The Cameron University Collegian: March 11, 2013

Collegian T he Cameron University

Monday, March 11, 2013

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Volume 88 Issue 6

Aggies shine at 2013 Scholarship Donor Appreciation Dinner Tiffany Martinez

work on their dinner.

“This is an opportunity for Managing Editor our students to say thank you Cameron University to the individuals who have hosted a Scholarship Donor provided them scholarships Appreciation Dinner on and it’s an opportunity our March 5 at 6 p.m. in the donors to see the impact of McCasland Foundation their generosity,” she said.

Ballroom at the McMahon President Ross asked the Centennial Complex. students and recipients of The event was planned such scholarships to raise months in advance, requiring their hands. all attendees to call or email “These are the recipients in order to reserve their of your generosity,” she told seats. the donors, “Students whose A reception preceded the lives have changed because dinner just outside of the of you.” ballroom where art students President Ross expressed on scholarship were able to gratitude toward individual show off the product of the donors while speaking. She funds they had received. said she accredits much Twenty-year-old Art of the continuous rise of major Amanda Coates enrollment and affordability stood alongside her personal of the university to their composition during the spirits of giving. reception.

Students were then cast “My painting is called into the limelight, carrying ‘Confinement,’” she said. “I out words of appreciation drew it to relieve some stress and musical performances.

I was experiencing a while Presidential Leaders and ago. It took me about six and University Scholars (PLUS) a half months.” scholarship recipient and Coates said she senior Biology major Anna appreciated the chance to White was one of several put her talents on display, students who were featured and explained that a during the event. predominant inspiration “I have been honored to behind her piece was her receive the PLUS scholarship long-time favorite artist, for the duration of four Clive Barker. years,” she said. “Not only After the 30-minute did the scholarship assist reception, guests piled into me financially and will allow the ballroom at previouslyme to graduate without any arranged tables. Appetizing debt but, more importantly, salads and deserts, my scholarship has provided decorations and pamphlets me with great opportunities brightened approximately 30 throughout my college tables around the room. career.”

Vice President of She said that the University Advancement contributions of scholarship Albert Johnson, Jr. took the donors are very much podium first to welcome the appreciated, and it was students, faculty and donors because of the funds of the event. provided to her through “This dinner gives us an them that she made the opportunity to match our ultimate decision to attend students with our donors,” Photos by Tiffany Martinez CU. he said. “The opportunity Chairman of the Cameron that our donors provide our An evening of thanks: (Upper left) PLUS Scholar Anna White shares her college journey with the audience. University Foundation, Dr. students is something that Wayne Johnson wrapped (Upper Right) Student Sarah Vrla welcomes donors and scholars as they arrive for the banquet. (Below) we are extremely proud of.”

Students Molly Walker and Julie Duncan share their experiences at CU and express gratitude for having received up the evening, thanking all Vice President Johnson who attended and voicing his the Buck and Irene Clements and Bernice Pittman Moss Scholarship, and the Heinz Family Scholarship. went on to introduce several pride in the notion that CU prominent figures involved now has over 70 endowed served shortly after he spoke. buttered mashed potatoes while faculty and donors President Cindy Ross in the CU scholarship Bacon-wrapped asparagus was plated and served as mingled with students then addressed the audience scholarships. programs. Dinner was and fried chicken atop the main entrée of the night throughout individual tables. while attendees continued to

A SUDDEN RESIGNATION Questions left unanswered as coach Wade Alexander says goodbye to CU community Matt Berberea

appointed Nate Gamet as interim head coach for Sports Editor the rest of the season and I have total confidence Cameron University in his ability to direct Men’s Basketball players our team. I am looking received unexpected news March 4 when they learned forward to Coach Gamet leading our Aggies as we their head coach Wade head to the Lone Star Alexander had tendered Conference tournament this his resignation just two Wednesday.” days before the start of Coach Gamet is in his the Lone Star Conference fifth season with the Aggies tournament. and previously served as an CU Athletic Director assistant coach at his alma Jim Jackson appointed assistant coach Nate Gamet mater, Northwest Missouri State University, where he as the interim head coach helped lead the team to three for the remainder of the Mid-America Intercollegiate season. Jackson issued the following statement but was Athletics Association (MIAA) championships and unavailable for additional comments while travelling to one regional championship.

Coach Gamet said it is Allen, Texas with the team. business as usual around the “Wade Alexander has Aggies’ camp as they prepare tendered his resignation for a possible bid in the as Cameron’s head men’s NCAA Division II regional basketball coach, effective tournament. immediately. I have

“I’ve been with the guys four or five years now, I recruited the majority of them,” Coach Gamet said.

“Our coaching style is a little different, they’ve been around me enough that it will be difficult but should be a smooth transition. For the situation, I think it will be as smooth as possible.

We’re not going to change a whole lot of what we do and how we do things, it has worked and put us in the situation we are in. Just a few tweaks here and there and I think we will be ok.”

The Collegian Staff has been unsuccessful in attempts to reach Alexander for comment on his resignation. His departure comes on the heels of an undefeated home record as well as Alexander being named conference coach of the year.

Photo by Brandon Neris

An abrupt goodbye: Former head men’s basketball coach Wade Alexander is seen coaching his team to victory. He unexpectedly resigned on Monday, March 4, two days prior to his team entering the Lonestar Conference Tournament.

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News

March 11, 2013

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International Club holds concert in memoriam Sarah Brewer

my class. We would always talk about life, and she would Copy Editor always talk about her kids and Paying tribute with poetry her endeavors, and I started missing her — not knowing and music, the Cameron University International Club she had died,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it because held a concert in memory of nobody in the class knew — students, friends and faculty that have died in recent years. not even the professor.”

Staging the memoriam Students gathered on the concert fulfilled plans she evening of March 3 in the had made after one of her McCasland Ballroom for classmates died, Tyrella memoriam concert held Mitchell said. to remember and celebrate “I really missed her. So the lives of many, including I said, ‘someday, I wish Michael Augustin, Shea to remember some of the Byron, Sharmaine Hanna, students.’ I don’t remember Julous Kosegi and Laura her name, but I remember her Laudat. story very well and I can see International Club her right now — and that was member Merita Tyrellprobably 11 years ago,” TyrellMitchell was responsible Mitchell said. “She’s still with for planning the memoriam me.” concert and served as Tyrell-Mitchell began its host. Tyrell-Mitchell the evening by reading earned a Bachelor of Arts scripture from the Bible, in Psychology from CU in 2003 and went on to graduate and throughout the concert, with a Masters in Behavioral she shared the story of each student with the audience Science from CU in 2005. before seguing to the next When she started attending song or poem listed in the classes at CU, she met and program. The songs selected befriended another student.

She ealized the other student for the evening included “Because You Love Me” by had died when she picked Celine Dion and “You Raise up an issue of the university Me Up” by Josh Groban. newspaper and saw her Tyrell-Mitchell said she picture. had a specific ballad by “When I first came here, Beyoncé in mind to convey there was this young lady in

and “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood, a native Oklahoman country star.

Flanders said she felt at ease while singing both songs.

“I felt very comfortable singing that song because it just seems to touch me,” Flanders said. “I wanted songs that would say what I was feeling, but not in a sad way. I wanted to sound like we were celebrating life. You can change who you are and this is my temporary home,” Flanders said, referring to her song selections.

In addition to family members, Flanders said she knew a student that was honored during the memoriam concert.

Photo by Sarah Brewer “There was one student in particular — I did not Rememberance: A group of International Club students join in the singing of really get to meet her, but she “Kumbaya” while at the memoriam concert. The concert took place on March 3 in the McCasland Ballroom, and was a way to remember the lives of students who have passed. is a friend of my friend, and I heard really, really good things about her, so I never the tone of the memoriam think about them.” me names of family, friends could say I had a personal concert.

As the memorial concert and loved ones that they connection with her. When “The song ‘I Was Here’ drew to a close, the CU wished to include, and some you have good relationships — I wanted that to play International Club included of them did that as well,” with friends, when anybody specifically. Even though these the names and photographs Tyrell-Mitchell said. “So it they know dies, it affects you people are dead, they were of the deceased during a was a wide variety of people as well,” Flanders said. “It’s actually here with us at some PowerPoint presentation. that we remembered.” just amazing the way that point,” she said. “We’re still According to Tyrell-Mitchell, Junior Communication people could touch you, and remembering these people that included the names of major Chaira Flanders you don’t even meet them, because they have touched people the members of the honored those who died that really tells you about how our lives tremendously. So International Club wanted to with her renditions of “Who they lived while they were even though they’re not with remember.

You Are” by Unspoken, a us, the reality is that we still “I asked students to send contemporary Christian band, here.”

Duncan campus workshop offers financial advice Kaylee Jones

and introduced Prichard, who would act as the main speaker for the evening.

A&E Editor Thirteen people, a mixture of high school students, parents Prospective college students seeking financial aid advice and prospective college students, looked over financial aid on an affordable college education found assistance at an packets as Prichard began her PowerPoint presentation. informational workshop held on Feb. 28 at the Cameron Prichard opened the workshop by asking how many University-Duncan campus. students would like 100 grand. She then handed out 100 Emily Prichard, Academic and Financial Assistance Adviser Grand chocolate bars before delving into the more serious at CU-Duncan, along with Cameron University Director of financial questions.

Financial Assistance, Donald Hall, orchestrated the workshop Prichard’s lecture outlined the basics of financial aid, to benefit current and future students as well as parents of answering the questions of what it is, how much can be received college students. and how to apply. She also explained the process of preparing Frank Meyers, Cameron’s Associate Director of Enrollment for and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Management, also attended the workshop, answering questions application. on the many complex facets of college financial assistance.

The presentation also served to introduce audience members The workshop was the first of its kind to be hosted on the to Cameron staples such as Aggie Access and the AggieOne CU-Duncan campus. Financial aid workshops have been held Card. in the past at CU’s Lawton location. The evening’s program Throughout the evening, Prichard, Hall and Meyers promised “to provide information about grants, loans and discouraged loans, unless necessary and explained the scholarships.” difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Prichard explained beforehand that the workshop was also The workshop concluded with Prichard opening the floor intended as a recruitment tool for CU by helping students to for questions, and the computer lab was reserved afterward realize there are options for an affordable college education. for students and parents to receive assistance in filing their “We just want to get [students] introduced to our campus, FAFSAs. hopefully to promote not only Cameron as freshmen coming Meyers explained that financial assistance is an area on in, but to bring in some nontraditional students as well,” which CU prides itself as a university.

Prichard said.

“Our financial aid office works really hard to keep students Chris Whiteman, a senior at Marlow High School, along from taking out loans when they don’t have to,” Meyers said. with parents Stephen and Donna, attended the workshop.

Meyers broke down the statistics, explaining: “Three of the “We’re just considering our options,” Donna said. last four years we have ranked in the top three of our category.

She explained they would like for Chris to attend the Sixty-eight percent of our students have graduated with Duncan campus upon his graduation. no debt, which is something in a world where two thirds of Director of CU-Duncan, Susan Camp, welcomed the group students nationwide graduate with debt.”

Photo by Kaylee Jones

Financial aid: CU-Duncan’s Academic and Financial Assistance Adviser Emily Prichard gives scholarship and financial advice at the workshop on the CUDuncan campus. The workshop took place Feb. 28.

CU Succeed tells students to dress for success Kaitlyn Stockton Staff Writer

Cameron University students received dress and interview tips during the CU Succeed Dress for Success and Ace the Interview workshop.

Career Services Coordinator Angie Best both lectured students on the ins and outs of dressing for interviews and provided tips for wardrobe malfunctions. Best also presented students with an interactive portion of the workshop where she conducted mock interviews with the attendees. The event took place at 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room in Shepler on Feb. 28.

Best began the workshop by describing how to dress for success in a nutshell. While she said people do not like to judge others based on appearance, it becomes critical when applying and interviewing for jobs.

“As much as we don’t like to base our opinions on appearance, it is very important,” she said. “If you take the time and effort to make

Photo by Kaitlyn Stockton

Dressed for success: Diversity Affairs Coordinator Taylor Thompson sits in the workshop, lectured by Career Services Coordinator Angie Best. Thompson worked with Best in practice interviews at the event. sure you are put together, are prepared and well dressed, that is going to convey a lot.”

Best said research is the key for dressing for success. She emphasized the importance of looking at companies’ websites in order to learn the organization’s colors and proper

attire.

“Please, please, please do your research. Learn as much as you can. You want to have as much knowledge as you can before you walk through the door,” Best said. “See what the company’s colors are. If you were to interview at Cameron

University, and you had on black and gold, we would probably love it. We may not love it if you were am OU tie.”

Best said if students are having difficulties in obtaining professional dress attire, they are invited to stop by Career Services and visit their lending closet.

“We actually have a lending closet in Career Services where local businesses will bring suits and blazers. If a student needs one, he or she is welcomed to take it,” Best said. “We give it to them. They don’t have to bring it back. It is just a free service offered by us.”

Best also offered tips on the topic of wardrobe malfunctions.

While she said students should always be resourceful and not be afraid to ask a receptionist for a paper clip, she emphasized trying on the outfit the day before.

“If it is an obvious wardrobe malfunction, it is okay to excuse yourself to the restroom and adjust as necessary. Do a run through the day before,” Best said. “Even if you just wear

your outfit around the house for a bit, if it is going to rip or if it is too tight, you are going to know.”

Best continued the workshop by stating the services offered by her department.

She said Career Services is able to set up practice oneon-one, panel and even phone interviews for students and alumni.

“We can pull industry specific questions and mix those in with common questions and do a practice interview. It will give you an idea of what to prepare for. It is amazing some of the interview questions that are floating around out there that people are asking on a routine basis,” she said. “We just want to give you a chance to be prepared.”

Best also said she enjoys working on interviews with students that speak English as their second language. She said she has the opportunity to learn from the experience as well.

“If English is not your first language, a practice interview could be helpful. I know there

are slang terms and phrases in English that my friends from other countries would question what I am saying,” she said.

“We would just be learning as much as you.”

Best, along with Diversity Affairs Coordinator Taylor Thompson ended the workshop with practice interviews for students. Best offered students a question that would have them consider what color M&M they would be.

“There’s no wrong answer for this. The interviewer wants to know if you are creative and able to think on your feet,” Best said. “They are either going to try to trip you up or see how fast you can recover.”

Best and Thompson said students and alumni can contact Career Services and Student Development for any questions concerning dress and interview tips or to make appointments for mock interviews.

“We work with students and alumni. We offer our services to alumni no matter how long ago you graduated,” Best said.

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March 11, 2013

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Robotics competition comes to CU Charlene Belew

own functions to be able to score. After the autonomous Staff Writer period, the competitors used the remaining time of The Texoma Regional VEX Robotics Competition the match to score the most goals by driving their robot was held at 9 a.m. on through the arena.

March 2 in the Cameron On the field, there were University Fitness Center. five goals for each team: two Over 60 teams from middle f loor goals, two midlevel schools and high schools goals and one high goal. The throughout the Texoma scoring sacks included 98 Region competed for the chance to attend the World green sacks and eight bonus sacks. Green sacks scored Championship VEX Robotics Competition to be in the low goals were worth one point, while green sacks held in April in Anaheim, scored in the midlevel goals Cali. were worth five points and During the Texoma in the high goal worth 10 Region competition, points. The bonus sacks students competed in a were worth six points, game called Sack Attack.

10 points and 15 points According to the Vex respectively. The competitor Robotics website, the Sack who had scored the most Attack competition was developed by Vex Robotics. during the autonomous period received a 10 point Students involved in the bonus, and any student who competition were required had parked their robot back to have their robot built to on the starting square in the VEX standards. regular game mode received In Sack Attack, the a 10 point bonus. objective was to score the After 95 rounds of the most points in two minute qualifying matches, the rounds. There were four best eight robots and their robots in each round, two owners went on to the for team blue and two finals. Each competitor of for team red. Each round the finals chose two other began with a 15 second robots and their owners autonomous period where students had to pre-program to become a part of their alliance. their robot to carry out its

The robotics interest has been a part of Maggia’s family for some time. His brother, the first of the family to pick up robotics, started Maggia’s interest while their mother became a part of the team as the coach.

Mother and coach Melinda Maggia said working with her son has been a bonding experience.

“He tells me exactly what I need to know,” Maggia said. “It works really well because we can spend a lot of time together formulating everything. We strive to be good sports and to learn how to work together, and it’s not always about the winning, but we want him Photo by Charlene Belew to grow. Programming is the thing he wants to do, and we really need to grow Real Steel: Team winner Braiden Maggia (right) and his mother and coach in that area. It is just such Melinda Maggia (left) practice with their robot before the competition. The VEX a learning experience to go Robotics Competition took place at 9 a.m. on March 2 in the Fitness Center. out there and experience the The winners of the “It feels pretty great to experience helped him different cultures that will match included 14-year-old win regionals, because you’re realize some things that be participating at Worlds.”

Braiden Maggia, a student going through the whole he could improve upon At Worlds, the Maggias from Purcell Middle School, thing and you’re trying to before the competition in will be competing against and the two teams he chose make sure nothing goes Anaheim. teams from the different to be in his alliance from the wrong,” Maggia said. “Even “We found that there region of the country as Gigabots group and from during a match, even if the were a few things we need to well as countries around the the Cyborgs group. Maggia scoring isn’t close, you’re still fix with our robot,” Maggia world, including — but not won a Middle School thinking that something said. “I’m looking forward to limited to — Japan, China, Excellence Award as well as could happen.” meeting new people at the India, Canada, Brazil and his regional trophy.

Maggia said this world’s competition.”

New Zealand.

Student Veterans Association fundraise for spring semester James Meeks

they are disabled or not, attracting attention to veteran’s Staff Writer affairs and serving veterans off The Student Veterans campus like the ones at the VA of America, a student center in Flower Mound road,” organization that formed last Johns said. semester, held a meeting in Johns stated that their the Buddy Green Room at the mission reflects the national MCC Complex on Feb. 28 to SVA organization, and they are discuss what the group will do a chapter of that group. for the remainder of the spring “Our mission here at semester.

Cameron reflects the national The CU chapter of SVA organization nationwide consists of student veterans, in terms of serving student active military and members of veterans, pushing for additional military families. Robert Johns, veterans rights and benefits,” a junior Political Science major Johns said. “They do some and veteran of the Army and lobbying, they have ties to Marines, has served as SVA the entertainment industry, President since its inception. defense contractors and major “We advocate veterans corporations in terms of benefits, helping student hiring student veterans who veterans on campus whether are graduating from colleges

around the country.”

Johns explained that his focus for the organization this semester is holding fundraisers to raise money to host events geared toward veteran students on campus.

The group recently held a bake sale to raise the money as part of their semester goal. Johns said that the organization plans to offer chili, Fritos, cake, red beans and rice during its next bake sale on March 12. Johns also said the organization has plans to hold another bake sale sometime in April.

Johns is also trying to get SVA involved with the Folds of Honor Foundation, a scholarship organization that helps the family members of

service members that were killed or disabled in battle receive financial support for a college education.

During the upcoming fall semester, Johns said the CU chapter of SVA plans to host events from the funds raised from this semester to set out on their mission, to assist student veterans.

“Next semester, we’ll start doing what we set out to do as far as setting up awareness campaigns, doing some fundraising for the disabled veterans in Flower Mound and maybe hold drives for veterans Photo by James Meeks on campus,” Johns said.

SVA will hold its next meeting at 3:30 p.m on March Getting down to business: President of the SVA 14 in the Buddy Green room at Robert Johns (center) conducts the SVA meeting. The meeting took place in the Buddy Green Room on Feb. 28. the MCC Complex.

Focus Week held at Baptist Collegiate Ministry Sadie Jones Staff Writer

Despite the winter mix of rain and snow causing cancellations for Cameron classes and related events on Feb. 25, Cameron University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry continued to encourage students to set aside their schoolwork from the evening of Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 to focus on something different — purity of heart, mind and body.

BCM hosts Focus Week once a semester, and according to Director Danny Toombs said the theme for Focus Week was Purity of Heart, Mind and Body.

Toombs said the event was not called Focus Week when he was a student at CU, but it has has been a tradition at the BCM for years.

Toombs, as well as the BCM Leadership Team — which consists of CU students who are involved in leading worship and assisting in planning and organizing BCM events — prepared by inviting guest speakers such as the Minister of College Students at Cameron Baptist Church, Matt Wolf, Youth Minister of Central Baptist Church, Joseph Drueke and Toombs’ daughter and son in law, Jacey and Leonel Franco, to speak to the students

throughout the week about the meaning of purity.

“Each speaker discussed a different aspect of purity each night,” Toombs said. “Everyone who spoke did an excellent job of really relating to the students — making it personable.”

The selection of the theme was the key priority of BCM Focus Week. There were specific goals that Toombs and the Leadership Team hoped to accomplish.

“Our main priority is that we want to encourage students in their relationship with God,” Toombs said. “In order to choose a theme, I ask the Leadership Team for input and we work together to select a theme that they believe is relevant and is a need they believe students can connect with and identify with.”

In addition to choosing a theme for the week, Toombs said they also have to try and select the best week available to set aside as BCM’s Focus Week.

“There are two Focus Weeks per semester,” Toombs said.

“And in order to choose a week dedicated for this event, we have to try and find one that seems to work best with students’ schedules — a week without numerous events happening on campus.”

Although Toombs admitted selecting a week could be difficult, he said that he was pleased with the turnout of CU

students at the event throughout the week.

“The attendance was really good,” Toombs said. “The students seemed to enjoy the message and theme because the guest speakers spoke openly and honestly and did a great job of communicating the message.”

BCM Focus Week’s nightly regimen consisted of volunteers and members of the leadership team leading students in a time of music and worship prior to the message. The music was followed by a message presented to the students by the speaker for that evening. The night ended with a time set aside for response and small group sessions which Toombs said were designed for students to get together and discuss what was important to them about the message and to ask any questions they might have.

In addition to a nightly service, the BCM also hosted a free lunch available to students throughout the week.

“We had a free lunch provided from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Thursday,” Toombs said. “Each church selected a day to volunteer and serve lunch to the students. The churches who participated were Paradise Valley Baptist Church, Geronimo Baptist Church, Indiahoma Baptist Church and Sterling Baptist Church.”

“At that point, we had a really good volleyball season going on,” Naifeh said. “We met with athletics department on how to encourage students to keep getting involved in that season.”

As a result, Naifeh said, “We loaded up a bus and went down to Wichita Falls.”

Naifeh explained that students are required to sign a waiver, as there is limited space on trips. The mileage is covered, along with admission

Aggie bus.

“I think it’s really cool that Cameron offers the opportunity to take students to away games,” Canfield said. “I really like being able to watch the games with the students.

They tend to be the most spirited students, the most excited students, the ones who are willing to take time out of their weekends or their evening to actually travel to see a game.”

Students who “roll with” can earn Pickaxe Points,

Cameron students go rolling with the Aggies Kaylee Jones A&E Editor

Taking school pride along for a ride is the business of Rolling with the Aggies — a program that provides Cameron students a way to away games.

Created in 2007, Rolling with the Aggies provides transportation, a ticket and a free meal for students supporting Cameron athletics.

Zeak Naifeh, Cameron

University Director of Student Activities, drew inspiration for the program from his alma mater, the University of Arkansas. “[UOA] had a program for their football team called ‘Rolling with the Razerbacks’ where they go to away football games,” Naifeh said.

Naifeh explained that he created the program to keep students involved in a CU athletics when the games were off-campus.

into the games and a quick meal like pizza.

Rolling with the Aggies travels with Cameron’s basketball and volleyball teams, which have the highest attendance Naifeh said.

Sometimes, when baseball and softball have higher numbers of attendance, the Aggies will travel along as well.

Megan Canfield, Student Activities Specialist, has traveled along for three games, two for which she drove the

ultimately earning themselves free Cameron goods.

“It’s a good deal,” Naifeh said. “Free meal, free transportation, free ticket, free t-shirt and potentially free Cameron swag in the end.”

Canfield agreed, “There’s really no downside. All we ask is you give up some of your time.”

Students can find upcoming Rolling with the Aggie trips on Cameron’s website.

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Crossroads

March 11, 2013

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Giddy Up N’ Go therapeutic horseback riding

Photo by Kali Robinson

Safety first: Volunteers at GUNG put safety first as they work with the clients. (Left to right) Volunteers Rick Johnson, Vince Cambron and Ray Jolin hold Poncho while Occupational Therapist Laura Gil assists client rider Vicky Lee get situated on the saddle. All four volunteers stayed with the horse and rider throughout the session.

Dianne Riddles

trained volunteers who help each individual rider progress Crossroads Editor in physical and cognitive development as well as help Members of the Lawton to promote a positive sense of community and some Cameron University students, well being.

Arntz said that more could faculty and staff are aware be achieved by forming a of the benefits from animal partnership between a person therapy programs such as and a horse or pony than the therapy dog program on by physical therapy alone. the CU campus for many She said that therapeutic types of issues such as stress, horseback riding is not only depression and loneliness. one of the most efficient However, the benefits treatment tools for improving that can be reaped by those posture, balance, mobility, involved with the Giddy Up N’ Go (GUNG), Inc. program sensory integration and muscle tone, but it also elicits equally are not as widely known. important healing effects and According to GUNG positive emotions.

President Nancy Arntz, “Enjoyment is one of the GUNG is a 501(c) (3) strongest motivators for organization that provides improvement, for both riders therapeutic services to and their families,” she said. individuals with special “Saddling up on a horse is needs through equinestill an enjoyable pass time related activities. She said for many, but for those with a that the GUNG therapeutic disability, it can mean much team consists of a horse, more — a road to recovery and instructor, therapist and

freedom.”

Arntz said that GUNG operates within Suncrest Stables owned by Jane Ann Whisenant. The facility includes an indoor arena where as many as 25 students from several communities in southwest Oklahoma participate during each nine to 10 week session.

“We have some Autism clients who are just wonderful,” she said. “Actually, we had a client, a little guy who would not communicate with a person, but he would talk to the horse and he would pet it.”

As a result of spending time with the horses, Arntz said the boy eventually went on to participate in other activities.

“Because of sensory integration deficiencies that he had, he didn’t want to touch the hair but eventually, he got to the point where he wanted to just pet and soothe,” she

Photo by Kali Robinson Photo by Kali Robinson

Saddled up and ready: Buttons is ready for the today’s therapeutic horseback riding client. Button’s previous show name was On the Dotted Line.

Photo by Kali Robinson

said. “At the time that little guy was 6-years-old; he is no longer riding with us because he is now swimming and he is doing basketball — he was able to transfer this kind of therapy into a regular program.”

She said that the funding comes from fundraisers, grants, donations and therapy fees.

“It gets into your blood and it gets into your heart and it is just hard to say no when you are asked to perform a service like this,” she said. “We just continue to give everything we have; we are a 100 percent volunteer organization.”

According to Arntz, GUNG tries to provide for anyone who would benefit from the program.

“All of the money that we receive — donations and fundraisers — goes back into the program for the care of the horses or we do offer riderships for families who can’t afford to pay,” she said.

“We charge twenty dollars for a lesson or for a therapy session or if the parents can’t pay that much, we figure out a sponsor or someone who can help pay for the session.”

Arntz said that the long-range plan is to continue providing the best equine assisted therapy for special needs individuals in southwest Oklahoma as well as expanding the program to include at risk youth and individuals in the Wounded Warrior Program at Ft. Sill.

“It is just an amazing thing to see how people just change their whole demeanor or their whole expression and everything as soon as they get on that horse,” she said. “It is just amazing.”

Anyone interested in more information about the therapeutic horseback riding program or about volunteering time or making monetary donations may call 580.248.3701. Giddy Up N’ Go, Inc., is located at 7205 SE Bishop Road.

Photo by Kali Robinson

At the end of the day: Cole Griffith leads a pony back to the stables. Griffith also helped take care of the pony.

Photo by Kali Robinson

Vicky Lee and Poncho: Lee enjoys her rides with Poncho. Lee has benefitted from her therapy with Poncho.

Photo by Kali Robinson

Giddy Up N’ Go horses, clients and volunteers: Poncho is ready for Vicky Lee’s ride while Nathaniel Santistevan and Buttons make another lap around the arena.

Nathan’s mother, Cathleen Dutton (not shown) said that Nathan has actually improved a great deal since he first started in the therapeutic horse riding program at GUNG.

March 11, 2013

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Cracking the cover: Story time as a teaching tool

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A&E

Sarah Brewer Copy Editor

Each week, the Lawton Public Library invites babies, toddlers and children for reading, rhyming and playtime during its Get Loose with Mother Goose story time sessions.

From 10:15 a.m. each Thursday — and again that day, starting at 11 a.m. — the Lawton Public Library encourages early literacy skills and enthusiasm for reading among babies and young children, respectively.

Sara Herrera assists the children’s librarian during the sessions.

For her, watching the youngest participants learn and play as the program become more popular is, with each session, especially rewarding.

“I especially love baby story time — it’s so interactive and fun.

We have nice crowds that come out week after week, and it’s growing a lot,” she said. “We actually just started baby story time.

It’s just a few months old, so it’s great that we’re getting a loyal following already.”

Using felt cut-out pictures to illustrate stories and tossing colorful scarves to act out nursery rhymes, Herrera said she hopes hands-on methods included in the sessions help children to pick up language skills and build their attention spans.

“We focus everything on early literacy — on rhyming especially. We use egg shakers a lot of the time and that helps build a sense for rhythm. Other than that, just getting kids interested in literature is a huge part of the battle,” Herrera said.

Parents like Sarah Dines think the program is successfully meeting these objectives. Dines has been bringing her children, Gwendolyn and Freddy, to the Get Loose with Mother Goose story time session for about a year and a half. She said she likes bring her children to the weekly activity because it helps them learn how to behave and interact with other children and adults in a structured, public setting.

“We love it. We do it every week if it can fit it into our schedules,” Dines said. “I think it’s good for socialization, and I also think it’s good to help for them to learn how to sit down and listen to a storyteller.”

Dines said she has watched her three-year-old daughter develop as a result of bringing her to the library each week.

“Gwen has been coming since she was two, and we’ve seen a lot in changes in how she is during storytelling. She started off where she just kind of wandered around all the kids and wanted to be with all the kids, but now she can sit down and listen for a least one story — and Freddy is just starting out.”

Receiving instruction from another adult has also helped her children grow, Dines said.

“Just getting out and being with the other kids, but especially having from instruction with other kids I think is really important.

I think it is important for them to hear some of the same things that I say from somebody else.”

According to Dines, Gwendolyn is excited to read each week.

“She loves to read books together,” Dines said. “I wouldn’t say we have a favorite, because we read everything.”

Play that funky music: CU Jazz Ensemble and Lawton Jazz Ensemble team up to perform for the Cameron University Jazz Festival Concert. Dr. Michael Compton served as host and director for the evening’s concert.

Jazz bands use jazz hands Philip Harrington Staff Writer

The sound of some serious saxophone was heard at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the University Theatre when the Cameron Music Department held the Cameron University Jazz Festival Concert.

This year, the concert featured 1983 Cameron Alumnus Dr. Michael Cox. Professor Dr. Michael Compton, a professor in the Music Department, hosted the concert and directed the two jazz ensembles that accompanied Dr. Cox. The Cameron University Jazz Ensemble, a group made up of Cameron students, and the Cameron University/ Lawton Jazz Ensemble which included members of the community as well as Cameron students performed at the festival.

Dr. Compton said the jazz festival is an annual event at Cameron that dates back decades.

“It has been going on every year for over 35 years from my understanding,” Dr. Compton said.

Dr. Compton was in charge of this year’s concert for the first time. He said that, like this years featured artist, he will continue to look for musicians that can connect with the students.

“You want to get someone high profile who can relate to both high school and college students,” Dr. Compton said.

Dr. Cox is a career educator who has taught at Capital University for 23 years. Since 2008, Dr. Cox has served as the coordinator of the Master of Music Education-Jazz Pedagogy degree at Capital.

Even though he has made the commitment to teach full time, Dr. Cox has maintained a full schedule as a freelance musician. He has performed with a number of orchestras and musical groups as well as occasionally leading his own trio or quartet, focusing on jazz standards, originals, and crossover styles.

Dr. Cox said his interest in music started at an early age.

“I have been playing music since I was 12 years old,” Dr. Cox said. “I was always sneaking into my older brother’s band Reading rainbow: Sara Herrera reads from a practice and trying to play drums.” storybook to Lawton toddlers. Lawton Public Library He said his fondness for jazz developed from the beginning. hosts story time sessions every Thursday morning.

“I actually remember one of the first things I tried to play

was a bad version of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In,’” Dr. Cox said.

Dr. Cox said his love of jazz extends beyond just the sound of the music.

“I suppose I love the feel of it,” Dr. Cox said. “Because jazz comes from the blues and gospel, there is emotion to it. It is that direct stimulus of emotion that I think we need as humans.”

Dr. Cox said the music and accolades are only part of what drives him at performances.

“You always get the immediate reward from the audience when you perform,” Dr. Cox said.

He said that immediate gratification wasn’t what necessarily motivates him any longer.

“My mission in my 20’s was to be the best musician I could be. But now that I am in my 50’s, I want to use music to bring people together.”

Dr. Cox said he felt he had achieved that mission to some degree with this festival.

“We got a lot of people together tonight that might not have been together otherwise,” Dr. Cox said. “For me, it’s not about getting people to love jazz — just to love music.”

The evening’s performance was the finale to events that included a workshop with area jazz bands from Western Oklahoma State College and Eisenhower High School.

Dr. Compton said he thought the workshop portion of the festival was a success.

“I thought it went really well,” Dr. Compton said. “Each group got an hour, and then Dr. Cox and I critiqued them.”

Dr. Compton said this festival has historically included many more local school jazz bands, but the number has dwindled in recent years.

“When the festival got started, most of the area high schools had jazz bands,” Dr. Compton said. “But through the years, budget cuts and other factors have caused most of them to go away.”

Dr. Compton said he hopes that the festival can be used to change that trend.

“Eisenhower High School performed here today, and they just started a jazz band program,” Dr. Compton said. “I hope that, through this festival, we can help reinstate jazz bands in all of the local schools.”

The Three Pianists celebrate a CU 20th in song Carson Stringham

to have a competition where each student would play Staff Writer ten to fifteen minutes of a The Cameron University contrasting repertoire, more Theatre was recently filled like a mini program.” with the sounds of the precise Dr. Whang, Dr. Labé and playing of piano keys.

Dr. Wong were the judges At 7:30 p.m. on March for the competition, which 1, two Cameron Music took place on March 2. Dr. Professors — Dr. Thomas Wong was also invited to give Labé and Dr. Hyunsoon a master class for Cameron Whang, McMahon Endowed piano students on Friday. The Chair in Music — and piano concert was included Dr. Jerry Wong, visiting as a way of celebrating the Associate Professor of Piano double decade success of the at Kent State University — event. The concert was split performed the “Three Pianists into three different sets, with Concert” as part of the each pianist playing their own weekend’s events for the 20th repertoire of music.

Anniversary of the Cameron Dr. Labé was the first to University High School Piano perform, leading off with two Competition. very intricate, long pieces of Dr. Whang, who music. The first was “Prelude, founded the competition, Fugue and Variation, Op. 18” said she wanted to create a

by César Franck; the second competition where students was “Bénédiction de Dieu would be exposed to what it dans la Solitude” by Franz is like to perform in a concert Liszt. environment.

Dr. Labé said that “There are many local originally there was going contests for high school to be a theme that all three students where they only have pianists were going to adhere to play one piece of music,” to when picking their music Dr. Whang said. “I wanted for the evening, but because

Dr. Wong had recently had surgery on his right elbow, that idea was scrapped.

Instead, Dr. Labé said he picked his two songs based on what he thought would work for the event and his own personal taste.

“I chose the first piece because it is a good piece to begin with,” he said. “The second piece is one of my favorite pieces in my whole repertoire. I learned it last year and, basically, I just wanted to play it again.”

Dr. Labé said that he was really pleased that a concert was added to the competition this year because it gave the competing students a chance to see the judges perform, but it also helps to bring attention to the music program at Cameron.

He said, “We’re always trying to build up and raise the level of talent in our music program.”

After Dr. Labé, Dr. Whang came on stage and played Franz Schubert’s “Impromptu Op. 90, No.’s 2, 3 and 4.” Dr. Whang said that

while Schubert wrote four “Impromptu” pieces, she chose to only play three of them for the concert. She said the main reason for picking Schubert was simply because neither of the other two pianists had chosen to play anything by Schubert; besides that, she just likes Schubert’s music.

After the intermission, Dr. Wong started his portion of the concert. Dr. Wong said that because he was still recovering from his elbow surgery, he opted to play only songs that were written for the left hand. Even though his song choices became limited after the surgery, Dr. Wong said that when picking music for the performance, he didn’t have to give up any of his favorites because he doesn’t really have any.

“I always say that my favorite music to perform is whatever I am performing at that moment,” he said. “I try to fall completely in love with whatever piece I am working with at the time, and it always happens.”

Dr. Wong started with

Seymour Bernstein’s “Etude for the Left Hand Alone.”

Next, he played “Prelude for the Left Hand, Op. 9, No. 1”

by Alexander Scriabin.

For his next piece, Dr. Wong chose to play a composition that is comprised of five smaller pieces of music. “Five Little Pieces for the Left Hand” by Alberto Nepomuceno consists of short pieces of music that differ from each other in theme and

composition.

Lastly, Dr. Wong finished his part of the concert with “Élégie” and “Alla fuga” from Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Six etudes pour la main gauche, Op.153.”

To end the concert, all three pianists sat down at the piano and played “Romance”

by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

The piece was written for six hands, though Dr. Wong only played with his left hand.

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Voices

March 11, 2013

www.aggiecentral.com

The big picture: We are but ants Alex Rosa-Figueroa Staff Wrtier

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff Managing Editor - Tiffany Martinez Assistant Managing Editor - Tyler Boydston Crossroads Editor - Dianne Riddles A&E Editor - Kaylee Jones Sports Editor - Matthew Berberea Copy Editor - Sarah Brewer Aggie Central Editor- Mitch Watson Archivist - Mitch Watson Newsroom Staff Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Kaitlyn Stockton, Charlene Belew, Sadie Jones, Carson Stringham, James Meeks, Alex Rosa-Figueroa Advertising Manager - Tiffany Martinez Photographer - Kali Robinson Newswriting Students Philip Harrington, Kella Haire 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 Lawton Constitution The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

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

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

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

Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www. aggiecentral.com.

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

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Aggie 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.

We are incredibly small.

Now, I don’t mean in an ethical or moral sense, nor does my meaning lie in the realm of spiritual discourse. No, I won’t be dragging this editorial down into the metaphysical, hard-tofollow rhetoric of my previous works — that part of the sentence is what is known in the business as “a bold faced lie” — because this week’s subject lies in the realm of glorious science.

For when I say that we are incredibly small, I mean so by the measure of a cosmic scale. In prior editorials, I brought to question the tired and borderline trite notion of looking at the big picture — the idea that, in the greater context of things, seeminglyinsurmountable odds appear significantly smaller — and we will begin by applying that idea in a more literal sense.

Consider the ant.

According to my trusted colleague and beloved friend, Wikipedia, the average height for the humans claiming the United States as their home is roughly 5 feet 9 inches. The rest of the planet’s humans fall around or slightly under that number as well, with some exceptions on both sides of the size chart; for the sake of simplicity, I will use this respectable figure as a scale for humans as a whole. Because I am an English major, I can get away with such broad numerical generalizations, as numbers are as scary and confusing to me as split infinitives and prepositional phrases are to the Science majors I’ve just inflamed.

I digress, though. Once again, consider the ant.

Say what you will about their overwhelming and objectively terrifying collective strength — and you really should, because when the Formicidae Revolution comes, you’ll want to have

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all the brownie points you can if you want to survive — when it comes to the size of a single member, we have the advantage. I mean, we use “ant” to describe anything that makes us feel huge. Anthills are our childhood playthings, seemingly designed for us to stomp out, wash out or burn out with the intense glare of an angry sun. What I’m saying is, as far as pre-revolution humanant relations go, we are gods, and they are, well, ants. Keep that in mind.

Now, consider the human.

The size of the city of Oklahoma City, as my informant and blood brother Google tells me, is about 621 square miles. That is well, well over 17600 human bodies, and many, many more ants than that. The City of Lawton has

significantly fewer ants large — a commendable-for-effort 75.1 square miles. Our city is small, but it’s still over 79,000 humans bigger than you, and Oklahoma City is still over three times bigger than that imposing figure. With that in mind, let me bring to attention that the entire state of Oklahoma is over 100 times bigger than the single city of Lawton, which is within sneezing distance of being over 100,000 times bigger than you.

We are but ants crawling along the surface of a body of land mercifully not alive — until the Science department finally figures out how to animate dirt golems that large.

But we only look smaller and smaller the farther out we scale — keep in mind I haven’t even broken the state line yet.

Oklahoma isn’t exactly the

smallest state, but we’re number 20 in terms of area ranking.

Our glorious state, which outsizes us by over 100,000 square miles, is just Texas’ hat. That is to say, in terms of post-Alamo human-landmass relations, the state of Texas is a god among 50 other, differently scaled but generally smaller gods.

Texas’ size is about 268,800 square miles. The United States outsizes it at 3,794,000 square miles, which the entire continent dwarfs at about 9,450,000 square miles. The planet Earth wins the lightweight trophy at 196,900,000 square miles, though. And no, I didn’t mistype — in the arena of this year’s Solar System Size Competition, the Earth wouldn’t dare stand up to the

heavyweights of Saturn (over 12 times bigger than Earth), Jupiter (over 15 times bigger than Earth) or the Sun, which can and will devour our entire solar system three times over before it realizes it’s done anything. And before I go about mentioning how our Sun dwindles in size and is in fact reduced to the comparative size of a speck of dust when faced with other celestial bodies like Aldebaran or KY Cygni — which I can assure you that I did not just make up – let me simply remind you that the city of Lawton alone outclasses you in size by nearly 100,000 times over.

So look up sometime, my fellow ants, for we have an obscene amount of existence to live in.

And we are incredibly small.

The disappointment of unoriginality

Tyler Boydston

Asst. Managing Editor “Oz: The Great and Powerful” is now in theaters.

“Whose Line is it Anyway?” is coming back to television soon.

A remake of “The Evil Dead” is fast approaching, and I sit here typing about the whole thing.

I have written in the past about Hollywood’s originality, but here I sit a year after I first wrote about it to discuss it again.

Let’s look at this year’s summer releases and I’ll pinpoint the problems within.

First, there is “Iron Man 3,” a sequel in the hit series starring Robert Downey, Jr., as well as a film based on a comic book franchise. While I will say that I’m looking forward to it, there is not much originality in this concept. “Iron Man 3” is set to kick off the summer movie season, and considering the box office take of “The Avengers” last year, it may very well kick it off in a big way. Yet again, I’m looking forward to this movie, but it’s obvious to see a lack of originality here.

Then, we have “Star Trek

Into Darkness” two weeks later. If I have to explain the background of the “Star Trek” series, then somewhere along the way, someone close to you has failed in showing you the worst fight scene in television history ever. Quick, go look it up. It’s Captain Kirk (played

by William Shatner) fighting a guy in a horribly made alien costume while fake boulders are thrown, and it’s real fun.

You back? Did you see it?

How hilarious was that? Now, back to my nearly incoherent rambling about Hollywood.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” is the second tentpole release of the summer, and, considering it’s a “Star Trek” film, there will

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not be too much in the realm of originality, considering the filmmakers have a large sandbox of characters and situation in which they can play.

A week later, “Fast and Furious 6” and “The Hangover Part 3” will both be released to theaters. Now, while I enjoy the “Fast and Furious” films for their sheer ridiculousness, the same can not be said for “The Hangover” films, and both franchises can kiss away any shred of originality by now.

Once you reach a sixth film, it’s hard to say there was anything original to begin with (and when dealing with a movie that’s already a knock-off of

“Point Break,” that is saying something).

Four weeks later, “Monster’s University” and “World War Z” come out on the same day.

A prequel and a movie based on a book (albeit loosely, based on the trailer and my knowledge of the book’s Wikipedia page) will both be released. Thankfully, we have a three week lull period of originality, including an M. Night Shyamalan movie, a movie starring Ethan Hawke and another one starring Vince Vaughn. I didn’t say it was going to be a good three weeks.

After another two weeks, “The Lone Ranger” and “Despicable Me 2” will both

be released. At this point, I will have probably given up on film as a whole, citing a severe lack of originality as my reason for doing so, and then walking out of a screening of “The Lone Ranger” with a severely disappointed look on my face.

For the sake of you as a reader, I won’t cover the rest of the summer movie season, but I will preview this for you: a sequel to “Wolverine,” “Smurfs 2,” a prequel to “300” (currently slated for release in August, but that could change), sequels to both “RED” and “Kick-Ass” as well as a concert film following One Direction. I may not be able to do this whole movie thing anymore.

Sports

March 11, 2013

www.aggiecentral.com

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CU softball finds success on the road Matthew Berberea Sports Editor

After starting the season 3-9, Cameron University’s softball team looked to gain momentum in a doubleheader March 2, against The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers in Chickasha, and another back-to-back matchup against the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs on March 6 in Weatherford.

The first game against USAO saw the Aggies bats come alive as they produced 12 runs and put the Drovers away 12-0 in five innings.

Junior pitcher Samantha Betts was equally impressive as she took the circle and carried a no hitter through the first three innings and finished with seven strikeouts and a one-hit shutout.

The Aggies started slow in the first inning with no runs scored and one left on base but picked up the pace in the second when senior catcher Sonia Foutch reached on an error and freshman Sonora Zukerman hit a two-run blast to give Cameron a 2-0 lead.

CU added a run in the third and three more in the top of the fourth and took a 6-0 lead into the top of the fifth inning where the Aggies sealed the deal thanks to a grand slam from senior outfielder Leslie Martini.

The Drovers were unable to plate any runs in the bottom of the fifth giving the Aggies a 12-0 victory.

Martini led the Aggies on offense going 2-4 at the plate with five RBIs, one run scored and a home run. Junior

advancing the runner to third.

An error by the Bulldogs’ third baseman put L. Martini on first and brought Ferrell around for the first run of the game. After another SWOSU error put S. Foutch on to load the bases Zukerman cleared them all with a three-run double putting the Aggies up 4-0.

The Aggies scored one run in the sixth and added another in the top of the seventh inning and went on to secure the 6-1 win. Zukerman led the Aggies with three RBIs while Ferrell finished 3-4 with an RBI and one run scored.

Cameron had a tough battle on their hands the second game of the doubleheader and held off the Bulldogs, 6-5. The Aggies used a quartet of pitchers to get the victory with junior pitcher Kelsy Hebert recording the win.

Game two started off similar to the first with both teams unable to get on the scoreboard through the first two innings.

The Aggies got the ball rolling in the top of the third, plating Photo courtesy of Brandon Neris three runs but the Bulldogs answered right back with three Bringing the heat: Junior pitcher Samantha Betts delivers a pitch Feb. 24 against Emporia State at Cameron. runs of their own.

Betts was instrumental in the Aggies’ road wins, throwing a one-hit game against USAO March 2.

Both teams were held outfielder Tara Martini finished anyone around and left at least USAO struck the decisive and took both games of the scoreless in the fourth and in the game 2-3 with 3 RBIs and one runner on base in six of blow in the bottom of the sixth doubleheader 6-1 and 6-5. the fifth inning CU scored a run scored while Zukerman seven innings. inning on a double down the Once again CU pitcher two runs on a jack from finished 1-4 with two RBIs. Cameron scored the first run left field line from Taylor Smith Samantha Betts put on a clinic Zukerman scoring L. Martini.

The Black and Gold found of the game in the top of the first sending Katie Jirak home from going seven innings of one In the bottom half of the frame themselves in a nail biter in the inning as a T. Martini ground second base. The Drovers held run ball with nine strikeouts.

SWOSU was able to get one second half of the doubleheader. out brought home senior the Aggies scoreless in the top Neither team was able to get back and scored a run again in Both teams struggled at the outfielder Claren Hurlbut. The of the seventh and came out on anything going at the plate the bottom of the sixth inning plate and ultimately the Drovers Aggies held on to the slim lead top 1-2. until Cameron exploded with to bring the score within one. outlasted the Aggies and USAO until the bottom of the fifth After splitting 1-1 against four runs in the top of the fifth The Aggies ended the top of pulled out a close 1-2 win. inning when the Drovers’ Sara USAO, the Aggies traveled inning. the seventh with three left on The Aggies were able to get Reeves singled to center field to Weatherford to take on With two outs and freshman base but were able to retire the on base with nine hits and two bringing in Kayla Adams to SWOSU. The Black and Gold Spencer Ferrell on second base, first three batters faced to hang walks but were unable to bring knot it up at one run apiece. played spoiler to the home team T. Martini singled into left field on to win 6-5.

Aggie baseball rebounds after tough weekend Aaron Gill Staff Writer

and Raidy, and giving the Aggies the go ahead lead of 2-0. The Greyhounds were hot at the plate in the top of the fourth scoring five runs off of four hits and taking a 5-2 lead. The fourth inning started with a pair of walks and a single by Blumer down the right side, sending junior Kevin Waukau across the plate.

In the fifth inning the Aggies showed some light offensively after two walks. The Aggies went on another run scoring four runs in the bottom of the eighth and ending their scoring for the day with 14 total runs. The Greyhounds made a valiant effort but came up short scoring only eight total runs, leaving the score 14-8, Aggies.

Cameron Baseball Assistant Coach Taylor Lyons explained how he felt the team played throughout the tournament and how the Aggies have come together as a team getting ready to go into conference play.

“I feel like we learned a lot about our team,” Lyons said. “I feel in the game against Tarleton we showed that we can come back late in the game and contend for the win but as a team we need to finish off games and work better as a team and I think that will come into play as the season goes on. I believe that against Eastern New Mexico we played really well, we were stealing bases, moving runners over exceptionally well and I believe that game the guys really did come together as a team to get the win.”

On March 6, the Aggies traveled to Goodwell, OK to play a double header against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where they came home with a two game sweep. Game one was a

shutout for the Aggies thanks to senior Aaron Kleekamp, who threw a no hitter and helped the Aggies to a 4-0 win over OPSU. Game two for the Aggies was a slow one, scoring one run in the first and second and then two more in the seventh inning. After getting on base on a fielder’s choice, Davis advanced quickly around the bases and scored on an RBI single from Sanders. The scored again in the second when Tyler Cox hit into a two out fielder’s choice, but not before Blumer crossed the plate for the Ags. The Aggies put the game away in the top of the seventh, scoring two more runs the first coming off a Blumer single that scored Sanders.

The second was an RBI single by Smith that scored Raidy bringing the Aggie lead to 4-0 going into the bottom of the seventh where the Aggies defense retired the side and ended the game with a 4-0 victory.

Lyons said he felt the Aggies really started to play some sound baseball against Panhandle State and he would like to see them continue to play that way going into conference. He also stated that Kleekamp was throwing some good balls and making it move across the plate for his no hitter.

“It showed in the games against Panhandle that we are starting to play ball better as a team.” Lyons said. “Kleekamp had everything going for him that day. It was windy and everything he was throwing was dropping right where it needed to. He definitely was a big factor in the first game that got the momentum going for us to play well in the second game as well.”

The Cameron University baseball team dropped two of three in the Abilene Christian University Tournament on March 1-3. The first two games were lost by scores of 9-6 and 8-2, respectively. The third game however was an Aggie victory by a score of 14-8.

The first of the three games was played on March 1 against Tarleton State University. The Aggies started their scoring in the second inning after senior Nick Smith singled, advanced to second after a single was hit by senior Tyler Cox, and Smith finally found his way across the plate after an error by TSU’s shortstop.

Tarleton answered with one of their own in the bottom of the inning TSU player Colton Boothe had a solo shot and the Texans scored once again after the bases were loaded and an RBI single brought in two Texans.

Needing to close the gap, the Aggies came up big in the third when senior Thomas Galvan doubled, putting him in scoring position for Smith to bring him in on an RBI single. Tarleton scored one more run off another RBI single in the third and added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth when they plated three runs off of two RBI singles and one run on a groundout to the shortstop.

The Texans widened the gap even further in the seventh inning when a run was scored off a wild pitch from junior Brent Hendy, to bring the Texans’ lead to six, 8-2. The Aggies made a run for it in the eighth inning when the bats started to show a little promise.

Cox singled, bringing up junior Kaz Sanders who walked and then senior Kenny Acosta showed tournament fans the true meaning of “boomstick,” sending a three run blast over the left center wall, scoring Cox and Sanders. The Ags had another walk and single before Galvan drove in the fourth run of the inning with a groundout to short putting the Aggies within striking distance at 8-6, Texans. Unfortunately, this is where the Aggies scoring streak ended. The Texans scored one more in the bottom of the eighth and the Aggies failed to follow suit in the top of ninth giving TSU the 9-6 victory.

The Aggies next played on March 2 against tournament home team, Abilene Christian University. There were only five total hits through the first three innings, but that quickly changed in the fourth, when the Wildcats plated four runs off of an RBI single, RBI double and a sac fly to center. The Wildcats put together another four run inning in the sixth. The Aggies did not score until the eighth inning when junior Brandon Raidy had a leadoff double, putting him in scoring position for Galvan, who brought Raidy in on an RBI single. The Aggies plated one more in the ninth, but it was just not enough to close the six run gap and the Aggies recorded another loss by a score of 8-2.

Day three of the tournament came around with the Aggies down two games and sending them into a third against Eastern New Mexico. The victory for the Aggies was thanks, in large part, to the bottom of the lineup, which went a combined 9-13 with seven RBIs and eight runs scored. Junior Brad Blumer had an exceptional day at the plate, going 3-4 with 4 RBIs and two runs scored.

Sanders also went 3-4 on the day with two RBIs and Raidy went 3-5 with three runs scored.

Aggies jumped to an early lead in the bottom of the third after Photo courtesy of Brandon Neris both Sanders and Raidy got on base and were moved around into scoring position on a sac bunt from Blumer. Smith stepped up Turning two: Senior infielder Thomas Galvan attempts to complete a double play Feb. 24 against William Jewell to the plate and hit a single down the left side, scoring Sanders College. The Aggies have been on a road tour and return to McCord Field March 15 to take on West Texas A&M.

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Sports

March 11, 2013

www.aggiecentral.com

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Enlow

Best of the best: Junior guard Craig Foster collects a loose ball in transition March 6 against West Texas A&M in Allen, Texas. It was announced a day earlier that Foster had been named Lone Star Conference Player of the Year, giving a Cameron player the honor two straight years after Milt Garner accomplished the feat last year.

Aggies stumble early at LSC tourney Matthew Berberea

favor of the Buffs.

Harell led the Aggies in scoring in the first half with seven Sports Editor points to go with five boards while recently named LSC Player of the Year Craig Foster chipped in five points, three boards, Cameron University men’s basketball team traveled to two assists and a steal.

Allen, Texas on March 6 to face West Texas A&M in the The Buffs held the rebounding advantage, 23-17 in the first first round of the 2013 Lone Star Conference Basketball half and looked to continue to dominate the boards in the Tournament. second half. Donald Sims led West Texas A&M in the first CU entered the tournament as the second seed but found half with six points and five rebounds. themselves facing a seventh seeded Buffs team that had Cameron jumped out quickly in the second half behind previously beaten the Aggies 57-38 earlier in the season. For Foster as he drained a three and hit two free throws to put the second time this season the Aggies were held in check Cameron ahead 29-28 with 18:39 left in regulation. In similar offensively by West Texas A&M and came up short 50-65. fashion to the first half, both teams traded leads until the Buffs The Aggies played their first game in five seasons without were able to go on what proved to be the defining run of the head coach Wade Alexander who unexpectedly resigned two game. days before the start of the tournament. Assistant coach Nate Down one point with 15:27 remaining, the Buffs went on Gamet was named Interim Head Coach and led the Aggies as an unbelievable 20-4 run to put them up 52-37. Cameron was they faced the Buffs.

The Aggies struck first on a layup from senior big man Rudy unable to generate any offense and Foster struggled to find open looks as West Texas A&M turned missed field goals into Harrell and from there both teams traded punches with four points the other way. lead changes in the first 10 minutes of action.

The Aggies continued to struggle down the stretch and were With the teams tied up at 10 each and 13:23 remaining in unable to climb back into the game as the Buffs maintained a the half, West Texas A&M went on the first run of the game double-digit lead for the final eight minutes of the game. outscoring the Aggies 16-5 over the next nine minutes.

Harrell led the Aggies in scoring with 13 and seven The Aggies found themselves down 28-17 with only 2:54 rebounds and Foster added 12 points, four rebounds and two left in the half when they turned up the heat and closed out assists. the half on a 7-0 run of their own to bring the score to 24-28 in

Kennon Washington paced the Buffs attack with 16 points and eight rebounds while Sims added nine points and 15 rebounds.

The Aggies were not able to compete with the Buffs on the glass in the second half and scored 11 second chance points.

The Aggies were out rebounded 14-21 in the second half and 31-44 for the entire game.

Coach Gamet said the Buffs came out strong on the boards and played with more toughness than the Aggies on the night.

“They’re a very physical team and they showed it tonight,” Coach Gamet said. “They outrebounded us by quite a bit and just showed their toughness tonight.”

Craig Foster said the Buffs played strong defense and he had a difficult time finding space to work.

“They just stayed with me on the pick and roll they didn’t leave,” Foster said. “They went over the screens, basically the same thing they did last game but I wasn’t able to adjust.”

Coach Gamet nor any players had a comment about the resignation of Alexander or the effect it had on the outcome of the game.

The loss leaves CU with more questions than answers as they now await the regional rankings to determine if they will play in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Coming into the tournament the Aggies were ranked fifth in the region but were dropped to seventh just before tipoff although they did not lose any games the previous week.

Cameron tennis off to fast start in spring semester Tyler Boydston

off against the University of Arkansas. Both teams Asst. Managing Editor got further wins, the men securing an 8-1 win while Cameron University’s the women’s team won 5-4. men’s and women’s tennis The next day, the teams teams have started their would stay in Arkansas but spring seasons with multiple travel to Arkadelphia, where wins, both at home and they would play against away.

Ouachita Baptist University The men’s tennis team (OBU). started out the season in In the matches against Dallas against Dallas Baptist OBU, the women’s team University, where they had a would win a 9-0 sweep, perfect game, winning 9-0.

The team would however while the men got by with a 5-4 victory. Senior Amanda lose the next day against Moberg won 6-3 and 6-1 in University of Texasthe singles matches while Arlington, 6-1. Sophomore senior Julia Puckhaber won Nicolai Ferrigno won his 6-1, 6-1. singles match, receiving the The women’s tennis number one singles spot.

On Feb. 13, the men’s and team then went to Dallas to women’s teams both secured compete with Dallas Baptist wins against Cowley College, University (DBU) on Feb. both winning their matches 26, where they would win 9-0, receiving perfect games. 5-4.

The team lost two of the On the women’s team, each singles matchup got two set three doubles matches of the day, but took four of wins. the six singles matches to The tennis teams then secure their win over DBU. travelled to Ft. Smith, Amanda Moberg lost in Ark., on Feb. 16 and faced

one of the singles matches while Julia Puckhaber, Elvira Sholles, Florencia Tornero and Antonia Moberg won their singles matches.

On Feb. 28, the women’s tennis team played their first home game of the season, in which they played against Southern Nazarene University and won 7-2.

Amanda Moberg and Florencia Tornero lost 8-3 in doubles while the other two doubles – Julia Puckhaber and Laura Winter with an 8-3 and Elvira Sholles and Antonia Moberg with an 8-4 – won, securing the two other doubles matches. The Aggies won all but one of their singles matches that day.

On March 1 and 2, the men’s team took the court to compete with Colorado State UniversityPueblo (CSU), East Central University (ECU) and Southwest Baptist University (SBU), winning all three.

On March 1, the Aggie men took on CSU-Pueblo and ECU. In their bout against CSU-Pueblo, the Aggie men swept, winning all of their singles and doubles matches. Against ECU later that day, Cameron won 7-2, winning all of three of their doubles matches.

The next day, the Aggie men won 7-2 against SBU,

Photo by Kali Robinson

It takes two: Freshman Dennis Merdan strikes a backhand as teammate junior Nicolai Ferrigno moves towards the net March 2 against Southwest Baptist. Ferrigno and Merdan helped Cameron sweep doubles and defeat SW Baptist, 7-2. earning another clean sweep in doubles – the third one in a row – but did not win all of their singles matches.

Nicolai Ferrigno won two of his three singles sets.

The tennis team also

recently traveled to Colorado for matches set March 8 through the 11, and are set to take on Western New Mexico University on Saturday, March 16 in Silver City, and will follow that

up the next day by going to Phoenix, Ariz., where they will take on Arizona Christian University and Grand Canyon University on March 17 and 18, respectively.