The Cameron University Collegian: April 25, 2011

TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, April 25, 2011

Volume 85 Issue 18

Informing Cameron Since 1926

CU tobacco ban begins in August

By Taylor Brunwald Staff Writer

It has come a long way, but soon, a ban on tobacco will be implemented at Cameron University.

Beginning August 1, 2011, all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, will be prohibited on campus, which includes the main campus in Lawton and the Duncan location. While first-time offenders will initially receive a warning, repeat offenders may be subject to a citation and/or a $25 fine.

According to Vice President for Student Services Jennifer Holland, this new policy is part of a greater plan for the university.

“This is a part of the ‘A Healthier CU in Century II’ initiative which began in 2009,” Vice President Holland said. “The tobacco ban includes the entirety of campus, including facilities, grounds, university vehicles and parking lots.”

To assist with the transition to a tobacco-free campus, the university will provide free smoking cessation programs. “’Freedom from Smoking’ will be taught by Dr. Joe Langley, the Director of the Southwest Area Health Education Center,” Vice President Holland said. “These programs have had documented success. Free materials will be provided.”

Faculty and staff at Cameron who receive insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Association will have access to that provider’s smoking cessation programs.

Also available is the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a state-funded initiative with free resources available to those who meet certain guidelines. The helpline itself is manned with trained counselors prepared to meet about any tobacco-related issue.

Other than prohibiting certain behaviors, other changes will be seen around campus.

“The ashtrays currently around campus will be removed,” Vice President Holland said.

“There will also likely be fewer cigarette butts in the flower beds.”

She said that while there would be no cost to removing the outdoor ashtrays, there would be a minimal cost to Cameron concerning the policy.

“There will be ‘no smoking’ signs placed across campus, on doors, walls and near MCT Campus

Graphic courtesy of Public Affairs

building entrances,” Vice President Holland “There will be ‘no smoking’ said. “They will be close to the size of business cards. They are not intended to be signs placed across campus, confrontational, but helpful reminders of the on doors, walls and near policy.” building entrances. They According to the American Lung Association, Cameron will be the twelfth will be close to the size institute of higher education in Oklahoma to of business cards. They have a tobacco-free campus. Other campuses are not intended to be include Oklahoma State University, the University of Central Oklahoma and confrontational, but helpful Western Oklahoma State College. reminders of the policy.”

“We have had mostly positive feedback concerning this policy,” Vice President Holland said. “Not — Jennifer Holland all of our feedback has Vice President of been positive, but Student Services we have only heard from a few who have expressed frustration.”

One of those who expressed their approval is Mathematics senior David Mihalik.

“America is becoming more health-conscious and wants to be more responsible with regard to health,” Mihalik said.

See BAN Page 2

Westphal to deliver Commencement address CU Public Affairs

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph Westphal, Ph.D., will deliver the commencement address to Cameron University’s Class of 2011. The annual graduation ceremony is slated for Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Cameron Stadium.

Following Westphal’s address, CU’s 2011 graduates will receive their diplomas. A gala fireworks display will cap off the occasion. The public is invited to attend.

“We are honored that Under Secretary Westphal will address our 2011 graduates,” says Cameron President Cindy Ross. “His distinguished record of public service and his ability to serve in a variety of sectors will inspire this year’s graduates as they celebrate the culmination of their academic experience during Commencement.”

With a distinguished career of service in both academia and government, Dr. Westphal currently serves as the 30th Under Secretary of the Army. As the Under Secretary, he was designated as the Army’s first Chief Management Officer and is charged with finding ways for the Army to more efficiently and effectively carry out its day-to-day business. In 2001, he served as the Acting Secretary of the Army, and from 1998 to 2001, he served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

He has had extensive experience working with the United States Congress and other departments within the executive branch. He served as the Senior Policy Advisor for Water Resources at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Clinton Administration. He also worked in the United States Congress in various capacities, from directing a bi-partisan congressional caucus in the House and Senate to working as a budget analyst and assistant to the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Budget and serving on Members’ staff. Earlier in his public service career, Dr. Westphal worked as a policy advisor to the Secretary in the Department of the Interior.

In academia, Dr. Westphal served as Chancellor of the University of Maine System and Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. He also served as the Provost, Senior Vice President for Research and Professor of Environmental Studies at The New School in New York City. He stepped down

See WESTPHAL Page 2

Photo courtesy of Public Affairs

News

A&E

Sports

Opinion

Sociology Club gets involved in community.

Celebrating Nepalese New Year.

CU Athletics: Year in Review

It’s time for a CU radio station.

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 4

2

News

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

Forensics Team places nationally

By Elijah Morlett Staff Writer

The Cameron University Forensics Team has finished their tournament season with national awards. From March 23–26, the team competed in Portland, Ore., at the 49th Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Tournament and Convention.

The team competed against 84 other colleges and universities. CU placed sixth in the National Parliamentary Debate Association competition and 11th overall at the national competition.

According to Director of Forensics Dan Schabot, the nine-person team competed against schools that brought 20–30 members per team.

“We’re at a level to where we can successfully take on larger teams outside our region,” Schabot said. “We have been consistent with our results at tournaments.”

Junior Brett Carlton and freshmen Skylar Williams, both Speech Communication majors, took home first place in debate and were awarded a “Superior” rating in the tournament.

The various team members were awarded “Excellent” and “Superior” ratings for their events in International Public Debate Association, Poetry Interpretation, Communication Analysis, Duo Interpretation, Persuasion, Impromptu and Prose Interpretation.

Photo courtesy of CU Forensics team

Pros and cons: Members of the CU Forensics Team crowd around the table at an award banquet. The team garnered national recognition during the tournament season, and many members earned individual awards.

The team has placed 32nd out of 200 debate teams from across the country after the recent awards. Cameron’s Pi Kappa Delta President Brenna Welch believes that the teams has been doing exceedingly well throughout the year.

“The team has a drive and motivation to do the work that’s necessary to win,” Welch said.

Schabot adds to the compliment, saying that there is good camaraderie and cohesion in the team.

“The team functions as a unit,” Schabot said. “They don’t work as individuals, rather they work together to improve each other.”

With the recent awards received at the state and national levels, the team has collectively won over 200 awards from this tournament season alone.

“We placed as a team in eight out of the ten tournaments,” Schabot said. “We won first place sweepstakes in four of the tournaments.”

Carlton will take Welch’s place as the PKD chapter president for the 2011-2012 academic year. According to Carlton, the team plans to exceed the success of this year.

“Winning the national championship felt like the highest state of ecstasy that a person can possibly reach,” Carlton said. “I want to see us place in the top 10 at PKD nationals next year and lead a different stride of debate teams.”

According to Schabot, the team is a tribute to what past directors have done with the team over the years. He plans for the team to continue to build on the experiences gained from the tournament season.

“We feel that we are very competitive at the tournaments,” Schabot said. “Our goal is to show people that Cameron’s team can take on any school in the country, even if the schools are bigger or have a larger budget than we do.”

WESTPHAL continued from page 1 from his position at The New School to serve as a member of President Obama’s Transition Team for Defense Matters in December 2008.

He spent his first 12 years in academia as a faculty member at Oklahoma State University, where he worked as a Professor of Political Science, later becoming head of that department. During his many years of public service, Dr. Westphal taught public policy as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.

Dr. Westphal received his Bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University, his Master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, and his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

BAN continued from page 1

Solutions on page 6

“Banning tobacco from campus is a step in the right direction.”

Another who agreed with the ban is Jake Stover, an Elementary Education junior.

“Whether indoors or outdoors, secondhand smoke affects everyone,” he said. “I’m glad that there will be no tobacco on campus.”

Not every student agrees with the impending policy.

“I believe that it is progressive to happen in a state that isn’t quite as health-conscious, but it doesn’t consider the voice of student body who does,” Tommy Smith, a Communication junior, said.

Another dissenting voice is Jesse Arredondo, a Communication freshman.

“Many people on campus smoke, including students, teachers, and staff,” he said. “This will be inconvenient for many of them.”

For more information regarding the tobacco ban, visit www.cameron.edu/tobaccofree, or contact Vice President Jennifer Holland at 581.2244. Information regarding Oklahoma’s tobacco cessation initiative can be found at www.ok.gov/stopswithme. The hotline number is 1.800.QUITNOW (1.800.784.8669).

News

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

3

Sociology club volunteers on campus

By Elijah Morlett Staff Writer

Cameron’s Sociology Club has been working to strengthen their presence on campus and in the community. The club’s members have begun to branch out by doing several community service projects throughout the Lawton area.

According to the club’s president, senior Sociology major Janna Davis, members have been working hard to increase their productivity over the past

few years.

“We have been raising money and donating service and goods for organizations that are in need,” Davis said. “We try to do an activity every month.”

The club’s mission is to promote intellectual involvement among students and to provide “We have been raising money students with the and donating services and opportunity to get to know other goods for organizations that individuals who are in need. We try to do are interested an activity every month. We in the field of sociology. repainted [one of the Marie Through Detty Youth and Family community service, the Services shelters playgrounds] members get with bright colors. It all took a hands-on experience about five hours.” with themes of sociology and are able to interact — Jana Davis with a broad Sociology Club President range of people.

The club’s most recent service project occurred on April 9 with Marie Detty Youth and Family Services.

Several members revamped a children’s playground at one of the Marie Detty shelters.

“We repainted their playground with bright colors,” Davis said. “It all took about five hours.”

The club has also been involved in aiding other Marie Detty shelters, the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter, the Animal Birth Control Clinic, Department of Human Services Foster Care Agency and other organizations.

“We plan on working with the Criminal Justice Association in the fall semester for other projects,” Davis said.

Fundraisers are common for the club. The money is used to gain materials needed for their service projects.

The club normally attempts to aid community organizations on whatever is needed most at the moment. The club regularly supplies their own equipment with money gained from fundraisers.

The next project is to raise money, make and donate Easter baskets for the local children’s shelter.

According to Davis, the club also helps students add to their resume with the number of activities the organization plans.

Membership in the Sociology Club is not restricted to Sociology majors.

“The Sociology Club is open to all students,” Davis said.

“We have some Criminal Justice and Psychology majors participating.”

For more information on joining the Sociology Club, contact the organization’s advisor, Dr. Su Lee, or visit the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology on the second f loor of Nance Boyer.

Opinion

4

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

It has been an awesome journey

Five year Collegian staff member bids farewell S

Jim Horinek

Managing Editor

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Megan Bristow Sports Editor - Michael Faggett Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett

amount of humility and dedication to my endeavors as he does to his. o my graduation is right around the corner. That is something Thank you Dr. Keller for being there for me and for being here for that I am having trouble wrapping my head around. But there is Cameron’s future students. something that I am having a harder time getting through my head and I also want to thank the many different staff members I have worked that is that this issue of the “Collegian” is my last issue as a member of the with over the years. I have worked with so many that I can’t name them staff all but the one overriding fact is that they are what make this publication In fact, as I write this I find myself in what has become an extremely familiar place for me over the past five or so years: the Collegian office. It is so great. Thank you to the writers, the editors and everyone who has been here with me during my time on the staff. quite possible that this room is the place in which I have spent more time Finally, we have one staff member who is always working in the during my college career. I have been on campus for roughly five years and shadows doing the thankless jobs that are required to keep things going. have also been a part of the “Collegian” staff for the same amount of time.

During this time I have participated in, and in some cases personally, done Susan Hill, the “Collegian” Financial Officer, is tasked with handling all of the financial records and advertising billing for the entire publication. She a large amount of the work in over 100 issues of this long running campus works tirelessly to ensure that we stay on target and in the black. Thank publication. you Susan for always being there both for the “Collegian” itself and for me Furthermore, I have seen many different campus events and been a part of many things that I will never forget. I cherish every moment I spent as well.

When I sat down to write this I was not sure really what I was going to working on the Collegian, even the late nights and the stressful deadlines.

I would like to thank several people in particular but one is paramount. say but the fact is that I really am going to miss this place. I will admit it will be nice to not have to deal with the deadlines or things of that nature Dr. Chris Keller, the “Collegian” faculty adviser, is by far one of the most anymore but it is hard for me to believe that this is the last time I will have wonderful and caring individuals I have ever had the privilege to work a byline in this publication. with. While under his wing as a member of the staff I have truly grown In any case, I thought it was time I address something I often get and learned much about what it means to be ethical and practical in the journalism field. However, his impact on my life is much more far reaching questions about and that is my photo that is accompanying this article.

People have asked me on many occasions why I do not take a newer photo. than simply what he taught me about being a journalist. Dr. Keller helped In fact, to those who know me it is obvious that the photo is somewhat me to understand that we learn from our mistakes and that we grow from old.

I guess somewhat old is a bit of an understatement considering it was them. Furthermore, I believe that by working with him I have grown to taken in 2006. I never really knew why I never changed the photo but I better understand what it means to be passionate about something think I might now. The fact is that I like to see that photo and be reminded regardless of the pay or benefits. of the time that I came into the office for the first time and sat down at In my opinion Dr. Keller is among the hardest a desk. It is crazy to think of all the things that have happened working and most caring professors at Cameron and during my time here but one thing despite the fact that he puts is for sure. My zeal and passion for in many many hours and this publication remains as strong devotes most of his time as it was the day that photo was to his students he truly taken. Although, I have to admit does so with no complaints that since that day the long nights because he is passionate and deadlines have added a few more about what he does. I pounds, a few gray hairs and some only hope that as I move cynicism to the mix. forward I can maintain See you all later down the road.

Graphic by Jim Horinek at least some level of the

Time has come for CU radio station

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Cantu, Ashleigh Fletcher, Amber Spurlin, Raven Weiss, Brittany Wolfe, Tahira Carter, Brandon Thompson, Elijah Morlett, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Photographer - Kelsey Carter Circulation Managers - Thomas Smith, Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan

Faculty Adviser

Dr. Christopher Keller

About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.

Letters Policy

Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length.

Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.

Our Views

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content.

Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

Michael Faggett Sports Editor

Cameron University needs its own radio station.

What about KCCU? That’s a good question.

KCCU is housed in the Administration Building on campus, but does not necessarily belong to Cameron.

Let me explain.

KCCU is an NPR affiliate which serves the Lawton/ Ft. Sill community as well as Wichita Falls, Ardmore, and other surrounding cities within the station’s broadcast range.

Avid news fans and concerned community members can indubitably find news, commentary, and analysis on the latest issues in national and state governmental affairs.

KCCU does an awardwinning job of providing such content to its listeners and continues to serve

a vital purpose to those aforementioned communities.

Furthermore, KCCU also provides a venue for students to work, intern and learn the fundamental nuances of both radio production and news radio. Numerous students currently intern and/or work at the station, and those students play an intricate part in the production process at KCCU. Myself included.

Since January of this year, I have learned innumerable and invaluable lessons while spending time producing PSAs, news minutes and news stories for the station. I’ve learned from the staff and been able to hone my radio broadcasting skills to the extent where I feel more comfortable using them in other venues beyond Cameron.

I learned to speak in more of a conversational tone while one air. I also learned to pace myself and learned to work more efficiently in a limited amount of time. I even gained a profound fondness for jazz music while at KCCU. Overall, KCCU does well for both the communities it reaches and for Cameron students in the sense that it provides a needed product for the people and gives students an opportunity to gain experience in the field of

CU

MCT Campus

broadcasting.

However, that does not change the fact Cameron University needs its own radio station.

KCCU reaches a broad and well-respected demographic, a demographic that certainly isn’t college students. The programming doesn’t necessarily cater to the wellbeing of Cameron, and that is both understood and accepted because again, KCCU serves the community.

Based on that premise, I feel campus can host another radio station: one specifically for student production and for

student content.

Why not have radio shows discussing new SGA legislation, where students across campus could better understand the proposals in SGA and hear the issues directly from campus senators and representatives?

Why not have a station that broadcasts CU’s home sporting events, where students can call crucial games on the basketball court, baseball field and others?

Why can’t we have a station that has student produced shows, whether comical, news or otherwise?

We have the students capable of hosting such shows and broadcasting such events.

We have the venues on campus that could fill the station’s time for programming, and with the diversity of our campus, it broadens the opportunities unlike other campuses. Student organizations could advertise themselves and upcoming events on campus with such a station.

There was a time in Cameron’s broadcasting history where student production was on the campus radio station, and I believe those times can be re-lived.

Allowing for a student-run radio station gives Cameron University its own radio station that reaches its target demographic: students.

Plus, it only helps CU climb closer to “every student, every story.”

5

A&E

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

Ring in New Year Nepalese style

By Tahira Carter Staff Writer

The Cameron University Nepalese Association celebrated Nepali New Year 2068 B.S. on April 17 in the McCasland Ballroom.

The colourful event gave the Nepali students at Cameron the opportunity to share their culture with faculty and friends. Students embraced the opportunity to adorn themselves in their traditional dress and perform musical numbers customary to their homeland.

Communications major and co-host of the event Ashok Pandey said that the event was a collaborative effort to keep the Nepalese culture alive for the students at Cameron University.

“We organize these festivities once a year,” Pandey said.

“Sometimes we do other festivals, such as Dashain, but this time we chose to do the New Year. CUNA members and even the staff of the BCM and others have helped us to bring the event together.”

President of the CUNA and senior Biology major Hem Raj Gurung gave some details on the basic differences between the lunar calendar and the Western calendar.

“The calendar that we follow is approximately 56.7 years ahead of the Western calendar,” Gurung said. “As the Americans do, every year we celebrate our New Year.

It’s called Bikram Sambat and was founded by the emperor of one of the states of India. We follow the same calendar in Nepal as well,” Gurung said.

Freshman Anjana Prasain

was also a co-host of the event and explained some of the reasons why the Nepali New Year 2068 was such a big event for the students from Nepal.

“We present our Nepalese cuisine and we have performances of dance and song,” Prasain said.

“This time we did something different; we presented a short movie that we made ourselves.”

Prasain said that a group of Nepali students at Cameron decided to make the short film for fun and later thought it would be a good idea to show the film to the audience at the New Year festivities. The comically named “No Budget Productions” movie addresses one of the main choices that Nepali students are faced with when they move to the United States. The choice is whether to return home to their families or to build a new and exciting life in the US. The event was well attended by members of the Nepali Association, CU students and faculty. Neila Ettienne, a senior theatre major, attended the event for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I thought it was a wonderful showcasing of talent and I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of the event. The costumes were amazing and the food was wonderful. I especially liked the movie, it made me laugh and I saw a lot of my Nepalese friends in it,” Ettienne said.

Other highlights of the evening included a live band of Nepali students, Shashank Shrestha, performing favourites such as “Hamro Nepal,” “Sanjhako Bela” and “Keep on Rocking”.

Photos by Tahira Carter

Food, fun and dance: Nepalese students ring in the Nepalese New Year with plenty of food, live music and dancing. The students plan an event every year to share and recognize their culture with other CU students.

‘Soul Surfer’ tugs on viewer’s heart strings

By Megan Bristow A&E Editor

“I don’t need easy; I just need possible,” Anasophia Robb said.

A person with that kind of attitude would go far in life.

Life is not about finding the easiest way through. Life is about rising above the struggles and finding joy in the midst of them.

Anasophia Robb starred as Bethany Hamilton in the recently released movie “Soul Surfer.” The movie is based on the true story of the professional surfer. As the movie first gets going, it seems like it is going to be a typical family drama movie. However, by the end of the movie, the story line has got viewers glued to the screen wondering what is going to happen next.

Veterans to the screen, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt, teamed up as Bethany’s parents, Tom and Cheri Hamilton.

Under their direction and the love of her tight knit family, Bethany leads a pretty perfect life. She is growing up in Hawaii, enjoying being homeschooled with her best friend, and gets to ride the waves every day as part of her training as an amateur surfer on her way to becoming a professional.

After having snuck out to surf at midnight with her best friend, Alanna, Bethany wakes up and goes to train for the regional surfing competition like any other morning. It is a beautiful day. The sun is shining on the crystal blue water; the waves are the perfect height for surfing. Bethany Hamilton lowers her hand into the water alongside her board. Before she knows what’s happening, a shark has risen out of the water and claimed her arm.

Bethany has to rely on the help of her friend’s dad who had been surfing with her to get her to shore. Emergency help is called, but it could be too late.

Getting Bethany back to the

MCT Campus

Wave Rider: While on her way to becoming a professional surfer, Bethany Hamilton’s (Anasophia Robb) dreams come to a halt when she lives through a shark attack. Life will never be the same for her, and she must find the strength to carry on. shore to get her to the hospital could take her life. She is losing too much blood, and her level of consciousness is blurring just as fast. Most people’s reaction during this whole process would

have been to scream or cry at the extreme pain. However, Bethany kept her composure, which most likely kept her alive and holding on as long as she did.

The rest of the movie

describes the trouble that she went through as she learned to adjust to life with one arm.

Her primary concern remained, however. How was she going to learn to stand back up on the

surfboard with one arm?

When her mother asks her if she’s afraid of getting back in the water, Bethany courageously replies, “I’m more afraid of not surfing.”

A prosthetic arm was tried, but deemed unsightly. Plus, it wouldn’t support enough weight to help her get up on the board.

Bethany soon became tired of trying, and gave up letting feelings of anger swarm in.

It wasn’t until she is shown participating in a trip benefitting victims of a tsunami in Thailand that Bethany realizes how much she can still give to the world and how lucky she really is even if she does only have one arm.

Once again, she tries to master surfing with one arm. There are a great many obstacles in her way, and many people that doubt she will be able to do so.

That does not stop her from trying though.

Viewers of “Soul Surfer” will get to follow Anasophia Robb as she takes on the different challenges that stand in her way.

This movie will prove to be an inspirational film that will tug at your heartstrings. Head on over to Carmike Cinemas before the film is no longer showing on the big screen and you have to wait for it to come out on DVD. Movies like this one do not come out every weekend; do not wait for the DVD.

Sports

6

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

Wild ride through CU Athletics

By Michael Faggett Sports Editor

As May 6 approaches (faster for some, slower for others), numerous moments of reflection resonate through my mind as I number the grey hairs on my head and look back over my extensive tenure at Cameron, particularly in sports.

Since fall 2007, I’ve witnessed countless Aggie sporting events, called numerous games for volleyball, basketball and softball

and seen virtually every team, even cheerleading, develop into a competitive force on their respective fields or courts, which has been a sight to see.

Men’s basketball has gone from the bottom of the barrel in the Lone Star Conference to a respected team in its conference.

Granted, the road to that respectability has been a rocky one, with a winless conference season in 2010 and the infamous altercation with Southeastern in the same year, however, the

Quick turnaround: Forward Nate Murray has seen a wide array of success and failure as a member of the men’s basketball team. The forward signed in 2009 and was a member of the winless conference team in 2010. This season Murray helped the Aggies return to the LSC conference playoffs .

team has gone from the days of boasting a senior-laden squad with sharpshooter Dave Smith, Mekaile Reed, Terrence Washington, Greg Boxell and others to a well-rounded, deep team with upcoming prospects like Desmond Henry, Craig Foster, Jonathan Patino and other talented players. Avid fans have criticized some of head coach Wade Alexander’s coaching tactics, but Alexander has done well with recruiting talented players like Reed, Milt Garner, Viniscius Telo and others and has done well with pulling that talent together for two runs to the conference playoffs.

Women’s basketball, in my humble opinion, has seen the greatest of transformations in my years on campus. The team only one four games my freshman year and had very little talent to speak of. Head coach Tom Webb has done well with recruiting some solid players blended in with a few studs (Josie Stewart and Sabelle Diata). While the Aggies were still two games from .500 this season, I honestly believe if Diata can return along with the development of Williams, freshmen Ali Brown and Lacy Reinke and a solid recruiting class, women’s basketball could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Baseball has continued to play well through the years, and this season has definitely been one to watch, especially with newcomers Kenny Held and Chase Larsson.

Both players are in the nation’s top ten in batting average, home runs, RBIs, and hits, a feat typically unheard of at the Division 2 level. They’ve carried the baseball team’s offense all season and have garnered major league attention with over 20 teams coming to scout them for the MLB draft.

In addition to that, pitcher Ricky Cramer even pitched a

Photos courtesy of CU Athletics

Solid career for Korir: Cross country runner Julius Korir is one of the many talented athletes to suit up for Cameron in the past four years. Korir has been named an All-American in cross country and won the Aggies’ first home cross country race. no-hitter this season, which only added to the impressive storyline baseball has had. A trip to the “big dance” would put the icing on the cake.

Softball has seen interesting storylines as well. From seeing an opposing fans throwing lawn chairs onto the field this season to witnessing a plethora of illegal pitches called, I’ve watched the team enjoy success and endure hardships. On that note, pitcher Carrie Harvey is an ace, period.

At the time of publication, the ace from Burkburnett has pitched a total of 194 innings and holds a 14-11 record with a 2.35 ERA. She has struck out 241 batters while only walking 47 batters.

Add that stat line to her freshman year back in 2008-09, when she threw a perfect game, Harvey should be a shoe-in for the Aggies Athletic Hall of Fame.

Other sports like cross country, volleyball, tennis, golf and cheerleading have boasted top talent and successful wins.

Not only have I witnessed those successes, but I have also made numerous connections and friends from those successes as well.

Now as I trade in my black and gold for green and white (at the University of North Texas) this coming fall, I do so knowing Cameron athletics is a competitive department, which will certainly make me a proud alum.

‘America’s pastime’ loses appeal, fan support

By Brandon Thompson Staff Writer

What has happened to America’s favorite past time?

Baseball has held this title for over a century, but with the growth of other sports and new forms of entertainment, it appears to have lost its luster.

Growing up in Oklahoma, sports always played an intricate role in my life, particularly baseball. It seems like I spent every weekend at the ballpark playing catch, taking batting practice, or playing in a tournament.

Summertime, in my town, meant baseball season.

As my life rounded first base and headed for second, I noticed that the fans seem to disappear, but why? Has the sport really changed? Many would argue that baseball through all of its scandals and lockouts has lost its public

appeal.

I agree whole-heartedly with baseball’s history being tarnished from scandals and lockouts, but other sports have their fair share of problems too.

Why it is that baseball takes all the abuse?

This question has kept me up at night, cost me hours at work, and been the cause of several nightmares. What will happen if baseball goes away?

In my life that would be the equivalent of the disappearance of apple pie, watching my dear old dog run away, or losing my lucky baseball cap in a shark attack.

Every bone in my body prays this day will never come and I believe this summer is a great opportunity for baseball to make its comeback. Several things have happened, almost like a sign from the heavens, giving baseball one more opportunity to restore its title.

Foul ball: With its steroid scandal, ongoing battle with other performance enhancing drugs and perjury charges against former stars like Barry Bonds, the sport of baseball and the MLB has lost its luster with its huge fanbase.

The NFL is currently locked-out and it appears that after the season the NBA will be joining the NFL in a lockout. With the two other major professional sports frozen, baseball will have a chance to bring back a following.

Don’t get me wrong.

Watching Blake Griffin jump over a car and dunk a basketball and Adrian Peterson run over four defenders as he marches into the end zone is entertaining, but nothing compares to the thrill of seeing a diving catch or a close play at the plate.

Baseball opens up a completely different can of worms than other sports.

Baseball games are good ole American family events. They build memories unlike any other sport. I can still ask my grandfather where he was sitting when Bobby Thomson hit the “shot heard around the world” and without hesitation, he can tell me.

I remember my first major league game sitting in Arlington as Dave Winfield took ball after ball out during batting practice. If this sport dies, my children will never have these priceless memories.

Will my grandkids understand my enthusiasm when I tell them I was taking pictures of the television when Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris’ single season homerun record?

The thought of walking down the street and seeing children playing catch in their yards once again puts a smile on my face. The game of baseball is not just a sport; it’s symbolic of the American Dream, our way of life and reminds us the way life is suppose to be.

Baseball has always been

Photos by Brandon Thompson

Open field: With the NFL currently facing a lockout and the NBA threatening to follow suit, Major League Baseball has a prime opportunity to regain fan support and increase its brand appeal.

America’s sport and the revival of the game could bring excitement back in little leagues, high schools and universities across the U.S.

The thought of a ball park hot dog, an ice cold beverage and a box of cracker jacks on a hot summer day has me counting down the days until summer.

Sports

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

7

Cricket unites warring countries

By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer

Sport has an uncanny way of bringing people together.

Many of us may think of this in terms of tailgating and super bowl parties, but sport has the potential to unite people on a global scale as well It may just be a starting point for peace between India and Pakistan.

Though cricket may not be all the rage in the United States, it is huge in other parts of the globe and is the second most popular sport in

the world. Earlier this month during the Cricket World Cup, the implications of the uniting power of sport were on display for all to see when India faced Pakistan in the semi-finals.

India and Pakistan have long been enemies. Territory and boarder disputes, particularly those regarding ownership of Kashmir, are the primary source of the two nations’ quarrel, though religion plays a role as well. The countries have been involved in multiple wars and a variety of conf licts in the past century alone.

However, the semi-final

MCT Campus

cricket match brought both nations to a standstill and provided an opportunity for citizens of each homeland to set aside their larger disputes and enjoy the clash on the pitch.

The prime ministers of India and Pakistan both attended the historic match.

The pair shook hands and even sat together throughout the entire event, giving a glimpse of what peace might be like.

But the attempts of striking harmony between the two countries through sport do not stop there.

The 2010 U.S. Open men’s doubles finalists Aisam-UlHaq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna are making waves in the tennis world by challenging the notion that the boarder nations cannot be allies.

Qureshi hails from Pakistan, while Bopanna is Indian. The duo has been dubbed the “Indo-Pak Express.”

The pair’s accomplishments on the tennis court are only outdone by their humanitarian mission off-court.

Qureshi and Bopanna work closely with Champions for Peace, a program which seeks to promote peace between cultures through sports.

Additionally, the tandem have partnered with their clothing sponsor Lotto to start their own campaign – “Stop War. Start Tennis.”

The two believe that their relationship helps spread a message of peace, and Qureshi has said that if he and Bopanna can be so successful and get along so well, then there is no reason to believe that other Indians and Pakistanis cannot

get along too.

Qureshi and Bopanna’s ultimate goal to try to bring harmony between their nations is to hold an exhibition match on the Wagah Border, which is the only road border crossing between the countries.

Their idea is to place the net along the border and have Bopanna play on the Pakistani side while Qureshi would play on the Indian side.

However, neither country has approved the plan. So, for now, the men wait and work for

peace in other ways.

Obviously, it is going to take more than a tennis exhibition or cricket match to heal the wounds of the two nations’ troubled past and present.

While it is a place to start, it is going to take sincere and sustained effort paired with deep-seated cooperation.

It may just be possible that sportsmanship on athletic surfaces may serve as an example for the country’s leaders to collaborate in political arenas.

MCT Campus

Men’s basketball hosts golf trip as fundraiser

By Michael Faggett Sports Editor

Men’s basketball heads into its off-season looking to build on its 17-11 campaign this season that featured a bid to the Lone Star Conference tournament.

Part of that construction will occur on a golf course.

For the second straight

year, head coach Wade Alexander announced the men’s basketball program will host a golf trip on May 1-2 as a fundraiser for the team’s 2011-12 season. Attendees, according to Alexander, will travel to Windstar Casino and Golf Course located in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

The guests will play two full rounds of golf that will be

Blue-chip recruits: According to head coach Wade Alexander, the money earned from the annual golf trip to Thackerville, OK, helps expedite the coaching staff’s costs on recruiting trips when evaluating players. Alexander has had a string of success in recruiting solid players, including forward Viniscius Telo, who was the second leading scorer on the team (13.3 points) and third in rebounds (4.9 per game) this past season.

facilitated by Alexander and other members of the coaching staff.

Alexander said the Aggies wanted to offer a different type of fundraiser than other teams in the conference.

“Other teams do golf tournaments, and we wanted to do something a bit different,” Alexander said.

“Our athletic department already hosts a golf tournament, so we wanted to do more of a trip.”

The trip, Alexander said, provides an opportunity for him and the staff to network with alumni and other Aggie supporters.

“It’s a good way for current and potential boosters to interact with us coaches on a more personal level,” Alexander said. “It also benefits our program as well.”

This fundraising trip, according to Alexander, is still in its infant stages. He said last year was the inaugural trip and garnered positive results.

The staff took 16 guests and earned over $1100 from the trip last season.

“This season we have about 25 people signed up to go, so it continues to grow year by year,” Alexander said. “If we can get 10 more people to go each year until we get it full, then it is a great success.”

Alexander said he encourages an increased number of attendees each year because of the trip’s design.

If he and the staff can get 40 people signed up for the trip, Winstar Casino provides the team with a free charter bus ride for travel to Thackerville, OK a benefit Alexander said helps with the cost of putting the trip together.

Alexander said most of the funds go toward expenses

on recruiting trips the team makes each year.

“Our main area is recruiting,” Alexander said. “We could go cheap in recruiting, but the results of going cheap will show up on our record on the end of the season if we have been cheap about going out to look at prospects, evaluating them and looking for more talented players for our team.”

Part of that process of recruiting has gone well for Alexander and the Aggies.

The past two seasons, Alexander has brought in local talents like guards Craig Foster and Thomas Razor and players from across the country like Terry Dawson,

Nate Murray, Desmond Henry and Jonathan Patino.

Alexander has also been able to recruit international talents with players like Viniscius Telo and Nikola Vukadinovic.

Alexander said the success of the trips thus far gives him reason to continue with this kind of fundraiser for the team.

“We’ll try to have this trip around this time of year, every year we are able to do it,” Alexander said. “It goes along well with our off-season schedule. We have team camps and individual camps in the summer, so it keeps us busy during our off-season.”

Photos courtesy of CU Athletics

8

Variety

April 25, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

CU International: A large group of international students from Cameron took part at the International Festival. The students took part in various aspects of the festival including the Parade of Nations.

Foam Dance Party: A group of dancers dressed in like clothes make their way through the crowded courtyard.

Keynote: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill delivers his keynote speech which touched on many aspects that face the United States today. Dr. Hill is an Associate Professor at Columbia University as well as an accomplished newspaper columnist and blogger.

Finding velocity: Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, Dr. Ramiro Moro demonstrates velocities of different objects and resisting forces acting on those objects to the students during the First Annual Phys Quest.

Super homecoming week: Students dressed up as their favorite superheroes while participating in the Super Homecoming dance held on Feb. 24 at MCC ballroom.

Queen of the ceremony: Neila Ettienne was crowned the Queen of the First Miss Spirit Awards Pageant.

Crowing: 18-year-old freshman Chaira Flanders was crowned Miss Black CU 2011.

She was the youngest participant of the night and her platform was self-respect.

Dashain festival: A CU Nepali student performs during the celebration of Dashain.

Go with the beat: Participants of the CU Zumba class follow the beats of the music with steps as led by instructor Robin Eichenauer.

Research Day: Students and faculty from many different institutions presented their research in poster format for those in attendance to view.

Senior Art Exhibition

Community Service: As a form of CU Saturday community service the International Club takes part in activities like clothes drives Page design by Rashmi Thapaliya Photos Courtesy of OfďŹ ce of Public Affairs, CUNA, International Club that are donated to Goodwill.

Photos by Jim Horinek, Ishia Saltibus, Manal Elhak, Rashmi Thapaliya