FISTA: LAUNCH CAREERS CAMERON GRADUATES
Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) Innovation Park is becoming a powerhouse for technological advancement and economic growth in Lawton.
FISTA is not just a hub for defense, technology and innovation industries; it’s also a promising employment avenue for local talent, particularly Cameron University graduates.
Two recent CU alumni, Chris Argyros and Gabriel Ruiz, exemplify this success, having secured positions at FISTA immediately after graduation, establishing their careers.
FISTA, created in partnership with the City of Lawton, Fort Sill and several regional and national stakeholders, aims to foster innovation, research and development in key industries.
This 60,000-square-foot facility serves as a collaborative space where defense contractors, tech firms and research institutions work together to develop nextgeneration solutions for military and civilian applications.
Located near U.S. Army installation Fort Sill, FISTA capitalizes on its proximity to armed forces expertise and infrastructure. It focuses primarily on advanced military technologies, such as precision fires, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, offering a unique environment where innovation and application meet realworld needs.
For recent Cameron University computer science graduate, Argyros, the ability to work at FISTA is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity for a career.
“But what FISTA was able to do is like, especially in Lawton, I
didn't think I was gonna be able to get a software developer role,” Argyros said. “So, them being here really just helped start my career.”
Argyros is working as a software engineer with one of the defense contractors at FISTA and has quickly found gratification in his role.
“The most rewarding part is probably just the skills I developed during the job,” he said. “Growing up I've always wanted to be a software engineer, so actually being able to do it and being part of a professional environment, using what I learned in college in the real world is actually like a really rewarding thing.”
Another recent graduate from Cameron University, also with a degree in computer science, Gabriel Ruiz is excited about the opportunity to stay close to home.
“I don't wanna say goodbye to all my friends that I've made here and just like disappear,” Ruiz said. “The most rewarding (part) is just staying in Lawton, you know, staying close to family.”
Cameron University is
developing a close relationship with FISTA, which opens doors for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Through partnerships, internships and mentorship programs, the university ensures that its graduates are prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
Associate Professor Feridoon Moinian taught Argyros and Ruiz and is proud of his former students.
“It is really fulfilling for me as a professor to see that these students who come to school with virtually no experience, no exposure, no idea about what computers are and what they do,” Moinian said. “Within a matter of three to four years, they grow to the point where they are valuable employees for the industry. And it's a really fulfilling, gratifying experience for us.”
Both Argyros and Ruiz credit Cameron’s commitment to handson learning and the support of their professors as key to their success.
“When you work in the capstone, you work with a team and that really helps translate into a real environment,” Argyros said.
Since its inception, FISTA Innovation Park has attracted major industry players and become a source of local employment. FISTA is projected to create hundreds of high-tech jobs over the next few years, with a focus on recruiting talent from regional institutions like Cameron University. Moinian is looking forward to the impact FISTA will have on the Lawton and Cameron University communities.
“Obviously, any company that's a local company contributes to the local economy,” Moinian said. “First of all, they give us the opportunity for our graduates to become employees and have a career or a stepping-stone for that matter. Also, when a local company grows, then they're able to attract more of our graduates which makes Cameron stand out because now we can claim that our graduates basically are guaranteed to have a job as soon as they, or even before they step out of this university with their degree.”
The future looks bright for both FISTA and Cameron University graduates, as the Innovation Park continues to expand its footprint, more opportunities will emerge for local talent, particularly those with a background in STEM disciplines.
Argyros and Ruiz are just two examples of the incredible potential that exists within Cameron’s student body. Their success at FISTA represents the value of local partnerships in fostering both innovation and economic growth in the region. As FISTA continues to grow, it will play a large role in shaping the careers of future Cameron graduates and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Lawton and beyond.
What’s Inside
Hannah Owens Managing Editor
Photos by Hannah Owens
ACTS returns for new year
Julian Ebacher Staff Writer
From 4-5 p.m., Aug. 27, the Association of Computing and Technology Students (ACTS) met in Howell Hall 206, holding the organization’s first meeting of a new year.
ACTS is for individuals who have an interest in modern technology to commune, interact, and establish connections.
They introduced the organization’s officers for the year and laid out a schedule for biweekly meetings on Tuesdays at the same time, and events, such as game nights, and networking practice.
ACTS will participate in intercollegiate competitions, by the U.S. Information Technology Collegiate Conference (USITCC), in categories relating to Information Technology (IT), such as Network Design, PC Troubleshooting, and Business Analytics.
Members like Vice President Jordan Pack are already preparing for the regional competitions, which begin this semester.
“It’s a lot of stuff, but it doesn’t go terribly deep into the actual topics, which is nice for a lot of the college kids who were taken with us up to these competitions,” Pack said. “They get a chance to kind of flex their brain and see if what they’re learning in the classroom, is what everybody’s talking about in the industry.”
ACTS President and co-founder Belynda Foley explained that the organization does fundraisers to cover competition costs for members and although they focus on IT, it is not their only purpose.
careers in the information technology fields after graduation,” Foley said. “It is important to emphasize that this organization is by no means restricted to students within the two fields of computer science and information technology.”
In the past, ACTS had game nights marketed to
slowing down in the future.
“Technology applies to every single student, in every single field,” Foley said.
Encouraging all students, regardless of their major, to take advantage of resources that an organization like ACTS offers, such as the concerted effort to
networking workshops on campus.
“ACTS wants to hold a big job fair, Linked-In resume event where we have mock interviews for our students to sit down with a panel,” Foley said.
Every November ACTS holds a Hear and Hack event, where alumni of Cameron University’s IT/CS
the impact of Cameron’s education, while offering advice on networking and professional connections.
Moving forward, ACTS wants to maintain the momentum from their new year numbers of around thirty-three interested and prospective members, by keeping students engaged and actively participating.
The art of rebirth and blossoming
with Dayton Horn
Alyssa Martinez News Editor
Within the halls of the Cameron University Art Department, Senior Dayton Horn lives to create.
A passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design, Horn’s hard work and dedication are evident in her work seen around campus, along with her commitment to the Cameron community.
In her hometown of Carnegie, Horn took art classes all four years of high school.
“I was known as the artsy one within my family and friends,” she said.
On the yearbook committee, Horn’s interest in layout piqued, ultimately
before applying it to her work.
leading her to graphic design. With the support of teachers and advisors, Horn ranked at the top of her graduating class, receiving awards and scholarships for her impressive portfolio.
Former Cameron Professor Austin Patterson presented one of Horn’s scholarships and encouraged her to continue studying art, pointing her to CU for this pursuit.
Horn knew Cameron would be home to her after a tour senior year, coming from a small town, finding a sense of belonging was important.
“Every time we walked into a building, my tour guide knew everybody,” Horn said.
As an art student, Horn spends much of her time learning about the forms, techniques and history of art,
An intern with Cameron’s Office of Events and Activities, Horn focuses on creating digital media for events hosted around campus. She uses her style to create the designs and once finalized by the Director of Events and Activities, Horn’s work is sent around campus and across social media.
All of Horn’s projects help build her professional portfolio, including her cover art on The Cameron Goldmine, a student literary journal, and The Oklahoma Review, an electronic literary magazine, two publications from the Writer’s Studio.
Cameron Art Professor Jack Crouch spoke highly of Dayton Horn and her efforts.
“Dayton is hardworking, creative thinking and very friendly and personable,” Crouch said.
In addition to all she does, Horn works for Crouch under a research grant for a textbook he is creating and
writing. Horn is producing the book’s layout, having been selected for the project after creating a magazine layout for a class project.
Much of Horn’s art so far this year reflects the ideas of rebirth and blossoming, which relate to her ideas of the future.
Like many artists, Horn wonders what will happen when she can no longer do what she loves. She has a disease that affects her hands, making it harder to produce her work now, and will progress as she grows older.
Horn refuses to let this stop her, vowing to live in the present.
“For now, it’s make all the artwork I can until I won’t be able to do it anymore,” Horn said. “That is what inspires me to fill my schedule—my work and having all these pieces.”
She takes pride in everything she creates now and, in the future, since art will always have a presence in her life.
Horn is grateful for the experiences Cameron has given her, knowing that once she moves on, it’s with the skills and ability to find happiness in whatever comes next.
Photos by Alyssa Martinez
Photo by Hannah Owens
MEIQUISHA’S RETURN: RACISM IN GENSHIN IMPACT
which is influenced by
Normally, a new the new region, saying centered around an took to many different social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter. They called the inclusion of the NPC “Meiquisha’s” return.
In addition to that, people have been referencing the “White Egyptian” meme and recording themselves playing the game to find this NPC, among other things.
The topic of cultural appropriation has been a point of contention among fans of Genshin Impact, with some saying that Natlan’s lack of darkerskinned characters isn’t a problem and others arguing that it’s wrong to exclude the group of people that the region is inspired by.
Fans continue to call for change from the company, creating digitally altered images of Natlan’s cast with darker skin tones.
Hoyoverse has yet to directly comment on this matter and was accused of hiding negative
“House of the Dragon” is an HBO Max adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.” The series serves as a prequel to events of the main series, “Game of Thrones.”
Set in the fictional world of Westeros, “House of the Dragon” takes inspiration from medieval times with typical fantasy elements – magic, monarchy and, of course, dragons.
However, there are plenty of real-life inspirations behind the series, namely in its depiction of hierarchical misogyny.
When “House of the Dragon” was first announced to air, fans of the series initially expressed hesitation over the notion of explicit misogyny portrayed in the show.
And understandably so – in the original “Game of Thrones” series, plenty of backlash arose from
audiences over the portrayal of women. That’s not even addressing the rumored mistreatment of actresses on set, namely Emilia Clarke – but that’s a can of worms for another day.
Specifically concerning “House of the Dragon,” there are two families within the show that compete for the Iron Throne, a position that would provide the winner with power over Westeros. There are the Targaryens (nicknamed “The Blacks” for their house colors) and the Hightowers (similarly nicknamed “The Greens”). The families are headed by matriarchs Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, who are depicted as childhood best friends whose paths diverge in their fight for the throne.
Between these two women, there’s enough audience-fueled misogyny to build a whole new continent.
Rhaenyra and Alicent
are complicated women who are portrayed victims of a maledominated kingdom, but they navigate their circumstances in vastly different ways.
Rhaenyra, for one, tries to rise above her station. As a young girl she is depicted as somewhat arrogant and hot-headed, but under the guidance of her father, she becomes a level-headed war strategist. Rhaenyra was meant to be the heir to the Iron Throne as dictated by her father, Viserys, but Alicent’s conflicting power struggle (guided by her own father, Otto Hightower) topples Rhaenyra’s prospects. Not only that, but Westeros does not believe a woman should sit on the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra often seeks to exceed the expectations of men around her while still trying to maintain her dignity, her title, and mother her children.
her own and more her father’s wishes, which she meets only to bring power and respect to her less-than-notable family. Alicent gives up her kinship with Rhaenyra, devalues herself sexually and intellectually, and more to uphold her father’s wish for notoriety.
Oftentimes, Alicent is the subject of jokes by the audience, and she is further humiliated after Season 2 Episode 5 when she tried to
shown as defeated women who are pitted against each other constantly due to their warring families and ideologies.
But neither Alicent nor Rhaenyra seek to destroy the other. Their actions are a matter of circumstance; they are navigating misogyny in the only way they know how to.
unsurprising, since most audiences simply can’t handle women being anything but one-note characters.
As a whole, Rhaenyra and Alicent are perfectly tragic examples of women navigating a patriarchal society. No matter what they do, they will never be the perfect victim for audiences.
Skylar
Amelia Lozano Voices Editor
Courtesy Graphic
Courtesy of Hoyoverse
This review will contain major spoilers for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024).
The sequel to the 1988 cult classic hit the box office on Sept. 6 and the campiness of the story, star-studded cast and just enough special effects made it even better than the original.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” follows
three generations of the Deetz family as they return to Winter River after a family tragedy rocks their world.
With the original film being so beloved and popular, I went into the new one very wary because remakes are (almost) NEVER good.
With that being said, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” pleasantly surprised me.
The campiness of the film made it that much
more enjoyable.
The film had Willem Dafoe playing a washed up, dead action movie actor who never missed an opportunity to give a dramatic monologue.
It had Beetlejuice making people sing well-known love ballads and sucking them into their smartphones. The afterlife scenes never failed to make me belly laugh, and Danny DeVito even makes a cameo.
Besides the
exaggerated nature of the film, every member of the cast was iconic in their own way.
Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Katherine O’Hara came back to reprise their iconic roles from the original.
Jenna Ortega was added to the cast as Astrid, Lydia’s teenaged daughter who kind of hates her guts.
Every character Ortega plays lately has
the cutest style, and Astrid was no different.
The revered Italian actress and model Monica Bellucci plays Beetlejuice’s murderer/ ex-wife, and her face card is still lethal.
Fans of the original will be happy to know that the sandworm does make an appearance and he is animated to look exactly the same.
It can even be argued that he was one of the best parts of the entire
movie. Of course, the soundtrack was one for the ages featuring songs like “Day-O” by Alfie Davis, “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet and “Tragedy” by The Bee Gees.
All in all, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was a funny, lighthearted film that arrived just in time to get folks in the Halloween spirit. I give it a solid 6.5/10.
Kaley Muse A&E Editor
Graphic by Kaley Muse
Please, Please, Please Listen to this Album
Kaley Muse A&E Editor
For months, Sabrina Carpenter has been saturating social media news feeds, for opening many shows of Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour or because of her very new, very public relationship with actor Barry Keoghan.
On Aug. 29, 2024, Carpenter released her sixth studio album “Short n’ Sweet.”
Arguably her best album to date, “Short n’ Sweet” is chock-full of clever lyrics, catchy tracks and even a movie reference.
With Carpenter’s “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” singles coming out several months before the rest of the album, fans were given a sneak peek of the artistic genius that is Sabrina Carpenter’s song writing. Additionally, these songs became two of her most popular in her discography and catapulted her into the growing fame that can be seen with the release of this album.
With twelve unique tracks, each offering a distinct vibe, this album keeps you engaged, making it easy to listen to on repeat without ever feeling dull or repetitive.
From the slow, sultry “Lie to Girls” to the upbeat, bright “Bed Chem,” Carpenter’s eloquence shows through her choruses and bridges.
When trying to pick my favorite song, I settled on a top three: Bed Chem, Slim Pickins and Good Graces.
This song recalls the alleged first “meet cute” of Carpenter and her current boyfriend, Barry.
“Slim Pickins” is a softer song with country undertones that details Carpenter’s problem of only seeming to attract the douchebags of the world instead of the men with substance that she wants. This song is also home to my favorite lyric on the album: “This boy doesn’t even know the difference between there, their and they are.”
As an English major, I feel so seen.
“Good Graces” is the most revenge-type song on the entire album with the very first lyric being “I won’t give a d--- about you” over and over.
Not only is the chorus of this song extremely catchy, but the bass that underlines it can be felt deep in your chest for the entire song.
Yeah, this is going on my hype song playlist for
Though “Juno” didn’t make it into my top three, the title of song calls back to Jason Reitman’s 2007 comedy film “Juno” that stars Elliot Page and Michael Cera.
Highly recommend if you’ve never seen it.
Sabrina’s music is always a reflection of her sense of humor while being fun and pop-y, and this album is no different.
Officially a no-skip album. A very solid 9/10 rating.
Childish Gambino’s
Brando Stone and the New World
Makayla Flenoury Staff Writer
On July 19, 2024, Donald Glover released his sixth album “Brando Stone and the New World” under his alter-ego Childish Gambino.
An artist, actor and producer, Donald Glover is well known for his television series “Atlanta”, about an aspiring rap artist. The show was created, produced, written and directed by Glover himself. “Brando Stone and the New World” is said to be the soundtrack for Glover’s next production, a movie of the same name. Glover announced that this would be his last album as Childish Gambino, with plans to retire his alter-ego after seventeen years in the music industry.
“Brando Stone and the New World”, the album and movie, follow a singer who finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world, teaming up with a woman and her son to fight prehistoric monsters.
Movie lines can be heard at the beginning and end
of some songs, binding the two projects.
Gambino’s goal was to make an upbeat album that created a sense of togetherness when played in large groups, touching on themes of self-confidence, self-destruction and determination.
Brando Stone and the New World is quite different from the hiphop and rap Gambino is known for, featuring a variety of genres such as rock, hyper pop, indie pop, contemporary R&B, afrobeat, electronic hiphop and jazz.
The first song, a glitchy electro-hip-hop beat with pitch-shifting vocals, “Hearts Were Meant to Fly” is a bold opener for the album. A sign of Gambino shifting from his norm, this intro shows his confidence, especially with the lyric “everybody hatin’ wanna get like me.”
Another song displaying Gambino’s musical evolution, is “Got to Be” which starts in an R&B style and goes into
a hyperpop beat. This track hits on Glover’s self-destructive habits with lines like “I be messed up every weekend, I’m like / I don’t know why I’ve been drinkin’ up.” Followed by “can’t stop, won’t stop” as the tempo shifts, giving fans an upbeat and relatable song.
Around” takes a creative turn, unlike anything Gambino has done before. An indie pop—rock song, the track is about escaping your problems and feelings but also urges perseverance with lyrics like “don’t lose faith / you are strong / keep goin on”.
job of connecting listeners with the beats and lyrics, especially those needing a boost of encouragement, showing fans they are not alone in their struggles. He brings people together, while linking each piece of his art, seamlessly tying the album, movie and concerts. Gambino’s performances in his New World Tour display ravelike lasers that are similar to the ones shown in the movie trailer.
Courtesy Photos
Courtesy Photo
AlphA phi Rush Week: Open Bidding all year round
Hannah Owens Managing Editor
At 10 a.m. on Sept. 7 in the McMahon Centennial Complex Ballroom the Alpha Phi sorority concluded, its annual Rush Week with a Bid Day celebration. The sorority welcomed 11 new members.
Rush Week, held at the beginning of the fall semester, is an event in Alpha Phi’s recruitment process. Throughout the week, potential new members (PNMs) participated in a series of events designed to introduce them to the
sorority’s values activities, and overall mission.
The events focused on specific aspects of the sorority, such as its sisterhood, philanthropic efforts and leadership opportunities. Alpha Phi’s philanthropy round highlighted the sorority’s national commitment to women’s heart health through the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Sorority President Zoey Dean is passionate about the Foundation’s
“A lot of women die from heart disease when they don’t even know they have a heart issue until it’s too late,” Dean said.
“Alpha Phi’s mission is to advance the research to where hopefully one day that does not Bid Day took place at the end of the week, where PNMs who received bids from
Alpha Phi were invited to officially join the chapter. The ballroom was decorated for the occasion, with balloons, a photo wall,and matching shirts for the sisters based around the “Candyland” theme.
New member Whitney Landrum is excited to build life-long relationships with her new sisters.
“I’m really looking forward to building a sisterhood and a positive environment that I can build off of and hopefully improve the education system because a lot of us are in education majors,” Landrum said. “So, I feel like if we can really build a sisterhood here, we can build a sisterhood and rely on each other out
by
in the districts and hopefully improve Oklahoma’s education.”
Alpha Phi’s new members participated in a day of festivities that included music, opportunities to get to know their new sisters more intimately and ended at the bowling alley.
With a successful Rush Week now behind them, Alpha Phi members are looking forward to integrating their newest members into the chapter and continuing their work in service and leadership on campus.
Dean wants students to know Alpha Phi participates in continuous open bidding which allows them to accept members year-round.
For more information, contact Alpha Phi on Instagram at @ cameronalphaphi.
Omega Zeta Theta Rush: A symbol of growth
Hannah Owens Managing Editor
At 10 a.m. on Sept. 7 outside the McMahon Centennial Complex, the Omega Zeta Theta sorority celebrated Bid Day.
The culmination of Rush Week saw Omega Zeta Theta welcoming four new members into the group, marking a new chapter in their history. This sorority’s uniqueness lies in its exclusive connection to Cameron University, fostering deep-rooted traditions and lifelong bonds among members.
Founded in 2014, the non-panhellenic sorority stands out for welcoming nontraditional members, including mothers, graduate students and those with unconventional schedules.
Omega Zeta Theta’s philanthropic focus is centered around cancer research and awareness. Each semester, the sorority organizes fundraising events to support local cancer centers.
Vice President of Membership and Development and Philanthropy Chair Emily Gill is proud of their mission and sense of sisterhood.
“Every semester we do something to raise money, usually for Comanche County Memorial or for Southwest Cancer Centers of Oklahoma,” Gill said. “That’s kind of the heart and soul of our organization but we’re also a true sisterhood, and we do a lot of things together for the sake of loving each other and supporting each other through our academic process and life in general.”
This year’s Rush Week theme was “Phoenix,” symbolizing growth and capturing their tenth anniversary celebration. The events of the week
revolved around their seven symbols. One standout activity was flowerpot painting, representing the orchid and forsythia—two of the sorority’s symbols.
Freshman Whitney Landrum is looking forward to her future with the sorority.
“I’m not the best at getting out there and making friends so being able to be a part of a group that kind of forces you into doing so, has been very good for me,” Landrum said. “And I’m excited to see how these relationships grow over time.”
Omega Zeta Theta’s Rush Week not only brought in a new generation of leaders but also reinforced the sorority’s place on campus, as it continues to
foster lifelong friendships and create a supportive, empowering community.
Omega Zeta Theta offers Continuous Open Bidding where students can join the sorority throughout the school year. For more information contact Gill at eg959442@ cameron.edu or follow the Instagram at @ omegazetatheta.
Photo
Hannah Owens
Graphics by Ciera Terry
This Week in Student Life
KAPPA THETA PI POWERS UP AT CU
Tawny Vanover Staff Writer
Cameron University welcomes Kappa Theta Pi, a professional, technology-focused co-ed fraternity, as its latest addition to student organizations.
President and co-founder Lance Wallace spearheaded the mission to bring the fraternity to campus.
“I reached out to them saying, you know, we would like to start a chapter here because we don’t have anything for people who like technology,” Wallace said. “There’s regular Greek life fraternities and sororities but nothing kind of tailoring towards the tech side of things.”
Founded in 2012, Kappa Theta Pi stands as the nation’s first technology fraternity. It centers around five defined pillars that Wallace hopes to build upon with the Cameron chapter.
“Our goal is to provide students with hands-on tech opportunities,” Wallace said. “Things you might see or hear about in class or in a lecture. What we try to do is give you hands-on experience with it.”
Kappa Theta Pi offers a variety of technologyfocused opportunities designed to enhance members’ skills and career prospects.
“We are working on sponsorships and internships with various companies around here right now,” Wallace said. “It also just provides that community, more friends to hang out with, to study with, and to go do stuff.”
Vice President of Marketing Brennan Hibdon said that the fraternity offers valuable connections and a sense of community, despite being newly established.
“There are other chapters that we can connect
to kick off their new chapter. Wallace expressed his aspirations for the future.
“I’m a bit of an optimist, but I am realistic,” Wallace said. “I know we all have competing requirements, and we’re here to go to school, learn something and get a degree. But I want to take as much of your spare time as I can to have fun, let some steam off and help keep that good life balance of fun and learning.”
The organization also plans to offer opportunities
belongs to the fraternity now and we will be doing monthly cleanups out there.”
“We’re also going to be working with the Oklahoma Council for the blind at their conference at the end of the month,” Wallace said.
Wallace encourages students who have a love for technology to consider joining the fraternity regardless of their major.
“Give it a try,” Wallace said. “We’re here to give everyone the opportunity to play with technology,
Photos by Hannah Owens
Photos by
Tawny Vanover
Cameron Aggies go the distance Run for it:
which established a positive tone for the season.
Women’s runner, Manon Cady was the first Aggie of the meet to cross the finish line and came in fourth place overall. Kaat de Staercke came in sixth, with Marie Sommer right behind in 7th place, followed closely by Tamica Jooste, and Pia Schweitzer.
Sophomore Sports and Exercise Science major Gracie Ortiz is optimistic for this season.
“The chemistry automatically clicks with all of these girls,” said Ortiz. “We had a lot of new girls come in who have brought an incredible work ethic. So this year, we are all really feeding off of each other.”
compete,” Ortiz said. “Overall, I am trying to improve my fitness while staying healthy throughout the entirety of the season.”
The Aggie men had a strong start, highlighted by Kgaogelo Moloisi, crossing the finish line first overall. Victor Ramos finished in seventh, followed by Allen Vasquez, Arnau Pujols, and Philipp David rounded out the top 20 with an 18th-place finish.
The Aggies are gearing up for the DBU Old Glory Gallup on Oct. 5 in Texas, hosted at the Dallas Baptist University campus with another opportunity to showcase their skills.
For more information, visit the Cameron University
Ramona Villegas Staff Writer
At 8 a.m., on Sept. 6, the Cameron Cross Country began their season strong at the Aggie Duels meet, in Lawton, both men’s and women’s teams placing second,
Runners set personal goals for the season, a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport. They aim to build on this as a team, focusing on improving their times each race.
In addition to her aspirations, Ortiz is eager to contribute to the team’s combined success.
“I want to be able to run at the regional meet in Denver, and only the top seven girls get to
Sarah Monk Staff Writer
teams
that recently lost members to graduation. In the colorful e-sports room, prospects played while surrounded by the captains and coaches for their hopeful teams.
Overwatch team player, Kennedy McKinzie sees a need for recruitment.
“I would love to see more people join the team, not even specifically the Overwatch team, but the
other teams as well,” McKinzie said. “We’ve had lots of students leave in the past years I’ve been here, so building the team’s player count back up again would be awesome to see.”
After several games ended, gamers put down their headsets and received information about upcoming practice and their prospective team’s schedule.
Throughout the week, Cameron hosted a variety of tryouts for other games as well including Super Smash Bros and Valorant, riding the wave of resurgence from interested students.
Pickaxers like Frank Santos are hopeful for this semester’s additions.
“I’m excited because we did end up having quite a few new people join our Overwatch team,” Santos said. “We’re also planning on entering a national league this time instead of local, so that’ll be super cool.”
Santos has ideas for Pickaxe improvements as well.
“I really want to see if we could have some sort of scheduled training program where we can examine our gameplay or come up with specific strategies together as a team,” he said.
For more information regarding The Pickaxe e-sports teams, visit their website cameronesports.com or email
On Aug. 19, Cameron University E-Sports team, The Pickaxes, held tryouts for students interested in the game Overwatch to showcase their skills. This year, the Pickaxes focused on rebuilding
Graphic by Matthew Hasley
Photos by Ramona Villegas
Photo by Matthew Hasley