Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, November 6, 2023
Brittney Payette Managing Editor
At 6 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the McCasland Ballroom, Cameron’s Programming Activities Council (PAC) hosted a murder mystery party titled Murder in Manhattan. In this murder mystery, people got to choose who they wanted to be an actor or an investigator. The first act started at a party that Francis Fisk held to celebrate his business’s twenty-first anniversary. Numerous other guests attended the party, and lots of people had secrets they were hiding. In the first act, the actors mingled with other actors while the investigators acted as silent observers who were trying to gain information about who was hiding secret murderous intentions. Lots of the guests had secrets to hide ... But who was homicidal? Some of the other party guests included Francis’s brothers Chester and Jonathan Fisk, the head of a fashion magazine Ashley LeBois and her older sister Helen, who is a designer, famous socialite Rose den Waldern, Grayson Kreig who used to be a famous rockstar, philanthropist Richard den Waldern, and businessman Zachary Wellington. In the second act, the lights unexpectedly went out, and Francis Fisk, played by Angelica Martinez, was found stabbed to death once the lights returned. Act two began, and the investigators were now allowed to interact with the party guests and could ask questions to try to ascertain who had killed Francis. Freshman history major Julian Evacher played the role of Richard den Waldern and said that he came to the event because he thought the food would be good and that it would be an enjoyable way to pass the evening. “Essentially, I’m a philanthropist with a just, sketchy way of engaging with the crowd,” Evacher said. “Engaging with everyone, getting their suspicion up, and trying to diffuse that was absolutely amazing.” Evacher said he tried to portray Richard as an extremely friendly, but very suspicious person.
Sophomore English major Clara Williams said she wanted to come because a murder mystery party sounded intriguing to her. “I love what the PAC always puts on,” she said. “It’s always really fun. But, also I wanted to come and just
have some really fun times dressing up and being with my girls tonight and just having a girl’s night.” Williams played the role of Zachary Wellington, who was a Fisk board member, an architect, a successful businessman from Chicago. He was also the murderer. She said playing the role of the killer was her favorite part of the event. “(I was) just acting like a worrisome father who wants the best for (his) daughter and seeing if people would actually get that I am the murderer, so that was definitely the most fun part,” she said. Williams said she took some acting classes previously, which helped her play her role at the party. “I was still really nervous,” she said. “I just didn’t want people to pick up on it. So, I was like ‘nervouscited’ I call it.” Williams said that Francis Frisk took Zachary’s business, which was Zachary’s motive for murder. He wanted revenge and was jealous of Francis, so he decided to kill Francis at the party. This was not the first time Zachary had killed someone either - he had killed his wife, who had planned on running off with their daughter. Sophomore Family and Child Studies major Caryn Stringham organized the event, and she said
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that the original plan was to host a different Halloween event on a different date and time, but that date already had another event planned for that time. “I had previously seen Murder Mystery parties on a campus event
ideas for the murder mystery. “(I was) looking for a storyline that seemed exciting, not too difficult, and that would accommodate a potentially large number of students,” Stringham said. “The last part was the most crucial, as the turnout for PAC events can fluctuate greatly depending on Photos by Brittney Payette the day, time, weather, and type of event. She said that much of the preparation for the party was spent on ways to create the atmosphere that felt like a murder mystery. “We ordered decorations that fit the feel of a swanky New York cocktail party and catered the event to give it a higher-end feel. We also had to assemble, and organize each of the various printouts to ensure we were planning website,” Stringham said. well-equipped. “Another member of PAC’s executive Stringham said there are two more board suggested that it could be a PAC events scheduled for this Fall great replacement. It was a new, semester: “Throwback Movie Night” interesting, and themed idea, so we on Nov. 9 “Winter Bingo” on Nov. went with it.” 30. She said she spent some time For more information email the doing research on possible story PAC at pac@cameron.edu.
What’s Inside BSA's Poetry and Chill
Sabrina Carpenter's Feather
Visiting Writers Series
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News
November 6, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
Photos by Brittney Payette
All the world’s a stage: At 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the McCasland Ballroom in the McMahon Centennial Complex, the Black Student Association hosted Poetry and Chill, where they had an open mic night and a costume contest.
Halloween Party Aggie Club Brittney Payette Managing Editor
At 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the Animal Science Building the Aggie Club hosted a Halloween costume party. Junior Agriculture major Kiera McNamar said this is her first year in the Aggie Club. “I wanted to be more involved,” McNamar said. “And, it went with, you know, what I’m majoring in. I get to connect more with people, doing some more things.” McNamar said her favorite part of being in this organization is when she gets to do stuff with other members. “Like … shopping for this, and setting it up,” she said. “Right now, we’re just trying to raise money so we can do more things.” McNamar said they wanted to have this Halloween Party so they could get the word out about their club. “We’re planning to do a bake sale,” she said. “We’re doing a raffle soon. We may do something … where we try to go out to like schools (and) like, present the club to younger people.” Junior Information Technology major Leighton Roach won the costume contest with his stormtrooper costume and won the one hundred dollar prize.
“One of my friends told me about it and said I should come show off my stormtrooper costume,” Roach said. Sophomore Animal Science major Anaya Garcia said she joined the Aggie club this year so she could be more involved in the Agriculture department at Cameron. “They’re also doing some community services within the ag (agriculture) community,” she said. “And, I just kind of wanted to get some experience before I go to vet school.” Garcia said she is the Media Coordinator for the organization and that making friends and meeting new people are her favorite parts of being a member of the club. She said the organization planned out the Halloween party at least two months in advance. “We had a budget and everything,” Garcia said. “We asked for some sponsors and stuff to have, like, our $100 winner.” “We just really want to talk to some elementary students, middle school (and) high school students and get them to be a part of our ag team here at Cameron,” she said. “I just feel like if you have some interest in agriculture and you just wanna have a new experience with a different group of people, this would definitely be a good fit for you. We don’t really discriminate on like your major or anything. We just want everybody to feel included. For more information contact the Aggie Club via the organization’s faculty advisor, Dr. Alimamy Fornah, at afornah@cameron.edu.
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Voices
November 6, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
Sabrina Carpenter’s FEATHER Skylar Teddington Staff Writer
The much-anticipated music video for “Feather” by Sabrina Carpenter finally dropped on Oct. 31. Originally released as a bonus track for the deluxe edition of the album “Emails I Can’t Send,” this hit is from early 2023, but under director Mia Barnes’ supervision, it found a new glittery and bloody life this Halloween. Don’t let the seasonal theme of the video deter you from tuning in though; this song is perfect for any time of the year. Like the title of the song, Sabrina’s voice sounds light and airy — just like a feather! It pairs nicely with the wispy and lighthearted melody, and the bass line really gets you moving; I couldn’t imagine “Feather” without it. The lyrics aren’t something to sneeze at either, and if any Aggies reading this are going through a breakup or considering one, this is the song for you. While bringing a relationship to an end can be heartbreaking, sometimes
it’s for the best. This is the central idea of “Feather,” cutting off an ex-partner, especially a toxic one, is like dropping a huge burden, making one feel “lighter like
all-black outfit with a veil to match, meaning that she’s an attendee. Throughout the video we see her leave a trail of destruction, with each man who wronged her dying
breakup before she suddenly drives away. Though the violence shown throughout the music video seems senseless, I can tell you it’s anything but that.
in various gruesome ways. Despite the bloodshed that seems to follow her around, she keeps a smile on her face as though she enjoys seeing everyone get what’s coming to them. By the end of the video, we’re back in the funeral home while she continues to sing about the
The “murder victims” symbolize toxic behavior in a relationship, their deaths can stand for cutting loose that one negative influence in your life (such as an ex-partner), and the funeral imagery is for the relationship itself since it’s effectively dead.
Courtesy Photo
a feather.” For fans of juxtapositions, it’s very interesting how the violent and grisly video contrasts with the blithe and carefree tone of the music. The video starts out with a funeral, though it isn’t clear who it’s for. We see Carpenter in an
In addition to this interpretation, there’s also a strong message against sexism woven into the visuals; for a video about murder and heavy topics like misogyny, everything from Sabrina’s outfits to the scenery is very colorful and it makes it so fun to watch while not taking away from the issue at hand. Overall, I find both the video and the song interesting. I didn’t expect the visuals to be the way that they were, but I think it suits the song very well. It’s edgy without being bleak, which is a hard concept to pull off. I really enjoy the direction many alternative artists are going in with the brighter and more cheerful music — though moody music still deserves its flowers as well. While I do enjoy the song, I find that it gets a bit repetitive after a couple of listens and the lyrics are a little simple, but that just gives it a charming and catchy sound. “Feather” is a total bop and Sabrina Carpenter makes a very stylish murderer, 9.8/10.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES
of the non-traditional student Scott Smith Voices Editor
Being a non-traditional student has definite advantages and disadvantages. So, what is a nontraditional student? I’m glad you asked. A nontraditional student definition may describe a student who enrolls one or more years after finishing high school, or it may be a student who attends part-time. Non-traditional students can be full-time as well, but may take classes online or in the evenings. It would have probably been easier to define a traditional student rather than a non-traditional, because there are so many different scenarios that are at play with non-traditional students. Most non-traditional students are adult students looking to earn their degree in a chosen field. They may be looking for an avenue to change careers or to further their careers with a degree. Whatever the case, non-traditional students face several challenges that a traditional student may not have to deal with. In my exploration and research of nontraditional students, I was able to reach out to former student who graduated from Cameron and pick her brain about some of the challenges she faced. Billie Strutton was a 2021 graduate of Cameron University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” 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.
She was able to work full-time while taking classes online and through Cameron’s Duncan campus. Working full-time can be a challenge in itself and adding hours and hours of schoolwork to an already busy week definitely adds to the challenge. For Strutton, this was one of her biggest challenges. “I think the hardest thing for me was balancing school with work and family,” Strutton said. “I had to find that balance where I could get everything done. It really required a lot of dedication and planning.” In my quest for knowledge, I wanted to know what worked for Strutton in regard to balancing schoolwork with work and still having time for family. “My husband is a principal, so he knows how important education is, so he was very understanding of my goals and what I was doing,” Strutton said. “I’m a morning person, so I typically woke up early to do my homework and study. By doing homework in the mornings, it gave us time together in the evenings and on the weekends.” Strutton said her study habits are very important and instrumental in her schoolwork. “I generally did school work every single day,” she
said. “I picked up my books every single day and so, whether it is for all of my classes or one of my classes, there wasn’t a day of the week that I really skipped, and I feel if I didn’t do that, I could not have stayed on top of everything.” To stay on top of planning, Strutton said that she uses her phone as well as a calendar to set reminders about due dates and other important items. She said that she rarely used a planner as the phone and calendar worked best for her situation. She also checked Blackboard daily for important updates to assignments so she didn’t miss anything. Being a non-traditional student and full-time accountant also gives Strutton some insight to what employers are looking for in regard to talent in today’s job market. She said that if she had gone to college right out of high school, she would have most likely have been simply looking to check a box with classes. She expressed that it is much more than that now and that every class is important. “If there is one thing I can stress it is, take every class seriously,” Strutton said. “In today’s professional work environment, knowledge is everything. The more someone can learn, the more it will benefit them when seeking employment.” As for Strutton, she decided to return to Cameron earlier this year and is enrolled in the Master’s program for Business Administration. She currently works full-time for the City of Duncan as an accountant. We wish Billie the best of luck in her future endeavors!
Letters Policy
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Brittney Payette News Editor - Brittney Payette Voices Editor - Scott Smith A & E Editor - Kemar Noel Student Life Editor - Kaley Muse Sports Editor - Ramona Villegas Copy Editor - Ryn Swinson
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Skylar Teddington, Hannah Owens, Austin Childers and Jeramie McMichael Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
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. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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MOVIE NIGHT
A&E
November 6, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
Student Film Fright Fest Austin Childers Staff Writer
At 7 p.m. on Oct. 30, the Vaska Theater hosted Movie Night at the Vaska. The event showcased various student short films on the big screen. The event runs every semester, and the competition’s genre changes with every event. This competition’s genre was Halloweenthemed with an emphasis on horror. The event also had a special viewing of the horror short film “Capitol of Conformity” one of the first entirely AI-generated short films. In addition to this short film, Dr. Matt Jenkins showed one of his older films and the trailer for his newest project “Static In
The Ether.” The four entrants into the competition were all local Cameron University students mostly in the Communication, English and Foreign Language department. While Alec Santos, Hannah Owens and Gracie Trogdon have entered the competition previously, there was one new entrant for this movie night: Mike Luna entered his first piece for the competition. Luna’s piece was a comedic sitcom piece about a group of friends in Cameron’s Academic Commons with light horror elements. Luna placed as a runner-up for the event with his first piece and plans to enter future movie nights. Santos’s piece “S.O.S.” took first place in the event. The film follows two scientists who are trying to locate alien life in space before things go wrong in the second half of the movie. Santos is a long-time entrant in the previous competitions.
“We wanted to get really ambitious with this one, our team did a great job and I’m happy with how the movie turned out,” Santos said. Owens submitted her second piece for the event. Her piece follows someone living in North Shepler experiencing strange things when she gains a new roommate. “I think that this time around it went way smoother,” Owens said. “I plan on coming back next time and doing something even better.” Owens’s piece placed as a runner-up for the event. Trogdon’s piece follows a woman being stalked by a mysterious killer while taking pictures of the various murals around Lawton. This piece is Trogdon’s second entry at movie night. Trogdon’s piece placed as a runner-up. “Capitol of Conformity” was the event’s special presentation. The award-winning short film has
gained major attention as the film was created exclusively by AI. The film uses the roughness of AI to create dream-like scenes of terror using AI tools provided by Pikalabs and Midjourney. The next movie night will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 featuring a showing of “Pleasantville” which includes a Q&A with actor Justin Nimmo, who plays Mark in the movie, as well as the Silver Power Ranger in “Power Rangers in Space.” Movie night is an event that brings all kinds of people together once a semester to come and enjoy the cinema. Entry into the event is always free, and anyone can make a short film and have it shown at the event. With attendance numbers at the event constantly climbing, and entries growing in quality and length, the event is constantly getting better and more people are looking forward to it each semester. For more information, contact Dr. Matt Jenkins at mattj@cameron.edu. Courtesy Photos
REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S Ramona Villegas Sports Editor
This review contains spoilers for the “Five Nights Of Freddy’s” movie. According to Variety Magazine, “Five Nights Of Freddy’s” made a killing in its box office debut with $80 million in North America and $130 million globally. If you are not familiar with the “Five Nights Of Freddy’s” franchise, it is a series of video games about the infamous Freddy’s Fazbear’s Pizza where players become the nightly security guard, attempting to survive the week without getting killed by one of the animatronics. One of the many things I enjoyed during the movie is the fact that the movie was a direct adaptation of the games instead of trying to change too many things. The movie starts off with Mike Schmidt looking for employment to provide for his younger sister, Abby Schmidt. Although Mike Schmidt was adamant that he did not want to
work nights, he ended up taking the job as a security guard at Freddy’s Fazbear Pizza. All throughout the movie, Mike Schmidt is having nightmares about his younger brother Garrett’s kidnapping during a camping trip with his family where he was put in the back of an unknown car and was never seen again. According to the movie, the animatronics Freddy, Bonnie, Foxy, Chica and her cupcake, Carl, are possessed because William Afton had kidnapped kids and put the kids’ bodies inside the animatronics. Now the first night on the job for Mike Schmidt was spooky, but nothing too out of the ordinary with the animatronics not being very active on the first night with plenty of nights left throughout the movie. Vanessa Monroe, a cop, while a minor antagonist in the games, becomes a protagonist in the movie, helping Mike Schmidt get through his nights at the pizzeria. Towards the end of the movie, it is clear there is a
common enemy, William mom would buy “Five Nights Afton who is the kidnapper, Of Freddy’s” on my iPad. and killer, in the Springtrap Nonetheless, even if costume during one of the someone has no background last scenes. The animatronics history with “Five Nights at torture Afton after the big Freddy’s” and is looking for a battle he has with Mike horror movie, I would definitely Schmidt in which the only recommend this one. person that he injures is his Not only was there horror daughter, Vanessa Monroe. but lots of funny moments This movie, fortunately, had Courtesy Photo a wholesome ending with Mike and Abby Schmidt going home. I could see there potentially being a second or third one of the movies. I am unsure if my love for this movie came from the fact that I have been playing the IOS version of the game for years or that I still remember cleaning the kitchen so my
even adding in influencers like 8-bit Ryan, Baz, Razzbowski, Dawko, CoryxKenshin, and FusionZGamer which elevated the experience for many fans. This movie is sitting top tier for me coming in as my favorite movie so far this year, therefore, earning a 10/10 from me.
Student Life
November 6, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
VISITING WRITERS:
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RILLA ASKEW AND PAUL AUSTIN Photos by Ryn Swinson
To Write or Not to Write! Paul Austin reads from his chapbooks “Spontaneous Behavior, the Art and Craft of Acting” and “Notes on Hard Times.” Austin’s reading kicked off the Visiting Writers Series.
Ryn Swinson Copy Editor
The Visiting Writers series kicked off this semester at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 in the McCasland Ballroom as the Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages (CEFL) with author and poet Paul Austin and novelist Rilla Askew. Austin read from his chapbooks “Spontaneous Behavior, the Art and Craft of Acting” and “Notes on Hard Times,” and Askew read selected passages from her latest book “Prize for the Fire.” The Visiting Writers series is a reoccurring event at Cameron that allows writers and readers to interact in a more personal setting. CEFL Assistant Professor Leah Chaffins oversees the Visiting Writers series. Chaffins invites four readers to campus every school year to present their work to the community, as well as Cameron students and faculty. “The point of the series is to introduce our students to
professional writers; professional creative writers,” Chaffins said. “We want our students to see professional writers, professionally; performing professionally, being professional.” Chaffins said it is important for students to to develop professional writing skills. “If you’re a creative writer one of the big expectations on you is that you will go and read your work, and so we bring writers in who will read their work, and it’s for the students,” Chaffins said. “It has always been for the students.” Chaffins said the Visiting Writers series is especially important because it gives her the opportunity to bring writing events to her students. “I can’t take 100% of my students to events, but I can bring events to my students and give more of an opportunity for them to see writers doing what writers do: sharing their stories,” Chaffins said. This also allows students to consider the
professional elements that go into presenting their work. “What does it mean to read in front of a group of people? How does a person dress, how did they act, what defines their persona?” Chaffins said. “If we’re talking about students who want to go be professional writers, then that’s something to begin considering very early on.” For the readings this semester, Chaffins has found a way to create more student involvement with student volunteers introducing the writers. Junior English major Kaley Muse introduced both Askew and Austin before their readings. Muse said she was very excited to introduce Askew and Austin. She originally heard Askew read during Spring 2022 at ECU’s Scissortail Creative Writing Festival and has looked up to her ever since. “The way she (Askew) writes and the imagery that she uses, I just loved it. Like, I fell in love with her writing,” Muse said. “So, when Professor
Chaffins asked us to give Askew and Austin allowing us to see that her suggestions, we were stayed to talk and answer language comes from immediately like Rilla, questions with attendees. somewhere,” Austin said. we love her.” Attendees could also After the readings, Muse felt a strong buy their books and have students and Cameron connection to Askew them signed. faculty also went to and Austin through their Austin said he dinner with the visiting work. believes having events writers. “I was really, really like the Visiting Writers Askew pointed out excited to meet her series on campus is the engagement shared (Askew) officially and important. between the writers and introduce her,” Muse “Anytime that you students. said. “And Paul, who is can bring artists of any “It’s the opportunity equally as talented for students to as Rilla. He writes engage with writers a lot of poetry and the opportunity “That’s the value of about when he for writers to engage having art and a culture. with students you was young in New Because it keeps us York, so it’s cool know is, it’s just to see that different vital,” Askew said. asking questions culture almost from “The exchange and allowing us to see Oklahoma.” between students and Muse also thinks that language comes writers is — it’s a it is very important two-way street, and from somewhere.” for Cameron to so the students get — Paul Austin something from it host events like the Actor and Poet even just to listen, Visiting Writers series on campus. but the writers get “There’s not something from it to a lot of events like it kind to an education know the next generation (the Visiting Writers institution, you reawaken of writers.” series) on campus. A in everybody all the The Visiting Writers lot of professors like ability to find the series will continue with Dr. Carney, Professor resonances of what they Paul Juhasz at 6 p.m. on Chaffins; they try to are learning,” Austin Nov. 10 in Nance Boyer, bring a lot of different said. “Because we can’t Room 2005. poets and things. I think know everything. If, For more information it’s really important five days from now, you on the Visiting Writers because there isn’t a lot read a poem and you series contact Chaffins of things,” Muse said. say, ‘oh my God, right.’ at lellis@cameron.edu. “And it’s important to be You don’t even know For more information in community with likewhat you’re saying to on Rilla Askew visit minded people, which yourself ... That’s the https://www.rillaaskew. are creative writers and value of having art and a com/ and Paul Austin poets . . . authors.” culture. Because it keeps at https://paustin.net/ After the reading, us asking questions and writing/.
A Prize for Cameron! Rilla Askew reads from her newest book “Prize for the Fire.” She is the third of four writers visiting Cameron this semester.
This Week in Photos
Halloween Painted Pumpkins and “Julius Caesar” t Photo by Scot
Smith
Photo by Scot
Photo by N e Photo by Nea
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Sports
November 6, 2023
www.aggiecentral.com
Aggie Basketball prepares for upcoming season Ramona Villegas Sports Editor
From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cameron University friends, family, alumni and staff gathered to celebrate the upcoming season for the Cameron men and women basketball teams. Aggie Madness is a welcome back for the fans and student-athletes, also being able to showcase the skills that players will have on the floor this year.
Earlier this week, the Lone Star Conference (LSC) announced their basketball preseason polls, placing the women’s team eighth and the men’s 16th. There was a good crowd with lots of energy ready to get the madness started. The night started off with everyone given a single ticket, while the basketball players warmed up. Attendees got a chance to win huge prizes by participating in a contest. The prizes for the winners of the contests consisted of a TV, gift cards and a wireless speaker. There was also free bottled water and pizza for anyone in attendance. Walters High School basketball team was on hand to support the Cameron Aggies, along with different basketball players and coaches from surrounding schools. Kamryn Simien is the current assistant coach for the Eisenhower basketball team. While she does enjoy basketball, she and her older sister, Kennedi Simien, went to Aggie Madness every year while
Kennedi was at Cameron. Now Kamryn Simien has the privilege of taking her younger sister, Kelsey Simien, making Aggie Madness a full-circle event for her family. “We get to see what the teams are about this year,” Simien said. Event attendees with winning tickets played multiple games during the evening, including basketball musical chairs, where each contestant had to make a layup and then sit in the chair; a dunking contest with players dunking the ball; and a paired game with players and contestants seeing who could score more 3-pointers. The spirit team started off Aggie Madness by hyping up the crowd with stunts and cheers. Senior spirit team athlete Alec Santos has had a great time cheering on the basketball teams during Aggie Madness and for the last three years. He loves the work that he has been doing on the court, and he is looking forward to this upcoming basketball season. “The energy of the crowd was absolutely amazing,” Santos said. “I definitely love the support our student body gives to our school.” After the spirit team hyped up the crowd, current head coach for the women’s basketball team Jeff Mahoney spoke. Mahoney said he is confident the women on the team will have an even better season than they did prior. “In the Lone Star Conference last year, we finished 7th last year and our goal is to do better than that this year,” Mahoney said. Mahoney then introduced every player on the roster starting with number one Zeziah Bachert and ending with number 25 Alannah Gillespie. After announcing the roster for the women’s teams, basketball musical chairs began. The beginning was just the warm up for the final two players left in this game with both getting the layup instantly and running back to the chair. The winner decided to go right for the TV. Men’s basketball head coach Kevin O’Connor gave a speech, thanking everyone for attending and emphasizing his confidence that this season would be like no other. “We’re going to play extremely hard,” O’Connor said. “I can promise you that.” After O’Connor’s speech, he introduced every player on the roster starting with number zero Reggie Prudhomme and ending with number 24 Jaxon Ingram. After a few more games and the introduction of the spirit team, the highly anticipated dunk contest began. Number four Levell Brodnex stood out in the contest with a flying dunk, over the head of graduate assistant Adam Gouro. There were some very intricate dunks from the men’s basketball team; number 21 Thai Elder even asked Ole Kim to hold the ball before he went in for a dunk. The last dunk of the evening, number 10 Katie King went in with the best dunk of the game getting the highest score by the judges. King had won the dunking contest two years in a row this being her third win. Everyone in the stands and the basketball players are anticipating the start of basketball season. The talent of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams should translate to success for each team during the regular season. Next up for the basketball teams is their first game playing against Adams State University at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 in the Aggie Gym. For more information on Cameron Athletics, visit https:// cameronaggies. com/ or follow Cameron University Athletics on Facebook.
Graphic by Ramona Villegas