The East Texan: April 1, 2010

PAGE 6 Alkaline Trio brings punk to ballroom

The The East East Tex Texan

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Chemistry lab catches fire

Lab damaged after scheduled power outage Amanda goodman staff writer

Advanced chemistry lab 306 in the Science Building caught fire Monday, March 15, destroying fume hoods and causing both ceiling and water damage due to the sprinkler system going off.

Campus Facilities had scheduled a power outage for the Science Building from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on March 15, which was designed to find out which equipment was not operable when the generators were needed.

“When we lost power in the past, there were some things that were not working,” Assistant Director of Campus Facilities Mark Giossi said.

According to the head of the Chemistry Department Dr. Stephen Starnes, a flask containing some type of chemical was left in the lab and possibly could have caused the fire when the power was restored at approximately 11 a.m.

There was no one in the lab during the outage.

“This was an unfortunate accident, because the lab and the research was very productive,” Starnes said. “We do

not know how it ignited. We can only speculate at this point.”

According to Giossi, the Facilities staff followed all standards before powering down the building. All administration was aware of the shut-off and was also supposed to follow standards and precautions during the test.

“It is a new building, so the fire was contained due to the concrete floors on each level, and the sprinklers also came on,” Physics Lab Coordinator John Dorrough said.

Dorrough arrived on the scene the following day to view the lab. He said

the only effects on the lower floors were some water damage and replaceable tiles.

Starnes said activities taking place in the lab, 306, will be moved to another lab, so students and faculty can continue their research.

“The process will be difficult, but they will carry on,” he said.

Because of t hese events, t he science administration will hold a safety and precautions briefing for all labs i n t he bu i ld i ng , bot h for teac h i ng and research.

Caribbean night attracts limber students

Chief wants students to get involved with volunteer fire fighting Heather pilkington

staff writer

Commerce Fire Chief Brian McNevin wants to put a proposal together to encourage university st udent s to pa r t ic ipate as volunteer firefighters.

The funding would allow students to participate in the Commerce Volunteer Fire Department and receive funding for school in the process.

“I proposed to t he (Commerce) City Council last October to apply for the Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program,” McNevin said. “The idea is to create a National Volunteer Fire Fighter Fire Corp here in Commerce and gear the program to the university and use the program as a JESSICA RUSH / THE EAST TEXAN recruitment tool.”

The grant would give Students participate in a limbo competition Mar. 23 at Caribbean night. The event is held once a year and gives students a chance to experience Caribbean culture in the areas of music, food and dance. The event featured foods such as jerk chicken, rice and beans, and empanadas. f u nds to st udent s who choose to participate as volunteer firefighters in Commerce. According to t he Internat ional Association of Fire Fighters, the SAFER grant program was created to prov ide for the motorcycle f u ndi ng to f i re departHeather pilkington operators. ments for hiring additional staff writer This solution is fire fighters to help meet designed not only as staffing requirements.

A proposal has been presenta cost effective way “My goal is to repreed by a Texas A&M Universityto create more parksent the grant, which is Commerce student that would ing for students who offered through the departcreate parking spaces on campus do not ride motorcyment of Homeland Security strictly for motorcycles. cles, but also to help and f unds t he program “If we had designated motor- encourage students for four years, and then cycle parking, it would allow us by providing closer the city would pick up the to put three to four motorcycles parking to building costs on the fifth year,” to one spot, freeing up two or entrances to ride McNevin said. three parking spaces in each their motorcycles to The money from t he lot, ” sophomore political science school rather than grant would act like a scholmajor Coby Marcum said. “The drive their cars arship for the student. parking lots are already crowdor truck.

“I think we could get ed, so it’s important that we “Motorcycle students interested if we BECCA WHITT / THE EAST TEXAN utilize the space efficiently.” parking at Texas offered something like this This proposal could also A&M UniversityA student’s motorcycle sits in the New Pride Apartments’ parking lot. Currently there are no designated that could help pay for their spaces on campus for motorcycles belonging to students or staff. reduce the number of motorcycle Commerce would tuition for their service,” thefts. According to Marcum, show our university he said. motorcycle thefts are common to be a progressive organization would also benefit the signatures in support of the proJoining the Volunteer because it is easy for someone to of higher education that supenvironment. posal to add motorcycle Fire Department is more steal a motorcycle. ports cleaner air and less depen“I think this is a good idea parking spaces. than just going on calls “It’s just not difficult to toss dence upon foreign oil through for the campus in an effort to “Of the estimated 82 people to fires. one into the back of a truck and the support of motorcycles as promote the use of more fuel who I asked personally, only two “The goal of any firedrive off,” Marcum said. economic forms of student trans- efficient vehicles that reduce the did not support the proposal,” fighter is to provide service Placing the motorcycle portation,” Marcum said. impact on our environment,” Marcum said. “The other 22 to the community; there are parking in regularly traveled More motorcycles would junior art major Val Curry said. signatures were received from a lot of requirements and areas and closer to buildings is mean less cars on campus acMarcum’s preparation for fellow motorcyclist on campus. changes to keep up with,” intended to provide more safety cording to Marcum, which the forum included 102 student See MOTORCYCLES page 3 See VOLUNTEER page 3

Student looks to create motorcycle parking

Thursday H: 78 L: 60

Friday H: 76 L: 54

Saturday H: 68 L: 50

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Page 2

OPINION

Thursday, April 1, 2010

www.theeasttexan.com

Above the Law Watson’s Waistline: Social sites contain dangers

JOSH LAW STAFF WRITER In this increasingly technological world, the Internet is at the forefront of technology used to bring us closer together. Nearly every person I know is a member of a social networking site like Facebook or MySpace and the ability to look into someone’s life through these sites is definitely there.

Many people get on these social sites because they want to keep in contact with friends and family or want to express themselves in a venue where others can see. The problem comes in when someone posts something on your wall or tags you in a photo that is not exactly positive. On a site like Facebook, there is not a lot you can do to remove a photo you are tagged in.

There are many reasons one might not want certain photos or comments about their behavior to be made public information, but one of the most important is for your career.

If you go to look for a job, certain companies actually go out and search the Internet for information about you.

This includes the aforementioned social sites.

Remember this: once something is on the Internet, it has the potential to be there forever.

If an employer sees photos of you drinking beer, smoking cigarettes

or even sees derogatory comments on your wall, it can cost you the position.

Even something as small as having your religious or political views available on your site can have an effect on whether you get or keep a job.

Aside from the issue of these companies finding out what you have been doing, it can affect your personal life as well. I cannot count the number of times I have heard stories about an angry ex who got the password of someone and has read their messages or seen certain photos they were not supposed to. This can ruin relationships, hurt feelings and leave you with a feeling of being violated.

This brings me to my second point about personal reputation versus your online reputation and how people perceive you.

For example, if you are in a position in life such as a journalist where you are supposed to be unbiased, having your opinions about political elections or other controversial issues posted on your site could alienate readers or cause you to be challenged about your reliability and integrity.

With online life progressing so rapidly now, our real world personalities and lives can be affected greatly by these networking sites. We must begin thinking about preventative maintenance of these “online personalities” and try to clean them up a little for the sake of our lives in the real world.

Think about whom you choose to allow access to your information and exactly what content there is on your site that could hurt you in the end.

Editorial: Arrests can be prevented with initiative When students discover that police officers can take students out of class and arrest them for outstanding warrants, they are often outraged. They think there should be other, more discreet ways for the police to apprehend offenders, and the classroom should somehow be out of bounds.

However, though it can be embarrassing and disruptive, laws must be enforced, and warrant officers only use methods like in-class arrests when students fail to resolve their situation after being given multiple chances to do so. Simply put, it should never have to come to that, and students have no one to blame but themselves.

Nobody likes getting a ticket, and nobody likes having to shell out what can be hundreds of dollars to clear their names, especially on a student’s budget. The law is the law, and we all have to suffer for our transgressions.

The money generated by tickets pays for a lot of services for their respective cities, and city courts offer many alternative methods and payment plans to accommodate you if you find yourself in that unfortunate situation.

Pay your tickets, cops won’t pull you out of class and you stay out of jail. It’s not rocket science.

Note: These opinions are a collaborative effort reflecting the editorial board of The East Texan.

The East Texan, official student newspaper of Texas A&M 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 do not necessarily reflect the 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 and must include a signature, classification (grade level) and telephone number. Mailing address is The East Texan, P.O. Box 4011 Commerce, Texas 75428.

Willpower breaks JARED WATSON ONLINE EDITOR I counted down the days to the beginning of spring break this semester with equal amounts of excitement and dread.

I knew I’d be going to Austin, playing a ton of disc golf and enjoying a lot of time with some old friends.

However, I knew I’d be putting myself at risk of undoing a lot of the hard work I’ve done eating right and exercising, because I’d be blocks away from my favorite restaurant in the world.

I knew I’d be close to Torchy’s Tacos.

As anyone who has been on a diet knows, nothing is more potentially damaging to your success than vacations. The entire purpose of vacations is to relieve the stress of months of work by throwing caution to the wind,

cutting loose and enjoying yourself. That idea is completely opposed to the discipline and willpower needed to force down a tasteless salad every day for lunch.

That’s not entirely true, of course, as I’ve mentioned; I’ve found a lot of meals around town that taste great and are really healthy. But the idea of eating right on vacation just seemed like I wasn’t enjoying all the things I loved about Austin. I felt I was punishing myself.

So, needless to say, my eating habits went down the toilet in Austin.

I learned Torchy’s Taco of the Month was something called the “Ace of Spades”: a combination of jalapeno sausage, brisket, a fried egg, sour cream, shredded cheese, queso fresco, green chile queso and Diablo sauce.

There was no way I wasn’t getting in on

Grylls survival contains very impractical reality

CHANCELLOR MILLS CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR When it comes to television, I like to consider myself a man of somewhat distinguished tastes.

Granted, I do watch my share of cartoons and other juvenile shows; however, the one television show that I must say I am most ashamed of watching has got to be Man vs. Wild.

For those of you lucky enough to have never viewed this annoying informative reality-based show, Man vs. Wild is a show in which Bear Grylls, a British adventurer with some UK Special Forces training, is dropped into some horrible inhospitable location and shows viewers how to survive.

As I said, Man vs. Wild is a show that, if I found myself stranded in the Mohave Desert anytime in the near future, I would have received the information necessary to survive.

However, I think the premise is quite impractical. I can’t speak for the rest of Americans, but I rarely find myself in desolate, inhospitable areas due to some unfortunate yachting accident.

For a few reasons, my biggest problem with Bear Grylls and his show is that they are still on the air.

First, Bear Grylls is a maniac with military training and apparently no care for the environments he often destroys while trying to survive. Now, I’m not a “tree hugger” or environmental activist by any stretch of the imagination. However, when I

go camping, I do not kill innocent creatures for my sustenance. I have seen Grylls bite the head off of a squid, eat the eyeballs of a fish, snack on the carcass of an expired zebra and a flurry of other unspeakable atrocities. I, for one, do not enjoy the feeling of nausea that accompanies each episode.

Second, how often do viewers find themselves in a situation where they have to survive on a shipwrecked freighter in the middle of the Indian Ocean? I have yet to see a news report where a man has survived in the African Savannah for three days because he just happened to catch that particular episode.

The third, and probably biggest, reason Man vs. Wild should be cancelled is because, going into the sixth season, Bear Grylls seems to be running out environments in which to survive. I happened to flip onto the Discovery Channel recently and catch part of an episode in which Bear was dropped into an abandoned warehouse district in urban Europe.

I was quite flabbergasted to watch as Grylls took refuge in an overturned car, set elaborate traps to catch rats for dinner and snacked on pigeon eggs, all the while completely overlooking the Motel 6 and Wendy’s franchises conveniently located around the corner.

I will continue to tune in to Man vs. Wild as much as possible, for two reasons. The first reason being that it is quite informative and interesting to watch. And the second reason I’ll continue to watch is in hope of catching an episode in which Bear Grylls dives into the Pacific Ocean from a helicopter and then a narrator will come on to say that he was “never seen or heard from again.”

The East East Tex Texan an The Established 1915 JAMES BRIGHT Editor JESSICA RUSH Managing Editor

JARED WATSON ONLINE Editor

ADAM TROXTELL Sports Editor

BECCA WHITT Photo Editor

CHANCELLOR MILLS CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

MEGAN CAREY ARTS SCENE Editor

MELISSA ARCHER STAFF CARTOONIST

Torchy’s Taco of the Month was a Mexican medley of sausage, brisket, sour cream, cheese, queso, topped off with a fried egg.

that action.

Plus, the fact I was sleeping on friends’ couches meant I was at the mercy of the group when dinner came around. When everybody in the house wants pizza, nobody wants to be the guy that says, “No, we can’t do that; I’m on a diet,” especially when they are kind enough to let you share their house.

So, yeah, it’s a setback.

When I stepped on the scale Monday morning, I saw in cold, hard numbers how much damage I did. I gained back all but five of the pounds I’d lost.

In a way, though, it was

kind of encouraging. I was still slimmer than when I started, and, if I got right back on the horse, I could immediately start back on the road to slimdom.

Diets are a process.

Nobody is strong enough to make a drastic change like this without expecting to slip up every now and then. Really, it’s a lot like life. You have to accept that every once in a while you’re going to screw up. What’s important is not trying to avoid mistakes, but making sure the setbacks don’t stop you from reaching your ultimate goal.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The East Texan welcomes readers to voice their own opinions. Send an email to the editor at theeasttexan@gmail.com or comment on an article at theeasttexan.com. Content may be edited for length.

Response to gunman killed....

The picture of the dead body on the first page of the East Texan is disturbing, disgusting, and wrong. I am pretty sure everyone understood what happened without this visual to haunt peoples thoughts. When is the East Texan going to start thinking about what the viewers may want to read/see instead of your own sick and twisted crap.

--John Tabblebrook

Response to gunman killed....

Let’s talk about ETHICS for a second.

The body was not that of a victim of the shooter, it was the shooter himself. If it had been a victim, that would been a breach of ethics. Since it was not, no ethical dilemma exists. Would you call what the shooter did ethical? He shot an off-duty police officer and fired random shots at a Walmart, endangering lives there. He also fired shots from a bridge in Greenville.

Does that sound like the actions of an ethical person?

I would not say so in any society that his actions of an ethical person. So, in my opinion, the East Texan and its staff were correct in publishing the picture.

--Rhett Davison

Response to SGA GIves....

SGA members-- all officers, senators, and members-should commit to conducting one personal 10-minute survey of a fellow students EVERY DAY of their terms of office. You’re assured of getting responses, as it’s a one-on-one survey. You’re able to “connect” with individual students in a way they’ve never seen from SGA. The American Student Government Association (www.asgaonline.com) tracks SGA initiatives like this.

I urge your SGA to join.

--Butch Oxendine

Quotes out of context “Oh, what’s this? I’m going to lick it,” Jared Watson, Online Editor “Is it that crazy invisible gum?” James Bright, Editor “He’s Old Faithful. He blows a geezer, I mean a geyser,” Megan Carey, Art Scene Editor “It’s past nine. Can we still get orange juice?”

Jessica Rush, Managing Editor

CONTACT

903-886-5985

www.theeasttexan.com

theeasttexan@gmail.com facebook.com/pages/The-East-Texan-Online twitter.com/TheEastTexan ADVERTISING: chancellor mills

214-564-0633

Fred Stewart Faculty Adviser fred_stewart@tamu-commerce.edu

www.theeasttexan.com

news

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Page 3

Police crack down on outstanding warrants JESSICA RUSH MANAGING EDITOR The state of Texas and the Commerce Police Department are beginning t hei r a n nua l wa r ra nt roundup, and st udents should be aware if their name is on the list.

Th e r e i s a c om mo n misconception that a person with a warrant out for their arrest is safe as long as they stay away from the city where the ticket was given.

Ac c or d i ng t o Com merce Municipal Court Judge Demet ra Robi ns o n , p e o pl e l e a r n t h e hard way that they can be picked up in any city as they are led away in handcuffs, sometimes in front of friends, family and coworkers.

A wa r ra nt i s a n orde r f r om t h e c o u r t t o go get someone; so being in a classroom does not mean immunity for the person.

In the past, the University Police Department has arrested students out of classrooms for having a warrant.

“Typically we’ll call

them out of the classroom; it has to do with safety,” UPD Lt. Jason Bone said.

“A nybody who ha s let it go to warrant has had multiple chances to take care of something.”

Pulling a student out of class is generally reserved for serious cases where the person has refused to cooperate; however, U PD may a l so co ord inate with CPD in visiting residence halls to pick up wanted persons.

Once a rrested, CPD ca n take t he person to Hu nt Cou nt y for a rra ig n ment s, or i f t hey are wanted in an adjoining county, they will meet the other agency at the county line.

“We work with other agencies, because t hey work w it h u s,” C PD Wa r r a n t O f f i c e r A l e x Suarez said.

Suarez said the easiest thing to do is pay for the original ticket or figure out arrangements wit h the court before it is let go to warrant, which can end up doubling or tripling the fine. In addition to fees tacked on to the f irst t icket, t he person

may lose driving privileges and then can be arrested for driving with a suspended license.

CPD is encourag i ng p eople w it h out st a nding tickets or a warrant out of the city of Commerce to contact t he municipal court.

Sometimes the violator has options such as defer red adjud icat ion, t a k i ng a d r iver sa fet y course or doing community service if they lack the income to pay for the ticket outright.

“We work with people,” Suarez said. “Our objective is not to throw people i n jail. Our objective is to clear these warrants and get people to comply.”

The municipal court is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday to work to get people on track for paying off tickets and warrants and from being arrested in class, at work or at home.

“It ’s a n e m ba r ra s s ment that you can save yourself,” Suarez said.

Courtesy Photo Commerce Police Department officers will be arresting people with outstanding warrants regardless of the county where the ticket was given. Police have said they will arrest students even if they are in class.

...volunteer fighters wanted CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CFD Captain Joe Pretre said. “Seventy-five percent to eighty-five percent is EMT work and the other twenty-five percent is answering fire calls.”

The Volunteer Fire Depa r t me nt Re s olut ion’s purpose is to provide a minimum of two person-

nel on 75 percent of the requests for assistance on incidents. Volunteers must successfully complete the training requirements for the State Fireman’s and Fire Marshals Association of Texas Introductory Fi ref ig ht i ng Cer t i f ication Training Program, as well as successf ully complete 20 hours of con-

tinuing education annually in accordance with Commerce Fire Fighter’s department policies.

As it stands now, volu nt e er f i r ef ig ht er s do r e c eive money for t he calls they participate in.

Commerce has budgeted $700 a month to pay the volunteer firefighters for the calls they make.

...motorcycle spaces needed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BECCA WHITT / THE EAST TEXAN Senator Nick Dizer speaks during a Student Government Association meeting. Last week the SGA met to discuss plans regarding a summer leadership summit.

The students surveyed were of different majors, classifications, genders and ethnic backgrounds representing a very di-

verse student body.”

With Marcum’s survey he was able to estimate the approval rate for this program to be between 95 and 98 percent.

“I’ve been hearing a

lot of bu zz on ca mpus about motorcycle parki ng.” c ou n s el i ng g rad student Veldon Lockhart said. “I think it’s a good idea and I think the proposal will get passed.”

SGA discusses upcoming leadership opportunity AMANADA JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Student Government Association is in the planning stages of attending a summer leadership summit, an idea spearheaded

by Coordinator of Leadership & Student Organizations Connie Kercher.

The summer leadership summit program is in its seventh year and is dedicated to enhanci ng leadersh ip sk i l ls among students.

“This program is really about getting the top leaders on our campus to develop individually,” Kercher said. “We don’t advertise for the program, because we present the opportunity only to those leaders on campus who are serious and want to get something from it.”

The su m m it ta kes place during the summer before school begins in order to aid in enhancing leadership qualities and growth through collaboration and learning. There is an online application that asks for two references and essays.

“The essays are really what we base acceptance

into the leadership program on,” graduate student Andra Bickel said.

“There is usually a lot of compet it ion, so it is important that students do n ’t t a k e t h e e s s ay s lightly and really focus on their writing.”

The summit will take place Aug. 20-22 in Pottsboro, Texas at Lake Texoma. The cost for attendance is $25 per student and the university will provide transportation.

The students will stay in cabins with their assigned group and will get to participate in various leadership activities throughout the weekend.

“This really is an intense t hree day retreat to build skills for the future,” Kercher said. “It is a g reat oppor t u n it y to discover yourself as a n i n d i v i du a l a n d a s a leader.”

SGA senators attend many leadership conferences throughout the year to build on their skills.

The summer leadership su m m it is a not her op por t u n it y for senators to learn skills they can br i n g bac k a nd ap ply on campus.

“Th is is a g reat op port u n it y for all organizations to take part in but especially for SGA senators,” SGA President Michelle Tolbert said.

There is another leadership opportunity in Ft. Worth. The College Leadership Day is being hosted

by Blazing the Trail at the Omni Hotel on April 24.

Every third year, the program comes to Dallas to provide college st udents with the chance to attend workshops intended to develop st udents into effective community leaders, post graduation.

At t he event, t here are many Fortune 500 compan ies t hat part icipate and are there to provide net work ing opport unities. This event is available to all students, and costs $25.

“Texas A&M Universit y- Com merce will be host i ng t he event next year, so this year is really about finding out what we can do to improve it next year,” Kercher said. “It is important for the future of the university that students take advantage of these opportunities.”

JESSICA RUSH/ THE EAST TEXAN A dancer uses Jamaican style during Caribbean Night. The high school troupe performed twice throughout the event accompanied by upbeat music to the delight of onlookers.

Page 4

Ca mpus Life

Thursday, April 1, 2010

www.theeasttexan.com

The East Texan staff stands outside of the Inn of the Hills Convention Center. The conference included universities from across the state.

2010 TIPA Results

Three A&M-Commerce students celebrate the A&M-Commerce football team at the Harvey Martin Classic last semester. A group of students consisting of members from various student organizations will attempt to revive various university traditions.

Students plan to bring back traditions HEATHER PILKINGTON STAFF WRITER

Traditions on the campus of A&M-Commerce almost seem to be something of the past.

Therefore, a small group of students from the Residence Hall Association and other organizations have come together to try bring back a few customs to the university.

Bringing back traditions is important, according to freshman special education major Carol Lambe.

“Traditions are made to keep going, which is why they are called traditions,” she said.

These recently forgotten rituals include blue and gold Wednesday, making the East Circle the place for events, and helping the university reclaim weekends on campus.

Since students came back from the fall semester, blue and gold Wednesdays have just been another Wednesday.

Even last semester,

those celebrating were few and far between.

According to Residence Hall Association communication coordinator Candace Foots, bringing back blue and gold Wednesdays would require getting students involved.

“In order to get students involved we need to work on marketing the events to students better,” she said.

“We have come up with a few marketing ideas such as banners, signs, T-shirts, and finding a way to get information about events to students like a week in advance, instead of the day of the event.”

Bringing back blue and gold Wednesday could offer the students on campus something to look forward to.

In this revised version, students would purchase T-shirts, where different classifications of students would have different colors. Organizations could pair off and host events with competitions.

One example, present-

ed by Associate Director of Bands Scott Atchison, is to have students compete to write lyrics for the school’s fight song.

Atchison also stressed the need for communication between the RHA and other groups on campus, like the Harvey Martin Classic Committee, who are all working towards the same goal: getting students involved on campus.

Spirit rallies are another idea to help bring back events to The East Circle.

The goal is to help recognize some of the athletic teams on campus, especially those that do not usually get a lot of extra attention.

“The struggle in doing this is that the traffic is not centered around The East Circle anymore, because all the traffic that used to be there has now been moved over with the new student center,” Foots said.

The idea of yell leaders came from former mascot and executive

Vice President of RHA Jerrod Williams.

“The yell leaders would be spirit leaders who teach chants during orientation,” he said. “Most often yell leaders would be guys who would also run the flag during touchdowns at home football games.”

The last tradition the RHA is attempting to reclaim is encouraging students to stay on campus during the weekend.

“Since this is a commuter school, not much happens on the weekends,” Foots said. “If we could get something started the attendance would be low at first, but I think it would spread through the word of mouth. If I am the only person on my floor to attend something then perhaps if I say I had a good time, I could get others to stay for the next event and so on.”

The biggest key to bringing back these traditions on campus is communication not only with students but between organizations.

(From left to right) Eddie Payne, L-3 vice president and chief of operations; Jack Cooke, L-3 senior vice president; and Frank Brandon, L-3 director of research and development stand in front of A&M-Commerce’s new supercomputer, obtained through L-3 Communications in Greenville.

University acquires new supercomputer JARED WATSON ONLINE EDITOR Texas A&M UniversityCommerce recently acquired a new supercomputer thanks to a partnership with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems Group in Greenville.

According to a press release by the university, the computer is a 1920 core Nvidia Tesla personal GPU. GPU computing is the use of a GPU

(graphics processing unit) to do general purpose scientific and engineering computing, according to NVIDIA’s official Web site.

The computer will be used for scientific research and modeling problems.

“The Nvidia GPU computer has a theoretical peak performance of 616 gigaflops (a billion operations per second) double precision, or up to 7.5 teraflops (a trillion operations per second) single precision,”

head of the computer science and information systems department Dr. Sang Suh said.

The computer was purchased via a donation provided by L-3.

“L-3 gave us an equipment grant in the amount of $25,000 last fall,” Suh said.

A&M-Commerce and L-3 are also working on collaborative research and are expected to continue working on a five-year vision and consortium to

expand academic programs in the computer science department.

“This consortium will also help us with our new Ph.D. program in computational science which is being proposed this semester,” Suh said. “We strongly hope this new proposal for the Ph.D. program will be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in early fall.”

Awards 1st place Critical Review 1st place Editorial 1st place Feature Photo 1st place News Photo 2nd place Overall Excellence 2nd place Sports Page Design 2nd place Sports Feature Story 2nd place Illustration 2nd place Feature Page Design 2nd place Page One Design 3rd place In-Depth Reporting 3rd place Sports News Story HM Critical Review HM News Writing

Winners Jared Watson East Texan editors Daniel Mendenhall Amanda Chafe East Texan staff Adam Troxtell Adam Troxtell Melissa Archer James Bright James Bright James Bright Caleb Slinkard Megan Carey Jessica Rush

From March 24-27, editors, staff writers and photographers attended the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in Kerrville, Texas. East Texan staffers won a total of 14 awards in both on-site and previously-published content while competing in Division 3. All previously-published contest entries are from the spring and fall 2009.

Clay Club sells their artwork to pay for ceramic conference CHANCE CRANE STAFF WRITER A&M–Commerce art students held a fundraiser before they go to a ceramics conference later this month.

On March 25, the Clay Club held their spring fundraiser to help pay for 12 art students to go to the 44th Annual NCECA Conference (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) in Philadelphia on March 31.

The fundraiser was held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on March 25, last Thursday.

“There is a lot of community support for the ceramics program,” Art Department Head Joseph Daun said. “The Clay Club holds two fundraisers a year and each raises a significant amount of money that helps underwrite the club’s activities. The Club raises between $2,000 and $3,000 through these fundraisers and it all goes to the students.”

Daun stated that more students are going to the conference this year and will possibly have to pay more than usual for the costs of the trip.

“Usually between Clay Club income and the student government, the students have had to cover only about 25 percent of the costs,” he said. “The Clay Club received some donations this year so hopefully the students can raise at least $1,500 so that they are not saddled with too many expenses.”

Students and faculty members make all of the items sold at the fundraiser. The Clay Club’s fundraiser in the fall concentrated on drinking vessels and teapots.

The fundraiser event this semester focused on planters.

“The students attending the conference are responsible to organize funds,” faculty adviser to the Clay

Club Barbara Frey said.

“For the fundraiser, students make stuff out of clay and their ceramic works are then sold.”

The ceramic conference is a three day event held for a variety of people worldwide that are interested in the subject.

“The most significant benefit of the ceramic conference is that it showcases many exhibitions,” Frey said. “Usually the students only get to see reproductions, but this conference allows art students to see the exhibitions in person.”

The conference draws in students, educators and artists on an international scale. Frey noted that the conference tries to keep the guests and keynote speakers diverse.

The keynote speaker for this year will be Terry Gross, award-winning host of National Public Radio’s Fresh Air. “At the conference, students will get to meet all the famous people in the media,” Frey said. “It can usually be anyone from any field of work because we don’t go to the conference just to hear about ceramics. The conference makes it a point to bring in the big players in the world at large.”

The city of Philadelphia will also play a part in the ceramic conference. A bus tour will take art students throughout the city to see local exhibitions.

“The local institutions that host the conference generally provide tours of facilities and demonstrations of a ceramics process such as a new glazing technique,” Daun said.

Daun thinks that the conference has a positive effect on the students that attend.

“I know of students that decided to pursue ceramics in graduate school because of their participation in the NCECA conference,” he said.

www.theeasttexan.com

Ca Campus mpus Life Life

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Page 5

With a rise in recent media reportage, the number of people purchasing marijuana has slowed to a degree.

Press coverage leads to scarcity in drugs Each link in the chain, representing students’ nice gestures towards one another, is hung in the cafeteria of CHS by principal Virdie Montgomery.

Principal named Citizen of the Year JESSICA RUSH MANAGING EDITOR

Commerce High School principal Virdie Montgomery is a businessman, but not in the normal sense of the word. He is a businessman because he makes the high school experience of students his business.

“They know when they come here the expectations are high, but we want to create memories for these high school kids,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, who came to Commerce two years ago after serving as an assistant principal at Wylie High School, said he wants to create an environment in his school that is rewarding and where relationships are emphasized.

The biggest change he has brought CHS has been through the avenue of the Rachel’s Challenge program.

Montgomery was first put in charge of it at Wylie, and, because of the success of the nationally recognized program, brought it with him to Commerce.

“It had a major impact on that campus,” he said.

“Whenever we brought that in, it just made all the

kids aware of each other and kindness.”

Rachel’s Challenge began, not only as a tribute to Rachel Scott, the first victim in the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School, but also as a way to promote tolerance and compassion in schools.

The evidence of the Friends of Rachel Club and its commitment to kindness can be seen strung across the CHS cafeteria. When a high school student recognizes another’s nice gesture a link is draped around the ceiling.

Now, the chain link wraps around three-fourths of the cafeteria, but Montgomery said the school’s goal is to see the link make a complete circle.

According to Jodee Anderson, who works closely with Montgomery as the school’s library media specialist, there has been a visible change in the students since his arrival.

“They care more about each other,” she said. “It’s really neat. It’s thinking of others.”

Montgomery has also seen a marked change in many students’ outlooks on volunteering.

“I’ve got kids that will pick up the cafeteria…

people like that, they just stand out,” he said. “You don’t normally see that in kids.”

Another way students can volunteer is through a program called Sassy Saturdays. In these sessions, older students partner with Commerce Elementary students to raise money for Relay for Life. The girls will play games and do each other’s hair, while typically the boys learn football moves and hang out.

“It’s made our kids aware of each other and the need for service in society,” Montgomery said.

“We just feel like we have a very positive place.”

At this year’s 101st annual Commerce Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Montgomery was named Citizen of the Year. He said the moment was made even more special because his family was there to witness it.

“I was overwhelmed and awed that I would even be considered,” he said. “It kind of validates what you do and the passion that you have and pour into the job. It touches your heart and warms you up.”

Anderson agreed with the Chamber’s selection.

She said her experience

working with the principal has been excellent and wonderful.

“I don’t want him to ever leave,” she said. “His main purpose is to be here for the kids. He’s all about kids and what’s best for them.”

In a time where many school administrators have a strict policy against cell phones, Montgomery allows students in good standing with the school to use their phones during passing periods and lunch. The Tiger Trust Card is a badge that identifies students with extra privileges.

“It’s a positive incentive…and there’s the pride issue too,” he said.

Montgomery is also using the Internet to boost morale with Tiger Thoughts.

Students get the chance to voice their opinions on funny or serious questions through videos posted on YouTube.

“It builds self-esteem,” he said. “They learn to talk and respond to questions, which I think is an important life building skill.”

To view the student sound-offs, go to YouTube and search for CHS Tiger Thoughts.

Facebook users were in dismay when a rumor started that the free social networking site would soon be charging users a membership fee.

Rumors of Facebook charges invalidated CHANCE CRANE STAFF WRITER The rumor that Facebook will charge its users has been debunked.

Snopes.com decided persistent rumors that Facebook will start charging later this year are false and the protest pages on the site are unsafe.

“The claim that Facebook would be initiating user charges was but the bait to lure people to the protest page and its hidden malicious payload,” according to the website. “There are no plans afoot to require payment from those who use the site.”

Snopes gave details

that revealed the protest pages complaining about the Facebook charges are just being used to infiltrate a computer.

“The protest page was a trap for the unwary. Some of those who did venture a click had their computers taken over by a series of highly objectionable images while malware simultaneously attempted to install itself onto their computers,” according to the Snopes website.

Chief Operating Officer for Facebook Sheryl Sandberg explained in a Business Week interview the rumor that Facebook would start charging comes from its increasing number of users.

“[It] stems from people thinking we’re growing so quickly, we’re running out of money,” Sandberg said. “We’re growing really quickly, but we can finance that growth.

We’re not going to charge for our basic services.”

Senior Taylor Renee said she thinks Facebook would have made a mistake if it really had been considering charging its users.

“The website would most likely lose a lot of its users,” Renee said.

“Everyone would just move on to some other site that was free. Personally, I would just text my close friends to stay in contact.”

Senior John Taylor sug-

gested the loss of free services on Facebook would generate the need for a new place for users to go.

“I think someone would be smart enough to create a new site,” Taylor said. “It would be a smart move on their behalf because they could pick up all of the old Facebook users and create a strong base.”

Other rumors indicate that Zynga, the creator of FarmVille, will start charging a subscription fee starting on April Fools’ Day in order for users to continue playing an expanded version of the game. This rumor was declared false by a Zynga representative.

JAMES BRIGHT EDITOR Recently there has been an increase in press releases related to drug busts by the Commerce Police Department. Community Resource Officer Alex Suarez said this does not mean there has been a major increase in drug related arrests in Commerce.

“We are just doing a lot more press releases now,” he said.

The most recent drug arrest occurred on March 9 when a Commerce man was arrested for possession of marijuana and narcotic prescription drugs during a traffic stop. According to the police report, officers found six bags containing marijuana and a prescription bottle with nine unknown pills.

In Texas it is unlawful to possess certain prescription drugs that are not prescribed to the person.

Currently CPD is focusing on keeping the citizens of Commerce aware of arrests in the city according to Suarez.

“Citizens feel more comfortable about the department when they can see things being done,” he said.

Those living in Commerce have responded positively to increase in releases Suarez said.

“We have been given a lot of kudos,” he said.

“They see us actually working to illustrate the problems with drugs.”

According to a survey used by the New York Times, 27.7 percent of adults ages 18 to 25 used marijuana during 2006 and 2007. This group represented the largest number of drug users of those surveyed.

The work Suarez and the CPD are doing has made some drug users on campus nervous.

A male student, who wished to remain anonymous, said the recent increase in coverage of drug related crimes has made him uneasy about obtaining and smoking marijuana. Because of the recent drug busts the student can no longer obtain marijuana in Commerce and is forced

to drive to Killeen for drug purchases.

“It makes it scary to go out and get it,” he said.

Marijuana is the only drug the student said he uses regularly, and he did not start using it until arriving at Commerce.

“I’ve been smoking for about two years,” he said.

“It is nice having friends over, so I can smoke with them.”

Suarez said the recent increase in releases is directly related to training he just received at Sam Houston State University. He said the training focused solely on press releases.

In addition to the more frequent press releases, Suarez said CPD has involved itself with the world of social networking to let the citizens of Commerce in on important information.

“We have a Facebook fan page and a Yahoo group,” he said. “We encourage citizens to become our friends, so we can let them know what’s going on.”

Suarez said CPD is also posting press releases on their fan page.

The student argued that marijuana should be legalized.

“I believe in free choice,” he said. “You can smoke tobacco, drink alcohol and gamble in America, so you should be able to smoke weed.”

Anxiety is the major reason the student said he smokes marijuana.

“It helps me meet people and not be as nervous in large group,” he said.

Although a marijuana user, the student said he is careful about what goes into his body, which is why he does not use prescription anti-anxiety medication.

“I research anything before using it and do not take anything which is handed to me, and I don’t know the source of,” he said.

As far as the future goes, Suarez said the police’s battle with illicit drugs is a never-ending story.

“It’s always going to be there,” he said. “If you have people who want to use them, there are going to be people who will sell them.”

This could have been your advertisement.

You’d be getting your company’s name out there right now. You missed out. Maybe next time.

Call: (214)564-0633

Page 6

Art Art Scene Scene

Thursday, April 1, 2010

www.theeasttexan.com

Alkaline Trio rocks Palladium Ballroom STAFF REPORTS The difference between a good concert and a bad concert is a blurred line, a dichotomy dependent on a myriad of variables: including venue, lighting, crowd energy, set-list, opening band talent and well-mixed sound levels.

It’s rare for a concert to be consistently excellent in all of these elements, but last Saturday night Alkaline Trio proved an exception to the rule.

Alkaline Trio has been around the block a few times, gaining a large following with their emolaced punk music that’s survived for over a decade, despite numerous lineup changes and a steady sonic evolution. The Illinois natives’ popularity was apparent as fans filled the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas.

The floor filled with audience members and an expectant hush fell over the crowd as the Trio took the stage. When guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba, bassist and vocalist Dan Andriano and drummer Derek Grant took the stage, an eruption of punk emotion ensued.

The charisma and experience of the three band members was obvious through their subtle crowd interactions and crisp song transitions. Punk song after melodydriven punk song poured over the crowd in the one hour and 15 minute set. Their song selection consisted of various hits from their best albums, all well known by the crowd. Mixing music from the bands inception 10 years ago to their most recent release in February, Alkaline Trio appealed to new and old fans alike. Every song turned into a sing-along, which was an unexpected addition to the concert experience.

The group brought some surprises to the set list as well.

They played three songs for their encore, including a cover of the Misfits’ “Angel F**k”. Skiba, Andriano and Grant switched instruments as well, with Skiba moving to the drums, Andriano to guitar and Grant to bass and vocals. This transition could have

been disastrous for the band’s performance, but turned out to be wonderful. Skiba, who started in music as drummer, looked right at home banging away on the snare.

Grant proved his versatility as a musician flawlessly playing bass and singing. Lastly bassist Andriano played guitar with ease, letting the crowd know he is worthy of sharing the vocals and lead with Skiba.

The Trio’s performance was heightened by the venue’s lighting and design. It subtly influenced the overall mood of the concert giving the audience a glimpse into the band’s passion.

In addition, it brought the crowd closer emotionally to the band with Skiba complimenting the crowd and the lights pouring over the fans.

The opening band, The Dear & Departed, tried desperately to incite memories of Angels and Airwaves and 30 Seconds to Mars while energizing the crowd, both of which they failed miserably at. The lead singer’s emotional singing style fell completely flat because his fellow band members moved like animatronic robots.

The next band, Cursive, was much more interesting. They were the musical equivalent of a punch in the face. A discordant band with a wide variety of instruments and engaging vocal style, Cursive got the crowd going and finished their set just as they were beginning to get a bit boring.

Overall, the concert was an exciting and rewarding experience that didn’t leave the Alkaline Trio fan wanting for anything.

Top Left: Alkaline Trio guitarist and lead vocalist Matt Skiba sings “We’ve Had Enough” to a receptive crowd at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas.

The band played a variety of music utilizing the vocals of both singers in the band.

Top Right: Bassist and singer Dan Andriano sings “Emma” from the band’s 2003 album Good Mourning.

Aside from singing their own songs, both singers in the band managed to sing backup vocals to each other’s songs.

Left: Lead singer and guitarist of Cursive, Tim Kasher, warms up the crowd for Alkaline Trio. Cursive, a band which uses discord in their music as well as implementing trumpet sounds, had a following of their own at the concert.

All photos and background image by James Bright of The East Texan.

WWW.HEYUGUYS.CO.UK

Kristen Stewart, left, is rock ’n’ roll personified as founder of The Runaways Joan Jett. Dakota Fanning, right, steps into the platform shoes of Cherie Currie to be the sex appeal of the band. Both had previously worked together on Twilight.

Teenage actresses achieve adult status with rock ‘n’ roll biopic MEGAN CAREY ART SCENE EDITOR  A band biographical picture with an actual member of the band as one of the producers is destined for greatness.

Joan Jett is one of five producers on The Runaways, which is based on Cherie Currie’s memoir “Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway.”

These two elements interplay and the fact that both Jett and Currie spent large amounts of time with the actresses representing them gave the actresses

ample opportunity to mirror their movements and their voices (both speaking and singing).

I couldn’t decide if I wanted to see The Runaways, purely for the fact I didn‘t know if I really wanted to see Kristen Stewart butcher Joan Jett, The Runaways and all their music.

After watching the movie, however, I was pleasantly surprised.

This is an enjoyable movie for fans of The Runaways and moviegoers looking for a good time.

Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart played

their roles as Cherie Currie and Joan Jett effectively and accurately.

Polar opposites in many respects, Jett rocks jet black hair in comparison to Currie’s bombshell blonde hair. Despite the height difference (due to Currie’s platform shoes), the interesting dynamic of their friendship shows through, especially in an unanticipated lesbian scene. The two kiss passionately, and a night of sex is eluded to by a skip to the next morning with an underwear-clad Jett and a sheet-wearing Currie celebrating a newly acquired record deal.

This is definitely a break away film for both Stewart and Fanning.

Stewart who gained fame as meek, human Bella Swan in the Twilight Saga becomes a rude, crude, rock ‘n’ roll machine in her adaptation of Joan Jett.

Fanning, who is probably the most famous and successful child star of my generation, found a way to separate herself from childhood stardom and make a real name for herself as an incarnation of Cherie Currie.

Another unexpected aspect of this film was the outright lewdness of

most characters. I never thought I’d see the day, or the movie, where Stewart curses in a way that would put a sailor to shame. The same goes for Fanning, that sweet Uptown Girl.

The film casts a shadow on the other members of the band, which should be expected since the film is based on a memoir of Currie’s.

I also didn’t fully grasp The Runaways success in the film, because it mostly cuts off after Currie gets a little too much of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, leaves the band and ends up in rehab.

After Currie, The

Runaways converted Joan Jett to lead vocals and went on to make another record and go on a world tour with The Ramones.

All is put to rest by the end of the movie where a rehabilitated Currie at her nice, safe job calls a wildly successful Jett, who’s a guest on a radio show Currie’s listening to, and the two “catch up.”

All in all I was pleasantly surprised with the film, and it may even be my new guilty pleasure.

Just don’t tell anyone I actually enjoyed watching a film with Kristen Stewart.

www.theeasttexan.com

SPORTS

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Page 7

A&M-Commerce Basketball Review 2009-10

Women’s Basketball Season Stats Overall Record: 4-21 LSC Record: 1-13 Home Record: 2-9 Away Record: 1-10 Final LSC ranking: 8th Average Points/Game: 64.4

Aveage Points Against: 79.9 Average Rebounds: 37.8 Average Assists: 9.7 Average Turnovers: 17.8 Average Steals: 7.9 Average Blocks: 2.1 Largest Win: 63-55, Nov. 28 v. A&M-International

Junior Genevieve Campbell looks to pass the ball down low to junior Tiffany Mitchell against East Central.

Anderson sees positives in difficult first season

88-80, Dec. 14 v. Angelo State

ADAM TROXTELL SPORTS EDITOR

84-78, Jan. 16 v. Cameron University

Texas A&M UniversityCommerce’s basketball teams have completed their seasons in relatively different fashions.

The men finished an honorable 3rd in the Lone Star Conference North Division and with a 19-9 (8-4) record.

For the Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s basketball team, the 2009-10 season was one they would possibly like to forget, as they finished bottom of the LSC North table with a record of 4-22 (1-13).

Despite struggling in her first season, head coach Nicole Anderson admitted this was more of a transition year for her team.

“I would say it is a

Largest Loss: 60-98, Nov. 20 v. Drury Univ.

Longest Winning Streak: 2 games, Dec. 14 to Dec. 21 Longest Losing Streak: 11 games, Jan. 20 to Feb. 24 Field Goal Pct.: 37.8 3-Field Goal Pct.: 30.9 Free Throw Pct.: 69.9

End of Season Honors: LSC North Second TeamJunior, Mattilyn McIntyre

Junior Anisha Ingram attempts a jump shot during an LSC game.

growth year, one in which we needed to learn a tremendous amount about the game of basketball and, more importantly, how important it was to play as a unit,” Anderson said. “I love to watch young people when that light bulb clicks. They really started moving the ball and playing together, and it made it very difficult for our opponents.”

Junior Mattilyn McIntyre topped the team in points for the season, averaging 16.5 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game. Fellow Junior Genevieve Campbell was also a top contributor, averaging 11.8 points per game. Senior Ashley Murphy was the top in rebounding with 7.8 per game and averaged 10.6 points per game.

Texas A&M-

International, Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico University and Cameron University are the only teams which the Lions topped this season. Their LSC North campaign featured a 12 game losing streak, with a -18.54 average point differential.

The A&M-Commerce women did improve as the season went on, and kept many games close toward the end. Anderson said this is exactly what she hoped to see when she took the job.

“We definitely made progress,” she said.

“Another thing I stated when I took the job is by the end of January and February we would be playing our best basketball, and I do believe that we were.”

Anderson said she

believes the team began playing exciting, entertaining basketball as the season progressed. This is something Anderson said she enjoys about the game.

“You never know what’s going to happen at the end when there are pressure situations and you have young people,” she said. “They sometimes do the right things and sometimes they make mistakes, and that’s why it’s exciting.”

The women’s team also had to deal with losing players. By the end of the season, many team members had to play out of position in order to cope with the amount of losses.

“There are a combination of things that affected us,” Anderson said.

“Losing players to injury

and having to replace players or remove players definitely impacts the chemistry of the team, and impacts the performance of the team. The injury bug hit us hard, and it particularly hit us hard in that post position.”

Post-season activities began on March 8, and Anderson said they have already worked on recruiting for the coming fall. She is confident the program will improve, and bases that on the attitude shown by her players.

“They don’t only want to play in Barltesville, [Okla., where the LSC Tournament is held], but they want to be advancing on after Bartlesville,” she said. “That’s what the focus is for this post-season.”

Men’s Basketball Season Stats Overall Record: 19-8 LSC Record: 8-4 Home Record: 8-4 Away Record: 9-4 Final LSC ranking: 3rd Average Points/Game: 76.5 Aveage Points Against: 70.3 Average Rebounds: 37.4 Average Assists: 14.9 Average Turnovers: 15 Average Steals: 8.1 Average Blocks: 2.1 Largest Win: 76-48, Feb. 27 v. Cameron Ronnie Morgan slams the ball down during a regular season game.

In a game aganist Henderson State, junior Dallas Hunter tries to drive to the hoop for a layup.

Seniors lead way in winning season for men The men’s season included a trip to Bartlesville and the LSC tournament for the sixth consecutive year, but it ended in the first round with an 83-76 overtime loss to Tarleton State.

“We put ourselves in situations to win games against nationally ranked teams, and, for many reasons, were not able to get that part of the job done,” Head Coach Sam Walker said. “But, 19-9 is a record we are very proud of.”

After 10 games, the Lions sat with a 9-1 record, their only loss against LSC South Division opponent Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Walker said he is most impressed with the overall effort his team

played with throughout the season.

“We wouldn’t have won 19 games this year without guys playing in an unselfish manner that they did and the effort level as high as it was all year long and how consistent that unselfish level of play was, he said” Senior Ronnie Morgan topped the statistics chart for A&M-Commerce, averaging 14 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game. Fellow seniors Cardell Hunter and Sammy Jackson also played major roles. Hunter led the team in assists, tallying 111 for the season, while Jackson averaged 8.2 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. Walker said the role his seniors

played went beyond the stats sheet.

“The play of our seniors, not just the numbers they put up or their ability to score or defend, but the way they played and the unselfish way they played, the team atmosphere they built gave this team an opportunity to maybe have more success than it would if it had equal talent but without those intangibles,” Walker said.

The positive influence was not restricted to only seniors. Freshman Preston Whitley had an outstanding first season at A&MCommerce, as he averaged 9.4 points per game and was the team leader in scoring for five games.

“Preston Whitley had a great freshman year, and

I was very happy to see that,” Walker said.

He said he was also happy with fellow freshman Andrew Davis’ first year in the team. In fact, Walker already has in mind five players he feels will play major roles next season. Davis and Whitley will be in the post positions, while sophomore Brad Hambrick and juniors Brian Singleton and Tyris Dowell will provide experience as guards.

“All of them played considerable minutes in meaningful games at the end of the year,” Walker said. “We have five returning players that have excelled academically, athletically and socially and that give us

a very strong nucleus of sophomores, juniors, and seniors coming back.”

This season for the men’s team was one Walker said was good, but also one which his team just could not finish off.

“We just came up a little bit short and if it had been a 38 minute game against Tarleton, then we’re probably in the national tournament,” he said. “At no point in time did I feel like we were a nationally ranked team. We’re a competitive group that plays very well together, and I thought the way we represented our school, our athletic program, our student body was on a very high level because of the way we went about winning.”

Largest Loss: 71-92, Dec. 21 v. West Texas A&M Longest Winning Streak: 5 games, Dec. 5 to Dec. 21 Longest Losing Streak: 3 games, Jan. 27 to Feb. 10

Field Goal Pct.: 47.2 3-Field Goal Pct.: 38.3 Free Throw Pct.: 69.1

End of Season Honors: LSC North First Team: Senior, Ronnie Morgan LSC North Second Team: Senior, Cardell Hunter Junior, Brian Singleton LSC North Freshman of the Year: Preston Whitley

Page 8

sports

Thursday, April 1, 2010

www.theeasttexan.com

A&M-Commerce Sports at a Glance Men’s Golf, MSU Results (after 54 holes) T-27th, T.J. McColl.............230 T-45th, Danny Jun..............236 T-51st, Tyler Duffy.............237 T-83rd, Dustin Whitehouse..253 88th, Ryan Gornto..............273 Women’s Golf, MSU Results (after 36 holes) T-22nd, Kathleen May.......167 33rd, Malonie Oats.............169 T-40th, Heather Pantalion...173 53rd, Megan Benites..........180 57th, Mallory Kempf..........191

That Sports Thing?

Which Final Four team will win it all?

ADAM TROXTELL SPORTS EDITOR

STAFF REPORTS

Since this has so far been an entertaining and surprising NCAA national basketball tournament, it would only be appropriate that it end in a classical fashion with Duke triumphing over the lesser opposition.

Their three top players all average more than 17 points per game. The Mountaineers only have one player, Da’Sean Butler, who averages the same. For Duke, the defensive strategy invents itself: shut down Butler, and keep West Virginia out of the lane.

The reason for the latter is because Duke completely dominates WVU in guard play. The top three Mountaineers are all forwards. Sure, Butler can be a threat anywhere, since he does take the most three-point shots and is 35.7 per cent from beyond the arc. The only other outside threat comes from Kevin Jones, and if Duke can effectively take Butler’s influence out of the game, it will be difficult for the Mountaineers to get any offense going with just one player.

Plus, even if they manage to somehow get an adequate amount of buckets, there’s still the whole trading two-points for three-points issue going on. Most likely, the Blue Devils will look to use their outside guards as the ultimate threat. Not only can they jack up threepointers at any given moment, but they can also quickly create lanes and space for big inside players, which Duke also has.

This is not only how Duke will beat West Virginia, but it is also how they will win the entire tournament. Michigan State and Butler are good, but whoever gets through to the final will have their defense effectively demolished by the Blue Devils’ outside threat. Plus, can you even imagine Duke making the Final Four and not lifting the trophy?

In a year that many people predicted all number one ranked teams would make the Final Four, upsets are the norm.

Number 9 Northern Iowa took down Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen, and both Syracuse and Kentucky fell before reaching the Final Four.

No one thought Michigan State and Butler would make it to the Final Four, and yet here we are.

That is what makes March Madness the most exciting collegiate playoff system in the country, and why it’s always hard to make any predictions, even with only three games left to play.

West Virginia and Duke are both heavier favorites to with the championship than Michigan State or Butler, but only one of them will make the final game. West Viriginia’s starting point guard, Darryl Bryant, is injured.

If he even manages to play in the Final Four and possibly the championship, there’s no way that he’ll be as effective or explosive as he was earlier in the tournament.

Duke and West Virginia will be sure to give each other a tough game, and odds that whoever wins will be worn out. Plus, either winner will be sure to underestimate Michigan State or Butler, a sure advantage.

This is Michigan State’s second Final Four in a row, and head coach Tom Izzo has consistently taken teams far into March Madness. Clearly his coaching is effective, and Michigan State’s Big 10 competition was certainly more difficult than much of what Butler faced all season.

It’s time for Butler’s Cinderella season to end.

Michigan State should roll over Butler, and then crush either the overrated and much hated Duke Blue Devils or the injured, overachieving Mountaineers.

The Week in Lions Sports Thursday, April 1 Track & Field- Texas Relays in Austin, All Day Friday, April 2 Track & Field- Trinity Relays in San Antonio, All Day Football Spring PracticeHelmets/Shoulder Pads, Memorial Stadium, 6:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 3 Football Spring Practice- Full Gear, Memorial Stadium, 6:30 a.m.

Sunday April 4

Monday, April 5 Men’s Golf- Second Round, Kickingbird Classic in Edmond, Okla., Hosted by Univ. of Central Oklahoma, All Day Women’s Golf- Second Round, Grand Canyon Invitational in Phoenix, Hosted by Grand Canyon University, All Day Tuesday, April 6 Men’s Golf- Final Round, Kickingbird Classic in Edmond, Okla., Hosted by Univ. of Central Oklahoma, All Day Women’s Golf- Final Round, Grand Canyon Invitational in Phoenix, Hosted by Grand Canyon University, All Day

Men’s Golf- First Round, Kickingbird Classic in Edmond, Okla., Hosted by Univ. of Central Oklahoma, All Day

Football Spring Practice- Full Gear, Memorial Stadium, 6:30 a.m.

Women’s Golf- First Round, Grand Canyon Invitational in Phoenix, Hosted by Grand Canyon University, All Day

Football Spring Practice- Full Gear, Memorial Stadium, 6:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 7

Men’s Track & Field, UT-Arlington Meet* 800 Meter Dash Brandon Womack...............3rd Robert Reed.........................4th 400 Meter Dash Cairo Thornton...................3rd Joel Day................................7th Women’s Track & Field, UT-Arlington Meet* Javelin Sunny Henderson..............2nd 100 Meter Hurdles Shagayla Petty....................3rd 3,000 Meter Steeplechase Kate Donovan....................2nd 4x100 Meter Relay A&M-Commerce...............2nd

A&M-Commerce’s Brandon Womack competed with the men’s track team over the weekend in Arlington.

*Among Div. II schools

Lions track competes at UTA, golf in Wichita SPORTS INFORMATION

Men’s Track The Texas A&M University-Commerce men’s track and field team competed in its second meet of the season at the Bobby Lane Invitational, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington.

On the men’s side, the Lions saw strong performances in the 800-meter dash, in which they had two of the top four Division II finishers.

Junior Brandon Womack led the way in ninth place (third among Division II competitors), followed by senior Robert Reed in 11th place (fourth among Division II competitors) in times of 1:57.31 and 1:58.15, respectively.

Junior Cairo Thornton finished 20th overall (third among Division II competitors) in the 400-meter dash, in a time of 50.32.

Thornton was followed by freshman teammate Joel Day, who finished 28th (seventh among Division II competitors) with a time of 50.97.

The Lions next compete in the Trinity Relays in San Antonio, Texas, on April 2, with the exception of senior sprinter Chad Washington, who qualified for the 83rd annual Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, which takes place March 31-April 3.

Women’s Track

The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s track and field team competed in its second meet of the season at the Bobby Lane Invitational, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington.

The women were led by a near-provisional performance by junior Sunny Henderson in the javelin throw, in which she finished sixth (second among Division II competitors) with a throw of 39.53 meters (129-8.25), close to the NCAA Division II provisional standard of 40.00 meters (131-3).

Henderson passed on all three of her throws in the finals round, having rolled her ankle on her last throw in the qualifying round.

Sophomore Shagayla Petty also performed well for the Lions, placing eighth (third among Division II competitors) in the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 14.67, just missing the Division II provisional mark of 14.55.

Additionally, junior Kate Donovan finished second (first among Division II competitors) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 12:48.24. In the women’s 4x100-meter relay, the Lions finished eleventh (second among Division II schools) in a season-best time of 49.41.

The Lions next compete in the Trinity Relays in San Antonio, Texas, on

April 2, with the exception of Petty and freshman sprinter Jakesia King, who qualified for the 83rd annual Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, which takes place March 31-April 3.

Men’s Golf Freshman T.J. McColl shot a team-best 74 in Tuesday’s (March 23) final round of the Midwestern State Invitational to lead the Lions’ men’s golf team to a 15th-place finish.

McColl finished the tournament in a tie for 27th after shooting a 230 (79-77-74). Senior Danny Jun recorded a final round 84 to post a 236 (75-7784) and tie for 45th, freshman Tyler Duffy shot a 75 on Tuesday for a 54-hole total of 237 for a share of 51st place honors.

After an 83 in the final round, freshman Darren Whitehouse tied for 83rd with a 253 (94-80-83) and freshman Ryan Gornto was 88th with a 273 (94-87-92). Oklahoma City University picked up team title honors in convincing fashion by 23 strokes over runner up Dallas Baptist with a 290 in the final round. Clark Collier, who was the individual champion over teammate Michael Palmer in a playoff, led OKC. Collier and Palmer each recorded a four-under 210. The Lions finished 15th with a 54-hole total of 956, two strokes out of 14th place and 18 out of

13th place recognition.

The next tournament for A&M-Commerce is the Grand Canyon University Thunderbird Invitational in Goodyear, Arizona that gets underway on Monday, March 29th.

Women’s Golf The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s golf team finished ninth at the Midwestern State Invitational on Tuesday (March 23).

A&M-Commerce junior Kathleen May led the Lions with a 167 (83-84) to share 22nd place honors.

Just two strokes behind her was sophomore Malonie Oats, who finished 33rd with a 169 (83-86).

Senior Heather Pantalion tied for 40th after posting a 173 (82-91), junior Megan Benites finished 53rd with a 180 (84-96) and junior Mallory Kempf was 57th with a 191 (93-98).

West Texas A&M made a 11-stroke improvement in the final round en route to an eight stroke victory over host Midwestern State with a team total of 635. The Lady Buffs landed its top four golfers in the top 10. Erica Bensch of Central Oklahoma was the individual winner with a 10-over par 158 (76-78).

The Lions are off until April 5th when they travel to Phoenix, Arizona for the Grand Canyon Invitational.

Albritton brings woman’s touch to man’s game LAQUARIUS LOUDERMILK

STAFF WRITER With the support of her family and friends, Texas A&M UniversityCommerce student Ashley Albritton plays football in the International Women’s Football League (IWFL) on the offensive line for the Dallas Diamonds.

Albritton started playing football at a young age when she saw her brother playing.

“I signed up for football when a 3rd grade football pee wee team arrived,” Albritton said.

Albritton then went on to play for Paradise High School in Paradise, Texas, until her freshman year.

“I broke my leg in my last game of my ninth grade year and that was it for me, also the male football players on the teams

were getting stronger and faster,” Albritton said.

When players from the Dallas Diamonds came to her school in the eighth grade she knew that a future in football was what she wanted.

“I followed the Dallas Diamonds until now and then I tried out and made the team,” Albritton said.

Now a player for the Dallas Diamonds, Albritton wants to be able to play both offense and defense just as she did in high school.

“I am also learning defensive plays and hope to get a chance to show them what i can do and show them I am worthy of starting there too,” she said.

The IWFL is an independent organization and has to find funding for their expenses.

“Women’s Pro Football has many stipulations,” Albritton said. “Because the league is just starting out, we have to get sponsors to pay for our equipment and our airfare, because we do travel all over the U.S. The owner also lets us sell tickets to our games, and this all goes to the money we have to raise, the owner does give us packets to sell advertisements on our programs and our website, which helps a lot.”

Albritton said.

According to Albritton, the Diamonds are just like any other sports team.

They are a diverse family, and aid each other when they can.

“Being on the Dallas Diamonds gives you a limitless number of connections,” she said. “The women who play on the team have careers on top

of playing football, and the team is like a family, if anyone can help you out they will.”

Albritton said football in general has been completely beneficial to her.

“The advantages of playing football are limitless,” she said. “There are really no disadvantages. It is one of the only sports you can try to kill the person in front of you and not get in trouble.”

Though football is a major American sport Ashley feels that women’s football needs a greater fan base to get to the statues of other women sports like basketball.

“The IWFL just has to get more publicity. Most people don’t know about it and because of that it inhibits our chances to get up there with the WNBA,” Albritton said.