The Cameron University Collegian: October 8, 2012

Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, October 8, 2012

Sports

Tennis Aggie Men’s and Women’s Tennis travel to Abilene for ITA regionals.

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Convocation celebrates academic excellence

Voices

Hollywood Greed in tinsletown becomes a major turnoff for one movie fan.

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Crossroads

Roller derby 580 Roller Girls entertain while giving back to the community.

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Volume 87 Issue 4

A&E

Greek life Alpha Sig Phi pedal their way towards prosperity for 24 hours.

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Sports

Photo courtesy of Public Relations

Addressing the crowd: Senior International Languages major Briar Bohach speaks at the Convocation Ceremony held Sept. 28 at the Aggie Rec Center. Bohach was one of four students invited to speak at the event. the colors.

President of the University News Editor Dr. Cindy Ross then gave a welcome address, and Provost Tewnty-two honor Dr. John McArthur ended the students carried gonfalons introductions with a Call to as representatives of their Convocation. departments at this year’s Student Government Academic Convocation Association President Colten Ceremony.

The convocation took place Kennedy then recognized honor students, calling all at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28 in the Aggie Rec Center. Convocation honor societies and scholarship celebrates students and faculty recipients.

Four students, Wahid for academic excellence and Gbadamosi, Brandy Peters, contributions to higher Briar Bohach and Kristen learning.

Worthen were selected to The event began as Chair speak at this year’s convocation. of Faculty Senate Dr. James Gbadamosi is an Heflin led an academic international student from procession, after which the Nigeria and a freshman Cameron University Army ROTC Color Guard presented majoring in Business. He

Teewhy Dojutelegan

discussed his background and his goal to achieve excellence at Cameron University.

“I have always has always had one dream; to succeed in life,” he said. “I have always had the drive to prove myself worthy, to prove that I can make a difference and to prove to the world that I am not just a number, but a person.”

He also offered advice to students on making a difference.

“Students should strive to make a difference while they are at CU and redefine success,” he said. “They need to set a legacy they can be proud of in the future.”

Briar Bohach, a Mustang native and senior International

Languages major, is a member of Cameron University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He spoke on the opportunities CU’s ROTC program has afforded him, such as allowing him to train in a variety of Army programs both in and outside the United States.

He said it was an honor to be asked to speak at the convocation.

“It was a great honor as well as a compliment to be asked by the dean of my department of studies to speak at the convocation,” he said.

Truman education center,” Ritchey said.

Located in Fort Sill’s Welcome Center, the admissions office on post is a place for military members to get advice about programs, enrollment and courses that are offered by CU. “If a service–member has prior transcripts from other colleges they are welcome to bring those in and we will work out a degree plan to see where they stand,” Ritchey said.

“It is unofficial with no appointment necessary.”

However, Glover said that CU does not limit assistance to the service member or veteran. Military spouses are also offered support through several programs, such as the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (My CAA).

“My CAA is designed to help military spouses obtain certifications, education and in some cases collegiate degrees — usually at the

See CONVOCATION Page 2

Golf Women’s Golf team travels to Oklahoma City for the Broncho Classic.

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News

Future plans Cameron announces Plan 2018 along with Campus Master Plan 2025.

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CU among top military friendly schools Amanda Goemmer Staff Writer

Cameron University has once again been identified

by G.I Jobs magazine as a military friendly school.

According to Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Jamie Glover, CU earned its place on the list after being compared to roughly 12 thousand other universities and trade schools throughout the United States.

“This is the third consecutive year that we have been named among the top of 12 thousand schools that were surveyed in terms of what we do to serve active duty military members and veteran students on campus,” Glover said.

She also said that CU makes every effort to support its students as they pursue higher education.

“We bend over backwards to help students,” Glover said.

“We are sympathetic to the challenges that our military students and their families face.”

One way that CU makes acquiring a degree easier for military students is by offering many courses online.

“Most of our general education program is available completely online — and that is a lot of what our soldiers are looking for — but we also have some programs at the masters

Photo courtesy of Public Relations

level that are completely available online,” Glover said.

Another program that is available to military students at CU is called Freedom to Learn. The program is geared toward military students who may be deployed during a semester and, as a result, have no access to a computer.

“Freedom to Learn provides laptop computers to active duty military who are enrolled in six or more

credit hours online,” Glover said.

According to CU’s Admissions Counselor aboard Fort Sill, Traci Ritchey, CU also serves the military community by offering courses on post, during times that are convenient for military members.

“CU offers courses during the lunch hour from 11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m., five days a week, as well as during the evenings here on post at the Harry S.

associate level — in career areas that are deemed to be very portable,” Glover said.

Glover said that military members would be hard-pressed to locate a university that is as committed to serving their unique needs as CU. “CU provides a top quality education at an affordable price … they would be challenged to find an institution that is more dedicated to serving the military population than we are,” Glover said.

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News

October 8, 2012

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CU presents future campus plans Tiffany Martinez News Editor Cameron University has released its future endeavors in two separate, but equally prominent, plans this semester: Plan 2018 and Campus Master Plan 2025. Though both of the plans seek to benefit the faculty, staff and students of CU, they both have independent focuses.

Plan 2018, entitled, “Values Driven, Action Oriented,” is the third fiveyear strategic plan Cameron University has produced and President Cindy Ross has administered. The plan will begin implementation in the fall of 2013.

Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Christopher Keller was the head of the plan.

“I was approached by the university administration in the spring of 2011 about possibly leading the Plan 2018 initiative,” Dr. Keller said. “I jumped at the opportunity.”

According to Dr. Keller, heading Plan 2018 was a once in a lifetime career opportunity he was not going to let pass him by.

President Ross said that Dr. Keller’s technological background made him the perfect choice for the position.

“I hand-pick a faculty member to lead each plan’s development,” President Ross said. “Dr. Keller, being so tech-savvy, allowed a lot of opportunity for

electronic input. I think this really improved the interaction of the plan — allowing more people to share more observations and inputs and ideas.”

According to President Ross, Dr. Keller held several “listening sessions” throughout the year between faculty, students and staff. She stressed that the strategic plan involved many people on campus.

“A great deal of work goes into something like this,” President Ross said.

Within the published document of Plan 2018 there are the actual values and actions to be implemented by CU, as mentioned in the full title of the plan.

“Altogether, there are six values and 42 actions,” President Ross said.

Though Plan 2018 will not officially start until the fall semester of 2013, some of its values and actions are being executed immediately.

One stated value is that of Student Learning, which heads Cameron’s plan to exceed the regional university average for student retention and graduation.

President Ross said that measures are being taken to ensure Aggies are able to acquire the essential tools needed to earn their college degree, such as the establishment of tutoring labs that are open for extended hours and the requirement of study strategies courses

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

Future plans: President Cindy Ross shows off the 2025 Campus Master Plans at a meeting with faculty and CU regents. Communication Professor Matt Jenkins spent a year working with university staff and architects planning out the new look of CU that is planned to be completed in the next 12 years. for students who have been placed on academic probation or suspension,.

Plan 2018 was presented for approval at the same meeting that the Campus Master Plan 2025 was presented. President Ross said this was the second campus master plan she has directed.

She asked Professor of Communication Dr. Matt Jenkins to manage the project.

This project, taking just

as much preparation and scheduling as Plan 2018, had more of an external focus, as Dr. Jenkins explained.

“The Campus Master Plan 2025 is a guide to shaping how Cameron University will grow and look over the next 12 years,” Dr. Jenkins said.

As the Chair of the Campus Master Plan Update Committee, Dr. Jenkins oversaw the information gathering

processes and worked with an architect as they drafted the plan.

“It is an exciting time to be at Cameron University,” Dr. Jenkins said. “I think this plan is important to everyone associated with CU. It is a unified and comprehensive plan for growth.”

The physical changes detailed in the master plan range from nurturing more plant life on campus to constructing another

student apartment complex.

Perhaps the greatest change to campus will be moving the main entrance from Gore Boulevard to 38th Street.

Dr. Jenkins expressed faith in President Ross’ vision for Cameron future.

“President Ross and her administration have this awesome vision for nurturing a new atmosphere for learning all over campus,” Dr. Jenkins said.

BCM hosts ‘See You at the Pole’ Amanda Goemmer Staff Writer

On Sept. 26, several students and some faculty members here at Cameron spent the early hours of their morning gathered around the flagpole in front of the Administration building engaging in prayer, during the annual See You at the Pole event.

According to the Director of Cameron’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), Danny Toombs, the core goal of See You at the Pole is rather simple.

“It is to get students praying,” Toombs said.

“Typically they pray for their country and the nations leaders because God tells us to pray for those in authority over us.”

Although it began in Burleson, Texas 22 years ago as a small grassroots movement, See You at the Pole is now recognized internationally and is celebrated in countries such as Canada and Japan, among others. Students across the globe meet at a designated time to stand together in prayer, usually beneath a flagpole.

It is held yearly on the fourth Wednesday of Sept. and the event is unique in that it

is initiated, organized and led completely by students.

The event brings members of the Christian community together, while also fostering the development of leadership skills in those who choose to actively participate. Toombs said that he is happy to let students take the reigns.

“I want them to have ownership in it and for it to be more their event than my event,” Toombs said. “Part of the goal is to develop leaders and if I am doing everything for them, then I am not developing leaders.”

Students at the BCM organize the event each year, which means that they are in charge of contacting Christian organizations on campus to see if members would like to lead in a prayer or get involved in other ways.

Members of Chi Alpha, an interdenominational fellowship of Christian students at CU, participated in the event and have done so for roughly the last 18 years.

According to Dr. Clinton Bryan, the Faculty Advisor and Chapter Director of Chi Alpha, students in the organization are compelled to participate in See You at the Pole because they

feel that prayer is essential to Christian life.

“Corporate prayer is important.” Dr. Bryan said.

“Scripture says that where two or three are gathered in his name he will be there in their midst.”

Prayer sessions were organized in several ways at this year’s event. Students prayed silently for a time, groups prayed together verbally and students prayed together in a unified group as well.

The event has previously been held in the afternoon during or near lunchtime at CU. However, because campus is generally buzzing around that time, Toombs said that it was decided that early morning hours would be more effective.

This year, the event began at 7:15 a.m.

Toombs said that he was thrilled with the turnout at CU’s See You at the Pole prayer rally this year and said that the number of students who want to join together in prayer at the event continuously amazes him.

“I am always surprised,” Toombs said. “We had about 45 people there this time and I was very pleased with that turnout.”

CONVOCATION continued from Page 1 “Convocation is important for students, especially freshmen, because it is a way to kick off the academic school year,” he said. “It also displays the academic excellence that Cameron provides through every school and department.”

Kristen Worthen, a Lawton native and senior Chemistry major, talked about her CU experience. Worthen said faculty at CU takes the time to know their students outside of the classroom.

“I think the most critical thing is that at Cameron, your professors really take the time to get to know you,” she said.

Sophomore Business major Stacy Hill attended the convocation ceremony. He said he appreciated the motivation that the speeches gave him.

“I attended the convocation as a PLUS Scholar,” he said. “I valued the inspiration I received through the students’ testimonies.”

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Patriotic prayers: Students of Cameron University celebrated a worldwide event in which they prayed for the leaders of their country beneath a flag pole.

This Christian event takes place annually, every fourth Wednesday of September.

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News

October 8, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Career services aim to help more students Jamie O’Bannon Newswriting Student

The Career Services department has grown and is now able to help more Cameron University students.

Angie Best, Career Services Coordinator, said the department has received a new office, Employee Relations Coordinator and the ability to guide more students toward a successful career.

“I am excited that we have been given the opportunity to grow this department so we can help more students,” she said.

The career center has added a new faculty member to its staff and has also relocated the office to a larger space. Along with the new facelift, Best said the Career Center is trying to become more involved with Cameron students.

“We are going to get involved with more oncampus hiring events and spend more time at student events so that we become a familiar face to the students,” she said.

Because of a previous lack of student body involvement, some younger students may misperceive the career center

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

Expansion for students’ benefit: CU students talk to job providers at a career expo. The Career Services Department recently expanded to cater for the needs of more students. as the office that graduating seniors frequent in order to get prepared for job hunting — though the center’s nature is more inclusive.

The career center is for college students of all ages, Best explained, whether they are freshmen deciding on a major or seniors needing help

building a resume.

“Even though they may not be looking for a career, they may be looking for a job,” she said. “We are here to help

every grade level.”

Wendy Locke, the new Employee Relations Coordinator, said she seeks out regional businesses to

“bridge the gap” and create more career opportunities and more paid and unpaid student internships. Her first day on the job was spent at a luncheon in Oklahoma City with a potential Cameron student employer.

According to Best, Cameron University students will catch the attention of many more employers with Locke advancing regional career opportunities.

“We want Cameron University students to be the first place they look,” Best said.

The career center does not directly place students, Best explained, but encourages equality to all.

“We advertise all positions to all students,” she said.

“Everyone has a fair shot.”

Best said that the career center is taking advantage of its new momentum and expanding impact to as many Cameron students as possible.

“We have maximized our capabilities as well as the students’ opportunities,” she said.

Students seeking more information on the new Career Services can visit them in the School of Business, suite 225. Job postings are also updated daily at www. hirecameronaggies.com.

Cameron encourages financial independence James Meeks Staff Writer

A Financial Bootcamp fivepart workshop will be held Monday evenings throughout the month of October in the Shepler Center Wichita Room.

Financial Assistance Director Donald Hall is leading the workshop series and said he hopes to teach students many different aspects of financial aid from scholarships, managing personal finances and preventing identity theft, as well setting up a savings plan.

The workshop titled “Financial Aid 101,” is the first in the series. Hall taught different types of financial aid that students could apply for and how to qualify for aid.

As the evening progressed, Hall went through the process of getting student loans and teaching students how to apply for them. He also covered what to look out for in the process of obtaining one.

“Federal student aid

Taking care of personal finances: The Financial Bootcamp series aims to help CU students understand the importance of being financially independent. is basic financial help for students to help pay for educational expenses,” Hall said. “It covers such things as tuition, fees, housing, meals, costs for transportation, school supplies and can also be utilized for other things such as purchasing laptops and computers.”

Hall said that in order to be eligible for Federal

aid, students must have proof of financial need, be a U.S citizen or an eligible noncitizen of the U.S with a valid social security number and maintain a satisfactory GPA. Students also received tips on what to avoid when looking for financial aid, such as high application fees and unsubsidized loans.

Crossword

“On a subsidized loan, the government will cover the cost of interest while you are in school, so if you borrow $3,000 and graduate after five years you will still owe the $3,000, but with no interest,” he said. “With an unsubsidized loan it will be $3,000 plus the interest.”

During the workshop, students received a pamphlet

Across

1 Fermented honey drink 5 Put in the pantry 10 Prepare email 14 Fairly large fair 15 Symphonic wrap-ups 16 Fuel for a firepit 17 Take an ax to 18 Place for sporting events 19 Money in Milan 20 It makes sense 23 Roses-red link 24 Firepit residue 25 Seeing red 27 __ au poivre 29 Takes a downturn 32 “Little Red Book” chairman 33 Nightstand spot 36 Camping trip dampener 37 It makes cents 40 Easy pace 41 Rested on one’s laurels 42 Parking facility 43 Lines of pews 44 Painter of ballerinas 48 California’s __ Mesa 50 “Just __ thought!”

52 Wagon wheel groove 53 It makes scents 58 Boyfriend 59 Threescore 60 GI sought by MPs

on all the different types of financial aid and what they mean, as well as some organizations that are well known in the aid area.

According to the pamphlet, Grants are free money that typically do not have to be repaid and are normally awarded to students that are determined to have a high financial need based on completion of FAFSA. Loans help pay for and defer the cost of a college education, and these programs require that all funds be repaid.

Scholarships are another type of financial assistance that does not have to be repaid. These funds are provided through the institution, civic and religious organizations, professional groups, foundations, corporations and cultural groups.

Tuition waivers are institutional awards that are used to offset the amount of tuition owed and can be applied against in-state and

out-of-state tuition. Most tuition waivers are awarded based upon high school grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, high school class rank and transfer retention.

Students were also given a sheet listing where they could go to learn more about financial aid, as well where they can go to get the aid they need.

Hall explained that students wanting to quickly find out if they are receiving financial aid could to go to their AggieAccess account and look under the “My Info” tab.

The next Financial Bootcamp workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8.

The workshop will discuss personal budgets and how to maintain them. Dinner will be provided during the workshops and students are welcome to attend.

Those seeking more information on Finaicial Aid can contact the Financial Assitance Office at 580.581.2293.

61 Uneaten morsels 62 They’re blue when they’re fair 63 Inca territory 64 Hissed “Hey!” 65 Fashionably dated 66 Periods in history

31 Fresh-mouthed 34 Artistic style of the Empire State Building 35 Hoped-for Christmas weather 36 Ferris wheel, e.g.

37 Speed trap setters 38 Under-the-gun situations 39 Company doctor 40 Comfort from mom, briefly 43 WWII fliers 45 Produce producer 46 __ borealis 47 Touchscreen-touching tool 49 Expect loyalty from 50 In pursuit of 51 Last word 54 Georgia was a part of it: Abbr.

55 Emcee’s need 56 Leave 57 Sprinter’s goal 58 Jazz genre

Down

1 Popular tourist destinations 2 Caution earnestly 3 Highest point in a satellite’s orbit 4 Info 5 Sings like Ella Fitzgerald 6 Synagogue reading 7 Poland-Germany border river 8 Sounded the bell 9 Biblical twin 10 Many a junior high student 11 Violin-playing comedian 12 Rogues’ gallery item 13 Shogun’s capital 21 In the buff 22 English Lit. majors’ degrees 26 Over there, back when 28 Act the accessory 29 Opera headliners 30 Foreboding March day

Answers on Page 6

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Voices

October 8, 2012

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Love literally comes in many forms

Alex Rosa-Figueroa Copy Editor THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief - Matthew Berberea News Editors - Teewhy Dojutelegan, Tiffany Martinez Crossroads Editor - Dianne Riddles A&E Editor - Sarah Brewer Sports Editor - Tyler Boydston Copy Editor - Alex Rosa-Figueroa Aggie Central Editors- Mitch Watson Archivist - Mitch Watson

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Goemmer, Lizzy Owoyemi Circulation Manager - Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Matthew Berberea Photographers - Kali Robinson, Misty Neal

Newswriting Students

Charlene J. Belew, Jordan K. Godlewski, Terry I. Gonzalez, Mei Ling Grooms, Michaela D. Haire, Philip D. Harrington, Eloise A. Herbert, Dena N. Jennings, Kaylee M. Jones, Sadie L. Jones, Whitney N. Mefford, Jaime R. O’Bannon, Melissa C. Solis, Shelby M. Stancil, Kaitlyn M. Stockton, Carson B. Stringham, Matthew L. Thompson, Cindy A. Walter, Skylar D. Williams

Faculty Adviser

Dr. Christopher Keller

About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

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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.

Love takes a lot of abuse in our language. We use the word so casually, so easily, that it has very nearly lost its meaning. In one day, I can say that I love my mother, my father, my friends, my God, my laptop, my favorite comics, my iPod, my games and that chili cheese burrito I had at Taco Bell the other night. At what point does one love overlap the other?

Are there any distinctions at all?

Is my love of burritos as valid as my love for my family?

While the answer to that last question is an obvious yes, I believe more thought should be given to the idea of multiple words for love.

As I said, love is quite the dynamic word. This one word carries the weight of so many emotions and contexts it is something of a wonder it hasn’t split off into multiple words already. But, for the sake of conversation, let us travel back to a time where love was divided into four quadrants, each one distinct from the other. Let us for a moment don our togas — and as a college man I know we all have them — and place ourselves in ancient Greece.

Our first word for love is one we are most familiar with. Agape closely refers to the kind of love one has for their spouse. This word covers the love we all know, the love off which Hollywood makes no small fortune. We know agape when we find our soul mate, that one special someone who completes and

complements us.

Agape can also cover the bonds of blood, the love we share for family. Agape is at one a simple and complex concept, and at one point Christians used the word to describe the kind of pure love God has for mankind.

Agápe is partly the love of Valentine’s Day. Éros covers the other half.

Eros is passionate love, full of sensual desires and longing. The word is

commonly associated with sexual attraction — after all, it is the root for the word “erotic” — though it specifically refers to intimate love. Plato was fond of eros, and in his works would often argue that the word refers to our appreciation of beauty.

Eros can be projected onto a person, and as we know the person more and more we gain an appreciation for the beauty of their soul, and this inner beauty leads

to the sexual attraction we feel for people. Eros doesn’t refer to our desire the reproduce, but the love that spurns that desire on.

Of course, our friend Plato went on to argue that the eros-based love of the soul led to a love of the very concept of beauty, and that all lovers and philosophers should seek truth through pursuit of eros; however, this aspiration is a touch off topic, and it distracts us

The last film I can even recall featuring an intermission is “Grindhouse,” and that film was really two films put together.

The rise of Blu-Ray gives studios even more reason to milk their

the “Star Wars” box set last year, but do what I say, not what I do.

Though I had found this trend palatable before, the final straw for this nerd was the recent news that broke concerning the prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Hobbit.”

The book was set to be released in two parts, already angering some fans who

from our next distinction of love.

Storge is our word for affectionate love. When we are waxing storge for someone, we are feeling that love and loyalty toward our friends. And is that not one of the truest loves? Talk all we want about our lovers and our family, but when someone steps into our lives in that platonic, erosexclusive way, they deserve a word to themselves.

Our modern language — which as you will recall does not exist yet, since we are presently ancient Greeks — has come up with a few stand ins, such as best friend or the ever dynamic “bro,” but even those words come short of the close bonds that are not quite agape enough to produce lovers and share no blood ties between them.

Our last form of love, philia, refers to a general type of love. Here we find the loyalty to fellow man, the love of activities, the passion for our lives. This is a comparatively simple love, but some word has to cover a man’s passion for chili and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

Alas, as we snap back to our modern times, togas drifting behind with an air of solemnity, I let out a single, quiet sigh. Love once again is stretched over far too many feelings with but one word to describe it all.

I love the English language — it is my philia, my passion — but of all the thousands of words, phrases and innuendos, I feel we need to come up with a few more for the heart.

Greed runs rampant in Hollywood I enjoyed it. Disney, please stop making me give you my money. At least my parents can be thankful that it is not their money being wasted now, though.

The worst re-release of the past several months, though, was the re-release of this summer’s “The Avengers” during the Labor Day weekend. A last minute cash grab, the Labor Day weekend totals for the film bumped it Tyler Boydston up just 2.7 million dollars, a Sports Editor small speck in the mountain that is the money collected Hollywood has gotten from “The Avengers.” greedy. When I say this, I The splitting of movies mean that it happened a long into parts instead of longer time ago, but I was too slow films also shows a big change to catch on until the 3D craze in the industry. Movies that of the most recent years. would originally be Having already ranted about anywhere from that on numerous occasions, three to four hours though, I feel that it’s time are now trimmed I tackle a newer, but no less into two halves ludicrous problem in the film and thrown at and television industries right the general now: the double dip. public within We have all seen it take one year of place at this point, whether each other. it be the stupid decision to Though split the “Harry Potter” it was finale into two parts, or the not a multiple releases of “Evil trend Dead” on DVD and Blu-Ray, until the with different special editions split of released every few years “Harry with one or two additional Potter and features. At first the nerds the Deathly sang out in a collective chorus Hallows” over a star commentary into two parts from courtesy of Bruce Campbell, November 2010 and July but now we all moan and 2011, it was done before with complain each time we see the “Kill Bill” in 2003 and 2004. release date for a new one.

Gone are the days of the The re-release of older epic films with intermissions films in theaters also shows to give the audience time the greedy Hollywood agents to breath, and here are the grabbing at our pockets. I films that make the audience cannot tell a lie, I did go see wait for months to see the “The Lion King” last year conclusion, taking a bit more when the movie found its way of the audience’s money while back to the local theater, and they ride off into the sunset.

customers dry, releasing newer editions of movies with seemingly state of the art graphics and sound. The rule of thumb that I use with these rereleases of films on Blu-Ray is to not buy them unless you don’t already own them on DVD. I broke that rule with

thought that the studios were milking them of their money. Apparently, two was not a big enough number for the studio, who would later announce that “The Hobbit” would instead split

into three parts to be released in December 2012, December 2013 and July 2014.

What possible reason is there in splitting “The Hobbit,” a book far shorter than any of the individual “Lord of the Rings” novels, into three parts, other than money? While I was initially excited about the project’s release, I am now hesitant to throw my money in the direction of the studio for fear that the film will then be split into four parts when they realize how much additional money they can make.

Granted, I probably still will throw my money at the studio because I’m a hopeless nerd, but I would like to think that I have the will to stay away.

At this point, what is there that we can do? Sadly, with the way the general audience is, the chances of seeing a longer movie with an intermission are done. The box office returns for “Grindhouse” in 2007 proved that point, and nothing like it has been attempted since.

With the impending releases of the second part of the last film in the “Twilight” series, as well as “The Hobbit” trilogy and the announcement of the third “Hunger Games” novel being split into two films, it has become very apparent that Hollywood is trying to rob us blind.

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A&E

October 8, 2012

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Fledgling fraternity still spinning Skylar Williams

conference center. All students were welcome to Newswriting Student play games such as Dance New Cameron fraternity Central for the Wii, FIFA World Cup 13 for the Alpha Sigma Phi hosted Xbox 360, or Call of Duty: two on campus events: a Modern Warfare 3 for the student game night, and a “Keep the Wheels Turning” PlayStation 3.

Franco said the members philanthropy event. of the fraternity colony took Alpha Sigma Phi advantage of the amenities established its colony on offered at CETES. Cameron’s campus one “We liked the idea of year ago, and has been being able to use all of the taking steps to gain student projectors, speakers, and attention. screens available to play Alex Franco, 19-yearthe games we like in a way old Lawton native and that made them bigger and current Alpha Sigma better,” Franco said.

Phi Vice President, said While the inf lux of the fraternity has eight students was not as large members and is hoping to as hoped, Franco explained gain in the coming year. that the turnout was greater He said the colony is seven than previously attempted members short of their end-of-the-year recruitment events.

“We attempted to put on goal. a poker night last semester, “Once we get 15 members but without an adviser’s total, we will be recognized assistance we weren’t able as an established chapter to turn it into anything rather than a colony,” big,” Franco said. “Luckily Franco said. “We hope this game night had a good these events will help us in turnout and got a lot more that goal.” people talking about Greek One such event, life at Cameron.”

Franco explained, was the Though Alpha Sigma fraternity’s game night, Phi’s initial focus was on an event meant to draw fun, the fraternity has students toward the colony. turned to philanthropy as “We are excited for well. the game night,” he said, “Keep the Wheels “We hope to generate a lot Turning” was a charity more attention for our own event where the members organization as well as all of Alpha Sigma Phi took Greeks on campus.”

Photo by Sarah Brewer Alpha Sigma Phi’s game turns on a stationary bike with the commitment to night took place at 7 p.m.

Wheels keep turning: Senior Psychology major Justin Carpenter takes a turn on prevent the wheels from on Sept. 27 in the CETES the Livestrong bike. Carpenter and others hope to establish Alpha Sigma Phi at CU. stopping for 12 consecutive

hours. Each member of the organization went out and asked for donations based on miles rode.

The event took place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the Bentley Gardens Gazebo.

Daniel Caldwell, sophomore Psychology major and recruitment director for Alpha Sigma Phi, said the location was a great choice for the event.

“We chose the gazebo on the suggestion of one of our other members, because we were going to do this event even if there was inclement weather,” Caldwell said.

Franco explained how Alpha Sigma Phi prepared for the event.

“Twelve hours is a big endurance test even on a stationary bike,” Franco said. “We all committed to going to the gym and practicing at least 30 minutes a week in the weeks preceding the event.”

According to Franco, Livestrong is the national philanthropic institution for Alpha Sigma Phi, the CU event took its own shape through the work of f ledgling fraternity members.

Caldwell said he was excited and energized to be raising money for cancer awareness.

“It is great that this event has been successful and gotten donations, it just gives you a good feeling” Caldwell said.

CU students showcase art in exhibition Matthew Thompson

the “Oklahoma: Centerfold” exhibition.

This exhibition has been running for nearly three decades, starting in 1989 as a local show. According to the Leslie Powell Gallery, the show has grown into a nationally recognized show, with artists from all over the United States participating.

Associate Professor and Chair of the Art Department Edna McMillan sad the show has also become more competitive over the years as more and more professional artists enter their works in the competition.

“This is a national showcase for a professional artist,” she said, “and it is highly competitive.”

The exhibition will award a prize total of nearly $6,000: First place in the exhibition will be awarded $3,000; second place will receive $1500; and third place will be awarded $800.

Although the financial benefits of the exhibition appear appealing, McMillan said that the exhibit is much more than a chance for a prize. She said that it allows students to begin to develop a portfolio and have their work professionally

critiqued by jurors.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to build their portfolio right here in Lawton,” she said. “It really encourages students when they see that their work has been recognized by a juror who selects their work from literally hundreds of entrees.”

According to McMillan, Cameron students are capable of vying for the first place price of 3,000 dollars. She also said that Art students at Cameron University are required to enter shows for their senior portfolios.

On a student budget,

“I thought I should have gone around and posted some Newswriting Student fliers, but the buzz about it was really strong,” he said.

Comic books have “It’s very rare that a summer earned a place in Cameron’s seminar fills up the way that curriculum. this one did. Having the class This past summer, max out before the end of Cameron University English enrollment was a big surprise.”

Professor Dr. John Hodgson Seth Copeland, a senior decided to teach a seminar English major, was one of the dedicated to the study of students who participated graphic literature. in the graphic literature Dr. Hodgson’s own class. He said he enrolled introduction to the graphic for the seminar because he novel genre took place when already had an interest in the he was in college. medium.

“I’ve been reading graphic “As a young lad I really novels since I was a college liked comics — they were freshman,” Dr. Hodgson good stuff,” Copeland said. said. “Someone convinced me to read ‘The Dark Knight “At an early age, you have Returns,’ and then from there these colorful, gaudily dressed I read ‘Watchmen.’ Ever since role models that do good things. As you mature, you then, I have kept my eye on them. Whenever a really good learn that there are other subjects to discuss and no one comes out, or I hear a lot topic is off limits.” of people talking about it, I Dr. Hodgson has pick up a copy and read it.” previously taught classes on One of the things that Arthurian legends and science surprised Dr. Hodgson, fiction. The summer seminars he explained, was the overwhelming response from are dynamic, with different students and how quickly the professors each year.

“Generally, the summer class filled up. All 20 openings seminar is an interest outside for the class were filled and the normal curriculum. enrollment was closed fairly Usually it is a side interest or quickly.

something that we think the students will respond well to,” Dr. Hodgson said.

The class was as much a learning experience for Dr. Hodgson as it was for the students. In developing the reading list for the course, Dr. Hodgson turned to not only the graphic novels that he already knew, but sought out novels that had literary merit or were part of popular culture.

“I looked at a lot of graphic literature courses being taught at other universities to see what types of things were being offered,” Dr. Hodgson said. “I had not read Maus and had only seen the movie for V for Vendetta. I had also not had a chance to read the scholarship that is available on a lot of the novels.”

Outside of incorporating graphic literature into the reading for currently-offered classes, Dr. Hodgson also pointed out that there are some classes that would benefit from adding graphic novels to their reading lists.

“If someone ever taught a course on Holocaust literature, Maus is a great holocaust narrative,” he said.

“Without considering its Photo by Carson Stringham medium, it is just a great story with all the poignancy and humanity of a narrative like Schindler’s List.”

Copeland said the interdisciplinary aspect of graphic literature is something that most students may have experienced with other subjects, and encouraged them to take the course.

“Journalism is Communication, English and Psychology, and we consider that a great class,” Copeland said. “Shakespeare is the same way, where the English language, this beautiful thing, merges with literature and the theater. I think students should take the class because it is this great convergence moment where representational art and writing come together.”

Dr. Hodgson said he hopes that he gets a chance to teach it again in the future.

“I would like to teach it again,” he said. “There are some other titles I would like to explore; I think we have only begun to scratch the surface of what the genre can Students understand comics: During the graphic novel seminar, students read some of the most popular do and what the possibilities and critically-acclaimed graphic novels for a grade. are for literary study.”

Newswriting Student

The 14th Biennial “Oklahoma: Centerfold” 2012 National Juried Art Show will be held at the Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton starting Nov. 3 and ending Dec. 31.

The exhibition will feature the works of CU students, faculty, and alumni.

Five CU art students, Zaeed Kala, Hailey Harris, Karen Ortega, Dalisha Hayes and Megan Royal, one faculty member, Monika Linehan, and one alumni member, Elle Fulton, were accepted in to

entering professional art exhibitions can get expensive.

McMillan said that a student can easily spend upwards of $200 entering art exhibitions in just one semester.

“It’s a professional expense that can be a financial burden on the students,” she said.

McMillan said that the acceptance of students’ work into the “Oklahoma: Centerfold” exhibition reflects well on the faculty in the Cameron University Art Department. She said that it also proved their students can compete on a professional level.

“Acceptance into the art

exhibitions demonstrates that students have met requirements for professionalism prior to graduation, and reflects the skills being taught by our faculty,” McMillan said.

One of the works that has been accepted into the exhibition is Zaeed Kala’s, “The Scar of Mother Gaia.” A senior at Cameron University, Kala said that he is using this opportunity to show his work and to begin building a resume.

“This is a great opportunity to get my name out there,” Kala said, “and also a chance for me to show my work outside the department.”

Comics become college textbooks in summer class Carson Stringham

6

Crossroads

580 Rollergirls: Sarah Brewer

October 2010, when founding member Christi Chambers A&E Editor began telling others how Skull and crossbones much she was enjoying skating are synonymous with the with the Red Dirt Rebellion Lawton 580 Rollergirls, a Rollergirls in Oklahoma City. local roller derby league, and Her enthusiasm soon the presence of this team has became infectious, and after surged with community spirit meeting with other women and philanthropy with each who also wanted to form of their knockdown, drag-out a league in their own, they bouts. assembled a team of female But the 580 Rollergirls do athletes who made their more than push each other mantra “‘til the wheels fall off.” around on the track; they Chambers said supporting lend a hand to local noncharities has also been their profit organizations through objective since the beginning. fundraisers and volunteer in “We have always tried to community events. work with local non-profit The Lawton 580 Rollergirls organizations in some form or first hit the scene back in fashion,” Chambers said. “We

set up vendor tables during our bouts and allow any nonprofit organization to setup their information for free and promote their cause.”

During a recent sibling rivalry bout with the Oklahoma City Lighting Broads, the Lawton 580 Rollergirls raised money for the J. Roy Dunning Children’s Shelter.

Senior Psychology major Kaley Meyer, known as “Trigger Trixie” on the track, said she was pleased to the see the girls she had befriended at the Marie Detty Youth & Family Services Center cheering her on.

“We actually went there the

October 8, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Photos by Tiffany Hudson

Providing entertainment and giving back to the community

other night and played board games with the girls, and they are here tonight to watch us play,” Meyer said. “We give to them, but they give so much to us. We really enjoy being involved as much as we are.”

Crystal Morris or “Riga’Morris” when blocking in jams currently serves on the sponsorship and raffle committee, asking local businesses for donations for their raffle.

“We want to our efforts to be tangible and impact the people we talk to all the time,” Morris said.

Last June, the Lawton 580 Rollergirls worked with Southwestern Medical Center and Comanche County Memorial Hospital to promote cancer awareness. They sold pink T-shirts and set aside part of the proceeds for cancer research.

According to Morris, their contributions to the cause made a visible impact.

“When we went to the Spirit of Survival kickoff, we all wore our pink shirts and we donated the money we raised.

Giving under 1000 dollars made us sponsors for the Spirit of Survival marathon,” Morris said.

Morris said the Lawton 580 Rollergirls have even joined forces with their opposing team on one occasion to contribute to another cause, much to their surprise and delight.

“One time — the last time Rough and ready: The 580 Rollergirls bring lots of we had a fundraiser for the action to their roller derby fans. These ladies have also Lawton Food Bank — the brought much funding to several community agencies. team that came from Kansas City found out and brought a car load of groceries with them. When representatives from the Lawton Food Bank came to set up their table, it was already full of food,” Morris said.

Off of the track, the Lawton 580 Rollergirls have participated in several events, such as the Arts for All Festival and the Mayor’s Blues Ball in Medicine Park. They also socialize with veterans at the VA Center during their monthly Monday Bingo Night.

The Lawton 580 Rollergirls are planning fundraisers for the Humane Society for their next bout.

The Lawton 580 Rollergirls are currently recruiting Sponsors, Referees, NonSkate Officials and others for support positions. Interested candidates can contact the Lawton 580 Rollergirls via e-mail at 580rollergirls@ gmail.com.

October 8, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

7

Sports

Aggie volleyball attempts to find stride amidst games of one of the Aggies best statistical matches of the year.

Managing Editor Jenna Risoli set a new career record with 58 assists and After struggling early added 16 digs for a doublein conference play, Aggie double. Kathryn Evans also Volleyball looked to get posted a career high for kills back on track with a four with 24. game home stretch this past Cameron had multiple week against conference opportunities to finish the opponents. match after winning the first First up for the Black two sets, but St. Mary’s was and Gold was the visiting able to shut the door in the Pioneers of Texas Woman’s final three sets.

University on Sept. 28. The “It is disappointing that Aggies looked strong in the we put ourselves in a situation first set but could not find to finish and did not do it,” an answer for the Pioneers Coach Tabbert. “We had as they fell in three straight some bright spots and played sets to TWU (21-25, 14-25, well at times, but it is hard to 16-25). see those right now when we The Aggies were led by let one get away that we really freshmen Kathryn Evans and should have taken care of.”

Shannon Dulaney with 11 After the tough loss, the kills each along with Jenna Black and Gold had a couple Risoli who contributed 27 of days to regroup before assists. hosing conference rival The team could not Midwestern State Oct. 2. dwell on the tough loss as Once again the Aggies they hosted Texas A&M came out firing, taking the Commerce and St. Mary’s the first 25-19 behind a 14-5 following day at Aggie Gym. rally. In the first set, Rebecca CU came out determined Green and Kathryn Evans to snap their three-game skid were each a perfect 6-6 kills and came out on top with a as the team combined for 16 decisive 3-1 victory (25-18, kills.

28-26, 18-25, 25-15) in the Cameron had trouble first game of the doublebuilding off the early header. momentum however, and Head Volleyball Coach MSU took the next three Doug Tabbert said avoiding sets to secure the match in mistakes and taking care of four sets (25-19, 19-25, 18-25, the ball were key in setting up 23-25). opportunities for the Aggies.

Photo by Matthew Berberea Evans and Green led the “Our hitters across the Aggies offense finishing with board really took care of the License to kill: Freshman Shannon Dulaney rises up above the competition during the match against 15 kills each while Risoli ball a lot better than we have Midwestern State on Oct. 2. The volleyball team won their first set of the night, but later fell in four sets to pitched in 39 assists and been,” Coach Tabbert said.

Midwestern. They are set to play at home again on Oct. 12 and 13 as part of their Lone Star Conference schedule. 15 digs for another double“A lot of the errors we have double. been making, we didn’t make. Julisa Ocasio and Mariah the conference standings. tournament race. It was a they jumped out to a 2-0 set Following the week, the That was good to see, and a Westlake had 30 and 16 digs “The conference win good win, we played well lead but were unable to finish Aggies record stands at 6-12 big part of the win.” respectively on defense. over Commerce was huge,” and really cleaned up a lot of and dropped three straight overall with a conference Shannon Dulaney and Coach Tabbert said he said. “They have been a issues we have had lately.” sets and fell to St. Mary’s in record of 2-6. Additional Rebecca Green paced the win over A&M-C was hot team and we have been The second half of the five (25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 20information for volleyball and the Aggies on offense important not only for the struggling, so we needed doubleheader started off as 25, 17-19). all Aggie athletics is available with 15 kills apiece while team’s confidence but also for that to stay in the conference planned for the Aggies as The loss came in spite at www.cameronaggies.com.

Matthew Berberea

Aggie golfers take on Broncho Classic Tyler Boydston

the Broncho Classic.

“We had great weather,” Sports Editor Goodwin said. “I feel like Cameron University’s we were really lucky — women’s golf team recently ordinarily we fight the set out to Oklahoma City weather at this time of the to play as a part of the year.”

Broncho Classic. The event According to Goodwin, took place Oct. 1 and 2. the team’s problem from Five women from the the tournament was team played on the course inconsistency among the over the length of two days, group. with a combined first round “We did not play score of 308, leading them consistently well throughout to tie for tenth place at the the tournament,” Goodwin end of the day. said. “We have to be more Head women’s golf coach consistent. We are trying Rick Goodwin said the to get everyone to show up girls planned on coming out with a good game all at the stronger for the second day same time. If we can all of the tournament. show up and play well at the “We were tied for tenth same time, we will crawl up in the first round, and it the leaderboard.” is always our goal to do On the second day of the better in the second round,” competition, sophomore Goodwin said.

Jaqueline Strickland shot Junior Lindsey Alexander a 69 while the other Aggie was tied for seventh at the golfers on the course shot end of the first day with in the 80s. Strickland a score of 73, while junior tied for 17th overall in the Kylee Johnson was three tournament. points behind her with a Coach Goodwin was total 76. pleased with Strickland’s The team returned the performance in the second day to add 309 competition. points, giving them a 617 “It’s a career best for her,” total for the tournament, Goodwin said. “We are landing them in 11th place. really proud of her, and we Goodwin sad he was less are trying to get her to put than pleased with the end two rounds together where score of the classic. she can play like that.”

“We are not satisfied Goodwin explained with that outcome,” that he team currently has Goodwin said. “We are one player, junior Candice better than that, so we Swartz, as a red shirt during have to start proving it. We the fall season. have to identify what the “Candice will work out problem areas are and work and practice with the team on getting those better.” but will not play in the Despite the fall events,” Goodwin said. weather affecting other The women’s golf team tournaments, Goodwin said is now preparing for their the wind managed to avoid next two tournaments

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Tee time: Sophomore Jaqueline Strickland aims down the fairway. Strickland played at the UCO Broncho Classic Oct. 1 and 2, where she shot a second round 69 at the tournament, tying for 17th. The women’s golf team placed 11th in the tournament overall, and are next set to play on Oct. 15 in the Dallas Baptist University Classic. taking place this month.

First, they will play in the Dallas Baptist University (DBU) Classic Oct. 15 and 16 in Dallas, and then the Oklahoma Intercollegiate on Oct. 22 and 23 at home.

“We have two tournaments ahead,” Goodwin said. “We will not have much time between those two to prepare.”

Until the DBU Classic, the team will be getting

ready and preparing to correct mistakes made at the Broncho Classic, while also keeping with their school work.

“They are practicing, working on their games,

trying to make some fixes and we have been in the weight room a couple of times,” Goodwin said.

“Another thing is that the kids have to hit the books and keep their grades up.”

8

Sports

October 8, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Tennis players rocket to regionals Tyler Boydston Sports Editor

Cameron University’s women and men’s tennis players recently swung away in their matches at the ITA Regionals from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Abilene, Texas.

The individual players started strong on the first day, with women’s tennis players Julia Puckhaber, Elvira Shooles and Amanda Moberg advancing to the sweet 16, while Duje Janjic and Nicolai Ferrigno represented men’s tennis, making it to the second day of competition.

According to head tennis coach James Helvey, the ITA Regionals faced weather conditions in the form of rain on the first day, though matches instead took place indoors.

“We were indoors some of the time,” Helvey said.

“Indoor tennis is completely different from outdoor tennis, with no weather elements there in the way.”

Sophomore Nicolai Ferrigno got two wins against Incarnate Word’s Mario Jakovijevic with scores of 6-3 in both matches, following with two wins against Western New Mexico’s Rodrigo Almeida with scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

Ferrigno later advanced to the championship match against the number one seed in the tournament, Hans Hach of Abilene Christian.

Though Ferrigno won the first set against Hach 6-4, Hach came back in the second and third sets with scores of 6-2 and 6-2 to win his third ITA Regional title.

Helvey expressed his pride in Ferrigno’s run,

Photo by Tyler Boydston

Ready, set, swing: Sophomore Nicolai Ferrigno strikes at the ball during practice. Ferrigno made his way to the championship match at the ITA Regionals, where he fell to the tournament’s number one seed Hans Hach of Abilene Christian after a first match win. The tennis players set out to the ITA Regionals from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. given the circumstances the sophomore was in.

“Nicolai had a lot of tough matches,” Helvey said. “To win five matches in that tournament is tough, and he got to the sixth match. He played consistently well, and I’m really proud of Nicolai.

Not many people get that opportunity.”

Seniors Julia Puckhaber and Amanda Moberg both made their ways into the elite eight. Puckhaber won the first round of the second day, but met defeat courtesy of Barbora Bozkova from Oklahoma Christian, who

hit them scores of 6-2 and 6-3 later in the day.

Moberg won her first match of the second day against Incarnate Word, but later fell to Mariana Rong of St. Mary’s with scores of 6-4 and 6-2.

According to Helvey, Puckhaber and Moberg

faced difficult matches in this tournament.

“They had some good draws,” Helvey said. “They played some tough people.

There were no easy matches in this draw. These are two seniors that played really well.”

Junior Elvira Sholles

said. “Every team is hungry and wants to make to the championship. We just have to take it one day at a time.

That is the approach I want to bring to this group. I want to let them enjoy this process and just know that it will be a tough, long road full of ups and downs.”

Durant also said that he plans to lead the team by example during the coming season.

“I think I came back as a more vocal leader,” Durant

said. “I have to try to help my team. There may be times when I am upset at myself when I return to the bench, but I can not let my team see me like that.”

While Durant, Harden and Westbrook were playing in London, other team members were preparing for the upcoming season in other ways.

Thabo Sefolosha said that he has prepared to have better aim and a better offense for the upcoming season.

“Every time I want to come back a better shooter,” Sefolosha said, “and I think I did a good job this summer, working on my shots and on my game offensively.”

According to Sefolosha, the team’s goal is to always try to be better than they were in seasons past.

“The main thing for us is to never be satisfied with what we did,” Sefolosha said.

“We lost a lot of veteran guys, so it is going to be on us as players now to motivate one

beat Christina Lopez of St. Mary’s with scores of 6-3 and 7-5 and then went on to defeat Allcia Perez of Tarleton State with scores of 6-3 and 6-3 in the opening day. Sholles was eliminated in the sweet 16 when she lost to Oklahoma Christian’s Barbora Bozkokva with scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

The selection process for the tournament is picked so as to not place certain players against others early on.

“We do not usually toss players in the competition,” Helvey said. “You usually try to place the better players so you do not have the possibility of the two best players meeting in an early round.”

According to coach Helvey, the ITA Regional, unlike other competitions, is not an indicator for the rest of the season.

“The ITA Regional is the highlight of the fall and kind of sets everything up for the rest of the year,” Helvey said, “but it’s a very poor indicator of where you might actually be, because it is one giant draw. Your number one and two players could play somebody else’s number five and six one round and your number six could play someone’s number one, so it’s a tough judge to see where everybody is.

“There have been years where I have a great ITA Regional and then we struggle afterward, and there have been years where I have a bad regional and then we have a great year in the spring.”

OKC Thunder prepare for new season Tyler Boydston

that I am proud of with our guys is that I never saw that,” Sports Editor Brooks said.

Over the team’s summer The Oklahoma City off-season, James Harden, Thunder has recently begun Russell Westbrook and Kevin training for their upcoming Durant played basketball as season, adding new players a part of Team USA in the to the team while bringing Olympics. back core players from the According to Harden, previous year. playing at the summer The loss of the Olympics managed to help championship to the Miami Heat in June has had an effect block out the loss of last season’s final. on the players of the team “It’s been a long, enjoyable as they have prepared to go into training and get ready to summer, especially with Kevin and Russell,” Harden come back. said. “I think the Olympics According to Kendrick kind of blocked the finals out, Perkins, the team’s loss in and now getting ready for a the finals was due to being new season is exciting.” overwhelmed.

According to Kevin “I think we all understand Durant, working alongside what it takes to get to the LeBron James, a member finals, but the finals were overwhelming to a lot of us,” of the Miami Heat, was a challenge.

Perkins said. “At the end of “To play on the same team the day, you still have to give after losing to him was the credit to the Heat because toughest thing, but I had to they beat us. At the end of let that go and just focus on the day, we know what it Team USA,” Durant said. “I takes to win.”

Head coach Scott Brooks grew a lot mentally when I did that.” said that the team reacted Durant said he realizes differently than other teams that the team will not always would in the position of losing the final to the Miami make it to the finals like they did last year.

Heat.

“It is not a guarantee “When you do lose, the that we will make it to the fingers are pointed and you look for blame, but the thing finals every year,” Durant

another.”

Though Harden remains under contract this season, a contract extension has not yet been reached.

Teammate Russell Westbrook said that Harden’s decision to stay with or leave the team will be based on what is best for his family.

“James is going to make the best decision for him and his family,” Westbrook said.

The Thunder’s training camp began Oct. 2.

Photo by Tyler Boydston

Ready to return: Kevin Durant tells the press about the upcoming season. Durant, alongside the rest of the Thunder team and coach Scott Brooks, talked to the press as a part of Thunder’s annual media day on Oct. 1.