TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, November 22, 2010
Volume 85 Issue 9
Informing Cameron Since 1926
Cadets take Ranger Challenge By Rachel Engel News Editor
Up for the challenge: Members of the Cameron Army ROTC athletic team prepare to particpate in one of the many physical events at the Ranger Challenge at Camp Gruber, Okla. on Oct. 8-9. CU teams placed first in their categories, and were rewarded with two bronze trophies.
Cameron University’s Army ROTC athletic team won first place at the annual Ranger Challenge at Camp Gruber, Okla., on Oct. 8-9, beating out nine other schools for the top honors. Due to the high number of volunteers, two teams were created for the challenge, a male team and a coed team, and both teams placed first in their categories. Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Rod Boles said that placing first has a positive impact on the team in a number of ways. “It’s an honor because it shows that you’re the top school in Oklahoma and Arkansas in the “It gives them a sense of Ranger Challenge,” teamwork. When you go he said. “It’s a sense of accomplishment. At through something that’s the end of the event, we hard and difficult with were provided with two other people, it makes large trophies that we display in our trophy you closer to them, case. Additionally, [the and you learn about cadets] receive a tab that teamwork. That’s part of says ‘Ranger Challenge’ that they can proudly being a leader.” wear.” — Lt. Col. Rod Boles Participating in the event also creates Professor, Military Science strong bonds between the team members, and helps them learn to take charge in future situations, Lt. Col. Boles said. “It gives them a sense of teamwork,” he said. “When you go through something that’s hard and difficult with other people, it makes you closer to them, and you learn about teamwork. That’s part of being a leader.” CU’s Army ROTC athletic team has a history of producing high marks in the Ranger Challenge, with last year’s team coming in second place. “Cameron is tradition rich, and does well about ever year [in the Ranger Challenge],” Lt. Col. Boles said. “We’re blessed in that arena.” The cadets trained for a month prior to the competition under the guidance of Senior Military Science Instructor Master Stg. Tony Franzen.
Courtesy photos
See CHALLENGE Page 2
Job well done: Cameron Army ROTC athletic team members come together with their first place trophies. The team improved upon their second place performance at last year’s Ranger Challenge.
Turkey Trot promotes health, philanthropy By Megan Bristow Collegian Staff
With all the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls and pumpkin pie, it can be difficult to remember to stay active during the Thanksgiving holiday. To combat this, the Cameron University Fitness Center designed a plan to help students and faculty keep the pounds off this Thanksgiving while helping a local food bank. Fitness Coordinator Lendi Gourley used ideas from her previous experience at Northwestern Oklahoma State University to promote a healthy competition dubbed “The Turkey Trot.” The Turkey Trot is an effort between participants to reach 80 miles of either walking or running before Nov. 21. Kamyia Nash, an 18-year-old Medical Technology freshman and a participant in the challenge, described the event as just another reason to run. “I love running,” Nash said. “The Turkey Trot just gives me another opportunity to run. As of November 10, I have already run 60 miles in the past 10 days. I’m going to run 12 more today and eight tomorrow to finish this up.” The Turkey Trot is more than just a competition, however; it is also an effort to give to community members who may be less fortunate. Gourley explained that participants in this competition would be doing more than just racing to the prize. “Participants in the Turkey Trot have to bring a canned food item to be able to compete. Their donation will go toward a good cause and benefit the Lawton Food Bank,” she said. The Fitness Center has teamed up with Cameron’s Gamma Usilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma to gather donations for the community. This chapter is responsible for picking the donations up from the Fitness Center and transporting them to the Lawton Food Bank where they will be used to feed hungry stomachs in the area. Although the humanitarian effort was not the reason that Nash joined the
challenge, she is happy to be able to give to others while she runs. “I’m really glad that there are more than just a few people participating,” she said. “We are able to benefit others and maintain fitness at the same time.” The first place winner of this year’s Turkey Trot completed the challenge in
SEE TURKEY Page 2
Graphic by Megan Bristow
News
A&E
Sports
Opinion
CU Music Department adds a new major.
Art student gains national recognition.
Cameron basketball season begins.
CU takes time to listen to students.
SEE PAGE 2
SEE PAGE 5
SEE PAGE 6
SEE PAGE 4
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News
November 22, 2010
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Music Department adds degree By Ricardo Thompson Newswriting student
A new degree program has been added to the Cameron University Department of Music after approval in April of 2010 by the Oklahoma Higher Regents. Students can now major in Music Education, a program designed to give students the tools to become music educators at the high school level. The degree program was approved for implementation in the fall of 2010 with expected graduates in spring of 2013. Music Department Chair Dr. James Lambert said the degree plan will aid students who want to teach music as a profession. “The primary goal of this program is to prepare students to become high school orchestra, band or choir directors in public schools in the state of Oklahoma,” he said. The program is licensed in the state of Oklahoma with reciprocity of licensure with all 49 states, allowing graduates to apply and work outside the borders of Oklahoma, Dr. Lambert said. “The program is accredited by three agencies: the Higher Regents of the State of Oklahoma, the office of Chancellor Glen Johnson, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) under the counsel of Dean Ronna Vanderslice and the National Association of Schools of Music,” Dr. Lambert said. For entrance into the program prospective students attend auditions in which they display their specific skill sets.
“Students must, in their first semester, display proficiencies in their instrument and receive passing grades in Harmony I, Sight Singing I and Piano proficiency,” Dr. Lambert said. “These proficiencies serve as gatekeepers for advancement in the program.” In order to attain junior standing and advance to solo senior recital, after four semesters of study students must display junior level skills in repertoire selection, sight reading and technical skill development. Complementary to the development of music proficiencies, students are immersed in the science of teaching as part of the degree program. Students who complete this program have a concentration of 33 hours of Education course work, 10 of which are practical in-classroom activities. Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Ronna Vanderslice feels that the real-world experience the students can gain from the program is beneficial. “Students get the opportunity to work full-time with real students,” she said. “Prior to which students are involved in smaller field experiences.” Students are involved in basic lesson planning, issues in education and current issues facing students in the introductory courses of the program. Gradually students are introduced to more complex coursework and hands on experience. “Advanced course work includes dealing with children who have special learning needs, developmental appropriate practices and classroom management,” Dr. Vanderslice said. The program is tailored to give students a balance between music theory and practice with the art of teaching. “This program is the perfect balance between content and education for students who want to teach or share their craft,” Dr.Vanderslice said.
CHALLENGE continued from page 1 The teams competed in a number of physically challenging events, such as their scores on the Army Physical Fittness test, day and night land navigation, a first-aid combat obstacle course, a hand grenade assault course, as well as a written examination for the challenge. “In the first-aid combat obstacle course, there were different obstacles they had to run and jump over, one where they had a 100 pound rucksack that they had to take with them,” Lt. Col. Boles said. “They also had a litter carry with a person physically on the litter, so they had to do low crawling in dirt and under barbed wire. It was a timed event.” Cameron’s Army ROTC program was selected as the top ROTC battalion in the brigade in 2009, which consists of 36 schools throughout eight states, and Lt. Col. Boles feels the students and faculty are a big part of their success. “We have great students, really the cream of the crop,” he said. “In Army ROTC, we really do have a blend of former soldiers that are in our program, and we do have a lot of traditional students that come from high school. I also think the faculty here that train our students are outstanding.” Lt. Col. Boles also attributes credit to the university’s relationship with Fort Sill. “One of the most important, I think, is our partnership with Fort Sill,” he said. “It starts at the top with President Cindy Ross and commanding general Maj. Gen. David Halverson at Fort Sill. We have the opportunity on Fridays when we conduct our leadership lab to conducting training at Fort Sill, a military installation. I know that many other universities do not have that opportunity, so we’re very thankful for that.” Students participating in Cameron’s Army ROTC program are on track to be commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army as active-duty, Army Reserves or Army National Guard soldiers.
TURKEY continued from page 1
Solutions on page 3
just 10 days. Heather Doslich, a 23-yearold Math senior ran 80 miles to complete the challenge on Nov. 9 and will receive the Fitness Center’s prize for winning this event. The second place prize goes to Nash for completing her 80 miles on Nov. 10. Doslich admitted that prize offered by the Fitness Center was her motivation for persevering through those last few days. “I don’t normally run 10 miles a day,” Doslich said. “I was doing it for the prize. The fact that it benefitted the Lawton Food Bank was an extra plus.” The Turkey Trot is just one of the Fitness Center’s new calendar additions this year. Gourley says that this is the first year that the Fitness Center has done so many challenges, and she expects the event to return again next year. In order to sign up, students should bring a canned food item to the Fitness Center, and start walking or running to promote personal fitness and also provide a dish for those who may be wondering where their next meal will come from. Although a winner has already been recognized, Gourley says it is not too late for students or faculty to participate. “I would love for them to still participate,” she said. “They can see how many miles they can record as we count down the days to Thanksgiving. However, no prizes will be given out since we already have our winners.” Students can obtain more information about how to participate in this year’s Turkey Trot by stopping by the Fitness Center or contacting them at 581.5546.
November 22, 2010
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News
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Aggies host prospective students By Tiffany Martinez Newswriting Student
never regret,” President Soon-to-be high school graduates had the opportunity Cindy Ross said. “A degree to get a feel for what Cameron is something no one can ever take away from you.” University is about at the Vice President of Student Aggie Sneak Peak on Nov. 6, Services Jennifer Holland an event created to educate took the podium shortly after potential incoming freshman the opening of the meeting on what it means to be an and Aggie and shared a college “Five student. “College is about more things The than just what happens in every CU event was the classroom. It’s about freshman held in the second meeting people and learning should know”. f loor about yourself.” The list ballroom included of the — Jennifer Holland the McMahon Centennial Vice President history of the Complex. Student Services university The event mascot, featured Ole’ Kim, student and faculty leaders addressing learning the fight song, getting concerns and commonly asked involved on campus and taking questions relating to Cameron advantage of free food. “College is about more University, and college life in than just what happens in the general. classroom,” Vice President “Attending college is a Holland said. “It is about decision you will absolutely
Frequently Asked Questions: Cameron students Jordan Lindsey, Cody Gardner, Brandi Goldsmith and Corey Medley answer questions from the audience at Aggie Sneak Peak about what it means to attend Cameron University and what to expect as an incoming college freshman. meeting people and learning about yourself.” Both President Ross and Vice President Holland
Photos by Amanda Harris
Just browsing: Prospective students ask questions at an organizational booth at the Aggie Sneak Peak on Nov. 6. Potential incoming freshman were given the chance to see some of the services available on campus and learn more about student life.
discussed subjects such as affordability, scholarship programs and student organizations. “Cameron has the second lowest tuition and fee rate in the state of Oklahoma,” Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Jamie Glover said. “We are also very proud to say that the university has given away 1.8 million dollars in scholarship form to students this past year.” Departmental advancements were also recognized during the convention. “In my opinion, Cameron University has the best Communication program in the state,” Vice President Holland said. “The students get so much hands-on experience with equipment in comparison to what they would be receiving at larger universities.” Vice President Holland said the one-on-one attention that the faculty is able to give students is something that makes CU unique. “There is a 20-to-one student to faculty ratio here at Cameron,” Holland said. During the Aggie Sneak Peak, prospective students had the chance to ask current Cameron Aggies about their choice to attend CU in a question and answer session. Twenty-year-old sophomore and Foreign Language major Corey Medley said school
spirit is abundant at Cameron, even taking in consideration its smaller size. “Be proud to bleed black and gold,” he said. “Cameron may be a small university but we truly do have the heart of a big university.” Participants were treated with a visit from Ole’ Kim alongside the CU cheerleaders, while leading the room in the university fight song. Annie Dao, a 17-year-old Eisenhower High School senior, said she benefited from the experience. “The Aggie Sneak Peek taught me a lot of things I didn’t know about the university,” Dao said. “My favorite part was learning how to make the pick axe sign.” Following the speakers of the Aggie Sneak Peek, Aggie Ambassadors offered campus tours to the prospective students. External and internal views of CU buildings were accessible during these tours, as well as the opportunity to speak with professors in any particular area of interest. “Cameron has undergone great transformation in recent years; but one constant we will always have at this university is putting the needs and education of our students first,” Vice President Holland said.
Opinion
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November 22, 2010
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Thank you for listening Cameron
The following editorial is the view of the Cameron Collegian editorial staff. With CU’s slogan being “Every student, every story,” one of the goals of Cameron University is focusing on the students as much as possible. Cameron strives to actively serve the student body in every conceivable way. This goal extends to many aspects of the campus, and the Collegian is no exception. As a student newspaper, the Collegian is afforded the same protection under the First Amendment as other newspapers around the country, which are shielded from censorship and prior restraint. The Collegian Opinion page appears in every issue and features columns written by members of the editorial staff: columns covering any subject or topic. While the columns appear in the Collegian, they do not necessarily ref lect the view or opinions of anyone other than the writer. The writers of the columns freely voice their opinions without fear of censorship, or prior restraint of content by the adviser or administration. This semester, our Opinion page has featured a variety of columns, some of which raised concerns about a problem or an issue the THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY writer felt needed COLLEGIAN to be addressed. We have published Founded in 1926 columns that shed light on the problems with veritas sempiterna the soda vending machines on campus, a column
questioning Cameron’s academic calendar and a column addressing Cameron’s Diversity Day program. Despite the fact that these published columns discussed issues related to the university, Cameron’s administration never tried to intervene in or prohibit the publishing of such columns. Conversely, the administration reads the issues presented on the Opinion page of the Collegian and does its best to address the perceived issues. The manner in which the university takes the voices of its student journalists to heart is quite remarkable. It testifies to both the administration’s passion of focusing on its students and how the problems students bring to light are viewed with a sense of importance. On numerous occasions, our administration called multi-person meetings in attempts to figure out how to solve the problems raised on the Collegian Opinion page. The staff of the Collegian thanks the administration of Cameron University for caring enough to read our publication and take the issues raised in it seriously. We value the fact our opinions are important enough that the university finds it plausible to find a remedy for any problem presented. Your involvement in solving students’ on-campus issues is clear evidence that Cameron really is about “Every Student, Every Story.” Thank you for listening to your students, CU.
Government moving to increase Internet privacy By the Los Angeles Times
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Michael Faggett Sports Editor - Amanda Cantu Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett, Kyle Luetters
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Alyssa Knerr, Dianne Riddles, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft, Taylor Brunwald Circulation Manager - Clayton Gould Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan
Newswriting Students
Megan Bristow, Shaniqua Brown, Jarred Burk, Maria Cepeda Pilataxi, Ashley Del Ciello, Ippi Elliott, Ashleigh Fletcher, Chaney Gibson, Nicole Grzecki, Amanda Harris, Tiffany Martinez, Elijah Morlett, Ronald Phillips, Ishia Saltibus, Amber Spurlin, Brandon Thompson, Ricardo Thompson, Ricky Warren, Jeffrey Williams, Brittany Wolfe, Lana Ochilien
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Christopher Keller
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.
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 or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial 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.
Washington is gearing up to take a more active role in regulating Internet privacy, responding to growing public concern about the amount of personal information being collected and shared without users’ knowledge. There may be a role for the federal government in promoting transparency and limiting unwanted disclosures, particularly those made to government agencies. But policymakers should focus on real harms, not imaginary ones, and remember that rapidly changing technology could quickly render their strictures obsolete. Until now, the federal government has
relied largely on the private sector to set and enforce standards for protecting privacy online. As early as this week, however, the Commerce Department is expected to release a report that declares these efforts at self-regulation insufficient. And the Federal Trade Commission, which has been conducting its own review, may require that sites offer Internet users a simple way to block their personal information or browsing habits from being collected, if they so choose. Much of the hand-wringing about the information shared online seems to stem from a misunderstanding of how advertising networks work and the role they perform. In most cases, advertisers have no interest
in knowing which individuals are receiving their pitches they just want to make sure that they’re directing the right message to each group. That sort of “profiling” by ad networks can be good for consumers because it cuts the amount of irrelevant ads they confront, while also generating the revenue needed to let sites provide more content for free. Problems occur when sites disclose information that users had expected them to keep private, or when information collected about a consumer’s browsing causes them to be treated less favorably _ for example, when it’s used to steer them to credit cards that carry higher interest rates. Federal law already may
provide remedies for such abuses, though, so part of the solution is in better enforcement of existing rules. Still, the Internet’s interactivity, which allows sites to extract information surreptitiously from the people who peruse their content, makes it fundamentally different from other information outlets. And aside from restrictions on collecting information from children, federal law provides no guiding principles for online privacy. Although Washington shouldn’t try to micromanage the Net, it should make clear that websites have a duty to help users manage their personal information effectively, giving them the chance to understand the tradeoffs they’re making and to choose wisely.
A&E
November 22, 2010
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5
Student artist earns national recognition By Megan Bristow Newswriting Student
Rebecca Dierickx-Taylor is an acclaimed artist with a recently added seventh national exhibition to this student’s list of previous artistic accomplishments. Juror Lynne Allen, the director and a professor of Art at the School of Visual Arts at Boston University, honored Dierickx-Taylor this month by selecting her artwork to be displayed at the Clemson National Print and Drawing Exhibition. This 43-year-old Art student’s linoleum print, “Still Standing at 442” will be featured this spring in the Lee Gallery, located in the Art department at Clemson University. Dierickx-Taylor is excited by this recent honor and credits the faculty and staff of Cameron’s Art Department for providing her with the instruction needed to develop her skills into showcase quality. “I am thrilled to have been juried into this exhibition,” she said. “The Art Department faculty at Cameron University has enabled me to achieve this while still being a student. The instructors have given me the skills and knowledge needed to create my art. Along with those skills, they have encouraged me to push myself beyond my own boundaries. I consider each of
the instructors as my mentor. Professor Katherine LiontasWarren’s encouragement for me to enter competitions has enabled my art to be exposed and accepted on a national level. “ The acceptance into Clemson University’s exhibition came only a few days after the same piece of art was accepted into the Boston Printmakers 2011 North American Print Biennial, one of the oldest and most prestigious exhibitions in the nation. The Danforth Museum of Art will feature her piece of art for viewing this spring. Juror Jim Dine, a modern artist, accepted Dierickx-Taylor’s piece to be displayed. Having Jim Dine as the juror that selected her artwork to be accepted into the exhibition was an added bonus for Dierickx-Taylor. “What made this particular show even more special was the juror. Jim Dine is a very famous contemporary artist,” she said. “If I go to my art seminar books, he’s actually in them. This is a contemporary artist that I studied, and he liked my work. That’s a big thing.” The national recognition that Cameron’s talented artist is earning, Art may seem like her calling in life. When she was a little girl, her mother realized the artistic talent that her daughter possessed. “I always wanted to be an artist,” Dierickx-Taylor said.
Dandelion Days: Rebecca Dierickx-Taylor’s piece “Dandelion Days,” is one of her numerous recognized paintings. DierickxTaylor’s work has been displayed in seven national art exhibitions.
“When I was young, I was always doodling and drawing. My mother would tease me and say that I was going to be her little artist when I grew up. She would say to her friends, ‘You watch my words; my daughter is going to be a famous artist someday.’” However, her plans eventually changed due to her high skill levels in mathematics. “I started off at the University of Iowa as a Pre-Pharmacy major. I ended up joining the military to help pay my way through school. I earned a degree in nursing, and I was a critical care nurse in the army. I met my husband while I was in the army. We had children so I got out of the army to become a stay-at-home mom.” After moving to Oklahoma with her family, Dierickx-Taylor returned to creating art at the encouragement of her husband. “My husband told me, ‘Go back and do what you want to do.’ Even though I have always loved art, this is the first opportunity I have really had an outlet to do it in,” she said. Dierickx-Taylor plans to complete this stage of her second career in May 2011 when she is scheduled to graduate from Cameron with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts. Instead of choosing a specialization like a majority of students do, Dierickx-Taylor has chosen to specialize in all three areas of Printmaking, Painting and Sculpturing. In addition, she plans to expand her skills to include encaustic painting in the near future. “I really want to try encaustic painting,” she said. “Encaustic painting is where you take wax, usually a pigmented wax, and you create a painting with that wax. You can incorporate mixed media and collage in an encaustic painting. I plan to do that in the next six months.” After graduation, DierickxTaylor would like to continue her education through a Master of Fine Arts program. However, due to a family relocation and a
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Dierick-Taylor
Perfecting her craft: Rebecca Dierick-Taylor is nationally recognized for her art. The Clemson National Print and Drawing Exhibition included Dierick-Taylor’s “Still Standing at 442” (pictured below) in its gallery. lack of nearby schools, her goal is to open a studio, create art and make her work available to the public. Even with her award-winning artistic skills, Dierickx-Taylor explains that she does not do it because she has talent, but because she enjoys it. “I never thought I had a talent. I just enjoy doing it. I get lost in my art. I never necessarily thought I was good; I just loved doing it so much,” she said. However, after just earning her acceptance into a seventh national exhibition, few would argue against the fact that she possesses talent. A talent that is recognized and respected from those she claims as mentors, including Professor Kathy Liontas-Warren. “Rebecca is a very talented artist, and it is rewarding to see that her work is being selected for inclusion in so many national exhibitions,” Professor
Liontas-Warren said. “I applaud her creative vision and her dedication in actively pursuing many professional activities in printmaking and painting.” It seems that DierickxTaylor’s mother was right when she told her friends that her daughter would one day be a renowned artist because Dierickx-Taylor has certainly earned acclaim at Cameron University, and continues to excel on a national level.
Art courtesy of Rebecca Dierick-Taylor
Concert band preps for fall performance By Rashmi Thapaliya Variety Editor
The Cameron University Concert Band will perform its Fall Semester concert on at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 in the Cameron University Theatre. Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Roy Couch will conduct the band in this classical music instrumental concert. Dr. Couch said the band will perform classical pieces featuring a classical style of instrumentation. The instrumentation will include winds, brass, flute and percussion. Two faculty members will perform with the band in the concert: Dr. Karla Oty, Director of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accountability will play French horn, and Dr. Ann Bradfield, Assistant Professor in the Music Department will play saxophone. Dr. Couch said that any student attending Cameron could be a part of the band. “The band is open to music majors and non-majors,” Dr. Couch said. “Students on campus who like to play or have played in high school are welcome in the band.” Dr. Couch said that the band rehearses three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Dr. Couch also said he continues to research music that fits with the makeup of the band. Jennifer Nixon, a freshman Music eEducation major will play flute in the concert. She said she has been playing flute for seven years and is excited about the concert. Kirstie Bridges, a sophomore Mathematics major, will play flute and piccolo in the concert. “I love playing and am dedicated to music.” Bridges said. “I want to teach Math as my profession and still be involved in music for fun.” Quinton Williams, a sophomore Music major, will play timpani, which is a percussion instrument. He said that he too is excited about playing in the concert together as a team. The Concert Band’s performance will include: “Kirkpatrick Fanfare” by Andrew Boysen, Jr.; “Brazilian Folk Dance Suite” arranged by William Rhoads; “Voices of the Sky” by Samuel Hazo; “Fantasy on Yankee Doodle” by Mark Williams; “The Vanished Army” by Kenneth Alford; a composition by John Carnahan entitled “…and the antelope play”; and “Symphonic Suite” by Clifton William. Dr. Couch said the concert is an opportunity for the students to experience preparing music, a central part of their curriculum. He said through these concerts, students practice being professionals in the field of music. He also said that the concert is a community outreach which is a part of the mission of Cameron University. “As a musician I will say that this is why we work so hard on our craft.” Dr. Couch said. “We want to perform for people and communicate among the community members through our music.” Admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students/senior citizens. Cameron University faculty, staff and students are admitted at no charge with CU ID.
Sports
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November 22, 2010
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Women’s basketball spilts openers By Michael Faggett A&E Editor
Typical of any new start to a season, Cameron’s women’s basketball team has some strengths to display. Also typical of any season’s fresh start, the team has some weaknesses to improve. The Aggies opened the 2010-11 year with a 76-64 victory over Texas A&M-International. Guard Josie Stewart led the Aggies in the contest scoring 22 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Transfer guard Nicole Pendarvis chipped in 16 points, seven boards and six assists. The team followed its season-opening win with a close loss to Newman University 75-70. Pendarvis led the team in scoring with 19 points and also dished out five assists. Forward Sabelle Diata scored 13 and had four rebounds. Head coach Tom Webb said he was pleased with the team’s effort during the first two games of the year. “We played hard,” Webb said. “We need to function better offensively, but overall I’m pleased with our effort.” Pendarvis was a factor in the team’s overall effort. Thus far, she’s averaged 17 points, five
Photo by Jim Horinek
Points leader: Junior Nicole Pendarvis puts up a jump shot in the game against Newman Universty. Pendarvis led the team in scoring in the match-up against Newman. In addition to her outstanding offense, women’s basketball coach Tom Webb credited Pendaravis for her great defending and rebounding.
board assists. Webb said her play has helped the team. “Nicole has done a great job of rebounding, defending and not being selfish,” Webb said. “She took good shots and passed to her teammates when they were open. That’s what we need from our point guard.” Another factor has been the play of Stewart. After averaging 18 points and six boards last year, the lone senior on the squad has started the season in the same fashion averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game. Webb said he feels the team’s strength offensively is its ability to shoot. “We shoot the ball well,” Webb said. “Transition wise, we look good, but we have to pound the ball more inside.” Webb said part of the team’s improving its interior play comes with getting Diata settled into her role. The junior college transfer from Senegal is suffering from a knee injury, and Webb said she is still learning the nuances of the team’s offensive plays. “[Sabelle] can play insideout,” Webb said. “She is getting more comfortable on the perimeter and does a good job of
playing inside. Now it’s a matter of her getting comfortable with where she needs to be when she needs to be there.” In addition to Diata’s play, Webb said the development of freshman post Lacy Reinke and the health of post Sharna Hoosier will help the team inside. “We have to be able to throw the ball inside and score from the post,” Webb said. “We’ll be able to do that as Lacy grows as a post and Sharna gets more comfortable inside as well.” Webb said post play, in conjunction with rebounding, taking care of the basketball and defending will help the team play better and be a tough matchup for opposing teams. “If we do those things, we should be good late in the season,” Webb said. Webb also said those factors help the team in its push to make its first Lone Star Conference playoff appearance under the third-year coach’s tenure. “That’s what we’re pushing for,” Webb said. “We want to get better with every practice and game. We have the talent, now it’s time to accomplish our goal of getting to the playoffs.
Svajlen ties for sixth in pro event By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
Former CU golfer and current graduate assistant to the Aggie men’s golf team Peter Svajlen tied for sixth place in the Cyprus Lakes Open. The tournament was held Nov. 8-9 at the Cyprus Lakes Golf Club in Cyprus, Texas, and is one of 12 events in the Adams Golf Tour winter series. Svajlen opened the first day of the tournament with a 71, which was 1-under par. He came back the next day to shoot 3-under with a 69. Though the Slovakia native was pleased with his 4-under finish, he was slightly frustrated. “I was disappointed because I bogeyed the last hole after hitting a good tee shot, but at the end of the day I was very pleased,” Svajlen said. “My goal was 3-under, and I shot 4-under, so I am very happy.” The tournament marked the third professional event in which the former All-American has played. Svajlen feels that he was very competitive and that he can continue to be competitive with
the other players. “I felt I could beat most of those guys on a regular basis,” Svajlen said. “Some of the guys were really solid though. The guy I played with the second day, Shawn Stefani, he was just really solid, but I was with him all day. We were both 5-under going into the 15th hole.” Svajlen, who picked up $1,021 in prize money for his finish, said playing in the tournament was a bit unexpected. “I only decided to play the tournament two weeks before it began. But, it fit my schedule and I was playing well; plus, I’ve been really anxious to play again, so I decided to do it,” Svajlen said. Svajlen said his experience at the Cyprus Lakes Open has him eager to keep playing on the pro-circuit. “I really liked playing again,” Svajlen said. “Provided that the weather is good and I have the time to practice and am playing well, I will compete in another Adams Tour event in December.” More information about Svajlen’s golf career can be found at petersvajlen.com.
Photo by Bennett Dewan
Making his way: Peter Svajlen chips onto the green during a tournament. Svajlen has actively been working to make his way onto the pro tour and recently finished in a tie for sixth at the Cyprus Lakes Open.
CUNA, SOCA host cricket match By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
The Cameron University Nepalese Association (CUNA) and the Students of the Caribbean Alliance (SOCA) competed in a cricket match on Nov. 13. The match was held at Cameron Stadium and was the third match between the two organizations. CUNA won the match by one wicket with a score of 137136. The club relied heavily on standout Ricky Shrestha who had 72 runs in addition to his three wickets. Shrestha’s outstanding performance earned him the honor of being named “Man of the Match.” CUNA Vice-President Bishwa Subedi said Shrestha’s honor was well deserved. “Ricky was an all-around player for us. He had good fielding, good hitting and good bowling,” Subedi said. Subedi said the match was very contentious, coming down
Photo by Hem Raj Gurung
Man of the match: Ricky Shrestha prepares to bat in a cricket match hosted by CUNA and SOCA. Shrestha was named “Man of the Match” after scoring 72 runs and earning three wickets. to CUNA’s last batter to secure the win. “At the end of the match we needed three runs to win,” Subedi said. “Pravesh [Koirala] came to bat and hit six. He saved the
match for us.” Subedi said that members of CUNA as well as SOCA enjoyed themselves and that playing cricket once again reminded them of home.
“The game was really fun. Since we are so far away from home, it felt like we were playing a game with friends near our house,” Subedi said. The CUNA Vice-President
credited Cameron for making the match possible. “For many people, Lawton seems small, but, because of Cameron, it is diverse and various students from across the world are represented. Because of this, the world’s second most popular game was played in Cameron Stadium,” Subedi said. "Though people in the U.S. don't know much about cricket, the game allows people here to picture aspects of other cultures which may have been hidden previously." The clubs have plans for another match in the future and Subedi said that he hopes the next match draws a bigger crowd. “We are planning to have another match next semester, but we want more people to come watch us next time,” he said. Subedi also said that the competition brings out the best of both organizations. “Cricket is a good medium to show that we have common identities,” Subedi said. “Through cricket we can build friendships by interacting with each other.”
Sports
November 22, 2010
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Basketball men open season with wins By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
The Aggie men’s basketball team officially opened the season last weekend with wins over two teams from the Heartland Conference. On Friday, Nov. 12, the men took on the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Dustdevils, winning the game 62-51. CU kept the Dustdevils to only 13 points in the first half, while the Aggies put 24 points on the board. Both teams came back to score 38 points in the second half. The men’s basketball coach Wade Alexander said that he was pleased with his team’s defense in the match-up. “We played pretty well defensively. We didn’t execute on the offensive end very well, but overall we stuck to the game plan,” Alexander said. Newcomer Thomas Razor was CU’s most prolific scorer with 18 points. In addition to Razor’s impressive offensive skills, Cameron had 36 rebounds compared to TAMIU’s 32. The Aggies also grabbed seven steals, while the Dustdevils had zero. The Black and Gold were again victorious when they faced Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) on Saturday, Nov. 13. The men won 73-63 and sophomore Vinicius Telo led offensively by putting up 24 points for the Aggies. Telo, a 6’8 forward from São Paulo, Brazil, missed
all of last season due to an Achilles injury and made his second appearance as an Aggie in Saturday’s game. Alexander said Telo is continuing to make progress since coming back from his injury. “He is getting better. It’s just going to take time. Now, he’s played two games in two years. By Christmas, he should be playing really well,” Alexander said. On defense, Senior Nathan Murray blocked four shots and pulled 11 rebounds, which was more than double that of any member of the OPSU team. Alexander was happy to come out of the game with a win, but was disappointed with certain aspects of the game. “Defensively, we just kind of showed up,” Alexander said. “We weren’t really guarding guys. We were more concerned with playing offense. While that’s what we want, we can’t let up defensively.” What Alexander was most impressed with in the season’s first two games was the team’s free throw shooting. The Aggie men shot 69 percent of free throws against TAMIU and improved to make 91 percent of free throws against OPSU, missing only two of the 22 shots attempted. “We’re shooting free throws really well,” Alexander said. “That’s really been the biggest surprise.” There is still room for defensive improvement, however, according to
Alexander. “Our defense needs to continually improve. We need to get it solid before we move on to offense or anything else,” he said. Looking to the men’s next home match-up against Hillsdale Baptist on Nov. 22,
Cross-country coach Matt Aguero said he was happy with Korir’s conference performance. “Julius ran pretty well. The top guy was about 30 seconds ahead of him, but Julius fi nished within seconds of the second and third place guys, so that was pretty good for him,” Aguero said. Before the LSC Championships, Korir set a career best time in a 10k race at the Arkansas Chile Pepper Invitational, with a time of 30:57.23. Though the CU runner was pleased to have done so well, he said he is always looking to improve. “I ran well and was happy to have set a personal best time. I tried my best, but I always want
to do better in every race I run,” Korir said. The Kenyan-native’s showing at the Chile Pepper Invitational earned him the honor of being named LSC Runner of the Week earlier this season for the second time in his career at Cameron. The Aggie runner said that, no matter his results in any one race, he is always looking toward the next one and said preparing for a race requires both physical and mental strength. “You can be very strong physically, but that means nothing if you don’t have the right mentality. You have to coordinate physical strength with mental strength, Korir said. “Running is very strategic. You always have to be thinking of how to run the next race.” Aguero said that Korir’s role on the team is an important one. “To have a strong team, you have to have a top runner, and Julius is our top runner,” Aguero said. “We know that he is always going to have a top five or top 10 fi nish, and that helps us as far as points go.” The cross-country coach also said that the characteristics Korir brings are critical to the squad. “Julius brings a really great work ethic to the team. It’s good for the other guys to see that,” Aguero said. “Julius also has an amazing ability to recover. He’s able to come off a race and be ready to run again in no time.” In addition to his accomplishments as an athlete, Korir has been recognized for his merit in the classroom as well. Earlier this month, Korir was named to the LSC Cross Country All-Academic team. The CU junior was among five men selected for academic and athletic success. To be eligible for the team, each runner must maintain at least a 3.30 grade point average. Korir acknowledged that he
Alexander said his team needs to focus on defense. “We need to continue to improve our defense to be competitive against Hillsdale,” Alexander said. After taking on Hillsdale, the Aggies will face Tarleton State in their first Conference
game of the year. Alexander said his men should expect a tough fight. “Playing Tarleton is going to be a typical Conference battle. It’ll be grinded out and ugly, and there are going to be a lot of fouls,” Alexander said.
Photo by Jim Horinek
In the huddle: The Aggie men’s basketball team huddles together before their game against Oklahoma Panhandle State University. The team opened their season with two back-to-back wins. Men’s basketball coach Wade Alexander said he has been impressed with the squad’s free throw shooting, but said the team still has some defensive improvements to make to their game.
Korir continues to lead cross country By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor
After being sidelined for the beginning of the season due to a knee injury, Aggie crosscountry runner Julius Korir has been a standout for the team, leading the men in every race in which he has competed. The CU junior and native of El Doret, Kenya recently took fourth place in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Championships, fi nishing the 8k race in a time of 24:35.16. Korir’s impressive fi nish at the conference race earned him All-Conference honors for the second time in his career as an CU runner.
Photo courtesy of Matt Aguero
At the finish line: CU Junior Julius Korir approaches the finish line in the Lone Star Conference Championships. After coming back from a knee injury, Korir has led the cross country team in every race that he has competed in this season.
was proud of his achievement. “I was really excited. I’ve been working hard to keep a good GPA,” Korir said. “It’s exhausting to run and keep good grades as well, but I’m glad I could do it. Aguero also expressed his appreciation for Korir’s accomplishment. “Julius works just as hard in the classroom as he does in
training,” Aguero said. “I’m really proud of him.” Before leaving for the Regional Championships, which were held on Nov. 20 in Warrensburg, MO, Korir expressed his goals for the rest of the season. “I just want to run my best. That’s what I want in all of my races – to do my best,” Korir said.
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Variety
November 22, 2010 www.aggiecentral.com
From far and wide: Registration for Research Day takes place as individuals are outfitted with nametags and other materials. On Nov. 12, hundreds of participants from throughout the state converged on the CU campus to take part in the yearly event which is designed to promote cross-institution and cross-disciplinary research.
Poster Presentation: The poster presentations for the research day were set up in a series of rows in the Fitness Center. Students and faculty from many different institutions presented their research in poster format for those in attendance to view.
Photos courtesy of Public Affairs
Banquet: Dr. Tony Wohlers, Associate Professor of Political Science and Oklahoma Research Day 2010 coordinator, addresses the participants during the banquet.
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