COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Monday, September 24, 2007
News
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
Volume 81 Issue 4
Emergency: Press for Assistance unable to speak to the officer in the event of Collegian Staff an attack. The safety towers Campus assistance is only also include flashing the touch of a button away. lights on top. These It has been over a year are an added safety since Cameron installed feature that can be the Assistance Call Boxes seen all over campus throughout the campus, and and from the streets they have already been very when activated. The useful to students, faculty intent is to bring as and visitors. much attention as The call boxes were possible to those in previously called Emergency serious need. Call Boxes, but the name was Ronan said that changed so those needing the towers have been assistance would not hesitate quite successful. to ask. From fixing a flat “We average about tire or simply asking for three to four calls a directions, officers are here to week for assistance,” Photo by Jim Horinek help in any way they can. Ronin said, “and Cameron is one of pranks are very rare.” Take a left then a right: Cameron police officer Jack Youman gives directions to Becca several universities in The Office of Frazier a sophomore biology major. Roughly a year ago, 13 safety towers were installed the area to adopt Public Safety has on campus. The towers offer students and visitors quick access to directions, emergency security boxes as two or three officers part of new on- assistance and other services. patrolling the campus campus security systems. campus. during the day and two officers at night to ensure While the safety towers The Office of Public Safety carefully considered that students can get assistance at all times. are mainly used for nonthe locations for the boxes. They placed them According to Ronan, Cameron cannot emergencies, Cameron around high-traffic areas on campus. do enough to keep its installed them to Jim Ronan, Director of Public Safety, said, students protected increase the safety “The 13 strategically-located call boxes were and safe while of those students placed throughout the campus where they would they are on that attend, be the most useful to students.” campus. live and The twelve-foot, energy-efficient call boxes work on are completely solar-powered and contain a radio “President in each box that is directly linked to all campus Ross is officers patrolling the campus. Each call box is constantly designated with a number so that campus security SEE TOWERS will know exactly where assistance is needed. The boxes are designed to send for help if students are Page 2
By Brandi O’Daniel
University housing joins reality television boom. SEE PAGE 3
A&E
Music department rings in fall season on high note.
Renowned writer makes impact on campus By Laura Batule
SEE PAGE 7
Collegian Staff Cameron University students, faculty and members of the community gathered last Tuesday in the library reading room to listen to renowned author and journalist Julie Salamon speak about her life experiences. No matter what expectations people arrived with, hopefully, they were not only met, but exceeded as this distinguished woman shared memories, insights and invaluable advice to those who share her love and passion for the art of writing and storytelling. Photo by Laura Batule “All of us come from a tradition
Sports
Volleyball team sends A&M Commerce packing in LSC opener. SEE PAGE 8
Voices
Government portrays message that drugs can fix everything. SEE PAGE 5
of stories…we want to pass down our stories to others,” Salamon said. “We are all connected through our stories.” A child of refugee parents, Salamon shared memories of her hometown Seaman, Ohio, a small impoverished town of less than 800 that welcomed her family with open arms. Her father was a medical doctor who instilled in both his daughters that they should never be dependent on anyone. He also stressed the importance of being grateful and of giving back. “My father had an education,” Salamon said. “He always told
us that we must learn a skill, and education, education, education. I became a lawyer and although I have never used my law degree, I have an education and I have a skill.” As a child growing up in a small town, Salamon explained that there was no library, but a Bookmobile that came to town on a regular basis. “I had no idea what books I was taking,” she said. “I would leave the Bookmobile carrying a tall stack of books in my arms.
SEE SALAMON Page 2
SGA appoints new vice president, receives new senate body By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff With a new senator body and a new vice president, the Student Government Association is up and running at its full capacity. The senator body is now composed of returning senators and incoming freshmen, after the elections placed on Sept. 5 and 6. Julianne Moini, the SGA Secretary, said the election had a good turn out from the students. “We had a lot of students come to vote, it’s been really great,” she said. While choosing the new senators, students voted for a new vice president. Tobias Kuhn, a senator last year, assumed the position of SGA Vice President on Sept. 11. This year’s SGA will find the presence of more committee than the previous years. President Wozencraft said the committees will have a greater role in the SGA body when it comes to decision making and functioning with SGA. The activities committee, the legislative committee, the judicial committee, the elections committee and the finance committee are among groups that will have a great decision-making presence. Each will have a determined and essential task throughout the year. For last week’s meeting, President Wozencraft announced a guest speaker would talk to the SGA members about Cameron’s budget information and future buildings on campus.
President Cindy Ross attended the meeting and discussed the tuition increase and the opportunities for a greater number of scholarships for Cameron students. “Developing this budget has been a particularly challenging process,” Dr. Ross said. “This amount includes necessary costs increases for health insurances, utilities, library material and automation, minimum wage and retirement benefits.” Dr. Ross explained the tuition increase was due to the amount of capitol released by the Oklahoma State regents for Higher Education, the current university’s expenses, and its comparisons to the previous years. “Because of the lack of state support, Cameron is forced to increase tuition and fees by 9.4 percent,” Dr. Ross said. “The increase in the tuition and fees is an unfortunate but necessary response to historically low state funding. However, Cameron University continues to offer a top quality education at an affordable price.” Dr. Ross also discussed the plans for the new buildings on campus and the current projects for the business building and CETES Phase II. With the centennial celebration approaching, the Student Activities Complex and the
Centennial Gardens will serve Cameron students and the southwest Oklahoma community. The question of campus parking was raised during the meeting. The Centennial Gardens will be built where the current parking lot is, north of the Shepler towers. Dr. Ross said new parking will be built on a lot south of the Shepler towers. In closing, Dr. Ross reminded the SGA body once more why Cameron University is the best choice in higher education in Southwest Oklahoma and the future plans for this year and SGA. “Cameron University continues to be the ‘university of choice’ for southwest Oklahoma,” she said. “I look forward to the upcoming academic year as Cameron’s tradition of excellence continues.”
Graphic by Jim Horinek
News
2
September 24, 2007
Goodyear room hosts Constitution panel By Kerry Myers
and what they think is particularly special about this document. Collegian Staff What is it about the Constitution At 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 17, students, that is so important? faculty, and citizens of all ages Magistrate Shon Erwin said: “I gathered in the Goodyear Room in am surprised that the Constitution the Sciences Complex for a panel was ever adopted at all. What discussion about the United States didn’t the Constitution cover at that Constitution. time? It doesn’t mention slavery, or Dr. Tony E. Wholers, Assistant voting. I find it compelling that our Professor of Political Science, gave the constitution is flexible. It is a miracle, welcome, and Dr. Melody Huckaby, and it continues.” Assistant Professor of History of Representative T.W. Shannon Government, guided the panel expressed that the importance of the discussion. Constitution is that it “doesn’t grant Present at the discussion were rights to citizens but guarantees Oklahoma Court of Criminal them.” This was a matter on which Appeals Judge David Lewis, United that the entire panel agreed. States Magistrate Judge Shon T. The panel, when prompted about Erwin, Oklahoma Supreme Court Oklahoma’s Centennial, discussed Justice Marian Opala, and State what it means to be a state and what Representative T.W. Shannon. roles to they see in the future for the Audience members asked the states. guest speakers a variety of questions Supreme Court Justice Marian about their views on the Constitution Opala stated that importance lies in
immigration the balance “I don’t lean to the left, and I should be a between state and federal issue don’t lean to the right,” Opala individual said. “I hue to the center and try rather than a state issue. liberties, to protect everyone.” “Illegal and the immigrants system of —Marian Opala provide the checks and balances. Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice cheapest labor, and that is Shannon a difficult replied that he thinks it is time to bring the power problem to solve,” Opala said. back to the states. “There is much local lawlessness in “I haven’t met anyone who is immigration, and this nation cannot stand much longer on lawlessness. completely satisfied with the present To continue to move forward, we federal programs,” Shannon said. “People in this state are demanding have to be a country that obeys a that we do more on a state level. We law.” Erwin responded that he also are addicted to federal dollars because believes that immigration is an issue we are a poor state.” Dr. Huckaby asked the panel what that should be handled at the federal they thought about immigration and level. Erwin said, ”Comedians are saying ‘let’s build a fence, but who is its role in the constitution. Opala responded that there is not going to build the fence?’” much doubt that naturalization and At the panel discussion, each
participant expressed their thoughts concerning the United States Constitution and how it concerns current government issues. “I don’t lean to the left, and I don’t lean to the right,” Opala said. “I hue to the center and try to protect everyone.” The panel began taking questions from the audience at 4:20 p.m. Issues such as the 2nd Amendment were a big part of that discussion. After audience questions, the Lawton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution led everyone in The American’s Creed, and a reception followed. Constitution Day is a holiday that many believe deserves more attention, and many believe that it is just as important as Independence Day. Judge Lewis stated that the Constitution was designed to be a living, breathing document, here to protect the American people.
her insight as a world renowned author and journalist as she gave invaluable advice to the assembled group. A writer for “The Wall Street Journal” and film critic for “The New York Times,” she drove home the importance of acquiring on-the-job training and experience. “Take an internship job if you are interested in journalism. It helps you learn to write quickly and it makes you put yourself out there,” Salamon said. “No matter what your beat, you can find interesting and personal stories through the people behind the seemingly impersonal story.” As a film critic for “The New York Times,” Salamon spoke about
of Style,” a book about writing by Strunk and White, and her willingness to ask for help, Salamon has written six books. Speaking with humor and humility, she stressed that her success has not been without rejection and disinterest by publishers. “The rejection letters are very important,” Salamon said. “I keep the 13 or 14 rejection letters I received for ‘White Lies’ in my desk drawer. Some publishers politely rejected it with phrases like ‘shows promise,’ others bluntly said, ‘not interested.’ The person who will become a writer is the one who will pick themselves up over and over again.” Also, finding the right editor and agent are important to all writers. A small publisher in Boston that saw promise in it finally accepted Salamon’s first book. She was assigned an editor who provided Salamon with priceless assistance. “A great editor is like a great teacher,” Salamon explained. “He or she will talk you through the manuscript and help you find the better way to communicate the ideas in your mind on the paper. When you write a book, be strong and have faith. You have to want it.” Salamon told the group that an agent was necessary if an author wants to be published. She suggested that aspiring writers should research agents and find ones who work with similar style authors. She also stressed the importance of attention to grammatical detail when writing the cover letter that accompanies submitted works. A writer only gets one chance to make a good first impression. “Writing helps you figure out who you are and how you will interact with your surroundings,” Salamon said. “Throw yourself, your thoughts and your words out there. Insecurity keeps you honest.”
SALAMON continued from page 1 “I remember reading all types of books. I didn’t care what the what the books were about, I just loved reading. Words, language and stories were my connection to the world,” she said. Salamon began writing as a young girl. She told the group she wrote endless letters to friends and family. She also made daily entries in her diary. “I wrote in my diary every day,” Salamon said. “I never missed a day. I wrote entries like, ‘today I woke up and then I took a shower.’ I realize they weren’t exciting or revealing, but it was important to me and I wrote in my diary every day.”
Shortly after her high school graduation, Salamon’s father died. “My response to my father’s death was to write,” Salamon said. “When I started college two months later, I met a young man on campus who asked me what I was interested in and what career I wanted to pursue. I said I was going to be a writer.” The young man Salamon met at Tufts University was a writer for the student newspaper. She also worked for the paper while at Tufts where she realized that she was a writer. Years later, she would marry that man and move to New York City. Salamon continued, sharing
her years watching and critiquing movies. Initially hired to write and report on the commodities market, she was told there would be a job available for a film critic. For months, she went to movies and wrote reviews, submitting them while still working the commodities beat. After months of writing unpublished film reviews, she was transferred and given the position of New York Times film critic. “A good film critic writes about the good points of the movie, about what the author was trying to accomplish and if they did it well or not,” Salamon said. “It was during an interview with Brian DePalma, who at the time was filming Body Double, that he asked me, ‘Why aren’t you writing your own work?’” Sometimes a person needs to hear an idea or suggestion at just the right time in order to open their mind to something exciting and new. Salamon said her moment came with DePalma’s question. “I was ready to hear it and started writing my first book, ‘White Lies’,” Salamon said. Salamon continued with invaluable advice as she recalled her experience writing her first book. She acknowledged the difference between writing news stories and film reviews, which require shorter deadlines, and sitting down and writing a fictional novel. The novel requires personal discipline and the ability to focus for extended periods of time. “I believe my real preparation for writing books came from my time growing up in Ohio. I spent hours and hours sitting on a tractor, plowing. The work was tedious but precise,” Salamon said. “When you write a book, you have to sit there and focus until the pages and chapters and book appear on your computer screen.” Armed with “The Elements
TOWERS continued from page 1 “President Ross is constantly checking with the head of the departments to see what we can do better,” Ronan said. Officers take other precautions to increase students’ safety. Cameron police patrol the campus day and night by way of security vehicles, electric cars, bicycles and on foot. Trees and bushes must be trimmed in order to eliminate possible hiding places for predators, and checking for interference with solar panels on top of the safety towers. The officers at the Office of Public Safety are on duty year-round and are all State Certified Police Officers. Each officer is required to meet the same qualifications as those employed by the State of Oklahoma. According to Healy Roman Associates, an organization that collects data on all campus crimes in the United States, Cameron is ranked 32 on the list of safest campuses in the nation. From the safety towers to the 24-hour campus security, Cameron is taking all the necessary precautions. “We do whatever it takes to make it safe,” Ronan said.
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News
September 24, 2007
3
CU Housing creates its own version of hit show By Kareem Guiste Collegian Staff Living on campus just became a more pleasing choice for five Cameron students thanks to a few intelligent minds like Jennifer Head, the new Women’s Hall Director; Zeak Naifeh, the Student Activities Director and interior designer Cheri Harrison of The Classic Collection and Interior by Cheri. “Trading Spaces” as it was dubbed in the early 90s, was a TLC television program that gave random selected neighbors from a pool of applicants, the chance to get their home or apartments Graphic by David R. Bublitz remodeled or redesigned from the taste of their selected peers of neighbors. Last week, Cameron held its own “Trading Spaces.” Channeled by the two main departments on campus, which work directly with student life at CU, Student Housing and Student Activities, the “Trading Spaces” program, Cameron style, was on the way at the Shepler Resident Halls and the Cameron Village. Students who live on campus were given the opportunity to get a chance to be a part of the initial program on campus, which may bear more fruit in the future. Women’s Hall Director Jennifer Head said that the idea seemed to be an interesting venture to bring to Cameron housing. “This initiative came from the past television program that aired on TLC sometime back,” she said. “The program here, of course with a few alterations, which was made possible by the collaborative
efforts of Student Housing and Student Activities, gave students an opportunity to apply for a chance to win a free room re-design, with the assistance of an interior designer.” According to Head, living in the Shepler Dormitories and or in the Cameron Village, can sometimes cause students to feel homesick, if one does not have the right swing to his or her apartment. So, to bring about change and assist students in really making campus living home away from home, these two departments within Cameron decided to give the opportunity to any student who was chosen from the pool of applicants. The application process was free from gender bias and gave equal opportunity to anyone who lived at one of the two campus housing locations. At the end of the selection process, four rooms were chosen from a small pool. Applicants had to submit their application form through the Office of Student Housing along with pictures of their room. Ruth Johnson, Javee Morris, Jaclyn Fore, Sonilla Abdulla and Heather Doslich were the residents chosen for the first “Trading Spaces” Cameron-style room makeover. The interior designer hired by the two departments, as well as the other applicants, selected designs for the chosen rooms. Work on the rooms took place on Sept. 13 and 14, she said. At the end of the program, all the rooms looked wonderful and deemed the program a great success and worthy
investment by Student Housing and Student Activities. “I think from the work that was done and the changes that have been made to these rooms, it would be safe to say that the program was very successful.” Head said. “Now the girls can be comfortable about living, have a sense of entitlement, and feel comfortable in their own space.” Morris, originally from the island of St. Kitts, said they were very interested in being selected for the room makeover and excited to see what the results would be if they were chosen. “We decided to sign up because we wanted a change in our room, we wanted a new look since Jaclyn and myself are from two different regions with two different styles, and our room lacked tact, so I was curious to see how it would turn out,” Morris said. “When we entered our room, it was just beautiful. The colors green and black, that we liked, were integrated into the design of the room and we are very excited about the change.” Heather Doslich was the only successful applicant at the Cameron Village. She felt it was an amazing experience to be a part of and that a wonderful job was done. Doslich, who plays on the tennis team, gave credit to the housing office for collaborating with Student Activities. “My friends are very jealous now, because my room is just amazing,” she said. “I am happy that these two departments decided on such a venture and more happy at the time Jenny and Zeak put into the organization of it. It is obvious they knew what they were doing because now I think my room can be the new model apartment.” Sonila Abdulla, who is originally from Albania, was surprised by the program’s efforts..
“I was impressed with the time and efforts they spent to fix my room,” Abdulla said. “ It feels so different now. The theme of the design has my favorite colors: green and blue. These are the colors of the ocean which reminds me of home. Moreover, I like the way my room looks more organized and more spacious.” A program that has been so carefully planned with the right
resources clearly came at timely moment for these five students. With the thanks and cheers that poured out from these students it is obvious enough that the staff at the Student Housing and Student Activities departments are definitely pulling their weight in the continued the process of changing lives at Cameron University.
Photos courtesy of Jenny Head
Before and after: (Above) The room of Javee Morris and Jacklyn Fore before the Trading Rooms took place. (Below) The same room after the Trading Rooms took place.
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News
September 24, 2007
Student Support Services celebrates two decades of service By David L. Bublitz
the TRiO programs began with Upward Bound, via the Economic Collegian Staff Opportunity Act of 1964. Upward Bound began in response to the On Oct. 1, 1987, Student Johnson administration’s war Support Services opened their doors for the first time at Cameron on poverty. The following year, University, and in doing so, opened Talent Search was established as part of the Higher Education Act. opportunities to excel in postFinally, in 1968, Student Support secondary education for many Services, originally known as first-generation, low-income and Special Services for Disadvantaged disabled students. Among the Students, was authorized by freshman class walking through the Higher the Student Education Support “It’s a time for students to Amendments Services doors at reflect on what SSS has meant and became the third in Nance to them. We have invited a series of Boyer in some of our graduates who educational 1987 was opportunity Kay Love. were a part of the program. programs. Today, And we are hoping that By the late Love is they can come and help us 1960s, the one of two celebrate this big day.” term “TRiO” academic was coined counselors and the — Kay Love to describe these federal mentor Mentor Coordinator programs. coordinator Student Support Services According for Student to Love, Support Student Services at Support Cameron. Services was the first TRiO According to Love, Student Support Services has a long history program offered at Cameron in 1987. Since then other TRiO that began at the federal level programs were added to benefit under the TRiO programs. Cameron students. “TRiO is the name of the “Over the years, Student federally funded programs that Support Services along with were started back in the midMcNair Scholars, Open Doors sixties under Lyndon Johnson’s Talent Search, Upward Bound, presidency,” Love said. “These and other programs have become programs were established to available here at Cameron,” Love assist low-income, first-generation said. “So, I joined the program as students to get into college. it came off the ground. I have now Johnson also set up federal grants been a part of TRiO for 20 years including the Pell grants students and have worked the program as a receive today.” counselor for the last 16 years.” According to the U.S. In 1987, the majority of the Department of Education Web site
Photo courtesy of Student Support Services
A helping hand in any situation: Arminica Goodwin (right) assists Jalonda Wright (left) with an assignment during the end of semester celebration. Since the SSS was created 20 years ago, there have been numerous changes and additions, including the addition of a second academic counselor. services provided by SSS included free tutoring, accommodations for students with disabilities and enrollment assistance. The following year, the program moved from Nance Boyer to the fourth floor of North Shepler, where they are currently located. That physical move, however, set the stage for a vast progression in the amount and quality of services provided by Student Support Services. While they still offer these core services to their members, the program has grown. As the number of TRiO programs has grown for prospective and current Cameron students, so has the range of services provided by Student Support Services. “Over the years, the Student Support Services program has grown dramatically,” Love said. “When I started here as a student, I was a member of the program the first year it started here at Cameron in
1987 as a freshman. Since then the staff has grown from one director, one counselor, and one program assistant, to three counselors, an assistant director, and not only a program assistant but a desk clerk along with various student workers.” Cameron’s Student Support Services has extended their services beyond tutoring and counseling in the past 20 years. In addition to an expanded tutoring staff, Student Support Services now provides a funded mentoring program with peer counselors. “In the early days, the mentors were volunteers,” Love said. “Now the program hires and pays peercounselors who are paired up with new students in order to help them in the early months when they are still unsure of everything.” Additionally, five academic labs located in the major departments across campus carry out much of the tutoring benefits provided to Student Support Services members. These labs are primarily designed to assist students with general education subjects. In the Academic labs, most of the lab directors are also faculty members who teach in the department and supervise tutors in the labs. Along with the five academic labs across campus, Student Support Services also provides individual
tutoring in areas where there are no academic labs available. Individual tutoring is available in a wide variety of subjects including history, government, psychology, and economics. The individual tutors are students who have a good GPA in a particular tutoring area. The list of services provided to Student Support Services members seems endless. The program includes their own separate computer lab with a technology specialist, computer software workshops, and even a laptop loan program where members can sign out a laptop for up to two weeks. All the services provided to Student Support Services members are free. Membership eligibility is generally the same as it has been since 1987; applicants who are either first-generation students, low-income, or disabled and who present an academic need. Only one of the eligibility requirements must be satisfied for membership. Student Support Services will celebrate their 20-year anniversary at Cameron with a reception from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 in North Shepler 413. A brief ceremony at 1:30 p.m. will be followed by a reception with cake and refreshments. All are invited to attend the celebration. “It’s a time for students to reflect on what SSS has meant to them,” Love said. “We have invited some of our graduates who were a part of the program. And we are hoping that they can come and help us celebrate this big day.”
Voices
September 24, 2007
5
More pills, less health: Why are pharmaceutical profits rising as health declines? According to Medicare, last year the U.S. spent $274 billion on prescription drugs. In 1999, that dollar figure was less than half of what it is today at $120 billion; still an outrageous number. So, if the purpose of prescription medication is to treat illnesses, why, according to statistical reports on disease frequency from the Food and Drug Administration, are Americans unhealthier than ever before? The answer is that prescription drugs are not manufactured to solve people’s problems: They are created to soothe symptoms of a disease so that they can be taken for long periods of time.
The longer a patient takes a pill, the more money the manufacturing company makes. People don’t go to the pharmacy to try and figure out what’s causing their headaches. They go to the pharmacy to pick up their Loratab prescription to make the pain go away because asprin just isn’t strong enough for them anymore. A more complicated example is type II diabetes, which is labeled as a “disease” by the FDA. The U.S. has the highest rate of type II diabetes, once referred to as agerelated diabetes, per capita, than any other country in the world. What’s even more frightening is, according to the Center for Disease Control, today’s children are developing type II diabetes at an unprecedented rate, which is why the name was changed. Can drugs fix The U.S. is also leading the everything? pack with high rates of obesity and morbid obesity, which are also labeled as diseases by the FDA in adults as well as young people. The irony is that MCT Campus this is also the
time when Americans have seen the most diet foods and weight loss pills on the market. Clearly, the rise in obesity of American adults and children correlates with the rise in the rate of diabetes. It is an undisputed fact in the medical world that the two conditions go hand-in-hand. It is also an undisputed fact that a reduction in body fat, an increase in physical activity and a nutrition plan that focuses on low-glycemic foods will greatly aid, if not completely cure, type II diabetes in most individuals. Therefore, type II diabetes can logically be deduced as a symptom of poor lifestyle choices. Similarly, could not a headache possibly be cured with water since the leading cause of headaches is dehydration? The FDA states, however, that “only a drug can treat, cure or prevent a disease.” They regulate what drugs Americans can buy and what symptoms these drugs can treat. The Center for Disease Control states that obesity is an “epidemic.” An epidemic is defined as an outbreak of a disease. Therefore, obesity is a disease along with diabetes that only a drug, produced by a pharmaceutical company and approved by the FDA, can treat. If diabetes and obesity are diseases, only treatable by drugs, then how can eating right and exercising, both of which are medically proven to solve the problem, do any good? It would seem that our own government agencies, the very people we trust to look out for our
best interests, are working against us. Right now the CDC is begging for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and the FDA to approve the use of “oral hypoglycemic agents” (drugs to lower blood-sugar) because they are “urgently required for children and adolescents” with type II diabetes. This horrifying reality is written on the CDC’s web site under their diabetes projects section. Children don’t need to go on drugs for the rest of their lives to cover up the symptoms of their obesity and the complications that will continue to mount if their poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are not addressed. We, as competent, capable adults need to realize what we are doing to ourselves and, consequently, our children. Just because McDonald’s and Chef Boyardee make for inexpensive, quick meals and video games are practically perfect babysitters, doesn’t mean they’re good for us. We also need to realize what is happening with our government agencies and exercise our First Amendment right to question what they are doing to our lives and the lives of our children. Not too long ago in history, scurvy was a horrible disease
Kelley Burt
The fashion police are getting out of hand It doesn’t matter who you are, we all put on our pants the same way in the morning ... or else. According to a CNN article on Sept. 17, aptly titled “Baggy pants crackdown goes national,” there is a fine of up to $500 or a six month jail sentence in Delclambre, La. for wearing pants so low that undergarments or bare buttocks are visible. Sure, in the name of decency, we can’t have people exposing themselves in public. Not only would this give exhibitionists free range, it would also threaten the cherished American belief that the human body is something to be ashamed of, but I digress. From what I’ve seen, these pants are usually worn with only boxers showing. Are people suddently offended by plaid? It’s about time. And maybe it would be one thing if this was all in the name of modesty, but in Trenton, N.J. and Atlanta, Ga., saggy britches serve a criminal profiling function. That
is, wearing the baggy, saggy pants results in a city worker making a crapshoot guess at where the wearer’s life is headed. They actually question whether they have finished high school or have a job. I guess you can’t blame them. I know I would feel mentally and socially superior if my job consisted of judging people according to the way they wear their pants. After all, discriminating the Good People from the Bad People by what they wear is a skill everyone should have learned in high school. What about the low-rise pants for young women that have been so popular? Are these women criminals because of the revealing garment? What about women who wear colorful thongs intended to show or, in some cases, coordinate with their outfit? Perhaps someone should look into whether certain color thongs are actually gang signals to other thong-baring women.
Jessica Lane
Oh, the feminine mystique, evading those clever social workers, the biggest threat being diagnosed with “daddy issues” or wanting attention. Of course, these assumptions are just as wrong. Really wrong. C.T. Martin, an Atlanta councilman, said that he wants to stop the saggy pants trend before it reaches elementary school children. How admirable. Those children might start sporting baggy jeans and subsequently lose their jobs, where of course they earned the wages to buy these pants. The
afflicting hundreds of thousands of people. Scurvy has been found to be a vitamin C deficiency. The cure is eating citrus fruit. If the disease of scurvy could be found to be cured by a vitamin and not by a manufactured drug, then who is to say other diseases like acid reflux (often cured by drinking pickle juice), A.D.H.D. (often cured by cutting out sugar and caffeine), restless leg syndrome (often a magnesium, calcium and potassium deficiency) or even cancer can’t be cured by an alternative medicine? Apparently, our government can.
action plan in Atlanta is to start punishing the faux pas with small fines or community work, but no jail time. It seems to me that this is all very counterproductive. If you actually can judge a book by the way its pants fit, why take the money they’re just going to mug from you later or make them work for a community that mutually resents them? Maybe I just don’t believe enough in the power of pants.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief - Jessica Lane News Editor - Josh Rouse Assistant News Editor: Jim Horinek Copy Editor - Malinda Rust A&E Editor - Amanda Herrera Sports Editor - Kareem Guiste Variety Editor - Bira Vidal Assistant Editor - David R. Bublitz
Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kelley Burt Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - David L. Bublitz, Jessica Frazier, Kyle Weatherly, Kerry Meyers, Brandi O’Daniel, Jacob Russell, Ashley Wilkerson, Elizabeth Yocham, Laura Batule
Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller
News Writing Students Chris Allison, Dewan Bennett, Henry Evans, Diana Harger, Erik Hurley, Tamra Mann, Valerie Pennington, Adrienne Reid, Lauren Roberts, John Robertson, Danielle Rogers, Clayton Wright
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.
A&E
6
September 24, 2007
‘Scenes and Revelations’
CU production to spotlight female theatre students
Photo by Bira Vidal
What a revelation: Bryan West and Christan Gillis are cast in the season’s first theatre production. “Scenes and Revelations” will be performed Sept. 27 - 30.
By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff The Theatre Department brings up the ultimate questions about life, choices and what to do at turning points with the opening of the play, “Scenes and Revelations,” which will show Sept. 27-30 in the Studio Theatre.
“Scenes and Revelations,” written by Elan Garonzik, portrays the lives of four sisters living on their family’s farm in a small community in Pennsylvania. Together, they are forced to take care of each other after the tragic death of their parents, and they must make difficult choices concerning their futures and personal happiness.
Although “Scenes and Revelations” takes place during the westward movement in the 1800s, its subject matter deals with current issues. The mentalities of the sisters are like those in today’s society, and they face modern-day problems. For example, individuals today choose between marriage and the desire to stay close to home.
“Each of the “I eat, sleep and breathe theatre.” sisters meets the love of her life, and faces the decision of — Tiffane Wilson leaving the family or Actress in “Scenes and Revelations” not,” Richard Klein, Theatre Department’s chair, said. “So the play is about the might open doors to future work family.” opportunities after the Kennedy The main topic of “Scenes and Center College Theatre Festival. Revelations” is indeed the family. “I’m really psyched about the While choosing their paths, each festival because they will be choosing sister’s character develops and people for other festivals,” West said. viewers see that the importance Tiffane Wilson, who plays of family runs deeper than wrong Helena, said she and the cast are choices. working really hard for the first play The sisters stand out from each of the season. other and the other characters “I eat, sleep and breathe theatre,” in the play. Rebecca deals with a Wilson said. “It means a lot [to] be a bad marriage choice. Millie is the sophomore and have the part I have. artist of the family. Charlotte is the It gives me more confidence as an puritan, and Helena is in charge of actress.” making sure everything is well in the Klein’s expectations for the play farm. are high, and the responsibilities The Theatre Faculty Committee of the cast in the production are was in charge of selecting the first elevated. play of the season. “Scenes and “I hope we are successful,” Klein Revelations” will be the grand said. “Everybody has been working opening of the fall season, and it very hard.” will also be a candidate for the Curtain time for the Kennedy Center College Theatre performances is 7:30 p.m. on Sept. Festival because of its potential to 27-29, and 2 p.m. on Sept. 30. reveal another side of the Theatre “Scenes and Revelations” will also Department. be performed Oct. 2 at the Simmons “We had graduated a lot of Center in Duncan as part of the CU the male actors and we have more at SC series. women in the department than Cameron students, faculty men,” Klein said. “So I was looking and staff with a Cameron ID can for something that would put the attend for free. For additional ticket spotlight on the women.” information, please contact the According to Bryan West, the Cameron University Box Office at only man in the production, the play 581.2478.
Things to do at CU Sept. 25 - PAC Movie Night: 9 p.m. at the Student Activities Building. For more information, call PAC at 591.8086. Sept. 25 - Tuesday Pursuits and pizza: 9 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226. Sept. 27 - Free lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226. Sept. 27 - 30 “Scenes and Revelations:” All evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the CU Studio Theatre. To purchase tickets, contact the CU Box Office at 581.2478. Sept. 27 - Rolling with the Aggies: 6 p.m. in North Shepler. Sign up in the Student Activities Building. To have campus event printed in “Things to do at CU” e-mail information to collegian@cameron.edu or call 581.2260. Quote of the Week “The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” -Oscar Wilde-
SOCA preparing to host annual carnival pageant By Jessica Frazier Collegian Staff Are you ready to dance? The Students of the Caribbean Alliance (SOCA) is hosting their fourth annual Miss SOCArnival Pageant at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Shepler Mezzanine. Merita Tyrell Mitchell, a graduate student of Entrepreneurial Studies, is the pageant director. There are five girls participating in the pageant this year, which was open to any active Cameron student. “They just came, showed up and wanted to be in the pageant,” Mitchell said, “so I said if you are serious about it, let’s do it.” According to Mitchell, the pageant begins with an opening number, which provides the contestants the opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience and thank everyone for coming to the pageant. Unlike traditional opening numbers, it will require little choreographed dance moves. “There will be a little dance
in it,” Mitchell said, “but not all the girls are dancers so we are not going to emphasize too much dancing.” After the opening number, each contestant will give a promotional speech. “Instead of having talent this year…[we will] let them pick an island or state of choice and sell it as the next tourist destination,” Mitchell said. Their mission is to get the audience excited and interested in visiting their location. The Carnival wear competition follows the promotional speeches. The Carnival wear is provided by SOCA for each contestant, and is the same that will be worn in the parade during Diversity Week in October. According to Mitchell, the contestants basically just need to bring their jewelry and shoes because everything else is provided. After the carnival wear competition, the contestants showcase cultural wear. The cultural wear will be donated, and each contestant will dress similar to an ambassador from the
island or state she chose for the promotional speech. “One girl from Dominique will wear a costume that entails a hat on her head with a lot of fruits going around because Dominique is famous for its bananas,” Mitchell said. “She will also have a basket of bananas that she will be giving out to the audience.” The final portion of the pageant will be the evening wear, which has been provided by Dillards. The contestants will be judged by a panel of five judges. Four of the judges are Cameron professors, and the other is a student from Midwestern State University. Each contestant will receive a gift basket and a trophy. The trophies were donated by Bethlehem Baptist Church. The contestant pronounced queen will also receive a crown, flowers, and a cash prize. The first runner-up will receive a cash prize in addition to her trophy and gift basket.
A&E
September 24, 2007
7
CU music department tuning up
for a semester of great performances
MCT campus
By Jessica Lane
marches, original contemporary compositions for concert band, arrangements for concert band, and a set of patriotic music for concert band.” Rehearsals for the concert began on Aug. 26 and each Sunday since. Some of the compositions that will be played include: “Star Spangled Banner,” “Footlifter March,” “Ascentium,” “Serenade from Maritana (Act 2),” “Tintagle Suite,” “Charleston Harbor Celebration,” “Red, White, and Brass,” “Armed Forces Salute” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Next, music professor Hyunsoon Whang is performing a solo piano recital, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11. Whang will
be playing an eclectic selection of pieces. She will be performing Collegian Staff a transcription of J.S. Bach’s The Cameron University “Cantata” movement, a Mozart Music Department will once Sonata and a Debussy group, again be dazzling audiences which is three pieces. with a variety of musical After intermission, Whang events this fall. will continue with Alexander Next month, the Scriabine’s “Nocturne for the Left Cameron/Lawton University Hand,” which is a piano piece Band will have their first that is actually played with the performance for the year at 3 left hand only. A Chopin group p.m. on Sunday Oct. 7 in the will follow and then Whang will University Theatre. end her recital with Franz Liszt’s As for the style, Music “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12.” Professor Dr. James Lambert A few short weeks later the said, “There is no specific Annual CU Country Jazz Fusion theme for this concert, concert, starring Larry Gatlin although the overall styles and the Gatlin Brothers, will take include: concert band place on two different dates and locations. First, there will be a performance on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the University theatre and then on Friday, Oct. 26, in Duncan at the Simmons Center. Both of these performances are free For birthdays this week: Your lesson this year is self-discipline. for CU students with I.D. If you learn this one well you could amass a fortune, or at least start in that and $10 for military, senior direction. Give it your best. citizens and students. Assistant Professor To get the advantage, check the week’s rating: 10 is the easiest week, 0 John Moots said, “I feel the most challenging. this is a bargain to hear Larry Gatlin’s entire band Aries (March 21-April 19) This week is an 8. The money in concert in such intimate you’ve been waiting for is coming very soon. The temptation to spend on theatres.” treats will be huge. Get a few, but don’t blow the whole check. The following week, the CU Percussion Ensemble Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is a 7. You don’t is performing their annual have to rely on another to get the answers you seek. You can find them for concert at 8 p.m. on yourself. This also lets you know whom you can trust. Tuesday, Oct. 30. “There is a unique Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is a 7. Spend more time in contemplation. You have lots to think about. Don’t think so? Well, give it a try. Slow down and smell the roses. Start with fifteen minutes.
Weekly Horoscopes
Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is a 7. You’re meeting new people and taking on new projects, and this is good. You won’t be shy about letting them know how you feel, and that’s even better. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is a 7. Collect information from friends who have been there and done that. No need to tell them your plans exactly. Get them to share their experiences. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is an 8. You’re gaining confidence, and you’re getting ready to try something you’ve always wanted to do. But wait! More planning is required. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 7. You can advance remarkably a little bit at a time. Or you can take a great leap forward. Do the latter. Tell the world what you want, so they can help you get it. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is 7. The stable, cuddly, solid type makes good partners for you. Find a person who speaks with body language more than verbal, and you’ll have a good match. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is a 7. The work you’ve been postponing is beginning to pile up. Unfortunately, it’s necessary for you to do some of it. Put off the fun and games for a couple of days. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is a 7. You’ve put together enough of the pieces to visualize the whole picture. Don’t take action yet; you’ll have more support from friends if you wait. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is a 6. An argument breaks out between several hardheaded types. Unfortunately, you’re one of them. Even if you explain carefully, don’t expect them to all understand. Some will get it later. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is a 7. Take care of an urgent matter at home, before it gets any worse. Heard this before? So?
blending of original percussion ensemble compositions which will feature members of the ensemble,” Dr. Lambert said. These members include CU music majors: Jason Dozier, Tony Bertram, Eric Vandergrift, Gareth Jester, Jarrod LaRoche, Jeremy Toombs, Grant Johnson, Kimberly Garza, Klay Reece, Dustin Ray, and Kevyn Reece. The Cameron University Percussion Ensemble has rehearsed regularly since August 20. Compositions being performed by CUPE include: Jared Spears’ “Incantation and Festal Dance,” “Pachebel Canon,” “Dotty Dimples” by George Hamilton Green which will feature Grant Johnson on xylophone, David MacBride’s “Quiet!,” “Brazil,” and “Hello, Young Lovers.” This is Dr. Lambert’s 32nd year of teaching percussion and percussion ensemble at CU. His students have performed a Cameron Percussion Ensemble concert each semester, which makes this performance his 63rd consecutive semester that CU percussion students have performed a campus concert. There will be a reception following the Cameron Percussion Ensemble in the lobby of the University Theatre. The event is being hosted by Friends of Cameron Percussion, which supports percussion students through attendance at concerts, scholarship support and new
percussion equipment. The leader of this support organization is Dr. Tom Leckman, who helps to provide financial assistance through the Cameron University Foundation and President’s Partners. Next on the list will be the CU Concert Band Fall Concert, “There and Back Again: Music from Home and Abroad,” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. According to Assistant Professor Dr. Daniel Sheridan: “As the title suggests, the program seeks to explore music from the U.S. as well as pieces characteristic from other nationalities.” The music will range from “A Slavic Farewell” by Vasily Agapkin, which according to Dr. Sheridan is one of the best-loved marches in Russia to Mark Camphouse’s “The London Miniatures.” He also said that the setting of Frank Ticheli’s “Amazing Grace” is “very poignant and innovative.” At 7:30 p.m., Nov. 20, there will be a choir concert in the Cameron University Theatre and in early December an opera will take place on three different dates at times. The first two performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8. The third and final performance will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday. This event, while free to CU students with I.D., will cost $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens. For more information about any of these events, call 581-2440.
Sports
8
September 24, 2007
Aggies win LSC opener at home By Kyle Weatherly
big victory. “I really thought that our back row with Newswriting Student Haley Hatch and Veronica Reeks did a The Cameron Volleyball team picked up a pretty good job of passing,” Haroun said. “I big victory (30-28, 30-26, 30-27) over Texas really felt our middle hitters gave us some A&M Commerce Thursday night in the Lone kills when we needed them.” Star Conference opener. It was a big win for the Aggies, “It’s very important to have this win because but Haroun wasn’t satisfied with the we really want to keep the fans coming back,” performance. Coach John Haroun said. “I think it is really “Honestly, I think we are capable of important to have a good showing so they will playing better,” he said. “I will take it. It’s nice keep coming back and keep cheering for us.” to be 1-0 butwe need to play better if we’re In game one, the Aggie women quickly going to be successful in the conference.” found themselves in a deep hole, down by a With the Lone Star Conference being score of 22-11. However, Cameron did what among the toughest in the nation, Haroun every good team does in the face of adversityknows his team is going to have to improve. they fought back. Little by little, the Aggies “I think we were kind of sloppy in our began to chip away at the lead until they found defense, and we weren’t communicating well,” themselves out front, when sophomore Laura he said. “Other than serving, I think we can Ellerbrock found a hole in the Lions’ defense, play better in other aspects of the game.” giving Cameron a one game advantage. One aspect of collegiate athletics that “We’ve been talking about battling and not often times gets overlooked is the time away giving up games and I thought that first game from the classroom these athletes have to was a good example of that,” Haroun said. endure. After spending the first few weeks In game two, the Aggies kept the of the season out on the road, the recent momentum going, as returning all-conference homestand has given the Aggie players a senior Fernanda Queiroz routinely kept the chance to catch up. Commerce defenders on their heels, en route “We’ve been traveling so much and the to a 30-16 dismantling of the Lions. The large girls were getting pretty stressed out about crowd at the Aggie Gym provided a great classes and grades,” Haroun said. “I think atmosphere. being at home and having some time to “It was great,” Haroun said, “I was very devote to studying has been huge.” excited about it and I know the girls were too.” After a home loss to Texas Women’s After a short break, the Cameron romp University on Saturday, Cameron’s record continued in game three. Even though stands at 6-8 on the season. The team Commerce would do everything they could retunred this weekend from a scheduled road to stay in the match, the Aggies were just too trip, which began with Southwestern on much, winning the final game 30-27. While Sept. 20. The next chance to catch the Aggies Queiroz may get the most acclaim, others at home will be Oct. 11. stepped up and helped lead Cameron to the
Upcoming Volleyball Homegames 10/11 10/25 10/27
Southeastern Oklahoma State* Eastern New Mexico* West Texas A&M*
Photo by Bennet Dewan
Held at bay: The aggies defends at full stretch keeping their opponents restricted to the net. The team will again play at the Aggie Gymnasium on Oct. 11, 2007.
COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ERSIT Y
Monday, September 24, 2007
Informing the Cameron Family Since
Cameron’s source for Truth.
Volume 81 Issue 4
Sports
September 24, 2007
9
Melvin joins Aggie softball coaching staff
Photo by Malinda Rust
Hands on approach: Amista Melvin gives Sammy Adams a few pointers in the outfield. Melvin will assist Coach Richie Nye this season with on and off the field duties.
By Malinda Rust Collegian Staff The Lady Aggie softball team will begin their new season with a new student assistant coach. Amista Melvin, previous first
baseman for Cameron, is stepping up to the plate to help Coach Nye lead the Lady Aggies to victory this year. The 22-year-old senior, originally from Bartlesville, Okla., graduated from Enid High
School. She attended Rose State College in Midwest City for two years and then transferred to Cameron in order to continue playing softball. She played for CU for two more years until her eligibility expired, which is why she accepted her role as a student assistant. “I still wanted to help,” Melvin said. “My four years of eligibility were used up, but I still wanted to work with and do something with the team.” Melvin’s previous involvement with the team makes her uniquely suited for the position. “Since she played for me before, she knows what I expect from my players,” Coach Nye said. “She probably understands more now about how things operate behind the scenes. According to Nye, a student assistant’s duties include: attending practices, going to meetings, completing paperwork, field raking and dragging, and aiding new recruits. Melvin completes these duties alongside Bridgett Davis, the team’s graduate assistant. “They really don’t do any onfield coaching unless it is a special assignment,” Nye said. “I probably expect more than I should from them. I assign lots of busy work. I have to have someone who is really dedicated to this team.” While the role of student assistant requires Melvin to perform new responsibilities on the team, it has also changed her
relations with the team members. “The girls treat me a little differently,” Melvin said. “I’m not really their friend or peer anymore: I’m expected to be a leader. I can’t really hang out with them anymore, but we do different things in our lives, so it doesn’t really affect me too much.” After some uncertainty about appointing a student assistant, Coach Nye and Melvin both agree that it was a good decision. “I only had three seniors last year that could even [fill the position], and we weren’t sure if we were going to have a student assistant,” Nye said. “I’m glad
we did. Everything is running smoothly, and she is a huge addition to the program.” Melvin will graduate this December with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree after graduation and find work profiling for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “I will go for my master’s here at Cameron, so I am planning to continue helping with the team,” Melvin said. “I know that the graduate assistant position is already filled, but I’m really interested in the team and I just want to help.”
Photo by Malinda Rust
The swing: Melvin illustrates the swing at softball training ground.
Ags take 7th as hosts of Territory Classic By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Hosting its only tournament of the 2007-2008 season, the Cameron men’s golf team today finished in 7th place at the Cameron University Territory Classic at The Territory Golf and Country Club in Duncan, Oklahoma. A field of fourteen elite golf teams completed two rounds in as many days, with Texas Wesleyan taking the title. The Aggies finished with a combined team score of 594 (298-296) while Texas Wesleyan turned in a 572. Cameron stayed in 7th place throughout the tournament. Texas Wesleyan’s Mitch Hendon won the tournament with a two-round score
of 139 (70-69). “We hit it better today, but we’re still making those huge numbers. I’ve never seen this before to this magnitude, how one guy can lose it all on one hole,” Head Coach Jerry Hrnciar said. “It’s just unbelievable. Certainly they aren’t trying to do it, but it’s happening with regularity.” Senior Cane Shumaker and junior Peter Svajlen both finished the event in a tie for 10th place overall with 146 total strokes. Shumaker stayed consistent after shooting back-to-back 73’s, while Svajlen improved by a stroke in the second round (74-72). Another pair of Aggies finished in a tie, as sophomores Michael Lee and Robbe Trout both scored a
151 to finish in 36th place. The two traded scores with Lee going 76-75 and Trout finishing 75-76. Lee recorded one of the tournament’s two eagles. He also led Cameron and was ranked 8th in par-four scoring with a 4.15 (+3) average. Junior Cade Lewis recorded a two-round total of 160 after shooting consecutive rounds of 80. He finished the tournament in a tie for 66th place overall. “We have only had two days of official practice and played in two tournaments so I haven’t been with them long enough to have an impact, especially the younger ones,” Coach Hrnciar said. “It has all been about course management
so far.” As hosts of the tournament, Cameron also played a “Junior Varsity” team of individual players. Sophomore Brett Leavell, playing on the “JV” team, finished the tournament in a tie for 20th place overall. He finished with a 148 (75-73) and recorded the thirdmost birdies (6) in the tournament. Leavell also led the Aggies and was ranked 2nd in par-five scoring with a 4.33 (-4) average. “I’m really proud of a lot of the JV players,” Coach Hrnciar said. “It’s good to see that, more so for their confidence. They were the highlight of today.” Sophomore Chris Staats finished in a tie for 56th place with a
final score of 156 (83-73). Freshmen Clint Wilson and Dave Young finished in ties for 63rd and 73rd place, respectively. Wilson shot a 158 (85-73) and Young shot a 162 (84-78). Sophomore Henry Lam came in 77th place after recording a 170 (87-83) in the tournament. “My hat is off to all the people who worked on the tournament, the whole crew,” Coach Hrnciar said. “It was a marvelous, really tight tournament, and we appreciate it all.” Next on the schedule for the Aggie men’s golfers is the Mary Hardin-Baylor Tournament. The tournament runs from October 1-2 and will be played at the Millcreek Country Club in Salado, Texas.
Cubit sees stronger team in the making By Kyle Weatherly Newswriting Student Every year in collegiate athletics, players graduate and leave the program and new recruits step into the spotlight. For the Cameron basketball team, this is no different. One season ago, the Aggies went 12-14 under first year head coach Maury Leitzke, including wins over five nationally ranked teams. Gone from that squad are several key players including Matt Reid, a two-time ll Lone Star Conference second team selection. Including Reid, Cameron has lost six seniors, such as starting center Marlon Bernard as well as forward Melvin Mitchell. However, the cupboard isn’t bare, as the Aggies do return with Maurice Cubit and Greg Mercer, two players who saw significant minutes a year ago. Along with Cubit and Mercer, Cameron adds red-shirt freshmen Keaton Mullenix, and a great recruiting class to the mix. So far, the new players have made a good impression. “I feel really great about the new guys coming in,” said Cubit.
One of the new recruits, Greg Morgan is trying to adjust to life in Lawton after transferring from Eastfield College in Garland, Texas. “I’m used to the big city,” he said. “It’s different here. I’m trying to get used to being in a small town.” Along with Morgan, Cameron signed six other players: Josh Brown, Chad Allan, Dave Smith, Terrance Welch and Leslie Malone, from California, and Rey Lovett from Hephzibah, Ga. Morgan is still trying to fit in with his new team. “We all get along real well,” he said. “We are still just trying to get to know each other.” With practice still a few weeks away, the Aggies are working hard in the off-season. “We have conditioning on Mondays and Wednesdays, at 6:15 in the morning, and we also have our individual workouts with four players at a time on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” said assistant coach Ryan McAdams. “We also lift weights on Fridays.” McAdams stated that the conditioning work with new student strength coach, Justin
Denofa will help the team once practice rolls around. “If we didn’t have the offseason program it would take us a long time to get things going once we started practice,” he said. “Now we can just hit the ground running.” The players are practicing agility drills, along with abdominal and shoulder workouts. “We have a new strength coach and it’s something different, but it’s been really great,” Cubit said. “I think we are going to be a stronger team this year.” The new workouts are a challenge for Morgan. “It’s hard right now, but it’s going to be worth it,” he said. Coach McAdams already sees a big difference in the players. “It’s new, and a lot of these guys haven’t done this kind of lifting before.” Key aspects to the off-season are the individual workouts. The NCAA prohibits teams to work with more than four players at one time, which limits some of what the team can do. “We work on ball-handling drills and we work on shooting a
Photo coutesy CU Online
Final chance: Maurice Cubit returns to the Aggie basketball squad for his last time this season with only success on his mind. lot,” McAdams said. “We also try to work on our offense, which is hard with only four guys at a time, but we are trying get them used to our terminology.”
While the off-season work is an important piece of the puzzle, Morgan sums it up best, “I can’t wait for the season to start.”
10
Variety
September 24, 2007
The first play of the season will bring out the best of women, but will not be so gentle with men. “Scenes and Revelations” opens at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the Studio Theatre inside the University Theatre. It tells the story of the four Longnecker sisters trying to make it in life, get married and still remain together as a family. The play also shows men as simple support roles for the outstanding stories of each sister through their dreams and the tough realities of life. Also, the play highlights the westward movement during the 1800’s, putting Western themes as the background of the drama. Five main characters compose the piece, including the sisters and each lover, who are played by the same actor. The revelations come as their stories are revealed throughout the scenes. The theatrical production will compete in the Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival and will give students the opportunity to show their skills on stage. Play Director Richard Klein said students have been working hard for the premiere of “Scenes and Revelations” since the auditions.
Date: Sept. 27-30. Time: 7:30 and 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 adults $10 students $10 seniors $10 faculty $10 military Cameron Students Free
The Student Housing Association and the Aggie Club hosted the Barn Dance at 8 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the Cameron Village courtyard. Students living in the Shepler towers, the Village and off campus gathered for a night of western activities. Some of the activities included a mechanical bull, roping and western food. Also, students line danced to country songs and voted on the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl. This was the first time the new Student Housing Association hosted an event together with the Aggie Club. The Barn Dance was the first large event of the semester for the Student Housing Association.
Page design by Bira Vidal and David R. Bublitz Photos by Bira Vidal and Jim Horinek