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XCV, No. 5, 8 pages
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Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
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Developer looks to Monroe St. future Potential college draws on the horizon for south end of campus james bright Editor
Several developments are being planned along Monroe Street on the south side of the A&M-Commerce campus in order to create a more student-friendly environment. Commerce developer Mike Oglesby said this week he is in the process of
getting approval to develop the property at 1708 Monroe into a sandwich and salad shop. “We have a lady who’s been doing this for 13 years coming out of Sulphur Springs,” he said. Oglesby said he also plans to develop the property next to The East Texas Bookstore at 1600 Lee St. into a restaurant and living establishment. He said he plans to take 20 percent off
of the building and turn the downstairs into a burger house. He said the upstairs would be divided into several apartments. He would also like the establishment to be set up for live music. “I want something so good that when people go in they are going to say, ‘I’m coming back,’” he said. Oglesby said he plans to create several small housing complexes in the area as well.
President Dan Jones said he fully supports Oglesby in his efforts. “He is a tremendous asset to this community,” Jones said. Although there is no plan for the university to work with Oglesby, Jones said that what Oglesby is doing helps the university and that there could be some connection between the developer and the school in the future.
See MONROE page 3
Bash showcases talent
New game show adds variety savannah Christian
staff writer
JAMES BRIGHT / THE EAST TEXAN
Singer Mary Jane performs during the college night of the Bois d’ Arc Bash. She was one of six performers during the inaugural college night of the Bois d’ Arc Bash.
JASMIN BROWN / THE EAST TEXAN
SPOT employee and A&M-Commerce student Brittany Bettes offers beer to attendees of the Bois d’ Arc Bash. During the festival patrons were able to walk around downtown with alcohol.
Festival attracts students Heather Pilkington Jasmin Brown Stephanie Norman
College Night kicked off the festivities of Commerce’s 25th Annual Bois d’ Arc Bash on Thursday night. For years, the Chamber of Commerce has attempted to find ways for A&M-Commerce to be more involved in the community. “The Chamber saw this weekend as a wonderful opportunity to involve the school and community together by integrating a College Night into The Bois d’ Arc Bash,” senior marketing major Rachel Evans said. College Night was designed to be a fun, entertaining way to engage students from the university and encourage them to become part of
Thursday H: 85 L: 60
Friday H: 83 L: 61
the community. “Over the past years, involvement between the school and the community has increased and this is just another perfect way to get everyone together,” Evans said. The night began with a talent show featuring six contestants. Students, faculty, staff and community members filled the downtown square for music, entertainment and dancing. Other entertainment throughout the night included performances by Andrew Forest aka “Thrilla” and Kenneth Porter aka “Lil Shine.” “This event was put together rather quickly,” Evans said. “I look forward to next year’s participation being much higher. The fact that students are aware of this type of addition is very important.” Commerce residents also saw
Saturday H: 82 L: 55
See 25TH page 3
JAMES BRIGHT / THE EAST TEXAN
Singer Cornella Draper closed out the Bois d’ Arc Bash’s college night. Several members of the audience danced to Draper’s versatile style of rap music.
“Campus Smarts,” a new, student-created game show, will air Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. The show is based on the game show “Street Smarts,” which captures passers-by on streets, who are asked basic, common-knowledge questions that an average person should be able to answer. However, participants frequently do not know the correct answers, providing entertainment for viewers. “With this show, we want to satisfy our video credit hours with a fun and entertaining piece that involves the campus,” senior radio television major and director Joshua Smith said. “Campus Smarts” participants will be asked trivia questions, randomly selected from a list of 20 questions. Senior radio television majors Matt Malliaros and Brian Boynton cocreated the show. “It is a lot of work to create a show,” Malliaros said. “We have to come up with a new set of 20 questions before every show, along with finding people to interview, producing and directing each episode.” According to Boynton, the participants will be randomly selected on campus. The trio hopes this will add energy to the production. “We do not ever stop filming during questioning to give the participants another chance to answer,” Malliaros said. “We simply capture the immediate response and go straight through.” As an incentive to the possibility of being embarrassed on camera, Smith, Malliaros and Boynton have a prize for each contestant. The three are also not limiting the interviewing solely to students. “We really want to include the faculty and students in what we do through participation as well as them tuning in,” Smith said. Smith, Malliaros and Boynton have spent months working on
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OPINION
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
Columnist Chancellor Mills praises technological “advances” such as the “mini-keg” which aid him in his daily alcohol consumption.
Technology aids in beer consumption CHANCELLOR MILLS OPINION EDITOR
Dear Beer Industry, I feel confident that I speak for everybody who has ever lived when I say that drinking beer is an essential part of the college experience. And, thanks to the esteemed scientists of the major beer companies, drinking case after case of cheap, putrid beer every night can be a great experience. For instance, Miller Lite’s patented new Vortex Bottle promises consumers a “perfect pour” with every bottle and, I can attest, that I get a PERFECT pour of
beer right into my mouth every night. In fact, I feel no greater pity than when I think of those poor schmucks out there just drowning in beer because they can’t get that perfect pour. Another valued invention comes from another corner of the beer industry, Coors’ Vented Wide Mouth Can. You wouldn’t think that a slight lift of the aluminum around the mouth of the can would make a huge difference, but it most certainly does. The Vented Mouth makes a HUGE difference when shotgunning a Coors. There’s nothing I hate more than having to put
forth ANY effort whatsoever to get the beer out of that can. Another treasure from the great minds at Coors has got to be the invention of the mountains on the can that turn blue when the beer is cold. How, in the 70-plus years between the end of prohibition until now, has no other company thought of this? Not only do the color-changing mountains serve to let me know if a trip across the room to grab my beer is worth it when I’m almost too drunk to stand up without vomiting, it also lets me know if my surroundings are the correct
temperature as well. For instance, if I put a brick of Coors Light in my fridge on Wednesday and, when I go to check on it the next day, the mountains aren’t blue, then I know that my refrigerator is broken. One of the inventions that I have loved the longest would be the quality grading system enacted by Keystone. The way it works is that each can is given a small mark on the bottom of the can indicating the quality of the beer inside – the darker the mark, the better the beer. This makes it simple to tell whether the contents of the can in my hand will taste like either chilled goat’s piss or chilled ram’s piss before ever having to pop the top. Finally, I would like to sing the praises of the one invention that I’m sure I will enjoy most once I leave college: the minikeg. Recently, several companies have released a fridge-sized beer dispenser that is kind of like a mini-keg – I couldn’t be happier. One of the only things I look forward to in the decade following my graduation is being able to have a drink and experience that frat party feeling while still being a semi-functioning, alcoholic member of society. My sincerest “Thank you” goes out to the scientists behind these irreplaceable inventions. With all the love in my liver, -Chancellor Mills
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Dusting off the Classics: Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle”
CALEB SLINKARD MANAGING EDITOR
“Cat’s Cradle” was the first Kurt Vonnegut book I ever read and after a few pages of his black satire I was completely in love. This 1963 book was Vonnegut’s first successful novel, eventually earning him a Master’s degree in anthology from the University of Chicago. The story begins with our narrator John (Jonah) beginning an account of what famous people were doing at the time of the time of the Hiroshima bombings during the end of world war two. John encounters the children of fictional atomic-bomb developer Felix Hoenikker and discovers Hoenikker’s last invention, icenine. Ice-nine, which was invented to help get rid of mud that to stay, give them more slowed down American things to do here. troops, remains solid We see no downside to this expansion. It will at room temperature bring more money and and solidifies any water more jobs to Commerce, molecules that it comes and will accelerate the into contact with. economic expansion efJohn’s interactions forts the town has already begun. Plus, students get with the Hoenikker more places to go on a children lead him to the Saturday night. It’s fictional island of San a win-win. Lorenzo, a Caribbean island with an extremely Note: This article reflects the poor population, collective opinion of The East bizarre methods of Texan editorial board. punishment, a strange, contradictory religion known as Bokonism and a creole version of the English language. San Lorenzo is governed by eccentric dictator Papa Monzano who punishes the smallest crime by impaling the offender on a giant hook. Hoenikker’s son Franklin, a major general and personal bodyguard Monzano, is named President of San Lorenzo when Monzano commits suicide to escape from his deadly cancer using ice-nine. Franklin passes the responsibility on to John who grudgingly accepts. When a plane
Editorial: Monroe upgrades offer welcomed diversity The idea that Commerce developer Mike Oglesby is planning to add restaurants and clubs to Monroe Street in an effort to make the town more “student friendly” should be music to the ears of anyone that has looked at their roommate on a Friday night, shrugged their shoulders and said “I don’t know, you want to go to Braum’s again?” If you asked any student in Commerce the names of the restaurants
in town, he or she would likely be able to rattle off every single one pretty easily, mostly because we have explored them all many, many times over. We appreciate the dining choices currently available to us (please don’t go anywhere Lone Star), but students are starving for more variety. In fact, we hope the new businesses will show other major retail and fast food establishments that Commerce is a place worth investing in, and
that more recognizable franchises will start popping up around town as a result. Also, this kind of economic development will only support the university’s effort to get more students to live on campus. By giving them more variety in their entertainment options, students will be less inclined to drive home on the weekend just so they can eat at a Jack in the Box or Whataburger. Simply put, if you want more students
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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.
The East East Tex Texan an The Established 1915 JAMES BRIGHT Editor Caleb slinkard Managing Editor
JARED WATSON digital media Editor
ADAM TROXTELL Sports Editor
kat huffines Graphics Editor
CHANCELLOR MILLs opinion editor
MEGAN CAREY ART SCENE Editor
jasmin brown copy desk chief
stephanie norman campus life editor
MELISSA ARCHER STAFF CARTOONIST
crashes into Monzano’s palace, his body slides into the ocean, which causes all water in the world to become frozen, beginning a global catastrophe that kills most people on the earth. John survives the cataclysmic event and eventually comes into contact with the creator of San Lorenzo’s strange religion, Bokonan, who gives him the final pages of his Books of Bokonan that sum up Vonnegut’s entire message in “Cat’s Cradle”: If I were a younger man, I would write a history of human stupidity... I would make a statue of myself, lying on my back, grinning horribly, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who. What makes Vonnegut such a compelling author is his ability to place strange characters in a reality that strongly resembles our own and yet is slightly off, which allows him to satirize the events going on in our world. Vonnegut witnessed first hand the horrors of life through his mother’s suicide and the fire bombing of Dresden during World War II and his writing reflects a wry humor at how screwed up the world was. Obviously “Cat’s Cradle” is a story about the danger of atomic bombs, but it’s so much deeper than that. Vonnegut explores the destructive nature of mankind and how undeniably rotten the world is. In his ironic and depressing universe, God made the world, it’s his fault there’s so much pain and death and there’s really nothing you can do about it, so you might as well be defiant to the end. In the context of this greater message, “Cat’s Cradle” is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
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news
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
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JASMIN BROWN / THE EAST TEXAN The A&M-Commerce Steel Drum Band performs Friday at the Bois d’ Arc Bash. They were one of several music acts that played over the three day festival. In addition to music, food and crafts, multiple vendors filled the streets of downtown Commerce throughout the event. The Spot Brewery also opened its outside window to make it easier for patrons to buy beer.
...25th annual bash features music, crafts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“College Night” is a practical way to encourage student interest in the community. “This is just the type of event to get the freshman to find downtown,” Commerce resident Carolyn Thompson said. “Getting them involved is the first step, because we can keep them involved for the next four years.” There is hope within the community that if this event continues each year, more and more students will catch onto the idea and become more involved in the community, not just this particular event “The journey of every mile starts with a single step,” Chamber of Commerce manager Trey Boyles said. “We have students dancing in the square. This is the first step in integrating and embracing a relationship between the university and the community.” The steps taken by the Chamber of Commerce did not go unnoticed by the students. “By the city putting on something like this type of event, it shows the students that the community actually cares about us,” senior business student Demarcus Thurman said. FRIDAY The main community events of Commerce’s 25th Annual Bois d’ Arc Bash began on Friday, Sept. 24. The Commerce Leaderships Institute (CLI) hosted its traditional barbeque from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. by serving $5 bagged dinners which included a brisket sandwich, chips, a cookie and a drink. Meals were available by walk-up or drive thru.
Ted Oats was one of around a dozen CLI members involved in organizing and serving the barbeque. Oats said numerous Commerce businesses pitched in by donating or offering items for the barbeque at a discount, including but not limited to: Brookshire’s, Walmart, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Sodexo dining services at A&M-Commerce. Oats said 1,0001,500 meals are prepared on average. “The food that’s left over, we will bag up and give it to Meals on Wheels,” he said. Live musical performances took place throughout the evening including an appearance by A&M-Commerce’s Steel Drum Band “Panimation.” Spot Brewery created a new Bashrelated promotion this year with its “Bois d’ Arc Bash Beer.” According to employee and junior A&M-Commerce marketing major Brittany Bettes, owner Deryck Gorman had the idea to open up the brewery’s front window in order to sell beer more conveniently to passers-by. “It’s a more convenient way to get beer, because people don’t want to walk inside,” Bettes said. Commerce City Council member Doug Rohrbaugh participated in this year’s Bash by coordinating volunteer efforts and trash pick up. “It’s just a great time in Commerce, seeing the community come out and college students coming out and mixing with the community,” he said. Rohrbaugh would like to see more diverse university representation in future Bashes. “(I’d like to see) more student organizations having booths down here, letting the community know what they’re all about and what their
...new game show comes to channel 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
every aspect of the show and expect that “Campus Smarts” will be a change of pace for the radio television students’ productions. Sophomore special education major Erika Sottiaux has watched the shows on Channel 3
in the past and said she hopes it will be a better target for the college-age group. “I am able to appreciate the hard work that the radio television students put into making the shows, but after a few serious interviews the show is not exactly entertaining anymore,”
Sottiaux said. “I think that the game show is a great idea that will create interest and attract a larger audience than the shows have in the past.” “Campus Smarts” will be replayed at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on Channel 3. For more information regarding the game show contact Josh Smith at smittyrock@gmail.com.
role is at the university, as well as in the community,” he said. Commerce residents said they enjoy the community spirit that the Bash brings out. “I love the Bois d’ Arc Bash,” resident Dawn Bennet said. “There’s so much going on, and you can see the people you’ve lived around for years. It’s very fun.” SATURDAY From smashing horse apples, to the 5k run held Saturday morning, many families gathered downtown to celebrate the last day of the 25th annual Bois d’ Arc Bash. The smell of turkey legs, funnel cakes and pancakes swept through downtown Saturday. The Commerce Kiwanis Club served its annual pancake breakfast for the community, while vendors set up booths and prepared for another day of celebration. “This is a great family event,” attendee Carrie Rosenbalm said. “There is good food, family fun and good music.” She and her husband Matthew were in town for the day and decided to bring their daughter Christine to the Bash. A lot of people were thrilled with the weather as the day progressed. Rain came through town early Saturday morning, but it turned out to be a beautiful day, according to Jorge Juarez who helped with the 5k run. He said there were more than 100 runners. “With the weather clearing up, a lot more people started coming out,” Public Relations Officer Alex Suarez of the Commerce Police Department said. Couples, families, individuals and groups of friends were spread amongst the multiple booths. Some
people watched the band and dancers at the stage, while others relaxed on the surrounding benches. “This really brings the community together,” undecided major Johnny Kirkpatrick said. “It’s like a second homecoming. It is also a great place to bring your girlfriend.” Kirkpatrick’s girlfriend Renesa Whitman said she enjoyed walking around seeing all of the booths, but that, “There should be more variety of booths and not so spread out.” Some booths had games set up, which were fundraisers for various projects around town. “I had so much fun smashing the Bois d’ Arc apples,” Robin Roysdon, an A&M-Commerce student, said. “It was a fundraiser to build a skate park in Commerce.” “The turkey legs were legit; a little pricy, but legit,” Roysdon’s friend Gloria Allen said. Allen was also pleased with the deal she got on jewelry at one of the booths. Some groups were doing community service hours during the event. Cairo Thornton from the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped out by cleaning up trash throughout downtown. “SAAC helped out and our goal was to be involved in the community,” Thornton said. “It was an interesting experience too.” “I am very excited to be out here today. I hope everyone can get out and improve our community,” said Steve Tittle, who is running for District Judge. Live musical performances on Saturday night included the bands wakingNorman of Dallas and The Blandelles.
...Monroe St. could see changes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Commerce Mayor Quay Throgmorton said he has seen some of the work Oglesby is doing and thinks he is going in the right direction. “As a city, we are going to have to look at where we want to develop,” he said. Throgmorton said he thinks there is a high likelihood that Monroe Street will be filled with
small businesses and multiple family homes over the next 10 years. Oglesby said no matter what he develops, he has one main goal throughout his work. “I want to put nice things up around the university for people to go to and hang out at on the weekends,” he said. Other developers may look at developing on Monroe St. as well.
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Ca mpus Life
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
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University police department more than security force MITZI Y’BARBO STAFF WRITER While most students probably don’t interact with A&M-Commerce’s University Police Department (UPD) beyond an occasional parking ticket, it offers a wide variety of services to the university community. For the unlucky motorist, UPD can jumpstart a dead battery or unlock a vehicle. The department also provides a complimentary notary service, runs a lostand-found, conducts safety and welfare checks, and is capable of delivering emergency messages. The UPD monitors the Weather Service and houses the ThoroGuard system in their offices, sharing oversight of it and the Outdoor Warning System with the Commerce Police Department. The UPD can provide money escorts, event security and motorpool service with reservations and advance notice. It offers information
and programs on crime prevention, campus safety, and alcohol and drug awareness. Another service of the UPD is the Pride Alert Warning System (P.A.W.S.). Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for this free service through MyLeo. Those enrolled will be notified through direct phone calls in the event of an immediate danger. Employees can make sure their contact information is accurate in HRConnect. UPD also provides after-hours counseling for the Counseling Center’s Crisis Intervention Program. If a student needs to speak immediately with a counselor during non-business hours, they can call 903-886-5868. Counseling Center staff rotate coverage through an on-call system. Those interested in further information on the UPD can go to tamucommerce.edu/upd.
Salsa night spices up A&M-Commerce
A&M-Commerce students enter the dining room in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. Thanks to new scheduling, the dining room is open continuously throughout much of the week. Sodexo also removed straws, trays and the carryout option for students.
Cafeteria debuts controversial changes CALEB SLINKARD MANAGING EDITOR The A&M-Commerce Dining Service, Sodexo, recently unveiled some policy changes that impact how and when students eat at the cafeteria in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. Since the start of the 2010 fall semester, the cafeteria no longer provides trays, straws or a carryout option for students. They also upgraded several areas inside of the dining room and instituted a new schedule. “Summers are a busy time for us as we spend them planning for the upcoming year,” Sodexo General Manager Charles Lear said. “This year was no different, as we added a vegetarian rice bar at the International Station in the dining room. The rice bar will showcase dif-
ferent types of rice along with multiple toppings so that you can create something different every time. In addition to this, we’ve added a new doublesided salad bar to better serve our customers.” A new schedule called “continuous dining” allows students to eat in the dining room any time between 7:15 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Hot food is served from 7:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. It also re-opens from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for late night. On Saturdays and Sundays, the dining room is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sodexo gave no comment on questions concerning any negative reac-
tion to their changes, but A&M-Commerce students were vocal on the subject. “It is a good idea, but it’s very inconvenient at times, especially for people who didn’t waste in the first place,” Hunter Joyce, sophomore industrial engineering and math major, said. “The lack of straws is frustrating.” Others view the changes in a more positive light. “I think that it’s a good idea and we can live without trays for a while,” Arielle McMahon, sophomore art major, said. For some students, it took a while to get acclimated to the changes. “At first, I didn’t like it, but I got used to it,” Byron Jefferson, junior business administration major, said. “Now the trays don’t take up table space. It’s a change, but
they still have late night, so I’m cool with it now.” For freshmen students, the new policies are all they’ve known. “I think it depends on your outlook, but as long as you keep the cafeteria clean, I’m indifferent,” Brandon McGlone, freshman sports management major, said. Dining services also added to the food court, which is located right next to the dining room in the student center. “In the food court, we added Mex to the Max, which offers authentic Mexican cuisine and we now deliver orders ($15 minimum order) for Einstein’s Bagels to on campus locations,” Lear said. Students can view updated menus, scheduling and contact information at www.tamu-commercedining.com/dining.
A few of Ethereal Artworks creator Mansel Rawell’s works. Rawell hopes to receive feedback and exposure from the Commerce community.
Ethereal Artworks produces fresh look KAT HUFFINES GRAPHICS EDITOR
On Monday, Sept. 20th, the Morris Recreation Center hosted a Salsa Night that included a live band, food and dancing. An estimated 500 people attended the event, which featured a buffet table that held a variety of enchiladas, chimichangas, tamales, chips and salsa. Information gathered by Carmen Martin
On the outskirts of the A&M-Commerce campus the Ethereal Artworks exhibit breathes a new life into the former American Sign and Design building. This artistic attraction on Monroe Street is a one-month showcase of Mansel Rawell’s “sculpture paintings.” Rawell, 52, said he’s been working on these pieces of art for seven years. He received an art certificate in portraiture from the Dmitri Vail School of Art in Dallas in 1980 and has been a cabinet maker for 17 years. Rawell said the combination of his talents inspired him to create his own type of art. “I’m a cabinet maker and I also paint,” he said.
“I’ve combined the two in a mixed media form to ‘sculpture paintings’.” Rawell said that putting on this exhibit in Commerce will give him some feedback on his art and experience in presenting the artwork to the public. “I’d like more people to see it,” he said. “And to get my name out there so that people can know me and gain some public experience and acceptance.” Back in 1991, Rawell said he was a student at A&M-Commerce when the school was East Texas State University. He said he only took a couple of art courses and made some connections in the art world. Amir Rahman, owner of the building on Monroe Street, is a friend of Rawell’s, and provided
the space to showcase his art. Rahman said that there is no rent or lease agreement between them and that he’s helping Rawell while fixing up the building at the same time. “He’s not really renting it out,” Rahman said. “He’s a friend of mine and I’ve seen his work and if anybody deserved a chance, I thought he did.” Rahman owns Rahman Properties in Commerce and Sulphur Springs. He was also a student at A&M-Commerce when it was called East Texas State University and graduated with a Master’s in Economics and Finance. Richelle Brown, A&MCommerce freshman art student, appreciates the long hours Rawell put into his artwork.
“He said it took him 500 hours to create one of his big pieces [of art],” she said. “He pays a lot of attention to detail and you can tell there is a long thought process into each piece.” Brown said the pieces of art have a deep meaning for Rawell. “You can tell there is a lot of symbolism and emotion in each piece and then he explains it to you and you get a deeper meaning of it and you can tell there is so much more,” she said. The exhibit, located on 1902 Monroe Street, opened on Sept. 11 and will run until Oct. 15. The artwork is open to the public Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Ca mpus Life
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
Page 5
Grad student and history instructor all in one package STEPHANIE NORMAN CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
STEPHANIE NORMAN / THE EAST TEXAN
McCoy plans to finish up his Master’s degree in history and then continue on and get his PhD. He is currently teaching two beginning history courses at A&M-Commerce.
The A&M-Commerce history department has a new graduate student teaching two basic history classes this semester. The young instructor, Charles McCoy of Paris, has one more year left before he graduates with his Master’s degree. “I feel good,” McCoy said. “I feel like I have accomplished something. I feel like I am on the other side of the spectrum now. I have enough hours to teach in the state of Texas. I teach alone, but I report to my department head, Dr. Judy Ford.” He plans to finish up his Master’s degree at A&M-Commerce and then get his PhD. Eventually, he hopes to teach upper level or graduate history courses. McCoy has a busy schedule this semester, juggling being a student himself and managing the classes he is teaching. “I start out class by asking what my students have been doing,” McCoy said. “I ask them about their lives and tell them maybe a little bit about mine. It lets them know I am a person and I have a life outside of teaching too.” McCoy plans his lectures and sees each day in the classroom as a learning experience not just for his students, but for himself as well. “There are all kinds of things that are going to be said in a classroom,” McCoy said. “You just have to be ready for it.” Before coming to Commerce, McCoy graduated from Paris Junior College in Paris. Now, he and his wife Khimen are
students at A&M-Commerce. She is an English major. McCoy said he knew what career path he wanted to follow since he was a child. He also said his wife has supported him wholeheartedly. “I have always wanted to teach history,” McCoy said. “I have always kept pushing myself and my wife, of course, has too. She loves that I am happy with what I do.” McCoy said he connects with his students on a different level since he is in his early-twenties, even though he sometimes struggles with “keeping everyone’s attention.” “I feel like I connect with them better because I am young,” he said. “Them seeing that I am just as normal as they are helps.” Most history majors have a favorite historical era – McCoy’s is the 20th century. “There are a lot of things that happened during that time that I am interested in,” he said. “My focus is on the history of India.” Not long ago, McCoy was in the same position as the students sitting before him in his classes. He said he prides himself at how far he has come since being an undergraduate and looks forward advancing further in the field. “It is definitely a job,” McCoy said. “But it’s not like being a full-time professor yet.” McCoy offers advice that any college student can relate to. “Don’t ever stop trying to learn,” he said. “Knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you.”
Plans to demolish old music building ALYX DAVIDSON STAFF WRITER
building is torn down. “If it is demolished, it will probably just be green space for a while, because we don’t have anything in the master-plan that would put a new building on the location,” Patton said. The space is not likely to become a parking lot because of the lack of access and change in grade. As it is a central location on campus, there is much discussion for future construction projects on the old building site. “What we’d really like to do is develop some kind of facility there that would gather students,” Jones said. “We’ve floated some ideas around as to what that might be, and we’ll definitely talk with the Student Government Association to get some suggestions.” There are many memories attached to the old Music Building, but not everyone will be sad to see it go. “I have strong memories of wonderful people making incredible music in that building,” Music
Department Head Christopher White said, “but there is very little I will miss about the building itself.” White taught in the building for 10 years, and is pleased to have more space for his students in the new building. “Given the limitations of the facility, I am amazed that we were able to build a program with such a strong national reputation,” he said. “At times, we were literally recruiting against the state of the building.” There are no more classes being taught in the old building, which is now closed to the public. “In the time being, we’re letting the contractor for the new Music Building use some space over here until the work there gets finished up,” Patton said. “Then we’ll have an auction sometime in November to clear out the items remaining in the building.” Jones is expected to make the final decision for the building within the next month.
As the construction of A&M-Commerce’s new Music Building comes to a close, the future of the old Music Building remains uncertain. The most likely scenario is that the building will be demolished. “At this point, the plan is to demolish it, probably sometime later in the semester,” President Dan Jones said. Dallas architect George Dahl designed the building, which was constructed in 1956. “The architect is significant,” Jones said, “but the building is not.” There was a growing need for a larger building to accommodate the rise in enrollment at A&M-Commerce. “The original building was designed to serve about 75 music majors, and we’ve got over 250 now,” Facilities Project Manager James Patton said. “The building was inadequate for current needs.” Various renovation projects for the building were considered, but demolition received the popular vote. “At the end of the day, it’s a business decision,” Jones said. “It’s not an architecturally significant building, and we don’t have the budget for renovation.” Additionally, the classrooms are small and designed specifically as music rooms. “The rooms are not suitable for any of our classroom needs now,” Patton said, “and it really doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend money renovating an old space when we have too much space to begin with.” The building has several architectural problems, and there are some concerns about asbestos. “We’d have to have an asbestoshazardous materials survey done of the building,” Patton said, “and then go through a process of abatement to get rid of all the asbestos-containing materials in a safe manner.” If Jones decides to go through with the demolition, the project will go out for a public bid to contractors. “We tend to have pretty good interest when we have a demolition project,” Patton said, “and usually get four to five bids.” Between surveying, bidding and demolishing the 36,000 square-foot building, the whole process would take between four and six months. “My guess is if we go forward with the demolition, we would probably put it out to bid around February,” Patton said. “So it would come down some ADAM TROXTELL / THE EAST TEXAN time in the spring.” The question still remains on what to In 1956, architect George Dahl designed the old music building, which has now been replaced. There are plans to tear down the do with the space once the old building, shown above, but it is undecided what the property will be used for.
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Art Art Scene Scene
Thursday, Sep. 30, 2010 www.theeasttexan.com
Fromage du Jour A weekly look at film cheese
PROSUBTITARI.COM
“Princess of Mars” makes the claim that the film inspired the popular film “Avatar”; however it remains to be seen how it is possible.
VALENCIAFASHIONWEEK.COM
Michael Douglas, who is currently battling stage IV throat cancer, reprises his role as the reformed Gordan Gekko. Shia LaBeouf also stars as Jake Moore, fiancee to Winnie Gekko, Gordan Gekko’s daughter. Josh Brolin will play the film’s villain, Bretton James.
Stone sequel exploits economic crisis for big box office money MEGAN CAREY ART SCENE EDITOR
to the Wall Street scene and lingo, I was honestly completely thrown off by the references to certain types of funds and “Wall Street: Money the trading jargon that Never Sleeps” is the first was complete static in time Oliver Stone has my brain. I repeatedly made a sequel to one of had to lean over and get his films – ever. This facthe breakdown from my toid sets high expectations father. The film not only for the film, which is sets a precedent for Stone indeed a sequel to the as a first sequel, it also 1987 hit film “Wall translates the problems on Street,” and if the film Wall Street, and in human does nothing else, it definature, from an unreachnitely sets a precedent. able stage to entertain Now, I’m not going to ment, where people can bore with constant and see this allegory play out berating comparisons to in front of them. its mother film because, The film pivots on I’ll be honest, I’ve never some of the same ideas seen it. “Wall Street: from the last movie; I Money Never Sleeps” know at least that much seamlessly combines “cur- from my father. A young rent events” (up until trader, Jake Moore por2008), the crippling situatrayed by Shia LaBeof, tion and habits the world is working his way up seems to embody toward on Wall Street with big money and spending, ideas and charming chaas well as very human risma. He is also engaged themes of regret, revenge, to Gordon Gekko’s (the and most importantly, main villain from “Wall greed. Street” portrayed by As a complete newbie the same, wily Michael
IDOLATOR.COM
Maroon 5’s latest album “Hands All Over” consists of the same type of material that has made them so popular in the past: solid lyrics and catchy lyrics.
Love, loss define Maroon 5 MEGAN CAREY ART SCENE EDITOR Maroon 5 must experience a lot of loving and losing because it has served them with material for two albums including enough emotion for their third and latest studio album “Hands All Over.” In order to generate hype prior to the Sept. 21 release of “Hands All Over,” Maroon 5
embarked on a monthlong summer tour spanning from July 30 to Aug. 29. Any hardcore fans of the band hopefully attended this concert as lead singer Adam Levine thinks the band is approaching its peak. From their beginning, Maroon 5 has been known for catchy lyrics and solid beats, which hypnotize their fans into loving their music and playing it at an impossibly high volume while in their cars. I’ve been a wit-
Douglas) daughter, Winnie Gekko (portrayed by Carey Mulligan). When Moore’s mentor and father figure commits suicide as a result of a refusal to bail out his company by the hands of Bretton James (portrayed by Josh Brolin), Moore is out for revenge. Conveniently, Gekko has been released from jail for seven years and has built himself a successful, but still menial career out of writing books, and still harbors the intense regret of missing out on his children’s lives. Therefore, Moore and Gekko strike up a deal where Gekko helps Moore gain his revenge on James and in return Moore gets him in with his daughter for a chance reconciliation. The importance of the movie was almost lost on me and would most definitely be lost on others who cannot recognize the references playing out in front of them. There are mentions of 9/11,
the real estate market, as well as greedy Wall Street firm hedge fund managers double dipping in the shares of their own companies. Even writing about the symbolic events in the plot line confuses me to the utmost. The film’s downfall also rests on the excess of real life events, combined with the excess of human emotions, which are both in cahoots to explicate everyone’s greedy nature. Apparently, Stone wanted to title his 1987 film “Greed’, but went with “Wall Street” instead. Stone would’ve been completely in the right to title this 2010 box office hit “Greed” because, in essence, the film really revolves around the idea that greed is good. The film then focuses on the disastrous results, which emerge as the ramifications for such a faulty way of thinking.
ness (victim) at a particular example of this occurrence with my aunt in her car as she played their second album “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” at high volume as we raced down a steep Californian mountain. It’s hard to disagree that the band is at their pinnacle because the opening track to the CD “Misery” represents the best of Maroon 5 in their 8-year career. Listening to this song gave me the name to a song I’ve heard repeatedly played on the radio for the past month. Yes, I found myself mumbling the words I thought I knew when I heard it in the car and yes, I do like the song, immensely. “Misery,” along with the majority of their songs, past and present, is just so appealing, even if it is in a haunting way. “Hands All Over” is another album of song material that appeals to happy-go-lucky and in love women everywhere with songs like “Never Gonna Leave This Bed,” which sings the praises of an unnamed woman. However, “Hands All Over” also features ditties for those who like listening to songs that mirror the same unhappiness they feel in their lives and relationships. “Runaway” highlights the feelings of
leaving a relationship and not being able to let go. Unlike some of their other work, “Hands All Over” offers a little more in terms of song selection. The track listing of the album includes the song “Out of Goodbyes” featuring Lady Antebellum, the country pop trio who made it big after their surprise hit “Need You Now.” From the onset, it was easy to surmise what the song would offer and the slow, sleepy country tinge that Lady Antebellum brings to the table really changes the way Levine’s voice sounds as he croons the song to match the lead singer of Lady Antebellum Hillary Scott’s own strong words. “Hands All Over” offers a provacative cover image to their album, which is surprising considering Maroon 5 does have a slightly younger crowd. I know that I listened to Maroon 5 when I was eleven or twelve. Although Levine may feel like his band is on its way out, “Hands All Over” cements Maroon 5 as a band that still obviously has power and persuasion. Maroon 5, at least for the time being, will still rock and roll at an impossibly high volume out of people’s cars – just like they always have.
Mars is no “Avatar” in seriously bad B-movie JARED WATSON
DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR
Since I started this review series, I’ve been asked one question more and more frequently: “Where do you find these movies?” The answer to that is actually really easy: I look at the box. Every B-movie has one or more elements that scream, “I’m going to be really bad,” right on the outside. Take this week’s movie, “Princess of Mars.” The cover is a mish-mash of guys with swords, spaceships and spiders that someone created in Photoshop in about ten minutes. Also, on the back, the movie posts a warning that it “Contains scenes of some sci-fi action.” But the thing that really grabs one’s attention is a line that reads, “The Classic Story That Inspired James Cameron’s AVATAR.” That was the kicker for me. Any time a movie’s only claim to fame is that it’s sort of based on a story that kind of inspired a movie known much more for special effects than plot, I know it’s bound to be a modern-day classic. “Princess of Mars” is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who is best known as the creator of Tarzan. It stars soapopera veteran Antonio Sabato Jr. as John Carter, a soldier who finds himself in a hospital after a sustaining massive injuries in a gunfight. After the doctors offer to fix him – with science! – they tell him they are sending him to Mars. There’s a bait and switch for the viewer right away, because Carter is sent to “Mars 216,” which is a planet in another solar system. Presumably this was done because nobody would believe there is life on our Mars, but come on movie, do you really think anybody is watching this hoping for scientific accuracy? Carter quickly comes in contact with the Tharks, a species whose heads look basically like football helmets made out of artichokes and speak in a grunting language that is unsubtitled, because nothing
makes for a better movie than 20 minutes of not being able to understand anything anyone is saying. The Tharks quickly capture Carter, even though he discovers the planet’s atmosphere basically gives him Superman powers. However, he proves his worth to his new captors by choking out a giant CGI ant, and is rewarded with food and drink in the form of Tharkian back sweat and a bowl of what looks like sour cream, which we discover comes out of the south end of a giant grub worm. Fine dining, of Mars! They soon find and capture the princess of another human-like race, who is played by former adult film star Traci Lords. Apparently the traditional dress for a Martian princess is a Princess Leia slave girl Halloween costume, as she’s dressed like a fan girl at a “Star Wars” convention throughout the film. There’s a plot about a pumping station, gladiators, and someone else making the trip from Earth to “Mars,” but really, my eyes started to glaze over after a while. There are some laugh-out-loud, unintentionally funny moments throughout the movie, including some of the worst sword fighting in the history of film and alien costumes that clearly have seams and lines visible on the actors’ heads. As to the claim that this movie is even remotely related to “Avatar,” I don’t think you need me to tell you it has no connection whatsoever. In fact, I think the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs has a case to sue to get his name removed from this pile of garbage, because the plot of this movie is so radically altered from the source material that it is not recognizable, apart from a couple of character names. If you really feel like seeing “Princess of Mars,” I suggest you instead just rent “Avatar” and repeatedly hit yourself in the head with a hammer while watching. It’s about the same.
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SPORTS
Page 7
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
As one of two upperclassmen, Tyler Duffy hopes to be a team leader.
Golfer set to pass on first-year knowledge Junior runningback Marcus Graham attempts to evade tacklers in a game against Upper Iowa. He went on to score two touchdowns.
Graham sets goal beyond football ADAM TROXTELL SPORTS EDITOR Junior running back Marcus Graham has been in love with the game of football from the moment he first picked up a ball and ran with it. His passion has helped him grow into an important role in the Lions team: one of leadership. “I was born in San Antonio and moved to Round Rock after that,” Graham said. “I know most people think it’s a small town, but it’s really a city-oriented kind of town. It’s 15 minutes away from Austin, we get a lot of their traffic, so it’s pretty big.” Graham has played football since the age of six, and he said he was always drawn to the position of running back. “I’ve always been a running back, since Pop Warner, through middle school to high school, I just always stuck with it,” he said. “I’ve played some defensive positions, but my number one position on the field was always running back.” Graham said he enjoys the sense of control on the field that, that particular position offers. “For me, it’s just the excitement of being able to touch the ball, being able to make something happen with the ball in my hands,” he said. “Defense is always cool, quarterback is always cool, but for me, it’s just being able to touch the ball.” Football was not his only sport, but Graham said once the time came to narrow down his selection, it was an obvious choice. “I played football, baseball, basketball, soccer all through my youth,” he said. “When I got to high school, I kind of figured I needed to focus on one. Baseball, the pitches started getting too fast for me, so I just kind of turned my direction toward football and stuck with that, and I feel it’s been going
pretty well for me.” As a senior at Stoney Point High School, Graham received a second-team all-district selection, team MVP award and Outstanding Back Award. “As a team, we kind of struggled,” he said. “We were a rebuilding team. My sophomore year, we lost our head coach and then we got another one my junior year. He had to rebuild the team and kind of see who was who. My senior year, we ended up 3-7, one game away from going to playoffs. Actually, right now, they are a powerhouse. We were the foundation of the team, and they’re doing well right now.” Much like other young players, there were professional players whom Graham looked to for inspiration. He said in high school it was Adrian Peterson, but before then he liked to watch a less conventional running back. “When I was little, I used to always watch Jerome Bettis and the Steelers; that’s my favorite team,” Graham said. “I just liked the big bruiser back. I’m more of a shifty back, but just seeing him not really care about who’s lining up against him, I liked watching that.” As he progressed through high school, Graham said he never really had a “mentor” in the actual game. However, he did receive plenty of support from those around him, especially his family, which provided him with motivation. “My brother played football before me, and I always wanted to go out there and do it myself,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I had a mentor per say, but my parents have always been there supporting me, telling me I could be whatever I wanted to. If I had to say I had a mentor, I’d have to say my mom and dad just always being there, always backing me
up all the way through.” Graham said he first heard of and came to Commerce when he was brought here on a summer trip while attending a local football camp. One of the camp officials was coached by former A&MCommerce head coach Scotty Conely. He said he liked the small-town atmosphere Commerce offered, especially coming from a big-city area. “It’s a small town, but it’s kind of what I wanted and what I needed,” he said. “Being from Austin, I know there’s so much to do that you just want to do anything and everything, which can lead you to trouble. Being in a small town, there’s only so much to do, and after you do it, you get comfortable with just doing everything every day. I love that.” After being redshirted his freshman year, he played special teams in 2008, averaging 25.9 yards per kick return. Last season was his first big rushing year, as he received 677 yards on the ground off of 184 carries and scored seven touchdowns. Graham’s performances were enough to earn him first-team all-Lone Star Conference North Division running back. “That was a huge boost,” Graham said regarding the award. “We had a tough season last year, and to come off with that recognition was a great accomplishment. Not only for me, but for my team and my offensive-line, because I know I couldn’t do anything by myself.” That was the first year Graham spent under current head coach Guy Morriss. Graham said while he was worried initially when he experienced yet another coaching change, he quickly saw it would be a long-term benefit. “He always gets on us about being on the field, it’s no problem if you get beat physically,” Graham said, “but it’s the
While the A&MCommerce golf teams compete only in the fall mental part that we have and the spring, for playto focus ourselves on. If ers like sophomore Tyler you’re beat mentally, then Duffy, the sport is a yearyou’re beating yourself, round commitment. and that’s what we don’t Golf has been a signifineed.” cant part of Duffy’s life Morriss said it was since he learned how to easy to tell why Graham play as a child. “I started playing golf was such a good football back when I was four player and valued memyears old,” Duffy said. ber of “My dad taught me how the team. to play. He would take “If you spend five me to my first tournaminutes with Marcus ments at a par three Graham, you know he’s course out in Benbrook. I going to be a good footplayed those until I was ball player, just because nine years old, and then of the character that he I started playing tournahas,” Morriss said. “He ments in the Northern understands the meaning Texas Player’s Golf of true leadership that he Association.” is there to serve, basically, Duffy went on to play and I think some of our in tournaments throughplayers get a little conout grade school. fused on what it means to “I played in those until be a leader or what leadI was 13 years old and ership means. He puts then began playing in the team first, and he is tournaments such as the a person that cares about Texas Legends Tour, the the people around him. Texas Junior Golf Tour, He gets it, he understands the American Junior Golf Association and for Lone how Oak High School,” to lead.” he said. Graham is majoring In high school, Duffy in construction science, qualified for state twice, which he said involves and lead his team to disa lot of engineering and trict and regional titles. math. He hopes to be a project manager someday. He was also named team MVP twice and was a “I just had my internfour-year letter winner in ship this past summer and golf. He came to A&Mgot to experience being Commerce in 2009, and a project manager, doing averaged a score of 79.25 some of the things around per round in three there,” he said. “Basically, tournaments. that’s what it entails, just “The best score I’ve managing a project, man- had in a tournament so aging blue prints, going far was 71, one under par, over all of the measureat conference last year,” ments and things he said. “My best finlike that.” ish so far was coming in As for the season, fifth at the Tanglewood Invitational.” Graham said he had a goal for himself beyond rushing stats. “Aside from being a 1000-yard rusher, which I assume every back wants to be, I really just want to leave Commerce knowing that I was the one my team could count on,” he said. “I was the one Thurs. who always could push Sept. 30 my team to do better. I was always the one who was just the leader on my team, basically. My @ West Texas personal goal this year is Friday A&M just to be that guy, to be 5 p.m. Oct. 1 that leader, that one that everybody can count on.”
The Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team dropped a 25-22, 25-16, 25-18 decision to visiting Angelo State in Lone Star Conference action on Thursday night at the A&M-Commerce Field House. A&M-Commerce (4-7, 0-3 LSC) fell victim to a hot-hitting Angelo State squad that out hit the Lions by a .247 to .082 margin. In the loss, sophomore Rachel Robertson had a teamhigh and match-high 10
kills for A&M-Commerce. Freshman Jordan Neal had 22 assists and freshman Dakota Crockett had 10 digs in the defeat for the Lions. Angelo State (5-6, 2-1 LSC) spread the attack around throughout the match, including a teambest eight kills from Chelsea Gibson and Julie Kennedy and seven more from Alex Meredith. ASU has won all five of its matches in 2010 in three sets. Plus, the Rambelles also got a match-high 31 assists from Alex Woosley and three service aces
from Katie Coleman sparked the service game. In the opening set, after a brief 3-3 tie, the first of three service aces by Coleman put the Rambelles ahead for the remainder of the set. Coleman, Gibson and Meredith each put down three kills en route to an opening set victory for the eighth time on the 2010 campaign. The Rambelles raced out to a 12-5 advantage in the second set and took advantage of eight hitting errors and four service errors by the Lions to take a two-set lead with a
Duffy is one of two upper classmen on the men’s golf team this season. Despite his lack of experience, he said he has high hopes for the team. “I’m really excited about this year,” he said. “I’m really hoping we can successfully compete with our conference and make it to regionals and finals. I think this semester we could definitely do well in all of our tournaments because of senior Dustin Gideon and myself.” He also said he is impressed by the freshmen and hopes he can help pass on some wisdom as the players come to know the college game. “We have six new very skilled freshmen as well,” Duffy said. “I’ve been practicing all summer long and want to see what the freshmen are capable of this year. I feel I can teach the freshmen on the team to have a strong sense of camaraderie. My other tips are to just really keep your head in the game and don’t ever let emotion take over.” Duffy and the A&MCommerce golf team had an up-and-down season last year. He said fixing that is one of his personal goals this season. “To help us achieve our goals for the year, I’m hoping to stay consistent, raise my overall game, and hopefully make a few top fives or win the conference,” he said. Duffy plans to continue playing golf for as long as possible. “I could see myself playing golf after college professionally, if I put more hard work and dedication into it,” he said. “I am definitely going to be playing for fun the rest of my life.”
Lions Sports Week
Rambelles win all sets against Lions SPORTS INFORMATION
JON MCDANIEL STAFF WRITER
25-16 victory. The Lions built a 15-12 advantage in the third set on the strength of an ASU attack error and back-to-back kills by Robertson and Naomi Mays. The lead prompted a Rambelle timeout. The set ended up tied at 17 to mark the eighth time in the set. Angelo State closed out the contest with an 8-1 run to secure the victory. A&M-Commerce is back in action on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. when they host Abilene Christian at the A&MCommerce Field House.
Saturday Oct. 2
Sunday Oct. 3
Wed. Oct. 6
Women’s
SOSU Choctaw Nation Champ. Round 1
Central Okla. Broncho Classic Round 1
SOSU Choctaw Nation Champ. Round 2
Central Okla. Broncho Classic Round 2
SOSU Choctaw Nation Champ. Round 3
Central Okla. Broncho Classic Round 3
@ A&M
v. Southeastern Oklahoma 6 p.m.
International 2 p.m.
@ Eeastern New Mexico Noon
Monday Oct. 4
Tuesday Oct. 5
Men’s
@ Ouachita Baptist 6 p.m.
Page 8
sports
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
www.theeasttexan.com
LSC Football Scores: TAMU-C 21 Eastern New Mexico 44 Tarleton State 3 Abilene Christian 65 West Texas A&M 37 Angelo State 27 Southwestern Oklahoma 0 EastCentral 23 Northeastern State 26 Southeastern Oklahoma 24
That Sports Thing?
A&M-Kingsvill 37 Incarnate Word 9 Midwestern State 30 Central Oklahoma 24
Who is the Rangers’ MVP of 2010? STAFF REPORTS A disappointing, injury-riddled 2009 season left many Rangers fans, including myself, under the impression that outfielder Josh Hamilton’s incredible 2008 season, legendary Home Run Derby performance and all, was a feat never to be repeated. However, Hamilton has taken 2010 by storm, coming back to play at MVP caliber to lead the Rangers to their first division title in 11 years. Hamilton’s 2009 efforts were disappointing on many levels. Aside from mechanical quirks in his swing, Hamilton was plagued by multiple injuries, which cost him upwards of 70 games, and left him playing at less than full capacity for a good portion of the remaining ones. After an unremarkable start in April, Hamilton was able to adjust the “toe tap” timing mechanism in his swing, while also enjoying good health. The result – Rangers fans were treated to the RBI smashing Hamilton of two years ago from May until the start of September. Hamilton carried the Rangers offense to overcome injuries to other star players like Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler, as well as sub par performances at multiple spots in the batting order. Even considering the time he’s missed this month because of injuries, Hamilton has unquestionably rebounded from his lackluster image of yesteryear. He even has a skeptic like me believing once again that he is the “real deal,” not just a short-lived Cinderella story. And when I’m in attendance at game three of the ALDS in Arlington, I think I might actually stand up, open my usually quiet mouth and cheer at the top of my lungs when Hamilton steps up to the plate. Getting the world’s most passive fan to do that – no easy task. So, kudos to you, Mr. Hamilton. Kudos.
Standings
CALEB SLINKARD MANAGING EDITOR During his six-year career with the Texas Rangers, C.J. Wilson has not been the most consistent player. When Wilson would come on to close during his short-lived tenure as the Rangers closer in 2008 his appearance was also accompanied by a sense of impending doom. In 2009, he was lightsout as an 8th inning setup man, an important role in today’s MLB. So when it was announced in spring training this year that he would be attempting to crack the starting rotation, I was skeptical about losing a shutdown setup man who couldn’t make it as a closer. Over the summer months though, as the wins and strikeouts began to pile up, Wilson proved time and again that he belonged in the rotation. Even my fears of this long-time reliever breaking down late in the season were unfounded. In 31 starts this season, Wilson has a team-leading 14 wins against seven losses, 161 strikeouts in 194 innings, a 3.15 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Along with ace Cliff Lee and equally surprising Colby Lewis, Wilson is a pitcher who has proven that he can carry the Rangers to the playoffs and perhaps their first playoff series victory ever. Starting pitching has always been a problem for the Texas Rangers who, despite their impressive power numbers, have failed to accomplish any meaningful playoff run in their 38-year history. 2010 may change the Rangers’ playoff woes, and C.J. Wilson deserves a good deal of credit for that. Cliff Lee may be the Rangers’ ace and Colby Lewis may lead the Rangers in strikeouts, but Wilson has been the most consistent and successful starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.
North Division 1) NE State, 2-2 (1-0) 2) Eastern NM, 2-2 (1-0) 3) SE Oklahoma, 1-3 (0-1) 4) UCO, 1-3 (0-0) 5) ECU, 1-3 (1-0) 6) TAMU-C, 1-3 (0-1) 7) SW Oklahoma, 0-4 (0-1) South Division 1) A&M-Kings., 4-0 (1-0) 2) Midwestern, 4-0 (0-0) 3) ACU, 4-0 (1-0) 4) West Texas A&M, 3-1 (1-0) 5) ASU, 2-1 (0-1) 6) Incarnate Word, 1-3 (0-1) 7) Tarleton, 0-4 (0-1) Senior Adam Farkes, who threw for 114 yards on Saturday, gets wrapped up by Angelo State players.
Eastern New Mexico ‘hounds’ Lions SPORTS INFORMATION
Host Eastern New Mexico scored 23-straight points en route to a 44-21 win over Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Lone Star Conference North Division opener for both teams. A&M-Commerce (1-3, 0-1 LSC North) had rallied from a 21-7 deficit with two touchdowns in nine seconds to tie the game at 21 midway through the second quarter. Eastern New Mexico (2-2, 1-0 LSC North) rallied on the ensuing drive to come back and to take the lead for good on a 36-yard field goal by Taylor Cannon. To start
the drive, the Greyhounds took the kickoff back to midfield. A pair of first downs put ENMU in field goal position and the Lions went into the halftime break with a three-point deficit. The Greyhounds put points on the board on their first two drives of the second half to extend the lead to 34-21. Greyhounds quarterback Wesley Wood completed 44 of 73 passes for 437 yards and five touchdowns in the win. He found eight different receivers including Jesse Poku, who had 12 receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The ENMU offense outgained
the Lions, 590 to 249. The A&M-Commerce offense was led by junior running back Marcus Graham, who ran the ball 22 times for 121 yards in the loss. Anchoring the defense were junior Matt Abram, who had 12 tackles and freshman Jake Williams, who had two sacks. Trailing 14-0, midway through the second quarter, redshirt freshman Joel Wren stepped in front of a Wood pass and ran it back 31 yards to cut the deficit to seven. ENMU came right back with an eight play, 64-yard drive for the 14-point lead, 21-7. Later in the quarter, A&M-Commerce came
back with two touchdowns in nine seconds to tie the game at 21. First, Farkes found Julian Hayes for a 36-yard touchdown reception. To set up the touchdown, Graham rambled 23 yards to the Greyhounds 36-yard line. On the ensuing kickoff, the Lions Leonard Jackson forced ENMU’s Rodney Mitchell to fumble it that was picked up by Marcus Fore, who ran it back 24 yards to tie the game at 21. The Lions will return home for three of its next four games, including its next contest, Saturday, Oct. 2 when they host Southeastern Oklahoma State at 6:00 p.m.
Cain Complex hosts disc golf tournament JUSTIN CHEATHAM STAFF WRITER
Hole two of the disc golf course located at Cain Sports Complex.
The first intramural disc golf tournament of the year took place Sept. 23, at the Cain Sports Complex. Matt King won first place with a score of 34 points for the eight-hole round. “This was my first time to play disc golf,” King said, “but I liked it and will probably be playing the rest of the tournaments this year and coming back next year. I liked coming out and beating two of my [fraternity] brothers and one new guy.” The tournament attracted only five participants, none of whom had any experience in disc golf prior to this tournament. All of the players picked up on the game relatively quickly, despite their inex-
perience and windy conditions. “[Disc golf is] good stuff, I really like it,” sophomore Justin Simpson said. “I’m definitely playing this next year too. The wind kind of sucked though.” The wind carried the discs away from the holes, making it more difficult for the players to be accurate. The water hazard on holes seven and eight caused one player to lose a disc and stroke to the pond. The next disc golf event will be Oct. 19 at 5:00 p.m. It will be hosted by the Outdoor Adventure Club and will meet at the Morris Recreation Center (MRC). For more information about intramural disc golf, contact Michelle Wentzel at the MRC.
Wildcats battle to 3-0 match win SPORTS INFORMATION
Freshman Kayla Bond and sophomore Rachel Robertson each had eight kills for the Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team in a 26-24, 25-23, 25-17 loss to Abilene Christian on Saturday afternoon at the A&MCommerce Field House. The match featured 18 tie scores and six lead changes but it was the Wildcats, who prevailed with the win. A&M-Commerce (4-8, 0-4 LSC) was outhit by a .149 to .135 margin but did outblock the Wildcats, 7-5. Freshman Jordan Neal and junior Sarah Owens each
had two blocks. In the victory, Jordan Schilling of ACU had a double double with a team-best and match-high 13 digs and 10 kills. With the win, the Wildcats raise their record to 10-2 overall and 4-0 in the Lone Star Conference In a tightly contested first set that featured seven tie scores and two lead changes. The Lions withstood four ACU set points to tie the set at 24. After an ACU timeout, back-toback kills by the Wildcats gave the visitors a one-set advantage. In the second set, the two teams were tied 10 more times. A balanced
ACU attack with five players recording multiple kills and three service aces by Madelyn Robinett put the Wildcats up by two sets. In the third set, ACU jumped out to a 3-0 advantage and never trailed for the remainder of the set. In the decisive set, Shawna Hines and Schilling each had four kills to pace an ACU attack that outhit the Lions by a .231 to .086. Bond and Neal, who had four and three kills, respectively, paced the A&M-Commerce attack. Up next, A&MCommerce hosts Texas Woman’s on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the A&MCommerce Field House.
Freshmen Kayla Bond (left) and Dakota Crockett (center) go after a ball as Naomi Mays (right) looks on.