COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Monday, October 10, 2005
News
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
The dirt on the ag department By Scott Pratt and Kathy Kelly Staff Writer and Copy Editor
Wondering how students like you managed to get jobs on campus?
Volume 79 Issue 7
Last week, students in Dr. Leon Fisher’s crop science class planted several types of canola on Cameron University’s seven-acre farm plot. The plot is located on the corner of 38th Street and Lee. Students rode on the back of a grain drill to make sure the seeds were distributed evenly around the plot while the drill dropped the seeds into the
PLEASE SEE PAGE 5
ground. The drill digs a trough in the ground, drops the seed and covers the seeds with dirt as it passes. “The plant can be a winter crop in Oklahoma much like winter wheat,” Fisher said, “because the winters in Oklahoma are similar to the northern climates where the crop is traditionally grown.” The canola crop is a round-up ready crop, meaning the crop can be sprayed with herbicides without being adversely affected by the chemicals. Fisher explained that there is increasing interest in crops of this type because farmers can plant them as alternatives to winter wheat and spray them to kill the weeds in their fields. Doing this allows farmers to have a saleable crop and kill weeds in wheat fields at the same time.
According to a paper published by the Jefferson Institute, canola does a better job than wheat at protecting soil from erosion, making it a viable choice as a rotation crop. Production costs are similar for wheat and canola. The plant is commonly used to produce canola oil. Two weeks ago the students planted 17 varieties of wheat on the plot. Last week they planted six varieties of canola, three of which are round-up ready and three of which are not. “The crops will be harvested next spring,” Fisher said. “The saleable qualities will be sold and the proceeds will go back to the university.”
A&E
Reviewer tags “The Day Room” as “euphoria of irony.” PLEASE SEE PAGE 8
Sports
Photo by Scott Pratt
Taking aim at annual gathering of mountain men. PLEASE SEE PAGE 9
Voices
Cameron acknowledges alumni Honoring 50-year graduates “Always and Forever” By Angela Sanders Features Editor
It’s that time of year again. Time to bring former Aggies back to Cameron to celebrate generations past. Alumni Weekend 2005, titled “Always and Forever,” is
happening on campus this Friday and Saturday. The events kick off with the Academic Convocation at 10 a.m. Friday in the Fine Arts Courtyard, and conclude Saturday afternoon with a PLUS 25th Anniversary Celebration. Alumni Weekend 2005 activities promise to keep to the tradition of honoring 50-year graduates and those who graduated in years past. However, different from previous Alumni Weekends, ROTC graduates and PLUS
graduates have been added to the list of classes and groups to be highlighted. During the Saturday morning receptions and at the luncheon, the classes of 1955, 1980 and 1995 and the 50-year graduates, PLUS and ROTC alumni will be recognized. Saturday’s events will not just highlight classes and groups.
Students and faculty are encouraged to attend Convocation; some students may be given excused absences for attending the event, Convocation is not only a reason to miss class; it is important to attend this event to support students, faculty and staff members who are to be honored there. Director of Government and Community Relations Adam Calaway said, “Convocation is one of our most historic and important events. I invite all students and faculty to come and be a
part of this rich tradition.” Attendees will be able to experience the tradition of ceremonial banners and academic regalia, and to recognize the honored staff, students and faculty. The original ceremonial banners used at Convocation were constructed and adapted to the ceremony in 1974. More recently, in the year 2000, the banners for Convocation were updated and
Please see ALUMNI , page 4
Honoring students, faculty and staff By Christina Frye Staff Writer
Feeling the burn; it’s all about the little red dress. PLEASE SEE PAGE 3 Office: Nance Boyer 2060 Phone: 580•581•2261 E-mail us at : collegian@cameron.edu First Copy Free - $.25 for each additional copy Contents © The Collegian 2005
The annual Cameron University Academic Convocation will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 14 in the Fine Arts courtyard. By definition, convocation is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose, and according to the CU Web site, “Convocation is the only campus-wide event whose sole purpose is to focus on our joint academic enterprise.”
Please see HONORS , page 2
News
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October 10, 2005
Neonatal nursing student plans for future By Lauren Slate Staff Writer
Neonatal nursing sophomore Jessica Figueroa is different from most Cameron University students. Figueroa was born with congenital heart disease, pulmonary artrisia and three heart murmurs. Her heart is backwards, is missing the pulmonary valve and has three holes in it. Despite these health complications, her mother, Celenia Figueroa, said that Jessica has remained strong. “Jessica has been very courageous throughout this whole ordeal,” she said. “She has never limited herself in anything and we never allowed it either.” In Sept. 2004, Figueroa’s doctor said that she would eventually need a heart transplant. Currently, her heart is functioning at 25 percent. A normal, healthy heart functions at 60 to 100 percent. When her heart is functioning at 15 percent she will need the transplant. Figueroa’s father, Sixto Figueroa, said that if it starts dropping, it will eventually fail. “We have to pray that it does not happen,” he said. Figueroa is on the list for a transplant, but it will cost $2.5 million for the operation. Insurance will cover most of it, but the Figueroas must pay $60,000.
After the operation, it will cost the family $3,000 a month for the rest of Figueroa’s life for medical care to support her new heart. The Figueroas started raising funds for the transplant last January with a fund-raiser at Mr. C’s. In addition, there was a hotdog sale last semester at Cameron and a Vietnam Veterans’ Indian taco sale in April, where they made around $2,500. Frontier Chapel, where they attend Mass on Saturday nights, raised about $1,200. There are also containers for donations with Figueroa’s picture and a brief explanation of her illness in various locations around Lawton. Locations include Burger King on Cache Road, Empress of China, Los Tres Amigos, Arvest Bank, Subway and the Bank of America, where there is a special account set up for her by the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). Donations may be put directly into Figueroa’s COTA account (003040012796) or at www. cota.org. Anyone interested in sponsoring her may call the Figueroa’s at 580.248.6397. Over the last 10 months, about $20,000 has been raised. Sixto Figueroa said that although Lawton is a small community, the members have definitely responded. Even after the full $60,000
is collected, the doctors must still decide if her heart is stable or if she is in more need of a transplant than the next person on the list. However, if her heart is functioning at 15 percent and dropping, they must operate on her whether or not the money has been raised for the transplant. Sixto said that otherwise, the hospital is looking at a major lawsuit. He said that he knows his daughter is okay for now, but that he worries anyway. “I was going to Cameron, but I couldn’t concentrate,” he said. “I am constantly stressed.” Jessica said that she does not worry about her heart condition and the inevitable transplant. “I can’t think about it or I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else,” she said. Even though she experiences symptoms such as rapid heartbeats and chest pains that last for hours, a constant reminder of her condition, Figueroa stays actively involved in life. She is a full-time student, member of the Latin Alliance, works at Subway, writes poetry and draws. She also enjoys going out to local establishments with her best friend, romance languages freshman Sarah Phillips. After she graduates, Jessica wants to move to Miami or the Bronx and work in a hospital
nursery. She plans to get married and have two children. Her love for babies stems from working at her mom’s home day-care. “Whenever I’m home I take care of the babies while she deals with the toddlers,” Figueroa said. “I love it.” When she was just seven days old, Figueroa had a plastic valve surgically inserted to transport blood Photo by Lauren Slate from her heart Dancing queen: Sarah Phillips and Jessica to her lung. Figueroa dance the night away. Even though facing Then, when she transplant surgery Figueroa just wants to enjoy life. was five, the plastic valve was replaced with a human one. Her gets used to the discomfort of the parents took care of her then, and foreign organ. Figueroa said that will do so when she has the next she will need her family more than operation. ever. Until then, she will continue After the transplant, Figueroa living her life and will handle that will have to take about 30 pills obstacle when she gets to it. a day so that her body will not “I don’t even worry about it,” she reject her new heart. She will said. “I just continue to go on and also be more irritable as her body be myself.”
Modeste chosen to present at financial literacy forum By Petulah Olibert Staff Writer
It goes without saying. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) may just be one of the most beneficial clubs on campus, according to a number of CU students. Leo Turner is one of those students. A recent Cameron graduate, Turner began his business career in SIFE, landing, almost immediately upon graduation, a prestigious position at Daugomah Communications Company – a company that he now partly owns. In testimony to the benefits of SIFE, Turner said, “SIFE prepares you for your entrance into the working world. It is the perfect molding tool.” Now, only a few months later, it is Matthew Modeste who sings SIFE’s praises. Modeste, an accounting senior from St. Lucia, was chosen as one of the few SIFE students in 27 countries to present at the HSBC Financial Literacy Forum. Modeste says he could not have excelled without the help of SIFE Coordinator Suzanne Clinton and SIFE. “SIFE, Dean Burgess and the
school of business have taught me that nothing is impossible. When we first started competing, we were scared and we never went in thinking we were the best. But our faculty members supported us. They always encouraged us and instilled in us the mind-set that we are the best. And the result was that we won almost every competition that we entered. “The faculty has taught me that if we all use our individual talents, whatever activities we engage in will be successful.” The Financial Literacy Forum is an opportunity for SIFE students to share with others the projects they have conducted in their communities through the Financial Literacy Grant Initiative — a grant used to
help fund community outreach projects that encourage financial literacy. Modeste and finance senior Cinnamon Bock co-authored the grant on behalf of the CU SIFE team. “We wrote and applied for a financial literacy grant and we had to outline a project that taught entrepreneurship and financial skills,” Modeste said. “The project also needed to have an emphasis on encouraging female entrepreneurs. After we were awarded the grant, we had to write a final report which assessed the impact of the project on the participants. I was the project leader, and it automatically fell to me to write the final report.” The group’s project was called Cameron University Leaders and
Entrepreneurs (CULE) Camp. It is a day-long camp held for high school seniors and juniors who develop a business and an original product and service idea. Modeste’s report propelled him into the spotlight. “I was very excited to find out that I had been selected,” he said. “It is a great accomplishment for me but it is even a greater accomplishment for the SIFE team as a whole. We all participated in making the project a success and without my team’s help I would not have been selected. I would not have been able to do it on my own.” In return, SIFE Coordinator Suzanne Clinton commends Modeste’s talents. “Matthew is an excellent student within the school of
45 Singer Joplin 46 Particulars 48 Dips 50 Sports page fig. 51 Jewish wedding dance 52 Deprive by death 55 Paper craft 59 Energy source 60 Cliquish 61 Degraders 62 Keeps from proceeding
Classifieds Interested in placing a classified ad? Contact the Collegian by e-mail at collegian@cameron.edu or by phone 581.2261.
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ACROSS 1 Circled around 8 Big name in electronics 15 Practice for battles 16 Went in
17 Military shoulder adornment 18 Tell the story 19 Part of the plot? 20 Faded in the stretch
21 Midway workers 24 Gallivant 28 Mountain nymph 29 In addition 31 Generally recognized 32 Highland
33 34 35 36
loch Cot or cradle Made a smooth transition Little tyke Planned the next play
38 Part of GTE 39 Tickled pink 41 Scope out 42 Speck 43 Nostrils 44 Ulna location
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DOWN Be in debt to LL Cool J’s genre Lingerie purchase New World lizards Powdered Abrasive cloth Loathed Look after Where lovers walk? Ran naked Cowboy’s
business. He is a very hard worker and consistently emerges as a leader among his peers,” she said. “He is incredibly dependable. I never have to ask whether he has done something that was handed to him. Whatever I ask is done properly and in a timely manner, and his work always exceeds requirements. “Matthew takes pride in all that he does and it shows. Cameron University is lucky to have had the opportunity to work with someone so excited about making the most of his educational experience and about giving back to his community.” Modeste presented the report at the HSBC Financial Literacy Forum as part of the SIFE World Cup Exposition on Oct. 4 in Toronto.
job 12 Lyricist Gershwin 13 Risked sum 14 Author of “Fables in Slang” 21 Vie 22 Interstices 23 Begin anew 25 Acting peevish 26 Honeybunch 27 Perpetual 30 Curiouser and curiouser 33 Mac 34 Get the point 36 Pause 37 Of certain body tissue 40 Beverage serving ware
42 Nicaragua’s capital 44 Showy radiated flowers 45 Legal scholar 47 Grand Slam Australian tennis star 49 “Bonanza” star Greene 52 Arthur or Lillie 53 Off. of an ambassador 54 Narrow inlet 56 “Sting like a bee” boxer 57 Isle in the Irish Sea 58 Apr. collection agency
Voices Our Voice
October 10, 2005
Last fall, the Duncan campus was dedicated as an official branch of Cameron University. Almost 20 years earlier, the Duncan community began offering CU courses in Duncan High School buildings, and eventually community efforts resulted in a separate facility to house what became known as the Duncan Higher Education Center. Progress continues to happen for Duncan students and the community. In order to offer helpful services to students, the Duncan office has recently been set up to process student IDs and parking permits – services previously not available
Ask the
AGGIES
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Use it or lose it
except at the Lawton campus. Administrative staff and faculty on both campuses have worked with Duncan’s Simmons Center to bring events to the community, both last year and this, to enhance students’ educational experiences as well as bring cultural events to the entire community. The yearlong effort has been tagged CU@SC and includes a variety of programs and activities designed to showcase the many talents of CU’s students and faculty. September saw the screening of two documentaries by Dr. Matt Jenkins, professor of communications. The showing was followed by a question-and-answer
This week’s question was asked at the Duncan campus.
What recent CU events have you attended? Sheena Schlein business sophomore “I haven’t attended anything this year, but I’m about to go to a scholarship dinner.”
Brad Perkins CIS sophomore “I haven’t attended any.”
George Bryan English sophomore “None, but I’m going to Convocation.”
Lise’ Koawczynski multimedia senior “The only one I’ve attended was in the summer - the opening of the CETES Building.”
Sammie Copeland nursing sophomore “None - lack of time.”
Tera Bowen business freshman “I went to freshman orientation.”
session with the audience. Last Tuesday was CU’s first attempt at bringing the theatre to Duncan. “The Day Room,” an absurd comedy by Don DeLillo was performed in the Simmons Center Theater. The sets were transported, and the actors and technicians spent the entire day in Duncan setting up, adapting to the different environment and preparing to bring their production to the Duncan community. There were approximately 20 in attendance. There was no indication that the cast and crew were disappointed in the turnout. They did what they had come to do, and they did
it well. In fact, Simmons Center staff was most impressed with the professionalism, respect and the expertise exhibited by the troupe. The issue here is whether the powers that be will continue to bring events such as this to the Duncan community if numbers remain low. According to a staff member at the Center, some events are better attended than others. Concerts tend to draw bigger numbers than did the play, and, although there is no way to count those who pass through the center, numerous visitors are offered the opportunity take in student art during an exhibits on display there.
Treading to trance Each November I have the opportunity to attend a formal event celebrating the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Last year I pulled out my favorite red dress a couple of weeks prior to the big night – only to discover to my dismay that it didn’t fit! All the curves were in the wrong places, with lumps and bumps one might expect to see in a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, certainly not on the human form. Not mine, anyway. I resolved then and there that this year would be different. My problem was figuring out how to lose the blubber and flab in the least inconvenient and most effective way possible. Past generations managed to get all the exercise they needed in the course of their daily chores. I haven’t seen too many photos of overweight people living in the late 1800s. By the time the butter was churned, the clothes washed and hung to dry, the crops planted and the animals fed and watered, it was time to go to bed. People ate to stay alive, not as a recreational pastime. In 2005, eating is often done on the run, and we aren’t too picky about what we choose to eat. Our food has to have lots of fat or sugar, or both, and be quickly prepared. Oh, and those low-calorie soft drinks? Drinking those just gives me an excuse to load up somewhere else. I love to eat, but I don’t love to exercise. I’ve never been athletic or graceful. In dreaded P.E., I was always one of the last to be picked for the team, no matter what sport it was. About the only form of exercise I enjoy is walking. So, walking it would be. One bright sunny day, I pulled on my sweats and running shoes, and set out to feel the burn. Here’s what I discovered; there are no shoulders on my road. For that matter, there are no shoulders on any of the adjacent roads either. But there are lots of vehicles, especially pick-up trucks. The drivers own the road and they drive fast. I spent a lot of time dodging pick-ups and picking stickers out of my sweats and socks. And it was hot! Gasping for breath, sweaty and miserable, I stumbled home to re-evaluate my options. Going to the gym was out; who wants to drive somewhere to exercise? That involves way too much planning for me. All seemed lost, until one day out of the blue my son happened to mention he was working out on a treadmill in the gym at his apartment complex. A treadmill! That was the answer! Dropping a few hints to my husband (“I know I’d exercise regularly if I had a treadmill!”), imagine my surprise on Christmas morning, when I found that Santa had delivered a super-deluxe treadmill to my home. It tilted up, it measured my speed and distance traveled and counted calories burned, regular and fat. I didn’t even know there were fat calories! This was the answer. Or so I thought. It didn’t take me long to realize that part of the attraction of walking is admiring the scenery along the way. When I lived in Hawaii one of my favorite walks was up over an ancient crater. It’s a killer hill but at the crest there is magnificent view of Kaneohe Bay and the sparkling clear, crystal blue of the Pacific Ocean. That is a view worth sweating for. The only crest at my house is the stuff that’s squeezed out of a tube. So, the treadmill sat ignored, except for periodic dusting. It did get moved a couple of times, but that was all the action the treadmill saw. That is, until I discovered trance. Trance is music remixed and electronically tweaked by disc jockeys into a form pulsating with life and excitement. I happened to have it playing as I unenthusiastically climbed onto my treadmill, now relocated by the window in the office providing me with a view of the pasture across the road. I began with the control set to “warm-up, cool-down.” But, magically, I found my feet moving faster and faster as the rhythm of the music took hold. I pushed the slide bar higher and higher, finally stopping at the edge of the “aerobic” zone. Before I knew it, 20 minutes had passed, then 30. I was up to 4.1 miles per hour, sweating bullets and loving every minute of it. Those fat calories were melting off! That was about a month ago, but I’m still at it. Yes, I do take breaks to attend class, work on the paper and do chores around the house, but I am now a dedicated treadmill enthusiast. To ensure that I don’t become bored with my selection of music I just invested in a new CD by Paul Oakenfold, a world-renowned mixer. It’s fantastic! And, every once in a while, a cow moves into my field of vision as I gaze out onto the pasture across the road. Red dress, here I come.
Kathy Kelly
Kathy is a communication senior and the copy editor for The Collegian. She uses her particular genre of music not only to exercise to, but to keep her calm while she cleans up the prose of her fellow journalists.
The next event planned in the CU@SC series is the 2005 CU Student Art Exhibit and Percussion Ensemble Concert on Nov. 1. The exhibit preview begins at 6:30 p.m. and will continue through Nov. 10. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. There is no admission for the exhibit and with a CU student ID, there is no admission for the concert or any other theater event. In order to support events such as these and keep them coming, it is important to attend and to let those who plan the events know how much they are appreciated. We’ve got to use it or lose it.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board
Managing Editor - Lisa Snider News Editor - Sarah Warren Copy Editor - Kathleen Kelly A&E Editor - Joshua Rouse Sports Editor - Aaron Gilbee Features Editor - Angela Sanders Graphic Artist - Leah Hicks
Newsroom Staff
Bus. Manager - Jennifer Hardy Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Photographer - Scott Pratt Webmaster - Sheldon Rogers Staff Writers - Lauren Slate, Amanda Rundle, Jenny Tucker, Jessica Lane, Daniel Evans
Faculty Adviser
Christopher Keller
Newswriting Students
David Bublitz, Selby Bush, Joanne Caudle, Regan Frizzelle, Christina Frye, Cara Garza, Amanda Herrera, Lahoma Horse, Violet Justus, Shallon Kennedy, Danielle Murphree, James Norris, Petulah Olibert, Jolene Price, Blake Red Elk, Joshua Rouse, Kimberly Ryans, Kenneth Scarle, Jennifer Tucker, Amber Veit.
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
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.
News
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October 10, 2005
Signs highlight CU graduates By Kenny Scarle Staff Writer
Have you ever wondered what might happen when you leave Cameron? Where will you go? What will become of you? Do you have any chance of success? Well, look around campus these days and you’ll see what you are capable of. President Cindy Ross has instituted the “Acclaimed Aggies” program, designed to show current students that CU alumni have accomplished great things. Signs have been posted in three locations on campus detailing the achievements of former Cameron students. Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations for Cameron University J. Adam Calaway is very pleased with this program. “These people started here, received their education and look what they’ve accomplished,” Calaway said. “Presenting this information to the current students at Cameron will give them ambition and help them to set goals – it will show they where they have the opportunity to go.” The signs are posted at the entrance to the campus in front of the library, at the Student Union and on the lawn between Nance Boyer and the Science Complex. Multimedia senior and graphic designer for the Office of Government and Community Relations Megan Spray was integral to the design of the signs. “Mr. Calaway told me about the idea President Ross had and just let me run with it,” Spray said. “I presented him with some formats using InDesign, a very versatile pagination program, and went from there. It turned out very nice. The physical facilities department designed and built the frames. They put much thought and work into this.” The signs give the alumni’s names and class year,
and ask two very pertinent questions: what did that individual do at Cameron and where is he or she now? “Acclaimed Aggies” were very involved with campus activities such as ROTC, Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Lambda Epsilon and others. And these former students went on to excel in their current positions. Ed Huffine is the Program Manager for DNA testing in Thailand following the tsunami in Southeast Asia; Colonel Albert Johnson Jr. is the Executive Officer to the Commanding General at Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia; and Dr. Katherine Newport is the Director of Anesthesia at Southwest Medical Center in Lawton and chairman of the Medical Management Committee. “We want to highlight former Cameron students who have gone on to succeed in their lives,” Calaway said. “There will be more signs in the future, showcasing the various departments on campus. We want people to see how far those who have come Composite by Kenny Scarle before have gone.”
Schedule of events for Alumni Week Friday, Oct. 14: 10 a.m. – Convocation. Open to the public. Noon – Pizza lunch at Cameron Village’s McMahon Center. No fee. 1:15 p.m. – Coffee and dessert with President Cindy Ross at McMahon Center. Special presentation from President Ross, faculty and students. No fee. 2:40 p.m. – Campus tour beginning at McMahon Center. No fee. 4:30-6 p.m. – Reception at Cameron House. Presentation of Golden Associate Medallions for 50-year students and graduates. 7-9 p.m. – Reunion barbecue and dance at the Music Building Band Room. Demonstration by Festival VI CU Fitness Squares. Fee.
Saturday, Oct. 15: 10 a.m. – Registration and reunion reception at Shepler Center. Classes and groups recognized. Noon – Reunion luncheon/awards presentation at Shepler Center. Roll call and reunion. Presentation of Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Hall of Fame Awards. Fee. 2 p.m. – PLUS 25th Anniversary celebration at Cameron Village. Tree and bench dedication.
Faculty Honorees George Edward Stanley, D.Litt., of Lawton, received a B.A. in French, German and Portuguese, a master’s degree in linguistics from Texas Tech University and a D.Lit. in linguistics from the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A professor of languages and linguistics, he began his career at Cameron in 1970. He has served as chairman of the Department of Languages and Communication and of the Department of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism. In addition to the Germanic and romance languages, he has taught more than 30 other languages. He has written hundreds of short stories and articles on writing for children and adults and authored almost 100 books for young people. Awards and honors include a Fulbright Professorship to the University of N’Djamena in Chad, Africa, National Member of the Year from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and induction into the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame.
T.K. Bhattacharya, Ph.D., of Lawton, received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Benaras Hindu University in India and a Ph.D. in finance from OU. A professor in the School of Business, he has taught at Cameron University since 1990. Awards include the Hackler Award for Excellence in Teaching, the School of Business Teaching Excellence Award, Distinguished Research Award and the Lawton Independent Insurance Agents Chair. He has served as Chair of the Department of Business and Director of the Business Research Center. As funds manager for the Cameron University Foundation, Inc., he has exceeded performance benchmarks in eight of the last 10 years. He has developed two innovative classes in Portfolio Management I and II, providing students hands-on securities investment and analysis. He has attained the prestigious Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) designation.
ALUMNI, continued from page 1 Sandy Joyner, director of alumni relations, said, “In addition to recognizing the various reunion groups, on Saturday our major focus will be on honoring award recipients selected by the alumni association.” This year’s honorees include Dr. Ronald E. Cagle, class of 1952, Senator Daisy Lawler, class of 1973, and Brigadier General Charles B. Allen, class of 1977, who will be awarded Distinguished Alumni awards, as well as Dr. T.K. Bhattacharya and Dr. George Stanley, who will be inducted into the Faculty Hall of Fame. Joyner said that Alumni Weekend is a significant event. “It’s a time to bring alumni back to campus,” she said. “They enjoy renewing acquaintances and old friends. They enjoy seeing familiar places and relating them to the changes on campus today. We want our alumni to stay connected. Their studies and degrees here are a Courtesy Photo part of them.” Laci Mace, coordinator of fund-raising campaigns at CU and a CU graduate, agrees with Joyner. “I enjoy seeing such a wide range of age groups in the alumni reuniting to reminisce about the wonderful times we spent here at Cameron,” Mace said. Alumni Weekend is open to all alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Cameron.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients Brig. Gen. Charles B. Allen graduated from Cameron University in 1977 with a degree in history and was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the Field Artillery branch. He received a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. Recent military assignments included service in the Pentagon as the Balkans Branch Chief, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), Joint Staff; Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery; Executive Officer to the Army G8; and Director of Integration, Force Development, Army G8. Among his awards and decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Allen died in a helicopter accident on Nov. 29, 2004, while serving as Assistant Division Commander (Support) for the Ironhorse Division.
Ronald E. Cagle, M.D., F.A.A.P., of Lawton, received an associate degree from Cameron State Agricultural College in 1952. At Cameron, he was president of the PreMed Club and a member of the Science Club, men’s quartet, chorus and Phi Theta Kappa. He graduated from OU and the OU Medical School. He interned at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa and completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City. He is semi-retired after 40 years as a pediatrician in Lawton. He has been a neurological consultant for the Comanche County Health Department, and has served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Pediatrics at Comanche County Memorial Hospital. He has been a trustee of the McMahon Foundation for two decades.
Senator Daisy Lawler, of Comanche, is a 1973 graduate of Cameron University with a degree in elementary education. A teacher for 28 years, she mentored 10 student teachers and served on the Accreditation Committee for the Department of Education’s recertification. A District 24 State Senator since 2002, her 2005 committee assignments are Chair of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vice Chair of Aerospace, Communications and Technology, Vice Chair of the Education Subcommittee on Appropriations and member of the Appropriations, Education, Energy and Environment and Finance and Rules committees. Awards received include Empire Teachers of the Year, Comanche Wife of the Year, Stephens County Farm Bureau Family of the Year, State Hospice Champion and Duncan Woman of the Year.
For more information on how to become a member of the CU Alumni Association, contact Sandy Joyner at 581.2988.
News
October 10, 2005
5
Cameron students combine study with work Amanda Herrera
News Writing Student You may see one in the One Stop Shop. You may ask for advice from one in the gym. One may even check out a book to you at the library. Currently, there are about 250 on staff. Who exactly are they, and what role do they play in our university? They are student workers. Carol Dally is the student employment coordinator at Cameron University. Dally said that student workers are an asset to the university, especially in her department. “In our department the student workers are vital. They do much of the filing and help maintain the
workload,” she said. There are several ways to locate In order to be a student worker, a position. Students eligible can a student must first fill out a go online to www.cameron.edu/ FASFA application. The student financial_aid, where job listings may be eligible for either state or are available. There are also federal student advertisements employment posted in certain “Working and going opportunities. departments. If to school in the same a student would Those interested must apply for each location also saves on like to work in a type separately. transportation costs.” specific department Qualifying he or she can for either inquire within the — Carol Dally, department and program doesn’t automatically Student Employment leave a resume. guarantee the Coordinator According to student a position. Dally, there are It is up to the positions available student to locate a position on to all types of personalities. campus, much like job searching “You can find a job in several for employment off campus. fields; we have workers who
HONORS, continued from page 1 and represent the following fields of study: accounting, agriculture, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, computer science, criminal justice, elementary education, English, health and physical education, history, human ecology, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, medical technology, military science, multimedia design, music, natural science, physics, political science, psychology, romance languages, sociology, technology and theatre arts. Regalia are the academic attire that distinguishes each member of Cameron’s staff and faculty. The color of the hood and robe stripes designates each person’s area of study. According to the CU Web site, when donned in their ceremonial regalia, faculty and staff members add character to the colorful and festive ceremony. Recognition will be given to University Honor Society members who have been inducted into one or more of the 16 national and international honor societies offered at Cameron. Acknowledgement is also given to students who participate in six distinguished scholarship programs, which include: Academic, Baccalaureate, Louis Stokes Oklahoma Alliance, McMahon, McNair and PLUS Scholars. This year keynote speakers will be CU students who have been carefully selected by each department. This year’s Convocation speakers are Aaron M. Gilbee from the School of Liberal Arts; Cinnamon L. Bock from the School of Business; Gabriel S. Vidal from the School of Science and Technology; Delois Byrd from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences; and Keith A. Wright from the School of Graduate Studies. The Convocation will have an alternate, inclement weather location in the University Theatre, but the time and date will remain the same.
SOEA schedules speaker Tomorrow from 4-6 p.m., in Nance Boyer, Room 1067, the Student Oklahoma Education Association will host a speaker from the Center for Education Law. The guest speaker will discuss legal issues. Snacks and door prizes will be offered.
Snag a T-shirt Bring in a T-shirt from another school and trade it for a brand-new CU T-shirt. The exchange will take place from 8 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Student Activities Building throughout the month of October. Call 581.2217 for more information.
More services at Duncan Branch Duncan students can now get student ID cards and parking permits at CU’s Duncan branch. While the cards can be made on-site, the parking permits require that paperwork and fees be sent to the main campus for processing. The permit will then be returned to the student at the Duncan campus.
sort mail, work at the gym and even work at the library. I would recommend being a student worker to any type of student,” she said. Dally said there are several benefits to being a student worker. “Departments are wonderful at working around school schedules,” she said. “Working and going to school in the same location also saves on transportation costs.” There are several other benefits to working on campus. Workstudy can make college life more successful by gaining work experience while in school. There’s the income: workers are paid monthly for their services. Sunshine Stone is a journalism freshman employed at the library.
She has been in her position since the beginning of the fall semester. “The application process was very easy,” she said, “and I got a position that I enjoy at the library. For anyone interested in applying for the work study program my advice would be go for it, and have some fun.” Stone’s job duties entail checking out books to students and re-shelving books. She said that it is quite a perk to get paid while she goes to school. For students interested in more information about applying for work-study, contact Carol Dally in the financial aid office at 581.2294, or go to www.cameron.edu/ financial_aid/workstudy.html.
News 6 Professor Ioannis K. Argyros contributes to mathematics October 10, 2005
Photo by Christina Frye
By Christina Frye Staff Writer
CU Mathematical Sciences Professor Ioannis K. Argyros has authored a new textbook entitled Newton Methods. Recently published by the Nova Science Publishers Corporation in New York, and partially supported by a CU Academic Initiatives Grant, Argyros is pleased with his newest publication. “I am extremely proud of this textbook,” Argyros said. “It is broad in its scope and has the
potential to assist professors and students, as well as researchers and workers, in many of the related fields.” The book focuses on numerical methods for solving equations and, according to Argyros, can be used for reference for seniors and as a course text for undergraduate students, or as a recommended textbook for graduate students. “Researchers and practitioners may also use it for a reference book,” Argyros said. Argyros uses Newton Method when teaching the numerical analysis course. The book assists
students in seeing how to use Isaac Newton’s methodologies when approximating solutions of equations to real life problems, which might arise in the areas of mathematical engineering, programming, physics and economics. “I use the first 10 to 15 introduction pages in the Numerical Analysis class,” Argyros said. Argyros has had a number of achievements. He supervised 12 graduate students; applied for and received 5 academic grants; published 13 books and monographs (formal, lengthy, documented essays about a particular subject); and published over 450 research articles. The research articles have been published all over the world, including countries in Europe, Asia Australia and America. “I am currently giving external support for a Ph.D. thesis,” Argyros said. “I am reviewing a thesis written by Ladlay Khan, Aligarh Muslim University, India, entitled ‘Common Fixed Point Theorems for some Families of Nonself Mappings in Metrically Convex Spaces.’” Argyros came from Athens, Greece, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree at the University of Athens in 1979.
While living in Greece, Argyros served in the Greek Army from 1979 – 1982. In 1982, Argyros moved to the United States and attended the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. From 1982 to 1984, Argyros obtained both his master’s and his doctorate degrees in mathematics, setting a record that has yet to be broken. “Starting with zero credits,” Argyros said, “I was able to complete both my master’s and doctorate degrees in just two years. That is a record; and as far as I know, it hasn’t been broken yet at UGA.” Currently Argyros edits 11 peer-reviewed mathematical journals, and is involved in several organizations, including the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). SAE is a 7-million member organization comprised of Greek people living outside of Greece. “I am one of the 11 elected members of the scientific branch of SAE, whose mission is to advise the Greek government on academic and scientific matters,” Argyros said. Argyros moved to Lawton in 1990, and began teaching at Cameron. In October 1993, he became a U.S. citizen, continuing to teach at CU. Argyros said that he enjoys
teaching at CU, and that teaching is more than just teaching. With his most recent book, Argyros sought the assistance from some of his students and fellow staff members. Bailey Chase, John Riddles, Kevin Veldhuizen and Gabriel Vidal, and staff member Margot Gregory assisted him. Argyros said Gregory helped by printing portions of the book, and converting LaTex files to PDF files, and vice versa. “I am very proud of the effort the students and staff invested in this project,” he said. Argyros said that he enjoyed writing, and plans to continue. “I enjoyed writing all of them. The processing was sometimes difficult and time-consuming, but I was doing the writing because I liked it, not because I was asked to,” Argyros said. Newton Methods was dedicated to Argyros’ third and youngest son, Christopher. With the support of his wife, Diana, Argyros plans to write more books and monographs in the future. He is currently working on a contract with Springer Verlag publishing company and plans to publish a book about computational mathematics, which should appear on bookshelves in a couple of years.
CUSGA extends invitations to prospective legislators By Selby Bush
News Writing Student Though any student can attend a Cameron University Student Government Association (CUSGA) meeting on Monday evenings, not every student understands what happens during those 45 minutes. To help participants understand parliamentary procedure better, CUSGA has participated in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature program (OIL) for the past two years. OIL is a convention for universities in Oklahoma where students present legislation, try cases in court and work as a governing body. This year, the opportunity to attend this legislative session is being extended to students, whether or not they are in CUSGA.
Kara Morris, CUSGA legislation written by the student treasurer and four-time OIL to be submitted to the conference participant, said this will leaders. Cameron will then give any student interested in submit these pieces of legislation parliamentary procedure the opportunity “I would like to see more Cameron to participate freshman attend OIL this year in a legislative session. because the hands-on experience “We wanted really helps them understand what to open up this opportunity to is happening at our own meetings.” everyone who was interested,” Morris said. “Of — Kara Morris, course, students in CUSGA will CUSGA treasurer have priority because this program benefits our meetings, but other students to OIL, hoping the majority of should be able to apply if they those bills will make it to the want.” f loor during the next conference. To apply, students must pick According to Zach Fort, up and submit an application CUSGA parliamentarian, OIL to Frank Meyers, CUSGA is set up in the same fashion president, along with a piece of as our Oklahoma and federal
legislatures. There is a Senate chamber as well as a House of Representatives. The organization also has a supreme court to hear cases during the conference. “The different legislative bodies actually meet in the state capitol in their appropriate chamber,” Fort said. “The elected legislators leave early to allow us this opportunity each semester. Students use the microphones as well as parliamentary procedure to pass bills.” The bills passed are fictional and will never be put into law, but that does not keep the students from experiencing what it is like to be a legislator. The five days students are there allows them the experience of acting as an elected official. According to Morris, OIL prepares students for the real world of legislation. “Students who attend Oklahoma Intercollegiate
Check the Collegian online at www.cameron.edu/collegian
Legislature are more active in student government meetings when they return,” she said. “I would like to see more Cameron freshman attend OIL this year because the hands-on experience really helps them understand what is happening at our own meetings.” OIL has also helped Oklahoma’s elected delegation, as several are Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature alumni. Those legislators include local Representative Joe Dorman, Senator Jay Paul Gumm, and Representative Clay Pope. Last spring Cameron sent eight delegates to the conference. This year SGA leadership hopes many more will apply to attend. “The program is a great way to network before your career with other students who will be in the same venture with you later on in life,” Fort said. “You never know when your old friend from OIL will help you out.”
A&E
October 10, 2005
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Fall television offerings out of this world By Joshua Rouse A&E Editor
The tradition of courtroom dramas and dopey sitcoms on television has been replaced this year by aliens, ghosts, sea creatures and “others.” Welcome to the new season of fall television on the four major networks. Last year’s surprise success of the supernatural adventuredrama “Lost” has spawned an onslaught of new science-fiction and fantasy shows. According to the Nielson ratings, CBS has been the longrunning leader in ratings of the four major networks. Last year, their reign was shaken by the success of “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives.” Both won six Emmy’s and took the lead for their respective time slots on ABC. While the hit show “CSI” is still the most watched show on television, it has taken a beating from these freshman dramas. This year CBS decided to join in the supernatural craze, releasing “Threshold.” “Threshold” sports an all-star cast with Carla Gugino (“Sin City”), Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Charles S. Dutton (“I, Robot”). It picks up after an alien vessel is spotted outside of a military frigate in the Atlantic Ocean. A “Red Team” is sent in lead by a political advisor (Gugino) who created a protocol for an alien contact called “Threshold.” They soon discover the crew of the frigate has either been gruesomely killed or has disappeared. The team learns the object is “bioforming” human DNA to change humanity into the aliens. The series follows the Red Team as they trek across the country investigating sightings of the new species. “Threshold” airs on CBS at 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., CBS aired their other supernatural drama, “Ghost Whisperer.” It follows Jennifer Love Hewitt as a woman who can see ghosts stuck on Earth. She helps them resolve any loose ends so they can pass into the next life. On Mondays at 7 p.m., “something is lurking in the
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Invasion of the supernatural: The cast of ‘Night Stalker’ (above), leads a spook-filled fall season with ABC’s ‘Invasion’ (middle left), ABC’s sophomore drama ‘Lost’ (middle right), CBS’s alien conspiracy ‘Threshold’ (bottom left) and NBC’s sea monster drama ‘Surface’ (bottom right).
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water.” And trust me, it is very, very big. “Surface” follows a marine biologist who sees part of a massive sea creature; a Cajun diver who saw a creature drag his brother down into the
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ocean; and a kid who is keeping a baby creature in his house. The full-grown adults have not been shown yet. But the infant and juvenile creatures make the extinct Megalodon look like a guppy. A mysterious government scientist is also on the trail of the creatures, trying to study them and figure where they are from. In the pilot episode, there are meteors shown crashing into the ocean. While the creators of the show refuse to say whether these creatures are some unknown animal from the depths or are aliens, the evidence points to the latter of the two theories. “Surface” airs Mondays on NBC. Wednesday nights on ABC mark the return of “Lost.” The season premier picked up where the season finale left off. The first two episodes are continuations of the events of that same day. The third episode explains more about “the others,” strange people living on the island with a past. Creator JJ Abrams has assured fans this season will be much bigger and deeper than the first season. Here’s to hoping “Lost” actually ties up the plot twists unlike “The X-Files.” “Lost” airs at 8 p.m. on ABC. Following immediately after “Lost,” ABC debuted “Invasion.” This “Body Snatchers” premise takes place in the Florida Everglades after a horrific hurricane. The damage looks so realistic and believable, ABC had to run a disclaimer on the pilot episode for victims of Katrina. A young girl sees hundreds of yellow lights falling down
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from the sky and landing in the water. That is when people start disappearing and reappearing naked in the middle of the ‘Glades. The brother-in-law of a park ranger is attacked and bitten on his leg in multiple spots. A skeleton is discovered in the park with something attached to it that is not human, or even of this world. And that is where the puzzle begins and the answers stop. “Invasion” is averaging 12 million viewers an episode, down from the 20 million who tune into “Lost” the hour before. “Invasion” may be one of those series that has a good premise but takes too long in revealing the answers. Thursday night, “Alias” returns followed by “The Night Stalker,” a modern update of the classic series “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.” “Kolchak” ran in 1977 but was taken off the air after 20 episodes because it was deemed “too scary” by the general public. The show
remains a classic and airs on the Sci-fi channel periodically. “The Night Stalker” follows a crime reporter, Carl Kolchak, as he investigates strange crimes and murders while also trying to piece together the events surrounding the murder of his wife. All the while, a FBI agent with a vendetta against Kolchak keeps trying to arrest him for murder. “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” was the inspiration for “The X-Files.” As a tribute, Frank Spotniz, producer of “The X-Files” decided to propose a remake of “Kolchak” to ABC. It was a tough sell but the series landed on the Thursday 8 p.m. time slot. It is still too early in the year to see if the shows will maintain their ratings. It appears as if the networks scheduled shows to guarantee they wouldn’t coincide with a ratings blockbuster from another network. So far, all the shows seem to be doing well.
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A&E
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October 10, 2005
Gamers join together to create campus club By Joshua Rouse A&E Editor
According to the NPD Group, a national sales monitoring group, in 2004, U.S. retailers sold $9.9 billion worth of video game consoles and software. This was down from the year before when retailers sold over $10 billion in the video game market. Today, names like Microsoft and Sony lead in sales and popularity in the video game industry. But for such a popular and important branch of American culture, Cameron University has yet to maintain a full gaming club. That is what natural science senior William Walker hopes to change. Walker is gathering students from across the campus to take part in a part time gaming club. Walker said there is a lot of stress facing college students in today’s world with tests, papers and the other rigors of the average college life. He believes gaming, in all of its forms, is a good stress reliever. “We’re offering a venue that would eliminate that stress,” Walker said. Walker is no stranger to gaming. He has been playing strategy, board and role-playing games (RPGs) since 1974. “I’ve done simple things like ‘Risk’ and ‘Diplomacy,’” Walker said. “My expertise lies in RPGs.” The “Cameron Gaming Club,” as Walker has tentatively named it, would cover more than just one aspect of the gaming community. He said there would be two groups set up. One group would play RPGs and another group would play video games. Other games that have been suggested
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Gaming bliss: A group of friends system link their Xboxs for a ‘Halo’ LAN party. With interest from other gamers on campus, student William Walker hopes students will have the opportunity to gather together for these parties on a regular basis. include simple board games like Monopoly and other classics. While Walker does not know much about the video gaming aspect, he is willing to try it. “I’m somewhat familiar with LAN (local area network) parties,” Walker said, “I have heard of Halo being the main game of choice.” In the end, the gaming club would revolve around what
students wanted to do. “We’re interested in what Cameron students have interests in,” Walker said. “All gamers of any age and interest are welcome to join.” Tentative plans have club members meeting for two to three hours every week or every other week, depending on student interest. Presently, there are six people interested in joining the
CU production definitely ‘an absurd comedy’ By David Bublitz
News Writing Student “Crazy isn’t being broken or swallowing a dark secret, it’s you or me, amplified.” This quote from the 1999 film “Girl, Interrupted” was the first thing that went through my mind, while walking out of the theater on the opening night of Don DeLillo’s “The Day Room.” As these words beat their way heavily through the veins in my temples, my mind wandered, trying to rework the scenes that had just taken place five minutes ago. Proclaimed “An Absurd Comedy,” the play left the philosopher and skeptic in me dumbfounded, at first. Eventually, I looked at my watch, saw it was 9:30 p.m. and decided to get some Taco Bell in my stomach and some sleep before I tried to make sense of it all. Reflecting on the play later, I was able to make better sense of it. The play itself is divided into two acts, the first taking place in a hospital room, and the second in a day room and a motel room. In the first act everyone but the two orderlies, who came in to collect people and remove them from the set once in a while, seemed pretty crazy to me. It was difficult to understand exactly what was going on, just because everyone was so chaotic and random. Although this may seem to be a negative thing, I think that DeLillo did it purposefully. The play is strongly rooted in Postmodernism, and in being so rooted, it is strengthened by its randomness and its flawed logic. There is also a sense of profoundness, brought about through individual asides that sprang up here and there like bolts of lightning in a thunderstorm. Of course, when you take into context what was actually being said by the actors and actresses on stage, (who, by the way, did a fabulous job in capturing the pure essences of their characters), you can’t help but to succumb to an almost cynical kind
of enjoyment, a “euphoria of irony.” I flirted with the idea that maybe the characters in the second act, whose actors are specifically designated in the play’s script, are maybe an opposite reflection of the characters in the first act. For example, Wyatt, played by Tavaris Kelly, is generally paranoid about the world around him. When Wyatt comes back in scene two as the television, spewing off commercials and advertisements, he represents the exact opposite of his character before. Although I still find some parts of the play a little confusing, I think that the cast and crew did a fantastic job. They really brought things into perspective for me; they made their characters unique, but almost real. They made them people, “amplified.” On a darker note, and although I fought with myself as to whether or not I would mention this, I do have to say that the night did have one downturn for me. As I ventured back into the theater after I had enjoyed my cigarette during intermission, I decided to get a cookie. Not too complex a need, I would think, but I was greeted at the Courtesy Graphic concession stand with a bit of malevolence. There was a gentleman there whose name I do not know, who seemed to be running things; in a less-than-polite manner he made me aware that the play was about to begin. So I nodded and was going to get my cookie, but he went on to say cookies were not allowed in the theater. Now, I would have been perfectly fine with this, but there were a lot of people around and he could have been a little less smug in making me feel like an idiot. So to him I wish to say: “I’m sorry I wanted a cookie and I’m sorry I ruined your night by asking for one.” Of course, I’m not going to allow one downturn to influence my opinion on the actors and actresses, whose work definitely seems to me to have paid off. I enjoyed the show and I’m glad I was able to participate in the experience.
club and getting it off the ground, although no meeting date has been set. Four of the six interested in the club reside in the Duncan area, so time would be an issue. “It takes around 30 minutes to get things set up,” Walker said, “and additional time to take it down after we are finished.” The club’s faculty advisor will be Assistant Professor Christopher Keller. A tentative
meeting date has been scheduled for Friday evenings, after 5 p.m. But Walker says that could be changed to meet anybody’s requirements. “Some of the non-traditional students like to have their time with their family on the weekends,” Walker said. For more information, contact William Walker at walker1976@pldi.net.
A&E Briefs Cameron University Percussion Ensemble Concert The Cameron University Percussion Ensemble will be in concert on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the Percussive Arts Museum on 701 NW Ferris. Admission is free.
Sports
October 10, 2005
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Sport? Did someone ask ‘what is sport’? By Aaron Gilbee
Karen Tibbetts
Undeclared freshman “... a competitive drive that is expressed through physical activity.”
Blake Red Elk
Communications senior “... any competitive physical activity performed by a team or a group.”
Carlo LaMonica
Criminal justice senior “... competition requiring some form of physical activity.”
Marjorie Negron Munoz
Theatre/Communications/Languages senior “... an athletic manifestation. It’s an expression of the body where either you compete with yourself, another or the environment.”
Laura Bruce
Biology freshman “... a way to learn, make friends and work as a team while performing a physical activity.”
Kareem Guiste
Economics/MIS freshman “... exertion of energy put into having fun and built around a challenge.”
Kim Jackson
History sophomore “... a physical activity, competitive or not, that has regulations.”
Chalitta Moore
Psychology freshman “... participation of athletes gathering together to play games.”
Tyler Ferguson
Management freshman “... an activity of competition that involves physical exertion. Swimming is the best sport.” Highlights
Men’s Golf: Mahaffrey wins Drury Classic
Sports Editor
The Greeks are credited with having set the stage for what is known as sport through the Olympics, but consider this. Centuries later, the International Olympic Committee fails to define what sport is. My guess is that they know experience of sport is as subjective to the participant as taste. Ask an athlete if chess is a sport; the answer will most likely be no, but the IOC recognizes it as such. Ask a hard-core sports fanatic if cheerleading is a sport; they would say no, but cheerleaders say otherwise. Earlier this month, I attended an event recreating a Rendezvous to answer this question, “What is sport?” At this recreation, the Association of Mountain Men gathered at the Museum of the Great Plains to display their crafts, share stories and educate the public about the life wild. Tim Poteete has been coordinating this event for the last few years. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a master’s degree in history and works with the museum as their living history interpreter. Another participant, Tim Austin, has been engaged in Rendezvous since 1979, and researches the lives of mountain men through their journals. The history of the frontiersman dates back to the 1800’s and the era of fur trading. From approximately A.D. 1800 to 1850, frontiersmen wandered alone across the wild of the Rockies and the great Plains etc., to trap animals for their furs. Once a year or so, fur-trading posts would host an event inviting them to a gathering of commerce. These men carried the year’s labor on their backs and sold it at the posts. It could be called a reunion of friends who had not seen one another for a year or more. The Rendezvous turned out to be their chance to compete with others for a year’s bragging rights, or lose a year’s earnings
Staff Writer
The art of boxing has been around since the first century, when the ancient Greeks introduced it to the Olympic games in about 688 B.C. (http:// whitecollarboxing.com), and there are many references to it in literature, including Homer’s Iliad. For two Cameron University students, boxing is a way of life. Management senior George Tahdooahnippah and psychology senior and Student Government President Frank Myers declare the sport of boxing is very much alive and well. “At the gym where I work, boxing is essentially all that we do,” Myers said. “Even people coming to get in shape and exercise are trained for boxing. It’s a great way to keep fit.” Myers has been boxing for “I’m Comanche; fighting roughly eight is in my blood.” years. He enjoys — Senior George the one-on-one competition. Tahdooahnippah With 25 bouts under his belt, his experience has given him the opportunity to serve as an assistant coach for the last two years at the Lawton Boxing Center. “We have a great diversity of students,” he said. “We train people from five years old to 65. It builds character and is a great way to keep kids off the street. You can be tough, learn to fight in a productive way and learn some great life lessons. Boxing provides focus, confidence and stress relief: a great outlet for pent up frustration and anger.” “You must have the heart of a fighter in order to succeed,” Myers said. “If you can get in the ring, get
pummeled and not give up, then you will have what it takes to go far in boxing. Anyone can learn the skills and train hard, but you have to know how to handle the fight.” Tahdooahnippah says that is what drives him. “I’m Comanche; fighting is in my blood,” Tahdooahnippah said. “All of my family have been fighters, including my grandfather, who was a Golden Glove Champion. When I get in the ring, I bring it all. I know that I’m going to win, not just do my best, but win.” Tahdooahnippah has a long career as a fighter. Placing 7th in the Nationals for Greco-Roman wrestling, he is an undefeated kick boxer and has taken the Lawton Toughman Tournament two years in a row. Tahdooahnippah has now set his sights on professional boxing. “I like boxing because you can get in close to your opponent and use fear. In kickboxing, you don’t get as close; I like the direct competitive experience between two people.” As an undefeated professional boxer with two knock-outs in the first round, Tahdooahnippah has had offers to fight from ESPN and HBO, but has refused the offers due to lack of training time. “You have to be at the top of your game to fight,” he said. “I have to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally to be my best. When someone calls you and wants you to fight in a few weeks, they’ve got to realize it takes more time to train for a match than that. I’ve climbed a lot of big mountains to get where I am, and I’m not going to risk my undefeated record because I want to be on TV.” Tahdooahnippah believes that fitness is the key to success. “When you take care of your body, everything else will fall into place,” he said.
something to compete. Austin said that these men would gamble over anything and everything since they were able to recover their losses. Third, the games had strict rules and a mutual code of conduct. Poteete said that they had no revenge or grudges if a person lost. “If you lost, you lost. There was no humiliation,” he said. “That is something that seems to have changed over the history of American sport.” Finally, the sport was characterized by seriousness and ample reward to the winners. “The best shot for mark won bragging rights for year,” said Austin. “It was their goal.” Competition, sacrifice, rules and goals laid the foundation for much of what sport is currently based upon.
Photos by Aaron Gilbee
It has a kick: Tim Poteete demonstrates a buffalo rifle utilized by fur traders. Despite having tremendous power, the rifle was used in mark.
Women’s Golf: Team finishes sixth at St. Edwards
Students by day, boxers by night By Kenny Scarle
after gambling them away; it was the perfect opportunity for their version of sport, according to Poteete. “It was an opportunity to mingle,” he said. “For them there was no difference between pastime and sport.” The average man engaged in these events, according to Austin, sought fur-trading as a freedom from the east, defined their own sense of justice and varied vastly in education. The educated understood the traditions of Greek sports; the others did not. Austin described several activities these men played for bragging rights. “They had foot races, mark, which was shooting at a target, dice games, wrestling and gambling,” he said. When Austin and Poteete thought about the common points of these men’s sports, they noticed several themes found in modern sports and that one aspect of sport has changed. First, there was competition. The Rendezvous allowed for the gathering of people and encouraging of a competitive spirit. Second, these men sacrificed
XC: Moreno runs 30:01, Fleming 30:12 at Cowboy Jamboree Aggie athletes and coaches are selling support bands for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. All monies raised will go to the hurricane relief effort. Call 581 . 2460 to purchase a band or find out more.
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The Back Page
October 10, 2005