TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, October 4, 2010
Volume 85 Issue 4
Informing Cameron Since 1926
Parker named Housing Director By Elijah Morlett
Photos by Jim Horinek
A change in leadership: Assistant Director of Student Housing at West Texas A&M Charlie Parker will officially take over as the Director of Student Housing on Oct. 18, after the previous director, Casey Case, tendered his resignation in August.
on Sept. 7, and used three separate groups of Cameron Newswriting Student University employees to help make the final selection. Next month, Cameron These boards consisted of University’s Department of university officials, Housing Student Housing will see a staff, and RAs. large change in its leadership Charlie Parker, the when a new individual steps in to replace outgoing Director of Assistant Director of Student Housing at West Texas A&M Student Housing Casey Case. University in Canyon, TX, Case officially announced his was chosen resignation out of four to the candidates Student “I hope I can return all to replace Housing Case as the of the kindness shown staff in early to me and help make the new Director of Student August. college experience for Housing. “I’ve “I am residents something they been here really excited for five can enjoy and help them to be coming years,” succeed.” to Cameron,” Case said. Parker said. “There are a lot — Charlie Parker “Housing is growing and of things I Director of doing a lot of will miss.” Student Housing great things.” Case’s His last day as experience director includes was Sept. 30. He will be working in Higher Education moving to Oklahoma City and Residence Life related to pursue new endeavors and positions at other universities finish his doctorate degree. for 10 years. Additionally, he “Casey made this has received positive feedback department a nurturing from both Case and the environment,” Resident Assistant (RA) Simone Graves Student Housing staff. “I think he’s a guy that said. “You could develop as a can come in and continue to leader and still have fun at the improve what we have done in same time.” this department,” Case said. Case became Cameron “I’m very confident that he University’s first Director of will come in and do a good job. Student Housing in 2005, I have no doubt about that.” making the replacement of RA Jordan Scribner, along leadership the first major with the other RAs, is looking change in the department forward to the upcoming since the opening of Cameron Village. CU utilized three interview boards in the hiring process to choose Case’s replacement. The interviews were held
See DIRECTOR Page 2
Additional services added to Wellness Center By Rachel Engel News Editor
In its opening semester as part of the Cameron landscape, the new Student Wellness Center has added a number of services students can benefit from, including discounted vision and dental services, massage therapy and diagnostic testing. According to Director of Student Health Services Deanice Shegog, students are referred through the Student Wellness Center to the Family Vision Clinic of Lawton, where they can receive an eye exam, single-vision lenses and frames for $40. “We made arrangements with Drs. Head and Flint,” Shegog said. “Kyle Head and Kristina Flint, both PLUS Scholars, came to school for their undergraduate program here at Cameron. “
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In order to receive the $40 deal, students must meet the criteria of having no vision insurance, and having minimal income; otherwise, different cash discounts are offered to students, for contacts and other services, Shegog said. “It’s for students who really who really need [glasses] and don’t have the ability to pay for it,” she said. “They also gave us a discount in case a student has a wound to the eye that needs medical evaluation.” Students are encouraged to stop by the SWC to book an MCTCampus appointment with an optometrist. In addition to the vision discounts, the SWC also has an oral agreement with a Lawton dentist for discounted services to students. “If a student needs to be examined, X-rays and all, it’s $40,” Shegog said. “We always have students that come see the medical provider for teeth problems, and we tell them we don’t have a dentist here, but we can send you out to someone that’s going to give you a discount.” The Imaging Center of Lawton also provides cash discounts to students without insurance, and for those unable to pay, a payment plan can be set up.
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News
A&E
Sports
Opinion
The Aggie Carpool helps students save money.
Student safety issues arise with new Facebook tool.
The Aggie volleyball team hosts home series.
Cameron should renovate its academic programs.
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News
October 4, 2010
www.aggiecentral.com
CU carpool program continues By Taylor Brunwald Copy Editor
While Cameron students may be “pedal to the metal” academically, eager attitudes often take a hit when wallets do at the gas pump. To
combat this trend, Cameron has had the Aggie Carpool program available for those commuting to and from campus. The Aggie Carpool program, available online at www.cameron.edu/carpool,
is available to all those in the surrounding area that require transportation to and from the CU campus. From there, those interested can set up discussion threads with contact information to coordinate rides. This year, posts have been made from Altus, Fletcher and Marlow. Vice President of Student Services Jennifer Holland has been supervising this program since its inception. “We have had this going for several years,” she said. “When gas prices began to get high, we put something in place because we knew that many commuted.” Holland said that before it was made digital, a bulletin board was featured in
the former student union where those interested could check posts made for those driving or needing rides. “We’ve taken an old process and used technology to improve it,” she said. “But, it’s only successful if people check the website and use it.” While the website was most utilized when it first began, participation has declined in the years since. “This is something that we must constantly communicate due to the changing student population,” Holland said. Benefits from the Aggie Carpool program that Holland said include saving gas, time and money. She also said that it could afford nondriving students additional time to study, as well as connect with others from Cameron within their community. “Sometimes cars break down and things happen,”
Holland said. “We don’t want those things to hinder students from completing their degree. We like this as a resource for our students to use for anything they may lack.”
MCT Campus
SERVICES continued from page 1 “If you don’t have the ability to pay, because who has $75 sitting in their pocket for an X-ray when you’re a student, they’ll set you up on a payment plan as low as $5 a month,” Shegog said. “We’ve sent students for MRIs, CT scans, and they’ve been really nice over there.” The Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma also offers discounts through the Student Wellness Center, and beginning Oct. 5, Platt College massage therapy students will begin externships at Cameron University, offering massage therapy and eventually mud wraps and body scrubs. New services have been continually added to the SWC since the beginning of the semester, and Shegog said it’s about identifying the needs of the student body to see what services should be pursued. “It’s just a matter of making connections within the community,” she said. “If it’s something that [the students] really need, and we don’t have anything worked out yet, I’ll call around and find somebody who would be willing to work with them. This far, the community has been really cooperative, and most of them say, ‘It’s about time you guys got a wellness center, and how can we help.’”
DIRECTOR continued from page 1 Solutions on page 3 Solutions on page 3 changes in the department. “A new perspective brings in new possibilities,” Scribner said. “I hope Parker’s background will allow for positive changes to happen on Cameron’s campus.” The department will have a brief time without a Director on site. Parker will begin his position as Director on Oct.. 18. “I hope I can return all of the kindness shown to me and help make the college experience for residents something they can enjoy and help them succeed,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with all of the Housing staff.”
News
October 4, 2010
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Convocation celebrates education By Rachel Engel News Editor
Convocation at Cameron University celebrates the accomplishments of the student body and promotes the importance of educational achievement among students. This year’s event on Sept. 24 featured faculty keynote speakers Professor of Theatre Arts Dr. David Fennema and Professor of English and Foreign Languages Dr. Teresa Lubrano. Each gave their own take on the importance of convocation and academic excellence. “Convocation is a chance for students to recommit themselves to their education amidst other factors life hands them,” Dr. Lubrano said. “I think it’s one of the high points of the year, up there with graduation. I know students are trying to juggle a job, a family, an education and sometimes they get discouraged. It’s really nice to come together and bolster each other up; to celebrate our accomplishments and give each other that inspiration to continue forward.” She said that the tradition shows students the faculty’s commitment to seeing them succeed. “It’s a reaffirmation of our mission as teachers and our mission as a university, and that is to impart knowledge on the part of the faculty, and to gain knowledge on the part of the student body,” Dr. Lubrano said. “It’s a celebration of what we do at Cameron. We do it everyday, but we take one special day to celebrate our mission.” Dr. Fennema said that he agreed on the importance of convocation, and has enjoyed seeing its transformation over the course of his 28 years of teaching. “Since I’ve been here at Cameron, I’ve been really interested in convocation, because when I first came here, it was a very political Looking for a Great part time job. event; it was PIZZA TIME is looking for you. an event Now hiring part time pizza makers and delivery personnel. to help get Apply in person after 5 p.m. funding, 1705 NW Cache Rd. awareness and perceptions of
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Photo by Jim Horinek
In the spotlight: Dr. David Fennema, Professor of Theatre Arts, speaks at Convocation on Sept. 24. Convocation is an annual event that celebrates the academic achievements of the student body. Cameron to the public,” he said. “What’s happened now, with President Ross’ tenure as president, we are moving to a more student-oriented convocation. I like the fact that we are honoring the students, and giving them the chance to shine for a moment, here.” Dr. Fennema said that his commitment to his students is due in large part to the personalization that Cameron allows between the faculty and student body. “I think one of the most exciting things about Cameron University is that it’s very nurturing,” he said. “I really have enjoyed teaching here simply because I can get to know the students; they are not just a number like at other institutions where I have taught. It makes it an enriching experience for them and me.” This year’s event also featured student body speakers: graduate student Kimberly Jones, who will graduate with her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in May, and junior Biology major Jeffrey Sanders.
Opinion
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October 4, 2010
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Note to sissy: Happy Birthday Rachel Engel News Editor
On Oct. 4, 1991, I remember feeling like my whole life had changed. Even at four years old, in my tiny, developing brain, I knew that nothing would ever be the same again after my parents introduced me to my little sister. THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Michael Faggett Sports Editor - Amanda Cantu Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Taylor Brunwald Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett, Kyle Luetters, Ron Phillips
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Alyssa Knerr, Dianne Riddles, Elizabeth Nagel, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Circulation Manager - Clayton Gould Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek
Newswriting Students
Megan Bristow, Shaniqua Brown, Jarred Burk, Maria Cepeda Pilataxi, Ashley Del Ciello, Terry Dixon, Ippi Elliott, Ashleigh Fletcher, Chaney Gibson, Nicole Grzecki, Amanda Harris, Tiffany Martinez, Elijah Morlett, Ronald Phillips, Ishia Saltibus, Amber Spurlin, Brandon Thompson, Ricardo Thompson, Ricky Warren, Jeffrey Williams, Brittany Wolfe, Lana Ochilien
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.
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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.
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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.
For months I had heard, “You’re going to be a big sister!” I went to Big Sister classes, and at the hospital I was armed with an arsenal of memorabilia proclaiming that fact, right down to the Big Sister shirt I wore. My parents did a fantastic job of making it seem like I had personally accomplished something; it felt more like my day than it did theirs or hers. Perhaps that is why I have never resented her, not once. Even when she was at her most irritating, or when I felt like I never had any privacy because she was always there; she was still a gift. I remember when I learned that she followed my example, and to not take that task lightly. As we watched a movie one afternoon, I stretched out on my back on the floor and balanced a nickel on my closed lips. She watched me intently, and when I set the nickel down, she promptly picked it back up and imitated me, with one major exception: she opened her mouth. Suddenly, she was choking and my father darted in from the kitchen, clapped her on the back and slammed the nickel from her throat. Note to self: she’s watching you. I remember playing “house” when I was eight and she was four. We had an ungodly amount of toys, including a full bin of plastic food and a play kitchen that would ignite
imagination in any kid. We would load the Playskool table up with a plastic feast, chat and act very grown up as we pretended to eat our rubber corn-on-the-cob. Note to self: she’s enjoyable to be around. At 14, I remember feeling very helpless when she was admitted into surgery at 10 years old for a broken elbow she suffered after falling off her scooter and shattering it on the concrete. As they wheeled her off to the operating room, I remember the feeling of total dread overcoming me; part of me was broken, missing. I spent her entire surgery picking out toys in the hospital gift store, reaching for anything that could possibly elicit a smile from her in recovery. Note to self: I need her. At 17, I realized, not only was I growing up but she was as well. At 13 she was becoming witty, more cognitive and more real. I remember coming home from dates and sharing every detail, while imparting my limited wisdom as the older sister on the
kind of boys she should date, and which ones not to give the time of day. Note to self: She’s a great listener. At 19, when my life had switched gears in a dramatic way, and my other means of support weren’t thrilled with my choices, she, at 15, listened; she sympathized, she offered advice and her shoulder. We spent hours driving around, singing to songs on the radio and putting all problems aside. Note to self: What would I do without her? Today, she turns 19, and she is currently a freshman at a college that fits her in every way: beautiful, intellectual and full of promise. She’s living the dorm life, and making friends at every turn like she’s always been able to do. I enjoy hearing about her
life and listening as she discovers the wonders of being on her own. She’s no longer a little kid; she’s grown up into a wonderful little adult that I am thankful to share DNA with. Note to self: She’s my best friend. I love you, sissy. Happy birthday.
CU’s academic programs in need of expansion, update Cameron has had various mottos that exemplify its efforts to educate students to become effective and progenitors of change not only in Lawton/Ft. Sill, but across the globe. With sayings like “Changing Lives Through Education” and the recent addition of “Every Student, Every Story,” Cameron has provided a fairly extensive catalog of academic programs and degrees to students who desire to enhance their educational background. Because of the administration’s commitment to truly enhancing lives through education, we have seen a growth in campus population over the last two years and a physical metamorphosis in the university’s landscape. However, with Cameron growing both in infrastructure and population, what is the next step in enhancing the academic programs on campus? I understand the pending opening of the Academic Advisory Center in 2011. Soon, students will be able to discuss their degree plan with advisers who will help them in selecting the appropriate courses. I appreciate the transformation of the old Student Activities Building into Cameron Exchange. CU’s honors program has been under the radar for years and now gets some much needed rejuvenation and renovation. I jump for joy at the future plans of the former student union becoming a tutoring lab, a computer lab and the home of convergent journalism. I won’t be able to reap the educational benefits of this overhaul due to my pending graduation date, but I take great consolation in knowing the future is bright in these areas. Yet, even with these changes, is it the end of the current story of campus transformation? Where are the plans for revamping some of our – for lack of a more sensitive term – obsolete academic programs?
Granted, many programs possess great professors who greatly concern themselves with the well being of their students. However, the course offerings available in those programs does not necessarily prepare students for graduate work, whether on the master’s or doctoral level. Yes, students desire stable employment with reasonable pay. But, with the nature of the job market drawing closer to requiring graduate degrees as a minimum qualification for job openings, shouldn’t there be some assistance on the undergraduate level (especially since we invest in this wonderful experience) preparing us for more philosophical thought and research-entrenched studies? If the revamping of courses in some of our departments does not seem remotely plausible, are there plans to offer more master’s degrees across campus? While I understand it is not realistic in the present, given there are numerous plans being unveiled and being developed, I would at least like to hear the propensity of increasing master’s program options is being discussed. Cameron could draw even more students and garner more revenue if it began offering master’s degrees in various fields like communication, music, political science and others. It definitely would break up the monotony of the current “fab five” fields in which the university offers master’s degrees: education, business, entrepreneurial studies, behavioral sciences and educational leadership. All of this may sound facetious and farfetched, but the day we stop considering the expansion of academic programming at Cameron a joke is the day we begin conceptualizing the extent of how we really can change lives through education.
Michael Faggett A&E Editor
A&E
October 4, 2010
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Athletes come together for spiritual cause
On Sept. 27, FCA joined the Baptist Collegiate Ministry A&E Editor and the Cameron Campus Ministry for a unified night Athletes typically either of worship among the three have or find a source of ministries. inspiration when they play In addition to the worship on their respected field or night, FCA, according to court. Some find it through Chambers, is planning other family, self-motivation or events and fundraisers to help sheer passion; others find it in build the group’s reputation on religion and spirituality. campus. Cameron University “We want to provide athletics recognized that athletes and students alike sentiment with a setting and for people to initiated “Athletes, in general, fellowship and its own have a closer Fellowship face negative situations relationship and thoughts. We want of with God,” Christian to provide athletes and Chambers said. Athletes Chambers students alike with a (FCA). also said she setting for people to According was excited to adviser fellowship and have a closer and drawn to Kyle relationship with God.” FCA when she Moody, heard the group FCA — Thelmeca Chambers was starting on carries the FCA President campus. mission of “I felt providing compelled to a Christjoin FCA,” centered Chambers said. “It is an fellowship for athletes, coaches opportunity to affect others.” and all whom they inf luence Chambers along with a on campus and in the Lawton/ group of athletes, form what Ft. Sill community. Moody calls “the Leadership The group awaits approval Team,” to be recognized as an official The team helps preside on-campus organization. over FCA by organizing group While waiting for approval, activities, facilitating group the group featuring athletes, discussions and sering as a coaches and other students decision-making board for the continues to meet and organization. fellowship with each other. Despite the group’s name, According to president Chambers said the group Thelmeca Chambers, FCA has encourages other interested been an aid for the athletes students to join. who attend. “Anyone can come and be “Athletes, in general, a part,” Chambers said. “We face negative situations and have non-athletes come and thoughts,” Chambers said. participate, so it’s open to “FCA helps create a positive anyone who is interested.” environment for athletes.” FCA holds their meetings at In creating such an 7 p.m. every Friday on the first atmosphere, FCA has been f loor of South Shepler. active in interacting with other organizations on campus.
By Michael Faggett
Photo Courtesy of Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Fellowship for all athletes: Cameron’s Fellowship of Christian athletes listen to the testimonies of its members and advisers. The group welcomes anyone, both athletes and non-athletes, who are interested in becoming a part of FCA.
Aggies lead the way: (from left to right) Sharna Hoosier, Autumn Lamle, Tyler Nelson, Jordan Kauk, and Kenny Held pose at FCA’s first meeting of the year. These athletes form the organization’s leadership team.
New Facebook feature creates safety issue for students By Nicole Grzecki Newswriting Student
Heads up for students with a Facebook account: a new feature takes social networking to the streets, literally. Facebook announced a new tool that shares any user’s location with other friends and users. As users visit restaurants, parks, or even go home, users can “check in” to these locations. When users check in it will then leave a posting, stating where the user is at for everyone to see. Students like Manuel Dawson, a senior Sociology major, think the new tool is a good addition. “If you are always on
Facebook, even if you’re not, I think it’s a pretty good idea,” Dawson said. According to Facebook’s Web site, there are over 500 million active users on Facebook. Fifty percent of users log on to Facebook every day, which equals a lot of users able to view students’ accounts even if privacy settings are not set. Even Web surfers who do not have an account can view other Facebook accounts that do not have privacy settings set. For this reason students like freshman Shelly Balthrop are not sure the new tool is a good idea. “I guess it would be easier for people to find you, but it’s
an invasion of privacy if you ask me. There are a lot of issues with people breaking the law over the Internet,” Balthrop said. Director of Public Safety at Cameron University John DeBoard agrees. “You have to be very careful about photographs that you’re listing, where you’re at any particular time, what your daily schedule may be. People can use that for reasons you never intended it be used for,” DeBoard said. One problem is even if a student does not disclose his/ her location, friends can tag other users when they check in somewhere.
Another concern is users have to opt-out of the service if they do not want to be “tagged” at various locations. These tags could even post home addresses, giving criminals an open door to commit a crime. “For example you leave your home, and someone might be tracking you wanting to commit a crime at your residence. If they know you’re away, verified by your site, that just gives them easy access to your home.” DeBoard said. According to the Huffington Post, crimes involving Facebook is up 346 percent in less than a year. That statistic has some students wary of what they post on their accounts.
“It’s open for everyone to view, but I don’t really put anything private on there,” Balthrop said. If students do not want the new feature, the first time someone tries to tag him/her a notification will be sent asking for permission, simply say no. If students want to disable the feature all together, he/ she should follow these steps: log in to Facebook and click on the privacy setting under the account tag in the top right corner. Scroll down to “friends can check me into places” and choose disable. If students ever want to bring the tool back all they have to do is uncheck the box.
SOCA continues to help students transition to college life By Lana Ochilien Newswriting Student
Students of the Caribbean Alliance (SOCA) has been an active student organization at Cameron University for over 10 years. According to the group’s website, in 1999, 12 Caribbean students started the organization. These students initiated the group to create a “home away from home” for themselves and for future Caribbean students attending CU. President Junior M. Braveboy, a Grenada native, said he still upholds the reason why the organization was formed. He applauds the founders for their initiative and finds the initiative so commendable that there is a small body of people trying to initiate a similar venture at the University of Oklahoma. “The journey across the waters, leaving all that is familiar and dear to one, is no easy task,” Braveboy said. “Adjusting to one’s new home
without friends or family to help settle one in is even harder.” According to Braveboy, every semester the group begins its calendar of activities with a welcome reception informing new students of the group and introducing them to current students. Doing so helps the new students become aware of the organization and the familiarity it provides for the duration of their academic career. Braveboy wants all to know that although the name implies the organization is intended for Caribbean students only, membership is open to everyone who wishes to learn about the culture and make new students feel welcome on campus. “The group was created to help international students make a smooth transition,” Braveboy said. “When we got here, we became part of the Cameron/Lawton community, so we cannot exclude our extended family.”
To him, being able to share his culture and the cultures from the other five islands represented in the group is exciting. According to Braveboy, each island has its own culture, although they are somewhat similar and are sort of difficult to differentiate. He said the group’s event calendar caters to various demographics. This semester, they have had five different activities as a group, including a welcome breakfast, a Caribbean-style barbecue, a trip to Midwestern State University (MSU) to play netball against other Caribbean students, visiting Six Flags Over Texas, attending church at Cameron Baptist and volunteering in the community. Braveboy said the group’s biggest event for the semester is scheduled for Oct. 28. SOCArnival will be held from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m., which will serve as the culmination of Diversity Day. He said that Carnival is one of the biggest annual celebrations on every
Photo Courtesy of the Students of the Caribbean Alliance
SOCA goes to worship: Members of the Students of the Caribbean Alliance show their support in the community by attending a service at Cameron Baptist Church. The organization continues to serve the community and help international students transition from home to life at Cameron. island. “Being away from home does not mean we have to miss out on our cultural events; therefore, we are staging a parade right here on campus,” Braveboy said. “We invite
everyone to participate in SOCA’s activities.” For a full list of SOCA activities and meetings for the semester, students are encouraged to visit the SOCA website at www.cusoca.org.
Sports
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October 4, 2010
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Timmis leads golfers by example By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
After 13 years of playing, CU senior Jason Timmis is still improving his golf game and enjoying every minute of it. Timmis, a native of Stoke-onTrent, England, began playing for the Black and Gold last year and continues to be one of the team’s top players this season. He began playing golf at the age of nine after receiving encouragement from his father and brother; after all these years, he is still having as much fun as the first day he started. “I like golf because it’s very competitive,” Timmis said. “It’s also a bit of a stress reliever. I just really enjoy it.” As the team’s only senior this season, Timmis feels a sense of responsibility to help guide the
younger players as much as he can. “I feel like Coach wants me to be the captain,” he said. “I feel like I should help the young guys out – help them with the experience aspect.” Men’s golf coach Jerry Hrnciar acknowledged that he does expect Timmis to provide the team with leadership and said he thinks the senior is doing a great job. “Jason leads by example,” Hrnciar said. “He sets the tone with his work habits and his devotion to the game. The other players see he is a quality player and see that he is a steady player. Jason just has good leadership quality.” This season, Timmis thinks his team has a chance to go far and make a real competition out of every tournament. “We’ve got a really good
chance to compete in every tournament we play,” he said. “We just need to perform at the same time.” Not only does Timmis have high expectations of his team, he also has high expectations of himself. “I think I have a good chance in every tournament to win,” he said. “That’s my target – to win every tournament. And, ultimately, I’d like to be named an All-American.” Hrnciar has confidence in Timmis’ ability to perform at the standard he has set for himself and believes Timmis will inspire his team members to perform at a higher standard as well. “Jason is one of the top Division II players in the country,” Hrnciar said. “He has shot under par at all of the qualifying events this season
Photos by Amanda Cantu
Not just par for the course: Senior Jason Timmis competes in a Cameron-hosted golf tournament held at the Lawton Country Club. Timmis said he is looking forward to all the challenges that he will face during his final season and hopes to achieve his best results. except for one which he shot even par. When he gets going, everyone else will follow his example.” Though Timmis is confident in all aspects of his game, he believes it is his short game that is strongest. Hrnciar agreed with Timmis’ analysis. “Jason is a good short putter, which you don’t find often,” Hrnciar said. “He’s a great putter from six feet in, and he’s good with his irons.” Timmis said that, in order to be successful in golf, it is necessary to be prepared mentally. “Golf is very mental,” Timmis said. “I would say it’s 70 to 80 percent mental because you have to have the right mind set for
playing different tournaments. You need the mental side to see and hit different shots.” Additionally, Timmis said that, for him, it is also essential to be physically fit. “For me, it’s important to be physically fit because it helps to keep you mentally fit,” Timmis said. Timmis’ determination to do all he can to prepare himself for the season has given him the confidence he needs to do well, and he is looking forward to seeing his hard work pay off. “I’m looking forward to every course we play this season,” Timmis said. “There aren’t many courses I don’t like. A golf course is a golf course. That’s the challenge.”
Women’s tennis sees new additions By Rashmi Thapaliya Varitey Editor
The CU women’s tennis team has three new members this fall season: Antonia Moberg, Florencia Tornero and Sara Londono. The new athletes are ready to experience the excitement and challenges of the sport and the school. Moberg is a first time freshman at Cameron. She is an international student from Norrkoping, Sweden. She said that she has been playing tennis for 14 years, and added that she is playing just for fun right now from the baseline. “I came to Cameron because my twin sister, Amanda, plays for the team,” Moberg said. “This place is different, but it is fun.” Though Moberg said some of the differences she is facing are challenging, she is excited to be a member of the team. “This place is different from home, especially the people and food,” Moberg said. “I am really excited about the upcoming matches.” Tornero, an international student who hails from Argentina, is also a first time freshman. Tornero said that she has been playing tennis for 10 years – since she was eight years old. She said that she came to Cameron through the contact of a previous assistant coach of the team, who was also from Argentina. Londono is an international student from Medellin, Colombia, and she transferred from Jacksonville University. She is a junior majoring in Graphic Design. She said that she has been playing tennis for seven years – since she was 13. Londono said that due to
scheduling confl icts, she cannot practice with the team on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “On those days, I practice by myself,” Londono said. “I like playing tennis and love my team.” Julia Puckhaber from Hambergen, Germany, joined the team last spring, and she also shared her experience as a returning athlete to the team. She is studying Business Administration at Cameron. Puckhaber said that she had fun traveling and being a part of the team last semester. She added that it was tough at
first but now she has learned to manage her time. “I am playing for fun right now,” Puckhaber said. “I want to train little kids back home.” James Helvey, Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach said that everything is looking really good, and he is very excited about this year. There are three new women and two new men on the teams this semester. “The teams are doing great so far,” Helvey said. “Everything is going good and I am ready for the cool temperature.”
Photo by Jessica Goodman
Perfect pair: Freshman Florencia Tornero (left) and Junior Sara Londono (right) play in a doubles scrimmage earlier this season. The two women are among the team’s three newcomers this season and have proven to be great assets to the team so far. Both players said they are excited to be a part of the team and are excited about the season.
Sports
October 4, 2010
www.aggiecentral.com
7
Volleyball team hosts home series By Megan Bristow Newswriting Student
The Cameron Aggies entered a series of volleyball matches on Sept. 23 looking to extend a four match victory streak into a fifth win against the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas. Ready for a win, the CU Aggies lined up to play the Javelinas at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23. The outcome of the match looked good for the Aggies when they defeated their rival with a win of 25-20 in the first set. However, the Javelinas were able to tie the match in the second set with a final score of 25-13, and went on to win the third and fourth set with scores of 25 to 23 each set. The Javelinas won the match 3-1. CU Volleyball Head Coach Brianna Lowe attempted to explain the upset and attributed it to losing focus of the game plan in the last three sets. "I think that us following the game plan broke down," Lowe said. "I don't know if we accepted the first win thinking that we would be able to slide through the first match or what, but our whole game plan broke down." Similarly, one of the three co-captains, Adrienne Lawson, outside hitter for the CU Aggies, felt the team lost sight of their goal in the last three sets. "We came out just playing the game instead of playing with purpose," Lawson said. Even though the team was unable to secure the victory, Lowe thought the team persevered through the match. "At times, we definitely showed resolve and the ability to push back," Lowe said. "We didn't just completely crumble through the whole match. We kept trying to fight back. It was good that we didn't completely give up. We just
Photos by Jessica Goodman
Up in the air: Members of the CU volleyball team compete in a match during their recent home series. Team co-captains Adrienne Lawson and Valerie Ogle said the team is looking forward to getting back on the court to have some fun and win more matches.
have to push a little bit harder." Despite the loss at Thursday's game, Aggie fans filed into the
Aggie Gymnasium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 25, to watch the women take on the University of
the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The Cardinals were able to shut out the Aggies' chance of
Though this fact is disturbing, CU’s Health Physical Education and Recreation club (HPER) is working to combat the growing problem of expanding waistlines. HPER president Stephanie
Belter said the club is dedicated to promoting awareness of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. “The motto of HPER is ‘Fit for Life,’” Belter said. “We really want to get out the message of how important it is to be healthy and be active.” Belter said one of the ways the club is going to try to promote the importance of health by providing more healthy facts for CU students and members of the community. “This year, we want to put out more healthy facts,” Belter said. “We are going to try to distribute them at some of the Cameron games and at other community events.” HPER consists mostly of Health and P.E. majors. Belter said the organization is beneficial to club members as well as members of the Lawton community in different ways. “The club gives members the opportunity to network with those in their field and get to know people they may otherwise have never met,” Belter said. “HPER also allows members to get involved in the community, which is beneficial
to club members as well as those in the Lawton area.” According to Belter, one of the events the club is closely involved in is the hosting of the Special Olympics. HPER members try to lend support to the Special Olympics in any way they can, but they are particularly involved in helping organize the track and field events as well as the swimming events, which are held at the CU Fitness Center. “I think one of the reasons we continue to be asked to help with the Special Olympics is that we do so well when we help,” Belter said. “Plus, we really enjoy doing it. We are honored every year we are able to help.” Another way HPER helps to promote an active lifestyle is by hosting sporting events open to the community. Last year, the club hosted a football jamboree in which all the local football teams were invited to participate. This year, the organization hopes to host a basketball jamboree. “We really like to be a part of the Lawton community, and hosting these jamborees is a way we can do that,” Belter said.
winning the match in the first three sets. Although all sets remained relatively close, the Cardinals won the first set 25-21, the second set 25-20, and third set 25-22. Another co-captain, Valerie Ogle, setter for the CU Aggies, realizes the team did not play as well as they could have. "We came out flat," Ogle said. "We can do so much better than what we did. We just need to find our rhythm." Coach Lowe also believes that the Aggies could have won the match had it not been for untimely mishaps. "In the second match, we just had unfortunate errors,” Lowe said. “Our errors came at really poor times.” The Aggies took on MidAmerican Christian University's Lady Evangels on Tuesday, Sept. 28 in the Aggie Gymnasium and won the match in straight sets. Before the match, Ogle said she believed that, with the right focus, the team would be successful in winning the match. "We just need to make sure we know our game plan: fight for every point," Ogle said. All three matches were played against teams in the Lone Star Conference. The Aggies' current standing in the conference is 2-1, with two matches lost and one match won. The team is ready to get back on their feet, and Lawson has high hopes for the remainder of the season. "As the season progress, we will keep playing as a team, being supportive of each other, and having fun winning, " Lawson said. The next action for the volleyball team will be at 7:00 on Oct. 5 in the Aggie Gym when the Black and Gold take on Oklahoma City University.
HPER club focuses on fitness By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
It is official: the United States has recently been named the fattest developed nation in the world.
The HPER club also intends to hold a volleyball tournament next semester, which will be open to all CU organizations. The proceeds will go to benefit the Red Cross. “Each club that wants to participate can donate money or nonperishable food items to be donated to the Red Cross,” Belter said. “This not only gives Cameron students the opportunity to get to know each other better, but it also allows them to give back.” Belter said the club holds fundraisers throughout the year, but that the majority of the money raised goes to support other organizations. “Our fundraisers allow us to sponsor other things,” Belter said. “For example, we sponsor people to walk for the March of Dimes and similar organizations. It’s important that we promote the importance of being healthy, but it’s also important that we give back to the community as much as we can.” HPER will next meet at 12 p.m. on Oct. 6 in the Shepler Mezzanine. Those interested in becoming a member may attend the meeting or contact Belter at StephB@wichitaonline.net.
8
Variety
October 4, 2010
www.aggiecentral.com
Cameron ties: A large number of Cameron’s international students take part in the International Festival. Students get involved with many aspects of the festival including the Parade of Nations.
Cultural kiosk: Native American items are displayed for sale. Many different merchants bring their cultural merchandise to the festival to sell.
Parade of Nations: A group of girls line up before their performance in the Parade of Nations. The Parade is held at the beginning of the festival and showcases the many different cultures that are represented during the event.
Graphic courtesy of Lawton Arts and Humanities
Photos courtesy of CUNA Page Design by Rashmi Thapaliya
The 31st Annual International Festival was held at Elmer Thomas Park on Sept. 24, 25 and 26. The park was set for the festival early on Friday morning and the parking lot was packed by 10 a.m. that same day. The three-day festival began with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. and concluded on Sunday at 5 p.m. The attractions of the festival included the Parade of Nations, entertainment in the form of a concert from the Celtic rock band “Needfire,� cultural dances from many different countries, arts and
crafts booths, traditional medieval jousting and games and much more. One of the largest attractions of the event was the many food vendors who brought a whole host of cultural foods to the hungry crowd. A large number of international students from CU also participated in the festival showcasing their cultural wears, and dances. With huge crowds, lots of food and all types of fun and games the International Festival is a mainstay in Lawton.