The Cameron University Collegian: September 4, 2007

COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

News

Volume 81 Issue 1

Moody Blue returns Shepler grill ushers in changes for campus dining

By Elizabeth Yocham Collegian Staff Additional dining options, extended hours and encouraged student involvement are changes on the menu for Cameron’s dining services this fall.

The Moody Blue Grill, located in the Shepler Mezzanine, will be re-opening. The grill, which is open from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, serves traditional diner foods and is expanding its menu to include breakfast foods as well.

“The atmosphere of the Moody Blue Grill is fast food meets IHOP,” Daniel Ghrayyeb, general manager of Dining Services said. “Students will have a place to eat until 10 p.m. and if we’re busy we will stay open a little longer.”

In addition to opening the grill, further dining choices including the Shepler Cafeteria, Campus Brew and the Student Union.

The Shepler Cafeteria offers buffet style dining throughout the week, and due to student demand, they have extended their hours of operation.

On weekdays breakfast is served from 7a.m. to 9:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5p.m. to 6:30p.m.

The cafeteria also serves brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1p.m. and dinner from 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends.

Alumnus returns to Cameron after 28 years in the military.

SEE PAGE 4

A&E

Photo by Elizabeth Yocham

Food for thought: Psychology sophomore Maranda Bice and Criminal Justice freshman Ryan Sawyers enjoy dinner at the Moody Blue Grill. The opening of the grill coincides with a number of changes being made to the dining services.

Students return to school and rock out.

SEE PAGE 8

Sports

See DINING Page 3

Vanderslice hired as Dean of Education

By Jessica Frazier Collegian Staff The Education Department has welcomed Ronna Vanderslice, Ed.D. as the new Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Vanderslice assumed her role as Dean after the Board of Regents for The University of Oklahoma, Cameron University, and Rogers State University approved her appointment in June 2007.

Since June 2006, Vanderslice has served as CU’s Project Director for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

According to Vanderslice, her work as Project Director has been in preparation for NCATE’s upcoming on-site visit for accreditation of the teacher education programs. The visit is scheduled for April 19-23, 2008.

“I have been working with

NCATE for a long time,” she said, “so I have had a lot of experience with it.”

Vanderslice has two jobs in preparation for the NCATE visit.

First, she, along with her team, must ensure that the university is meeting the standards set by NCATE. Second, they must provide evidence that those standards are being met.

“Last year we made sure we were doing them,” Vanderslice said. “We made some changes, and did some

things to make sure we were doing these standards in the way they wanted them done. This year our job is to collect the evidence.”

According to John McArthur, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vanderslice will be a “tremendous asset” to the university.

See VANDERSLICE Page 2

SGA finalizes plans for new academic year

By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff

Volleyball team steps up to the net.

SEE PAGE 6

Voices

Video games offer alternate reality?

SEE PAGE 5

The Student Government Association is preparing for a new year and new leadership. Elections for new senators and student representatives for the 2007-2008 academic year will take place on Sept. 5 and 6 in the Student Activities Building.

The SGA will start its regular meetings on Sept. 10. By then freshmen senators will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with SGA jargon and meeting procedures.

According to SGA President Jeff Wozencraft, the freshmen senators will bring new ideas to the student congress, while returning senators will contribute with their previous experience.

“A lot of people have been filing [for senator positions],” Wozencraft said.

“We have new groups of people coming from different areas.”

Election procedures will also change this year. A plan for two separate locations on campus for the election has been considered. Also, recurrent senators will work in the election booth on both days. This would allow for a greater student outlook on SGA and may encourage voting and participation.

Unlike past elections, online voting through myCU will not be possible.

Voting at polling sites will help SGA executive officers track votes and voters.

Daniel Brown, current Sergeant of Arms, said this year SGA will reach a new level regarding legislation creation and approval. “[SGA will] be more productive,” Brown said. “The legislation will go to a committee before it hits the [student] body. It will be smoother.”

Brown plans to run for SGA Vice President since Charles Kirby vacated the position after the 2007 election due to personal reasons.

Wozencraft also plans to establish new committees in SGA. According to him, this year’s committees will have a greater function in the SGA body than in the past. “[We have] inter-SGA related plans,” Wozencraft said. “We’ll start more committees. I have a feeling we’ll have a lot more done this year.”

Elections will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sept. 5 and 6.

SGA meetings will start on Sept. 10 for both senators and organization representatives.

For further information about election and SGA activities, please contact 580.581.2444 or e-mail cusga@cameron.edu.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Matt Jenkins

Lights, camera, action: Radio/Television Major Brooke Whiteley focuses her camera during production on “North of Austin/West of Nashville: Red Dirt Music.” The documentary is garnering a lot of attention from film festivals.

‘Red Dirt’ production creates buzz in indy movie circles

By Amanda Herrera Collegian Staff Cameron University’s “Making the Documentary” class might say that camera equipment and dirt isn’t a good combination—unless it’s Red Dirt.

The summer class spent eight weeks making the documentary, "North of Austin/West of Nashville: Red Dirt Music,” a production about the Red Dirt music genre.

The group traveled to areas of Oklahoma and Texas and conducted 18 interviews in 15 days, generating much publicity along the way.

Those involved with the production hope the buzz is an indication that the film will be a great success on the film festival circuit.

“We are entering Sundance and South by Southwest film festivals,” said Dr. Matt Jenkins, Associate Professor in the Communication Department and Executive Producer of the production. “For us it will be the two biggest festivals and quite a feather in our cap if we can get accepted into either one those.”

See RED DIRT Page 2

News

2 VANDERSLICE continued from page 1

September 4, 2007

Biological survey prepares to catalog plants, animals with annual blitz

By Brandi O’Daniel

Photo by Jessica Frazier

Working hard to make a living: Dr. Ronna Vanderslice puts pen to paper in her new position. Dr. Vanderslice was approved for the role of Dean of Education and Behavorial Sciences in June.

“Dr. Vanderslice brings a wealth of educational and administrative experience to Cameron University,” Dr. McArthur said.

Vanderslice came to Cameron from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) where she held several positions.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SWOSU, a master’s degree in reading education, a master’s degree as a school counselor from East Central University, a doctorate in educational leadership from Texas Tech University. She has also received 18 Oklahoma teaching certificates.

“The support that is received across this whole campus by the education department was instrumental in my decision,” she said. “President Ross, Vice

President McArthur, Vice President Pinkston, and all the deans were very supportive.”

According to Vanderslice, the administration worked well together, and she enjoys working with people like that.

“I love Cameron,” she said.

Vanderslice is married and has one daughter.

“My daughter is very active,” Vanderslice said. “She plays the violin, piano and guitar, but she is also very athletic. She plays softball, basketball and she just fought for her black belt in karate.”

Vanderslice’s husband is the manager of Mazzio’s in Weatherford, Okla. They also have three pets.

Vanderslice brings educational and administrative experience along with a smile and warm heart.

species we had found to keep up with what was living there.”

Collegian Staff According to Dr. Husak, he and several of the other On Sept. 14 and 15 the Oklahoma Biological Survey professors in the Biology Department have attended BioBlitz and have even offered it as a possible field trip to is hosting its seventh annual BioBlitz. science students interested in participating.

The Oklahoma BioBlitz is a vast inventory of plant In past years the Oklahoma BioBlitz was held in and animal species surveyed and recorded in a given area diff erent regions around Oklahoma, such as the Quartz over a 24-hour period. Individuals from around the state Mountain State Park, the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center participate by surveying the assigned area and list the State Park in Tulsa and the George Mitksch Sutton living species within that location.

Urban Wilderness area in Norman. This years survey “It is conducted completely by volunteers which will be conducted on over 59,000 acres of the Wichita include numerous experts and amateurs,” Dr. Michael Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Husak, Assistant Professor in the Biology Department, Having participated said. in the BioBlitz held at BioBlitz was first “BioBlitz in an opportunity to bring together Cameron in the past two created by scientists years, Landoll said: “It is a experts and amateurs from around the from the National good way to inventory the Parks Service in 1996 state at the same time and put together species that are present and was established information which ultimately contributes to in any one area. It allows in Washington, a better understanding of our heritage that scientists to compare how DC. Since it was species are increasing formed, many states we can pass on to future generations.” or declining. Another throughout the important aspect of country have taken — Dr. Michael Husak the BioBlitz is that it part in the survey, Assistant Professor allows people with less however Oklahoma experience to get involved did not begin holding in hands on science.” the event until 2001.

Dr. Husak added: “While we have a fairly good grasp Although the data collected is not used for scientific on what should occur in terms of plants and animals, inventory, 7 it is intended to inform people about the we still have a lot of gaps regarding the details of their diversity within the community. distribution. BioBlitz in an opportunity to bring together Dr. Husak said, “The ultimate goal is to develop a experts and amateurs from around the state at the same complete and detailed inventory of the state’s varied time and put together information which ultimately wildlife and to educate the public about that diversity.” contributes to a better understanding of our heritage that The volunteers taking part in the survey begin by we can pass on to future generations, and I think that is dividing into several groups specializing in one particle something to take pride in and be excited about.” area and then start surveying the living species in that Festivities for the event will begin Friday at 3 p.m. location. The survey lasts all day and night, until the next and end on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Wichita Mountains afternoon.

Wildlife Refuge.

Biology senior Diane Landoll said: “ We basically The Biological Survey invites the public to take part surveyed every living think we could. Some of us looked in the activities as they take a running poll of the species for birds, butterflies, etc., while another group surveyed plants. At the end of the time allotted, we came back and recorded from both days. Volunteers are welcome to help with the event. To contact Dr. Husak call 581.2374 compared notes. We made a comprehensive list of every

RED DIRT continued from page 1 Dr. Jenkins said he recognized that the documentary was gaining popularity when he started receiving five or more e-mails and phone calls each day from people inquiring about the production.

“We were also contacted by the New York Times,” he said. “They found us and wanted to do an article about what we were doing.”

He contributes much of the documentary’s popularity to good marketing as well as an interest from Red Dirt music fans.

“Sharon Cheatwood, head of public relations for the production, really hustled to get the word out,” he said. “The Red Dirt genre of Graphic courtesy of Dr. Matt Jenkins music also has a tremendously loyal fan base and they’re really well-connected.”

2007 CU graduate Kyle Cabelka produced the documentary and is a fan of Red Dirt music himself. He said he signed on with the project as soon as he learned the topic.

“When I heard this summer’s documentary was going to be about red dirt music, I told Dr. Jenkins ‘I have to be part of this,’” he said. “There’s not a lot of publicity on this type of music, so it made a great subject for the documentary.”

In order for each student to pass the class, the group had to successfully research, shoot and edit the program, as well as market and host a premiere.

All of the students passed with flying colors, as they produced a first-rate documentary and hosted a premiere in the university theatre with about 420 people in attendance.

“I was very pleased with the performance of each student,” Dr. Jenkins said.

“They all worked very well together.”

Many of the students said their role in the documentary equipped them with skills they can use for success later in life.

“After gaining confidence from producing this documentary, I’m now pursuing a job in producing,” Cabelka said.

Brooke Whitely, a junior majoring in R/TV was the production manager for the project, and said she too gained valuable experience working on the documentary.

“I learned how to use the cameras and equipment,” she said. “I also learned more about communication and interviewing.”

Dr. Jenkins said the students learned not only what goes into making a documentary, but they created a quality production in the process.

“The thing looks good,” he said. “It’s because this administration has continually supported us in buying state-of-the-art equipment for us to use to do these kinds of things.”

To find out more about "North of Austin/West of Nashville: Red Dirt Music,” visit www.myspace.com/reddirtfilm or reddirtmusic.wetpaint.com.

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News

September 4, 2007

3

Army veteran returns to Cameron

Johnson uses military experience to lead Cameron into future

By Laura Batule Collegian Staff Col. Albert Johnson Jr. retired from the United States Army on Aug. 27, 2007. After 28 years of service to this nation, he will see his own life changing when he returns to his alma mater and assumes the position of Vice President for University Advancement.

“We are proud to welcome Col. Johnson back to Cameron University and excited about the wealth of expertise he brings to the University Advancement Office,” President Cindy Ross said. “His 28 years of leadership and management with the Army combined with his ties to the university and the LawtonFort Sill communities make him a tremendous asset to Cameron.”

As Vice President for University Advancement, Johnson will provide leadership for the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CETES), the Economic Development Initiative, and the Office of Alumni Relations and Development.

Johnson believes his network of retired military leaders now working as college and university administrators broadens his vision and better helps him lead University Advancement.

Referring to the Army saying of “lessons learned,” Johnson believes that by studying what has been successful for other university alumni programs, a web site tailored to the Cameron alumni will generate interest and enthusiasm that will promote Cameron University and enhance the lives of students.

“I want to give Cameron graduates a reason to join the Alumni Association,” Johnson said.

“I have looked at various alumni web sites and I am using some of their successful strategies and plans

Photo by Laura Batule

Farewells and new beginnings: Ret. Col. Albert Johnson Jr. (center) stands with his fellow servicemen after his retirement ceremony.

Johnson has assumed the postion of Vice President for University Advancement at Cameron. as I formulate a vision tailored specifically for Cameron. I want our site to provide alumni with a list of suggested ways to help improve and remain connected with their alma mater. People want to do the right thing and be part of something great.

Our alumni Web site will provide them with the useful guidance to do just that.”

Johnson knows that Aggie pride is strong. With effective marketing, students and alumni will show their pride just as OU and OSU supporters do now.

“Brand recognition is a key element to showing Aggie pride,” Johnson said. “We need to encourage

“I bring a myriad of military experience, observations and life lessons to the table combined with a strong desire to work with local leaders, peers and friends,” Johnson said. “I am confident Cameron will continue changing lives and helping people develop to their fullest potential, just as it has already done for more than 100 years.”

— Ret. Col. Albert Johnson Jr. Vice President of University Advancement retail stores to carry Cameron University merchandise.”

Although he carries the title of Vice President for University Advancement, the energetic and athletic Johnson probably won’t be spending most of the day in his office, sitting behind his desk. Johnson

attended Cameron from 1975-1979 on a dual athletic basketball and golf scholarship.

“I have learned many life lessons playing golf,” said Johnson. “You meet people, and during the four or five hours it takes to complete the game, you see how a player handles themselves in adverse, difficult situations as well as triumphant ones.”

Commissioned through ROTC in 1979, Johnson is also interested in Cameron students who, upon graduation and commissioning,

will need to be effectively trained and taught necessary skills to fight the changing war against terrorism.

With 28 years experience as an Army officer, Johnson is a natural choice as a mentor for future officers currently in the Cameron ROTC program.

“I attended Cameron on an athletic scholarship and during the summer months, competed with the golf team,” Johnson said. “I did not experience the traditional Army training during Summer Camp.

Therefore [I] have no baggage, preconceived notions or agenda and am open to new and innovative training for our current ROTC cadets.”

“I bring a myriad of military experience, observations and life lessons to the table combined with a strong desire to work with local leaders, peers and friends,” Johnson said. “I am confident Cameron will continue changing lives and helping people develop to their fullest potential, just as it has already done for more than 100 years.”

Dining continued from page 1 The Campus Brew, which serves smoothies, coffee, ice cream, and convenience store snacks, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For a bite on the go or diningin, students can visit the Student Union on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Cameron dining services also values student opinions and encourages feedback regarding the changes.

According to Ghrayyeb, a student board of directors will meet monthly to critique past and present menus in order to create the most satisfying future options.

The board of directors is open to all students. The first meeting will be held at the beginning of September. However, an official date has not yet been determined.

For more information please e-mail Daniel Ghrayyeb, at dghrayye@ cameron.edu.

4

News

September 4, 2007

Voices

September 4, 2007

5

Choosing Wii-ality over reality In the movie, “The Science of Sleep,” the main character tries to impress his neighbor by showing her all of his creative and silly inventions.

He gives her a pair of square, paper

glasses and tells her to put them on because “they make everything show up in 3-D.” She responds simply by asking, “Isn’t everything already in 3-D?” Just as she finds the idea of “real life 3-D glasses” to be absurd, I’m wondering if the idea of “real life video games” is also a little warped.

Gamers now have the option to spend 60 dollars and spend their time playing notes on a guitar or searching for a job for points.

MCT Campus

Nintendo recently announced plans to release a Wii Bounce Board that allows players to virtually rock climb or paddle a kayak. Second Life, an online game, is exactly that: a second life in which players attend meetings, buy property, and go shopping.

Video games are intended to provide a medium in which fantasy worlds could come to life and seem as real as our own. When did the mundane become more exciting than the real thing? Why are we choosing Wiiality over reality?

Executives at Nintendo, as reported on Popular Science’s website, claimed that they created the new Bounce Board in an attempt to combine gaming with a physical workout. Considering how Americans are suffering from increased heath problems due to a lack of exercise, we should praise their efforts to marry physical work with virtual play. Creative intentions aside, these “real life video games” reveal some disheartening truths about us.

First, this new gaming trend reflects how lazy we are. People want to perform some awesome task or skill but they aren’t willing to put forth any effort to achieve it. I can shred on

Microsoft’s guitar controller and rack up quite an impressive Guitar Hero career score. However, I could trade my daily two hours of virtual play for real guitar lessons and learn how to play. Gamers could spend their $200 they’ve saved up for Rock Band and buy a drum set and actually start a band.

However, both of these realities would require some personal effort, while games offer the convenience and simplicity of plug and play for success.

Anyone can be a rock star with little to no effort, just 80 dollars.

Perhaps this ability to achieve otherwise unattainable goals makes these games so attractive.

Anyone can be a drummer or tennis star, which they may not be capable of accomplishing due to a lack of confidence or fear of rejection. Maybe individuals are afraid to go out and try life for real. It is possible that they won’t succeed at selling their own real estate, or getting a date with their co-worker, but unlike real life, Second Life allows users to simply start over. It seems less dangerous to take a risk in a video game than with your own existence, considering how you will be stuck with the reality of consequences.

Not all the implications of “real life video games” are necessarily negative. For example, the Bounce Board may actually help some inactive children and young adults

Malinda Rust

Decisions by Lawton, Fort Sill need to be recycled for a better community About a month ago, I was at my home doing my usual housekeeping activities.

I recycle everything that I can and this has become a part of my everyday lifestyle (just as it should for everyone). So I gathered up my newspapers and cans and headed down to my local recycling drop-off site at SW 45th St. and Lee Blvd. in the Country Mart parking lot. When I arrived to drop off my recyclables, the bins were gone.

I learned shortly thereafter that Fort Sill has stopped picking up recyclables from all over the city.

Not only is the drop-off site at SW 45th and Lee gone, but the

drop-off sites near the city hall and the one located on NW 67th St and Cache Road is gone as well.

This makes it difficult for citizens like me who are doing everything they can to help with a little problem known as Global Warming.

Was it so much of an additional cost to Fort Sill to pick up recyclables at these locations? I believe that the city and federal government are making a huge mistake by doing this, as newspapers, cans, glass and other recyclable items fill up the Lawton City Dump.

Fort Sill has the facilities to provide recycling services to the entire city of Lawton, so why aren’t we using them? You can still take your recyclable items to the drop-off site on Sheridan Road on

Kerry Myers

Post behind the Shoppette, but most civilians find it a hassle to travel onto post to recycle.

So who is to blame for this situation? Is it the fault of our federal government because they won’t shell out the few extra dollars that it takes to pick up these items? Or is it the City’s problem since they haven’t already implemented some sort of mandatory recycling program?

Here’s a suggestion: get the city and federal government together to tackle the trash. Maybe this is just Lawton’s way of saying that we won’t be signing the Kyoto treaty any time soon.

improve their health. I would even argue that simply by introducing the product, Nintendo is sending a message to gamers telling them that “sitting and playing all the time is not healthy.” It may be a new way to incorporate fun into work with real results.

It is also possible that the people who play “real life games” are actually living a fantasy, which wouldn’t make them seem absurd at all. Some create identities that are completely different than who they are in our reality and live how they might if they were absent from social norms or personal inhibitions. Perhaps some users feel like they can be their “true selves” in a game, which would mean that their experiences in that game might actually be more real than our reality.

To some Sims fanatics out there, I might be totally out of touch with Wii-ality, but I think that it is silly to spend so much time and money on a fake version of our own reality. It’s like spending sixty dollars on a pair of glasses to make life 3-D. We should be living guitar heroes starting our own dance revolutions, not a bunch of bluehaired avatars bouncing around on pads all day. Maybe we all should just get a life.

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

M CT

Dr. Christopher Keller

Ca m

pu s

News Writing Students Chris Allison, Dewan Bennett, Henry Evans, Diana Harger, Erik Hurley, Tamra Mann, Danielle Murphree, 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.

Sports

6

September 4, 2007

Volleyball squad takes center court

By Kareem Guiste Collegian Staff The Lady Aggies Volleyball team is preparing for a new season and a new team, with potential as bright and shiny as the newly renovated Cameron Gymnasium.

It would be unfair to deem this year’s team “the best yet.”

But even without Vickie Ibbarra, Taran Turner, Taylor Turner and Ashley Rikard, the new aggie volleyball squad is surely not making the loss the issue. The alumni proved their defiance when they brought out the best of the past and taught the present a few old tricks. Despite all the fun, the Aggie women’s volleyball team is very enthusiastic about this year’s quest for success. Head Coach John Haroun and assistant Coach James Turk have brought a new attitude to the squad and are looking forward to a year of hard work and fun. According to Coach Haroun, it is important to get the unity blooming in the squad in order to build a better team.

“I want the girls to play together and become a more cohesive unit this year,” Coach Haroun said.“ Having togetherness on the court is as important also”.

This year, the Lady Aggies will strive for another chance of being crowned number one. Last year, they fell just a fraction short of the ultimate reward.

According to returning sophomore Fernand Queiroz the team is quite comfortable as they strive to built their team culture.

The Brazilian player was named Pre-season Co-offensive Player of the Year. This is an award bestowed on the top athlete of the pre-season chosen by the conference coaches.

“I am so happy that I was named and selected even before the season has started,” Queiroz said. “It now puts pressure on me to play even better and to now show them that I am really worth the position.”

Queiroz, one of the dynamic team members last year, does not feel there is a one leader role to be filled but rather emphasizes the importance of a unified team.

“We need 12 leaders on and off court, not one , not two, so we can all contribute to the success of

the team,” Queiroz said. “There will be pressure on the seniors of the squad, of course, but we have a good group and all of us need to play a major role and work together we can be a good team.”

With 12 strong athletes making up this season’s roster Coach Haroun is enthusiastic about success on and off the court.

“Success is not only about the number of wins or losses during the season, but also our athletes’ grade point averages,” Coach Haroun said. “We want them to be well-rounded athletes. We want wins off and on the court.”

Coach Haroun also stressed the importance of that relationship with his assistant coach.

Coach Turk shares similar views about the efforts to the success of the new squad.

“We have started all the hard work already and I am pretty comfortable with the team,” Turk said. “The team is working very well together. We have players who work hard, therefore we are expecting a lot from them.”

The team will be looking to add wins to its numbers if it intends to keep up with the task at hand. With the talent of the players and the growing cohesiveness of the team, the new Aggie Gymnasium should be filled with shiny new trophies to match the performance that is expected from the new squad.

If anything this year will be one to look forward too, simply because the thirst for excellence is ever growing. With reason to succeed, all of the members of the 2007-2008 Volleyball squad will be giving their best on the f loor.

According to Coach Haroun there is a great expectation this year and there is an excitment coming from the new squad.

“I know the girls are ready to play, but alot of conditioning levels still has to be met, but they are ready”.

Haroun said. “ We should expect to see a good showing on court this year.”

The first game kicks off today at the newly renovated Aggie Gymamsim at 6 p.m, when the aggies take on Oklahoma Panhandle State. From Sept. 6 through 8, the team will host the Best Western Invitational at 7 p.m.

Photo by Kareem Guisite

Old and new unite: Six members of the 2007-2008 CU aggie volleyball squad embrace before training at the fitness center. The team will continue their quest for an even better season than last.

Volleyball season start 2007-2008 season at invitational “I think this (tournament) was a learning experience,” Head Coach John Haroun said. “Some people played decent but everyone has room for improvement; which is a good thing.” Unfortunately, the Aggies weren’t able to win their season opener, falling to the University of Arkansas-Monticello 0-3 (27-30, 28-30, 28-30). CU rebounded to crush Indiana University (Pennsylvania) 3-0 (30-21, 30-23, 30-28) in their next match, but couldn’t keep the momentum.

Today they lost to both #12 Central Missouri and St. Mary’s by the score 0-3. The game score for CU’s match with Central Missouri was 10-30, 21-30, 1030, while the game score for the match with St. Mary’s was 31-33, 26-30, and 18-30.

Photo courtesy of CU Online

Destined for victory: Members of the 2007-2008 Cameron University volleyball team pose for their team picture. The team kicks-off their first home game today at the newly renovated Aggie Gymnasium.

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director The Cameron Aggie volleyball team (1-3) began their season yesterday with first round play at

the St. Mary’s Invitational tournament in San Antonio, Texas.

The Aggies won just one match at the Invite and wrapped up their fourth and final match this afternoon.

Although Cameron won just one of their tournament matches, the two-day event provided a number of positives. The young Aggie squad was able to gain

experience as a unit by keeping it close with some of the top teams in the nation. CU lost by just 7 total points to a tough UAM squad, and gave the #12 (Central Missouri) a tough match.

“We are a young and inexperienced team, but we gained a lot out of the tournament,” Coach Haroun said. “We figured out our lineups so now we will go to work on gelling and closing out matches.”

The Aggies struggled to convert their attacks, finishing the tournament with a team attack percentage of just .113. Cameron also struggled on both the serving and receiving end of the ball totaling 38 serving errors and 39 receiving errors.

Newcomer Ruth Johnson (freshman, middle blocker) finished the Invitational with one of the higher attack percentages (.364) after converting 29 kills on 73 total attempts. She also contributed 5 aces and led the team with 7 blocks.

Senior outside hitter Fernanda Queiroz led the team in kills per game average in the tournament, scoring 3.08 kills per game. She

CU Online

led the team in both kills and total attacks with 37 and 116, respectively. Queiroz also finished with 5 aces and 36 digs.

Sophomore Laura Ellerbrock was the team’s top setter finishing the weekend with 86 assists. Ellerbrock saw action in all 12 games and averaged 7.17 assists per. She also had one of the higher attack percentages (.250) after converting 8 of 24 attacks for kills.

Cameron continues their regular season next weekend with another tournament. The Aggies will travel to St. Joseph, Missouri, to take part in the Ramada Inn Invitational to take on the likes of Ouachita Baptist and Emporia State, among others

CAMERON UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL

Sports

September 4, 2007

7

Aggie Gymnasium: A better place to be this season

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Home of the Aggies: The basketball court, which has been recently renovated, is just one the many areas of the Aggie Gym that will be refurbished.

By Kareem Guiste Collegian Staff The stage is set for the start of another Cameron University athletics season as the much anticipated renovation of the Aggie Gymnasium has been a success. According to CU Athletics Director Jim Jackson, there was much need for this uplift, and that he is satisfied with the final

product.

The gymnasium has newly installed air conditioning units and a new floor, which would bring a brighter and more comfortable feel to athletes and the gymnasium as a whole. The renovation is an ongoing project, and in time, there will be newly furnished locker rooms and a re-designed lobby.

“I am happy with the renovation

stages, and of course we are happy with the Athletics Department as well with the changes that are being made,” Jackson said. “We at the Athletics Division want the community of Lawton, which includes the student body, to enjoy the atmosphere at our games.”

Along with the changes comes the expectation to keep the retention rate of student athletes at Cameron high. CU athletics will be looking not only to keep their athletes from running off, but also to attract good athletes and good coaches. Jackson also said that the community relationship is vital.

“We want to be able to attract everyone to Cameron University,” Jackson said. “With a good team you get good coaches and with a good effort you get wins, and that is important as well, a winning team will bring spectators, a winning team will get the support that it deserves.”

Among the possible outcomes, or spill offs of the Aggie gymnasium project are increases in performance, quality, and motivation of athletes here.

Jackson the run of mentioned the good form that lifted the aggie gym-

nasium last year from the Volleyball squad and wants to see greater things this year as well.

“We ended the season 25-4 and won the North division of the Lone star Conference last year,” Jackson said. “We have a young team this year. I expect the group to get better as the times go by. It is all about timing, and we will know what they are capable of.”

According to the Athletics Director, building a student community is key to increasing the support at games at home and the road. Jackson said that in order to build support last year, they started the “Rolling with the Aggies” event, which gave the students an opportunity to travel with their teams to be able to support in neighboring venues. Accord-

ing to Jackson, Cameron Student Activities Director Zeak Naifeh did a good job last year in getting involved and doing so much with the Athletics Department, and he is looking forward to an even closer collaboration this year.

“We want the games to be an event,” Jackson said. “Last year, Student Activities did a lot with us, and we are grateful for the support that we got. We want to be able to offer something to students therefore gaining there support at all of the games here at CU and even on the road with ‘Rolling with the Aggies.’”

The stage is set for another exciting year at the Aggie dome. Going for gold is again the quest, and the teams look poised for revenge.

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Coach Helvey named Intercollegiate tennis chair

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Cameron head men’s and women’s tennis coach James Helvey was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Chair for Division II men’s tennis this week. Coach Helvey has served on the ITA’s Regional Ranking committees off and on for the last fourteen years and was asked to be the chair of the Central Region two years ago. He has also held a position on the ITA’s National Committee for men’s tennis and on the Regional Committee for women’s tennis for the last two years.

The current national chair, Simon Earshaw, the head ten-

nis coach at Armstrong Atlantic University, is rotating off of the position and highly recommended Coach Helvey, who then had to go through an intense interview process before being offered the position. The national chair is the highest position in the ITA’s hierarchy and although it will greatly increase his workload, Coach Helvey couldn’t be happier.

I’am excited about taking the position,”Coach Helvey said. “This is a position a lot of people would like to have. There is lots of work involved but it is an honor to have it. I look forward to fi lling the position and doing a good job.”

Originally founded in 1956, the ITA was designed as a medium

for expressing the wishes of men”s Division I coaches to the NCAA. Beginning with fewer than 20 members the ITA now features over 1,500 coach members and more than 15,000 student-athlete members. More than 1,000 collegiate programs from Divisions I, II, III, the NAIA, and the NJCAA are represented.

As the national chair, Coach Helvey’s primary responsibility will be to coordinate and release all of the national rankings. The ITA ranks over 200 Division II men’s teams six times a year.

Coach Helvey will also be in charge of the Infractions Committee and hold a position on the NCAA Advisory Committee. The

Infractions Committee deals with the NCAA on any wrongdoing, such as when an improper lineup is submitted or ethical issues arise.

The Advisory Committee works with the NCAA on the rankings similar to the way the Associated Press works with the NCAA on the Division I football rankings.

“If you are involved with the ITA and are coaching, (the national chair position) is very desirable,” Coach Helvey said. “The committee that has been in place has done a very good job as a whole and has really stayed on top of things. The rankings, rules, and everything else has been accurate so I hope to maintain the good job they’ve done.”

Coach Helvey’s Cameron Aggie tennis teams are coming off a very solid 2006-2007 season. The Aggie men’s team finished the season 21-7 after losing to the Wildcats of Abilene Christian University in the second round of the NCAA National Championship Tournament. The ITA had them ranked at No. 22 nationally at season’s end.

The Cameron women’s team finished the season 18-8 and lost in the first round of the NCAA National Championship Tournament, also to ACU. The Aggies were ranked at No. 37 in the final ITA national rankings.

Both teams are currently enjoying their summer before beginning the 2007-2008 season this fall.

while she was at Fort Sill is very impressive,” Jackson said. “She exceeded all of our qualifications and has a very soothing demeanor.”

Warner takes the place of Joel Dering, who had served as Cameron’s head athletic trainer for the last nineteen years. Dering is now a fulltime professor in Cameron’s Health and Physical Education Department.

Dering’s graduate assistant, Garrett Pace, will remain on the training staff.

“I am excited about the high caliber of our training staff,” Jack-

son said. “We are very thankful of the nineteen years Joel spent here, and I believe that Michelle will be a great fit. She is very technically sound as a certified athletic trainer.”

While at Fort Sill, Warner worked with the basic training soldiers and with the evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of the injuries they received. During basic training Warner was solely responsible for anywhere between 500-1,500 soldiers simultaneously.

“Working at Fort Sill was a very good learning opportunity,”

Warner said. “To work in an environment like that as a civilian was a very unique experience. Fort Sill also gave me further knowledge into common sports injuries such as ankles and knees.”

Warner joins the Cameron staff just in time for the beginning of the 2007-2008 athletic season.

“Cameron is continuously growing and improving and is in great support of their athletic programs,” Warner said. “That allows me to do my job as an athletic trainer more effectively and efficiently. I’m very happy to be at Cameron

Ready for the job: Michelle Warner, the new CU Athletic Trainer, a former Fort Sill trainer, brings her expertise to Cameron.

CU grabs former Fort Sill trainer

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director The Cameron University Athletic Department today announced on August 28, that it had hired a new head athletic trainer, Michelle Warner. Warner comes to CU directly from Fort Sill where she was the Certified Athletic Trainer for the 1st and 79th Field Artillery Battalions.

“I’m very excited to be at Cameron and to be able to work with the wonderful coaches and staff members here at CU,” Warner said. “I think the 2007-2008 athletic season will be a great year with lots of potential, and I think I can bring a new perspective and a different way of doing things to the Cameron Athletic Department.”

Aggie Athletic Director Jim Jackson echoed Warner’s sentiments.

“Michelle’s experience at both the intercollegiate level as well as

Photo courtesy of CU Online

A&E

September 4, 2007

A walk in the clouds: Doug Vines, bassist for Somatik, walks among the audience of the “Back to School Bash” held at CU stadium. The crowd enjoyed nearly four hours of rock music at the event held Aug. 24.

Back to school with rock music

E

Story and Photos By Amanda Herrera

very tradition has Collegian Staff a beginning, and Sigma Tau Gamma closed out the first week of school with what they hope will become a new Cameron University tradition.

Aug. 24, the fraternity, in conjunction with the university, hosted a rock concert called the “Back to School Bash” in the CU stadium.

The concert provided about four hours of music from local rock bands: Ashes of Innocence, Backwash and Against 72, accompanied by Downsiid and Somatik, of Texas.

The musicians entertained an audience of all ages from a stage built on the 50-yard-line, and although the stadium wasn’t filled to capacity, those who attended experienced a great show.

“It was an awesome concert on every level,” said Brad Franks, president of Sigma Tau Gamma. “The crowd was pumped and the bands did a good job of keeping everything going.”

Cameron sophomore and elementary education major, Kyle Jolliff plays guitar with Against 72, and said he thinks the concert is not only good for the university, but also benefits the community.

“It’s good for the town,” he said. “The stadium is in a convenient location and I think it will happen again.”

Carey Ensley, a senior and business major said she was pleased to see so many bands perform at the school.

“I think it’s really great that Cameron is showing support for local bands.”

Franks said the fraternity is currently planning another concert and would like to host at least one show each semester.

“This was a small drop in the bucket for what we are going to do in the future,” he said.

“This is really the breakout semester for the Greek community.”

We will rock you: Eric Brown, bassist for Ashes of Innocence, entertains the crowd.

Right: DJ AkirA MC performs with Downsiid.

Photos by Amanda Herrera

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A&E

September 4, 2007

9

Director discusses drama:

New theatre season to open

By David L. Bublitz Collegian Staff

C

ameron University’s Department of Theatre Arts opens the 2007-2008 production season with the theme: “A Season of Wit and Revelations.”

The four plays that are scheduled include: “Scenes and Revelations” by Elan Garonzik; “W;t” by Margaret Edson; “Nine” by Arthur Kopit; and “I Hate Hamlet”

by Paul Rudnik.

Richard Klein, Department Chair of the Theatre Arts Department, said this year’s theme is an assembly of the first two shows, “Scenes and Revelations” and “W;t.”

“Essentially, we just sort of took those two titles and melded them together because they sum up

everything we are doing this year,” he said.

“Scenes and Revelations” raises the curtain on the first of two fall semester productions. It premieres Sept. 27, and run through Sept. 30, at the Cameron University Studio Theatre.

The second show for the fall semester is “W;t,” which plays Nov. 15 - 19. In the spring semester, “Nine” will run from Feb. 21 - 24, and “I Hate Hamlet” will show April 17 - 19 and again from April 25 to April 27. The curtain goes up for each evening production at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. curtain on Sundays.

“Scenes and Revelations” will be Cameron’s entry for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival on Oct. 2, in Durant.

This new work by Garonzik presents a character study of four sisters from a Pennsylvania Mennonite farm community set in late nineteenth century America.

“Scenes and Revelations is about four sisters who all fall in love and then are torn over whether to stay together or move out west,” Klein said. “It was set in 1890 when we

were expanding out west as a country.”

According to Klein, anybody can audition for the shows throughout the year.

The auditions for the first show were held on Aug. 2021.

“The auditions for the production went very well,” Klein said “We have a nice strong cast, and we already started adding the movement and are walking through the play.”

Auditions for the other three plays will be announced by way of press releases from the Theatre Arts Department and by flyers the department will post in numerous locations around campus.

Continuing with the theme of the season, the three remaining plays are also thought-provoking and entertaining.

“W;t is about a literature professor dealing with ovarian cancer,” Klein said.

“Nine is based on the Fillini film 8 ½, and is about a director and all the women in his life. “I Hate Hamlet” is about a soap opera actor who goes to New York to perform the role of Hamlet and is haunted by the ghost of John Barrymore in his apartment.”

Although all productions presented by the Theater Department provide quality entertainment, the department wants the public to know that some

Melissa Hutzel Major: Animal Science Classification: Freshman

A New Day So many feelings So many ways You can’t just seem To count the days So many starts So many ends But this is where It all begins So much to do So much to say Wind in your hair Just start a new day!

Things to do at CU Sept. 6: Free lunch and a Luau: lunch served from 12 - 1 p.m., and a Luau at 7:30 p.m., at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th.

For more information, call 357.7226.

Sept. 7: Mariachi Orgullo Concert: 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. Free admission. For more information, call 581.2440.

Sept. 8: Decorating on a budget: 3 p.m.

Trading rooms, for more information, call PAC at 591.8086.

Sept. 8: UFC Fight Night: 7 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information call, 357.7226.

If you would like you campus event printed in “Things to do at CU” email info. to collegian@cameron.edu or call 581.2260.

Quote of the Week “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

-Abraham Lincoln-

productions may not be suitable for some viewers.

“We do have some warnings on a couple of our shows primarily because of language,” Klein said.

“But we don’t want anybody coming to something they would feel uncomfortable sitting through. We’ve been really good about warning the public, and the public has been really good about respecting that because not every play is right for everybody.”

There are other ways to contribute to the productions beyond acting. People can volunteer at either the costume shop or the scene shop, from 1 until 5 p.m.

Both are open Monday through Friday however, volunteers need to give the theater office notice before they show up so the department can have some work ready for them. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the theater office at 581.2346.

Another way to contribute to the Theatre Arts Department is by donating to The Theatre Circle.

The Circle helps augment ticket sales in order to cover production costs and department scholarships.

“Most of the theater students are in rehearsal Monday through Friday from 7 to 10 p.m.,” Klein said, “so it makes it hard because a lot

of students, when they come to Cameron, have an outside job. It’s a way to augment our scholarship budget to help students with funding.”

The Theatre Circle also helps sponsor Cameron productions at state and regional competitions, as well as at other out-of town productions.

All shows are free to Cameron students who present their student ID at the door. General admission tickets are available, and season tickets can be

purchased at a discounted price. For further ticket information, contact the Cameron Box Office at 581.2478.

Weekly Horoscopes For birthdays this week: There’s a dream you’d like to have come true this year,

and something you’re worried about. Study outside your area of expertise, that’s where you’ll find the answer.

To get the advantage, check the week’s rating: 10 is the easiest week, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) This week is a 7. Give yourself extra time for a complicated task.) This is one you don’t want to rush. You could easily mess up and have to start over.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is a 7. Hidden costs will reveal themselves soon. Resist the temptation to spend on things you can’t take back. This includes most edible items.

Save all receipts.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is a 7. There are still a few tangles to be worked out. Give yourself plenty of time. If you tug and scream and holler, you’ll just tighten the knots. And you might hurt someone.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is a 7. If what you’re doing is not what you want to be doing for your whole life, learn how to do something else. It’s as easy as that.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is a 7. Give up on getting all the conflicting factors to agree on everything. That’s not going to happen. If you get them to agree on anything, count it as a success.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is a 7. You may have the problem solved, but nobody’s listening. They’re all busy hollering at each other. Don’t get into that.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 7. They say travel broadens one, meaning your perspective. In this situation, you need a broad perspective when you begin. Watch out for unpleasant surprises.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is a 7. Not a good time to gamble. Even if you sell, you could take a loss. Hold onto what you have as much as possible. Lock up your valuables.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is a 6. One person in particular continues to drive you crazy. Respond with facts and good humor. You can repel this verbal assault with style.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is a 7. Work quickly, even if you’re not sure this job will be lucrative. Don’t do it for the money. Do it for the love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is a 7. Just when you thought you had everyone settled down, controversy breaks out again. Listen to all opinions; compromise is not possible yet.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is a 6. There’s a lot of confusion out there.

You sure you want to get involved? Wouldn’t it be smarter to wait and see which way the wind MCT Campus blows? Yes, it would.

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Photos by David R. Bublitz Collage by Bira Vidal

Variety

September 4, 2007