doing comedy. Obviously, there are ways that people could make it but I have to have a job.

If comedy isn’t paying the bills, why do you stick with it?

[Comedy] has become this thing now where it’s just a part of my life.

I need it more than I want it now. I need comedy; it’s my passion. After a good show or comedy news, I can’t sleep because I’m so excited and happy. For most it is a creative outlet, but for me, if I didn’t have comedy I would probably go insane.

If I go too long without writing or being on stage I start to stress and feel nervous. Comedy is what gets me through adversity. It just kind of comes from my heart. What helps me get through is to listen to other comics talk about stuff that’s real.

And that stuff ends up being what I write about.

COURTESY PHOTO EMILY HILLMAN

A&M-Commerce student Amber Bixby uses comedy as a way of dealing with issues in her life that would otherwise get her down.

sports

Page 8

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2010

www.theeasttexan.com

GRAYSON GRAVES/ THE EAST TEXAN

Junior Stefon Carson goes in for a layup against UCO player Tony Ross during the Lions’ 91-79 victory.

Lions upset top placed Bronchos JUSTIN CHEATHAM CO-SPORTS EDITOR The A&M- Commerce men’s basketball team toppled the University of Central Oklahoma Broncho’s Monday, Feb. 14 at home 91-79. This win brings the men’s team to a 6-2 conference and 16-6 overall record and breaks the Broncho’s 11-game winning streak.

“They hadn’t lost since before Christmas so we knew it would be tough but we’re just pretty good,” Head Coach Sam Walker said. “We really don’t think there is anybody in this country that can come into Commerce, Texas, and win. We probably need to get better at getting on a bus and going to win in other places.”

The Lions beat top placed UCO with a full team effort. Four A&M-Commerce players scored in the double digits; senior Tyris Dowell had 20, junior Brad Hambrick and junior Desmond King both had 13, and sophomore Andrew Davis scored 12 off the bench.

“What I like about the win more than anything is nobody played more than 30 minutes or less than 16 minutes,” Walker said. “All nine guys played hard, so what a team effort. And our leading scorer was a leading assist man. That’s a sign of a

mature team, that our guys are finding ways to be successful.”

Starting the second half down by almost twenty points, the Broncho’s had some major catching up to do and the Lions did not plan on making it easy.

“At halftime, I really told them that we didn’t play well enough, just because we are up by 20 we have to play better the second half than we did the first half,” Walker said. “And I really admit that because we had thirteen turnovers and they were 1-13 for three’s. I thought they were getting good shots, just missing them, and we were turning the ball over a lot. We had thirteen turnovers the second half and they shoot better then it’s going to be a game. And then that’s what happened, we continued to turn it over and they started making shots.”

Although UCO chopped the lead in half, the Lions showed why they are fearless competitors at home.

“We were just prepared to play,” Dowell said. “We came and we knew we had to bring our ‘A’ game because we knew they would bring their ‘A’ game, too. We were ready to play UCO the day we were supposed to play them on. We are always ready, always prepared to play.”

Women’s losing streak at nine JON MCDANIEL CO-SPORTS EDITOR The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s basketball team fell short against the second placed University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos, losing 84-65, despite a strong second half from the Lions By the end of the first half, the Bronchos were up 44-18, but Head Coach Nicole Anderson said that the team decided to come out swinging in the second half.

“There were no halftime adjustments, our kids did it, they made a decision to play hard and aggressive, ” Anderson said. “There were no adjustments; they were doing what we were supposed to do.”

Anderson believes that, despite the team’s record. they are one of the toughest teams to beat.

“We’re a really talented team when we leave it all out there, we’re really hard to beat,” Anderson said. “It’s just a learning process for us, so learning that we got to start a game just as aggressively as we started out the second half of this game.

When we hold a team that’s perennially top 25 in the country to just 19 points in a

half, then we’re a capable team.”

Senior guard Mattilyn McIntyre, who scored a season high 34 points, said the Lions were ready to fight in the second half.

“We just really decided to turn up the fight and not to lay down,” she said. “I guess the last few minutes of the first half we laid down but we picked it up in the second half and decided to defend our home court.”

McIntyre believes that the team needs to start their games like they finished the second half against Central Oklahoma.

“We can’t wait until the second half to play and to get physical with them. We have to start at the beginning to fight and push back and to never give up.”

The A&M-Commerce women’s basketball team played their first match out of four in a seven-day period.

“We got to rest a little bit and we’re tough though, we’re mentally tough,” Anderson said. “Our practices are harder than the games we play so they’re prepared for that ,and we just need to make sure that our minds and our bodies are into those practices and make sure they drink plenty of fluids.”

Lions Sports Week

JON MCDANIEL/THE EAST TEXAN

Texas A&M University-Commerce students run on the track as they prepare for the first meet of the year on Feb. 19 in Commerce. The track season runs from this month until the beginning of May.

Runners prepare for new season JON MCDANIEL CO-SPORTS EDITOR The Texas A&M University-Commerce men and women’s track and field season starts with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Dual Invitational Meet on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Commerce.

The first two meets of the season will take place in Commerce. The second meet will be on Saturday Feb. 26 against the University of Texas at Tyler and Southwestern Christian University.

“I believe that the first two meets are a good warm up for the team, so that the majority of our freshman team isn’t too psyched out once they are confronted with a college meet,” Senior Kate Donovan said. “It also gives a chance for the returning runners to get the kinks out and feel more prepared for the rest of the season.

It’s going to be a great season with great people, great athletes, great coaches, and a great time to become a force to be reckoned with.”

Track and field is a longer season compared to the runners competing in cross country during the fall. Track and field lasts from February until May and ends with the Lone Star Conference Championships in Stephenville, Texas, on May 5-8 and the Division II National NCAA Championships in Turlock, CA from May 26-28.

“In my opinion the big-

gest difference between cross country and track and field is the rat race part,” Donovan said.

“You always seem to going nowhere fast. There are also more people on the track team so there are more opportunities to have fun and enjoy your season.”

Junior Carolyn Bell says the team has been working hard preparing for the season.

“Well, the last week, we were inside on the treadmills, elliptical, and bikes,” Bell said. “But other than that, we’ve been training at high mileage for track season. The first race is Feb. 19 and we are just really looking to see where we are at. Distance wise, we’ve been getting in some good long runs such as 14-to17 milers. On the track we’ve had some good speed workouts. Today I believe we are doing 400 repeats. So that should be pretty speedy.”

Bell said that every team member trains a little differently than one another.

“Personally, I am focusing on the 5K this season,” Bell said. “So it should be interesting to gage where I am fitness wise at our first meet. I know Kate Donovan is focusing on the steeplechase and Jennifer Speer is focusing on the 5K also. Coach said he would throw us in some other races as well like I expect to run the 10K once this year and probably the 1500-meter dash once as well. On the guy’s side, there are a lot

What’s up, Sports?

Did winter ‘break’ hurt or help basketball?

Thurs.

Feb. 17

Friday Feb. 18

Saturday Feb. 19

@ Cameron 7 p.m.

@ Cameron 5 p.m.

Sunday Feb. 20

Monday Feb. 21

v.Southeastern Oklahoma 8 p.m.

v. Southeastern Oklahoma 6 p.m.

Tuesday Feb. 22

Wed. Feb. 23

@ Texas Woman’s 7 p.m.

Lon Morris Dual All Day

JON MCDANIEL

JUSTIN CHEATHAM

While many of the Texas A&M University-Commerce students won’t be complaining about missing any of the school days these past two weeks because of the weather, the basketball teams have had to move around their schedule which could have a negative impact on the rest of the season.

With the A&M-Commerce women’s team playing four teams in such a short time span, it makes you wonder how you prepare for all the teams. I would assume that it would put much more stress on the studentathletes with such a busy week balancing both school and practice. I would think it would be extremely difficult for any coach to properly prepare the defenses to face the many different styles of offensive that the other teams can attack with. Luckily, travel shouldn’t be a factor since only one game out of four will be on the road during that fourgame stretch when they travel to Denton, Texas to face the Texas Women’s University Pioneers on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

With all of the delays due to all the wintery weather and a tough schedule, things won’t get any easier for the Lions for the rest of the season.

The wintry weather caused the Lions to miss two games in as many weeks, and also gave them a much needed rest.

If the student athletes have a schedule anything like mine, then the two weeks of re-scheduled games was a break to revitalize the body and mind.

Missing two weeks of school, and also basketball practice, should have the same effect as a spa day on the overworked athletes. The student athletes have to keep their grades at a certain level to remain on scholarship and the basketball team.

This, along with work outside of school, can drain a person mentally which leads to poor mental processing during a game, a drop in physical output for the players, and can also lead to sickness and injury. Injury has already made the only senior on the roster, Tyris Dowell.

Hel missed a Jan. 22 game against the then second placed team in the LSC North, Northeastern State University that the

of 3K, 5K, and 10K runners and a couple 1500meter dash/steeplers.”

Sophomore Craig Shelton believes the men’s team can win a championship despite having to practice in such cold weather for the last week.

“Track and field practice is hard but it will all be worth it in the end,” Shelton said. “We all expect to go to nationals.

That’s everyone’s goal on the track team. And for me, it is to also set a personal record or get my best time in my events.

Lately the practices have been really cold but after warming up, you barely even notice it anymore.”

Donovan said she is excited to be a part of her final season with the new runners on the team.

“For the upcoming season, we have many new faces most of which are each great athletes in themselves,” Donovan said. “Through the season, I’m hopeful to see each member bring in their own expertise to help further the team.

Unfortunately, this is my first and last season with Coach Schneider. I know as for the cross country team most all athletes went out with a bang which leaves me that much more excited for the upcoming track season. He is both a hands on yet stand-offish kind of coach. His techniques are definitely progressive and everyone seems to be very excited and respectful of how he runs things.”

Lions barley walked away with in a 77-75 victory.

However, after the break the men’s team played Northeastern again, with Dowell and a week off, and defeated the same team 76-55.

Another thing the unscheduled break gave the Lions is time to catch up on schoolwork. With the semester just hitting stride, the classes have just begun giving out homework and long-term assignments when the “snowpocalypse” hit north Texas.

Being stuck inside for several days with nothing to do leaves college kids two options; drinking or doing homework. With the weather not permitting so much as a venture to the grocery store, students were left with only reserves of liquor and beer. Most of the student athletes are housed on campus, further diminishing the chances of alcohol being on hand when the storms hit. Boring as it may seem, this break probably helped students academically more than it hurt..

The break provided the Lions with a much needed break from the stresses of everyday college life with the largest consequence being a rescheduling.