TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, January 24, 2011
Volume 85 Issue 11
Informing Cameron Since 1926
Students volunteer time, effort 27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration held
cards,” Goldsmith said. “I was the one who introduced Staff Writer the guest speaker, Dr. Marc For several Cameron Lamont Hill.” students and faculty, Monday, The panel discussion Jan. 17, was neither a day of was an open event open for rest and relaxation nor a day the community to address to catch up on the already questions and concerns that growing load of assignments. Lawtonians had about current Instead, the Martin Luther Civil Rights issues. Dr. Hill King Jr. holiday was an noted that, while Dr. King’s opportunity to celebrate action legacy was established in the and service in the community past, it continues to have a very alongside the people of strong application for youth in Lawton. today’s hip-hop culture. The day began early, with “King had an understanding campus organizations meeting of what it meant to listen,” at 8:30 a.m. to begin their Dr. Hill said. “He understood service projects at various that listening wasn’t just about sites. The volunteer locations being polite. Listening was included the Salvation moral project; everyone has Army, The Sanctuary, and a voice. Everyone has a voice the Lawton Food Bank. worth listening to. Sometimes, According to Ebony Society the voice that’s worth listening President, Brandi Goldsmith, Photo by Jim Horinek to the most comes in a body she and other members took that you don’t expect anything Honoring his memory: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill addresses the audience during the MLK part in service projects at from.” banquet which was the final event in a day of celebration in honor of the memory and Redemption Church, which Dr. Hill also spoke at principles set forth by Martin Luther King Jr. specializes in ministering to the Martin Luther King Jr. more than just the typical Banquet in the McCasland church. Ballroom later in the evening. Cameron Campus Ministry, who has hosted the “It’s a church for released inmates to go and have a new start,” Goldsmith said. banquet since 1985, brought in two new faces this year: Reverends Montie and “What Ebony Society did was mostly helping to organize different things and Galeda Jones, new co-directors of the CCM. then assist in cleaning up the building.” “The planning part of the banquet was basically a learning experience because Though most of the service projects ended at 12:30 p.m., the day was not we had no history with the preparation of anything,” Rev. Montie Jones said. over by far. The second part of the celebration included a panel discussion with Comanche County representative T.W. Shannon, keynote speaker Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, and author and Cameron student Kimberly Jones. Members of the See SERVICE Ebony Society chose to donate more of their time by serving at the discussion. “We had members there to help hand out programs and collect question Page 2
By Rebecca Craft
CU professors co-author mathematics textbook into account the process of angiogenesis, tumor invasion Copy Editor and metastasis,” Dr. Tabatabai said. “Specifically, the models Cameron University are useful in analyzing disease Mathematical Sciences progression and regression.” Professors Dr. Ioannis K. CU students Jingshu Zhao, Argyros and Dr. Mohammad now a graduate student, and Tabatabai, and Dr. Hilout of Shobhakhar Adhikari, a senior Poitiers University in Dedex, math student also participated France, have co-authored in this project. “Mathematical Modeling “I am extremely happy with Applications in to have included my under Biosciences and Engineering,” a textbook published by Nova graduate students Ms. J. Zhao and Mr. Adhikary in Science Publishers. this project as part of their The textbook, which is available in both hardcover and as an ebook, contains new research related to numerical “I am extremely methods for solving equations. happy to have The book is designed to assist included my under researchers, practitioners and students in efficient graduate students utilization of numerical Ms. J. Zhao and methods for approximating Mr. Adhikari in this solutions of equations resulting from the study of project as part of real life problems arising in their undergraduate biosciences, engineering, research.” mathematical programming, optimization, mathematical physics and mathematical — Dr. Ioannis K. economics. Argyros “Hyperbolastic growth Mathematical models have been used to analyze the growth of solid Sciences Professor brain tumors by taking
By Dianne Riddles
News
Extreme weather linked to rising temperatures. SEE PAGE 2
Photo by Dianne Riddles
Photo by Dianne Riddles
Pen to paper: Cameron University Department of Mathematical Sciences professors Dr. Ioannis K. Argyros and Dr. Mohammad Tabatabai discuss the finer points of their recently published textbook, “Mathematical Modeling with Applications in Biosciences and Engineering.” The book is available in print and as an e-book. undergraduate research,” Dr. Argyros said. Dr. Argyros joined the Cameron faculty in 1990. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of
A&E
Georgia. He has published more than 20 books as well as more than 700 peer-reviewed articles on Computational Mathematics. Dr. Argyros also serves on the editorial boards
Sports
SGA to look at new student Athletic Department proposals this semester. auctions off Duke treasure. SEE PAGE 5
SEE PAGE 6
of 21 mathematics journals and is a frequent reviewer for
See TEXTBOOK Page 2
Opinion
Beer: Much more than a way to get soused. SEE PAGE 4
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January 24, 2011
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Climate woes tied to temperature By Pat Brennan MCTCampus
The year 2010 tied with 2005 as the planet’s warmest on record, and 2010 was also the wettest year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nine of the past 10 years also rank among the 10 warmest on record, reinforcing the idea the planet is heating up, the warming driven by emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The warming trend was apparent in surface-temperature data despite two unusually cold winters in a row in the eastern United States, said David Easterling, chief of the scientific services division at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. “Does this disprove climate change, climate warming?” Easterling said in a telephone press conference Wednesday. “The answer is, unequivocally, ‘No.’” The climate agency’s year-end summary (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/ global/2010/13) totals up surface temperature, rainfall and other data for the year, then compares them with global records going back to 1880. The year 2010 was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average, the summary says, with combined land and sea-surface temperatures 1.12 degrees Fahrenheit above the average.
But while the average temperature in the contiguous United States alone was above average, this was only its 23rd warmest year on record. The year was notable for a number of “extreme events,” Easterling said, including “the Russian heat wave, and, related to that, f looding and heavy rains in Pakistan; also record warm temperatures in the summer.” High precipitation levels included record rainfall in Southern California. From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2010, John Wayne Airport saw 22.57 inches of rain, nearly 7 inches above normal. The rains came despite a transition to La Nina conditions later in the year, a periodic cooling of the eastern Pacific that typically means a dry rainy season for Southern California. In fact, because La Nina tends to lower global temperatures, 2010 might have been even hotter without it. “December was actually not nearly as warm as the months in the middle of the year,” said Deke Arndt, climate monitoring branch chief at the Climatic Data Center. “So we did see that La Nina signal kick in towards the end of the year.” Wet weather dampened the risk of wildfire, as well as drought for the nation as a whole. In July, the drought footprint covered less than eight percent of the country. Some other highlights from the report: _ Global land surface temperatures alone were the warmest on record at 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average. _ Global ocean surface temperatures alone tied with 2005 as the third warmest at 0.88 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average. _ The Pacific ocean saw the fewest hurricanes on record since the mid 1960s, with three hurricanes and seven named storms. _ The Atlantic, however, tied for third place in 2010 with 19 named storms, and second place with 12 hurricanes. _ The Arctic saw its third smallest minimum in sea-ice extent, behind 2007 and 2008. _ But while Antarctic sea ice hit its eighth smallest yearly maximum in March, it grew quickly to its third largest extent on record in September. While the “hottest year” numbers generate much interest among scientists and the public, they say little about long-term climate trends. But the data over decades is far more revealing. “The climate is continuing to show the inf luence of increasing greenhouse gases, showing evidence of warming,” Easterling said. “There has been some notion that people put forth that the climate stopped warming in about 2005. I think this year’s results show that notion lacks credibility.” He said he is asked frequently whether weather events, such as heat waves, can be tied to long-term climate trends. “We get questions about these sorts of events,” he said. “’Is this a harbinger of things to come? Is this climate change?’ Although you cannot attribute any individual event, such as the Russian heat wave, to climate change, it’s always important to keep in mind that the probability of seeing these kinds of events does increase as the climate warms.”
TEXTBOOK continued from page 1 the Mathematical Reviews of the American Mathematical Society. Dr. Argyros is a member of the Round Table Group’s Network, which is one of the world’s preeminent consortia of consulting expert companies located in Washington DC. He has received the Distinguished Research Award from the Southwest Advanced Technology Association as well as other national and international awards. Dr. Argyros is currently involved in consulting on legal academic matters and on research related to his field. Dr. Tabatabai earned a Ph.D. from Memphis State University in 1984 and joined the Cameron Faculty that same year. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Tabatabai has extensive consulting experience with business and government to include Reynolds Army Community Hospital and Comanche County Memorial Hospital.
SERVICE continued from page 1
Solutions on page 7
“Every time the committee met, we would sit there as Dr. Hill said ‘in listening mode’ to see what processes had already gone on before we came. Then we would ask questions about details of the event. We’re probably still in the learning mode. Even at the banquet, we were still asking questions.” According to Rev. Jones, there were also several other new additions for the 2011 celebration banquet. “As far as this event was concerned there were some firsts,” Rev. Jones said. “This is the first time we’ve met in the McCasland ballroom for the banquet. This is the first time in four or five years that we’ve sold all the available tickets. This is the first year that the CCM band has played. I’ve been very pleased with it all, and I’ve heard that several others are also very pleased concerning our participation in it.” As the banquet concluded, Dr. Hill sought to remind everyone of the power of the legacy King left behind. “The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is a part of a long and deep tradition of black and white freedom fighters, male and female freedom fighters, who didn’t just force America to listen to them,” said Dr. Hill. “They also forced America to listen to itself.”
January 24, 2011
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January 24, 2011
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Beer revelation: Beverage brings much to table
I have been a fan of beer for most of my life. In fact, to be honest, I came to enjoy it many years before it was anywhere near legal for me to do so. My first taste came much in the way that many peoples have: a
relatively drunk grandfather who thought it would be humorous to give his five-yearold grandson a beer. But much to his surprise, and then later pride, I took the can of Papst Blue Ribbon and downed it rather quickly. From this point on I was aware of the drink and my affection for it, but overall I was still naive to its true beauty. From that early age I have always considered the taste of beer to be something very enjoyable. However, my understanding and appreciation of the several thousand-year-old beverage has matured considerably in the past few months. I can remember a time
when I used to think that it was completely adequate to drink Budweiser or Miller as opposed to something more refined such as a seasonal Samuel Adams or Boulevard. I was once under the impression that all beers, to a degree, tasted pretty much the same, so I did not see any real reason to break the bank buying the more expensive varieties. This all changed when I took the time to branch out one evening and decided to splurge on some more expensive beer. Consequently, I was astounded when my lips were greeted with a wonderful bouquet and clean finish miles apart from anything that Anheuser Busch or Miller have
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is here that I found perhaps the best tool at the budding beer connoisseur’s disposal. The variety pack or brewer’s selection pack is a wonderful and cost effective way to try many different beers without the risk of having a fridge full of something you hate. Many brewers such as Samuel Adams, Left Hand and Boulevard offer these packs. Usually holding two bottles each of six different brews, this is a great way to sample several of the offerings that different brew houses bring to the table. As a seasoned veteran who has tried over 35 different f lavors and types of beer, I can say that I have a new found love for the beverage which my grandfather introduced me to so many years ago. Not to mention, I have one hell of a bottle cap collection.
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to offer. It was at this point that I came to realize what I had failed to understand about the true purpose of beer. I had spent most of my life thinking of beer as something that you utilize to get drunk and that the fact that it tastes pretty good is just a bonus. I have realized that beer is much less utilitarian. In fact, it is a complex beverage that can be used to many different ends. It is something that does not have one basic taste as I had once thought. In contrast, there are a multitude of f lavors, types and varieties of beer. Upon this realization I began a quest to explore the vast world of beer. It quickly became evident that in Lawton there are not a whole lot of great bars or other places to try the wide variety of brews that are available. Perhaps the biggest drawback is that any less than common beer will generally be quite a bit more expensive than the likes of Corona or Keystone. Furthermore, it is pretty difficult to even find a decent variety of beers at most of the establishments in this town. Consequently, I turned my search to the aisles of Cache Road Liquor. On the aisles of the store there are a surprisingly wide selection of options in the way of beer. It
Rachel Engel News Editor
I am a lover of technology. I have a smart phone, a tablet, and many other gadgets all competing for charging time at the nearest electrical outlet. My mom always lamented the fact that my dad (who is as nuts over technology as I am) would purchase her shiny gadgets to open on Christmas morning. She wanted something more personal, more thoughtful; let’s face it, she wanted jewelry. I, on the other hand, adore exploring all the possible ways my
life has been made easier because of new technology. Until it came to the Kindle. The Kindle was not a fascinating new gadget to be fondled and caressed, it was a murderer. I looked at it as holding the flame that would cause the world to become paperless. Books are not meant to be read on a computer, no matter how closely the screen resembles a page of a novel. The lovely smell of a brand new book, and the creases from the many times I had folded the pages to reread a favorite are all part of the experience. How could a computer replace those physical connections? But, on Christmas morning, I unwrapped a Kindle, a gift from my mother. She didn’t know of my hatred toward the object; her only thought was, “Rachel likes books. This holds books. Perfect!” My sister also received one, and together we charged them and clicked them on for the first time. This is where my life changed forever. Dramatic? Yes. But absolutely true. As much as I have loved reading, as I get closer to graduating college, I find myself piled high with responsibilities from every facet of life: school,
work, family. I would start a book, then have to put it down for one reason or another, and end up forgetting where I was, what was happening in the plot, and would eventually forget to finish all together. But, because of the Kindle’s small size, I am able to shove it in my purse, and take it with me everywhere. I finished a book while waiting for the oil to be changed on my car last week, and promptly hopped on the Kindle web site and purchased another, while still seated in the waiting room. It’s like having an entire Barnes and Noble at my fingertips. However, as much as I love the Kindle, I’m torn. All those things I used to love about physically touching and holding books still hold true, and I feel like I’m being glared at by every book on my shelves when I walk past. “What about us?” “Aren’t you ever going to open us again?” “Or will you re-purchase us electronically because we’ve become such a nuisance?” “Where’s your friend, Mr. Have It All?” I truly feel sad for them, because it’s true. I’ve already repurchased several of my favorite books on the Kindle, and wish I could do the same for many others, like the Harry Potter series. Will I pick up a physical book ever again? At this point I’m not sure. I haven’t yet. I don’t want to tell a story to my children that starts out, “Once upon a time, a long time ago, people once used to hold bound pages together and flip them to continue reading.” I can see their eyes now, so full of questions, wondering how on earth people ever put up with actually having to flip pages as opposed to clicking a button or tapping a screen. Surely, the book will not go the way of the phonograph, the cassette tape or the beeper. It can’t, it’s still too important, right?
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January 24, 2011
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Dr. Whang to host semester’s first concert By Megan Bristow A&E Editor
With a new semester comes the opportunity for students to attend concerts presented by the Cameron University School of Music such as the department’s first concert of the spring semester on Jan. 24. This concert, “Three B’s and More,” will feature performances by the clarinetist Jeanine YorkGaresche, cellist Bjorn Ranheim, and Cameron’s own Dr. Hyunsoon Whang on the piano. Dr. Whang has associated and performed with YorkGaresche since her days at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, where the two were roommates. “We were college roommates when we went to school together in St. Louis,” Dr. Whang said. “We have known each other forever, and have played together many times. Jeanine is my old friend and remains one of my best friends.” About two years ago, the two friends sought out a cellist to accompany them in concert. They found Ranheim, a performer with the St. Louis Symphony. A friendship began that has
proven valuable in planning this concert. Three B’s and More will focus on the work of four great German composers: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky. The musicians intend to introduce great chamber music to an audience who may not already be familiar with it, and to provide beautiful pieces for those who are familiar with the composers. “Our goal is to introduce some really great chamber music, classical music, to the audience if they are new to this type of thing,” Dr. Whang said. “If they already are seasoned classical music lovers, it is just giving a present to the students, Cameron and Fort Sill/ Lawton community.” The trio will also perform a mini-presentation at a Music Appreciation class to spread the word about the concert. “We are playing two big pieces together as a trio, and then each one of us will be playing a solo piece,” she said. “We just have to practice the solo pieces on our own and then rehearse the trio pieces together.” Dr. Whang and her fellow musicians will measure the success of the concert by the quality of the music played as well as the receptiveness of
Photo courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs
“Three B’s and More:” Whang, York-Garesche, and Ranheim have prepared a chamber concert to appeal to new and seasoned listeners. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. am - I realize what a necessity teach classes. Every time I do the audience. The performers it is. In the summer, I don’t that it highlights Cameron expect as many as 100 to 200 teach, and every summer I University.” guests. cannot wait to come back. I’m Many would probably Dr. Hyunsoon Whang, so excited to be able to teach, argue that with Dr. Whang’s Cameron’s host for “Three and I love working with young successful performances, she B’s and More,” holds the people.” could do well as a musician McMahon Endowed Chair Students are invited to without teaching, but she says in Music for the University. attend the concert, “Three teaching has become a large As such, half of her job is B’s and More,” on Monday, part of her life. to teach; the other half is to January 24 at the University “I think you can change perform. Theatre. The concert is free people’s lives through “Part of my job as the of charge and will start at 7:30 teaching,” Dr. Whang said. McMahon Endowed Chair in p.m. “Performing can too, but when Music is to help the visibility I think of my teachers - what of Cameron University,” Dr. they have given me, how they Whang said. “Sometimes I have molded me into the kind go out of town, even out of of person and the pianist I the country, to perform or to
PAC ‘springs’ semester with Welcome Week By Amber Spurlin Staff Writer
The Programming Activities Council has planned to follow their successful fall semester with many spring events, both old and new. Sean Eckrote, a junior Physical Education major and
PAC co-chair, said that PAC’s main objective is to provide students with something to do when they aren’t busy studying. He noted that the organization members did a great job in the fall semester and has a spring semester programmed to meet the same goal. “We had great attendance
at almost all of our events last semester,” Eckrote said, “and we have planned events that I believe will be just as popular.” One of the most successful events held last fall, according to Amanda Harris, a senior communication major and PAC co-chair, was the annual Foam Dance Party, which always has the highest
attendance of any event the organization holds. “The Foam Dance Party is always our biggest event, but the Goat Roast and Calf Fry, Nacho Average Karaoke Night, and the Winter Dance were also heavily attended,” Harris said. The success of PAC’s events can be greatly attributed to the members of the organization. Eckrote explained that they hold weekly meetings where members of PAC volunteer to be chairs for each event. “PAC as an organization has 2 co-chairs, Amanda Harris and I; however, members of PAC have the opportunity to chair events with one another,” Eckrote said. “This gives members the opportunity to expand their leadership skills.” Harris explained that when a PAC member chooses to chair an event, they are in charge of all of the organizing and planning and recruiting other members to help. “When a PAC member chairs an event they take on the responsibility of planning the event,” she said. “Each event requires a diverse set of details that are addressed by the chair, so they, along with their committee, choose the time, location, and decoration ideas. According to Eckrote, co-chairs will continue to chair events during the spring semester to ensure that all planned events are a success. The first of PAC’s spring events was the annual
Welcome Week. Eckrote said that the spring welcome week was not as well attended as the fall semester, but it was still helpful in getting students back into the feel of classes. “Though the attendance of spring’s Welcome Week is never as great as fall’s, I feel like it is always effective in easing students back into college life after the Christmas Break.” Harris said PAC’s Spring Welcome Week included Frito Chili Pie on Tuesday, the Aggie basketball games on Wednesday, a performance by a musician named Griffen Alexander on Thursday and Rolling with the Aggies to UCO on Saturday. Harris mentioned that the unique event of the spring semester, much like the fall semester’s Foam Dance Party, is CU’s Homecoming. Harris said the 2011 Homecoming will have a superhero theme and there will be events held the entire week. The homecoming events, according to Harris, include a comedian, free lunch, dance, bonfire and the basketball games where the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen will take place. A few other events that PAC has scheduled for the spring are an acoustic guitarist named Nelly’s Echo and an Old School game night, which, as its title suggests, will include old school board games along with some old gaming systems.
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January 24, 2011
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Men’s basketball prep for conference Youth, defense key in run towards playoffs By Brandon Thompson Staff Writer
The Cameron men’s basketball season is in full swing and head coach Wade Alexander is excited about the performance of the team so far this season. “We are meeting expectations, learning every day, getting better and that is about all youcan ask for as a coach,” Alexander said. The Aggies opened up the conference schedule with a tough loss to Northeastern, but coach Alexander said that there is no reason for his team to panic. In the stretch of conference play, the Aggies will face off in 11 more conference games. These games are critical in determining whether the CU men will reach their goal of making it to the
post-season. “We want to make the playoffs,” Alexander said, “that is our number one goal.” Alexander also noted that the success of this team would rely heavily upon the shoulders of freshmen and sophomores. He said the youth of the team adds an interesting dynamic to the way they play. “We are a very young team,” Alexander said. “Nine of our 13 players are freshmen or sophomores.” He said that the team has been fortunate in some games and got some big wins, but there has also been a few times when their youth has shown and cost the Aggies. The Aggie men will look to improve in a few key areas as
Photo by Jim Horinek
Win or go home: The men huddle and prepare for a regular season matchup. With nine underclassmen on the roster, the Aggies’ youth willl factor into their playoff push. Head coach Wade Alexander said he looks for the team to improve its defense and ball control as the team strives to make the playoffs for the second time in three years.
they gear up for some crucial conference games. Alexander described some of the upcoming games as must win for the Aggies if they want to achieve their postseason goals. “We want to get better defensively and take better care of the ball,” Alexander said, “everything else seems to fall into place if you can do those two things.” The Aggie men will have to remain focused heading into the heart of a grueling conference schedule. Alexander also mentioned the importance of winning the upcoming home games. He described the road as a nearly impossible place to win, but he also complimented the resilience of his team thus far for coming up with two huge road victories. “We got two road wins this year, at two really tough places to win,” Alexander said. “One of them was at Kingsville and nobody goes down there and wins.” He said that winning those games is a step in the right direction for his team as they look forward to the rest of the season. According to Alexander, the team stays on a routine schedule whether the games are at home or on the road. He said that staying on a normal schedule helps with the players’ focus, especially when the team is traveling. He said that focus has not been an issue with this group of players and he expected the team to sustain the same focus for the remainder of the season. Although Alexander did not expect a change in focus from his team, he did, however, mention a change in attitude from his players. He said that everyone’s
Photo by Jim Horinek
High Riser: Forward Vinicuis Telo goes up for a dunk against a non-conference oponent. Telo is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game through the first 17 games this season. The 6-8 sophomore from Brazil is one of the nine underclassmen suiting up for coach Wade Alexander. attitude changes once conference play begins. “We really preach conference play to our players,” Alexander said. “It does not do you any good to win at the first of the season if you are not going to win your conference games.” Although winning may be the
teams ultimate goal, Alexander also drills the ideas of hard work and defense into his team. “There are going to be days when shots don’t fall, but you can always determine whether you play hard or not,” Alexander said. “That does not take any athletic ability.”
Athletics Dept. auctions off championship basketball Basketball features signatures from Duke players and famous “Coach K” By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of CU Athletics
A piece of history: CU’s Athletic Department is raffling a basketball signed by the coaches and players of the 2010 Duke University men’s basketball team. The Blue Devils won the NCAA title last season. The ball is available for auction until the final home game of this season.
Attention college basketball fans: the dream opportunity to own a basketball signed by members of the 2010 Duke men’s basketball team could soon be a reality. As most basketball fans know, the Duke Blue Devils won the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. On Jan. 5, Cameron University Athletics Director Jim Jackson announced a new fundraising campaign to raff le tickets to win such a basketball. The ball that is being raff led is made mostly of white leather and features the Blue Devil’s “D” logo. In addition to the signatures of the players, head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has the second-most wins in collegiate basketball, also autographed the ball. Krzyzewski has a history of involvement with Cameron. In 2005, Krzyzewski raised more than $70,000 dollars and endowed the Mike and Mickie Krzyzewski President’s Distinguished Scholarship, which was created to aid students participating in the CU Honors Program. Jackson said he is excited the Athletic Department is able to present those in the Cameron community with such a neat opportunity. “There are a lot of Duke fans and a lot of college basketball fans around and Lawton is no different, and I think this basketball is a great memento,” Jackson said. The Athletics Director is also glad the fundraiser is being held at this time of year. “We are in the heat of the conference season now, and I think that makes this a great time to sell tickets,” Jackson said. Tickets are being sold for $1 a piece or $5 for six and can be purchased at any of the CU basketball games, from any member of the athletic staff or at the Athletic Department office located on the fifth f loor of South Shepler. All proceeds will go to benefit the Athletic Department. The winner of the raff le will be announced at the Homecoming game on February 26, when the Aggies take on the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma. The winner does not have to be present to win.
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January 24, 2011
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Women’s basketball start conference with a bang Win over nationally ranked Northeastern gives team confidence, optimism By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer
Conference play has officially begun for the Aggie basketball teams, and the CU women currently hold a 1-1 record. The Cameron women kicked off the conference season on Jan. 12 by taking out Northeastern State University (NSU) 58-55. At the time of the match-up, NSU was not only leading the conference in wins but also ranked sixth in the nation. CU sophomore Alexis Williams led the Black and Gold with 21 points, while junior Sabelle Diate put up 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Women’s basketball coach Tom Webb said he knew the game was going to be tough, so he and the team concentrated on preparing an effective strategy. “Before the game, we talked about defending the arch – preventing as many 3-point shots as possible – and focusing on playing one position at a time and we were pretty successful in doing those things,” Webb said. Though Webb is happy with his team’s performance, he acknowledges that they cannot lose focus of what lays ahead. “It was nice to win and start conference 1-0 and winning it at home was a big deal, but we have to
move forward and concentrate on the next games,” Webb said. As the team looks to their upcoming match-ups, there are some key components they will take from their victory over NSU and apply to the rest of the season. “I think now we really understand that we can win any night,” Webb said. “We just have to continue to believe in each other and believe in our system. If we do that good things will happen.” According to Webb, there is stiff competition in the conference, which will make the rest of the season a battle. “The North [Lone Star North Conference] is really, really good. It’s going to be a grind every night. All the teams are well-prepared, so we have to show up every night. If we don’t another team will get us,” Webb said. Unfortunately, the women had a taste of the rough competition in their second conference match-up on Jan. 15 when they fell 81-64 to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Bronchos in Edmond. Despite the loss, the women’s coach said he believes the nonconference season has helped prepare the team for the challenges of conference play. “We started the year slow, but that was mainly just me trying to figure the team out and figure
out what is best,” Webb said. “So far, the team has done a great job and worked hard. As a whole, I’m pleased and think they are mentally prepared for what’s to come.” Diata has proved to be a fundamental asset to the Aggie women. She leads the team in rebounds, blocks and total points. “Sabelle is doing a great job. Offensively she is good, but defensively she might be even better,” Webb said. “She defends well; she rebounds well. She has a lot of confidence and just seems to have a presence on the floor.” Freshman Ali Brown has also showed off her talents this season, earning herself a position as a starting player. “With all freshmen it’s a maturation process. They have to learn what college is all about and learn our system. Ali has done a great job with that,” Webb said. “She is a tough kid. She defends well and has really helped ease things up on defense so that Josie [Stewart] and Alexis can focus on offense.” The ultimate goal for the women is to compete in the Lone Star Conference Championships in March, which will be in Bartlesville. “We plan to play in Bartlesville,” Webb said. “That’s our biggest goal right now.”
Photo by JIm Horinek
It’s game time: Head coach Tom Webb discusses game strategy with his team during a timeout. The Aggies have played well in the early part of their conference schedule and look to make the playoffs this season.
Basketball seniors lead teams during push for playoffs By Michael Faggett Sports Editor
Both Cameron basketball teams have a combined three seniors on their rosters, but the value of those players compensates well for a small quantity.
Guard Josie Stewart and forwards Nate Murray and Terry Dawson provide a unique skill set and leadership for the women and men’s teams, respectively. According to women’s basketball head coach Tom Webb, Stewart leads by example with her play and intensity
Photos by Jim Horinek
Leaders of the pack: Josie Stewart and Nate Murray are two of the three seniors suiting up for Aggie basketball this season. Both players, according to their coaches, tend to lead by example with their play on the court.
on the court. Part of Webb’s recruiting class last season, Stewart led the Aggies in five statistical categories including points per game (18.1), rebounds (6.3 per game), field goal percentage (.456) and three-point percentage (.389). Heading into the bulk of the conference schedule, Stewart is the second leading scorer on the team (13.9) and leads in both three-point shots made (32) and in free-throw shooting (.899). Webb said he, along with the team, look for Stewart to lead in such a capacity. “We need her to score and shoot the basketball like she’s proven herself capable of doing,” Webb said. “She’s now trying to find her role on a more talented team than last season.” Part of that role for Stewart is adjusting to her new teammates and their talents. Stewart’s scoring average through the first 16 games of the season has dropped by four points in comparison to last year’s campaign. Despite the decline, the team has more balanced scoring: three players including Stewart average double-digits in scoring compared to two players averaging over ten points last season. With seven new recruits suiting up for Webb, the thirdyear coach said Stewart’s play and leadership plays a vital role in the development of the program. “[Stewart’s play] is a part of the reason why the program can move forward,” Webb said. “We’ve had a rough start, but as a whole, you can see the growth in our players. With Josie around, it gives us some balance and consistent scoring every night.” While Stewart leads with her scoring, Murray and Dawson lead with their hustle and intensity on the court. Murray, well known for his high-flying dunks, has been a defensive stalwart for the Aggies this season. He leads the team in rebounding averaging almost eight rebounds per game and uses his athleticism and size to protect the paint. Men’s basketball head coach Wade Alexander said Murray’s tenacity on the floor tends to be contagious. “Any time you have a player
it’s like a virus,” Alexander said. “Everyone catches on and hustles. It spreads throughout the team.” Murray’s intense play is growing to be a consistent factor for the Aggies as well. Murray has had ten or more rebounds twice already this season and has shown a knack for scoring in the post. “With Nate, you know what to expect night in and night out,” Alexander said. Dawson, a reserve player, helped the Aggies start the season on a five game win streak. The 6-7 forward makes his mark with his shooting ability from the perimeter.
“The best [Terry] does is catch and shoot,” Alexander said. “We try our best to play to our strengths, and he’s done well with shooting the ball.” Dawson’s shooting helped the Aggies upset nationally ranked Tarleton State on Nov. 27. Dawson came off the bench to score ten points and had a perfect shooting day. Alexander said both players acceptance of both their roles and the team’s strategy helps the new recruits as well as the underclassmen. “Those two bought in and that just helps because they know what we expect and what we look for as a team,” Alexander said.
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Variety
January 24, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Keeping the dream alive: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and banquet are meant to celebrate the life of Dr. King, and keep his message going. Keynote: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill delivers his keynote speech which touched on many aspects that face the United States today. Dr. Hill is an Associate Professor at Columbia University as well as an accomplished newspaper columnist and blogger.
Award recipients: Each year individuals from the community are honored for their contributions toward the goals and ideas set forth by Dr. King. This year ďŹ ve different community members received the honor.
Full house: The Martin Luther King Jr. banquet was an extremely well attended event, with nearly every seat in the room ďŹ lled.
Mr. Mayor: Lawton Mayor Fred Fitch speaks about the impact of Martin Luther King Jr. and how proud he is of the many things the community has done to honor the memory of Dr. King.
Photos by Jim Horinek
