The Cameron University Collegian March 2, 2015

Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, March 2, 2015

CU Public Affairs

Volume 92 Issue 5

Photo by Kaley Patterson

Golden wrap on Homecoming 2015 Vicky Smith

Student Life Editor @pinkwritinglady

The third week in February brought a frenzy of fun to the campus of Cameron University for the homecoming celebration, including laughing, eating, dancing and voting for a king and queen.

The 2015 Cameron University homecoming king and queen are Jacob Jardel of Psi Chi Club and Olivia Polynice of the Criminal Justice Association. They received their crowns on Feb. 21 during halftime of the Cameron men’s winning game against Angelo State in the Aggie Gym. Graduate psychology major Jardel said he was standing next to his escort, Polynice, when he heard the announcer declare him homecoming king.

“It really didn’t process – like legitimately didn’t process,” Jardel said. “It is a huge honor – one that I’m happy to have bestowed upon me. But [it is] not one I thought I would have bestowed upon me.”

To Jardel, homecoming is a time to bring on the fun. “[I like] seeing all the clubs come together to celebrate something,” Jardel said, “whether it’s the bond they have with each other … whether it’s the university itself – just everyone coming together for fun.

“It’s good to welcome back people who haven’t been here in a while or welcome back people who just left or send people off with one final hurrah.”

Jardel said he is grateful for the constant support, even beyond homecoming, of the entire psychology department, the Cameron Collegian news staff and his countless friends and professors.

“Charlie [Belew] – our managing editor – she’s super cool,” Jardel said. “When I told her

I made top trips, go to study Photo by Kaley Patterson five, she abroad, join was already organizations, ready to learn everything support and and anything campaign I could get my for me hands on – and somehow, not just learn it, someway; but love it and and she’s one learn it.” of my best Jardel hopes friends ever.” to bring smiles to Although the faces of fellow Jardel will Aggies during be departing his remaining from time at Cameron, Cameron in conjunction in the next with continued year or so, learning. he said some “The one people at the aspect of college university that you need to have know is to have impacted fun and to have not only fun with other his college people,” he said. experience “Be good to each but also his other, [and] life. don’t forget to be “Dr. awesome.’”

Vivian Like Jardel, Thomlinson senior criminal [former justice major Cameron Polynice said professor],” Crowning glory: Olivia Polynice (left) and Jacob she is honored Jardel said, Jardel strike a pose after being crowned Homecoming to have won “was the Queen and King for 2015. The pair were named royalty homecoming one who during halftime of the men’s basketball game on Feb. 21. queen. really gave “[I feel] very, me the kick in the back to do all the things I’ve very humble to know that people took their time to give me an award for something,” she said. done – by way of the honor’s program – go on

“When someone sends a text out to you or a Facebook message or tweet, for that one second you crossed their mind.

“For some reason, Olivia popped into their minds for two seconds, and they felt the need to just do something nice for me, and I thought that was something really important – to care about others.”

Polynice said she appreciates the criminal justice department, her professors, her parents, and her best friends Lynda Williams and Victori Alvarez for their consistent guidance and support throughout her time at Cameron.

Having friends in multiple departments, Polynice said she considers herself outgoing.

“From my work and with my department,” she said, “I’ve gotten to build a lot of bonds that way [and from] taking random classes...just wanting to reach out my horizon.”

According to Polynice, she strives to be the one her friends and strangers can count on.

“I always try to stay positive and be someone that somebody that can confide in or talk to,” she said. “Or in my department, someone that people can come to if they need help with something.”

Polynice, like Jardel, takes delight in moments of fun with others.

“We [Jardel and I] took ballroom dancing … and he was one of my favorite dance partners.

“We always just acted a fool, like we kept the routine, but we always added an extra pizazz.”

OPINION: For the Homecoming King’s personal take on being crowned, see Voices, Page 4

Sustainability, one egg at a time

Kaley Patterson A&E Editor

@KaleyKayPatt This year’s Academic Festival of Sustainability has expanded across campus in various aspects from academia to the kitchens of Sodexo.

On Feb. 19, the national food service company, Sodexo, announced it would fully

supply their eggs from cagefree hens by 2017 - eliminating those suppliers who use veal crates. Sodexo also extended its previous commitment to their sourcing of liquid eggs, which is set to be fully cage-free by the end of 2020. Sodexo current sources about 20 million pounds of liquid eggs annually.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane

Society of the United States (HSUS), said this move towards animal welfare by Sodexo was praise-worthy.

“By committing to source all egg products exclusively from cage-free hens,” Pacelle said in a press release, “Sodexo has built on an already strong set of animal welfare policies, with this latest pledge affecting the removal of 750,000 hens annually from extreme confinement in battery cage systems. We appreciate the company’s prior commitments to source shell eggs from cage-free operations ... but today’s [Feb. 19] announcement is surely one of the biggest decisions in the food sector from an animal welfare perspective.”

Food Service-Sodexo

general manager at Cameron University Daniel Ghrayyeb said Cameron kitchens have fully served cage-free shell and liquid eggs since November or December of last year.

“Sodexo started the initiative in 2012 to start providing cagefree eggs,” Ghrayyeb said. “So it took two years, just a little bit longer than two years, to finally get fully switched over.”

According to Ghrayyeb, the reason why it took Cameron two and a half years to become completely cage-free is because the demand for cage-free eggs was so high. 6,000 Sodexo clients - universities, hospitals, schools, etc. - were affected by Sodexo’s humane initiative in 2012.

“We could get them [cagefree eggs] before,” Ghrayyeb

said, “but it was kind of hit or miss. But now they’re in supply all of the time so we’re able to purchase them. We purchase different kinds of eggs; precracked, which just comes in cartons, and we purchase whole eggs, which are in the shell still.

So we have two kinds of eggs and they’re both cage-free.”

Prior to Sodexo’s announcement on the expansion of their 2012 initiative, The Humane League, an organization advocating against animal cruelty, created a petition on Change.org to further expand Sodexo’s 2012 initiative for cage-free eggs from just shell eggs to liquid eggs as well.

The Humane League Campaign Coordinator Taylor Ford informed Aggie Central

in an email that dozens of colleges and universities across the United States had launched a campaign to kick Sodexo off their campuses and informed that one would launch at Cameron University soon. Ghrayyeb said he never had any students at Cameron complain.

“As far as students, no, not eggs in particular,” Ghrayyeb said. “We’ve always had conversations on campus and more of our focus has always been about paper goods... As far as food, there hasn’t been as big of a concern... We focus more on local and whole foods, like that. The college students seem to want less processed and more whole foods and that’s been our focus, not necessarily the eggs.”

What’s inside A look at the life in the fast lane Page 4

A Cameron choir for the century

Brandi Leal is the real deal

Page 6

Page 8

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News

March 2, 2015

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Little Libraries open across campus Charlene Belew Managing Editor @cbelew15

Aggies and community members are invited to a free library service found alongside the Aggie Mile trail, provided by the Department of Education.

Cameron University opened Four Little Free Libraries across campus in the “take a book, leave a book, or both” initiative. The ribbon cutting, held at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Bentley Gardens, commemorated the establishment of the community libraries and furthered the university’s endeavor in celebrating this year’s festival theme of sustainability.

The Free Little Libraries originally started in 2010 in Wisconsin, according to a press release.

The Duncan community in Stephens County recently opened their own Free Little Libraries, Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Lawton has their own active program.

Both have the same intentions as Cameron’s: people can look through the library, take a book and also donate their own books.

While some may mistake the libraries as bird

houses at first sight, the treasure troves actually offer hassle-free checkout systems where library cards are nonexistent and due dates are a worry of the past.

Dr. Lisa Huffman, Dean of the School

she said. “I hope we develop a bigger culture of people who love to read – be healthy, take a walk and discover a love of reading.”

A variety of genres will be available for those interested and will accommodate not only adults but also children. Titles such as “Tuesdays With Morrie,” “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books” and “The Hiccupotomus,” are available, according to a press release.

“You never know what you get when you open that door,” Huffman said.

The libraries are a result of the McCasland Foundation’s continued support.

Huffman said the installation and sustentation of the book houses strengthens education, reaches out to the community and helps foster love of reading in those of all ages.

“I want people to see Cameron as part of CU Public Affairs the community,” she said.

The four Free Little Libraries can of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said be found in the Charles S. Graybill, M.D. she would like to see the libraries bring more Courtyard, the Jesse Davenport Unity Garden, attraction to the university grounds. the Louise D. McMahon Fine Arts Courtyard “I hope that we get more people to come to our campus and explore our beautiful campus,” and the northern area of Bentley Gardens.

Oklahoma Research Day gives students a jump start Joel Frambes

compile their research into the presentation format.

Copy Editor Wohlers said student @JolePole12 presenters worked with professors in their fields Students across of study throughout the Oklahoma and across previous semester. disciplines at Cameron “It helps students to University are gearing up enhance their research and for Oklahoma Research scholarly activities skillset,” Day (ORD), which will he said, “basically by being be held on March 13 guided by a faculty member at Northeastern State [who] has those skills from University. graduate school.”

Students who wished to Wohlers said those present needed to submit involved in the research must abstracts by Feb. 2, and be committed.

Director of Academic “It is a project that Enrichment Dr. Anton Wohlers has helped students can last several months,”

Wohlers said, “and both students and faculty … invest a lot of time.”

One of the students submitting research for ORD, junior computer science major Akinola Akinlawon, emphasized how much work went into preparing his research, with the help of Dr. Ioannis Argyros.

“I have been on research projects … since my sophomore year,” Akinlawon said. “It took us probably a semester … and we got everything sorted out before December.”

Photo courtesy Tony Wohlers

Akinlawon said he is now accustomed to the demands of research, and the experience is rewarding no matter the work.

“It broadens your horizons in very many ways and not just in the field of research or mathematics but also on a social level,” he said, “because now it’s not just the regular people I’m seeing. I’m seeing more people, and I’m getting to see more ideas, and that helps in the general education process.”

Sophomore psychology major Kelsee Monroe, who is participating in ORD for the first time, said she and

her team began research in the fall.

“I started in with Dr. Jenel Cavazos and her team in November,” she said.

“Since then, we’ve been putting together the bits and pieces, like the abstract, and working on making my poster.”

Monroe said she is excited to see how prepared she is by the time of conference and eager to hear the responses of judges.

“I will also be presenting at SWPA [Southwestern Psychological Association] in Wichita, Kansas in April,” she said. “I plan on exploring this topic and continuing

research for as long as my supervising professor [Dr. Cavazos] and her colleagues continue to do so.”

Wohlers said Oklahoma Research Day ultimately functions as a starting point for students to invest in their futures educational endeavors.

“It gives undergraduates an early start to experience what research and scholarly activities are,” Wohlers said, “and then apply those skills as they go to graduate school, or apply those skills also as they pursue any sort of other professional career later on.”

Speck to speak in March Jacob Jardel

Assistant Managing Editor @JJardel_Writing

The speaker series for this year’s academic festival will continue on March 12 when urban designer and architect Jeff Speck visits campus.

Speck is the third of four speakers scheduled to talk to Cameron students, faculty and staff and guests about the topic for this year’s festival: sustainability. According to Cameron President Dr. John McArthur, Speck will take a different approach from the previous two speakers.

“We’re trying to look at what it means to have a sustainable community,” McArthur said. “Thinking about a community as kind of an organism in itself, what do we need to do not only to make them livable for people of my generation but also to make them livable for the [student’s] generation and generations to come?”

While the approach and subject matter may be different, McArthur feels as if this topic fits in with the others as different parts of a longer conversation on sustainability.

“I think the package pulls together quite well,” he said.

Speck has written several books focusing on sustainable community living, one of which was the concept of the walkable city. McArthur said that his experience with that topic was one of the aspects that made Speck a viable candidate to talk with the university and the City of Lawton.

Another aspect that made Speck an alluring suitor was his work with sustainable lifestyles in smaller communities, which McArthur felt was vital for recruiting Speck.

“We were trying to find someone who’s done work on the scale of communities of 100,000 people, and he has done work in that area,”

McArthur said, “so that made him attractive to us as well.

“We don’t need to know what they did in a major urban area,” he said. “We need to know what can work here in the Midwest and our size of community.”

One of Speck’s prior focuses has been on the use of architecture and design to achieve sustainable outcomes. Much of what he has done looks at everything from buildings and parking to public roads in a way that could achieve goals without regulation.

With these topics in mind, McArthur mentioned his interest in Speck’s suggestions for how the city can further develop its new building projects and make communities more livable.

Specifically, McArthur wanted to see how Speck can help the city shift its perspectives.

“I think for the future, he’s going to help us focus on our community at the pedestrian speed, at the bicycle speed,” McArthur said, “and not think of it as only seeing Lawton through a car window.”

However, McArthur also encourages the students to make the most out of the opportunities to speak with Speck, particularly at the student session at 3:30 p.m. on March 12 in the MCC Ballroom. McArthur feels as if these sessions provide both him and the students with unique opportunities to interact with the speaker.

“That’s usually my favorite session of the whole day because it’s open mic, so the speakers usually let their hair down a little bit more and are a bit more provocative in that session,” he said. “And it’s an open mic, so the Q&A is very rich.

“That’s usually where you get the sound bites that I use for the rest of the year,” McArthur said.

3

Voices

March 2, 2015

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Shots heard ‘round the medical world We wash our hands after using the bathroom. We cover our faces when we cough or sneeze. We stay home sick if we catch the flu.

Every day, we take these safety precautions to minimize the chance of catching and transmitting diseases that otherwise would leave us enfeebled for a couple of days, and we do them multiple times a day without thinking.

If these precautions are just common sense, then why aren’t vaccinations treated the same way?

Since the days of Edward

Jenner, humans have strived to curtail the crippling effects of diseases like smallpox that kill a third of the people they infect.

Jenner is credited for successfully inoculating his patients with the cowpox virus retrieved from milk maids, which is known as the first immunization from smallpox.

Because the cowpox infection was not as severe as smallpox, people survived the inoculation and developed an immunity to smallpox that would last a lifetime.

Nowadays, the process of

vaccination is more refined and more effective. The last known case of smallpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, occurred in 1977, and the World Health Organization declared the disease completely eradicated two years later.

More and more diseases are approaching the same status as smallpox, especially in developed nations like the U.S. However, recent outbreaks of measles, a virus easily preventable by an early childhood vaccine, have

dominated news headlines.

Thanks to anti-vaccination proponents, or anti-vaxxers, we’re seeing the same horrors caused by a disease Jenner saw – a disease we have the power to eradicate like smallpox before it.

This radical and reasonless movement gained traction when Dr. Andrew Wakefield published falsified evidence making a connection between the increase in autism diagnosis rates and the increase in child vaccination rates.

Wakefield, now discredited and barred from practicing medicine, claimed the cause was the harmless and now eradicated mercury-based preservative for the measles vaccine.

Correlation does not equal causation.

There is more evidence that discredits this false hypothesis than there is evidence supporting it. In fact, Wikipedia has more credibility Tribune News Service than Wakefield’s

research. a vaccine. They need herd The reason people still immunity – where 95 percent support this movement in of a population is vaccinated spite of the – to keep overwhelming them safe. evidence I recently against it is made my because of the own choice popularization not to of the idea vaccinate, by celebrities and I such as Jenny regret that McCarthy. decision.

AntiI never vaxxers like received my McCarthy flu vaccine believe they for this flu are right season, and because they I, of course, exercise their ended up Joel Frambes right to choose catching the Copy Editor for their flu. @JoelPole12 children.

Following What I do not understand the advice of the doctors I is how schools can ban saw to treat my 104 degree peanut butter because of the temperature, I stayed home in fear that a child might share quarantine for the following a PB&J with someone who has a peanut allergy, but they week and missed that whole week of school. cannot ban unvaccinated I will never again miss a children, because they might vaccine even as simple as a share deadly communicable yearly flu shot. My future diseases with someone who is children will safely receive immunocompromised. almost 50 doses of 14 Politicians need to pass legislation that makes it more vaccines before their sixth birthday. difficult for anyone who is I will not see them healthy enough to receive blinded, sterilized or crippled a vaccine to choose not to by something I could have receive those vaccinations. prevented, and all parents There are people who are not healthy enough to receive should do the same.

Royalty are not the only ones who wear the crown

Olivia knew as we stood at the free throw I think that sums up most of my line during the unusually long drumroll.

Homecoming experience, though. Minus a Tabitha knew the minute they announced moderate mental breakdown on Thursday third place. Megan during layout, it was just me knew when she finished being me, living out a busy counting the votes. week like it was any other busy I’m sure even Ole Kim week and trying to have fun and knew what was coming encourage others to do the same. at some point.

Apparently, that attitude Apparently, everyone proved infectious to the knew I was going to friends who had fun with me. be Homecoming King Whether it was Olivia during before I did. those required events, Charlie It’s been over a vehemently telling people in week, and I still cannot the newsroom to vote or the fathom this fact. The countless other people who crown sits on top of my greeted me as “Your Majesty” hat collection next to during the last two or so weeks, my assortment of vinyl my friends took my nonchalance records in true hipster and ran with it straight to the chic fashion. The sash ballot box.

Jacob Jardel drapes on the same With friends like these, who Assistant Managing Editor door hanger as my scarf needs a campaign, right? @JJardel_Writing collection. Olivia and I Now that the metaphorical are posing on the front page, crowns and all. and actual confetti has settled and the It has yet to hit me, though. smoke from the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off Part of it could be the fact that I was so has cleared, I look back at my Homecoming busy during Homecoming week. Every day, experiences and realize that, to me, the I was doing something outside of the grad whole experience has been more about my classes and work schedule, so I had no real friends than it has about me. time to campaign or even take full account I would not be here without these friends of the fact that I was a candidate. old and new – the ones who voted for me, Heck, the first time I felt like a candidate the ones who supported me, the ones who was when we were lining up during I debated on waltzing down the court with halftime. Olivia and I were standing there, and everyone in between, with a special figuring out the best way to walk out and shout-out to two people who did more than greet the crowd. Indeed, this part was they even know to help me throughout it probably the most work I put into my entire all. “campaign.”

They know who they are.

Should we literally waltz onto the court?

The best word to describe how I feel Should we just make fools of ourselves? looking back is “lucky.” But I don’t feel Should we cheese it up and wave like lucky to have won. Rather, I feel lucky royalty? to be in a position in my life right now As those in attendance saw, we picked where I could have won. As I would tell option three – and it was a blast. my counselor, Me from Two Years Ago 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 for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

Our Views

wouldn’t have dreamed of being here.

Two years ago was a rough time.

Depression, f luctuations in relationship status and general uncertainty riddled my life. If it weren’t for copious amounts of cognitive-behavioral therapy, real talk with close friends and pumpkin cheesecake, who knows where I would be?

But I know where I am now, and that’s in a better place.

That better place is thanks to some very important people in my life – too many to name. Without them, I wouldn’t have this elected kingship.

The thing about accomplishments and awards is that you don’t win them in a vacuum. You can do all you can and all you want on your own, and that will get you far in life. But without those other people, can it truly be the zenith of accomplishment?

YouTuber John Green once filmed a vlog where he fielded a question about what he thought the meaning of life was. His two-word response sticks with me to this day: “Other people.”

With every step of life, from the lowest lows to the

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

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

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Managing Editor - Charlene Belew Asst. Managing Editor - Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Kaley Patterson Sports Editor - Krista Pylant Student Life Editor - Vicky Smith Copy Editor - Joel Frambes Aggie Central Editor- Jereme Cobb

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.

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Marie Bagwell, Hafsa Farah, Haley Swinford Circulation Manager - Charlene Belew Advertising Managers - Charlene Belew, Kaley Patterson Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz

Newsroom Staff

highest highs, there will be other people around to see you through to the top. I realized that more than ever at center court during the Homecoming game. I realized that I wasn’t the only winner; my friends deserved that crown just as much, if not more.

Though I may have won, it’s my Cameron people who are the true royalty.

Photo by Kaley Patterson

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.

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Student Life

March 2, 2015

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A day in the life: chasing a passion Vicky Smith

3:30 or 4 in the afternoon.

Then after that, [we] do Student Life Editor some stretching.” @pinkwritinglady To be a successful runner even under painful In the book “A Gift – A Runner’s Story,” and difficult circumstances, Paul Maurer writes, ““Running is all about Paintner said mental having the desire to train and persevere until toughness is vital. every fiber in your legs, mind and heart is “If you want to run as turned to steel … when the rest of the world is hard as you can,” Paintner only dreaming about having the passion that said, “you need to put your you need to live each and every day with.” head off and just keep Some people run to burn calories, increase going … It starts with their energy levels or travel from place to place. getting up in the morning Cameron University’s cross country athletes [and] going for practice Grant Wignall and Pascal Paintner run to [when] it’s raining, it’s dark, CU Sports Information live. it’ s windy [and] it’ s cold.”

Wignall, a junior accounting major from Wignall said he thinks Keeping pace: Junior Grant Wignall (Left) and freshman Canada, and Paintner, a freshman businessrunning cross country is Pascal Paintner (Right) ran together at the University of management major from Germany, came more difficult for someone Central Oklahoma Invitational, which took place last fall. to Oklahoma to join the Cameron Cross who is treading alone, Country team. said. “You find your true 100 percent limits. though it is possible.

Wignall said he started running “If you finish a race, you’re done …

“I’ v e always been in a track seriously when he was a high school completely – your heart is going as hard as it club or on a track team,” Wignall athlete in his home can, [and] you’ re breathing as hard as you can.” said, “so you always have some country.

Paintner said he will keep pushing himself people who are just as fast as “[In] grade ten,” even after he graduates from Cameron. you to compete with and Wignall said, “I love running,” Paintner said. “My goal is, to really motivate you to “I decided, of course, always trying to get faster than the run. …

I think you get ‘OK if I like year before [and] putting more miles in. close people who you’ r e running, if “You build up year to year. Every year is training with.”

I’m going to like a little obstacle. … You always have to be According to do running, consistent and always have … endurance. You Paintner, in addition to why would have to tell yourself, ‘You have to be tough.’” teammates, runners need I want to be For those nervous to step on a track, people who are willing to mediocre at Wignall said anyone can run. support them. it? I should at “You just need a right plan with how to do “You have to have a really least try to be a it,” he said. “You just need to be motivated to do good base for performing little better.’ So it.

If it’s not something you like to do, then don’t good,” Paintner said, “giving I joined a track do it.

You can swim, [or] you can bike. You can 100 percent, achieving your club.” do something you like to do.” goals … having a good coach Similarly, Paintner agreed, saying running is to coach you, having good Paintner said ultimately a head game. people who motivate you he found “Once it gets tough,” he said, “you have to [and] having good people enjoyment get over the limit. … Be motivated, be tough, to help you out if you’ r e in running be consistent, be ambitioned, and if you can do injured.” when he was Graphic by that, then you can be a great runner.”

Wignall said running a high school Vicky Smith According to Wignall, running is a part of a race requires relentless freshman. his everyday routine by choice. discipline. “[When I One team, one passion: (Back row from left) Head Coach Zach Johnson, Grant “I would say running is like a life passion,” “It’ s really a sport where was] 15 years,” Wignall, Antonio Moreno, Methuselah Lagat, Shadrack Toroitich and Graduate Wignall said. “It’s like a lifestyle ... “You can you can discover how much Paintner said, Assistant Andrew Reidsma. (Front row from left) Cole Atchinson, Pascal Paintner, develop a true love for the sport.” you can push yourself,” he “I started Henri Hansert and Thomas Toth.

SGA weekly

Kaley Patterson A&E Editor

@KaleyKayPatt

practicing harder and harder from year to year.”

The men are now capable of completing 15 miles in a day – with the normal schedule of attending classes, working, eating, sleeping and Skyping family.

Before they wear the medallions and smiles that conclude a race, however, they endure hours of training, preparing their bodies physically and minds mentally.

Wingall said in the fall, he completed three doubles per week, which is running eight to ten miles in the morning and four to five miles in the afternoon.

As a team last fall, the men met for practice every morning at 6:15, rain or shine.

“Usually,” Wingall said, “we run anywhere between eight to twelve miles in the morning, and then right after practice, we do strides … and then we go lift weights in the other gym for an hour or so … [We] usually have practice again at

On Feb. 23, the Cameron University Student Government Association passed their second legislation of the semester.

Resolution 3114007 went into second reading, questioning and voting last Monday.

Representatives Saranah Isenberg, Holden Rowe and Charles Webber authorized the legislation.

The bill called for the pavement of the gravel parking lot west of the Science Complex,

stating that the lot damages student cars and lacks parking spaces, and paving the lot would solve these problems.

The legislation resolved that funding for the parking lot pavement would be allocated from where the administration sees fit, and it anticipated the completion on Jan. 1, 2017.

The governing body passed Resolution 3114007 with 26 in the yes, two in the no and one abstaining.

Massaging out the stress Marie Bagwell

difficult and stressful position to hold.

His most frequent customers are CU Staff Writer professors. He said students should not The Wellness Center in North Shepler forget that their professors accumulate stress at CU offers many different services, one of as well. which is that of massage therapist Lonnie “I deal with a lot of headaches,” he said.

Allen.

Trigger point massage – the practice of Allen said he graduated top of his class massaging points of tightly contracted muscle from the Massage Therapy course at the local – is one of the different techniques Allen said branch of Platt College. He then performed he uses to treat headaches. his externship at CU and was later asked to Allen also uses aromatherapy and neck work for the Wellness Center. Allen said he stretching techniques to relieve his clientele. has enjoyed working for CU for the past three Allen understands that a massage is a very years. personal and somewhat intimate experience.

“I feel it’s my job to come here and help He said he really gets to know his clients you guys out … That’s why I feel this service by talking to them while he is massaging is real important,” said Allen. them, and he enjoys teaching clients about Allen said he understands that being a the service he provides. student, an athlete or a professor is a very “I like to get familiar with my clients and also let them know all about me because I love what I do,” Allen said. “I honestly feel that’s what I was put here to do.”

His sessions usually run from 30 minutes to an hour and half. During that time he generally is able to pinpoint the areas of his clients’ bodies that need the most attention.

“I take what I do very serious. It’s brought a whole other light to my life,” Allen said, “and I love what I do.”

He pays very close attention to his client’s requests and to how his

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clients and their muscles respond to him.

Allen said his clients entrust him with their bodies, and he made a personal pledge to help people.

“If you’re an effective listener, I mean, you can get to the meat and bones of the problem,” said Allen.

Keeping fit is a key part of what Allen says he attributes to his success as a massage therapist. He says it’s important to be in shape because it helps to motivate and to keep from being a bump on the log.

Allen said that even though he is a fairly skinny guy, that doesn’t mean his clients get wimpy massages.

The key to an effective massage is the height of the table and using leverage to his advantage.

He said that a massage does not rest solely in the power of the massage therapist’s hands.

“I use parts like my elbows [and] forearms, not as much locking my wrists,” Allen said.

Allen said his practice at CU is held only on Fridays, and he generally takes six to seven customers for the day.

Wellness Center Information Director: Jill Melrose Location: North Shepler Room 101 Phone: (580) 581-6725 Fax: (580) 581-6733

Massage Therapy Information Hours of Operation: every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Services offered: reflexology, specialty massages and gift certificates Service availability: massages by appointment only

March 2, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

5

Student Life

Balmers help students get messages straight Jacob Jardel

process.

Balmer mentioned Assistant Managing Editor that this model showed @JJardel_Writing how communication is an ongoing process where both It was time to talk about parties are senders and love when the faculty in receivers of information. In residence talked to a group of this way, individuals cull students about technology and relationships at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22 from the past to build for the future. in the Wichita Room.

“Once you start a Assistant Professor of relationship,” Balmer Psychology Dr. Thom Balmer and said, “you start to build his wife Denise hosted the Sunday event, which gave students a brief a framework. You use the framework of past rundown about how interactions relationships.” with and without modern tech According to Balmer, inf luence their relationships with as the relationship moves others. along, a psychological After students settled into fuel gauge indicates how their seats with pizza in tow, negatively or positively Balmer began his talk with an individuals give meaning elaboration on the three models to actions. Because of this of communication: the action f luctuating gauge, he says model, the interaction model that couples have different and the transaction model. His histories based on present main focus, though, was on the emotions. transaction model, which treats “The current state of the communication as a multi-way

Balmer elaborated the different channels through which people communicate. He said that 80 percent of these channels are non-verbal, so communication via technology can make an individual lose that portion of the message.

For that reason, Balmer encouraged students to be wary when using the phone to communicate important messages.

“You should only be using [technology] if the relationship is positive,” he said.

He went on to emphasize that communicating through technology can lead to a lack of self-monitoring, which he listed as one of the five aspects competent communicators use. The other items were adaptability, empathy, cognitive complexity and ethics. relationship determines what you pull One of the overarching from the past,” he said. concepts behind each of those items listed, though, was To explain these f luctuations,

consistency. Balmer said that, while individuals have a range of moods, the hidden elements need to serve a purpose in a relationship. Otherwise, he emphasized staying true to the patterns developed in the first few months of the relationship.

“Know what expectations are,” Balmer said, “and be consistent.”

Part of this consistency applies to when an individual uses social media to communicate in place of personal interaction. Balmer said to handle problems and other situations that feel awkward in person.

“It keeps it low key, and it doesn’t escalate,” he said.

This principle also applies to the times when someone does not read a text-based message the way it was intended to sound. Balmer encouraged students to talk out any misunderstandings.

“If there’s a message that’s misinterpreted,” he said, “don’t text back.”

Homecoming 2015 Photos by Krista Pylant, Kaley Patterson and Jacob Jardel

Dear Aggie: tricky relationships and iffy moves Dear Aggie,

I don’t know how else to say this, but I may have feelings for a faculty or staff member. I see this person daily, and we have good talks.

We also interact outside of school sometimes and get pretty friendly. I don’t know if the feelings are mutual, but I know I have feelings.

Do you have any advice?

Sincerely, Why

Dear Why, When it comes to love, being around somebody often enough can make you feel more affectionate toward that person. Before you fall too far down the rabbit hole, there are a couple of things to consider.

First of all, see whether you feel this way after not seeing the person for a while. If it fades away quickly, then it may just be a fleeting infatuation. If you cannot seem to shake this person from your psyche, then it gets trickier.

If you are a student or fellow faculty or staff member, there are a lot of potential risks to dating a staff member or professor – especially if you work directly with this person on a frequent basis.

The Employee Handbook says, “It is considered a serious breach of

professional ethics for an employee to initiate or acquiesce in a sexual relationship with a student who is enrolled in a course being taught by the employee or whose academic work (including work as a teaching assistant) is being supervised by the employee.”

Two previous Dear Aggie posts addressed the ramifications of such a relationship occurring between staff and student. To restate, according to policy, it is ethically wrong for staff and student to engage in an extraprofessional relationship. For more details, view section 10.4 of the Employee Handbook at http://www.cameron. edu/policies.

Love is a complicated thing – especially if it happens within the walls of academia with someone you work with, work under or study under. You need to be aware of codes of conduct and things of the sort before pursuing anything.

To report any violations, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity/ Title IX at 580-581-6712 or tomr@ cameron.edu

here is much different than what I am used to.

Since I have just moved here, I am still adjusting to life in Oklahoma. However, I have noticed that it is not easy for someone from where I’m from.

Do you have any advice on how to fit in to life in Lawton, Oklahoma?

the home you are used to.

The first thing to remember is that you are not alone.

Between the number of international students and the number of students here from all over the United States, there is bound to be someone going through a similar dilemma as you are – even if they hail from a different place.

Sincerely, Homesick Look to one of your fellow students to help. Whether that Dear Homesick, student is from the Lawton area or It is always a huge culture shock someone experiencing the city for to go from one school to another. It the first time, you are bound to find can be even more difficult when you somebody who will take this journey come to a place that is different than of fitting in with you.

While many students may be slow to warm to somebody new, there are others who are more than happy to hang with you and help you get acclimated to college life.

Branch out as much as you can without causing heavy anxiety – you never know who you will find to help you fit in.

Sincerely, Aggie

Sincerely, Aggie

Dear Aggie, I am a transfer student, and this is my first semester at Cameron. Life

Tribune News Services

Dear Aggie responses are generated in house by Collegian editorial members and do not represent professional opinion or advice. Tweet to @DearAggieCU.

6

A&E

March 2, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

Scales and arpeggios: The Centennial Singers are a small choral ensemble at CU. (Above) Natasha Snavely (center) sings alto for the Centennial Singers. (Below) Tenor Lorenzo Butler performs a scat solo.

Sing along with Centennial Singers Jacob Jardel

Assistant Managing Editor @JJardel_Writing

In 2008, the chair of Cameron’s music department asked Doris Lambert, adjunct professor of music, to create a small choral ensemble. With that, the Centennial Singers were born.

The choral ensemble had to be small enough to travel around for various special functions. Lambert gathered some of the best music students to make this troupe.

The group came about as the university reached its centennial – a time in which the Cameron Concert Choir was the only vocal music ensemble at Cameron.

Lambert said that, while the choral group was important, students needed a way to sing more than just classical work.

“There was no vehicle for the students to sing vocal jazz, Broadway, pop – those kinds of things,” she said.

On top of that, the group also takes a more active approach to their singing.

“We also do more movement on stage,” Lambert said. “We don’t really choreograph, but there’s more staging and more movement and things – a lot more interaction

with the audience and such.”

Freshman Vocal Performance major Lorenzo Butler said their performance is more than just entertainment.

“It’s us and the audience having fun,” he said. “It’s not like us looking at our music.

It’s us having interaction with not only each other and the pianist but also the audience. It gives us that extra dimension to entertain.”

However, Lambert added that the members of the Centennial Singers excel outside of the spotlight of the stage, taking their talents into the classroom and to the public.

“They are the picture in the community of the Cameron music department – and they represent Cameron University,” she said. “These are extremely talented singers and students … so this group is the cream of the crop.”

The current lineup for the Centennial Singers includes sopranos Prudence Rivera, Jessica Fernandez and Stacia Prucha; altos Aly Hays, Natasha Snavely, Chelsea Jenkins and Alyssa Yates; tenors Butler, Peter Macias and Jose Rodriguez; and basses Nathanael Butler, Gabrial Caron and Kirk Prucha.

All members have to go through an audition

process toward the end of the spring semester to get a spot on the roster for the next academic year. They need to be music majors or minors maintaining a major grade point average of 3.0 and an overall GPA of 2.75.

Members also need to be able to read and learn music quickly.

However, Lambert also said she looks beyond the students’ musical abilities during audition.

“Part of their audition is a visual because singing is a communication art form,” she said, “so they have to show me that they can be expressive with their faces and bodies as well as their singing.”

Snavely, a junior vocal performance major, said the auditioning process enhances the experience as a Centennial Singer.

“It’s nice that everyone is really good,” she said.

It helps you grow as a musician.”

Lambert added that this growth makes the experience fun not only for students but also for her.

“I love working with these students,” Lambert said. “I can push them and challenge them to sing extremely difficult music.

They’re doing music that’s extremely fun, but it’s also really hard, difficult music.

Doing that grows them [as]

singers and as musicians.”

According to Butler, this style of music combines with other facets to make the experience as a Centennial Singer unique.

“It gives you another way to broaden your musicality,” he said. “It’s fun because we’re a smaller group, too; so we have to make sure everything’s just right.”

According to Lambert, this assurance of excellence in performing applies to all the students in the group. However, she also mentioned that this attitude extends to more than just the performance realm.

“They’re preparing to be professionals, so they’ve decided at this point to act like that,” she said. “They don’t do that just for me – they do that for all their music classes.”

Lambert has noticed this pattern in her ever-changing group since she started the group in 2008. While the dynamics change based on size and individuals within the group, she continues to have fun amid the hard work.

She said that this atmosphere keeps her enthused, no matter the iteration.

“We have such a good time together because we’re all focused on the same thing,” Lambert said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.”

Photos by Kaley Patterson

Round of applause for ‘The Heretic’ Joel Frambes

Photos by Kaley Patterson

and the audience reeled with an appropriate mix of outright shock and hysteric laughter.

Copy Editor The actors were lead by the powerful and @JoelPole12 f luid portrayal of Cassell by DuRant. The At 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19-21 and 2 p.m. actress moved from line to line seamlessly on Feb. 22, the Cameron University despite some stumbles over words, and her Department of Theatre Arts held a chemistry with her supporting actors was production of Richard Bean’s play “The a f lawless compliment to the success of the Heretic.” play.

“The Heretic” is a dark comedy that sheds Senior theater major Byron Phillips light on how a professor, her colleagues, her played Professor Kevin Maloney. Maloney is students and her daughter treat controversial Cassell’s former lover and boss, but can never research on “Climate Change: the artist contain her passion and energy. Phillips formerly known as Global Warming.” played the supporting role excellently and Set in modern day England over the put as much effort into arguing with Cassell course of a year, the play centers around in the forefront as he put into playing the Dr. Diane Cassell of the York University stumbling drunk in the background.

Institute of Science and Technology, played Junior theater major Samantha Eddy

by Cameron Professor Maureen DuRant played Phoebe Cassell, the anorexic and from the Office of aggressive daughter of Dr. Cassell, who Teaching and Learning. appeared to be a victim of her mother, but Cassell challenges never lacked her own conviction, especially everyone around her when she took whether it is through interest in one of her personal conf lict or mother’s students. through her research Eddy played the into the stagnation of sea part well. She took levels in the Maldives. control of the stage No one is safe from her when she spoke, sharp tongue and selfbut she seemed stiff righteousness. when not in focus of With a script as quick- the scene. Overall, witted as “The Heretic,” she portrayed the all of the actors did well tough outer exterior to deliver each quip as and vulnerable core sharply as it was written. of Phoebe well.

Not a single biting Freshman English remark missed its target, education major

P.M. Williams played Ben Shotter, the requited love interest of Phoebe Cassell who was dedicated to minimizing his impact on the planet. However, Williams maximized his impact on the play with a performance that was true to the character. His comedic timing was perfect for being the butt of the joke as Ben often was, and his range of talents in acting, singing and playing guitar were impressive.

Another reason for the success of the play was the stunning set. The layout before and after the changeover at intermission allowed the actors to easily f low from one side of the set to the other without lollygagging in between positions onstage and backstage.

The set crew made an excellent set that not only looked good without being distracting, but it was also functional. The theatre department’s production of “The Heretic” wouldn’t have been the same without hot pizza rolls.

March 2, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

7

A&E

Farewell to ‘Parks and Recreation’ Kaley Patterson

of buttery goodness. Eggs Recreation taught viewers and bacon accompanied some is friendships are the most A&E Editor viewer’s comfort food – an ode precious gifts everyone should @KaleyKayPatt to Ron Swanson. One of the treat themselves to. top trending topics on Twitter Season seven was about There’s not enough that day was #ParksFarewell. accepting change and moving breakfast food to cure the The final season was set in up and on. At the beginning sadness America felt when the 2017, three years after Leslie of the season Leslie and Ron beloved NBC series “Parks weren’t friends. This appalled and Recreation” concluded on Knope accepted a job at the viewers because the two have Feb. 24. The comedy starring National Park Service.

Her and Ben’s triplets are been in the past workplace Amy Poehler said its final associates close in proximity goodbyes after seven seasons. three years old and running rampant, but the kids do not and close in each other’s heart.

“Parks and Recreation” is slow Leslie down. The great The first couple of episodes about a government-loving, thing about Leslie and Ben worked back to where the loyal, opinionated and in season seven is that their characters left off in season six determined Leslie Knope children do not keep them and up to their competition who starts out as the deputy from “having it all”. against each director of the Parks and The social norm is it’s Recreation Department in Graphic by almost impossible for Pawnee, Ind. Throughout Kaley Patterson women to have successful the seasons, the show peered careers, friendships and into the lives of cherished marriages and manage characters such as Ron children all at Swanson, Ben Wyatt, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, Garry the same time.

But Leslie, the (Jerry, Larry, Terry, etc.)

Gergich, Donna Meagle, Tom superwoman she is, makes it all seem Haverford, Ann Perkins, Chris Traeger and many more possible.

Not that she, inhabitants of Pawnee and Ben and the rival town Eagleton. rest of Parks Proceed with caution; crew don’t spoilers are ahead. have their low The Internet was in full mourning the day of the series points, because they do, but they finale. Fans were treating have each other to fall themselves to past season binges on Netflix and copious back on and to help amounts of waffles with syrup, them stand back up.

The most important fruit and whipped cream cascaded on a large mountain lesson Parks and

other to obtain a spacious plot of land being sold by the prominent Newport family.

Leslie wanted it donated to the National Parks Service while Ron lobbied for Gryzzl – an electronic company – to make its home in Pawnee.

After being locked in the old Parks and Recreation Department office for 12 hours against their will, forced to reconcile their differences with charts, time lines, memories, song, dance and whiskey, Ron and Leslie finally made up. Proving

friendship is more important than winning, the dynamic duo found a more suitable area for Gryzzl and obtained the Newport land for the National Park Service.

The rest of season seven focused on the advancement of all the other character’s lives. Some would move out of Pawnee and get new jobs, leaving their treasured home and friends behind for what seemed like for good. In the last episode, Leslie confronted Ben that she didn’t want to leave her life behind. The only thing she wanted most in life is to be in a room with all the people she has come to know and love. Ben assured her it would happen again someday.

“What’s going to happen between now and then?”

Leslie asked.

“A lot,” Ben said, “and it’s going to be great.”

Ben was right. In the last episode of season seven, every time Leslie had a moment with one of her friends and touched them, there would be a flash-forward of where

each person would be, who they had become and what they had accomplished. The beautiful thing about these flash-forwards was that in every single one of them, everyone was still connected in some form or fashion.

Even though they all didn’t live in the same town or work in the same place, their friendships still bloomed.

Leslie concluded the episode by quoting from President Theodore Roosevelt, but she gave it her own little twist in appreciation of her team.

“When we worked here together, we fought, scratched and clawed to make people’s lives a tiny bit better,” Leslie said. “That’s what public service is about: small, incremental change every day.

Teddy Roosevelt once said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is a chance to work hard at work worth doing.’

And I would add that what makes work worth doing is getting to do it with people that you love.”

Parks and Recreation reminded us what’s most important in life: friends, waffles and work. There’s no question about it Leslie: friends come first over waffles, but work is definitely third.

Imagine Dragons still having ‘Night Visions’

Kaley Patterson A&E Editor

Tribune News Service

The new television norm Jacob Jardel

Assistant Managing Editor @JJardel_Writing

More and more people have been dropping traditional cable providers in favor of monthly subscription services to fulfill their television needs.

A large part of that shift has been because of media subscription service Netflix.

After Blockbuster declined an offer to acquire the rival rental company in 2000, Netflix has been on the rise, providing unlimited DVD and Blu-ray rentals to customers at flat fees without due dates or charges for shipping, late returns or per title rentals.

However, the main service many associate Netflix with is its streaming service, which the company began in 2008. As years moved along, the company signed contracts with various studios to stream movies, shows and specials on demand. At the moment, it offers over 100 thousand titles on DVD and on demand.

Since that time, the streaming service has grown to unprecedented heights. Netflix has amassed over 50 million global subscribers by the second quarter of 2014 and had a total equity of $1.33 billion for the 2013 fiscal year.

But, numbers aside, the monthly subscription service has greatly impacted how the public views television on a daily basis.

Before Netflix, the concept of “binge watching” television shows was foreign to most people. As Netflix moved more and more toward streaming as the paradigm for television intake, watching seasons at a time has become the new norm for television consumption.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings told Ken Auletta of the New Yorker that viewers are happy with this new way of watching television.

“Think of it as entertainment that’s more like books,” Hastings said to Auletta. “You get to control and watch, and you get to do all the chapters of a book at the same time, because you have all the episodes.”

Neil Hunt told Wired Magazine that this pattern of binge watching will be the new paradigm in ten years, since the Internet allows users freedom to watch at their own speed without the need for episodes to end on cliffhangers for next week’s episode.

In this case, “next week” will mean after a quick bathroom stop and snack run.

Netflix stated in their long-term view that these patterns will be the coup de grace for Internet television to replace traditional “linear” television.

Actors like Kevin Spacey agree with this model. Spacey spoke about the topic at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, saying that Netflix’s approach makes it easier for many shows to thrive than on traditional TV with the current pilot-then-production method.

Spacey stars in the critically-acclaimed Netflix original program “House of Cards.”

Series such as this one and prison comedy drama “Orange is the New Black” have broken into the mainstream alongside shows from traditional television networks.

However, the Netflix difference between these series and the traditional networks is twofold. The lack of commercials keep filmmakers from appeasing advertisers to fund content, and viewers can binge an entire season in their own time, whether weekly or in one sitting.

The last fact shows the true nature of how television has changed in the time of Netflix.

According to a 2013 Nielsen survey, almost twothirds of Americans binge watch shows, while almost 80 percent of Americans watch these shows on their own schedule.

In this way, many television viewers play a more active role in the television watching process, using technology for their viewing needs. Media and technology analyst Richard Greenfield told Auletta that this shift has made a new modern paradigm for TV. “We now live in a world where every device is a television,” Greenfield said to the New Yorker.

@KaleyKayPatt Imagine Dragons gave the millennium a new perspective of rock’n’roll in 2012 with their first album “Night Visions.”

This year the Las Vegas native band attempted to do the exact same with their sophomore album “Smoke + Mirrors.”

In October 2013, Imagine Dragons released their first single, “I Bet My Life,” from their new album. A week before the songs debut the band released hints by using pictures and lyrics on Facebook and Instagram.

Fans became hyped to hear something brand new from the creative artists, but after the song was streamed, it took some fans a couple listens to get a feel for the somewhat new song.

“I Bet My Life ” has a beat similar to “Night Visions” first single “It’s Time” – boom, clap, boom, boom, clap – except an angelic gospel choir often rings in behind front man Dan Reynolds’ ranging vocals. There’s a reason the band released “I Bet My Life” first from their new album; it sounds similar to their previous success.

When Imagine Dragons released “Night Visions,” the album peaked at number two

on the Billboard 200 chart and the week of its release sold the most records for a debut rock album since 2006. “Smoke + Mirrors” has not seen the same success. The album currently sits at number two on the top album downloads list on iTunes, and is not ranked on any Billboard charts. But “Smoke + Mirrors” has had good luck in the UK: Imagine Dragons claimed their first number one album in that country.

“Smoke + Mirrors” not-soquick-gain was also affected by Drake’s Beyonce-inspired drop of his EP “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” Drake surprised everyone with the release, and his EP became the most streamed album on Spotify - leaving Imagine Dragons’ anticipated and well advertised sophomore album in the dust.

“Shots” and “Gold” were two singles released after “I Bet My Life” in the new year.

Both of the songs start off the album, which is a good choice by Imagine Dragons because they’re two of the better songs on the record.

Like most Imagine Dragons songs highlighting a specific instrument – such as the drums in “Radioactive” – the electric guitar plays the same intensifying rift throughout “Shots.”

“Gold” is catchy and will stay in listeners heads all day.

Reynolds lets his screams out while everyone else stomps and claps along. But neither “Gold” nor “Shots” look promising for the same success as “Radioactive” – even though both songs seem to be groomed for that purpose.

The songs after “Gold” – “Smoke and Mirrors”, “I’m So Sorry”, “I Bet My Life”, “Polaroid” and “Friction” – is the best series of songs on the album. Placing the best songs in the middle of the album seems to be a pattern now typical to Imagine Dragons.

“Friction” and “I’m So Sorry” are the more rock oriented songs on “Smoke + Mirrors,” and rocking out is something Imagine Dragons does well.

The songs after “Friction” rock a little less and a little slower – showing Imagine Dragons’ weakest points.

Imagine Dragons did well to sound like themselves on “Smoke + Mirrors.” There wasn’t much creativity from the band when compared to their first album which seems to be more of risk-taker then their second. Sophomore albums are usually the make or break records for bands that rose to success quickly with their first album. Hopefully the next album they touch actually turns to gold.

Tribune News Service

Former glory: Imagine Dragons received a Grammy for Best Rock Performance in 2014 for their album “Night Visions”. The band released their sophomore album, “Smoke + Mirrors” on Feb. 24.

8

Sports

March 2, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

Leal’s journey from beyond the arc Krista Pylant Sports Editor

@KristaPylant8 Before Brandi Leal started playing basketball for the Lady Aggies, she almost lost her left leg in an ATV accident during her junior year of high school.

On Sept. 6, 2010, Leal traveled with some friends to ride ATVs on a ranch two hours outside of her hometown of Amarillo, Texas.

Toward the end of the trek, Leal rode down a hill that had a ditch at the bottom. As she neared the trench, she decelerated too quickly, causing the fourwheeler to tip to the left.

Leal stuck out her left leg in an effort to stabilize the machine, but the weight of the ATV overpowered her as it f lipped, causing the brake handle to drive through her leg.

Gasoline began to pour out of the four-wheeler onto Leal. As she turned the key off, she realized her friends already went over the next hill.

“The guys are in front of me, and I don’t know how I keep my cool,” Leal said. “I’m just chilling there because they are ahead of me. I can’t scream. There’s no hearing my voice over their motors.

“Luckily, they turn around and see me. They come back and we’re just

sitting there, like, ‘What do we do?’ We know it’s really close to my artery. I have no idea if my bone is broken because my adrenaline is going.”

Leal used her shirt as a tourniquet to stop the blood f low while her friends worked to pull her from the ATV. Despite the serious situation, Leal said she found humor in the process.

“The funniest moment though,” Leal said “was I was looking at the fourwheeler, and I see f lesh hanging off of it, and we just look at that, and we start cracking up. It kind of helped the moment because I could really see in their faces that they were really panicked. I was really thankful for that.

Somehow, it just enlightened it.”

Once freed, Leal Photo courtesy of Mike Mazzo began the trek back to Amarillo. Not her parents who warned her realizing the seriousness not to ride that day. of the injury, she went to “Everything is good,” Leal an urgent care clinic before said.

“I’m thinking, ‘Mom, going to an emergency Dad, I’m just a hardheaded center that was packed. girl.

In two weeks, I’ll be Eight hours later, doctors back in basketball. I’m sorry called Leal back to clean I did this.’” the wound. During that Nurses suggested Leal time, Leal said she began stand up and move around, formulating an apology for

but when she did, she became sick and her leg began to swell. Ten minutes later, a CT scan revealed her wound developed gas gangrene, a bacterial infection that eats muscle tissue.

“It’s like Grey’s Anatomy,” Leal said. “My

doctor’s in my room, and he’s like, ‘A ll right, we need a decision now. I never had a gas gangrene case. [If] we medivac her to Dallas, she immediately loses her leg because her life is going to be on the line by then. The gas gangrene with be past her hip and moving to her heart, but they are the most experienced with it, or you can leave her here just in case something happens.’”

Leal’s family elected to keep her in Amarillo in an effort to save her leg.

She went straight into surgery, but complications arose.

After Leal’s lung collapsed during an attempt to put PICC lines in her heart, doctors placed her into a medically induced coma for five days.

When Leal awoke from her coma, her mother explained to her that her leg was still not guaranteed, but her condition was stable.

During the healing process, Leal said she wanted to see her leg, but the hospital staff refused.

“I asked so many questions,” Leal said. “I was curious, but they were so afraid. My nurse told me, ‘We can’t show you anything

because we’re just so worried that if we show you, you’re just going to give up.’ I still didn’t understand because I was kind of young, but I got better.”

After spending over a month in the hospital, Leal’s leg improved enough that doctors could stitch up the wound. Shortly thereafter, Leal was released from the hospital and began physical therapy.

Even though she had to relearn how to walk, Leal said she was back on the basketball court that December.

“I remember the first time,” Leal said. “We went to a Mansfield Tournament right after Christmas, and my coach put me in to shoot a three. So, I go in, shoot the three, and I make it. I wobbled back to the bench, but I was on the court that year. Now, I’m here. I love the journey.”

Now a junior at Cameron University, Leal averages 13.4 points a game and is the program’s single season three-point record holder.

Leal said she strives to keep her lively attitude everywhere she goes.

“I found after my accident that positive energy is highly important in life,” Leal said. “From ball, to class, to faculty, Cameron as a whole provides the energy I need to continue the journey.”

Cameron shocks Angelo State on Homecoming Haley Swinford Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Mike Mazzo

On Feb. 21, the men’s homecoming game tipped off against Angelo State.

The Aggies sought to break their two game losing streak and go out with a win at the last home game of the season.

The game started off slow with neither team on the board after the first two and a half minutes. ASU opened up the scoreboard after their fourth attempt on the basket. Cameron turned over the ball allowing Angelo State to make a three. Cameron was now down by five.

The Aggies started to make a comeback to limit the deficit to 14-13 before ASU fouled Jamaal Brantley. After sinking one of his two free throws, Brantley tied the game at 14 points.

Cameron fouled ASU

during a three point shot, giving them three free attempts allowing the Rams a three-point advantage.

After a grueling battle for the lead, Cameron went into the locker room at the half leading by 4 points, 41-37.

The beginning of the second half saw Cameron lose their halftime lead. The Rams hit a three for a onepoint lead over the Aggies.

Cameron tried to retaliate, but Angelo State rebounded a missed layup. ASU took the ball down the court to extend their lead further with another successful three.

Cameron slowly chipped away at ASU’s lead to tie the game with just over a quarter of the half left.

The rest of the game stayed within two possessions.

Both teams kept it close, exchanging the lead several times.

With 3:28 left, Desmond Henry made his first of

two free throws to earn the Aggies the lead at 70-69.

ASU went down the court, missed an attempt at the basket, and lost the rebound to CU. Henry capitalized by making a layup in the paint to extend Cameron’s lead to 73-69.

With nineteen seconds left and Angelo State down by four, the Rams made a three to cut CU’s lead to one.

Deondre Ray was fouled and took the line to shoot two. He sunk both of them to give Cameron a cushion.

ASU made another layup to cut the Aggie’s lead back down to one, but Henry sealed the deal with a dunk off a fast break with three seconds left in the game.

The final score was 81-78 with Cameron as the victors.

The men’s basketball team is now 12-13 overall and 4-9 in the Lone Star Conference.

Lady Aggies roll past Angelo State to 79-54 victory Krista Pylant Sports Editor

@KristaPylant8 A strong first half by the Lady Aggies paved the way for a 79-54 homecoming victory over Angelo State on Feb. 21 in the Aggie Gym. Earlier in the week, an Angelo State upset over Midwestern allowed the Lady Aggies to reclaim the second seed in Lone Star Conference play. Cameron used that momentum to return the win against Angelo to ensure the Black and Golds stay near the top of the standings.

After the game, senior guard Jazzmine Robinson said she knew from the beginning that Cameron would secure the win against the Rambelles.

“Going into the locker room,” Robinson said, “everyone had good energy. We were just ready to go out and attack.”

Cameron started the scoring action first after Sasha Carter drove through the Rambelle’s defense to take it to the rim. Angelo State responded with a jumper from Keanna Kelly to knot the score at two.

Angelo State never came close to the Lady Aggies again.

Another layup from Carter advanced the score 4-2 and Cameron retained its lead for the remainder of the game.

The Black and Gold’s scoring continued in the first

half after a pass over the middle proved costly for the Rambelles. Robinson nabbed the ball and drove up the court on a fastbreak for a layup between two ASU defenders, bringing the score to 8-2.

Even though Cameron leads the conference in three point percentages and field goals per game, the Lady Aggies had trouble recording three-pointers early in the game.

The program’s single season three-point record holder junior Brandi Leal missed her first three shots from behind the arc, but found success on her fourth attempt off a defensive rebound.

Leal said her teammates encouraged her to keep shooting in spite of the slow start.

“They [teammates] give me my energy. They believe in me, and they tell me to keep shooting, so that’s all I had to do – just keep shooting – and then we look and I start making them.”

Leal executed five consecutive three-pointers in the first half, paired with three points earned from the foul line, to lead the team with 18 points overall on the night. Fellow three-point shooter senior Jade Herl also added a successful shot from behind the arc.

Robinson said Leal and Herl’s contributions propelled Cameron’s momentum toward the end of the half.

“The three-pointers gave us a lot of energy,” Robinson

said. “They’ve been shooting [amazingly] – can’t really ask much more from them.”

With a 13-0 run toward the end of the half, Carter capped off the hot scoring with a jumper at the buzzer to give CU a 46-26 advantage heading into the locker room.

In the second half, the Aggies never let off of their double-figure lead. Their largest advantage was 25 points from the spread of the final score, 79-54.

Leal said she attributes the win to Cameron’s defense.

“It felt like it was meant to be because pieces are finally coming together,” Leal said. “We know we can beat teams.

Honestly, everything that came tonight was because of defense. Shout out to the post, because posts aren’t easy to guard, and they did really well tonight. We got stops and rebounds and that’s what we needed.”

Next, the Lady Aggies will battle Midwestern State for the number-2 seed in the LSC Tournament on Feb. 28 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

According to Leal, good defense and energy will be the key to victory against the Mustangs.

“The way we’re going into it is like any other game.” Leal said. “Except this time, we’re going to beat them. We need it to steal that second seed spot and have a nice little BYE in the conference tournament and just keep going from there.”