COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
Monday, March 30, 2009
News
Volume 83 Issue 19
Shepler Towers seeing changes By Jim Horinek Collegian Staff
CIA sending recruiter to campus. SEE PAGE 2
A&E
At the end of the semester, Cameron will begin renovations to one of the floors in North Shepler. This floor is destined to become an experimental housing system that, if successful, could change the face of CU student housing. Once the renovations are complete, the North Shepler Dormitory will have three new options for campus living. The new suite system will allow students to have one to three roommates yet still retain a level of privacy. Casey Case, CU’s Director of Student Housing, said the North Shepler suite system will be housed on the seventh floor. Aside from the need for an update to housing options, there are a couple of reasons why this floor was chosen. “The School of Business will be relocating from the seventh floor of North Shepler to the new Business Building,” Case said. “We realized that since we already have a lot of things that need to be done to get that floor ready for residents again, we might as well go ahead and try this experiment.” Krystle McCorgary, the Cameron Women’s Hall Director, said the Shepler Suites are being created to fill the demand for updated dormitory housing. The idea is one that has gone over very well with many of the current Shepler residents.
Photo by Jim Horinek
Tall order: A worker prepares the exterior surface of South Shepler to be weatherproofed. The exterior surfaces of the Shepler Towers will be sealed to help protect the structure from moisture and maintain a controlled temperature.
See SUITES Page 3
R/TV student wins state award. SEE PAGE 5
Sports
Student targets riflery competition “I began learning about guns and gun safety as soon as I was old enough to pick up a gun, at about age four or five.” — Holly York Business Administration Junior Photo courtesy of Steve Miller/Lawton Constitution
‘The Contender’ winner offers outlet for local aspiring athletes. SEE PAGE 6
Voices
Taking aim: Junior Holly York lines up her sights during a practice session. York is a Cameron student and accomplished markswoman. York has won several competitions and hopes to snipe a spot on the USA Olympic Shooting Team.
Collegian Staff Holly York, a Junior Business Administration major and Art minor, has qualified to compete in the Junior Olympic Shooting Championship this April. York earned qualification in January by taking first in the women’s 3x20 three position small bore rifle competition at the Texas State Championship. The three positions are prone, which is lying down, kneeling and standing. If York places well, this could land her a spot on the USA Olympic Shooting Team. York is originally from Del Rio, Texas, and
is now a resident of Altus. York’s father is a hunter, a gunsmith and owner of a gunshop, and as the local 4-H Project Manager it was only natural that York began to learn about guns and shooting at a young age. York goes on regular hunting trips with her father to Colorado and says that this hobby is something that has fostered their relationship. “I began learning about guns and gun safety as soon as I was old enough to pick up a gun, at about age four or five,” York said. “I didn’t start shooting until I was about seven or eight years old.” York then followed in her father’s 4-H
footsteps as she competed in matches regularly until her high school years. “My main goal then was to win the Texas State 4-H championship both individually and as a team,” York said. “During my senior year, I won first and I became the individual champion.” York later went on to compete in various NRA and USA shooting matches throughout high school. In June, York will also compete at the USA Shooting National Championships and plans to continue to compete in various matches in an effort to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Benefit lunch to be held to support ill student By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff
Some moviegoers find ‘Watchmen’ character offensive. SEE PAGE 4
After one of their own was diagnosed with Lupus, Cameron’s own International Club students are doing what they can to raise money to help pay for medical bills. Sharmaine Hanna, a Computer Information Sciences Senior, has been fighting the disease, which can
cause extreme pain and swelling among other conditions, for many months. Marcella Gustafson, the faculty advisor for the International Club, said Hanna was transported to Norman Regional Hospital after her condition worsened. “She started out here at Comanche County Memorial. She had to be taken up there because they have treatments at Norman
that they don’t have down here,” Gustafson said. “Her mother flew in and thought she could stay at her off-campus apartment. But she’s had to go to a new city to be with her daughter.” Medical bills began to pile up, and International Club students wanted to help. One of them, Denise Joseph, decided to organize a lunch to raise money. The lunch, which will be held at
11 a.m. on Tuesday in the Student Activities Building, is being prepared by the students. Gustafson said they are trying to spend as little as possible so they don’t have to cut into the funds raised to
See BENEFIT Page 2
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News
March 30, 2009
Foreign language offerings bring CIA to CU By Joshua Rouse
in the region between the University of Texas in Austin and the Collegian Staff University of Kansas. The Central Intelligence Agency “Even then, a lot of these is looking for a few good Cameron languages just aren’t offered in the students to join its ranks. majority of the country,” Dr. Stanley Recruiters for the CIA will be said. “These recruiters can’t just go on campus at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday anywhere to recruit, so they go to in Nance Boyer room 1076 to tell certain agencies and universities that students about teach these what the CIA languages.” offers those who “These are primarily Dr. are interested. Stanley foreign language Dr. George understands Stanley, a recruiters, but they have many people Professor have a knowledge of the other of Foreign common idea Languages, said directories in the agency.” of the CIA the recruiters are as an agency primarily looking by guys — Dr. Stanley run for Foreign like Jack English and Foreign Bauer and Language majors, but anyone who Languages Professor Jason Bourne with cloak is interested and dagger in a job with the agency is operations. welcome to attend. He said there is that aspect of the “These are primarily foreign agency, which is a very small part. language recruiters, but they have Someone interested in a job with knowledge of the other directories in the CIA doesn’t have to want to be a the agency,” Dr. Stanley said. spy; Dr. Stanley said there are many This is the third time in recent jobs available that never require the memory that the recruiters have person to leave the office. come to Cameron. “Any big agency needs all kinds Dr. Stanley said the reason the of people,” Dr. Stanley said. “They recruiters frequent Cameron is need people who know different because of its expanded Foreign languages. It doesn’t necessarily Languages department and the mean you’ll be in the field. It might numerous languages taught. mean you read secret documents. Or Cameron offers many language you might be reading newspapers classes that are not taught anywhere from Russia or China or something
like that. Or you could be an analyst.” Dr. Stanley advised anyone interested in showing up at the recruitment Tuesday to go to the CIA’s Web site at www.cia.gov. The agency has a listing of jobs that are available and he said people can use that site to narrow what jobs they might be interested in. “It’s important for people to go to the site and see what’s available,” Dr. Stanley said. “There might be something there that you’ve never thought about before.” The recruiters aren’t going to hire anyone on the spot Tuesday. Instead, Dr. Stanley said they will advise the students on what career opportunities are available and answer any questions students might have. He said there is the potential that if they see someone who meets certain criteria or has an excellent skill set or credential, they might accept an application there. Otherwise, the agency takes applications over the Internet. “If you feel you qualify for one of these positions available, don’t be afraid to apply online,” Dr. Stanley said. “While you’re there, they might
MCT Campus
even give some special information to expedite the process.” Seating will be limited at the recruitment and Dr. Stanley wanted to make sure everyone who’s interested in joining the CIA will have a place and cautioned those who might attend without being seriously interested in working for the agency. “I never know how many people
are coming, but I want to make sure that the people who are really interested in this as a career will be able to listen instead of someone who just wants to come by for the heck of it,” Dr. Stanley said. “It’s for Cameron students who have thought of a career with the agency. It’s not for people who don’t like the agency and are coming to complain. Write your congressman, don’t come here. It’s a very serious recruitment effort.”
BENEFIT continued from page 1
See page 5 for solutions.
“We’ve planned on 100 tickets and that’s what I’ve printed out,” Gustafson said. “Each ticket is $5, and we’re trying to raise as much money as we can.” If tickets are sold out, Gustafson is still accepting any donations on behalf of Hanna. The International Club students have already raised $280 and the department added an additional $500. Gustafson said any money donated will go directly to the family. “There have already been people coming by and donating money and we encourage that,” Gustafson said. “For most people, when medical bills get so high that they can’t pay, Medicare or Medicaid will step in and help pay for them, but since she’s an international student, she’s excluded from that.” All international students are required to sign up with the university’s health insurance through Academic Health Plan. Gustafson said Hanna’s health insurance plan has done an excellent job of helping with the medical expenses, but there’s a limit to how much the insurance company can pay out. The hospital has also accommodated her mother in a hospitality house, but there is still a fee. For now, Gustafson said the plan is to make sure Hanna is stabilized and the insurance company will pay to f ly her and her mother back to the Bahamas where she can continue her treatments. “That was planned for March 17, but her condition worsened, and they had to keep her here longer,” Gustafson said. Gustafson has been impressed with the outcry for support from all of the international students on campus. She has traveled to Norman several times to see Hanna and students have ridden with her on some occasions. The Cameron Baptist Ministry has gone to visit Hanna in the hospital as well. “These international students, they all have to follow the same regulations and they’re away from their families and they become a group that feels like they belong with each other,” Gustafson said. “With that feeling, they’ve all stepped up to do what they can.” Hanna has completed 106 hours and was planning on graduating in the fall. Those plans have been put on hold until she can recover. Gustafson said Hanna’s biggest regret about missing the rest of the semester isn’t the dropped classes, but the missed opportunity she’ll have to see many of her friends graduate. “She has her computer at the hospital and she’s been keeping in contact with everyone,” Gustafson said. “She plans on coming back as soon as she can and finishing her degree up. But she’s going to miss her friends’ graduation and she’s really disappointed with that.” Student who would like to donate to Hanna’s fund, contact Marcella Gustafson at 591.8019.
March 30, 2009
News
3
SUITES continued from page 1 “I think it will be better for a lot of students because people do like their friends and roommates,” McCorgary said. “But the situation right now is that some of them just need more space. This system allows them to have the roommate, but still have their private space when they need it.” The suite system on the seventh f loor will feature three different f loor plans. One of the options will consist of suites which house two students who will both have private bedrooms and share a living area. Another option that will be available to students is a three-bedroom setup. This f loor plan will feature a single living room with three adjoining private bedrooms. The difference is that, in this three-bedroom suite, there will be one large bedroom and two smaller bedrooms, and the student who inhabits the larger bedroom will pay a slightly higher rent. The final option that will be offered will house four students. This f loor plan will feature four individual bedrooms and one living area. In addition to room renovations, there are also plans to update the bathrooms to make them more modern and accommodating. The new housing system is the brainchild of Case. In 2005, when he started working at Cameron, Case suggested this as a way to update the housing in the Shepler Towers. “I started at CU in late 2005,” Case said. “That summer I drew this idea on a piece of paper for Dr. Larry Cruse, who was the Vice President of Enrollment Management at the time, and I said, ‘what do you think about this’?” After their meeting, Dr. Cruse asked Case to make a more detailed version of the drawing. Case then made a rough example on Microsoft Paint, which was later presented to the Graphic courtesy of Casey Case CU Administration. It was then decided that this was The Case plan: This rough architectural drawing was made by Casey Case, something that should be Director of Student Housing, in 2005. Case presented the idea of turning the done. Shepler dorms into suites when he took the helm of Student Housing in 2005. “So it was one of those things where it was like, ‘that is a great idea but we have
Photos by Jim Horinek
Through the looking glass: Two construction workers work to replace a window in South Shepler. All of the windows in the Shepler Towers will eventually be replaced. several other projects going on right now’,” Case said. “So with so many other projects it kind of had to get to the point where we were truly ready.” Earlier this year it was decided that the university was ready for Case’s idea and the plans were set in motion. The construction is set to begin in mid-May and is slated for completion by the beginning of August. Although the construction of the suite system is not yet started, there is currently another very large project underway at the Shepler Towers. All of the windows in both the North and South Shepler buildings are being replaced. Currently, there are crews working on the south face of South Shepler. Occurring at the same time is an extensive resealing project. The entire exterior surface of both buildings will be coated with a sealant that will greatly increase the heating and cooling efficiency of the buildings as well as their resistance to moisture.
Graphic courtesy of Student Housing
Construction continues all over campus Light work: (Left) Two Physical Facilities employees prepare to mount a new street light along D street north of the Cameron Village.
Hot tin roof: (Below left) A pair of construction workers mount sheet metal on the roof of the quickly developing McMahon Centennial Complex.
Photos by Jim Horinek
Waiting patiently: (Right) A steel pole awaits the moment that it will become a permanent fixture that will shed light on the campus. Last week several new lights were installed along D street.
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Voices
March 30, 2009
‘Watchmen’ experience marred by R-rated exposure
Who watches the Watchmen? A lot of people have since Zach Snyder’s adaptation hit theaters in early March. It did my heart proud to see the movie earn nearly $60 million on its opening weekend. I’ve contributed to its box office total by seeing it three times in theaters despite getting an early press screening. The movie deserves every viewing that it can get. As an avid fan of both the graphic novel and the movie, I’ve been listening to many of the complaints people had about it. The movie is nearly three hours long, there are no recognizable superheroes in it, there’s very little
action and it’s a much deeper and more thoughtprovoking affair compared to recent superhero blockbusters like “Iron Man” or “The Dark Knight.” All complaints are very valid and understandable. “Watchmen” isn’t for everyone. But there’s one comment that just floors me every time I hear it: the full-frontal nudity of one blue demigod. No, Dr. Manhattan does not wear pants throughout the majority of the film. Yes, there are numerous scenes where he walks unashamed of MCT Campus what he is. After all, the man is beyond human and therefore does not see the point of wearing clothes, except to appease the qualms of mere humans. Sure, the shots could have been avoided, but it’s not like there’s a giant flashing arrow pointing to Dr. Manhattan’s midsection. If anything, the shots are handled very tastefully and there’s always something else going on somewhere else on the screen so your eyes shouldn’t move straight toward it. This is something that has always baffled me. Americans don’t have a problem with violence, blood, gore or anything else that involves mutilating or maiming. After all, I
lost count of how many people were blown up by Dr. Manhattan. One scene even shows the bloody mess of broken bones and internal organs dripping from a ceiling. One guy has both arms cut off. Boiling oil melts another guy’s face. This is not a movie for the faint of heart. Most people didn’t have a problem with the constant, in-your-face ultra-graphic violence. They do have a problem with nudity. What is so bad about seeing a man fully naked? Ok, that could be a bad question. What is so bad about seeing Dr. Manhattan, a blue demigod, naked; especially considering the movie is an R-rated comic book movie where there are so many people eviscerated into bloody messes? It seems like nudity would be the last thing on my mind. Have you ever heard of a movie called “I Love You Phillip Morris?” It has nothing to do with big tobacco. It stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor as prisoners who fall in love with each other. When McGregor’s character is released from prison, Carrey’s character escapes four times to be with him. Yes, it is a movie about love between two men. And guess what? The movie will never see the light of day on a big screen. Even in the face of “Brokeback Mountain” people can still not get around the fact of seeing male nudity or gay relationships. It’s the 21st century people. Fifty years ago, we thought we would be living on the moon by now. Instead, we’re quarreling about whether a natural part of the human anatomy
should be shown or whether men should be together on screen in sexual ways. The ironic aspect of this is how we’re completely opposite of many European countries. Take Germany, for example. Sex and nudity are accepted there. It’s not something that’s flaunted around normally, but nudity isn’t locked up behind closed doors under penalty of death. However, violence is completely shunned. Many video games are banned from Germany, or the blood has to be edited out. While both approaches seem absurd, at least censoring violence is more logical than censoring nudity. Violence is harmful, logically. Nudity is a part of being human. The whole situation reminds me of a “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode that discusses the origins of the android Data. Data was created on a colonized planet in another part of the galaxy. His creator, Nunian Sung, made him completely anatomically correct. Because Data wasn’t affected by the elements, he never wore clothes and ran around the colony completely naked. The colonists protested it until he finally put clothes on. It was a funny episode and something that I keep remembering every time I hear someone complain about the nudity in “Watchmen.” The even more absurd aspect is how Laurie Jupiter a.k.a. Silk Spectre II, has multiple sex scenes and is seen with no bra on. Her nipples are shown in more clarity than Janet Jackson’s nipple-slip, which subsequently ruined every Super
Joshua Rouse
Bank accounts can experience wedding jitters without planning
Bowl half-time show until the end of time. But no one complains or makes a big deal about that. No, it’s Dr. Manhattan who draws all of the attention and ire. Let’s face it people, the movie is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for a reason. Many of those reasons are the massive amounts of blood and gore that will accost your eyes. But another reason is the nudity. If you have a problem with that, don’t go see the movie. But do your research before you do. It’s stupid to complain about nudity in a film if its presence was already known. And if you took your children to it, well perhaps you shouldn’t be mad at Snyder from filming the scene, you should be mad at yourself for taking your child to an R rated film to begin with.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief - Joshua Rouse News Editor - Jim Horinek A&E Editor - Bira Vidal Sports Editor - Bennett Dewan Copy Editor - John Robertson Digital Editor - Kyle Luetters Circulation Manager - Katie Batule
Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kerry Myers Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Raven Weiss, Monica Garner, Justin Cliburn, Jeramy Eidson, Megan Mefford, Cecilio Ramirez, Nicole Roames, Melissa Rogers, Jacob Russell, Saman Samii, Rashmi Thapaliya, Pamela Vaughan, Lauren Bennett, Solitaire Merrill and Jory Palmer.
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 Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Letters Policy
Summer is the most popular season for weddings and can also be a hectic time for Cameron students trying to balance finals and marriage plans. Many men do not understand the stress their fiancés deal with during this special time. From a very young age, many women dream of her wedding day complete with specific details. Quite often, these particulars are not practical or affordable, but they are so engraved in the bride’s mind that she feels cheated without them. The white horse, the fantasy garden and the orchestra playing “Here Comes the Bride” are examples of the niceties that have become requirements in the mind of the wife-to-be. However, as reality sets in, so does disappointment, and this begets a very stressful engagement. For starters, the strained economy casts an unpleasant shadow over the couple’s happiness. In the past, it was common for the bride’s parents to pay for the entire wedding, and many newlyweds still enjoy this parental generosity. However, for people trying to pay for the wedding themselves, financial struggles are around every corner. Even a “cheap” wedding has hidden expenses. Plastic spoons, forks and napkins along with extras such as the rehearsal dinner can add hundreds of dollars to the cost. Many of these things are not seen as large expenditures, but the money adds up. According to www.costofwedding.com, a Web site dedicated entirely to such expenses, the average wedding is more than $20,000, not including the ring or the honeymoon, which are costly to begin with. The pressure to put on a good party for the guests and still save money for the marriage to come can be overwhelming. Furthermore, the very people expected to calm the nerves of the bride and groom often add a whole new element of anxiety. The constant complaining from the groomsmen and bridesmaids is enough to make any couple elope.
The wedding party gripes about everything from the color and fit of the dresses to the difficulty of gathering grooms from different area codes. In certain instances the bridesmaids and groomsmen are responsible for paying for attire, and this leads to other disagreements in price and style. That’s not even getting into the joining of the two families. The mother-of-the-bride is emotional and must be catered to at all times, and the motherof-the-groom is seemingly very judgmental of her son’s future. Even the best in-law relationships have difficulty adapting to one another. The bride and groom often feel torn between the desire to further their own agendas or please the families. However, weddings do not have to be terrible or stressful. There are several things a bride can do to make things easier for herself. To minimize costs, the couple can book photographers, and even chefs, who are new to the field. Many venders will provide discounts while building their portfolios, and they have great attention to detail because they are still excited about the job. To alleviate some anxiety, many chapels include the décor, the music, a wedding assistant, and food. Many engaged couples, especially those trying to finish school, will benefit greatly by cutting any corners in cost or planning time.
Jorie Palmer
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@ cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060.
Our Views The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
A&E
March 30, 2009
5
Art show to display CU seniors talents By Rashmi Thapaliya Collegian Staff Cameron’s Senior Art Exhibition is going to take place at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Great Plains Museum. The theme of this years exhibition is transparency. There are 14 graduating students taking part in the show this year. The students include Ea Na Ha, Amy Curtin, Jon Bazor, Viviana Seca, Ann Morris, Heather Lucy, Ciera Schibi, Matt Mowatt, Bryan Kowena, Bonnie Emert, Lindsey Morris, Jessica Milliman and Brian Narcomey. Edna McMillan, Chair of CU’s Department of Art, also teaches a course called Senior Art Exhibit that prepares the students for the real thing. McMillan said the event is a chance for students to be introduced to the pressures of showing off their art. “This class is an opportunity
for the students to work as a group and be professionally prepared for the presentation,” Mc Millan said. Ciera Schibi, a Senior CU Student Worker and Art Major helped come up with the theme for the exhibition. “I talked to the seniors and we decided to do something bright which also matches with the theme of the transparency. Then I came up with this design,” Schibi said. Ann Morris, another participating Senior said that the theme was important to the idea of working in a group but retaining individuality. “Our transparency theme means that we are working in a group, but each of us has our own perspective. So each one has their own style, and transparency is seeing their own different work,” Morris said. Bonnie Emert contributed for the group by preparing all the labels for the cards and artwork
labels for the show. She said that she enjoyed working in the group of people with different individual talent. Matt Mowatt, another Senior participating in the Art Exhibition said that it was good to work in a group and help each other. The Seniors said that they are all waiting for the day when they will present their work. They have been working hard for this day the whole semester. In fact, they have been preparing and looking forward for the Senior Art Exhibition since their first or second year at Cameron. Edna Mc Millan said that the Seniors will be gathering at the Museum of The Great Plains on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The director of the museum will talk to the participants about the policies of the museum and help students hang their work. The Senior Art Exhibition is a part of the program requirement
Photos by Jim Horinek
Creative expectations: (Left) Seniors Jessica Milliman and Lindsey Morris prepare for the upcoming Art exhibit. (Right) Professor Edna McMillan and Director for the Museum of the Great Plains John Hernandez discuss the plans for the event. for getting the Bachelors of Art and Bachelors of Fine Arts degrees and has been taking place since the establishment of CU’s Department of Art.
The opening night for the exhibit is April 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit will run until April 25 and is free and open to the public.
OAB recognizes sophomore R/TV student’s accomplishments By Justin Cliburn Collegian Staff A familiar face on campus has been recognized for his achievements by being one of only six students in the state to receive a broadcasting scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year. Kyle Luetters, a 20-yearold Sophomore and Radio and Television Broadcasting major, will receive a $2,000 scholarship on April 17 at the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters annual convention. Mr. Steve Adams, Assistant Professor of Communications, told Luetters about the scholarship opportunity.
“Mr. Adams informed me of the scholarship, and I promptly filled out the application,” Luetters said. “I asked Dr. [Matt] Jenkins to write me a letter of recommendation, and we sent it all off.” Luetters is the most recent in a long line of CU broadcasting students to receive such an award. “We have a student once every other year or so receive the scholarship,” Mr. Adams said. “We always make the scholarship information available, but it is up to the students to pursue the opportunity.” In order for students to be eligible for the award, they have to meet five requirements including: be enrolled in an Oklahoma college or university; be a junior or senior; maintain a “B” average; be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and plan to go into broadcasting after graduation. The OAB Education Foundation awards only six such scholarships per year throughout the state. Luetters
credits those around him for the success that resulted in the OAB recognition. “I really need to thank Mr. Adams, Dr. Jenkins, Dr. [Christopher] Keller and Mr. [Tony] Allison for the opportunities and equipment to accomplish all of this,” Luetters said. “I also need to thank [CU students] Cecilio Ramirez and Jenyann Roig for helping me put
everything together.” Luetters’ accomplishments at CU are numerous. He has been a part of “Film Geek,” the telenovela “Pasion Universitaria,” “In the Huddle,” the Aggie Video Network and “This Week in SGA” on CUTV as well as working as the first convergence editor for The Collegian website. Luetters has big plans for this summer and the future of the CU
Photos by Jim Horinek
Cameras and lights: (Left) Kyle Luetters prepares his video and audio material at the TV lab. (Right) Luetters experiences broadcasting live during the Presidential Inauguration.
broadcasting department. “I am currently producing our summer documentary, ‘One Dream: Dirt Track Racing,’” Luetters said. “We will be following drivers from different classes in the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. We will also travel to Knoxville in Iowa for a famous sprint car race.” The documentary will interview the up-and-comers on the small circuits as well as those already established in the field. “I have lined us up to talk to NASCAR great Kenny Schrader,” Luetters said. “We are currently working to get Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer and Kenny Wallace, among others. I am very excited.” When Luetters is not working on a CUTV production, he is busy with other projects, including a short film he plans to enter into competition soon. “I wrote, shot and edited a short movie about how one couple almost breaks up over a series of Facebook status updates,” Luetters said. “It’s called ‘OMG!’ and will hopefully be going into film festivals before too long.” Broadcasting students interested in applying for the OAB scholarship for 2010 - 2011 may contact Mr. Steve Adams at 581.2477.
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Sports
March 30, 2009
Local legend flourishes in lime-light By Cecilio Ramirez Collegian Staff Lawton’s “Contender” has been making a living out of proving critics wrong. Since his appearance on NBC’s “The Contender,” Grady Brewer remains dedicated to boxing and is bringing the sport back to his hometown. Like most boxers, Brewer grew up with boxing in his family. His father, uncle and brother helped him start at around nine years-old. When he was growing up, the city sponsored a local boxing team and provided transportation to a gym. “Everybody was talented,” Brewer said. “They stopped sponsoring the team when I was about 16 years old.” While he was attending Lawton High, Grady began to venture in to basketball. He started to receive more playing time on the court and his abilities got him noticed by a Kansas University scout which led to an athletic scholarship. However, Brewer put basketball aside to spend more time with his growing family. When Brewer was 28 another gym had opened up in town. By then, the “Bad Boy” had already won an Oklahoma Golden Gloves and Toughman Championship. “The Toughman win was my incentive to turn professional,” Brewer said. “My main goal has always been to keep food on the table. Sometimes that didn’t allow for the best training.” In 2005, Brewer was permitted to take leave from Goodyear without pay to try out for the first season of “The Contender.” Brewer did not qualify for the first season, but one year later, the show called him back and asked him to be a part of season two. Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer fought his way to the finals and out-fought former Super Featherweight Title holder Stephen Forbes, winning $500,000 in prize money and a new Toyota Tundra. He gave the truck to his parents and used the money to bring a boxing facility back to Lawton. “I want to help the kids get off of the streets like I did,” Brewer said. “I want them to turn whatever they’re doing into something positive.”
Now, the former “Contender” champ is not just a boxer, but a coach and mentor. Brewer has opened Bad Boys Boxing and Fitness on B Ave. next to the mall. “It’s in the mid-part of Lawton, making it accessible to the community,” Brewer said. “Boxing is a great way to get good conditioning and it relieves stress and anger.” Grady teaches a boxing training class at Bad Boys on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. He also offers a boxing aerobics class, specifically for those who want to get in shape and learn basic boxing on Monday and Wednesday. Personal training, group training and sparring are also part of membership. In addition to his efforts at his gym, “Bad Boy” Brewer is still a champion, dominating local promotional fights. His next match, the Falls-Town Beatdown, is scheduled for April 18 at Kay Yeager Coliseum in Wichita Falls. The fight starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at Kay Yeager and from Ticketmaster.
Photos by Bennett Dewan
Eye of the tiger, hands of stone: “Contender” Champion Grady Brewer (above right) jabs at focus mitts held by trainer Eddie Sanchez at Bad Boys Boxing and Fitness. Brewer (left) sits beneath three of the belts that he has won in his illustrious professional career. (below) A small portion of the training facility at Bad Boys Boxing and Fitness, complete with workout equipment, punching bags and a full sized boxing ring.
‘Contender’ champ gives back to city Spring into Fitness 1 Free training session (w/ coupon) All abilities welcome
By Jacob Russell Collegian Staff Lawton’s youth will soon have a new outlet to release angst, as Lawton native and “Contender: Season 2” champion, Grady Brewer, seeks to bring a boxing team back to his home town. It has been over fifteen years since Lawton has had a team dedicated to the “sweet science”, but it’s not something that has strayed too far from Brewer’s mind’s eye. “It’s something that will be great for the community,” Brewer said. “I remember being involved growing up and seeing how many kids it helped to keep off the streets and out of trouble.” Brewer is a firm believer that learning how to box as well as the hard work and training that is required to be successful in the ring can help shape the kids in this community and inevitably help stem the rising gang populations. “There is a sense of confidence you gain when you learn how to box,” Brewer said. “You get into the sport in every aspect and really you just don’t see the need for the guns and the knives. You have no need to prove yourself.” So who is Grady Brewer looking for to fill his boxing team? “I’m looking for anyone who can box and shows the want to get better at it. Age is not a factor,” Brewer said. There are around twenty spots available for the boxing team and it is not difficult to become a part of. All someone would have to do is become a member of the Bad Boys Boxing Gym and show the trainers and coaches that they are willing to put forth the effort to become better. There will be at least three coaches on the team and trainers to hone the skills of the boxers . As far as the fights go, the team will not be hurting for action. “We’ll have at least twelve bouts a year, not including tournaments all over the state of
Oklahoma for the boxers who I think are capable,” Brewer said. “I want to hold the bouts monthly at my gym or other locations available in Lawton to try to create a buzz for this team.” The team may still be looking for participants, but it will not go without a name. Brewer has already settled on a moniker for his boxing team. “Its simple, we fight here and train here, so…Bad Boys Boxing Team,” Brewer said. Brewer has been busy in the ring himself and does not plan on slowing down much. He has been training for the last couple of weeks for his upcoming fight against Delray Raines. Raines is coming in with a professional record of 15 wins: 10 by knock-out with only 5 losses. Brewer is
confident in himself and his training for this fight. “Well I am very positive about this one. I need to make a statement and get on this guy,” Brewer said. “Plus, I have been working harder in my training, so I am going in great shape. I’ve got to make sure my performance levels are up in each round and I maintain that.” The fight is the main event on a card that also features “The Comanche Boy” George Tahdooahnippah. The fights are on April 15 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Grady Brewer is also still looking for sponsors for his boxing team. If interested, please contact him at the Bad Boy Boxing Gym.
Sports
March 30, 2009
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CU Baseball team leaves competition in the dust By Jeramy Eidson Collegian Staff The Cameron Aggies can chalk their national ranking of 26, as of March 23, up to their tremendous efforts at the plate. Senior Nate Arevalo leads the team in hits, doubles, RBIs and batting average. Week after week, he continues to receive LSC Diamond Hitter of the Week Awards. He is second on the team with 8 home runs, trailing Thomas Dicker by one. Arevalo is definitely a leader by his classification, his performance at the plate and his defensive play. He has made one error all season at third base after making a transition from second base. Arevalo is not the only Senior to stand out this season. Outfielder Josh Barnett is batting .339 with 39 hits, making him third on the team. He also has 6 home runs and 23 RBIs. Senior Catcher Clint Powell tied the school record with 3 home runs in a single game in a series against LSC divisional foe UCO. Powell is another Senior that is contributing with 21 hits and 22 RBIs on the saeson. The CU bats have never been hotter. They lead the Lone Star Conference in home runs with 45 a whopping seven over second place Angelo State’s 38 home runs. Collectively, the Aggies are batting .323 and are second in the Lone Star Conference with a .537 slugging percentage. Scoring runs comes easy to the Aggies, too. Currently they are third in runs
T O M D I C K E R Photos by Bennett Dewan
scored with 265 and are second in RBIs with 246. The Aggies are in the top five in the majority of the major hitting categories in their conference. Although the bats are magnificent for the Aggies, they’re are not the only major factor in the Aggies’ success thus far. Pitching seems to be fairly dominant as well. In eight starts this season, Senior Pitcher Bard Bichel has compiled seven wins. Three times this season Bichel has pitched a complete game and once pitched a shut out. He leads the Aggie pitching squad with
38 strikeouts and innings pitched with 49.1. While a few players may stand out statistically, Holland does not feel he has a standout player. “I don’t feel that any of my players stand out. They all contribute in some way. None have surprised me either. When I recruited them I expected them to play well,” Holland said. The stats look great, but ask any player on the team and he’ll tell you stats mean nothing. Arevalo has said he would like to win 40 games. Coach Holland would like to win
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the Lone Star Conference. “My only expectations for this season is to win our conference,” Holland said. The Aggies currently sit third in the conference behind Abilene Christian and Angelo State. The Aggies have won or tied every series thus far this season. With seven games of ten runs or more, it’s not that hard to maintain a winning record. The Aggies have fifteen series left on the season before the Lone Star Conference Tournament on May 2. Ten of the fifteen series will be at
McCord Field. The series against Abilene Christian April 17-19 could be the deciding factor of the Lone Star Conference final standings. Abilene Christian (26-8) is ranked 7th nationally. If Cameron defeats the Wildcats, the Aggies could see their national ranking rise and their seed in the Conference playoffs increase. If the Aggie bats are alive against in-conference rival Abilene Christian, Cameron could see themselves on the way to a conference title and a possibility of a Division II tournament spot.
C L I N T
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Men’s tennis team a cross-cultural brotherhood By Saman Samii Collegian Staff Playing for the Cameron Men’s Tennis team has given me the pride I possess as I walk around campus. Being a part of a team gives a sense of belonging and even though the team is composed of many nations, the goal of winning brings us together. Whether it is Portuguese, Spanish or Swedish, no translation is necessary to show our passion for Cameron. The intensity of our team can be
heard a mile away before our match as we chant “CU dale, CU garra!” This translates to “Let’s go CU, let’s go!” The fire that burns within each player is an intangible quality that allows us to reach our potential. The intensity of match play can only be witnessed because no eloquent writer can adequately describe this passion, desire and fire, wrapped into each set. When I walk on to the court for a match, adrenaline pumps through my veins from the first ball of warm-up until the last point of the match. I consider myself a veteran of tennis, since I have been playing for fourteen years, but match play still remains exciting. Competition can bring out the true character of a person, and tennis brings out the best in me. Each opportunity allows me a chance to challenge myself once more. When down in a match and fighting to stay competitive, some people get angry and cave in to pressure or emotions, but when I find myself in a hole, I fight harder and show my determination. I can look to my left and to my right when I am on the court and see my team members fighting in adjacent courts with the same
Saman Samii
Photo by Bennett Dewan
determination I possess. This brings us closer together, and we are no longer individuals, but perform as a unit to obtain our goal of getting the win. Our team has become more like a family, a home away from home. With no Americans athletes, our diversity is unimaginable for most teams, but somehow we manage to help each other through the homesickness and rough times. Winning for Cameron University gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. Not only would I disappoint myself if I didn’t perform to my potential, but I would fail to pull my wight for my teammates and my coach. My expectations for my team are high, but I hold myself to even higher standards. Being a senior, my role is to be a leader and show the way for my teammates. The pressure and stress of being a student athlete can overwhelm anyone from a freshmen to senior, but with a strong leader, the backbone of the team can stand strong and proud. When I think of the future, I hope that in years to come, people will see our record and what I contributed to the team and the accomplishments of my fellow Aggies. Being a tennis player for Cameron University has allowed me to experience all of the emotions associated with competing at a collegiate level. When we won the Lone Star Conference in 2008, I held the trophy high with my teammates and thought back to all the hard work making this accomplishment possible. These are times I will never forget.
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Variety
March 30, 2009